Oral Supplementation Research Articles

The impact of different doses of oral iron supplementation during pregnancy: a pilot randomized trial

AbstractOral iron is first-line medication for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. We conducted a pilot randomized trial to investigate the impact of different doses of oral iron supplementation started early in pregnancy on women without anemia for 4 main outcomes: recruitment and protocol compliance, adherence, maintenance of maternal hemoglobin, and side effects. At antenatal clinic visits, participants were allocated to 1 of 3 trial arms in a 1:1:1 ratio: 200 mg ferrous sulfate daily, alternate days, or 3 times per week. The participants were followed to delivery. Baseline characteristics of 300 recruited participants were well matched between trial arms. The mean proportion of tablets taken as expected per participant was 82.5% overall (72.3%, 89.6%, and 84.5% for the daily, alternate days, and 3 times a week arm, respectively). There was a lower overall adherence rate in the daily arm (47%) than in the alternate days (62%) and the 3 times per week (61%) arms. A reduction in hemoglobin between randomization and 28 weeks’ gestation seemed smaller for the daily arm. A range of side effects were commonly reported at baseline before starting interventions and at later antenatal visits. Many side effects of iron overlapped with normal pregnancy symptoms. A daily iron dosing schedule might give the best opportunity for delivering an adequate iron load during pregnancy in women without anemia. Further randomized trials powered on clinical outcomes are needed to establish the clinical effectiveness of oral iron supplementation to prevent iron deficiency anemia. This study was registered (#ISRCTN12911644).

Effect of Oral Nutritional Supplementation on Health-Related Outcomes and Nutritional Biomarkers in Children and Adolescents with Undernutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review aims to synthesize scientific evidence on the effects of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) on health-related outcomes and nutritional biomarkers among children and adolescents with undernutrition. The review protocol was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A comprehensive keyword and reference search was conducted in seven electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed, Academic Search Complete, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Global Health, Web of Science, and Scopus. We identified 14 peer-reviewed articles reporting results from 13 unique studies (eight randomized controlled trials, four pre-post studies, and one observational study). Study participants were recruited from 14 countries/regions, with ages ranging from 1 to 14 years. Outcomes of interest include health-related outcomes (acute diseases and infections) and nutritional biomarkers (e.g., serum iron and zinc). Six of the eight studies examining acute diseases/infections and five of the seven examining nutritional biomarkers reported statistically significant improvement in some, but not all, outcomes. A meta-analysis of three studies found that ONS interventions reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) by 39% (95% CI, 0.42-0.91) in children at nutritional risk when compared to dietary counseling (DC) alone. This systematic review suggests that ONS interventions can improve certain health-related outcomes and nutritional biomarkers in undernourished children and adolescents. Specifically, the use of ONS significantly reduces the risk of URTI, highlighting its potential to enhance immune function and break the cycle of undernutrition and infection.

Selection strategy for endoscopic necrosectomy approaches of infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis: Analysis of 101 patients from a single center with long-term follow-up.

Endoscopic necrosectomy (EN) is a promising minimally invasive approach for treating infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). Multiple EN approaches are currently available, though criteria for selecting the optimal approaches are lacking. We aimed to propose a rational selection strategy of EN and to retrospectively evaluate its safety and effectiveness. Altogether 101 patients who underwent EN for infected WOPN at a tertiary hospital between June 2009 and February 2023 were retrospectively included for analysis. Demographic characteristics, details of the EN procedures, procedure-related adverse events, and clinical outcomes were investigated. Among these 101 patients with WOPN, 56 (55.4%) underwent transluminal EN, 38 (37.6%) underwent percutaneous EN, and seven (6.9%) underwent combined approach, respectively. Clinical success was achieved in 94 (93.1%) patients. Seven (6.9%) experienced procedure-related adverse events, and seven (6.9%) died during the treatment period. During a median follow-up of 50 months, 5 (5.3%) of the 94 patients had disease recurrence, 17.0% (16/94) had new-onset diabetes mellitus, and 6.4% (6/94) needed oral pancreatic enzyme supplementation. The clinical success rate, procedure-related adverse event rate, and long-term follow-up outcomes were not significantly different among the three groups. High APACHE-II scores (≥15) and organ failure were identified as factors related to treatment failure. A selection strategy for EN approaches, based on the extent of necrosis and its distance from the gastrointestinal lumen (using a threshold of 15 mm), is safe and effective for treating infected WOPN in both short-term and long-term outcomes.

