Plasma Urea Nitrogen Levels Research Articles

90 Fecal and blood biomarkers of metabolic status in horses fed rhizoma peanut hay

Rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata) is an alternative to alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L.) with less nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) and crude protein. Yet, health variables in response to feeding RP have not been evaluated. This study investigated fecal and blood health markers in horses fed forage-only diets of ‘Florigraze’ RP, ‘Legendary XHD’ alfalfa, or ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass (BMG, Cynodon dactylon L.) hays. Six mature, healthy Quarter Horse geldings (593 kg ± SD 40) were fed the 3 hays in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 3 21-d periods each separated by a 4-d washout. Hays were fed at 2% BW with ad libitum water and mineral supplement to meet maintenance requirements. Crude protein was 22, 16, and 8% and NSC was 11, 10, and 7.8% in ALF, RP, and BMG, respectively. On d 19 fecal and blood samples were collected immediately before (0 h) and 2, 4, and 8 h after feeding. Data were compared using mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures. Fecal dry matter, lactate, and pH averaged (±SEM) 19 ± 0.73%, 2.08 ± 0.172 mM, and 7.3 ± 0.05, respectively and did not differ by hay type. Fecal ammonia-nitrogen was greatest (P = 0.02) when fed ALF, but similar between RP and BMG. Fecal total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) did not differ among hays (P = 0.07). Expressed as molar proportion, hay type did not alter acetate proportion (P = 0.12) but affected proportions of propionate (P = 0.02), butyrate (P = 0.04), andbranched-chain (BC) SCFA (isobutyrate + isovalerate + 2-methylbutyrate). Propionate proportion was greater (P = 0.02) when fed ALF than RP, but similar to both legumes when fed BMG. Butyrate proportion was greater (P = 0.04) for BMG-fed horses than RP-fed horses, while ALF was similar to both. Molar proportion of BC-SCFA was similar for both legume hays and least (P = 0.02) for BMG. Except for dry matter and lactate, time post feeding did not affect any of the fecal variables. Fecal dry matter decreased (P < 0.01) at 2 h and 4 h post feeding and had returned to pre-feeding values at 8 h post feeding. Fecal lactate decreased (P < 0.01) only at 8 h post feeding. Alfalfa resulted in glycemic (P = 0.01) and insulinemic (P = 0.01) responses greater than BMG, whereas the responses to RP were similar to those observed for ALF and BMG. Serum glucose was affected by time (P = 0.01) where it was elevated at 4 h post feeding. Insulin response was not affected by time post feeding (P = 0.70). Rhizoma peanut resulted in plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) lesser than ALF and similar to BMG. Levels of PUN decreased (P < 0.01) 8 h post feeding. Feeding rhizoma peanut provides more favorable metabolic responses than alfalfa, while still providing a high-quality source of nutrition.

Protective effect of bioactive iridium nanozymes on high altitude-related hypoxia-induced kidney injury in mice.

Introduction: High altitude-related hypoxia-induced organ damage significantly impacts people who are exposed to acute high-altitude environment. At present, kidney injury still lacks effective treatment strategies. Iridium nanozymes (Ir-NPs) are a nanomaterial with various enzymatic activities and are expected to be used in kidney injury treatment. Methods: In this study, we simulated a high-altitude environment (6000 m) to induce a kidney injury model, and explored the therapeutic effect of Ir-NPs in mice with kidney injury in this environment. Changes in the microbial community and metabolites were analyzed to explore the possible mechanism underlying the improvement of kidney injury during acute altitude hypoxia in mice treated with Ir-NPs. Results: It was discovered that plasma lactate dehydrogenase and urea nitrogen levels were considerably increased in mice exposed to acute altitude hypoxia compared to mice in a normal oxygen environment. Furthermore, there was a substantial increase in IL-6 expression levels in hypoxic mice; contrastingly, Ir-NPs decreased IL-6 expression levels, reduced the levels of succinic acid and indoxyl sulfate in the plasma and kidney pathological changes caused by acute altitude hypoxia. Microbiome analysis showed that bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae_UCG_006 predominated in mice treated with Ir-NPs. Conclusion: Correlation analysis of the physiological, biochemical, metabolic, and microbiome-related parameters showed that Ir-NPs could reduce the inflammatory response and protect kidney function under acute altitude hypoxia, which may be related to intestinal flora distribution regulation and plasma metabolism in mice. Therefore, this study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for hypoxia-related kidney injury, which could be applied to other hypoxia-related diseases.

Effect of Adding L-carnitine to High-Fat/Low-Protein Diets of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and the Mechanism of Regulation of Fat and Protein Metabolism.

