Fatty Acid-binding Protein Content Research Articles

The renoprotective effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin on adenine-induced kidney disease in rats

We assessed the effect of treatment with the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, on adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Six equal groups of rats were given either normal food or food mixed with adenine (0.25% w/w for five weeks) to induce CKD. Some of these groups were also simultaneously treated with sitagliptin (2.5 and 10 mg/kg/day, by gavage). Rats given adenine showed elevation of blood pressure, decreased body weight and increased relative kidney weight. Adenine also significantly increased plasma urea, creatinine, cystatin C, liver-type fatty acid–binding protein concentrations and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin activity by 404%, 354%, 667%, 91% and 281% respectively and reduced plasma α-Klotho by 50%. In addition, adenine significantly increased albumin/creatinine ratio and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activity by 3553% and 400% respectively and reduced creatinine clearance by 91%. Adenine feeding also significantly elevated the plasma concentration of inflammatory cytokines (plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and transforming growth factor beta-1) and significantly reduced antioxidant indices (catalase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase). Histopathologically, adenine caused renal fibrosis, inflammation and atrophy. When given concomitantly with adenine, sitagliptin ameliorated all the measured adenine-induced physiological and biochemical changes but not the histopathological changes. Sitagliptin (10 mg/kg/day) reduced plasma urea and creatinine by 32% and 25% respectively and increased creatinine clearance by 248%. These findings suggest a renoprotective action of sitagliptin on adenine-induced CKD.

Microbial translocation and T cell activation are modified by direct-acting antiviral therapy in HCV-infected patients.

Microbial translocation from the gut lumen has been involved in the pathogenesis of liver damage in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. To investigate the impact of direct-acting antiviral treatment on microbial translocation and T-cell activation, in patients with hepatitis C-related liver disease. We enrolled two groups of HCV-infected patients undergoing direct-acting antiviral treatment: patients with fibrosis ≥F3 according to Metavir (Group ≥F3); patients with hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation and Metavir ≥F2 (Group Liver Transplantation + ≥F2). All patients were treated with direct-acting antivirals based on ongoing guidelines. Surrogate biomarkers of microbial translocation (plasma concentrations of soluble-CD14, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein) were evaluated at baseline, at first month, at the end of treatment and 3 months later. T-cell activation was measured by expression of CD38+ HLA-DR at the same time points, only in Group ≥F3. There were 32 patients in Group ≥F3 and 13 in Group LT + ≥F2. At baseline, levels of soluble-CD14 and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein were significantly higher in both groups vs healthy controls. Baseline soluble-CD14 correlated with glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (r=0.384, P=0.009) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (r=0.293, P=0.05). A significant decrease in plasma levels of surrogate microbial translocation biomarkers was observed during and after treatment in the two groups although values were not normalised. In Group ≥F3, CD38+ HLADR+ T-cell expression was significantly decreased by direct-acting antiviral treatment. Relapsers (9%) showed higher soluble-CD14 levels at baseline. Surrogate microbial translocation markers and T cell activation are increased in HCV-infected patients with liver fibrosis and decrease during direct-acting antiviral treatment.

Circulating Adipocyte Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Concentrations Predict Multiple Mortality Outcomes among Men and Women with Diabetes.

Raised circulating adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP) concentrations are associated with various adverse health conditions. However, their relationship with mortality remains to be defined, especially in view of the sexual dimorphism of circulating AFABP concentrations. Here we investigated prospectively whether serum AFABP concentrations predict multiple mortality outcomes in men and women alike, using a large clinic-based cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes, a condition with raised AFABP concentrations. Baseline serum AFABP concentrations were measured in 5305 research participants with a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich immunoassay. The role of circulating AFABP concentrations in predicting mortality outcomes was evaluated by multivariable Cox regression analysis. Among the 5305 participants (59% men) in this study, over a median follow-up of 5 years, there were 512 deaths (19.3 deaths per 1000 person-years). Circulating AFABP concentrations, with higher levels in women at baseline, predicted all-cause mortality (P < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.037), and infection-related deaths (P < 0.002) among all participants. In sex-specific analyses, circulating AFABP concentration was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in both men and women and a predictor of cancer-related deaths and infection-related deaths in men only. Furthermore, the addition of serum AFABP concentrations improved the time-dependent c statistics in predicting all-cause mortality in participants with type 2 diabetes (P = 0.008). Circulating AFABP concentration was an independent predictor of various mortality outcomes in type 2 diabetes over and above known risk factors of reduced survival in men and women. The role of AFABP as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target warrants further investigation.

