Showing papers on "Blood chemistry published in 2000"

Hematology and plasma chemistry reference intervals for cultured tilapia (Oreochromis hybrid).

Abstract: Tilapia are a commonly aquacultured fish yet little is known about their normal physiology and response to disease. In this study we determined the results of complete hematologic (n = 40) and plasma bio- chemical profiles (n = 63) in production tilapia (Oreochromis hybrids). The fish were raised in recirculating systems with a high stocking density (120 g/L), and were in the middle of a 15-month production cycle. Blood was analyzed using standard techniques, and reference intervals were determined using nonparametric meth- ods. Non-production tilapia (n = 15) from low-density tanks (4 g/L) also were sampled; the clinical chemistry results were compared to reference intervals from the fish raised in high-density tanks. Differences were noted in plasma protein, calcium and phosphorus concentrations, such that reference intervals for high-den- sity production tilapia were not applicable to fish raised under different environmental and management con- ditions. (Vet Clin Pathol 2000;29:7-12)

Infant feeding and adult glucose tolerance, lipid profile, blood pressure, and obesity

Abstract: BACKGROUND—It is generally accepted that breast feeding has a beneficial effect on the health of infants and young children. Recently, a few studies have shown that the method of infant feeding is also associated with cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in adult life. AIMS—To examine the association between the method of infant feeding in the first weeks after birth and glucose tolerance, plasma lipid profile, blood pressure, and body mass in adults aged 48-53 years. METHODS—Subjects born at term between 1 November 1943 and 28 February 1947 in the Wilhelmina Gasthuis in Amsterdam around the time of a severe period of famine (late November 1944 to early May 1945). For 625 subjects, information was available about infant feeding at the time of discharge from hospital (on average 10.4days after birth), and at least one blood sample after an overnight fast. RESULTS—Subjects who were bottle fed had a higher mean 120 minute plasma glucose concentration after a standard oral glucose tolerance test than those who were exclusively breast fed. They also had a higher plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration, a lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration, and a higher LDL/HDL ratio. Systolic blood pressure and body mass index were not affected by the method of infant feeding. CONCLUSIONS—Exclusive breast feeding seems to have a protective effect against some risk factors for cardiovascular disease in later life.

Plasma lipid and blood glucose levels in patients with destructive periodontal disease.

Abstract: Hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease In recent years, some evidence has been presented that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease To further elucidate this association, we have studied standard blood chemistry variables known as risk markers for cardiovascular disease in periodontally diseased and healthy subjects We have measured levels of plasma lipids and fasting blood glucose in 39 subjects with moderate periodontal disease (age 50-60 years) and compared the results with those obtained in 40 age- and sex-matched controls Both groups were systemically healthy according to their medical history Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly higher in periodontally diseased subjects by about 8% (p<003), 13% (p<0003) and 39% (p<0001), respectively, when compared to controls Although subjects with diabetes were excluded from the study, we found significantly higher blood glucose levels in the patient than in the control group (85 +/- 25 versus 73 +/- 17 mg/dl; p<002) There was also a significantly higher frequency of pathological plasma lipid profiles in the patient than in the control group The results indicate that hyperlipaemia and pre-diabetes may be associated with periodontal disease in systemically healthy subjects These data do not allow us to decide, whether periodontal disease causes an increase in hyperlipaemia and in a prediabetic state or whether periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease share hyperlipidaemia and the prediabetic state as common risk factors

Changes in the blood biochemical and haematological profile of neonatal calves with age

Abstract: Fourteen calves were used to investigate the changes from birth to 83 days of age in the concentrations of serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, beta-hydroxybutyrate, plasma cortisol, serum creatine kinase, creatinine, iron, plasma fibrinogen, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, plasma glucose, haptoglobin, serum non-esterified fatty acids, total protein, transferrin, triglycerides, urea and gamma globulin; the haematological variables measured were: basophils, eosinophils, haematocrit, haemoglobin, lymphocytes, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, monocytes, band neutrophils, neutrophils, platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. The changes are presented as a series of graphs and the values are discussed in relation to the published reference ranges for adult cattle. Two populations of calves were identified which gave rise to a bimodal distribution for some of the variables. Differences in haematocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cell counts were apparent at birth, with raised values for these measurements being associated with an increased white blood cell and neutrophil count between three and 27 days of age.

