Serum Metabolic Parameters Research Articles

Supplemental wheat germ modulates phosphorylation of STAT3 in the gut and NF-κBp65 in the adipose tissue of mice fed a Western diet

BackgroundCommensal gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus, can produce metabolites that stimulate the release of gut antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) via the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 pathway and prevent obesity-associated leaky gut and chronic inflammation. We have previously reported that wheat germ (WG) selectively increased cecal Lactobacillus in obese mice. ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of WG on gut STAT3 activation and AMPs (Reg3γ and Reg3β) as well as the potential of WG to inhibit nuclear Nf-κB–activation and immune cell infiltration in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of mice fed a Western diet (i.e., high-fat and sucrose diet [HFS]). MethodsSix-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 12/group): control (C, 10% fat and sucrose kcal) or HFS (45% fat and 26% sucrose kcal) diet with or without 10% WG (wt/wt) for 12 wk. Assessments include serum metabolic parameters jejunal AMPs genes, inflammatory markers, and phosphorylation of STAT3 as well as VAT NF-κBp65. Independent and interaction effects of HFS and WG were analyzed with a 2-factor ANOVA. ResultsWG significantly improved markers of insulin resistance and upregulated jejunal Il10 and Il22 genes. The HFS + WG group had a 15-fold increase in jejunal pSTAT3 compared with the HFS group. Consequently, WG significantly upregulated jejunal mRNA expression of Reg3γ and Reg3β. The HFS group had a significantly higher VAT NF-κBp65 phosphorylation than the C group, while the HFS + WG group suppressed this to the level of C. Moreover, VAT Il6 and Lbp genes were downregulated in the HFS + WG group compared with HFS. Genes related to macrophage infiltration in the VAT were repressed in the WG-fed mice. ConclusionThese findings show the potential of WG to influence vital regulatory pathways in the gut and adipose tissue which may reduce the chronic inflammatory burden on these tissues that are important targets in obesity and insulin resistance.

In-Season Consumption of Locally Produced Tomatoes Decreases Cardiovascular Risk Indices

Tomatoes are widely consumed worldwide at any time of the year. However, depending on the variety, they have a characteristic season. We evaluated the consequences metabolic of consumption of Ekstasis tomatoes from different geographical origin and in different seasons in Fischer 344 rats. The hepatic gene expression of key enzymes in lipid metabolism was also evaluated. Animals were classified in three photoperiods (L6, L12, and L18) and in three treatments (vehicle: VH; local tomato: LT; and non-local tomato: nLT). We measured serum metabolic parameters and the gene expression of liver enzymes related to lipid metabolism (Acc1, Cpt1a, Had, Fas1, Srebp-1c, Fatp5, Cd36). LT consumption in season decreased cardiovascular risk 1 and coefficient atherogenic by 1.81 (p = 0.031) and in L6 decreased TAG and glucose (p = 0.046; p = 0.024). The L18-LT animals had decreased total cholesterol (p = 0.029) and gene expression of Srebp1-c (p = 0.022) but increased expression of Acc1 (p = 0.032). The treatments significantly affected the expression of Acc1 and Fas1 in the liver and the levels of serum TAG and glucose. A significant effect of photoperiod on serum concentration of glucose, insulin, HOMA index, and on the hepatic expression of Srep1-c, Fas1, and Acc1 was observed.

Association of Hormonal imbalance in menopausal women with cardiovascular disease in Erbil city

Menopausal women have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is thought to be due to an imbalance in serum estradiol and total testosterone level. To find out the effect of menopause on sex hormone levels such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone in serum menopausal women and to elevate the relationship between these hormones and CVD. This case-control study included (224) participants (menopausal women with CVD and non-CVD) in the age range (of 40-69 years) who visited (The surgical specialty hospital cardiac center and Hawler teaching hospital). A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Fasting serum metabolic parameters and hormones were measured which included (E2, TT, P, SHBG) and (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL). Women with CVD represented 60.7%., who had previously been diagnosed by specializes in the cardiac center, and healthy menopausal women represented 39.3%. The mean value of E2 was significantly lower in menopausal women with CVD (20.066±1.773 Pg/ml vs 29.455±3.807 Pg/ml) along with serum progesterone level (0.234±0.0102 ng/ml vs 0.452±0.137 ng/ml) and SHBG level (31.705±1.085 nmol/L vs 37.191±1.804 nmol/L) compared to healthy menopausal women (for all, p<0.05). On the other hand, a significantly elevated level of total testosterone (17.970±1.28 nmol/L vs 10.552±.99nmol/L) was observed in menopausal women with CVD compared with healthy women (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the E2 negative correlation with LDL-C (p<0.01), and TT negative correlation with HDL-C (P<0.01). Low serum levels in terms of sex hormones, (E2, P, and SHBG) with high-level serum TT might be contributed to cardiovascular disease.

