The relationship between changes in bodyweight plasma glucose and fertility in beef cows

Long term experiments were carried out to determine the influence of varying energy intakes on the levels of blood components in lactating beef cows. Lowering the dietary energy intake to 0-95x maintenance produced a fall in bodyweight which continued throughout a 10 week feeding period. There was an initial fall in the plasma glucose level. After four weeks the plasma glucose level began to rise, and at the end of the 10 week period it had almost reached its original level. When bodyweight and plasma glucose were falling cows were infertile, when bodyweight was falling and plasma glucose was rising cows were fertile.     

Comparative relationship between copper-zinc plasma concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity in camels and cows

OBJECTIVE: To further define the asthma-like syndrome seen in swine confinement workers. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed at a swine confinement facility in rural Nebraska and at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Participants: 24 swine confinement workers and 14 urban normal control subjects. All subjects completed a questionnaire concerning respiratory complaints. We performed hypertonic saline challenges on the swine confinement workers and control subjects in order to induce expectoration of sputum. Cell counts and cell differentials were determined in the induced sputum samples. Nasal, mean, and peak exhaled nitric oxide was measured in both groups. Spirometry was also done. RESULTS: Swine confinement workers were significantly more likely to report wheezing, cough, and sinusitis symptoms than controls (p = .003). Macrophages were significantly elevated in the induced sputum samples of the swine confinement workers vs the control subjects (0.59 macrophages/mL +/- 0.1 SEM vs 0.36 +/- .16; p = .006), while there was no difference in numbers of neutrophils. No eosinophils were observed. A small elevation in mean exhaled nitric oxide was seen in the swine confinement workers compared to normal controls (11.7 ppb +/- 0.6 SEM vs 10.2 +/- 1.6; p = 0.023). Spirometry values did not differ statistically between swine confinement workers and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Swine confinement workers have signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract inflammation when studied using induced sputum and exhaled nitric oxide. Findings in the swine confinement workers differ from those in asthmatics and chronic bronchitis.     

Portal and peripheral blood immunoreactive insulin concentrations after glucose infusion during gastrectomy

We evaluated portal and peripheral blood immunoreactive insulin concentrations (IRI) after glucose infusion in patients undergoing gastrectomy. Seventy-four patients were divided into following two groups: 68 received 25g glucose infusion in an hour (glucose group), and the remainder received no glucose (control group). Portal blood IRI level in glucose group was about thirty-fold higher than that in control group. However, peripheral blood IRI did not correlate with portal blood IRI in glucose group. In addition, significant negative correlation between portal blood IRI and blood glucose was observed in glucose group. Our results reveal that adequate pancreatic insulin secretion occurs after glucose infusion during gastrectomy, but peripheral blood IRI does not reflect this pancreatic insulin secretion. The results also suggest that blood glucose may be regulated by the liver under these conditions.     

Non-insulin- and insulin-mediated glucose uptake in dairy cows

Four mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows (mean milk yield on day of experiments 26.1 kg/d) were used in a series of experiments to establish the contribution of non-insulin-mediated glucose uptake to total glucose uptake at basal insulin concentrations. A secondary objective was to determine whether somatostatin affects the action of infused insulin. In part I of the experiment a primed continuous infusion [6,6-2H]glucose (45.2 micrograms/kg per min) was begun at time 0 and continued for 5 h. After 3 h of [6,6-2H]glucose infusion (basal period) a primed continuous infusion of insulin (0.001 i.u./kg per min) was administered for 2 h. Coincidental with the insulin infusion, normal glucose was also infused in order to maintain the plasma glucose concentration at euglycaemia. Part II of the experiment was the same as part I except that somatostatin was infused for 2 h (0.333 micrograms/kg per min) instead of insulin. In part III of the experiment both insulin and somatostatin were infused for the final 2 h. Plasma insulin levels were increased by insulin infusion (to 0.1476 to 0.1290 i.u./l for parts I and III respectively) and were reduced by somatostatin infusion in part II (to 0.006 i.u./l) relative to the basal periods (mean 0.021 i.u./l). Glucose uptake during somatostatin infusion (2.50 mg/kg per min; part II) was 92.0% of that observed in the respective basal period (2.72 mg/kg per min). Circulating insulin levels were much lower than the dose of insulin that causes a half maximal effect on glucose uptake (0.06-0.10 i.u./l for ruminants); consequently insulin-mediated glucose uptake was probably absent in part II. Secondly, glucose uptake following insulin only infusion (4.05 mg/kg per min) was significantly lower than that observed when insulin plus somatostatin was infused (4.69 mg/kg per min), indicating that somatostatin either directly or indirectly enhanced the action of insulin on glucose uptake.     

