Total Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Research Articles

Chitin modulates immunity and resistance of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) against gill monogeneans

The present study was conducted to delineate the effects of dietary chitin on the immune status and resistance of rohu (Labeo rohita) against gill monogeneans. The study consisted of two experimental trials. In trial-I, chitin (0.5%, 1% and 2%) was incorporated into the control diet (0% chitin) and fed to rohu (15.43 ± 0.79 g) for three weeks. The superoxide anion production, total protein content, myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase activity were measured at weekly intervals. The best stimulatory dose and duration was found to be 1% chitin for 2 weeks based on the observed responses. In trial-II, a new batch of rohu (17.13 ± 1.39 g) were randomly divided into three experimental groups as follows: Negative control (‘nc’) - fish were fed with the control diet but not exposed to monogeneans; Positive control (‘pc’) – fish were fed with the control diet and exposed to monogeneans; and fish under chitin supplemented diet (‘csd’) - fish were fed with 1% chitin and exposed to monogeneans. After two weeks of feeding, infection with gill monogeneans was performed in the ‘pc’ and ‘csd’ groups by cohabitation. The experiment was continued for one more month. Various immunological parameters and parasite intensity were measured on 0, 15th and 30th-day post-challenge. The results showed significant enhancement in superoxide anion production, myeloperoxidase and total protein content of fish in the ‘csd’ group compared to the ‘nc’ group. However, no significant enhancement was observed in alkaline phosphatase, anti-protease and lysozyme activity. The mean intensity of gill monogeneans was significantly less in the ‘csd’ compared to the ‘pc’ group. In conclusion, dietary chitin showed immunostimulatory potential in rohu, predominantly at 1% inclusion level. Further, resistance against gill monogeneans was augmented in rohu following feeding with chitin.

Spatiotemporal variation of alkaline phosphatase activity in coastal waters off Trivandrum

Summary Phosphatase is an extracellular enzyme which releases inorganic phosphate (Pi) from dissolved organic phosphate and indirectly organic carbon as nutrients for aquatic communities. Here, we have examined spatiotemporal variation in total alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) over a short period off Trivandrum, SW India. Sampling was at 50 m water depth at 5, 15, 25 and 45 m for 5 consecutive days at 6 h intervals during post-monsoon season. Total APA and phosphatase producing bacteria (PPB) were estimated along with pertinent environmental parameters. APA increased with depth up to 3.98 µM P h−1 at 45 m. Increase in pigment concentration with depth is responsible for an increase in APA and Pi uptake. There is a marginal increase in APA towards 18–24 h suggesting feeding activities of secondary producers. On the whole, chlorophyll and phaeophytin were responsible for nearly 45 and 55% variation in APA (p

Chitooligosaccharide supplementation in low-fish meal diets for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): Effects on growth, innate immunity, gut histology, and immune-related genes expression

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing chitooligosaccharide (COS) in low fish meal (FM) diets on growth, immune response, intestine and hepatopancrease histology, and expression of inflammatory and immune-related genes in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). A basal diet was formulated using FM and soybean meal (SM) as primary protein sources and considered as a high FM (HFM) diet, then a low FM (LFM) diet was prepared by substituting 50% of FM with SM and supplemented with 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 or 1.5 g COS kg−1 diet (LFM, COS3, COS6, COS9, COS12 and COS15 diets). Each diet was fed to quadruplicate groups of shrimp (0.9 g) to apparent satiation three times daily for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment no significant changes in growth and survival rate were observed among treatments (P > 0.05). FM replacement led to significant (P < 0.05) reduction of serum lysozyme activity and significant improvements were obtained by adding 0.3 or 0.6 g kg−1 COS to the LFM diet. A significant decrease in nitric oxide synthase activity was found in LFM group and no beneficial effects could be achieved by COS application. LFM group showed higher hepatopancrease superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities than HFM group and further enhancements were obtained by COS application. Hepatopancrease total antioxidant capacity and alkaline phosphatase activity decreased in LFM group and COS supplementation improved their values. Expression of lysozyme, crustin, Pen3 and proPo genes were significantly up-regulated in hepatopancrease of groups received 0.3–0.9 g COS kg−1 diet. FM substitution enhanced the expression of HSP70 and inflammatory genes such as AIF and TNF in hepatopancrease and intestine, and COS administration at a moderate level down-regulated their expression level. Remarkable enhancement in intestinal fold height was obtained by inclusion of 0.3 or 0.6 g COS kg−1 diet compared to the group received LFM diet. Shrimps fed HFM and COS containing diets exhibited higher number of E-cells within their hepatopancrease tubules than the LFM group. The findings in this study clearly demonstrated that COS could enhance non-specific immune response and antioxidant activity, and ameliorate the negative impacts of high SM diets on gut and hepatopancrease health in pacific white shrimp. The optimum inclusion level of COS seems to be 0.3–0.6 g kg−1 of diet.

