Plasma Phosphorus Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of postbiotic products from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation on lactation performance, antioxidant capacities, and blood immunity in transition dairy cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different types of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) on lactational performance, metabolism, acute phase protein response, and antioxidant capacities in dairy cows from -21 to 56 d in milk (DIM). One hundred and 80 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were blocked by parity, expected calving date, pre-trial body condition score, and previous 305-d ME yield, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: basal diet (CON; n = 60), basal diet supplemented with 40 g/d of SCFP1 (XPC; n = 60; XPC, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA), and basal diet supplemented with 19 g/d of SCFP2 (NTK; n = 60, NutriTek®, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Blood (n = 15, 13 and 12 in the CON, XPC and NTK groups, respectively) was sampled at -7 ± 3, + 3, + 7, + 21, and + 28 d, and milk samples (n = 19, 18 and 15 in the CON, XPC and NTK groups, respectively) was sampled during 1-8 wk from a subset of cows from -21 to 56 d relative to calving. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). All data were subjected to repeated measures ANOVA. Dietary treatment (TRT), time, and their interaction (TRT × time) were considered as fixed effects and cow as the random effect. Cows fed XPC and NTK had greater energy-corrected milk (ECM). Supplementing NTK increased milk fat content and yield, and 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield compared with CON. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) was lower in XPC cows than CON. SCFP supplementation decreased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), ceruloplasmin (CER), haptoglobin (HPT), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations, whereas increased plasma phosphorus (P) concentrations. In addition, cows fed NTK showed lower creatinine (CR) and cortisol (COR) concentrations but increased plasma calcium (Ca) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations than those in the CON cows. In addition, cows fed NTK and XPC both had reduced plasma concentrations of serum amyloid-A (SAA) at 3 DIM of lactation compared with CON fed cows. Furthermore, SCFP cows had greater concentrations of plasma glucose (GLU) and calcium (Ca) than CON cows at 7 DIM, and greater concentrations of plasma phosphorus (P) at 21 DIM. Between different SCFP type fed groups, plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), MDA, creatinine (CR), SAA, and HPT were lower in cows fed NTK compared with cows fed XPC at 7 DIM. Overall, our results indicate the potential benefits of supplementing SCFP in transition dairy cows by modulating immunity, liver metabolic function and supporting ECM yield. The results also suggest that NutriTek at 19 g/d appears to support the performance and health of dairy cows better compared with XPC at 40 g/d, based on improved metabolic and inflammatory status during the transition period.

High plasma magnesium and phosphorus levels and their correlation with struvite urolithiasis in buffaloes

BackgroundUrolithiasis is a common urinary tract disease in buffaloes, almost exclusively affects young males, and has significant economic and production impacts. We have investigated hemato-biochemical and urinary changes in an attempt to deduce their correlation with struvite urolithiasis in buffaloes. MethodsTen male buffalo calves with obstructive urolithiasis were used. Blood samples were used for hematology and elemental analysis. Urine samples were used for physico-chemical examination, microscopy, and elemental analysis. Uroliths were subjected to chemical functional group determination using the FTIR spectroscopy. ResultsThe mean neutrophil, leukocyte, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls. The mean blood calcium and magnesium concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower and higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls, respectively. Mean blood phosphorus concentration and calcium-phosphorus ratio were found to be non-significantly (p > 0.05) higher and lower in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls, respectively. The urine pH was highly alkaline. Multiple prismatic lid-shaped crystals, along with erythrocytes, leukocytes, and epithelial cells, were found in urine. The mean urinary magnesium and phosphorus concentrations were non-significantly (p < 0.05) higher in urolithic buffaloes than in healthy controls. A positive correlation of magnesium (r = 0.864, p = 0.001) and phosphorus (r = 0.849, p = 0.002) concentrations between the blood and urine was observed in urolithic buffaloes. The FTIR spectra of uroliths were similar to those of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, MgNH4PO4·6H2O or struvite. ConclusionThe findings suggest that high plasma magnesium and phosphorus concentrations have a positive correlation with struvite urolithiasis in buffaloes.

