Biomedical subjects

A Madej

Publications and source records attributed to A Madej.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Impact of exogenous ACTH during pro-oestrus on endocrine profile and oestrous cycle characteristics in sows.

Sows housed in freely moving groups have elevated cortisol levels until the rank order is established, which takes place within approximately 48 h. The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of repeated administration of synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; Synacthen Depot), during the follicular phase (pro-oestrus) on oestrus, ovulation and endocrine parameters. Four multiparous sows were used. Follicular growth and ovulation were recorded by ultrasonography. The first oestrous cycle after weaning was used as control cycle. Onset of oestrus in the sow occurs 3-4 days after the time when plasma progesterone reaches a concentration of 8 nmol/l. The progesterone profile in the control cycle of the individual sow was used for estimation when the ACTH injections should start. In the third pro-oestrus ACTH (2.5 microg/kg) was given via an indwelling catheter every 2 h for 48 h. The sows were euthanased 4-6 days after onset of the third oestrus and the ovaries were examined. Cortisol levels were elevated during the treatment period (p < 0.05). The second cycle, in which the sows were injected with ACTH, was prolonged with 2.5 days compared with the control cycle (p < 0.05). The oestradiol pattern during oestrus was similar in the control and the treatment cycle in ovulating sows. Three sows had ovulated (fresh corpora lutea), but the ovaries contained additionally one or several luteinized follicles/cysts. In conclusion, ACTH administration during pro-oestrus caused a prolongation of the oestrous cycle and a disturbed follicular development.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed2007

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is overexpressed in psoriatic patients.

BACKGROUND: Vascular adhesion protein (VAP)-1 is an adhesion molecule with an enzymatic activity that partakes in the migration process of lymphocytes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of VAP-1 in the skin and serum of psoriatic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients suffering from psoriasis aged between 23 and 89 years were included in the study. The mean psoriasis severity assessed according to the psoriasis area and severity index was 14.2+/-9.6 points. The soluble VAP-1 serum concentration was evaluated by ELISA and VAP-1 expression in the skin (nine patients) immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The serum concentration of soluble VAP-1 was significantly higher in psoriatic patients than in healthy controls (403.4+/-130.8 ng/mL vs. 246.4+/-68.0 ng/mL; P<0.0001). No significant relationships were found between sVAP-1 concentration and studied clinical parameters, except the presence of pruritus. Mean number of VAP-1 positive vessels in psoriatic skin, both lesional (19.8+/-1.4) and non-lesional (9.4+/-1.4), was significantly higher than in healthy skin (5.4+/-1.5; P<0.005). Lesional psoriatic skin demonstrated significantly more VAP-1 positive vessels than non-lesional skin (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant overexpression of VAP-1 in both lesional and non-lesional psoriatic skin and higher serum level of soluble VAP-1 in psoriatic patients may indicate the role of VAP-1 in chronic inflammation occurring in psoriasis. However, because of lack of correlation between soluble VAP-1 serum levels and psoriasis severity this hypothesis needs further investigation.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Effects of ACTH injections during estrus on concentrations and patterns of progesterone, estradiol, LH, and inhibin alpha and time of ovulation in the sow.

This study investigated whether injections of ACTH for 48 h, from the onset of the second standing estrus after weaning, had any impact on time of ovulation and patterns of progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and inhibin alpha. The studied sows (n=15) were fitted with jugular vein catheters and randomly divided into a control (C group) and an ACTH group. From the onset of standing estrus, the sows were injected (NaCl or synthetic ACTH, 5 microg/kg) every 4h; blood samples were collected immediately before and 45 min after each injection. Ovulation was monitored using ultrasonography. The ACTH-group sows stopped displaying signs of standing estrus sooner after ovulation in their second estrus, but no impact was found on time of ovulation. There were no significant differences in the intervals between LH peak, estradiol peak, and the onset of standing estrus between the C and ACTH groups. The cortisol and progesterone concentrations were significantly elevated (p<0.001) in samples taken 45 min after ACTH injection. There were minor differences in estradiol and LH concentrations between the groups. Overall inhibin alpha concentrations were significantly higher during the treatment period in the ACTH than in the C group, but there were no significant differences between samples taken either 45 min or 4h after injection. In conclusion, injections of synthetic ACTH during estrus in the sow apparently disturb the duration of signs of standing estrus and the hormonal pattern of progesterone, and possibly of inhibin alpha, estradiol and LH.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed2005

Impact of ACTH during oestrus on the ultrastructure of the spermatozoa and their environment in the tubal reservoir of the postovulatory sow.