L-carnitine is a low molecular weight amino acid that plays an essential role in the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. The regulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of L-carnitine on fat and protein metabolism in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were investigated in this study. Common carp (n = 270) were randomly divided into three groups and fed either (1) common carp diet, (2) high-fat/low-protein diet, or (3) L-carnitine-high-fat/low-protein diet. Growth performance, plasma biochemistry, muscle composition, and ammonia excretion rate were all examined after 8 weeks. Additionally, each group's hepatopancreas was subjected to transcriptome analysis. The results showed that decreasing the feed protein/fat ratio resulted in a considerable increase in feed conversion ratio and a significant decrease in common carp-specific growth rate to 1.19 ± 0.02 (P < 0.05). Similarly, total plasma cholesterol sharply increased to 10.15 ± 2.07, while plasma urea nitrogen, muscle protein, and ammonia excretion levels dropped (P < 0.05). After adding L-carnitine to the high-fat/low-protein diet, it was found that the specific growth rate and protein content of the dorsal muscle increased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, the plasma total cholesterol and ammonia excretion rate decreased considerably at most time points after feeding (P < 0.05). The expression of genes in the hepatopancreas differed substantially between the different groups. Through GO analysis, it was demonstrated that L-carnitine increased the ability of fat decomposition by up-regulating the expression of cpt1 in the hepatopancreas and decreased the expression of fasn and elovl6 to reduce the production and extension of lipids. Simultaneously, mtor was more abundant in the hepatopancreas, implying that L-carnitine can increase protein synthesis. According to the findings, adding L-carnitine to high-fat/low-protein diets can stimulate growth by enhancing lipolysis and protein synthesis.

Effects of inorganic and nano copper supplementation on haematology, blood biochemical and plasma mineral status in growing cattle

Effect of inorganic and nano copper supplementation on growth performance, haematology, blood biochemical and plasma mineral status in growing Sahiwal heifers was studied. Animals (24) were randomly allocated into four groups having six animals in each and fed for 120 days. Feeding regimen was similar in all the groups except that treatment groups were supplemented with 0 mg copper, 10 mg inorganic copper, 5 and 10 mg of nano copper per kg DM in four respective groups. Nutrient requirements were met by feeding concentrate mixture, berseem and wheat straw. Feed intake and growth performance were similar in all groups. In Cu supplemented groups, Hb content, PCV and RBCs count was higher than non-supplemented group. Dietary supplementation of Cu did not exert any effect on biomarkers of energy and lipid mobilization, i.e. plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids and beta hydroxyl butyrate concentration. There were no significant effect of treatment on plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in all four groups. Alkaline phosphate was lower in Cu supplemented groups but AST, ALT and bilirubin values were similar in all the groups. Plasma Cu levels were higher in Cu supplemented groups than non-supplemented group. There were no changes in plasma levels of Ca, P, Zn and Fe in all the groups. Finally, it was concluded that nano Cu @ 5 ppm can be selected for feeding in growing cattle as it exerts similar effects as showed by 10 ppm inorganic Cu.

Effects of Dietary Mixture Enriched in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Probiotic on Performance, Biochemical Response, Breast Meat Fatty Acids, and Lipid Indices in Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the effects of a dietary mixture based on extruded linseed and pea (ELP; 20:80 w/w) and probiotics (L. acidophilus) on the performance, biochemical responses, breast muscle fatty acids (FA) profile, and lipid indices in broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were assigned into four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of ELP (0% and 30%) at the expense of soybean meal, corn, and vegetable oil and two levels of probiotic (0 and 20 g ton−1 feed). There were no effects of ELP diet or probiotic supplementation on performance and carcass traits. Feeding the ELP diet increased plasma total protein, urea nitrogen (PUN), and creatinine (Cre) levels with no changes in the PUN/Cre ratio. A probiotic addition lowered the total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios. The ELP diet improved the breast muscle FA profile by lowering total saturated FA (SFA) and increasing total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), omega-3 (n-3), unsaturated FA (UFA), PUFA/SFA, and UFA/SFA ratios. Probiotics increased total PUFA, omega-6 (n-6) and decreased the n-6/n-3 ratio, total UFA, and UFA/SFA ratio. Dietary treatment interaction exhibited a synergistic effect for total PUFA and an antagonistic effect for n-3 PUFA and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in breast muscle. Probiotics reduced some lipid indices (PUFA/SFA ratio, desirable FA and nutritive value index) only when ELP0 was fed. In conclusion, based on these results, using ELP30 alone in broiler diets is recommended to improve meat’s nutritional value for consumers.

