Evaluation of sperm and hormonal assessments in Wagyu, Nellore, and Angus bulls.

Wagyu bulls are known to have a highly exacerbated libido, as shown by the intense sexual interest of young calves. Therefore we believe that Wagyu male animals have specialized Sertoli and Leydig cells that are directly involved with the sexual precocity in this breed as mature bulls have a small scrotal circumference. This study aimed to evaluate whether there were differences in the hormone and sperm characteristics of Wagyu bulls compared with the same characteristics of subspecies Bos indicus and Bos taurus sires. Frozen-thawed semen from Wagyu, Nellore, and Angus sires were analyzed for sperm kinetics (computer-assisted sperm analysis), plasma membrane integrity, chromatin integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial activity, lipid peroxidation and hormone [luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone] serum concentration. The results showed that Wagyu had lower total motility and an increased number of sperm with no motility when compared with Nellore and Angus bulls. Wagyu breed did not differ from those breeds when considering plasma and acrosome membranes integrity, mitochondrial potential, chromatin resistance, sperm lipid peroxidation or hormone (LH and testosterone) concentrations. We concluded that Wagyu sires had lower total motility when compared with Nellore and Angus bulls. Wagyu breed did not differ from these breeds when considering plasma and acrosome membranes integrity, mitochondrial potential, chromatin resistance, sperm lipid peroxidation, or hormone (LH and testosterone) concentrations.

Polythylene glycol severe allergy and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: usefulness of testing with PEG 1500 extract.

Summary: Background. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is being used for first time as an excipient for mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines containing PEG 2000, highlighting it as a potential cause of anaphylaxis. Methods. We evaluated 126 patients with moderate-high risk of allergy to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines referred to our department from March-December 2021. Skin tests were performed with PEG 1500 extract (Roxall), using a stepwise approach, with readings at 30 minutes: prick tests with 0.1%, 1% and 10% concentrations; if negative, intradermal tests with 0.0001%, 0.001% and 0.01% concentrations. The same protocol was applied to 5 healthy controls Results. Six patients had positive immediate intradermal tests with PEG 1500, all with severe PEG allergy: one with a near-fatal anaphylaxis after glucocorticoid injection containing PEG 3350 and five with systemic allergic reactions after mRNA vaccines containing PEG 2000 (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). One patient developed anaphylaxis during intradermal test. These six patients were negative to polysorbate 80. The remaining 120 patients had negative tests to PEG 1500; seven had positive tests to polysorbate 80. All controls had negative tests. Conclusions. To our knowledge this is the first study describing the allergy work-up testing with PEG 1500 commercial extract in the scope of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The algorithm designed for skin tests revealed to be a useful tool. Severe PEG allergy was diagnosed in 5% of patients, contraindicating PEG-containing vaccines. PEG allergy was excluded in one hundred patients that afterwards took SARS-CoV-2 vaccines containing PEG 2000. Investigation should be conducted in specialized drug allergy centers..

The diverse roles of T cell subsets in asthma.

SUMMARY: T cells are coordinators of the immune response and have been shown to play a central role in the pathophysiology of asthma. A good understanding of the T cells functions in asthma is important for therapeutic reasons, in particular for the choice of biological treatments in severe asthma. Although classically considered a Th2 disease, it is now clear that other types of T cells contribute for the pathophysiology and the heterogeneity of asthma. We here review how the different subsets of T cells are involved in the different phenotypes/endotypes of asthma and how this may influence the treatment of the disease.

Probing the reciprocal lattice associated with a triangular slit to determine the orbital angular momentum for a photon.

