Integrated nutritional, hormonal, and metabolic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) supplementation in trauma patients

An anabolic stimulus is needed in addition to conventional nutritional support in the catabolic “flow” phase of severe trauma. One promising therapy appears to be rhGH infusion which has direct as well as hormonal mediated substrate effects. We investigated on a whole-body level, the basic metabolic effects of trauma within 48–60 h after injury in 20 severely injured (injury severity score [ISS] = 31 ± 2), highly catabolic (N LOSS = 19 ± 2 g/d), hypermetabolic (resting energy expenditure [REE] = 141 ± 5% basal energy expenditure [BEE]), adult (age 46 ± 5 y) multiple-trauma victims, before starting nutrition therapy and its modification after 1 wk of rhGH supplementation with TPN (1.1 × REE calories, 250 mg N·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹). Group H (n = 10) randomly received at 8:00 a.m. on a daily basis rhGH (0.15 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) and Group C (n = 10) received the vehicle of infusion. Protein metabolism (turnover, synthesis and breakdown rates, and N balance); glucose kinetics (production, oxidation, and recycling); lipid metabolism, (lipolysis and fat oxidation rates), daily metabolic and fuel substrate oxidation rate (indirect calorimetry); and plasma levels of hormones, substrates, and amino acids were quantified. In group H compared to group C: N balance is less negative (−41 ± 18 vs −121 ± 19 mg N·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹, P = 0.001); whole body protein synthesis rate is 28 ± 2% (P = 0.05) higher; protein synthesis efficiency is higher (62 ± 2% vs 48 ± 3%, P = 0.010); plasma glucose level is significantly elevated (256 ± 25 vs 202 ± 17 mg/dL, P = 0.05) without affecting hepatic glucose output (1.51 ± 0.20 vs 1.56 ± 0.6 mg N·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), glucose oxidation and recycling rates; significantly enhanced rate of lipolysis (P = 0.006) and free fatty acid reesterification (P = 0.05); significantly elevated plasma levels of anabolic GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and insulin; trauma induced counter-regulatory hormone (cortisol, glucagon, catecholamines) levels are not altered; trauma induced hypoaminoacidemia is normalized (P < 0.05) and 3-methylhistidine excretion is significantly low (P < 0.001). Improved plasma IGF-1 levels in Group H compared with Group C account for protein anabolic effects of adjuvant rhGH and may be helpful in promoting tissue repair and early recovery. Skeletal muscle protein is spared by rhGH resulting in the stimulation of visceral protein breakdown. The hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemia observed during rhGH supplementation may be due to defective nonoxidative glucose disposal, as well as inhibition of glucose transport activity into tissue cells. The simultaneous operation of increased lipolytic and reesterification processes may allow the adipocyte to respond rapidly to changes in peripheral metabolic fuel requirements during injury. This integral approach helps us to better understand the mechanism of the metabolic effects of rhGH.     

Determination of Myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in black rice bran by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection

A high-performance capillary electrophoresis (CE) method with electrochemical detection (ED) is developed for simultaneous determination of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in black rice bran in this work. A 140 μm diameter copper-disk electrode operated in a wall-jet configuration, which exhibited good response at +0.65 V (relative to the saturated calomel electrode (SCE)) for the two analytes in 50 mm sodium hydroxide solution, was used as working electrode. The optimum conditions for determination was optimized with regard to the potential applied to the working electrode, concentration of the running buffer, separation voltage and injection time. The analytes were separated within 20 min. Excellent linearity was obtained in the concentration range from 1.0×10⁻⁶ to 1.0×10⁻⁴ g/ml for both analytes. The detection limit (S/N=3) was 5.3×10⁻⁷ and 7.3×10⁻⁷ g/ml for myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol, respectively. The work provides a useful method for the analysis of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in black rice bran.     