Probiotics and Synbiotics Addition to Bama Mini-Pigs' Diet Improve Carcass Traits and Meat Quality by Altering Plasma Metabolites and Related Gene Expression of Offspring.

This study evaluated the effects of maternal probiotics and synbiotics addition on several traits and parameters in offspring. A total of 64 Bama mini pigs were randomly allocated into the control (basal diet), antibiotic (50 g/t virginiamycin), probiotics (200 mL/day probiotics), or synbiotics (500 g/t xylo-oligosaccharides and 200 mL/day probiotics) group and fed with experimental diets during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, two piglets per litter and eight piglets per group were selected and fed with a basal diet. Eight pigs per group were selected for analysis at 65, 95, and 125 days of age. The results showed that the addition of probiotics increased the average daily feed intake of the pigs during the 66- to 95-day-old periods and backfat thickness at 65 and 125 days of age, and that the addition of synbiotics increased backfat thickness and decreased muscle percentage and loin-eye area at 125 days of age. The addition of maternal probiotics increased the cooking yield and pH45min value at 65 and 95 days of age, respectively, the addition of synbiotics increased the meat color at 95 days of age, and the addition of probiotics and synbiotics decreased drip loss and shear force in 65- and 125-day-old pigs, respectively. However, maternal antibiotic addition increased shear force in 125-day-old pigs. Dietary probiotics and synbiotics addition in sows' diets increased several amino acids (AAs), including total AAs, histidine, methionine, asparagine, arginine, and leucine, and decreased glycine, proline, isoleucine, α-aminoadipic acid, α-amino-n-butyric acid, β-alanine, and γ-amino-n-butyric acid in the plasma and longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of offspring at different stages. In the LT muscle fatty acid (FA) analysis, saturated FA (including C16:0, C17:0, and C20:0) and C18:1n9t contents were lower, and C18:2n6c, C16:1, C20:1, and unsaturated FA contents were higher in the probiotics group. C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0 contents were higher in 65-day-old pigs, and C20:1 and C18:1n9t contents were lower in the synbiotics group in 95- and 125-day-old pigs, respectively. The plasma biochemical analysis revealed that the addition of maternal probiotics and synbiotics decreased plasma cholinesterase, urea nitrogen, and glucose levels in 95-day-old pigs, and that the addition of synbiotics increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol concentrations in 65-day-old pigs and triglyceride concentration in 125-day-old pigs. The addition of maternal probiotics and synbiotics regulated muscle fiber type, myogenic regulation, and lipid metabolism-related gene expression of LT muscle in offspring. In conclusion, the addition of maternal probiotics and synbiotics improved the piglet feed intake and altered the meat quality parameters, plasma metabolites, and gene expression related to meat quality.

Gender Differential Expression of AR/miR-21 Signaling Axis and Its Protective Effect on Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice and the effects of androgen receptor (AR) and microRNA-21 (miR-21) on apoptosis in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury model was induced by 45 min of bilateral renal artery ischemia and reperfusion. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into groups according to different experimental protocols. The levels of renal function were evaluated by serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. TUNEL staining was used to analyze the pathological changes and apoptosis levels of renal tissue, and western blotting and qPCR were used to detect the expressions of miR-21, AR, PDCD4 and caspase3. Results: After renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice with different genders, the levels of plasma urea nitrogen and creatinine in female and male mice increased, the histopathological score increased, and TUNEL staining in renal tissue indicated increased apoptosis. The expressions of miR-21, PDCD4, and active caspase-3 protein were up-regulated. The above trend was more pronounced in male mice, and a significant decrease in AR mRNA expression was detected. Silencing the expression of AR aggravated the decline of renal function and renal tubular injury after renal ischemia in mice. The expression of PDCD4 and active caspase-3 increased, while the level of miR-21 was correspondingly decreased. Up-regulation of miR-21 expression by pre-miR-21 could negatively regulate PDCD4, reduce the expression level of active caspase3, and yet induce AR expression accordingly. MiR-21 alleviated renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis. The effect of antagomiR-21 was the opposite, which aggravated renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conclusion: There are gender differences in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Male mice are more susceptible to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury than female. Silencing AR expression or down-regulating the level of miR-21 can promote the expression of PDCD4 and apoptosis protein caspase3, thereby aggravating ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. The protective effect of AR and miR-21 in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury has a certain synergy.

LIT01-196, a Metabolically Stable Apelin-17 Analog, Normalizes Blood Pressure in Hypertensive DOCA-Salt Rats via a NO Synthase-dependent Mechanism.