Effect of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.

Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that is currently available for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study investigated the effect of canagliflozin on cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 6). The first and second groups received normal saline (control) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) cisplatin (20mg/kg) on day 7, respectively. The third and fourth groups were given a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of CP (20mg/kg) on day 7 and canagliflozin (10mg/kg/day) and (30mg/kg/day), for 10days, respectively. At day 11, animals were anesthetized and blood collected and kidneys were removed. CP significantly increased the plasma urea, creatinine, cystatin C, and clusterin concentrations and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) activity. In addition, CP increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity, and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) concentrations and reduced creatinine clearance. CP also significantly increased the plasma concentration of inflammatory cytokines [plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)] and significantly reduced antioxidant indices [catalase, glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)]. Histopathologically, CP caused a remarkable renal damage compared with control. Canagliflozin significantly ameliorated CP-induced biochemical and histopathological changes. The protective effect of canagliflozin is most likely due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Our results show that administration of canagliflozin reversed the biochemical and histopathological indices of CP-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.

Persistently elevated plasma heart-type fatty acid binding protein concentration is related with poor outcome in acute decompensated heart failure patients

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to determine clinical and prognostic role of repeated heart-type fatty acid binding protein (hFABP) measurements in acute decompensated HF (ADHF) patients. MethodsIn seventy-seven ADHF patients (III and IV NYHA class, mean age 70 ± 12.7 years, mean left ventricle ejection fraction [LVEF] 29.73 ± 13.3%) plasma hFABPs concentrations (SunRed Biological Technology) were measured twice − on admission and at discharge (mean time of hospitalization 10.7 ± 4.9 days). Combined end point (CEP), assessed after mean 9.2 ± 7.3 months, was defined as death or the need of HF re-hospitalization. ResultsMedian hFABP concentration on admission was significantly lower than at discharge. hFABP concentrations on admission significantly correlated with echocardiographic parameters of LV remodeling. Among fifty-six patients (72.7%) who reached CEP, significantly higher admission and discharge hFABP concentrations were found. Patients with plasma discharge hFABP concentrations higher than 7.8 ng/mL were at higher risk of CEP (log-rank test, p = 0.01). Logistic stepwise regression analysis revealed discharge hFABP, LVEF and left ventricle mass index independent and significant predictors of CEP (p < 0.05). ConclusionsIn ADHF patients plasma hFABP admission concentrations are related with LV remodeling. Persistently elevated hFABP concentrations have prognostic value, as may reflect continuous myocardial damage despite effective treatment and clinical improvement.

Prematurity reduces citrulline-arginine-nitric oxide production and precedes the onset of necrotizing enterocolitis in piglets.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with low plasma arginine and vascular dysfunction. It is not clear whether low intestinal citrulline production, the precursor for arginine synthesis, occurs before and thus predisposes to NEC or if it results from tissue damage. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that whole body rates of citrulline, arginine, and nitric oxide synthesis are low in premature pigs and that they precede NEC. Piglets delivered by cesarean section at 103 days [preterm (PT)], 110 days [near-term (NT)], or 114 days [full-term (FT)] of gestation were given total parenteral nutrition and after 2 days orogastrically fed infant formula for 42 h to induce NEC. Citrulline and arginine fluxes were determined before and during the feeding protocol. Gross macroscopic and histological NEC scores and plasma fatty acid binding protein (iFABP) concentration were determined as indicators of NEC. Intestinal gene expression for enzymes of the arginine pathway were quantitated. A lower ( P < 0.05) survival rate was observed for PT (8/27) than for NT (9/9) and FT pigs (11/11). PT pigs had higher macroscopic gross ( P < 0.05) and histological NEC ( P < 0.05) scores and iFABP concentration ( P < 0.05) than pigs of more advanced gestational age. PT pigs had lower citrulline production and arginine fluxes ( P < 0.05) throughout and a reduced gene expression in genes of the citrulline-arginine pathway. In summary, intestinal enzyme expression and whole body citrulline and arginine fluxes were reduced in PT pigs compared with animals of more advance gestational age and preceded the development of NEC. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Arginine supplementation prevents necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common gastrointestinal emergency of prematurity. Citrulline (precursor for arginine) production is reduced during NEC, and this is believed to be a consequence of intestinal damage. In a swine model of NEC, we show that intestinal gene expression of the enzymes for citrulline production and whole body citrulline and arginine fluxes are reduced and precede the onset of NEC in premature pigs. Reduced citrulline production during prematurity may be a predisposition to NEC.