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) gene polymorphism - 866 G/A in the promoter region is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus among Kashmiri population of Northern India.

The study aimed to evaluate the association of UCP2 gene polymorphism - 866 G/A and its expression with diabetes predisposition in the North Indian population. The study involved 850 subjects, including 425 each T2DM and control subjects. The serum metabolic and clinical parameters were estimated using standard protocols. The PCR-RFLP based genotyping was performed to determine UCP2 gene polymorphism, while the expression was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The genotypic and allelic frequencies showed a significant difference in cases compared to controls (p < 0.05). The diabetes patients had a 4.2-fold decrease in UCP2 gene expression. The expression was 29.8 and 8.4 fold lower in diabetes patients with homozygous (AA) and heterozygous (GA) mutation at - 866 locus of UCP2 nucleotide sequence, respectively. When categorized according to age and BMI, the T2DM subjects with age ≥ 50 and BMI ≥ 25 had a 5.53 and 8.2-fold decrease in UCP2 expression, respectively. The diabetes subjects with homozygous and heterozygous mutation demonstrated a pathological increase in serum metabolic and clinical parameters, which corroborated with UCP2 gene expression, indicating a strong association between the two. Intriguingly, we did not find any association between - 866 G/A polymorphism of UCP2 with serum insulin levels. Our investigation is the first among the studies conducted in Jammu and Kashmir to work on adipose tissue and UCP2 gene polymorphism. The association of - 866 G/A SNP of the UCP2 gene with its expression in diabetes patients appears to be an important genetic determinant in the progression of T2DM. Moreover, age ≥ 50years and BMI ≥ 25 could be considered risk factors for developing T2DM in the studied population.

Microbiota and Serum Metabolic Profile Changes in Korean Native Hanwoo Steer in Response to Diet Feeding Systems.

The diversity of bacteria and their function in cattle gastrointestinal tracts can influence animal welfare. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to investigate microbial diversity in the feces of Hanwoo steers reared under natural grazing (GS) and housing (HS) systems. Additionally, serum metabolic parameters, such as liver and kidney markers and mineral and lipid content changes, as well as their correlation with pyrotags, were studied. A total of 6468 ± 87.86 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in both steer groups, of which 3538 ± 38.17 OTUs were from grazing steer and 2930 ± 94.06 OTUs were from GS. Chao1 index analysis revealed a higher bacterial richness in GS. The dominant bacterial taxa were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. GS showed lower Bacteroidetes and higher Firmicutes abundance than HS. The serum of HS showed consistent increases in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGTP), glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (T-CHO), and triglyceride (TG) levels. The impact of GS on animal health and serum metabolic markers was strongly correlated with microbiota. As shown in this study, grazing has a significant impact on the fecal microbiota at the phylum and family levels, as well as the serum biochemical metabolites of Hanwoo steers.

Serum CD14 concentration is associated with obesity and insulin resistance in non-diabetic individuals.

ObjectiveCD14 is a lipopolysaccharide-binding protein that serves as a marker of monocytes. The role of circulating CD14 in patients with obesity without diabetes remains unknown. Here, we characterized the relationships between serum CD14 concentration and metabolic parameters related to diabetes and obesity.MethodsWe performed an observational, prospective case–control study. Eighty participants were evaluated: 26 drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 54 healthy individuals. We compared the circulating CD14 concentration and metabolic parameters of the participants with and without diabetes.ResultsThe circulating CD14 concentration did not significantly differ between the two groups, but was lower in participants with obesity than in lean controls. No significant associations existed between CD14 concentration and metabolic parameters in the participants with diabetes, but in those without diabetes, the circulating CD14 concentration significantly negatively correlated with body mass index; waist circumference; the concentrations of fasting insulin, 2-hour post-load glucose, 2-h post-load insulin, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) of insulin resistance; and HOMA beta-cell function.ConclusionsThis is the first study to show associations of serum CD14 concentration with metabolic parameters in non-diabetic individuals. Circulating CD14 may represent a useful biomarker of metabolic dysfunction in non-diabetic individuals.

