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The effects of a short (15 and 30 s) exposure of durum wheat (Triticum durum) seeds to extremely low frequency magnetic field (f = 50 Hz, B = 15 mT) on germination and seedling growth under controlled laboratory conditions were studied. Germination rate, fresh weight of seedlings, seedlings height and chlorophyll contents were measured the 4th and 8th day after sowing. Magnetic field did not influence the seed germination process. Fresh weight was affected by applied treatments in the first four days (118% and 89% of control plans for 15 s and 30 s treatment, respectively). In the further period, the action of magnetic field (MF) pre-treatment on growth of seedlings was eliminated, resulting in compensation of growth potentialities. The chlorophyll levels in seedlings were significantly modified, on both the 4th (120% and 87% of control plans for 15 s and 30 s treatment, respectively) and 8th (94% for 15 s treatment and 96% for 30 s) days. However, the chlorophyll a and b ratios remained unchanged after MF treatments. The results show that MF may have, a mostly temporary, negative and positive effect on early growth, which is strongly dependent on the applied exposure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity is a global health concern associated with gastrointestinal disorders. While mammalian models have elucidated the effects of a HFD on intestinal structure and function, its impact on zebrafish, a crucial model for studying diet-induced obesity and gastrointestinal dysfunction, remains inadequately characterized. This study investigated the influence of a HFD on zebrafish intestinal morphology, tight junction (TJ) protein expression, and inflammatory markers. Zebrafish fed a control diet or HFD with 40% or 60% fat exhibited significant alterations in intestinal morphology, with increased villi number but reduced villi width and length, suggesting compensatory responses to dietary stress. TJ protein expression (Claudin 2, Claudin 3, and Claudin 10) showed complex changes, particularly in the HFD60 juvenile group, indicating a multifaceted response in barrier integrity. Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and TNF-α levels were lower in both the juvenile and adult HFD60 groups than in the HFD40 and control groups, while elevated anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels in HFD60 adult zebrafish suggested activation of compensatory mechanisms. These findings highlight zebrafish as a valuable model for studying the effects of HFD on intestinal health and provide insights into the relationship between dietary fat, gut dysfunction, and inflammation.

Introduction: This study explored the effects of prenatal exposure to fumonisins B (FB) on bone innervation in newborn Wistar rats., Material and Methods: Pregnant dams (n = 6 per group) were assigned to either the control or one of two FB-exposed groups (60 mg or 90 mg/kg body weight) from the 7 th day of gestation until parturition. On the day of parturition, one male pup from each litter (n = 6 per group) was randomly selected and euthanised, and their femurs were dissected for analysis. Bone innervation was quantified by examining the morphology patterns of sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART)-positive fibres. Prepared bone sections were analysed using immunohistochemistry staining for protein gene product 9.5, tyrosine hydroxylase, choline acetyltransferase, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P and CART-positive neurons., Results: The group that received a higher dose of FB demonstrated an increase in both the size and complexity of the complete bone neuronal network together with heightened sympathetic and sensory innervation, and displayed a decrease in neuron density and sympathetic innervation. Fumonisin B exposure led to a decrease in galanin-positive and VIP-positive bone neuronal networks in both groups exposed to FB, while in the lower-dose group, there was also a decrease in CART-positive innervation., Conclusion: Prenatal FB exposure significantly influences the neuronal bone network of rats, which is essential for maintaining bone homeostasis. These findings emphasise the necessity for further research to understand the lasting effects and underlying mechanisms of alterations induced by FB., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interests Statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this article., (© 2024 Ewa Tomaszewska et al., published by Sciendo.)

This study examined the effects of incorporating fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) into the diet of newly weaned piglets on mineral digestibility and bone health. Experimental diets containing varying levels of FRSM (8%, 12%, 15%, and 25%) were introduced to the piglets at 18 days of age, prior to weaning at 28 days. These diets were continued until the piglets were euthanized at 42 days of age. Mineral absorption was assessed using the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) method and blood plasma element analysis, while bone mineral content and mechanical properties were evaluated through densitometry and three-point bending tests. The results showed that intermediate levels of FRSM (12-15%) significantly enhanced the digestibility of key minerals, including phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. This improvement was linked to increased femoral mineral content and bone stiffness, as well as a higher yield point, likely due to enhanced collagen synthesis. Additionally, there was an increase in bone fracture load and fracture stress, potentially due to changes in the organization of the bone mineral phase, as no changes in bone mid-shaft mineral density or geometry were observed. These findings suggest FRSM as a promising dietary component for improving mineral bioavailability and bone health in piglets.

