Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on growth performance, small intestine morphology and antioxidant status in ducks under heat stress conditions / Efectos de la suplementación con picolinato de cromo en el rendimiento de crecimiento, morfología del intestino delgado y estado antioxidante en patos bajo condiciones de estrés calórico

SUMMARY: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplemental chromium (Cr) on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal morphology, mucosa Hsp70 mRNA expression and antioxidant status of ducks reared under heat stress conditions. All ducks were randomly divided into three treatment groups, respectively, control group (Control, 23 ± 2 °C), heat stress group (HS, 32 ±2 °C), Cr picolinate group (CrPic, 32 ± 2 °C, 0.2 mg Cr/kg). Feed and distilled-deionized water were available ad libitum for an experimental phase of 35 days. Samples were collected on the day 14, 21 and 35 to determine biological and hematological values. Results showed that heat stress or dietary supplemental Cr both didn't have distinct influence on growth performance (P>0.05), compared to controls. Ducks fed 0.2 mg Cr/kg diet had greater ultimate pH (pHu)(P<0.05) than HS group. At day 14, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in CrPic group significantly increased (P<0.05) than that of HS group in jejunum. Heat stress remarkably increased Hsp70 mRNA expression in jejunum compared with controls (P<0.05). While the expression of Hsp70 mRNA in CrPic group was significantly decreased compared with HS (P<0.05). At day 21, the V/C of ileum in CrPic group significantly increased compared with HS group (P<0.05). Serum SOD levels in CrPic group were significantly higher than those in HS group (P<0.05). At day 35, Hsp70 mRNA expression and serum T-SOD levels in CrPic group significantly increased compared with controls (P<0.05). T-AOC in HS group significantly decreased compared with controls (P<0.05). Results indicate that dietary Cr supplementation doesn't influence ducks' growth performance, but has a positive effect on meat quality, small intestine morphology, also regulates Hsp70 mRNA expression under heat stress conditions, and enhances the antioxidant status.

RESUMEN: Se evaluó los efectos del cromo (Cr) dietético suplementario sobre el rendimiento del crecimiento, la calidad de la carne, la morfología intestinal, la expresión del ARNm Hsp70 en la mucosa y el estado antioxidante de los patos criados bajo condiciones de estrés por calor. Todos los patos se dividieron aleatoriamente en tres grupos: grupo control (control, 23 ± 2 °C), grupo de estrés térmico (HS, 32 ± 2 °C) y grupo de picolinato de Cr (CrPic, 32 ± 2 °C, 0,2 mg Cr / kg). El alimento y el agua desionizada destilada estuvieron disponibles ad libitum durante la fase experimental de 35 días. Las muestras se recogieron los días 14, 21 y 35 para determinar los valores biológicos y hematológicos. Los resultados mostraron que el estrés térmico o la suplementación dietética de Cr no tuvieron una influencia distinta en el rendimiento del crecimiento (P> 0,05), en comparación con los controles. Los patos alimentados con 0,2 mg de Cr / kg de dieta tuvieron un mayor pH final (pHu) (P <0,05) que el grupo HS. En el día 14, la relación de la altura de las vellosidades a la profundidad de la cripta (V / C) en el grupo CrPic aumentó significativamente (P <0,05) en relación a la del grupo de HS en el yeyuno. El estrés por calor incrementó notablemente la expresión del ARNm de Hsp70 en el yeyuno en comparación con los controles (P <0,05). Mientras que la expresión del ARNm de Hsp70 en el grupo CrPic se redujo significativamente en comparación con HS (P <0,05). En el día 21, la relación V / C del íleon en el grupo CrPic aumentó significativamente en comparación con el grupo HS (p <0,05). Los niveles séricos de SOD en el grupo CrPic fueron significativamente más altos que los del grupo HS (P <0,05). En el día 35, la expresión de ARNm de Hsp70 y los niveles séricos de T-SOD en el grupo CrPic aumentaron significativamente en comparación con los controles (P <0,05). T-AOC en el grupo HS disminuyó significativamente en comparación con los controles (P <0,05). Los resultados indican que la suplementación dietética de Cr no influye en el rendimiento de crecimiento de los patos, pero tiene un efecto positivo en la calidad de la carne, en la morfología del intestino delgado, y también regula la expresión de ARNm de Hsp70 en condiciones de estrés calórico y mejora el estado antioxidante.