Bioavailability and efficiency of rutin as an antioxidant: a human supplementation study.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the potential antioxidant effect of rutin (quercetin-3-O-β-rutinoside) supplementation. Design: A 6-week randomized single-blind placebo controlled trial was conducted; 500 mg rutin supplement was compared to an equivalent amount of glucose placebo. In addition, a pharmacokinetic study was carried out. Setting: The Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, UK. Subjects: Eighteen healthy non-obese normocholesterolaemic female volunteers in the age range 18–48 y. Main outcome measures: Plasma flavonoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and carotenoids, plasma antioxidant capacity, lymphocyte DNA damage, blood chemistry and haematology, liver function tests, urinary malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α. Results: Eighteen volunteers completed the trial. Rutin supplementation did not induce any adverse changes in blood chemistry or indices of liver function. Plasma flavonoids were significantly elevated in the rutin-supplemented group. Endogenous oxidation of pyrimidines was significantly decreased in both rutin- and placebo-treated volunteers. There was no significant change in the level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine or urinary malondialdehyde in either group. A linear correlation was observed between urinary malondialdehyde and urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (R=0.54, P<0.01). Conclusion: Six weeks' rutin supplementation significantly elevated the levels of three plasma flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) but there was no significant change in plasma antioxidant status. The decrease in the level of endogenous base oxidation in lymphocyte DNA seen in both the placebo- and rutin-supplemented subjects may reflect seasonal changes in other dietary antioxidants. Sponsorship: This work was supported by the Scottish Office Agriculture Environment and Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. SJ Duthie is funded by the World Cancer Research Fund. European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 24, 774–782

Accumulation of quercetin conjugates in blood plasma after the short-term ingestion of onion by women

Abstract: Quercetin is a typical flavonoid present mostly as glycosides in plant foods; it has attracted much attention for its potential beneficial effects in disease prevention. In this study, we examined ...

Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation in humans: effects on circulating leptin concentrations and appetite.

Abstract: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been demonstrated to reduce body fat in animals. However, the mechanism by which this reduction occurs is unknown. Leptin may mediate the effect of CLA to decrease body fat. We assessed the effects of 64 d of CLA supplementation (3 g/d) on circulating leptin, insulin, glucose, and lactate concentrations in healthy women. Appetite was assessed as a physiological correlate of changes in circulating leptin levels. Analysis of plasma leptin concentrations adjusted for adiposity by using fat mass as a covariate showed that CLA supplementation significantly decreased circulating leptin concentrations in the absence of any changes of fat mass. Mean leptin levels decreased over the first 7 wk and then returned to baseline levels over the last 2 wk of the study in the CLA-treated group. Appetite parameters measured at around the time when the greatest decreases in leptin levels were observed showed no significant differences between supplementation and baseline determinations in the CLA-supplemented group or between the CLA and placebo-supplemented groups. There was a nonsignificant trend for mean insulin levels to increase toward the end of the supplementation period in CLA-treated subjects. CLA did not affect plasma glucose and lactate over the treatment period. Thus, 64 d of CLA supplementation in women produced a transient decrease in leptin levels but did not alter appetite. CLA did not affect these parameters in a manner that promoted decreases of adiposity.

Evaluation of five portable blood glucose meters for use in dogs.

Abstract: Objective—To evaluate clinical and analytical accuracy of 5 portable blood glucose meters (PBGM) used to measure blood glucose concentrations in dogs and to determine potential sources of error. Design—Prospective study. Animals—221 dogs. Procedure—Venous blood samples were obtained, and results of the 5 PBGM were compared with results of a hexokinase reference method. Agreement among methods was determined by use of error grid analysis and statistical methods. Results—Accuracy of the PBGM varied with glucose concentration of the sample. The largest differences between results of the PBGM and results of the reference method were obtained with samples with high glucose concentrations; 4 PBGM tended to underestimate and 1 PBGM tended to overestimate the true glucose concentration. Absolute differences between results of the PBGM and results of the reference method were small for samples with low glucose concentrations and samples with concentrations in the reference range. None of the PBGM yielded measureme...

