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The purpose of the research was to compare the effects of two different techniques of the cooperative learning approach, namely Team-Game Tournament and Jigsaw, on undergraduates' conceptual understanding in a Hormone Biochemistry course. Undergraduates were randomly assigned to Group 1 (N = 23) and Group 2 (N = 29). Instructions were accomplished using Team-Game Tournament in Group 1 and Jigsaw in Group 2. Before the instructions, all groups were informed about cooperative learning and techniques, their responsibilities in the learning process and accessing of resources. Instructions were conducted under the guidance of the researcher for nine weeks and the Hormone Concept Test developed by the researcher was used before and after the instructions for data collection. According to the results, while both techniques improved students' understanding, Jigsaw was more effective than Team-Game Tournament. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(2):114-120, 2018., (© 2017 The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.)

The control of the sleep-wake cycle as well as several physiological and behavioral processes in living things depends on circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are regulated by internal biological clocks that coordinate with environmental stimuli like light and temperature. The significance of circadian rhythms in organisms is emphasized because they support the maintenance of equilibrium between internal and external environments. They have an impact on functions like cellular growth, hormone production, reproduction, and tissue regeneration. Melatonin, cortisol, vasopressin, acetylcholine, insulin, leptin, and body temperature all have an impact on the circadian rhythm. The transcriptional and translational feedback loops formed by a network of genes and proteins are thought to represent the biochemical basis of circadian rhythms. Retinal light exposure is the main factor in the circadian clock's regulation. It is said that Chilopods in particular are nocturnal creatures whose circadian cycles are impacted by environmental cues like light and temperature. Chilopods' circadian rhythms influence many facets of their physiology and behavior, and the timing of necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy in connection to the day/night cycle has been researched in Chilopods. Also described are the experimental techniques and methodologies utilized to explore Chilopoda circadian cycles. These comprise field research and sample collecting, lab studies utilizing histological and histochemical procedures, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and other staining techniques. The discussion of factors affecting Chilopoda circadian rhythms has a particular emphasis on light-dark cycles and entrainment. Chilopods synchronize their internal clocks with the external light-dark cycles, and exposure to light is essential for this process. The rate of physiological processes and the timing of circadian oscillations are also influenced by temperature, which is another element that affects Chilopoda circadian rhythms. This study gives a broad summary of the traits, biological basis, experimental approaches, and variables affecting Chilopoda circadian rhythms.

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In the natural environment, the life activity of organisms takes place under conditions of stable daily, lunar and annual light cycles. However, human activities aimed at creating comfortable conditions for people have resulted in light becoming one of the factors of anthropogenic environmental pollution. Artificial lighting at night can cause physiological and behavioural changes and disturbances in aquatic organisms, affecting their vital functions. Fish are one of the groups of aquatic organisms that are most susceptible to the influence of light at night, largely due to the anatomical structure of their eyes. The aim of this work was to test whether keeping Phoxinus phoxinus (Linnaeus, 1758) under constant light exposure promotes the growth of inflammatory processes in them, and also to study whether lighting at night affects oxygen consumption. Experiments showed that the oxygen consumption of P. phoxinus increased statistically significantly (p = 0.04303) at night with light compared to night without light. In an experiment in which blood cell counts were performed, the results showed a statistically significant increase in leukocytes (p = 0.01506) in the third experimental group of four kept under constant artificial light for 17 days. Based on the results of our study, it has been confirmed that keeping fish under abnormal light conditions, i.e. using different sources of artificial light at night near water bodies, can lead to physiological changes that can have a negative impact on the life of organisms. In fish, the level of oxygen consumption increases, indicating an increase in the level of metabolism, which in turn affects the growth and formation of organisms, causing a decrease in the intensity of various physiological processes such as feeding and reproduction. There is also an increase in the level of leukocytes, which indicates an increase in inflammatory processes in the organisms, which can lead to a decrease in immune function and, as a result, the susceptibility of fish to various diseases.

