Prediction of nitrogen excretion from data on dairy cows fed a wide range of diets compiled in an intercontinental database: A meta-analysis

Manure nitrogen (N) from cattle contributes to nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions and nitrate leaching. Measurement of manure N outputs on dairy farms is laborious, expensive, and impractical at large scales; therefore, models are needed to predict N excreted in urine and feces. Building robust prediction models requires extensive data from animals under different management systems worldwide. Thus, the study objectives were (1) to collate an international database of N excretion in feces and urine based on individual lactating dairy cow data from different continents; (2) to determine the suitability of key variables for predicting fecal, urinary, and total manure N excretion; and (3) to develop robust and reliable N excretion prediction models based on individual data from lactating dairy cows consuming various diets. A raw data set was created based on 5,483 individual cow observations, with 5,420 fecal N excretion and 3,621 urine N excretion measurements collected from 162 in vivo experiments conducted by 22 research institutes mostly located in Europe (n = 14) and North America (n = 5). A sequential approach was taken in developing models with increasing complexity by incrementally adding variables that had a significant individual effect on fecal, urinary, or total manure N excretion. Nitrogen excretion was predicted by fitting linear mixed models including experiment as a random effect. Simple models requiring dry matter intake (DMI) or N intake performed better for predicting fecal N excretion than simple models using diet nutrient composition or milk performance parameters. Simple models based on N intake performed better for urinary and total manure N excretion than those based on DMI, but simple models using milk urea N (MUN) and N intake performed even better for urinary N excretion. The full model predicting fecal N excretion had similar performance to simple models based on DMI but included several independent variables (DMI, diet crude protein content, diet neutral detergent fiber content, milk protein), depending on the location, and had root mean square prediction errors as a fraction of the observed mean values of 19.1% for intercontinental, 19.8% for European, and 17.7% for North American data sets. Complex total manure N excretion models based on N intake and MUN led to prediction errors of about 13.0% to 14.0%, which were comparable to models based on N intake alone. Intercepts and slopes of variables in optimal prediction equations developed on intercontinental, European, and North American bases differed from each other, and therefore region-specific models are preferred to predict N excretion. In conclusion, region-specific models that include information on DMI or N intake and MUN are required for good prediction of fecal, urinary, and total manure N excretion. In absence of intake data, region-specific complex equations using easily and routinely measured variables to predict fecal, urinary, or total manure N excretion may be used, but these equations have lower performance than equations based on intake.

Effect of feeding fresh forage plantain (Plantago lanceolata) or ryegrass-based pasture on methane emissions, total-tract digestibility, and rumen fermentation of nonlactating dairy cows

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is an herb used to reduce the forage deficit of ryegrass-based pastures during the summer. This herb is being promoted for its reduced environmental impact in terms of nitrogen emissions, particularly reducing urinary nitrogen. However, the effect of plantain on emissions of enteric CH₄, the main greenhouse gas produced from ruminant-based production systems, is not known. The aim of the present trial was to determine CH₄ emissions and rumen fermentation characteristics of nonlactating dairy cows fed 100% plantain (PLT) or 100% perennial ryegrass (RG; Lolium perenne) in 2 experiments (E1 and E2). The forages were in a vegetative growth stage in E1 and were in a reproductive growth stage in E2. Methane emissions from 16 cows in each experiment were measured in respiration chambers for 2 d. Methane emissions per unit of dry matter intake (CH₄ yield) were 15 and 28% less for cows fed PLT than those fed RG in E1 and E2, respectively. Dry matter digestibility of PLT was 7 and 27% less than that of RG in E1 and E2, respectively, and CH₄ per unit of dry matter digested was similar for PLT and RG in both experiments. There were only minor (but some significant) differences in rumen fermentation characteristics between cows fed PLT and RG in both experiments. In conclusion, CH₄ yield was lower for cows fed PLT compared with those fed RG in both experiments and this reduction was largely explained by the lesser dry matter digestibility of PLT.

Methane emissions and rumen metabolite concentrations in cattle fed two different silages

In this study, 18 animals were fed two forage-based diets: red clover (RC) and grass silage (GS), in a crossover-design experiment in which methane (CH₄) emissions were recorded in respiration chambers. Rumen samples obtained through naso-gastric sampling tubes were analysed by NMR. Methane yield (g/kg DM) was significantly lower from animals fed RC (17.8 ± 3.17) compared to GS (21.2 ± 4.61) p = 0.008. In total 42 metabolites were identified, 6 showing significant differences between diets (acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, 3-phenylopropionate, and 2-hydroxyvalerate). Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to assess which metabolites were more important to distinguish between diets and partial least squares (PLS) regressions were used to assess which metabolites were more strongly associated with the variation in CH₄ emissions. Acetate, butyrate and propionate along with dimethylamine were important for the distinction between diets according to the PLS-DA results. PLS regression revealed that diet and dry matter intake are key factors to explain CH₄ variation when included in the model. Additionally, PLS was conducted within diet, revealing that the association between metabolites and CH₄ emissions can be conditioned by diet. These results provide new insights into the methylotrophic methanogenic pathway, confirming that metabolite profiles change according to diet composition, with consequences for CH₄ emissions.

Role of the variant rs3774261 of adiponectin gene on adiponectin levels and ratio adiponectin/leptin after biliopancreatic diversion in morbid obese subjects

OBJECTIVE

  Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of ADIPOQ gene on different comorbidities are related to obesity and weight loss. Despite, there are no studies evaluating the effect of rs3774261 on metabolic variables after bariatric surgery. We evaluated the effect of SNV rs3774261 of ADIPOQ gene on biochemical changes after biliopancreatic diversion surgery in morbidly obese subjects for 3 years follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty-nine patients (111 females/38 males) with morbid obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m2) without diabetes mellitus type 2 were enrolled. Biochemical and anthropometric evaluation were registered before and after 1, 2, and 3 years. Genotype of rs3774261 has been studied.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased in all genotype groups during the study. Although the improvement in glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR was significant in two genotypes (AA and AG); these changes were earlier in the AA genotype than in Ag and GG genotypes. Adiponectin levels increased in a significant way in subjects with AA genotype in the 3 follow-up periods (first year delta: 16.4±0.5 ng/ml; p=0.03, second year delta: 21.3±0.5 ng/ mL; p=0.02 and third year delta: 23.6±0.7 ng/mL; p=0.01) and at 3 years in subjects with AG genotype (delta: 18.3±0.4 ng/ mL; p=0.03). The ratio adiponectin/leptin increased in a significant way in subjects with AA genotype in the 3 follow-up times (first year delta: 0.40±0.1 units; p=0.02, second year delta: 0.58±0.1 units; p=0.01 and third year delta: 0.65±0.1 ng/mL; p=0.01) and at 3 years in subjects with AG genotype (delta: 0.61±0.1 ng/ mL; p=0.02). Subjects with GG genotype did not show a significant improvement in these parameters during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

G allele carriers of rs3774261 showed a delay in the improvement of glucose metabolism parameters, adiponectin and adiponectin/leptin ratio.

