Long-term feeding effects of Catha edulis leaves on blood constituents in animals

In this study, the long-term (6 months) biochemical effects of varying levels of Catha edulis leaves on the plasma concentration of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, urea and creatinine were examined. Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol throughout the treatment period by all levels of C. edulis leaves tested. This significant decrease in plasma cholesterol was halved at the end of the treatment period and corresponded with a significant increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol and a significant decrease in plasma glucose and triglycerides concentrations. Moreover, C. edulis treatment increased plasma uric acid significantly, in a time-dependent manner with the higher concentrations (20% and 30%) of C. edulis leaves. Only plasma albumin was decreased significantly at the end of the treatment period, with no significant effect on plasma total protein. This also coincided with a significant, dose-dependent decrease in plasma urea at month 6, with no significant effect on plasma creatinine concentration.     

Amelioration of alcohol-induced oxidative stress by Emblica officinalis (amla) in rats

The present study was aimed at investigating the ameliorative effect of Emblica (Phyllanthus Emblica L) fruit extract (EFE) against alcohol-induced oxidative changes in plasma biochemical profile in rats. Alcohol administration (5 g/kg body wt/day) for 60 days resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx), total bilirubin, creatinine, and abnormalities in lipid and lipoproteins. Moreover, alcohol receiving rats showed significantly (P<0.05) lowered plasma total protein, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio and uric acid, with no significant change in glucose level. The EFE administration (250 mg/kg body wt/day) to alcohol-administered rats significantly modulated plasma lipids and lipoprotein patterns and also decreased nitrite/nitrate, total bilirubin and creatinine levels. EFE administration to alcohol receiving rats showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in plasma total protein, A/G ratio and uric acid levels. Total cholesterol (r = 0.466), triglycerides (r = 0.574), VLDL-C (r = 0.578), LDL-C (r = 0.225) and total bilirubin (r = 0.419) showed a stronger positive correlation with that of NOx in alcohol-treated rats. The concentration of nitric oxide (NOx) was negatively correlated with HDL-C (r = -0.285) and uric acid (r = 0.392) in alcohol-treated rats. The amelioration of alcohol-induced oxidative stress might be due to the combined effect of phytophenols, such as tannins and flavonoid compounds and vitamin C.     

Modulation of DMBA-induced biochemical changes by organoselenium compounds in blood of rats

The protective role of two synthetic organoselenium compounds 1-isopropyl-3-methylbenzimidazole-2-selenone (SeI) and 1, 3-di-p-methoxybenzylpyrimidine-2-selenone (Sell) was examined against the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced changes in biochemical parameters in blood of rats. Albino Winstar rats (150-200 g body wt) were treated with single dose of DMBA (50 mg/kg body wt) and organoselenium compounds (25 micromol/kg) for 4 weeks at two days internal. Blood was taken from the anaesthetized rats ventricle from their hearts for biochemical analysis. Administration of DMBA resulted in elevation of urea, uric acid and creatinine levels as well as AST, ALT and LDH activities and decrease in levels of total proteins, albumin and globulin. SeI and SeII caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in urea, uric acid and creatinine levels and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); aspartate aminotransferase; (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and significantly increased the levels of total protein and albumin (p<0.05). These organoselenium compounds are likely to be beneficial in human health.     

The antioxidant acetylcysteine reduces oxidative stress by decreasing level of AOPPs

Oxidative stress and especially its connection with many diseases has been discussed much recently. Among markers of oxidative stress there appear new and quite specific ones called advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs). We tried to influence the level of AOPPs by an antioxidant therapy with N-acetylcysteine. Fourteen individuals with many cardiovascular risk factors were examined. All these patients were administered acetylcysteine (NAC) 600 mg/day orally during 20 days. Before starting the therapy we determined AOPP, albumin cobalt binding (ACB), glucose, creatinine, urea, ALT, AST, cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides values in peripheral venous blood in all individuals. After finishing our intervention we determined AOPP, ACB and glucose level again. Our results show a statistically significant decrease in AOPP levels after 20-day N-acetylcysteine therapy (medians, initially 82.2, at study end 74.3 umol/l, p = 0.039). We demonstrate a significant decrease in AOPP levels after 20-day N-acetylcysteine therapy in dose 600 mg/day.     

