Anti-fatigue effect of Lubian on kidney Yin deficiency and kidney Yang deficiency mice and mechanism based on PI3K-Akt pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue effect and mechanism of Lubian(Cervi Penis et Testis) on kidney Yin deficiency and kidney Yang deficiency mice. After one week of adaptive feeding, 88 healthy male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a kidney Yin deficiency model group, a kidney Yin deficiency-Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(PQR) group, kidney Yin deficiency-Lubian treatment groups, a kidney Yang deficiency model group, a kidney Yang deficiency-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma(GR) group, and kidney Yang deficiency-Lubian treatment groups, with eight mice in each group. The kidney Yin deficiency model and kidney Yang deficiency model were prepared by daily regular oral administration of dexamethasone acetate and hydrocortisone, respectively, and meanwhile, corresponding drugs were provided. The mice in the blank group received blank reagent. The treatment lasted 14 days. The exhaustive swimming time was measured 30 min after drug administration on the 14th day. On the 15th day, blood was collected from eyeballs and the serum was separated to determine the content of lactic acid(LD), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP). The liver was dissected to determine the content of liver glycogen and the protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt). Compared with the kidney Yang deficiency model group, the kidney Yang deficiency-Lubian treatment groups showed increased body weight(P<0.05), relieved symptoms of Yang deficiency, decreased cGMP content(P<0.01), increased cAMP/cGMP(P<0.01), prolonged exhausted swimming time(P<0.01), reduced LD(P<0.01), elevated BUN content(P<0.01), increased liver glycogen content(P<0.01), and increased protein expression of PI3K and Akt in the liver(P<0.05). Compared with the kidney Yin deficiency model group, the kidney Yin deficiency-Lubian treatment groups showed increased body weight(P<0.01), relieved symptoms of Yin deficiency, increased content of cGMP(P<0.01), decreased cAMP/cGMP(P<0.01), prolonged exhausted swimming time(P<0.01), decreased LD(P<0.01), decreased BUN content(P<0.01), increased liver glycogen content(P<0.01), and increased protein expression of PI3K(P<0.05) and Akt in the liver(P<0.05). To sum up, Lubian can regulate Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency and increase glycogen synthesis by affecting the PI3K-Akt pathway, thereby exerting an anti-fatigue role.

Evaluation of muscle tissue and liver glycogen of cattle submitted to transport over long distances and subjected to emergency slaughter / Avaliação do tecido muscular e glicogênio hepático de bovinos transportados por longas distâncias e submetidos ao abate de emergência

The study evaluated the effect of transportation over long distances on cattle muscle tissue of submitted to emergency slaughter in slaughterhouses in northern Tocantins, Brazil. The evaluations consisted in pH, muscle and liver glycogen, muscle histopathology and creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity. Animals were placed into two groups: Experimental Group (EG), consisting of 19 bovines intended for immediate emergency slaughter, and Control Group (CG), composed of 24 bovines slaughtered in accordance with the normal flow. CK and ALT levels were high in EG. AST did not differ between groups. EG showed higher muscle pH and mean of degenerate fibers, mainly on the intercostal. However, muscle and liver glycogen did not differ between groups. In conclusion, cattle transported over long distances and subjected to immediate emergency slaughter showed markedly stress condition, with changes in biochemical parameters in the muscle tissue, determined by cellular degeneration.(AU)

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito do transporte em longas distâncias sobre o tecido muscular de bovinos encaminhados ao abate de emergência. Foram avaliados pH, glicogênio muscular e hepático, análise histopatológica muscular, creatina quinase (CK), alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST). Os animais foram alocados em dois grupos: grupo experimental (GE), constituído por 19 bovinos destinados ao abate de emergência, e grupo controle (GC), composto por 24 bovinos abatidos de acordo com o fluxo normal do frigorífico. A CK e a ALT estavam aumentadas no GE. O AST não diferiu entre os grupos. O GE apresentou maior percentual de fibras degeneradas, e o músculo intercostal teve maior quantidade de degenerações. O pH muscular foi superior no GE. O glicogênio muscular e o hepático não diferiram entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que bovinos encaminhados ao abate de emergência sofrem estresse severo pelo transporte por longas distâncias, com alterações bioquímicas no tecido muscular determinada pela degeneração celular.(AU)