The orbital angular momentum conservation of light reveals different diffraction patterns univocally dependent on the topological charge of the incident light beam when passing through a triangular aperture. It is demonstrated that these patterns, which are accessed by observing the far-field measurement of the diffracted light, can also be obtained using few photon sources. In order to explain the observed patterns, we introduce an analogy of this optical phenomenon with the study of diffraction for the characterization of the crystal structure of solids. We demonstrate that the finite pattern can be associated with the reciprocal lattice obtained from the direct lattice generated by the primitive vectors composing any two of the sides of the equilateral triangular slit responsible for the diffraction. Using the relation that exists between the direct and reciprocal lattices, we provide a conclusive explanation as to why the diffraction pattern of the main maxima is finite. This can shed a new light on the investigation of crystallographic systems.

Flavonoid glycosides and their putative human metabolites as potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp).

BACKGROUND: Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic infection, important severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) non-structural proteins (nsp) have been analysed as promising targets in virtual screening approaches. Among these proteins, 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro), also named main protease, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), have been identified as fundamental targets due to its importance in the viral replication stages. OBJECTIVES: To investigate, in silico, two of the most abundant flavonoid glycosides from Dysphania ambrosioides; a medicinal plant found in many regions of the world, along with some of the putative derivatives of these flavonoid glycosides in the human organism as potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and RdRp. METHODS: Using a molecular docking approach, the interactions and the binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and RdRp were predicted for quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (nicotiflorin) and some of their glucuronide and sulfate derivatives. FINDINGS: Docking analysis, based on the crystal structure of 3CLpro and RdRp, indicated rutin, nicotiflorin, and their glucuronide and sulfate derivatives as potential inhibitors for both proteins. Also, the importance of the hydrogen bond and π-based interactions was evidenced for the presumed active sites. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results suggest that both flavonoid glycosides and their putative human metabolites can play a key role as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and RdRp. Obviously, further researches, mainly in vitro and in vivo experiments, are necessary to certify the docking results reported here, as well as the adequate application of these substances. Furthermore, it is necessary to investigate the risks of D. ambrosioides as a phytomedicine for use against COVID-19.

Evaluation of Hygienic Quality of Food Served in Universities Canteens of Northem Portugal.

Mass catering services have increased in the last years since people need to eat out mainly by work or study reasons. Microbiological quality of foodstuffs (n = 156) was evaluated in 20 food establishment (cafes and canteens) of two universities of northern Portugal. Overall, data revealed a high level of microbiological quality of foods served. No safety risks for consumers were detected since Clostridium spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were not detected. Among food types, hot meals displayed better microbiological results than cold foods (p < 0.05) as expected. Regarding hot meals, no differences were observed among different types (p > 0.05). Among cold meals, salads displayed the highest microbiological counts for hygiene indicators as well for food foodborne pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. Although the risk of foodborne disease is scarce since counts were low. In cafes' meals, higher counts were observed than in canteens' meals which indicates that monitoring measures should be improved to avoid potential foodborne outbreaks related to the ready-to-eat products (salads, sandwiches and pastry). Results could be used as microbiological guidelines for canteens. Results indicated that proper food handling and adequate conservation of fresh foods along the food chain is essential in mass catering services to guarantee the food safety.

Uncovering sperm metabolome to discover biomarkers for bull fertility.

BACKGROUND: Subfertility decreases the efficiency of the cattle industry because artificial insemination employs spermatozoa from a single bull to inseminate thousands of cows. Variation in bull fertility has been demonstrated even among those animals exhibiting normal sperm numbers, motility, and morphology. Despite advances in research, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the causes of low fertility in some bulls have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the metabolic profile of bull spermatozoa using non-targeted metabolomics. Statistical analysis and bioinformatic tools were employed to evaluate the metabolic profiles high and low fertility groups. Metabolic pathways associated with the sperm metabolome were also reported. RESULTS: A total of 22 distinct metabolites were detected in spermatozoa from bulls with high fertility (HF) or low fertility (LF) phenotype. The major metabolite classes of bovine sperm were organic acids/derivatives and fatty acids/conjugates. We demonstrated that the abundance ratios of five sperm metabolites were statistically different between HF and LF groups including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), carbamate, benzoic acid, lactic acid, and palmitic acid. Metabolites with different abundances in HF and LF bulls had also VIP scores of greater than 1.5 and AUC- ROC curves of more than 80%. In addition, four metabolic pathways associated with differential metabolites namely alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, ß-alanine metabolism, glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, and pyruvate metabolism were also explored. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study aimed at ascertaining the metabolome of spermatozoa from bulls with different fertility phenotype using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We identified five metabolites in the two groups of sires and such molecules can be used, in the future, as key indicators of bull fertility.

