Progression of pancreatitis prior to diabetes onset in WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) rats

We established the WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) rat as a new congenic strain for the fa allele of the leptin receptor gene (Lepr). Homozygous (fa/fa) WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) rats provide a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, although its onset is secondary to pancreatitis. In the present study, we compared histopathological observations of pancreatitis in each genotype of this rat, to examine its suitability as a model of pancreatitis. The histopathological findings of the pancreatitis revealed intense changes dependent on age, such as hemorrhage or hemosiderin deposition. The pancreatitis in homozygous (fa/fa) WBN/Kob-Lepr(fa) rats were more severe than those of WBN/Kob rats.     

Effects of ovariectomy on bone metabolism and bone mineral density in spontaneously diabetic Torii-Lepr(fa) rats

The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii-Lepr(fa) (SDT- fa/fa) rat is a new model of obese type 2 diabetes. The female SDT-fa/fa rat shows obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia from a young age. However, it is not known whether diabetes and estrogen deficiency can lead to bone abnormalities in the female SDT-fa/fa rat. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) on bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in the female SDT-fa/fa rat. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were used as control animals. The BMDs of the whole tibia and fifth lumbar (L5) vertebral body were analyzed at 30 weeks after OVX. Serum osteocalcin, a bone formation marker, and urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD), a bone resorption marker, were sequentially analyzed before and at 5, 15 and 30 weeks after OVX. Serum osteocalcin and urine DPD levels were lower in SDT-fa/fa rats than in control rats before OVX. Both serum osteocalcin and urine DPD levels were elevated in control rats 5-30 weeks after OVX, but only the urine DPD levels were elevated in SDT-fa/fa rats 5-30 weeks after OVX. SDT-fa/fa rats showed a decrease in the BMDs of the whole tibia and L5 vertebral body compared with control rats. OVX decreased the BMDs of the whole tibia and L5 vertebral body in control rats, but not in SDT-fa/fa rats. These data suggest that estrogen deficiency is not a risk factor for bone loss in type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

Blood pressure characteristics of female spontaneously diabetic Torii-Lepr(fa) rats

Blood pressure in female SDT-fa/fa rats was periodically investigated at ages 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Furthermore, an insulin therapy was performed for 5 weeks in the female rats at age 11 weeks, and the change of blood pressure was examined. In addition to obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia, hyperleptinemia and increased urinary angiotensinogen level were observed during the experimental period. Blood pressure was elevated at ages 8 and 16 weeks, but that at 24 weeks was comparable to that in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Heart rate was decreased from age 8 to 24 weeks. Insulin therapy induced good glycemic control and improvement of hyperlipidemia, but the blood pressure was not reduced. Blood pressure in female SDT-fa/fa rats was elevated temporarily. The blood pressure was not decreased by insulin treatment. SDT-fa/fa rat is a useful model to investigate the relation between diabetes mellitus and hypertension.     

Parathyroid hormone (1-34) improves bone mineral density and glucose metabolism in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii-Lepr(fa) rats

The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii-Lepr(fa) (SDT-fa/fa) rat, a model of obese type 2 diabetes, shows obesity, hyperglycaemia and low bone mineral density (BMD). The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of parathyroid hormone (1-34) [PTH(1-34)] on BMD and glucose metabolism in the SDT-fa/fa rat. SDT-fa/fa rats showed obesity with hyperglycaemia and decreased serum osteocalcin levels and the tibial BMD. A 4-week treatment of PTH(1-34) (20 μg/kg/day) increased the serum osteocalcin levels and the tibial BMD, and decreased the serum glucose levels without changing the serum insulin levels. These findings indicate that PTH(1-34) improved not only BMD but also glucose metabolism in SDT-fa/fa rats. This study suggests that PTH(1-34) is a novel agent for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis.     

