Serum Cortisol Research Articles

Effects of Transport Duration and Pre-Transport Fasting on Blood Biochemistry in Dorper × Mongolian Sheep.

Transport is a high-risk time for sheep, especially if the distances are long and sheep are fasted for a long time beforehand. Two experiments were conducted to compare transport durations of 1 hour (1 h) and 3 hours (3 h) and the effects of feeding before transport using Dorper × Mongolian sheep, which are typical of the region and may be tolerant of the high temperatures in the Inner Mongolian summer. Thirty 4-month-old male sheep were randomly divided into two treatment groups, with 15 sheep/treatment in each experiment, to evaluate the effects on blood biochemical indicators, stress hormone levels, rectal temperatures, and antioxidant status of lambs in summer. In Experiment 1, the levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids after 3 h transport were significantly lower than after 1 h transport (p < 0.05). The levels of thyroxine and malondialdehyde in blood were greater after 3 h transport than 1 h transport (p < 0.05). Creatine kinase levels after 3 h transport tended to be lower than after 1 h transport (p = 0.051). In Experiment 2, the levels of urea and superoxide dismutase in the group fasted pre-transport was significantly lower than those of the group fed pre-transport (p < 0.05). The serum cortisol level in the pre-transport fed group was higher compared to the group fed pre-transport (p = 0.04). Total antioxidant capacity in the pre-transport fasted group tended to be lower compared to that in the pre-transport fed group (p < 0.0001). We conclude that the reduction in nutritional status of sheep transported for longer and without feed pre-transport suggests that transporting sheep in hot conditions in northern China after fasting for a long period should be restricted. However, a decrease in the stress induced by transport following fasting is worthy of further study.

Repeat endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for residual or recurrent cushing’s disease: safety, feasibility, and success

PurposeThe success and outcomes of repeat endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for residual or recurrent Cushing’s disease (CD) are underreported in the literature. This study aims to address this gap by assessing the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of repeat ETS in these patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 56 patients who underwent a total of 65 repeat ETS performed by a single neurosurgeon between January 2006 and December 2020. Data including demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and operative details were collected from electronic medical records. Logistic regression was utilized to identify potential predictors associated with sustained remission.ResultsAmong the cases, 40 (61.5%) had previously undergone microscopic surgery, while 25 (38.5%) had prior endoscopic procedures. Remission was achieved in 47 (83.9%) patients after the first repeat ETS, with an additional 9 (16.1%) achieving remission after the second repeat procedure. During an average follow-up period of 97.25 months, the recurrence rate post repeat surgery was 6.38%. Sustained remission was achieved in 48 patients (85.7%), with 44 after the first repeat ETS and 4 following the second repeat ETS. Complications included transient diabetes insipidus (DI) in 5 (7.6%) patients, permanent (DI) in 2 (3%) patients, and one case (1.5%) of panhypopituitarism. Three patients (4.6%) experienced rhinorrhea necessitating reoperation. A serum cortisol level > 5 µg/dL on postoperative day 1 was associated with a reduced likelihood of sustained remission.ConclusionRepeat ETS is a safe and effective treatment option for residual or recurrent CD with satisfactory remission rates and low rates of complications.

Changes of serum cortisol during pregnancy and labor initiation: an onsite cross-sectional study.

Increased maternal cortisol secretion has been observed during pregnancy and labor. However, due to the limitations in diagnostic methods, the dynamic change of cortisol during the short period between threatened labor and labor is unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate the changes in serum cortisol during late pregnancy and full-term labor initiation, verifying if cortisol could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of labor initiation from threatened labor. This cross-sectional onsite study involved 564 participants of 6 different gestational stages (C: Control; T1: Trimester 1; T3: Trimester 3; E: expectant; TL: threatened labor; L: labor), all patients in the E, TL, and L groups were at full term. The serum cortisol concentration was quantified with a point-of-care test (POCT), and the gestation, age, parity, and BMI of participants were documented. Morning serum cortisol was collected between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., except for the TL and L group women who were tested upon arrival or during latent labor. With cortisol levels or all five variables, L was distinguished from TL using machine learning algorithms. Significant elevation of cortisol concentration was observed between T1 and T3, or TL and L group (P< 0.001). Women belonging to the E and TL group showed similar gestation week and cortisol levels. Diagnosis of labor initiation using cortisol levels (cutoff = 21.46 μg/dL) yielded sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 86.50%, 88.60%, and 0.934. With additional variables, a higher specificity (89.29%) was achieved. The diagnostic accuracy of all methods ranged from 85.93% to 87.90%. Serum cortisol could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of L form TL. The rapid onsite detection of serum cortisol with POCT could facilitate medical decision-making for admission and special treatments, either as an additional parameter or when other technical platforms are not available.

