Effect of different levels of concentrate allowances on rumen fluid pH,nutrient digestion,nitrogen retention and growth performance of weaner lambs

This experiment was conducted for 90 d to assess the effect of feeding graded levels of concentrate allowance on rumen fermentation characteristics, performance and nutrient utilisation of weaner lambs on restricted or high concentrate allowance using 60 weaner lambs of initial average live weight of 13.90 kg BW in a randomized design. The experimental treatments were 15 or 25 g kg⁻¹ BW or ad libitum concentrate allowance. Roughage source which contained Khejri (Prosopis cineratia) and Siris (Albizia lebback) leaves in 50:50 ratio was offered ad libitum to all the animals. Lambs supplemented with 15 g or ad libitum concentrate had similar dry matter intake (4.2 kg/100 kg BW) but significantly (p < 0.01) lower than 25 g concentrate supplemented group (4.9 kg/100 kg BW). Organic matter and CP intakes increased with increasing concentrate supplementation. Apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, CP, NDF, ADF and cellulose were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in ad libitum concentrate supplemented than 15 and 25 g concentrate supplemented lambs. Daily ME intake was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 25 g and ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs while ME intake kg⁻¹ gain was lower in ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs (57 MJ kg⁻¹ gain) than those supplemented with 15 or 25 g concentrate (91 MJ kg⁻¹ gain). Generally, average daily gain increased with increasing levels of concentrate supplementation. Ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs had significantly (p < 0.01) higher daily gains (151 g) than 15 and 25 g concentrate supplemented lambs (77 and 98 g, respectively). Feed efficiency was similar for 15 and 25 g concentrate supplemented lambs but significantly (p < 0.01) lower than the ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs. All animals were in positive N-balance and the N-balance increased with increasing concentrate supplementation. Mean rumen fluid pH was significantly (6.6, p < 0.01) lower in ad libitum concentrate supplemented lambs compared to 15 or 25 g concentrate fed lambs (6.9). Rumen NH₃-N and total-N-concentrations peaked at 3 h post-feeding. Optimum rumen fluid pH, better nutrient digestibilities, higher N-retention improved growth by 49% of ad libitum concentrate fed lambs.     

Effect of dietary β-glucan on growth performance,fecal microbial shedding and immunological responses after lipopolysaccharide challenge in weaned pigs

Two experiments (Exp.) were conducted to evaluate the effects of β-glucan inclusion in the diet on growth performance and immune function after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In Exp. 1, a total of 40 weaned pigs (progeny of Landrace×Yorkshire sows by Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW) of 7.89 ± 0.84 kg (21 ± 2 d) of age) were used in a 28-day (d) experiment to determine the effects of dietary β-glucan on growth performance. Pigs were allotted randomly to two treatments consisting of addition of 0 or 0.1 g β-glucan/kg diet with four replicate pens per treatment and five pigs per pen. Growth performance was not affected by β-glucan supplementation throughout the experiment. However, dietary β-glucan reduced (P<0.05) the number of fecal Escherichia coli. In Exp. 2, a total of 20 weaned barrows (6.22 ± 0.25 kg of BW and 21 ± 2 d of age) individually raised in metabolic cages were used to evaluate immunological responses following LPS challenge. Pigs were fed 0 or 0.1 g β-glucan/kg diet for 42 d. At the end of the trial, half of the pigs (n = 5) from each treatment were injected intraperitoneal with E. coli LPS at a concentration of 100 μg/kg BW and the other half were injected with sterile saline solution. Treatments were arranged as a 2×2 factorial, with the main effect of LPS challenge (saline vs. LPS) and β-glucan supplementation (0 g/kg vs. 0.1 g/kg). After LPS injection, blood was taken at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 hours (h) for the blood cell counts and blood inflammatory response. Dietary β-glucan increased (P<0.05) leukocytes counts at 4, 6 and 8 h, and blood lymphocyte concentrations at 2, 4 and 6 h and LPS challenge increased (P<0.05) counts of leukocytes at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h and blood lymphocyte at 2 and 4 h post-challenge. The rectal temperature was increased (P<0.05) at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after LPS challenge. Dietary β-glucan reduced (P<0.05) and LPS challenge increased (P<0.05) blood plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration at 2 and 4 h post-challenge. Dietary β-glucan increased (P<0.05) the concentration of the cluster of differentiation antigens 4 cells (CD4⁺) at 2, 4 and 6 h, and of 8 (CD8⁺) at 4 and 6 h post-challenge, respectively. The LPS challenge increased (P<0.05) CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cell concentrations at 2, 4 and 6 h post-challenge. The CD4⁺:CD8⁺ ratio was reduced (P<0.05) by LPS challenge but was increased (P<0.05) by dietary β-glucan at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-challenge. In conclusion, dietary β-glucan decreased E. coli numbers but did not affect growth performance in weaned pigs and may offer benefits on immune function in weaned pigs challenged with LPS.     

