Hyper Groups Research Articles

Effect of hypofibrinolysis on clinical outcomes of patients with septic disseminated intravascular coagulation

BackgroundThis study investigated the utility of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in assessing hypofibrinolysis among septic patients, specifically the association of hypofibrinolysis, as determined by ROTEM, with septic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), organ dysfunction, and clinical outcomes. MethodsThis single-center, retrospective analysis included adult septic patients admitted to Saga University Hospital from 2013 to 2017, with available ROTEM data. Hypofibrinolysis was assessed using the lysis index at 60 min (LI60) in extrinsic thromboelastometry (EXTEM). Based on their LI60 values, patients were classified into three groups: Hyper (LI60 ≤ 85), Normal (LI60 86–96), and Hypo (LI60 ≥ 97). ResultsAmong the 63 cases analyzed, the Hypo group showed significantly higher APACHEII and SOFA scores than the Normal group, indicating greater disease severity. Similarly, DIC and sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) scores were notably higher in the Hypo group. The diagnostic performance of LI60 for ISTH-overt DIC showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.954, with an optimal cutoff value of 97 %, achieving 100 % sensitivity and 83.3 % specificity. The odds ratio for ISTH-overt DIC was 2.894, indicating a strong association between elevated LI60 and occurrence of DIC. Hypofibrinolysis predicted 28-day mortality and high SOFA scores (≥ 10) with high specificity and negative predictive value (NPV). A Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the Hypo Group showed significantly worse clinical outcomes than the Normal and Hyper groups. ConclusionFor septic patients, fibrinolysis suppression presenting as “hypofibrinolysis” (elevated LI60) is associated with poor prognosis and risk of higher organ dysfunction. Moreover, it is a significant predictor of adverse clinical outcomes in sepsis.

Aerodynamic Threshold Measures for Reflecting Glottal Closure in Voice Disorders.

Previous work suggested that phonation threshold pressure (PTP), phonation threshold flow (PTF), and phonation threshold power (PTW) could be effective aerodynamic measures for quantifying glottal incompetence. This study examined how these measures could reflect varying extent of incomplete glottal closure in individuals with voice disorders. Thirty individuals formally diagnosed with glottal incompetence, including 10 with hypofunctional disorders (hypo group) and 20 with hyperfunctional disorders (hyper group), and 30 individuals with normal voice (control group) participated in the study. PTP was measured indirectly by intra-oral pressure during production of bilabial stop consonant-vowel syllables, PTF was measured during the sustained vowel /a/, and PTW was obtained as the product of PTP and PTF. The extent of incomplete glottal closure was quantified by normalized glottal gap (NGG) and normalized glottal gap area (NGGA) based on image analysis of videostroboscopic recordings of sustained /i/. Significant differences in all threshold measures (p < .05) were found among three participant groups with medium-to-large effect sizes (ηp2 = .128-.220), with significantly higher values for the hypo group than the control group and no significant differences between the hyper and control groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the highest diagnostic or classification accuracy contrasting between the hypo and control groups (area under the ROC curve = .717-.757), with the highest classification accuracy for PTW. There were significant, moderate-to-strong positive correlations with NGG and NGGA for the disorders group (Pearson's r = .4244-.6226) and the hypo group (r = .5689-.8949). These measures could be effective for identifying glottal incompetence, especially for hypofunctional disorders. PTW could be more sensitive than PTP and PTF in reflecting the extent of incomplete glottal closure, consistent with theoretical predictions. Their relative sensitivities for quantifying distinct incomplete glottal closures specific to different voice disorders should be evaluated in future studies.

Differences in spinal axial rotation angles during the lumbar-locked rotation test between hyper and normal thoracic rotation groups: A cross-sectional study.