Background: This longitudinal study examined the early effects of type 1 diabetes on bone mechanical properties and metabolic markers in mature rats, focusing on the natural progression of diabetes-induced changes without external treatments. Methods : Forty-eight 8-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, with one group receiving a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Assessments were performed 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-administration, including serum biochemical analyses, bone marker assessments, and mechanical bone tests. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA to evaluate the impact of time and treatment. Results : At 2 weeks, diabetic rats showed increased fasting blood glucose ( p < 0.001), decreased insulin levels ( p = 0.03), and changes in HOMA markers ( p < 0.001), liver enzymes ( p < 0.001), inflammatory markers ( p < 0.001), and bone metabolism markers (osteocalcin ( p < 0.001), OPG ( p = 0.006), RANKL ( p < 0.001), and OPG/RANKL ratio ( p < 0.001)), with initial alterations in bone geometry. By week 4, decreased body weight in the diabetic group ( p < 0.001) led to further changes in bone geometry and initial differences in mechanical properties. At 8 weeks, significant declines in body ( p < 0.001) and bone ( p < 0.001) weights were observed, along with further deterioration in bone geometry and mechanical properties. Conclusions : The study highlights the significant impact of STZ-induced diabetes on bone health as early as two weeks post-STZ administration, with marked temporal changes in biochemical markers and mechanical properties., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Osteoporosis is a significant concern in bone health, and understanding its pathomechanism is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. This article delves into the relationship between estrogen metabolism and bone mineralization, shedding light on how phytoestrogens can influence this intricate process. Estrogen, a hormone primarily associated with reproductive health, plays a pivotal role in maintaining bone density and structure. The article explores the positive effects of estrogen on bone mineralization, highlighting its importance in preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Phytoestrogens, naturally occurring compounds found in certain plant-based foods, are the focal point of the discussion. These compounds have the remarkable ability to mimic estrogen's actions in the body. The article investigates how phytoestrogens can modulate the activity of estrogen, thereby impacting bone health. Furthermore, the article explores the direct effects of phytoestrogens on bone mineralization and structure. By regulating estrogen metabolism, phytoestrogens can contribute to enhanced bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis. Finally, the article emphasizes the role of plant-based diets as a source of phytoestrogens. By incorporating foods rich in phytoestrogens into one's diet, individuals may potentially bolster their bone health, adding a valuable dimension to the ongoing discourse on osteoporosis prevention. In conclusion, this article offers a comprehensive overview of 137 positions of literature on the intricate interplay between phytoestrogens, estrogen metabolism, and bone health, shedding light on their potential significance in preventing osteoporosis and promoting overall well-being., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Nutrition. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) in young individuals may lead to disease-related secondary sarcopenia (SSARC), characterized by muscle loss and systemic inflammation. In this study, CP was induced in young pigs, and serum levels of key hormones, muscle fiber diameters in various muscles, and the mRNA expression of genes related to oxidative stress and programmed cell death were assessed. A decrease in muscle fiber diameters was observed in SSARC pigs, particularly in the longissimus and diaphragm muscles. Hormonal analysis revealed alterations in dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, oxytocin, myostatin, and cortisol levels, indicating a distinct hormonal response in SSARC pigs compared to controls. Oxytocin levels in SSARC pigs were significantly lower and myostatin levels higher. Additionally, changes in the expression of catalase ( CAT ), caspase 8 (CASP8), B-cell lymphoma 2 ( BCL2 ), and BCL2-associated X protein ( BAX ) mRNA suggested a downregulation of oxidative stress response and apoptosis regulation. A reduced BAX / BCL2 ratio in SSARC pigs implied potential caspase-independent cell death pathways. The findings highlight the complex interplay between hormonal changes and muscle degradation in SSARC, underscoring the need for further research into the apoptotic and inflammatory pathways involved in muscle changes due to chronic organ inflammation in young individuals.

