[Effect of growth hormone supplementation on liver and lung function in patients with hypopituitarism].

To analyze the clinical features of patients with anterior hypopituitarism (HP) complicated with cirrhosis, and to explore the effects of growth hormone supplementation on liver and lung function. A total of 11 patients with HP complicated with cirrhosis admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022 were included in the study, including 8 males and 3 females, aged [M(Q1, Q3)]31 (20, 37) years. There were 6 patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome, 4 patients after craniopharyngioma resection, and 1 patient after germinal cell tumor chemoradiotherapy. Cirrhosis appeared at [M(Q1, Q3)]7 (1, 16) years after the diagnosis of HP. There were 7 cases complicated with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). The liver and lung function of 5 patients were improved significantly after the addition of growth hormone, and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen increased from (47±11) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (84±12) mmHg. Timely supplementation of growth hormone can improve the symptoms of fatty liver, cirrhosis and HPS, and postpone or even avoid the transplantation of liver and other organs.

[Identification of potential targets and synergistic mechanism of Kushen Decoction for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential targets and synergistic mechanisms of Kushen Decoction for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. METHODS: The main active ingredients of Kushen Decoction were captured from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TC-MSP) and the Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) database, and the potential targets were predicted. In addition, the active ingredients of Kushen Decoction that were not included in the TCMSP database were retrieved in CNKI, WanFang Data, CBM, PubMed and Web of Science databases, and the target genes of all supplemented active ingredients were predicted using the online TargetNet database. Network construction and analysis were performed using the Cytoscape software, and cryptosporidiosis-related targets were retrieved in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and GeneCards database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created using the STRING database, and the DAVID database was used for GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses. The tissue distribution of key targets was investigated using the BioGPS database, and the AutoDockTools software was employed to verify the molecular docking results. RESULTS: A total of 38 active ingredients of Kushen Decoction were screened, and the core ingredients included quercetin, (+)-14α-hydroxymatrine and apigenin. A total of 831 targets of Kushen Decoction and 512 cryptosporidiosis-related targets were predicted, and PPI network analysis revealed 69 key targets, including AKT1, TNF and IL-6. There were 303 biological processes, 46 molecular functions and 29 cellular components involved in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis with Kushen Decoction, and 13 KEGG pathways played a therapeutic role in the synergistic mechanisms of multiple targets, such as Toll-like receptor (TLR), nuclear factor kappa B(NF)-κB, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor (NLR) signal pathways. The core targets were mainly distributed in the hematologic and immune systems. Molecular docking analysis showed that the binding energy between active ingredients and key targets were all less than 0 kJ/mol, indicating the strong binding of ligands to receptors. CONCLUSIONS: The active ingredients of Kushen Decoction, such as quercetin, (+)-14α-hydroxymatrine and apigenin, may act on targets like AKT1, TNF, IL-6 to modulate TLR, NLR and NF-κB signaling pathways to play a synergistic role in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in the hematologic and immune system.

Effects of oregano essential oil as an antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal health of broilers.

This experiment was conducted to assess the comparative effects of dietary antibiotics and oregano essential oil (OEO) addition on growth performance, antioxidant status and intestinal health of broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 16 broilers each. The 4 treatments were: an antibiotic-free control diet (control), control + 20 mg/kg colistin sulfate and 20 mg/kg virginiamycin (antibiotics), control + 200 mg/kg natural oregano essential oil (NOEO), and control + 200 mg/kg synthetic oregano essential oil (SOEO). The experiment lasted for 42 d. Results showed that birds fed with OEO had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed with control diet during d 1 to 21. Besides, birds fed with NOEO had the greatest (P < 0.05) ADG in the four groups during d 22 to 42. The serum oxidative stress parameters showed that OEO improved (P < 0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) of birds on day 21 and the activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of birds on d 42. Relative to control, NOEO increased (P < 0.05) the activity of T-AOC in jejunum and decreased (P < 0.05) the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and jejunum. Moreover, OEO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of sIgA in duodenum and jejunum, Lactobacillus and total anaerobes in cecum, as well as activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase and amylase in duodenum, but restrained (P < 0.05) the amount of Escherichia coli. The NOEO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) total anaerobes of broilers on d 42 and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) of ileum. These results suggest that OEO improved antioxidant status and intestinal health of broilers which contributed to the growth performance improvement of broilers. Dietary OEO supplementation can be a promising alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for improving poultry production.

Effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium supplementation on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a complete randomized design experiment was used to study the effect of dietary PQQ·Na2 (0 or 1 mg/kg) on broiler chickens with or without a challenge with LPS. A total of two hundred eighty-eight 1-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replicate cages of 12 birds per cage. All experimental broilers were injected intraperitoneally with 0.5 mg/kg body weight of either Escherichia coli LPS or sterile saline at 16, 18, and 20 d of age. Results showed that injecting LPS significantly increased the concentrations of interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) in serum of birds on day 20 and day 21. Meanwhile, LPS injection increased (P < 0.05) the relative mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the duodenal mucosa of broilers on day 21. However, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of IL-6 in serum of birds on day 20 and the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum of broiler chickens on day 21. Besides, supplementation of PQQ·Na2 within diet decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expressions of IL-1ß and IL-10 in the duodenal mucosa of birds on day 20. Relative to saline injection, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum and the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver were found to be lower (P < 0.05) in broilers after LPS challenge on day 21. However, birds fed with PQQ·Na2 showed higher (P < 0.05) GSH-Px activity in serum and higher (P < 0.05) T-SOD activities in liver on day 21 and day 42. Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium also significantly attenuated the LPS-induced decreases in villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum of broilers. In conclusion, dietary PQQ·Na2 supplementation significantly exerted protective effects on inflammation damage and oxidant stress of broilers under LPS challenge by regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10) and activities of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, T-SOD, and CAT). Moreover, dietary PQQ·Na2 supplementation significantly ameliorated the LPS-impaired intestinal morphology in broilers. Therefore, it has been considered that PQQ·Na2 can be used as a potential feed additive in broiler production.

[Maternal periconceptional folic acid supplementation and its effects on the prevalence of fetal neural tube defects].

OBJECTIVE: To find out the status of folic acid supplementation among women, to evaluate the prevention effects on neural tube defects (NTDs), and to explore the factors impact on folic acid supplementation compliance. METHODS: Based on the routine data of 92 121 women in prenatal health care and birth defect surveillance system in Tongzhou District of Beijing from 2013 to 2018, we described the prevalence of periconceptional folic acid supplementation, pre-pregnancy folic acid supplementation and regularly folic acid supplementation (compliance supplementation). Trend χ2 tests were used to evaluate the change of folic acid supplementation prevalence. The prevalence difference among the women with folic acid supplementation and without supplementation were tested with Fisher's exact test. Factors asso-ciated with folic acid supplementation compliance rate were analyzed with univariate and multivariate Logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of periconceptional folic acid supplementation during the six years was 90.08% and it was increased from 2013 to 2018, but the rate of pre-pregnancy and regular supplementation was only 41.5% and declined from 2013 to 2018, especially 2013 to 2015. The prevalence of NTDs among the fetuses whose mothers took folic acid during periconceptional period was 5.5/10 000, while the prevalence for the fetuses whose mothers did not take folic acid was 19.7/10 000 (P < 0.001), the rates ratio was 27.9% (χ2=23.74, P < 0.001). The difference between the prevalence of NTDs among the fetuses whose mothers took folic acid only and multiple micronutrients was not statistically significant. After controlling the confounding factors, it was found that the compliant folic acid supplementation rates in women, whose household registrations were outside Beijing and whose education levels were junior high school or below, and who were younger than 25 years old, and who were multiparas and who were pre-pregnancy underweight or obese, were lower than those of the corresponding control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The rate of folic acid supplementation among women in Tongzhou District of Beijing was relatively high, but their compliance was poor. Women who did not take folic acid during periconception seriously affected the prevention effect of NTDs. We should focus on women who are younger than 25 years old, lower educated, pre-pregnancy underweight or obese, multiparas and nonlocal household registers, in order to improve the periconceptional folic acid supplementation compliance and improve the effects of NTDs prevention.

