The ovarian response and embryo recovery rate in Boer goat does following different superovulation protocols,during the breeding season

Twenty-four Boer goat does were used to compare three superovulation protocols, with 8 does allocated per treatment during the natural breeding season. In Group 1 (Day 0 protocol), the oestrous cycles of does were synchronised for 7 days with CIDR's and injected PGF2α at CIDR insertion. Does were then superovulated with pFSH in 7 dosages at 12 h intervals, starting 88 h following CIDR removal. Concurrently with the 6th dosage, does were injected PGF2α. Cervical inseminations were performed 24 h and 36 h following the last superovulatory treatment. For Groups 2 and 3, the oestrous cycles of the does were also synchronised for 17 days using CIDR's. On day 14 of CIDR insertion, Group 2 does were injected with PGF2α. A superovulation treatment similar to Group 1 was administered in Groups 2 and 3, starting 48 h before CIDR removal. All does in these groups were also cervically inseminated with fresh undiluted Boer goat semen 24 h and 36 h following CIDR withdrawal. Embryos from all 3 treatment groups were flushed on day 6 following AI. Does in Group 1 responded to the short oestrous synchronisation protocol before the administration of a superovulation treatment (71.4% response), with time to onset of oestrus of 37.2 ± 0.7 h and duration of an induced oestrous period of 36.4 ± 0.5 h being recorded. Following superovulation only two does exhibited signs of oestrus in Group 1, while Groups 2 and 3 exhibited a 100% oestrous response. Groups 1 and 2 recorded similar intervals to the onset and durations of the induced oestrous period. The number of ovulations per donor was significantly lower in Group 1 (4.0 ± 0.7), compared to Groups 2 and 3 (14.5 ± 0.6 and 16.5 ± 0.8, respectively), with no significant difference between Groups 2 and 3. The Day 0 protocol (Group 1) also resulted into a significantly lower total number of structures recovered, compared to Group 3. Groups 2 and 3 recorded a relatively similar number of structures recovered. The number of embryos recovered was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in Group 1 (0.2 ± 0.1) than in Group 2 (13.2 ± 0.5) and Group 3 (11.5 ± 1.1), with the mean number of unfertilised ova and degenerated embryos being similar for all 3 treatment groups. Groups 2 and 3 also produced a similar number of transferable embryos. The blood progesterone concentrations followed a similar trend in the 3 treated groups, from CIDR insertion to embryo flushing. However, the mean serum progesterone concentration was significantly lower on day 4 in the Day 0 group, compared to Groups 2 and 3. The inclusion of PGF2α treatment in the superovulation protocol for Boer goats had no beneficial effect, while the Day 0 protocol engaged in this trial, resulted in a lower superovulation response. Further research is warranted, focusing on synchronisation, time when initiating superovulatory treatment and AI to improve the embryo yield in goats.     

The protective effect of montelukast sodium on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatopathy in rat

AimThis study investigates the effects of montelukast sodium (MK) (CysLTLT1 receptor antagonist) on CCl₄induced hepatopathy on rat.Material and methodsWe worked on 4 groups of 10 Wistar male rats each. The groups received as follows: group I (control group) – saline, group II – MK 5 mg/kg/day i.p. for 5 days, group III – MK 5 mg/kg/day i.p., 1 day prior to and 4 days concomitantly with CCl₄ p.o., 0.3 ml/Kg/day and group IV – CCl₄, p.o., 0.3 ml/Kg/day for 4 days. One day after the last administration, samples of blood were taken and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. The histopathological exam was performed. We also determined superoxide dismutase (SOD), MDA, CAT and GSH in liver homogenate.ResultsCompared to group IV, group III exhibited statistically significant lower levels of ALT (318 ± 15.75 versus 203.14 ± 10.28 UI, p < 0.0001), TB (3.16 ± 0.30 versus 1.99 ± 0.08 mg/dl, p < 0.0001), MDA in blood and in liver homogenate (4.98 ± 1.71 versus 2.15 ± 1.18 nmol/ml, p = 0.0004) and higher levels of SOD and CAT. Histopathologically, group IV presented important macro- and micro-vesicular hepatic steatosis and group III preserved lobular histoarchitecture and had less severe cellular lesions.ConclusionMK exhibits a partial hepatoprotective effect on rats treated with CCl₄.     