Pru p 3 sublingual immunotherapy ultra-rush protocol is safe and clinically effective.

Summary: Introduction. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with Pru p 3 can prevent severe allergic reactions to LTP-containing foods, but the standard initiation protocol is time-consuming. Objectives. Establish the safety of a novel ultra-rush initiation protocol for SLIT with Pru p 3. Methods. Prospective study comparing the side effects of the standard vs novel ultra-rush initiation protocols of SLIT with Pru p 3 in patients with anaphylaxis to LTP. Results. Fifteen patients were included (standard initiation, 5; ultra-rush initiation, 10), 80% females. All patients had oropharyngeal pruritus during initiation, 80% with spontaneous recovery, but no other gastro-intestinal, respiratory, cutaneous or systemic side effects occurred in any patient of both groups. Conclusion. The novel ultra-rush protocol halved the build-up time without increasing side effects.

Laundry wastewater and domestic sewage pilot-scale anaerobic treatment: Microbial community resilience regarding sulfide production.

In this study, the removal of anionic surfactant Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) from laundry wastewater was evaluated in co-digestion with domestic sewage, using a pilot-scale Expanded Granular Sludge Bed reactor. Surfactant influent concentration was enhanced from 5 ±â€¯3 mg LAS L-1 (stage I) to 19 ±â€¯10 mg LAS L-1 (stage II) and 36 ±â€¯19 mg LAS L-1 (stage III) throughout reactor operation. Sulfide levels higher than 20 mg L-1 influenced LAS removal efficiency, which decreased from 71% to 55% and 32% in stage I, II and III, respectively. Acclimation of microbial population was verified and higher relative abundance of the genera similar to Cytophaga, Bacteroides, Syntrophus and Syntrophobacter in the early stages (adaptation and stage I) was replaced by higher relative abundance of the genera Anaerophaga, Nitrosovibrio, Sulfurovum and Desulfovibrio in the last stages (stage II and III).

Cryptic lineage differentiation among Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the northwest Indian Ocean.

Phylogeography can provide insight into the potential for speciation and identify geographic regions and evolutionary processes associated with species richness and evolutionary endemism. In the marine environment, highly mobile species sometimes show structured patterns of diversity, but the processes isolating populations and promoting differentiation are often unclear. The Delphinidae (oceanic dolphins) are a striking case in point and, in particular, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.). Understanding the radiation of species in this genus is likely to provide broader inference about the processes that determine patterns of biogeography and speciation, because both fine-scale structure over a range of kilometers and relative panmixia over an oceanic range are known for Tursiops populations. In our study, novel Tursiops spp. sequences from the northwest Indian Ocean (including mitogenomes and two nuDNA loci) are included in a worldwide Tursiops spp. phylogeographic analysis. We discover a new 'aduncus' type lineage in the Arabian Sea (off India, Pakistan and Oman) that diverged from the Australasian lineage ∼261 Ka. Effective management of coastal dolphins in the region will need to consider this new lineage as an evolutionarily significant unit. We propose that the establishment of this lineage could have been in response to climate change during the Pleistocene and show data supporting hypotheses for multiple divergence events, including vicariance across the Indo-Pacific barrier and in the northwest Indian Ocean. These data provide valuable transferable inference on the potential mechanisms for population and species differentiation across this geographic range.

Acetylation and methylation of sperm histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac and H3K27me3) are associated with bull fertility.