Perioperative heart-type fatty acid binding protein concentration cutoffs for the identification of severe acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Perioperative heart-type fatty acid binding protein concentration cutoffs for the identification of severe acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF INTESTINAL FATTY ACID-BINDING PROTEIN (I-FABP) IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS

Introduction. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by loss of gut wall integrity. Fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) in blood serum allows to isolate infants in the early stages of the NEC and correlates with the severity of the disease. This protein is involved in the transport of polar lipids, such as fatty acids from the lumen of the small intestine.Aim of work: to determine diagnostic value of fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) in blood serum in preterm children with necrotizing enterocolitis.Materials and methods. Under supervision there were 67 preterm children with NEC. The children were divided into groups depending on the severity of the NEC. Prior to the first group were involved 20 preterm infants with the NEC of IA and IB stage, and to the second group were involved 30 premature infants from the NEC of IIA and IIB stage and to the third group were involved 7 preterm infants with NEC of IIIA stage. The control group comprised 10 preterm infants without NEC. The content of the protein bound to fatty acids, the intestinal form (I-FABP) in serum was determined by the immunoassay method of the Human I-FABP (Hycult Biotech, Netherlands) kit according to the manufacturer's instructions.Results and discussion. Children of the III group had significantly lower body mass (p&lt;0.05) and gestational period at birth than children of the control group.All children with NEC involved in the study had an increase in the serum I-FABP content. Thus, in the I group, the I-FABP content was 796,0 [579-961] pg/ml, in group II - 1031,0 [873-1630] pg/ml, in group IІІ - 1698,0 [1598-2953] pg/ml, which significantly exceeded the value of I-FABP in control group children - 269,5 [252-289] pg/ml (p&lt;0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in I-FABP content in preterm infants with NEC, depending on the severity of the disease, the higher the stage, the higher the I-FABP content (p&lt;0.05). Diagnostic value of I-FABP in blood serum of prematurely born children with necrotizing enterocolitis, depending on severity, determined by ROC analysis. The most diagnostic value of I-FABP is for the diagnosis of NEC grade III. I-FABP ≥ 1484.0 pg/ml allows to identify NEC of III stage in preterm children with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 82.0%. The area under the curve (AUC) is 0.880 [95% CI 0.784-0.976], which indicates a high diagnostic value of the model.Conclusions. The heavier course of NEC is associated with lower body weight (p&lt;0.05) and lower gestational age. In all children who were born prematurely with necrotizing enterocolitis, the content of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) in serum was elevated. The highest level of I-FABP (1698,0 [1598-2953] pg/ml) was observed in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis of the third stage (p&lt;0.05). The I-FABP index ≥1484.0 pg/ml allows to identify preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis of III stage with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 82.0%, the area under the curve 0.880 [95% CI 0.784-0.976], which confirms the results of the ROC analysis.

The effects of rapid hypothermia induced via esophagus on intestinal mucous injury in early stage after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a swine model of cardiac arrest

