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Effects of isoflavone and probiotic intake on calcium transport and bone metabolism biomarkers in female rats
AbstractCalcium is essential for maintaining bone health as it contributes to bone formation, remodeling, strength, and density. This study investigated the effect of isoflavones and probiotics on calcium transporters' gene expression, serum calcium levels, and bone metabolism biomarkers in healthy female rats. Forty‐eight female Wistar rats were classified into six groups. Bone metabolism biomarkers (pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, parathyroid hormone, and osteocalcin) and serum calcium levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), respectively. Gene expression of calcium transporters (Trpv5 and Trpv6) was evaluated in duodenum and jejunum tissue samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Trpv5 and Trpv6, epithelial calcium channels, play a crucial role in calcium transport and homeostasis in the body. The study consisted of a1‐week adaptation period for the rats to adjust to the controlled conditions, followed by an 8‐week intervention phase. The daidzein and genistein group showed a significant increase in the gene expression of the Trpv6 transporter in the duodenum and a marked decrease in serum pyridinoline levels compared to the control group. The tempeh and soybean groups showed a significant decrease in the gene expression of the Trpv5 calcium transporter in the jejunum. However, no significant influence of the Lactobacillus acidophilus diet on calcium transport and bone metabolism biomarkers was observed in the L. acidophilus group. The correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between serum calcium, bone metabolism biomarkers, and calcium transporters. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the daidzein and genistein diet improves calcium transport in the duodenum and reduces pyridinoline serum concentrations, while tempeh and soybean diets reduce calcium transport in the jejunum. However, the combination of daidzein, genistein, and L. acidophilus did not demonstrate a synergistic effect on calcium transport and bone metabolism, suggesting that further investigations are needed to elucidate their potential interactions.
Rice Bran in Old Horses Nutrition and its Influence on Condition, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Total Feces Bacteria and Methanogen Population
Abstract This study aimed to verify whether the inclusion of 0.5 kg full-fat rice bran per day in the diet of geriatric horses will improve their condition, increase the population of methanogens in the cecum, and thus affect the biochemical blood parameters. The experiment included 2 research periods: 6 healthy, non-working horses over 20 years of age (480 ± 20 kg of body weight) fed only hay (±8.86 kg/day/head) in the first period and hay (±8.00 kg/day/head) and rice bran (0.5 kg/day/head) in the second one. Each of these periods lasted 4 months. The Body Condition Scoring (BCS) assessment was performed at the beginning and end of the experiment. Blood and feces samples were collected on the first and last day of each period. After feeding with the addition of rice bran, BCS increased by 1.17 units on a 9-point scale. The experiment showed an increase in the total number of bacteria and methanogens inhabiting the cecum of horses. This can lead to better digestion of carbohydrates, absorption of nutrients, and, consequently, increased body weight. No differences occurred in the hematology and serum biochemistry indices of horses fed a diet including rice bran, except for the amount of serum globulin and the albumin to globulin ratio. Rice bran affected essential serum fatty acid profile (increased PUFA and decreased MUFA), which confirmed the possibility to use diet as a serum fatty acids profile modulator.
LEAP2 in Physiology—A Narrative Review
Liver Enriched Antimicrobial Peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a fascinating peptide that has gained significant attention since its discovery in 2003. Initially identified as an antimicrobial peptide, LEAP2 has more recently been found to play a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. One of the most notable functions of LEAP2 is its interaction with the ghrelin hormone, which is known for stimulating hunger. LEAP2 acts as an inhibitor of ghrelin, thereby reducing food intake and influencing energy balance. The physiological roles of LEAP2 extend beyond appetite suppression. Studies have shown that LEAP2 has an impact on insulin secretion, suggesting its potential involvement in glucose metabolism and possibly insulin sensitivity, which is crucial in managing conditions like type 2 diabetes. Moreover, LEAP2 levels appear to fluctuate based on factors such as gender, developmental stage, and even interventions like bariatric surgery, which is known for its role in managing obesity and diabetes. Given these findings, LEAP2 shows potential as a therapeutic target, particularly for addressing obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Its ability to influence food intake and energy balance makes it a promising candidate for further research into therapies aimed at weight regulation and glycemic control. In the future, LEAP2 could become an important agent in the development of treatments aimed at curbing obesity and its associated metabolic disorders.
