Animal Weight Research Articles

Investigation the Effect of High-Frequency Noise Exposure on Obesity, Food Intake, and Abdominal Visceral Fat in Adult Male Guinea Pigs

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are major global health challenges. One of the bad effects of noise that has been recently expressed is the effect of noise on obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-frequency noise exposure on obesity, food intake, and abdominal visceral fat in adult male guinea pigs. Material and Methods: The animals in this study were 24 adult male guinea pigs randomly divided into 3 groups (control and two case groups). Each case group was separately exposed to high- frequency white noise with sound pressure levels in 65 dB and 85 dB for 5 days per week in 30 days. The food intake was measured daily. The weight of animals was measured at the start and on days 6, 12, 18, 24, and at the end of exposure period. The abdominal visceral fat was extracted and weighted at the end of the study period. The data were assessed using SPSS V.22 software. Results: ANOVA analysis showed that exposure to high-frequency noise at 65dB and 85dB had a significant effect on weight gain, food intake, and abdominal visceral fat weight (P-value< 0.05) which in the group exposed to the noise with 65 dB was more than other groups. Conclusion: Based on this study, exposure to high-frequency noise may be an effective factor in obesity and increasing abdominal visceral fat. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism affecting weight status following noise exposure

What is the impact of neutral detergent fibre digestibility on productive performance of beef cattle fed tropical forages?

Our objective was to quantify the relationship between total neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility and nutritional and productive characteristics in cattle fed tropical forages using a meta-analytical approach. The dataset used to develop this work was compiled from 24 experiments carried out with beef cattle in Brazil, published between 2005 and 2020, and totalising 115 treatment means. All the experiments were carried out using change-over designs and included a control treatment (i.e., only forage). There was a linear and positive relationship (P<0.01) between total NDF digestibility and voluntary forage intake. We estimated a 0.17 g/kg body weight increase in forage intake for each percentage point (i.e., 0.01 g/g) of improvement in NDF digestibility. On average, increasing total NDF digestibility caused a linear improvement (P<0.01) in rumen microbial nitrogen production (NMIC) and in dietary digested organic matter (DOM). The total NDF digestibility was linear and positively associated with nitrogen balance (NB, P<0.01). However, the increment in NB as a response to total NDF digestibility was more prominent as dietary NDF decreased (P<0.01). In summary, we concluded that increasing NDF digestibility in cattle fed tropical forage-based diets improves the voluntary forage intake and the supply of energy and metabolisable protein. This simultaneous effect causes an increase in the animal's nitrogen accretion and weight gain, but this effect will be more prominent as the dietary content of neutral detergent fibre decreases.

The effect of a new product based on quercetin and a thick extract of carrot seed root on the histological state of the rat cardiac muscle in the adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction

Aim. To study the effect of tablets with a thick extract of carrot seed root and quercetin on the histological state of the rat cardiac muscle in the experimental adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction. Materials and methods. The cardioprotective effect of tablets with a thick extract of carrot seed root and quercetin was studied on the model of acute adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction caused by subcutaneous administration of 0.1 % adrenaline hydrochloride solution in the dose of 1 mg/kg and 2.5 % hydrocortisone acetate emulsion in the dose of 12.5 mg/kg of the animal weight twice daily for a week. The tablets under research in the dose of 200 mg/kg and the reference drugs – “Thiotriazolin” and “Cratal” tablets were administered for 14 days – 7 days before the infarction modeling and 7 days of the myocardial infarction development, after which their effect on the histological state of the rat heart muscle was studied. Results. Modeling of the adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction in rats is accompanied by the appearance of focal necrotic changes in muscle cells, which in some cases are accompanied by initial regenerative manifestations in the form of granuloma formation; dystrophic processes of cardiomyocytes. The therapeutic and prophylactic administration of tablets from a thick extract of carrot seed root and quercetin on the model of the adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction has the cardioprotective effect, reducing the severity of necrotic and dystrophic changes in the cardiac muscle. Conclusions. As a result of modeling of the adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction in rats, focal necrotic changes in muscle cells were observed, sometimes accompanied by the initial formation of a matrix consisting of young fibroblasts; dystrophic processes of cardiomyocytes, in particular myocytolysis, fluctuations in the size of nuclei. The therapeutic and preventive administration of the tablets studied on the model of the adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction has the cardioprotective effect, reduces the severity of necrotic and dystrophic changes in the cardiac muscle. By the cardioprotective effect expressiveness, tablets with a thick extract of carrot seed root and quercetin on the model of the adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction are not inferior to the reference drugs – “Thiotriazolin” and “Cratal” tablets. The results experimentally substantiate the feasibility of creating a new combined drug from a thick extract of carrot seed root and quercetin for the prevention and pharmacocorrection of a cardiovascular pathology.

