Increased Serum Glucose Concentrations Research Articles

Hydrogen-rich water supplementation improves metabolic profile during peripartum period in Gurcu goats and enhances the health and survival of kids

In this study, the effect of intaking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on the metabolic profile of Gurcu goats during the peripartum period and the survival/growth performance of kids were evaluated. Twenty-three pregnant goats were divided into two groups 21–23 days before the due date. Group 1 (G1, n = 10) was given HRW from day 21 before delivery until day 21 after delivery. Group 2 (G2, n = 13) served as the control. Blood samples were weekly taken from 21 days before delivery until 21 days after delivery. Hydrogen-rich water increased serum glucose concentration on the delivery day more than in G2 (P = 0.016). Hydrogen-rich water decreased serum total cholesterol (P = 0.02) and creatinine (P = 0.05) concentration at delivery. Group effect and time effect were significant in triglyceride (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively) and albumin (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively) concentration. Aspartate transaminase decreased towards the delivery day in G1 (P < 0.05). Serum non-esterified fatty acids concentration was lower in G1 than in G2, but there was no significant differences (P > 0.05). Beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentration an increased in both groups during the prepartum period, although there was no significance (P > 0.05). Hydrogen-rich water did not affect the birth weight and growth performance of the kids (P > 0.05), but it increased their survival rates and overall health, although there was no significance (P > 0.05). In conclusion, HRW may have an impact on the metabolic profiles during the peripartum period and have a positive effect on lipid profiles. Additionally, intaking HRW to goats during the peripartum period may improve the health and survival of kids and reduce their mortality.

Mutated CYP17A1 promotes atherosclerosis and early-onset coronary artery disease

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a multi-factor complex trait and is heritable, especially in early-onset families. However, the genetic factors affecting the susceptibility of early-onset CAD are not fully characterized.MethodsIn the present study, we identified a rare nonsense variant in the CYP17A1 gene from a Chinese Han family with CAD. To validate the effect of this variation on atherosclerosis and early-onset coronary artery disease, we conducted studies on population, cells, and mice.ResultsThe mutation precisely congregated with the clinical syndrome in all the affected family members and was absent in unaffected family members and unrelated controls. Similar to the human phenotype, the CYP17A1-deficient mice present the phenotype of metabolic syndrome with hypertension, increased serum glucose concentration, and presentation of central obesity and fatty liver. Furthermore, CYP17A1 knockout mice or CYP17A1 + ApoE double knockout mice developed more atherosclerotic lesions than wild type (WT) with high fat diary. In cell models, CYP17A1 was found to be involved in glucose metabolism by increasing glucose intake and utilization, through activating IGF1/mTOR/HIF1-α signaling way, which was consistent in CYP17A1 knockout mice with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.ConclusionsThrough our study of cells, mice and humans, we identified CYP17A1 as a key protein participating in the pathophysiology of the atherosclerotic process and the possible mechanism of CYP17A1 C987X mutation induced atherosclerosis and early-onset CAD involving glucose homeostasis regulation was revealed.4TTV6qaEtBhVuN78SSsyWiVideo

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Not Treated with Dialysis.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is observed in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may lead to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between metabolic, nutritional and inflammatory parameters and LVDD in CKD and non-CKD patients. Two groups of patients were recruited to the study: 93 men with CKD and eGFR lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 40 men without kidney function decrease with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to evaluate the diastolic function of the left ventricle. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) was used to measure overhydration and lean body mass. We also measured the serum concentrations of albumin, glucose, haemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c), fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). We observed that elevated serum fibrinogen and glucose concentrations were associated with LVDD independently of CKD status. Serum fibrinogen concentrations increased with the advancement of LVDD. Low albumin concentrations in CKD were related with LVDD. In the control group, lower muscle mass presented as lean tissue index (LTI) and lean tissue mass (LTM), and overhydration were associated with LVDD. In the group of patients without kidney function decrease the OPG concentrations were significantly higher in those with LVDD, and they rose with the advancement of LVDD. Elevated inflammatory parameters, increased serum glucose concentrations and worse nutritional status are the states that may impair the diastolic function of the left ventricle in CKD and non-CKD patients. Serum OPG levels are elevated in patients without kidney function decrease and LVDD and its concentrations rise with the advancement of LVDD.

Utilization of Waste Date Palm Leaves Biomass Ensiled with Malic or Lactic Acids in Diets of Farafra Ewes under Tropical Conditions.