Protective Effect of Vitamin E on laying performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity in laying hens challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis.

Vitamin E (VE) has proven to function as potent lipid-soluble antioxidant, a signaling molecule, and a regulator of the immune system. The objective of the study was to assess the protective effect of VE on laying performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity in laying hens exposed to Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). A total of 80 32-week-old salmonella-free double negative Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 20 replicates each (1 bird per replicate) according to a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 VE supplementation levels [0 IU/kg (VE0) vs. 30 IU/kg (VE30)], and 2 challenge treatments [SE vs. physiological saline solution (PS)]. During the last 3 D of week 43 of age, birds were orally challenged with 1.0 mL suspension of 109 cfu/mL S. Enteritidis daily, whereas the birds of negative treatments (VE0) received the same volume of PS. The egg mass of VE0 treatment decreased (P < 0.05) in contrast to VE treatment after challenge. The serum concentrations of interleukins (IL-1ß and IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of SE treatments increased (P < 0.05) at week 44 and week 46, respectively. In both VE30 treatments, the decrease (P < 0.05) in birds' mortality was associated with higher IgA, IgG, IgM concentrations at week 44, and higher IgA, IgM concentrations at week 46. There is an interaction (P < 0.05) between SE challenge and VE levels with regard to feed conversion, daily egg mass, and serum MDA, IgA, and IgM levels. It can be concluded that supplemental VE (30 IU/kg) in diets for laying hens may alleviate oxidative and immune stress due to SE challenge.

Evaluation of the overall impact of antibiotics growth promoters on broiler health and productivity during the medication and withdrawal period.

The effectiveness of some common combination of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on growth performance, gut health, and meat quality was evaluated during the medication and withdrawal period in broilers. A total of 540 male Arbor Acre broilers at 0 D of age were randomly assigned to 5 treatments, with 6 replicates of 18 chicks. Broilers received diets during the medication period (0 to 42 D) as follows: NC (control diet without AGP), EN (NC + enduracidin 8 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), BZ (NC + bacitracin zinc 40 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), CT (NC + chlortetracycline 50 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm), and VG (NC + virginiamycin 20 ppm + colistin sulfate 8 ppm). Broilers were switched to the same finisher diet without AGP during the withdrawal period (43 to 49 D). The feed:gain ratio in EN, BZ, CT, and VG groups were significantly decreased by 0.07, 0.10, 0.06, and 0.05 during 0 to 42 D (P < 0.05), but increased by 0.19 (P > 0.05), 0.33 (P > 0.05), 0.49 (P < 0.05), and 0.69 (P < 0.05) during the withdrawal period, respectively. The jejunum villus height (VH) increased in EN group (P < 0.05) and crypt depth (CD) reduced in BZ, CT, and VG groups (P < 0.05) at 42 D, while jejunum VH increased in EN and BZ groups (P < 0.05) at 49 D compared to NC group (P < 0.05). Meat quality detection at 49 D found all AGP groups with the higher cook loss of the breast muscle, while CT group with the higher cook loss of thigh muscle. Consequently, the overall effects of 4 AGP combinations in the whole period were not significant on growth performance. Their poor growth performance during the withdrawal period should be partly attributed to the falling off a cliff of most digestive enzyme activities from 42 to 49 D. Attention should be paid to the adverse effects of AGP supplementation on meat quality, especially cook loss.

[Curative effects of Ningmitai capsules on the residual fragments and postoperative complications following lithotripsy treatment of upper urinary calculi].

