Related Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

The effect of lactose intolerance on plasma glucose levels and related biochemical parameters

Aim: To determine the effect of lactose intolerance on serum glucose levels and related biochemical parameters in the adult population who refrain from consuming milk and milk products.
 Material and Method: This retrospective, observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital between January 2016 and December 2019 with 296 participants. Plasma glucose, calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, folate, vitamin B12, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and ferritin levels were controlled. Patients with positive lactose intolerance test results were accepted as the study group and negative results were accepted as the control group, and data of two groups were compared.
 Results: Of the total 296 participants 212 (71.7%) were found to have lactose intolerance and 84 (28.3%) were found to be normal. In the lactose intolerant group, blood glucose levels were significantly lower than the control group (5.14±0.53 mmol/L versus 5.47±0.54 mmol/L, p

Influence of Age on Haematology, Serum Biochemistry and Lipid Profile of ‎Stallions in Ilorin, Nigeria

This study determined the influence of age on haematological and serum biochemical parameters and lipid profiles of stallions in Ilorin, Nigeria. Blood samples of 50 (3-16 years of age) apparently healthy stallions were collected from different stables within Ilorin metropolis, and haematological and serum biochemical parameters were determined according to standard procedures. The stallions were grouped into three: <5 years (n=12), 6-11 years (n=33) and >11 years (n=5). The values obtained were subjected to a one-way ANOVA (p<0.05) using Tukey’s multiple comparison test as post test to determine the significant differences in the haematological and serum biochemical parameters in relation to age differences. Stallions with less than 5 years of age showed significant (p< 0.001) increase in PCV, red blood cell and haemoglobin counts when compared with stallions aged 6-11 years and above 11 years. Serum albumin and triglycerides for the <5 years of age stallion significantly reduced and increased respectively when compared to the stallions aged 6-11 years and above 11 years. There was no significant difference in cholesterol, white blood cell, neutrophils and lymphocytes counts. Age influences haematological and serum biochemical parameters in stallions. This is more noticeable in stallions aged five years and below. The findings from this study will guide clinicians in interpretations of haematological and serum biochemical values in different age group of stallions.

Dietary supplementation with Pediococcus pentosaceus enhances the innate immune response in and promotes growth of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp.

To reach the sustainable development goals on health management in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp culture, Pediococcus pentosaceus AB01 was supplemented in shrimp diet. In this study, the control diet and three experimental diets containing P.pentosaceus AB01 (108 , 109 , 1010 CFU/g) were separately introduced to L.vannamei for a 28 days feeding trial. After the feeding trial, percent weight gain, feeding efficiency, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly elevated in L.vannamei administered with P.pentosaceus AB01 at 109 and 1010 colony-forming unit (CFU)/g. Protease, amylase, and trypsin were found at higher levels in the probiotic-supplied groups. The feeding of shrimps with P.pentosaceus AB01 significantly increased innate immune response and levels of related biochemical parameters in the haemolymph. After the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge, supplementation of P.pentosaceus AB01 had significant positive effects (p < .05) on survival rate, compared to that of the control diet. The higher resistance of L.vannamei to WSSV might have been due to alterations in the gut microbiome composition and upregulation of the Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) signalling pathway. Hence, P.pentosaceus AB01 may be a promising alternative feed to promote growth rate, modulate microbiota composition, and enhance immunity in L.vannamei shrimp.

How training loads in the preparation and competitive period affect the biochemical indicators of training stress in youth soccer players?

