Effect of immunological stress to neuroendocrine and gene expression in different swine breeds

Immunological stress is the status of animal in active immune when they are challenged by bacterial, virus and endocrine. It is associated with immunological, neurological, and endocrinological response. An immunological stress model was established in this study using Chinese indigenous breed (Laiwu), crossbred (Lulai), and exotic breed (Yorkshire), to explore the capacity of immunological stress resistance among different breeds. The study was also to reveal the effect of chromium yeast to immunological stress. 48 post-weaning piglets were taken from three breeds, 16 piglets of each breed from Laiwu, Lulai and Yorkshire. The experiment was designed as 2 × 2 factors, immunological stress (Saline, LPS) and Chromium (with Cr, without Cr). There were four treatments: control, LPS, Cr, and Cr+LPS. Blood parameters related to immunological stress, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, GH, and cortisol, were examined after blood sample were taken at 0, 2, 5, and 7 h of post-injection. The results showed that IL-1β, TNF-α, and cortisol increased in group of LPS treatment while GH declined at 2 h of post-injection in comparison to the control (p < 0.01). However, IL-1β, TNF-α, and cortisol in group of Cr+LPS were lower than that in group of LPS while GH were higher (p < 0.05). Total RNA was extractedfrom blood lymphocytes separation samples at 2 h of post-injection. Q-PCR was applied to determine the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. The results showed that LPS injection increased the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Among three breeds, the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in Yorkshire were significantly higher than in Laiwu and Lulai (p < 0.05), but there was no difference between Laiwu and Lulai. Among four treatments, the expression of three genes in group of LPS was the highest, compared to the group of Cr+LPS (p < 0.05) and control (p < 0.01). This study concluded that Laiwu had stronger capacity of immunological stress resistance and next was Lulai among three breeds. Chromium yeast helped piglets relieve immunological stress.     

Assessment of Chromium Content of Feedstuffs, Their Estimated Requirement, and Effects of Dietary Chromium Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization, Growth Performance, and Mineral Balance in Summer-Exposed Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis)

This study was conducted to determine the chromium content of different feedstuffs, their estimated requirement, and effect of dietary Cr supplementation on nutrient intake, nutrient utilization, growth performance, and mineral balance in buffalo calves during summer season. Levels of Cr was higher in cultivated fodder, moderate in cakes and cereal grains, while straw, grasses, and non-conventional feeds were poor in Cr content. To test the effect of Cr supplementation in buffalo calves, 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ppm of inorganic Cr were fed to 24 buffalo calves. Buffalo calves were randomly assigned to four treatments (n?=?6) and raised for 120 days. A metabolic trial for a period of 7 days was conducted after 3 months of dietary treatments. Blood samples were collected at fortnight interval for plasma mineral estimation. The results suggested that dietary Cr supplementation in summer did not have any affects (P?>?0.05) on feed consumption, growth performance, nitrogen balance, and physiological variables. However, dietary Cr supplementation had significant effect (P?<?0.05) on balance and plasma Cr (ppb) levels without affecting (P?>?0.05) balance and plasma levels of other trace minerals. The estimated Cr requirement of buffalo calves during summer season was calculated to be 0.044 mg/kg body mass and 10.37 ppm per day. In conclusion, dietary Cr supplementation has regardless effect on feed consumption, mass gain, and nutrient utilization in buffalo calves reared under heat stress conditions. However, supplementation of Cr had positive effect on its balance and plasma concentration without interacting with other trace minerals.     

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

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

Effectiveness of Maifanite in Reducing the Detrimental Effects of Cadmium on Growth Performance, Cadmium Residue, Hematological Parameters, Serum Biochemistry, and the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Pigs

