Serum Cortisol Concentrations Research Articles

Abstract #1371676: A 72-Hour Trial of Octreotide Reliably Distinguishes Between Pituitary and Ectopic ACTH Overproduction in Cushing’s Syndrome

To determine whether the use of an octreotide suppression test will reliably distinguish pituitary from ectopic ACTH overproduction. Somatostatin receptors are expressed in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), but in Cushing’s disease these are downgraded as the result of hypercortsiolaemia. Octreotide should therefore lower ACTH and cortisol levels in patients with non-pituitary NETs but not in patients with Cushing’s disease and an ACTH producing pituitary tumor. At present the gold standard procedure for distinguishing pituitary from ectopic ACTH overproduction is Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) with multiple ACTH measurements. However, this procedure is invasive, expensive and not widely available in many countries. On the other hand, a short trial of octreotide is safe, simple and much cheaper. 13 patents with ACTH dependent Cushing’s syndrome (CS) (8 women, 5 men) with ages ranging between 16 to 40 years were studied. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured at 0800 hrs before and during the administration of Octreotide at a dosage of 100 mcg subcutaneously every 8 hours for 72 hours. The serum cortisol concentrations were suppressed and returned to normal in 4 patients who were later documented to have ectopic disease, two with typical bronchial carcinoids and two with pancreatic NETs and metastatic disease. The other 9 patients had no suppression in serum cortisol concentrations and were documented later to have pituitary tumours. We recommend that a 72-hour octreotide suppression test be given to all patients with ACTH-dependent CS even if the MRI shows an adenoma, so as to exclude the possibility of a pituitary incidentaloma in a patient with ectopic disease.

1 Repeated muscle collections induce few physiological changes in mature sedentary horses

Repeated skeletal muscle collections are often used to determine tissue-specific responses to interventions or stressors but little is known about the physiological impacts of the collections themselves. Twenty-six mature sedentary horses (8 geldings, 18 mares; mean ± SD 9.5 ± 3.5y) were used to test the hypothesis that repeated muscle collections would not impact mitochondrial function or markers of inflammation and muscle damage. Horses were stratified by age and sex and randomly assigned to have gluteus medius samples collected at: 1) 0 and 24 h (n = 7); 2) 0 and 6 h (n = 6); 3) 0, 6, and 12 h (n = 7); or 4) 0, 6, 12, and 24 h (n = 6). Blood was collected from all horses every 6 h for 72 h total, starting 24 h before the first muscle collection. Muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and electron transfer (E) capacities were determined via high-resolution respirometry, and mitochondrial volume density and function by citrate synthase (CS) and cytochrome c oxidase activities. Muscle and plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)- 4, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α were quantified, as well as serum amyloid A (SAA) and cortisol concentrations and creatine kinase (CK) activity. Data were analyzed using linear models in SAS with time as a repeated measure, horse as the subject, time as a fixed effect, and sex when significant. For blood parameters, additional fixed effects includedcollection group and the time × group interaction. Integrative (per mg tissue) E supported by complex II decreased from 0 to 6 h (P = 0.004) but returned to baseline by 12 h post-initial muscle collection. Intrinsic (per unit CS) Leak was greater at 6 than at 0 and 12 h (P < 0.03) but did not differ from 24 h. Activity of CS was greater at 0 than 12 and 24 h (P ≤ 0.02). Regardless of group, serum CK activity was similar from −24 through 0 h but increased in all horses at 6 h and remained elevated through 48 h, peaking at 24 and 30 h post-initial muscle collection (P < 0.05). Geldings had greater serum CK activity and plasma IL-8 concentrations than mares (P ≤ 0.006). Serum cortisol concentrations displayed a circadian pattern throughout the 72-h collection period (P < 0.0001) but were not impacted by tissue collection group. Overall, horses in group 2 (0 and 6 h) had greater SAA concentrations than all other groups (P < 0.006). No other variable was impacted by repeated tissue collections. In unstressed, mature horses, repeated gluteal muscle collections did not profoundly impact local and systemic markers of mitochondrial function, select cytokines, and stress indicators; however, serum CK should be interpreted with caution in studies employing repeated tissue collections.