Effect of duodenal glucose infusion on blood glucose concentration in endotoxin-treated calves

The effect of endotoxemia on the intestinal absorption of glucose was evaluated in nine experiments performed on seven 3- to 5-week-old calves fitted with a duodenal cannula. An intraduodenal glucose load trial (infusion of 2 g glucose/kg b.w. as a 10% aqueous solution through the cannula over 60 min) was conducted in a group of 5 calves three times during the 4-day period: 48 h before and at 2 and 24 h after i.v. injection of E. coli 0111:B4 endotoxin (LPS) at a dose of 0.1 microgram/kg b.w. Control calves were treated similarly but instead of glucose they were infused intraduodenally with deionised water at a volume of 20 ml/kg b.w. In trial with glucose load performed 48 h before LPS administration, blood glucose concentration increased during the absorptive phase from 4.32 +/- 0.32 mmol/l to 11.45 +/- 0.87 mmol/l at 60 min and then decreased to a minimum value of 3.16 +/- 0.51 mmol/l at 240 min. During the initial phase of endotoxemia, blood glucose concentration did not change from baseline values in both groups of calves. Glucose concentration in control calves started to decrease at 165 min reaching a minimum value of 1.39 +/- 0.17 mmol/l at 210 min and then increased to 2.44 +/- 0.11 mmol/l at 480 min after LPS administration. The intraduodenal infusion of glucose at 2 h after LPS administration resulted in an increase in blood glucose concentration during the absorptive phase only in one calf. Blood glucose concentration in this calf increased between 30 and 90 min reaching a maximum value of 7.19 mmol/l at 60 min, and then decreased to a minimal value of 0.94 mmol/l at 180 min after glucose load. In the remaining four calves in this group, blood glucose concentration ranged from 3.89 +/- 0.37 mmol/l to 4.48 +/- 0.45 mmol/l up to 120 min, and then steadily decreased to a minimal value of 2.41 +/- 0.41 mmol/l at 300 min. In trial with glucose load performed 24 h after LPS administration, the rate of entry of glucose into the circulation during the absorptive phase was similar to that observed in the trial performed 48 h before LPS administration. In conclusion, these results indicate that endotoxemia impairs the intestinal absorption of glucose in calves. The magnitude of the absorption disturbance may vary in individual calves, and the inhibitory effect of LPS on the intestinal glucose absorption lasts less than 24 h.     

Effects of graded duodenal infusions of glucose on yield and composition of milk from dairy cows. 1. Diets based on corn silage

Four fistulated Holstein cows were arranged in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to study the effects of graded amounts of glucose (0, 500, 750, and 1500 g/d) infused in the duodenum on milk yield and composition and plasma metabolites. Cows were fed a basal diet of 50% corn silage, 17% dehydrated alfalfa, and 33% concentrate. The treatments (feed plus infusions) were isoenergetic. Increased amounts of glucose did not affect milk yield or protein content. Fat yield and content decreased in a curvilinear manner; the lowest fat content was obtained with about 750 g of glucose. The decrease in milk fat resulted from a reduced yield of long-chain fatty acids (C16 and C18), probably caused by lower mobilization of fat. The glucose treatments significantly affected profiles of medium-chain fatty acids, which promoted the elongation process. The most important change in the plasma concentration of amino acids concerned decreased branched-chain amino acids. The lactose content was not greatly affected by infusions of glucose despite a significant linear increase in the concentration of milk glucose. In conclusion, an increase in the supply of glucose had no effect on milk yield and had a slight, positive effect on protein yield but induced a dramatic decrease in fat yield.     

Genetic relationship between measures of HDL phenotypes and insulin concentrations

Stimulation of T cells via the T cell receptor (TCR) leads to an increase intracellular in free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and the activation of the MAP kinase signaling pathway. This study analyzes for the first time Ca2+ fluxes in naive cytotoxic T cells stimulated with full agonists, partial agonists, or antagonists. Four different types of Ca2+ responses could be observed. Full agonists triggered a strong and sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. In contrast, partial T cell agonists induced either a strong but transient Ca2+ flux or very low to no increases in [Ca2+]i, while T cell antagonists failed to induce any measurable Ca2+ flux. The ability of peptides to induce elevated [Ca2+]i perfectly paralleled their ability to trigger TCR internalization and T cell activation. Thus, stimulation of naive cytotoxic T cells with a panel of defined altered peptide ligands reveals a consistent picture, where Ca2+ fluxes predict agonist, partial agonist and antagonist properties of peptides.     

