Plasma Phosphorus Research Articles

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.

The effect of oral calcium boluses at parturition on blood metabolites and milk yield in grazing Holstein cattle

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of oral calcium boluses at parturition on plasma total calcium (tCa), phosphorus (P), total magnesium (tMg), beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and milk yield during the postpartum (pp) of grazing Holstein cows. The study was conducted on a seasonal grazing dairy in Chile. Prepartum cows were fed an anionic diet (-86 mEq/kg DM). In 2019, 10 cows of parity 2, 3, and ≥ 4, respectively, were randomly assigned at parturition to a treatment group (n=30), receiving 2 boluses of oral Ca, (CaCl2, providing 44 g Ca) 24 h apart, and matched by parity to a control group (n=30). A blood sample was obtained at d 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 pp. Milk yield was recorded until 30 d pp. Minerals and milk yield were analysed by ANOVA for repeated measures. Treatment had no effect on tCa in parity 2 cows. However, in lactation 3, Ca supplementation increased the concentration of tCa at d 2 and 3 pp, and in lactation ≥ 4 boluses tended to increase tCa at d 2 pp. Higher BHB concentrations at d 4 pp were found in treated cows than in the control cows. Milk yield in lactation 2 was lower in the treated than the control group. In lactations ≥ 3, milk yield was higher in the treated than the control group. In conclusion, two oral Ca boluses at parturition 24 h apart in grazing cattle fed anionic prepartum diets, improved Ca status and milk yield during the postpartum period in cows ≥ 3 lactations.

Dietary phosphorus affects growth, glucolipid metabolism, antioxidant activity and immune status of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary phosphorus on the growth, glucolipid metabolism, antioxidant activity and immune status of the juvenile blunt snout bream. The fish were fed with three experimental diets containing graded phosphorus levels ranging from 8.1 (P8.1), 11.5 (P11.5) and 14.3 (P14.3) g/kg diet. The growth performance was significantly improved with increasing dietary phosphorus levels. Whole body ash content was highest in fish fed the P14.3 diet, while the lipid content showed the reverse trend. Plasma phosphorus, calcium and total protein contents increased significantly with increasing dietary phosphorus levels, and the lowest activities of alanine transaminase and content of triglycerides were observed in the P14.3 diet. The P11.5 diet enhanced glycolysis and lipid synthesis by improving the expression of core genes of glycometabolism and inhibiting the expression of key genes related to lipid synthesis. The P11.5 diet also improved the antioxidant capacity by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Besides, the expression of pro-inflammatory factor genes was reduced while the expression of anti-inflammatory factor genes was improved by dietary phosphorous supplementation. These results demonstrated that an appropriate phosphorus supplementation level has positive effects on growth, glucolipid metabolism, and health of the juvenile blunt snout bream.

The digestible phosphorus requirement in practical diet for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) based on growth and feed utilization

The present study was conducted to estimate the optimum requirement of phosphorus in practical diets for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Six iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated with the supplementation of monocalcium phosphate (MCP) of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g/kg in basal diet containing 350 g/kg fish meal, respectively. The digestible phosphorus of the six diets was measured as 5.7, 6.7, 7.8, 8.7, 9.3 and 10.0 g/kg, respectively. Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups of 25 juvenile fish (initial body weight, 16.0 ± 0.2 g) for 60 days. The results showed that weight gain increased, and feed conversion ratio decreased with the increase of dietary phosphorus. When dietary MCP exceeded 15 g/kg (digestible phosphorus of 8.7 g/kg), the WG and FCR were maintained at the similar values. The crude ash, phosphorus and calcium contents in whole body, apparent digestibility of phosphorus and protein retention also increased with the increasing phosphorus level in diets. Vertebrae phosphorus and calcium levels and plasma phosphorus showed no further increase when dietary MCP reached 20, 20 and 10 g/kg with digestible phosphorus of 9.3, 9.3 and 7.8 g/kg, respectively. Broken-line analysis indicated that the digestible phosphorus requirement for largemouth bass were 8.9, 8.7 and 9.6 g/kg based on weight gain, feed conversion ratio and vertebral phosphorus content. In conclusion, the supplementation of MCP in a diet containing 350 g/kg fish meal improved the growth and feed utilization of largemouth bass, and the digestible phosphorus requirement was suggested to be 8.7–8.9 g/kg with MCP supplementation of 15.0–15.8 g/kg.

