ET Group Research Articles

Management of traumatic flail chest in intensive care unit: An experience from trauma center ICU.

Background/Aim:The thoracic injury and related complications are responsible for upto 25% of blunt trauma mortality. This study is designed to compare these two popular ventilation modes in traumatic flail chest.Materials and Method:A total of 30 patients with thoracic trauma, aged 18–60 years, were enrolled in this study for a period of 1 year. The Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS) was used for assessing the severity of chest injury. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: one recieved endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation (ET group, n = 15) and another recieved noninvasive ventilation (NIV group, n = 15). All patients were observed for the duration of ventilatory days, complications such as pneumonia and sepsis, length of the stay in ICU, and mortality. Statistical analysis was done using statistical software SPSS for windows (Version 16.0).Results:There were no significant differences in age, sex, weight, and length of the stay in ICU in between the two groups. Rate of complications was significantly higher in ET group. Oxygenation was significantly improved in NIV group within 24 hr, later it become equivalent to the ET group patients while the pCO2 level was significantly lower in ET group compared with NIV group. Analgesia in both the groups is maintained to keep the visual analog scale (VAS) score below 2 and was comparable in both the groups.Conclusions:The endotracheal intubation is also associated with serious complications as compared to NIV. The use of NIV in appropriate patients decreases complications, mortality, length of the stay in ICU, the use of resources, and cost.

SU55 - FETAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE IN RATS LEADS TO LONG-TERM CHANGES IN DNA METHYLATION PATTERNS OF TASTE-RELATED GENES IN POSTNATAL TONGUE

Background Considerable evidence indicates that there are potential long-term consequences of maternal alcohol consumption. Such exposures can lead to postnatal changes in the formation and function of brain circuits involved in learning, memory, and reward processing, and increase subsequent risks of alcohol abuse in later life. Although much interest has focused on the central areas affected by such exposures, less attention has been paid to the effects such exposures produce in the peripheral gustatory system. Here, we studied the potential molecular adaptations produced by fetal alcohol exposure in the postnatal chemosensory system by studying DNA methylation changes in Circumvallate Papillae (CV) taste cells in postnatal rats. Methods Pregnant Long Evans rats were divided into two weight-matched groups. Within each group the dams were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (ET: ethanol, FCL: free choice liquid). Dams in the ET group were given ad libitum access to a liquid ethanol containing diet, with increasing amounts of ethanol between gestational (G) days 6–10, and full strength dose during G11-20. In the full strength diet, ethanol provided 35% of an animal's daily calories. Moreover, the timing of these administrations also exposed the fetus to ethanol during the developmental period (G11–20) of olfactory and orosensory systems. After delivery, rats born to dams in the ET group or the FCL group were chosen at random and sacrificed during mid-adolescence at P42. DNA samples were isolated from the CV of tongues, followed by genome-wide differential methylation analysis using the Rat Methyl-Seq DMR Capture kit (Agilent) and Illumina NexteraXT sequencing protocol. Results Differentially methylated cytosine residues were observed within and at the promoter regions of a large amount of olfactory receptor, taste receptor, oral-irritation, and gustatory signal transduction genes. Detailed examination of the methylation patterns of oro-sensory genes revealed interesting features of alternation. We also tested the ability of Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to identify specific cytosine residues that could separate the two groups of ET and FCL prenatal-exposed rats. This indicated that cytosine resides with the most distinguishing power appeared to be located in close proximity to each other, corroborating the Runs test results. Thus, prenatal ET exposure could lead to the formation of cis-acting methylation blocks that strongly regulate or coordinate the expression of chemosensory-related genes, and fundamentally alter taste perception and taste preferences. Furthermore, pathway analysis revealed enrichment of genes involved in signal transduction pathways and epigenetic modification pathways, including genes such as Grm3, S1pr1, Prkacb, Hdac7 and Kcnmb4. Discussion Our results are the first evidences indicating that in addition to central nerves system effects, fetal alcohol exposure induced alcohol preference in later life could also be produced by altered patterns of DNA methylation in the peripheral gustatory system, via dysregulated expression of oro-sensory-related genes.

