Effect of acupuncture on the energy metabolism of dogs with intervertebral disk disease and cervical disk herniation: A pilot study.

Thirteen dogs with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) and 3 dogs with cervical disk herniation (CVDH) were examined to determine the effects of acupuncture on energy metabolism. Acupuncture points GV14, GV20-1, BL18, BL23, BL26, GB30, and ST36 were selected for IVDD, while GV14, GV20-1, GB20, and BL23 were selected for CVDH. All dogs except no.13 did not receive medication during acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture effects were evaluated based on the IVDD/CVDH evaluation scales in Oji 2015 and Tanaka and Nakayama 2015. Blood samples were taken before and 30 min after acupuncture treatment. Pyruvate and lactate concentrations, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity, the MDH/LDH ratio (M/L ratio), and LDH isozyme electrophoretic patterns served as energy metabolism markers. In IVDD/CVDH dogs that showed improvements, plasma pyruvate concentrations significantly decreased, the M/L ratio increased, and the plasma LDH isozyme pattern changed from predominantly LDH5 to predominantly LDH1. These data suggest that local redox potential is improved and energy metabolism is increased in dogs with IVDD/CVDH after acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture treatments may activate the citric acid cycle and increase ATP production, followed by improvement of the disease. Future studies with a large sample size are needed to clarify this hypothesis.

Effects of cannabidiol without delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on canine atopic dermatitis: A retrospective assessment of 8 cases.

Objective: We aimed to examine the effects of cannabidiol (CBD)-containing hemp oil without delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as a supplemental treatment for canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), as well as its adverse effects, and effects on concurrent drug use in dogs. Animal: In this retrospective case series, 8 dogs with CAD were diagnosed by veterinary dermatologists certified by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Dermatology. Procedure: The medical records of dogs supplemented with CBD-containing hemp oil were evaluated with respect to signalment, physical examination, plasma C-reactive protein concentrations, pharmacologic management, the CAD Extent and Severity Index (4th iteration), and the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale. Results: Overall, CBD, used as a supplement in combination with other drugs, was well-tolerated over a wide dose range and decreased the occurrence of pruritus in dogs with CAD when ingested twice a day. Conclusion: This study provides the first report of supplementation with CBD without THC that was effective in controlling pruritic behavior in dogs with CAD. Clinical relevance: Further controlled studies are required to investigate the dose range, efficacy, and safety.

Effets du cannabidiol sans delta-9-tétrahydrocannabinol sur la dermatite atopique canine : évaluation rétrospective de huit cas. Objectif: Nous avons cherché à examiner les effets de l'huile de chanvre contenant du cannabidiol (CBD) sans delta-9-tétrahydrocannabinol (THC) en tant que traitement complémentaire de la dermatite atopique canine (CAD), ainsi que ses effets indésirables et ses effets sur les médicaments concomitants utilisés chez le chien. Animal: Dans cette étude rétrospective de cas, huit chiens atteints de CAD ont été diagnostiqués par des dermatologues vétérinaires certifiés par la Société japonaise de dermatologie vétérinaire. Procédure: Les dossiers médicaux des chiens supplémentés avec de l'huile de chanvre contenant du CBD ont été évalués en ce qui concerne le signalement, l'examen physique, les concentrations plasmatiques de protéine C-réactive, la gestion pharmacologique, l'indice CAD Extent and Severity Index (4ème itération) et le Pruritus Visual Analog Scale. Résultats: Dans l'ensemble, le CBD, utilisé comme supplément en association avec d'autres médicaments, a été bien toléré sur une large gamme de doses et a diminué l'apparition de prurit chez les chiens atteints de CAD lorsqu'il est ingéré deux fois par jour. Conclusion: Cette étude fournit le premier rapport de supplémentation en CBD sans THC efficace pour contrôler le comportement prurigineux chez les chiens atteints de CAD. Pertinence clinique: D'autres études contrôlées sont nécessaires pour étudier la gamme de doses, l'efficacité et l'innocuité.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Molecular characterization of free fatty acid receptors FFAR2 and FFAR3 in the domestic cat.

