Parameters Of Protein Metabolism Research Articles

Metabolic Profile of the Genome-Reduced Bacillus subtilis Strain IIG-Bs-27-39: An Attractive Chassis for Recombinant Protein Production.

The Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis is extensively used in the industry for the secretory production of proteins with commercial value. To further improve its performance, this microbe has been the subject of extensive genome engineering efforts, especially the removal of large genomic regions that are dispensable or even counterproductive. Here, we present the genome-reduced B. subtilis strain IIG-Bs-27-39, which was obtained through systematic deletion of mobile genetic elements, as well as genes for extracellular proteases, sporulation, flagella formation, and antibiotic production. Different from previously characterized genome-reduced B. subtilis strains, the IIG-Bs-27-39 strain was still able to grow on minimal media. We used this feature to benchmark strain IIG-Bs-27-39 against its parental strain 168 with respect to heterologous protein production and metabolic parameters during bioreactor cultivation. The IIG-Bs-27-39 strain presented superior secretion of difficult-to-produce staphylococcal antigens, as well as higher specific growth rates and biomass yields. At the metabolic level, changes in byproduct formation and internal amino acid pools were observed, whereas energetic parameters such as the ATP yield, ATP/ADP levels, and adenylate energy charge were comparable between the two strains. Intriguingly, we observed a significant increase in the total cellular NADPH level during all tested conditions and increases in the NAD+ and NADP(H) pools during protein production. This indicates that the IIG-Bs-27-39 strain has more energy available for anabolic processes and protein production, thereby providing a link between strain physiology and production performance. On this basis, we conclude that the genome-reduced strain IIG-Bs-27-39 represents an attractive chassis for future biotechnological applications.

#2380 A multicenter and randomized study of a VLPD supplemented with ketoanalogues in patients with advanced CKD in Spain. Adherence study

Abstract Background and Aims Clinical guidelines recommend a very low-protein diet (VLPD) supplemented with ketoanalogues (KAs) for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce progression (evidence 1A) and improve the quality of life (evidence 1C). However, there is no prior experience with this nutritional intervention in Spain. Method A multicenter, randomized, and controlled study that evaluated adherence to a VLPD supplemented with KAs (Ernamin®) in non-dialysis dependent CKD patients, estimated using the Morisky scale. Secondary objectives included assessing the effect of VLPD + KAs on kidney function, urine protein, albumin levels and other metabolic and nutritional parameters, including changes in body composition stores, at months 0, 1, 3, 6, and 9. Results Preliminary data from 33 patients (67% men; mean age 68 ± 10; GFR 16.7 ± 3.9 ml/min/1.73 m2), randomized into 2 groups, are presented. The VLPD group showed good acceptance and tolerance of the diet and supplement, with medium or high adherence in 80% of patients from the first month, maintained throughout the study (Figure). The use of VLPD was associated with a decrease in phosphorus levels (−0.4 mg/dl VLPD vs. 0.09 mg/dl LPD, P = 0.027) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (−2 mg/dl VLPD vs. 0.33 mg/dl LPD), an increase in calcium levels (0.3 mg/dl VLPD vs. −0.2 mg/dl LPD, P = 0.015), and an increase in muscle mass (LTM) measured by bioimpedance (3.7 kg VLPD vs. −0.6 kg LPD, P = 0.03). Stability in weight, fat mass, extracellular volume, albumin levels, and MIS scale was observed during the follow-up. Estimated glomerular filtration rate, and urine protein remained unchanged in both groups. Conclusion Protein restriction associated with KAs shows good short-term tolerance and acceptance. This study confirms several effects associated with VLPD supplemented with KAs, including an anti-inflammatory effect, the preservation of nutritional status, and a better control of phosphate levels. These data suggest safe protein intake restriction with stabilization of protein stores.

