Factors affecting haematological profiles in three indigenous Ethiopian sheep breeds

Haematological parameters were studied in 377 apparently healthy sheep comprising three indigenous breeds of Ethiopia. The effect of breed, age, gender and season on the haematological values was assessed. There was significant (P<0.01) breed difference for all erythrocytic series. Red blood cells (RBCs) and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly higher (P<0.01) in Menz than in Wello and Tukur breeds. However, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was significantly lower (P<0.001) in Menz than in other breeds. Lymphocyte and eosinophil levels were significantly higher (P<0.001) in Menz than in Tukur and Wello breeds. Neutrophil and monocyte concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.001) in Wello and Tukur than in Menz sheep. Gender had no significant (P>0.05) effect on erythrocytic and leukocytic parameters. There was a decrease in lymphocytes with increasing age, whereas the reverse was true for neutrophils. RBCs and PCV were significantly higher (P<0.05) during the dry season than any other seasons. Total white blood cell (WBC) count was significantly higher (P<0.0001) during the long rainy season than during other seasons. The Hb, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of the indigenous breeds were higher than those of exotic sheep breeds. Our study is believed to aid clinical assessment and disease diagnosis in these breeds.     

Effect of short-term creatine supplementation on markers of skeletal muscle damage after strenuous contractile activity

The protective effect of short-term creatine supplementation (CrS) upon markers of strenuous contractile activity-induced damage in human and rat skeletal muscles was investigated. Eight Ironman triathletes were randomized into the placebo (Pl; n = 4) and creatine-supplemented (CrS; n = 4) groups. Five days prior to the Ironman competition, the CrS group received creatine monohydrate (20 g day⁻¹) plus maltodextrin (50 g) divided in two equal doses. The Pl group received maltodextrin (50 g day⁻¹) only. The effect of CrS (5 g day⁻¹/kg body weight for 5 days) was also evaluated in a protocol of strenuous contractile activity induced by electrical stimulation in rats. Blood samples were collected before and 36 and 60 h after the competition and were used to determine plasma activities of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aldolase (ALD), glutamic oxaloacetic acid transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic acid transaminase (GPT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level. In rats, plasma activities of CK and LDH, muscle vascular permeability (MVP) using Evans blue dye, muscle force and fatigue were evaluated. Activities of CK, ALD, LDH, GOT, GTP, and levels of CRP were increased in the Pl group after the competition as compared to basal values. CrS decreased plasma activities of CK, LDH, and ALD, and prevented the rise of GOT and GPT plasma activities. In rats, CrS delayed the fatigue, preserved the force, and prevented the rise of LDH and CK plasma activities and MVP in the gastrocnemius muscle. CrS presented a protective effect on muscle injury induced by strenuous contractile activities.     

Haematological and serum biochemical profile of the upside-down catfish, Synodontis membranacea Geoffroy Saint Hilaire from Jebba Lake, Nigeria

