Inflammatory Parameters Research Articles

Boswellic Acid and Betulinic Acid Pre-treatments Can Prevent the Nephrotoxicity Caused by Cyclophosphamide Induction.

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various cancers. However, its clinical use is limited due to severe organ damage, particularly to the kidneys. While several phytochemicals have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for CYP nephrotoxicity, the nephroprotective effects of boswellic acid (BOSW) and betulinic acid (BET) have not yet been investigated. Our study used 42 rats divided into six equal groups. The study included six groups: control, CYP (200 mg/kg), CYP+BOSW20 (20mg/kg), CYP+BOSW40 (40 mg/kg), CYP+BET20 (20 mg/kg), and CYP+BET40 (40 mg/kg). The pre-treatments with BOSW and BET lasted for 14 days, while the application of cyclophosphamide was performed intraperitoneally only on the 4th day of the study. After the experimental protocol, the animals were sacrificed, and their kidney tissues were isolated. Renal function parameters, histological examination, oxidative stress, and inflammation parameters were assessed both biochemically and at the molecular level in kidney tissue. The results showed that oxidative stress and inflammatory response were increased in the kidney tissue of rats treated with CYP, leading to impaired renal histology and function parameters (p < 0.05). Oral administration of both doses of BET and especially high doses of BOSW improved biochemical, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters significantly (p < 0.05). Histological studies also showed the restoration of normal kidney tissue architecture. BOSW and BET have promising biological activity against CYP-induced nephrotoxicity by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant status.

Severe cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic : Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency of surgery and outcome for elective and emergency cholecystectomy: a monocentric retrospective cohort analysis

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic medical care focused on management of the infectious event. Elective interventions were cancelled and the general advice was to stay at home. How this impacted urgent and elective cholecystectomies is the subject of this work. Urgent and elective cholecystectomy patients during the first year of the pandemic were compared with those of the previous year. The primary endpoint was the frequency of surgery. Furthermore, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, symptom duration until presentation as well as until surgery, preoperative inflammatory parameters, imaging, positive Murphy's sign, type and duration of surgery, intraoperative drain placement, intraoperative and histological severity, need for and duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy, intensive care stay, length of stay and occurrence of postoperative complications were recorded. During the pandemic patients were sicker (ASA2.13 vs. 2.31; p = 0.039), the operating time was prolonged (64.4 min vs. 74.9 min; p = 0.001) and patients were more likely to have concomitant peritonitis (15.4% vs. 29.1%: p = 0.007). Furthermore, there was atrend in the presence of leukocytosis, apositive Murphy's sign, intraoperative drain placement, intraoperative severity of inflammation, duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy and complication rate. During the COVID-19 pandemic cholecystitis presented with more pronounced inflammation, the surgical conditions were more difficult and postoperative recovery was prolonged.

Anaemia in hospitalized cancer patients: a retrospective study of two cohorts before and after the guideline update.

Introduction The incidence of anaemia and its consequences are often underestimated during cancer management. We propose to evaluate the situation before and after the recommendations were updated in order to assess their impact on the day-to-day practice. Methods In this single-center retrospective study, eligible patients were treated for cancer and warranted overnight hospitalization over two periods (n=206 in 2011, n=143 in 2018). The diagnosis of anaemia was defined by a hemoglobin level below 12 and 13 g/dl for women and men, respectively. Results The prevalence of anaemia was 26% in 2011 and 16% in 2018 (p&lt;.001). Biological assessment had changed between the two periods, with more tests of iron metabolism and measurements of inflammatory parameters. Patients hospitalized in 2018 had more advanced cancer and more severe anaemia (8.2 g/dl [±1.07] in 2011 vs 7.9 g/dl [±1.18] in 2018). Rate of transfusion therapy did not change, but patients with mild and moderate anaemia were transfused less in 2018 (57% in 2011 vs 44% in 2018). Intravenous iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent were used more frequently in 2018 (1% and 5%, and 13% and 23% in 2011 and 2018, respectively), mainly for mild anaemia and life-threatening anaemia, respectively. Overall survival was poor in both cohorts at 24 months (15.4% in 2011 and 6.5% in 2018, p=.048). Conclusion Practices have changed in the diagnosis of anaemia and prescriptions for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and intravenous iron have increased. Efforts must continue to explore the causes of anaemia, optimize patients' quality of life of and reduce transfusions.

