Influência do peri-parto sobre o perfil hematológico de vacas mestiças (holandês x zebu) mantidas sob pastejo rotativo / Influence of periparturient on the hematologic profile of crossbred cows (holstein x zebu) in pasture rotating

O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer a influência do período peri-parto sobre parâmetros avaliados no hemograma de vacas leiteiras. Foram utilizadas 25 vacas mestiças (Holandês x Zebu) e avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: volume globular, contagem de eritrócitos, concentração de hemoglobina, concentração de proteína plasmática total, concentração de fibrinogênio plasmático, leucometria global e específica. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas semanalmente, com início na 4ª semana anterior ao parto etérmino na 4ª semana após o parto. Para análise quantitativa dos dados, foi utilizada análise da variância (ANOVA), regressão linear e teste t de Student a 5% de probabilidade (p<0,05). Os resultados indicaram um decréscimo (p<0,05) na contagem de eritrócitos do pré-parto ao pós-parto, apesar destes valores permanecerem dentro dos limites de referência. No leucograma, observou-se leucocitose com neutrofilia, linfocitose e monocitose no período anterior ao parto, seguido de decréscimos das médias aos limites fisiológicos no pós-parto, efeitos estes característicos da estimulação adrenérgica, principalmente no momento do parto. Proteínas plasmáticas e fibrinogênio foram os parâmetros que sofreram menos alterações no período estudado. Com base nos resultados do presente estudo, ressalta-se a importância do acompanhamento dos parâmetros do leucograma no peri-parto a fim de caracterizar melhor a possibilidade de processos inflamatórios, infecciosos ou alterações relacionadas ao estresse do manejo inadequado, visto que no momento do peri-parto, as vacas tornam-se momentaneamente mais susceptíveis a enfermidades infecciosas. Por isso, a necessidade de um eficiente manejo profilático para evitar a ocorrência de doenças.

This study aimed to analyze the influence of peripartum on hematological parameters of dairy cows. We used 25 crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) to determine the following parameters: globular volume, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content, total plasma protein, plasma fibrinogen, total leukocytes and leukometry specific. Blood collections were made every week starting at four weeks before the birth and ending at four weeks after parturition. For quantitative analysis of the various parameters studied was used analysis of variance (ANOVA), linear regression and Student t-test at 5% probability (p <0.05). The results showed fewer erythrocytes postpartum when compared with antepartum, although remaining in the reference values for the species. In the leukogram, leukocytosis was observed with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis in the period before parturition, followed by decreases to the physiological limits in the postpartum period, which are characteristic of adrenergic stimulation, especially at the time of parturition. Plasma proteins and fibrinogen were the parameters that suffered the least changes in the studied period. Based on the results of the present study, it is important to follow the leukogram parameters in the peripartum, in order to better characterize the possibility of inflammatory, infectious or stress-related changes in the inadequate management, since at the moment of peripartum, cows become momentarily more susceptible to infectious diseases. Therefore, the need for an efficient prophylactic management to avoid the occurrence of diseases.

Indicadores bioquímico e hormonal de vacas leiteiras mestiças sadias e doentes durante o final da gestação e o início da lactação / Biochemical and hormonal indicators from healthy and sickly crossbred dairy cows during late pregnancy and early lactation

Objetivou-se identificar alguns indicadores bioquímicos e hormonais durante o final da gestação e início da lactação de vacas leiteiras sadias, quando comparadas com as que apresentaram algum tipo de transtorno clínico ao longo do experimento. Para tanto, utilizou-se 39 vacas mestiças (holandês x Gir), distribuídas em dois grupos, o primeiro (G1) com 22 animais hígidos e o segundo (G2) com 17 vacas que apresentaram algumas enfermidades (retenção de placenta, endometrite, mastite, pododermatite e distocia materna). O delineamento experimental ocorreu a partir das coletas realizadas nos períodos -60, -40, -20, -10 dias antes do parto, 0 (dia do parto), e +10, +20, +40, +60 dias pós-parto. Analisou-se os metabólitos energéticos (glicose, frutosamina, AGNEs e β-hidroxibutirato), hormonais (insulina e cortisol), proteicos (proteína total, albumina, globulina e ureia) e minerais (CaT, P, Mg, K, Na e Cl). As variáveis estudadas foram interpretadas por meio de análise de variância ao nível de 5% de probabilidade. Analisando o perfil energético, verificou-se uma maior mobilização no G2 durante o periparto, por meio dos menores valores de frutosamina e glicose, além das concentrações superiores de AGNEs e β-hidroxibutirato. O comportamento dos hormônios insulina e cortisol foi similar, observando apenas efeito de momento, cujos maiores concentrações ocorreram no dia do parto. O perfil proteico revelou, pela proteína total apenas efeito de momento, em que seus menores valores foram verificados no dia do parto, contudo, a albumina do G2 foi inferior ao G1 em todos os momentos, já as globulinas do G2 foram superiores ao grupo das vacas hígidas e a ureia apresentou concentrações maiores no G1. Com relação aos minerais o cálcio total, magnésio e cloro apontaram níveis inferiores desde o período inicial das coletas no grupo G2. Conclui-se, que esses metabólitos estudados sinalizaram precocemente a deficiência nutricional durante o final da gestação, repercutindo no período de transição, e comprometendo o mecanismo de adaptação das vacas, com isso aumentando os riscos para maior ocorrência de enfermidades.(AU)

