Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related dementia and neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by Aβ and tau protein deposition impairing learning, memory and suppressing synaptic plasticity of neurons. Increasing evidence suggests that there is a link between the glucose and glutamate alterations with age that down-regulates glucose utilization reducing glutamate levels in AD patients. Deviations in brain energy metabolism reinforce the development of AD by hampering glutamate levels in the brain. Glutamate is a nonessential amino acid and the major excitatory neurotransmitter synthesized from glucose. Alterations in cerebral glucose and glutamate levels precede the deposition of Aβ plaques. In the brain, over 40% of neuronal synapses are glutamatergic and disturbances in glutamatergic function have been implicated in pathophysiology of AD. Nevertheless, targeting the glutamatergic system seems to be a promising strategy to develop novel, improved therapeutics for AD. Here, we review data supporting the involvement of the glutamatergic system in AD pathophysiology as well as the efficacy of glutamatergic agents in this neurodegenerative disorder. We also discuss exciting new prospects for the development of improved therapeutics for this devastating disorder.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding zinc (Zn) mineral supplements from organic (ZnGly) and inorganic (ZnO) sources to growing male Ross 308 chickens on the mechanical, geometric, and histomorphometrical parameters of long bones. A corn-soybean meal basal diet was supplemented with Zn at 50 or 100 mg·kg -1 of a premix, except the control group (0 suppl). The serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 was higher in the ZnGly50 group compared with the control group. Positive influence of Zn on the femur is highlighted when considering the significant increase in parameters such as mean relative wall thickness, and maximum elastic and ultimate strengths after Zn administration. Zinc supplementation did not affect tibial parameters. The histomorphometric analysis showed a positive impact of Zn supplementation (irrespective of source and level) on femoral trabecular thickness. Rapid loss in actual bone volume in tibial metaphyseal trabeculae was observed with ZnGly at 50 mg·kg -1 . In conclusion, this study showed that dietary Zn supplementation positively influences bone mechanical properties, confirming its beneficial effect on the development of the skeletal system and bone tissue of broilers tested for a nutritional-osteoporotic factor. Adverse health effects in trabecular bone as a result of the use of Zn at 50 mg·kg -1 of the premix show that supplementing Zn at the recommended dose (100 mg·kg -1 ) is essential.

As an essential component of the skeleton, bone tissue provides solid support for the body and protects vital organs. Bone tissue is a reservoir of calcium, phosphate, and other ions that can be released or stored in a controlled manner to provide constant concentration in body fluids. Normally, bone development or osteogenesis occurs through two ossification processes (intra-articular and intra-chondral), but the first produces woven bone, which is quickly replaced by stronger lamellar bone. Contrary to commonly held misconceptions, bone is a relatively dynamic organ that undergoes significant turnover compared to other organs in the body. Bone metabolism is a dynamic process that involves simultaneous bone formation and resorption, controlled by numerous factors. Bone metabolism comprises the key actions. Skeletal mass, structure, and quality are accrued and maintained throughout life, and the anabolic and catabolic actions are mostly balanced due to the tight regulation of the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This activity is also provided by circulating hormones and cytokines. Bone tissue remodeling processes are regulated by various biologically active substances secreted by bone tissue cells, namely RANK, RANKL, MMP-1, MMP-9, or type 1 collagen. Bone-derived factors (BDF) influence bone function and metabolism, and pathophysiological conditions lead to bone dysfunction. This work aims to analyze and evaluate the current literature on various local and systemic factors or immune system interactions that can affect bone metabolism and its impairments.

Detection of Mycobacterium marinum, M. peregrinum, M. fortuitum and M. abscessus in aquarium fish

the purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a standard inclusion level of inorganic zinc to organic form at lowered level on the bone development in growing male ross 308 chickens, assessed on the basis of mechanical, geometric, and histomorphometric parameters of limb bone, and bone zinc content, as well as hormones of somatotropic axis. a total of 80 one-day-old male ross broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 40 chickens each. the control group was fed with a corn-soybean meal basal diet providing the recommended zinc amount (100 mg×kg -1 ) from zinc oxide, and the experimental group was supplemented with glycinate chelate providing 25% of the total requirement of the microelement recommended for ross 308 broiler chicks. the mechanical and histomorphometric parameters and geometry of tibia were determined as well as the serum concentration of growth hormone, igf-1, osteocalcin and leptin. the serum concentration of zn, Cu, Ca, mg, fe, p and zinc bone content were determined. the results showed that birds fed with the diet supplemented with organic zinc in the amount of 25% of the recommended amount did not exhibit weight and general growth disorders and had an unchanged concentration of growth hormone, leptin, and igf-1. the serum concentration of zn, Cu, Ca, mg, fe, p did not differ between groups. the contents of zinc detected in bones in the controls and the group supplemented with the organic source did not differ as well. although tibial mechanics and geometry remained unchanged, histomorphometry revealed a disproportionately large osteoporotic bone. the changes in tibial trabecular bone as a result of the diet supplemented with glycinate chelate only in 25% of the total requirement of the microelement recommended for ross 308 broiler chicks seems to be insufficient for tibia development.