Relative Tissue Weight Research Articles

Grape Seed Extract Affects Body Weight, Liver Weight and Relative Tissue Weight Index in Aluminium Chloride Treated Rats

Introduction: Grape seed extract (vitis vinifera) contains antioxidant compounds with ability to prevent aluminium chloride induced hepatotoxicity. Aims & Objectives: To study the effects of grape seed extract on body weight, liver weight and relative tissue weight index in aluminium chloride treated rats. Place and Duration of Study: This experimental study study was conducted at the Animal House of Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Duration of study was February 2017 to February 2018. Material & Methods: 24 adult, healthy albino rats (male) were divided in to three groups. Group A was given distilled water by gavage (1ml/day), Group B was given aluminium chloride (34mg/kg body weight) and group C was given aluminium chloride plus grape seed extract (34mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight) by gavage. Whole treatment continued for 42 days. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for entering and analyzing data.p value of ? 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A significant difference in body weights of Group B and C rats was noted at the end of the study. Mean liver weight was significantly reduced in aluminium treated group and near normal restoration of liver weight was seen in group C receiving grape seed extract. Conclusion: Excessive aluminium chloride exposure led to a reduction in body weight, and liver weight. Grape seed extract being an antioxidant improved these effects.

Pnpla5-knockout rats exhibit reduced expression levels of proteins involved in steroid metabolism and wound healing compared to wild-type rats

BackgroundPatatin-like phospholipase domain containing 5 (PNPLA5) is a newly-discovered lipase. Although the PNPLA family plays critical roles in diverse biological processes, the biological functions of PNPLA5 mostly unknown. We previously found that the deletion of Pnpla5 in rats causes a variety of phenotypic abnormalities. In this study, we further explored the effects of Pnpla5 knockout (KO) on male rats.ResultsThe body weight and testicular or epididymal tissue weight of three to six 3-month-old Pnpla5 KO or wild-type (WT) male Sprague–Dawley rats were measured. The protein expression levels were also measured via western blotting and iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) analyses. No significant difference between Pnpla5 KO and WT rats, regarding body weight, testicular or epididymal tissue weight, or hormone levels, were found. However, the relative testicular tissue weight of the KO (Pnpla5−/−) rats was higher (P < 0.05) than that of WT rats. Significant increases in apoptotic cells numbers (P < 0.001) and BAX and Caspase-9 expression levels were observed in the testicular tissue of Pnpla5−/− rats. Moreover, iTRAQ analysis revealed that the levels of proteins involved in steroid metabolism and wound healing were significantly decreased in Pnpla5−/− rats.ConclusionThis study revealed that Pnpla5 knockout induced apoptosis in rat testes. We also ascertained that Pnpla5 plays an important role in lipid metabolism, wound healing, and affects reproductive organs negatively, providing new target genes and pathways that can be analyzed to unravel the biological function of Pnpla5.

EFFECTS OF AVOCADO (PERSEA AMERICANA) AQUEOUS SEED EXTRACT ON GROSS FEATURES OF LIVER AND HEPATOCYTE SIZE IN ISONIAZID AFFECTED ALBINO RATS

Background: Isoniazid (INH) has been associated with severe hepatotoxicity and fatal liver injury. This study aimed to observe the hepatoprotective effects of concomitant use of avocado aqueous seed extract on the gross features of liver and size of hepatocytes in INH induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: This experimental study was conducted from Jan–Jun 2019. Thirty-six male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Groups were administered treatment orally for 30 days. Group 1 received distilled water 1 ml/Kg/day. Group 2 received INH 100 mg/Kg/day dissolved in 1 ml distilled water. Group 3 was given aqueous avocado seed extract 250 mg/Kg/day in 2 ml distilled water and Group 4 received aqueous avocado seed extract 500 mg/Kg/day in 4 ml distilled water. Results: Highest mean liver weight was seen in Group 4 and lowest in Group 2. The weight of liver was significantly different among all groups but Relative Tissue Weight Index among all groups was insignificant. Colour of liver in four groups varied from reddish to pale red and reddish brown. The texture of all livers was smooth. Hepatocyte size was found to be largest in Group 2 and smallest in Group 1. Comparison among groups showed significant difference in sizes of hepatocytes. Conclusion: Concomitant use of aqueous avocado seed extract prevents INH-induced hepatotoxicity by maintaining body and liver weights, gross features of liver, and size of hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Pak J Physiol 2022;18(2):38–42

