Plasma Glucose Concentrations Research Articles

Contributions of elevated CRP, hyperglycaemia, and type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular risk in the general population: observational and Mendelian randomization studies

ObjectiveTo investigate the contributions of low-grade inflammation measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), hyperglycaemia, and type 2 diabetes to risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death in the general population, and whether hyperglycaemia and high CRP are causally related.Research design and methodsObservational and bidirectional, one-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses in 112,815 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study and the Copenhagen City Heart Study, and bidirectional, two-sample MR with summary level data from two publicly available consortia, CHARGE and MAGIC.ResultsObservationally, higher plasma CRP was associated with stepwise higher risk of IHD and CVD death, with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of 1.50 (1.38, 1.62) and 2.44 (1.93, 3.10) in individuals with the 20% highest CRP concentrations. The corresponding hazard ratios for elevated plasma glucose were 1.10 (1.02, 1.18) and 1.22 (1.01, 1.49), respectively. Cumulative incidences of IHD and CVD death were 365% and 592% higher, respectively, in individuals with both type 2 diabetes and plasma CRP ≥ 2 mg/L compared to individuals without either. Plasma CRP and glucose were observationally associated (β-coefficient: 0.02 (0.02, 0.03), p = 3 × 10− 20); however, one- and two-sample MR did not support a causal effect of CRP on glucose (−0.04 (−0.12, 0.32) and − 0.03 (−0.13, 0.06)), nor of glucose on CRP (−0.01 (−0.08, 0.07) and − 0.00 (−0.14, 0.13)).ConclusionsElevated concentrations of plasma CRP and glucose are predictors of IHD and CVD death in the general population. We found no genetic association between CRP and glucose, or vice versa, suggesting that lowering glucose pharmacologically does not have a direct effect on low-grade inflammation.

Risk assessment by acute bedside echocardiography prior to acute coronary angiography in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a feasibility study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Novo Nordisk Foundation. Background Early risk assessment by hemodynamic measurements in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) could be useful for early detection of patients at risk of developing hemodynamic instability after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Anterior STEMI patients have larger infarct size and may be of particular interest. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a quick, non-invasive, and available tool, however, evidence regarding the use of acute TTE prior to acute coronary angiography (CAG) is limited. Purpose To assess the feasibility of acute bedside hemodynamic assessment in the cath. lab. by TTE in addition to clinical examination, and blood samples in STEMI patients without CS at arrival in the cath. lab. Methods STEMI patients without CS at hospital arrival and treated with pPCI were included in the study during a five week period. Clinical examination (Killip class), blood sampling (lactate, troponin T (TNT), proB-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), and focused bedside 2D TTE with Doppler were performed prior to the acute CAG. The TTE protocol was focused (approx. 5 minutes) on hemodynamic measurements, infarction related complications, and differential diagnoses e.g. aortic dissection. The TTE was performed during preparation for the acute CAG. Patients were stratified in anterior- vs. non-anterior STEMI based on the culprit artery and prehospital ECG. Feasibility was estimated by all of the following echocardiographic parameters; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity time integral (VTI), and right ventricular function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)). Results A total of 60 STEMI patients (aged mean 63 years, 18% female) were included, and 47% had an anterior STEMI. No differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups were found including comorbidities, clinical parameters, and time from cath. lab. arrival to first wire over the culprit lesion (median (IQR) 28 (23; 38) vs 32 (24; 40) minutes). Admission biomarkers of blood glucose, lactate, and proBNP plasma concentrations were similar between the two groups. Whereas admission TNT were higher for patients with anterior STEMI (median (IQR) 110 (37; 449) vs. 37 (20; 94) ng/L, p=0.01). The feasibility of TTE-study protocol was 93%. Patients with anterior STEMI had lower LVEF (mean: 36±11 vs. 48±9%, p=0.0003; missing: n=0), and a trend to lower LVOT VTI (19 (6.4) vs. 22 (5.0) cm, p=0.06; missing: n=4). No difference in parameters of diastolic function or TAPSE (missing: n=0) were found. None of the included patients had echocardiographic visible complications related to the infarction. Conclusion Acute TTE is to a high degree feasible and does not delay time to acute revascularization in STEMI patients. Patients with anterior STEMI have significantly higher admission TNT levels, lower LVEF, and a trend to lower LVOT VTI compared with non-anterior STEMI patients.

