Hypolipemiant Actions and Possible Cardioprotective Effects of Valine and Leucine: An Experimental Study

Background and Objectives: Considering atherosclerosis as one of the more challenging threats to healthcare worldwide, any novel therapy that counteracts the risks for developing it, provides new opportunities for the management of this process. Material and methods: We performed an experimental research in which we induced a hypercholesterolemia via a cholesterol-rich diet. Our aim was to demonstrate the antiatherogenic potential of two essential amino acids (valine and leucine). The experimental study was carried out over a period of 60 days. Male Wistar rats weighing between 250–280 g were used and divided into 4 groups, each group including 8 animals. Group I—control was fed with a standard diet. Group II received cholesterol, group III cholesterol and valine and group IV cholesterol and leucine. Blood samples were collected from the retro-orbital plexus, under anesthesia with 75 mg/kg of intraperitoneal ketamine, in three different moments (R0—1st day, R1—the 30th day, R2—the 60th day) in order to measure the levels of triglycerides. Results: In R0, there were no significant differences between the average levels of triglycerides across all the groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the group I, in R1 and R2, the average levels of triglycerides were significantly higher in all groups (p < 0.001). Also, in R1 and R2, the average triglycerides in group II receiving cholesterol (C) were significantly higher than those in group III receiving valine (C + V) as well as in group IV receiving leucine (C + L) (p < 0.001; p < 0.05). In R2, the average triglycerides in group III were significantly lower than in group IV (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data provides evidence that valine and leucine have a direct impact on the lipid metabolism parameters by lowering the level of triglycerides. The comparison of the two essential amino acids indicates that valine acts more promptly and rapidly than leucine.

Download Full-text

Administration of valine, leucine, and isoleucine improved plasma cholesterol and mitigated the preatherosclerotic lesions in rats fed with hypercholesterolemic diet

Revista Romana de Medicina de Laborator ◽

10.1515/rrlm-2017-0024 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 65-75

Author(s):

Simona Ifrim ◽

Cornelia Amalinei ◽

Elena Cojocaru ◽

Mioara Calipsoana Matei

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Plasma Cholesterol ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Essential Amino Acids ◽

Diet Group ◽

Standard Diet ◽

Internal Elastic Lamina ◽

Group I ◽

Male Wistar Rats ◽

Group Ii

Abstract Hypercholesterolemia has a major contribution to the occurrence and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Recent studies report the involvement of branched-chain amino acids in cholesterol methabolism. The aim of this research was to evaluate the role of valine, leucine and isoleucine on the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis in rats receiving hypercholesterolic diet. Material and methods: 50 male Wistar rats distributed into five groups with the following type of diets: group I (control) received standard diet; group II - cholesterol; group III - cholesterol and valine; group IV - cholesterol and leucine; group V - cholesterol and isoleucine. The experimental study was conducted over a period of 2 months. The animals were evaluated for the serum levels of total cholesterol at the beginning of the experiment, after 1 month and after 2 months. The collected tissue fragments of heart and aorta were prepared for the examination by optical microscopy in order to identify the atherosclerotic changes. Results: The most increased values of serum cholesterol were recorded in rats from group II (p=0.001), for the second and third evaluation. The histological examination showed early histopathological lesions on the vascular intima for the groups treated with cholesterol, valine, leucine, and isoleucine. These early changes (the occurrence of some superficial endothelial erosions, adhesion of erythrocytes and platelets) were correlated with the degree of the arterial wall damage, of the leukocytes adhesion to the arterial intima, and the discontinuities of the internal elastic lamina. Conclusion: The comparative study of the effects of the three essential amino acids revealed that valine induced a faster response than leucine and isoleucine on the improvement of biochemical parameters, but there were no significant differences between the three amino acids in terms of their protective ability, demonstrated by the histopathological lesion assessment.

