Decreased Water Intake Research Articles

Effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay with Moringa hay (Moringa oleifera L.) on the nutrient metabolism, metabolic profile, and water balance of sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay (TH) with Moringa hay (MH) on the intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behaviour, rumen parameters, serum attributes, nitrogen balance, water balance, and urinary attributes of sheep. Thus, 5 rams, ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês, that were 12 ± 4 months of age with an initial body weight of 32.8 ± 2.6kg were distributed in metabolic cages in a Latin square design. The experiment lasted 85 days and was divided into five 17-day periods. The animals received rations with increasing replacement (0, 100, 200, 300, or 400g/kg of dry matter in the total diet) of TH for MH. The forage: concentrate ratio of the diets was 40:60. Replacing TH with MH reduced (P < 0.05) the intake of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDFap), and total digestible nutrients by sheep. The apparent digestibility of NDFap and the feeding and rumination efficiencies of NDFap were reduced (P < 0.05) when MH replaced TH in the animals' diet. This replacement did not influence (P > 0.05) serum urea, total protein, creatinine, or aspartate aminotransferase in sheep. Replacing TH with MH decreased water intake and excretion (P < 0.05). In addition, nitrogen excretion via urine, urinary creatinine, and nitrogen absorption decreased (P < 0.05) when TH was replaced with MH. However, there was an increase in the sheep's nitrogen retention and urine pH. We recommend replacing 30% TH with MH in the diet of lambs because it does not compromise nutrient metabolism.

Maidong Dishao Decoction mitigates submandibular gland injury in NOD mice through modulation of gut microbiota and restoration of Th17/Treg immune balance

BackgroundPrimary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a common chronic autoimmune disease that presents limited treatment options and poses significant challenges for patients. Maidong Dishao Decoction (MDDST), a traditional Chinese medicine compound, has demonstrated potential in alleviating dryness symptoms associated with pSS. Therefore, it is important to study the specific mechanism of its therapeutic effect. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effects of MDDST on gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and the Th17/Treg immune balance in non-obese diabetes (NOD) mice. MethodsThe study employed ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-exactive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS) to identify the primary components of MDDST. Subsequently, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and flow cytometry analyses were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of MDDST in NOD mice. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were utilized to assess the influence of MDDST on gut microbiota and SCFAs. Finally, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and SCFA-based interventions were performed to elucidate the mechanisms through which MDDST exerts its effects. ResultsThe research findings demonstrate that MDDST exerts therapeutic effects on NOD mice, primarily manifested as reduced inflammation, decreased water intake, ameliorated pathological changes and lowered levels of Sjogren's syndrome antigen A (SSA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Additionally, MDDST significantly decreased serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), while enhancing levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), thereby regulating the Th17/Treg immune balance. Further investigations revealed that MDDST treatment induces alterations in gut microbiota composition and elevates SCFA levels in the gut. Subsequent FMT and SCFA intervention experiments demonstrated a downregulation of pSS-related phenotypes. ConclusionIn summary, MDDST demonstrates protective effects against pSS by restoring the balance between Th17 and Treg cells. The therapeutic effects can be partially attributed to its regulation of gut microbiota and SCFAs. Our finding provides a new option for treating pSS.

Risk factors of urolithiasis: A hospital-based retrospective study.

Urolithiasis is the most prevalent urinary tract disease, posing a global public health concern. The escalating prevalence and recurrence rates of urolithiasis are attributed to lifestyle modifications, such as reduced physical activity and dietary habits. This retrospective study aims to explore the risk factors associated with urolithiasis among individuals diagnosed with this condition. A retrospective hospital-based study involving 60 participants meeting the inclusion criteria was conducted. The participants were selected through convenience sampling from the urology, nephrology, and medical wards at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Demographic variables were collected, and the risk factors were assessed using a checklist on one-to-one interviews. The study unveiled that most participants (68%) were male. Eighty percent of participants had the risk factor of decreased water intake, 74% consumed excess tomatoes, 56% had a history of recurrent urinary tract infections, 64% consumed an excessive amount of salt daily, 72% experienced a decreased urine output, 53% had a habit of alcohol consumption, and 45% included milk and milk products in their daily diet. A small percentage (5%) had a family history of urolithiasis. Additionally, 6% were undergoing Siddha treatment. The findings from this study underscore the significant factors contributing to urolithiasis. They can inform public health campaigns to raise awareness about lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and hydration protocols contributing to kidney stone formation.

