Serum Growth Hormone Concentrations Research Articles

Elevations in growth hormone and glucagon-like peptide-2 levels on admission are associated with increased mortality in trauma patients.

BackgroundBurn and trauma patients present a clinical challenge due to metabolic derangements and hypermetabolism that result in a prolonged catabolic state with impaired healing and secondary complications, including ventilator dependence. Previous work has shown that circulating levels of growth hormone (GH) are predictive of mortality in critically ill adults, but few studies have examined the prognostic potential of GH levels in adult trauma patients.MethodsTo investigate the utility of GH and other endocrine responses in the prediction of outcomes, we conducted a prospective, observational study of adult burn and trauma patients. We evaluated the serum concentration of GH, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) weekly for up to 6 weeks in 36 adult burn and trauma patients admitted between 2010 and 2013.ResultsNon-survivors had significantly higher levels of GH and GLP-2 on admission than survivors.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that GH has potential as a predictor of mortality in critically ill trauma and burn patients. Future studies will focus on not only the role of GH, but also GLP-2, which was shown to correlate with mortality in this study with a goal of offering early, targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at decreasing mortality in the critically injured.ConclusionsGH and GLP-2 may have clinical utility for outcome prediction in adult trauma patients.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13049-016-0310-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Experimental study on precaution osteoporosis by the increase of cerebrospinal fluid leptin level on rabbit model

Objective To explore effect of increasing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leptin level by administration from the foramen magnum to the cerebellum medulla oblongata pool in osteoporosis in rabbit model established by ovariectomy (OVX) and methylprednisolones. Methods According to certain inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 adult rabbits which were healthy 5-month-old female New Zealand white rabbits with the same batch and weight were divided into 5 groups (n=6) with random number table, including control group, normal saline group, Low dose group, middle dose group and high dose group. The animal model of osteoporosis (OP) was established 8 weeks after ovariectomy (bilateral ovarian resection) and intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone daily for 8 consecutive weeks in all groups. The control group were only simulated puncture and didn’t inject any drugs or normal saline, the normal saline group were intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection with NS and Low, Middle and High dose group injected with low, middle and high dose of leptin respectively at 0,3,7 days after OVX. Before (0 week) and 4,8 weeks after the operation, the measure of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was done on all the rabbits femur and bone mineral density (BMD) was delivered. Before (0 week) and 4, 8 weeks after the first administration, leptin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum growth hormone (GH), insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and osteocalcin (OT/BGP) were tested with Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with automatic biochemical analyzer (ACA). The rabbits were sacrificed and the thalamus and femoral neck were harvested to test the expression of leptin receptor (LEPR) in thalamus and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and typeⅠcollagen (ColⅠ) at 8 weeks after the first administration. Results Compared with the control group and NS group, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leptin concentration of leptin administration groups kept in a higher level significantly at 4 and 8 weeks after leptin administration, it was positively correlated with the concentration of administration. After administration 4 and 8 weeks, the bone mineral density (BMD) of leptin administration groups were not significantly lower than that of non-administration groups, and the high dose group was unchanged. The serum osteocalcin/bone glad protein (OT/BGP) concentration of leptin administration groups decreased more significantly compared with the non-administration groups at 4 weeks after leptin administration; and it rebounded more significantly than the non-administration groups and low dose group rebounded more significantly than other non-administration groups at 8 weeks. The concentration of serum growth hormone (GH) of 5 groups showed a downward trend at 4 and 8 weeks, the serum GH concentration of leptin administration groups decreased more significantly than the non-administration groups. The concentration of serum insulin-like growth IGF-1 of 5 groups were decreased significantly at 4 weeks, and the serum IGF-1 concentration of control and low dose groups were significantly higher than other 3 groups at 8weeks. Compared with the non-administration groups, the concentration of serum Calcium of leptin administration groups were increased more obvious, and it was positively correlated with the concentration of administration. Serum phosphorus of 5 groups were decreased at 4 weeks and elevated at 8 weeks; there was no difference among the groups. Serum ALP showed a continuous downward trend, and the middle dose group decreased significantly compared with other groups at 4 and 8 weeks. RT-PCR results showed that the BMP-2 and Col ⅠmRNA expression increased and positively correlated with leptin administration concentration at 8weeks. Conclusion The increase of cerebrospinal fluid leptin level can promote the bone metabolism, reduce bone loss and precaution the occurrence of osteoporosis in rabbit model caused by OVX and methylprednisolone, and it was positively correlated with the concentration of administration. That provides a new method for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in rabbit model. Key words: Leptin; Osteoporosis; Bone density

Moderately decreased maternal dietary energy intake during pregnancy reduces fetal skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis in the pigs.

