High fat-fed diabetic mice present with profound alterations of the osteocyte network

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Integrative genomic, epigenetic and metabolomic characterization of beef from grass-fed Angus steers

Beef constitutes a main component of the American diet and still represent the principal source of protein in many parts of the world. Currently, the meat market is experiencing an important transformation; consumers are increasingly switching from consuming traditional beef to grass-fed beef. People recognized products obtained from grass-fed animals as more natural and healthy. However, the true variations between these two production systems regarding various aspects remain unclear. This dissertation provides information from closely genetically related animals, in order to decrease confounding factors, to explain several confused divergences between grain-fed and grass-fed beef. First, we examined the growth curve, important economic traits and quality carcass characteristics over four consecutive years in grain-fed and grass-fed animals, generating valuable information for management decisions and economic evaluation for grass-fed cattle operations. Second, we performed the first integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis in grass-fed beef, detecting alterations in glucose metabolism, divergences in free fatty acids and carnitine conjugated lipid levels, and altered β-oxidation. Results suggest that grass finished beef could possibly benefit consumer health from having lower total fat content and better lipid profile than grain-fed beef. Regarding animal welfare, grass-fed animals may experience less stress than grain-fed individuals as well. Finally, we contrasted the genome-wide DNA methylation of grass-fed beef against grain-fed beef using the methyl-CpG binding domain sequencing (MBD-Seq) method, identifying 60 differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Most of DMRs were located inside or upstream of genes and displayed increased levels of methylation in grass-fed individuals, implying a global DNA methylation increment in this group. Interestingly, chromosome 14, which has been associated with large effects on ADG, marbling, back fat, ribeye area and hot carcass weight in beef cattle, allocated the largest number of DMRs (12/60). The pathway analysis identified skeletal and muscular system as the preeminent physiological system and function, and recognized carbohydrates metabolism, lipid metabolism and tissue morphology among the highest ranked networks. Therefore, although we recognize some limitations and assume that additional examination is still required, this project provides the first integrative genomic, epigenetic and metabolomics characterization of beef produced under grass-fed regimen.

The global crisis and unconventional monetary policy : ECB versus Fed

In the aftermath of the global economic and financial crisis, which broke-out in 2007, the major central banks started implementing so-called unconventional monetary policy measures. Following a fundamentally qualitative methodology, the aim of this paper is to compare the unconventional measures adopted by the ECB and the Fed, assessing their characteristics and also their impacts on the economy.

Growth, feed intake, survival, and histological response of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets containing grains naturally contaminated with aflatoxin = Crecimiento, consumo de alimento, supervivencia y respuesta histológica del camarón blanco Litopenaeus vannamei alimentado con dietas de granos contaminados naturalmente con aflatoxinas

Two feeding trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of diets containing corn or peanut grains naturally contaminated with aflatoxins on the growth, feed intake, survival, and histological response of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. In trial 1, four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 g kg–1 of total aflatoxins (TA) and fed to L. vannamei juveniles for 28 days. In trial 2, six experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 120 g kg–1 TA and fed to L. vannamei juveniles for 64 days. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly affected by the presence of aflatoxins from naturally contaminated grains. Feed conversion rate increased significantly from a level of inclusion of 60 g kg–1. Survival was significantly reduced only for shrimp fed diets supplemented with 1000 and 2000 g kg–1 TA. Shrimp exposed to higher aflatoxin inclusion levels presented significantly lower lipid vacuole levels in R-cells (12–28%), lower B-cell activity, and lower mitotic E-cell activity. Tubular epithelial atrophy increased from the inclusion level of 20 g kg–1. Hepatopancreatocyte sloughing was significantly higher in shrimp fed diets supplemented with 1000 and 2000 g kg–1 TA. It is worth noting that shrimp fed 40 g kg–1 TA presented a high hepatopancreatocyte sloughing coefficient. Based on these results we conclude that the presence of aflatoxins, even at low levels, reduces feed intake and weight gain, and alters the cells of the hepatopancreas. RESUMEN. Se llevaron a cabo dos bioensayos para evaluar el efecto de granos de maíz y maní contaminados naturalmente con aflatoxinas sobre el crecimiento, consumo de alimento, supervivencia y daños histológicos de juveniles del camarón blanco Litopenaeus vannamei. Para el bioensayo 1, se formularon cuatro dietas con 0, 500, 1000 y 2000 g kg–1 de aflatoxinas totales (AT) y se proporcionaron a juveniles de L. vannamei durante 28 días. Para el bioensayo 2, se formularon seis dietas con 0, 10, 20, 40, 60 y 120 g kg–1 AT y se proporcionaron a juveniles de L. vannamei durante 64 días. El consumo de alimento fue significativamente afectado por la presencia de aflatoxinas. La tasa de conversión alimenticia incrementó significativamente a partir de un nivel de inclusión de 60 g kg–1. La supervivencia fue significativamente reducida solamente en los camarones que fueron alimentados con las dietas suplementadas con 1000 y 2000 g kg–1 AT. Los camarones expuestos a los niveles de inclusión altos presentaron un menor nivel de vacuolas lipídicas en las células R (12–28%), y una menor actividad de las células B y de la actividad mitótica de las células E. La atrofia de los túbulos del epitelio se incrementó a partir de un nivel de inclusión de 20 g kg–1. La descamación de las células del hepatopáncreas fue significativamente mayor en camarones alimentados con las dietas suplementadas con 1000 y 2000 g kg–1 AT, mientras que para las dosis bajas no se observaron diferencias significativas, aunque en camarones alimentados a partir de 40 g kg–1 AT se observa un coeficiente de descamación alto. Con base en los resultados, se concluye que la presencia de aflatoxinas, incluso a niveles bajos, reduce el consumo de alimento y el aumento de peso y altera las células del hepatopáncreas.