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor in myocardial infarction with low ejection fraction

Background: We investigated the safety and efficacy of GCSF therapy in a porcine model of ischemia–reperfusion with left ventricle ejection fraction of <45% using a clinically relevant dosing and timing regimen. Methods: MI was induced in pigs by a 90 min balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Sixteen animals were randomized to either GCSF (IV bolus of 10 μg/kg at time of reperfusion, followed by SC injections of 5 μg/kg days 5–9 post-MI) or saline (control group). Inflammatory markers, bone marrow cell mobilization and LV function (echocardiography and pressure–volume measurements) were assessed at baseline, 1 and 6 weeks post-MI. Histopathology was performed 6 weeks post-MI. Results: GCSF therapy was associated with a significant increase in white blood cell counts. At week 6, GCSF therapy resulted in less deterioration of LVEF compared to control (38 ± 2% vs. 33 ± 2%, p < 0.02) and improved wall motion score index (p < 0.05). Histopathology revealed increased vascular density (p < 0.05) and a trend toward increased areas of viable myocardium compared to control (p = 0.058). Conclusion: GCSF therapy prevents further deterioration of LV function in a porcine model of MI with lower EF (<45%). These results support future clinical trials with GCSF in selected patients with larger MI.     

Swimming training prevents fat deposition and decreases angiotensin II-induced coronary vasoconstriction in ovariectomized rats

We investigated the effects of chronic swimming training (ST) on the deposition of abdominal fat and vasoconstriction in response to angiotensin II (ANG II) in the coronary arterial bed of estrogen deficient rats. Twenty-eight 3-month old Wistar female rats were divided into 4 groups: sedentary sham (SS), sedentary-ovariectomized (SO), swimming-trained sham (STS) and swimming-trained ovariectomized (STO). ST protocol consisted of a continuous 60-min session, with a 5% BW load attached to the tail, completed 5 days/week for 8-weeks. The retroperitoneal, parametrial, perirenal and inguinal fat pads were measured. The intrinsic heart rate (IHR), coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) and a concentration–response curve to ANG II in the coronary bed was constructed using the Langendorff preparation. Ovariectomy (OVX) significantly reduced 17-β-estradiol plasma levels in SO and STO groups (p < 0.05). The STO group had a significantly reduced retroperitoneal and parametrial fat pad compared with the SO group (p < 0.05). IHR values were similar in all groups; however, baseline CPP was significantly reduced in the SO, STS and STO groups compared with the SS group (p < 0.05). ANG II caused vasoconstriction in the coronary bed in a concentration-dependent manner. The SO group had an increased response to ANG II when compared with all other experimental groups (p < 0.05), which was prevented by 8-weeks of ST in the STO group (p < 0.05). OVX increased ANG II-induced vasoconstriction in the coronary vascular bed and abdominal fat pad deposition. Eight weeks of swimming training improved these vasoconstrictor effects and decreased abdominal fat deposition in ovariectomized rats.     