Maturation of auditory brainstem response in early term infants at 6 weeks and 9 months

BackgroundEmerging evidence indicates that infants who were born between 37 and 38 weeks of gestation are at higher risk of adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Yet little is known about the auditory neural maturation during the first year of their life. AimTo compare the development of auditory brainstem response in early term (ET, 37–38 weeks gestational age, GA) and full term (FT, 39–41 weeks GA) infants. Methods126 infants received ABR testing at 6 weeks. 107 of them returned for the second assessment at 9 months, among which, 93 completed the ABR recordings. Comparison of the ABR variables were made depending on gestational age. ResultsAnalysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to identify the differences in ABR outcomes between two groups. After controlling for confounders, latencies for wave III, V and I-III, III-V and I-V intervals were prolonged in ET group compared with FT group at 6 weeks (all p<0.03). ABR parameters of both groups developed as the infants got older. At 9 months, ET infants remain showing the longer wave V latency and I-V interval (all p < 0.02) than FT infants. ConclusionDuring early postnatal life, ET has a different pattern of functional auditory brainstem development comparing with FT infants. The prolonged auditory conduction time suggests less mature of the central auditory system in ET infants before 9 months.

Post-transfer outcomes in cultured bovine embryos supplemented with epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, and insulin-like growth factor 1

This work examined the downstream fetal and placental outcomes of introducing a cocktail of uterine-derived growth factors during bovine embryo culture. Abattoir-derived bovine oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro. On day 4 post-fertilization, ≥ 8-cell embryos were harvested, pooled and exposed to an embryokine mix, termed EFI, which contained recombinant human epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml), bovine fibroblast growth factor-2 (10 ng/ml) and human insulin-like growth factor 1 (50 ng/ml) or to a carrier-only control treatment (CON). On day 7, individual, transfer-quality embryos were transferred to recipients. Timed ovulation was completed in mature, non-suckled commercial beef cows. Cows either were artificial inseminated (AI) or received an embryo (ET) on day 7 post-estrus (n = 23–31 cows/treatment over 4 replicate studies). The percentage of grade 1 and 2 morulae and blastocysts was greater (P < 0.05) for EFI-treated embryos than CON. The percentage of pregnant cows diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography did not differ among the AI and ET groups on days 28, 42 and 56 post-estrus. There also were no differences in the ratio of male to female fetuses determined on day 60 post-estrus by transrectal ultrasonography. On day 21 post-estrus, the relative abundance of three interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) transcripts in peripheral leukocytes were not different based on AI/ET group or the sex of the conceptus. Circulating pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) concentrations differed (P < 0.05) among days. Also, a difference in PAG concentrations (P < 0.05) were detected between male and female pregnancies in the CON-ET group but not in the AI or EFI-ET groups. Crown-rump length was not affected by AI/ET group on day 42 but were less (P < 0.05) in the CON and EFI-ET groups than the AI group on day 56. These findings implicate EFI supplementation as a means for improving transferable embryo production in a bovine IVP system, but it is not clear if this treatment improves embryo competency after ET.

TGF-β4 and HSP70 responses in breeder hens treated with thyroxine

A hypothesis was tested that long-term administration of thyroxine (T4) in broiler breeder hens would affect fertility, sperm penetration rate, and the duration of fertility. Relative abundance of oviductal TGF-β4 and HSP70 mRNA was determined to ascertain whether T4 treatment affected these genes, and modulated the sustained storage of spermatozoa within the uterovaginal sperm storage tubules of hens. A total of 70, 47-week-old Cobb 500 breeder hens was randomly allotted to two treatment groups (T4 treatment (ET) and control). The T4 was orally administered to the ET group (0.3 mg T4/bird/day) for 100 consecutive days; whereas the control group was not administered T4 during the experimental period. Breeder hens were artificially inseminated to evaluate specific reproductive variables. On the last day of the treatment period two hens /replicate were randomly killed to estimate oviductal gene expression. The T4 treatment resulted in an increase in plasma concentration of T4; however, the T3 concentration was not affected. The long term administration of T4 had no effect on fertility; however, it resulted in a decreased sperm penetration rate and decreased the duration of fertility compared with the control group. The relative abundance of TGF-β4 and HSP70 mRNA in the SST was not influenced by T4 supplementation. The correlation coefficients between fertility and sperm penetration rate with relative abundance of TGF-β4 and HSP70 were not significant. Overall, among the diverse reproductive variable assessed in the current study, the sperm penetration rate and the duration of fertility were most responsive to long-term treatment with T4.

