Plasma IGF-I Levels Research Articles

Predictive value of IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio for thyroid nodules in type 2 diabetic mellitus.

To explore the predictive value of the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio for the presence of thyroid nodules in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This observational study prospectively enrolled patients with T2DM at the Second Hospital of Jilin University between May 2021 and January 2022. Thyroid nodule (TN) status was determined by ultrasonography. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio for TNs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM. A total of 122 patients (mean age ± standard deviation: 52.57 ± 11.71 years; 74 males) were enrolled. 37.7% (n=46) of patients did not have TNs, while 62.3% (n=76) had TNs. The duration of diabetes, age, and HDL-C level were significantly higher in the T2DM group with TNs compared to the group without TNs (all P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the combination of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio in predicting TNs in T2DM patients was 0.619 (P < 0.001). Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the duration of diabetes, age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 levels were independent risk factors for thyroid nodules, while the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio level was an independent protective factor for thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM (all P < 0.05). The combination of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio may have a better predictive value for TNs in T2DM patients than using any single marker alone. The duration of diabetes, age, FPG, FINS, TSH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio levels were independently associated with thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM.

Participation of the insulin-like growth factor system in the early maturity in juvenile male European sea bass

It is known that the insulin-like growth factor (Igf) system is involved in gonadal development and, in turn, reproduction in vertebrates. In this study, the circulating levels of Igf-1 and follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) were assessed as physiological signals related to gonadal maturation stage in juvenile male European sea bass at 1 year of age. The seasonal profiles of Igf-1 and Fsh were analyzed in non-precocious (NP) and precocious (PR) fish during the early onset of puberty. Subsequently, gonadal expression patterns of the three igf genes and their two receptors, igf-1r and igf-2r, were studied during their first year of life. The analysis was continued to evaluate the mRNA expression profiles of three genes (sox17, scf, nf2) mediating spermatogenesis progression. Collectively, these results demonstrated that PR males have higher circulating levels of Igf-1 as compared to NP fish before and during the putative gonadal development period (PGD). Plasma Fsh levels were significantly higher in PR males as compared to NP fish before the start of the PGD period, although this was followed by a decrease in Fsh levels and a subsequent recovery, coinciding with the reproductive season (February). Results showed that the total variance associated with the appearance of precocity may be explained by the contribution of factors such as body size and plasma levels of Igf-1, Fsh and sex steroids in male sea bass. Expression of igfs was high during stage I, and this was significantly correlated with the expression of genes related to cell cycle progression, including sox17, scf and nf2. Finally, the decreased expression of all these gonadal factors in precocious animals suggests their potential involvement in regulating the proliferative growth of spermatogonia and supporting cells during the early stages of spermatogenesis, thus evoking the onset of puberty in male sea bass.

Injection of antioxidant trace minerals/vitamins into peripartum crossbred cows improves the nutritional and immunological properties of colostrum/milk and the health of their calves under heat stress conditions.

Multimineral and vitamin injections can provide better nutrient availability at the cellular level, which is essential for mitigating transition period stress and improving the wellbeing and productivity of dairy cows. The present study was conducted to assess the colostrum quality and calf health after intramuscular injection of multi-minerals (MM) and multi-vitamins (MV) to peripartum cows during winter (THI = 58 to 66) and summer (THI = 78 to 82) months. In each season, twenty-four pregnant crossbred Karan Fries cows were grouped into four, each consisting of six cows. Group I, referred to as the Control, received solely the basal diet, without any additional supplements. Groups II, III, and IV were administered additional MM (T1), MV (T2), and a combined MM and MV (T3) along with their basal diet, starting 30days before calving and continuing for 30days after calving. Blood samples were collected from the calves, while colostrum/milk samples were obtained from the cows on days 1, 3, 7, and 15 after calving. The somatic cell counts (SCC) in the milk were determined using a cell counter. Cortisol, IgG, IGF1 and total immunoglobulins (TIG) in whey and plasma from cow colostrum/milk or calf blood samples were estimated by ELISA. Cows that calved in the summer exhibited notably reduced levels (P < 0.05) of IgG, milk, and plasma IGF1, along with lower calf body weights, in comparison to those calving in the winter season. Furthermore, the summer months saw significant increases (P < 0.05) in plasma and milk cortisol levels, as well as total somatic cell counts (SCC) in both colostrum and milk samples. Maximum beneficial effect was observed in T3 group. Results indicate that injections to peripartum cows could be an important strategy for improving colostrum quality and calf health during the summer seasons.