Influences of the number of fetuses and levels of CP and ME in gestation and lactation supplements on performance of Spanish does and kids during suckling and post-weaning

Forty-eight mature US Spanish does (40 kg BW), from a herd selected for cashmere fiber growth, were used to investigate influences of the number of fetuses and levels of ME and CP in supplements during gestation and lactation on doe and kid performance. At 60 days of gestation, does with single or twin fetuses consumed mature Bermudagrass hay ad libitum and 1% BW (DM basis) of supplements with 18.6% or 28.5% CP (LP and HP, respectively) and 2.2 or 2.8 Mcal/kg ME (DM basis; LE and HE, respectively). The HE-HP supplement was offered at 1.5% BW (DM basis) for 15 days after birth, and does received the same supplement treatments as in gestation thereafter until weaning at 50 days after parturition. For a 50-day post-weaning period, kids consumed ad libitum the HE-LP supplement. BW at 90 days of gestation (41.4 vs 38.4 kg; P<0.10), BW before parturition (46.1 vs 41.7 kg; P<0.05), BW loss from parturition to day 21 of lactation (8.38 vs 5.25 kg; P<0.05), litter birth weight (5.47 vs 2.75 kg; P<0.05) and plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (0.33 vs 0.29 mM; P<0.05) and NEFA (538 vs 434 mEq/l; P<0.05) were greater for does with twin vs single kids. BW at weaning was similar between single and twin kids (P>0.10; 8.31 and 7.63, respectively). Kid BW and cashmere fiber weight after the post-weaning period were affected by interactions (P<0.05) between number of fetuses and supplement ME level; kid BW was 12.3, 14.7, 14.6 and 13.2 kg (SE = 1.12 and 0.68 kg for singles and twins, respectively), and kid cashmere weight was 86, 109, 106 and 102 g (SE = 8.5 and 5.0 g for singles and twins, respectively) for single-HE, single-LE, twin-HE and twin-LE, respectively. In conclusion, effects of supplements differing in levels of ME and in ingredient composition for US Spanish does in gestation and lactation had dissimilar impacts on post-weaning BW and cashmere weight of single and twin kids. However, because of the limited number of observations and the high variability among animals in measures such as cashmere fibre growth, further experimentation concerning the potential for effects of nutritional plane of does on cashmere growth by kids is warranted.     

Genetic trends estimation for body weights of Kermani sheep at different ages using multivariate animal models

The objective of the present study was to estimate genetic trends for body weight traits at different ages in Kermani lambs. Data collected from 1993 to 2006 by the Kermani Breeding Station were analyzed. Genetic trends were estimated for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (6MW), 9-month weight (9MW) and yearling weight (YW). Maximum number of data was 2654 at birth, but only 1124 at yearling. Different appropriate models for investigation of each trait using multivariate analysis were applied. Variance component were estimated using Simplex procedure and breeding values of animals were predicted with Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) methodology under multi-trait animal models. Genetic trends of studied traits were estimated by regressing mean of breeding values on birth year. Direct genetic trends were positive and significant for BW (p < 0.05) WW, 6MW, 9MW and YW (p < 0.01) and were 2, 125, 91, 81 and 156 g/year, respectively. Also, maternal trend for BW was positive and highly significant (p < 0.01) and was 3 g/year.     

Surface electromyography activity of the rectus abdominis,internal oblique,and external oblique muscles during forced expiration in healthy adults

We aimed to characterize rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and external oblique muscle activity in healthy adults under expiratory resistance using surface electromyography. We randomly assigned 42 healthy adult subjects to 3 groups: 30%, 20%, and 10% maximal expiratory intraoral pressure (PEmax). After measuring 100% PEmax and muscle activity during 100% PEmax, the activity and maximum voluntary contraction of each muscle during the assigned experimental condition were measured. At 100% PEmax, the external oblique (p < 0.01) and internal oblique (p < 0.01) showed significantly elevated activity compared with the rectus abdominis muscle. Furthermore, at 20% and 30% PEmax, the external oblique (p < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively) and the internal oblique (p < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively) showed significantly elevated activity compared with the rectus abdominis muscle. At 10% PEmax, no significant differences were observed in muscle activity.Although we observed no significant difference between 10% and 20% PEmax, activity during 30% PEmax was significantly greater than during 20% PEmax (external oblique: p < 0.05; internal oblique: p < 0.01). The abdominal oblique muscles are the most active during forced expiration. Moreover, 30% PEmax is the minimum intensity required to achieve significant, albeit very slight, muscle activity during expiratory resistance.     