144 Bioavailability of calcium salt of hydroxy analogue of methionine relative to DL-methionine to support growth performance of 11 to 20 kg pigs

Abstract Methionine (Met) is typically the third limiting AA in commercial swine diets and is commonly supplied as dry DL-Met (99% pure) or DL-Met hydroxy analogue. Data on the relative bioavailability (RBV) of calcium salt of hydroxy analogue of DL-Met (MHA-Ca; 84%) compared with DL-Met in weaned pigs is scarce. The objective of the experiment was to determine the RBV of MHA-Ca compared with DL-Met to support growth performance of 11 to 20 kg pigs. A total of 504 piglets [DNA x Pietrain pigs; approximately 42 d of age and 11 kg body weight (BW)] were used in two blocks of 252 pigs each with 6 pigs (3 entire males and 3 gilts) per pen and 12 replicate pens per treatment. Within each block, pigs were randomly allotted to 7 diets for 21 d. A basal diet (BD) was formulated to be adequate in all essential nutrients except for Met (0.22% standardized ileal digestible Met), which was 61% of the SID Met requirement of 0.36% recommended by NRC (2012) for 10 to 25 kg pigs. The Met-deficient BD was then supplemented with 3 graded levels of DL-Met (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15%) or MHA-Ca (0.077, 0.154, and 0.231%) at the expense of corn. Pigs had ad libitum access to feed (mash) and water. Individual pigs and pen feed disappearance were weighed on d 0 and d 21 to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion rate (FCR). On d 21, blood samples were collected from 1 pig per pen after 8 h fasting to determine total protein, albumin and glucose. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using GLM procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst. Inc.). Orthogonal-polynomial contrasts were used to determine linear and quadratic effects of increasing levels of DL-Met and MHA-Ca, and the effect of Met sources. The final BW at d 21 and overall average daily gain (ADG; 375, 401, 429, 430, 402, 431, and 428 g/d for diets 1 to 7, respectively) increased linearly (P < 0.01) by graded additions with both Met sources. The ADFI was not different but the overall FCR (1.64, 1.55, 1.51, 1.45, 1.59, 1.46, and 1.50 for diets 1 to 7, respectively) improved linearly (P < 0.01) by supplementation with DL-Met or MHA-Ca. Pig performance responses (ADG, ADFI and FCR) was not different (P ≥ 0.15) when Met was supplemented in the Met-deficient diet at a DL-Met to MHA-Ca ratio of 65:100 on a product basis. Plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin and glucose on d 21 were not affected (P >0.05) by dietary treatments or Met sources. Based on ADG as a response of Met supplementation level, the linear and exponential regressions estimated the RBV of 64 and 65%, respectively for MHA-Ca relative to DL-Met (product-to-product basis) in 11 to 20 kg pigs.

The Human Phospholipase B-II Precursor (HPLBII-P) in Urine as a Novel Biomarker of Glomerular Activity in COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: The human phospholipase B-II precursor (HPLBII-P) was originally purified from white blood cells but is also found in other cellular structures, such as kidney glomeruli and tubuli. The objective of this report was to investigate the relationship of HPLBII-P in urine to acute kidney injury in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Urine was collected at admission from 132 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) because of respiratory failure. HPLBII-P was measured using a sensitive ELISA. For comparison, human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) was measured in urine, using the ELISA configured with the monoclonal antibody 763/8F, as a sign of tubular affection in addition to routine biomarkers of kidney disease. Results: Overall, the concentrations of urinary HPLBII-P were almost 3-fold higher in patients with COVID-19 compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001) and with significantly higher concentrations even in patients with COVID-19 without signs of acute kidney injury (AKI) (p < 0.001). HPLBII-P was further increased in patients with AKI (p < 0.02). HPLBII-P was significantly increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0008) and correlated to plasma glucose (r = 0.29, p = 0.001) and urine albumin concentrations (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Urine concentrations of HPLBII-P are highly raised in the urine of patients with COVID-19 and relate to AKI and diabetes mellitus. HPLBII-P may reflect glomerular injury and/or increased glomerular cell activity in SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Influence of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and digestive enzyme activity in lambs.