Sources of variation for nutritional condition indices of the plasma of migratory lesser kestrels in the breeding grounds

Although published information on reference values for biochemical parameters in birds of prey has increased during the last years, little is known on their sources of variation. We used an insectivorous and small migratory raptor species, the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni, as a model. We looked for sources of variation of nutritional biochemical parameters (i.e. triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid and urea) of both nestlings and adults. Reference values indicated that, as a rule, lesser kestrel showed more elevated triglycerides, urea and uric acid levels than other raptors. All analyzed factors except gender (i.e. year, colony, sampling time, presence/absence of a geolocator, body mass, laying date and capture date) reached significance for at least one biochemical parameter. In the morning, we found an important postprandial increase in the concentration of all biochemical parameters in nestlings, and uric acid and urea levels in adults. A positive relationship was detected between triglycerides and body mass in nestlings and adults. Although we did not find differences between blood biochemical parameters of the oldest and youngest chick of each brood, we found that cholesterol levels were lower in nestlings from larger broods. Coloration of tarsi (measured as brightness) was related to triglycerides and urea levels of nestlings and adults, respectively. The feeding habits of lesser kestrel probably explain the different levels and patterns of variation of metabolites in comparison to more carnivorous raptors eating mammals or birds.     

Protective effect of gallic acid isolated from Peltiphyllum peltatum against sodium fluoride-induced oxidative stress in rat’s kidney

In the present study, the nephroprotective effect of gallic acid isolated from Peltiphyllum peltatum was examined in sodium fluoride (NaF) treated rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced by 1-week intoxication of NaF at 600 ppm through drinking water. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione as well as activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal tissues homogenates were determined. The serum biochemical markers of renal injuries including creatinine, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid levels as well as the levels of phosphate and calcium were also assessed. Intoxication with NaF caused a significant increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (46 % versus to control) and reduced the glutathione concentration (47 %) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (46 %) and catalase (41 %) in renal tissues homogenates. NaF intoxication also induced significant alterations in the kidney biochemical markers increasing the levels of urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphate and decreasing the levels of calcium. Daily administration of gallic acid (20 mg/kg) for 1 week before NaF intoxication brought the antioxidant–oxidant balance similar to the NaF-untreated group. Silymarin, used a standard antioxidant agent, also showed a nephroprotective activity. We concluded that NaF caused nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in renal tissues and daily administration of gallic acid for 1 week prior to intoxication inhibited toxicity and oxidative stress.     

Impacts of selective logging on haemosporidian infection and physiological correlates in tropical birds

Tropical forest degradation affects host-parasite interactions, determining the probability of animals acquiring an infection. The activation of an immune response to fight off infections requires energy and other resources such as antioxidants which may be redirected from growth and reproduction. A key question is how selective logging—the most common form of tropical forest degradation—impacts the prevalence of avian haemosporidian infection and its correlated physiological responses (nutritional and oxidative status markers). We investigated the prevalence of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon parasites in 14 understorey bird species in lowland, logged and unlogged, old-growth forests of Borneo. Prevalences of infections were similar between selectively logged and unlogged forests. To explore nutritional and oxidative status effects of haemosporidian infections, we examined associations between infections and plasma proteins, plasma triglycerides, and multiple blood-based markers of oxidative status, testing for an impact of selective logging on those markers. Birds infected with Plasmodium showed higher levels of plasma proteins and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, and lower levels of plasma triglycerides and glutathione, compared with haemosporidian-free individuals. Conversely, birds infected with Haemoproteus showed no changes in nutritional or physiological markers compared with uninfected individuals. These results indicate higher metabolic and physiological costs of controlling Plasmodium infection, compared with Haemoproteus, possibly due to higher pathogenicity of Plasmodium. Selectively logged forests had no effect on the responses of birds to infection, suggesting that the environmental conditions of degraded forests do not appear to induce any appreciable physiological demands in parasitised birds.     

Serum leptin levels in patients with anorexia nervosa before and after partial refeeding, relationships to serum lipids and biochemical nutritional parameters.