Simple SummaryIn many places and under certain conditions, feeding shrubs and trees such as date palm leaves to goats and sheep is a common practice to reduce feed costs. The main problem with such materials is the low nutritive value. Therefore, improving their nutritive value before feeding can overcome the problem of low nutritive value. Ensiling with organic acids can be used as a good strategy to increase the digestion and intake of date palm leaves and other agricultural byproducts. The inclusion of malic or lactic acid during ensiling can improve the quality of silages, resulting in improved performance (daily gain or milk production) when these materials are fed to ruminants, resulting in increased profitability. This is the first study to evaluate date palm leaves ensiled with malic or lactic acids in the diet of lactating ewes under desert conditions.The aim of the current study was to evaluate the ensiling of date palm leaves (DPL) with organic acids (lactic or malic acid) for 45 day as a feed for lactating ewes under desert conditions. Two weeks before expected parturition, 50 multiparous lactating Farafra ewes (mean ± SD: 2 ± 0.3 parity, 34 ± 1.9 kg bodyweight, 25 ± 2.4 months of age, and 555 ± 13.0 g/day of previous milk production) were equally divided into five treatments in a completely randomized design for 90 day. The ewes in the control treatment were offered a diet composed of a concentrate feed mixture and DPL at 60:40 on a dry matter (DM) basis ensiled without additive. In the other treatments, DPL (ensiled without organic acids) in the control treatment was replaced with DPL ensiled with lactic or malic acid (at 5 g/kg DM) at 50 or 100% levels. Organic acids linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) DPL and total intakes and digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and nonstructural carbohydrates without affecting fiber digestibility. Malic and lactic acid treatment also increased the concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and ammonia-N. Additionally, malic and lactic acid-treated DPL increased serum glucose concentration and total antioxidant capacity. Without affecting daily actual milk production, treatments increased (p < 0.001) the daily production of energy-corrected milk (ECM), fat-corrected milk (FCM), milk energy output, milk contents of fats, and feed efficiency. Organic acid-treated DPL increased (p < 0.05) the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acids and the unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio in milk. It is concluded that feeding DPL ensiled with malic or lactic acid at 20 or 40% of total diet DM increased daily ECM and FCM production, nutrient utilization efficiency, and milk quality. No differences were observed between lactic and malic acid treatment of DPL during ensiling; therefore, both of them are recommended to treat DPL for silage preparation.

Partial Replacement of Concentrate with Olive Cake in Different forms in the Diet of Lactating Barki Ewes Affects the Lactational Performance and Feed Utilization

Abstract The present experiment aimed to evaluate the inclusion of dried olive cake treated or untreated with fibrolytic enzyme, partially replacing concentrates in the diet of ewes. Forty lactating Barki ewes, weighing 37.1 ± 4.0 kg, were assigned into four treatments (n=10) in a complete randomized design for 9 weeks. Ewes were stratified according to parity (2 ± 1 parity) and previous milk production (615 ± 11 g/d). The control diet consisted of concentrates and corn fodder at 60:40, respectively. For the experimental diets, 30% of the concentrates was replaced with dried olive cake (DOC treatment), olive cake silage (SOC treatment) or olive cake silage treated with fibrolytic enzymes (ESOC treatment). Without affecting intake, DOC, SOC and ESOC diets enhanced (P&lt;0.05) dry matter, organic matter and non-structural carbohydrate digestibility; however, ESOC diets increased (P&lt;0.05) neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility. Additionally, DOC, SOC and ESOC diets increased (P&lt;0.05) ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate without affecting ruminal pH and ammonia-N concentration. The ESOC diet increased serum glucose concentration (P=0.019). Both of SOC and ESOC diets increased (P&lt;0.05) daily milk production and energy corrected milk as well as milk fat concentration (P=0.028). All of DOC, SOC and ESOC increased (P&lt;0.05) feed (milk) efficiency compared with the control diet. It is concluded that 30% of concentrates can be replaced with olive cake without negative effects on performance but with better performance when olive cake was ensiled with or without fibrolytic enzymes.