Pera orange juice (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) alters lipid metabolism and attenuates oxidative stress in the heart and liver of rats treated with doxorubicin

BackgroundDoxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapy drug widely used to treat cancer, but its use is limited due to multisystemic toxicity. Lipid metabolism is also affected by doxorubicin. Orange juice can reduce dyslipidemia in other clinical situations and has already been shown to attenuate cardiotoxicity. Our aim is to evaluate the effects of Pera orange juice (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) on mitigating lipid metabolism imbalance, metabolic pathways, and DOX induced cytotoxic effects in the heart and liver. MethodsTwenty-four male Wistar rats were allocated into 3 groups: Control (C); DOX (D); and DOX plus Pera orange juice (DOJ). DOJ received orange juice for 4 weeks, while C and D received water. At the end of each week, D and DOJ groups received 4 mg/kg/week DOX, intraperitoneal. At the end of 4 weeks animals were submitted to echocardiography and euthanasia. ResultsAnimals treated with DOX decreased water intake and lost weight over time. At echocardiography, DOX treated rats presented morphologic alterations in the heart. DOX increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. It also reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, increased protein carbonylation in the heart and dihydroethidium (DHE) expression in the liver, decreased glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) and the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ1) in the heart, and reduced carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1) in the liver. ConclusionDOX caused dyslipidemia, liver and cardiac toxicity by increasing oxidative stress, and altered energy metabolic parameters in both organs. Despite not improving changes in left ventricular morphology, orange juice did attenuate oxidative stress and mitigate the metabolic effects of DOX.

Effects of social housing on alcohol intake in mice depend on the non-social environment.

Excessive alcohol consumption leads to serious health problems. Mechanisms regulating the consumption of alcohol are insufficiently understood. Previous preclinical studies suggested that non-social environmental and social environmental complexities can regulate alcohol consumption in opposite directions. However, previous studies did not include all conditions and/or did not include female rodents. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of social versus single housing in standard versus non-standard housing conditions in male and female mice. Adult C57BL/6 J mice were housed in either standard shoebox cages or in automated Herdsman 2 (HM2) cages and exposed to a two-bottle choice procedure with 3% or 6% ethanol versus water for 5 days. The HM2 cages use radiotracking devices to measure the fluid consumption of individual mice in an undisturbed and automated manner. In both housing conditions, mice were housed either at one or at four per cage. In standard cages, group housing of animals decreased alcohol consumption and water consumption. In HM2 cages, group housing significantly increased ethanol preference and decreased water intake. There were no significant differences in these effects between male and female animals. These observations were similar for 3 and 6% ethanol solutions but were more pronounced for the latter. The effects of social environment on ethanol preference in HM2 cages were accompanied by an increase in the number of approaches to the ethanol solution and a decrease in the number of approaches to water. The differences in ethanol intake could not be explained by differences in locomotor or exploratory activity as socially housed mice showed fewer non-consummatory visits to the ethanol solutions than single-housed animals. In addition, we observed that significant changes in behaviors measuring the approach to the fluid were not always accompanied by significant changes in fluid consumption, and vice versa, suggesting that it is important to assess both measures of motivation to consume alcohol. Our results indicate that the direction of the effects of social environment on alcohol intake in mice depends on the non-social housing environment. Understanding mechanisms by which social and non-social housing conditions modulate alcohol intake could suggest approaches to counteract environmental factors enhancing hazardous alcohol consumption.

