Geographic variation in blood plasma protein concentrations of young herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and Caspian terns (Sterna caspia) from the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg

Relative and total amounts of plasma protein fractions are affected by infections, inflammation, and nutritional and physiological status, and are therefore important health indicators in free-living animals. Our objectives were: (1) to examine intercolony differences in plasma protein fractions in prefledgling gulls and terns; (2) to investigate relationships between plasma proteins and other physiological measures such as weight loss, growth, and immune function; and (3) to examine potential associations between organochlorine exposure and plasma proteins. During 1992, blood was collected from 3-week-old herring gull (Larus argentatus) chicks from six sites on Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Winnipeg and from 3-week-old Caspian tern (Sterna caspia) chicks from five sites on Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Ontario. These sites provided a wide gradient of organochlorine contamination. Plasma proteins were separated by high-resolution agarose gel electrophoresis and stained with Coomassie brilliant blue dye. Six major fractions were quantified: prealbumin, albumin, α-globulins, β₁-globulins, β₂-globulins, and γ-globulins. Total protein, prealbumin, albumin, and γ-globulin concentrations and the albumin/globulin ratio did not differ among sites. Total protein, albumin, and the albumin/globulin ratio were not decreased in birds experiencing food stress or weight loss. Intersite differences were found in α- and β-globulins. In gulls, β₂-globulins were positively associated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ether (DDE). In terns, PCBs were negatively associated with α-globulins and positively associated with β₁-globulins. Additional research is needed to identify individual proteins and elucidate causal relationships between the particular protein concentrations and factors such as contaminants, growth, and condition.     

A study op endogenous N-cholylglycine distribution among serum proteins using radioimmunoassay

The amount of N-cholylglycine endogenously associated with the various protein fractions was assessed in serum of patients with hepatobiliary obstruction using a sensitive radioimmunoassay. In contrast to evidence obtained with cholate, the albumin fraction separated by electrophoresis was found to contain only 2.6% of the total N-cholylglycine, while the α₂ region had 64% associated with it. The serum β-lipoprotein isolated by anionic precipitation also contained significant quantities of the conjugated bile acid, the amount in this fraction being greater in the serum of hyperlipidemic subjects. The results suggest that despite accounting for some 63% of the total serum protein, albumin is not the major carrier of endogenous N-cholylglycine in the circulation.     

The Electrophoretical Determination of Serum Protein Fractions in Lycopene Treated Experimental Diabetic Rats

This study was planned to determine the effects of lycopene treatment on serum protein fractions in experimental diabetic rats. In order to induce diabetes in rats in the diabetes (D) and diabetes + lycopene (DL) groups, rats were given 45 mg/kg single-dose streptozotocin intraperitoneally. Lycopene (10 mg/kg/day dissolved in sunflower oil) was administered to the rats in the lycopene-only (L) and DL groups. Blood glucose levels and HbA1c% in DL group and diabetes group increased (p < 0.05) compared to control and L group. Total protein, albumin, α₁, α₂, and β globulin fractions of diabetic and DL groups were lower than control and L groups (p < 0.05). D group had lowest gamma (γ) globulin levels among other groups (p < 0.05). The γ globulin levels was slightly increased than diabetic groups (D and DL), but it was still lower than control and L groups (p < 0.05). The highest value of A/G ratio was observed in diabetic group. Similarly, the % level of A/G ratio of D group was higher than other groups. It was noted that the A/G ratio decreased and reached to control group levels after lycopene treatment.     

Plasma Protein Profile of Lactating Women from Two Primary Health Centers in Jakarta,Indonesia

Background:Plasma protein profile test is a potential laboratory method to assess nutritional status especially albumin and globulins levels which reflects protein adequacy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate plasma protein profile of lactating women from two primary health centers in Jakarta.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted involving lactating women attending routine maternal examinations in two public primary health centers in Jakarta, Indonesia. The mother’s plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, and immunoglobulin levels were measured.Results:Sixty lactating women were recruited, mostly were 28 years old, slightly overweight, bearing two children, and their recent children were 2 months old. The mean total protein level was 8.13 g/dl, albumin 5.00 g/dl, globulin 3.18 g/dl, albumin: globulin ratio 1.558, mean total IgG level of 1255.98 and mean total IgM level of 135.819. All the measured plasma protein parameters were shown to be not correlated with maternal age, maternal BMI, or maternal parity.DiscussionThe plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, as well as total IgG and IgM level of lactating women in Jakarta were within normal range. These biochemical parameters were shown to be not correlated with anthropometrical data such as maternal age and BMI. The small and relatively homogenous samples were supposed to be the cause of such findings.Conclusion:The plasma protein profile of lactating women in Jakarta was adequate. Further studies are required to evaluate the eligibility of plasma protein profile as biochemical parameter of nutritional status in lactating women.Key Words: Blood protein, lactation, protein, albumin/globulin, immunoglobulin M/G     

