Search Results (37)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ISF:SF ratio on reproductive performance, biochemical parameters, colostrum composition, and fecal microbial composition in gestating sows. A total of 30 multiparous sows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: 8% inulin diet (ISF:SF 1.14, Inulin group), 8% cotton fiber diet (ISF:SF 6.61, Cotton group), and 4% inulin + 4% cotton fiber diet (ISF:SF 2.37, Inulin + Cotton group). The results showed that, compared to the other groups, the Inulin group had a significantly higher number of piglets born alive, as well as increased plasma concentrations of acetic acid, butyric acid, hexanoic acid, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (p < 0.05). Sows in the Inulin group had significantly lower fecal scores than those in the other groups from days 81 to 85 and from days 106 to 110 of gestation (p < 0.05). On day 90 of gestation, the serum levels of albumin, urea, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the Inulin group were significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the serum levels of triacylglycerol in the Inulin + Cotton Fiber group were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in serum concentrations of total protein, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, or LDL-cholesterol among the treatments (p > 0.05). On day 110 of gestation, the serum content of urea, uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus in the Inulin group was significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plasma levels of uric acid, triacylglycerol, and HDL-cholesterol in the Inulin + Cotton Fiber group were significantly higher than those in the Cotton Fiber group (p < 0.05), while the creatinine levels in the Inulin group were higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the composition and immune performance of colostrum (p > 0.05). Microbial sequencing analysis showed that dietary inulin supplementation to increase the proportion of soluble fiber significantly decreased the abundance of Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, Streptococcaceae, and Streptococcus (p < 0.05). The abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing microorganisms—Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidia, Bacteroidales, and Muribaculaceae—was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The results indicated that inulin supplementation decreased the dietary ISF:SF ratio, significantly alleviated constipation in sows, increased the number of piglets born alive, regulated intestinal microecology, and increased the plasma concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. Full article

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive uric acid (UA) production and impaired excretion. Goji, as a representative medicinal food, holds significant research and development value, while probiotic fermentation technology is finding increasingly widespread applications in the functional food sector. This study developed a novel goji fermented with three probiotic strains (Lactoplantibacillus plantarum CGMCC8198, Lactococcus lactis LTJ28, and Lactocaseibacillus casei YR2-2) and investigated its anti-HUA effects. Optimal fermentation conditions (7.913 material–liquid ratio, 3.92% inoculation, 7.49 h at 37 °C with 1:1:2 strain ratio) yielded a beverage with enhanced flavor profiles (19 aroma compounds) and high viable counts. In HUA cell models, the 15% fermented goji juice significantly reduced UA levels by 56% (p < 0.01). In potassium oxonate-induced HUA mice, the beverage effectively lowered serum UA, xanthine oxidase activity, and renal function markers (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, p < 0.0001) while improving hepatic parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate Aminotransferase). The goji-fermented juice significantly reduced the expression of renal UA transporters GLUT9 and URAT1 (p < 0.0001) while improving gut microbiota composition, as evidenced by increased beneficial SCFAs (acetic acid, butyric acid, p < 0.0001) and elevated Lactobacillus abundance 2.14-fold. Our findings demonstrate that this triple-probiotic-fermented goji beverage represents an effective dietary strategy for HUA management by simultaneously inhibiting UA production, enhancing excretion, and restoring gut microbiota homeostasis, providing a scientific basis for developing probiotic-based functional foods against HUA. Full article

Background: Serum uric acid and serum creatinine ratio (SUA/sCr) is strongly linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is a secondary cause of hypertension and is associated with ischemic nephropathy, congestive heart failure, accelerated cardiovascular disease, and autonomic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SUA levels and SUA/sCr could represent markers of autonomic dysfunction and increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in patients with ARAS. Methods: Patients diagnosed with ARAS were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, biochemical analysis, 24 h electrocardiogram (ECG), and Renal Doppler Ultrasound with renal resistive index parameters. Heart rate variability for global autonomic dysfunction was assessed through the analysis of a 24 h ECG to detect the standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals (SDNN). Echocardiographic measurement of LVMI was performed. Results: A total of 27 patients (F = 16 (59%), median age 67 years (IQR 60–77)) diagnosed with ARAS were enrolled in the study. We found a statistically significant negative linear correlation between SUA/sCr and SDNN (r = −0.519, p < 0.01). We found a statistically significant positive linear correlation between SUA/sCr and LVMI (r = 0.413, p < 0.05). Median SDNN was significantly lower in patients with SUA ≥ 5.6 mg/dL than in patients with SUA < 5.6 mg/dL (94.2 (IQR 86.8–108.1) vs. 112.8 (IQR 108.9–114.7), p < 0.01). Median LVMI was significantly higher in patients with SUA ≥ 5.6 mg/dL compared to patients with SUA < 5.6 mg/dL (133 g/m² (IQR 120–149) vs. 111 g/m² (IQR 99–129), p < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with ARAS, SUA/sCr is associated with autonomic dysfunction and LVMI in ARAS patients. The ratio and related cut-off value of SUA/sCr could represent a useful biomarker to evaluate cardiovascular risk in ARAS patients. Full article