This study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of cadmium and to evaluate the effectiveness of maifanite in preventing cadmium-induced adverse effects. Thirty-two crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large white, sex balanced, 17.25?±?0.07 kg average body weight) were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments in a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement, with eight replicates per treatment and one pig per replicate. The dietary treatments included two cadmium (as CdCl₂) doses (0.32 and 30.49 mg/kg) and two maifanite doses (0 and 1 %). The results showed that pigs treated with cadmium decreased their average daily feed intake (P?<?0.05) and increased (P?<?0.05) the feed/gain ratio. Cadmium was found in the tissues of pigs that were fed with cadmium-contaminated diets, but the level of cadmium was much lower when maifanite was added to the cadmium-contaminated diets. Ingestion of diets that were artificially contaminated with cadmium (30.49 mg/kg of cadmium) reduced (P?<?0.05) the number of lymphocytes, the total erythrocyte count, the hemoglobin level, and the hematocrit. However, the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase were increased (P?<?0.05). The total protein level was lower (P?<?0.05) in pigs fed with cadmium-contaminated diets. The contents of malondialdehyde increased (P?<?0.05), while the total antioxidant capacity and the activities of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and catalase decreased (P?<?0.05) in pigs fed with cadmium-contaminated diets. Dietary addition of maifanite can, to some extent, prevent the negative effects associated with feeding cadmium diets (30.49 mg/kg of cadmium) to pigs.     

Lack of Effect of Dietary Chromium Supplementation on Growth Performance and Serum Insulin, Glucose, and Lipoprotein Levels in Broilers Reared Under Heat Stress Condition

This study evaluated the effects of supplemental dietary chromium (Cr) on the performance, carcass traits, and some serum parameters of broilers under a heat stress (23.9 to 37 °C cycling) condition. A total of 150 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) according to a completely randomized design were assigned into five treatment groups. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and each replicate contained ten chicks. Treatments were supplemented with 0 (control), 600, and 1,200 μg kg^?1 Cr in the form of Cr chloride (CrCl₃) and Cr L-methionine from 1 to 49 days of age. Blood samples were collected from two birds in each replicate to determine serum parameters at 35 and 49 days of age. The body mass, feed intake, and conversion ratio were not influenced by dietary Cr (P?>?0.05). Dietary supplementation of Cr from either CrCl₃ or Cr L-methionine caused increased serum concentrations of Cr (P?<?0.05), but had no effect on serum insulin and glucose concentrations at both sampling times (P?>?0.05). Serum triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also not significantly affected (P?>?0.05) by dietary treatments, whereas total cholesterol concentration decreased in chicks fed Cr L-methionine compared to the control (P?<?0.05).     

Effect of Chromium Picolinate Supplementation on Growth Performance and Meat Characteristics of Swine

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental chromium (Cr) in the form of chromium picolinate (CrPic) on swine growth performance, meat quality, and protein deposition in skeletal muscle. Forty-eight piglets were divided into three groups randomly, fed with three different dietary levels of Cr (common basal feedstuff supplemented with a dose of 1.61 μg/g or 3.22 μg/g CrPic, which corresponded to 0.2 and 0.4 μg/g Cr). Results indicated that during the growing period (1–35 days), pigs fed with the diet supplemented with CrPic showed no improvement in body mass, average daily gain (ADG), feed consumption, or feed conversion rate (FCR) (P?>?0.05). During the finishing period, a supplementary dose of 0.2 μg Cr/g improved daily weight gain significantly (P?<?0.05), while the situation had no significance with 0.4 μg Cr/g (P?>?0.05) supplemented. For the entire growing-finishing period, body mass increased by 3.86%, ADG rose by 6.08%, and the FCR decreased by 3.30%; levels of total muscular pigment and that in the ribeye areas significantly improved (P?<?0.05) when supplementation with 0.2 μg Cr/g (P?<?0.05) was employed. However, there were no significant changes when supplemented with 0.4 μg Cr/g. While there were no changes in yield of carcass, back fat, water holding capacity, or levels of muscular crude protein and fat (P?>?0.05) in treatment, the ratio of fat-lean and RNA/DNA increased significantly supplemented with 0.2 μg Cr/g (P?<?0.05), but there were no significance with 0.4 μg Cr/g supplementation. In addition, the muscular levels of cholesterol had slightly decreased and the content of DNA in skeletal muscle showed no marked changes with 0.2 or 0.4 μg/g Cr supplementation. In conclusion, the present results suggested that dietary Cr supplementation in the dose of 0.2 μg/g could promote the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and protein deposition.     

The Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Chromium Picolinate throughout Gestation on Productive Performance, Cr Concentration, Serum Parameters, and Colostrum Composition in Sows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental chromium as chromium picolinate (CrPic) on productive performance, chromium (Cr) concentration, serum parameters, and colostrum composition in sows. Thirty Yorkshire sows were bred with semen from a pool of Landrace boars. The sows were equally grouped and treated with either a diet containing 0 (control) or 400 ppb dietary Cr supplementation throughout gestation. The sows received the same basal diet based on corn-DDGS meal. Supplemental CrPic increased (P?<?0.05) the sow body mass gain from the insemination to the day 110 of gestation in sows. No differences (P?>?0.50) were observed in the gestation interval, sow mass, and backfat at insemination, after farrowing, at weaning and lactation loss. The number of piglets born alive, piglets per litter at weaning, and litter weaned mass were increased (P?<?0.05) for those supplemented with CrPic compared with the control. However, the total number of piglets born, total born litter mass, average piglet birth body mass, born alive litter mass, and average born alive piglet mass did not differ among the treatments (P?>?0.05). The placental masses of sows were similar among treatments (P?>?0.05). Dietary supplementation with CrPic throughout gestation in sows showed increased (P?<?0.01) concentration of Cr in the colostrum or serum at days 70 and 110. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with CrPic throughout gestation in sows decreased (P?<?0.05) the serum insulin concentration, the glucose or serum urea nitrogen concentration at days 70 and 110. However, no differences (P?>?0.05) were observed in total protein concentration among treatments. No differences (P?>?0.05) were observed in total solids, protein, fat or lactose among sows fed the diets supplemented with CrPic compared with the control. This exciting finding provides evidence for an increase in mass gain and live-born piglets in sows supplemented with CrPic throughout gestation.     

N-acetylcysteine reduces inflammation in the small intestine by regulating redox, EGF and TLR4 signaling

This study determined whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could affect intestinal redox status, proinflammatory cytokines, epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and aquaporin-8 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglet model. Eighteen piglets (35-day-old) were randomly allocated into one of the three treatments (control, LPS and NAC). The control and LPS groups were fed a basal diet, and the NAC group received the basal diet +500 mg/kg NAC. On days 10, 13, and 20 of the trial, the LPS- and NAC-treated piglets received intraperitoneal administration of LPS (100 μg/kg BW), whereas the control group received the same volume of saline. On days 10 and 20, venous blood samples were obtained at 3 h post LPS or saline injection. On day 21 of the trial, piglets were killed to obtain the intestinal mucosa for analysis. Compared with the control group, LPS challenge reduced (P < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in jejunal mucosae, while increasing (P < 0.05) the concentrations of malondialdehyde, H₂O₂, O₂ ^·? and the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione in jejunal mucosae, and concentrations of TNF-α, cortisol, interleukin-6, and prostaglandin E₂ in both plasma and intestinal mucosae. These adverse effects of LPS were attenuated (P < 0.05) by NAC supplementation. Moreover, NAC prevented LPS-induced increases in abundances of intestinal HSP70 and NF-κB p65 proteins and TLR4 mRNA. NAC supplementation enhanced plasma EGF concentration and intestinal EGFR mRNA levels. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary NAC supplementation alleviates LPS-induced intestinal inflammation via regulating redox, EGF, and TLR4 signaling.     

Effects of Chromium Propionate on Egg Production,Egg Quality,Plasma Biochemical Parameters,and Egg Chromium Deposition in Late-Phase Laying Hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium propionate on egg production, egg quality, plasma biochemical parameters and egg chromium deposition in late-phase laying hens. Four hundred thirty-two 60-weeks old laying hens were divided into four groups of 108 birds per group according to egg production. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet adding with 0, 200, 400, and 600 μg/kg chromium as chromium propionate. All laying hens were given feed and water ad libitum for 8 weeks. The addition of 400 μg/kg Cr as chromium propionate increased egg production (P?<?0.01) during the later 4 weeks, but decreased albumen height, yolk color score, and Haugh unit of eggs. Six hundred micrograms per kilogram Cr as chromium propionate supplementation improved shell thickness (P?<?0.05). 200 μg/kg Cr as chromium propionate supplementation decreased the uric acid concentration by 31 % (P?<?0.05). However, supplemental Cr did not affect the egg chromium deposition of hens (P?>?0.05). These data indicated that feeding of late-phase laying hens with chromium propionate could improve egg production, increase eggshell thickness, but do not result in abnormal levels of chromium deposition in eggs.     