1384-P: Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 Levels and Its Association with ß-Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Adults with Glucose Intolerance

Objectives: Beneficial role of Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) in the regulation of glucose metabolism and adipose tissue remodeling was suggested in rodents. We investigated an association between serum FGF1 levels and metabolic parameters in adults with glucose intolerance. Research Designs and Methods: Serum FGF1 levels were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 92 individuals with glucose intolerance. Associations between serum FGF1 levels and metabolic parameters including body mass index (BMI) , waist circumference (WC) , glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and 75g oral glucose tolerance test-derived parameters including insulinogenic index (IGI) , Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI) , and disposition index (DI) were examined. Results: Mean age was 49.8 years, and mean BMI was 30.7 kg/m2 of 92 participants. Among them, 87% had type 2 diabetes. There was no significant association between serum FGF1 level and BMI or WC by using censored regression analysis. On the other hand, serum FGF1 level was higher in patients with higher HbA1c (β=0.369, p=0.014) . This association was significant after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI (p=0.005) . Notably, serum FGF1 level was negatively associated with IGI and DI (β=−0.462, p=0.017; β=−0.469, p=0.014, respectively) , but not with ISI. Mean FGF1 concentrations were significantly lower with higher quartiles of IGI and DI (p for trend=0.035 and 0.015 for IGI and DI, respectively) . Conclusion: Serum concentration of FGF1 was significantly higher in individuals with higher blood glucose and lower insulin secretion, which suggests a possible role of FGF1 in the glucose metabolism, especially in the regulation of β cell function in humans. Disclosure J.Kim: None. J.Choi: None. S.Kim: None. N.Kim: None.

1431-P: Development of a New Index Based on Preoperative Serum Lipocalin 2 to Predict Post-LSG Weight Reduction

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective therapy for obesity, but targeted weight reduction is not always achieved. Serum lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is closely associated with obesity, but its impact on weight loss after surgery is unknown. We aimed to access the reliability of LCN2 levels and other parameters as effective predictors of excellent weight loss (≥75% excess weight loss [EWL]) 1 year after bariatric surgery. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 450 patients (aged 18-65 years) with obesity at 3 months and 1 year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) surgery. Seventy-four patients who underwent LSG surgery and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. Serum LCN2, thyroid function, and metabolic and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Weight reduction was expressed as %EWL and percent total weight loss (%TWL) at 3 months and 1 year post surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to evaluate predictors of ≥75%EWL. Results: In our cohort, %EWL and %TWL were both strongly associated with preoperative serum LCN2 levels. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative LCN2, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin were independent predictors of excellent weight loss. Conclusions: Based on these results, we determined a new P index with better predictive value for excellent weight reduction (≥75%EWL) 1 year after LSG surgery. Disclosure N.Li: None. L.Su: None. S.Qu: n/a. X.Cheng: n/a. L.Bu: None. B.Xu: None. J.Zeng: None. S.Lei: None. L.Gu: None. L.Feng: None. B.Zhu: None. Y.Huang: n/a. L.Wang: None. Funding The Tranditional Medicine Project of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (grant number 2020JP013) ; Shanghai Natural Science Foundation (grant number 21ZR1449400) ; Shanghai Pujiang Talent Plan (grant number 18PJD038)

Circulating Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Is Associated with Diabetic Neuropathy.

