Consequences of different growth rates in broiler breeder and layer hens on embryogenesis, metabolism and metabolic rate: A review.

Intensive genetic selection of broiler breeders and layer hens for economically important production traits, which has been carried out for almost a century, resulted in considerable differences in the mechanisms of growth and development and, thus, in avian metabolism, both during embryogenesis and after hatching. Selection for meat production (broiler breeders) and eggs (layer hens) led to increased productivity but also brought about metabolic disorders. That intensive genetic selection of broiler breeders and layer hens is effective is seen, for example, in the differences in growth and development, metabolism of the yolk sac, hormones and lipids, gas exchange, and thermogenesis. Due to genetic proximity and different developmental mechanisms in broiler breeders and layer hens, avian embryos and chicks serve as excellent models for fundamental scientific research. This review paper discusses the consequences of different growth rates as a result of long-term genetic selection on embryonic development and metabolic rate of broilers and layers. The evidence presented herein indicates that it would be worth comparing these issues in a meta-analysis.

Central activity of new xanthone derivatives with chiral center in some pharmacological tests in mice.

The study was designed to investigate some central effects of chiral xanthone derivatives [(R,S)-2-N-(6-chloro-2-xanthonemethyl)-amino-1-propanol - MH-31, R enantiomer - MH-32 and S enantiomer - MH-33] in mice. The effects of these chiral compounds were examined in picrotoxin-induced seizures, spontaneous locomotor activity and chimney tests. The tested compounds demonstrated variable influence on the central nervous system in mice. The compound MH-32 exhibits anticonvulsant activity in picrotoxin-induced seizures, whereas MH-31 and its R enantiomer--compound MH-32 demonstrated antidepressant-like activity in the forced swimming test. Moreover, all tested xanthones reduced the locomotor activity in mice. The obtained results indicate the importance to examine pharmacologically enantiomers rather than only racemic mixtures of newly synthesized compounds.

Effects of a carane derivative local anesthetic on a phospholipid bilayer studied by molecular dynamics simulation.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of two hydrated palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) bilayers each containing eight carane derivative (KP-23) local anesthetic (LA) molecules in neutral (POPC-LA) or protonated (POPC-LAH) forms were carried out to investigate the effect of KP-23 and its protonation on the bilayer. 3-ns trajectories were used for analyses. A pure POPC bilayer was employed as a reference system. In both POPC-LA and POPC-LAH systems a few KP-23 molecules intercalated into the bilayer and moved near the bilayer/water interface. They were located on the hydrophobic core side of the interface in the POPC-LA bilayer, but on the water phase side in the POPC-LAH bilayer. The order of the POPC chains was higher in the POPC-LA bilayer than in the pure POPC bilayer and was lower in the POPC-LAH bilayer. Interactions between polar groups of KP-23 and POPC or water were responsible for a lower hydration of POPC headgroups in POPC bilayers containing KP-23 than in the pure POPC bilayer. KP-23 molecules were found to form aggregates both in POPC-LA and POPC-LAH bilayers. Due to higher amphiphilicity of LAH, the LAH aggregate was more micelle-like and larger than the LA one. The results demonstrate the rapid timescales of the initial processes that take place at and near the bilayer interface as well as details of the atomic level interactions between local anesthetic and the lipid matrix of a cell membrane.

Antianaphylactic and antiasthmatic properties of new piperazinyl 7-(beta-hydroxypropyl)-theophylline derivatives in guinea pigs.

The present studies have demonstrated that new piperazinyl 7-(beta-hydroxypropyl)-theophylline derivatives (R3, R6, R7) possess antihistamine, antianaphylactic and antiasthmatic properties. The compound R6 exerted especially pronounced selective protective action in experimental histamine asthma and provided effective prevention against anaphylactic shock in guinea pigs. The evidence was also presented that compound R6 inhibited in vitro mast cell degranulation induced by the preparation 48/80 liberating endogenous histamine. It was shown that the compound R6, i.e. 7-beta-hydroxy-gamma-[N1-(N4-benzyl)-piperazinyl)-theophylline efficiently competed with histamine of both endo- and exogenous origin and inhibited the mediator release from the mast cells.

