Globulin Research Articles

Comparative effects of savory (Satureja hortensis), dill (Anethum graveolens), and mooseer (Allium hirtifolium) essential oils on growth, digestive, and immunoantioxidant parameters and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This study investigated the effects of savory (Satureja hortensis), dill (Anethum graveolens), and mooseer (Allium hirtifolium) essential oils on growth, digestive, immunity, and antioxidant parameters, as well as resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Experiments were performed on 630 fish with an average weight of 23.89 ± 0.13 g; (Mean ± SE) within seven feeding treatments for 60 days. The treatments contained no essential oils (control treatment) and levels 1 and 2% of each of the savory (SEO1, SEO2), dill (DEO1, DEO2), and mooseer (MEO1, MEO2) essential oils. After 60 days of feeding, the results indicated a significant improvement in the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, intestinal protease, and lipase activity, and serum lysozyme (LYZ) activity in SEO treatments, as well as a serum level of total protein (TP) globulin (GLO), alternative complement pathway hemolytic (ACH50), nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the SEO2 treatment compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05). The serum levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde were significantly improved in the DEO treatments compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05). Mucosal levels of protease, total immunoglobulin, and LYZ were increased in the MEO2 treatment compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, Serum levels of TP, GLO, LYZ, ACH50, NBT, and MPO were increased significantly in the MEO treatments compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05), but not compared to the SEO2 treatment (P > 0.05). The lowest cumulative mortality rate (CMR) after 14 days of challenge with A. hydrophila was recorded in the MEO2 (28.88%), MEO1 (33.33%), and SEO2 (35%) treatments, respectively, with a significant difference, compared to the control treatment (59.99%) (P < 0.05). The results revealed that 2% SEO2 could promote growth, digestive function, humoral immunity, and resistance to A. hydrophila in juvenile common carp.

Hepatoprotective and Neuroprotective Effects of Naringenin against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Rats.

Naringenin (NRG) is one of the most important naturally occurring flavonoids, predominantly found in some edible fruits, such as citrus species and tomatoes. It has several biological activities, such as antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiadipogenic, and cardioprotective effects. The heavy metal lead is toxic and triggers oxidative stress, which causes toxicity in many organs, including the liver and brain. This study explored the potential protective role of NRG in hepato- and neurotoxicity caused by lead acetate in rats. Four groups of ten male albino rats were included: group 1 was a control, group 2 was orally treated with lead acetate (LA) at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW, group 3 was treated with naringenin (NRG) at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW, and group 4 was treated with 500 mg/kg LA and 50 mg/kg NRG for 4 weeks. Then, blood was taken, the rats were euthanized, and liver and brain tissues were collected. The findings revealed that LA exposure induced hepatotoxicity with a significant increase in liver function markers (p < 0.05). In addition, albumin and total protein (TP) and the albumin/globulin ratio (A/G ratio) (p < 0.05) were markedly lowered, whereas the serum globulin level (p > 0.05) was unaltered. LA also induced oxidative damage, demonstrated by a significant increase in malonaldehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05), together with a pronounced antioxidant system reduction (SOD, CAT, and GSH) (p < 0.05) in both liver and brain tissues. Inflammation of the liver and brain caused by LA was indicated by increased levels of nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) and caspase-3, (p < 0.05), and the levels of B-cell lymphocyte-2 (BCL-2) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) (p < 0.05) were decreased. Brain tissue damage induced by LA toxicity was demonstrated by the downregulation of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and creatine kinase (CK-BB) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the liver and brain of LA-treated rats displayed notable histopathological damage. In conclusion, NRG has potential hepato- and neuroprotective effects against lead acetate toxicity. However, additional research is needed in order to propose naringenin as a potential protective agent against renal and cardiac toxicity mediated by lead acetate.

Does Intense Endurance Workout Have an Impact on Serum Levels of Sex Hormones in Males?

