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Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is a commercially relevant, long-chain (8 fully fluorinated carbon) perfluorinated carboxylic acid. PFNA has limited terrestrial ecotoxicity data and is detected in humans, animals, and the environment. This study is the fourth in a series with the objective of investigating the toxicity of a suite of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected on military installations in a mammal indigenous to North America. Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed mice, ∼25/sex/dose) were exposed via oral gavage to either 0, 0.03, 0.14, 1, or 3 mg PFNA/kg-d for 112 consecutive days (4 wk premating exposure followed by an additional 12 wk of exposure after onset of mating). Parental generation animals were assessed for potential reproductive and developmental effects, organ weight changes, thyroid modulation, and immunotoxicity. Pup weight and survival were assessed at postnatal days 0, 1, 4, 7, and 10. Change in liver weight was determined to yield the most sensitive dose response according to benchmark dose analysis, and serves as the most protective point of departure (BMDL = 0.37 mg/kg-d PFNA). Other effects of PFNA exposure included reduced formation of plaque-forming cells, which are indicative of functional immune deficits (BMDL = 2.31 mg/kg-d); decreased serum thyroxine (BMDL = 0.93 mg/kg-d) without changes in some other hormones; and increased stillbirths (BMDL = 0.61 mg/kg-d PFNA). Pup weight and survival were not affected by PFNA exposure. Combined with data from previous studies, data from Peromyscus provide a One Health perspective on health effects of PFAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absolute (ALW) and relative (RLW) liver weight changes are sensitive endpoints in repeat-dose rodent toxicity studies, and their changes are often used for quantitative assessment of health effects induced by hepatotoxic chemicals using the benchmark dose-response modeling (BMD) approach. To find biologically relevant liver weight changes to chemical exposures, we evaluated all data available for liver weight changes and associated liver histopathologic findings from the Toxicity Reference Database (ToxRefDB). Our analysis of 389 subchronic mouse and rat studies for 273 chemicals found significant differences in treatment-related ALW and RLW changes between dose groups with and without liver histopathologic changes. In addition, we demonstrate that chemical treatment-induced ALW and RLW changes can predict the presence of histopathologic findings and inform the selection of biologically relevant liver weight changes for BMD modeling and derivation of toxicity values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the negative impact of liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) infection on production and health in cattle is generally accepted, results of individual research have been variable, ranging from important negative impacts on the animal to minimal or no impact. To add information on the impact of F. hepatica infection in growing cattle, weight gain and liver weight of young experimentally infected animals from seven controlled efficacy studies were analyzed. In each study, fluke naïve animals were inoculated with approximately 450 to 500 F. hepatica encysted metacercariae, blocked on body weight and randomly assigned into one untreated group (controls) and groups which were administered an experimental flukicide when the flukes were 4 weeks old (migrating) and sacrificed 8 weeks thereafter (12 weeks after inoculation). Data of groups which demonstrated >90% reduction of fluke counts following treatment and groups left untreated (total 103 and 47 animals, respectively) were compared. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) negative association between fluke count and weight gain while fluke count and liver weight and fluke count and relative liver weight were positively associated (p < 0.0001). Over the 8-week post-treatment period, flukicide-treated cattle had almost 15% more weight gain than the controls (50.9 kg vs. 44.4 kg; p = 0.0003). Absolute and relative liver weight was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in flukicide-treated compared to untreated cattle. Overall, this analysis provided evidence of a substantial negative effect of early (migrating) liver fluke infection on the growth of young cattle, likely due to pathology of the liver and associated reduction in its function as the central organ for bioenergy and protein metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the biology of Sardinella aurita (flat Sardinella) and S. maderensis (round Sardinella) at James Town in Ghana. A total of 40 round and flat Sardinella samples each were evaluated each month. The results showed significant difference between round and flat Sardinella with respect to intestinal weight (p=0.020), liver weight (p=0.002) and body weight (p=0.005). Intestinal weight of the round and flat Sardinella ranged from 86.5-113 g