Unraveling the impact of hyperleptinemia on female reproduction: insights from transgenic pig model.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a growing global health concern affecting millions of couples worldwide. Among several factors, an extreme body weight adversely affects reproductive functions. Leptin is a well-known adipokine that serves as an endocrine signal between adiposity and fertility. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the effects of high leptin level on female reproduction remain unclear. METHODS: Transgenic pigs overexpressing leptin (♀) were produced by backcrossing and screened for leptin overexpression. The growth curve, fat deposition, reproductive performance, apoptosis, serum hormones and cholesterol production, RNA sequencing, and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of the leptin-overexpressing pigs and wild-type group were evaluated. RESULTS: Transgenic pigs overexpressing leptin (♀) were obtained, which exhibited significantly reduced body weight, body size, and back fat thickness. These pigs manifested a late onset of puberty (330 ± 54.3 vs. 155 ± 14.7 days), irregular estrous behavior characterized by increased inter-estrous interval (29.2 ± 0 vs. 21.3 ± 0.7 days), and more number of matings until pregnancy (at least 3 times). This reproductive impairment in leptin pigs was related to hormonal imbalances characterized by increased levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, E2, P4, and TSH, altered steroidogenesis such as increased levels of serum cholesterol esters along with steroidogenic markers (StAR, CYP19A), and ovarian dysfunctions manifested by neutrophilic infiltration and low expression of caspase-3 positive cells in the ovaries. Moreover, bulk RNA sequencing of the ovaries also revealed neutrophilic infiltration followed by upregulation of inflammation-related genes. Furthermore, snRNA-seq reflected that leptin overexpression triggered immune response, suppressed follicle development and luteinization, resulting in metabolic dysfunction and hormone imbalance in the ovary. CONCLUSIONS: Low body weight in leptin overexpressing pigs adversely affects the reproductive performance, causing delayed puberty, irregular estrous cycles, and reduced breeding efficiency. This is linked to metabolic imbalances, an increased immune response, and altered ovarian functions. This study provides a theoretical basis for the complex mechanisms underlying leptin, and infertility by employing leptin-overexpressing female pigs.

Exploring the Link between Oil Exploitation and Cancer in the Indigenous Population of Ecuador: A Scoping Review.

With cancer accounting for 19% of deaths and projected to rise in the coming years, Ecuador's inequities in healthcare coverage remain a major concern for the rural, indigenous populations. While the cancer burden among this vulnerable population has been much publicized in the context of the controversial oil extraction in the Amazon, there is contradictory evidence on its occurrence and determinants. This review critically discusses the available literature on cancer among indigenous people in Ecuador and explores the link between oil exploitation and cancer occurrence among indigenous people using a scoping review approach. The results of this review show there is a clear but inconsistent association between oil exposure and cancer risk in indigenous populations of Ecuador. While the environmental magnitude of oil extraction in this region is a topic of debate, our findings point to the interplay with social determinants and other sources of carcinogenic compounds, which exacerbates the risks faced by indigenous communities. Based on these findings, this study puts forward three arguments to contextualize the occurrence of cancer related to oil exploitation in the Amazon, and puts forth key recommendations for public health initiatives embedded within the local community.

Otolaryngology during COVID-19: Preventive care and precautionary measures.

Since the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in December 2019, it has spread to various regions and countries, forming a global pandemic. Reducing nosocomial infection is a new issue and challenge for all healthcare systems. Otolaryngology is a high-risk specialty as it close contact with upper respiratory tract mucous, secretions, droplets and aerosols during procedures and surgery. Therefore, infection prevention and control measures for this specialty are essential. Literatures on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and infection control measures of COVID-19 were reviewed, practical knowledge from first-line otolaryngologists in China, the United States, and Brazil were reviewed and collated. It was recommended that otolaryngology professionals should improve screening in suspected patients with relevant nasal and pharyngeal symptoms and signs, suspend non-emergency consultations and examinations in clinics, and rearrange the working procedures in operating rooms. The guidelines of personal protective equipment for swab sampling, endoscopy and surgery were listed. Indications for tracheotomy during the pandemic should be carefully considered to avoid unnecessary airway opening and aerosol-generation; precautions during surgery to reduce the risk of exposure and infection were illustrated. This review aimed to provide recommendations for otolaryngologists to enhance personal protection against COVID-19 and reduce the risk of nosocomial infection.