The Effect of Selected Aquatic Training on Serum Levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Mmyostatin in Middle-aged Male Swimmers

Background and Objectives Sarcopenia is one of the important and prevalent disorders that occurs with age and is associated with a significant reduction in muscle strength and volume. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of selected aquatic training on serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and myostatin in middle-aged male swimmers. Subjects and Methods Twenty-two men meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 11) or the control group (n = 11). The training program followed a progressive overload structure, employing three sessions per week with escalating difficulty and intensity. This design aligns with the principle of overload, which posits that gradually increasing training demands leads to adaptation and improvement. Plasma levels of IGF-1 and myostatin were measured (before and 48 hours after the protocol). The data were analyzed using the statistical test of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of P&lt;0.05. Results The intragroup evaluation of the data showed that there is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental group in IGF-1 and myostatin variables (P&lt;0.05). The results of ANCOVA indicated that the selected aquatic training led to a significant increase in plasma levels of IGF-1 (P&lt;0.05) and a significant decrease in myostatin (P&lt;0.05) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion According to the results of this research, eight weeks of selected aquatic training changed the resting levels of factors related to muscular atrophy in middle-aged male swimmers. For this reason, this type of exercise can be effective in muscle rehabilitation and improving the physical fitness of these people. However, further investigations seem necessary.

Association between blood hormones and fecundity in rabbit does

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between blood hormone level and fecundity in rabbit does. The ovulation of nulliparous New Zealand White rabbits was induced by administration of PMSG and LH-RH analogue. Next day, the does were inseminated, blood was collected and the plasma levels of IGFI, leptin, progesterone and estradiol were measured by radioimmunoassay. After the birth of pups, the retrospective comparison of level of hormones in the blood of fertile and non-fertile animals was performed. Fertile does had significantly higher blood level of IGF-I and lower concentration of leptin than the infertile ones. No significant differences in blood progesterone and estradiol level was found between fertile and non-fertile females. These observations suggest that blood IGF-I and leptin level could be useful for diagnostics and prediction of rabbit does' fecundity.

Variability in residual feed intake, nutrient utilisation and blood parametersin Murrah buffalo calves fed on total mixed ration

The present study was conducted on 18 female Murrah buffalo calves divided into two treatment groups to determine the residual feed intake, nutrient digestibility and blood metabolite parameters when fed with ration containing wheat (Triticum aestivum) straw, berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) fodder as roughages and concentrate mixture to meet their requirements. Regular recording of body weight and feed intake was done during 90-day trial period. Residual feed intake (RFI) values were determined for individual animals based on which they were divided into low and high RFI groups. DM intake was lower in low RFI animals than high RFI animals. The blood glucose level and growth hormone level in low and high RFI group was comparable in both groups. Low RFI group had greater concentration of creatinine (1.62 vs. 1.21 mg/dL) as well as IGF-1 (136.70 vs. 120.38 ng/mL) whereas, concentration of total plasma protein level (6.80 vs 7.43 g/dL), albumin (3.46 vs 3.71 g/dl), aspartate aminotransferase (102.20 vs. 122.60 IU/L) and cortisol (3.48 vs. 5.32 ng/mL) were lesser in low RFI group with respect to high RFI group, indicating a positive correlation of RFI with total plasma protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase and cortisol and a negative correlation with plasma creatinine and IGF-1 levels in female Murrah buffalo calves. It was concluded that low RFI group of female Murrah buffalo calves showed better performance when fed with total mixed ration.

Effect of Different Herbage Allowances from Mid to Late Gestation on Nellore Cow Performance and Female Offspring Growth until Weaning.

This study evaluated different herbage allowances from mid to late pregnancy on pre- and postpartum physiological responses, milk production, and the performance of Nellore cows and the preweaning growth of their female offspring. Sixty multiparous Nellore cows were blocked by their body weight (BW; 425 ± 36 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 3.67 ± 0.23, scale 1-5) and randomly allocated to twelve pastures. Treatments consisted of two different herbage allowances (HA) during pregnancy: low HA (LHA; 2.80 kg DM/kg of BW) and high HA (HHA; 7.60 kg DM/kg of BW). Both treatment groups were fed 1 g/kg BW of a protein supplement. After calving, all cow-calf pairs were combined in a single group. The effects of maternal treatment × day of the study were detected for herbage mass and allowance, the stocking rate and forage crude protein, and for cow BW, BCS, and carcass measures (p < 0.01). Milk yield corrected to 4% fat, while the levels of fat total solids and cow plasma IGF-1 and urea were different (p ≤ 0.04) between treatments. HHA offspring was heavier (p ≤ 0.05) at 120 days and at weaning. A high herbage allowance can be implemented from mid-gestation until calving to increase cow prepartum performance, post-partum milk yield and composition, and positively modulate female offspring preweaning growth.