Self-efficacy Predicts Success in an Exercise Training-Only Model of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for People With COPD.

To determine whether people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have characteristics that predict a clinically meaningful response to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) that includes an education component compared with exercise training alone. Participants were classified as responders or nonresponders to 2 models of PR; exercise training and education (ET + ED, n = 113) or exercise training alone (ET, n = 85). Responders were defined as those who achieved a clinically meaningful change in 6-min walk distance (6MWD) or any of the 4 domains of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ). Baseline characteristics were compared between responders and nonresponders. The associations between baseline data and change in 6MWD and CRQ following PR were examined, and a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted for each model and primary outcome. There were no significant differences between the PR models in proportion of responders (ET + ED 92% vs ET 93%). Lower baseline CRQ scores predicted response in respective CRQ domains for fatigue, emotion, and mastery in the ET + ED group, and for dyspnea, fatigue, and mastery in the ET group. Higher baseline self-efficacy predicted 6MWD response and higher socioeconomic status predicted response in CRQ fatigue in the ET model only. There was no predictor of 6MWD response in the ET + ED group. Baseline characteristics did not reliably predict a clinically meaningful response to PR that included education. For exercise training alone, higher self-efficacy was a significant predictor for greater improvements in 6MWD, suggesting that those with higher confidence should be considered for this model.

Breathing valve resistance alters physiological responses during a graded exercise test.

To determine the impact of breathing valve resistance on peak aerobic capacity ([Formula: see text]) and running economy (RE) in endurance-trained and recreationally active individuals. Ten endurance-trained males (ETM), 10 endurance-trained females (ETF), 10 recreationally active males (RAM), and 10 recreationally active females (RAF) participated in this study. On two separate occasions, subjects performed identicalgraded exercise treadmill protocols using either a Hans Rudolph 2700 (high resistance) or a Daniels' (low resistance) two-way non-rebreathing valve. Parameters obtained from these protocols included energy expenditure (EE), ventilation ([Formula: see text]), heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, RE, [Formula: see text], and time to exhaustion (TTE). When using the Daniels' valve, all groups had lower submaximal EE (- 2.4, - 3.4, - 2.7, and - 2.0% for ETM, ETF, RAM, and RAF) and better RE (- 2.7, - 3.5, - 1.9, and - 1.8% for ETM, ETF, RAM and RAF) across all submaximal speeds. Only the ET groups had lower submaximal [Formula: see text] (4.6 and 3.8% for ETM and ETF) when using the Daniels' valve. TTE increased when using the Daniels' valve for all groups (6.0, 10.9, 6.2 and 9.8% for ETM, ETF, RAM and RAF), but [Formula: see text] was unaltered. Compared to the Daniels' valve, the Hans Rudolph 2700 valve altered the assessment of RE, submaximal EE, and TTE regardless of fitness level or sex, but did not change [Formula: see text]. Therefore, airflow resistance of a breathing valve must be considered when assessing and comparing EE, RE and TTE in the applied and research settings.

Effects of Cichorium intybus on serum oxidative stress, liver and kidney volume, and cyclin B1 and Bcl-2 levels in the brains of rats with ethanol induced damage

We investigated the effects of an aqueous root extract of Cichorium intybus on Bcl-2 and cyclin B1 levels in the brain, kidney and liver volumes and changes of serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels in ethanol induced damage in rats. The rats were divided into five groups: non-treated controls (C), maltodextrin in tap water treated (MD), 6.4% ethanol in tap water treated (ET), Cichorium intybus + maltodextrin in tap water treated (CI+MD), and Cichorium intybus + 6.4% ethanol in tap water treated (CI+ET). Rats in the CI+MD and CI+ET groups were treated with 200 mg/kg water extract of Cichorium intybus. Chronic ethanol aMDinistration significantly increased cyclin B1 and decreased Bcl-2 levels in the brain and significantly decreased TAS values, increased TOS values of serum and significantly decreased kidney volume in the ET group. There was no significant difference in the liver volume or liver cell count. Our data revealed that ethanol aMDinistration induces an overexpression of cyclin B1 and decreases levels of Bcl-2 in rat brains and induced oxidative stress in the blood. C. intybus treatment possessed a partial amelioration effect on cyclin B1 levels and TAS values.