The gene variant rs2419621 of ACYL-CoA synthetase long-chain 5 gene is associated with weight loss and metabolic changes in response to a robotic sleeve gastrectomy in morbid obese subjects

OBJECTIVE

Genetic mechanisms have been involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and weight loss due to bariatric surgery. The aim of our work was to evaluate the effects of rs2419621 genetic variant of ACSL5 gene on weight and metabolic changes after a robotic sleeve gastrectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

48 patients were enrolled. Comorbidities, biochemical and anthropometric parameters evaluation were registered before and after 3, 6 and 12 months follow up. Genotype of rs2419621 ACSL5 gene was evaluated.

RESULTS

We classified the subjects with a dominant model, in two groups: those carriers T allele (TT+CT, 37.5%) and non-carriers T allele (CC, 62.5%).  We reported a statistically significant reduction of body weight, waist circumference, percentage of excess of weight loss (EWL%), blood pressure, glucose, insulin, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides after surgery. After 12 months, delta of (EWL%; 70.1% vs. 64,2%; p=0.04), weight (40.7+4.1 kg vs. 32.5+4.8 kg; p=0.03), waist circumference (29.1+3.1 cm vs. 22.2+2.8 kg; p=0.02) and triglycerides (51.2+9.1 mg/dl vs. 32.1+8.1; p=0.02) were higher in T allele carriers than non-T allele carriers. All comorbidities improved, but the percentage of patients with hypertriglyceridemia diminished early in the 3-month follow-up in the T-allele carriers, and at 12 months, no patient with the T allele had hypertriglyceridemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that the genetic variant (rs2419621) of ACSL5 gene are associated with better improvement of adiposity and triglyceride levels in subjects with T allele, after a robotic sleeve gastrectomy.

Evaluation of Molly model predictions of ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and performance by dairy cows consuming ryegrass-based diets

Several studies have been conducted to improve grazing management and supplementation in pasture-based systems. However, it is necessary to develop tools that integrate the available information linking the representation of biological processes with animal performance for use in decision making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the Molly cow model predictions of ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and animal performance by cows consuming pasture-based diets to identify model strengths and weaknesses, and to derive new digestive parameters when relevant. Model modifications for adipose tissue, protein synthesis in lean body mass and viscera representation were included. Data used for model evaluations were collected from 25 publications containing 115 treatment means sourced from studies conducted with lactating dairy cattle. The inclusion criteria were that diets contained ≥45% perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and that dry matter intake, dietary ingredient composition, and nutrient digestion observations were reported. Animal performance and N excretion variables were also included if they were reported. Model performance was assessed before and after model reparameterization of selected digestive parameters, global sensitivity analysis was conducted after reparameterization, and a 5-fold cross evaluation was performed. Although rumen fermentation predictions were not significantly improved, rumen volatile fatty acids absorption rates were recalculated, which improved the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) for rumen propionate and ammonia concentration predictions but decreased CCC for acetate predictions. Similar degradation rates of crude protein were observed for grass and total mixed ration diets, but rumen-undegradable protein predictions seemed to be affected by the solubility of the protein source as was the intestinal digestibility coefficient. Ruminal fiber degradation was greater after reparameterization, driven primarily by hemicellulose degradation. Predictions of ruminal and fecal outflow of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, as well as total fecal output predictions, improved significantly after reparameterization. Blood urea N and urinary N excretion predictions resulted in similar accuracy using both sets of model parameters, whereas fecal N excretion predictions were significantly improved after reparameterization. Body weight and body condition score predictions were greatly improved after model modifications and reparameterization. Before reparameterization, yield predictions for daily milk, milk fat, milk protein, and milk lactose were greatly overestimated (mean bias of 61.0, 58.7, 73.7, and 64.6% of mean squared error, respectively). Although this problem was partially addressed by model modifications and reparameterization (mean bias of 3.2, 1.1, 1.7, and 0.4% of mean squared error, respectively), CCC values were still small. The ability of the model to predict grass digestion and animal performance in dairy cows consuming pasture-based diets was improved, demonstrating the applicability of this model to these productive systems. However, the failure to predict grass digestion based on standard model inputs without reparameterization indicates there are still fundamental challenges in characterizing feeds for this model.

Milk production responses, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites of dairy cows fed increasing concentrations of forage rape (Brassica napus ssp. Biennis)

The aim of this study was to determine animal performance, rumen fermentation, and health-related blood metabolites of dairy cows in mid lactation fed with increasing levels (30 and 45%) of forage rape (FR) in the diet. Twelve pregnant multiparous lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 dietary treatments in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The experiment was divided into three 21-d periods. For the control diet, 13.0 kg (dry matter, DM) of grass silage, 3.0 kg DM of commercial concentrate, 2.7 kg of DM cold-pressed extracted canola meal, and 0.45 kg DM of solvent-extracted soybean meal were offered daily. For the other two treatments, 30 and 45% of the DM from silage, canola meal, and commercial concentrate were replaced in equal proportions with FR. Data were analyzed individually using linear and quadratic orthogonal polynomials. Ingestive behavior was altered by the inclusion of FR. We observed a linear increase in eating time at the expense of rumination time. Nevertheless, total DM intake was not affected by dietary treatments, averaging 19.5 ± 0.24 kg of DM/d. Milk yield increased linearly with increasing concentration of FR in the diet. Thus, feed efficiency of cows (kg of milk/kg of DM intake) increased linearly with the percentage of FR in the diet. Inclusion of FR in the diet had no effect on milk composition or milk sensory characteristics. Mean rumen pH of cows decreased linearly from the control to the 45% FR diet; however, dietary treatments had no effect on the daily amount of time that rumen pH was below 5.8 (252 ± 71.4), indicating no risk of subacute ruminal acidosis. Concentrations of total volatile fatty acids in the rumen and molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were increased with FR inclusion, whereas the proportion of propionate was linearly reduced. Excretion of uric acid and total purine derivatives tended to be greater for cows fed FR, which resulted in a trend toward a linear increase in estimated microbial N flow. However, N use efficiency was not affected by FR inclusion. Although differences for some hematological measures (increased white blood cell and neutrophils counts) and a quadratic response for glutamate dehydrogenase for cows fed FR in the diet (decreased with inclusion of 30% and increased with 45% in the diet) were observed, all values were within appropriate ranges for dairy cows. These results indicated that including FR to dairy cow diets, up to 45% of diet DM, improved milk production due to changes in volatile fatty acids and predicted microbial N flow and had no negative effects on dairy cow health or sensory characteristics of milk.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to Detect Rumen Metabolites Associated with Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle

