Significant Increase In Weight Research Articles

Estrogen restores disordered lipid metabolism in visceral fat of prediabetic mice.

Visceral obesity is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and young adults and is commonly recognized as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Estrogen [17β-estradiol (E2)] is known to offer protection against obesity via diverse me-chanisms, while its specific effects on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) remain to be fully elucidated. To investigate the impact of E2 on the gene expression profile within VAT of a mouse model of prediabetes. Metabolic parameters were collected, encompassing body weight, weights of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues (VAT and SAT), random blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and overall body composition. The gene expression profiles of VAT were quantified utilizing the Whole Mouse Genome Oligo Microarray and subsequently analyzed through Agilent Feature Extraction software. Functional and pathway analyses were conducted employing Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, respectively. Feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) moderately increased the weights of both VAT and SAT, but this increase was mitigated by the protective effect of endogenous E2. Conversely, ovariectomy (OVX) led to a significant increase in VAT weight and the VAT/SAT weight ratio, and this increase was also reversed with E2 treatment. Notably, OVX diminished the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism compared to HFD feeding alone, signaling a widespread reduction in lipid metabolic activity, which was completely counteracted by E2 administration. This study provides a comprehensive insight into E2's local and direct protective effects against visceral adiposity in VAT at the gene level. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the HFD-induced over-nutritional challenge disrupted the gene expression profile of visceral fat, leading to a universally decreased lipid metabolic status in E2 deficient mice. E2 treatment effectively reversed this condition, shedding light on the mechanistic role and therapeutic potential of E2 in combating visceral obesity.

Root and shoot studies of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and baby corn (Zea mays) under intercropping system with different levels of fertility and stress-mitigating chemicals

An experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2019 and 2020 at College of Agriculture (Agriculture University, Kota), Ummedganj, Rajasthan, to study the root and shoot of summer cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] and baby corn (Zea mays L.) under intercropping system with different levels of fertility and stress-mitigating chemicals. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with 4 replications having 30 treatment combinations with 5 intercropping systems [sole cowpea; sole baby corn; cowpea + baby corn (2:1); cowpea + baby corn (3:1); and cowpea + baby corn (4:1)] in the main plot and 3 fertility levels, viz. 100; 125; and 150% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) in subplot and 2 stress mitigating chemicals (0.5% CaCl2 and 1% KNO3 at flowering and pod development stage of cowpea) in sub-sub plot. Results revealed significant increase in shoot weight, root weight, root-to-shoot ratio, cowpea equivalent yield (CEY) and number and dry weight of nodules in 2:1 row cowpea + baby corn intercropping system over other row ratios. The 2:1 row ratio significantly increased root:shoot ratio of cowpea by 20.9, 15.2, and 7.3% over sole cowpea, 4:1 and 3:1 row ratio, respectively, and resulted in the highest root-to-shoot ratio for baby corn, recording 18.3, 14.5, and 6.8% increase over sole baby corn, 4:1, and 3:1 row ratios of cowpea and baby corn, respectively. Further shoot weight, root weight, root:shoot ratio in cowpea and baby corn, CEY and the number and dry weight of nodules in cowpea exhibited a notable increase in 150% RDF as compared to lower fertility levels (100 and 125% RDF). Applying 150% RDF resulted in a significantly higher root:shoot ratio for both cowpea and baby corn, with increases of 11.3 and 4.5% over 100 and 125% RDF for cowpea, and 11.6 and 5.5% over 100 and 125% RDF for baby corn, respectively. Foliar application of 0.5% CaCl2 at the flowering and pod-developing stages significantly augmented all the aforementioned parameters for both cowpea and baby corn.

P2X7R and P2X4R expression of mice submandibular gland in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can compromise the functioning of various organs, including the salivary glands (SG). The purinergic system is one of the most important inflammatory pathways in T2DM condition, and P2X7R and P2X4R are the primary purinergic receptors in SG that regulate inflammatory homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate P2X7R and P2X4R expression, and morphological changes in the submandibular gland (SMG) in T2DM. Twenty-four 5-week-old mice were randomly assigned to control (CON) and diabetes mellitus (DM) groups (n = 12 each). Body weight, diet, and blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. The histomorphology of the SMG and the expression of the P2X7R, and P2X7R was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) at 11 and 13 weeks of age. Our findings indicate a significant increase in food consumption, body weight, and blood glucose levels in the DM group. Although a significant increase in P2X7R and P2X4R expression was observed in the DM groups, the receptor location remained unchanged. We also observed a significant increase in the acinar area in the DM13w group, and a significant decrease in the ductal area in the DM11w and DM13w groups. Targeting purinergic receptors may offer novel therapeutic methods for diabetic complications.