and 79-92 g respectively. Intestinal weight of round Sardinella was significantly higher than the flat Sardinella. Liver weight of flat Sardinella was significantly lower than the liver weight of round Sardinella. Mean intestinal content of round and flat Sardinella were 46.1±16.30 and 9.65±0.33 respectively. Relative gut mass for round Sardinella ranged between 0.022 and 0.120 whilst that of flat Sardinella ranged between 0.020 and 0.933. Relative gut length was similar for flat and round Sardinella. Mean Zhilers Index for flat and round Sardinella were 0.0752±0.004 and 0.091±0.005 respectively. Mean gonadosomatic index, Hepatosomatic index and Relative content mass recorded for flat Sardinella were 5.735±0.495, 0.346±0.034 and 0.006±0.000 respectively. This work recommend further study comparing catches from artisanal and semi-industrial vessels to obtain a broader knowledge of the growth and maturation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even using predictive formulas based on anthropometrics in about 30% of subjects, liver weight (LW) cannot be predicted with a ≤20% margin of error. We aimed to identify factors associated with discrepancies between predicted and observed LW. Methods: In 500 consecutive liver grafts, we tested LW predictive performance using 17 formulas based on anthropometric characteristics. Hashimoto's formula (961.3 × BSA_D‐404.8) was associated with the lowest mean absolute error and used to predict LW for the entire cohort. Clinical factors associated with a ≥20% margin of error were identified in a multivariable analysis after propensity score matching (PSM) of donors with similar anthropometric characteristics. Results: The total LW was underestimated with a ≥20% margin of error in 53/500 (10.6%) donors and overestimated in 62/500 (12%) donors. After PSM analysis, ages ≥ 65, (OR = 3.21; CI95% = 1.63‐6.31; P =.0007), age ≤ 30 years, (OR = 2.92; CI95% = 1.15‐7.40; P =.02), and elevated gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels (OR = 0.98; CI95% = 0.97‐0.99; P =.006), influenced the risk of LW overestimation. Age ≥ 65 years, (OR = 5.98; CI95% = 2.28‐15.6; P =.0002), intensive care unit (ICU) stay with ventilation > 7 days, (OR = 0.32; CI95% = 0.12‐0.85; P =.02) and waist circumference increase (OR = 1.02; CI95% = 1.00‐1.04; P =.04) were factors associated with LW underestimation. Conclusions: Increased waist circumference, age, prolonged ICU stay with ventilation, elevated GGT were associated with an increase in the margin of error in LW prediction. These factors and anthropometric characteristics could help transplant surgeons during the donor–recipient matching process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that typical tissue and clinical chemistry (ClinChem) end points measured in rat toxicity studies exhibit chemical-independent biological thresholds beyond which cancer occurs. Using the rat in vivo TG-GATES study, 75 chemicals were examined across chemical-dose-time comparisons that could be linked to liver tumor outcomes. Thresholds for liver weight to body weight (LW/BW) and 21 serum ClinChem end points were defined as the maximum and minimum values for those exposures that did not lead to liver tumors in rats. Upper thresholds were identified for LW/BW (117%), aspartate aminotransferase (195%), alanine aminotransferase (141%), alkaline phosphatase (152%), and total bilirubin (115%), and lower thresholds were identified for phospholipids (82%), relative albumin (93%), total cholesterol (82%), and total protein (94%). Thresholds derived from the TG-GATES data set were consistent across other acute and subchronic rat studies. A training set of ClinChem and LW/BW thresholds derived from a 38 chemical training set from TG-GATES was predictive of liver tumor outcomes for a test set of 37 independent TG-GATES chemicals (91%). The thresholds were most predictive when applied to 7d treatments (98%). These findings provide support that biological thresholds for common end points in rodent studies can be used to predict chemical tumorigenic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In foie gras production the technological yield after the cooking process is one of the main issues of processors as it is closely linked to the cooking melting rate. This rate is subjected to strict laws and regulations since it directly affects the organoleptic and technological qualities of this gourmet product. The objective of the study was to better understand the liver fattening and the technological yield decrease during the overfeeding kinetics. A flock of 210 mule ducks was reared and then overfed during 12 D with 2 overfeeding programs; in the test group the amounts of corn in the first meals were higher than in the control group (+430 g during the whole period). Ducks were slaughtered at the end of the rearing period (D0, n = 15) and every other day (D2 to D12, n = 15 by group). Duck performances, anatomical dissections and physical and biochemical liver characteristics were registered. The performances were equivalent in the groups (P > 