Effects of oral clonidine premedication on plasma glucose and lipid homeostasis associated with exogenous glucose infusion in children

BACKGROUND: Oral clonidine may influence plasma glucose and lipid homeostasis by modulating endocrinologic responses to surgical stress. The effect of oral clonidine premedication on plasma glucose and lipid homeostasis associated with exogenous glucose infusion were investigated in children undergoing minor surgery. METHODS: Otherwise healthy children (n, 120; aged 3-13 yr) were assigned randomly to six groups according to the glucose concentration of the intravenous solution (0%, 2%, or 5%, at a rate of 6 ml kg(-1) x h(-1)) and the preoperative medications (4 microg/kg clonidine or placebo given 100 min before anesthesia) they were to receive. The plasma concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acid, ketone bodies, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol were determined. RESULTS: Infusion of 5% glucose caused hyperglycemia (mean glucose concentration >200 mg/dl) in six children receiving placebo and two receiving clonidine. Although the mean plasma glucose concentration increased in three placebo groups, it was unchanged and the plasma concentrations of total ketone bodies and nonesterified fatty acid were increased in children receiving clonidine and glucose-free solution. The plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol levels in children receiving placebo increased in response to surgery. Clonidine attenuated the increase in catecholamines and cortisol. CONCLUSIONS: Oral clonidine premedication attenuated the hyperglycemic response, probably by inhibiting the surgical stress-induced release of catecholamines and cortisol. Infusion of 2% of glucose maintained plasma glucose concentrations within physiologic ranges in children receiving clonidine.     

Influence of ruminal or abomasal starch hydrolysate infusion on pancreatic exocrine secretion and blood glucose and insulin concentrations in steers

Seven Holstein steers (234 +/- 6.4 kg) surgically fitted with pancreatic cannulas, ruminal and abomasal infusion cannulas, and hepatic-portal vein catheters were used in a 4 x 7 incomplete Latin square design experiment to examine the influence of ruminal and abomasal carbohydrate infusion on enzyme secretion and composition of pancreatic juice. Four treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial: 1) ruminal starch hydrolysate (SH; 34.2 g/[h.site]) or abomasal water and 2) abomasal SH or ruminal water. Starch hydrolysate is raw cornstarch that has been partially digested by a heat-stable alpha-amylase. Experimental periods were 14 d with 9 to 10 d of adaptation, 4 d of pancreatic collection, and blood collection on d 14. Abomasal SH infusion tended (P < .10) to increase pancreatic fluid secretion. The pH of pancreatic juice was higher (P < .01) for ruminal SH infusion, and abomasal SH infusion tended (P < .10) to result in lower pH of pancreatic juice. alpha-Amylase concentrations (units/milliliter and units/milligram of protein) and secretion (units/hour) were less (P < .002) for abomasal SH infusion. Chymotrypsin concentration (units/liter; P < .01) and secretion (units/hour; P < .10) were less for abomasal SH infusion; however, a rumen x abomasal interaction was found (P < .05). Chloride concentration (milligrams/deciliter) and secretion (milligrams/hour) were increased (P < .01) for abomasal SH infusion. Abomasal SH infusion resulted in increased (P < .01) portal blood glucose concentrations; however, portal plasma insulin concentration was not affected (P > .10). Abomasal SH infusion altered alpha-amylase secretion in steers, but ruminal SH infusion had minimal effect on alpha-amylase secretion. These changes suggest abosamal infusion of SH may negatively impact secretion of pancreatic alpha-amylase.     

The relationship between glucose production and plasma glucose concentration in children with falciparum malaria

The pathophysiology of hypoglycaemia in children with acute falciparum malaria, a frequent and serious complication, is unknown due to absence of data on glucose kinetics. We investigated the correlation between basal glucose production and plasma glucose concentration in 20 children (8 girls) with acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria by infusion of [6,6-2H2]glucose. Median plasma glucose concentration was 4.5 (range 2.1-6.5) mmol/L and the median glucose production 5.0 (range 4.1-8.4) mg/kg/min. There was a positive correlation between basal glucose production and plasma glucose concentration (r = 0.53, P = 0.016). There was no correlation between the rate of glucose production and the plasma concentrations of alanine, lactate, counter-regulatory hormones or cytokines. It was concluded that, in children with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria, endogenous glucose production is an important determinant of plasma glucose concentration, contrary to previous findings in adults with malaria, in whom peripheral uptake seems to be more important than glucose production in determining plasma glucose concentration.     