Therapeutic effects of white poplar (Populus alba) leave extract on hepatorenal, stress, and antioxidant-immune parameters of Oreochromis niloticus challenged with Aeromonas veronii

Herbal plants have gained enormous interest due to their immune, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The present study proposed that white poplar (Populus alba) leave extract (WPE) might provide a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics to treat Aeromonas veronii infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). WPE showed an in vitro antibacterial activity [22 ± 0.45 mm inhibition zone, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 60 µg/mL] against A. veronii. For the in-vivo study, a factorial (2 × 2) design was used to investigate the therapeutic effects of WPE on the antioxidant/immune status and blood biochemical parameters of Nile tilapia challenged with A. veronii. One-hundred sixty fish (33 ± 1.5 g) were assigned into four experimental groups, each with four replicates (4 glass tanks/group, 40 fish/group, 10 fish/tank) for 10 days. In the first (1st) and 2nd groups, 0 and 1.5 mg/L WPE were applied in tank water, respectively, without fish being challenged. In the 3rd and 4th groups, 0 and 1.5 mg/L WPE were applied in tank water, respectively, with fish intraperitoneal inoculated with 0.2 mL of A. veronii (0.5 × 107 CFU). Aeromonas veronii infection significantly diminished the survivability, hepatic catalase, lysozyme activity, nitric oxide, immunoglobulin M, phagocytic %, total protein, albumin, and globulin. Moreover, a significant rise in the hepatic malondialdehyde, serum hepatorenal function indicators, cortisol, and glucose levels were consequences of A. veronii challenge. Interestingly, the interaction between bacterial challenge and WPE application increased the survivability, antioxidant activity, and immune responses and reduced ALT levels of fish treated with WPE during the bacterial challenge. The serum creatinine, cortisol, and glucose levels were decreased in fish treated with WPE during the infection but still higher than in the non-infected fish either treated or not treated with WPE. In conclusion, WPE (1.5 mg/L) can be used as an antibacterial substance in fish farming to alleviate the detrimental impacts of A. veronii infection by enhancing the antioxidant/immune status of the infected fish. These outcomes could help reduce antibiotic usage in fish farms, which is conducive to the sustainable development of aquaculture.

Osho Dynamic Meditation; Improved Stress Reduction in Farmer Determine by using Serum Cortisol and EEG (A Qualitative Study Review)

A lot of thought should go into how to revitalize agriculture, because rural demand is critical for reviving the manufacturing sector. Agriculture is also significant because it employs 52% of the population and accounts for 17% of GDP. Over the last 17 years, approximately 14 million farmers have committed suicide. Although per capita land availability has decreased, agriculture's share of employment has decreased more slowly. It means that farmer stress is increase day by day. Dynamic meditation is a popular form of active meditation that was introduced in 1970 by an Indian mystic named osho. The impact of osho dynamic meditation on cortisol levels in the serum (cortisol is a stress marker) &amp; therefore to observe whether it has any anti-stress effect. And calculate beta wave (stress wave) calculated by using EEG and observed reduction in waves or not. After study the hole article we can conclude 1. To study the effect of dynamic meditation on mental health. 2. To Study the effect of dynamic meditation on stress by testing serum cortisol. 3. To study the stress level in farmer before dynamic meditation and after dynamic meditation. Using EEG machine and to achieve better results. 4. To promote farmers and other people to do meditation for positive energy and stress-free life.

