Thermoneutral Temperature Research Articles

THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE) ON ALLEVIATION OF HEAT STRESS IN BROILER CHICKEN

Heat stress is one of the most crucial issues in broiler production, particularly in tropical regions. Ginger can serve as an antioxidant. Being part of the nutritional interventions, treatment using ginger has been documented to alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on broiler chickens, in terms of production, physiology, immunology, and antioxidant status of broilers. The present review elucidates the alleviation of heat stress in broiler chicken using ginger based on the most recent literature in order to provide complete information on the impact of ginger powder (GP) on haematology, biochemistry and thyroid hormones of broilers under heat stress (HS) (34 ± 2° C) and thermoneutral temperature (TN) (22 ± 4 °C). An 80 of one-day-old broiler chicks (cobb-500), 20 birds in each group either control (basal diet) or 0.75% ginger. Chronic HS at 42 d of age resulted in significant decrease in PCV, RBCs, total protein, Albumin, serum T3 and T4, whereas increased H/L, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, uric acid, AST, ALP, ALT, DBIL, TBIL, and creatinine significantly. Supplementation of GP significantly increased PCV, RBCs, total protein, albumin while significant decrease in AST, uric acid and improvements in lipid profile parameters. Findings of the research study indicated that ginger has improved birds health.

Impact of in ovo Injection of Certain Vitamins to Improve the Physiological Conditions of Hatching Chicks

Exposure of breeder hens to hyperthermia causes disturbances in the breeder's eggs due to insufficient nutrient deposition from heat-stressed hen into the egg. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the adverse effects of heat stress on hatchability, embryonic growth and hatchling health status could be ameliorated by in ovo injection of certain vitamins. A total of 270 fertile eggs from Fayoumi breeders (45 weeks) were randomly assigned to 6 groups (45 eggs/group). During the egg collection period in the summer season, birds were maintained at 9-13°C above the standard thermo-neutral temperature. The experimental groups were: negative control (eggs not injected either with vitamins or Sterile Deionized Water (SDW)), positive control (eggs injected with 0.1 mL of SDW/egg) and four other treatments in which vitamins A, E, D3 and folic acid were injected (1 mg of each vitamin dissolved in 0.1 mL of SDW/egg). The eggs were incubated at 37.7°C and 65% relative humidity in an automatic incubator. The residual yolk, embryo length and weight and hatchability% were improved (p<0.01) in all vitamins in ovo injected groups compared with both controls. Hatchling weight and the assessed health status indices were increased (p<0.01) in all vitamins in ovo injected groups compared with both controls. It is concluded that direct injection of vitamins into eggs laid by heat-stressed breeders is an effective way of reducing the disturbance in eggs resulting from inadequate nutrient deposition from hen to egg.

The effects of local versus systemic passive heating on the acute inflammatory, vascular and glycaemic response.

The aim of this study was to compare the acute cardiometabolic and perceptual responses between local and whole-body passive heating. Using a water-perfused suit, 10 recreationally active males underwent three 90 min conditions: heating of the legs with upper-body cooling (LBH), whole-body heating (WBH) and exposure to a thermoneutral temperature (CON). Blood samples were collected before and up to 3 h post-session to assess inflammatory markers, while a 2 h oral glucose tolerance test was initiated 1 h post-session. Femoral artery blood flow and perceptual responses were recorded at regular intervals. The interleukin (IL)-6 incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was higher for LBH (1096 ± 851 pg/mL × 270 min) and WBH (833 ± 476 pg/mL × 270 min) compared with CON (565 ± 325 pg/mL × 270 min; p < 0.047). Glucose concentrations were higher after WBH compared with LBH and CON (p < 0.046). Femoral artery blood flow was higher at the end of WBH (1713 ± 409 mL/min) compared with LBH (943 ± 349 mL/min; p < 0.001), and higher in LBH than CON (661 ± 222 mL/min; p = 0.002). Affect and thermal comfort were more negative during WBH compared with LBH and CON (p < 0.010). In conclusion, local passive heating elevated blood flow and the IL-6 iAUC. However, while resulting in more positive perceptual responses, the majority of the included cardiometabolic markers were attenuated compared with WBH. Novelty: The increase in the IL-6 iAUC in response to passive heating is not reduced by upper-body cooling. Upper-body cooling attenuates the plasma nitrite, IL-1ra and femoral artery blood flow response to passive heating. Upper-body cooling leads to more positive perceptual responses to passive heating.