Objective To investigate the effects of rapid hypothermia induced via esophagus on intestinal mucous injury in early stage after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a swine model of cardiac arrest. Methods Twenty-seven male domestic pigs weighing (36±2)kg were utilized. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups (n= 9 in each): normothermia group (NT group), surface cooling group (SC group), and esophageal cooling group (EC group). The pig model was established by 8 mins of untreated ventricular fibrillation and then 5 mins of CPR. At 5 mins after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), therapeutic hypothermia was applied by either an esophageal cooling device in the EC group or a surface cooling blanket in the SC group to reach a targeted temperature of 33 ℃ maintained for 24 h after ROSC, and then followed by warming up in a rate of 1℃/hr for 5 hrs. A normal temperature of (38.0±0.5)℃ was maintained throughout the experiment in the NT group. The core temperature was continuously monitored during a period of 30 h after ROSC. At 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 30 h after ROSC, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) content and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in serum were measured by ELISA. At 30 h after ROSC, the pigs were sacrificed, and then intestinal tissue was rapidly obtained for the determination of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) contents by ELISA, cell apoptosis by TUNEL, and caspase-3 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results The rate of temperature decrease was 2.8 ℃/h and the time required for target temperature was 102 min in the EC group, while the rate of temperature decrease was 1.5 ℃/h and the time consumed for target temperature was 185 mins in the SC group, which suggested the efficacy of cooling was significantly better in the EC group than that in the SC group (both P<0.05). Compared with the NT group, serum IFABP content and DAO activity were significantly decreased at 3 hrs after ROSC in the EC group and at 6 hrs after ROSC in the SC group. Compared with the SC group, serum IFABP content at 6 hrs after ROSC and DAO activity at 12 h after ROSC were significantly decreased in the EC group IFABP (pg/mL): (710±32) vs.(777±52) at 6 h, (870±49) vs. (960±64) at 12 h, (1 022±65)vs. (1 143±63) at 24 h, (882±71) vs. (1 006±45) at 30 h DAO (U/mL): (39.9±1.9) vs. (43.4±3.2) at 12 h, (30.6±2.4) vs.(34.0±3.1) at 24 h, (26.1±2.7) vs. (29.4±2.2) at 30 h, all P<0.05. In the intestinal tissue, TNF-α and IL-6 contents were significantly reduced, and cell apoptosis index and caspase-3 expression were significantly decreased in the SC and EC groups compared with the NT group. Additionally, inflammatory response and cell apoptosis in intestinal tissue were further significantly lesser in the EC group compared with the SC group TNF-α(pg/mL): (721±94) vs. (922±125); IL-6(pg/mL): (454±69) vs. (697±132); Apoptotic index(%): (6.2±2.6)vs.(12.8±3.0); caspase-3 expression (IOD): (8.9±1.6) vs. (15.9±1.9), all P<0.05. Conclusions In a swine model of cardiac arrest, rapid hypothermia could be successfully induced via esophagus and consequently produced a greater protective effect on post-resuscitation intestinal injury compared with the conventional surface cooling. The protective mechanisms are associated with the inhibition of inflammatory response and cell apoptosis. Key words: Cardiac arrest; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Therapeutic hypothermia; Surface cooling; Esophageal cooling; Intestinal mucous injury; Inflammatory response; Cell apoptosis

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium in well water, rice, and human urine in Sri Lanka in relation to chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology.

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is spreading gradually in Sri Lanka. In the current research, 1,435 well water samples from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, 91 rice samples, and 84 human urine samples from both CKDu-endemic and non-endemic areas in Sri Lanka were analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium to detect whether toxic elements could be a cause of CKDu. The liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) concentration and arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium concentrations of the urine samples were analyzed to determine the relation of L-FABP with arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium. High concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium were not detected in the well water samples from CKDu-endemic areas. Arsenic, cadmium, and lead contents in the rice samples from both CKDu-endemic and non-endemic areas were well below the Codex standard. There were no relationships between the L-FABP concentration and concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium in urine. In addition, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium concentrations in human urine samples from CKDu-endemic areas were not significantly different from those from non-endemic areas. These findings indicated that arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium could not cause CKDu.

The Impact of Mild Heat Stress During Prolonged Running On Gastrointestinal Integrity, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Systemic Endotoxin and Cytokine Profiles.

The study aimed to determine the effects of mild exertional heat stress on intestinal injury, permeability, gastrointestinal symptoms, and systemic endotoxin and cytokine responses. Ten endurance runners completed 2 h of running at 60% V̇O2max in warm (WARM: 30°C) and temperate (TEMP: 22°C) ambient conditions. Rectal temperature (Tre) and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded every 10 min during exercise. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-exercise, and during recovery to determine plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and cortisol concentrations, and systemic endotoxin and inflammatory cytokine profiles. Urinary lactulose:L-rhamnose ratio (L/R) was used to measure small intestine permeability. Compared with TEMP, WARM significantly increased Tre from 50 min onwards (38.1±0.3°C vs. 38.4±0.5°C, respectively; p<0.01), gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.017), post-exercise plasma cortisol (26% vs. 59%, respectively; p<0.001) and I-FABP (127% vs. 184%, respectively; p<0.001) concentrations. Circulatory anti-endotoxin antibodies increased post-exercise (p<0.001) on WARM (20%) and TEMP (28%). No differences were observed for plasma endotoxin concentration (6% vs. 5% increase, respectively) or small intestine permeability (L/R 0.026±0.010 and 0.025±0.015, respectively). Both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines increased post-exercise, with inflammatory response cytokines TNF-α (p=0.015) and IL-8 (p=0.044), and compensatory anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 (p=0.065), and IL-1ra higher on WARM than TEMP. Findings suggest that exposure to warm ambient conditions during prolonged submaximal running induces transient intestinal epithelial injury, increases gastrointestinal symptoms, and promotes greater perturbations to the systemic cytokine profile compared to running in temperate conditions.