Background: Growth differentiation factor (GDF15) is a superfamily of transforming growth factor-beta which has been suggested to be correlated with various pathological conditions. The current study aimed to investigate the predicted role of circulating GDF15 in diabetic metabolism characteristics and diabetic neuropathy. Methods: 241 diabetic patients and 42 non-diabetic subjects were included to participate in the study. The plasma GDF15 levels were measured using ELISA. Chronic kidney disease and albuminuria were defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline. The nerve conductive study (NCS) was performed with measurement of distal latency, amplitude, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), H-reflex, and F-wave studies. Results: The diabetic group had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and higher plasma GDF15 level. After adjusting for age and BMI, GDF15 was significantly positively correlated with waist circumference (r = 0.332, p = <0.001), hip circumference (r = 0.339, p < 0.001), HbA1c (r = 0.302, p < 0.001), serum creatine (r = 0.146, p = 0.017), urine albumin/creatinine ratio (r = 0.126, p = 0.040), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.166, p = 0.007). As to NCS, GDF15 was significantly correlated with all latency and amplitude of sensory and motor nerves, as well as F-wave and H-reflex latencies. The area under the curve (AUC) in predicting tibial motor nerve neuropathy (MNCV) in all subjects and in the diabetic group for GDF15 was 0.646 (p = 0.001) and 0.610 (p = 0.012), respectively; for HbA1c was 0.639 (p = 0.001) and 0.604 (p = 0.018), respectively. Predicting ulnar sensory nerve neuropathy for GDF15 was 0.639 (p = 0.001) and 0.658 (p = 0.001), respectively; for HbA1c was 0.545 (p = 0.307) and 0.545 (p = 0.335), respectively. Predicting median sensory nerve neuropathy for GDF15 was 0.633 (p = 0.007) and 0.611 (p = 0.032), respectively; for HbA1c was 0.631 (p = 0.008) and 0.607 (p = 0.038), respectively. Predicting CKD for GDF15 was 0.709 (95% CI, 0.648–0.771), p < 0.001) and 0.676 (95% CI, 0.605–0.746), p < 0.001), respectively; for HbA1c was 0.560 (95% CI, 0.493–0.627); p = 0.080) and 0.515 (95% CI, 0.441–0.588); p = 0.697), respectively. Conclusions: We suggest that there is a significant association between the increased serum GDF-15 level and metabolic parameters and diabetic neuropathy. Plasma GDF15 may be an independent predictor of diabetic neuropathy.

Global Proteome Profiling of the Temporal Cortex of Female Rats Exposed to Chronic Stress and the Western Diet.

The increasing consumption of highly processed foods with high amounts of saturated fatty acids and simple carbohydrates is a major contributor to the burden of overweight and obesity. Additionally, an unhealthy diet in combination with chronic stress exposure is known to be associated with the increased prevalence of central nervous system diseases. In the present study, the global brain proteome approach was applied to explore protein alterations after exposure to the Western diet and/or stress. Female adult rats were fed with the Western diet with human snacks and/or subjected to chronic stress induced by social instability for 12 weeks. The consumption of the Western diet resulted in an obese phenotype and induced changes in the serum metabolic parameters. Consuming the Western diet resulted in changes in only 5.4% of the proteins, whereas 48% of all detected proteins were affected by chronic stress, of which 86.3% were down-regulated due to this exposure to chronic stress. However, feeding with a particular diet modified stress-induced changes in the brain proteome. The down-regulation of proteins involved in axonogenesis and mediating the synaptic clustering of AMPA glutamate receptors (Nptx1), as well as proteins related to metabolic processes (Atp5i, Mrps36, Ndufb4), were identified, while increased expression was detected for proteins involved in the development and differentiation of the CNS (Basp1, Cend1), response to stress, learning and memory (Prrt2), and modulation of synaptic transmission (Ncam1, Prrt2). In summary, global proteome analysis provides information about the impact of the combination of the Western diet and stress exposure on cerebrocortical protein alterations and yields insight into the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved in functional and morphological brain alterations as well as behavioral disturbances described in the literature.

Angiopoietin-Like 8 in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Reduced Levels in Third Trimester Maternal Serum and Placenta, Increased Levels in Cord Blood Serum.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses a significant health risk to pregnant women, and thus exploring the potential underlying mechanism is highly desirable. The aim of the study was to compare maternal serum, cord blood serum, and placental angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) levels in the third trimester of pregnancy in women with and without gestational diabetes and explore the potential underlying mechanism. A total of 42 pregnant women (23 with GDM and 19 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT)) along with 29 age-matched non-pregnant healthy females were enrolled. All pregnant subjects were in the late third trimester. Maternal serum and cord blood serum ANGPTL8 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the protein levels of ANGPTL8 in placentas were assessed with western blotting. The associations between maternal serum and cord blood serum ANGPTL8 levels and metabolic parameters were investigated with the Spearman correlation analysis. Significantly lower levels of maternal serum and placental ANGPTL8 levels were observed in GDM patients compared to NGT pregnant women, while remarkably higher ANGPTL8 levels were present in the cord blood serum samples. The maternal serum ANGPTL8 level was positively correlated with BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and AUC for OGTT and birthweight. Additionally, the cord blood serum ANGPTL8 level was positively correlated with insulin and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. Both maternal serum and cord blood serum ANGPTL8 levels seemed to correlate with GDM and has the potential to be used as a biomarker for GDM and birthweight prediction.

