Serum platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity: A novel potential inflammatory marker in type 1 diabetes

Plasma activity of the platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) plays an important role in inflammation and atherosclerotic process in chronic diseases. We aimed to evaluate the levels of PAF-AH activity and their association with the metabolic profile and chronic complications in patients with type 1 diabetes. The study included 118 outpatients (54 males) aged 27.1 ± 11.3 years with disease duration of 12.3 ± 8.5 years with (n = 38) or without (n = 80) diabetes complications and 96 control subjects (48 males) matched for age, gender, body mass index and smoking habits. The serum levels of PAF-AH activity were higher in patients either with or without chronic complications (16 ± 5.3 and 14 ± 5.4 nmol/(min mL), respectively) than in controls (13 ± 5.1 nmol/(min mL), P = 0.02). In the total population, PAF-AH activity was correlated with age, HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. In patients, PAF-AH activity was correlated with age, HbA1c, uric acid, HDL-cholesterol, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and the LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio. It is concluded that PAF-AH plasma activity could be a novel candidate for low-grade inflammatory marker in patients with type 1 diabetes.     

Fatty acid profiles,growth, and immune responses of neonatal lambs fed milk replacer and supplemented with fish oil or safflower oil

Diets supplemented with long chain, n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have improved the health and performance of neonatal and growing animals. This study was conducted with lambs that were orphaned at approximately 1 day of age to determine whether supplementing milk replacer fed lambs with oils rich in long chain n − 3 or n − 6 PUFA would alter plasma lipid profiles and affect growth characteristics and immune functions. From days 1 to 28 of age, lambs had ad libitum access to commercial milk replacer. From days 7 to 28 of age, lambs received twice daily either 1 g of soybean oil, 1 g of fish oil, or 1 g of safflower oil per os in a gelatin capsule (n = 60 pens; 20 pens/treatment; one ewe and one ram with similar initial body weights/pen). On days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of age, lambs were weighed, and jugular blood was collected from ram lambs. Lymphocyte proliferation in vitro, differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, and weight gains were quantified. Plasma from days 7 and 28 was used for fatty acid analyses. Fish oil increased (P < 0.001) plasma total n − 3 fatty acid concentration and total n − 3:total n − 6 fatty acid ratio. Pen body weight (i.e., total lamb weight per pen) increased (P < 0.001) with day (day 7, 11.9 kg; day 14, 15.1 kg; day 21, 18.2 kg; and day 28, 21.2 kg), but oil treatment did not affect pen body weight. Neither oil treatment, day, nor oil treatment × day interaction were significant for pen body weight gains (3.5 kg), pen average daily gains (0.5 kg), pen milk intakes (19.0 kg), or pen gain:feed ratio (0.18) measured during three intervals: days 7–14; days 14–21; and days 21–28. Day, but not oil treatment, affected (P < 0.001) unstimulated, concanavalin A stimulated, and lipopolysaccharides stimulated lymphocyte proliferation: days 14, 21, and 28 proliferation > day 7 proliferation. For neutrophils per 100 WBC, the treatment × day interaction was significant (P < 0.05). Oil treatment and day affected (P < 0.01 and <0.05, respectively) lymphocyte numbers per 100 WBC. For monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, neither oil treatment, day, nor the oil treatment × day interaction were significant. Fish oil altered plasma fatty acid profiles, but it did not seem to improve measures of the performance or immune function of healthy, milk replacer fed lambs.     

Resveratrol metabolites in urine as a biomarker of wine intake in free-living subjects: The PREDIMED Study

Several clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that moderate wine consumption may exert a protective effect against oxidative stress involved in several diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the epidemiological assessment of wine consumption has usually been obtained using self-reported questionnaires containing less reliable information for assessing total intake than nutritional biomarkers. A reliable biomarker for wine consumption is, therefore, needed. To validate urinary resveratrol metabolites (RMs) as a biomarker of wine consumption in a large cohort of free-living subjects, 1000 consecutive subjects entering a substudy of the PREDIMED trial (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) were evaluated. Data were collected in a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. RMs were measured in morning urine by LC-MS/MS. Urinary RM values correlated directly with reported daily amounts of wine consumed (r = 0.895; p < 0.001). One drink of wine per week can be detected. Using a cut-off of 411.4 nmol/g creatinine, the measurement of urinary RMs could discriminate wine consumers from non-wine consumers with a sensitivity of 93.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91.5–94.7%) and a specificity of 92.1% (CI 90.2–93.7%). Urinary RMs fulfill the criteria to be considered as a nutritional biomarker of wine consumption in a large sample of free-living subjects. This biomarker would provide an additional tool for investigating more precisely the relationship between wine consumption and health benefits.     

