Maternal Intake of Flaxseed During Lactation and Exercise Training Protect Against Salt Overload-Induced Aortic Remodeling in Adult Offspring

Abstract Background High dietary sodium intake can induce endothelial stiffness even without changes in blood pressure. Objectives To evaluate the effects of exercise training and chronic intake of sodium chloride solution on aortic morphology of male offspring of rat dams who consumed flaxseed during lactation. Methods Female rats were fed with a control diet or a flaxseed diet during lactation. At weaning, two male offspring of each rat dam were allocated into eight groups for 180 days: four groups received a control diet e four received a flaxseed diet, with /without exercise and with/without NaCl solution supply. Aorta was collected for histomorphometric analysis. The one-way analysis of variance was used and P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The chronic use of 1% NaCl solution led to changes in aortic histoarchitecture in the control group: increase in aortic intima-media thickness (10,4%, p<0.0001) and reduced number of elastic lamellae (-8,1%, p<0.0001). Groups of offspring of mother that consumed flaxseed during lactation, the chronic use of 1% NaCl alone did not lead to an increase in the aortic intima-media thickness. Exercise training of adult offspring increased aortic intima-media thickness (13.3%, p<0.0001), with preservation of elastic components and aortic flexibility. Conclusion Chronic salt overload caused adverse effects on the aorta of rats, and maternal consumption of the flaxseed diet during lactation protected against aortic remodeling. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Haematological variables of Santa Ines and Ile de France suckling lambs: Influence of Haemonchus contortus infection / Variáveis hematológicas de cordeiros lactentes Santa Inês e Ile de France: influência da infecção por Haemonchus contortus

Haemonchus contortus is the major gastrointestinal parasite of sheep raised in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. This trial aimed to evaluate the influence of H. contortus infection on the bone marrow response of Santa Ines (SI) and Ile de France (IF) suckling lambs experimentally infected with H. contortus. Fourteen SI lambs and 12 IF lambs were randomized in four groups: infected SI (n=8), non-infected SI (n=6), infected IF (n=8) and non-infected IF (n=4). Lambs of infected groups were submitted to 27 infections, conducted every two days, from 14 to 68 days of age, and each lamb received a total of 5400 H. contortus infective larvae (L3). Ten blood samples were obtained during the experimental period to be used for erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, packed cell volume and total plasma protein estimation. Additionally, it was carried out a differential leukocyte count. Lambs from control groups did not shed eggs in faeces all over the experiment, while infected Santa Ines and Ile de France lambs presented means of 2963 EPG (Eggs Per Gram of faeces) and 8175 EPG in the last sampling (P<0.05), respectively. Infected Santa Ines lambs had an increase in eosinophil release, however differences (P<0.05) on circulation number in comparison with infected Ile de France lambs were identified only in the last sampling (54 days post first infection). The mild H. cortortus infection did not produce significant changes in the blood variables of the Ile de France and Santa Ines suckling lambs.(AU)

Haemonchus contortus é o principal parasita gastrintestinal de ovinos criados em áreas tropicais e subtropicais. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a influência da infecção por H. contortus na resposta medular de cordeiros lactentes das raças Santa Inês (SI) e Ile de France (IF) infectados experimentalmente com H. contortus. Quatorze cordeiros SI e 12 cordeiros IF, foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: SI infectado (n=8), SI não infectado (n=6), IF infectado (n=8) e IF não infectado (n=4). Cordeiros dos grupos infectados foram submetidos a 27 infecções, realizadas a cada dois dias, do 14º até 68º dia de vida, com um total de 5400 larvas infectantes (L3) de H. contortus por animal. Foram realizadas 10 coletas de sangue ao longo do período experimental para determinação do volume globular, proteínas plasmáticas totais, contagem de eritrócitos e leucócitos, além do diferencial de leucócitos. Cordeiros controles não infectados não eliminaram ovos nas fezes durante todo o experimento, enquanto que os cordeiros Santa Ines e Ile de France infectados apresentaram em média 2963 ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) e 8175 OPG na última coleta (P<0,05), respectivamente. Cordeiros Santa Inês infectados tiveram um aumento na produção de eosinófilos, mas diferenças (P<0.05) no número de eosinófilos sanguíneos em comparação a cordeiros Ile de France infectados foram detectadas somente na última coleta (54 dias após a primeira infecção). A infecção leve por H. cortortus não induziu alterações significativas nas variáveis sanguíneas de cordeiros lactentes Ile de France e Santa Inês.(AU)

Desenvolvimento ponderal e parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de cordeiros Pantaneiros submetidos a diferentes manejos de amamentação / [Ponderal development and hematological and biochemical parameters of Pantaneiro lambs subjected to different suckling regimens]

