Blood Serum Metabolites Research Articles

Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic and Metabolomic Profiling of Serum Samples for Discovery and Validation of Tuberculosis Diagnostic Biomarker Signature.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a transmissible disease listed as one of the 10 leading causes of death worldwide (10 million infected in 2019). A swift and precise diagnosis is essential to forestall its transmission, for which the discovery of effective diagnostic biomarkers is crucial. In this study, we aimed to discover molecular biomarkers for the early diagnosis of tuberculosis. Two independent cohorts comprising 29 and 34 subjects were assayed by proteomics, and 49 were included for metabolomic analysis. All subjects were arranged into three experimental groups-healthy controls (controls), latent TB infection (LTBI), and TB patients. LC-MS/MS blood serum protein and metabolite levels were submitted to univariate, multivariate, and ROC analysis. From the 149 proteins quantified in the discovery set, 25 were found to be differentially abundant between controls and TB patients. The AUC, specificity, and sensitivity, determined by ROC statistical analysis of the model composed of four of these proteins considering both proteomic sets, were 0.96, 93%, and 91%, respectively. The five metabolites (9-methyluric acid, indole-3-lactic acid, trans-3-indoleacrylic acid, hexanoylglycine, and N-acetyl-L-leucine) that better discriminate the control and TB patient groups (VIP > 1.75) from a total of 92 metabolites quantified in both ionization modes were submitted to ROC analysis. An AUC = 1 was determined, with all samples being correctly assigned to the respective experimental group. An integrated ROC analysis enrolling one protein and four metabolites was also performed for the common control and TB patients in the proteomic and metabolomic groups. This combined signature correctly assigned the 12 controls and 12 patients used only for prediction (AUC = 1, specificity = 100%, and sensitivity = 100%). This multiomics approach revealed a biomarker signature for tuberculosis diagnosis that could be potentially used for developing a point-of-care diagnosis clinical test.

The role of clinical metabolomics in the diagnosis of bladder cancer

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is a widespread disease characterized by high cancer-specific mortality and high cost of treatment. The search for available and reliable biological markers for the early diagnosis of urothelial carcinomas is an urgent task of oncourology. One of the promising ways to improve the efficiency of bladder cancer diagnostics is the use of the possibility of the clinical metabolomics.
 AIM: Was to study the possibility of assessing the content of various amino acids and their metabolites in blood serum for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum concentrations of 28 amino acids and their metabolites were studied in 18 patients with urothelial cancer and 20 representatives of the control group without an oncological history. History taking, routine oncological screening, and blood sampling for laboratory tests were performed.
 RESULTS: Four metabolomes (glycine, phenylalanine, asparagine, and threonine) were identified, the blood serum concentration of which significantly changes in patients with urothelial cancer. These metabolomes can be considered as potential biomarkers of urothelial cancer.
 CONCLUSIONS: The study of the serum content of these four amino acids seems to be the most promising for the isolation of a potential biomarker of urothelial cancer.

Blood and faecal biomarkers to assess dietary energy, protein and amino acid efficiency of utilization by growing and finishing pigs

BackgroundDiet evaluation and optimization is a slow and expensive process and it is not possible to do it at a farm level. This study aimed to use the blood serum metabolite (BSM) and faecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles as potential biomarkers to identify changes in protein, amino acid and energy dietary content in growing and finishing pig diets at farm level.ResultsTwo studies were conducted. The first study (S1) included 20 pens of 11 pigs (87.0 ± 4.10 kg; 18 weeks old) assigned to 5 diets: control (C1), high or low crude protein (HP1 and LP1, respectively), and high or low net energy (HE1 and LE1, respectively). The second study (S2) included 28 pens of 11 pigs (41.3 ± 2.60 kg; 12 weeks old) assigned to 7 diets: control (C2), high or low crude protein (HP2 and LP2, respectively), high or low amino acid (HA2 and LA2, respectively), and high or low net energy (HE2 and LE2, respectively). Pigs were followed for 10 (S1) and 20 (S2) days, and blood and faecal samples were collected at 20 (S1) and 14 (S2) weeks of age. Data were analysed using general linear models and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Urea nitrogen showed the best results as a biomarker. Urea nitrogen was higher in pigs fed high protein diets, HP1 (13.6 ± 0.95 mg/dL) and HP2 (11.6 ± 0.61), compared to those fed low protein diets, LP1 (6.0 ± 0.95) and LP2 (5.2 ± 0.61; P < 0.001), showing good discrimination ability (Area under the curve (AUC) = 98.4 and 100%, respectively). These differences were not observed between diets LA2 (6.5 ± 0.61) and HA2 (8.7 ± 0.61; P > 0.05; AUC = 71.9%), which were formulated based on the ideal protein profile but with no excess of protein. Creatinine, triglycerides, branched-chain fatty acids, albumin, propionic acid, and cholesterol showed differences between at least 2 diets but only in one of the studies.ConclusionsUrea nitrogen showed high accuracy to detect excess of crude protein in growing and finishing pig diets. Other biomarkers like BCFA showed promising results and need to be further studied.

