Energy Metabolism In Rats Research Articles

Turmeric as a therapeutic agent against arsenic-induced metabolic dysregulation in rat models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHealth hazards stemming from metalloid consumption, such as arsenic, pose a global concern. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of turmeric against arsenic-induced alterations in lipid profiles and energy metabolism in rats. MethodsThirty male rats were divided into three groups over a 90–180-day exposure period: Group 1 (Control) received standard rat chow; Group 2 received an arsenic diet; and Group 3 received arsenic plus turmeric supplemented diet. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for lipid profiles, glucose levels, energy metabolism parameters, and PPAR-α mRNA expression using qRT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed (p<0.05). ResultsResults indicated significant (p<0.05) increases in lipid profiles among arsenic-exposed rats after 180 days, elevating the risk of coronary artery diseases. Both arsenic and turmeric-exposed groups showed heightened total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels at 90 and 180 days, with nuanced differences suggesting dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Blood glucose observations revealed hypoglycemia initially in arsenic-exposed rats, progressing to hyperglycemia by 180 days. Arsenic significantly (p<0.05) inhibited pyruvate kinase, hexokinase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities in the liver after 180 days, while turmeric exposure showed no significant (p<0.05) changes. Additionally, both arsenic and turmeric groups exhibited downregulation of PPAR-α expression at 180 days. In-silico analysis identified curcumin as a promising component for anti-atherosclerosis and arsenic-related conditions due to its strong binding affinities and multiple hydrogen bond formations. ConclusionIn conclusion, long-term turmeric consumption may mitigate arsenic-induced oxidative damage associated with early hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and atherosclerosis. These findings underscore turmeric’s potential therapeutic role against arsenic toxicity, suggesting avenues for future research and public health interventions.

NMR-Based Analysis of Cellular Central Energy Metabolism and Exchange Rates.

Cell cultures are widely used in studies to gain mechanistic insights of metabolic processes. The foundation of these studies lies on the quantification of intracellular and extracellular metabolites, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the key analytical platforms used to this aim. Among the factors influencing the quality of the produced data are the sampling procedures as well as the acquisition and processing of spectroscopic data. Here we provide our workflow for obtaining quantitative metabolic data from adherent mammalian cells using NMR spectroscopy. The described protocol is compatible with other analytical methods like LC- or GC-MS-based lipidomics and untargeted metabolomics from the same sample. We also show how the collected extracellular data can be used to extract exchange flux rates, particularly useful for flux analysis studies and metabolic engineering of human-induced pluripotent stem cells.

456 Allocating distribution of pasture utilization across the grazing landscape in grazing steers equipped with virtual fencing collars

Abstract Spatial utilization of pasture landscapes by grazing animals is often heterogeneous and driven by complex environmental and physiological interactions between plants and animals. Synergistic energy pathways can be modeled using mechanistic relationships describing resource distribution, animal behavior, metabolic energy rate, and pasture utilization using biometric sensors. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the ability to measure the energy landscape by mapping fine-scale contributions to animal energy expenditure, nutrient acquisition, growth, and overall economic profitability. We utilized animal trajectories and location fixes recorded by virtual fencing collars (Vence) daily body weight (BW) using precision livestock scales (Smartscale, C-Lock Inc.) and oxygen consumption (GreenFeeds, C-Lock Inc.) on steers (n = 127), managed as part of a broader project to evaluate environmental synergies in extensive grazing systems. Steers were allocated to one of six native grass pastures assigned to either rotational or continuous grazing strategies, and one of three stocking rates (low, moderate, high) in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. Space utilization was quantified as the frequency of fixes located within each cell of a 5 x 5-meter Grid and the distance between grid cells and water was calculated using the Pythagorean theorem. Movement behavior was quantified using Program R to calculate step length, the distance between two temporally continuous fix points utilizing the Pythagorean Theorem, and turn angles calculated as the cosine of the pre- and pro-ceeding step lengths where larger values indicated greater deviation from a straight trajectory. A mixed linear regression model was fitted using the lmer function in the lme4 package. Space utilization decreased with increased distance from water (P &amp;lt; 0.05), with rotational grazing strategies increasing concentration around water sources (P &amp;lt; 0.05). This indicates an opportunity to utilize precision livestock technology to facilitate pasture management and increase space utilization in grazing cattle.

