Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum ZS62 on Alcohol-Induced Subacute Hepatic Damage

Lactobacillus plantarum ZS62 is a newly isolated strain from naturally fermented yogurt that might offer some beneficial effects in the setting of alcohol-induced subacute liver injury. The liver-protective effect of L. plantarum ZS62 was investigated by gavage feeding of mice with this Lactobacillus strain (1x109 CFU/kg BW) before alcohol administration daily for 7 days. We then compared hepatic morphology, liver function indexes, liver lipid levels, inflammation, oxidative stress levels, and mRNA expression of oxidative metabolism- and inflammation-related genes in mice that had been pretreated with Lactobacillus plantarum versus control mice that had not been pretreated. Our results showed that L. plantarum ZS62 attenuated alcohol-induced weight loss; prevented morphological changes in hepatocytes; reduced markers of liver damage including aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), hyaluronidase (HAase), precollagen III (PC III), and inflammatory cytokines; and enhanced the antioxidative status. L. plantarum ZS62 also significantly downregulated inflammation-related genes and upregulated lipid- and oxidative-metabolism genes. Thus, Lactobacillus plantarum pretreatment appears to confer hepatic protection by reducing inflammation and enhancing antioxidative capacity. The protective effect of L. plantarum ZS62 was even better than that of a commonly used commercial lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus). The L. plantarum ZS62 might be a potentially beneficial prophylactic treatment for people who frequently drink alcoholic beverages.

Prognostic Impacts of Increases in Amino Transaminases Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on Mortality

BackgroundBy the current global obesogenic environment, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming an important health problem in the pediatric age group.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the first age-and gender-specific percentiles and upper limit normal limit (ULN) of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) among a nationally-representative sample of children and adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The second objective was to determine the linear association of obesity indexes and age with serum ALT and AST levels.Patients and MethodsThis nationwide study was conducted among a representative sample of 4078 students aged 10-18 years, who were selected by multistage random cluster sampling from 27 provinces of Iran. ALT and AST were measured on fresh sera. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as an index of generalized obesity, and waist- to- height ratio (WHtR) as an index of abdominal obesity. The age- and gender-specific percentiles of ALT and AST were constructed, and the 95th percentile of each enzyme was considered as the ULN. Gender-specific linear regression analysis was employed to examine the association of BMI or WHtR with the levels of ALT and AST.ResultsData of ALT and AST were available for 4078 (2038 girls) and 4150 (2061 girls),respectively. Participants had a mean (SD) age of 14.71 (2.41).The ULN of ALT for boys, girls,and the total individuals were 36.00; 38.00; and, 37.00 U/L, respectively. In both genders, ALT and AST had linear association with age. The association with BMI was significant for ALT in both genders and for AST only in boys, the association of ALT with WHtR was significant in both genders; the corresponding figures were not significant for AST.ConclusionsThe findings of the current study confirmed the current ULN value of 40 U/L commonly used for the pediatric age group. The linear association of indexes for generalized and abdominal obesity with ALT underscores the importance of timely prevention and control of childhood obesity.