BackgroundPhysical fitness optimization and injury risk-reducing require extensive monitoring of training loads and athletes’ fatigue status. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 6-month training program on the training-related stress indicators (creatine kinase – CK; cortisol – COR; serotonin – SER; brain-derived neurotrophic factor – BDNF) in youth soccer players.MethodsEighteen players (17.8 ± 0.9 years old, body height 181.6 ± 6.9 cm, training experience 9.7 ± 1.7 years) were blood-tested four times: at the start of the preparation period (T0), immediately following the preparation period (T1), mid-competitive period (T2), and at the end of the competitive period (T3). CK activity as well as concentrations of serum COR, SER and BDNF were determined. Training loads were recorded using a session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE).ResultsStatistical analyzes revealed significant effects for all biochemical parameters in relation to their time measurements (T0, T1, T2, T3). The statistical analyzes of sRPE and differences of biochemical parameters in their subsequent measurements (T0–T1, T1–T2, T2–T3) also demonstrated significant effects observed for all variables: sRPE (HKW = 13.189 (df = 2); p = 0.00), COR (HKW = 9.261 (df = 2); p = 0.01), CK (HKW = 12.492 (df = 2); p = 0.00), SER (HKW = 7.781 (df = 2); p = 0.02) and BDNF (HKW = 15.160 (df = 2); p < 0.001).DiscussionIn conclusion, it should be stated that the most demanding training loads applied in the preparation period (highest sRPE values) resulted in a significant increase in all analyzed biochemical training stress indicators. The reduction in the training loads during a competitive period and the addition of recovery training sessions resulted in a systematic decrease in the values of the measured biochemical indicators. The results of the study showed that both subjective and objective markers, including training loads, are useful in monitoring training stress in youth soccer players.

Protective effects of L-arginine on cognitive deficits and biochemical parameters in an experimental model of type-2 diabetes mellitus induced Alzheimer's disease in rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been closely linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance plays a key role in the onset and development of AD. It has also been reported that NO donors play an important role in diabetes and have neuroprotective activity. The present study evaluated the effects NOS substrate, L-arginine and NOS-blocker, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on cognitive functions, brain amyloid β levels and other associated biochemical markers in diabetes (T2DM)-induced AD in rats. T2DM was induced by a combination of high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Pretreatment with L-arginine (100 mg/kg/day) improved diabetes related biochemical parameters viz. plasma glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. In addition, L-arginine also improved insulin levels and glucose tolerance. On the other hand, NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (10 mg/kg), did not have much influence on these parameters. Further, L-arginine treatment showed ameliorative effects on cognitive deficits seen in the Morris water maze (MWM) test when compared to the vehicle (saline) treated group and similar results were observed in the passive avoidance test. These neurobehavioural changes were associated with predictable modulations in Aβ levels in hippocampus and cortex in HFD + STZ + saline group, which were attenuated in the L-arginine, but not in the L-NAME-treated group. Our results indicate that L-arginine could be a considered a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate the diabetes induced cognitive deficits in AD.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Following the Administration of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Pharmacovigilance Study.

BackgroundAlthough several metabolic and nutritional disorders (MNDs) have been reported in the recipients of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), these events have not been fully captured and comprehensively characterized in real-world population.ObjectivesTo provide complete metabolic and nutritional toxicity profiles after ICIs (single and combined) initiation through an integrated big database.MethodsReporting odds ratios (ROR) and information component (IC) based on statistical shrinkage transformation were utilized to perform disproportionality analysis using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Events Reporting System. Both ROR and IC were used to calculate disproportionality when compared with the whole database, but only ROR was used when comparison was made for different ICI strategies. Only when both the lower limits of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ROR (ROR025) and IC (IC025) exceeded specified threshold values (1 and 0, respectively) was regarded as a signal.ResultsA total of 29,294,335 records were involved and 8,662 records were for MNDs in patients exposed to ICIs. Statistically significant association was detected between ICIs use and total MNDs (IC025/ROR025 = 1.06/2.19). For monotherapy, three ICI monotherapies (anti-PD-1, anti-PDL-1, and anti-CTLA-4) were all disproportionately associated with MNDs. Statistically significant differences in reporting frequencies also emerged when comparing anti-PD-1 with anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA-4 monotherapy, with RORs of 1.11 (95%CI 1.01-1.21), and 1.35 (95%CI 1.23-1.48), respectively. Notably, combination therapy was associated with a higher reporting frequency of theses toxicities compared to monotherapy with a ROR of 1.56 (95%CI 1.48-1.64). Additionally, disproportionality analysis at High-level Group Term level highlighted eight broad entities of MNDs. Further disproportionality analysis at Preferred Term level indicated a wide range and varied strength of signals. For ICI monotherapy, nivolumab and pembrolizumab showed the broadest spectrum of MNDs. For combination therapy, a variety of signals were detected for nivolumab + ipilimumab therapy even comparable to two PD-1 monotherapies.ConclusionMetabolic and nutritional complications could be provoked by ICI monotherapy (especially anti-PD-1) and further reinforced by combination therapy. Clinicians and patients should be informed about these potential risks that might be encountered in real-world practice. Aforehand education and regular monitoring of related biochemical parameters (calcium, sodium, potassium, protein) are recommended to ensure better cancer survivorship.