Changes of Plasma FABP4, CRP, Leptin, and Chemerin Levels in relation to Different Dietary Patterns and Duodenal‐Jejunal Omega Switch Surgery in Sprague–Dawley Rats

Background Pathophysiological links between inflammation, obesity, and adipokines can be used for the treatment of metabolic dysregulation. Aims To examine the influence of duodenal-jejunal omega switch surgery in combination with different diet patterns on plasma concentrations of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, and chemerin. Methods After 8 weeks on a high-fat diet (HF) or control diet (CD), rats underwent surgery. Duodenal-jejunal omega switch (DJOS) with an exclusion of one-third of intestinal length and SHAM surgery were performed. For the next 8 weeks, 50% of DJOS/SHAM animals were kept on the same diet as before (HF/DJOS/HF, HF/SHAM/HF, CD/DJOS/CD, and CD/SHAM/CD), and 50% had a changed diet (HF/DJOS/CD, HF/SHAM/CD, CD/DJOS/HF, and CD/SHAM/HF). FABP4, CRP, leptin, and chemerin were assessed using ELISA kits. Results FABP4: significant differences between DJOS and SHAM were observed in animals maintained on CD/CD; CRP: varied between DJOS and SHAM groups maintained on HF/HF, CD/CD, and CD/HF; leptin and chemerin levels: DJOS lowered leptin and chemerin plasma levels versus SHAM, while HF/HF, CD/HF, and HF/CD significantly increased leptin and chemerin plasma levels when compared to CD/CD. Conclusions The beneficial effect of DJOS surgery is stronger than proinflammatory conditions caused by an HF obesogenic diet.

Serum concentrations of fatty acid-binding protein 4 in Chinese children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to test the serum concentrations of fatty acid-binding protein 4(FABP4) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to determine the relationship between patients with good and poor glycaemic control who were classified according to their glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. MethodsChildren with T1DM were selected consecutively from our department from May 2016 to May 2017. For comparison, the same non-diabetic, age, sex, BMI and pubertal stage-matched healthy children were selected consecutively among non-diabetic children. Serum levels of FABP4 were batch analyzed using a commercially available ELISA assay. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their glycaemic control (Poor glycaemic control is HbA1c>7.0% and good is ≤7.0%). ResultsIn this study, 118 children with T1DM and 118 control cases were included. The mean serum FABP4 concentrations were significantly (P<.001) higher in T1DM as compared to controls. There was a modest correlation between serum concentrations of FABP4 and duration of diabetes (r=0.484, P<.001). Fifty-two patients were defined as poor glycaemic control (HbA1c>7.0%). The mean serum FABP4 concentrations were significantly (P=.002) higher in the poor glycaemic control as compared to the good glycaemic control. After adjusting for all other predictors, FABP4 remained an independent poor glycaemic control indictor with an adjusted OR of 1.07 (95% CI, 1.01–1.13; P=.03). ConclusionsThe present results indicated that FABP4 concentrations were increased and independently associated with the poor glycaemic control in Chinese children with T1DM.

First-Trimester Serum Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 and Subsequent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

To examine whether plasma fatty acid-binding protein 4 concentrations, measured in the first trimester, are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted at three maternity centers in two cities (Harbin and Beijing) in China from July 2015 to June 2016. Data for fasting plasma glucose and fatty acid-binding protein 4 concentrations in the first trimester and one-step GDM screening with a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation were collected and analyzed. Plasma from women in the first trimester was available for 1,150 women, of whom 135 (11.7%) developed GDM. The GDM distribution across the fatty acid-binding protein 4 quartiles ranged from 3.8% (first quartile) to 21.6% (fourth quartile). In multivariate models comparing the second (quartile 2), third, and fourth quartiles against the first quartile of fatty acid-binding protein 4, concentrations of fatty acid-binding protein 4 in quartile 2, quartile 3, and quartile 4 were associated with the development of GDM with respective associated adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) of 1.76 (1.21-2.58), 2.36 (1.55-4.29), and 3.57 (1.99-6.11). A significant difference in the area under receiver operating characteristic curve between established risk factors alone and the addition of fatty acid-binding protein 4 concentrations was observed (difference 0.042 [95% CI 0.028-0.055]; P=.03). Higher fatty acid-binding protein 4 concentrations in the first trimester visit were associated with increased risk of GDM and might be useful in identifying women at risk for GDM for early prevention strategies.