This study aimed to identify some biochemical and hormonal indicators during late pregnancy and early lactation from healthy dairy cows crossbred compared with those who had some type of clinical disorder throughout the experiment. Therefore, we used 39 Crossbred dairy cows (Holstein x Gyr), divided into two groups, the first (G1) with 22 healthy animals and the second (G2) with 17 cows showed some disease (retained placenta, endometritis, mastitis, foot rot and maternal dystocia). The experiment took place from collections made in the period -60, -40, -20, -10 days before delivery, 0 (parturition day), and +10, +20, +40, +60 days postpartum. We analyzed energy metabolites (glucose, fructosamine, NEFA and β-hydroxybutyrate), hormone (insulin and cortisol), protein (total protein, albumin, globulin and urea) and minerals (CaT, P, Mg, K, Na and Cl). The variables studied were interpreted by analysis of variance at 5% probability. Analyzing the energetic profile, there was a greater mobilization in G2 during childbirth, through the lower fructosamine and glucose values, besides higher concentrations of Agnes and β-hydroxybutyrate. The behavior of the hormones insulin and cortisol was similar, noting only effect of time, whose higher levels occurred on the day of delivery. The protein profile revealed by total protein only time effect in their lowest values were recorded on the day of delivery, however, albumin G2 was lower than the G1 at all times, since the G2 globulin were higher than the group of otherwise healthy cows and urea showed higher concentrations in G1. With respect to the total mineral calcium, magnesium and chlorine showed lower levels from the initial period of the collections in G2. It follows that these metabolites studied early signal nutritional deficiency during late pregnancy, reflecting the transition period, and compromising the adjustment mechanism for cows, thereby increasing the risks to higher incidence of disease.(AU)

Perfil bioquímico, inclusive proteinograma, do soro lácteo de búfalas primíparas e pluríparas sadias ao longo da lactação / Biochemical profile, including protein concentration, of whey from healthy primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes during lactation