Download Full-text

SIX WEEKS OF TREADMILL RUNNING EXERCISE IMPROVE BONE ARCHITECTURE IN ADULT OSTEOPENIC RATS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TOWARD EXERCISE DOSE PRESCRIPTION

Journal of Musculoskeletal Research ◽

10.1142/s0218957720500128 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (02) ◽

pp. 2050012

Author(s):

Mona Mohammed Ibrahim Ahmed ◽

Bassem El Nahass ◽

Hanna Abdelkadir Ibrahiem

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

Distal Femur ◽

Group Iv ◽

Treadmill Running ◽

Bone Architecture ◽

Group Iii ◽

Structural Improvement ◽

Group I ◽

Exercise Dose ◽

Group Ii

Question: Can exercise dose be established for bone weakness treatment? Design: Randomized experimental study. Participants: Thirty two adult (12 weeks) Wistar rats (16 males and 16 females) weighed [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]gm. Intervention: Rats were tail suspended for 2 weeks and then randomly divided into four groups; Group I ([Formula: see text]) sacrificed after suspension, Group II ([Formula: see text]) normal cage activities. Group III: ([Formula: see text]) level surface treadmill running. Group IV: ([Formula: see text]) uphill treadmill at angle of 15∘. The running speed was 12[Formula: see text]m/min for a period of 30[Formula: see text]min daily at frequency of 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures: Histomorphometric analysis of distal femurs of right hind limbs to measure bone architectural parameters (cortical thickness, Tb.Th, Tb.Nm, Tb.Sp, Tb.Ar, Bone marrow area and density and TBA). Results: Significant improvements were shown in bone architecture in distal femur of Group IV ([Formula: see text]) compared to both Group I and Group II. No significant improvement in distal femur in Group III ([Formula: see text]) compared to both Group I and Group II. The percentage of change was found to be 62–96% between Group IV and Group II and 72– 82% between Group IV and Group I. Conclusion: The results suggested that uphill treadmill running exercises were effective to induce changes in bone tissue in the form of changing trabecular dimensions and density. The induced structural improvement was site specific and dose dependent.

Download Full-text

Effect and mechanisms of reproductive tract infection on oxidative stress parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, and semen quality in infertile males

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-021-00781-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kang-Sheng Liu ◽

Xiao-Dong Mao ◽

Feng Pan ◽

Rui Fang An

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Medicine ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Group Iv ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Group Iii ◽

Reproductive Tract Infection ◽

Group I ◽

Sperm Dna ◽

Group Ii ◽

Elastase Level

AbstractRecent years have seen a rising incidence of male infertility, mostly caused by the decline of sperm quality. The ratio of infertile males to infertile females has escalated from 3:7 in 2013 to current 5:5, which turns male infertility into the research focus of reproductive medicine. This study aimed to clarify the effect of reproductive tract infection by ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and chlamydia trachomatis (CT) on the DNA integrity and routine semen parameters of infertile males. A retrospective study was performed. A total of 259 infertile males who were treated at the Andrological Laboratory Examination and Reproductive Medicine Center in our hospital were analyzed. qRT-PCR was used to examine the infection status of CT and UU. According to the eligibility criteria, we evaluated the semen parameters and biochemical data of 253 men. Based on the results of PCR, the subjects were divided into four groups: Group I (CT positive, 63 cases), Group II (UU positive, 60 cases), Group III (CT positive and UU positive, 62 cases), and Group IV (no infection, 68 cases). DNA fragmentation index (DFI), sperm count, vitality and morphology, elastase level, seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Compared to Group IV, three groups (Group I, Group II and Group III) showed difference in semen volume, proportion of sperm with normal morphology, sperm motility, progressive motility, and vitality (P < 0.05). Compared to Group IV, Group II and Group III showed difference in DFI (P < 0.05). Compared to Group IV, Group II and Group III showed difference in elastase level (P < 0.05). VCL, VSL, VAP, WOB, ROS, TM, HDS showed differences between groups of abnormal/normal WBC (*P < 0.01).UU infection significantly increased the level of seminal leukocytes only in Group II, but not in the other three groups, indicating that UU is a factor to increase the level of seminal leukocytes. Compared with the normal leukocyte group, there were significant differences in total motility, forward motility and normal sperm ratio between the two groups. The proportion of sperm with abnormal morphology (mostly in the head) showed obvious difference between groups of high and normal seminal leukocytic levels. At the same time, in this study, SCGE and SCD verified that leukocytes could damage sperm DNA by increasing ROS, which ultimately affects male fertility.

