Search Results (798)

Dietary tannin supplementation represents a potential strategy to modulate rumen fermentation and enhance lactation performance in dairy cows, though responses remain inconsistent. A 21-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of chestnut tannin (CNT) extract on the enteric methane emissions (EME), blood metabolites, and milk production traits in mid-lactation dairy cows. Thirty-six Holstein cows were allocated to three homogeneous treatment groups: control (CNT₀, 0 g/d CNT), CNT₄₀ (40 g/d CNT), and CNT₈₀ (80 g/d CNT). Measurements of EME, dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), and blood and milk parameters were carried out pre- and post-21-day supplementation period. Compared with the no-additive group, the CNT extract reduced methane production, methane yield, and methane intensity in CNT₄₀ and CNT₈₀ (p < 0.001). CNT₄₀ and CNT₈₀ cows exhibited lower blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.019 and p = 0.002) and elevated serum insulin (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001) and growth hormone concentrations (p = 0.046 and p = 0.034), coinciding with reduced aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.016 and p = 0.045), and lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.011 and p = 0.008) activities compared to control. However, CNT₈₀ had higher circulating NEFA and BHBA than CNT₀ (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004) and CNT₄₀ (p = 0.035 and p = 0.019). The blood glucose, albumin, and total bilirubin concentrations were not affected. MY and fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM), MY/DMI, and FPCM/DMI were higher in both CNT₄₀ (p = 0.004, p = 0.003, p = 0.014, p = 0.010) and CNT₈₀ (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, p = 0.008, p = 0.013) cows compared with controls. Feeding CNT₈₀ resulted in higher protein content (p = 0.015) but lower fat percentage in milk (p = 0.004) compared to CNT₀. Milk urea nitrogen and somatic cell counts were significantly lower in both CNT₄₀ (p < 0.001, p = 0.009) and CNT₈₀ (p < 0.001 for both) compared to CNT₀, while milk lactose did not differ between treatments. These findings demonstrate that chestnut tannin extract effectively mitigates EME while enhancing lactation performance in mid-lactation dairy cows. Full article

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, the most common enzymatic disorder, affects over 500 million people worldwide and is often linked to exercise intolerance due to oxidative stress, but its true impact on physical performance remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and metabolic effects of G6PD deficiency on endurance capacity. Using humanized mice carrying the African G6PD variant [V68M; N126D] (hG6PD_A−), we show that despite reduced pentose phosphate pathway activity, these mice exhibit a 10.8% increase in treadmill critical speed (CS)—suggesting enhanced endurance capacity. Multi-omics profiling across red blood cells, plasma, skeletal muscle, spleen, kidney, and liver reveals metabolic adaptations, including elevated glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and increased mitochondrial activity, alongside heightened oxidative phosphorylation in muscle and accelerated red blood cell turnover in the spleen and liver. These findings indicate that systemic metabolic reprogramming may offset antioxidant deficiencies, potentially conferring a performance advantage. Given that G6PD deficiency affects up to 13% of African Americans and is associated with cardiovascular health disparities, our results challenge conventional exercise restrictions and highlight the need for personalized exercise guidelines for affected individuals. Full article

The climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, is one of the most widely distributed freshwater amphibious fishes in South and Southeast Asia, exhibiting terrestrial movements. Our experimental study aimed to investigate endocrinological and biochemical changes in the blood of climbing perch associated with their terrestrial movements. To achieve this, the fish were divided into two groups: one group was exposed to aquatic conditions for twenty minutes, while the other group was subjected to terrestrial conditions for the same duration through rapid water level decrease. In terrestrial conditions, the fish predominantly exhibit movements on land, whereas in aquatic environments, they primarily remain immobile or swim. Elevated levels of stress-induced cortisol and glucose after short-term exposure indicate a high-stress response involving both neuroendocrine and metabolic mechanisms. Changes in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and increased concentrations of triglycerides in the blood serum suggest energy mobilization through aerobic metabolic pathways. Extreme environmental changes did not affect thyroid axis function, including deiodination, thereby maintaining essential physiological activities under new conditions. Additionally, the anaerobic metabolic pathway appears to be minimally utilized at the onset of terrestrial movement, as no significant changes in lactate dehydrogenase concentrations were observed. Overall, the terrestrial movements of the climbing perch are likely predominantly forced and associated with high stress. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding 360 mg/kg niacinamide (NAM) to diets on nutrient metabolism, providing insights into how dietary NAM supplementation enhances nitrogen utilization and growth performance in pigs. Forty growing–finishing pigs were randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets as follows: basal diet + 30 mg/kg NAM (CON), basal diet + 360 mg/kg NAM (CON + NAM), low-protein diet + 30 mg/kg NAM (LP), and low-protein diet + 360 mg/kg NAM (LP + NAM). Results showed that supplementation of both the CON and LP diets with 360 mg/kg NAM resulted in decreased urea nitrogen concentrations and carbamyl phosphate synthetase-I activity (p < 0.05). The pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in the serum and liver, as well as the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and glutamate dehydrogenase 1 in the ileum mucosa, was increased by supplementing the LP diet with 360 mg/kg NAM (p < 0.05). The LP diet with 360 mg/kg NAM increased the villi length to crypt depth, mRNA expression of glucose transporters 1 and 2 and alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 1, and mRNA expression of mechanistic target of the rapamycin 1 in the ileum (p < 0.05). Additionally, 360 mg/kg NAM supplementation in the LP diet reduced ileal Lactobacillus abundance (LDA > 4) and increased ileal microbial nucleotide and purine metabolism (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that addition of 360 mg/kg NAM to the LP diet reduced urea production in the liver, enhanced glucose and amino acid absorption and transport in the ileum, and improved glucose metabolism. Full article

Background: Rigorous evaluation of vacuum blood collection tubes is essential to ensure the reliability of laboratory results. Methods: In this study, we compared the serum separator tube V-Tube™ (V-Tube SST), the quick-clotting serum separator tube VQ-Tube™ (VQ-Tube SST), and the K₂EDTA V-Tube™ (V-Tube K₂EDTA) manufactured by AB Medical (Seoul, Republic of Korea), with their respective counterparts from Becton Dickinson (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA): BD Vacutainer^® SST™ II Advance Tube (BD SST) and BD Vacutainer^® K₂EDTA 5.4 mg Tube (BD K₂EDTA). The evaluation encompassed 61 measurands across the fields of chemistry, immunology, and hematology, and incorporated a stability assessment for the VQ-Tube SST. Results: The V-Tube SST, VQ-Tube SST, and V-Tube K₂EDTA demonstrated comparable analytical performance to the BD tubes for the majority of measurands. However, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration indicated clinically significant differences according to the desirable biological variation database (Ricos). Conclusions: These findings suggest that, while the V-tube and VQ-tube SST generally serve as alternatives to BD tubes, caution should be taken when interpreting results for specific measurands that demonstrated clinically significant discrepancies. Full article

To date, serum biochemical analytes reference intervals (RIs) in Lusitano horses have not been studied. This study aimed to establish the RIs for biochemical analytes following the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines and to compare them with the general equine population’s RIs. Blood samples were collected from 76 clinically healthy adult Lusitano horses, and RIs of 22 biochemical variables were determined using Reference Value Advisor software. Lusitano horse-specific RIs are proposed for the following variables: total protein (3.9–7.0 g/dL), albumin (2.5–3.8 g/dL), globulin (1.1–3.7 g/dL), total bilirubin (1.0–5.6 mg/dL), direct bilirubin (0.09–0.68 mg/dL), indirect bilirubin (0.7–5.2 mg/dL), urea (21.0–38.9 mg/dL), creatinine (0.9–2.0 mg/dL), aspartate aminotransferase (150.7–345.1 IU/L), alkaline phosphatase (60.7–227.4 IU/L), lactate dehydrogenase (247.6–959.0 IU/L), glucose (75.5–131.5 mg/dL), cholesterol (58.6–125.2 mg/dL), sodium (129.0–154.9 mmol/L), phosphorus (1.8–4.5 mmol/L), chloride (90.3–107.0 mmol/L), and calcium (8.9–12.6 mg/dL). Different RIs were identified for healthy adult Lusitano horses for 17/22 serum biochemical analytes tested, emphasizing the need for breed-specific RIs to prevent misinterpretation of laboratory results. Full article