The combined pioglitazone and topiramate therapy for management of pediatric patients with severe MASLD.

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis in adult and pediatric patients. Adolescents with severe MASLD can demonstrate a more aggressive disease phenotype as they more commonly develop liver fibrosis than BMI matched adults. Therefore, MASLD is the fastest growing indication for liver transplants in young adults. Pioglitazone has been shown to improve liver histology in adult patients with MASLD, and in some studies, it attenuated liver fibrosis. Despite its perceived efficacy, pioglitazone is not widely used, likely due to its side effect profile, specifically increased weight gain. Topiramate lowers body weight in adolescents and in combination with phentermine, is one of the few FDA-approved medications for the management of obesity in children over 12 years of age. We performed a retrospective review of the outcomes in pediatric patients with severe MASLD, treated with the combined pioglitazone and topiramate therapy. Here, we report a case series of seven adolescents with severe MASLD and ≥F2 liver fibrosis treated with the combined pioglitazone and topiramate therapy. The combined therapy improved mean serum ALT from 165 ± 80 U/L to 89 ± 62 U/L after 12 months mean duration of treatment. One patient who completed 24 months of the combined therapy demonstrated a decrease in liver stiffness from 8.9 kPa to 5.6 kPa, as assessed by FibroScan elastography. There was a significant increase in body weight during this time, however, body mass index as a percentage of the 95th percentile adjusted for age and gender did not increase significantly, 151 ± 29% vs. 152 ± 28%. Moreover, waist circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, percent body fat, and muscle mass were not significantly different before and after treatment. Serum lipid levels and hemoglobin A1c also did not change with the treatment. In summary, this case series provides encouraging results about the efficacy of the combined pioglitazone and topiramate therapy for the management of adolescents with severe MASLD, which should be further explored in clinical studies.

High-Fat-High-Fructose Diet Elicits Brown Adipocyte Dysfunction through miRNA-103 Induced miRNA Biogenesis Pathway

Background: Obesity is a critical public health concern with its prevalence growing at an alarming rate worldwide. The Western diet that typically includes high-fat or high-fructose components is one of the leading contributing factors of obesity. Recent findings demonstrate the essential role of BAT in regulating whole-body metabolism. However, the explicit mechanism through which BAT maintains homeostasis is still unknown. Methods: Six-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed either a low-fat diet (LFD) or a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHFD) for 4, 12, and 20 weeks. Results: We observed a significant increase in BAT weight under HFHFD along with BAT whitening in a time-dependent manner. This was also accompanied by a significant decrease in UCP1 and PGC1α protein, as well as a significant increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio as early as 12 weeks, indicating increased apoptosis under HFHFD. Interestingly, miRNA-103 expression that holds a seed sequence within the miRNA biogenesis machinery, Dicer, was significantly upregulated after 12 and 20 weeks of HFHFD. Dicer and another biogenesis regulator, TRBP2, exhibited significant upregulation at 4 weeks of HFHFD. Conversely, those gene expressions were significantly downregulated at 12 and 20 weeks of HFHFD, followed by a significant decrease in the protein level at 12 weeks. To confirm the mechanistic connection, miRNA-103 knockdown in vitro significantly upregulated Dicer and the TRBP2 gene. However, only Dicer exhibited a significant increase at the translational level. Conclusion: Overall, we conclude that HFHFD may elicit BAT dysfunction by inhibiting Dicer via miRNA-103.

