Hepatic chemerin mRNA in morbidly obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate hepatic chemerin mRNA, serum chemerin concentration, and immunohistochemical staining for chemerin and and chemokine receptor-like 1 (CMKLR1) in hepatic tissue in 56 morbidly obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to search for a relationship with metabolic and histopathological features. Chemerin mRNA was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, chemerin, and CMKLR1 immunohistochemical expression with specific antibodies, while serum chemerin concentration was assessed with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum chemerin concentration reached 874.1 ±234.6 ng/ml. There was no difference in serum chemerin levels between patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2 and ≥ 40 kg/m2. Serum chemerin concentration tended to be higher in patients with hepatocyte ballooning, greater extent of steatosis, and definite nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Liver chemerin mRNA was observed in all included patients and was markedly, but insignificantly, higher in those with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, hepatocyte ballooning, greater extent of steatosis, and definite NASH. Hepatic chemerin mRNA might be a predictor of hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and NAFLD activity score (NAS) but seemed not to be a primary driver regulating liver necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis. The lack of association between serum chemerin and hepatic chemerin mRNA may suggest that adipose tissue but not the liver is the main source of chemerin in morbidly obese women.

Vaspin mRNA levels in the liver of morbidly obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic vaspin mRNA in morbidly obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to look for its relationships with metabolic and histopathological features. The study included 56 severely obese women who underwent intraoperative wedge liver biopsy during bariatric surgery. Hepatic vaspin mRNA was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Vaspin mRNA found in all included patients was markedly higher in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 (4.59 ±3.09 vs. 0.44 ±0.33; p = 0.05). An evident but statistically insignificant difference in vaspin mRNA levels was observed between patients with and without hepatocyte ballooning (4.77 ±4.23 vs. 0.45 ±0.29, respectively), with and without steatosis (4.80 ±4.20 vs. 0.41 ±0.29, respectively), without and with fibrosis (0.25 ±0.80 vs. 6.23 ±7.2, respectively), and those without and with lobular inflammation (0.27 ±1.0 vs. 5.55 ±10.1, respectively). There was marked difference in vaspin mRNA between patients with simple steatosis/borderline nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) compared to those with definite NASH (0.24 ±0.96 vs. 10.5 ±10.4). Adiposity is an undoubted confounding factor influencing vaspin levels. Hepatic vaspin mRNA seems to be markedly elevated in morbidly obese patients with more advanced NAFLD and when hallmarks of NASH were observed. Pointing to non-linear mRNA levels within the NAFLD spectrum and an evident increase in patients with fibrosis and definite NASH, the detrimental action of vaspin cannot be excluded.

Omentin serum concentration and hepatic expression in chronic hepatitis C patients - together or apart?

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is accompanied by numerous metabolic disorders, partially associated with altered adipokine system regulation. Omentin (intelectin-1) is a novel adipokine known to play a pivotal role in metabolic regulation in CHC. In a group of 63 CHC patients (29 men/34 women) infected with genotype 1b, aged 6.6 ± 14.6 years, serum omentin levels and its gene expression in liver tissue were examined and their association with metabolic and histopathological features was assessed. Serum omentin levels were significantly higher in CHC patients compared to controls (p < 0.001), regardless of sex, body mass index (BMI), insulin sensitivity and lipid concentrations. There was no correlation between serum omentin and omentin hepatic expression. Neither parameter was associated with any histological features. Serum omentin in non-obese CHC patients seems not to be related to metabolic disorders or liver pathology. Omentin hepatic expression shows no relationship with either serum omentin levels or histopathological features. This suggests different mechanisms regulating circulating omentin concentration and omentin hepatic expression in CHC.

Digestive enzymes activity in subsequent generations of Cameraria ohridella larvae harvested from horse chestnut trees after treatment with imidacloprid.

