Changes in free radicals,trace elements,and neurophysiological function in rats with liver damage induced byD-galactosamine

The changes in trace elements, free radicals, and neurophysiological function were investigated in rats with liver damage induced byd-galactosamine (GalN). The elevated results showed that all the parameters related to free radical metabolism changed after administration of GalN. Relative free radical concentration, malonaldehyde (MDA), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) elevated, but reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased. Concurrently, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium contents in liver were significantly reduced, whereas iron was elevated. In rats with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) owing to fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) induced by a high dosage of GalN, the latencies of VEPs were delayed. Moreover, there is a correlation between Zn content of brain and the latencies of VEPs. The results of this study suggested that lipid peroxidation by free radicals might be responsible for GalN-induced liver damage in which trace elements were involved, and that change in brain Zn might play a role in the neural inhibition of HE owing to FHF.     

微量元素对糖尿病大鼠糖脂代谢的影响

目的观察微量元素铬对糖尿病大鼠糖脂代谢的影响。方法选糖尿病大鼠经灌胃给予有机铬水溶液治疗12周后,分别观察口服有机铬200μg/d及400μg/d的糖尿病大鼠空腹血糖及血脂水平(血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白和高密度脂蛋白)。实验分为4组:1组为正常对照组;2组为铬200μg/d组;3组为铬400μg/d组;4组为糖尿病对照组。结果有机铬具有明显降低血糖、血清总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白和甘油三酯及升高高密度脂蛋白的作用(P0.05~P0.01)。结论有机铬能明显改善糖尿病大鼠的糖脂代谢。     

A synthetic analog of prostaglandin E(1) prevents the production of reactive oxygen species in the intestinal mucosa of methotrexate-treated rats

Administration of methotrexate to rats results in severe enterocolitis and death. Previous our studies showed that a synthetic analog of prostaglandin E(1), OP-1206 [17S, 20-dimethyl-trans-Delta(2)-prostaglandin E(1)] ameliorated the anticancer agent-induced enterocolitis of rats. In the current study, we have focused on the biochemical effect of OP-1206 on the methotrexate-induced intestinal inflammation implicating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methotrexate (15 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats once daily for 5 days. OP-1206 (0.5 microg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats twice a day for 5 days. On the 6th day, the chemiluminescence from the jejunum was measured to evaluate the generation of ROS. Spontaneous chemiluminescence from the jejunum of the methotrexate-treated rats increased significantly, compared with the control. Luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence from inflamed mucosal scrapings from the jejunum of the methotrexate-treated rats indicated more remarkable enhancement than the control rats. The treatment of OP-1206 with methotrexate showed significantly lower chemiluminescence of both the jejunum and mucosal scrapings than those of the methotrexate-treated rats. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, as a marker of small intestinal differentiation, in the intestinal mucosa of the methotrexate-treated rats decreased remarkably, but that of the methotrexate and OP-1206-treated rats was significantly higher than that of the methotrexate-treated rats. Thus, OP-1206 may possibly help the anticancer chemotherapy by protecting the small intestine from the methotrexate-induced damage.     

Correlation between methotrexate-induced intestinal damage and decrease in polyamine content

A synthetic analog of prostaglandin E(1), OP-1206 [17S, 20-dimethyl-trans-Delta(2)-prostaglandin E(1)] protects the small intestine from the methotrexate (MTX)-induced damage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of OP-1206 on the methotrexate-induced small intestinal damage in rats from the biochemical point of view. MTX (15 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats once daily for 5 days. OP-1206 (0.5 microg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats twice a day for 5 days, and on the 6th day biochemical components in the jejunal mucosa of the treated rats were determined. The contents of DNA, RNA, proteins and polyamines (spermine and spermidine) in the jejunal mucosa of rats were markedly decreased by the MTX treatment. The coadministration of OP-1206 with MTX prevented such decreases caused by the MTX treatment. The MTX treatment decreased the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA in the jejunal mucosa, while the coadministration of OP-1206 with MTX prevented it. These results indicated that OP-1206 could protect the intestinal mucosa against the biochemical effects of MTX through a trophic action on intestinal villi. Further, it should be noted that polyamines may possibly play an important role of modulation action on intestinal mucosa.     