Prevalencia de hiperandrogenismo y síndrome de ovario poliquístico en transexuales de mujer a hombre

IntroductionPrevalence of hyperandrogenism (HA), including the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in female-to-male transsexuals (FMT) is high. This has been related to metabolic syndrome (MS), which appears to increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality throughout cross-sex hormone (CSH) therapy.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of HA and PCOS in FMT patients before the start of CSH therapy, and their association to MS and its components, insulin resistance (IR) and other cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors.Materials and methodsSeventy-seven FMTs underwent clinical and biochemical assessment for HA before the start of CSH therapy. CVR, IR, and other MS parameters were also assessed.ResultsPrevalence of HA was 49.4% (73.7% were cases of PCOS [Rotterdam criteria]), and prevalence of PCOS in the overall sample was 36.4%. Prevalence of MS was 38.4% and 51.7% according to ATP-III and IDF criteria respectively). MS (according to ATP-III and IDF criteria respectively) was found in 36.8% and 57.9% as compared to 25.6% and 41% of patients with and without HA respectively (p < 0.0001 and P < 0.01 respectively). Of total patients, 54.5% had normal weight (body mass index [BMI] 18.5-24.9 kg.m^-2), 26% were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg.m^-2), and 19.5% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg.m^-2). After adjusting for BMI, the comparison of hormonal, metabolic, and anthropometric parameters showed statistically significant differences in plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and abdominal circumference (P < 0.001 for all), as well as HDL cholesterol (HDL) (P = 0.033), but not in total testosterone or calculated free testosterone levels. In the total sample, 27.3% had HDL levels less than 50 mg/dL.ConclusionsOverall HA, and PCOS in particular, are highly prevalent in FMTs. HA and PCOS are related to early development of SM, IR, and other CVR factors with unknown consequences in adulthood.     

Optimized rapeseed oil enriched with healthy micronutrients: a relevant nutritional approach to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Results of the Optim'Oils randomized intervention trial

Rapeseeds are naturally rich in cardioprotective micronutrients but refining leads to substantial losses or the production of undesirable compounds. The Optim'Oils European project proposed innovative refining conditions to produce an optimized rapeseed oil enriched in micronutrients and low in trans linolenic acid. We aimed to investigate cardioprotective properties of this Optimized oil. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled, cross-over study, 59 healthy normolipidaemic men consumed either Optimized or Standard rapeseed oils (20 g/d) and margarines (22 g/d) for 3 weeks. The Optimized oil reduced the trans FA concentration (p = 0.009) and increased the contents of alpha-tocopherol (p = 0.022) and coenzyme Q10 (p < 0.001) in comparison with the Standard oil. Over the 3-week trial, Total-/HDL-cholesterol and LDL-/HDL-cholesterol were increased by 4% (p < 0.05) with the Standard oil consumption whereas none of them rose with the Optimized rapeseed oil which increased the HDL-cholesterol and ApoA1 plasma content (+ 2%, NS and + 3%, p < 0.05 respectively). The effects observed on the plasma HDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.059), the Total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p = 0.092), and on the ApoA1 concentrations (p = 0.060) suggest an improvement of the cholesterol profile with the Optimized rapeseed oil. Finally, the Optimized oil reduced the plasma content of LDLox (-6%, NS), this effect being significantly different from the Standard oil (p = 0.050). In conclusion, reasonable intake of an Optimized rapeseed oil resulting from innovative refining processes and enriched in cardioprotective micronutrients represent a relevant nutritional approach to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving the cholesterol profile and reducing LDL oxidation.     