Evaluating agro-industrial by-products as dietary roughage source on growth performance of fattening steers

Silages from pineapple peel, sweet corn husk and cob mixed with bagasse and vinasse were evaluated to determine their chemical composition and fermentation characteristics as well as feeding performance in fattening steers. The experiment, which lasted 90 days, involved 48 fattening steers (264 ± 37.4 kg BW) randomly allocated to three diets. Treatments included: a control diet containing rice straw and molasses (T1); diet containing bagasse–vinasse mixture including sweet corn husk and cob silage (BS; T2); and diet containing bagasse–vinasse mixture including pineapple peel silage (BP; T3). All treatments included a commercial concentrate feed (13% CP) and ad libitum rice straw throughout the experiment. Results from chemical analysis showed that dry matter (DM) of BS was higher than BP (P < 0.05), whereas the protein content of BS and BP was similar (P > 0.05). For fermentation characteristics, pH in BP was lower than BS (P < 0.05); in addition, acetic and butyric acids in BS were higher than BP (P < 0.05). Findings from growth trial showed that total DM intake in steers fed T1 was higher compared to the other dietary treatments (P < 0.05), whereas the average BW gain was found to be grater in T3 steers (P < 0.05). As result from our findings, bagasse–vinasse mixture with pineapple peel silage appeared to be a viable feed ingredient in fattening steer diet and moreover it could become an economically feasible agro-industrial by-product for farmers.     

The effect of adding zinc to vitamin A on IGF-1, bone age and linear growth in stunted children

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A with daily zinc supplementation was conducted with children in Mojo village, Surabaya City. Children aged 48 to 60 months were randomized to receive a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A plus zinc sulfate (n = 12) or a single dose of 200,000 I.U. of vitamin A (n = 12) plus placebo six days a week for six months. Children were evaluated weekly for nutrient intake and for IGF-1, C-reactive protein levels, gamma globulin levels, serum zinc, serum retinol, bone age and the index height for age at six months.At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in the serum retinol level (p < 0.03), serum zinc level (p < 0.03), IGF-1 hormone (p < 0.04) and Z-score height for age (p < 0.001), bone age (p < 0.01), and gamma globulin level (p < 0.04) and a significant decrease in the amount of infection/inflammation measured by CRP level (p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between CRP level and height for age (p < 0.01), and between gamma level and height for age (p < 0.01).These results suggest that combined vitamin A and zinc supplementation reduces the risk of infection and increases linear growth among children, and thus may play a key role in controlling infection and stunted growth for children under five years old.     

Influence of undegraded intake protein on intake,digestion, serum hormones and metabolites,and nitrogen balance in sheep

In Exp. 1, 20 ewes of mixed breeding were fed grass hay : straw mixtures, assigned to one of four supplemental treatments and evaluated during six collection periods. Supplemental treatments were control (no supplement), and low, medium, and high levels (5.2%, 22.1%, and 41.3% of DM, respectively) of undegraded intake protein (UIP). Supplements were formulated to be similar in degraded intake protein (DIP; 21%). Digestibilities of DM, OM, and CP were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation and in medium and high compared with low UIP supplemented ewes. Digestibility of CP also was increased (P < 0.10) in ewes on high compared with medium treatments. Serum insulin was not influenced (P > 0.10) by UIP treatment, except in collection period four. In contrast, serum glucose and growth hormone were not influenced (P > 0.10) by UIP treatment. In Exp. 2, four wether lambs fed the same treatments as in Exp. 1, were used in two 4 × 4 Latin squares trials. In trial 1 lambs received a grass hay diet (6.7% CP) and in trial 2 lambs were fed 40 : 60 blend (6.6% CP) of grass hay and spring wheat straw. In both trials, N intake, urinary N, N digestion, apparent N absorption, and N retention were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation. In addition, in trial 1, urinary N, N digestion, and apparent N absorption were increased (P < 0.10) in medium and high compared with low UIP and also in high compared with medium UIP treatments. In trial 2 of Exp. 2, total feed intake (g/kg BW), digestibility of DM and OM, BW, and fecal N were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation. Organic matter digestion, BW, N intake, and N retention were increased by medium and high compared with low UIP. Fecal N, BW, N intake, and N retention were increased (P < 0.10) in high compared with medium UIP. These data indicate that increasing levels of UIP supplementation increases DM, OM, and CP (N) digestibility, serum urea N concentration, and N retention in sheep fed low quality forage.     

