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The Role of a High-Fat, High-Fructose Diet on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Prepubertal Mice
This study aims to investigate the effects of a high-fat, high-fructose (HF/HFr) diet on metabolic/endocrine dysregulations associated with letrozole (LET)-induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in prepubertal female mice. Thirty-two prepubertal C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of eight and implanted with LET or a placebo, with simultaneous administration of an HF/HFr/standard diet for five weeks. After sacrifice, the liver and blood were collected for selected biochemical analyses. The ovaries were taken for histopathological examination. The LET+HF/HFr group gained significantly more weight than the LET-treated mice. Both the LET+HF/HFr and the placebo-treated mice on the HF/HFr diet developed polycystic ovaries. Moreover the LET+HF/HFr group had significantly elevated testosterone levels, worsened lipid profile and indices of insulin sensitivity. In turn, the HF/HFr diet alone led to similar changes in the LET-treated group, except for the indices of insulin sensitivity. Hepatic steatosis also occurred in both HF/HFr groups. The LET-treated group did not develop endocrine or metabolic abnormalities, but polycystic ovaries were seen. Since the HF/HFr diet can cause substantial metabolic and reproductive dysregulation in both LET-treated and placebo mice, food items rich in simple sugar—particularly fructose—and saturated fat, which have the potential to lead to PCOS progression, should be eliminated from the diet of young females.
Effect of calcium lactate in standard diet on selected markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in ovariectomized rats
Abstract The effectiveness of calcium depends on its source, i.e., salt it is supplied with. This study aimed to determine the effects of calcium lactate in diet on inflammation and oxidative stress markers in ovariectomized rats. A total of 40 female Wistar rats were included in this study, which were divided into four groups. The control group was fed a standard diet, whereas the remaining three groups were ovariectomized and provided a standard diet containing calcium carbonate (OVX), a calcium-deficient diet (OVX_DEF), or a diet containing calcium lactate (OVX_CaL). The nutritional intervention lasted for 12 weeks, and then, the rats were sacrificed. Tissue and blood samples were taken and evaluated for cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase 2, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance contents in the liver and serum, and total antioxidant status and lipoxygenase 1 contents only in the serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences were observed in the effects of calcium carbonate and calcium lactate on the COX-1 content in the serum of ovariectomized rats: a lower COX-1 concentration was observed in the case of the calcium lactate diet. No significant differences were observed for the other parameters.
MOTS-c Impact on Muscle Cell Differentiation and Metabolism Across Fiber Types
Background/Aims: MOTS-c belongs to a group of mitochondrial peptides involved in metabolic processes in the body. This peptide has garnered increasing attention since its discovery in 2015 because of its potential to ameliorate metabolic parameters in animals with diabetes or insulin resistance. MOTS-c is involved in muscle metabolism; however, little is known about its role in fiber differentiation. Materials: We conducted a study to explore the effect of MOTS-c on cellular processes using the C2C12 and L6 cell lines, representing different metabolic types of muscle fibers. The research methods were real-time PCR, Western blot, and lipid accumulation measurement. Results: >Notably, our investigations revealed that MOTS-c increased the survival of C2C12 cells at doses of 10 and 100 nM (p<0.01) and stimulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase within 5 min of incubation (p<0.05). Remarkably, these effects were not observed in L6 cells; however, both cell lines showed a reduced rate of proliferation. Furthermore, MOTS-c promotes the differentiation of C2C12 cells by increasing the expression of muscle regulatory factors, but it does not produce such an effect in L6 cells. Additionally, cells were treated with physiological concentrations of free fatty acids and MOTS-c, unveiling an augmentation in lipid accumulation observed in L6 cells and a decrease in lipid accumulation in C2C12 cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings have suggested a diverse response to MOTS-c depending on the type of muscle fibers, particularly in the domains of survival, cell differentiation, and lipid accumulation.
Zależność między pępowinowym stężeniem hormonów regulujących rozwój płodu, a parametrami antropometrycznymi u noworodków z dużą i niską masą urodzeniową
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.