Factors affecting serum selenium and vitamin E concentrations in dairy cows

Supplementation of selenium and vitamin E to enhance disease resistance in dairy cattle has become common, particularly to prevent periparturient reproductive disorders and mastitis. To establish reference values for serum vitamin E and selenium concentrations in postparturient dairy cattle and to determine whether serum concentrations of these micronutrients varied with season and stage of lactation, cows from a stratified random sample of 50 herds were studied for 1 year. Blood samples were collected from each of the 50 study herds twice, from the 10 most recently parturient cows or from 10% of the herd, whichever was greatest. Mean concentration of vitamin E and selenium was 2.55 micrograms/ml and 78.12 ng/ml, respectively. Vitamin E concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher during the summer and fall than during the winter and spring. Selenium concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) lower during the summer and fall than during the winter and spring. Herd, season of blood sample collection, and time since parturition were significant (P < 0.02) in explaining variation in vitamin E and selenium concentrations.     

Effects of varying levels of duodenal or midjejunal glucose and 2-deoxyglucose infusion on small intestinal disappearance and net portal glucose flux in steers

Six crossbred steers (261 +/- 18 kg BW) fitted with hepatic portal, mesenteric venous and arterial catheters, and duodenal, midjejunal, and ileal cannulas were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to determine the effect of varying levels and site of glucose plus 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) infusion on net portal-drained visceral flux. Steers were fed chopped alfalfa in six equal portions daily at 1.5% of BW. Glucose (0, 9, or 18 g/h) and 2DG (0, 1, or 2 g/h) were infused continuously through the duodenal or midjejunal cannula (two infusion sites) at total glucose plus 2DG infusion rates of 0, 10, or 20 g/h. Arterial and portal blood samples were taken simultaneously at 20-min intervals from 5 to 9 h of infusion. Portal blood flow was determined by continuous infusion of p-aminohippurate and net flux was calculated as venous-arterial concentration (PA) difference times blood flow. Arterial concentration of glucose was not affected (P > .10) by glucose plus 2DG infusion, whereas arterial concentration of 2DG was greater (P < .05) when glucose plus 2DG was infused into the duodenum and increased (linear, P < .10) as amount of glucose plus 2DG infused into both the duodenum and midjejunum increased. Net portal flux and PA difference of glucose and 2DG were greater (P < .05) when glucose plus 2DG was infused into the duodenum. Although 2DG was infused at 10% of the total glucose plus 2DG infusion, it accounted for only 1.7 and .7% of the glucose plus 2DG appearing in portal blood when glucose plus 2DG was infused at 10 and 20 g/h, respectively. We conclude that glucose is more readily absorbed across the proximal-half than the distal-half of the small intestine, and that passive diffusion is a minor route of glucose absorption.     

The effects of duodenal glucose infusion on some hepatic enzyme activities in sheep

1. Two experiments were performed to examine the effects of duodenal glucose infusion on hepatic enzyme activities in sheep. 2. Glucose infusion significantly increased the specific activities of phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and significantly reduced the specific activity of glucose-6-phosphatase suggesting that the pathways of glucose breakdown are increased, and gluconeogenesis decreased, in glucose-infused animals. 3. The results are discussed in relation to the effects of diet on liver metabolism in sheep.     

Effects of fasting on insulin binding, glucose transport, and glucose oxidation in isolated rat adipocytes: relationships between insulin receptors and insulin action