105 Water quality analysis and flow rate comparison between wean-finish swine barns

Abstract Water is an essential nutrient to sustain life and a vital component of biological functioning, impacting regulation of pig body temperature along with transporting nutrients to the body. Drinker availability, position, design, water flow rate and pressure, and water quality are major components of pig water intake. The ideal water flow rate for wean-to-finish pigs is 1 L m-1. Excessive flow rates could limit pig water intake and increase humidity in the barn, while too little water flow can lead to a decrease in water intake and biological functioning of the pig. Water should not contain harmful substances and should be readily accessible to pigs. Compounds in water are highly variable depending on region, water source, and pH. Quality of water influences feed consumption along with pig health. Water can contain a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, and protozoa; while not all microorganisms are harmful a highly contaminated water analysis is an index of poor water quality. In this study water quality and water flow rates were analyzed across five wean-finish sites comprising 16 barns for three turns of finishing pigs. Water flow rates were measured twice per turn, wk 1 and wk 17. Each barn contained 36 pens and flow rate measurements were collected in 8 pens evenly distributed within the barn. One suspended water source was available per pen, with two nipple drinkers per water source. Water flow rates were averaged over each turn within barns. Average water flow rates were 1.42 L m-1 with standard deviation of 0.44 L m-1. Overall barn water flow rates ranged from 0.78 to 2.19 L m-1. Barn flow rates were compared over time to evaluate performance and maintenance of facilities. Water quality samples were also collected and submitted for standard water analysis. Results will provide information on management strategies to assess water quality and water flow rates in wean-finish facilities.

Subchronic oral toxicity assessment of Ayurvedic herbo-metallic formulation Mahalaxmi Vilas Rasa in Wistar rats

Abstract BACKGROUND: Mahalaxmi Vilas (MV) Rasa, a revered Ayurvedic herbo-metallic formulation, holds historical significance for its therapeutic potential. In light of its traditional use, a rigorous evaluation of its safety profile in Wistar rats is imperative for establishing its evidence-based safety. This study aims to contribute valuable insights to the scientific community and healthcare practitioners, facilitating informed decision-making regarding the integration of MV into contemporary medical practices. The findings hold relevance for advancing our understanding of Ayurvedic formulations in the context of safety and efficacy, fostering a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern scientific scrutiny. METHODS: In the present study, a total of 24 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as one control vehicle and three dose levels of the test drug MV Rasa. The test drug was made into suspension in a vehicle (honey-to-water ratio, 2:3) and administered orally once a day for 90 consecutive days in three dose levels (51.36, 205.44, and 513.6 mg/kg). Clinical observations, body weight changes, and food and water consumption were noted during the study. Then, on the 91st day, rats were sacrificed humanely, and parameters, such as hematological, biochemical, relative organ weight, and histopathological changes, were studied. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in water intake in high-dose group rats (513.6mg/kg) in the weeks 1, 3, and 4, as compared with control group rats, the observed effect was not treatment related. In addition, MV (51.36, 205.44, and 513.6 mg/kg) produced no significant alterations in any of the hematological and biochemical parameters, except for a significant increase in direct bilirubin in the moderate dose group (205.44 mg/kg). However, no considerable cellular changes were found in the organs analyzed. CONCLUSION: MV had no toxic effect in Wistar rats during this repeated dose oral toxicity (90 days) study, even at 10 times the therapeutic dose (513.6 mg/kg). This was evidenced by their normal behavioral, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological examinations.