Levothyroxine Replacement In Obese Hypothyroid Females After Total Thyroidectomy

Objective: Levothyroxine (LT4) replacement in hypothyroid obese patients is poorly understood. We assessed whether the LT4 regimen required to achieve euthyroidism differs between nonobese and obese hypothyroid females.Methods: We retrospectively identified nonobese and obese females who received LT4 starting with a standard dose of 1.6 μg/kg after total thyroidectomy for preoperative diagnosis of benign goiter. We examined the association between LT4 dosage required to achieve euthyroid state (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] 0.4–2.5 mIU/L) and patient characteristics using linear regression models with and without adjustment for age, ethnicity, medication use, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism.Results: We identified 32 females (15 nonobese/17 obese) who achieved euthyroid state. Obese patients weighed more (104.1 ± 22.5 vs. 64.9 ± 10.0 kg, P<.0001) and required a higher final LT4 than nonobese (146 ± 38 vs. 102 ± 12 μg, P = .0002) but LT4 requirements per kg total body weight (TBW) were similar (1.60 ± 0.29 vs. 1.42 ± 0.38 μg/kg, P = .15). LT4 dose per kg ideal body weight (IBW) was higher in obese than in nonobese females (2.62 ± 0.67 vs. 1.88 ± 0.28 μg/kg, P = .0004) and this difference persisted after adjustments (P<.05). During LT4 titration, 47% and 20% of obese and nonobese patients had subnormal TSH episodes, respectively (P = .11). After taking LT4 compliance, malabsorption, and competing medication use into consideration, we found marked LT4 dose variability in obese patients. Patients who needed a mean daily LT4 dose ≤150 mg (124 ± 16 μg/day) compared with >150 μg (198 ± 4 μg/day) demonstrated lower LT4 per TBW (1.25 ± 0.18 vs. 1.84 ± 0.43 μg/kg, P = .03) and IBW (2.28 ± 0.47 vs. 3.44 ± 0.18 μg/kg, P<.0001), respectively.Conclusion: The standard approach to LT4 replacement in obese and nonobese females after thyroidectomy is imprecise. Mean daily LT4 doses in obese and nonobese patients were similar if expressed per kg TBW, though there was variability in the final LT4 among obese patients. We suggest initiating LT4 at a dose lower than that routinely recommended in obese females.Abbreviations:AACE = American Association of Clinical EndocrinologistsATA = American Thyroid AssociationBMI = body mass indexIBW = ideal body weightLT4 = levothyroxineTBW = total body weightTSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone     

Celery oil modulates DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

The objective of the study was to investigate the protective effect of Apium graveolens (AP) against di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced testes injury in rats. Adult rats were divided into nine groups: (1) control group (no treatment); (2) corn oil (60 μg/kg body weight – bwt); (3) AP (50 μg/kg bwt); (4) 300 mg DEHP/kg bwt; (5) 500 mg DEHP/kg bwt; (6) 1000 mg DEHP/kg bwt; (7) 300 mg DEHP/kg bwt + AP; (8) 500 mg DEHP/kg bwt + AP; and (9) 1000 mg DEHP/kg bwt + AP. Oral administration of treatments was performed daily for 6 weeks. DEHP decreased (p < 0.01) body weight, testis weight and serum concentrations of testosterone, cholesterol and total proteins. Moreover, DEHP increased (p < 0.001) total antioxidant capacity in the testis and plasma DEHP level. In addition, DEHP decreased mRNA expression of two testicular steroidogenic enzymes: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. DEHP also caused atrophy, vacuolar degeneration and aspermia of the seminiferous tubules. AP administered concurrently with DEHP effectively alleviated most of the DEHP-induced effects. In conclusion, in male rats, DEHP had adverse effects on the testis including inhibition of androgen production. A concurrent administration of A. graveolens (celery oil) protected the testis against DEHP-induced toxicity.     