Association od the DdeI growth hormone gene polymorphism with some performance traits in Polish Large White and Czech Large White x Polish Large White pigs.

The genotypes of growth hormone gene polymorphisms (GH-DdeI, GH-MspI, GH-HaeII, GH-ApaI, GH-CfoI) were determined in 78 pigs [Czech Large White sires (CLWsire line) x Polish Large White (PLW) sows, Polish Large White sires x Polish Large White sows], by the PCR-RFLP method. Preliminary studies found only GH DdeI polymorphism to be associated with performance traits. The associations of this polymorphism with growth and carcass traits were investigated. The linear model included the effects of candidate genes, genetic groups, sex and linear covariables of age at slaughter and body weight at weaning. The DdeI polymorphism of the GH gene showed associations with carcass length (P

Comparative investigations of hydroxyamine carane derivative and its R,S-diastereoisomers with strong local anesthetic activity.

Our previously conducted pharmacological screening led as to the discovery of the strong local anesthetic activity of the compound designated as KP-23. Earlier crystallographic studies revealed that the compound KP-23 crystallized in diastereoisomeric form in lowest symmetry. The aim of these comparative investigations was to evaluate anesthetic activity of KP-23 and its R,S-diastereoisomers, which were synthesized at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Wroclaw University of Technology.

[The effect of cocarboxylase treatment on erythrocyte transketolase and blood thiamine in patients with end stage renal disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis]. / Wplyw leczenia kokarboksylaza na aktywnosc transketolazy w erytrocytach i stezenie tiaminy we krwi u chorych ze schylkowa niewydolnoscia nerek, leczonych powtarzana hemodializa.

The depressed ETKA in ESRD patients is supposed to be caused and/or aggravated by several factors among which the diminished content of thiamine in blood and/or disturbances of thiamine utilization seem to play the major role. This role stems from the fact that thiamine acts as the cofactor of transketolase. In order to check the therapeutic significance of this relationship we introduced the thiamine pyrophosphoric acid ester chloride (Cocarboxylasum-CC) administration in 25 patients (mHD + CC). Immediately after each HD performance CC was given i.v. during 12 weeks in a doses of 5 mg/kg b.w., 3 times a week. The blood for ETKA value, free and total thiamine in plasma and erythrocytes, as well as, the total protein and albumins/globulins index investigation was drawn before, after 6 and 12 weeks of CC administration, and 3 months after cessation of this therapy. In 10 patients, on maintenance HD nontreated by CC (mHD), the blood was drawn at the same time intervals. Normal values we obtained from 15 healthy volunteers. For ETKA evaluation photocolorimetric method was used, thiamine content in blood was estimated by fluorimetric method. At the beginning of the study the mean value of ETKA, in two examined groups, was found statistically decreased (p < 0.01) when compared with normals. Mean values of thiamine in plasma and erythrocytes were lower but did not differ significantly from those in normals. After 6 weeks of CC administration ETKA value increased, but only after 12 weeks it increased significantly (p < 0.01), reaching normal value. On the other hand, striking increase in plasma thiamine and erythrocyte thiamine levels was observed after 6 weeks of CC administration already (p < 0.01). Three months after cessation of CC administration significant decrease in ETKA value and thiamine level in blood was observed (p < 0.01). ETKA returned to lower value than in normals even in the presence of still high thiamine levels in blood. In mHD patients nontreated by CC the ETKA value and thiamine levels in blood did not change significantly during all periods of study. The nutritional status assessed by total protein and albumins/globulins index did not change in both groups through the study. We conclude, the administration of high doses of CC to ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis HD was successful in terms of increasing ETKA value and thiamine levels in blood without any side effects. Thus, supplementation with large doses of CC deserves further study because it promises to be another adjunct in the treatment of potential thiamine deficiency and metabolic disturbances in the course of dialysotherapy.

Local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic effect of some imidazolidin-2-one derivatives.

A series of the new derivatives of imidazolidin-2-one was investigated in order to determine their local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic activity. All compounds tested showed strong local anesthetic properties and variable effects on adrenaline-, aconitine- and barium chloride- induced arrhythmia. The results suggest that the antiarrhythmic properties of these compounds is related to their local anesthetic properties.