Para avaliar o perfil bioquímico, inclusive proteínas, do soro lácteo de búfalas Murrah primíparas e pluríparas sadias foram analisadas amostras de leite de 30 fêmeas bubalinas durante uma lactação completa. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos: G1 - 10 búfalas primíparas, G2 - 10 búfalas pluríparas com duas a três lactações e G3 - 10 búfalas pluríparas com mais de três lactações. O período de lactação foi dividido em: fase inicial (I: primeiro ao terceiro mês de lactação), fase intermediária (T: quarto ao sexto mês de lactação) e fase final (F: sétimo ao nono mês de lactação). Antes da colheita das amostras de leite foram realizados o exame físico da glândula mamária, o teste da caneca de fundo escuro e o California Mastitis Test (CMT). Após a assepsia dos quartos mamários, foram colhidas mensalmente, durante uma lactação completa, amostras de 20mL de leite de cada quarto mamário, em frascos plásticos esterilizados e sem conservante, para a realização do isolamento microbiológico, determinação do perfil bioquímico e fracionamento proteico por meio de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE), e amostras de 30mL de leite de cada quarto mamário, em frascos plásticos esterilizados contendo conservante bronopol, para contagem de células somáticas (CCS). Das 1.042 amostras de leite colhidas dos três grupos experimentais durante a lactação, 923 amostras de leite apresentaram reação negativa ao CMT e isolamento microbiológico negativo e foram selecionadas para as análises do perfil bioquímico e fracionamento proteico em SDS-PAGE. Notou-se influência da ordem de parto e da fase da lactação no perfil bioquímico e no proteinograma do soro lácteo de búfalas da raça Murrah sadias. As búfalas primíparas (G1) apresentaram maior atividade das enzimas gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT: 2.346U/L) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP: 181U/L) e maiores concentrações de fósforo (P: 56,6mg/dL), potássio (K: 32,0mg/dL) e α-lactoalbumina (458mg/dL). As fêmeas com duas a três lactações (G2) apresentaram maior CCS (70.700 células/mL) e maiores concentrações de proteína total (1,55g/dL), albumina (100mg/dL), magnésio (Mg: 8,80mg/dL), cloretos (Cl: 176mg/dL), ferro (Fe: 10,7µg/dL), sódio (Na: 178mMol/L) e lactoferrina (59,5mg/dL). As fêmeas com mais de três lactações (G3) apresentaram maiores concentrações de cálcio total (Ca: 41,8mg/dL), cálcio ionizado (Cai: 2,92mMol/L), imunoglobulina A (IgA: 1,32mg/dL), albumina sérica (99,1mg/dL), imunoglobulina G (IgG: 49,7mg/dL) e b-lactoglobulina (1.068mg/dL). Durante a lactação foi observado aumento da CCS, aumento das atividades das enzimas GGT e ALP, aumento das concentrações de proteína total, albumina, P, Mg, Cl, Na, lactoferrina, albumina sérica, IgG, α-lactoalbumina e redução das concentrações de Ca, Fe, Cai, K, IgA e b-lactoglobulina no soro lácteo das búfalas. Os resultados obtidos podem ser utilizados como referências para a espécie bubalina e auxiliar no diagnóstico e no prognóstico de doenças de ocorrência comum na fase de lactação.(AU)

To evaluate the biochemical profile and protein concentration of whey from milk samples of healthy Murrah primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes, 30 female buffaloes were analyzed during a complete lactation. The animals were divided into three groups: G1 = 10 primiparous buffaloes, G2 = 10 pluriparous buffaloes with 2-3 lactations and G3 = 10 pluriparous buffaloes with >3 lactations. The lactation period was divided into: early stage (I: 1-3 months of lactation), intermediate stage (T: 4-6 months of lactation) and final stage (F: 7-9 months of lactation). Before milk sampling, physical examination of the mammary gland, strip cup test and California Mastitis Test (CMT) were performed. After mammary quarters asepsis, 20mL of milk were collected monthly from each mammary quarter, during a complete lactation, in sterilized plastic bottles without preservative, in order to perform microbiological isolation, biochemical profile and protein electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and 30mL of milk from each mammary quarter were collect, in sterilized plastic bottles containing preservative bronopol to perform the somatic cell count (SCC). A total of 1,042 milk samples were collected from the experimental groups during lactation, of which 923 samples showed negative reaction to CMT and negative microbiological isolation and were selected to biochemical profile analysis and protein electrophoresis in SDS-PAGE. There were influence of parity order and stage of lactation in biochemical profile and protein concentration of healthy Murrah buffaloes' whey. Primiparous buffaloes (G1) showed higher gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT: 2,346 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (ALP: 181 U/L), phosphorus (P; 56.6mg/dL), potassium (K; 32.0mg/dL) and α-lactalbumin (458mg/dL). Buffaloes with 2-3 lactations (G2) showed higher SCC (70,700 cells/mL) and higher concentrations of total protein (1.55g/dL), albumin (100mg/dL), magnesium (Mg; 8.80mg/dL), chlorides (Cl; 176mg/dL), iron (Fe; 10.7µg/dL), sodium (Na; 178mMol/L) and lactoferrin (59.5mg/dL). Bufalloes with >3 lactations (G3) showed higher concentrations of total calcium (Ca; 41.8mg/dL), ionized calcium (iCa; 2.92mMol/L), immunoglobulin A (IgA; 1.32mg/dL), serum albumin (99.1mg/dL), immunoglobulin G (IgG; 49.7mg/dL) and ß-lactoglobulin (1,068mg/dL). During lactation it was observed increase in SCC, GGT, ALP, total protein, albumin, P, Mg, Cl, Na, lactoferrin, serum albumin, IgG and α-lactalbumin, as well as decrease in concentrations of Ca, Fe, iCa, K, IgA and ß-lactoglobulin in buffaloes' whey. The results may be used as reference for buffaloes and to support diagnosis and prognosis of diseases common to lactation periods.(AU)