The effect of preoperative supplementary parenteral nutrition on nutrition and inflammation in gastric cancer patients

ObjectivesSupplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) is recommended to add when enteral nutrition alone is not sufficient. This research aims to evaluate the effect of preoperative SPN in patients with gastric cancer.MethodsA total of 180 patients with gastric cancer were divided into three groups (60 patients per group) according to different nutritional support scheme. The primary endpoint was the changes in nutrition and inflammatory, while the secondary endpoint included the changes in prognosis.ResultsCompared with the control group, there were significant differences in nutrition and inflammation related indicators in the oral nutrition supplement (ONS) group and the SPN + ONS group (P < 0.05). Compared with the ONS group, the SPN + ONS group showed significant differences in the above indicators (P < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in the incidence of complications, the postoperative exhaust time, and the hospitalization time.ConclusionsPreoperative SPN had a positive effect on nutrition and inflammation of gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery, but had no significant effect on their prognosis.

Efficacy of Oral Antioxidant Supplements in Improving Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Success Rates

Efficacy of Oral Antioxidant Supplements in Improving Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Success Rates

Preoperative Micronutrient Repletion Strategies in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review

BackgroundEvidence is lacking to inform how micronutrient deficiencies should be prevented and treated before metabolic-bariatric surgery to optimize patient outcomes. ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to examine the effect of preoperative repletion strategies for micronutrient deficiencies on micronutrient biochemistry, quality of life, and complication rates among candidates for metabolic and bariatric surgery compared with usual care, alternate strategies, or no treatment. MethodsPubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL was searched in April 2024. A grey literature search was updated in April 2024 via Google search. Eligible observational and interventional studies were those that provided micronutrient repletion before the surgery and measured micronutrient status pre- and/or postsurgery. Studies with participants who were pregnant, lactating, or elected jejunocolic bypass, jejunoileal bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty, and biliopancreatic diversion were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Findings were narratively synthesized and the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluations was adopted when applicable. Twenty studies (n = 27 groups) were included (n = 15 observational; n = 5 interventional). ResultsStrategies targeted vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, C, thiamin, folate, calcium, iron, selenium, and zinc, including chronic dosing of oral supplements and multivitamins (n = 21), megadoses of oral supplements (n = 1), intramuscular injection (n = 1), intravenous infusion (n = 1), and a mix of injection and oral supplements (n = 3). Preoperative repletion strategies varied in efficacy. Chronic dosing of oral supplements increased vitamin D levels (n = 4 interventional studies; Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluations rating: moderate). Multivitamins did not improve vitamin B12 status but improved status of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folate. Iron infusion (n = 1) increased ferritin levels, despite small sample size and low adherence rate, whereas oral iron supplementation resulted in unchanged (n = 4) or decreased (n = 1) ferritin levels. ConclusionsProactive and personalized micronutrient repletion schedules may decrease the risk of preoperative and early postoperative deficiency.

Effect of oral or subcutaneous administration of cyanocobalamin in hypocobalaminemic cats with chronic gastrointestinal disease or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

No prospective study has evaluated the efficacy of oral supplementation with cobalamin in hypocobalaminemic cats. To investigate the efficacy of oral or SC supplementation with cyanocobalamin in normalizing serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations in hypocobalaminemic cats with chronic gastrointestinal disease (CGID) or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Forty-eight client-owned hypocobalaminemic (<290 ng/L) cats with normal or abnormally high serum MMA concentrations. This study was conducted based on the prospective randomized clinical trial method. Cats with CGID or EPI were randomly assigned to 2 groups that received either oral or SC supplementation with cobalamin (250 μg/cat) for 12 and 10 weeks, respectively, in addition to other medical and dietary interventions. Each cat was evaluated 3 times (baseline, 6-week postsupplementation, and 1-week postcompletion) by measuring serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations. In cats with CGID or EPI, cobalamin concentrations were normalized in all cats that received either oral or SC supplementation (mean 100% [95% CI: 80.6%-100%] in both groups in cats with CGID and 100% [67.6%-100%] in both groups in cats with EPI). Among 37 cats with elevated MMA concentrations at baseline (21 cats with CGID and 16 cats with EPI), MMA concentrations were normalized in most cats with CGID (70% in oral and 82% in SC group) or EPI (88% in both groups). In hypocobalaminemic cats with CGID or EPI, in conjunction with other medical and dietary interventions, both oral and SC supplementation are effective at normalizing serum cobalamin and MMA concentrations.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Vitamin A, D3, E, and Garlic on heat detection, pregnancy rate, and serum profile in anestrus dairy cows