Genistein stimulates the viability and prevents myofibroblastic transformation in human trabecular meshwork cells stimulated by TGF-β
Effect of Paulownia Leaves Extract Levels on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation, Microbial Population, Methane Production, and Fatty Acid Biohydrogenation
Paulownia is a fast-growing tree that produces a huge mass of leaves as waste that can be used as a feed source for ruminants. The previous study showed that phenolic compounds were the most active biological substances in Paulownia leaves, which affected the ruminal parameters and methane concentration. However, there are no scientific reports on the Paulownia leaves extract (PLE) containing phenolic compounds for their mode of action in the rumen. Phenolics constituted the main group of bioactive compounds in PLE (84.4 mg/g dry matter). PLE lowered the concentration of ammonia, modulated the VFA profile in the ruminal fluid, and decreased methane production. The PLE caused a significant reduction of in vitro dry matter degradability, reduced the number of methanogens and protozoa, and affected selected bacteria populations. PLE had a promising effect on the fatty acid profile in the ruminal fluid. Paulownia as a new dietary component or its extract as a feed additive may be used to mitigate ruminal methanogenesis, resulting in environmental protection and reducing ruminal biohydrogenation, improving milk and meat quality.
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.
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.
MOTS-c regulates pancreatic alpha and beta cell functions in vitro
AbstractThe aim of this study is to determine the influence of the mitochondrial open-reading-frame of the twelve S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) peptide on pancreatic cell physiology. Moreover, in this study, we examined the changes in MOTS-c secretion and expression under different conditions. Our experiments were conducted using laboratory cell line cultures, specifically the INS-1E and αTC-1 cell lines, which represent β and α pancreatic cells, respectively. As the pancreas is an endocrine organ, we also tested its hormone regulation capabilities. Furthermore, we assessed the secretion of MOTS-c after incubating the cells with glucose and free fatty acids. Additionally, we examined key cell culture parameters such as cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis. The results obtained from this study show that MOTS-c has a significant impact on the physiology of pancreatic cells. Specifically, it lowers insulin secretion and expression in INS-1E cells and enhances glucagon secretion and expression in αTC-1 cells. Furthermore, MOTS-c affects cell viability and apoptosis. Interestingly, insulin and glucagon affect the MOTS-c secretion as well as glucose and free fatty acids. These experiments clearly show that MOTS-c is an important regulator of pancreatic metabolism, and there are numerous properties of MOTS-c yet to be discovered.
Replacement of soybean oil with cold-extracted fat from Hermetia illucens in young turkey diets: Effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, selected organ measurements, meat and liver tissue traits, intestinal microbiota modulation, and physiological and immunological status
Effect of emulsifier and multicarbohydrase enzyme supplementation on performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler diets containing rapeseed meal
Circadian pathway is downregulated in lungs and adipose tissue in the rat model of allergic airway inflammation
Implementation of a metabolizable energy regression model for black soldier fly larvae fat in broiler chicken diets: effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and selected physiological indices
Dietary Coleus amboinicus Lour. decreases ruminal methanogenesis and biohydrogenation, and improves meat quality and fatty acid composition in longissimus thoracis muscle of lambs
Abstract Background Methane production and fatty acids (FA) biohydrogenation in the rumen are two main constraints in ruminant production causing environmental burden and reducing food product quality. Rumen functions can be modulated by the biologically active compounds (BACs) of plant origins as shown in several studies e.g. reduction in methane emission, modulation of FA composition with positive impact on the ruminant products. Coleus amboinicus Lour. (CAL) contains high concentration of polyphenols that may potentially reduce methane production and modulate ruminal biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BAC of Coleus amboinicus Lour. (CAL) fed to growing lambs on ruminal methane production, biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA and meat characteristics. In this study, the in vitro experiment aiming at determining the most effective CAL dose for in vivo experiments was followed by two in vivo experiments in rumen-cannulated rams and growing lambs. Experiment 1 (RUSITEC) comprised of control and three experimental diets differing in CAL content (10%, 15%, and 20% of the total diet). The two in vivo experiments were conducted on six growing, rumen-cannulated lambs (Exp. 2) and 16 growing lambs (Exp. 3). Animals were assigned into the control (CON) and experimental (20% of CAL) groups. Several parameters were examined in vitro (pH, ammonia and VFA concentrations, protozoa, methanogens and select bacteria populations) and in vivo (methane production, digestibility, ruminal microorganism populations, meat quality, fatty acids profiles in rumen fluid and meat, transcript expression of 5 genes in meat). Results CAL lowered in vitro methane production by 51%. In the in vivo Exp. 3, CAL decreased methane production by 20% compared with the CON group, which corresponded to reduction of total methanogen counts by up to 28% in all experiments, notably Methanobacteriales. In Exp. 3, CAL increased or tended to increase populations of some rumen bacteria (Ruminococcus albus, Megasphaera elsdenii, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens). Dietary CAL suppressed the Holotricha population, but increased or tended to increase Entodiniomorpha population in vivo. An increase in the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportion in the rumen of lambs was noted in response to the CAL diet, which was mainly attributable to the increase in C18:3 cis-9 cis-12 cis-15 (LNA) proportion. CAL reduced the mRNA expression of four out of five genes investigated in meat (fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, lipoprotein lipase, and fatty acid desaturase 1). Conclusions Summarizing, polyphenols of CAL origin (20% in diet) mitigated ruminal methane production by inhibiting the methanogen communities. CAL supplementation also improved ruminal environment by modulating ruminal bacteria involved in fermentation and biohydrogenation of FA. Besides, CAL elevated the LNA concentration, which improved meat quality through increased deposition of n-3 PUFA.
