Gamma-glutamyl Transferase Concentrations Research Articles

Performance and immune response of steers Nellore finished in feedlot and fed diets containing dry leaves of Baccharis dracunculifolia

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of addition Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves in nature on animal performance, feed intake, ingestive behavior, and blood parameters of Nellore steers finished in feedlot on high-grain diets. A total of 40 Nellore steers, with an average body weight of 412.9 ± 22.0 kg were distributed in individual pens, equipped with automatic drinkers and masonry feeders. The steers were randomly assigned to one of four studied diets, therefore the CONT – basal diet; BAC05 – basal diet and inclusion of B. dracunculifolia leaves in natura (5 g/animal/day); BAC10 – basal diet and inclusion of B. dracunculifolia leaves in natura (10 g/animal/day); and BAC15 – basal diet and inclusion of B. dracunculifolia leaves in natura (15 g/animal/day). The use of plants in nature did not affect final body weight, average daily gain, dry matter intake, or feed efficiency. Neither on ingestive behavior activities and plasma concentrations of urea, creatine, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and creatine kinase no effects were detected between diets. The inclusion of plants in nature in steer’s diet did not negatively impact performance and health. However, further field studies with beef cattle are needed for greater clarification of its effects and dosages.

Distinct clinical phenotypes of congestion in acute heart failure: characteristics, treatment response, and outcomes.

AimsPatients with acute heart failure (AHF) are included into clinical trials regardless of differences in baseline clinical characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess patients with AHF according to the presence of central and/or peripheral congestion at hospital admission and evaluate treatment response and outcomes in studied phenotypes.Methods and resultsWe investigated retrospectively 352 patients (mean age: 68 ± 13 years, 77% men) hospitalized due to AHF with the signs of congestion on admission. Patients were divided according to the type of signs of congestion into three groups: A, isolated pulmonary congestion (n = 52, 15%); B, isolated peripheral congestion (n = 31, 9%); and C, signs of mixed (peripheral and central) congestion (n = 269, 76%). Patients from Group A had lower concentration of urea, bilirubin, and gamma‐glutamyl transferase whereas higher level of haematocrit, albumin, and leukocytes on admission. The highest baseline N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide level (median: 4113 vs. 3634 vs. 6093 pg/mL) and percentage of patients with chronic heart failure (56 vs. 58 vs. 74%; A vs. B. vs. C, respectively, all P < 0.01) were observed in Group C. There were no differences in terms of demographics, co‐morbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction, and applied treatment between studied groups. Patients from Group A had the highest systolic blood pressure on admission (145 ± 37 vs. 122 ± 20 vs. 130 ± 29 mmHg) and the biggest decrease in systolic blood pressure [−22 (−45 to −4) vs. −2 (−13 to 2) vs. −10 (−25 to 0) mmHg] and heart rate [−16 (−35 to −1.5) vs. −1 (−10 to 5) vs. −7 (−20 to 0) b.p.m.] with the lowest weight change [−1.0 (−1.0 to 0) vs. −2.9 (−3.8 to −0.9) vs. −2.0 (−3.0 to −1.0) kg; all P < 0.01] after 48 h of hospitalization. There were differences in short‐term and long‐term outcomes with favourable results in Group A. Group A experienced less frequent in‐hospital heart failure worsening during the first 48 h (4 vs. 23 vs. 7%), had shorter length of hospital stay [6 (5–8) vs. 7 (5–11) vs. 7 (6–11) days], and had lower 1 year all‐cause mortality (12 vs. 28 vs. 29%; all P < 0.05). Presence of peripheral congestion on admission was independent predictor for all‐cause mortality within 1 year [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.68 (1.06–6.79); P = 0.04].ConclusionsPatterns of congestion in AHF are associated with differences in clinical characteristics, treatment response, and outcomes. It needs to be considered once planning clinical trials in AHF.

Inflammatory Correlated Response in Two Lines of Rabbit Selected Divergently for Litter Size Environmental Variability.

