Plasma T3 Concentrations Research Articles

Embryonic thermal manipulation and post-hatch dietary guanidinoacetic acid supplementation alleviated chronic heat stress impact on broiler chickens

The study investigated the effects of embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) and post-hatch guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation on male broiler chickens exposed to chronic heat stress (HS). Ross 308 eggs (n = 710) were randomly assigned to control (37.8 °C, 56% RH) or TM (39.5 °C, 65% RH for 12 h/day from embryonic day 7–16) treatments. After hatching, chicks were further assigned to four dietary treatments (n = 12 birds/pen, 5 replicates/treatment): control, control with 1.2 g/kg GAA supplementation (CS), TM, and TM with 1.2 g/kg GAA supplementation (TMS). All birds were subjected to chronic HS (32–36 °C and 55% RH for 6 h/day) from day 28–42. Embryonic TM treatment decreased hatchability, hatching weight (HW), and facial temperature (FT). During the pre-HS period (days 1–28), no significant differences in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality were observed, although the TM group exhibited the lowest body weight gain (BWG). Following HS exposure (days 29–42), the TMS group displayed significantly higher BWG than the control and CS groups. The TM and TMS groups also demonstrated significantly lower FCR and mortality rates during this period. Across the entire period (days 1–42), BWG was significantly higher in the TMS group compared to other groups. Furthermore, TM and TMS treatments were associated with lower mortality rates, improved FCR, better European Performance Efficiency Index (EPEI), and reduced abdominal fat deposition. The experimental treatments did not significantly affect intestinal morphology or most blood parameters, except triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and uric acid. Plasma concentrations of T3, T4, and uric acid were significantly lower in the TM and TMS groups compared to the control and CS treatments. The findings suggest that a combined strategy of embryonic TM and post-hatch dietary GAA supplementation may not only alleviate the detrimental effects of HS but also promote beneficial physiological responses in broiler chickens.

Effects of Combined Hypothyroidism and Selenium Deficiency on Selenoenzyme Glutathione Peroxidase Activity in Rats

Abstract The effects of propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment and selenium-deficient diet on selenium and thyroid status of Wistar male rats were examined in this study. Wistar male rats (n =128) were divided into four groups: (1) control group – selenium-adequate rats fed a diet supplemented with 0.334 mg Na selenite/kg feed and received regular drinking water (Se+PTU-); (2) selenium adequate rats fed a diet supplemented with 0.334 mg Na selenite/kg feed and received a dose of 150 mg/L of PTU in drinking water, (Se+PTU+); (3) selenium-deficient rats fed a diet containing 0.031 mg Na selenite/ kg and received regular drinking water (Se-PTU-); (4) selenium deficient rats fed a diet containing 0.031 mg Na selenite/kg and received 150 mg/L of PTU in drinking water (Se-PTU+). After three and seven weeks of treatment, all Se – animals had significantly lower whole blood Se concentrations and GPx1 and GPx3 activities. PTU induced a significant decrease in T4 and T3 plasma concentrations after three weeks of treatment in both PTU+ groups. Furthermore, after seven weeks, the T3 level was close to its detection limit in Se – animals. A negative correlation was spotted between GPx activity and concentration of T3 after three and seven weeks. It could indicate an inhibitory influence of thyroid hormones on the expression and/or activities of GPx enzymes related to the available Se in conditions of systemic decrease of T4 concentration. This effect was particularly pronounced in Se – animals.

Towards translating in vitro measures of thyroid hormone system disruption to in vivo responses in the pregnant rat via a biologically based dose response (BBDR) model

