Quantities of ash,Ca, and P in metacarpals,metatarsals, and tibia are better correlated with total body bone ash in growing pigs than ash,Ca, and P in other bones

The objective was to determine correlations between individual bones and total body bone ash to identify the bone that is most representative of total body bone ash in growing pigs. Twenty growing pigs were allotted to 1 of 2 diets that were formulated to contain 60% or 100% of the requirement for standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P. Both diets had an STTD Ca to STTD P ratio of 1.90:1. Growth performance and carcass weights were determined. Metacarpals, metatarsals, femur, tibia, fibula, 3rd and 4th ribs, and 10th and 11th ribs, and all other bones from the left half of the carcass were collected separately. Each bone was defatted and ashed. Pigs fed the diet containing 100% of required Ca and P had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain, gain to feed, and ash concentration (%) in total and all individual bones except femur and fibula compared with pigs fed the diet containing 60% of required Ca and P. Calcium and P concentrations in bone ash were not affected by dietary treatments. Weights (g) of bone ash, bone Ca, and bone P were greater (P < 0.05) or tended to be greater (P < 0.10) for pigs fed the diet containing 100% of required Ca and P. Correlation coefficients between the weight of ashed metacarpals, metatarsals, and tibia and the weight of total bone ash were >0.95. In conclusion, metacarpals, metatarsals, and tibia were more representative of total body bone ash compared with other bones.     

Effects of one-time and two-time intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid sodium salt after joint surgery in dogs

Thirty-one dogs with patellar luxation (grades 2 and 3) were categorized into three groups. Group 1 (G.1; n = 12) had sodium hyaluronate (SHA) intra-articularly injected into the stifle joint that received surgery. Group 2 (G.2; n = 10) received SHA twice: first after surgery and then 1 week later. Group 3 (G.3; n = 9) served as a control, without injection. Blood was collected before injection and then once a week for 4 weeks after injection for evaluation of chondroitin sulfate (CS-WF6) and hyaluronan (HA). The results revealed significantly (p < 0.05) improved clinical scores by the end of week 4 in G.1 and G.2 relative to G.3; however, there was no significant difference between G.1 and G.2. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum CS-WF6 levels beginning at week 2 in G.1 and G.2. At weeks 3 and 4, serum HA in G.1 and G.2 differed from that in G.3 (p < 0.05). No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in serum biomarkers between G.1 and G.2. In conclusion, intra-articular injection with SHA after joint surgery may improve homeostasis of the joint, retarding the process of OA.     

Over-processed meat and bone meal and phytase effects on broilers challenged with subclinical necrotic enteritis: Part 3. Bone mineralization and litter quality

This study was conducted to determine the effect of necrotic enteritis (NE), phytase level and meat and bone meal (MBM) processing on bone mineralization of broilers and litter quality. Ross 308 male broiler chicks (n = 768) were allotted to 48 pens with 16 birds each. There were 8 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Factors were NE challenge (no or yes), phytase level (500 or 5,000 FTU/kg), and MBM (as-received or over-processed). Half of the birds were challenged with field strains of Eimeria spp. at d 9 and 10⁸ CFU per mL of Clostridium perfringens strain EHE-NE18 on d 14 and 15. The middle toe, tibia and femur of 2 birds per pen were excised at d 16 and 29 for determination of ash, breaking strength (BS) and bone mineralization. At d 42, all were assessed for hock burns and litter was scored and assessed for dry matter (DM). At d 16, challenged birds had lower toe ash (P < 0.01), femur ash (P < 0.001), tibia ash (P < 0.001) and tibial BS (P < 0.001) than unchallenged birds. At d 16, challenged birds fed high phytase and over-processed MBM had higher toe Mn than those fed low phytase and as-received MBM. At d 29 unchallenged birds fed high phytase and as-received MBM had a higher toe Mn than those fed over-processed MBM. At d 16, a phytase × MBM interaction was detected for femur Zn concentration (P < 0.05), where a higher level of Zn was observed in the high phytase group fed over-processed MBM. At d 16, tibial Ca (P < 0.05) and P (P < 0.05) were lower in the challenged whereas the femur K (P < 0.001), Mn (P < 0.01) and Na (P < 0.001) were higher in the challenged at d 16. At d 42, challenged birds had higher litter DM (P = 0.058) and fewer hock burns than those unchallenged (P < 0.05). In conclusion, NE impaired bone traits but high phytase and over-processed MBM increased bone mineral contents. Cases of hock burns may be lower under NE incidences due to lower livability of birds reducing litter wetness.     