The benefits of physical activity and sports are widely known and proved to be crucial for overall health and well-being. In this research, the authors decided to measure the impact of endurance training in a professional male rowing team on the serum concentration levels of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and nitric oxide (NO) and apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1). Proper levels of the serum concentration are necessary in order to maintain physical effectiveness. Authors analyzed the data and reviewed the former conterminous articles to find the possible mechanisms leading to changes of serum concentration of certain hormones and molecules. The direct effect of physical activity was a decrease in testosterone serum concentration (from 7.12 ± 0.4 to 6.59 ± 0.35 (ng/mL)), sex hormone binding globulin serum concentration (from 39.50 ± 2.48 to 34.27 ± 2.33 (nmol/L)), nitric oxide serum concentration (from 440.21 ± 88.64 to 432 ± 91.89 (ng/mL)), increase in estradiol serum concentration (from 78.2 ± 11.21 to 83.01 ± 13.21 (pg/mL)) and no significant increase in Apo-A1 serum concentration (from 2.63 ± 0.2 to 2.69 ± 0.21 (mg/mL)). Low testosterone concentration in OTS may be a consequence of increased conversion to estradiol, because gonadotropic stimulation is maintained. Apo-A1 serum concentration was measured due to a strong connection with testosterone level and its possible impact of decreasing cardiovascular risk.

Covalent polyphenol with soybean 11S protein to develop hypoallergenic conjugates for potential immunotherapy

Soybean 11S globulin is one of the most important allergens in soybean. This study investigated the effects of 11S covalent that conjugated covalently with (−)-Epigallo-catechin 3-gallate (EGCG) and chlorogenic acid (CHA) on protein structure, digestibility, and allergenicity. 11S conjugation with EGCG and CHA yielded covalent conjugates and formed cross-linked protein polymers, which changed the structures and increased the digestibility of the protein. In vitro experiments showed that the ability of IgE binding, and stimulation mast cell degranulation were lower for11S-EGCG and 11S-CHA conjugates compared to 11S. In vivo experiments showed that conjugation of EGCG and CHA reduced the allergenicity of 11S. The oral tolerance model showed that hypoallergenic 11S-EGCG conjugates successfully relieved allergic symptoms and induced oral tolerance by affecting antigen presentation, activating Treg cells to produce IL-10, and promoting Th1/Th2 immune balance. This study presented an innovative strategy to develop hypoallergenic food production that induce tolerance for allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Hepatic Coccidiosis in Wild Rabbits in Greece: Parasite Detection on Liver Imprints and the Associated Biochemical Profile.

(1) Background: Rabbit hepatic coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria stiedae, is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The disease is well described in rabbits, but little is known about E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits. In this study, we investigated the presence of E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits from the island of Lemnos, Greece, where this species is overpopulated, and the effects of infection on common hepatic biomarkers. (2) Methods: We used liver impression smears to detect the coccidian oocysts, and we defined the liver biochemical profile of the infected individuals. (3) Results: Overall, 13.3% of the liver imprints examined were positive for the presence of coccidial oocysts. The activities of liver enzymes, that is, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamyltransferase (GGT), as well as globulins (GLOB), were increased while the concentrations of albumins (ALB), total proteins (TP) and the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio were decreased in the infected individuals compared to the non-infected ones. (4) Conclusions: This study adds to the current knowledge on the pathogens affecting wild rabbits and those circulating in this population on the island of Lemnos, Greece. Moreover, we showed that E. stiedae infection exerts pathological effects on the hepatocyte integrity and liver function of wild rabbits, as reflected by the abnormal values of liver injury and dysfunction biomarkers.