0.1). The evolution of the liver weight was then analyzed in detail in relation with the evolution of its biochemical composition. A two-step evolution occurred in the liver metabolism, first a main glycogen storage and then a strong lipid storage. A model to predict the liver weight was established with only BWs and feed intakes (R² = 0.83). The technological yield was determined on foie gras weighing more than 300 g (D6 to D12). The melting process was high during the last 2 D. The technological yield reached 72% at D12, for 758 g foie gras , and a strong negative correlation was observed with liver weight (−0.83; P < 0.001). A model to predict the technological yield was established with the liver weight and the liver color parameters (R² = 0.71). This study highlights the compromise between foie gras weight and its quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chemicals induce liver cancer in rodents through well characterized adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). We hypothesized that measurement of molecular initiating events (MIEs) and downstream key events (KEs) in liver cancer AOPs in short-term assays will allow early identification of chemicals and their associated doses that are likely to be tumorigenic in the liver in two-year bioassays. We tested this hypothesis using the rat in vivo TG-GATES study data to measure MIEs (genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, AhR, CAR, ER, PPARα) and associated KEs (oxidative stress, cell proliferation, liver to body weights) across 77 chemicals that could be linked to doses with previously established effects on rat liver tumor induction. Gene expression biomarkers for MIEs generally considered to be rodent specific and human irrelevant (CAR, PPARα) and for MIEs that would be considered of greater risk at human relevant exposures (ER, AhR) were built using microarray comparisons from the livers of rats treated with prototypical activators of the receptors. The genotoxicity biomarker, also a potentially human relevant MIE, was comprised of 7 p53-responsive genes known to be induced upon DNA damage. The ability of the biomarkers to accurately predict MIE activation ranged from 91% to 98%. The Toxicological Priority Index (ToxPi) was used to rank chemicals based on their ability to activate MIEs/KEs. Chemicals administered at tumorigenic doses clearly gave the highest ranked scores. Our AOP-directed approach could be used in short term assays to identify chemicals and their doses that would be predicted to cause liver tumors in rats. Highlights • AOPs provide a framework for predictions of cancer based on early key events. • Key events for six rodent liver cancer AOPs were measured in the TG-GATES study. • Gene expression biomarkers accurately predicted nuclear receptor activation. • ToxPi was used to summarize scores for chemical-induced key events. • Measurement of effects at 4 days accurately predicted liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate the antischistosomal activity of the herbal medicine; saffron on mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni species. Mice were divided into three groups; each group contains seven mice. The first group was served as normal control and mice of the other two groups was individually infected with 60±5 Schistosoma mansoni cercaria. One of them was the infected group and the other group mice were orally treated with 0.2 ml of saffron extract (100mg/kg) six weeks' post infection three times weekly for four weeks. After the last dose; all mice were sacrificed. Mice liver infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria displayed an extremely elevation (P ⩽ 0.001) in liver weight, ova count, ALT and AST levels. Otherwise, it induced an extremely reduction (P ⩽ 0.001) in both albumin and total protein levels. Saffron extract modulated all the previous mentioned parameters to be near of normal values. Histologically, mice liver infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria showed portal fibrosis, granulomatous nodules and focal cell infiltration. Saffron extract ameliorated the histological structure of liver by reducing the different histopathological effects induced with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria. Finally, saffron has a powerful antischistosomal activity in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The postmortem fetal brain:liver weight ratio is commonly used as a marker of nutrition for diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, there are limited data regarding the effects of intrauterine retention, fetal maceration and postmortem interval on organ weights and their ratios at autopsy. Our aims were to examine the relationships between gestational-age-adjusted and sex-adjusted fetal organ weights at autopsy, cause of intrauterine death and effects of intrauterine retention, and to determine whether the brain:liver weight ratio is a reliable marker of FGR in intrauterine death. Methods As part of a larger study examining autopsy findings in intrauterine death, data from two