Significant Increase In Weight Research Articles

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 two 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 proinflammatory cytokines, the inflammasome, and crystal deposition in the kidney. Oxonic acid resulted in an increase in proinflammatory 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.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first reported study of uric acid measurements and xanthine oxidase inhibition in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) rodents. Raising serum uric acid with a uricase inhibitor resulted in increased kidney weight and cyst index in Pkd1RC/RC mice and PCK rats, elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum and kidney in Pkd1RC/RC mice, and no uric acid crystal deposition or activation of the caspase-1 inflammasome in the kidney.

Aphrodisiac Potential of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) Powder in Male Wistar Albino Rat

This study aimed to assess the aphrodisiac potential of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) powder in male Wistar albino rats. Twenty-five male and twenty-five female rats were used for the experiment. The male rats were selected into five groups of 5 rats/group. Two groups served as normal and positive controls. Three groups were fed with feed supplemented with varying concentrations of Cyperus esculentus powder (5%, 10%, and 20%) for fourteen (14) days. After the treatment, sexual behaviors, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, nitric oxide, and some sex hormone levels were assayed. The results showed a significant variation in mount frequencies, while significant increases were observed in intromission frequency and intromission ratio as compared to the normal control. Significant increases in the body weight of both the normal control and treated groups were observed. However, the fasting blood glucose level was not altered significantly. Lipid profile levels were increased in rats fed a 20% tiger nut supplementary diet when compared with the control, whereas low-density lipoprotein was not changed significantly. Nitric oxide concentration significantly increased in the testes but decreased in the kidneys of the treated groups. The results of sex hormone levels showed a significant increase in follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone with no variation in luteinizing hormone. These results showed that Cyperus esculentus powder can improve the sexual behavior of male rats, hence giving credence to the aphrodisiac potential of Cyperus esculentus.

Response to Applying Vegetable Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) on Cucumber Plants (Cucumis sativus L.) Growth and Production

The horticultural plant Cucumis sativus L., commonly known as the cucumber plant, is highly favored and extensively grown in different regions across the globe. This study aims to establish the most effective concentration of liquid organic fertilizer for enhancing the growth and yield of cucumber crops and to offer valuable guidance for farmers seeking to enhance the efficiency and productivity of cucumber cultivation by employing liquid organic fertilizer. The study adopts a non-factorial randomized block design and includes 5 variance tests to determine whether there is a significant difference in further testing using BNT at the 5% significance level. The findings indicated that the 100-dosage treatment yielded consistently superior outcomes regarding fresh fruit weight, fruit length, and the quantity of fruit per harvest compared to alternative treatments. The administration of the 100 doses resulted in a significant increase in the fruit's fresh weight, with the most favorable outcomes observed at Harvest 3. Conversely, the 0 dose exhibited lower results across all measured parameters. The dosis 50 treatment demonstrated favorable outcomes, although not to the same extent as the Dosis 100. Conversely, the dosis 75 treatment yielded suboptimal results in enhancing fruit production.

Temporal variation in production performance, biochemical and oxidative stress markers, and gut microbiota in Pekin ducks during the late growth stage

In the late growth stage of commercial Pekin ducks, a significant increase in feed intake and a decline in body weight gain have been observed, leading to impaired feed conversion efficiency. To address this issue, we investigated alterations in production performance, blood biochemical indices, ileum tissue architecture, and microbial community structure in Pekin ducks. The primary objective was to provide robust data supporting the improvement of meat duck production efficiency during the late growth stage (28-42-days-old). Forty 28-day-old Pekin ducks were randomly assigned to 8 replicates, with five ducks per replicate. The rearing period lasted 14 days, with feed and water provided ad libitum. Our findings indicated a significant increase in Pekin duck body and heart weights with advancing age (P < 0.05). Moreover, serum antioxidant enzyme and high-density lipoprotein concentrations significantly increased, whereas triglyceride levels decreased (P < 0.05). Notably, the height of the ileal villi was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The microbial community structure of the ileum exhibited significant changes as ducks aged, accompanied by a substantial increase in microbial flora diversity, particularly with the formation of more tightly connected microbial network modules. Time-dependent enrichment was observed in microbial gene functions related to energy metabolism pathways. At the genus level, Sphingomonas and Subdoligranulum have emerged as crucial players in microbial differential functional pathways and network formation. These bacteria likely serve as the key driving factors in the dynamic microbial changes that occur in Pekin ducks over time. Overall, our findings suggest a potential decline in the absorption function of the small intestine and fat deposition performance of Pekin ducks during later growth stages, which may be attributed to the maturation and proliferation of the gut microbial community.