Effects of β-glucan extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on humoral and cellular immunity in weaned piglets

Abstract

Twenty-four barrows were used to investigate the effects of β-glucan on immune function in weaned piglets. Pigs (8.09 ± 0.20 kg, 28 d of age) were fed a diet without or with supplemented β-glucan (50 mg/kg feed). All pigs were injected with ovalbumin (OVA) on day 14 to investigate their humoral immune response. On day 28, lymphocytes were isolated from all pigs to determine the effects of β-glucan on cellular immunity of pigs in vitro. Lymphocytes from six pigs of each group were incubated with 16 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) per ml culture medium, the remainder with an equivalent volume of culture medium alone. Samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h after LPS addition for determination of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). On day 31, six pigs of each group were injected with either LPS (25 μg/kg BW) or an equivalent amount of sterile saline. Blood samples were collected at 3 h after LPS injection for analysis of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 in plasma. The results indicated that dietary β-glucan enhanced pig antibody response to OVA only in the first week after injection. In vitro, the increases of IL-6 and TNF-α in culture medium were partially dampened in pigs supplemented with β-glucan when their lymphocytes were incubated with LPS, whereas the increase of IL-10 was potentiated. In vivo, dietary β-glucan attenuated the increase of plasma IL-6 and TNF-α, and enhanced the increase of plasma IL-10 when pigs were challenged with LPS. These results demonstrate that β-glucan can improve the humoral immunity of pigs and modulate cellular immunity of pigs by mitigating the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing the increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines after an immunological challenge.     

Effects of Dietary Chromium (III) Picolinate on Growth Performance,Respiratory Rate,Plasma Variables,and Carcass Traits of Pigs Fed High-Fat Diets

We investigated the effects of supplemental chromium (Cr) as Cr (III) picolinate on pigs fed high-fat diets (HFD) in a 56-day experiment. Thirty-two crossbred pigs (9.6 kg) were allotted to four treatments with four blocks and two pigs/pen. Treatments included: (1) low-fat diet (fat < 3.5%; LFD) with no Cr, (2) HFD (fat > 30%) with no Cr, (3) HFD with 1,000 ppb Cr, and (4) HFD with 2,000 ppb Cr. Pigs fed HFD gained weight faster, consumed less, and had lower feed:gain (p < 0.05). Pigs fed HFD had higher respiration rates than pigs fed LFD on d 41 (p < 0.05). Plasma insulin on d 14 linearly decreased with Cr (p = 0.05). Plasma cholesterol concentrations were higher in the pigs fed HFD than those fed LFD, but were largely unaffected by supplemental Cr. Consumption of HFD resulted in greater carcass weight, perirenal fat, and backfat measures (p < 0.01) compared with the LFD group. Cr resulted in linear reductions of hot carcass weight (p = 0.08) and average backfat (p < 0.05). The effects of Cr on carcass fat measures were more pronounced in castrated males than in females. These results indicate that Cr attenuates some effects of a HFD, mainly body fat accretion of pigs, and especially in castrated pigs.     

Effects of Chromium-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Glucose Transporter 4, Relevant mRNA,and Proteins of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase,Akt2-Kinase,and AMP-Activated Protein Kinase of Skeletal Muscles in Finishing Pigs

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Cr-CNP) on glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), relevant messenger RNA (mRNA), and proteins involved in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt2-kinase, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) of skeletal muscles in finishing pigs. A total of 120 crossbred barrows (BW 65.00 ± 1.26 kg) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments, with three pens per treatment and 10 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0, 100, 200, or 400 μg/kg of Cr from Cr-CNP for 35 days. After the feeding trials, 24 pigs were slaughtered to collect longissimus muscle samples for analysis. Cr-CNP supplementation increased GLUT4 messenger RNA (mRNA) (quadratically, P < 0.01) and total and plasma membrane GLUT4 protein contents (linearly and quadratically, P < 0.001) in skeletal muscles. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) mRNA was decreased linearly (P < 0.001) and quadratically (P < 0.001). Supplemental Cr-CNP increased insulin receptor (InsR) mRNA quadratically (P < 0.01), Akt2 total protein level linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P < 0.001), and PI3K total protein was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in 200 μg/kg treatment group. The mRNA of AMPK subunit gamma-3 (PRKAG3) and protein of AMPKα₁ was significantly increased (P < 0.001) with the addition of Cr-CNP. The results indicate that dietary supplementation of Cr-CNP may promote glucose uptake by leading to recruitment of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane in skeletal muscles, and these actions may be associated with the insulin signal transduction and AMPK.     