Trunk rotation is important in many sporting activities The thoracic spine has reciprocal relationships with the lumbar and pelvic spines, such that reduced flexibility in the lumbar or thoracic spine can lead to abnormal patterns of trunk movement and pain. However, few studies have investigated the relative trunk rotation mobilities of the thorax, lumbar, and pelvis. To compare thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic rotation angles during the lumbar-locked rotation test between hyper and normal thoracic rotation groups. Thirty-two young, active participants were enrolled in this study. After the attachment of inertial measurement units at the T1, T7, T12, L3, and S2 levels, the participants were required to stand in a comfortable upright posture for 5s to allow postural measurements before performing the lumbar-locked rotation test. The participants were then divided into hyper thoracic rotation and normal thoracic rotation groups based on T1 angle measurements obtained during the lumbar-locked rotation test. The hyper thoracic rotation group had significantly higher thoracic rotation angles on both the right (p< 0.05) and left (p< 0.05) sides compared with the normal thoracic rotation group. Furthermore, we observed flat lumbar lordosis in the hyper thoracic rotation group compared with the normal thoracic rotation group, particularly in the lower lumbar region in standing posture. Our data suggest that evaluations of thoracic mobility should consider relative thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic motions, rather than the T1 angle alone. This study provides a basis for health professionals to evaluate movement dysfunctions associated with thoracic hypermobility.

Association of Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction with Cognitive Impairment in Rats: The Role of Autophagy.

We investigated the effect of subclinical hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism on cognitive function in rats and the role of autophagy in this process. Forty Wistar rats were randomized into normal control (NC), hyperthyroidism (Hyper), hypothyroidism (Hypo), subclinical hyperthyroidism (sHyper), and subclinical hypothyroidism (sHypo) groups. Cognitive function (spatial learning and memory) was tested by the Morris water maze test. Hippocampal histopathology was analyzed by H&E staining, and expression levels of caspase-3 in hippocampal CA1 neurons were measured. In addition, immunoblot analysis was performed to detect hippocampal autophagy-related proteins. Escape latency from day 1 to day 4 was significantly longer in the Hypo, Hyper, and sHyper groups than in the NC group (P < 0.01). In addition, the number of rats crossing the virtual platform was significantly lower in the Hypo, Hyper, and sHyper groups than in the NC group (P < 0.01). Compared with the NC group, all four groups had significantly lower residence time in the target quadrant (P < 0.05). Beclin-1 and LC3-II protein expression in hippocampal tissues was significantly higher in the Hyper and sHyper groups than in the NC group (P < 0.01). Beclin-1 and LC3-II protein expression in hippocampal tissues did not significantly differ between the sHypo group and NC group (P > 0.05). Subclinical thyroid dysfunction in rats might lead to cognitive impairment. Subclinical hyperthyroidism might be associated with excessive activation of autophagy and hippocampal neuron damage and necrosis.

Postmortem Metabolomics of Insulin Intoxications and the Potential Application to Find Hypoglycemia-Related Deaths

Postmortem metabolomics can assist death investigations by characterizing metabolic fingerprints differentiating causes of death. Hypoglycemia-related deaths, including insulin intoxications, are difficult to identify and, thus, presumably underdiagnosed. This investigation aims to differentiate insulin intoxication deaths by metabolomics, and identify a metabolic fingerprint to screen for unknown hypoglycemia-related deaths. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry data were obtained from 19 insulin intoxications (hypo), 19 diabetic comas (hyper), and 38 hangings (control). Screening for potentially unknown hypoglycemia-related deaths was performed using 776 random postmortem cases. Data were processed using XCMS and SIMCA. Multivariate modeling revealed group separations between hypo, hyper, and control groups. A metabolic fingerprint for the hypo group was identified, and analyses revealed significant decreases in 12 acylcarnitines, including nine hydroxylated-acylcarnitines. Screening of random postmortem cases identified 46 cases (5.9%) as potentially hypoglycemia-related, including six with unknown causes of death. Autopsy report review revealed plausible hypoglycemia-cause for five unknown cases. Additionally, two diabetic cases were found, with a metformin intoxication and a suspicious but unverified insulin intoxication, respectively. Further studies are required to expand on the potential of postmortem metabolomics as a tool in hypoglycemia-related death investigations, and the future application of screening for potential insulin intoxications.

