Plasma Uric Acid Concentrations Research Articles

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

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

KIDNEY ULTRASOUND PARAMETERS AND RENAL BLOOD BIOCHEMISTRY MARKERS IN POST-HEMORRHAGIC STROKE HYPERTENSIVE SURVIVORS

Introduction. Hemorrhagic stroke is a serious and devastating complication of arterial hypertension, which leads to increased mortality in survivors even after the early recovery period. Being other target organs for arterial hypertension, kidneys take part in blood pressure regulation. Investigation of their peculiarities in such patients may provide valuable data on possible reasons of poor long-term prognosis in this category of patients.&#x0D; The aim of the study: to compare kidney ultrasound parameters and renal blood biochemistry tests between the post-hemorrhagic stroke hypertensive subjects in a stable phase of recovery period and the patients with arterial hypertension who had no cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.&#x0D; Materials and methods. There were 100 subjects enrolled into the study. They formed two investigatory groups: the main (n=64; age – 52,2±8,41 years, M±SD years) and the control (n=36; age – 51,8±5,92 years) one. Hypertensive patients of the main group developed hemorrhagic stroke – subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (n=42) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (n=22) – ≥6 months prior to the examination conducted at this study. The control group consisted of patients with non-complicated arterial hypertension. In both groups of patients, the kidney ultrasound parameters and blood plasma urea, creatinine and uric acid concentration levels were determined. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated.&#x0D; Results. The indices of kidney ultrasound parameters in the main group and the control group were the following ones, respectively: the pole-to-pole size of the right kidney was 9,96±1,05 and 11,63±1,26 cm, the same size of the left kidney – 10,39±0,93 and 11,95±1,23 cm, p&lt;0,01 for both pairs. Among the biochemistry blood plasma indices, uric acid concentration reached significant difference as well – 411,21±60,36 and 360,91±75,3 µmol/L in the relevant groups, respectively (p=0,04). On the other hand, eGFR did not show the difference between the study groups. The main group was characterized by a higher prevalence of kidney stone formation – OR 5,00 (95% CI, 1,83-13,65). The statistically significant higher incidence rate of calculus development was identified in two subgroups of the main group as well: for SAH – OR 3,08 (95% CI, 1,05-9,02), for ICH – OR 13,33 (95% CI, 3,69-48,15). When comparing to the control group, kidney cyst identification rate in the SAH subgroup referred to OR 3,08 (95% CI, 1,05-9,02), while kidney pelvis/calyces enlargement incidence rate was higher in the ICH subgroup OR 9,17 (95% CI, 2,15-39,06).&#x0D; Conclusions. The obtained data indicate the smaller pole-to-pole dimension of both kidneys in hypertensive subjects who suffered hemorrhagic stroke, accompanying higher incidence rate of kidney calculus formation in view of the increased blood plasma uric acid concentration. The same is typical for the SAH individuals subgroup but with the addition of prevalence of kidney cysts incidence rate. As for the ICH subgroup, in addition to the main group findings, pelvis/calyces enlargement is observed more frequently when comparing to the hypertensive only subjects.

Mammary gland, kidney and rumen urea and uric acid transporters of dairy cows differing in milk urea concentration

The milk urea concentration (MUC) serves as indicator of urinary nitrogen emissions, but at comparable crude protein (CP) intake, cows with high (HMU) and low (LMU) MUC excrete equal urea amounts. We hypothesized that urea and uric acid transporters and sizes of the kidney, mammary gland, and rumen account for these phenotypes. Eighteen HMU and 18 LMU Holstein dairy cows fed a low (LP) and normal (NP) CP diet were studied. Milk, plasma and urinary urea concentrations were greater with NP feeding, while plasma and urinary urea concentrations were comparable between phenotypes. Milk and plasma uric acid concentrations were higher with LP feeding but not affected by phenotype. The milk-urine uric acid ratio was greater in HMU cows. The mRNA expressions of the ruminal urea transporter SLC14A1 and AQP10, the mammary gland and rumen AQP3, and the mammary gland uric acid transporter ABCG2 were not affected by group or diet. Renal AQP10, but not AQP3, AQP7, and SLC14A2 expressions, and the kidney weights were lower in HMU cows. These data indicate that renal size and AQP10 limit the urea transfer from blood to urine, and that MUC determines if uric acid is more released with milk or urine.