This study evaluated if vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) influences growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and digestive enzyme activity. Sixteen wether lambs (69.6 ± 1.9kg) were housed in individual pens, adapted to a corn grain-based diet, and randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups. Lambs were injected intraperitoneally every other day for 28 days with saline (0.9% NaCl) containing no VIP (n = 8; control) or containing VIP (n = 8; 1.3 nmol/kg BW). All lambs were transferred to individual metabolic crates for the final seven days of the experiment to measure nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility. At the end of the treatment period, lambs were slaughtered, and pancreatic tissue, small intestinal tissue, and rumen fluid were collected for protein, digestive enzymes, ruminal pH, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) analyses. Lambs treated with VIP had greater final body weight, average daily gain, and gain:feed (P = 0.01, 0.05, 0.03, respectively). No differences between treatment groups were observed (P ≥ 0.25) for nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen retention, ruminal pH, and VFA concentrations. Moreover, VIP treatment did not influence (P ≥ 0.19) plasma glucose, urea N, and insulin concentrations. Treatment with VIP increased (P = 0.03) relative cecum weight (g/kg body weight) and decreased (P = 0.05) relative brain weight. Pancreatic and intestinal digestive enzyme activities, except for duodenal maltase (P = 0.02), were not influenced (P ≥ 0.09) by VIP treatment. These data suggest that the administration of VIP may have potential to improve average daily gain and gain:feed in lambs fed grain-based diets.

Maternal pre- and postpartum supplementation of a Bacillus-based DFM enhanced cow and calf performance.

This study evaluated the effects of maternal supplementation of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on the physiology and growth performance of Bos indicus-influenced cow-calf pairs. On day 0 (~139 d before expected calving date), 72 fall-calving, Brangus crossbred beef heifers (20 to 22 mo of age) pregnant with first offspring were stratified by their initial body weight (BW; 431 ± 31kg) and body condition score (BCS; 6.0 ± 0.36; scale 1 to 9), and randomly allocated into 1 of 12 bahiagrass pastures (1 ha and 6 heifers per pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (6 pastures per treatment) and consisted of heifers supplemented with 1kg/d of soybean hulls (dry matter, DM) that was added (BAC) or not (CON) with DFM containing Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis (BovacillusTM; Chr. Hansen A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark). Treatments were provided from day 0 to 242 (139 ± 4 d prepartum to 104 ± 4 d postpartum). Calves were weaned on day 242 (96 ± 30 d of age) and then allocated into 1 of 16 drylot pens and fed the same concentrate at 3.25% of BW (DM) until day 319. Maternal treatment effects were not detected (P ≥ 0.29) for herbage allowance and forage chemical composition. Heifer BCS on days 39 and 63 tended (P ≤ 0.09) to be greater for BAC vs. CON heifers, whereas heifer BCS on day 91 was greater (P = 0.01) for BAC vs. CON heifers. Heifer BCS did not differ (P ≥ 0.20) between treatments on days 179 and 242. Plasma glucose concentration did not differ from day 0 to 63 (P ≥ 0.14) but were greater (P < 0.01) on day 179 and tended (P = 0.09) to be greater on day 242 for BAC vs. CON heifers. Calf BW at birth, ADG from birth to weaning, and BW at weaning did not differ (P ≥ 0.19) between treatments, but calf BW at drylot exit (day 319) was greater (P = 0.05) for BAC vs. CON calves. Maternal treatment effects were not detected (P ≥ 0.42) for calf serum concentration of IgG at birth and post-vaccination plasma concentrations of glucose, cortisol, and haptoglobin. Serum titers against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) were greater (P = 0.04) for BAC vs. CON calves on day 287, whereas seroconversion against parainfluenza 3 virus (PI-3) was greater (P < 0.01) for BAC vs. CON calves on day 271. Thus, maternal supplementation of a Bacillus-based DFM increased prepartum BCS gain and postpartum plasma glucose concentration of heifers and led to positive carryover effects on post-weaning BW gain and humoral immune response in their offspring.

Postprandial effects following a semielemental critical-care diet lead to changes in uric acid, bile acids, and glucose in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).

