Influence of alpha-ketoglutarate on cortical bone density, geometrical properties and mechanical endurance of the humerus in turkeys

The aim of this study was to estimate an influence of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on volumetric bone density and geometrical and mechanical properties of the humerus in farm turkeys. All birds were kept under standard rearing conditions with constant access to water and appropriate feed, supplied in accordance with the stage of production cycle. Bone samples were collected 14 weeks after beginning of the experiment. To the first group belonged the control turkeys. The second group of animals consisted of turkeys that were treated with AKG from the 22(nd) to 110(th) d of life. Using Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) method, volumetric bone density of the cortical bone in the humerus was estimated. Both the mechanical and geometrical properties of the bone were assessed according to Ferretti method. The obtained results showed anabolic influence of enteral AKG administration on cortical bone density, geometrical properties and mechanical endurance of the humerus. Moreover, the humerus in turkey may be utilised as a model of cortical bone for further investigations of factors conditioning skeletal homeostasis

Effect of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on mineralisation, morphology and mechanical endurance of femur and tibia in turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on volumetric bone density, geometrical and mechanical properties of femur and tibia in farm turkeys. All animals were kept under standard rearing conditions with constant access to water and appropriate feed, supplied in accordance with the stage of production cycle. Bone samples were collected 14 weeks after beginning of the experiment. To the first group belonged control turkeys. The second group of animals consisted of turkeys that were administered AKG from the 22(nd) to 110(th) d of life. Using Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) method, volumetric bone density of femur and tibia were estimated for trabecular and cortical bone. Both the mechanical and geometrical properties of femur and tibia were assessed according to Ferretti's method. The obtained results indicate positive influence of enteral AKG administration on skeletal system quality in turkeys

Effects of alpha-ketoglutarate on bone homeostasis and plasma amino acids in turkeys

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of denervation and alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) administration on the development of osteopenia in the turkey radius. At 22 d of age, all turkeys were subjected to neurectomy of the right radius. Control turkeys were given a saline solution into the crop each day for 97 d. Experimental turkeys were given 0.4 g of AKG/kg of BW into the crop each day. After 98 d, BW was not affected by the AKG treatment. Volumetric bone mineral density of the radius was measured by quantitative computed tomography. Mechanical properties were tested using a 3-point bending test. Cross-sectional area, second moment of inertia, and mean relative wall thickness were measured as well. An-Lino acid concentrations were assessed with the use of ion-exchange chromatography. Denervation had a negative effect on all bone characteristics that were measured except bone length. The AKG had a positive effect on all bone characteristics except bone length. Plasma concentrations of proline and leucine were increased by AKG, whereas concentrations of taurine and glutamine were decreased. The turkey radius appears to be a good model for studying osteopenia because its development can be affected by treatments such as denervation and AKG administration

Effect of alpha-ketoglutarate given to pregnant sows on the development of the humerus and femur in newborns

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) was given to pregnant sows every day starting from the 91(st) d of pregnancy to farrowing. At the same time control pregnant sows were treated in the same way with physiological saline (PhS). Newborn piglets from the experimental (AKG) and control (PhS) mothers were euthanised in 1 h after their birth, and the femora and humeri were isolated and frozen at -25 degrees C until further analyses. Using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) method, volumetric bone density of the cortical and trabecular bone compartments were estimated. Moreover, geometrical and mechanical parameters of the bones and the level of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase activity in serum were determined. It was found that the administration of AKG to pregnant sows during 24 d before parturition decreased bone density in their newborns

Influence of dexamethasone and alpha-ketoglutarate on growth and development of the skeletal system of pigs

The aim of the study was to establish the influence of dexamethasone and/or alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) on the growth, mineralization, geometric and mechanical properties of ribs as a methodological model. The experiment was conducted during the final 24 days of prenatal life and first 14 days of neonatal life. The volumetric bone density of the trabecular and cortical bone was determined separately using the quantitative computed tomography (QCT) method and Somatom AR. T - Siemens apparatus. The mechanical properties were determined using the three-point bending test according to the method by Ferretti et al. The obtained results indicate that maternal administration of dexamethasone increased volumetric mineral density, although the mechanical parameters had lower values. Prenatal administration of AKG decreased all the geometric and mechanical parameters of the investigated ribs. The results obtained during the administration of the compound in neonatal life were the opposite of the prenatal results. Dexamethasone and AKG given together had the same influence on mineralization and other properties AND increasing their values during prenatal and neonatal life. This model of administrating dexamethasone and AKG maternally during prenatal life with the intention of provoking structural growth of the skeleton may be useful in further elucidating some biological and pharmacological factors on bone formation in prenatal life