Search Results (500)

Suckling is crucial for piglet intestinal development and gut health, as it improves resilience during the challenging weaning phase and promotes subsequent growth. IPS, comprising Na⁺/K⁺ ions, whey protein, and glucose, has been shown to have positive effects on animal growth and intestinal health. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of IPS consumption on the growth performance, immunity, intestinal growth and development, and microbiota structure of suckling piglets. A total of 160 newborn piglets were randomly divided into control and IPS groups, with IPS supplementation starting from 2 to 8 days after birth and continuing until 3 days before weaning. The findings revealed that IPS boosted the body weight at 24 days by 3.6% (p < 0.05) and improved the body weight gain from 16 to 24 days by 15.7% (p < 0.05). Additionally, the jejunal villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the IPS group were notably increased to 1.08 and 1.31 times (p < 0.05), respectively, compared to the control group. Furthermore, IPS elevated the plasma levels of IgA and IgM, reduced the plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and enhanced the content of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in the jejunal mucosa of suckling piglets. Furthermore, IPS upregulated the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins GLP-2, ZO-1, and Claudin-1 in jejunal tissue, while downregulating the regulatory genes in the Toll-like pathway, including MyD88 and TLR-4 (p < 0.05). The analysis of gut microbiota indicated that IPS altered the relative abundance of gut microbes, with an increase in beneficial bacteria like Alloprevotella and Bacteroides. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that IPS supplementation enhances weaning weight, growth performance, immune function, and intestinal development in piglets, supporting the integration of IPS supplementation in the management of pre-weaning piglets. Full article

Background: The global increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases necessitates the need for early detection of metabolic changes. This study investigated variations in liver enzymes, renal markers, electrolytes, and lipid profiles among T2DM patients stratified by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) categories to support early identification and better management of diabetes-related complications. Methods: A retrospective observational study at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), Riyadh, included 621 adult patients diagnosed with T2DM categorized into four HbA1c groups: normal (<5.7%), prediabetes (5.7–6.4%), controlled diabetes (6.5–7.9%), and uncontrolled diabetes (≥8.0%). Biochemical parameters included the liver profile: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, renal profile: creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, sodium, and chloride, and lipid profile: cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. Regression models identified predictors of ALP, cholesterol, and LDL. Results: ALP was higher in uncontrolled diabetes (89.0 U/L, Q1–Q3: 106.3–72.0) than in the prediabetes group (75.0 U/L, Q1–Q3: 96.8–62.3). Sodium and chloride were lower in uncontrolled diabetes (Na: 138.3 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 140.3–136.4; Cl: 101.1 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 102.9–99.4) compared to the normal group (Na: 139.5 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 142.4–136.9; Cl: 103.5 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 106.1–101.7). LDL was lower in uncontrolled diabetes (2.1 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 2.8–1.7) than in the normal group (2.8 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 3.7–2.2), while triglycerides were higher in patients with uncontrolled diabetes compared to the normal group (1.45 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 2.02–1.11 vs. 1.26 mmol/L, Q1–Q3: 1.44–0.94). Regression models showed low explanatory power (R² = 2.1–7.3%), with weight, age, and sex as significant predictors of select biochemical markers. Conclusions: The study observed biochemical variations across HbA1c categories in T2DM patients, likely reflecting insulin resistance. Monitoring these markers in conjunction with HbA1c can enhance early detection and improve the management of complications. Full article