To assess the prandial effects of a semielemental diet on plasma uric acid, bile acid, and glucose concentrations in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). 13 healthy adult male bearded dragons. Following a 72-hour fasting period, blood was collected to measure preprandial uric acid, bile acid, and glucose concentrations. The animals were then gavage fed 1.2% body weight of an omnivore critical-care diet containing 20% protein, 9.5% fat, 2.5% fiber, and 2.39 kcal/mL. Blood was collected for repeat concentrations at 4 and 24 hours. Median (IQR) uric acid concentration (mg/dL) increased from 3.8 preprandial (2.8 to 4.3) to 4.7 4 hours postprandial (4 to 7; P = .0001). Median (IQR) bile acid concentration (mg/dL) increased from 1.8 preprandial (1 to 3.4) to 9.5 24 hours postprandial (5.6 to 10.4; P = .004). Median (IQR) glucose concentration (mg/dL) was 209 at time 0 (193 to 216), 287 at 4 hours (258 to 312), and 393 at 24 hours (361 to 464). Significant increases were seen between pre- and 4-hours-postprandial (P < .0001), pre- and 24-hours-postprandial (P < .0001), and 4-hours- and 24-hours-postprandial (P < .0001) glucose concentrations. Results suggest that postprandial status and diet composition should be considered during the interpretation of some biochemical analytes in the bearded dragon.

Chemerin in Participants with or without Insulin Resistance and Diabetes.

Chemerin is a chemokine/adipokine, regulating inflammation, adipogenesis and energy metabolism whose activity depends on successive proteolytic cleavages at its C-terminus. Chemerin levels and processing are correlated with insulin resistance. We hypothesized that chemerin processing would be higher in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and in those who are insulin resistant (IR). This hypothesis was tested by characterizing different chemerin forms by specific ELISA in the plasma of 18 participants with T2D and 116 without T2D who also had their insulin resistance measured by steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during an insulin suppression test. This approach enabled us to analyze the association of chemerin levels with a direct measure of insulin resistance (SSPG concentration). Participants were divided into groups based on their degree of insulin resistance using SSPG concentration tertiles: insulin sensitive (IS, SSPG ≤ 91 mg/dL), intermediate IR (IM, SSPG 92-199 mg/dL), and IR (SSPG ≥ 200 mg/dL). Levels of different chemerin forms were highest in patients with T2D, second highest in individuals without T2D who were IR, and lowest in persons without T2D who were IM or IS. In the whole group, chemerin levels positively correlated with both degree of insulin resistance (SSPG concentration) and adiposity (BMI). Participants with T2D and those without T2D who were IR had the most proteolytic processing of chemerin, resulting in higher levels of both cleaved and degraded chemerin. This suggests that increased inflammation in individuals who have T2D or are IR causes more chemerin processing.

Relationship between Neonatal Cerebral Fuels and Neurosensory Outcomes at 3 Years in Well Babies: Follow-Up of the Glucose in Well Babies (GLOW) Study

Plain Language SummaryIn the Glucose in Well babies and their later Neurodevelopment (GLOWiNg) study, we investigated whether the availability of brain fuels in healthy term babies during the first 5 days after birth was associated with their neurodevelopmental progress at 3 years of age. We had measured plasma glucose, lactate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations when the children were babies, as these are the most common brain fuels. We used the Ages and Stages questionnaire, which is completed by parents, to assess the child’s development in areas including communication, motor skills (fine and gross), and problem solving.We studied 64 families whose babies were part of the Glucose in Well Babies (GLOW) study in New Zealand. Using both structural equation modelling and linear regression, we found that even though many babies experienced episodes of low plasma glucose concentrations, there was no detectable relationship between these episodes and developmental progress at 3 years of age. We explored other factors, including glucose concentrations, total fuels available, and the duration of low glucose episodes, and found no significant associations. Our results suggest that in healthy term babies, episodes of low glucose concentrations in the first days after birth may be part of the normal metabolic transition after birth and may not have long-term implications for neurodevelopment. However, larger studies using different assessment tools are needed to confirm these findings.

Approach to the Neonate With Hypoglycemia

Abstract After birth, healthy neonates undergo a period of altered glucose metabolism, known as “transitional hypoglycemia.” During the first 0 to 4 hours of life, the mean plasma glucose concentration decreases to 57 mg/dL, then by 72 to 96 hours of life increases to 82 mg/dL, well within the normal adult range. Recent data suggest that transitional hypoglycemia is due to persistence of the fetal beta cell's lower threshold for insulin release, resulting in a transient hyperinsulinemic state. While hypoglycemia is an expected part of the transition to postnatal life, it makes the identification of infants with persistent hypoglycemia disorders challenging. Given the risk of neurologic injury from hypoglycemia, identifying these infants is critical. Hyperinsulinism is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in neonates and infants and carries a high risk of neurocognitive dysfunction given the severity of the hypoglycemia and the inability to generate ketones, a critical alternative cerebral fuel. Screening neonates at risk for persistent hypoglycemia disorders and completing evaluations prior to hospital discharge is essential to prevent delayed diagnoses and neurologic damage.

