Parameters Of Energy Metabolism Research Articles

Turmeric as a therapeutic agent against arsenic-induced metabolic dysregulation in rat models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHealth hazards stemming from metalloid consumption, such as arsenic, pose a global concern. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of turmeric against arsenic-induced alterations in lipid profiles and energy metabolism in rats. MethodsThirty male rats were divided into three groups over a 90–180-day exposure period: Group 1 (Control) received standard rat chow; Group 2 received an arsenic diet; and Group 3 received arsenic plus turmeric supplemented diet. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for lipid profiles, glucose levels, energy metabolism parameters, and PPAR-α mRNA expression using qRT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed (p<0.05). ResultsResults indicated significant (p<0.05) increases in lipid profiles among arsenic-exposed rats after 180 days, elevating the risk of coronary artery diseases. Both arsenic and turmeric-exposed groups showed heightened total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels at 90 and 180 days, with nuanced differences suggesting dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Blood glucose observations revealed hypoglycemia initially in arsenic-exposed rats, progressing to hyperglycemia by 180 days. Arsenic significantly (p<0.05) inhibited pyruvate kinase, hexokinase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities in the liver after 180 days, while turmeric exposure showed no significant (p<0.05) changes. Additionally, both arsenic and turmeric groups exhibited downregulation of PPAR-α expression at 180 days. In-silico analysis identified curcumin as a promising component for anti-atherosclerosis and arsenic-related conditions due to its strong binding affinities and multiple hydrogen bond formations. ConclusionIn conclusion, long-term turmeric consumption may mitigate arsenic-induced oxidative damage associated with early hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and atherosclerosis. These findings underscore turmeric’s potential therapeutic role against arsenic toxicity, suggesting avenues for future research and public health interventions.

Adaptive Strategies and Underlying Response Mechanisms of Ciliates to Salinity Change with Note on Fluctuation Properties.

The adaptability of marine organisms to changes in salinity has been a significant research area under global climate change. However, the underlying mechanisms of this adaptability remain a debated subject. We hypothesize that neglecting salinity fluctuation properties is a key contributing factor to the controversy. The ciliate Euplotes vannus was used as the model organism, with two salinity fluctuation period sets: acute (24 h) and chronic (336 h). We examined its population growth dynamics and energy metabolism parameters following exposure to salinity levels from 15‱ to 50‱. The carrying capacity (K) decreased with increasing salinity under both acute and chronic stresses. The intrinsic growth rate (r) decreased with increasing salinity under acute stress. Under chronic stress, the r initially increased with stress intensity before decreasing when salinity exceeded 40‱. Overall, glycogen and lipid content decreased with stress increasing and were significantly higher in the acute stress set compared to the chronic one. Both hypotonic and hypertonic stresses enhanced the activities of metabolic enzymes. A trade-off between survival and reproduction was observed, prioritizing survival under acute stress. Under chronic stress, the weight on reproduction increased in significance. In conclusion, the tested ciliates adopted an r-strategy in response to salinity stress. The trade-off between reproduction and survival is a significant biological response mechanism varying with salinity fluctuation properties.

Effects of prepartum shearing on metabolic and placental parameters of ewes: Impact on productive parameters of their lambs

Prepartum shearing has been associated with increased lamb survival under pastoral conditions. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of early and late prepartum shearing in gestating Corriedale ewes on the metabolic profile and placental parameters of the ewes and how these changes affect the productive parameters of their lambs. On day 70 of gestation, 37 ewes carrying a single foetus were randomly divided into three groups: ewes sheared at day 70 of gestation (early, PS70, n = 12), sheared at day 110 of gestation (late, PS110, n = 12), and ewes unsheared at prepartum (US, n = 13, control group). Energy metabolism (glycaemia, insulin, NEFA, and BHB) and placental parameters (placental weight, number, and characteristics of cotyledons, and placental efficiency) were evaluated in the ewes. Live weight, morphometric measurements, and body composition were determined in the lambs. Prepartum shearing performed on different days (early and late) caused changes in energy metabolism, leading to a decrease in serum insulin and an increase in NEFA and BHB blood values. Early prepartum shearing increased placental weight and the number and weight of the 2–3 cm-cotyledons, while late prepartum shearing increased placental weight and placental efficiency and only changed the weight of the 2–3 cm-cotyledons. Prepartum shearing on both days caused an increase in lamb birth weight. Therefore, prepartum shearing caused changes in the metabolic profile and placenta of the ewes, which resulted in increased weight and development of lambs at birth.