Body development and serum parameters of sprague-dawley rats fed a diet enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat and sugar

Hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diets are often used in obesity research to induce excess weight and dyslipidemia in rats. In this experiment, Sprague-Dawley rats received a hypercaloric diet that was enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat and sugar but hypoproteic and nutrient deficient. The rats’ body development and serum parameters were evaluated. Nine rats were fed a standard diet, while 27 rats were fed a hypercaloric diet prepared by substituting 15% of the standard diet with hydrogenated vegetable fat and 10% with sugar. Feed and water were provided ad libitum for 63 days. Between 35 and 98 days of age, the rats’ naso-anal length, body weight, and Lee index were measured weekly. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were obtained to determine the serum levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and glucose. It was observed that the rats fed the hypercaloric diet containing hydrogenated vegetable fat and sugar exhibited less body development and did not develop either dyslipidemia or obesity although they exhibited increased serum glucose concentration.

Effects of spray-dried bovine plasma protein in milk replacers fed at a high plane of nutrition on performance, intestinal permeability, and morbidity of Holstein calves

Spray-dried plasma protein (SDP) has been shown to improve growth and intestinal function in young calves when included in milk replacers (MR) fed at conventional rates. Use of an SDP and wheat protein blend to replace a portion of whey protein has been shown to perform similarly to using an all-whey protein control MR. However, a trend in the dairy industry is to feed calves for greater rates of growth during the preweaning period. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing amounts of SDP inclusion in MR on growth and health of calves fed at a high plane of nutrition. Young (<7 d) Holstein calves were offered starter and assigned to 1 of 5 MR treatments: an all-milk protein (whey) control MR (0SDP, n = 26) or MR containing 5% SDP (5SDP, n = 20), 7.5% SDP (7.5SDP, n = 14), 10% SDP (10SDP, n = 20), or 12% of an approximate 1:1 SDP plus wheat protein blend (PW, n = 17). All MR were formulated to contain 26% CP and 16% fat and were fed at a maximum rate of 1 kg of powder (as fed) from d 8 to 36. Amounts of MR powder were decreased by 25%/wk from d 37 to weaning at d 57. Thereafter, calves were provided only starter feed until the end of the study at d 63. On d 4, 15, 36, and 57, intestinal permeability was assessed via oral administration of lactulose and d-mannitol followed by analysis of lactulose and mannitol in blood at 60 min after administration. Increasing SDP led to a small linear decrease in MR consumed. There was a tendency for a positive linear relationship between increasing SDP and average daily gain of body weight, and SDP had mixed effects on body frame variables. Increasing SDP tended to increase fecal scores and increased the amount of fluid therapy given. Diet had no effect on intestinal permeability. Increasing SDP led to an increase in serum total cholesterol and serum urea N and tended to have a quadratic effect on serum glucose concentration on d 36. Calves fed PW tended to have increased withers height, increased intestinal permeability on d 36, and an increased likelihood of being medicated for any reason or being medicated for respiratory illness, but growth and health were not different from the control diet otherwise. Feeding PW led to an increase in serum total cholesterol and tended to lead to increased serum glucose concentration on d 36. Results of this study indicate that SDP can be included at up to 10% as fed in the MR of calves fed at a high plane of nutrition (1 kg/d of MR powder, as fed) with improvements in average daily gain. Additionally, a 1:1 SDP plus wheat protein blend can be used at 12% inclusion with no difference in most health and growth parameters.

Effect of threonine and potassium carbonate on broiler chicken performance, immunity, carcass traits, and small intestine morphology.

This study aimed to investigate the interactive effect of dietary threonine (i.e., 100, 110, and 120%) and low and high dietary potassium (i.e., 0.85 and 0.94% of diet) on the performance, immune response, blood metabolites, carcass traits, and jejunum morphology of broiler chickens in Iran. In a completely randomized design, 300 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Broiler chicken growth performance, blood metabolite concentration, jejunum morphology, and antibody titter against Newcastle disease and influenza viruses were not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). High level of dietary potassium led to lower toe web thickness index at 4h post injection while compared to control group, threonine supplementation significantly decreased toe web thickness of broiler chickens at 24 and 48h post injection (P < 0.05). Dietary treatments had no significant effects on carcass, abdominal fat, and breast and thigh percentages while higher dietary potassium increased serum glucose concentration (P < 0.05). Broilers fed diet supplemented with 20% supplemented threonine and higher potassium level had lower breast meat fat percentage while those fed diet supplemented with 20% threonine and low potassium had higher thigh meat protein percentage (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that although threonine supplementation improved toe web thickness index as cell-mediated immune response and lowered breast meat fat percentage in broiler chickens, there was no interaction between potassium with threonine in broiler chicken nutrition.