Possible role of corticosterone on behavioral, physiological, and immune responses in chicks

Glucocorticoids are one of steroid hormone and have a variety of functions including stress response, carbohydrate metabolism, and modulation of immune system in vertebrates. Corticosterone is the main glucocorticoid in birds, although the precise role of the glucocorticoid during immune challenge is not fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine if a single subcutaneous injection of corticosterone could affect inflammation-related gene expressions in the spleen and liver of chicks (Gallus gallus). In addition, the effects of corticosterone injection on the food intake, cloacal temperature, formation of conditioned visual aversion, and plasma constituents were also measured. Corticosterone did not affect the food intake or cloacal temperature and did not cause conditioned visual aversion in chicks. The corticosterone injection was associated with a significant decrease in gene expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines including inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the spleen and liver at 1 and 3 h post-injection. Corticosterone increased the plasma glucose and uric acid concentrations and the antioxidant capacity. In summary, the present study suggests that corticosterone is likely not associated with food intake, cloacal temperature or the development of aversive sensation, but suppresses the synthesis of inflammation-associated bioactive molecules and increases the antioxidant capacity in chicks.

P32-014-23 Acute Effects of Aerobic Activity Compared to Sauna Exposure on Plasma Uric Acid Concentration and Heat Shock Protein 60

P32-014-23 Acute Effects of Aerobic Activity Compared to Sauna Exposure on Plasma Uric Acid Concentration and Heat Shock Protein 60

Allopurinol

Allopurinol

Association between periodontitis and uric acid levels in blood and oral fluids: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundUric acid, a formerly-known antioxidant that has recently been linked to numerous inflammatory diseases as a pro-inflammatory and -oxidative mediator in pathological conditions. It is imperative to reassess the association between periodontitis and uric acid locally and systematically. The aim of this systematic review was to systemically evaluate the association between periodontitis and the uric acid (UA) levels in blood, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).MethodsRelevant clinical studies up to January 28, 2023 were identified and retrieved from electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE and Web of Science, with periodontitis, uric acid, hyperuricemia and gout as the keywords. The weighted (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using fixed- or random-effect models. Methodological heterogeneity was assessed.ResultsSixteen eligible observational studies and one RCT were enrolled, which included 1354 patients with periodontitis and 989 controls. Three sample types for UA detection were involved, including blood (n = 8), saliva (n = 9) and GCF (n = 1). Meta-analysis demonstrated an enhanced plasma UA concentration (WMD = 1.00 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.37, P < 0.001) but a decreased salivary UA level (SMD = -0.95, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.68, P < 0.001) in periodontitis versus control. Statistical heterogeneity among the plasma- and saliva-tested studies were moderate (I2 = 58.3%, P = 0.066) and low (I2 = 33.8%, P = 0.196), respectively.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the enrolled studies, it seems that there is an association between periodontitis and increased blood UA and decreased salivary UA. (Registration no. CRD42020172535 in Prospero).

Effects of corticosterone administration on the body condition and blood parameters of the house sparrow, Passer domesticus.

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands and released into the bloodstream in response to stressful situations. In birds, corticosterone (CORT) is the main glucocorticoid released under stress. Throughout their lives, animals in nature are continually exposed to noxious stimuli known as stressful events. Any alteration of homeostatic stability is a stressful situation and this alteration triggers physiological changes to restore homeostasis. Glucocorticoids are one of the components of the complex set of physiological and behavioral responses to stress. In this work, we use CORT supplied in drinking water to evaluate its effect in blood parameters and physiology in house sparrows (Passer domesticus). To accomplish this, P. domesticus were administered three different doses of CORT in drinking water for 72 h. Body mass, organ mass, pectoral muscle mass, leg muscle mass, and blood parameters (CORT, triglycerides, glucose and uric acid, heterophils/lymphocytes ratio, hematocrit, and serum protein profile) were determined before and after CORT treatment. A 15% decrease in body mass with a significant decrease in pectoral mass were observed after the higher CORT treatment, as well as a decrease in the plasma concentration of uric acid. Lastly, we found a reversal of the heterophils/lymphocytes ratio and a decrease in hematocrit. It was possible to establish first data for baseline and CORT-alteration values in serum protein profile for P. domesticus. Baseline and altered values of blood parameters and serum protein profile could be an important tool in field ecology because they provide important data to assess the physiological condition in wild birds.

