Plasma Calcium Levels Research Articles

Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of calcium in sprouted brown and golden flaxseed

Germination promotes changes in the composition of seeds by providing potential nutritional and health benefits compared with unsprouted seeds. This study investigated the influence of germination on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of calcium in brown flaxseed (BF) and golden flaxseed (GF). Germination did not influence the calcium levels of BF or GF, but the sprouted GF (SGF, 265.6 ± 12.9 mg) presented higher levels of calcium than the sprouted BF (SBF, 211.6 ± 3.20 mg). Tannin levels were similar among the groups (GF = 79.97 ± 3.49 mg; SGF = 78.81 ± 0.77 mg; BF = 81.82 ± 2.61 mg; SBF = 79.24 ± 4.58 mg), whereas phytate and oxalate levels decreased after germination. Germination reduced the phytate:calcium and oxalate:calcium molar ratios. In the in vitro study, germination increased calcium bioaccessibility (GF = 35.60 mg versus SGF = 41.45 mg; BF = 31.01 mg versus SBF = 38.84 mg). In the in vivo study, all groups present similar levels of urinary calcium (GF = 1.04 mg versus SGF = 2.06 mg; BF = 1.68 mg versus SBF = 1.35 mg) and fecal calcium (GF = 5.06 mg versus SGF = 6.14 mg; BF = 6.47 mg versus SBF = 8.40 mg). The calcium balance/day of the SBF group (37.97 mg) was smaller than the control group (47.22 mg). The germination maintained the plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase similar among the groups. No changes were observed in morphology and calcium levels of animal femurs. The germination reduced the antinutritional factor in both flaxseed varieties. Although there was an improvement in the in vitro bioaccessibility of calcium, the germination did not increase calcium absorption and balance in the animals, which may be due to the interaction with other compounds in the organism. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

In Vivo Tumorigenesis, Osteolytic Sarcomas, and Tumorigenic Cell Lines from Transgenic Mice Expressing the Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax Viral Oncogene

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) causes adult T-cell leukemia, a disease commonly associated with hypercalcemia and osteolysis. There is no effective treatment for HTLV-1, and the osteolytic mechanisms are not fully understood. Mice expressing the HTLV-1 oncogene Tax, driven by the human granzyme B promoter (Tax+), develop osteolytic tumors. To investigate the progression of the bone-invasive malignancies, wild-type, Tax+, and Tax+/interferon-γ-/- mice were assessed using necropsy, histologic examination, IHC analysis, flow cytometry, and advanced imaging. Tax+ and Tax+/interferon-γ-/- malignancies of the ear, tail, and foot comprised poorly differentiated, round to spindle-shaped cells with prominent neutrophilic infiltrates. Tail tumors originated from muscle, nerve, and/or tendon sheaths, with frequent invasion into adjacent bone. F4/80+ and anti-mouse CD11b (Mac-1)+ histiocytic cells predominated within the tumors. Three Tax+/interferon-γ-/- cell lines were generated for invivo allografts, invitro gene expression and bone resorption assays. Two cell lines were of monocyte/macrophage origin, and tumors formed invivo in all three. Differences in Pthrp, Il6, Il1a, Il1b, and Csf3 expression invitro were correlated with differences in invivo plasma calcium levels, tumor growth, metastasis, and neutrophilic inflammation. Tax+ mouse tumors were classified as bone-invasive histiocytic sarcomas. The cell lines are ideal for further examination of the role of HTLV-1 Tax in osteolytic tumor formation and the development of hypercalcemia and tumor-associated inflammation.

Diets containing crude glycerin modify the ovary histology, cause reproductive harm on Nile tilapia females and impair the offspring quality