Fertilizer Deep Placement Significantly Affected Yield, Rice Quality, 2-AP Biosynthesis and Physiological Characteristics of the Fragrant Rice Cultivars

The management of fertilizers in a context of climate change and the preservation of the environment is strongly related to the regulation and accumulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) in fragrant rice. However, the feasibility of such management strategies in terms of enhancing the accumulation of 2AP has not yet been explored in aromatic cultivars. Here, we investigated the impact of the application of two fertilizers at three depth (surface, 5 cm and 10 cm) levels of placements to improve the aromatic rice quality, including such aspects as the 2AP content-, protein-, amylose- and yield-related traits. For this purpose, two known rice cultivars, Basmati 385 (B-385) and Yunjingyou (YJY), were grown in pots during 2019 and 2020 under fluctuating climates. The deep application of fertilizer at 10 cm significantly affected the 2AP content with such values as 127.53 μg kg−1 and 111.91 μg kg−1 obtained for Fragrant Fertilizer (FF) and Urea in B-385 cultivar, and 126.5 μg kg−1 and 114.24 μg kg−1 being observed for FF and Urea in YJY, respectively, during 2019. In addition, values of 108.41 μg kg−1 and 117.35 μg kg−1 were recorded for FF and Urea in B-385, while 125.91-μg kg−1 and 90.71-μg kg−1 were measured for FF and Urea in YJY, respectively, during 2020. Similarly, B-385 had better 2AP content and yield-related traits, as well as amylose content and cooked rice elongation, as compared to the YJY rice cultivar. The 2AP accumulation and its related biochemical parameters, and their relationships in different plant tissues at different growth stages under FF and Urea treatments, were also improved. Further, the 2AP content and the P5C activity demonstrated strong correlations during the grain filling periods in both fragrant rice cultivars. In conclusion, our findings have the potential to provide useful information to farmers and agriculture extension workers in terms of the saving of fertilizers and the improvement of rice grain quality under fluctuating climate conditions.

Ethoxyquin attenuate oxidant stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis in liver of Channa argus fed with high-fat dietary

Lipid is an important nutrient in fish dietary, while fatty liver disease induced by feeding high-fat dietary (HFD) is usual disease in aquaculture industry and also make more economic loss. Channa argus is a kind of economic fish species and also affected by fatty liver in farming. To explore effect of dietary supplemented ethoxyquin (EQ) alleviate liver injure induced by feeding HFD, C. argus fed with HFD diet and HFD supplemented with EQ for 90 days, and antioxidative status, inflammation related biochemical parameters and genes were determined. EQ supplementation could diminish the increased triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in liver induced by feeding HFD. Moreover, aminotransferases and pro-inflammation factors levels in serum indicated that feeding HFD could led to liver injure. Feeding HFD could induce high malondialdehyde (MDA) level and decreased levels of anti-oxidant enzymes to impair anti-oxidant capacity of C.argus. Whereas, EQ supplementation could regulate nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) for improving anti-oxidant capacity of C. argus to alleviate oxidant stress induced by lipid accumulation. EQ could attenuate up-regulated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) induced by feeding HFD in liver for restraint of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes expression. In conclusion, EQ supplementation in dietary could diminish lipid accumulation and alleviate oxidant stress and inflammation response.