Objectives: This study investigated the properties of a neutral exopolysaccharide (EPS-LP1) with an average molecular weight of 55,637 Da, isolated from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010 (LP9010). Results: The composition of EPS-LP1 includes galactose (Gal), glucose (Glu) and mannose (Man) in a molar ratio of 5.35:86.25:8.40. Notably, EPS-LP1 exhibits a smooth and rod-like surface along with thermal stability. Methylation combined with nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that EPS-LP1 structured as t-Galp(1→, →6)-Glcp(1→, 4)-Glcp(1→ and →4,6)-Galp(1→), with relative molar ratio of 1.016:9.874:4.355:78.693:6.062, respectively. In the concentration range of 50 to 400 mg/mL, we observed the absence of cytotoxic effects from EPS-LP1 on RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, EPS-LP1 demonstrated protective effects on RAW264.7 cells against oxidative damage by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Conversely, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and concentrations of glutathione (GSH) was observed. Immunoreactivity assays indicated that EPS-LP1 can effectively reduce the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inhibit the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, it inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-kappa B gene binding (NF-kB) signaling pathway. Conclusions: This research provides a foundation basis for further investigations into the neutral exopolysaccharide derived from LP9010. Full article

Poloxamer (P) 188 attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through cell membrane stabilization. Cell–cell interactions between endothelial cells (ECs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs) further protect CMs: co-cultures showed that, at an optimal density, ECs protected CMs against hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury. The mechanism of interaction with P188 still requires exploration. We examined if N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (LNAME), a non-specific nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, abolishes protection in the presence or absence of P188 and/or ECs. We co-cultured mouse coronary artery ECs in an insert atop mouse CMs plated at confluency on the bottom of a well. Normoxic controls remained in complete media while HR groups were exposed to 24 h hypoxia at 0.01% O₂ in serum- and glucose-free media, followed by 2 h reoxygenation in complete media. P188 (300 μM), LNAME (40 mM), or vehicle were administered upon reoxygenation. ECs at the used lower density did not decrease HR-triggered lactate dehydrogenase release or calcium overload in CMs by themselves. P188 reduced both indicators after HR by 16/18% without and by 22/25% with ECs, respectively. LNAME abrogated CM protection by P188. Neither intervention had an effect under normoxia. Our co-culture data indicates that P188 requires NO, not necessarily of endothelial origin, to elicit CM protection. Full article

Background: Elevated levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) are observed in the bodily fluids and tissues of patients with methylmalonic aciduria, a metabolic disorder characterized by manifestations such as vomiting, lethargy, muscle weakness, seizures, and coma. Objectives and Methods: To better understand the neuropathological mechanisms underlying this condition, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of MMA on antioxidant defenses, citric acid cycle functioning, and glial reactivity in the cerebral cortex and striatum of Wistar rats. Amino acid levels were also quantified. Results: i.p. and i.c.v. administration of MMA decreased reduced glutathione levels and altered the activities of different antioxidant enzymes in the cortex and striatum. The activity of the citric acid cycle enzyme succinate dehydrogenase was diminished in both brain regions by i.p. and i.c.v. administration. Citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase activities were further inhibited in the striatum. Furthermore, the i.p. administration increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) levels, whereas i.c.v. administration elevated GFAP and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) levels in the striatum, suggesting glial activation. In contrast, no significant changes in glial markers were detected in the cortex. Moreover, synaptophysin levels remained unaltered in both regions. Finally, i.p. administration increased glutamate, glycine, and serine levels and reduced tyrosine concentrations in the striatum. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that oxidative stress, bioenergetic dysfunction, and glial reactivity induced by MMA may contribute to the neurological deficits observed in methylmalonic aciduria. Full article