Insights into muscle metabolic energetics: Modelling muscle-tendon mechanics and metabolic rates during walking across speeds.

The metabolic energy rate of individual muscles is impossible to measure without invasive procedures. Prior studies have produced models to predict metabolic rates based on experimental observations of isolated muscle contraction from various species. Such models can provide reliable predictions of metabolic rates in humans if muscle properties and control are accurately modeled. This study aimed to examine how muscle-tendon model individualization and metabolic energy models influenced estimation of muscle-tendon states and time-series metabolic rates, to evaluate the agreement with empirical data, and to provide predictions of the metabolic rate of muscle groups and gait phases across walking speeds. Three-dimensional musculoskeletal simulations with prescribed kinematics and dynamics were performed. An optimal control formulation was used to compute muscle-tendon states with four levels of individualization, ranging from a scaled generic model and muscle controls based on minimal activations, inclusion of calibrated muscle passive forces, personalization of Achilles and quadriceps tendon stiffnesses, to finally informing muscle controls with electromyography. We computed metabolic rates based on existing models. Simulations with calibrated passive forces and personalized tendon stiffness most accurately estimate muscle excitations and fiber lengths. Interestingly, the inclusion of electromyography did not improve our estimates. The whole-body average metabolic cost was better estimated with a subset of metabolic energy models. We estimated metabolic rate peaks near early stance, pre-swing, and initial swing at all walking speeds. Plantarflexors accounted for the highest cost among muscle groups at the preferred speed and were similar to the cost of hip adductors and abductors combined. Also, the swing phase accounted for slightly more than one-quarter of the total cost in a gait cycle, and its relative cost decreased with walking speed. Our prediction might inform the design of assistive devices and rehabilitation treatment. The code and experimental data are available online.

Utility of melatonin on brain injury, synaptic transmission, and energy metabolism in rats with sepsis.

Melatonin is a powerful endogenous antioxidant hormone. Its healing effects on energy balance and neuronal damage associated with oxidative metabolism disorders have been reported in pathologic conditions. We aimed to determinate the utility of melatonin on neuronal damage, synaptic transmission, and energy balance in the brain tissue of rats with sepsis induced with LPS. Rats was divided into four groups such as control, LPS (20mg/kg i.p.), melatonin (10mg/kg i.p. × 3), and LPS + Melatonin (LPS + Mel). After 6h from the first injection, rats were decapitated, and also tissue and serum samples were taken. Lipid peroxidation and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were determined from the serum in all group. High energy compounds, creatine, and creatine phosphate are measured by HPLC methods from the homogenized tissue. Counts of living neurons are marked with NeuN (neuronal nuclei), degenerated neurons are marked with S100-ß and synaptic vesicles transmission is analyzed with synaptophysin antibodies immunoreactivities. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests were used to statistical analysis. In LPS group, AMP, ATP, creatine, and creatine phosphate levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and also ADP levels were significantly increased compared with the other groups (p < 0.01). Living neurons counts were significantly decreased in LPS (p < 0.01), melatonin, and LPS + Melatonin (p < 0.05) groups compared with control. Degenerated neurons counts were increased in LPS group compared with control (p < 0.01) and also decreased in both of melatonin and LPS + Melatonin groups (p < 0.01). Synaptophysin immunoreactivity was decreased in LPS group compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). We observed that melatonin administration prevents neuronal damage, regulates energy metabolism, and protects synaptic vesicle proteins from sepsis-induced reduction.

Are anti-gravity treadmills reliable to explore exercise energy metabolism at low degrees of alleviation in normal-weight male individuals?