BackgroundMitochondria are of major importance in oocyte and early embryo, playing a key role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Epidemiological findings indicate that maternal undernutrition-induced mitochondrial dysfunction during pregnancy is associated with the development of metabolic disorders in offspring. Here, we investigated the effects of moderately decreased maternal energy intake during pregnancy on skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis in fetal offspring with pig as a model.MethodsPregnant Meishan sows were allocated to a standard-energy (SE) intake group as recommended by the National Research Council (NRC; 2012) and a low-energy (LE) intake group. Fetal umbilical vein serum and longissimus muscle samples were collected for further analysis on day 90 of pregnancy.ResultsSow and fetal weights and the concentrations of serum growth hormone (GH) and glucose were reduced in LE group. Maternal LE diet decreased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PPARGC1A), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), β subunit of mitochondrial H+-ATP synthase (ATB5B), sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), and citrate synthase (CS). The protein expression of PPARGC1A and Sirt1, intracellular NAD+-to-NADH ratio, and CS activity was reduced in LE group, and accordingly, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content was decreased. Moreover, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) expression at both mRNA and protein levels and SOD and catalase (CAT) activities were reduced in LE group as well.ConclusionsThe observed decrease in muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense capacity suggests that moderately decreased maternal energy intake during pregnancy impairs mitochondrial function in fetal pigs.

Effects of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester on growth and blood components in growing Holstein steers.

Twenty-four Chinese Holstein growing steers were randomly divided into three groups and fed a diet containing 0 (the control group), 15 (treatment I group, or TG1) or 25 (treatment II group, or TG2) g/day 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi). Compared with the control group, the final body weights, total gains and average daily gains in the treatment groups increased (P < 0.01). The concentration of total protein (TP) for TG1 increased (P < 0.01). The levels of albumin in TG1 were higher than those in TG2 and the control group (P < 0.05). The concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in TG2 increased (P < 0.05), but concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the treatment groups decreased (P < 0.05). HMBi improved the concentrations of selenium in both TG1 (P < 0.05) and TG2 (P < 0.01). The levels of glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) in TG2 were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, HMBi increased the concentrations of growth hormone (GH) in both TG1 (P < 0.05) and TG2 (P < 0.01). These results indicate that the addition of HMBi increases growth performance, serum concentrations of GH and AST; 15 g/day HMBi increases concentrations of total protein and albumin, and 25 g/day HMBi increases concentrations of ALT and GSH-Px.

The Effect Of 20 Km Running On Appetite Regulation In Long Distance Runners

Acute exercise has been shown to reduce subjective appetite and spontaneous energy intake during subsequent meal. However, reduction of energy intake after exercise may cause unfavorable response such as delayed recovery of exercise capacity and accumulated fatigue. PURPOSE: To investigate time course of changes in appetite-related hormonal responses and energy intake after 20 km running in trained long distance runners. METHODS: Twenty three male long-distance runners (20.0 ± 0.3 years, 171.2 ± 1.9 cm, 56.3 ± 1.0 kg, VO2max: 67.1 ± 1.0 ml/kg/min) completed 2 trials on separate days: either exercise trial with conducting 20 km outdoor running (EX) or control trial with identical period of rest (CON). Blood samples were collected repeatedly to determine plasma ghrelin, peptide YY3-36 (PYY3-36), serum free fatty acids (FFA), growth hormone (GH), myoglobin (Mb) and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations. Energy intake during buffet test meal was also measured at 30 min after exercise or rest. RESULTS: Blood lactate concentration did not change significantly after 20 km running. Serum FFA, GH, Mb and CK concentrations was significantly increased after 20 km running (P < 0.05). Furthermore serum FFA, Mb and CK concentrations remained significantly higher than baseline value at 30 min after exercise (P < 0.05). Plasma ghrelin concentration was significantly decreased after 20 km running (P < 0.05). In contrast, plasma PYY3-36 concentration did not change significantly after 20 km running. Absolute energy intake during buffet test meal was significantly lower in EX (1325 ± 55 kcal) than in CON (1529 ± 55 kcal), and there was relatively large individual variability for exercise-induced change of energy intake (-40.2% to 12.8%). However, exercise-induced change of energy intake was not significantly associated with plasma ghrelin or PYY3-36 responses. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that 20 km running significantly decreased plasma ghrelin concentration and absolute energy intake among well-trained long distance runners. However, the exercise-induced reduction of energy intake was not associated with ghrelin or PYY3-36 responses.