Incorporation of dietary nitrogen from fish meal and pea meal ( Pisum sativum ) in muscle tissue of Pacific white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) fed low protein compound diets

Stable isotope analyses were applied to explore the relative dietary nitrogen contributions from fish meal and pea meal (Pisum sativum) to muscle tissue of Pacific white shrimp postlarvae (141 ± 31 mg) fed low protein diets having different proportions of both ingredients as the sole dietary protein sources. A negative control diet was formulated to contain 100% pea meal and six more isoproteic diets to have decreasing levels of pea meal-derived nitrogen: 95%, 85%, 70%, 55%, 40% and 0% of the initial level. Growth rates were negatively correlated to dietary pea protein inclusion due to progressive essential amino acid deficiencies (sulphur amino acids, threonine, lysine, histidine). The nitrogen turnover rate significantly increased in muscle tissue of shrimps fed diets having high levels of pea meal; however, contrary to observations from a previous study using soy protein, the relative contributions of dietary nitrogen from pea meal to shrimp muscle tissue were equal or higher than expected contributions established by the dietary formulations. Results highlight the effectiveness of stable isotope analysis in assessing the nutritional contributions of alternative ingredients for aquaculture feeds and the potential suitability of pea as a source of protein (provided the diets are nutritionally balanced)

Liver injury from ampicillin-induced intestinal microbiota distresses in rats fed carbohydrate- and protein-rich diets

Purpose: To investigate the effect of ampicillin on rat intestinal microflora and liver in the presence of high carbohydrate and protein diets. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as the control, the second group was treated with ampicillin (50 mg/kg for 3 weeks) and fed with a standard diet, while the third and fourth groups were treated with the same dose of ampicillin and fed with acarbohydrateand protein-rich diets, respectively, to observe the effect of diet on gut flora and liver. Fecal specimens were collected and used for qualitative determination of gut microbiota composition. Serum hepatospecific markers (AST, ALT and ALP) were estimated. The antioxidant status of liver tissues was estimated for GSH, MDA, GST, LDH and vitamin C l, in addition to sodium and potassium. Results: Administration of orogastric dose of ampicillin for 3 weeks induced inhibition of E.coli, yeasts, total anaerobes, and anaerobic lactobacilli with new growth of P. vulgaris and K. pneumonia. The levels of serum AST, ALT and ALP showed significant (p ˂ 0.05) increase to 163, 112.38 and 115.35 %, respectively in ampicillin-treated animals, compared to control. Also significant (p ˂ 0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation (120 %) and LDH (111 %) coupled with significant (p ˂ 0.05) decrease in glutathione (74.57 %), vitamin C (63.49 %) and glutathione S-transferase (41.51 %) were observed in ampicillintreated groups. No significant variation (p ˂ 0.05) in sodium and potassium levels were found between control and the treated group after 3 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: These results confirm that extended ampicillin therapy disrupts gut flora, which results in liver injury; hence, overuse of antibiotics should be avoid.

Lipid profile and glycemic response of rats fed on a semi-purified diet supplemented with Agaricus brasiliensis mushroom.