Black rice anthocyanidins prevent retinal photochemical damage via involvement of the AP-1/NF-κB/Caspase-1 pathway in Sprague-Dawley Rats

The effects of black rice anthocyanidins (BRACs) on retinal damage induced by photochemical stress are not well known. In the present study, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed AIN-93M for 1 week, after which 80 rats were randomly divided into two groups and treated with (n = 40) or without BRACs (n = 40) for 15 days, respectively. After treatment, both groups were exposed to fluorescent light (3,000 ± 200 lux; 25℃), and the protective effect of dietary BRACs were evaluated afterwards. Our results showed that dietary BRACs effectively prevented retinal photochemical damage and inhibited the retinal cells apoptosis induced by fluorescent light (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary BRACs inhibited expression of AP-1 (c-fos/c-jun subunits), up-regulated NF-κB (p65) expression and phosphorylation of IκB-α, and decreased Caspase-1 expression (p < 0.05). These results suggest that BRACs improve retinal damage produced by photochemical stress in rats via AP-1/NF-κB/Caspase-1 apoptotic mechanisms.     

Effects of administration of IH901, a ginsenoside intestinal metabolite,on muscular and pulmonary antioxidant functions after eccentric exercise

This study was conducted to investigate whether administration of IH901, a ginseng intestinal metabolite, ameliorates exercise-induced oxidative stress while preserving antioxidant defense capability in rat skeletal muscles and lung. Eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats per group were randomly assigned to the resting control, exercise control, resting with IH901 (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) consumption (R/IH901), or exercise with IH901 (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) consumption (E/IH901) group. The trained groups ran 35 min 2 days/week for 8 weeks. To analyze the IH901-training interaction, serum biochemical analysis, lipid peroxidation, citrate synthase, protein oxidation, antioxidant and superoxide dismutase in skeletal muscles and lung tissue were measured. Compared to the exercise control group, animals that consumed IH901 had significantly increased exercise endurance times (p < 0.05) and decreased plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.05), while those in the E/IH901 groups had increased citrate synthase and anti-oxidant enzymes and decreased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, IH901 consumption in aging rats after eccentric exercise has beneficial effects on anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities through down-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation and up-regulation of anti-oxidant enzymes.     

Transrectal Doppler sonography of uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in Simmenthal heifers

Transrectal Doppler sonography was used to evaluate uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in six primiparous Simmental cows. The uterine blood flow was evaluated on the day of parturition (Day 0), once daily from Days 1 to 8 and then every other day until Day 14. Blood flow was quantified by determining the diameter (D), the time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the pulsatility index (PI) and the blood flow volume (BFV) of the uterine arteries ipsilateral and contralateral to the formerly pregnant uterine horn. During the first four days after calving D, TAMV and BFV declined (ipsilateral: TAMV 70%, BFV 87%, contralateral: D 47%, BFV 84%; p < 0.05), while PI increased (ipsilateral 158%, contralateral 100%; p < 0.05) distinctly. Between Days 4 and 14 only the ipsilateral D (12%) and the BFV of both arteries (ipsilateral 5%, contralateral 8%) decreased (p < 0.05). Blood flow variables were very strongly correlated with each other (r > ±0.75, p < 0.05), with negative correlations with PI and positive correlations with all other investigated factors. Overall, this study revealed characteristic changes in uterine perfusion during the first two weeks after parturition in cows that were pronounced during the first four days postpartum.     

Osteogenic potential of mesenchymal cells derived from canine umbilical cord matrix co-cultured with platelet-rich plasma and demineralized bone matrix

Canine mesenchymal cells (MSCs) derived from Wharton''s jelly were co-cultured, then supplemented or not supplemented with platelet rich plasma (PRP) and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) to verify osteogenic differentiation. Osteoblastic differentiation followed by mineralized bone matrix production was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) when MSCs were associated with PRP/DBM in culture after 14-21-days of induction. Osteopontin and osteocalcin gene expression were significantly superior (p < 0.05) under the same culture conditions after 21 days of observation. In conclusion, addition of PRP to DBM co-cultured with MSCs successfully induced osteogenesis in vitro.     