Exploring the independent effect of mechanical discharge in response to weight loss (WL) seems necessary but remains highly challenging from a methodological point. Anti-gravity treadmills could be relevant to simulate a mechanical WL by body weight support (BWS), but their reliability remains unclear to properly explore exercise energy metabolism, especially at low degrees of alleviations. The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of an anti-gravity treadmill to generate BWS, and the reproducibility of cardiometabolic responses to an exercise performed at low degrees of BWS on this device. Observed BWS of 18 normal-weight males was obtained twice at seven degrees of target BWS (i.e., 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18%) using a digital scale inside the anti-gravity treadmill, and was compared to the expected BWS. Then, 15 of them performed 5-min bout of low-intensity walking exercise at these degrees of BWS in a randomized order, separated by 4-min rest. The exercise was identically repeated on three occasions separated by a minimum of 3 days. Energy metabolism and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout the exercise by indirect calorimetry and a HR monitor, respectively. The observed BWS were significantly different from the expected BWS (p< 0.001), and there was a high inter- and intra-individual variability in BWS generated by the anti-gravity treadmill. Results showed an overall good reliability of VO2 (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) values ranging from 0.67 to 0.85) and HR (ICC > 0.8) in response to exercise. An effect of the degree of BWS was observed for VO2 (p< 0.001), illustrating reduced values at 15% and 18% of BWS compared to 0, 3, and 6%. Such device might not be adapted to simulate low degrees of WL in normal-weight males, particularly when it comes to the exploration of energy metabolism.

Pharmaceutical composition of 1,2,4-trioxolanes with betulin in fish oil. Effect on oxidative and energy metabolism in the treatment of burns in rats

Background. Ozonation products of unsaturated fatty acids in fats and oils – 1,2,4-trioxolanes – which contribute to the normalization of oxidative and energy metabolism in various diseases, may be a promising substance for the creation of new combined anti-burn drugs.The aim. To study the effect of 1,2,4-trioxolanes in a pharmaceutical composition with betulin, which exhibits wound-healing properties, on indicators of oxidative stress and on energy metabolism in the treatment of burns in an experiment onrats. Methods. The experiments were carried out on 50 male Wistar rats with seconddegree skin burns. We assessed the activity of glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as the level of lipid peroxidation indicators.Results. The properties of 1,2,4-trioxolanes were studied and a pharmaceutical composition of 1,2,4-trioxolanes with betulin from birch bark in fish oil was developed. The effect of this composition on oxidative and energy metabolism in rats during the treatment of burns was studied. The activation of NADP/H and NAD/H dependent enzymes (glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase), as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and the normalization of lipid peroxidation parameters under the influence of the studied composition in the treatment of burns were revealed. The effect of the composition on the energy metabolism of erythrocytes was noted, which was assessed by changes in the ratio of lactate dehydrogenase activity in the reverse and direct reactions. Morphohistological studies showed that using the composition under normal conditions and in case of a burn had no effect on the structure of the stomach wall, and also improved the condition of the burn wound on the day 10 compared to the wound condition in animals without treatment.Conclusion. The proposed composition of 1,2,4-trioxolanes and betulin in fish oil, which allows normalizing oxidative and energy metabolism and improving the condition of a burn wound without toxic effects on the stomach wall, can be used as an element of additional therapy in the treatment of burns.

Long-Term Consumption of Purified Water Altered Amino Acid, Fatty Acid and Energy Metabolism in Livers of Rats.

The consumption of low-mineral water has been increasing worldwide. Drinking low-mineral water is associated with cardiovascular disease, osteopenia, and certain neurodegenerative diseases. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. The liver metabolic alterations in rats induced by drinking purified water for 3 months were investigated with a metabolomics-based strategy. Compared with the tap water group, 74 metabolites were significantly changed in the purified water group (6 increased and 68 decreased), including 29 amino acids, 11 carbohydrates, 10 fatty acids, 7 short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and 17 other biomolecules. Eight metabolic pathways were significantly changed, namely aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; nitrogen metabolism; alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; histidine metabolism; biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids; butanoate metabolism; and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. These changes suggested that consumption of purified water induced negative nitrogen balance, reduced expression of some polyunsaturated fatty acids and SCFAs, and disturbed energy metabolism in rats. These metabolic disturbances may contribute to low-mineral-water-associated health risks. The health risk of consuming low-mineral water requires attention.

