The Influence of Various Hydration Strategies (Isotonic, Water, and No Hydration) on Hematological Indices, Plasma Volume, and Lactate Concentration in Young Men during Prolonged Cycling in Elevated Ambient Temperatures

Nettle (Urtica dioica) supplementation: impact on growth, hematology, immune response, and resilience to Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings

The significance of plant-derived products in aquaculture lies in their potential to offer sustainable alternatives, promoting eco-friendly practices. This study investigated the impact of nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves powder on the growth efficiency, hemato-biochemical variables and non-specific immune system of rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. To achieve this objective, sample average weight (5.23 ± 0.34 g) were categorized into four groups, namely control, T1, T2 and T3 in triplicate and administered diets fortified with nettle in amounts of 0, 1, 3 and 5% respectively for a duration of 60 days. After 60 days of fortified diet, the fish underwent intraperitoneal injection with bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila), and subsequent relative percentage survival (RPS) was observed. The growth performance, including "weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER)", were notably higher in the T3 group (5%) than in others. The hematological values of White blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin revealed higher levels with a fortified diet. The dietary supplementation of nettle reduced serum cholesterol and glucose concentration, whereas it increased albumin, globulin, and total protein in the fish blood. Enhancements in lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity were observed in the intervention groups with feed containing nettle supplementation. The nettle diet at a 5% concentration demonstrated a higher RPS than the others following injection with A. hydrophila. The findings indicate the potential of nettle as a valuable nutritional supplement for increasing fish immunological reaction and bolstering pathogen resistance.

Pre-exercise supplementation with curcuma xanthorrhiza roxb has minimal impact on red blood cell parameters but reduces oxidative stress: a preliminary study in rats

PURPOSE

This study examined the effects of longterm pre-exercise Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb supplementation on red blood cell indices along with circulating malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in response to endurance exercise to address previously inconsistent findings.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus; n = 20, aged 12-16 weeks) were divided equally into an exercise-only group (C) and three groups supplemented with Curcuma extract at dosages of 6.75 (T1), 13.50 (T2), and 20.25 mg (T3). Curcuma extract supplementation was administered for 28 d immediately prior to exercise.

RESULTS

Following 28 d of exhaustive swimming, the hematocrit and erythrocyte count increased by 15% (p = 0.06). Pre-exercise Curcuma supplementation did not significantly affect mean corpuscular volume or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Longterm exercise intervention resulted in elevated MDA levels by 41% (p <0.001), while Curcuma supplementation (13.50 mg) attenuated this increase by 16.6% (p = 0.09). Additionally, Curcuma supplementation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in SOD levels, with an 82.6% increase observed at 20.25 mg (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary findings indicated that pre-exercise supplementation with Curcuma extract had a negligible effect on changes in red blood cell markers, but it mitigated the increase in oxidative stress induced by exercise training. Our future research direction will involve applying the findings to humans.

Frataxin analysis using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry: application to a large heterogeneous clinical cohort

BACKGROUND

Friedreich ataxia is a progressive multisystem disorder caused by deficiency of the protein frataxin; a small mitochondrial protein involved in iron sulfur cluster synthesis. Two types of frataxin exist: FXN-M, found in most cells, and FXN-E, found almost exclusively in red blood cells. Treatments in clinical trials include frataxin restoration by gene therapy, protein replacement, and epigenetic therapies, all of which necessitate sensitive assays for assessing frataxin levels.

METHODS

In the present study, we have used a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry-based assay to examine the features of both types of frataxin levels in blood in a large heterogenous cohort of 106 patients with FRDA.

RESULTS

Frataxin levels (FXN-E and FXN M) were predicted by GAA repeat length in regression models (R2 values = 0.51 and 0.27, respectively), and conversely frataxin levels predicted clinical status as determined by modified Friedreich Ataxia Rating scale scores and by disability status (R2 values = 0.13-0.16). There was no significant change in frataxin levels in individual subjects over time, and apart from start codon mutations, FXN-E and FXN-M levels were roughly equal. Accounting for hemoglobin levels in a smaller sub-cohort improved prediction of both FXN-E and FXN-M levels from R2 values of (0.3-0.38 to 0.20-0.51).

CONCLUSION

The present data show that assay of FXN-M and FXN-E levels in blood provides an appropriate biofluid for assessing their repletion in particular clinical contexts.