Ex vivo implications of phytohormones on various in vitro responses in Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight. & Arn.—An endangered plant

Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight. & Arn. is an important medicinal plant, belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae. This plant is known for its medicinal uses since 4500 BC. Presently this is an endangered species (Arya et al., 2003). Six shoots (2–4 cm long) per node differentiated on MS medium + 5.0 mg/l of BAP + additives. Incorporation of additives in the culture medium promoted growth of cultures. The shoots differentiated per explant were repeatedly transferred on to fresh MS + 1.0 mg/l of BAP + 0.1 mg/l of NAA and additives. The regenerated shoots were subcultured for further multiplication on MS + 1.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l Kin + 2-iP (0.5 mg/l) and 0.1 mg/l of NAA + additives regularly after an interval of 3 weeks. Addition of ammonium sulphate in the medium resulted in increase in shoot number and promoted elongation also growth of cultures was sustained even if subculturing was delayed (26 ± 2 days). Success was also achieved in defining protocol for in vitro regeneration of shoots from petiole derived callus. Shoots regenerated in vitro by both processes were rooted in vitro on 1/4 strength of MS medium + 3.0 mg/l of IBA after 15–20 days. Cent percent of the shoots rooted ex vitro, if the in vitro regenerated shoots were treated with 200 mg/l of IBA. The in vitro–ex vitro rooted plantlets were hardened under different regimes of temperature and humidity in a greenhouse. The hardened plantlets were transferred to soil in polybags. More than 95% plants survived in field conditions. Total dry biomass harvested per year was 2800 kg/acre.     

Hypoglycemic effect of the total flavonoid fraction from Folium Eriobotryae

The antidiabetic effect of the total flavonoids fraction from leaves of Eriobotrya japonica (EJF) was evaluated through normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice with graded oral doses of 150, 300, 450 mg/kg for 7 days or 14 days. The result showed that the dose of 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg resulted significant hypoglycemic effect on normal mice, the dose of 300 mg/kg induced significant decrease in plasma glucose concentration (PGC), glycosylated serum protein (GSP), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG), and significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and serum insulin level in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. These results suggested that EJF has hypoglycemic potential.     

Punto de corte de espesor de tejido adiposo epicárdico para predecir síndrome metabólico en población venezolana

ObjectiveTo define an echocardiographically-assessed cut-off point for epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness associated to metabolic syndrome (MS) components in Venezuelan subjects.MethodsFifty-two subjects aged 20-65 years diagnosed with MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria and 45 sex- and age-matched controls were selected. Blood glucose and plasma lipids were tested; EAT thickness and left ventricular mass were measured by echocardiography.ResultsNo significant age and sex differences were found between the two groups. Body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher (P = .0001) in the MS group. This group showed significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose (P = .0001), total cholesterol (P = .002), LDL-C (P = .007), non-HDL-C (P = .0001), triglycerides (P = .0001), Tg-HDL-C ratio (P = .0001), and lower HDL-C levels (P = .0001) as compared to the control group. EAT thickness (P = .0001) and left ventricular mass (P = .017) were significantly higher in the MS group. The ROC curve showed an AUC of 0.852 (P = .0001) with a power of the test of 0.99. A 5-mm EAT thickness showed a sensitivity of 84.62% (95% CI: 71.9-93.1) and a specificity of 71.11% (95% CI: 55.7-83.6) for predicting MS. The odds ratio of this population for experiencing MS due to an EAT ≥ 5 mm was 8.25 (95% CI: 3.15-21.56; P = .0001).ConclusionAn EAT value ≥ 5 mm has good sensitivity and specificity for predicting MS in the Venezuelan population.     

Effect of feeding schedule on apparent energy and amino acid digestibility by growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding schedule on dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), and amino acid (AA) digestibility by growing pigs. Six growing castrates (initial body weight: 40.5 ± 2.25 kg) were equipped with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and allotted to a repeated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three animals and three periods in each square. A maize–soybean meal based diet (181 g CP/kg) was formulated and fed to the pigs in three different feeding schedules; i.e., one meal per day, two meals per day, or free access to feed. Pigs fed one or two meals per day were allotted a daily amount of feed equivalent to three times the maintenance energy requirement. Fecal and ileal samples were collected from all pigs in each period. The coefficients of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD) for DM, GE, CP, and AA were calculated as were the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of DM and GE. Results of the experiment showed that there were no differences in the CIAD for DM, GE, or for any of the AA among the three feeding schedules. In contrast, pigs given free access to the diet had lower (P<0.002) CTTAD for DM and GE compared with pigs fed a restricted amount of feed either once or twice daily. Therefore, the concentration of digestible energy in the diet was lower if calculated from pigs given free access to the diet compared with pigs fed the diet once or twice daily (14.38 MJ/kg versus 14.83 MJ/kg and 15.13 MJ/kg). It is concluded that the feeding schedule does not influence the CIAD for DM, GE, CP, or AA by pigs. Therefore, any of the three feeding schedules that were used in the current experiment may be used in experiments aimed at measuring CIAD in pigs. However, if the CTTAD of DM and GE are measured, it is recommended that pigs are given free access to feed.     

