Evaluation of hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress profile in calves under propofol anesthesia.

Propofol is a widely used drug in veterinary medicine to induce anesthesia; as well as the chosen compound for protocols of intravenous anesthesia. The present study aimed to describe the hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress alterations in calves kept under anesthesia by propofol in different dosages. In order to achieve this, eight Holstein calves were induced using propofol in a 5 mg/kg dosage and maintained under continuous propofol infusion for 60 min, having being administered 0.6 mg/kg/h or 0.8 mg/kg/h in crossover design with seven days interval. Blood samples were collected immediately before the anesthesia induction (baseline), and 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h after the procedure started. Statistically relevant propofol influence was observed both in blood and biochemical parameters, with differences between dosages according to the time of infusion. The drug action over oxidative stress was also observed, causing a raise of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with an uric acid increase. Additionally, the increase of triglycerides, induced by the anesthesia maintenance with propofol, caused lipemia in the samples, which was capable of interfering directly in the measurements made by refractometry and spectrophotometry. It was concluded that, in spite of propofol induced alterations in blood and biochemical parameters, such alterations are subtle. In addition to that, the drug presented an antioxidative effect, which reinstates the safety of anesthesia maintenance with propofol in calves.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Alter Systemic Inflammatory Mediators Caused by Apical Periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) on serum inflammatory mediators of rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control, untreated rats (C); control rats treated with ω-3 PUFAs (C-O); rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis (AP); and rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis treated with ω-3 PUFAs (AP-O). ω-3 PUFAs were administered orally once a day for 15 days before pulp exposure and continued for 30 days after pulp exposure. The rats were sacrificed, and then blood and jaw samples were collected. Blood analysis was conducted to determine the total number of leukocytes including neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL) 6, and IL-17 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histologic analysis was performed to confirm the development of apical periodontitis. The data were statistically evaluated using analysis of variance and the Tukey posttest. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: The development of apical periodontitis was confirmed in all infected groups. Bone destruction was larger in the AP group compared with the AP-O group (P < .05). Blood analysis showed that the AP and AP-O groups showed higher numbers of lymphocytes, leukocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 compared with the C and C-O groups (P < .05). In contrast, the presence of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and the expression of IL-6 decreased in the AP-O group compared with the AP group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: ω-3 PUFA supplementation influences the systemic effects caused by apical periodontitis, decreasing the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and IL-6 in rat blood.

Systemic oxidative stress in Suffolk and Santa Ines sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus.

The mechanisms responsible for the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus are not well established. This study aimed to prove the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurring during infection by H. contortus varies according to breed, and that the parasite burden correlates with hypoalbuminaemia and anaemia. Thus, after deworming and confirming the absence of infection, two different sheep breeds, Suffolk (n = 15) and Santa Ines (n = 22), were orally inoculated with a single dose of 5,000 L3 of H. contortus. The egg counts per gram of faeces (EPG), packed cell volume (PCV) and concentrations of several plasma markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, albumin, uric acid, total bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity [TAC], total oxidant concentration [TOC] and the oxidative stress index [OSI]) were quantified before (control group) and during the experimental infection (28, 34 and 42 days post-inoculation). In both breeds, TOC increased at 28 days and TAC increased at 42 days. In Suffolk sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with oxidant components (28 days) and a negative correlation of EPG with PCV (42 days). In Santa Ines sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with bilirubin (r = 0.492; p = 0.020). H. contortus infection caused oxidative stress, which varied according to the breed. Parasite burden was not associated with hypoalbuminaemia, whereas there was a negative correlation with PCV. This research provides the first evidence that the antioxidant status contributes more to the resilience to H. contortus in Santa Ines sheep compared to Suffolk sheep.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Reduce the Triglyceride Levels in Rats with Apical Periodontitis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the prophylactic and therapeutic supplementation with omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (w-3 PUFAs) on the lipid profile and periapical bone resorption in rats with apical periodontitis. Forty male rats were divided into groups: control rats (C), rats treated with w-3 PUFAs (C+O), rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis (AP), and rats with AP treated with w-3 PUFAs (AP+O). The administration of w-3 PUFAs was carried out orally once a day for 15 days before pulp exposure and, subsequently, for an additional 30 days after pulp exposure. AP was induced by exposing pulpal tissues to the oral environment. The samples were collected after 30 days. Triglycerides and cholesterol levels were enzymatically measured using the Trinder method. The jaws were collected and submitted for histological analysis. Two-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis, and the significance was set at p<0.05. The triglyceride levels of the AP group were significantly higher than those of the C, C+O and AP+O groups (p<0.05). However, the difference in the cholesterol levels among the groups was not significant (p>0.05). Rats with AP showed larger areas of bone resorption as well as higher inflammatory intensity compared with rats with AP supplemented with w-3 PUFAs. It may be concluded that the presence of multiple AP foci increased the triglyceride levels. In addition, omega 3 supplementation might reduce these levels in rats with AP, as well as the bone resorption areas of periapical tissues.