Haematological and serum biochemical studies of natural population of Synodontis membranacea from Jebba Lake, North Central Nigeria were investigated in order to establish their mean and reference values. Bi-monthly collection of 1,408 live fish samples was carried out between April 2002 and March 2004, using gill nets of various mesh sizes ranging from 5.08 to 10.16 cm. The mean baseline value established for species-specific haematological and serum biochemical parameters were red blood cell (RBC) 3.83 ± 1.49 × 10¹² l⁻¹, haemoglobin (HB) 8.38 ± 1.96 g dl⁻¹, and packed cell volume (PCV) 25.65 ± 5.89%; mean cell volume 78.25 ± 37.90 fl; mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) 33.04 ± 12.50 pg; mean cell haemoglobin concentration 26.53 ± 15.18 g dl⁻¹; white blood cell (WBC) 315.65 ± 95.37 × 10⁻⁹; agranulocytes (Agr) 82.07 ± 11.38%; monocytes (Mon) 6.37 ± 3.01%; lymphocytes (Lym) 76.49 ± 10.81%; granulocytes (Gran) 40.28 ± 17.48%; neutrophils (Neut) 24.42 ± 10.68%; eosinophils (Eos) 16.14 ± 8.25%; basophils 0.09 ± 0.04%; protein 40.19 ± 7.45 g l⁻¹; albumin 19.78 ± 5.67 g l⁻¹; creatinine 49.71 ± 16.15 μmol l⁻¹; urea 3.05 ± 0.67 nmol l⁻¹; uric acid 0.76 ± 0.33 nmol l⁻¹; glucose 4.24 ± 1.74 mmol l⁻¹; cholesterol 8.46 ± 2.27 mmol l⁻¹; calcium 2.35 ± 0.94 mmol l⁻¹; potassium 13.36 ± 4.45 mmol l⁻¹; sodium 139.39 ± 23.19 mmol l⁻¹; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 11.79 ± 2.67 U l⁻¹; aspartate aminotransferase 16.80 ± 4.73 U l⁻¹; and alkaline phosphatase 63.01 ± 20.44 U l⁻¹. Only three of these parameters (i.e. neutrophil, glucose and potassium) differed significantly (P > 0.05) on gender basis. Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated significant relationship of standard length and total weight with RBC, PCV, HB, WBC, Agr, Mon, Lym, Gran, Neut, Eos, sodium, and ALT only. The study has provided baseline haematological and biochemical data for use in health monitoring and productivity of S. membranacea, which would be of great value for future comparative surveys in this era of increased fish culture in Nigeria.     

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with therapy refractory cardiogenic shock as a bridge to implantable left ventricular assist device and perioperative right heart support

Implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to recovery or transplantation is a widely accepted treatment modality. Preexisting organ dysfunction is thought to unfavorably affect patient survival after implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD). We present our experience using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with cardiogenic shock to stabilized organ function prior to LVAD implantation. Between September 2006 and March 2008, five patients in cardiogenic shock with preexisting organ dysfunction (impaired liver and kidney function) were supported with ECMO before LVAD implantation. ECMO-LVAD interval was 8 ± 4 days. All patients were transferred to a LVAD. At the LVAD implantation time, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) decreased from 206.25 ± 106.93 Ul ⁻¹ to 70.6 ± 32.9 U l⁻¹, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) decreased from 333.5 ± 207.3 U l⁻¹ to 77.8 ± 39.7 U l⁻¹, and creatinine decreased from 2.2 ± 0.9 mg dl⁻¹ to 1.2 ± 0.2 mg dl⁻¹. One patient died while on LVAD support due to not device related sepsis. One patient received successful heart transplantation. Overall survival was 80%. In all patients, we removed the ECMO 3 days after LVAD implantation. After removal of the ECMO there was no right heart failure. ECMO support can immediately stabilize circulation and provide organ perfusion in patients with cardiogenic shock. After improvement of organ function, LVAD implantation can be performed successfully in this patient collective. To avoid right ventricular failure, the ECMO should not be removed at the time of LVAD implantation, and used as a right ventricular support for the immediate postoperative period.     

Effect of manganese on thyroid function in sheep

Ten healthy adult male sheep aged about 1 year old were randomly allocated into two equal groups of control (no treatment group, n = 5) and experiment (n = 5). The two groups were kept under the same conditions of food and environment. Sheep of experimental group received MnSO₄, H₂O (5 mg/kg/day, SC) from day 0 for 8 weeks. Blood sampling of the two groups were done on days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 at 11 a.m. Serum T4, T3, FT3, FT4, TSH, manganese, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations were measured. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were estimated by conventional methods. Serum and urine GGT activities were also measured. Urine samples were tested by urine dipstick analysis. Results indicated that serum manganese concentration was increased significantly on days 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 of manganese administration (p < 0.05). The changes in serum enzyme activities ALP, GGT, AST, ALT, and urea and creatinine concentrations during these days were not significant. Changes of urine GGT activity were not significant. Serum TSH, FT3, FT4, T3, and T4 concentrations decreased differently on days 14, 28, 42, and 56 (p < 0.05). Urinalysis by urine dipstick analysis was normal.     