Effects of pethoxamid treatment on the disposition of thyroxine in rats

Pethoxamid (PXA) is a chloroacetamide herbicide that works by inhibiting the germination of target weeds in crops. PXA is not a genotoxic agent, however, in a two-year chronic toxicity study, incidence of thyroid follicular cell hyperplasia was observed in male rats treated at a high dose. Many non-mutagenic chemicals, including agrochemicals are known to produce thyroid hyperplasia in rodents through a hepatic metabolizing enzyme induction mode of action (MoA). In this study, the effects of oral gavage PXA treatment at 300 mg/kg for 7 days on the disposition of intravenously (iv) administered radio-labeled thyroxine ([125I]-T4) was assessed in bile-duct cannulated (BDC) rats. Another group of animals were treated with phenobarbital (PB, 100 mg/kg), a known enzyme inducer, serving as a positive control. The results showed significant increase (p < 0.01) in the mean liver weights in the PB and PXA-treated groups relative to the control group. The serum total T4 radioactivity Cmax and AUC0–4 values for PB and PXA-treated groups were lower than for the control group, suggesting increased clearance from serum. The mean percentages of administered radioactivity excreted in bile were 7.96 ± 0.38%, 16.13 ± 5.46%, and 11.99 ± 2.80% for the control, PB and PXA groups, respectively, indicating increased clearance via the bile in the treated animals. These data indicate that PXA can perturb the thyroid hormone homeostasis in rats by increasing T4 elimination in bile, possibly through enzyme induction mechanism similar to PB. In contrast to humans, the lack of high affinity thyroid binding globulin (TBG) in rats perhaps results in enhanced metabolism of T4 by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UGT). Since this liver enzyme induction MoA for thyroid hyperplasia by PB is known to be rodent specific, PXA effects on thyroid can also be considered not relevant to humans. The data from this study also suggest that incorporating a BDC rat model to determine thyroid hormone disposition using [125I]-T4 is valuable in a thyroid mode of action analysis.

Impact of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of guar gum hydrogel

AbstractThis research investigates the transformative impact of incorporating unmodified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (um‐MWCNTs) on properties of guar gum (GG)‐based hydrogel. The study focuses on the enhancement of thermal stability, mechanical strength, and electrical properties of hydrogel composite. Thermal analysis reveals a significant increase in residual weight remaining at 430°C from 3% to 10% with the addition of 0.2 wt% um‐MWCNTs to GG hydrogel. Viscoelastic properties of hydrogel composite investigated by rheology analysis observed that enhancements in storage modulus from 0.2 to 2.2 MPa indicative of enhanced structural integrity. Moreover, electrical conductivity exhibits a substantial increase with the addition of nanotubes, indicating the potential applicability of the composite in electronic and sensing applications. This research showcases the potential of GG/um‐MWCNT composites for diverse applications in biomedicine, sensors, and advanced materials.Highlights Distribution of um‐MWCNTs into guar‐gum matrix to obtain maximum benefits. Inclusion of um‐MWCNTs improves the rheological properties of GG/um‐MWCNTs composites. Rheological properties can be tuned with um‐MWCNT content. MWCNTs improved thermal stability of the GG hydrogel. MWCNTs improved electrical conductivity of the GG hydrogel.

The Consumption Effect of Indigenous Probiotic Powder Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 on Gut Microbiota Population and Short Chain Fatty Acids in Students of SMPN 1 Pangururan, Samosir

The human intestine is a diverse ecosystem populated by microbiota affected by several factors, including age. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of the probiotic powder Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 on the numbers of gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and fecal characteristics in healthy adolescents. This research was conducted at SMPN 1 Pangururan, Samosir, with a randomized, double-blind, parallel placebo-controlled trial. 54 healthy adolescents aged 13 to 14 were divided into two groups, one consumed a gram of skimmed milk powder (placebo group) and the other ingested powder containing L. plantarum Dad-13 with 1.18 × 109 CFU/gram (probiotic group). After 33 days of intervention, the height of placebo group (149.42 ± 5.03 cm) and probiotic group (154.37 ± 4.67 cm) increased significantly. Significant increases in body weight (44.35 kg ± 4.61 to 45.20 kg ± 4.78) and BMI (and 18.77 ± 2.12 to 18.99 ± 2.11) were observed in the probiotic group. In the probiotic group, the numbers of gut microbiota were not significantly affected (p &gt; 0.05). The amount of SCFA and fecal characteristics of both groups showed no significant differences. Thus, the consumption of L. plantarum Dad-13 increased weight, height, and BMI but could not influence the numbers of gut microbiota, SCFA, and the fecal characteristics of healthy adolescents.

