Protein malnutrition during fetal programming induces fatty liver in adult male offspring rats

We evaluated the effects of protein malnutrition on liver morphology and physiology in rats subjected to different malnutrition schemes. Pregnant rats were fed with a control diet or a low protein diet (LPD). Male offspring rats received a LPD during gestation, lactation, and until they were 60 days old (MM group), a late LPD that began after weaning (CM), or a LPD administrated only during the gestation-lactation period followed by a control diet (MC). On day 60, blood was collected and the liver was dissected out. We found a decrease in MM rats’ total body (p < 0.001) and liver (p < 0.05) weight. These and CM rats showed obvious liver dysfunction reflected by the increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGOT) (MM p < 0.001) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (MM and CM p < 0.001) enzymes, and liver content of cholesterol (MM and CM p < 0.001) and triglycerides (MM p < 0.01; CM p < 0.001), in addition to what we saw by histology. Liver dysfunction was also shown by the increase in gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) (MM, MC, and CM p < 0.001) and GST-pi1 (MM and CM p < 0.001, MC p < 0.05) expression levels. MC rats showed the lowest increment in GST-pi1 expression (MC vs. MM; p < 0.001, MC vs. CM; p < 0.01). ROS production (MM, CM, and MC: p < 0.001), lipid peroxidation (MM, CM, and MC p < 0.001), content of carbonyl groups in liver proteins (MM and CM p < 0.001, MC p < 0.01), and total antioxidant capacity (MM, CM, and MC p < 0.001) were increased in the liver of all groups of malnourished animals. However, MM rats showed the highest increment. We found higher TNF-α (MM and CM p < 0.001), and IL-6 (MM and CM p < 0.001) serum levels and TGF-β liver content (MM p < 0.01; CM p < 0.05), in MM and CM groups, while MC rats reverted the values to normal levels. Pro-survival signaling pathways mediated by tyrosine or serine/threonine kinases (pAKT) (MM and CM p < 0.001; MC p < 0.01) and extrasellular signal-regulated kinase (pERKs) (MM p < 0.01; CM p < 0.05) appeared to be activated in the liver of all groups of malnourished rats, suggesting the presence of cells resistant to apoptosis which would become cancerous. In conclusion, a LPD induced liver damage whose magnitude was related to the developmental stage at which malnutrition occurs and to its length.     

Heat acclimation increases mitochondrial respiration capacity of C2C12 myotubes and protects against LPS-mediated energy deficit

This work investigated the effect of a 6-day heat acclimation (HA) protocol on myotube metabolic responses at baseline and in response to a subsequent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. C2C12 myotubes were incubated for 2 h/day at 40 °C for 6 days (HA) or maintained at 37 °C (C). Following 24-h recovery, myotubes were challenged with 500 ng/ml LPS for 2 h, then collected for analysis of protein markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and macronutrient storage. Functional significance of these changes was confirmed with mitochondrial respiration and glycolytic measurements on a Seahorse XF-96 analyzer. HA stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and increased indicators of mitochondrial content [SIRT1 (+?62%); PGC-1α (+?57%); NRF-1 (+?40%); TFAM (+?141%); CS (+?25%); CytC (+?38%); all p?<?0.05]. Altered lipid biosynthesis enzymes [p-ACCa:ACC (+?59%; p?=?0.04) and FAS (??86%; p?<?0.01)] suggest fatty acid generation may have been downregulated, whereas increased GLUT4 (+?69%; p?<?0.01) and LDH-B (+?366%; p?<?0.01) suggest aerobic glycolytic capacity may have been improved. Mitochondrial biogenesis signaling in HA myotubes was suppressed by 500 ng/ml LPS (PGC-1α, NRF-1, TFAM; all p?> 0.05) but increased LDH-B (+?30%; p?=?0.02) and CPT-1 (+?55%; p?<?0.01) suggesting improved catabolic function. Basal respiration was increased in HA myotubes (+?8%; p?<?0.01) and HA myotubes maintained elevated basal respiration during LPS challenge (+?8%; p?<?0.01). LPS reduced peak respiration in C myotubes (??6%; p?<?0.01) but did not impair peak respiration in HA myotubes (p?>?0.05). Oxidative reliance was elevated in HA over that in control (+?25%; p?<?0.01) and in HA?+?LPS over C?+?LPS (+?30%; p?<?0.01). In summary, HA stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 myotubes. HA myotubes exhibited (1) elevated basal/peak mitochondrial respiration capacities; (2) greater oxidative reliance; and (3) protection against LPS-mediated respiration impairment. Collectively, these data suggest HA may improve aerobic metabolism in skeletal muscle and protect against LPS-mediated energy deficit.     