Anti-hyperglycemic effect of herbal formula of Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina and Centella asiatica extracts in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic mice

IntroductionMoringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina, and Centella asiatica are herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine and are commonly used in Southeast Asian countries to treat a variety of diseases. The experimental evidence showed that M. oleifera leaves, V. amygdalina leaves, and C. asiatica had the effect of supporting their treatment of diabetes. This study investigated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of a novel herbal formula from M. oleifera leaf, V. amygdalina leaf, and C. asiatica aerial part extracts. MethodsThe extract was examined for anti-hyperglycemic capacity in oral glucose tolerance test in normal mice. To confirm their role in a higher model, the extract was studied in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic model. Plasma glucose concentration, body weight, organ weight, malondialdehyde, glutathione in liver and kidneys, and pancreatic histology were also evaluated. Besides, in vitro properties of the extract were tested including α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory, and antioxidant activities. ResultsAfter 7-day of treatment, the extract showed strong anti-hyperglycemic activity in the STZ-induced hyperglycemic mice, plasma glucose levels were reduced by 48.75 % and 54.13 % in the group administered with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the extract, respectively, compared with the hyperglycemic control. The extract had the effect to protect the liver and kidneys against oxidation stress by enhancing glutathione levels in the liver and decreasing malondialdehyde levels in the liver and kidneys. The pancreatic β-cell protection was also observed by improving the size and number of pancreatic islets by the extract compared to the hyperglycemic control. The extract showed a significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and antioxidant activity through DPPH and ABTS quenching and reducing power abilities. DiscussionThese results demonstrated remarkable potential of the combined extract of M. oleifera leaves, V. amygdalina leaves, and aerial part of C. asiatica in the management of diabetes.

Substituting carbohydrate at lunch for added protein increases fat oxidation during subsequent exercise in healthy males.

How pre-exercise meal composition influences metabolic and health responses to exercise later in the day is currently unclear. Examine the effects of substituting carbohydrate for protein at lunch on subsequent exercise metabolism, appetite, and energy intake. Twelve healthy males completed three trials in randomized, counterbalanced order. Following a standardized breakfast (779 ± 66 kcal; ∼08:15), participants consumed a lunch (1186 ± 140 kcal; ∼13:15) containing either 0.2 g·kg-1 carbohydrate and ∼2 g·kg-1 protein (LO-CARB), 2 g·kg-1 carbohydrate and ∼0.4 g·kg-1 protein (HI-CARB), or fasted (FAST). Participants later cycled at ∼60% V̇O2peak for 1 h (∼16:15) and post-exercise ad-libitum energy intake was measured (∼18:30). Substrate oxidation, subjective appetite, and plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), peptide YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and acylated ghrelin (AG) were measured for 5 h post-lunch. Fat oxidation was greater during FAST (+11.66 ± 6.63 g) and LO-CARB (+8.00 ± 3.83 g) than HI-CARB (p < 0.001), with FAST greater than LO-CARB (+3.67 ± 5.07 g; p < 0.05). NEFA were lowest in HI-CARB and highest in FAST, with insulin demonstrating the inverse response (all p < 0.01). PYY and GLP-1 demonstrated a stepwise pattern, with LO-CARB greatest and FAST lowest (all p < 0.01). AG was lower during HI-CARB and LO-CARB versus FAST (p < 0.01). Energy intake in LO-CARB was lower than FAST (-383 ± 233 kcal; p < 0.001) and HI-CARB (-313 ± 284 kcal; p < 0.001). Substituting carbohydrate for protein in a pre-exercise lunch increased fat oxidation, suppressed subjective and hormonal appetite, and reduced post-exercise energy intake.

Trace mineral source and chromium propionate supplementation affect performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers.