Exogenous erythropoietin increases hematological status, fat oxidation, and aerobic performance in males following prolonged strenuous training.

This study investigated the effects of EPO on hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct), time trial (TT) performance, substrate oxidation, and skeletal muscle phenotype throughout 28 days of strenuous exercise. Eight males completed this longitudinal controlled exercise and feeding study using EPO (50 IU/kg body mass) 3×/week for 28 days. Hgb, Hct, and TT performance were assessed PRE and on Days 7, 14, 21, and 27 of EPO. Rested/fasted muscle obtained PRE and POST EPO were analyzed for gene expression, protein signaling, fiber type, and capillarization. Substrate oxidation and glucose turnover were assessed during 90-min of treadmill load carriage (LC; 30% body mass; 55 ± 5% V̇O2peak) exercise using indirect calorimetry, and 6-6-[2H2]-glucose PRE and POST. Hgb and Hct increased, and TT performance improved on Days 21 and 27 compared to PRE (p < 0.05). Energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and metabolic clearance rate during LC increased (p < 0.05) from PRE to POST. Myofiber type, protein markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, and capillarization were unchanged PRE to POST. Transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial activity and fat metabolism increased from PRE to POST (p < 0.05). These data indicate EPO administration during 28 days of strenuous exercise can enhance aerobic performance through improved oxygen carrying capacity, whole-body and skeletal muscle fat metabolism.

The Effect of Cold-Water Swimming on Energy Metabolism, Dynamics, and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in the Muscles of Aging Rats.

Our study aimed to explore the potential positive effects of cold water exercise on mitochondrial biogenesis and muscle energy metabolism in aging rats. The study involved 32 male and 32 female rats aged 15 months, randomly assigned to control sedentary animals, animals training in cold water at 5 ± 2 °C, or animals training in water at thermal comfort temperature (36 ± 2 °C). The rats underwent swimming training for nine weeks, gradually increasing the duration of the sessions from 2 min to 4 min per day, five days a week. The results demonstrated that swimming in thermally comfortable water improved the energy metabolism of aging rat muscles (increased metabolic rates expressed as increased ATP, ADP concentration, TAN (total adenine nucleotide) and AEC (adenylate energy charge value)) and increased mRNA and protein expression of fusion regulatory proteins. Similarly, cold-water swimming improved muscle energy metabolism in aging rats, as shown by an increase in muscle energy metabolites and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. It can be concluded that the additive effect of daily activity in cold water influenced both an increase in the rate of energy metabolism in the muscles of the studied animals and an intensification of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics (related to fusion and fragmentation processes). Daily activity in warm water also resulted in an increase in the rate of energy metabolism in muscles, but at the same time did not cause significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics.

Energy Metabolites and Indicative Significance of α-Ketoglutarate and α-Ketoglutaramate in Assessing the Progression of Chronic Hepatoencephalopathy.

In the example of a rat model with chronic hepatoencephalopathy (HE), changes in the organ morphology of rats affect the balance of metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and metabolites of the glutamine-glutamate (Gln-Glu) cycle, namely α-ketoglutarate (αKG) and α-ketoglutaramate (αKGM), as well as the enzymes associated with them, ω-amidase (ωA) and glutamine transaminase (GTK). This model of rats was obtained as a result of 2-22 weeks of consumption by animals of hepatotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) added to drinking water at a concentration of 0.4 g/L. The control (n = 26) and TAA-induced (n = 55) groups of rats consisted of 11 cohorts each. The control cohorts consisted of 2-4 rats, and the TAA-induced cohorts consisted of 4-7 individuals. Every two weeks, samples of blood plasma, liver, kidney, and brain tissues were taken from the next cohort of rats (a total of 320 samples). By the end of the experiment, irreversible morphological changes were observed in the organs of rats: the weight of the animals was reduced up to ~45%, the weight of the kidneys up to 5%, the brain up to ~20%, and the weight of the liver increased up to ~20%. The analysis revealed: (i) a decrease in the activity of ωA and GTK in the tissues of the brain, kidneys, and liver of rats with chronic HE (by ~3, 40, and 65% and ~10, 60, and 70%, respectively); and (ii) the appearance of a significant imbalance in the content of metabolites of the Gln-Glu cycle, αKG, and αKGM. It is indicative that a ~1.5-12-fold increase in the level of αKG in the blood plasma and tissues of the organs of rats with chronic HE was accompanied by a synchronous, ~1.2-2.5-fold decrease in the level of αKGM. The data obtained indicate an essential involvement of the Gln-Glu cycle in the regulation of energy metabolism in rats under conditions of chronic HE. Attention is focused on the significance of the αKG/αKGM ratio, which can act as a potential marker for diagnosing the degree of HE development.