This study presents the application of metabolomics to evaluate changes in the rumen metabolites of beef cattle fed with three different diet types: forage-rich, mixed and concentrate-rich. Rumen fluid samples were analysed by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and the resulting spectra were used to characterise and compare metabolomic profiles between diet types and assess the potential for NMR metabolite signals to be used as proxies of methane emissions (CH₄ in g/kg DMI). The dataset available consisted of 128 measurements taken from 4 experiments with CH₄ measurements taken in respiration chambers. Predictive modelling of CH₄ was conducted by partial least squares (PLS) regression, fitting calibration models either using metabolite signals only as predictors or using metabolite signals as well as other diet and animal covariates (DMI, ME, weight, BW^0.75, DMI/BW^0.75). Cross-validated R² were 0.57 and 0.70 for the two models respectively. The cattle offered the concentrate-rich diet showed increases in alanine, valerate, propionate, glucose, tyrosine, proline and isoleucine. Lower methane yield was associated with the concentrate-rich diet (p < 0.001). The results provided new insight into the relationship between rumen metabolites, CH₄ production and diets, as well as showing that metabolites alone have an acceptable association with the variation in CH₄ production from beef cattle.

Milk production responses and rumen fermentation of dairy cows supplemented with summer brassicas

Forage brassicas, such as summer turnip (ST; Brassica rapa) and forage rape (FR; Brassica napus), are used as supplementary crops during summer. However, studies with lactating dairy cows fed these forages are limited and report inconsistent productive responses. The aim of this study was to determine dry matter intake, rumen fermentation and milk production responses of dairy cows in mid-lactation supplemented with and without summer ('ST' or 'FR') brassicas. Twelve multiparous lactating dairy cows were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design balanced for residual effects over three 21-day periods. The control diet consisted of 16.2 kg DM of grass silage, 2.25 kg DM of commercial concentrate and 2.25 kg DM solvent-extracted soybean meal. For the other two dietary treatments, 25% of the amounts of silage and concentrates were replaced with FR or ST. The inclusion of forage brassicas had no effects on milk production (24.2 kg cow/day average) and composition (average milk fat and protein 43.2 and 33.6 g/l, respectively). Dry matter intake was 0.98 kg and 1.12 kg lower for cows supplemented with FR and ST, respectively, resulting in a greater feed conversion efficiency (1.35 kg milk/kg DM for ST and FR v. 1.27 kg milk/kg DM for the control diet). Intraruminal pH was lower for cows supplemented with ST compared to the control diet; however, it did not decrease below pH 5.8 at any time of the day. After feeding, the concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in rumen contents increased with ST supplementation compared to the control diet. Inclusion of FR in the diet increased the molar proportion of acetate (68.5 mmol/100 mmol) in total SCFA at the expense of propionate, measured 6 h after feeding of the forage. The molar proportion of butyric acid was greater with ST and FR supplementation (13.1 and 12 mmol/100 mmol, respectively) than in control cows. The estimated microbial nitrogen (N) flow was 89.1 g/day greater when supplementing FR compared to the control diet. Based on the haematological measures, the inclusion of summer brassica forages did not affect the health status of the animals. These results indicate that mid-lactation dairy cows fed brassicas are able to maintain production despite the reduced intake, probably due to improved rumen fermentation and therefore nutrient utilization.

Rumen digesta and products of fermentation in cows fed varying proportions of fodder beet (Beta vulgaris) with fresh pasture or silage or straw

Context Fodder beet (FB) is a popular feed for dairy cows in temperate climates due to its high yields, high digestibility, low nitrogen (N) content in the dry matter (DM) and convenience of feeding (grazing in situ). However, the risk of ruminal acidosis requires research to design feeding regimes that capture these benefits without compromising animal health. Aims To understand aspects of rumen function when FB is offered in conditions representative of practical feeding in temperate pastoral systems. Methods Two indoor experiments were undertaken; one with cows in late lactation fed fresh perennial ryegrass with three proportions of FB (0, 0.23 and 0.45) and another with non-lactating cows fed pasture silage with 0.65 FB or barley straw with 0.86 FB. Measurements included rumen pH, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonia concentrations determined at 2-h intervals, as well as daily individual cow intakes, estimates of microbial growth and rumen dynamics. Key results The inclusion of 0, 0.23 and 0.45 FB with fresh pasture in the did not affect daily DM intakes (~14.6 kg), milk yield (~10.7 kg), microbial synthesis (129 g of N/d) or fractional outflow rates of digesta (0.16/h; 11.2 L/h) of lactating cows. The non-lactating cow ration comprising 0.86 FB with straw was inappropriate and resulted in low intakes and insufficient dietary N. Microbial growth was approximately one-third of that in cows fed pasture silage with 0.65 FB. The ruminal pH reached lower values in all treatments where FB was offered. Rumen ammonia concentrations averaged 4.4 mmol/L in cows fed pasture but was sometimes undetectable in lactating cows fed 0.45 FB and in non-lactating cows. The amount of FB in the diet affected the extent of the circadian changes in molar proportions of SCFA. Conclusions Based on the results presented here, feeding fresh FB to dairy cows should not exceed ~0.4 of their DMI with pasture (late lactation), or ~0.6 of their intake with silage (non-lactating). Implications These findings could support evidence-based recommendations for FB use, considering its effects on aspects of rumen function, such as microbial protein synthesis and pH.

The association of the rs670 variant of APOA1 gene with insulin resistance and lipid profile in morbid obese patients after a biliopancreatic diversion surgery

OBJECTIVE

A common G-to-A transition (rs670) of the Apoprotein subtype 1 APOA1 gene has been evaluated. The presence of the A allele has been related with increased activity. We investigated the role of this genetic variant (rs670) on lipoprotein levels and anthropometric parameters after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) surgery in morbid obese patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-three patients with morbid obesity without diabetes mellitus type 2 were enrolled. Biochemical and anthropometric evaluation were registered before and after one, two and three years follow-up.

