Neuropsychological and somatic changes in bulimia and the basic principles of somatic treatment?

Jadłowstręt psychiczny i żarłoczność psychiczna to często występujące zaburzenia psychiczne w populacji dziewcząt w wieku dojrzewania i młodych kobiet (w Polsce rozpowszechnienie zaburzeń odżywiania jest podobne jak w kręgu kultury zachodniej). Często zaburzenia te mają przewlekły przebieg. Mogą ponadto prowadzić do wielu powikłań somatycznych, w tym groźnych dla życia, w następujących sytuacjach: jeśli organizm w stanie głodzenia próbuje zachować homeostazę (zmiany hormonalne dotyczące wielu osi hormonalnych) oraz wskutek zaburzeń wynikających z załamania homeostazy u pacjentów wyniszczonych bądź tych, u których nastąpiło szybkie zmniejszenie masy ciała. Większe ryzyko wystąpienia poważnych powikłań dotyczy chorych na bulimię, prowokujących wymioty i nadużywających środków przeczyszczających oraz leków odwadniających w celu kontroli masy ciała. Zaburzeniom odżywiania często towarzyszą inne zaburzenia psychiczne (depresja, zaburzenia lękowe, zaburzenia obsesyjno-kompulsyjne). Skutki neuropsychologiczne zaburzeń odżywiania są najrzadziej badanymi spośród zaburzeń psychiatrycznych. W przeprowadzonych dotychczas badaniach zaobserwowano interesujące różnice w aktywności obszarów mózgu pomiędzy ludźmi zdrowymi a osobami z diagnozą zaburzeń odżywiania, w obszarach odpowiedzialnych za uwagę oraz komunikację pomiędzy strukturami zaangażowanymi w odbieranie informacji z różnych obszarów odpowiedzialnych za obraz ciała. Różnice w aktywności poszczególnych rejonów obserwowane są także pomiędzy mężczyznami a kobietami, co stanowi ciekawy punkt wyjścia do dalszych badań. (Forum Zaburzeń Metabolicznych 2011, tom 2, nr 4, 245–255)Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa are commonly occurring psychological disorders in the population of adolescent and young adult females (in Poland they occur with frequencies similar to that of Western European countries and North America). These disorders often have a chronic character. They can lead to a number of somatic disorders, sometimes life-threatening, especially in the following circumstances: if the starving organism attempts to maintain homeostasis (hormonal changes in many hormonal axes) or as a result of homeostatic breakdown in the cachectic patient or those with rapid weight loss. A higher incidence of serious complications occurs in bulimia with provoked emesis or abuse of laxative or diuretic medication. Eating disorders are often accompanied by other psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder). The neuropsychological condition as associated with eating disorders is amongst the least explored areas in psychiatry. Interesting differences in cerebral activity of areas responsible for attention have been observed between healthy individuals ang those with diagnosed eating disorders, as well as differences in the structures involved in processing information from various areas responsible for body self-image. Differences in cerebral activity of these areas also exist between males and females, which begs further investigation. (Forum Zaburzen Metabolicznych 2011; vol. 2, no 4, 245–255

Effect of an oxytocin antagonist on prostaglandin F2α secretion and the course of luteolysis in sows

The role of oxytocin (OT) in the regulation of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) secretion during luteolysis in gilts was studied using a highly specific OT antagonist (CAP-581). In Experiment 1 gilts on Days 14 to 19 of the oestrous cycle in Latin square design were used, to determine the dose and time of application of OT and CAP. In Group I (n = 6) gilts were treated intravenously with saline or with 10, 20 and 30 IU of OT. Concentrations of the main PGF2α metabolite i.e. 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prosta-glandin F2α (PGFM) were measured in blood samples as uterine response to the treatment. Twenty IU of OT was the most effective to stimulate PGFM release and this dose was used after CAP treatment in gilts of Groups II, III and IV. Gilts of Group II (n = 3) were injected into the uterine horns (UH) with saline (5 ml/horn) or CAP (2 mg, 3 mg and 4 mg; half dose/horn) and OT was injected (i.v.) 30 min thereafter. Any of the CAP doses given into the UH affected PGFM plasma concentrations stimulated by OT. In Group III (n = 4) gilts were infused (i.v.) for 30 min with CAP (9 mg, 14 mg and 18 mg/gilt) followed by 20 IU of OT. All doses of CAP effectively inhibited OT-stimulated PGF2α release, therefore 9 mg was selected for the further studies. Gilts of Group IV (n = 4) received OT 4, 6 and 8 h after CAP to define how long CAP blocks the OT receptors. Concentrations of PGFM increased after any of this period of time. Thus, we concluded that 9 mg of CAP infused every 4 h will effectively block OT receptors. In Experiment 2, gilts (n = 4) received CAP as a 30-min infusion every 4 h on Days 12-20 of the oestrous cycle. Control gilts (n = 3) were infused with saline. CAP infusions diminished the height of PGFM peaks (P < 0.05). Frequency of the PGFM (P < 0.057) and OT (P < 0.082) peaks only tended to be lower in the CAP-treated gilts. Peripheral plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4) and oestradiol-17β (E2) and the time of luteolysis initiation as measured by the decrease of P4 concentration were the same in CAP-and saline-treated gilts. The macroscopic studies of the ovaries in gilts revealed lack of differences between groups. We conclude that OT is involved in the secretion of luteolytic PGF2α peaks but its role is limited to controlling their height and frequency. Blocking of OT receptors did not prevent luteolysis in sows