Assessment of five portable blood glucose meters, a point-of-care analyzer, and color test strips for measuring blood glucose concentration in dogs

Abstract: Objective—To compare blood glucose concentrations obtained using a point-of-care (POC) analyzer, 5 portable blood glucose meters (PBGM), and a color reagent test strip with concentrations obtained using a reference method, and to compare glucose concentrations obtained using fresh blood samples in the PBGM with concentrations obtained using blood anticoagulated with lithium heparin. Design—Case series. Sample Population—110 blood samples from 34 dogs; glucose concentration of the samples ranged from 41 to 596 mg/dl. Procedure—Logistic regression was used to compare blood glucose concentrations obtained with the various devices with reference method concentrations. Ease of use was evaluated subjectively. Percentage of times a clinical decision would have been altered if results of each of these methods had been used, rather than results of the reference method, was calculated. Results—For 3 of the PBGM, blood glucose concentrations obtained with fresh blood were not significantly different from concentrati...

Biochemical blood profile of Angoni cattle in Mozambique.

Abstract: The normal reference values of serum proteins, metabolites and minerals of Angoni cattle in Angonia Mozambique and the effects of age, sex and physiological state were determined. These indigo animals, which proved to be more adaptable to the harsh climatic conditions and common diseases, are relative free genetically of the “imported genes” for better production from outside Africa. Eighty-four young and mature, males and females at different physiological states were used for this study. Blood was taken, transported to the analyzing laboratory, serum was obtained and analyzed in a \"Cobas Bio\" blood analyzer and specific electrodes. The following analytes and parameters were analyzed: AST, ALT, ALP, CK, GGT, LDH, total serum proteins, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, glucose, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, uric acid, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, calcium-phosphorus ratio, sodium, potassium, chloride and hematocrit. The values obtained were statistically analyzed, the mean and standard deviations were calculated and set as the reference values. No significant differences were seen between the males and females. Significant differences however, were seen between young and mature animals. With lower ALP, calcium, calcium to phosphorus ratio, chlorine and potassium, and higher values total proteins, globulin and urea, in the mature animals. Significant differences were also seen between pregnant, non-pregnant and lactating cows with ALP, LDH, glucose and calcium being the highest in the non-pregnant cows. In lactating cows globulin and cholesterol were the highest and albumin-to-globulin ratio was the lowest. Pregnant cows showed the highest hematocrit and the lowest potassium in comparison to the other groups. Highly significant negative correlation were seen between age and ALP, glucose, potassium, and phosphorus and positive correlation were seen between age, globulin and total proteins. Significant correlations were also seen between body weight/age ratio to glucose, ALP, total proteins and phosphorus. Some significant differences were also seen in the blood levels of various analytes in comparison to cattle in other countries, which are a result of genetic, climatic, nutritional and environmental conditions. Page 1 of 9 BIOCHEMICAL BLOOD PROFILE OF ANGONI CATTLE IN MOZAMBIQUE

The associations of a marine diet with plasma lipids, blood glucose, blood pressure and obesity among the inuit in Greenland.

Abstract: Objective: To analyse the associations between the intake of fish and marine mammals and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, ie lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure and obesity, in a population whose average consumption of n-3 fatty acids is high compared with Western countries. Design: Information was obtained from a population survey in Greenland: interview data, clinical data and fasting blood samples were obtained from a random sample of Inuit from three towns and four villages. Subjects: Two-hundred and fifty-nine adult Inuit (74% of the sample). Results: Marine diet was positively associated with serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and blood glucose and inversely with very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride. Association with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), diastolic and systolic blood pressure, waist–hip ratio and body mass index were inconsistent and not statistically significant. The pattern was similar within groups with low, medium and high consumption of marine food. Conclusions: There are statistically significant associations between the consumption of marine food and certain lipid fractions in the blood also in this population with a very high average intake of marine food. The observation that blood glucose is positively associated with marine diet in a population survey is new and should be repeated. There was good agreement between the results for the reported consumption of seal and those for the biomarkers. Sponsorship: The study was financially supported by the Greenland Home Rule, Directorate of Health and Research, the Commission for Scientific Research in Greenland, and the Danish Medical Research Council. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, 732–737

Normal hematologic and serum biochemical reference intervals for juvenile wild turkeys.