specialist centers in London were collated in a specially designed database. Autopsy and clinical information for > 1000 intrauterine deaths between 2005 and 2013 were extracted. Adjusted (delta) organ weights were calculated by plotting against gestational age female and male brain, liver, thymus, heart, combined kidney, combined lung, spleen and combined adrenal gland weights. Polynomial regression was used to determine best fit and to calculate expected (50th centile) organ weights and deviations from expected. We compared adjusted organ weights and body:organ weight ratios in fetuses which were small-for-gestational age (SGA) at autopsy (birth weight < 10th centile for normal live births) vs those in fetuses which were not, and in macerated vs non-macerated fetuses.Results The majority of fetal organs (brain, liver, heart, thymus, lungs, kidneys and thyroid) in SGA fetuses were significantly lighter than those in non-SGA fetuses. Body:organ weight ratios for thymus, liver and spleen were significantly greater in SGA fetuses, indicating these organs to be disproportionately small. The majority of organs were significantly lighter in macerated compared with non-macerated fetuses and body:organ weight ratios for most organs (liver, thymus, lung, pancreas, adrenal gland, kidney, heart) were significantly greater in macerated compared with non-macerated fetuses. When SGA cases with demonstrable placental histological abnormalities were compared with other SGA cases, there was a significant difference in the brain:liver weight ratio (median, 6 vs 3.5).Conclusion Changes after intrauterine death lead to loss of fetal weight, with preferential weight loss of visceral organs such as the liver. Maceration therefore affects the brain:liver weight ratio and adjustment should be made for such changes during interpretation of ratios. Fetal organ weights may be affected significantly by mechanism of death and postmortem changes. The fetal brain:liver weight ratio may provide useful information regarding intrauterine growth status at time of death, provided that adjustment is made for effects of intrauterine retention and that appropriate cut-off values are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The postmortem fetal brain:liver weight ratio is commonly used as a marker of nutrition for diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, there are limited data regarding the effects of intrauterine retention, fetal maceration and postmortem interval on organ weights and their ratios at autopsy. Our aims were to examine the relationships between gestational-age-adjusted and sex-adjusted fetal organ weights at autopsy, cause of intrauterine death and effects of intrauterine retention, and to determine whether the brain:liver weight ratio is a reliable marker of FGR in intrauterine death.Methods: As part of a larger study examining autopsy findings in intrauterine death, data from two specialist centers in London were collated in a specially designed database. Autopsy and clinical information for > 1000 intrauterine deaths between 2005 and 2013 were extracted. Adjusted (delta) organ weights were calculated by plotting against gestational age female and male brain, liver, thymus, heart, combined kidney, combined lung, spleen and combined adrenal gland weights. Polynomial regression was used to determine best fit and to calculate expected (50th centile) organ weights and deviations from expected. We compared adjusted organ weights and body:organ weight ratios in fetuses which were small-for-gestational age (SGA) at autopsy (birth weight < 10th centile for normal live births) vs those in fetuses which were not, and in macerated vs non-macerated fetuses.Results: The majority of fetal organs (brain, liver, heart, thymus, lungs, kidneys and thyroid) in SGA fetuses were significantly lighter than those in non-SGA fetuses. Body:organ weight ratios for thymus, liver and spleen were significantly greater in SGA fetuses, indicating these organs to be disproportionately small. The majority of organs were significantly lighter in macerated compared with non-macerated fetuses and body:organ weight ratios for most organs (liver, thymus, lung, pancreas, adrenal gland, kidney, heart) were significantly greater in macerated compared with non-macerated fetuses. When SGA cases with demonstrable placental histological abnormalities were compared with other SGA cases, there was a significant difference in the brain:liver weight ratio (median, 6 vs 3.5).Conclusion: Changes after intrauterine death lead to loss of fetal weight, with preferential weight loss of visceral organs such as the liver. Maceration therefore affects the brain:liver weight ratio and adjustment should be made for such changes during interpretation of ratios. Fetal organ weights may be affected significantly by mechanism of death and postmortem changes. The fetal brain:liver weight ratio may provide useful information regarding intrauterine growth status at time of death, provided that adjustment is made for effects of intrauterine retention and that appropriate cut-off values are used. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the ontogeny of body and liver weight and the pattern of related gene mRNA expression in the hypothalamus–pituitary growth axis (HPGA) of two different duck breeds ( Anas platyrhynchos domestica ) were compared during embryonic and post-hatch development. Duck hypothalamic growth hormone release hormone (GHRH), somatostatin (SS), pituitary growth hormone (GH), liver growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) mRNA were first detected on the 13th embryonic day. During early duck development, SS maintained a lower expression status, whereas the other four genes exhibited highly significant variations in an age-specific manner. Highly significant breed specificity was observed with respect to hepatic IGF-1 mRNA expression, which showed a significant breed–age interaction effect. Compared with previous studies on chickens, significant species differences were observed regarding the mRNA expression of bird embryonic HPGA-related genes. During early development, highly significant breed and age specificity were observed with respect to developmental changes in body and liver weight, and varying degrees of significant linear correlation were found between these performances and the mRNA expression of HPGA-related genes in the duck HPGA. These results suggest that different genetic backgrounds may lead to differences in duck growth and HPGA-related gene mRNA expression, and the differential mRNA expression of related genes in the duck HPGA may be particularly important in the early growth of ducks. Furthermore, hepatic IGF-1 mRNA expression presented highly significant breed specificity, and evidence suggests the involvement of hepatic IGF-1 in mediating genetic effects on embryo and offspring growth in ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecundity of Norwegian coastal cod (NCC) was estimated at several locations along the coast of Norway. There was no significant difference in carcass weight, liver weight or potential fecundity (F p ) between Lofoten and Verrabotn (Northern region) or between Bømlo and Langesund (Southern region). Fish caught in the Northern region had a higher liver weight and potential fecundity than fish caught in the Southern region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Forty eight New Zealand×Californian rabbits were used to investigate the effects of diets with either a low (LDF) or high (HDF) inclusion of sugar beet pulp and wheat bran (feedstuffs rich in degradable fibre; DF) supplemented with or without soybean oil (20g SO/kg) on liver weight and composition, according to a 2×2 factorial arrangement. At 77days of age, the livers were excised, weighed, and analyzed for glycogen, cholesterol, and protein content and fatty acid (FA) composition. The HDF diets decreased liver relative weight (g/100g body weight; P <0.001), glycogen (P <0.05) and cholesterol (P <0.01) content, and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) (P <0.05). SO addition also decreased liver weight (P <0.001), glycogen (P< 0.05) content, saturated FA (SFA) (P< 0.01), and MUFA (P< 0.001). Principal component analysis (PCA) adequately described the relationships between the major FA of liver. Moreover it showed that 18:0 was not strictly of de novo origin, as were 14:0 and 16:0. Liver weight was positively correlated to glycogen and cholesterol content (P< 0.001), as well as to SFA (14:0 and 16:0; P< 0.01) and MUFA (P< 0.001) composition. In conclusion, liver weight of fattening rabbits can be affected by changes in cholesterol, glycogen content and FA composition induced by modified dietary DF and SO content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We evaluated the effects of betaine supplementation on liver weight, liver/body weight, serum parameters and morphological changes. Compared with the control and overfed groups, the geese that were fed the betaine diet showed increased liver weight and decreased abdominal adipose tissue weight compared with the overfeeding groups. Betaine treatment also significantly increased ChE, HDL, LDH and ALT levels (P <0.01 or P <0.05). Decreased macrovesicular steatosis and increased microvesicular steatosis were observed in the betaine-treated group, and the lipid was well-distributed in the betaine supplement group. The expression of S14α mRNA in the livers of the betaine-treated geese was higher than that in the control or the overfed geese. We performed sodium bisulfite sequencing of the individual alleles of this region (between +374 and −8 base pairs relative to the transcription start site), containing 33 CpG dinucleotides. In the overfed group expressing higher S14α transcripts, the average methylation at the 33 CpGs sites was 87.9%. This contrasted with 69.6% in the control group that showed lower expression of the S14α gene (P <0.01). However, no significant change in methylation in the transcription start site was found between the betaine-treated geese (82.6%) and the overfed geese (87.9%). These results indicate that the