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Ningmitai capsules, a traditional Chinese medicine using for clearing heat and dampness, in the treatment of residual fragments and postoperative complications following lithotripsy for upper urinary stones. Methods: During October 2016 and March 2018, patients from Wuhan 1st Hospital, Wuhan 2nd Hospital, Wuhan 3rd Hospital, and Wuhan Puai Hospital having upper urinary residual fragments following minimally-invasive stone treatment were randomly assigned to control group and Ningmitai group with a proportion of 1∶3. The patients in control group were treated with antibiotics or sodium diclofenac suppository on demand, while patients in Ningmitai group took additional Ningmitai capsule orally (4 capsules per time, 3 times per day). The observation was started when a patient was enrolled in this study and continued for a maximum of 12 weeks or until stone-free status. During the observation, the stone expulsion time, stone-free time, stone-free rate were observed, and the difference in curative effect between the two groups on postoperative complications such as pain and infection were compared. Statistical analysis was done using t-test or χ2 test by GraphPad Prism 5 software. Results: Totally 269 cases enrolled in this study. Eighty-six patients were from Wuhan 1st Hospital, 69 patients from Wuhan 2nd Hospital, 58 patients from Wuhan 3rd Hospital, 56 patients from Wuhan Puai Hospital, respectively. There were 66 cases in control group and 203 cases in Ningmitai group. The residual fragments expulsion time in Ningmitai group was significantly earlier than that in control group ((4.5±0.4) days vs. (7.5±1.3) days, t=2.877, P=0.004), the residual fragments clearance time in Ningmitai group was significantly shorter than that in control group ((13.6±1.0) days vs.(25.6±3.8) days, t=4.252, P=0.000), and the stone-free rate within 4 weeks post operation in Ningmitai group was significantly higher than control group (91.6% vs. 68.2%, χ2=22.57, P=0.000). After 12 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate of control group was 89.4%, and the total effective rate of Ningmitai group was 99.5%, with statistically significant difference (χ2=17.65, P=0.000). The proportion of caregivers that offered analgesia in Ningmitai group was significantly lower than that in control group (16.3% vs. 30.3%, χ2=6.212, P=0.013), the recovery rate of routine urinalysis following 4 weeks' treatment was significantly higher in Ningmitai group than that in control group (88.2% vs.71.2%, χ2=10.67, P=0.001). No obvious adverse effects were observed in both groups. Conclusions: Ningmitai capsule can facilitate the stone passage and increase the stone-free rate in the treatment of residual fragments and postoperative complications of upper urinary stones. It is also helpful for the prevention and treatment of postoperative pain, infection and other complications.

Treatment mechanism of tolerogenic dendritic cells on rheumatoid arthritis.

This study aims to explore the possible mechanism of treatment of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs). Different methods were used to induce and cultivate tDCs, and suitable conditions for tDC cultivation were explored. The experimental RA induced by collagen in mouse was treated by the obtained tDCs, and the possible mechanism was explored. The serum concentration of TNF-α, IFN-ß, IL-4 and anti-type II collagen antibody were detected by ELISA. The anti-type II collagen antibody of mice without treatment was higher than that without disease onset, while the Blank-DC group, VIP-DC group and Bay-D had no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). Compared to the group without disease onset, the TNF-α level of those without treatment was significantly higher, while INF-γ, IL-1ß and IL-4 concentration showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Compared to the untreated group, the TNF-α and IL-1ß concentration after VIP-DC treatment were significantly decreased, while IL-4 was increased (P less than0.05). In summary, VIP-DC and Bay-DC alleviate joint inflammation, synovitis and bone erosion by reducing the production of anti-type II collagen antibody, inhibiting proinflammatory factors and increasing inflammation inhibitors.