The Effect of Some Synthetic Food Colorants on Selected Biochemical Indices of Male Wistar Rats

The aim is to evaluate the effect of tartrazine and erythrosine on serum glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. A total of 20 adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups with 4 rats per group. Group 1 served as the control and was given only water and feed. Whereas group 2, 3, 4, 5 were administered 5 mg/kgb.wt, 10 mg/kgb.wt, 20 mg/kgb.wt, 40 mg/kgb.wt of Tartrazine and Erythrosine via orogastric feeding for 21 days. At the end of 21 days, blood samples were collected via ocular puncture and used to measure glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in the serum of the animals. The results were analyzed using One way ANOVA, followed by post hoc multiple comparisons and level of significance set at p&lt;0.05. The result revealed that there was a significant difference p&lt;0.05 in the mean glucose concentration of Group 4 (5.81±0.40 mmol/L) and Group 5 (5.28±0.25 mmol/L) when compared with the control (3.27±0.11 mmol/L). Although Group 4 showed a higher mean cholesterol concentration (0.92±0.27 mmol/L) when compared with the control (0.18±0.05 mmol/L) the difference was not significant p&gt;0.05. Furthermore, Group 5 showed no significant mean triglyceride concentration (2.01±0.15 mmol/L) when compared with the control (2.95±0.04 mmol/L). This result revealed that the colourants increased the glucose and cholesterol levels in the test group in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in serum glucose concentration may be an indication of pancreatic cancer caused by the hydrocarbons contained in the colourants.

Study of the type 2 diabetic patients’ status of care and control in rural areas of Ardabil Province in 2017, Iran

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus includes a group of metabolic disorders diagnosed by increased serum glucose concentration. It causes major changes in most systems of the body, which lead to acute and chronic complications of the disease which results in disability, medical costs, and high mortality. This research was conducted to assess type 2 diabetic patients’ status of care and control in rural areas of Ardebil province in order to improve the care indicators by presenting results to regional authorities. Materials and methods. In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study, 360 patients identified as type 2 diabetes in rural areas of Ardabil province were selected through cluster sampling and data was collected through a questionnaire by interviewing patients and reviewing their files, and 3 categories of demographic, clinical and socio-economic factors were studied. The data was analyzed by Chi-square and Friedman statistical tests using SPSS software version 20. Results. According to Chi-square test, there was a significant relationship between the patients’ marital status (p = 0.032) and their complications of diabetes (p = 0.10) and the level of care and between the number of patients’ family members (p = 0.001) and body mass index (p = 0.006) and the level of control and also, between the use of ordered drug by patient and the level of care and control (p = 0.003). The results of the mean ranking based on the Friedman statistical test showed that the age variable has the highest mean score and the greatest impact on the care and control of the disease and the lowest score and impact was of the nutrition education variable. Conclusion. This study revealed that in order to control the complications of the disease, lifestyle changes, dietary observation, weight control, ordered drug use and self-care programs are very effective.

Scallop mantle extract inhibits insulin signaling in HepG2 cells.

Scallops are important marine products in Hokkaido, Japan. Not only scallop adductor muscle but also mantle is often eaten at sashimi or smoking in Japan. We showed previously that feeding the scallop mantle epithelial cell layer causes an increase in serum glucose concentration and the death of rats. To clarify the mechanism of glucose metabolism disorder by mantle epithelial cell layer, we investigated whether extracts from mantle tissue (mantle extract) induce insulin resistance using HepG2 cells. Mantle extract suppressed insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, key protein which is involved in insulin signaling. In addition, treatment of HepG2 cells with mantle extract decreased significantly glycogen content and mRNA expression levels of glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) involved in gluconeogenesis, suggesting that mantle extract inhibits insulin signaling. These results show that mantle extract inhibits insulin signaling in HepG2 cells, suggesting that an increase in serum glucose concentration in vivo may be due to the inhibition of insulin signaling.

NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND SOME SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICATORS AS AFFECTED BY SUBSTITUTION OF SOYBEAN MEAL FOR INACTIVE DRY YEAST IN GROWING LAMBS DIET

A total number of 44 growing Ossimi lambs (averaged 4 months of age and 21.59 ± 0.77 kg) were used to assess the effect of soybean meal substitution for inactive dry yeast (IDY) at levels 0, 15, 30 and 45 % on nutrients digestibility, productive performance and some serum biochemical indicators of growing lambs. The results showed that digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, CF, NDF, NFE and nutritive values (DCP and TDN) were increased (P<0.05) for lambs fed IDY at levels 15 and 30 % compared to those fed 0 and 45%. The improvement in nutrients digestibility and nutritive values was higher (P<0.05) for lambs fed IDY at the level 30 % than those fed 15 %. However, the averages of nutrients digestibility and nutritive values for lambs fed IDY at levels 0 and 45 % were comparable. In addition, the averages of final body weight (FBW) were increased (P<0.05) for lambs fed IDY at the level of 30 % than those fed 0, 15 and 45 %. Also, the averages of daily gain (ADG) were increased (P<0.05) for lambs fed IDY at levels of 15 and 30 % in comparison to those fed 0 and 45%. Data showed no significant differences in averages of feed intakes of soybean straw (SSI), DM and TDM among the experimental treatments. However, the intakes of DCP and TDN were greater (P<0.05) for lambs fed IDY at the level of 30 % than those fed 0, 15 and 45 %. The averages of feed conversion (FC) of DM (FC-DM) were improved (P<0.05) for lambs fed IDY at the level 30 % compared with those fed 0 and 45% of IDY. The averages of FC-DCPI and FC-TDNI were better (P<0.05) at 15, 30 and 45 % of IDY than 0 level. The averages of serum total protein (TP) concentrations were higher (P<0.05) for lambs fed IDY at the level of 30 % than those fed the levels of 15 and 45 %. Also, serum albumin levels increased (P<0.05) for lambs fed IDY at 30 % compared with those fed levels 0, 15 and 45 %. Serum globulin concentrations were comparable among the treatments of IDY at 0, 15 and 30 %, being the lowest concentration with feeding IDY at the level of 45 %. There were significant (P<0.05) increase in serum glucose concentrations for lambs fed IDY at the level of 30 % than those fed the levels 15 and 45 %, while they were comparable with those fed IDY at 0 level. The results showed no significant differences in serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides and aspartate transaminase (AST) enzyme activity among the experimental treatments. This study indicated that soybean meal substitution for inactive dry yeast (especially at 30 % level) was effective to improve nutrients digestibility and productive performance accompanying with favourable signs in serum biochemical indicators of Ossimi lambs.

Some Pharmacogical Adverse Effects of Moxifloxacin and Staphylococcal Aureus in Rats

Moxifloxacin is a broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent. We examined the plasma biomarkers of hepatorenal adverse effects of moxifloxacin ,lipid profile and blood glucose in rat following administration of moxifloxacin (MXF). Thirty-six Wistar rats, 200–250 g, were randomized into four groups (I–IV). Animals in group I (control) received 3.3 mL of distilled water, while animals in groups II administrated with moxifloxacin received 3.3 mL each of MXF equivalent to 26.4 mg/kg b.wt respectively for five successive days, III while animals in this group experimentally infected with staphylococcal aureus, and IV while animals in this group first experimentally infected with staphylococcal infection then received 3.3 mL each of moxifloxacine equivalent to 26.4 mg/kg b.wt respectively for five successive days. After seven days, plasma urea, bilirubin, and creatinine were significantly elevated in the MXF-treated animals. Activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly increased in the plasma of MXF-treated animals compared to control. Also plasma total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides increased significantly in the MXF-treated groups relative to control. Moreover, a significant increase in serum glucose concentration ,a significant decrease in blood Hb concentration and white blood cells)WBCs concentration (key words,MXF moxifloxacin ,HDL high density lipoprotein ,LDL low density lipoprotein .

Toxoplasma gondii as a possible causative pathogen of type-1 diabetes mellitus: Evidence from case-control and experimental studies