Background: Pediatric neurogenic bladder (NB), often resulting from myelomeningocele, impairs bladder function due to disrupted neural control and is worsened by urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, the absence of voluntary voiding, and additional sequelae of myelomeningocele, such as motor impairments, delayed colonic transit, and nutritional deficiencies. Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between oxidant production and the body’s antioxidant defenses and is recognized as both a contributor to and a consequence of various pathological conditions. This study aims to assess the total antioxidant status (TAS) in NB patients, evaluate its impact on urinary antioxidants, and correlate the findings with the urodynamic parameters in NB patients compared to those in non-NB controls. Methods: This study included 29 patients with NB, who were compared with 57 non-NB individuals. The comparative analyses encompassed serum and urinary total antioxidant status normalized to creatinine (uTAS/creatinine) and renal function markers (creatinine, urea, uric acid, and the glomerular filtration rate [GFR]), as well as urodynamic findings. TAS was determined using the colorimetric ABTS method. Results: The patients with NB demonstrated a significantly lower serum TAS and elevated urinary TAS and uTAS/creatinine ratios in comparison to these values in the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between uTAS/creatinine and detrusor pressure at the maximum cystometric capacity, while a negative correlation was found between uTAS/creatinine and bladder wall compliance (r = 0.5, r = −0.68 respectively). Conclusions: The observed decrease in serum TAS and the increase in urinary TAS in NB may not only serve as evidence of an imbalance in antioxidant homeostasis but also suggest a potential contributory role to the deterioration of urodynamic function. Full article

Bilirubin, albumin, and uric acid are established endogenous antioxidant biomarkers, whereas the antioxidant role of creatinine has not yet been fully clarified. As a byproduct of creatine metabolism, creatinine may reflect underlying metabolic activity and redox balance, particularly under conditions of oxidative stress such as cigarette smoking. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum creatinine and other antioxidant biomarkers and lung cancer risk, stratified by smoking status. We analyzed 83,371 cancer-free men from the Korean Cancer Prevention Study II (KCPS II) cohort. During a mean follow-up of 13.5 years, 533 incident lung cancer cases were identified. Serum creatinine, total bilirubin, albumin, and uric acid were measured. Smoking status classified participants as never-, former, and ever-smokers, with ever-smokers including both current and former smokers. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), stratified by smoking status. Biomarkers were also analyzed by quartiles and linear trends. A single standard deviation increase in serum creatinine was significantly and inversely associated with lung cancer risk among former smokers (HR: 0.774, 95% CI: 0.620 to 0.967) and ever-smokers (HR: 0.823, 95% CI: 0.716 to 0.945). Total bilirubin also showed significant inverse associations in former smokers (HR: 0.826, 95% CI: 0.705 to 0.967) and ever-smokers (HR: 0.785, 95% CI: 0.708 to 0.870). Albumin was inversely associated only with ever-smokers (HR: 0.878, 95% CI: 0.807 to 0.955), while uric acid showed inverse associations with both former smokers (HR: 0.832, 95% CI: 0.699 to 0.989) and ever-smokers (HR: 0.847, 95% CI: 0.760 to 0.944). None of the biomarkers showed significant associations among never-smokers. Serum creatinine and other endogenous antioxidant biomarkers were inversely associated with lung cancer risk, particularly in individuals with a history of smoking exposure. Full article