The effect of denosumab treatment on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in postmenopausal osteoporosis

The effect of denosumab treatment on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in postmenopausal osteoporosis

Chitosan/Alginate-loaded astragalus hamosus shows ameliorating effects on lipid profile, inflammatory and hormonal parameters, and reduces mirna-222 expression in polycystic ovary syndrome rats

Chitosan/Alginate-loaded astragalus hamosus shows ameliorating effects on lipid profile, inflammatory and hormonal parameters, and reduces mirna-222 expression in polycystic ovary syndrome rats

The influence of near-infrared therapy on arteriovenous fistula patency in haemodialysis patients: A multicentre, randomised, controlled clinical trial.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). AVF malfunction remains a major clinical problem and is a significant independent risk factor for death. Although far-infrared (FIR) therapy has been shown to reduce complications and improve the patency rate of AVFs in various studies, it has been cautiously recommended by the Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines for AVF care due to insufficient evidence. Therefore, it is necessary to identify more effective methods for preventing AVF dysfunction. Many in vitro studies and few clinical studies have examined the effects of near-infrared (NIR) therapy on the vasculature. This study will examine the effects of NIR therapy on AVF. A randomised, controlled, open-label, multicentre trial will compare the effect of NIR on AVF patency after 1 year of therapy with that of a control group of patients with existing AVF. One group of patients received NIR treatment above their AVFs, whereas the control group received regular care. The primary outcome is the primary fistula patency rate within 12 months. In addition, acute changes in inflammatory, vasodilatory and haemodynamic parameters after a single treatment in the first 40 participants will be examined. This study was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2300071305) at https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/. This study will explore the long-term and acute effects of NIR on AVFs. The study findings will provide information that can be used to develop new technical support for the prevention of AVF dysfunction in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

The role of platelet large cell ratio in determining mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Inflammatory mechanisms have been implicated and have been subject to research in the clinical course of COVID-19 patients. In this study, platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) has been examined as a novel prognostic and inflammatory parameter. A total of 1992 COVID-19-positive patients admitted to COVID-19 unit of Infectious Diseases were included. In order to identify a potential relationship between P-LCR and mortality, surviving patients were compared with subjects who died as a result of the disease. Although P-LCR levels showed a steady increase in all COVID-19 patients after admission, they were significantly higher in those who eventually died (P < .001), indicating a positive correlation between mortality and P-LCR. The P-LCR levels of patients followed up in the intensive care unit were statistically significantly higher than those followed up in the ward (P < .001). P-LCR levels of patients intubated in intensive care unit were statistically significantly higher than those who were not intubated (P < .001). Also, P-LCR levels were subdivided into 3 categories as normal, low, and elevated. Elevated P-LCR was found to be positively correlated with leukocyte count, neutrophil count, D-dimer, troponin, ferritin, and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and showed negative correlation with fibrinogen, lymphocyte count, and platelet count. As P-LCR was correlated with the severity of inflammation in all COVID-19 patients, it was significantly higher in those patients who died. Elevated P-LCR was considered to be associated with the risk of severe disease and death. This inexpensive, readily available test may be incorporated into our clinical practice as a novel marker of poor prognosis in addition to other valuable laboratory parameters.

Assessment of serum inflammatory parameters in RRMS and SPMS patients

ABSTRACT Objectives Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) differ in their responses to treatment; therefore, the correct diagnosis of the particular type of MS is crucial, and biomarkers that can differentiate between the forms of MS need to be identified. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of inflammatory parameters in serum samples from patients with RRMS and SPMS. Methods The study group consisted of 60 patients with diagnosed MS. The patients were divided into RRMS and SPMS groups. In the RRMS patients, the usage of disease-modifying treatment was included in our analysis. The serum levels of inflammatory parameters were evaluated. Results The serum levels of BAFF, gp130 and osteopontin were significantly higher in SPMS patients than in RRMS patients. The serum levels of BAFF correlated with age in both RRMS and SPMS patients. The serum levels of MMP-2 were significantly higher in RRMS patients than in SPMS patients and correlated with the number of past relapses. The serum levels of IL-32 were significantly higher in RRMS treatment-naïve patients than in RRMS patients treated with disease-modifying therapy. Discussion Significant differences were found in BAFF, gp130, MMP-2 and osteopontin levels between RRMS and SPMS patients. Serum IL-32 levels were statistically lower in RRMS patients treated with disease-modifying therapy than in treatment-naïve patients.