Simple SummaryAnimal welfare is a priority objective for the livestock industry. Litter size environmental variability has been related to environmental sensitivity. A divergent selection experiment for environmental variance of litter size variance was carried out successfully in rabbits over thirteen generations. The low line showed a lower inflammatory response and susceptibility to infectious disorders than the high line. In conclusion, the decrease of environmental sensitivity seems to increase the adaptation of the animal to the environment, and thus, its welfare.A divergent selection experiment for environmental variance of litter size variance was carried out in rabbits over thirteen generations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory response in the two lines of the experiment, in order to analyse the effect of selection on susceptibility to diseases after challenging to stressful situations, such as 24 h after the first delivery. A total of 78 females were used in this study, 39 from each line. The line selected for litter size heterogeneity (the high line) showed lower white blood leukocyte count (WBC; −0.87 × 103/µL), lower percentage of basophils (−0.11%), higher concentration of TNF-α (+13.8 pg/mL), and greater concentration of CRP (+38.1 µg/mL) than the line selected for litter size homogeneity (the low line). The high line had also higher concentrations of bilirubin, cholesterol, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to the low line (difference between lines were +0.08 µmol/L, +0.14 µmol/L, +0.35 U/L and +2.4 U/L, respectively). The high line showed higher inflammatory response than the low line, in accordance with a larger susceptibility to infectious disorders. In conclusion, the line selected to increase litter size environmental variability seems to have poor capacity coping with environmental stressors. Therefore, selection for litter size environmental variability can be a useful way to improve animal welfare.

Digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, ingestive behavior and performance of feedlot goats fed high-concentrate diets with palm kernel cake

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of including palm kernel cake (0, 120, 240 or 360 g/kg) in high-concentrate diets for feedlot goats on digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, ingestive behavior and performance. Thirty-two non-pregnant, mixed-breed goats (average age: 1 year; initial body weight: 24.70 ± 3.72 kg) were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design. The intake of nutritional fractions responded quadratically (P<0.05) to dietary inclusion of palm kernel cake, whereas the digestibility coefficients of dry matter (P=0.010) and organic matter (P=0.006) decreased. Fecal (P<0.001) and urinary (P=0.005) excretions of nitrogen also decreased. Plasma gamma glutamyl transferase concentrations decreased (P=0.017), whereas a quadratic response was observed for the serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (P=0.017) and aspartate aminotransferase (P=0.003). Daily weight gain also responded quadratically (P=0.013), with maximum gain estimated at the palm kernel cake inclusion level of 107.7 g/kg. Palm kernel cake inclusion levels of up to 107.7 g/kg are recommended for high-concentrate diets for feedlot goats, as they improve production performance and do not compromise metabolic or behavior parameters.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase variability and risk of dementia: A nationwide study.

Variability in various biomarkers has emerged as a new clinical indicator for diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) has a potential to be involved in the pathogenesis of dementia due to its function as a marker of oxidative stress and atherosclerosis. We investigated the association between baseline GGT, GGT variability, and dementia risk for the first time in a large population. The Korean National Health Insurance Service datasets of claims and preventive health check-ups from 2004 to 2016 were used for this retrospective longitudinal study. The risk of incident dementia (all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia) was analyzed according to sex-specific quartiles of baseline GGT and GGT variability, and groups categorized by baseline GGT and GGT variability in ≥40-year-old individuals without baseline dementia (N = 6 046 442; mean follow-up 6.32 years). During follow-up, 166 851 cases of new dementia developed. The fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident dementia increased in the higher quartiles of baseline GGT and GGT variability (HR [95% CI]: Q2, 1.034 [1.019-1.049]; Q3, 1.090 [1.075-1.105]; Q4, 1.212 [1.196-1.229]). The association between GGT variability quartiles and dementia risk remained significant even after adjusting for log-transformed baseline GGT level. The fully adjusted HRs for dementia was highest in the group with high baseline GGT concentration and the highest GGT variability quartile [HR (95% CI): 1.273 (1.250-1.296)]. Not only baseline GGT level, but also GGT variability may be an independent predictor of dementia, and might be used for risk stratification for future dementia.