The Insight Meditation Enhanced Stress, Depression, and Anxiety Reduction in Working Professionals Like Medical Representatives Determined by Using Serum Cortisol Level and Electroencephalogram: A Qualitative Study

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Indian economy and ranks among the top 15 drug-manufacturing countries globally. Among the fastest-growing industries in the world, the pharmaceutical industry has increased over the years. A pharmaceutical company appoints a medical representative to make their products easily reach healthcare specialists and then be used by the general public. The medical representatives construct a well- built network with doctors, clinical specialists, medical practitioners, paramedical experts, Dietitians and nutritionists, paediatricians, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, etc. The problem of stress is widespread in every job description, and it may affect directly or indirectly in the form of health issues and low productivity; the demands of achieving targets induced among medical representatives. Much of this credit goes to Medical Sales Representatives or Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (also known as MR, PSR) who are solely responsible for the promotion of products among Physicians, Hospitals, and pharmacies and are accountable for sales results. They act as the face of the Pharma company contributing to a better quality of life for customers, building goodwill, and increasing the company’s market share. Pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSR) play a large role in helping an industry in a rapidly changing environment to achieve a new corporate vision and normally these medical representatives are in the highest stress position. Most pharmaceutical sales representatives experience significant job stress and unhappiness levels. Stress, depression, and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders all over the world. One of India's oldest meditation methods, vipassana also known as Insight meditation, helps a person become aware of things as they are. The goal of the Vipassana method, which aids in self-change via self-observation, is to finally arrive at a condition of inner and exterior peace and mental equilibrium. It is a process of "Self- exploration" to the normal base of the brain and body that removes mental smog and results in a healthier personality filled with love and empathy. Electroencephalography (EEG) is an efficient modality that helps to acquire brain signals corresponding to various states from the scalp surface area. These signals are generally categorized as delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma based on signal frequencies ranging from 0.1 Hz to more than 100 Hz. This paper primarily focuses on EEG signals and their characterization for various states of the human body. Beta wave induced the production of cortisol. Also, the beta wave is necessary for our everyday lives, such as thought, communicating, arguing, and problem-solving, during conscious mental work. This Beta wave can also lead to tension, anxiety, and restlessness as they enable us to think properly. Persistently elevated cortisol concentrations are associated with metabolic disorders. Cortisol is a vital hormone sometimes known as the stress hormone in humans, as it is involved in the body's natural response to physical or emotional stress. cortisol has effects on memory, mood, and neurological diseases. Cortisol is best known for mediating the body’s reaction to stress. This study aims to review the existing research and challenges of serum cortisol levels (cortisol is an indicator of stress) and EEG signals with the Insight meditation effect.

The role of pantothenic acid in alleviating hypoxia-induced liver injury of sub-adult grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus): Possible mechanisms and implication

In aquaculture, hypoxia poses a significant threat to fish growth and survival. Despite this, there is limited research on the impact of pantothenic acid (PA) in enhancing the anti-hypoxia stress capability of fish. The primary objective of this study was to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of PA in alleviating hypoxia-induced liver injury in sub-adult grass carp. To achieve this, six experimental diets containing varying levels of PA (0.08, 11.95, 24.95, 37.95, 50.95, and 63.95 mg/kg) were formulated and administered to grass carp (initial weight 696.22 ± 2.45 g) for 63 days. Following the dietary intervention, the fish were segregated into hypoxia and control groups and treated for 96 h. The findings revealed that optimal PA levels could enhance the growth performance of sub-adult grass carp and ameliorate the adverse impacts of hypoxia. First, optimal PA levels reduced serum levels of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as mitigated hepatocyte vacuolization, improved liver and mitochondrial morphology, thereby alleviating hypoxia-induced liver injury. Furthermore, optimal PA levels were associated with increased contents of serum cortisol, glucose, liver glycogen, pyruvate, and the activities of Pantothenate kinase 2 (PanK2) and coenzyme A (CoA), while liver lactate content and LDH activity were reduced, indicating improvements in energy metabolism and PA utilization, potentially mediated by the down-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mRNA level. Moreover, optimal PA levels decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, enhanced liver antioxidant capacity, down-regulated autophagy-related gene mRNA levels, and up-regulated autophagy receptor protein 62 (p62) protein level, suggesting a reduction in oxidative damage and autophagy. Finally, a rise in levels of mitochondrial quality control-related mRNAs such as mitofusin 1/2 (MFN1/2), dynamin-related protein-1 (DRP-1), and nuclear respiratory factor 1/2 (Nrf-1/2) was observed, together with increment in the protein levels of PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), BCL-2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1). These alterations hinted at the role of PA in preserving mitochondrial homeostasis. In conclusion, PA exhibited a protective role against hypoxia-induced liver injury by enhancing liver energy metabolism, bolstering antioxidant defenses, suppressing autophagy, and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Through an assessment of percentage weight gain (PWG) and liver ROS level, the requirements of PA for promoting growth and resilience to hypoxia-induced liver injury in sub-adult grass carp were determined to be 37.44 mg/kg and 42.57 mg/kg, respectively.