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento ponderal e a dinâmica dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de cordeiros Pantaneiros submetidos a diferentes manejos de amamentação dos 15 aos 43 dias. Foram separados 30 cordeiros em três diferentes grupos (n=10). Os grupos foram caracterizados conforme o tempo de permanência das ovelhas com suas crias em diferentes sistemas de amamentação: MAM24 - ovelhas e cordeiros 24 horas em conjunto; MAM12 - ovelhas e cordeiros 12 horas em conjunto durante a noite; MAM2x30 - ovelhas e cordeiros 30 minutos de manhã e 30 minutos à tarde em conjunto. As coletas de amostras sanguíneas e as pesagens ocorriam a cada sete dias. Houve aumento significativo no peso com o avanço da idade dos cordeiros nos três manejos, mas os tratamentos não diferiram entre si para o ganho de peso. Houve diferenças entre os três tratamentos para a variável hematológica CHGM e para as variáveis bioquímicas AST, glicose, ureia e proteína total. As variáveis bioquímicas foram influenciadas pela faixa etária dos animais. Os diferentes manejos de amamentação não influenciaram o desenvolvimento ponderal dos cordeiros. Não ocorreram alterações patológicas. Alguns parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos podem ser influenciados pelo desenvolvimento etário dos cordeiros.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the weight development and the dynamics of hematological and biochemical parameters of Pantaneiro lambs submitted to different breastfeeding management from 15 to 43 days. First, 30 lambs were separated into three different groups (n = 10). The groups were characterized according to the length of stay of ewes with their young in different breastfeeding systems: MAM24 - ewes and lambs 24 hours together. MAM12- Sheep and lambs 12 hours together at night. MAM2x30 - sheep and lambs 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon together. Blood samples were collected and weighed every seven days. Significant increase in weight was observed with the age of the lambs in the three managements, but the treatments did not differ for weight gain. Differences were identified between the three treatments for the hematological variable CHGM and for the biochemical variables AST, glucose, urea and total protein. Correlating the age of the lambs with the biochemical variables, there was variation influenced by the age of the animals. The different management of breastfeeding did not influence the weight development of the lambs. Hematological and biochemical variations did not represent pathological changes. Some hematological and biochemical parameters may be influenced by the age development of lambs.(AU)

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mice differentially alters the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in adult offspring

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding or gestation in schistosomotic mothers can cause long-term alterations in the immune response of offspring. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) (all classes), the production of cytokines by T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, and the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells in adult offspring born and/or suckled by schistosomotic mothers. METHODS We harvested splenocytes from offspring born to (BIM), suckled by (SIM), or born to/suckled by (BSIM) schistosomotic mothers and animals from noninfected mothers (Control) at seven-weeks old and cultured them with/without Concanavalin A. HDAC expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and cytokines and membrane markers were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). FINDINGS Compared to Control, BIM mice showed increased expression of HDAC9 and frequency of CD4+IL-10+-cells. The SIM group had increased expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC6, HDAC7, HDAC10, Sirt2, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7. The BSIM group only had increased HDAC10 expression. The SIM and BSIM groups exhibited decreased frequencies of CD4+IL-4+-cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells, along with a higher frequency of CD14+IL-10+-cells and an increase in CD45R/B220+IL-10+-cells. The BSIM group also showed a high frequency of CD4+IL10+-cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Breastfeeding induced the expression of HDACs from various classes involved in reducing inflammatory responses. However, gestation enhanced the expression of a single HDAC and breastfeeding or gestation appears to favour multiple IL-10-dependent pathways, but not cells with a regulatory phenotype.

Understanding mammary activity in red-rumped agouti and implications for management and conservation of this Neotropical game species / Compreendendo a atividade mamária na cutia e as implicações para o manejo e a conservação desta espécie cinegética Neotropical

Abstract The red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) produces precocial young and is the most hunted and farmed game species in several Neotropical countries. An understanding of the reproductive biology, including the relationship between litter size and teat functionality is crucial for conservation management of this animal. In precocial mammals, as the red-rumped agouti, maintaining maternal contact to learn foraging patterns may be more important than the energy demands and nutritional constraints during lactation and suckling may not play important roles when compared to altricial mammals. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the relationship between mammary functionality with litter size, litter birth weight, and parturition number in captive red-rumped agouti. Functionality was assessed by manual palpation of teats from un-sedated females (N=43). We compared the average birth weight of all newborns, male newborns and female newborns among agoutis with different litter sizes and different parturitions by one way ANOVA's, while Pearson's Chi-squared tests were used to detect relationships between teat functionality, litter size, and parturition number. Parturition number had no effect on the mean birth weight of all young (F0.822, P > 0.05), male young (F0.80, P > 0.05) or female young (F0.66, P > 0.05) in the litters. We found (i) no significant correlations (P > 0.05) between teat functionality and litter size and (ii) no significant correlations (P > 0.05) between teat functionality and parturition number. This suggests that whilst all teat pairs were functional, functionality was a poor indicator of litter size; suggesting that female agouti young may not have a high dependency on maternal nutrition; an possible evolutionary strategy resulting in large wild populations; hence its popularity as a game species.

Resumo A cutia (Dasyprocta leporina) produz filhotes precoces, e é a espécie cinegética mais caçada e criada em muitos países neotropicais. O entendimento da biologia reprodutiva, incluindo a relação entre o tamanho da ninhada e a funcionalidade das glândulas mamárias é crucial para o manejo conservacionista deste animal. Nos mamíferos precoces, como a cutia, manter o contato materno para a aprendizagem de padrões de forrageamento pode ser mais importante do que a demanda energética e de restrição nutricional durante a lactação, e a amamentação pode não desempenhar um papel importante quando comparado aos mamíferos altriciais. Portanto, neste estudo nós avaliamos a relação entre a funcionalidade mamária com o tamanho da ninhada, peso ao nascer da ninhada, e o número de partos em cutias cativas. A funcionalidade foi avaliada por meio de palpação manual das glândulas mamárias em fêmeas não sedadas (N=43). Nós comparamos a média do peso ao nascer de todos os recém-nascidos, macho e fêmeas recém-nascidos entre cutias com diferentes tamanhos de ninhadas e diferentes parturições, por meio da análise one-way ANOVA unifatorial; enquanto o teste do chi-quadrado de Pearson foi utilizado para detectar as relações entre a funcionalidade da glândula mamária, o tamanho da ninhada e o número de partos. O número de partos teve efeito na média de peso ao nascer dos filhotes (F0,822, P > 0,05), filhotes machos (F0,80, P > 0,05) ou filhotes fêmeas (F0,66, P > 0,05) nas ninhadas. A análise bivariada de Pearson (i) não mostrou correlação (P > 0,05) entre a funcionalidade da glândula mamária e o tamanho da ninhada e (ii) nenhuma correlação significativa (P > 0,05) entre a funcionalidade da glândula mamária e o número de parições. Os resultados sugerem que, embora todos os pares de tetas fossem funcionais, as cutias recém-nascidas podem não depender da nutrição materna para sobreviver; .embora todos os pares de tetas sejam funcionais, as cutias recém nascidas aparentemente não dependem da nutrição materna para sua sobrevivência; esta é, provavelmente, uma estratégia evolutiva que resulta em grandes populações da cutia em vida livre; e que pode explicar sua popularidade como espécie cinegética