Effects of preventing hyperphagia on glycolipid metabolic abnormalities in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii fatty rats

Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats, made by introducing the fa allele of the Zucker fatty rat into the SDT rat genome, represent a new model of obese type 2 diabetes. SDT fatty ^fa/fa (SDT fatty) rats exhibit overt obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia from about six weeks of age, and this is associated with hyperphagia by an induced disorder of leptin action. The present study was conducted to elucidate whether suppression of hyperphagia can improve reduce abnormalities in SDT fatty rats. SDT fatty rats were subjected to pair-feeding with SDT fatty ^{+/ +} (SDT) rats from 6 to 26 weeks of age, and the effects on metabolic parameters and diabetic complications were assessed. Body weights of the pair-fed rats were similar with those of SDT rats during the experimental period. Improvement of hyperglycemia or hypertriglyceridemia was observed from 8 to 16 or 12 weeks of age in the pair-fed rats, but hypercholesterolemia was not entirely improved during the experimental period. We also examined mRNAs expression in liver, and found that the expression associated with glyconeogenesis, such as glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), tended to decrease in the pair-fed rats, and the mRNA expression of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) was elevated. Renal parameters, such as blood urea nitrogen and urinary albumin excretion, were improved in the pair-fed rats. The incidence or progression of diabetic complications, such as renal lesions and cataract, was reduced. In conclusion, suppression of hyperphagia in SDT fatty rats was effective in temporally improving hyperglycemia or hypertriglyceridemia, and reducing the incidence or progression of diabetic complications, but was ineffective in reducing hypercholesterolemia.     

Influence of glucose dosage on interpretation of intravenous glucose tolerance tests in lean and obese cats

Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTTs) are used in cats and other species to assess insulin sensitivity. Several dosages have been reported but the dosage that maximally stimulates insulin secretion in cats has not been determined nor has it been compared in lean and obese animals. IVGTTs were performed in 4 lean and 4 obese spayed female cats with 5 glucose dosages: 0.3 (A), 0.5 (B), 0.8 (C), 1.0 (D). and 1.3 (E) g/kg body weight (BW). Each cat received each dosage in a random design. The glucose disposal rate was significantly different only between lean and obese cats at the highest glucose dosage. The area under the curve for insulin increased significantly among A, B, C, and D in lean and among A, B, and C in obese cats but not between D and E in lean and among C, D, and E in obese cats. Baseline insulin secretion was significantly higher (P = .03) and 1st peak insulin secretion was approximately 50% lower in obese as compared to lean cats (P = .03). Lean but not obese cats reached baseline insulin concentrations at all dosages at 120 minutes. We conclude that the glucose dosage for maximal insulin secretion is 1.0 g/ kg BW in lean and 0.8 g/kg BW in obese cats, supporting routine use of 1 g/kg BW to maximally stimulate insulin secretion regardless of body composition. Obese cats showed an abnormal insulin secretion pattern, indicating a defect in insulin secretion with obesity and insulin resistance.     

Effects of obesity on insulin and glucose metabolism in cyclic heifers

Effects of degree of obesity on basal concentrations of insulin, glucose, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), estradiol-17 beta (E) and progesterone (P) were measured in serum from 50 estrous and 73 diestrous Holstein heifers and the insulin response to glucose infusion was assessed in diestrous obese (n = 7) and lean (n = 7) heifers. Basal concentrations of glucose, T4, T3, E and P were not correlated with degree of obesity, although concentrations of glucose, T4 and T3 were higher (P less than .05) at estrus than diestrus. Basal concentrations of insulin at estrus and diestrus were positively correlated (r = .6; P less than .001) with degree of obesity but this relationship was different (P less than .001) between estrus and diestrus. Furthermore, there was interaction (P less than .001) between body condition and stage of the estrous cycle only for basal concentrations (mean +/- SE) of insulin, with the difference in insulin levels (microU/ml) between 12 obese and 12 lean heifers at diestrus (11.7 +/- 1.3 vs 6.7 +/- .6; P less than .05) increasing during estrus (21.9 +/- 2.4 vs 10.8 +/- 1.3; P less than .001). Insulin response to glucose infusion was greater in obese than in lean heifers, whether determined as actual concentration (P less than .01) or as insulin response areas (P less than .05) above base-line concentrations. Obese heifers were less responsive to insulin since hyperinsulinemia and euglycemia coexisted, and because glucose fractional removal rates were similar in both groups after glucose infusion in spite of greater concentrations of insulin in obese heifers. Thus, obesity in heifers was associated with insulin resistance, basal hyperinsulinemia and greater glucose-induced secretion of insulin.     