RESULTS

Genotype distribution was 73% (n=46) GG, 25.6% (n=16) GA and 1.4% (n=1) AA for the rs670 polymorphism. Percent excess weight loss, anthropometric and biochemical parameters improved in both groups (GG vs. GA±AA). The decrease of fasting insulin levels at 1 years (delta: -3.7±1.4 mUI/L vs. -2.9±1.2 mUI/L; p=0.02), 2 years (delta: -4.8±0.3 mUI/L vs. -4.0±0.2 mUI/L; p=0.01) and 3 years (delta: -6.7±3.1 mUI/L vs. -3.9±2.1 mUI/L; p=0.03) was higher in A allele carriers than in non carriers. The improvement of HOMA-IR levels at 1 years (delta: -3.7±1.4 mUI/L vs. -2.9±1.2 mUI/L; p=0.02), 2 years (delta: -4.8±0.3 mUI/L vs. -4.0±0.2 mUI/L; p=0.01) and 3 years (delta: -6.7±3.1 mUI/L vs. -3.9±2.1 mUI/L; p=0.03) was also higher in A allele carriers than non-carriers. Finally, the increase of HDL-cholesterol levels at 1 years (delta: 2.2±0.6 mg/dl vs. -1.2±0.2 mg/dl; p=0.001), 2 years (delta: 2.5±0.4 mg/dl vs. 0.3±0.1 mg/dl; p=0.01) and 3 years (delta: 2.4±0.6 mg/dl vs. 0.4±2.3 mg/dl; p=0.02) was higher in A allele carriers than non-carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

This variant of the APOA1 gene showed important effects on HDL-cholesterol, HOMA-IR and insulin resistance after DBP for 3 years.

Modelling thermodynamic feedback on the metabolism of hydrogenotrophic methanogens

The magnitude of the Gibbs free energy change of the substrate transformation that supports the growth of a microbe is decreased when the concentrations of the substrates are decreased and when the concentrations of the products of metabolism are increased. Microbes require a supply of ATP for cell maintenance and growth, and coupling the transformation of substrates to products with the formation of ATP also decreases the magnitude of the Gibbs free energy change. Here we include these three thermodynamic controllers (substrate and product concentration, and ATP formation) in a model of substrate transformation by hydrogenotrophic methanogens that results in a number of realistic behaviours. First, a threshold for substrate use emerges, below which the methanogen cannot metabolise its substrate. Under this model, microbes that capture more of the Gibbs free energy change from substrate transformation in the form of ATP have greater thresholds for their substrate, in line with observations of actual microbes. Second, an apparent saturation constant emerges that is controlled by the thermodynamics of the reaction. This increases with increasing ATP synthesis per substrate, so that methanogens that conserve more ATP grow faster at higher substrate concentrations, but are less competitive at low substrate concentrations. As a result, simply changing the ATP yield (moles of ATP per mole of substrate) results in methanogens with differing ecological strategies through thermodynamic impacts on their metabolism. Third, end-product inhibition through thermodynamic feedback can limit the growth of microbes, and those that capture more ATP per substrate are limited by smaller product concentrations than those that capture less ATP.

RAS Mutation Decreases Overall Survival After Optimal Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy of Colorectal Peritoneal Metastasis: A Modification Proposal of the Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are currently the most accepted treatment for peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer. Restrictive selection criteria are essential to obtain the best survival benefits for this complex procedure. The most widespread score for patient selection, the peritoneal surface disease severity score (PSDSS), does not include current biological factors that are known to influence on prognosis. We investigated the impact of including RAS mutational status in the selection criteria for these patients.

METHODS

We studied the risk factors for survival by multivariate analysis using a prospective database of consecutive patients with carcinomatosis from colorectal origin treated by CRS and HIPEC in our unit from 2009 to 2017. The risk factors obtained were validated in a multicentre, international cohort, including a total of 520 patients from 15 different reference units.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients were selected for local análisis. Only RAS mutational status (HR: 2.024; p = 0.045) and PSDSS stage (HR: 2.90; p = 0.009) were shown to be independent factors for overall survival. Early PSDSS stages I and II associated to RAS mutations impaired their overall survival with no significant differences with PSDSS stage III overall survival (p > 0.05). These results were supported by the international multicentre validation.

CONCLUSIONS

By including RAS mutational status, we propose an updated RAS-PSDSS score that outperforms PSDSS alone providing a quick and feasible preoperative assessment of the expected overall survival for patients with carcinomatosis from colorectal origin undergone to CRS + HIPEC.

Digestion and nitrogen excretion by Holstein–Friesian cows in late lactation offered ryegrass-based pasture supplemented with fodder beet

Recent changes in New Zealand dairying have included incorporation of fodder beet (FB) into rations. The present trial explored the impact of substituting different proportions of ryegrass-based pasture with FB for cows fed ad libitum in late lactation. The objective was to measure effects of FB on intake, digestion and urinary nitrogen (N) excretion using 16 Holstein–Friesian cows with a permanent rumen fistula. Before the 9-day indoor measurement period, cows were adapted to feeding 0%, 20%, 40% or 60% FB (bulbs and tops) with medium quality ryegrass-based pasture (191 g CP and 517 g neutral detergent fibre (aNDF)/kg DM; DM digestibility 0.634) over 2 weeks. However, it became apparent that a diet of 60% FB was detrimental to cow health, with two cows developing acidosis. The allocation of FB was reduced and the actual intakes were 23% and 45% of DM intake during the trial. Feeding FB substantially reduced N intake and urinary N excretion. The lower level (23%) of FB resulted in greater DM digestibility, albeit with a small reduction in N and aNDF digestibility. However, the higher level (45%) of FB reduced N and aNDF digestibility by 7.1 and 12.1 percentage units respectively, relative to pasture. Daily creatinine excretion was lower than published measurements from cattle fed dry diets, and circadian variation in urinary N:creatinine ratios suggests a need for caution when attempting to predict daily urinary N excretion from spot samples.

Milk production and composition, nitrogen utilization, and grazing behavior of late-lactation dairy cows as affected by time of allocation of a fresh strip of pasture

Eighty late-lactation dairy cows were used to examine the effects of allocating a new pasture strip of a sward based on ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in the morning (a.m.; ∼0730 h) or in the afternoon (p.m.; ∼1530 h) on milk production and composition, nitrogen (N) utilization, and grazing behavior. Cows grazed the same pasture strips for 24 h and were offered the same daily herbage allowance. Herbage composition differed among treatments; p.m. herbage had greater dry matter (DM; 22.7 vs. 19.9%), organic matter (OM; 89.5 vs. 88.9%), and water-soluble carbohydrate (10.9 vs. 7.6%) concentrations and lesser crude protein (20.5 vs. 22.2%) and neutral detergent fiber (48.8 vs. 50.4%) concentrations compared with a.m. herbage. Total fatty acids (FA), α-linolenic acid, and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) were greater in a.m. herbage, whereas monounsaturated FA were greater in p.m. herbage. Estimates of herbage DM intake did not differ among treatments. Daily milk yields and milk fat and milk protein concentrations were similar among treatments, whereas milk fat (684 vs. 627 g/cow), milk protein (545 vs. 505 g/cow), and milk solids (milk fat + milk protein) yields (1,228 vs. 1,132 g/cow) tended to be greater for cows on p.m. herbage. Rumenic acid and total PUFA in milk were greater for cows on a.m. herbage, whereas oleic acid was greater for cows on p.m. herbage. Estimates of urinary N excretion (g/d) did not differ among treatments, but urinary N concentrations were greater for cows on a.m. herbage (5.85 vs. 5.36 g/L). Initial herbage mass (HM) available (kg of DM/ha) and instantaneous HM disappearance rates (kg of DM/ha and kg of DM/h) did not differ, but fractional disappearance rates (0.56 vs. 0.74 per hour for a.m. vs. p.m., respectively) differed. Under the current conditions, timing of pasture strip allocation altered the herbage nutrient supply to cows; allocating a fresh strip of pasture later in the day resulted in moderate increases in milk and milk solids yields in late-lactation dairy cows. Conversely, a greater concentration of precursor FA in a.m. herbage resulted in a greater concentration of beneficial FA in milk, compared with cows on p.m. herbage.

