Increased Serum Glucose Research Articles

CIRCULATING IRISIN LEVEL IN DIAGNOSED PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

ABSTRACT Background: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by reversible diagnostic components such as reduced serum HDL-cholesterol, raised serum triglycerides, increase serum glucose concentration, increase blood pressure, all of which are related to large waist circumference. Irisin is an adipokine hormone that is mostly secreted by white subcutaneous adipose tissue and has a critical regulatory function in lipid metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate serum irisin level among metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods: A case control study was conducted among138 individuals, 69 patients with metabolic syndrome and 69 healthy individuals as a control group. The study was conducted from June 2022 to June 2023After a night of fasting, blood samples were taken the next morning. Glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood HbA1c% were all determined using the Cobas 6000 (Hitachi, Roche) device, with the exception of serum irisin, which was determined using an ELISA. Results: The MS participants have higher percentage of high irisin levels compared to control participants with statistically significant differences (37 (53.6%); 24 (34.8%); p=0.039). Furthermore; there were insignificant differences between the mean ±SD levels of serum irisin of the studied groups (p=0.220). Conclusion: Mean serum irisin level was higher among MS patients compared to healthy individuals, as well as, serum irisin levels had a positive correlation with isolated component of MS such as waist circumference, dyslipidemia and impaired glucos e metabolism.

EFFECT OF MELATONIN ON PLASMA PYRUVATE LEVELS IN ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS UNDER DIFFERENT PHOTOPERIODS

Some studies suggest that melatonin exerts a stimulating effect by reducing lactate dehydrogenase activity and shifting the balance of redox enzymes towards the predominance of the Krebs cycle, thereby favoring aerobic processes that are more efficient for cellular energy production. Therefore, an in-depth investigation of this effect of melatonin is warranted. The aim of this experimental study was to examine the impact of melatonin on the levels of pyruvic acid in the plasma of rats under physiological conditions and in alloxan-induced diabetes, with a focus on hypo- and hyperfunction of the pineal gland. Methods. The study was conducted on 50 sexually mature male outbred white rats weighing 0.18–0.20 kg. Photoperiodic changes were simulated over a one-week period, with the following conditions: 1) natural light/dark cycle from March 19 to 25, 2024, averaging 12:12 hours; 2) artificial 12:12 light/dark cycle (light from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with illumination at 500 lux); 3) constant light (500 lux) for 24 hours; 4) constant darkness for 24 hours. Alloxan diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a 5% alloxan monohydrate solution at a dose of 170 mg/kg. Fasting glucose levels were measured using the One Touch Ultra Easy device (Johnson & Johnson, USA). The rats were divided into four groups based on lighting conditions: 1) intact rats; 2) a control group, receiving daily intraperitoneal melatonin injections (10 mg/kg) at 8 a.m. for one week (Sigma, USA); 3) rats with diabetes mellitus; 4) rats with diabetes mellitus, receiving melatonin injections (10 mg/kg) starting on the 5th day post-alloxan for one week. Animals were euthanized by decapitation under light ether anesthesia on the 12th day of the experiment. Pyruvate levels in blood plasma were measured using standard methods. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10 (StatSoft Inc.). Results. It is known that the presence of hyperglycemia under the conditions of diabetes intensifies the processes of free radical oxidation. According to the data obtained by us, in diabetic rats, a high level of glucose is accompanied by an increase in pyruvate in blood serum. This happens due to dysregulation of aerobic processes in the conditions of a decrease in insulin. In this case, pyruvate turns into lactate, creating conditions for the development of lactic acidosis. Staying under conditions of dark deprivation (light 24 hours) for a week led to a 15% increase in serum glucose and pyruvate levels in blood serum compared to intact animals. A similar situation was observed in a group of diabetic animals. Under conditions of round-the-clock lighting in diabetic animals, the indicators of glucose and pyruvate content increased even in comparison with the indicators of diabetic animals under equinox conditions and were on average 22% higher. However, exposure to light deprivation (24 hours of darkness) for a week led to a 10% decrease in glucose content and a 13% increase in pyruvate content when compared to intact animals. This happens due to the activation of the processes of aerobic oxidation of glucose under the conditions of an increase in melatonin. In diabetic rats, fasting pyruvate and glucose indicators under conditions of 24-hour darkness were negated by smaller deviations when compared with a group of diabetic animals that were under conditions of the equinox. It has been established that a short daytime photoperiod (8 hours of light: 16 hours of darkness) is characterized by an increase in melatonin secretion. Under these conditions, the indicators of antioxidant protection and the immune system improved in experimental animals. In addition, pinealectomized rats are characterized by reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase in tissues due to the absence of melatonin. The introduction of melatonin led to a decrease in glucose content in diabetic rats (under conditions of darkness - to normalization). The content of pyruvate in the blood serum of diabetic animals regardless of lighting conditions under the influence of melatonin injections did not differ from the control indicators under equinox conditions. The ability of melatonin to improve glucose uptake through glucose transporters has been investigated. In addition, there are data on melatonin as an activator of pyruvate dehydrogenase. It has been realised that melatonin has possibility to inhibit the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and activate the pyruvate dehydrogenase thereby allowing the transformation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA and sending glucose for oxidation in the mitochondria. Conclusion. Therefore, under both normal and diabetic conditions, melatonin enhances the efficiency of aerobic glucose oxidation pathways.