Reciprocal Effects of Adipose Tissue Denervation and High Fat Diet on Serum Metabolic Parameters and Adipokine Levels in Rats: A Long Term Study

Reciprocal Effects of Adipose Tissue Denervation and High Fat Diet on Serum Metabolic Parameters and Adipokine Levels in Rats: A Long Term Study

Development of a New Index Based on Preoperative Serum Lipocalin 2 to Predict Post-LSG Weight Reduction

BackgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective therapy for obesity, but targeted weight reduction is not always achieved. Serum lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is closely associated with obesity, but its impact on weight loss after surgery is unknown. We aimed to access the reliability of LCN2 levels and other parameters as effective predictors of excellent weight loss (≥ 75% excess weight loss (EWL)) 1 year after bariatric surgery.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated 450 patients (aged 18–65 years) with obesity at 3 months and 1 year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) surgery. Seventy-four patients who underwent LSG surgery and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. Serum LCN2, thyroid function, and metabolic and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Weight reduction was expressed as %EWL and percent total weight loss (%TWL) at 3 months and 1 year post surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to evaluate predictors of ≥ 75%EWL.ResultsIn our cohort, %EWL and %TWL were both strongly associated with preoperative serum LCN2 levels. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative LCN2, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin were independent predictors of excellent weight loss.ConclusionsBased on these results, we determined a new P index with better predictive value for excellent weight reduction (≥ 75%EWL) 1 year after LSG surgery.Graphical abstract

Development of resveratrol with thiolated alginate as a supplement to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Nowadays, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common metabolic liver disease of all ages worldwide. However, current pharmacological and surgical treatments are accompanied with side effects and complications. EndoBarrier, a less invasive bariatric surgery, blocks the upper portion of the intestine to reduce nutrition absorption. To mimic the nutrient restriction effect of EndoBarrier, thiol-containing materials may bind to the thiol groups of the mucus with an enhanced mucoadhesive property. Here, we develop thiolated alginate with cysteine conjugation via an N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide reaction. The alginate–cysteine (AC) exhibits excellent mucoadhesive properties and forms a physical barrier in the intestine to reduce absorption significantly, which was tested with both in vitro and in vivo mucoadhesive test and barrier function test. The nontoxicity property of AC was also proven with WST-1 and live and dead stain. In addition, AC demonstrates potent carrier properties of extending the release of resveratrol to improve the efficacy with the test of the transwell system in the release profile. In the long-term therapeutic evaluation, alginate cysteine with resveratrol (ACR) is orally administrated daily to mice with an methionine choline-deficient diet. The results of this in vivo study show that developed ACR could effectively alleviate fat degeneration in the liver and improve fat-related metabolic parameters in serum without hepatocellular damage and kidney dysfunction. In sum, AC was found to be mucoadhesive, reduce glucose absorption, alleviate inflammation, and decrease fatty degradation. This promising material exhibits the potential to be a supplement for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Dietary live yeast supplementation alleviates transport-stress-impaired meat quality of broilers through maintaining muscle energy metabolism and antioxidant status.

BACKGROUNDThis experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary live yeast (LY, 1 × 1010 CFU g−1) supplementation on serum metabolic parameters, meat quality as well as antioxidant enzyme activity of transported broilers. A total of 192 one‐day‐old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates and eight chicks per replicate: a basal diet without transportation (CON), a basal diet containing 0 (T), 500 (T + LY500) and 1000 mg kg−1 (T + LY1000) LY with 3 h of transportation after feeding for 42 days, respectively. The serum and muscle samples of broilers were collected immediately after 3 h of transportation.RESULTSA higher (P < 0.05) final body weight and average daily weight gain were observed in T + LY1000 group compared with CON and T groups. The T + LY1000 group reduced (P < 0.05) the serum lactate contents and improved (P < 0.05) the pH24h and decreased (P < 0.05) the drip loss in muscles of transported‐broilers. Also, the T + LY1000 group enhanced (P < 0.05) the total‐antioxidant capacity and reduced (P < 0.05) the malondialdehyde in serum and muscles. Besides, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of avian uncoupling protein (avUCP) in muscles was down‐regulated (P < 0.05) of T + LY1000 group compared with T group.CONCLUSIONDietary LY supplementation alleviates transport‐stress‐impaired meat quality of broilers through maintaining muscle energy metabolism and antioxidant status. Therefore, LY may serve as a potential protector for broilers under transport stress in the future. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The Relationship of Hyperferritinemia to Metabolism and Chronic Complications in Type 2 Diabetes.