Download Full-text

Effect of amino acid infusion on renal hemodynamics in humans: a dose-response study

AJP Renal Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajprenal.1994.267.5.f703 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 267 (5) ◽

pp. F703-F708 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

M. Giordano ◽

P. Castellino ◽

E. L. McConnell ◽

R. A. DeFronzo

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

Dose Response ◽

Renal Hemodynamics ◽

Group Iv ◽

Group V ◽

Group Iii ◽

Amino Acid Infusion ◽

Group I ◽

Basal Plasma ◽

Group Ii

We evaluated the dose-response relationship between the plasma amino acid (AA) concentration and renal hemodynamics in eight normal subjects. After an overnight fast, a balanced 10% AA solution was infused for 180 min at five separate infusion rates: 0.5 (group I), 1.0 (group II), 2.0 (group III), 4.0 (group IV), and 6.0 (group V) ml.kg-1.min-1 on separate days. Basal plasma AA concentration was 1.87 +/- 0.1 mmol/l and increased to 2.26 +/- 0.1 (group I), 2.66 +/- 0.2 (group II), 3.79 +/- 0.5 (group III), 5.81 +/- 0.4 (group IV), and 7.41 +/- 0.4 mmol/l (group V). Basal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) averaged 95 +/- 4 and 476 +/- 29 ml.1.73 m-2.min-1, respectively, and rose to 98 +/- 5 and 506 +/- 40 (group I) [P = not significant (NS)], 102 +/- 3 and 533 +/- 30 (group II) (P < 0.05 vs. basal), 110 +/- 4 and 567 +/- 29 (group III), 115 +/- 7 and 610 +/- 55 (group IV), and 117 +/- 7 and 614 +/- 66 ml.1.73 m-2.min-1 (group V) (P = NS vs. group IV). Basal plasma glucagon concentration averaged 68 +/- 10 pg/ml and increased to 74 +/- 10 (group I), 83 +/- 11 (group II) (P < 0.05 vs. basal), 100 +/- 14 (group III), 121 +/- 14 (group IV), and 229 +/- 35 pg/ml (group V) (P < 0.01 vs. basal). Increases in plasma growth hormone (GH) and insulin levels were observed only during groups IV and V.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Download Full-text

Pathomechanism of Insulin Resistance in Men with Central Obesity: Correlation of GGT, GPx, hs-CRP and Plasma Total Cysteine

The Indonesian Biomedical Journal ◽

10.18585/inabj.v5i2.58 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 101 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ritawaty Ritawaty ◽

Indriyanti Rafi Sukmawati ◽

Ilhamjaya Patellongi ◽

Ferry Sandra

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Insulin Resistance ◽

Amino Acid ◽

Fatty Liver ◽

Central Obesity ◽

Group Iv ◽

Group Iii ◽

Group I ◽

Group Ii ◽

Hs Crp

BACKGROUND: Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) was reported recently to be associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and increased amino acid. However, role of GGT in insulin resistance pathomechanism is not exactly known. Therefore correlation of GGT with inflammation, oxidative stress and elevated amino acid, in men with central obesity need to be confirmed.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed. Men with central obesity were recruited and selected. Anthropometric parameters, creatinine, hs-CRP, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, GGT, plasma total cysteine (tCys) and fatty liver were measured. Subjects were then divided in 4 groups based on waist circumference (WC) and fatty liver: Group I: WC ≤100 cm, without fatty liver; Group II: WC ≤100 cm, with fatty liver; Group III: WC >100 cm, without fatty liver; Group IV: WC >100 cm, with fatty liver. All biochemical characteristics in each group were then statistically analyzed.RESULTS: Seventy-two men with central obesity were selected. Numbers of subjects in each group were: Group I: n=33; Group II: n=5; Group III: n=17; Group IV: n=17. We found significant difference of HOMA-IR between Group I and IV, significant correlation between GGT and HOMAIR, and significant negative correlation between tCys with HOMA-IR in Group IV.CONCLUSION: GGT was significantly correlated with HOMA-IR in men with WC >100 cm and fatty liver. Further investigation with more subjects is necessary to determine clear GGT cut-off to distinguish subjects with fatty liver and insulin resistance.KEYWORDS: GGT, hs-CRP, GPx, tCys, HOMA-IR, insulin resistance