Anestrus poses substantial challenges for dairy industries worldwide. This research aims to evaluate the effect of oral supplementation with garlic alone, vitamins A, D3, E alone, and their combination on heat detection, pregnancy rate and serum profile in anestrus dairy cows. Using a completely randomized design, this study, conducted over 327 days, evaluated 72 anestrus-affected cows, which were divided into four groups. T0 (Control) received only normal saline; T1 with vitamin A,D3,E; T2 with Garlic and T3 integrated with A, D3, E + Garlic in drinking water. Results demonstrated that the treatment groups exhibited significantly higher estrus signs (p<0.05) compared to the control. The pregnancy rate was also increased (P=0.059), especially in the T3 group which had the highest heat detection (55.55%), conception (70%), and pregnancy (38.88%). In comparison, the heat detection rate for T1 was 44.44%, while the conception rate for T2 was 66.66%. Additionally, T0 exhibited the least proportion across all parameters. Additionally, the elevated BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and blood glucose levels observed in non-responsive (those not showing signs of heat) cows at 32.51 and 43.65 mg/dl respectively, compared to responsive cows (those showing signs of heat) with levels of 22.40 and 51.34 mg/dl. These findings suggest a potential association between these blood parameters and the cyclicity of dairy cows. These findings highlight that oral supplementation with vitamin AD3E+Garlic significantly improves the heat detection rate and pregnancy rate than only administering vitamin AD3E or Garlic with anestrus in dairy cattle.

Abordaje terapéutico nutricional del paciente con desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad

Nutritional therapy has proven to be an essential part of medical treatment for any patient with disease-related malnutrition or those at risk of developing it. An adequate nutritional status is associated with a lower risk of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and even lower mortality. It is a cost-effective measure that improves the quality of life of patients and those around them. Nutritional therapy can be classified, in order of preference for indication, into diet therapy, oral supplementation, enteral nutrition, or parenteral nutrition. Whenever possible, the oral route is preferred over catheter or intravenous administration, as it is more physiological. Nutritional therapy is not without complications. It is essential to individualize treatment and periodically re-evaluate its indications to minimize risks. This requires a multidisciplinary team that can closely monitor patients on nutritional treatment both during hospitalization and afterwards.

51388 Top Ingredients for Oral Skin Supplements – A Data Science Evidence-based Approach

51388 Top Ingredients for Oral Skin Supplements – A Data Science Evidence-based Approach

Effects of an Oral Nutritional Supplementation and Physical Exercise Intervention on Older Adults at Risk for Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle mass (SMM) disease characterized by loss of strength with generalized loss of SMM. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intervention on SMM, strength, and functionally in older adults. This is a retrospective analysis of an intervention protocol with older adults at risk of sarcopenia who performed a daily intake of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and resistance training exercise (RET), 3 times a week. Calf circumference (CC), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), handgrip strength (HGS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Fifty-one older adults were included. The mean age was 76.3 ± 8.3 years and 68.6% were women. After 12 weeks, the study showed an increase of CC in cm (1.9 ± 2.5, p < 0.001), increase of strength in kg (5.4 ± 2.1, p < 0.001), reduction of TUG in seconds (-2.4 ± 4.8, p = 0.001), increase of free-fat mass in kg (1.0 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) and SMM in kg (0.9 ± 0.5, p < 0.001). Nutritional intervention with ONS associated with RET, can increase muscle strength, SMM and functionality among older adults at risk for sarcopenia.

51252 Oral supplementation with L-Cystine, Serenoa repens, Pumpkin seed oil and Pygeum africanum in Chronic Telogen Effluvium and Androgenetic Alopecia: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study

51252 Oral supplementation with L-Cystine, Serenoa repens, Pumpkin seed oil and Pygeum africanum in Chronic Telogen Effluvium and Androgenetic Alopecia: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study

Evaluation of supplementary carnosine accumulation and distribution: an initial analysis of participants in the Nucleophilic Defense Against PM Toxicity (NEAT) clinical trial