The relationship between adiposopathy and glucose-insulin homeostasis is not affected by moderate-intensity aerobic training in healthy women with obesity

The contribution of adiposopathy to glucose-insulin homeostasis remains unclear. This longitudinal study examined the potential relationship between the adiponectin/leptin ratio (A/L, a marker of adiposopathy) and insulin resistance (IR: homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)), insulin sensitivity (IS: Matsuda), and insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test before and after a 16-week walking program, in 29 physically inactive pre- and postmenopausal women with obesity (BMI, 29–35 kg/m²; age, 47–54 years). Anthropometry, body composition, VO₂max, and fasting lipid-lipoprotein and inflammatory profiles were assessed. A/L was unchanged after training (p =?0.15), despite decreased leptin levels (p <?0.05). While the Matsuda index tended to increase (p =?0.07), HOMA decreased (p <?0.05) and fasting insulin was reduced (p <?0.01) but insulin area under the curve (AUC) remained unchanged (p =?0.18) after training. Body fatness and VO₂max were improved (p <?0.05) while triacylglycerols increased and HDL-CHOL levels decreased after training (p <?0.05). At baseline, A/L was positively associated with VO₂max, HDL-CHOL levels, and Matsuda (0.37?< ρ <?0.56; p <?0.05) but negatively with body fatness, HOMA, insulin AUC, IL-6, and hs-CRP levels (??0.41?< ρ <???0.66; p <?0.05). After training, associations with fitness, HOMA, and inflammation were lost. Multiple regression analysis revealed A/L as an independent predictor of IR and IS, before training (partial R² =?0.10 and 0.22), although A/L did not predict the insulin AUC pre- or post-intervention. A significant correlation was found between training-induced changes to A/L and IS (r =?0.38; p <?0.05) but not with IR or insulin AUC. Although changes in the A/L ratio could not explain improvements to glucose-insulin homeostasis indices following training, a relationship with insulin sensitivity was revealed in healthy women with obesity.     

Glutamate receptors of the A5 region modulate cardiovascular responses evoked from the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus and perifornical area

To assess the possible function of glutamate in the interaction between the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus-perifornical area (DMH-PeF) and the A5 pontine region (A5), cardiovascular and respiratory changes were studied in response to electrical stimulation of the DMH-PeF (1 ms pulses, 30–50 μA given at 100 Hz for 5 s) before and after the microinjection of kynurenic acid (non-specific glutamate receptor antagonist; 50 nl, 5 nmol), MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist; 50 nl, 50 nmol), CNQX (non-NMDA receptor antagonist; 50 nl, 50 nmol) or MCPG (metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist; 50 nl, 5 nmol) within the A5 region. DMH-PeF electrical stimulation elicited a pressor (p <?0.001) and tachycardic response (p <?0.001) which was accompanied by an inspiratory facilitation characterised by an increase in respiratory rate (p <?0.001) due to a decrease in expiratory time (p <?0.01). Kynurenic acid within the A5 region decreased the tachycardia (p <?0.001) and the intensity of the blood pressure response (p <?0.001) to DMH-PeF stimulation. After the microinjection of MK-801 and CNQX into the A5 region, the magnitude of the tachycardia and the pressor response were decreased (p <?0.05 and p <?0.01; p <?0.001 and p <?0.05, respectively). After MCPG microinjection into the A5 region, a decrease in the tachycardia (p <?0.001) with no changes in the pressor response was observed during DMH-PeF stimulation. The respiratory response elicited by DMH-PeF stimulation was not changed after the microinjection of kynurenic acid, MK-801, CNQX or MCPG within the A5 region. These results suggest that A5 region glutamate receptors play a role in the cardiovascular response elicited from the DMH-PeF. The possible mechanisms involved in these interactions are discussed.     