Comparing thermal stress reduction strategies that influence MDSC accumulation in tumor bearing mice

Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a diverse collection of immune cells that suppress anti-tumor immune responses. Decreasing MDSCs accumulation in the tumor microenvironment could improve the anti-tumor immune response and improve immunotherapy. Here, we examine the impact of physiologically relevant thermal treatments on the accumulation of MDSCs in tumors in mice. We found that different temperature-based protocols, including 1) weekly whole-body hyperthermia, 2) housing mice at their thermoneutral temperature (TT, ~30 °C), and 3) housing mice at a subthermoneutral temperature (ST,~22 °C) while providing a localized heat source, each resulted in a reduction in MDSC accumulation and improved tumor growth control compared to control mice housed at ST, which is the standard, mandated housing temperature for laboratory mice. Additionally, we found that low dose β-adrenergic receptor blocker (propranolol) therapy reduced MDSC accumulation and improved tumor growth control to a similar degree as the models that relieved cold stress. These results show that thermal treatments can decrease MDSC accumulation and tumor growth comparable to propranolol therapy.

Corrigendum to: Performance and carcass composition of pigs from two sire lines are affected differently by ambient temperature

Context Differences among breeds or lines of pigs in terms of growth and carcass characteristics may be affected by rearing environment (genetic × environment interaction). Aims The present study compared the growth performance and carcass composition of pigs from two sire lines reared under constant thermoneutral (22°C; TN) or high ambient temperature (33°C; HT) conditions. Methods Hampshire (HAM) and synthetic-cross (SYN) castrated male pigs (n = 12 per group; 32.0 ± 2.0 kg) were kept in individual pens at either 22°C (TN) or 33°C (HT) for 55 days (two experimental phases: 0–27 and 28–55 days) following an adaptation period of 7 days. Throughout the experimental period, growth performance and body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on Days 27 and 55) were assessed, and a range of other measurements (serum parameters and physiological responses), which were divided into four measurement groups, was taken on 9 days. Key results Irrespective of genetic line (G), the pigs in the HT treatment had lower average daily feed intake values (P P P P P Conclusion Despite progeny from both genetic lines being affected negatively by high AT, the purebred HAM pigs were less affected by the high AT conditions than were the pigs from the synthetic line. Implication The present findings suggest that individual farm conditions and AT are among the most important factors to consider before implementing a G.

Performance and carcass composition of pigs from two sire lines are affected differently by ambient temperature

Context Differences among breeds or lines of pigs in terms of growth and carcass characteristics may be affected by rearing environment (genetic × environment interaction). Aims The present study compared the growth performance and carcass composition of pigs from two sire lines reared under constant thermoneutral (22°C; TN) or high ambient temperature (33°C; HT) conditions. Methods Hampshire (HAM) and synthetic-cross (SYN) castrated male pigs (n = 12 per group; 32.0 ± 2.0 kg) were kept in individual pens at either 22°C (TN) or 33°C (HT) for 55 days (two experimental phases: 0–27 and 28–55 days) following an adaptation period of 7 days. Throughout the experimental period, growth performance and body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on Days 27 and 55) were assessed, and a range of other measurements (serum parameters and physiological responses), which were divided into four measurement groups, was taken on 9 days. Key results Irrespective of genetic line (G), the pigs in the HT treatment had lower average daily feed intake values (P &amp;lt; 0.001, by 29% and 41%) than did the pigs in the TN treatment during both experimental phases (0–27 and 28–55 days). During the second growth phase, the average daily gain of the SYN pigs in the HT treatment was reduced by 50%, whereas that of the HAM pigs was reduced by 24% (P &amp;lt; 0.05 for G × ambient temperature (AT)). On Days 27 and 55, pig bodyweight was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the HT treatment than in the TN treatment. On Day 27, a G × AT interaction was detected for backfat thickness (P &amp;lt; 0.05); among the SYN pigs, the value of this trait was lower (16%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the HT treatment than in the TN treatment, while for the HAM pigs, it was not influenced by treatment type. Conclusion Despite progeny from both genetic lines being affected negatively by high AT, the purebred HAM pigs were less affected by the high AT conditions than were the pigs from the synthetic line. Implication The present findings suggest that individual farm conditions and AT are among the most important factors to consider before implementing a G.