Isolation method and characterization of adipocytes as a tool for equine obesity research – In vitro study
Genistein stimulates the viability and prevents myofibroblastic transformation in human trabecular meshwork cells stimulated by TGF-β
Neopterin Concentration in Umbilical Cord Blood as a Reflection of Maternal Insulin Resistance—A Pilot Study
Background/Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) during pregnancy, even in women with normal body mass index (BMI), may affect maternal and fetal metabolic and immune status. This study aimed to evaluate neopterin (NPT), leptin, insulin, and ghrelin concentrations in maternal blood (MB) and umbilical cord blood (CB) in normoglycemic women with and without IR, all with normal BMI. Methods: Peripheral and cord blood was collected from 36 Caucasian women with term, uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. The participants were classified into control (n = 16; age = 30.81 ± 4.875 years) and IR (n = 20; age = 31.95 ± 4.979 years) groups based on a professional medical diagnosis. Anthropometric parameters were recorded, and metabolic/hormonal markers were measured using ELISA and RIA. Results: NPT concentrations in CB were significantly higher in the IR group (p < 0.05), correlated positively with MB NPT levels (r = 0.3809, p < 0.05). A significantly higher concentration of both insulin and leptin was observed in the MB of women with IR compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), whereas in CB, only insulin concentration was significantly higher in the IR group than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Ghrelin levels did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Insulin resistance in non-obese pregnant women is associated with increased NPT concentration in CB, which may suggest fetal immune activation. However, defining the role of NTP as a metabolic “messenger” between mother and child requires further study.
MOTS-c modulates pancreatic islet function in rats and pigs in vitro
Abstract MOTS-c is a promising regulator of metabolism and energy homeostasis. While its effects have been studied in cell lines, our team aimed to investigate its influence on more complex structures—specifically, isolated pancreatic islets. We used two animal models: the rat, which is commonly studied, and the pig, which shares greater physiological similarities with humans. This study assessed the expression and secretion of insulin and glucagon, the expression of their receptors, cell viability, and cell death following MOTS-c treatment of the islets. Additionally, we examined how MOTS-c secretion is affected by different incubation media, such as the presence of free fatty acids, pancreatic hormones, and different glucose concentrations. The results indicate that MOTS-c impacts pancreatic islet physiology by, for example, reducing insulin and glucagon secretion and enhancing cell viability. Notably, the effects differed between the two species, which may be attributed to anatomical differences in their pancreatic islets or structural variations in rat and pig MOTS-c. These facts may lead to the conclusion that if MOTS-c may be helpful in human medicine, the pig model should be considered another valuable choice.
Effect of Feeding Dried Apple Pomace on Ruminal Fermentation, Methane Emission, and Biohydrogenation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Dairy Cows
Industrial fruit by-products are now being utilized as animal feeds for several reasons. They may substitute the conventional cereal feeds, and also offer economic and environmental benefits. One of the most important industrial fruit by-products is apple pomace, which can be used as a source of energy in the ration of ruminant species, including dairy cattle. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding dried apple pomace to dairy cattle on ruminal fermentation, fatty acid concentration, microbial populations, and methane production. The experiment lasted 64 days and was conducted with 4 cannulated commercial dairy cows. The control animals received a standard diet, while the experimental animals was fed a standard diet supplemented with 150 g/kg DM dried apple pomace. Ruminal fluid samples were collected at three different time intervals. The samples were obtained at 0-, 3-, and 6-h post-feeding. The ruminal fluid was used to assess the ammonia concentration, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), long-chain fatty acids (FA), microbial population. A number of ruminal fermentation variables changed as a result of the addition of dried apple pomace to the standard diet. Ruminal pH slightly increased (p < 0.01) while the ammonia concentration decreased (p < 0.01) by 46%. There was a significant decrease in total protozoa count (p < 0.01) and an increase (p < 0.01) in total volatile fatty acids. In addition, there was a decline in methane emission (p = 0.05) by 8% due to dried apple pomace feeding. To sum up, this study demonstrated a positive effect of 150 g/kg DM dietary dried apple pomace on ruminal metabolism including a decrease in ammonia concentration and methane emissions, alongside with an increase in total ruminal VFAs, higher nutrient digestibility, and milk production. Also, beneficial changes to the ruminal fatty acid profile resulting from reduced biohydrogenation were observed although a decreased content of the C18:2 cis 9 trans 11 isomer was also noticed. The dietary inclusion of DAP can serve as a valuable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly dietary component for dairy cows.