Hepatic urea, creatinine and uric acid metabolism in dairy cows with divergent milk urea concentrations

Milk urea concentration is an indicator for dietary nitrogen (N)-supply and urinary N-excretion. Dairy cows with high (HMU) compared to low milk urea (LMU) concentration have greater plasma urea, creatinine and uric acid concentrations, but if the liver metabolism accounts for these differences is unknown. Eighteen HMU and 18 LMU cows were fed a diet with a low (LP) or normal (NP) crude protein concentration. A N balance study was performed and a 13C-urea bolus was administered to measure urea pool size. Liver samples were analyzed by 2D-gel-based proteomics and RT-qPCR. Although HMU cows had a greater urea pool, plasma urea, uric acid, and hippuric acid concentrations, these differences were not associated with altered expressions of genes related to urea cycling or N-metabolism. Instead, HMU cows had higher oxidative stress levels. Conclusively, other factors than hepatic urea metabolism account for milk urea concentrations. Despite higher plasma urea concentrations and argininosuccinate synthase 1 protein expression on the LP diet, urea cycle mRNA expressions were not affected, indicating that its activity is not controlled at transcriptional level. Feeding the LP diet resulted in increased expressions of enzymes catabolizing fatty acids, but the reason remains to be investigated in future studies.

Effects of increasing levels of whole Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in broiler rations on acceptance, nutrient and energy intakes and utilization, and growth performance of broilers

Meal of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), which requires extraction of protein and fat, is a novel protein source for poultry, while unprocessed whole BSFL could even directly be fed to chickens. Newly hatched Ross-308 chicks (n = 252) received whole BSFL at 10% (L10), 20% (L20), or 30% (L30) of voluntary feed intake (FI) of control chickens (CON) that received no BSFL but only age-specific diets (n = 63 birds / group) for 42 days (d). Acceptance and nutrient and energy intake of birds by BSFL and FI were calculated. Plasma metabolites were measured using an automatic enzymatic analyzer and immunoglobulins with ELISA. Depending on the variable, data were analyzed using ANOVA or repeated measures ANOVA to address treatment, time and interaction effects. Birds consumed all offered larvae. With the exception of d1, time spent by birds eating their daily portion of larvae (TSL, min/pen) did not differ among the larvae supply groups (P = 0.982). The L10 had a higher larvae eating rate (LER) that is, speed of larvae intake than did L20 and L30 (P < 0.05), implying increased competition for less available BSFL. The ratio of LER to feed eating rate (FER) was greater than 50 fold change difference (FCD), indicating a strong interest of chickens in BSFL over regular feed. Whole BSFL intake up to 30% of voluntary FI did not adversely affect broiler growth (P > 0.05). The L30 had lower total dry matter and metabolizable energy intakes (P < 0.05), although total fat intake was higher in L30 than in CON (P < 0.05). Compared with CON, 30% whole BSFL increased dietary protein-to-energy ratios, plasma uric acid and serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations (P < 0.05). We conclude that whole BSFL can be included in broiler rations up to 20% without negatively affecting growth performance and nutrient conversion efficiency, whereas a higher proportion is associated with lower protein utilization efficiency, possibly due to lower total energy intake.

Clinicopathologic, Gross Necropsy, and Histopathologic Effects of High-Dose, Repeated Meloxicam Administration in Rhode Island Red Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Meloxicam is a commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for backyard poultry that has demonstrated pharmacodynamic efficacy at a single high dose of 5 mg/ kg. This study characterized the adverse effects of meloxicam administered in chickens at an approximate dose of 5 mg/kg orally twice daily for 5 days. Twenty-one adult Rhode Island Red hens (Gallus gallus domesticus), judged to be healthy based on an external physical examination, complete blood count (CBC), and plasma biochemistry panel, were recruited for this study. The subject birds were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 11) or control group (n = 10) and received a 15-mg tablet of meloxicam or a nonmedicated feed pellet, respectively, orally twice daily. Physical examinations and body weight measurements were performed daily, and observation for clinical signs occurred twice daily. Following completion of the 5-day treatment course, an external physical examination, blood collection for a CBC and plasma biochemistry panel, euthanasia, necropsy, and measurement of meloxicam tissue residues were performed. During the treatment course, 1 hen from the treatment group died with peracute clinical signs, 2 hens from the treatment group died suddenly with no clinical signs, and 1 hen from the treatment group became acutely lethargic and was euthanized. Within the meloxicam group, 7 out of 11 hens had gross and histologic evidence of varying levels of renal acute tubular injury and gout. Plasma uric acid concentrations were above the species reference intervals in all affected hens in the treatment group that were still available for testing. The control group had no evidence of renal injury or gout based on postmortem examinations. Based on the results of this study, repeated oral dosing of meloxicam in chickens at 5 mg/kg twice daily is not recommended.