Role of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor in glucose metabolism

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Fundación La Caixa 2022 HR22-0253. Comunidad de Madrid P2022/BMD-7333 INMUNOVAR-CM Background Type 2 diabetes and obesity are leading causes of death and disability worldwide, being both risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Intestinal immune system is being shown to have a key role in insulin resistance (IR). Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) is a transmembrane protein which facilitates the transcytosis of the soluble polymeric isoforms of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and is widely expressed in mucosal epithelial cells. IgA levels are reduced in obesity and the loss of IgA in mice worsens insulin resistance and increases inflammation in adipose tissue. However, the specific role of PIGR in IR has not been fully elucidated. Aim To analyze the role of PIGR in systemic glucose metabolism. Methods To determine the impact of global silencing of Pigr on whole-body glucose metabolism, we metabolically characterized the Pigr-/- female mouse 60% fat diet (HFD). We performed glucose and insulin tolerance tests. In vivo and ex vivo adiposity was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and adipose tissue depots weight, fasting glucose and insulin plasma levels were determined at endpoint. Circulating IgA levels were measured by ELISA and IgA deposition in liver and adipose tissue of control and Pigr-/- mice was determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results As previously described, we show that IgA serum levels were highly increased in Pigr -/- mice. Besides, we demonstrate that IgA deposition in liver and adipose tissue was increased in these mice. We demonstrate that global deletion of Pigr results in whole-body glucose intolerance and IR mice fed HFD. Fasting glucose levels (169.24±24.49 mg/dl in Pigr -/- mice vs 142±27mg/dl in control mice) and fasting insulin levels (1.27±0.42 ng/ml in Pigr -/- mice vs 0.92±0.37 ng/ml in control mice) were significantly increased in Pigr -/- mice fed HFD for 17 weeks. No differences were found in lipid profile levels (triglycerides, HDL-c, VLDL+LDL-c and NEFA). Interestingly, Pigr-/- mice show significant increased adiposity (46±4.11 % adiposity vs 50.6±4.9 in control) measured by DXA, which results in a significant increase in body weight (BW), compared to control (BW gain over 20 weeks on HFD: 21.85± 3.06 gr in Pigr -/- mice vs 17.93±2.1 gr). mRNA expression of the β isoform of carbohydrate responsive-element binding protein (ChREBPβ) is significantly reduced (0.5 folds vs control group) in Pigr -/- adipose tissue, which might link the whole-body metabolic phenotype to ChREBP-dependent glucose sensing by adipose tissue. Conclusion Global Pigr deletion results in whole-body glucose intolerance and IR in female mice fed HFD. Our results suggest cell-intrinsic mechanisms of Pigr deletion as well as extracellular components (increased IgA serum levels and deposition in tissues) as potential triggers of systemic glucose metabolism disruption. Management of PIGR levels might be key for glucose-metabolism-related pathologies.