Embryo production in superstimulated llamas pre-treated to inhibit follicular growth

Llamas are monotocous and the length of their gestation period varies between 342 and 350 days. Thus the average number of offspring any female can produce throughout her reproductive life is very limited to spread a desired genome. The multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) technique allows an alternative to this limitation and reduces the generation interval. The objective of this study was to evaluate embryo recovery in superstimulated llamas which had previously been hormone-treated to inhibit follicular growth. A total of 50 female llamas were monitored daily via rectal palpation and ultrasound and divided according to their ovarian follicular growth into four phases. The females in each phase were then randomly divided into two groups: A (n = 20) received a single dose of 1 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) on the first day of the treatment + 100 mg of progesterone (P4) i.m. for 5 days with 5 animals per phase and B (n = 20) received 1 mg EB at onset + 150 mg P4 i.m. for a period of 5 days with 5 animals per phase. Group C (n = 10) or control did not receive any prior hormonal treatment and the females were in follicular phase I. All groups were monitored daily and, in the presence of ovarian follicles smaller than the dominant size at the end of treatment, all were superstimulated with 1000 IU eCG. For plasma progesterone concentration recording, daily blood samples were collected from days ?1 to 5 in the treated females in Group A and B. No significant differences were observed regarding the inhibition of follicle growth and in the plasma progesterone concentrations between Group A and B. The ovarian response to superstimulation was 56.2%, 71.4% and 90%, with the average number of dominant follicles produced per female being 4.4 ± 0.9; 4.8 ± 0.7 and 4.6 ± 0.6 in Groups A, B and C, respectively. The embryo recovery rate was 77.7%; 90% and 66.7% and the average number of embryos recovered per female was 2.9 ± 0.9; 2.6 ± 0.9 and 2.4 ± 0.8 for Groups A, B and C, respectively. In Groups A and B, the static follicular phase (III) seemed to be ideal for initiating the assisted reproductive technique of MOET. Although prior administration of P4 + EB seems to have no effect on the number of females that responded to the superstimulation treatments, the number of embryos recovered showed a tendency to be higher when ovarian follicle growth inhibition was performed beforehand.     

Effects of intermittent watering on water balance and feed intake in male Ethiopian Somali goats

The objective of this study was to investigate the regulation of water balance and dry matter (DM) intake of male Ethiopian Somali goats. Twenty-eight goats were grouped into four treatments; goats watered every day (W1), every 2nd day (W2), every 3rd day (W3) and every 4th day (W4) for a total period of 72 days. Plasma sodium and potassium were analyzed by flame photometry, plasma osmolality by freezing point depression, plasma protein concentration by TS refractometry, and the plasma vasopressin concentration by radioimmunoassay. Goats were fed grass hay ad libitum and were given 200 g of concentrates daily. The calculated daily water intake (ml/kg BW^0.75) of W1, W2, W3 and W4 was 128 ± 4, 86 ± 4, 88 ± 4 and 78 ± 4, respectively, (P < 0.001, W1 versus the other groups). Calculated total concentrates intake did not change, whereas Group W2 and W4 consumed less hay on days of water deprivation (W1 versus W2, P < 0.01; W1 versus W4, P < 0.001). Plasma sodium concentration of W1 was 143 ± 1 mmol/l. Intermittent watering increased plasma sodium concentration from 140 or 141 ± 1 mmol/l to 145 or 146 ± 1 mmol/l every 2nd day in group W2. In W3, it increased from 139 ± 1 to 146 ± 1 mmol/l and in W4 from 137 ± 1 to 149 ± 1 mmol/l (P < 0.001 for all) on days after watering compared to last day of water deprivation, respectively. Corresponding changes were observed in plasma osmolality. Total plasma protein concentration increased only in W3 from 65 ± 1 to 67 ± 1 mmol/l on day 3 (P < 0.01) and in W4 from 65 ± 1 to 67 and 68 ± 1 mmol/l on days 3 and 4, respectively (P < 0.05). The plasma vasopressin concentration of W1 was close to 0.80 ± 0.28 pmol/l on all days, but it increased on dehydration days in W2 (P < 0.05). In W3, the vasopressin concentration increased from 0.95 or 1.19 pmol/l the day after watering to 3.11 ± 0.28 pmol/l on day 3 (P < 0.01). In W4, it was 0.82 ± 0.31 pmol/l the day after watering and reached 6.06 ± 0.31 pmol/l on day 4 (P < 0.001). We conclude that male Ethiopian Somali goats can be watered once every 3rd days, and that longer interval is not recommended because it demands marked mobilization of water saving mechanisms and causes decreased DM intake.     