Different age-independent effects of nutraceutical combinations on endothelium-mediated coronary flow reserve

Background

Some components of Nutraceuticals (NUT) such as red yeast rice and Morus alba have demonstrated positive effects on the endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Our aim was to compare the effects of two different NUT combinations on cold pressure test (CPT) derived coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessed by transthoracic echo-Doppler.

Results

In a randomized, single-blind study, 28 consecutive patients with a variety of cardiovascular risk factors received NUT A (LopiGLIK®: berberine, red yeast rice powder, and leaf extract of Morus alba) or B (Armolipid Plus®: policosanol, red yeast rice, berberine, astaxantine, folic acidandcoenzyme Q10). An echo-Doppler exam with evaluation of CFR was performed at baseline, 2?h (acute test) and 30?days after daily NUT assumption. Blood sampling for metabolic profile and platelet aggregometry was performed at baseline and after 30?days of daily NUT assumption. CFR was not significantly modified at the acute test. After 30?days, CFR improved with NUT A (p <?0.0001), because of the increase of hyperemic flow velocity (p =?0.007), but not with NUT B. CFR was comparable between the two groups at baseline but became significantly higher after 30?days in NUT A (p <?0.02), with a higher CFR percent variation versus baseline (p =?0.008). Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were reduced with both NUT A (p <?0.001 and p <?0.002, respectively) and B (both p <?0.02), whereas platelet aggregation did not significantly change. In the pooled group of patients, after adjusting for age and percent changes of systolic blood pressure, heart rate, LDL-cholesterol and glycemia, NUT A – but not NUT B - was independently associated with CFR changes (β?=?0.599, p =?0.003).

Conclusions

LopiGLIK® improved endothelial-derived CFR, independently of the beneficial effects exerted on the lipid profile. These findings can have clinical reflections on the prevention of age-related inflammatory diseases including coronary artery disease.

Trial registration

(NUTRENDO)″(ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02969070).

     

Textural and Rheological Properties of Soy Protein Isolate Tofu-Type Emulsion Gels: Influence of Soybean Variety and Coagulant Type

The contribution of soybean variety and coagulant type to the textural and rheological properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) tofu-type emulsion gels was studied. SPIs from eight soybean varieties were subjected to amino acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis, and results showed that the 11S fraction proteins (r?=?0.833, p?<?0.05) and the ratio of 11S to 7S (r =?0.920, p <?0.01) were positively correlated with the hardness of CaSO₄-induced emulsion gels and glucono-δ-lactone (GDL)-induced gels, with the correlation coefficients of 0.827 (p <?0.05) and 0.893 (p <?0.01), respectively. In the case of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase), strong relations between the content of glutamate (r =?0.886, p?<?0.01) and lysine (r =?0.810, p <?0.05) and gel hardness were found. Rheological data demonstrated that CaSO₄-induced emulsion gel was stiffer with high rigidity but gel induced by MTGase performed better elasticity. The findings of this study are of great importance to further understand the gelation mechanisms of different coagulants and provide useful information for the development of SPI-based filled tofu.     