Effects Of D-aspartate And ZMA Supplementation On Serum Hormones In Rats

PURPOSE: Both D-aspartate (DAA) and a commercial supplement containing zinc magnesium aspartate (ZMA) have been proposed to enhance anabolic hormonal profiles and reduce catabolism in human by two distinct mechanisms. However, whether the combination of DAA and ZMA has an additive effect on the release of the anabolic hormones is not known. METHODS:Four groups of 10 rats each drank a solution containing 104 mg DAA (DASP), 77 mg ZMA, 104 mg DAA and 77 mg ZMA (MIX) or a placebo (PLA) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from carotid arteries and analyzed for serum DAA, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (ES), GnRH, D-aspartate oxidase (DDO), IGF-1, growth hormone (GH) and cortisol. DAA accumulation was determined in the pituitary, the pineal, the adrenal, the thyroid, and the testis. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t tests. RESULTS:DASP significantly increased the serum concentrations of TT (20.34±4.10 vs. 10.41±1.85 ng/ml, p=0.042) and GH (19.83±1.69 vs. 15.05±1.20 ng/ml, p=0.039) compared with PLA. Serum FT was increased in DASP but not significant (788.56±43.88 vs. 673.93±125.99 pg/ml, p=0.070). Compared with DASP, MIX significantly decreased serum FT (613.80±31.10 vs. 788.56±43.88 pg/ml, p=0.005), GH (13.68±1.10 vs. 19.83±1.69 ng/ml, p=0.007) and IGF-1 (180.94±16.50 vs. 246.01±19.96 ng/ml, p=0.023), with a trend to decrease serum TT (11.79±1.24 vs. 20.34±4.10 ng/ml, p=0.076), although ZMA alone did not have any apparent effects on them. DAA accumulation was not changed in all groups except that testicular DAA was increased in DASP (0.036±0.002 vs. 0.027±0.001 nmol/g tissue, p=0.001), and MIX further increased it (0.053±0.004 vs. 0.027±0.001 nmol/g tissue, p<0.001), compared with PLA. ZMA significantly decreased serum LH (8.64±0.56 vs. 11.18±1.10 ng/ml, p=0.047) and MIX further suppressed it (7.97±0.93 vs. 11.18±1.10 ng/ml, p=0.039), compared with PLA. Serum ES, GnRH, DDO and cortisol were unchanged with DAA and/or ZMA treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that DASP increased the accumulation of DAA in testis and has potential to stimulate the release of TT, FT and GH in rats. ZMA did not appear to affect serum anabolic hormone levels. On the contrary, the combination of ZMA and DASP suppressed the anabolic effects of DASP in rats.