Effects of dexamethasone on trace elements and serum protein patterns following brain trauma in rats

The effect of dexamethasone (Dxm) on trace elements and serum protein patterns was investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to brain trauma. After 6-or 24 h of the traumatic incident, the level of serum copper was significantly higher in the Dxm-treated rats, compared to controls (p<0.05). The corresponding levels of zinc and iron did not show significant differences. The zinc level returned to normal 24 h after trauma. After 6 and 24 h of trauma, the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel patterns of serum proteins showed that a 41.6-kDa protein was significantly increased in the Dxm-treated animals. Two proteins weighing 26.6 kDa and 55.1 kDa did not show Dxm-induced changes. These results suggest that increases in the copper-zinc ratio and the changes of the 26.6-kDa, 41.6-kDa, and 55.1-kDa proteins might be a useful prognostic indicator for severe traumatic brain injury.     

老年类风湿关节炎患者血清25-羟维生素D_3水平与肠道微生态的关系探讨

目的探讨老年类风湿关节炎(RA)患者血清25-羟维生素D_3[25(OH)D_3]水平与肠道微生态的关系。方法回顾性分析2018年8月至2020年4月甘肃中医药大学附属医院风湿骨病科住院收治的83例老年RA患者的临床资料,并选择同期进行体检的80例健康者的体检资料,分别记为A组、B组。对比2组研究对象血清25(OH)D_3水平以及肠道微生物菌群组成;采用Pearson相关性分析,分析老年RA患者血清25(OH)D_3水平与肠道微生物菌群丰富度的相关性。结果 A组患者血清25(OH)D_3水平明显低于B组(t=23.297,P0.05);A组患者肠道微生物菌群Chaol指数、Observed species指数和Shannon指数均低于B组(t=11.258、14.681、22.157,均P0.05);A组患者肠道微生物菌群拟杆菌门、放线菌门、变形菌门、普雷沃菌属、梭状芽胞杆菌属、戈登菌属的相对丰度均高于B组(t=19.472、12.011、27.354、20.304、15.637、24.414,均P0.05),厚壁菌门、乳杆菌属、类杆菌属、嗜血杆菌属、韦荣球菌属、真杆菌属的相对丰度均低于B组(t=10.095、3.663、6.787、12.848、7.786、9.122,均P0.05);RA患者25(OH)D_3水平与厚壁菌门、乳杆菌属、类杆菌属、嗜血杆菌属、韦荣球菌属、真杆菌属的相对丰度呈正相关(r=8.126、8.031、8.415、8.057、8.236、8.467,均P0.05),与拟杆菌门、放线菌门、变形菌门、普雷沃菌属、梭状芽胞杆菌属、戈登菌属呈负相关(r=-7.639、-7.856、-8.135、-8.127、-7.536、-7.865,均P0.05)。结论 RA患者血清25(OH)D_3水平降低,肠道微生物菌群拟杆菌门、放线菌门、变形菌门、普雷沃菌属、梭状芽胞杆菌属、戈登菌属的相对丰度增加,厚壁菌门、乳杆菌属、类杆菌属、嗜血杆菌属、韦荣球菌属、真杆菌属的相对丰度减少,老年RA患者血清25(OH)D_3水平与肠道微生物菌群分布相关。     