Maternal schistosomiasis: IL-2, IL-10 and regulatory T lymphocytes to unrelated antigen in adult offspring mice

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We evaluated IL-10, IL-2 and regulatory T cells (Treg), in response to ovalbumin (OA), in offspring from schistosomotic mouse mothers. METHODS: We used animals born (BIM) or suckled (SIM) from infected mothers; and mice born/suckled from infected (BSIM) or non-infected mothers (CONTROL). After OA+adjuvant immunization, spleen cells were cultured, with or without OA, and doubly marked for cytometry. RESULTS: BIM showed fewer CD4+/IL-2+ and more B220+/IL-10+ cells, whereas the SIM group showed increased Treg frequency. BSIM had fewer B220+/IL-10+ and Treg cells. CONCLUSIONS: Separately, gestation or nursing induced immunosuppressive cells in infected mothers, but improved anti-OA immunity when combined.

Soro do leite em substituição ao leite na cria de bezerros / Use of whey in substitution to milk in holstein calves / Suero de leche en sustitución a la leche en cría de terneros

O uso de leite na alimentação de bezerras representa o maior custo na fase de cria. Com o objetivo de avaliar a viabilidade técnica da utilização de diferentes quantidades de dieta líquida na alimentação de bezerros da Raça Holandês, utilizou-se 160 ou 240 litros de dieta líquida, durante um período de 53 dias (do quarto ao 56o dia de vida) de aleitamento com diferentes níveis de inclusão de soro de leite em substituição ao leite integral (0, 10 e 20%), em esquema fatorial 2x3 (160 ou 240 litros de dieta líquida e 0, 10 ou 20% de inclusão de soro do leite), conduzido no Laboratório de Bovinocultura Leiteira da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Os animais foram distribuídos inteiramente ao acaso em seis tratamentos, com quatro repetições por tratamento. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca do concentrado (CMSC), da matéria seca total (CMST), ganho médio diário (GMD), conversão alimentar (CA), peso vivo final (PVF) e o comportamento dos animais. Para os níveis de soro do leite, ocorreu uma resposta quadrática (p<0,05) para o CMSC, CMST, GMD e CA. Os bezerros que receberam 160 litros de leite apresentaram maior (p<0,05) CMSC, porém pior CA. O CMST, o GMD e o PVF foram superiores (p<0,05) para os bezerros que consumiram 240 litros de leite durante o período experimental, com melhor CA para esse grupo de animais. Na análise do comportamento não foi determinada diferença significativa para os parâmetros avaliados (p>0,05).(AU)

The use of milk in the calves feed represents the largest cost in the calf production system. The aim was to evaluate the technical feasibility of using different amounts of liquid diet in feeding of Holstein calves. It was used 160 or 240 liters of milk during 53 days (from the fourth to the 56th day of life) of feeding with different levels of milk serum included to whole milk (0, 10 and 20%), in a factorial 2x3 model conducted at the Dairy Cattle Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria. The animals were randomly assigned to six treatments with four replicates per treatment. The dry matter intake of concentrate (DMIC), of the total dry matter (TDM), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion (FC), final body weight (FBW) and the behavior of animals. For milk serum levels, there was a quadratic response (p<0.05) for the DMIC, TDM, ADG and FC. DMIC and FC were higher (p<0.05) for calves received 160 liters of milk. The ADG, TDM and FBW were higher for calves that consumed 240 liters of milk during the experimental period, while FC was lower (p<0.05) for this group of calves. There was no difference in the behavior of calves for the evaluated parameters (p>0.05).(AU)

El uso de leche en la alimentación de terneros representa el costo más grande en la fase de creación. Con el fin de evaluar la viabilidad técnica de utilizar diferentes cantidades de dieta líquida en la alimentación de terneros de la raza holandesa, se utilizaron 160 o 240 litros de dieta líquida por un período de 53 días (desde el cuarto hasta el día 56º día de vida), alimentación con diferentes niveles de adición de suero de leche entera (0, 10 y 20%), en un estudio factorial 2x3 (160 0 240 litros de dieta líquida y 0, 10 o 20% de inclusión de suero de leche), llevado a cabo en el Laboratorio de Ganado Lechero de la Universidad Federal de Santa María. Los animales se distribuyeron completamente al azar en seis tratamientos con cuatro repeticiones por tratamiento. Se evaluó el consumo de materia seca del concentrado (CMSC), de la materia seca total (CMST), ganancia media diaria (GMD), conversión alimenticia (CA), el peso vivo final (PVF) y el comportamiento de los animales. Para los niveles de suero de leche, hubo una respuesta cuadrática (p<0,05) para el CMSC, CMST, GMD y CA. Los terneros que recibieron 160 litros de la leche presentaron mayor (p<0,05) CMSC, sin embargo con peor CA. Las variables CMST, GMD y PVF fueran mayores (p<0,05) para los terneros que consumieron 240 litros de leche durante el período experimental, mientras con mejor CA para ese grupo de animales. En el análisis del comportamiento no ha sido determinada diferencia significativa para los parámetros evaluados (p>0,05).(AU)