This study evaluated the nephroprotective potential of dapagliflozin and silymarin, alone and in combination, against cisplatin-induced kidney damage in female Wistar rats. Cisplatin was administered at 3 mg/kg weekly to all groups except the normal controls, with treatments of silymarin (50 mg/kg/day), dapagliflozin (0.9 mg/kg/day), or both for 45 days. Dapagliflozin significantly reduced uric acid, the urea-to-creatinine ratio, and serum urea levels compared to nephrotoxic controls, while combination therapy showed further improvements. Both agents decreased inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1 beta, with enhanced effects in combination. Oxidative stress markers, including nitrite and 4-HNE, were lowered, and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, SOD, and GSH-Px) were increased by dapagliflozin and silymarin, with the combined treatment yielding the most substantial improvements. Molecular analysis revealed elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 levels, which are critical for oxidative stress mitigation, particularly with combination therapy. Histologically, combination therapy preserved renal structure, closely resembling normal controls, while dapagliflozin and silymarin alone showed moderate inflammation and structural alterations. These findings highlight the effect of dapagliflozin and silymarin, especially in combination, to mitigate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low energy availability (LEA) can cause impaired reproductive function, bone health issues, and suppressed immune function, and may result in decreased performance and overall health status. The purpose of this study was to investigate adaptions of body composition, blood status, resting metabolic rate, and endurance performance to gain more comprehensive insights into the symptoms of LEA and the adaptive effects in the athlete population (active women (n = 11) and men (n = 11)). Methods: Three treatments were defined as 45 (EA45, control), 30 (EA30), and 10 (EA10) kcal/kg FFM/day and randomly assigned. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were performed through blood sampling, bioelectrical impedance analysis, resting metabolic rate measurement, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the incremental endurance test to exhaustion. Results: There was a significant reduction in body weight and fat mass in EA10 compared to EA45 (p ≤ 0.05). Blood serum levels were altered in triglyceride, uric acid, and creatinine concentrations in EA10 compared to EA45 (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, blood glucose was still accumulated after 120 min during OGTT in EA10 compared to EA45 (p ≤ 0.05). The respiratory exchange ratio was reduced during submaximal stages of the incremental treadmill test to exhaustion without influencing performance output after treatment EA10 (p ≤ 0.05). However, the resting metabolic rate did not change (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, this short-term study indicates that energy restriction can lead to several metabolic-related adaptations, which suggests that the availability and regulation of glucose and fats are significantly influenced after only five days of LEA in physically active women and men. Future research should focus on longer exposures of LEA and sex-specific comparisons (including the menstrual cycle) on LEA symptoms. Full article

Background/Objectives: The ketogenic diet (KD) is a dietary model that can impact metabolic health and microbiota and has been widely discussed in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 6-week KD on biochemical parameters, gut microbiota, and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in women with overweight/obesity. Methods: Overall, 15 women aged 26–46 years were included in this study. Blood samples, fecal samples, and anthropometric measurements were evaluated at the beginning and end of this study. Results: After KD, the mean body mass index decreased from 29.81 ± 4.74 to 27.12 ± 4.23 kg/m², and all decreases in anthropometric measurements were significant (p < 0.05). Fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, hemoglobin A1C, urea, and creatinine levels decreased, whereas uric acid levels increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, increased serum zonulin levels were noted (p = 0.001), whereas fecal butyrate, propionate, acetate, and total SCFA levels decreased (p < 0.05). When the changes in microbiota composition were examined, a decrease in beta diversity (p = 0.001) was observed. After the intervention, a statistically significant increase was noted in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (p = 0.001). Although Oscilibacter, Blautia, and Akkermensia relative abundances increased, Prevotella relative abundance and Bifidobacter abundance, which were the dominant genera before the KD, decreased. Moreover, the abundance of some pathogenic genera, including Escherichia, Klebsilella, and Listeria, increased. Conclusions: In healthy individuals, KD may cause significant changes in microbial composition, leading to dysbiosis and long-term adverse outcomes with changes in serum zonulin and fecal SCFA levels. Full article

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the strongest vasoconstrictor materials in the blood. The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with renal function and poor outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum endocan is a biomarker associated with proinflammatory cytokines, and the increase in the serum level plays a critical role in inflammatory, proliferative, and neovascularization processes and is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD too. Identifying high-risk patients using biomarkers could help to optimize their treatment. Ninety patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN were included in the study (50 males/40 females, mean age: 54.9 ± 14.4 years). Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Echocardiography was performed, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by SphygmoCor in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups based on serum endocan median level (cut-off: 44 ug/L). There was significantly higher aorta systolic blood pressure (SBPao) (p = 0.013), NT-proBNP (p = 0.028), albumin/creatinine ratio (p = 0.036), and uric acid (p = 0.045) in the case of the higher endocan group compared to the lower. There was also significantly higher SBPao (p = 0.037) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.038) in the case of higher endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels compared to the lower (cut-off: 231 pg/mL) group by the two-sample t-test. Then, we divided the patients into two groups based on the eGFR (CKD 1–2 vs. CKD 3–5). The levels of serum endocan, NT-proBNP, cfPWV, SBPao, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), uric acid, and albuminuria were significantly higher in the CKD 3–5 group compared to the CKD 1–2 group. The serum endocan and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the diastolic dysfunction group (p = 0.047, p = 0.015). There was a significant increase in serum endocan levels (CKD 1 vs. CKD 5; p = 0.008) with decreasing renal function. In IgAN, vascular biomarkers (endocan, ET-1) may play a role in endothelial dysfunction through vascular damage and elevation of SBPao. Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP biomarkers may help to identify IgAN patients at high risk. Full article