Effects of lipoperoxidation and mitochondrial state on milk yield of dairy cows under technological stress

Evaluation of the physiological state of cattle is crucial in creating healthy, high-performing dairy cattle herds. Technological stress is one of the most critical factors determining the biological potential of higher-yielding cows. This work aimed to assess the effect of technological stress on various oxidative parameters and mitochondrial states in dairy cows' blood, milk yield and milk composition. The study was conducted on the black-and-white breed of healthy herds. Regrouping, changing service personnel, and carrying out veterinary and sanitary manipulations were considered technological stress factors. The concentration of cortisol in the blood serum was studied by the immunological method. The concentrations of malonic dialdehyde (MDA), diene conjugates (D.C.), Schiff bases (S.B.), reduced glutathione and catalase activity were measured spectrophotometrically. The mitochondrial state was estimated by laser interference microscopy. While the milk yield, protein and lipid composition of cow milk were studied using an ultrasound analyzer. The researched indicators were analyzed before and for 30 days after the effect of technological stress. Results of the study suggested that technological stress caused an increase in oxidative processes, along with a reduction of antioxidant activity of blood and milk at the initial stages of registration (1-7 days). The concentration of glutathione remained reduced for 30 days after technological stress. A decrease in mitochondrial refractoriness and disintegration accompanied these processes. The milk yield indicator decreased was not restored to the values of intact animals by 30 days after technological stress. Further, the protein and lipid composition also reduced. Thus, a decrease in the quantity and quality of milk under technological stress may be mediated by the development of oxidative stress, which the refractoriness and disintegration of mitochondria might trigger.

Evaluation of the stress‐reducing effect of trace mineral injection in beef calves

Little is known about the effects of trace mineral supplementation on the stress response in beef calves. To investigate the effect of injectable trace mineral supplementation (ITM) on the stress response in beef calves exposed to different types of stress. Thirty weaned Angus and Angus crossbred calves. The enrolled calves were randomly assigned to 2 groups: ITM, 15 calves received modified-live virus vaccine (MLV) and ITM SC and 15 calves received MLV and saline SC (CONT). The calves were exposed to 3 types of stress: the stress of MLV vaccination (d0), nasal aerosol with bovine viral diarrhea virus-2 (BVDV-2) challenge (d5), and liver biopsy (d26). The calves' body weights and health status were monitored. Leukocyte counts, serum cortisol concentration ([cort]), BVDV-2 serum neutralizing antibodies (SNA), and percentages of CD4+ , CD8+ , WC1+ , and CD25+ T-lymphocytes were measured. Serum cortisol concentration ([cort]) showed strong associations with the percentage of CD8+ (rs = .50), BVDV2-SNA (rs = -.43), and WC1CD25+ (rs = .41) cells, and rectal temperature (rs = .40). The highest [cort] was reported 3 days after aerosol BVDV-2 challenge. Serum [cort] was decreased in ITM-treated calves 3 days post-BVDV-2 challenge, compared with CONT calves, with an average decrease of 18.5 ng/μL (95% confidence interval [CI], -6.07 to -31.3). The ITM-treated calves were heavier and healthier (P < .01)than the CONT calves. Trace mineral supplementation appears to have stress mitigation effects in beef cattle that may reflect positively on growth and health performance. Viral exposure is associated with a high degree of stress, which is considered a major welfare concern.

Serum nerve growth factor in horses with osteoarthritis-associated lameness.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that is increased in osteoarthritic joints of horses. In humans, NGF has been associated with pain, and both synovial and serum NGF concentrations are increased in osteoarthritic patients. Studies in humans also have shown that serum NGF concentration can increase with stress. Serum NGF concentration should be evaluated in horses with osteoarthritis-associated lameness. Quantify and compare serum NGF concentration in horses with osteoarthritis-associated lameness and sound horses. Additionally, the impact of short-term stress on serum NGF concentration was investigated. Lame horses with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (n = 20), lame horses without radiographic changes in the affected joint (n = 20) and sound horses (n = 20). In addition, horses with acute fractures (n = 9) were sampled. To determine the effect of stress, serum from horses subjected to a stressful event (transportation, n = 5; stress confirmed by increased serum cortisol concentration) was analyzed. Cross-sectional clinical study (lame, sound, and fracture cohorts) and experimental longitudinal study (stress cohort). Serum NGF concentration was determined using a quantitative sandwich ELISA. Serum NGF concentration was increased in lame horses with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (P < .0001; median, 238 pg/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 63-945 pg/mL) and in lame horses without radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in the painful joint (P < .05; median, 31 pg/mL; IQR, 31-95 pg/mL) compared with sound horses (median, 31 pg/mL; IQR, 31-46 pg/mL). Serum NGF concentration did not increase with short-term stress and was low in horses with fracture-associated pain. Serum NGF concentration was high in the cohort with advanced osteoarthritis and should be investigated as a marker for osteoarthritis-associated pain.