The Association Between Long-Term Acenocoumarol Treatment and Vitamin D Deficiency.

Both vitamin D and K2 are involved in a number of metabolic processes, including bone metabolism; however, associations between the vitamins are not fully understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in adult patients receiving long-term acenocoumarol (AC) treatment. In this cross-sectional study, 58 Caucasian patients (31 women, 27 men) with a median age of 65 years receiving long-term AC therapy were evaluated and compared with 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The AC treatment was used due to recurrent venous thromboembolism (34.5%), atrial fibrillation (31%), or mechanical heart valve prostheses (34.5%). Medical records and a questionnaire were used to obtain information about chronic diseases, smoking habits, and the duration of therapy and weekly dose of AC. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and serum concentration of 25(OH)D and total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured. Among the 58 patients receiving long-term AC treatment, a high proportion (46.6%) demonstrated significant vitamin D deficiency with concentrations of 25(OH)D lower than 20 ng/mL. The median concentration of 25(OH)D in subjects receiving AC was significantly lower compared to the control group [20.4 (17.4; 26.1) vs. 28.2 (24; 32.7); p < 0.001]. No differences were found between women and men receiving AC therapy. In patients receiving AC, a negative correlation was found between the concentration of 25(OH)D and the weekly dose of AC (r = -0.337, p = 0.01). Patients with concentrations of 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL were found to have a significantly higher median dose of AC, compared to those with concentrations of 25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL [21 (17; 31) vs. 17 (12; 28); p = 0.045]. In conclusion, treatment with AC is associated with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, although the path leading to this phenomenon is not entirely clear. Long-term administration of AC in adults may increase the risk of chronic vitamin D deficiency, thus, effective supplementation of vitamin D in these individuals needs careful consideration.

Neutrophils Inhibit Synthesis of Mineralized Extracellular Matrix by Human Bone Marrow-Derived Stromal Cells In Vitro.

Although controlled local inflammation is essential for adequate bone regeneration, several studies have shown that hyper-inflammatory conditions after major trauma are associated with impaired fracture healing. These hyper-inflammatory conditions include the trauma-induced systemic inflammatory response to major injury, open fractures, and significant injury to the surrounding soft tissues. The current literature suggests that increased or prolonged influx of neutrophils into the fracture hematoma may mediate impairment of bone regeneration after hyper-inflammatory conditions. The underlying mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesize that high neutrophil numbers inhibit synthesis of mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). We therefore studied the effect of increasing concentrations of neutrophils on ECM synthesis by human BMSCs in vitro. Moreover, we determined how high neutrophil concentrations affect BMSC cell counts, as well as BMSC osteogenic activity determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and ALP activity. Co-culture of BMSCs with neutrophils induced a 52% decrease in BMSC cell count (p < 0.01), a 64% decrease in the percentage of ALP+ cells (p < 0.001), a 28% decrease in total ALP activity (p < 0.01), and a significant decrease in the amount of mineralized ECM [38% decrease after 4 weeks (p < 0.05)]. Co-cultures with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neutrophils within transwells did not induce a significant decrease in ALP activity. In conclusion, our data shows that a decreased amount of mineralized ECM became synthesized by BMSCs, when they were co-cultured with high neutrophil concentrations. Moreover, high neutrophil concentrations induced a decrease in BMSC cell counts and decreased ALP activity. Clarifying the underlying mechanism may contribute to development of therapies that augment bone regeneration or prevent impaired fracture healing after hyper-inflammatory conditions.