Effects of Fructus Aurantii Extract on Growth Performance, Nutrient Apparent Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Fecal Microbiota in Finishing Pigs.

This study investigated the effects of Fructus Aurantii extract (FAE) on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum parameters, fecal microbial composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in finishing pigs. In total, 75 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (equally divided by sex), with an initial body weight of 79.49 ± 4.27 kg, were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. The pigs were fed either a basic diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg of FAE (FAE500) and 1000 mg/kg of FAE (FAE1000). The FAE1000 group exhibited a significantly higher final body weight (FBW) (p < 0.05), and the average daily feed intake (ADFI) showed an increasing tendency in the FAE500 and FAE1000 groups (p = 0.056) compared to the CON group. Additionally, the inclusion of FAE resulted in the significantly higher apparent digestibility of crude ash (Ash), gross energy (GE), and crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05), with a tendency to the increased digestibility of dry matter (DM) (p = 0.053). Dietary FAE supplementation led to elevated serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and decreased levels of serum L-lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), along with a tendency to increase serum glucose (GLU) levels (p = 0.084). The FAE500 group demonstrated higher serum concentrations of motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) (p < 0.05), and a tendency for reduced serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level (p = 0.055) compared to the CON group. Furthermore, alpha diversity analysis revealed that the FAE500 group significantly increased the Chao 1 and Observed_species indexes (p < 0.05). Similarly, beta diversity analysis indicated that FAE feeding altered the fecal microbial structure (p = 0.083). Notably, compared with the control group, CF231, Pediococcus, and Mogibacterium displayed higher relative abundance in the feces of the FAE500 group, whereas Tenericutes showed a reduction in relative abundance (p < 0.05). Additionally, the relative abundance of Tenericute was negatively correlated with the digestibility of DM, GE, Ash, and CP (p < 0.05). Serum MTL and GAS levels correlated positively with the Coprococcus, Dorea, Pediococcus, and Mogibacterium relative abundances (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary FAE supplementation could enhance growth performance by boosting beneficial bacteria in feces, stimulating gastrointestinal hormone secretion, and improving nutrient digestibility.

Association between hyponatremia and disease severity in pediatric urinary tract infections