AimThe purpose of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 (LP-KSFY06) on D-galactose/lipopolysaccharide (D-Gal/LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice.MethodsWe evaluated the antioxidant capacity of LP-KSFY06 in vitro, detailed the effects of LP-KSFY06 on the organ index, liver function index, biochemical index, cytokines, and related genes, and noted the accompanying pathological changes.ResultsThe results clearly showed that LP-KSFY06 can remove 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline −6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radicals in vitro. The analysis of the organ index and pathology demonstrated that LP-KSFY06 significantly prevented ALI. Biochemical and molecular biological analysis showed that LP-KSFY06 prevented a decrease in the antioxidant-related levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and also prevented an increase in aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. LP-KSFY06 upregulated the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-10 and downregulated the pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). These oxidative and inflammatory indicators were consistent with the results of gene detections. Furthermore, we determined that LP-KSFY06 downregulated Keap1, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), IL-18, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14 or p38), upregulated Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1), B-cell inhibitor-α (IκB-α), and thioredoxin (Trx) mRNA expression. These may be related to the regulation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) and NLRP3/NF-κB pathways.ConclusionLP-KSFY06 is an effective multifunctional Lactobacillus with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory ability that can prevent D-gal/LPS-induced ALI in mice and assist in maintaining health.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the preventive effect of Lactobacillus plantarum KSFY06 (LP-KSFY06) on D-galactose/lipopolysaccharide (D-Gal/LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice. Methods: We evaluated the antioxidant capacity of LP-KSFY06 in vitro, detailed the effects of LP-KSFY06 on the organ index, liver function index, biochemical index, cytokines, and related genes, and noted the accompanying pathological changes. Results: The results clearly showed that LP-KSFY06 can remove 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline - 6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free radicals in vitro. The analysis of the organ index and pathology demonstrated that LP-KSFY06 significantly prevented ALI. Biochemical and molecular biological analysis showed that LP-KSFY06 prevented a decrease in the antioxidant-related levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and also prevented an increase in aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. LP-KSFY06 upregulated the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-10 and downregulated the pro-inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1\(\beta\), tumor necrosis factor-\(\alpha\) (TNF-\(\alpha\)), and interferon-\(\gamma\) (IFN-\(\gamma\) ). These oxidative and inflammatory indicators were consistent with the results of gene detections. Furthermore, we determined that LP-KSFY06 downregulated Keap1, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, nuclear factor K-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-KB), IL-18, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14 or p38), upregulated Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1), B-cell inhibitor-\(\alpha\) (IKB-\(\alpha\)), and thioredoxin (Trx) mRNA expression. These may be related to the regulation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) and NLRP3/NF-KB pathways. Conclusion: LP-KSFY06 is an effective multifunctional Lactobacillus with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory ability that can prevent D-gal/LPS-induced ALI in mice and assist in maintaining health.

Objective: To investigate the effects of hormonal contraceptives on serum glucose, lipid profile and some liver function tests. Patients and Methods: One hundred and three women participated in this study. They were taken hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptive pills or injection for a period not less than 6 months up to 12 years . Another group consisting of one hundred non contraceptive users taken from the same population participated in the study as a control group. Blood samples were taken from the individual and sera were used for the determination of serum glucose, lipid profile and some liver function tests which include alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and alanine amino transaminase (ALT). Results: A highly significant values of serum glucose concentrations, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL- cholesterol were obtained in contraceptive users as compared with contraceptive non users. Whereas a non significant values of ALP, AST, ALT and HDL cholesterol were obtained. Conclusion: The use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with undesirable effects on serum glucose and lipid profile. Care should be taken when using hormonal contraceptives in women having diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases. Key Words: Hormonal contraceptives, ALP, AST, ALT, lipid profile.

Objective: To investigate the effects of  hormonal contraceptives on serum glucose, lipid profile and some liver function tests.Patients and Methods: One hundred and three women participated in this study. They were taken hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptive pills  or injection for a period not less than 6 months up to 12 years . Another group consisting of one hundred non contraceptive users taken from the same population participated in the study as a control group. Blood samples were taken from the individual and sera were used for the determination of serum glucose, lipid profile and some liver function tests which include alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and alanine amino transaminase (ALT).Results: A highly significant values of serum glucose concentrations, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL- cholesterol were obtained in contraceptive users as compared with contraceptive non users. Whereas a non significant values of ALP, AST, ALT and HDL cholesterol were obtained.Conclusion: The use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with undesirable effects on serum glucose and lipid profile. Care should be taken when using hormonal contraceptives in women having diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases.Key Words: Hormonal contraceptives, ALP, AST, ALT, lipid profile.