15. Comparison of the Effect of a Standard Inclusion Level of Inorganic Zinc to Organic Form at Lowered Level on Bone Development in Growing Male Ross Broiler Chickens

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a standard inclusion level of inorganic zinc to organic form at lowered level on the bone development in growing male Ross 308 chickens, assessed on the basis of mechanical, geometric, and histomorphometric parameters of limb bone, and bone zinc content, as well as hormones of somatotropic axis. A total of 80 one-day-old male Ross broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 40 chickens each. The control group was fed with a corn-soybean meal basal diet providing the recommended zinc amount (100 mg×kg-1) from zinc oxide, and the experimental group was supplemented with glycinate chelate providing 25% of the total requirement of the microelement recommended for Ross 308 broiler chicks. The mechanical and histomorphometric parameters and geometry of tibia were determined as well as the serum concentration of growth hormone, IGF-1, osteocalcin and leptin. The serum concentration of Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Fe, P and zinc bone content were determined. The results showed that birds fed with the diet supplemented with organic zinc in the amount of 25% of the recommended amount did not exhibit weight and general growth disorders and had an unchanged concentration of growth hormone, leptin, and IGF-1. The serum concentration of Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Fe, P did not differ between groups. The contents of zinc detected in bones in the controls and the group supplemented with the organic source did not differ as well. Although tibial mechanics and geometry remained unchanged, histomorphometry revealed a disproportionately large osteoporotic bone. The changes in tibial trabecular bone as a result of the diet supplemented with glycinate chelate only in 25% of the total requirement of the microelement recommended for Ross 308 broiler chicks seems to be insufficient for tibia development.

Partial ablation of uropygial gland effects on growth hormone concentration and digestive system histometrical aspect of akar putra chicken

Partial ablation of the uropygial gland is being used in the poultry industry as a new way to enhance body performance of chickens. However, limited data are available estimating the efficacy of partial uropygialectomy (PU) to improve body organ activity. The present study evaluated the effect of partial ablation of the uropygial gland on the serum growth hormone concentration level and digestive system histology of 120 Akar Putra chickens in 5 trials with 3 replicates per trial. The experimental treatments consisted of a control treatment T1; partial ablation of the uropygial gland was applied in the T2, T3, T4, and T5 treatments at 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk of age, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. All treatment groups were provided the same diet. Venous blood samples were collected on wk 7, 10, and 12 to assay the levels of growth hormone concentration. On the last d of the experiment, 4 birds per replicate were randomly isolated and euthanized to perform the necropsy. Digestive system organs' cross sections were measured by a computerized image analyzer after being stained with haematoxylin and eosin. In comparison with the control group, surgical removal of the uropygial gland, especially at wk 3, had a greater (P<0.01) effect on the total duodenum, jejunum, and ilium wall thickness. In addition, effects (P<0.05) were observed on the wall thickness of males' cecum and colon. Moreover, the wall layers of the esophagus, proventriculus, gizzard, and rectum were not affected by the treatment. However, removing the uropygial gland showed significant impact (P<0.05) in males' growth hormone concentration level at wk 7 and (P<0.01) effects at wk 12 in both sexes. This study provides a novel and economic alternative to enhance the body performance of poultry in general and Akar Putra chickens particularly.

Surgical castration but not immuncastration is associated with reduced hypothalamic GnIH and GHRH/GH/IGF-I axis function in male rats

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a potent positive regulator of the growth axis. The present study was aimed to comparatively investigate the effects of surgical and immunologic castration on hypothalamic GnIH expression and endocrine function of the growth axis. Thirty-six prepubertal male rats were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 12): control, surgically castrated or immunized against 100-μg D-Lys6-GnRH-tandem peptide conjugated to ovalbumin in Specol adjuvant at 6 weeks of age (with a booster 8 weeks later). Blood samples were collected (for hormone and urea nitrogen concentrations) at 2-week intervals, and growth performance was evaluated. Compared to intact controls, surgical castration reduced (P < 0.05) messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of hypothalamic GnIH and growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH), pituitary growth hormone (GH), and liver insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), reduced (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of GH and IGF-1 and increased (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of urea nitrogen. In contrast, immunocastration did not alter messenger RNA expressions of hypothalamic GnIH, GHRH and pituitary GH, and the serum concentrations of GH (P > 0.05). Moreover, serum concentrations of IGF-1 and urea nitrogen in immunocastrates were substantially higher and lower than those in surgical castrates, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared to surgical castrates, immuncastrates had superior feed conversion efficiency and faster daily weight gain (P < 0.05). We concluded that surgical castration but not immunocastration is associated with reduced hypothalamic GnIH and GHRH/GH/IGF-I axis function in male rats.