Evaluation of toxicity of feed additive for highly productive animals

The study of new feed additives requires toxicological research to assess their safety for further use. This research presents the results of an acute toxicity study of the feed additive “Bodrivin,” developed for highly productive animals of dairy, meat-dairy, and meat breeds. The aim is to prevent stress of various etiologies, enhance the nutritional value of the diet, especially during periods of energy deficiency, and consequently improve productivity and profitability in production. Non-linear laboratory rats were used for the experiment. The first experimental group received a single oral dose of the feed additive via syringe and atraumatic needle with a bulbous end at a dosage of 2000 mg/kg. After obtaining the results of the experiment over a 14-day period, a similar experiment was conducted on the second experimental group. At the conclusion of the experiment, no signs indicating toxic effects of the studied feed additive were observed in the animals, and the body weight of the experimental animals remained unchanged in both the first and second series of the experiment. The acute toxicity study of the feed additive “Bodrivin” indicated that the evaluated feed additive belongs to Class V of danger according to GOST 32644-2014.

Hematologic and biochemical reference values for anesthetized juvenile German crossbred farm pigs

Juvenile crossbred pigs are widely used for acute and chronic animal testing due to their anatomical and physiological resemblance to humans. They are particularly prevalent in preclinical cardiovascular research, including studies investigating extracorporeal resuscitation and mechanical circulatory support devices. However, the availability of comprehensive laboratory reference values is limited. In a single-center study at the University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany, the hematologic and biochemical laboratory values of anesthetized healthy juvenile German crossbred farm pigs were determined. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of surgical procedures, either arterially or venously. Females and males were compared, and correlation with body weight was assessed. In total, 268 animals (weight 57.8 ± 12.4 kg) were included, thereof 180 castrated males (55.2 ± 7.7 kg) and 79 females (63.6 ± 18.3 kg). There were significant differences between males and females in 11 of 45 parameters and a moderate correlation between body weight and creatinine (R = 0.41, p < 0.001). The reference intervals and insights into sex and body weight correlations enhance the utility of healthy juvenile German crossbred farm pigs in translational research, providing a robust reference for future studies.

A comparative study of the Anti-Diabetic effects of avocado seed extracts and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in Alloxan-Induced diabetic Albino mice

In this research, a comparative study of the anti-diabetic effects of Avocado (Persea americana) seed extracts and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice was conducted. The animals were assigned into twenty-one groups of five animals each; the diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of the prepared alloxan monohydrate. After 15–25 days of using 7.5 mg/ml aqueous extract of P. americana seeds, it was found that blood sugar levels dropped significantly. In addition, over the 20–25 days treatment period, levels of blood sugar were reduced considerably when doses of 5.0 or 10 mg/ml of the aqueous extract were introduced. However, throughout this treatment period, animals injected with 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 mg/ml of P. americana seed aqueous extract showed a significant rise in weight. In addition, over 20–25 days of treatment, animals treated with 7.5 and 10.0 mg/ml P. americana seed alcoholic extract showed a substantial decrease in blood sugar levels. Over the 25 days of treatment, animals treated with 7.5 mg/ml P. americana seed in alcoholic extract also showed a noticeable rise in weight. On the other hand, the prepared Ag NPs were synthesized and characterized using color changes, UV–visible spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM analysis. A substantial reduction in blood sugar levels was noted with 2.5 mg/ml of biosynthesized Ag NPs, while mice weights significantly increased. The highest substantial reduction in glycaemia occurred by combining 7.5 mg/ml aqueous extract and 2.5 mg/ml biosynthesized Ag NPs, resulting in a high increase in animal weight across all combination concentrations. Regarding the interaction between combination concentrations and treatment periods, animals’ weight increased significantly in all combined concentrations during the 20–25 days compared to the control. Furthermore, an increase in LDL and VLDL concentrations was observed in the negative control group compared to the positive control and other treated groups.