Hepatic toxicity induced by dietary treatment of rats with hexaconazole: insights from a cytotoxic and genotoxic study

ABSTRACT Hexaconazole (HEX), a widely used triazole fungicide in agriculture, was investigated for its hepatotoxic effects on albino Wistar rats. Compared to the control rats, the treated rats showed a significant increase in absolute and relative liver weight over both 3 months (p < 0.05) and 6 months (p < 0.001). Oxidative biomarkers indicated a notable rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) by 137% (p < 0.001), increased reduced glutathione (GSH) by 32% (p < 0.01), and significant reductions in antioxidant enzymes, including a 63% decrease in catalase (CAT, p < 0.001) and a 15% decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD, p < 0.01). Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels also decreased significantly after 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05). The micronucleus test in liver cells indicated an elevation in the appearance of micronuclei in rats treated with HEX for 6 months (p < 0.01). This study demonstrates, for the first time, that HEX can induce genotoxicity in the liver.

Positive impacts of Nannochloropsis oculata supplementation on gene expression of immune and antioxidant markers and metabolic profile of Barki sheep in the transition period and lipogenic effects on progeny.

Nannochloropsis species should be given priority when it comes to microalgae that should be added to feed since they are suitable for intense culture and have a high concentration of PUFAs (especially EPA), antioxidants, and certain vitamins. This study investigated the possible immune and antioxidant impacts of Nannochloropsis supplementation on Barki ewes during transition period and their newly born lambs. Three weeks prior to the expected time of lambing, the researched ewes were divided into two equal groups of thirty ewes each. The second group, on the other hand, was fed the same base diet as the first group plus 10g of commercially available Nannochloropsis powder per kg of concentrate, given daily to each ewe's concentrate. Findings revealed that supplementation of ewes with Nannochloropsis significantly up-regulated the expression pattern of immune (NFKB, RANTES, HMGB1, TNF-α, IRF4, TLR7, CLA-DRB3.2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, S-LZ, and Cathelicidin), and antioxidant (SOD1, CAT, GPX1, GST, ATOX1, Nrf2 and AhpC/TSA) markers in ewes post-lambing and their newly born lambs. Additionally, mRNA levels of lipogenic (ACACA, FASN SCD, LPL, and BTN1A) markers were significantly up-regulated in lambs from supplemented ewes than control ones. There was a significant increase in the WBCs, Hb, RBc count, serum level of glucose, total protein, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol, GPx, catalase, IL1α and IL6 with significantly decreased serum level of TNF-α and MDA in supplemented ewes after lambing as compared with control ones. There was also a significant increase in WBCs, Hb, RBc count, birth weight and body temperature with significantly decreased in the serum levels of TNF-α and stillbirth of newly born lambs from supplemented ewes as compared to other lambs from control ones.

Abstract PO3-25-02: Circadian Rhythm Disruption Accelerates Aggressive Mammary Tumorigenesis by Altering Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract \Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, leading to over 650,000 deaths worldwide. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour biological rhythm that controls most cellular, hormonal, and behavioral processes in living organisms, which is why perturbation of these rhythms is linked to several devastating diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. In the mammary gland, circadian clocks regulate the rhythmic expression of numerous genes. Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD), which has been termed a "carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research in Cancer, is caused by different factors, one of them being shift work. Several epidemiological studies have revealed that women who work night shifts are predisposed to breast cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm disruption on aggressive mammary tumorigenesis. To do this, we used genetically engineered mouse models of mammary tumors (HER2-tumor and triple-negative breast tumor, or TNBC). Chronic jetlag, which mimics shift work in mice and is known to cause CRD, was introduced in one group of mice by perturbing the normal light and dark cycles with an 8-hour advance every three days. Wheel-running, which is represented by an actogram, was used to confirm the circadian disruption in the CRD mice. CRD was found to accelerate tumor initiation with a significant increase in weight in the CRD group of mice. CRD enhanced tumor burden significantly compared to LD mice. Our results also showed high metastatic foci in the lungs of CRD mice compared to LD mice. A flow cytometry study showed a higher cancer stem cell population in CRD tumors. Mammosphere assays with tumor-derived cells showed that CRD increased the number and size of the mammospheres compared to the control tumors. The tumor cells were analyzed using single-cell RNA sequencing, which showed that CRD alters the tumor microenvironment by developing more immunosuppressive and "cold" tumors. The tumor-derived organoids (tumoroid) showed resistance to chemotherapeutics. Finally, bioinformatics analysis using single-cell RNA seq data from human breast tumors (TNBC, ER/PR, and HER2) showed that the malignant cells in TNBC tumors had a significantly higher circadian rhythm disrupted score (CRD score) compared to ER/PR tumors. Taken together, our data showed how circadian rhythm disruption affects TNBC tumorigenesis and drug response by altering the tumor microenvironment. Citation Format: Olajumoke Ogunlusi, Mrinmoy Sarkar, Tristan Nguyen, Devon Boland, James Cai, Arhit Chakrabarti, Bani Mallick, Alex Keene, Tapasree Roy Sarkar. Circadian Rhythm Disruption Accelerates Aggressive Mammary Tumorigenesis by Altering Tumor Microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-25-02.