Freezing of boar semen can be simplified by handling a specific portion of the ejaculate with a shorter procedure and MiniFlatPack packaging

Low sperm survival post-thaw and time-consuming procedures for conventional freezing (CF) hamper the commercial application of cryopreserved boar semen. We had previously proven that boar spermatozoa in the first 10 mL of the sperm-rich fraction, SRF (the so-called P1, the sperm-peak portion of the ejaculate) sustain best handling in vitro, since they probably bathe in an aliquot of seminal plasma (SP) with specific composition. Here, we performed three experiments to determine: Exp I: the concentration of bicarbonate among portions of the ejaculate; Exp II: the effects of bicarbonate doses on sperm motility and; Exp III: the outcome of a faster, simpler freezing method (SF), handling P1-spermatozoa packed in MiniFlatPacks? (MFP) vs. CF and vs. SRF-spermatozoa (2 × 2 factorial design). The bicarbonate content in SP was, among portions/fractions of the ejaculate, lowest in P1 (13.71 mM/L, P < 0.0001, Exp I). Boar spermatozoa require bicarbonate in the extender (to the levels present in P1) to maintain acceptable motility over a 120-h period at 16–17 °C (Exp II). Sperm freezing was dramatically shortened (from 8 to 3.5 h) by the SF-procedure. P1- and SRF-spermatozoa survived equally both CF- and SF-freezing (% total motility 30 min PT; P1-CF: 65.2 ± 5.4% and P1-SF: 68.9 ± 2.4%; SRF-CF: 64.4 ± 2.7%; SRF-SF: 55.8 ± 3.1%, ns). Interestingly, in contrast to SRF, there were no significant variations in 30-min PT-survival among either ejaculates or boars when the P1 was frozen, independent of the handling method (CF or SF). In conclusion, such a faster freezing protocol of semen packed in MFP could be advantageously applied to P1-spermatozoa (P1-SF), while the rest of the ejaculated spermatozoa could still be used for production of conventional artificial insemination (AI) doses, thus allowing for a maintained routine management of commercially relevant stud boars.     

Protective effect of omega-3 fatty acid against mercury chloride intoxication in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of omega-3 fatty acid in HgCI₂ toxicity in mice. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO) and total sialic acid (TSA), and histopathological changes in selected organs were evaluated. Twenty-eight mice were equally divided into 4 groups, namely Groups I–IV. Group I animals received intraperitoneal (ip) injection of physiological saline solution; Group II animals received ip injection of 0.4 mg/kg/day HgCI₂; Group III animals received ip injection of 0.4 mg/kg/day HgCI₂ in addition to subcutaneous (sc) injection of 0.5 g/kg/day omega-3 fatty acid; and Group IV animals received sc injection of 0.5 g/kg/day omega-3 fatty acid. All treatments lasted 7 days. The levels of MDA, NO and TSA were significantly higher in Group II and lower in Groups III and IV as compared to the Group I. GSH level was the highest in Group IV. In histopathology, severe degeneration in liver and kidney was observed in Group II animals. These degrading changes were seen to be reduced greatly in Group III animals. The results suggested that omega-3 fatty acid might attenuate HgCI₂-induced toxicity by improving antioxidant status and acute phase response in mice.     