Ducks ( Anatinae ) play a crucial role in wetland ecosystems, contributing to seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. This study investigates the skeletal adaptations of three duck species: the Mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ), Tufted Duck ( Aythya fuligula ), and Green-Winged Teal ( Anas crecca ). The focus is on the tibiotarsus and humerus bones to understand how these adaptations support their different locomotion and habitat preferences. Bone samples n = 6 of deceased ducks (both male and female) from each species (for a total of 36 samples) were cleaned and measured for length, weight, and density. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), and mechanical properties like yield force and stiffness were tested using a 3-point bending test. The results show significant differences in body weight, bone weight, and bone length among the species, with Mallards being the largest and Teals the smallest. Male Teals displayed higher relative bone weight (RBW) in their tibia compared to male Mallards, and male Mallards had significantly lower RBW in the humerus compared to the other species. Female Teals had higher RBW than the other species. Teals also exhibited much lower BMD in the tibia, whereas female Mallards had lower BMD in the humerus. The Seedor index revealed that male Mallards had the highest values in the tibia, while female Teals had the lowest. Mechanical testing indicated that Teals had lower yield force and breaking force in the tibia, whereas Mallards showed the highest stiffness in both bones. Tufted Ducks had intermediate values, consistent with their diving behaviour. These findings suggest that the Mallard's robust bones support its adaptability to various environments and diverse locomotion and foraging strategies. The Teal's lighter and less dense bones facilitate rapid flight and agility in shallow wetlands. The Tufted Duck's intermediate bone characteristics reflect its specialization in diving, requiring a balance of strength and flexibility. Understanding these skeletal differences may provide valuable insights into the evolutionary biology and biomechanics of these species, aiding in their conservation and enhancing our knowledge of their roles in wetland ecosystems. By exploring the functional morphology of these ducks, this study aims to shed light on the biomechanical mechanisms that underpin their locomotion and foraging behaviours.

This review article comprehensively explores the role of orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides in the management of obesity in companion animals, with a focus on clinical applications. Obesity in domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, is prevalent, with significant implications for their health and well-being. Factors contributing to obesity include overfeeding, poor-quality diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic predispositions. Despite the seriousness of this condition, it is often underestimated, with societal perceptions sometimes reinforcing unhealthy behaviors. Understanding the regulation of food intake and identifying factors affecting the function of food intake-related proteins are crucial in combating obesity. Dysregulations in these proteins, whether due to genetic mutations, enzymatic dysfunctions, or receptor abnormalities, can have profound health consequences. Molecular biology techniques play a pivotal role in elucidating these mechanisms, offering insights into potential therapeutic interventions. The review categorizes food intake-related proteins into anorexigenic peptides (inhibitors of food intake) and orexigenic peptides (enhancers of food intake). It thoroughly examines current research on regulating energy balance in companion animals, emphasizing the clinical application of various peptides, including ghrelin, phoenixin (PNX), asprosin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), leptin, and nesfatin-1, in veterinary obesity management. This comprehensive review aims to provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between peptides, energy balance regulation, and obesity in companion animals. It underscores the importance of targeted interventions and highlights the potential of peptide-based therapies in improving the health outcomes of obese pets.

Laying hens, selectively bred for high egg production, often suffer from bone fragility and fractures, impacting their welfare and causing economic losses. Additionally, gut health and muscle quality are crucial for overall health and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ß-Hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on performance, bone metabolism, intestinal morphology, and muscle quality in laying hens. Forty-eight Bovans Brown hens were divided into a control group and an HMB-supplemented group (0.02% HMB in diet). The study spanned from the 31st to the 60th wk of age. Assessments included bone mechanical testing, serum hormonal analysis, histological analysis of bone and intestine, and muscle quality analysis. The HMB supplementation led to decreased feed intake without affecting body weight or laying rate in laying hens. It caused an increase in both mean daily and total egg weight, indicating improved feed utilization, without influencing the feed intake to egg weight ratio. Enhanced bone formation markers and altered intestinal morphometric parameters were observed, along with improved trabecular bone structure. However, no changes in measured other bone quality indices, including geometric, densitometric, or mechanical properties were observed. Muscle analysis revealed no significant changes in overall meat quality, except for a decrease in cholesterol content and alterations in the fatty acid profile, notably a reduction in total n-3 polyunsaturated and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In conclusion, although not all effects of HMB supplementation were unequivocally beneficial, the positive changes in performance data and trabecular bone microarchitecture support further research into various doses and durations of supplementation. Such studies are necessary to fully understand and optimize the benefits of HMB for enhancing the health and productivity of laying hens., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study explores the effects of dietary brown macroalgae ( Ascophyllum nodosum ) inclusion on digestibility and blood biochemical indices and redox markers in piglets fed diets with varying levels (0%, 0.6% and 1%) of macroalgae from 18 to 64 days of age. Macroalgae significantly influenced lipid profiles, reducing total cholesterol levels (quadratic contrast p = 0.001) and demonstrating an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, particularly with 1% macroalgae inclusion (linear contrast p < 0.001), with a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both macroalgae-supplemented groups (linear contrast p = 0.001). Additionally, macroalgae had a positive impact on the activities of antioxidative enzymes (ferric-reducing ability of plasma, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione) and reduced lipid peroxidation products (lipid hydroperoxide, malondialdehyde) in the blood, liver tissue, and intestinal epithelium of the ileum, suggesting enhanced antioxidative defense mechanisms. These changes were dose-dependent; in blood plasma, they exhibited both a linear and quadratic response, while in the tissues, the response was primarily linear. Additionally, an increase in the digestibility of crude fat in macroalgae-supplemented groups was observed (linear contrast p < 0.001), highlighting their potential role in improving nutrient absorption and digestion. The study findings emphasize the health benefits of natural, seaweed-based additives in diets, particularly in managing oxidative stress and improving lipid profiles, and highlight the potential of macroalgae as a natural dietary supplement to improve antioxidant systems and lipid metabolism in piglets.