Impact of starvation and re-feeding on growth and metabolic responses of Indian pompano (Trachinotus mookalee) juveniles

A 56 days feeding trial was conducted to study the impact of starvation followed by re-feeding on growth performance of Indian pompano juveniles. 450 juveniles (mean ± SE, 16.69 ± 0.22 g) were divided into 3 treatments in triplicates. Control group (C) was fed to satiation three times a day and other two experimental groups were designated as 2S (2 days starvation) and 1S (1day starvation) i.e. re-feeding for 5 and 6 days in 2S and 1S respectively. At the completion of 28 days of culture (4 feeding cycle), it is resulted that 1S and C fed group performed with similar (p > 0.05) growth performance in terms of weight gain and specific growth rate indicating that complete compensatory growth occurred. Whereas, pompano juveniles maintained in 2S and 1S showed significant (p < 0.05) difference with highest weight gain and specific growth rate (72.48 ± 1.85; 3.73 ± 0.06 respectively) in 1S group during the same period of culture. However, C performed with better WG (85.57 ± 4.53) and SGR (3.02 ± 0.01) at the end of the culture period (8 feeding cycle). Juveniles maintained in control and 1S recorded similar food conversion ratio (p > 0.05), and lowest was observed in 2S at the end of the experiment. There was no significant difference in condition factor among all the treatments. Moisture, total lipid, ash, glycogen content of liver and muscle were significantly varied among the treatment groups (p < 0.05). The digestive enzymes activity was significantly (p < 0.05) affected during the starvation and re-feeding cycles. Lowest serum total protein, albumin and globulin were observed in 2S, followed by 1S and the highest was in C fed group (p < 0.05). It is concluded from the study that, feeding cycle with pompano juveniles starved for 1 day and re-fed for 6 days in a week (1S) resulted in complete growth compensation during the first half of the experiment (28 days), while fish starved for 2 days and re-fed for 5 days in a week (2S) showed partial compensation throughout the experimental period. Our results indicate that compensatory growth occurred in Indian pompano and the magnitude and duration of the compensatory growth depended on the length of starvation.

Lactation stages modulate the hematological, serum biochemical, and endocrinological profiles and oxidative stress markers in crossbred cows under tropical humid island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The present study was designed to assess the interrelationship between hematological, serum biochemical, and endocrinological profiles and oxidative stress markers and lactational stages in crossbred (CB) dairy cows of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI). Healthy (n = 6) CB cows (50-62.50% exotic inheritance; Holstein Friesian × Andaman local) of 4th parity with age of 7-9years and body weight of 350-400kg were selected from Cattle Breeding Farm, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Port Blair, ANI. These experimental cows were synchronized with Ovsynch protocol, and parturition was planned to happen in the month of May-June. Lactation was allowed for 305days. Hematological profiles, serum biochemical profiles, oxidative stress markers and endocrinological profiles were measured at a 15-day interval from day 07 to 305 of lactation (after 6days of colostrum). The lactation period was divided into first (day 07 to 90), second (day 91 to 180), and third (day 181 to 305) stage of lactation. Average daily milk yield (L) did not vary among the stages of lactations; however, first (8.56 ± 1.26) and second (9.79 ± 0.87) stages had higher milk yield compared to third (7.93 ± 0.79) stage of lactation. Hematological profiles did not vary among the stages of lactation; however, these values were within the range of bovine species at lactation. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, total protein, globulin, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased (P < 0.05) and albumin and creatinine decreased (P < 0.05) gradually as lactation stages advanced. Activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and concentration of calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium were nearly similar among the stages of lactation. Similarly, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) increased and prolactin and cortisol decreased (P < 0.05) gradually as stages of lactation advanced. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (P < 0.05) as lactation stages advanced. The results of the present study indicated that the lactating CB cows suffered nutritional stress (deficiency of protein, carbohydrate, lipids, and minerals), physiological stress (higher cortisol), oxidative stress (higher MDA and deficiency of total antioxidant capacity), and hormonal imbalance (higher prolactin and cortisol and deficiency of thyroid hormones) during the early stages of lactation. Thus, the first and second stages are more stressful events compared to the third stage of lactation in the CB cows in ANI. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood components and accordingly suitable feeding strategies with balanced nutrients and minerals, supplementation of suitable antioxidants, and appropriate management practices need to be implemented to mitigate these stresses and to prevent metabolic disorders with maximum milk production during different stages of lactation in CB cows under humid tropical island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Effects of sodium butyrate on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal health, and immune responses of Thinlip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada) juveniles

