Effect of birth type and sex on growth performance, wither height, humerus-radius bone dimensions, humerus-ulna growth plate width and selected hormone profile in growing Gurcu goat kids.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of sex and birth type on growth performance, withers height (WH), radiographic measurements and selected hormone profiles in Gurcu goat kids were investigated. METHODS: Twenty kids (single female = 5, single male = 5, twin female = 5, twin male = 5) were included in the study. Body weight (BW), WH, radiographic measurements (humerus length [HL], radius length [RL], proximal humerus epiphyseal plate width [HEP] and distal ulna epiphyseal plate width [UEP]) and biochemical analysis (for serum calcitonin, free triiodothyronine [FT3], free thyroxine [FT4], growth hormone [GH] and insulin-like growth factor-I [IGF-I]) were performed at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 months of age. RESULTS: BW was significantly higher in males starting from the seventh month compared to females (p < 0.05). HL was higher in males at seventh (p = 0.009) and ninth (p = 0.033) months, whereas RL was lower in twins at the third month (p = 0.021). UEP was wider in males at seventh (p = 0.008) and ninth (p = 0.036) months. Closure of HEP was observed in 65% of kids by the 12th month. Calcitonin was lower in twins at third (p = 0.045) and fifth (p = 0.006) months, with changes observed due to group and time effects (p < 0.05), whereas other hormones only changed with time (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between BW, WH, HL, RL and IGF-I. There was a negative correlation between BW, WH, HL, RL, IGF-I and HEP, UEP, calcitonin, FT3, FT4, GH. CONCLUSION: Sex and birth type in Gurcu goat kids may have an impact on growth performance, radiographic measurements and certain hormonal profiles.

IGF Signaling in the Heart in Health and Disease.

One of the most vital processes of the body is the cardiovascular system's proper operation. Physiological processes in the heart are regulated by the balance of cardioprotective and pathological mechanisms. The insulin-like growth factor system (IGF system, IGF signaling pathway) plays a pivotal role in regulating growth and development of various cells and tissues. In myocardium, the IGF system provides cardioprotective effects as well as participates in pathological processes. This review summarizes recent data on the role of IGF signaling in cardioprotection and pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases, as well as analyzes severity of these effects in various scenarios.

Hormonal and inflammatory responses in prepubertal vs. pubertal male children following an acute free-weight resistance training session.

PURPOSE: Examine the acute hormonal and cytokine responses to free-weight resistance training in trained prepubertal and pubertal male children. METHODS: Prepubertal (n = 21; age 11.4 ± 1.1 years; Tanner I-II) and pubertal male children (n = 20; age 15.8 ± 0.7 years; Tanner III-V) conducted a moderate-intensity free-weight resistance training program to failure with venous blood sampling before (pre), immediately after (post) and during the recovery phase of the program (post-15,-30 min). Growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), cortisol, testosterone, IL-6, and TNF-α were analyzed in serum samples. Biological maturation was assessed according to the stages of the Tanner scale. RESULTS: There was a significant time-by-group interaction in IGF-I response (p = 0.044; η2 = 0.209) and testosterone (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.508), indicating a greater change in the pubertal group compared to the prepubertal group. Both groups significantly increased post-exercise GH levels (p < 0.05). Only the prepuberal group significantly increased levels of IL-6 at all post-exercise time points (p < 0.05). Both groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in TNF-α levels compared to resting levels. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that acute testosterone and IGF-I response following resistance training differ between trained prepubertal and pubertal male children. Moderate-intensity resistance training performed to failure may thus have different effects in trained prepubertal and pubertal male children, which should be considered when giving training advice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials number: NCT05022992.