SAT029 Goldfish Phoenixin: Role In Feeding Control And Its Regulation At The Hepatic Level

Abstract Disclosure: X. Qin: None. C. Ye: None. M. He: None. W.K. Ko: None. A.O. Wong: None. Phoenixin (PNX), a novel peptide first identified by bioinformatics, is known to have pleiotropic functions and its biological actions are mediated via the orphan receptor GPR173. At present, the study of PNX in non-mammalian species, especially in lower vertebrates, is limited and hormone regulation of PNX as well as the post-receptor signalling involved are still unclear. Using goldfish as a model for bony fish, two forms of PNX, PNXa &amp; b, and one form of GPR173 were cloned. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that goldfish PNXa, PNXb &amp; GPR173 could be clustered in respective clades of target genes in fish species. Alignment of a.a. sequences and 3D protein modelling also revealed that goldfish PNXa &amp; b were highly comparable to PNX reported in other vertebrates. Using RT-PCR, PNXa/b &amp; GPR173 were found to be ubiquitously expressed at tissue level. For functional testing, PNXa &amp; b were synthesized and tested for their effects on feeding control by IP injection in goldfish. In this case, parallel rises in foraging behaviours and food intake were noted after PNX treatment. Similar results were also obtained with ICV injection of PNXa &amp; PNXb, respectively. In goldfish, food intake could elevate plasma levels of glucose, insulin, growth hormone (GH) and IGF-I with parallel rises in transcript expression of GH in the pituitary and PNXa, PNXb, insulin &amp; IGF-I mRNA in the liver. In goldfish hepatocytes, insulin and IGF-I were both effective in up-regulating PNXa &amp; b mRNA expression via activation of IGF-I receptor (IGF1R) but not insulin receptor. Using a pharmacological approach, IGF-I induced PNXa &amp; b gene expression could be blocked by the inhibitors for PI3K, Akt and mTor but not by the inhibitors for MEK1/2, ERK1/2 and P38MAPK. Our results, as a whole, indicate that (i) PNX &amp; GPR173 are co-expressed in goldfish at tissue level &amp; involved in feeding induction, presumably via central action in the brain, (ii) food intake can up-regulate hepatic expression of PNXa &amp; b via insulin signal caused by glucose uptake and parallel activation of the GH/IGF-I axis after feeding, and (iii) hepatic expression of PNXa &amp; b induced by insulin/IGF-I signal is mediated via IGF1R functionally coupled with the PI3K/Akt/ mTOR but not MEK/ERK &amp; P38MAPK pathways. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

THU047 Growth Hormone (GH) Signaling In Hepatocytes Controls Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity And Nutrient Disposition