In the present study we describe the effect of chloronicotinoid pesticide (imidacloprid) on the digestive enzymes activity of the Cameraria ohridella larvae after lasting 1 year sublethal exposure to imidacloprid pesticide. Caterpillars - L4 stage (fourth instar, hyperphagic tissue-feeding phase) - were collected from chemically protected white horse chestnut trees 1 year after imidacloprid treatment, and compared with caterpillars collected from non-treated trees in a previous study. Enzymes activity of α-amylase, disaccharidases, glycosidases and proteases was assayed. The presence of pesticide in ingested food changed the digestive enzymes profile of caterpillars. The analysis of correlations between different digestive enzymes showed many significant correlations (P<0.05) among glycolytic activities like ß-glucosidase and α-galactosidase activities. Statistically significant correlations for proteolytic activity were found between trypsin and chymotrypsin activity and aminopeptidase activity that occurred only in the 1st generation. PCA distinguished five primary components with eigenvalues higher than 1, from which the first two explain almost 59% of analyzed results. Surprisingly, in the pesticide treated groups significantly higher activities of sucrase and lactase in relation to control were found. In general, glycosidase (α-glucosidase, ß-glucosidase and ß-galactosidase) activities showed a similar pattern of activity in different generations. These results contrast with those obtained with control larvae, where significant differences in activities of α-glucosidase, ß-glucosidase and ß-galactosidase may result from the different quantity and quality food intake by subsequent generations of larvae. No inter-generation differences in total proteolytic activity were observed in treated larvae. The absolute value of total proteolytic activity was higher than that in the control group. The pesticide present in the vascular system of the horse chestnut tree significantly affected some of the digestive enzymes activities and - in consequence - also interrelationships between enzymes, what may affect the food digestion.

Serum FGF21 and RBP4 levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

INTRODUCTION: Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) regulates glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis. Retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) controls metabolic and proliferative cell functions. AIMS AND METHODS: Aims of the study were to assess (1) serum FGF21 and RBP4 levels in 75 non-obese chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and 41 healthy controls similar in age and BMI; (2) the relationship between their serum concentration and insulin resistance, liver histology, and biochemical parameters; (3) their effectiveness as diagnostic markers. RESULTS: FGF21 levels increased significantly in CHC patients compared with controls (p = 0.04). CHC patients with steatosis had significantly higher FGF21 levels compared with those without steatosis (p = 0.01). FGF21 concentration was positively related to steatosis grade (r = 0.39, p = 0.007). RBP4 levels did not differ between CHC patients and controls, but were negatively associated with necro-inflammatory activity grade (r = (-0.34), p = 0.04), with significantly higher levels in patients with minimal inflammatory activity (G1 vs. G2/3, p < 0.001; G1 vs. G2, p = 0 < 001; G1 vs. G3, p = 0.01). After stepwise linear regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders, RBP4 levels retained their independent significance as a predictor of necro-inflammatory activity (ß = -0.31; t = -2.15, p = 0.035) and FGF21 levels as a predictor of steatosis (ß = 0.34; t = 2.31, p = 0.024). Serum FGF21 correlated with serum RBP4 levels (r = 0.32, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Serum FGF21 levels increased in CHC patients, especially in those with steatosis and were associated with steatosis grade. FGF21 seems to be a useful diagnostic marker in determining hepatic steatosis in CHC. A negative association between serum RBP4 and necro-inflammatory activity indicates that disease severity may determine RBP4 levels.

Alteration of carbohydrates metabolism and midgut glucose absorption in Gromphadorhina portentosa after subchronic exposure to imidacloprid and fenitrothion.