Lactate contents in the blood of highly qualified football players during the pre-competition period

Relevance. In the realm of elite sports, the necessity for a straightforward, lucid, and dependable assessment of adaptive resources and mechanisms cannot be overstated. Given the prevalence of near maximum loads in athletic endeavors, there exists a propensity for athletes to teeter on the brink of overtraining. The body, being a single whole, responds to any impact, including physical activity, with a set of changes in its indicators. Fundamental research in the field of sports biochemistry carried out in recent decades, and, in particular, on changes in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism under the influence of various sports activities, has made it possible to widely use the parameters of energy metabolism in sports practice. Lactate analysis is a reliable tool for monitoring the training process since changes in lactate levels reflect the intensity of physical activity and the body's adaptation to stress.The purpose of the study was to study the lactate content in the blood of highly qualified football players in the pre-competitive period. The work consists of optimizing the training process to achieve high results in competitions.Methods. The content of lactate in the blood of highly qualified football players in the pre-competition period is being studied, which indicates the importance of this parameter in assessing their physical fitness before competitions. Lactate analysis is an important part of monitoring the training process and allows you to optimize it to achieve the highest results in competitions. To conduct blood lactate testing, a portable lactate analyzer Lactate Plus (Sports) was used.Conclusions. Optimization of the training process provides coaches and medical personnel with information about the reaction of football player's bodies to training loads in the pre-competition period and helps adapt training programs to the individual needs of each athlete.

Bazi Bushen ameliorates age-related energy metabolism dysregulation by targeting the IL-17/TNF inflammatory pathway associated with SASP

BackgroundChronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction are key features of systemic aging, closely associated with the development and progression of age-related metabolic diseases. Bazi Bushen (BZBS), a traditional Chinese medicine used to alleviate frailty, delays biological aging by modulating DNA methylation levels. However, the precise mechanism of its anti-aging effect remains unclear. In this study, we developed the Energy Expenditure Aging Index (EEAI) to estimate biological age. By integrating the EEAI with transcriptome analysis, we aimed to explore the impact of BZBS on age-related metabolic dysregulation and inflammation in naturally aging mice.MethodsWe conducted indirect calorimetry analysis on five groups of mice with different ages and utilized the data to construct EEAI. 12 -month-old C57BL/6 J mice were treated with BZBS or β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) for 8 months. Micro-CT, Oil Red O staining, indirect calorimetry, RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and qRT-PCR were performed to investigate the regulatory effects of BZBS on energy metabolism, glycolipid metabolism, and inflammaging.ResultsThe results revealed that BZBS treatment effectively reversed the age-related decline in energy expenditure and enhanced overall metabolism, as indicated by the aging index of energy expenditure derived from energy metabolism parameters across various ages. Subsequent investigations showed that BZBS reduced age-induced visceral fat accumulation and hepatic lipid droplet aggregation. Transcriptomic analysis of perirenal fat and liver indicated that BZBS effectively enhanced lipid metabolism pathways, such as the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid oxidation, and cholesterol metabolism, and improved glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in inhibiting the inflammation-related arachidonic acid-linoleic acid metabolism pathway and restraining the IL-17 and TNF inflammatory pathways activated via senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP).ConclusionsBZBS has the potential to alleviate inflammation in metabolic organs of naturally aged mice and maintain metabolic homeostasis. This study presents novel clinical therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of age-related metabolic diseases.

Nutritional strategies cause memory damage and alter biochemical parameters without causing neuroinflammation.

Obesity results from an energy imbalance and has been considered an epidemic due to its increasing rates worldwide. It is classified as a low-grade chronic inflammatory disease and has associated comorbidities. Different nutritional strategies are used for the purpose of weight loss, highlighting low-carbohydrate (LC) diets, ketogenic diets, and intermittent fasting (IF). These strategies can lead to metabolic and behavioral changes as they stimulate different biochemical pathways. Therefore, this study evaluated memory, energy metabolism, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense parameters in mice subjected to an LC diet, ketogenic diet (KD), or IF. Eighty male Swiss mice, 60 days old, were divided into 4 groups: control, LC, KD, or IF. Body weight was measured weekly, and food intake every 48h. After 15 days of nutritional interventions, the animals were subjected to the behavioral object recognition test and subsequently euthanized. Then, visceral fat was removed and weighed, and the brain was isolated for inflammatory and biochemical analysis. We concluded from this study that the LC and KD strategies could damage memory, IF improves the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the LC, KD, and IF strategies do not lead to neuroinflammatory damage but present damage at the level of oxidative stress.