A study on feeding ammoniated and processed barley to feedlot steers

A total of 120 commercial crossbred steer calves (284±1.9 kg) were allocated in a 2×2 arrangement to two barley processing methods; whole (W) or rolled (R) barley and two ammoniation treatments; ammoniated (A) or non-ammoniated (N) barley. Steers were randomly allocated to twelve pens with 10 steers per pen and 3 pens (replications) per diet. The study was divided into two stages, growing (0–84 day) and finishing (85–196 day). Average daily gain (ADG) for the overall 196 day period was affected by processing (p<0.01) averaging 1.10 and 1.20 kg day⁻¹ for steers on W and R barley, respectively. Steers on the R barley gained 19.6% more than those on W barley during the growing stage and 0.8% more during the finishing stage. There was a trend towards an improvement (p=0.06) in overall ADG by ammoniation. The ADG of steers was significantly higher (p<0.01) during the finishing (1.22 kg day⁻¹) than during the growing (1.06 kg day⁻¹) stage. Feed efficiency was better with R than with W barley (6.8 vs. 7.7; p=0.02). Processing and ammoniation had no effect (p>0.05) on carcass traits or grades.     

Weight gains of meat goat kids on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pastures fertilized at different nitrogen levels

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pastures are increasingly being used for cool-season forages to complement range-based goat production systems in southern USA. Because goats are more selective than cattle, ideal nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates already established for wheat grazed by cattle may be different for goats. Weight gains of Boer X Spanish doe kids (average 17 kg) as well as forage yields and crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentrations were measured for two winter seasons on replicated wheat paddocks fertilized with 0, 56, 112 and 224 kg N/ha per season in split autumn/spring applications at Stephenville, TX, USA. Animals were stocked in the pasture at 20 head/ha from January to April 2003 (478 mm rainfall from September to March) and 2004 (355 mm rainfall). Available forage ranged from 50 to 200 kg/ha in January and from 2300 to 6300 kg/ha in April in the 0 and 224 kg N/ha paddocks, respectively. Crude protein dry matter (DM) concentration ranged from 25 to 34% (0 and 224 kg N/ha, respectively) in January, but down to 13 and 22% across treatments in April. Average daily gains (ADG) over the 90-day trial were similar both years, 68 g per head per day for the 0 N treatment and undifferentiated among the fertilized paddocks, all near 90 g per head per day. Results indicate that N fertilizer rates above 56 kg/ha per season do not increase ADG/kid, but will increase ADG/ha if stocking rates are adjusted for forage production.     

High levels of plasma selenium are associated with metabolic syndrome and elevated fasting plasma glucose in a Chinese population: A case-control study