G protein-coupled receptors 41 and 43 were identified and characterized as free fatty acid receptors (FFAR) 3 and 2, respectively. FFAR2 and FFAR3 mediate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as signalling molecules. The present study aimed to give molecular characterization of FFAR2 and FFAR3 in the domestic cat. High homology with that in other mammals was revealed by cDNA cloning of cat FFAR2 FFAR3. We analyzed the tissue distribution of cat FFAR2 and FFAR3 mRNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The inhibition of intracellular cAMP concentrations was observed in cells transfected with cat FFAR2 or FFAR3 and treated with SCFAs. The activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells-luciferase reporter was only observed in cat FFAR2 transfected cells but not in FFAR3. Split luciferase assay (NanoLuc Binary Technology; NanoBiT) for FFAR2 or FFAR3 and Arrestin-3/ß-arrestin-2 revealed acetate-/propionate-induced recruitment to cat FFAR2 or FFAR3 in CHO-K1 cells. Our results indicate that FFAR2 and FFAR3 are functional receptor proteins that are expressed in cat tissues and show differential distribution patterns.

Effects of Age on Inflammatory Profiles and Nutrition/Energy Metabolism in Domestic Cats.

BACKGROUND: Animals tend to increase in body weight and body condition score (BCS) with aging. Serum diagnostic markers related to energy metabolism may show changes even in healthy cats with aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy domestic cats were recruited for this study. Based upon the modified AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines, animals were divided into six groups: Junior (7 months-2 years), Prime (3 -6 years), Mature (7-10 years), Senior (11-14 years), Geriatric-obese (15 years ≤) and Geriatric-thin (15 years ≤). Their body condition scores (BCS) ranged from 3/9 to 9/9. Changes in metabolites, inflammatory markers, hormone concentrations and enzyme activities related to energy metabolism were investigated in serum of 70 domestic cats of various ages. RESULTS: Serum glucose (GLU) concentrations in the Mature, Senior, and Geriatric-obese groups were significantly higher than those in the Junior group. Serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in the Geriatric-thin group were significantly increased compared with the Junior group. SAA concentrations in the Geriatric-obese group tended to increase although there were no statistically significant differences. In the Mature, Senior, Geriatric-obese and Geriatric-thin groups, malate dehydrogenase/lactate dehydrogenase (M/L) ratio, an energy metabolic indicator, tended to decrease compared with the Junior group. In the Senior group, triglyceride (TG) concentrations were significantly increased compared with the Junior group. In the Geriatric-obese and Geriatric-thin groups, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations were significantly increased compared with the Junior group. In the Geriatric-obese group, albumin (ALB) concentrations were decreased compared with the Junior group. CONCLUSION: Aged domestic cats tend to increase in body weight and BCS. In addition, serum GLU, TG, SAA, and BUN concentrations increased and serum ALB concentrations and M/L ratio decreased. These diagnostic markers may be useful to detect small changes related to energy metabolism with aging that may cause obesity with light inflammation in healthy cats.

Effects of Supplementation with Anti-Inflammatory Compound Extracted from Herbs in Healthy and Obese Cats.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has become a serious public health problem all over the world, and prevalence of obesity has increased in cats. Obesity is characterized by continuous low-grade inflammation based on oxidative stress by excessively produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Supplementation with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds is very effective to relieve the obesity condition. A plant extract mixture containing Rhus verniciflua and some other herbs, Rv-PEM01-99, shows anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Rv-PEM01-99 as an anti-inflammatory compound in healthy and obese cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy mix breed cats and four obesity disease cats were used. The healthy cats were randomly divided into control and test groups. Anti-inflammatory compound, Rv-PEM01-99, in which quercetin derivative is the main component, was supplemented to the healthy test group and the obesity disease cats at the dose of 100-120 mg/kg/day (2.5-3.0 mg/kg/day as quercetin) for 4 weeks. Metabolites, hormones and enzymes were measured before and after the compound supplementation. RESULTS: The anti-inflammatory compound supplementation decreased serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations as inflammatory markers in both healthy and obesity disease cats. In obesity disease cats, plasma total cholesterol concentrations and AST and ALT activities decreased significantly after the compound supplementation. CONCLUSION: Quercetin derivative seems to have strong anti-inflammatory activities. In the healthy cats, anti-inflammatory compound supplementation decreased plasma NEFA and SAA concentrations. In the obesity disease cats, the compound supplementation may have alleviated obesity disease by relieving inflammation and improvement of lipid metabolism in livers.

Diagnostic Criteria for Obesity Disease in Cats.