Association Between Parameters of Cortisol Metabolism, Biomarkers of Minerals (Zinc, Selenium, and Magnesium), and Insulin Resistance and Oxidative Stress in Women with Obesity.

This is a cross-sectional study with women divided into a group of those with obesity (n = 80) and a control group (n = 94). Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS program. There were high values of GPx and TBARS and reduced values of SOD in women with obesity compared to the control group. Obese women showed increased concentrations of cortisol in serum and urine as well as hypozincemia, hyposelenemia, and hypomagnesemia and increased urinary excretion of these minerals. There was a negative correlation between the cortisol/cortisone ratio and erythrocyte zinc and selenium concentrations and a significant positive correlation between GPx and SOD activity and erythrocyte and plasma concentrations of zinc and selenium. The results of the study suggest the influence of adiposity on the increase in cortisol concentrations and the role of this hormone in the compartmentalization of the minerals zinc, selenium, and magnesium. However, the association study does not allow identifying the impact of such action on the antioxidant defense system and insulin sensitivity.

반려견의 미용 시 스트레스에 의한 활력징후 및 혈청 코티졸의 변화

The present study purposed to investigate the degree of stress on companion dogs after grooming service. For this purpose, we analyzed the effect of skin service on changes in the concentration of serum cortisol, the body weight, body temperature, heart rate and skin lesions, and obtained results as follows. Compared to the control group or the ordinary grooming group, the stress grooming group showed high concentration of serum cortisol, and their recovery was slow but they were recovered to the normal state in 24 hours. Body temperature increased in the ordinary grooming group and the stress grooming group compared to the control group. Body temperature after 4 hours from grooming service was lower than that just after the service, and the temperature before the grooming service was restored in 24 hours from the grooming service. The results of this experiment showed that grooming service to pet dogs causes stress and increases the rise of body temperature, heart rate and the concentration of serum cortisol. However, these symptoms disappeared within 24 hours from the experiment, and skin inflammation was observed in a dog but not serious.

Relationships between cause of death and concentrations of seven steroids obtained from the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of cadavers

In this study, we assessed 80 autopsy samples to investigate the relationships between cause of death and the concentrations of multiple steroids in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). First, we developed and validated analytical methods to quantify seven steroids (cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycortiocosterone, progesterone, and testosterone) by using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. Next, we statistically evaluated the levels of each steroid for six causes of death: hypothermia, traumatic injury, fire fatality, asphyxia, intoxication, and internal disease. We observed that cortisol concentrations in serum and CSF obtained from cadavers who died from hypothermia were significantly higher than those in samples obtained from cadavers who died from the remaining causes of death (P < 0.05). Similarly, corticosterone concentrations obtained from cadavers who died from hypothermia were significantly higher than those in samples from several other causes of death. However, concentrations of the remaining steroids analyzed did not differ significantly among the causes of death. We further elucidated the correlations between steroid concentrations in serum and CSF. Except for 11-deoxycorticosterone and progesterone, steroid concentrations were significantly positively correlated in serum and CSF. Although data on cadaveric steroid concentrations are limited—especially in CSF—values obtained were in the approximate range of the living human data reported to date.