RF18 | PSAT166 Hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia during pregnancy are associated with worse maternal and fetal outcomes

Abstract Background Hypercalcemia during pregnancy is rare. The true incidence, however, is difficult to estimate as routine calcium screening is not recommended. Hypercalcemia is linked with various maternal and fetal outcomes but overall, the literature is conflicting. Aims Aim of this study is to determine the frequency of hypercalcemia in pregnancy and to determine association with early maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study included all confirmed gestations with expected date of delivery (EDD) between 2017-2019 at a large tertiary maternity unit. Baseline demographic, biochemical, and clinical data collected as part of a clinical-administrative dataset was retrieved. Maternal and fetal outcomes studied were incidence of fetal loss (miscarriage/stillbirth), pre-term delivery, emergency C-section, hypertension, blood loss during delivery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and fetal birth weight (for term deliveries). Results Total number of gestations and livebirths recorded between 2017-2019 were 33,118 and 20,969, respectively, with median age of 30.1 [IQR 25.6-34.3] years. Two-thirds of pregnancies were in Caucasian women (65.9%) followed by Asians (9.6%), Afro-Caribbean (5%), and others (19.5%). 15.7% (n=5195) of all gestations had calcium tested in the preceding ten months of EDD. Of these, the hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia were noted in 42 (0.81%) and 499 gestations (9.61%) respectively. The median adjusted calcium in the hypercalcemic group was 2.75 mmol/L [IQR 2.65-2.88] and underlying diagnoses were primary hyperparathyroidism (n=17), transient hypercalcemia (n=12), suspected familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (n=2), sarcoidosis (n=1), and unknown (n=10). Of maternal and fetal outcomes, the incidence of pre-term delivery (20.0% v 9.2%; P=0.042), emergency C-section (42.4% v 21.4%; P=0.021), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (19.4% v 8.2%; P=0.024), and blood loss during delivery (1252 v 526 mL; P&amp;lt;0.001) was higher in the hypercalcemic group. The incidence of fetal loss (22.5% v 18.9%; P=0.560) and hypertension (0% v 1%; P =0.561) was not different between hyper and normocalcemic groups. Interestingly, the hypocalcemic group also demonstrated higher incidence of pre-term delivery (24.2% v 9.2%; P=&amp;lt;0.001), emergency C-section (28.6% v 21.4%; P=0.025), NICU admission (15.9% v 8.2%; P&amp;lt;0.001), and blood loss (627 v 526 mL; P&amp;lt;0.001), but not of fetal loss (21.0% v 18.9%; P=0.281) or hypertension (2.2% v 1.0%; P =0.054) compared to the eucalcemic group. Conclusion The incidence of hypercalcemia in pregnancy is low (0.81%). However, abnormal calcium levels are associated with worse maternal and fetal outcomes. Research needs to focus on whether routine calcium estimations are necessary and if treatment of these conditions improves maternal and fetal outcomes. We recommend that calcium testing should be considered in women who are at risk of worse outcomes during current or previous pregnancies. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:54 p.m. - 12:59 p.m.

Interval-valued grey (hyper)group

In this research, we apply the notations of the kernel and relative measure of an interval-valued grey to introduce grey groups (groups are based on interval-valued grey) and grey hypergroups (hypergroups are based on interval-valued grey). The primary method used in this research is based on linear inequalities related to elements of grey (hyper)groups and (hyper)groups. It found a relation between grey hypergroups and grey groups via the fundamental relation and proves that the identity element of any given group plays a main role in the grey groups and show that its measure is greater than or equal to its degree of greyness and less than or equal to its kernel, respectively. We show that any given grey group is a generalization of a group and analyze that interval-valued grey groups are different from the interval-valued fuzzy group.

The role of high serum uric acid levels in androgenic and non-androgenic polycystic ovarian syndrome patients

BackgroundSerum uric acid (SUA) has been found to be an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the reports pertaining to link between uric acid levels among the androgenic, non-androgenic (clinical) PCOS subjects are conflicting. Hence, it was aimed to determine incidence of hyperuricmia and its association among the PCOS subjects. MethodologyA single centre hospital based cross-sectional study conducted in south India PCOS subjects during the March 2021 to August 2021. A total 80 subjects were recruited and were stratified into androgenic and non-androgenic PCOS with each of forty subjects in both groups. The incidence of hyper uricemica was found to be 66.25% (n = 53). ResultsThe mean and SD values of metabolic components such as HbA1C and FPG levels and triglycerides, low density lipoproteins and total cholesterol were showing statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the groups. The circulating sex hormone binding globulins (SHBG) are low in both groups. These levels are significantly low in androgenic PCOS subjects. The Total testosterone (TT), SHBG, HOMA-IR and LDL levels were positively correlated with both hyper and non-hyper uricemic groups and remaining parameters showed negative correlation. ConclusionThe incidence of hyperuricemia is high in PCOS subjects. The TT and SHBG, HOMA-IR and LDL levels were positively correlated with both hyper and non-hyper uricemic groups. HbA1C and FPG and FSI are negatively correlated among the groups.

The effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on placental Hofbauer cells of pregnant rats

ABSTRACT We investigated the effects of maternal thyroid disorders on Hofbauer cells of both the placenta and the fetus in pregnant rats. We divided 21 rats into three groups: control group, induced hypothyroidism (hypo) group and induced hyperthyroidism (hyper) group. Hypothyroidism was induced using propylthiouracil and hyperthyroidism was induced using L-thyroxine. We measured maternal weight, maternal free thyroxine, fetal weight, fetal viability and placental morphology. At the end of the experiment, fetuses of the hypo and hyper groups were less developed than those of the control group. In the hypo and hyper groups, the thickness of the labyrinth zone was decreased, but thickness of the basal zone and decidua basalis was increased. The number of Hofbauer cells was increased in both the hypo and hyper groups. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression was increased in both the hypo and hyper groups compared to controls. Our findings indicate that maternal thyroid disorders exert a negative effect on fetal growth and placental development.

Immunophenotyping of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Septic Shock Patients With High-Dimensional Flow Cytometry Analysis Reveals Two Subgroups With Differential Responses to Immunostimulant Drugs

Sepsis is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. Despite the activation of inflammation, an immune suppression is often observed, predisposing patients to secondary infections. Therapies directed at restoration of immunity may be considered but should be guided by the immune status of the patients. In this paper, we described the use of a high-dimensional flow cytometry (HDCyto) panel to assess the immunophenotype of patients with sepsis. We then isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with septic shock and mimicked a secondary infection by stimulating PBMCs for 4 h in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without prior exposure to either IFN-γ, or LAG-3Ig. We evaluated the response by means of flow cytometry and high-resolution clustering cum differential analysis and compared the results to PBMCs from healthy donors. We observed a heterogeneous immune response in septic patients and identified two major subgroups: one characterized by hypo-responsiveness (Hypo) and another one by hyper-responsiveness (Hyper). Hypo and Hyper groups showed significant differences in the production of cytokines/chemokine and surface human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression in response to LPS stimulation, which were observed across all cell types. When pre-treated with either interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG)-3 recombinant fusion protein (LAG-3Ig) prior to LPS stimulation, cells from the Hypo group were shown to be more responsive to both immunostimulants than cells from the Hyper group. Our results demonstrate the importance of patient stratification based on their immune status prior to any immune therapies. Once sufficiently scaled, this approach may be useful for prescribing the right immune therapy for the right patient at the right time, the key to the success of any therapy.

Role of Central Hypo-enhancement in the Hepatic Arterial Phase of Dynamic Computed Tomography in Patients with Mass-Forming Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

The enhancement pattern in the hepatic arterial phase (HAP) of dynamic computed tomography (CT) is reportedly a prognostic marker in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC). This study was performed to clarify the significance of central hypo-enhancement in the HAP in patients with mass-forming IHCC. Forty patients who had undergone initial surgical resection for mass-forming IHCC were enrolled. The dynamic CT was scanned 40s after contrast agent injection as the HAP. A radiologist classified the patients into three groups based on the vascular pattern: the hyper-enhancement group (Hyper group), rim-enhancement group (Rim group), and hypo-enhancement group (Hypo group). The surgical specimens were immunohistochemically stained for hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). The correlation with clinicopathological findings and HIF-1 expression was investigated. The Hyper, Rim, and Hypo groups comprised 8, 7, and 25 patients, respectively. There were no significant correlations between the groups and clinicopathological factors. Overall survival (OS) was significantly worse in the Hypo than in the Hyper group (p = 0.03). OS was also significantly worse in the Rim + Hypo group (i.e., hypo-enhancement in the central tumor) than in the Hyper group (p = 0.04). Furthermore, inclusion in the Rim + Hypo group was a prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 6.68). High HIF-1 expression in the central part of the tumor was correlated with central hypo-enhancement (Hyper group: 25% and Rim + Hypo group: 72%). Central hypo-enhancement was a prognostic factor in patients with IHCC. The high malignant potential of tumors with central hypo-enhancement might be associated with HIF-1 upregulation.