Toxoplasma gondii is the causative parasite of an important worldwide disease. This obligate intracellular parasite can infect and replicate inside any nucleated cells including those of pancreas. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas and is responsible for controlling blood glucose concentration. Deficiency of insulin production accounts for the occurrence of type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Thus, theoretically, toxoplasmosis could play a possible role in the development of T1D. However, the studies on this theory are still insufficient; therefore, this work was designed. Interestingly, in the case-control study, seropositivity of anti-Toxoplasma IgG was significantly higher among T1D (86.37%) in comparison with T2D (66.67%) and the control group (60%). Moreover, the odd ratio of chronic toxoplasmosis was 4.2 folds higher among T1D patients than among controls. The experimental study included acute and chronic Me49 T. gondii infected mice groups in addition to a control group. Pathological examination revealed the presence of T. gondii zoites adjacent to the islets of Langerhans and in pancreatic parenchyma of acutely infected mice. With chronic infection, there was a significant reduction of islets number and sizes in association with grade-1 insulitis. Additionally, the immunohistochemical study showed significant infiltration of the islets of chronically infected mice by CD8+ and CD45+ immune cells. In contrary to the control group, the islets of the chronic group showed significantly higher expression of the apoptotic marker caspase-3 and a significantly lower expression of the proliferation marker Ki69. Finally, a significant reduction of insulin expression in the islets of chronic infection group was detected in association with a significant increase in serum glucose concentrations; however, the establishment of diabetes did not occur throughout this work. Thus, this study presents an evidence for the probable role of chronic toxoplasmosis in the development of T1D which should be considered in further studies.

Effects of dietary supplemental chromium methionine, zinc oxide, and ascorbic acid on performance, egg quality traits, and blood parameters of laying hens subjected to heat stress

ABSTRACTBased on a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, the effects of three dietary supplemental including chromium methionine (Cr) (0 and 400 μg/kg diet), zinc oxide (Zn) (0 and 30 mg/kg diet), and vitamin C (VitC) (0 and 250 mg/kg diet) on egg production (EP) and mass (EM) and egg traits in heat-stressed (HS) Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens from 30 to 45 weeks of age were evaluated. The house temperature was kept at 18°C (weeks 30–40 of age) and then increased to 32°C (weeks 41–45 of age). Dietary treatments had no significant effects on EP, egg weight, EM, and feed conversation ratio before and after exposure to heat stress (P > 0.05). Decreased feed intake intake was observed in group of VitC during exposing to HS (P < 0.05). Dietary supplemental Cr decreased serum glucose concentration before HS (P < 0.05). A combination of Cr and VitC increased serum glucose concentration before and during HS (P < 0.05). Decreased serum concentration of Zn was detected in hens fed the diets with VitC, Cr, or Zn (P < 0.05). Increased serum concentration of Cr was observed in hens fed the diets supplemented with Cr (P < 0.05).

Effect of prenatal DINCH plasticizer exposure on rat offspring testicular function and metabolism

In 2002, the plasticizer 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) was introduced in the European market as a substitute for endocrine-disrupting phthalates. We found that in utero exposure of rats to DINCH from gestational day 14 until parturition affected reproductive organ physiology and reduced circulating testosterone levels at post-natal day 60, indicating a long-term effect on Leydig cells of the testis. Metabolically, animals exhibited randomly increased serum glucose concentrations not associated with impaired glucose utilization. Analysis of liver markers in the serum showed a hepatic effect; e.g. reduced bilirubin levels and albumin/globulin ratio. At post-natal day 200, random appearance of testicular atrophy was noted in exposed offspring, and limited changes in other reproductive parameters were observed. In conclusion, DINCH exposure appears to directly affect Leydig cell function, likely causing premature aging of the testes and impaired liver metabolic capacity. These effects might be attenuated with physiologic aging.

A comparison between different concentrations and sources of cobalt in goat kid nutrition

There have been extensive studies in sheep and cattle considering cobalt (Co) supplementation and its effects on vitamin B12 concentrations in the body. However, there are limited studies on goats. The aim of this study was to compare two different sources of Co (sulfate v. glucoheptonate) at two different concentrations (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg dry matter) in goat kid nutrition, and to evaluate the effects of these supplements on performance, serum vitamin B12, blood biochemistry and rumen volatile fatty acids. For this purpose, 30 weaned male goat kids were randomly allotted to five treatments. Serum vitamin B12 increased during the trial in the Co-supplemented groups. Co supplementation increased serum glucose concentrations. On day 35, Co-supplemented groups had greater glucose concentrations compared with control. Propionic+iso-butyric acid concentrations increased only in the 0.5 mg Co glucoheptonate treatment (P<0.05). Our results suggest that, despite the two sources of Co proving mostly similar, the main advantage of Co glucoheptonate compared with Co sulfate was in the ruminal synthesis of vitamin B12. However, although providing Co at National Research Council recommendation levels maintained vitamin B12 above or at normal concentrations, Co supplementation of the Co sufficient basal diet increased vitamin B12 and glucose concentrations.