Contemporary perspectives on vitamin D provision in children and adolescents with obesity: a literature review and clinical case description

Introduction. Vitamin D deficiency is currently considered a global epidemic. Recent data highlight its pivotal role in the development of metabolic disorders, including obesity in children and adolescents. The aim of the study. To review current literature on the problem of vitamin D provision in children and adolescents with obesity, and to present a clinical case of a child with obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and accompanying metabolic disorders. Materials and methods: The study included literary review using content analysis, systemic and comparative analysis methods, as well as biblio-semantic methods to explore current data on the problem of vitamin D provision in children and adolescents with obesity. Sources included PubMed-NCBI, Medline, CochraneLibrary, EMBASE, ResearchGate databases using keywords as follows: children, adolescents, insulin resistance, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, VDR (Vitamin D Receptor) gene polymorphism, leptin, adipocytes. 66 English-language articles were analyzed, highlighting the role of vitamin D in human metabolic processes, its association with obesity, mechanisms of its deficiency impact including the inhibitory effect of leptin and interleukin 6, and the peculiarities of vitamin D biological action through nuclear VDR-mediated control of target genes. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in obese children in various countries was determined. Results. Obesity can induce altered protein binding and accelerated metabolic clearance of 25(OH)D, leading to reduced levels of 25(OH)D in the blood serum. It was identified that lower serum vitamin D levels and VDR gene polymorphism are associated with a predisposition to obesity in children and its severe consequences, this link apparently can help to identify VDR features that predict an increased risk of developing obesity, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for this metabolic condition. This will also increase public awareness about the psychosocial and clinical consequences of vitamin D deficiency and VDR gene polymorphism in obese children. Children with excessive weight and obesity are often diagnosed with hypovitaminosis, including vitamin D deficiency. Many studies around the world have found that vitamin D deficiency in obese children is at a critical stage and requires a change in diagnostic and treatment strategies. The clinical case described involves a patient who had obesity in association with vitamin D deficiency, and characteristic biochemical changes typical of this pathology. Biochemical indices included vitamin D deficiency, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and hypothyroidism. Bioimpedance analysis revealed the presence of excessive body fat and its abnormal abdominal distribution in the child. Conclusions. Currently vitamin D deficiency is considered a global epidemic, causing concern among physicians and researchers of various specialties. Recent data underscore its leading role in the onset of metabolic disorders, including obesity in children and adolescents. The literature review confirmed the significant impact of vitamin D on the primary biochemical and metabolic processes in the human body, its crucial role in the emergence of obesity and various complications in children and adolescents. The presence of overweight or obesity in these patients requires a number of laboratory indeces, including serum vitamin D, leptin and thyroid hormones levels, protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism parameters, to be estimated. The use of bioimpedance analysis and ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland is advisable.

Evaluating local tolerance and toxic effects of Endoforce Phyto feed additive based on laboratory animals

During import substitution, feed additives are increasingly being used, including the most effective strains of spore-forming aerobic bacteria families of the genus Bacillus subtilis, capable of revealing the genetic potential of animals. No oedema and erythema were detected when determining the local tolerance of the Endoforce Phyto feed additive on the rabbit skin. The values of physiological parameters remained normal. Conjunctival instillation of the investigational product also did not lead to deterioration in the functions of the eye unit mucous membranes and the body's functional state. A single feeding of the Endoforce Phyto feed additive at a dose many times higher than the recommended one did not lead to the death of laboratory animals or changes in behavioural reactions and physiological state, which confirmed the absence of its acute toxicity. After 90 days of determining chronic toxicity in rodents of all experimental groups, an increase in the number of erythrocytes and haemoglobin was noted: in control – by 7.2 and 8.0%, in the 1st experimental group – by 10.8 and 13.9%, in the 2nd experimental one – by 13.3 and 11.1%, in the 3rd experimental one – by 12.7 and 20.7%, respectively, compared to the baseline values. This confirmed the best body oxygenation in the rats of the experimental groups. Within the follow-up period, an increase in the total protein content in the animals of the experimental groups from 57.03 g/l to 67.30-69.82 g/l and in individuals of the control one from 68.90 to 71.33 g/l compared to the primary screening data was registered. In contrast, the activity of such enzymes as alkaline phosphatase decreased in the control by 3.3 times, and in the experimental groups – only by 1.7-1.8 times. Comparable values of biochemical parameters in rats of the experimental and control groups confirm the absence of a negative impact of the studied feed additive on the parameters of protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the results of the rat autopsy, no pathological changes in colour, consistency and size of internal organs were registered.