This study investigated whether injections of synthetic ACTH (simulating short-term stress) in sows during standing oestrus have a negative effect on spermatozoa and the local intraluminal environment in the utero-tubal junction (UTJ) and isthmus. Seven of the 14 sows were given ACTH through a jugular catheter every 2 h from the onset of standing oestrus until the sow ovulated (ACTH-group), while the other seven sows were given NaCl solution (C-group). All sows were artificially inseminated before ovulation. Six hours after ovulation (detected with transrectal ultrasonography) the sows were anaesthetised, the right oviduct was fixed in toto by vascular perfusion with glutaraldehyde, and the UTJ and specimens from the isthmus were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM revealed that a seemingly viable population of spermatozoa remained in the UTJ 6 h after ovulation. A majority of sows in the ACTH-group had moderately to exaggerated amounts of mucus in the intraluminal environment of the sperm reservoir. In conclusion, stress simulated by exogenous ACTH in sows may alter the intraluminal environment of the sperm reservoir.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed2005

Impact of ACTH administration on the oviductal sperm reservoir in sows: the local endocrine environment and distribution of spermatozoa.

The objective of the study was to investigate if short-term stress in sows (simulated by injections of synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)) during standing oestrus had a negative effect on the local environment in the utero-tubal junction (UTJ) and isthmus and the distribution of spermatozoa in these segments. Fourteen sows were monitored for ovulation using ultrasonography in two consecutive oestruses. The sows were fitted with jugular catheters and, from onset of the second oestrus, blood samples were collected every second hour. In the 2nd oestrus, seven sows were given ACTH every second hour, from the onset of standing oestrus until the sow ovulated (ACTH-group), whereas the other seven sows remained as controls (C-group) and were given NaCl solution. The sows were artificially inseminated 16-18 h before expected ovulation. Six hours after ovulation the sows were anaesthetised, and blood samples were repeatedly taken from veins draining the uterus and the UTJ-isthmus, respectively. This oviduct was thereafter removed and divided in four adjacent sections consisting of: (i) the UTJ, (ii) the first, and (iii) the second isthmus segment prior to (iv), the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ) and the ampulla. The three first-mentioned segments were flushed to retrieve spermatozoa, whereas the last one was flushed to collect oocytes/ova. The number of spermatozoa attached to the zona pellucida was counted. The concentrations of cortisol in jugular blood of the ACTH-group sows during the time of ACTH-injections were significantly higher than of the C-group sows (p<0.05), as were the levels of progesterone (p<0.001). Progesterone and cortisol concentrations measured in the blood samples draining the UTJ-isthmic region 6 h after ovulation did not significantly differ between the groups, but the C-group displayed significantly higher concentrations of progesterone in the UTJ-isthmic region compared with the levels measured in parallel samples taken of jugular blood (p<0.01). The C-group, but not the ACTH-group, also displayed a significant elevation in progesterone concentration 6h after ovulation compared with the basal levels before ovulation (p<0.01). Numbers of retrieved spermatozoa were not significantly different between the C-group and the ACTH-group. However, there was a tendency for a larger number of spermatozoa among sows in the ACTH-group, especially in the isthmic segment adjacent to the AIJ. In conclusion, simulated stress induced by injections of ACTH during standing oestrus results in elevated concentrations of progesterone before ovulation and may interfere with the rise of progesterone after ovulation. However, ACTH-injections appeared to augment transport of spermatozoa through the female genital tract of pigs.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed2005

Factors regulating ovarian function in pigs.