Effect of monoterpene derivative KP-19 on the pressor activity of catecholamines in rats.

The present study investigated the influence of KP-19, the propranolol analogue, bearing natural monoterpene moiety in its structure, on the blood pressure and respiration, the effect on the isolated heart rhythm disturbances induced by occlusion and reperfusion and on the pressor activity of catecholamines in normotensive rats.

Influence of new monoterpene homologues of GABA on the central nervous system activity in mice.

This behavioral study in mice showed that the monoterpene homologues of GABA (SL-1, SL-2 and SL-3), characterized by low toxicity, induced an increase in spontaneous locomotor activity (SL-2 and SL-3). Moreover, SL-3 shortened hexobarbital-induced sleeping time, and SL-1 showed anticonvulsant activity in pentetrazole-induced seizures.

[The efficacy of the substitution of carnivit in patients with chronic failure treated with hemodialysis]. / Ocena skutecznosci substytucyjnego stosowania preparatu Carnivit u chorych na przewlekla niewydolnosc nerek leczonych hemodializa.

Low serum concentration of the carnitine is one of the causes of muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy in patients with chronic renal failure treated by hemodialysis. The carnitine facilitate transport of the free fatty acid into the straitened muscle cells where the product of oxidation is energy-ATP. In the present paper we presented the investigation of the influence of L-carnitine substitution on cardiac performance. The results indicate the positive influence of this treatment on metabolic and haemodynamic cardiac parameters. The subjective patients opinion of L-carnitine treatment was also positive.

[Levels of L-carnitine in serum of patients with chronic renal failure treated by hemodialysis (HD)]. / Stezenie L-karnityny w surowicy chorych na przewlekla niewydolnosc nerek (PNN) niedializowanych i leczonych hemodializa (HD).

Low serum levels of the carnitine in chronic uremic patients treated by hemodialysis is one of the causes of muscle weakness. In 50 patients with chronic renal failure treated by HD and in 13 nondialyzed patients EMG and measurement of nerve conduction velocity were performed. In 25 of 50 patients treated with HD and in 13 non-dialyzed patients serum concentration of free and total carnitine were measured. In HD patients serum level of carnitine was significantly lower as compared to the control group of healthy subjects and to the nondialyzed patients. In all patients the EMG investigations showed the traits of the neurogenic atrophy of the muscles. The correlation between the amplitude of muscle potentials and serum levels of carnitine suggests that the depletion of carnitine may play a role in severity uremic myopathy.

Propranolol analog with the natural monoterpene structure as a potent antiarrhythmic drug.

Antiarrhythmic effects and intracellular electrophysiological properties of a new antiarrhythmic compound (-)trans-4-[2-hydroxy-3(N-isopropylamino)-propoxyimino]-cis-car ane (9) were studied in several models of arrhythmia and in isolated guinea-pig myocardial preparations. Compound 9 prevented the aconitine-induced arrhythmia, reversed the ouabin-induced arrhythmia depressed the maximum rate depolarization (Vmax), and shortened the action potential duration (ADP) and the effective refractory period (ERP). The data indicate that compound 9 is an effective antiarrhythmic presumably with a class 1 B mechanism of action.

QT dispersion magnitude is related to the respiratory phase in healthy subjects.

Twelve-lead electrocardiograms in 20 healthy volunteers during quiet respiration, maximum inspiration, and maximum expiration were recorded. QT dispersion was statistically significantly shorter both at maximum inspiration and maximum expiration than during quiet breathing.

[Hepatoprotective effect of flower pollen lipid extract in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice]. / Hepatoprotekcyjne dzialanie lipidowego ekstraktu pylku kwiatowego w toksycznym uszkodzeniu watroby paracetamolem u myszy.

Hepatoprotective effects of the lipid flower pollen extract (LEPK) in paracetamol intoxication in mice were shown. Normalisation of A1AT and LDH--biochemical indicators of necrotic changes in the hepatic cells, and high protection ultrastructural cell organelle such as mitochondrion substantially testifies to the hepatoprotective effect of investigated lipid flower pollen extract on the hepatic cells.