BackgroundAcute urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease in pediatrics, with around 8% of girls and 2% of boys experiencing a UTI by age 7y/o. UTIs can range from asymptomatic bacteriuria to acute pyelonephritis (APN) in severe cases involving renal parenchymal infection. UTI patients admitted to the pediatric ward usually have more severe clinical presentation, compared to those treated in the outpatient settings. Therefore, it will be helpful to have markers that predict the severity of the disease and the likelihood of having APN.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review on all pediatric UTI/APN patients treated in the inpatient setting at a Medical Center from October 2012 to September 2022. Patients were assigned to the “hyponatremia” or “eunatremia” group according to their serum sodium concentrations. Detailed information, including renal echo, blood, and urine test results, were collected for the analysis of multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsThe study included 344 patients, of which 99 (28.8%) had hyponatremia, and 245 (71.2%) had normal serum sodium levels. The hyponatremia group had higher APN frequency, renal echo abnormality, and higher CRP level. In multivariable analysis, hyponatremia was independently associated with increased serum glucose (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03, p = 0.0365) and CRP levels (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01, p = 0.0417), without a significant increase in APN frequency as the final diagnosis.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that hyponatremia in pediatric UTI patients may indicate a more severe disease, such as APNs, higher CRP levels, or renal echo abnormalities. The complex mechanisms underlying hyponatremia and its predictive value for disease severity warrant further investigation.

Metabolic Evaluation of the Combined Effect of Acute Cadmium Chloride and Restraint Stress Exposure in Female Wistar Rats

Cadmium is a heavy metal that has been shown to induce metabolic changes while restraint stress is a model of psychological stress used to induce behavioural and physiological changes. This study investigated the combined effect of cadmium chloride administration and restraint stress exposure on metabolic profile of female Wistar rats. Twenty four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups containing six rats per group; Control (CTL) was given only feed and water. Cadmium alone (CCC) and Restraint stress alone(RSS), respectively, were orally administered 100 mg/kg b.w of cadmium chloride and subjected to restraint stress using wire mesh for 30 minutes daily while Cadmium+Restraint stress (RSC) was administered 100 mg/kg b.w of cadmium chloride and restrained for 30 minutes daily. Body weights of the animals were recorded daily throughout the experiment. Twenty-four hours after the last cadmium administration and restraint stress exposure, all animal were anesthetized and sacrificed. Blood was collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Results showed significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in serum glucose and cortisol levels but not significant in insulin level of CCC group when compared to control. Serum glucose, insulin, cortisol showed significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in RSS group when compared to control. In RSC group, glucose and insulin was significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased when compared to CCC but not significant when compared with RSS. Cortisol was significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased in RSC group when compared with other groups. Result showed significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in CHO, LDL and TAG of CCC and RSS groups when compared with control. RSC showed significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in CHO, LDL and TAG when compared with CCC and RSS groups. Serum HDL levels showed no significant difference across all groups. Conclusively, cadmium chloride and restraint stress exposure individually lead to metabolic dysfunction and dyslipidemia while the combined exposure exacerbated these effects in female rats.

Analysis of Lipid Metabolism in Adipose Tissue and Liver of Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis During Hibernation.

Hibernation serves as an energy-conserving strategy that enables animals to withstand harsh environments by reducing their metabolic rate significantly. However, the mechanisms underlying energy adaptation in hibernating ectotherms, such as Pelodiscus sinensis, remain contentious. This paper first reports the decrease in lipid levels and the expression of metabolism-related genes in P. sinensis during hibernation. The results of physiological and biochemical analysis showed that adipocyte cell size was reduced and liver lipid droplet (LD) contents were decreased during hibernation in P. sinensis. Concurrently, serum levels of triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) were diminished (n = 8, p < 0.01), while an increase in serum glucose (Glu) (n = 8, p < 0.01) was noted among hibernating P. sinensis. These observations suggest a shift in energy metabolism during hibernation. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms, we performed integrated transcriptomic and lipidomic analyses of adipose tissue and livers from summer-active versus overwintering P. sinensis, which revealed downregulation of free fatty acids (FFAs), triglycerides (TGs), diglycerides (DGs), and ceramides (Cers) during hibernation. The results of GSEA analysis showed that metabolic pathways associated with lipid metabolism, including glycerolipid metabolism and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, were suppressed significantly. Notably, acute cold exposure induced significant downregulation of genes related to lipolysis such as PNPLA2, ABHD5, LPL, CPT1A, and PPARα. The results indicate that lipolysis is suppressed during hibernation in P. sinensis. Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of survival mechanisms and elucidate the unique energy adaptation strategies employed by hibernating ectotherms. Future research should explore the implications of these findings for the conservation of ectotherms and the applications for artificially inducing hibernation.