A 1:1 exercise-to-rest period ratio needed by animals to restore energy sources and replenish anti-oxidative status after exercise

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Successful recovery of an animal from exercise is essential, especially prior to the next exercise session. This study was conducted to find an effective exercise-to-rest period ratio for the restoration of energy sources and replenishment of anti-oxidative status in tissue after exercise. MATERIALS/METHODS: Thirty-two rats were assigned to either non-training or training exercise groups for 5 weeks. After that period, the two groups were subdivided into four smaller groups: non-exercise (NE), exercise 0.5 hour and rest 1 hour (ER0.5:1), exercise 1 hour and rest 1 hour (ER1:1), exercise 2 hours and rest 1 hour (ER2:1). RESULTS: In the training group animals and compared to the NE group, the levels of plasma glucose after the rest period were significantly high in all ER groups but highest in the ER2:1 group. Similarly, the liver glycogen level was highest in the ER2:1 group. The plasma FFA level reached the highest level in the ER2:1 group but was similarly high in the ER0.5:1 group. Liver TG level was unchanged in the ER2:1 and ER1:1 groups but was significantly high in the ER0.5:1 group. Muscle TG levels were decreased in all three ER groups. Plasma protein levels were significantly high in the ER2:1 and ER0.5:1 groups. In both training animal and non-training animals, the liver protein levels did not change significantly between the NE and ER groups, irrespective of the exercise-to-rest ratio. In the training animal group, muscle protein level was significantly low in the ER2:1 and ER0.5:1 groups. The activity levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as the malondialdehyde concentration, were not significantly different between NE and ER groups, irrespective of the exercise-to-rest period ratio. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that animals provided with a 0.5:1 to 1:1 exercise-to-rest period ratio can restore their muscle energy sources and recover their anti-oxidative defense system.

Physical training reverses changes in hepatic mitochondrial diameter of Alloxan-induced diabetic rats / Treinamento físico reverte alterações no diâmetro de mitocôndrias hepáticas de ratos diabéticos induzidos pela Aloxana

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effects of physical training on metabolic and morphological parameters of diabetic rats. Methods Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: sedentary control, trained control, sedentary diabetic and trained diabetic. Diabetes mellitus was induced by Alloxan (35mg/kg) administration for sedentary diabetic and Trained Diabetic Groups. The exercise protocol consisted of swimming with a load of 2.5% of body weight for 60 minutes per day (5 days per week) for the trained control and Trained Diabetic Groups, during 6 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for determinations of serum glucose, insulin, albumin and total protein. Liver samples were extracted for measurements of glycogen, protein, DNA and mitochondrial diameter determination. Results The sedentary diabetic animals presented decreased body weight, blood insulin, and hepatic glycogen, as well as increased glycemia and mitochondrial diameter. The physical training protocol in diabetic animals was efficient to recovery body weight and liver glycogen, and to decrease the hepatic mitochondrial diameter. Conclusion Physical training ameliorated hepatic metabolism and promoted important morphologic adaptations as mitochondrial diameter in liver of the diabetic rats.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar os efeitos do treinamento físico nos parâmetros morfológicos e metabólicos de ratos diabéticos. Métodos Ratos Wistar foram randomizados para quatro grupos: controle sedentário, controle treinado, diabético sedentário e diabético treinado. Diabetes mellitus foi induzido por administração de Aloxana (35mg/kg) nos Grupos Diabético Sedentário e diabético treinado. O protocolo de treinamento físico incluiu natação com carga de 2,5% do peso corporal, por 60 minutos por dia (5 dias por semana) para os Grupos Controle Treinado e diabético treinado, durante 6 semanas. Ao final do experimento, os ratos foram sacrificados, e o sangue foi coletado para determinação das concentrações séricas de glicose, insulina, albumina e proteínas totais. Amostras do fígado foram coletadas para determinação do glicogênio, proteínas, DNA e diâmetro mitocondrial. Resultados O Grupo Sedentário Diabético apresentou redução no peso corporal, insulinemia e glicogênio hepático, além de maior glicemia e diâmetro mitocondrial hepático. O protocolo de treinamento físico em animais diabéticos foi eficiente para restaurar o peso corporal e o glicogênio hepático, além de reduzir o diâmetro mitocondrial hepático. Conclusão O treinamento físico melhorou o metabolismo hepático e promoveu importantes adaptações morfológicas, como no diâmetro mitocondrial no fígado de animais diabéticos.