The Ecotoxicity of Chlorate to Aquatic Organisms: A Critical Review

In order to assess the risk posed by chlorate in aquatic ecosystems, data on the effects of chlorate on aquatic organisms (microorganisms, algae, invertebrates, and fish) and mesocosm studies have been collated and critically reviewed. The geometric mean E(L)C₅₀ values for both freshwater and marine species were (as ClO₃⁻): microorganisms, 38,583 mg · liter⁻¹; microalgae, 563 mg · liter⁻¹ invertebrates, 2442 mg · liter⁻¹; fish, 3815 mg · liter⁻¹. Marine macro red algae were insensitive to chlorate, whereas marine macro brown algae (e.g., Fucus sp.) appeared to be exceptionally sensitive to chlorate, adverse long-term effects having been reported at concentrations as low as 0.015 mg ClO₃⁻ · liter⁻¹. Evidence for the mechanism by which chlorate is thought to be particularly toxic to these species is also reviewed. It is concluded that, based on the species reported, chlorate is nontoxic (acute toxicity >100 mg · liter⁻¹) to most of the freshwater and marine species examined. However, chlorate is highly toxic (acute toxicity <0.1 mg · liter⁻¹) to certain macro brown algal species. For macro brown algae, the NOEC after 6 months was reported to be approximately 0.005 mg ClO₃⁻ · liter⁻¹. It is also concluded that an improved understanding of the actual mode of action of chlorate in sensitive species is desirable. Together with further information on the environmental fate of chlorate, this will improve the risk assessment for chlorate in the aquatic environment.     

Iodo and diiodotyrosine epoxysuccinyl derivatives as selective inhibitors of cathepsin B

Eight new analogs of -trans-epoxysuccinyl- -leucylamido(3-methyl)butane (E-64-c) containing Phe, Tyr, Tyr(1) or Tyr(I₂) in place of Leu, were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of papain, bovine spleen cathepsin B, calpain I and II from porcine red cells and porcine kidney, respectively. By use of kinetic methods, the new E-64 analogs proved to irreversibly inactivate both papain and cathepsin B via reversible enzyme-inhibitor intermediates EI. Second-order rate constants for inactivation were in the range 3500-55 100 M⁻¹s⁻¹ for papain and 650–105 000 M⁻¹s⁻¹ for cathepsin B. For the inactivation of calpain I and II they ranged between 250 and 2000 M⁻¹s⁻¹ and were similar to those of the known E-64-c. The effectiveness of the amino acid contained in the inhibitors tested increased in the order Tyr(I) ≈ Tyr(I₂) < Tyr < Phe < Leu for papain and Phe < Tyr < Tyr(I) < Leu < Tyr(I₂) for cathepsin B inactivation. Replacement of the with the -trans-epoxysuccinyl unit caused a 10–100-fold decrease in inhibitor potencies.     

Analysis of trans-resveratrol: Comparison of methods and contents in Muscatel fortified wines from Setúbal region in Portugal

Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry conditions were developed in order to identify trans-resveratrol in sweet fortified Muscatel wines from Setúbal region (Portugal). Diode array, fluorescence and electrochemical detectors were used for quantitation purposes. The detection and quantitation limits for each detection mode were: 0.02 and 0.06 mg L⁻¹ for UV–vis, 0.01 and 0.03 mg L⁻¹ for fluorescence and 0.45 and 1.35 mg L⁻¹ for electrochemical. Repeatibility (n=6) expressed as the relative standard deviation of peak areas for a standard solution of trans-resveratrol (1.75 mg L⁻¹) was 0.5% for fluorescence and 1.5% for UV–vis and electrochemical detection modes. Samples collected at one representative producer, during the winemaking process, were injected without pre-treatment and the quantitation of trans-resveratrol was carried out using fluorimetric detection. The trans-resveratrol content decreased slightly along the winemaking process and the concentrations ranged from 0.22±0.02 to 0.16±0.02 mg L⁻¹.After maturation stages, trans-resveratrol contents in wines collected at different producers were compared: values obtained range from 0.13±0.02 to 0.38±0.03 mg L⁻¹. The trans-resveratrol contents in commercially available wines from the same producers were lower.     

Synthesis and characterization of rhenium and technetium-99m tricarbonyl complexes bearing the 4-[3-bromophenyl]quinazoline moiety as a biomarker for EGFR-TK imaging