Despite the number of in vitro assays that have been recently developed to identify chemicals that interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT), the translation of those in vitro results into in vivo responses (in vitro to in vivo extrapolation, IVIVE) has received limited attention from the modeling community. To help advance this field a steady state biologically based dose response (BBDR) model for the HPT axis was constructed for the pregnant rat on gestation day (GD) 20. The BBDR HPT axis model predicts plasma levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones are important for normal growth and development of the fetus. Perchlorate, a potent inhibitor of thyroidal uptake of iodide by the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) protein, was used as a case study for the BBDR HPT axis model. The inhibitory blocking of the NIS by perchlorate was associated with dose-dependent steady state decreases in thyroid hormone production in the thyroid gland. The BBDR HPT axis model predictions for TSH, T3, and T4 plasma concentrations in pregnant Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were within 2-fold of observations for drinking water perchlorate exposures ranging from 10 to 30,000 μg/kg/d. In Long Evans (LE) pregnant rats, for both control and perchlorate drinking water exposures, ranging from 85 to 82,000 μg/kg/d, plasma thyroid hormone and TSH concentrations were predicted within 2 to 3.4- fold of observations. This BBDR HPT axis model provides a successful IVIVE template for thyroid hormone disruption in pregnant rats.

Treatment with dexamethasone's effects on pregnant women and their fetuses Guinea pigs' Thyroid and Adrenal Hormones

Among the common small laboratory animals, the guinea pig has a thyroid and adrenal hormone pattern most similar to that in humans. Daily administration of 10mg Dexamethasone s/c from 55 days of pregnancy for 6 days resulted in a depression of fetal body and organ weight and depression of maternal and fetal plasma T4, T3, and cortisol concentration. However, an increase in fetal plasma T4 and T3 concentration rates suggests enhanced de-iodination of T4. In human fetuses, late in gestation, a rise in plasma cortisol may not be necessary for organ maturation. Considerable species differences have been observed concerning the type of hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. Keywords: Dexamethasone, fetal cortisol, Thyroxin, Triiodothyronine, Guinea pigs.

Hypothyroidism impairs development of the gastrointestinal tract in the ovine fetus.

Growth and maturation of the fetal gastrointestinal tract near term prepares the offspring for the onset of enteral nutrition at birth. Structural and functional changes are regulated by the prepartum rise in cortisol in the fetal circulation, although the role of the coincident rise in plasma tri-iodothyronine (T3) is unknown. This study examined the effect of hypothyroidism on the structural development of the gastrointestinal tract and the activity of brush-border digestive enzymes in the ovine fetus near term. In intact fetuses studied between 100 and 144days of gestation (dGA; term ∼145days), plasma concentrations of T3, cortisol and gastrin; the mucosal thickness in the abomasum, duodenum, jejunum and ileum; and intestinal villus height and crypt depth increased with gestational age. Removal of the fetal thyroid gland at 105-110 dGA suppressed plasma thyroxine (T4) and T3 concentrations to the limit of assay detection in fetuses studied at 130 and 144 dGA, and decreased plasma cortisol and gastrin near term, compared to age-matched intact fetuses. Hypothyroidism was associated with reductions in the relative weights of the stomach compartments and small intestines, the outer perimeter of the intestines, the thickness of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, villus height and width, and crypt depth. The thickness of the mucosal epithelial cell layer and muscularis propria in the small intestines were not affected by gestational age or treatment. Activities of the brush border enzymes varied with gestational age in a manner that depended on the enzyme and region of the small intestines studied. In the ileum, maltase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) activities were lower, and aminopeptidase N (ApN) were higher, in the hypothyroid compared to intact fetuses near term. These findings highlight the importance of thyroid hormones in the structural and functional development of the gastrointestinal tract near term, and indicate how hypothyroidism in utero may impair the transition to enteral nutrition and increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders in the neonate.