Assessment of visceral organ growth in pigs from birth through 150 kg

Visceral organs (VO) are essential for their role in the metabolism and distribution of consumed nutrients as well as other life functions in animals. Two experiments were conducted to assess the natural longitudinal changes that the VO undergo from birth through 150 kg body weight (BW). In Experiment 1, a total of 96 crossbred pigs were euthanized at birth (pre-suckle), d 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 (weaning), 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 42, 49, and 63 of age. In Experiment 2, a total of 48 crossbred pigs were euthanized at 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 kg of BW. The absolute weight of VO, and the volume and length of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were measured. In both experiments, the absolute weight of VO, GIT length, and their volume increased (linear, quadratic, and/or cubic, P < 0.05) as BW and age increased. In Experiment 1, the relative weight of VO (liver, kidney, heart, and lung) decreased after initially increasing within the first week of life (linear, quadratic, and/or cubic, P < 0.05), whereas the relative weight of all VO decreased as BW increased in Experiment 2 (linear and/or quadratic, P < 0.05). The relative length of small intestine decreased and that of large intestine increased as age increased in Experiment 1 (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), whereas the relative length of the small and large intestine in Experiment 2 were relatively constant at 80% and 20% of the total length of the intestine, respectively. As age and BW increased, the relative volume of the large intestine to the total volume of the GIT increased (linear and/or quadratic, P < 0.05), while the relative volume of the small intestine decreased (linear and/or quadratic, P < 0.05). In conclusion, results showed that both absolute and relative measurements (weight, volume, and length) of VO were dependent on the BW (age) of the pig.     

Effects of induced endometritis on uterine blood flow in cows as evaluated by transrectal Doppler sonography

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of induced endometritis on uterine blood flow in cows. Transrectal Doppler sonography was performed on uterine arteries of six cyclic cows before and for 4 days after inducing acute endometritis by intrauterine infusion of 720 mg of policresulen, and for 4 days of the following estrous cycle. Time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV) increased (p < 0.001) and pulsatility index (PI) decreased (p < 0.0001) within 1 h of policresulen administration, and did not change (p > 0.05) in the next 4 days of the same cycle. TAMV and PI values in the subsequent cycle did not differ (p > 0.05) from the values measured before infusion and showed no changes (p > 0.05) within the cycle. Blood flow parameters were not related (p > 0.05) to plasma concentrations of progesterone and estrogen. All cows showed an acute endometritis determined by histopathological findings of biopsy samples taken 1 day after infusion and fibrotic endometrial alterations detected in the subsequent cycle. No relationships were observed between fibrotic changes of the endometrium and uterine blood flow during either cycle. In conclusion, acute inflammation is accompanied by a rise in uterine blood flow, but fibrotic alterations do not seem to be related to Doppler sonographic findings.     

Simultaneous subchronic exposure to selenium and diazinon as possible risk factor for osteoporosis in adult male rats

Background

Osteoporosis and its main health outcome, fragility fractures, are large and escalating health problems. Skeletal damage may be the critical result of low-level prolonged exposure to several xenobiotics in the general population, but the mechanisms of their adverse effects are not clearly understood. The current study was aimed to investigate the possible ability of simultaneous subchronic peroral administration of selenium (Se) and diazinon (DZN) to induce changes in bone of adult male rats.In our study, twenty 1-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups. In the first group, young males were exposed to 5 mg Na₂SeO₃/L and 40 mg of DZN/L in drinking water, for 90 days. Ten 1-month-old males without Se and DZN intoxication served as a control group. At the end of the experiment, macroscopic and microscopic structures of the femurs were analysed using analytical scales, sliding instrument, and polarized light microscopy.

Results

The body weight, femoral length and cortical bone thickness were significantly decreased in rats simultaneously exposed to Se and DZN (P < 0.05). These rats also displayed different microstructure in the middle part of the compact bone where vascular canals expanded into central area of substantia compacta. The canals occurred only near endosteal surfaces in rats from the control group. Additionally, a smaller number of primary and secondary osteons, as well as a few resorption lacunae were observed near endosteal surfaces in rats simultaneously administered to Se and DZN. The resorption lacunae as typical structures of bone resorption manifestation are connected with an early stage of osteoporosis. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameters of primary osteons’ vascular canals were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the Se-DZN-exposed rats. On the other hand, all measured variables of Haversian canals and secondary osteons were considerable reduced (P < 0.05) in these rats.

