Hyperglycaemia in transition dairy cows: Effects of lactational stage and conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on glucose metabolism and turnover.

Supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is supposed to spare glucose due to the milk fat-depressing effect of the trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer, and allows repartitioning nutrients despite an energy deficiency in early lactation. However, there is still a lack of knowledge in terms of the dynamic pattern of the glucose turnover in transition dairy cows. We hypothesized that dairy cows supplemented with CLA have an altered rate of glucose turnover and insulin sensitivity during early lactation. We conducted three consecutive hyperglycaemic clamps (HGC) in weeks -2, +2 and +4 relative to parturition in Holstein cows supplemented daily either with 70 g of lipid-encapsulated CLA (6.8 g trans-10, cis-12 and 6.6 g of the cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer; CLA; n = 11) or with 56 g of control fat (CON; n = 11). From week -3 up to week +4 relative to parturition, milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded daily, while body weight (BW) and milk composition were obtained once weekly. Blood samples were taken once weekly and every 30 min during the HGC. Plasma was analysed for concentrations of glucose, fatty acids (FFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol. The CLA supplementation did not affect performance and metabolic parameters except for BHB and cholesterol. Furthermore, insulin concentrations and insulin sensitivity were affected by treatment. During the HGC in early lactation, insulin response was lower and decrease in FFA and BHB greater compared with the HGC in week -2 although glucose target concentration achieved during the steady-state period was similar for all three HGC. Our findings in terms of insulin and cholesterol suggest that body reserves are preserved through CLA feeding without restraining animal's performance. Furthermore, CLA effects on cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations indicated beneficial effects on hepatic lipid export contributing to an improved efficiency of prevailing metabolites in circulation.

Effect of Acarbose, Sitagliptin and combination therapy on blood glucose, insulin, and incretin hormone concentrations in experimentally induced postprandial hyperglycemia of healthy cats.

Acarbose (AC) and Sitagliptin (STGP) are oral hypoglycemic agents currently used either alone or in conjunction with human diabetic (Type 2) patients. AC has been used with diabetic cats, but not STGP thus far. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the potential use of AC or STGP alone and in combination for diabetic cats, by observing their effect on short-term post-prandial serum glucose, insulin, and incretin hormone (active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and total glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)) concentrations in five healthy cats, following ingestion of a meal with maltose. All treatments tended (p<0.10; 5-7.5% reduction) to reduce postprandial glucose area under the curve (AUC), with an accompanying significant reduction (p<0.05, 35-45%) in postprandial insulin AUC as compared to no treatment. Meanwhile, a significant increase (p<0.05) in postprandial active GLP-1 AUC was observed with STGP (100% higher) and combined treatment (130% greater), as compared to either AC or no treatment. Lastly, a significant reduction (p<0.05) in postprandial total GIP AUC was observed with STGP (21% reduction) and combined treatment (7% reduction) as compared to control. Overall, AC, STGP, or combined treatment can significantly induce positive post-prandial changes to insulin and incretin hormone levels of healthy cats. Increasing active GLP-1 and reducing postprandial hyperglycemia appear to be the principal mechanisms of combined treatment. Considering the different, but complementary mechanisms of action by which AC and STGP induce lower glucose and insulin levels, combination therapy with both these agents offers great potential for treating diabetic cats in the future.

[The brain-gut axis: insights from the obese pig model]. / L'axe tube digestif-cerveau: avancées récentes obtenues sur un modèle d'obésité chez le porc.

The pig, which shares several similarities with humans, is increasingly used for biomedical research, particularly in nutrition and neurosciences. Recent studies in minipigs have shown that a deleterious nutritional environment (e.g. a high-fat and high-sugar diet) induces obesity which, as in humans, is associated with increased adiposity, insulin resistance, modified eating behaviour, and altered gastric function and intestinal sensitivity. These changes are accompanied by differences in the activation matrices and metabolic activity of several brain areas. Using this animal model, we have revisited the concept of dual hedonic and homeostatic control of food intake. We have thus developed a minimally invasive and potentially reversible surgical approach to the control of food intake, as an alternative to bariatric surgery, based on chronic vagal stimulation at the abdominal level.