A busca por hábitos alimentares saudáveis tem incentivado o estudo de novas fontes alimentares. Destacam-se os cogumelos comestíveis, como os do gênero Agaricus. Este trabalho avaliou a influência da ração semi-purificada, suplementada com o cogumelo Agaricus brasiliensis no perfil de lipídios, em ratos. Foi realizado experimento com 28 ratos machos Wistar, em 32 dias. Os animais foram separados em quatro grupos de sete dos quais o primeiro recebeu dieta AIN-93 (CAS), o segundo recebeu dieta AIN-93 adicionada de 1% de colesterol (CAS + COL) e o terceiro e o quarto grupos foram alimentados com dieta AIN-93 suplementada com cogumelos sem (COG) e com (COG + COL) adição de colesterol a 1%, respectivamente. No 32.º dia, amostras foram coletadas para análises de colesterol, triglicerídeos, colesterol hepático da gordura hepática. O estudo mostrou que Agaricus brasiliensis influenciou o perfil lipídico, diminuindo o colesterol total (-16%) e os triglicérides (- 26,9%), além de aumentar o HDL (+ 60,2%). É possível afirmar que nutrientes contidos em Agaricus brasiliensis são moduladores do perfil lipídico de ratos, diminuindo a deposição de lipídios hepáticos e aumentando a sua eliminação fecal. A curva glicêmica mostrou declínio significativo entre quinze e sessenta minutos em ratos alimentados com dieta contendo o cogumelo.

Performance and ruminal morphologic characteristics of Saanen kids fed ground, pelleted or extruded total ration

The aim of the present study was to determine feed intake and average weight gain and to evaluate the ruminal morphologic characteristics of Saanen kids slaughtered at 30, 45 and 60 days of age, according to a completely randomized design. Thirty-six non-castrated male Saanen kids were fed ground total ration, pelleted total ration, or extruded total ration. Feed intake and refusals were controlled daily and the animals were weighed at birth and then once a week. Newborn kids received a milk replacer and were weaned at 45 days. Immediately after slaughter, the animals were eviscerated, the entire digestive apparatus was removed from the carcass. The reticulo-rumen was separated, emptied, washed and weighed. Samples were collected from the dorsal sac, pillar area and ventral sac of the rumen, fixed for about 24h in Bouin's solution, dehydrated, embedded in Histosec and cut into 5 mu m sections. Results showed that dry matter intake (DMI) at weaning and post-weaning and weight gain were higher (P < 0.05) in animals that received the pelleted total ration. The weight of the reticulo-rumen accompanied body development and was heavier in these animals. Histologically, after weaning ruminal papillae were more developed in animals that received pelleted total ration. Length of papillae increased with increase of age. The ratio of papillary height to papillary width increased with age in the ventral sac and until weaning (P > 0.05). We conclude that the pelleting process of the total ration favored increased intake, with a 46.7% increase in weight gain and increase in rumen weight and papillae length, suggesting that best results are obtained with this processing. In general, no difference was observed between the results obtained with extruded and ground total ration, although animals fed extruded total ration showed an increase in rumen weight and papillae width. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Development and reproduction of Olla v-nigrum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs supplemented with an artificial diet.

2013

Growth, lipogenesis and body composition of piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) fingerlings fed different dietary protein and lipid concentrations

Piracanjuba (Brycon orbignyanus) is a Brazilian migratory fast-growing omnivore, very appreciated as a sport fish, which is threatened to extinction in Southern Brazil due to stock over exploitation and dam building. Therefore, efforts have been made to raise this fish in captivity for reintroduction and aquaculture purposes. In the present study, the effects of different dietary protein and lipid concentrations on piracanjuba fingerlings growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and activity of the lipogenic enzymes fatty acid synthetase (FAS), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and malic enzyme (ME) were investigated using a 2 x 3 factorial experiment. Six casein-gelatin based diets were prepared combining two protein (30% and 32%) and three lipid concentrations (5.5%, 8.8% and 12.1%). Eleven fish, average weight 11.30 +/- 0.1 g, were held in each of 18 100-1 aquaria, supplied with recirculating freshwater. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of fish and fed to apparent satiation, twice a day for 100 d. Piracanjuba fingerlings' daily weight gain (0.36-0.40 g), specific growth rate (1.43-1.51%), feed utilization and HSI were not influenced by dietary protein or lipid concentration. However, body composition was directly affected by dietary treatment. An increase in body fat and dry matter was observed as dietary lipid increased, for both dietary protein concentrations tested. The activity of FAS was depressed by increasing dietary fat levels but the G6PD activity did not differ among dietary treatments, although ME activity showed some regulation by dietary protein. These results indicate that an increase from 5.5% to 12.1% in the dietary lipid, at a dietary protein concentration of 30% or 32%, promotes body fat accumulation in piracanjuba fingerlings with no improvement in growth, suggesting that the lipid requirement for this species should be 5% or less, when raised for commercial purposes. However, the additional energy reserve from body fat accumulation could be desirable for piracanjuba fingerlings produced for stock enhancement. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS and Ifremer/IRD/Inra/Cemagref. All rights reserved.

