Phytoestrogen-containing diets offer benefits for mouse embryology but lead to fewer offspring being produced

One of the most commonly used protein sources in rodent diets is soy, which is naturally rich in phytoestrogens. Although phytoestrogens have shown potential health benefits in humans, they may also have the ability to disrupt reproduction. Consequently, there has been a tendency to try to exclude them from rodent diets. In the current study, we investigated whether phytoestrogen content in the mouse diet could affect reproduction in mice used as embryo donors. Donor mice (C57BL/6JOlaHsd) were maintained with three different diets: high phytoestrogen (ca. 400 mg/kg genistein), low phytoestrogen (ca. 10 mg/kg genistein) and standard breeding diet (ca. 120 mg/kg genistein). Mice fed a high phytoestrogen diet had a high yield of plugs, embryos, and injectable embryos, as well as producing good quality embryos. Results from donor mice fed a low phytoestrogen diet were consistently but only slightly inferior, whereas mice fed a standard diet performed the poorest. Interestingly, the largest number of born and weaned offspring were observed when recipient females received embryos from the standard diet group. Sperm yield and quality of stud males did not differ between the groups. We surmize that for experimental endpoints requiring fertilized embryos it may be more beneficial to feed mice a diet containing phytoestrogen, but if the goal is to produce transgenic mice, a diet high in phytoestrogen may be inadvisable. In conclusion, care should be taken when selecting a diet for experimental mouse colonies as phytoestrogen could influence the study outcome.

Combined use of Candida Utilis and Idesia polycarpa var. Vestita Fruit Improve the Production Performance of Laying Quail

ABSTRACTIdesia polycarpa Maxim. var. vestita Diels (Idesiapolycarpa), which is widely distributed in south China, is still underexplored. This study applied Idesia polycarpa defatted fruit (IPF) and Candida utilis to the feed of laying quails using solid-state fermentation. In comparison to the standard diet group, birds fed with mixture of IPF and Candida utilis (MIC) showed better production capacity, and the ML group (1% MIC added) achieved the greatest egg mass (9.77 on average; P<0.01) and laying rate (87.7% on average; P<0.01). Compared to the standard diet group, the cholesterol content was lower in both the ML (1% MIC addition groups) and IL (1% IPF addition groups), and 5% MIC added group had higher n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Furthermore, birds given the MIC dietary supplement showed a thicker jejunum wall than the standard diet group. In addition, the related mRNA expression of SRBEP-1, SREBP-2, ATGL, APOVLDL-II which are involved in the fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis suggested that the addition of Candida utilis could effectively improve the production capacity of laying quails while decrease the negative effects of IPF. This work also demonstrates how MIC can be applied to improve the production of laying quails.

Рівень інсуліноподібного фактору росту-1 та гідроген сульфіду у щурів з неалкогольною жировою хворобою печінки, асоційованою з гіпергомоцистеїнемією

Introduction. Evolution of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is often accompanied by increased levels of homocysteine, on the other hand hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC) is considered as an independent factor for steatosis and fibrosis of the liver. An important role in regulating of liver functional state has IGF-1 and gas mediator – hydrogen sulfide (H2S), but their role in the pathogenesis NAFLD associated with HHC, is not certain.The aim of the study – to investigate level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in blood and concentration of H2S in the liver of rats with NAFLD induced by high fat diet (HFD) and its combination with HHC.Methods of the research. The experiment was performed on 56 white male rats. Animals were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 and group 2 received standard diet, group 3 and group 4 received HFD for 60 days. Rats from groups 2 and 4 were injected іntragastrically daily by thiolakton homocysteine in the dose of 100 mg/kg. After experiment the levels of homocysteine and IGF-1 in serum and H2S content in the liver of rats were determined.Results and Discussion. Homocysteine thiolactone or HFD and especially their combination causes a reduction of IGF-1 in serum and H2S content in the liver of rats. Rats with NAFLD associated with HHC had levels of H2S and IGF-1 significantly lower (respectively 22.6 % and 32.2 %) than that of rats with purely NAFLD. The level of homocysteine is inversely correlated with the level of IGF-1 in blood and the level of H2S in the liver (r= -0.68, -0.73, р<0.01). Formation of deficit аntifibrotic mediators (IGF-1 and H2S) may be a factor in the progression NAFLD associated with HHC.Conclusions. 60-day use of HFD or homocysteine thiolactone causes reduction of IGF-1 in serum and H2S content in the liver, but the most significant shortage of mediators is as result of the combination HFD with HHC.