Abstract: Blood samples taken from 48 4-mo-old wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopova silvestris) were used to establish reference intervals for hematology and serum chemistry values. The study was conducted during September and October 1996. Packed cell volume, total and differential white cell counts, total protein, albumin, glucose, calcium, uric acid, triglyceride concentrations, as well as aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were assayed. Reference intervals from wild turkeys are similar to those reported for domestic turkeys.

Blood Chemistry, Nutrient Metabolism, and Organ Weights in Fetal and Newborn Calves Derived from In Vitro-Produced Bovine Embryos

Abstract: Calves born after in vitro production (IVP) of embryos often show reduced perinatal viability. The present experiment investigated a series of physiological variables in the immediate prenatal and postnatal period of IVP dairy calves. Fetal IVP and control calves (each n = 7) were prepared with vascular catheters at 248+/-1 day gestation (term = 280 days), and blood samples were taken for five days before premature delivery by cesarean section. IVP fetuses compared with controls had significantly elevated arterial hemoglobin and oxygen content (8.41 vs. 7.52% and 5.75 vs. 3.79%, respectively) whereas lactate level was lowered (1.89 vs. 2.26 mM). The umbilical venous-arterial concentration differences in oxygen, lactate, and glucose indicated that IVP fetuses relied more on lactate and less on glucose as oxidative substrates. The fetal glucose tolerance, and the basal and adrenocorticotropin-stimulated cortisol levels were similar between the groups. In the immediate postnatal period, IVP calves showed elevated venous blood pH (7.294 vs. 7.270), hemoglobin (9.06 vs. 8.25%), oxygen contents (6.33 vs. 4. 64%), K(+) levels (4.89 vs. 4.56 mM), and rectal temperature (38.9 vs. 37.4 degrees C), and lowered blood Na(+) (139.9 vs. 141.0 mM), Cl(-) (100.2 vs. 103.1 mM) and glucose levels (2.86 vs. 3.11 mM). There were no differences in body dimensions and organ weights, except that the fore legs and hind legs were slightly longer in the IVP group (76.1 vs. 72.4 cm and 93.4 vs. 88.8 cm, respectively). Although prenatal and neonatal IVP calves differed from control calves in a number of variables, the effects were relatively minor and provide no direct evidence for the hypothesis that IVP calves have an impaired capacity to adapt to life ex utero. In fact, several parameters indicated enhanced rather than retarded maturation of IVP calves when data from premature calves were compared with data from a group of control calves delivered at term.

Comparative effects of UVA and UVB irradiation on the immune system of fish

Abstract: Aquatic organisms can be harmed by the current levels of solar ultraviolet radiation. We have recently shown that exposure of fish to UVB irradiation alters the functioning of the fish immune system, but the effects of UVA radiation are unknown. The present study continues this work by characterizing UVA irradiation-induced immunological changes in fish. Roach, a cyprinid fish, were exposed to a single dose of either UVA (3.6 J/cm2) or UVB (0.5 J/cm2) irradiation. Both irradiations suppressed transiently mitogen-stimulated proliferation of blood lymphocytes. UVA, but not UVB, decreased hematocrit, plasma protein, and plasma immunoglobulin levels and increased the proportions of blood cells classified as unidentified leukocytes, possibly consisting of UVA-damaged lymphocytes. UVB, but not UVA, altered the functioning of head kidney and blood phagocytes, induced granulocytosis and lymphocytopenia in the blood and increased plasma cortisol concentration. These results imply that both UVA and UVB are potent modulators of the immune defence of fish.

Microcystin-LR decreases hepatic and renal perfusion, and causes circulatory shock, severe hypoglycemia, and terminal hyperkalemia in intravascularly dosed swine.