Environmental temperature and broiler age on corn energy value

Abstract This study aimed to assess the effects of environmental temperature and age of broilers on the energy value of corn. A total of 288 Cobb 500 chicks were distributed in a complete randomized design with a split-plot arrangement and six replications of six chicks each. The main plot consisted of three temperatures (cold: 18 ºC; thermoneutral: 25 ºC; and hot: 33 ºC), while the secondary plot consisted of age (initial: 11 to 14 days; growing: 25 to 28 days; and final: 39 to 42 days). The basal diet was based on corn and soybean meal. The test diet was produced by replacing the basal diet for test food: 40% corn + 60% basal diet. The mean values of AMEn observed for broiler chicks under cold, thermoneutral, and hot temperatures were 3322, 3279, and 3233 kcal/kg of natural matter, respectively, and 3215, 3218, and 3400 kcal/ kg of natural matter for the initial, growing, and final phases, respectively. Overall, the metabolizable energy values of corn and the balance and coefficients of metabolizability of nutrients in the test diet increased with the broiler age, but the true metabolizable energies of corn were not affected by environmental temperature. The balance and coefficients of metabolizability of nutrients in the test diet decreased due to heat exposure during the growing and final phases.

3 Changes in growth performance, feeding behaviors, and posture behaviors of growing pigs subjected to low-intensity heat stress

Abstract This study was to determine the impact of low-intensity heat stress on frequency and duration of feeding, drinking, ventral lying, and lying lateral lying behaviors. Pigs (n = 64; 24.6 ± 3.7 kg BW) were housed four per pen in thermoneutral conditions (CON; 23.9 °C ± 2.5 °C) or constant high ambient temperatures (HS; 28.7 °C ± 1.3 °C) for 16 d, followed by thermoneutral conditions (24.4 °C ± 1.8 °C) for both groups through d 21, and subsequent heat stress (28.0 °C ± 3.0 °C) for both groups through d 30. Eight focal pigs (2 pens/treatment) were video-recorded on d 3, 6, 10, 13, 20, and 29 at three time periods (morning: 0600-0800, afternoon: 1200–1400, evening: 1800–2000). Heat stress reduced ADG (HS: 1.00 kg/d, CON: 1.13 kg/d; P = 0.020) from d 14 through d 21, tended to reduce ADFI (HS: 2.14 kg/d, CON: 2.24 kg/d; P = 0.085), and increased GF (HS: 0.62, CON: 0.52; P = 0.006) from d 1 through d 7. Surface body temperature from d 2 through d 15 was greater in HS than CON pigs (mean: 39.4 °C, 37.6 °C, respectively), and was lower on d 18 for HS than CON pigs (36.4 °C vs. 37.8 °C, respectively) and d 22 (38.6 °C vs 39.3 °C, respectively). A treatment x day x time interaction for feeding duration (P = 0.003) showed CON pigs spent longer at the feeder in the morning of d 6 than HS (22.70 min, 8.97 min, respectively), but CON spent less time than HS during d 6 evening (8.78 min, 19.57 min, respectively). HS pigs visited the feeder more frequently in the evening (14.4 bouts) than CON pigs (7.8 bouts; P = 0.029). Low-intensity heat stress negatively impacted performance and altered time of feeding duration and frequency, indicating feeding behavior may be a useful heat stress predictor.