Aiming at the development of technetium-99m (^99mTc) complexes for early detection and staging of EGFR positive tumors, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor 6-amino-4-[(3-bromophenyl)amino]quinazoline was derivatized with pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde to generate the imine 6-(pyridine-2-methylimine)-4-[(3-bromophenyl)amino]quinazoline suitable for reacting with the fac-[^99mTc(CO)₃]⁺ core as an N,N bidentate ligand.The labelling was performed in high yield (>90%) by ligand exchange reaction using fac-[^99mTc(OH₂)₃(CO)₃]⁺ as precursor. The ^99mTc complex was characterized by comparative HPLC analysis using the analogous rhenium (Re) complex as reference. The Re complex was prepared by ligand exchange reaction using the fac-[ReBr₃(CO)₃]²⁻ as precursor and was fully characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopies and elemental analysis. In vitro studies indicate that both the ligand and its Re complex inhibit the EGFR autophosphorylation (IC₅₀: 17 ± 3.7 and 114 ± 23 nM respectively) in intact A431 cells, bind the receptor in a reversible mode, and inhibit A431 cell growth (IC₅₀: 5.2 ± 1.1 and 2.0 ± 0.98 μM respectively). Biodistribution of the ^99mTc complex in healthy animals showed a rather fast blood and soft tissue clearance between 1 and 15 min p.i. with excretion occurring mainly via the hepatobiliary system.     

Effects of Dietary Cadmium and Its Bioconcentration in Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

The administration of cadmium, as food supplement, its bioaccumulation, and the effects on the development of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were investigated. The average size and weight and its behavior compared with controls were investigated during the period January 31, 1997, until March 31, 1999. At intervals of 60 days the measurements of size and weight were performed, and the concentration of cadmium in feces, water, muscular tissue, and viscera were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The initial average cadmium concentration in food was 5 mg·kg⁻¹ and only after 6 months a small effect on size and weight could be observed. With increases in cadmium concentration to 50 mg·kg⁻¹, beginning after the 7th month, and 100 mg·kg⁻¹ after the 16th month, a clear difference in size and weight and also in behavior could be observed. An LC₅₀ value of 40 mg·kg⁻¹ was observed after the 23rd month.     

Probiotic Fermentation of Indigenous Food Mixture: Effect on Antinutrients and Digestibility of Starch and Protein

Indigenously developed BCGT food mixture which contained barley flour, milk coprecipitate, sprouted green gram paste and tomato pulp (2:1:1:1 w/w) was autoclaved (103.4 k Pa, 15 min, 121°C), cooled and inoculated with 2% liquid culture (containing 10⁶cells/mL broth). Two types of fermentations were carried out, i.e., single culture fermentation [L. casei, L. plantarum (37°C, 24 h)] and sequential culture fermentation [S. boulardii (25°C, 24 h)+L. casei (37°C, 24 h);S. boulardii (25°C, 24 h)+L. plantarum (37°C, 24 h)]. All the fermentations drastically reduced the contents of phytic acid, polyphenols and trypsin inhibitor activity while significantly improving the in vitro digestibilities of starch and protein. Sequential culture fermentations brought about higher changes as compared to single culture fermentations.     

Effect of three plastic catheters on survival and growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The effect of Polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU) and siliconized latex (SL) catheters on the survival and growth of six non-mucoid and three mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1 × 10⁸) was incubated in PBS alone (control) or with 30 1-cm length segments of each catheter and the number of viable microorganisms was determined after 8 h, 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10 days. The presence of PVC catheters significantly favoured the survival and growth of non-mucoid strains in comparison to the control (P < 0·05 at 5 days, P < 0·01 at 7 days and thereafter); a similar result was observed with SL catheters (P < 0·05 at 2 days, P < 0·01 at 5 days and thereafter). No differences were observed with PU catheters. The number of mucoid microorganisms decreased with time in all controls and suspensions containing segments of catheter, but non-mucoid revertants appeared and quickly increased in the presence of PVC and SL (but not PU) catheters. Eluates of PBS previously containing PVC or SL segments induced a 100- to 500-fold increase in the growth of a non-mucoid strain in comparison with PBS alone. It is concluded that some plastic catheters can release substance(s) that favour the viability of P. aeruginosa.     

Effects of subchronic nitrite exposure on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Subchronic toxicity of nitrite in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss; mean mass±S.D., 18.9±1.3 g) was assessed in a 28-day trial. The influence of nitrite on fish mortality, growth rate, haematology, blood biochemistry, and gill histology was observed. Survival was not affected by exposures up to 1 mg l⁻¹ NO₂⁻ (at 10 mg l⁻¹ Cl⁻). On the basis of growth rate inhibition data, the values of NOEC (28 d LC₀) and LOEC (28 d LC₁₀) were estimated at 0.01 and 0.2 mg l⁻¹ NO₂⁻, respectively. At 0.01 mg l⁻¹ NO₂⁻ (the lowest concentration tested), there was segmental hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium of secondary lamellae and elevated glucose and decreased potassium. Elevated nitrite concentrations were found in blood plasma of fish exposed to concentrations of 1.0 mg l⁻¹ NO₂⁻ and higher, and in muscle tissue at the highest concentration 3.0 mg l⁻¹ NO₂⁻. Plasma and muscle nitrite levels were lower than those in the ambient water in all experimental groups.     