Impairment of synaptic plasticity in the primary somatosensory cortex in a model of diabetic mice.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients experience alterations in the Central Nervous System, leading to cognitive deficits. Cognitive deficits have been also observed in animal models of diabetes such as impaired sensory perception, as well as deficits in working and spatial memory functions. It has been suggested that a reduction of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and/or insulin levels may induce these neurological disorders. We have studied synaptic plasticity in the primary somatosensory cortex of young streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic mice. We focused on the influence of reduced IGF-I brain levels on cortical synaptic plasticity. Unit recordings were conducted in layer 2/3 neurons of the primary somatosensory (S1) cortex in both control and STZ-diabetic mice under isoflurane anesthesia. Synaptic plasticity was induced by repetitive whisker stimulation. Results showed that repetitive stimulation of whiskers (8 Hz induction train) elicited a long-term potentiation (LTP) in layer 2/3 neurons of the S1 cortex of control mice. In contrast, the same induction train elicited a long-term depression (LTD) in STZ-diabetic mice that was dependent on NMDA and metabotropic glutamatergic receptors. The reduction of IGF-I brain levels in diabetes could be responsible of synaptic plasticity impairment, as evidenced by improved response facilitation in STZ-diabetic mice following the application of IGF-I. This hypothesis was further supported by immunochemical techniques, which revealed a reduction in IGF-I receptors in the layer 2/3 of the S1 cortex in STZ-diabetic animals. The observed synaptic plasticity impairments in STZ-diabetic animals were accompanied by decreased performance in a whisker discrimination task, along with reductions in IGF-I, GluR1, and NMDA receptors observed in immunochemical studies. In conclusion, impaired synaptic plasticity in the S1 cortex may stem from reduced IGF-I signaling, leading to decreased intracellular signal pathways and thus, glutamatergic receptor numbers in the cellular membrane.

IGF-I and GH Genes polymorphism and their association with milk yields, composition and reproductive performance in Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle.

BACKGROUND: The insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and growth hormone (GH) genes have been identified as major regulators of milk yield and composition, and reproductive performance in cattle. Genetic variations/polymorphism in these genes have been found to influence milk production, yield and quality. This investigation aimed to explore the association between IGF-I and GH polymorphisms and milk yield and composition, and reproductive performance in a herd consisting of 1000 Holstein-Friesian (HF) dairy cattle from El-Alamia farm. The experimental animals were 76 ± 7.25 months in age, with an average live weight of 750 ± 50.49 kg, and raised under the same conditions of feeding and weather. The studied animals were divided into three categories; high producers (n = 280), medium producers (n = 318) and low producers (n = 402). RESULTS: The digestion of 249 bp for IGF-I-SnaBI using the Restriction-fragment-length-polymorphism (RFLP) technique yielded two alleles; T (0.59) and C (0.41) and three genotypes; TT (0.52), TC (0.39) and CC (0.09) and this agrees with the results of DNA/gene sequencing technique. The sequencing analysis of the IGF-I gene revealed polymorphism in position 472 (C > T). Nucleotide sequencing of the amplified fragment of the IGF-I gene of different genotypes was done and submitted to the NCBI GenBank with Accession no. MH156812.1 and MH156811.1. While the digestion of 432 bp for GH-AluI using the RFLP technique yielded two alleles; A (0.81) and G (0.19) and two genotypes; AA (0.77) and AG (0.23) and this agrees with the results of DNA/gene sequencing technique. The sequencing analysis of the GH gene revealed polymorphism in the position 1758 C > G and in turn led to changes in amino acid sequence as Alanine for (A) compared to Glycine for (G). Nucleotide sequencing of the amplified fragment of the GH gene was done and submitted to the NCBI GenBank with Accession no. MH156810.1. The results of this study demonstrate the effects of variants of the GH-IGF-I somatotrophic axis on milk production and composition traits in commercial HF cattle. The greatest values of milk yield and reproductive performance were observed on IGF-I-SnaBI-TC and GH-AluI-AG genotypes. While the greatest % fat and % protein values were observed on IGF-I-SnaBI-CC and GH-AluI-AA genotyped individuals. CONCLUSION: The genetic variation of the studied genes can be utilized in selecting animals with superior milk yield, composition and reproductive performance in Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cattle under subtropical conditions.