Use of a constant rate infusion of insulin for the treatment of hyperglycemic, hypernatremic, hyperosmolar syndrome in an alpaca cria.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-day-old 9.5-kg (21-lb) female alpaca cria was examined because of lethargy and anorexia. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination revealed hyperthermia, muscle fasciculations, and tremors of the head. Seizures were also observed, which indicated CNS dysfunction. Hyperosmolar syndrome (HOS) was diagnosed on the basis of hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, azotemia, high plasma osmolarity, and metabolic acidosis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A constant rate infusion of regular insulin was administered with hypo-osmolar fluids to treat HOS, and blood glucose and sodium concentrations were successfully lowered. Neurologic deficits resolved with treatment, and the cria was discharged 11 days after admission. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of insulin as a bolus in addition to hypo-osmolar fluids has been advocated in the management of neonatal camelids with HOS. Administration of regular insulin via a constant rate IV infusion was used to successfully manage a neonatal camelid with HOS. This form of insulin administration may allow more control of glucose kinetics in these patients.

Supplementing transglucosidase with a high-fiber diet for prevention of postprandial hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic dogs.

Indigestible oligosaccharides have been shown to normalize blood glucose and insulin concentration thereby promoting good health and preventing diseases, such as diabetes. Transglucosidase (TG, alpha-glucosidase, enzyme code (EC) 3.2.1.20) is an enzyme capable of converting starch to oligosaccharides, such as iso-malto-oligosaccharides from maltose, via the action of amylase. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether oral administration of TG with maltose or dextrin is capable of reducing post-prandial serum glucose concentration in experimentally streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic dogs fed on a high-fiber diet. Five healthy and five STZ-induced diabetic dogs were employed in this study. TG supplementation with dextrin or maltose had no detrimental effect in healthy dogs. In fact, TG and dextrin exhibited a flatlined serum glucose pattern, while reducing mean post-prandial serum insulin and glucose concentration as compared to control diet alone. When TG supplementation was tested in STZ-induced diabetic dogs under the context of a high fiber diet, a 13.8% and 23.9% reduction in mean glucose concentration for TG with maltose and dextrin, respectively was observed. Moreover, TG with dextrin resulted in a 13% lower mean post-prandial glucose concentration than TG with maltose, suggesting that dextrin may be a more efficient substrate than maltose when used at the same concentration (1 g/kg). Our results indicate that TG supplementation with diet can lead to lower postprandial glucose levels versus diet alone. However, the efficacy of TG supplementation may depend on the type of diet it is supplemented with. As such, TG administration may be useful for preventing the progression of diabetes mellitus and in its management in dogs.

Monitoring blood glucose levels in female mink during the reproductive cycle: 2. Effects of short-term fish oil, chromium picolinate, and acetylsalicylic acid supplementation during late lactation.

Mink nursing sickness is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia that is similar to the metabolic syndrome associated with type 2, or non-insulin-dependent, diabetes mellitus. This research studied the effects of short-term administration of antidiabetic supplements on the blood glucose concentration in female mink during late lactation. Female mink that had blood glucose levels < 5.5 mmol/L (normoglycemic [NG]) or > or = 5.5 mmol/L (hyperglycemic [HG]) early in lactation were given daily supplements of various combinations of herring oil (HerO, 3% in diet), chromium picolinate (CrPic, 200 microg), and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 100 mg) for 1 wk starting at day 21 post partum. In the NG mink, most of the treatments did not significantly change the blood glucose concentration from day 28 to 42 post partum. However, treatment with ASA alone and treatment with the combination HerO-CrPic-ASA elevated the blood glucose levels when compared with those of the control group, which had received just the basal diet. In the HG mink, all treatment combinations except CrPic alone and ASA alone, reduced the blood glucose concentration. Thus, in lactating mink with hyperglycemia, the blood glucose concentration may be effectively lowered by dietary antidiabetic supplementation; however, because hyperglycemia also occurs before nursing, preventive measures are recommended throughout the year.

Monitoring blood glucose levels in female mink during the reproductive cycle: 1. Prevention of hyperglycemia during the nursing period.