Proteomic profile alterations in porcine conceptuses during early stages of development

The dynamic embryo development during the early stages of gestation requires precise molecular changes, including proteomic ones. We aimed to find unique proteins for porcine conceptuses specifically during the peri-implantation period, i.e. on days 15–16 of pregnancy. The proteomic profile of these conceptuses was compared with conceptuses at an earlier stage of the development, i.e. collected during maternal recognition of pregnancy on days 12–13 of pregnancy. The 2DE, gel image analysis, and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry were used 500 protein spots were annotated as common to conceptuses harvested during both studied periods. Proteomic profile of the conceptuses collected during the peri-implantation period contains 24 unique proteins. Identified unique for the peri-implantation period proteins are involved in adhesion processes, cadherin, and actin-binding, and actin filament organization, extracellular matrix organization, and cytoskeleton organization. Systemic analysis of identified proteins confirmed their involvement in cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization as being two major affected functions. The unique proteins might be recognized as factors conditioning the proper peri-implantation embryo development and gaining competences for implantation. In further studies, BRCA1 might be considered as a candidate for a potential marker of embryonic competences for implantation in pigs.The work was funded by a grant from the National Science Centre, Poland (DEC-2012/05/N/NZ4/02343). We acknowledge support to S.S. from Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) (NPRP9-453-3-089)

Progress and challenges in the proteomics of domestic pig in research on the female reproductive system

The proteomics of pigs is developing dynamically, attracting much attention among representatives of medical and health sciences, veterinary medicine, agricultural and natural sciences. The pig has been widely studied in genetics and genomics. However, proteomic applications are still awaiting more extensive implementation, both in the use of pigs as animal models in biomedicine sciences, and in the exploration of physiological tracts important for pig production. Underdeveloped databases for identification and analysis of porcine proteins as well as the scarcity of detailed information on similarities and differences between humans and pigs at the molecular level are hampering the pig proteomics. However, the use of pigs in proteomic studies in both physiological and biomedical sciences is prevalent comparing to other farm animals. The focus of the reported pig model proteomics studies is on exploring physiology and diseases, and on improving pig breading and productivity. This species has been used as a model in proteomics studies involved in ocular, brain, nutritional and reproduction research, etc. In the present paper we discuss technologies and bioinformatic tools used in studies of a proteome to verify the peptide- and protein-based content and we summarize the current status of proteomic studies of pigs. We focus on studies of the female reproductive system because the examination and understanding of the biology of oocytes, the oviduct and the uterus could facilitate the identification of mechanisms involved in the prenatal development, and it may help to develop new treatment for infertility of farm animals. 2016, Polish Society Magnesium Research. All rights reserved.The study was supported by a grant from the National Science Centre, Poland (DEC-2012/05/N/NZ4/02343).Scopu

Role of interleukin-1β in the regulation of porcine corpora lutea during the late luteal phase of the cycle and during pregnancy

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) may regulate ovarian physiology. In this study, the influence of IL-1β on secretory activity within the corpora lutea (CL) of cyclic and gravid pigs was determined in vitro during different stages of the CL lifespan, e.g. on Days 10–11, 12–13 and 15–16 of the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. IL-1β (10 ng/ml) increased prostaglandin E2 (PGEduring studied days of the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. Increase (P < 0.05) of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in IL-1β-treated CL was demonstrated only on Days 10–11 of the oestrous cycle. More potent stimulatory effect of IL-1β on PGE2 than PGF2α secretion resulted in the enhancement of the PGE2:PGF2αratio in cyclic and early pregnant CL. IL-1β increased (P < 0.05) progesterone (P4) secretion only in gravid CL and had no effect on oestradiol-17β (E2) release. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA was stimulated (P < 0.05) in IL-1β-treated cyclic and gravid CL. Expression of prostaglandin synthase mRNAs in response to IL-1β did not increase. In conclusion, IL-1β modulates PGE2, PGF2α and P4 secretion from porcine CL, depending on luteal stage and the surrounding hormonal milieu. The cytokine may act locally in porcine CL for luteotrophic support throughout the PGE2-mediated synthesis and secretion

Vitamin D3D_{3} metabolic enzymes in the porcine uterus : expression, localization and autoregulation by 1,25(OH)2D31,25(OH)_2D_3 in vitro

