Life-Basel最新文献

This study evaluated the effects of dietary linseed cake on the fatty acid profile of meat and abdominal fat, and on growth performance in broiler chickens. A total of 198 birds were randomly allocated to three groups (66 birds/group). The control group (C) received a standard soybean meal-based feed, while the LIN6 and LIN12 groups were fed diets that were supplemented with 6% and 12% linseed cake, respectively. Linseed cake supplementation reduced saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat and abdominal fat, and lowered the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). The 12% inclusion resulted in a more pronounced accumulation of n-3 PUFAs-4.3-5.0 times higher than the control-while 6% inclusion increased n-3 PUFAs by 2.8-3.3 times (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). However, 12% inclusion negatively affected growth performance, reducing body weight by 9.9% and feed intake by 10.4% at 42 days (p < 0.05), whereas the 6% inclusion had no adverse impact (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 6% linseed cake represents the optimal practical inclusion level, effectively enhancing the n-3 PUFA profile of broiler meat and abdominal fat without compromising growth, while higher inclusion levels may impair production performance.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor characterized by invasive growth, intrinsic drug resistance, and the presence of the blood-brain barrier. All of these features make treatment extremely challenging and underscore the need for developing effective combination strategies and advanced drug delivery systems. This study aimed to develop a bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticle (NP)-based delivery system to overcome the poor bioavailability and pharmacokinetic limitations of two potent anti-tumor agents, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and curcumin (CURC), and to evaluate their antitumor activity in U87-MG GBM cells. Drug-free and ATRA/CURC-loaded BSA-NPs were synthesized using an optimized desolvation method and characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency, and release behavior. The cytotoxic, anti-migratory, and pro-apoptotic effects of the NPs on U87-MG GBM cells were assessed using real-time proliferation and migration assays and Annexin V/PI staining followed by flow cytometry. Collectively, the findings indicated that the co-delivery of ATRA and CURC using BSA-NPs showed enhanced antiproliferative, antimigratory, and pro-apoptotic effects. With its controlled release profile, high loading capacity, and favorable nanoscale dimensions, the ATRA-CURC-BSA-NP system represents a promising nanoplatform for GBM therapy that warrants further in vivo investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the inhibition of glioblastoma cell growth through the co-delivery of all-trans retinoic acid and curcumin using a bovine serum albumin-based nanoparticle system.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to long-lasting motor deficits, but the underlying cellular mechanisms still remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined glial and neuronal responses after focal cortical aspiration injury of the right hindlimb sensorimotor cortex in adult male rats. This is a model we have previously shown induces persistent gait asymmetry and postural deficits. Immunohistochemical analysis of activated microglia/macrophages (CD11b, IBA-1), astrocytes (GFAP), and neurons (NeuN) was performed bilaterally in the peri-lesional cortex at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-injury (n = 3-6 per time point). The injury induced an early, sharply localized increase in CD11b-positive myeloid cells in the injured hemisphere, suggesting an activation of both resident microglia and infiltrating monocyte-derived cell. This was followed by a more sustained IBA-1-positive microglial activation that gradually extended contralaterally. Astrocytic activation showed a delayed but prolonged profile, rising ipsilaterally within the first week, peaking around two weeks, and becoming bilaterally elevated by four weeks. Sham-operated animals showed only basal glial immunoreactivity without signs of hypertrophy or reactive morphology at any time point. NeuN immunoreactivity remained stable across timepoints, suggesting preservation of neuronal soma labeling without evidence of overt secondary neuronal loss. These findings reveal a staged and spatially distinct glial response to focal cortical injury, with early myeloid activation, prolonged microglial reactivity, and delayed bilateral astrogliosis. Together, these findings are consistent with the possibility that persistent motor deficits after focal TBI arise from both primary tissue loss within the lesion core and peri-lesional glial remodeling, highlighting glial-neuronal interactions as a potential therapeutic target.

Background: Craniocervical pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are prevalent, interconnected conditions. While Movement Representation Techniques (MRTs) are cognitive interventions targeting central pain mechanisms, their specific efficacy here lacks synthesis. This study systematically analyzes the effectiveness of MRTs, such as motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO), on pain and function in individuals with craniocervical and orofacial pain.