Adult patients with Laron syndrome tend to develop the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic Syndrome is the name of a cluster of abnormal clinical and metabolic states, which constitute a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. AIM: To determine whether adult patients with Laron Syndrome with excessive obesity develop the characteristics of the Metabolic Syndrome. SUBJECTS: Out of a cohort of adult patients with Laron Syndrome followed in our clinic, records of 23 patients (12 females, 11 males) were found to have sufficient data for analysis. METHODS: The degree of obesity was determined by the measurement of subscapular skinfold thickness (SSFT), BMI and total body DEXA. NAFLD was determined by liver ultrasonography, serum lipids including adiponectin leptin, insulin and glucose were assessed by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Both female and male patients were markedly obese with 59% and 39% fat of the total body mass respectively, as were total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and adiponectin. Some had developed NAFLD. They also suffered from insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Eleven patients (3 females, 8 males) developed diabetes. All had varying degrees of hypertension. Eight subjects (3 females, 5 males) suffered from cardiovascular disease. One female died at aged 53 years, and two males died at ages 75 and 78 years. CONCLUSION: With advancing age and increasing obesity, adult patients with Laron Syndrome developed the characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

A comparative study on the expression of myogenic genes, and their effects on performance and meat quality in broiler chicken strains.

The aims of current investigation were to study the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and expression profile of Myostatin (MSTN), Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), Myogenin (MyoG) and Myogenic regulatory factor 4 (MRF4) genes in three commercial broiler strains including Ross (Ross 308), Cobb (Cobb 500), and Arian in 2023. A total number of 240 one-day-old chicks were reared under an equalized standard management condition for 6 weeks. Performance, organ weights, meat quality and the expression level of the myogenic genes in the pectoral muscle were investigated. The lowest body weight (BW), feed intake, weight gain and highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed for Arian at the end of the study. The meat quality was similar between strains. The IGF-I expression level was significantly higher on 42 days of age in Cobb compared to Ross and Arian. The MRF4 expression level was significantly higher on 28 days of age in Cobb compared to Ross. The MyoG expression level was significantly lower in Arian compared to Cobb on 42 days of age. Furthermore, the MSTN expression level was significantly lower in Cobb compared to Ross and Arian on 42 days of age. The remarkable differences in gene expression levels at the end of the rearing period was supported by higher growth performance and BW of Cobb compared to Ross and Arian strains. In conclusion, the findings of current study could conveniently help assess the performance of these broiler strains under similar rearing condition.

IGF-I assay methods and biologic variability: evaluation of acromegaly treatment response.

Serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) is the primary biochemical measure of disease activity in patients with acromegaly, and the 2014 Endocrine Society guidelines recommended normal age-adjusted serum IGF-I as the biochemical target of treatment. However, quantification and interpretation of IGF-I levels are subject to limitations that may affect therapeutic decisions. Techniques for measuring IGF-I have evolved greatly over the past 40 years and continue to do so. Results can vary substantially for different assays, procedures, and laboratories. For any assay, the interpretation of IGF-I values requires robust reference ranges. Using currently available large normative databases, the upper limit of normal (ULN) for IGF-I in middle-aged and elderly individuals is lower than historical reference ranges. Thus, the goal of achieving IGF-I < 1× ULN is more demanding than in the past, and some patients with acromegaly who were classified as "normal" (IGF-I < 1× ULN) in previous studies would be reclassified as above the ULN based on newer normative data. In addition, substantial intra-individual, week-to-week variation in serum IGF-I levels (unrelated to assay performance) has been observed. With changes over time in the measurement of IGF-I and the advent of updated reference ranges derived from large normative databases, it is difficult to justify rigid adherence to the goal of maintaining IGF-I below the ULN for all patients with acromegaly. Instead, symptoms, comorbidities, and quality of life should be considered, along with growth hormone and IGF-I levels, when evaluating the need for further treatment.

Acromegaly Disease Control Maintained After Switching From Injected Somatostatin Receptor Ligands to Oral Paltusotine.