The physiological functions of mammalian sperm, such as motility, hyperactivation, and capacitation, require substantial energy. This study investigates the effects of two classic cryopreservation extenders—TCG (tris-citrate-glucose) and LEY (lactose-egg yolk)—on the energy metabolism of frozen–thawed boar semen. By comparing the quality indicators, key metabolite levels, and the activities of critical enzymes involved in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, we aim to understand how these different semen extenders influence the spermatozoa vitality of frozen–thawed boar semen. Following thawing, the LEY-cryopreserved sperm demonstrated significantly elevated motility parameters (viability, VCL, VSL, and VAP) and enhanced plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity compared with the TCG group (p < 0.05), though both cryopreserved groups exhibited significantly reduced performance relative to fresh semen controls. Cryopreservation markedly reduced intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), pyruvate, and acetyl coenzyme A (A-CoA) levels (fresh > LEY > TCG; p < 0.05). The LEY-preserved spermatozoa retained higher activities of glycolysis-related enzymes (phosphofructokinase, PFK; pyruvate kinase, PK) compared with the TCG group, which, in turn, showed elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Critically, TCG-suppressed pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity (p < 0.05) coincided with diminished A-CoA, indicating impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. These results demonstrate LEY’s superior preservation of motility and membrane stability but highlight cryodamage-induced energy metabolism dysregulation, particularly TCG’s disruption of the glycolysis–TCA cycle coordination essential for spermatozoa function. In conclusion, the choice of semen extender has a significant impact on the energy metabolism and overall quality of frozen–thawed semen, highlighting the importance of optimizing cryopreservation protocols for improved spermatozoa viability and functionality. Full article

Trypanosoma cruzi is a kinetoplastid parasite and etiological agent of Chagas disease. Given the significant morbidity and mortality rates of this parasitic disease, possible treatment alternatives need to be studied. 3-Bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) is a synthetic analog of pyruvate that was introduced in the early 21st century as an anticancer agent, affecting the proliferation and motility of certain microorganisms. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the role of 3-BrPA in the energy metabolism, proliferation, and infectivity of T. cruzi, with a primary focus on the mitochondrial state, ATP production, and the key glycolytic pathway enzymes. It was observed that mitochondrial function in 3-BrPA cells was impaired compared to control cells. Accordingly, cells maintained in control conditions have a higher intracellular ATP content than cells maintained with 3-BrPA and higher ecto-phosphatase activity. However, the 3-BrPA reduced ecto-nuclease activity and was capable of hydrolyzing 5′-AMP, ADP, and ATP. When we evaluated two key glycolytic pathway enzymes, glucose kinase (GK) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), we observed that 3-BrPA induced higher GAPDH activity but did not alter GK activity. The compensatory energy mechanisms presented in T. cruzi may influence the process of cell metabolism and, consequently, the functional infectious process, suggesting the potential use of 3-BrPA in future clinical applications for Chagas disease. Full article

Nitrite is a common pollutant in aquaculture systems and can pose serious threats to fish health, especially under high-temperature conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of nitrite stress on the growth, glycolipid metabolism, and hepatic metabolomic profiles in the spotted seabass fry (Lateolabrax maculatus) under elevated temperature conditions at 33 °C. A total of 450 fish (28.52 ± 0.84 g) were randomly distributed into nine tanks and exposed to three nitrite concentrations (0, 8, and 16 mg/L), with samples collected on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Results showed that higher nitrite levels significantly reduced final body weight, weight gain, survival rate, hepatosomatic index, and viscerosomatic index. Blood glucose and triglyceride levels, whole-body crude lipid, liver total cholesterol, and hepatic glycogen content also declined significantly under higher nitrite stress. In contrast, hepatic lactate and lactate dehydrogenase increased in the high-nitrite group. Gene expression analysis revealed suppressed lipid synthesis and enhanced lipolysis under nitrite exposure. Metabolomic analysis further demonstrated disruptions in key energy-related pathways, including the TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, and insulin signaling. These findings indicate that nitrite stress impairs growth and energy metabolism in spotted seabass, which respond by mobilizing energy reserves to cope with combined stress of high temperature and nitrite. Full article