Sodium butyrate (SB) is an active organic acid usually applied in aquaculture. Hence, the effects of SB were investigated on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and blood biochemistry of Thinlip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada) in this study. Five test diets with an average protein level of 30.33 % and energy of 18.22 MJ/kg were formulated to include SB supplementation at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 g/kg. In 15 enclosures (0.5 ×0.5 ×1 m), 225 fish were divided equally, where each hapa was stocked with 15 fish with an average weight of 7.79 ± 0.04 g/fish. Every three hapas represented one experimental group (triplicates). Fish were kept under average water temperature (25.12 ± 0.33 °C), salinity (11.46 ppt), and total ammonia (0.16 ± 0.01 mg/L) during the trial. The enclosures were fixed in a concrete tank with running water in a flow-through system, and fish were fed the control diet at 3 % of the body weight twice daily (08:00 and 15:00) for 60 days. At the end of the trial, all fish were fasted for 24 h, weighed and counted, then blood samples collected, and intestines and livers were dissected. The results revealed that fish-fed SB had higher growth performance, feed intake, protein efficiency ratio, and protein productive value than fish-fed SB-free diet (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the feed conversion ratio was reduced by dietary SB in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The lipase activity was increased in fish fed SB at 1 and 2 g/kg, while the amylase activity of fish fed 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg (quadratic P < 0.05). Markedly, the protease activity in fish fed SB was higher than those fed SB free diet regardless of the inclusion rate (P < 0.05). The histopathological assessment of fish-fed SB showed that all layers of intestinal villi and the intestinal wall appeared intact, without any abnormal changes. The intestinal mucosa of groups supplemented with SB exposed improved, branched, and well-arranged intestinal villi. The total serum protein, albumin, and globulin were significantly increased in fish-fed SB at 1, 2, and 4 g/kg (quadratic P < 0.05). The lysozyme and phagocytic activities were increased quadratically in mullets fed dietary SB at 1, 2, and 4 g/kg (P < 0.05). The regression analysis revealed that dietary SB is required at 2.19–2.54 g/kg to enhance the growth performance, digestion, and well-being of mullets.

Effects of functional oil blend on performance, blood metabolites, organ biometry and intestinal morphometry in nursery piglets

This study was conducted to assess the effects of functional oil (FO) blend on performance, blood metabolites, organ biometry and intestinal morphometry in piglets. A total of 128 crossbreed piglets (Landrace × Large White, 64 uncastrated males and 64 females, 21 d of age, and 6.79 ± 1.76 kg BW) were allocated in a randomized complete block design with two dietary treatments: a FO-free (FOF) diet or a diet based on added FO (1,500 mg/kg of diet with castor oil plus cashew nutshell oil). Piglets fed FO showed higher (p ≤ 0.05) average daily feed intake, daily body weight gain and final body weight after 23 d of study. For the total period, piglets fed FO showed greater (p = 0.007) feed conversion ratio. On d 23, higher serum total protein (p = 0.026) and globulin (p = 0.050) concentration, lower liver (p = 0.042) and stomach (p = 0.074) weight, and greater (p = 0.082) villi height (VH) in duodenum were observed in piglets fed FO. Nonetheless, piglets fed FOF showed greater (p = 0.054) ileal VH, but greater (p = 0.004) crypt depth (CD) in jejunum. Piglets fed FO showed higher VH to CD ratio in jejunum (p = 0.068) and duodenum (p = 0.074) on d 23 and 37, respectively. Based on the results, FO blend improved the performance of weaned piglets; however, it negatively affected the feed conversion ratio in the total period. Moreover, FO blend promoted changes in total protein concentrations and improvements in digestive and absorptive capacity assessed through VH to CD ratio, with a significant reduction in organs.