The production of quality tilapia fingerlings is becoming a bottleneck in the production chain. To solve this problem, broodsotck nutrition has been evaluated in studies focused on the effects of new foods and potential diets. Crude glycerin, a biodiesel co-product, has great feed potential owing to its global supply prospects and high nutritional value. This study evaluated the effects of feeding Nile tilapia broodstock with rations containing different levels of crude glycerin. The subsequent growth; reproduction; plasma levels of calcium, glucose, and triglycerides; liver and ovary histology; the centesimal composition of different female organs/tissues; and offspring quality were evaluated. A total of 400 females and 200 males were fed for ten months with pelleted rations containing 320 g of digestible protein/kg, 13.40 MJ of digestible energy/kg, and 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 g of crude glycerin/kg. The tilapia underwent reproductive management in hapas for egg collection and incubation, and the offspring were raised for 30 days. Fish rations containing crude glycerin caused reproductive harm in females, decreasing the percentage of spawning females, amount of spawning, offspring survival to incubation, and protein content in the ovaries (p < 0.05). Fat deposition in the liver also increased (p < 0.05). Female growth, offspring growth, sex reversion success, and the plasma levels of glucose, calcium, and triglycerides were not influenced by the diet (p > 0.05). Fish rations containing glycerin changed the metabolism of lipids and proteins in the females and also possibly changed the rhythm or regulation of vitellogenesis. These changes directly impacted oocyte maturation and ovulation and affected reproductive success and offspring quality. Nile tilapia female fed with rations containing crude glycerin does not interfere with the growth and health of females or fingerlings but causes reproductive harm by decreasing egg production and hatching rates.

Altered vitamin D3 metabolism in the ovary and periovarian adipose tissue of rats with letrozole-induced PCOS

Vitamin D3 (VD3) plays an important role in the ovary and its deficiency is associated with ovarian pathologies, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, there is no data related to VD3 metabolism in the ovary during PCOS. Herein, we investigated differences in the expression of VD3 receptor (VDR) and key VD3 metabolic enzymes, 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), in the ovary and periovarian adipose tissue (POAT) of control (proestrus and diestrus) and PCOS induced by letrozole rats. Vdr, Cyp27b1 and Cyp24a1 mRNA expression was determined, their protein abundance was examined and immunolocalized. Furthermore, VD3 metabolite concentrations in plasma (25OHD) and tissues (ovary and POAT; 1,25(OH)2D3), and plasma calcium level were determined. 25OHD concentration decreased markedly in letrozole-treated rats in comparison with controls, whereas calcium concentration did not vary among the examined groups. The amount of 1,25(OH)2D3 decreased in both ovary and POAT of PCOS rats. In the ovary, we found decreased Cyp27b1 and increased Vdr mRNA expression in letrozole-treated and diestrus control group. Corresponding protein abundances were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively but only following letrozole treatment. In POAT, only Cyp27b1 transcript level and CYP27B1 protein abundance were decreased in letrozole-treated rats. VDR was immunolocalized in healthy and cystic follicles, while CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 were found exclusively in healthy ones. Concluding, our results provide the first evidence of disrupted VD3 metabolism in the ovary and POAT of PCOS rats. The reduced 1,25(OH)2D3 concentration in those tissues suggests their contribution to VD3 deficiency observed in PCOS and might implicate in PCOS pathogenesis.

Correlative Study of Bone-related Biochemicals and Endocrine Changes in Perimenopausal Women in Enugu, Nigeria.

Perimenopause is a physiological occurrence in women, and is characterized by endocrine and biochemical changes. During perimenopause phase, many derangements or abnormal health conditions start developing as a result of hormonal changes. These derangements in health conditions and biochemical changes lead to higher incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) occurrence with or without bone involvement. There is a scarcity of information on MetS in Enugu, Southern Nigeria and there is no available data on the correlation of selected bone-related biochemicals with endocrine parameters and MetS in perimenopausal women from the region. We consecutively sampled 200 apparently healthy women, and categorized them into 120 perimenopausal women (age (!) = 50years) and a second group of 80 women in premenopause (age (!) = 35years). Measurement of anthropometric indices like blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were taken. Fasting blood samples were collected for the estimation of endocrine parameters (estradiol (E₂), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), uric acid, inorganic phosphate, calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels were determined using standard biochemical methods. The evaluation of MetS was carried out in the women using the three different criteria: World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program- Adult Treatment Panel 111 (NCEP-ATP 111) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). For statistical analysis, Student's t-test, Pearson correlation and Chi-square were used to compare categorical and continuous variables. Calcium was predominantly high in the three criteria (p<0.05). LH and FSH showed a positive correlation with FPG while E₂ was negatively associated with FPG. Similarly, LH showed a positive association with inorganic phosphate while E₂ was negatively associated with alkaline phosphatase (p<0.05). Perimenopausal women are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis than premenopausal women. This emphasizes the need for timely diagnosis of osteoporosis in perimenopausal women.