Download Full-text

Analyses of the results in the treatment of locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma with different therapeutic approach

Acta chirurgica iugoslavica ◽

10.2298/aci0901035m ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

pp. 35-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

A. Mikic ◽

I. Pendjer ◽

Z. Dudvarski ◽

A. Trivic ◽

M. Kreacic

Keyword(s):

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy ◽

Postoperative Radiotherapy ◽

Locally Advanced ◽

Group Iv ◽

Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽

Group Iii ◽

Group I ◽

Primary Radiotherapy ◽

Group Ii ◽

Number Of Authors

Introduction: treatment of locoregional advanced hypopharyngeal cancers of grades III and IV would be surgery and/or radiotherapy. An increasing number of authors has emphasized favorable effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy with potentiation. The aim: the authors presented therapeutical results of three-year survived patients with squamocellular cancers of the hypopharynx (SCC Hy), grades III and IV, in relation to specific modalities of therapeutical approach. Methods: a series of 207 patients with grades III and IV of SCC Hy, treated in the period 1982 to 2002, was analyzed. Group I consisted of 131 patients who had surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (SUR-RT). Group II included 16 patients who underwent induction chemotherapy, surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (IC-SURRT). Group III consisted of 60 patients, who had primary radiotherapy (RT). Group IV involved 29 patients who were treated, in the period 2003-2006, by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy with potentiation (CHT-RT). Results: three-year survival in Group I was 67.94%, Group II - 50%, Group III - 30%, and in Group IV was 51.72%. Five-year survival was analyzed only in group IIII. The longest survival was observed in Group I - 33.59%. Conclusion: the best therapeutical results were achieved in patient group that was primarily operated on and then had postoperative radiotherapy, while the worst survival was recorded in patients who had primary radiotherapy.

Download Full-text

Microbiome signature and diversity regulates the level of energy production under anaerobic condition

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-99104-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

M. Shaminur Rahman ◽

M. Nazmul Hoque ◽

Joynob Akter Puspo ◽

M. Rafiul Islam ◽

Niloy Das ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Indicator Species ◽

Energy Production ◽

Environmental Temperature ◽

Group Iv ◽

Methanosarcina Barkeri ◽

Spearman Correlation ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Group Iii ◽