Delayed effects of antibiotic therapy in endotoxinemia

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, due to the increasing number of infectious and inflammatory diseases, the problem of the use of antibacterial drugs becomes especially important. As a result of the action of toxins, inflammatory processes can affect the central nervous system with the subsequent development of neuroinflammation. Activation of neuroinflammation leads to dysregulation of many physiological functions. These negative appearances can be observed even after a long period. It is known that doxycycline is a tetracycline-type antibiotic, which is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and has anti-inflammatory activity. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the nature of delayed physiological changes in rats against the background of administration of the antibacterial drug doxycycline in the LPS-induced model of neuroinflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups of Wistar rats, 10 males in each group, were used in the experiment. The first group was injected once intraperitoneally with physiological solution, the second group — with lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg). Animals of the third and fourth groups received intragastrically doxycycline solution (25 mg/kg) daily for two weeks. On the 15th day of the experiment, rats from the fourth group were injected with lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg). Body weight of animals, mass coefficients of immunocompetent organs, as well as behaviour and motor activity of rats in the “Open Field” test were evaluated at several time points. RESULTS: It was shown that systemic injection of lipopolysaccharide led to an increase in the mass coefficients of spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands compared to the group of animals receiving doxycycline beforehand. These changes were noted 48 h and 2 months after the injection of endotoxin. In the “Open Field” test, animals that were injected with doxycycline and lipopolysaccharide showed no violations of motor activity and research behavior, unlike the group that received only lipopolysaccharide. CONCLUSIONS: It can be assumed that the physiological effects of doxycycline in the lipopolysaccharide-induced model of neuroinflammation revealed at early and late terms are not limited to the antibacterial effect of the drug and are mediated by anti-inflammatory and potential neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system.

Interplay Between Western Diet and Mammary Cancer: Data from a Chemically-induced Model in Wistar Rats.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of Western diet on mammary cancer in Wistar female rats, focusing on systemic responses and tumor development. Twenty-eight Wistar female rats were acclimatized and divided into four experimental groups (n=7 each): Western diet (WD), Western diet with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) administration (WD+MNU), standard diet (CTR), and standard diet with MNU administration (CTR+MNU). MNU was administered intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg at seven weeks of age to induce mammary cancer. The 20-week experiment involved monitoring animal weight, food and water intake. At the end of the study, rats were euthanized, and blood samples and organs were collected for hematological and plasma biochemical analysis, oxidative stress, and histo-pathological and immunobiological evaluations of the tumors. No significant differences were found in body weight, composition, or organ weights, but the WD group showed reduced food and water intake and lower cholesterol levels. Leptin and adiponectin levels were higher in the WD+MNU group, suggestive of changes in appetite regulation. Histopathological analysis showed malignant tumors in both MNU-induced groups. However, WD groups had fewer tumors compared to the CTR+MNU group. WD led to higher feed efficiency and increased visceral adipose tissue but decreased systemic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. While this diet resulted in lower tumor incidence, the volume and weight of the tumors were higher. Additionally, the WD decreased ERα and progesterone receptor immunoexpression, while Ki-67 immunoexpression was elevated.