The Impact of a Nutritional Intervention on Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Type 2 Diabetes.

Nutritional management plays a crucial role in treating patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), working to prevent and control the progression of chronic non-communicable diseases. To evaluate the effects of individualized nutritional interventions on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR)} over 12 months and subsequently at follow-up (15 months). This longitudinal experimental study (without randomization and blinding) enrolled 84 sedentary participants with T2D (both sexes, aged 18-80 years). They were divided into a control group of 40 participants who received only medical consultations, and an intervention group of 44 participants who received the same medical care along with a nutritional assessment. Consultations occurred quarterly from August 2020 to November 2022 (first-twelfth month), with six to nine patients per session. Subsequently, a follow-up was conducted from December 2022 to November 2023, during which the intervention group had only medical care (during the 12th-15th months). Personalized dietary planning was inspired by the Mediterranean/DASH diets adapted to Brazilian foods and socioeconomic cultures. Normal variables were compared between groups for each time point and also within each group across different time points using a two-way ANOVA (repeated measures for intragroup) followed by the Šídák post hoc test. Non-normal variables were compared between groups for each time point using Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Dunn post hoc test, and within each group across different time points using Friedman followed by the Dunn post hoc test. Data with a Gaussian distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), and data with a non-Gaussian distribution were presented as median ± interquartile range (IQR). For all cases, α < 0.05 and p < 0.05 were adopted. In the intervention group, significant reductions were observed between the first and twelfth month for all parameters (p < 0.05), (except for TC), along with an increase in HDL-C (p = 0.0105). Conversely, in the control group, there was a significant increase in HbA1c, weight, BMI, FBG, and WHR (p < 0.05) between the first and twelfth months. Regarding the comparison between groups, there was a significant difference for all analyzed parameters (p < 0.05) from the first to the twelfth month. In the follow-up, differences were also observed (p < 0.05), except for BMI (p > 0.05). The individualized nutritional intervention improved eating habits, anthropometric, biochemical, and cardiovascular markers in T2D over 12 months, with sustained results during follow-up. The dietary plan inspired by the Mediterranean and DASH diets demonstrated good adaptation to the Brazilian food culture and the patients' socioeconomic contexts. Consistent monitoring and personalized nutritional management are essential for optimizing long-term outcomes. However, more clinical trials are necessary in order to optimize the level of evidence for longitudinal interventions.

Paradise by the far-red light: Far-red and red:blue ratios independently affect yield, pigments, and carbohydrate production in lettuce, Lactuca sativa.