Trichuris trichiura in a post-Colonial Brazilian mummy

Trichuris trichiura is a soil-transmitted helminth which is prevalent in warm, moist, tropical and subtropical regions of the world with poor sanitation. Heavy whipworm can result either in Trichuris dysenteric syndrome - especially in children - or in a chronic colitis. In heavy infections, worms can spread proximally and may cause ileitis. Here we provide first microscopic evidence for a T. trichiura adult worm embedded in the rectum of a post-Colonial Brazilian adult mummy. During Colonial and post-Colonial times, many European chroniclers described a parasitic disease named Maculo whose symptomatology coincides with heavy helminthiasis. Based on our findings and on comparison of ancient textual evidence with modern description of heavy whipworm, we feel confident in considering that the two syndromes are expressions of the same pathological condition.

Glucogénesis: caracterización clínica - patológica del primer caso descrito en Bolivia en un paciente pediátrico / Glycogen storage disease: first clinicopathologic pediatric case described in Bolivia

Las glucogenosis son enfermedades hereditarias del metabolismo del glucógeno. Se reconocen más de 12 tipos y afectan principalmente al hígado y al músculo, mismas que se clasifican según la enzima defectuosa y el órgano afectado. Presentamos el caso de un niño de 4 años y 6 meses con hepatomegalia importante, retardo del crecimiento pondoestatural, extremidades delgadas, facies con mejillas redondas. Sus exámenes laboratoriales revelaron: hipoglicemia, hiperlipidemia, hiperuricemia y sus estudios imagenológicos evidenciaron hepatomegalia difusa severa. El estudio histopatológico concluyó con glucogenosis, no pudiendo definirse el tipo, por la imposibilidad de realizar pruebas específicas de histoquímica en Bolivia. El paciente es seguido por consulta externa, bajo indicaciones dietéticas para prevenir complicaciones.

Glycogen storage diseases are inherited metabolic disorders of glycogen metabolism. There are over 12 types, they may affect primarily the liver and muscle. They are classified and the affected tissue. The case of a 4 y 6m old-male infant is presented, with growth retardation, thin limbs, rounded cheeks. Laboratory testing showed hypoglycemia, hyperlipidermia, hyperuricemia. Imagenoly testing showed severe diffuse hepatomegaly. Histopathology concluded in glycogen storage disease, the enzyme deficiency could not be established because of the unavailability of these test in Bolivia. The patient is followed by consult, diet therapy to prevent complications.

Does Type I Truly Dominate Hepatic Glycogen Storage Diseases in Korea?: A Single Center Study / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: There are no studies of hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) other than type I and III in Korea. We aimed on investigating the characteristics of hepatic GSDs in Korea diagnosed and followed at a single center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients who were diagnosed as GSD and followed at Samsung Medical Center from January, 1997 to December, 2013. Clinical manifestations, laboratory results, treatment, and prognosis were investigated. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. The types of 17 patients were confirmed by enzyme activity tests and/or gene analysis. GSD Ia was diagnosed in 7 patients (33.3%), Ib in 1 patient (4.8%), III in 2 patients (9.5%), IV in 1 patient (4.8%), and IX in 6 patients (28.6%). Types other than GSD I constituted 52.9% (9/17) of the patients diagnosed with a specific type of hepatic GSD. The median age at presentation was 2 years. Hepatomegaly was observed in 95.2%, elevated liver transaminases in 90.5%, and hyperlactacidemia in 81.0% of the patients. The duration for follow-up was 77+/-62.0 months. Uncooked corn starch was initiated in all the patients. No mortality was observed during the follow-up period, and liver transplantation was performed in 14.3%. CONCLUSION: Types other than GSD I comprised more than half of the patients diagnosed with a specific type of hepatic GSD. Clinical suspicion and thorough evaluation of hepatic GSDs in Korea should be focused not only on GSD I, but also on other types.