Individual and combined effects of commercial glyphosate, atrazine and 2,4-D herbicides on the gerbil ventral prostate

Exposure to pesticides, individually or in a mixture, in drinking water is one of the main sources of human contamination, which causes adverse effects on the reproductive system. Our study aimed to investigate, the effects of a 90-day exposure to low concentrations of glyphosate (GLY), atrazine (ATZ), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), in commercial formulations, on morphological, molecular, and hormonal parameters of the ventral prostate of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). The animals were exposed via drinking water to individual concentrations of GLY: 700 μg/L, ATZ: 3 μg/L, and 2,4-D: 70 μg/L, as well as to their mixture (MIX). Our findings showed an increase in prostatic complex relative weight in ATZ-exposed animals. Stereological and morphometric techniques indicated an increase in the percentage and thickness of muscular stroma, following an increase in the amount of collagen and reticular fibers in the MIX group. Histopathological analysis showed a decrease in the incidence of epithelial atrophy, subepithelial inflammation, and microacini in the MIX. On the other hand, ATZ-exposed animals showed an increase in hyperplasia and total prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). The expression of caspase-3 decreased and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) increased in the 2,4-D and MIX. Western blotting showed an increase in estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) expression in MIX-exposed animals. Testosterone levels decreased in animals from the GLY, ATZ and 2,4-D groups. Our findings provide evidence that individual or combined exposure to herbicides causes hormonal imbalance and morphological alterations, besides favoring the incidence of proliferative lesions in the prostate, predisposing the gland to more severe injuries.

Toxicological assessment of the aqueous extract of Juniperus oxycedrus L. on acute and subacute toxicities in rats

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (J. oxycedrus) has a rich historical background in herbal remedies to treating digestive system abnormalities. However, no comprehensive evaluation of its potential toxic effects has been conducted. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of an aqueous extract of J. oxycedrus (AEJO). AEJO was prepared by the conventional Moroccan methods by decoction the arial part of the plant. The acute and subacute toxicity tests were conducted in mice and rats, respectively. Acute toxicity tests showed that the extract was not toxic even at high doses of 5000 mg/kg. In the subacute study, no detectable indications of toxicity or mortality were observed and there were no notable deviations in food intake or water consumption among all rats. However, changes in body weight of animals treated with 1000 and 2000 mg/kg underwent a significant decrease. AEJO administration decreased platelet number, elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, and reduced albumin levels. Histological examination revealed normal renal parenchyma despite increased creatinine. It also showed binucleation, and hepatocyte vacuolation. The results indicate that AEJO has considerable tolerance for consumption, but repeated use can affect hepatocytes and kidneys. Therefore, additional analyses, such as subchronic, chronic, and neurotoxic studies, are required before using this plant in clinical research.

Polygenic anti-cancer activity of Indigofera macrophylla in prostate cancer induced animal model

BackgroundProstate cancer (Pca) is a deadly disease prevalent among men, and it accounts for about 7–8 % of mortality globally. Synthetic drugs have proved effective but have limitations and severe side effects. There is, therefore, a need to discover a less expensive, natural therapeutic agent with no side effects in treating the ailment. AimThe study aims to investigate the anti-prostate cancer activity of extracts of Indigofera macrophylla (I. macrophylla) at the physiological and molecular levels in experimental animals. MethodPolyphenol-rich extract of I. macrophylla was subjected to HPLC analysis to identify the plant's phytochemical constituent. Adult Wistar rats were orally administered 2mls of 50, 100 and 200 PPM of the cacodylic acid solution for 28 days to induce prostate cancer, while treatment was carried out by orally administering extract of I. macrophylla at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for up to 28 days. The anti-inflammatory and apoptotic properties of the extract in experimental animals were investigated by the expression levels of various genetic biomarkers such as Bax-2, TNF-α, IL-6, COX2, IL-1β, β-Catenin, APC, Bcl2, CEA, Caspase 3 and β-Catenin using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ResultHPLC analysis shows that I. macrophylla has 21 bioactive components which are categorized into seven groups: flavonoid, terpenes, phenols, isoflavonoid, phytosterols, quinone and glycosides. Administration of the drug shows inconsistencies in the mean body weights of the experimental animals. Further investigation revealed that I. macrophylla increased TNF-α upregulation and expression, significantly downregulated IL-1β, significantly decreased IL-6 expression, ameliorated COX2 expression, downregulated β-catenin expression and significantly reduced the expression of the APC gene. These results show that the drug activity modulates the investigated inflammatory and apoptotic genes in the prostate gland of PCa-induced rats, thus demonstrating its anti-PCa potential. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest the potential of a novel treatment protocol of I. macrophylla plant extract to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with aggressive PCa, which reportedly claims hundreds of thousands of lives yearly.