Digestibility and performance of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) juveniles - fed diets containing different protein, lipid and carbohydrate levels

Due to lack of information on the use of non-protein energy sources in diets for pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and digestibility of 12 diets containing approximately two crude protein (CP; 220 and 250 g kg(-1)), two lipid (40 and 80 g kg(-1)) and three carbohydrate levels (410, 460 and 500 g kg(-1)). The pacu juveniles-fed diets containing 220 g kg(-1) CP did not respond (P > 0.05) to increased dietary lipid and carbohydrate levels, but the fish-fed diets containing 250 g kg(-1) CP showed a better feed conversion ratio. There were interactions in weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), crude protein intake (CPI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) dependent on dietary carbohydrate and lipid levels, showing positive effects of increasing carbohydrate levels only for fish-fed diets containing 80 g kg(-1) lipid level. However, when the diets contained 40 g kg(-1) lipid, the best energy productive value (EPV) results were obtained at 460 g kg(-1) carbohydrate. A higher usage of lipids (80 g kg(-1)) reduced CPI and was detrimental to protein [apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC)(CP)] and energy (ADC(GE)), but did not affect growth. The ADC(GE) improved proportionally as dietary carbohydrate levels increased (P < 0.05), increasing the concentration of digestible energy. In addition, the WG, CPI, ADC(GE) results showed best use of the energy from carbohydrates when dietary protein level was 250 g kg(-1) CP. The utilization of 250 g kg(-1) CP in feeds for juvenile pacu for optimal growth is suggested. Therefore, the optimum dietary lipid and carbohydrate levels depend on their combinations. It can be stated that pacu uses carbohydrates as effectively as lipids in the maximization of protein usage, as long as it is not lower than 250 g kg(-1) CP or approximately 230 g kg(-1) digestible protein.

Growth performance and energetic metabolism of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887), fed diets supplemented with ammonium metavanadate

Vanadium compounds mimic most of the metabolic effects of insulin, suggesting that it might be useful to improve utilization of dietary carbohydrate. This work evaluated the effect of dietary ammonium metavanadate (H(4)NO(3)V) on the growth performance and energy metabolism of pacu, an omnivorous South America characin. Two hundred and eighty-eight fish were distributed into four blocks according to the body weight (21.8 +/- 1.7, 28.5 +/- 2.0, 28.4 +/- 1.9, 35.7 +/- 1.9 g), stocked in 24 plastic tanks and fed twice daily with isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing six levels of H(4)NO(3)V (0, 10, 50, 100, 300 and 1000 mg kg(-1)) for 60 days. Increasing levels of dietary ammonium metavanadate did not improve growth (P > 0.05), and the highest level of inclusion (1000 mg kg(-1)) reduced performance (P < 0.05). Blood glucose levels decreased (P < 0.05) in fish fed 300 and 1000 mg kg(-1) H(4)NO(3)V, but no differences were observed in other blood metabolites. A slight increase in muscle lipid content was observed in fish fed a diet containing 300 mg kg(-1) H(4)NO(3)V. Based on the results of this study, there is no benefit in supplementing pacu diets with metavanadate.