Radon Inhalation Protects Mice from Carbon-Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic and Renal Damage

We assessed whether radon inhalation provided protection from carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic and renal damage in mice. Mice were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ after inhaling approximately 18 kBq/m³ radon for 6 h. Radon inhalation significantly increased total glutathione (t-GSH) content and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the liver and kidney. Injection of CCl₄ was associated with significantly higher levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and creatinine level in serum, and pretreatment with radon significantly decreased the GOT and ALP activity and creatinine level associated with CCl₄ injection, suggesting that radon inhalation alleviates CCl₄-induced hepatic and renal damage. The t-GSH contents and GPx activity in the liver and kidney of animals pretreated with radon were significantly higher than those of the CCl₄-only group. These findings suggested that radon inhalation activated antioxidative functions and inhibited CCl₄-induced hepatic and renal damage in mice.     

Physiologic responses of older recreational alpine skiers to different skiing modes

We measured physiological variables in nine older recreational skiers (62.6 ± 5.1 years) who completed a maximal cycle ergometry test and four different skiing modes via ski instructor-guided skiing at moderate altitude. During testing, we measured heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO₂), blood lactate concentration (LA), blood pressure (BP) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The mean values in the laboratory were: HR_max 167 ± 7.9 bpm, VO_2peak of 35.7 ± 5.1 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹, LA_max 8.9 ± 2.4 mmol l⁻¹ and BP of 228/91 mmHg. The average values of field compared to laboratory test ranged from 48 to 94% of HR_max, VO₂ of 22–66% of VO_2peak, LA of 0.7–6.0 mmol l⁻¹, RPE during on-snow was 6–17, while BP remained at submaximal level during field tests. Weak correlation was found between laboratory and field tests. Our results suggest that aerobic metabolism predominates on flat and low intensity steep slopes and transitions to anaerobic metabolism on steeper high intensity runs.     

Co-occurrence of obesity and patterns of alcohol use associated with elevated serum hepatic enzymes in US adults

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to present nationally representative findings on the co-occurrence of obesity and specific patterns of alcohol use associated with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) among adults in the United States. We analyzed data from 8,373 adults aged ≥ 20 years who participated in the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We produced prevalence ratios by using the co-occurrence of obesity (i.e., body mass index ≥ 30.0 kg/m² or waist circumference ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women) and specific patterns of alcohol use (i.e., non-drinkers, non-excessive drinkers, and excessive drinkers) as a predictor; elevations in serum ALT, AST, and GGT were used as an outcome variable while adjusting for covariates in multivariate regression models. Approximately 34.7% of adult men and 38.6% of adult women in the United States had co-occurrence of obesity and any alcohol use, including 16.4% of men and 9.8% of women who had co-occurrence of obesity and excessive drinking during 2005–2008. When compared to male non-drinkers without obesity after multivariate adjustment, male excessive drinkers with obesity were 3.08 (95% CI: 1.80–5.28), 2.42 (95% CI: 1.80–3.26), and 3.15 (95% CI: 1.82–5.46) times more likely to exhibit elevated serum ALT, AST, and GGT, respectively. Similarly, when compared to female non-drinkers without obesity, female excessive drinkers with obesity were 2.36 (95% CI: 1.38–4.04), 3.27 (95% CI: 1.85–5.78), and 3.43 (95% CI: 2.19–5.40) times more likely to have elevated serum ALT, AST, and GGT, respectively. The co-occurrence of obesity and excessive drinking may place adults at an increased risk for potential liver injury. Our study findings provide support for evidence-based clinical and population-based interventions that integrate health behavior change among adults who have these co-occurring risk factors.     

Effects of fasting on haematology and clinical chemistry values in the rat and dog

Many regulatory toxicity guidelines and the recommendation of AACC-DACC/ASVCP joint task force of the USA on clinical pathology testing require overnight fasting for rats and non-rodents before blood sampling. However, the reason why animals must be fasted before blood sampling is unclear in toxicology studies.Fasting, one of many preanalytical conditions, can lead to false low or high values, which in turn may lead to misinterpretation of test compound effects in toxicological studies. This paper reviews the literature with respect to fasting, and reports on our own studies, in the hope of increasing the awareness among investigators of these problems.Haematocrit values and plasma chemistry values in blood obtained from rats and dogs following fasting were compared with unfasted animals. In male F344 rats, after 16 h fasting, body weight decreased. Increases in aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and decreases of plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL), urea nitrogen (UN) and calcium were observed. Haematocrit, plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), total proteins (TP), glucose, and inorganic phosphorus (IP) were unchanged. In male beagle dogs after 16 h fasting, TG, PL, UN, calcium and IP were decreased. Haematocrit, ALP, TP, albumin, glucose, CHO, creatinine, AST/GOT, ALT/GPT, LDH and CPK were not changed.Our own studies show that in order to avoid excessive stress to test animals, the fasting period should be decided case by case, and not made uniform in toxicology studies. It would be useful if regulatory guidelines made some mention of both the effect of feeding, and of stress caused by fasting.     