TO STUDY SMALL FOR GESTATIONAL AGE AS A RISK FACTOR FOR THYROID DYSFUNCTION

Introduction: Babies with a birth weight and/or length below the 10th percentile of a population of the same gestational age are dened small-forgestational-age (SGA). Children born prematurely or small for gestational age are at a higher risk of thyroid dysfunction. Intrauterine growth retardation and the delivery of SGA infants may have a variety of reasons. This illness is characterised by several endocrine-metabolic changes and pathophysiological processes. It has been shown that there are greater rates of diseases including cardiovascular events, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and obesity. These changes may also have an impact on future health in infancy and adulthood. There aren't many research that compare the thyroid function of SGA and AGA neonates. For newborn plasma concentrations of T4 and TSH, contradictory ndings have been reported. The study was conducted to observe the relationship that the weight and/ Objective: or the gestational age plays on the thyroid function of the babies. This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care cent Materials And Methods: re. This study focused on the day 3 TSH, Ft4 value of the SGA babies compared with the AGA babies. Preterm and term Results: SGA babies had considerably lower blood T4 concentrations and higher TSH values as compared to AGA neonates (P=0.0001). SGA babies had a hi Conclusion: gher incidence of transient hypothyroidism and required accurate follow-up and close monitoring of thyroid function.

Could the ketogenic diet induce a shift in thyroid function and support a metabolic advantage in healthy participants? A pilot randomized-controlled-crossover trial.

BackgroundThe ketogenic diet (KD) has been shown to result in body mass loss in people with disease as well as healthy people, yet the effect of the KD on thyroid function and metabolism are unknown.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the effects of a KD, compared with an isocaloric high-carbohydrate low-fat (HCLF) diet, on resting metabolic rate and thyroid function in healthy individuals.DesignEleven healthy, normal-weight participants (mean(SD) age: 30(9) years) completed this randomized crossover-controlled study. For a minimum of three weeks on each, participants followed two isocaloric diets: a HCLF diet (55%carbohydrate, 20%fat, 25%protein) and a KD (15%carbohydrate, 60%fat, 25% protein), with a one-week washout period in-between. Importantly, while on the KD, the participants were required to remain in a state of nutritional ketosis for three consecutive weeks. Crossover analyses and linear mixed models were used to assess effect of diet on body mass, thyroid function and resting metabolic rate.ResultsBoth dietary interventions resulted in significant body mass loss (p<0.05) however three weeks of sustained ketosis (KD) resulted in a greater loss of body mass (mean (95%CI): -2.9 (-3.5, -2.4) kg) than did three weeks on the HCLF diet (-0.4 (-1.0, 0.1) kg, p < 0.0001). Compared to pre-diet levels, the change in plasma T3 concentration was significantly different between the two diets (p = 0.003), such that plasma T3 concentration was significantly lower following the KD diet (4.1 (3.8, 4.4) pmol/L, p<0.0001) but not different following the HCLF diet (4.8 (4.5, 5.2) pmol/L, p = 0.171. There was a significant increase in T4 concentration from pre-diet levels following the KD diet (19.3 (17.8, 20.9) pmol/L, p < 0.0001), but not following the HCLF diet (17.3 (15.7, 18.8) pmol.L, p = 0.28). The magnitude of change in plasma T4 concentration was not different between the two diets (p = 0.4). There was no effect of diet on plasma thyroid stimulating hormone concentration (p = 0.27). There was a significantly greater T3:T4 ratio following the HCLF diet (0.41 (0.27, 0.55), p < 0.0001) compared to pre-diet levels but not following the KD diet (0.25 (0.12, 0.39), p = 0.80).ConclusionsAlthough the diets were isocaloric and physical activity and resting metabolic rate remained constant, the participants lost more mass after the KD than after the HCLF diet. The observed significant changes in triiodothyronine concentration suggest that unknown metabolic changes occur in nutritional ketosis, changes that warrant further investigation.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR201707002406306 URL: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/.

Effect of Tinospora cordifolia as phytogenic feed additive on performance parameters of sahiwal heifers