Cannabinoids regulate an insula circuit controlling water intake

The insular cortex, or insula, is a large brain region involved in the detection of thirst and the regulation of water intake. However, our understanding of the topographical, circuit, and molecular mechanisms for controlling water intake within the insula remains parcellated. We found that type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the insular cortex cells participate in the regulation of water intake and deconstructed the circuit mechanisms of this control. Topographically, we revealed that the activity of excitatory neurons in both the anterior insula (aIC) and posterior insula (pIC) increases in response to water intake, yet only the specific removal of CB1 receptors in the pIC decreases water intake. Interestingly, we found that CB1 receptors are highly expressed in insula projections to the basolateral amygdala (BLA), while undetectable in the neighboring central part of the amygdala. Thus, we recorded the neurons of the aIC or pIC targeting the BLA (aIC-BLA and pIC-BLA) and found that they decreased their activity upon water drinking. Additionally, chemogenetic activation of pIC-BLA projection neurons decreased water intake. Finally, we uncovered CB1-dependent short-term synaptic plasticity (depolarization-induced suppression of excitation [DSE]) selectively in pIC-BLA, compared with aIC-BLA synapses. Altogether, our results support a model where CB1 receptor signaling promotes water intake by inhibiting the pIC-BLA pathway, thereby contributing to the fine top-down control of thirst responses.

IJCM_215A: Awareness and practices related to the prevention of urinary tract infections among the women of reproductive age group

Background: Urinary Tract Infection is one of the most common bacterial infections that affect women globally. UTI is limited to the lower urinary tract system in most women. Escherichia coli is the most common cause of uncomplicated UTIs. Pre-menopausal women are more susceptible to UTI due to behavioural risk factors. Most of the cases are preventable and assessing the awareness among the women about the risk factors and health behaviour modifications is an important step in this direction. Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted in hospitals associated with Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. 188 Women of reproductive age group seeking inpatient, or outpatient healthcare was part of study population. The data was collected using the Interview Schedule which included their demographic details, socioeconomic status, awareness, attitude and practices towards UTI and its prevention. Collected data was entered in SPSS version 16.0 and analysed. Results: Of the total 188 participants in the study, 49.5% were housewives, while 20.7% were semi-skilled workers, 17.5% were professionals, and 12.2% were skilled workers. Of the 61 participants who answered 36% pointed out hygiene as a predisposition to UTI, 29% said they thought decreased water intake had a role to play, 16% thought diet could be a risk factor. 9% felt catheterization is also a cause, 8.9% thought body heat was a probable cause, while 11% said there were other causes involved. According to 96.28% of the participants increased uptake of water was a factor that would help prevent UTI. 1.06% of the women said that regular check-up could help prevent UTI but 48.94% did not see it as a preventive factor. Conclusion: Population on which the study was conducted does know what UTI is, while a few know of the risk factors and complications. It was also seen that the level of personal healthcare they maintain is satisfactory.

Unraveling the superiority of (−)‐gallocatechin gallate to (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate in protection of diabetic nephropathy of db/db mice

AbstractGCG ((−)‐gallocatechin gallate) and EGCG ((−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate) are main biologically active polyphenolic compounds in tea leaves, and EGCG has been studied for its potential effects on alleviating diabetic nephropathy (DN). Previous studies showed that GCG exhibited better hypoglycemic and antioxidant efficacy than EGCG. However, the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of GCG in the protection of DN are unknown. In this study, db/db mice were administered with EGCG or GCG orally for 20 weeks to comparatively investigate their effects on DN. These results revealed that GCG was significantly more effective than EGCG in decreasing water intake and urine excretion, reducing fasting blood glucose levels and systolic blood pressure, improving mesenteric artery contractility, enhancing the right renal hemodynamics, and improving key renal function markers. Through transcriptome analysis, S100A8/S100A9, two regulators of interstitial fibrosis, were identified and found to be more sensitive to GCG intervention, which was further confirmed by mRNA and protein expression data. In addition, the molecular docking analysis results demonstrated that GCG displayed a superior binding affinity toward S100A8/S100A9 in comparison to EGCG. Overall, our study found that GCG holds significant potential for the treatment of DN and outperforms EGCG in terms of efficacy.

Effects of Rumen-Protected L-Tryptophan Supplementation on Productivity, Physiological Indicators, Blood Profiles, and Heat Shock Protein Gene Expression in Lactating Holstein Cows under Heat Stress Conditions.