CONTEXT: Paltusotine is a nonpeptide selective somatostatin receptor 2 agonist in development as once-daily oral treatment for acromegaly. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of paltusotine in the treatment of patients with acromegaly previously controlled with injected somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs). METHODS: This phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled adults with acromegaly who had insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) ≤1.0 times the upper limit of normal (×ULN) while receiving a stable dose of depot octreotide or lanreotide. Patients were switched from injected SRLs and randomized to receive paltusotine or placebo orally for 36 weeks. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients maintaining IGF-I ≤1.0×ULN. Secondary endpoints were change in IGF-I level, change in Acromegaly Symptom Diary (ASD) score, and maintenance of mean 5-sample growth hormone (GH) <1.0 ng/mL. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was met: 83.3% (25/30) of patients receiving paltusotine and 3.6% (1/28) receiving placebo maintained IGF-I ≤1.0×ULN (odds ratio: 126.53; 95% CI: 13.73, >999.99; P<.0001). Paltusotine was also superior to placebo for all secondary endpoints: mean (±SE) change in IGF-I of 0.04±0.09×ULN versus 0.83±0.1×ULN (P<.0001); mean (±SE) change in ASD score of -0.6±1.5 versus 4.6±1.6 (P=.02); mean GH maintained at <1.0 ng/mL in 20/23 (87.0%) versus 5/18 (27.8%) patients (odds ratio: 16.61; 95% CI: 2.86, 181.36; P=.0003). The most common adverse events were acromegaly symptoms and gastrointestinal effects characteristic of SRLs. CONCLUSION: Replacement of injected SRLs by once-daily oral paltusotine was effective in maintaining both biochemical and symptom control in patients with acromegaly and was well tolerated.

Reduction in Hippocampal Amyloid-ß Peptide (Aß) Content during Glycine-Proline-Glutamate (Gly-Pro-Glu) Co-Administration Is Associated with Changes in Inflammation and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)-I Signaling.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the deposition in the brain of senile plaques composed of amyloid-ß peptides (Aßs) that increase inflammation. An endogenous peptide derived from the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE), has IGF-I-sensitizing and neuroprotective actions. Here, we examined the effects of GPE on Aß levels and hippocampal inflammation generated by the intracerebroventricular infusion of Aß25-35 for 2 weeks (300 pmol/day) in ovariectomized rats and the signaling-related pathways and levels of Aß-degrading enzymes associated with these GPE-related effects. GPE prevented the Aß-induced increase in the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and the reduction in activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, insulin receptor substrate-1, and Akt, as well as on interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-13 levels in the hippocampus. The functionality of somatostatin, measured as the percentage of inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity and the levels of insulin-degrading enzyme, was also preserved by GPE co-treatment. These findings indicate that GPE co-administration may protect from Aß insult by changing hippocampal cytokine content and somatostatin functionality through regulation of leptin- and IGF-I-signaling pathways that could influence the reduction in Aß levels through modulation of levels and/or activity of Aß proteases.

Insulin-like growth factor family and prostate cancer: new insights and emerging opportunities.

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The mammalian insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family is made up of three ligands (IGF-I, IGF-II, and insulin), three receptors (IGF-I receptor (IGF-1R), insulin receptor (IR), and IGF-II receptor (IGF-2R)), and six IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGF-I and IGF-II were identified as potent mitogens and were previously associated with an increased risk of cancer development including prostate cancer. Several reports showed controversy about the expression of the IGF family and their connection to prostate cancer risk due to the high degree of heterogeneity among prostate tumors, sampling bias, and evaluation techniques. Despite that, it is clear that several IGF family members play a role in prostate cancer development, metastasis, and androgen-independent progression. In this review, we aim to expand our understanding of prostate tumorigenesis and regulation through the IGF system. Further understanding of the role of IGF signaling in PCa shows promise and needs to be considered in the context of a comprehensive treatment strategy.