Group I ◽

Group Ii

AbstractThe microbiome of the anaerobic digester (AD) regulates the level of energy production. To assess the microbiome diversity and composition in different stages of anaerobic digestion, we collected 16 samples from the AD of cow dung (CD) origin. The samples were categorized into four groups (Group-I, Group-II, Group-III and Group-IV) based on the level of energy production (CH4%), and sequenced through whole metagenome sequencing (WMS). Group-I (n = 2) belonged to initial time of energy production whereas Group-II (n = 5), Group-III (n = 5), and Group-IV (n = 4) had 21–34%, 47–58% and 71–74% of CH4, respectively. The physicochemical analysis revealed that level of energy production (CH4%) had significant positive correlation with digester pH (r = 0.92, p < 0.001), O2 level (%) (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), and environmental temperature (°C) (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). The WMS data mapped to 2800 distinct bacterial, archaeal and viral genomes through PathoScope (PS) and MG-RAST (MR) analyses. We detected 768, 1421, 1819 and 1774 bacterial strains in Group-I, Group-II, Group-III and Group-IV, respectively through PS analysis which were represented by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Spirochaetes and Fibrobacteres phyla (> 93.0% of the total abundances). Simultaneously, 343 archaeal strains were detected, of which 95.90% strains shared across four metagenomes. We identified 43 dominant species including 31 bacterial and 12 archaeal species in AD microbiomes, of which only archaea showed positive correlation with digester pH, CH4 concentration, pressure and temperature (Spearman correlation; r > 0.6, p < 0.01). The indicator species analysis showed that the species Methanosarcina vacuolate, Dehalococcoides mccartyi, Methanosarcina sp. Kolksee and Methanosarcina barkeri were highly specific for energy production. The correlation network analysis showed that different strains of Euryarcheota and Firmicutes phyla exhibited significant correlation (p = 0.021, Kruskal–Wallis test; with a cutoff of 1.0) with the highest level (74.1%) of energy production (Group-IV). In addition, top CH4 producing microbiomes showed increased genomic functional activities related to one carbon and biotin metabolism, oxidative stress, proteolytic pathways, membrane-type-1-matrix-metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) pericellular network, acetyl-CoA production, motility and chemotaxis. Importantly, the physicochemical properties of the AD including pH, CH4 concentration (%), pressure, temperature and environmental temperature were found to be positively correlated with these genomic functional potentials and distribution of ARGs and metal resistance pathways (Spearman correlation; r > 0.5, p < 0.01). This study reveals distinct changes in composition and diversity of the AD microbiomes including different indicator species, and their genomic features that are highly specific for energy production.

Download Full-text

Assessment of Outcome of Intrathecal Analgesia in Multiparous Women Undergoing Vaginal Delivery

Academia Anesthesiologica International ◽

10.21276/aan.2020.5.1.31 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 153-155

Author(s):

Sanjay Melville Masih ◽

Rakesh Kumar Gupta

Keyword(s):

Vaginal Delivery ◽

Group Iv ◽

Normal Vaginal Delivery ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Group Iii ◽

Group I ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Multiparous Women ◽

Group Ii ◽

Intrathecal Analgesia

Background: The present study was conducted to assess the outcome of intrathecal analgesia in multiparous women undergoing vaginal delivery. Subjects and Methods: The present study was conducted among 80 multiparous women ages ranged 18- 40 years. All patients received 0.5 ml of intrathecal injection of 2.5 mg bupivacaine 0.5% and 1 ml dexamethasone 4 mg plus a 0.5 ml adjuvant. The adjuvants in group I patients were 100 μg morphine, 25 μg fentanyl in group II, 5 μg dexmedetomidine in group III and normal saline in group IV (control group). The primary and secondary outcome was the duration of pain relief, the analgesia onset time, the maximum level of sensory block, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded. Results: The mean duration of analgesia in group I was 182.4 minutes, in group II was 170.5 minutes, in group III was 200.4 minutes and in group, IV was 140.2 minutes. The onset of analgesia was 3.9 minutes, 2.8 minutes, 2.7 minutes and 4.5 minutes in group I, II, III and IV respectively. S1 sensory regression time (minutes) was 181.4, 157.4, 185.3 and 130.6 in group I, II, III and IV respectively. Modified Bromage scale 5 minutes, 15 minutes and 30 minutes after IT in all groups was 0.0. VAS was 1.3, 1.6, 1.6 and 3.1 with significant differences in all groups (P< 0.05). There was non- significant difference in mean age, weight, height and gestational age between all groups (P> 0.05). There was a non- significant difference in APGAR 1, 5, umbilical pH immediately after delivery, neonatal HR after 5minute, 15 minutes and 30 minutes in all groups (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The authors found that dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective adjuvant to intrathecal bupivacaine-dexamethasone in multiparous women undergoing normal vaginal delivery.