Cumulus cell layers as a critical factor in meiotic competence and cumulus expansion of ovine oocytes

A critical stage in the optimization of in vitro maturation (IVM) is the selection of good quality oocytes. There exists a relationship between the size of the cumulus investment and the in vitro developmental ability of the cumulus–oocyte complex (COC), which provides a basis for the selection of the COCs. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the number of cumulus cell layers which enclose the oocytes, on the in vitro maturation, cytoplasm quality and cumulus expansion of the ovine oocytes. Ovaries were obtained from an abattoir and transported to the laboratory within 1–2 h, at 37 °C. Oocytes (n = 535) were recovered by means of an aspiration pump (set at a flow rate of 10 mL H₂O/min), with a disposable 20 G needle attached. Oocytes were divided into four classes (classes I to IV – with more than 5, 3–4, 1–2 and no cumulus cell layers, respectively) and separately cultured in a TCM199 medium for 24 h. The morphology of oocytes was evaluated following in vitro culture (IVC) to assess cumulus expansion, cytoplasm quality (score I with a homogenous cytoplasm and II with granulated cytoplasm) and nuclear maturation stage. The percentage of maximum cumulus expansion for classes I to III oocytes were 53.0 ± 1.0, 36.3 ± 2.2 and 16.3 ± 1.8% respectively. The rate of meiotic resumption of oocytes in classes I to IV were 77.0 ± 2.7, 77.2 ± 1.9, 53.0 ± 2.1 and 2.7 ± 1.1% respectively. The proportion of oocytes with a cytoplasm quality I in oocyte classes I to IV were 62.8 ± 1.5, 59.4 ± 1.2, 36.4 ± 2.1 and 0.5 ± 1.1%, respectively. Results showed that the presence of ≥3 cumulus cell layers in the COC prior to IVM led to a better (p < 0.05) cumulus expansion, meiotic resumption and cytoplasmic maturation rate. Thus the morphological grading of immature ovine oocytes may be an appropriate selection criterion regarding their developmental ability.     

Interleukin-6 expression on inflamed rat dental pulp tissue after capped with Trigona sp. propolis from south Sulawesi,Indonesia

Background: Propolis is a natural product of plant resins collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is used as a remedy in folk medicine since ancient times because of its several biological and pharmacological properties. Recently, propolis has been used by dentist to treat various oral diseases. It was always mentioned as an anti-inflammatory agent. Cytokines are proteins that provide communication between cells and play a critical role in a wide variety of processes. It released from cells in an inflammatory process that active, mediate or potential actions of other cells or tissues. When dental pulp has inflammation, several pro-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was released by innate immune cells. Objective: To analyse the expression of IL-6 on inflamed rat dental pulp tissue following application of propolis. Material and methods: Trigona sp. propolis was obtained from Luwu Regency, south Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Flavonoid and non-flavonoid extracts were purified from propolis using thin layer chromatography. The study was applied on 80 male Sprague Dawley rats, 10–12 weeks of age, divided randomly and equally into 5 groups. Group I, as negative control group was not conducted any treatment. At group II, III, IV and V. A Class I cavity (Black Classification) were made on the occlusal surface of right maxillary first molar. The dental pulp was perforated using dental explorer and allowed in the oral environment for 1 h, after that, Ethanolic Extract Propolis (EEP) (Group II), Extract Flavonoid-Propolis (EFP) (Group III), Extract Non-Flavonoid Propolis (ENFP) (Group IV), or Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) (Group V) were applied on dental pulp. All cavities were then filled with Glass Ionomer Cement as permanent filling. The rats being sacrificed in 6 h, 2 days, 4 days and 7 days. Sample biopsy were obtained, IL-6 expression was detected by using immunohistochemistry method. Data was analyzed statistically using Freidman and Kruskal Wallis tests with significance level of P < 0.05. Results: All agent showed IL-6 expression in inflamed rat dental pulp tissue, and this expression was decreased with the longer of observation time periods. EEP more stronger to decreased IL-6 expression on inflamed rat dental pulp tissue than other agent. There is significant difference (P < 0.05) of IL-6 expression between group I and other groups in 6 h and 2 days but not in 4 and 7 days time periods. Conclusion: Trigona sp. propolis from south Sulawesi, Indonesia could suppressed the expression of IL-6 on inflamed rat dental pulp tissue.     