Hepatotoxic Potential of Doxorubicin in Albino Rats

Background: Doxorubicin is an effective chemotherapeutic drug, but its toxic potential limits its use. Aim: To study the effects of doxorubicin on the relative tissue weight index and hepatic central vein diameter in the albino rats. Study Design: Experimental study Place and Duration of study: Study was conducted on 20 adult albino rats of both male and female gender in the animal house of Anatomy department, (PGMI) Lahore, Pakistan in April 2019. Materials &amp; Methods: Twenty, healthy adult albino rats of either sex, aging 6 to 8 weeks with 180-220 g of weight were randomly allotted to two groups A and B, each group having ten animals. Standard Rat feed and distilled water were given intraperitonially in the dose of 1.2mg/kg/body weight to the control group whereas doxorubicin was given intraperitoneally in the dose of 1.2mg/kg/body weight to the experimental group twice a week for 21 days. Body weight along with relative Tissue Weight Index were measured in gms at the end of the experiment. Diameter of central vein (µm) was assessed histologically. Results: The mean weight of the liver decreased significantly in the experimental group. On the contrary, the relative tissue weight index in all groups were significantly different according to the One-way-ANOVA test. The increase in the diameter of the central vein in the drug administered group commenced on significant basis (p-value &lt; 0.001) Conclusion: Doxorubicin has toxic effect on the relative tissue weight index and hepatic central vein diameter in the albino rats KeyWords: Doxorubicin, Liver weight, relative tissue weight index, Central vein diameter, Liver, Hepatoxicity, Albino rats

HISTOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF CONSUMPTION OF ENERGY DRINK ON RENAL TUBULES

Objective: To investigate the outcomes of energy drink on renal tubules of albino rats.&#x0D; Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: King Edward Medical University, Lahore from Aug 2018 to Dec 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Group A and B were experimental groups received 1.5ml/kg and 2.2ml/kg body weight of energy drink, respectively. Group C received 1ml/kg body weight of distilled water. Comparison among groups was made by applying One-Way ANOVA for quantitative variables. Tukey’ test was used for post hoc analysis. For qualitative variables, chi-square test was applied to make comparison among groups&#x0D; Results: The mean initial and final weight of animals was around 152.7 ± 5.3g and 171.9 ± 5.1g, respectively. The mean paired kidney weight, relative tissue weight index, length and width of kidneys for all three groups were found insignificant. Microscopic examination showed tubular vacuolization in groups A and B showing p-value of 0.027.&#x0D; Conclusion: Consumption of energy drinks results in histopathological injury of epithelial cells of renal tubules.

Histological Effects of Cotton seed Oil on Ovaries and RTWI among Female Albino Rats: RCT

Background: Concerns over the rising infertility rate among humans is now becoming a global health issue. Aim: To observe the histological changes in ovaries while measuring relative tissue weight indices of all ovaries among different groups receiving cottonseed oil. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methodology: Twenty four adult female albino rats (12 weeks of age) were divided into 04 groups. Group-1 (Control) rats were given orally distilled water @ 400mg (equivalent to 400μl)/kg body weight per day. Group-2, Group-3 &amp; Group-4 rats were given cottonseed oil (treatment groups) @ 400mg (equivalent to 432μl)/kg body weight per day, respectively, for a period of 30 days. Results: Cottonseed oil significantly reduced fertility in terms of follicles and ova in all treatment groups than control having non-significant differences among means of different groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that the crude cottonseed oil significantly affected female rat fertility in terms of reduced number of follicles and ova as shown histologically. However, it did not affect relative tissue weight indices among different groups. Hence, its use in edible products may result in increased women infertility. Keywords: Cottonseed Oil, Relative Tissue Weight Indices and Number of Follicles.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SOYBEAN OIL ON MICE LUNG TISSUE INJURY AND ALVEOLAR HEMORRHAGE INDUCED BY BISPHENOL A