Leptin is a protein hormone produced by adipocytes that provide information about the body fat content. It was previously reported that serum leptin levels were decreased in patients with anorexia nervosa in comparison with healthy control subjects. The aim of our study was to compare serum leptin levels in patients with anorexia nervosa (n=11, initial mean BMI=15.4 kg/m2) before and after partial recovery with control age-matched subjects (n=11, mean BMI= 20.3 kg/m2) and to study the relationships of leptin levels, serum lipids and biochemical nutritional parameters. We found that serum leptin concentrations in patients with anorexia nervosa were significantly reduced in comparison with control subjects (3.61 vs 9.37 ng.ml(-1), p<0.01). Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein and albumin in patients with anorexia nervosa either before or after partial recovery did not differ from the control group. After partial recovery, a significant increase in serum leptin was observed (4.83 vs 3.61 ng.ml(-1), p<0.05), but the values still remained significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.01) Leptin levels correlated positively with the body mass index in the control group and anorexia nervosa group before recovery. The correlation with BMI in the anorexia nervosa group after refeeding was not significant. No significant correlation was found between leptin concentrations and serum lipids, total protein, albumin and prealbumin, respectively. Serum leptin thus represents a sensitive parameter that reflects the nutritional status in patients with anorexia nervosa suitable for long-term follow up during refeeding therapy.     

Determinants of premature atherosclerosis in children with end-stage renal disease

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but its basis is still not well understood. We therefore evaluated the determinants of atherosclerosis in children with ESRD. A total of 37 children with ESRD (with 31 who had undergone transplantation) were examined and compared to a control group comprising 22 healthy children. The common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured by ultrasound as a marker of preclinical atherosclerosis. The association of CIMT with anthropometrical data, blood pressure, plasma lipid levels, and other biochemical parameters potentially related to cardiovascular disease was evaluated. Children with ESRD had significantly higher CIMT, blood pressure, and levels of lipoprotein (a), urea, creatinine, ferritin, homocysteine, and serum uric acid as well as significantly lower values of apolipoprotein A. The atherogenic index of plasma (log(triglycerides/HDL cholesterol)) was also higher in patients with ESRD; however, this difference reached only borderline significance. In addition, a negative correlation was found between CIMT and serum albumin and bilirubin in the ESRD group, and this correlation was independent of age and body mass index. In the control group, a significant positive correlation was observed between CIMT and ferritin levels. Factors other than traditional cardiovascular properties, such as the anti-oxidative capacity of circulating blood, may be of importance during the early stages of atherosclerosis in children with end-stage renal disease.     

Relationship Between IL-2, IL-17 Concentrations,and Serum Creatinine Levels in Men with Chronic Kidney Diseases

Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a major public health challenge worldwide. It is more prevalent in developed countries compared with the rest of the world, due to the higher rates of life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyle related factors. This aim of the current study is to evaluate the relationship between interleukins IL-2 and IL-17 concentrations and kidney function markers in men with CKD.Methods:Forty-five men with CKD and seventy controls were enrolled in the current study to assess the relationship between interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and CKD parameters. Fasting blood samples were collected from patients with CKD and their controls at same time. Serum IL-2, and IL-17 were measured in patients with CKD and their controls, and then the relationship between these interleukins and serum creatinine, serum urea, serum uric acid and urine albumin were evaluated.Results:A significant relationship was detected between IL-2 (p< 0.001), IL-17 (p< 0.001) levels and serum creatinine concentrations. The significant increase of IL-2 and IL-17 levels were also paralleled with a significant increase in serum urea (p< 0.001), and urine albumin (p< 0.001) concentrations respectively.Conclusion:IL-2 and IL-17 may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of CKD. The significant increase of IL-2 and IL-17 is associated with significantly high concentrations of creatinine, serum urea and urine albumin suggesting that these interleukins may be used as targets for future biomarkers and molecular therapy. However, due to limited sample size of the current study, larger prospective cohorts are needed to confirm these observations.Key Words: Chronic kidney disease, Interleukins, Serum creatinine, Serum urea, Urine albumin     

溶血反应对临床生化检验结果的影响分析

目的:研究分析溶血反应对临床生化检测结果的影响。方法:收集我院2015年1月至12月120例正常人体检血液标本资料,采用控制变量法,在试管1中放入正常血液,试管2中放入发生溶血反应血液,分别检测两组血液临床生化指标,并比对变化数据。结果:在检测的17项数据中,血糖、总胆红素、直接胆红素、谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶、碱性磷酸酶、总蛋白、甘油三酯、尿酸、总胆固醇、乳酸脱氢酶等11项数据在试管1与试管2中,检测指标变化大,具有统计学意义(P0.05)。白蛋白、肌酐、尿酸氮、血钙、酸性磷酸酶、血磷等六项指标在试管1与试管2中,含量检测基本无变化(P0.05)。结论:溶血反应的发生对临床生化检测结果影响很大,发生溶血反应会直接影响到酶类等指标的检测结果的准确性,临床检测中应尽量避免溶血反应。     