Carnosine is an endogenous dipeptide that buffers intracellular pH and quenches toxic products of lipid peroxidation. Used as a dietary supplement, it also supports exercise endurance. However, the accumulation and distribution of carnosine after supplementation has not been rigorously evaluated. To do this, we randomized a cohort to receive daily supplements of either placebo or carnosine (2 g/day). Blood and urine samples were collected twice over the subsequent 12 week supplementation period and we measured levels of red blood cell (RBC) carnosine, urinary carnosine, and urinary carnosine-propanol and carnosine-propanal conjugates by LC/MS–MS. We found that, when compared with placebo, supplementation with carnosine for 6 or 12 weeks led to an approximate twofold increase in RBC carnosine, while levels of urinary carnosine increased nearly sevenfold. Although there were no changes in the urinary levels of carnosine propanol, carnosine propanal increased nearly twofold. RBC carnosine levels were positively associated with urinary carnosine and carnosine propanal levels. No adverse reactions were reported by those in the carnosine or placebo arms, nor did carnosine supplementation have any effect on kidney, liver, and cardiac function or blood electrolytes. In conclusion, irrespective of age, sex, or BMI, oral carnosine supplementation in humans leads to its increase in RBC and urine, as well as an increase in urinary carnosine-propanal. RBC carnosine may be a readily accessible pool to estimate carnosine levels. Clinical trial registration: This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Nucleophilic Defense Against PM Toxicity (NEAT Trial)—Full Text View—ClinicalTrials.gov), under the registration: NCT03314987.

Aloe arborescens supplementation in drying-off dairy cows: influence on rumen, rectum and milk microbiomes

BackgroundIn the context of the RABOLA project, which aimed to identify operational practices that lead to the reduction of antibiotic use in dairy cattle farming, lyophilised Aloe arborescens was administered orally to cows during the dry-off and peripartum periods. In this specific paper we wanted to examine whether oral administration of Aloe arborescens, in combination with the topical application of a teat sealant could exert an effect on the microbial populations of three cow microbiomes (rumen, milk, rectum), between dry-off and peripartum. Dry-off and peripartum are critical physiological phases of the cow’s life, where both the mammary gland and the gastrointestinal tract undergo dramatic modifications, hence the relevance of evaluating the effects of dietary treatments.MethodsThirty multiparous dairy cows were randomly allocated to three groups: Control (antibiotic treatment and internal teat sealant), Sealant (only internal teat sealant) and Aloe (internal teat sealant and Aloe arborescens homogenate administered orally). For 16S rRNA gene sequencing, rumen, rectum and milk samples were collected, not synchronously, at the most critical timepoints around dry-off and calving, considering the physiological activity of each biological site.ResultsThe rumen microbiome was predominantly characterized by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria, while the rectum exhibited a prevalence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The milk microbiome mainly comprised Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Alistipes spp., Ruminococcaceae UCG-10 group, Prevotellaceae UCG-001 group, and Bacteroides spp., involved in cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, enhancement of energy metabolism, and peptide breakdown, showed increment in the rectum microbiome with Aloe supplementation. The rectum microbiome in the Aloe group exhibited a significant increase in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and alpha-diversity at seven days after dry-off period. Beta-diversity showed a significant separation between treatments for the rectum and milk microbiomes. Aloe supplementation seemed to enrich milk microbial composition, whereas the Sealant group showed greater diversity compared to the Control group, albeit this included an increase in microorganisms frequently associated with mastitis.ConclusionsAloe arborescens administration during the dry-off period did not demonstrate any observable impact on the microbial composition of the rumen, a finding further supported by volatilome analysis. Instead, the oral Aloe supplementation at dry-off appears to significantly influence the composition of the dairy cow rectum and milk microbiomes in the following lactation.

The effect of oral probiotics in the last trimester on the human milk and infant gut microbiotas at six months postpartum: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral probiotics on the human milk microbiota and determine whether that influenced infant microbiota development. MethodsA total of 27 pregnant women were recruited; 14 were assigned to the probiotic group, and the rest were assigned to the control group. Their infants were likewise assigned to the probiotic group or the control group. Pregnant women in the probiotic group received probiotic supplementation from 32 weeks of gestation until delivery. Human milk samples and infant fecal samples were collected at 6 months after delivery, and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the composition of the human milk and infant gut microbiota (NCT06241222). ResultsIn the control group, bacterial microbiota were detected in 8 out of 13 milk samples, whereas in the probiotic group, only 6 out of 14 milk samples contained bacterial microbiota. We examined the composition of the human milk and infant gut microbiota in both the control and probiotic groups. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that various genera in human milk were correlated with the infant gut microbiota. The Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed that 6 bacteria in the human milk microbiota in the control group were significantly more abundant than those in the probiotic group. Nine bacteria were significantly more abundant in the human milk microbiota in the probiotic group than the control group. According to the LEfSe results, 11 bacteria in the infant gut microbiota in the control group were significantly more abundant than those in the probiotic group. Fourteen bacteria were significantly more abundant in the infant gut microbiota in the probiotic group than in the control group. ConclusionThe infant gut microbiota at 6 months has a complicated relationship with the maternal human milk microbiota. Oral probiotic supplementation can change the composition of the human milk microbiota and the infant gut microbiota.