DNA methylation pattern in the S14α gene transcription start site may not be related to the expression of S14α transcript in response to betaine supplementation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The goal of the investigation was to research the influence of sex hormones on the elimination kinetics of ethanol. Forty-seven healthy men (average age 25±6.1 years) and 61 healthy women (average age 24±2.4 years) received 0.79–0.95g of ethanol/kg body weight in the form of an alcohol beverage of their choice. The target concentration for both sexes was a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 1.10g/kg. Blood samples for the determination of the ethanol concentration followed in the elimination phase in 10–20min intervals. The sex hormone levels (estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) were determined concomitantly from the serum. In men, the mean testosterone concentration was 5.3±1.6ng/ml, the mean estradiol concentration was 34.6±13.6pg/ml and the mean progesterone concentration was 0.9±0.3ng/ml. In women, the mean estradiol concentration was 47.6±52.6pg/ml and the mean testosterone concentration was 0.8±0.4ng/ml. Progesterone displayed a so-called dummy effect in women. In the high progesterone group (n =11), the mean concentration was 11.1±3.5ng/ml and in the low progesterone group (n =50) the mean was 0.6±0.3ng/ml. The mean hourly elimination rate (ß60) was 0.1677±0.0311g/kg/h in men. In women, the mean hourly elimination rate was 0.2044±0.0414g/kg/h in the high progesterone group and 0.1850±0.0276g/kg/h in the low progesterone group (p <0.05). The ß60 for women in the low progesterone group was significantly higher than that of the men, whose progesterone levels fell within a similar range (p >0.01). These results allow one to conclude that the gender differences in the pharmacokinetics of ethanol can partly, but not completely, be explained by progesterone levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine gender differences on the pharmacokinetics of ethanol. Sixty-eight healthy men and 64 healthy women with normal body mass indexes received between 0.79 and 0.95g ethanol/kg body weight in the form of their choice after they had eaten a “typical” breakfast. The aimed concentration for both genders was a blood alcohol concentration C 0 of 0.104g/dl. Blood samples in the elimination phase were taken in 10- to 20-min intervals beginning after completion of absorption. The maximum blood ethanol concentration was 0.0819±0.0184g/dl for women and 0.0841±0.0155g/dl for men. The hourly ethanol elimination rate, calculated over a linear function, in blood of 0.0179±0.0030g/dl/h in women was significantly higher than the 0.0159±0.0029g/dl/h for men (P <.0001). In relation to the liver weight, the hourly elimination rates were 5.008±0.678g/kg liver/h for women and 4.854±0.659g/kg liver/h for men, and were not statistically significant. The different liver masses as calculated in relation to the distribution volume account for the differing ethanol elimination rates between men and women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adequate (1.10%) and deficient (0.88, 0.66, and 0.53%) levels of Lys were fed to broiler chicks from 9 to 23 d of age. Groups fed the control diet (1.10% Lys) were also pair-fed daily with each deficient group. Compared with the free-fed control, graded decreases in feed intake occurred as the deficiency worsened, and these were significantly different with 0.66 and 0.53% Lys. Growth decreased significantly with each deficient level of Lys compared with the free-fed control and was always significantly lower than in the pair-fed control groups in each set. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) was elevated in chicks fed 0.88 and 0.66% lysine but not with 0.53% when compared with the full-fed control treatment. However, in deficient chicks receiving 0.66 and 0.53% Lys, T3 levels were significantly higher compared with their pair-fed controls. Plasma T4 was not significantly different between any treatments. Liver weights decreased significantly at each level of Lys deficiency, but most of the differences disappeared when expressed relative to body weight. Plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I decreased significantly with the most severe Lys deficiency. However, it decreased to a similar degree in the pair-fed controls, showing that this effect was primarily due to the lower feed intake. Plasma IGF-II levels did not differ between any treatments. No correlations were evident between thyroid hormones and IGF-I or IGF-II values. We concluded that the primary effect of Lys deficiency was an elevation in plasma T3 levels without accompanying changes in plasma T4. No effect of the Lys deficiency per se on plasma IGF-I and IGF-II and liver weights relative to body weights was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate interpretation of microscopic changes in tissues is critical in hazard identification and risk assessment. To address a possible confounder, the effects of postmortem