Use of a microvascular coupler device for end-to-side venous anastomosis in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction

The aim of this study was to compare the use of a microvascular coupler device (MCD) for end-to-side venous anastomosis (ETS group) and phleboplasties combined with MCD for end-to-end venous anastomosis (ETE group) in free tissue transfer for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction, with regard to the anastomosis time and occurrence of postoperative vascular crisis. The ETS group included 22 patients and the ETE group included 40 patients. Patient demographic data, anastomotic time, coupler size, microvascular complications, and flap survival rates were collected and analyzed. In the ETS group, the most suitable donor vessel size was greater than 2mm, varying from 2mm to 4mm. The average anastomosis time was 3.35±0.89min in the ETS group and 7.80±2.93min in the ETE group; the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in complications or outcomes between the two groups. The ETS venous anastomosis with MCD technique is a better choice for anastomosis when the donor vessel size is greater than 2mm. In those cases with mismatched veins, ETS venous anastomosis with MCD could significantly reduce the anastomosis time compared to ETE venous anastomosis with MCD after phleboplasties.

Is ventilatory therapy combined with exercise training effective in patients with heart failure and sleep-disordered breathing? Results of a randomized trial during a cardiac rehabilitation programme (SATELIT-HF)

Sleep-related disordered breathing is common in patients with chronic heart failure. To assess the efficacy of short-term nocturnal ventilatory therapy combined with exercise training (V+ET) compared with exercise training alone (ET) in patients with chronic heart failure with sleep-disordered breathing. Patients in New York Heart Association functional class II-IIIb, with an apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI)>15/h, and enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation programme, were centrally randomized to V+ET or ET. Subjects were classified as having obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) (n=49) or central sleep apnoea (CSA)/mixed (n=69). The primary outcome was the change in the 10-second average oxygen consumption at maximum exercise (VO2peak) at the end of the cardiac rehabilitation programme. Fifty-eight patients were randomized to V+ET and 60 patients to ET. The median increase in VO2peak was 15% [interquartile range 6-36%] in the V+ET group and 16% [0-31%] in the ET group (P=0.34). AHI decreased in both groups, but significantly more in the V+ET group (P=0.006). The decrease in the ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2) slope was not statistically different between the two-randomization groups (P=0.10). In subjects with CSA, the VE/VCO2 slope decreased significantly more in the V+ET group (P=0.03), while there was no difference between the two-randomization groups in subjects with OSA (P=0.75). Six cardiovascular events occurred in patients with OSA (all randomized to the ET group); in subjects with CSA, two events occurred in the V+ET group and three in the ET group. Short-term nocturnal ventilation combined with exercise training does not increase the exercise capacity of patients with chronic heart failure.

Intermedin1-53 protects cardiac function in rats with septic shock via inhibiting oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

To investigate the protective effect of intermedin1-53 (IMD1-53) on cardiac function in rats with septic shock and its underlying mechanism. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into three groups, namely the control group (NC group), septic shock group (ET group) and IMD1-53 treatment group (IMD group), with 8 rats in each group. Levels of hemodynamic indicators, blood glucose, lactate acid, CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB) and cTnI (cardiac troponin I) in rats were determined. Cardiac tissues of rats were collected for TUNEL (terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) staining. Protein levels of caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, Bcl2, iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) in cardiac tissues were detected by Western blot. Moreover, activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase) and MDA (malondialdehyde) in myocardial homogenate were determined, thereby exploring the effect of IMD1-53 on oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with septic shock induced by endotoxin. Lower levels of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), maximum rate of left ventricular diastolic pressure (+LVdp/dtmax) and left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) were observed in ET group than those of NC group (p < 0.05). Levels of lactic acid, blood glucose, CK-MB and cTnI in ET group were remarkably increased than those of NC group (p < 0.05). Moreover, activities of SOD and CAT in myocardial homogenate of ET group were remarkably reduced in comparison with those of NC group (p < 0.05). Protein levels of caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl-2, Bax, iNOS and COX-2 in ET group were all remarkably elevated than those of NC group (p < 0.05). The above indicators were all significantly improved in IMD group than those of ET group (p < 0 05). IMD1-53 can protect cardiac function in rats with septic shock via inhibiting oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Effects Of Chronic Endurance Exercise Training On Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations In Elderly Japanese Men

Higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are positively related to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations; however, the response of 25(OH)D concentrations to chronic endurance exercise training is unclear. PURPOSE: To elucidate whether serum 25(OH)D concentrations were directly increased by 5 weeks of endurance exercise training and influenced by changes in body fat in elderly men. METHODS: Twenty elderly Japanese men were randomized to either the 5-week endurance exercise training group (ET group; N=10) or the sedentary control group (SC group; N=10). Fasting blood samples were collected to determine serum 25(OH)D and other blood parameters. The visceral fat area and hepatic fat content were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. RESULTS: After 5 weeks of endurance exercise training, the levels of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were significantly increased from 23.3 at baseline to 28.1 mL/kg/min at the endpoint for the ET group; levels were unchanged for the SC group. A significant seasonal reduction in serum 25(OH)D concentrations was observed in the SC group (P<0.05), while no change was found in the ET group. The results may be partly attributed to the slight decrease in intrahepatic fat in the ET group. No changes were observed in percent body fat or visceral fat area. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that 5 weeks of endurance training could inhibit the seasonal reduction in serum 25(OH)D concentrations without changes in body fat.

Effectiveness of Early Treatment with Steroids in Outcome of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. A study from Western Nepal

Objective: To study the effect of early versus delayed treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) in hearing outcome.Material and Methods: A retrospective study of patients with SSNHL was done from October 2012 to October 2014 to study the effect of early versus late treatment in hearing outcome in ENT department of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Patients receiving treatment within 3 days of onset of symptoms were placed in early treatment group (ET) and those receiving treatment after 3 but within 7 days were placed in late treatment group (LT). Hearing outcome was assessed using pure tone average (PTA) and was carried out at presentation and then at 3,7,14 and 30 days after treatment. A mixed between and within- subject design ANOVA test was used to analyze the results using SPSS 20.0.Results: There were 29 patients in ET group and 25 patients in LT group. Mean age of the study population was 36.37 years (SD=7.868). The M:F ratio was 0.39:1. There was a significant interaction between time and treatment group, Wilk’s Lambda= 0.382, F (1.52, 79.196) = 19.83, p &lt;0.001, partial eta squared =0.541. There was a substantial main effect of time, F (1.52, 79.196)= 180.36, p &lt;0.001, partial eta squared = 0.776 suggesting significant improvement of hearing levels with time. The main effect comparing early and late treatment groups was also significant, F (1,52)= 5.799, p=0.02, partial eta squared = 0.100 suggesting significant difference in hearing levels in between the two treatment groups.Conclusion: Onset of treatment after the initial symptom significantly affects the outcome of hearing improvement in SSNHL. There are higher chances of improving if treatment is started within 3 days of onset of symptoms.

Is Early Tracheostomy Better for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury? A Meta-Analysis.

Tracheostomy has proven benefits for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. However, whether early tracheostomy (ET; <10 days after injury) can also improve outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to clarify this question. We searched 4 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library) for articles comparing the outcomes of ET with late tracheotomy or prolonged intubation in patients with severe TBI. Two reviewers were asked to record the major outcome data as follows: length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, and incidence of pneumonia. Both random-effects and fixed-effects models were used. Eight studies met our inclusion criteria, with a total of 797 patients in the ET group and 871 patients in the late tracheostomy or prolonged intubation (not-ET) group. A meta-analysis of these 8 studies suggested that ET could reduce the length of ICU stay (mean difference [MD],-3.08; 95% confidence interval [CI],-3.75 to-2.41), duration of mechanical ventilation (MD,-4.92; 95% CI,-6.82 to-3.02), length of hospital stay (MD,-4.79; 95% CI,-8.63 to-0.94), and incidence of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53-0.78), but seemed to be independent of mortality (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.90-1.75). The available evidence suggests that ET may reduce the length of ICU and hospital stays, duration of mechanical ventilation, and incidence of pneumonia in patients with severe TBI. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Emodin diminishes immune stress in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Objectives: The aim was to observe the immune stress in rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis (SAP) and diminish by emodin. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups: sham operation group (SO), SAP model group (SAP), emodin treatment group (ET), and two times dose emodin treatment group (HT). Samples of blood, terminal ileum and lung were harvested on 6 h, 12 h, 18 h and 24 h for examination. Serum amylase, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB 1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma-γ (PPAR-γ) in terminal ileum and lung was determined. Results: The values for emodin treated showed distinctly treatment effect, with lower levels of serum amylase, HMGB 1 and COX-2 on 12, 18 and 24 h and higher levels of PPAR-γ in the ET and HT groups compared with the SAP group on four time-points. The levels of detection indicators in the ET group were quite different from the HT group, with higher levels of serum amylase, HMGB 1 and COX-2 on 12, 18 and 24 h and lower expression of PPAR-γ on each time points. Conclusions: Emodin can diminish immune stress in rats with SAP. The strategy of two times may be a better therapeutic effect.