Evaluation of metabolic profiles of Saanen goats in the transition period

Healthy Saanen goats (n=30) in periparturient period were used in the present study. Blood samples were collected 21, 14 and 7 days before parturition, at the time of birth and postpartum days 7, 14 and 21. Non-esterifiedfatty acids (NEFA), betahydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), Total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CREA) aspartate amino transferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), glucose (GLU), cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TG), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) levels were evaluated. During the study period, NEFA, SDH, CREA levels increased and CHOL and TG levels decreased at time of parturition. When the changes of parameters in prepartum and postpartum period were compared, the concentrations of NEFA, CHOL, GLU, TG, Ca were higher (p &lt;0.001) in prepartum period;however BHBA, Mg, ALB, GGT, AST, TP, P, BUN, SDH and CREA concentrations were detected to be higher (p &lt;0.001) in postpartum period. Metabolic Profile Test based on biochemical parameters evaluated in our study would be beneficial for diagnosis, prevention and control of diseases such as pregnancy toxemia, hypocalcemia, infertility in goats.

PARAMETERS FOR IDENTIFYING FAILURE OF PASSIVE TRANSFER IN SITATUNGA (TRAGELAPHUS SPEKII )

Failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) leads to increased calf morbidity and mortality and requires intensive, time-sensitive, and often expensive management for nondomestic ruminants. Without species-specific information with which to make informed decisions, neonatal data from domestic ruminants are often extrapolated to nondomestic zoo-housed species. To date, there have been no studies evaluating FPT in sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii). The goal of the present study was to establish parameters to characterize adequate passive transfer in sitatunga calves and compare them to published reference intervals in other species. Medical records of 22 sitatunga calves (12 female, 10 male) were reviewed. Seventeen of these calves were defined as "healthy," having survived at least 60 days without colostrum administration or a plasma transfusion. Calf weight, serum glucose, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein (TP), globulin concentrations, and results of a zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZSTT) were noted where possible. Mean birth weight of healthy calves at 24 hr was 4.5 kg (range: 3.76.5 kg, n = 12). The mean blood glucose in healthy calves was 152 mg/dl (range: 80-182, n = 16), mean serum TP concentration was 5.9 g/dl (range: 4.9-7.5, n = 16), mean serum globulin concentration was 3.3 g/dl (range: 1.7-4.7, n = 17), and mean serum GGT concentration was 466 U/L (range: 91-1901, n = 16). A ZSTT was performed for 10 healthy calves, resulting in four negative ZSTT results despite having no clinical signs of FPT and the calves having been observed nursing before testing. Sitatunga appear to have lower values for normal FPT parameters than those developed for domestic cattle. This study illustrates the difficulty of cross-species comparisons, as even closely related species can vary greatly in biologic parameters.

115-LB: Oral Insulin–Induced Reduction in Liver Fat Content in T2DM Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subsequent nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are leading causes of chronic liver disease, with disease progression directly associated with insulin resistance and T2DM. In light of the common risk factors, pathogenesis and complications with T2DM, direct insulin intervention has been suggested for T2DM patients with NAFLD. Recently, salient metabolic effects of oral insulin have been suggested, owing to first pass metabolism and local insulin availability and concentration in liver fat cells. This pilot study assessed the safety, tolerability and early effects on liver fat content of an oral insulin formulation (ORMD-0801), preprandially administered once-daily (2x8 mg capsules) for 12 consecutive weeks, to 8 T2DM patients with NASH. The 12-week ORMD-0801 treatment proved safe and tolerable in all patients, with no serious or severe adverse events recorded throughout the study period. The 12-week treatment induced a mean -6.9±6.8% reduction in liver fat content (sign test p value: 0.035), as measured by magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). In parallel, concentrations of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGTP), a key marker of chronic hepatitis, were significantly lower after 12 weeks of treatment as compared to baseline (-14.6±13.1 U/L; sign test p value: 0.008), as were fasting insulin levels (-96.5±206.0 pmol/L; sign test p value: 0.035). Taken together, these preliminary observations suggest a palliative effect of oral insulin on NASH in T2DM patients, as shown by reductions in liver fat content and chronic hepatitis. These encouraging findings will require further validation in large-scale, randomized clinical trials. Disclosure M. Kidron: Employee; Self; Oramed Pharmaceuticals. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Oramed Pharmaceuticals. S. Perles: Employee; Spouse/Partner; Haddassah Medical Center. Employee; Self; Oramed Pharmaceuticals. R. Kaloti: None. R. Ghantous: None. S.F. Sandouka: None. Y. Malaabi: None. R. Safadi: None.