In controlled environment agriculture, customized light treatments using light-emitting diodes are crucial to improving crop yield and quality. Red (R; 600-700 nm) and blue light (B; 400-500 nm) are two major parts of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), often preferred in crop production. Far-red radiation (FR; 700-800 nm), although not part of PAR, can also affect photosynthesis and can have profound effects on a range of morphological and physiological processes. However, interactions between different red and blue light ratios (R:B) and FR on promoting yield and nutritionally relevant compounds in crops remain unknown. Here, lettuce was grown at 200 µmol m-2 s-1 PAR under three different R:B ratios: R:B87.5:12.5 (12.5% blue), R:B75:25 (25% blue), and R:B60:40 (40% blue) without FR. Each treatment was also performed with supplementary FR (50 µmol m-2 s-1; R:B87.5:12.5+FR, R:B75:25+FR, and R:B60:40+FR). White light with and without FR (W and W+FR) were used as control treatments comprising of 72.5% red, 19% green, and 8.5% blue light. Increasing the R:B ratio from R:B87.5:12.5 to R:B60:40, there was a decrease in fresh weight (20%) and carbohydrate concentration (48% reduction in both sugars and starch), whereas pigment concentrations (anthocyanins, chlorophyll, and carotenoids), phenolic compounds, and various minerals all increased. These results contrasted the effects of FR supplementation in the growth spectra; when supplementing FR to different R:B backgrounds, we found a significant increase in plant fresh weight, dry weight, total soluble sugars, and starch. Additionally, FR decreased concentrations of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and various minerals. Although blue light and FR effects appear to directly contrast, blue and FR light did not have interactive effects together when considering plant growth, morphology, and nutritional content. Therefore, the individual benefits of increased blue light fraction and supplementary FR radiation can be combined and used cooperatively to produce crops of desired quality: adding FR increases growth and carbohydrate concentration while increasing the blue fraction increases nutritional value.

The Effect of Thiazolidinediones in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine condition affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterised by insulin resistance and is a risk for type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to review the literature on the effect of pioglitazone and rosiglitazone in women with PCOS. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library and the Web of Science in April 2020 and updated in March 2023. Studies were deemed eligible if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effect of pioglitazone and rosiglitazone in PCOS. The study follows the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Out of 814 initially retrieved citations, 24 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) involving 976 participants were deemed eligible. Among women with PCOS, treatment with rosiglitazone compared to metformin resulted in a significant increase in the mean body weight (mean difference (MD) 1.95kg; 95%CI 0.03-3.87, p = 0.05). Metformin treatment was associated with a reduction in mean body mass index (BMI) compared to pioglitazone (MD 0.85kg/m2; 95%CI 0.13-1.57, p = 0.02). Both pioglitazone compared to placebo (MD 2.56kg/m2; 95%CI 1.77-3.34, p < 0.00001) and rosiglitazone compared to metformin (MD 0.74kg/m2; 95%CI 0.07-1.41, p = 0.03) were associated with a significant increase in BMI. Treatment with pioglitazone compared to placebo showed a significant reduction in triglycerides (MD - 0.20mmol/L; 95%CI - 0.38 to - 0.03, p = 0.02) and fasting insulin levels (MD - 11.47mmol/L; 95%CI - 20.20, - 2.27, p = 0.01). Rosiglitazone compared to metformin was marginally significantly associated with a reduction in the luteinising hormone (LH) (MD - 0.62; 95%CI - 1.25-0.00, p = 0.05). Both pioglitazone and rosiglitazone were associated with significant increases in body weight and BMI when compared with metformin or placebo. Pioglitazone significantly reduced triglycerides and fasting insulin when compared with placebo while rosiglitazone showed a modest reduction of LH when compared with metformin. CRD42020178783.

Investigating Majhool date (Phoenix dactylifera) consumption effects on fasting blood glucose in animals and humans.

Majhool date (Phoenix dactylifera), renowned for its premium taste and texture, is extensively consumed in the Islamic world, particularly during Ramadan. Despite its popularity, concerns persist regarding its potential to induce diabetes in non-patients. This study aims to explore the diabetogenic effects of prolonged Majhool date (Phoenix dactylifera) consumption, the widely used fruit in the Islamic world, through animal experiments and human clinical data. Medjool dates were processed into an ethanolic extract for the animal experiment. Then, 21 Balb/c mice received varying doses of the extract for one month. The fasting blood glucose levels were analyzed at the beginning and after one month of consumption of the Majhool date extract. For the clinical study, 387 healthy participants wererecruited, with fasting blood glucose levels assessed before and after Ramadan, a period of heightened Majhool date consumption. all groups of the experimental animals exhibited a significant (p<0.05) weight increase after Majhool date consumption, while no significant (p>0.05) alteration in fasting blood glucose levels among groups. In addition, it wasfound that fasting blood glucose levels remained statistically unchanged (p>0.05) after heightened Majhool date consumption among humans. The study challenges the belief that Majhool date induces diabetes, supported by both animal and humandata. Findings suggest that Majhool date consumption, even at higher doses, does not induce diabetes. Further investigations could explore the impact of other date varieties on the fasting blood glucose levels.