Diurnal variation in urine nitrogen and creatinine concentrations from lactating cows grazing ryegrass-dominant pasture in autumn and late spring–summer

In dairy production systems based on grazed pasture, urine patches are the main source of nitrogen (N) losses via leaching and gaseous emission pathways. The volume and N concentration of urine influences the amount of N in a urine patch. We conducted systematic urine sampling to determine the diurnal variation in concentrations of N and creatinine (a proxy for urine volume), and the N : creatinine ratio, to identify the sampling required for accurately estimating the daily mean concentrations of N and creatinine. Nine groups (n = 6) of multiparous Friesian and Friesian × Jersey cows in autumn (220 ± 26 days-in-milk, milked twice daily) and nine groups (n = 6) in late spring–summer (228 ± 24 days-in-milk, milked once daily) were sequentially withdrawn from the farm herd at approximately weekly intervals and each group was offered a fresh allocation of ryegrass-dominant pasture twice daily after milking for 3 days (including at the equivalent time in the afternoon in late spring–summer when they were milked once daily). For each of the 18 different groups of cows, individual urine samples were collected on Day 3 at 1100 hours, 1500 hours (afternoon milking), 1800 hours and 0700 hours (the following morning milking), and, subsequently, analysed for total N and creatinine concentrations. In autumn, urine-N concentrations were higher (P = 0.0002) at 1800 hours (5.8 g N/L) than they were at 1500 hours or 0700 hours (mean of 4.2 g N/L). In late spring–summer, the concentrations were higher (P < 0.001) at 1100 hours (8.0 g N/L) than they were at 1500 hours, 1800 hours or 0700 hours (mean of 6.3 g N/L). The urine N : creatinine ratio was 214 mol/mol in autumn and 148 mol/mol in late spring–summer, but did not vary among sampling times during the day. The highest concentrations of N were in urine samples collected ~3 h post-allocation of fresh feed when cows had grazed actively and consumed the majority of the herbage available. For accurate estimates of the daily mean urine N concentration, sample collections should be timed to encompass this diurnal variation. For the N : creatinine ratio, which was more stable through the day, the timing of sample collection is less important for estimating a daily mean.

Prevalence of bovine milk pathogens in Azorean pastures: mobile versus fixed milking machines

The aims of the present study were (1) to evaluate the influence of using mobile (n=47) or fixed (n=45) milking machines in Azorean herds on the apparent prevalence of several milk pathogens in bulk tank milk (BTM) and (2) to determine whether separated subclinical mastitic cows can serve, in real time, as predictors of milk pathogen prevalence for the remaining animals at the herd level. The use of a mobile or fixed milking machine influenced (P≤0.05) the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (72.3 per cent; n=34 v 51.1 per cent; n=23, respectively) and Klebsiella species (46.8 per cent; n=22 v 26.7 per cent; n=12, respectively). S aureus (95 per cent CI OR 1.1 to 6.0) and Klebsiella species (95 per cent CI OR 1.0 to 5.8) were 2.5 times more likely to increase in the BTM of herds using mobile milking machines. The prevalence of coagulase-negative staphylococci (100 per cent; n=92), Escherichia coli (75.0 per cent), Corynebacterium bovis (57.6 per cent), Enterococcus species (55.4 per cent), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (51.1 per cent), Streptococcus uberis (41.3 per cent), Actinomyces pyogenes or Peptostreptococcus indolicus (41.3 per cent) and Streptococcus agalactiae (32.6 per cent) in BTM remained similar among the herds. κ coefficients were always <0.70, indicating intra-herd disagreement of the prevalence of milk pathogens between BTM and separated milking cows. Milking hygiene should be improved in pastures, focusing specifically on herds that use a mobile milking machine. The segregated cows at milking time are not good predictors of milk pathogens in BTM.

Ultrasonography to investigate the effect of supplementing whole milk with complex carbohydrates and specific amino acids on curd retention in the abomasum of dairy calves

AIM

To determine whether the retention time of curd in the abomasum of calves was influenced by supplementing milk with a plant-derived carbohydrate and amino acid supplement, evaluated non-invasively using ultrasonography.

METHODS

Female dairy calves aged between 2-6 days of age were sourced from a commercial farm in March 2013. All calves were fed whole milk until weaning (4 L per day); 21 calves were supplemented with a probiotic until 18 days of age, and thereafter with a plant-derived complex carbohydrate and amino acid supplement until weaning, and 22 calves were just fed whole milk. Treatment groups were balanced for age, weight and breed. At 9-14, 24-29 and 52-57 days of age, the abomasum of each calf was examined using ultrasonography immediately before and after feeding, 1 and 2 hours after feeding, and then at 30 minute intervals until curd was no longer visible in the abomasum. Abomasal volume and curd size were recorded to assess retention time of curd in the abomasum.

RESULTS

At 9-14 days of age, mean retention time of curd in the abomasum was similar (4.6 hours) in both groups. At 24-29 days of age, when the supplemented calves had been receiving the supplement for approximately 10 days, mean curd retention time was longer by 1.4 (SE 0.28) hours in supplemented compared with unsupplemented calves (p<0.001). At 52-57 days of age, mean retention time was longer by 0.7 (SE 0.34) hours compared to unsupplemented calves (p=0.05).