Diagnosis and management of tumor-induced osteomalacia: a single center experience.

The aim of this study is to review the clinical and laboratory characteristics, diagnostic and treatment modalities of tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) cases managed in a single center. Demographic and clinical features, biochemical findings, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, and outcomes of nine patients who had the diagnosis of TIO were reviewed retrospectively. Mean age of the study group (F/M: 4/5) was 45.8 ± 10.8 years, and mean time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 4.7 ± 2.8 years. The clinical manifestations were muscle weakness and difficulty in walking (8/9), hip pain (3/9), multiple fractures (2/9), stress fracture (2/9). Mean plasma phosphorus concentration was 1.28 ± 0.4 mg/dl at presentation. We performed radionuclide imaging modalities (18F-FDG PET/CT, Ga68-DOTATATE PET/CT, octreotide scintigraphy) in seven of nine patients, and tumor was detected in all. Lower extremity (n = 6; %67), head region (n = 2; %22) and thorax (n = 1; %11) were the tumor locations of our cases. Eight patients underwent surgery and remission was achieved postoperatively in all of the operated patients and plasma phosphorus level normalized in 4 ± 2 days. Pathological examination revealed mesenchymal tumors with different subtypes. Recurrence occurred in three patients at 13 ± 10.5 months after the first surgery. Two patients were reoperated and radiotherapy was also performed in one of them. Hypophosphatemia necessitates careful evaluation for the etiology. TIO is one of the important causes of adult-onset hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. Diagnosis of TIO is essential because the laboratory and clinical findings resolve after appropriate treatment.

Effects of calcium supplementation to resuscitation fluids in endurance horses: A randomized, blinded, clinical trial.

The addition of calcium to resuscitation fluids is a common practice in horses, but studies evaluating the effects of calcium supplementation are limited. In healthy horses, decreases in heart rate and changes in serum electrolyte concentrations have been reported. Calcium gluconate administration at a rate of 0.4 mg/kg/min to eliminated endurance horses with metabolic problems will affect heart rate, gastrointestinal sounds, and serum electrolyte concentrations. Endurance horses eliminated from the Tevis Cup 100-mile (160 km) endurance ride for metabolic problems and requiring IV fluid therapy were eligible. Sixteen horses were randomly assigned to receive 0.4 mg/kg/min of calcium (23% calcium gluconate solution) over 1 hour diluted in 10 L of a non-calcium containing isotonic crystalloid (CAL group) or 10 L of a non-calcium containing isotonic crystalloid (CON group). Staff members administering the fluids were blinded to treatment group. Blood samples were collected and physical examinations performed before and after treatment. Heart rates were recorded every 15 min during fluid administration. Data were compared using 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Calcium was associated with lower heart rates 45 min after starting the infusion (P = .002). Gastrointestinal sounds were less likely to improve in the calcium group compared with the control group (P = .005). An increase in plasma phosphorus concentration (P = .03) was associated with calcium administration. Intravenous calcium supplementation to endurance horses eliminated from competition after development of metabolic problems may decrease heart rate but impairs improvement in gastrointestinal sounds.

Increasing Phosphorus Intake Reduces Urinary Concentrations of Magnesium and Calcium in Adult Ovariectomized Cats Fed Purified Diets

We assessed the phosphorus requirement of adult cats and the relationship between phosphorus intake and the fecal and urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Female cats (ovariectomized at the onset of sexual maturity) were fed purified diets containing 4.6, 9.2, 18.4 or 27.7 mmol phosphorus/MJ in a 4 × 4-wk crossover study. During the experiment, balance studies were performed and blood samples were taken. A dietary level of 4.6 mmol phosphorus/MJ was found to be sufficient to maintain phosphorus balance and normal plasma concentrations of phosphorus in the adult ovariectomized cats. Increasing levels of dietary phosphorus in the form of NaH2PO4·2H2O caused lower urinary pH values, lower urinary concentrations of calcium and magnesium, and higher urinary concentrations of phosphorus. When dietary levels of phosphorus were raised, the percentage of apparent absorption of magnesium was lower, whereas that of phosphorus was higher. Although it could be predicted that dietary phosphorus levels higher than the National Research Council recommendation of 9.2 mmol/MJ markedly reduced urinary struvite saturation, these higher levels are discouraged because they are associated with lower plasma phosphorus concentrations and creatinine clearance.