Abstract Disclosure: M. del Rio-Moreno: None. M. Vazquez-Borrego: None. J. Cordoba-Chacon: None. O.P. McGuinness: None. R.D. Kineman: None. It is commonly accepted that GH reduces the actions of insulin. However, we reported plasma GH levels within a physiological range are negatively associated with insulin-mediated glucose uptake, but positively associated with insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production (HGP) [Cordoba-Chacon J. et al. 2014. AJP Endocrinol Metab]. These findings suggest that GH may promote insulin’s actions on the liver. To determine the direct contribution of GH signaling on hepatic insulin sensitivity, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps were performed with stable isotope tracers in chow-fed adult-onset, hepatocyte-specific GHR knockdown (aHepGHRkd) mice. aHepGHRkd mice show reduced IGF1 and increased GH levels [Cordoba-Chacon J. et al 2015, Diabetes] which indirectly impacts systemic insulin sensitivity and substrate flux to the liver. To normalize plasma IGF1 and GH levels, aHepGHRkd mice were co-treated with adeno-associated virus (AAV) that express IGF1 or a constitutively active form of STAT5b (STAT5bCA). These AAVs have a thyroxin binding globulin promoter, leading to hepatocyte-specific expression. Under both basal and clamped conditions, aHepGHRkd mice exhibited hyperinsulinemia, that was normalized by AAV-mediated IGF1 and STAT5bCA expression. Interestingly, glucose disappearance (Rd), tissue-specific glucose uptake, or HGP (gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis) did not differ across all groups. However, higher insulin tone in aHepGHRkd mice was required to achieve the same level of Rd and suppression of HGP in the steady-state, which was indicative of systemic and hepatic insulin resistance. These observations are consistent with our previous findings that GH reduces tissue-specific glucose uptake but promotes insulin-mediated control of HGP. In contrast, aHepGHRkd mice exhibited an increased rate of hepatic de novo lipogenesis, and an increase in plasma levels of newly formed triglyceride and triglyceride-bound palmitate, that was normalized by IGF1 and STAT5bCA expression. Taken together, these results indicate loss of hepatocyte GH signaling leads to pathway selective hepatic insulin resistance. This pathway selective hepatic insulin resistance has also been reported in mouse models due to altered substrate delivery to the liver as consequence of excess dietary intake and/or increased adipose tissue lipolysis. However, chow-fed aHepGHRkd mice show hyperinsulinemia that was sufficient to normalize systemic glucose uptake and suppress WAT lipolysis, as noted by normal plasma NEFA levels under both basal and clamped conditions. Therefore, changes in substrate delivery to the liver cannot readily explain the changes observed, suggesting hepatocyte GHR-signaling plays a direct role in partitioning of hepatic nutrients in response to insulin. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Plasma insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) and IGF-II/IGF-I ratio in a chilean case of Doege-Potter Syndrome.

Doege-Potter syndrome is a rare clinical entity characterized by recurrent hypoglycemic events caused by non-pancreatic tumors secreting an incompletely processed high-molecular-weight form of Insulin-like Growth factor-II (IGF-II). To report IGF-II and IGF-I circulating levels in a Chilean case of Doege-Potter syndrome and control individuals, and to identify the high-molecular-weight form of IGF-II. We measured IGF-II and IGF-I plasma levels using enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA) in the patient and ten controls. We identified the high-molecular-weight form of IGF-II performed by Western blot. The plasma concentration of IGF-II in the patient was 868.9 ng/mL, which is only slightly > 80th percentile of controls (681,4 ± 212,8 ng/mL; mean ± standard deviation). In contrast, IGF-I plasma concentration in the patient was 17.6 ng/mL, which is notoriously lower than the corresponding levels in controls (109.1 ± 19.1 ng/mL). The IGF-II/IGF-I ratio in the patient was 49.4 (normal value < 10), which is 7.8 times higher compared to the average ratio of controls (6.3 ± 1.5). The high-molecular form of IGF-II presence in samples was confirmed through Western blot. The plasma IGF-II/IGF-I ratio better indicates the Doege-Potter syndrome's metabolic impairment than isolated measurements of circulating IGF-II or IGF-I levels.

A nonsense mutation in mouse Adamtsl2 causes uterine hypoplasia and an irregular estrous cycle

The spontaneous mutation stubby (stb) in mice causes chondrodysplasia and male infertility due to impotence through autosomal recessive inheritance. In this study, we conducted linkage analysis to localize the stb locus within a 1.6 Mb region on mouse chromosome 2 and identified a nonsense mutation in Adamtsl2 of stb/stb mice. Histological analysis revealed disturbed endochondral ossification with a reduced hypertrophic chondrocyte layer and stiff skin with a thickened dermal layer. These phenotypes are similar to those observed in humans and mice with ADAMTSL2/Adamtsl2 mutations. Moreover, stb/stb female mice exhibited severe uterine hypoplasia at 5 weeks of age and irregular estrous cycles at 10 weeks of age. In normal mice, Adamtsl2 was more highly expressed in the ovary and pituitary gland than in the uterus, and this expression was decreased in stb/stb mice. These findings suggest that Adamtsl2 may function in these organs rather than in the uterus. Thus, we analyzed Gh expression in the pituitary gland and plasma estradiol and IGF1 levels, which are required for the development of the female reproductive tract. There was no significant difference in Gh expression and estradiol levels, whereas IGF1 levels in stb/stb mice were significantly reduced to 54–59% of those in +/+ mice. We conclude that Adamtsl2 is required for the development of the uterus and regulation of the estrous cycle in female mice, and decreased IGF1 may be related to these abnormalities.