Tinospora cordifolia stem powder (TCSP) is well known for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties and it could be used as a phytogenic feed additive to enhance the production and health response of ruminants. The study was conducted to determine the effects of TCSP supplementation on growth, blood biochemicals, immunity, antioxidant and endocrine parameters of growing Sahiwal heifers. Eighteen growing Sahiwal heifers were randomly allocated into three groups on body weight and age basis. Feeding regimen was similar in all the groups except that treatment groups were supplemented with 0.0 (CON), 0.5 (T1), and 1.0 (T2) percent of dry matter intake (DMI), TCSP in three respective groups, for 90 days period. Dietary supplementation of TCSP at different levels did not show any significant (P>0.05) effect on DMI, average daily gain, and feed conversion efficiency of growing heifers. Total cholesterol and triglycerides level were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the T2 group. SOD was significantly higher (P<0.001) whereas, LPO decreased linearly (P<0.05) in T2 group. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) also increased linearly (P<0.05) in T2 group. IgG levels increased linearly (P<0.001) in the T2 group; however, total Ig was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the treatment groups. No effect on the concentration of plasma IGF-1, T3 and T4 was reported. Hence, TCSP at a 1.0% level of inclusion could be used as a phytogenic feed additive to boost the health status in terms of improved immunity and antioxidant response in Sahiwal heifers.

Using in-ovo injection of olive pulp extract and vitamin C to improve hatchability, post hatch growth performance, carcass traits and some biochemical blood analysis in broiler chickens

A total of 630 fresh hatching eggs containing live embryo at 14 day of incubation were distributed randomly into seven treatment groups (three replicates/treatment, 30eggs/each) and the fertile eggs were injected in the yolk sac as following groups: eggs were un –injected (T1), eggs were injected with hole only as negative control (T2), eggs were injected with distilled water as positive control (T3), eggs were injected with OPE at 500 and 1000ppm/egg, T4 and T5), while eggs were injected with Vit C at 4 and 8mg/egg (T6 and T7) respectively. The newly hatched chicks resulting from previous treatments were raised till 5 weeks old. Results showed that hatchability %, hatched chicks weight significantly improved for OPE (1000ppm/egg, T5) compared with vitamin C groups. However, performance of chicks resulting from injected eggs with (8 mg/egg, Vit C, T7) showed significantly (P≤0.001) increase in body weight (bwt), body weight gain (bwt) and feed intake than control groups. Measurements of carcass traits of OPE (1000ppm/egg) showed significant improvement in dressing weight when compared to those all injected control groups. Birds resulting from injected eggs with vit C treatments having higher plasma total protein and globulin level compared to others in non-injected control group. Additionally, in-ovo OPE (1000ppm/egg) injection resulted in boosted plasma antioxidants enzymes activities and significantly increased plasmaT4 concentrations compared with different control groups. In conclusion, in-ovo injection at day14 of incubation with either of OPE or vitamin C has positive effect on hatchability %, chick performance, dressing weight and anti-oxidative status of hatched chicks. Hence, in-ovo injection with OPE (1000ppm/egg) at14th day of incubation could be recommended for improving chick’s health.

Effects of Standardized Exercise Tests on Plasma Thyroid Hormones’ Kinetics in Standardbred Racehorses

This study examined how a standard exercise test (SET) affected (1) thyroid hormones (THs) of horses and (2) the relationship between the VLa4 of horses and TH responses to the exercise in trained Standardbred racehorses (VLa4 is the velocity run at defined conditions at which a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L is determined). Twelve trained Standardbred racehorses (six stallions and six mares) performed SETs until the horses’ blood lactate concentration was at or above 4 mmol/L. The horses were divided into three age groups (2, 3, and 4 years old); each group consists of 4 horses respectively (two male and two female), to evaluate the effects of age and sex on hormonal responses to SET. During each SET, blood samples were taken at rest and after each interval and at the end of SET. Blood was analysed for total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3) as well as total and free thyroxine (T4, fT4). The statistical model included three fixed factors (SET, sex and age) and their main interactions. ANOVA analysis revealed that T3 and fT3 were significantly influenced by SETs. Plasma T3 and fT3 concentrations were higher in 4-year-old horses compared to the other age groups. All plasma THs concentrations were higher in mares than in stallions. Correlations revealed that a higher VLa4 was negatively related to all THs responses in 2-year-old Standardbred mares only. The SET used to determine VLa4 increased selected THs (T3, fT3); these increases were inversely related to VLa4 and affected by age and sex of the horses. The correlation of VLa4 with thyroid exercise’ response might provide some additional information for performance evaluation of Standardbred racehorses, especially for evaluating training adaptation, according to sex, and age. Further studies are necessary to provide support on the value of measuring THs in Standardbred racehorses of different sex and age.