Effect of Replacing Sorghum Stubble with Tillandsia recurvata (L.) on Liveweight Change, Blood Metabolites, and Hematic Biometry of Goats.

Simple SummaryTillandsia recurvata is an epiphyte that contains adequate protein and energy levels regardless of the season and can be used as forage for small ruminants. We evaluated the effects of substituting sorghum stubble for T. recurvata in adult goats for 89 d, including an adaptation period of 14 d, at three different levels: 0% (control), 30%, and 60%. At the last phase of the trial, control goats gained more weight than goats consuming T. recurvata. Overall, the metabolic status was similar among treatments, whereas some variables tested of the complete blood count differed among treatments. Interestingly, the inclusion of T. recurvata in goats’ diets at 30% gained or at 60% decreased 1% live weight; without signs of health disturbance. Using up to 60% T. recurvata in the diet did not negatively affect animal health; however, under the conditions of this study, supplemental protein would be required when T. recurvata completely replaced sorghum stubble. The use of T. recurvata as a supplement for goats would improve the nutrition of grazing goats in the dry season compared to the current diet obtained from arid rangelands and would alleviate host trees invaded by this aggressive epiphyte.Tillandsia recurvata is an epiphyte that grows on the canopy of many trees in tropical and subtropical areas of America. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial or complete substitution of sorghum stubble with T. recurvata on liveweight change, metabolic profile, and complete blood count of goats fed increasing levels (0, 30, and 60%, dry matter basis) of T. recurvata. Thirty non-pregnant three-year-old, non-lactating, healthy mixed-breed goats, ten animals per treatment (T0, T30, and T60), were adapted to diets and facilities for 14 days (d-14). Blood samples were collected at d-15, 28, and 56. At the last phase of the trial (from days 67 on), control goats tended to gain more (p = 0.09) weight than their counterparts consuming T. recurvata. Plasma protein, glucose, triglycerides, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations did not differ among dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Dietary treatment influenced red blood cells (higher for T60; p < 0.01), white blood cells (higher for T30; p < 0.05), mean corpuscular volume (higher for T0; p < 0.001), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (higher for T0; p < 0.01), although not the rest of the blood variables (p > 0.05). The hematocrit percentage tended to be higher (p = 0.06) in T30 than T0 and T60. It was concluded that replacing sorghum stubble with T. recurvata did not modify the metabolic status and maintained live weight of goats. Nevertheless, the use of T. recurvata as feed for goats would improve the nutrition of these animals in the dry season compared to the current diet obtained from an arid rangeland, reducing production costs, and would alleviate the damage caused by this aggressive epiphyte to host trees.

Effect of hyperphosphatemia on impairment of vascular function in adenine-induced renal injury in rats

We reported that vascular function in adenine-induced renal injury rats was impaired mediated by increase in plasma indoxyl sulfate concentration. It is known that hyperphosphatemia leads to calcification and atherosclerosis. In the present study, we examined effect of hyperphosphatemia on vascular dysfunction in adenine-induced renal injury in anesthetized rats. Renal injury was induced by feeding 0.75% adenine diet for 4 weeks. Lanthanum carbonate was treated with gavage after 2 weeks induced adenine. Treatment with lanthanum carbonate significantly decreased in plasma phosphorus concentration in adenine rats. N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) potentiated the ACh-induced depressor response in normal-diet. However, L-NA failed to potentiate the response in adenine rats or lanthanum-treated rats. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced depressor response in adenine rats was significantly smaller than that in normal rats. Lanthanum carbonate tended to recover impairment of SNP-induced depressor responses in adenine rats. These findings suggest that hyperphosphatemia is partially related to impairment of smooth muscle function rather than that of endothelial function in adenine rats.