Long-term effect of exposure to triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) on male mouse reproduction.

Our study investigated the impact on male mouse fertility and reproduction of long-term (14 weeks) exposure to triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), a co-monomer of resin-based compounds, at doses of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10ppm. Test and control mice were then paired with sexually mature untreated female mice and their fertility evaluated. Females paired with males exposed to all TEGDMA doses exhibited a significant decline in pregnancy rates, and significant increases in the total embryonic resorption-to-implantation ratio, except for males exposed to 0.01ppm TEGDMA. Males in the highest dose group (10ppm) showed significant increases in seminal vesicle and preputial gland weights. They also had significantly higher serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) than the controls, and the 0.01ppm dosage group for FSH levels. TEGDMA exposure resulted in notable histopathological alterations in the testis, with detachment of germ cells and shedding of germinal epithelium into the tubule lumen. These results strongly indicate that TEGDMA exposure has detrimental consequences on the reproductive abilities and functions in male mice through disruption of the standard hormonal regulation of the reproductive system, leading to changes in spermatogenesis and ultimately leading to decreased fertility.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Zinc Sulfate Alleviate Boron Toxicity in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Boron toxicity significantly hinders the growth and development of cotton plants, therefore affecting the yield and quality of this important cash crop worldwide. Limited studies have explored the efficacy of ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate) and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in alleviating boron toxicity. Nanoparticles have emerged as a novel strategy to reduce abiotic stress directly. The precise mechanism underlying the alleviation of boron toxicity by ZnO NPs in cotton remains unclear. In this study, ZnO NPs demonstrated superior potential for alleviating boron toxicity compared to ZnSO4 in hydroponically cultivated cotton seedlings. Under boron stress, plants supplemented with ZnO NPs exhibited significant increases in total fresh weight (75.97%), root fresh weight (39.64%), and leaf fresh weight (69.91%). ZnO NPs positively affected photosynthetic parameters and SPAD values. ZnO NPs substantially reduced H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) by 27.87% and 32.26%, MDA (malondialdehyde) by 27.01% and 34.26%, and O2- (superoxide anion) by 41.64% and 48.70% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. The application of ZnO NPs increased the antioxidant activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) by 82.09% and 76.52%, CAT (catalase) by 16.79% and 16.33%, and POD (peroxidase) by 23.77% and 21.66% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. ZnO NP and ZnSO4 application demonstrated remarkable efficiency in improving plant biomass, mineral nutrient content, and reducing boron levels in cotton seedlings under boron toxicity. A transcriptome analysis and corresponding verification revealed a significant up-regulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, photosynthesis pathway, and ABC transporter genes with the application of ZnO NPs. These findings provide valuable insights for the mechanism of boron stress tolerance in cotton and provide a theoretical basis for applying ZnO NPs and ZnSO4 to reduce boron toxicity in cotton production.

Raising serum uric acid with a uricase inhibitor worsens PKD in rat and mouse models.

Humans are predisposed to gout because they lack uricase that converts uric acid to allantoin. Rodents have uricase, resulting in low basal serum uric acid. A uricase inhibitor raises serum uric acid in rodents. There were 2 aims of the study in polycystic kidney disease (PKD): 1) to determine whether increasing serum uric acid with the uricase inhibitor, oxonic acid, resulted in faster cyst growth and 2) to determine whether treatment with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor, oxypurinol, reduced the cyst growth caused by oxonic acid. Orthologous models of human PKD were used: PCK rats, a polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1 (Pkhd1) gene model of autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD) and Pkd1RC/RC mice, a hypomorphic Pkd1 gene model. In PCK rats and Pkd1RC/RC mice, oxonic acid resulted in a significant increase in serum uric acid, kidney weight and cyst index. Mechanisms of increased cyst growth that were investigated were pro-inflammatory cytokines, the inflammasome and crystal deposition in the kidney. Oxonic acid resulted in an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and kidney in Pkd1RC/RC mice. Oxonic acid did not cause activation of the inflammasome or uric acid crystal deposition in the kidney. In Pkd1RC/RC male and female mice analyzed together, oxypurinol decreased the oxonic acid-induced increase in cyst index. In summary, increasing serum uric acid by inhibiting uricase with oxonic acid results in an increase in kidney weight and cyst index in PCK rats and Pkd1RC/RC mice. The effect is independent of inflammasome activation or crystal deposition in the kidney.