Novel biotransformation process of podophyllotoxin to produce podophyllic acid and picropodophyllotoxin by Pseudomonas aeruginosa CCTCC AB93066, Part II: Process optimization

This work optimized the novel biotransformation process of podophyllotoxin to produce podophyllic acid by Pseudomonas aeruginosa CCTCC AB93066. Firstly, the biotransformation process was significantly affected by medium composition. 5 g/l of yeast extract and 5 g/l of peptone were favorable for podophyllic acid production (i.e. 25.3 ± 3.7 mg/l), while not beneficial for the cell growth of P. aeruginosa. This indicated that the accumulation of podophyllic acid was not corresponded well to the cell growth of P. aeruginosa. 0 g/l of sucrose was beneficial for podophyllic acid production (i.e. 34.3 ± 3.9 mg/l), which led to high podophyllotoxin conversion (i.e. 98.2 ± 0.1%). 1 g/l of NaCl was the best for podophyllic acid production (i.e. 47.6 ± 4.0 mg/l). Secondly, the production of podophyllic acid was significantly enhanced by fed-batch biotransformation. When each 100 mg/l of podophyllotoxin was added to the biotransformation system after 4, 10 and 25 h of culture, respectively, podophyllic acid concentration reached 99.9 ± 12.3 mg/l, enhanced by 284% comparing to one-time addition (i.e. 26.0 ± 2.1 mg/l). The fundamental information obtained in this study provides a simple and efficient way to produce podophyllic acid.     

Menstrual Disorders and Androgen-Related Traits in Young Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a Clinical Study

Objective: To investigate possible causes of menstrual disorders and androgen-related traits in young women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Methods: Fifty-three women with T1DM (duration 8.0 ± 5.6 years), 41 women with (polycystic ovary syndrome) PCOS, and 51 controls matched for age (19.4 ± 4.3 years vs. 21.2 ± 2.7 years vs. 20.8 ± 3.1 years; P>.05) and body mass index (BMI) (22.2 ± 2.7 kg/m² vs. 21.9 ± 2.0 kg/m² vs. 21.4 ± 1.9 kg/m²; P>.05) were prospectively recruited.Results: Two women (3.8%) in the T1DM group had not experienced menarche (at 15.5 and 16.6 years); of the rest, 23.5% had oligomenorrhea, 32.1% hirsutism, and 45.3% had acne. The age at menarche was delayed in the T1DM group compared to controls (12.7 ± 1.3 vs. 12.0 ± 1.0 years; P = .004), while no difference was observed with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group (12.4 ± 1.2 years). There were no differences in total testosterone (0.43 ± 0.14 ng/mL vs. 0.39 ± 0.14 ng/mL; P>.05), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) (269 ± 112 μg/dL vs. 238 ± 106 μg/dL; P>.05) or Δ4-androstenedione (2.4 ± 1.3 ng/mL vs. 1.9 ± 0.5 ng/mL; P>.05) concentrations between T1DM and controls. However, patients with T1DM had lower sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations than controls (61 ± 17 nmol/L vs. 83 ± 18.1 nmol/L; P = .001), which were even lower in the PCOS group (39.5 ± 12.9 nmol/L; P = .001 compared with T1DM). The free androgen index (FAI) was higher in the PCOS group compared with both other groups (T1DM vs. PCOS vs. controls: 2.53 ± 0.54 vs. 7.88 ± 1.21 vs. 1.6 ± 0.68; P<.001). FAI was higher in patients with T1DM compared to controls as well (P = .038). There was no difference in DHEA-S concentrations between T1DM and PCOS patients (269 ± 112 μg/dL vs. 297 ± 100 μg/dL; P>.05).Conclusion: Menstrual disorders and androgen-related traits in young women with T1DM may be attributed to an increase in androgen bioavailability due to decreased SHBG concentrations.     

Serum progesterone concentrations,follicular development and time of ovulation using a new progesterone releasing device (DICO®) in sheep