Myocardial proteome changes in aortic stenosis rats subjected to long-term aerobic exercise.

The effects of exercise training (ET) on the heart of aortic stenosis (AS) rats are controversial and the mechanisms involved in alterations induced by ET have been poorly clarified. In this study, we analyzed the myocardial proteome to identify proteins modulated by moderate-intensity aerobic ET in rats with chronic supravalvular AS. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary control (C-Sed), exercised control (C-Ex), sedentary aortic stenosis (AS-Sed), and exercised AS (AS-Ex). ET consisted of five treadmill running sessions per week for 16 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis and Goodman tests. Results were discussed at a significance level of 5%. At the end of the experiment, AS-Ex rats had higher functional capacity, lower blood lactate concentration, and better cardiac structural and left ventricular (LV) functional parameters than the AS-Sed. Myocardial proteome analysis showed that AS-Sed had higher relative protein abundance related to the glycolytic pathway, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and lower relative protein abundance related to beta-oxidation than C-Sed. AS-Ex had higher abundance of one protein related to mitochondrial biogenesis and lower relative protein abundance associated with oxidative stress and inflammation than AS-Sed. Proteomic data were validated for proteins related to lipid and glycolytic metabolism. Chronic pressure overload changes the abundance of myocardial proteins that are mainly involved in lipid and glycolytic energy metabolism in rats. Moderate-intensity aerobic training attenuates changes in proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation and increases the COX4I1 protein, related to mitochondrial biogenesis. Protein changes are combined with improved functional capacity, cardiac remodeling, and LV function in AS rats.

Saengmaeksan, a traditional polyherbal formulation containing Panax ginseng, improves energy metabolism during exercise.

Saengmaeksan (SMS), a representative oriental medicine that contains Panax ginseng Meyer, Liriope muscari, and Schisandra chinensis (1:2:1), is used to improve body vitality and enhance physical activity. However, there is limited scientific evidence to validate the benefits of SMS. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo regulatory effects of SMS and its constituents on energy metabolism and the underlying molecular mechanisms. For this, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, 3D holotomographic microscopy, western blotting, and glucose uptake experiments using 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) were performed using L6 cells to investigate in vitro energy metabolism changes. In addition, 18F-fluorocholine (18F-FCH) and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) analyses, immunohistochemistry, and respiratory gas analysis were performed in mice post-endurance exercise on a treadmill. In the energy metabolism of L6 cells, a significant reversal in glucose uptake was observed in the SMS-treated group, as opposed to an increase in uptake over time compared to the untreated control group. Furthermore, P. ginseng alone and SMS significantly decreased the volume of lipid droplets. SMS also regulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylation of p38, mitochondrial morphology, and the expression of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE/Ref-1) in H2O2-stimulated L6 cells. In addition, SMS treatment was found to regulate whole body and muscle energy metabolism in rats subjected to high-intensity exercise, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle. Therefore, SMS containing P. ginseng ameliorated imbalanced energy metabolism through oxidative stress-induced APE/Ref-1 expression. SMS may be a promising supplemental option for metabolic performance.