Pharmacological blockade of the interleukin-1 receptor suppressed Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation in preterm fetal sheep

Intraamniotic inflammation is associated with preterm birth, especially in cases occurring before 32 weeks' gestation, and is causally linked with an increased risk for neonatal mortality and morbidity. Targeted anti-inflammatory interventions may assist in improving the outcomes for pregnancies impacted by intrauterine inflammation. Interleukin-1 is a central upstream mediator of inflammation. Accordingly, interleukin-1 is a promising candidate target for intervention therapies and has been targeted previously using the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, anakinra. Recent studies have shown that the novel, noncompetitive, allosteric interleukin-1 receptor inhibitor, rytvela, partially resolved inflammation associated with preterm birth and fetal injury. In this study, we used a preterm sheep model of chorioamnionitis to investigate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of rytvela and anakinra, administered in the amniotic fluid in the setting of intraamniotic Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide exposure. We hypothesized that both rytvela and anakinra would reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced intrauterine inflammation and protect the fetal brain. Ewes with a singleton fetus at 105 days of gestation (term is ∼150 days) were randomized to one of the following groups: (1) intraamniotic injections of 2 mL saline at time=0 and time=24 hours as a negative control group (saline group, n=12); (2) intraamniotic injection of 10 mg Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in 2 mL saline and intraamniotic injections of 2 mL saline at time=0 hours and time=24 hours as an inflammation positive control group (lipopolysaccharide group, n=11); (3) intraamniotic injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in 2 mL saline and intraamniotic injections of 2.5 mg rytvela at time=0 hours and time=24 hours to test the anti-inflammatory efficacy of rytvela (lipopolysaccharide + rytvela group, n=10); or (4) intraamniotic injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in 2 mL saline and intraamniotic injections of 100 mg anakinra at time=0 hours and time=24 hours to test the anti-inflammatory efficacy of anakinra (lipopolysaccharide + anakinra group, n=12). Amniotic fluid was sampled at time 0, 24, and 48 hours (ie, at each intervention and at delivery). Fetal umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery for differential blood counts and chemical studies. Inflammation was characterized by the analysis of fetal tissue cytokine and chemokine levels using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked inmmunosorbent assay, and histology. The primary study outcome of interest was the assessment of anakinra and rytvela brain-protective effects in the setting of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced intrauterine inflammation. Secondary outcomes of interest were to assess protection from fetal and intrauterine (ie, amniotic fluid, chorioamnion) inflammation. Intraamniotic administration of lipopolysaccharide caused inflammation of the fetal lung, brain, and chorioamnionitis in preterm fetal sheep. Relative to treatment with saline only in the setting of lipopolysaccharide exposure, intraamniotic administration of both rytvela and anakinra both significantly prevented periventricular white matter injury, microglial activation, and histologic chorioamnionitis. Anakinra showed additional efficacy in inhibiting fetal lung myeloperoxidase activity, but its use was associated with metabolic acidaemia and reduced fetal plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 levels at delivery. Intraamniotic administration of rytvela or anakinra significantly inhibited fetal brain inflammation and chorioamnionitis in preterm fetal sheep exposed to intraamniotic lipopolysaccharide. In addition, anakinra treatment was associated with potential negative impacts on the developing fetus.

Caloric restriction as a possible pitfall for persistent acromegaly follow-up – case report

BackgroundAcromegaly diagnosis is established when plasma levels of IGF-1 are increased and the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with 75gr of glucose can’t suppress Growth Hormone (GH) levels. These two parameters are also useful during follow-up, after surgical/radiologic therapy and/or during medical therapy.Case presentationA 29-year-old woman was diagnosed with acromegaly after a severe headache. Previous amenorrhea and facial and acral changes were noticed. A pituitary macroadenoma was found, biochemical evaluation was in agreement with the suspected acromegaly and a transsphenoidal adenectomy was performed. As the disease recurred, a surgical reintervention and radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, 22 Gy) were necessary. No normalization of IGF-1 was achieved during three years after radiosurgery. Surprisingly, then, and although clinical features seemed getting worse, IGF-1 levels became consistently controlled to 0.3–0.8 times the upper limit of the reference range. Questioned, the patient referred that she was following an intermittent fasting dietary plan. However, based on the dietary questionnaire, she was found to be under severe caloric restriction. First OGTT (under caloric restriction) showed absence of GH suppression and an IGF-1 value of 234 ng/dL (Reference Range 76–286 ng/mL). A second OGTT, one month after an eucaloric diet was instituted, showed an increased IGF-1 of 294 ng/dL, maintaining an unsuppressed, yet less elevated, GH.ConclusionsGHRH/GH/IGF-1 axis controls somatic growth. Regulation is complex, and nutrition status and feeding pattern have a recognized role. Like systemic inflammation or chronic liver disease, fasting and malnutrition decrease the expression of hepatic GH receptors, with consequent reduction of IGF-1 levels, through resistance to GH. This clinical report shows that caloric restriction may represent a pitfall in acromegaly follow-up.