The analysis of serum mineral profile of cows before and after calving: A case study

The analysis of serum mineral profile of cows before and after calving: A case study

EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS SUPPLEMENTATION ON PREGNANCY IN WHITE FULANI (BUNAJI) CATTLE

THE effect of bone meal supplementation on pregnancy and plasma phosphorus level in White Fulani (Bunaji) cattle was investigated over a 13-month period. The monthly mean plasma levels of inorganic phosphorus for supplemented Cows varied from 4.63mg/100ml in dry season to 8.09mg/100ml in the rainy season in contrast to 3.07 to 7.09/100ml in the dry and rainy seasons respectively, for the controls. Bonemeal supplementation resulted in earlier conception and calving. Fifty percent of the supplemented cows calved by the end of the period of supplementation in contrast to 25 percent of the controls. By two months after the study period, 100% of cows that received the supplementation had conceived compared with 87.50% of the controls. It is concluded from the study that bonemeal is a practical method for improving the fertility of White Fulani cattle in the grazing areas of Nigeria where soil and forage are deficient in phosphorus

Plasma Calcium and Phosphorus In Weanling Pigs as Influenced by Dietary Calcium: Phoshporus Ratio and Cestrum Diurnum Ingestion

Twenty Yorkshire piglets weaned at approximately 4 weeks of age, were used in this study to investigate the variations in plasma calcium and phosphorus as influenced by dietary calcium and phosphorus and 3 Cestrum diurnum. In the CCD and TCD pigs, hypercalcemia developed rapidly and persisted following the feeding of 3% C. diurnum. While hypophosphatemia occurred in the CCD pigs, there was an initial and transient hyperphosphatemia with subsequent and terminal hypophosphatemia in the TCD pigs The hypercalcemia induced by the ingestion of 5% C. diurnum in the CCD and TCD pigs is attributed to increased intestinal absorption of calcium and not to bore resorption. The initial hyperphosphatemic response in TCD pigs is also believed to be due to increase absorption of phosphorus from the high phosphorus diet.

Mercury in neonatal and juvenile blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus). Part II: Effects assessment.

As apex predators, blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) are highly susceptible to biomagnified mercury (Hg) particularly in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), which is known to contain fishes and invertebrates with elevated Hg levels. Blacktip sharks occur in the GOM year-round and are heavily fished both commercially and recreationally, but little is known about how Hg affects the species. In this study, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney samples were collected from neonatal (n = 57) and juvenile (n = 13) blacktip sharks in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Hg concentrations in neonates and juveniles were found to be elevated in muscle (mean ± SE = 0.59 ± 0.23 mg kg-1), liver (0.39 ± 0.29 mg kg-1), kidney (0.56 ± 0.25 mg kg-1), and blood (0.059 ± 0.041 mg kg-1) compared to other local shark species and conspecifics from other areas. Blood plasma chemistry, hematology, and liver histology were evaluated to assess the relationship between Hg and tissue damage. Plasma chemistry parameters alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and phosphorus (PHOS) were not correlated with tissue Hg or liver condition index. Hematological effects were also not correlated with tissue Hg. However, melanomacrophage presence and lipid deposition, evaluated as part of histopathological analysis, were found to exhibit a statistically significant association with concentrations of Hg in tissue and ALT levels. These results suggest that Hg exposure potentially had a negative effect on the livers of the blacktip sharks evaluated in the present study.

Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Background: 
 Skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction occur with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression leading to morbidity, mortality, and falls. Skeletal muscle dysfunction may be due to impaired fatty acid (FA) oxidation and enhanced pyruvate oxidation as demonstrated in preliminary metabolomic data. We performed multiple techniques to assess the extent of muscle dysfunction and associated pathways, including: systematic review and meta-analysis, assays of disease progression and FA metabolism, expression of markers associated with skeletal muscle FA metabolism and pyruvate oxidation. 
 
 Methods: 
 Meta-analysis: Multiple databases were used to identify relevant studies of muscle atrophy in preclinical and clinical models. 
 Experimental Study: 1)CKD rats and 2)Normal littermates (N=12/gr) at 35 weeks. Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus were harvested at sacrifice. Serum Biochemistry: Plasma BUN, calcium and phosphorus were analyzed using colorimetric assays. Carnitine Assay: Plasma carnitine levels was measured using ELISA kit. Protein Expression: Western blots with the lysate of EDL and soleus to determine the activity levels of PDH and PDK4. 
 
 Results: 
 A total of 4685 studies were screened in the meta-analysis, of which 646 were relevant. Subsequent steps are to perform full text review and data extraction. Animal studies: BUN and phosphorus were significantly increased in CKD compared to normal. Carnitine levels were significantly decreased in CKD rats compared to normal. PDH was not significantly different in the EDL or soleus. PDK4 is yet to be performed. 
 