Endocrine response of early-hatching Asian Short-toed Lark nestlings exposed to cold temperature in a high-latitude grassland habitat

BackgroundIn high latitude grassland habitats, altricial nestlings hatching in open-cup nests early in the breeding season must cope with cold temperature challenges. Thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, T3 and thyroxine, T4) and corticosterone play a crucial role in avian thermoregulation response to cold. Investigating the endocrine response of altricial nestlings to temperature variation is important for understanding the adaptive mechanisms of individual variation in the timing of breeding in birds.MethodsWe compared nest temperature, ambient temperature, body temperature, plasma T3, T4 and corticosterone levels in Asian Short-toed Lark (Alaudala cheleensis) nestlings hatching in the early-, middle-, and late-stages of the breeding season in Hulunbuir grassland, northeast China.ResultsMean nest temperature in the early-, middle- and late-stage groups was − 1.85, 3.81 and 10.23 °C, respectively, for the 3-day-old nestlings, and 6.83, 10.41 and 11.81 °C, respectively, for the 6-day-old nestlings. The nest temperature significantly correlated with body temperature, plasma T3, T4 and corticosterone concentrations of nestlings. Body temperature of 3-day-old nestlings in the early and middle groups was significantly lower than that of the late group, but there was no significant difference between the nestlings in the early and middle groups. The T4 and T3 concentrations and the ratio of T3/T4 of both 3- and 6-day-old nestlings in the early-stage group were significantly higher compared to the middle and late groups. The corticosterone levels of 3-day-old nestlings were significantly higher in the early-stage group compared to the middle- and late-stage groups.ConclusionNestlings hatching early responded to cold temperature by increasing thyroid hormones and corticosterone levels even in the early days of post hatching development when the endothermy has not been established. These hormones may play a physiological role in neonatal nestlings coping with cold temperature challenges.

Fetal and Maternal Plasma Thyroid Hormone’s Levelsin the Guinea Pigs

Background: All available data indicate that the thyroid of the guinea pig fetus is capable of functioningindependently of that of the mother . Therefor fetal thyroid function is necessary for normal growth in utero.Intrauterine adaptation to the outside environment is important mechanism via which fetus increases thechance to thrive after birth. Aim and Objective of this work to assess the plasma level of thyroxin (T4) andTriiodothyronine (T3) through most period of pregnancy in fetal and maternal guinea pigs. Materials andMethods: Blood samples collected from 51pregnant guinea pigsand their fetuses(93), by the Cobase 411device produced by, Roche com. and it works with technology Electro, Plasma T4 and T3 were measured byChemiLuminescence immune-assay. Results: Fetal plasma Thyroxin (T4) concentration was greater thanthat of the mother between Results 50 and 62 days of gestation while fetal plasma T3 concentration was lessthan that of the mother throughout gestation. In fetalguinea pig the reciprocal relationship between pituitaryand thyroid is established at approximately day 34-35 of gestation. Conclusion: Theresults indicated thatthe fetal pituitary–thyroid system (PTS) is functioning at a relatively high level than that of the maternal,starting few days beforethe second half of pregnancy .Thyroid hormones are important for fetal growth andmaturation event.

Changes in the expression of cardiac genes responsive to thyroid hormones in the chickens with cold-induced pulmonary hypertension

ASTRACTCold stress is an environmental cause of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) in broiler chickens. This factor could increase the rate of metabolic activity via thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). To evaluate the effect of these hormones on the heart, the plasma concentration of T3, T4, and the gene expression of their receptors (THRα and THRβ) and many contractile proteins (ACTC1, MHCα, MHCβ, RYR2, SERCA2, THRα, THRβ, and troponin I) were measured in the right ventricle in 2 periods of age (21 and 35 d). Plasma T3 concentration was significantly higher in the PHS group of chickens than in the control one at 21 and 35 d while plasma T4 did not change. The relative expression of MHCα, RYR2, SERCA2, and THRα genes in the right ventricle tissues was only higher in PHS group of broilers than control group at 21 d (P < 0.05) whereas the expression of ACTC1, MHCβ, and troponin I did not differ at 2 periods of age. The positive correlations between MHCα, RYR2, SERCA2, and T3, THRα were confirmed. The expression of THRβ gene was only higher in PHS group of broilers than control at 35 d (P < 0.05). The data determined that cold stress could increase thyroid hormones and the gene expression of their receptor (THRα) in the pick of chicken growth (21 d) that they themselves elevates the expression of many genes related to contractile elements (MHCα, RYR2, and SERCA2), leading to adaptive right ventricle hypertrophy.