A novel role of IGFBP5 in the migration, invasion and spheroids formation induced by IGF-I and insulin in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

PURPOSE: The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system includes IGF-I, IGF-II insulin and their membrane receptors. IGF system also includes a family of proteins namely insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) composed for six major members (IGFBP-1 to IGFBP6), which capture, transport and prolonging half-life of IGFs. However, it has been described that IGFBPs can also have other functions. METHODS: IGFBP5 expression was inhibited by shRNAs, migration was analyzed by scratch-wound assays, invasion assays were performed by the Boyden chamber method, spheroids formation assays were performed on ultra-low attachment surfaces, expression and phosphorylation of proteins were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: IGFBP5 is a repressor of IGF-IR expression, but it is not a repressor of IR in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In addition, IGFBP5 is a suppressor of migration and MMP-9 secretion induced by IGF-I and insulin, but it does not regulate invasion in MCF-7 cells. IGFBP5 also is a repressor of MCF-7 spheroids formation. However treatment with 340 nM rescues the inhibitory effect of IGFBP in the MCF-7 spheroids formation. CONCLUSION: IGFBP5 regulates IGF-IR expression, migration and MMP-9 secretion induced by IGF-I and/or insulin, and the spheroids formation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

The somatotroph pituitary gland function in high-aged multimorbid hospitalized patients with IGF-I deficiency.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether the age-related decline in the somatotropic axis stems from a reduced growth hormone (GH) production in the pituitary gland, or from a peripheral origin akin to an acquired GH resistance. With the help of a GHRH/arginine test, high-aged multimorbid hospitalized patients with IGF-I deficiency are to be tested to determine whether there is primarily a pituitary GH deficiency in the sense of a somatopause. METHODS: Seventeen multimorbid patients (eleven men and six women) with a mean age of 82 years, with IGF-I concentrations below two standard deviations of 30-year-old men and women were identified. Patients suffered from a variety of common age-related stable diseases including coronary artery disease, chronic liver or kidney disease, chronic heart failure as well as acute conditions e.g., urosepsis or endocarditis. To assess the somatotropic axis they underwent a GHRH/arginine test. Results were evaluated using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In average, the peak concentration of GH after stimulation was 14.8 µg/L with a range from 2.76 to 47.4 µg/L. Taking into account both, gender and BMI (with a mean of 26.5 kg/m²) for each participant, the pituitary gland was adequately stimulated in 16 out of the 17 patients. No patient reported common side effects related to the GHRH/arginine test. CONCLUSION: The somatotroph pituitary gland retains its secretory capacity in the advanced aged. Therefore, age does not seem to be the driving pacemaker for the functional decline of the somatotropic axis within the aged population.

Implication of Pappalysins and Stanniocalcins in the Bioavailability of IGF-I in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Context: Anomalies in the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis, are common in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), even in those reaching a normal or near-normal final height. However, concentrations of the IGF bioavailability regulatory factors (pappalysins [PAPP-As] and stanniocalcins [STCs]) have not been reported in children with T1DM. Objective: To determine serum concentrations of PAPP-As and STCs in children at diagnosis of T1DM and after insulin treatment and the correlation of these factors with other members of the GH/IGF axis, beta-cell insulin reserve, auxology, and nutritional status. Methods: A single-center prospective observational study including 47 patients (59.5% male), with T1DM onset at median age of 9.2 years (interquartile range: 6.3, 11.9) was performed. Blood and anthropometric data were collected at diagnosis and after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Results: At 6 and 12 months after T1DM diagnosis, there was improvement in the metabolic control (decrease in glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] at 12 months -3.66 [95% CI: -4.81, -2.05], P = .001), as well as in body mass index SD and height SD (not statistically significant). STC2 increased (P < .001) and PAPP-A2 decreased (P < .001) at 6 and 12 months of treatment onset (P < .001), which was concurrent with increased total IGF-I and IGF-binding protein concentrations, with no significant modification in free IGF-I concentrations. HbA1c correlated with PAPP-A2 (r = +0.41; P < .05) and STC2 (r = -0.32; P < .05). Conclusion: Implementation of insulin treatment after T1DM onset modifies various components of the circulating IGF system, including PAPP-A2 and STC2. How these modifications modulate linear growth remains unknown.