AimElevated serum ferritin has been found to be closely related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to explore the relationship of high serum ferritin to metabolism and chronic complications in type 2 diabetes.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. A total of 330 type 2 diabetes patients who visited an endocrine clinic were included for the analysis. Serum ferritin and metabolic parameters were recorded. The prevalence of chronic diabetic complications was evaluated. Based on serum ferritin, participants were divided into hyperferritinemia and normal-ferritin groups. Metabolic parameters and prevalence of chronic diabetic complications were compared. The relationship between hyperferritinemia and chronic diabetic complications was explored with multivariate logistic regression models. Data were statistically analyzed by sex.ResultsCompared with the normal-ferritin group, the hyperferritinemia group showed higher levels of the serum inflammatory marker CRP and higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and coronary heart disease (CHD), regardless of sex (p<0.05). Moreover, male patients with hyperferritinemia had increased serum triglyceride, alanine transferase, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid and higher prevalence of microalbuminuria (p<0.01). After controlling for demographics and metabolic profiles, hyperferritinemia remained an independent risk factor of DR (male OR 3.957, 95% CI 1.559–10.041, p=0.004; female OR 2.474, 95% CI 1.127–5.430, p=0.024) and CHD (male OR 2.607, 95% CI 1.087–6.257, p=0.032; female OR 2.293, 95% CI 1.031–5.096, p=0.042).ConclusionThis study found that hyperferritinemia was associated with increased CRP and higher prevalence of DR and CHD in type 2 diabetes. In men, high serum ferritin was also associated with dyslipidemia, hepatic dysfunction, and microalbuminuria.

Effects of Simultaneous Exposure to a Western Diet and Wheel-Running Training on Brain Energy Metabolism in Female Rats.

Background: In the pathogenesis of central nervous system disorders (e.g., neurodegenerative), an important role is attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle affecting brain energy metabolism. Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases is getting increasing attention. Methods: We performed a series of assessments in adult female Long Evans rats subjected to 6 weeks of Western diet feeding and wheel-running training. A control group of lean rats was fed with a standard diet. In all experimental groups, we measured physiological parameters (animal weights, body composition, serum metabolic parameters). We assessed the impact of simultaneous exposure to a Western diet and wheel-running on the cerebrocortical protein expression (global proteomic profiling), and in the second part of the experiment, we measured the cortical levels of protein related to brain metabolism (Western blot). Results: Western diet led to an obese phenotype and induced changes in the serum metabolic parameters. Wheel-running did not reduce animal weights or fat mass but significantly decreased serum glucose level. The global proteome analysis revealed that the altered proteins were functionally annotated as they were involved mostly in metabolic pathways. Western blot analysis showed the downregulation of the mitochondrial protein—Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase family member 9, hexokinase 1 (HK1)—enzyme involved in principal glucose metabolism pathways and monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2). Wheel-running reversed this decline in the cortical levels of HK1 and MCT2. Conclusion: The cerebrocortical proteome is affected by a combination of physical activity and Western diet in female rats. An analysis of the cortical proteins involved in brain energy metabolism provides a valuable basis for the deeper investigation of changes in the brain structure and function induced by simultaneous exposure to a Western diet and physical activity.