Changes of enzyme activities in ovine fetal fluids and maternal blood serum with gestational age

Our objectives were threefold: (1) to assess the activities of tissue enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) in the fetal fluids (amniotic and allantoic) collected from the gravid sheep uteri obtained from the abattoir and also in the maternal blood serum at various stages of pregnancy, (2) to compare the enzyme activities of fetal fluids relative to the maternal serum, and (3) to compare the enzyme activities in serum of pregnant ewes to nonpregnant ones. The stages of gestation, viz., stage I (30–60 days), stage II (61–90 days), and stage III (91–120 days) were identified based on the crown anus length of the fetus. As the gestational ages increased, AST significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the amniotic fluid and maternal blood serum but decreased in allantoic fluid; ALT had no changes in fetal fluids and the maternal blood serum; ALP decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in allantoic fluid but had no changes in the amniotic fluid and maternal serum; LDH increased significantly (p < 0.01) in amniotic and allantoic fluids but decreased in maternal serum; CK decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in fetal fluids and maternal serum. The enzyme activities were significantly higher in maternal sera than fetal fluids but were successively less in allantoic and amniotic fluids (p < 0.01). The activity of enzymes in maternal sera of pregnant and nonpregnant ewes were nearly the same. Except for LDH and CK, the greatest activities were found in the maternal serum in stage I and for AST in stage III of pregnancy (p < 0.01). These findings may have appreciable diagnostic significance in prenatal detection of disease status in both the dam and the fetus.     

The effect of endurance training on changes in purine metabolism: a longitudinal study of competitive long-distance runners

The purpose of the study was to characterize the changes in purine metabolism in long-distance runners in the main phases of their 1-year training cycle. Nine male athletes competing in distances 5 and 10 km at national/regional level, mean age 22.9 ± 0.6 years, practising sport for 8.6 ± 0.3 years, participated in the study. The changes in plasma concentrations of hypoxanthine (Hx), xanthine (X) and uric acid (UA) and the activity of the enzyme HGPRT in red blood cells haemolysate were followed in four characteristic points of the annual training cycle: preparatory phase (specific subphase), competition period, transition period and preparatory phase (intermediate subphase). Resting and postexercise plasma concentrations of X and, Hx and HGPRT activity changed significantly during 1-year training cycle. Significant changes in postexercise Hx values between training phases were found, from 9.3 μmol l⁻¹ in competition period to 22.9 μmol l⁻¹ in transition period (Friedmann’s ANOVA, P < 0.01). Postexercise UA values ranged from 371 to 399 μmol l⁻¹ and did not change significantly between training phases. An increase in resting (from 52.0 to 58.4 IMP mg⁻¹ Hb min⁻¹, P < 0.05) and postexercise (from 70.7 to 76.2 IMP mg⁻¹ Hb min⁻¹, not significant) HGPRT activity between the specific preparation and competition period was observed. In the transition period, Hx postexercise concentration increased (22.9 μmol l⁻¹, P < 0.01) and HGPRT postexercise activity decreased (58.8 IMP mg⁻¹ Hb min⁻¹, P < 0.01) significantly. The results indicate that the level of plasma Hx at rest and after standard exercise may be a useful tool for monitoring the adaptation of energetic processes in different training phases and support the overload/overtraining diagnosis.     