Controlled elevated temperatures during early-mid gestation cause placental insufficiency and implications for fetal growth in pregnant pigs

It is known that pig offspring born from pregnant pigs exposed to elevated ambient temperatures during gestation have altered phenotypes, possibly due to placental insufficiency and impaired fetal growth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the effect of maternal heat exposure during early-mid gestation, when pig placentae grow heavily, on placental and fetal development. Fifteen pregnant pigs were allocated to thermoneutral (TN; 20 °C; n = 7) or cyclic elevated temperature conditions (ET; 28 to 33 °C; n = 8) from d40 to d60 of gestation. Following euthanasia of the pigs on d60, placental and fetal morphometry and biochemistry were measured. Compared to TN fetuses, ET fetuses had increased (P = 0.041) placental weights and a lower (P = 0.013) placental efficiency (fetal/placental weight), although fetal weights were not significantly different. Fetuses from ET pigs had reduced (P = 0.032) M. longissimus fibre number density and a thicker (P = 0.017) placental epithelial layer compared to their TN counterparts. Elevated temperatures decreased (P = 0.026) placental mRNA expression of a glucose transporter (GLUT-3) and increased (P = 0.037) placental IGF-2 mRNA expression. In conclusion, controlled elevated temperatures between d40 to d60 of gestation reduced pig placental efficiency, resulting in compensatory growth of the placentae to maintain fetal development. Placental insufficiency during early-mid gestation may have implications for fetal development, possibly causing a long-term phenotypic change of the progeny.

Housing temperature affects the circadian rhythm of hepatic metabolism and clock genes.

Environmental temperature remarkably impacts on metabolic homeostasis, raising a serious concern about the optimum housing temperature for translational studies. Recent studies suggested that mice should be housed slightly below their thermoneutral temperature (26°C). On the other hand, the external temperature, also known as a zeitgeber, can reset the circadian rhythm. However, whether housing temperature affects the circadian oscillators of the liver remains unknown. Therefore, we have compared the effect of two housing temperatures, namely 21°C (conventional; TC) and 26°C (thermoneutral; TN), on the circadian rhythms in mice. We found that the rhythmicity of food intake showed an advanced phase at TC, while the activity was more robust at TN, with a prolonged period onset. The serum levels of norepinephrine were remarkably induced at TC, but failed to oscillate rhythmically at both temperatures. Likewise, circulating glucose levels were increased but were non-rhythmic under TC. Both total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were induced at TN, but showed an advanced phase under TC. Additionally, the expression of hepatic metabolic genes and clock genes remained rhythmic at both temperatures, with the exception of G6Pase, Fasn, Cpt1a and Cry2, at TN. Nevertheless, the liver histology examination did not show any significant changes in response to housing temperature. Although the non-consistent trends of phase changes in each temperature, our results suggest a non-reductant role of temperature in mouse internal rhythmicity resetting. Thus, the temperature-controlled internal circadian synchronization within organs should be taken into consideration when optimizing housing temperature for mice.

Mild-cold water swimming does not exacerbate white adipose tissue browning and brown adipose tissue activation in mice.

The present study investigated the effects of swimming physical training either thermoneutral or below thermoneutral water temperature on white (WAT) and brown (BAT) adipose tissue metabolism, morphology, and function. C57BL/6J male mice (n = 40; weight 25.3 ± 0.1g) were divided into control (CT30), cold control (CT20), trained (TR30), and cold trained (TR20) groups. Swimming training consisted of 30-min exercise at 30°C (control) or 20°C (cold) water temperature. After 8-week training, adipose tissues were excised and inguinal (ingWAT) and BAT were processed for histology, lipolysis, and protein contents of total OXPHOS, PGC1α, and UCP1 by western blotting analysis. Swimming training reduced body weight gain independently of water temperature (P < 0.05). ingWAT mass was decreased for TR30 in comparison to other groups (P < 0.05), while for BAT, there was a significant increase in CT20 in relation to CT30, and both trained groups were significantly increased in relation to control groups (P < 0.05). ingWAT mean adipocyte area was smaller for trained groups, and seemed to present multilocular adipocytes. Lipolytic activity and protein content of UCP1, PGC1α, and mitochondrial markers were increased in trained groups for ingWAT (P < 0.05), independent of water temperature (P > 0.05), and these patterns were not observed for BAT (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that mild-cold water exposure and swimming physical exercise seem to, independently, promote browning in ingWAT with no effects on BAT; however, the association of exercise and mild-cold water did not exacerbate these effects.