Resultados a 10 años en trasplantes renales con donantes vivos no relacionados: Experiencia de 22 años / Survival among renal allograft recipients from non related living donors

Background: There is a gap between the number of patients requiring a renal allograft and the number of potential deceased donors (DD). One alternative is using allografts from non-related living donors (NRLD). Aim: To compare survival and complications of renal allograft recipients from DD, related living donors (RLD) and NRLD. Material and Methods: Observational study of a cohort of renal allograft recipients. Of 253 transplants performed in a Chilean region between 1981 and 2003, 20 patients received and allograft from a NRLD. Graft and patient survival of these patients were compared with those of 93 patients receiving an allograft from a related living donor and 140 receiving it from a DD. Patients were followed for 10 years or until death or dialysis requirement. Results: No significant differences between groups in graft and patient survival, deaths with a functioning graft or return to dialysis were observed. Receptors of DD had more hospital admissions during the first years after receiving the graft, usually due to infections. Also a delayed graft function was more common among them. Glomerular filtration rate ten years after the graft was similar among the three groups. Conclusions: No differences in graft or patient survival was observed between patients receiving a renal allograft from NRLD, RLD or DD.

Metformin versus chromium picolinate in clomiphene citrate-resistant patients with PCOs: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Chromium picolinate could be effective in clomiphen citrate resistant PCOS patients. To compare the effects of chromium picolinate vs. metformin in clomiphen citrate resistant PCOS patients. The present randomized clinical trial was performed on 92 women with clomiphen citrate-resistant PCOS at the clinics which were affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either chromium picolinate [200micro g daily] or metformin [1500mg daily] for 3 months. Anthropometric and hormonal profile were measured and compared both before and after the treatment. Ovulation and pregnancy rate was measured in the two study groups, as well. Chromium picolinate significantly decreased fasting blood sugar [FBS] after 3 months of treatment [p=0.042]. In the same way, the serum levels of fasting insulin had significantly decreased leading to an increase in insulin sensitivity as measured by QUICKI index [p=0.014]. In comparison to the patients who received chromium picolinate, those who received metformin had significantly lower levels of testosterone [p=0.001] and free testosterone [p=0.001] after 3 months of treatment. Nevertheless, no significant difference was found between the two study groups regarding ovulation [p=0.417] and pregnancy rates [p=0.500]. Chromium picolinate decreased FBS and insulin levels and, thus, increased insulin sensitivity in clomiphene citrate-resistance PCOS women. These effects were comparable with metformin; however, metformin treatment was associated with decreased hyperandrogenism. Overall, chromium picolinate was better tolerated compared to metformin; nonetheless, the two study groups were not significantly different regarding ovulation and pregnancy rates