CONCLUSION

Using ultrasonography, changes in abomasal content could be followed non-invasively over time and it was demonstrated that the plant-derived complex carbohydrate supplement increased the curd retention time in the abomasum. We speculate that the increased retention time enables an increased availability of nutrients following a more complete digestion of milk, thereby improving animal performance.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease: segregation patterns and factors influencing instability of expanded CAG transmissions

Controversies about Mendelian segregation and CAG expansion (CAGexp) instabilities during meiosis in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) need clarification. Additional evidence about these issues was obtained from the cohort of all SCA3/MJD individuals living in South Brazil. A survey was carried out to update information registered since 2001. Deaths were checked with the Public Information System, and data was made anonymous. Anticipation and delta-CAGexp from parent-offspring pairs, and delta-CAGexp between siblings were obtained. One hundred and fifty-nine families (94% of the entire registry) were retrieved, comprising 3725 living individuals as of 2015, 625 of these being symptomatic. Minimal prevalence was 6:100,000. Carriers of a CAGexp represented 65.6% of sibs in the genotyped offspring (p < 0.001). Median instability was larger among paternal than maternal transmissions, and instabilities correlated with anticipation (r = 0.38; p = 0.001). Age of the parent correlated to delta-CAGexp among 115 direct parent-offspring CAGexp transmissions (ρ = 0.23, p = 0.014). In 98 additional kindreds, the delta-CAGexp between 269 siblings correlated with their delta-of-age (ρ = 0.27, p < 0.0001). SCA3/MJD was associated with a segregation distortion favoring the expanded allele in our cohort. Instability of expansion during meiosis was weakly influenced by the age of the transmitting parent at the time of conception.

Regulation of cell death receptor S-nitrosylation and apoptotic signaling by Sorafenib in hepatoblastoma cells

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a relevant role during cell death regulation in tumor cells. The overexpression of nitric oxide synthase type III (NOS-3) induces oxidative and nitrosative stress, p53 and cell death receptor expression and apoptosis in hepatoblastoma cells. S-nitrosylation of cell death receptor modulates apoptosis. Sorafenib is the unique recommended molecular-targeted drug for the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study was addressed to elucidate the potential role of NO during Sorafenib-induced cell death in HepG2 cells. We determined the intra- and extracellular NO concentration, cell death receptor expression and their S-nitrosylation modifications, and apoptotic signaling in Sorafenib-treated HepG2 cells. The effect of NO donors on above parameters has also been determined. Sorafenib induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. However, low concentration of the drug (10nM) increased cell death receptor expression, as well as caspase-8 and -9 activation, but without activation of downstream apoptotic markers. In contrast, Sorafenib (10 µM) reduced upstream apoptotic parameters but increased caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation in HepG2 cells. The shift of cell death signaling pathway was associated with a reduction of S-nitrosylation of cell death receptors in Sorafenib-treated cells. The administration of NO donors increased S-nitrosylation of cell death receptors and overall induction of cell death markers in control and Sorafenib-treated cells. In conclusion, Sorafenib induced alteration of cell death receptor S-nitrosylation status which may have a relevant repercussion on cell death signaling in hepatoblastoma cells.

ROLE OF RS9939609 FTO GENE VARIANT IN WEIGHT LOSS, INSULIN RESISTANCE AND METABOLIC PARAMETERS AFTER A HIGH MONOUNSATURATED VS A HIGH POLYUNSATURATED FAT HYPOCALORIC DIETS

INTRODUCTION

common polymorphisms (rs9939609) of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) have been linked to obesity.

OBJECTIVES

our aim was to investigate the role of this polymorphism on insulin resistance, metabolic changes and weight loss secondary to a high monounsaturated fat vs a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diets.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a sample of 233 obese subjects was enrolled in a prospective way. In the basal visit, patients were randomly allocated during 3 months to; Diet M (high monounsaturated fat hypocaloric diet) or Diet P (high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet).

RESULTS

after treatment with two diets and in both genotypes, weight, fat mass and waist circumference decreased. Lower levels of body mass index (BMI), weight and fat mass were detected after Diet P in A allele carriers than TT genotype subjects. With the diet type P and in both genotypes (TT and AT + AA), total cholesterol levels (-15.3 + 35.1 mg/dl vs -11.6 + 32.1 mg/dl: p > 0.05) and LDL cholesterol levels (-11.5 + 34.1 mg/dl vs -8.5 + 30.1 mg/dl: p > 0.05) decreased. In A allele carriers a significant decreased was detected in insulin levels (-2.8 + 2.1 UI/L vs -1.3 + 8.0 UI/L: p < 0.05) and HOMA index (-1.0 + 1.3 vs -0.2 + 2.1: p > 0.05), too. With the diet M and in both genotype groups, leptin levels (-8.0 + 17.1 ng/ ml vs -4.9 + 18.7 ng/ml: p > 0.05) decreased. Conclusiones: metabolic improvement secondary to weight loss was better in A carriers with a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet.

Cardiovascular risk factors and adipocytokines levels after two hypocaloric diets with different fat distribution in obese subjects and rs6923761 gene variant of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor

BACKGROUND

The role of GLP-1 R variants on body weight response after dietary intervention is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the effect of this polymorphism on cardiovascular risk factors, adipokine levels and weight loss secondary to a high monounsaturated fat vs. a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diets in obese subjects.

DESIGN

391 obese subjects were randomly allocated to one of these two diets for a period of 3 months; diet M (high monounsaturated fat hypocaloric diet) and diet P (high polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fat hypocaloric diet).

RESULTS

Two hundred and twelve patients (54.2 %) had the genotype GG (wild group) and 179 (45.8 %) patients had the next genotypes; GA (146 patients, 37.3 %) or AA (33 patients, 8.7 %) (Mutant group). With both diets and in wild-type and mutant-type groups, BMI, weight, fat mass, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure decreased. Anthropometric parameters were higher in non-A-allele carriers than A-allele carriers. With both diets and in both genotypes, leptin, insulin levels and HOMA decreased. With the diet P and in wild genotype, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased, too.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed a lack of association of rs6923761 GLP-1 R polymorphism with weight loss after a high monounsaturated fat and a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diets. Better anthropometric parameters in obese subjects with the mutant allele (A) of rs6923761 GLP-1 R polymorphism were observed. Insulin levels and HOMA decreased in non-A carriers.

Influence of G1359A polimorphysm of the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) on insulin resistance and adipokines in patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Considering the evidence that endogenous cannabinoid system plays a role in metabolic aspects of body weight and metabolic syndrome components such as non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of this polymorphism on insulin resistance, liver histological changes, anthropometric parameters and adipocytokines in patients with NAFLD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A population of 71 patients with NAFLD was recruited in a cross sectional study. A biochemical analysis of serum was measured. Genotype of G1359A polymorphism of CB1 receptor gene CB1 receptor was studied. Forty one patients (36.9%) had the genotype G1359G (wild type group) and twenty nine (26.1%) patients G1359A or A1359A (mutant type group).

RESULTS

Twenty four 24 patients (32,3%) had a Brunt grade > 4 and 12 patients (17%) had a significative fibrosis (F > = 2). HOMA values were higher in wild type group than mutant type group. Adiponectin and visfatin levels were higher in mutant type group. Moreover, TNF-alpha and resistin levels were higher in wild type group than mutant type group. Patients with mutant genotype showed less frequently elevated levels of AST. AST > 40 UI/L was detected in 28.5% of patients in the mutant vs. 53% of patients with wild genotype, p < 0.05. Patients with mutant type group presented a percentage of Brunt grade > = 4 less frequently than patients with wild type group (28.5%vs 7.1%).