A study of hematological parameters and their correlation with thyroid hormone status in non-pregnant women of childbearing age

Introduction: Thyroid imbalances and anaemia due to their high prevalence and close interrelationship constitute a good proportion of problems encountered by practitioners, especially in the female reproductive age group. In a developing country it becomes all the more important to study the relationship between the same as correction of the hormonal imbalance may restore the deranged haematological parameters to normal. |Aims and Objectives: To compare the haematological parameters among the various thyroid hormonal statuses (euthyroid hypothyroid and hyperthyroid) in non-pregnant females. Materials and Methods: 50 non pregnant females between ages of 18–45 years newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were taken up for the study. 50 normal age matched females with normal thyroid hormonal levels were taken as controls. The haematological parameters of the three categories were further compared with a p value of Results: There was significant variation in the haematological parameters like Haemoglobin, RBC count, total count highest between the hyper and hypothyroid groups. RDW and AEC was significantly more in hypothyroid groups though within normal limits. No significant variation was seen for MCV indicating the type of anaemia in the hypothyroid group to be of the normocytic type. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction has effect on haematological parameters. Evaluation of anaemia in females must include screening for thyroid dysfunction. Keywords: Anaemia, Hypothyroid, Hyperthyroid, Haematological parameters, Euthyroid.

The effects of estradiol and testosterone on renal tissues oxidative after central injection of angiotensin II in female doca - salt treated rats.

Background Although numerous studies have proven that estrogen (Est) has a protective effect on the development of hypertension, more research needs to be done to show its detailed mechanism in a variety of hypertension. The important role of active oxygen species in blood pressure is well defined. We examined whether or not sex hormones change the growth of reactive oxygen species (ROS) ‎in kidneys after central microinjection of angiotensin II (Ang II).‎ Materials and methods Female Wistar rats, 8 weeks old (200 ± 10 g) were used in this study. The animal groups were (1) Sham, (2) Ovariectomy (OVX), (3) Sham-Hypertension (Sham-Hyper), (4) OVX-Hypertension (OVX-Hyper), (5) Sham-Hyper-Est, (6) OVX-Hyper-Est‎;‎ (7) Sham-Hyper-Testosterone (Tst) and (8) OVX-Hyper-Tst. Solutions of 1% NaCl and 0.1 KCl ‎were used and desoxycorticostrone (doca-salt) was injected (45 mg/kg) 3 times a week in Hypertension groups. Estradiol and Tst (2 mg/kg and ‎5 mg/kg‎; daily; subcutaneously) for 4 weeks. Ang II (50 μM, 5 μL) was microinjected by intracerebroventricular ( i.c.v.) infusion and malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol in the kidneys were measured. Results MDA in the kidneys was increased by Ang II and doca-salt treatments. Both estradiol and Tst decreased the kidney's MDA. The level of thiol was higher in Hyper ‎groups and reversed after treatment with estradiol and Tst. Conclusions Our findings suggest that central effect of Ang II on blood pressure and kidney ‎disease is accompanied with increased levels of oxidative stress in the kidneys. Indeed sex hormones change the ROS level in the kidneys after central ‎microinjection of Ang II.‎‎.

Fourier algebras of hypergroups and central algebras on compact (quantum) groups

This paper concerns the study of regular Fourier hyper groups through multipliers of their associated Fourier algebras. We establish hypergroup analogues of well-known characterizations of group amenability, introduce a notion of weak amenability for hypergroups, and show that every discrete commutative hypergroup is weakly amenable with constant 1. Using similar techniques, we provide a sufficient condition for amenability of hypergroup Fourier algebras, which, as an immediate application, answers one direction of a conjecture of Azimifard-Samei-Spronk (2009) on the amenability of ZL1(G) for compact groups G. In the final section we consider Fourier algebras of hypergroups arising from compact quantum groups G, and in particular establish a completely isometric isomorphism with the center of the quantum group algebra for compact G of Kac type.