艾灸对诱导性大鼠关节炎症及肠道菌群的影响

目的 观察艾灸治疗大鼠实验性类风湿关节炎(RA)的效果及其肠道菌群变化。方法 将46只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组10只,正常艾灸组12只,RA模型组12只,RA艾灸组12只。RA艾灸组与RA模型组以牛Ⅱ型胶原诱导方法建立关节炎大鼠模型。正常艾灸组与RA艾灸组给予艾灸双侧肾俞、足三里,正常对照组与RA模型组不进行艾灸治疗。分别于造模成功后,艾灸干预第1、2、3周测量各组大鼠体质量、足趾容积、关节炎指数(AI)评分、杆菌/球菌、革兰阳性杆菌/细菌总数并比较差异。结果 大鼠造模后较正常对照组一般情况差、体质量低、足趾容积大、AI评分高、杆菌/球菌及革兰阳性杆菌/细菌总数比值低。艾灸干预后一般情况改善、体质量增加、足趾容积稳定增加、AI评分下降、杆菌/球菌及革兰阳性杆菌/细菌总数比值增加。RA临床表现和肠道菌群变化呈显著性相关,各时间段艾灸干预后RA模型组、RA艾灸组大鼠杆菌/球菌、革兰阳性杆菌/细菌总数差异有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。结论 艾灸能够有效治疗Ⅱ型胶原诱导关节炎大鼠关节炎症和调节肠道菌群紊乱状态。     

Measurement of trace elements in murine liver tissue samples: Comparison between ICP-MS/MS and TXRF

BackgroundTrace elements exhibit essential functions in many physiological processes. Thus, for research focusing on trace element homeostasis and metabolism analytical methods allowing for multi-element analyses are fundamental. Small sample amounts may be a big challenge in trace element analyses especially if also other end points want to be addressed in the same sample. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine trace elements (iron, copper, zinc, and selenium) in murine liver tissue prepared by a RIPA buffer-based lyses method.Methods and resultsAfter centrifugation, lysates and pellets were obtained and trace elements were analyzed with TXRF in liver lysates. The results were compared to that obtained by a standard microwave-assisted acidic digestion with subsequent ICP-MS/MS analysis of the same liver tissue, liver lysates, and remaining pellets. In addition, trace element concentrations, determined in murine serum with both methods, were compared. For serum samples, both TXRF and ICP-MS/MS provide similar and highly correlating results. Furthermore, in liver lysate samples prepared with RIPA buffer, comparable trace element concentrations were measured by TXRF as with the standard digestion technique and ICP-MS/MS. Only marginal amounts of trace elements were detected in the pellets.ConclusionTaken together, the results obtained by the present study indicate that the RIPA buffer-based method is suitable for sample preparation for trace element analyses via TXRF, at least for the here investigated murine liver samples.     

The crosstalk between trace elements with DNA damage response,repair, and oxidative stress in cancer

DNA damage response (DDR) is a regulatory system responsible for maintaining genome integrity and stability, which can sense and transduce DNA damage signals. The severity of damage appears to determine DDRs, which can include damage repair, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Furthermore, defective components in DNA damage and repair machinery are an underlying cause for the development and progression of various types of cancers. Increasing evidence indicates that there is an association between trace elements and DDR/repair mechanisms. In fact, trace elements seem to affect mediators of DDR. Besides, it has been revealed that oxidative stress (OS) and trace elements are associated with cancer development. In this review, we discuss the role of some critical trace elements in the risk of cancer. In addition, we provide a brief introduction on DDR and OS in cancer. Finally, we will further review the interactions between some important trace elements including selenium, zinc, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic, and DDR, and OS in cancer.     

大黄酸调节AMPK/mTOR信号通路对急性胰腺炎大鼠肠道菌群失调和肠屏障损伤的影响

探讨大黄酸调节腺苷酸激活蛋白激酶（AMPK）/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白（mTOR）信号通路对急性胰腺炎（AP）大鼠肠道菌群失调和肠屏障损伤的影响。

SPF级雄性7周龄SD大鼠50只,随机取10只作为假手术组,其余大鼠注射牛磺胆酸钠构建AP大鼠模型,将AP大鼠随机分为模型组、大黄酸组（100 mg/kg）、二甲双胍组（200 mg/kg）、大黄酸+二甲双胍组（100 mg/kg大黄酸+200 mg/kg二甲双胍）,每组10只,每天1次,连续注射2周。模型组和假手术组大鼠给予等量生理盐水。ELISA法检测血清DAO活性、TNF-α和IL-6水平;H&;E染色检测胰腺和结肠组织病理学变化;进行粪便16S rRNA基因测序;Western Blot检测结肠屏障相关蛋白及AMPK-mTOR通路相关蛋白表达。