Acute oral toxicity and genotoxicity assessment of the essential oil from Croton pulegiodorus Baill (Euphorbiaceae) leaves in mice

Essential oils obtained from Croton pulegiodorus leaf are renowned for their biological activities; however, data on their toxicity are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the acute oral toxicity and genotoxicity of a C. pulegiodorus leaf essential oil (CPLEO). Chemical characterization of CPLEO was conducted by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In vitro assay was performed to verify the hemolytic capacity of the oil in mice erythrocytes. Next, an acute oral toxicity study was conducted on female mice at CPLEO doses of 2000, 1000, 500, 250, 100, and 50 mg/kg. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological markers were assessed in mice from groups were no death occurred. Relative consumption of water and food and the weight of animals and their organs were also recorded. Finally, a genotoxicity analysis was performed using the micronucleus and comet assays. The extraction yield of CPLEO was 1.149% and its major compounds were ascaridole (23.18%), eucalyptol (17.20%), camphor (14.20%), p-cymene (7.91%), α-terpineol (4.69%), and isobornyl acetate (4.57%). CPLEO showed a hemolytic effect only at high concentrations (185.5–1000 mg/mL). It showed acute oral toxicity in mice with a LD50 of 460.42 mg/kg. CPLEO (50–250 mg/kg) caused some significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. Histopathological evaluation indicated alterations in liver and kidneys but transaminases, urea and creatinine levels remained like the negative control. CPLEO administration impaired weight gain and reduced water and food consumption. Finally, it was not genotoxic by both comet and micronucleus tests. The results highlight the need for attention when choosing doses to evaluate the bioactivities of CPLEO.

Determination of osteopontin in monitoring retinal damage in metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is becoming an increasing public health challenge. Many of the individual components of MetS are associated with ocular changes, but it is not yet clear what the association is. It is known that MetS can lead to diabetes and hence its consequences such as retinopathy. Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoglycoprotein that appears to be implicated in diabetic retinopathy. Given the involvement of OPN in retinal damage, the aim of this research was to evaluate OPN expression and its variation over time in a model of MetS induced by 30% fructose consumption for 1, 2 and 3 months. The weight of the animals and the consumption of food and fructose/water were evaluated during the experiment. The results showed a time-dependent increase in weight and liquid consumption in animals treated with fructose, while there was no significant difference in food consumption. Subsequently, the biochemical parameters confirmed that the animals treated with fructose, over time, underwent alterations like those found in patients with MetS. We then moved on to the evaluation of OPN and microglia. In both cases, we observed a time-dependent increase in OPN and Iba-1 in fructose consumption. Furthermore, the results showed a gradual loss of ZO-1 and occludin levels over time. Thus identification of OPN in patients with MetS could be used as an early marker of retinal damage, and this could help to preventthe complications related to the progression of this pathology.