(1) Background: The urate-lowering effects of three iridoid glycosides, which are paederosidic acid, paederosidic acid methyl ester, and paederoside, isolated from Paederia foetida and the protection they provide against hyperuricemia-induced kidney injury were investigated in a rat model. (2) Methods: A hyperuricemia (HUA) rat model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through intraperitoneal potassium oxonate (PO) and intragastrical adenine for 2 weeks. Subsequently, rats in the pharmaceutical intervention groups received corresponding drug treatments at a concentration of 40 mg/kg/day, maintained consistently for 7 days. (3) Results: The results showed that three compounds reduced serum urate (SU), creatinine (CRE), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels and that the urinary excretion levels of uric acid, urine urea nitrogen, and creatinine increased. Furthermore, the administration of three iridoid glycosides enhanced renal filtration capacity, as demonstrated by the elevated 24 h creatinine clearance rate (CCR) and 24 h uric acid clearance rate (CUA); improved the fraction excretion of uric acid (FEUA); and attenuated renal damage. Finally, three iridoid glycosides promoted uric acid excretion in HUA rats by downregulating URAT1 and GLUT9 and upregulating ABCG2, OAT1, and OAT3. Moreover, the molecular docking results further corroborated the finding that the three compounds can bind to multiple sites of the uric acid transporter via hydrogen, P-π, and hydrophobic bonds. (4) Conclusions: The three iridoid glycosides were found to lower SU levels by increasing uric acid excretion. They are promising natural products for the prevention of HUA and HUA-induced kidney injury. Full article

Background: Several blood biomarkers have shown a major role in predicting major adverse complications (MACs) in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. Here, we aimed to investigate the possible role of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to serum albumin ratio (BAR) and the inflammatory prognostic index (IPI) in predicting major adverse complication after surgical aorta valve replacement (SAVR). Methods: The clinical, echocardiographic, and clinical-chemistry laboratory data of 195 patients who underwent SAVR were evaluated. The post-surgical MACs (death, surgical re-exploration, myocardial infarction and cerebral ischemia) during the hospitalization were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were studied by comparing the basic clinical features, echocardiographic parameters, and patients’ hematological indices between patients with or without MACs. Results: The mean age was 66.1 years, and 62.5% were males. Logistic regression analysis showed that the left atrium volume (LAV), BAR, and IPI as either continuous or categorical variables were independently associated with MACs. Moreover, we found a combined effect of higher LAV with a higher value of BAR or IPI. Combined higher levels of LAV and BAR increased the risk of developing MACs by 9.8 (CI 95% = 2.8–34.3, p = 0.0003), while higher values of LAV and IPI increased the risk of developing MACs by 4.5. Conclusions: Higher levels of BAR and IPI, alone or in combination with higher LAVs, showed an independent predictive value of MACs after SAVR. These findings strongly support the importance of evaluating easily available biomarkers of the pre-operative status of patients in order to predict adverse outcomes. Full article

CKD is a leading cause of illness in older cats, but early detection is challenging due to the limitations of conventional biomarkers. This study evaluated the clinical utility of the UAC for identifying early-stage renal dysfunction in cats and proposed a diagnostic matrix incorporating the UAC with other biomarkers. Blood and urine samples from 59 healthy cats and 190 cats with CKD were analyzed, and UAC levels were compared with symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). UAC values were significantly elevated in cats with CKD, including those in stage 1. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a UAC cut-off of 16.3 mg/g, yielding 100% specificity and 43.7% sensitivity for early-stage CKD classification. The UAC showed significant correlations with other renal biomarkers and was incorporated into a multi-parameter matrix to support disease staging. These findings suggest that the UAC may be a promising supplementary biomarker for evaluating renal function in cats and could aid clinical decision-making when interpreted in conjunction with established diagnostic parameters. Full article