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that following exposure to insecticides, changes take place in the metabolism of carbohydrates and absorption in the midgut of insects. The Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) was chosen for the experiment as a model organism, due to it being easy to breed and its relatively large alimentary tract, which was important when preparing the microperfusion midgut bioassay. In each group of cockroaches treated with imidacloprid and fenitrothion, absorption of glucose, expressed as the area under the curve (AUC), was elevated compared to the control group. Glucose in the hemolymph of the examined insects was present in a vestigial amount, often below the threshold of determination, so the determinable carbohydrate indices were: hemolymph trehalose concentration and fat body glycogen content. The level of trehalose found in the hemolymph of insects when exposed to fenitrothion, and irrespective of the level of concentration mixed into food, were significantly lower when comparing to the control samples. Imidacloprid acted analogically with one exception at the concentration of 10 mg·kg(-1) dry food where trehalose concentration did not differ from the control values. Coupling with fat body glycogen concentration was less visible and appeared only at the concentrations of 5 and 10 mg imidacloprid·kg(-1) dry food. As described in this study changes in the sugar distribution and midgut glucose absorption indicate that insects cover the increased energy needs induced by insecticides; also at the gastrointestinal tract level. The result indicates that the midgut glucose absorption parameters could be considered as a non-specific biomarker of insecticide toxicity.

Association between hepatic angiogenesis and serum adipokine profile in non-obese chronic hepatitis C patients.

It is unclear whether angiogenesis merely represents a homeostatic mechanism aimed at ensuring an adequate oxygen supply or one that exerts an additional pathogenic role leading to liver damage in chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients present a proangiogenic profile of angiogenic markers. Adipokines not only regulate adipose tissue and glucose metabolism, but also influence inflammation, fibrogenic process and production of proangiogenic factors. On the basis of this evidence we aimed to assess the number of new blood vessels in lobules and portal tracts in the liver and evaluate the relationship between angiogenesis intensity and serum adipokine concentrations in CHC. Our study showed a positive association between serum vaspin and angiogenesis intensity in portal tracts and lobules in CHC patients (r = 0.41, p = 0.04; r = 0.46, p = 0.03; respectively). Serum visfatin was found to be negatively related to angiogenesis in portal tracts and lobules but only in females (r = -0.76, p = 0.03; r= -0.95, p < 0.001; respectively). In conclusion, the role of some adipokines in liver angiogenesis seems to be different in females than in males. Serum vaspin concentration seems to reflect intensity of liver angiogenesis in CHC. Further studies are necessary to better determine the role of adipokines in new blood vessel formation in CHC.

Effect of Ileal Transposition (IT) on Angiopoietin-Like Protein-8 (ANGPTL8) and Pentraxin (PTX3) Plasma Level in Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed High-Fat Diet (HFD).

BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery procedures are designed not only for sustained weight loss but also for achieving positive metabolic changes, including improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, along with an increase in energy expenditure. Based on recent findings, the present study focuses on the relationship between the effects of ileal transposition (IT), high-fat diet (HFD), and selected markers of lipid metabolism and inflammation. METHODS: Forty-eight male rats were divided into two groups: HFD and control diet (CD) fed rats. After eight weeks, animals in each group were randomly assigned to two types of surgery: IT and SHAM. Thereafter, fifty percent of the animals in the HFD and CD groups had their diets changed, while the remaining half maintained their presurgery diets. Eight weeks after surgery, plasma levels of ANGPTL8, PTX3, leptin, and adiponectin were assessed. RESULTS: The IT group pre- and postoperatively maintained on the HFD showed higher ANGPTL8 level compared to SHAM operated animals (p=0.0041). The effect of IT on PTX3 level in the group pre- and postoperatively maintained on a CD was not significant, and there were no differences compared to SHAM. Only the postoperative diet change to HFD increased PTX3 level in the IT operated animals (p=0.0002). The IT group had increased plasma adiponectin (p=0.026) and leptin (p=0.0027) levels after dietary change to HFD compared to IT rats fed CD. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the outcomes of metabolic surgery can be greatly modified by HFD. The effects of the IT procedure in this experiment are ambiguous and do not provide a clear answer as to whether or not they are beneficial.