The Association Between Liver Function Tests and Some Metabolic Outcomes: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Objectives: Regarding the inconsistent reports on the potential relationship between cardiometabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes, hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and elevated serum levels of liver enzymes, we conducted this study to test this hypothesis. Methods: Men and women aged ≥ 19 years participated in the sixth examination of Tehran Lipid and Glucose study (TLGS) were recruited. Anthropometric and demographic measurements, as well as biochemical tests, were done for all participants. The odds ratio of cardiometabolic disorders in each tertile category of liver function tests (LFTs), including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), ALT/AST ratio, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were estimated using the multivariable logistic regression models. Results: The mean age (± SD) of participants was 48.2 (± 17.1) years, and 42.3% of the participants were men. After adjustment for confounding variables, elevated serum concentrations of ALT, AST, ALT/AST ratio, GGT, and ALP were positively associated with increased chance of develop MetS (OR = 3.80, 95% CI = 2.46 - 5.87 for ALT, OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.04-2.23 for AST, OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 2.05 - 4.63 for ALT/AST ratio, OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.80 - 4.09 for GGT, OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.12 - 2.38 for ALP). Elevated serum concentrations of ALT, ALT/AST ratio, GGT and ALP were also positively associated with risk of diabetes (OR = 4.32, 95% CI = 2.40 - 7.79 for ALT, OR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.92 - 5.61 for ALT/AST ratio, OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.46 - 4.34 for GGT, OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.05 - 2.88 for ALP). Also, increased levels of ALT, GGT and ALP were positively associated with HTN (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.66 - 4.17 for ALT, OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.30 - 3.13 for GGT, and OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.26 - 2.87 for ALP). Moreover, the elevated level of LDH was positively associated with CKD (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.09 - 5.43). Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, LFT could be helpful for the early detection of cardiometabolic disorders.

Wet citrus pulp in finishing diets for feedlot lambs:

Pectin industry generates a citrus pulp residue compounded by peduncle, endocarp, juice vesicles, columella, seeds and tiny fractions of epicarp and mesocarp of citrus fruits, denominated Wet Citrus Pulp (WCP), which has not yet been tested as food for lamb’s nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of partial replacement of ground corn by WCP in high-concentrate diets on the performance and hepatic enzyme concentration of feedlot lambs. Forty-two male lambs (15 Santa Inês and 27 ½ Dorper × Santa Inês), with 24.7 ± 1.5 kg of BW and 60 ± 5 d of age was assigned to a randomized complete block design. Within blocks (n = 14), lambs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 0WCP (control) – diet containing 75.5% ground corn without WCP; 20WCP – diet containing 20% WCP in replacement of ground corn, and 40WCP – diet containing 40% WCP in replacement of ground corn. The experiment lasted 70 days, which was split in 3 experimental periods (14 days of diets’ adaptation and 2 sub-periods of 28 days each). Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS. Orthogonal polynomials for diet response were determined by linear and quadratic effects. There was a quadratic effect for DM, CP, ash, ether extract and NFC intake The highest DM and CP intake was observed for lambs fed 20WCP, however, the control diet increased the ash, ether extract and NFC intake. The increased levels of WCP decreased the ADG and feed efficiency (FE) during the adaptation period, however, did not affect the ADG and FE on periods 1 and 2. Consequently, the increased levels of WCP inclusion decreased linearly the BW. There was no effect of WCP inclusion in diets on Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) concentration. However, there was a linear increase for Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) concentration during the adaptation period, but without difference in other periods. In conclusion, adding up to 40% of WCP in finishing diets for feedlot lambs decrease performance during adaptation period, compromising the final body weight, but without damages effects on liver enzymes.