Association of Serum Levels of Iron,Copper, and Zinc,and Inflammatory Markers with Bacteriological Sputum Conversion During Tuberculosis Treatment

Iron, copper, and zinc are key micronutrients that play an important role in the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between serum levels of those micronutrients, inflammatory markers, and the smear and culture conversion of M. tuberculosis during 60 days of tuberculosis treatment. Seventy-five male patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (mean age, 40.0?±?10.7 years) were evaluated at baseline and again at 30 and 60 days of tuberculosis treatment. Serum levels of iron, copper, zinc, albumin, globulin, C-reactive protein, and hemoglobin, and smear and cultures for M. tuberculosis in sputum samples were analyzed. Compared to healthy subjects, at baseline, patients with PTB had lower serum iron levels, higher copper levels and copper/zinc ratio, and similar zinc levels. During the tuberculosis treatment, no significant changes in the serum levels of iron, zinc, and copper/zinc were observed. Lower serum copper levels were associated with bacteriological conversion in tuberculosis treatment (tuberculosis-negative) at 30 days but not at 60 days (tuberculosis-positive). C-reactive protein levels and the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio were lower in tuberculosis-negative patients than in tuberculosis-positive patients at 30 and 60 days after treatment. Albumin and hemoglobin levels and the albumin/globulin ratio in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis increased during the study period, regardless of the bacteriological results. High serum globulin levels did not change among pulmonary tuberculosis patients during the study. Serum copper levels and the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio may be important parameters to evaluate the persistence of non-conversion after 60 days of tuberculosis treatment, and they may serve as predictors for relapse after successful treatment.     

Steroid-protein interactions. Fluorescence quenching of progesterone-binding globulin and alpha1-acid glycoprotein upon binding of steroids.

The influence of progesterone and four other steroids on the intrinsic fluorescence of progesterone-binding globulin was investigated. The corresponding effect of progesterone on α₁-acid glycoprotein was also studied. The intrinsic fluorescence of the progesterone-binding globulin and of α₁-acid glycoprotein was quenched by about 60 and 17%, respectively, upon forming stoichiometric complexes with progesterone. Graphical analysis of fluorescence quenching titrations with progesterone gave affinity constants at 23 °C of 2 × 10⁹m^?1 for progesterone-binding globulin and 1 × 10⁶m^?1 for α₁-acid glycoprotein. With progesterone-binding globulin, affinity constants of 1 × 10⁹m^?1 were determined for desoxycorticosterone, 1 × 10⁸m^?1 for testosterone, and 2 × 10⁶m^?1 for cortisol. The fluorescence quenching of PBG by 5-pregnen-3β-ol-20-one, 5α-pregnanedione, and 5β-pregnanedione, steroids lacking the Δ⁴-3-keto grouping, was too small to be evaluated; however, binding of the pregnanediones to progesterone-binding globulins was demonstrated when the progesterone-progesterone-binding globulin complex was “unquenched” as a result of competitive displacement of progesterone by addition of the pregnanediones. The quenching phenomenon is assumed to be mainly due to radiationless transfer from protein to the near uv (n → π1) absorption band of steroids containing the Δ⁴-3-keto chromophore.     

INHIBITORY AND ANTI-INHIBITORY FACTORS OF RAT SERUM ACTIVE ON THE G1-S TRANSITION OF HEPATOCYTE CELL CYCLE

Rat hepatocytes are responsive to a serum factor inhibiting their progression through the cell cycle from the late G₁ phase to the S phase. After fractionation of normal adult rat serum by two chromatographic steps on DEAE cellulose and sephadex gel filtration, the inhibitory activity was linked to proteins having a high electronegative charge and of apparent high molecular weight. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of active fraction showed that the α₁ macroglobulin was its main component. Male and female baby rats were sensitive to the inhibitory factor from normal rats. Contrary to the normal adult rat serum the whole hepatectomized adult rat serum did not exhibit any inhibitory activity on the G₁-S transition. However, two components having antagonist activities: an α₁ globulin and a γ globulin, were separated by chromatographic procedures from hepatectomized rat serum.

• a. The α₁ globulin showed an inhibitory activity. It had an apparent molecular weight lower than that found in normal rats. Its activity was sex related: only male baby rats were responsive.
• b. The factor present in the γ globulin fraction was found to be antagonistic to the α₁ globulin factor. Its occurrence after hepatectomy explains the absence of inhibitory activity in the serum of hepatectomized rats.

