End Products Of Protein Metabolism Research Articles

LACK OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN A POINT-OF-CARE BLOOD URIC ACID METER AND A BENCHTOP CHEMISTRY ANALYZER IN EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA).

Uric acid (UA) is excreted as an end product of protein metabolism in many reptiles, including some chelonians. Elevated plasma UA concentrations can occur due to many physiologic and pathologic changes, and determining plasma UA concentrations is part of a complete general health assessment in this taxon. UA concentrations are typically measured using benchtop chemistry analyzers, but point-of-care (POC) UA meters have also been developed for human use. However, these POC UA meters have not been investigated for use in any reptile species. The purpose of this study was to assess agreement between UA measurements produced by a standard benchtop chemistry analyzer and a POC UA meter in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). UA concentrations were measured with a POC meter using fresh whole blood and frozen-thawed plasma and with a standard benchtop chemistry analyzer using frozen-thawed plasma. Poor-to-moderate agreement was present between each of the three methods as evidenced by mixed models, Passing-Bablok regression, Bland-Altman plots, and Cohen's κ. Differences between methods fell outside of clinically acceptable limits, indicating that the POC UA meter should not be used in eastern box turtles.

Биохимические и гематологические характеристики крови коров красной степной породы Павлодарской области Казахстана

To predict the breeding and productive characteristics of cattle, along with molecular genetic markers, biochemical and hematological indicators are used. The purpose of the study is to conduct a hemato-biochemical analysis of the blood serum of red steppe cows in the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan. Deviations of protein level from the norm indicates metabolic disorders in the body, ration of animals. The total protein in the blood serum of cows is in the upper limit of reference values and makes 81,07±4,28 g/L. Determination of bilirubin content in blood allows to find out the ability of the liver to secrete bile. Total bilirubin amounted to 1,58±0,26 umol/L, which does not exceed the specified values. Urea is the end product of protein metabolism. Its content in blood increases with delayed excretion by kidneys. In the blood serum of cows the concentration of urea is 4,91±0,22 mmol/L. In biochemical analysis, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase are an indicator of cell damage in internal organs. Aspartateaminotransferase was 105,9±8,46 U/L, is within the reference values, indicating the absence of disorders in nitrogen metabolism. The concentration of alanine aminotransferase enzyme was 47,3±4,07 U/L, also indicating the absence of damage in the liver. Cholesterol as an important structural element of cell membrane participates in the formation of complexes with proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Total cholesterol content – 4,72±0,32 mmol/L. Decrease in blood sugar level is a symptom of serious disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism and lack of glycogen reserves in liver and muscles. Decrease of sugar content in blood of cows can be considered as a result of mismatch of energy intake with feed and its expenditure on metabolic processes and milk formation. Glucose concentration was 2,00±0,31 mmol/L. Insignificant deviation from the reference values of amylase enzyme, which hydrolyzes starch and glycogen, was detected. The level of these blood proteins is characterized by great stability and is subject to small fluctuations under normal conditions. The concentration of the enzyme totaled 73,7±6,37 U/L.

Content and variability of nitrogen metabolism in cattle of the Holstein breed under conditions of Western Siberia

It is necessary to assess the state of nitrogen metabolism to deepen control over the usefulness of feeding cattle and ensure prompt response to nutritional imbalances and diet adjustments. Nitrogen balance is a key indicator of cattle metabolism. The authors presented the results of determining the content and variability of indicators of nitrogen metabolism in Holstein cattle in Western Siberia. The object of the study was the bulls of the Holstein breed, obtained from four sires in the conditions of industrial livestock enterprises in the West Siberian region. The authors also studied the main indicators of protein and non-protein nitrogen metabolism (using Vector-Best reagent kits): total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, and uric acid. It was found that the indicators of total protein, albumin, globulins, urea, and uric acid were within the generally accepted boundaries of the physiological norm for cattle. However, the albumin-globulin coefficient was below the norm, and the creatinine level was above the physiological norm. The content of urea and creatinine and the albuminglobulin coefficient were characterized by the highest rates of variability, which indicates the heterogeneity of this population sample of Holstein cattle in terms of the peculiarities of the course of protein metabolism. The authors did not reveal statistically significant intergroup differences in the content of total protein (p = 0.67), albumin (p = 0.23), globulins (p = 0.87), albumin-globulin coefficient (p = 0.96) and urinary acids (p = 0.31) using the Kruskal-Wallis test. However, the authors established the influence of the father on the level of urea (p = 0.049) and creatinine (p = 0.042) in the blood serum of the offspring. The analysis of the protein gram and the level of uric acid in the blood serum of the offspring did not reveal significant differences in the influence of the father while differences were established in the level of end products of protein metabolism - urea and creatinine.