Cholesterol to saturated fat index (CSI), metabolic parameters and inflammatory factors among obese individuals

BackgroundThe role of dietary fat quality in promotion of cardiovascular diseases is studies before. However, the results are inconsistent. Recently, cholesterol to saturated fatty acid index (CSI) is suggested as a novel indicator of the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity potential of a diet. However, due to limited number of studies, in the current cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the role of CSI in metabolic and inflammatory response among obese individuals.MethodsIn the current cross-sectional study 488 obese individuals aged 18–50 years old were involved in volunteer based invitation from outpatient obesity clinics. Subjects underwent anthropometric assays including weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and body composition and their fasting blood sample were obtained for biochemical assessments including blood sugar, serum lipids, hs-CRP and IL-6 concentrations by commercial kits. Physical activity was also assessed by short form of international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ).ResultsAccording to our results, being at the top tetile of CSI was associated with higher anthropometric indices including weight, height, WC, FFM, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) compared with those at the lowest tertile (P < 0.05). Similarly, those at the highest category of CSI had significantly higher levels of serum glucose and hs-CRP both in crude and adjusted models in ANCOVA and in multinomial logistic regression models (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn the current study, for the first time, we identified the possible triggering role of dietary cholesterol to saturated fat index in increasing serum glucose and hs-CRP levels. due to cross-sectional design of the current study, causal inference is impossible. Further studies will help for better scientific justification.

Serum glucose mediated association of serum lactate with acute kidney injury among AIS patients

BackgroundThe serum lactate level has been confirmed to be an independent risk factor for the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in many diseases. However, the correlation between serum lactate level and AKI in critical patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not been clear. Moreover, limited studies have examined the mediating effect of serum glucose on the association between serum lactate and AKI. MethodsWe identified 1,435 AIS patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) database and divided them into AKI or No-AKI groups. We used a propensity score matching method to reduce confounding factors. Linear regression, logistic regression, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) plots were used to evaluate relationships between serum lactate levels and AKI. Finally, the mediating role of serum glucose on the relationship between serum lactate and AKI was investigated utilizing the mediation analysis. ResultsIn the present study, a total of 634 critical patients aged ≥ 18 years with AIS were included after propensity score matching (1:1). We used RCS plotting to reveal a linear association between serum lactate levels and AKI (P for nonlinearity < 0.001). After full adjustment for potential confounders (Model 3), high lactate levels increased the risk of AKI (odds ratio, 2.216; 95 % confidence interval, 1.559–3.271; P-value < 0.001). Serum glucose explained 14.9 % of the association between serum lactate and AKI among critical patients with AIS (P-value < 0.001), 16.4 % among patients with AIS and diabetes mellitus (DM) (P-value = 0.24), and 19.5 % among patients with AIS and without DM (P-value < 0.001). ConclusionSerum lactate was independently associated with increased risk-adjusted AKI in critical patients with AIS. The increase in serum glucose may have mediated this effect, especially in patients without DM.

Supplementation of sodium acetate improves the growth performance and intestinal health of rabbits through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Acetic acid, which is one of the most abundant short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in rabbits' cecum, has been reported to play an important function during various physiological metabolic processes. The present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of sodium acetate on growth performance and intestinal health by evaluating feed intake and efficiency, diarrhea score, serum and cecum metabolites, cecal pH and SCFA, histological staining, nutritional composition of meat and gene expression profile of cecum in rabbits. As a result of sodium acetate supplement, the feed conversion ratio, diarrhea score, and diameter of muscle fiber were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary sodium acetate significantly increased in total area of muscle fibers and content of crude ash (P < 0.05). Dietary sodium acetate significantly increased serum glucose, total bile acid, and total cholesterol levels and decreased amylase, lipase, and tCO2 content (P < 0.05). Further examination suggested that sodium acetate supplementation enhanced the micro-environment of cecum, evidenced by significantly increased levels of total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased pH and amylase levels (P < 0.05). According to transcriptome sequencing of cecal tissues, differentially expressed genes were predominantly enriched in cell cycle, ABC transporters, and chemokine signaling pathways. Sodium acetate was further suggested to stimulate the proliferation and migration of rabbits' cecum epithelial cells by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, dietary sodium acetate supplementation improved growth performance and intestinal health in rabbits.