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new controlled drug releasing device containing 0.3 g progesterone (DICO^®) on ovarian control in sheep. In experiment 1, serum progesterone concentrations induced by a 14 days treatment of DICO^® (n = 9) and CIDR-G^® (n = 9) were compared in ovariectomized ewes. Both devices induced similar responses and no differences were recorded. In experiment 2, the onset of oestrus and the time of ovulation obtained after 14 days treatment with DICO^® (n = 8) and CIDR-G^® (n = 7) were compared in cyclic ewes. Both devices induced oestrus and ovulation in all of the ewes. The onset of oestrus (34.5 ± 2.8 and 30.0 ± 7.7 h), the time of ovulation (60.0 ± 9.1 and 54.9 ± 6.4 h), the ovulation rate (1.3 ± 0.5 and 1.4 ± 0.5), the follicular diameter at ovulation (7.0 ± 0.8 and 7.3 ± 1.1 mm), and the lifespan of the ovulatory follicles (8.6 ± 2.2 and 10.0 ± 2.9 days) were similar for the DICO^® and CIDR-G^® devices, respectively. In Experiment 3, the re-utilization of DICO^® devices inserted for 6 days (i.e. short-term protocol) was evaluated in ovariectomized ewes. The females received a re-used (previously used for 6 days; n = 11) or a new DICO^® (n = 11) for a period of 6 days. The re-used DICO^® devices induced a lower serum progesterone concentration than the new devices (P < 0.05). However, the re-used DICO^® device maintained serum progesterone concentrations above 7.1 nmol/L (i.e. >2 ng/ml) throughout treatment. In Experiment 4, the administration of eCG treatment at DICO^® withdrawal was evaluated in cyclic ewes. The short-term protocol using DICO^® devices for 6 days was applied with (n = 8) or without (n = 7) 300 IU eCG at the time of device withdrawal. The administration of eCG advanced ovarian follicular development, synchronizing the onset of oestrus at 36 h and the time of ovulation at 60 h from device withdrawal. In conclusion, data from these experiments show the use of DICO^® or CIDR-G^® devices containing 0.3 g of progesterone to have a similar efficiency in controlling serum progesterone concentrations, follicular development and the time of ovulation in sheep. The re-use of the devices, associated with the short-term protocol for 6 days is possible, although further studies on induced fertility rates are warranted.     

Fetal betamethasone exposure attenuates angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor expression in the dorsal medulla of adult sheep

Glucocorticoids including betamethasone (BM) are routinely administered to women entering into early preterm labor to facilitate fetal lung development and decrease infant mortality; however, fetal steroid exposure may lead to deleterious long term consequences. In a sheep model of fetal programming, BM-exposed (BMX) offspring exhibit elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) and decreased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) for control of heart rate by 0.5-years of age associated with changes in the circulating and renal renin-angiotensin systems (RAS). In the brain solitary tract nucleus, angiotensin (Ang) II actions through the AT1 receptor oppose the beneficial actions of Ang-(1-7) at the Mas receptor for BRS regulation. Therefore, we examined Ang peptides, angiotensinogen (Aogen), and receptor expression in this brain region of exposed and control offspring of 0.5- and 1.8-years of age. Mas protein expression was significantly lower (>40%) in the dorsal medulla of BMX animals at both ages; however, AT1 receptor expression was not changed. BMX offspring exhibited a higher ratio of Ang II to Ang-(1-7) (2.30 ± 0.36 versus 0.99 ± 0.28; p < 0.01) and Ang II to Ang I at 0.5-years. Although total Aogen was unchanged, Ang I-intact Aogen was lower in 0.5-year BMX animals (0.78 ± 0.06 vs. 1.94 ± 0.41; p < 0.05) suggesting a greater degree of enzymatic processing of the precursor protein in exposed animals. We conclude that in utero BM exposure promotes an imbalance in the central RAS pathways of Ang II and Ang-(1-7) that may contribute to the elevated MAP and lower BRS in this model.     

Anthropometric and body composition characteristics during pregnancy: A study from West Bengal,India

The present cross-sectional study was aimed at investigating changes in anthropometric, body composition and blood pressure characteristics during pregnancy. A total of 406 healthy, pregnant women aged between 16 and 33 years participated in the study. Pregnant women were recruited from the outpatient department of the two-referral hospital in Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measures such as height, weight, three circumferences and skinfold thickness at four sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailaic) were obtained using standard techniques. Percentages of body fat (%BF), intra abdominal visceral fat (IVF), basal metabolic rate (BMR) and body mass index (BMI) were measured using an Omron body fat analyser. Two forenoon blood pressure measurements were also taken and averaged for analysis. Subjects were categorized into three trimester groups: Group I, n = 30; Group II, n = 163; and Group III, n = 213. ANOVA with Scheffe's post-hoc test revealed that Group I had significantly lower mean than both Group II and Group III for systolic blood pressure and IVF, whereas Group I had significantly lower mean than Group III for BMI, BMR, %BF, diastolic blood pressure and skinfolds. The mean change in maternal weight from the first to the third trimester was merely 3 kg. Mean waist circumference varied from the first to the third trimester but not from the first to the second trimester. Furthermore, significantly increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed across the trimesters. However, longitudinal studies involving interaction of body fat topography and pregnancy-induced hormones are required to further our understanding of gestation mechanism.     