Apelin is a neuro-vasoactive peptide that plays a major role in the control of cardiovascular functions and water balance, but has an in-vivo half-life in the minute range, limiting its therapeutic use. We previously developed LIT01-196, a systemically active metabolically stable apelin-17 analog, produced by chemical addition of a fluorocarbon chain to the N-terminal part of apelin-17. LIT01-196 behaves as a potent full agonist for the apelin receptor and has an in vivo half-life in the bloodstream of 28 min after intravenous (i.v.) and 156 min after subcutaneous (s.c.) administrations in conscious normotensive rats. We aimed to investigate the effects of LIT01-196 following systemic administrations on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, fluid balance and electrolytes in conscious normotensive and hypertensive deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt rats. Acute i.v. LIT01-196 administration, in increasing doses, dose-dependently decreases arterial blood pressure with ED50 values of 9.8 and 3.1 nmol/kg in normotensive and hypertensive rats, respectively. This effect occurs for both via a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism. Moreover, acute s.c. LIT01-196 administration (90 nmol/kg) normalizes arterial blood pressure in conscious hypertensive DOCA-salt rats for more than 7 h. The LIT01-196-induced blood pressure decrease remains unchanged after 4 consecutive daily s.c. administrations of 90 nmol/kg, and does not induce any alteration of plasma sodium and potassium levels and kidney function as shown by the lack of change in plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen levels. Activating the apelin receptor with LIT01-196 may constitute a novel approach for the treatment of hypertension.

Metabolomic profiling reveals the effects of early-life lactoferrin intervention on protein synthesis, energy production and antioxidative capacity in the liver of suckling piglets.

This study aimed to determine the effects of an early-life lactoferrin (LF) intervention on liver metabolism in suckling piglets. Sixty newborn piglets with an average initial body weight (BW) of 1.51 ± 0.05 kg were assigned to a control (CON) group and an LF group. At age 1 to 7 days, the piglets in the LF group were orally administered LF solution (0.5 g per kg BW daily), whereas the piglets in the CON group were orally administered the same dose of physiological saline. Plasma, jejunum and liver samples were collected on days 8 and 21. The LF piglets showed a decreased plasma urea nitrogen level on day 8 and an increased plasma albumin level on day 21. Pathway analysis of the metabolomic profiles showed that the LF treatment affected amino acid metabolism in the liver. In addition, the LF treatment upregulated the gene expression levels of proteolytic enzymes and amino acid transporters (APA, APN, EAAC1, Pept1, CAT1, B0AT1 and ASCT2) in the jejunum, and it enhanced the phosphorylation levels of mTOR and p70S6K in the liver. The LF treatment also upregulated the expression of a β-oxidation-related gene (CPT1) and affected the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the liver on day 21. Furthermore, the LF piglets showed a decreased level of malondialdehyde and increased levels of GSH, GSH-Px and GCLC in the liver mitochondria. Overall, the early-life LF intervention affected the protein synthesis, energy production and antioxidative capacity in the liver of the neonatal piglets.

Effect of Supplementing Rice Straw with Pigeon Pea Forage on Rumen and Blood Metabolites of Yankasa Sheep

A study was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing rice straw with pigeon pea forage on rumen and blood metabolites of Yankasa sheep. Sixteen yearling Yankasa ewes were used for the study. A completely randomized design was used with four animals per treatment. A basal rice straw diet was provided ad libitum and pigeon pea forage supplemented at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%of the body weight. Rumen and blood samples were collected at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours post-feeding. Results of the study showed low (1.16-3.81mg/100ml) NH3-N concentration in the unsupplemented ewes. Supplementation at 1 % body weight improved the level of NH3-N concentration to 10.38mg/100ml. Volatile faty acids also increased from 26.33 to 43.33mg/l in 0.0% and 1.0% of body weight pigeon pea forage supplementation. pH variations within treatments remain within acceptable range for rumen microbial activity: There was a uniformly low level of plasma urea nitrogen in the unsupplemented diet across sampling time, supplementing at 1.0% of the body weight had the highest plasma urea nitrogen level with 3 and 6 hours post-feeding being significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than other sampling time. Levels of packed cell volume and haemoglobin improved from 21.00% and 48% in the supplemented diet to 32.00% and 73% at 1.0% pigeon pea forage supplementation respectively

Supplementing Synbiotic in Sows' Diets Modifies Beneficially Blood Parameters and Colonic Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Activity in Suckling Piglets.