Toxicity study and effect of protein hydrolysates derived from black tilapia (Oreochromis placidus) on hypertensive induced mice

Protein hydrolysates are specific protein fragments, produced during enzymatic hydrolysis and can exert various biological functions. The present study investigated the acute toxicity study of protein hydrolysates derived from black tilapia (Oreochromis placidus) and their effect on hypertensive-induced mice. Protein hydrolysates were produced from black tilapia protein isolate through enzymatic hydrolysis. A single dose of protein hydrolysates at 2000 mg/kg of body weight was administered and any changes were observed for 14 days. During 14 days, there were no significant changes in liver enzyme content and kidney function content, adverse clinical signs and mortality. The effect of the administration of protein hydrolysates in hypertensive-induced mice was studied. The body weight, blood pressure, full blood count {red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelets} were observed. Hypertensive mice (systolic blood pressure; 161±3 mm/Hg) were fed with pellet consisting of protein hydrolysates at different concentrations as well as carvedilol and combination of carvedilol and protein hydrolysates and systolic blood pressure was monitored. After 28 days, there was a significant reduction of blood pressure in the group of carvedilol (107±4 mm/Hg), 5% protein hydrolysate (119±1 mm/Hg), 10% protein hydrolysate (123±1 mm/Hg), 20% protein hydrolysate (115±2 mm/Hg) and 10% protein hydrolysate in combination with carvedilol (103±2 mm/Hg). Red blood cells significantly increased in hypertension mice but no significant changes in white blood cells and platelets after 28 days. Administration of protein hydrolysates reduced red blood cell levels similar to control group. A significant increase in body weight was observed in hypertension mice administered with protein hydrolysates at different concentrations as well as carvedilol and a combination of carvedilol and protein hydrolysates compared to control group and hypertensive group. Studies on any changes in liver enzyme level, kidney function level and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity on blood serum were carried out. Results showed that treatment with protein hydrolysates on hypertensive-induced mice reduced liver enzyme levels (ALP, ALT and GGT) and kidney function levels (Na+, K+ and Cl-) to normal levels. ACE enzyme activity of hypertensive-induced mice in the serum was also reduced similar to control mice after being treated with protein hydrolysates.

Novel Small Molecule, UTS-1401, as a Radioprotector for Total-Body Irradiation.

We report on a new radioprotector, UTS-1401, a small molecule that was synthesized (by one of us, JS) and evaluated here for its radioprotective effect against total-body irradiation (TBI). Female and male NIH Swiss mice were subjected to TBI at doses of 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5 Gy either with or without a 24 h pretreatment of UTS-1401 given ip and observed for 30 days. Survival rates were significantly increased when mice were treated with UTS-1401 compared to those not treated. The radioprotective effect of UTS-1401 was drug-dose dependent for male mice exposed to 8.5 Gy TBI with 150 mg/kg of UTS-1401 as the optimal dose. The radioprotective effect of UTS-1401 on female mice exposed to 8.5 Gy TBI was observed at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, with no dose response relationship noted. Female mice were more radioresistant than male mice with LD50/30 values of 7.8 Gy vs. 6.8 Gy, respectively. Weight changes after UTS-1401 alone showed a significant body weight increase at 150 mg/kg. Both the ip and iv route for UTS-1401 were similarly effective for male mice exposed to 8 Gy TBI. Further analysis using an endogenous spleen colony assay demonstrated that pretreatment of UTS-1401 for up to 72h prior to TBI protected both spleen weight and hematopoietic stem cells with a treated/untreated ratio between 2.0 and 3.2 for the latter for times between 0.5 h and 72 h. A separate invivo study showed that pretreatment of UTS-1401 protected bone marrow CFU-GM for mice exposed to TBI. In summary, UTS-1401 is a promising small-molecule radioprotective agent as demonstrated by whole animal, hematopoietic stem cell and bone marrow myeloid progenitor cell survival.

Protective Effects of Iraqi Propolis on Carbimazole-Induced Reduction of Sex Hormones in Female Adult Rats