BackgroundSelenium is important for human health and involved in various metabolic processes. Deficiency of selenium associates with increased risk for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. There has been an increase use of selenium supplements for the treatment of autoimmune thyroid conditions. However, the potential biological effects of selenium overload arouse the public concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of plasma selenium concentrations of adults with metabolic syndrome (MS) in Chinese population.MethodsA matched case-control study including 204 metabolic syndrome patients and 204 healthy controls was conducted in 2012. The MS cases were defined according to the criteria of Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS). Healthy controls without abnormality of metabolic components were matched with cases in age, gender and region. Plasma concentrations of selenium were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer.ResultsThe median levels of plasma selenium in MS group were 146.3 (107.3–199.4) μg/L, which were significantly higher than that in the control group (127.4: 95.7–176.0) μg/L; Plasma levels of selenium were related to the risk of MS in dose-response manner. Risk of MS was significantly higher in subjects with plasma selenium in the highest tertile (T3: ≥176.0 μg/L) compared to those in the lowest tertile (T1: <95.7 μg/L) [odds ratio (OR) = 2.416 (95% CI: 1.289–4.526)]. The plasma levels of selenium were positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (r_s = 0.268, P < 0.001). Plasma selenium at the median (T2: 95.7–176.0 μg/L) or upper tertile (T3: ≥176.0 μg/L) was associated with increased risk of elevated FPG (defined by FPG ≥ 6.1 mmol/L) as compared with the lowest tertile (T1: ≤95.7 μg/L) [T2 vs. T1, OR = 3.487 (1.738–6.996); T3 vs. T1, OR = 6.245 (3.005–12.981)].ConclusionsHigher levels of plasma selenium might increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and elevated fasting plasma glucose. Selenium supplements should be used with prudence for CVD and cancer prevention.     

The economic effects of an estrus synchronization protocol using prostaglandin in beef heifers

We estimated the effect of estrus synchronization on reproduction, production and economic outcomes in 272 beef heifers randomly allocated to a synchronized Test group or an unsynchronized Control group. The Test group received AI upon estrus detection for 6 days followed by PGF2 treatment of heifers that had not shown estrus by day 6 (PGF/6). In both groups AI was continued for 50 days, followed by a 42-day bull breeding period. Heifers were followed through their second breeding season and until they had weaned their first calves. Synchronization resulted in a reduction in median days to first insemination (8 vs. 11 in the Test and Control groups, respectively, P < 0.01) and median days to calving of calves born to AI (14 vs. 20, P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in pregnancy rate to the AI period (60.0% vs. 51.8%, P = 0.18), final pregnancy rate (82.2% vs. 83.2%, P = 0.87) or pregnancy rate to the subsequent breeding season (96.0% vs. 95.0%, P = 1.00). Although mean calf weaning mass was not significantly different (207.0 kg vs. 201.4 kg, P = 0.32), the total mass of calves weaned in this study was 14,843 kg vs. 13,060 kg and the benefit: cost ratio for synchronization was 2.8. It was therefore concluded that a PGF/6 protocol may affect the total mass of calves weaned by changing days to calving, weaning rate, the ratio of male: female calves born and/or the birth mass of calves.     

The beneficial effects of rosuvastatin are independent of zinc supplementation in patients with atherosclerosis

BackgroundStatins have multiple antiatherosclerotic effects, but can reduce blood plasma concentrations of minerals, including zinc. As zinc possesses antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects, low zinc status can promote injuries or inadequate tissue repair in endothelial cells. Metallothionein (MT) expression might modulate responses induced by statins in patients with atherosclerosis. However, research regarding mineral status and the use of statins is scarce. This study evaluated the effects of zinc supplementation on zinc status and expression of the zinc-dependent MT1F and MT2A genes in patients with atherosclerosis treated with rosuvastatin.MethodsA double-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed with 54 participants treated with 10 mg rosuvastatin for 4 months with or without zinc supplementation (30 mg/day). Diet, lipid profile, high-sensitivity reactive protein C (hs-CRP), plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and MT1F and MT2A genes expression were analyzed before and after intervention.ResultsRosuvastatin therapy was effective in reducing low- and non-high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and hs-CRP levels, independent of zinc supplementation. Additionally, zinc treatment had no effect on SOD enzyme activity (P = 0.201), plasma (P > 0.671) and erythrocyte (P > 0.123) zinc concentrations, or the pattern of MT1F and MT2A genes expression (P = 0.088 and P = 0.229, respectively).ConclusionsThe effectiveness of rosuvastatin treatment is independent of the effects of zinc supplementation. Moreover, rosuvastatin treatment did not have a significant impact on zinc status or MT1F and MT2A genes expression in patients with atherosclerosis.     