Metabolomics investigation on antiobesity effects of Corydalis bungeana on high-fat high-sugar diet-induced obese rats

ObjectiveCorydalis bungeana (CB) is a well-used medicinal herb in Mongolian folk medicine and has been traditionally applied as an antiobesity agent. However, the evidence-based pharmacological effects of CB and its specific metabolic alterations in the obese model are not entirely understood. This study aimed to utilize untargeted metabolomic techniques to identify biomarkers and gain mechanistic insight into the serum metabolite alterations associated with weight loss and lipid metabolism in obese rats. MethodsA high-fat high-sugar (HFHS) diet was used to induce obese models in rats. CB extract was orally gavaged at 0.18, 0.9 and 1.8 g/kg doses for six weeks, and feed intake, body weight, fat pad weight, and blood indexes were measured. Blood serum metabolites were evaluated by gas chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (GC-TOF/MS). ResultsThe results showed that compared with the obese group, the administration of CB extract caused significant decreases in body weight (P < 0.05), feed intake, Lee’s index, and perirenal, mesenteric, epididymal fat weight. CB extract also reduced blood triglyceride and total cholesterol levels (P < 0.05) of obese rats. Metabolomic findings showed that nine differential metabolites, including pyruvic acid, D-glucuronic acid, malic acid, dimethylglycine, oxoglutaric acid, pantothenic acid, sorbitol acid, fumaric acid and glucose 6-phosphate were identified under CB treatment and altered metabolic pathways such as TCA cycle, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThis study demonstrated weight loss and lipid lowering effects of CB on HFHS diet-induced obese rats and identified nine metabolites as potential biomarkers for evaluating the favorable therapeutic mechanism of CB via regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism.

Zearalenone and Its Metabolites in Blood Serum, Urine, and Milk of Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryThe metabolism of zearalenone in dairy cows may affect the manifestation of adverse effects (such as decreased productivity, resistance to pathogens, and estrogenic effects). The aim of this study was to determine how the concentrations of zearalenone metabolites in the blood serum and urine of dairy cows changed when the cows were fed TMR with naturally contaminated ZEN for two weeks, followed by two weeks of feeding with TMR without mycotoxins. In addition, we evaluated the correlation between zearalenone and its metabolites in different biological fluids and feeds.After oral contamination, zearalenone (ZEN) is rapidly absorbed in organisms and can be detected in biological fluids. In this study, we investigated the metabolites of ZEN in the biological fluids of cows (blood, urine, milk). The study was divided into three stages: preparation (the first stage), investigation (the second stage), and final stage (the third stage). Samples of biological fluids were taken 7, 21, and 35 days after the beginning of the study. At the first stage and at the second stage, the cows were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) with naturally contaminated mycotoxin-zearalenone (500 ± 75 µg/kg). In the third stage, the cows were fed a TMR without mycotoxins. This study established that at the second stage, the alpha-zearalenol concentrations in the serum increased by 92% and the beta-zearalanol in the urine decreased by 48% compared to the first stage (p < 0.05). The beta-zearalenol and zearalanone concentrations in the urine were higher compared to that of the alpha-zearalenol. The zearalenone concentration in the milk at the second stage was 35% higher than at the first stage (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation (r = –0.540) was determined between the beta-zearalenol and beta-zearalanol concentrations in the urine and the positive significant correlation (r = 0.826) between the beta-zearalanol and alpha-zearalenol concentrations in the serum (p < 0.05). During the study, it was determined that feeding cows for two weeks with a TMR without mycotoxins can reduce concentrations of alpha-zearalanol, beta-zearalenol, and beta-zearalanol in the biological fluids and can reduce the concentrations of ZEN in the milk, but does not reduce the concentration of zearalanone.