Endodontic infections increase leukocyte and lymphocyte levels in the blood.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of single or multiple apical periodontitis (AP) alters blood cell counts and cytokine production. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups: a control group comprising rats without AP, a group called 1AP comprising rats with AP in one tooth, and a group called 4AP comprising rats with AP in four teeth. Endodontic infection was induced by pulp exposure of the first right maxillary molar in the 1AP group or by exposing the first and second right maxillary and mandibular molars in the 4AP group. A blood count and cytokine levels were obtained 30 days after infection by collecting blood by cardiac puncture. The maxillae were dissected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate the inflammatory infiltrate. The data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Histological analysis showed a predominance of mononuclear inflammatory cells. In blood, significant increase of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in 4AP compared with the control and 1AP groups (P < 0.05) was observed. In addition, significant decrease of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in 1AP and 4AP groups compared with the control was observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the rat model, the presence of multiple AP can affect health by increasing lymphocyte and TNF-α levels in the blood. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presence of endodontic infections can interfere with the blood profile, altering systemic health.

Influence of Apical Periodontitis on Stress Oxidative Parameters in Diabetic Rats.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we investigated if apical periodontitis (AP) associated with diabetes influenced the levels of endogenous antioxidants, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the oxidant parameter in the serum of Wistar rats. METHODS: Forty male rats were divided into 4 equal groups: normal rats (N), rats with AP (AP), diabetic rats (D), and diabetic rats with AP (D + AP). Diabetes was induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg). AP was induced by exposing the pulpal tissue to the oral environment. After 36 days, blood and maxillae were collected. Albumin, bilirubin, uric acid, TAC, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured, and histologic analysis of the maxillae was performed. P < .05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: Uric acid levels were higher in the D + AP group when compared with that of the N, D, and AP groups (P < .05). The MDA concentration was higher in the D and D + AP groups when compared with the N and AP groups (P < .05). The level of albumin was lower in the D + AP group when compared with the N, AP, and D groups. Inflammatory infiltration was more intense in the periapical region in the D + AP group compared with that in the AP group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that diabetes may change the antioxidant status, increase the concentration of MDA and uric acid, and decrease albumin levels in the serum. In addition, AP can potentiate the effects of diabetes by reducing the levels of albumin and increasing the levels of uric acid.

Feeding Relationship between Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) Early Life-Cycle Stages and Their Prey in the Western Iberian Upwelling System: Correlation of Reciprocal Lipid and Fatty Acid Contents.

Under the influence of the Western Iberian upwelling system, the Iberian Atlantic coast holds important hatcheries and recruitment areas for Octopus vulgaris. Recently identified as an octopus hatchery, the Ría de Vigo harbors an important mesozooplankton community that supports O. vulgaris paralarvae during the first days of their planktonic stage. This study represents a preliminary approach to determine the nutritional link between wild O. vulgaris hatchlings, paralarvae and their zooplankton prey in the Ría de Vigo, by analyzing their lipid class content and fatty acid profiles. The results show that octopus hatchlings are richer in structural lipids as phospholipids and cholesterol, while the zooplankton is richer in reserve lipids like triacylglycerol and waxes. Zooplankton samples are also particularly rich in C18:1n9 and 22:6n3 (DHA), that seem to be successfully incorporated by O. vulgaris paralarvae thus resulting in a distinct fatty acid profile to that of the hatchlings. On the other hand, content in C20:4n6 (ARA) is maintained high through development, even though the zooplankton is apparently poorer in this essential fatty acid, confirming its importance for the development of O. vulgaris paralarvae. The content in monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly C18:1n7, and the DHA: EPA ratio are suggested as trophic markers of the diet of O. vulgaris paralarvae.