GIP_HUMAN [22–51] Peptide Encoded by the Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) Gene Suppresses Insulin Expression and Secretion in INS-1E Cells and Rat Pancreatic Islets
GIP_HUMAN [22–51] is a recently discovered peptide that shares the same precursor molecule with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). In vivo, chronic infusion of GIP_HUMAN [22–51] in ApoE−/− mice enhanced the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions and upregulated inflammatory and proatherogenic proteins. In the present study, we evaluate the effects of GIP_HUMAN [22–51] on insulin mRNA expression and secretion in insulin-producing INS-1E cells and isolated rat pancreatic islets. Furthermore, we characterize the influence of GIP_HUMAN [22–51] on cell proliferation and death and on Nf-kB nuclear translocation. Rat insulin-producing INS-1E cells and pancreatic islets, isolated from male Wistar rats, were used in this study. Gene expression was evaluated using real-time PCR. Cell proliferation was studied using a BrdU incorporation assay. Cell death was quantified by evaluating histone-complexed DNA fragments. Insulin secretion was determined using an ELISA test. Nf-kB nuclear translocation was detected using immunofluorescence. GIP_HUMAN [22–51] suppressed insulin (Ins1 and Ins2) in INS-1E cells and pancreatic islets. Moreover, GIP_HUMAN [22–51] promoted the translocation of NF-κB from cytoplasm to the nucleus. In the presence of a pharmacological inhibitor of NF-κB, GIP_HUMAN [22–51] was unable to suppress Ins2 mRNA expression. Moreover, GIP_HUMAN [22–51] downregulated insulin secretion at low (2.8 mmol/L) but not high (16.7 mmol/L) glucose concentration. By contrast, GIP_HUMAN [22–51] failed to affect cell proliferation and apoptosis. We conclude that GIP_HUMAN [22–51] suppresses insulin expression and secretion in pancreatic β cells without affecting β cell proliferation or apoptosis. Notably, the effects of GIP_HUMAN [22–51] on insulin secretion are glucose-dependent.
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.
Daily Treatment of Mice with Type 2 Diabetes with Adropin for Four Weeks Improves Glucolipid Profile, Reduces Hepatic Lipid Content and Restores Elevated Hepatic Enzymes in Serum
Adropin is a peptide hormone encoded by Energy Homeostasis Associated gene. Adropin modulates energy homeostasis and metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. There is growing evidence demonstrating that adropin enhances insulin sensitivity and lowers hyperlipidemia in obese mice. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daily administration of adropin for four weeks in mice with experimentally induced type 2 diabetes (T2D). Adropin improved glucose control without modulating insulin sensitivity. Adropin reduced body weight, size of adipocytes, blood levels of triacylglycerol and cholesterol in T2D mice. T2D mice treated with adropin had lower liver mass, reduced hepatic content of triacylglycerol and cholesterol. Furthermore, adropin attenuated elevated blood levels of hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT and ALP) in T2D mice. In T2D mice, adropin increased the circulating adiponectin level. Adropin had no effects on circulating insulin and glucagon levels and did not alter pancreatic islets morphology. These results suggest that adropin improves glucose control, lipid metabolism and liver functions in T2D. In conjunction with reduced lipid content in hepatocytes, these results render adropin as an interesting candidate in therapy of T2D.
Special Issue: Lipid Metabolism, Adipogenesis and Fat Tissue Metabolism: Gene Regulation
Lipid metabolism is pivotal in controlling energy homeostasis [...]