Objective: To evaluate histomorphological effects of Soybean oil supplementation on lung tissue injury and alveolar hemorrhage induced by Bisphenol A (BPA).&#x0D; Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Anatomy department, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi and National Institute of Health, Islamabad, from Nov 2015 to Nov 2016.&#x0D; Methodology: Forty (40) healthy BALB/c mice of 9-11 weeks of age, weighing between 30-37gm were housed in a controlled environment at National Institute of Health. Group 1 (10) was control group. Group 2 (10) was given a daily dose of 50 milligram/kilogram body weight of Bisphenol A and group 3 (10) was given a daily dose of 500 milligram of Soybean oil and group 4 (10) was concurrently given Bisphenol A and Soybean oil with daily doses of 50 milligram/kilogram body weight and 500 milligrams. After a period of 8 weeks, animals were dissected 24 hours after receiving the last dosage. Lung wet weight, animal weight and relative body tissue weight index (RTBWI) were calculated. Tissue processing &amp; staining was done. Alveolar hemorrhage was histomorphologically and statistically analysed using SPSS-21.&#x0D; Results: On microscopic examination, alveolar hemorrhage (AH) was observed in 10 (100%) group 2 specimens with increase in RTBWI and whereas only 5 (50%) of group 4 specimens had alveolar hemorrhage with slight improvement in relative body tissue weight index (RTBWI).&#x0D; Conclusion: Bisphenol A (BPA) induced lung injury as evident by intraalveolar hemorrhage, blood vessel congestion and increased RTBWI ratio were ameliorated by concomitant administration of Soybean oil.

Flax Seed Oil Alleviates Caffeinated Energy Drink Induced Metamorphosis in Femur Weight and Relative Tissue Weight Index of Adult Male Albino Rat

Introduction: Consumption of caffeinated energy drinks has been increased worldwide specially in younger population in order to increase mental and physical performance. Side effects on various systems of human body have been reported due to their usage. Flax seed oil has been well known since ancient times owing to its beneficial effects and has now become a major part in our functional food.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: To evaluate the Protective effects of flax seed oil on caffeinated energy drink induced changes in adult male albino rat femur weight and relative tissue weight index.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: This study was accomplished in department of Anatomy, at Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute Lahore for 8 weeks.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: 32 adult male albino rats average weight (250-300g) were randomly divided into four groups of 8 animals each. Group A (Control) received corn oil 5ml/kg body weight by gavage in addition to basal diet daily for 8 weeks. Group B (Experimental) received caffeinated energy drink (15ml/kg body weight) and corn oil 5ml/kg body weight. Group C (Experimental) received caffeinated energy drink (15ml/kg body weight) and 40% of flax seed oil (5ml/kg body weight), while group D (Experimental) received caffeinated energy drink (15ml/kg body weight) and 60% flax seed oil (5ml/kg body weight) daily for 8 weeks respectively. The animals were weighed before and after experiment. After 8 weeks, they were dissected to remove both femur and each femur was weighed, further the right femurs were used for statistical purpose.&#x0D; Results: The mean difference in weight of femur was nonsignificant amongst experimental groups (p= 0.950). The relative tissue weight index (RTWI) was significant (p-value 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Flax seed oil helped in restoring altered femur weight and RTWI changes caused by caffeinated energy drink in adult male albino rats.