Impact of an oral nutritional supplement on nutritional status in older adults with malnutrition: A randomized controlled trial

Background: The aging population is expanding at an unprecedented rate, leading to a significant increase in the prevalence of malnutrition among older adults. Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) have emerged as a widely accepted strategy to address the nutritional needs of this demographic. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an ONS on the nutritional status of malnourished older adults. Methods: This was an open-label, randomized-controlled, parallel-group, single-centered study. Recruitment criteria were age ≥60 years, and mini nutrition assessment-short form (MNA-SF) score ≤11. A total of 50 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups (1:1 ratio). The IG received 200 mL of ONS as a bedtime drink for 12 weeks, while the CG received 200 mL of water. Nutrition status, biochemical analysis, and dietary assessment were performed at the beginning and end of the study. Results: Forty-two participants (IG: n=20, and CG: n=22) completed the study. After 12 weeks, the IG showed a significant improvement in the MNA-SF score (p&lt;0.001) compared to the CG (p=0.118). The IG experienced a substantial increment in the vitamin D level (p=0.002). No significant improvements were found in the serum albumin and haemoglobin levels in either group. The intervention led to significant increases in daily intake of energy (p&lt;0.001), carbohydrate (p=0.013), protein (p&lt;0.001), and fat (p&lt;0.001) in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Supplementing with an ONS, along with a regular diet, significantly improved nutritional status, some biochemical parameters, and daily intake of energy and macronutrients in older adults with malnutrition.

Impacts of Plu kaow (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.) Ethanolic Extract on Diabetes and Dyslipidemia in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats: Phytochemical Profiling, Cheminformatics Analyses, and Molecular Docking Studies.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia poses significant health challenges, impacting millions of people globally and leading to high rates of illness and death. This study aimed to explore the potential antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of Plu kaow (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.) ethanolic extract (PK) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, focusing on its molecular mechanisms. Diabetes was induced in fasting Long Evans rats using streptozotocin (65 mg/kg b. w.), with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day) used as the standard experimental drug. The treated groups received oral supplementation of PK (500 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. The study evaluated blood glucose levels, lipid status, body weight, liver, kidney, and heart function biomarkers, antioxidant activity, and histological examination of various organs. Additionally, untargeted metabolomics, cheminformatics, and molecular docking were employed to elucidate the probable mechanisms of action of PK. Based on metabolomic profiling data, the PK was found to contain various putative antidiabetic agents such as kaempferol 7-neohesperidoside, isochlorogenic acid C, rutin, datiscin, and diosmin and they have been proposed to significantly (p < 0.001) reduce blood glucose levels and modulated hyperlipidemia. PK also improved the tested liver, kidney, and heart function biomarkers and reversed damage to normal pancreatic, liver, kidney, and heart cells in histological analysis. In conclusion, PK shows promise as a potential treatment or management option for diabetes and hyperlipidemia, as well as their associated complications in diabetic rats.

Oral supplementation with probiotics, potassium citrate, and magnesium in reducing crystalluria in stone formers: A phase II study.