Diferentes fontes de ferro na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho de leitões lactentes / Different sources of iron for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia and performance of suckling piglets

Com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de diferentes fontes de ferro na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho em leitões lactentes, dividiram-se 202 leitões em cinco tratamentos: FD - aplicação intramuscular de 200mg de ferro dextrano no terceiro dia de idade; T24 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 19º dia; T48 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 10º dia e do 11º ao 19º dia, com intervalo de 48 horas; T72 - terra à vontade fornecida aos leitões a cada 24 horas do terceiro ao 10º dia e do 11º ao 19º dia, com intervalo de 72 horas; SA - suplemento alimentar ultraprecoce rico em ferro quelatado em pó (SAUP) fornecido do terceiro ao 11º dia, com intervalo de 48 horas. O ferro dextrano aplicado no terceiro dia de vida e a suplementação com terra e SAUP foram eficientes para garantir o desempenho de leitões no período de aleitamento e não influenciaram no consumo de ração nem na taxa de viabilidade. As diferentes fontes de ferro estudadas não influenciaram o leucograma e foram eficientes na prevenção da anemia ferropriva e no desempenho dos leitões lactentes. Com relação às concentrações de hemoglobina e hematócrito, os animais suplementados com ferro dextrano apresentaram valores superiores quando comparados aos que recebem terra e SAUP.(AU)

In order to evaluate the use of different sources of iron to prevent iron deficiency anemia and to appraise the performance of suckling piglets, we sorted 202 piglets in five treatments. ID - intramuscular injection of 200mg of iron dextran on the third day of age; T24 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the nineteenth day; T48 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the tenth day and from day 11 to day 19 with an interval of 48 hours; T72 - free daily access to land provided to piglets every 24 hours from the third to the tenth day and from day 11 to day 19 with an interval of 72 hours; FS - Food supplement rich in iron-chelating powder (SAUP) available from the third to the eleventh day with an interval of 48 hours. The iron dextran applied on the third day of life as well as the supplementation with land and SAUP were effective to ensure the performance of piglets during the lactation period and did not affect feed intake or the viability rate. The different sources of iron studied did not influence the WBC (White Blood Cell) and succeded in preventing iron deficiency anemia and performance of suckling piglets. Regarding the concentrations of hemoglobin and hematocrit, the animals supplemented with iron dextran showed higher values when compared to those who receive land and SAUP.(AU)

Efficacy of treatments with toltrazuril 7. 5% and lasalocid sodium in sheep naturally infected with Eimeria spp / Eficácia de tratamentos com toltrazuril 7, 5% e lasalocida sódica em ovinos naturalmente infectados com Eimeria spp

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an experimental formulation of toltrazuril 7.5% + Trimix™ on a naturally acquired infection of Eimeria spp. in suckling lambs kept on pasture and, in another trial, evaluate the comparative efficacy between lasalocid and toltrazuril 7.5% + Trimix™ in newly weaned sheep under feedlot conditions that had been naturally infected with Eimeria spp. In the first experiment, 30 suckling lambs were divided into two groups: A - treated with toltrazuril 7.5% + Trimix™ and B- control. In experiment 2, 30 weaned sheep were divided into three groups: I - treated with toltrazuril 7.5% + Trimix™, II - treated with lasalocid and III - control. Treatment group A showed an efficacy of 90, 99.4 and 87.3% on days 5, 10 and 20, respectively. Treatment group I had an efficacy of 98.2, 92.6 and 94.5%, while group II had an efficacy of 72.7, 81.6 and 95.9% on days 7, 21 and 42, respectively. Eight Eimeria species were identified; E. ovinoidalis was the most common. Treatment with the toltrazuril 7.5% +Trimix ™ formulation was effective against Eimeria spp. in suckling lambs in field conditions and lambs weaned in under feedlot conditions.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de uma formulação experimental de toltrazuril 7,5% + Trimix™ em cordeiros mantidos em pastagem com infecção naturalmente adquirida por Eimeria spp. e, em outro teste, a eficácia comparativa entre lasalocida sódica e toltrazuril 7,5% + Trimix™ em ovinos recém-desmamados, naturalmente infectados com Eimeria spp. em condições de confinamento. No primeiro experimento, 30 cordeiros lactantes foram divididos em dois grupos: A - tratados com toltrazuril 7,5% + Trimix™; e B - controle. No experimento 2, 30 ovinos desmamados foram divididos em três grupos: I - tratados com toltrazuril 7,5% + Trimix™; II - tratados com lasalocida sódica; e III - controle. O grupo A (tratado) obteve uma eficácia de 90, 99,4 e 87,3% nos dias 5, 10 e 20, respectivamente. O grupo I teve eficácia de 98,2, 92,6 e 94,5%, enquanto o grupo II teve uma eficácia de 72,7, 81,6 e 95.9% nos dias 7, 21 e 42, respectivamente. Foram identificadas oito espécies de Eimeria sendo E. ovinoidalis a mais comum. O tratamento com a formulação de toltrazuril 7,5% + Trimix™ foi eficaz contra Eimeria spp. em cordeiros em lactação em condições de campo e em ovinos desmamados em confinamento.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mothers differently modulate the immune response of adult offspring to postnatal Schistosoma mansoni infection