Effect of Red Bull on Histology of Renal Mesangium

Objective: To determine the consequences of energy drink (Red bull) on renal mesangium of albino rats.Materials and Methods: This study was carried out at the Anatomy Department of King Edward Medical University, Lahore, from August 2018 to December 2019. It was an experimental randomized controlled trial. Total 90 adult albino male rats, 8-12 weeks old, weighing 130 to 160 grams were taken. Healthy animals were included. Rats were divided into three groups Group A and B experimental groups received 1.5ml/kg and 2.2ml/kg body weight of red bull energy drink, respectively. Group C received 1ml/kg body weight of distilled water.Results: The mean initial and final weight of animals was around 150g and 170g, respectively. The mean paired kidney weight and relative tissue weight index for all three groups were found insignificant. Microscopic examination showed mesangial hypercellularity and vascular congestion in renal cortex of groups A and B, none in group C. These were significant among two experimental groups with a p-value less than 0.001.Conclusion: It was found that the use of energy drinks induces histopathological changes in the renal mesangium.

The Effects of Chronic Social Defeat Stress on Solid Gastric Emptying and Defecation in C57BL/6J Mice

Stress contributes to mental disorders as well as functional gastrointestinal disorders. In functional gastrointestinal disorders, gastrointestinal motility is thought to play a role. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of chronic social defeat stress on gastrointestinal motility in C57BL/6J mice, by measuring gastric emptying, fecal pellet output, and gastrointestinal transit. In mice subjected to 10 days of social defeat stress, serum corticosterone concentrations were significantly higher, relative tissue weights of spleen and adrenal gland tissues were significantly heavier, and thymus sizes were smaller than in the control mice. Stressed mice exhibited social avoidance behavior in a social interaction test and anxiety-like behavior and lower locomotor activity in an elevated plus maze test. In gastric emptying test, stressed mice displayed increased gastric emptying rate with significant suppression of short-time (30 min.) test diet intake. Fecal pellet output and gastrointestinal transit were not different in control and stressed mice. These results suggest that chronic social defeat stress influences gastric motility. Thus, the social defeat stress model may be useful for studying psychiatric disease and functional gastrointestinal disorders simultaneously.

Hepatoprotective Activities of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schottin Mice Model with Liver Injury Induced by Paracetamol