Nutrient composition,digestion and rumen fermentation in sheep of wheat straw treated with calcium oxide,sodium hydroxide and alkaline hydrogen peroxide

This study tested the effect of calcium oxide (CaO), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and NaOH plus hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂; AHP) on cell wall composition, digestion and fermentation of wheat straw (straw) in sheep. Treated straws were prepared by mixing straw either with water followed by dusting with CaO at 160 g kg⁻¹ DM or with a NaOH solution alone at 3 l kg⁻¹ DM to supply 80 g NaOH kg⁻¹ DM (Na) or pre-soaked with Na exactly as in the previous treatment for 27 h followed by mixing with 130 g H₂O₂ kg⁻¹ DM (AHP) for 6 h. After 14 days of storage, the treated straws and an untreated straw (U) were fed automatically every 2 h to four individually housed sheep together with a supplement in a 4×4 latin square experiment. Each kilogram supplement DM contained 422 g CP and 10.8 MJ ME. NDF (p<0.001) and hemicellulose (p<0.01) contents were significantly reduced whereas cellulose was increased (p<0.001) in treated compared to untreated straw. ADL was reduced in Ca (p<0.05) but increased (p<0.05) in Na and AHP compared with U. The rumen and total tract digestibility were significantly (p<0.001) greater in sheep fed treated compared with untreated straw. Significant differences (p<0.05) between treatments for pH, NH₃ and VFA were also observed. All treatments improved the nutritive value of straws compared with untreated through modification of cell wall with a subsequent increase in digestibility by sheep. Although the digestibility for Ca was lower than that for Na despite reduction in cell wall, its use to treat straws may be more safe and cost effective than Na. AHP was the most effective and could also improve the energy value of other low quality forages for ruminants. However, the need of AHP for a large amount of NaOH to achieve highly alkaline pH limits its farm scale application. Therefore, further studies should either consider reducing the amount of NaOH or finding alternative alkalis that are cost effective and user-friendly.     

Interaction of dietary zinc and growth implants on weight gain,carcass traits and zinc in tissues of growing beef steers and heifers

In two separate studies, 60 beef heifers (379 kg BW) and 60 beef steers (348 kg BW) were randomly assigned to six treatments in 2×3 factorial arrangements. The treatments were with or without Synovex^® implants combined with either a control diet or diets supplemented with 200 ppm Zn from ZnSO₄ or zinc methionine (Zn-Met). Near the mid-point of the feeding periods, cattle were vaccinated with a modified live virus and subsequent titers and concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured. Liver and blood samples were obtained 1 week prior to the start of the experiments and at intervals during the experiments. In experiment 1, average daily gains of beef heifers were (P<0.05) affected by the interaction of implant and source of dietary Zn. Compared to control and ZnSO₄ treatments, supplementation with Zn-Met increased (P<0.05) the concentration of Zn in serum. Antibody titers and concentrations of IgG in serum were highest (P<0.05) in heifers fed ZnSO₄ compared to heifers fed the control or Zn-Met supplemented diets. The Synovex-H^® implant reduced the concentrations of Zn and Cu in liver. In experiment 2, Synovex-S^® implants improved (P<0.05) weight gains of steers supplemented with 200 ppm dietary Zn from ZnSO₄ compared to non-implanted steers. However, the implant had no effect when Zn-Met was the dietary Zn source. The implant increased (P<0.05) concentrations of Zn in liver of steers supplemented with 200 ppm dietary Zn and reduced Zn in liver of steers fed the control diet. Implanted steers had higher (P<0.05) Cu status and IgG concentrations in serum than non-implanted steers. Steers supplemented with either ZnSO₄ or Zn-Met had greater (P<0.05) concentrations of Zn in liver and plasma than steers fed the control diet. These results indicate both the level and source of Zn supplementation in diets of feedlot cattle affect their response to growth implants.     