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding properties and antioxidant activity of Ln(III) complexes with hesperetin-4-one-(benzoyl) hydrazone

Novel Ln(III) complexes with hesperetin-4-one-(benzoyl) hydrazone (H₄L) have been synthesized and characterized. Electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectra, ethidium bromide displacement experiments, iodide quenching experiments, salt effect and viscosity measurements indicate that the ligand and Ln(III) complexes, especially the Nd(III) complex, strongly bind to calf thymus DNA, presumably via an intercalation mechanism. The intrinsic binding constants of the Nd(III) complex and ligand with DNA were 2.39 × 10⁶ and 2.70 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the ligand and Ln(III) complexes was determined by superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging method in vitro, which indicate that the ligand and Ln(III) complexes have the activity to suppress O₂⁻ and HO and the Ln(III) complexes exhibit more effective antioxidant activity than the ligand alone.     

Acute toxicity tests using rotifers : IV. Effects of cyst age, temperature, and salinity on the sensitivity of Brachionus calyciflorus

Several aspects of the response to toxicants using a standardized toxicity test with the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus are described. Test animals are obtained by hatching cysts which produce animals of similar age and physiological condition. The acute toxicity of 28 compounds is described with 24-hr LC₅₀'s. The LC₅₀'s span five orders of magnitude, from silver at 0.008 mg · liter⁻¹ to benzene at more than 1000 mg · liter⁻¹. Control mortality in 84 tests averaged 2% with a standard deviation of 3%, indicating very consistent test sensitivity. Only once in 84 trials did a test fail because of excessive control mortality, yielding a failure rate of 1.2%. Cyst age from 0 to 18 months had no effect on the sensitivity of neonates to reference toxicants. Both high and low temperatures increased rotifer sensitivity to reference toxicants. Copper sensitivity was greater at 10, 25, and 30°C compared with results at 20°C. Likewise, sodium pentachlorophenol toxicity was greater at 10 and 30°C compared with results at 20°C. Survivorship curves at 25°C of neonates under control conditions indicated that mortality begins at about 30 hr. This places a practical limit on toxicant exposure for the assay of 24 hr. B. calyciflorus cysts hatch at salinities up to 5 ppt and acute toxicity tests using pentachlorophenol at this salinity yielded LC₅₀'s about one-half those of standard freshwater. B. calyciflorus is preferred over Brachionus plicatilis for toxicity tests in salinities up to 5 ppt because it is consistently more sensitive.     

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated in Saudi Arabia: epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) comprised about 7·5% per annum of all S. aureus isolated in a general hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during the 3 year period 1990–1992. Most isolates were from wound sites (71%). Resistance to gentamicin (83%) and tetracycline (93%) was frequently observed whilst resistance to ciprofloxacin (1%) and rifampicin (6%) was uncommon. Low levels of mupirocin resistance (MIC 8 mg 1⁻¹), were detected in 3% of all MRSA isolates.     

Glutamate and N-methyl-d-aspartate binding sites in the guinea pig hippocampus: Ontogeny and effect of acute in vitro ethanol exposure

The objectives of this study were to characterize the ontogeny of the l-glutamate (glutamate) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) binding sites in the developing guinea pig hippocampus, and to determine the effect of acute in vitro ethanol exposure on these binding sites. Specific [³H]glutamate binding and NMDA-sensitive [³H]glutamate binding were determined using a guinea pig hippocampal synaptic membrane preparation (HSMP). To characterize the ontogeny of the density (B_max) and affinity (K_d) of the glutamate and NMDA binding sites, saturation analysis was conducted on HSMP of guinea pigs at gestational day (GD) 50 (immature fetus; term, GD 68), GD 62 (mature, near-term fetus), postnatal day (PD) 13 (neonate), and PD > 60 (adult). To examine the effect of ethanol on the glutamate and NMDA binding sites, HSMP of guinea pigs at GD 50, GD 62, PD 13, and PD > 60 was incubated with ethanol (0–100 mM), followed by determination of specific ['H]glutamate binding and NMDA-sensitive [³H]glutamate binding. To determine the effect of 50 mM ethanol on the B_max, and K_d of the glutamate and NMDA binding sites, HSMP of guinea pigs at GD 62 and PD > 60 was incubated with 0 or 50 mM ethanol followed by saturation analysis. The B_max, values of the hippocampal glutamate and NMDA binding sites were greater at GD 62 and PD 13 compared with GD 50 and PD > 60, but there was no change in the K_d of the binding sites throughout development. Ethanol did not alter hippocampal specific [³H]glutamate binding or NMDA-sensitive [³H]glutamate binding at any of the ages studied, and did not alter the hippocampal B_max or K_d of the glutamate or NMDA binding sites at GD 62 and PD > 60.     