Effect of inulin supplementation in male mice fed with high fat diet on biochemical profile and α-amylase gene expression

Purpose: To evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effects of inulin supplementation in Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) male mice fed with high fat diet. Methods: NMRI male mice (n = 36) were divided into three groups. Control (C1), obese (O1) and experimental mice (E1) were fed during 8 weeks as follows: C1 with normal rodent pellet, O1 with high fat diet, and E1 with high fat diet plus 20 % inulin. C2, O2, and E2 were fed as follows: C2 with normal rodent pellets for 12 weeks; O2 with high fat diet during 8 weeks and switched to normal rodent pellet during next 4 weeks; and E2 with high fat diet over a period of 8 weeks and switched to normal rodent pellet plus 20 % inulin for 4 weeks. Body weight, serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and hepatic α-amylase gene expression were measured. Results: Groups receiving high fat diet showed higher weight (30.71 ± 0.66 g in O2, p < 0.001), nonfasting blood glucose levels (257.69 ± 5.10 mg/dl in O2, p < 0.001), TG (282.15 ± 1.83 mg/dl in O2, (p < 0.001)), and cholesterol levels (335.72 ± 2.23 mg/dl in O2, (p < 0.001)), compared with control. In C2 group, mean body weight was 25.71 ± 0.54 g, non-fasting blood level 161.54 ± 4.48 mg/dl, TG level 214.29 ± 5.54 mg/dl, and cholesterol level 164.29 ±4.57 mg/dl. Compared to obese group, mice receiving inulin showed lower blood glucose levels (223.10 ± 8.7 mg/dl in E2, p < 0.001), body weight (27.86 ± 0.57 g in E2, p < 0.001), TG (232.14 ± 4.02 mg/dl in E2, p < 0.001) and cholesterol (249.97 ± 2.28 in E2, p < 0.001). A slight decrease in hepatic α-amylase gene expression was observed only in E1. Conclusion: Besides its sweetening properties, inulin may also find use as a potential anti-obesity compound.

In vitro antioxidative activity of moss extract, and effect of moss on serum lipid level of mice fed with high-fat diet

Purpose: To evaluate the potential of active compounds derived from moss in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Methods: Three species of moss were extracted with deionized water at 95 °C, and with 70.5 % ethanol at 85 °C. Analysis of total phenolic contents (TPC) of the extracts were performed by FolinCiocalteu (FC) method. The antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined using three methods, namely, by 2,2\'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In vivo effects were evaluated in mice fed high fat diet (HFD) supplemented with 20 % ground moss. Cholesterol levels in HFD were evaluated by ophthalaldehyde method. Serum triglyceride levels were measured using triglyceride (TG) kit, while blood insulin level and leptin concentration were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: The moss extracts exhibited antioxidative effects, as evidenced of . TPC of 47.20 ± 11.20 to 119.87 ± 11.51 mg GAE/mg, respectively. ABTS scavenging activity was 1078.11 ± 18.95 to 2587.33 ± 46.19 μmol Trolox/mg, DPPH scavenging activity of were 42.11 ± 8.22 to 298.78 ± 20.02 μmol Trolox/mg, and FRAP value of 393.19 ± 24.64 to 1070.14 ± 17.92 μmol Trolox/mg, respectively. Mice fed with 20 % ground moss did not show any significant effect (p < 0.05) on visceral weight and blood lipid levels of HFD, while leptin concentrations reduced significantly to 4.74 ± 0.00 and 0.20 ± 0.00 ng/dL) relative to HFD alone (26.72 ± 6.53 ng/dL). Conclusion: Moss can potentially be used as an antioxidative ingredient, for the improvement of overall human health, suggesting that important medical benefits associated with moss consumption. However, further investigations are required to ascertain this.

Challenge of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fed diets supplemented with vitamins C and E by Aeromonas hydrophila under different temperature

Pacus Piaractus mesopotamicus alimentados com dietas contendo três níveis de vitaminas C e E (zero, 250 e 500mg/kg de ração) foram desafiados, em diferentes temperaturas, com Aeromonas hydrophila. Os peixes foram mantidos em caixas plásticas de 300L e, com o objetivo de reduzir as reservas vitamínicas, durante os primeiros 60 dias, foram alimentados com dietas isentas das vitaminas C e E. Após esse período, os peixes foram estocados na densidade inicial de 14 peixes/caixa e as dietas-teste foram oferecidas durante 60 dias. Ao final do experimento, todos os peixes foram infectados com 6×10(6) UFC de A. hydrophila/peixe, injetada intraperitonealmente. Não houve interação nível de vitamina C vs. nível de vitamina E quanto à mortalidade. A suplementação com as vitaminas C e E não reduziu a taxa de mortalidade dos peixes desafiados com A. hydrophila. Independentemente da suplementação vitamínica, após o desafio, os peixes menores apresentaram maior taxa de mortalidade que os maiores e o grupo mantido em ambiente com temperatura mais alta apresentou maior taxa de mortalidade após o desafio.