Obesity is a complex chronic condition associated with multiple health risks, including visceral obesity, which is particularly detrimental. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying obesity and its associated pathologies, a novel zebrafish model was established using an innovative high-fat diet (HFD). The primary goal was to induce visceral obesity in zebrafish and study the associated structural changes. To achieve this, a unique HFD consisting of 40% beef fat (HFD40) was developed and supplemented with magnesium aluminometasilicate to improve stability in a high humidity environment. Feeding regimens were initiated for both juvenile (starting at 2 weeks post-fertilization, lasting 18 weeks) and adult zebrafish (3 months post-fertilization, 8 weeks feeding duration). The innovative dietary approach successfully induced visceral obesity in both juvenile and adult zebrafish. This new model provides a valuable tool to study obesity-related pathologies, metabolic syndrome, and potential therapeutic interventions. Most importantly, the low-cost and easy-to-prepare composition of HFD40 was seamlessly incorporated into the water without the need for separation, was readily absorbed by the fish and induced rapid weight gain in the zebrafish population. In conclusion, this study presents a novel HFD40 composition enriched with a high beef fat concentration (40%), which represents a significant advance in the development of an experimental zebrafish model for the study of visceral obesity and associated metabolic changes., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Chronic pancreatitis (CP), a progressive inflammatory disease, poses diagnostic challenges due to its initially asymptomatic nature. While CP's impact on exocrine and endocrine functions is well-recognized, its potential influence on other body systems, particularly in young individuals, remains underexplored. This study investigates the hypothesis that CP in growing pigs leads to alterations in articular cartilage and subchondral bone, potentially contributing to osteoarthritis (OA) development. Utilizing a pig model of cerulein-induced CP, we examined the structural and compositional changes in subchondral bone, articular cartilage, and synovial fluid. Histological analyses, including Picrosirius Red and Safranin-O staining, were employed alongside immuno-histochemistry and Western blotting techniques. Our findings reveal significant changes in the subchondral bone, including reduced bone volume and alterations in collagen fiber composition. Articular cartilage in CP pigs exhibited decreased proteoglycan content and alterations in key proteins such as MMP-13 and TGF-β1, indicative of early cartilage degradation. These changes suggest a link between CP and musculoskeletal alterations, underscoring the need for further research into CP's systemic effects. Our study provides foundational insights into the relationship between CP and skeletal health, potentially guiding future pediatric healthcare strategies for early CP diagnosis and management.

Acrylamide is formed at high temperature during preparation of food rich in carbohydrates. It can be found in animal feed based on potatoes and granulated wheat subjected to thermal treatment. It was demonstrated that acrylamide has a neurotoxic effect in newborn animals in both the central and peripheral nervous system after prenatal exposure to this substance. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of acrylamide on the immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100b in hippocampal astrocytes of weaning rats after oral administration of acrylamide to pregnant mothers at various stages of pregnancy. The dams received acrylamide in drinking water (3 mg/kg b.w.) each day starting on the 6 th day (group II), 11 th day (group III) and 16 th day (group IV) of pregnancy. At 21 postnatal day the pups were euthanized and their brains were dissected. The immunohistochemical reactions for GFAP and S100b protein were performed on the frontal slides containing hippocampus. The obtained results demonstrated a lower density of GFAP-positive cells in rats whose mothers received acrylamide, especially for the longest time. The astrocytes from groups II and III of rats were characterized by a smaller number of processes, which were also shorter in group II. In contrast, the density of S100b-positive cells was significantly higher, especially in the group II animals. Slight alterations may be related to the low dose of acrylamide, short duration of acrylamide administration in groups III and IV, and the possibility of astrocyte regeneration during the period from delivery to weaning, when the studied substance was not administered. The findings suggest potential disruptions in the structural integrity and functional capacity of astrocytes, which are crucial in maintaining the neuronal environment and supporting hippocampal functions.