Sorption and Desorption of Fipronil in Midwestern Soils

Fipronil, {5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfinyl]-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile} is commonly applied to soil to protect structures against termite infestations. The fate and bioavailability of fipronil in soil is dependent upon the variability of sorption processes and will differ from soil to soil. Adsorption of fipronil to three Nebraska soils with varying organic matter (OM) content was determined. At the concentrations tested (0.025, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg L⁻¹), adsorption curves showed constant partitioning of fipronil to the soil matrices (r ² = 0.998 − 0.999). Calculated organic carbon partitioning coefficients (K _oc) ranged from 244 to 628 with an average K _oc of 396. Reported K _d and K _f values increased with increasing organic matter content. Desorption hysteresis was observed as fipronil has a propensity to stay in the adsorbed state. After five soil washes with 0.003 M CaCl₂, ~30% of adsorbed fipronil residues were desorbed. Reported K _oc values for fipronil suggests that it has intermediate mobility in the field collected soils utilized in this study.     

Effect of severity of stress on whole-body protein kinetics in surgical patients receiving parenteral nutrition

A study was conducted to clarify the quantitative relationship between the alteration of protein metabolism and the severity of surgical stress to further understand the mechanisms of body nitrogen losses in surgical trauma. Twenty-one patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (group E), and 22 undergoing gastrectomy or colorectal operations for gastric or colorectal cancer (Group GC) were studied. All patients were fed exclusively by parenteral nutrition (PN) providing 1.5 g protein · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹ and 35 kcal · kg⁻¹ before and after the operation. The measurements of whole-body protein turnover, synthesis, and breakdown were performed preoperatively and on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 10. Urinary excretion of total nitrogen and total catecholamines was also measured. Urinary excretion of the total catecholamines of group E was twice as high as that of group GC on the POD 3 and well reflected the severity of surgical stress. Negative correlation of nitrogen retention to urinary excretion of the total catecholamines was also observed (r = 0.64; P < 0.01). The correlations between the urinary excretion of the total catecholamines and the whole-body protein flux, synthesis, and breakdown were statistically significant (r = 0.57, 0.27, and 0.57, respectively; P < 0.01 in all). Rate of elevation in breakdown according to the stress level was greater than that of synthesis. Consequently the progressive aggravation of nitrogen balance according to the severity of surgical stress was observed.     

Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of Philippine potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers

Four potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties – Bengueta, Ganza, Igorota and 125411.22 – were analyzed for total phenolic content and antioxidant activities to provide baseline data for Philippine potato varieties. Bengueta had the highest phenolic content with 50.0 ± 1.5 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (dry basis, DB). It also had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity with an EC₅₀ value of 30.6 ± 3.6 mg/mL (DB). The potato variety125411.22 had the highest reducing power with EC₅₀ equal to 66.2 ± 1.6 mg/mL (DB), while Igorota had the highest iron-chelating capacity with an EC₅₀ of 11.0 ± 3.2 mg/mL (DB) and the best inhibitory action against linoleic acid oxidation at 95.4 ± 2.2% at 50 mg/mL sample concentration. Methanolic potato extracts had better antioxidant activity than α-tocopherol and better iron chelating capacity than ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Significant (^*P < 0.05) negative correlation (R = −0.542) was observed between total phenolic content and the EC₅₀ values for DPPH radical scavenging activity, but none between total phenolic content and reducing power, iron-chelating capacity and total antioxidant activity.     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Freshwater Isopods and Field-Partitioning Between Abiotic Phases