In this study, we examined the effects of rumen-protected L-tryptophan supplementation on the productivity and physiological metabolic indicators in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions. The study involved eight early lactating Holstein cows (days in milk = 40 ± 9 days; milk yield 30 ± 1.5 kg/day; parity 1.09 ± 0.05, p < 0.05), four cows per experiment, with environmentally controlled chambers. In each experiment, two distinct heat stress conditions were created: a low-temperature and low-humidity (LTLH) condition at 25 °C with 35-50% humidity and a high-temperature and high-humidity (HTHH) condition at 31 °C with 80-95% humidity. During the adaptation phase, the cows were subjected to LTLH and HTHH conditions for 3 days. This was followed by a 4-day heat stress phase and then by a 7-day phase of heat stress, which were complemented by supplementation with rumen-protected L-tryptophan (ACT). The findings revealed that supplementation with ACT increased dry matter intake as well as milk yield and protein and decreased water intake, heart rate, and rectal temperature in the HTHH group (p < 0.05). For plateletcrit (PCT, p = 0.0600), the eosinophil percentage (EOS, p = 0.0880) showed a tendency to be lower, while the monocyte (MONO) and large unstained cells (LUC) amounts were increased in both groups (p < 0.05). Albumin and glucose levels were lower in the HTHH group (p < 0.05). The gene expressions of heat shock proteins 70 and 90 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were higher in the ACT group (HTHH, p < 0.05). These results suggest that ACT supplementation improved productivity, physiological indicators, blood characteristics, and gene expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of early lactating Holstein cows under heat-stress conditions. In particular, ACT supplementation objectively relieved stress in these animals, suggesting that L-tryptophan has potential as a viable solution for combating heat-stress-induced effects on the cattle in dairy farming.

Estrogen Receptor Beta Mediates the Dipsogenic Effect of Estradiol in Ovariectomized Female Rats

Introduction: Although the fluid inhibitory effects of estradiol are well characterized, a dipsogenic role of the hormone was recently identified. In ovariectomized (OVX) rats, unstimulated water intake, in the absence of food, was increased after estradiol treatment. Methods: The goals for these experiments were to further characterize the fluid enhancing effects of estradiol by determining the estrogen receptor subtype mediating the dipsogenic effect, examining saline intake, and testing for a dipsogenic effect of estradiol in male rats. Results: Pharmacological activation of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) increased water intake, in the absence of food, and was associated with changes in postingestive feedback signals. Surprisingly, activation of ERα reduced water intake even in the absence of food. A follow-up study demonstrated that when food was available, co-activation of ERα and ERβ reduced water intake, but when food was not available water intake was increased. In addition, in OVX rats, estradiol increased saline intake through changes in postingestive and orosensory feedback signals. Finally, although estradiol decreased water intake in male rats with access to food, estradiol had no effect on water intake in the absence of food. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the dipsogenic effect is mediated by ERβ, the fluid enhancing effects of estradiol generalize to saline, and is limited to females, which implies that a feminized brain is necessary for estradiol to increase water intake. These findings will aid in guiding future studies focused on elucidating the neuronal mechanisms that allow estradiol to both increase and decrease fluid intake.

Cerebral iron deficiency may induce depression through downregulation of the hippocampal glucocorticoid-glucocorticoid receptor signaling pathway