Low-dose oral zinc supplementation leading to resolution of recalcitrant common warts: A case report with 5-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION: Verruca vulgaris, or common wart, is cause by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cases may be recalcitrant, and may reflect deficient cell-mediated immunity, one cause of which could be low serum levels of zinc, which plays a crucial role in lymphocyte development and function. Here, we report a case of recalcitrant common warts in a zinc-deficient man responding to oral zinc supplementation.CASE SUMMARY: A then 44-year-old man presented with hyperkeratotic verrucous papules on the left elbow, clinically and histopathologically diagnosed to be verucca vulgaris. Initial treatment with electrosurgery was followed by recurrence on the same site several weeks later. Further recurrences would be noted despite treatment with several sessions of electrosurgery and cryotherapy, with eventual involvement of both forearms and shins. Other treatment modalities tried by the patient included pulsed dye laser, imiquimod and a traditional topical medication containing salicylic acid. HPV typing showed HPV genotype 6. Primary immunodeficiency panel done on 2 separate occasions showed decreased CD4 count with reversed CD4:CD8 ratio, with decreased natural killer count. Whole blood and serum zinc levels were also found to be decreased on 2 separate occasions. The patient was then started on oral zinc picolinate 50mg (10mg elemental zinc) daily, eventually shifting to chelated zinc oxide 15mg (12mg elemental zinc) daily, without any other intervention. The only adverse effect reported was nausea. Follow-up at 1 year and 5 years after starting oral zinc supplementation has shown no recurrence of warts.CONCLUSION: Recent years have seen a surge of interest in high-dose oral zinc as monotherapy for recalcitrant warts. Although there is still insufficient evidence to support this, the positive response demonstrated in this case corroborates the immunomodulatory role that zinc may play for this indication. In addition, this case may show that even low doses of zinc may be beneficial as either monotherapy or as adjunct in the treatment of recurrent common warts. It is recommended that randomized clinical trials with better quality, comparing different doses and formulations of oral zinc for common warts be done, while taking into account corresponding elemental zinc values.

A meta-analysis on the effect of chromium picolinate on glucose and lipid profiles among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: The role of chromium in human nutrition was first reported in 1977 on a patient on total parenteral nutrition manifesting with neuropathy and impaired glucose tolerance attributed to chromium deficiency. After correction, nerve conduction and glucose tolerance tests normalized. Chromium is postulated to act as a cofactor for insulin action by enhancing insulin receptor phosphorylation and stimulating insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of chromium picolinate versus placebo on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), 2-hours postprandial blood sugar (2HPPBS), fasting insulin (FI) and lipid profile among T2DM patients.METHODS: Literature search in Medicine, Cochrane and Herdin was made using terms such as chromium, chromium picolinate intake of >= 3 months among T2DM patients. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full articles. Results were plotted using Revman 4.2.RESULTS: Thirty four trials were found and six trials were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled data for 467 patients with T2DM reported lowering of HbA1c -0.34% (CI -0.45, 0.24 p0.06); FBS -16.6 mg/dl (CI -18.9, -14.41 p 0.30); 2HPPBS -17.33 mg/dL (CI -20.21, -18..81 p CONCLUSION: Chromium picolinate lowers HbA1c, FBS, 2HPPBS and FI moderately but it has no effect on lipids, However, the short duration of studies, variable quality and large heterogeneity across these data limits the strength of our conclusion, hence further studies are recommended.

Chromium picolinate inhibits cholesterol induced stimulation of platelet aggregation in hypercholesterolemic rats

Hypercholesterolemia indirectly increases the risk of myocardial infarction by enhancing platelet aggregation. Chromium, has been shown to lower plasma lipids. The objective of this study was to investigate whether chromium inhibits platelet aggregation under normal and hypercholesterolemic conditions. White albino rats were divided into four groups: control rats fed with a normolipemic diet [NLD group], chromium supplemented rats fed with NLD [NLD+Cr group], rats fed with a high fat diet [HF group], and chromium supplemented rats fed with HF [HF+Cr group]. After 10 weeks, blood was collected to determine ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation and plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides [TG], HDL-C, apolipoprotein Al [Apo-A1], apolipoprotein B [Apo-B], and thromboxane B2 [TX B2]. LDL-C was calculated by Friedewald Formula. High fat diet animals [HF group] displayed significant elevation of plasma lipids and platelet aggregation which were normalized to control levels by chromium supplementation. Chromium supplementation in normolipemic [NLD+Cr] rats didn't produce significant changes in either plasma lipids or platelet activity. The results of the present study demonstrate that chromium supplementation to hypercholesterolemic rats returns cholesterol induced platelet aggregation to control levels. This normalization is mostly due to a reduction in plasma cholesterol level