interval on hepatocyte vacuolation and liver weight were studied in fasted and nonfasted Sprague-Dawley rats. Male and female rats (5/sex/interval) were euthanized with CO 2 , weighed, and necropsied either immediately or after remaining in the closed CO 2 chamber for 5, 10, or 25 minutes after respirations ceased. The liver was removed, weighed, and fixed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. The liver weight and liver to body weight ratio increased significantly in both male and female rats. Postmortem hepatocellular vacuolation was more prominent in males than in females. Both fasted and nonfasted males were similarly affected, however, fasted females were affected more than nonfasted females at the 25-minute interval. Ultrastructurally, intracytoplasmic vacuoles in hepatocytes and/or endothelial cells contained electron-lucent material that was morphologically similar to plasma in sinusoidal spaces. Results of our study suggest that hepatocyte vacuoles were formed in a postmortem time-dependent manner as a result of plasma influx into the cytoplasm. This change was associated with hepatic sinusoidal congestion and increases in liver weight. Males were more sensitive than females to postmortem hepatocyte vacuolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Body height is positively correlated with liver size in healthy subjects. • Histological changes have a larger effect on liver size than age. • Hepatic steatosis significantly increases liver weight. • Fibrosis and cirrhosis have no significant effect on liver weight. • Hepatic steatosis increases antero-posterior length more than horizontal or vertical length. The liver is the most commonly injured abdominal organ, accounting for around half of abdominal organ injuries. The emergence of liver injury is determined by the injury mechanism, force, and tissue vulnerability. The vulnerability of the liver depends on the strength of the capsule and parenchyma, as well as the weight and dimensions of the liver. The common hepatic diseases, like steatosis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, can change the organ weight and dimensions, but their exact correlation is not well known. This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between liver diseases, weight, and dimensions. The liver weight, horizontal, vertical, and antero-posterior length were measured obtained by 213 forensic autopsies. The recorded data were compared with body height, age, and liver histology. Body height positively correlated with liver weight (R2 = 0.252), but the correlation was much stronger in the case of livers without structural disease (R2 = 0.450). The liver size seems to significantly decrease with age (R2 = 0.081), but the effect is mostly due to structural alterations that are proven by histology. The comparison of the liver weight in various histological groups clearly indicated that steatosis increases the liver size, but fibrosis does not (if no steatosis is present at the same time). In general, liver dimensions increase proportionally to the liver weight. However, hepatic steatosis causes disproportional enlargement: it does not have a significant effect on the horizontal dimension and has only a minor effect on the vertical dimension. Steatosis affects disproportionally the dimensions with a strange tendency to expand liver anteroposteriorly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Fluoride salts generate free oxygen radicals which cause toxicity and effects on body organs. Toxicity due to fluoride is shown as decrease in body weight and organ weight. The present experimental study is designed to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride on body weight and weight of liver of mice and evaluate the protection provided by vitamin E. Methodology: A total of 48 male adult albino mice were divided in to four groups. Group A was given olive oil 6.67 ml/kg/day orally for 30 days. Group B was given sodium fluoride (NaF) 10 mg/kg/day dissolved in distilled water + olive oil 6.67 ml/kg/day both orally for 30 days. Group C was given sodium fluoride 10 mg/kg/day dissolved in distilled water and vitamin E 15 mg/kg/day dissolved in oli ve oil both orally for 30 days. Group D was given vitamin E 15 mg/kg/day dissolved in olive oil orally for 30 days. Weight of animals was recorded at the start and end of experiment. Animals were sacrificed and their livers were dissected out and weighed. Results: Animals which received sodium fluoride showed decreased body weight and liver weight as compared to animal group A which received only olive oil(p value< 0.001 and 0.001 respectively). Coadministration of vitamin E and sodium fluoride to animals of group C showed statistically significant prevention of decrease in body weight and liver weight as compared to the group which received sodium fluoride, p value < 0.001. Conclusion: Fluoride induced toxicity manifested as decrease in body weight and liver weight was effectively prevented by co-administration of Vitamin E treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]