Influence of SGLT2 Inhibitor Treatment on Urine Antioxidant Status in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Pilot Study.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been recognized as potent antioxidant agents. Since SGLT2i are nephroprotective drugs, we aimed to examine the urine antioxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One hundred and one subjects participated in this study, including 37 T2DM patients treated with SGLT2i, 31 T2DM patients not using SGLT2i, and 33 healthy individuals serving as a control group. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), free thiol groups (R-SH, sulfhydryl groups), and catalase (CAT) activity, as well as glucose concentration, were assessed in the urine of all participants. Urine SOD and MnSOD activity were significantly higher among T2DM patients treated with SGLT2i than T2DM patients without SGLT2i treatment (p = 0.009 and p = 0.003, respectively) and to the healthy controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). TAC was significantly lower in patients with T2DM treated with SGLT2i when compared to those not treated and healthy subjects (p = 0.036 and p = 0.019, respectively). It could be hypothesized that the mechanism by which SGLT2i provides nephroprotective effects involves improvement of the SOD antioxidant activity. However, lower TAC might impose higher OS (oxidative stress), and elevation of SOD activity might be a compensatory mechanism.

Ileal transposition helps to regulate plasma hepatokine levels in obese Zucker (Crl:ZUC(ORL)-Leprfa) rats.

We studied the long-term effect of ileal transposition (IT) metabolic surgery on the hepatokines: retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), α-2-HS-glycoprotein (aHSG/fetuin-A), and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels, glucose metabolism, body weight, liver histology, as well as total lipids concentration in muscle, liver, and fat tissue of obese Zucker (Crl:ZUC(ORL)-Leprfa) rats. 14 adult males were randomly submitted either to IT or SHAM (control) surgery. Pre-operative hepatokines plasma levels were not significantly different in rats submitted to IT or SHAM protocol. Three months after the procedures the plasma levels of RBP4, aHSG, FGF21, and CRP were significantly lower in IT-operated animals when compared to SHAM-operated group. Three and 12 weeks after the IT and SHAM surgery, the AUCOGTT were significantly lower than AUCOGTT before the surgery. HOMA-IR was lower in rats after IT surgery in comparison to the SHAM-operated rats. Muscle and liver total lipids concentration was reduced after the IT procedure when compared to pre-IT conditions. IT had a significant reductive impact on the body weight in comparison to SHAM surgery in the 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th week after the surgery. We conclude that IT reduces hepatokines' plasma concentrations, muscle and liver total lipids concentration but not the inflammatory processes in the liver of Zucker (Crl:ZUC(ORL)-Leprfa) rats.

Effect of Diabetes Mellitus and Left Ventricular Perfusion on Frequency of Development of Heart Failure and/or All-cause Mortality Late After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has a detrimental impact on cardiovascular outcomes, with implications for prognosis following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).The aim was to evaluate the impact of DM and myocardial perfusion on the long-term risk of heart failure (HF) and/or all-cause mortality following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for STEMI. A total of 406 STEMI patients (104 with DM) treated with pPCI were enrolled in this observational study. Myocardial perfusion was reassessed with the Quantitative Myocardial Blush Evaluator. Follow-up data on HF (ICD10 [International Statistical Classification of Diseases] codes I50.0 - I50.9) and all-cause mortality were obtained from the National Health Fund. During a 6-year follow-up, 36 (35%) patients with DM died compared with 45 (15%) patients without DM (p <0.001). Also, 24 (23%) patients with DM developed HF compared with 51 (17%) patients without DM (p = 0.20). Patients with DM and HF had the highest mortality rate (75%), and those with DM and a QuBE score below the median value (9.0 arb. units) had significantly higher risk of HF (hazard ratio [HR] =1.96, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.27, p = 0.0099) and the composite of HF and/or all-cause mortality (HR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.69, p = 0.0004). In conclusion DM (type 2) and diminished myocardial perfusion increase the risk of HF and/or all-cause mortality during a 6-year follow-up after pPCI for STEMI.