Curcumin attenuates IR-induced myocardial injury by activating SIRT3.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury remains an unresolved and complicated situation in clinical practice. In this study, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were subjected to curcumin (Cur) treatment in the absence or presence of the silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) inhibitor 3-TYP and were then subjected to IR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H9c2 cells and male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were cultured. MTT assay was performed to assess H9c2 cell viability. Cellular apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL assay. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, SIRT3, and AcSOD2 were measured by Western-blotting. The activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA were determined using commercially available kits. The myocardial infarct size was evaluated using TTC staining. RESULTS: Cur significantly increased H9c2 cell viability, decreased the cell apoptotic index, and altered several biochemical parameters, including upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, downregulation of the proapoptotic protein Bax and AcSOD2, activation of SIRT3, increase in SOD and GSH-Px activity, and decrease in MDA content. In isolated rat hearts, Cur significantly improved cardiac function, decreased infarct size, and lowered lactate dehydrogenase levels. These protective effects induced by Cur were reversed by treatment with the SIRT3 inhibitor 3-TYP. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that Cur protects cardiomyocytes and that rat hearts were exposed to IRI by activating SIRT3.

No copper supplementation in a corn-soybean basal diet has no adverse effects on late-phase laying hens under normal and cyclic high temperatures.

Over supplementation of copper (Cu) in animal diets may cause serious pollution in soil, water and harvested crops. To minimize the potential pollution, the effects of corn-soybean basal diet with or without supplementation of 8 mg Cu/kg on laying performance, plasma biochemical metabolic indices, and antioxidant status in laying hens were evaluated under normal and cyclic high temperatures. A total of 240 Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 10 hens per replicate according to factorial design involved in 2 temperatures [normal temperature (NT) vs. cyclic high temperature (CHT)] and 2 dietary Cu addition amount [Cu0 (0 mg/kg) vs. Cu8 (8 mg/kg in the form of CuSO4·5H2O)]. The experimental period included 1-week adaptation, 2-week heat stress and 2-week convalescence. The temperatures of NT groups in the same period or any groups during other periods were kept at 26 ± 2°C except that of CHT groups were 26 ± 2°C∼33 ± 2°C cyclically during heat stress period. CHT groups increased (P < 0.05) the rectal temperature and plasma glucose content under heat stress, but decreased (P < 0.01) the egg yield at the second week of heat stress and the first week of convalescence, and the plasma triglyceride, uric acid, and triiodothyronine levels under heat stress. Cu8 groups increased (P < 0.05) egg weight at the first week of convalescence, and plasma thyroxin level during the whole convalescence. Interactions between temperature and Cu content existed (P < 0.05) in the laying rate at the first week of convalescence, and the plasma lactic dehydrogenase level under heat stress. Conclusively, the CHT impaired laying performance. The Cu content (10.3 mg/kg) in corn-soybean basal diet might be sufficient for meeting the maintenance and production requirements of late-phase laying hens, and no Cu supplementation had no adverse effects on egg production and antioxidant indices under cyclic high (26 ± 2°C∼33 ± 2°C) or normal (26 ± 2°C) temperatures.

Effect of sodium selenite and selenium yeast on performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and selenium deposition of laying hens.

This study compared the effects of sodium selenite and selenium yeast and their combination on laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and selenium (Se) contents in tissues and eggs. Two-hundred-eighty-eight Jing Hong layers that were similar in laying rate (87.5 ± 0.38%) and body weight (1.70 ± 0.02 kg) were randomly distributed into 4 treatments for 11 wk (from 203 d old to 279 d old) with 9 replicates of 8 hens per replicate. The diets (corn-soybean meal diet) were supplemented with 0 [blank control (BC)], 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), 0.15 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite and 0.15 mg/kg Se from Se yeast (SS+SY), or 0.3 mg/kg Se from Se yeast (SY). Results showed that the laying rate of the SS+SY group increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the BC and SY groups. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in egg quality between the Se-supplemented diets and the BC diet. The serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was increased (P < 0.01) in hens fed Se-supplemented diets compared to the BC diet. The liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the SY group was increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the BC group. Significant increase (P < 0.01) due to SY supplementation was noted in the serum vitamin E content compared to BC and SS. Layers fed Se-supplemented diets had higher (P < 0.01) contents of Se in the serum, liver, and kidney compared to the BC diet. Compared to BC, Se content in eggs was significantly increased (P < 0.05) by feeding supplementary Se. In conclusion, the effects of SS and Se yeast were approximately equal in promoting antioxidant capacity of laying hens, while Se yeast is easier to deposit into eggs and tissues. The diet with added equal amounts of the 2 sources of Se was more cost effective and affordable than a comparable amount of Se yeast to obtain the promising production performance and nearly similar Se deposition.