Case Report on Chronic Renal Failure in Adults

Introduction: CRF is either the presence of kidney damage for 3 months or longer. Kidney damage is defined as either pathologic abnormalities or markers of damage including abnormalities in blood or urine test or imaging studies. Chronic disease are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the individual. As renal function declines, the end products of protein metabolism (normally excreted in urine) accumulate in the blood. Uremia develops and adversely affects every system in the body the greater the buildup of waste products, the more pronounced the symptoms. The rate of decline in renal function and progression of end stage kidney disease is related to the underlying disorder.
 Main Symptoms of CRF: The main signs and symptoms-Fever/cough/cold/abdominal pain/vomiting/loose stool/edema/giddiness/back pain. Abnormal blood loss in urine test, high blood pressure, weight loss for no reason, low red blood cell count (anemia), nausea, metal taste in your mouth, loss of appetite.
 Diagnostic Evaluation: blood test: Hb-6.5gm%, total RBC count-3.5million/cu mm, HCT-28.4%, total WBC count-9.6/cu mm. monocytes-03%, granulocytes-85%, lymphocytes-10%,calcium-9.1mg/day, creatinine-urine test-71.8mg/dl, KFT- urea-111mg/dl, cretinine14.0, sodium 134mmol/l, potassium-6.5(pl. repeat), magnesium-2.4mmol/l, phosphorus-7.3mmol/l, RBS glucose-plasma random -222mmhg, uric acid -8.1mg/dl, urinary protein- 905mg/dl, bloodpressure-140/90mmhg.
 Therapeutic interventions: inj. Levoflox 500mg IV OD, inj. ctri 1gm IV BD X 5days, inj. Pan 40mg IV OD, inj. Emset 4mg IV OD, inj. Insulin m(30/70) 18u(BFF)-0-12u(BD) inj. EPO 10000 IU SC post dialysis once per week, tab. Nicardia 20mg TDS, tab. Febuxostat 40mg OD, tab. Shelcal 500mg OD, tab. autrin OD, tab. Sevelamer 400mg BD, tab. Envas 5mg HS, tab. met XL 25mg OD.
 Outcome: after treatment, the adult show improvement. His abdominal pain were relieved and his diabetes and hypertension were in control.
 Causes: Due to some disease of infection the kidney can’t do its works properly, the main cause of chronic renal failure is High blood pressure Blocked urinary tract. The chief causes of CRF include obstructive uropathy, primary glomerular diseases, reflux nephropathy and hypoplastic or dysplastic kidneys. Progressive hyperperfusion and hyerfilteration causes increasing glomerular injury and further renal damage. Symptoms of CRF is between 10-25% of normal. The four main causes of CRF are high blood pressure, chronic glomerulonephritis, high blood sugar, polycystic kidney disease.
 Conclusion: My patient was a known case of chronic renal failure and he had complaint of irritation abdominal pain, back pain, giddiness. After getting proper treatment his condition was better than previous condition.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ КЛИНИКО-БИОХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ПРИ МЫШЕЧНОЙ ПАТОЛОГИИ СРЕДИ БОЛЬНЫХ ГЕМОФИЛИЕЙ