Comparación entre los niveles de prolactina de madres en relactancia y madres con lactancia materna exclusiva / Comparison between levels of prolactin of mother in relactation and exclusive breast feeding mothers

Estudio no experimental, prospectivo, comparativo y longitudinal, realizado con el objetivo de comparar los niveles de prolactina en 15 madres (Grupo estudio) con más de dos semanas de haber suspendido la lactancia materna y entrenadas para relactar según método recomendado por Organización Mundial de la Salud: Estimulación del pezón y del pecho, Técnica de chorrear y gotear y Extracción mecánica y manual y en 25 madres (grupo control) que lactaban en forma exclusiva, cuyos hijos menores de seis meses, fueron hospitalizados por diversas patologías, en la División Pediátrica del Servicio Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo, desde noviembre 2010 a octubre 2011. Las madres tuvieron entre 15 y 25 años de edad en ambos grupos (p=0,58); la causa principal del abandono de la lactancia fue escasa producción láctea (46,67%).El tiempo de aparición de la secreción láctea fue de 6+1,60 días.Los niveles de prolactina de madres del grupo estudio en las primeras 24 horas del ingreso del lactante fue 35,58+18,04 ng/ml y en el grupo control 129,83+35,01 ng/ml, estadísticamente significativo (p=0,01). Iniciada la secreción láctea fue de 121,20+16,90 ng/ml, estadísticamente significativo (p=0,01) comparado con el valor inicial del grupo estudio, pero al comparar con el grupo control fue estadísticamente no significativo (p=0,13).Se concluye que en este grupo de madres que abandonaron la lactancia, una vez iniciada la relactación presentaron un aumento significativo de los niveles de prolactina, similares a los niveles en madres lactando en forma exclusiva.

Not experimental, prospective, comparative, and longitudinal study conducted in order to compare the levels of prolactin in 15 mothers (study group) with more than two weeks of having suspended the breastfeeding, and trained to relactate according to the method recommended by World Health Organization: nipple and breast stimulation, technique of dripping and drip and mechanical and manual removal, and 25mothers (control group) that breastfeeding exclusively, whose children less than six months, were hospitalized with various diseases, in the Division of Pediatric of University Hospital in Maracaibo, from November 2010 to October 2011. The mothers had between 15 and 25 years of age in both groups (p =0.58), the main cause of the abandonment of breastfeeding was insufficient milk production (46.67%). The time of occurrence of milk secretion was 6+1.60 days. Prolactin levels in the study group mothers in the first 24 hours of admission was 35.58+18.04 ng/ml, and in the control group 129.83+ 35.01 ng/ml, statistically significant (p=0.01). Initiated the milk secretion was 121.20+16.90 ng/ml, statistically significant (p =0.01 compared to base line study group, but when was compared to the control group was not statistically significant (p =0.13). It concludes that in this group of mothers who left nursing, once started relactation had significantly higher prolactin levels, similar to the levels in mothers exclusively breastfeeding.

Biomarcadores óseos y su relación con la densidad mineral ósea en adultas jóvenes y adolescentes en su primer año posparto / Bone biomarkers and its relation with bone mineral density in adults and adolescents during the first year postpartum

La información sobre biomarcadores óseos en adolescentes y adultas durante el periodo posparto es incierta, por lo que el objetivo de este artículo fue analizar el patrón de biomarcadores óseos en adolescentes y adultas a 15, 90, 180 y 365 días posparto (dpp) y su asociación con la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y lactancia materna. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte en 32 madres adolescentes ≤17 años y 41 adultas de 18 a 29 años de edad en el primer año posparto. Se realizaron medidas antropométricas, DMO y biomarcadores óseos y así como datos del tipo y la duración de lactancia. Como resultados se encontró asociación entre la concentración basal de N-telopéptidos ≤24 μg/L y mayor aumento de DMO. Las adolescentes tuvieron mayor concentración de N-telopéptidos (p≤0.004) y menor concentración de osteocalcina (5±3 vs13±4, p <0.001) que las adultas. La lactancia no afectó el cambio de DMO (p>0.050), ni de biomarcadores óseos. La osteocalcina se asoció con el cambio en DMO (p<0.040). La prolactina fue mayor entre las que practicaron lactancia materna exclusiva (p<0.001). A menor edad menores concentraciones de osteocalcina (p<0.001) y mayores concentraciones de N-telopéptidos (p<0.001). Se concluyó que a menor concentración de N-telopéptidos y mayor de osteocalcina hubo un mayor aumento de DMO, lo cual implica menor aumento de ésta en el grupo de adolescentes. La lactancia no afectó la DMO.