Effect of a high-fat high-fructose diet on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its association with metabolic and anthropometric parameters in a letrozole-induced mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Nutrient digestion efficiency: a comparison between broiler chickens and growing pigs fed maize, barley and oats-based diets with an emphasis on starch
Abstract We investigated the hypotheses that broilers and pigs have distinct starch digestion capacities and that different cereals could trigger diet–species interactions. Ten replicates of two broilers (14 d old) or one pig (50 d old) each were distributed into a 3 × 2 randomised factorial design with three pelleted diets (maize, barley or oat-based) and the two species. Nutritional composition was equal for both species. Diets were fed for 10 d, and then the pancreas and organs from the stomach region and small intestine were collected with contents. It was observed that both species were similarly efficient at digesting starch but differed in some digestive aspects. Broilers had higher ileal digestibility coefficients (P < 0·001) of DM (0·69) and crude protein (0·75) than pigs (0·66 and 0·67), presented a higher volume of particles < 0·1 mm in duodenal digesta (P < 0·001) and had a lower gizzard pH (3·68) than pig stomach (4·48; P < 0·05). Conversely, pigs had lower ileal viscosity (1·44 v. 2·77 cP; P < 0·05) and higher pancreatic lipase activity (27 v. 5·9 U/g of pancreas; P < 0·05) compared with broilers. In the jejunum, oat led to higher starch digestibility (0·96; P < 0·05) than maize and barley regardless of species. In the ileum, starch digestibility was higher for broilers fed oats (0·99) than broilers fed barley (0·94; P < 0·05), establishing that oats provided, in general, a superior starch availability. The results imply that starch utilisation capacity is more related to its dietary source than to the species to which it is fed.
The Effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) Root Extract on In Vitro Cultured Porcine Fibroblasts and Adipocytes
Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant known for its nutritional and medicinal properties whose use as a supplement in animal diets has attracted much interest. We studied the effects of powdered maca root extract on the growth potential of in vitro cultured porcine cells prior to its use as an additive in animal nutrition. Fibroblast cell viability (MTT), cell proliferation (BrdU), and apoptosis level (TUNEL) were measured for a range of extract doses (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 10 mg/mL). Transcript levels of CCND1, MCM2, and PCNA genes as molecular markers of cell proliferation were also determined. Next, the effects of maca extract at 2 and 5 mg/mL on in vitro induced adipogenesis were evaluated over eight days of differentiation. The transcript levels of three adipocyte marker genes (CEBPA, PPARG, and FABPB4) were measured at days 0, 4, and 8 of adipose differentiation, and lipid droplet accumulation (BODIPY staining) was also noted. No cytotoxic effect was detected on fibroblast cell viability, and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was determined to be IC50 > 10 mg/mL. Doses of maca extract above 3 mg/mL decreased cell proliferation. The transcript level decreased in concentrations above 5 for the MCM2 and PCNA genes. For the CCND1 gene, the transcript level decreased when the greatest maca dose was used. In the in vitro adipogenesis experiment, it was found that the rate of lipid droplet formation increased on day 4 of differentiation for both doses, while decreased lipid droplet formation was observed on day 8 for 5 mg/mL of maca extract. Significant changes were seen in the mRNA level for CEBPA and PPARG on days 4 and 8, while the transcript of FABP4 increased only on day 8 at 2 mg/mL dose. It can be concluded that the addition of Peruvian maca in small doses (<3 mg/mL) has no negative effect on porcine fibroblast growth or proliferation, while 2 mg/mL of maca extract enhances adipocyte differentiation.