Effects of 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) on thyroid hormones and genes associated with thyroid, neurotoxic, and nephrotoxic responses in adult and larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)

One of the most widely used UV filters, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC), has been widely detected in the environment. While its endocrine disruption potential has often been reported, toxicological information on EHMC is limited. This study was conducted to determine the thyroid, neurological and renal toxicity potentials of EHMC in adult male and embryo-larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). Following 21 d of exposure, plasma T3 concentration decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in adult zebrafish. Several genes related to thyroid hormone regulation were also downregulated in the brain, thyroid, and liver of the adult fish. In addition, upregulation of syn2a in the brain and downregulation of podocin and wt1a in the kidney were observed following the exposure in adult fish. In zebrafish larvae, following 120 h exposure to EHMC, whole-body T3 and T4 contents decreased, and thyroid hormone-related genes were downregulated. However, several genes showed different patterns of transcription in the larvae; for example, mbp and etv1 genes were downregulated and podocin was upregulated. Unlike adult fish, the larval fish showed significant genetic changes related to neurotoxicity. The hypothyroidism induced in the larval fish by the exposure might be potentially associated with the neurotoxic potential of EHMC. The implications of the observed hormonal and transcriptional-level changes in zebrafish at different life stages following long-term exposure warrant further investigation.

Management factors resulting in a severe reduction in feed intake–induced spiking mortality syndrome in young broiler chicks

This study aimed to induce spiking mortality syndrome (SMS) in 10-day-old broiler chicks by changing feed particle size (crumble feed to pellet feed) and/or feed source location (from a small feeder at the pen's center to a large feeder at the front of the pen), followed by full day feed deprivation of all broiler chicks on day 11. In total, 396-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (Con: without change in feed particle size and feed source location; Par: changing crumble feed to pellet feed on day 10; Loc: changing feed source location on day 10; LocPar: changing both feed particle size and feed source location on day 10). Each treatment consisted of 9 replicate pens with 11 chicks each. Each treatment was applied at 09:00 on days 10 and 11. On both days, chicks with SMS were identified based on clinical symptoms (down in sternal or lateral recumbency, hyperventilation). Plasma glucose, 3, 3′, 5-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) concentrations, insulin, and liver glycogen concentrations of chicks without (normal) and with SMS were measured. Proportional organ and digestive tract including content weights were recorded. Broiler behavior was assessed hourly from 08:30 to 17:30 on day 10. On day 10, the Par, Loc, and LocPar groups spent significantly less time feeding and more time lying down compared with the Con group. On days 10 and 11, SMS clinical signs were observed around 2.5 to 3.5 h after the initiation of treatments, and the Loc group had the most SMS morbidity level. Spiking mortality syndrome chicks had significantly less digestive tract contents compared with Normal chicks on day 10. Spiking mortality syndrome was induced successfully with the treatments, according to their significantly reduced plasma glucose, insulin, T3 and T4 concentrations as well as liver glycogen content. A significant correlation between plasma glucose and liver glycogen was observed in SMS chicks. In conclusion, management factors inducing the reduction or absence of feed intake on day 10 or day 11 can trigger the occurrence of SMS in young broiler chicks.

Sepsis Impairs Thyroid Hormone Signaling and Mitochondrial Function in the Mouse Diaphragm.