The objective of this study was to describe the trend of bone biomarkers in adults and adolescents women at 15, 90, 180 and 365 postpartum days (ppd) and its relation with bone mineral density (BMD). It was a prospective cohort of 32 teenager’s ≤17 and 41 women from 18 to 29 years old. We evaluated diet, anthropometry, BMD, bone biomarkers and hormonal profile. In all, the concentration of N-telopeptide was higher at 15 days postpartum decreasing during first year postpartum, but adolescents had the highest concentration. The lowest N-telopeptide concentration was associated with highest increasing of the BMD. Osteocalcin concentration was lower in adolescents than in adults women (5 ± 3 vs 13 ± 4 ng/mL, p<0.001) during first year postpartum. Exclusive breastfeeding did not affect the BMD (p>0.050) or bone biomarkers. Osteocalcin concentration was positively associated with bone BMD (p<0.040), breastfeeding did not affect osteocalcin concentrations. Prolactin was higher among women who breastfed exclusively (p<0.001). Age and breastfeeding inversely correlated with bone biomarkers (p<0.001) N-telopeptide and PTHi respectively. We concluded that a lower N-telopeptide concentration and a higher osteocalcin concentration were associated with a higher increasing of BMD, so then, adolescents showed the lowest recovery of the BMD. Breastfeeding does not affect the BMD.

Vitamin d levels among pregnant and lactating women

To assess the serum level of vitamin D in pregnant and lactating women. Case-control study. Gynaecological Unit 1 of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, from December 2010 to May 2011. A total of 100 women comprised of three groups: pregnant [n = 40], lactating [n = 40] and control [n = 20] groups. The information regarding age, educational level, socioeconomic status, exposure to sunlight and dietary vitamin D intake were collected through self-structured questionnaire. Serum concentration of vitamin D was measured by ELISA and serum calcium and phosphate levels were measured by chemistry analyzer. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS [version 13]. The values were considered significant at 0.05 level of significance. The mean serum vitamin D level in the pregnant and lactating mothers was 26.5 +/- 17.1 nmol/L and 21.4 +/- 16.3 nmol/L respectively and in control group was 33.8 +/- 21.1 nmol/L. The mean calcium level in the pregnant, lactating and control group was 10.3 +/- 1.2 mg/dL, 9.7 +/- 1.3 mg/dL and 9.7 +/- 1.3 mg/dL respectively. The mean phosphate in pregnant was 3.2 +/- 0.76 mg/dl, in lactating was 3.3 +/- 0.76 mg/dl and in control was 3.5 +/- 0.92 mg/dl. Significant difference [p = 0.041 and p = 0.037 respectively] in the serum levels of vitamin D and calcium was observed among the pregnant and lactating women as compared to control group. Low serum vitamin D concentration was observed in lactating women and pregnant women as compared to control group.

Níveis de alfa-tocoferol no soro e colostro de lactantes e associação com variáveis maternas / Alpha-tocopherol level in serum and colostrum of breastfeeding women and association with maternal variables