与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠血清DAO活性、IL-6、TNF-α水平以及胰腺和结肠组织病理损伤评分、AMPK水平、mTOR蛋白水平、埃希菌属相对丰度均显著升高（均P＜0.05）,Shannon指数、Simpson指数、Chao1指数以及乳杆菌、双歧杆菌相对丰度和ZO-1蛋白、Occludin蛋白水平均显著降低（均P＜0.05）;与模型组相比,大黄酸组大鼠血清DAO活性、IL-6、TNF-α水平以及胰腺和结肠组织病理损伤评分、AMPK水平、mTOR蛋白水平、埃希菌属相对丰度均显著降低（均P＜0.05）,Shannon指数、Simpson指数、Chao1指数以及乳杆菌、双歧杆菌相对丰度和ZO-1蛋白、Occludin蛋白水平均显著增加（均P＜0.05）,而二甲双胍组以上指标结果与大黄酸组趋势相反;二甲双胍逆转了大黄酸对AP大鼠肠道菌群失调和肠屏障损伤的治疗效果。

大黄酸可能通过下调AMPK/mTOR信号通路对AP大鼠肠道菌群失调和肠屏障损伤起到改善作用。

     

Tissues and organs as indicators of intestinal absorption of minerals and trace elements,evaluated in rats

Tissue and organ deposition and blood parameters were evaluated as indices of mineral and trace element absorption in rats. The absorption of elements was quantified in relation to nitrogen retention, i.e., considering the weight gain and new tissue synthesis. A rapeseed meal diet was supplied with three levels of calcium, two levels of zinc, and two levels of copper in a factorial design. In general, an increase in dietary mineral content increased the relative absorption, which in turn, increased the tissue deposition progressively. Striated muscle, however, did not respond to either an increased calcium or zinc supply. Furthermore, an increased calcium absorption caused a depression of the fractional phosphorus and magnesium content of femur bones. The copper content of the kidneys and the heart muscle was directly proportional to the amount of absorbed zinc and iron, respectively. The iron content of tissues was, in general, inversely proportional to zinc absorption and showed a tendency to be directly proportional to copper absorption. The zinc level in tissues was, in a similar way, inversely correlated to measured calcium absorption. In conclusion, interactions between elements do not only affect the intestinal element absorption, but also the distribution of already absorbed elements in tissues and organs.     

Profiles of trace elements and stable isotopes derived from giant long-lived Tridacna gigas bivalves: Potential applications in paleoclimate studies

This study investigates the environmental and biological controls on trace element partitioning and stable isotope composition of modern giant long-lived bivalves (Tridacna gigas) with the aim to use these archives for paleoclimatic reconstructions. Firstly, the intra-shell variability is studied by measuring time equivalent profiles in the different shell layers characterised by different growth rates. Secondly, the inter-site variability is studied by comparing profiles derived from three modern specimens collected in sites across the Indo-Pacific region characterised by different ranges of temperature and productivity.These results show that δ¹⁸O profiles are highly reproducible across the shell regardless of significantly different growth rates. Shell δ¹⁸O is primarily controlled by water δ¹⁸O and temperature. Comparison of intra shell Mg/Ca profiles shows a clear and systematic partitioning where inner layer Mg/Ca values are a least 2–3 times higher than outer layer and hinge areas. Inner layer Mg/Ca shows seasonal oscillations but superimposed on an ontogenetic trend with increasing values and increasing amplitude Mg/Ca oscillations with age. The Sr/Ca profiles do not show clear reproducible seasonal trends in the different shell zones. It is concluded that Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca profiles appear to reflect a combination of biological and environmental controls that will need to be disentangled before using these proxies in paleoclimatic studies.Finally, intra shell Ba/Ca profiles are reproducible in great detail for all modern specimens studied. Inter-site comparison shows that the amplitude and the timing of the Ba/Ca peaks appear to reflect the timing and the amplitude of the chlorophyll peaks associated with phytoplankton blooms at each locality making this tracer a potential paleoproductivity indicator.     