BackgroundIron is a trace essential element to sustain the normal neurological function of human. Many researches had reported the involvement of iron deficiency (ID) in neural development and cognitive functions. However, the role of ID in pathogenesis of depression and its underlying mechanism are still unclear. MethodsIn this study, we first used chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) and iron deprivation mouse models to clarify the pathogenesis role of cerebral ID in depression. Then the role of hippocampal glucocorticoid (GC)-glucocorticoid receptor (GR) pathway in cerebral ID induced depression were elucidated in iron deprivation mice and iron deficiency anemia patients. ResultsOur results revealed that both CUMS and iron deprivation could induce cerebral ID in mice, and combination of iron deprivation and CUMS could accelerate the onset and aggravate the symptoms of depression in mice. In hippocampus, ID led to neuronal injury and neurogenesis decrease, which might be related to downregulation of GC-GR signaling pathway caused GR dysfunction, thereby inhibiting the negative feedback regulation function of hippocampus on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Moreover, the overactivity of HPA axis in iron deprivation mice and iron deficiency anemia patients also confirmed GR dysfunction. LimitationsIron deprivation led to food and water intake decrease of mice, which may affect the behavioral test. In addition, we mainly evaluated the role of hippocampal ID in depression, and the number of iron deficiency anemia patients was limited. ConclusionsOur results identified that cerebral iron homeostasis was a key factor for maintaining mental stability.

Autonomic Nervous System Adaptation and Circadian Rhythm Disturbances of the Cardiovascular System in a Ground-Based Murine Model of Spaceflight.

Whether in real or simulated microgravity, Humans or animals, the kinetics of cardiovascular adaptation and its regulation by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) remain controversial. In this study, we used hindlimb unloading (HU) in 10 conscious mice. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), temperature, and locomotor activity were continuously monitored with radio-telemetry, during 3 days of control, 5 days of HU, and 2 days of recovery. Six additional mice were used to assess core temperature. ANS activity was indirectly determined by analyzing both heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Our study showed that HU induced an initial bradycardia, accompanied by an increase in vagal activity markers of HRV and BRS, together with a decrease in water intake, indicating the early adaptation to fluid redistribution. During HU, BRS was reduced; temperature and BP circadian rhythms were altered, showing a loss in day/night differences, a decrease in cycle amplitude, a drop in core body temperature, and an increase in day BP suggestive of a rise in sympathetic activity. Reloading induced resting tachycardia and a decrease in BP, vagal activity, and BRS. In addition to cardiovascular deconditioning, HU induces disruption in day/night rhythmicity of locomotor activity, temperature, and BP.

Mask-mouth syndrome: a looming oral health concern.

Mask-mouth syndrome: a looming oral health concern.

Flammability and vibrational study of graphene incorporated epoxy/ramie/glass hybrid nanocomposite

AbstractHybrid polymer composites are vastly used in aerospace, construction, and automotive fields. This study aims to analyze the flammability and vibrational behavior of graphene incorporated epoxy/ramie/glass (ERG) hybrid nanocomposite. The samples were prepared with different weight percentage of graphene (GR) through hand layup method, followed by vacuum bag technique. The samples were analyzed for water intake, porosity, mechanical strength, fractography, vibrational property together with flammability of the material. GR addition depletes water intake and porosity by 11.5% to 5.3% and 6.2% to 2.2%, respectively. It increases hardness and flexural strength up to 25% and 41%, with a reduction in tensile property of the composites. Besides, GR nanocomposites show improved damping properties, owing to stick‐slip mechanism exhibited at epoxy and GR interface. Also, GR addition declines burning rate of ERG at high concentrations since it does not score any grade in flammability test. This work found that the incorporation of GR in ERG composite enhances mechanical properties and decreases water intake. A decrease in the burning rate of the ERG composite could be achieved by incorporating graphene particles, which could be used for structural applications (car door‐panels, ballistic, and aerospace) leading to delay in burning rate of the developed composites when exposed to fire during accidents.