OBJETIVOS: Diagnosticar bioquimicamente o estado nutricional de vitamina E de lactantes por meio da análise do alfa-tocoferol no soro e no colostro, verificar sua associação com variáveis maternas e determinar a prevalência de deficiência de vitamina E nessas mulheres. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 103 puérperas que foram classificadas quanto às seguintes variáveis maternas: idade, estado nutricional pré-gestacional, ganho de peso gestacional, paridade e tipo de parto. Amostras de soro e colostro foram coletadas em jejum no pós-parto imediato e o alfa-tocoferol foi analisado por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). Para definir o estado nutricional de vitamina E, foi adotado ponto de corte sérico (697,7 μg/dL). A análise estatística foi realizada com o uso do teste t de Student para amostras independentes e correlação de Pearson. As diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A concentração média de alfa-tocoferol foi 1.125,1±551,0 μg/dL no colostro e 1.138,6±346,0 μg/dL no soro, indicativo de estado nutricional bioquímico adequado. Entretanto, ao analisar as puérperas individualmente, constatamos que 16% apresentaram valores abaixo do esperado para esta vitamina. As mulheres submetidas à cesárea apresentaram níveis de alfa-tocoferol no colostro (1.280±591 μg/dL) significativamente maiores em relação àquelas cuja via de parto foi a normal (961,7±370 μg/dL) (p<0,05). Verificou-se que as parturientes com excesso de peso pré-gestacional tiveram concentração da vitamina no colostro maior (1.331,5±548 μg/dL) quando comparadas às mulheres com baixo peso (982,1±374 μg/dL) ou eutrofia (992,3±346 μg/dL) (p<0,05). Entretanto, as demais variáveis estudadas não apresentaram associação com o alfa-tocoferol do colostro. Além disso, nenhuma variável mostrou estar relacionada aos níveis da vitamina no soro materno e não foi demonstrada correlação entre os níveis de alfa-tocoferol no soro e no leite. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar do diagnóstico de satisfatório estado nutricional, as lactantes apresentaram risco importante de deficiência subclínica para vitamina E. Sugere-se que a concentração de alfa-tocoferol presente no colostro esteja associada ao tipo de parto e ao estado nutricional pré-gestacional da mulher.

PURPOSE: To determine the nutritional status of vitamin E in breastfeeding women through the analysis of alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum and colostrum, to analyze its relation with maternal variables and to determine the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency in these women. METHODS: The study included 103 mothers who were classified according to maternal variables: age, nutritional status before pregnancy, gestational weight gain, parity and mode of delivery. Colostrum and serum samples were collected under fasting conditions in the immediate postpartum period. Alpha-tocopherol was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A serum cutoff of 697.7 μg/dL was adopted to define the nutritional status of vitamin E. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student's t test for independent samples and Pearson's correlation. Differences were significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: The average concentration of alpha-tocopherol was 1.125±551.0 μg/dL in colostrum and 1,138.6±346.0 μg/dL in serum, indicating adequate biochemical nutritional status. However, when analyzing the mothers individually, a 16% rate of subclinical vitamin E deficiency was detected. Women undergoing cesarean delivery had significantly higher alpha-tocopherol levels in colostrum (1.280±591 μg/dL) compared with those undergoing normal delivery (961.7±370 μg/dL) (p<0.05). It was found that mothers who were overweight before pregnancy had higher vitamin concentration in colostrum (1,331.5±548 μg/dL) when compared to underweight women (982.1±374 μg/dL) or women of normal weight (992.3±346 μg/dL) (p<0.05). However, the other variables were not associated with alpha-tocopherol in colostrum. Moreover, no variable showed association with vitamin E levels in maternal serum and no correlation was demonstrated between the alpha-tocopherol levels in serum and in milk. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the diagnosis of satisfactory nutritional status, breastfeeding women showed significant risk of subclinical vitamin E deficiency. We suggest that the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in colostrum be associated with type of delivery and pre-gestational nutritional status of women.

Toxic effects of lead exposure during gestation and lactation on testicular development in albino rat offspring: a hormonal and histopathological study

This study aims at exploring the effect of lead exposure during pregnancy and lactation on the rat testis, which was evaluated via light and electron microscopic examination of testicular tissue, besides estimation of serum follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH] and testosterone [TT] levels. Dams were intoxicated with 10 mg/kg body weight [BW]/day lead acetate throughout the gestational period and lactation. Pups were sacrificed on postnatal [PN] days 1 and 21. The weights of the body and testes, as well as serum gonadotropins and TT concentrations were significantly reduced in pups from lead-intoxicated mothers compared with their controls. Light microscopic examination of testicular samples from lead-exposed pups revealed thin-walled seminiferous tubules with significant reduction in their size. In addition, multiple vacuoles were seen within the tubules and in the interstitium, and the interstitial spaces appeared enlarged with reduced number of Leydig cells. Apoptotic bodies were found among the basal parts of the spermatogenic epithelium. Examination of testicular tissue from the same group by electron microscopy revealed more cellular details confirming the toxic effects of lead. The altered seminiferous tubules showed multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles and precipitates along the nuclear membranes in Sertoli cells. Several seminiferous tubules showed apoptotic cells with heterochromatic nuclei and dense cytoplasm, whereas other tubules appeared ensheathed by single layers of myoid cells. Leydig cells revealed cytoplasmic vacuolations and irregular nuclei with chromatin masses. The results of this study indicate that lead intoxication affected the normal development of germinal cells and disrupted the testicular structure and endocrinal functions