Nutrients in the maternal diet favor the growth and development of suckling piglets and alter their gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity, thus affecting the hosts. The present study analyzed, in suckling piglets from sows receiving antibiotic or synbiotic supplements from pregnancy to lactation, several biochemical parameters, oxidative/anti-oxidative indices, inflammatory cytokines, and ingestion-related factor levels in plasma, as well as colonic microbiota composition and metabolic activity, and mucosal expression of genes related to the intestinal barrier function. Compared with the control group, maternal synbiotic supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma levels of glucose, AMM, TC, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), MDA, H2O2, ghrelin, CCK, PP, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, Ala, Cys, Tau, and β-AiBA, the levels of propionate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colonic luminal content, and colonic abundances of RFN20, Anaerostipes, and Butyricimonas; while increased (P < 0.05) the plasma levels of urea nitrogen (UN), Ile, Leu, α-AAA, α-ABA, and 1-Mehis, as well as colonic abundances of Sphingomonas, Anaerovorax, Sharpea, and Butyricicoccus. Compared with the antibiotic group, maternal synbiotic supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma levels of glucose, gastrin, and Ala, as well as abundances of Pasteurella and RFN20 and propionate level in the colonic content. Expression of genes coding for E-cadherin, Occludin, ZO-1, ZO-2, IL-10, and interferon-α were down-regulated in the colonic mucosa. The synbiotic supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the plasma levels of UN, Leu, α-ABA, and 1-Mehis, the abundances of Anaerovorax, Sharpea, and Butyricicoccus and expression of genes coding for E-cadherin, Occludin, ZO-1, ZO-2, IL-10, and interferon-α. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between colonic Anaerostipes abundance and acetate and SCFAs levels; whereas a negative correlation between Fusobacteria and Fusobacterium abundances and acetate level. These findings suggest that synbiotic supplementation in the maternal diet improved nutrient metabolism and intestinal barrier permeability, reduced oxidative stress, and modified colonic microbiota composition and metabolic activity in suckling piglets.

Studies on Biomarkers of Hepatic Lipidosis in Transition Cows with Special Reference to Liver Ultrasonograhy, Liver Specific Enzymes and Acute Phase Proteins

Background: Use of novel biomarkers is the need of hour for prediction and early diagnosis of bovine production diseases such as hepatic lipidosis (HL). Liver ultrasonography and estimation of liver specific enzymes activities have been successfully used for diagnosis of HL. However, use of inflammatory mediator like tumor necrosis factor-á (TNF–á) or acute phase proteins (APPs) like C reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) as biomarkers of HL has not been elucidated. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate liver ultrasonography and serum APPs concentrations as early predictive biomarkers of bovine HL. Methods: This study included one hundred one (101) multiparous crossbred cows in advanced pregnancy from dairy farm in Punjab, India. The cows were grouped according to their transition stage i.e., Far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and Fresh (F). Liver ultrasonography along with hemato-biochemical analysis and estimation of acute phase proteins was carried out during different stages of transition period. Result: This study included 101 cows, of which 71 (70.3%) had ultrasonographic features of normal liver and 30 (29.7%) had ultrasonographic features of HL (Grade I, 10 cows; Grade II, 12 cows; Grade III, 8 cows). Cows with HL had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total plasma protein (TPP), glucose, total calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) and significantly higher levels of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta hydroxyl butyric acid (BHBA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), TNF–á, CRP, SAA and Hp compared to the negative controls. The APPs, liver ultrasonography, liver enzymes along with NEFA and BHBA could be used as biomarkers for prediction and early diagnosis of HL in cows.

Effect of dietary l-arginine of broiler breeder hens on embryonic development, apparent metabolism, and immunity of offspring