Impacts of a post-transport/pre-processing rest period on the growth performance, anthelmintic efficacy, and serum metabolite changes in cattle entering a feed yard.

A total of 80 crossbred, high-risk heifers (initially 250 ± 4.2 kg BW), were transported from an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma sale barn to the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Research Center. Cattle were unloaded and randomly placed into one of four receiving pens and provided ad libitum hay and water. Each pen was randomly assigned to one of the four rest times before processing: (1) immediately upon arrival (0); (2) after a 6-h rest period (6); (3) after a 24-h rest period (24); and (4) after a 48-h rest period (48). After all cattle were processed, heifers were allotted into individual pens with ad libitum access to a receiving ration and water. Heifers were weighed individually on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Feed added and refusals were measured daily to determine dry matter intake (DMI). A fecal egg count reduction test and analysis of blood serum metabolites were also conducted. All data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (v. 9.4, Cary, NC) with individual animal as the experimental unit. Processing time did not impact (P > 0.05) heifer BW or ADG. From d 0 to 35, DMI decreased linearly (P = 0.027) as rest time increased. The number of days for heifers to reach a DMI of 2.5% BW was linearly increased (P = 0.023) as rest time increased. There was no evidence of differences (P ≥ 0.703) among rest times for feed efficiency. While morbidity did not differ between treatments (P > 0.10), mortality increased linearly (P = 0.026) as the time of rest increased. A significant processing time × day interaction (P < 0.0001) was observed for the prevalence of fecal parasites, where the percentage of positive samples was significantly lower 14-d after anthelmintic treatment, regardless of the processing time. Serum IBR titer for heifers processed at either 0 or 6-h upon arrival was significantly higher (P < 0.01) on d 35 compared to d 0. Heifers processed after a 48-h rest period had significantly higher glucose values (P < 0.01) on d 0 compared to heifers processed at 0, 6, or 24-h. In summary, rest time prior to processing did not impact receiving calf growth performance. A 6-h rest period upon arrival appeared to be most beneficial to DMI. Anthelmintic treatment at processing reduced the parasitic load in heifers processed at all times. Vaccine titer did not increase after initial processing in heifers processed 24- or 48-h after arrival, indicating the seroconversion of IBR antibodies during the longer rest period.

Online biological sample preparation with restricted access hybrid carbon nanotubes for determination of anti-smoking drugs

Untreated samples were injected directly into a column switching system, an online SPE technique, using an extraction column packed with restricted access hybrid carbon nanotubes (RAHCNTs), a novel type of restricted access material, in an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, coupled to a mass spectrometer (UHPLC–MS/MS). The synthesis of used restricted access material was relatively simple, quick, and reproducible, and had a high material yield. Compared to its predecessor, which is covered with bovine serum albumin (Restricted Access Carbon Nanotubes-RACNTs), RAHCNTs have improved performance when used for the analysis of organic compounds. These molecules have a greater adsorption capacity due to the insertion of hydrophilic monomers (tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS), glycerol dimethacrylate (GDMA), and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)) in the external layer. In addition, the formation of the hybrid material provides greater chemical and thermal stability, supporting wide pH and temperature ranges, and high concentrations of acidic and basic solutions. It also supports high proportions of organic solvents in the medium. Another significant advantage of the material is its longer lifetime, as it can be reused for approximately 500 analytical cycles without any loss of efficiency, versus 300 for RACNTs. In the method developed to determine anti-smoking drugs (varenicline and bupropion) simultaneously, as well as nicotine and some of their metabolites in human blood serum, the RAHCNTs were capable of retaining the analytes efficiently, whereas the macromolecules were excluded (almost 100%). The method was linear for all the determined analytes (coefficients of determination higher than 0.99), with limits of detection and quantification ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 µg L−1 and from 1.0 to 5.0 µg L−1, respectively. High extraction recovery values were obtained (higher than 88%), as well as inter and intra-assay accuracy and precision results that are in accordance with values recommended by the FDA. The method is promising for therapeutic monitoring and new personalized strategies for patients under antismoking treatment, using a small sample volume (100 µL). In addition, RAHCNTs are capable of simultaneously extracting analytes with very different physical-chemical characteristics.