Effects of lighting patterns in pubertal development and metabolism of female wistar rats

Modern lifestyle is characterized by constant exposure to artificial light, which is associated with alterations in biological rhythms, abnormalities to reproductive cycles and metabolic changes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of four different lighting patterns on puberty timing and on possible metabolic changes in female Wistar rats. Additionally, we developed a machine learning algorithm to automatically classify the stages of the estrous cycle. Adult Wistar rats mated during a week at a photoperiod station where they were exposed to combined red-green-blue lights (RGB) during the photoperiod that varied its spectral composition (i.e., variable color temperature) during the day (RGB-v; N = 14), RGB during the photoperiod with a fixed light color temperature (RGB-f; N = 13) during the whole photoperiod; constant darkness (DD; N = 13) and constant fixed light (LL; N = 15). Experiments were performed only on female litters from postnatal day (PND) 22 to 50. Body weight, puberty onset, estrous cyclicity and serum metabolic parameters were measured. We also collected pictures of vaginal smears to create a dataset of 15,936 images to construct an automatic classifier based on convolutional neural networks. No significant differences were found in the age of vaginal opening; however, the RGB-v group showed a significantly lower number of complete and consecutives cycles. Also, the RGB-f group showed the first complete estrous cycle significantly earlier than the RGB-v group. Female rats housed in LL condition presented significantly lower mean body weight from PND 33 to PDN 47 compared to the other groups. Furthermore, higher levels of plasma triglycerides were found in the DD group compared to RGB-f and RGB-v. HDL levels were significantly lower in RGB-v compared to RGB-f and LL groups. Total cholesterol was significantly lower in RGB-v compared to all groups. Visceral fat was significantly higher in RGB-f compared to the LL group. These results suggest that both changes in photoperiod and lighting quality affect pubertal development and alter lipid profiles and visceral fat accumulation.

4-HIL mitigates type-2 diabetic complications through inhibiting inflammation and Nrf2 mediated oxidative stress in rats

BackgroundHyperglycemia induced diabetic complications as well as dysfunction of multiple organs is closely related to the increased inflammation and oxidative stress (OS). 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL), a major constituent of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. shown to have anti-diabetic effects. However, its potential mechanism against diabetic complications in the model of metabolic syndrome have not yet been characterized. PurposeThe present study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of 4-HIL in rat model of metabolic syndrome and to explore the possible mechanism of action. MethodsMale Sprague dawley rat of 6 -7 weeks were administrated with 4-HIL by oral gavage from 12 to 20 weeks after development of complications. At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed. Tissues and blood samples were collected for histopathologic and biochemical analysis. Serum metabolic parameters, level of triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin, activities of antioxidant enzymes were estimated. Pathological changes in the tissues were assessed by Hematoxylin – Eosin (H & E), Masson's trichrome and Periodic Acid - Schiff (PAS) staining. In vivo gene expressions were demonstrated by Western blotting. ResultsOral administration of 4-HIL (200 mg kg−1) reduced the body hyperglycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride and restored the histopathological indices when compared with the diabetic control group. The 4-HIL increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) in tissues samples. It down-regulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tissue injury molecule-1 (TIM-1), insulin receptor (INSULIN R) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) mediated inflammatory response in all the tissues. Moreover, it exhibits protective effect against oxidative stress by activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related proteins in the tissues. ConclusionThe findings highlight the beneficial role of 4-HIL in diabetic complications by decreasing inflammatory response and oxidative stress through TGF-β1 signaling pathway and activation of Nrf2 gene expression respectively in addition to its effect on glycemic control.

The relationship of metabolic parameters and milk acute-phase protein with the outcome of treatment of Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis in dairy cows.

The main aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the relationships between metabolic parameters, acute-phase proteins, and the outcome of treatment of Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis in dairy cows. Serum metabolic parameters and milk haptoglobin were measured in two groups: S. aureus subclinical mastitis cows with successful treatment (n = 26) and S. aureus subclinical mastitis cows with unsuccessful treatment (n = 26). Significantly higher serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and LDL cholesterol concentrations were seen in subclinical mastitis cows with unsuccessful treatment compared to subclinical mastitis cows with successful treatment (p < 0.05). On the other hand, subclinical mastitis cows with successful treatment demonstrated higher serum iron and copper concentrations than the other group (p < 0.05). Comparison of measured variables before treatment revealed that cows suffering from subclinical mastitis with higher values of serum LDL cholesterol, ALP, and AST did not respond to antibiotic treatment and subclinical mastitis was persisted in the second examination, whereas subclinical mastitis cows with successful treatment demonstrated higher serum copper and iron concentrations (p < 0.05). The findings of the current investigation suggested that there was a relationship between the treatment outcome of S. aureus subclinical mastitis and trace element concentrations and liver health status. Furthermore, the present study provided cutoff values for serum LDL cholesterol, AST, ALP, iron, and copper, which would help predict the treatment outcome in cows with S. aureus subclinical mastitis.