Increased circulatory levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and zonulin signify novel biomarkers of proinflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes

Emerging data indicate that gut-derived endotoxin (metabolic endotoxemia) may contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation in insulin-resistant states. Specific gut bacteria seem to serve as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sources and several reports claim a role for increased intestinal permeability in the genesis of metabolic disorders. Therefore, we investigated the serum levels of LPS and zonulin (ZO-1, a marker of gut permeability) along with systemic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to control subjects. Study subjects were recruited from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study [CURES], Chennai, India. Study group (n = 45 each) comprised of a) subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and (b) patients with T2DM. LPS, ZO-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA. Serum levels of LPS [p < 0.05], LPS activity [p < 0.001], ZO-1 [p < 0.001], TNFα [p < 0.001], and IL-6 [p < 0.001] were significantly increased in patients with T2DM compared to control subjects. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that LPS activity was significantly and positively correlated with ZO-1, fasting plasma glucose, 2 h post glucose, HbA1c, serum triglycerides, TNF-α, IL-6, and negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol. Regression analysis showed that increased LPS levels were significantly associated with type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 13.43, 95 % CI 1.998–18.9; p = 0.003]. In Asian Indians who are considered highly insulin resistant, the circulatory LPS levels, LPS activity, and ZO-1 were significantly increased in patients with type 2 diabetes and showed positive correlation with inflammatory markers and poor glycemic/lipid control.     

Blood Metals Concentration in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics

Mechanisms for the onset of diabetes and the development of diabetic complications remain under extensive investigations. One of these mechanisms is abnormal homeostasis of metals, as either deficiency or excess of metals, can contribute to certain diabetic outcomes. Therefore, this paper will report the blood levels of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in subjects with type 1 diabetes (n?=?192, mean age 48.8 years, mean disease duration 20.6 years), type 2 diabetes (n?=?68, mean age 68.4 years, mean disease duration 10.2 years), and in control subjects (n?=?59, mean age 57.2 years), and discuss the results indicating their possible role in diabetes. The metal concentrations were measured by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-induced acid digestion of blood samples. The accuracy was checked using a blood-based certified reference material, and recoveries of all elements were in the range of 92–101 % of certified values. Type 1 diabetes was found to be associated with Cr (p?=?0.02), Mn (p?<?0.001), Ni (p?<?0.001), Pb (p?=?0.02), and Zn (p?<?0.001) deficiency, and type 2 diabetes with Cr (p?=?0.014), Mn (p?<?0.001), and Ni (p?<?0.001) deficiency. These deficiencies were appreciated also subdividing the understudied patients for gender and age groups. Furthermore, in type 1 diabetes, there was a positive correlation between Pb and age (p?<?0.001, ρ?=?0.400) and Pb and BMI (p?<?0.001, ρ?=?0.309), while a negative correlation between Fe and age (p?=?0.002, ρ?=??0.218). In type 2 diabetes, there was a negative correlation between Fe and age (p?=?0.017, ρ?=??0.294) and Fe and BMI (p?=?0.026, ρ?=??0.301). Thus, these elements may play a role in both forms of diabetes and combined mineral supplementations could have beneficial effects.     

Reproductive axis response to repeated lipopolysaccharide administration in peripubertal female rats

Immune system disorders are often accompanied by alterations in the reproductive axis. Several reports have shown that administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has central inflammatory effects and activates cytokine release in the hypothalamus where the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (Gn-RH) neurons are located. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of repeated LPS administration on the neuroendocrine mechanisms of control of the reproductive axis in peripubertal female rats (30-day-old rats). With this aim, LPS (50 μg/kg weight) was administered to the animals during 25, 27 and 29 days of age and sacrificed on 30 day of life. Gn-RH, γ?amino butyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (GLU), two amino acids involved in the regulation of Gn-RH secretion, hypothalamic content were measured. LH and estradiol serum levels were also determined and the day of vaginal opening examined. The results showed a significant increase in Gn-RH and GLU content (p?<?0.0001), shared by a reduction of GABA one (p?<?0.0001). LH and estradiol serum levels were decreased (p?<?0.01, p?<?0.001) and delay in the day of vaginal opening was also observed in treated animals. Present results show that repeated LPS administration impaired reproductive function, modifying the neuroendocrine mechanisms of control of the axis in peripubertal female rats.     