Kinesiological models of the neuromuscular system readaptation in mature women after prolonged hypokinesia

Purpose&#x0D; To study the peculiarities of adaptive and compensatory reactions in mature women after prolonged hypokinesia using various kinesiological models of the neuromuscular system readaptation.&#x0D; Material and methods&#x0D; 52 women of mature age (39-46 years) after long-term (6-7 years) hypokinesia took part in the study. Group A used a kinesiological model based on free weight exercises with changes in kinematic and dynamic characteristics. Group B used a model based on machine exercises. The following methods were used to monitor adaptation processes: bioelectrical impedance analysis, anthropometry, testing of strength capabilities, biochemical blood analysis (cortisol and creatinine concentration).&#x0D; Results &#x0D; The dynamics of the studied indicators differed significantly between the groups using the proposed kinesiological models for 12 weeks. Thus, the fat-free and body cell mass indicators were 5 times higher in group A women compared to group B participants. The body fat mass decreased by 5 times in group A participants. The circumference measurements reduced in all participants, but in group A the rate of change was 1.8 times faster. The level of strength growth was almost the same in all study participants; it fluctuated within 10-25% compared to the initial data. The cortisol concentration in the blood serum increased only in group B during all stages of control. At the end of the research, the cortisol level did not change in response to stress in the women of group A, which indicates increasing of their resistance level. The basal level of creatinine grew by 4% in group A women after 12 weeks of training, but it did not change in group B participants. These changes indicate an accelerated growth of muscle mass in group A women.&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; Pronounced adaptive changes occurred in women of mature age after prolonged hypokinesia in case of using the kinesiological model of the neuromuscular system readaptation with free weight exercises. Applying this model helps to increase the functional capabilities of the body, to strengthen the level of resistance to a stress stimulus, and to improve the morphometric parameters of the body.

Premedication with acetazolamide: Is its use for postoperative pain and stress control after laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs ruled out?

Studies in human medicine have concluded that acetazolamide reduces pain associated with carbon dioxide insufflation during laparoscopic surgery. However, there are no published reports regarding the use of acetazolamide for this purpose in companion animals, despite the increasing popularity of laparoscopic techniques in veterinary medicine due to their advantages over open surgeries. Thirty mixed-breed female dogs were included in the study and randomly assigned to one of three groups: OVE (median celiotomy ovariectomy; n = 10), OVEL (laparoscopic ovariectomy, n = 10) and OVELA (laparoscopic ovariectomy with acetazolamide preoperative administration; n = 10). Experienced surgeons performed all procedures, and the anaesthetic and analgesic protocols were identical for all animals. Acetazolamide was administered orally (at a dose of 25 mg/kg) 2 h prior to induction in the OVELA group. Postoperative pain was evaluated using serum cortisol, salivary cortisol, and the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) Score. Any statistical differences were observed in the UMPS scores when the OVELA group was compared to the OVEL group at 1 h after surgery (p = 0.515), 12 h (p = 0.375) and 24 h (p = 0.242). Animals undergoing open surgery (OVE group) had significantly higher pain scores at all times after surgery when compared with OVEL and OVELA groups. A high positive correlation (r = 0.792; p = 0.01) was found between serum and saliva cortisol concentrations. Mean saliva cortisol concentration was not significantly lower for the OVELA group compared to the other groups. This study found evidence that preoperative administration of acetazolamide may be beneficial in managing postoperative pain in dogs after laparoscopic surgeries. However, further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm this and to determine if acetazolamide should be included in a multimodal postoperative analgesia protocol for laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs.

Yeast hydrolysate attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier damage in weaned piglets

BackgroundIntestinal inflammation is the main risk factor causing intestinal barrier dysfunction and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can trigger inflammatory responses in various eukaryotic species. Yeast hydrolysate (YH) possesses multi-biological effects and is received remarkable attention as a functional ingredient for improving growth performance and promoting health in animals. However, there is still inconclusive on the protective effects of dietary YH supplementation on intestinal barrier of piglets. This study was conducted to investigate the attenuate effects of YH supplementation on inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier injury in piglets challenged with LPS.MethodsTwenty-four piglets (with an average body weight of 7.42 ± 0.34 kg) weaned at 21 days of age were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (12 replications with one pig per pen): a basal diet or a basal diet containing YH (5 g/kg). On the 22nd d, 6 piglets in each treatment were intraperitoneally injected with LPS at 150 μg/kg BW, and the others were injected with the same amount of sterile normal saline. Four hours later, blood samples of each piglet were collected and then piglets were euthanized.ResultsDietary YH supplementation increased average daily feed intake and average daily gain (P < 0.01), decreased the ratio of feed intake to gain of piglets (P = 0.048). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection induced systemic inflammatory response, evidenced by the increase of serum concentrations of haptoglobin (HP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Furthermore, LPS challenge resulted in inflammatory intestinal damage, by up-regulation of the protein or mRNA abundances of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and phosphor-nuclear factor-κB-p65 (p-NFκB-p65) (P < 0.01), and down-regulation of the jejunal villus height, the protein and mRNA abundances of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin (OCC; P < 0.05) in jejunal mucosa. Dietary YH supplementation decreased the impaired effects of ACTH, cortisol, HP, IL-1β and diamine oxidase in serum (P < 0.05). Moreover, YH supplementation also up-regulated the jejunal villus height, protein and mRNA abundances of ZO-1 and OCC (P < 0.05), down-regulated the mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β and the protein abundances of TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR4 and p-NFκB-p65 in jejunal mucosa in LPS-challenged pigs (P < 0.01).ConclusionYeast hydrolysate could attenuate inflammatory response and intestinal barrier injury in weaned piglets challenged with LPS, which was associated with the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation.Graphical