The influence of different durations of aerobic exercise on fuel utilization, lactate level and antioxidant defense system in trained rats

This study investigated the influence of different durations of aerobic exercise on fuel utilization, lactate levels and antioxidative status in trained rats. Forty rats underwent physical training (T, n = 20) or non- training (NT, n = 20) for 6 weeks. For physical training, animals exercised on a treadmill for 30 min 5 days per week. At the end of week 6, the animals in each group were subdivided into BE, DE-0.5, DE-1 and DE-2, which were sacrificed at the end of week 6 without having performed exercise or after exercise on a treadmill for 0.5h, 1h and 2h, respectively, immediately before being sacrificed. The plasma glucose level in DE-2 of the NT group was significantly lower than in the other groups. Muscle and liver glycogen levels were significantly lower in DE-1 and DE-2, but there were no significant differences between DE-1 and DE-2 in the T group. Liver protein in DE-2 of the NT group was significantly lower. Muscle TG levels were decreased in DE-0.5 of the T group, while those of the NT group were decreased in DE-1. FFA levels were increased in DE-0.5 of the T group and in DE-1 of the NT group. Lactate levels were increased in DE-0.5 of the NT group, while they were increased in DE-1 of the T group. Catalase activity of the T group was lower in BE but higher in DE-0.5, DE-1 and DE-2. SOD activities were higher in trained rats, while the GSH/GSSG ratios were higher in BE, DE-0.5 and DE-1 in the T group, and there was no difference in that of DE-2. There were no differences in MDA levels in BE and DE-0.5, but they were significantly lower in DE-1 and DE-2 of the T group. Overall, the results of this study, suggest that training may improve exercise performance by facilitating the mobilization and oxidation of fat and conserving limited carbohydrate storage, and that it may delay the onset of fatigue and enhance the antioxidative defense system, but cannot support two hours of vigorous exercise.

Study on discrimination mode of cold and hot properties of traditional Chinese medicines based on biological effects / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of cold or hot properties of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) on biological effect indexes, and analyze the contribution of variables on cold or hot properties, in order to preliminarily establish the discrimination mode for the biological effects of cold or hot properties.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, cold TCM groups (Coptidis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Phellodendri Cortex, Gardeniae Fructus, Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Gentianae Radix) and hot TCM groups (Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma, Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, Cinnamomi Cortex and Evodiae Fructus), and orally administered with 10 mL x kg(-1) of corresponding TCM water decoctions for 30 d, twice a day. Altogether 53 biological effect indexes correlated to cold or hot properties of traditional Chinese medicines were founded by searching literatures. The data warehouse were established by using data-mining software Clementine12.0. Data of the blank control group, cold TCM groups (Coptidis Rhizoma, Phellodendri Cortex, Gardeniae Fructus, Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, Gentianae Radix) and hot TCM groups (Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma, Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, Cinnamomi Cortex) were selected into a training set. C5.0 algorithm and C&R classification and regression algorithm were adopted to define the importance of variable, create the decision trees, and test hot or cold properties of Evodiae Fructus and Scutellariae Radix.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>According to C&R classification and regression algorithm, SDH activity of livers was the most important hot or cold property, with the significance closed to 30%. It was followed by triglyceride, liver Na' -K' -ATPase enzyme, muscle glycogen and platelet distribution width, with the accuracy up to 97.39% in models. C5.0 algorithm showed that liver SDH activity was the most important hot or cold property, with the significance closed to 40%. It was followed by triglyceride, GOT, muscle glycogen and liver Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase enzyme, with the accuracy up to 98.26% in models. The possibilities that Evodiae Fructus is in hot property and Scutellariae Radix is in cold property were 100. 00% and 77.78% by using both C&R classification and regression algorithm and C5.0 algorithm.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The SDH activity of liver is the most important biological effect index to distinguish cold and hot properties of TCMs. The discrimination pathway or mode of cold and hot properties is closely related to energy metabolism.</p>

Glucógeno hepático en dengue severo: análisis histopatológico / Hepatic glucogen in cases with severe dengue: histopathological changes

Antecedentes: El virus del dengue afecta distintos órganos, pero se ha determinado que el hígado es el principal blanco de acción y en donde ocurre la mayor severidad del daño. Existen pocos estudios sobre los cambios histológicos durante la infección por dengue. Objetivos: Analizar las alteraciones histopatológicas post-mortem en hígados de pacientes que presentaron la forma grave del dengue. Métodos: Se revisaron los cortes de hígado de 20 pacientes con dengue severo y se realizaron coloraciones y pruebas para glucógeno. Resultados: Encontramos pérdida de glucógeno citoplasmático en todos los casos analizados y la presencia de glucógeno intranuclear en dos de ellos. Conclusiones: En este estudio se reporta por primera vez la presencia de masas de glucógeno intranuclear en hepatocitos de dos niños fallecidos con dengue grave.