Francisella noatunensis subsp. noatunensis triggers calcium metabolism gene modulation in Eleginops maclovinus

Francisella noatunensis subsp. noatunensis is the responsible agent of Francisellosis, a bacterial disease that affects an important amount of aquatic farmed species. Eleginops maclovinus is a fish that cohabits with salmonids cages in Chile and can also act as a vector of this bacterial disease. In the present study, we evaluated calcium metabolism in the liver of E. maclovinus injected intraperitoneally with different doses of F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis (low 1.5 × 101, medium 1.5 × 105 and high doses 1.5 × 1010 cells/μL). Fish were sampled at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post injection (dpi). No mortalities nor clinical signs were observed. Plasma calcium levels were higher in the high doses group of F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis at day 7 and 14 compared to the control group (fish injected with bacterial medium alone). Hypercalcemic factors increased at day 14 and 21 for the medium and low dose (parathyroid hormone-related protein precursor), while vitamin D3 receptor increased its expression at times 1, 3 and 7 for the low dose. On the other hand, hypocalcemic factors such as calcitonin receptor and stanniocalcin increased its expression at time 7 and 14, respectively. Calmodulin involved in calcium storage decreased its expression during all experimental days in fish subjected to high bacterial dose. Proteins involved in calcium transport, such as L-type voltage-gated calcium channel and trpv5 increased their transcription at day 1 and 14, compared to calcium sensing-receptor and plasma membrane Ca2 +- ATPase that showed peak expression at times 14 and 28. The results suggest a clear alteration of calcium metabolism, mainly in high bacterial doses. This study provides new knowledge about the calcium metabolism in fish infected with bacteria.

Determination of Optimal Active Vitamin D Levels to Decrease COVID-19 Viral Replication and to Mitigate Its Secondary Inflammation

Measurement of plasma (serum) 25(OH)D3, levels, (the precursor of active vitamin D) is the current method of evaluating vitamin D status. This paper will present evidence to support the hypotheses that the measurements of serum 25(OH)D3 or serum 1,25(OH)2D3 do not often reflect the actual synthesis and levels of active vitamin D in the body and that they do not reflect the sometime dramatic changing demand for active vitamin D by the body. Because there appears to be an association between low vitamin D status and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, a new method for determining vitamin D status and demand is needed. Unlike other vitamins, active vitamin D is a hormone acting on many receptor sites in the body and it is an essential modulator of the immune system. The vitamin D hormone plays an active role in the initial suppression of invading microbials including new viruses and in subduing the body’s inflammatory response to acute viral infections and latent viruses. In this paper, a molar balance approach involving vitamin D end metabolites is used to estimate fluctuating active vitamin D levels (synthesis) and demand. The ability to estimate active vitamin D levels (synthesis) and demand may allow the establishment of actual active vitamin D levels in the body needed to suppress COVID-19 virus replication and to decrease COVID-19 virus stimulation of an immune system inflammatory response. Determining actual active vitamin D levels and demand may prove vital in the treatment and monitoring of individuals with acute and sometimes life-threatening COVID-19 infections. This new information may allow clinicians to quickly adjust intervention with calcitriol, active vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, to achieve rapid suppression of the COVID-19 virus and improvement in immune system function.

Effect of different altitude on reproductive performances and mineral assessment in Ouled Djellal ewes during the mating period.