Role of Gamma Glutamyltransferase and Alkaline Phosphatase Assay in Enzymatic Panel for Hepatobiliary Function in Patients Attending Kibungo Hospital, Rwanda

Background: Liver complications show specific processes like hepatoxicity associated with drugs, primary neoplasm, or hepatotropic virus infections. Different markers based on laboratory testing help to diagnose and monitor liver related conditions. Mostly used tests are classed in a set known as hepatic panel or liver profile mainly consisting of body enzymes.Objective: The objective of the present study was to ascertain the role of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay in enzymatic panel for hepatobiliary function assessment among patients attending Kibungo hospital.Methods: Two hundred twenty-five clients were included in the study. Demographic data were collected from December 2016 to March 2017. Blood sera were also collected and tested for serum GGT and ALP levels. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used in data analysis.Results: Seventy-four point seven per cent of clients had normal GGT whereas 63.1% had normal ALP. The 0.9% of clients comprised low levels of ALP. The means were 53 and 153 U/L for GGT and ALP, respectively. Fifty per cent of alcohol consumers’ population had elevated GGT and ALP. An increase of 69.2 and 61.5% for GGT and ALP, respectively was observed in smokers’ population. The subpopulation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the most with elevated GGT and ALP levels. In HIV population, serum GGT and ALP were raised at 31.1 and 37.8%, respectively. In fact, hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, and HIV patients are clinically considered as immuno-compromised people. Alcohol consumption and smoking were also found to increase GGT and ALP concentrations. In addition, GGT and ALP levels were simultaneously elevated in 19.6% of the clients, indicating the frequency of cholestatic liver disease.Conclusion: Elevated GGT and ALP revealed the occurrence of cholestasis among study participants due to factors that elevate serum GGT and ALP levels as a result of dysfunctional liver conditions. In hospital laboratories, GGT and ALP should always be included in the panel of tests for screening and bio-monitoring liver related conditions in Rwanda.

Distribution of urinary gamma-glutamyltransferase activity in 40- to 74-year-old Japanese women

Urinary gamma-glutamyltransferase (u-γGT) concentration (U/L) and excretion (urinary creatinine-corrected u-γGT; u-γGT/u-Cre, U/g creatinine) are useful markers for kidney disease. However, there is limited information available on u-γGT and u-γGT/u-Cre distribution in the elderly Japanese population. In this study, we investigated the distribution of u-γGT and u-γGT/u-Cre in 113 Japanese women aged 40–74 years. The u-γGT was assessed from spot urine samples (collected from 09:00 to 14:00) spectrophotometrically according to the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry reference measurement procedure using l-γ-glutamyl-3-carboxy-4-nitroanilide as the substrate. The u-Cre was measured enzymatically using creatininase, creatinase, sarcosine oxidase, and peroxidase. None of the participants was diagnosed with any kidney disease. Median u-γGT and u-γGT/u-Cre values (central 95% interval values) were 29.7 (5.3–144.0) U/L and 57.9 (32.9–122.7) U/g creatinine, respectively. The distribution of u-γGT tended to decline with age. There was a statistically significant difference in the u-γGT value between the 40-59- and 60-74-year-old groups. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the u-γGT/u-Cre between each age group. The u-Cre level also declined with age. It is suggested that the decline of u-γGT with aging would be masked by the u-Cre correction.

Peripheral blood markers of sepsis in foals born from mares with experimentally induced ascending placentitis

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal death during the first-week postfoaling. Despite recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in the newborn foal, the non-specific clinical...

A genome-wide association study on liver enzymes in Korean population.

BackgroundAlthough genetic features vary across ethnicities, few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported the genetic determinants of liver enzyme expression. This study was aimed to evaluate the associations of genome-wide single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) with the liver enzymes in a Korean population.MethodsWe performed a GWAS to identify genetic loci influencing liver function, as measured by concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and total bilirubin (BIL) in in Korean study participants.ResultsA total of 6,488 subjects (4,457 in the discovery and 2,031 in the validation set) were included. The mean subject age was 50.0±10.6 years (male, 53.7%). Among a total of 546,738 SNPs tested, rs651007 and rs579459 located in the ABO gene showed strong associations with ALP (P = 1.63×10−8 and 5.61×10−8, respectively [discovery set]; P = 4.08×10−15 and 9.92×10−16, respectively [validation set]). Additionally, rs5751901 and rs2006092, which are located in the GGT1 gene, showed strong associations with GGT (P = 6.44×10−15 and 1.26×10−15, respectively [discovery set]; P = 4.13×10−10 and 5.15×10−11, respectively [validation set]). Among the 13 SNPs that showed genome-wide significance with total bilirubin levels, rs10929302 and rs6742078 showed the most significant association (P = 3.08×10−64 and 2.05×10−62, respectively [discovery set]; P = 1.33×10−116 and 2.24×10−118, respectively [validation set]). No genome-wide significant associations was found for ALT.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that ABO, GGT1 and UGT1A family were associated with ALP, GGT and BIL, respectively in Korean population. These findings differ from reported results in GWAS in European populations in terms of associated genes and locations, suggesting different genetic mechanisms of liver enzyme regulation according to ethnicity.