Insulin binding, glucose transport, and glucose oxidation were studied in isolated adipocytes obtained from fasting rats. Fasting led to an increase in the overall binding affinity for insulin, while the number of receptor sites per cell remained constant. Glucose oxidation was markedly attenuated during fasting. Basal rates of oxidation decreased by about 50%, while insulin-stimulated rates decreased 6 to 10-fold. Glucose transport was assessed by measuring initial uptake rate of 2-deoxy-glucose. Fasting led to a 40-50% decrease in the apparent maximal transport capacity (Vmax) of 2-deoxy-glucose uptake with no change in apparent Km. A progressive decrease in basal and insulin-stimulated rates of 2-deoxy-glucose uptake was seen from 24-72 h of starvation and a significant correlation (r=0.85, P less than 0.001) existed between basal and maximal insulin-stimulated uptake rates in individual animals. When 2-deoxy-glucose uptake was plotted as a function of insulin bound, due to the decrease in maximal uptake capacity, cells from fasting animals took up less hexose for any amount of insulin bound. When the insulin bound was plotted as a function of the percent insulin effect on uptake, control cells and cells from 24-h-fasted rats gave comparable results, while cells from 48- and 72-h-fasted animals still took up less hexose for any amount of bound insulin. The effects of fasting on 3-O-methyl glucose uptake were comparable to the 2-deoxy-glucose data. In conclusion: (a) insulin binding is increased during fasting due to an increased overall binding affinity with no change in receptor number; (b) glucose oxidation is severely impaired during fasting; (c) 2-deoxy-glucose uptake decreases with fasting due to a decrease in maximal transport capacity (Vmax) with no change in Km; (d) the decrease in glucose oxidation is much greater than the decrease in glucose transport, indicating impaired intracellular oxidative metabolism; and (e) coupling between insulin receptors and the glucose transport system is normal after 24 h of fasting but is impaired at 48 and 72 h.     

Body condition at parturition and postpartum weight gain influence luteal activity and concentrations of glucose, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acids in plasma of primiparous beef cows

Effects of body condition score (BCS) at parturition and postpartum weight gain on luteal activity and concentrations of glucose, insulin, and NEFA in plasma were evaluated during the breeding season in 242 primiparous beef cows over 3 yr (Y) at three locations (L). At approximately 90 d prepartum, cows were blocked by breed, expected calving date, and BCS and randomly assigned to diets so that cows would calve in BCS of 4, 5, or 6. At calving, cows were blocked by breed, calving date, and BCS and randomly allotted to gain .45 (M) or .90 (H) kg/d, from parturition to the start of breeding (postpartum nutrition; PPN). During the 60-d breeding season, weekly blood samples were obtained from cows, and progesterone, insulin, glucose, and NEFA were quantified. Progesterone concentrations greater than 1 ng/mL for more than 1 wk indicated luteal activity. To determine the possible value of blood constituents as predictors of luteal activity, categorical data analyses were performed. Cows with greater BCS at parturition had greater concentrations of glucose during breeding (P < .07). Similarly, PPN influenced glucose at the beginning of breeding, but the differences were minimal after d 28 (PPN x day; P <.001). Cows with greater BCS at parturition and M-PPN had greater concentrations of insulin during the breeding season (BCS x PPN; P < .02). Cows with a BCS of 6 at parturition had the lowest concentrations of NEFA; however, cows on H-PPN had greater concentrations of NEFA (BCS x PPN; P < .03). Location, BCS, PPN, and day affected luteal activity (P < .002). Location differences in luteal activity were associated with the interval from calving to the start of breeding. In general, a greater percentage of cows with BCS of 5 or 6 at calving had luteal activity by the end of the breeding season. Concentrations of metabolites in blood during breeding were not predictive of luteal activity. We conclude that BCS at parturition and postpartum nutrition influence concentrations of glucose, insulin, and NEFA in blood and the onset of luteal activity in primiparous beef cows.     

Relation between gastric emptying of glucose and plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1

-Dopamine, via D1-like receptors, stimulates the activity of both protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC), which results in inhibition of renal sodium transport. Since D1-like receptors differentially regulate sodium transport in normotensive and hypertensive rats, they may also differentially regulate PKC expression in these rat strains. Thus, 2 different D1-like agonists (fenoldopam or SKF 38393) were infused into the renal artery of anesthetized normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (n=5 to 6/drug/strain). Ten or 60 minutes after starting the D1-like agonist infusion, both the infused kidney and the noninfused kidney that served as control were prepared for analysis. The D1-like agonists produced a greater diuresis and natriuresis and inhibited Na+,K+-ATPase activity in proximal tubule (PT) and medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) to a greater extent in WKY (Delta20+/-1%) than in SHR (Delta7+/-1%, P<0.001). D1-like agonists had no effect on PKC-alpha or PKC-lambda expression in either membrane or cytosol but increased PKC-theta expression in PT in both WKY and SHR at 10 minutes but not at 60 minutes. However, membranous PKC-delta expression in PT and mTAL decreased in WKY but increased in SHR with either 10 or 60 minutes of D1-like agonist infusion. D1-like agonists also decreased membranous PKC-zeta expression in PT and mTAL in WKY but increased it in PT but not in mTAL in SHR. We conclude that there is differential regulation of PKC isoform expression by D1-like agonists that inhibits membranous PKC-delta and PKC-zeta in WKY but stimulates them in SHR; this effect in SHR is similar to the stimulatory effect of norepinephrine and angiotensin II and may be a mechanism for their differential effects on sodium transport.     