Bone metabolism assessment in diabetes mellitus type 1

Aim. To evaluate the effect of changes occuring in the organism in diabetes mellitus type 1 on the state of bone mineral density and its metabolism parameters; to determine the changes in serum markers of bone remodeling and bone mineral density in this disease.&#x0D; Methods. Bone mineral density (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and serum markers of bone remodeling (total alkaline phosphatase activity, level of aminoterminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen and C-terminal telopeptide) were examined in 98 patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 and in the control group consisting of 82 subjects.&#x0D; Results. The average concentration of C-terminal telopeptide in the blood serum of patients with type 1 diabetes (0.525±0.03 ng/ml) was significantly higher in comparison to the control group (0.424±0.02 ng/ml; p &lt;0.01). Proximal femoral T-score in type 1 diabetes was significantly lower than the average value in the control group: -1.44±0.15 and -0.49±0.17 (p &lt;0.001). In the femoral neck it was -1.68±0.14 and -0.64±0.18 (p &lt;0.001), in LI-IV zone -2.04±0.16 and -0.73±0.19, respectively (p &lt;0.001). Moderate negative significant correlation was found between T-score (LI-IV) and level of C-terminal telopeptide (r=-0.431, p=0.000).&#x0D; Conclusion. In patients with diabetes mellitus osteopenia is a relatively frequent complication, but bone loss increases with duration and decompensation of the disease; evaluation of bone mineral density and C-terminal telopeptide level (bone resorption marker) promotes detection of bone metabolism abnormalities at any stage of the disease, especially in the long-term course of type 1 diabetes.

Dietary administration of the probiotic Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 promotes transcriptional changes of genes involved in growth and immunity in Solea senegalensis larvae

Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) has been proposed as a high-potential species for aquaculture diversification in Southern Europe. It has been demonstrated that a proper feeding regimen during the first life stages influences larval growth and survival, as well as fry and juvenile quality. The bacterial strain Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 (SpPdp11) has shown very good probiotic properties in Senegalese sole, but information is scarce about its effect in the earliest stages of sole development. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SpPdp11, bioencapsulated in live diet, administered during metamorphosis (10–21 dph) or from the first exogenous feeding of Senegalese sole (2–21 dph). To evaluate the persistence of the probiotic effect, we sampled sole specimens from metamorphosis until the end of weaning (from 23 to 73 dph). This study demonstrated that probiotic administration from the first exogenous feeding produced beneficial effects on Senegalese sole larval development, given that specimens fed this diet exhibited higher and less dispersed weight, as well as increases in both total protein concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity, and in non-specific immune response. Moreover, real-time PCR documented changes in the expression of a set of genes involved in central metabolic functions including genes related to growth, genes coding for proteases (including several digestive enzymes), and genes implicated in the response to stress and in immunity. Overall, these results support the application of SpPdp11 in the first life stages of S. senegalensis as an effective tool with the clear potential to benefit sole aquaculture.