Current state of dairy cattle breeding in the Saratov region

Studies of the state of the dairy cattle breeding industry for the last 5 years in the Saratov region in the context of the average indicators for the same breeds in the Russian Federation and the Volga Federal District showed that the Holstein breed of black-mottled breed surpasses the black-mottled, Simmental, red-mottled, Kostroma breeds. In the Saratov region for the analyzed period there is not a good situation on the black-mottled breed, which stopped breeding in 2021, but the positive dynamics was that in 2021 brought and began to breed the Kostroma breed. In terms of milk production in the Saratov region the black-mottled Holstein breed stands out, its milk yield is 11308.6 kg, black-mottled -7461.3 kg, red-mottled - 6918.8 kg, which exceeds the average figures for the Russian Federation by 2012.4, 163.1, 40.2 kg and the Volga Federal District by 2108.2, 504.3 kg, respectively, but the animals of red-mottled breed are inferior to the Volga Federal District by 877.8 kg. Simmental, red-spotted breeds have high average indicators of fat in comparison with RF and PFD by 0,05;0,14 and 0,11; 0,19 kg and protein by 0,03;0,01 and 0,04; 0,02 %, respectively. Evaluating the live weight indicators of cattle bred in the conditions of Saratov region such breeds as: black-and-breed, Simmental, red-and-breed, Holstein black-andbreed, Kostroma breeds, the maximum live weight in animals of black-and-breed - 565.6 kg and the minimum 450.0 kg - in kostroma breeds. Simmental and black-and-brown breeds surpass with a good enough gap the average indicators of the Russian Federation and the Volga Federal District in terms of live weight by 7.2; 12.2 and 4.4; 20 kg. The number of red-breed, Kostroma, Holstein black-breed animals is inferior to the average data on live weight in the Russian Federation and the Volga Federal District.

Antioxidant and Hepato-protective effects of Ginger in Comparison with Atorvastatin in Hyperlipidemic Albino mice.

Objective: This study was aimed to observe the effects of high fat diet on lipid levels and histomorphology of liver and detecting the preventive effects of ginger and atorvastatin on high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in albino mice. Also the comparison between the two protective agents was observed.Methodology: This experimental study was conducted at Department of Anatomy and Pathology, LUMHS Jamshoro and Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam for six months. This research comprised of 60 adult male mice, divided into four groups (each having 15 animals). Group A, normal control was given standard chow while Groups B, C and D were given high fat diet (cheese) along with chow for eight weeks followed by administration of ginger (15mg/30gm) to Group C and atorvastatin (0.3mg/30gms) to Group D for another eight weeks. Animals of Group B, hyperlipidemic control were left untreated. Weight of animals was measured weekly. Samples for serological and histological changes were taken before and after the induction of high fat diet and at the end of experiment.Results: The research revealed deranged lipid profile with increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and Alanine transaminases, decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and distorted hepatic architecture after high fat diet which were significantly improved by the administration of ginger in Group C animals and to a lesser extent by atorvastatin in Group D.Conclusion: Ginger only or concurrently with drug therapy proved to be effective hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective agent, reducing the vulnerability to chronic co-morbidities. Keywords: Atorvastatin; Ginger rhizome; Hepatic ballooning; Lipid profile; Liver; Steatosis.

Evidence for SARS-CoV-2 infected Golden Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) reducing daily energy expenditure and body core temperature

Golden Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are a well-established animal model for human infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, robust virus replication and pathological manifestations similar to human COVID-19 pneumonia. To investigate the physiological changes upon infection in this animal model, we explored the alterations in daily energy expenditure (DEE), water turnover, body mass, body temperature, and locomotor activity in non-infected and SARS-CoV-2 infected Golden Syrian hamsters for four days post SARS-CoV-2. DEE was measured using the doubly labelled water method, which allows for the accurate estimation of carbon dioxide production and, consequently, energy expenditure in animals. Additionally, we investigated total water intake (TWI), which comprises drinking water, preformed water in food, and metabolic water. Using intraperitoneally implanted data loggers, we also monitored body core temperature and locomotor activity in some of the animals. Here we provide evidence for infected hamsters exhibiting significantly lower DEE and TWI compared to non-infected animals. We also observed an increase in body weight in the non-infected animals, while infected animals experienced weight loss. Further, infected animals showed a significantly decreased body temperature, indicating a generally lowered metabolic rate.