Schistosoma mansoni antigens in the early life alter homologous and heterologous immunity during postnatal infections. We evaluate the immunity to parasite antigens and ovalbumin (OA) in adult mice born/suckled by schistosomotic mothers. Newborns were divided into: born (BIM), suckled (SIM) or born/suckled (BSIM) in schistosomotic mothers, and animals from noninfected mothers (control). When adults, the mice were infected and compared the hepatic granuloma size and cellularity. Some animals were OA + adjuvant immunised. We evaluated hypersensitivity reactions (HR), antibodies levels (IgG1/IgG2a) anti-soluble egg antigen and anti-soluble worm antigen preparation, and anti-OA, cytokine production, and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells by splenocytes. Compared to control group, BIM mice showed a greater quantity of granulomas and collagen deposition, whereas SIM and BSIM presented smaller granulomas. BSIM group exhibited the lowest levels of anti-parasite antibodies. For anti-OA immunity, immediate HR was suppressed in all groups, with greater intensity in SIM mice accompanied of the remarkable level of basal CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. BIM and SIM groups produced less interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-g. In BSIM, there was higher production of IL-10 and IFN-g, but lower levels of IL-4 and CD4+FoxP3+T-cells. Thus, pregnancy in schistosomotic mothers intensified hepatic fibrosis, whereas breastfeeding diminished granulomas in descendants. Separately, pregnancy and breastfeeding could suppress heterologous immunity; however, when combined, the responses could be partially restored in infected descendants.

Perfil bioquímico sérico de bezerros de origem leiteira aleitados com dietas líquidas alternativas / Serum biochemistry profile of dairy calves fed with alternative liquid diets

O perfil metabólico é utilizado como monitoramento rotineiro para o diagnóstico de transtornos metabólicos, deficiências nutricionais e como preventivo de transtornos subclínicos, além da pesquisa de problemas de saúde e de desempenho de um rebanho. Neste contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes dietas líquidas contendo soro de queijo e colostro sobre os perfis dos metabólitos séricos de bezerros durante a fase de aleitamento. Foram utilizados 24 bezerros mestiços provenientes de rebanhos leiteiros da região, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e oito repetições: LI = Leite integral (controle); LS = 50% Leite integral + 50% de Soro de queijo in natura; SC = 70% de Soro de queijo in natura + 30% Colostro. Semanalmente foram coletadas amostras de sangue por punção jugular externa, no período da manhã, antes do fornecimento da dieta líquida e duas horas após a ingestão desta. As concentrações dos parâmetros séricos avaliados diferiram entre os tratamentos, porém sem comprometer o desempenho dos animais. Desse modo, a utilização de soro de queijo associado ao colostro apresenta-se como forma viável de redução de custos com aleitamento de bezerros, visto que possíveis déficits causados pelas diferenças nutricionais das dietas líquidas são supridos pelos alimentos sólidos, não afetando os perfis dos metabólitos séricos relacionados ao status protéico e energético.(AU)

Metabolic profile is used as routine monitoring for the diagnosis of metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and as a preventive of subclinical disorders, in addition to research health issues and performance of a herd. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different liquid diets containing whey cheese and colostrum on the serum biochemistry profile of calves. Twenty-four crossbred calves from dairy herds in the region, distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and eight replicates: LI = Whole milk (control); LS = 50% Whole milk + 50% cheese whey in nature; SC = 70% of cheese whey in natura + 30% Colostrum. Weekly blood samples by jugular puncture were collected in the morning, before the supply of liquid diet and two hours after eating this. The serum concentrations of the evaluated parameters differ between treatments, but without compromising animal performance. Thus, the use of whey associated with colostrum presents itself as a viable cost reduction with feeding calves, since possible nutritional deficits caused by differences in liquid diets are supplied by solid food form, not affecting the profiles of the metabolites related to serum protein and energy status.(AU)

Utilização de embalagens tetra pak(r) como isolante térmico no revestimento de escamoteadores para leitões / Using tetra pak(r) packaging as insulation coating piglets' creeps

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos em laboratório e em condições de campo para avaliação da eficiência térmica da embalagem Tetra Pak(r)como isolante térmico em escamoteadores aquecidos. No experimento em laboratório, foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, adotando-se dois tratamentos (com e sem revestimento de embalagens Tetra Pak(r)) com 15 repetições (dias). O experimento em condições de campo foi conduzido na sala de maternidade de suínos. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, adotando-se dois tratamentos com 12 repetições. Os tratamentos foram: escamoteadores aquecidos com e sem revestimento interno com embalagem Tetra Pak(r). Foram medidos os dados de temperatura ambiente, umidade relativa do ar, temperatura superficial do piso, temperatura superficial da pele, comportamento e ganho de peso dos leitões lactentes. O uso da embalagem Tetra Pak(r)como isolante térmico no revestimento de escamoteadores manteve a temperatura ambiente confortável (32°C), proporcionando conforto térmico aos leitões lactentes.

Two experiments were conducted in laboratory and field conditions to evaluate the thermal efficiency of the Tetra Pak packaging as insulation in heated creeps. In the laboratory experiment a completely randomized design was used, adopting two treatments (with and without packaging coating with Tetra Pak(r)) with 15 repetitions (days). The experiment under field conditions was conducted in a swine nursery. The design was completely randomized, adopting two treatments with 12 repetitions. The treatments consisted of heated creep with and without Tetra Pak(r) lining. The data measured were ambient temperature, relative humidity, surface temperature of the floor, surface temperature of skin, behavior and weight gain of suckling piglets. The use of Tetra Pak(r) packaging as insulation in creep coating maintained the ambient temperature comfortable (32 °C), providing thermal comfort to suckling piglets.