Relationship Between Protein Denaturation and Water Holding Capacity of Pork During Postmortem Ageing

This study investigated water holding capacity (WHC), water distribution, and protein denaturation of pork loin chops (longissimus lumborum) packaged in polyethylene bags throughout display at 4?±?1 °C for up to 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days. The drip loss of pork eventually increased following a decrease during the first 5 days of storage. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis revealed an increase in population of immobilized water P₂₂ from day 1 to day 5, meanwhile a sharp decrease after 9 days was noticed. However, an opposite trend was observed for the population of free water P₂₃. Correlation analysis indicated that myofibrillar protein solubility was negatively correlated with drip loss (p?<?0.05), whereas sarcoplasmic protein measurement were not related to drip loss (p?>?0.05). Furthermore, the content of α-helices increased during the first 5 days of storage (p?<?0.05), which suggested increased WHC during the earlier period of postmortem storage. During the subsequent postmortem storage, the content of α-helices decreased significantly (p?<?0.05), while the β-sheets and β-turns increased. The maximum temperatures (T_max) of three endothermic peaks were found to be 53.6 °C, 65.2 °C, and 77.6 °C at 1 day postmortem. A significant decrease were observed for T_{max peakI},T_{max peakII},T_{max peakIII} at 9 d when compared to 1 d postmortem (p?<?0.05), suggesting loss of thermal stability and protein denaturation.     

Analysis of biological functional networks during sciatic nerve repair and regeneration

Altered placental angiogenesis is implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. We have earlier reported placental regional differences in oxidative stress markers and neurotrophins. Oxidative stress and neurotrophins are reported to regulate angiogenesis. This study aims to examine protein and mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) in four regions [central maternal (CM), central fetal (CF), peripheral maternal (PM), and peripheral fetal (PF)] of the placenta in normotensive control (NC) women (n = 51) and women with preeclampsia (PE) (n = 43) [18 delivered at term (T-PE) and 25 delivered preterm (PT-PE)]. In all groups, CF region reported highest VEGF protein levels compared to all other regions. VEGF mRNA level was higher in CF region as compared to CM region in PE group (p < 0.05). VEGF levels were lower in all regions of PE, T-PE, and PT-PE groups (p < 0.05) as compared to their respective regions in NC group. VEGFR1 levels were lower in CF (p < 0.05) and PF (p < 0.01) regions as compared to CM region only in control. However, VEGFR1 levels were higher in CF (p < 0.05) and PF (p < 0.01) regions of PT-PE group as compared to control. VEGFR1 mRNA level was higher in PM region of PE group and T-PE group (p < 0.05 for both) as compared to control. VEGF levels in the PF region were positively associated with birth weight and placental weight. This study describes placental regional changes in angiogenic factors particularly highlighting increased VEGF in CF region possibly in response to hypoxic conditions prevailing in placenta.     

Serum Hepcidin and Soluble Transferrin Receptor in the Assessment of Iron Metabolism in Children on a Vegetarian Diet

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vegetarian diet on iron metabolism parameters paying special attention to serum hepcidin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentrations in 43 prepubertal children (age range 4.5–9.0 years) on vegetarian and in 46 children on omnivorous diets. There were no significant differences according to age, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) between vegetarian and omnivorous children. Vegetarians had similar intake of iron and vitamin B₁₂ and a significantly higher intake of vitamin C (p < 0.05) compared with non-vegetarians. Hematologic parameters and serum iron concentrations were within the reference range in both groups of children. Serum transferrin levels were similar in all subjects; however, ferritin concentrations were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in vegetarians than in omnivores. In children on a vegetarian diet, median hepcidin levels were lower (p < 0.05) but sTfR concentrations significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared with omnivorous children. In the multivariate regression model, we observed associations between hepcidin level and ferritin concentration (β = 0.241, p = 0.05) in the whole group of children as well as between hepcidin concentration and CRP level (β = 0.419, p = 0.047) in vegetarians. We did not find significant associations with concentration of sTfR and selected biochemical, anthropometric, and dietary parameters in any of the studied groups of children. As hematologic parameters and iron concentrations in vegetarians and omnivores were comparable and ferritin level was lower in vegetarians, we suggest that inclusion of novel markers, in particular sTfR (not cofounded by inflammation) and hepcidin, can better detect subclinical iron deficiency in children following vegetarian diets.     