7076 Inhibiting Oxidosqualene Cyclase, An Enzyme In The Cholesterol Biosynthetic Pathway, Suppresses Lung Metastasis Of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Disclosure: Y. Liang: None. S.M. Hyder: None. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) lack ER, PR and Her2neu proteins that are commonly targeted in breast cancer therapies. As a consequence, women who suffer from TNBC have poor prognosis and limited treatment options, and are usually administered toxic, non-specific chemotherapeutic agents. Drug-resistance almost always occurs, leading to tumor metastasis, the main cause of patient death. New non-toxic therapeutic strategies to control metastasis of TNBC are urgently needed. Cholesterol is an essential structural and functional component of cell membranes that is necessary for the growth of both primary tumors and metastatic colonies that reside in distant organs. Therefore, inhibiting cholesterol production is an attractive therapeutic strategy. Treatment with statins, a class of cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors that target HMGCoA-reductase, is associated with certain undesirable side effects; consequently, we targeted oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), an enzyme that occurs downstream of HMGCoA-reductase in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, to disrupt tumor metastasis. Potent small molecule inhibitors of OSC have been identified. RO 48-8071 (4′-[6-(allylmethylamino)hexyloxy]-4-bromo-2′-fluorobenzophenone fumarate) (RO), has emerged as a useful chemotherapeutic agent for treating several forms of primary tumors. We developed a mouse model for studying lung metastasis using a MDA-MB-231 variant (LM2) TNBC cell line obtained from Dr. Massagué (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center). These are aggressive cells, and injection of only 2 X 105 cells produces detectable lung metastatic colonies in approximately 4-6 weeks. We inoculated female nu/nu mice, 5-6 weeks old, with 2 X 105 MDA-MB-231/LM2 cells in 0.1 ml DMEM/F12 medium without serum via tail vein. Five days after tumor cell inoculation animals received 20 mg/kg (n=6), 40 mg/kg (n=7) RO (ip) or vehicle alone (n=7) every other day for two weeks. Animals were then sacrificed, and both lungs harvested and immediately fixed in Bouin’s fixative. Metastatic colonies on the lung surface were identified and counted under a dissecting microscope. Our study showed that RO effectively reduced lung metastasis without affecting animal weight. Compared with 56 + 7 colonies (Mean ± SEM) in controls given vehicle alone, RO significantly reduced lung metastatic colonies to 28 ± 5 in animals exposed to 20 mg/kg and 6 ± 1 in 40 mg/kg treated animals (p&amp;lt;0.05, ANOVA). Reduction in number of colonies in 40 mg/kg group was also significantly different from colonies counted in 20 mg/kg treated animals. Our study is the first to demonstrate that disruption of cholesterol biosynthesis in a model of human TNBC leads to reduced metastasis in lungs. Further studies will determine mechanisms through which RO suppresses TNBC metastasis to the lungs. Supported by Zalk Missouri Professor Endowment Funds. Presentation: 6/3/2024

7076 Inhibiting Oxidosqualene Cyclase, an Enzyme in the Cholesterol Biosynthetic Pathway, Suppresses Lung Metastasis of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Disclosure: Y. Liang: None. S.M. Hyder: None. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) lack ER, PR and Her2neu proteins that are commonly targeted in breast cancer therapies. As a consequence, women who suffer from TNBC have poor prognosis and limited treatment options, and are usually administered toxic, non-specific chemotherapeutic agents. Drug-resistance almost always occurs, leading to tumor metastasis, the main cause of patient death. New non-toxic therapeutic strategies to control metastasis of TNBC are urgently needed. Cholesterol is an essential structural and functional component of cell membranes that is necessary for the growth of both primary tumors and metastatic colonies that reside in distant organs. Therefore, inhibiting cholesterol production is an attractive therapeutic strategy. Treatment with statins, a class of cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors that target HMGCoA-reductase, is associated with certain undesirable side effects; consequently, we targeted oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC), an enzyme that occurs downstream of HMGCoA-reductase in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, to disrupt tumor metastasis. Potent small molecule inhibitors of OSC have been identified. RO 48-8071 (4′-[6-(allylmethylamino)hexyloxy]-4-bromo-2′-fluorobenzophenone fumarate) (RO), has emerged as a useful chemotherapeutic agent for treating several forms of primary tumors. We developed a mouse model for studying lung metastasis using a MDA-MB-231 variant (LM2) TNBC cell line obtained from Dr. Massagué (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center). These are aggressive cells, and injection of only 2 X 10[5] cells produces detectable lung metastatic colonies in approximately 4-6 weeks. We inoculated female nu/nu mice, 5-6 weeks old, with 2 X 10[5] MDA-MB-231/LM2 cells in 0.1 ml DMEM/F12 medium without serum via tail vein. Five days after tumor cell inoculation animals received 20 mg/kg (n=6), 40 mg/kg (n=7) RO (ip) or vehicle alone (n=7) every other day for two weeks. Animals were then sacrificed, and both lungs harvested and immediately fixed in Bouin’s fixative. Metastatic colonies on the lung surface were identified and counted under a dissecting microscope. Our study showed that RO effectively reduced lung metastasis without affecting animal weight. Compared with 56 + 7 colonies (Mean ± SEM) in controls given vehicle alone, RO significantly reduced lung metastatic colonies to 28 ± 5 in animals exposed to 20 mg/kg and 6 ± 1 in 40 mg/kg treated animals (p&amp;lt;0.05, ANOVA). Reduction in number of colonies in 40 mg/kg group was also significantly different from colonies counted in 20 mg/kg treated animals. Our study is the first to demonstrate that disruption of cholesterol biosynthesis in a model of human TNBC leads to reduced metastasis in lungs. Further studies will determine mechanisms through which RO suppresses TNBC metastasis to the lungs. Supported by Zalk Missouri Professor Endowment Funds. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Solar irrigation system: Analysis of the solution for livestock production in North Cameroon