Clinicopathologic Findings in Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Administered Amikacin Through Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion.

Regional limb perfusion (RLP) has been used to treat cases of distal limb infections in avian species. Potentially nephrotoxic drugs, such as amikacin, may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity with RLP because of the presence of the renal portal system and direct venous blood flow from the pelvic limbs to the kidneys. In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study, the safety of repeated amikacin administration (20 mg/kg q24h for 3 doses) via RLP was evaluated in healthy female chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus; n = 8 treatment, n = 8 saline control group). Plasma uric acid concentrations were not significantly elevated in treated birds compared with the control group at any time point following RLP. One week following the final RLP, birds were necropsied and the kidneys evaluated grossly and histologically. There was no significant difference in renal pathology scores between treated and control birds or between kidneys ipsilateral to the perfused limb and contralateral kidneys. This study concludes that RLP of amikacin at high doses produced no discernable renal pathology in healthy euhydrated chickens.

Plasma Uric Acid Concentration in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in Gezira State – Sudan

Plasma Uric Acid Concentration in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in Gezira State – Sudan

Central administration of neuropeptide Y reduces the cellular heat stress response and may enhance spleen antioxidative functions in heat-exposed chicks

Previously it was found that mRNA expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) was increased in the chicken brain under heat stress. NPY has also been reported as an anti-stress factor to regulate brain functions in heat-exposed chicks. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the action of central NPY in the immune organs under heat stress. The aim of this study was to examine whether central injection of NPY can regulate heat stress response in the spleen and liver. After intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of NPY, chicks were exposed to control thermoneutral temperature (CT: 30 ± 1 °C) or high ambient temperature (HT: 35 ± 1 °C) chambers for 60 min. Central injection of NPY caused lowering in rectal temperature under CT, but not under HT. Moreover, ICV injection of NPY caused a significant lower mRNA expression of heat-shock protein-70 and higher expression of glutathione synthase in the spleen, but not liver. Furthermore, plasma uric acid concentrations were significantly increased by the ICV injection of NPY in chicks under HT. These results indicate that brain NPY may contribute to attenuate the intracellular heat stress response and enhance antioxidative status in the immune organ, spleen in chicks.

State of uric acid in Iraqi patients with Parkinson disease

Uric acid has recently been proposed as a possible cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). The researchers wanted to see how uric acid levels were in persons with Parkinson's disease compared to an age-matched healthy control group. Researchers employed a case control study and a random comparison of plasma uric acid concentrations of collected samples in a clinical neurology department ward at Baghdad education hospital/Medical City and a Parkinson's disease movement disorder clinic. Participants were enrolled in the study from October 2015 to October 2016. We looked examined blood Uric acid levels in 40 Parkinson's disease patients and 40 age-matched healthy controls after controlling for age, sex, race, and geographic location. The Most Important Outcome Measures: Suboptimal Uric acid concentrations have been seen in Parkinson's patients. The results indicated that patients with PD (65%) had lower uric acid levels than controls (22.5%), and that the mean uric acid concentration in PD was (3.24) considerably (P.05) lower than in controls (4.08). The study's findings show that PD patients had much lower uric acid levels than healthy controls. These findings suggest that uric acid may have a role in Parkinson's disease.

Ethnic and sex differences in hepatic lipid content and related cardiometabolic parameters in lean individuals.