Rosuvastatin alleviates the development of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats.

Statins can increase endothelial function through enhancement of the expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin on the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial expression of eNOS in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups of 20: control (group A), pulmonary hypertension (PAH) + rosuvastatin group (group B), and PAH (group C). Monocrotaline (MCT; 60 mg/kg) was injected (intraperitoneally) to induce PAH. Rats in group B received rosuvastatin [10 mg/(kg. day)] for 2 weeks. Peripheral blood (5 mL) was aspirated from the femoral artery of each rat before and after 2 weeks of treatment. Mononuclear cells were isolated and subcultured to obtain EPCs. Small and moderately sized pulmonary arteries were collected 2 weeks later for histological analyses. eNOS gene expression in endothelial cells of pulmonary arteries were then determined at mRNA and protein levels. eNOS expression at mRNA and protein levels and the number of circulating EPCs were reduced significantly in groups B and C compared with group A (P less than 0.05), and a significant difference between group B and group C (P less than 0.05) was observed. Vascular remodeling in small and moderately sized pulmonary arteries was attenuated markedly in group B compared with group C. These results suggest that rosuvastatin can ameliorate the remodeling of pulmonary arteries in MCT-induced PAH rats by increasing the number of circulating EPCs and eNOS upregulation.

Low-level laser therapy for orthodontic pain: a systematic review.

This review aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of different lasers management on orthodontic pain. Cochrane Library (Issue 7, 2014) and MEDLINE (1966-2014.7) were searched to collect randomized controlled trials on lasers for orthodontic pain. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were systematically evaluated. The Cochrane Collaboration tools RevMan5.1.7 and GRADEpro 3.6 were used in this systematic review and meta-analysis. As a result, 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for orthodontic pain control were included. Meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment were implemented using RevMan5.1.7, and level of evidence assessments was measured by GRADEpro 3.6. In the outcome of the score of the most painful day, the comparison of laser versus placebo (pain associated with tooth movement) demonstrated that LLLT reduced the pain score significantly compared with placebo groups (MD = -4.39, 95% CI range -5.9--2.88, P < 0.00001). In the same way, the most painful day was significantly brought forward in laser versus control group (MD = -0.42, 95% CI range -0.74--0.10, P = 0.009). Furthermore, the outcome of the end of pain day showed a trend of pain termination earlier in laser versus control and placebo groups, but without statistical significance (MD = -1.37, 95% CI range -3.37-0.64, P = 0.18 and MD = -1.04, 95% CI range -4.22-2.15, P = 0.52). However, for the reason of downgrade factors, all the GRADE level of evidences of eight comparisons for three outcomes showed a very low quality. Therefore, for the methodological shortcomings and risk of bias of RCTs included, insufficient evidence was submitted to judge whether LLLT was effective in relieving orthodontic pain. Further and more perfect researches should be done in order to recommend LLLT as a routine method for orthodontic pain.