Essential trace elements in Norwegian obese patients before and 12 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: Copper,manganese, selenium and zinc

ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to assess trace element status in morbidly obese subjects before and one year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in order to identify possible deficiencies.MethodsThe study population included 46 patients in the age range 27–59 years, the majority (85 %) were women. The enrolled patients attended an eight week course on lifestyle changes before bariatric surgery. After RYGB they were recommended daily micronutrient supplements with a commonly used multivitamin-mineral tablet in addition to intramuscular vitamin B₁₂ injections (1 mg) every third month for 12 months. Whole blood concentrations of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn were determined using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsDuring the 12 months follow up after bariatric surgery, the patients had lost mean 32.3 kg and median whole blood concentrations of Cu (-16 %) were reduced, Mn (+14 %) and Zn (+6%) were increased, while the Se values were essentially unchanged. Compared with reference ranges, median postoperative concentrations of all essential trace elements were either below (Zn) or in the lower reference range (Cu, Mn, Se).ConclusionEssential trace elements were below or in the lower reference range twelve months after RYGB. Our results indicate a need for updated guidelines in Nordic countries for trace metal monitoring and supplements in patients after bariatric surgery, especially when gastric bypass surgery is used. Further studies are required to explore and prevent trace element deficiency related to obesity and bariatric surgery.     

Regulation of COX-2 expression by selected trace elements and heavy metals: Health implications,and changes in neuronal plasticity. A review

Trace elements or trace metals are essential components of enzymes, proteins, hormones and play a key role in biochemical processes, cell growth and differentiation, as well as in neurotransmission, affecting human physiology. In nature there are also heavy metals that exhibit toxic effects on the human body, including the brain. The importance of trace elements has been established in neurodegenerative disorders, schizophrenia, depression among others. In parallel, an important regulatory element in the above diseases is cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a modulator of the arachidonic acid (AA) pathway, and a cause of neuroinflammation, and glutamate (Glu) dysregulation, affecting calcium (Ca) metabolism in cells. This review presents the effects of major trace elements and heavy metals on COX-2 expression. Calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) can potentially increase COX-2 expression, inducing neuroinflammation and Glu excitotoxicity; while magnesium (Mg), lithium (Li), and selenium (Se) can potentially decrease COX-2 expression. The associated mechanisms are described in the article.     

Effects of storage conditions on the stability and distribution of clinical trace elements in whole blood and plasma: Application of ICP-MS

BackgroundKnowledge of trace element stability during sample handling and preservation is a prerequisite to produce reliable test results in clinical trace element analysis.MethodAn alkaline dissolution method has been developed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify eighteen trace element concentrations: vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, bromine, molybdenum, cadmium, antimony, iodine, mercury, thallium, lead, and bismuth in human blood, using a small sample volume of 0.1 mL. The study evaluated the comparative effects of storage conditions on the stability of nutritionally essential and non-essential elements in human blood and plasma samples stored at three different temperatures (4 °C, −20 °C and −80 °C) over a one-year period, and analysed at multiple time points. The distribution of these elements between whole blood and plasma and their distribution relationships are illustrated using blood samples from 66 adult donors in Queensland.ResultsThe refrigeration and freezing of blood and plasma specimens proved to be suitable storage conditions for many of the trace elements for periods up to six months, with essentially unchanged concentrations. Substantially consistent recoveries were obtained by preserving specimens at −20 °C for up to one year. Ultra-freezing of the specimens at −80 °C did not improve stability; but appeared to result in adsorption and/or precipitation of some elements, accompanied by a longer sample thawing time. A population sample study revealed significant differences between the blood and plasma concentrations of six essential elements and their relationships also varied significantly for different elements.ConclusionBlood and plasma specimens can be reliably stored at 4 °C for six months or kept frozen at −20 °C up to one year to obtain high quality test results of trace elements.     