High susceptibility to zymbal gland and intestinal carcinogenesis in diabetic Otsuka long-evans Tokushima Fatty rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are believed to be risk factors for colorectal cancer in humans. In experiment 1, male nondiabetic Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats and Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, a model animal of type 2 DM, were whole-body X-irradiated (4 Gy) at 6 and 8 weeks of age and euthanized at 78 weeks of age (n=15, respectively). The incidences of small intestine adenocarcinoma in LETO and OLETF rats were 0% and 30%, respectively. In experiment 2, male LETO and OLETF rats (n=24, respectively) were given s.c. injections of 15 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) once weekly for 3 weeks and euthanized at 36 weeks of age. The incidences of Zymbal gland tumors in LETO and OLETF rats were 0% and 67%, respectively (P<0.001), whereas those of small intestine adenocarcinoma were 0% and 43% (P<0.001) and those of cecum/colon adenocarcinoma were 46% and 79% (P<0.05), respectively. Fatty change of hepatocytes was common in OLETF rats (63%) but not in LETO rats. Serum triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in OLETF rats were significantly higher than in LETO rats at sacrifice, whereas serum insulin levels in OLETF rats were very diverse. These data suggest that hyperlipidemia plays a significant role in high susceptibility to lower intestinal tract carcinogenesis in OLETF rats; this strain is susceptible to AOM-induced Zymbal gland carcinogenesis.     

Effects of obesity on lipid profiles in neutered male and female cats

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether obese cats, compared with lean cats, have alterations in lipoprotein metabolism that might lead to a decrease in glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. ANIMALS: 10 lean and 10 obese adults cats (5 neutered males and 5 neutered females each). PROCEDURE: Intravenous glucose tolerance tests with measurements of serum glucose, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were performed. Lipoprotein fractions were examined in serum by isopycnic density gradient ultracentrifugation. RESULTS: Obese cats had insulin resistance. Plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were significantly increased in obese cats, compared with lean cats. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations were increased in obese cats, compared with lean cats; however, the composition of various fractions remained unchanged between obese and lean cats, indicating greater synthesis and catabolism of VLDL in obese cats. Serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations were increased in obese cats, compared with lean cats. Serum NEFA concentrations were only significantly different between obese and lean cats when separated by sex; obese male cats had higher baseline serum NEFA concentrations and greater NEFA suppression in response to insulin, compared with lean male cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lipid metabolism changes in obese cats, compared with lean cats. The increase in VLDL turnover in obese cats might contribute to insulin resistance of glucose metabolism, whereas the increase in serum HDL cholesterol concentration might reflect a protective effect against atherosclerosis in obese cats.     

大豆异黄酮对肥胖大鼠肠道瘦素介导Janus激酶/信号转导及转录激活因子信号转导通路的影响

本试验旨在研究大豆异黄酮(SIF)对肥胖大鼠肠道瘦素介导Janus激酶(JAK)/信号转导及转录激活因子(STAT)信号转导通路的调控作用,探讨SIF对肥胖大鼠的干预机制。选取80只5周龄SD雄性大鼠,适应环境1周后,随机分为基础饲粮组(12只)和高脂饲粮组(68只),分别饲喂基础饲粮和高脂饲粮,饲喂8周后高脂饲粮组大鼠成功建立食源型肥胖大鼠模型。将40只肥胖大鼠随机分为SIF干预低、中、高剂量组和肥胖对照组,每组10只。低、中、高剂量组大鼠分别灌胃50、150、450 mg/kg BW的SIF提取物,基础饲粮组和肥胖对照组灌胃不含SIF提取物的溶媒剂。SIF连续干预肥胖大鼠5周,监测大鼠体重,并采用免疫组织化学链霉亲和素-生物素复合物(SABC)染色法研究大鼠肠道中长型瘦素受体(OB-Rb)、Janus激酶2(JAK2)、磷酸化的信号转导与转录激活因子3(p-STAT3)、细胞因子信号3抑制因子(SOCS3)和神经肽Y(NPY)的分布和表达。结果显示:试验各时期基础饲粮组大鼠体重均极显著低于肥胖对照组(P0.01)。SIF干预5周后,与肥胖对照组相比,各SIF干预组大鼠体重均下降,并表现出剂量依赖性,其中中、高剂量组极显著低于肥胖对照组(P0.01)。各组大鼠OB-Rb、JAK2、p-STAT3、SOCS3和NPY在十二指肠、空肠、回肠、结肠和直肠均有表达;同基础饲粮组相比,肥胖对照组大鼠上述5种因子在各肠段的表达量均显著降低(P0.05);SIF干预组中OBRb、JAK2、p-STAT3和NPY的表达量在各肠段均较肥胖对照组增多,总体呈现剂量依赖性。由此得出,SIF可通过增加肠道中OB-Rb的表达,激活JAK,加速STAT的磷酸化,改善能量代谢,减弱肥胖大鼠瘦素抵抗状态,来起到减重作用。     