Conclusions

Simultaneous subchronic peroral exposure to Se and DZN induces changes in macroscopic and microscopic structures of the femurs in adult male rats, and also it can be considered as possible risk factor for osteoporosis. The current study contributes to the knowledge on damaging impact of several xenobiotics on the bone.     

Preanalytical variables affecting the measurement of serum paraoxonase-1 activity in horses

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity is a new inflammatory and oxidative marker. Technical effects and biological factors could affect the accuracy of PON-1 activity measurement. We investigated the effects of storage at different temperatures, repeated freeze–thaw cycles, interferences from hemolytic, lipemic, and icteric samples, and seasonal effects on PON-1 activity in horses. We evaluated 2 substrates with an automated spectrophotometer. Ten equine serum samples were stored under different conditions. Although storage at room (21°C) or refrigeration (4°C) temperature induced a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in PON-1 activity, this is not diagnostically relevant. PON-1 activity in frozen samples (−20°C) was stable for short-term storage; diagnostically significant (p < 0.01) fluctuations were observed after 1 mo. Four repeated freeze–thaw cycles were assessed, and all cycles affected PON-1 activity (p < 0.01); however, this was diagnostically significant only after the 4th cycle. Hemolysis induced an overestimation of PON-1 activity; lipemia and hyperbilirubinemia did not change PON-1 activity. Thirty-four horses were sampled monthly for 1 y, and PON-1 activity was higher in autumn (p < 0.05) and winter (p < 0.05) than in spring and summer.     

Effect of serum-derived albumin scaffold and canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on osteogenesis in canine segmental bone defect model

Composite biological and synthetic grafts with progenitor cells offer an alternative approach to auto- or allografts for fracture repair. This study was conducted to evaluate osteogenesis of autologous serum-derived albumin (ASA) scaffolds seeded with canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) in a canine segmental bone defect model. ASA scaffold was prepared with canine serum using cross-linking and freeze-drying procedures. Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) was mixed at the cross-linking stage. Ad-MSCs were seeded into the scaffold and incubated for one day before implantation. After 16 weeks, the grafts were harvested for histological analysis. The dogs were divided into five groups: control, ASA scaffolds with and without Ad-MSCs, and ASA scaffolds including β-TCP with and without Ad-MSCs. ASA scaffolds with Ad-MSCs had a significantly larger area of increased opacity at the proximal and distal host cortex-implant interfaces in radiographs 16 weeks after implantation compared to the groups with β-TCP (p < 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis showed that ASA scaffolds with Ad-MSCs had significantly greater new bone formation than other groups (p < 0.05). These results suggest that Ad-MSCs seeded into ASA scaffolds enhanced osteogenesis in the bone defect model, but that β-TCP in the ASA scaffold might prevent penetration of the cells required for bone healing.     

The impact of genetic merit on ewe performance and efficiency parameters

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ewe genetic merit on ewe performance and efficiency parameters. The study consisted of three genetic merit groups (New Zealand [NZ], High Irish, and Low Irish) and ran from 2016 to 2019, inclusive. Each genetic merit group contained 30 purebred Suffolk and 30 purebred Texel ewes, which were selected based on their maternal genetic indexes in their country of origin, namely Ireland (€uro-star Replacement index) or New Zealand (New Zealand Maternal worth). Ewe body condition score (BCS), ewe body weight (BW), milk yield, milk composition, dry matter intake (DMI), and efficiency parameters were all analyzed using linear mixed models. Ewe BW was similar across all genetic merit groups at each time point (P > 0.05). In comparison to both High and Low Irish ewes, NZ ewes had a higher BCS at mating, mid-pregnancy, lambing, week 10 post-lambing (PL, P < 0.05). Ewe BW change was similar across genetic merit groups, except between mating and mid-pregnancy where ewe BW loss was greater for NZ ewes than Irish ewes (P < 0.05) and between weeks 6 PL and 10 PL, where NZ ewes gained BW and High and Low Irish ewes lost BW (P < 0.01). Ewe milk yield, milk fat, total solids, and gross energy content were superior for milk produced by NZ ewes at week 6 PL in comparison to milk produced by High Irish and Low Irish ewes (P < 0.01). NZ ewes produced a greater quantity of milk solids/kg of BW at week 6 PL compared with High Irish ewes (P < 0.01), whereas Low Irish ewes did not differ from either NZ or High Irish (P > 0.05). Low Irish ewes had a greater daily DMI than High Irish ewes in late lactation (week 10 PL, P < 0.05) and had a greater DMI/kg of ewe BW compared with the High Irish ewes at the same time point (P < 0.05). NZ ewes weaned a litter BW equivalent to 60.4% of their mating BW, which was more than the Low Irish ewes who weaned 57.1% of the ewe’s BW at mating (P < 0.01), whereas the High Irish ewes did not differ from either the NZ or Low Irish ewes at 59.3% of the ewe’s BW at mating (P > 0.05). This study presents a range of parameters across ewes of high and low genetic merit, demonstrating the ability to achieve gains through selection of animals of high genetic merit. Sheep producers should consider genetic indexes as a tool to assist in the decision-making process of selecting replacement ewes and/or breeding rams, once satisfied the animal is correct, and meeting the breeding objectives of the system.     

