Simultaneous steroids measurement in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism using a column-switching liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method

We developed an analytical method using an on-line column-switching liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for quantifying multiple steroids in serum. Using the developed method, we evaluated the serum concentration of nine steroids (cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, deoxycorticosterone, progesterone, 17α-OH-progesterone and aldosterone) in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Serum was mixed with stable isotope internal standards and thereafter purified by the automated column-switching system. The limit of detection ranged 2–16 pg/ml for nine steroids. In the baseline samples, five steroids (cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 17α-OH-progesterone) were detected in all dogs. The concentrations of cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 17α-OH-progesterone in dogs with HAC (n=19) were significantly higher those in dogs without HAC (n=15, P<0.02). After the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test, six steroids (cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, 17α-OH-progesterone, and deoxycorticosterone) were above the limit of quantification in all dogs. Cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, and deoxycorticosterone concentrations of dogs with HAC were significantly higher than those of dogs without HAC (P<0.02). In addition, 11-deoxycortisol and 17α-OH-progesterone concentration was higher in dogs with HAC than in dogs without HAC (P=0.044 and P=0.048, respectively). The on-line column-switching LC/MS/MS would be feasible for measuring multiple steroids in dog serum. The results suggest that cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 17α-OH-progesterone would be related to HAC. Further studies are warranted to assess the clinical feasibility of steroid profile in dogs with HAC.     

Hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities of the aqueous leaf and seed extract of Phyllanthus amarus in mice

The effect of the aqueous leaf and seed extracts of Phyllanthus amarus at oral dose of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg was investigated for their antidiabetic and anti-lipidemic potentials. The extract produced a dose-dependent decrease in the fasting plasma glucose and cholesterol, and reduction in weights in treated mice. The results suggest that the extract could be enhancing peripheral utilization of glucose but the mechanisms on how this works remain unclear.     

Effect of replacements of fishmeal and fish oil on growth and dioxin contents of rainbow trout

Eight experimental diets were prepared to determine the effect of replacements of fishmeal and fish oil with plant protein and palm oil on the growth and dioxin contents in rainbow trout. The first four diets (FP0, FP5, FP10, and FP15) included fishmeal (55%) with increasing replacement of fish oil by palm oil (0, 5, 10, and 15%). Four other diets (AP0, AP5, AP10, and AP15) were substituted with an alternative protein source and with increasing palm oil content (0, 5, 10, and 15%). Dietary dioxin contents increased as fish oil level increased. Thirty rainbow trout (mean weight 38 g) were fed the experimental diets for 12 weeks. No significant differences in growth performance and feed utilization were observed. Dietary dioxin contents influenced the dioxin contents in the whole body. These results suggest that palm oil could effectively replace fish oil in rainbow trout diets, and reduce the dioxin contents in fish.