Effect of emulsifier and multicarbohydrase enzyme supplementation on performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler diets containing rapeseed meal
Insect fat influences broiler performance, meat quality, and the cecal microbiota similarly to plant oils rather than animal fats
Abstract We evaluated the addition of Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) fat to broiler diets compared to that of soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel fatty acid distillate (PKFD), poultry fat (PF), pig lard (PL), and beef tallow (BT) on performance, meat quality, and cecal microbiota abundance. BSFL addition reduced the feed conversion ratio compared to PO, PF, and BT addition and improved nutrient digestibility at 14 days and 28 days of age. BSFL addition enhanced broiler immune responses compared with SO, PO, and PL by increasing IgA levels; compared to PO by increasing IgG levels; and compared to PL by increasing IgY and IL-6 levels. Moreover, broiler free triiodothyronine levels increased when BSFL was added. Reduced drip loss after 7 days was observed in the RO, PO, PF, PL, and BT groups, while the salt-induced water uptake in the PL group was greater than that in the BSFL group. Compared with the SO group, BSFL addition increased C18:3 and overall n-3 FAs in breast meat. BSFL fat in broiler diets leads to outcomes that are more similar to those of plant oils than to those of animal fats, particularly regarding nutrient digestiblity and immune response.
Cord Blood Spexin Level in Mothers with Obesity—Forecast of Future Obesity?
Spexin (SPX) is a peptide that plays an important role in the regulation of food intake and body weight (BW) by the effect on carbohydrate-lipid metabolism. However, the role of SPX in fetal life, in children, and in adolescent metabolism is limited. Therefore, we decided to check whether obesity affects the concentration of SPX in the mother’s peripheral blood (MB) and umbilical cord blood (UCB). Using MB and UCB sera on the day of delivery obtained from 48 women (24 non-obese and 24 obese) and commercially available Elisa kits and colorimetric assays, we determined changes in SPX and the relationship between SPX concentration and other metabolic and anthropometric markers (body weight and BMI) on the day of delivery and in children at the age of 36 months. We found lower concentrations of SPX in MB (p < 0.05) and UCB (p < 0.01) derived from obese women (BMI > 30) and a moderate linear correlation (r = 0.4429; p < 0.01) between SPX concentrations in MB and UCB. We also noted that the concentration of SPX is not correlated with the child’s body weight on the day of birth (r = −0.0128). However, there is a relationship between SPX at birth and body weight at 3 years of age (r = −0.3219; p < 0.05). Based on the obtained results, it can be assumed that spexin is one of the factors modulating the child’s metabolism already in the fetal period and can be considered a potential marker of future predisposition to obesity. However, confirmation of this thesis requires additional research.
Cleft Lip and Palate in Four Full-Sib Puppies from a Single Litter of Staffordshire Bull Terrier Dogs: An Anatomical and Genetic Study
Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a well-known congenital defect in dogs, characterized by abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities. Its incidence rate is high and affects all dog breeds. The etiology of CLP is thought to be multifactorial, caused by both genetic and environmental factors. In this study, four puppies out of seven from a single litter of Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs with craniofacial abnormalities were anatomically and genetically examined. Classical anatomical preparation, dyed-latex-injection of the arterial vessels, and cone-beam computed tomography were used. The puppies showed variations in their observable abnormalities: three of them had a complete cleft of the palate on both sides, while one puppy had a cleft on the right side only. Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal diploid chromosome number (2n = 78,XX or 78,XY) in the studied animals. Known genomic variants of CLP were examined in the ADAMTS20, DLX6, and MYH3 genes, but no mutations were identified. Further studies are needed to identify the breed-specific genetic variants associated with canine CLP.
Impact of dietary salicylates on angiogenic factors and biochemical parameters in a rat model of preeclampsia
Background The pathophysiology of preeclampsia involves impaired cytotrophoblastic invasion, placental ischemia, inflammation, and angiogenic imbalance. Prophylactic low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in high-risk women. This study evaluated the effect of dietary salicylates on the development of preeclampsia in rats treated with L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester). Methodology Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups and treated with dietary salicylates at two dose levels (1 and 10 mg/kg diet) or aspirin (doses adjusted to dietary salicylates). Preeclampsia was induced by administering L-NAME in drinking water from gestational days 6–19. Results Neither dietary salicylates nor aspirin, at either dose, affected blood pressure in L-NAME-treated rats. The lower dose of dietary salicylates significantly reduced urinary albumin levels. Both interventions prevented an increase in the sFlt/PLGF ratio and mitigated histopathological placental changes in preeclamptic rats. The higher dose of aspirin reduced placental VEGFR2 protein levels. Conclusion Dietary salicylate supplementation does not provide clear preventive effects against preeclampsia.