Fatty liver index (FLI): more than a marker of hepatic steatosis.

Fatty liver index (FLI) was developed as a simple and accurate marker of hepatic steatosis. FLI is derived from an algorithm based on body mass index, waist circumference, and levels of triglycerides and gamma-glutamyltransferase, and it is widely used in clinical and epidemiological studies as a screening tool for discriminating between healthy and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) subjects. However, a systematic review of the literature regarding FLI revealed that this index has more extensive relationships with biochemical and physiological parameters. FLI is associated with key parameters of lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, hormones, vitamins and markers of inflammation, or oxidative stress. FLI can be a predictor or risk factor for a number of metabolic and nonmetabolic diseases and mortality. FLI is also used as an indicator for determining the effects of health-related prevention interventions, medications, and toxic substances on humans. Although in most cases, the exact mechanisms underlying these associations have not been fully elucidated, they are most often assumed to be mediated by insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Thus, FLI may be a promising marker of metabolic health due to its multiple associations with parameters of physiological and pathological processes. In this context, the present review summarizes the data from currently available literature on the associations between FLI and biochemical variables and physiological functions. We believe that this review will be of interest to researchers working in this area and can provide new perspectives and directions for future studies on FLI.

Вплив S-естерів тіосульфокислот на окремі біохімічні показники крові щурів

The effect of S-esters of thiosulfonic acids - S-ethyl-4-aminobenzenethiosulfonate (ETS), S-allyl-4-aminobenzenethiosulfonate (ATS) and S-allyl-4-acetylaminobenzenethiosulfonate (AATS) at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight in rats on some biochemical parameters of protein and lipid metabolism in rats was investigated. The study was conducted in two stages on white male laboratory rats of the Wistar line, weighing 190–210 g. During the first stage of the study, animals of all experimental groups were administered by 500 µL of oil solutions of thiosulfonate esters at 100 mg per kg of body weight for 21 days. In the second stage of the study, the dosage was reduced to 50 mg per kg of body. Throughout both stages of the study, rats were divided into a control group (I) and three experimental groups (II, III, IV), with 5 animals in each. Rats in group II received ETS with their food, while group III received ATS, and group IV received AATS, all in appropriate doses. The animals of the control group were similarly given 500 µL of oil once a day in their diet. After the decapitation of animals, the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, concentrations of total protein, urea, cholesterol and triacylglycerols were determined in blood plasma. As a result of the study, it was found that the use of sulfonic acid esters in the studied doses did not have a hepatotoxic effect on rats, as indicated by the normal activity of liver-indicating enzymes (ALT, ALP and alkaline phosphatase) in the blood plasma. In addition, sulfonic acid esters promoted protein synthesizing function, as evidenced by an increase in total protein concentration in the blood plasma and a decrease in urea – the end product of their decomposition. The studied esters had a positive effect on lipid metabolism, which was confirmed by a decrease in the concentration of triacylglycerol and cholesterol in the blood plasma, which, in turn, may contribute to the inhibition of the formation of their complexes in the liver - low-density lipoproteins. Probable changes in the concentration of total protein under the action of ETS and ATS and triacylglycerols under the action of ATS and AATS showed better effects of sulfonic acid esters at a dose of 100 mg/kg compared to a dose 50 mg/kg.