Expression of orexin receptors 1 (OX1R) and 2 (OX2R) in the porcine pituitary during the oestrous cycle

Orexin A and B, also termed hypocretin 1 and 2, are associated with the stimulation of food intake and arousal. The biological actions of the hormones are mediated via two distinct G protein-coupled receptors, termed orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) and orexin receptor 2 (OX2R). OX1R is selective for orexin A and OX2R binds orexin A and orexin B with similar affinity. The present study analyzed mRNA and protein expressions of OX1R and OX2R in adenohypophysis (AP) and neurohypophysis (NP) of cycling pigs. The tissue samples were harvested on days 2–3, 10–12, 14–16, and 17–19 of the oestrous cycle. Using quantitative real-time PCR higher OX1R gene expression was detected in AP on days 2–3 relative to days 10–12, 14–16 and 17–19 (p < 0.05). In NP the OX1R mRNA level was elevated on days 10–12 compared to the remaining stages (p < 0.05). OX2R gene expression in AP was the lowest on days 10–12 (p < 0.05 compared to days 2–3 and 17–19) and the expression peak occurred on days 17–19 (p < 0.05 vs. the all studied stages). In NP the highest (p < 0.05) expression of OX2R mRNA was noted on days 17–19 in relation to the remaining periods. OX1R protein content in AP was greatest on days 10–12 (p < 0.05), whereas in NP it was greatest on days 2–3 and 14–16 (p < 0.05 vs. days 10–12 and 17–19). In both cases the lowest OX1R protein expression was observed during follicular phase (p < 0.05 in relation to three remaining studied stages). OX2R protein in AP was lower (p < 0.05) on days 2–3 and 14–16 compared to days 10–12 and 17–19. In NP the lowest (p < 0.05) expression of this protein was on days 17–19 and the highest on days 10–12 (p < 0.05 compared to days 2–3 and 17–19). In summary, the present findings provide the first evidence that OX1R and OX2R mRNAs and proteins occur in the pituitary of the pig and indicate the dependence of orexin receptor expression on the endocrine reproductive state.     

Effect of individual and mixed live yeast culture feeding on growth performance,nutrient utilization and microbial crude protein synthesis in lambs

This study investigated effects of feeding three individual, and a mixed, yeast culture (Kluyveromyces marximanus NRRL3234, Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC42, Saccharomyces uvarum ATCC9080 all in a 1:1:1, ratio) on growth performance, nutrient utilization and microbial crude protein (CP) synthesis in feedlot lambs during the post-weaning phase of growth. Sixty weaner lambs (90 ± 3.5 d old and 15.9 ± 0.50 kg BW) were fed for 91 d in five equal groups. The control group of lambs received sterilized culture medium while the treatment groups were fed a yeast culture in addition to a ad libitum total mixed ration (TMR). The yeast culture, dosed at 1 ml/kg body weight (BW) had 1.5–2.0 × 10⁹ live cells/ml. Yeast culture supplementation did not influence intake and digestibility of organic matter (OM), CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and hemicellulose and the metabolizable energy (ME) level of the diets were similar between control and yeast supplemented lambs. Lambs in all groups were in positive N balance, but N intake and N voided in feces and urine, as well as N balance, did not change due to yeast culture supplementation. Urinary allantoin excretion was similar, but purine derivatives absorbed (mM/d) were higher (P<0.05) in yeast culture supplemented lambs. Yeast culture supplementation improved (P<0.05) microbial CP synthesis. Supplementation of SC and mixed yeast improved (P=0.002) BW gain of lambs by 21% and 16% respectively. All yeast culture supplemented lambs had higher feed efficiency in comparison to control lambs. Among the three yeast cultures used, S. cerevisiae had the most potential as a growth promoting feed additive in feedlot lamb production, and it may serve as an alternate to antibiotics and ionophores as a growth promoter of weaner lambs.     

Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg cytokine imbalance in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients: Correlation with disease activity

AimImbalance of T-helper-cell (TH) subsets (TH1/TH2/TH17) and regulatory T-cells (Tregs) is suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, we evaluated their cytokine secretion profile in SLE patients and their possible association with disease activity.MethodsSixty SLE patients, 24 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 24 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, disease activity and serological data were prospectively assessed. Plasma cytokines levels of TH1 (IL-12, IFN-γ), TH2 (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10), TH17 (IL-17, IL-23) and Treg (IL-10 and TGF-β) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).ResultsSLE patients were found to have significantly higher levels of IL-17 (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.01), IL-12 (p < 0.001) and IL-10 (p < 0.05) but comparable levels of IL-23 and IL-4 and slight reduction (but statistically insignificant) of TGF-β levels compared to controls. IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 were significantly increased (p < 0.05) with disease activity. The RA group exhibited significantly higher levels of plasma IL-4 (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.05), IL-17 (p < 0.001), IL-23 (p < 0.01) and TGF-β (p < 0.5) and lower IFN-γ (p < 0.001) and IL-10 (p < 0.01) than those of healthy subjects.ConclusionOur study showed a distinct profile of cytokine imbalance in SLE patients. Reduction in IFN-γ (TH1) and TGF-β1 (Treg) with the elevation in IL-6 and IL-17 (TH17) could imply skewing of T-cells toward TH17 cells. Breaking TH17/Treg balance in peripheral blood may play an important role in the development of SLE and could be responsible for an increased pro-inflammatory response especially in the active form of the disease.     

Associations of body mass index with cancer incidence among populations,genders, and menopausal status: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In order to further reveal the differences of association between body mass index (BMI) and cancer incidence across populations, genders, and menopausal status, we performed comprehensive meta-analysis with eligible citations. The risk ratio (RR) of incidence at 10 different cancer sites (per 5 kg/m² increase in BMI) were quantified separately by employing generalized least-squares to estimate trends, and combined by meta-analyses. We observed significantly stronger association between increased BMI and breast cancer incidence in the Asia⿿Pacific group (RR 1.18:1.11⿿1.26) than in European⿿Australian (1.05:1.00⿿1.09) and North-American group (1.06:1.03⿿1.08) (meta-regression p < 0.05). No association between increased BMI and pancreatic cancer incidence (0.94:0.71⿿1.24) was shown in the Asia⿿Pacific group (meta-regression p < 0.05), whereas positive associations were found in other two groups. A significantly higher RR in men was found for colorectal cancer in comparison with women (meta-regression p < 0.05). Compared with postmenopausal women, premenopausal women displayed significantly higher RR for ovarian cancer (pre- vs. post- = 1.10 vs. 1.01, meta-regression p < 0.05), but lower RR for breast cancer (pre- vs. post- = 0.99 vs. 1.11, meta-regression p < 0.0001). Our results indicate that overweight or obesity is a strong risk factor of cancer incidence at several cancer sites. Genders, populations, and menopausal status are important factors effecting the association between obesity and cancer incidence for certain cancer types.     