Effects of noise exposure on stress hormone changes during task performance in young Korean men: quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have suggested that noise exposure might be associated with changes in stress hormone levels. However, quantitative evidence for these effects in humans is rare and remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of exposure to noise and its different levels on stress hormone changes in task performance. Quasi-experimental noise exposure environment was established for 90 male university student volunteers in their twenties, and each was exposed to different noise levels during task performance. The stress hormones tested included cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), adrenaline, and noradrenaline. A one-way ANOVA was performed to investigate differences in hormone levels measured in the three groups according to the noise exposure levels (35, 45, or 75 dB). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to adjust for confounding factors that might affect hormone levels. After adjusting for confounders, significant exposure-dependent differences were found in hormone levels in salivary cortisol, serum cortisol, serum ACTH, and serum adrenaline. The amount of hormonal increase in 75 dB exposure group compared to 35 or 45 dB groups was detected. Similar results were also seen in the rate of change analysis. Our findings indicate that short-term noise exposure during task performance elevates stress hormone levels. Further, the extent of stress hormone alterations varies with noise exposure levels. Changes in hormone levels are an objective measure that may be used to identify health effects and stress responses in various noise environments.

Salivary testosterone changes during oral glucose tolerance tests in overweight and obese men - postprandial or circadian variation?

Serum total testosterone (T) decreases postprandially. Postprandial salivary testosterone (SalT) responses, however, have not been studied. We report on the effect of glucose ingestion on fasting SalT concentrations. To investigate the effect of oral glucose ingestion on fasting SalT. Salivary and blood samples were collected between 09.00 and 09.30 and two hours after a 75g oral glucose load in 32 men with mean (standard deviation) age of 52 (5.7) years and body mass index of 32.6 (5.56) kg/m2. Free T and bioavailable testosterone (BAT) were calculated using the Vermeulen equation. Two hours following oral glucose, there was a decrease in fasting mean (standard deviation) SalT [178.2 (56.6) vs 146.0 (42.2) pmol/L; p = 0.0003], serum cortisol [332 (105.0) vs 239 (75.3) nmol/L; p = <0.0001], prolactin [193 (75.0) vs 127 (55.9) mIU/L; p = <0.0001] and TSH [1.60 (0.801) vs 1.16 (0.584) mIU/L; p = <0.0001]. Plasma glucose increased [6.2 (0.72) vs 8.1 (3.71) mmol/L; p = 0.0029]. Serum total T, SHBG, albumin, Free T, BAT, gonadotrophins and FT4 remained unchanged. SalT decreased postprandially. A concomitant decrease in serum cortisol, prolactin and TSH reflecting diurnal variation offers an alternative explanation for the decrease in SalT independent of food consumption. Further studies are required to determine whether morning temporal changes in SalT are related to food consumption or circadian rhythm or both.

Predictive value of different thresholds of morning cortisol in diagnosing adrenal insufficiency

ObjectiveAdrenal insufficiency (AI) is diagnosed with morning cortisol but ACTH stimulation test is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. In this study we investigated different morning cortisol thresholds that can safely rule out AI without requiring a confirmatory ACTH stimulation test. DesignRetrospective cohort study. MethodsWe included patients aged 18 and above who underwent the 250 mcg ACTH stimulation test from June 2018 to June 2022. Basal and post-ACTH serum cortisol values at 30 and 60 min were documented. Sensitivity, specificity and logistic regression analysis were employed to assess morning cortisol level's ability to predict AI as confirmed by ACTH stimulation test. Results237 patients were included, 66 diagnosed with AI and 171 had normal ACTH results. Hypertension and type 2 Diabetes correlated with lower AI incidence. Median morning cortisol was 138.0 nmol/L for AI group and 286.0 nmol/L for non-AI patients. A morning cortisol of 285 nmol/L had 90.6 % sensitivity, 50.3 % specificity, and a negative predictive value of 93.3 % for ruling out AI. A threshold of 306 nmol/L increased sensitivity to 95.3 % with 40 % specificity. ConclusionMorning cortisol is an effective diagnostic tool for ruling out AI. Using multiple thresholds based on clinical suspicion and the integration of predictive pre-test probability can reduce the need for excessive ACTH stimulation tests. This study contributes to the growing evidence of utilizing morning serum cortisol in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Clinical relevance statementDiagnosing Adrenal Insufficiency (AI) can be challenging due to debate regarding the cortisol cut-off value that can exclude AI without additional tests. The confirmatory short synacthen test has certain limitations including financial implications and time restrictions. We investigated the performance of various morning cortisol levels that can diagnose AI without additional testing.