Seasonal levels of minerals, enzymes, nutrients and metabolic products in plasma of intact and castrated adult male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

1. Alkaline phosphatase (AP), cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea nitrogen, calcium, glucose, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) were measured in the plasma of three intact and three castrated male deer. 2. A statistically significant seasonal cycle of AP, cholesterol, creatinine and uric acid was found in intact but not in castrated animals. 3. Monthly levels of total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen, bilirubin and calcium were significantly higher in castrated deer. 4. On the other hand, monthly levels of LDH and SGOT were higher in intact animals.     

The horses of Giara: variation of the thyroid activity and certain blood parameters between winter and summer

The changes of some parameters in the blood serum of six Giara horses (3 males and 3 females) were checked weekly, in relation to the environmental temperature throughout a one winter and summer. T3, total lipids, triglycerides, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, beta and gamma globulin showed significant difference between winter and summer and, with the exception of triglycerides, urea nitrogen and total protein were correlated to the environmental temperature. T4, glucose, uric acid and alpha globulin showed no difference between the two seasons and no correlation with the temperature. The results indicate that the seasonal variations in thyroid activity affected the T3 only, and that the blood lipids were transported from the beta globulin and, perhaps, in a smaller quantity, from the albumin, while the alpha globulin was not affected.     

Comparative study of oxidative stress and antioxidative markers in patients infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Recently, oxidative stress and antioxidative compounds have been described as potential biomarkers. However, there is no consensus on the most appropriate oxidative and antioxidative biomarkers for patients with Toxoplasma gondii. In the present study, we evaluated the levels of lipid, protein, DNA oxidative damage and antioxidants in samples from patients infected with T. gondii with and without ocular toxoplasmosis. The levels of MDA, TBARS, micronuclei, carbonyl, GSH, vitamin C and vitamin E were measured on samples from 8 patients positive for T. gondii antibodies with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), 20 patients positive for T. gondii antibodies without ocular toxoplasmosis (non OT), and 12 healthy individuals negative for T. gondii antibodies. The levels of MDA, TBARS, carbonyl and micronuclei were significantly higher in non OT patients, while MDA and TBARS levels were lower in OT patients. In contrast, the antioxidative factors, GSH and vitamin E levels were significantly lower in non OT patients, while vitamin C was lower in non OT and OT patients. Additionally, non OT patients were indicated to be high producers of oxidative markers (TBARS, MDA, micronuclei and carbonyl), while control group was indicated to be high producer of antioxidative markers (GSH, vitamins C and E). However, OT patients were not found as high producers of oxidative nor antioxidative markers. Our results provide a starting point of possible markers to better understand the disease pathogenesis in patients infected with T. gondii. Additional studies are needed to clarify the potential contribution of oxidative and antioxidative markers in these patients population.     

Blood biochemistry reflects seasonal nutritional and reproductive constraints in the eurasian badger (Meles meles)

Physiological responses to nutritional and reproductive constraints were explored in a wild population of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) inhabiting Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. We compared seasonal blood levels of lipid and protein compounds to variables describing the sex, age, body condition, wounds, testes position, and flea abundance of the badgers. We found seasonal variations in albumin/globulins and urea/creatinine ratios matched by differences in body condition. High creatinine, urea, and triglycerides levels were obtained in animals in poor nutritional condition and with low levels of body fat. The maintenance of urea/creatinine ratios indicates that the badger does not demonstrate a stage of protein conservation in periods of food scarcity during the summer or periods of cold weather. Hypercholesterolaemia, especially in fat animals, was confirmed. We also offer baseline levels of metabolites commonly used in clinical biochemistry for their further use in the analysis of the status and the management of wild badger populations.     

Beneficial role of naringin, a flavanoid on nickel induced nephrotoxicity in rats

This study was conducted to investigate the beneficial role of naringin on nickel induced nephrotoxicity. Nickel (Ni) (20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 20 days. Naringin was administered orally (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg b.w.) with i.p. administration of Ni. Ni administration increased the levels of serum urea, uric acid and creatinine with a significant decrease in creatinine clearance and decreased levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine in urine. The levels of lipid peroxidation markers and nickel concentration in blood and kidney were also increased. While, the activities of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants were decreased. Treatment with naringin attenuated the alterations in the renal and urine markers, decreasing lipid peroxidation markers, increasing the antioxidant cascade and decreasing the nickel concentration in blood and kidney. All these changes were supported by histopathological observations. These findings demonstrate that naringin exerts a protective effect against nickel toxicity.     