The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, with the diabetic heart being particularly vulnerable to ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Chronic hyperglycemia contributes to an increase in reactive oxygen species and impacts the homeostasis of biochemical pathways, including the polyol pathway, increasing susceptibility to damage. Aldose reductase (AR), a key enzyme in this pathway, has been targeted for therapeutic intervention, with AR inhibitors showing potential in mitigating diabetic complications. This study investigated IR injury in cardiomyocytes following high glucose exposure and assessed the AR inhibitor Epalrestat as a protective agent. Cardiomyocyte function was evaluated by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, FM1-43 membrane incorporation, cell viability, intracellular calcium accumulation, and superoxide anion formation. High glucose exposure and simulated IR led to increased LDH release, FM1-43 incorporation, intracellular calcium, and superoxide levels, alongside reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. However, Epalrestat treatment during high glucose exposure significantly reduced IR-induced injury. These findings suggest that high glucose exacerbates IR injury in cardiomyocytes, with the polyol pathway playing a critical role. Targeting this pathway with AR inhibitors like Epalrestat may offer a protective strategy against diabetic heart complications. Full article

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) is a critical enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, playing an essential role in plant growth, development, and adaptation to abiotic stress. In this study, we identified four members of the G6PDH gene family in the ‘Zunla-1’ genome, designating them as CaG6PDH1-CaG6PDH4. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that the four protein sequences of pepper contain three unique binding sites characteristic of G6PDH: the substrate binding site, the NADP binding site and the Rossmann fold. The phylogenetic tree, motifs, and gene structure analysis indicate that the CaG6PDH gene sequence is relatively conserved and structurally similar, with a close relationship to the sequence of Solanaceae G6PDH members. The collinearity analysis showed that there were two pairs of collinearity between the CaG6PDH genes and the AtG6PDH genes, as well as the SiG6PDH genes. Additionally, numerous cis-elements associated with stress responses, hormone regulation, development, and light responses were identified in the promoter region of the CaG6PDH gene. Furthermore, the various members of the pepper CaG6PDH gene family exhibit specific expression patterns across different tissues and demonstrate significant variations in response to abiotic stress and phytohormone treatments, particularly the CaG6PDH1 and CaG6PDH2 genes. Subcellular localization studies indicate that CaG6PDH2 is located in chloroplasts. We conducted further investigations into the role of CaG6PDH2 in response to cold stress using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) technology. The tissues of seedlings with silenced CaG6PDH2 exhibited significant damage and displayed a more pronounced cold damage phenotype. This observation is further supported by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and a reduction in the expression of cold-responsive genes. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that CaG6PDH2 plays an important role in cold stress response and may serve as a potential gene for cultivating cold-tolerant pepper varieties. Full article

As the most abundant fat-derived hormone, adiponectin plays an essential role in regulating energy homeostasis. Current evidence proposes the serum levels of adiponectin as a risk factor and a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker in cancer. Moreover, distinctive antineoplastic features have also been reported as a result of adiponectin supplementation in preclinical models. Mapping of the cancer-associated metabolic changes has elucidated a highly adaptable and interconnected system that allows malignant cells to sustain their growth and survival. Along with the pyruvate into acetyl-CoA conversion, downregulation of both lactate dehydrogenase and glycolysis-related genes depicts the main adiponectin-induced perturbations affecting glucose metabolism in cancer. Meanwhile, a multi-level approach involving lipid trafficking, catabolism, and de novo synthesis has been attributed to adiponectin in malignancies. The adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon has recently been recognized as a promising antineoplastic compound. Remarkably, AdipoRon-mediated changes in cancer metabolism occur together with its antiproliferative potential. This review aimed at recapitulating the modulatory effects of adiponectin, as well as those of its synthetic receptor agonists, in driving metabolic alterations in cancerous cells. A critical discussion is also conducted to deduce whether the adiponectin axis could serve as a putative target to address the metabolic reprogramming in cancer progression. Full article