The therapeutic effect of NRF2 activator, ezetimibe, in cardiac cachexia.

Heart failure (HF) is caused by functional and structural irregularity leading to impaired ejection or filling capacity of the heart. HF leads to chronic inflammatory conditions in the heart leads to weight loss, anorexia, and muscle atrophy known as cachexia. The present study was carried out to investigate the role of Ezetimibe, an NRF2 activator, in cardiac cachexia and to develop a treatment strategy for cardiac cachexia. Balb/c mice of either sex at 6-8 weeks of age were given 2 mg/kg of doxorubicin in 0.9% sodium chloride solution intraperitoneally (i.p.) for the alternate days for the first week and then once a week for the next 4 weeks. After induction of cardiac atrophy, treatment with Ezetimibe (1.5 mg/kg, p.o) was given for the next 4 weeks. In the cardiac cachectic animals, a significant decrease in body weight, food, and water intake was observed. Cardiac cachectic animals showed a significant increase in serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, VLDL, CK-MB, LDH, and CRP levels. Cardiac atrophic index, heart weight to body weight ratios (HW/BW), right ventricular weight to heart weight ratios (RV/HW), and left ventricular weight to heart weight ratios (LV/HW), were significantly decreased in cardiac cachectic animals. The weights of the skeletal muscles such as EDL, gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior, and quadriceps muscles, and the weight of adipose tissue such as subcutaneous, visceral, perirenal, and brown adipose tissue were significantly decreased in the cardiac cachectic group relative to the normal group. Treatment with ezetimibe improves body weight, food intake, and water intake. Ezetimibe decreases serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, VLDL, CK-MB, LDH and CRP levels. Cardiac atrophic markers such as HW/BW, RV/HW, and LV/HW were improved. The weight of skeletal muscles and adipose tissue was increased after treatment with ezetimibe. Our data showed that the NRF2 activator, Ezetimibe produces a beneficial effect on cardiac cachexia in the doxorubicin-induced cardiac cachexia model. Ezetimibe was successful to reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines, ameliorate the effects on cardiac muscle wasting, lipid levels, fat tissues, and skeletal muscles.

Therapeutic effect of Momordica charantia on cardiomyopathy in a diabetic maternal rat model.

Myocardial structural and functional abnormalities are hallmarks of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a chronic consequence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Maternal DM affects and increases the risk of heart defects in diabetic mothers compared with nondiabetic mothers. Momordica charantia exhibits antidiabetic effects due to various bioactive compounds that are phytochemicals, a broad group that includes phenolic compounds, alkaloids, proteins, steroids, inorganic compounds, and lipids. Pregnant maternal rats were split into four groups: control (C), M. charantia-treated (MC), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (DM), and diabetic (MC + DM) groups. Diabetes mothers had increased serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterollevels and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterollevels. Cardiac biomarkers such as cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenasewere increased. Hormone levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and estrogen decreased significantly. Inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were elevated in diabetic mothers. Oxidative stress markers indicated increased malondialdehydeand nitric oxidelevels, while antioxidants such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalasewere decreased in maternal heart tissue. The levels of apoptotic markers such as tumor suppressor 53 (P53) and cysteine aspartic protease-3 (caspase-3) were significantly greater in diabetic maternal heart tissue. Histopathological analysis revealed heart tissue abnormalities in diabetic maternal rats. M. charantia extract improved maternal diabetes-induced changes in inflammation, antioxidant levels, and heart tissue structure.