The effect of inclusion of lupins/triticale whole crop silage in the diet of winter finishing beef cattle on their performance and meat quality at two levels of concentrates

This study investigated the performance and instrumental meat quality of finishing beef steers offered grass silage (GS), grass silage:maize silage (GS:MS) and grass silage:lupins/triticale silage (GS:LT). The lupins/triticale silage was grown as either two separate crops in the same field and harvested together (LT1) or grown and harvested as a mixture (LT2). The silages were offered to eighty continental cross beef steers, initial live weight 530 ± 47.7 kg and 18 ± 1.6 months of age and were supplemented with 3 or 6 kg concentrates fresh/head/d. Silage was fed ad libitum with the mixtures offered at a ratio of 60 GS:40 maize silage (MS), LT1 or LT2 on a dry matter (DM) basis and concentrates were offered once (3 kg) or twice (6 kg) daily on top of the silage. Animals were slaughtered in three batches after 100, 117 and 124 d on experiment. The LT1 and LT2 produced yields of 8.7 and 7.5 kg DM/ha and the silages were poorly fermented as demonstrated by high ammonia-N concentration (182 and 173 g/kg total N), low lactic acid (9 g/kg DM) and high pH (5.0 and 4.7). Silage type had no significant effect on slaughter live weight, liveweight gain, carcass gain, forage DM intake (DMI), total DMI or feed efficiency expressed as kg DMI/kg liveweight gain or kg DMI/kg carcass gain. Silage type had no effect on carcass characteristics or instrumental meat quality. The results of this study demonstrate that offering lupins/triticale silage in combination with high quality grass silage (D-value greater than 700) at a ratio of 60 grass silage:40 LT1 or LT2 on a DM basis had no effect on animal performance, carcass characteristics or meat quality parameters relative to high quality grass silage offered alone or in combination with maize silage.     

Comparative studies on dry matter intake,digestibility and nitrogen metabolism between Thai native (TN) and Anglo Nubian × TN bucks

Metabolic experiments were conducted for each Thai native (TN) and Anglo Nubian–TN 50% (AN × TN) bucks, 26.5–38 kg BW and 35–52 months of age, by assigning the following concentrate diets, which had four levels of CP concentrations, T1: 14%, T2: 21%, T3: 28% and T4: 35%, on a DM basis. The animals were fed the concentrates at a rate of 1% of their BW and had ad libitum access to Paspalum plicatulum hay. As the CP level increased, digestibility of CP, N excretion in urine and N retention increased (P < 0.01). No significant differences of DM digestibility among the CP levels of diet and between the breeds of bucks were observed. The AN × TN had higher DM intake than TN (P < 0.05, 40.9 g/(kg BW^0.75 day) versus 36.0 g/(kg BW^0.75 day)), thus N intake of AN × TN was higher than that of TN (P < 0.01, 0.99 g/(kg BW^0.75 day) versus 0.90 g/(kg BW^0.75 day)). Digestibility of CP and blood urea N concentrations of TN were higher than those of AN × TN (P < 0.05, 69.8% versus 64.0% and 32.2 mg/dl versus 26.7 mg/dl, respectively). The AN × TN tended to retain more N than TN in the higher CP feeding condition of T3 (0.19 g/(kg BW^0.75 day) versus 0.11 g/(kg BW^0.75 day)) and T4 (0.25 g/(kg BW^0.75 day) versus 0.17 g/(kg BW^0.75 day)). Digestibility of NDF and ADF, and TDN of TN were higher than those of AN × TN (P < 0.05, 61.1% versus 55.9%, 49.6% versus 43.5% and 65.8% versus 62.4%, respectively). The overall mean DE was 109 kcal/(kg BW^0.75 day), and no significant difference of DE among CP levels nor breeds of bucks was observed. Thai native was superior to AN × TN in digestibility of N and fiber fractions at the maintenance level of DE, which might have overcome inferiority of TN to AN × TN in amount of N and energy intake caused by the lower DMI. It is likely that TN goats are well adapted to fodder shortage condition due to their efficient utilization of nutrients.     