Изменение ИК-спектров метаболитов энергетического обмена в крови крыс с гепатоцеллюлярной карциномой при воздействии гипертермии и апитоксина

There is a need to develop and improve conservative treatment methods for malignant liver tumours, since only in a small percentage of cases (10–30 %) radical treatments can be applied. Therefore, of relevance are studies into the effect of hyperthermia on the absorption of antitumour drugs and the effect of bee venom as a physiological therapeutic agent on the energy metabolism of tumour cells. Infrared spectroscopy could potentially be used to study changes in energy metabolism parameters in the blood plasma. The purpose of this article is to assess changes in the concentrations of energy metabolism metabolites in the blood of tumour-bearing animals during hyperthermia under the action of apitoxin using infrared spectroscopy. Materials and methods. The research involved 50 white non-linear female rats, divided into an intact, control and three experimental groups. The control and experimental groups were inoculated with hepatocellular carcinoma. The experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally with honey bee venom followed by hyperthermia sessions at different temperatures (42.5; 43.5 and 44.5 °С). Blood plasma was studied using a spectrophotometer in the wavenumber range of 1170–1025 cm–1. Results. We found a statistically significant increase in adenosine triphosphate concentrations (by 54 %) and a decrease in adenosine monophosphate (by 54 %), adenosine diphosphate (by 18 %) and glucose (by 87 %) levels compared to the control at 42.5 °C hyperthermia under the action of bee venom by the 7th day; however, on the 28th day the opposite effect was observed: an increase in adenosine monophosphate, adenosine diphosphate and glucose concentrations and a decrease in adenosine triphosphate levels. No positive dynamic was detected at other hyperthermia regimens. It is concluded that infrared spectroscopy can be used to assess energy changes in animals with hepatocellular carcinoma at different hyperthermia regimens under the therapeutic effect of bee venom. The optimal conditions for bee venom effects on the body are achieved at 42.5 °C.

Early consequences of the phospholamban mutation PLN-R14del+/- in a transgenic mouse model.

The heterozygous phospholamban (PLN) mutation R14del (PLN R14del+/- ) is associated with a severe arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) developing in the adult. "Superinhibition" of SERCA2a by PLN R14del is widely assumed to underlie the pathogenesis, but alternative mechanisms such abnormal energy metabolism have also been reported. This work aims to (1) to evaluate Ca2+ dynamics and energy metabolism in a transgenic (TG) mouse model of the mutation prior to cardiomyopathy development; (2) to test whether they are causally connected. Ca2+ dynamics, energy metabolism parameters, reporters of mitochondrial integrity, energy, and redox homeostasis were measured in ventricular myocytes of 8-12 weeks-old, phenotypically silent, TG mice. Mutation effects were compared to pharmacological PLN antagonism and analyzed during modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and cytosolic Ca2+ compartments. Transcripts and proteins of relevant signaling pathways were evaluated. The mutation was characterized by hyperdynamic Ca2+ handling, compatible with a loss of SERCA2a inhibition by PLN. All components of energy metabolism were depressed; myocyte energy charge was preserved under quiescence but reduced during stimulation. Cytosolic Ca2+ buffering or SERCA2a blockade reduced O2 consumption with larger effect in the mutant. Signaling changes suggest cellular adaptation to perturbed Ca2+ dynamics and response to stress. (1) PLN R14del+/- loses its ability to inhibit SERCA2a, which argues against SERCA2a superinhibition as a pathogenetic mechanism; (2) depressed energy metabolism, its enhanced dependency on Ca2+ and activation of signaling responses point to an early involvement of metabolic stress in the pathogenesis of this ACM model.

Alpha-lipoic acid improves the quality of ram spermatozoa stored at 4°C by reducing oxidative stress and increasing mitochondrial potential.