Effects of Oxygen Gas Injection on the Subsequent Development of Chick Embryos in a Shell-Less Culture System.

The effects of oxygen gas injection starting on day 17 of incubation (D17) in a chick shell-less culture system (cSLC) on the subsequent embryo development were examined on day 19 of incubation (D19). On D19 of cSLC, the plasma phosphorus and total cholesterol concentrations of the embryos were significantly higher (P<0.05), while the plasma calcium concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those in the intact control (IC) group. However, no significant differences in embryo viability and other major blood component levels were observed among the experimental groups (P>0.05). The percutaneous oxygen saturation was lower in D17-cSLC embryos before oxygen gas supplementation than in the IC (P<0.05) embryos. Severe renal tubular degeneration of the metanephros was observed in D19-cSLC embryos despite oxygen gas injection starting from D17. These results indicate that D19-cSLC embryos are hypoxia even after injecting oxygen gas starting on D17.

Effects of some management factors (Housing condition and watering regimen) on blood parameters of desert goats

This study aimed to assess the effects of housing condition and watering regimen on some blood parameters during the period May 2018- February 2019. Desert goat Package Cell Volume% (PCV %) were highest during January, February and lowest during May, and August. Goats had the highest (P&lt;0.001) blood Hemoglobin (Hb%) during May and July with very slight fluctuations throughout the seven months of the experimental period. Goats under shade had comparatively higher PCV% and slightly lower Hb% in comparison with those under direct sunlight. Plasma Calcium was low during February and January and rose during December with higher levels during May, June and July. Goat plasma phosphorus concentrations followed an opposite picture being highest (P&lt;0.01) during October, December, and February and lowest (P&lt;0.01) during other months. Plasma Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) concentrations were slightly (P&gt;0.05) higher for goats under shade compared with those under direct sunlight. The main effects of months on blood metabolites were highly significant (P&lt;0.01). The highest goat blood protein was during, June-July and lowest (P&lt;0.01) during other months. Goat blood albumen levels were highest (P&lt;0.001) for August- September- October and lowest for January- February whereas blood glucose levels were highest (P&lt;0.01) during January- February and with very slight fluctuations throughout the seven months of the experimental period. Blood protein, blood albumin and blood glucose levels were relatively higher (P&gt;0.05) for goats under shade compared with those under direct sunlight. Goats watered everyday had slightly lower blood protein and albumin and slightly higher blood glucose in comparison with goats watered every other day.

A Comparison of Morphometric Indices, Mineralization Level of Long Bones and Selected Blood Parameters in Hens of Three Breeds

Abstract The aim of the study was to compare morphometric indices and the mineralization level of humerus, femur and tibia in Leghorn (H-22), Sussex (S-66) and Rhode Island Red (R-11) hens at different age (weeks 6, 16, 45 and 64), as well as some blood parameters. The material for the experiment was one-day old chicks of breeds: Leghorn (H-22), Sussex (S-66) and Rhode Island Red – RIR (R-11), which were separated into three groups. At 6, 16, 45 and 64 weeks of the study, 10 birds selected from each group were weighed, slaughtered, and their right femurs, tibiae and humeri were dissected. After removing soft tissues, the bones were weighed and measured for length, diameter, and the Seedor index (SI) was calculated. The bones were analysed for the content of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and crude ash (CA). At 64 weeks, blood was collected from the hens and analysed for the concentration of Ca, P, pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline. The study showed that hen breed had an effect mostly on morphometric indices of the bones such as bone weight and diameter, and the Seedor index (SI), while the age of birds had an effect on the bone mineralization level up to 45 weeks of age. The bone mineralization did not decrease in the studied breeds of hens at the end of the laying period. It was also found that heavier birds (RIR) had greater diameter bones and a higher SI, but the content of ash and minerals in the bones of that breed was generally similar to the Leghorn and Sussex hens. RIR hens exhibited higher plasma phosphorus concentration compared to Sussex hens. This may suggest that RIR birds have a slightly stronger bone system compared to Leghorn and Sussex hens.