Effect of Decaffeinated Green Tea Polyphenols on Body Fat and Precocious Puberty in Obese Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundObesity has been reported to be an important contributing factor for precocious puberty, especially in girls. The effect of green tea polyphenols on weight reduction in adult population has been shown, but few related studies have been conducted in children. This study was performed to examine the effectiveness and safety of decaffeinated green tea polyphenols (DGTP) on ameliorating obesity and early sexual development in girls with obesity.DesignThis is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Girls with obesity aged 6–10 years old were randomly assigned to receive 400 mg/day DGTP or isodose placebo orally for 12 weeks. During this period, all participants received the same instruction on diet and exercise from trained dietitians. Anthropometric measurements, secondary sexual characteristics, B-scan ultrasonography of uterus, ovaries and breast tissues, and related biochemical parameters were examined and assessed pre- and post-treatment.ResultsBetween August 2018 and January 2020, 62 girls with obesity (DGTP group n = 31, control group n = 31) completed the intervention and were included in analysis. After the intervention, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio significantly decreased in both groups, but the percentage of body fat (PBF), serum uric acid (UA), and the volumes of ovaries decreased significantly only within the DGTP group. After controlling confounders, DGTP showed a significantly decreased effect on the change of PBF (β = 2.932, 95% CI: 0.214 to 5.650), serum UA (β = 52.601, 95% CI: 2.520 to 102.681), and ovarian volumes (right: β = 1.881, 95% CI: 0.062 to 3.699, left: β = 0.971, 95% CI: 0.019 to 1.923) in girls with obesity. No side effect was reported in both groups during the whole period.ConclusionDGTP have shown beneficial effects of ameliorated obesity and postponed early sexual development in girls with obesity without any adverse effects. Clinical Trial Registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03628937], identifier [NCT03628937].

Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density and All-Cause Mortality in Heart Transplant Patients.

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is frequently reported in heart transplant (HT) recipients and routinely supplemented. However, the efficacy of VD supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) and its association with all-cause mortality is underinvestigated. The VD levels and BMD were studied for two years, and the association of VD and BMD with all-cause mortality risk was investigated. Ninety-six HT patients (38.18 ± 12.10 years old; 74% men) were followed up during VD, Ca, and Mg supplementation. Anthropometric measurements, BMD by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, VD concentrations, and related biochemical parameters were analyzed before, 1 year, and 2 years after HT. Despite significant improvement of VD3 and 25-hydroxy VD (25OHVD) levels especially in the men, BMD parameters were insignificantly changed. After 2 years, the all-cause mortality rate was 15.6%. High pretransplant levels of 25OHVD failed to improve the survival probability. Cox’s regression showed a 32.7% increased hazard ratio for each unit increase in body mass index (95% CI: 1.015–1.733, p = 0.038), in the VD-deficient group rather than in the VD-sufficient one. In conclusion, VD supplementation improves the biochemical status, especially in VD-deficient HT. However, its impact on the BMD and mortality was not as usually expected. Further investigation of the disturbed VD metabolism in HT is warranted.

Oxidative stress and radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer

It is hypothesized that the oxidative stress level in thyroid cancer patients is additionally upregulated by radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, that may exert an important impact on future health concerns. In our study, we evaluated the oxidative stress level changes using the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) undergoing RAI treatment. Considering the results obtained in the study group, the serum levels of MDA in DTC patients were significantly higher compared to the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The MDA concentration was significantly higher on the third day after RAI (p < 0.001) and significantly lower one year after RAI (p < 0.05) in DTC patients compared to the baseline concentration. Moreover, the redox stabilization after RAI treatment in patients with DTC during a year-long observation was demonstrated. Accordingly, an increased oxidative stress impact on the related biochemical parameters reflecting the health conditions of the DTC patients was determined. Our study showed that increased oxidative stress reflected by MDA measurements in DTC patients is further enhanced by RAI, but this effect is no longer observed one year after the therapy.

Identification and Characterization of the ERF Subfamily B3 Group Revealed GhERF13.12 Improves Salt Tolerance in Upland Cotton.

The APETALA2 (AP2)/ethylene response factor plays vital functions in response to environmental stimulus. The ethylene response factor (ERF) subfamily B3 group belongs to the AP2/ERF superfamily and contains a single AP2/ERF domain. Phylogenetic analysis of the ERF subfamily B3 group genes from Arabdiposis thaliana, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium hirsutum, and Gossypium raimondii made it possible to divide them into three groups and showed that the ERF subfamily B3 group genes are conserved in cotton. Collinearity analysis identified172 orthologous/paralogous gene pairs between G. arboreum and G. hirsutum; 178 between G. hirsutum and G. raimondii; and 1,392 in G. hirsutum. The GhERF subfamily B3 group gene family experienced massive gene family expansion through either segmental or whole genome duplication events, with most genes showing signature compatible with the action of purifying selection during evolution. Most G. hirsutum ERF subfamily B3 group genes are responsive to salt stress. GhERF13.12 transgenic Arabidopsis showed enhanced salt stress tolerance and exhibited regulation of related biochemical parameters and enhanced expression of genes participating in ABA signaling, proline biosynthesis, and ROS scavenging. In addition, the silencing of the GhERF13.12 gene leads to increased sensitivity to salt stress in cotton. These results indicate that the ERF subfamily B3 group had remained conserved during evolution and that GhERF13.12 induces salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis and cotton.