Effect of ATP and Bax on the apoptosis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eimeria tenella</Emphasis> host cells

Background

Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) is a species of Eimeria that causes haemorrhagic caecal coccidiosis, resulting in major economic losses in the global poultry industry. After E. tenella infection, the amount of ATP and Bax in host cells showed highly significant changes. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effects of ATP and Bax on the apoptosis of E. tenella host cells.

Results

The ATP-treated group and the V5-treated group had higher E. tenella infection rates than the untreated group at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after infection with E. tenella. The results of flow cytometry showed that compared with the control group, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening in the untreated group was highly significantly increased (P?<?0.01) at 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. Moreover, results from Hoechst-Annexin V-PI staining and flow cytometry showed that the rates of early apoptosis, late apoptosis, and necrosis in the untreated group were significantly lower (P?<?0.05) or highly significantly lower (P?<?0.01) than those of the control group at 4 h, while the rates of early apoptosis, late apoptosis, and necrosis in the untreated group were higher at varying degrees than those in the control group at 24–120 h (P?<?0.05 or P?<?0.01). After treatment with ATP and Bax inhibitors, the rates of early apoptosis, late apoptosis, and necrosis, in addition to the MPTP opening in both the ATP-treated and V5-treated groups, were significantly lower (P?<?0.05) or highly significantly lower (P?<?0.01) than those in the untreated group.

Conclusions

ATP and Bax play important roles in regulating the apoptosis of E. tenella host cells.

     

The role of ACE2, angiotensin-(1–7) and Mas1 receptor axis in glucocorticoid-induced intrauterine growth restriction

Background

Plasma and urine levels of the potent vasodilator Ang-(1–7) are elevated in mid and late pregnancy and are correlated with elevated placental angiogenesis, fetal blood flow, and rapid fetal growth. We hypothesized that Ang-(1–7), its receptor (Mas1) and the enzymes involved in Ang-(1–7) production (ACE2 and Membrane metallo-endopeptidase; MME) are down regulated in response to glucocorticoid administration contributing to IUGR.

Methods

Pregnant female Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with dexamethasone (DEX; 0.4 mg/kg/day) starting from 14 day gestation (dg) till sacrifice at 19 or 21 dg while control groups were injected with saline (n?=?6/group). The gene and protein expression of ACE2, MME, Ang-(1–7) and Mas1 receptor in the placental labyrinth (LZ) and basal zones (BZ) were studied.

Results

DEX administration caused a reduction in LZ weight at 19 and 21 dg (p?<?0.001). IUGR, as shown by decreased fetal weights, was evident in DEX treated rats at 21 dg (p?<?0.01). ACE2 gene expression was elevated in the LZ of control placentas at 21 dg (p?<?0.01) compared to 19 dg and DEX prevented this rise at both gene (p?<?0.01) and protein levels (p?<?0.05). In addition, Ang-(1–7) protein expression in LZ was significantly reduced in DEX treated rats at 21 dg (p?<?0.05). On the other hand, Mas1 and MME were upregulated in LZ at 21 dg in both groups (p?<?0.05 and p?<?0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that a reduced expression of ACE2 and Ang-(1–7) in the placenta by DEX treatment may be responsible for IUGR and consequent disease programming later in life.

     

A lifelong competitive training practice attenuates age-related lipid peroxidation