Changes in compact bone microstructure of rats subchronically exposed to cadmium

Background

Chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd), even at low concentrations, has an adverse impact on the skeletal system. Histologically, primary and secondary osteons as basic structural elements of compact bone can also be affected by several toxicants leading to changes in bone vascularization and mechanical properties of the bone. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of subchronic peroral exposure to Cd on femoral bone structure including histomorphometry of the osteons in adult male rats.In our study, 20 one-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups. In the first group, young males received a drinking water containing 30 mg of CdCl₂/L, for 90 days. Ten one-month-old males without Cd intoxication served as a control group. After 90 days of daily peroral exposure, body weight, femoral weight, femoral length, cortical bone thickness and histological structure of the femora were analysed.

Results

We found that subchronic peroral application of Cd had no significant effect on body weight, femoral length and cortical bone thickness in adult rats. On the other hand, femoral weight was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in Cd-intoxicated rats. These rats also displayed different microstructure in the middle part of the compact bone where vascular canals expanded into central area of substantia compacta and supplied primary and secondary osteons. Additionally, a few resorption lacunae which are connected with an early stage of osteoporosis were identified in these individuals. Histomorphometrical evaluations showed that all variables (area, perimeter, maximum and minimum diameter) of the primary osteons’ vascular canals, Haversian canals and secondary osteons were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the Cd group rats. This fact points to alterations in bone vascularization.

Conclusions

Subchronic peroral exposure to Cd significantly influences femoral weight and histological structure of compact bone in adult male rats. It induces an early stage of osteoporosis and causes reduced bone vascularization. Histomorphometrical changes of primary and secondary osteons allow for the conclusion that the bone mechanical properties could be weakened in the Cd group rats. The current study significantly expands the knowledge on damaging action of Cd on the bone.     

Evaluation of bone healing in canine tibial defects filled with cortical autograft,commercial-DBM,calf fetal DBM,omentum and omentum-calf fetal DBM

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of xenogenic bovine fetal demineralized bone matrix (DBM), commercial DBM, omentum, omentum-calf fetal DBM, cortical autograft and xenogenic cartilage powder on the healing of tibial defects in a dog model to determine the best material for bone healing. Seven male adult mongrel dogs, weighing 26.2 ± 2.5 kg, were used in this study. Seven holes with a diameter of 4-mm were created and then filled with several biomaterials. Radiographs were taken postoperatively on day 1 and weeks 2, 4, 6, 8. The operated tibias were removed on the 56th postoperative day and histopathologically evaluated. On postoperative days 14, 42 and 56, the lesions of the control group were significantly inferior to those in the other group (p < 0.05). On the 28th postoperative day, the autograft group was significantly superior to the control and omentum groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, calf fetal DBM was significantly superior to the control group. There was no significant difference between the histopathological sections of all groups. Overall, the omentum and omentum-DBM groups were superior to the control group, but inferior to the autograft, commercial-DBM, calf fetal DBM and calf fetal cartilage groups.     