The aim of this study is to evaluate reproductive performances and to reveal the influence of mineral profile on Ouled Djellal ewes reared in different sites during their mating period. Two hundred twenty-six clinically healthy and nonpregnant Ouled Djellal ewes have been used and assigned to four groups according to altitude factor (two plain regions, one tableland region, and one mountain region). In all groups, oestrus was synchronized with ram affect method, and the ewes were naturally inseminated; it was conducted during the month of May for all herds. After 5months of gestation, reproductive parameters were calculated. Concerning the determination of plasma mineral parameters and its influence on reproduction parameters, blood samples were taken from all ewes on the day of introduction of entire rams into all herds. The analyzed variables were fertility, prolificacy, and fecundity, and their overall averages were 78%, 117%, and 92%, respectively, which are well below the averages in flocks reared in intensive mode. However, the lowest rates are recorded at mountain region (Aïn Zaatout) with 65%, 109%, and 71%, respectively. Plasma sodium and potassium were significantly lower in fecundable ewes than in non-fecundable ewes, whereas plasma calcium levels were significantly increased. The region showed in this study a significant influence on all plasma levels of major minerals during mating period. This study made it possible to describe the evolution of some mineral elements in ewes according to whether they are fecundable or not and according to the region (mountain, tableland, plain) during the mating period. This gave us useful information on the impact of plasma minerals levels on reproductive parameters.

Assessment of Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) as a diagnostic test for Egyptian patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome

BackgroundWilliams-Beuren syndrome (WS) is as a rare multisystem genetic syndrome, caused by the hemizygous deletion of approximately 26–28 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) is considered the gold standard for its diagnosis. However, FISH does not allow the detection of the exact size of the deletion. This study aimed to compare the efficiency and validity of Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) and (FISH) techniques in diagnosing and confirming clinically diagnosed WS. Patients and methodsThe study comprised twenty-three WS patients they were clinically assessed, cardiovascular evaluation, and laboratory tests, including plasma calcium level, thyroid function tests and glucose tolerance test, were performed. FISH and MLPA analysis were performed for all patients. The MLPA kit (SALSA P029) contained probes for eight genes in the WS critical region: FKBP6, FZD9, TBL2, STX1A, ELN, LIMK1, RFC2, and CYLN2. ResultsNineteen patients out of 23 studied cases (82.6%) showed positive deletion of the WS chromosome region (WBSCR) by both FISH and MLPA techniques. One patient (4.3%) showed negative result by FISH while a duplication of the WBSCR was detected by MLPA. Three patients (13.1%) were negative for both FISH and MLPA. In conclusionThis is the largest cohort of Egyptian patients with WS, where both FISH and MLPA analysis were used to confirm the diagnosis. MLPA analysis has an advantage over FISH as it is less time consuming and detects smaller, atypical deletions and duplications in the WS.

Age-related differences in vitamin D status in Polish centenarians compared with 65-year-olds.

Vitamin D status is known to change with age. However, little is known about vitamin D status in centenarians. The aim of the study was to assess vitamin D status and correlations among the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25‑hydroxycholecalciferol (25[OH]D), 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25[OH]D), calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in centenarians. The study group included 97 participants: 81 women and 16 men (median [interquartile range [IQR]) age, 101.4 [100.5-102.16] years). Centenarians were visited at their homes where examinations were conducted and blood samples collected. The control group consisted of 57 elderly subjects: 35 women and 22 men (median [IQR] age, 65.9 [65.3-66.5] years). The concentrations of PTH, 25(OH)D, and 1,25(OH)D were measured in frozen plasma samples, and calcium, phosphorus, and ALP levels, in serum samples. The median calcium level was 8.88 mg/dl in centenarians versus 9.52 mg/dl in 65‑year-old subjects (P <0.01); ALP, 223 IU versus 190 IU (P = 0.01); phosphorus, 3.01 mg/dl versus 3.23 mg/dl (P = 0.13); PTH, 45.59 pg/ml versus 29.27 pg/ml (P <0.01); 25(OH)D, 7.39 ng/ml versus 19.81 ng/ml (P <0.01); 1,25(OH)D, 57.5 pmol/l versus 78.6 pmol/l (P <0.01). Only centenarians demonstrated correlations among the measured laboratory parameters. Considering lower 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)D, and calcium concentrations in the majority of centenarians, as well as the negative correlation between vitamin D active metabolites and PTH, vitamin D and calcium should be systematically supplemented in the oldest of the elderly.

Ultrasound-assisted transdermal delivery of alendronate for the treatment of osteoporosis.