Abstract: Cross-bred, anesthetized female swine were given intravascularly a lethal (72 microg/kg; n = 6) or toxic-sublethal (25 microg/kg; n = 6) dose of microcystin-LR (MCLR), from Microcystis aeruginosa, or the vehicle (n = 4). At the high dose, from 12 to 18 min after administration, central venous pressure and hepatic perfusion were significantly lower, and shortly thereafter, portal venous pressure was significantly higher and aortic mean pressure was significantly lower than controls. By 45 min postdosing, serum bile acids, lactate, potassium, and total bilirubin, as well as blood pO2, were significantly higher, while hematocrit, platelet count, and blood bicarbonate, pCO2, and base excess were significantly lower than controls. By 90 min, serum arginase, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and creatinine were significantly higher, while glucose and blood pH were significantly lower than in controls. By 150 min, serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine phosphokinase activities were significantly higher than controls. At the low dose, significant differences from controls occurred in hemodynamic, organ perfusion, and serum chemistry parameters, but such changes generally took longer to occur and were of a lesser magnitude than at the high dose. Livers of the high-dose swine were swollen and dark red-purple, and exuded excessive blood on the cut surface. Based on increases in liver weight and liver hemoglobin, 38% of the total blood volume was lost into the liver. Terminally, all high-dose swine experienced hyperkalemia, and most had severe hypoglycemia. Death due to acute MCLR toxicosis in intravascularly dosed swine appears to result from severe intrahepatic hemorrhage, partial obstruction of blood flow through the liver, circulatory shock, severe hypoglycemia, and/or terminal hyperkalemia.

Polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB2) in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in men.

Abstract: . Rosmond R, Ukkola O, Chagnon M, Bouchard C & Bjorntorp P (Department of Heart and Lung Diseases, Goteborg University, Sweden; Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland). Polymorphisms of the β2-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB2) in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in men. J Intern Med 2000; 248: 239–244. Objective. To investigate the effect of polymorphisms in codon 16 (Arg16Gly) and codon 27 (Gln27Glu) of the β2-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB2) on anthropometric, endocrine, metabolic and haemodynamic variables. Design. A cross-sectional study. Subjects. A subgroup of 284 Swedish men from a population sample of 1040 at the age of 51 years. Main outcome measures. Genotype examination of ADRB2 polymorphisms in codon 16 and codon 27 with polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Anthropometric measurements included body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and abdominal sagittal diameter. Endocrine measurements included blood levels of testosterone, insulin-like growth factor I, and leptin plus salivary cortisol. Overnight fasting values of serum insulin, blood glucose, triglycerides, total, low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as blood pressure and resting heart rate, were also determined. Results. Polymorphisms were frequent in both codon 16 and codon 27. The Arg16Gly genotype showed significant relationships to elevated central distribution of body fat and to systolic blood pressure, whilst the Glu27Glu genotype was associated with elevated leptin and triglyceride levels but not to other measurements, including obesity variables. Conclusions. We conclude that only a few cardiovascular risk factors are associated with DNA sequence variation in the ADRB2 in Swedish men.

An update on the physiology of two- and three-toed sloths.

Abstract: Physiological and pharmacological research undertaken on sloths during the past 30 years is comprehensively reviewed. This includes the numerous studies carried out upon the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, anesthesia, blood chemistry, neuromuscular responses, the brain and spinal cord, vision, sleeping and waking, water balance and kidney function and reproduction. Similarities and differences between the physiology of sloths and that of other mammals are discussed in detail.