The incretins (glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [GIP] and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 [GLP‐1]), along with amylin/islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE), are hormones/enzymes that have been pharmacological targets, such as dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, due to their insulinotropic actions. Physical training is recommended as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, its effects on the concentrations of these hormones/enzymes are not well known. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined training (CT) on the concentrations of hormones/enzymes with insulinotropic actions in individuals with T2DM and overweight. Individuals of both sexes with T2DM (age 51.73 ± 4.19 years; body mass index [BMI] 29.46 ± 3.39 kg/m2) were randomly distributed in the control group (CG, n = 17) and the combined training group (CTG, n = 17). The CT consisted of strength followed by erobic training, 3 times/week, for 16 weeks. Functional variables, body composition, and serum biochemical analyses (clinical markers, GLP‐1, GIP, DPP‐4, amylin/IAPP, and IDE) were evaluated. The CTG showed a decrease in GLP‐1 (pre: 32.8 ± 12.1, post: 28.4 ± 13.5, and p = 0.04) in the group/time analysis. In the evaluation of the Δ% of variation, CTG presented a decrease for GLP‐1 (−9.3%; p = 0.03) and amylin/IAPP (−13.4%; p < 0.01), in addition to an increase for DPP‐4 (6.2%; p = 0.04) enzyme. CT decreases the baseline levels of important hormones with insulinotropic actions in individuals with T2DM and overweight. The improvement in overall metabolism provided by CT must be the main reason for these effects. These results broaden the understanding of the effects and relationships between CT and glucose metabolism. Highlights: In addition to the well‐known effects of exercise training on glycemic control, trained type 2 diabetes patients can obtain positive effects on other hormones and enzymes with insulinotropic actions.Global metabolic benefits provided by combined training induce different effects on GLP1 and DPP4 those induced by the widely used drugs that act on these hormone/enzymes.The combined training model applied proves to be an important tool for the treatment of type 2 diabetes even with a relatively low weekly frequency (3 times a week). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The maintenance of intestinal renewal and repair mainly depends on intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which can also contribute to the growth of intestinal tumours. Hormones, which are vital signalling agents in the body, have various effects on the growth and replacement of intestinal stem cells. This review summarises recent progress in the identification of hormones associated with intestinal stem cells. Several hormones, including thyroid hormone, glucagon-like peptide-2, androgens, insulin, leptin, growth hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone and progastrin, promote the development of intestinal stem cells. However, somatostatin and melatonin are two hormones that prevent the proliferation of intestinal stem cells. Therefore, new therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal illnesses can be identified by examining the impact of hormones on intestinal stem cells.

Introduction: The Krebs cycle is an important set of reactions that synthesize different molecules and substances that affect various organs. The objective of this paper was to compare the effects of Krebs cycle intermediates on the endocrine system and the immune system. Methods and Materials: The articles used in this paper were obtained from a systematic search of PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and primary databases. The search terms were “Krebs cycle,” “intermediates,” “endocrine system,” “tricarboxylic acid,” “citric acid cycle,” and “immune system,” and Boolean operators (AND/OR) were used to combine terms. Results: A review of the selected studies showed that Krebs cycle intermediates influence how the endocrine system regulates and controls body processes, including energy uptake. Moreover, these intermediates have both direct and indirect effects on immune function, memory, and activation. Discussion: An understanding of the effects of Krebs cycle intermediates on endocrine and immune processes will provide valuable insights for the development of new therapies. Additionally, this knowledge is a basis for exploring the pathogenesis of the complications related to endocrine system function and for evaluating the immune system response to pathogens. Conclusions: The evidence gathered in this review shows that Krebs cycle intermediates have significant effects on immune and endocrine processes. However, further human and in vivo studies are required to generate additional evidence for the underlying pathways and to identify the potential strategies for targeting these mechanisms to manage specific disorders.