A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational, Open-Label Study of the Safety and Comfort of Gensulin® Delivery Device Use in a Large Cohort of Adult and Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Insulin treatment is necessary for many patients with type 2 diabetes, and its delivery must be safe and comfortable. This study evaluated patients' safety and comfort when using a Gensulin® delivery device, GensuPen (Bioton), a reusable insulin pen device for injecting Gensulin® insulin among adult and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. This was a 4-week multicenter, prospective, observational, open-label study in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 who have recently started using a GensuPen. Overall, 10,309 patients (mean age: 63 ± 12.0 years; 47.9% female) were analyzed in this study. Of these, 2.5% had used an insulin delivery device before, and for 97.5%, GensuPen was the first delivery device they had used. Most (87.8%) of the patients rated the GensuPen as very good in setting the dose, 92.0% in confirmation of successful insulin administration, 80.9% in trigger location, and 75.0% in force needed for injection. The overall safety of the GensuPen use was high since severe hypoglycemia occurred only in 0.2% of the studied patients. There were 0.6% adverse events, none of which were serious. This real-life observation data shows that the GensuPen was well accepted and safe in this large patient population of adult and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

Corrigendum to "Antioxidant Status in the Soleus Muscle of Sprague-Dawley Rats in Relation to Duodenal-Jejunal Omega Switch and Different Dietary Patterns".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/3795070.].

The Impact of DJOS Surgery, a High Fat Diet and a Control Diet on the Enzymes of Glucose Metabolism in the Liver and Muscles of Sprague-Dawley Rats.

The prevalence of diabetes type 2 (T2DM) and obesity is growing exponentially and becoming a global public health problem. The enzymes of glucose metabolism play a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and T2DM. A pathophysiological link between different dietary patterns, HFD, obesity, T2DM and the enzymes of glucose metabolism can be used as a potential target in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of obesity, and T2DM. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of DJOS bariatric surgery and different types of dietary patterns on glycogen synthase kinase 3 α (GSK-3α), glycogen phosphorylase (PYGM, PYGL), and phosphofructokinase (PFK-1) concentrations in liver and soleus muscle tissues of rats. After 8 weeks on a high-fat diet (HF) or control diet (CD), rats underwent duodenal-jejunal omega switch (DJOS) or SHAM (control) surgery. After surgery, for the next 8 weeks, half of DJOS/SHAM animals were kept on the same diet as before, and half had a changed diet. The concentrations of GSK-3α, PYGM, PYGL and PFK-1 were measured in the soleus muscles and livers of the Sprague-Dawley rats. The type of diet applied before/after surgery had stronger impact on levels of selected metabolic enzymes than DJOS or SHAM surgery. The impact of DJOS surgery was visible for GSK-3α and PYGL concentration in the liver but not in the soleus muscle tissue. The type of bariatric surgery had an impact on liver GSK-3α concentration in all studied groups except the CD/CD group, where the impact of diet was stronger. DJOS bariatric surgery influenced the level of PYGL in the livers of rats maintained on the CD/CD diet but not from other groups. The dietary patterns applied before and after bariatric surgery, had a stronger impact on enzymes' concentrations than DJOS surgery, and the strong, deleterious effect of an HF was observed. A change of the diet per se showed a negative impact on the enzymes' tissue concentration.