The association between bloodwork, signalment, and urolithiasis in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

ABSTRACT Urolithiasis represents a common, potentially life-threatening condition in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). The purpose of this study is to determine the potential association between signalment, packed cell volume, total solids, selected biochemical parameters, and imaging evidence of urolithiasis in client-owned guinea pigs presented to two veterinary teaching hospitals. Medical record databases from two veterinary teaching hospitals were searched for cases of client-owned guinea pigs that had both a plasma biochemistry panel and an imaging study performed during one medical event. Other parameters including age, sex, weight, packed cell volume, and total solids were also recorded. Of the 81 guinea pigs that met the inclusion criteria, 32 animals (40%) had evidence of urolithiasis present on at least one of their imaging modalities. The odds for the imaging presence of urolithiasis increased with a decreasing packed cell volume, an increasing plasma creatinine concentration, and with a decreasing plasma phosphorus concentration. While these variables were statistically significant and associated with imaging presence of urolithiasis, they had low predictive value to discriminate between guinea pigs with and without imaging evidence of urolithiasis. Given the relatively high prevalence of urolithiasis in guinea pigs in this study, imaging is strongly recommended for every animal with suspected affliction.

Response of the ENPP1-Deficient Skeletal Phenotype to Oral Phosphate Supplementation and/or Enzyme Replacement Therapy: Comparative Studies in Humans and Mice.

Inactivating mutations in human ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1) may result in early-onset osteoporosis (EOOP) in haploinsufficiency and autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR2) in homozygous deficiency. ARHR2 patients are frequently treated with phosphate supplementation to ameliorate the rachitic phenotype, but elevating plasma phosphorus concentrations in ARHR2 patients may increase the risk of ectopic calcification without increasing bone mass. To assess the risks and efficacy of conventional ARHR2 therapy, we performed comprehensive evaluations of ARHR2 patients at two academic medical centers and compared their skeletal and renal phenotypes with ENPP1-deficient Enpp1asj/asj mice on an acceleration diet containing high phosphate treated with recombinant murine Enpp1-Fc. ARHR2 patients treated with conventional therapy demonstrated improvements in rickets, but all adults and one adolescent analyzed continued to exhibit low bone mineral density (BMD). In addition, conventional therapy was associated with the development of medullary nephrocalcinosis in half of the treated patients. Similar to Enpp1asj/asj mice on normal chow and to patients with mono- and biallelic ENPP1 mutations, 5-week-old Enpp1asj/asj mice on the high-phosphate diet exhibited lower trabecular bone mass, reduced cortical bone mass, and greater bone fragility. Treating the Enpp1asj/asj mice with recombinant Enpp1-Fc protein between weeks 2 and 5 normalized trabecular bone mass, normalized or improved bone biomechanical properties, and prevented the development of nephrocalcinosis and renal failure. The data suggest that conventional ARHR2 therapy does not address low BMD inherent in ENPP1 deficiency, and that ENPP1 enzyme replacement may be effective for correcting low bone mass in ARHR2 patients without increasing the risk of nephrocalcinosis. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Biochemical Effects of Routine Gonadectomy on Blood of Domestic Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

