Effect of Folic Acid Supplements on Progesterone Profile and Blood Metabolites of Heat-Stressed Holstein Cows during the Early Stage of Pregnancy.

The aim was to elucidate the impact of oral folic acid (FA) supplements on progesterone profile, blood metabolites and biochemical indices of heat-stressed Holstein cows during the early stage of pregnancy. The study lasted from the day of artificial insemination through the end of the fourth week of pregnancy. The first group (CON, n = 17) received 0 µg of FA/kg BW as a control. The second and third groups received oral FA doses of 5 (FA5, n = 19) and 10 (FA10, n = 20) µg kg−1 BW, respectively. At the 2nd and 3rd weeks of pregnancy, the FA10 group had greater progesterone levels than the CON group (p < 0.05). The FA10 group had a greater progesterone level than the FA5 and CON groups at the fourth week of pregnancy (p < 0.01). The FA10 group had higher folate levels than CON group during the first three weeks of pregnancy (p < 0.01). Both FA-supplemented groups had significantly greater serum folates than the CON group by the end of the fourth week of pregnancy (p < 0.01). At the 2nd and 4th weeks of pregnancy, the FA10 group had greater levels of serum glucose and globulin than the CON group (p = 0.028 and 0.049, respectively). Both FA-supplemented groups had greater serum growth hormone (GH) levels at the 4th week of pregnancy (p = 0.020). Additionally, the FA10 group showed significantly higher levels of IGF-1 at the 2nd and 4th week of gestation (p = 0.040 and 0.001, respectively). FA supplementation decreased the levels of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) at the 2nd and 4th week of gestation (p = 0.020 and 0.035, respectively). Additionally, the FA10 group showed significantly higher pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels at the 2nd and 4th week of gestation (p = 0.005 and 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, oral FA supplementation (10 mcg kg−1) in the first month of gestation improved the progesterone profile, as well as blood folates, PAG, GH, and IGF-1 concentrations in heat-stressed Holstein cows. These findings could be useful in developing practical strategies to keep dairy cows' regular reproductive patterns under heat stress conditions.

Clinical efficacy and feasibility of whey protein isolates supplementation in malnourished peritoneal dialysis patients: A multicenter, parallel, open-label randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Poor dietary intake is commonly associated with malnutrition in the dialysis population and oral nutritional supplementation is strategized to redress dietary inadequacy. Knowledge on clinical efficacy of whey protein supplementation (WPS) as an option to treat malnutrition in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients is limited. METHODS: This multicenter, parallel, open-label, randomized controlled trial investigated the clinical efficacy of WPS in 126 malnourished CAPD patients with serum albumin <40 g/L and body mass index (BMI) <24 kg/m2. Patients randomized to the intervention group (IG, n = 65) received protein powder (27.4 g) for 6 months plus dietary counseling (DC) while the control group (CG, n = 61) received DC only. Anthropometry, biochemistry, malnutrition-inflammation-score (MIS), dietary intake inclusive of dialysate calories, handgrip strength (HGS) and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed by effect size (Cohen's d) comparisons within and between groups. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (n = 37 per group) completed the study. Significantly more IG patients (59.5%) achieved dietary protein intake (DPI) adequacy of 1.2 g/kg per ideal body weight (p < 0.001) compared to CG (16.2%) although difference in the adequacy of dietary energy intake between groups was non-significant (p > 0.05). A higher DPI paralleled significant increases in serum urea (mean Δ: IG = +2.39 ± 4.36 mmol/L, p = 0.002, d = 0.57 vs CG = -0.39 ± 4.59 mmol/L, p > 0.05, d = 0.07) and normalized protein catabolic rate, nPCR (mean Δ: IG = +0.11 ± 0.14 g/kg/day, p < 0.001, d = 0.63 vs CG = +0.001 ± 0.17 g/kg/day, p > 0.05, d = 0.09) for IG compared to CG patients. Although not significant, comparison for changes in post-dialysis weight (mean Δ: +0.64 ± 1.16 kg vs +0.02 ± 1.36 kg, p = 0.076, d = 0.58) and mid-arm circumference (mean Δ: +0.29 ± 0.93 cm vs -0.12 ± 0.71 cm, p = 0.079, d = 0.24) indicated trends favoring IG vs CG. Other parameters remained unaffected by treatment comparisons. CG patients had a significant decline in QOL physical component (mean Δ = -6.62 ± 16.63, p = 0.020, d = 0.47). Using changes in nPCR level as a marker of WPS intake within IG, 'positive responders' achieved significant improvement in weight, BMI, skinfold measures and serum urea (all p < 0.05), while such changes within 'negative responders' were non-significant (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: A single macronutrient approach with WPS in malnourished CAPD patients was shown to achieve DPI adequacy and improvements in weight, BMI, skin fold measures, serum urea and nPCR level. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03367000).