Blood biochemical parameters of bone metabolism in cows and calves kept in a beef suckler system during the early postpartum period

The early lactation and early neonatal period are characterised by intense changes in bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood biochemical parameters of bone metabolism during early lactation in cows and neonatal calves. The study was carried out on 13 Simmental cows and 13 beef suckler calves in cow-calf operations. Blood samples were obtained at 6 time points: 6, 12 and 48 h and 7, 14 and 30 d postpartum (pp). An increase in the concentration of total calcium (tCa) of cows 14 d pp (P = 0.04), an increase in the concentration of inorganic phosphorus (iP) 12 and 48 h pp (P = 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively), an increase in bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration 7 d pp (P = 0.02, P = 0.02, respectively) and a decrease of total alkaline phosphatase (TALP) activity during the first 14 d pp (P < 0.05) indicated that the early puerperium in cows is an intense period of change in bone and mineral metabolism. An increase of iP and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in calves at 48 h pp (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively), a decrease in BALP concentration at 48 h pp (P = 0.01), higher TALP activity at 30 d pp (P = 0.02) and decreased PTH at 7 d pp (P = 0.04), indicated bone formation and growth in calves. Our results in cows indicated increased bone resorption and Ca loss through milk production. In neonatal calves we demonstrated high bone turnover during the period of intensive growth and development. The results contribute to a better understanding of bone metabolism in the early postpartum period of cows and neonatal period of calves, and also towards the elucidation of disorders of bone metabolism after calving.

Study the Influence of Captopril on Bone Metabolism in Elderly Hypertensive Women

Widespread use of antihypertensive agents in clinical practice necessitates the knowledge of their pleiotropic effects. At the present time there are no sufficient evidences of positive effect of these medications on bone coming from randomized controlled trials; knowledge of additional effects of those drugs on the bone metabolism will allow doctors to choose optimal treatment of hypertension, taking into account the state of bone tissue. At the same time it will also allow to prevent osteoporosis in patients having osteoporosis risk factors or initial signs of bone loss.&#x0D; Ten elderly hypertensive women age &gt; 60 years old (64.2±3.6) treated with captopril for a 5-6 years ago while they attending Al Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad; in addition, newly-diagnosed hypertensives, and normotensive of the aged-matched women were participated in this study that were conducted during the period (January- May 2014). Measurement of serum calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase activity, and parathyroid hormone were done, in addition to spine mineral density and t-score of such bone density by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The results of this study showed that there were no significant differences in the serum levels of calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase activity, and parathyroid hormone in postmenopausal hypertensive women treated for 5-6 years with captopril compared to newly-diagnosed and to aged-matched normotensive women. In addition, non-significant differences were observed in the level of bone mineral density and t score of bone mineral density in all groups of the study. In conclusion, the present study provides additional knowledge concerning the influence of captopril treatment on some selected parameters of bone metabolism in elderly hypertensive women.&#x0D; Keywords: Captopril, Bone metabolism, Elderly women, Hypertension, Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Evidence for Coupling of the Carbon and Phosphorus Biogeochemical Cycles in Freshwater Microbial Communities

Considerable attention has been given to the roles of the carbon and phosphate cycles in aquatic environments, but less attention has been given to an experimental analysis of the coupling of the C and P cycles in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Using laboratory microcosm experiments, prepared with natural pond-water microbial communities, evidence is presented for the coupling of dissolved organic C with microbial production of alkaline phosphatase driving the phosphorus cycle in freshwater microbial communities. The effects of glucose C-supplementation in microcosm microbial communities (including bacteria and heterotrophic nanoflagellates) on gains in microbial C-content and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) were estimated in relation to control microcosms without C-supplementation. The C-supplementation increased total microbial APA (pmol min-1 µg-1 bacterial C) in the C-supplemented treatment (6.5 ± 0.6) compared to the non-supplemented cultures (5.1 ± 1.7). Microbial-bound APA in the C-supplemented treatment was particularly enhanced (4.4 ± 0.9) compared to control cultures (1.3 ± 0.8), but the amount of free (soluble) APA in the aquatic phase was less compared to the controls (n = 5, p < 0.001). Alkaline phosphatase activity was highly correlated (r = 0.97) with bacterial densities in the C-supplemented cultures, further supporting the hypothesis that C-supplementation can increase phosphorus remineralization through elevated production of microbial alkaline phosphatase. This laboratory-based, experimental study suggests that additional research on the coupling of the C and P cycles in freshwater and marine environments may yield productive insights into the finer details of the roles of these two biogeochemical cycles in aquatic microbial community dynamics.

