Effect of Fasting on the Spexin System in Broiler Chickens

Spexin (SPX) is a highly conservative peptide hormone containing 14 amino acids and was discovered in 2007 by bioinformatics methods. However, nothing is yet known about its role in the metabolism of birds, including broilers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term fasting (2, 4, and 8 h) on the concentration of SPX in blood serum and the expression levels of the genes encoding this peptide (SPX1) and its receptors, GALR2 and GALR3, in the tissues involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (muscles, adipose tissue, and liver). We also analyzed the mRNA expression of these genes in various chicken tissues. Moreover, we studied the correlation between the serum level of SPX and other metabolic parameters (insulin, glucagon, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol). Using RT-qPCR, we found that SPX1, GALR2, and GALR3 are expressed in all investigated tissues in broiler chicken. Moreover, using a commercially available radio-immunoassay, we noted an increase of the SPX level in blood serum after 4 and 8 h of fasting compared to nonfasted animals (p < 0.05). This increase was positively correlated with glucagon concentration (r = 0.341; p < 0.05) and negatively with glucose concentration (r = −0.484; p < 0.01). Additionally, we discovered that in the short term, food deprivation leads to the expression regulation of SPX1, GALR2, and GLAR3 in tissues associated with metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. The obtained results indicate that SPX is involved in the regulation of metabolism in broiler chickens.

The Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Genistein Suppresses Hypoxia-Induced Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Secretion Mediated by the PI3K/Akt-HIF-1α Pathway in Isolated Beating Rat Atria

Background Genistein, an isoflavonoid that can inhibit protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) phosphorylation, was proved to play pivotal roles in the signal transduction pathways of hypoxic disorders. Aim of the stud y: In this study, we established a rat model of isolated beating atrium and investigated the regulator role of genistein and its downstream signaling pathways in acute hypoxia-induced ANP secretion. Methods Radio-immunoassay was used to detect the ANP content in the atrial perfusates. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and GATA4 in the atrial tissue. Results The results showed that acute hypoxia substantially promoted ANP secretion, whereas this effect was partly attenuated by the PTKs inhibitor genistein (3 µM). By western blotting analysis, we found that hypoxia-induced the increase in phosphorylation of Akt and transcriptional factors, including HIF-1α, were also reversed by genistein. The perfused HIF-1α inhibitors rotenone (0.5 µM) or CAY10585 (10 µM) plus genistein significantly abolished the enhanced ANP section induced by hypoxia. Additionally, the perfused PI3K/Akt agonist IGF-1 (30 µM) also abolished ANP secretion induced by genistein as well as inhibited expression of HIF-1α. Conclusions In summary, our data suggested that acute hypoxia markedly increased ANP secretion by PTKs through the PI3K/HIF-1α depended pathway.

The Adrenocortical Function Studies in Children

The recent advances in the laboratory procedures make it possible to study endocrinological states in children more easily and more accurately even in the neonatal period. The successes in purification and the determination of chemical structures of various hormones and their releasing factors make it possible to carry out various loading tests. The progress in the measurement of various hormones and their metabolites especially in the field of radioimmunoassay is really remarkable.If we took adrenocortical function studies as an example, urinary 17 hydroxycorticosteroid was the only reliable item about ten years ago, then plasma 17-OHCS determination using Porter-Silver chromogen was introduced followed by plasma 11-OHCS determination with fluorescence spectrophotometry. Then, cortisol production rate determination became possible using radio-isotope dilution technique, and at present, plasma cortisol can be measured directly with protein competitive radio-immunoassay. Thus, the adrenocortical function studies in the pediatric age group has become easier and more reliable. The author likes to present some endocrinological results in children using various methods and now they can be applied in the clinical work.