Eucalcemia during lipopolysaccharide challenge in postpartum dairy cows: I. Clinical, inflammatory, and metabolic response

Hypocalcemia induced by immune activation is a conserved response across mammalian species; however, administration of Ca is discouraged in other species as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Early postpartum cows experience a decrease in circulating Ca concentration following acute inflammation. Corrective Ca therapy during the transition period, particularly in dairy cows experiencing acute disease, is common practice. However, the effect of Ca administration on the inflammatory response during acute immune activation is unknown. Our objective was to compare the clinical, inflammatory, and metabolic response to an intravenous (IV) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge between postpartum cows infused, or not, with IV Ca to maintain eucalcemia. Cows (n = 14, 8 ± 1 d in milk) were enrolled in a matched-pair randomized controlled design to receive IV Ca (IVCa) or sterile 0.9% NaCl (CTRL) during an IV LPS challenge (0.040 or 0.045 µg of LPS/kg of body weight over 1 h). Ionized Ca (iCa) was monitored cow-side, and IV Ca infusion was adjusted in a eucalcemic clamp for 12 h following the start of LPS infusion. Cows were monitored during the 24 h following challenge and serial blood samples were collected to quantify concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids, urea nitrogen, cytokines, acute-phase proteins, and cortisol. Blood iCa concentration decreased to 0.87 ± 0.03 mM in CTRL during challenge, and by design, iCa concentration was maintained within 3% of baseline in IVCa. Body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were monitored for 24 h following the start of challenge and did not differ between groups. A treatment × time interaction was identified such that serum cortisol concentrations increased in both groups at 2 h but decreased to a greater extent at 6 h in IVCa compared with CTRL. Rumination time (min/h) over the first 12 h following challenge was greater in IVCa, but total rumination time in the 24 h following challenge did not differ from CTRL. Serum glucose and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations decreased, and β-hydroxybutyrate and urea nitrogen concentrations increased over time, but did not differ between groups. Acute leukopenia occurred in both groups at 4 h before leukocytosis was observed at 24 h with total white blood cell counts returning to baseline within 72 h. Plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) increased within 1 h following the start of challenge and did not differ between groups. Serum haptoglobin and serum amyloid A concentrations increased within the 24 h following challenge and were elevated through 72 h but did not differ between groups. Eucalcemia during the acute systemic inflammatory response did not alter the TNF or IL-10 cytokine response, or the acute-phase protein SAA and haptoglobin response in this LPS challenge model; however, eucalcemia was associated with a more rapid decline in cortisol response and greater rumination time in the first 12 h following challenge. We did not find evidence that eucalcemia exacerbated the inflammatory response in early postpartum cows, but Ca administration may alter the clinical response to acute systemic inflammation.

Real-word adrenocorticotropic hormone treatment for childhood-onset nephrotic syndrome.