Background: Dengue virus affects various organs, but the liver is the main target of damage and where the most severe damage can occur. There are few studies on the histological changes in the liver during dengue infection. Aims: To analyze the histopathological post-mortem alterations in livers from patients with Methods: We revised serial liver sections, which were stained and tested for glycogen, from 20 patients with severe dengue. Results: We found loss of cytoplasmic glycogen in all cases analyzed and the presence of intranuclear glycogen in two of them. Conclusions: This is the first report of the presence of intranuclear glycogen masses during severe dengue.

Intermittent sustained swimming in 'matrinxã' Brycon amazonicus (Bryconidae: Bryconinae): hematological and metabolic responses

In fish, studies on a wide variety of physiological effects of exercise have been reported since a long time. It has been attributed special attention to some types of exercise, however, its application as a healthful practice in the rearing and welfare of farming fish is rising in last few years. In this particular, long-term intermittent sustained swimming (ISS) has been not yet explored. In this work, the freshwater fish Brycon amazonicus was submitted to (ISS) for 30 days at velocity of 1.0 body-length sec-1 for 12h interspaced by 12h under still water. Hematology and metabolism were evaluated. Exercised fish decreased 30% the erythrocyte number and hemoglobin was unvaried. The stores of liver glycogen and muscular triacylglycerol (TAG) were increased and the metabolic profile was typically aerobic. The slight decrease of liver (TAG) plus the full metabolic and hematic trait allow investing in this kind of exercise a beneficial practice in the rearing of fish species.

Há muito tempo, tem sido relatada uma ampla variedade de efeitos fisiológicos em peixes sob exercício. Tem sido dada especial atenção a alguns tipos de exercício, mas, sua aplicação como prática salutar na criação e para o bem estar dos peixes vem crescendo nos últimos anos. Neste caso, a natação sustentada intermitente (ISS) por longos períodos ainda não foi explorada. Neste trabalho, o peixe de água doce Brycon amazonicus foi submetido a (ISS) por 30 dias à velocidade de 1,0 comprimento corporal s-1 por 12h intervalado de 12h sob regime de água sem movimento. A hematologia e o metabolismo foram avaliados. Os peixes exercitados diminuíram 30% a contagem de eritrócitos e o teor de hemoglobina permaneceu constante. Os estoques de glicogênio hepático, o teor de triacil glycerol muscular (TAG) aumentou e o perfil metabólico foi tipicamente aeróbico. O discreto aumento de TAG hepático, além das características hematológicas e do metabolismo como um todo, instiga-nos investigar este tipo de exercício como uma prática benéfica na criação de peixes.

Síndrome de Mauriac / Mauriac syndrome

Síndrome de Mauriac pode ocorrer em crianças com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 de difícil controle e é caracterizada por baixa estatura, atraso puberal, hepatomegalia e características cushingoides. Relatamos o caso de um menino diabético de 14 anos, que apresentou hepatomegalia, baixa estatura, atraso puberal, aminotransferases elevadas, lipídeos séricos elevados e difícil controle metabólico. Ultrassom abdominal confirmou a hepatomegalia; biópsia hepática foi compatível com glicogenose. A função hepática anormal, lipídeos séricos elevados e hepatomegalia decresceram depois do controle metabólico. Concluímos que hepatomegalia pode ser vista em pacientes diabéticos como acúmulo de glicogênio resultante do consumo excessivo de alimentos e insulina. Na glicogenose hepática os achados patológicos melhoram quando há o controle glicêmico...