Immunity and Growth Plasticity of Asian Short-Toed Lark Nestlings in Response to Changes in Food Conditions: Can It Buffer the Challenge of Climate Change-Induced Trophic Mismatch?

Passerine nestlings frequently suffer from sub-optimal food conditions due to climate change-induced trophic mismatch between the nestlings and their optimal food resources. The ability of nestlings to buffer this challenge is less well understood. We hypothesized that poor food conditions might induce a higher immune response and lower growth rate of nestlings, and such physiological plasticity is conducive to nestling survival. To test this, we examined how food (grasshopper nymphs) abundance affects the expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) genes, plasma IGF-1 levels, body mass, and fledging rates in wild Asian short-toed lark (Alaudala cheleensis) nestlings. Linear mixed models revealed that nymph biomass significantly influenced the expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β genes, and the level of plasma IGF-1. The expressions of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β genes were negatively correlated with nymph biomass and plasma IGF-1 level. Plasma IGF-1 level, nestling body mass growth rate, was positively correlated with nymph biomass. Despite a positive correlation between the nestling fledge rate and nymph biomass, more than 60% of nestlings fledged when nymph biomass was at the lowest level. These results suggest that immunity and growth plasticity of nestlings may be an adaptation for birds to buffer the negative effects of trophic mismatch.

The effect of age and FSH stimulation on the ovarian follicular response, nuclear maturation, and gene expression of cumulus-oocyte complexes in prepubertal gilts

This study investigated the effects of age and FSH treatment on the ovarian response, follicular fluid (FF) biochemical composition, nuclear maturation, and molecular profile of cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) recovered from prepubertal gilts. Thirty-five prepubertal gilts were separated according to age [140 (n = 20) or 160 (n = 15) days], and within each age, the gilts were allotted to receive either 100 mg of FSH [treated; G140+FSH (n = 10) and G160+FSH (n = 7)] or saline solution [control; G140+control (n = 10) and G160+control (n = 8)]. Thus, four experimental groups were included in this study. In the FSH-treated gilts, the percentage of medium follicles increased (P < 0.0001) in the same proportion with which the percentage of small follicles decreased (P < 0.0001). In addition, the glucose concentration in the FF obtained from medium follicles increased (P < 0.05), while that of triglycerides decreased (P < 0.05) in the FSH-treated gilts. The FSH stimulation also improved (P < 0.05) the number of grade I COCs obtained from medium follicles and the meiotic maturation and BCB + rates. FSH treatment only upregulated (P < 0.05) HMGCR expression in immature COCs from prepubertal gilts. The metaphase II and BCB + rates, FF glucose and plasma IGF-1 levels were greater (P < 0.05) in prepubertal gilts at 160 than at 140 days of age. Age had no effect (P > 0.05) on the transcript abundance of the target genes in immature COCs. Hence, oocytes obtained from 140-day-old prepubertal gilts appeared less meiotically competent than those of 160-day-old prepubertal gilts. Our study suggests a possible strategy of using FSH treatment to improve oocyte quantity, quality, and nuclear maturation in 140 and 160-day-old prepubertal gilts.