Synergic Effects of Carica papaya Leaves and Fermented Fish Waste on Growth Performance, Carcass Yields, Sensory Attributes, and Profitability in Broiler Production

Poultry production sustainability requires innovative dietary supplements to improve performance while addressing environmental concerns. This research investigates the effects of supplementing broiler chicken diets with Carica papaya leaf meal (CPL) and fermented fish waste (FFW) in water on various growth parameters, carcass traits, sensory attributes, and profitability. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a 2x4 factorial arrangement was employed, evaluating two factors: CPL dietary supplementation at 10% and FFW water supplementation at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Each treatment combination was replicated four times with five broiler chicks per replication, totaling 160-day-old broilers. Results indicated that while CPL negatively influenced final body weight and weight gain, FFW positively impacted feed intake, final weight, and weight gain. Additionally, FFW supplementation led to significant increases in drumstick and thigh weights compared to the control, with notable interactions observed between CPL and FFW for breast, wing, and back weights. However, neither CPL nor FFW affected the weights of edible visceral organs. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences in meat quality attributes across treatments. Despite increased production costs, supplementation with CPL and FFW resulted in higher dressed weights and profitability, with the highest return on investment achieved by broilers receiving the standard diet plus 15% FFW supplementation. These findings suggest that optimized utilization of CPL and FFW at 10% and 15% respectively, presents an economically viable strategy for enhancing broiler growth, carcass quality, and profitability while leveraging nutritional benefits and reducing environmental waste.

Phenolic profile and chronic gastric ulcer healing effects of Cameroonian propolis

BackgroundGastric ulcers continue to affect millions of people worldwide, with reported cases of fatalities and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment constitute a burden on the patients especially in case of chronic ulcers which are difficult to treat. Natural medicines such as propolis provide suitable therapeutic alternatives in the treatment and curation of ulcers. ObjectiveThis work focused on the evaluation of the phenolic profile and healing effect of Cameroonian propolis on gastric ulcers in rats. MethodsIdentification and quantification of phenolic compounds in the propolis extract was done using HPLC-DAD. Chronic gastric ulcers were induced using ethanol (70%; 1 mL/200 g p.o.)/indomethacin (1 mg/kg p.o.), and “unhealed” gastric ulcerations were induced using acetic acid (30%)/indomethacin (1 mg/kg p.o.). The animals were administered with the vehicle (Tween 20, 1 mL/100 g p.o.), propolis extract (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg p.o.) or sucralfate (50 mg/kg p.o.), once daily for ten to fourteen days. At the end of each treatment period, the animals were sacrificed and ulcer indices, gastric mucus weight, histological and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. ResultsEight phenolic compounds were identified and quantified and most abundant were Caffeic acid (45.31 ± 0.25 µg/g), Chrysin (37.65 ± 0.17 µg/g) and p-Hydroxy benzoic acid (34.14 ± 0.21 µg/g). The treatment of ulcerated rats (chronic and unhealed gastric ulcer models) with propolis extract at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg resulted in reduction of ulcer index compared to negative controls in both models. Histological observation of stomach tissues showed that treatment with propolis extract led to a dose-dependent normalization of the mucosa. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05; P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) in mucus weight that accompanied the healing of the ulcers. Furthermore, doses of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of the propolis extract induced an increase in the amounts of SOD, catalase, nitrite and GSH while MDA concentrations decreased in both models. ConclusionThe healing effect of propolis extract is due to the stimulation of mucus production followed by an improvement of in vivo antioxidant status. These results support the use of propolis in the development of new pharmacological strategies for the management of peptic ulcers disease.