Ram spermatozoa inevitably produce a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during liquid storage, leading to oxidative stress and a decline of spermatozoa quality. Therefore, it is particularly important to add exogenous antioxidants during the process of semen liquid preservation. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether adding alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to ram semen can reduce oxidative stress and enhance spermatozoa quality during the liquid storage at 4°C. Different concentrations of ALA (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 mM) were added to semen and stored at 4°C. During storage at 4°C, spermatozoa motility, kinetic parameters, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, energy metabolism parameters (mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) and oxidative stress parameters [ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were assessed. The results indicated that 0.1 mM ALA significantly (p<0.05) improved spermatozoa total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM), plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, ΔΨM, ATP, TAC, and SOD, while significantly (p<0.05) reducing spermatozoa ROS and MDA content compared to the control group. In conclusion, ALA can reduce damage caused by oxidative stress in spermatozoa and effectively improve the quality of semen preserved at 4°C. And the optimal concentration is 0.1 mM.

THE INFLUENCE OF MESENCHYMAL STROMAL CELLS OF DIFFERENT GENESIS ON ENERGY METABOLISM IN THE RAT SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX DURING ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION

Introduction. About 60-80% of cerebral circulation disorders are due to ischemia, that leads to high mortality, disability in working age and economic burden on society in developed countries of the world. Objective: To investigate the effect of ischemia-reperfusion on parameters of carbohydrate and energy exchanges in the rat somatosensory cortex and to determine the cerebroprotective action of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) of various genesis, MSC lysate and the reference drug Citicoline. Methods. The study was performed on 200 male Wistar rats, divided into 9 groups. Group 1 included intact animals; group 2 – sham-operated rats; group 3 – control pathology (rats were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion by occlusion of the internal carotid arteries and injected with a 0.9% saline solution (2 ml/kg) into the femoral vein); group 4 – immediately after ischemia-reperfusion rats were transplanted with 106 MSC cells/animal derived from Wharton’s jelly of the human umbilical cord; group 5 – 106 cells/animal of rat embryonic fibroblasts; group 6 – 106 cells/animal derived from human adipose MSCs; group 7 – 106 cells/animal derived from rat adipose MSCs; group 8 – 0.2 ml/animal of lysate derived from Wharton’s jelly MSCs; group 9 – the reference drug Citicoline (250 mg/kg). Parameters of carbohydrate and energy metabolism in rat somatosensory cortex under the conditions of cerebral IR and on the background of correction studied on the 7th and 14th day. Results. It was found that after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in the rat somatosensory cortex in research periods an increase in the levels of glucose, lactate, lactate/pyruvate ratio and a decrease in the content of pyruvate and succinate dehydrogenase were revealed. In the groups of experimental animals with intravenous transplantation of MSCs of various origins, MSC lysate and Citicoline, the perturbation in glucose metabolism was reduced, lactate content was decreased and the levels of pyruvate and succinate dehydrogenase were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05), compared to rats with control pathology. A more pronounced positive effect in the recovery of disturbed energy processes and elimination of metabolic acidosis was observed with the use of human Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that experimental 20-minute model ischemia-reperfusion in rats caused a violation of the carbohydrate and energy balance in the somatosensory cortex. Human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs contributed to the recovery of disturbed energy processes in the somatosensory cortex and eliminated metabolic acidosis at the level of Citicoline or better than it, which is one of the links of the mechanism of the cerebral protective action of MSCs. Embryonic rat fibroblasts were slightly inferior in efficiency to Citicoline and human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly MSCs, which indicates a higher cerebroprotective activity of xenotransplantation.

Parameters of Energy Metabolism and Adenylate System in Mytilus galloprovincialis Tissues under Moderate Hypoxia

Parameters of Energy Metabolism and Adenylate System in Mytilus galloprovincialis Tissues under Moderate Hypoxia

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed therapy on energy metabolism parameters in patients with chronic liver lesions on the background of secondary immunodeficiency state