Current first-line anti-proteinuric treatments do not produce a satisfactory therapeutic effect in a considerable number of patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Interest in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) for the treatment of NS has recently been revived. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of ACTH treatment in children with frequent relapsing NS (FRNS), steroid-dependent NS (SDNS), and steroid-resistant NS (SRNS). The ACTH treatment group was comprised of NS patients receiving ACTH treatment. Patients with serum cortisol concentrations <85.3 nmol/L and who had not received ACTH treatment previously were enrolled in the control group from January 2018 to January 2021. The maintenance dose of prednisone, the number of disease recurrences, the time of first disease relapse, immunosuppressant use, serum cortisol levels, and adverse events were recorded in both groups. Fifty-one patients were included in the ACTH group, and twenty-one patients were enrolled in the control group. Concurrent treatment with one or more immunosuppressive and/or cytotoxic treatments occurred in 92.2% and 85.7% of patients in the ACTH and control groups, respectively, throughout the study period. A greater reduction in the prednisone maintenance dose was observed in the ACTH group compared with the control group after 1 year of follow up (0.603 ± 0.445 mg/kg vs. 0.267 ± 0.500 mg/kg, p = 0.006). During the one-year study period, fewer participants experienced one or more disease relapses in the ACTH group (45.1%) compared to the control group (76.2%, odds ratio = 3.896, p = 0.016). The number of disease recurrences per patient in the ACTH group was less than that in the control group (median difference = -1, p = 0.006). The mean length of remission was 8.902 m and 7.905 m in the ACTH group and control group, respectively. A log-rank test showed a longer relapse free survival for patients in the ACTH group (p = 0.046), but the Breslow test showed no significant difference between groups (p = 0.104). Ten patients in the ACTH group successfully discontinued all drug therapies. No patients in the control group were able to discontinue drug therapy as of February 2022. ACTH, combined with multiple drugs, is effective at reducing the prednisone maintenance dose and may effectively prevent disease relapses in childhood NS.

Effects of Bacillus licheniformis and Combination of Probiotics and Enzymes as Supplements on Growth Performance and Serum Parameters in Early-Weaned Grazing Yak Calves

Early weaning is an effective strategy to improve cow feed utilization and shorten postpartum intervals in cows; however, this may lead to poor performance of the weaned calves. This study was conducted to test the effects of supplementing milk replacer with Bacillus licheniformis and a complex of probiotics and enzyme preparations on body weight (BW), size, and serum biochemical parameters and hormones in early-weaned grazing yak calves. Thirty two-month-old male grazing yaks (38.89 ± 1.45 kg body weight) were fed milk replacer at 3% of their BW and were randomly assigned to three treatments (n = 10, each): T1 (supplementation with 0.15 g/kg Bacillus licheniformis), T2 (supplementation with a 2.4 g/kg combination of probiotics and enzymes), and a control (without supplementation). Compared to the controls, the average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 60 d was significantly higher in calves administered the T1 and T2 treatments, and that from 30 to 60 d was significantly higher in calves administered the T2 treatment. The ADG from 0 to 60 d was significantly higher in the T2- than in the T1-treated yaks. The concentration of serum growth hormone, insulin growth factor-1, and epidermal growth factor was significantly higher in the T2-treated calves than in the controls. The concentration of serum cortisol was significantly lower in the T1 treatment than in the controls. We concluded that supplementation with probiotics alone or a combination of probiotics and enzymes can improve the ADG of early-weaned grazing yak calves. Supplementation with the combination of probiotics and enzymes had a stronger positive effect on growth and serum hormone levels, compared to the single-probiotic treatment with Bacillus licheniformis, providing a basis for the application of a combination of probiotics and enzymes.

Association between childhood maltreatment and adult cortisol concentrations mediated through subjective health complaints.