HIF‐1α Affects Sperm Autophagy and Motility

Male infertility is frequently caused by decreased sperm motility. Sperm of low progressive motility showed abnormal energy metabolism and elevated autophagy rate, although the specific mechanisms remain elusive. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is a transcription factor activated by hypoxia and plays a crucial role in regulating biological oxygen homeostasis. Negative correlation between sperm motility and HIF‐1α expression and a potential association with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were observed. To further explore the mechanisms by which HIF‐1α impacts sperm motility, normal human sperm were treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2) or YC‐1. Sperm autophagy rate, ATP production, levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and HIF‐1α, p‐AKT, p‐mTOR, and LC3B were assessed. The results showed that CoCl2 or YC‐1 decreased sperm motility and increased sperm autophagy rate. The levels of intracellular ROS, HIF‐1α, p‐AKT, p‐mTOR, and LC3B were significantly increased, while the levels of sperm ATP and MMP reduced. These findings suggested that HIF‐1α might affect mitochondrial structure and energy generation, leading to increased autophagy rate and decreased motility in human sperm, with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway potentially playing a role in this process by exerting an inhibitory effect on autophagy.

Hindbrain REV-ERB nuclear receptors regulate sensitivity to diet-induced obesity and brown adipose tissue pathophysiology

ObjectiveThe dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the hindbrain is a major point of integration for central and peripheral signals that regulate a wide variety of metabolic functions to maintain energy balance. The REV-ERB nuclear receptors are important modulators of molecular metabolism, but their role in the DVC has yet to be established. MethodsMale REV-ERBα/β floxed mice received stereotaxic injections of a Cre expressing virus to the DVC to create the DVC REV-ERBα/β double knockout (DVC RDKO). Control littermates received stereotaxic injections to the DVC of a green fluorescent protein expressing virus. Animals were maintained on a normal chow diet or a 60% high-fat diet to observe the metabolic phenotype arising from DVC RDKO under healthy and metabolically stressed conditions. ResultsDVC RDKO animals on high-fat diet exhibited increased weight gain compared to control animals maintained on the same diet. Increased weight gain in DVC RDKO animals was associated with decreased basal metabolic rate and dampened signature of brown adipose tissue activity. RDKO decreased gene expression of calcitonin receptor in the DVC and tyrosine hydroxylase in the brown adipose tissue. ConclusionsThese results suggest a previously unappreciated role of REV-ERB nuclear receptors in the DVC for maintaining energy balance and metabolic rate potentially through indirect sympathetic outflow to the brown adipose tissue.

Unexpected Differences in the Speed of Non-Malignant versus Malignant Cell Migration Reveal Differential Basal Intracellular ATP Levels

Cellular locomotion is required for survival, fertility, proper embryonic development, regeneration, and wound healing. Cell migration is a major component of metastasis, which accounts for two-thirds of all solid tumor deaths. While many studies have demonstrated increased energy requirements, metabolic rates, and migration of cancer cells compared with normal cells, few have systematically compared normal and cancer cell migration as well as energy requirements side by side. Thus, we investigated how non-malignant and malignant cells migrate, utilizing several cell lines from the breast and lung. Initial screening was performed in an unbiased high-throughput manner for the ability to migrate/invade on collagen and/or Matrigel. We unexpectedly observed that all the non-malignant lung cells moved significantly faster than cells derived from lung tumors regardless of the growth media used. Given the paradigm-shifting nature of our discovery, we pursued the mechanisms that could be responsible. Neither mass, cell doubling, nor volume accounted for the individual speed and track length of the normal cells. Non-malignant cells had higher levels of intracellular ATP at premigratory-wound induction stages. Meanwhile, cancer cells also increased intracellular ATP at premigratory-wound induction, but not to the levels of the normal cells, indicating the possibility for further therapeutic investigation.

Metabolic Energy Consumption during Green Area Management

The energy consumption measurement is important to carry out a correct risk evaluation of workers during green area management with the scope to achieve workstyle improvements. In contrast to sporting activities, few studies have been conducted on the assessment of physical fatigue by determining the functional parameters of the human body and oxygen consumption in this sector. This study aims to measure the energy cost of weed control using a wearable telemetry system Cosmed K4. For this purpose, twelve male workers, grouped into three groups of four workers each, were monitored during the work of weed control carried out with a brush cutter (by testing three different cutting heads). The monitoring period lasted 18 min including a 5-min rest period at the end of work. This study shows how the use of facilitating tools such as brush cutters contributes to getting low energy metabolism rate values, in tests performed equally on average to 119 Wm−2.