Aim. Determine the state of the biochemical composition of blood in the midst and resolution of muscle hematomas in patients with hemophilia.Materials and methods. 118 patients with hemophilia were examined. These patients were inpatient treatment at the hemophilia center at the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Hematology Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The control group consisted of 40 apparently healthy men of the same age. Results. Signs of massive hemorrhages in the tissue are an increase in the blood level of the activity of the cytoplasmic enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (54.1 ± 3.9 and 18 ± 4.1, respectively) and alanine aminotransferase (55.3 ± 5.2 and 27.3 ± 4.4, respectively). Depending on the severity of the breakdown of muscle fibers and the rate of progression of the complication, the increase in CPK activity in myopathies can be either sharp - 680.7 ± 14.2 IU / L (hemophilic tumor, tissue necrosis), or, conversely, insignificant 120.3 ± 11.1 IU / L (muscle tissue contracture or atrophy). Deficiency of serum iron (6.4 ± 1.1 μmol / L) was revealed in all groups of examined patients with hemophilia. There was a tendency to lower cholesterol content to 3.3 ± 0.2 mmol / L. The content of urea, as the end product of protein metabolism, was higher in hemophilia patients with a syndrome of necrotic changes in hematomas – in 4 patients (9.8 ± 2.2 mmol / l), which, in our opinion, is associated with an increase in the breakdown of hemoglobin and other proteins with massive hemolysis of erythrocytes in tissues. The study of trace elements in the blood serum revealed a deficiency of Mg²+ 1.6 times, Ca²+ 2.1 times.Conclision. In patients with hemophilia with hemorrhages in muscle tissue, there was a tendency to lower cholesterol and iron levels, and an increase in the amount of bilirubin. The “key” enzymes for the diagnosis and prognosis of complications can be a dynamic study of the activity of the levels of CPK (creatine phosphokinase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase).

Age- and sex-specific reference intervals for blood urea nitrogen in Chinese general population

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a nitrogenous end product of protein metabolism. This study aims to explore the age- and sex-specific distribution of BUN among healthy Chinese adults. A total of 24,006 BUN values from healthy adults (14,148 males and 9858 females) were included in the cross-sectional study. Males had a higher median BUN value compared to females (4.6 mmol/L vs. 4.1 mmol/L). BUN values showed a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, and blood sugar (P < 0.0001). However, eGFR showed a negative correlation with the BUN reference value (P < 0.0001) in both sexes. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that the positive associations of BUN levels and age were statistically significant after adjusting confounding factors (P < 0.001). Thus, the serum BUN values increased by 0.21 mmol/L for males and 0.282 mmol/L for females per 10 years. The BUN values corresponding to the 1st, 2.5th, 50th, 97.5th, and 99th percentiles for any specific age in both sex were also calculated. These results indicate that the serum BUN reference value is significantly affected by age and gender, and thus, its interpretation is age- and sex-dependent.

Physiological and biochemical response of broiler chickens to amino acids administration

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of amino acids supplementation to drinking water of meat-type broiler chickens on their blood parameters and productive traits. A total of sixty one day old, unsexed broiler chicks were obtained from a local hatchery. They were divided into three treatment groups: control group, and two treatment groups supplemented (via drinking water) with amino acids preparation (Amino-2500 USA Premium Nutrition) at 0.5 and 1.0 g/L, respectively. All chicks were fed a commercial low protein diet containing 19% crude protein and 2900 kcal metabolizable energy per kilogram of the diet. Chicks of the control group was fed the recommended (standard) diet containing 23%crude protein and 3000 kcal of ME/Kg. The duration of the experiment was five weeks. The criteria of productive and physiological responses were live body weight, weight gain, blood plasma protein fractions, plasma lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Transaminase (ALT and AST) activity indicative of liver function was measured. Kidney function test in terms of plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen and uric acid were also determined. Results showed that live body weight and weight gain of broiler chickens were significantly increased by AA administration either at three or five weeks of age. At marketing age (5 weeks), birds from the 3rd and 2nd groups achieved heavier body weigh by 32.3 and 26.8% more than the control chickens. Blood plasma total protein, albumin and globulin levels were significantly increased in the AA treatment groups for T3 and T2, respectively as compared to the control chicks. Addition of AA resulted in an obvious increase in the activity of ALT and AST indicative of negative influence of excess AA on livers function-related enzymes, especially with the higher dose of AA (T3).This was also observed for plasma uric acids and creatinine concentrations as end products of protein metabolism. The histological sections from lymphoid organs revealed better histological appearance indicative of better immunity and bird's health. It is concluded that excessive AA administration for broilers fed on low protein diet, could be used to increase live body weight, enhance protein metabolism without negative impacts on blood biochemistry, and improve their immune response. However, further study is needed to assess the cost and the net revenue from AA supplementation.