 Conclusions: 
 The extent to which muscle atrophy occurs will be identified in the meta-analysis. Elevated BUN confirmed disease and carnitine assay confirmed low carnitine levels in CKD. Identifying low carnitine has led to an interventional study of carnitine supplementation to determine if there was improved FA oxidation. Testing of PDK4 is needed to determine significance of pyruvate regulation. Reviewing the literature and understanding the mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy in CKD will allow future targeted therapeutics.

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).

Effect of oregano (Oreganum syriacum L.) essential oil and cage density on performance parameters, egg quality criteria, some blood biochemical parameters, blood antioxidant capacity, and intestinal histopathology in laying hens

Although many methods have been developed in order to reduce the negative effects in laying hens reared at high cage density, researches on effects of dietary supplementation of oregano (Oreganum syriacum L., OEO) essential oil as a feed additive to the diets are extremely sparse. This study investigated the effects of OEO and caging density on performance parameters, egg quality criteria, some blood biochemical parameters, blood antioxidant capacity, and intestinal histopathology of laying hens. We used 276 white Lohmann laying hens aged 38–40 weeks in the experiment. The animals were divided to positive control (600 cm2 hen/cage, PC), negative control (360 cm2 hen/cage, NC), negative control+ 200 mg/kg OEO (NC+O2), negative control+ 400 mg/kg OEO (NC+O4), and negative control+ 600 mg/kg OEO (NC+O6). In this study, it was determined that egg weight and egg shell weight increased at higher caging density, but they did not change with dietary supplementation of OEO. In addition, the plasma calcium and phosphorus decreased with the higher caging density and dietary supplementation of OEO. Supplemented OEO to the diets of the laying hens reduced lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant capacity and intestinal histopathology of laying hens. As a result, it was determined that OEO decreased the negative effects of high caging density. While this positive effect was found to be at a maximum dose at 400 mg/kg of OEO, it was determined that a dose of 600 mg/kg of OEO had a toxic effect, if even numerically.

Pilot study to reduce interdialytic weight gain by provision of low-sodium, home-delivered meals in hemodialysis patients.

Patients with kidney failure undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) therapy are routinely counseled to reduce dietary sodium intake to ameliorate sodium retention, volume overload, and hypertension. However, low-sodium diet trials in HD are sparse and indicate that dietary education and behavioral counseling are ineffective in reducing sodium intake. This study aimed to determine whether 4 weeks of low-sodium, home-delivered meals in HD patients reduces interdialytic weight gain (IDWG). Secondary outcomes included changes in dietary sodium intake, thirst, xerostomia, blood pressure, volume overload, and muscle sodium concentration. Twenty HD patients (55 ± 12 years, body mass index [BMI] 40.7 ± 16.6 kg/m2 ) were enrolled in this study. Participants followed a usual (control) diet for the first 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks of three low-sodium, home-delivered meals per day. We measured IDWG, hydration status (bioimpedance), standardized blood pressure (BP), food intake (3-day dietary recall), and muscle sodium (magnetic resonance imaging) at baseline (0 M), after the 4-week period of usual diet (1 M), and after the meal intervention (2 M). The low-sodium meal intervention significantly reduced IDWG when compared to the control period (-0.82 ± 0.14 kg; 95% confidence interval, -0.55 to -1.08 kg; P < 0.001). There were also 1 month (1 M) to 2 month (2 M) reductions in dietary sodium intake (-1687 ± 297 mg; P < 0.001); thirst score (-4.4 ± 1.3; P = 0.003), xerostomia score (-6.7 ± 1.9; P = 0.002), SBP (-18.0 ± 3.6 mmHg; P < 0.001), DBP (-5.9 ± 2.0 mmHg; P = 0.008), and plasma phosphorus -1.55 ± 0.21 mg/dL; P = 0.005), as well as a 0 M to 2 M reduction in absolute volume overload (-1.08 ± 0.33 L; P = 0.025). However, there were no significant changes in serum or tissue sodium (all P > 0.05). Low-sodium, home-meal delivery appears to be an effective method for improving volume control and blood pressure in HD patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to examine the long-term effects of home-delivered meals on these outcomes and to assess cost-effectiveness.

Effect of concomitant treatment of curcumin and melatonin on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is a potent anticancer drug used to treat solid tumors. Its use, however, is dose-limited by its nephrotoxicity. We aimed to compare the effect of melatonin and curcumin given singly, with that of a combination of these two agents on CP-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. CP (6 mg/kg, given once intraperitoneally) induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by several significant adverse physiological, biochemical and histopathological actions that included a reduction in body weight, increased urine production, and significant alterations in some conventional and novel renal damage indices in plasma, urine and kidneys. CP also elevated several pro-inflammatory cytokines and caused renal oxidative/nitrosative stress. Supplementation with either curcumin (200 mg/kg) or melatonin (10 mg /kg) given singly by oral gavage for eight consecutive days prior to CP injection and four days thereafter, significantly mitigated the adverse renal effects of CP, by attenuating the pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators and improving antioxidant competence in renal tissues of CP- treated rats. When curcumin and melatonin were given together, the ameliorative effect was augmented in some of the measured indices e.g. tumor necrosis factor alpha, cystatin C, uric acid, phosphorus in plasma and, urine creatinine and creatinine clearance. Renal platinum concertation was reduced more with curcumin than that with melatonin, while the reduction was maximized when both melatonin and curcumin were given. Pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, a combination of these two agents is likely to be mor effective in mitigating the adverse renal effects of CP administered to cancer patients.