Effect of specimen collection and storage on blood glucose and lactate concentrations in healthy, hyperthyroid and diabetic cats.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare and investigate differences in glucose and lactate con- centrations in sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate (NaF/Ox) plasma and serum in healthy cats and cats with metabolic disease. Glucose and lactate concentrations were determined in routinely processed serum and NaF/Ox plasma obtained from healthy (n = 30), hyperthyroid (n = 27) and diabetic (n = 30) cats, and in samples from 6 healthy cats stored at 25°C or 4°C for 0, 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours. The packed cell volume (PCV) of blood col- lected in NaF/Ox was compared with that of blood collected in EDTA. Mean glucose concentration was signif- icantly (P < .05) lower in NaF/Ox plasma than in serum in all groups of cats, by 0.7-2.5 mmol/L (11-45 mg/dL); the difference was greater in cats with hyperglycemia. Mean lactate concentration was significantly higher in serum than in NaF/Ox plasma in all groups of cats, by 0.4-1.2 mmol/L (3.6-10.8 mg/dL); the difference was greater in hyperthyroid and diabetic cats. In vitro, only serum stored on the clot for ≥ 1hour at 25°C had signif- icantly lower glucose and higher lactate concentrations. The PCV of NaF/Ox-anticoagulated blood was lower than that of EDTA-anticoagulated blood, by 7.0% ± 1.4% (P < .01). In conclusion, collection of feline blood in NaF/Ox was necessary to prevent in vitro increases in lactate concentration; however, NaF/Ox artifactually decreased plasma glucose concentration because of RBC shrinkage. The PCV should not be determined on blood collected in NaF/Ox. (Vet Clin Pathol 2000;29:22-28)

Blood Lactate Responses to Submaximal Field Exercise Tests in Thoroughbred Horses

Abstract: The associations between velocity during a standardized, submaximal 800-m exercise test and blood lactate concentration after exercise were investigated in Thoroughbred racehorses on sand and grass racetracks. Predicted lactate concentrations for each horse's exercise test velocity were calculated from the line of best fit derived from results at each racetrack. The repeatability of the differences between the measured and predicted blood lactate response to exercise was also investigated. Exercise tests were conducted at speeds ranging from 12.8 to 16.6 m/s. The variability of velocity within the exercise test was expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV) of the times for the four 200-m sections.On the sand track, the coefficient of determination for the lactate-speed relationship was highest for an exponential regression equation [lactate (mmol/L) = 0.08e(0.33x)(m/s);r(2)= 0.58, P< 0.05;n = 21]. Similar coefficients of determination were calculated for linear (r(2)= 0.56) and second order polynomial equations (r(2)= 0. 57). On the grass racetrack, the relationship was best described by a second order polynomial equation [lactate (mmol/L) = -0.87x(2)+ 28. 17x - 211.41;r(2)= 0.57, P< 0.05;n = 25]. The mean differences between the measured and predicted blood lactate concentrations in repeated tests were 1.9 +/- 1.8 (SD) and 1.8 +/- 1.7 ( SD) on the sand and grass racetracks. There were no significant associations between the velocity of the exercise and the CV on either racetrack. Differences between measured and predicted blood lactate concentrations, based on track-specific lines of best fit, have potential application in field studies of fitness in Thoroughbred horses.

Direct and indirect assessment of selenium status in cattle - a comparison.