The hormonal interactions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-uterine axis are accountable for a normal reproduction in female pigs. It is of importance to have knowledge of estrous symptoms and hormonal profiles around ovulation. The introduction of the transrectal ultrasonography in sows has given us the possibility to study ovarian activity in conscious animals and relate the timing of estrus to ovulation. Combining this technique with measuring of several hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin, estradiol, progesterone, insulin-like growth hormone I (IGF-I), prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) metabolite, oxytocin, facilitate our knowledge about the sequence of ovarian events. Evidence suggests that activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may hamper the normal gonadotropin secretion and in consequence, the ovarian function. The metabolic status during lactation, weaning of piglets and social stress might affect onset of ovarian activity and the related estrous behavior. The role of seminal plasma, artificial insemination and presence of the boar might also be included as factors regulating the temporal kinetics of ovulation, corpus luteum development, uterine function and steroid production in the ovary. Studies using a simulated stress by means of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) administration or food deprivation are tools in understanding how the ovary is susceptible to impairment. The intention of this paper is to review current knowledge concerning the endocrine aspects of normal and stress-influenced ovarian function in pigs.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Free oestrone in adipose tissue and its relation to androstenone and skatole in entire male pigs.

Relationship between free oestrone and boar taint compounds in adipose tissue were studied in two groups of entire male pigs of different breeds. Group A consisted of 33 entire crossbred male pigs (dam Yorkshire and sire backcross Yorkshire x Wild Boar, generation seven). Group B consisted of 194 entire male pigs of crossbreeds between Swedish Hampshire (H) and Finnish Landrace (L), LH x H, H x LH, LH x LH (dam x sire). The measurements of free oestrone in adipose tissue were performed with a new method developed and validated in our laboratories. The standard curve was linear for concentrations of free oestrone ranging from 0.13 to 5.10 ng/g. The method exhibited parallelism of results between serial dilutions and a mean recovery of 97 +/- 13.7%. Intra-assay variations for samples with concentrations of free oestrone from 0.67 to 2.08 ng/g were from 9.23 to 11.94%. Inter-assay variations for the samples with concentrations of free oestrone from 0.89 to 2.96 ng/g were from 3.78 to 10.11%. The levels of free oestrone in fat from group A were well correlated with fat levels of androstenone (r = 0.66; p < 0.001) and levels of oestrone sulphate in peripheral plasma collected at the same time as the fat (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). The levels of free oestrone in fat from group B were significantly correlated to fat levels of androstenone (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and skatole (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). In group B, age-related differences in fat levels of free oestrone, androstenone and skatole were studied. Free oestrone and skatole levels increased simultaneously at the age of 22 week (p < 0.05 for both), and androstenone levels increased at the age of 26 week (p < 0.05). It was suggested that the levels of free oestrone in adipose tissue might be used for the evaluation of hormonal status of male pigs as an alternative to plasma levels of testicular hormones. The levels of free oestrone might be involved in the regulation of skatole levels in fat as indicated by both the simultaneous increases in skatole and free oestrone levels in fat and positive correlation between skatole and free oestrone.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

Boar taint is related to endocrine and anatomical changes at puberty but not to aggressive behaviour in entire male pigs.

This study aimed to describe the association between incidence of boar taint and pubertal changes in gonadal hormones, size of reproductive organs and aggressive behaviour in entire male pigs. In total, 111 entire male pigs were included in the study. Sampling was performed first at 90 kg live weight (LW) and, then, at 115 kg LW. Variables measured were skatole and androstenone levels in plasma and fat, testosterone and oestrone sulphate in plasma, free oestrone in fat, weight of testes and length of bulbourethral glands. Aggressive interactions between pigs were registered when a limited amount of feed was provided to the pigs prior to routine feeding. The number of initiated interactions (attacks) and the difference between number of initiated and received interactions (relative attacks) were calculated for each pig. Multivariate analysis revealed that gonadal hormones and reproductive organ size influenced prevalence of boar taint, accounting for 30% of the variation in skatole levels in fat and for 37% of the variation in androstenone levels in fat. These relations were independent of aggression levels in entire male pigs. Skatole levels were influenced by the levels of oestrone sulphate in plasma and free oestrone in fat, but not levels of plasma testosterone. Pigs with testes weight below 565 g and a bulbourethral gland length <90 mm did not produce high amounts of skatole; therefore, these values can be used as a threshold level to detect pig carcasses with low skatole levels. High androstenone levels could not be predicted by measuring reproductive organ sizes. More research is required to develop a rapid and accurate method for the analysis of carcasses of entire male pigs.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2005