Abstract PO1-02-12: Nutritional guidance effect on anthropometric and inflammatory parameters in young women with breast cancer

Abstract Background Young women with breast cancer (YWBC) debut with more aggressive and advanced diseases; it may be related to chronic inflammation caused by the tumor. However, in Latin America, breast cancer is also related to malnutrition conditions such as obesity. Malnutrition is commonly associated with physiological adaptations to stress and inflammation resulting in muscle catabolism and loss of functionality, which may affect oncology outcomes. Our research group had previously reported that YWBCs in Mexico are overweight or obese at diagnosis. Although they received educational support, this malnutrition prevalence continues or increases during the follow-up. A limitation of this previous study is that we only have data such as weight and height and miss other anthropometric parameters to measure the metabolic impact of weight gain. Body composition assessment is valuable for measuring malnutrition, obesity, and sarcopenia. The body composition assessment with Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) provides valuable parameters such as phase angle (PhA), which correlates with nutritional status, disease prognosis, inflammation, cell health, and metabolic activity. BC patients with a PhA &amp;gt;5.6 show a better survival rate. Another accessible tool to evaluate systemic inflammation is the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Higher NLR (&amp;gt;2.12) is associated with worse disease-free and overall survival. This pilot study aims to measure the importance of PhA and NLR in YWBC with early breast cancer at diagnosis and at 12 months to evaluate the effects of personal nutritional guidance on these parameters. Methods Patients included in the “Joven &amp; Fuerte (J&amp;F) navigator program” of the National Institute of Cancerology (INCan) from 2021 to 2022 were invited to participate in this observational study. To evaluate the efficacy of personal nutritional guidance in anthropometric and NLR parameters, basal and 12-month BIA and anthropometric measures such as the Waist-Hip index were assessed, and NLR was obtained from the patient's records. Results Eleven early breast patients agreed to participate in the pilot intervention. The median age of the participants was 37 years. The majority had local advanced disease (54.5%), regarding molecular subtype luminal was the more frequent subtype (45.5%), followed by HER2 (36.4%), triple-negative (18.2%). According to BMI at diagnosis, 18.2% had normal-weight, 63.6% were overweight, and 18.2% had obesity. At follow-up, 9.1% had normal-weight, 63.6% were overweight, and 27.3% had obesity. A significant change in body composition parameters was observed, the percentage of patients with excess adipose tissue increased from 54.5% at baseline to 81.1%. All patients exhibited cardiovascular risk, as indicated by a Waist-Hip ratio greater than 0.80, and maintained a PhA (5.2 at baseline, 5.5 final) associated with overall survival risk. No significant changes were observed in the NLR ratio (2.14 baseline, 2.34 final), maintaining the related risk for this parameter. Conclusions This pilot analysis suggests that a nutritional intervention based only in nutritional guidance and support seems inefficient in impacting nutritional or inflammatory parameters. A multidisciplinary intervention involving multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including rehabilitation, and psychology, may be required to achieve therapeutic effectiveness in this population. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm these findings and determine the most effective strategies to improve the nutritional status, cardiovascular health, and clinical outcomes of YWBC. Anthropometric and inflammatory parameters a The values presented as median and interquartile range, Wilcoxon. b The values presented as mean and standard deviation, paired t-test. Citation Format: Aline Barranco-Cortés, Fernanda Sarahi Fajardo-Espinoza, Ana Lorena Espadas-Vargas, Dana Aline Pérez-Camargo, Sara Aileen Cabrera-Nieto, Marlid Cruz-Ramos, Alejandro Mohar, Lucero Itzel Labra Alvarado, Cynthia Mayté Villarreal Garza. Nutritional guidance effect on anthropometric and inflammatory parameters in young women with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-02-12.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Parameters in Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) remains a major medical and social problem. The NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its active form, brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), in a simple blood test are the gold-standard biomarkers for HF diagnosis. However, even good biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides fail to predict all the risks associated with HF due to the diversity of the mechanisms involved. The pathophysiology of HF is determined by numerous factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, neuroendocrine activation, pathological angiogenesis, changes in apoptotic pathways, fibrosis and vascular remodeling. High readmission and mortality rates prompt a search for new markers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HF. Oxidative-stress-mediated inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of subsequent changes in the failing heart and provides a new insight into this complex mechanism. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers appear to be a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with HF. This systematic review provides an overview of the current knowledge about oxidative stress and inflammation parameters as markers of HF.

Integrating Routine Hematological and Extended Inflammatory Parameters as a Novel Approach for Timely Diagnosis and Prognosis in Sepsis Management.