Effect of the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 gene (PNPLA3) I148M polymorphism on the risk and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndromes: A meta-analysis of paediatric and adolescent individuals.

The effect of the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 gene (PNPLA3) I148M polymorphism on the risk and severity of paediatric and adolescent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains inconclusive. We aimed to estimate the effect of this polymorphism not only on early-onset NAFLD risk and severity but also on metabolic syndromes susceptibility. A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant datasets. The odds ratio of the dichotomic variables and the standardized mean difference of quantitative variables with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the strength of the associations. Twenty-seven studies comprising 10 070 subjects were eligible. The summary effect showed that this polymorphism increased susceptibility to NAFLD development. Furthermore, it also indicated that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was more frequently observed in G allele carriers among paediatric and adolescent NAFLD patients. Moreover, the meta-analysis suggested that the variant was significantly associated with elevated liver damage indexes, including serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase concentrations, and liver fat content. However, the summary estimates for insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and adiposity showed no significant associations. The PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism is associated with elevated early-onset NAFLD risk, severity, and liver damage but not with related metabolic syndromes.

Trilactic glyceride regulates lipid metabolism and improves gut function in piglets.

Glycerol-lactate esters are energy supplements for exercise, but effects of trilactic glyceride (TLG) on intestinal function and hepatic metabolism are unknown. We found that dietary supplementation with 0.5% TLG to weanling piglets decreased plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein and gamma-glutamyl transferase but increased those of D-xylose and high-density lipoprotein. TLG supplementation enhanced mRNA levels for fatty acid synthase (FASN) and SLC27A2 in white adipose tissue; insulin receptor in duodenum; aquaporin-8 in ileum, jejunum and colon; aquaporin-10 in duodenum and ileum; nuclear factor like-2 in jejunum and colon; glutathione S-transferase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 in intestines; and abundances of claudin-1 and occludin proteins. TLG supplementation decreased mRNA levels for: hepatic hormone-sensitive lipase E, lipoprotein lipase, FASN, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3, and SLC27A2; and intestinal lipoprotein lipase, FASN and NADPH oxidase. Furthermore, TLG supplementation enhanced abundances of genus Bifidobacterium, while reducing abundances of family Enterobacteriaceae in ileum, colon and cecum; jejunal caspase-3 protein and diarrhea rate. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with TLG modulated lipid metabolism and alleviated diarrhea by improving intestinal function and regulating intestinal microflora in piglets.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic modified loop cholecystojejunostomy for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice

ObjectiveThis study was performed to summarize our experience and investigate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic modified loop cholecystojejunostomy for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice.MethodsThirteen patients with malignant obstructive jaundice who underwent laparoscopic modified loop cholecystojejunostomy from March 2015 to March 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ characteristics, operation time, postoperative intestinal recovery time, length of hospital stay, postoperative bilirubin level, and complications were analyzed.ResultsThe patients were followed up as outpatients for 2 years. Nine patients with pancreatic head carcinoma, one patient with periampullary carcinoma, and three patients with distal bile duct carcinoma successfully underwent laparoscopic modified loop cholecystojejunostomy. The mean operation time was 176 ± 45 minutes, and the mean length of hospital stay was 9.5 ± 2.8 days. The serum total bilirubin concentration and gamma-glutamyl transferase concentration significantly decreased on postoperative day 7. The median follow-up time was 7 months. No patients developed bile leakage or required a reoperation.ConclusionsLaparoscopic modified loop cholecystojejunostomy is not only safe and minimally invasive, but it is also feasible for patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.