We studied domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) to evaluate the physiologic effects of routine surgery. Standard plasma biochemistry panels and 1H-NMR spectroscopy of heparinized whole blood were performed on samples taken 24 h prior to and immediately after surgery from female and male ferrets undergoing routine gonadectomy. Increases in plasma glucose, phosphorus, potassium, and creatine kinase concentrations associated with the duration of surgery were identified on plasma biochemistry panels. Whole-blood NMR spectra allowed us to identify 42 metabolites and one drug residue. Variations between pre- and postoperative metabolite concentrations were most pronounced for female ferrets, which underwent more prolonged surgery than males. Affected metabolites included organic acids and osmolytes (betaine, methylmalonate, <small>D</small>-lactate), fatty acids and lipids (2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid), and amino acid groups (acetylglycine, alloisoleucine, leucine, and isoleucine). These findings indicate that 1H-NMR spectroscopy of whole blood provides insight into metabolic perturbations in domestic ferrets undergoing surgery that are not detected in routine clinical chemistry panels.

Evaluation of subcutaneously administered electrolyte solutions in experimentally dehydrated inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

To evaluate the effects of 3 electrolyte solutions administered SC to experimentally dehydrated inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). 9 inland bearded dragons. In a randomized, complete crossover study, experimental dehydration was induced by means of furosemide (10 mg/kg, SC, q 12 h for 4 doses), and then lactated Ringer solution, Plasma-Lyte A, or reptile Ringer solution (RRS; 1:1 mixture of 5% dextrose solution and isotonic crystalloid solution) was administered SC in a single 50-mL/kg dose in 3 treatments sessions separated by a minimum of 14 days. Food and water were withheld during treatment sessions. Plasma biochemical values, PCV, blood total solids and lactate concentrations, and plasma osmolarity were measured prior to (baseline) and 4 and 24 hours after fluid administration. Administration of RRS resulted in severe hyperglycemia (mean ± SD plasma glucose concentration, 420 ± 62 mg/dL), compared with baseline values (190 ± 32 mg/dL), and this hyperglycemia persisted for at least 24 hours. It also resulted in significant reductions in plasma osmolarity and sodium and phosphorus concentrations, which were not observed after administration of the other 2 solutions. Administration of lactated Ringer solution caused no significant increase in blood lactate concentration. The changes in plasma glucose, sodium, and phosphorus concentrations and plasma osmolarity observed after SC administration of a single dose of RRS suggested this type of electrolyte solution should not be used for rehydration of bearded dragons. Rather, lactated Ringer solution or Plasma-Lyte A should be considered instead.

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

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

Feeding synthetic zeolite to transition dairy cows alters neutrophil gene expression

Synthetic zeolites are used to control the availability of dietary minerals (e.g., Ca, Mg, and P) in dairy cows. Due to calcium demand increasing with lactation onset, most cows become hypocalcemic immediately postpartum, which likely contributes to poorer immune function because calcium is important for immune cell signaling. To overcome postpartum hypocalcemia, we fed transition cows synthetic zeolite A (sodium aluminosilicate) precalving and hypothesized that it would alter calcium and thus neutrophil function during the transition period. Multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows in late gestation were randomly allocated to an untreated control group (n = 10) or a treatment group in which each cow received 500 g of zeolite A daily (n = 10) for 14 d prior to the expected calving date (actual duration = 17 ± 3 d prepartum). The cows grazed pasture, and each was supplemented with 2 kg/d of maize silage (dry matter basis), with or without zeolite, until calving. Blood samples for neutrophil isolation and analysis of plasma indicators of mineral status, energy status, liver function, and inflammation were collected pretreatment (covariate; d -19); on d -14 and -7 precalving; on the day of calving (d 0); and on d 1, 4, 7, and 28 postcalving. Neutrophils were isolated and gene expression was analyzed using microfluidic gene expression arrays. Neutrophil respiratory burst was assessed using stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and flow cytometry. Plasma calcium and phosphorus revealed a treatment by time interaction; cows offered zeolite had greater plasma calcium concentrations at d 0, 1, and 4 postcalving and plasma phosphorus concentrations were lower in zeolite-treated cows during the precalving period until d 1 postcalving compared with control animals. Zeolite treatment downregulated neutrophil gene expression of CXCR4 and S100A8 and tended to lower gene expression for other immune mediators (CXCR1, IFNG, S100A12, and S100A9) compared with the control. Zeolite treatment did not affect neutrophil respiratory burst or expression of the other genes investigated. Plasma concentrations of cytokine IL-6 were reduced with zeolite treatment, which was most evident immediately postcalving (d 0, 1, and 7). Overall, feeding zeolite precalving had few effects on neutrophil gene expression and function; however, the lower gene expression of neutrophil inflammatory mediators may be due to altered availability of dietary minerals prepartum and indicates that zeolite A may control inflammation during the transition period.