Cardiac index by thermodilution or transthoracic echocardiography in dogs at different hemodynamic states

ABSTRACT: Proper monitoring of cardiac index (CI) in critically ill patients requires accurate and minimally invasive methods. The aim of this study was to compare the CI values obtained by thermodilution or echocardiography using different methods in dogs in different hemodynamic states. Nine dogs weighing 19.6±1.3kg were anesthetized with isoflurane at 1.4V% (Baseline) and subjected to mechanical ventilation (MV),a hypodynamic state (Hypo) with isoflurane at 3.5V% and hyperdynamic state (hyper) with dobutamine infusion at 5μgkg-1min-1. CI analysis was performed by thermodilution (TD) and using the modified Simpson's method, aortic velocity-time integral (A-VTI) method and pulmonary VTI (P-VTI) method. We performed Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman analysis. The CI values (Lm-2min-1) of the animals in the Baseline, MV, Hypo and Hyper states were 4.3±1, 3.6±0.7, 2.9±0.66 and 6.1±2, for TD; 2.8±0.7, 2.4±0.3, 1.7±0.7 and 4.4±1.2, for Simpson's method; 3.4±0.9, 3.1±0.7, 2.6±3.4, 6.1±1.8 for A-VTI; and 3.6±0.8, 3.6±0.8, 2.7±0.6 and 6.2±1.5, for P-VTI. The CI values using Simpson's method were lower than those obtained by TD in all states, and it was observed a significant correlation in the Hypo (r=0.89) and Hyper (r=0.76) groups. In addition,the percent error in the Hypo group using Simpson's method was 26% relative to TD, which allowed for the identification of the different hemodynamic states. With respect to the other methods and states, there was no agreement or correlation between the methods and TD. We concluded that none of the tested echocardiography methods exhibited acceptable agreement with thermodilution at different hemodynamic states.

Regulation of glucose transport by thyroid hormone in rat ovary.

Thyroid hormone (TH) plays an important role in regulating ovarian development. However, the mechanism involved remains unclear. Evidence suggests that glucose is essential for ovarian development, and its uptake is mediated by several glucose transporter proteins (Glut). We have investigated the effects of TH on Glut in rat ovary. Immature rats were treated with 6-propyl-2-thiouracil or L-thyroxine to induce hypothyroidism (hypo) or hyperthyroidism (hyper), respectively. Ovarian weights significantly decreased in both treated groups compared with the control group, although the body weights were not markedly altered. Glut1 expression significantly decreased without further changes being detected in the other Glut isforms in the hypo group and was accompanied by minimal change in mRNA content. The expression of Glut1 decreased in the hyper group. In contrast, L-thyroxine significantly increased Glut4 mRNA level and protein content but had little effect on Glut2 and Glut3 expression. Serum glucose concentrations in the hyper group were dramatically reduced compared with those in the control group. However, the serum glucose levels in the hypo group were not significantly changed. In addition, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) increased ovarian weights in both the hypo and hyper groups compared with those in the rats without eCG injection. Glut2-4 protein content was significantly increased by eCG in hyper rats. Only the Glut4 mRNA content was significantly increased by eCG in the hyper group. Although the mRNA levels were not significantly changed by eCG in the hypo group, the protein level of Glut4 was markedly up-regulated. Serum glucose levels were not significantly altered by eCG in the two groups. Thus, dysfunction of the thyroid gland changes Glut expression in rat ovary and ovarian growth, both of which are also regulated by gonadotropin.

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English

Roles of thyroid hormones in follicular development in the ovary of neonatal and immature rats