The influence of high fat diet on plasma incretins and insulin concentrations in Sprague-Dawley rats with diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance undergoing ileal transposition.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of IT surgery are based on incretin effects. In this study we show the influence of high fat diet (HFD) used both before and after surgery, on ileal transposition (IT) effects. METHODS: Forty-eight male rats were assigned to two groups: HFD and control diet (CD) fed rats. After eight weeks, HFD and CD fed rats were randomly assigned to two types of surgery: IT and SHAM, then for 50% of animals of each group the diet was changed, whereas the other 50% received the same type of diet. Eight weeks after surgery the incretin level, glucose tolerance as well as body mass and insulin level were assessed. RESULTS: GLP-1 plasma concentration was significantly higher in the IT operated CD/CD group compared to fasting state and did not differ significantly from the SHAM operated CD/CD animals. IT influenced the glucose stimulated PYY plasma level when compared with SHAM operated animals in the CD/HFD group, where the PYY plasma level was higher than in the SHAM operated animals. The effect of IT as well as of pre and postoperative diet on GIP plasma levels were insignificant. The IT group members maintained on the CD were characterised by a lower fasting glucose level, both pre and postoperatively, compared with the SHAM operated animals. The effect of IT on the fasting glucose level in groups preoperatively maintained on an HFD was insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: IT surgery itself seems to have rather limited incretin effects in rats, whose obesity is the result of HFD.

The influence of high-fat, high-sugar diet and bariatric surgery on HSP70 and HSP90 plasma and liver concentrations in diet-induced obese rats.

Metabolic surgery ameliorates insulin resistance and is associated with long-term, effective weight loss, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. Here, the duodenal-jejunal omega switch (DJOS) surgery in combination with high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet was performed on diet obese rats and joint effects of bariatric surgery and different dietary patterns on heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and HSP90 plasma and liver concentrations were measured. We found that plasma and liver levels of HSP70 were lower after DJOS surgery in comparison to the control in the groups of animals kept on control diet (CD) and high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFS) but the postoperative change of the diet led to the increase in HSP70 in plasma and liver concentration in DJOS-operated animals. A high-calorie meal, rich in carbohydrates and fats, significantly increased circulating levels of HSP90, reducing the normalising effect of DJOS. The HFS diet applied during all stages of the experiment led to the higher levels of liver HSP90 concentration. The combination of CD and DJOS surgery was the most efficient in the lowering of the HSP90 liver concentration. The normalisation of circulating levels and liver concentrations of HSP70 and HSP90 may be achieved in a combination of DJOS procedure with a proper dietary plan.

Visfatin serum concentration and hepatic mRNA expression in chronic hepatitis C.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a viral disease with metabolic disturbances involved in its pathogenesis. Adipokines may influence the inflammatory response and contribute to development of metabolic abnormalities in CHC. Visfatin exerts immunomodulatory and insulin-mimetic effects. The aim was to measure visfatin serum concentrations and its mRNA hepatic expression in non-obese CHC patients and to assess the relationships with metabolic and histological parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a group of 63 non-obese CHC patients (29 M/34 F) infected with genotype 1b aged 46.6 ±14.6 years, body mass index (BMI) 24.8 ±3.0 kg/m2, serum visfatin levels and its mRNA hepatic expression were examined and the subsequent associations with metabolic and histopathological features were assessed. RESULTS: Serum visfatin levels were significantly higher in CHC patients compared to controls (22.7 ±5.7 vs. 17.8 ±1.5 ng/ml, p < 0.001). There was no difference in serum visfatin and its mRNA hepatic expression regardless of sex, BMI, insulin sensitivity and lipids concentrations. There was no mutual correlation between serum visfatin and visfatin mRNA hepatic expression. Hepatic visfatin mRNA levels but not visfatin serum levels were higher in patients with steatosis (1.35 ±0.75 vs. 0.98 ±0.34, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Serum visfatin levels may reflect its involvement in chronic inflammatory processes accompanying HCV infection. Increased visfatin mRNA hepatic expression in patients with steatosis seems to be a compensatory mechanism enabling hepatocytes to survive metabolic abnormalities resulting from virus-related lipid droplet deposition prerequisite to HCV replication.

Effects of zinc and female aging on nymphal life history in a grasshopper from polluted sites.