Assessment of post-competition peak blood lactate in male and female master swimmers aged 40–79 years and its relationship with swimming performance

The main purpose of this study was to measure the post-competition blood lactate concentration ([La]_b) in master swimmers of both sexes aged between 40 and 79 years in order to relate it to age and swimming performance. One hundred and eight swimmers participating in the World Master Championships were assessed for [La]_b and the average rate of lactate accumulation (La′; mmol l⁻¹ s⁻¹) was calculated. In addition, 77 of them were also tested for anthropometric measures. When the subjects were divided into 10-year age groups, males exhibited higher [La]_b than women (factorial ANOVA, P < 0.01) and a steeper decline with ageing than female subjects. Overall, mean values (SD) of [La]_b were 10.8 (2.8), 10.3 (2.0), 10.3 (1.9), 8.9 (3.2) mmol l⁻¹ in women, and 14.2 (2.5), 12.4 (2.5), 11.0 (1.6), 8.2 (2.0) mmol l⁻¹ in men for, respectively, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79 years’ age groups. When, however, [La]_b values were normalised for a “speed index”, which takes into account swimming speed as a percentage of world record, these sex-related differences, although still present, were considerably attenuated. Furthermore, the differences in La′ between males and females were larger in the 40–49 age group (0.34 vs 0.20 mmol l⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 50-m distance) than in the 70–79 age group (0.12 vs 0.14 mmol l⁻¹ s⁻¹ for 50-m distance). Different physiological factors, supported by the considered anthropometric measurements, are suggested to explain the results.     

The dominant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hc.Sdh</Emphasis><Superscript>R</Superscript> carboxin-resistance gene of the ectomycorrhizal fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hebeloma cylindrosporum</Emphasis> as a selectable marker for transformation

In an attempt to get a marker gene suitable for genetical transformation of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum, the gene Hc.Sdh ^R that confers carboxin-resistance was isolated from a UV mutant of this fungus. It encodes a mutant allele of the Fe–S subunit of the succinate dehydrogenase gene that carries a single amino acid substitution known to confer carboxin-resistance. This gene was successfully used as the selective marker to transform, via Agrobacterium tumefaciens, monokaryotic and dikaryotic strains of H. cylindrosporum. We also successfully transformed hygromycin-resistant insertional mutants. Transformation yielded mitotically stable carboxin-resistant mycelia. This procedure produced transformants, the growth of which was not affected by 2 μg l⁻¹ carboxin, whereas wild-type strains were unable to grow in the presence of 0.1 μg l⁻¹ of this fungicide. This makes the carboxin-resistance cassette much more discriminating than the hygromycin-resistance one. PCR amplification and Southern blot hybridisation indicated that more than 90% of the tested carboxin-resistant mycelia contained the Hc.Sdh ^R cassette, usually as a single copy. The AGL-1 strain of A. tumefaciens was a much less efficient donor than LBA 1126; the former yielded ca. 0–30% transformation frequency, depending on fungal strain and resistance cassette used, whereas the latter yielded ca. 60–95%. The authors Chrisse Ngari and Jean-Philippe Combier contributed equally to this work.     

Influences of a dietary supplement in combination with an exercise and diet regimen on adipocytokines and adiposity in women who are overweight

The influence of a proprietary blend of modified cellulose and cetylated fatty acids (Trisynex™, Imagenetix, Inc., San Diego, CA 92127, USA) on adipocytokine and regional body composition responses to a weight loss program was examined. Twenty-two women (Supplement group (S) (n = 11): age = 36.8 ± 7.2 years; weight = 87.1 ± 6.2 kg; % body fat = 43.4 ± 4.1; Placebo group (P) (n = 11): age = 38.3 ± 6.8 years; weight = 86.9 ± 4.7 kg; % body fat = 44.3 ± 2.0) completed an 8-week placebo-controlled, double-blind study consisting of a caloric restricted diet and cardiovascular exercise. Body composition and serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were assessed at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. From pre- to post-intervention, significant decreases (P < 0.05) were observed for body weight (S: 87.1 ± 6.2–77.9 ± 5.1 kg; P: 86.9 ± 4.7–82.7 ± 3.8 kg) (P < 0.05 S vs. P), % body fat (S: 43.4 ± 4.1–36.1 ± 3.6; P: 44.3 ± 2.0–40.6 ± 1.2) (P < 0.05 S vs. P), leptin (S: 28.3 ± 3.5–16.2 ± 2.6 ng ml⁻¹; P: 29.4 ± 3.2–19.9 ± 1.1 ng ml⁻¹) (P < 0.05 S vs. P), and insulin (S: 7.3 ± 0.8–5.1 ± 0.2 mU l⁻¹; P: 7.7 ± 0.9–5.1 ± 0.3 mU l⁻¹). Serum adiponectin increased (P < 0.05) (S: 12.2 ± 2.4–26.3 ± 3.0 μg ml⁻¹: 12.6 ± 2.0–21.8 ± 3.1 μg ml⁻¹) (P < 0.05 for S vs. P). Supplementation with a proprietary blend of modified cellulose and cetylated fatty acids during an 8-week weight loss program exhibited favorable effects on adipocytokines and regional body composition.     