CONCLUSION

A variant of the polymorphism G1359A CBR1 is associated with lower levels of HOMA, TNF-alpha, resistin and higher levels of adiponectin than patients with the wild variant of this polymorphism. Besides, patients with A allele variant shown lower Brunt grade in liver biopsy.

Effects of C358A polymorphism of the endocannabinoid degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) on weight loss, adipocytokines levels, and insulin resistance after a high polyunsaturated fat diet in obese patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The C385A polymorphism of FAAH gene (rs324420C>A) has been associated with obesity. We investigate the role of this polymorphism on anthropometric and insulin resistance responses to a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet.

METHODS

Obese individuals (no.=99) were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients (71.7%) had the genotype C385C and 28 (28.3%) patients had the C385A (26 patients, 26.3%) or A358A (2 patients, 2.0%) (A allele carriers group) genotype. In A allele carriers and after dietary intervention, total cholesterol (-16.3 ± 37.4 mg/dl) and LDL-cholesterol (-12.9 ± 6.5 mg/dl) levels decreased. In subjects with C385C genotype, the decreases were significant in total cholesterol (-12.3 ± 27.4 mg/dl), LDL-cholesterol (-7.5 ± 20.5 mg/dl), insulin (-2.2 ± 6.2 mUI/l), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-R) (-0.79 ± 1.15 units) levels. The weight loss was similar in both genotype groups (-4.1 ± 3.8 kg vs -4.2 ± 3.2 kg). Only leptin levels had a significant similar decrease in both genotypes.

CONCLUSION

Subjects with C385C genotype of the FAAH showed an improvement on insulin and HOMA-R levels with a high polyunsaturated fat hypocaloric diet after weight loss during 3 months.

Increased milk protein synthesis in response to exogenous growth hormone is associated with changes in mechanistic (mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR)C1-dependent and independent cell signaling

The objective of this study was to determine if increased milk protein synthesis observed in lactating dairy cows treated with growth hormone (GH) was associated with mechanistic (or mammalian) target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) regulation of downstream factors controlling nucleocytoplasmic export and translation of mRNA. To address this objective, biochemical indices of mammary growth and secretory activity and the abundance and phosphorylation status of mTORC1 pathway factors were measured in mammary tissues harvested from nonpregnant lactating dairy cows 6 d after treatment with a slow-release formulation of GH or saline (n=4/group). Treatment with GH increased mammary parenchymal weight and total protein content and tended to increase ribosome number and cell size, whereas protein synthetic efficiency, capacity, and cell number were unchanged. Cellular abundance of the mTORC1 components mTOR and (phosphorylated) mTOR(Ser2448) increased, as did complex eukaryotic initiation factor 4E:eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (eIF4E:4EBP1), whereas no change was observed for mTORC1-downstream targets 4EBP1, 4EBP1(Ser65), p70/p85(S6K) and p70(S6K)Thre389/p85(S6K)Thre412. Changes in activation were not observed for any of the targets measured. These results indicate that GH treatment influences signaling to mTORC1 but not downstream targets involved in the nucleocytoplasmic export and translation of mRNA. Increased eIF4E:4EBP1 complex formation indicates involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Abundance of MAPK pathway components eIF4E, eIF4E(Ser209), eIF4E:eIF4G complex, MAP kinase-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (MKNK1), MKNK1(Thr197202), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 90kDa, polypeptide 1 (RPS6KA1) increased significantly in response to GH, whereas relative activation of the proteins was unchanged. Expression of IGFBP3 and IGFBP5 increased, that of IGF1R decreased, and that of IGF1 remained unchanged in response to GH. PatSearch analysis of the milk caseins αS1-casein, αS2-casein, and β-casein, MAPK signaling target RPS6KA1, and proliferation gene IGFBP3 mRNA indicated that all contained putative eIF4E-sensitivity elements. In response to GH, these genes were all upregulated, suggesting that increased abundance of eIF4E and eIF4E(Ser209) plays a role in mediating their nucleocytoplasmic export. We propose that, in response to GH, the IGF1-IGF1R-MAPK signaling cascade regulates eIF4E-mediated nucleocytoplasmic export and translation of mRNA, whereas mTOR controls cell renewal, cell turnover, and rRNA transcription through an alternative signaling cascade.

Basal GLP-1 levels in morbidly obese patients following biliopancreatic diversion surgery

BACKGROUND

Previous studies addressing the changes of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations in morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery have demonstrated conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in serum GLP-1 levels 9 months after biliopancreatic diversion in morbidly obese patients without diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A sample of 40 morbidly obese patients without diabetes mellitus was enrolled. Biochemical and anthropometrical evaluations were conducted at basal and 9 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 46.6 ± 13.1 years, and the mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 47.1 ± 18.1. A significant decrease in BMI, weight, waist circumference, fat mass, glucose, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels was observed after 9 months. Serum basal GLP-1 levels did not change after surgery (0.65 ± 0.18 ng/ml vs. 0.66 ± 0.17 ng/ml; n.s.). Postsurgical correlation analysis showed a negative association between basal GLP-1 and HDL cholesterol (r = -0.57; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Fasting GLP-1 concentrations did not change after massive weight loss with biliopancreatic diversion in morbidly obese patients without diabetes mellitus.

Ability of commercially available dairy ration programs to predict duodenal flows of protein and essential amino acids in dairy cows

The objective of this analysis was to compare the rumen submodel predictions of 4 commonly used dairy ration programs to observed values of duodenal flows of crude protein (CP), protein fractions, and essential AA (EAA). The literature was searched and 40 studies, including 154 diets, were used to compare observed values with those predicted by AminoCow (AC), Agricultural Modeling and Training Systems (AMTS), Cornell-Penn-Miner (CPM), and National Research Council 2001 (NRC) models. The models were evaluated based on their ability to predict the mean, their root mean square prediction error (RMSPE), error bias, and adequacy of regression equations for each protein fraction. The models predicted the mean duodenal CP flow within 5%, with more than 90% of the variation due to random disturbance. The models also predicted within 5% the mean microbial CP flow except CPM, which overestimated it by 27%. Only NRC, however, predicted mean rumen-undegraded protein (RUP) flows within 5%, whereas AC and AMTS underpredicted it by 8 to 9% and CPM by 24%. Regarding duodenal flows of individual AA, across all diets, CPM predicted substantially greater (>10%) mean flows of Arg, His, Ile, Met, and Lys; AMTS predicted greater flow for Arg and Met, whereas AC and NRC estimations were, on average, within 10% of observed values. Overpredictions by the CPM model were mainly related to mean bias, whereas the NRC model had the highest proportion of bias in random disturbance for flows of EAA. Models tended to predict mean flows of EAA more accurately on corn silage and alfalfa diets than on grass-based diets, more accurately on corn grain-based diets than on non-corn-based diets, and finally more accurately in the mid range of diet types. The 4 models were accurate at predicting mean dry matter intake. The AC, AMTS, and NRC models were all sufficiently accurate to be used for balancing EAA in dairy rations under field conditions.