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition in which the lungs fail to provide sufficient oxygen to the body’s vital organs. It is commonly associated with COVID-19 patients. Severe cases of COVID-19 can lead to lung damage and organ failure due to an immune response in the body. To mitigate these effects, corticosteroids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, have been suggested as a potential treatment option. The primary focus of this study was to assess the impact of various corticosteroid administration methods on the outcomes of patients with COVID-19. Methods: The current study was conducted on COVID-19 patients divided into three groups. The first group was administered 6 mg of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone; the second group received 1 mg/kg of IV methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone); and the third group received budesonide respirable solution at a dosage of 1mg twice daily. The neubilizer used was a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN). All patients received standard care. We found that dexamethasone administered intravenously led to a significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels, surpassing the effectiveness of both IV methylprednisolone and inhaled budesonide. Oxygen saturation without mask change over time showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.004) in favor of the budesonide and dexamethasone groups for all days. Individuals who received methylprednisolone showed a significant decrease in mortality rate and an extended survival duration, with statistical significance observed at p = 0.024. The rest of the parameters, including ferritin, lymphocytes, total leukocyte count, platelets, hemoglobin, urea, serum potassium, serum sodium, serum creatinine, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, uric acid, albumin, globulin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, international normalized ratio, oxygen saturation with flow, and oxygen flow, showed no statistically significant differences between the three drugs. In conclusion, treatment with IV methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg) resulted in a shorter hospital stay, decreased reliance on ventilation, and improved health outcomes for COVID-19 patients compared to using dexamethasone at a daily dosage of 6 mg or budesonide respirable solution at a dosage of 1mg twice daily. Full article

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease observed in clinical practice worldwide. This disorder has been independently associated with an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a 2-year intervention based on a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and physical activity focussed on reducing intrahepatic fat contents (IFC) was associated with a decreased risk of CKD. Forty adults (50% women) residing in Mallorca, aged 48 to 60 years, diagnosed with MAFLD were recruited. Participants were divided into two groups based on whether they improved IFC measured by nuclear magnetic resonance. Anthropometric and clinical parameters improved in responders, including reduced weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Only responders showed improvements in lipid profile and liver enzymes. Haematological parameters showed favourable changes in both groups. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers differed between groups. Responders had lower plasma interleukine-18 (IL-18) levels, but higher erythrocyte malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. Non-responders showed increased erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. After 2 years, non-responders had higher serum creatinine, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) levels, while responders showed reductions in these parameters together with uric acid and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Positive correlations were found between changes in IFC and kidney injury biomarkers, including MDRD and serum creatinine levels. In conclusion, a healthy diet based on the Mediterranean dietary pattern and lifestyle promotes significant improvements in parameters related to cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal health. Full article