Objective: to study the effect of a combination of azoximer bromide (AB) and human placenta hydrolysate (HPН) on metabolic processes in patients with chronic liver lesions on the background of secondary immunodeficiency. Materials and methods: 95 patients with chronic liver pathology on the background of secondary immunodeficiency (VIDS) aged 35 to 56 years were examined. The main group is 45 people, and the comparison group is 50 people. After a general clinical and bacteriological examination, all patients were subjected to the study of metabоlic processes. The assessment of metabolic disorders was carried out by the level of macroergic compounds in the hemolysate of the washed suspension of erythrocytes of patients by thin-layer chromatography. In addition to treatment with conventional methods, patients who were under observation were additionally prescribed a combination of drugs — bromine azoximer and human placenta hydrolysate. Patients of the comparison group received milk thistle preparations as a hepatoprotector and did not use any immunoactive drugs. Results: when studying the state of indicators of metabolic disorders after the completion of treatment, it was found that patients in the main group who received AB and HPН had almost complete normalization on the part of the studied indicators, which cannot be said about patients from the comparison group who received only conventional drugs in average therapeutic doses in the treatment complex. Conclusions: from the data obtained, it is possible to judge the positive effect of AB and HPН on the indicators of the state of energy homeostasis and consider it pathogenetically justified and clinically promising to include their combination in the complex of treatment of patients with CLP against the background of VIDS.

Mechanisms and consequences of weight gain after deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Body weight gain in combination with metabolic alterations has been observed after deep brain stimulation (DBS) of subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which potentially counteracts the positive effects of motor improvement. We aimed to identify stimulation-dependent effects on motor activities, body weight, body composition, energy metabolism, and metabolic blood parameters and to determine if these alterations are associated with the local impact of DBS on different STN parcellations. We assessed 14 PD patients who underwent STN DBS (PD-DBS) before as well as 6- and 12-months post-surgery. For control purposes, 18 PD patients under best medical treatment (PD-CON) and 25 healthy controls (H-CON) were also enrolled. Wrist actigraphy, body composition, hormones, and energy expenditure measurements were applied. Electrode placement in the STN was localized, and the local impact of STN DBS was estimated. We found that STN DBS improved motor function by ~ 40% (DBS ON, Med ON). Weight and fat mass increased by ~ 3 kg and ~ 3% in PD-DBS (all P ≤ 0.005). fT3 (P = 0.001) and insulin levels (P = 0.048) increased solely in PD-DBS, whereas growth hormone levels (P = 0.001), daily physical activity, and VO2 during walking were decreased in PD-DBS (all P ≤ 0.002). DBS of the limbic part of the STN was associated with changes in weight and body composition, sedentary activity, insulin levels (all P ≤ 0.040; all r ≥ 0.56), and inversely related to HOMA-IR (P = 0.033; r = − 0.62). Daily physical activity is decreased after STN DBS, which can contribute to weight gain and an unfavorable metabolic profile. We recommend actigraphy devices to provide feedback on daily activities to achieve pre-defined activity goals.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF ERYTHROCYTE ENERGY METABOLISM UNDER INHALATIONS OF NITRIC OXIDE

Abstract Biological effects of nitric oxide are multiply, including vasoactive activity, participation in neurotransmission and intercellular communication etc. These effects are associated with endogenous releasing of nitric oxide, but influence of exogenous administration of this substance does not study in details. In particular, systemic action of nitric oxide inhalations is not so clear. The aim of this work was the investigation of nitric oxide inhalations action on some parameters of energy and oxidative metabolism of healthy rat blood. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (without any manipulations; n=10) and main group (n=10) with inhalations by nitric oxide-containing gas flow (20 ppm). Lactate dehydrogenase and lactate level were estimated in rat blood samples. In addition, we calculated a number of integral coefficients of energy metabolism, such as substrate provision coefficient and coefficient of energy reactions balance. Our experiments demonstrate that 10-days course of inhalations of low nitric oxide doses (20 ppm) increases the adaptive potential of healthy rats’ organism. One of these positive effects is associated with activation of some components of energy metabolism. First of all, it realized through stimulation of catalytic activity of lactate dehydrogenase, including its erythrocyte pool. Observed metabolic effect provides the basis for pathogenic correction of diseases, associated with hypoxia, oxidative stress and energy deficiency.