Lys656Asn polymorphism of leptin receptor, leptin levels and insulin resistance in patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Some studies have pointed to a role of leptin and insulin resistance in pathogenesis of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of Lys656Asn polymorphism LEPR gene on the histological changes, insulin resistance and leptin levels in overweight patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A population of 76 patients with NAFLD was recruited in a cross sectional study. A biochemical analysis of serum was measured. Genotype of LEPR gene Lys656Asn was studied.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients (25%) had the genotype Lys656Asn and 4 patients genotype Asn656Asn (mutant type group) and 53 patients (69.7%) Lys656Lys (wild type group). Body mass index, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, glucose levels and HOMA-IR were higher in mutant than wild type group. LEPR polymorphism is in any way related with liver lesions. The multivariate analysis adjusted by age, sex, BMI and genotype showed an independently association of lobular inflammation 4.19 (CI95%: 1.37-12.77), portal inflammation 1.97 (CI95%: 1.05-3.74) and steatosis 9.23 (CI95%: 1.47-57.83) with HOMA. Liver steatosis was associated with leptin levels (1.09 (CI95%: 1.06-1.18)), too.

CONCLUSION

Lys656Asn polymorphism of LEPR gene is associated with obesity parameters, insulin resistance and glucose levels in patients with NAFLD. In logistic regression analysis, only insulin resistance was associated with portal inflammation), lobular inflammation and steatosis; liver steatosis was related with leptin levels, too.

Role of -55CT polymorphism of UCP3 gene on non alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance in patients with obesity

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Some studies have pointed to a role of UCP3 in the regulation of biochemical and fat parameters in overweight patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of -55CT polymorphism of UCP3 gene (rs1800849) on histological changes and insulin resistance in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A population of 39 patients with NAFLD was recruited in a cross sectional study. The inclusion criterion was the presence of biopsy-proven NAFLD. A biochemical analysis of serum (lipid profile, and adipocytokines) was measured. An anthropometric analysis was assessed, too. Genotype of UCP3 gene -55CT was studied.

RESULTS

Nine patients (23%) had the genotype 55CC (mutant type group) and 30 patients (77%) 55CT (wild type group).TT genotype was not detected. Insulin levels and HOMA were higher in mutant type group (insulin: 17.7 +/- 10.9 mUI/L vs 11.9 +/- 4.7 mUI/L/; p < 0.05) and (HOMA: 3.2 +/- 1.8 vs 4.5 +/- 2.8; p < 0.05). Adiponectin levels were lower in mutants type group (36.5 +/- 28.1 ug/ml vs 21.5 +/- 18.6 ug/ml:p < 0.05). Moderate-severe inflammation and moderate-severe steatosis were more frequent in mutant type group, with higher levels of insulin and lower levels of adiponectin than mild stages.

CONCLUSION

-55CT genotype is associated with high insulin resistance and low adiponectin levels than -55CC genotype. Patients with -55CT genotype have more frequently moderate-severe steatosis and inflammation than -55CC genotype.

G 1359A polymorphism of the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) and clinical results of biliopancreatic diversion

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity, reducing obesity-associated co-morbidities. We decide to investigate the role of the polymorphism (G1359A) of the cannabinoid (CB)1 receptor gene on clinical outcomes 1 year after biliopancreatic diversion in morbidly obese patients.

DESIGN

A sample of 66 morbidly obese patients (BMI >40 kg/m2) were operated. Weight, fat mass, blood pressure, basal glucose, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured at basal visit and at each visit. The frequency of metabolic comorbidities was recorded at each visit.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients (59.1%) had genotype G1359G (wild type group) and 27 (40.9%) patients had genotype G1359A (mutant type group). In wild and mutant type groups, body mass index, weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerols concentrations decreased, without statistical between genotype groups. Initial weight percent loss at 1 year of follow up was similar in both genotypes (33.1% vs 33.6%; ns).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that polymorphism G1359A in the CB1 receptor did not have a significant effect on biochemical and anthropometric improvements after biliopancreatic diversion surgery.

Influence of visfatin on histopathological changes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease. The aim of the present study was to explore the relation of visfatin with underlying histopathological changes of NAFLD patients.

SUBJECTS

A population of 55 NAFLD patients was analyzed in a cross-sectional study. A liver biopsy was realized. Weight, basal glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA), total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and visfatin levels were measured. A bioimpedance was performed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The mean age was 42.8 +/- 11.2 years, the mean BMI was 33.1 +/- 10.2 with 37 males (67.3%) and 18 females (32.7%). Probabilities to have; portal inflammation increased 1.11 (CI95%:1.03-1.50) with each increment of 1 ng/ml of visfatin concentration, high grade of steatosis increased 1.25 (CI 95%:1.06-1.61) with each unit of insulin concentrations, fibrosis increased 1.12 (CI 95%:1.02-1.43) with each unit of fat mass and lobulillar inflammation increased 13.4 (CI 95%:1.3-147) with each unit of HOMA-IR. Portal inflammation frequencies were different between groups (low visfatin group 13.07 < ng/ml: 37.5% versus high visfatin group 13.07 > ng/ml: 62.5%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, several histopathological changes in liver biopsies could be explained by insulin concentrations, HOMA-IR, and fat mass amount. Moreover, visfatin plasma concentrations could predict the presence of portal inflammation in NAFLD patients.

Clinical results and nutritional consequences of biliopancreatic diversion: three years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity, reducing obesity-associated comorbidities. The aim of our work was to describe clinical results and nutritional complications in morbidly obese patients with biliopancreatic diversion.

METHODS

We have analyzed a consecutive series of 64 patients who have been followed up for 3 years after undergoing open biliopancreatic diversion by the Scopinaro technique.

RESULTS

Initial excess weight loss was 29.3% at 6 months and 61.5% at 3 years. A significant improvement of body mass index, weight, waist circumference, fat mass, glucose level, total cholesterol, uric acid and triglycerides levels was detected. Ferritin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B(12), zinc and copper levels showed a low percentage of deficiency at basal time, but during the follow-up, the percentage of deficiency increased. Vitamin E and K did not show basal deficiency. However, after surgery, a moderate deficiency of both vitamins was detected (vitamin E 7.1% and vitamin K 8.3%). Folic acid deficiency was observed in 54.3% of the subjects at basal time, but decreased during the study.

CONCLUSION

Biliopancreatic diversion is an effective method of sustainable weight loss. However, micronutrient deficiencies can occur.