Lower cortisol concentrations in adulthood were repeatedly associated with more severe childhood maltreatment. Additionally, childhood maltreatment was reported to promote health risk behavior, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, and to increase the risk of mental and somatic diseases during adulthood, such as major depressive disorders or obesity. The present study investigated if health risk behavior and disease symptoms in adults mediate the associations between past childhood maltreatment and present basal serum cortisol concentrations. Data from two independent adult cohorts of the general population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND-0: N = 3,517; SHIP-START-2: N = 1,640) was used. Childhood maltreatment was assessed via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Cortisol concentrations were measured in single-point serum samples. Health risk behavior and mental and physical symptoms were used as mediators. Mediation analyses were calculated separately for both cohorts; results were integrated via meta-analyses. In mediator-separated analyses, associations between childhood maltreatment and basal serum cortisol concentrations were partly mediated by depressive symptoms (BDI-II: βindirect effect = -.011, pFDR = .017, 21.0% mediated) and subjective somatic health complaints (somatic complaints: βindirect effect = -.010, pFDR = .005, 19.4% mediated). In the second step, both mediators were simultaneously integrated into one mediation model. The model replicated the mediation effects of the subjective somatic health complaints (whole model: βindirect effect = -.014, p = .001, 27.6% mediated; BDI-II: βindirect effect = -.006, p = .163, 11.4% mediated, somatic complaints: βindirect effect = -.020, p = .020, 15.5% mediated). The results support the hypothesis that the long-lasting effects of childhood maltreatment on the stress response system are partly mediated through self-perceived disease symptoms. However, no mediation was found for health risk behavior or physically measured mediators. Mediation models with multiple simultaneous mediators pointed to a relevant overlap between the potential mediators. This overlap should be focused on in future studies.

Optimizing Stocking Density in Biofloc Culture of Juvenile Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Using Growth and Immune-biochemical Indices as Indicators

The optimizing stocking density for biofloc technology is essential for improving fish growth and profitability of aquaculture. The treatments consisted of different stocking density of 125, 250, 375, and 500 common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fish/m3. Fish with an initial average weight of 17.10±0.3 g were fed three times per day in triplicates for 40 days with a commercial diet (25% crude protein), and the ratio of carbon to nitrogen 20 in each treatment. The water nitrogen substances enhanced by increased stocking density (P&lt;0.05). The final growth (-19.75%), whole-body protein (-2.84%), lipid content (-7.27%) significantly decreased, and food conversion ratio (+67.29%) increased in the treatment of 500 fish/m3 compared to the treatment of 250 fish/m3 (P&lt;0.05). Serum glucose (-11.09%), triglycerides (-11.24%), high-density lipoprotein (-26.16%), and low-density lipoprotein (-31.98%) levels significantly reduced, but serum cortisol concentrations (+13.08%) and, liver enzymes increased in the treatment of 500 fish/m3 compared to the treatment of 250 fish/m3 (P&lt;0.05). Total protein (-9.01%), globulin (-12.80%), ACH50 (-4.97%), and lysozyme activity (-9.21%) significantly reduced in the treatment of 500 fish/m3 compared to the treatment of 250 fish/m3 (P&lt;0.05). The best performance of fish was observed at stocking density up to 250 fish/m3 in the biofloc system.

Stress Evaluation of Mouse Husbandry Environments for Improving Laboratory Animal Welfare.

Animal welfare is recognized as essential for the coexistence of humans and animals. Considering the increased demand and interest in animal welfare, many methods for improving animal welfare are being devised, but which method reduces animal stress has not been scientifically verified. Therefore, reducing animal stress by providing a proper breeding environment and environmental enrichment can be the basis for animal study. In this study, stress levels were assessed based on the mouse-breeding environment. We considered that the higher the body weight and the lower the corticosterone concentration, the lower the stress. According to the results, animals in the individual ventilation cages were determined to have lower serum cortisol concentrations, while the body weight of the animals was increased when in individual ventilation cages compared with individual isolated cages and when providing environmental enrichment compared with group breeding or not providing environmental enrichment. The results provide appropriate guidelines for improving laboratory animal welfare.

Preoperative Serum Cortisol Level Is Predictive of Weight Loss After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Men with Severe Obesity but Not Women

BackgroundBariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity and its associated medical problems. Preoperative factors that predict postoperative weight loss remain to be fully characterized, however.MethodsAnthropometric and laboratory data were collected retrospectively for severely obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) between April 2016 and July 2019 at our hospital. Preoperative factors that predicted weight loss at 1 year after LSG were investigated.ResultsA total of 122 subjects (45 men and 77 women) underwent LSG. The mean ± SD age and body mass index at surgery were 44.4 ± 10.4 years and 40.7 ± 6.7 kg/m2. The percent total weight loss (%TWL) was 27.0 ± 8.6 among all subjects, 26.4 ± 8.0 among men, and 27.4 ± 8.9 among women, with no significant difference between the sexes. The %TWL showed a significant inverse correlation with serum cortisol level in men and with age and the visceral/subcutaneous fat area ratio in women. Multivariable regression analysis revealed the presence of type 2 diabetes and the serum cortisol concentration to be negatively associated with %TWL among all subjects and men, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an optimal cutoff of 10 µg/dL for prediction of a %TWL of ≥ 25 in men by serum cortisol level.ConclusionsSerum cortisol concentration was identified as a predictor for postoperative weight loss in men. Our results may thus help inform the decision to perform LSG or more effective surgical procedures in men with severe obesity.Graphical

Low serum zinc concentration is associated with low serum testosterone but not erectile function.