Background: Brain injuries, including stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), pose a major healthcare challenge due to their severe consequences and complex recovery. While ischemic strokes are more common, hemorrhagic strokes have a worse prognosis. TBI often affects young adults and leads to long-term disability. A critical concern in these patients is the frequent development of chronic critical illness, compounded by metabolic disturbances and malnutrition that hinder recovery. Objective: This study aimed to compare changes in nutritional status parameters under standard enteral nutrition protocols and clinical outcomes in prolonged/chronic critically ill patients with TBI or stroke versus such a population of patients without TBI or stroke. Methods: This matched prospective–retrospective cohort study included intensive care unit (ICU) patients with TBI or stroke from the Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology and patients without these conditions from the eICU-CRD database. Inclusion criteria comprised age 18–74 years, ICU stay >5 days, and enteral nutrition. Patients with re-hospitalization, diabetes, acute organ failure, or incomplete data were excluded. Laboratory values and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics (age, sex, and body mass index). Results: After PSM, 29 patients with TBI or stroke and 121 without were included. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in 21 laboratory parameters and three hospitalization outcomes. On day 1, the TBI/stroke group had higher hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, total protein, and albumin, but lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and glucose. By day 20, they had statistically significantly lower calcium, BUN, creatinine, and glucose. This group also showed less change in lymphocytes, calcium, and direct bilirubin. Hospitalization outcomes showed longer mechanical ventilation duration (p = 0.030) and fewer cases of acute kidney injury (p = 0.0220) in the TBI/stroke group. Conclusions: TBI and stroke patients exhibit unique metabolic patterns during prolonged/chronic critical illness, differing significantly from other ICU populations in protein/glucose metabolism and complication rates. These findings underscore the necessity for specialized nutritional strategies in neurocritical care and warrant further investigation into targeted metabolic interventions. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Maresin-1 (MaR1), Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), and inflammatory as well as hematological markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 90 participants divided into three groups: healthy controls (n = 30), patients with T2DM (n = 30), and patients with diabetic nephropathy (n = 30). The serum levels of MaR1 and CHI3L1 were measured using ELISA. Biochemical and hematological parameters were also assessed. Statistical comparisons were conducted using non-parametric tests, and correlations were analyzed via Spearman correlation. Results: Serum MaR1 levels were significantly higher in DN patients compared to both T2DM patients and controls (p < 0.01), while CHI3L1 levels were significantly lower in the DN group compared to controls (p = 0.007). MaR1 showed a positive correlation with CRP, BUN, and creatinine, and a negative correlation with GFR. CHI3L1 levels were positively correlated with GFR and negatively with BUN. Inflammatory markers such as CRP were elevated in the diabetic groups, while no significant differences were found in NLR values. Conclusions: Elevated MaR1 levels in DN patients and their correlation with renal dysfunction markers suggest that MaR1 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in diabetic nephropathy. The unexpected decrease in CHI3L1 levels in DN patients indicates the need for further research to clarify their role. These findings indicated that MaR1 and CHI3L1 should be further investigated in future studies as indicators for the early detection and monitoring of diabetic complications. Full article

Heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, often leads to pulmonary hypertension (PH), a serious cardiovascular complication in infected dogs. PH may impair renal function through hemodynamic and inflammatory mechanisms, even when traditional biomarkers such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) remain within normal ranges. This study aimed to assess urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) levels in dogs naturally infected with D. immitis, with and without PH, to evaluate its potential as an early biomarker of renal dysfunction. Forty-two infected dogs were included and divided into two groups based on the presence (n = 14) or absence (n = 28) of PH, diagnosed via echocardiography. uNGAL concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with PH (mean 66.49 ± 6.67 ng/mL) compared to those without PH (mean 49.01 ± 14.48 ng/mL; p < 0.0001), despite normal creatinine and BUN values. No significant associations were found between uNGAL and sex, age, breed, or clinical signs. These findings suggest that uNGAL may serve as a sensitive biomarker of early renal impairment in dogs with heartworm disease and PH, even in the absence of overt azotemia, supporting its use in clinical evaluation and the monitoring of disease progression. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in intensive-care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with increased mortality. Elderly patients tend to have more comorbid chronic diseases and are more prone to AKI than younger populations, resulting in higher rates of hospitalization and a higher incidence of AKI. Our aim in this study was to investigate the prognostic utility of BUN/albumin ratio (BAR) in predicting mortality in elderly critically ill patients with AKI. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively on 154 elderly patients with AKI who were admitted to the ICU between October 2023 and September 2024.Data on the following demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were retrospectively collected from medical cards and electronic records. Results: In the non-survivor group, among comorbidities, lung disease was higher (p < 0.05), GCS was lower, and APACHE II was higher among clinical scores (p < 0.001). In the non-survivor group, diuretic use (p = 0.03), oliguria, RRT, vasopressor requirement, sepsis, and MV rates (p < 0.001),as well as BUN, phosphate, LDH, Crp, APTT, INR, and BAR rates, were higher (all p < 0.05) and albumin was lower (p = 0.01). Cut-off values of BUN, albumin, and BAR variables according to mortality status were determined by an ROC curve analysis, as follows:48.4 for BUN (p = 0.013), 31.5 for albumin (p = 0.001), and 1.507 for BAR (p = 0.001).According to the results of the ROC analysis performed to predict in-hospital mortality, the BAR level reached an AUC value of 0.655. A BAR value above 1.507 increases mortality by 3.944 times (p = 0.023). Conclusions: BAR is a simple and accessible biomarker that may serve as a predictor of in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with AKI. Its use may aid early risk stratification and decisionmaking in the ICU. Full article