The literature on the crosstalk between the brain and the gut has increased considerably in recent years. It is widely accepted now that the microbiome plays a significant role in several brain disorders, neurodevelopment, neurocognitive stages, and physiological functions. However, the mechanisms that influence such crosstalk are still not well elucidated. In this sense, one of the possible mechanisms by which the microbiome could influence brain function is through gut hormones released by enteroendocrine cells: ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide YY (PYY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), glucagon-like peptide (GLP1-2), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), secretin, serotonin (5-HT), and oxytocin. Especially when one considers that the brain expresses receptors for these hormones in areas important to the neurobiology of brain disorders (e.g., depression), such as the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and suprachiasmatic nucleus. To strengthen this hypothesis, gastrointestinal dysfunction (such as altered motility or pain) is relatively common in depressive patients, and changes in diet (low-carbohydrate diets, for example) positively affect mood. Additionally, alterations in the gut microbiome are relatively common in depressive patients and are related to the levels of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia and Clostridium. Finally, concerning the gut-released hormones, the literature reports that ghrelin can be a peripheral marker for the antidepressant treatment success rate and has elevated levels during depression. GLP-1 is tightly correlated with HPA axis activity being decreased by high cortisol levels. CCK seems to be altered in depression due to increased inflammation and activation of Toll-like receptor 4. Such finds allow the postulation that hormones, the microbiome and mood are intertwined and co-dependent. VIP is correlated with circadian rhythms. There is a bidirectional connection of the circadian rhythms between the host and the microbiota. Circadian rhythm disruption is associated with both poor outcomes in mental health and alterations in the microbiota composition. In sum, in the past year, more and more research has been published showing the tight connection between gut and brain health and trying to decipher the feedback in play. Here, we focus on depression.

In order to reduce the use of antibiotics, broiler production is increasingly taking advantage of supplements with essential oils from various herbs whose antibacterial, antioxidant and antitoxic effects lead to stress reduction and stimulate broiler growth. The aim of the present study was to monitor changes in behavior, corticosterone and testosterone levels, and blood biochemical parameters in broiler chickens under the influence of 0.02% of essential oils of rosemary, lavender, and oregano. The experiment included 120 broiler chickens, divided into 4 groups - one control (I) and three experimental, with 0.02% addition of essential oil of rosemary (II -RZ), lavender (III-LV), and oregano (IV - OR). The broilers were fattened up to 1 to 38 days of age. The behavior of broilers was studied by video cameras and ethograms. Blood levels of corticosterone and testosterone were determined using commercial ELISA kits (for the hormones concerned) and an ELISA reader. Biochemical parameters - blood glucose, cholesterol, total protein, triacylglycerols, uric acid, etc. were determined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Processing of the results of the statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA using GraphPad InStat 3.06 software, at a significance level P < 0.05. After 38 days of treating broilers with 0.02% essential oil of rosemary, lavender, and oregano, significantly lower corticosterone concentrations, or: P < 0.01; P < 0.01; and P < 0.05 respectively were determined compared to the control group. The testosterone levels in experimental birds were lower than in the control group and significantly lower in those birds in which oregano essential oil was added, P < 0.05. The treatment with essential oils increased the number of birds performing comforting behavior - dust bath and feather cleaning, P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P < 0.001, relative to the control group. The number of aggressive birds was lower in all experimental groups compared to the control, whereas there was a significant difference in chickens that had oregano oil added to their diet, P < 0.05. In the experimental groups, there was a decrease in the levels of uric acid and triglycerides compared to the control group. The 38-day supplementation with 0.02% essential oil of rosemary, lavender, and oregano had a positive effect on the ethological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Krebs cycle is an important set of reactions that synthesize different molecules and substances that affect various organs. The objective of this paper was to compare the effects of Krebs cycle intermediates on the endocrine system and the immune system. Methods and Materials: The articles used in this paper were obtained from a systematic search of PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and primary databases. The search terms were "Krebs cycle," "intermediates," "endocrine system," "tricarboxylic acid," "citric acid cycle," and "immune system," and Boolean operators (AND/OR) were used to combine terms. Results: A review of the selected studies showed that Krebs cycle intermediates influence how the endocrine system regulates and controls body processes, including energy uptake. Moreover, these intermediates have both direct and indirect effects on immune function, memory, and activation. Discussion: An understanding of the effects of Krebs cycle intermediates on endocrine and immune processes will provide valuable insights for the development of new therapies. Additionally, this knowledge is a basis for exploring the pathogenesis of the complications related to endocrine system function and for evaluating the immune system response to pathogens. Conclusions: The evidence gathered in this review shows that Krebs cycle intermediates have significant effects on immune and endocrine processes. However, further human and in vivo studies are required to generate additional evidence for the underlying pathways and to identify the potential strategies for targeting these mechanisms to manage specific disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bottled water left in the car and those left in the refrigerator on the physiological and biochemical parameters of male rats. Eighteen male albino rats were randomly divided into control, warmed bottled water (WBW), and cooled bottled water (CBW) groups. The concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and antimony (Sb) in the water samples were measured. Results showed that the levels of BPA and Sb were higher in bottled water left in the car and those kept at room temperature (control), relative to the bottled water samples kept in the fridge. Bodyweight, some metabolic indicators, cTnT and CRP levels, hematological parameters, testosterone level, and sperm quality were significantly affected by storage conditions. These results indicate that storage conditions can potentially affect the quality of bottled water, which in turn can affect the biological parameters of living organisms. Moreover, since the concentrations of BPA and Sb were least in bottled water kept in the refrigerator, we recommend that manufacturers and households should endeavor to keep bottled water under cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive health impacts of dance and dance/movement therapy can be seen all the way down to the molecular level. This narrative-style review illustrates this connection by presenting a collection of clinical and preclinical studies that evaluate the effects of dance activities on hormones and other small-molecule metabolites within the human body. The results of these studies show that dance activities can increase levels of nitric oxide, serotonin, estrogen hormones, and HDL cholesterol, while they can decrease levels of dopamine, serum glucose, serum triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. Levels of cortisol can either be increased or decreased, depending on the type of dance. Many of these results parallel the biomolecular effects of traditional (non-dance) exercise activities, although some contrasting results can also be seen. The concentrations of these molecules and their distributions throughout the body impact health and a wide variety of disease states. This connection to the molecular level provides a perspective for understanding how it is that dance activities are able to affect larger-scale physiological and psychological responses and lead to the positive health outcomes that are observed in many situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsophila pilulifera Boiss. & Heldr., an endemic and endangered species is an economically important plant that has a potential used in medicine thank to the saponins it contains. It is also an ornamental plant. In this study, the production was carried out under in vitro conditions in order to protect and economically evaluate the species, which is in danger of extinction due to its distribution in a very narrow area open to anthropogenic effects. For this purpose, seed and shoot tip explants of G. pilulifera were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Explants were obtained from two different locations of the natural habitats of G. pilulifera and more plants were obtained in the tissue culture from both explant types taken from the 1st location. Propagation from seed gave better results, and 96.67% of the seeds cultured in hormone-free MS medium were germinated and rooted. The shoot tip showed lower regeneration in vitro than the seed explant. Especially the rooting percentage is quite low and the highest rooting and shoot formation was obtained in MS medium containing 2 mg/L BAP + 2 mg/L IAA. In this medium, 10.50 ±0.17 shoots were obtained per plant, and rooting (1.67 ±0.09 per plant) was also achieved only in this medium. Seedlings obtained in tissue culture continue to develop successfully in field conditions, and this method has been determined as a suitable method for ex-situ conservation and economically rapid production of the species.