Effect of ACTH and CRH on plasma levels of cortisol and prostaglandin F2alpha metabolite in cycling gilts and castrated boars.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of synthetic ACTH (1-24, tetracosactid) and porcine CRH on the plasma levels of cortisol and PGF2alpha metabolite in cycling gilts (n = 3) and castrated boars (n = 3). The experiments were designed as crossover studies for each gender separately. Each animal received, during three consecutive days; 1) ACTH (Synacthen Depot) at a dose of 10 microg/kg body weight in 5 ml physiological saline, 2) porcine CRH at a dose 0.6 microg/kg body weight in 5 ml physiological saline or 3) physiological saline (5 ml). The test substances were administered via an indwelling jugular cannula in randomized order according to a Latin square. The administration of ACTH to cycling gilts resulted in concomitant elevations of cortisol and PGF2alpha metabolite with peak levels reached at 70.0 +/- 10.0 and 33.3 +/- 6.7 min, respectively. Similarly, the administration of ACTH to castrated boars resulted in concomitant elevation of cortisol and PGF2alpha metabolite with peak levels reached at 60.0 +/- 0.0 and 20.0 +/- 0.0 min, respectively. Cortisol peaked at 20 min after administration of CRH in both cycling gilts and castrated boars with maximum levels of 149.3 +/- 16.5 nmol/l and 138.3 +/- 10.1 nmol/l, respectively. It can be concluded that administration of synthetic ACTH (tetracosactid) to pigs caused a concomitant elevation of cortisol and PGF2alpha metabolite levels in both cycling gilts as well as castrated boars. The administration of CRH to pigs resulted in an elevation of cortisol levels in both cycling gilts and castrated boars. Conversely, PGF2alpha metabolite levels were not influenced by the administration of CRH either in cycling gilts or in castrated boars.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed2004

Age-related variation of plasma concentrations of skatole, androstenone, testosterone, oestradiol-17 beta, oestrone sulphate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, triiodothyronine and IGF-1 in six entire male pigs.

This study describes the age-related variation in boar taint compounds, skatole and androstenone, and testosterone, oestradiol-17 beta (E17 beta), oestrone sulphate (ES), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), triiodothyronine (T(3)) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in six boars. Three pairs of littermates of crossbred entire male pigs (from three Yorkshire x Duroc dams and one Hampshire sire) were included. Blood samples were taken at the age of 9-15 weeks and thereafter at weekly intervals from the age of 20-32 weeks. Plasma concentrations of skatole, androstenone, testosterone, E17 beta, ES, DHEAS, T(3) and IGF-1 were measured. We found that skatole levels in boars increased at the age around puberty after an increase in the levels of testicular steroids. Levels of skatole were not associated with the levels of sex steroids, T(3) and IGF-1. However, the increased level of testicular steroids is probably the underlying factor needed for high skatole levels to occur although the specific mechanism leading to increased skatole levels remains unknown.

Aging↗

PubMed2004

Influence of CRH and ACTH administration on endocrine profile and ovulation in sows.

Grouping of sows is a stressful event until the ranking is established. The purpose of this study was to simulate stress by repeated administration of porcine corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)/tetracosactide and to study its influence on endocrine profile and ovulation. Four multiparous sows were used and blood was collected every 2 h from the onset of pro-oestrus until 12 h after ovulation. The first oestrus after weaning was used to check ovulation and acclimate the sows to their environment. The second oestrus after weaning was used as control. At their third oestrus CRH (0.6 microg/kg) and at their fourth oestrus ACTH (5 microg/kg) were given every 4 h from onset of oestrus until ovulation. The total 'area under the curve' of cortisol was twofold larger in two of four sows during the CRH treatment period, and two- to fourfold larger (p < or = 0.05) during the ACTH treatment period, compared with the corresponding control period. In three sows, there was no clear effect of either CRH or ACTH on the levels of oestradiol 17beta, luteinizing hormone (LH) or on the timing of ovulation. One sow was different in all hormonal patterns and also in the timing of ovulation. In all four sows, ACTH treatment lowered the baseline level of prostaglandin F(2 alpha)-metabolite. Therefore, we conclude that stage of the oestrous cycle seems to be of importance when investigating the influence of exogenous administration of CRH/ACTH on hormonal pattern and ovulation time in the sow.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed2003