Caracterización del metabolismo óseo mineral en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis en el Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur, Santiago de Chile / Bone mineral metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis in Southern Metropolitan Santiago

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) is a condition of dialysis patients associated with both morbidity and mortality. Management is based on clinical guidelines with goals that are hard to comply with. Aim: To describe and compare biochemical variables associated with this disorder in two different time periods. Material and Methods: Revision of medical records of 814 patients (49% females) dialyzed during 2009 and 1018 patients (48% females), dialyzed during 2012 in Southern Metropolitan Santiago. Information about serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and albumin was retrieved. Results: Median PTH values in 2009 and 2012 were 222.5 and 353.5 pg/ml respectively (p < 0.05). The figures for serum calcium corrected by albumin were 9.0 and 8.5 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). The figures for phosphorus were 4.7 and 5.0 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.05). The Calcium x Phosphorus product was 41.4 and 42.5 mg²/dl² (p < 0.05). Of note, the proportion patients with serum calcium below recommended levels (< 8.4 mg/dl) increased from 16% to 40% from 2009 to 2012. The proportion of patients with biochemical variables within recommended ranges was lower in 2012 than in 2009. Conclusions: There was a low proportion of patients with bone metabolism parameters within ranges recommended by clinical guidelines. These parameters were worst in 2012.

Establishment and evaluation of a murine alphavbeta3-integrin-expressing cell line with increased susceptibility to Foot-and-mouth disease virus

Integrin alphavbeta3 plays a major role in various signaling pathways, cell apoptosis, and tumor angiogenesis. To examine the functions and roles of alphavbeta3 integrin, a stable CHO-677 cell line expressing the murine alphavbeta3 heterodimer (designated as "CHO-677-malphavbeta3" cells) was established using a highly efficient lentiviral-mediated gene transfer technique. Integrin subunits alphav and beta3 were detected at the gene and protein levels by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA), respectively, in the CHO-677-malphavbeta3 cell line at the 20th passage, implying that these genes were successfully introduced into the CHO-677 cells and expressed stably. A plaque-forming assay, 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50), real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and IFA were used to detect the replication levels of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in the CHO-677-malphavbeta3 cell line. After infection with FMDV/O/ZK/93, the cell line showed a significant increase in viral RNA and protein compared with CHO-677 cells. These findings suggest that we successfully established a stable alphavbeta3-receptor-expressing cell line with increased susceptibility to FMDV. This cell line will be very useful for further investigation of alphavbeta3 integrin, and as a cell model for FMDV research.

Fenthion, an organophosphorus pesticide, induces alterations in oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats.

Fenthion (FEN) is an organophosphorus pesticide known for its wide toxic manifestations. In this study, the effects of FEN were evaluated on the cerebrum and cerebellum oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in the suckling rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group received pure water, while FEN group received daily by their drinking water 551 ppm of FEN from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity was inhibited in both the cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with FEN. The cerebrum and cerebellum oxidative damage was demonstrated by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product and glutathione (GSH) levels and disturbance in the antioxidant enzyme activities. A significant decline of non-protein thiol and vitamin C levels was also observed. These changes were confirmed by histopathological observations which were marked by pyknotic neurons in the cerebrum and apoptotic cells in the cerebellum of FEN-treated rats. In the cerebellum of FEN-treated rats, the most conspicuous damage was the absence of external granular layer, indicating growth retardation. These data suggested that exposure of pregnant and lactating rats to FEN induced oxidative stress and histopathological disorders in the cerebrum and cerebellum of their pups. Thus, the use of FEN must be under strict control, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers.

Sinalização da grelina no coração de camundongos obesos após hipernutrição durante a lactação / Ghrelin signaling in the heart of obese mice after overnutrition during lactation

A grelina é um ligante endógeno do receptor secretagogo do hormônio do crescimento (GHSR), potente estimulador da liberação do hormônio de crescimento (GH), ingestão alimentar, e adiposidade. Além disso, sua ação hormonal inclui regulação do metabolismo energético cardíaco. Entretanto, a hipernutrição no início da vida leva ao desenvolvimento da obesidade, induz hipertrofia cardíaca, compromete a função cardíaca, e gera insuficiência cardíaca na vida adulta. Avaliar proteínas chaves no processo de sinalização da grelina no remodelamento cardíaco no coração de camundongos obesos após a hipernutrição na lactação. A obesidade foi induzida por redução de ninhada e camundongos adultos (180 dias) foram divididos em: grupo hiperalimentado, GH com obesidade decorrente de hipernutrição na lactação e controle, GC. Cardiomiócitos (cmi) do ventrículo esquerdo foram analisados por microscopia de luz e estereologia, o conteúdo e fosforilação de proteínas cardíacas: receptor de grelina (hormônio do crescimento secretagogo receptor 1a, GHSR-1a), proteína quinase-B (AKT e pAKT), phosphatidil inositol 3-quinase (PI3K), proteína quinase ativada por AMP (AMPK e pAMPK), m-TOR, pmTOR, Bax, Bcl2 e actina foram analizados por western blotting. A expressão gênica do GHSR-1a foi analisada por PCR em tempo real. A respirometria de alta resolução dos cardiomiócitos foi analisada por oxígrafo OROBOROS®. Significância estatística (P< 0,05) determinada por teste t-Student não-pareado. Nossos dados demonstram que a hipernutrição na lactação induz aumento no peso corporal, iniciado aos 10 dias de idade, persistindo até os 180 dias de idade. A glicemia, peso do fígado, e da gordura visceral foram maiores no grupo GH. Além disso, o grupo GH também apresentou aumento no peso do coração e razão peso do coração/CT (comprimento da tíbia), indicando hipertrofia e remodelamento cardíaco, aumento na expressão e conteúdo de GHSR-1a no coração, associado ao maior conteúdo de PI3K e maior conteúdo...

Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), has been suggested to be associated to obesity, insulin secretion, cardiovascular growth and homeostasis. GHS-R has been found in most of the tissues, and among the hormone action it is included the regulation of heart energy metabolism. Therefore, hypernutrition during early life leads to obesity, induces cardiac hypertrophy, compromises myocardial function, inducing heart failure in adulthood. We examined ghrelin signaling process in cardiac remodeling in these obese adult mice. We examined key proteins of cardiomyocyte metabolism in heart left ventricle from overfed (OG) and control (CG) groups from adult mice (180 days) overfed during lactation. Obesity was induced by litter reduction. Therefore, the study was done in adult mice 180 days old (OG, obese group (n=10) and CG, control group (n=10). The cardiomyocytes (cmy) of left ventricle were analyzed by light microscopy and stereology. The content and phosphorylation of cardiac proteins: growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a), protein kinase B (AKT and pAKT), phosphatidil inositol 3 kinase (PI3K), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK and pAMPK), mTOR and pmTOR, BAX, Bcl2 and actin was achieved by western blotting. GHSR-1a gene expression was analyzed to RT-PCR. We performed high-resolution respirometry of cardiomyocytes with OROBOROS® Oxygraph-2k. Statistical significance was determined by Student t-test for unpaired. P< 0.05 was considered statistical significant. Body weight, blood glucose, liver weight, and visceral fat weight were higher in OG than CG group. Obese mice had increased heart weight and heart weight/TL (tibia length) indicating cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy, increased GHSR-1a content and expression in the heart, associated to PI3K content, increased AKT content and phosphorylation (P< 0.05), decreased Bcl2 content. In contrast, AMPK and mTOR content and phosphorylation in heart were not...

Efeito do aumento da frequência de ordenhas no início da lactação sobre produção, composição do leite e características reprodutivas de vacas mestiças Holandês-Zebu / Effects of increasing milking frequency in early lactation on milk production, milk composition and reproductive parameters of crossbred Holstein Zebu cow

Cinquenta e três vacas mestiças Holandês-Zebu, multíparas, foram distribuídas em quatro grupos para avaliar os efeitos de quatro e duas ordenhas diárias até o 21º dia da lactação, seguidas de duas ordenhas diárias, com ou sem a sucção de leite pelo bezerro, sobre: produção, composição do leite, peso corporal das vacas e dos bezerros e características reprodutivas. A produção e a composição do leite foram avaliadas a cada quatro dias até o 33º dia da lactação e, a partir desta data, a cada 15 dias. Os animais foram pesados ao parto, semanalmente até dois meses após o parto e, a partir desta data a cada 30 dias. O experimento foi desenvolvido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2. As produções médias de leite foram 16,7, 17,2, 19,0 e 18,9kg/d (P<0,01), para vacas ordenhadas duas e quatro vezes com ou sem a sucção de leite pelo bezerro, respectivamente. Os percentuais de gordura, sólidos totais, produção de leite corrigido para 3,5 por cento de gordura e corrigido para sólidos totais foram mais elevados nos grupos com quatro ordenhas. O aumento da frequência de ordenhas no início da lactação aumentou a produção de leite (P<0,01), mas não influenciou o peso dos bezerros e nem as características reprodutivas avaliadas (P>0,05).

Fifty three multiparous crossbred Holstein Zebu cows were distributed in four groups with the purpose of evaluating the effects of four daily milking until lactation day 21 and after this day two milking, with or without suckling by the calf, on milk yield and composition, cows and calves weights and the reproductive parameters. Milk production and composition were measured each four days until the 33th day of lactation, then each 15 days until the end of lactation. The animals were weighed at birth, and weekly until two months postpartum and then each 30 days until the end of lactation. The experiment was completely randomized in a 2x2 factorial design. The average milk productions were 16.7, 17.2, 19.0, and 18.9kg/day (P<0.01), for cows milked twice or four times a day with or without suckling by the calf, respectively. Fat and total solids percentages, 3.5 percent fat corrected milk, and total solids corrected milk were higher in the groups of cows milked four times a day. The increase in milking frequency at the beginning of lactation increased the production of milk (P<0.01), but did not influence the weight of cows and calves or reproductive parameters (P>0.05).

Effect of social instigation and aggressive behavior on hormone levels of lactating dams and adult male Wistar rats

Among rodents, maternal aggression in the postpartum period represents a species-typical adaptation, but when aggressive behavior increases beyond this adaptive level, it can represent a model of excessive aggression. This study assessed the neuroendocrine response of lactating rats and socially instigated male rats. The aim of the present study was to assess neuroendocrine responses and the behavioral pattern of lactating rats and males that were subjected to an emotional stressor using the social instigation protocol. We measured plasma corticosterone levels as the key hormonal parameter of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and oxytocin, prolactin, and progesterone, which are released in response to several types of stressors. Our results showed that lactating rats that were subjected to only social instigation or aggressive confrontation in the presence of their pups had lower plasma corticosterone levels, and this response was similar to oxytocin, prolactin, and progesterone levels. By contrast, male rats showed increased corticosterone levels after being subjected only to social instigation. Male rats also engaged in aggressive behavior compared with the control group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that lactating rats subjected to social instigation exhibited an attenuation of the HPA axis response, which is considered to be crucial to the dam's welfare so that it can care for its offspring. Thus, we can infer that lactation is a relevant factor in neuroendocrine responses to stress because of the increased levels of corticosterone in males.