Obesity in dogs: dimension of the problem and effects of feed

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem which affects between 30 – 60 % of the pet population world-wide. It is mainly caused by an energy consumption greater than the animal’s requirement; and needs to be detected and faced accordingly because it negatively affects their well-being and longevity. Some important observations are; although it has been reported that depends on the composition of the diet, that dogs fed 2 times a day have lower blood glucose levels, as well as insulin levels showing the same tendency as glucose. Ghrelin and GLP1 concentrations are no different feeding 1 or 2 times a day. Energy expenditure through physical activity is important as it increases the rate of energy utilization and helps to raise the metabolic rate, which contributes to a comprehensive weight reduction program. Metabolic Energy Rate (MER) in sterilized dogs is lower than for intact animals; therefore, sterilization of pets increases the risk of obesity. The level of protein in the diet is important for promoting body protein synthesis and tissue repair. High protein diets work best when feed is offered ad libitum. Omega fatty acids reduce plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and insulin. Dietary fiber helps to significantly reduce blood cholesterol and triglycerides.

The hypothalamus as a key regulator of glucose homeostasis: emerging roles of the brain renin-angiotensin system.

The regulation of plasma glucose levels is a complex and multifactorial process involving a network of receptors and signaling pathways across numerous organs that act in concert to ensure homeostasis. However, much about the mechanisms and pathways by which the brain regulates glycemic homeostasis remains poorly understood. Understanding the precise mechanisms and circuits employed by the central nervous system to control glucose is critical to resolving the diabetes epidemic. The hypothalamus, a key integrative center within the central nervous system, has recently emerged as a critical site in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of the hypothalamus in regulating glucose homeostasis, with an emphasis on the paraventricular nucleus, the arcuate nucleus, the ventromedial hypothalamus, and lateral hypothalamus. In particular, we highlight the emerging role of the brain renin-angiotensin system in the hypothalamus in regulating energy expenditure and metabolic rate, as well as its potential importance in the regulation of glucose homeostasis.

Influence of secretome obtained from preovulatory follicular fluid on energy metabolism and meiotic competence of equine cumulus–oocyte complexes

Secretome is composed by proteins and microvesicles secreted by the granulosa cells that line the follicular wall. These bioactive compounds promote follicular growth and oocyte maturation, influencing oocyte metabolism. Hence, we hypothesized that addition of secretome from preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) to maturation medium may influence the meiotic competence and metabolism of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) obtained post mortem. FF was retrieved from preovulatory follicles (2 mares) after 32h of hCG administration. Three ml of FF from both mares were pooled, diluted 1:1 in PBS and centrifuged (4000g, 1h at 4°C) using a 10K Amicon® Ultra-15 Centrifugal Filter Unit and protein concentration was measured. A total of 186 COCs were retrieved from post mortem ovaries and were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) in TCM-199 medium, 10% of FBS and 5 mU/ml of FSH (Control; 59 oocytes) or with 20 µg/ml of secretome (Secretome20; 66 oocytes) or with 40 µg/ml of secretome (Secretome40; 61 oocytes) for 28 h in 5% CO2/95% air at 38.2°C. Oocytes were denuded, fixed in 4% formaldehyde and stained with Hoechst 33342 to assess chromatin conformation by fluorescence microscopy. Also, selected metabolites of the maturation medium prior to andafter IVM were assessed by magnetic proton nuclear resonance spectroscopy. After IVM, a trend towards glucose consumption and pyruvic acid production was observed compared to their controls prior IVM; a significant increase in lactic acid production in all treatments was observed (Table 1; p < 0.05). Our results show a tendency for quicker meiosis resumption in COCs incubated with Secretome40 (Table 2). In conclusion, secretome obtained from preovulatory follicular fluid added during IVM does not change COCs’ energy metabolism nor maturation rate of equine cumulus-oocyte complexes in our in vitro culture system. Funding: MCCIN/AEI (PID2020-112723RB-I00; RYC-2017-21545; RYC2020-028915-I), Junta de Extremadura-FEDER (IB20005).