Angus-crossbred steers (n = 400; 369.7 ± 7.6kg) were used to determine the influence of trace mineral (TM) source and chromium propionate (Cr Prop) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal and plasma variables in finishing steers. Steers were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned within block to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) TM source (STM or HTM) and 2) Cr supplementation (0 or 0.25mg Cr/kg DM, -Cr or +Cr, respectively). Treatments consisted of the addition of: 1) sulfate TM (STM; 90, 40, and 18mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), 2) STM and 0.25mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop, 3) hydroxychloride TM (HTM; 90, 40, and 18mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), and 4) HTM and 0.25mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop. Each treatment consisted of 10 replicate pens with 10 steers per pen. Body weights were obtained on consecutive days at the initiation and termination of the 154-d study. Steers were fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Ractopamine hydrochloride was fed for the last 31 d of the study. Ruminal fluid and blood samples were obtained from one steer per pen on d 28 and 84 for ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) and plasma TM and glucose analysis. Steers were slaughtered at the end of the study and individual carcass data were collected. No Cr x TM source interactions were detected. Steers supplemented with HTM had greater (P ˂ 0.04) hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), longissimus muscle (LM) area, and USDA yield grade (YG), and tended (P ˂ 0.12) to have greater average daily gain (ADG) than those receiving STM. Average daily gain, gain:feed, dressing percentage, and longissimus muscle area were greater (P ˂ 0.04) for +Cr steers compared to - Cr steers. Hot carcass weight tended (P ˂ 0.06) to be greater for +Cr steers. Ruminal acetate concentrations at 28 d were lesser (P ˂ 0.01) for HTM vs. STM steers, and greater (P ˂ 0.04) for +Cr steers compared to - Cr steers. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn were not affected by TM source or Cr supplementation. Steers supplemented with Cr had greater (P ˂ 0.05) plasma glucose concentrations than - Cr steers at 28 but not at 84 d. Results of this study indicate replacing STM with HTM improved carcass characteristics in finishing steers, and Cr Prop supplementation improved steer performance and carcass characteristics.

Reframing prediabetes: A call for better risk stratification and intervention.

Prediabetes is an intermediate state of glucose homeostasis whereby plasma glucose concentrations are above normal but below the threshold of diagnosis for diabetes. Over the last several decades, criteria for prediabetes have changed as the cut points for normal glucose concentration and diagnosis of diabetes have shifted. Global consensus does not exist for prediabetes criteria; as a result, the clinical course and risk for type 2 diabetes vary. At present, we can identify individuals with prediabetes based on three glycemic tests (hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and 2-h plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test). The majority of individuals diagnosed with prediabetes meet only one of these criteria. Meeting one, two, or all glycemic criteria changesrisk for type 2 diabetes, but this information is not widely known and does not currently guide intervention strategies for individuals with prediabetes. This review summarizes current epidemiology, prognosis, and intervention strategies for individuals diagnosed with prediabetes and suggests a call for more precise risk stratification of individuals with prediabetes as elevated (one prediabetes criterion), high risk (two prediabetes criteria), and very high risk (three prediabetes criteria). In addition, the roles of oral glucose tolerance testing and continuous glucose monitoring in the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes need reassessment. Finally, we must reframe our goals for prediabetes and prioritize intensive interventions for those at high and very high risk for type 2 diabetes.

Plasma Glucose Concentrations in Different Sampling Tubes Measured on Different Glucose Analysers.

The German Diabetes Association recommends using sampling tubes with citrate and fluoride additives to diagnose diabetes by oral glucose tolerance test to inhibit glycolysis. The effect of different tubes on measurement results was assessed. In a first study, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed on 41 participants without anamnestically known diabetes. Venous blood was sampled in two different tubes with citrate/fluoride additives from different manufacturers and one with only lithium-heparin additive. A second study with 42 participants was performed to verify the initial results with an adapted design, in which a third tube with citrate buffer was used, and glucose measurements were performed on two additional devices of another analyser model. Samples were centrifuged either immediately (<5 min incubation time) or after 20 min or 4 h. All glucose measurements were performed in plasma. Glucose concentrations in lithium-heparin tubes with<5 min incubation time served as baseline concentrations. In the first study, glucose concentrations in one of the citrate/fluoride tubes were similar to the baseline. In the other citrate/fluoride tube, markedly lower concentrations (approximately - 5 mg/dL (- 0.28 mmol/L)) were measured. This was reproduced in the verification study for the same analyser, but not with the other analyser model. Lithium-heparin tubes centrifuged after 20 and 240 min showed systematically lower glucose concentrations. The results confirm that glycolysis can be effectively inhibited in citrate/fluoride-containing sampling tubes. However, glucose measurement results of one analyser showed a relevant negative bias in tubes containing liquid citrate buffer.