Sepsis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitals, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and represents a challenge to health care providers to carry out early detection, and accurate diagnosis and prognosis with cost-effective diagnostic tools. An observational prospective study was conducted from December 2021 to December 2022 to investigate the extended inflammatory parameters (EIPs) for sepsis management and analyze the survival of septic patients in the emergency unit, intensive care unit (ICU) and inpatient ward. Patients suspected of having sepsis underwent a sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) evaluation and had blood drawn for complete blood counts (CBCs). Significant changes were observed in various CBC parameters and EIPs, and the sepsis group was followed up with for 30-day mortality. The study highlighted a significant difference yet strong discriminatory power to differentiate sepsis with an AUC of 0.924 against the non-sepsis group and an AUC of 0.991 against the healthy control group using combination of white blood cells and EIPs. Furthermore, the study showed good predictive ability for 30-day mortality with a hazard ratio of 2.311. In summary, this study provides evidence that the utilization of EIPs may be valuable in diagnosing and predicting patient outcomes, and thus will be beneficial for sepsis management in the hospital.

Evaluation of the effect of aminophylline on inflammatory parameters in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Background: In Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), invasion and activation of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and cytokines result in oxidative damage to the lung tissue. Aminophylline is a combination of theophylline and ethyl diamine, has anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, ROS inhibitor effects, and stimulates surfactant release. Mortality of ARDS in COVID-19 patients is high; aminophylline is expected to reduce the incidence of mortality. Information regarding the use of aminophylline in COVID-19 patients with ARDS is still limited. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of aminophylline in inflammatory parameters in COVID-19 patients with ARDS. Methods: It was a retrospective cohort observational study at the Universitas Airlangga Hospital. Samples were hospitalised COVID-19 patients with ARDS who received a loading dose of 240-480 mg and a maintenance dose of 720-960 mg aminophylline. The primary outcomes were improved C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which were measured before and after administration of aminophylline with a duration of therapy of 1-5 days. Result: A total of 50 patients with ARDS were enrolled in the study. Lymphocyte and CRP decreased (p = 0.002; p = 0.128). IL-6, neutrophil, and NLR increased (p = 0.255; p = 0.064; p = 0.005). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the administration of aminophylline has not improved inflammatory parameters.

Phoenixin-14 may ameliorate testicular damage caused by torsion-detorsion by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in prepubertal rats

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) on oxidative damage, inflammatory response, histopathological variations, and serum testosterone levels in testicular tissues.Forty-eight Wistar albino prepubertal male rats were divided into 4 groups (Sham, TTD, TT+PNX+TD, TTD+PNX) (n=12). The torsion period was 2hours and the detorsion period was 24hours in the testicular torsion/detorsion (TD) groups. A single PNX-14 (50µg/kg) dose was injected into the rats in the TT+PNX TD group on the 90th minute of torsion, and it was injected into the rats in the TTD+PNX group at the beginning of detorsion. Oxidative damage in testicular tissues was determined based on superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS), and inflammatory damage was determined based on TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Histopathological variations were investigated with the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining method in testicular tissues and analyzed based on Johnsen scores. Spermatogonia cells were examined immunohistochemically. Serum testosterone levels were determined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).A significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammation parameters was determined in the TTD group when compared to the other groups (p<0.05). PNX-14 treatment led to a statistically significant decrease in these parameters and significantly repaired the TD damage in testicular tissue (p<0.05). Johnsen scoring revealed significant improvement in PNX-14 groups and an increase in spermatogonia count, supporting the biochemical findings (p<0.05).PNX-14 could be a potential therapeutic agent in testicular TD damage and further studies should be conducted to elucidate the present study findings.

Mild hyperhomocysteinemia alters oxidative stress profile via Nrf2, inflammation and cholinesterases in cardiovascular system of aged male rats

Homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, whose mechanisms are poorly understood. We aimed to explore mild hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) effects on oxidative status, inflammatory, and cholinesterase parameters in aged male Wistar rats (365 days old). Rats received subcutaneous Hcy (0.03 μmol/g body weight) twice daily for 30 days, followed by euthanasia, blood collection and heart dissection 12 hours after the last injection. Results revealed increased dichlorofluorescein (DCF) levels in the heart and serum, alongside decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and diminished acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the heart. Serum butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) levels also decreased. Furthermore, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein content decreased in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions, while cytosolic nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) p65 increased in the heart. Additionally, interleukins IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 showed elevated expression levels in the heart. These findings could suggest a connection between aging and HHcy in CVD. Reduced Nrf2 protein content and impaired antioxidant defenses, combined with inflammatory factors and altered cholinesterases activity, may contribute to understanding the impact of Hcy on cardiovascular dynamics. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between HHcy, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cholinesterases in CVD, providing valuable insights for future research.