Accumulated visceral and subcutaneous fat masses were measured with computed tomography (CT) in cats with various body condition scores (BCS) from 5/9 to 9/9. BCS does not always reflect visceral fat accumulation which induces pro-inflammatory reactions. Obese cats with accumulated visceral fat showed low plasma adiponectin and high serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations, an inflammatory marker. Based on the above results, new diagnostic criteria for obesity disease were established as follows. For overweight cats with high BCS of >7/9, showing two or more of the following three symptoms, low adiponectin concentrations, hyperlipidemia, and high SAA concentrations, categorizes them as having obesity disease. Cats with BCS 6/9-9/9, without inflammatory reactions, were classified as simple obesity, which is similar to metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) defined in human medicine. Simple obesity group showed significantly higher adiponectin concentrations than those in control group. The obesity disease group showed significantly higher plasma triglyceride (TG) and SAA concentrations and lower concentrations of adiponectin than the control group. Moreover, plasma glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the obesity disease group were higher than those in healthy control group, although the differences were not statistically significant. Establishing criteria for obesity disease based on visceral fat accumulation and inflammation markers levels contributes to early and correct diagnosis of obesity in cats.

Rhus verniciflua leaf extract suppresses obesity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a serious health problem in the world. We thought that the activity and safety of natural plants and/or foods are very important in the management of therapy for obesity. Rhus verniciflua (R. verniciflua) is also known as lacquer tree in Japan and Korea, and it is consumed as food ingredients and/or traditional herbal medicine. We prepared an extract from R. verniciflua leaves (Rv-PEM01-99) to develop a new functional food material and/or nutritional supplements. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the anti-obesity effects of the Rv-PEM01-99 in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. DESIGN: Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: group I (HFD group), group II (HFD + 1% Rv-PEM01-99 group), and group III (HFD + 2% Rv-PEM01-99 group). Throughout the 56-day treatment period, body weights of these mice were checked twice a week. After 56 days, blood biochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: In animal studies, no death or abnormalities in food consumption were observed between groups I, II, and III. Body weight gain in the groups administered Rv-PEM01-99 was less than that in group I. In particular, body weight gain in group III was significantly less than that in group I after 52 days of Rv-PEM01-99 administration. In addition, intra-abdominal fat and leptin levels in group III were significantly lower than those in group I. HPLC and LC/MS analysis showed a quercetin derivative as an active compound in Rv-PEM01-99. CONCLUSION: Rv-PEM01-99, containing a quercetin derivative, showed anti-obesity effect in HFD-fed mice. It could therefore be useful as food material and/or nutritional supplement for management of obesity.

Evaluation of blood adiponectin levels as an index for subacute ruminal acidosis in cows: a preliminary study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate blood levels of various hormones and compounds related to energy metabolism in cows with subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). We investigated 11 lactating cows presumed to have SARA based on duration of ruminal pH <5.6 and reticulum pH <6.3 in 2015-2016. Kraft pulp (KP) was used to supplement feed of 7 of the cows studied in an effort to reduce SARA. We continuously monitored ruminal pH and measured blood concentrations of hormones and metabolites related to energy metabolism. Blood measurements included glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), free fatty acid (FFA), insulin, adiponectin (ADN), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Additionally, we analyzed milk data (milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, milk urea nitrogen, and protein fat ratio) and reproduction data. The results demonstrated that ADN levels at 4 weeks post-parturition correlated with the total amount of time that the ruminal or reticulum fluid pH was under the threshold during 1 week post-parturition, as well as the numbers of days the cows were diagnosed with SARA (SARA-positive days) up to 30 days post-parturition. SARA-positive days in 2016 were higher than those in 2015. In both years, numbers of SARA-positive days for cows supplemented with KP were lower than those for cows without KP. Increased ADN levels may be a compensatory reaction to frequent SARA which modulates the inflammatory response against high LPS levels and improves insulin resistance caused by LPS. ADN may serve as an estimative index for SARA.

Molecular identification, characterization, and structure analysis of house musk shrew (Suncus murinus) leptin.

OBJECTIVE: House musk shrew (Suncus murinus), a small experimental animal with low body fat, may be a possible model for human lipodystrophy. Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone thought to have an important role in the pathophysiology of lipodystrophy. The objectives of this study were to clarify the structure and distribution of suncus leptin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine the primary structure of suncus leptin, we cloned the suncus Lep cDNA using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends method. The obtained amino acid (aa) sequence was compared with other mammals and the protein structure prediction was performed. RESULTS: The suncus Lep cDNA encodes 170 aa. The putative suncus leptin precursor has a predicted signal peptide of 21 aa, and the mature leptin comprises 149 aa. The mature leptin is 75%-82% homologous to that of other species. Insertion of the three aa, VPQ, not seen in other mammals was found. This VPQ insertion is thought to be due to a nucleotide insertion of nine bases by slippage-like microindels. The predicted 3D structure of suncus leptin exhibited a typical four a-helix structure, however, the VPQ region protruded compared with human leptin. Lep mRNA expression was observed only in white and brown adipose tissues. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the structure and distribution of suncus leptin. Because the addition of VPQ, which is not found in other mammals, was observed, suncus leptin attracts attention to its physiological action, and to the possibility of being a model of human lipodystrophy.

