The Performance and Metabolism of Dairy Cows Receiving an Ultra-Diluted Complex in the Diet during the Transition Period and Early Lactation.

This study evaluated the effects of feeding an ultra-diluted complex to dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty multiparous pregnant dairy cows were blocked and randomly assigned to either a placebo control (CON) group or ultra-diluted complex (UD) group. The CON group received a placebo (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of expanded silicate), while the UD group received the ultra-diluted complex (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of PeriParto Transição-RealH, composed of ultra-diluted substances + vehicle: expanded silicate). Cows were evaluated from 30 days before the expected calving date until 60 days in milk (DIM) for sample and data collection. Post-partum dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the treatment. Cows fed UD had higher DMI relative to BW. Feeding UD increased milk lactose content and decreased milk protein content. Cows fed UD had lower somatic cell counts in the third and fourth week of lactation. Cows fed UD showed a tendency for higher liver health index. Using UD during the transition period and early lactation may benefit liver and udder health of dairy cows with no detrimental effect on milk performance.

ß-Lapachone Increases Survival of Septic Mice by Regulating Inflammatory and Oxidative Response.

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infection characterized by an early hyperinflammatory and oxidative response followed by a subsequent immunosuppression phase. Although there have been some advances in the treatment of sepsis, mortality rates remain high, urging for the search of new therapies. ß-Lapachone (ß-Lap) is a natural compound obtained from Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz ex Griseb. with several pharmacological properties including bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ß-Lap in a mouse sepsis model. To this, we tested two therapeutic protocols in mice submitted to cecal ligation and puncture- (CLP-) induced sepsis. First, we found that in pretreated animals, ß-Lap reduced the systemic inflammatory response and improved bacterial clearance and mouse survival. Moreover, ß-Lap also decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the total antioxidant capacity in the serum and peritoneal cavity of septic animals. In the model of severe sepsis, the posttreatment with ß-Lap was able to increase the survival of animals and maintain the antioxidant defense function. In conclusion, the ß-Lap was able to increase the survival of septic animals by a mechanism involving immunomodulatory and antioxidant protective effects.