The effect of exercise-induced oxidative stress on health and aging is not clearly explained. This study examined the effects of habitual sport practice, age, and submaximal exercise on the blood markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and antioxidant response. Seventy-two healthy men were grouped by their habitual sport practice: inactive (<1.5 h/week), recreational (3–8 h/week), and trained athletes (>8 h/week), and further divided by age: young (18–25 years), adult (40–55 years), and senior (>55 years). Blood samples were collected at rest and after submaximal effort. Hydroperoxides and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities were measured by spectrophotometry. Nuclear DNA damage was analyzed by comet assay. The alpha-actin release was analyzed by Western blot. Alpha-tocopherol, retinol, and coenzyme-Q10 were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Data was analyzed through a factorial ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc test. Lipid peroxidation increased significantly with age and submaximal effort (p?<?0.05). However, the trained athlete group presented lower lipid peroxidation compared with the recreational group (MD?=?2.079, SED?=?0.58, p?=?0.002) and inactive group (MD?=?1.979, SED?=?0.61, p?=?0.005). Trained athletes showed significant higher alpha-actin levels (p?<?0.001) than the other groups. Recreational group showed lower nuclear DNA damage than trained athletes (MD?=?3.681, SED?=?1.28, p?=?0.015). Nevertheless, the inactive group presented significantly higher superoxide dismutase and catalase (p?<?0.05) than the other groups. Data suggested that habitual competitive training practice could prevent age-related increases of plasma lipid peroxidation, which, according with our results, cannot be entirely attributed to blood antioxidant defense systems.     

Therapeutic efficacy in BALB/C mice of extract from marine alga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Canistrocarpus cervicornis</Emphasis> (Phaeophyceae) against herpes simplex virus type 1

Studies with diterpenes from marine brown alga Canistrocarpus cervicornis showed the antiviral potential of the products from this alga in controlling the replication of HSV-1 and maintaining low cytotoxicity. Hence, the aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-herpetic efficacy of C. cervicornis extract ointment in BALB/c mice. To test the anti-herpetic efficacy in vivo, four groups of BALB/c mice (n?=?5) were used: 1—untreated, 2—extract ointment (2 % or 0.4 mg cm^?2 dose^?1), 3—Acyclovir cream (5 % or 1.0 mg cm^?2 dose^?1), and 4—ointment base. The right midflank of each mouse was clipped and depilated with a chemical depilatory. After 2 days, the skin area was scratched and inoculated with HSV-1. The ointments and cream were applied three times a day over a 16-day period, beginning 1 h after virus inoculation. The development of skin lesions was continuously monitored and scored. To evaluate the effect of C. cervicornis topical treatment on biochemical parameters and on body weight, two uninfected groups were formed: an untreated group and a group treated with ointment C. cervicornis extract (2 %). The signs of infection appeared from the second day after infection, while on the 10th day of the experiment, the ointment base and untreated groups had significantly more severe lesions than did the groups that were treated with extract (p?<?0.05) or acyclovir (p?<?0,01). The topical application of extract ointment did not change body weight, hepatic, or renal function suggesting that the extract has a low toxicity in this route of administration. These results suggest that the extract may be useful in reducing the severity of HSV-1 cutaneous lesions.     

Feasibility and relevance of compound strain imaging in non-stenotic arteries: comparison between individuals with cardiovascular diseases and healthy controls

Background

Compound strain imaging is a novel method to noninvasively evaluate arterial wall deformation which has recently shown to enable differentiation between fibrous and (fibro-)atheromatous plaques in patients with severe stenosis. We tested the hypothesis that compound strain imaging is feasible in non-stenotic arteries and provides incremental discriminative power to traditional measures of vascular health (i.e., distensibility coefficient (DC), central pulse wave velocity [cPWV], and intima-media thickness [IMT]) for differentiating between participants with and without a history of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods

Seventy two participants (60 ± 7 years) with non-stenotic arteries (IMT < 1.1 mm) were categorized in healthy participants (CON, n = 36) and CVD patients (n = 36) based on CVD history. Participants underwent standardised ultrasound-based assessment (DC, cPWV, and IMT) and compound strain imaging (radial [RS] and circumferential [CS] strain) in left common carotid artery. Area under receiver operating characteristics (AROC)-curve was used to determine the discriminatory power between CVD and CON of the various measures.