Impact of anesthetic induction with etomidate, thiopentone, and propofol on regional cerebral oxygenation: An observational study in patients with traumatic brain injury

Abstract Background and Aims: Anesthetic induction plays a pivotal role in determining the operative course and the outcome in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study compared the effect of anesthetic induction with etomidate, thiopentone, and propofol primarily on systemic hemodynamics and regional cerebral oxygenation (rScO2) and secondarily on the serum cortisol levels in TBI patients. Material and Methods: In this prospective observational study, eligible patients were recruited and divided into three groups as per the induction agent received. Data collected were hemodynamic parameters and rScO2 levels at baseline, following 3 min of preoxygenation, and over 10 min of induction. Serum cortisol levels were measured before and after 24 h of induction. The statistical analysis was done using R software. Results: A total of 115 patients were included: 32, 33, and 50 in thiopentone, propofol, and etomidate groups, respectively. A significant increase (P &lt; 0.001) in bilateral rScO2 was noted in all three groups following anesthetic induction. Intergroup comparison of the propofol and the etomidate groups revealed significantly lesser increase in contralateral rScO2 (P = 0.019) and a greater fall in mean arterial pressure (P = 0.003) on using propofol as an induction agent. Trend changes in bilateral rScO2 and hemodynamic parameters were comparable between thiopentone and etomidate groups. An insignificant fall in serum cortisol was observed in etomidate (P = 0.332) and thiopentone (P = 0.364) groups, but a significant increase was observed in the propofol group (P = 0.004). The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at discharge improved significantly in all the groups (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: In TBI patients, anesthetic induction with etomidate resulted in least hemodynamic changes compared to induction with thiopentone and propofol. The rScO2 increased in all three groups after induction, with the maximal increase observed with etomidate compared to propofol and thiopentone. Insignificant fall in serum cortisol was observed with etomidate and thiopentone, but not with propofol. Outcome at discharge, assessed with GCS, was comparable in all the groups. Key Messages: Anesthetic induction with etomidate produced least hemodynamic changes compared to induction with thiopentone and propofol in patients with traumatic brain injury. Consequently, maximal increase in cerebral oxygen saturation occurred with etomidate among the three induction agents. An insignificant decrease in serum cortisol was observed with etomidate and thiopentone, but not with propofol. Neurological outcome at discharge was similar with all drugs.

Associations of serum glucocorticoid levels on hypertension and blood pressure-related indicators: a nested case-control study in rural China.