Effect of chlorpromazine on blood glucose and plasma insulin in man

In three groups of normal subjects and in one group of patients with latent diabetes mellitus a study has been made of the effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on blood glucose and plasma insulin. CPZ 75 mg/day for 7 days did not alter the plasma insulin response after oral glucose; nor did CPZ 50 mg/day for 7 days affect the glucose assimilation rate or insulin response to glucose injection. Infusion of CPZ 50 mg in 60 min slightly increased the basal blood glucose level but had no significant effect on basal plasma insulin. The insulin/glucose ratio after the end of the infusion was significantly higher than during the period of infusion of the drug. In latent diabetic patients CPZ infusion significantly diminished the insulin/glucose ratio during an intravenous glucose tolerance test. These results suggest that, whereas prolonged treatment with low doses of CPZ did not modify glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated pancreatic response, higher acute doses of the drug may induce hyperglycaemia and can inhibit insulin secretion both in normal man and in patients with latent diabetes mellitus.     

Effects of a quick-release form of bromocriptine (Ergoset) on fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, lipid, and lipoprotein concentrations in obese nondiabetic hyperinsulinemic women

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect on various aspects of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of administering a quick-release formulation of bromocriptine (Ergoset) to obese, nondiabetic, hyperinsulinemic women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Hourly concentrations of prolactin, glucose, insulin, free fatty acid (FFA), and triglyceride were measured for 24 h before and after approximately 8 weeks of treatment with Ergoset. In addition, fasting lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration in response to a continuous infusion of somatostatin, insulin, and glucose were determined before and after Ergoset administration. RESULTS: Circulating prolactin concentrations were dramatically decreased (P < 0.001) following treatment, associated with a significant fall (P < 0.05) in 24-h-long plasma glucose, FFA, and triglyceride concentrations. Neither circulating plasma insulin concentrations nor the ability of insulin to mediate glucose disposal changed with treatment. Finally, fasting total cholesterol fell (P < 0.05) and the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol decreased (P = 0.06) in association with Ergoset treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that significant metabolic improvement was seen in the obese nondiabetic hyperinsulinemic women studied suggests that Ergoset could be of therapeutic benefit in clinical conditions of hyperglycemia and/or dyslipidemia.     

Effects of postruminal protein on fatty acid digestibility in dairy cows

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relation between insulin and coronary atherosclerosis and restenosis of the coronary arteries, by performing elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). BACKGROUND: Insulin is known to promote atherosclerosis of the arteries and has been implicated in the development of restenosis after PTCA. METHODS: Of 210 angina patients who underwent PTCA, newly detected lesions in 35 consecutive nondiabetic subjects without previous intervention on the same main coronary arteries were analyzed after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and follow-up coronary angiography. Atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated by pattern, severity and extent. Restenosis was defined as loss of gain, the percentage of loss of the initial gain in the coronary diameter achieved by PTCA > or = 50%. RESULTS: Patients with restenosis had a significantly higher extent index (a marker of atherosclerosis), insulin area, ratio of insulin area to glucose area, insulinogenic index and minimal lumen diameter after PTCA than those without restenosis (p=0.001, 0.011, 0.002, 0.016 and 0.041, respectively). Simple regression analysis revealed that only the ratio of insulin area to glucose area (a relative marker of enhanced insulin secretion) significantly correlated with the extent index (p=0.035). Extent index, insulin area, the ratio of insulin area to glucose area and insulinogenic index significantly correlated with loss of gain (p=0.001, 0.010, 0.002 and 0.032, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that extent index and the ratio of insulin area to glucose area significantly correlated with loss of gain. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced secretion of insulin during the OGTT might be useful as a predictor of coronary atherosclerosis and of restenosis after elective PTCA in nondiabetic patients with effort angina.