Background:: Propolis (PR) is used as a health supplement and is widely used in foods and drinks in many parts of the world. This study aimed to know the possible reproductive toxicity effect of the antithyroid drug carbimazole (CZ) in adult female albino rats and to evaluate the possible protective role of Iraqi PR. Methods:: Twenty-four adult female albino rats were randomized into four groups: control, PR, CZ, and PR + CZ. Rats were orally treated for six weeks. Ovarian biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed. Results:: No change in appearance, no signs of toxicity, and no deaths of animals were reported throughout the study period. There was a significant body weight increase only in the PR group. The CZ group displayed a reduction in serum T3 and T4 levels and a rise in serum TSH levels compared to the control. Also, there was a significant decrease in serum T3, T4, and TSH levels after exposure to PR+ CZ compared to control. Exposure to 0.01mg/g body weight of CZ for six weeks results in a significant reduction of serum LH, FSH, and estradiol (E2) in female rats. At the same time, PR alone or with CZ was found to have no significant effect. Biochemical results were consistent with histopathological results. Conclusion:: Iraqi PR provides a protective effect against the reduction of serum sex hormones induced by CZ. Further studies are required to confirm this effect. PR has no effect on CZ activity in reducing thyroxin levels; however, PR might reduce the effects of CZ on TSH levels. Furthermore, PR alone demonstrated an elevation in the weight gain of animals compared to the control group.

Evaluation of antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects Dovyalis Abyssinica (A.Rich)

BackgroundThe leaves of Dovyalis Abyssinica have been used traditionally for the management of diabetes mellitus. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Effects of Dovyalis Abyssinica leaves crude extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. MethodsTo Evaluate the Antihyperglycemic, and Antioxidant Effects of Dovyalis Abyssinica Leaves Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice. Male Swiss albino mice were induced into diabetes using 100 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Mice were allocated randomly into six groups, six mice per group. The body weight and FBG measurements were done on days 0, 7th, 14th and 21st of treatment. Additionally, in vitro Antioxidant Activity of the Extract was determined using a DPPH assay. The data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6, exported to SPSS version 26.0, and analysed by using a one-way ANOVA followed by a Tukey post hoc test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsDovyalis Abyssinica leaves crude extract showed significant (P < 0.05-P< 0.001) blood-glucose-lowering activity. Moreover, the crude extract of D. abyssinica reduced the fasting blood glucose level by 45.13 %, 52.51 %, 54.85 %, and 56.38 %, respectively, for DA 100, DA 200, DA 400, and GLC 5 mg/kg on the 21st day of treatment. After diabetic mice were treated with Dovyalis Abyssinica (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for 21 days, there was a significant increase in body weight as compared to diabetic control. Antioxidant activities of the leaf extract was found to be comparable to ascorbic acid with an IC50 of 140.04 μg/ml. ConclusionThe present findings revealed that D. abyssinica leaves could be useful for the management of diabetes mellitus and other abnormalities related to this metabolic disorder. Thus, the present study may support the traditional use of D. abyssinica for diabetes mellitus treatment.

In-vivo evaluation of the adverse effects of ochratoxin A on broiler chicken health and adsorption efficacy of indigenous and commercial clay of Balochistan, Pakistan

Mycotoxins in animal feed pose health risks and economic losses, but using various adsorbent types could potentially protect animals from mycotoxicosis. The study aimed to assess the effect of OTA on the health of broiler chickens and to envisage the ameliorative potential of clay adsorbents. The objectives of this in vivo study were to investigate the effects of OTA on productivity, biochemical parameters, fecal residues, and the preventive effects of indigenous and commercial clay of Balochistan as adsorbents to alleviate the adverse effects of exposure. Male broiler chickens (n = 160) were treated with 400 μg/kg OTA and 0.5 g/kg clay adsorbent for 42 days, with feed and water available in an ad libitum manner. The amount of OTA in diet and fecal residues was assessed through HPLC. The administration of OTA in the diet, resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) while increasing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared to the control group. Furthermore, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found between the weight gain of broiler chickens fed without OTA (positive control) and that of chickens fed adsorbent. The group given a diet containing OTA without adsorbents as compared to the control and adsorbent-supplemented group has shown a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the relative weight of the liver, kidney, gizzard, and proventriculus while decreasing the relative weight of the spleen and bursa of Fabricius. Alterations in the levels of serum total protein (TP), cholesterol (CHL), serum urea (SU), enzymatic activity (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)), and creatinine were observed in the OTA-intoxicated and adsorbent-supplemented groups as compared to the control group. Adsorbent supplementation resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) higher OTA content in the faeces. It can be concluded from the results of this study, that OTA intoxication negatively affects the health of broiler chickens, and the clay of Balochistan has shown effective adsorption potential against OTA.