Thermoneutral temperature mitigates hind-limb unloading-induced bone loss by preserving energetic metabolism

Thermoneutral temperature mitigates hind-limb unloading-induced bone loss by preserving energetic metabolism

Effects of supplementation of DL-methionine on tissue and plasma antioxidant status during heat-induced oxidative stress in broilers

Exposure to high ambient temperature has been shown to impair growth performance and to cause oxidative stress in broilers. This study investigated the hypothesis that supplementation with methionine (Met) as DL-Met (DLM) more than the National Research Council recommendations improves growth performance and alleviates oxidative stress in broilers exposed to high ambient temperature. One-day-old male Cobb-500 broilers (n = 68) were allotted to 4 groups and phase-fed 3 basal diets during days 1 to 10, 11 to 21, and 22 to 35. One group was kept under thermoneutral temperature conditions and received the basal diets with Met + cysteine (Cys) concentrations according to recommendations of NRC. The other 3 groups were kept in a room with an increased ambient temperature from week 3 to 5 and were fed either the basal diet or the basal diets supplemented with 2 levels of DLM in which Met + Cys concentrations exceeded NRC recommendations by around 20% (group DLM1) and 40% (group DLM2), respectively. As expected, the broilers exposed to high ambient temperature showed a lower feed intake, lower body weight gains, a higher feed:gain ratio, and biochemical indications of oxidative stress in comparison to broilers kept under thermoneutral temperature conditions. Supplementation of DLM did not improve the growth performance in broilers exposed to high ambient temperature. However, the broilers supplemented with DLM had increased concentrations of glutathione in liver and breast muscle (groups DLM1 and DLM2), increased concentrations of tocopherols in the liver (group DLM2), and reduced concentrations of 7α-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol in heat-processed thigh muscle (groups DLM1 and DLM2) in comparison to the control group exposed to high ambient temperature. Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and vitamin C in plasma, liver, and muscle were not different between the 3 groups exposed to heat stress. Nevertheless, the study shows that supplementation of DLM in slight excess of the Met concentration required for maximum growth performance improved the antioxidant status in tissues and reduced the susceptibility of muscle toward oxidation in heat-stressed broilers.

Characterization of cachexia in the human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 mouse tumour model.

BackgroundCancer cachexia is a complex metabolic disease with unmet medical need. Although many rodent models are available, none are identical to the human disease. Therefore, the development of new preclinical models that simulate some of the physiological, biochemical, and clinical characteristics of the human disease is valuable. The HT‐1080 human fibrosarcoma tumour cell line was reported to induce cachexia in mice. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to determine how well the HT‐1080 tumour model could recapitulate human cachexia and to examine its technical performance. Furthermore, the efficacy of ghrelin receptor activation via anamorelin treatment was evaluated, because it is one of few clinically validated mechanisms.MethodsFemale severe combined immunodeficient mice were implanted subcutaneously or heterotopically (renal capsule) with HT‐1080 tumour cells. The cachectic phenotype was evaluated during tumour development, including body weight, body composition, food intake, muscle function (force and fatigue), grip strength, and physical activity measurements. Heterotopic and subcutaneous tumour histology was also compared. Energy balance was evaluated at standard and thermoneutral housing temperatures in the subcutaneous model. The effect of anamorelin (ghrelin analogue) treatment was also examined.ResultsThe HT‐1080 tumour model had excellent technical performance and was reproducible across multiple experimental conditions. Heterotopic and subcutaneous tumour cell implantation resulted in similar cachexia phenotypes independent of housing temperature. Tumour weight and histology was comparable between both routes of administration with minimal inflammation. Subcutaneous HT‐1080 tumour‐bearing mice presented with weight loss (decreased fat mass and skeletal muscle mass/fibre cross‐sectional area), reduced food intake, impaired muscle function (reduced force and grip strength), and decreased spontaneous activity and voluntary wheel running. Key circulating inflammatory biomarkers were produced by the tumour, including growth differentiation factor 15, Activin A, interleukin 6, and TNF alpha. Anamorelin prevented but did not reverse anorexia and weight loss in the subcutaneous model.ConclusionsThe subcutaneous HT‐1080 tumour model displays many of the perturbations of energy balance and physical performance described in human cachexia, consistent with the production of key inflammatory factors. Anamorelin was most effective when administered early in disease progression. The HT‐1080 tumour model is valuable for studying potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cachexia.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Orchestrates a Coordinated Physiological Response to Fuel Non-shivering Thermogenesis