Las adolescentes no pierden densidad mineral ósea en el posparto: estudio comparativo con adultas / Adolescents do not lose bone mineral density postpartum: comparative study with adult women

OBJETIVO: Analizar el patrón de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO), calcio y estradiol séricos, consumo de calcio, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y lactancia en adolescentes y adultas a 15, 90 y 365 días posparto (dpp). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Cohorte prospectivo en 33 adolescentes y 39 adultas con evaluación antropométrica, dietética y ósea en L2-L4 y cuello de fémur; bioquímica con estradiol y calcio séricos. RESULTADOS: Las adolescentes aumentaron de los 15 a los 365 dpp 16 por ciento su DMO de L2-L4, las adultas 3 por ciento. La edad se asoció a este cambio (β=13.779, EE=3.5, p=0.001); la lactancia no se asoció (β=-0.705, EE=0.647, p=0.283). Las adultas presentaron mayor DMO de L2-L4 a 15, 90 y 365 dpp respectivamente (1.151vs 0.978g/cm², 1.195vs1.070g/cm², 1.195vs1.123g/cm², p<0.003). CONCLUSIONES: Las adolescentes incrementaron su DMO tres veces más que las adultas. El cambio en la DMO fue dependiente de la edad e independiente de la práctica de lactancia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the pattern of bone mineral density (BMD), serum concentrations of estradiol and calcium levels, dietary calcium, body mass index (BMI), and lactation in adolescents and adult women at 15, 90, and 365 postpartum days (ppd). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted of 33 adolescents and 39 adult women. Anthropometric and dietetic evaluations were performed, as well as evaluations of bone mineral density in L2-L4 and femur neck. Estradiol concentrations and calcium serum levels were determined. RESULTS: L2-L4 BMD increased by 16 percent in adolescents, and 3 percent in adult women from day 15 to 365 ppd. While age was associated with this change (β=13.779, EE=3.5, p=0.001), lactation was not (β=-0.705, EE=0.647, p=0.283). The adult women had a higher L2-L4 BMD at 15, 90, and 635 ppd (1.151 vs 0.978g/cm², 1.195 vs 1.070g/cm², 1.195 vs 1.123g/cm², respectively) (p<0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents' BMD increased three times more than that of adult women. For all women, BMD was dependent of age and independent of lactation.

Prevalence of anaemia in pregnant & lactating women in India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy and lactation was significantly lower in the National Family Health Survey 1998-1999 (NFHS-2), using the hemocue method for haemoglobin estimation compared to earlier surveys. The present study selected seven States and used the same districts and villages studied in the NFHS-2, to see if the reported reduction in prevalence of anaemia was due to health and nutrition inputs and/or due to a different method for haemoglobin estimation. METHODS: A total of 1,751 women (1,148 pregnant and 603 lactating- exclusively breastfeeding up to 3 months of age), from seven States- Himachal Pradesh and Haryana in north; Assam and Orissa in east; Kerala and Tamil Nadu in south and Madhya Pradesh in central India, were selected. Haemoglobin was estimated by the cyanmethaemoglobin method, so that comparison was possible with earlier studies. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy, nutritional status and dietary intakes were collected. RESULTS: Prevalence as well as severity of anaemia was significantly higher in the present study as compared to the NFHS-2 study data. The difference could be due to haemocue method, which gives higher haemoglobin values. The contributing factors found on multiple regression analysis for anaemia in pregnancy and lactation were: literacy, occupation and standard living index of the study women; their awareness about anaemia, its prevention by regular consumption of ironfolate tablets and increase in food intake. Maternal height, age of marriage, parity and foetal loss also contributed to haemoglobin level. There were interstate differences; lower fertility, higher literacy and better diet was observed in Himachal Pradesh as compared to Haryana. The literacy and nutritional status of women in Tamil Nadu was lower than Kerala. The remaining 3 states had poor fertility, lower social living index and nutritional status with >90 per cent women being anaemic in pregnancy and lactation. Low prevalence of severe anaemia in Orissa as compared to Assam was due to availability and consumption of iron folate tablets. The antenatal services in the first trimester and checkup by a doctor, along with availability and consumption of iron folate tablets over 3 months in all the States influenced haemoglobin levels. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Despite the measures taken to control anaemia in pregnancy and lactation in the last two decades, the severity of nutritional anaemia continues to remain a public health issue of great magnitude, suggesting that these measures have been largely ineffective. The present findings also showed interstate differences particularly in fertility, women education, nutrition status and occupation; availability of antenatal services and iron folate tablets as possible factors responsible for differences in prevalence of anaemia.