The effects of increased heme oxygenase-1 on the lymphoproliferative response in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is known to affect the cellular immunity of infected dogs, through impairing lymphoproliferation and microbicidal mechanisms. This study examined heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and its metabolites, oxidative stress and IL-10 levels in CVL and investigated correlations between these parameters. Additionally, the effects of HO-1 inhibition on the lymphoproliferative response and cytokine production in lymph node cells (LNCs) from infected dogs were evaluated. Forty-four dogs, 24 controls and 20 dogs with CVL were selected. Plasma and splenic levels of HO-1, haptoglobin, soluble CD163 receptor, ferritin and IL-10 were determined using capture ELISA. The HO-1 levels and relative gene expression in peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells were also determined. LNCs proliferation was evaluated with an HO-1 activator and with an HO-1 inhibitor, in the presence of the Leishmania infantum soluble antigen (SAgL), using flow cytometry. HO-1, IL-2, IFN-gamma and IL-10 were also determined in these cultures using capture ELISA. Infected dogs presented oxidative stress and increased HO-1 levels and relative gene expression, with correlation between oxidative stress and HO-1. The substances from heme metabolism and IL-10 were also elevated in the plasma and spleens of infected dogs. IL-10 and HO-1 levels were positively correlated with one another. Inhibition of HO-1 increased LNCs proliferation and decreased IL-10 and IL-2 production in the presence of SAgL. The increased HO-1 metabolism observed in CVL is probably associated with oxidative stress and increased IL-10, which could be one of the mechanisms responsible for inhibition of the lymphoproliferative response in sick dogs.

Size does matter: An assessment of reproductive potential in seahorses.

In most animals, the mother plays the key role in reproduction, but male pregnancy in seahorses raises the question of whether the female still is the only determinant of offspring size or if she shares some responsibility with the male. This study evaluates the effects of both male and female size on the reproductive output of the long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus. Results demonstrated that, with regard to reproductive potential, the bigger the better. Seahorses preferred similar-sized or larger mates. Larger females produced bigger eggs with larger yolk reserves. Larger males had larger brood pouches, but did not produced larger broods. Male size was negatively correlated with embryo density and positively correlated with juvenile size. Both parents proved to play a decisive role in the reproductive output of this species. Newborn juveniles from the same parents were 15% bigger and 30% heavier when incubated in smaller and lower-density broods. This trade-off between the number and size of embryos inside the brood pouch clearly indicates a limited carrying capacity of the male, and demonstrates that the size of newborn seahorses can be, in part, paternally determined.

Free p-Cresol Alters Neutrophil Function in Dogs.

To achieve a clearer understanding of the mechanisms responsible for neutrophil dysfunction recently described in dogs with chronic renal failure (CRF), the plasma concentrations of free p-cresol in healthy dogs (n = 20) and those with CRF (n = 20) were compared. The degree of correlation was determined between plasma levels of p-cresol and markers of oxidative stress and function of neutrophils in these dogs. The effect of this compound on oxidative metabolism and apoptosis was assessed in neutrophils isolated from 16 healthy dogs incubated in RPMI 1640 supplemented with p-cresol (0.405 mg/L) and compared with medium supplemented with uremic plasma (50%). To achieve this, the plasma concentration of p-cresol was quantified by liquid phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The neutrophil oxidative metabolism was determined using the probes hydroethidine and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and apoptosis was measured using Annexin V-PE by capillary flow cytometry. Compared with the healthy dogs, uremic dogs presented higher concentrations of free p-cresol, greater oxidative stress, and neutrophils primed for accelerated apoptosis. The free p-cresol induced in neutrophils from healthy dogs increased apoptosis and decreased reactive oxygen species production. We conclude that the health status presented during uremia concomitant with the increase in plasma free p-cresol can contribute to the presence of immunosuppression in dogs with CRF.

Food web of the intertidal rocky shore of the west Portuguese coast - Determined by stable isotope analysis.