THE INFLUENCE OF COMMON CARP MEAT (Cyprinus carpio) DIET ON BRAIN INDEX AND THE EXPRESSION OF GENE NR2B OF SWISS WEBSTER MICE CEREBRUM

This research was to evaluate the influence of common carp meat diet on brain index and gene NR2B expression of Swiss Webster mice cerebrum. The gene expression and performance of ion Ca2+ channel in neuron are influenced by Glycine and Glutamic Acid, which present in relatively high quantities in common carp meat. Eighteen male mice were divided into 3 diet groups, the standard pellet, 120 mg and 480 mg common carp meat/day. The brain index differences among groups were analyzed using ANOVA test (p≤0,05) and LSD. The total RNA of 5 mg mouse cerebrum was isolated, followed by RT-PCR; the DNA quantities were predicted using Geldoc instrument, then were analyzed using ANOVA test (p≤0,05). The 120 mg diet group brain index did not show difference (p=0,284) against the standard diet group, while the 480 mg diet group showed the increase compared to the standard (p=0,034) and 120 mg diet groups (p=0,004). No DNA quantity differences of all groups (p=0,195). It was concluded, the 480 mg common carp meat/ day diet increased the brain index of Swiss Webster mice, while the 120 mg and 480 mg common carp/day diets did not influence the gene NR2B expression of Swiss Webster mice cerebrum. Keywords : brain index, gene NR2B expression, common carp meat diet

Influence of the prebiotic Salgard and a herb mixture on Pekin ducklings in organic poultry production, part II: Histological and microbiological investigation

The purpose of this investigation was to study the influence of the prebiotic Salgard and an herb mixture (rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano and cinnamon) on the histostructure of some internal organs and on the intestinal microflora of Pekin ducklings in an organic production system. Seventy two Pekin ducklings distributed randomly into 3 groups of 24 birds each and sexed (12 ?and 12 ?) were used as followed: group I (control) fed a standard diet; group II - fed the same diet supplemented with the prebiotic Salgard at a concentration of 0.15 %, and group III - fed the same diet supplemented with 0.15 % of a herb mixture in an equal proportion (0.03% of each herb - rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano and cinnamon). At slaughter, material for histological examination was obtained from the ileum, the caeca, the liver and the kidneys of birds. Faecal content from the ileum and the caeca were submitted to microbiological analysis. The addition of Salgard in a concentration of 0.15 % to the diet of Pekin ducklings contributed to significant increasing the length of the villi intestinales (P<0.001) and diameter of intestinal glands (P<0.01) in the ileum and epithelial height (P<0.05) in the caeca, as well as with a reduction of pathogenic intestinal microorganisms in the birds that received the prebiotic and herb mixture.

Protective effects of selenium on methimazole-induced anemia and oxidative stress in adult rats and their offspring

The present study investigates the potential ability of selenium, considered as an antioxidant with pharmacological property to alleviate oxidative stress and hematological parameter disorders induced by methimazole, an antithyroid drug. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as negative control and received a standard diet; group II received 250 mg/L of methimazole in drinking water and a standard diet; group III received both methimazole (250 mg/L, orally) and selenium (0.5 mg/kg of diet) supplemented to the standard diet; group IV served as positive control and received a supplement of selenium in the diet (0.5 mg/kg of diet) as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). Treatment was started from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Methimazole reduced the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit in mothers and their pups. Besides, plasma iron, vitamins B9, B12, C and E levels were reduced. Lipid peroxidation increased, objectified by high malondialdehyde levels and lactate dehydrogenase activity in plasma, while glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities showed a significant decline. Co-administration of selenium through diet improved all the parameters cited above. It can be concluded that the administration of selenium alleviates methimazole-induced toxicity, thus demonstrating its antioxidant efficacy.

The vitamin E reduces liver lipoperoxidation and fibrosis in a model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

CONTEXT: No effective treatment is available for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in nowadays. OBJECTIVES: To develop a model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a methionine and choline deficient diet, as well as to evaluate the role of metformin, vitamin E and simvastatin in the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis progression. METHODS: The study analyzed prospectively 50 Wistar rats for a 90-day period and divided them into five groups of 10 rats. One group was given standard rat diet and the others received the methionine and choline deficient diet. Among the four groups that received this diet, one received saline 0,9% and the others received metformin, vitamin E or simvastatin. After the study period, the animals were sacrificed and their blood was collected for biochemical analysis. The livers were removed for lipoperoxidation analysis and for the histological examinations. RESULTS: The methionine and choline deficient diet was able to induce steatosis in 100% of the animals and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in 27 (69.2%). The alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the simvastatin group. The aspartate aminotransferase levels were also higher in the simvastatin group, but were statistically significant only in relation to the standard diet group. When lipoperoxidation values were compared, the groups that received standard rat diet and methionine and choline deficient with vitamin E presented significantly lower rates than the others. The presence of fibrosis was significantly smaller in the group receiving vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: The diet used was able to induce steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Besides vitamin E showed to reduce the liver oxidative stress, as well as the fibrosis development

