Comparisons of serum somatotropin, 3,5,3 '-triiodothyronine, thyroxine, total protein and free fatty acid levels in newborn Sakiz lambs separated from or suckling their dams

Objective: To determine the effects on serum somatotropin, 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T-3), thyroxine (T-4), free fatty acids (FFAs) and total protein levels of different feedings and age in Sakiz sheep that have a high twin-bearing rate supported by estrous synchronization. Methods: 20 newborn lambs were used in the study. Lambs were divided into 2 equal groups. The lambs in 1 group were separated from their dams following parturition, and those in other group were kept together with their dams. Separated lambs were fed commercial cow's milk for 2.5 weeks. After that, they were fed a milk substitute, hay and concentrated supplement for 2 months, and from the end of the 2 months they were fed hay and concentrated supplement. The lambs in other group were kept together with their dams only during the day and in addition were fed hay and concentrated supplement. After 2 months, they were maintained feeding only on hay and concentrated supplement. Blood samples were taken from vena jugularis of lambs at 12 and 24-48 h, and 14, 28, 42 and 56-90 days after parturition. Serum samples were analyzed for somatotropin by enzyme immunoassay, for T-3 and T-4 by radioimmunoassay, and for total protein and FFA by a spectrophotometric method. Results: Serum somatotropin levels were insignificantly different between the lambs with and without their dams. Serum T-3 levels were generally lower in the separated lambs than those in other group. Serum T-4 levels were significantly lower in the separated lambs 48 h and 90 days after parturition than those in other group. Serum FFAs were insignificantly different between 2 groups. Serum total protein concentrations were lower in the separated lambs than lambs kept together with their dams (significantly at 12 and 48 h and 14 days). Conclusion: Ingestion of colostrum and dam milk markedly affected serum total protein levels, but body weight and serum somatotropin levels were insignificantly affected. Also serum T-3 and T-4 levels markedly decreased with advancing age. Serum FFA levels were not affected by the trial. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

Effects of Dietary Protein Level on Serum Growth Hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Performance in Kivircik Lambs

Due to studies on the effect of dietary protein on serum Growth Hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in lambs fed at different levels of dietary protein are limited, this study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary protein level on GH and IGF-1 concentrations and performance in lambs. A total of 50 Kivircik male lambs were randomly selected for this experiment. Lambs were randomly assigned ten lambs to each of the five treatment diets containing 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18% CP to determine the effects of dietary CP level on performance, serum GH and IGF-1 concentrations. The initial body weight was similar for all lambs and averaged 26.20 +/- 1.10 kg. Final body weight of lambs were 37.31 +/- 1.46, 39.60 +/- 1.18, 39.85 +/- 1.24, 42.04 +/- 1.25 and 41.44 +/- 1.13 kg for groups fed 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18% CP, respectively and lambs fed 16 and 18% CP diet had significantly higher body weight than those of 10% CP (p<0.05). Mean concentrations of GH and IGF-1 in blood serum of lambs were not different significantly between groups

The relationship among vitamin C, β-carotene, vitamin A, progesterone and oestradiol 17-β concentrations in plasma and cyst fluid of Holstein cows with ovarian cyst

The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of the progesterone, oestradiol-17-β, vitamin A, C and β-carotene in plasma and cyst fluid and to relate these values with cystic diameter and membrane thickness of Holstein cattle with ovarian luteal cyst. 1650 Holstein cows were examined for the presence of the ovarian cyst and luteal and follicular cystic ovaries were obtained following slaughtering in personal slaughterhouse in Konya-Turkey. 15 Luteal and 15 follicular cystic ovaries were distinguished by rectal palpation and by post mortem ultrasonographic examination. Plasma and cyst fluid, hormone and vitamin analyses were carried out by EIA method and spectrophotometric measurement respectively. Although there was no relationship between β-carotene and vitamin A in plasma and cyst fluid of both cyst type and hormone concentrations, the vitamin C concentration of cyst fluid was found significantly higher in luteal cyst than in follicular cyst. Moreover, there is a positive correlation among values of the vitamin C concentrations of cyst fluid and cystic membrane thickness, plasma and the cyst fluid progesterone concentrations, but there is a negative correlation among the vitamin C concentrations of cystic fluid and oestradiol 17β levels of plasma and cyst fluid. In conclusion, vitamin C concentration of cyst fluid supported ultrasonographic and endocrinologic findings. Also, it can be postulated that vitamin C is probably effective on progesterone synthesis in the luteal tissue of cyst. © 2008 The Authors

Effects of a Cyclic NSAID Regimen on Levels of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Prostaglandin E2 and Interleukin‑1β: A 6‑month Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for inflammation control and pain relief. However, while the adjunct use of NSAIDs is avoided for periodontal therapy because of related side effects, cyclic administration of NSAIDs may reduce or eliminate these effects. We evaluated the effect of a cyclic diclofenac potassium (DP) regimen on clinical parameters and levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin‑1β (IL‑1β) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals with periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee (2000/071). Forty‑one individuals with chronic periodontitis (33 men, 8 women) were divided into two groups (test and control) after initial periodontal therapy. During this 6‑month, randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study, test (n = 28) and control (n = 13) groups were administered a cyclic regimen of DP (50 mg, twice daily) or placebo. Clinical measurements and GCF sample collections were made at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 months. GCF levels of PGE2 and IL‑1β were determined using enzyme immunoassay and enzyme‑linked immunoassay kits, respectively. Results: At baseline, no significant differences existed between groups for plaque indices, gingival indices, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), or attachment levels (P &gt; 0.05). Compared with the control group, cyclic regimen in the test group suppressed increased levels of PGE2 found in GCF at the end of the study (P &lt; 0.05). Significant differences for PD and relative attachment gain were also noted in favor of the test group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that a cyclic regimen of DP may be efficacious in the management of chronic periodontitis in adults.Keywords: Anti‑inflammatory agents, cytokines, gingival crevicular fluid, nonsurgical therapy, periodontiti