Protective Effect of Denosumab on Bone in Older Women with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

To determine the effect of denosumab, which is used in primary osteoporosis (PO), in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT)-related osteoporosis. Retrospective, longitudinal study. Outpatient osteoporosis clinic. Older women with PHPT (78.6±5.5) (n=25) and PO (78.8±5.2) (n=25) matched on age, body mass index, familial history of hip fracture, femoral bone mineral density (BMD), and personal history of fragility fractures. Twenty-four months of denosumab therapy. We assessed the calcium-phosphorus metabolism parameters; BMD at the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) using dual X-ray absorptiometry; and morphometric vertebral fractures using radiographs in all subjects at baseline and after 24months. Changes in BMD and total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were considered significant if they were greater than the least significant change (LS 2.8%, FN 5.9%, TH 4.8%, ALP -22%) and were expressed as percentage difference between end of follow-up and baseline (Δ). After 24months, women with PHPT had greater ΔALP (-30.6±11.3), ΔFN (5.6±4.8), and ΔTH (4.8±4.4) than those with PO (ΔALP -21.4±13.1, ΔFN 2.9±4.8, ΔTH 1.2±4.1, P<.05 for all comparisons). A significant increase in BMD was more frequent in women with PHPT (92%) than in those with PO (52%, P<.05) and it was 13.4 times as likely in women with PHPT as in those with PO (P=.02), regardless of possible confounders. Two subjects in each group had an incident fracture. Denosumab therapy is effective in older women with PHPT-related osteoporosis.

Osteoprotegerin, Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand, and Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Axis in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency.

The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) axis is involved in the regulation of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)/RANK/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system, but the exact mechanism of the associations is not fully explained. In this study we investigated the serum OPG and total sRANKL concentrations in short children who had differences in GH secretory status. We also investigated the associations between the GH/IGF-1 and OPG/RANKL systems in GH-deficient children during GH treatment. There were no significant differences in any anthropometric or biochemical parameters evaluated between the GH-deficient and GH-sufficient children. The OPG content and total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased significantly after the initiation of GH treatment, while total sRANKL remained unchanged. The variables baseline BMI SDS for height-age (β=0.42; p<0.05), baseline ALP activity (β=0.36; p<0.05), weight SDS for height-age at 6months of GH treatment (β=1.86; p<0.01), and total ALP activity at 6months of GH treatment (β=0.48, p<0.01) were identified as independent predictors of ΔOPG6-month-baseline. We conclude that OPG and total sRANKL concentrations are independent from GH secretory status in short children. OPG elevation during GH treatment is independently associated with total ALP activity and nutritional status in GH-deficient children.

Effect of replacing inorganic zinc with a lower level of organic zinc (zinc propionate) on performance, biochemical constituents, antioxidant, immune and mineral status in buffalo calves