Investigating the Effects of Diet-Induced Prediabetes on Skeletal Muscle Strength in Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a condition preceded by prediabetes, is documented to compromise skeletal muscle health, consequently affecting skeletal muscle structure, strength, and glucose homeostasis. A disturbance in skeletal muscle functional capacity has been demonstrated to induce insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. However, the modifications in skeletal muscle function in the prediabetic state are not well elucidated. Hence, this study investigated the effects of diet-induced prediabetes on skeletal muscle strength in a prediabetic model. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (n = 6 per group; six prediabetic (PD) and six non-pre-diabetic (NPD)). The PD group (n = 6) was induced with prediabetes for 20 weeks. The diet that was used to induce prediabetes consisted of fats (30% Kcal/g), proteins (15% Kcal/g), and carbohydrates (55% Kcal/g). In addition to the diet, the experimental animals (n = 6) were supplied with drinking water that was supplemented with 15% fructose. The control group (n = 6) was allowed access to normal rat chow, consisting of 35% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 15% fats, and 20% other components, as well as ordinary tap water. At the end of week 20, the experimental animals were diagnosed with prediabetes using the American Diabetes Association (ADA) prediabetes impaired fasting blood glucose criteria (5.6-6.9 mmol/L). Upon prediabetes diagnosis, the animals were subjected to a four-limb grip strength test to assess skeletal muscle strength at week 20. After the grip strength test was conducted, the animals were euthanized for blood and tissue collection to analyze glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), plasma insulin, and insulin resistance using the homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the associations of skeletal muscle strength with HOMA-IR, plasma glucose, HbA1c, and MDA concentration. The results demonstrated increased HbA1c, FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, and MDA concentrations in the PD group compared to the NPD group. Grip strength was reduced in the PD group compared to the NPD group. Grip strength was negatively correlated with HbA1c, plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and MDA concentration in the PD group. These observations suggest that diet-induced prediabetes compromises muscle function, which may contribute to increased levels of sedentary behavior during prediabetes progression, and this may contribute to the development of hyperglycemia in T2DM.

Leveraging continuous glucose monitoring for personalized modeling of insulin-regulated glucose metabolism

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a promising, minimally invasive alternative to plasma glucose measurements for calibrating physiology-based mathematical models of insulin-regulated glucose metabolism, reducing the reliance on in-clinic measurements. However, the use of CGM glucose, particularly in combination with insulin measurements, to develop personalized models of glucose regulation remains unexplored. Here, we simultaneously measured interstitial glucose concentrations using CGM as well as plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in individuals with overweight or obesity to calibrate personalized models of glucose-insulin dynamics. We compared the use of interstitial glucose with plasma glucose in model calibration, and evaluated the effects on model fit, identifiability, and model parameters’ association with clinically relevant metabolic indicators. Models calibrated on both plasma and interstitial glucose resulted in good model fit, and the parameter estimates associated with metabolic indicators such as insulin sensitivity measures in both cases. Moreover, practical identifiability of model parameters was improved in models estimated on CGM glucose compared to plasma glucose. Together these results suggest that CGM glucose may be considered as a minimally invasive alternative to plasma glucose measurements in model calibration to quantify the dynamics of glucose regulation.

Effect of using Plantago ovata psyllium seed powder on some physiological, immunological and histological characteristics of broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted in the Office of Agricultural Research’s chicken farm, the Animal Resource Department, and the chicken Research Station, from January 13 to February 23, 2023. The experiment used thirty-one-day-old Ross 308 chicks, with an average weight of 38.1 grams. The enclosed hallway housing the thirty cells where the chicks were raised. The chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments. Each treatment was repeated five times with 10 birds each replication. The birds were fed a balanced food and a balanced diet was used. At 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% of the ration in each of the five treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5), psyllium was found in Plantago ovata seeds. The findings showed that there was no significant difference in the blood plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) between the experimental treatments. It was discovered that all treatments had considerably (P≤0.05) lower amounts of cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) than the control therapy. It was shown that treatments T5, T4, and T3 resulted in significantly higher blood serum levels of IgG (P≤0.05) compared to the control therapy. Furthermore, it was shown that blood IgM levels increased significantly (P≤0.05) in response to treatments T5 and T4. Serum IgA concentrations in all study treatments rose considerably (P≤0.05) as compared to the control treatment. The relative weights of glandular and index fabricia did not differ noticeably amongst the treatments. The findings showed that the villus height, diameter, and crypt depth in the T4 and T3 treatments were considerably (P≤0.05) larger than in the control treatment. After conducting the experiment, we conclude that broiler chickens’ body composition and immunohistochemistry features may be improved by including 0.4-1% of psyllium seed powder into their diets.