To investigate the relation between serum zinc concentration and several factors, including serum testosterone concentration and the score of questionnaires on sexual function in patients with sexual problems. This study comprised 720 men (age, 46.3 [21-83] years) with some kind of sexual problem. Age, scores of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and the Erection Hardness Score, and endocrinologic data including serum concentrations of testosterone, prostate-specific antigen, and zinc were included in this study. After serum zinc concentration of the men was classified into 5 groups (<70, 70≤ <80, 80≤ <90, 90≤ <100, ≤100 μg/dl), the relation of each parameter with serum zinc concentration was assessed for a trend analysis. Finally, the relation between serum concentrations of zinc and testosterone as well sexual function evaluated by the scores of the questionnaires was investigated. Only serum testosterone concentration (ptrend=0.028) and serum cortisol concentration (ptrend=0.003) showed a statistically significant relation to serum zinc concentration by trend analysis. Interestingly, trend analysis between serum concentrations of testosterone and zinc still showed a significant association after adjustment for serum cortisol concentration (ptrend=0.032). However, no significant association was found in the relation between serum zinc concentration and the scores of the questionnaires after adjustment for serum concentrations of testosterone and cortisol. We clearly showed that after adjustment for serum cortisol concentration by trend analysis, serum testosterone concentration decreased as serum zinc concentration decreased, although sexual symptoms were not associated with this decrease.

An updated profile of the bovine acute phase response following an intravenous lipopolysaccharide challenge.

The objective was to provide an updated profile of the bovine acute-phase response to include recent advancements in technologies and expanded hematological, cytokine, and serum chemistry variables. Beef steers (n = 32; body weight [BW] = 251 ± 19.5 kg) were fitted with indwelling jugular catheters 1 d before lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.25 µg LPS/kg BW from Escherichia coli O111:B4) administration to facilitate serial blood collection. Rectal temperature was measured using indwelling probes, and ocular temperature was measured using infrared thermal imaging. Blood samples were collected for subsequent analysis of serum chemistry, hematology, and cytokine concentrations. Pearson correlation of rectal temperature and ocular infrared temperature was 0.61 (P < 0.01) and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.56 (P < 0.01). Interactions of hour × method were observed for ocular and rectal measurements of body temperature in response to endotoxin exposure. Maximum observed temperature was 39.6 °C at 2.5 h for both rectal and ocular measurements. Body temperature differed by method at hours 0.5, 2.5, 4.5, 7.5, 12.5, 36.5, and 47.5 (P < 0.01), but were not different otherwise. All variables of serum chemistry and complete blood count were influenced by LPS administration, except creatinine, serum glucose, and percent basophils (P ≤ 0.02). Alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase peaked at hour 2 relative to LPS administration, returned to baseline at hour 12 and continued to decrease below the baseline value at hour 48 (P < 0.01). Total protein concentration decreased 3% in response to LPS (P = 0.01). Total white blood cell count decreased 75% after LPS administration at hour 1 (P < 0.01). Lymphocyte count recovered to baseline at hour 6; sooner than neutrophil count at hour 36. Serum cortisol concentration increased 294% relative to baseline at hour 1 followed by a sustained decrease and return to normal concentration at hour 4 (P < 0.01). Additionally, circulating cytokine concentrations changed with time in response to the LPS challenge, excluding aFGF, bFGF, IGF-1, IL-2, IL-4, MCP-1, and ANG-1 (P ≤ 0.08). Maximum observed concentration of TNF-α at hour 1 was 117% greater than the pre-challenge value (P < 0.01). Data presented herein add to existing works to understand the endocrine and immune responses of beef steers administered exogenous LPS, and incorporate recent technologies, additional biomarkers, and an expanded cytokine profile that can be used as referential data in future research.