Efeito da ingestão crônica de vinho sobre a homeostase glicêmica, lipídica e ponderal em camundongos ApoE Knockout / Effect chronic ingestion of wine on glucose, lipid and ponderal homeostasis in ApoE Knockout mices

Os benefícios à saúde relacionados ao consumo moderado de vinho incluem diferentes mecanismos, nos quais estão envolvidos tanto etanol quanto compostos fenólicos que são constituintes do mesmo. Com o objetivo de avaliar variações glicêmicas, ponderais e o depósito de triglicérides, colesterol e glicogênio hepáticos com uso regular de vinho tinto em camundongo ApoE Knockout, foram utilizados 60 camundongos machos adultos ApoE Knockout de peso médio de 30 gramas, distribuídos em três grupos de 20 animais: grupo vinho, grupo etanol e grupo água, os quais receberam 50 mL de vinho e 50 mL água, 6mL de etanol e 94mL de água e somente água respectivamente por quatro meses. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: variações glicêmicas, ponderais, acúmulo de triglicerídeos, colesterol e glicogênio hepáticos. O grupo vinho teve em relação a sua massa corporal uma área sob a curva maior que a dos outros dois grupos, mas com um percentual pequeno de aumento. A concentração do triglicerídeo hepático foi maior no grupo vinho 57% em relação ao grupo etanol, que foi 31,6% menor que o controle (p<0,01%). A concentração do colesterol hepático foi menor no grupo vinho (23,6%), assim como no grupo etanol (24,5%), (p<0,05%). A concentração do glicogênio hepático foi maior no grupo vinho (16%), porém não alcançando significado estatístico. A glicemia em jejum no dia da eutanásia foi maior no grupo etanol em relação aos demais grupos, porém não demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significante. Na análise histológica não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos, embora o peso médio em gramas nas gorduras, retroperitoneal e subcutâneas tenha sido aproximadamente duas vezes maior no grupo vinho. Concluiu-se que neste estudo o uso regular e crônico de vinho tinto aumentou triglicerídeo hepático, porém o álcool diminui o colesterol hepático...

The benefits to health related to regular consume of red wine includes different mechanisms in which are involved both ethanol and fenolics compounds of the wine. With the objective to evaluate glycemia, lipid profile and weight variations with regular use of red wine by ApoE Knockout mices, sixty adults ApoE Knockout mices weighing around 30g were distributed into 3 groups of 20 animals each: 1.Wine that received 50mL of wine plus 50mL of water, 2. Ethanol and Water groups, 6mL of ethanol plus 94mL of water and just water respectively for 4 months. We evaluate glycemia, weight variations and liver glycogen, triglycerides and cholesterol. The wine group had in relation to its mass body an area under the curve larger than the other two groups, but with a small percentage of increase. The concentration of liver triglycerides was higher in the wine 57% compared to ethanol group, which was 31.6% lower than the control (p<0.01%). The concentration of liver cholesterol was lower in wine (23.6%) and in ethanol group (24.5%) (p<0.05%). The liver glycogen concentration was higher in the wine (16%), although not reaching statistical significance. The fasting glicemia on the day of euthanasia was higher in the ethanol group compared to other groups, but not statistically significant difference. In histological analysis was not significantly different between groups, although the average weight in grams fat, retroperitoneal and subcutaneous was approximately two times higher in the wine group. It was concluded that in this study the regular and chronic use of red wine increased liver triglyceride, however alcohol decreases liver cholesterol. The increase of the triglyceride may be due to the high caloric value of wine or some lipogenic unknown property that led to an important increase in retroperitoneal and subcutaneous fat tissue in ApoE Knockout mice

Interaction of physical trainings and coffee intakes in fuel utilization during exercise in rats