Crystalluria is an important indicator of renal stone recurrence. Mechanisms underlying urinary stone formation are still not fully understood and raising interests has been giving to intestinal commensal bacteria for their contribute in maintaining urinary solutes equilibrium. The aim of our phase II study was to examine the administration of potassium citrate, magnesium and probiotics in order to reduce crystalluria. Since May 2021, we enrolled 23 patients candidates for ureterorenolithotripsy for calcium oxalate kidney stones with crystalluria and a normal metabolic profile. The analysis was validated by the Institution's Ethical Committee (no. approval STS CE Lazio 1/N-823). At discharge, patients were provided with daily food supplementation for 20 days of 1 billion Lactobacillus paracasei LPC09, 1 billion Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, 1 billion Bifidobacterium breve BR03, potassium (520 mg), citrate (1400 mg), and magnesium (80 mg). Crystalluria was re-assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12-months follow-up by polarized light microscopy. After one month from the oral supplementation, no patient reported crystalluria; at 3 months, among the 20 participants available for re-evaluation, still no patient reported crystalluria. Instead, crystalluria was reported in three patients (15%) at 6 months, and in five patients (25%) at 12 months follow-up. The oral supplementation with Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. was found able to reduce the prevalence of crystalluria in a cohort of patients with diagnosis of calcium oxalate kidney stones with crystalluria candidate to ureterorenolithotripsy.

Buserelin Acetate Added to Boar Semen Enhances Litter Size in Gilts in Tropical Environments.

The use of exogenous hormones has long been of interest for improving reproductive performance in swine production. Enhancing litter size directly impacts the economic efficiency of pig production. Various strategies, including nutritional, genetic, and hormonal approaches, have been explored with varying degrees of success. Administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, such as buserelin, at the onset of estrus can induce ovulation and reduce the variation in ovulation timing among sows. This study assessed the impact of GnRH agonist supplementation in boar semen doses on the litter size of inseminated gilts. The research was conducted on a commercial swine herd in northern Thailand. A total of 231 Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred gilts, aged 224.5 ± 16.2 days at the onset of estrus synchronization, participated in the experiment. The gilts' estrus was synchronized with oral altrenogest supplementation at a dosage of 20 mg/day for 18 days. After exhibiting standing estrus, the gilts were randomly divided into three groups. Control group: gilts were inseminated at 0 and 12 h post standing estrus onset with a conventional semen dose (n = 94). Treatment 1: similar to the control group, but with an added 5 µg (1.25 mL) of buserelin acetate to the boar semen dose during the first insemination (n = 71). Treatment 2: similar to the control group, but with 10 µg (2.5 mL) of buserelin acetate added to the boar semen dose during the first insemination (n = 66). All gilts were inseminated twice during their standing estrus using the intrauterine artificial insemination method. Each semen dose contained 3.0 × 109 motile sperm in 80 mL. The farrowing rate averaged 78.8% and did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.141). The total number of piglets born per litter in the treatment 2 group was greater than in the control group (14.0 ± 0.3 vs. 13.2 ± 0.3, respectively, p = 0.049), but was not significantly different from the treatment 1 group (13.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.154). Similarly, the number of live-born piglets in the treatment 2 group was greater than in the control and treatment 1 groups (13.2 ± 0.4 vs. 12.3 ± 0.3 and 12.0 ± 0.4, respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, the live-born piglets' litter birth weight in the treatment 2 group was greater than in the control group (17.0 ± 0.4 vs. 15.6 ± 0.3 kg, respectively, p = 0.008) and the treatment 1 group (15.7 ± 0.4 kg, p = 0.025). In conclusion, adding a GnRH agonist to boar semen appears to enhance the litter size of gilts. Further research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms and determining the optimal dose and timing for GnRH agonist supplementation.

Antidiabetic potential of sea fish mass by inhibiting di-peptidyl peptidase-IV and augmenting glucagon-like peptide-1 on high lipid diet and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Many studies have revealed that sea fish is a rich source of nutrients, especially protein and there peptide. In this study, antidiabetic activity of the fish masses of three sea-fishes ‘volavetki’ (Panna microdon, Bleeker 1849), ‘ruli’ (Coilia dussumieri, Valenciennes 1848), ‘tapra’(Opisthopterus tardoore, Cuvier 1829) and one fresh-water fish ‘murola’(Amblypharyngodon mola, Hamilton 1822),evaluated high lipid diet (HLD) and STZ induced Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus (T2DM) rats. Supplementation of sea-fish masses and antidiabetic effect was monitored by fasting plasma blood glucose and HbA1c. Also, insulin, c-peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, glucokinase, glucose-6 phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein and histopathology of free radical activity of pancreatic tissues were evaluated. Out of four fish masses, volavetki sea fish masses oral supplementation resulted in significant reduction of plasma blood glucose, HbA1c of T2DM rat. All other parameters in T2DM rats were returned to near normal by treatment of volavetki sea fish mass. Our findings strongly indicated that volavetki sea fish highly showed antidiabetic activity.