Is photosynthetic enhancement sustained through three years of elevated CO2 exposure in 175-year-old Quercus robur?

Current carbon cycle models attribute rising atmospheric CO2 as the major driver of the increased terrestrial carbon sink, but with substantial uncertainties. The photosynthetic response of trees to elevated atmospheric CO2 is a necessary step, but not the only one, for sustaining the terrestrial carbon uptake, but can vary diurnally, seasonally and with duration of CO2 exposure. Hence, we sought to quantify the photosynthetic response of the canopy-dominant species, Quercus robur, in a mature deciduous forest to elevated CO2 (eCO2) (+150 μmol mol−1 CO2) over the first 3 years of a long-term free air CO2 enrichment facility at the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research in central England (BIFoR FACE). Over 3000 measurements of leaf gas exchange and related biochemical parameters were conducted in the upper canopy to assess the diurnal and seasonal responses of photosynthesis during the 2nd and 3rd year of eCO2 exposure. Measurements of photosynthetic capacity via biochemical parameters, derived from CO2 response curves, (Vcmax and Jmax) together with leaf nitrogen concentrations from the pre-treatment year to the 3rd year of eCO2 exposure, were examined. We hypothesized an initial enhancement in light-saturated net photosynthetic rates (Asat) with CO2 enrichment of ≈37% based on theory but also expected photosynthetic capacity would fall over the duration of the study. Over the 3-year period, Asat of upper-canopy leaves was 33 ± 8% higher (mean and standard error) in trees grown in eCO2 compared with ambient CO2 (aCO2), and photosynthetic enhancement decreased with decreasing light. There were no significant effects of CO2 treatment on Vcmax or Jmax, nor leaf nitrogen. Our results suggest that mature Q. robur may exhibit a sustained, positive response to eCO2 without photosynthetic downregulation, suggesting that, with adequate nutrients, there will be sustained enhancement in C assimilated by these mature trees. Further research will be required to understand the location and role of the additionally assimilated carbon.

A Comparative pharmacological study on moxidectin and propolis ointment in rabbits naturally infested with Psoroptes cuniculi

Ear mange is an annoying problem for all animal breeders including rabbit's breeders. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of moxidectin and 10% propolis ointment on rabbits infested with Psoroptes cuniculi with especial reference to some related biochemical parameters diagnostic and prognostic value. For this purpose, a total of thirty-two rabbits: 8 non-infested rabbits (control group (CG) and 24 naturally infested rabbits were used. Infested rabbits were equally divided into three groups: 1st group remained without treatment (diseased group (DG)), 2nd group was treated with moxidectin ((0.2 mg/kg body weight) S/C (MG)). Propolis ointment (10%) was applied topically to rabbits of the 3rd group (PG) once daily. Ear scrapes and blood samples were taken on 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. The ear scraping was examined microscopically and the biochemical parameters were estimated and statistically analyzed. The results cleared that moxidectin achieved the complete healing (14th day) faster than propolis ointment (21st day), but MG suffered from a significant (P<0.05) hypoalbuminemia, increased liver and kidney function tests and cortisol levels when compared to PG. Liver and kidney function tests and cortisol yielded good values of the area under the curve, sensitivity%, specificity%, likelihood ratio, PPV%, NPV%, accuracy rate% in DG, MG (except creatinine) and PG. The study concluded that propolis had a prominent antipsoroptic effect without inducing hepatic or renal toxicity. Liver and kidney function tests and cortisol may be useful markers for rabbit mange diagnosis and prognosis and following up its treatment.