This paper uses the model of experimental mouse liver damage with paracetamol to evaluate the liver protective effects of the methanol extract (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) (MCE). After 8 days, the hepatoprotective activities of MCE in mice (damaged by paracetamol) at doses of 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg/day proved effective as the AST enzyme content decreased by 6.98, 22.84 and 26.59%, respectively; and ALT decreased by 53.17, 56.46 and 57.93%, respectively. MCE at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day had a protective effect equivalent to that of silymarin (used in liver treatment) at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day and MCE at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg/day had better effect. Observation of the microscopic liver tissue cross section also revealed that the mice treated with MCE of C. esculenta at doses of 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg/day showed significantly improvement in their liver tissues compared to the non-treated control group.&#x0D; Keywords:&#x0D; Colocasia esculenta, hepatoprotective, paracetamol.&#x0D; References&#x0D; [1] S. Shahani. Evaluation of hepatoprotective efficacy of APCL-A poly herbal formulation in vivo in rats, Indian Drugs. 36(1999) 628-631.[2] Y. Cui, X. Yang, X. Lu, J. Chen, Y. Zhao. Protective effects of polyphenols-enriched extract from Huangshan Maofeng green tea against CCl4-induced liver injury in mice, Chemico- Biological Interactions 220 (5) (2014) 75-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2014.06.018 [3] K.C. Choi, W.T. Chung, J.K. Kwon, J.Y. Yu, Y.S. Jang, S.M. Park, S.Y. Lee, J.C. Lee. Inhibitory effects of quercetin on aflatoxin B1 induced hepatic damage in mice, Food Chemical Toxicology, 48 (10) (2010) 2747-2753 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2010.07.001[4] E.S. Sabina, J. Samue, S.R. Ramya, S. Patel, N. Mandal, P. Preety, P.P. Mishra, M.K. Rasool. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of Spirulina fusiformis on acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in mice, International Journal of Integrative Biology 6 (1) (2009) 1-5. http://ijib.classicrus.com/.../1501.pdf[5] Pham Hoang Ho. Vietnamese plants, episode III. Young Publishing House, (1999), pp. 353 (in Vietnamese).[6] C.O. Eleazu, M. Iroaganachi, K.C. Eleazu. Ameliorative potentials of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L.) and unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) on the relative tissue weights ofstreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of Diabetes Research, 197 (2013), https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/160964.[7] R.C. Cambie, L.R. Ferguson. Potential functional foods in the traditional Maori diet. Mutation Research Letters 523–524 (2003) 109-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0027-5107(02)00344-5[8] C.L. Abraham, K. Yoshinori, T. Masakuni, I. Hironori, O. Hirosuke, T. Hajime. Flavonoid glycosides in the shoot system of Okinawa Taumu (Colocasia esculenta S). Food Chemistry 119 (2010) 630- 635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.07.004[9] P.J. Bouic, D. Etsebeth, R.W. Liebenberg, C.F. Albrecht, K. Pegel, J.P.P. Van. Beta sitosterol and beta sitosterol glycoside stimulate human peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation: Implications for their use as an immunomodulatory vitamin combination. International Journal of Immuno-pharmacology 18 (12) (1996) 693-700. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0192-0561(97)85551-8.[10] Vo Van Chi. Dictionary of Vietnamese medicinal plants. Medical Publishing House (1997), pp. 871-873 (in Vietnamese).[11] Do Trung Dam. Method of determining drug toxicity. Medical Publishing House, Hanoi (2014), pp. 11-137 (in Vietnamese). [12] J.T. Litchfield, F. Wilcoxon. A simplified method of evaluating dose-effect experiments, Journal of Pharmcology and Experimental Therapeutics, 96 (2) (1949) 99-113. PMID: 18152921 [13] Doan Thi Nhu, Do Trung Dam, Pham Duy Mai. Method research of the pharmacological effect of drugs from medicinal herbs, Science and Technics Publishing House, Hanoi (2006), pp. 142 (in Vietnamese).[14] A. Godwin. Histochemical uses of haematoxylin - A Review. JPCS 1 (2011) 24-34. [15] Ho Thi Thanh Huyen, Thai Nguyen Hung Thu, Nguyen Thai An. Some results of plan microscopic studies and chemical composition of Bombax malabaricum DC., Bombacaceae, Proceeding Pharma Indochina VII, 10/2011, The 7th Indochina Conference on Pharmaceutical science, Bangkok, Thai Lan (2011) 270-274.[16] A.N. Chinonyelum, A.P. Uwadiegwu, O.C. Nwachukwu, O. Emmanuel. Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Colocasia esculenta (L. Schott) leaves on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Pakistan Journal Pharmaceutical Sciences, 28 (6S) (2015) 2237-2241. [17] O.F. Dayo, B.C. Eluke, E.O. Ukaejiofo, O.L. Olayinka, C.I. Johnpaul, O.A.K .Tajudeen, I. Chinwe, L.S. Adetona. Hepatoproactive and haematopoietic modulatory efficacy of leaf extract of Colocasia esculenta in Albino wistar rats. International Journal of Tropical Medicine 12 (3-6) (2017) 35-41. https://doi.org/3923/ijtmed.2017.35.41.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Effect of Garcinia Cambogia as Weight Reducing Agents on the Morphology of Liver of Albino Mice in Pakistan