The relationship between glucocorticoids and hypertension has shown inconsistent findings in previous studies. To address this, our study employed a nested case-control design in rural areas to further investigate the association between serum glucocorticoid levels and hypertension, and blood pressure-related indicators. This study employed a nested case-control design, involving 560 pairs of hypertensive cases and matched controls. The concentrations of serum cortisol (F), cortisone (E) and 11-deoxycortisol (S) were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We employed various methods, including generalized linear model (GLM), conditional logistic regression model, restricted cubic spline regression, subgroup analysis, interaction, and joint effects, with adjustments for multiple covariates to analyze the relationships between glucocorticoids, hypertension, and blood pressure-related indicators. After multivariable adjustments, ln-F, ln-F/E, and ln-S were positively associated with SBP, DBP, pulse pressure (PP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP), while ln-E was negatively associated with DBP and MAP ( P < 0.05). Interestingly, ln-S showed no statistically significant association with hypertension prevalence ( P > 0.05), whereas ln-F and ln-F/E were positively associated with it ( P < 0.05). The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.153 (1.011-1.315) for ln-F and 2.072 (1.622-2.645) for ln-F/E, respectively. In contrast, ln-E exhibited a negative association with hypertension prevalence (adjusted OR = 0.837, 95% CI 0.714-0.982). Moreover, a significant association was observed between the combined use of high-dose F/E and high-dose S with hypertension prevalence (adjusted OR = 3.273, 95% CI 2.013-5.321). Blood pressure indicators and hypertension prevalence significantly increased with elevated serum F and F/E concentrations ( P < 0.05). Interaction analysis further revealed that among women, the positive association between F/E and hypertension prevalence was more pronounced than in men ( P < 0.05), and S exhibited a more significant positive association with hypertension prevalence in the overweight population ( P < 0.05). Serum F/E and S levels demonstrated positive associations with hypertension and blood pressure-related indicators, and their combined influence exhibited a synergistic effect on hypertension. Notably, F, F/E, and S were associated with heightened hypertension risk, warranting particular attention in women and overweight populations.

212 Growth and behavior of Yorkshire gilts exhibiting physiological resilience to weaning stress

Abstract Weaning is an acute early-life stressor and therefore, an excellent model for examining lasting impacts of stress resilience. Our objective was to identify gilts exhibiting physiological resilience or vulnerability to weaning stress and characterize long-term impact on growth and behavior. Purebred Yorkshire litters born to multiparous sows from a single farrowing group were used. At weaning (26 ± 1 d of age), blood samples were collected from all gilt piglets of 13 litters (n = 101) at -1 d, 0 d, and +4 d pre- and post-weaning. Serum cortisol concentrations were quantified by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. For each litter, serum cortisol was used to identify the gilt most capable of returning to baseline concentrations by +4 d as stress resilient (SR, n = 13) and the gilt least capable as stress vulnerable (SV, n = 13). Skin lesions were recorded at -1 d, +1 d, and +4 d at weaning and when gilts were mixed into grow-finish cohorts. Body weights were recorded at birth, 4 wk, 8 wk, and 12 wk and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG) for the farrowing, nursery, and early grow-finish stages. To assess behavior, focal gilts underwent a social dyad test in a novel arena at 7 wk, a handling test at 8 wk, and novel object test at 12 wk. We observed no differences in skin lesions at weaning, but at 8 wk SR gilts had significantly more rear lesions -1 d pre-mixing (P = 0.031) and middle lesions 4 d post-mixing (P = 0.049). No differences in body weight or ADG were observed at any stage. We did not observe differences between SR and SV pigs during the social dyad or handling tests. During the novel object test, SR gilts exhibited a tendency towards increased activity as demonstrated by a greater number of total zone crosses, 1 m line crosses, and 0.5 m line crosses (P = 0.062, 0.091, and 0.103, respectively). In conclusion, we found gilts resilient to weaning stress were involved in more agonistic behavior at mixing and exhibited increased activity levels in a novel situation. The absence of growth differences supports the potential to select for resilience without negatively impacting growth performance, and the observed behavioral differences could suggest implications for ease of handling and adaptability if females are retained for breeding.

PSVI-17 Inclusion of glutathione precursor to diet of sows from d 114of lactation through to weaning d 21 improves serum hormone concentrations and piglet performance

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) is a critical endogenous antioxidant found in all eukaryotic cells and has a critical role in maintaining redox homeostasis. Greater GSH concentrations protect cellular damage, tissue degeneration, and disease progression in various models but very limited study exists in swine model. Thus, we aimed to examine the effect of GSH supplementation on lactating sows and their suckling performance. From d 114 of lactation to 21 d of weaning, a total of 40 multiparous sows (Landrace x Yorkshire, parity 2.4) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The test treatments were: CON, a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% GSH precursors. Experimental data (reproductive performance, growth performance, and blood profile) was analyzed by the general linear model (GLM) procedure with individual sow and their progenies as an experimental unit. Orthogonal polynomial regression was conducted to determine the linear and quadratic effects of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% GSH precursors in pigs. Piglets born to sows fed GSH precursors showed linearly increased body weight and total average daily gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at the end of weaning d 21. Moreover, dietary GSH showed linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) GSH and GSH/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio in sow blood at the end of lactation d 14 and d 21. Whereas, at the end of weaning serum cortisol concentration of sows was significantly reduced by GSH precursor supplementation. In conclusion, adding 0.3% of GSH supplement to lactating sow diet would be beneficial to enhance the immune status and performance of both sows and their progenies respectively.