Trends of correlations between serum levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I in general practice.

Serum levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I are crucial in the diagnosis and management of GH-related diseases. However, these levels are affected by nutritional and metabolic status. To elucidate the correlations between GH and IGF-I in various conditions, a retrospective analysis was performed for adult patients in which GH levels were examined by general practitioners during the period from January 2019 to December 2021. Of 642 patients, 33 patients were diagnosed with acromegaly, 21 were diagnosed with GH deficiency (GHD), and 588 were diagnosed with non-GH-related diseases (NGRD). In contrast to the positive correlations found between the levels of GH and IGF-I in patients with acromegaly (R=0.50; P<0.001) and patients with GHD (R=0.39; P=0.08), a negative correlation was found in the NGRD group (R=-0.23; P<0.001). In that group, the results of multivariable analysis showed that GH levels were predominantly influenced by gender and body mass index (BMI), whereas IGF-I levels were modulated by albumin in addition to age and GH. Of note, in the NGRD group, there was an enhanced negative correlation between GH and IGF-I under conditions of BMI < 22 and albumin < 4.0 g/dL (R=-0.45; P<0.001), and the negative correlation between GH and IGF-I was reinforced by excluding patients with other pituitary diseases and patients taking oral steroids (R=-0.51; P<0.001 and R=-0.59; P<0.001, respectively). Collectively, the results indicate that attention should be given to the presence of a negative correlation between serum levels of GH and IGF-I, especially in lean and low-nutritious conditions.

Unveiling the Role of IGF-I in Fertility: Effect of Long-Acting Bovine Somatotropin (bST) on Terminal Follicular Development and Fertility during an Annual Reproductive Cycle in Sheep.

The study aimed to assess the effect of long-acting bST treatment, in a dose that only increases IGF-I plasma concentrations, on ovarian and fertility markers of estrous synchronized ewes that were fed to keep their bodyweight. Three experiments were designed to evaluate this effect: in Experiment 1, 18 ewes were distributed in groups (bST 0, 30, 50 mg) to measure plasma IGF-I and insulin for 15 days; in Experiment 2, 92 ewes (5 replicates) in two groups (0 and 30 mg bST) were synchronized using a 6-day progesterone protocol during the breeding season to assess the effect of bST on follicular and luteal performances, estrous and ovulation, and fertility after mating. In Experiment 3, 50 ewes (3 replicates) were used to repeat the study before but during anestrus. Results indicate that 50 mg bST increased IGF-I and insulin plasma concentrations, but 30 mg bST only increased IGF-I concentrations; and that only during the breeding season did 30 mg bST increase the number of lambs born and the reproductive success of ovulatory-sized follicles compared to controls. This occurred without it affecting any other reproductive marker. In conclusion, 30 mg bST treatment may improve oocyte competence for fertility during the breeding season.

Prepubertal children with obesity have high free IGF-1 levels and accelerated growth despite reduced pappalysin levels.

BACKGROUND: Prepubertal children with obesity frequently have enhanced growth, accelerated skeletal maturation and changes in the GH-IGF axis. However, the involvement of pappalysins (PAPP-A, PAPP-A2) and stanniocalcins (STC1, STC2) as regulators of IGF bioavailability has not been studied in obesity. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effects of childhood obesity and weight reduction on serum levels of PAPP-A, PAPP-A2, STC1 and STC2 and their relationship with IGF bioavailability, growth, and other components of the GH-IGF system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prepubertal children with severe obesity (150, 50% males/females, age: 7.72 ± 2.05 years, BMI z-score: 4.95 ± 1.70, height z-score: 1.28 ± 1.04) were studied at diagnosis and after a minimum of 0.5 BMI z-score reduction. Two hundred and six healthy age- and sex-matched children were used as controls. RESULTS: Children with obesity had decreased serum concentrations of PAPP-A, PAPP-A2 and STC2, but increased total and free IGF-I (fIGF-I), intact IGFBP-3, ALS, IGF-II and insulin levels, with no difference in the free/total IGF-I ratio. Neither the standardized BMI nor height correlated with any biochemical parameter analyzed. A decrease in IGF-II, insulin, and ALS with an increase in IGFBP-2 and -5, STC2 and PAPP-A were observed after weight loss. CONCLUSION: Increased circulating total and free IGF-I, insulin and IGF-II may all contribute to the increased rate of prepubertal growth and bone maturation observed in children with obesity, with STC2 possibly being involved.