Effects of dietary α-lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, and sex on antioxidative ability, energy, and lipid metabolism in broilers.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary α-lipoic acid (LA), acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), and sex on antioxidative ability, energy, and lipid metabolism in broilers. A total of 972 one-day-old broilers with equal sex were randomly assigned in a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial design using 3 LA, 3 ALC levels, and 2 sexes (6 replications, 9 birds/replication). The LA and ALC levels were 0, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that increased LA or ALC resulted in increased total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and decreased levels of malondialdehyde in serum and liver of birds (P < 0.05). In addition, with increasing addition of LA or ALC, an increased (P < 0.01) level of insulin (Ins), as well as decreased (P < 0.05) levels of glucose and glucagon (Glu), were observed in serum of broilers. Total cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels decreased (P < 0.05) and nonesterified fatty acid, lipoprotein lipase, and lipase levels increased (P < 0.05) in serum with increased administration of LA or ALC. Moreover, a significant (P < 0.05) interaction of LA × ALC was observed for serum and liver SOD, serum GSH-Px, glucose, and TG levels. Birds fed diets containing 50 mg/kg of LA and 50 mg/kg of ALC had higher serum and liver SOD activities and lower serum glucose and TG levels than those fed diets containing 100 mg/kg of LA or ALC alone. The main effect of sex and all interactions among main effects (except LA × ALC) were not significant (P > 0.05) for all of the above parameters. Overall, the present data indicate that LA or ALC supplementation, or both, at low levels (50 or 100 mg/kg) improved antioxidative ability, energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism in broilers, and synergistic effects by the combined supplementation of LA and ALC were indicated by serum and liver SOD activities and serum glucose and TG levels.

Protective Efficacy of Alpha-lipoic Acid against AflatoxinB1-induced Oxidative Damage in the Liver.

Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) is not only involved in energy metabolism, but is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect against hepatic oxidative stress induced by some drugs, toxins, or under various physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Here, we investigated the effect of α-LA against liver oxidative damage in broilers exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Birds were randomly divided into four groups and assigned different diets: basal diet, 300 mg/kg α-LA supplementation in basal diet, diet containing 74 µg/kg AFB1, and 300 mg/kg α-LA supplementation in diet containing 74 µg/kg AFB1, for 3 weeks. The results revealed that the addition of 300 mg/kg α-LA protected against the liver function damage of broilers induced by chronic low dose of AFB1 as estimated by a significant (p<0.05) change in levels of plasma total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and the activities of liver glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase. The histopathological analysis also showed that liver tissues were injured in the AFB1 diet, but this effect was alleviated by the addition of 300 mg/kg α-LA. Additionally, AFB1 induced a profound elevation of oxidative stress in birds, as indicated by an increase in malondialdehyde level, a decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity and a depletion of the glutathione content in the liver. All of these negative effects were inhibited by treatment with α-LA. Our results suggest that the inhibition of AFB1-induced excess production of lipid peroxides and the maintenance of intracellular antioxidant status may play important roles in the protective effects of α-LA against AFB1-induced oxidative damage in the liver.

Phytase transgenic corn in nutrition of laying hens: residual phytase activity and phytate phosphorus content in the gastrointestinal tract.

The residual activities of transgenic corn-derived and 2 commercial microbial phytases (PA and PB) along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of laying hens were compared to evaluate their relative resistance to hydrolysis in the GIT when added to P-deficient diets. The treatments consisted of a negative control (NC) diet containing 0.10 nonphytate P and an NC diet supplemented with transgenic corn-derived phytase (TCDP), PA, and PB at 500 to 5,000 FTU/kg of diet, respectively. Seven diets were fed to Hy-Line Brown laying hens (n = 504; 8 replicates of 9 hens per treatment) for 21 d. At the end of the experiment, the hens were killed and digesta samples from the crop, proventriculus and gizzard, jejunum, and ileum were collected and analyzed for residual phytase activities and phytate P content. Phytase activity in the transgenic corn was determined to be 8,980 FTU/kg of DM. The residual phytase activities along the GIT had increased (P < 0.01) with the addition of TCDP, PA, and PB to the NC diets. The TCDP had higher residual activity (P < 0.05) in the crop, proventriculus and gizzard, jejunum, and ileum as compared with the PA and PB activity. There was a decrease (P < 0.01) in the phytate P content of the digesta from all sources of phytase supplementation in the NC diets. Residual phytate P content decreased caudally along the GIT of hens. The results of this research indicate that phytase expressed in corn is as efficacious as the commercial microbial phytases (PA and PB) in P-deficient diets for the improvement of phytate P digestibility, which would eliminate the need for supplemental phytase and corn separately in laying hen diets.