Effect of Organic Selenium Supplementation on Growth, Se Uptake, and Nutrient Utilization in Guinea Pigs

Forty weaned male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) of 152.6?±?7.96 g mean body weight were divided into four equal groups and fed a common basal diet comprised of 25% ground cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) hay, 30% ground maize (Zea mays) grain, 22% ground gram (Cicer arietinum) grain, 9.5% deoiled rice (Oryza sativa) bran, 6% soybean (Glycine max) meal, 6% fish meal, 1.5% mineral mixture (without Se), and ascorbic acid at 200 mg/kg to meet their nutrient requirements along with 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 ppm of organic selenium (Se) in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Experimental feeding lasted for a period of 10 weeks, during which, daily feed intake and weekly body weights were recorded. Intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract as well as uptake of calcium and phosphorus were similar (P?>?0.05) among the four groups. Feed:gain ratio was also similar (P?>?0.05) in the four groups. However, digestibility of crude protein was significantly (P?<?0.001) higher in group II supplemented with 0.1 ppm organic Se as compared to other three group. Intake and absorption of Se was significantly (P?<?0.001) higher in all the Se supplemented groups as compared to control group. Average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P?<?0.05) higher in group II (3.16 g/day) and III (3.38 g/day) as compared to group I (2.88 g/day). However, ADG in group IV (supplemented 0.3 ppm organic Se) was significantly (P?<?0.05) lower (2.83 g/day) than group II and III, but comparable (P?>?0.05) to group I. Findings of the present experiment suggests that Se requirements of guinea pigs are ≥0.2 ppm, as supplementation of 0.1 ppm organic Se in the diet (having 0.1 ppm Se) not only enhanced their growth rate but also improved the protein utilization.     

Glioprotective Effects of Lingonberry Extract Against Altered Cellular Viability,Acetylcholinesterase Activity,and Oxidative Stress in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Astrocytes

Altered astrocytic function is a contributing factor to the development of neurological diseases and neurodegeneration. Berry fruits exert neuroprotective effects by modulating pathways involved in inflammation, neurotransmission, and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the lingonberry extract on cellular viability and oxidative stress in astrocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the reversal protocol, primary astrocytic cultures were first exposed to 1 µg/mL LPS for 3 h and subsequently treated with lingonberry extract (10, 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. In the prevention protocol, exposure to the lingonberry extract was performed before treatment with LPS. In both reversal and prevention protocols, the lingonberry extracts, from 10 to 100 μg/mL, attenuated LPS-induced increase in reactive oxygen species (around 55 and 45%, respectively, P?<?0.01), nitrite levels (around 50 and 45%, respectively, P?<?0.05), and acetylcholinesterase activity (around 45 and 60%, respectively, P?<?0.05) in astrocytic cultures at 24 and 48 h. Also, in both reversal and prevention protocols, the lingonberry extract also prevented and reversed the LPS-induced decreased cellular viability (around 45 and 90%, respectively, P?<?0.05), thiol content (around 55 and 70%, respectively, P?<?0.05), and superoxide dismutase activity (around 50 and 145%, respectively, P?<?0.05), in astrocytes at both 24 and 48 h. Our findings suggested that the lingonberry extract exerted a glioprotective effect through an anti-oxidative mechanism against LPS-induced astrocytic damage.     

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.     

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Fish Scales-Derived Collagen Peptides on Skin Parameters and Condition: A Randomized,Placebo-Controlled,Double-Blind Study

Fish scales-derived collagen peptides (CPs) are characterized by their specific amino acid composition with a high concentration of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids have been known to exert beneficial effects on human skin. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of collagen peptides obtained from fish scales on changes in periorbital wrinkles, facial skin hydration, and skin elasticity in healthy women aged 30–60 years. In the present randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 71 subjects consumed a 20 mL beverage containing 3000 mg of CPs or placebo once per day over 12 weeks. Significant decreases in periorbital wrinkles (p?<?0.05) were observed in the treatment group after 12 weeks of CPs ingestion compared to the control group. This study also demonstrated a consistent trend of enhanced facial skin moisture (p?<?0.001) and skin elasticity (p?<?0.001) by dietary intake of CPs without any side effects or adverse events. These findings indicate that fish-derived CPs hold great promise as a natural supplement with cutaneous anti-aging properties.