Nursing sickness, the largest cause of death in female adult mink, is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The impacts of body condition, dietary supplements, and reproductive status on the blood glucose concentration in female mink during the reproductive cycle were investigated. Mink dams on 3 farms were assigned to receive either herring oil (HerO) or chromium picolinate (CrPic) or to be in a control group, receiving only the basal diet, for 6 wk at the onset of lactation. Hyperglycemia was observed throughout the reproductive cycle. Significant differences in blood glucose levels were observed between farms, emphasizing the importance of herd genetics and of animal management and feeding practices in glycemic regulation. Female mink exhibiting hyperglycemia early in the reproductive cycle tended to remain hyperglycemic and to have poorer health and fewer kits. Glucose levels > 7 mmol/L can be considered critical in this regard. Supplementing the diet with CrPic reduced the blood glucose concentration. Results from this study suggest that a diet containing high-quality n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, high levels of carbohydrate, and CrPic supplementation may help the nursing mink dam maintain a normal blood glucose concentration during lactation.

Clinical application of parenteral nutrition in the treatment of five ponies and one donkey with hyperlipaemia.

Five ponies and one donkey with hyperlipaemia that occurred secondarily to a variety of primary clinical conditions were treated with lipid-free partial parenteral nutrition comprising equal volumes of 50 per cent glucose and 15 per cent amino acids. The infusion supplied energy and protein at rates of 2.6 kJ/kg per hour and 34.3 mg/kg per hour, respectively. In all six cases there was a prompt and sustained decrease in serum concentrations of triglyceride. In four of the six cases a good response to treatment of the primary condition was also seen and the subjects were discharged successfully. In the remaining two cases, poor clinical response of the primary condition resulted in euthanasia, although hyperlipaemia was nevertheless resolved. The main complication of parenteral nutrition was hyperglycaemia.

Evaluation of glucose metabolism in three horses with lower motor neuron degeneration.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether increased glucose metabolism is the potential cause of the decreased plasma glucose curve determined after oral glucose tolerance testing in horses with lower motor neuron degeneration. ANIMALS: 3 horses with signs suggestive of lower motor neuron degeneration, 1 horse with malignant melanoma with multiple metastases, and an obese but otherwise healthy horse. Procedures-Glucose metabolism was assessed by use of the hyperglycemic clamp and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp techniques. RESULTS: Mean rate of glucose metabolism of horses with lower motor neuron degeneration was significantly greater (mean, 3.7 times greater than control horses; range, 2.1 to 4.8 times greater) than that reported in 5 healthy control horses (41 +/- 13 micromol/kg/min vs 11 +/- 4.5 micromol/kg/min, respectively). In addition, one of the affected horses, an 8-year-old warmblood gelding, had a 5.6-times increased sensitivity to exogenously administered insulin, compared with that reported in 5 healthy control horses. Pancreatic insulin secretion was not insufficient in horses with lower motor neuron degeneration. Findings in the 2 diseased control horses were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased glucose metabolism in horses with lower motor neuron degeneration may be the cause of the decreased plasma glucose curve detected after oral glucose tolerance testing. This finding could aid in developing supportive treatments with respect to adequate glucose and vitamin E supplementation.

[Hyperglycemic and therapeutic action of nontranquilizing doses of xylazine in healthy sheep and cows and in cows with subclinical ketosis]. / Prouchvane khiperglikemichnoto i lechebnoto deistvie na netrankvilizirashte dozi ksilazin pri zdravi ovtse i kravi i pri kravi sus subklinichna ketoza.

Experiments with 19 sheep and 26 cows revealed that subcutaneous and muscular injection of xylasine (Rompun - Bayer at 0.04 to 0.08 mg/kg body mass) led to a dependable increase in the level of blood sugar by 50-220 per cent for a period of 1 to 3 hrs. At the 6th to the 24th hour the amount of blood sugar came back to normal. In cows with subclinical ketosis (ketonuria ++ to +++ after Lastradet's test) and hypoglycaemia (blood sugar 29.7 +/- 4.6 mg%) the injection of xylasine (0.05-0.08 mg/kg body mass) increased the level of blood sugar by 169 to 185 per cent, which remained at a comparatively high level up to the 24th hour. Ketonuria dropped, however, full dusapperance of ketone bodies in the urine was observed in 7 per cent of the treated animals only. It is believed that although there was a pronounced hyperglycaemic effect of the preparation it cannot be applied alone for the treatment of ketosis-affected cows. It is important as an additional means, particularly with animals affected with the nervous form of the disease.