This article examines the impact of implementing a solar irrigation system on livestock production in North Cameroon, a region marked by climatic challenges and increasingly dry conditions with 600 to 1,200 mm of rainfall per year and temperatures between 30°C and 40°C. Livestock farmers in the region rely heavily on natural pastures and forage crops to feed their livestock, but these resources are insufficient during periods of drought. The area is home to around 2 million head of cattle, with an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 head of sheep and 300,000 to 500,000 head of goats. Our methodology involved a comparative before-and-after analysis, where data on crop yields, pasture quality and animal performance were collected. Statistical simulation was used to assess improvements in pasture biomass, forage yield and animal performance. The results show significant improvements if the solar irrigation system is installed, with: a 30% increase in biomass; a 50% increase in forage yield with a 16.7% gain in animal weight; a 20% increase in milk production; a 30% reduction in forage procurement costs; and a 33.3% increase in income generated. These results indicate that solar irrigation will have a positive impact on farm productivity and profitability. The installation of a solar irrigation system in Northern Cameroon represents a sustainable and economically viable solution for improving livestock production in a region vulnerable to drought.In sub-Saharan Africa, solar irrigation systems have been successfully implemented in several countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Mali and Burkina Faso. These projects have demonstrated the viability of this technology in semi-arid and arid environments, with notable improvements in agricultural production and water management. The climatic and geographical conditions in Northern Cameroon are similar to those in the regions where solar irrigation systems have been tested.

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) for body weights of sussex cattle (Bos taurus) in South Africa

Sussex cattle (Bos taurus) is one of beef cattle breeds in South Africa and it is possible to improve their genetic potential through genomic selection. The aim of this study was carried out to implement Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) for determining candidate genes of body weights at birth, weaning and yearling stages in Sussex cattle. A total of 96 heads of Sussex cattle consisting of 45 females and 51 males were used for GWAS with Bovine 100K SNP BeadChip (Illumina, USA). The results showed that three SNP markers of BovineHD1000018504 (SNP1), BovineHD100008645 (SNP2) and BovineHD2500008434 (SNP3) were detected as the potential genetic markers for body weight of animals under this study. Among the three identified SNPs, SNP1 was not located in any gene region while SNP2 and SNP3 were located in the region of LOC100335918 (intron 3) and SCLT1 (intron10) genes, respectively. Therefore, both the identified SNPs had the relationship with the body weight at different ages of the Sussex cattle based on the Manhattan plot graphic i.e. birth weight (BW) for SNP2 and weaning weight (WW) for SNP3. In conclusion, a significant association was observed between SNP3 and WW of South African Sussex cattle. Nonetheless, there are no association between SNP2 and BW of Sussex cattle.