The role of vitamin D3 has been confirmed in female reproductive organs. This study aimed to examine vitamin D3 metabolic enzymes, i.e., CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, mRNA transcript and protein abundance, and protein localization in the uterus of pigs on days 2–5, 10–12, 15–16 and 18–20 of the estrous cycle. Additionally, we determined 1,25(OH)2D3 concentration in uterine flushings and the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 (10, 50 and 100 ng/mL) in vitro on CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 mRNA transcript abundance in endometrial and myometrial slices. In the endometrium, a greater CYP27B1 mRNA transcript abundance was noted on days 10–12 and 18–20 than on days 15–16, whereas encoded protein abundance was greater on days 18–20 when compared to days 15–16. Endometrial CYP24A1 mRNA transcript abundance was greater on days 18–20 than on days 10–12 and 15–16. In the myometrium, CYP27B1 mRNA transcript abundance was greater on days 18–20 than on days 2–5 and 15–16, while protein abundance was larger in slices collected on days 18–20 than on days 15–16. Neither CYP24A1 mRNA transcript nor encoded protein abundance were detected in the myometrium. The highest 1,25(OH)2D3 concentration in uterine flushings was observed on days 18–20. Furthermore, the 1,25(OH)2D3 increased the abundance of the CYP24A1 mRNA transcript in endometrial slices. Overall, our results suggest that porcine uterus is an extra-renal site of vitamin D3 metabolism. Both the endometrium and the myometrium possess the ability to synthesize vitamin D3, while only the endometrium contributes to its catabolism

The influence of estradiol and progesterone on the concentrations of uterine oxytocin receptors and plasma PGFM in response to oxytocin in ovariectomized gilts

Peripubertal gilts ($n = 25$) were treated with corn oil (CO) or ovarian steroids, one month following an ovariectomy. The first day of treatment was assigned as the first day of the experiment. The gilts received: Group (Gr) I ($n = 4$) – CO (2 ml$\cdot$day$^{-1}$ from 1st to 12th day), Gr II ($n = 4$) and Gr III ($n = 4$) – progesterone (P$_4$; 10 to 100 mg$\cdot$day$^{-1}$ from 1st to 12th day), Gr IV ($n = 5$) – estradiol benzoate (EB; 400 $\mu$g$\cdot$day$^{-1}$ from 1st to 3rd day), Gr V ($n = 4$) and Gr VI ($n = 4$) – EB + P$_4$ (EB 400 $\mu$g$\cdot$day$^{-1}$ from 1st to 3rd day, 20 $\mu$g$\cdot$day$^{-1}$ at 6th and 9th day, 50 $\mu$g at 12th day plus P$_4$ 10 to 100 mg from 4th to 15th day). All gilts were injected with oxytocin (OT; 20 IU; i.v.) on the following days of the experiment: 13th (Gr I and Gr II), 15th (Gr III and Gr IV), 16th (Gr V) and 18th (Gr VI). Concentrations of the PGF$_{2\alpha}$ metabolite – PGFM were determined in blood samples, collected from 30 min before to 120 min after OT injection. Baseline PGFM concentrations (30 min before OT) differed among treatment groups and were the highest in Gr V and Gr VI ($P < 0.01$ vs. other groups). The magnitude of the PGFM response to OT increased only in four of the five gilts of Gr IV and in three of the four gilts of Gr VI, and it was higher ($P = 0.009$) in Gr VI than in Gr IV. In the remaining groups, PGFM concentrations did not increase above the baseline in response to OT. The day after OT injection, oxytocin receptors (OTR) were found in the uterine tissues of all animals studied. The lowest OTR concentrations were in Gr I – 75.5 $\pm$ 11.2 fmol$\cdot$mg protein$^{-1}$ and the highest in Gr IV – 712.9 $\pm$ 86.7 fmol$\cdot$mg protein$^{-1}$; ($P < 0.05$ vs. other groups). The values of K$_{\rm d}$ of OTR differed among groups ($P < 0.001$) and ranged from 1.62 $\pm$ 0.44 nM in Gr I to 12. 08 $\pm$ 1.9 nM in Gr VI. A positive correlation ($r = 0.54$; $P < 0.01$) between plasma E$_2$ and uterine OTR concentrations was observed. In conclusion, E$_2$ and P$_4$ are involved in both PGF$_{2\alpha}$ synthesis/secretion and OTR formation, however, full PGF$_{2\alpha}$ response to OT does not develop before puberty. Estrogens are evident stimulators of uterine OTR synthesis in gilts

Proteomic analysis of the endometrium during early pregnancy in the domestic pig.

Reproductive processes in domestic pigs have been studied extensively. Pigs are one of the main sources of meat for human consumption and are an established model for investigations into mammalian, including human, reproductive physiology. Studies of the uterus during early pregnancy will lead to a better understanding of mechanisms governing pregnancy. Proteomics provides the possibility to explore endometrial functions in an unbiased way. The aim of the study was to compare endometrium harvested from Days 12-13 and 15-16 of pregnancy with the corresponding days of the oestrous cycle. We identified endometrial proteins that are unique to the early stages of pregnancy (Days 12-13 and 15-16). Twenty-one proteins were identified that were uniquely expressed on the selected days of pregnancy or the oestrous cycle. Out of 21 identified proteins, 14 referred to the pregnancy periods. Systemic analysis of the identified proteins revealed cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organisation as two of the major functions, both of which are important for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Thrombospondin 1 expression was validated using western blotting analysis and the results suggest its involvement in the adhesiveness of the embryo during the peri-implantation period in pigs