Background: Obesity is growing continuously, and people opt for pharmacological therapies, which might have negative side effects. Objective: To study the effect of Garcinia Cambogia on body weight and safety profile regarding the morphology of the liver in albino mice. Methodology: This animal experimental study was conducted on, Ninety male albino mice were used by diving into three groups containing thirty mice each. Group I, was Control group, group II and III were experimental groups, given drugs A (Slim Smart) and B (Ultra Slim Plus) respectively via oral gavage. Each group was further subdivided into subgroups a, drug was given for 4 weeks, and b, the drug was given for 8 weeks. Control group animals were given plain distilled water via oral gavage tube. Body weight and weight of the liver was measured and its gross features were observed. Results: Mean body weight of animals significantly increased in intervention groups, at 4 weeks, p=0.000 and 8 weeks p=0.000. Mean body weights of animals in experimental group II and III in 4 weeks categories were 33.92±3.23 grams in group II and 28.46±3.53 grams in group III. The mean relative tissue weight index at 4 weeks for group II was 6.66±0.67 and for group III was 5.71±0.41, p=0.004, while at 8 weeks were 5.88±0.64 and 5.91±0.69, p=0.713, respectively. When observed at 8 weeks time, the animals of the group I had the normal color of the liver while the two experimental groups had all the animals with the abnormally pale color of liver, p=0.001. Conclusion: In this study, the herbal slimming agents, claiming to contain Garcinia Cambogia, did not reduce weight among albino mice, and are not safe for reducing weight.

Inimical Effects of Sodium Fluoride on Ovarian Weight and Relative Tissue Weight Index of Adult Albino Rats

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: To determine the impacts of sodium fluoride on ovarian weight and relative tissue weight index (RTWI) of adult Wistar albino rats. Study Design: Comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: This experimental study was performed at the Department of Anatomy, at Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore from 25th November to 24th December 2016. Materials and Methods: Forty-four adult female albino Wistar rats were selected randomly for this study. They were segregated into 4 groups, each comprised of eleven rats. Group A was control, group B was low dose experimental, group C was medium dose experimental and group D was high dose experimental. The control group received distilled water whereas low, medium and high dose experimental groups received 100mg/L, 200mg/L and 300mg/L sodium fluoride solution respectively. The animals were weighed before and after experiment. At 31st and 32nd day, dissection was done, ovaries were removed and evaluated for ovarian tissue weight and RTWI. Results: The mean weight and RTWI of paired ovaries among the experimental groups were decreased. The differences among groups were statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study confirms that sodium fluoride has detrimental dose dependent effects on ovarian weight and RTWI of adult albino rats.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

The Effects of Prenatal Probiotics on Exercise Endurance and Body Weight in Rats: Introduction of a Multi‐Strain Probiotic Supplement Early in Life

Previous studies have shown probiotics given to adult rats improve running endurance and lower body weight and percent fat. Further, in humans, prenatal and neonatal probiotics have been investigated for preventing pre‐term delivery, perinatal infections, and gastrointestinal disease. However, the effects of prenatal probiotics on exercise endurance and adult body weight have not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine effects of prenatal probiotic on body weight and exercise endurance in rats. This study included 17 Sprague Dawley rats divided into 3 groups: prenatal probiotic (pre‐pro; n = 6), adult probiotic (ad‐pro; n = 5), and control (con; n = 6). Pre‐pro rats received probiotic (Bene‐Bac® Plus Small Animal Powder, 3.5 g in 570 mL water) daily throughout gestation, nursing, and adulthood while ad‐pro rats received probiotic daily beginning at 21 days (weaning). Control rats received normal water. At 4 weeks post‐weaning, all groups began a treadmill training program that included 5 days of treadmill acclimation. Once acclimated, rats underwent 3 weeks of endurance testing which consisted of running until exhaustion daily for 5 days per week. All rats ran at 15 m/min for 2 minutes, then speed was increased 1 m/min every 2 min. Treadmill endurance times were recorded when rats slid off treadmill lane and stayed off for 2 seconds (s). Our data showed average treadmill endurance time was significantly increased for combined males and females in pre‐pro (378.6 ± 19 s) and ad‐pro (367.4 ± 22 s) groups when compared to the con (262.5 ± 16 s; p &lt; 0.05) group. For male rats, treadmill endurance times averaged 220.3 ± 15 s for pre‐pro, 241.0 ± 25 s for adpro, and 150.0 ± 11 s for con (p &lt; 0.05). For female rats, treadmill endurance times averaged 457.8 ± 20 s for pre‐pro, 451.7 ±25 s for ad‐pro, and 318.8 ± 20 s for con (p &lt; 0.05). Females in all groups had significantly longer treadmill endurance times than males (p &lt; 0.0001). Importantly, adult female pre‐pro group weighed 273.3 ± 6.3 g, which was significantly less than the con group, which weighed 328 ± 6.3 g. However, there were no differences in adult male or combined male and female weight between pre‐pro, ad‐pro, and con groups. Pre‐pro group (combined males and females) also had significantly higher relative tissue weights (different tissue weights adjusted for individual body weight percent) for heart, triceps surae muscles, soleus muscle, and gastrocnemius muscle when compared to the con and ad‐pro groups. This suggests that adult rats that received prenatal probiotics had lower body weight (females only) and more lean mass when compared to rats given probiotics during adulthood only and rats not given probiotics at all. In conclusion, prenatal and adult probiotics increased treadmill endurance. Additionally, to our knowledge, this is the first study that shows that prenatal probiotics increase lean mass in adulthood. This study provides evidence that prenatal probiotics may prevent obesity and promote more muscle mass in early life and adulthood.Support or Funding InformationBridgewater College (undergraduate research grant)