Effect of dietary phytoextracts supplementation on growth performance and blood parameters of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus Mykiss W. ), cultivated in a recirculation system

The present research aimed to examine the effect of dietary phytoextracts supplementation on the growth performance, haematological (white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit) and biochemical (glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, ASAT, ALAT) blood parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.), cultivated in a recirculation system. The fish were divided into 6 groups: one control (C) and five experimental groups in whose food was added phytoextracts of curcumin (EC), paprika (EP), thyme (ET), oregano (EO) and garlic (EG). The inclusion of phytoextracts had no significant effect on growth parameters of fish from EC, EP, ET, EO and EG groups (P&gt;0.05). Statistically significantly lower feed consumption per unit weight gain was observed in EO group vs C (Р&lt;0.05). The phytoextract supplementation had significant influence on some of the haematological (white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin) and biochemical (urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, ASAT, ALAT) blood parameters of rainbow trout.

64 Impaired Post-Implantation Development Following Blastomere Biopsy is Associated with Placental Hypomethylation

The removal of one cell from cleaving embryos (blastomere biopsy, BB) is the main component of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a diagnostic test aimed to select only healthy embryos before transfer in utero. Studies on animals have suggested BB as risk factor for impaired development during both pre- and postnatal life. However, we still have incomplete knowledge on the real side effects of BB and the mechanisms underlying them. The present study was designed to evaluate whether BB or miscellaneous factors (in vitro culture, IVC; and embryo transfer, ET) may affect developmental potential of conceptuses obtained following BB (i.e. pregnancy rate/loss, fetal/placental weight, feto:placenta ratio) and placental epigenetic programming. To this aim, 3-month-old C57 females, naturally mated without hormonal stimulation, were used as donors. At 2.5 days post-coitum (dpc), 8-cell stage embryos were collected and subjected to BB in PBS (without Ca2+/Mg2+) supplemented with 0.4% BSA and antibiotics. Embryos were cultured in KSOM medium in an incubator at 37.5°C and 5% CO2. Two in vitro control groups were used: (1) IVC, embryos cultured in vitro, not subjected to biopsy; (2) ET, blastocysts collected at 3.5 dpc and directly transferred into recipient females. At 3.5 dpc, 10 to 12 blastocysts were transferred into pseudo pregnant females (n ≥ 7/group). An additional control group consisted of naturally conceived pregnancy (n = 8, in vivo control, CTR). At 18.5 dpc, conceptuses were collected and subjected to gross morphological evaluations (n &gt; 20 conceptuses/group). Placentae (n ≥ 4/group) were analysed for 5-methylation and hydroxymethylation content by ELISA assay. Decimal variables were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test, and percentages were analysed with the Fisher exact test. Assessment of development to term revealed reduced survival rate in BB, IVC, and ET v. CTR (45.23, 47.82, 60, and 98.15% respectively; P &lt; 0.05) and increased number of stillborn/congenital anomalies in BB v. CTR fetuses (9.5 v. 1.5%; P &lt; 0.05). Gross morphological observations displayed increased placental weight in BB, IVC, ET v. CTR (0.15, 0.17, 0.16 and 0.11 g, respectively; P &lt; 0.0001) and reduced fetal weight in BB v. IVC, ET, and CTR groups (0.88, 1.09, 1.16, and 1.15 g, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). Also, a significant reduction of feto:placenta ratio was detected in BB, IVC, ET v. CTR (5.9, 6.3, 8.1 v. 10.4; P &lt; 0.05). The ELISA assays on placentae revealed significant reduction of 5-methylcytosine content in BB v. CTR (22.24 v. 33.55%; P &lt; 0.05) but no differences in hydroxymethylcytosine. Altogether, our results showed that BB is associated with impaired development to term (reduced fetal weight, increased risk of perinatal mortality, and congenital anomalies) and hypomethylation in full-term placentae. Thus, our preliminary study suggests that BB, rather than IVC and ET, to be a factor of risk for proper development in utero through perturbation of developmental epigenetic programming. Further analysis will be necessary to better characterise the epigenetic profile in both fetuses and placentae obtained following BB.