Objectives: To study the biochemical, metabolic and hormonal profile among children presenting with acne and to determine the correlation of these parameters with acne grading. Methods: The observational cross-sectional study was conducted for a duration of 18 months on a total of 50 children between 1 and 12 years of age with clinical features of acne. The detailed information regarding the type of acne, biochemical profile (lipid profile, blood sugar levels), hormonal profile and associated illnesses were recorded. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to find out the correlation of acne grading with hormonal and metabolic changes. Results: The mean age of the children was 11.4 years. Among the various lesions, comedones were seen in 98% cases, papules in 94.00% cases, a scar in 14.00% and pustule in 4.00% cases. As compared to children of age 1-7 years, those in age group 8-12 years had significantly more comedones (48 vs 1, P = 0.04), significantly fewer pustules (0.00% vs 100.00%, P = 0.001), and a comparable number of papules and scars. Most of the children (88.00%) had acne vulgaris grade 1. There was a significant negative correlation of Blood sugar-fasting (r = -0.312, P = 0.0275) and a significant positive correlation of HDL (r = 0.28, P = 0.0491) with acne grading. Conclusion: Comedones and papules are the commonest and the earliest forms of pediatric acne. Severe forms of acne are rarely seen below 12 years, age group. Preadolescent acne is commoner than mid-childhood acne, with no difference between male and females. Blood sugar levels and lipid profile derangements have a weak correlation with acne grading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mothers who are nursing their infants, increased clearance of plasma metabolites into the mammary gland may reduce ectopic lipid in the liver. No study to date has investigated the role of lactation on liver lipid synthesis in humans, and we hypothesized that lactation would modify fatty acid and glucose handling to support liver metabolism in a manner synchronized with the demands of milk production. Lactating (n = 18) and formula-feeding women (n = 10) underwent metabolic testing at 6-week postpartum to determine whether lactation modified intrahepatic triacylglycerols (IHTGs), measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Subjects ingested oral deuterated water to measure fractional de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in VLDL-TG during fasting and during an isotope-labeled clamp at an insulin infusion rate of 10 mU/m2/min. Compared with formula-feeding women, we found that lactating women exhibited lower plasma VLDL-TG concentrations, similar IHTG content and similar contribution of DNL to total VLDL-TG production. These findings suggest that lactation lowers plasma VLDL-TG concentrations for reasons that are unrelated to IHTG and DNL. Surprisingly, we determined that the rate of appearance of nonesterified fatty acids was not related to IHTG in either group, and the expected positive association between DNL and IHTG was only significant in formula-feeding women. Further, in lactating women only, the higher the prolactin concentration, the lower the IHTG, while greater DNL strongly associated with elevations in VLDL-TG. In conclusion, we suggest that future studies should investigate the role of lactation and prolactin in liver lipid secretion and metabolism.

Various blood collection tubes with different contents may adversely affect the accuracy of laboratory test results. Blood collection tubes containing clot activators and gel separator material are widely used in clinical chemistry. However, no studies have been performed on the possible effects of the components of these tubes on the stability of routine biochemical factors, in dogs. The present study was designed to determine the effects of clot activator tubes with or without gels, and also storage time on some common blood analytes in dogs and compare them with sodium heparin plasma and plain tube. Blood samples from ten dogs were collected in tubes containing clot activators, clot activators and gel, sodium heparin, and plain tubes. The concentration of more than 20 analytes was measured immediately and also 96 h after sampling, stored at 4 °C. Most parameters did not show any significant differences; however, significant differences for GGT activity and potassium concentration were present among different tubes, on the first day. After 96 h, there were significant differences for albumin, triglyceride, and potassium among different tubes. Furthermore, a significant effect of time was observed on cholesterol, calcium, phosphorous, and cortisol values in the heparinized plasma. In conclusion, most analytes were stable in all blood collection tubes. The serum samples with or without gel and clot activators had advantages over heparinized plasma for measurement of some analytes investigated in this study, with the exception of potassium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]