     

埋植雌二醇对养殖中华鲟雌性幼鱼血清生理指标的影响

用硅橡胶作载体,将剂量30 mg/kg的雌二醇(estradiol)埋植入人工养殖11龄、平均体重46.00 kg的雌性中华鲟(Acipenser sinensis)的背部肌肉内。埋植前及埋植后的第30、120、200天从尾部取血,测定血清中总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白、甘油三酯、总胆固醇、血糖和卵黄蛋白原的含量。结果显示,与对照组相比,除血糖含量无显著变化外,实验组鱼血清中总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白、甘油三酯、总胆固醇和卵黄蛋白原的含量显著升高。此结果为进一步探索外源物质促进中华鲟卵巢发育的可能途径奠定前期基础。     

Serum and urine biochemical indicators of nutritional status in adult female collared peccaries,Tayassu tajacu (tayassuidae)

• 1.1. Physiological responses of 13 adult female collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) to high quality and low quality diets, fed for 15 weeks, were examined. The low quality diet simulated energy and protein intake of peccaries during poor range conditions resulting from drought. Blood samples were collected after 10 and 15 weeks of dietary treatment; urine samples were collected after 15 weeks of treatment.
• 2.2. Females receiving the low quality diet for 15 weeks lost 27.4% of their original body weight, compared to no weight change among high quality-fed females.
• 3.3. Red blood cell counts, hematocrits, and hemoglobin concentrations were significantly greater among females fed a high quality diet compared to those receiving a low quality diet. High quality-fed females also had a higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was nearly twice as great among females receiving the low quality diet compared to the high quality group.
• 4.4. Consumption of the low quality diet resulted in significantly elevated serum levels of nonesterified fatty acids, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, alpha-2 globulin and alpha globulin: beta globulin ratio.
• 5.5. Consumption of the low quality diet resulted in significantly lowered serum levels of urea nitrogen, calcium, zinc, calcium: phosphorus, urea index, beta-1 flobulin, beta globulin: albumin ratio, thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
• 6.6. Serum levels ofcreatinine, total bilirubin, glucose, cholesterol, gamma glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, copper, magnesium, sodium chloride, total protein and gamma globulin were unaffected by diet quality.
• 7.7. Urine chemistry results suggested pH, osmolarity, albumin, creatinine phosphokinase, calcium and phosphorus concentrations might be useful indices for assessing nutritional status in female peccaries.

     

Effect of short‐term (0–72 h) fasting on serum biochemical characteristics in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of short‐term fasting periods on the serum biochemical characteristics of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. For this purpose, fish were fasted 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h before blood sampling. Thereafter the serum levels of thyroxine (T₄), 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine (T₃), cortisol, glucose, lactate, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin : globulin ration (A : G) were determined. Results show that serum levels of T₄ (4.60–8.77 ng ml^?1), T₃ (7.50–13.3 ng ml^?1), cortisol (7.91–24.5 ng ml^?1), glucose (18.5–80.1 mg dl^?1), lactate (12.7–29.6 mg dl^?1), triglyceride (171–500 mg dl^?1), and cholesterol (321–535 mg dl^?1) were significantly affected by the fasting period. However, there were no significant changes in serum total protein (3.03–3.68 g dl^?1), albumin (1.78–2.01 g dl^?1), globulin (1.15–1.70 g dl^?1) or A : G (1.13–1.93) among the fish fasted 0–72 h. Results clearly show the importance of a fasting period on the serum biochemical properties of rainbow trout. According to the results, 24 h fasting is suggested as a pre‐sampling fasting period in rainbow trout to measure serum levels of T₄, T₃, cortisol, glucose, lactate, triglyceride, and cholesterol. Potential mechanisms related to the changes in biochemical properties are discussed.     

Physiological responses of the adult male collared peccary, Tayassu tajacu (Tayassuidae), to severe dietary restriction