Dengue mortality has traditionally been associated with severe thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic complications. However, during 2024, dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3) increased significantly in western Mexico, leading to the emergence of a distinct clinical pattern. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized dengue patients at the General Hospital of Colima (January–August 2024). Clinical features, laboratory parameters, and outcomes were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Among 201 hospitalized patients, 6 (3.0%) died. All deceased patients presented with generalized seizures, polyserositis (pleural effusion and/or ascites), and required mechanical ventilation. Contrary to classical patterns, they did not have severe thrombocytopenia. Instead, they showed significantly higher white blood cell counts and notably increased levels of serum urea and BUN, suggesting early renal impairment. ROC analysis indicated that BUN (AUC 0.904) and urea (AUC 0.906) were good to excellent discriminators of mortality. During 2024, with an increase in DENV-3 circulation, mortality was associated with neurological and systemic complications, including seizures and polyserositis, as well as biochemical evidence of renal dysfunction—but not with severe thrombocytopenia. These findings challenge current paradigms and highlight the need for early recognition of atypical clinical patterns. Full article

This study evaluated an established dynamic prediction model for protein and amino acid nutritional requirements on growth performance and health in layer chicks. A total of 288 one-day-old healthy Jing Tint 6 chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 6 replicates of 12 chicks each. The chicks in the four groups were fed a basal diet (BD) according to the feeding standards and a model diet (MD) based on the dynamic prediction model for protein and amino acid values at 90%, 100%, or 110% for 6 weeks. The results showed that, compared to the BD, the 110% MD increased (p < 0.05) the FI and the 100% MD had no effect (p > 0.05) on FI, BWG, and FCR of chicks throughout the entire feeding phase. The 90% MD, however, significantly reduced (p < 0.05) FI and BWG, while also increasing (p < 0.05) FCR during the 3–6- and 0–6-week periods. Additionally, compared to the BD, the 100% MD had a lower (p < 0.05) intake of crude protein, methionine, lysine, and threonine than that of the BD. Both the 100% and 110% MDs increased (p < 0.05) bursa weight and its index at the 2nd week, while the 90% MD reduced (p < 0.05) the weights of the liver, spleen, and pancreas at the 6th week when compared to the BD. Moreover, the 100% MD increased (p < 0.05) the weights of the duodenum and jejunum, while the 90% MD decreased (p < 0.05) jejunum and ileum length at the 2nd or 6th week. Furthermore, no differences (p > 0.05) were found in serum ALT, AST, BUN, and UA between the 100% MD and BD groups. In conclusion, the dynamic prediction model can minimize protein waste while supporting healthy growth and development in layer chicks. Full article

Objectives: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder linked to serious complications, yet current treatments face safety limitations. This study aimed to identify novel probiotic strains from Chinese Baijiu fermentation grains with dual-action mechanisms for HUA management—direct uric acid (UA) reduction and gut microbiota restoration. Methods: Two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains (LTJ1/LTJ48) were screened for purine/nucleoside degradation using HPLC. Their efficacy was evaluated in HepG2 cells and HUA mice. Key assessments included UA levels, renal/hepatic markers (AST, CRE, BUN), ADA/XOD activity, UA transporter expression (URAT1, GLUT9, ABCG2), and 16S rRNA-based microbiota analysis. Results: LTJ1/LTJ48 degraded >97% of purines/nucleosides in vitro. In HUA mice, they reduced serum UA by 31.0% (LTJ1) and 51.5% (LTJ48), improved renal/hepatic function, and suppressed ADA activity. They modulated UA transporters and restored gut microbiota. Conclusions: LTJ1/LTJ48 exhibit multi-target HUA alleviation via purine degradation, ADA inhibition, UA transporter regulation, and microbiota remodeling, offering a safer probiotic-based alternative to conventional therapies. Their translational potential warrants further clinical exploration. Full article