The aim of the current research work was to develop sonophoresis-assisted transdermal patches for the treatment of osteoporosis. In the present investigation, we formulated alendronate-chitosan nanoparticles by ionotropic external gelation method. The prepared nanoparticles were found to be smooth and free-flowing. The optimized formulation showed 82.7% of drug release over a period of 12 hours with 99.54% EE, the particle size of 250 nm, PDI 0.22 and zeta potential of 28 mV. The solvent casting evaporation method was used for the development of the patches using HPMC as rate-controlling polymer and dibutyl phthalate as the plasticizer. The optimized patch formulation was found acceptable in terms of physical characteristics (appearance, thickness, folding endurance, weight variation, moisture loss and uptake). The drug content was found to be 99.66±0.9 % with 69.44% of drug permeation through the rat skin. The TP3 formulation had drug content of 99.96% which was the highest among all of the formulations and showed relatively controlled skin permeation of 69.44% over the period of 12 hours. Nearly six-time enhancement of bioavailability was observed when alendronate was used in the nanoparticulate form in transdermal patches used with sonophoresis. Over the period of seven days, the plasma calcium concentration in the rat model was decreased from 16 mg/dl to 4 mg/dl (4 times) in rat groups treated with the transdermal patches containing CS-ALN-NP while the concentration dropped only to 12 mg/dl in case of the transdermal patches containing pure Alendronate. These findings (enhanced skin permeation, enhanced bioavailability and suppression of the plasma calcium level) regarding the transdermal delivery system suggest a promising approach for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Diets containing purified nucleotides reduce oxidative stress, interfere with reproduction, and promote growth in Nile tilapia females

The objective of the present study was to assess the health, growth, and reproductive performance of Nile tilapia females fed diets containing purified nucleotides (NT). A total of 420 females (286 ± 7.15 g) and 140 males (536 ± 13.4 g) were used. Fishes were fed with extruded rations (280 g of digestible protein kg−1; 11.72 MJ of digestible energy kg−1) containing 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 g NT kg−1 for 150 days. After mating occurred in hapas, the eggs were harvested and incubated. At the end of the experiment, blood and tissue samples were collected for hematological, biochemical, morphological, and centesimal composition analyses. In addition, indicators of immune system function and redox balance were analyzed. The production of eggs g−1 by spawning females was significantly the highest at 7.5 g NT kg−1. The percentage of spawning females was significantly low in the 7.5 g and 10.0 g NT kg−1 groups, reflecting on fecundity. However, these females showed significantly the highest growth rates. Diets containing 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 g NT kg−1 significantly increased hemoglobin levels. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) significantly decreased in fish fed diets containing between 2.5 and 7.5 g NT kg−1, whereas alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and plasma triglyceride levels significantly decreased with 7.5 g NT kg−1. Levels of NT higher than 5.0 g NT kg−1 led to a significantly increase of albumin and significantly reduced plasma calcium levels. Liver glycogen levels significantly increased with 5.0 g NT kg−1. The activities of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly the highest in the 5.0 g NT kg−1 and 7.5 g NT kg−1 groups, respectively. The highest glycogen content in the ovaries was significantly observed with 7.5 g NT kg−1. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the ovaries was significantly lower with 2.5, 7.5, and 10.0 g NT kg−1, and the highest catalase activity was significantly observed with 2.5 and 7.5 g NT kg−1. Lysozyme activity in the spleen and kidney and levels of nitrite/nitrate in the kidney were not significantly altered. Only the levels of spleen nitrite/nitrate significantly decreased at 10.0 g NT kg−1. Rations containing more than 5.0 g NT kg−1 significantly increased the percentage of secondary growth oocytes, and liver and intestinal morphology was not significantly altered. Diets containing 5.0 g NT kg−1 significantly increased crude protein content in the ovaries. Supplementation with purified nucleotides, using rations containing between 5.0 and 7.5 g NT kg−1, affected energy metabolism, redox balance, and liver and gonadal status in tilapia females, thereby improving their health and, consequently, their reproduction and growth rates.

Associations of Plasma Copper, Magnesium, and Calcium Levels with Blood Pressure in Children: a Cross-sectional Study.