Effects of the Inclusion of Yeast Culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the Diet of Holstein Cows on Milk Yield and Composition in Early Lactation

The effect of including a yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 1010 cfu/g; YC) in diets for lactating Holstein cows was evaluated. One hundred thirty-eight cows in early lactation were randomly assigned into two groups of 69 cows each, according to their days in milk and parityand were fed a basal diet without (CTRL diet) or with the addition of 15 g YC/cow/d (yeast diet) for 7 weeks. The basal diet contained 17.7% CP and 31.8% NDF on DM basis. The inclusion of YC increased (P=0.04) feed intake compared to the CTRL diet. The YC did not affect (P>0.05) serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentration, as well as albumin/globulin ratio, and urea-N. The YC increased serum glucose concentration (P=0.002) and decreased serum cholesterol (P=0.001) levels compared to CTRL group. Addition of YC did not affect (P>0.05) actual and energy corrected milk yields and daily milk total solids, solids-notfat, protein, and milk energy content and output; however, YC increased milk fat (P=0.04) and lactose (P=0.028) daily yields. Increased milk fat concentration (P=0.027) and lactose (P=0.004) were observed in cows fed the yeast diet. It was concluded that YC at 15 g/cow/d during the first 7 weeks of lactation increased feed intake, and milk fat concentration and lactose without affecting daily milk yield and milk efficiency.

DietaryChlorella vulgarismicroalgae improves feed utilization, milk production and concentrations of conjugated linoleic acids in the milk of Damascus goats

SUMMARYFifteen lactating Damascus goats (44 ± 0·8 kg body weight) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the supplementation ofChlorella vulgarismicroalgae at 0 (Control), 5 (Alg05) and 10 g/goat/day (Alg10) for 12 weeks.Chlorella vulgaristreatments increased feed intake and apparent diet digestibility compared with a control diet. No differences were noted in the ruminal pH and ammonia-N concentrations, but increased concentration of total volatile fatty acids and propionic acid were observed in goats fed with Alg05 and Alg10. Diets of Alg05 and Alg10 increased serum glucose concentration but decreased glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase and cholesterol concentrations. Additionally,C. vulgarissupplementation moderately increased milk yield, energy corrected milk, total solids, solids not fat and lactose. Feeding Alg05 and Alg10 diets increased milk unsaturated fatty acids with concomitant increases in total conjugated linoleic acid concentrations. It is concluded that the daily inclusion of 5 or 10 g ofC. vulgarisin the diets of Damascus goats increased milk yield and positively modified milk fatty acid profile.

The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism Modifies Exercise-Induced Muscle Metabolism.

ObjectiveA silencer region (I-allele) within intron 16 of the gene for the regulator of vascular perfusion, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), is implicated in phenotypic variation of aerobic fitness and the development of type II diabetes. We hypothesised that the reportedly lower aerobic performance in non-carriers compared to carriers of the ACE I-allele, i.e. ACE-DD vs. ACE-ID/ACE-II genotype, is associated with alterations in activity-induced glucose metabolism and capillarisation in exercise muscle.MethodsFifty-three, not-specifically trained Caucasian men carried out a one-legged bout of cycling exercise to exhaustion and/or participated in a marathon, the aim being to identify and validate genotype effects on exercise metabolism. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER), serum glucose and lipid concentration, glycogen, and metabolite content in vastus lateralis muscle based on ultra-performance lipid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), were assessed before and after the cycling exercise in thirty-three participants. Serum metabolites were measured in forty subjects that completed the marathon. Genotype effects were assessed post-hoc.ResultsCycling exercise reduced muscle glycogen concentration and this tended to be affected by the ACE I-allele (p = 0.09). The ACE-DD genotype showed a lower maximal RER and a selective increase in serum glucose concentration after exercise compared to ACE-ID and ACE-II genotypes (+24% vs. +2% and –3%, respectively). Major metabolites of mitochondrial metabolism (i.e. phosphoenol pyruvate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, L-Aspartic acid, glutathione) were selectively affected in vastus lateralis muscle by exercise in the ACE-DD genotype. Capillary-to-fibre ratio was 24%-lower in the ACE-DD genotype. Individuals with the ACE-DD genotype demonstrated an abnormal increase in serum glucose to 7.7 mM after the marathon.ConclusionThe observations imply a genetically modulated role for ACE in control of glucose import and oxidation in working skeletal muscle. ACE-DD genotypes thereby transit into a pre-diabetic state with exhaustive exercise, which relates to a lowered muscle capillarisation, and deregulation of mitochondria-associated metabolism.