High urea induces depression and LTP impairment through mTOR signalling suppression caused by carbamylation.

BackgroundUrea, the end product of protein metabolism, has been considered to have negligible toxicity for a long time. Our previous study showed a depression phenotype in urea transporter (UT) B knockout mice, which suggests that abnormal urea metabolism may cause depression. The purpose of this study was to determine if urea accumulation in brain is a key factor causing depression using clinical data and animal models.MethodsA meta-analysis was used to identify the relationship between depression and chronic diseases. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) brain scans and common biochemical indexes were compared between the patients and healthy controls. We used behavioural tests, electrophysiology, and molecular profiling techniques to investigate the functional role and molecular basis in mouse models.FindingsAfter performing a meta-analysis, we targeted the relevance between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and depression. In a CKD mouse model and a patient cohort, depression was induced by impairing the medial prefrontal cortex. The enlarged cohort suggested that urea was responsible for depression. In mice, urea was sufficient to induce depression, interrupt long-term potentiation (LTP) and cause loss of synapses in several models. The mTORC1-S6K pathway inhibition was necessary for the effect of urea. Lastly, we identified that the hydrolysate of urea, cyanate, was also involved in this pathophysiology.InterpretationThese data indicate that urea accumulation in brain is an independent factor causing depression, bypassing the psychosocial stress. Urea or cyanate carbamylates mTOR to inhibit the mTORC1-S6K dependent dendritic protein synthesis, inducing impairment of synaptic plasticity in mPFC and depression-like behaviour. CKD patients may be able to attenuate depression only by strict management of blood urea.

Urease-immobilized magnetic microparticles in urine sample preparation for metabolomic analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Urea, as an end product of protein metabolism and an abundant polar compound, significantly complicates the metabolomic analysis of urine by GC–MS. We developed a sample preparation method removing urea from urine samples prior the GC–MS analysis. The method based on urease immobilized on magnetic microparticles was compared with the others that are conventionally used (liquid-liquid extraction, free urease protocol), and samples without any treatment. To study the impact of sample preparation approaches on the quality of analytical data, we employed comprehensive metabolomic analysis (using both GC–MS and LC–MS/MS platforms) of standard material based on human urine. Multivariate statistical analysis has shown that immobilized urease treatment provides similar results to a free urease approach. However, significant alterations in the profiles of metabolites were observed in the samples without any treatment and after the extraction. Compared to other approaches that were tested, the immobilization of urease on microparticles reduces both the number of artifacts and the variability of the metabolites (average CV of extraction 19.7%, no treatment 11.4%, free urease 5.0%, and immobilized urease 2.5%). The method that was developed was applied in a GC–MS metabolomic experiment of glutaric aciduria type I, where both known diagnostically important biomarkers and unknowns, as the most discriminating compounds, were found.