비파 잎 추출물이 에탄올을 투여한 흰쥐의 간 손상 지표의 개선효과

This study was performed to determine the hepatoprotective effects of ethanol extract of loquat leaf (LL) on alcohol-induced liver damage in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=32) were divided into the following four groups: normal group (NOR), ethanol administrated group (ET), ethanol plus LL 200 ㎎/㎏ BW/day administrated group (ET-LLL), and ethanol plus LL 400 ㎎/㎏ Bw/day administrated group (ET-LLH). Body weight gain and food intake of the ET group were significantly reduced compared to those of the ET-LLL and ET-LLH groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities elevated by ethanol administration were significantly reduced by LL administration. Serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) contents and hepatic TG and TC contents of the ET group were significantly elevated compared to those of the NOR group. However, TG and TC contents in the serum and liver were significantly reduced in the ET-LLH group. Hepatic glutathione (GSH) contents of the ET-LLL and ET-LLH groups were significantly elevated, and hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) contents were reduced compared to that of the ET group. Taken together, these results suggest that LL may have a possible protective effect on the improvement of hepatic injury by ethanol administration.

Effects of chronic endurance exercise training on serum 25(OH)D concentrations in elderly Japanese men.

Higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are positively related to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations; however, the response of 25(OH)D concentrations to chronic endurance exercise training is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate whether serum 25(OH)D concentrations were directly increased by 5 weeks of endurance exercise training and influenced by changes in body fat in elderly men. Twenty elderly Japanese men were randomized to either the 5-week endurance exercise training group (ET group; N = 10) or the sedentary control group (SC group; N = 10). Fasting blood samples were collected to determine serum 25(OH)D and other blood parameters. The visceral fat area and hepatic fat content were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. After 5 weeks of endurance exercise training, the levels of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were significantly increased from 23.3 at baseline to 28.1 mL/kg/min at the endpoint for the ET group; levels were unchanged for the SC group. A significant seasonal reduction in serum 25(OH)D concentrations was observed in the SC group (P < 0.05), while no change was found in the ET group. The results may be partly attributed to the slight decrease in intrahepatic fat in the ET group. No changes were observed in percent body fat or visceral fat area. The results of our study suggest that 5 weeks of endurance training could inhibit the seasonal reduction in serum 25(OH)D concentrations without changes in body fat.

PROGRANULIN: IS IT A NEW ADIPOCYTOKINE AT THE CROSSROADS OF OBESITY, METABOLIC SYNDROME AND CANCER?

Progranulin (PGRN) stimulates the proliferation and survival of several cancer cell types. Obesity increases the risk for metabolic as well as cardiovascular diseases, and is linked to an increased incidence and aggressiveness of various cancers. Prepubertal morbid obese (MO) children and those with metabolic syndrome (MetS)(MO+MetS)were included in our studies. World Health Organization age- and sex-dependent body mass index percentile tables were used for the classification of obesity. MetS criteria were defined. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure values, lipid and glucose metabolism–related parameters, obesity-related adipocytokines were determined. Statistical evaluations were performed. Our studies have pointed out an increasing trend going from MO towards MO+MetS group in terms of PGRN. Elevated PGRN can contribute to tumour microenvironment, stimulate growth, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Children with MetS have the tendency of developing chronic diseases such as cancer in their future lives. Obesity, a major public health problem, increases the risks for many severe chronic diseases. Elevated PGRN levels may promote tumor growth, serve as a potential clinical biomarker in cancer and be associated with the increased cancer risk in children with MetS. As a new molecule, PGRN may provide a new intervention target for molecular treatment options.