Epigenetic modifications in histones are crucial for proper sperm physiology, egg activation and reproductive development of males. The objectives of this study were to determine the conservation and interactomes of histone three (H3) and ascertain the expression dynamics of acetylated and methylated H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac and H3K27me3) in spermatozoa from Holstein bulls with different fertility. Methods in immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the expression dynamics of H3K27ac and H3K27me3 in spermatozoa from 10 bulls with different in vivo fertility. Computational biology methods including Clustal Omega and Cytoscape were performed to determine the evolutionary conservation and interactome of H3. The post-translational modifications (PTM) of H3 (H3K27ac and H3K27me3) had different spatiotemporal dynamics in the sperm head. Intensities of methylation were higher than those of acetylation and inversely correlated between the two fertility groups (p = .0032). The interacting proteins of H3 are involved in critical subcellular processes such as regulation of methylation, nucleosome assembly, regulation of DNA replication and chromatin assembly. These results are significant because they help advance fundamental science and biotechnology of mammalian reproduction.

Anti-Leishmania activity of essential oil of Myracrodruon urundeuva (Engl.) Fr. All.: Composition, cytotoxity and possible mechanisms of action.

Myracrodruon urundeuva (Engl.) Fr. All., commonly known as "aroeira-do-sertão", is a medicinal plant from Anacardiaceae family. In this study, the chemical composition of M. urundeuva essential oil (MuEO) was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), as well as its anti-Leishmania potential, cytotoxicity, and macrophage activation capability as possible antiprotozoal mechanism of action were assessed. Fourteen compounds were identified, which constituted 94.87% of total oil composition. The most abundant components were monoterpenes (80.35%), with ß-myrcene (42.46%), α-myrcene (37.23%), and caryophyllene (4.28%) as the major constituents. The MuEO inhibited the growth of promastigotes (IC50 205 ± 13.4 µg mL-1), axenic amastigotes (IC50 104.5 ± 11.82 µg mL-1) and decreased percentage of macrophage infection and number of amastigotes per macrophage (IC50 of 44.5 ± 4.37 µg⋅mL-1), suggesting significant anti-Leishmania activity. The cytotoxicity of MuEO was assessed by MTT test in Balb/c murine macrophages and by human erythrocytes lysis assay and low cytotoxicity for these cells was observed. The CC50 value against macrophages were 550 ± 29.21 µg mL-1, while cytotoxicity for erythrocytes was around 20% at the highest concentration assessed, with HC50 > 800 µg mL-1. While MuEO-induced anti-Leishmania activity is not mediated by increases in both lysosomal activity and nitric oxide production in macrophages, the results suggest the antiamastigote activity is associated with an immunomodulatory activity of macrophages due to an increase of phagocytic capability induced by MuEO. Thus, MuEO presented significant activity against Leishmania amazonensis, probably modulating the activation of macrophages, with low cytotoxicity to murine macrophages and human erythrocytes.

Influence of season and type of restaurants on sashimi microbiota.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, an increase in the consumption of Japanese food in European countries has been verified, including in Portugal. These specialities made with raw fish, typical Japanese meals, have been prepared in typical and on non-typical restaurants, and represent a challenge to risk analysis on HACCP plans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the type of restaurant, season and type of fish used on sashimi microbiota. METHODS: Sashimi samples (n = 114) were directly collected from 23 sushi restaurants and were classified as Winter and Summer Samples. They were also categorized according to the type of restaurant where they were obtained: as typical or non-typical. The samples were processed using international standards procedures. RESULTS: A middling seasonality influence was observed in microbiota using mesophilic aerobic bacteria, psychrotrophic microorganisms, Lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., H2S positive bacteria, mould and Bacillus cereus counts parameters. During the Summer Season, samples classified as unacceptable or potentially Hazardous were observed. Non-typical restaurants had the most cases of Unacceptable/potentially hazardous samples 83.33%. These unacceptable results were obtained as a result of high values of pathogenic bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus No significant differences were observed on microbiota counts from different fish species. CONCLUSION: The need to implement more accurate food safety systems was quite evident, especially in the warmer season, as well as in restaurants where other kinds of food, apart from Japanese meals, was prepared.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-6 (BMP-6) Stimulates the Antrum Formation by the Regulation of its Signalling Pathway in Caprine Pre-antral Follicles Cultured In Vitro.