New model predicting gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in patients with chronic liver disease.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The predictors for gastroesophageal varices (GOV) and hemorrhage development have not been well studied in different liver diseases or different population. This study aimed to evaluate whether a new algorithm focusing on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is also applicable to other chronic liver diseases (CLDs) in Chinese population. PATIENTS OR MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 659 CHB patients and 386 patients with other CLDs. A total of 439 CHB patients were included in training set, the other 220 CHB patients and other patients with CLDs were included in validation set. A new algorithm for diagnosing GOV was established and its sensitivity and specificity for predicting the varices was verified. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the rough surface of the liver (p<0.001), splenic thickness (p<0.001), and liver stiffness (p=0.006) were independent predictors of GOV. The new algorithm was considered to be a reliable diagnostic model to evaluate the presence of varices. The AUROC was 0.94 (p<0.001) in CHB validation set and 0.90 (<0.001) in non-CHB validation set. When the cut-off value was chosen as -1.048, the sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing GOV in CHB population were 89.1% and 82.5%, respectively. Importantly, the new algorithm accurately predicted the variceal hemorrhage not only in CHB patients, but also in patients with other CLDs. CONCLUSION: The new algorithm is regarded as a reliable model to prognosticate varices and variceal hemorrhage, and stratified not only the high-risk CHB patients, but also in patients with other CLDs for developing GOV and variceal bleeding.

MicroRNA-451a, microRNA-34a-5p, and microRNA-221-3p as predictors of response to antidepressant treatment.

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to be involved in early observations of depression. The aim of this study was to determine if serum levels of miRNA-451a, miRNA-34a-5p, and miRNA-221-3p can serve as indicators of disease progression or therapeutic efficacy in depression. We collected data from 84 depressed patients and 78 control volunteers recruited from the medical staff at the West China Hospital. Depression severity was rated using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Serum miRNA-451a, miRNA-34a-5p, and miRNA-221-3p levels were determined in samples from the depressed patients before and 8 weeks after antidepressant treatment as well as in samples from controls. Compared with the controls, the patients had lower miRNA-451a levels, higher miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p levels, and increased HAMD scores whether they underwent antidepressant treatment or not. Eight weeks after antidepressant treatment, the patients exhibited increased miRNA-451a levels, decreased miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p levels, and reduced HAMD scores. The serum level of miRNA-451a was negatively correlated with HAMD scores of the patients, while the serum levels of miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p were positively correlated with HAMD scores whether the patients underwent antidepressant treatment or not. Paroxetine was markedly effective in 50 patients who also displayed an increased level of miRNA-451a but reduced levels of miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p. In contrast, paroxetine was moderately effective or ineffective in 34 patients. In conclusion, depressed patients had lower serum miRNA-451a but higher serum miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p, and these miRNAs are potential predictors of the efficacy of antidepressants.

MicroRNA-451a, microRNA-34a-5p, and microRNA-221-3p as predictors of response to antidepressant treatment

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to be involved in early observations of depression. The aim of this study was to determine if serum levels of miRNA-451a, miRNA-34a-5p, and miRNA-221-3p can serve as indicators of disease progression or therapeutic efficacy in depression. We collected data from 84 depressed patients and 78 control volunteers recruited from the medical staff at the West China Hospital. Depression severity was rated using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Serum miRNA-451a, miRNA-34a-5p, and miRNA-221-3p levels were determined in samples from the depressed patients before and 8 weeks after antidepressant treatment as well as in samples from controls. Compared with the controls, the patients had lower miRNA-451a levels, higher miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p levels, and increased HAMD scores whether they underwent antidepressant treatment or not. Eight weeks after antidepressant treatment, the patients exhibited increased miRNA-451a levels, decreased miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p levels, and reduced HAMD scores. The serum level of miRNA-451a was negatively correlated with HAMD scores of the patients, while the serum levels of miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p were positively correlated with HAMD scores whether the patients underwent antidepressant treatment or not. Paroxetine was markedly effective in 50 patients who also displayed an increased level of miRNA-451a but reduced levels of miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p. In contrast, paroxetine was moderately effective or ineffective in 34 patients. In conclusion, depressed patients had lower serum miRNA-451a but higher serum miRNA-34a-5p and miRNA-221-3p, and these miRNAs are potential predictors of the efficacy of antidepressants.