Swimming behavior and energy metabolism of the calanoid copepod invader Sinodiaptomus sarsi

The appearance of invasive species threatens the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Much is known about dispersal and introduction mechanisms while little is known on the biological properties of invasive species, such as behavior and energy efficiency, allowing them to successfully colonize new environments and compete with native species. This study examines the functional features of the Asian invasive copepod Sinodiaptomus sarsi (Rylov, 1923) that has invaded Europe since 2016. We focused on the energy metabolism and kinematic parameters of the main swimming types (i.e., gliding, hovering, small relocation jumps, and the escape reaction) of females and males of S. sarsi. Based on the above parameters, the mechanical energy for swimming and the respiration energy needed for movement were calculated. Females and males spend up to 95% of time hovering and slowly gliding at a speed of up to 0.5 cm s−1. During the remaining time, the average swimming speed was 8 cm s−1 by small jumps. In contrast, the average speed was 42 cm s−1 during escape swimming. Non-ovigerous females moved faster than ovigerous females during all relocation swimming types except for upward gliding. While performing small jumps with a frequency of 0.79 Hz, the respiration rate of active non-ovigerous females (0.32 ± 0.03 µg O2 ind−1 h−1) was 2.1 times higher than that of anesthetized individuals. The respiration energy associated with movement was 2.6 * 10−3 J h−1, while the total mechanical energy was only 4.2% of this value. The low energy cost of feeding along with the high speed of locomotion may explain the success of this Asian invader in European waters.

Postprandial effects of dietary protein source on metabolic responses, appetite, and arterial stiffness indices in overweight and obese men: the study protocol for a randomized crossover clinical trial

BackgroundDifferent dietary protein sources are supposed to have various effects on metabolic responses and arterial stiffness in the postprandial period. This study aims to assess the postprandial effects of dietary protein sources, including animal-based protein (AP) and plant-based protein (PP), as part of a high-protein breakfast on appetite response, energy metabolism, and arterial stiffness in overweight and obese men.MethodsThis acute randomized crossover clinical trial will be conducted at the Persian study research center at Imam Reza Hospital, affiliated with the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, located in the northeast of Iran. Forty-six healthy overweight, and obese men aged 18–60 years will be enrolled based on the eligibility criteria. The subjects will complete two interventions (high-protein AP and PP meals) with 1 week washout period. The primary outcome will be the acute effect of the two test meals on appetite response, energy metabolism parameters, including resting metabolism rate (RMR), diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), and substrate oxidation (SO), and arterial stiffness indices, including pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse wave analysis (PWA). The secondary outcomes include changes in lipemia, glycemia, and insulinemia.DiscussionThe findings of this study will provide novel insight regarding the acute effects of different protein sources on energy metabolism, appetite, and arterial stiffness as a significant cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. It will help dieticians develop effective and efficient meal plans to improve weight reduction and maintenance in overweight/obese individuals.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials; code: IRCT20211230053570N1; registered on February 10, 2022

Energy metabolism and behavioral parameters in female mice subjected to obesity and offspring deprivation stress

This study aimed to evaluate the behavioral and energy metabolism parameters in female mice subjected to obesity and offspring deprivation (OD) stress. Eighty female Swiss mice, 40 days old, were weighed and divided into two groups: Control group (control diet, n = 40) and Obese group (high-fat diet, n = 40), for induction of the animal model of obesity, the protocol was based on the consumption of a high-fat diet and lasted 8 weeks. Subsequently, the females were subjected to pregnancy, after the birth of the offspring, were divided again into the following groups (n = 20): Control non-deprived (ND), Control + OD, Obese ND, and Obese + OD, for induction of the stress protocol by OD. After the offspring were 21 days old, weaning was performed and the dams were subjected to behavioral tests. The animals were humanely sacrificed, the brain was removed, and brain structures were isolated to assess energy metabolism. Both obesity and OD led to anhedonia in the dams. It was shown that the structures most affected by obesity and OD are the hypothalamus and hippocampus, as evidenced by the mitochondrial dysfunction found in these structures. When analyzing the groups separately, it was observed that OD led to more pronounced mitochondrial damage; however, the association of obesity with OD, as well as obesity alone, also generated damage. Thus, it is concluded that obesity and OD lead to anhedonia in animals and to mitochondrial dysfunction in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, which may lead to losses in feeding control and cognition of the dams.