[Fattening and slaughter values of pigs in relation to their genotype and to the protein source in their feed rations]. / Mast-und Schlachtleistung von Schweinen in Abhängigkeit vom Genotyp und von der Proteinquelle in Futterrationen.

The studies were carried out on F1 progeny of multiparous Polish Large White sows and boars of Belgian Landrace, Hampshire x Pietrain hybrid, and Pietrain breed. The control group consisted of purebred Polish Large White pigs. The experimental part of the studies was performed on 120 fatteners divided up to 4 race groups, with 30 heads in each (namely 15 barrows and 15 gilts). Moreover, each group was divided into two following subgroups: the SoS one, which was given feed mixture with extracted soybean meal and the RpS one, which was given feed mixture with extracted rapeseed meal. The fattening started with 23 kg of body weight and was realized up to 100 kg. Twenty fatteners from each group (including 5 barrows and 5 gilts from a subgroup) were subjected to the control slaughter. The fatteners average daily body weight gains, and energy and digestible crude protein conversion per 1 kg of gain were as follows: after Belgain Landrace boars 788 g, 32.3 MJ and 358 g; after Hampshire x Pietrain boars 766 g, 33.6 MJ and 373 g; after Pietrain boars 720 g, 34.4 MJ and 382 g; after control group boars 705 g, 36.3 MJ and 403 g, respectively. It was found that hybrids after boars of evaluated breeds have positively (P < or = 0,01) better carcass meatness, and in a better way use digestible protein and metabolizable energy for production of 1 kg of meat. On that reason the best are hybrids after Belgian Landrace boars, carcasses of which yielded 52.4% of meat and converted 27% less of digestible crude protein and metabolizable energy for 1 kg meat production, than the White Large Polish fatteners. For no examined feature interaction between genotype and protein source in feeding diet was found. The growth rate and utilization of fodder were better for pigs fed on mixture with extracted soybean meal than for the ones fed on mixture with extracted rapeseed meal (P < or = 0.05). The fodders with high protein content did not differentiate meatness traits, whereas digestible crude protein and metabolizable energy conversion for 1 kg meat production in pigs, being given extracted soybean meal in diet, was lower (P < or = 0.05) than in pigs given extracted rapeseed meal.

[Uremic polyneuropathy in patients treated conservatively (nondialyzed) or treated with dialysis]. / Polineuropatia mocznicowa u chorych leczonych zachowawczo (niedializowanych) lub leczonych dializami.

Uremic polyneuropathy is a common complication in dialyzed patients (pts). In 37 end stage renal disease (ESRD) pts the electroneurophysiological (ENF) parameters and serum creatinine (Pcr), guanidino compounds (GC) and guanidinosuccinic acid (GSA) levels were studied. There were 21 nondialyzed (ND), 10-hemodialyzed (HD) and 6-intermittently peritoneally dialyzed (IPD) pts. The following ENF parameters on both upper extremities, using method described by Buchtal and Rosenfalck, were performed: sensory nerves (nn.) conduction velocity, amplitude of evoked potential, subjective and objective impulse and motor nerve-conduction velocity. Cr level in serum was measured by enzymatic method, GC-by Rosenberg, Ennor, Morison method, modified by Szczepkowska. GSA isolation was performed by column chromatography. The results indicated disturbances in peripheral nn. function in all studied groups of pts and did not correlate with levels of uremic toxins in serum. However, it does not mean, that sum of the accumulated various toxic metabolites in ESRD pts, does not influence the development of polyneuropathy. The degree of impairment of peripheral nn. conduction in ESRD did not differ significantly between ND and HD or IPD pts. We did not notice, any significant differences in the degree of polyneuropathy in HD or IPD pts.

[The hepatoprotective and hyoplipidemic effect of flower pollen lipid extract in androgenized rats]. / Hepatoprotekcyjne oraz hipolipidemiczne dzialanie lipidowego ekstraktu z pylku kwiatowego u androgenizowanych szczurów.

Hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of the lipid flower pollen extract in subchronically testosterone-androgenized rats were shown. Normalization of AspAT, A1AT and alkaline phosphatase--biochemical indicators of necrotic changes in the hepatic cell--substantially testifies to the hepatoprotective effect of the investigated lipid flower pollen extract on the hepatic cell, and constitutes a premise for further clinical studies.