Monitoring steroid replacement therapy in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Background:The objective of this study was to compare the analysis of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) by radio-immunoassay (RIA) in serum with analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on dried blood spot samples (DBSS) for monitoring therapy in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and to investigate differences in 17-OHP values during the day.Methods:Fourteen children (8 females), median age 4.2 (0.3–16.0) years, were studied. Serum samples and DBSS were drawn before hydrocortisone dosing.Results:17-OHP by LC-MS/MS in DBSS were highly correlated to 17-OHP by RIA in serum, r=0.956, p<0.01. A total of 26 three-time-point series were investigated. Using only the afternoon 17-OHP values to determine the hydrocortisone doses would have led to overdosing seven times and underdosing six times.Conclusions:Good agreement was demonstrated between 17-OHP determination by RIA in serum and LC-MS/MS on DBSS. Multiple 17-OHP measurements per day are required to ensure sufficient hydrocortisone dose adjustment.

Evaluation of Adrenal Function in Nonhospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis

Background. Patients with cirrhosis and advancing hepatic insufficiency may show various degrees of other organ malfunction, including brain, kidney, and lung. Several studies have also shown a high prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in cirrhotic patients that may cause hemodynamic instability. Materials and Methods. In this study we prospectively evaluated adrenal function in a population of nonhospitalized cirrhotic patients. Categorization of liver disease severity was done according to model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing was performed on subjects using 250 μg of synthetic short acting hormone; radio immunoassay was used to measure plasma cortisol levels. Results. Of 105 cirrhotic patients, 15.23% had evidence of adrenal insufficiency. These patients were not statistically different from those with normal adrenal function in levels of serum creatinine or bilirubin, MELD score, or presence of cirrhosis related complications. Significant differences were seen in mean international normalized ratio and serum sodium. Patients with a sodium level < 135 mEq/L had a higher rate (31.25%) of adrenal insufficiency. Conclusion. Adrenal dysfunction was identified in a population of stable nonhospitalized cirrhotic patients. Our results suggest a possible role for adrenal dysfunction as a contributing factor in hyponatremia in cirrhosis independent of other known factors of neurohormonal activation secondary to systemic vasodilation.

Autoantibodies

Introduction Techniques: overview Particle agglutination assays Immunoprecipitation assays Indirect immunofluorescence Direct immunofluorescence Radio-immunoassay (RIA) Enzyme-linked (EIA) and fluorescent immunoassays (FIA) Immunoblotting Acetylcholine-receptor antibodies (AChRAb) Actin antibodies Adrenal cortex autoantibodies Amphiphysin antibodies Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and ANCA Aquaporin antibodies Auerbach’s plexus antibodies β‎2-GPI antibodies C1q antibodies...

Heat-Intolerance Syndrome subsequent Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Cattle; ThiQar –Iraq

The investigation on Heat-Intolerance Syndrome following foot and mouth disease (FMD) infection in cattle in ThiQar–Iraq, used 3ABC FMD ELISA kit, and Radio- immunoassay (RIA) to detect the cortisol level. From 105 there were 65(62%) infected cattle with FMD, which was high at 5- less 8 years old, while the cortrisol level showed three levels; normal (13-21 nmol⁄L), high and low levels were; 6(5.6%), 44(42%) and 55(52%) subsequently. More over the combined result of ELISA and RIA had divided cattle into six groups. First group of 40(38%) cattle infected with FMD and had low level of cortisol, this group containing 21(20%) with clinical signs of heat intolerance. Second group contain 22(21%) FMD infected cattle with high level of cortisol. Third group of 3(2.8%) FMD Infected cattle but normal cortisol level. Fourth group included 3(2.8%) not infected by FMD with normal cortisol level. Fifth group contain 22(21%) not infected with FMD but had high level of cortisol may related to stress. Sixth group consisted 15 (14%) cattle not infected with FMD and had low level of cortisol due to un known cause.Clinical signs of heat intolerance that showed in 21 head of cattle in the first group were: panting, overgrowth of hair coat, emaciation and seeking for shad. The diseased cow known locally as ”Mahrorah” meaning heat-intolerance.