Chronic toxicity of sediment-bound triclosan on freshwater walking catfish Clarias magur: Organ level accumulation and selected enzyme biomarker responses

Triclosan (TCS) is a biocide widely used in personal care and medicinal products. TCS persists in sediments and has been detected worldwide, making sediments a vital route of TCS exposure to aquatic organisms. This experiment explored the bioaccumulation and toxicological effects of TCS-contaminated sediment. The study revealed that the half-life of TCS in the sediment-water system was 21.52 days. Exposure of Clarias magur juveniles to 0.4 and 0.8 mg kg−1 TCS-spiked sediment resulted in high Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) with the highest bioaccumulation in the liver (29.62–73.61 mg kg−1), followed by gill (9.22–17.57 mg kg−1), kidney (5.04–9.76 mg kg−1), muscle (2.63–4.87 mg kg−1) and brain (1.53–3.20 mg kg−1). Furthermore, a concentration-dependent increase in oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was documented during 45 days of exposure in gill, liver, kidney, muscle, and brain tissues of exposed fish. A similar increasing trend was also recorded for liver transaminase enzymes such as glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) during the experimental period compared to control. Serum biochemical analysis revealed a significant time and concentration-dependent increase in serum glucose, serum GOT, and serum GPT, while serum total protein and albumin decreased significantly during exposure. These findings demonstrate high bioaccumulative and toxic nature of TCS in fish, promoting multiple physiological and biochemical dysfunctions through sediment exposure. The study underscores the urgent need for strengthened regulations and robust monitoring of triclosan across various environmental matrices, including sediment, to mitigate the detrimental impacts of TCS effectively.

Resistant starch from a tuberous root from the Andes cordillera improves metabolic and immune parameters in broilers

Resistant starch (RS) is a carbohydrate that exerts benefits on health. The present study aimed to research the effects of the Canna edulis Ker RS on metabolic and immune system indicators in broiler chickens. A total of 360 1- day-old male chicks were allotted to dietary treatments with 0% (RS0), 1% (RS1), and 2% (RS2) of RS inclusion. Chickens of RS1 and RS2 presented a lower rate of increase in serum glucose between the third and fifth week, with 50.9, 21.4, and 26.8% to RS0, RS1, and RS2, respectively. The higher serum cholesterol HDL was observed in broilers that consumed RS1 and RS2 diets at the fifth week of age (p < 0.05). The butyric acid levels of 16.59, 64.95, and 76.77 μmol/g were found in caecal content to RS0, RS1, and RS2, respectively (p < 0.01). The serum IgA levels were increased in broilers fed with the RS1 diet and decreased with the RS0 diet. The IgM was increased linearly as a function of age in the broilers RS1 and RS2. The subpopulation of T helper lymphocytes CD3+ CD4+ were increased in broilers fed with RS2 diet. The RS level that optimizes the humoral response was established as 1.07% and 1.56% for IgA and IgM, respectively (p < 0.05). The dietary inclusion of RS from C. edulis stimulated homeostasis of glucose and cholesterol with increase of HDL and caecal SCFA. Consequently, RS from C. edulis can be used as a nutraceutical additive in the broilers' diet.

The Marine Alga Sargassum horneri Is a Functional Food with High Bioactivity

Functional food factors can play a preventive and therapeutic role in several human diseases. The marine alga Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) has restorative effects in several types of metabolic disorders, including osteoporosis, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and cancer cell growth. Osteoporosis is widely recognized as a major public health problem. Bone loss associated with ageing and diabetic states was prevented through the intake of bioactive compounds from S. horneri water extract in vivo by stimulating osteoblastic bone formation and inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro. The intake of S. horneri water extract was found to have preventive effects on diabetic findings with an increase in serum glucose and lipid components. Furthermore, the S. horneri component has been shown to suppress adipogenesis from rat bone marrow cells and inflammatory conditions in vitro. Notably, the growth of bone metastatic human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, which induce bone loss with osteolytic effects, was suppressed through culturing with the S. horneri water extract component in vitro. The S. horneri component, which has a molecular weight of less than 1000, was found to suppress the activation of NF-κB signaling by tumor necrosis factor-α, a cytokine associated with inflammation, in osteoblastic cells and macrophage RAW264.7 cells in vitro, suggesting a molecular mechanism. The bioactive component of S. horneri may play a multifunctional role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders. This review outlines the advanced knowledge of the biological activity of the aqueous extract components of S. horneri and discusses the development of health supplements using this material.