CORRELATION OF VITAMIN D LEVELS WITH HIP FRACTURES IN PATIENTS ABOVE THE AGE OF SIXTY YEARS – A CLINICAL STUDY

Hip fractures are common in elderly population and pose great social and economic burden on the society. The role of low levels of Vitamin D, factors responsible for hypovitaminosis D, alteration in the levels of biochemical parameters and their correlation with hip fractures in 50 patients above 60 years was evaluated. Serum vitamin D2, Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and related biochemical parameters were evaluated. Mean age for hip fractures was 69.36 ± 5.13 years. Females (62.00%) outnumbered males (38.00%) with fall at home being the commonest mode of injury (62.00%). Malnutrition (36.00%), Alcoholism (24.00%), Drug intake (14.00%), Smoking (12.00%), Diabetes Mellitus (38.00%), deranged liver function (22.00%) and renal function (12.00%) were the risk factors associated with hypovitaminosis D. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (64.00%) also came out to be an important marker for geriatric hip fractures. Osteopenia (38.00%) and Osteoporosis (28.00%) as measured by BMD was another important association. Higher age group, urban living, inactive lifestyle, various risk factors and comorbidities contribute to hypovitaminosis D.

Foodborne TiO2 Nanoparticles Induced More Severe Hepatotoxicity in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Mice via Exacerbating Oxidative Stress-Mediated Intestinal Barrier Damage.

The hazard of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in diseased population should be given focus due to the huge number of these NPs in foods and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the stronger biological adverse effect of oral exposure to TiO2 NPs in a fructose-induced metabolic syndrome mouse model. Compared to the normal mice, low-dose (2 mg/kg) TiO2 NPs did not cause severe hepatotoxicity. However, high-dose (20 mg/kg) TiO2 NPs induced aggravated hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis, with substantial alteration of related biochemical parameters in the mouse model. Moreover, significantly increased Ti and lipopolysaccharide burden were observed in metabolic syndrome murine liver and serum, which possibly worsened the portend intestinal leakage. The expression of tight junction-related protein showed that TiO2 NPs induced further increase in serious intestinal permeability. The intestinal inflammatory and oxidative stress response in the model were also assessed. Results showed that TiO2 NPs caused more severe intestinal inflammatory injury by intensifying the oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome mice and then induced further liver injury. This work provides information on the insights into the toxic effect of TiO2 NPs in sub-healthy population.

Residual feed intake and related biochemical parameters in male Sahiwal calves

This study was conducted to evaluate the differences in efficiency of feed utilisation in Sahiwal calves with low and high residual feed intake (RFI) by comparing feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth traits and blood biochemical parameters. Eighteen growing male Sahiwal calves (aged 12 months, average body weight 120.04 kg) were selected and fed individually total mixed ration as per their requirements for a period of 60 days. Fifty per cent of maize grains in concentrate mixture containing 33% maize grains were replaced by fresh potatoes (DM basis). Based on linear regression models involving dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and mid test metabolic body size, calves were assigned into low and high RFI groups. Residual feed intake (RFI) values were calculated for individual calves and the calves were divided into low (–0.20) and high (+0.18) RFI groups. Low RFI animals consumed less dry matter than the expected or predicted one indicating their more efficiency of feed utilization. The intakes of DM and CP were 4.95 and 6.47% lower in low RFI animals compared to high RFI animals while average daily gain was higher in low RFI group. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, total carbohydrates, NDF and ADF were similar in low and high RFI groups, however, nitrogen retention was higher in low RFI group. Values of alanine amino transferase (25.85 vs. 35.72 IU/L), aspartate amino transferase (80.33 vs. 100.57 IU/L), total protein (7.34 and 8.24 mg/dL), blood urea nitrogen (15.45 and 22.22 mg/dL) and creatinine (1.27 and 1.78 mg/dL) were higher for high RFI as compared to low RFI group. The concentration of growth hormone, insulin and IGF-1 were similar in both the groups. From present study, it could be concluded that low RFI animals were more efficient in feed conversion.