Seasonal response of ghrelin, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I in the free-ranging Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)

Seasonal changes in light, temperature, and food availability stimulate a physiological response in an animal. Seasonal adaptations are well studied in Arctic, Sub-Arctic, and hibernating mammals; however, limited studies have been conducted in sub-tropical species. The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), a sub-tropical marine mammal, forages less during colder temperatures and may rely on adipose stores for maintenance energy requirements. Metabolic hormones, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and ghrelin influence growth rate, accretion of lean and adipose tissue. They have been shown to regulate seasonal changes in body composition. The objective of this research was to investigate manatee metabolic hormones in two seasons to determine if manatees exhibit seasonality and if these hormones are associated with seasonal changes in body composition. In addition, age related differences in these metabolic hormones were assessed in multiple age classes. Concentrations of GH, IGF-I, and ghrelin were quantified in adult manatee serum using heterologous radioimmunoassays. Samples were compared between short (winter) and long (summer) photoperiods (n=22 male, 20 female) and by age class (adult, juvenile, and calf) in long photoperiods (n=37). Short photoperiods tended to have reduced GH (p=0.08), greater IGF-I (p=0.01), and greater blubber depth (p=0.03) compared with long photoperiods. No differences were observed in ghrelin (p=0.66). Surprisingly, no age related differences were observed in IGF-I or ghrelin concentrations (p>0.05). However, serum concentrations of GH tended (p=0.07) to be greater in calves and juveniles compared with adults. Increased IGF-I, greater blubber thickness, and reduced GH during short photoperiod suggest a prioritization for adipose deposition. Whereas, increased GH, reduced blubber thickness, and decreased IGF-I in long photoperiod suggest prioritization of lean tissue accretion. Hormone profiles in conjunction with difference in body composition between photoperiods indicate seasonal adjustments in manatee nutrient partitioning priorities.

Nanosize of zinc oxide and the effects on zinc digestibility, growth performances, immune response and serum parameters of weanling piglets

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of nanosize zinc on zinc digestibility, growth performances, immune response and serum parameters of weanling piglets. Ninety-six LYD weanling piglets were assigned to control, zinc oxide (ZnO), organic-Zn (Zn-methionine) and nanosize ZnO (nano-Zn) groups with four replicates. The zinc was at the 120 mg/kg level in the treatment group's diet, while the control group's was 80 mg/kg Zn. The experiment results indicated that the nano-Zn and organic-Zn groups had significantly higher Zn digestibility compared to the ZnO and control groups. For the immune response traits, the IgG level and goat red blood cells (GRBC) antibody titer were nano-Zn and organic-Zn>ZnO>control; in the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) challenge test result, nano-Zn>organic-Zn>ZnO>control; in regard to the γ-globulin level, nano-Zn and organic-Zn>ZnO and control, with significant difference between groups. In the serum parameters aspect, serum Zn concentration in nano-Zn and organic-Zn groups were higher than in the ZnO and control groups, serum growth hormone concentration was increased in the nano-Zn group than in the other groups. In conclusion, nanosize zinc oxide for dietary supplementation can increase zinc digestibility, serum growth hormone levels and carbonic anhydrase activity and enhance the immune response of weanling piglets.

Effects of nanosize zinc oxide on zinc retention, eggshell quality, immune response and serum parameters of aged laying hens

The aim of this study was to investigate how dietary supplementation of nanosize zinc oxide affect zinc retention, egg production and eggshell quality, immune response and serum parameters of aged layers. In trial 1, twenty white Leghorn laying hens (68weeks-old) were assigned to the control, ZnO, organic-Zn (Zn-methionine) and nano-Zn (nanosize ZnO) groups. The Zinc was maintained at a 60mg/kg level in the treatment groups’ diet, while the control group’s diet contained 40mg/kg Zn to evaluate the nutrient retention and zinc bioavailability. In trial 2, eighty old white Leghorn laying hens (68weeks-old) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (as trial 1) to evaluate the egg production and eggshell quality, immune response and serum parameters. The results of trial 1 indicated that there were no differences in nutrient retention among the groups, but zinc retention was significantly higher in the nano-Zn and organic-Zn groups than that in the control and ZnO groups (P<0.05). Trial 2 results indicated that eggshell thickness was increased in the nano-Zn and organic-Zn groups compared to the control group (P<0.05); immune responses parameters, including: PHA (phytohemagglutinin) skin challenge test result, GRBC (goat red blood cells) antibody titer and IgG levels exhibited no differences among the groups; serum growth hormone concentration and carbonic anhydrase activity was significantly higher in the nano-Zn and organic-Zn groups compare to control group (P<0.05); serum albumin concentration in organic-Zn group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, nanosize zinc for dietary supplementation can increase zinc retention, as well as enhance eggshell thickness, serum carbonic anhydrase activity and growth hormone level of layers. We therefore concluded that nanosized zinc oxide can enhance zinc absorption in the intestine of layers compare to regular zinc oxide.