Alcohol (ethanol) induced hepatotoxicity is one major cause of health problem worldwide. Herbs may be useful as an alternative prevetion and treatment in alcohol induced liver diseases. The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect and its possible mechanism of aqueous extract from Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et. Thonn. (PA) in ethanol induced hepatotoxic rats. In acute toxicity study, rats received single oral dose of PA (25, 50 and 75 mg/kg), 24 hours before single oral dose of ethanol (5 g/kg). In sub-acute toxicity study, rats received ethanol (4 g/kg/day) orally for 21 days. PA at the most effective dose from acute toxicity study was given orally to rats for 7 days after administration of ethanol. Silymarin (5 mg/kg) was used as the reference hepatoprotective agent in both studies. Hepatoprotective parameters were alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), serum triglyceride (STg), hepatic triglyceride (HTg), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta), together with histopathological examination. Single oral dose of Ethanol (5 g/kg) significantly increased ALT and AST levels as compared with control rats. Administration of PA (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly reduced only AST level, while PA (75 mg/kg) significantly reduced both ALT and AST. All doses of PA had no effect on GSH, MDA, STg, HTg, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. After 21 days of ethanol (4 g/kg/day) administration, the levels of ALT, AST, MDA, HTg, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were significantly increased. Treatment with PA (75 mg/kg/day) as well as SL (5 mg/kg/day) for 7 days after ethanol offered significant hepatoprotective effect by reducing ALT, AST, MDA, HTg and TNF-alpha levels back to normal. Administration of PA at 75 mg/kg/day alone for 7 days caused no changes in rats. Histopathological observations were also in correlation with the clinical chemistry parameters by showing reversible regeneration of hepatocytes with mitotic figure and normal liver cell morphology. In conclusions, PA (75 mg/kg) given before or after ethanol administration showed a significant hepatoprotective effect in ethanol treated rats. The possible hepatoprotective mechanism of PA may involve membranes membranes stabilization, antioxidant activity, inhibition of fatty liver formation and TNF-alpha production and enhancement of liver regeneration. PA by itself caused no toxic effect assessed by parameters used

BackgroundFootball sporting exercise is one of the most popular events in the world. While there are well-documented reports on the effects of different athletic sporting activities on the biochemical markers...

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of fluoride in drinking water to liver function in individuals living in normal and seven endemic fluorosis areas of Punjab, India. The concentration of fluoride in drinking water of different areas varied from 5.9 to 24.5 mg/L. Study group consisted of 705 patients in the age group between 20 and 60 years (mean age of 39.35±11.27) affected with osteodental fluorosis were compared with 300 age- and sex-matched controls (with mean age of 35.28±8.25 years). Biochemical data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey-Kramer and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests. The relationship between hepatic enzymes was calculated by Pearson's correlation and linear regression. The results revealed significantly (P<0.001) higher concentration of serum fluoride in patients when compared to control. The mean activities of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), acid phosphatase (ACP), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) were significantly (P<0.05-0.001) elevated in patients from all fluoride areas. ANOVA with post hoc Turkey-Kramer and Bonferroni multiple comparison test demonstrated a significant (P<0.0001) variance in the activities of cAMP, ALKP, ACP, AST, and ALT in fluorotic patients, with elevation in water fluoride levels. Maximum elevation of 196.14% (ACP), 99.31% (cyclic adenosine monophosphate; cAMP), 72.08% (ALT), 60.14% (AST), and least 21.35% (ALKP) was recorded in patients exposed to 24.5 mg/L fluoride in drinking water. There was positive correlation between water fluoride, serum fluoride and AST (r=0.77, 0.91), ALT (r=0.82, 0.90), ALKP (r=0.88, 0.97), and ACP (r=0.74, 0.85). Pearson's correlation demonstrated highly significant (P<0.05) positive relationship between water fluoride and cAMP (regression equation: Y=0.9807×+22:081, =0.84; r=0.92, P<0.05). The increased levels of transaminases in fluorotic patients suggest alteration in liver functions. The level of alkaline and acid phosphatase was increased during fluoride intoxication which is also an early marker of hepatic cell damage because of its specificity and catalytic activity. The elevated levels of enzymes are reflective of bone disorders, which are characterized by increased osteoblastic activity. There levels increased several times if cellular damage occurs in the liver. The results suggest that fluoride exposure intensifies the activities of hepatic function enzymes in osteofluorosis.

Present investigation attempts to study binding of β-sitosterol with Helicoverpa armigera midgut enzymes; alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); through docking-based virtual screening. Extraction of the protein sequence of the enzymes revealed a respective linear chain of 535, 522 and 430 amino acids for ALP, ALT and AST. The binding energy for ALT-ligand complex was lowest as compared to the AST and ALP-docked complexes. The ALT-docked complex had ligand efficiency of (-) 0.32 with an inhibition constant of 104.01, more hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions leading to a more stable complex. However, unfavored bumps in AST and ALP complexes may have led to comparatively unstable complexes. The dietary β-sitosterol exhibits differential binding with midgut enzymes of H. armigera larvae. The strong binding of β-sitosterol with ALT indicates the highest inhibition of ALT activity due to the activity-stability trade-off. The enzymes, AST and ALP exhibited relatively higher activity as a resultant of lesser stabilization of the β-sitosterol-enzyme complex. In silico studies have indicated that β-sitosterol can be used an effective control agent against H. armigera.