Protective effects of Ajwa fruits on nicotine induced changes in rat body and ovarian weight with relative tissue weight index

.

Co-exposure to ketoconazole alters effects of bisphenol A in Danio rerio and H295R cells

Chemicals are present in combination in ambient water, however toxicities of their mixtures are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of ketoconazole (KCZ) on the responses induced by bisphenol A (BPA) in zebrafish and in human adrenocarcinoma (H295R) cells. After exposure to BPA alone or mixed with KCZ for 21 d, egg production, relative tissue weights, sex hormone levels, cytochrome P450 (CYP)3a activity, and transcriptions of genes related to CYP metabolism, vitellogenesis, and steroidogenesis were determined in zebrafish. Male fish were more sensitive to the adverse effects of BPA than females, and the presence of KCZ potentiated the BPA-induced estrogenic responses in the male and anti-estrogenic responses in the female fish. In male zebrafish exposed to BPA, a significant reduction in egg number and relative gonad weight, an increase in 17β-estradiol (E2) to testosterone (T) ratio, and an upregulation of vtg, erα, and cyp19a genes were observed. Under KCZ, BPA exposure resulted in a significant downregulation of cyp3a65 and pxr genes and an increase in estrogenic responses in males. In female fish, anti-estrogenic effects, such as a decrease in E2 concentration, were observed following the combined exposure. These results indicate that KCZ could increase the toxicity of the chemicals that depend on the given CYP metabolism for their elimination or other crucial functions such as steroidogenesis. Co-exposure to BPA and KCZ in H295R cells also increased E2 and decreased T production. Release and presence of this azole compound warrant caution, because it could modify adverse effects of BPA.

Genome-wide association mapping of leaf mass traits in a Vietnamese rice landrace panel.

Leaf traits are often strongly correlated with yield, which poses a major challenge in rice breeding. In the present study, using a panel of Vietnamese rice landraces genotyped with 21,623 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted for several leaf traits during the vegetative stage. Vietnamese landraces are often poorly represented in panels used for GWAS, even though they are adapted to contrasting agrosystems and can contain original, valuable genetic determinants. A panel of 180 rice varieties was grown in pots for four weeks with three replicates under nethouse conditions. Different leaf traits were measured on the second fully expanded leaf of the main tiller, which often plays a major role in determining the photosynthetic capacity of the plant. The leaf fresh weight, turgid weight and dry weight were measured; then, from these measurements, the relative tissue weight and leaf dry matter percentage were computed. The leaf dry matter percentage can be considered a proxy for the photosynthetic efficiency per unit leaf area, which contributes to yield. By a GWAS, thirteen QTLs associated with these leaf traits were identified. Eleven QTLs were identified for fresh weight, eleven for turgid weight, one for dry weight, one for relative tissue weight and one for leaf dry matter percentage. Eleven QTLs presented associations with several traits, suggesting that these traits share common genetic determinants, while one QTL was specific to leaf dry matter percentage and one QTL was specific to relative tissue weight. Interestingly, some of these QTLs colocalize with leaf- or yield-related QTLs previously identified using other material. Several genes within these QTLs with a known function in leaf development or physiology are reviewed.