BMP-6 has been found to be important to ovarian cells and oocyte, as well as to uterus. Thus, this study investigated the effect of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-6) and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) alone or in combination on the in vitro culture (IVC) of isolated caprine secondary follicles (Experiment 1) and the mRNA levels for BMP receptors/Smad signalling pathway (BMPR1A, BMPR2, SMAD1, SMAD4, SMAD5, SMAD6, SMAD7 and SMAD8) in vivo and in vitro using BMP-6 (Experiment 2). Secondary follicles were cultured in αMEM(+) alone (control medium) or supplemented with BMP-6 at 1 or 10 ng/ml and rFSH alone or the combination of both BMP-6 concentrations and rFSH. The results from Experiment 1 showed that the antrum formation rate was higher in the BMP-6 at 1 ng/ml (p < 0.05) than in MEM. In Experiment 2, the mRNA expression for BMPR2, SMAD1, SMAD5 and SMAD6 was detected in non-cultured control and after in vitro culture (MEM and 1 ng/ml BMP-6); while the expression of SMAD7 and SMAD8 mRNA was only detected after IVC, SMAD4 was only detected in the BMP-6 at 1 ng/ml treatment. In conclusion, the low BMP-6 concentration positively influenced antrum formation and ensured normal mRNA expression for BMP receptor and Smads after IVC of caprine secondary follicles.

The Kite Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Breast Reconstruction: An Attempt to Reduce Lateral Chest Wall Deformity and Axillary Bulking.

UNLABELLED: The latissimus dorsi flap is a commonly used tissue transfer for volume replacement in partial or total breast reconstruction. In this era of cosmetic awareness and oncoplastic breast surgery, two main defects are related to the conventional technique: the back scar and the bulkiness on the lateral chest wall, under the axilla. Axillary bulking, a disturbing defect for the majority of patients, is a persistent consequence, independent of the technique used, even when the proximal tendon is cut. We describe a new approach, the kite latissimus dorsi flap, consisting of harvesting the flap, partially or totally, with pedicle dissection from the muscle, extending dissection, perforator style if needed, until the external border of the breast (anterior axillary line) is reached. The muscle is then cut at that level, leaving no unnecessary volume under the axilla, which would cause bulkiness and chest wall deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Phylogenomics of the killer whale indicates ecotype divergence in sympatry.

For many highly mobile species, the marine environment presents few obvious barriers to gene flow. Even so, there is considerable diversity within and among species, referred to by some as the 'marine speciation paradox'. The recent and diverse radiation of delphinid cetaceans (dolphins) represents a good example of this. Delphinids are capable of extensive dispersion and yet many show fine-scale genetic differentiation among populations. Proposed mechanisms include the division and isolation of populations based on habitat dependence and resource specializations, and habitat release or changing dispersal corridors during glacial cycles. Here we use a phylogenomic approach to investigate the origin of differentiated sympatric populations of killer whales (Orcinus orca). Killer whales show strong specialization on prey choice in populations of stable matrifocal social groups (ecotypes), associated with genetic and phenotypic differentiation. Our data suggest evolution in sympatry among populations of resource specialists.