SD大鼠2型糖尿病动物模型的建立及胰腺组织SUR1 mRNA的表达

[目的]链脲佐菌素（streptozotocin,STZ）结合高糖高脂饮食诱导建立2型糖尿病大鼠模型,检测体重、血糖、胰岛素、胰岛素敏感指数（ISI）、胰腺组织SUR1 mRNA表达的变化。[方法]30只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为模型组（20只）、空白组（10只）。模型组喂饲高糖高脂饲料4周后,用STZ 30mg/（kg·bw）一次性左下腹腔注射。检测注射STZ后第1周、第4周、第8周、第12周空腹体重、血糖、胰岛素、胰岛素敏感指数等指标,进行统计分析。剖杀大鼠,取胰腺,RT-PCR方法检测胰腺组织SUR1 mRNA的表达。[结果]动物成模率为75%。注射STZ后1、4、8、12周,模型组血糖值均明显升高,与空白组比较,P〈0.01;ISI均明显降低,与空白组比较,P〈0.01。模型组SUR1 mRNA表达显著低于对照组（P〈0.05）。[结论]STZ一次性左下腹腔注射结合高糖高脂饮食可成功诱导2型糖尿病大鼠模型。SUR1 mRNA的降低可能是糖尿病发病的分子机制之一。     

Association of canine obesity with reduced serum levels of C-reactive protein.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in dogs as well as in humans. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important tool for the detection of inflammation and/or early tissue damage and is linked to obesity in humans. The objective of the present study was to determine if serum CRP levels are altered in obese dogs. Fifteen lean (control group) and 16 overweight (obese group) dogs were examined. Blood samples were collected under fasted conditions for serum determination of CRP, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, and fructosamine. Results indicated that obese dogs were insulin resistant because serum insulin and insulin/glucose ratios were higher than in lean dogs (P < or = 0.05). Serum CRP concentrations were lower in obese dogs than in controls (P < or = 0.001). C-reactive protein was negatively correlated with insulin/glucose ratio (R = -0.42) and cholesterol (R = -0.39; P < or = 0.05). Furthermore, levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fructosamine were increased in the obese group compared with the control group. Based on these results, it can be postulated that CRP production is inhibited by obesity and insulin resistance in dogs.     

SD大鼠2型糖尿病模型的建立及相关指标的测定

通过链脲佐菌素(STZ)结合高糖高脂饮食诱导建立2型糖尿病大鼠模型。30只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为模型组(20只)、空白组(10只)。模型组喂饲高糖高脂饲料4周后,用STZ 30mg/kg一次性左下腹腔注射。检测试验第1周、第4周,注射STZ后第1周、第4周、第8周、第12周空腹体重、血清葡萄糖(BG)、甘油三酯(TG)、胆固醇(TC)、胰岛素(INS)、葡萄糖依赖性促胰岛素释放肽(GIP)、胰岛素样生长因子1(IGF-1)、胰高血糖素样多肽-1(GLP-1)等指标,进行统计分析。处死大鼠,取胰腺进行病理切片检查。动物成模率为75%。试验第4周,模型组TG、TC值明显升高,与空白组比较,P<0.01。注射STZ后第1、4、8、12周,模型组BG、TG、TC值均明显升高,与空白组比较,P<0.01;ISI均明显降低,与空白组比较,P<0.01。注射STZ后第1、4、8周,模型组的GLP-1、IGF-1值明显降低,与空白组比较,P<0.01。注射STZ后第12周,模型组的GLP-1、GIP、IGF-1值明显降低,与空白组比较,P<0.01。试验结果表明,STZ一次性左下腹腔注射结合高糖高脂饮食可成功诱导2型糖尿病大鼠模型。GIP、IGF-1、GLP-1等细胞因子参与了2型糖尿病的病理发生。     