Inflammation and necrosis syndrome is associated with alterations in blood and metabolism in pigs

BackgroundSwine inflammation and necrosis syndrome (SINS) can lead to significant clinical alterations at tail, ears, claws and other parts of the body in suckling piglets, weaners and fatteners. Clinical findings are associated with vasculitis, intima proliferation and thrombosis. The syndrome can be found in newborns, indicating a primarily endogenous aetiology. It has been hypothesized that SINS is triggered by gut-derived microbial-associated molecular patterns, causing derangements in liver metabolism and activity of peripheral white blood cells involving inflammation and blood haemostasis. In order to characterize these metabolic derangements of SINS for the first time, red and white blood counts, parameters of blood haemostasis, serum metabolites and acute phase proteins in the serum were analysed in 360 piglets, weaners and fatteners, each with significantly different SINS scores.ResultsSINS scores and haematological/clinical chemical parameters were significantly associated (P < 0.05), especially in weaners and fatteners. Higher degrees of clinical SINS were associated with increased numbers of monocytes and neutrophils. Blood coagulation was altered in weaners and a thrombocytopenia was found in fatteners. Additionally, acute phase proteins, especially C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were increased in serum. Serum metabolites and serum liver enzymes were slightly altered. Aspartate transaminase levels overall exceeded physiological limit and increased in parallel with SINS scores in fatteners.ConclusionClinical inflammation and necrosis at tail, ears, claws and other parts of the body were significantly associated with haematology and serum clinical chemistry, especially in weaners and fatteners. The involvement of inflammatory cells, blood coagulation, acute phase proteins and certain serum metabolites support the inflammatory-necrotising character of the syndrome and provide starting points for further studies to decipher its exact pathogenesis. The low to moderate variations seem less suitable for diagnostic use.

Impacts of a Post-Transport/Pre-Processing Rest Period on the Growth Performance and Serum Metabolites of Cattle Entering a Feedlot

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a post-transport rest period on receiving calf growth performance and blood serum metabolites as indicators of immune function. Study Description: Eighty heifers were purchased from a sale barn and transported 6 hours to the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Research Center where they were processed at one of four times: immediately upon arrival or after a 6-, 24-, or 48-hour rest period. Cattle were then fed for 35 days with growth performance data collected weekly. Blood samples were also collected and analyzed for serum infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) titer and biochemical parameters. Results: Processing time did not impact (P > 0.05) heifer average daily gain. Overall, dry matter intake (DMI) decreased linearly (P = 0.027) as the rest time increased. The number of days for heifers to reach a targeted DMI of 2.5% body weight was linearly increased (P = 0.023) as time of rest increased. Serum IBR titer for heifers processed at either 0 or 6 hours upon arrival was higher (P < 0.01) on day 35 compared to day 0. This response was expected, as these cattle were vaccinated immediately or shortly after arrival. Interestingly, no difference in IBR titer was observed (P > 0.05) between day 0 and day 35 for heifers processed at either 24 or 48 hours upon arrival, indicating potential seroconversion of IBR antibodies before vaccination. The Bottom Line: These results indicate that rest time after arrival and prior to processing may not affect calf growth performance, but there is evidence that a 6-hour rest period could maximize DMI upon arrival to a feedlot. Additional research with greater replication and more industry-standard experimental conditions should be conducted to further evaluate these parameters.

Comparative efficacy of citric acid, Spirulina platensis, and their combination as alternatives to an antibiotic growth promoter on the performances of broilers.