Several studies have detected a direct association between serum uric acid (SUA) and cardiovascular (CV) risk. In consideration that SUA largely depends on kidney function, some studies explored the role of the serum creatinine (sCr)-normalized SUA (SUA/sCr) ratio in different settings. Previously, the URRAH (URic acid Right for heArt Health) Study has identified a cut-off value of this index to predict CV mortality at 5.35 Units. Therefore, given that no SUA/sCr ratio threshold for CV risk has been identified for patients with diabetes, we aimed to assess the relationship between this index and CV mortality and to validate this threshold in the URRAH subpopulation with diabetes; the URRAH participants with diabetes were studied (n = 2230). The risk of CV mortality was evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier estimator and Cox multivariate analysis. During a median follow-up of 9.2 years, 380 CV deaths occurred. A non-linear inverse association between baseline SUA/sCr ratio and risk of CV mortality was detected. In the whole sample, SUA/sCr ratio > 5.35 Units was not a significant predictor of CV mortality in diabetic patients. However, after stratification by kidney function, values > 5.35 Units were associated with a significantly higher mortality rate only in normal kidney function, while, in participants with overt kidney dysfunction, values of SUA/sCr ratio > 7.50 Units were associated with higher CV mortality. The SUA/sCr ratio threshold, previously proposed by the URRAH Study Group, is predictive of an increased risk of CV mortality in people with diabetes and preserved kidney function. While, in consideration of the strong association among kidney function, SUA, and CV mortality, a different cut-point was detected for diabetics with impaired kidney function. These data highlight the different predictive roles of SUA (and its interaction with kidney function) in CV risk, pointing out the difference in metabolic- and kidney-dependent SUA levels also in diabetic individuals. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to review the specialized literature to highlight the effects produced by energy drinks in terms of skin health. To carry out this review, we consulted previous articles with descriptive cross-sectional designs, case series, and individual case reports published between 2000 and 2023. Therefore, while caffeine acute consumption among adults can have beneficial effects, in children, it can cause health problems like overnight breaks, headaches, and dulled cognition since their organs are still developing and their endocrine system is not yet stable. Despite the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of caffeine from energy drinks, their excessive consumption among adolescents can cause disorders like high systolic blood pressure, agitation, nausea, anxiety, osteoporosis, heart palpitations, poor sleep quality, and stomach ulcers. Among athletes, taurine supplementation has been proven to improve exercise capacity in cold weather conditions. Also, vigilance, attention, and reaction time were all improved by caffeine consumption. Caffeine administration in low doses caused a risk of cardiovascular disease. It was effective in treating migraines in children, but raised systolic blood pressure, and contributed to skin healing in adolescents. On the other side, taurine prevents obesity among children, causes positive effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in adolescents, helps shield the skin from damaging oxidative stress among students, and impacts exercise capacity in athletes. Significant increases in serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, BUN, ALT, and ALP caused by chronic intake of EDs indicated different degrees of injury to the kidneys and liver. Furthermore, the effects on the cardiovascular system could be worse if taurine and caffeine are combined. Caffeine alone does not significantly decrease sleep as much as a taurine/high caffeine ratio. On the other hand, a low ratio does. Full article

Background: Studies have shown that serum uric acid levels and uric acid-related ratios, such as uric acid-to-albumin ratio (UAR), uric acid-to-creatinine ratio (UCR), uric acid-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) ratio (UHR), and uric acid-to-lymphocyte ratio (ULR), are associated with various diseases and their complications, and that these ratios can be used as biomarkers. In the current study, we aimed to investigate uric acid levels in obese adolescents and the relationship of uric acid-related ratios with insulin resistance and obesity for the first time in the literature. Methods: A total of 100 adolescents (60 obese and 40 healthy) aged 10–17 years were retrospectively included. Participants were assigned to two groups: the obese group and the healthy control group. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) >the 95th percentile for age and gender. Demographic and laboratory data (serum glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), C-reactive protein (CRP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (fT4), insulin levels, and complete blood count) were obtained from the laboratory information management system. A homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), and uric acid-related ratios were calculated. Results: Uric acid, UAR, UCR, and UHR levels of obese adolescents were significantly higher than the healthy group (p < 0.05). We found that HOMA-IR was positively correlated with uric acid, UAR, and UHR. No correlation was found between BMI and uric acid or uric acid-related ratios. We did not find any difference between the two groups in terms of ULR levels, and we did not find any correlation between BMI and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: High levels of serum uric acid, UAR, UCR, and UHR were associated with obesity. Furthermore, we found that uric acid, UAR, and UHR were positively correlated with insulin resistance. Full article

To determine the effects of organic selenium (0.0–0.6 mg and 0.9 mg Se/Kg diet) and Zn-Cr mixture (100 mg Zn/Kg diet plus 1.5 mg Cr/Kg diet) on broiler chicken performance, carcass traits, blood hematology, and biochemistry under heat stress conditions, this study was conducted. Under temperatures between 30.21 to 31.82 °C, 240 broiler chickens (Ross-308), which were 7-day-old, were randomly assigned to one of six treatments: T1 (control), T2 (100 mg Zn per kg of diet and 1.5 mg Cr per kg of diet), T3 (0.6 mg Se per kg of diet), T4 (0.9 mg Se per kg of diet), T5 (100 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cr and (LSe), and T6 (100 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cr and (HSe)). At 35 days old, the chicks fed a diet containing Zn-Cr with low or high organic selenium (organic-Se) outweighed the control group in terms of live body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). In comparison to the control treatment, birds fed diets supplemented with Zn-Cr or organic-Se (LSe, HSe) significantly increased their serum levels of total protein and total antioxidant capacity. However, these additives resulted in a decrease (p < 0.01) in their serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, creatinine, and uric acid. Together, it was found that trace elements (Zn-Cr and organic-Se) may greatly lessen the impacts of heat stress on broilers by promoting growth performance and boosting metabolic processes. Full article