Efeitos da dieta rica em linhaça na lactação sobre a composição corporal e função tireóidea da prole na idade adulta / Effects of maternal flaxseed diet during lactation on body composition and thyroid function in adult animals

A Linhaça (Linum Usitatissimum) apresenta diversas substâncias com alegados efeitos benéficos que favorecem a diminuição da adiposidade, glicemia e melhoram o perfil lipidêmico e o sistema cardiovascular. Neste trabalho, investigamos na prole 21 e 180 dias de vida o efeito do consumo materno da semente de linhaça durante a lactação sobre os parâmetros associados a composição corporal, a homeostase glicêmica, lipídica e protéica, a leptinemia, adiponectinemia e insulinemia, a função tireoideana e a via de sinalização da leptina no eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-tireóide. As ratas lactantes foram separadas em dois grupos: controle (C) - recebendo ração a base de caseína (20%) e linhaça (L) - recebendo ração adicionada de 25% da semente de linhaça, contendo 18,9% de proteína (sendo 13,9% de caseína e 5% de linhaça) durante a lactação. O sacrifício das proles ocorreu aos 21 e 180 dias de idade, para determinação de: glicemia, albuminemia, proteínas totais, hematócrito, hemoglobina, colesterol total e triglicerídeos, insulina, leptina, adiponectina, TSH, T4 livre e T3 total. Os animais foram completamente eviscerados para obtenção da carcaça e análise da composição corporal. O consumo alimentar e a massa corporal (MC) foram aferidos diariamente durante a lactação e de 4 em 4 dias após a lactação até a idade adulta. As ratas lactantes do grupo L não apresentaram diferença na massa corporal e consumo alimentar. Durante a lactação a prole L apresentou maior ganho de peso corporal e após ao desmame observamos um aumento transitório de massa corporal até a idade adulta. Aos 21 dias, observamos na prole do grupo L menor gordura total e subcutanea, colesterol total, triblicerideo, albumina, insulina, T3 total e atividade de D1 no fígado; e aumento da área dos adipocitos no tecido subcutaneo, leptina, TSH e expressão de Ob-R, STAT3 e p-STAT3 na hipofise (p<0,05). Aos 180 dias, o grupo L apresentou menor glicemia, adiponectina, T4 livre, atividade de D1 e D2 na tireóide...

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) presents high number of substances with alleged beneficial effects that decrease the adiposity, glocuse levels and improved lipid profile and cardiovascular system. In this study, we investigated in the offspring at 21 and 180 days old the effect of maternal consumption of flaxseed during lactation on the parameters associated with body composition, glucose homeostasis, lipid and protein, leptinemia, adiponectinemia and insulinemia, thyroid function, and leptin signaling pathway in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in the offspring at 21 and 180 days old. Lactating rats were divided into: (1) Controls (C), diet containing 20% casein; (2) FLaxseed (F), diet with additional 25% of flaxseed, containing 18.9% protein (13.9% from casein and 5% from flaxseed). The offspring were sacrificed at 21 and 180 days of age to determinate: glycemia, albumin, leptin, adiponectin, TSH, free T4 and total T3. The animals were completely eviscerated to obtain the carcass by body composition analysis. The maternal food intake and body mass were measured daily during the lactation, and after weaning were monitored once every 4 days until they were 180 days old. The dams of F group presented no changes in body mass and food intake. During the lactation the F offspring showed higher body mass and after weaning they presented a higher transitory body mass until 180 days old. At 21 days old, F group showed lower total and subcutaneous fat mass, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, albumin, insulin, total T3 and D1 liver activity; and higher subcutaneous adipocytes area, leptin, TSH and Ob-R, STAT3 and p-STAT expression in pituitary (p<0,05). At 180 days old, F group presented lower glycemia, adiponectin, free T4 and D1 and D2 activity in thyroid; and higher visceral and subcutaneous adipocytes area, insuli, Ob-R expression in thyroid and D2 activity in brown adipose tissue (p<0,05). In conclusion, maternal flaxseed diet during lactation...

Effect of sodium fluoride-induced toxicity on the renal cortex of lactating mice and their offspring: a light and electron microscopic study

Fluoride is commonly added to drinking water for its clarification and to reduce tooth decay. However, fluoride was shown to have cumulative toxic effects on various organs, including the kidneys. To investigate the impact of sodium fluoride toxicity of drinking water on the histological structure of the renal cortex of lactating mice and their suckling offspring. Forty mice [20 mothers and 20 of their offspring] were used in this study and divided equally into four groups: group I [control mothers]: allowed ad libitum access to tap water without any added sodium fluoride during pregnancy and lactation, group II [treated mothers]: drinking tap water containing NaF [0.5 g/L] from day 15 of pregnancy until day 14 after parturition, group III: [suckling offspring of control mothers] and group IV: [suckling offspring of treated mothers]. All mice were killed on postnatal day 14. Specimens were prepared for light microscope examination [hematoxylene and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff] and electron microscope examination. In addition, tubular epithelial height and tubular diameter were measured morphometrically and analyzed statistically. Examination of the renal cortex of treated mothers [group II] showed atrophic glomeruli with widened glomerular spaces. Tubules appeared dilated with decreased epithelial height as proved morphometrically. Tubular cells had a vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. The apical brush border of many proximal tubules showed a weak and disrupted periodic acid-Schiff reaction. Ultrastructurally, some proximal lining cells showed heterochromatic nuclei, numerous cytoplasmic vacuolation of variable sizes and small scattered rounded mitochondria associated with loss of basal infoldings. However, the distal tubules maintained their basal infoldings and organized mitochondria. Podocyte foot processes were distorted and rested on a thickened glomerular basement membrane. The suckling offspring of the treated mothers showed less severe tubular injury than observed in their mothers as the tubular dilatation and the epithelial height were not affected significantly. Sodium fluoride induced various degrees of damage to the structure of renal cortex. The lactating mice renal cortices were severely affected compared to those of their suckling offspring. Thus, it is recommended to adjust the fluoride content in the municipal water supply and to avoid excess fluoride intake especially for lactating mothers