Effects of Five-Week Resistance Training in Hypoxia on Hormones and Muscle Strength.

The effects of different levels of systemic hypoxia on hormonal responses, strength, and body composition to 5-week resistance training were investigated. Twenty-five male subjects were randomly assigned into 3 experimental groups that performed 10 sessions (2 sessions per week) of barbell back squat (10 repetitions, 5 sets, 70% 1 repetition maximum [RM]) under normoxia (NR, FiO2 = 21%) and hypoxia (HL, FiO2 = 16%; HH, FiO2 = 12.6%). Serum growth hormone (GH), testosterone (T), and cortisol (C) concentrations were measured before (Pre) and at 0 (T-0), 15 (T-15), 30 (T-30) minutes after exercise in the first and last training sessions. One repetition maximum, isometric knee extension, isometric leg press (LP), and body composition were evaluated before and after the protocol. In the first session, GH of HH (p < 0.01) and HL (p < 0.01) was higher than NR at T-0. In the last session, only GH of HH was higher than NR at T-0 (p ≤ 0.05); meanwhile, T/C ratio of HH was higher than NR at Pre (p < 0.01), T-0 (p < 0.01), and T-15 (p ≤ 0.05). Following the training protocol, HH showed greater (p ≤ 0.05) improvement of isometric LP strength compared with NR; lean body mass was increased in the hypoxia groups only. Moderate-intensity resistance training performed in severe hypoxia (FiO2 = 12.6%) induced greater GH responses and isometric strength gains in LP than that in NR. FiO2 of 12.6% was recommended when performing the moderate-intensity resistance training under systemic hypoxia.

Acromegaly in a non-diabetic cat.

Case summaryA 14-year-old, neutered male European shorthair cat was evaluated for a routine health check. The owner did not report any clinical signs except for respiratory stridor. On physical examination the main findings were broad facial features and increased interdental spaces. On haematology, a mild, non-regenerative anaemia was detected, whereas the serum biochemistry profile and urinalysis were unremarkable. The serum glucose concentration was within the reference interval. Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration was markedly elevated (>1600 ng/ml). The basal serum growth hormone concentration was elevated and decreased only mildly after somatostatin administration. Basal serum insulin concentration was high, and the insulin concentration increased considerably after glucose loading, consistent with insulin resistance. CT scanning of the skull showed an enlarged pituitary gland and increased skull bone thickness. The final diagnosis was acromegaly.Relevance and novel informationThese findings demonstrate that acromegaly should be pursued and suspected in cats other than those with diabetes mellitus.

The growth endocrine axis and inflammatory responses after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

It is well known that conventional surgery leads to detrimental immune and catabolic responses, thus there is growing interest in the effect of minimally invasive techniques on postoperative endocrine and immune function. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) axis and acute phase (interleukin-6, IL-6, and C-reactive protein, CRP) responses in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Twenty-nine patients (16 women, 13 men; age: 58+8 years) with a history of uncomplicated symptomatic cholelithiasis participated in the study. Blood samples were collected prior to and at 24 hrs and 48 hrs after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Serum concentrations of GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and IL-6 were determined by standard sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while CRP was measured by nephelometry. ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's post-hoc test were used to evaluate changes in serum measurements. The laparoscopic cholecystectomy resulted in a significant postoperative increase in circulating levels of IL-6 (p=0.031), which is the main cytokine responsible for inducing the acute inflammatory response, and of the acute phase protein CRP (p=0.005). A significant increase in GH levels at 24 hrs (p=0.034) and decrease of IGF-1 on both postoperative days were also found (p=0.045, 0.044), while no changes were documented in IGFBP-3 levels. Significant correlations were revealed between postoperative levels of the acute phase proteins and growth axis hormones (p<0.05 - 0.001). Our findings suggest that laparoscopic cholecystectomy induces acute phase endocrine and immune responses. These changes may represent a state of systemic inflammation and GH resistance, compatible with possible cytokine-induced anti-anabolic or catabolic effects even after this minimally invasive cholecystectomy.