Metabolic and hormonal responses of eight adult male collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) to an ad libitum diet intake, or 25% of an ad libitum intake, were examined. Blood samples for hematological, serum-biochemical and hormonal profiles were collected at three week intervals during the nine week experiment starting 4 August 1983. Males fed on the restricted diet lost an average of 26% of their body weight during the trial, compared to a slight weight gain for those fed ad libitum. Characteristics of the red and white blood cell populations were not influenced by diet intake, with the exception of mean corpuscular volume, which was consistently lower amongst males fed on the restricted diet. Restricted food intake resulted in significantly elevated serum values for urea nitrogen, urea nitrogen:creatinine, urea index, alpha globulin:beta globulin, gamma globulin:albumin, nonesterified fatty acids, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase isozymes (LD1 and LD2). Restricted food intake resulted in significantly lowered serum values for total alpha globulin, alpha-1 globulin, total beta globulin, beta-1 globulin, beta-2 globulin, glucose, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, copper and triiodothyronine. Serum levels of creatinine, total protein, albumin, alpha-2 globulin, uric acid, total bilirubin, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphorus, calcium:phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and thyroxine were unaffected by diet intake level. Semen evaluation indicated spermatogenesis was not affected by dietary restriction despite reductions in scrotal circumference and ejaculate gel volume. Serum testosterone levels were significantly lower among males fed on the restricted diet after nine weeks. These data suggest male libido might be depressed during poor range conditions, while maintenance of spermatogenesis might permit them to take immediate advantage of improved range conditions. Blood analysis of metabolic and hormonal function can provide useful information for predicting the adult male's nutritional and reproductive condition.     

Presence of Ornithine in the Urate-binding α<Subscript>1</Subscript>—<Subscript>2</Subscript>Globulin

THE urate-binding α₁–α₂ globulin has been isolated from human plasma in a highly purified state¹. The protein was purified by DEAE-‘Sephadex’, ammonium sulphate precipitation and semi-preparative Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The urate-binding α₁–α₂ globulin is a rod-shaped glycoprotein, containing 12.1% carbohydrate, with an isoelectric point of 4.6 and a molecular weight of 67,000 ± 4,000. Amino-acid analysis indicated an unknown basic compound which appeared as an extra peak just in front of lysine¹. To identify this compound, high voltage paper electrophoresis has been carried out on a plate electrophoresis apparatus in pyridine-acetate buffer pH 3.5. A spot separated out corresponding to ornithine. Amino-acid analysis on a BC-200 automatic analyser (Bio-Cal Instruments Co., West Germany), with a 54 cm column at 55° C and with 0.35 M sodium citrate buffer, pH 5.28, as elution buffer at a flow-rate of 150 ml./h, showed that ornithine was present. The presence of ornithine in the protein hydrolysate was also verified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry².     

Effects of cyclic AMP on the kinetics of serum protein synthesis in cultured mouse hepatoma cells

The mouse hepatoma cell line, Hepa, was cultured in the presence of either 1 mM N⁶, O^2′-dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt₂cAMP), 0.5 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, or 1 μg/ml cholera toxin. The synthesis and secretion of albumin, α-fetoprotein, and transferrin were elevated above controls by 24 h reaching two- to fourfold stimulations within 72 h. These effects were reversible and were specific for the serum proteins. The stimulation of serum protein synthesis was accompanied by a decrease in the rate of cell proliferation. Protein synthetic parameters were analyzed in Hepa cells 72 h after exposure to N⁶,O^2′-dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The cellular rate of albumin synthesis was increased fourfold and the relative rate of albumin synthesis was increased approximately threefold. N⁶,O^2′-Dibutyryl cyclic AMP did not affect the size distribution of either total Hepa polyribosomes or of albumin-synthesizing polyribosomes. The elongation rate on total mRNA and on albumin mRNA was decreased by approximately 40%. These results indicate that the rate of initiation of total Hepa mRNA and of albumin mRNA also decreased by 40%. The nonspecific nature of the N⁶,O^2′-dibutyryl cyclic AMP effect on Hepa protein synthetic parameters must be due to an alteration in the level of a common substrate, perhaps ATP. The specific threefold increase in the relative rate of albumin synthesis with no alteration in polyribosome sizes requires a threefold increase in the relative amount of functional albumin mRNA in Hepa cells. This prediction was confirmed by cell-free translation of Hepa polyribosomes.     

Immunostimulating effect of triiodothyronine: dietary administration of triiodothyronine in rohu (Labeo rohita) enhances immunity and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection

The immunomodulatory effects of dietary administration of 3,3^′,5‐triiodo‐l ‐thyronine (T₃) at 0, 1, 5 and 10 mg  kg^?1 of diet for 60 days in rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings were studied. Oral administration of T₃ at all dose levels resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher serum T₃ levels, total serum protein and globulin levels, and reduced albumin–globulin ratio (A : G) compared with the control group, whereas feeding of T₃ at 5 and 10 mg kg^?1 diet enhanced the growth and superoxide production by neutrophils. At the end of the 60‐day experimental period the optimum dosage of T₃ appeared to be the 5 mg  kg^?1 diet for rohu fingerlings, resulting in a significantly higher specific antibody titre against formalin‐killed Aeromonas hydrophila and lowering the mortality percentage against the A. hydrophila challenge.     

