Acute Intake of Fructose Increases Arterial Pressure in Humans: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Hypertension is a major cardiac risk factor. Higher blood pressures are becoming more prevalent due to changing dietary habits. Here, we evaluated the impact on blood pressure in human subjects after acutely ingesting fructose using meta-analysis. A total of 89 studies were collected from four different electronic databases from 1 January 2008 to 1 August 2023. Of these studies, 10 were selected that fulfilled all the criteria for this meta-analysis. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and blood glucose level were analyzed using the Cohen's d analysis or standardized mean difference at a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. The SBP, DBP, and MAP showed medium effect size; HR and glucose level displayed small effect size. The standardized mean difference of normal diet groups and fructose diet groups showed a significant increase in SBP (p = 0.04, REM = 2.30), and DBP (p = 0.03, REM = 1.48) with heterogeneity of 57% and 62%, respectively. Acute fructose ingestion contributes to an increase in arterial pressure in humans. The different parameters of arterial pressure in humans correlated with each other. These findings support further rigorous investigation, retrospective of necessity, into the effect of chronic dietary of fructose in humans in order to better understand the impact on long term arterial pressure.

COPA3 peptide supplementation alleviates the heat stress of chicken fibroblasts

Heat stress inhibits cellular proliferation and differentiation through the production of reactive oxygen species. Under stress conditions, antioxidant drugs promote stable cellular function by reducing the stress level. We sought to demonstrate 9-mer disulfide dimer peptide (COPA3) supplementation stabilizes fibroblast proliferation and differentiation even under heat stress conditions. In our study, fibroblasts were assigned to two different groups based on the temperature, like 38°C group presented as Control - and 43°C group presented as Heat Stress-. Each group was subdivided into two groups depending upon COPA3 treatment, like 38°C + COPA3 group symbolized Control+ and the 43°C + COPA3 group symbolized as Heat Stress+. Heat stress was observed to decrease the fibroblast viability and function and resulted in alterations in the fibroblast shape and cytoskeleton structure. In contrast, COPA3 stabilized the fibroblast viability, shape, and function. Moreover, heat stress and COPA3 were found to have opposite actions with respect to energy production, which facilitates the stabilization of cellular functions by increasing the heat tolerance capacity. The gene expression levels of antioxidant and heat shock proteins were higher after heat stress. Additionally, heat stress promotes the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (MAPK/ERK-Nrf2). COPA3 maintained the MAPK/ERK-Nrf2 gene expressions that promote stable fibroblast proliferation, and differentiation as well as suppress apoptosis. These findings suggest that COPA3 supplementation increases the heat tolerance capacity, viability, and functional activity of fibroblasts.

Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Thermal Stress Response: Gallus gallus domesticus Show Low Immune Responses During Heat Stress

Heat stress, which affects broiler growth performance and immunity, is a major concern in the poultry industry. This meta-analysis aimed to demonstrate the significant effect of heat stress on broiler mass gain and immunoglobulin levels, which regulates the mortality rate of broilers. A total of 2,585 studies were downloaded from PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2015, to September 1, 2021. Eventually, 28 studies were selected based on specific criteria. The results for body mass gain, total mass of immune organs (thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius), immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) levels, and mortality rate were analyzed using odds ratio or the random-effects model (REM) at a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Compared to the control, heat stress significantly decreased body mass gain (10 trials: REM = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.50). Compared to that in the control, heat stress significantly increased immunoglobulin levels: IgA (7 trials: REM = 1.69, 95% CI: 0.90, 3.16), IgG (6 trials: REM = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.81), IgM (8 trials: REM = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.44, 1.08), and heat stress also increased the broiler mortality rate (6 trials: REM = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.27). However, there were no significant changes in the immune organs between the control and heat-stressed groups. In conclusion, heat stress remarkably alters the mass gain and immunoglobulin levels of broilers, which may be a cause of the high mortality rate.

Cortisol differentially affects the viability and myogenesis of mono- and co-cultured porcine gluteal muscles satellite cells and fibroblasts

Cortisol is a ubiquitously expressed stress hormone. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous cortisol on porcine gluteal muscles primary cultured satellite cells and fibroblasts. Satellite cells and fibroblasts were mono-or co-cultured, and cells in each type of culture were categorized into the control and cortisol-treated (treatment) groups. We selected 28 μmol mL^-1 cortisol for treatment based on their efficacy. Cortisol treatment reduced viability of monocultured satellite cells and fibroblasts. In both monocultured and co-cultured cells, the nucleus in the treatment group was damaged than that control group. Moreover, the total cell cycle duration was shorter in the treatment group than the control group. PAX-7 expression was upregulated in the control group of co-cultured satellite cells and fibroblasts than those remaining groups. Moreover, MyoD expression was downregulated in the cortisol treated group of both mono-and co-cultured satellite cells compared with that in the control group. In co-cultured fibroblasts, MyoD and MyoG expression was upregulated than those remaining groups. The Cyto-C expression was upregulated in the treatment group compared to the control mono-and co-cultured both cells. These results suggest that the selected experimental dose of cortisol reduced cell viability and myogenesis-related gene expression in the monoculture compared to that in the co-culture of satellite cells and fibroblasts.