A burst of fenoterol excretion during the recovery of a weight loss protocol

Fenoterol is a sympathomimetic β2 receptor agonist primarily used as a bronchodilator. Due to its sympathomimetic actions, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned it. Multiple acute weight loss protocols (WLP) are used by Olympic athletes for sports that segregate athletes by weight; these generally involve caloric and water deprivation combined with heat exposure. Athletes use WLP before weigh-in, then transition to different body acute weight regain protocols (WRP) before competitions. Here, we studied the pharmacokinetics of fenoterol under WLP conditions: energetic dietary restriction, decreased water intake, and exposure to a dry sauna (80 ± 2 °C), followed by a WRP. Five elite-level female judo athletes participated in the study. Four received fenoterol (200 μg; n = 2 or 400 μg; n = 2), while one was a control receiving placebo under identical conditions. We measured excretion of the fenoterol parent molecule and presented qualitative data of its sulfated metabolite using QqQ tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry for 118 h. The fenoterol parent appeared earlier in urine than did its conjugated metabolite; excretion profiles were similar among all subjects. The centers of mass for fenoterol parent curves were (time, fenoterol): athlete A (10.9, 7.3); athlete B (9.2, 27.3); athlete C (8.5, 6.9); athlete D (9.7, 5.0). After initiating WRP, we observed a burst in urinary fenoterol excretion once in complete decay. This trend was observed for all four athletes who received fenoterol. Our results suggest that during hypohydration, some of the unmetabolized fenoterol accumulates in tissues, then is released during rehydration. These findings can be important for detecting fenoterol use in athletes.

Biochemical Parameters of Female Wistar Rats and Their Offspring Exposed to Inorganic Mercury in Drinking Water during the Gestational and Lactational Periods.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inorganic mercury (Hg2+) exposure on biochemical parameters of dams and their offspring exposed to metal in drinking water. Female Wistar rats were exposed to 0, 10, and 50 µg Hg2+/mL (as HgCl2) for 42 days corresponding to gestational (21 days) and lactational (21 days) periods. The offspring were sacrificed on postnatal days 10, 20, 30, and 40. Dams exposed to Hg2+ presented a decrease in water intake in gestation [total: F(2,19) = 15.84; p ≤ 0.0001; daily: F(2,21) = 12.71; p = 0.0002] and lactation [total: F(2,19) = 4.619; p = 0.024; daily: F(2,21) = 5.309; p = 0.0136] without alteration in food intake. Dams exposed to 50 µg Hg2+/mL had an increase in kidney total [F(2,21) = 8.081; p = 0.0025] and relative [F(2,21) = 14.11; p = 0.0001] weight without changes in biochemical markers of nephrotoxicity. Moreover, dams had an increase in hepatic [F(2,10) = 3.847; p = 0.0577] and renal [F(2,11) = 6.267; p = 0.0152] metallothionein content concomitantly with an increase in renal Hg levels after Hg2+ exposure. Regarding offspring, the exposure to Hg2+in utero and breast milk increased the relative liver [F(2,18) = 5.33; p = 0.0152] and kidney [F(2,18) = 3.819; p = 0.0415] weight only on the postnatal day 40. In conclusion, dams were able to handle the Hg2+ avoiding the classic Hg2+ toxic effects as well as protecting the offspring. We suggest that this protection is related to the hepatic and renal metallothionein content increase.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What Lies Ahead for Gastroenterologists

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What Lies Ahead for Gastroenterologists

The Role of Orexin-A in Water Intake in Water-deprived Rats

Background: The lateral hypothalamus (LH), which produces orexin, is vital for body solution homeostasis. Lateral hypothalamus (LH) lesion causes adipsia and its stimulation increases water intake. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of an intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of orexin-A (OXA) on water-drinking behavior in water-deprived rats. Metods: A total of 32 male Wistar rats (220–250 g) were used and divided into 4 groups, control (no injection), vehicle (Normal saline, 5 µL), OXA (30 µg/rat), SB-334867 (OXA receptor selective antagonist, 30 µg/rat). After the microinjection of drugs or vehicles in the right lateral ventricle, each rat was placed individually into the metabolic cage and the amount of water intake, the delay time for the first water intake, and the referral number for water intake were recorded for 4 h. Findings: This study showed that ICV administration of OXA increased both water intake and the referral number for water intake in water-deprived animals (P&lt;0.05). On the other hand, ICV administration of SB-334867 decreased water intake compared to vehicle and control groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that OXA has a regulatory role in water drinking behavior in water-depriving states.