Hyperuricemia (HUA), a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels, often leads to renal and hepatic complications. This study evaluated the synergistic effects of Pediococcus acidilactici GQ01, a probiotic strain isolated from naturally fermented wolfberry, in combination with a complex (T) composed of buckwheat-fermented postbiotics, collagen peptide and multiple medicinal food blends in a murine HUA model. The combination therapy (T + GQ01) not only significantly reduced serum UA levels more effectively than T or GQ01 alone but also demonstrated superior inhibition of XOD activity and enhanced ADA activity, both of which are key regulators of purine metabolism. Additionally, T + GQ01 ameliorated kidney injury, as evidenced by reduced serum CRE and BUN levels, and improved liver function, indicated by decreased ALT and AST activities. Histopathological analysis further confirmed the protective effects of T + GQ01 on renal and hepatic tissues. Moreover, T + GQ01 modulated intestinal flora composition, promoted beneficial genera such as Weissella and Bacteroides, and enhanced the production of SCFAs, particularly propionic and butyric acids, which play critical roles in maintaining intestinal health. These findings suggest that the cocktail-like microecological regulator combining P. acidilactici GQ01, buckwheat-fermented postbiotics, collagen peptide and multiple medicinal food blends represents a promising therapeutic strategy for HUA by targeting multiple metabolic pathways, underscoring its potential as a novel intervention for HUA and its complications. Full article

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in disease pathogenesis. While reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly cause cellular injury, emerging evidence suggests oxidatively modified proteins like albumin may also contribute significantly to tissue damage. Although oxidized albumin (ox-Alb) is linked to renal pathology, the direct effects and mechanisms of ox-Alb on renal cell injury remain unclear. This study was created to address these questions. In mouse models of renal injury initiated by vitamin C/copper or ischemia/reperfusion, levels of serum ox-Alb were significantly elevated. The treatment of albumin with copper/vitamin C increased Alb carbonylation and reduced the number of sulfhydryl groups, causing Alb oxidation. In cultured renal tubular epithelial NRK-52E cells, ox-Alb triggered cell death, associated with increased intracellular albumin accumulation—enhanced cellular protein carbonylation, and p38 MAPK activation. Notably, ox-Alb induced ferroptosis, evidenced by decreased GPX4 and xCT, increased ACSL4, elevated iron and lipid peroxidation, and suppression by deferoxamine and liproxstatin-1. In vivo, administration of ox-Alb exacerbated doxorubicin-induced nephropathy, as indicated by the elevated BUN, creatinine, and proteinuria, and intensified renal ferroptotic responses, including altered GPX4 and ACSL4. Our findings demonstrate that ox-Alb induces renal cell ferroptosis and promotes renal disease progression, suggesting its pivotal pathogenic role in oxidative stress-related kidney diseases. Full article

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is difficult to cure. Lang Chuang Wan (LCW) has been widely used in clinical practice as a treatment for SLE and LN, but its active ingredients and mechanism of action have not been elucidated. To address this, we aim to analyze LCW’s chemical components and clarify its mechanisms in treating LN. Methods: We utilized ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to analyze the components of LCW and assessed its effects on MRL/lpr mice through ELISA, H&E staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, and IgG immunofluorescence. Then, we further explored the mechanisms of action through network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, and validated with Western blot. Results: LCW contained 1303 chemical components, primarily flavonoids and terpenoids. It significantly improved kidney pathology and normalized levels of serum ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, C3, C4, Cr, BUN, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, and urinary protein (UP) in MRL/lpr mice. Network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and metabolomics indicated that LCW’s therapeutic effect on LN involved the PI3K/AKT pathway, confirmed by Western blot showing LCW’s suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Conclusions: LCW alleviates pathological symptoms in MRL/lpr mice by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, providing insights into its therapeutic mechanisms for lupus nephritis. Full article