Background: Sepsis can cause the nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS), resulting in perturbed thyroid hormone (TH) signaling and reduced thyroxine (T4) levels. TH is a major regulator of muscle function, via its influence on mitochondria. This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between TH signaling, mitochondrial function, and the antioxidant defense system in the diaphragms of septic mice. Methods: Male C57Bl/6 mice were divided into two groups: cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and sham. Twenty-four hours after surgery, plasma, diaphragms, and livers were collected. TH metabolism and responses were analyzed by measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Dio1 in the liver, and Thra, Thrb, Dio2, Slc16a10, and Slc16a2 (encodes MCT 10 and 8), in the diaphragm. T4 plasma levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Damage to diaphragm mitochondria was assessed by electron microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and function with oxygraphy. The diaphragm antioxidative defense system was examined by qPCR, analyzing superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 (Sod1), mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD 2; Sod2), extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD 3; Sod3), glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1), and catalase (Cat) expression. The effect of TH replacement was tested by treating the mice with T4 and triiodothyronine (T3) (CLP+TH) after surgery. Results: CLP mice presented reduced total plasma T4 concentrations, downregulated Dio1, and upregulated Il1b mRNA expression in the liver. CLP mice also displayed downregulated Thra, Thrb, Slc16a10, and Slc16a2 expression in the diaphragm, suggesting that TH signaling was compromised. The expression of Ppargc1a (encoding PGC1a) was downregulated, which correlated with the decrease in the number of total mitochondria, increase in the percentage of injured mitochondria, downregulation of respiratory chain complex 2 and 3 mRNA expression, and reduced maximal respiration. In addition, septic animals presented a three-fold increase in Ucp3 and G6pdh expression; downregulated Sod3, Gpx1, and Cat expression; and upregulated Sod2 expression, potentially due to elevated reactive oxygen species levels. The mitochondrial number and the percentage of injured mitochondrial were similar between sham and CLP+TH mice. Conclusions: Sepsis induced responses consistent with NTIS, resulted in mitochondrial damage and functional impairment, and modulated the expression of key antioxidant enzymes in the diaphragm. Thus, impaired diaphragm function during sepsis seems to involve altered local TH signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress defense.

Association of residual feed intake with growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood variables in native chickens.

Improving feed efficiency is a primary goal in poultry breeding strategies. Residual feed intake (RFI) in chickens typically calculated during the growing period is a measure of feed efficiency that is independent of the level of production. The objective of this study was to evaluate phenotypic correlations of growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood variables with RFI in growing native chickens. A total of 1,008 chickens were selected for the experiment to derive RFI. After the RFI measurement period of 42 d, 25 chickens with low RFI values, 25 chickens with medium RFI values, and 25 chickens with high RFI values were selected. The RFI was significantly positively correlated with feed conversion ratio and average daily feed intake, while it was not significantly correlated with initial body weight (BW), final BW, average daily body weight gain, and metabolic BW0.75. The abdominal fat weight and yield of high RFI group were significantly greater than those of medium and low RFI groups, and the abdominal fat yield was significantly positively correlated with RFI. Moreover, the plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) content of low RFI group was significantly greater than those of high and medium RFI groups. The plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone, triiodothyronine (T3), and cortisol of high RFI birds were significantly greater than that of low RFI birds. RFI was significantly positively correlated with plasma concentrations of T3 and cortisol, while it was significantly negatively correlated with plasma concentration of IGF-1. In addition, the serum levels of glucose and triglyceride of high RFI birds were significantly lower than that of low RFI birds. The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) content of high RFI group was significantly greater than that of medium and low RFI groups, and it was significantly positively correlated with RFI. Our data suggested that selection of chickens with low RFI values may be beneficial to reduce fat deposition in native chickens without affecting the meat quality. Circulating IGF-1, T3, cortisol, and LDL-C concentrations can be used as indirect selection indicators of feed efficiency in native chickens. The effect of IGF-1, T3, cortisol, and LDL-C on feed efficiency of native chickens should be carefully examined and validated in future breeding programs.

Effects of treatment with haloperidol and clozapine on the plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones in rats.