Effect of Tempeh and Daidzein on Calcium Status, Calcium Transporters, and Bone Metabolism Biomarkers in Ovariectomized Rats
Menopause marks a critical life stage characterized by hormonal changes that significantly impact bone health, leading to a heightened susceptibility to bone fractures. This research seeks to elucidate the impact of daidzein and tempeh on calcium status, calcium transporters, and bone metabolism in an ovariectomized rat model. Forty female Wistar rats, aged 3 months, participated in a two-phase experiment. The initial phase involved inducing a calcium deficit, while the second phase comprised dietary interventions across five groups: Sham (S) and Ovariectomy (O) with a standard diet, O with bisphosphonate (OB), O with pure daidzein (OD), and O with tempeh (OT). Multiple parameters, encompassing calcium levels, calcium transporters, bone histopathology, and serum bone metabolism markers, were evaluated. The findings revealed that the OT group showcased heightened levels of bone turnover markers, such as pyridinoline, C-telopeptide of type I collagen, bone alkaline phosphatase, and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, in contrast to S and O groups, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, both the OD and OT groups exhibited effects akin to the OB group, indicating a decrease in the surface area occupied by adipocytes in the femoral bone structure, although statistically non-equivalent, supporting the directionally similar trends. Although TRPV5 and TRPV6 mRNA expression levels in the jejunum and duodenum did not display statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), the OD and OT groups exhibited increased expression compared to the O group. We hypothesized that obtained results may be related to the effect of isoflavones on estrogen pathways because of their structurally similar to endogenous estrogen and weak estrogenic properties. In conclusion, the daily consumption of pure daidzein and tempeh could potentially improve and reinstate calcium status, calcium transport, and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. Additionally, isoflavone products demonstrate effects similar to bisphosphonate drugs on these parameters in ovariectomized rats.
Effect of clinically uneventful carotid endarterectomy on pentraxin 3 concentration: relationships between cognitive functions, local inflammation, and duration of brain ischemia
IntroductionThe pentraxins are a superfamily of proteins characterized by the presence of a pentraxin domain at the C-terminal. One of them is pentraxin 3 (PTX3), which is of great interest to scientists, primarily due to its function as an endogenous modulator of the inflammatory response. Local inflammation is a common phenomenon during various types of surgery and procedures, and its causes, among others, are local ischemia or tissue irritation. One such procedure is carotid plaque removal by carotid endarterectomy (CEA), which is performed to reduce the risk of stroke.Material and methodsThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CEA on PTX3 concentration and the relationship between cognitive functions and the duration of brain ischemia in patients. We evaluated the relationships using blood collected from patients undergoing CEA, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire, and commercially available ELISA tests.ResultsResults: We found that the concentration of PTX3 increased after surgery (from 0.59 ± 0.11 to 1.29 ± 0.29 ng mL<sup>–1</sup>; <i>P</i> < 0.01). Also, a decrease in the MMSE score was observed 24 hours after the procedure (<i>P</i> < 0.01). However, just one month after the procedure, it significantly increased compared to the day of admission to the hospital (<i>P</i> < 0.01). Our results did not demonstrate any interactions between the tested parameters. It can be concluded that neither the changes in PTX3 concentration following the procedure nor the timing of these changes directly contribute to the temporary deterioration of cognitive functions observed after CEA.ConclusionsPTX3 increases independently of the duration of cerebral hypoxemia/ hypercapnia after clamping the carotid artery. This rise is an inflammatory marker that occurs independently within the central nervous system.
Calcium carbonate-enriched pumpkin affects calcium status in ovariectomized rats
AbstractCalcium carbonate (CaCO3)-enriched pumpkin may serve as a good source of calcium for patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of CaCO3-enriched pumpkin on Ca status in ovariectomized rats. The study included 40 female Wistar rats divided into five groups (n = 8). One group was fed with a standard diet (control group), while the other four groups were ovariectomized and received a standard diet (control ovariectomized group), or a diet containing CaCO3-enriched pumpkin, alendronate, or both. The nutritional intervention lasted 12 weeks, and then the rats were euthanized. Tissue and blood samples were collected and assessed for the levels of total Ca, estradiol, parathyroid hormone, and procollagen type I N propeptide. In addition, a histological analysis was performed on femurs. The results of the study suggest that CaCO3-enriched pumpkin can increase Ca content in femurs and improve bone recovery in ovariectomized rats. Furthermore, enriched pumpkin contributes to Ca accumulation in the kidneys, and this effect is more pronounced in combination with alendronate.