Studies of the relationship of copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) levels with blood pressure in children are limited. This cross-sectional study included 443 children aged 6-9years from Guangzhou, China. Plasma concentrations of Cu, Mg, and Ca were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured with an electronic sphygmomanometer. Elevated SBP and DBP were defined as the 90th percentile or greater (age and sex specific) of reference values for Chinese children. Abnormal blood pressure (ABP) was defined as an elevated SBP and/or DBP. The plasma Cu concentration was positively correlated with blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level, whereas the plasma Mg and Ca concentrations were negatively correlated with SBP. A higher Cu concentration (T3 vs. T1) was associated with a higher risk of ABP (odds ratio (OR) 2.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 5.40). In contrast, children in the top tertiles of Mg (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.98) and Ca (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.70) concentrations showed lower risks of ABP than those in the bottom tertiles. Path analysis showed that the CRP levels and BMI mediated the associations between the Cu concentration and ABP. We found that higher plasma Mg and Ca concentrations were negatively related to blood pressure in children aged 6-9years. In contrast, a higher plasma Cu concentration was positively correlated with the risk of ABP, and the association was mediated by CRP and BMI.

Effect of half-molar sodium lactate infusion on biochemical parameters in critically ill patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the infusion of sodium lactate 500ml upon different biochemical variables and intracranial pressure in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. DesignA prospective experimental single cohort study was carried out. ScopePolyvalent intensive care unit of a university hospital. PatientsCritical patients with shock and intracranial hypertension. ProcedureA 500ml sodium lactate bolus was infused in 15min. Plasma levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, lactate, bicarbonate, PaCO2, pH, phosphate and albumin were recorded at 3 timepoints: T0 pre-infusion; T1 at 30min, and T2 at 60min post-infusion. Mean arterial pressure and intracranial pressure were measured at T0 and T2. ResultsForty-one patients received sodium lactate: 19 as an osmotically active agent and 22 as a volume expander. Metabolic alkalosis was observed: T0 vs. T1 (p=0.007); T1 vs. T2 (p=0.003). Sodium increased at the 3 timepoints (T0 vs. T1, p<0.0001; T1 vs. T2, p=0.0001). In addition, sodium lactate decreased intracranial pressure (T0: 24.83±5.4 vs. T2: 15.06±5.8; p<0.001). Likewise, plasma lactate showed a biphasic effect, with a rapid decrease at T2 (p<0.0001), including in those with previous hyperlactatemia (p=0.002). ConclusionsThe infusion of sodium lactate is associated to metabolic alkalosis, hypernatremia, reduced chloremia, and a biphasic change in plasma lactate levels. Moreover, a decrease in intracranial pressure was observed in patients with acute brain injury.

Reduced bone resorption and inflammation in apical periodontitis evoked by dietary supplementation with probiotics in rats.

To evaluate the relationship between systemic administration of probiotics and inflammation/resorption processes associated with apical periodontitis (AP) in a rat model. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used. AP was induced in the mandibular left/right first molars. The animals were arranged into three groups: Control, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L.acidophilus. Probiotics were orally administered via gavage (109 colony-forming units (CFU) diluted in 5mL of water) for 30days during the development of AP. On the 30th day, blood was collected to analyse the calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in plasma. Then, the animals were euthanized and the jaws removed for micro-computed tomography and immune-histopathological analysis for receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). After the Shapiro-Wilk test of normality, the Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn's test was performed for nonparametric data, and analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test was performed for parametric data (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the calcium and phosphorus levels in plasma amongst the groups (P>0.05). The level of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in the groups that consumed probiotics (P<0.05). A significantly lower volume of bone resorption was observed in groups that consumed probiotics (P<0.05). The inflammatory infiltrates and the immunolabelling for RANKL and TRAP were significantly lower in probiotic groups when compared to the control (P<0.05). Also, the OPG was significantly more immunolabelled in the L.acidophilus group than in the L.rhamnosus and control groups (P<0.05). Probiotic supplementation through gavage (L.rhamnosus and L.acidophilus) had a significant effect on the reduction of inflammation and bone resorption in apical periodontitis development in rats.

Effect of high bicarbonate hemodialysis solution on biochemical parameters and anthropometric indices.