Objective:A 35-day-long trial was conducted to compare the consequences of supplementing citric acid (CA), Spirulina platensis, and their combination as natural substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on the productive performance, dressing percentage, and blood serum metabolites of broilers.Materials and Methods:A total of 150-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups, each having 30 chicks in it (10 chicks per replicate cage). The dietary groups were as follows: 1- Control (corn–soybean-based), 2- Control + antibiotic (Enrofloxacin, 10 mg/kg bodyweight), 3- Control + 1% S. platensis, 4- Control + 0.5% CA, and 5- Control + 1% spirulina + 0.5% CA. Starting from day 7 up to day 21, antibiotics were administered via water; spirulina and CA were offered via feed.Results:When compared to the control, all dietary supplements significantly (p < 0.05) improved broiler growth performance. However, dressing characteristics and serum metabolites (serum creatinine, albumin, and uric acid) were not influenced (p > 0.05) by dietary changes, except cholesterol level (p < 0.05). Supplementation with antibiotics, CA, and spirulina produced comparable results. Among them, the CA-fed group recorded the highest live weight, weight gain, feed intake, improved feed conversion ratio, and the lowest serum cholesterol level (106.5 mg/dl). The combination group performed better than the control, but not as well as their single supplementations.Conclusions:CA and S. platensis might both be good candidates as natural alternatives to AGP (Enrofloxacin). But, among them, CA performed better in terms of production performance.

Effect of dietary replacing of corn grain with the blend of residues from the candy industry and corn gluten feed on performance of growing lambs

Corn is an international commodity, which can increase the costs of livestock production, since it is part of ruminants, non-ruminants, and human diets. Thus, it is important to include alternative feedstuffs for ruminants to reduce costs with animal feeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients, as well as voluntary water intake, ingestive behavior, performance, nitrogen (N) balance, blood serum metabolites, and hematological profiles of Santa Inês lambs fed different inclusion levels (0, 116, 233 and 353 g/kg of diet DM) of a blend of residues from the candy industry (RCI) and corn gluten feed (CGF), at the ratio of 613:387 on DM basis. Thirty-six Santa Inês lambs (approximately six months old and 19.43 ± 1.69 kg of initial body weight [BW]) were distributed in a completely randomized design. Intakes of DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber treated with heat-stable α-amylase and corrected for ash and protein (aNDFap), water, and metabolizable energy (ME), and the apparent digestibility coefficients (DM, CP and NFCap), N balance, growth performance, feeding efficiency of DM and aNDFap, blood serum profile, erythogram and leukogram (neutrophil, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils) were not affected (P > 0.05) by the level of inclusion of the RCI:CGF blend in the diet. The apparent digestibility coefficient of aNDFap and monocyte tended to increase (P < 0.10), while aNDFap rumination efficiency tended to decrease (P < 0.10) with the increase in the RCI:CGF blend inclusion in the diets. Time on feeding, rumination, and total time chewing increased linearly (P < 0.001) with the inclusion of the RCI:CGF blend in the diets. The blend of the residues from the candy industry and corn gluten feed (at the ratio of 613:387 on DM basis) can totally replace ground corn in up to 353 g/kg diet DM.

PSXVI-10 The effectiveness of using the enzyme-mineral complex in the nutrition of broiler chickens

Abstract The aim of the study was to study the effect of a complex of a multienzyme feed additive (Axtra® XAR 102 TPT (Danisco Animal Nutrition) 0.05% of finished feed; I gr) and in combination with ultrafine particles (UFP) of Cu (1.25 mg / kg; II gr) on productivity and morphobiochemical parameters of blood of broiler chickens (BC). BC were divided into 3 groups (n = 15). The results showed that the combined use of the enzyme preparation (EP) and Cu UFPs has a greater effect on the increase in live weight [19.6% (P &amp;lt; 0.05)]. The introduction of only an EP into the diet has a lesser effect on the increase in live weight, which was 18.8% ahead of the control. In the experimental groups, there was an increase in the coefficient of digestibility of nutrients (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The addition of Cu UFPs increased the digestibility of crude fat [3.3% (P &amp;lt; 0.05)]. Analysis of metabolites in blood serum demonstrates the absence of the toxic effect of the introduced additives. There was a decrease in aspartate aminotransferase: in group I by 8.3%, in group II by 4.6% (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The composition of the lipid profile changed, stimulation of erythropoiesis and an increase in the amount of hemoglobin were registered both with joint and separate feeding of the EP and Cu UFPs. Thus, the introduction of just an EP reduced cholesterol levels by 10%, and in combination with Cu UFPs by 2.15%, triglycerides by 33.1% (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Thus, it was found that the combination of a multi-enzyme preparation and Cu UFPs has the potential to be used as a biologically active feed additive and causes an increase in the digestibility, and therefore, the productivity of BC. The research was carried out with financial support from RSF (20-16-00078).