Investigation of the metabolic effects of selenium-modified Essentuki mineral water in the experiment

The urgent tasks of experimental balneology are to design and investigate of the action of native mineral waters (MW) enriched with essential trace elements in order to improve their therapeutic and prophylactic effects. To investigate the mechanisms of direct action of the cycle intake of Essentuki MWs modified with selenium (Essentuki Novaya - MW1, Essentuki No. 4 - MW2) on healthy animals. According to the experimental conditions, 102 male albino rats were divided into 7 groups using a simple randomization method. Group 1 (n=15) received only drinking water (DW) (a control group); Group 2 (n=13) used native MW1; Group 3 (n=13) took native MW2; Group 4 (n=15) had MW1 with selenium (MW1Se1 - 3 mcg/kg); Group 5 (n=15) received MW1Se2; Group 6 (n=15) had MW2Se1 - 300 mcg/kg; and Group 7 (n=16) used MW2Se2. After cycle drinking, the body weight of the animals in the experimental groups did not significantly differ from that in the control group and was determined within the normal species range. X-ray densitometry showed that the body fat composition in the rats was lower than the control values only after MW1Se1, MW1Se2, and MW2Se1 cycles. The rat lipid spectrum in different groups displayed differences: the atherogenic index was low after MW1, MW1Se1, and MW1Se2 cycles. The blood glucose levels increased in the rats after drinking native MWs (F=2.7; p=0.01). After selenium-modified MW cycles, the blood glucose levels corresponded to the control values. The blood of experimental and control animals showed no differences in bone mineral density (BMD), levels of hormones (insulin, thyroxine, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and end products of protein metabolism. Selenium-modified Essentuki No. 4 changed the orientation of functional relationships from negative to positive ones between glucose and BMD. The findings suggest that cycle drinking with native and selenium-enriched Essentuki MWs differently affect the animals. The Essentuki Novaya MW (MW1, MW1Se1, and MW1Se2) drinking cycles predominantly affected in reducing blood atherogenic lipids. The volume of an animal fat component was lower after selenium-modified Essentuki Novaya and Essentuki No. 4 water (MW1Se1, MW1Se2, and MW2Se1) cycles. A direct relationship between DHEA and BMD was found in animals after using the selenium-enriched Essentuki No. 4 cycle.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ГЕПАТОТОКСИЧНОСТИ И НЕФРОТОКСИЧНОСТИ НОВОГО ПРОТИВОСПАЕЧНОГО ПРЕПАРАТА (ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ)

Adhesive process in the abdominal cavity was simulated in Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups: the main one - simulation of adhesive process in the abdominal cavity and introduction of 3 ml of saline into the abdominal cavity; and the controls - simulation of adhesive process in the abdominal cavity and introduction of 3 ml of new antiadhesive preparation. We evaluated biochemical parameters at eight time points during the period from 2 hours to 28 days. The introduced drug for adhesion prevention did not affect the protein-synthetic function of the liver: the blood level of whole protein was the same in both groups and remained within the normal range throughout the follow-up period. The blood level of creatinine, which is the end product of protein metabolism reflecting the renal excretory function, was within normal values in both groups throughout the observation period. Significant differences between the groups were noted only on the 28th day of the experiment: in the main group creatinine level was higher as compared to the control group (p = 0.014), but remained within the normal range. The same pattern was observed when evaluating the blood urea level, which reflects the renal excretory function - the blood urea level remained normal in both groups throughout the experiment. Hence, the new antiadhesive drug does not produce toxic effect on liver and kidneys in a single intraperitoneal introduction in experiment. Biochemical indices are the same as in single intraperitoneal infusion of saline.

Seasonal variation and correlation between corticosterone and the antioxidant uric acid during stress in the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis).