Effect of Decaffeinated Green Tea Polyphenols on Body Weight and Precocious Puberty in Obese Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Obesity has been reported to be an important contributing factor for precocious puberty in girls. Green tea polyphenols showed the effect on weight reduction in obese adults. This study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of decaffeinated green tea polyphenols (DGTP) on ameliorating obesity and early sexual development in obese girls. Methods: This is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Overweight or obese girls aged 6-10 years old were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 400mg/d DGTP or isodose placebo orally for 12 weeks. During this period, all participants received the same instruction on diet and exercise from trained dietitians. Anthropometric measurement, secondary sexual characteristics, B-scan ultrasonography of uterus, ovaries and breast tissues, and related biochemical parameters were examined and assessed at pre- and post-treatment. Findings: Between August 2018 to January 2020, 62 obese girls (DGTP group n=31, control group n=31) completed the intervention and were included in analysis. After the intervention, the fat mass, percentage of body fat (PBF), serum uric acid (UA), and the volumes of ovaries decreased significantly in the DGTP group, and no such differences were observed in the control group. The body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio significantly decreased within both groups, but no significant differences were found between groups. After controlling confounding factors, DGTP showed a significantly decreased effect on ΔPBF, ΔUA, and Δovarian volumes in obese girls. The levels of sex hormones increased in both groups but overall remained far from the standards of girls’ sexual development initiation. No significant changes were found in serum trace elements, hepatic and renal function, and complete blood count post treatment, and no side effect was reported during the whole period. Interpretation: Decaffeinated green tea polyphenols have beneficial effects on ameliorating obesity and postponing early sexual development in obese girls without any adverse effects. Trial Registration: This trial is registered with Clinical Trials.gov, NCT03628937. Funding Statement: The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81773407). Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Xinhua Hospital (Shanghai, China).

Association between serum uric acid and triglycerides in Chinese children and adolescents with short stature

BackgroundElevated triglyceride (TG) levels are a biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and TG concentrations in adults or obese children is well established. However, studies on SUA and TG in children with short stature are limited.AimTo determine the relationship between SUA and TG levels in short children and adolescents.MethodThis was a cross-sectional evaluation of a cohort of 1095 patients with short stature (720 males and 375 females). The related clinical characteristics, including anthropometric and biochemical parameters, were determined.ResultsSmooth curve fitting, adjusted for potential confounders was performed, which indicated the existence of a non-linear relationship between these measures. Piecewise multivariate linear analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between SUA and TG at SUA concentrations over 7 mg/dL (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05–0.22, P = 0.002) but no significant correlation at lower SUA levels (β = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01–0.04, P = 0.799). Furthermore, a stratified analysis was performed to appraise changes in this relationship for different sexes and standard deviation levels of body mass index (BMI). The non-linear relationship remained consistent in males and females with BMI standard deviation scores (BMI SDS) ≥ 0, with inflection points of 6.71 mg/dL and 3.93 mg/dL, respectively. Within these two groups, SUA and TG levels showed a positive association when SUA levels were higher than the inflection point (β = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11–0.31, P < 0.001 for males and β = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.03–0.17, P = 0.005 for females). However, a specific relationship was not observed at lower SUA levels. No significant relationships were found between SUA and TG levels in males and females with BMI SDS < 0.ConclusionThe present study identified the non-linear association of SUA and TG levels with short children and adolescents. This relationship was based on BMI status. This finding suggests that health status should be considered for short stature children with high SUA levels, especially in children with a high BMI standard deviation score.

Correlation of vitamin D level with its related biochemical parameters and impact of different treatment regimens on their correction

Background: Vit D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vit D synthesis. Aims and Objectives of the study were to find out the correlation of vit D level with its related biochemical parameters and impact of two different treatment regimens on their correction. Methods: A total of 107 patients were followed up out of which 89 were vit D deficient and rest were vit D insufficient. Results: Mean age of the patients was 6.11±4.49 and males comprised 66%. Mean BMI of children included in group A, B and C was 19.40±2.69, 19.60±3.18 and 20.95±3.72 kg/m2 respectively. Vit D levels at baseline had a significant inverse correlation with ALP (r=-0.27, p value=0.008). Before and after comparison of mean serum calcium levels revealed significant improvement in both the treatment groups. Severity of vit D deficiency, at baseline, 9.10, 77.30 and 13.60% of patients had vit D levels of less than 5, 5 to 15 and more than 15 for group A respectively. In group B at baseline, 6.70, 71.10 and 22.20% of patients had vit D levels of less than 5, 5 to 15 and more than 15 respectively.Conclusions: Present study found that 60,000 IU/week and dose of 2000 IU/day for infants or 5000 IU/day for 1 to 18 years of age, along with 500 to 800 mg oral calcium for 6 to 8 weeks can result in correction of vit D deficiency.