Methods: A systematic review of RCTs (PROSPERO: CRD420251155428) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Four databases were searched for studies applying MRTs (MI, AO, laterality discrimination) to adults with craniocervical or orofacial pain. Primary outcomes were pain and functionality. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane RoB 2 tool.

Results: Eight RCTs (n = 362) were included. Methodological quality was high (PEDro scores 8-9). MRTs significantly increased Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) in the masseter, trapezius, and cervical regions. Functional improvements included enhanced cervical range of motion and sensorimotor control. AO consistently demonstrated superior outcomes. However, results for orofacial variables were derived from asymptomatic subjects. Results for cervical muscle strength were inconsistent.

Conclusions: MRTs, especially AO, show potential to reduce pain and improve function in craniocervical disorders. Evidence in symptomatic orofacial pain populations is non-existent. Protocol heterogeneity and limited research groups necessitate further high-quality, multicenter RCTs to establish robust clinical guidelines.

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a significant public health problem. Despite the availability of standard treatment strategies, chemotherapy-resistant tumors persist, highlighting the need to explore new therapeutic approaches or adjuvant strategies. This underscores the importance of preclinical in vivo models. Conventional models, such as murine xenografts, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), and patient-derived organoids (PDOs), provide valuable biological relevance but are often time-consuming, costly, and resource-intensive. In this context, the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay represents a rapid, low-cost, and technically accessible in vivo platform. The CAM is a non-innervated, highly vascularized extraembryonic structure that provides a suitable environment for tumor generation from xenografts. However, despite the broad use of the CAM assay for tumor xenografts, standardized and comparative methodological optimizations specifically addressing technical variables for cervical cancer tumor induction remain limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize the CAM assay for tumor generation using the HeLa and SiHa cell lines. The generated tumors are vascularized and exhibit Ki-67 expression. The CAM assay is an excellent short-term exploratory model based on developing chicken embryos for studying the developmental biology of cervical tumors, which would accelerate the preclinical investigation of new therapeutic molecules.

Several animal models of Alzheimer's disease have been developed and tested for diagnostic and treatment purposes. [¹¹C]PIB is the gold-standard radiotracer for the detection of Aβ plaque deposits, a hallmark of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo detection of Aβ plaques using [¹¹C]PIB microPET imaging across different animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The study included 3xTg-AD transgenic mice, TgF344-AD transgenic rats and Aβ injection-based rat model. The results showed an age-related increase in [¹¹C]PIB uptake in 3xTg-AD mice, particularly in the midbrain and thalamus. In TgF344-AD rats, differences were also observed compared to WT controls, with the highest values observed in the hippocampus and cortex. In the injection-based model, inoculated rats showed greater uptake in the injection site than SHAM animals. Across all microPET studies, [¹¹C]PIB uptake was consistently higher in females than in their male counterparts. These findings support the value of transgenic and Aβ injection-based models in preclinical research on Aβ plaque deposition and highlight the importance of considering species, model type, sex, and age in experimental design.

Primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening endocrine disorder in dogs. Affected animals may present with clinicopathological features mimicking acute kidney injury (AKI). The challenge in diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism arises from its highly heterogeneous and non-specific clinical presentation, including acute kidney injury (AKI). This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate dogs presenting with AKI and to identify cases in which primary hypoadrenocorticism was the underlying etiology. Thirty-four dogs diagnosed with acute kidney injury were evaluated at the Clinical Hospital for Companion Animals of the "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, Iași, Romania, among which three (8.8%) were endocrinologically confirmed to have primary hypoadrenocorticism. The evaluation protocol included a complete clinical examination, hematological, biochemical, and hormonal investigations, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasonography, and an ACTH stimulation test. These dogs exhibited hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, a reduced sodium-to-potassium ratio, and azotemia at admission, closely resembling intrinsic AKI. Following fluid therapy and hormone replacement, rapid normalization of electrolyte and renal parameters was observed. These findings support hypovolemia and electrolyte imbalance as the primary mechanisms underlying reversible prerenal azotemia in these cases. If not diagnosed early, this condition has a significant risk of progressing to acute tubular necrosis. The findings highlight the need for careful differentiation between primary AKI and renal dysfunction secondary to Addison's disease, as well as the importance of promptly initiating hormone replacement therapy. In conclusion, hypoadrenocorticism should be considered in dogs presenting with AKI and electrolyte imbalance. Early endocrine evaluation and prompt initiation of targeted therapy are essential to avoiding misdiagnosis and optimizing clinical outcomes.