Glucocorticoids modify metabolism and other physiological processes in order to mount an appropriate response to stress. This stress response is affected by a combination of seasonal changes, life-history events, and environmental factors. Determining seasonal variability and the potential connection between stress hormones and metabolism is fundamental in understanding seasonal physiological changes in animals. Here, we compared an indicator of stress (corticosterone) with an indicator of metabolic activity (uric acid-a non-enzymatic antioxidant and end product of protein metabolism) during capture and restraint in Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) during fall, winter, spring, and summer. Baseline corticosterone, the acute change in corticosterone (Δ10-corticosterone), and integrated corticosterone during capture stress were significantly different among seasons. For all corticosterone measurements birds captured in summer consistently had the lowest values while spring birds were highest. The lower corticosterone stress response in summer may decrease the likelihood of abandonment and thus protect investment in eggs/chicks. Higher glucocorticoid secretion in spring may benefit birds competing for nesting sites. No differences in uric acid levels (baseline, 60 min, and acute change over 60min- Δ60-uric acid) were found among seasons. While plasma uric acid significantly decreased over an hour in all seasons examined, there were no significant correlations between baseline corticosterone and uric acid, time-60 corticosterone and uric acid, and Δ10-corticosterone and Δ60-uric acid. We conclude that the relationship between corticosterone and metabolism, as measured by uric acid, is indirect, and seasonal variation occurs with corticosterone secretion but not with uric acid, as measured here.

КЛІНІКО-БІОХІМІЧНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ ОБМІНУ БІЛКІВ ТА ВМІСТ ЕЛЕКТРОЛІТІВ У КРОВІ ПАЦІЄНТІВ ЗА УМОВ ІШЕМІЧНОГО ІНСУЛЬТУ, УСКЛАДНЕНОГО ЦУКРОВИМ ДІАБЕТОМ ДРУГОГО ТИПУ

Diabetes is one of the generally accepted factors of acute cerebral blood flow disorders. Numerous studies have shown the involvement of many factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic cerebral disorders, the most important of which are the metabolic changes. The aim of this study was to determine the transaminase activities, the urea and creatinine, the levels of K +, Na + and Cl - ions, the total protein and albumin contents in the serum of patients with ischemic stroke and patients with stroke complicated by type 2 diabetes. Also the average age of the patients, body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose level were determined. The investigation has shown that patients with ischemic stroke, particularly complicated by insulin independent diabetes, were characterized by hypoproteinemia with the absence of marked changes of albumin content, transaminase activities and the concentrations of end-products of protein metabolism (urea and creatinine) in the serum of both groups patients. The results also have revealed the significant differences of BMI in patients with ischemic stroke accompanied by type 2 diabetes.

Correlación de niveles de urea en leche con características físico-químicas y composición nutricional de dietas bovinas en ganaderías de la provincia de Pichincha

&lt;div class="page" title="Page 1"&gt;&lt;div class="section"&gt;&lt;div class="layoutArea"&gt;&lt;div class="column"&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar los niveles de urea en leche (MUN por &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Milk Urea Nitrogen&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;) como metabolito que permite determinar si la relación energía/proteína es la correcta, y su incidencia sobre los parámetros productivos. La urea es el producto final del metabolismo de las proteínas, cuando se produce esta se difunde a todos los tejidos del cuerpo de la vaca y aparece en orina, saliva y leche. La proteína de los pastos y los niveles de fibra bruta en el suplemento tienen una relación directa con los niveles de MUN. Los niveles de MUN presentan una relación inversa con el contenido de proteína láctea y se relacionan también con la producción de leche (litros leche/vaca/día) y el periodo de lactancia. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

Effects of Litter Quality (Moisture, Ammonia, Uric Acid) on Development and Severity of Foot Pad Dermatitis in Growing Turkeys