The characterization of food web structure, energy pathways and trophic linkages is essential for the understanding of ecosystem functioning. Isotopic analysis was performed on food web components of the rocky intertidal ecosystem in four sites along the Portuguese west coast. The aim was to 1) determine the general food web structure, 2) estimate the trophic level of the dominant organisms and 3) track the incorporation of organic carbon of different origins in the diet of the top consumers. In this food web, fish are top consumers, followed by shrimp. Anemones and gastropods are intermediate consumers, while bivalves and zooplankton are primary consumers. Macroalgae Bifurcaria bifurcata, Ulva lactuca, Fucus vesiculosus, Codium sp. and phytoplankton are the dominant producers. Two energy pathways were identified, pelagic and benthic. Reliance on the benthic energy pathway was high for many of the consumers but not as high as previously observed in subtidal coastal food webs. The maximum TL was 3.3, which is indicative of a relatively short food web. It is argued that the diet of top consumers relies directly on low levels of the food web to a considerable extent, instead of on intermediate levels, which shortens the trophic length of the food web.

Blood profile and histology in oral infections associated with diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the relationship between blood profile and histologic findings in both apical periodontitis (AP) and periodontal disease (PD) associated with diabetes. METHODS: Wistar rats (N = 80) were assigned to the following 8 groups: control, AP, PD, AP associated with PD, diabetes, diabetes with AP, diabetes with PD, and diabetes with AP and PD. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced with streptozotocin, AP was induced by exposure to the oral environment, and PD was induced using periodontal ligature. After 30 days, blood samples were collected, and the rats were euthanized. Subsequently, the maxillae were processed for light microscopy. Hematologic examinations were conducted to determine the total number of erythrocytes and leukocytes, erythrocyte constant, and blood glucose level. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis, and the significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between the histologic findings and blood parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, diabetes accelerated the development and progression of AP and PD in the rats and caused an increase in the average erythrocyte volume as well as the leukocyte and neutrophil counts. Oral infections increase the total number of leukocytes, the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and blood glucose concentrations in DM rats.

Synergy of environmental variables alters the thermal window and heat shock response: an experimental test with the crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus.

The intertidal zone is an extremely variable habitat, imposing stressful conditions on its inhabiting communities. Tolerance towards extremes of temperature, salinity and pH are crucial in these habitats. Despite the vast literature on stress tolerance, few studies have focused on the synergistic effects of several variables on thermal tolerance and HSP70 (heat shock protein 70 kDa) levels. In this work, the crabs were exposed to three experimental conditions 1) thermal ramp at standard pH (8) and saline conditions (35‰) (named T), 2) thermal ramp at standard pH (8) and hyposaline conditions (15‰) (named T plus HypoS), and 3) thermal ramp at lower pH (7) and standard saline conditions (35‰) (named T plus A). Two physiological parameters (Critical Thermal Maximum - CTMax, and osmolality) and a stress biomarker (HSP70) were chosen for this analysis. These parameters were measured in all of the aforementioned conditions. CTMax for each set of conditions was reached by exposing the organisms to a rate of temperature increase of 1 °C h(-1) until loss of equilibrium. Haemolymph samples were taken every 2 °C to quantify HSP70 and osmolality. Results showed that CTMax did not differ between crabs solely exposed to T stress and crabs exposed to T plus HypoS stress. However, HSP70 production was impaired in T plus HypoS stress. When crabs were exposed to T plus A stress, they showed a significantly higher CTMax, suggesting that short-term exposure to acidified conditions may alter the thermal window of this species. Nevertheless, in T plus A conditions HSP70 production was impaired as well. Regarding osmolality it decreased according to temperature increase in all tested stress conditions. This study showed that the heat stress response is altered by the synergistic effect of variables. Physiological end-points (i.e. CTMax) may vary and the expression of stress proteins such as HSP70 may be impaired.

Ocean cleaning stations under a changing climate: biological responses of tropical and temperate fish-cleaner shrimp to global warming.

Cleaning symbioses play an important role in the health of certain coastal marine communities. These interspecific associations often occur at specific sites (cleaning stations) where a cleaner organism (commonly a fish or shrimp) removes ectoparasites/damaged tissue from a 'client' (a larger cooperating fish). At present, the potential impact of climate change on the fitness of cleaner organisms remains unknown. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of tropical (Lysmata amboinensis) and temperate (L. seticaudata) cleaner shrimp to global warming. Specifically, thermal limits (CTMax), metabolic rates, thermal sensitivity, heat shock response (HSR), lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration], lactate levels, antioxidant (GST, SOD and catalase) and digestive enzyme activities (trypsin and alkaline phosphatase) at current and warming (+3 °C) temperature conditions. In contrast to the temperate species, CTMax values decreased significantly from current (24-27 °C) to warming temperature conditions (30 °C) for the tropical shrimp, where metabolic thermal sensitivity was affected and the HSR was significantly reduced. MDA levels in tropical shrimp increased dramatically, indicating extreme cellular lipid peroxidation, which was not observed in the temperate shrimp. Lactate levels, GST and SOD activities were significantly enhanced within the muscle tissue of the tropical species. Digestive enzyme activities in the hepatopancreas of both species were significantly decreased by warmer temperatures. Our data suggest that the tropical cleaner shrimp will be more vulnerable to global warming than the temperate Lysmata seticaudata; the latter evolved in a relatively unstable environment with seasonal thermal variations that may have conferred greater adaptive plasticity. Thus, tropical cleaning symbioses may be challenged at a greater degree by warming-related anthropogenic forcing, with potential cascading effects on the health and structuring of tropical coastal communities (e.g. coral reefs).