Abstract: Pavlata L. , A. Pechová, J . I l lek: Direct and Indirect Assessment of Selenium Status in Cattle a Comparison. Acta vet. Brno 2000, 69: 281-287. Selenium concentration and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as direct and indirect indicators of selenium status were determined in whole blood samples collected from 326 cattle in 30 herds kept in various regions of the Czech Republic. The GSH-Px activity in the samples was measured by the UV method, using the set supplied by Randox. Selenium in the sample was measured using the hydride technique AAS. The two variables showed a close and significant correlation (r = 0.90; p < 0.01). The regression line, defined by the equation y = 6.44x + 21.4, allowed us to determine the GSH-Px activity of 665.4 μkat.l-1 as equivalent to selenium concentration in whole blood 100 μg.l-1. Mean selenium concentration and mean GSH-Px activity found in whole blood samples were 78.25 ± 46.67 μg.l-1 and 525.51 ± 335.56 μkat.l-1, respectively. Insufficient or marginal supply of selenium was diagnosed in 64% of the animals in terms of selenium concentration, in 63% of the animals in terms of GSH-Px activity and in 55% of the animals with selenium concentrations <100 μg.l-1 and GSH-Px activity < 665.4 μkat.l-1. In this study, close dependence of GSH-Px activity and selenium concentration in the blood of cattle was found. Activity values of GSH-Px were determined for the use in diagnosis of insufficient selenium in cattle in the Czech Republic. Glutathione peroxidase, whole blood, AAS, correlation, diagnostics Selenium had been the subject of only toxicological studies in animals and humans until Schwartz and Foltz (1957) pointed out its physiological role. Currently, many biological functions of this element present in various selenoproteins have been described. In eukaryotic organisms, selenocysteine has been identified as a component of glutathione peroxidase, tetraiodothyronine 5’-deiodase, protein P, selenoprotein W, and selenoprotein isolated from murine sperm mitochondriae (Fuchs 1996). Their biological functions in various animal species are the subject of continuing research. Selenium deficiency in various animal species is manifested by both nonspecific and specific clinical signs. Their severity depends on the degree of deficiency and exertion the animal is exposed to. Well-known animal diseases due to selenium deficiency include nutritional myodystrophy of ruminants, hepatic necrosis of rats, pancreatic degeneration, reproductive failures, encephalomalacia of chicks, and others (Shamberger 1983). Since such diseases become clinically apparent only in animals suffering from a serious selenium deficiency, development of exact and practical methods for the diagnosis of subclinical metabolic disorders or insufficient selenium supply is desirable. In addition to clinical signs and microscopic lesions in muscular tissue, low selenium status can be diagnosed by increased ativities of selected enzymes of muscle cells (aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and, foremost, creatine kinase). More exact methods include direct determination of selenium in blood and tissues and indirect assessment of selenium status by measurement of activity of ACTA VET. BRNO 2000, 69: 281–287 Address for correspondence: MVDr. Leo‰ Pavlata Clinic of Diseases of Ruminants, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackého 1-3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic Phone: +420 5 4156 2407 Fax: +42 74 88 41 E-mail: pavlatal@vfu.cz http://www.vfu.cz/acta-vet/actavet.htm

Relationships between vitamin A, iron status and helminthiasis in Bangladeshi school children

Abstract: Relationships between vitamin A, iron status and helminthiasis in Bangladeshi school children

Distribution of Body Weight, Blood Insulin and Lipid Levels in the SMXA Recombinant Inbred Strains and the QTL Analysis

Abstract: In the SMXA recombinant inbred (RI) strains, we measured body weight, blood insulin and lipid (triglyceride, total cholesterol and phospholipid) levels in each strain. In the five traits, mean values of substrains varied remarkably and showed a continuous spectrum of distribution, suggesting control by multiple genes at distinct loci for each trait. We also screened for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in the five traits. Suggestive QTLs for body weight (Chromosomes 1 and 6), insulin (Chromosomes 1, 3, 10 and 17), triglyceride (Chromosomes 4 and 11) and phospholipid (Chromosome 18) levels were detected. The SMXA RI strains are unique tools for analyzing genetic factors that influence body weight, blood insulin and lipids levels.

The measurement of glucocorticoid concentrations in the serum and faeces of captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana) after ACTH stimulation : research communication

Abstract: Conventionally, the assessment of adrenal responses to stress relies on blood sample collection. However, blood collection from animals is impossible without restraint or immobilisation that influences results. This study was undertaken to validate recently established enzyme immunoassays that measure faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in elephants, and to perform a preliminary investigation into the biological relevance of this non-invasive method for use in assessing the degree of stress in this species. Four juvenile African elephants were injected i.m. with 2.15 mg synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (Synacthen, Novartis, Switzerland). Blood and faecal samples were collected over 4 h and 7 d respectively. Concentrations of serum cortisol and faecal cortisol metabolites were determined using immunoassay. Variability of basal and peak values in blood and faeces was observed among the elephants. After ACTH injection, serum cortisol concentrations increased by 400-700 %. An 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) proved best suited to measure cortisol metabolites (11,17-dioxoandrostanes) when compared to a cortisol and corticosterone EIA in faecal samples. Concentrations of faecal 11,17-dioxoandrostanes increased by 570-1070 %, reaching peak levels after 20.0-25.5 h. Greater levels of glucocorticoid metabolites were measured in faecal samples from elephants kept in small enclosures compared to levels in the faeces of animals ranging over a larger area. The results of this preliminary study suggest that non-invasive faecal monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolites is useful in investigating adrenal activity in African elephants.