Protective effects of the angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist losartan in infection-induced and arthritis-associated alveolar bone loss.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bone disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an AT1 receptor antagonist in infection-induced and arthritis-associated alveolar bone loss in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mice were subjected to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans oral infection or antigen-induced arthritis and treated daily with 10 mg/kg of the prototype AT1 antagonist, losartan. Treatment was conducted for 30 d in the infectious condition and for 17 d and 11 d in the preventive or therapeutic regimens in the arthritic model, respectively. The mice were then killed, and the maxillae, serum and knee joints were collected for histomorphometric and immunoenzymatic assays. In vitro osteoclast assays were performed using RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with A. actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysacharide (LPS). RESULTS: Arthritis and A. actinomycetemcomitans infection triggered significant alveolar bone loss in mice and increased the levels of myeloperoxidase and of TRAP(+) osteoclasts in periodontal tissues. Losartan abolished such a phenotype, as well as the arthritis joint inflammation. Both arthritis and A. actinomycetemcomitans conditions were associated with the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma, interleukin-17 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 and an increased RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio in periodontal tissues, but such expression decreased after losartan treatment, except for TNF-α. The therapeutic approach was as beneficial as the preventive one. In vitro, losartan prevented LPS-induced osteoclast differentiation and activity. CONCLUSION: The blockade of AT1 receptor exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastic effects, thus protecting periodontal tissues in distinct pathophysiological conditions of alveolar bone loss.

How gamma-rays and electron-beam irradiation would affect the antimicrobial activity of differently processed wild mushroom extracts?

AIMS: The effects of irradiation (gamma-rays and electron-beams), up to 10 kGy, in the antimicrobial activity of mushroom species (Boletus edulis, Hydnum repandum, Macrolepiota procera and Russula delica) differently processed (fresh, dried, freeze) were evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical isolates with different resistance profiles from hospitalized patients in Local Health Unit of Mirandela, Northeast of Portugal, were used as target micro-organisms. The mushrooms antimicrobial activity did not suffer significant changes that might compromise applying irradiation as a possible mushroom conservation technology. CONCLUSIONS: Two kGy dose (independently of using gamma-rays or electron-beams) seemed to be the most suitable choice to irradiate mushrooms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides important results in antimicrobial activity of extracts prepared from irradiated mushroom species.

Overnourishment during lactation induces metabolic and haemodynamic heart impairment during adulthood.

AIM: In this study, the effects of postnatal overfeeding on heart energy homoeostasis and cardiac haemodynamics in adult male Swiss mice were examined. METHODS AND RESULTS: During the suckling period, the mice were divided into four groups of control or overfed pups in combination with baseline or ischaemia/reperfusion treatments (control group baseline, CGBL; overfed group baseline, OGBL; control group ischaemia/reperfusion, CGIR; and overfed group ischaemia/reperfusion, OGIR). End diastolic pressure (EDP), heart contraction speed (Max dP/dt), relaxation speed (Min dP/dt), isovolumetric relaxation time (Tau) and frequency by beats per minute (BPM) were measured. During baseline and ischaemia/reperfusion, key proteins such as AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, pAKT, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), pAMPK, insulin receptor beta (IRß), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), fatty acid binding protein (FABP), CD36, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) were studied. The expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) was studied as a marker of cardiac hypertrophy and energetic metabolism. Cardiac fibrosis was analyzed by quantifying collagen deposition, which is increased in the OGBL and OGIR groups compared with the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The OGBL group showed reduced EDP compared with the CGBL group and high Max dP/dt compared with the OGBL group. Ischaemia/reperfusion increased EDP and Min dP/dt in the intragroup comparison. By contrast, Tau and frequency were not significantly different among groups. The OGIR mice showed significant alterations in heart metabolism proteins, including AKT2, pAKT/AKT1, pAKT/AKT2, AMPK, pAMPK/AMPK, PTP1B, IRS1, FABP and CD36. Furthermore, alterations in ANP, BNP, CPT1 and UCP3 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression indicated hypertrophy and reduction in their efficiency, such that exclusive overnutrition in childhood induces a long-term effect on haemodynamics, metabolism and heart remodelling.