Experimental infection with Ancylostoma caninum larvae in mice. IV. Serum protein pattern during primary infection.

Serum protein of Swiss albino mice infected with Ancylostoma caninum larvae, were analysed electrophoretically. Twenty mice were infected with a dose of 1000 larvae and the alterations in serum protein during an infection period of 30 days were recorded and compared with uninfected controls. The result showed a significant decrease in albumin and gamma globulin with an increase in beta globulin. There were no significant changes in the alpha-1 and alpha-2 globulins. The total globulins increased and A/G ratio decreased. These changes appeared to be remarkable on the 9th day after infection.     

The Association Between Effective Dose of Magnesium and Mild Compulsive Exercise on Spatial Learning,Memory, and Motor Activity of Adult Male Rats

The relationship of minerals and trace elements with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex. Alterations in their metabolism can be induced by the diseases and their complications. To study the role of trace elements in IBD patients’ serum zinc and copper and their related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), activity were measured in patients with IBD patients as well as in healthy subjects. In addition, the correlation between serum trace element levels, albumin, total protein, urea level, copper/zinc ratio, and disease activity (DA) was determined in these subjects. Serum samples were obtained from 35 patients (19 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 16 Crohn’s disease (CD)) in the active phase of the disease and 30 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of zinc, copper, SOD activity, albumin, total protein, and urea were measured. The results were compared between the two groups using independent Student’s t test in statistical analysis. Serum levels of zinc, SOD activity, albumin, and total protein were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients than controls, while serum urea level was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Copper concentrations did not differ between patients with IBD (mean ± SD, 58.8 ± 20.7 μg/d) and controls (55.57 ± 12.6 μg/d). Decreased levels of zinc and SOD activity are associated with increased inflammatory processes indicating inappropriate antioxidant system in patients with IBD. Additionally, lower levels of albumin and total protein with higher level of urea reflect metabolic problems in liver system.     

Longitudinal studies on serum proteins in man during two years of stay at an altitude of 4,000 m

The sequential changes in serum total protein concentration and in various electrophoretic fractions among lowlanders during two years of stay at high altitude (4,000 m) were determined and compared with that of high altitude natives (Ladakhis). The albumin to globulin ratio decreased during the early period of exposure to altitude among lowlanders and continued to remain at that level with minor fluctuations during the entire period of stay at altitude. Among the high altitude natives, a decreased albumin to globulin ratio with low serum protein concentration was observed. The composition of globulins separated electro-phoretically was of similar pattern in altitude natives and in lowlanders after a stay of two years at altitude. Among these subjects the-globulin was significantly higher as compared to values at sea level.     

The Metabolism of Serum Proteins in Neonatal Rabbits

1. Incorporation of S³⁵-labeled amino acids into serum proteins has been studied in neonatal and developing rabbits. It was found that, per unit weight, neonatal rabbits synthesized only about 1/36 of the gamma globulin, 1/7 of the beta globulin, ½ of the alpha globulin, and ⅛ of the albumin that an adult synthesized. The growing rabbit developed the ability to synthesize various serum proteins at different times. 2. Plasma volumes and serum protein concentrations were determined at different times during the growth period of the rabbit. Plasma volumes were found to be 1 and ½ times larger in newborn animals than in adults, with a gradual decline to the adult level. The total serum protein concentration at birth was about 60 to 65 per cent of the adult value and gradually increased with growth as the plasma volume decreased. 3. Half-lives of homologous albumin and gamma globulin were studied. The half-life of albumin in neonates was nearly twice as long as the half-life in adults, the latter value being reached at 1 month of age. The half-life of gamma globulin in neonates was more than twice as long as the half-life in adults and reached adult values at 2 to 3 months. 4. Attempts were made to alter serum protein metabolism. Gamma globulin synthesis early in life was augmented with antigen injections.     

Influence of dietary culture material containing aflatoxin and T<Subscript>2</Subscript> toxin on certain serum biochemical constituents in Japanese quail

Forty newly hatched unsexed Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks were fed diets containing 3 ppm aflatoxin (AF) and 4 ppm T₂ toxin either singly and in combination for 35 days. Sera samples were collected from six birds in each group at the end of the trial to study the effect of certain serum biochemical parameters. Highly significant (P < 0.01) differences were observed for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) between control and toxin treated groups. Toxin treated groups did not reveal any significant difference for serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. There was a reduction in the levels of serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, ALT and elevation of AST and GGT and variable ALP levels observed in toxin treated groups. Forms part of M.V.Sc. thesis of first author approved by the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600 051, India.