Normal mesenteric lymph ameliorates lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced spleen injury.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of normal mesenteric lymph (NML) from mice on the spleen injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. METHODS: Mice in the LPS and LPS+NML groups received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (35 mg/kg) and kept for 6 h.. The mice in the LPS+NML group received NML treatment at 1 h after LPS injection. Afterward, the splenic morphology, the levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), phosphorylation mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and inflammatory mediators in splenic tissue were investigated. RESULTS: LPS injection induced spleen injury, increased the levels of LBP, CD14, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and decreased the IL-4 content in the spleen. By contrast, NML treatment reversed these changes. Meanwhile, the LPS challenge decreased the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and JNK were further decreased by the NML administration. CONCLUSION: rRdThe normal mesenteric lymph treatment alleviated lipopolysaccharide induced spleen injury by attenuating LPS sensitization and production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ.

Normal mesenteric lymph ameliorates lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced spleen injury

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of normal mesenteric lymph (NML) from mice on the spleen injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.METHODS: Mice in the LPS and LPS+NML groups received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (35 mg/kg) and kept for 6 h.. The mice in the LPS+NML group received NML treatment at 1 h after LPS injection. Afterward, the splenic morphology, the levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), phosphorylation mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and inflammatory mediators in splenic tissue were investigated.RESULTS:LPS injection induced spleen injury, increased the levels of LBP, CD14, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and decreased the IL-4 content in the spleen. By contrast, NML treatment reversed these changes. Meanwhile, the LPS challenge decreased the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and JNK were further decreased by the NML administration.CONCLUSION:rRdThe normal mesenteric lymph treatment alleviated lipopolysaccharide induced spleen injury by attenuating LPS sensitization and production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ.

Normal mesenteric lymph ameliorates lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced spleen injury

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of normal mesenteric lymph (NML) from mice on the spleen injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Mice in the LPS and LPS+NML groups received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS (35 mg/kg) and kept for 6 h.. The mice in the LPS+NML group received NML treatment at 1 h after LPS injection. Afterward, the splenic morphology, the levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), phosphorylation mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and inflammatory mediators in splenic tissue were investigated.RESULTS:LPS injection induced spleen injury, increased the levels of LBP, CD14, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and decreased the IL-4 content in the spleen. By contrast, NML treatment reversed these changes. Meanwhile, the LPS challenge decreased the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and JNK were further decreased by the NML administration. rRdThe normal mesenteric lymph treatment alleviated lipopolysaccharide induced spleen injury by attenuating LPS sensitization and production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ.(AU)

Stereoselective inhibition of human butyrylcholinesterase by the enantiomers of bambuterol and their intermediates.

This work describes the sequential hydrolysis of bambuterol enantiomers and their monocarbamate metabolites (MONO) catalyzed by human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) as well as the enzyme inhibition resulting from this process. Particular emphasis is given to the contribution given by MONO to the enzyme inhibition because it was not fully characterized in previous works. Bambuterol and MONO enantiomers displayed the same time- and concentration-dependent mechanism of interaction with the enzyme. The hydrolysis kinetics of both bambuterol and MONO was enantioselective, and the (R)-enantiomer of each compound was hydrolyzed fourfold faster than the respective (S)-enantiomer. Even though the enzyme inhibition rates of (R)- and (S)-MONO were much slower than those of their respective bambuterol enantiomers (∼15-fold), both MONO enantiomers showed a significant BChE inhibition when physiologically relevant concentrations of enzyme and inhibitors were used (∼50% of their respective bambuterol enantiomers). The kinetic constants obtained by testing each single compound were used to model the contribution given by MONO to the enzyme inhibition observed for bambuterol. The hydrolysis of MONO enantiomers enhanced the inhibitory power of bambuterol enantiomers of about 27.5% (R) and 12.5% (S) and extended more than 1 hour the duration of inhibition. The data indicate that MONO contribute significantly to the inhibition of BChE occurring in humans upon administration of normal doses of bambuterol. In addition, the hydrolysis of MONO resulted in the rate-limiting step in the conversion of bambuterol in its pharmacologically active metabolite terbutaline; therefore, MONO concentrations should always be monitored during pharmacokinetic studies of bambuterol.