Haematological parameters and production characteristics of novel Romanov × Hissar crossbred sheep adapted to European steppe climate

The study presented some haematological parameters and production characteristics of novel crossbred Romanov × Hissar and purebred Romanov sheep. A number of biochemical and haematological tests were performed to assess the level of adaptation of F1 crossbred progeny to local rearing conditions and evaluate its potential economic benefits for industrial production. The newly created crossbreed demonstrated significant increase in carcass production characteristics, with pre-slaughter weight increased by 29.2%, slaughter weight - by 39.7%, cooled carcass weight - by 40.5% and total yield ‒ by 8.2% compared to Romanov purebreed. The meat quality was also increased: fat content remained at the same level (6.6-6.8%), carcasses of F1 crossbreed lambs had higher relative weight of muscle tissue (78.8% vs. 73.3%), increased content of the 1st grade meat (94.6% vs. 91.6%), and higher caloric value of the meat (by 8.7%) compared to the parent purebreeds. An increased erythrocyte (by 3.1%) and leukocyte (by 6.45%) count was noted in the F1 rams. Haemoglobin level in F1 lambs was increased by 4.2%. Protein metabolism parameters were improved: blood serum total protein level ‒ by 11.2%, albumin ‒ by 11.4%, globulin ‒ by 10.4%, suggesting intensified protein metabolism in F1 lambs; this was also evidenced by the increased activities of aspartate transaminase (by 3.9%) and alanine transaminase (by 16.6%) in F1 lambs over Romanov purebred animals. Blood serum of crossbred lambs had higher bactericidal (by 1.92%), lysozyme (by 3.53%), and phagocytic activity. The increased haematological and biochemical parameters and enhanced antibacterial properties of serum indicate the enhanced metabolic activity in F1 crossbreed sheep and underlay the improved meat production parameters. Obtained results demonstrate increased adaptation of the novel crossbred to industrial rearing conditions and local microclimate of steppe zone of Ukraine, which is undergoing gradual aridization.

Preoperative Glutamine Supplementation in Gastric Cancer—Thrombocyte Phagocytic Activity and Early Postoperative Outcomes

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the phagocytic activity of thrombocytes in patients with gastric cancer and to assess the effect of oral and parenteral preoperative glutamine-based immunonutrition on nutritional status, thrombocyte phagocytic activity, and early postoperative outcomes. Methods: Patients suffering from invasive gastric cancer had been treated with preoperative immunonutrition with glutamine, and they were compared to patients without nutritional treatment. Nutritional status, percentage of weight loss, and BMI were assessed. Levels of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, platelets, and their phagocytic ability were measured twice. Postsurgical complications were assessed via the Clavien–Dindo classification. Results: Group I consisted of 20 patients with an oral glutamine—10 g daily. Group II had 38 patients who received intravenous glutamine, 1.5 mL per kg body weight of Dipeptiven. Group III consisted of 25 patients who did not receive preoperative immunonutrition. In total, 47% of patients in Group I, 54% of patients in Group II, and 33% of patients in Group III were malnourished. In Group I, the percentage of phagocytizing platelet (%PhP) was 1.1 preoperatively and 1.2 postoperatively. The phagocytic index (PhI) was 1.0 and 1.1. In Group II, %PhP was 1.1 and 1.2 and PhI was 1.0 and 1.1. In Group III, the %PhP was 1.0 and 1.2 and PhI was 1.0 and 1.1. An increase in triglyceride level was observed in both immunonutrition groups. There was a decline in total protein and albumin level in Group II. In Group III, there was a decline in total protein, albumin, and cholesterol level. The total platelet count and PhI were increased in both immunonutrition groups. There was also a rise in %PhP in Group II. In Group III, there was a rise in blood platelet level, %PhP, and PhI. The complication rates were 53% in Group I, 29% in Group II, and 40% in Group III. Conclusions: In invasive gastric cancer, laboratory nutritional parameters are significantly reduced, causing malnutrition in 44.7% of patients. Oral glutamine supplementation inhibited the postoperative decline in protein metabolism parameters; however, this did not affect the reduction in the percentage of postoperative complications. Glutamine used preoperatively significantly reduced the percentage of serious surgical complications, regardless of the way it was supplemented. Patients with invasive gastric cancer have a significant decrease in platelet phagocytic activity. The administered preoperative parenteral nutrition and the surgical procedure itself influenced the improvement of the phagocytic activity of blood platelets. Glutamine did not have this effect, regardless of the route of administration.