This study investigated the effects of supplemented l-arginine (l-Arg) in broiler breeder hens' diets on the embryonic development and physiological changes of offspring during the hatching period. A total of 480 35-wk-old healthy female Arbor Acres broiler breeders were randomly divided into 6 groups and fed a corn and soybean meal diet with 6 digestible Arg levels (0.96%, 1.16%, 1.35%, 1.55%, 1.74%, and 1.93%). After a 10-wk experiment, eggs were collected for incubation. At embryonic day (E) 11 to E21, eggs, embryos, and organs (liver, breast muscle, and thigh muscle) were weighed. Total protein, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglyceride in plasma, were measured. Plasma level of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were measured at E13, E17, and E21. Messenger RNA expression of carbamoyl phosphate synthase I (CPS1), ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), and argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) in liver and breast muscle tissues was assessed at E13, E17, and E21. The results showed that 1.16% Arg in maternal diet increased egg weight (P < 0.05). The level of Arg in maternal diet has a significant effect on organ index and embryo weight of multiple embryonic days (P < 0.05). Embryonic plasma total protein concentration was significantly affected by maternal dietary Arg level (P < 0.05) and exhibited quadratic responses at E11, E15, E17, and E21 (P < 0.01). Plasma urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglyceride, and cholesterol level were also significantly affected by the level of maternal Arg at different embryonic ages (P < 0.05). Dietary digestible Arg levels quadratically influenced plasma urea nitrogen level at E21 (P < 0.05) and cholesterol concentration at E17 and E19 (P < 0.01). L-Arg supplementation in maternal diet significantly improved the IgG level at E17 and E21 (1.16%, 1.35%, 1.55%, and 1.74%; P < 0.05), the IgM level at E13 (1.35%, 1.55%, 1.74%, and 1.93%) and E17 (P < 0.05) and the NOS level at E13, E17, and E21 (P < 0.05). Maternal dietary L-Arg supplementation significantly improved the expression of CPS1 gene, OTC gene (1.16%, 1.35%, and 1.55%), and ASS gene (1.35% and 1.55%) in the liver (P < 0.05), and also enhanced the CPS1 gene (except 1.35%) and OTC gene (1.55% and 1.74%) expression in the breast muscle (P < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal Arg level affected the embryonic development of offspring and regulated the apparent metabolic programming and immunity state of the embryo. Arginine level of 1.55% in hens' diet was beneficial to the protein synthesis and immunity of the offspring in the embryonic period, and it was recommended to obtain healthy offspring.

Plasma urea nitrogen as an indicator of amino acid imbalance in rabbit diets

&lt;p&gt;In recent decades, recommendations on dietary protein content have been considerably reduced, while fibre content has been increased. Under these conditions, an adequate dietary amino acid balance could be crucial to optimise feed efficiency. Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) level could be a good indicator of an amino acid imbalance and its potential has already been studied in other species, but not yet in rabbits. The main objective of the present work was to detect the possible interest of PUN in pinpointing amino acid deficiencies in rabbits. Two experimental diets were formulated from the same basal mixture, following all the recommendations for growing rabbits, except lysine, whose content was variable, following current guidelines in diet P8.1 or lower from those in P4.4 (with 8.1 and 4.4 g/kg dry matter of lysine and with 757 and 411 mg of lysine per MJ of digestible energy). Three different trials were designed: one where the animals were fed &amp;lt;em&amp;gt;ad libitum&amp;lt;/em&amp;gt; (AL) and two others in which fasting periods of 10 h were included; one where feeding was restored at 08:00 h (Fast8h) and the other at 18:00 h (Fast18h). A total of 72 three-way crossbred growing rabbits (24 animals for each trial in a split-plot trial) up to a total of 12 recordings were used. Blood samples were taken every 4 h in AL trial and every hour after refeeding up to a total of six controls, in trials Fast8h and&lt;br /&gt;Fast18h. The differences between balanced and unbalanced diets in lysine were highest (&amp;lt;em&amp;gt;P&amp;lt;/em&amp;gt;&amp;lt;0.001) between 04:00 h and 12:00 h in animals fed ad libitum, and at 3 h after refeeding (21:00 h) in Fast18h. These results suggest that PUN could be an adequate indicator to detect deficiencies in amino acids in growing rabbit&lt;br /&gt;diets.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of increasing levels of palm kernel meal containing β-mannanase to growing-finishing pig diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and pork quality

In this study, we investigated the effects of increasing levels of palm kernel meal (PKM) in diets containing β-mannanase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and pork quality in growing-finishing pigs. One hundred twenty pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with 29.68 ± 0.17 kg BW] were allotted to 5 dietary treatments with 4 pigs per pen and 6 replicates per treatment on the basis of sex and BW. These dietary treatments were: NC (negative control; corn-soybean meal-based diet), PC (positive control; basal diet + 0.10% β-mannanase), PKM6 (diet containing 6% PKM + 0.10% β-mannanase), PKM12 (diet containing 12% PKM + 0.10% β-mannanase), and PKM18 (diet containing 18% PKM + 0.10% β-mannanase). The BW was linearly decreased as the dietary inclusion level of PKM increased in early finishing phase (linear, P < 0.05) and late finishing phase (linear, P < 0.01). Similarly, ADFI was linearly decreased as the dietary inclusion level of PKM increased in late finishing phase (linear, P < 0.03), and during the entire experimental period (linear, P < 0.01). However, no PKM effect was observed on the G/F ratio. Digestibility of crude protein and crude fiber were linearly decreased when dietary levels of PKM increased (linear, P < 0.05). Moreover, increasing level of PKM in the diet linearly increased fecal nitrogen levels (linear, P < 0.03). Dietary treatment had no adverse effects on plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) levels. Pigs fed diets containing 18% PKM tended to have decreased carcass yield (P < 0.08) as well as increased backfat depth (P < 0.10). Consequently, growing-finishing pigs fed increasing levels of PKM had a linear reduction on growth performance and digestibility. Overall, PKM can be added up to 12% in corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with 0.10% β-mannanase without detrimental effects on growth performance and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs.