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone controlling blood volume and pressure in mammals. It is still unclear whether ANP controls cold-induced thermogenesis invivo. Here, we show that acute cold exposure induces cardiac ANP secretion in mice and humans. Genetic inactivation of ANP promotes cold intolerance and suppresses half of cold-induced brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation in mice. While white adipocytes are resistant to ANP-mediated lipolysis at thermoneutral temperature in mice, cold exposure renders white adipocytes fully responsive to ANP to activate lipolysis and a thermogenic program, a physiological response that is dramatically suppressed in ANP null mice. ANP deficiency also blunts liver triglycerides and glycogen metabolism, thus impairing fuel availability for BAT thermogenesis. ANP directly increases mitochondrial uncoupling and thermogenic gene expression in human white and brown adipocytes. Together, these results indicate that ANP is a major physiological trigger of BAT thermogenesis upon cold exposure in mammals.

Acute exposure to a hot ambient temperature reduces energy intake but does not affect gut hormones in men during rest.

This study examined the effect of ambient temperature on energy intake, perceived appetite and gut hormone responses during rest in men. Thirteen men (age 21·5 (sd 1·4) years; BMI 24·7 (sd 2·2) kg/m2) completed three, 5·5 h conditions in different ambient temperatures: (i) cold (10°C), (ii) thermoneutral (20°C) and (iii) hot (30°C). A standardised breakfast was consumed after fasting measures, and an ad libitum lunch provided at 4-4·5 h. Blood samples (analysed for plasma acylated ghrelin, total peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and total glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) concentrations), perceived appetite and thermoregulatory responses were collected throughout. Linear mixed models were used for statistical analyses. Ad libitum energy intake was 1243 (sd 1342) kJ higher in 10°C and 1189 (sd 1219) kJ higher in 20 v. 30°C (P = 0·002). Plasma acylated ghrelin, total PYY and GLP-1 concentrations did not differ significantly between the conditions (P ≥ 0·303). Sensitivity analyses for the 4 h pre-lunch period showed that perceived overall appetite was lower in both 30 and 10°C when compared with 20°C (P ≤ 0·019). In conclusion, acutely resting in a hot compared with a thermoneutral and cold ambient temperature reduced lunchtime ad libitum energy intake in healthy men. Suppressed perceived appetite may have contributed to the reduced energy intake in the hot compared with thermoneutral ambient temperature, whereas gut hormones did not appear to play an important role.

Effects of beta-conglycinin intake on circulating FGF21 levels and brown adipose tissue activity in Japanese young men: a single intake study and a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHuman brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity has beneficial effects on body composition and glucose metabolism. A previous study reported that beta-conglycinin intake induced postprandial fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) secretion, thereby promoting adipose tissue thermogenesis in mice. Since it has not been evaluated whether beta-conglycinin intake is associated with induced FGF21 secretion and BAT thermogenesis in humans, the current study examined the effects of beta-conglycinin intake on circulating FGF21 level and BAT activity.MethodsTwenty-two healthy young male subjects participated. This study consisted of 2 interventional studies. In one of them, the effects of single beta-conglycinin intake at thermoneutral temperature on circulating FGF21 levels were examined (n = 7). The other study was a single-blinded randomized crossover trial of 2 weeks (n = 14). The subjects were exposed to mild cold conditions using a climatic chamber, and BAT activity was analyzed using thermography. Serum FGF21 level was determined by ELISA in these studies.ResultsIn the single intake study, serum FGF21 level was the highest before beta-conglycinin intake and gradually and significantly decreased throughout the 2-h experimental period (P < 0.05). The randomized crossover trial showed that 2-week beta-conglycinin intake did not affect serum FGF21 level and BAT activity, whereas changes (Δ) in baseline levels of serum FGF21 were positively correlated with Δ BAT activity (P < 0.05). In addition, analysis of each group revealed that there was significant correlation between the Δ serum FGF21 level and Δ BAT activity in the beta-conglycinin group (P < 0.05), but not in the placebo group.ConclusionsThis study reveals that although serum FGF21 levels are not increased by a single or short-term intake of beta-conglycinin, the Δ basal FGF21 level is associated with Δ BAT activity. These results suggest that human FGF21 responsiveness is different from that of rodents and support the importance of FGF21 in human BAT thermogenesis.Trial registrationThis study is registered with University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan (number 000038723, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000043942).