Continuous glucose monitoring assessment in patients suffering from anorexia nervosa reveals chronic prolonged mild hypoglycemia all over the nycthemeron.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterised by voluntary dietary restriction leading to severe undernutrition. Hypoglycaemia is mostly described through severe case reports and is always evaluated by fasting or post-meal blood glucose, showing nothing about hypoglycaemia's length or duration. The interest of continuous interstitial glucose monitoring (CGM), largely used in diabetes mellitus, has never been evaluated in AN patients. Glycaemia cycles in AN patients were assessed using CGM over 5days and then analysed according to food intake. Mean glycaemia was within normal range. 91% of the patients presented with at least one episode with glycaemia under 70mg/dl. Within the 24h, the percentage of time spent with a glycaemia under 70mg/dl was of 20.82±3.90% with a maximum of 52%. We found 2.52±0.33 hypoglycaemia events per 24h, including 21.11±3.76% at night. CGM parameters correlated with cortisol and IGF1 plasma levels. Comparison with estimated carbohydrate intakes discriminated concordant and non-concordant estimations depending on patient. AN patients display chronic prolonged mild hypoglycaemia all over the nycthemeron despite normal fasting glycaemia. Associated adaptive increased counter-regulatory hormones might protect AN patients from deeper hypoglycaemia. CGM allowed testing food intake self-estimation reliability of AN patients and could be a very useful biofeedback tool.

Peripartum Supplementation of Rumen Protected Choline and Fat and Se+Vit E in Gir Cows Economically Improves Endocrine Profile and Reproductive Performance

Background: The negative energy balance around calving and in early lactation is the major cause of increased incidence of postpartum metabolic disorders, reduced milk production and impaired reproductive performance. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of rumen protected choline, fat supplementation and Vit-E and selenium injections on plasma endocrine profile, postpartum productivity, fertility and economics in transitional Gir cows. Methods: Forty advanced pregnant multiprous Gir cows of an organized farm were randomly distributed into five equal groups (T1 to T5; n=8 each) and were fed and managed individually from 30 days prepartum till 60 days postpartum. Cows in T1 (control) group were fed basal diet, while cows in treatment groups received basal diet + supplementation of rumen protected choline-RPC @ 45 g/d/cow (T2), rumen protected fat-RPF @ 80 g/d/cow from -30 to +15 days peripartum and then @ 10 g/kg milk yield (T3), RPC and RPF in combination @ as above (T4) and Inj. E-Care Se(R) 10 ml i/m (Vit-E 500 mg and Se 15 mg) on days -30, -15, 0, +15, +30 and +45 peripartum (T5) along with blood samples for estimation of plasma levels of insulin, IGF1, PGFM, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and cortisol. The puerperal events and fertility parameters were recorded till 10 months postpartum. Result: The fortnightly plasma P4 concentration decreased, while E2, PGFM and cortisol increased gradually and significantly (P less than 0.01) from 30 days prepartum to day of calving and thereafter P4, E2 and cortisol remained basal or very low, while PGFM decreased till 45-60 days postpartum, overall and in all groups. The treatment effect was significant (P less than 0.01) only for E2 and PGFM, with higher values of E2 in T3 and T4 groups and of PGFM in T1 and T2 than in T5 group. The insulin and IGF1 concentrations fluctuated insignificantly during prepartum phase with significantly lowest values till 15 and 30 days postpartum and thereafter only IGF1 increased significantly by day 60 postpartum. The treatment effect was also significant at some intervals with overall highest values of both the metabolic hormones in T1 followed by T5 and T2 than T3 and T4 groups. The uterine involution was significantly earlier in all treatment groups than in control. The first heat postpartum (days) was significantly earlier in group T5 (33.6±3.4), delayed in group T1 (63.5±9.5) and intermediate in Group T2 to T4. The conception rates postpartum were 50.0, 75.0, 62.5, 75.0 and 87.5% in groups T1 to T5, respectively, with significantly reduced service period (days) in T5 (96.3±14.6), followed by T2 (137.3±11.2), than T1, T3 and T4 groups (187 to 214 days). The overall net returns over feed cost of milk yield and reduced service period in T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups over control T1 were Rs. +15898, +6150, +7165 and +24060, respectively. The findings reflected the beneficial and economic role of RPF alone or in combination with RPC and of Se + Vit E supplementation on peripartum endocrine profile and improved postpartum fertility in Gir cows.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 levels are associated with interventricular septal thickening.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) regulates cardiomyocyte survival, hypertrophy, and ageing. We aimed to investigate the potential correlation between IGF-1 and interventricular septal (IVS) thickening. Medical record data were obtained from patients hospitalized between May 1, 2012 and April 30, 2022. All patients underwent echocardiography and had laboratory data on plasma IGF-1. We analyzed the relationship between IGF-1 levels and IVS thickening based on logistic regression models. Propensity score matching at 1:4 ratio was performed for 180 patients with IVS thickening and 1,964 patients without IVS thickening. Finally, 180 (case group) and 623 (control group) patients were enrolled. Of the total 803 patients, the mean age was 59 years, and 59.7% were male. In multivariate-adjusted models that adjusted for propensity scores, the risk of IVS thickening increased with increasing IGF-1 levels; specifically, the risk of IVS thickening increased per 1 ng/mL [odds ratio (OR) 1.003; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-1.004; P < 0.001], per 5 ng/mL (OR, 1.016; 95% CI, 1.010-1.022; P < 0.001), and per 10 ng/mL(OR, 1.032; 95% CI, 1.019-1.045; P < 0.001) increase in IGF-1 levels. When the IGF-1 levels were expressed as a categorical variable, the increased levels of IGF-1 led to an increased risk of IVS thickening; specifically, the OR of IVS thickening for T3 >152.00 ng/mL was 2.020 (95% CI: 1.310-3.115, P < 0.01) compared with T1 <102.00 ng/mL. We performed restricted cubic splines, and it showed a linear association between IGF-1 levels and the risk of IVS thickening. In splines for the age and sex subgroups, different IGF-1 levels increased the risk of IVS thickening among different age groups in male patients: 18-44 years when IGF-1 value >164.00 ng/mL, 45-60 years when IGF-1 value > 140.34 ng/mL and ≥ 60 years when IGF-1 value >108.20 ng/mL. In female patients aged 45-60 years, the risk of IVS thickening increased when the IGF-1 levels were >207.45 ng/mL. However, IGF-1 was not significantly correlated with IVS thickening in female patients aged 18-45 and ≥60 years. Sensitivity analysis by excluding those with acromegaly did not change the relationship between IGF-1 and the risk of IVS thickening. The plasma IGF-1 levels were related to the risk of IVS thickening irrespective of blood pressure.