Curcuma Significantly Boosts Weight in Underweight Toddlers in Indonesia

This study investigated the effectiveness of curcuma (Curcuma longa) in increasing the body weight of underweight toddlers. Using a Pre-Experimental One Group Pretest-Posttest design, 20 underweight toddlers from Dharma Wanita Persatuan Gebang Kindergarten and TPA Al Ma’arif Sidoarjo were given 2.5 grams of curcuma mixed with water daily for two weeks. Body weight was measured before and after the intervention. The Paired Simple T-Test analysis showed a significant increase in body weight (p = 0.000). These results suggest that curcuma is an effective intervention for increasing body weight in underweight toddlers. Highlight: Administered curcuma to 20 underweight toddlers for two weeks. Significant weight gain observed (p = 0.000). Curcuma effective for increasing toddler body weight. Keyword: Underweight, Nutritional status, Toddlers, Curcuma, Body weight

Plant Biostimulants Enhance Tomato Resilience to Salinity Stress: Insights from Two Greek Landraces

Salinity, one of the major abiotic stresses in plants, significantly hampers germination, photosynthesis, biomass production, nutrient balance, and yield of staple crops. To mitigate the impact of such stress without compromising yield and quality, sustainable agronomic practices are required. Among these practices, seaweed extracts (SWEs) and microbial biostimulants (PGRBs) have emerged as important categories of plant biostimulants (PBs). This research aimed at elucidating the effects on growth, yield, quality, and nutrient status of two Greek tomato landraces (‘Tomataki’ and ‘Thessaloniki’) following treatments with the Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract ‘Algastar’ and the PGPB ‘Nitrostim’ formulation. Plants were subjected to bi-weekly applications of biostimulants and supplied with two nutrient solutions: 0.5 mM (control) and 30 mM NaCl. The results revealed that the different mode(s) of action of the two PBs impacted the tolerance of the different landraces, since ‘Tomataki’ was benefited only from the SWE application while ‘Thessaloniki’ showed significant increase in fruit numbers and average fruit weight with the application of both PBs at 0.5 and 30 mM NaCl in the root zone. In conclusion, the stress induced by salinity can be mitigated by increasing tomato tolerance through the application of PBs, a sustainable tool for productivity enhancement, which aligns well with the strategy of the European Green Deal.

Effects of Lily Polysaccharide on Immune Function and Intestinal Flora in Immunosuppressed Mice

The major goal of this study was to explore the effect of lily polysaccharides on immune function and intestinal flora in immunosuppressed mice. The immunosuppressed mouse model was established by treating mice with cyclophosphamide orally for 3 days and measuring post-treatment changes in immunological indexes. Also, the distribution of intestinal flora was determined by 16S DNA sequence analysis of cecal DNA. Compared with the cyclophosphamide group, there was a significant increase in the body weight and thymus index and a decrease in the liver index. The hepatocyte morphology, liver plate, and hepatic sinus arrangement of mice in the high- and low-concentration lily polysaccharide groups were corrected to varying degrees, and the contents of IgA and IgG in the serum of mice in the low-concentration lily polysaccharide group and the positive control group increased significantly. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the colon decreased, while the contents of interleukin-10 increased significantly. The levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde in the liver decreased significantly, while that of superoxide dismutase increased significantly. Compared with the blank group, lily polysaccharide increases the intestinal flora of immunosuppressed mice, mainly by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Muribaculaceae (previously known as S24-7), Bacteroides, and Butyrimionas and decreasing the harmful bacteria such as Prevotella, Dorea, and Adlercreutzia.