The Influence of Wheat Germ Expeller on Performance and Selected Parameters of Carbohydrate, Lipid, and Protein Metabolism in Blood Serum for Broilers

The effect of replacing (5, 10, and 15%) wheat middlings in the feed of broiler chickens (EX5, EX10, EX15) with wheat germ expeller (WGE) on their parameters of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism was examined. Thirty-two randomly chosen broilers on day 43 were slaughtered, and their blood and liver were sampled. The concentration of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and protein and their fractions were tested in the blood serum. In livers, total protein and fat contents were analyzed. It has been found that replacing wheat middlings with 10% and 15% of expeller results in (p ≤ 0.05) a lower final body weight than CT. A higher feed, fat, protein, and methionine intake was noted in groups EX5-EX15 compared to CT. No alterations were found in the protein and fat content in the livers and the blood lipid profile of chickens. Changes in the protein metabolism of broilers indicate the need to research. WGE does not interfere with the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. However, WGE did not contribute to obtaining production benefits.

Changes in Protein Metabolism Indicators in Dairy Cows with Naturally Occurring Mycotoxicosis before and after Administration of a Mycotoxin Deactivator

The aim of the study was to evaluate selected indicators of protein metabolism in cows fed with fodder contaminated with mycotoxins after application of a mycotoxin deactivator product (MDP). Experimental group (Exp.)—10 cows, fed total mixed ration (TMR) containing: 0.769 mg/kg-deoxynivalenol and 0.032 mg/kg-zearalenone TMR DM. Control group (Con.)—10 cows fed TMR without mycotoxins. In the exp. cows, the mycotoxin deactivator product (MDP) Mycofix Plus was used in the form of an additive to TMR in the amount of 10 g/head/day for 90 days. Blood was taken in Exp. group three times, before MDP administration, and on days 30 and 90 of its use. In the con. group, blood was collected once. All cows were assessed for free amino acids, total protein, albumin, globulin, and urea. Cows with mycotoxicosis (before MDP administration) showed low total protein, albumin, total-essential (TEAA) and total-non-essential amino acids (TNEAA) compared to after MDP administration (p < 0.01). Compared to the control group, TNEAA values were lower and TEAA higher on all study dates (p < 0.001). The results of our research showed the negative impact of mycotoxins on the parameters of protein metabolism in cows, and the use of MDP improved the processes of protein metabolism and improved the overall health of cows.

Влияние гомогената и супернатанта культуральной жидкости Asp. orezae на пищеварительные процессы в преджелудках, рубцовый и кишечный микробиоценоз овец

A method of optimizing digestive processes in the pre-ventricles of sheep, improving rumen and intestinal microbiocenoses, increasing natural resistance through the use of a prebiotic supplement is considered. Feeding homogenate (group 1) and supernatant (group 2) of the Aspergillus oryzae culture fluid to Romanov breed boulders contributed to an increase in the microbial mass of the rumen in the first group by 72,9 %, in the second by 76,0 %, more intensive hydrolysis of carbohydrates due to an increase in the level of LVH by 37,9 (p<0,01) and 47,4 % (p<0,01), acidic metabolites – by 0,46 (p<0.01) and 0,44 (p<0,05) units, an increase in the concentration of ammonia by 36,1 % and 37,7 % compared with the initial values. Biochemical parameters of protein, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism were within the physiological norm. Cellular immunity in animals of the experimental groups turned out to be more stable: percent lysis was lower by 14,91 and 16,8 %, bacterial activity was higher than control values by 31,2 and 26,2 %, phagocytic by 1,8 and 2,2 % (p<0,05). The content of lacto- and bifidobacteria in the large intestine was at the level of 5,49–5,18 and 6,65–7,38 lg CFU/g (p>0,05) versus 6,88 and 7,46 lg CFU/g in the control, a decrease of 3,3–2,57 lg CFU/g (p<0.01) of lactose-positive E. coli, inhibition of mold growth by 17,9–8,3 % in the experimental groups indicates an increased resistance of the animals of the experimental groups to infectious and inflammatory processes, an increase in natural resistance and the positive role of the studied factors in the correction of intestinal microbiocenosis of sheep.