Plasma Level of Apelin as a Promising Factor for Retinopathy of Prematurity

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance of plasma levels of apelin and other risk factors in infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: This was a single-center cross-sectional study. Fifty preterm infants with ROP and 50 preterm infants without ROP were enrolled. The analysis included evaluation of gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and measurement of plasma concentrations of apelin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin (EPO), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean BW and GA of babies with ROP were considerably lower than those without ROP (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). Plasma levels of VEGF, EPO, and IGF-1 were all lower in babies with ROP (all p < 0.001), while plasma apelin levels were greater (p < 0.001). We compared the sensitivity and selected the best cut-offs while keeping the specificity constant (80.0%). Among all the criteria, plasma apelin levels had the best sensitivity (72%), with the cut-off of 21.08 pg/mL. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the plasma level of apelin was the only parameter associated with ROP (p = 0.02, OR = 16, 95% CI: 1.54–166.53). The area under the curve of the multivariable regression model that comprised GA, BW alone was 0.67, while that of the model that included apelin was 0.90. Conclusions: Plasma apelin level demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity with regard to the association of ROP; the inclusion of apelin may be a promising factor to include in screening criteria.

Effect of Cabergoline Treatment on Disease Control in Acromegaly Patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cabergoline in normalizing plasma IGF-I levels in acromegaly patients with elevated IGF-I levels after surgery and/or SRL therapy. Acromegaly patients (n: 143) were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with elevated IGF-I levels after surgery and/or SRLs therapy and a fixed dose of SRLs treatment for the last six months with no history of radiotherapy in the last three years were included in the study (n: 12). Previous treatment regimens, baseline PRL and IGF-I levels (ULNR), sella MRI, and immunohistochemical findings were evaluated. Cabergoline was used as an add on (n: 11) or single medical treatment (n: 1). The median duration of treatment with SRL alone was 12 months (range 6-48 months). The mean IGF-I value before cabergoline therapy was 1.45±0.4 ULNR. The mean cabergoline dose and duration of treatment were 1.55±0.75 mg/week and 9±6.3 months, respectively. IGF-I normalization was only achieved in patients with serum IGF-I concentration<1.5×ULNR before the onset of cabergoline treatment (n: 9). In some of the patients with IGF-I normalization, baseline prolactin levels were normal (n: 3). Immunopositivity for prolactin in adenoma tissue was found in three patients with IGF-I normalization. Cabergoline therapy is effective in the normalization of IGF-I levels even in normoprolactinemic acromegaly patients when IGF-I levels are mildly or moderately elevated during SRL therapy.