Combined efficacy of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek and Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson on serum lipids in albino rats

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a major killer disease throughout the world. Dyslipidemia is a major contributor to the risk of CAD. Several dietary articles traditionally used in India and other South Asian countries reduced dyslipidemia. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the combined effect of Mung bean (Vigna radiata) and Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) on serum lipids and atherogenic indices in albino rats and to compare it with a standard drug Cholestyramine. Thirty healthy albino rats of both sexes (150–200 g) were randomized to 5 groups of 6 animals each. The grouping were done based on the following criteria: Group I: Normal Control Group, Group II: (Standard Group): Cholestyramine resin 5 mg/kg bw, Group III: (Half Dose Group): Drug powder at 540 mg/kg bw, Group IV: (Effective Dose Group): Drug powder at 1080 mg/kg bw, and Group V: (Double Dose Group): Drug powder at 2160 mg/kg bw. Lipid profile was estimated at the beginning and after 30 days of treatment. The Effective and Double doses of the drug reduced Total cholesterol along with levels of Triglycerides, Low density lipoprotein and Very low density lipoprotein levels significantly (p < 0.01) along with a significant (p < 0.01) increase in high density lipoproteins (HDL) in rats. There was also significant (p < 0.01) improvement in atherogenic indices like Castelli Risk Index I, Non HDL C/HDL, Castelli risk Index II, TG/HDL, Atherogenic coefficient and Atherogenic Index of Plasma. The combination of powdered sprouted mung bean and yam powder have excellent lipid lowering potential.     

Direct ethanol production from N-acetylglucosamine and chitin substrates by Mucor species

Chitin, which is a polymer of β-(1–4) linked N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) residues, is one of the most abundant renewable resources in nature, after cellulose. In this study, we found some native Mucor strains, which can use GlcNAc and chitin substrates as carbon sources for growth and ethanol production. One of these strains, M. circinelloides NBRC 6746 produced 18.6 ± 0.6 g/l of ethanol from 50 g/l of GlcNAc after 72 h and the maximum ethanol production rate was 0.75 ± 0.1 g/l/h. Furthermore, M. circinelloides NBRC 4572 produced 6.00 ± 0.22 and 0.46 ± 0.04 g/l of ethanol from 50 g/l of colloidal chitin and chitin powder after 16 and 12 days, respectively. We also found an extracellular chitinolytic enzyme producing strain M. ambiguus NBRC 8092, and successfully improved ethanol productivity of NBRC 4572 from colloidal chitin using crude chitinolytic enzyme derived from NBRC 8092. The ethanol titer reached 9.44 ± 0.10 g/l after 16 days. These results were the first bioethanol production from GlcNAc and chitin substrates by native organisms, and also suggest that these Mucor strains have great potential for the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of chitin biomass.     

The effects of mitochondrial complex I blockade on ATP and permeability in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in culture (PMVEC) are overcome by coenzyme Q1 (CoQ1)

In isolated rat lung perfused with a physiological saline solution (5.5 mM glucose), complex I inhibitors decrease lung tissue ATP and increase endothelial permeability (K_f), effects that are overcome using an amphipathic quinone (CoQ₁) [Free Radic. Biol. Med. 65:1455–1463; 2013]. To address the microvascular endothelial contribution to these intact lung responses, rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in culture (PMVEC) were treated with the complex I inhibitor rotenone and ATP levels and cell monolayer permeability (PS) were measured. There were no detectable effects on ATP or permeability in experimental medium that, like the lung perfusate, contained 5.5 mM glucose. To unmask a potential mitochondrial contribution, the glucose concentration was lowered to 0.2 mM. Under these conditions, rotenone decreased ATP from 18.4±1.6 (mean±SEM) to 4.6±0.8 nmol/mg protein, depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m) from −129.0±3.7 (mean±SEM) to −92.8±5.5 mV, and decreased O₂ consumption from 2.0±0.1 (mean±SEM) to 0.3±0.1 nmol/min/mg protein. Rotenone also increased PMVEC monolayer permeability (reported as PS in nl/min) to FITC–dextran (~40 kDa) continually over a 6 h time course. When CoQ₁ was present with rotenone, normal ATP (17.4±1.4 nmol/mg protein), O₂ consumption (1.5±0.1 nmol/min/mg protein), Δψ_m (−125.2±3.3 mV), and permeability (PS) were maintained. Protective effects of CoQ₁ on rotenone-induced changes in ATP, O₂ consumption rate, Δψ_m, and permeability were blocked by dicumarol or antimycin A, inhibitors of the quinone-mediated cytosol–mitochondria electron shuttle [Free Radic. Biol. Med. 65:1455–1463; 2013]. Key rotenone effects without and with CoQ₁ were qualitatively reproduced using the alternative complex I inhibitor, piericidin A. We conclude that, as in the intact lung, PMVEC ATP supply is linked to the permeability response to complex I inhibitors. In contrast to the intact lung, the association in PMVEC was revealed only after decreasing the glucose concentration in the experimental medium from 5.5 to 0.2 mM.     