Diazepam ameliorated myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via inhibition of C-C chemokine receptor type 2/tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukins and Bcl-2-associated X protein/caspase-3 pathways in experimental rats

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the most leading concerns for public health globally. Diazepam, a local anesthetic, has been reported for its cardioprotective potential. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the possible mechanism of action of diazepam against left anterior descending ligation-induced myocardial IRI in experimental rats. IRI was induced in healthy male rats by ligating coronary artery for 30 min and then reperfused for 60 min. The animals were pre-treated with either vehicle or diltiazem (10 mg/kg) or diazepam (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg) for 14 days. Compared to the IRI group, diazepam (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) markedly (P<0.05) attenuated IRI-induced alterations in cardiac function and oxido-nitrosative stress. In addition, diazepam prominently (P<0.05) improved cardiac Na⁺K⁺ATPase, Ca²⁺ATPase levels and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) mRNA expression. It also significantly (P<0.05) down-regulated cardiac mRNA expressions of cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (IL)-1β, and IL-6. In western blot analysis, IRI-induced myocardial apoptosis was reduced by diazepam treatment reflected by a marked (P<0.05) decreased in Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and Caspase-3 protein expression. Diazepam also efficiently (P<0.05) improved IRI-induced histological aberration in cardiac tissue. In conclusion, diazepam exerts cardioprotective effect by inhibiting inflammatory release (CCR2, TNF-α, and ILs), oxido-nitrosative stress, and apoptosis (Bax and Caspase-3) pathway during myocardial IRI in experimental rats.     

Interactions of amino acids and hormones regulate the balance between growth and milk protein synthesis in lactating rats fed diets differing in protein content

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) play important roles in milk protein synthesis, and their plasma concentrations were reported to be affected by dietary protein intake. To investigate the relationship between circulating amino acid (AA) and concentrations of these hormones, 18 Wistar rats aged 14 wk were assigned to a low (LP; 9% protein), standard (SP; 21% protein), or high-protein (HP; 35% protein) diet from parturition through day 15 of lactation. Plasma, liver, pituitary gland, skeletal muscle, and mammary gland samples were collected at the end of treatment. Circulating and hepatic IGF-I concentrations increased linearly with elevated dietary protein concentrations (P < 0.0001). Rats receiving the HP diet had higher circulating GH (P < 0.01) and pituitary PRL concentrations (P < 0.0001) but lower pituitary GH concentration (P < 0.0001) relative to those in rats receiving the LP and SP diets. Pearson correlation test performed on composed data across treatments showed that several circulating AAs were correlated with circulating and tissue concentrations of IGF-I, GH, and PRL. Multiple linear regression analyses identified Leu, Gln, Ala, Gly, and Arg as the main AAs associated with hormone responses (R² = 0.37 ~ 0.80; P < 0.05). Rats fed the LP and HP diets had greater Igf1 and Ghr gene expression in skeletal muscle than those fed the SP diets (P < 0.01). However, LP treatment decreased Prlr mRNA abundance in mammary glands as compared with the SP and HP treatments (P < 0.05). The HP diets increased AA transporter expression (P < 0.01) but decreased mammalian target of rapamycin (P < 0.05) and 70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (P < 0.01) phosphorylation in mammary glands as compared with the LP and SP diets. The results of the present study suggested that several circulating AAs mediated the effects of dietary protein supply on concentrations of IGF-I, GH, and PRL, which in turn altered the metabolism status in peripheral tissues including the lactating mammary glands.     

Can bone marrow aspirate improve mandibular fracture repair in camels (Camelus dromedarius)? A preliminary study

BackgroundMandibular fractures are common in camels, leading to considerable economic losses. This study explored methods of improving mandibular fractures repair, adjuvant with interdental wire, or bone plate fixation. Autologous bone marrow (BM) injection enhances osteogenesis and rapid healing.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of autologous BM aspirate as an adjuvant treatment for repairing mandibular fractures in camels with interdental wire, or bone plate fixation.MethodsThirty dromedary camels aged 5–8 years and of both sexes were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: group 1 (n = 10) treated with stainless steel wire fixation and BM injection at the fracture line, group 2 (n = 10) treated with plate fixation and BM injection at the fracture line, group 3 (n = 5) treated with stainless steel bone wire fixation and placebo saline injection at the fracture line, and group 4 (n = 5) treated with plate fixation and placebo injection at the fracture line. The mandibular fractures were followed weekly for 12 weeks postoperatively to assess improvement and healing based on clinical evaluation, radiographic union scale, and bone turnover markers (i.e., bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, pyridinoline, and deoxypyridinoline).ResultsCompared to other groups, elevated bone turnover markers in group 1 were demonstrated (p < 0.05) on the seventh postoperative day. Likewise, compared to other groups, both clinical findings and radiographic union scale significantly improved (p < 0.05) in group 1 on the 56th postoperative day.ConclusionsBM aspirate has a promising beneficial osteogenic effect on mandibular fracture repair in camels, most notably when combined with interdental wire fixation.