Potassium phosphate and potassium carbonate administration by feed or drinking water improved broiler performance, bone strength, digestive phosphatase activity and phosphorus digestibility under induced heat stress conditions.

Potassium phosphate (K2HPO4) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) administration by feed or water were evaluated on broiler performance, bone strength, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and phosphorus digestibility under heat stress and high chloride condition. Experimental groups include control; 15cc/kg K2HPO4; 30cc/kg K2HPO4; 15cc/l K2HPO4; and 3.7g/kg K2CO3. Body weight (BW), feed and water consumption, plasma potassium, phosphorus, and calcium concentration along with plasma and digestive ALP and intestinal digesta pH were measured during the trial. Tibia ash, calcium and phosphorus content, and breaking strength were measured on days 21 and 42 and phosphorus digestibility on day 36 of age. As a result of this, study feed and water consumption was increased by supplementation of the feed or water with K2HPO4 (P ≤ 0.001). K2HPO4 increased body weight at 42days of age (P ≤ 0.001). Tibia ash and phosphorus content was increased by K2HPO4 supplementation (P ≤ 0.004; P ≤ 0.003). K2CO3 did increased tibia ash but not changed tibia phosphorus content significantly. Tibia shear force, shear energy, extension, and length were improved by K2HPO4 administration at 42days of age (P ≤ 0.001). Administration of either feed or water with K2HPO4 increased plasma potassium, phosphorus, and calcium concentration at 21days of age, whereas K2CO3 reduced plasma potassium at 21days of age (P ≤ 0.05). Plasma ALP reduced by addition of 15cc K2HPO4 and K2CO3 to diets at 42days of age, whereas digestive ALP was increased by inclusion of K2HPO4 and not by K2CO3. Supplementation of either feed or water with K2HPO4 increased phosphorus digestibility, whereas K2CO3 reduced phosphorus digestibility (P ≤ 0.003). Jejunum and ileum pH was reduced by K2HPO4 or by K2CO3 at 21 and 42days of age (P ≤ 0.006; (P ≤ 0.05). Over all, results of current study revealed that K2HPO4 can be a suitable potassium salt choice instead of KCL in hot weather conditions especially when the water or diet contains high levels of chloride.

Blood Biochemical, Hormonal and Mineral Status of Cyclic, Acyclic, Endometriotic and Pregnant Crossbred Cows

A study was carried out on infertile (acyclic and endometriotic) crossbred cows under field and normal cyclic (all 4 phases of cycle) as well as pregnant (3, 6, 9 month) crossbred cows of University farm to evaluate the plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) hormones by RIA, and plasma total protein, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus concentrations by using assay kits on chemistry analyzer. The mean progesterone levels in cows during the diestrus phase and in pregnancy were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than those during proestrus, estrus, metestrus, anestrus, and endometritis status. At six month of gestation, the mean P4 level was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than at early or late gestation. The mean E2 values at estrus and 9th month of gestation were highest (p less than 0.01) as compared to another status. The mean plasma total protein and cholesterol levels were significantly (p less than 0.05) lower during six and nine months of pregnancy than during cyclic and acyclic stages. The cholesterol profile of all three stages of pregnancy and endometriotic cows were statistically similar, though distinctly low at 9 month of pregnancy. Plasma levels of P4 and E2 thus correlated with the physiological and clinical status of cows, while cholesterol levels reflected steroidogenic status. The mean plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus concentrations of cyclic, acyclic, pregnant and endometriotic cows, however, did not differ significantly.