Hypophosphatemia after high-dose iron repletion with ferric carboxymaltose and ferric derisomaltose\u2014the randomized controlled HOMe aFers study

BackgroundIn patients with iron deficiency anemia, ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and ferric derisomaltose (FDI) allow high-dose iron repletion. While FCM is reported to induce hypophosphatemia, the frequency of hypophosphatemia after an equivalent dosage of FDI had not been assessed prospectively.MethodsIn the prospective, single-center, double-blind HOMe aFers study, 26 women with iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin < 12 g/dL plus either plasma ferritin ≤ 100 ng/mL or a plasma ferritin ≤ 300 ng/mL and transferrin saturation (TSAT) ≤ 30%) were randomized to a single intravenous infusion of 20 mg/kg body weight (up to a maximum of 1000 mg) FCM or FDI. The primary endpoint was the incidence of hypophosphatemia (plasma phosphorus levels < 2.0 mg/dL at day 1, day 7 ± 2, and/or day 35 ± 2 after the infusion). In order to investigate potential skeletal and cardiovascular implications, we assessed changes in other components of mineral and bone metabolism, left ventricular function, and arrhythmias.ResultsHypophosphatemia occurred more frequently in women treated with FCM (9 out of 12 [75%]) than in those treated with FDI (1 out of 13 [8%]; p = 0.001). Within 24 h after iron supplementation, women in the FCM group had significant higher plasma intact FGF23 (p < 0.001) and lower plasma 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D (p < 0.001). As an indicator of urinary phosphorus losses, urinary fractional phosphorus excretion was higher in the FCM group (p = 0.021 at day 7 ± 2 after iron supplementation). We did not observe differences in skeletal and cardiovascular markers, potentially because of the limited number of participants.ConclusionsWhile both FCM and FDI provide efficient iron repletion in participants with iron deficiency anemia, FCM induced hypophosphatemia more often than FDI.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov NCT02905539. Registered on 8 September 2016.2015-004808-36 (EudraCT Number)U1111-1176-4563 (WHO Universal Trial Number)DRKS00010766 (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien)

Dietary supplementation with canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol has beneficial effects on bone and oxidative metabolism in European quail breeders

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with canthaxanthin (Cx) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on the production performance, egg quality, bone mineral content, blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status of European quail breeders. Two hundred and forty quail breeders were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 diets and 8 replicates of 4 females and 2 males were used. All quail breeders received one of 5 diets: basal diet (containing 2,000 IU vitamin D3) or the same diet supplemented with 3 ppm Cx and 34.5 μg 25-OH-D3, 6 ppm Cx and 69 μg 25-OH-D3, 9 ppm Cx and 103.5 μg 25-OH-D3, or 12 ppm Cx and 138 μg 25-OH-D3. Production performance and internal and external egg quality parameters were not influenced by diet. Eggshell dry weight decreased linearly with increasing supplementation levels, and eggshell ash and calcium content increased quadratically. Plasma phosphorus, calcium, and ionic calcium levels in females and plasma ionic calcium levels in males showed a positive quadratic response to dietary supplementation. Femoral and tibiotarsal dry weight and calcium content were influenced by diet. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity in the liver of males and females and in the serum of females showed a positive quadratic relationship with Cx and 25-OH-D3 levels, whereas the malonaldehyde concentration showed a negative quadratic relationship. DPPH scavenging activity in the serum of male quail increased linearly with supplementation. There was a positive quadratic effect on superoxide dismutase gene expression and a positive linear effect on glutathione peroxidase 7 gene expression, suggesting that dietary enrichment with Cx and 25-OH-D3 might help protect spermatozoa against oxidative damage. The dietary supplement was pro-oxidative at high concentrations (above 9 ppm Cx). The results indicate that diets with adequate levels of Cx and 25-OH-D3 have a beneficial effect on calcium and phosphorus metabolism as well as on the antioxidant defense system. We recommend supplementing European quail breeders in the laying period with 6 ppm Cx and 69 μg 25-OH-D3.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.