Long bone fractures in cattle: A retrospective study of treatment and outcome in 194 cases

The present retrospective study investigated the localization, cause, treatment and healing of long bone fractures in cattle. Over a period of ten years, medical records of 194 cattle of all ages with a long bone fracture, presented at the Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at LMU Munich, were evaluated. The majority of patients (n = 131, 67.5%) were younger than two weeks of age. Of these, 118 calves sustained the fracture on the day of birth (60.8%). An obstetrical assistance was found in 57.4% (n = 58) of birth-related cases as a fracture cause. The femur was most frequently affected in calves aged up to two weeks (n = 35; 26.7%). The second most frequent fractures occurred in the metacarpus (n = 31; 22.9%) in this age group, followed by metatarsus (n = 28; 21.4%) and tibia (n = 27; 20.6%). Fractures of the antebrachium (n = 9; 6.9%) and the humerus were rare (n = 1; 0.8%). A total of 194 patients were diagnosed with 50 femur fractures (25.8%), 53 metacarpal fractures (27.3%), 43 metatarsal fractures (22.2%), 30 tibial fractures (15.5%), 11 antebrachial fractures (5.7%) and 7 humeral fractures (3.6%). Of the 194 animals, 78 (40.2%) had to be euthanized, 42 of them (53.8%) without treatment. In 150 patients, treatment was initiated, of which 110 patients (73.3%) were dismissed healthy from the clinic. Among the conservative treatment methods were stall rest, casts, casts combined with a U-shaped metal rail (walking casts) and the Thomas splint. Surgical therapy (internal fixation with plates or screws, transfixation pin casts) was used to treat 65 animals (33.5%). While 86.9% (74 out of 85) of the conservatively treated animals left the clinic alive, it were only 58.1% (36 out of 65) animals after surgical treatment. In the newborn calves, colostrum supply had a significant effect on the success of the treatment. If the gamma-glutamyl transferase concentration was below 200IU/L in the calves aged under 4 days, the healing rate was significantly different from the cure rate of sufficiently immunized patients (26.9% (7 out of 26) vs. 65.3% (47 out of 72), P = 0.001).

LBP-10-A structurally engineered fatty acid, icosabutate, rapidly normalises elevated plasma ALTand gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations in a study population at high risk of NAFLD/NASH

LBP-10-A structurally engineered fatty acid, icosabutate, rapidly normalises elevated plasma ALTand gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) concentrations in a study population at high risk of NAFLD/NASH

Conventional and Holter Electrocardiographic Assessment of Dogs Infected Naturally With Acute Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is a disease of worldwide distribution caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis, appearing primarily in hot climates due to the massive prevalence of its vector, the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Previous studies have shown that dogs afflicted by CME in the chronic phase can develop infectious myocarditis, arrhythmias, and alterations in heart rate variability (HRV), but there are few studies correlating cardiac diseases with the acute phase of CME. This study aims at assessing electric cardiac alterations and HRV in the time and frequency domains during the acute phase of CME. This study assessed 22 animals divided into 2 distinct groups: the control group, comprised by 10 healthy dogs, and the sick group, comprised of 12 dogs infected naturally with ehrlichiosis which presented clinical and hematological signs compatible with the acute phase of the disease. The animals underwent conventional and Holter electrocardiographic evaluations, systolic blood pressure measurement, complete blood count and biochemical assays (urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT)). The sick group presented higher activity in the sympathetic nervous system than in the parasympathetic nervous system, manifest as a significant increase in mean heart rate and a reduction in the HRV indexes for the time and frequency domains. The frequency-domain HRV indexes presented sympathetic prevalence during the sleep and vigilance states. Sinus tachycardia was the predominant heart rhythm in 58.33% of the animals. The mean systolic blood pressure diverged between the groups and no significant arrhythmias were observed during monitoring. The serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, AP, ALT, and GGT were within the established reference values for the species. We observed no indication that there was enough time during the acute phase for the disease to evolve in a way that resulted in arrhythmias, as is common in the chronic phase, but we observed that animals in the acute phase already present reduced HRV indexes.