Effects of atorvastatin, simvastatin, and fenofibrate therapy on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion in patients with hyperlipidemia.

OBJECTIVE: Monocytes that migrate into the arterial wall participate in the development and, eventually, rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of this study was to evaluate the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by monocytes from hyperlipidemic patients treated with hypolipidemic drugs, namely fenofibrate, simvastatin, or atorvastatin to determine what role is played by these drugs in the development and stabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque. METHODS: Fifty-four hyperlipidemic patients, who did not respond to a low-fat diet, were treated with fenofibrate, simvastatin, or atorvastatin (18 patients in each group) for 1 month. The control group included 18 normolipidemic, healthy, age-matched participants. Ten hyperlipidemic patients were effectively treated with hypolipidemic diet alone for 1 month. This group was compared with a control group of ten healthy subjects. To accurately evaluate the adhesion molecule levels, we excluded hyperlipidemic patients and control subjects with any inflammatory disease. Before and after treatment, monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood. After stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), MCP-1 secretion was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in hyperlipidemic patients than controls: 15.8+/-0.47, 16.7+/-0.23, and 14.9+/-0.45 compared with 12.36+/-0.42 ng/ml. Fenofibrate, atorvastatin, and simvastatin significantly decreased MCP-1 levels from 15.8+/-0.47 to 8.79+/-0.89, from 16.7+/-0.23 to 7.46+/-0.73, and from 14.9+/-0.45 to 10.3+/-0.8 ng/ml, respectively. In the diet-treated group of hyperlipidemic patients, the level of MCP-1 before therapy was significantly higher than in controls (16.89+/-0.31 vs 12.45+/-0.36 ng/ml). The diet therapy caused a significant decrease in levels of MCP-1 to 15.1+/-0.36 ng/ml. There was a correlation between the decreased levels of lipids and the decreased release of MCP-1 in the patients treated with hypolipemic drugs. CONCLUSION: The drug-induced decrease in MCP-1 secretion in hyperlipidemic patients suggests that, apart from acting on lipids, the hypolipidemic drugs studied may directly inhibit the activity of monocytes.

Atorvastatin↗

PubMed2003

Effects of fenofibrate and simvastatin on plasma sICAM-1 and MCP-1 concentrations in patients with hyperlipoproteinemia.

OBJECTIVE: The most important mechanism through which high plasma lipid levels trigger the formation of atherosclerotic lesions involves a change in the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate an extralipid effect of fenofibrate and simvastatin by examination of MCP-1 and ICAM-1 plasma concentration after 1-month hypolipemic therapy as well as MCP-1 and ICAM-1 plasma concentration after 1-month therapy with low-fat diet alone. METHODS: Twenty patients with HLPIIb or HLPIIa, who did not respond to a low-fat diet, were treated with micronized fenofibrate or simvastatin, respectively, for 1 month. The control group included 18 normo-lipidemic, healthy age-matched participants; 10 patients with HLPIIa were effectively treated with a low-fat diet for 1 month. This group was compared to a control group of 10 healthy subjects. The plasma adhesion molecule levels were measured by an ELISA method before and after the treatment. To accurately evaluate the adhesion molecule levels, we excluded hyperlipidemic patients and control subjects with any inflammatory disease. RESULTS: sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in HLPIIa and HLPIIb patients (331 +/- 19 ng/ml and 423 +/- 23 ng/ml, respectively) compared with the control group (236 +/- 12 mg/ml). MCP-1 levels were also significantly higher in HLPIIa and HLPIIb patients (170 +/- 9 pg/ml and 183 +/- 15 pg/ml, respectively) compared with the control group (100 +/- 4 pg/ml). Fenofibrate (200 mg daily) significantly decreased sICAM-1 (by 17%) and MCP-1 levels (by 12.5%). Simvastatin (20 mg daily) caused a significant decrease (by 10.5%) in sICAM-1 levels only. Restriction in dietary lipids resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of cholesterol (8%), LDL cholesterol (14.9%) and ApoB (12.7%), which was accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of sICAM-1 (8.7%) and MCP-1 (16.1%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that high lipid levels are accompanied by increased levels of sICAM-1 and MCP-1 and that hypolipidemic therapy only slightly decreases the levels of these molecules compared with plasma lipids. The hypolipidemic diet-related decrease in the levels of lipids, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 suggests that it is a drug-induced decrease in lipid levels but not a direct action of the drugs on endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells or macrophages that leads to a decrease in the levels of adhesion molecules.