Effects of astaxanthin supplementation in healthy and obese dogs.

BACKGROUND: Since astaxanthin (ASX) has potent anti-oxidative effects with inhibitory action of lipid peroxidation and singlet oxygen quenching activity, it is widely used as a functional food for keeping good health in human. Obesity is a risk factor for various metabolic disorders. It is characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation based on oxidative stress by excessively produced ROS. From the point of preventive medicine, natural compounds have been proposed as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention of metabolic disorder in companion animals. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of ASX supplementation in healthy and obese dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy beagle dogs and 5 clinically obese dogs were used in this study. The healthy beagle dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups as follows: control and test groups. The test group dogs received ASX supplementation mixed with the food for 6 weeks. Five clinically obese dogs received ASX supplementation for 8 weeks. Metabolites, hormones and enzymes were measured before and after ASX supplementation. RESULTS: In the healthy dog groups, after 6 weeks, plasma triglyceride (TG) and malondialdehyde concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values significantly decreased in the test group. There was no significant difference in the control group. In clinically obese dogs, plasma TG concentration decreased after 8 weeks of ASX supplementation. Plasma alanine aminotransferase and LDH values clearly decreased in all 5 dogs and 4 dogs out of 5 dogs, respectively. CONCLUSION: ASX supplementation (0.3 mg/kg body weight/day) for 6 weeks in healthy dogs and 8 weeks in obese dogs induced the elevation of antioxidant function and of liver function by ameliorating lipid metabolism.

Changes in Plasma Metabolites Concentrations in Obese Dogs Supplemented With Anti-oxidant Compound.

The aim of this study is to discuss the effect of anti-oxidant supplement (Rv-PEM01-99, Kibun Foods, Inc., Tokyo, Japan) on changes in energy metabolism in obese dogs. 200 mg/kg/day of Rv-PEM01-99 (equivalent to 5 mg kg/day of quercetin derivative) were applied for 6 weeks to the Beagle dogs fed high fat diet (HFD) or control diet (CD). In the present study, body weight (BW) decreasing effect of Rv-PEM 01-99 in obese dogs was not clear. However, plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities at the end of experiment were significantly decreased compared to those at the start of experiment in obese dogs supplemented with Rv-PEM 01-99 (paired-t test, p < 0.05). In control dogs supplemented with Rv-PEM 01-99, Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and triglycerides (TG) levels and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were significantly decreased compared to those at the start of experiment (paired-t test, p < 0.05). From these findings, Rv-PEM 01-99 seems to be not harmful for dogs. Anti-lipid peroxide effect and liver function improvement are expected in the dogs supplemented with Rv-PEM 01-99.

Molecular characterization of feline melanocortin 4 receptor and melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2.

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), which is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, mediates regulation of energy homeostasis upon the binding of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in the central nervous system (CNS). Melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) modulates the function of MC4R. We performed cDNA cloning of cat MC4R and MRAP2 and characterized their amino acid sequences, mRNA expression patterns in cat tissues, protein-protein interactions, and functions. We found high sequence homology (>88%) with other mammalian MC4R and MRAP2 encoding 332 and 206 amino acid residues, respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that cat MC4R and MRAP2 mRNA were expressed highly in the CNS. In CHO-K1 cells transfected with cat MC4R, stimulation with α-MSH increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the presence of MRAP2 enhanced the cat MC4R-mediated cAMP production. These results suggested that cat MC4R acts as a neuronal mediator in the CNS and that its function is modulated by MRAP2. In addition, our NanoBiT study showed the dynamics of their interactions in living cells; stimulation with α-MSH slightly affected the interaction between MC4R and MRAP2, and did not affect MC4R homodimerization, suggesting that they interact in the basal state and that structural change of MC4R by activation may affect the interaction between MC4R and MRAP2.

Comparison of Visceral Fat Accumulation and Metabolome Markers among Cats of Varying BCS and Novel Classification of Feline Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome.