Cigarette Smoking and Hyperglycemia Increase Renal Response to Low Levels of Cadmium in Welders: Cystatin C as a Sensitive Marker

The present study was undertaken to investigate the utility of cystatin C (CysC) as an early biomarker of cadmium (Cd)-induced renal injury. The study was carried out on 50 adult male individuals divided into five groups of 10 individuals as follows: control, welders, smoker welders, diabetic welders, and smoker diabetic welders. The results indicated that plasma levels of CysC, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were significantly higher in welders compared to control individuals. In addition, the levels of whole blood Cd, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation products as well as erythrocyte osmotic fragility were significantly higher in welders compared to control individuals. In contrast, the levels of plasma albumin and whole blood glutathione were significantly decreased in welders compared to control individuals. The alterations of the measured parameters were enhanced in the presence of smoking and hyperglycemia besides exposure to welding fumes. These results suggest that CysC can be used as a sensitive biomarker of the early stages of Cd-induced renal injury.     

The association between HLA alleles (A, B, DRB1) and HIV-1 infection/ AIDS progression in the Han Chinese population of Hubei province

The association between HLA alleles (A, B, DRB1), haplotypes and AIDS progression in HIV-1 infected patients was investigated by analyzing and comparing the differences gene frequencies of HLA alleles (A, B, DRB1) and haplotypes in HIV-1 infected and AIDS individuals in Hubei province of China. Four hundred and twenty- four HIV-1 seropositive individuals were divided into two groups: HIV-1 infected group and AIDS patient group, according to diagnostic criteria. HLA-A, B, and DRB1 allele typing was performed using polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSOP) and polymerase chain reaction-sequencing based typing (PCR-SBT) techniques. Our study revealed that B*57:01 seemed resistant to AIDS progression, and the presence of DRB1*04:05 was associated with a poor disease outcome in HIV-1 infection. These associations were independent of age, sex, and transmission route of the host. No association was observed between HLA-A, B, DRB1 homozygotes, HLA-Bw4, Bw6 serological types and AIDS progression. We concluded that HLA gene polymorphism has a significant role in HIV-1 infection/AIDS progression. This observational study may open up avenues for precision medicine in the personalized prevention and treatment of AIDS.     

Variation in plasma biochemical parameters in captive adult red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) during daylight hours

Blood biochemical parameters may provide useful information about the physical condition of the individual, making them a useful tool in ecological studies. However, to avoid biases, factors affecting circulating levels of plasma metabolites must be investigated. In this paper, we analyse the effect of daytime sampling hour on seven plasma metabolites in adult red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) with free access to food during the breeding season. We found that sampling hour affected circulating levels of glucose and triglycerides but not those of cholesterol, total protein, uric acid, urea or albumin. A sex effect was found only for glucose, uric acid, urea and triglycerides. Repeated sampling affected all the parameters studied. These results suggest that the effect of sex, sampling hour and repeated sampling should be carefully controlled for (methodologically or by statistical procedures) to avoid undesirable sources of error at least in some blood parameters.     

Serum netrin and VCAM-1 as biomarker for Egyptian patients with type IΙ diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the serum level of netrin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-I) in patients with type IΙ diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluate the association of their levels with the development of a diabetic complication.Patients and methodsThis study was carried out on type II diabetic patients with and without complications and healthy individuals served as controls. All subjects were submitted to the estimation of serum lipid profile, serum creatinine, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), visceral adiposity index (VAI), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), lipid accumulation product (LAP) and detection of serum level of netrin1 and VCAM1.ResultsDiabetic patients with complications had significantly higher serum levels of creatinine, ACR, cholesterol, Triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, netrin1, and VCAM1 than diabetic patients without complications. Likewise, the level of VAI and LAP as markers of excessive body fat were significantly higher in diabetic patients with complications than diabetic patients without complications. The netrin1 and VCAM1 were a significant discriminator of T2DM renal complications with a sensitivity of 96%, 90%, and specificity of 82.7%, 91.3% respectively.ConclusionIt can be concluded that serum netrin1 and VCAM1 correlated significantly with markers of excessive body fat, a renal complication in the patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.