Glutamine supplementation reduces markers of intestinal permeability during running in the heat in a dose-dependent manner

PurposeTo examine the dose–response effects of acute glutamine supplementation on markers of gastrointestinal (GI) permeability, damage and, secondary, subjective symptoms of GI discomfort in response to running in the heat.MethodsTen recreationally active males completed a total of four exercise trials; a placebo trial and three glutamine trials at 0.25, 0.5 and 0.9 g kg−1 of fat-free mass (FFM) consumed 2 h before exercise. Each exercise trial consisted of a 60-min treadmill run at 70% of dot {V}{{text{O}}_{{text{2max}}}} in an environmental chamber set at 30 °C. GI permeability was measured using ratio of lactulose to rhamnose (L:R) in serum. Plasma glutamine and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) concentrations were determined pre and post exercise. Subjective GI symptoms were assessed 45 min and 24 h post-exercise.ResultsRelative to placebo, L:R was likely lower following 0.25 g kg−1 (mean difference: − 0.023; ± 0.021) and 0.5 g kg−1 (− 0.019; ± 0.019) and very likely following 0.9 g kg− 1 (− 0.034; ± 0.024). GI symptoms were typically low and there was no effect of supplementation.DiscussionAcute oral glutamine consumption attenuates GI permeability relative to placebo even at lower doses of 0.25 g kg−1, although larger doses may be more effective. It remains unclear if this will lead to reductions in GI symptoms. Athletes competing in the heat may, therefore, benefit from acute glutamine supplementation prior to exercise in order to maintain gastrointestinal integrity.

Diagnostic significance of plasma troponin and cardiomyocyte fatty acid-binding protein levels in acute&#x0D; coronary syndrome

Blood serum content of fatty acid-binding (FABP) protein increases within 2-3 h after the onset of acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction (MI) and reaches the maximum 8.5 h after the initiation of cardiomyocyte death. FABP content considerably decreases by the end of at 24-h period due to excretion with urine, remaining elevated for subsequent 24 h. High clinical sensitivity and relatively high organ specificity are typical of FABP for 12 h after ACS. Within the early period of MI clinical specificity of FABP prevails over troponin in terms of concentration. Troponins display higher clinical sensitivity and diagnostic specificity during a 12-h period after ACS, prevailing for several days after MI. Simultaneous measuring of FABP and troponins (Tr) within the first 12 h increases the sensitivity of biochemical diagnostics by 30%. At later periods, simultaneous determination of FABP and Tr becomes unnecessary: FABP is excreted with urine and Tr level acquires predominant diagnostic significance. No relationship has been revealed between blood content of FABP and reperfusion according to electrocardiography data, probably due to rare measurements of this highly dynamic parameter. FABP test cannot be used in patients with circulatory disorders since its results are not adequate. The best option for differential diagnostics of ACS within the first 24 h would be a combined express immunochromatographic test which allows to measure blood FABP and Tr levels pending objective evaluation.

Developmental changes in fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) mRNA expression and intramuscular fat (IMF) content in Oula sheep.

Increasing meat consumption by Chinese people has created a focus for improving meat quality for increasing quality of life. Twenty-five Male Oula sheep were selected at 2, 21, 56, 84, and 112 d to investigate the developmental changes associated with age on the intramuscular fat (IMF) content of heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) mRNA expression in muscle. Longissimus dorsal muscle and biceps femoris muscle were sampled to measure IMF concentrations and total mRNA was extracted to measure H-FABP mRNA expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Growing male Oula sheep demonstrated that the IMF concentrations continuously increased with age and significant differences (P < 0.05) were detected among the age groups; 2. The IMF concentrations among tissues were different; 3. The development changes in H-FABP mRNA expression in longissimus dorsal muscle and biceps femoris muscle were similar with a decrease from 2 to 21 d, followed by continuously increasing concentrations being significant different (P < 0.05) among age groups; 4. The H-FABP mRNA expression in the longissimus dorsal muscle tissue was significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to the biceps femoris muscle; 5. The muscle H-FABP mRNA expression concentration was positively correlated with IMF concentrations from d 21 to 112; 6. The correlation coefficients were significantly (P < 0.01)different between H-FABP gene mRNA expression in the longissimus dorsal muscle and IMF concentration of 0.815 compared to the biceps femoris muscle and IMF concentration of 0.787,which indicated that the H-FABP gene may be affecting the IMF concentrations in the early developmental stages of Oula sheep. These results support the hypothesis that H-FABP gene and its expression in muscle tissue is related to the IMF concentration of meat.