As in humans, obesity and its associated diseases represent the most significant threat to the health of veterinary populations. Previous human studies have provided insights into the risk factors of obesity, complex pathogenesis of obesity-associated diseases, and their life-threatening consequences. In humans, the "metabolic syndrome" represents a cluster of metabolic risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors for metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and its complications increase health-care utilization and medical expenses. Early diagnosis and intervention through preemptive approach is in need, and the new International Diabetes Federation definition of MS serves as the universally accepted diagnostic tool that is accessible in clinical settings. In veterinary populations, especially in cats, similar pathophysiological path and disease progression to the development of MS, such as adipokine dysregulations, chronic inflammation, lipotoxicity, are expected. The aim of this manuscript is twofold. First of all, it presents our preliminary feline obesity study that serves as the basis for discussion of obesity and its metabolic impact on feline population. In this study, we observed the effects of weight gain on energy metabolism using metabolome markers, such as adiponectin (ADN) and proinflammatory cytokines, in correlation with other common biochemical parameters in 14 clinically healthy cats of varying weight status. Further, we evaluated the visceral fat accumulation in three subjects of varying Body Condition Scores via computed tomography imaging and laparoscopic examination, and assessed the adipocyte type and size histologically. Mutually antagonizing changes in ADN and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reflected the pathophysiological derangements leading to MS earlier than the common biochemical predictors such as glucose, liver values, and lipid markers. Second, it proposes the novel diagnostic and classification method of feline obesity and MS, based on the established diagnostic criteria of human MS and the presented study results. The results supported our novel "classification of feline obesity" and "Feline MS diagnostic criteria," suggesting the need to complement ADN measurement with VAT volume to better understand the pathogenesis of metabolic disturbances in the feline population.

Impact of feline AIM on the susceptibility of cats to renal disease.

Renal failure is one of the most important social problems for its incurability and high costs for patients' health care. Through clarification of the underlying mechanism for the high susceptibility of cats to renal disease, we here demonstrates that the effective dissociation of serum AIM protein from IgM is necessary for the recovery from acute kidney injury (AKI). In cats, the AIM-IgM binding affinity is 1000-fold higher than that in mice, which is caused by the unique positively-charged amino-acid cluster present in feline AIM. Hence, feline AIM does not dissociate from IgM during AKI, abolishing its translocation into urine. This results in inefficient clearance of lumen-obstructing necrotic cell debris at proximal tubules, thereby impairing AKI recovery. Accordingly, mice whose AIM is replaced by feline AIM exhibit higher mortality by AKI than in wild-type mice. Recombinant AIM administration into the mice improves their renal function and survival. As insufficient recovery from AKI predisposes patients to chronic, end-stage renal disease, feline AIM may be involved crucially in the high mortality of cats due to renal disease. Our findings could be the basis of the development of novel AKI therapies targeting AIM-IgM dissociation, and may support renal function in cats and prolong their lives.

Correction: Analysis of Plasma Protein Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Cattle within the Ex-Evacuation Zone of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Accident.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155069.].

Effectiveness of feline body mass index (fBMI) as new diagnostic tool for obesity.

Feline body mass index (fBMI), BW/PCL, length from top of patella to end of calcaneus, was developed as a new diagnostic tool for obesity in cats. To evaluate the effectiveness of fBMI for obese cats in short-term, 6 cats were induced weight gain by over-feeding with high fat diet and then they were induced weight reduction by restrict-feeding with low fat diet to measure changes in fBMI and plasma metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities. BCS 3 is correlated with fBMI 24.6-32.0, BCS 4 is correlated with fBMI 33.1-37.1 and BCS 5 is correlated with fBMI 29.9-40.3, respectively. On the correlation coefficient analysis by Pearson's method (P < 0.05), positive correlations (r = 0.403) were seen between the fBMI and plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. From these findings, fBMI seems to be more sensitive and useful indicator for obesity diagnosis in cats.

The cell wall component lipoteichoic acid of Staphylococcus aureus induces chemokine gene expression in bovine mammary epithelial cells.

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a major cause of bovine mastitis, but its pathogenic mechanism remains poorly understood. To evaluate the role of lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in the immune or inflammatory response of SA mastitis, we investigated the gene expression profile in bovine mammary epithelial cells stimulated with LTA alone or with formalin-killed SA (FKSA) using cap analysis of gene expression. Seven common differentially expressed genes related to immune or inflammatory mediators were up-regulated under both LTA and FKSA stimulations. Three of these genes encode chemokines (IL-8, CXCL6 and CCL2) functioning as chemoattractant molecules for neutrophils and macrophages. These results suggest that the initial inflammatory response of SA infection in mammary gland may be related with LTA induced chemokine genes.