High dietary protein is thought to increase the incidence of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) as a result of increased uric acid and secondary ammonia production in the excreta or litter. This study was conducted on female turkeys over a period of 3 wk to test the effects of water alone, and also of these end products of protein metabolism, independent of the presence of excreta, on the development and severity of FPD. The animals were allocated into four groups, with 20 birds in each, and housed in floor pens on dry, clean wood shavings (changed daily) throughout the experiment. The control group was housed continuously in its pen, whereas the other groups were additionally exposed daily (for 8 hr) to experimentally treated wood shavings, in adjacent separate boxes, enriched with water alone or water with NH4Cl or uric acid. NH4Cl and uric acid were added via water to the litter to achieve the concentrations of ammonia and uric acid in the litter as found in the excreta of turkeys (about 0.50 g ammonia and 20 g uric acid/kg). The wet litter was kept clean by removing the excreta twice daily and by changing the litter twice a week. The foot pads of all birds were examined on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 and scored externally (macroscopically). Three birds were selected from each group on days 0, 7, and 14, while the remaining 11 birds/group were sacrificed on day 21 for histopathologic assessment of foot pads. The severity of FPD was found to be markedly higher (about 3 times) on wet than on dry litter. There were no negative effects of ammonia and uric acid on foot pad lesions. The results indicate that high litter moisture is the most likely factor causing FPD in turkeys. A focus on nitrogenous irritants in the litter was not substantiated. Exposure of birds to wet litter (in the absence of excreta) for only 8 hr/day was sufficient to develop foot pad lesions. The present results suggest that a focus on the protein content of the diet as a cause of FPD may be misplaced, but all dietary factors which increase excreta or litter moisture, or both, should be considered. The prevalence and severity of FPD can be reduced by maintaining dry litter.

Comparative structural modeling and docking studies of oxalate oxidase: Possible implication in enzyme supplementation therapy for urolithiasis

In humans oxalate is end product of protein metabolism, with no enzyme present to act on it. In conditions of its enhanced endogenous synthesis or increased absorption from the diet, oxalate accumulation leads to hyperoxaluria which can further lead to a number of pathological conditions including urolithiasis. Urolithiasis has been a perplexing problem due to its high incidence and rate of recurrence after treatment like Extracorporeal-shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Hence other prophylactic treatment becomes necessary. One of the newer approaches of curing such metabolic disorders is the enzyme supplementation therapy. Oxalate oxidase (OxOx) is a commonly occurring enzyme in plants, bacteria and fungi that catalyses oxidative cleavage of oxalate to CO2 with reduction of dioxygen to H2O2. Present study, used Hordeum vulgare OxOx crystal structure (PDB ID 2ET1A) as a template for constructing 3D models of OxOx from Triticum aestivum, Arabidopsis thaliana, Sclerotiana sclerotiarum. Similarly Homology models for isoforms Ceriporiopsis subvermispora 336, C. subvermispora 422 were constructed by using template Bacillus subtilis oxalate decarboxylase (Oxdc) (PDB ID 2UY8A) by comparative modeling approach in SWISS MODEL, MODELLER, 3D JIGSAW and GENO 3D program server. Based on overall stereochemical quality (PROCHECK, PROSA, VARIFY 3D), best models were selected, energy minimized, refined and characterized for active site in BioMed CaChe V 6.1 workspace. Selected models were further studied for structure function relationship with substrate (oxalate) and its analogue (glycolate) by using docking approach. Calculated interaction energy between the oxalate and constructed enzyme indicated that homology models for OxOx of T. aestivum, A. thaliana and S. sclerotiarum, can account for better regio-specificity of this enzyme towards oxalate. That supports the interested metabolism and thus may further implement in enzyme supplementation therapy for urolithiasis.

Quantitative Assessment of Urea Generation and Elimination in Healthy Dogs and in Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease

Kinetic assessment of urea, the main end product of protein metabolism, could serve to assess protein catabolism in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Protein malnutrition and catabolism are poorly documented in CKD and they often are neglected clinically because of a lack of appropriate evaluation tools. Generation and excretion of urea are altered in dogs with CKD. Nine dogs with spontaneous CKD (IRIS stages 2-4) and 5 healthy research dogs. Endogenous renal clearance (Clrenal) of urea and creatinine was measured first. Exogenous plasma clearance (Clplasma, total body clearance) of the 2 markers then was determined by an IV infusion of urea (250-1,000 mg/kg over 20 minutes) and an IV bolus of creatinine (40 mg/kg). Extrarenal clearance (Clextra) was defined as the difference between Clplasma)and Clrenal. Endogenous urea generation was computed assuming steady-state conditions. Median Clrenal and Clextra of urea were 2.17 and 0.21 mL/min/kg in healthy dogs and 0.37 and 0.28 mL/min/kg in CKD dogs. The proportion of urea cleared by extrarenal route was markedly higher in dogs with glomerular filtration rate<1 mL/kg/min than in normal dogs, reaching up to 85% of the total clearance. A comparable pattern was observed for creatinine excretion, except in 1 dog, Clextra remained<20% of Clplasma. Extrarenal pathways of urea excretion are predominant in dogs with advanced CKD and justify exploring adjunctive therapies based on enteric nitrogen excretion in dogs. A trend toward increased urea generation may indicate increased catabolism in advanced CKD.