An experiment of 120 days was carried out to investigate the effects of replacing inorganic zinc (ZnSO4; 80 ppm) with lower level (75% of inorganic levels; 60 ppm) of organic zinc (Zn propionate; Zn-Prop) on growth, serum biochemical constituents, immune response, mineral and antioxidant status in buffalo calves. Twelve buffalo calves (193.3±19.63kg; 14-24 months) were randomly allotted to a control (80 ppm Zn) and experimental (60 ppm Zn) diets. All calves were weighed at fortnight interval. Animals were immunized against Brucella abortus (BA) and chicken RBC (CRBC) antigens on day 90 with a booster dose of 15 days interval and serum was collected on 7, 14, 21 and 28 d of post sensitization (PS) to study the antibody titres. Blood was collected on 114 d of experiment to prepare serum and haemolysate. Cell mediated immune response (CMIR) was determined against phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) on day 118. The fortnightly body weights, average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio were comparable between the dietary groups. Similarly, serum albumin, globulin, creatinine and mineral (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) levels were comparable while higher (P less than 0.05) serum total protein and alkaline phosphatase activities were observed in organic Zn supplemented calves. After 7 d of PS, serum antibody titres (log2) against BA were higher (P less than 0.05) with Zn-Prop supplementation, while the titres against CRBC were not affected by Zn source and dose. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione reductase, RBC catalase and superoxide dismutase) estimated in haemolysate were comparable between groups, while glutathione peroxidase (P less than 0.05) activity increased with Zn-prop supplementation compared to ZnSO4. The CMIR was higher (P less than 0.05) with organic Zn. It can be concluded that the growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune response in calves fed lower levels of organic Zn (Zn-Propionate) (75% of inorganic mineral supplementation) was comparable to those fed 100% of inorganic zinc and the CMI response was higher in organic Zn supplemented calves.

Biochemical and histological changes in the heart of post-partum rats exposed to Natron

BackgroundThe customary puerperal practice of Natron consumption has been identified as one of the predisposing factors in the etiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). This study was designed to investigate the effect of Natron in postpartum Wistar albino rats. MethodsA total of 30 postpartum Wistar rats were exposed to different doses (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg) of Natron for 28days. After the treatment, we carried out biochemical analyses and histological evaluations of kidney, liver and heart. ResultsThe study revealed that the exposure of postpartum rats to 100mg/kg of Natron and above significantly (p<0.05) increase the cardiac markers; myoglobin, creatine kinase-MB, troponin I and T as compared with control. The result of liver function indicated no significant difference in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, albumin and total protein of the Natron treated groups as compared with control. However, at higher doses, the levels of total protein, globulin and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly increased in comparison to the control. There was no significant difference in the kidney function markers of the treatment groups as compared with control. Histological examinations revealed no changes in the kidney of the treated groups. Mild portal triaditis was observed in the liver of the treated rats. The heart of the rats administered ≥100mg/kg of Natron showed myocyte hypertrophy. ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the administration of Natron for 28days caused changes in the heart of postpartum rats and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of PPCM.

Phytoplankton communities determine the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of alkaline phosphatase activity: evidence from a tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir

In order to reveal the role of phytoplankton in the spatio-temporal distribution of alkaline phosphatase activity (APA), monthly investigations were conducted in the Xiaojiang River, a tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir in China. Different APA fractions, environmental parameters, and phytoplankton communities were followed. High spatio-temporal variations of APA were observed, with the highest value in summer and the lowest in winter. The annual average APAT (total alkaline phosphatase activity) ranged from 7.78–14.03 nmol∙L−1∙min−1 with the highest in the midstream and the lowest in the estuary. The dominant phytoplankton phyla in summer and winter were Cyanophyta and Bacillariophyta, respectively. The mean cell density in the midstream and in the estuary was 5.2 × 107 cell∙L−1 and 1.4 × 107 cell∙L−1, respectively. That APA>3.0 μm was significantly higher than APA0.45-3 μm indicating phytoplankton was the main contributor to alkaline phosphatase. Correlation analysis indicated the dominant species and cell density could determine the distribution pattern of APA. Turbidity, total phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand, water temperature (WT), pH and chlorophyll a were proved to be positively correlated with APA; soluble reactive phosphorus, conductivity, transparency and water level(WL) were negatively correlated with APA. It was concluded that spatio-temporal heterogeneity of APA determined by phytoplankton communities was related to WT and WL.