Serum oxidant and antioxidant status during early and late recovery periods following an all-out 21-km run in trained adolescent runners

It is well documented that intense exercise precipitates oxidative stress in adults. However, there is lack of related studies concerning oxidant and antioxidant status during early and late recovery periods in adolescent athletes, following endurance exercise in particular. This study investigated aspects of the serum oxidant and antioxidant status of 12 male adolescent (16.2 ± 0.6 years) trained runners during early and late recovery periods after an all-out 21-km run. Venous blood samples were taken immediately before, 2 and 4 h following (early recovery period), and 24 h following (late recovery period) the 21-km run. Samples were analyzed for serum concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), uric acid (UA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and enzymatic activity of xanthine oxidase (XO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). During the early recovery period, there were increases in the 4-h GSH (194.8 ± 10.4 vs. 211.8 ± 11.4 mg l⁻¹, P < 0.05), 2- and 4-h UA (307.8 ± 68.6 vs. 327.4 ± 63.8; 330.2 ± 65.1 μmol l⁻¹, P < 0.05), and 2-h CAT (2.05 ± 0.44 vs. 3.07 ± 0.51 U ml⁻¹, P < 0.05), and decreases in the 2-h XO (11.1 ± 1.5 vs. 10.3 ± 1.2 U l⁻¹, P < 0.05) compared to the corresponding pre-exercise level, respectively. No change was observed in SOD (P > 0.05). At the late recovery period, there was an increase in CAT (2.80 ± 0.49 U ml⁻¹, P < 0.05) and TBARS (2.99 ± 0.83 vs. 4.40 ± 1.38 nmol ml⁻¹, P < 0.05). These data indicate that although the antioxidant capacity of adolescent runners is augmented during the early recovery period following the 21-km run, they were not completely protected from oxidative stress during the later recovery period.     

Cultured ruminal epithelial cells express a large-conductance channel permeable to chloride, bicarbonate, and acetate

The absorption of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) from the rumen requires efficient mechanisms for both apical uptake and basolateral extrusion. Previous studies suggest that the rumen expresses a basolateral chloride conductance that might be permeable to SCFA. In order to characterize this conductance in more detail, isolated cultured ruminal epithelial cells were studied with the patch-clamp technique, revealing a whole-cell conductance with p(Cl⁻) ≈ p(NO₃ ⁻) > p(HCO₃ ⁻) > p(acetate⁻) > p(gluconate⁻). Currents could be blocked by diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (1 mmol l⁻¹ > 100 μmol l⁻¹), 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropyl-amino)benzoic acid (50 μmol l⁻¹), niflumic acid (100 μmol l⁻¹), and p-chloromercuribenzoate (1 mmol l⁻¹). Single-channel conductance was 350 ± 7 pS for chloride and 142 ± 7 pS for acetate. Open probability could be fitted with a three-state gating model. We propose a role for this channel in mediating the permeation of chloride, bicarbonate, and acetate across the basolateral membrane of the ruminal epithelium.     