Influence of Dietary Copper on Serum Growth-Related Hormone Levels and Growth Performance of Weanling Pigs.

To investigate the effect of dietary copper on serum growth-related hormones levels and growth performance, a total of 60 weanling pigs were randomly assigned to six groups each containing 10 pigs, fed on basal diets supplemented with 0 (control), 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300mg/kg copper sulfate for 80days, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG), feed to gain ratio (F/G), feed intake and serum growth hormone (GH), insulin (INS), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels were detected at interval of 20days. The results revealed that ADG, and serum GH, INS, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 concentrations were increased significantly in the pigs fed on diets added with 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300mg/kg copper sulfate. Meanwhile, in the pigs supplemented with 250mg/kg copper sulfate, ADG was increased significantly from the 40th to the 60th day of the experiment (P < 0.01), and the levels of GH, INS, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 in serum were elevated significantly from the 20th to the 40th day of the experiment (P < 0.01). It is concluded that effects of copper supplemented in the diet on the growth of pigs were related to the increasing levels of GH, INS, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 in serum which were induced by copper. High dietary copper increase the concentrations of growth-related hormones in serum, resulting in improving the growth performance of weanling pigs.

Breast milk stimulates growth hormone secretion in infant mice, andphosphorus insufficiency disables this ability and causes dwarfism-like symptoms.

IntroductionBreast milk intake facilitates neonatal growth, and its effect is assumed to last long into the adulthood. We recently reported that dietary phosphorus insufficiency reduces the ability of breast milk to promote infant growth in mice. However, how phosphorus confers this ability to milk is still unclear.MethodsTo address this issue, we performed biochemical and physiological comparisons of milk secreted from C57BL/6J mice fed a low-phosphorus diet (LPD) or a normal-phosphorus control diet.ResultsAlthough serum phosphorus concentration was decreased, the body weight of mother mice was unaffected. By contrast, infant body weight was significantly reduced, and dwarfism-like symptoms were observed in adulthood. Quantitative analysis revealed that the serum concentration of growth hormone (GH) was substantially reduced, and concomitantly insulin-like growth factor 1 and fibroblast growth factor 23 were decreased. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed ectopic fat accumulation in the livers of infant mice along with increased blood cholesterol level. Moreover, electron microscopy indicated fragility of the outer membrane of milk droplets.ConclusionsOur results suggest that phosphorus is essential for the formation of milk droplets, which function as a stimulator of growth factor secretion in infant offspring.

Expression of cytochrome P450 2C and 3A in female rat liver after long-term administration of gonadoliberin analogs

Gonadoliberin (GnRH) analogs may be expected to indirectly modify growth hormone (GH) total concentration and its 24-h secretion profile. As a consequence, changes in the levels of GH may modify the mechanism of sex-dependent cytochromes P450 (CYP450) synthesis, including the expression of transcriptional factors. The aim of the study has been to evaluate the effect of long-term administration of a low dose of GnRH analogs on hepatic expression of CYP2C and CYP3A isoforms, and the transcription factors: pregnane X receptor (PXR), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), HNF6 and signal transducers and activators of transcription 5b (STAT5b). The study was carried out on adult female Sprague-Dawley rats during a 3-month treatment with dalarelin (GnRH agonist) and cetrorelix (GnRH antagonist), at a daily intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) dose of 6 μg/kg body weight/day, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation. The concentrations of ovarian hormones and GH in the blood serum were determined by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, respectively. Then, the expression of hepatic CYP450s (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction - RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry) and transcription factors (RT-PCR) was evaluated. We have found that cetrorelix induces changes in the circadian pattern of GH secretion and enhances GH blood concentrations. These changes may cause increased expression of both, female-specific CYP450s (especially CYP3A9), and HNF4α/HNF6 transcription factors. Decrease in GH blood concentrations, resulting from the effect of dalarelin, may promote inhibition of female-specific CYP2C12 and CYP3A9 isoforms as well as STAT5b transcription factor. Slight changes in sex-independent CYP3A1 protein expression caused by GnRH analogs were also observed. In adult female rats, HNF4α/HNF6 and STAT5b seem to be crucial for the regulation of GnRH antagonist/GH- and GnRH agonist/GH-dependent pattern of CYP450 expression, respectively.