Results

CON had a significantly (P < 0.05) smaller carotid IMT (0.68 [0.58 to 0.76] mm) than CVD patients (0.76 [0.68 to 0.80] mm). DC, cPWV, RS, and CS did not significantly differ between groups (P > 0.05). A higher CS or RS was associated with a higher DC (CS: r = ?0.32;p < 0.05 and RS: r = 0.24;p < 0.05) and lower cPWV (CS: r = 0.24;p < 0.05 and RS: r = ?0.25;p < 0.05). IMT could identify CVD (AROC: 0.66, 95%-CI: 0.53 to 0.79), whilst the other measurements, alone or in combination, did not significantly increase the discriminatory power compared to IMT.

Conclusions

In non-stenotic arteries, compound strain imaging is feasible, but does not seem to provide incremental discriminative power to traditional measures of vascular health for differentiation between individuals with and without a history of CVD.

     

Effects of Copper and Zinc Supplementation on Weight Gain and Hematological Parameters in Pre-weaning Calves

Cow-calf operations may be affected by trace mineral deficiencies, particularly copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) deficiency, which may decrease the calf daily weight gain and alter hematological parameters. We evaluated the effect of Cu and Zn supplementation on pre-weaning calves (n?=?40; 92?±?6 kg initial body weight) from the Salado River basin, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Calves were divided into four groups (n?=?10 each) and subcutaneously administered 0.3 mg/kg Cu (Cu group), 1 mg/kg Zn (Zn group), Cu and Zn together (Cu + Zn group), and sterile saline solution (control group) every 40 days for 120 days. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations, hematological parameters, and weight were recorded every 40 days. A completely randomized 2?×?2 factorial treatment design was used and data were analyzed with a mixed model for repeated measures over time. Cu and Zn were detected in plasma after the second sampling. Cu × Zn interaction was significant (p?=?0.09), being Cu concentration higher in the Cu + Zn than in the Cu group. Differences in weight gain (Zn × time interaction; p?<?0.01) were observed in the Zn but not in the Cu group (p?>?0.1). On the other hand, none of the treatments altered any of the hematological parameters assessed (p?>?0.1). Our results show the risk of lower weight gain due to Zn deficiency in pre-weaning calves raised in the Salado River basin.     

Investigation on left ventricular multi-directional deformation in patients of hypertension with different LVEF

Background

This study is aimed at investigating myocardial multi-directional systolic deformation in hypertensive with different left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and exploring its contribution to LVEF.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-three patients with primary hypertension (HT) were divided into group A (LVEF ≥ 55%), group B (45% ≤ LVEF < 50%, or 50% ≤ LVEF < 55% + LVEDVI ≥ 97 ml/m²), and group C (LVEF < 45%). Two-dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSE) including LV longitudinal strain (SL), radial strain (SR) and circumferential strain (SC) were measured.

Results

SL decreased gradually from group A, B to C (all p < 0.05) while SR and SC were reduced only in group B and C (all p < 0.05). All strain measurements correlated to LVEF, with the strongest correlation in SC (r = ?0.82, p < 0.01) and the second in SL (r = ?0.76). The diastolic E/e increased from group A, B to C.

Conclusions

Left ventricular multi-directional deformation correlated well to LVEF in hypertension and particularly SC, indicating that it was SC, not SL or SR, that makes the prominent contribution to left ventricular pump function.

     

How Bad Is Aluminum Exposure to Reproductive Parameters in Rats?

The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on growth performance, mineral accumulations in the tissues (livers, kidneys, and muscles), antioxidant capacities, and meat quality of broilers fed lead (Pb)-contaminated diet. One-hundred forty-four male broiler chicks were randomly divided into three treatment groups, receiving a corn-soybean meal basal diet (the control group), the basal diet contaminated with 10 mg/kg Pb (the Pb group), and the basal diet with 10-g/kg Pal supplementation and 10-mg/kg Pb contamination (the Pal/Pb group) from 1 to 42 days of age, respectively. Treatments did not affect growth performance of broilers in the 42-day study (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, Pb contamination increased Pb accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and muscles (P < 0.05); elevated malondialdehyde accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and breast muscles; glutathione peroxidase activity in the livers and superoxide dismutase activity in the kidneys (P < 0.05); exacerbated drip loss in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05); and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05) of broilers at 42 days of age. The values of these parameters were reversed in the Pal/Pb group to levels comparable with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, Pal supplementation reduced redness value in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05), and decreased Cu concentration in the pectoralis muscles and livers at 42 days of age as well as its accumulation in the kidneys at both 21 and 42 days of age compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). The results suggested that dietary Pal supplementation would decrease Pb residue in the tissues, alleviate oxidative stress, and affect meat quality of broilers exposed to Pb.     