Construction of Metabolic Syndrome Model in Rats

The assay was aimed to establish high fat diet induced metabolic syndrome (MS) model in male SD rat of nutrition.Four weeks old male SD rats were randomly divided into experimental group (n=24) and control group (n=6).The control group was fed with normal diet and the experimental group was fed with high fat diet which was composed of normal diet, egg yolk and peanuts.Two weeks later, the obesity resistant rats were excluded from the experimental group.Weight, systolic blood pressure and Lee's index were observed after thirty-two weeks.After twelve hours fasted, made the OGTT.Then all rats were sacrificed and tested for total cholesterol (TC) and serum triglyceride (TG).The experimental group weighted (794.0±63.5)g and the control group weighted (571.8±61.9)g, and the weights of rats of experimental group were 38.9% higher than that of control group.Lee's index of the experimental group was 343.0±8.7, while the control group was 319.2±7.1 (P<0.01).The levels of serum TC and TG of experimental group were extremely significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.01).Systolic blood pressure of the experimental group was 140.0±15.4, while the control group was 117.9±11.4, differences comparison of systolic blood pressure between experimental group and control group were significant (P<0.05).Insulin resistance of the experimental group was significantly (P<0.05).This study showed that four weeks old male SD rats were fed with high fat diet which was composed of normal diet, egg yolk and peanuts for thirty-two weeks could successfully and stably established metabolic syndrome model.     

代谢综合征大鼠模型的建立

本试验旨在通过对雄性SD大鼠长期饲喂高脂饲料建立大鼠代谢综合征模型。将30只4周龄SD雄性大鼠随机分为两组,其中试验组24只,对照组6只。试验组饲喂正常饲料并添加鸡蛋黄、花生,两周后将体重排在后1/3的肥胖抵抗大鼠剔除,对照组饲喂正常饲料,饲喂32周后称量大鼠体重并计算Lee's指数,采用小动物无创血压计测量大鼠收缩压。禁食12 h,做口服糖耐量试验后腹主动脉采血测定血清中总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)含量。结果显示,饲喂32周后,试验组大鼠体重达到(794.0±63.5)g,对照组大鼠体重(571.8±61.9)g,试验组大鼠体重超过对照大鼠体重的38.9%;试验组大鼠的Lee's指数为343.0±8.7,对照组大鼠的Lee's指数为319.2±7.1,试验组与对照组相比差异极显著(P<0.01);试验组大鼠TC、TG含量均极显著高于对照组(P<0.01);试验组大鼠收缩压为140.0±15.4,对照组大鼠收缩压为117.9±11.4,试验组大鼠血压显著高于对照组(P<0.05);口服糖耐量试验结果显示试验组大鼠有显著的胰岛素抵抗作用(P<0.05)。结果表明通过高脂饲料饲养32周诱导SD雄性大鼠能成功的建立大鼠代谢综合征模型。     

The effect of increasing photoperiod and food restriction in sexed, broiler-type birds. II. Plasma thyroxine, triiodothyronine, insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin.

1. Sexed broiler-type chicks were raised either under a continuous (CON) 23 h light (L) and 1 h dark (D) schedule or an increasing photoperiod (INC). From 5 to 11 d of age birds were fed either: ad libitum (AL), energy intake (kJ ME) restricted to 9.414 x gBW0.67 (R1) or energy intake (kJ ME) restricted to 6.276 x gBW0.67 (R2). 2. Blood samples were taken at 4, 7, 11, 14 d of age and weekly thereafter to 49 d of age. Plasma thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin were determined. 3. CON birds had elevated plasma T3 concentrations to 21 d of age, and greater plasma T4 concentrations at 11 and 21 d of age concurrent with greater food intake. Elevated plasma T3 concentrations in INC birds at 28 d of age coincided with lower plasma IGF-I concentrations at a time when growth and food intake were greater than CON birds. 4. Food restriction elevated plasma insulin and T4 but depressed plasma T3 and IGF-I. Plasma T3 was greater for food-restricted birds at 21 d of age, but subsequently, was generally lower than ad libitum-fed birds which may account for a lack of complete 'catch-up' in growth. 5. Plasma T3 was higher in females at 11 d of age when growth was equivalent for both sexes. From 28 to 42 d, when sex differences in growth became most apparent, plasma T3 was greater in males.     