Dietary supplementation of biofloc influences growth performance, physiological stress, antioxidant status and immune response of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka)

Bioflocs are rich in various probiotics and bioactive compounds, which play an important role in improving growth and health status of aquatic organisms. A 60-day experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of biofloc on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, physiological stress, antioxidant status, expression of immune-related genes and disease resistance of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Juvenile sea cucumbers were fed five experimental diets containing graded levels of biofloc from 0% to 20% (referred as B0, B5, B10, B15 and B20, respectively). The results showed that the sea cucumbers at dietary supplementation levels of 10%–15% biofloc had significantly higher specific growth rate (SGR) compared to control group (diet B0). Digestive enzyme activity increased with the increasing of dietary biofloc level, while no significant difference was found between diets B15 and B20. Dietary supplementation of biofloc also had significant influences on physiological stress parameters except for lactate. There was no significant discrepancy in total coelomocytes counts (TCC) in coelomic fluid of sea cucumber between the treatments. Phagocytosis and respiratory burst of cellular immune at 15% and 20% biofloc levels were significantly higher than those of control group. Significant increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS), lysozyme (LSZ), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities of sea cucumber were found at highest dietary supplementation level of 20% biofloc. The expression patterns of immune-related genes (i.e., Hsp90, Hsp70, p105, Rel, NOS and LSZ) in tissues of sea cucumber were analyzed between the experimental diets, and a general trend of up-regulation was observed at higher biofloc levels. Furthermore, dietary 10%–20% biofloc significantly reduced cumulative mortality of sea cucumber after being challenged with Vibrio splendidus. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of biofloc could improve growth performance of A. japonicus, by increasing digestive enzyme activity, releasing physiological stress, enhancing immune response and disease resistance of sea cucumber. The suitable supplemental level of approximately 15% biofloc was recommended in the present study.

P53-mediated regulation of bile acid disposition attenuates cholic acid-induced cholestasis in mice.

The tumour suppressor p53 is traditionally recognized as a surveillance molecule to preserve genome integrity. Recent studies have demonstrated that it contributes to metabolic diseases. Here, we investigated the role of p53 in the regulation of bile acid disposition and cholestasis. The bile acid disposition-related gene expression profile affected by p53 activation was assessed in mouse primary hepatocytes with p53 depletion and in Trp53-null mice. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the transcriptional activities of target genes. Anticholestatic effects of p53 activator doxorubicin were investigated in a 0.5% cholic acid-fed mouse model of cholestasis. Changes in bile acids were evaluated using metabolomics analysis. Doxorubicin-mediated p53 activation induced Cyp2b10, Sult2a1 and Abcc2/3/4 expression in mice in vitro and in vivo. ABCC3 and CYP2B6 (human orthologue of Cyp2b10) were identified as direct p53 target genes. Doxorubicin attenuated cholic acid-induced cholestasis in mice, as demonstrated by shrunken gall bladder, decreased serum total bile acid and total bilirubin levels and alkaline phosphatase activity. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that doxorubicin enhanced the excretion of bile acid metabolites from serum and liver to intestine and faeces. Up-regulation of Cyp2b10, Sult2a1 and Abcc2/3/4 expression was further confirmed in cholestatic mice. Cholic acid-induced cholestatic injury was aggravated in p53-deficient mice and levels of bile acid in intestine and faeces were decreased. Our findings suggest a novel role of p53 in promoting bile acid disposition and alleviating cholestatic syndrome, which provides a potential therapeutic target for cholestasis.

Effects of single or combined administration of salmon calcitonin and omega-3 fatty acids vs. diclofenac sodium in sodium monoiodoacetate-induced knee osteoarthritis in male Wistar rats