Objective: To test whether inpatient electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) using Russian current (5 kHz carrier, 50 Hz modulation; 4 s ON/6 s OFF) improves mobility and balance in elderly people with chronic cerebral ischaemia.

Design: Prospective single-centre controlled observational pilot, embedded in routine inpatient rehabilitation; no concealed randomisation (EMS + standard care; sham EMS + standard care; standard care only (control)).

Methods: A single-centre controlled observational study with three groups was conducted (EMS n = 27, control n = 10, sham n = 7) with 3-9 sessions over 2 weeks (20 min; quadriceps and calves). Pre/Post Outcomes: Tinetti (balance/gait), Rivermead Mobility Index, Timed Up and Go (TUG), ankle extensor maximal voluntary force (MVF), stabilography (statokinesiogram path length (L), mean velocity of COP (V), sway area (S), and myotonometry; ANOVA, α = 0.05). Ethics approval and informed consent were obtained. Between-group differences in change scores were evaluated descriptively, and no formal hypothesis-testing was planned.

Results: EMS showed significant gains versus control/sham-higher Tinetti total and Rivermead scores, faster TUG, higher MVF, and improved stabilography in the eyes-closed condition (reduced L, V, and S), with good tolerability and no serious adverse events (SAEs).

Conclusions: Short-course Russian-current EMS is feasible and associated with clinically meaningful improvements in balance, gait, and strength in elderly patients with chronic cerebral ischaemia; however, larger randomised trials are warranted.

Background: This study aimed to comprehensively define the clinical profile of elderly patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) caused by C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) deficiency and/or dysfunction (HAE-C1INH). Furthermore, it sought to reveal age-related differences in disease expression and management by comparing these patients with their younger counterparts. Methods: In this retrospective study, seventy-six patients were included. All patients had been diagnosed with HAE-C1INH. Results: A total of 9 (12%) patients were ≥65 years, 7 (77%) of whom were female. The median age at the time of diagnosis was higher in the elderly group, whereas the median age at the first symptom was similar. There was a significant delay in diagnosis time in the elderly group. Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity among elderly patients. The median number of angioedema attacks in the last year was 6, and similar to 10 in patients < 65 years. Angioedema control in the last three months was lower in older patients. The rate of laryngeal edema was similar in patients < 65 years and older patients. The use of short-term prophylaxis (STP) was higher in the elderly group. The most commonly used treatment for acute attacks was pdC1-INH. Two patients in the elderly group did not benefit from danazol. No adverse events with icatibant, pdC1-INH, danazol were encountered among patients. Conclusions: Compared to patients younger than 65 years of age, annual attack rates were similar, whereas elderly patients had lower angioedema control for the last three months. The use of STP rates was higher among elderly patients.

The overlooked relationship between hypertension (HTN) and valvular heart disease (VHD) has been brought to wider attention by large-scale population studies and the latest guidelines. Approximately 45% of patients with VHD have been diagnosed with HTN. This association increases with age, but cannot be explained solely by the rising prevalence of both conditions. HTN promotes the onset or worsening of VHD by mechanically stressing the valves and by modified blood flow dynamics through increased filling pressures and afterload. It has been shown that a 20 mmHg rise in BP triples the risk of aortic valvular disease and mitral regurgitation. This review will address the impact of HTN on the occurrence and progression of valvular lesions, its effect on the prognosis of patients with VHD, and the available data on blood pressure management. As long as relatively well-documented data on aortic valve disease are available, studies are still needed to clarify target blood pressure values under therapy and the most appropriate drug classes for mitral regurgitation, especially in its primary forms.