Apical periodontitis and periodontal disease increase serum IL-17 levels in normoglycemic and diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of apical periodontitis (AP) and/or periodontal disease (PD) on serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels in a rat model of diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Eighty male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups of ten animals each: normoglycemic, AP, PD, AP+PD, DM, DM+AP, DM+PD, and DM+AP+PD. DM was induced using streptozotocin, AP by dental pulp exposure to the oral environment, and PD by periodontal ligature. The animals were sacrificed after 30 days, and venous blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture to determine the serum IL-17 and neutrophil levels. The maxillae were dissected and processed for radiographic analysis. The periapical lesion areas were quantified in pixels. The total assessed values were tabulated according to each experimental group and were statistically analyzed using Spearman's correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A significant difference in the serum IL-17 levels was observed between the groups without oral infections and the groups with AP+PD-associated lesions, regardless of the presence of DM (p < 0.05). Diabetes increased the neutrophil levels, regardless of the presence of oral infection. However, a combination of two oral infections increased the neutrophil levels in DM rats (p < 0.05). The level of bone resorption lesions was greater in DM rats than in normoglycemic rats (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of AP and PD increased the serum IL-17 levels in DM and normoglycemic rats and increased the neutrophil levels in DM rats. Diabetes increased the neutrophil levels and bone resorption in rats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: AP is capable of potentiating systemic inflammatory changes when associated with PD, and increases in blood glucose can accelerate the pathogenesis of oral infections.

High concentrations of glucose reduce the oxidative metabolism of dog neutrophils in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Dogs are commonly affected by hyperglycemic conditions. Hyperglycemia compromises the immune response and favors bacterial infections; however, reports on the effects of glucose on neutrophil oxidative metabolism and apoptosis are conflicting in humans and rare in dogs. Considering the many complex factors that affect neutrophil oxidative metabolism in vivo, we investigated in vitro the specific effect of high concentrations of glucose on superoxide production and apoptosis rate in neutrophils from healthy dogs. RESULTS: The capacity of the neutrophils to reduce tetrazolium nitroblue decreased significantly in the higher concentration of glucose (15.13 ± 9.73% (8 mmol/L) versus 8.93 ± 5.71% (16 mmol/L)). However, there were no changes in tetrazolium nitroblue reduction at different glucose concentrations when the neutrophils were first activated with phorbol myristate acetate. High concentrations of glucose did not affect the viability and apoptosis rate of canine neutrophils either with or without prior camptothecin stimulation. This study provides the first evidence that high concentrations of glucose inhibit the oxidative metabolism of canine neutrophils in vitro in a manner similar to that which occurs in humans, and that the decrease in superoxide production did not increase the apoptosis rate. CONCLUSIONS: A high concentration of glucose reduces the oxidative metabolism of canine neutrophils in vitro. It is likely that glucose at high concentrations rapidly affects membrane receptors responsible for the activation of NADPH oxidase in neutrophils; therefore, the nonspecific immune response can be compromised in dogs with acute and chronic hyperglycemic conditions.