Effects of flowing water stimulation on hormone regulation during the maturation process of Conger myriaster ovaries.

Conger eel (Conger myriaster) is an economically important species in China. Due to the complex life history of the conger eel, achieving artificial reproduction has remained elusive. This study aimed to explore the effect of water stimulation on hormonal regulation during the artificial reproduction of conger eel. The experiment was divided into four groups: A1 (no hormone injection, still water), A2 (no hormone injection, flowing water), B1 (hormone injection, still water), and B2 (hormone injection, flowing water). The flowing water group maintained a flow velocity of 0.4 ± 0.05m/s for 12h daily throughout the 60-day period. Steroid hormone levels in the serum and ovaries of conger eels were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS and ELISA on the 30th and 60th days of the experiment. The relative expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHβ) and luteinizing hormone (LHβ) in the pituitary were determined by quantitative PCR. The results showed a significantly lower gonadosomatic index (GSI) in B2 compared to B1 (p < 0.05) on the 30th day. FSH was found to act only in the early stages of ovarian development, with water stimulation significantly enhancing FSH synthesis (p < 0.05), while FSHβ gene was not expressed after hormone injection. Conversely, LH was highly expressed in late ovarian development, with flowing water stimulation significantly promoting LH synthesis (p < 0.05). Serum cortisol (COR) levels were significantly higher in the flowing water group than in the still water group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, estradiol (E2) content of B2 was significantly lower than that of B1 on the 30th and 60th day. Overall, flowing water stimulation enhanced the synthesis of FSH in early ovarian development and LH in late ovarian development, while reducing E2 accumulation in the ovaries. In this study, the effect of flowing water stimulation on hormone regulation during the artificial reproduction of conger eel was initially investigated to provide a theoretical basis for optimizing artificial reproduction techniques.

Comparative Study of Levobupivacaine Versus Levobupivacaine With Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant in Transversus Abdominis Block for Postoperative Pain Relief in Abdominal Hysterectomy Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

Background Adjuvants have been discovered to prolong the analgesic impact of local anesthetics (LA), while the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block offers sufficient postoperative pain relief after various abdominal procedures. Nevertheless, the impact of the given LA will determine the duration of the TAP block. Thus, in this investigation, we aimed to estimate the analgesic impact of combining dexmedetomidine (DEX) with levobupivacaine in the TAP block for patients having an infraumbilical incision for an abdominal hysterectomy while under spinal anesthetic. Aim This study aimed to determine the analgesic effect of DEX (0.5 mcg/kg) to 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine on each side in the TAPblock in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). Materials and methods Two groups of 30 patients each, with ASA grades 1 and 2, were randomly selected from patients. Group N, comprising 30 patients, had a bilateral TAP block using 2 mL of normal saline and 20 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine. Group D (n = 30 patients) was given DEX at a dose of 0.5 mcg/kg (2 mL) in addition to 20 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine given bilaterally. The TAP block was administered just after skin closure. Time of the initial analgesic dose administration; total fentanyl doses utilized as rescue analgesia; pain scores (numerical rating scale (NRS)) at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours; and pre- and postoperative cortisol levels were also noted. For each group, 1 gram IV paracetamol was administered every eight hours. Drugs used for rescue analgesia (RA) were diclofenac 75 mg IV stat and fentanyl 1 mcg/kg. Results and discussion In addition to Group N having lower NRS scores at rest, Group D had a considerably longer time for initial rescue analgesia than Group N. There was also a significant decrease in the total fentanyl consumption and postoperative serum cortisol levels in Group D in contrast to Group N. Conclusion Potential adjuvant DEX prolongs postoperative analgesia in patients experiencing abdominal hysterectomy when used alongside LA in TAP.

A Comparison of 06:00 AM Versus 09:00 AM Serum Cortisol as a Basal Morning Cortisol in Guwahati, Assam: A Pilot Study.