Effect of vegetable consumption with chewing on postprandial glucose metabolism in healthy young men: a randomised controlled study

Although thorough chewing lowers postprandial glucose concentrations, research on the effectiveness of chewing vegetables in different forms on postprandial glucose metabolism remains limited. This study examined the effects of vegetables consumed in solid versus puree forms on postprandial glucose metabolism. Nineteen healthy young men completed two 180-min trials on separate days in a random order: the chewing trial involved the consumption of shredded cabbage with chewing and the non-chewing trial involved the consumption of pureed cabbage without chewing. Energy jelly was consumed immediately after the consumption of shredded or puree cabbage. Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min. Circulating concentrations of glucose, insulin, total glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) concentrations were measured from the plasma. Although plasma glucose concentrations did not differ between the trials, the plasma insulin and GIP incremental area under the curve values were higher in the chewing than in the non-chewing trial. Postprandial total GLP-1 concentrations were higher in the chewing than in the non-chewing trial at 45, 60 and 90 min. This study demonstrates that consuming shredded cabbage while chewing enhances postprandial incretin secretion but has no effect on postprandial glucose concentration.Trial registration: Clinical trial registration ID.: UMIN000052662, registered 31 October 2023.

Rumen-Protected Choline Improves Metabolism and Lactation Performance in Dairy Cows.

Choline is required for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, an important constituent of lipoproteins. Early lactation cows presumably synthesize insufficient phosphatidylcholine, and choline supplementation in a rumen-protected form might benefit metabolism and lactation. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of feeding rumen-protected choline (RPC) on lactation and metabolism in dairy cows. In experiment 1, 369 nulliparous and parous Holstein cows housed in four pens per treatment were fed 12.9 g/day of choline as RPC from 25 days prepartum until 80 days postpartum. In experiment 2, 578 nulliparous cows housed in five pens/treatment were fed 12.9 g/day of choline as RPC in the last 22 days of gestation only. In both experiments, blood was sampled and analyzed for concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and glucose at 1, 14, and 21 days postpartum and of choline at 1 and 14 days postpartum. Blood from all cows was sampled and analyzed for concentrations of β-OH butyrate (BHB) at 1 and 14 days postpartum. Cows with BHB > 1.2 mmol/L were classified as having hyperketonemia. Hepatic tissue was collected from 46 cows from the eight pens in experiment 1 at 9 days postpartum and analyzed for concentrations of glycogen and triacylglycerol. Milk yield and components were measured for 80 days postpartum in experiment 1, whereas only milk yield was measured in experiment 2. The pen was the experimental unit of analysis. Supplementing RPC tended to increase dry matter intake (DMI) prepartum in experiments 1 and 2 and postpartum in experiment 1. Feeding cows with RPC increased yields of 3.5% fat-corrected milk (42.8 vs. 44.8 kg/day), energy-corrected milk (38.5 vs. 40.3 kg/day), milk fat (1.52 vs. 1.61 kg/day), and true protein (1.16 vs. 1.21 kg/day) in experiment 1. Milk yield tended to be greater with RPC (26.4 vs. 27.4 kg/day) in experiment 2. Supplementing RPC increased plasma choline concentrations on day 14 postpartum in experiment 1 (3.32 ± 0.27 vs. 4.34 ± 0.28 µM) and on day 1 in experiment 2 (3.35 ± 0.16 and 13.73 ± 0.15 µM). Treatment did not affect the concentrations of glucose, NEFAs, or BHB in plasma, but the incidence of hyperketonemia was less in multiparous cows fed RPC than those fed the control in experiment 1. Feeding cows with RPC reduced hepatic triacylglycerol content and tended to reduce the ratio of triacylglycerol to glycogen and the risk of hepatic lipidosis in cows in experiment 1. The concentrations of hepatic triacylglycerol on day 9 postpartum were inversely related to those of choline in plasma on day 1 postpartum. Feeding cows with RPC improved lactation and metabolism, but more benefits were noted when it was fed before and after calving.