Pulpal and periodontal diseases increase triglyceride levels in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate triglyceride and cholesterol levels in diabetic rats and their relationship with pulpal and periodontal diseases. METHODS: Eighty male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) were divided into the following eight groups comprising ten animals each: normal rats (G1), rats with pulpal diseases (G2), rats with periodontal diseases (G3), rats with both pulpal and periodontal diseases (G4), diabetic rats (G5), diabetic rats with pulpal diseases (G6), diabetic rats with periodontal diseases (G7), and diabetic rats with both periodontal and pulpal diseases (G8). Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin, periapical lesions were induced by exposing pulpal tissue to the oral environment, and periodontal diseases were induced by periodontal ligature. The animals were killed after 30 days, and lipid profile was enzymatically measured using Trinder's method. The total assessed values were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The triglyceride levels of diabetic rats with periodontal disease and of diabetic rats with both periodontal and pulpal diseases were significantly higher than those of normal rats and nondiabetic group rats, respectively. The differences in the cholesterol levels among the groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the association of pulpal and periodontal diseases with diabetes increased triglyceride levels in rats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Changes in lipid profile may be related to the presence of oral infections and diabetes.

Temporal fatty acid dynamics of the octocoral Veretillum cynomorium.

The objectives of the present work were to investigate the temporal variation in the fatty acid (FA) composition of the octocoral Veretillum cynomorium, examine the effects of reproduction and environmental factors on FA variation, and establish a chemotaxonomic identification for this species. Mean oocyte size-frequency distributions showed that the majority of the oocytes had an intermediate size (Group II) before spawning (April and June). The late-vitellogenic oocytes (Group III) became absent in August and October and, during this post-spawning period, oocytes were primarily of small size (Group I). Most of the major FA, 16:0, 18:0, 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3, and the tetracosapolyenoic fatty acid (TPA), 24:6n-3, varied significantly throughout the year (p<0.01), with two peaks in August/October and February. The boost in early oogenesis, also associated with warmer temperatures, seemed to be responsible for the observed increase in FA content between June and August. The highest values of FA content were observed in February when intermediate oogenesis (Group II) was at its peak and there were considerable levels of available food in the environment. Also, the increase in food availability seemed to trigger the final stages of gametogenesis. The high quantity of 18:1n-7, odd-numbered and branched FAs, suggested the presence of a dynamic bacterial community in V. cynomorium, probably as an adaptive response to the lack of symbiotic microalgae. Although the presence of TPAs is the main feature distinguishing octocorals from other coral species, here we showed that there was no single FA clearly dominating the FA composition of V. cynomorium throughout the year. Instead, four main FAs share similar concentrations: 16:0, 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3 and 24:6n-3. The predominance of these four FAs combined with the higher amount of 24:6n-3 when compared to 24:5n-6 may serve as a chemotaxonomic feature to distinguish this octocoral species (or genus).

Monitoring anthropogenic sewage pollution on mangrove creeks in southern Mozambique: a test of Palaemon concinnus Dana, 1852 (Palaemonidae) as a biological indicator.

Tropical coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, have a great ecological and socioeconomic importance for adjacent systems and local populations, but intensive environmental impact monitoring is still lacking, mainly in East Africa. This study evaluated the potential anthropogenic disturbance on Palaemon concinnus population structure and fitness. Palaemon concinnus populations from one peri-urban (domestic sewage impacted) and two pristine mangrove creeks were studied by sampling nearly 100 shrimps per location every 15 days for 12 months. The shrimps at the peri-urban location were larger, experienced longer reproductive periods, presented higher proportion of ovigerous females and better embryo quality when compared with shrimps inhabiting pristine locations. Physiological indices (RNA/DNA ratio) were similar between shrimps at pristine and peri-urban mangroves. However, a higher level of parasitation by a Bopyridae isopod, Pseudione elongata indicated some degree of stress on the host at the peri-urban mangrove, with potential effects on the host population dynamics.

Cells that express MyoD mRNA in the epiblast are stably committed to the skeletal muscle lineage.

The epiblast of the chick embryo contains cells that express MyoD mRNA but not MyoD protein. We investigated whether MyoD-positive (MyoDpos) epiblast cells are stably committed to the skeletal muscle lineage or whether their fate can be altered in different environments. A small number of MyoDpos epiblast cells were tracked into the heart and nervous system. In these locations, they expressed MyoD mRNA and some synthesized MyoD protein. No MyoDpos epiblast cells differentiated into cardiac muscle or neurons. Similar results were obtained when MyoDpos cells were isolated from the epiblast and microinjected into the precardiac mesoderm or neural plate. In contrast, epiblast cells lacking MyoD differentiated according to their environment. These results demonstrate that the epiblast contains both multipotent cells and a subpopulation of cells that are stably committed to the skeletal muscle lineage before the onset of gastrulation. Stable programming in the epiblast may ensure that MyoDpos cells express similar signaling molecules in a variety of environments.