Protein energy wasting is an adverse consequence of renal failure, which is correlated with increased mortality and morbidity. Metabolic acidosis has a major role in the development of protein energy wasting in hemodialysis patients. Every effort that could ameliorate this catabolic state would be beneficial to stabilize body composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of high bicarbonate dialysis on anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters of nutrition. Fifty-six hemodialysis patients were randomly enrolled in two groups: an intervention group that underwent hemodialysis for 6 months with high bicarbonate dialysate concentration (36 mmol/L, N = 26) and a control group that underwent hemodialysis using a bicarbonate dialysate concentration of 30 mmol/L (N = 30). Biochemical parameters of nutrition and weight, body mass index (BMI), total body water, percent body fat, and other anthropometric indices were measured at the beginning and the end of the trial. At the end of the 6 month evaluation period, plasma levels of albumin, phosphorus, K, calcium, and bicarbonate showed no significant changes. Body weight and BMI increased significantly in high bicarbonate arm but did not change significantly in the control group. Percent body fat in the arms and legs did not change in intervention arm, but decreased significantly in the controls. The results suggest that higher bicarbonate dialysis can have beneficial effects on nutritional status and might protect against loss of fat mass.

SAT-LB23 Paraneoplastic Hypercalcemia in a PTH Producing Adrenocortical Carcinoma - a Rare and Deadly Condition

Background: Hypercalcemia is a commonly encountered paraneoplastic manifestation of certain cancers with or without endocrine differentiation. However, the association between adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) with paraneoplastic hypercalcemia is very rare, and therefore little is known about the cause and its relevance in the disease. Clinical Case: A 40-year-old woman presented in the hospital with a 5-month history of progressive flank pain with unintentional weight loss of 6 kg. MRI revealed a mass of 9x8.1x4.8 cm of the right adrenal gland with inhomogeneous contrast enhancement. Biochemical investigations provided evidence of endogenous hypercortisolism (24-hour urinary cortisol excretion [490 µg, n<236 µg/l], 1mg dexamethasone suppression test [199 nmol/l, n<50 nmol/l], ACTH [28 ng/l, n<61 ng/l]) although the patient did not show any specific clinical sign of overt hypercortisolism. In addition, laboratory testing revealed an exceptionally high plasma level of calcium [max 3.67 mmol/l (albumin-corrected)] and low phosphate [min 0.26 mmol/l] in the setting of low PTH [6.4 ng/l, n>15 ng/l] and PTHrP levels [<0.50 pmol/l]. However, subsequent dilution unmasked a highly elevated PTH concentration of 2171.5 ng/l with persistent low PTHrP levels, indicating false low values due to a hook effect in the initial measurement. Levels of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were in the normal range. A PET-CT provided no indications of metabolically active (osseous) metastases. After correction of the serum calcium towards tolerable values, the tumor was removed by open en bloc adrenalectomy. Histologic evaluation confirmed an ACC (TNM pT4 pN1 (2/3), L1, V1, high grade) despite missing immunohistochemically expression of classical adrenal markers (diagnosis of exclusion). Supplemental quantitative RT-PCR studies support the diagnosis of ACC by detecting significant SF-1 and CYP11B2 expression in the tumor cells. Further analyses provided evidence that the mRNA expression of PTH, but not PTHrP, was moderately increased in the ACC sample compared to NCI H295R cells. Upon tumor resection, serum calcium levels swiftly normalized indicating the tumor as the sole source of PTH secretion. Despite initiation of adjuvant mitotane- and salvage chemo-therapy, the patient died 3 months later upon of a massive tumor relapse with a recurrence of severe hypercalcemia. Conclusion: This case demonstrates paraneoplastic hypercalcemia in a PTH producing ACC. PTH may induce hypercalcemia, impair adrenal steroid synthesis and act as an autocrine growth factor in ACC, as described in few individual cases for PTHrp producing ACC [1]. This suggests a poor prognosis for this rare entity.1. Rizk-Rabin, M., et al., Differential Expression of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein in Adrenocortical Tumors: Autocrine/Paracrine Effects on the Growth and Signaling Pathways in H295R Cells. 2008.