High-Dose Vitamin C Preadministration Reduces Vancomycin-Associated Nephrotoxicity in Mice.

Vancomycin is recommended for treating severe infections caused by Gram-positive cocci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, renal damage often occurs as a side effect because vancomycin is mainly excreted via the kidneys. The mechanism of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity is thought to involve the elevation of oxidative stress in the kidneys. Vitamin C (VC) has strong antioxidant properties; therefore, we evaluated the effect of high-dose VC preadministration on vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity. Vancomycin was intraperitoneally injected into mice once daily for 7 d. Additionally, high-dose VC was intraperitoneally injected into mice at 30 min before vancomycin administration for 7 d. The plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were increased by vancomycin treatment; however, high-dose VC preadministration suppressed the increase in these levels. Histological examination also revealed that high-dose VC preadministration reduced the characteristics of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity, such as dilated renal tubules with casts, the dilation of renal proximal tubules, and tubular epithelial desquamation. Furthermore, high-dose VC preadministration reduced the appearance of apoptotic cells presumably derived from the epithelial cells in the dilated proximal tubules. Thus, intraperitoneally injected high-dose VC preadministration reduced vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in mice. These novel findings may indicate that vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in humans may be reduced by high-dose VC preadministration.

Characterization of Novel Nonobese Type 2 Diabetes Rat Model with Enlarged Kidneys.

A variety of animal models of diabetes mellitus (DM) are required to study the genetics and pathophysiology of DM. We established a novel rat strain showing nonobese type 2 diabetes with enlarged kidneys from the LEA.PET-pet congenic strain and named it Diabetes with Enlarged Kidney (DEK). The body growth of DEK affected rats was similar to that of normal rats before the development of DM but was attenuated with the deterioration of DM. There was a marked difference in the etiology of DEK by gender: DM phenotypes including polyuria, polydipsia, and hyperglycemia (nonfasting blood glucose over 300 mg/dl) were found in male rats aged over 10 weeks but not in female rats. The cumulative incidence of DM in DEK males at the age of 30 weeks was 44.8%. Oral glucose tolerance tests showed glucose intolerance and decreased insulin secretion in response to glucose loading in affected males, features which were exacerbated with age. Affected males exhibited disorganized architecture of pancreatic islets, decreased numbers of β cells, and markedly decreased expression of insulin, despite no pathological findings of hemorrhage or infiltration of inflammatory cells in the pancreatic islet. Age-related islet fibrosis appeared similar in normal and affected males. Affected males also showed enlarged kidneys with dilation of renal tubules in both the cortex and medulla, but no obvious glomerular lesions typical of diabetic nephropathy (DN) at the age of 30 weeks. Plasma levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine were normal, but hypoalbuminemia was detected. These pathophysiological features in affected males indicated that their renal function was almost maintained despite severe DM. Taken together, these findings indicate that the affected males of the DEK strain are a novel nonobese type 2 diabetes rat model useful for studying the mechanisms underlying β cell loss and identifying genetic factors protective against DN.