Haematological and biochemical parameters and the serum concentrations of phosphorus, lead, cadmium and chromium in flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) and black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) in Iran

Blood samples of nine flamingos and 12 black-headed gulls from Fars province of Iran were used to determine the haematological and biochemical factors and the concentrations of phosphorus, lead, chromium and cadmium in serum. Haematological parameters in flamingo—packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) number, white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 35.21±1.6 (%), 117.8±59 (g/l), 2.27±0.29 (×10¹²/l), 5.93±1.25 (×10⁹/l), 201.84±86 (fl), 62.54±5.73 (pg), 329±1.6 (g/l), 64.71±4.47 (%), 35.14±2.1 (%) and 76.4±9.2 (10⁹/l), respectively. Haematological parameters in black-headed gull—PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, heterophiles, lymphocytes and thrombocytes—were found to be 39±2.52 (%), 123±13.3 (g/l), 2.89±0.45 (×10¹²/l), 2.25±0.42 (×10⁹/l), 184±17.32 (fl), 60.33±6.74 (pg), 327.6±3.8 (g/l), 57.33±12.2 (%), 42.66±4.7 (%) and 61.44±8.25 (10⁹/l), respectively. The results of blood serum biochemistry in flamingo indicated that the concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 8.45±1.65 (mmol/l), 10.4±0.01 (mmol/l), 55±4.7 (g/l), 17.1±2.7 (g/l), 528.99±172.4 (μmol/l), 70.83±19.77 (IU/l), 4.2±0.2 (IU/l), 19.78±5.38 (IU/l), 197.16±57.45 (IU/l), 2.01±0.4 (mmol/l), 2.55±0.98 (μmol/l), 11.14±3.95 (μmol/l) and 4.08±1.41 (μmol/l), respectively. The results of blood biochemistry in black-headed gull indicated that the serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, AST, ALT, ALP, CPK, phosphorus, cadmium, lead and chromium were 10.78±1.39 (mmol/l), 7.37±0.63 (mmol/l), 51±8.1 (g/l), 18.3±2 (g/l), 707.8±210.55 (μmol/l), 92.66±17.14 (IU/l), 9.21±1.2 (IU/l), 27.73±5.37 (IU/l), 164.33±48.81 (IU/l), 2.09±0.59 (mmol/l), 3.26±1.1 (μmol/l), 10.32±2.49 (μmol/l) and 5.91±1.25 (μmol/l), respectively. The results showed high concentrations of heavy metals in both species, which could be an indication of environmental pollution.     

The association between serum liver enzymes and cancer mortality

Interpreting levels of liver enzymes is often challenging because they may be influenced by metabolic processes beyond the liver. Given their pathophysiologic roles in inflammation and oxidative stress, higher levels of these enzymes may be associated with increased risk of mortality. However, studies have found inconsistent results. Thus, we examined the association of liver enzymes levels with cancer mortality in the general US adult population. We used the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2016. Kaplan–Meier survival curve comparisons were examined across quartiles of liver enzymes. Cox proportional hazards models were built to examine the relationship between cancer mortality and liver enzymes quartiles without and with adjustment for potential confounding factors. During the 338,882 person-years follow-up, 1059 participants had cancer-related deaths. There was a nonlinear U-shaped relationship between serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST) levels and cancer mortality. There was no relationship between cancer mortality and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT); however, each 10 IU/L increase in GGT after median was associated with 1% higher mortality risk (HR?=?1.01; 95% CI?=?1.00, 1.02; P?=?0.001). Only subjects with high levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) had higher cancer mortality (HR?=?1.63; 95CI?=?1.30, 2.05; P?<?0.001 and HR?=?1.52; 95%CI?=?1.20, 1.94; P?=?0.001, respectively). Only the lowest and highest serum ALT and AST levels are associated with increased cancer mortality. For ALP, the relationship is present at higher levels. The association with GGT was not robust to different analyses. The mechanisms underlying the observed relationships need further exploration.