Carnitine revisited: potential use as adjunctive treatment in diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: This study examined the efficacy of supplemental L: -carnitine as an adjunctive diabetes therapy in mouse models of metabolic disease. We hypothesised that carnitine would facilitate fatty acid export from tissues in the form of acyl-carnitines, thereby alleviating lipid-induced insulin resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Obese mice with genetic or diet-induced forms of insulin resistance were fed rodent chow +/- 0.5% L: -carnitine for a period of 1-8 weeks. Metabolic outcomes included insulin tolerance tests, indirect calorimetry and mass spectrometry-based profiling of acyl-carnitine esters in tissues and plasma. RESULTS: Carnitine supplementation improved insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in genetically diabetic mice and wild-type mice fed a high-fat diet, without altering body weight or food intake. In severely diabetic mice, carnitine supplementation increased average daily respiratory exchange ratio from 0.886 +/- 0.01 to 0.914 +/- 0.01 (p < 0.01), reflecting a marked increase in systemic carbohydrate oxidation. Similarly, under insulin-stimulated conditions, carbohydrate oxidation was higher and total energy expenditure increased from 172 +/- 10 to 210 +/- 9 kJ kg fat-free mass(-1) h(-1) in the carnitine-supplemented compared with control animals. These metabolic improvements corresponded with a 2.3-fold rise in circulating levels of acetyl-carnitine, which accounts for 86 and 88% of the total acyl-carnitine pool in plasma and skeletal muscle, respectively. Carnitine supplementation also increased several medium- and long-chain acyl-carnitine species in both plasma and tissues. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These findings suggest that carnitine supplementation relieves lipid overload and glucose intolerance in obese rodents by enhancing mitochondrial efflux of excess acyl groups from insulin-responsive tissues. Carefully controlled clinical trials should be considered.

Optimization of control parameters for petroleum waste composting.

Composting is being widely employed in the treatment of petroleum waste. The purpose of this study was to find the optimum control parameters for petroleum waste in-vessel composting. Various physical and chemical parameters were monitored to evaluate their influence on the microbial communities present in composting. The CO2 evolution and the number of microorganisms were measured as the activity of composting. The results demonstrated that the optimum temperature, pH and moisture content were 56.5-59.5 degrees C, 7.0-8.5 and 55%-60%, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the removal efficiency of petroleum hydrocarbon reached 83.29% after 30 days composting.

[Human T cell and monocyte modulating activity of Rhizoma typhonii in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To study the immunological modulating activity of Rhizoma typhonii (RT) on lymphocytes in vitro. METHODS: Effect of RT extract (RTE) on mice spleen cells and human lymphocytes proliferation was detected by sheep erythrocytes rosette forming test after lymphocytes had been isolated and purified. The activity of human killer cells and natrral killer (NK) cells was tested using 51 Cr free test. The production of cytokine of macrophages was examined using ELISA test and biological test and the phagocytic function of macrophage on tumor cell was determined using 3H incorporation assay. The chemical ingredients of RT were analyzed using chromatography and the molecular weight of their active principle was determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique (SDS-PAGE) method. RESULTS: RTE could markedly stimulate the mice spleen cells and human lymphocytes to proliferate in a dose-effect dependent manner; the effector cell of RTE is T cells. RTE enhanced human killer cell, the allo-antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activity and the nonspecific activity of NK cells. Furthermore, RTE stimulated macrophage to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), and enhanced phagocytic activity of macrophage to tumor cells. The elution of RTE from chromatography showed that the active principle of RT was glycoproteins in nature and had an apparent molecular weight of 66 kDa. CONCLUSION: RTE has immunoenhancing activity to human T cell and macrophage, through stimulating the killer cell and phagocytosis of tumor cell and allo-antigen, which could be used clinically for modulating immune responses and for treating tumor and other diseases.