There is a continuous search for a better therapy in osteoarthritis (OA) management. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of salmon calcitonin (Sct) and/or omega-3 fatty acids (N-3) relative to diclofenac sodium (DF) in induced knee osteoarthritic male Wistar rats. The 40 rats that were used in this study were divided into 8 groups (n=5 rats), viz: Normal control; OA control; OA+N-3; OA+Low dose of Sct (Sct.Lw); OA+High dose of Sct (Sct.Hi); OA+N-3+SCt.Lw; OA+N-3+Sct.Hi; and, OA+DF. OA was induced with 4 mg of sodium monoiodoacetate in 40 μL of saline. The solution was injected into the left knee joint space of anaesthetised rats. Sct was administered at 2.5 and 5.0 IU/kg b.w. (im), whereas N-3 and DF were administered at 200 and 1 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.), respectively. Treatments commenced 9 days after the induction of OA, and they lasted for 28 days. Sct and/or N-3 significantly reduced c-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-1), collagen type 2 α-1 (C2M), malondialdehyde (MDA), uric acid (UA), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), but, significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) after OA induction. Both therapies had additive effects on C2M, MDA, SOD, and catalase (CAT), but, non-additive actions on UA, IL-6, and CTX-1. Like the Sct and N-3, DF significantly reduced CTX-1, C2M, UA, and IL-6. However, it had no significant effect on SOD and MDA, even though it significantly reduced CAT activity. None of the therapies had significant effect on total alkaline phosphatase activity, except N-3+Sct.Lw. The combined, and sometimes the single administration of Sct and N-3 proved to be better therapies in OA management than DF.

The Changing Presentation of Paget's Disease of Bone in Australia, A High Prevalence Region.

Studies from several countries suggest that the incidence of Paget's disease of bone (PDB) and the severity of newly diagnosed cases are declining. The aim of this study was to examine secular changes in clinical presentation of PDB in Australia, which historically had the highest prevalence outside the United Kingdom. The participants were 293 patients (61% male) diagnosed between 1956 and 2013 with details recorded in the database of the Paget's Disease Research Group of Western Australia. The mean age at diagnosis was 62years (range 28-90); 26% of participants had a family history of PDB and 11% had Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) mutations. After adjustment for covariates (SQSTM1 mutation status, family history, country of birth, smoking and dog exposure), there was a significant positive relationship between year of diagnosis and age at diagnosis (P<0.001) and significant negative relationships between year of diagnosis and both pre-treatment total plasma alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and number of involved bones (P<0.001 for each). Patients with SQSTM1 mutations had more extensive disease (P<0.001) and higher pre-treatment ALP (P=0.013). In subgroup analyses, relationships between year of diagnosis and each of age at diagnosis, number of involved bones and ALP were similar in patients with sporadic or familial disease, and in patients with and without SQSTM1 mutations. We conclude that the severity of PDB in Western Australia has declined over recent decades. This is likely to reflect altered exposure to one or more environmental agents involved in pathogenesis.

Dietary calcium intake and rate of bone loss in men.

A high Ca intake has been recommended for osteoporosis prevention; however, little research has examined the relationship between dietary Ca and bone health in men. We examined associations between dietary Ca intake, bone mineral density (BMD) and change in BMD at the total body, hip and spine over 2 years in a cohort of men (mean age 57 years, BMI 26 kg/m2) from a trial. Data from the total cohort (n 323) were used in the analysis of Ca intake and BMD at baseline, and data from the placebo group (n 99) were used in the longitudinal analysis of Ca intake and change in BMD. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the markers of bone turnover serum total alkaline phosphatase activity, serum C-telopeptide and serum procollagen type-1 N-terminal propeptide were measured in a subset of participants at baseline (n 150), and associations with dietary Ca at baseline were examined. Mean Ca intake was 870 mg/d. Baseline BMD was not related to dietary Ca intake at any site, before or after adjustment for covariables. Similarly, bone loss over 2 years was not related to Ca intake at any site, before or after adjustment. Dietary Ca intake was inversely correlated with PTH at baseline (r -0·19, P=0·02), but was not associated with the markers of bone turnover. BMD and rates of bone loss were unrelated to Ca intake in these men. This suggests that strategies to increase Ca intake are unlikely to impact on the prevalence of and morbidity from male osteoporosis.