Experimental substantiation of the use of quercetin for the correction of functional disorders in diabetes mellitus

The diabetes mellitus is an acute medical and social problem demanding the search of different methods of carbohydrate metabolism correction. The literature data during the last years indicate that parallel with medical drugs the protective and medicinal effects could provide herbal preparations. To test the hypothesis of the effect of one of them – quercetin in different forms - on the carbohydrate metabolism this study has been done. It has been shown that the initial, adsorbed and encapsulated quercetin in a cellulose molecule had a pronounced effect on some parameters of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism in rats compared with animals that did not receive this bioflavonoid. The initial quercetin showed a distinct, but short-term, hypoglycemic effect already on the 1-st day of the study, while the surface-adsorbed and cellulose-encapsulated quercetin had a significant effect starting from the 5-th day, but this effect persisted throughout the observation. These hypoglycemic effects of quercetin partly due to the increase of glycogen in the liver and elevation of plasma corticosterone. The other possible mechanisms of quercetin effect on glucose concentration in plasma are proposed.

Effect of Fermented Rapeseed Meal in Diets for Piglets on Blood Biochemical Parameters and the Microbial Composition of the Feed and Faeces.

The study assessed the influence of rapeseed meal (RSM) fermented using Bacillus subtilis 87Y on the feed microbiota, intestinal microbiota, blood biochemical parameters, and content of minerals in the blood plasma and faeces of piglets. Modulation of the microbial composition of feed containing fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) and of the faeces of pigs consuming it was observed. There was a significant increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a decrease in the total number of coliforms and Clostridium perfringens in the faeces of animals from the experimental groups. FRSM in the diet of piglets was shown to improve the mineral balance by increasing the levels of P, Ca, and Mg in the blood plasma and reducing their amount in the faeces. A beneficial effect on parameters of protein and lipid metabolism was also noted, resulting in an increase in the levels of total protein (TP) and albumins (ALB) and a reduction in triacylglycerols (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood plasma of the piglets. The research results indicate that the presence of FRSM in the diet of weaners can be a preventive factor in intestinal dysbiosis and support the maintenance of homeostasis.

METABOLIC MARKERS OF LIVER PATHOLOGIES IN FISH

Metabolic syndrome is a complex of metabolic, hormonal and clinical disorders. The aim of the research was to consider the main markers of metabolic disorders in the body in fish on a model of toxic damage in zebrafish (20 males and 20 females) zebrafish aged 2-3 months. Before the start of the experiment, the fish were divided into two parity groups. Indicators were monitored daily according to standard methods. The quality of the habitat corresponded to GOST 15.372 - 87, the displacement of the aquarium was 75 liters.The conditions of keeping and feeding (crushed Tetra food) in the experimental group were similar, however, in order to simulate toxic liver damage, Carbamate MN (Moscow) was added to the fish habitat at a concentration of 4.5 mg/l in terms of the active substance.On the 7th day of the experiment, blood was taken from the gill vein in the fish of the experimental and control groups, according to the method of Jill M Murtha (2003), in order to determine biochemical parameters according to the standard method [15,16]. The quantitative indicators revealed during the experiments were processed using the Statistica 6.0 software package.Statistically significant were the indicators of glucose, bilirubin and total protein in individual groups. So the content of glucose and cholesterol is doubled in males and females in the experimental group, compared with the control. The content of bilirubin is higher than the maximum allowable level of this indicator (reference values) by 16%.The use of Carbamate MN in a toxic dosage contributed to metabolic disorders, manifested by a change in the parameters of protein (total protein), fat (cholesterol), carbohydrate (glucose) and pigment (bilirubin) metabolism, which are predictors of the morpho -functional state of the liver.

BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BLOOD SERUM IN SECONDARY INFECTIOUS LIVER DAMAGE COVID-19

In the research work, concentrations of biochemical parameters of protein metabolism (ALT, AST, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, albumin), as well as lipid metabolism (TG, cholesterol) were studied using spectrophotometric methods with secondary liver damage. As a result of the study, the most significant deviations in the concentrations of biochemical parameters in the blood were determined, indicating a violation of the liver in COVID-19: the activity of liver enzymes increased by 2.5-7 times, and the indicators of lipid metabolism increased by 2.2-3.4 times in comparison with the indicators of the control groups of the study.

Relationship between Body Composition and Biochemical Parameters with Antioxidant Status in a Healthy Cohort of Postmenopausal Women.

An adequate prooxidant–antioxidant balance—which may be influenced by body composition and biochemical status—is essential to maintain human health, especially in circumstances under which the antioxidant defense decreases, such as menopause. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between body composition and biochemical parameters with antioxidant status in a healthy cohort of postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study was carried out in a cohort of 78 postmenopausal women aged 44–76 years. The body composition profile was assessed through bioelectrical impedance. The determination of the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity was conducted by the colorimetric method, and glutathione peroxidase activity was determined by the enzymatic immunological method. The vitamin D levels were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The mineral status was assessed through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The rest of the biochemical parameters were assessed through an immunoassay. The total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant gap were negatively influenced by body composition (all p ≤ 0.049) and positively related to protein metabolism parameters (all p ≤ 0.048), whereas circulating levels of different micronutrients (all p ≤ 0.048) and enzymes (all p ≤ 0.047) appeared to play an important role in the glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. In conclusion, the menopause-related antioxidant status changes may be influenced by key body composition and biochemical profiles. To confirm this statement, further trials aiming to evaluate the body composition and biochemical intervention-induced changes upon antioxidant defense are needed.

Effects of maternal branched-chain amino acid and alanine supplementation on growth and biomarkers of protein metabolism in dams fed a low-protein diet and their offspring.

A considerable number of studies have reported that maternal protein restriction may disturb fetal growth and organ development due to a lower availability of amino acids. Leucine, one of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) promotes protein synthesis through mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling. Here, we investigated the effects of BCAA supplementation in the dams fed a low-protein diet on serum and hepatic biochemical parameters of protein metabolism of dams and their offspring. Female ICR mice were fed a control (20% casein), a low-protein (10% casein), a low-protein with 2% BCAAs or a low-protein with 2% alanine diet for 2 weeks before mating and then throughout pregnancy and lactation. Alanine was used as an amino nitrogen control for the BCAA. Dams and their male offspring were sacrificed at postnatal day 21. There were no changes in body weight and fat mass in low-protein fed dams; however, BCAA supplementation significantly increased fat mass and serum leptin levels. Low-protein diet consumption reduced maternal protein synthesis based on biochemical analysis of serum albumin and hepatic protein levels and immunoblotting of S6 protein, which were increased by BCAA and alanine supplementation. Offspring from dams fed a low-protein diet exhibited lower body and organ weights. Body weight and hepatic protein levels of the offspring were increased by alanine supplementation. However, the decreased serum biochemical parameters, including glucose, triglyceride, total protein and albumin levels in the low-protein offspring group were not changed in response to BCAA or alanine supplementation. A reduced density of the hepatic vessel system in the offspring from dams fed a low-protein diet was restored in the offspring from dams fed either BCAA and alanine-supplemented diet. These results suggest that supplementation of amino nitrogen per se may be responsible for inducing hepatic protein synthesis in the dams fed a low-protein diet and alleviating the distorted growth and liver development of their offspring.