Treadmill exercise prevents diabetes-induced increases in lipid peroxidation and decreases in Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase levels in the hippocampus of Zucker diabetic fatty rats

In the present study, we investigated the effects of treadmill exercise on lipid peroxidation and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) levels in the hippocampus of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and lean control rats (ZLC) during the onset of diabetes. At 7 weeks of age, ZLC and ZDF rats were either placed on a stationary treadmill or made to run for 1 h/day for 5 consecutive days at 16~22 m/min for 5 weeks. At 12 weeks of age, the ZDF rats had significantly higher blood glucose levels and body weight than the ZLC rats. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the hippocampus of the ZDF rats were significantly higher than those of the ZLC rats whereas SOD1 levels in the hippocampus of the ZDF rats were moderately decreased. Notably, treadmill exercise prevented the increase of blood glucose levels in ZDF rats. In addition, treadmill exercise significantly ameliorated changes in MDA and SOD1 levels in the hippocampus although SOD activity was not altered. These findings suggest that diabetes increases lipid peroxidation and decreases SOD1 levels, and treadmill exercise can mitigate diabetes-induced oxidative damage in the hippocampus.     

Diet-induced central obesity and insulin resistance in rabbits

The present study was designed to examine whether rabbits fed a diet containing high fat and sucrose could develop obesity and insulin resistance (IR), the major pathophysiological features of metabolic syndrome. Male Japanese white rabbits were fed either a normal chow diet (control) or high fat and sucrose diet (HFSD) for 36 weeks. Plasma levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glucose and insulin were measured. To evaluate glucose metabolism, we performed an intravenous glucose tolerance test. In addition, we compared adipose tissue accumulation in HFSD-fed rabbits with that in normal rabbits. HFSD constantly and significantly led to an increase in body weight of HFSD-fed rabbits, caused by significantly higher visceral adipose tissue accumulation. Although there were no differences in plasma TG, TC, glucose, insulin levels and blood pressure between the two groups, HFSD-fed rabbits showed impaired glucose clearance associated with higher levels of insulin secretion compared to control rabbits. Our results showed that HFSD induced IR and increased adipose accumulation in rabbits, suggesting that HFSD-fed rabbits may become a model for research on human IR and obesity.     

Concentrations of hormones, glucose, triglycerides and free fatty acids in the plasma of broiler chickens selected for weight gain or food conversion

1. The concentrations of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), reverse-triiodothyronine (rT3), triglycerides (Tri), free fatty acids (FFA) and glucose (Glu) were determined at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of age in blood plasma of male and female chickens of broiler lines selected for body weight (GL) or food conversion (FC). 2. Plasma concentrations measured in the same animal over a 24 h or a 2 week interval were not significantly correlated with each other. For different traits measured in the same plasma sample only the correlation between T4 and rT3 differed significantly from zero. 3. All traits were dependent on age. Line and sex effects were significant (P less than 0.05) for GH, T4, Tri, FFA and Glu. Additionally, line significantly influenced the plasma T3/T4 ratio and sex influenced plasma rT3. Interactions between line, sex and/or age were seldom significant. 4. Within line and sex, GH (at 6 weeks of age) and T3 (at 4 weeks of age) were negatively, and IGF-I and Tri (both at 6 weeks of age) positively correlated with the amount of abdominal fat at 6 weeks of age. No significant correlation between body weight at 2, 4 or 6 weeks of age and any of the plasma traits was found.     

Obesity induced changes to plasma adiponectin concentration and cholesterol lipoprotein composition profile in cats

Feline obesity generally results in aberrations to plasma metabolite levels, such as lipid concentrations and lipoprotein composition. This study sought to investigate the resultant effect of obesity on cholesterol lipoprotein composition and circulating adiponectin concentrations in cats. Plasma glucose, lipids (triglyceride, cholesterol and free fatty acid), insulin and adiponectin concentrations, and cholesterol lipoprotein composition were measured and compared between body condition score (BCS) determined normal healthy control and obese cats. Although the obese group demonstrated higher levels of plasma cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides, as compared to healthy controls, the difference was insignificant thus indicating that the BCS determined obese cats may have been overweight and not morbidly obese. Plasma insulin levels were significantly higher (25–30%) versus healthy control animals thereby possibly hinting at the ensuing emergence of obesity induced insulin resistance. However, the BCS determined obese cat demonstrated a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in plasma adiponectin concentration and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in LDL-cholesterol % as compared to age matched healthy control animals. This would indicate that changes in plasma adiponectin concentration and cholesterol lipoprotein composition may be good early indicators of obesity in cats.