Berberine in combination with doxorubicin suppresses growth of murine melanoma B16F10 cells in culture and xenograft

Melanoma is very aggressive and major cause of mortality due to skin cancer. Herein, we studied the anticancer effects of berberine, a plant alkaloid, in combination with doxorubicin on murine melanoma B16F10 cells in vitro and in vivo. This drug combination strongly inhibited cell growth and induced cell death, and caused G2/M arrest in cell cycle together with a decrease in Kip1/p27. Berberine showed stronger inhibitory effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation as compared to Akt phosphorylation, whereas the combination of the drugs showed greater inhibitory effect on Akt phosphorylation. In murine B16F10 xenograft, cells were implanted into mice and treated with vehicle (methyl cellulose) or berberine (100 mg/kg of body weight/day by oral gavage) or doxorubicin (4 mg/kg of body weight/week by intraperitoneal injection) or combination of berberine and doxorubicin. Berberine alone did not show any considerable effect on tumor growth as observed with doxorubicin, however, the combination of the two drugs resulted in a significant and strong decrease in tumor volume (85%, p < 0.005) and tumor weight (78%, p < 0.05) as compared to control. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor samples showed that drug combination decreased PCNA-positive cells (82%, p < 0.001) and increased cleaved caspase-3 positive cells (3-fold, p < 0.05) indicating inhibition of proliferation and an increase in apoptosis, respectively. Overall, our findings suggest that berberine and doxorubicin could be a novel combination to inhibit melanoma tumor growth.     

Effect of corticosterone on growth and welfare of broiler chickens showing long or short tonic immobility

Tonic immobility (TI) test is commonly used to assess fear. Animals showing different TI durations demonstrate distinct behavior and biochemical responses to stress. However, less is known about how TI phenotype affects growth and welfare of domestic fowl. In this study, broiler chickens (Gallus gallus) were classified into short and long TI duration (STI and LTI) phenotypes and treated chronically with vehicle (CON) or corticosterone (CORT). STI broilers demonstrated significantly higher growth rate with higher breast muscle yield (P < 0.05) and liver weight relative to BW tended to be lower (P = 0.053), which was accompanied by higher serum concentration of CORT (P < 0.05) and uric acid (P < 0.01), but lower serum level of T4 (P = 0.01). CORT severely reduced body weight, as well as the relative weight of muscle, bursa of Fabricius and spleen (P < 0.001), but relative liver weight was increased (P < 0.001). CORT-treated chickens had reduced serum CORT, elevated heterophile/lymphocyte ratio, and increased serum levels of total and free T3. STI broilers displayed more preening behavior (P < 0.05), yet CORT elicited more walking behavior (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in the welfare assessment scores between STI and LTI phenotypes under basal situation, while LTI chickens showed significantly increased incidence of pad dermatitis compared to STI under CORT exposure. The results suggest that STI broilers demonstrate better growth performance and higher adaptability to stress compared to LTI chickens.     

IL28B gene polymorphisms and Th1/Th2 cytokine levels might be associated with HTLV-associated arthropathy

The present study is the first investigation of the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs – rs8099917, rs12979860 and rs8103142) of the IL28B gene and the development of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-associated arthropathy (HAA). Individuals with HAA exhibited low interleukin (IL) 6 (p < 0.05) and high IL-10 (p < 0.05) levels compared with asymptomatic patients. TNF-α/CD4⁺ T cell count, TNF-α/CD8⁺ T cell count and IFN-γ/proviral load positively correlated in asymptomatic patients. The allelic and genotypic frequencies did not differ between patients with HAA and asymptomatic patients. Seven haplotypes were detected in the investigated population, with haplotype CCT (p < 0.05) being the most frequent among the HTLV-infected individuals, while haplotype TTG (p < 0.05) was detected in the group with HAA only. Compared with asymptomatic patients, individuals with HAA and genotype TT (rs8099917) exhibited larger numbers of CD8⁺ T cells (p < 0.05) and higher proviral load levels (p < 0.05). Those patients with HAA and genotypes CC (rs12979860) and TT (rs8103142) exhibited high TNF-β (p < 0.05) and IFN-γ (p < 0.05) levels. Those patients with HAA and genotype CT/TT (rs12979860) exhibited high IL-10 levels (p < 0.05). These results suggest that haplotypes CCT and TTG might be associated with susceptibility to HTLV infection and progression to HAA, respectively. Genotype TT (rs8099917) might be a risk factor for elevation of the proviral load and CD8⁺ T cell count. In addition, genotypes CC (rs12979860) and TT (rs8103142) seem to be associated with increased TNF-β and IFN-γ levels.