MAIN BLOOD SERUM METABOLITES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DISCRIMINATION OF HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH MODERATE SYMPTOMS WITH OR WITHOUT COVID-19

IntroductionThe variation in human blood serum metabolites resulting from an infection can assist in understanding mechanisms of pathogen action and body response and improve diagnosis.AimTo map serum signatures of hospitalized symptomatic patients, positive or negative to SARS-CoV-2.MethodsPatients (n = 64) admitted to Anhembi Field Municipal Hospital, a hospital set up for initial care to patients with moderate symptoms, were analyzed being discriminated in positive (n = 32) or negative patients. Age and gender were matched to ensure homogeneity in the basal metabolic rates. Three Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) data set were recorded on Bruker AVANCE III 600 MHz spectrometer for serum samples analyzed in MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software platform.Results and discussionThe mean age of groups was 54.92 ±12.41 and 54.30 ±12.15, for positive and negative patients, divided in 16 female and 16 male. The ethnicity was 56.2% vs 46.8% caucasian, 34.3% mixed race in both groups, and 9.3% 12.5% vs black in positive and negative groups, respectively. BMI was 24 ±6.93 vs 33.5 ±7.85 in comparison to positive and negative patients, respectively. In both groups 50% of patients presented alveolar infiltrate. Although the groups were not paired by comorbidities, they were homogeneous ensuring that the metabolic variation is due to COVID-19 as similar percentage of patients with arterial hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Clinical symptoms were also remarkably similar between the groups in relation to: fever, dry cough, dyspnea and myalgia. The Partial Least Squares - Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) performed onto noesy1d data discriminated positively from negative patients. Also, it covered lower variance. Combining NMR techniques, it was possible to depict the main metabolites that distinguished the COVID-19 signatures. Alanine, glucose, cholesterol, and glutamine were increased, and lactate decreased in COVID-19.ConclusionThese results suggest NMR as an excellent tool to differentiate hospitalized patients with moderate symptoms as COVID-19 positive or negative. The Ethics Research Committee of the University of Campinas approved all of the experimental procedures, and all individuals signed the informed consent form.

943Impact of maternal factors, pregnancy complications, and birth outcomes on the neonate metabolome

Abstract Background Metabolic health in early life is critical for healthy development and can have long-lasting ramifications of risk of disease into adulthood. While many exposures during pregnancy are linked to altered fetal development and/or risk of disease in adult offspring, the molecular mechanisms underpinning these associations are poorly characterised. We aimed to describe the association between pregnancy/birth exposures and neonate metabolomics profile. Methods Metabolomics in cord blood plasma from 912 neonates in the Barwon Infant Study was quantified using the Nightingale Health NMR platform. Questionnaire and clinical data collected included maternal anthropometry, pregnancy complications, mode of delivery and infant anthropometry at birth. Linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between these factors and 70 neonate metabolomics measures. Results Infant sex, gestational age, birth weight, and exposure to labour during birth were associated with differences across a wide range of metabolites. Exposure to gestational diabetes was associated with increased ketone bodies (acetoacetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate), and this relationship persisted after adjustment for other maternal and pregnancy exposures including maternal BMI. Maternal BMI was modestly associated with increased neonate triglycerides and inflammation. Conclusions Birth outcomes show compelling evidence for wide-spread differences in neonate metabolites in cord blood serum, and exposure to gestational diabetes is associated with increased ketone bodies. Further work is required to understand the biological processes underpinning these relationships and to determine if differences in metabolites persist later into childhood. Key messages Sex, gestational age, birthweight and exposure to labour are linked to metabolomics differences in cord blood plasma. Gestational diabetes is associated with increased neonate ketone bodies.