An examination of the factors affecting intestinal wall integrity in newborns at birth

Background: An understanding of the factors that influence intestinal wall integrity during the transition from fetal to neonatal life is important to elucidate and minimize potential contributions to the development of intestinal pathologies in vulnerable newborns.Objective: To assess the factors affecting intestinal wall integrity of late preterm and term newborns at birth.Methods: The concentrations of serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) as biomarker of intestinal wall injury, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) as parameters of oxidative stress, and blood gas analyses were measured in the arterial cord blood of 80 newborns, delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery (labor group) or elective cesarean delivery (non-labor group).Results: Compared with the non-labor group, I-FABP, SOD, and Gpx levels were significantly higher in the labor group. I-FABP concentration was inversely correlated with pH and BE and positively correlated with SOD and Gpx concentrations, second stage of labor duration, and active pushing time.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that oxidative stress at birth and prolonged second stage of labor may lead to the intestinal injury, which is reflected in increased serum concentration of I-FABP.

Enhanced adipogenesis in Mashen pigs compared with Large White pigs

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is critical pork meat quality; however, its content is relatively low in commercial pig breeds. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the difference in intramuscular adipogenesis between Mashen and Large White pigs. 12 male Mashen and Large White piglets (six in each breed) were used, and longissimus dorsi muscle was sampled for analysis. The results showed that back fat thickness (p < .01) and leaf fat weight (p < .05) were increased in Mashen pigs. Moreover, the IMF contents were greater in Mashen pigs (p < .01). With exception of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, mRNA expression of other adipogenic markers, including Zinc finger protein 423 (p < .05), platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (p < .05), CCAAT enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ, p < .05), C/EBPα (p < .05) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ, p < .01) were greater in Mashen pigs; consistently, protein abundance of both C/EBPα (p < .01) and PPARγ (p < .05) were also greater. Both mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) (p < .01) and its activity (p < .05) were elevated in Mashen pigs, whereas no difference of acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity was observed. In addition, protein content of fatty-acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) was elevated in Mashen pigs. The malate dehydrogenase activity was greater (p < .05) and hormone-sensitive lipase activity was lower in Mashen pigs. In summary, IMF content was enhanced in Mashen pigs, which at least partly through enhancing intramuscular adipogenesis.

Relationship between anesthetic factor and intestinal injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a comparison of propofol- versus sevoflurane-based anesthesia

Objective To investigate the relationship between anesthetic factors and intestinal injury in the patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, with New York Heart Association grade Ⅱ or Ⅲ, undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB, were divided into 2 groups(n=45 each) using a random number table: propofol-based anesthesia group (group P) and sevoflurane-based anesthesia group (group S). CPB was established routinely after anesthesia induction.Before induction (T0), immediately after aortic unclamping (T1), at 30 min after aortic unclamping (T2) and at 2 h after discontinuation of CPB (T3), blood samples were collected from the radial artery for determination of the plasma endotoxin, D-lactic acid, diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) concentrations (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations (using radio-immunity method). Results Compared with the baseline at T0, the concentrations of plasma endotoxin, D-lactic acid, DAO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and I-FABP were significantly increased at T1-T3 in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with group P, the concentrations of plasma endotoxin, D-lactic acid, DAO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and I-FABP were significantly decreased at T1-T3 in group S(P<0.05). Conclusion Anesthetic factors are related to intestinal injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB.Compared with propofol-based anesthesia, sevoflurane-based anesthesia is helpful in reducing the inflammatory response and in decreasing the degree of intestinal injury and is more suitable for the cardiac surgery with CPB. Key words: Anesthesia, general; Propofol; Cardiopulmonary bypass; Intestinal mucosa; Wounds and injuries; Sevoflurane