Combined effects of ammonia-N exposure and salinity changes on hematological and serum biochemical factors and thyroid hormones in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The aim of this research was to evaluate the interaction effects of ammonia-N levels and salinity on hematological and serum biochemical parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fish were randomly divided into 12 treatments including the levels of salinity (0, 4, 8 and 12 ppt) and 0, 50% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N in a factorial design (4 salinity levels x 3 ammonia levels). Hemoglobin value in all treatments, except for salinity treatments, namely 2, 3, 4, showed a significant decrease than the control (0 ppt and no poisoning). Also, red blood cells in treatment ammonia-N levels were significantly less than the control. Serum protein concentration, in treatments 9 (50% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N) and 5 and also with increasing salinity (treatments 2, 3 and 4) had a significant decrease compared to the control. There is a significant increase in serum glucose, cortisol, ammonia and urea levels in 50% and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N treatments compared to the control, meanwhile these parameters were significantly increased with increasing salinity. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4 levels in acute and sub-acute ammonia-N treatments were significantly lower than the control. Moreover, with increasing salinity in 50% and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N treatments, TSH showed a decreasing pattern. According to the results, fluctuations in blood biochemical factors, increase of stress and decrease of thyroid hormones show that the salinity, ammonia, and their interaction caused adverse effects on fish health during the 96 h of testing.

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.

Sulforaphane prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis by activating Nrf2 signaling axis.

Recently, we characterized the ferroptotic phenotype in the liver of diabetic mice and revealed nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inactivation as an integral part of hepatic injury. Here, we aim to investigate whether sulforaphane, an Nrf2 activator and antioxidant, prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis and the mechanisms involved. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control (vehicle-treated), diabetic (streptozotocin-induced; 40 mg/kg, from Days 1 to 5), diabetic sulforaphane-treated (2.5 mg/kg from Days 1 to 42) and non-diabetic sulforaphane-treated group (2.5 mg/kg from Days 1 to 42). Results showed that diabetes-induced inactivation of Nrf2 and decreased expression of its downstream antiferroptotic molecules critical for antioxidative defense (catalase, superoxide dismutases, thioredoxin reductase), iron metabolism (ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), ferroportin 1), glutathione (GSH) synthesis (cystine-glutamate antiporter system, cystathionase, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalitic subunit, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, glutathione synthetase), and GSH recycling - glutathione reductase (GR) were reversed/increased by sulforaphane treatment. In addition, we found that the ferroptotic phenotype in diabetic liver is associated with increased ferritinophagy and decreased FTH1 immunopositivity. The antiferroptotic effect of sulforaphane was further evidenced through the increased level of GSH, decreased accumulation of labile iron and lipid peroxides (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, lipofuscin), decreased ferritinophagy and liver damage (decreased fibrosis, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Finally, diabetes-induced increase in serum glucose and triglyceride level was significantly reduced by sulforaphane. Regardless of the fact that this study is limited by the use of one model of experimentally induced diabetes, the results obtained demonstrate for the first time that sulforaphane prevents diabetes-induced hepatic ferroptosis in vivo through the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathways. This nominates sulforaphane as a promising phytopharmaceutical for the prevention/alleviation of ferroptosis in diabetes-related pathologies.

Lactobacillus reuteri JCM 1112 ameliorates chronic acrylamide-induced glucose metabolism disorder via the bile acid-TGR5-GLP-1 axis and modulates intestinal oxidative stress in mice.