Clinical and pathogenetic informativeness of laboratory parameters of inflammation and lipid metabolism in patients with chronic epitympano-antral purulent otitis media

Clinical and pathogenetic informativeness of laboratory parameters of inflammation and lipid metabolism in patients with chronic epitympano-antral purulent otitis media

In Vivo Pro-Inflammatory Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on the Colon Depend on Time and Route of Exposure.

Nanosilver is a popular nanomaterial, the potential influence of which on humans is of serious concern. Herein, we exposed male Wistar rats to two regimens: a repeated oral dose of 30 mg/kg bw silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) over 28 days and a single-dose injection of 5 mg/kg bw of AgNPs. At three different time points, we assessed antioxidant defense, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in the colon, as well as toxicity markers in the liver and plasma. Both experimental scenarios showed increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the colon. Oral administration seemed to be linked to increased reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation, while the effects induced by the intravenous exposure were probably mediated by silver ions released from the AgNPs. Repeated oral exposure had a more detrimental effect than the single-dose injection. In conclusion, both administration routes had a similar impact on the colon, although the underlying mechanisms are likely different.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Glomerular Hyperfiltration in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Glomerular hyperfiltration (GH) has been reported to be higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is an independent risk factor for renal function deterioration, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine GH in type A PCOS subjects and to identify whether inflammatory markers, markers of CKD, renal tubule injury markers, and complement system proteins were associated. In addition, a secondary cohort study was performed to determine if the eGFR had altered over time. In this comparative cross-sectional analysis, demographic, metabolic, and proteomic data from Caucasian women aged 18-40 years from a PCOS Biobank (137 with PCOS, 97 controls) was analyzed. Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement was undertaken for inflammatory proteins, serum markers of chronic kidney disease (CKD), tubular renal injury markers, and complement system proteins. A total of 44.5% of the PCOS cohort had GH (eGFR ≥ 126 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 55)), and 12% (n = 17) eGFR ≥ 142 mL/min/1.73 m2 (super-GH(SGH)). PCOS-GH women were younger and had lower creatinine and urea versus PCOS-nonGH. C-reactive protein (CRP), white cell count (WCC), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were higher in PCOS versus controls, but CRP correlated only with PCOS-SGH alone. Complement protein changes were seen between controls and PCOS-nonGH, and decay-accelerator factor (DAF) was decreased between PCOS-nonGH and PCOS-GSGH (p < 0.05). CRP correlated with eGFR in the PCOS-SGH group, but not with other inflammatory or complement parameters. Cystatin-c (a marker of CKD) was reduced between PCOS-nonGH and PCOS-GSGH (p < 0.05). No differences in tubular renal injury markers were found. A secondary cohort notes review of the biobank subjects 8.2-9.6 years later showed a reduction in eGFR: controls -6.4 ± 12.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (-5.3 ± 11.5%; decrease 0.65%/year); PCOS-nonGH -11.3 ± 13.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 (-9.7 ± 12.2%; p < 0.05, decrease 1%/year); PCOS-GH (eGFR 126-140 mL/min/17.3 m2) -27.1 ± 12.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 (-19.1 ± 8.7%; p < 0.0001, decrease 2%/year); PCOS-SGH (eGFR ≥ 142 mL/min/17.3 m2) -33.7 ± 8.9 mL/min/17.3 m2 (-22.8 ± 6.0%; p < 0.0001, decrease 3.5%/year); PCOS-nonGH eGFR versus PCOS-GH and PCOS-SGH, p < 0.001; no difference PCOS-GH versus PCOS-SGH. GH was associated with PCOS and did not appear mediated through tubular renal injury; however, cystatin-c and DAF were decreased, and CRP correlated positively with PCOS-SGH, suggesting inflammation may be involved at higher GH. There were progressive eGFR decrements for PCOS-nonGH, PCOS-GH, and PCOS-SGH in the follow-up period which, in the presence of additional factors affecting renal function, may be clinically important in the development of CKD in PCOS.