Evaluation among trace elements,clinical parameters and type 1 diabetes according to sex: A new sight of auxiliary prediction in negative insulin auto-antibodies population

BackgroundType 1 diabetes (T1D) exhibited sex-specific metabolic status including oxidative stress with dynamic change of trace elements, which emphasized the importance of the evaluation of trace elements according to sex. Besides, the most significant characteristic, insulin auto-antibodies, could not be found in all T1D patients, which needed the auxiliary prediction of clinical parameters. And it would benefit the early detection and treatment if some high-risk groups of T1D could predict and prevent the occurrence of disease through common clinical parameters. Hence, there was an urgent need to construct more effective and scientific statistical prediction models to serve clinic better. This study aimed to evaluate the sex-specific levels of trace elements and the relationship between trace elements and clinical parameters in T1D, and construct sex-specific auxiliary prediction model combined with trace elements and clinical parameters.MethodsA total of 105 T1D patients with negative insulin auto-antibodies and 105 age/sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in First Hospital of Jilin University. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry was performed for the measurement of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se) in the serum, and the data of clinical parameters were received from medical record system. The lambda-mu-sigma method was used to evaluate the relationship between abnormal clinical parameters and trace elements. Training set and validation set were divided for the construction of predictable models in males and females: clinical parameters model, trace element model and the combined model (clinical parameters and trace elements). Goodness fit test, decision curve analysis and other related statistical methods were used to perform data analysis.ResultsLower levels of Mg, Ca, Fe in the serum were found in T1D population in females compared with healthy population, while levels of Fe, Zn and Cu of serum in T1D individuals were higher than those of healthy population in males. Levels of serum Mg, Fe and Cu in T1D group were found with significant sex difference for (P < 0.05), and the levels of Fe and Cu in serum of males were higher than those of females, level of serum Mg in males was lower than those of females. Levels of serum Mg and Zn showed fluctuation trend with increased numbers of abnormal clinical parameters (NACP) in males. Serum Zn in females showed consistent elevated trend with NACP; serum Se increased first and then decreased with NACP in males and females. The auxiliary prediction model (Triglyceride, Total protein, serum Mg) was found with the highest predicted efficiency in males (AUC=0.993), while the model in females (Apolipoprotein A, Creatinine, Fe, Se, Zn/Cu ratio) showed the best predicted efficiency (AUC=0.951). The models had passed the verification in validation set, and Chi-square goodness-of-fit test, DCA results both confirmed their satisfactory clinical applicability.ConclusionSex-specific difference were found in serum Mg, Fe and Cu in T1D. The combination of triglyceride, total protein and serum Mg for males, and apolipoprotein A, creatinine, Fe, Se, Zn/Cu ratio for females could effectively predict T1D in patients with negative anti-bodies, which would provide alarm for the population with high-risk of T1D and serve the T1D prediction in patients with negative anti-bodies.     

Fatty acids uptake and oxidation are increased in the liver of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis

Severe rheumatoid cachexia is associated with pronounced loss of muscle and fat mass in patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is associated with dyslipidemia and predisposition to cardiovascular diseases. Circulating levels of triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) have not yet been consistently defined in severe arthritis. Similarly, the metabolism of these lipids in the arthritic liver has not yet been clarified. Aiming at filling these gaps this study presents a characterization of the circulating lipid profile and of the fatty acids uptake and metabolism in perfused livers of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. The levels of TG and total cholesterol were reduced in both serum (10–20%) and liver (20–35%) of arthritic rats. The levels of circulating FFA were 40% higher in arthritic rats, possibly in consequence of cytokine-induced adipose tissue lipolysis. Hepatic uptake and oxidation of palmitic and oleic acids was higher in arthritic livers. The phenomenon results possibly from a more oxidized state of the arthritic liver. Indeed, NADPH/NADP⁺ and NADH/NAD⁺ ratios were 30% lower in arthritic livers, which additionally presented higher activities of the citric acid cycle driven by both endogenous and exogenous FFA. The lower levels of circulating and hepatic TG possibly are caused by an increased oxidation associated to a reduced synthesis of fatty acids in arthritic livers. These results reveal that the lipid hepatic metabolism in arthritic rats presents a strong catabolic tendency, a condition that should contribute to the marked cachexia described for arthritic rats and possibly for the severe rheumatoid arthritis.