Altered relationship between gluconeogenesis and immunity in broilers exposed to heat stress for different durations

This study determined the relationship between inflammation and gluconeogenesis level in broilers in different durations of heat stress. A total of 240 Ross 308 broilers were offered control and heat stress temperature from 21 to 35 d post-hatch, each experimental group had 8 replications, and each replication obtained 15 broilers. The temperature in the control (Ctrl) group and heat stress group were maintained at 24 ± 1°C and 34 ± 1°C, respectively throughout the experimental period. Based on the duration of heat stress, the heat stress group was divided into 2 subgroups, like, 7-d heat stress (28-day-old broiler) designated ST group and 14-d heat stress (35-day-old broiler) designated the LT group. The ad libitum commercial feed and fresh water were provided to all experimental broilers during the experiment. The growth performance of experimental broilers was calculated at 35 d. However, the liver and blood samples were collected from the Ctrl group in 21 d, as well as these samples were collected from the heat stress ST and LT groups in 28-d and 35-d, respectively. Obvious gene expression of immunity, gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and glycogenesis, as well as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphate was determined in the liver sample. The blood glucose concentration and histopathology of the liver was also examined in the different grouped broilers. Body weight, weight gain, and feed intake significantly decreased in the 35-d heat stress group than the Ctrl group. However, the feed conversion ratio increased at the 35-d heat stress group than the Ctrl group. The amount of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was significantly higher in ST and LT groups than Ctrl, whereas the blood glucose level was downregulated in the LT group. The amount of adenosine triphosphate was significantly decreased in the LT group than the Ctrl and ST groups. Heat stress acts as an impediment to the general relation between gluconeogenesis and immunity, as well as changes cellular structure. This experiment contributed to the establishment of a relationship between gluconeogenesis and immunity, which affects the growth performance of broilers during heat stress.

Direct exposure to mild heat stress stimulates cell viability and heat shock protein expression in primary cultured broiler fibroblasts

Fibroblasts produce collagen which is mainly essential for repairing tissue damage and maintaining the structural integrity of tissues. However, studies have given scientific evidence about harmful effect of thermal manipulation in fibroblast. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the mild heat stress temperature which increased broiler fibroblast viability. The experiment was divided into two groups (37 °C and 41 °C), and each group was divided into five subgroups based on different incubation times (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) with three replications. In experimental group (41 °C), fibroblast viability increased significantly in 12 h but decreased in 72 h compared with control (37 °C). At 41 °C, live cell increased significantly in 24 h and then declined in 48 h as well as 72 h than control. Moreover, the S phase lengthened in shorter incubation time of experimental group compared with control. Protein and mRNA (HSP70, HSP60, and HSP47) expressions were significantly higher at 41 °C compared with 37 °C, but at the end of the experiment, HSP expression level was higher in both groups. Finally, this study recommended 41 °C as a mild heat stress temperature for increasing broiler fibroblast viability.

Histopathological Spectrum in Pancreaticoduodenectomy Specimens: Fifteen Year Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in North India

Introduction/Objective

The periampullary region is histologically complex owing to the confluence of three different kinds of epithelia (duodenal, pancreatic, biliary) harbouring four types of cancers. Although anatomical proximity warrants a common surgical approach, overall survival depends largely on the type of surgical indication. Malignant epithelial tumors are the predominant indications, accompanied by a myriad of benign tumors and tumor-like lesions. We reviewed our archival pancreaticoduodenectomies to analyze the spectrum of these lesions.

Methods

All pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens received in Department of Pathology, from 2005–2019 (15 years) were analyzed for histological spectrum.

Results

A total of 786 pancreaticoduodenectomies were received with an overall M:F= 2.3:1 and age range 17–91 years. Of these, 94.4% were neoplastic (742 cases) and 5.6% were non-neoplastic. Benign neoplastic lesions (19 cases, 2.4%) included adenomyoma (7 cases, 0.9%), solid-cystic pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas (5 cases, 0.6%), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (2 cases, 0.3%) and one case each of serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystic neoplasm, dermoid cyst, gangliocytic paraganglioma and Peutz-Jeghers polyp. Ampullary adenocarcinoma was the predominant malignant epithelial lesion (609 cases, 77.5%) followed by distal CBD cancer (43 cases, 5.5%), pancreatic head cancer (20 cases, 2.5%), neuroendocrine tumors (22 cases, 2.8%), carcinoma gallbladder (5 cases, 0.6%) and one case of ampullary adenosquamous carcinoma (0.1%). Non-epithelial tumors included 9 cases of GIST (1.1%), 3 of carcinosarcoma and one case each of leiomyosarcoma and lymphoma. Non-neoplastic lesions (3.2%) included 22 cases of chronic pancreatitis and one case each of xanthogranulomatous pancreatitis, lymphoplasmacytic slcerosing pancreatitis and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. Ectopic pancreas was rare (2 cases, 0.3%) and 16 cases (2%) were negative for any specific pathology.