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver affects 25% to 30% of the US and European populations; is associated with insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risk; and is defined by hepatic triglyceride (HTG) content greater than 5.56%. However, it is unknown whether HTG content less than 5.56% is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and whether there are ethnic (Asian Indian, AI, versus non-AI) and/or sex differences in these parameters in lean individuals.MethodsWe prospectively recruited 2331 individuals and measured HTG, using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and uric acid. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance and the Matsuda Insulin Sensitivity Index.ResultsThe 95th percentile for HTG in lean non-AI individuals was 1.85%. Plasma insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and uric acid concentrations were increased and HDL-cholesterol was decreased in individuals with HTG content > 1.85% and ≤ 5.56% compared with those individuals with HTG content ≤ 1.85%, and these altered parameters were associated with increased IR. Mean HTG was lower in lean non-AI women compared with lean non-AI men, whereas lean AI men and women had a 40% to 100% increase in HTG when compared with non-AI men and women, which was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors.ConclusionWe found that the 95th percentile of HTG in lean non-AI individuals was 1.85% and that HTG concentrations above this threshold were associated with IR and cardiovascular risk factors. Premenopausal women were protected from these changes whereas young, lean AI men and women manifested increased HTG content and associated cardiometabolic risk factors.FundingGrants from the United States Department of Health and Human Resources (NIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases): R01 DK113984, P30 DK45735, U24 DK59635, and UL1 RR024139; and the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF18CC0034900).

Inflammasomes in placental explants of women with preeclampsia cultured with monosodium urate may be modulated by vitamin D

ABSTRACT Objectives Preeclampsia (PE) is an important syndrome of gestation characterized by placental and systemic inflammation. High plasma concentration of uric acid are frequently associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and may contribute to PE pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the vitamin D (VD) immunomodulatory effect on the NLRP1/NLRP3 inflammasomes in placental explants from preeclamptic (PE) and normotensive (NT) pregnant women. Study design Placental explants from 10 late-onset PE (LOPE), 10 early-onset PE (EOPE), and 10 NT pregnant women were cultured with or without monosodium urate (MSU) and VD. Main outcome measures Gene and protein expression of NLRP1, NLRP3, HMGB1, caspase-1, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-18 were determined by quantitative PCR and Western blotting/ELISA. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results Basal gene and protein expression of NLRP1/NLRP3 and IL-1β, IL-18 and HMGB1 were significantly higher in explants from EOPE compared to LOPE and NT pregnant women. In addition, culture with MSU increased these inflammatory markers, and concomitant treatment with MSU+VD decreased this effect. Conclusions The results demonstrated that NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes are upregulated in the placental tissue of EOPE women, associated with high production of inflammatory cytokines. The in vitro treatment with VD downregulated placental inflammasomes induced by MSU, suggesting its immunomodulatory role in the systemic inflammation of PE.

A Phase I, Randomized, Single-Ascending-Dose, Multiple-Dose, and Food-Effect Trial of the Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of Topiroxostat in Healthy Chinese Participants

Abstract Background: As the structure of the human diet changes, the prevalence of hyperuricemia is increasing each year. Hyperuricemia and its comorbidities, such as gout, severely affect quality of life. Moreover, hyperuricemia causes renal impairment and is associated with chronic kidney disease. Topiroxostat, a selective xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor, has been approved to treat hyperuricemia or gout in Japan. Topiroxostat has shown good tolerance and efficacy in the Japanese population. However, its pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics, efficacy, and safety in the Chinese population remains unknown. Objective: This trial evaluated the PK profile, safety, efficacy, and food effects of Topiroxostat in healthy Chinese participants. Methods: The major endpoint was determination of the PK profile of Topiroxostat. Topiroxostat concentrations were detected with LC-MS/MS. PK parameters were calculated in Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1. Minor endpoints were safety and efficacy assessments. Assessment of adverse events and safety was performed by clinicians. Plasma uric acid concentration (ΔECmax and ΔAUEC) was determined as the pharmacodynamic index. This study consisted of three arms: single ascending dose (20, 40, and 80 mg, N = 10), multiple dose (80 mg BID, 7 days, N = 10), and food effects (40 mg single dose, fasting-fed cross-over design, N = 10). Results: In the single-ascending-dose arm, Topiroxostat showed rapid absorption and excretion, with Tmax &lt;1.6 h and T1/2 2.49–3.72 h. Additionally, Topiroxostat showed a wide distribution, on the basis of moderate Vz/F (242.8–336.36 L). The main PK parameters Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-C showed a linear relationship with dose (R2 = 0.5146, 0.8416, 0.8386, respectively). In the multiple-dose arm, no significant differences were observed in Cmin on days 3–6 (P = 0.265). No serious adverse events were observed. Regarding efficacy, plasma uric acid levels were controlled to low levels during multiple-dose administration. In the food-effects arm, the fed group showed a lower Cmax than the fasting group (316.00 ± 135.81 vs. 478.40 ± 175.42 ng/mL, P = 0.033) but demonstrated better efficacy (ΔECmax, P &lt; 0.001; ΔAUEC, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Topiroxostat showed rapid absorption and a broad distribution in healthy Chinese adults. Additionally, it showed good safety and tolerance in the Chinese population. Moreover, the pharmacodynamic profile indicated that post cibum administration increased the efficacy of Topiroxostat.