Chemokine CCL2↗

PubMed2002

Postovulatory effect of repeated administration of prostaglandin F2alpha on the endocrine status, ova transport, binding of accessory spermatozoa to the zona pellucida and embryo development of recently ovulated sows.

We investigated the postovulatory effect of repeated administration of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) on the endocrine status, ova transport, binding of accessory spermatozoa to the zona pellucida (ZP) and embryo development of recently ovulated sows. We used altogether 10 Swedish crossbred (Landrace x Yorkshire) multiparous sows. The treatment group (P-group) was administered 1 mg of PGF2alpha intravenously every 6 h via an indwelling jugular cannula, commencing 4-8 h after ovulation was detected in the second estrus after weaning. All sows were inseminated once and blood was sampled until the end of the experimental period. After slaughter, we immediately recovered the reproductive tracts and divided them into three equal isthmic segments (IST1, IST2 and IST3) and a third of the uterine horn from the utero-tubal-junction (UTJ), and we flushed each one with PBS for ova recovery. We immediately stained the ova and examined them under epi-fluorescence illumination. We found the highest proportion of ova in the P-group in IST1 (41.5%), while we found the highest proportion in the C-group in the uterus (40.7%). A total of 68.7% of ova in the P-group had more than 50 accessory spermatozoa attached to the ZP, compared with 36.7% in the C-group sows. A total of 77% of ova had more than three blastomeres in the P-group, compared with 73% in the C-group. PGF2alpha metabolite and cortisol levels were elevated (P < 0.05) following every PGF2alpha administration. Despite peaks, we saw no changes (P > 0.05) in progesterone levels between the P-group and the C-group. We saw no differences (P > 0.05) in estradiol-17beta levels between the P-group and the C-group. We concluded that PGF2alpha stimulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, as evidenced by the elevation of cortisol and progesterone but not estradiol-17beta. Furthermore, repeated PGF2alpha administration might be associated with a delayed ova transport and an increased number of accessory spermatozoa bound to the ZP. However, the effect of PGF2alpha on embryo development is unclear.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Hormonal measurements in late pregnancy and parturition in dairy cows--possible tools to monitor foetal well being.