Download Full-text

Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Carica Papaya seeds in Drug-Induced Acute Nephrotoxicity

10.53350/pjmhs2115112951 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. 2951-2953

Author(s):

Sameer Ahmed ◽

Muhammad Tahir ◽

Attiya Munir ◽

Amtul Hafeez ◽

Sher Afghan Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carica Papaya ◽

Ethanolic Extract ◽

Control Group ◽

Standard Diet ◽

Serum Urea ◽

Once Daily ◽

Group Iii ◽

Group I ◽

Papaya Seeds ◽

Group Ii

Background: Nephrotoxicity is characterized by raised serum urea and creatinine levels and kidneys being one of the primary organs of drug concentration and excretion are vulnerable to many widely used marketed drugs, including anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and radio contrast agents, are nephrotoxic. Aim: To determine the nephroprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds in Aminoglycoside induced acute nephrotoxicity. Study design: Quasi Experimental study. Methodology: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were sub divided into 3 groups i.e., I, II and III with 10 rats in each group. Group II and III were administered Aminoglycoside drug; Gentamycin in 80 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal route once daily for 5 consecutive days to induce acute nephrotoxicity. At day 6, nephrotoxicity was confirmed by measuring serum urea and creatinine. Ethanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds (1000 mg/kg) was started once daily through oral route in group III for 5 consecutive days to see the nephroprotective effects of seed extract after causing acute kidney injury. All animals were given standard diet pellets manufactured at NIH. Results: Mean serum urea and creatinine for Group I (Control Group) at day 0 were 24.90 mg/dL ± 1.633 and .750 mg/dL ± .0619 respectively. Mean serum urea and creatinine for Group II (Disease Control Group) was 81.00 mg/dL ± 1.247 and 1.980mg/dL ± .0467 at day 6th. This suggested induction of nephrotoxicity by Gentamycin. Mean serum urea and creatinine for Group III (Ethanolic Extract Treated Group) at 11 day was 72.40mg/dL± .991 and 1.680 mg/dL± .0467 after 5 days treatment with ethanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds. Conclusion: We concluded that ethanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds has significant nephroprotective effects on Aminoglycoside induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats. Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccination, Awareness and Adverse Effects

Download Full-text

Adaptive dose response pilot study of intravaginal Prostaglandin E2 application in free farrowing sows during parturition

10.21203/rs.3.rs-22844/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ramona Bill ◽

Heiko Nathues ◽

Alexander Grahofer

Keyword(s):

Prostaglandin E2 ◽

Total Duration ◽

Group Iv ◽

Control Group ◽

Birth Process ◽

Group Iii ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Group I ◽

Group Ii ◽

Meconium Staining

Abstract Background The duration of birth is an important factor influencing the survival of piglets and the health of sows. A prolonged parturition is usually treated with oxytocin, even though several undesirable side effects are described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) of different concentrations as an intravaginal applied gel in sows. MethodsTwelve sows were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: Group I (control group) application of placebo gel; Group II application of 2.0 mg PGE2; Group III application of 1.0 mg PGE2; Group IV application of 0.5 mg PGE2. The gel was administered intravaginal after the birth of the fourth piglet. Total duration of birth (time between first piglet and last placenta), piglet interval and placenta expulsion duration (time between first and last placenta) were recorded, and each piglet was scored for meconium staining and vitality. Furthermore, stillborn piglets were categorized into ante-partum and intra-partum deaths. Results Although no significant differences between the groups were detected, a beneficial tendency in several parameters was observed in group III. The duration of birth was 284 min (average of 14.3 piglets per litter), whereas in all other groups it was more than 400 min (average of 18.0 piglets per litter). The piglet interval was 10.1 min in group II compared to 10.2 min in group III, 16 min in group IV and 21.4 min in group I. In group III the placenta expulsion duration was 119 min in contrast to the other groups with more than 266 min. Severe meconium staining in more than 10% of piglets was observed in group II and IV. Moreover, piglets of group II showed oedematous and haemorrhagic umbilical cords, lethargy and anoxia, and intra-partum deaths were recorded. Conclusion Although the sample size is limited in this study, it is assumed that an application of 1mg PGE2 intra-partum instead of lower or higher dosages has the most beneficial effects on the birth process in sows and on the vitality of piglets. Further investigation is necessary to confirm the positive effect of PGE2 in daily practise.

Download Full-text