Conclusion

This is the largest data on histological spectrum of pancreaticoduodenectomies from India. The malignant lesions form the major bulk (94%), however benign lesions also account for a substantial percentage of surgical indications. Among malignant lesions, ampullary cancers outreach far above pancreatic cancers in the Indian subcontinent.

Acute Heat Stress Induces the Differential Expression of Heat Shock Proteins in Different Sections of the Small Intestine of Chickens Based on Exposure Duration

In this study, we examined the protein and gene expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in different sections of the small intestine of chickens. In total, 300 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to the control and treatment groups. The treatment group was divided into four subgroups, according to the duration of acute heat exposure (3, 6, 12, and 24 h). The influence of heat stress on the protein and gene expression of HSP70, HSP60, and HSP47 in different sections of the small intestine of chickens was determined. The protein expression of HSP70 and HSP60 was significantly higher at 6 h in the duodenum and jejunum and 12 h in the ileum. The HSP47 protein expression was significantly higher at 3 h in the duodenum and ileum and at 6 h in the jejunum. The gene expression levels of HSP70, HSP60, and HSP47 were significantly higher at the 3 h treatment group than the control group in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The glutamate pyruvate transaminase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase levels were significantly higher at 12 and 24 h in the serum of the blood. Acute heat stress affected the expression of intestinal proteins and genes in chickens, until the induction of heat tolerance.

Modulatory effect of heat stress on viability of primary cultured chicken satellite cells and expression of heat shock proteins ex vivo

Satellite cells promote muscle repairing and muscle growth. Thereby the intention of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of heat stress at different time intervals on chicken satellite cells' viability. Satellite cells were isolated from 1-day-old chicks and treated at two different temperatures (37 °C and 41 °C) for various time periods (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Both temperatures significantly increased cell viability after 24 h and 48 h. After 12 h, cell viability was significantly increased at 41 °C compared to 37 °C. However, more apoptotic cells were observed at end of the experiment of 41 °C compared to 37 °C. In addition, more live cells were found at early of experimental period at 41 °C than 37 °C. Additionally, protein and mRNA expression of HSP70, HP60 and HSP47 were significantly upregulated throughout the experimental period at temperature of 41 °C compared to those at 37 °C. These results indicate that cell viability and expression of heat stress related proteins/genes are induced by high temperature of 41 °C via heat stress pathway whereas activation of heat stress related proteins/genes are lower at 37 °C. Thus, 41 °C can trigger satellite cells' viability essential for better cell survival than 37 °C at early incubation time.

Prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its correlates among men attending primary care clinics in three countries: Pakistan, Egypt, and Nigeria

The prevalence and correlates of erectile dysfunction (ED) in developing countries are largely unknown. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ED in three countries (Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria) that represent very different cultures. Men 35-70y of age seeking primary medical care answered a structured questionnaire adapted to reflect local cultures. Degree of ED was categorized as 'none,' 'mild,' 'moderate,' or 'complete.' The age-adjusted prevalence rates of ED among men attending primary care clinics was 57.4% in Nigeria, 63.6% in Egypt, and 80.8% in Pakistan. Older age, diabetes, peptic ulcers, prostate disease, depression-related symptoms, and caffeine consumption were independently associated with increased prevalence of ED, whereas being moderately active to very active at work (hard physical labor) and during leisure time (strenuous exercise) was associated with half the prevalence of moderate-to-complete ED. Our multicultural study demonstrates that in every country studied, high proportions of men older than age 35 have some degree of ED (57-81%). Both severity and prevalence increase consistently with age. Factors associated with ED are similar, but their distribution differs across countries.

Test of a criterion for selecting intracranial doses of angiotensin receptor blockers

Investigators using intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of competitive antagonists of angiotensin II (Ang II) to study thirst usually select doses sufficient to block drinking to IV Ang II. We questioned whether this test truly indicates the dose needed under physiological conditions when Ang II-induced hypertension, which inhibits thirst, is not present. Rats were prepared with chronic venous and ICV cannulas, plus femoral arterial cannulas in those used to measure arterial pressure. Captopril (100 mg/kg SC) was given before all experiments to block endogenous Ang II production. The test dose of Ang II, 50 ng/kg/min IV for 1 hr, increased water intake and arterial pressure. We selected an ICV dose of saralasin (Sar1Ala8Ang II), 4 micrograms bolus and 4 micrograms/hr for 75 min, that did not stimulate drinking itself and completely blocked drinking to IV Ang II. This dose of saralasin only partially (45%) reduced drinking to the same dose of Ang II IV when arterial pressure was lowered by giving the vasodilator diazoxide (15 mg/kg IV). Diazoxide itself did not stimulate drinking. These results support our concern that the criterion normally used to select ICV doses of Ang II antagonists probably underestimates the amount needed to inhibit angiotensinergic drinking in hypovolemic or hypotensive animals.