The Effect of Cold Temperature and Exercise on BAT and Browning of WAT

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of cold exposure and/or exercise on resting energy metabolism over 24 h and on BAT activity and browning of WAT related gene responses. Forty ICR male mice were divided into four groups: thermoneutrality-untrained (23 ± 1°C in room temperature, n=10), cold-water immersion (24 ± 1°C, n=10), exercise in neutral temperature (34 ± 1°C, n=10), and exercise in cold temperature (24 ± 1°C, n=10). The mice performed swim training (30 min to 60 min, 5 days/week) for 8 weeks. After end of experiment, we confirmed BAT activity and browning of WAT-related gene expression changes in interscapular-BAT and inguinal adipose tissue, and measured resting energy metabolism over 24 h. The results showed that the relative tissue weights of BAT and inguinal fat tissue differed by temperature (p = 0.016, p= 0.001 respectively). The UCP1 mRNA expression in BAT showed a significant effect in the exercised groups (p = 0.038). The sum of the oxygen uptake, only a significant temperature effect (p = 0.040) was observed and the average of the RER showed a significant temperature (p = 0.024) and exercise (p = 0.008) effect. Our data demonstrate that cold exposure and exercise independently induces the gene expression of thermogenic markers and the energy metabolic rate. The relative expression of these markers and the change of the energy metabolism indicators differed across the tissues and experimental treatments. In conclusion, our results suggest that cold exposure and exercise has no synergy effect on thermogenic markers of BAT and beige/brite adipose tissue and energy metabolism over 24h.

Negative effects of bisphenol A on testicular functions in albino rats and their abolitions with Tribulus terristeris L.

This study was conducted to find out the ameliorative properties of Tribulus terristeris L (TT) on BPA induced spermatotoxicity in male albino rats. Mature male albino rats were divided into five groups, Group A was taken as control for comparison group, whereas the other four groups namely B(vehicle control), C (toxic), D (preventive control) and Group E (amelioration group) received distilled water, olive oil, BPA, TT, and (TT + BPA) respectively. Macroscopic results revealed decreased body weight of rats, weight of testes, and the relative tissue weight index (RTWI) in BPA induced group. Hormonal (testosterone) assay results revealed the decreased values of BPA treated group. Microscopic examination of testis of BPA treated rats showed reduction in leydig cells, decreased diameter of seminiferous tubules and low values of Johnsen’s scoring. Histological examination showed discontinuity and irregularity of basement membrane and sloughing of the germinal cell linage. Group E showed the body weights of rats, weight of testes, RTWI, and increased, while reduced level of testosterone, reduced number of Leydig cells, decreased diameter of seminiferous tubules and low values of Johnsen’s scoring were restored near to normal. These results demonstrate that TT might be beneficial in combating the spermatotoxicity, induced by BPA.

Using Near Infrared Transmittance (NIT) to generate sorted fractions of Fusarium infected wheat and their immunological impact on broiler chickens.

Fusarium mycotoxins, namely deoxynivalenol, can negatively impact the nutritional quality of grains. This study evaluated the effects of feeding three naturally contaminated Fusarium-downgraded wheat sources on immunological parameters in broiler chickens. Sources were individually sorted into three fractions: outlier, high mycotoxin, and low mycotoxin, then reconstituted into four diet ratios in proportion to the high-mycotoxin fraction, providing a 3 × 4 factorial design. Immunological assessments were done by evaluating (1) cell-mediated responses to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA) through intermediate interdigital web swelling, (2) humoral responses to bovine serum albumin (BSA) antigen through induced antibody production, and (3) the heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio. Relative tissue weights and histopathology of selected immune tissues were assessed. Results indicate no significant differences (P < 0.05) in swelling response to PHA, secondary antibody response to BSA, or the ratio of heterop...