The effect of glucose and maltose concentrations on pyruvate and ascorbate production,antioxidant enzyme activities and LPO levels in Fusarium equiseti

Changes in pyruvate and ascorbate production and antioxidant enzyme activities together with lipid peroxidation levels in Fusarium equiseti were investigated in relation to changes in the concentrations of glucose and maltose as carbon sources in the range of 5–25 g/l in Armstrong Fusarium Medium (AFM). The highest pyruvate concentration obtained at 20 g/l maltose was 67.5 ± 0.69 μg/ml while ascorbic acid reached a maximum value at 25 g/l glucose of 1866±26.1 μg/ml The maximum superoxide dismutas (SOD) activities related to increased pyruvate production were determined in AFM medium containing 20 g/l glucose as 41.49±0.65 and maltose as 61.12±0.8 IU/mg. Catalase (CAT) activity variations showed coherence with SOD activity in a medium containing maltose and reached 219.11±2.8 IU/mg while they were decreased with increasing glucose concentration. glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in F. equiseti did not change significantly with glucose and maltose concentration and were determined to be 1.21±0.22 and 1.67±0.15 IU/mg, respectively. Minimum lipid peroxidation levels for each carbon source were determined in both 20 g/l maltose and glucose concentrations as 0.9 and 1.62 nmol MDA/g wet weight.     

Protective effect of berberine chloride on Plasmodium chabaudi-induced hepatic tissue injury in mice

The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of berberine (BER) against Plasmodium chabaudi-induced infection in mice. Animals were divided into three groups. Group I served as a vehicle control. Group II and group III were infected with 1000 P. chabaudi infected erythrocytes. Group III was gavaged with 100 μl of 10 mg/kg berberine chloride for 10 days. All mice were sacrificed at day 10 post-infection. The percentage of parasitemia was significantly reduced more than 30%, after treatment of mice with BER. Infection caused marked hepatic injuries as indicated by histopathological alterations as evidenced by the presence of hepatic lobular inflammatory cellular infiltrations, dilated sinusoids, vacuolated hepatocytes, increased number of Kupffer cells and the malaria pigment, hemozoin. These changes in livers led to the increased histological score. Also, infection induced a significant increase in liver alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and a significant increase in the total leucocytic count. Moreover, mice became anemic as proved by the significant decrease in erythrocyte number and haemoglobin content. BER showed a significant protective potential by improving the above mentioned parameters. Based on these results, it is concluded that berberine could offer protection against hepatic tissue damage.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant and macromolecule damage protective effects of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth

In the present study, we identified the chemical constituents of 70% hydroalcoholic fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa by LC–ESI–MS/MS which showed the presence of iridoid glucosides such as picroside I, picroside II, picroside III, picroside IV, kutkoside, pikuroside and flavonoids like apocynin and vanillic acid. P. kurroa exhibited DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelating activities with IC₅₀ of 75.16 ± 3.2 and 55.5 ± 4.8 μg/mL and also showed potent reducing power and total antioxidant activities. The extract inhibited macromolecule damage such as H₂O₂ induced plasmid DNA damage and AAPH induced oxidation of bovine serum albumin and lipid peroxidation of rat hepatic tissues.