The regulation of food intake occurs at multiple levels, and two of the components of this process are orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides, which stimulate or inhibit appetite, respectively. The study of the function of these compounds in domestic cattle is essential for production efficiency, animal welfare, and health, as well as for economic benefits, environmental protection, and the contribution to a better understanding of physiological aspects that can be applied to other species. In this study, the real-time PCR method was utilized to determine the expression levels of GHRL , GHSR , SMIM20 , GPR173 , LEP , LEPR , and NUCB2 (which encode ghrelin, its receptor, phoenixin-14, its receptor, leptin, its receptor, and nesfatin-1, respectively) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Polish Holstein-Friesian breed cattle. In all analyzed GIT segments, mRNA for all the genes was present in both age groups, confirming their significance in these tissues. Gene expression levels varied distinctly across different GIT segments and between young and mature subjects. The differences between calves and adults were particularly pronounced in areas such as the forestomachs, ileum, and jejunum, indicating potential changes in peptides regulating food intake based on the developmental phase. In mature individuals, the forestomachs predominantly displayed an increase in GHRL expression, while the intestines had elevated levels of GHSR , GPR173 , LEP , and NUCB2 . In contrast, the forestomachs in calves showed upregulated expressions of LEP , LEPR , and NUCB2 , highlighting the potential importance of peptides from these genes in bovine forestomach development.

In the expansive domain of neuropeptide investigation, spexin (SPX) has emerged as a captivating subject, exerting a significant impact on diverse physiological processes. Initially identified in mice, SPX's distribution transcends various organs, suggesting its potential regulatory roles. Despite extensive research in smaller species, a notable gap exists in our comprehension of SPX in larger mammals, particularly ruminants. Our study meticulously explores the immunolocalization of SPX within the gastrointestinal organs of bovines, with a specific focus on the abomasum, jejunum, and colon. Tissue samples from Holstein-Friesian cattle underwent careful processing, and gene mRNA expression levels, particularly GALR2 and SPX , were assessed. Intriguingly, our findings revealed that GALR2 expression was highest in the jejunum, signifying a potentially critical role in this digestive segment. Immunohistochemistry further unveiled distinct patterns of SPX immunoreactivity in each examined region-abomasum, jejunum, and colon-highlighting nuanced, region-specific responses. Notably, the abomasum and jejunum predominantly exhibited positive immunoreactivity in the submucosal plexus, while the colon, in contrast, demonstrated a higher degree of immunoreactivity in myenteric plexus neurons. Our investigation, grounded in the hypothesis of ubiquitous SPX distribution in ruminants, delves deeper into the intricate role of SPX within the enteric nervous system. This study meticulously explores the spatial distribution of SPX within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, integral components of the enteric nervous system. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of SPX's potential roles in gastrointestinal regulation in bovines, providing a unique perspective on larger mammals and enriching our comprehension of this intriguing neuropeptide's significance in various physiological processes.

In this study, a morphometric analysis of morphological changes in the layers of the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum) and liver occurring during the hatching period (week 0) and postnatal development (weeks 1, 3, 6, and 8) was performed in geese. For this purpose, the staining of samples obtained from tissues collected from geese after culling was carried out. Staining was performed using the Goldner method to visualize all layers of the intestine for morphometric measurements. Our analysis focused mainly on traits such as the thickness of the mucosal, submucosal, and muscular layers, as well as traits related to intestinal absorption, such as the height and width of intestinal villi and crypts. Additionally, we also took into account the number of mononuclear and binucleate hepatocytes and other cells present in the liver. After analyzing the results, an increase in most traits was found during the development of the animals, with slight differences between the sections of the duodenum and jejunum. An interesting phenomenon was also noticed-the greatest increase in most traits was observed between the 3rd and 6th week of life, which coincides with the time of feed change. We hope that our work will highlight how important the digestive system is for birds because research on this topic is limited.

Tannic acid (TA) is an organic compound belonging to the tannin group. Like other tannins, it has an affinity for endogenous proteins, including digestive enzymes, which can result in the reduced digestibility and absorption of nutrients. It can also form complexes with mineral components, reducing their absorption. In some cases, this can be beneficial, such as in the case of toxic metals, but sometimes it may have a detrimental effect on the body when it involves essential mineral components like Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, or Fe. Therefore, the impact of TA on bone health should be considered from both perspectives. This relatively short review summarizes the available information and research findings on TA, with a particular focus on its potential impact on bone health. It is worth noting that future research and clinical studies may provide more detailed and precise information on this topic, allowing for a better understanding of the role of TA in maintaining the integrity of the musculoskeletal system. Despite its brevity, this paper represents a valuable contribution to the analysis of the potential benefits and challenges associated with TA in the context of bone health. We anticipate that future research will continue along this important research line, expanding our knowledge of the influence of this compound on the skeletal system and its potential therapeutic applications.