Age and Gender-Specific Reference Intervals for Uric Acid Level in Children Aged 5-14 Years in Southeast Zhejiang Province of China: Hyperuricemia in Children May Need Redefinition.

Context: Hyperuricemia is defined when the plasma uric acid concentration is above 416 μmol/L (7 mg/dl) in male adults, or 357 μmol/L (6 mg/dl) in female adults. However, there are no explicit criteria yet for children.Objective: It is necessary to set up reference intervals for the uric acid level in different age groups among children.Materials and Methods: A total of 5,439 individuals (3,258 males, 2,181 females) were included in the final statistical analysis. Reference values of all age groups were determined by statistical descriptions. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine the relationship between uric acid level, BMI, and age.Results: The level of uric acid increased with age. Gender differences in uric acid level occurred after the onset of puberty. Additionally, linear regression revealed a positive correlation between the uric acid level and BMI.Discussion and Conclusion: The reference range of the uric acid level in children is inconsistent with the previous viewpoint. Body mass index plays an important role in uric acid metabolism.

Effects of maternal and progeny dietary selenium supplementation on growth performance and antioxidant capacity in ducklings

This study evaluated the effects of selenium (Se) supplementation in maternal and offspring diets on performance and antioxidant capacity of ducklings aged from 0 to 2 wk. A total of 144 female Longyan duck breeders aged 22-wk were allotted into 2 treatments and fed a control diet or a 0.16 mg Se/kg supplemented diet. At 40-wk, 120 offspring from each treatment were divided into 2 groups, with 6 replicates of 10 birds. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, ducklings from each maternal dietary treatment were assigned to a control diet or a 0.16 mg Se/kg supplemented diet from hatch to 2-wk. Compared with Se-deficient diet, maternal diet supplemented with 0.16 mg Se/kg increased the BW of hatchlings (P < 0.01). There were interactions between maternal and progeny diet with 0.16 mg Se/kg in BW of ducklings aged 2 wk and BW gain (BWG) as ducklings from maternal Se/progeny none treatment had the lightest BW and BWG (P < 0.01). Maternal diet with 0.16 mg Se/kg decreased plasma concentration of uric acid and insulin-like growth factor 1 (P < 0.01), and progeny diet supplemented with 0.16 mg Se/kg increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) in plasma and glutathione peroxidase 1 in erythrocyte (P < 0.01). Maternal diet with 0.16 mg Se/kg increased (P < 0.05) the hepatic activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD). Progeny diet supplemented with 0.16 mg Se/kg increased (P < 0.01) hepatic activity of GPx3 and decreased (P < 0.01) the hepatic concentration of malondialdehyde. Interactions were detected between maternal and progeny diet with 0.16 mg Se/kg in hepatic activity of T-SOD and maternal and progeny diet supplemented with Se displayed the highest hepatic activity of T-SOD (P < 0.05). Overall, Se supplementation in the diet of duck breeders and offspring increased the antioxidant capacity of ducklings. Maternal Se supplementation increased the BW of hatchlings, whereas maternal and progeny dietary Se supplementation did not affect the BWG of ducklings aged from 0 to 2 wk. Se supplementation with additional 0.16 mg/kg in the diet of duck breeders and offspring displayed beneficial effects particularly on the antioxidant capacity in ducklings.