Effects of the SGLT-2 Inhibitor Canagliflozin on Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Rats.

SGLT-2 inhibitors have been shown to be nephroprotective in diabetes. Here, we examined if one of these drugs (canagliflozin) could also ameliorate non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD was induced in rats by feeding them adenine (0.25%w/w for 35 days) and canagliflozin (10 or 25 mg/kg, by gavage) was given with or without adenine. Several conventional and novel plasma and urine biomarkers and tissues morphology were used to investigate the canagliflozin effect on kidney structure and function. Rats fed adenine showed the typical features of CKD that included elevation of blood pressure, decreased food intake and growth, increased water intake and urine output, decrease in creatinine clearance, and increase in urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, liver-type fatty acid binding protein, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, and plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, indoxyl sulfate and phosphorus concentrations. Adenine also increased concentrations of several biomarkers of inflammation such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, clusterin, cystatin C and interleukin-1β, and decreased some oxidative biomarkers in kidney homogenate, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, total antioxidant activity, and also urinary 8-isoprostane and urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine. Adenine significantly increased the renal protein content of Nrf2, caused renal tubular necrosis and fibrosis. Given alone, canagliflozin at the two doses used did not significantly alter any of the parameters mentioned above. When canagliflozin was given concomitantly with adenine, it significantly and dose - dependently ameliorated all the measured adenine - induced actions. Canagliflozin ameliorated adenine - induced CKD in rats, through reduction of several inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, and other indices such as uremic toxins, and by antagonizing the increase in the renal content of the transcription factor Nrf2. The drug caused no overt or significant untoward effects, and its trial in patients with CKD may be warranted.

Estimation of calcium requirements for optimal productive and reproductive performance, eggshell and tibial quality in egg-type duck breeders

Optimizing the dietary calcium (Ca) level is essential to maximize the eggshell quality, egg production and bone formation in poultry. This study aimed to establish the Ca requirements of egg-type duck breeders from 23 to 57 weeks of age on egg production, eggshell, incubation, tibial, plasma and ovary-related indices, as well as the expression of matrix protein-related genes. Totally, 450 Longyan duck breeders aged 21 weeks of age were allotted randomly into five treatments, each with six replicates of 15 individually caged birds. The data collection started from 23 weeks of age and continued over the following 35 weeks. The five groups corresponded to five dietary treatments containing either 2.8%, 3.2%, 3.6%, 4.0% or 4.4% Ca. The tested dietary Ca levels increased (linear, P <0.01) egg production and egg mass, and linearly improved (P <0.01) the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Increasing the dietary Ca levels from 2.8% to 4.4% increased (P <0.01) the eggshell thickness and eggshell content. The tested Ca levels showed a quadratic effect on eggshell thickness and ovarian weight (P <0.01); the highest values were obtained with the Ca levels 4.0% and 3.6%, respectively. Dietary Ca levels affected the small yellow follicles (SYF) number and SYF weight/ovarian weight, and the linear response (P <0.01) was significant vis-à-vis SYF number. In addition, dietary Ca levels increased (P <0.05) the tibial dry weight, breaking strength, mineral density and ash content. Plasma and tibial phosphorus concentration exhibited a quadratic (P <0.01) response to dietary Ca levels. Plasma calcitonin concentration linearly (P <0.01) increased as dietary Ca levels increased. The relative expression of carbonic anhydrase 2 in the uterus rose (P <0.01) with the increment of dietary Ca levels, and the highest value was obtained with 3.2% Ca. In conclusion, Longyan duck breeders fed a diet with 4.0% Ca had superior eggshell and tibial quality, while those fed a diet with 3.6% Ca had the heaviest ovarian weights. The regression model indicated that the dietary Ca levels 3.86%, 3.48% and 4.00% are optimal levels to obtain maximum eggshell thickness, ovarian weight and tibial mineral density, respectively.