Stress, cortisol and obesity: a role for cortisol responsiveness in identifying individuals prone to obesity
There is a strong inter-relationship between activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis and energy homeostasis. Patients with abdominal obesity have elevated cortisol levels. Furthermore, stress and glucocorticoids act to control both food intake and energy expenditure. In particular, glucocorticoids are known to increase the consumption of foods enriched in fat and sugar. It is well known that, in all species, the cortisol response to stress or adrenocorticotropin is highly variable. It has now emerged, that cortisol responsiveness is an important determinant in the metabolic sequelae to stress. (Source: Domesti...
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 29, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: S.D. Hewagalamulage, T.K. Lee, I.J. Clarke, B.A. Henry Source Type: research

The role of mitochondrial DNA copy number, variants and haplotypes in farm animal developmental outcome
The vast majority of cellular energy is generated through the process of oxidative phosphorylation, which takes place in the electron transfer chain in the mitochondria. The ETC is encoded by two genomes, the chromosomal and the mitochondrial (mtDNA) genomes. MtDNA is associated with a number of traits, which include tolerance to heat, growth and physical performance, meat and milk quality and fertility. Mitochondrial genomes can be clustered into groups known as mtDNA haplotypes. MtDNA haplotypes are a potential genetic source for manipulating phenotypes in farm animals. (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 29, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Tesha Tsai, Justin C. St. John Source Type: research

Influence of blanketing and season on vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in horses in New Zealand
The aims of the study were to determine effect of season and blanketing on vitamin D synthesis in horses, and examine the interaction between vitamin D and other analytes involved in calcium homeostasis. Twenty-one healthy horses at pasture were included; 5 were covered with standard horse blankets including neck rugs. Blood samples were collected for 13 mo and analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), ionized calcium (iCa), total calcium (tCa), phosphorus (P), total magnesium (tMg) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 19, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: S. Azarpeykan, K.E. Dittmer, E.K. Gee, J.C. Marshall, J. Wallace, P. Elder, E. Acke, K.G. Thompson Source Type: research

Influence of blanketing and season on vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations in horses in New Zealand
The aims of the study were to determine the effect of season and blanketing on vitamin D synthesis in horses and examine the interaction between vitamin D and other analytes involved in calcium homeostasis. Twenty-one healthy horses at pasture were included; 5 were covered with standard horse blankets including neck rugs. Blood samples were collected for 13 mo and analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D), ionized calcium (iCa), total calcium (tCa), phosphorus (P), total magnesium (tMg), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 18, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: S. Azarpeykan, K.E. Dittmer, E.K. Gee, J.C. Marshall, J. Wallace, P. Elder, E. Acke, K.G. Thompson Source Type: research

Characteristics and functions of a minor FSH surge near the end of an interovulatory interval in Bos taurus heifers
The apparent function of a minor FSH surge based on temporality with follicular events was studied in 10 heifers with 2 follicular waves per interovulatory interval. Individual follicles were tracked from their emergence at 2 mm until their outcome was known and a blood sample was collected for FSH and LH assay every 12 h from Day −14 (Day 0 = ovulation) to Day 4. A minor FSH surge occurred in each heifer (peak, Day −4.6 ± 0.2). Concentration of LH increased (P < 0.05) during the FSH increase of the minor surge but did not decrease during the FSH decrease. (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 16, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: O.J. Ginther, J.M. Baldrighi, M.A.R. Siddiqui, C.A. Wolf Source Type: research

Assessment of caprine corpora lutea growth, progesterone concentration and eNOS expression: Effect of a compensatory gain model
The experiment was conducted to evaluate corpus luteum (CL) growth, progesterone (P4) concentration and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in nutrient stair-step fed goats. Female goats (n = 32) that exhibited at least two, normal, consecutive estrous cycles were randomly assigned to either the control or stair-step fed group. In the control group, goats were fed ad libitum (100% of nutrient requirement for goats). The goats in the stair-step group were fed 70% of the control consumption for the first 42 d and 130% for the later 42 d during four consecutive estrous cycles (84 d). (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 7, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: J. Thammasiri, C. Navanukraw, S. Uriyapongson, V. Khanthusaeng, K. Lertchunhakiat, S. Boonkong Source Type: research

Assessment of caprine corpora lutea growth, progesterone concentration, and eNOS expression: effect of a compensatory gain model
The experiment was conducted to evaluate corpus luteum (CL) growth, progesterone (P4) concentration, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in nutrient stair-step fed goats. Female goats (n = 32) that exhibited at least 2, normal, consecutive estrous cycles were randomly assigned to either the control or stair-step fed group. In the control group, goats were fed ad libitum (100% of nutrient requirement for goats). The goats in the stair-step group were fed 70% of the control consumption for the first 42 d and 130% for the later 42 d during 4 consecutive estrous cycles (84 d). (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 6, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: J. Thammasiri, C. Navanukraw, S. Uriyapongson, V. Khanthusaeng, K. Lertchunhakiat, S. Boonkong Source Type: research