A Novel Coated Suture Displays Antimicrobial Activity Without Compromising Structural Properties

BackgroundTreated or coated sutures promise to prevent contamination of wounds. PurposePurpose of the study was to coat surgical sutures with a new quaternary ammonium silane (QAS) antimicrobial compound at two different application temperatures and then to evaluate resulting structural, physical, mechanical, and biological properties. Study Design, Setting and SampleIn-vitro and in-vivo studies were conducted using male albino Wistar rats approved by Joint Ethical Committee of IMU and Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Only suture samples, coated uniformly with verified presence of the compound and of adequate length were used. Samples which were not coated uniformly and with inadequate length or damaged were excluded. Predictor VariablesPredictor variables were sutures with and without QAS coatings and different temperatures. Sutures were coated with QAS at 0.5% and 1.0% wt/vol using dip coating technique and sutures with and without QAS coating were tested at 25oC and 40oC temperatures. Main Outcome VariableOutcome variables of structural and physico-mechanical, properties of QAS coated and non-coated sutures were measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) (for structural changes), confocal laser and scanning electron (for diameter changes), and tensile strength/modulus (for mechanical testing). Biologic outcome variables were tested (bacterial viability); macrophage cultures from Wistar rats were tested (M1/M2 polarization detecting IL-6 and IL-10). Macrophage cells were analyzed with CD80+ (M1) and CD163+ (M2). Chemotaxis Index was calculated as a ratio of quantitative fluorescence of cells. CovariatesNot applicable. AnalysisOrdinal data among groups were compared using Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test along with comparison of histological analysis using Wilcoxon Sign-rank test (p < 0.05). ResultsFTIR peak at 1490 cm-1 confirmed presence of QAS on suture’s surfaces with significant increase (p<0.05) in diameter (0.99±0.5-mm) and weight (0.77±0.02-mg) observed for 1% QAS-groups treated at 40°C. Non-coated samples heated at 25°C had significantly (p<0.05) less diameters (0.22±0.03-mm) and weights (0.26±0.06-mg). Highest tensile strength/modulus was observed for 0.5% QAS-coated samples which also had significantly high antibacterial characteristics than other sutures (p<0.05). QAS-coated sutures significantly increased M1 and M2 markers. Conclusions and RelevanceQAS coating conferred antibacterial action properties without compromising physical and mechanical properties of the suture.

Effect of Controlled Bush Burning and Mulching on the Fresh Weight of Leaves, Corms and Cormels of Four Cocoyam Cultivars

The experiment was conducted at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research farm in 2022 to evaluate the effects of bush burning and mulching on the fresh weight of leaves, corms and cormels of four cocoyam cultivars – NCY 001, NCY 002, NCY 004 and NCY 005. The experiment was laid out on a split – split plot design using randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The effects of the treatment combinations were investigated and the study indicated that burning increased the fresh weight of corms and cormels irrespective of the cultivars. Mulching at level of 10 tonnes per hectare on the burnt plots showed significant increase in the fresh weight of the corms and cormels (2.99, 2.98) at 60, 90DAP with NCY 005 while NCY 001 gave a higher value of 2.99 at 120 DAP. Mulching at zero tonne per hectare gave the highest fresh weight of corms and cormels (1.97, 1.98) on unburnt plot at 60,90DAP with NCY 005 and 2.98 at 120DAP with NCY 002. The lowest fresh weight of corms and cormels (1.37, 1.60, 1.70) was recorded with 20 tonnes per hectare mulch levels on the unburnt plots at 60, 90 and 120DAP with NCY004. The fresh weight of leaves (0.30, 0.32, 0.38) was highest with 20 tonnes per hectare mulch level on the unburnt plots with NCY004 at 60,90,120DAP while zero tonnes per hectare recorded lowest fresh weights of leaves on both NCY 001 and NCY 005 on the burnt plots at 60, 90 and 120 DAP respectively. It appears therefore that the cultivation of NCY 001 - Xanthosoma sagittifolium (white) on burnt plots and 10 tonnes per hectare mulch level may give more economic returns to management on the corms and cormels whereas NCY 004 with 20 tonnes per hectare level mulch on unburnt plots may give higher fresh weight of leaves.

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 95 th 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.