Serum profile of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in crossbred heifers as influenced by gestation and early lactation.

The serum profile of certain macroelements such as calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium of healthy crossbred heifers in Kerala were estimated before and after conception, at different stages of pregnancy and early lactation. The serum concentration of calcium showed a decreasing trend during second trimester of pregnancy which attained significantly lower (P < 0.01) value (5.57 mg/dl) when compared to controls. By the ninth month of pregnancy calcium level was elevated. The serum phosphorus level was significantly higher (P < 0.01) during the fifth month of pregnancy (8.29 mg/dl) when compared to controls and then it was decreased by the 9th month of pregnancy. The serum magnesium level showed an increasing tendency to attain a peak value (2.55 mg/dl) by the 9th month of pregnancy which was significantly higher (P < 0.01) when compared to the control. During the period of study no production diseases were encountered in the animals screened which indicated that the serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium profile of these animals were at the optimum level.

Serum iron levels in pregnant and lactating women in Kano, Nigeria

The serum iron levels of 117 pregnant women and 81 lactating women in Kano, who were not on iron supplementation, were determined in order to know whether the usual practice of giving them iron supplementation without prior assessment is desirable. The method used is based on the coupling of iron II, liberated from serum proteins, with ferrozine to give a purple-coloured complex which was measured colorimetrically at 560 nm. The mean serum iron levels of the pregnant and lactating women were found to be 95.12 +/- 12.67 and 108.23 +/- 19.41 micro g/100 cm3 respectively. The serum iron level of most 'of the pregnant women as well as those of all the lactating women falls within the normal range. The results showed that the serum iron level of pregnant women in Kano has to be determined before iron supplementation could be recommended, and that iron supplementation might not be necessary in lactating women in Kano

Valores hematológicos en lactantes alimentados exclusivamente con leche materna durante los primeros seis meses de vida / Hematology value in exclusive maternal suckling during the first six month of live

El papel de la lactancia materna en la alimentación del lactante es de gran relevancia y su efecto sobre el sistema hematopoyético no esta bien aclarado. Se estudiaron los valores hematológicos: hemoglobina, hematocrito, contaje y fórmula leucocitaria en 95 lactantes sanos, entre los tres y seis meses de edad, provenientes de la consulta externa del hospital universitario Angel Larralde entre julio de 1990 y noviembre de 1992. 50 niños recibían desde el nacimiento lactancia materna exclusiva, 35 lactancia mixta y 10 artificial. Las edades y sexos entre los tres grupos fueron homogéneas. Los valores de hemoglobina fueron mayores para el grupo de lactancia materna, con un 72 por ciento de los pacientes presentando valores entre 10,8 y 12,5 gramos por ciento. No se encontró diferencia significativa en el contaje leucocitario. El porcentaje polimorfonucleares fue menor en el grupo de lactancia materna exclusiva, con valores entre 20 y 34 por ciento en el 84 por ciento de los casos. El contaje linfocitario fue mayor en este mismo grupo presentando el 92 por ciento de los pacientes, valores entre 60 y 74 por ciento. Se concluye que el tipo de lactancia incide en forma importante en los valores hematológicos estudiados

Glycation of blood proteins during pregnancy and lactation in the rat

Non-enzymatic glycation of blood proteins is a time and concentration dependent process and has been used clinically to monitor carbohydrate metabolism during human pregnancy. Since gestation in rats is of much shorter duration than in humans (3 weeks vs 9 mos) the question was raised whether similar differences in glycated proteins could be observed. Therefore, levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine were measured during normal pregnancy and lactation in rats. Glucose levels during late pregnancy were significantly lower than in non pregnant and early pregnant rats. During lactation glucose levels return to normal. Glycated hemoglobin paralleled glucose decrease during late pregnancy and increased during lactation. Fructosamine followed a similar pattern. Therefore glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine appear to be reliable indicators of glucose status during gestation and lactation similar to humans and may have value as predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus once a suitable rat model is developed