Remifentanil versus morphine-midazolam premedication on the quality of endotracheal intubation in neonates: a noninferiority randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare remifentanil and morphine-midazolam for use in nonurgent endotracheal intubation in neonates. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective noninferiority randomized trial, newborns of gestational age ≥28 weeks admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit requiring an elective or semielective endotracheal intubation were divided into 2 groups. One group (n = 36) received remifentanil (1 µg/kg), and the other group (n = 35) received morphine (100 µg/kg) and midazolam (50 µg/kg) at a predefined time before intubation (different in each group), to optimize the peak effect of each drug. Both groups also received atropine (20 µg/kg). The primary outcome was to compare the conditions of intubation, and the secondary outcome was to compare the duration of successful intubation, physiological variables, and pain scores between groups for first and second intubation attempts. Adverse events and neurologic test data were reported. RESULTS: Intubation with remifentanil was not inferior to that with morphine-midazolam. At the first attempted intubation, intubation conditions were poor in 25% of the remifentanil group and in 28.6% of the morphine-midazolam group (P = .471). For the second attempt, conditions were poor in 28.6% of the remifentanil group, compared with 10% of the morphine-midazolam group (P = .360). The median time to successful intubation was 33 seconds (IQR, 24-45 seconds) for the remifentanil group versus 36 seconds (IQR, 25-59 seconds) for the morphine-medazolam group (P = .359) at the first attempt and 45 seconds (IQR, 35-64 seconds) versus 56 seconds (IQR, 44-68 seconds), respectively, for the second attempt (P = .302). No significant between-group difference was reported for hypotension, bradycardia, or adverse events. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, remifentanil was at least as effective as the morphine-midazolam regimen for endotracheal intubation. Thus, premedication using this very-short-acting opioid can be considered in urgent intubations and is advantageous in rapid extubation.

Comparing percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis in patients with return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction using meta-analysis. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of clinical studies indexed in the PUBMED, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and published between January 1995 and October 2012. In addition, we compared the hospital discharge and neurological recovery rates between the patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention and those who received thrombolysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies evaluating the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction were included. Seventeen of the 24 studies were used in this meta-analysis. All studies were used to compare percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis. The meta-analysis showed that the rate of hospital discharge improved with both percutaneous coronary intervention (p<0.001) and thrombolysis (p<0.001). We also found that cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who received thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation did not have decreased hospital discharge (p = 0.543) or neurological recovery rates (p = 0.165) compared with those who received percutaneous coronary intervention. CONCLUSION: In cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who achieved restoration of spontaneous circulation, both percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis improved the hospital discharge rate. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the hospital discharge and neurological recovery rates between the percutaneous coronary intervention-treated group and the thrombolysis-treated group.

Comparing percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis in patients with return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction using meta-analysis. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of clinical studies indexed in the PUBMED, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and published between January 1995 and October 2012. In addition, we compared the hospital discharge and neurological recovery rates between the patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention and those who received thrombolysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies evaluating the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction were included. Seventeen of the 24 studies were used in this meta-analysis. All studies were used to compare percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis. The meta-analysis showed that the rate of hospital discharge improved with both percutaneous coronary intervention (p<0.001) and thrombolysis (p<0.001). We also found that cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who received thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation did not have decreased hospital discharge (p = 0.543) or neurological recovery rates (p = 0.165) compared with those who received percutaneous coronary intervention. CONCLUSION: In cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who achieved restoration of spontaneous circulation, both percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis improved the hospital discharge rate. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the hospital discharge and neurological recovery rates between the percutaneous coronary intervention-treated group and the thrombolysis-treated group. .