Insect reproduction is influenced by various factors, including food quality and quantity, temperature, population density and female age. Contamination, including heavy metals, may disturb reproductive processes. The aim of this work was to assess interactions between effects of aging in female Chorthippus brunneus and environmental pollution on their reproduction measured in number of laid eggs. We also compared basic developmental parameters (number of hatchlings, body mass, embryonic developmental rate) in grasshopper nymphs additionally exposed to zinc during diapause. Aging grasshoppers from heavily polluted areas (Olkusz and Szopienice) lay significantly fewer eggs than insects from the reference site (Pilica). Zinc application caused the decrease in hatching success and duration of embryogenesis in insects from each site. This suggests a cumulative effect of female age, pollutants and additional stressing factors. The intensity of this process differed between populations. In insects from the reference site, it was shown in a moderate degree. In insects from Szopienice, an additional stressor exerted a weaker effect than in insects from Pilica. In grasshoppers from Olkusz, we found the strongest decrease of hatching percentage and increase in duration of embryogenesis after zinc intoxication. This may indicate that the population from Olkusz exists at the limit of its energetic abilities.

Changes in Liver Gene Expression and Plasma Concentration of Rbp4, Fetuin-A, and Fgf21 in Sprague-Dawley Rats Subjected to Different Dietary Interventions and Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of duodenal-jejunal omega switch (DJOS) in combination with different dietary patterns on the retinol-binding protein (RBP4), fetuin-A, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plasma levels and their hepatic gene expressions in rats. METHODS: A high-fat diet (HF) was given to 28 rats and 28 more were fed with a control diet (CD) for 2 months. After that, half of each group underwent either DJOS or SHAM surgery. For the next 2 months, half of the animals in each operation group were kept on the same diet as before and half of them had the diet changed. After 16 weeks of the experiment RBP4, fetuin-A, and FGF21 plasma levels as well as liver Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 gene expressions were measured. RESULTS: DJOS had a reductive impact on plasma levels of RBP4, fetuin-A, and FGF21 and Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 relative gene expression in the liver when compared to SHAM. The HF/HF group expressed significantly higher RBP4 and fetuin-A plasma levels in comparison to the control. The HF diet used before and/or after surgery led to upregulation of Rbp4, Ahsg, and Fgf21 relative gene expression. The lowest levels of analyzed parameters were observed in the CD/CD group. CONCLUSIONS: The efficiency of DJOS surgery, measured by hepatokines' plasma levels and their gene expressions in the liver, depends on the type of diet applied before and after surgery. Manipulation of dietary patterns can lead to marked improvements in metabolic profile after DJOS surgery.

Ileal Transposition (IT) Surgery Changing the Ultrastructure of the Transposed Segment as well as Jejunum. Histomorphometric and Electron Microscopy Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Ileal transposition (IT) procedure leads to higher secretion of incretin hormones what is associated with a beneficial metabolic effect. However, IT will also have an influence on the related jejunum and ileum function. The aim of this research was to investigate the morphology of the jejunum and transposed ileum with the use of light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in order to determine the local alternations in the intestine resulting from the transposition. METHODS: Twenty male, 8-week-old, obese Zucker rats underwent IT and six of them sham surgery. To compare both groups, the transection was made at all corresponding ileum positions among both groups of animals. The ileal anastomoses among the rats of sham procedure were subsequently formed accordingly without IT. Three months following the surgery, the tissue samples of jejunum and ileum were harvested. RESULTS: A significant increase in villus length, a decrease in the crypt depth, and an increased thickness of mucosa-muscularis-serosa (MMS) as well as cellular hyperplasia, with increased mitochondrial density of the transposed ileum segment, were observed among the group of rats which underwent IT comparing to the ones undergoing sham surgery. In rats undergoing IT, microvillus degeneration in jejunum regions was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ileal transposition alters the morphology and ultrastructure of the ileum as well as the jejunum. Given that the microvillus membrane represents an important aspect of the enterocyte functions, a further biochemical and molecular research is necessary in order to assess whether the observed changes are beneficial or not and to explore the phenomenon of gut adaptability after metabolic surgery.