Evaluation of Dipicolinic Acid-Based Mueller Hinton Agar Biplate for Detection of IMP-1 and VIM-2 type Metallo-beta-Lactamase in Imipenem Non-susceptible Gram Negative Bacilli / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Since metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing isolates can hydrolyze carbapenem and also easily transfer the resistance genes to other bacteria, a rapid and accurate detection of MBL has become very important. We evaluated the utility of Mueller Hinton agar (MHA) biplate containing dipicolinic acid (DPA) as a screening method to detect IMP-1 and VIM-2 type MBL-producing isolates. METHODS: Based on our preliminary tests using various concentrations of DPA, 200 and 300 microg/mL concentration of DPA were chosen for further study. Bacterial lawns were grown on MHA biplate, one half of which contained DPA while the other did not. The inhibition zone around the imipenem (IPM) disk on both sides of this plate was compared. The stability of DPA in the stored DPA-MHA biplate was also evaluated during three months using two MBL- and one non-MBL-producing isolates. RESULTS: When the criterion of a > or =7 mm increase of inhibition zone around the IPM disk on the MHA containing DPA compared to MHA without DPA was used, the sensitivities and specificities were 94.7% and 97.6% for 200 microg/mL DPA-MHA biplate, and 98.2% and 97.6% for 300 microg/mL DPA-MHA biplate, respectively. The activity of the DPA in this biplate was stable for three months. CONCLUSIONS: Assays using DPA 300-MHA biplate were highly sensitive and specific for the detection of IMP-1 and VIM-2 type MBL-producing bacteria. In addition, it is easy to perform; so, it may be useful to apply this method for detection of IMP-1 and VIM-2 type MBL in clinical laboratories.

Hematobiochemical changes and antioxidant status of heat stressed rabbit bucks and its amelioration using chromium picolinate

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary chromium picolinate on heat stressed NewZeland White rabbit [NZW] bucks. Forty five NZW rabbit bucks were used in this study and divided into 3 equal groups. The first group was kept in an ambient temperature of 18 +/- 0.5 °C and relative humidity [RH] of 62 +/- 0.5% corresponding to the thermo neutral zone of this species and kept as control normal group. While the second and third groups were exposed to heat stress by establishing an ambient temperature of 35.5 +/- 0.5 °C and relative humidity of 68 +/- 0.5% for 5 hours / day for 3 consecutive days. The second group was kept as heat stressed group, while the third group was given a diet supplemented with chromium picolinate 1200 microgram/kg diet. Whole blood and serum samples were collected from all groups just after heat termination, 1, 3 and 7 days post heat stress. The results of this study revealed that heat stress [HS] elicited significant decrease in body weight in addition to significant increase in rectal temperature and respiration rate and significant decrease in body weight. HS produced significant decrease in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, total leukocytic count, lymphocytes and monocytes beside significant increase in heterophil and heterophil / lymphocyte ratio. Moreover, HS elicited significant decrease in serum total proteins, albumin and globulin in addition to significant increase in serum urea, creatinine and glucose. Also, HS lead to significant increase in serum Cortisol besides significant decrease in serum thyroid hormones. Regarding the effect of HS on antioxidant status, HS lead to significant increase in serum malondialdehyde [MDA] concentration with significant decrease in serum concentration of antioxidant vitamins [E, C and A] and trace elements [Iron, Zinc, Copper and chromium]. Chromium supplementation restored the abovementioned parameters towards the normal control values. It is concluded that chromium picolinate supplementation 1200 microgram/kg can be considered protective management practice in rabbit diet, alleviating the detrimental effects of HS