Fenoxapro-P-Ethyl Induced Biochemical Changes in Fresh Water Fish Cyprinus carpio under Sublethal Exposure

Fenoxapro-P-Ethyl is an herbicide which has wide scope of uses in agrarian fields to control weeds. The used Fenoxapro-P-Ethyl part is let off into streams which definitely influences the endurance of the fish. In the current investigation an endeavor was made to dissect the harmfulness of Fenoxapro-P-Ethyl and Freshwater fish, C. carpio were exposed to sublethal concentration (37.5µg/L) of Fenoxapro-P-Ethyl for 15, 30 and 45 days to analyze various parameters of protein metabolism in functionally different tissues. Total, structural and soluble proteins showed decrement; whereas free amino acids and the activities of protease, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase significantly increased in Fenoxapro-P-Ethyl exposed fish. Interestingly, ammonia content decreased but urea and glutamine increased at all periods of exposure. It was also observed that alterations steadily increased with the period of exposure and exhibited tissue specificity. Thus variation in the protein metabolism of the fish exposed to Fenoxapro-P-Ethyl indicates its toxic effect on the cellular metabolism thereby leading to impaired protein synthetic machinery. In light of the result of the current examination, it is along these lines recommended that proper measures be taken for detoxification of Fenoxapro-P-Ethyl before it is released in to streams, as it can bargain the endurance of aquatic territory subsequently bringing about the unsettling influences of aquatic biological system.

Changes in blood biochemical parameters in the first two months of lactation in primiparous goats of the saanen breed

The biochemical blood profile is one of the tools for monitoring the feeding and keeping of animals, and their state of health. However, it requires clarification for individuals reared both in different climatic conditions and operated under different housing systems. In this regard, the purpose of our study was to assess the temporal changes in the levels of circulating metabolites and the activity of enzymes in the first-flowing Saanen goats in the first two months of lactation, reared with intensive maintenance technology in the climatic conditions of the North-West region of Russia. Blood sampling from primiparous goats (n = 32) was carried out twice: on days 20- 30 and days 50-60 after lambing (MayJune). In the blood serum, the concentration of total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, glucose, total cholesterol was determined, as well as the activity of enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). It was found that by the end of the second month of lactation, the most significant changes occurred in lipid metabolism. Thus, the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood increased by 71% and 11% (p˂ 0.001). The change in the parameters of protein metabolism was less dynamic: the content of total protein, creatine and albumin increased by 7.4%, 10.8% (p˂ 0.001) and 2% (p˂ 0.05), respectively. ALT activity increased by 19% (p˂ 0.001). Comparative analysis of blood biochemical parameters of the first and second months of lactation showed a positive dynamics of the process of adaptation of primiparous goats. The obtained values of blood biochemical parameters can be used to establish basic physiological values for 1-2 months of lactation in primiparous goats. This will facilitate a realistic assessment of the management, nutrition and health status of Saanen goats reared in large livestock facilities.

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Muscle Mass in Patients with Obesity: 2-Year Follow-up

PurposeBariatric surgery (BS) induces a significant and sustained weight loss in patients with severe obesity (SO). Nevertheless, apart from significantly reducing body fat, fat-free mass (FFM) might also be lost. At present, there is little and controversial data in the literature regarding the impact of BS on FFM. In recent years, bioimpedance (BIA) has emerged as a reliable test to assess body composition easily to use in the daily clinical practice. On the bases, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of BS on the FFM, evaluated by means of BIA.Material and MethodsThis is a prospective, observational study, including consecutive patients with SO that underwent BS between February 2018 and February 2019 at our center. At baseline, 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after the BS, all the patients underwent complete medical history, physical and anthropometric evaluation, and body composition assessment by means of BIA (using Bodystat QuadScan4000®).ResultsEighty-five patients with SO were recruited, 72.9% females, aged 45.54 ± 9.98 years, pre-BS BMI 43.87 ± 6.52 kg/m2. FFM significantly decreased continuously after BS at all timepoints. The loss of FFM 24 months post-BS accounted for approximately 21.71 ± 13.9% of the total weight loss, and was independent of BS technique or protein metabolism. Pre-BS HOMA-IR and FFM were independent predictors of FFM at 24 months.ConclusionsSignificant and early loss of FFM in patients with SO that undergo BS was seen, not related to protein metabolism parameters or the BS technique used, suggesting an independent mechanism.Graphical abstract