Effects of prolonged fasting on levels of metabolites, oxidative stress, immune-related gene expression, histopathology, and DNA damage in the liver and muscle tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

This study was conducted to assess the impacts of prolonged fasting (70 and 120days) on the morphological, biochemical, oxidative stress responses, immune-related gene expression, histopathology, and DNA damage in rainbow trout. Final weight (FW), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and condition factor (CF) significantly decreased in both 70 and 120days of fasting compared to the pre-fasting group (p < 0.05). Fasting led to a significant reduction in serum blood metabolites (glucose, total protein, triglyceride, T. cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)) and endogenous reserves (protein and lipid). However, plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), interleukin (IL1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF1α), and transferrin (TF) increased significantly (p < 0.05). While malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the pre-fasting group increased in the liver and muscle tissues (70 and 120days), glutathione (GSH) enzyme activities decreased significantly in both tissues (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, both fasting groups (70 and 120days) when compared to the pre-fasting group led to steatosis, necrosis and degeneration in hepatocytes, inflammation and hyperemia in the liver tissue and hyaline degeneration, atrophy, and inflammation in muscle tissue. Additionally, 8-OHdG levels of the liver and muscle tissues at 120days' fasting were more severe according to 70days' fasting. Finally, blood, the liver, and muscle tissues may be helpful to assess the impacts of fasting and fasting stress in rainbow trout.

Effects of Weight Loss and Moderate-Protein, High-Fiber Diet Consumption on the Fasted Serum Metabolome of Cats.

Feline obesity elicits a plethora of metabolic responses leading to comorbidities, with potential reversal during weight loss. The specific metabolic alterations and biomarkers of organ dysfunction are not entirely understood. Untargeted, high-throughput metabolomic technologies may allow the identification of biological components that change with weight status in cats, increasing our understanding of feline metabolism. The objective of this study was to utilize untargeted metabolomic techniques to identify biomarkers and gain mechanistic insight into the serum metabolite changes associated with reduced food intake and weight loss in overweight cats. During a four-wk baseline period, cats were fed to maintain body weight. For 18 wk following baseline, cats were fed to lose weight at a rate of ~1.5% body weight/wk. Blood serum metabolites were measured at wk 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16. A total of 535 named metabolites were identified, with up to 269 of them being altered (p- and q-values < 0.05) at any time point. A principal component analysis showed a continual shift in metabolite profile as weight loss progressed, with early changes being distinct from those over the long term. The majority of lipid metabolites decreased with weight loss; however, ketone bodies and small lipid particles increased with weight loss. The majority of carbohydrate metabolites decreased with weight loss. Protein metabolites had a variable result, with some increasing, but others decreasing with weight loss. Metabolic mediators of inflammation, oxidative stress, xenobiotics, and insulin resistance decreased with weight loss. In conclusion, global metabolomics identified biomarkers of reduced food intake and weight loss in cats, including decreased markers of inflammation and/or altered macronutrient metabolism.

Detection of atrazine metabolites in blood serum and liver of mice exposed via their waters to 0, 3 and 30 ppb atrazine.

Atrazine, which is an herbicide used on crops throughout the Midwest, is present in drinking water due to its ability to be carried in runoff from fields. While levels of less than 3 ppb in drinking water is deemed as safe by the USDA, atrazine is often found at much higher levels in nature due to the widespread use of this chemical on fields. Recent studies have identified that atrazine decreases Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) gene hepatic expression when mice are exposed to atrazine in their drinking water. This study investigated if there was a build up of atrazine metabolites in the serum and liver of exposed mice and correlate the species of metabolite amount to the effect it has on gene expression of GST.

Weight for weight replacement of wheat offal with cassava root sievate in growing rabbit diet

A ten week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the dietary effect of Cassava Root Sievate (CRS) based diet on the performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and carcass characteristics of weaner rabbits. Forty-eight (48) crossbred, 7 weeks old weaner rabbits were used in the feeding trial in a completely randomized design. The CRS replaced wheat offal at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%, respectively resulting in seven dietary treatments, respectively. No significant (P&gt;0.05) difference was observed between the rabbits fed the CRS and control diets in all the performance indices except the daily and final body weight. Weight gain however decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) as the CRS level increased in the diet. The treatment effect was significant (P&lt;0.05) with the highest crude protein, crude fibre and dry matter digestibility values recorded for the rabbit in the control group. Daily energy intake and retained, digestible energy, metabolizable energy and gross energy were similar (P&gt;0.05) across treatments. Biological value and apparent nitrogen digestibility were significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased with increased CRS level. Blood serum metabolites of the rabbits were also positively (P&lt;0.05) influenced by the treatments. The carcass characteristics showed significance (P&lt;0.05) in terms of carcass yield percentage with 20% CRS treatment group having the highest carcass yield percentage. It was concluded in this study that CRS could be included in weaner rabbit diets up to 20% without compromising performance, carcass yield, digestibility and nutrient utilization.