The effect of calcium with or without calcitriol supplementation on renal function in patients with hypovitaminosis d and chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D (serum 25-OHD < 30 ng/mL) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vitamin D is believed to involve in the regulation of renin-angiotensin system and may be renoprotective. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of calcium with or without calcitriol on renal function in patients with CKD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was performed involving patients with stages 2-4 CKD and hypovitaminosis D. Baseline demographics data were taken at baseline. Patients were randomized equally into oral calcitriol plus calcium carbonate (calcitriol group) or calcium carbonate alone (non-calcitriol group). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D), creatinine, calcium and urine protein creatinine index (uPCI) were measured at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty (21 Female: 29 Male) patients with CKD with a median age of 53 (22-65) years were recruited. Their median MDRD eGFR (modification of diet in renal disease, estimation of glomerular filtration rate) was 36.0 (15-89) mL/min/1.73 m(2) with the CKD stage 2 (n = 8, 16%), stage 3 (n = 29, 58%), and stage 4 (n = 13, 26%) respectively. In both study groups serum 25-OHD levels were increased at 12 weeks (P = 0.001), in contrast to serum 1,25-(OH)2D levels which remained unchanged (P > 0.05), serum creatinine and uPCI were also remained unchanged until the end of study (P > 0.05 each). Patients with diabetes had higher serum creatinine (P = 0.01) and lower serum 1,25-(OH)2D (P = 0.02) at baseline. Regardless of the diabetics status, the serum 25-OHD was increased, and 1,25-(OH)2D remained unchanged at 12 weeks in both study groups. At 12 weeks, serum creatinine was decreased in patients with diabetes in the noncalcitriol group (P = 0.03) compared to stabilization of creatinine in the calcitriol group (P > 0.05). Serum calcium was increased, though it was still within the normal range in the calcitriol group (P < 0.001); whereas, in the noncalcitriol group, there was an initial reduction but increased back to baseline (P = 0.007). Urine PCI remained unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that calcitriol supplementation did not offer any additional benefit to reduce 25-OHD and 1,25-(OH)2D levels over calcium carbonate alone in patients with CKD in this short term study. Overall renal function remained unchanged. However, we found that calcitriol at 0.5 mg daily plus calcium carbonate 500 mg daily could be reno-protective in diabetic nephropathy regardless of their serum 25-OHD levels.

Effect of coriander on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Thioacetamide (TAA) is a potent hepatotoxin that causes centrilobulal necrosis and nephrotoxic damage following acute administration. Prolonged exposure to TAA can result in bile duct proliferation and liver cirrhosis histologically similar to that caused due to viral hepatitis infection. Coriander in food increases the antioxidant content, acting as a natural antioxidant and inhibiting undesirable oxidation processes. The present study investigated the antioxidant activity of Coriandrum sativum on TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in the male rats. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated in the coriander leaves and seeds. Forty-eight adult male rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control), group II (TAA injected rats), group III (TAA injected rats fed coriander leaves) and group IV (TAA injected rats fed coriander seeds). The results revealed that serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were significantly increased in the groups II, III and IV as compared to the normal control. Oxidative stress in the group II was manifested by a significant rise in nitric oxide (NO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels and myloperoxidase (MPO) activities in the liver tissues as compared with the control group. Rats fed with coriander leaves and seeds showed a decrease in the serum ALT, AST and ALP activities and in the liver NO and TBARS levels as compared to the group II. Histopathological study revealed that coriander feeding attenuated TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in the rats. In conclusion, coriander leaves attenuate hepatotoxicity induced by TAA more than that of seeds due to the higher content of phenolic compounds and antioxidants in the leaves of coriander. Liver of rats intoxicated with TAA exhibited advanced CIRRHOSIS: in the form of macronodular and micronodular structure surrounded by fibrous tissue. Treatment with coriander leaves and seeds helps in improving the adverse effect of TAA-induced hepatotoxicity; also the histological study confirms this finding.

Analysis of volatile compounds of Malaysian Tualang (Koompassia excelsa) honey using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

The constituents of honey's volatile compounds depend on the nectar source and differ depending on the place of origin. To date, the volatile constituents of Tualang honey have never been investigated. The objective of this study was to analyze the volatile compounds in local Malaysian Tualang honey. A continuous extraction of Tualang honey using five organic solvents was carried out starting from non-polar to polar solvents and the extracted samples were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, 35 volatile compounds were detected. Hydrocarbons constitute 58.5% of the composition of Tualang honey. Other classes of chemical compounds detected included acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, terpenes, furans and a miscellaneous group. Methanol yielded the highest number of extracted compounds such as acids and 5-(Hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF). This is the first study to describe the volatile compounds in Tualang honey. The use of a simple one tube, stepwise, non-thermal liquid-liquid extraction of honey is a advantageous as it prevents sample loss. Further research to test the clinical benefits of these volatile compounds is recommended.