Cadmium exposure-triggered growth retardation in Hyphantria cunea larvae involves disturbances in food utilization and energy metabolism

Serious environmental pollution in the ecosystem makes phytophagous insects face a great risk of exposure to pollutants, especially heavy metals. This study aims to understand the effects of Cd exposure on the growth and development of Hyphantria cunea and to elucidate the mechanism of growth toxicity induced by Cd from the perspective of food utilization and energy metabolism. Our results showed that the larval basal growth data, growth index, fitness index, and standard growth index were significantly decreased after feeding on Cd-containing artificial diets. The Cd-treated larvae had significantly higher digestibility than the untreated larvae. However, the food consumption, efficiency of conversion of digested food, and efficiency of conversion of ingested food were significantly lower than those of untreated larvae. Eight key metabolites in the glycolysis pathway and six key metabolites in the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway were significantly reduced in Cd-treated larvae. The mRNA expression levels of two regulatory genes (6-phosphofructokinase 1 and hexokinase-1) belonging to two key enzymes in the glycolysis pathway and four regulatory genes (isocitrate dehydrogenase-1, isocitrate dehydrogenase-3, citrate synthase, and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase) belonging to three key enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway were significantly lower in the Cd-treated group than in the control group. Furthermore, most fitness-related traits were significantly and positively correlated with food utilization (except approximate digestibility) or energy metabolism parameters. Taken together, Cd exposure-triggered growth retardation of H. cunea larvae is a consequence of disturbances in food utilization and energy metabolism, thereby emphasizing the toxicity of heavy metals.

Physiological and molecular responses in the silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) larvae after acute mercury exposure.

The current study was performed to examine the acute toxicity of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on the silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) larvae. Probit analysis was used to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50). The LC50 values of Hg2+ for the fish larvae at 24, 48, 72, and 96h were 267.72, 252.97, 225.57, and 97.80μg/L, respectively. The safe concentration of Hg was 9.78μg/L for fish larvae. Based on the 96h LC50, fish were exposed to four different groups including 0, 6.11, 12.23, and 24.45μg/L for 96h to assess the effects of different concentrations of Hg2+ on antioxidant capacity, energy metabolism parameters, and related gene expression. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in fish larvae among all the groups (P < 0.05). In the 12.23μg/L group, fish larvae had a maximum in catalase (CAT) activity. The creatine kinase (CK) activities of fish larvae in control and 6.11μg/L groups were significantly lower than those groups (P < 0.05). A high concentration of Hg2+ significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and metallothionein (MT) genes in fish larvae. Furthermore, the IBR index value showed the highest value in the 24.45μg/L group. Overall, this study provides an increased understanding of the effects of Hg-acute toxicity on silver carp larvae.

Feeding pellets inoculated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 improves production parameters in young Merino wethers

The objective of the study was to determine if feeding the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 (‘H57′) to young Merino wethers can improve their feed intake, productivity, energy metabolism and rumen fermentation parameters. Thirty-six Merino wethers were housed in individual pens and fed ad libitum a high-fibre pelleted diet (Control group, n = 18), or the same pelleted diet inoculated with H57 (H57 group, n = 18) for a four-week Treatment period. This was followed by a two-week Carry-over period when all wethers were fed the pelleted diet without H57. Intake of pellets was measured daily (dry matter intake, DMI), live weight (LW) and body condition score (BCS) were measured weekly, and the LW gain (LWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated from the DMI and LWG. During the six-week experimental period, samples of blood and rumen fluid were collected four times and analysed for blood enzymes, metabolites, hormones and rumen fermentation parameters. In the Treatment period, the H57 group had 25% larger final LW than the Control group (6.0 vs 4.8 kg, P = 0.045) and had a greater BCS (2.94 vs 2.44, P = 0.014) and DMI of pellets (1429 vs 1337 g/day, P = 0.033), resulting in a better FCR (6.8:1.0 vs 8.4:1.0, P = 0.049). The increases in final LW and BCS were most marked in the initial two weeks of the Treatment period, but persisted over the remaining two weeks and continued, albeit to a smaller extent, during the Carry-over period. Blood metabolites, enzymes and hormones did not differ between the two groups and were within the expected reference ranges for sheep. Rumen NH3 concentrations were elevated (P = 0.033) in the H57 group throughout the experiment, but overall the volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were not different. B. amyloliquefaciens was present in H57 pellets throughout the Treatment period, and consequently was detected in the rumen fluid and faeces of the H57 group. In conclusion, young Merino wethers fed high-fibre pellets inoculated with H57 for four weeks grew faster, converted the pellets into final LW more efficiently and had a higher BCS than peers fed the same pellets without H57. This can be important when feeding high-fibre pellets to transition young Merino wethers onto a finishing diet. The mechanisms behind these responses remain to be elucidated.