Thyroid hormones (TH) play a critical role in ovarian follicular development, maturation and the maintenance of various endocrine functions. However, whether TH can affect ovarian follicular development in neonatal and immature rats remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of TH on ovarian follicular development in neonatal and immature rats. Thirty female post-lactation mothers of Sprague-Dawley rat pups were randomly divided into three groups: control, hyperthyroid (hyper), and hypothyroid (hypo). On postnatal days (PND) 10 and 21, body weights, serum hormones, ovarian histologic changes, and immunohistochemistry of thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 (TRα1) and nitric oxide synthase types (NOS), and NOS activities, were determined. The data showed that body weights significantly decreased in both hyper and hypo groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the hyper group had increased serum concentrations of T3, T4, and E2; whereas the hypo group manifested reduced serum concentrations of T3, T4, and E2 on PND 10 and 21. The hyper and hypo groups showed significantly reduced total number of primordial, primary and secondary follicles on PND 10 and 21 compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, antral follicle numbers in the hyper and hypo groups were significantly decreased on PND 21 compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Immunostaining indicated that TRα1 and NOS were expressed in ovarian surface epithelium and oocytes of growing and antral follicles, with strong staining of the granulosa and theca cells of follicles. NOS activities were significantly augmented in the hyper, but diminished in the hypo groups on PND 10 and 21. In summary, our findings suggest that TH play important roles in ovarian functions and in the regulation of NOS activity. Our results also indicate that a relationship exists between the TH and NO signaling pathways during the process of ovarian follicular development in neonatal and immature rats.

The Impact of Blood Pressure on Kidney Function in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Aims: Intensive blood pressure (BP) target decreases blood perfusion of kidneys that attenuates the benefits of BP treatment in elderly hypertensive individuals. The optimal BP goal for renal function in the hypertensive elderly has been unclear. We investigated the impact of BP on renal function to define the appropriate BP target in the elderly. Methods: A total of 28,258 elderly subjects were categorized into normotensive (Norm), hypotensive (Hypo) and hypertensive (Hyper) groups according to BP levels. Systolic, diastolic and pulse BP (SBP, DBP and PBP) were further stratified by 10 mmHg. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal insufficiency prevalence (RIP) and proteinuria prevalence (PP) were compared among different groups and BP strata. The RIP and PP in the elderly with obesity, hyperlipidemia or diabetes in Norm, Hypo and Hyper groups were evaluated. Results: GFR in Hypo and Hyper groups was significantly lower than that in Norm group. The RIP and PP was higher in Hypo and Hyper groups than that in the Norm group. Proteinuria became more prevalent when SBP was >140 mmHg or <90 mmHg. DBP>80mmHg increased PP while DBP<70 mmHg increased RIP. PBP>60 mmHg led to an increased RIP and PP. Obesity or hyperlipidemia only combined with hypertension caused a significantly increased RIP and PP. Diabetes independent of hypertension contributed to higher RIP and PP. Conclusions: The most beneficial BP target for kidney function in the elderly may be SBP of 90-140 mmHg and DBP of 70-80 mmHg. PBP <60 mmHg may be appropriate.

Maternal hyperthyroidism is associated with a decreased incidence of cold-induced ascites in broiler chickens

A hypothesis was tested that providing the breeder hens with exogenous thyroxine (T(4)) would help their offspring to better survive the ascites-inducing condition during the growing period. In total, 132 broiler breeder hens were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: control (CON), hypothyroid [HYPO; 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)-treated], and hyperthyroid (HYPER; T(4)-treated). The hens were artificially inseminated, and the hatching eggs (n = 1,320) were incubated. No eggs in the HYPO group hatched. The 1-d-old male chicks (n = 288) from other groups were reared for 42 d under standard or low ambient temperature to induce ascites. Blood samples were drawn from the hens, embryos, and broilers for determination of T(4) and triiodothyronine (T(3)). The hematocrit was also determined in broilers. The PTU-treated hens had an increased BW along with lower plasma T(3) and T(4) concentrations. Plasma T(4) was higher in the HYPER hens compared with CON hens, but T(3) concentration was not different between these groups. The fertility rate was not affected by either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. The embryos in the HYPO group had lower plasma T(3) and T(4) concentrations at d 18 of embryonic development and internal pipping. Higher plasma T(4) was recorded in the HYPER birds at internal pipping, although plasma T(3) concentration was not affected at this stage. Maternal hyperthyroidism decreased the overall incidence of ascites in the cold-exposed chickens (10.0 vs. 33.4% for HYPER and CON groups, respectively). Although the effect of maternal PTU or T(4) treatment on plasma thyroid hormones and on the right ventricle-to-total ventricular weight ratio in the broilers was not significant, the cold-exposed healthy CON chicks showed higher hematocrit values, compared with the HYPER birds. It was concluded that maternal hyperthyroidism could decrease the incidence of cold-induced ascites in broiler chickens; however, probable causal mechanisms remain to be elucidated.