Evaluation of Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181 and Clostridium butyricum probiotic supplements in post-weaning rabbits reared under thermal stress conditions

An 8-week feeding experiment was designed to examine the influences of single or/and double strains of probiotic compared to antibiotic colistin on growth, hematological variables, blood serum metabolites and caecal fermentation in post-weaning rabbits exposed to heat stress conditions. A total of one hundred (35-day-old; average initial body weights 694 ± 7.33) New Zealand White rabbits were distributed into five groups. The experimental groups were the basal diet (control), or basal diet fortified with 120 mg colistin (COL); 5 × 106 cfu Clostridium butyricum (CB); 2 × 108 cfu Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181 (EF); or 2.5 × 106 cfu C. butyricum + 1 × 108 cfu E. faecium/kg diet (CB + EF). The results demonstrated that both the EF and CB + EF treatments enhanced (p < .05) final body weight and overall feed conversion ratio compared to control and COL treatment. The carcase yield percentage and relative organs weight were insignificantly affected in all treated groups. The COL treatment increased (p < .05) mean corpuscular volume and albumin/globulin ratio compared to the control group. Compared to the control, all probiotic and COL groups decreased (p < .05) serum total triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein. The concentrations of Serum total protein, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, complement component 3, and lysozyme activity were higher (p < .05) in probiotic groups than those in the control group. Probiotic application improved the caecal total volatile fatty acids, propionate concentrations, and intestinal histomorphometry parameters. In conclusion, EF and CB + EF probiotic supplements could be used as alternatives to antibiotic colistin to enhance the growth and health of weaned rabbits under heat stress conditions. HIGHLIGHTS Two strains of probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics were studied in rabbits under heat stress conditions. Supplemental EF and CB + EF probiotic enhanced rabbit growth and feed utilisation. Probiotic application improved biochemical and immunological indicators. The application of the tested probiotics improved the caecal volatile fatty acids production and the intestinal histomorphometry parameters. EF and CB + EF probiotic supplements could be used as an alternative to antibiotics to promote the growth of rabbits under heat stress conditions.

Effect of dietary inclusion of graded levels of distillers dried grains with solubles on the performance, blood profile and rumen microbiota of Najdi lambs

An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effect of including graded levels (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of diet) of dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) on growth performance, slaughter parameters, blood serum metabolites and rumen microbiota in weaned Najdi male lambs. Thirty-five lambs, initial body weight of 33.45 ± 0.75 kg, and approximately three-month old were used in a 94-day feeding experiment. Performance measurements were conducted biweekly and blood samples were collected monthly. Inclusion of DDGS in the diets of growing Najdi lambs at levels up to 50% did not affect body weight gain (BWG) compared with the lambs fed the control diet (CON, 0% DDGS). Lambs fed the 50% DDGS diet consumed less feed compared with lambs in other groups (98 vs 112.5 kg DM) but had no adverse effect on BWG. Rumen pH values at 0, 6, 12 and 18 h post feeding and concentrations of blood serum total proteins, glucose, triglycerides, urea-N or albumin were similar across treatments. Slaughter parameters including slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weights and dressing % (hot and cold carcass) were not affected by the treatments. There was no difference in the weights of full compartmental stomach and intestines, liver, omental fat, Kidney Knob and Channel Fat (KKCF) and tail fat between DDGS treatments and CON. The study concluded that the inclusion of DDGS in the diets of growing Najdi lambs had no adverse effects on growth performance and slaughter parameters. Rumen microbiota was not affected, however, our data suggest significant interactions between DDGS and selected bacterial groups and DDGS driven rearrangement of Prevotella species.