Psychoactive drugs are group of compounds used to treat severe mental problems, including psychosis, as well as other conditions. This study assessed clinically relevant side effects of haloperidol and clozapine on the thyroid hormones. Haloperidol (0.05 and 2 mg/kg) or clozapine (0.5 and 20 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to male Wistar rats for 28 days. The control group received 2 ml of physiological saline. A chemiluminescent immunoassay was used to measure the plasma levels of thyroid hormones. Plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4) in rats treated with high-dose (2 mg/kg) of haloperidol decreased significantly compared to the control group (p=0.001). However, both low (0.5 mg/kg) and high clozapine (20 mg/kg) doses did not have a significant effect on the plasma concentrations of T4 and triiodothyronine (T3) (p>0.05). Neither of the compound had a significant effect on T3 plasma concentration levels (p>0.05). Haloperidol and clozapine act via different mechanisms and may have dissociable effects on thyroid hormones. Following treatment with haloperidol, significant changes in T4, but not in T3, serum levels were observed. Haloperidol and clozapine had different effects on the thyroid hormone levels. These results indicate that antipsychotic treatment can contribute to the thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, greater caution should be applied to the antipsychotics use. The thyroid function of the patients should be closely monitored, while using these drugs.

NILCO signaling is a novel biomarker in thyroid cancer

The pathways and therapeutic targets play a role in potential molecular mechanisms of thyroid cancer therapy have been studied in recent years. One of these pathways is Notch signaling. Recent studies on cancer have been reported to be Notch regulators of leptin and IL‐1. In addition, a new signaling crosstalk between Notch, interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and leptin [Notch, IL‐1 and leptin crosstalk outcome (NILCO)] is important in proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. However, it is not clear whether activation of this signaling crosstalk is related to thyroid cancer and diverse clinicopathological factors. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the expression changes of Notch1, Leptin, Leptin receptor ObRb, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL1R axis in human thyroid cancer tissues. Notch1, Leptin, ObRb, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL1R mRNA expressions were analyzed by real‐time PCR in human tissue of normal and thyroid tumors from 27 patients. In this study, we show that leptin, IL‐1α, IL1R are over‐expressed in human thyroid carcinoma tissues compared with normal thyroid tissues. In addition to, mean plasma leptin, T3 and T4 concentration was significantly higher in thyroid cancer patients compared with healthy people. These results indicate that NILCO could be critical in the development of thyroid cancer and this is a useful clinical biomarker in thyroid carcinoma. The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Eskisehir Osmangazi University for Clinical Research (80558721/66) and was performed in accordance with the ethical standards of Helsinki Declaration.

Evaluation and mechanistic study of chlordecone-induced thyroid disruption: Based on in vivo, in vitro and in silico assays.

The present study aimed to evaluate the thyroid-disrupting potency of chlordecone, and reveal the underlying mechanism. In the in vivo assays, rare minnow embryos were exposed to 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10μg·L-1 chlordecone until sexually mature. The results showed decreased T4 but increased T3 concentrations in plasma, upregulated mRNA levels of thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (trhr) and sodium-iodide symporter (nis) in the brain, and transthyretin (ttr), thyroid hormone receptor α (trα) and deiodinase enzymes (dio1 and dio2) in the liver of adult fish. In the in vitro assays, single chlordecone treatments promoted growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion in GH3 cells. Transcription of thyroid receptor (trβ) was inhibited, but this is not likely responsible for chlordecone-induced GH secretion and altered transcription. When co-treated with T3, chlordecone acted independently of the effect of T3 on GH secretion; chlordecone-induced GH/PRL secretion and mRNA expression were further promoted when co-treated with E2, but inhibited when co-treated with ICI, indicating an important role for estrogen receptors (ERs) in chlordecone-induced changes in GH3 cells. Furthermore, in silico prediction suggested no stable interactions between chlordecone and thyroid hormone-related proteins, as well as a regulatory role for ERs in thyroid systems. Overall, our results indicated that chlordecone may have adverse effects on thyroid systems upon long-term exposure. However, rather of TRs, ERs may be responsible for thyroid disruption following chlordecone exposure.