Effects of different forms of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, intestinal development, and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets.

The present study was conducted to determine effects of different forms of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strain Y200007) on the growth performance, intestinal development, and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets. A total of 96 piglets (14-d old, initial average body weight of 4.5 kg) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments: (1) basal diet without yeast (Control); (2) basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g/kg live yeast (LY); (3) basal diet supplemented with 2.66 g/kg heat-killed whole yeast (HKY); and (4) basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g/kg superfine yeast powders (SFY). Diets and water were provided ad libitum to the piglets during 3-week experiment. Growth performance of piglets was measured weekly. Samples of blood and small intestine were collected at days 7 and 21 of experiment. Dietary supplementation with LY and SFY improved G:F of piglets at days 1-21 of the experiment (P < 0.05) compared to Control group. Serum concentrations of growth hormone (GH), triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in piglets at day 21 of the experiment were higher when fed diets supplemented with LY and SFY than those in Control group (P < 0.05). Compared to Control group, contents of serum urea nitrogen of piglets were reduced by the 3 yeast-supplemented diets (P < 0.05). Diets supplemented with LY increased villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio in duodenum and jejunum of piglets (P < 0.05) compared to other two groups at day 7 of the experiment. Feeding diets supplemented with LY and SFY increased (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of IgA, IL-2, and IL-6 levels in piglets compared to Control. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio and proliferation of T-lymphocytes in piglets fed diets supplemented with LY were increased compared to that of Control group at day 7 of the experiment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with both LY and SFY enhanced feed conversion, small intestinal development, and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets, with better improvement in feed conversion by dietary supplementation with LY, while dietary supplementation with SFY was more effective in increasing systemic immune functions in early-weaned piglets.

Immune stimulation improves endocrine and neural fetal outcomes in a model of maternofetal thyrotoxicosis

The potentiation of the immune system in pregnant rats was performed with Complete Freund's Adjuvant [CFA; 20μl, subcutaneous at gestation day (GD) 18] in experimentally-induced hyperthyroidism by Levo-thyroxine (L-T4; 10μg/100g of b.w., intraperitoneal from GD 2 to 17). The potential effects on the fetal neuroendocrine function were evaluated by observing some histopathological investigations in pregnant rats and measuring some biochemical parameters in dams and their fetuses at GD 20. In hyperthyroid group, an increase in maternofetal serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and a decrease in thyrotropin (TSH) levels were noticed, while the concentrations of fetal serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) levels were increased at tested GD with respect to control and CFA groups. Moreover, the activity of uterine and placental myeloperoxidase (MPO) was increased (P<0.001) in CFA and CFA-treated hyperthyroid groups in respect to control or hyperthyroid groups, respectively. The gestational thyrotoxicosis led to some histopathological lesions in uterine and placental tissues characterized by severe degeneration in trophoblast spongioblast cell layer with congestion, mild congested blood vessels in the endometrium and deficient in spiral artery remodeling. Although, the elevation in fetal serum transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) and cerebellar monoamines [norepineprine (NE), epinephrine (E), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] was observed, the reduction in fetal serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and adipokines (Leptin and adiponectin) was detected. Treatment of dams with CFA showed an obviously reversing and protecting effect against hyperthyroid perturbations. Thus, the maternal CFA can be used in treatment of the fetal neuroendocrine dysfunctions.