Effect of pretreatment with chromium picolinate on haematological parameters during dengue virus infection in mice.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Dengue virus (DV) has caused severe epidemics of dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and is endemic all over India. We have earlier reported that exposure of mice to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] compounds increased the severity of dengue virus infection. Trivalent chromium picolinate (CrP) is used worldwide as micronutrient and nutritional supplement. The present study was therefore, carried out to investigate the effects of CrP on various haematological parameters during DV infection of mice. METHODS: The Swiss Albino smice were inoculated with dengue virus (1000 LD50, intracerebrally) and fed with chromium picolinate (CrP) in drinking water (100 and 250 mg/l) for 24 wk. Peripheral blood leucocytes and other haematological parameters, and spleens were studied on days 4 and 8 after virus inoculations and the findings were compared with those given only CrP and the normal control age matched mice. RESULTS: CrP in drinking water for 24 wk had no significant effects on peripheral blood cells of mice. On the other hand, there was significant decrease in different haematological parameters following inoculation of normal mice with DV. In CrP fed mice the effects of DV infection were abolished on most of the haematological parameters. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The findings of present study showed that the adverse effects of DV infection, specially on platelets and leucocytes, were abrogated by pretreatment of mice with CrP. The therapeutic utility of CrP in viral infections including dengue needs to be studied in depth.

Effects of dengue virus infection on peripheral blood cells of mice exposed to hexavalent chromium with drinking water.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The occupational and non-occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) is common. The effect of chromium compromises the immune response of the host. Dengue virus (DV) infection causes various changes in the peripheral blood cells. It is, therefore, possible that the chromium toxicity may affect the disease process during DV infection. The present study aims to study the effects of dengue virus infection on peripheral blood cells of mice fed Cr (VI) with drinking water. METHODS: One group of mice was given ad libitum drinking water containing Cr (VI) and the other group used as the normal control mice was given plain water to drink. At the 3, 6 and 9 wk of Cr (VI) drinking, a set of mice from each group was inoculated intracerebrally (ic) with DV and studied at the 4th and 8th day post inoculation. RESULTS: It was observed that Cr (VI) drinking led to reduction in lymphocytes, haemoglobin and the haematocrit values while the granulocyte, monocyte and platelet counts were increased. On the other hand, most of the parameters were decreased following inoculation of normal mice with DV. In Cr (VI)-fed mice the effects of DV infection were minimal. The most significant finding of these experiments was that the reduction in platelet counts following inoculation with DV was markedly less in Cr (VI)-fed mice than that in DV-inoculated normal control mice. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Cr(VI) compounds have been declared as a potent occupational carcinogen. On the contrary, Cr(III) salts such as chromium polynicotinate, chromium chloride and chromium picolinate, are used as micronutrients and nutritional supplements, and have been shown to exhibit health benefits in animals and humans. Whether therapeutic doses of chromium (III) compounds may be able to prevent the DV-induced fall in platelet counts, needs to be investigated.

Genetical relationships among some of fusarium on biochemical basis I-byproducts; fusaric acid

Fusaric acid was found in the mycelial extracts of Fusarium oxyspoum of fabae, F. monitiforme and F oxysporiv-um F. nevium, while F. oxysporum of. lycopersici, F. semitictum, and F. oxyspori m f. vasinfectum did not show fusaric acid. The media filtrates of the six Fusarium spp. and forms did not show any fusaric acid

Acrodermatitis enteropatica. Genopatia por deficit de zinc. / Acrodermatitis enteropathica. Genopathy caused by a deficit of zinc

Se presentan 3 casos de acrodermatitis enteropatica en lactantes entre 3 y 7 meses de edad. Mostraron la mayoria de los sintomas de la enfermedad: alteraciones cutaneas, alopecia, diarrea, distrofia ungueal y paroniquia.Dos de ellos fallecieron por diarrea intratable y sepsis a los 3 y 6 meses de edad. Uno de ellos, de 7 meses, cuyo diagnostico se hizo oportunamente, curo completamente con sulfato de zinc. Se hace una revision de la literatura y una puesta al dia de los trastornos del metabolismo del zinc en el hombre y en los animales