The use of cinacalcet after pediatric renal transplantation: an international CERTAIN Registry analysis.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) may persist after renal transplantation (RTx), inducing hypophosphatemia and hypercalcemia that precludes the use of vitamin D analogs. The calcimimetic cinacalcet improved plasma calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in randomized controlled trials in adults after RTx, but pediatric data are scarce. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 20 pediatric patients from the Cooperative European Paediatric Renal TransplAnt Initiative (CERTAIN) Registry who received cinacalcet after RTx. The results are presented as median and interquartile range (25th-75th percentile). At 13.7 (11.0-16.5) years of age, 20 pediatric patients received a renal allograft. Cinacalcet was introduced at 0.4 (0.3-2.7) years post-transplant at an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 (34-66) mL/min/1.73m2, plasma calcium of 2.58 (2.39-2.71) mmol/L, age-standardized (z score) phosphate of - 1.7 (- 2.7-- 0.4), and PTH of 136 (95-236) ng/L. The starting dose of cinacalcet was 0.5 (0.3-0.8) mg/kg per day, with a maximum dose of 1.1 (0.5-1.3) mg/kg per day. With a follow-up of 3.0 (1.5-3.6) years on cinacalcet therapy, eGFR remained stable; PTH levels decreased to 66 (56-124) ng/L at the last follow-up (p = 0.015). One patient displayed hypocalcemia (1.8mmol/L). Cinacalcet was withdrawn in three patients (hypocalcemia, parathyroidectomy, incompliance). Nephrocalcinosis of the graft was not reported. This pilot study suggests that cinacalcet as off-label therapy for SHPT after pediatric RTx is efficacious in controlling post-transplant SHPT with acceptable tolerability. Continuing cinacalcet even with normal PTH can lead to dangerous life-threatening hypocalcemia. Therefore, at each subsequent visit, the need to continue cinacalcet must be assessed.

Comparative Plasma Endocrine, Metabolic and Mineral Profile of Cyclic, Acyclic, Endometritic and Pregnant Buffaloes

Circulating concentrations of hormones, metabolites, and minerals reflect the physio-pathological status of reproduction in animals. This study was carried out on infertile (anestrus, endometritic), normal healthy cyclic and pregnant buffaloes to evaluate the comparative plasma progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) hormones, plasma total protein, total cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorus profile. The study showed higher mean plasma E2 and lower P4 levels in the follicular phase of estrous cycle in buffaloes. Significantly (p less than 0.05) higher mean plasma P4 level and lower E2 levels were recorded during the luteal phase and in endometritic and pregnant buffaloes. Total plasma protein concentration was non-significantly higher in normal cyclic than acyclic and endometritic buffaloes. It was also comparatively lower in buffalo with 9 months of pregnancy than 3 and 6 months of pregnancy. The mean plasma total cholesterol level was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in pregnant than acyclic and endometritic buffaloes. Cyclic buffaloes had significantly (p less than 0.05) higher mean plasma calcium levels than acyclic buffaloes. Plasma phosphorus concentration, however, did not show any significant difference between different stages of the reproductive cycle.

Possible role of C60 fullerene in the induction of reproductive toxicity in the freshwater fish, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792).

In recent years, the impact of ultrafine nanomaterials on the aquatic organisms and their ecosystems contributed much concern due to their abundance in environment. Several toxicity studies have reported that nanoparticles induced reproductive stress and resulted in reproductive impairment of fishes. The present study was aimed to investigate the stress-induced toxicity of C60 fullerene nanomaterial on various reproductive parameters of the freshwater fish, Anabas testudineus. Fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of fullerene C60, one-tenth (5mg/L) and one-fifth (10mg/L) of LC50-96h, for 4, 7, 15, 30, and 60-day durations. At the end of exposure period, the activities of steroidogenic enzymes, 3β-, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase decreased in the testis and ovary thereby indicated that the nanomaterial affected gonadal steroidogenesis. The level of serum testosterone decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in male whereas the level of estradiol showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in female fish with significant (p< 0.05) increase in the level of serum cortisol in both sexes in concentration- and time-dependent manner. The analysis of the levels of alkali-labile phosphates, plasma calcium, and total protein showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in female fish without significant changes in male fish, and this could be due to the antiestrogenic action of fullerene C60 nanomaterial. The activity of aromatase enzyme decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the ovary and brain of female fish, and the decline in the enzyme activity was prominent only in the brain tissue of male fish. The present results suggested that the stress-induced by fullerene C60 exposure provoked reproductive toxicity in the fish, Anabas testudineus.