Analysis of Plasma Protein Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Cattle within the Ex-Evacuation Zone of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Accident.

The effect of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident on humans and the environment is a global concern. We performed biochemical analyses of plasma from 49 Japanese Black cattle that were euthanized in the ex-evacuation zone set within a 20-km radius of FNPP. Among radionuclides attributable to the FNPP accident, germanium gamma-ray spectrometry detected photopeaks only from 134Cs and 137Cs (radiocesium) commonly in the organs and in soil examined. Radioactivity concentration of radiocesium was the highest in skeletal muscles. Assuming that the animal body was composed of only skeletal muscles, the median of internal dose rate from radiocesium was 12.5 µGy/day (ranging from 1.6 to 33.9 µGy/day). The median of external dose rate calculating from the place the cattle were caught was 18.8 µGy/day (6.0-133.4 µGy/day). The median of internal and external (total) dose rate of the individual cattle was 26.9 µGy/day (9.1-155.1 µGy/day). Plasma levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity were positively and glutathione peroxidase activity was negatively correlated with internal dose rate. Plasma alanine transaminase activity and percent activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-2, LDH-3 and LDH-4 were positively and LDH-1 was negatively correlated with both internal and total dose rate. These suggest that chronic exposure to low-dose rate of ionizing radiation induces slight stress resulting in modified plasma protein and enzyme levels.

Effect of Acarbose, Sitagliptin and combination therapy on blood glucose, insulin, and incretin hormone concentrations in experimentally induced postprandial hyperglycemia of healthy cats.

Acarbose (AC) and Sitagliptin (STGP) are oral hypoglycemic agents currently used either alone or in conjunction with human diabetic (Type 2) patients. AC has been used with diabetic cats, but not STGP thus far. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the potential use of AC or STGP alone and in combination for diabetic cats, by observing their effect on short-term post-prandial serum glucose, insulin, and incretin hormone (active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and total glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)) concentrations in five healthy cats, following ingestion of a meal with maltose. All treatments tended (p<0.10; 5-7.5% reduction) to reduce postprandial glucose area under the curve (AUC), with an accompanying significant reduction (p<0.05, 35-45%) in postprandial insulin AUC as compared to no treatment. Meanwhile, a significant increase (p<0.05) in postprandial active GLP-1 AUC was observed with STGP (100% higher) and combined treatment (130% greater), as compared to either AC or no treatment. Lastly, a significant reduction (p<0.05) in postprandial total GIP AUC was observed with STGP (21% reduction) and combined treatment (7% reduction) as compared to control. Overall, AC, STGP, or combined treatment can significantly induce positive post-prandial changes to insulin and incretin hormone levels of healthy cats. Increasing active GLP-1 and reducing postprandial hyperglycemia appear to be the principal mechanisms of combined treatment. Considering the different, but complementary mechanisms of action by which AC and STGP induce lower glucose and insulin levels, combination therapy with both these agents offers great potential for treating diabetic cats in the future.

Genetic and Phenotypic analyses of Calcineurin A subunit in Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii.

Calcineurin is a serine/threonine protein phosphatase that consists of catalytic (calcineurin A) and regulatory (calcineurin B) subunits. The conserved protein plays important roles in various biological processes. Drug combination of fluconazole and the calcineurin inhibitor (FK506) showed synergistic effects against dermatophytes. In the current study, we identified the calcineurin A homologous gene (TmcanA) in the dermatophyte Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii (anamorph: Trichophyton mentagrophytes). Knockdown mutants were produced from A. vanbreuseghemii, resulting in a defection in growth properties in accordance with dose of the suppressing reagent. The TmcanA gene restored the ability of calcineurin A-deficient Cryptococcus neoformans strain to grow at elevated temperatures. Repression of TmcanA at 37°C resulted in severely stunted growth, suggesting that this protein plays a role in tolerance to elevated temperatures. In addition, TMCANA showed an interaction with high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) signalling pathway by governing the secretion of a secondary metabolite. Moreover, expression of the hydrophobin A gene (TmHF) decreased significantly under the TmcanA-repressive condition, suggesting that TMCANA is involved in its regulation. In conclusion, calcineurin A is a multifunctional gene that is involved in the regulation of several biological processes and therefore is worth being considered as a drug target for treatment of dermatophytoses.