Effects of kafirins and tannins concentrations in sorghum on the ileal digestibility of amino acids and starch, and on the glucose and plasma urea nitrogen levels in growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of sorghum kafirins and tannins concentrations on the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility (AID and SID, respectively) of protein, amino acids, and starch; as well as on the glucose and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) response in growing pigs. Two hybrids of sorghum, 82G93 and 81G67 that were low and high in tannins (LT and HT), respectively, were evaluated. Each hybrid had low or high levels of kafirins (LK and HK, respectively). Pigs were fed 4 experimental diets that were formulated with sorghum as the sole source of CP and AAs: LT-LK, LT-HK, HT-LK, and HT-HK. In experiment 1, ileal cannulation was performed in 4 pigs weighing 25 ± 0.60 kg to determine protein, amino acids, and starch digestibility. In experiment 2, internal jugular venous catheterization was performed in 4 pigs weighing 26 ± 0.52 kg to determine glucose and PUN response. Experiment 1 results revealed that starch digestibility was not affected (P > 0.05) by kafirins neither tannins. Kafirins levels negatively affected (P < 0.05) the AID of glutamic acid and histidine; and tended to reduce (P < 0.10) alanine, aspartic acid, and valine AID. A higher level of tannins negatively affected (P < 0.001) the AID of dry matter, energy, lysine, (P < 0.01) cystine, histidine, methionine, (P < 0.05) crude protein, aspartic acid, leucine, and threonine. There was kafirins × tannin interaction effect which decreased (P < 0.05) the AID of glutamic acid and lysine; the AID of glycine and proline were negative in all diets. The SID of alanine, glutamic acid, histidine, and valine showed a tendency (P < 0.10) to be lower in high kafirins sorghums. Tannins level negatively affected the SID of (P < 0.001) lysine, (P < 0.01) cystine, histidine, (P < 0.05) protein, aspartic acid, leucine, methionine, serine, threonine, and valine digestibility. Experiment 2 results revealed that kafirins levels did not affect the glycemia until 300 min postprandial when a tendency (P = 0.08) to increase the glucose response was observed in pigs fed HK sorghums. Tannins level showed a tendency (P < 0.10) to decrease glycemia at 150 and 360 min postprandial. At 300 min postprandial HT sorghums diminished (P = 0.02) glycemia. The PUN level was not affected (P > 0.05) by kafirins but was reduced (P < 0.001) by the HT sorghums. The findings of the present study indicated that kafirins had a minimal but significant effect on the criteria studied; however, sorghum tannins reduced amino acid digestibility, glucose and PUN response in growing pigs.

Effect of Nickel Supplementation on Liver and Kidney Function Test and Protein Metabolism in Growing Cattle

This study was conducted to assess the nickel (Ni) content of commonly available feedstuffs and their supplemental effect on biomarkers of liver and kidney function and protein metabolism in growing cattle. Eighteen growing Hariana heifers were randomly assigned to three groups for 90 days and managed on similar feeding regimen except that these three groups were supplemented with 0.0 (Ni0.0), 1.5 (Ni1.5), and 3.0 (Ni3.0) of Ni/kg DMI. Cereal grain by-products, cakes and meals, green fodders, molasses, and compounded concentrate were high in Ni content. Cereal grains, straw, and stovers were moderate to low in Ni content. Dietary supplementation of 3.0 mg of Ni/kg DMI showed linear increase (P < 0.01) in average daily gain. No effects of treatments were observed on haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value, aspartate aminotransferase level, alanine aminotransferase level, and alkaline phosphatase level. Circulating levels of bilirubin (P < 0.05) and creatinine (P < 0.01) showed dose-dependent increase with supplemental Ni. Heifers receiving diet supplemented with Ni showed higher (P < 0.001) plasma urease activity, plasma levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and plasma urea nitrogen as compared to non-supplemented heifers. Ni supplementation showed a trend of linear increase (P < 0.001) in plasma Ni concentrations, and Ni level was observed highest in Ni3.0 group. Mean plasma iron (Fe) concentration showed no effect of Ni supplementation. The results of the present study indicate that Ni supplementation seems to improve performance in growing cattle by modulating urease activity and protein metabolism.

Sites of Action of Subtoxic Doses of the Iodine-Containing X-Ray Contrast Medium Iopromide on the Kidney and the Search for Means of Preventing the Development of Nephropathy

A controlled, randomized study using an experimental model of contrast (iopromide)-induced nephropathy (CIN) in normal mongrel rats showed that the combination of treatment by hydration with the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-containing formulation Nadcin®, with cytoprotective and antiischemic actions, decreased the plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen levels 72 h after induction of CIN. Aclose correlational relationship (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) was found between the blood endothelin-1 (ET-1) level and O2 – generation, while there was no relationship between hydrogen peroxide production and the ET-1 level (r = 0.13, p > 0.05) or between the ET-1 level and catalase activity (r = 0.41, p > 0.05). In contrast to monotherapy with hydration, inclusion of Nadcin normalized blood ET-1 and the blood ET-1/creatinine ratio, the blood and renal NAD/NADH and NADP/NADPH redox potentials, and had more marked actions on reversing the overproduction of free radicals and on the antioxidant defense system in the blood and renal tissue. It is suggested that ET-1, the ET-1/creatinine ratio, and the plasma redox potential can be used as early markers for increases in the risk of developing stable impairment of renal function on use of x-ray contract agents.