Comparing the diagnostic values of circulating microRNAs and cardiac troponin T in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that circulating microRNAs might be useful, novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The aims of this study were to evaluate the expression of cardiac-specific miRNAs (miR-1, -133a, -208b, and -499) in patients with acute myocardial infarction and to compare the diagnostic values of these miRNAs with that of cardiac troponin T. METHODS: Sixty-seven plasma samples obtained from patients with acute myocardial infarction and 32 plasma specimens collected from healthy volunteers were analyzed in this study. The levels of cardiac-specific miRNAs (miR-1, -133a, -208b, and -499) were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the concentrations of plasma cardiac troponin T were measured using electrochemiluminescence-based methods and an Elecsys 2010 Immunoassay Analyzer. RESULTS: The levels of plasma miR-1, -133a, -208b, and -499 were significantly higher in acute myocardial infarction patients (all p<0.001) than in healthy volunteers. The expression of the cardiac-specific miRNAs in acute myocardial infarction patients decreased to close to the baseline levels at the time of hospital discharge (all p>0.05). There were no correlations between the levels of the four circulating miRNAs and the clinical characteristics of the study population (all p>0.05). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the four plasma miRNAs were not superior to cardiac troponin T for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that circulating miR-1, -133a, -208b, and -499 may be useful biomarkers in acute myocardial infarction patients but that these miRNAs are not superior to cardiac troponin T for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Comparing the diagnostic values of circulating microRNAs and cardiac troponin T in patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that circulating microRNAs might be useful, novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The aims of this study were to evaluate the expression of cardiac-specific miRNAs (miR-1, -133a, -208b, and -499) in patients with acute myocardial infarction and to compare the diagnostic values of these miRNAs with that of cardiac troponin T. METHODS: Sixty-seven plasma samples obtained from patients with acute myocardial infarction and 32 plasma specimens collected from healthy volunteers were analyzed in this study. The levels of cardiac-specific miRNAs (miR-1, -133a, -208b, and -499) were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the concentrations of plasma cardiac troponin T were measured using electrochemiluminescence-based methods and an Elecsys 2010 Immunoassay Analyzer. RESULTS: The levels of plasma miR-1, -133a, -208b, and -499 were significantly higher in acute myocardial infarction patients (all p<0.001) than in healthy volunteers. The expression of the cardiac-specific miRNAs in acute myocardial infarction patients decreased to close to the baseline levels at the time of hospital discharge (all p>0.05). There were no correlations between the levels of the four circulating miRNAs and the clinical characteristics of the study population (all p>0.05). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the four plasma miRNAs were not superior to cardiac troponin T for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that circulating miR-1, -133a, -208b, and -499 may be useful biomarkers in acute myocardial infarction patients but that these miRNAs are not superior to cardiac troponin T for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Expression levels of candidate genes for intramuscular fat deposition in two Banna mini-pig inbred lines divergently selected for fatness traits.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content plays an important role in meat quality. Many genes involved in lipid and energy metabolism were identified as candidate genes for IMF deposition, since genetic polymorphisms within these genes were associated with IMF content. However, there is less information on the expression levels of these genes in the muscle tissue. This study aimed at investigating the expression levels of sterol regulating element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT-1), heart-fatty acids binding protein (H-FABP), leptin receptor (LEPR) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes and proteins in two divergent Banna mini-pig inbred lines (BMIL). A similar growth performance was found in both the fat and the lean BMIL. The fat meat and IMF content in the fat BMIL were significantly higher than in the lean BMIL, but the lean meat content was lower. The serum triacylglycerol (TAG) and free fatty acid (FFA) contents were significantly higher in the fat than in the lean BMIL. The expression levels of SREBP-1c, DGAT-1 and H-FABP genes and proteins in fat BMIL were increased compared to the lean BMIL. However, the expression levels of LEPR and MC4R genes and proteins were lower.