Three dairy heifers (A, B and C) were induced to parturition with two prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) injections on day 268 and 269 of pregnancy. Signs of approaching parturition were carefully observed. The following parameters were registered: degrees of calving difficulty, date and time of parturition, calf's birth weight and calf's sex. Body temperature was measured and blood samples were taken every 3 h 3 days before the first PGF(2alpha) injection until 3 days after parturition. The plasma concentrations of the PGF(2alpha) metabolite, progesterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs) were analysed. Heifers A, B and C delivered 48, 51 and 57 h after the first PGF(2alpha) injection, respectively. Heifer A delivered without any signs of calving difficulty, whereas, the parturition was considered to be slight and moderate difficulty occurred in the delivery of heifers B and C, respectively. The calf of heifer C, without any abnormal gross-evidences, was stillborn. All animals had retained foetal membranes. A slight increase of the PGF(2alpha) metabolite at the time of parturition was found only in heifer C, whereas the levels dramatically increased in all animals 15-24 h after parturition. At the same time, progesterone levels decreased within 3 h after the first PGF(2alpha) injection (P < 0.05) and reached 0.8, 2.7 and 12.4 nmol/l at the time of parturition in heifers A, B and C, respectively. High release of cortisol at the time of parturition was seen in heifer C. Rising levels of oestrone sulphate around the time of parturition were recorded in all heifers, whereas, increasing levels of PAGs were recorded only in heifer A. In conclusion, the patterns of the PGF(2alpha) metabolite, cortisol, progesterone and PAGs were changed in the cases of calving difficulty and stillbirth after PGF(2alpha)-induction of parturition. However, the relationship between oestrone sulphate and PAGs and the status of foetal well being prior to parturition require further elucidation.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Plasma cytokines as predictors of coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Growing body of evidence explicitly suggests the significant role of inflammatory processes in vascular diseases related to atherosclerosis. Monocytes, present in every phase of atherogenesis, are the principal cells accumulating in atherosclerotic plaque. Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 (MCP-1) seems to influence firm adherence of rolling monocytes and infiltration into the artery wall. Although the significant meaning of inflammation in atherogenesis has been proved, potential role of antiinflammatory cytokines remains unknown. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a major cytokine of pleiotropic antiinflammatory function known to exert inhibitory effects on monocytes. Recent data emerging from clinical and pathological studies suggest important role of thrombosis and fibrinolytic disorders in atherosclerosis complications especially in coronary heart disease (CHD). Individuals with greater Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) level are believed to be more susceptible to cardiovascular disease. METHODS: In our study we measured the plasma levels of MCP-1, IL-10 and PAI-1 in 10 patients with stable angina and 10 healthy subjects. We also estimated its mutual correlations. The plasma levels of MCP-1, IL-10 and PAI-1 were determined with R&D kits (ELISA). RESULTS: Plasma levels of MCP-1 were significantly higher (261.5+/-40.7 pg/mL vs 73.3+/-3.05 pg/mL; p<0.0002) and also levels of PAI-1 were higher (79.36+/-5.8 ng/mL vs 35.88+/-1.38 ng/mL; p<0.0001) in patients with SA compared with the healthy control subjects. Whereas plasma levels of IL-10 were lower (11.6+/-0.5 pg/mL vs 16.5+/-0.4 pg/mL; p<0.0001) compared with control group and correlated with both MCP-1 plasma level (r=-0.67; p<0.0015) and PAI-1 concentration (r=-0.69; p<0.0008). CONCLUSION: The data obtained confirm the predictive role of cytokines in patients with stable coronary heart disease. The negative correlation of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and PAI-1 was also found.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Neuroleptics normalize increased release of interleukin- 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha from monocytes in schizophrenia.

Some recent reports show that schizophrenia is accompanied by changes in lymphocyte activity. This study investigated the activity of monocytes by determining their release of interleukin- 1 beta (IL- 1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Monocytes were immunomagnetically isolated from the peripheral blood of schizophrenic patients before and after neuroleptic medication and stimulated by lipopolisaccharide (LPS) in vitro. The monocytes of schizophrenic patients released significantly higher amounts of IL- 1 beta and TNF-alpha than those of healthy controls. Treatment with the typical neuroleptics haloperidol and perazine decreased the release of IL- 1 beta and TNF-alpha to the control levels. The study has shown that the activity of monocytes is increased in schizophrenia and that neuroleptic treatment normalizes this activity.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Recent insights into body weight control: from physiology to pathology.

Over the past several years, new modulators of feeding and body weight have been discovered, and our knowledge of the mechanisms and neurohumoral interactions between anorexigenic and orexigenic compounds has increased dramatically. This review aims to summarize the present knowledge of the role of leptin and several hypothalamic neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and melanocortins, in the regulation of appetite and body weight. It also presents the progress made in the design of interactions between leptin and hypothalamic peptides in the regulation of feeding. The role of these compounds in the pathogenesis of obesity in animals and humans, and their potential usefulness in the treatment of this disorder, are discussed.

Animals↗