Quantitative determination of urea concentrations in cell culture medium

Urea is the major nitrogenous end product of protein metabolism in mammals. Here, we describe a quantitative, sensitive method for urea determination using a modified Jung reagent. This assay is specific for urea and is unaffected by ammonia, a common interferent in tissue and cell cultures. We demonstrate that this convenient colorimetric microplate-based, room temperature assay can be applied to determine urea synthesis in cell culture.

Intermediary metabolism

Energy is obtained from the oxidation of the macronutrients carbohydrate, fat and protein. The structure of these macro-nutrients and the whole body quantification of their metabolism are described on page 136. The end-products of fat and carbohydrate metabolism are carbon dioxide and water only. The end-products of protein metabolism are carbon dioxide, water and a number of nitrogen-containing compounds excreted in the urine, mainly urea, but also creatinine, uric acid and ammonia. About 80% of urinary nitrogen is normally present as urea.

Non-Dietary Sources of Variation in Milk Urea Nitrogen in Ohio Dairy Herds

Protein is an expensive component of dairy cow diet and excessive protein feeding has been associated with decreased fertility. Urea is the end product of protein metabolism in dairy cattle. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) can be used to monitor the protein feeding efficiency and protein-energy ratio in dairy cow rations. The purpose of this study was to describe the non-dietary sources of variation in and the factors associated with MUN levels in Ohio dairy herds. The data came from 24 herds belonging to Ohio Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Half of the herds (12) were classified as low producing herds (rolling herd average (RHA) milk production 10,433 kg). MUN concentration was measured spectrophotometrically from monthly test day milk samples by an automated procedure with a Skalar Segmented Flow Analyzer. We had observations from 12,939 test days, from 1681 cows. The data were analyzed using multilevel modelling technique in MLwiN ® , separately for both production groups. Different levels of organization were herd, cow, and test day. Initially, a simple random intercept model containing only a constant was run. Explanatory variables previously identified being associated with MUN were added to the model as fixed effects and model was reduced until all variables were significant at ?=0.05 level. The average MUN level from the simple intercept-only model was 14.1 mg/dl and 11.0 mg/dl in the high and low producing herds, respectively. The overall variation in MUN's was greater in low producing herds than in high producing herds. Also, the variance structure was quite different between these two groups. In low producing herds, 67.2% of the variation in MUN's was at the test day level, only 0.5% at cow level and 32.3% at herd level. In the high producing herds, however, highest proportion of variance (49.0%) was found at the herd level and 38.9% of the variation was at the test day level. Between-cow variability accounted for 12.1% of the variance in MUN's. With the independent variables in the model, variation was reduced in low production group (by 16%), but practically no change in magnitude took place in the high production group. The results also indicated that measurements taken during the first month of lactation were significantly lower than ones taken later in the lactation. Also, the season of the test day was associated with MUN levels (summer or spring with highest levels). Cow's test day milk yield and fat-protein ratio in milk in high producing herds were also positively associated with MUN levels. In low producing herds, milk fat percentage was negatively associated with MUN levels. The observed differences in the proportions of variance at the different levels between the production groups may be explained by management factors. Lower variability in MUN between test days in high producing herds probably indicates more consistent day-to-day feeding and management within a herd in this group.