This study investigates the impact of exercises, coffee intakes, and physical trainings on fuel utilization in rats. Ninety-six rats were fed a control diet with either water (C) or coffee (CF; 0.12 g freeze-dried instant coffee/100 g body weight/d). Additionally, the animals go through physical training (TC and TCF) or no training (NTC and NTCF) for 4 weeks. For physical training, animals have to exercise on treadmills for 30 minutes (5 d per week, 15degrees incline, 0.5-0.8 km/h). At the end of week 4, the animals in each group were subdivided into three exercise groups: before exercise (BE), during exercise (DE), and after exercise (AE). The DE rats exercised on treadmills for 1 hour immediately before being sacrificed. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, glycogen, protein, triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) levels in the plasma, liver, and skeletal muscle of the rats were compared accordingly. Organ weights were also measured. Coffee-training interaction had a significant impact on heart weight, visceral fat, hemoglobin, hematocrit, liver glycogen in DE and AE, and liver triglyceride in DE and AE. Exercise (meaning exercised on a treadmill for 1 hour immediately before being sacrificed) training interaction was significant in liver glycogen, muscle glycogen in control diet and control diet with coffee, FFA and muscle TG levels at control diet with coffee group. Exercise-coffee interactions significantly influenced the FFA with no training groups. Exercise-coffee-training interaction significantly effects on FFA, Liver TG and Muscle TG. Coffee intakes can increase lipolysis during exercising but coffee consumptions delay the recovery of liver glycogen levels in trained rats after exercising. Coffee intakes can increase lipolysis during exercising but coffee consumptions delay the recovery of liver glycogen levels in trained rats after exercising. Coffee can be an effective ergogenic aid during exercise for physically trained rats.

Walnut extract exhibits anti-fatigue action via improvement of exercise tolerance in mice / 한국실험동물학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the anti-fatigue effect of walnut extract (WE) on forced swimming capacity in mice. Twenty-eight male ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups, a vehicle control (VC) or one of three WE administered groups (300, 600 and 900 mg/kg/day). WE was orally administered to mice once a day for 4 weeks, during which time a forced swimming test was conducted once a week. The vehicle control group was given a corresponding volume of sterile distilled water. After 4 weeks, the forced swimming capacity and levels of blood lactate, glucose, glutamine, ammonia and triacylglycerol, and liver glycogen were measured. In the WE administration group (600 and 900 mg/kg) the maximum swimming time increased significantly when compared with the vehicle control group. WE (600 and 900 mg/kg) significantly decreased the levels of lactate andammonia and increased the blood glutamine levels and liver glycogen content after forced swimming relative to the vehicle control group. The results of this study demonstrated the anti-fatigue effects of WE in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of WE at 600 and 900 mg/kg were similar. Overall, these results suggest that walnut has anti-fatigue activity and could elevate exercise tolerance.

Antidiabetic activity of alcoholic leaves extract of Alangium lamarckii Thwaites on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate antidiabetic potential of alcoholic leaves extract of Alangium lamarckii (A. lamarckii) on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats.@*METHODS@#Oral glucose tolerance test was done by inducing hyperglycemic state via administration of glucose in water (2g/kg). Single dose of alcoholic leaves extract of A. lamarckii (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to normoglycemic, hyperglycemic rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) followed by streptozotocin (65mg/kg). The study also included estimations of blood plasma glucose, lipid profile, liver glycogen, body weight and antioxidant status in normal and diabetic rats.@*RESULTS@#Admistration of alcoholic extract of A. lamarckii at two dosage 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. did not showed any significant change in blood glucose level of normoglycemic rats (P>0.05), whereas, oral glucose tolerance test depicted reduction in blood glucose level (P<0.05). The streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats, significantly decreased the blood plasma glucose level (P<0.001) comparable to glibenclamide (10 mg/kg), restored the lipid profile and showed improvement in liver glycogen, body weight and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Present finding demonstrated the significant antidiabetic activity of alcoholic leaves extract of A. lamarckii.

Effects of Phytoestrogens on Glucose Metabolism in C57BL/KsOlaHsd-db/db Mice

This study was conducted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effects of three phytoestrogens, genistein, coumestrol, and enterolactone, in type 2 diabetic animals. Forty male C57BL/KsOlaHsd-db/db mice were used as a diabetic animal model. The animals were divided into four groups and fed a phytoestrogen-free AIN-76 diet (control), or one of three phytoestrogen-supplemented (3.75 mg/100 g diet) AIN-76 diets for six weeks. During the experimental period, fasting blood glucose levels were measured on week 0, 2, 5, and 6 of the experiment, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on the 5th week. After the experimental period, blood concentrations of HbA1c, insulin, and glucagon were measured, and hepatic glycogen content and glucose regulating enzyme activities were analyzed. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c level, and the area under the blood glucose curve in the oral glucose tolerance test were significantly lower in all of the phytoestrogen-supplemented groups compared to the control group. Plasma glucagon levels were also significantly lower in all of the phytoestrogen-supplemented groups compared to the control group. Hepatic glycogen level was significantly higher in the coumestrol-supplemented group compared to the other groups. However, there were no significant differences in the activities of glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase between the groups. These results suggest that all of the three major phytoestrogens tested in the present study were effective in lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic animals. However, further studies need to be conducted to elucidate the exact mechanism for the hypoglycemic effects of phytoestrogens.

Hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of two dietary dosages (0.1% and 0.5%) of water and 80% ethanol extracts from hot-air dried Orostachys japonicus A. Berger were evaluated in the serum and organ tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The STZ-induced diabetic groups supplemented with the O. japonicus extracts showed significantly higher body weight compared to a diabetic control group at the end of experiment. The extracts exhibited substantial hypoglycemic effects by significant reductions of fasting blood glucose levels at all time points tested compared to the initial stage before treatment of the extracts. Declines of serum and hepatic triglyceride levels were greater than declines of total cholesterol in the groups treated with the 0.5% O. japonicus extract (DBW2 and DBE2) when compared to the DBC group. Hepatic glycogen content was higher in the groups treated with O. japonicus extract, while lipid peroxide content was decreased in these treated groups compared to the DBC group. Hepatic antioxidant activity was significantly increased in the groups supplemented with the O. japonicus ethanol extract. The hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects of the O. japonicus ethanol extract were significantly greater than the effects of the water extract. Based on this study, it seems that O. japonicus ethanol extract, due to its higher phenolic and flavonoid components than the water extract, may control blood glucose and alleviate hyperlipidemia in diabetes.

Electric countershock and cold stress effects on liver and adrenal gland

OBJECTIVES: Cold exposure induces glycogen and lipid depletion in the liver and the adrenal gland, respectively. However, no previous study has determined the effects of electrical countershock on those tissues. We aimed to evaluate the effects of electrical countershock on lipid depletion in the adrenal gland and on glycogen depletion in the liver. METHODS: We used 40 male Wistar rats divided into four groups: the control group, in which the animals were subjected to a resting period of seven days; the electrical discharge group, in which the animals were subjected to a resting period followed by administration of ten 300-mV electrical discharges; the electrical post-discharge group, in which the animals received ten electrical shocks (300 mV) followed by rest for seven consecutive days; and the cold stress group, in which the animals were subjected to a resting period and were then exposed to -8ºC temperatures for four hours. All animals underwent a laparotomy after treatment. The lipid and glycogen depletions are presented using intensity levels (where + = low intensity and ++++ = high intensity, with intermediate levels in between). RESULTS: The rats exposed to the cold stress presented the highest glycogen and lipid depletion in the liver and the adrenal gland, respectively. Furthermore, we noted that the electrical countershock significantly increased lipid depletion in the adrenal gland and glycogen depletion in the liver. One week after the electrical countershock, the liver and adrenal gland profiles were similar to that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Electrical countershock immediately increased the glycogen depletion in the liver and the lipid depletion in the adrenal gland of rats.

Effect of melatonin supplementation on plasma glucose and liver glycogen levels in rats subjected to acute swimming exercise

The aim of the present study is to examine how melatonin supplementation affects plasma glucose and liver glycogen levels in rats subjected to acute swimming exercise. Spraque-Dawley species thirty adult male rats were allocated to 3 groups with equal number of animals: general control group which was not subjected to any procedure [Group 1], the group subjected to a 30-minute acute swimming exercise [Group 2], and the group subjected to a 30-minute acute swimming exercise after intraperitoneal [i.p.] melatonin supplementation [3 mg/kg/day] for 4 weeks [Group 3]. Blood samples collected from the experimental animals by decapitation method were analyzed in terms of plasma glucose, and glycogen levels were determined in liver tissue samples by histological method. The highest plasma glucose levels were obtained in group 2 [p<0,05]. Plasma glucose levels in groups 1 and 3 were not different. Mean liver glycogen level in group 3 was significantly higher than those in the other groups [p<0,01], while there was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in terms of this parameter. Results of the study demonstrate that melatonin supplementation can have a protective effect on liver glycogen reserves in rats subjected to acute swimming exercise