Effect of copper sources and levels on serum lipid profiles in Black Bengal (Capra hircus) kids

Twenty eight 2–3 month old castrated male Black Bengal kids (Capra hircus) were used to determine the effects of dietary Cu concentration on lipid metabolism. These kids were randomly assigned to one of seven treatments in a ((2 × 3) + 1) factorial arrangement. Factors were two sources of Cu (CuSO₄ versus Cu proteinate) fed at three dietary levels (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg) and the control group, where neither CuSO₄ nor Cu proteinate were supplemented. Kids were fed a basal diet containing maize (19.5%), soybean (17.0%), deoiled rice bran (56.5%), molasses (4.0%), di-calcium phosphate and salt (1.0% each), and mineral and vitamin mixture (0.5% each) supplements, at 3.5% of BW to meet NRC requirements for protein, energy, macro minerals and micro minerals, excluding Cu. The basal diet (DM basis) contained 5.7 mg Cu/kg, 122.5 mg Fe/kg, 110 mg Zn/kg, 0.26 mg Mo/kg and 0.32% S. CuSO₄ or Cu proteinate (Cu-P) was added to the basal diet at the rate of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg. Kids were housed in a well-ventilated shed with facilities for individual feeding in aluminum plated metabolic cages in an open-sided barn. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 30, 60 and 90 to determine serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), total lipid and phospholipids. Kids were slaughtered after metabolism trial and liver tissues were collected to determine the copper and zinc concentrations. Kids receiving Cu-P showed higher (P < 0.05) HDL, total lipid and phospholipid concentrations. Increase in dietary level of Cu significantly decreased (P < 0.05) serum cholesterol and increased serum HDL, total lipid and phospholipid concentrations. There was an increasing (P < 0.05) trend in liver Cu with the increased dietary level of Cu supplementation irrespective of source, but the increasing rate was greater with CuSO₄ than Cu-P supplementation. Kids’ diet containing 30 mg/kg CuSO₄ had 26% more liver Cu than those fed iso-amounts of Cu-P. Fecal Cu excretion was increased with the increasing dietary level of Cu, and excretion was reduced by the use of Cu-P in the diet. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of organic Cu in the form of copper proteinate had significant effects on lipid metabolism in goat kids. There was an increase in accumulation of Cu in the liver and excretion of Cu in feces with the increase of dietary level of Cu in the diet of Black Bengal kids.     

Dietary preference for methionine sources in weaned pigs

The objective of the current study was to investigate the preference of weaned pigs given the choice of diets supplemented with dl-methionine (DLM) or liquid dl-methionine hydroxy analog-free acid (MHA-FA). A basal diet (BD) was formulated to contain 2.5 g methionine (Met) per kilogram of diet. The experimental diets included: (1) BD, (2) BD + 1 g DLM/kg, (3) BD + 2 g DLM/kg, (4) BD + 1.13 g MHA-FA/kg, (5) BD + 1.52 g MHA-FA/kg, (6) BD + 2.25 g MHA-FA/kg and (7) BD + 3.05 g MHA-FA/kg. Sixty weaned mixed-sex pigs were allotted to 5 treatment groups with 12 pig replicates per treatment in a randomized complete block design. During a 35-day experimental period, pigs in treatment group 1 received the BD whereas pigs in the other 4 treatment groups were allowed to choose between a pair of diets with either added 1 g DLM/kg in combination with either 1.13 or 1.52 g MHA-FA/kg or 2 g DLM/kg in combination with 2.25 or 3.05 g MHA-FA/kg, respectively. Pigs were housed in individual pens and had free access to feed and water. Daily feed intake (FI) was used as an indicator of diet preference. Cumulatively, pigs showed a preference (% of total FI) for the diet added with 1 g/kg DLM at 74% (P<0.05) in group 2, and 65% in group 3. Irrespective of the level of MHA-FA supplementation (2.25 or 3.05 g/kg), a preference for the diet supplemented with 2 g DLM/kg was 84% (P<0.05) in groups 4 and 5. During the entire period, pigs consistently (P<0.05) consumed more and preferred the diets supplemented with DLM more than the diets supplemented with MHA-FA in groups 2, 4 and 5. The preference for diets supplemented with DLM was more pronounced at higher Met supplementation levels. Feeding pigs a pair of diets supplemented with DLM or MHA-FA improved (P<0.05) the final body weight, daily weight gain, and FCR. The performance of pigs among the Met-supplemented groups was not different. In conclusion, when given a choice pigs preferred the diets supplemented with DLM more than the diets supplemented with liquid MHA-FA.