Endocrine characteristics of late pregnant hyperketonaemic ewes and their reproductive performance following the induction of ovarian cyclicity out of the breeding season.

Ketosis was diagnosed in a flock of Merino ewes that conceived from synchronised oestrus in the early autumn period. On day 140 of pregnancy the ewes were sampled for determination of betaOH-butyrate (BHB), AST, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total cholesterol (TCH), insulin, T4, T3, cortisol, IGF-1 and leptin. The results were evaluated according to the number of fetuses born some days later and the presence of hyperketonaemia (BHB: > or = 1.60 mmol/l). In May, about 3 months after lambing, cyclic ovarian function was induced (Cronolone + eCG), and the ewes were inseminated artificially (AI) 48 h after the removal of gestagen-containing sponge. At the time of AI and 10 days later blood samples were collected again to check the plasma levels of the same constituents as previously (in samples taken at AI), and to monitor the ovarian response by assaying progesterone (in both samples). On day 140 of gestation significantly lower BHB levels were detected in dams with single (n = 41) than in those with twin (n = 57) pregnancies. Hyperketonaemia was found only in ewes bearing twins (n = 27). These animals had higher NEFA and cortisol, and lower TCH, insulin, IGF-1, leptin and T3 levels than their normoketonaemic twin-bearing flock-mates, and those with single pregnancy. The blood glucose concentrations varied within a wide range, and the means of groups did not exhibit any significant differences. The formerly hyperketonaemic individuals were characterised by lower leptin level 3 months after lambing, and they showed a poorer response to the cycle-induction procedure than the others. The non-responders had lower IGF-1 and leptin levels than those ovulated after this treatment. It was concluded that the subclinical form of ovine ketosis is characterised by complex endocrine alterations, reflecting an obvious form of negative energy balance. If attempts to induce cyclic ovarian function outside the breeding season are made soon after lambing, the ovarian response and fertility of these ewes may also be depressed.

Insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins in the circulation of patients with echinococcosis, trichinellosis and toxoplasmosis.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are polypeptide hormones that play anabolic roles in cellular growth and metabolism. Their activity is regulated by binding proteins (IGFBPs) and degradation mechanisms. The liver is regarded as the main source of circulating forms and the levels change in various disease states. The aim of the study was to explore the effects of parasitic infections on the circulating IGFs and IGFBPs. METHODS: Peptide concentrations in sera of patients with echinococcosis, trichinellosis and toxoplasmosis were measured by radioimmunoassay, while IGFBP patterns were characterised by ligand-affinity blotting and gel chromatography. RESULTS: IGF-I levels were reduced in trichinellosis (p=0.016), with the increased relative amounts of IGFBP-1, -2 and -4. The significantly reduced levels of IGF-I (p<0.001), IGF-II (p=0.017) and IGFBP-3 and the increased presence of IGFBP-2 were found in patients with echinococcosis. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects with trichinellosis probably the combined effects of inadequate nutrition and the immunological response occurred. A possible explanation for the changes found in patients with echinococcosis is that the liver is a frequent target organ for Echinococcus granulosus. Since liver cysts were present in these patients, it can be expected that hepatic injury may affect liver metabolism leading to altered IGF/IGFBP profiles.