Cattle temperament influences metabolism: Metabolic response to glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests in beef steers
Cattle temperament, defined as the reactivity of cattle to humans or novel environments, can greatly influence several physiological systems in the body, including immunity, stress, and most recently discovered, metabolism. Greater circulating concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) found in temperamental cattle suggests that temperamental cattle are metabolically different than calm cattle. Further, elevated NEFA concentrations have been reported to influence insulin sensitivity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether cattle temperament would influence the metabolic response to a gluc...
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 3, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: N.C. Burdick Sanchez, J.A. Carroll, P.R. Broadway, H.D. Hughes, S.L. Roberts, J.T. Richeson, T.B. Schmidt, R.C. Vann Source Type: research

Molecular characterization of kisspeptin gene and effect of nano–encapsulted kisspeptin-10 on reproductive maturation in Catla catla
In this study, the kiss1 gene and its receptor kiss1rb were cloned and characterized from the brain of Catla catla. Further, the effects of kissppetin-10 (K-10) and chitosan–encapsulated K-10 nanoparticles (CK-10) on gene expression were assessed. The full-length complementary DNA sequence of kiss1 is 754 bp with an open reading frame of 351 bp that encodes a putative protein of 116 amino acids. (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 2, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: M.A. Rather, I.A. Bhat, G.B. Pathakota, A. Chaudhari, J.K. Sundaray, R. Sharma Source Type: research

Dynamics of L cells along the crypt-villous axis in the chicken ileum
The dynamics of L cells along the crypt-villous axis were investigated in the ileum of male White Leghorn chicks (7 d of age, n = 5). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and an in situ hybridization technique to detect proglucagon messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunocytochemistry using colloidal gold was also applied to quantitatively evaluate the GLP-1 content. The cells expressing a proglucagon mRNA signal were distributed mainly in the crypts and the bottom of the villi but were never found in the upper part of the villi. (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 2, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: K. Nishimura, K. Hiramatsu, T. Watanabe Source Type: research

Molecular characterization of kisspeptin gene and effect of nanoencapsulted kisspeptin-10 on reproductive maturation in
In this study, the kiss1 gene and its receptor kiss1rb were cloned and characterized from the brain of Catla catla. Further, the effects of kissppetin-10 (K-10) and chitosan encapsulated K-10 nanoparticles (CK-10) on gene expression were assessed. The full-length cDNA sequence of kiss1 is 754 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 351 bp that encodes a putative protein of 116 amino acids. (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 2, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: M.A. Rather, I.A. Bhat, G.B. Pathakota, A. Chaudhari, J.K. Sundaray, R. Sharma Source Type: research

Dynamics of L cells along the crypt-villous axis in the chicken ileum
The dynamics of L cells along the crypt-villous axis were investigated in the ileum of male White Leghorn chicks (7 d of age, n=5). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and an in situ hybridization technique to detect proglucagon mRNA. Immunocytochemistry using colloidal gold was also applied to quantitatively evaluate the GLP-1 content. The cells expressing a proglucagon mRNA signal were distributed mainly in the crypts and the bottom of the villi, but were never found in the upper part of the villi. (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - March 2, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: K. Nishimura, K. Hiramatsu, T. Watanabe Source Type: research

Marine macroalgal extracts to maintain gut homeostasis in the weaning piglet
The mammalian gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic environment, where a symbiotic relationship exists between the resident microbiota and the digestive and immune systems of the host. The development of the immune system begins in-utero and is further developed following the colonization of the GIT with microbiota during birth and postnatal life. The early establishment of this relationship is fundamental to the development and long-term maintenance of gut homeostasis. Regulatory mechanisms ensure an appropriate level of immune reactivity in the gut to accommodate the presence of beneficial and dietary microorganisms, while...
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - February 29, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: T. Sweeney, J.V. O’Doherty Source Type: research

Endocrine, morphometric, and ultrasonographic characterization of neck adiposity in Andalusian horses
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) can be diagnosed by hormonal measurements; however, it would be important to find simpler measurements that allow easy identification of affected or at risk individuals. In horses, the dorsal neck region is one of the most frequent anatomical sites for fat deposition and neck obesity has been linked to EMS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of hormonal markers of obesity (leptin) and insulin resistance (insulin) with morphometric and ultrasonographic neck measurements in Andalusian horses. (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - February 24, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: T. Martin-Gimenez, I. de Blas, E. Aguilera-Tejero, E. Diez de Castro, C.N. Aguirre-Pascasio Source Type: research

Endocrine, morphometric and ultrasonographic characterization of neck adiposity in Andalusian horses
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) can be diagnosed by hormonal measurements; however, it would be important to find simpler measurements that allow easy identification of affected or at risk individuals. In horses, the dorsal neck region is one of the most frequent anatomical sites for fat deposition and neck obesity has been linked to EMS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of hormonal markers of obesity (leptin) and insulin resistance (insulin) with morphometric and ultrasonographic neck measurements in Andalusian horses. (Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology)
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - February 24, 2016 Category: Endocrinology Authors: T. Martin-Gimenez, I. de Blas, E. Aguilera-Tejero, E. Diez de Castro, C.N. Aguirre-Pascasio Source Type: research