Postnatal Growth and Development of the Rumen: Integrating Physiological and Molecular Insights.

The rumen plays an essential role in the physiology and production of agriculturally important ruminants such as cattle. Functions of the rumen include fermentation, absorption, metabolism, and protection. Cattle are, however, not born with a functional rumen, and the rumen undergoes considerable changes in size, histology, physiology, and transcriptome from birth to adulthood. In this review, we discuss these changes in detail, the factors that affect these changes, and the potential molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate these changes. The introduction of solid feed to the rumen is essential for rumen growth and functional development in post-weaning calves. Increasing evidence suggests that solid feed stimulates rumen growth and functional development through butyric acid and other volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced by microbial fermentation of feed in the rumen and that VFAs stimulate rumen growth and functional development through hormones such as insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) or through direct actions on energy production, chromatin modification, and gene expression. Given the role of the rumen in ruminant physiology and performance, it is important to further study the cellular, molecular, genomic, and epigenomic mechanisms that control rumen growth and development in postnatal ruminants. A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to the development of novel strategies to enhance the growth and development of the rumen and thereby the productivity and health of cattle and other agriculturally important ruminants.

Efficacy of nutritional selenium nanoparticles on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant capacity, expression of growth and immune-related genes, and post-stress recovery in juvenile Sobaity seabream (Sparidentex hasta).

This study evaluated the impacts of nano-Se on the growth, immunity, antioxidant capacity, physiological parameters, gene expression, and stress resistance of fingerling Sobaity seabream (Sparidentex hasta). The fish with an average weight of 21.5 ± 0.1 g were divided into four treatment groups in triplicates that received one of the test diets supplemented with varying levels of nano-Se: 0 (control), 0.5 (Se-0.5), 1 (Se-1), and 2 (Se-2) mg/Kg for 60 days. The results showed that final weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio improved with significant linear and quadratic trends (P < 0.05) in response to nano-Se-supplemented diets, and the best values were measured in the Se-2 group. Superoxide dismutase activity level remained unaffected among the four groups (P > 0.05). Catalase activity increased in nano-Se-supplemented groups, with the highest level measured in fish fed the Se-0.5 diet. Glutathione peroxidase activity levels were not significantly different between the control and nano-Se groups, but the lowest malondialdehyde concentration was detected in the Se-2 group. Nano-Se had no marked effect on total plasma Ig levels; however, the highest lysozyme activity and alternative complement activity (ACH50) were observed in the Se-0.5 and Se-2 groups, respectively. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, and thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) contents among the groups. However, the lowest cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein values and the highest high-density lipoprotein concentration were measured in the Se-2 group. The Se-0.5 and Se-1 groups exhibited significantly lower levels of aspartate aminotransferase activity, and the lowest alkaline phosphatase activity level was detected in the Se-1 group. The expression level of insulin-like growth factor I gene in all nano-Se-fed groups was significantly higher than the control. Also, the expression of interleukin-1ß and lysozyme genes was significantly upregulated in nano-Se-supplemented groups, with the highest values in the Se-2 group. Following acute crowding stress, plasma cortisol and lactate levels at all post-stress time intervals were not significantly different among the experimental groups. Fish fed the Se-0.5 and Se-2 diets tended to have lower plasma glucose concentrations than other groups. In conclusion, dietary nano-Se at 2 mg/kg is recommended to promote growth performance and enhance antioxidant and immune parameters in Sobaity juveniles.