Effects of Restricted Calcium Intake on Bone and Maxillofacial Growth

Objective: To investigate the effects of a low calcium diet on maxillofacial development by evaluating Bone Mineral Content (BMC) in the lower alveolar bones, femurs, and tibias and by performing cephalometry on growing rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty 5-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; the control group (n = 10) was given standard diet for 6 weeks, the low calcium/standard diet group (n = 10) was given a calcium-restricted diet for the first 4 weeks, and then a standard diet for the following 2 weeks, and the low calcium diet group (n = 10) was given the calcium-restricted diet for 6 weeks. After the rats were euthanized, heads and legs were fixed and cephalometry was performed. Next, mandibles, femurs and tibias were digitally photographed and the BMC was evaluated using our newly developed software. Results: The BMC was decreased in all of the bone samples from the two groups that received restricted calcium. In the low calcium/standard diet group, the BMC recovered the most in the tibias and least in the lower alveolar bones. Development of the mandibles in the anterior-posterior direction was accelerated, while that in the superior-inferior direction was inhibited in those rats. Conclusion: The BMC reduction following calcium deficiency in the lower alveolar bone hardly recovers, so prevention is important. Development of the mandible in a superior-inferior direction is inhibited while that in an anterior-posterior direction is accelerated due to a calcium-restricted diet.

Diet-induced ketosis increases capillary density without altered blood flow in rat brain

It is recognized that ketone bodies, such as R-β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) and acetoacetate, are energy sources for the brain. As with glucose metabolism, monocarboxylate uptake by the brain is dependent on the function and regulation of its own transporter system. We concurrently investigated ketone body influx, blood flow, and regulation of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT-1) and glucose transporter (GLUT-1) in diet-induced ketotic (KG) rat brain. Regional blood-to-brain β-HB influx (μmol·g−1·min−1) increased 40-fold with ketosis (4.8 ± 1.8 plasmaβ-HB; mM) in all regions compared with the nonketotic groups (standard and no-fat diets); there were no changes in regional blood flow. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that GLUT-1 density (number/mm2) in the cortex was significantly elevated (40%) in the ketotic group compared with the standard and no-fat diet groups. MCT-1 was also markedly (3-fold) upregulated in the ketotic group compared with the standard diet group. In the standard diet group, 40% of the brain capillaries stained positive for MCT-1; this amount doubled with the ketotic diet. Western blot analysis of isolated microvessels from ketotic rat brain showed an eightfold increase in GLUT-1 and a threefold increase in MCT-1 compared with the standard diet group. These data suggest that diet-induced ketosis results in increased vascular density at the blood-brain barrier without changes in blood flow. The increase in extraction fraction and capillary density with increased plasma ketone bodies indicates a significant flux of substrates available for brain energy metabolism.

The effect of inulin on new and on patent infections ofTrichuris suisin growing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the potential influence of inulin on the establishment of new and patent infections ofTrichuris suisin growing pigs. Two experimental diets were formulated based on barley flour with either added insoluble fibre from oat husk (Diet 1) or a pure inulin (16%) supplementation (Diet 2). Twenty-eight 10-week-old pigs were divided randomly into 4 groups (Groups 1–4) each of 7 pigs. After 3 weeks adaptation to the experimental diets all pigs were infected with a single dose of 2000 infectiveT. suiseggs. Group 1 was fed Diet 1 until 7 weeks post-infection (p.i.) and Group 3 until 9 weeks p.i., Group 2 was fed Diet 2 until 7 weeks p.i., Group 4 was fed Diet 1 until week 7 p.i. and was switched-over from Diet 1 to Diet 2 until week 9 p.i. Seven weeks p.i. pigs in Groups 1 and 2 were slaughtered, and pigs in Groups 3 and 4 were slaughtered at 9 weeks p.i.Trichuris suisworm burdens were determined for all pigs. Inulin-fed pigs (Group 2) exhibited an 87% reduction in EPG, compared to the pigs on standard diet (Group 1) (P<0·0001). The number of worms recovered at week 7 p.i. from pigs on the inulin diet (Group 2) was significantly reduced by 71%, compared to the pigs on standard diet (Group 1) (P<0·01). At week 9, worm recovery in pigs on the inulin diet switch protocol (Group 4) was reduced by 47% compared to the control pigs in Group 3 (P<0·01). Further, the inulin-fed pigs exhibited a significant reduction in female worm fecundity and worm large intestine location was more distal compared to those from pigs on standard diet. These results demonstrate that inclusion of the highly degradable fructose polymer inulin in the diet leads to significant reductions inT. suisestablishment, egg excretion, and female worm fecundity and can be used as a treatment for patent infections.