Barbara Tymczyna

Effects of combined maternal administration with alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on prenatal programming of skeletal properties in the offspring

BackgroundNutritional manipulations during fetal growth may induce long-term metabolic effects in postnatal life. The aim of the study was to test whether combined treatment of pregnant sows with alpha-ketoglutarate and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate induces additive long-term effects on skeletal system properties in the offspring.MethodsThe study was performed on 290 pigs obtained from 24 sows divided into 4 equal groups and subjected to experimental treatment during two weeks before delivery. The first group consisted of control sows, while the second group received alpha-ketoglutarate. The third group was treated with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and the fourth group underwent combined administration of alpha-ketoglutarate and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate. Piglets obtained from sows were reared until slaughter age to perform morphometric, densitometric and mechanical analyses of femur. Serum evaluations of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were performed in newborns and 90-day old piglets; additionally, plasma amino acid concentration was measured in newborns.ResultsMaternal treatment with alpha-ketoglutarate and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate significantly reduced fattening time and increased birth body weight, daily body weight gain, bone weight, volumetric bone mineral density, geometrical parameters and mechanical endurance of femur. These effects were associated with increased serum concentrations of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Furthermore, alpha-ketoglutarate and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate administered solely or in combination significantly increased plasma level of 19 amino acids.ConclusionsHormonal and amino acid evaluations in pigs indicate additive effects of AKG and HMB on systemic growth and development; however, determination of bone properties has not shown such phenomenon.

Interrelationships between morphometric, densitometric, and mechanical properties of mandible in 6-month-old male pigs

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate interrelationships between final body weight, and morphometric, densitometric, and mechanical properties of the mandible in 6-month-old Polish Large White pigs exposed to dexamethasone and nanocalcium. The study was performed on 27 males, castrated on the 28th d after weaning, and reared until the age of 6 months, after which the animals were slaughtered, and the mandible was obtained. The pigs were divided into four experimental groups: animals given per os nanopartical calcium, animals injected with dexamethasone, animals given both nanopartical calcium per os and dexamethasone injections, and animals injected with placebo. After the slaughter, morphological properties of the mandible such as bone weight and length were determined. Using computed tomography technique, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of the cortical bone (Cd), mean volumetric bone mineral density (MvBMD), and total bone volume (Bvol) of whole mandible were measured. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content were evaluated with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometric method. Using three-point bending test, mechanical parameters such as maximum elastic strength (Wy) and ultimate strength (Wf) of mandible were estimated. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was determined between all the investigated variables. The obtained results showed a significantly positive correlation between body weight and mandible weight, mandible length, Bvol, Cd, BMD, BMC, Wy, and Wf. However, statistically insignificant correlations of MvBMD and body weight, mandible weight, mandible length, and Bvol were observed. Furthermore, Bvol and Cd were not found to be significantly correlated. In conclusion, this study showed numerous positive correlations between final body weight and densitometric, morphometric, and mechanical properties of the mandible. This bone of pigs may be used as an attractive model for further investigation on metabolic response of the skeleton to physiological, nutritional, toxicological, and pharmacological factors influencing bone tissue metabolism.

Qualitative analysis of the margins of restorations made with different filling resins

Purpose: In this study the comparative results obtained from examinations of two different restorative composites with different cavities filling method are presented. Micro‐CT was used for the evaluation of the marginal integrity and quality of composite fillings in connection with microstructural investigations made by both optical and scanning electron microscopy.

Interrelationships Between Morphometric, Densitometric, and Mechanical Properties of Teeth in 5-Month-Old Polish Merino Sheep

Interrelationships between morphological, densitometric, and mechanical properties of deciduous mandibular teeth (incisors, canine, second premolar) were investigated. To perform morphometric, densitometric, and mechanical analyses, teeth were obtained from 5-month-old sheep. Measurements of mean volumetric tooth mineral density and total tooth volume were performed using quantitative computed tomography. Microcomputed tomography was used to measure total enamel volume, volumetric enamel mineral density, total dentin volume, and volumetric dentin mineral density. Maximum elastic strength and ultimate force of teeth were determined using 3-point bending and compression tests. Pearson correlation coefficients were determined between all investigated variables. Mutual dependence was observed between morphological and mechanical properties of the investigated teeth. The highest number of positive correlations of the investigated parameters was stated in first incisor indicating its superior predictive value of tooth quality and masticatory organ function in sheep. Positive correlations of the volumetric dentin mineral density in second premolar with final body weight may indicate predictive value of this parameter in relation with growth rate in sheep. Evaluation of deciduous tooth properties may prove helpful for breeding selection and further reproduction of sheep possessing favorable traits of teeth and better masticatory organ function, leading to improved performance and economic efficiency of the flock.

Sex-related differences of morphological and densitometric properties of mandible in silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Department of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 12, 20-950 Lublin, Poland. Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 12, 20-950 Lublin, Poland. II Department of Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland. Department of Biological Bases of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology and Animal Breeding, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland. Vertebrates Morphology Department, Department of Zoology, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences, Poland.