An assessment was made of the in situ bioaccumulation of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in freshwater isopods in relation to their partitioning between sediments, particulate matter (>0.7 μm), and dissolved phases in eight different water systems of The Netherlands. Large differences in total (Γ PAHs) concentrations and in relative abundance of individual PAHs were observed between organisms and abiotic compartments and among sampling stations. Principal component analysis revealed distinct differences between PAH profiles in sediments and water. High molecular weight PAHs dominated in the sediments, fluoranthene and pyrene in the isopods, and naphthalene in water. Apparent lipid-based bioconcentration factors (BCFs) increased with increasing hydrophobicity (n-octanol/water partition coefficient; K_ow). The total range of the BCFs varied only one order of magnitude, ranging from 10^5.1 (naphthalene) to 10^6.1 (benzo[a]pyrene). For PAHs with log K_ow > 6.1 lower BCFs than expected were observed, which was attributed to reduced bioavailability, to the operational definition of the dissolved phase, and to growth dilution preventing equilibrium to be reached within the lifetime of the isopods. Abiotic partitioning coefficients, such as K_oc (organic carbon normalized sediment–water partition coefficient) and K_pm (particulate matter–water distribution coefficient) increased with hydrophobicity for PAHs having a log K_ow < 6.1. Sediment-water partition coefficients (K_d) increased with the organic carbon content of the sediments for most PAHs. It is concluded that isopods have a marked ability to accumulate PAHs and that their tissue residues tend to reflect spatial and temporal variations in the bioavailability of PAHs in littoral freshwater environments. Received: 9 April 1997/Accepted: 3 January 1998     

Krill oil supplementation increases plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in overweight and obese men and women

Antarctic krill, also known as Euphausia superba, is a marine crustacean rich in both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We tested the hypothesis that krill oil would increase plasma concentrations of EPA and DHA without adversely affecting indicators of safety, tolerability, or selected metabolic parameters. In this randomized, double-blind parallel arm trial, overweight and obese men and women (N = 76) were randomly assigned to receive double-blind capsules containing 2 g/d of krill oil, menhaden oil, or control (olive) oil for 4 weeks. Results showed that plasma EPA and DHA concentrations increased significantly more (P < .001) in the krill oil (178.4 ± 38.7 and 90.2 ± 40.3 μmol/L, respectively) and menhaden oil (131.8 ± 28.0 and 149.9 ± 30.4 μmol/L, respectively) groups than in the control group (2.9 ± 13.8 and −1.1 ± 32.4 μmol/L, respectively). Systolic blood pressure declined significantly more (P < .05) in the menhaden oil (−2.2 ± 2.0 mm Hg) group than in the control group (3.3 ± 1.5 mm Hg), and the response in the krill oil group (−0.8 ± 1.4 mm Hg) did not differ from the other 2 treatments. Blood urea nitrogen declined in the krill oil group as compared with the menhaden oil group (P < .006). No significant differences for other safety variables were noted, including adverse events. In conclusion, 4 weeks of krill oil supplementation increased plasma EPA and DHA and was well tolerated, with no indication of adverse effects on safety parameters.     

Sperm Na+, K+-ATPase α4 and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) 4 regulation in asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia, which is characterized by reduced motility, is one of the etiologies of male infertility. Its biochemical and functional consequences include altered ATPase activity. This study investigated the activities of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase and the expression of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase α4 and PMCA4 isoforms in human sperm of asthenozoospermic infertile men. Nineteen samples from asthenozoospermic infertile couples were examined in this study. Computerized-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was performed, and the enzyme activity was measured based on the ability of ATPase to release organic phosphate from ATP as a substrate. The Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase α4 and PMCA4 isoform expression levels were measured by western immunoblotting, whereas the protein distribution was examined by immunocytochemistry. This showed that the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase α4 isoform expression were lower in the asthenozoospermia group than in the normozoospermia group (8.688±1.161 versus 13.851±1.884 µmol Pi/mg protein/h, respectively; p>0.05). In contrast, the Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was significantly higher in the asthenozoospermia group than in the normozoospermia group (11.154±1.186 versus 2.725±0.545 µmol Pi/mg protein/h, respectively; p<0.05). In comparison, PMCA4 expression in the asthenozoospermia group was lower than in the normozoospermia group (p>0.05). The altered ATPase activity and isoform expression in asthenozoospermia may impair sperm structure and function.