Layer-specific strain analysis in patients with suspected stable angina pectoris and apparently normal left ventricular wall motion

Background

Non-invasive imaging tests are widely used in the evaluation of stable angina pectoris (SAP). Despite these tests, non-significant coronary lesions are not a rare finding in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography (CAG). Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking global longitudinal strain (GLS) imaging is a more sensitive and accurate technique for measuring LV function than conventional 2D methods. Layer-specific strain analysis is a relatively new method that provides endocardial and epicardial myocardial layer assessment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate longitudinal layer-specific strain (LSS) imaging in patients with suspected SAP.

Methods

Patients who underwent CAG for SAP were retrospectively screened. A total of 79 patients with no history of heart disease and wall motion abnormalities were included in the study. Forty-three patients with coronary lesions >?70% constituted the coronary artery disease (CAD) group and 36 patients without significant CAD constituted the control group. Layer-specific GLS transmural, endocardium, and epicardium values (GLS-trans, GLS-endo, and GLS-epi, respectively) were compared between the groups.

Results

Patients in the CAD group had significantly lower GLS values in all layers (GLS-trans: -18.2 + 2.4% vs -22.2 + 2.2% p?<?.001; GLS-endo: -20.8 + 2.8% vs -25.3 + 2.6%, p?<?.001; GLS-epi: 15.9 + 2.4% vs -19.5 + 1.9%, p?<?.001). Multivariate adjustment demonstrated GLS-trans as the only independent predictor of CAD [OR:0.472, CI (0.326–0.684), p?<?.001]. Additionally, the GLS values were all lower in myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) true-positive patients compared with MPS false-positive patients (GLS-trans: -17.7?±?2.4 vs. -21.9?±?2.4%, p?<?.001; GLS-endo: -20.2?±?2.9% vs -24.9?±?2.9%, P?<?.001; GLS-epi: 15.4?±?2.6% vs. -19.2?±?1.8%, P?<?.001).

Conclusion

Resting layer-specific strain as assessed by 2D speckle tracking analysis demonstrated that GLS values were reduced in all layers of myocardium with SAP and with no wall motion abnormalities. LSS analysis can improve the identification of patients with significant CAD but further prospective larger scale studies are needed to put forth the incremental value of LSS analysis over transmural GLS.

     

Sex Differences in the Blood Concentration of Tacrolimus in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with <Emphasis Type="Italic">CYP3A5</Emphasis>*3/*3

The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of sex and cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) variant on the blood concentration of tacrolimus in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. The blood concentration of tacrolimus (ng/mL) divided by the daily dose of tacrolimus (mg/day) and the patient’s weight (kg) (C/D) was obtained from 55 patients. The C/D value was analysed according to genetic variation in CYP3A5 or ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), sex, and age. The C/D value in the CYP3A5*3/*3 group was significantly higher than in the CYP3A5*1/*1 and *1/*3 groups (p < 0.05, effect size: d = 1.40). In the CYP3A5*3/*3 group, the concentration of tacrolimus was significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.05, effect size: d = 1.78). Furthermore, in the CYP3A5*3/*3 group, the concentration of tacrolimus was significantly higher in women aged over 50 years than in women aged under 50 years (p < 0.05, effect size: d = 1.18). In contrast, ABCB1 genetic variations did not show any significant effect on the C/D value. Since the blood concentration of tacrolimus in patients with CYP3A5*3/*3 varies depending on sex and age, these factors should be considered when studying the difference of sex in CYP3A.