In this study, 3 Lactobacillus strains isolated from 5 kinds of traditional fermented yogurt in Xinjiang were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum (LP1, LP2), and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus (LD). Probiotic properties of Lactobacillus strains have been evaluated by testing the tolerance to artificial gastric juice and bile salt, cell surface hydrophobicity, hydroxyl radicals and DPPH free radicals scavenging rates. As the results, LP1 showed better tolerance to acid, cell surface hydrophobicity and antioxidant ability, LP2 showed better tolerance to bile salt comparing with the other two LAB strains. LP1 showed the best probiotic properties in general. These results provide reference value for the probiotic research in vivo and the development of new functional probiotic products in the future.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the growth performance, haematological and serum biochemistry indices of broilers fed diets containing Vitex doniana leaf meal (VDLM). A total of 120 unsexed broilers were allocated to four treatments of T1, T2, T3 and T4 and replicated three times with ten birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. The birds in each treatment were fed with diets containing 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% VDLM respectively. Growth performances, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin, white blood cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelet count, aspartate amino transaminase, alanine amino transaminase, alkaline phosphate, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, cholesterol, albumin, globulin, urea, glucose, total protein and creatinine were evaluated. Growth performance results showed that there were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in all the measured parameters except feed cost. The result of the experiment showed that there were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in all the heamatological and serum biochemistry parameters at starter and finisher phases, except for haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration which were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) at the starter phase. Growth performances of broilers fed control diets were better than the other treatment diets. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin, platelet count and low density lipoprotein decreased progressively while mean corpuscular volume, neutrophils, alanine amino transaminase, aspartate amino transaminase and creatinine increased progressively with increase in the inclusion of VDLM at the finisher phase. At the finisher phase, haemoglobin, packed cell volume and glucose decreased progressively while high density lipoprotein increased progressively with increase in VDLM. The results show that VDLM reduced the growth performance but improved the heamatological and serum biochemistry of broiler at lower levels of inclusion.

Antiviral therapeutic efficacy of foscarnet in hepatitis B virus infection

Helicoverpa armigera Hubner (Noctuidae) is a common crop pest causing extensive loss of crop yields despite several efforts and diverse measures taken. As utilization of synthetic pesticides in the fields have caused ecological disturbances and lethal effects on humans and organisms; present studies explore Thevetia neriifolia (Apocynaceae), a widely used ornamental plant, against H. armigera as an alternate control measure. The study investigates the dietary effects of hexane and methanol extracts of T. neriifolia stems (HSE, MSE) on the activity of midgut enzymes of H. armigera, the alterations in which could hamper its growth and development. Different concentrations of the stem extracts, ranging from 0.001% to 0.02%, were incorporated in the diet of early IV instars of H. armigera. Effect of each extract was assessed by estimating the activity of four midgut enzymes; alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of cotton boll worm. Investigations showed that dietary stem extracts resulted in significant and dose-dependent reduced activity of all the enzymes. The percent inhibition of the enzymatic activity was higher with dietary MSE of T. neriifolia as compared to the hexane stem extract. Also, the enzyme inhibition effects of extracts were more pronounced on phosphatases in comparison to transaminases. Larval feeding with T. neriifolia MSE diminished ALT activity by 26.95% to 49.79% and AST activity by 11.02% to 56.53%, whereas the ACP and ALP activity decreased by 44.65% to 87.61% and 21.97% to 85.97%, respectively. On the other hand, HSE inhibited ALT activity by 29.43% to 41.67% and AST activity by just 2.72% to 47.08%. However, a respective reduction of 14.58% to 78.44% and 32.73% to 78.07% was noticed in ACP and ALP activity with dietary HSE. The GC-MS analysis of the stem hexane and methanol extracts of T. neriifolia reveals the presence of 39 and 30 phyto-chemicals, respectively. Investigations showed the possible use of T. neriifolia extracts as a growth regulatory agent against H. armigera. Identification and isolation of bioactive compounds require further investigations.