Insulin Treatment Does Not Prevent EARLY Autonomic Cardiovascular and Diastolic Dysfunctions in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Recent studies have found increased cardiovascular mortality risk in patients with type 1 diabetes when compared to normoglycemic people, even when they were kept under good glycemic control. However, the mechanisms underlying this condition have yet to be fully understood. Using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, we evaluated the effects of insulin replacement therapy on cardiac, autonomic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters. Daily treatment with insulin administrated subcutaneously in the STZ-diabetic rats showed a reduction in hyperglycemia (&gt;250 mg/dL) to normalized values. The insulin treatment was effective in preventing alterations in cardiac morphometry and systolic function but had no impact on diastolic function. Also, the treatment was not able to prevent the impairment of baroreflex-tachycardic response and systolic arterial pressure variability (SAP-V). A correlation was found between improvement of these autonomic parameters and higher levels of IL-10 and lower levels of oxidized glutathione. Our findings show that insulin treatment was not able to prevent diastolic, baroreflex, and SAP-V dysfunction, suggesting an outstanding cardiovascular risk, even after obtaining a good glycemic control in STZ-induced diabetic rats. This study shed light on a relatively large population of diabetic patients in need of other therapies to be used in combination with insulin treatment and thus more effectively manage cardiovascular risk.

Antibiotic Cocktail Effects on Intestinal Microbial Community, Barrier Function, and Immune Function in Early Broiler Chickens

This study investigated the effects of an antibiotic cocktail on intestinal microbial composition, mechanical barrier structure, and immune functions in early broilers. One-day-old healthy male broiler chicks were treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail (ABX; neomycin, ampicillin, metronidazole, vancomycin, and kanamycin, 0.5 g/L each) or not in drinking water for 7 and 14 days, respectively. Sequencing of 16S rRNA revealed that ABX treatment significantly reduced relative Firmicutes, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, unclassified Oscillospiraceae, Ruminococcus torques, and unclassified Ruminococcaceae abundance in the cecum and relative Firmicutes, Lactobacillus and Baccillus abundance in the ileum, but significantly increased richness (Chao and ACE indices) and relative Enterococcus abundance in the ileum and cecum along with relatively enriched Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Enterococcus levels in the ileum following ABX treatment for 14 days. ABX treatment for 14 days also significantly decreased intestinal weight and length, along with villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) of the small intestine, and remarkably increased serum LPS, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IgG levels, as well as intestinal mucosa DAO and MPO activity. Moreover, prolonged use of ABX significantly downregulated occludin, ZO-1, and mucin 2 gene expression, along with goblet cell numbers in the ileum. Additionally, chickens given ABX for 14 days had lower acetic acid, butyric acid, and isobutyric acid content in the cecum than the chickens treated with ABX for 7 days and untreated chickens. Spearman correlation analysis found that those decreased potential beneficial bacteria were positively correlated with gut health-related indices, while those increased potential pathogenic strains were positively correlated with gut inflammation and gut injury-related parameters. Taken together, prolonged ABX application increased antibiotic-resistant species abundance, induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, delayed intestinal morphological development, disrupted intestinal barrier function, and perturbed immune response in early chickens. This study provides a reliable lower-bacteria chicken model for further investigation of the function of certain beneficial bacteria in the gut by fecal microbiota transplantation into germ-free or antibiotic-treated chickens.

Alleviation of the arsenic induced hepatotoxicity in rats by ginger or omega-3: a histological and biochemical study

Background: Millions of individuals worldwide are unintentionally exposed to arsenic through food and water. Arsenic bioaccumulates in the human body and causes organ toxicity, especially hepatotoxicity, through apoptosis, inflammation, and the production of oxidative stress markers.  Aim of the study:  We aimed to determine whether Ginger (Zingiber officinale) or omega-3 could mitigate the hepatotoxicity that rats experienced from long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water.  Methods: Rats were randomly assigned into four groups (10/group): a control group, an arsenic exposed group (20 mg/kg body weight) only, or an arsenic exposed group in the presence of either Zingiber officinale (12 mg/kg of body weight) or omega-3 (100 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 28 days. We used different biochemical parameters to assess liver functions, such as oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory markers, and histological and immunohistochemical stains.  Results: Arsenic exposure to rats in drinking water results in hepatotoxicity, proved by increased liver enzymes and structural pathological changes in the liver, those mediated by increased oxidative stress, antiapoptotic effects, and inflammatory parameters, while supplementation of either Zingiber officinale or omega-3- to arsenic exposed rats significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved liver function biomarkers and alleviated oxidative stress induced by arsenic as well as, liver protection as confirmed by our histological and findings.  Conclusion: Ginger or omega-3 are safe and effective antioxidants to ameliorate arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity. Keywords: Arsenic; Oxidation; Inflammation; Ginger; Omega-3.