Acrylamide (AA) is a toxic food contaminant that has been reported to cause glucose metabolism disorders (GMD) at high doses. However, it is unclear whether chronic low-dose AA can induce GMD and whether probiotics can alleviate AA-induced GMD. Here, C57BL/6N mice were orally administered with 5 mg per kg bw AA for 10 weeks, followed by another 3 weeks of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue (dulaglutide) treatment. Chronic low-dose AA exposure increased the blood glucose level and decreased serum insulin and GLP-1 levels, whereas dulaglutide treatment decreased the blood glucose level and increased the serum insulin level in AA-exposed mice. Then, mice were administered with AA or AA + INT-777 (Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) agonist) for 10 weeks. INT-777 treatment reversed AA-induced downregulation of ileal TGR5 and proglucagon (PG) gene expression and decreased the serum GLP-1 level. These findings indicated that chronic low-dose AA induced GMD via inhibiting the TGR5-GLP-1 axis. Finally, mice were administered with AA for 10 weeks, followed by another 3 weeks of Lactobacillus reuteri JCM 1112 supplementation. L. reuteri supplementation significantly increased serum glucose, insulin and GLP-1 levels, upregulated ileal TGR5 and PG gene expression, and effectively restored the imbalance of bile acid (BA) metabolism in AA-exposed mice, demonstrating that L. reuteri ameliorates chronic AA-induced GMD via the BA-TGR5-GLP-1 axis. In addition, L. reuteri significantly enhanced ileal superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and total antioxidant capacity, thereby preventing chronic AA-induced oxidative stress. Our research provides new insights into the GMD toxicity of chronic low-dose AA and confirms the role of probiotics in alleviating AA-induced GMD.

Maternal pea fiber supplementation to a high calorie diet in obese pregnancies protects male offspring from metabolic dysfunction in adulthood.

We investigated the influence of maternal yellow-pea fiber supplementation in obese pregnancies on offspring metabolic health in adulthood. Sixty newly-weaned female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to either a low-calorie control diet (CON) or high calorie obesogenic diet (HC) for 6-weeks. Obese animals were then fed either the HC diet alone or the HC diet supplemented with yellow-pea fiber (HC + FBR) for an additional 4-weeks prior to breeding and throughout gestation and lactation. On postnatal day (PND) 21, 1 male and 1 female offspring from each dam were weaned onto the CON diet until adulthood (PND 120) for metabolic phenotyping. Adult male, but not female, HC offspring demonstrated increased body weight and feed intake vs CON offspring, however no protection was offered by maternal FBR supplementation. HC male and female adult offspring demonstrated increased serum glucose and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared with CON offspring. Maternal FBR supplementation improved glycemic control in male, but not female offspring. Compared with CON offspring, male offspring from HC dams demonstrated marked dyslipidemia (higher serum cholesterol, increased number of TG-rich lipoproteins, and smaller LDL particles) which was largely normalized in offspring from HC + FBR mothers. Male offspring born to obese mothers (HC) had higher hepatic TG, which tended to be lowered (p = 0.07) by maternal FBR supplementation.Supplementation of a maternal high calorie diet with yellow-pea fiber in prepregnancy and throughout gestation and lactation protects male offspring from metabolic dysfunction in the absence of any change in body weight status in adulthood.

Comparative analysis of glucose and fructose tolerance in two marine fishes: effects on insulin secretion and acute hypoxia tolerance

Carbohydrates are a common and economical energy source in animal feeds. However, most fish show a persistent postprandial hyperglycemia after intake of a high-carbohydrate diet. Unfortunately, the mechanism of glucose metabolism in fish is still unclear. In the present study, tiger puffer (Takifugu rubripes) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were intraperitoneally injected or orally administered with glucose or fructose (500 mg/kg body weight) to evaluate the ability of fish to utilize carbohydrates. Afterwards, serum glucose, fructose, pyruvate, insulin levels, and acute hypoxia tolerance were measured. Our results showed increased serum glucose level and then decreased post intraperitoneal injection with glucose, and reached a peak after 0.5 hours in turbot and 1 hour in tiger puffer. Tiger puffer had significantly lower liver glycogen, serum glucose, fructose, pyruvate, and insulin contents than turbot. Glucose and fructose only induced insulin secretion in turbot, but did not change serum insulin level in tiger puffer. Glucose was a stronger stimulator of insulin than fructose in the two marine species. Both intraperitoneal injection and oral fructose intake increased serum glucose level, while intraperitoneal or oral glucose also increased serum fructose level. Intraperitoneal injection of glucose promoted absorption and utilization of glucose in the blood more effectively than oral glucose intake. In addition, turbot and tiger puffer were intolerant to acute hypoxia, whereas supplementation with glucose or fructose improved hypoxia tolerance in the two marine fishes by activating anaerobic glycolysis. Taken together, our results provide important scientific information for understanding the mechanism for glucose and fructose utilization and improving hypoxia tolerance in fish.