Cortisol secretion is regulated by circadian rhythm, which is influenced by zeitgebers like light. In India, the entire country operates under a single time zone, Indian Standard Time, which may not align with the local sunrise timing across different regions. This study aimed to compare the basal serum cortisol levels between 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM in Guwahati, Assam, where sunrise occurs earlier compared with the western part of the country. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023 in a tertiary care hospital in Guwahati. Serum cortisol samples were collected at 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM from 25 healthy adult participants once in winter and again in summer. Descriptive statistics and paired Student's t-tests were used. The mean serum cortisol levels at 06:00 AM in winter, summer and overall were 13.2, 13.4 and 13.3 μg/dL, respectively. At 09:00 AM, the mean serum cortisol levels in winter, summer and overall were 8.2, 7.7 and 8.0 μg/dL, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the 06:00 AM and 09:00 AM cortisol levels in both winter and summer (P <0.001). This study highlights the importance of considering the influence of earlier sunrise on circadian rhythm, cortisol secretion and sampling protocols. Recognising the impact of earlier sunrise on cortisol secretion and adapting sampling protocols accordingly to align with the local sunrise can provide a more accurate assessment of basal cortisol levels and help avoid potential misinterpretation and diagnostic challenges associated with low values.

Comparing of Metabolic Syndrome Components, Inflammation, Cortisol Level, and Psychological Distress in Obese/Overweight and Normal Weight Women

Background: High levels of stress in obese people, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disorder, and social pressures can increase cortisol level and lead to psychological disorders. The aim of this study is to compare psychological distress, biochemical parameters, and metabolic syndrome components between normal-weight and overweight (OW)/obese women. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 75 women aged 18 to 60; they were divided into three groups: obese and OW on diet (obese/OW on diet), obese and OW without diet (obese/OW without diet), and normal-weight. The components of metabolic syndrome, serum cortisol, and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured. General health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was also completed to assess psychological distress. Result: The results revealed that there was a significant difference between normal weight and the other two groups regarding metabolic syndrome components, which included waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), systolic blood-pressure (SBP), and hs-CRP (P&lt;0.05). Serum cortisol level was significantly higher in obese/OW on diet compared with the other two groups (P&lt;0.001). Moreover, the total-GHQ score was significantly lower in normal weight compared with the group of obese/OW on diet and the group without diet (P=0.001). Conclusion: Being on a diet may expose a person to stress and increase the serum cortisol level. Elevated psychological distress, metabolic syndrome components, and inflammation were apparent in obese and OW women compared to normal-weight ones.

Correlation between serum melatonin and cortisol levels in clinically healthy subjects

Correlation between serum melatonin and cortisol levels in clinically healthy subjects

A long-term prognosis study of human USP8-mutated ACTH-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumours.

Somatic variants in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene are the most common genetic cause of Cushing disease. We aimed to explore the relationship between clinical outcomes and USP8 status in a single centre. We investigated the USP8 status in 48 patients with pituitary corticotroph tumours. A median of 62 months of follow-up was conducted after surgery from November 2013 to January 2015. The clinical, biochemical and imaging features were collected and analysed. Seven USP8 variants (p.Ser718Pro, p.Ser719del, p.Pro720Arg, p.Pro720Gln, p.Ser718del, p.Ser718Phe, p.Lys713Arg) were identified in 24 patients (50%). USP8 variants showed a female predominance (100% vs. 75% in wild type [WT], p = .022). Patients with p.Ser719del showed an older age at surgery compared to patients with the p.Pro720Arg variant (47- vs. 24-year-olds, p = .033). Patients with p.Pro720Arg showed a higher rate of macroadenoma compared to patients harbouring the p.Ser718Pro variant (60% vs. 0%, p = .037). No significant differences were observed in serum and urinary cortisol andadrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels. Immediate surgical remission (79% vs. 75%) and long-term hormone remission (79% vs. 67%) were not significantly different between the two groups. The recurrence rate was 21% (4/19) in patients harbouring USP8 variants and 13% (2/16) in WT patients. Recurrence-free survival presented a tendency to be shorter in USP8-mutated individuals (76.7 vs. 109.2 months, p = .068). Somatic USP8 variants accounted for 50% of the genetic causes in this cohort with a significant female frequency. A long-term follow-up revealed a tendency toward shorter recurrence-free survival in USP8-mutant patients.