Exogenous Dietary Ketone Ester Decreases Body Weight and Adiposity in Mice Housed at Thermoneutrality.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a ketone ester (KE)-supplemented diet on energy expenditure (EE) and adiposity in mice housed at 23 °C versus thermoneutrality (30 °C), in which sympathetic nervous system activity is diminished. Thirty-two 10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 1 of 4 groups (n = 8 per group): 30% KE diet + 23 °C (KE23), control (CON) diet + 23 °C (CON23), 30% KE diet + 30 °C (KE30), or CON diet + 30 °C (CON30). CON mice were pair-fed to the average intake of mice consuming the KE diet (ad libitum) for 8 weeks. Body composition and components of energy balance were measured at completion of the study. CON23 (mean ± SD, 26.0 ± 1.6 g) and CON30 (29.7 ± 1.4 g) mice weighed more than KE groups (P < 0.03 for both) and were also different from each other (CON23 vs. CON30, P < 0.01). However, KE23 (23.4 ± 2.7 g) and KE30 (23.1 ± 1.9 g) mice were not different in body weight. As expected, food intake at 30 °C (2.0 ± 0.3 g/d) was lower than at 23 °C (2.6 ± 0.3 g/d, P < 0.01). Diet did not influence resting and total EE, but mice housed at 30 °C had lower EE compared with mice at 23 °C (P < 0.01). Dietary KEs attenuate body weight gain at standard (23 °C) and thermoneutral (30 °C) housing temperatures, and this effect is not mediated by increased EE under these conditions.

Influence of Transport Stress on the Adaptation Potential of Chickens

Influence of Transport Stress on the Adaptation Potential of Chickens

Thermoneutrality Exacerbates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice

Abstract Objectives Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), the aggressive subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, affects about 1.5–6.45% of population in the world. Understanding the pathophysiology of NASH is critical to develop a therapeutic strategy for NASH. In this study, we investigated whether thermoneutrality can modulate the progression of NASH. Methods Male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to 2 groups (16 mice/group), and fed with either a control chow diet (CHD) (Picolab rodent diet 20, LabDiet) with a regular drinking water or an “fast food” diet (FFD) (Research Diets, D12079B) plus fructose 23.1 g/L and glucose 18.9 g/L added to the drinking water for 20 weeks. Half of mice in each group were housed at the standard temperature (ST) (22°C), and the other half of mice were housed at the thermoneutral temperature (TT) (27°C). Body weight, food intake, and body composition were measured weekly. Histological assessments, including H&amp;E staining, trichrome staining, and Picro Sirius Red staining, were used to examine lipid accumulation and collagen formation in liver. In addition, Real-time PCR was performed to study gene expression in the liver and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Results In the FFD group, mice under TT compared to ST had significantly higher body weight gain, total fat mass, higher plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, FFD mice under TT demonstrated more pronounced lipid accumulation and presence of collagen, higher expression of several genes involved in lipid synthesis (Fasn, Acc1, and Serbp1c) and collagen formation (Col1a1), and significantly higher expression of inflammation markers including Ccl5, Nos2, Mcp1, and Il12b in the liver. As expected, TT housing significantly inhibited expression of thermogenesis markers, such as Ucp1, Elov3, and Cidea in BAT regardless of diets. Mice fed CHD did not present NASH even they were exposed to TT. Conclusions Thermoneutrality exacerbated the progression of NASH in mice. Further studies are warranted to investigate how brown fat activity regulates the development of NASH. Funding Sources The College of Human Sciences of Texas Tech University; the National Center for Complementary &amp; Integrative Health (Grant R15AT008733).