A comparative study between honey and povidone iodine as dressing solution for Wagner type II diabetic foot ulcers.

Honey dressing has been used to promote wound healing for years but scanty scientific studies did not provide enough evidences to justify it benefits in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. We conducted a prospective study to compare the effect of honey dressing for Wagner's grade-II diabetic foot ulcers with controlled dressing group (povidone iodine followed by normal saline). Surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotics were prescribed in all patients. There were 30 patients age between 31 to 65-years-old (mean of 52.1 years). The mean healing time in the standard dressing group was 15.4 days (range 9-36 days) compared to 14.4 days (range 7-26 days) in the honey group (p < 0.005). In conclusion, ulcer healing was not significantly different in both study groups. Honey dressing is a safe alternative dressing for Wagner grade-II diabetic foot ulcers.

Cytotoxic triterpenes from Cleome africana.

Eighteen dammarane-type triterpenes were obtained from the whole plant of Cleome africana by means of cytotoxic bioassay-directed fractionation. Twelve of them were novel compounds whose structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods.

(+)-Sparteine N-16-oxide, a lupin alkaloid from Lygos raetam var. sarcocarpa.

A new lupin alkaloid, (+)-sparteine N-16-oxide was isolated from Lygos raetam var. sarcocarpa, together with five known alkaloids: (+)-aphylline, (+)-17 oxosparteine, (-)-5,6-dehydrolupanine, (-)-N-formyl cytisine and (+)-ammodenderine. The structure of the new alkaloid including absolute configuration was determined by spectroscopic methods and chemical transformation.

Comparative chemical and biological studies of the alkaloidal content of Lygos species and varieties growing in Egypt.

Quinolizidine and dipiperidyl alkaloids profiles have been determined for various plant organs of Lygos raetam Forssk. L. raetam var. sarcocarpa and L. raetam var. bovei, using TLC, GC, GC-MS and HPLC techniques. Sixteen quinolizidine and dipiperidyl alkaloids were identified including baptofoline alkaloid which have not previously been reported in the genus Lygos. Biological evaluulation including hypoglycemic effect, anti-inflammatory activity, and some pharmacological studies of the different extracts as well as some of the isolated alkaloids were also performed. N-methylcytisine was proved to have a significant hypoglycemic effect on the induced diabetic mice and anti-inflammatory effect against the induced odema as well as a sedation effect on locomotor activity enhanced by methamphetamine.

Pregnane glycosides from Caralluma retrospiciens.

Two pregnane ester glycosides were isolated and identified from the alcohol extract of the aerial parts of Caralluma retrospiciens. Their structures were established as 12 beta-benzoyloxy-20-isovaleroyloxy-8 beta,14 beta-dihydroxypregnane-3-O -[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl -(1-->4)-beta-D-(3-O-methyl-6-deoxy)-galactopyranoside] (caretroside A) and the bioside 12 beta-benzoyloxy-8 beta,14 beta-dihydroxypregn-20-one-3-O-[beta -D-oleandropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-cymaropyranoside]. They were characterized through physical and chemical methods in addition to standard spectroscopic techniques especially 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC and HMBC). This is the first report of the isolation of these compounds from a natural source.

Anthraquinones from the polar fractions of Galium sinaicum.

The new anthraquinones, 6,7-dimethoxy xanthopurpurin, 6-hydroxy-7-methoxy rubiadin, 5-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethyl anthragallol 1, 3-dimethyl ether, 7-carboxy anthragallol 1,3-dimethyl ether, anthragallol 1-methyl ether 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, anthragallol 1-methyl ether 3-O-rutinoside, anthragallol 3-O-rutinoside and alizarin 1-methyl ether 2-O-primeveroside were isolated from the CH2Cl2 and n-BuOH extracts of Galium sinaicum roots and their structures were established by various spectroscopic techniques. In addition, two known anthraquinones were also isolated and fully characterized.

Interleukin-8 induces cervical ripening in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cervical ripening can be induced in rabbits by interleukin-8. STUDY DESIGN: Nonpregnant and pregnant rabbits were treated for 5 days with vaginal suppositories containing 100 ng of interleukin-8. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan concentration in the cervices were assessed histologically by picrosirius red and alcian blue, and the mean optical density was calculated. The mean neutrophil count in five random fields was calculated from each biopsy specimen. RESULTS: Interleukin-8 induced softening and dilatation of the rabbit cervices. Water content was significantly increased (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Cervical collagen concentration was found to be significantly decreased (p < 0.0004 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Glycosaminoglycan concentration was significantly increased in nonpregnant and pregnant cervices (p < 0.0009 and p < 0.1, respectively). The mean number of neutrophils was significantly increased (p < 0.0005 and p < 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: Interleukin-8 can induce cervical ripening in nonpregnant and pregnant rabbits.