     

Restoration of fluid balance after exercise-induced dehydration: effects of food and fluid intake

This study investigated the effects of post-exercise rehydration with fluid alone or with a meal plus fluid. Eight healthy volunteers (five men, three women) were dehydrated by a mean of 2.1 (SEM 0.0)% of body mass by intermittent cycle exercise in a warm [34 (SEM 0)°C], humid [55 (SEM 1)% relative humidity] environment. Over 60 min beginning 30 min after exercise, the subjects ingested a commercially-available sports drink (21 mmol · l⁻¹ Na⁺, 3.4 mmol · l⁻ K⁺, 12 mmol · l⁻¹ Cl⁻¹) on trials A and B; on trial C a standard meal [63 kJ · kg⁻¹ body mass (53% CHO, 28%fat,19%protein; 0.118 mmol · kJ⁻¹ Na⁺, 0.061 mmol · kJ⁻¹ K⁺)] plus drink (1 mmol · l⁻¹ Na⁺, 0.4 mmol · l⁻¹ K⁺, 1 mmol · l⁻¹ Cl⁻) were consumed. Water intake (in millilitres) was 150% of the mass loss (in grams). The trials took place after an overnight fast and were separated by 7 days. Blood and urine samples were collected at intervals throughout the study. Blood was analysed for haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, serum osmolality, Na⁺, Ku⁺ and Cl⁻ concentrations and plasma angiotensin II concentration. Urine volume, osmolality and electrolyte concentrations were measured. Dehydration resulted in a mean 5.2 (SEM 1.3)% reduction in plasma volume. With the exception of serum osmolality, which was higher on trial B than A at the end of the rehydration period, no differences were recorded for any of the measured parameters between trials A and B. Cumulative urine output following rehydration was lower (P < 0.01) on trial C [median 665 (range 396–1190) ml] than on trial B [median 934 (range 550–1403) ml] which was not different (P = 0.44) from trial A [median 954 (range 474–1501) ml]. Less urine was produced over the 1-h period ending 2 h after rehydration on trial C than on B (P = 0.01). On trials A and B the subjects were in net negative fluid balance by 337 (range 779-minus 306) ml and 373 (range 680-minus 173) ml, respectively (P < 0.01): on trial C the subjects were no different from their initial euhydrated state [median minus 29 (range minus 421−137) ml] 6 h after the end of rehydration (P = 1.00). A larger fraction of total water intake was retained when the standard meal plus drink was consumed. This may have been due to the larger quantities of Na⁺ and K⁺ ingested with the meal [mean 63 (SEM 4)mmol Na⁺, 21.3 (SEM 1.3)mmol K⁺] than with the drink [mean 42 (SEM 2) mmol Na⁺, 6.8 (SEM 0.4) mmol K⁺]. There was no difference between trials B and C in any of the measured blood parameters, but urinary Na⁺ and K⁺ excretion were both higher on trial C than B. These results suggest that post-exercise fluid replacement can be achieved by ingestion of water if consumed in sufficient volume together with a meal providing significant amounts of electrolytes.     

Exercise training induces similar elevations in the activity of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and peak oxygen uptake in the human quadriceps muscle

During exercise involving a small muscle mass, peak oxygen uptake is thought to be limited by peripheral factors, such as the degree of oxygen extraction from the blood and/or mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Previously, the maximal activity of the Krebs cycle enzyme oxoglutarate dehydrogenase has been shown to provide a quantitative measure of maximal oxidative metabolism, but it is not known whether the increase in this activity after a period of training reflects the elevation in peak oxygen consumption. Fourteen subjects performed one-legged knee extension exercise for 5–7 weeks, while the other leg remained untrained. Thereafter, the peak oxygen uptake by the quadriceps muscle was determined for both legs, and muscle biopsies were taken for assays of maximal enzyme activities (at 25°C). The peak oxygen uptake was 26% higher in the trained than in the untrained muscle (395 vs. 315 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹, respectively; P < 0.01). The maximal activities of the Krebs cycle enzymes in the trained and untrained muscle were as follows: citrate synthase, 22.4 vs. 18.2 μmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹ (23%, P < 0.05); oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, 1.88 vs. 1.54 μmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹ (22%, P < 0.05); and succinate dehydrogenase, 3.88 vs. 3.28 μmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹ (18%, P < 0.05). The difference between the trained and untrained muscles with respect to peak oxygen uptake (80 ml min⁻¹ kg⁻¹) corresponded to a flux through the Krebs cycle of 1.05 μmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹, and the corresponding difference in oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity (at 38°C) was 0.83 μmol min⁻¹ g⁻¹. These parallel increases suggest that there is no excess mitochondrial capacity during maximal exercise with a small muscle mass.