A multi-angle analysis of injury induced by supplementation of soybean meal in Litopenaeus vannamei diets

Soybean meal is considered as one of the major components of Litopenaeus vannamei diets. However, most previous studies have focused on evaluating the effects of soybean meal on L. vannamei from the perspective of growth, physiology, and feed utilization; information regarding the analysis of serum metabolites, antioxidant and immune response, and intestinal microbiota is limited. Five diets were prepared, comprising 20% (T20), 28% (T28), 35% (T35), 42% (T42), and 50% (T50) soybean meal. A total of 600 shrimp were randomly distributed into 20 tanks (i.e., 30 shrimp per tank), with four tanks assigned to each dietary group. Shrimp were fed to apparent satiation during the 42-day feeding trial. The results showed that levels of serum globulin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase linearly increased (p &amp;lt; 0.01), but levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol linearly decreased (p &amp;lt; 0.001) as the proportion of soybean meal in the diet increased. Supplementation of shrimp diets with soybean meal linearly and quadratically increased (p &amp;lt; 0.05) serum total antioxidant capacity, levels of malondialdehyde, and activities of catalase, nitric oxide synthase and phenoloxidase. Hepatocytes in T35, T42, and T50 were shown to have different degrees of vacuolar degeneration, hepatic corpuscle atrophy, and star-like lumen loss. Dietary inclusion of soybean meal altered the composition of intestinal bacterial microbiota at phylum level, especially increasing the abundance of on other bacterial genera, whereas it had minimal impact on other bacterial genera and had no significant influence on the bacterial diversity. This study suggests that dietary supplementation of L. vannamei diets with soybean meal at concentrations exceeding 28% induces inflammation and oxidant damage of the hepatopancreas, and increases the risk of intestinal disease.

Effect of replacing cottonseed meal with canola meal on growth performance, blood metabolites, thyroid function, and ruminal parameters of growing lambs

The objective was to clarify the impact of replacing cottonseed meal with canola meal (CM) on growth performance, blood metabolites, thyroxin function, and ruminal parameters of growing lambs. Twenty-four growing Barki male lambs (4–5 months of age) were assigned randomly into four equal groups (6 lambs each). Four dietary treatments were the control group with 0% CM (CON) and three experimental groups where CM replaced 25% (CN1), 50% (CN2), and 75% (CN3) of cottonseed meal. There were no dietary effects (P > 0.05) on the lambs’ feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of the lambs. The dietary CM linearly decreased the concentrations of serum total proteins (P = 0.003), albumin (P = 0.010), globulin (P = 0.011), AST (P = 0.041), and urea (P = 0.001) in growing lambs. The levels of ALT and creatinine, however, were not significantly affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Furthermore, serum triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and electrolyte concentrations were similar (P > 0.05) in different dietary groups. Dietary treatments significantly affected the values of ruminal pH and ammonia at 0 h (P = 0.003 and 0.048, respectively) and 3 h (P = 0.033 and P = 0.006, respectively) postfeeding. The CN3 group showed significantly higher concentrations of ruminal ammonia at 0 and 3 h postfeeding. Furthermore, dietary CM (CN3) significantly reduced the ruminal pH values at 0 and 3 h postfeeding. Meanwhile, dietary treatments did not affect the concentration of total VFAs in the ruminal fluid. In conclusion, CM can replace the cottonseed meal (up to 75%) in lamb diets without compromising their growth performance, thyroid function, and ruminal fermentation parameters.

Co-sensitization between legumes is frequently seen, but variable and not always clinically relevant.

Food allergy to peanut and soybean, both legumes, is highly prevalent. The consumption of other legumes and legume protein isolates, some of which may be considered novel foods, is increasing. This may lead to an increase in sensitization and allergy and may pose a risk for legume-allergic (e.g. peanut and soybean) patients due to cross-reactivity. This study investigated the frequency of co-sensitization and co-allergy between legumes and the role of different protein families. Six legume-allergic patient groups were included: peanut (n = 30), soybean (n = 30), lupine (n = 30), green pea (n = 30), lentil (n = 17), bean (n = 9). IgE binding to total extracts, protein fractions (7S/11S globulin, 2S albumin, albumin), and 16 individual proteins from 10 legumes (black lentil, blue lupine, chickpea, faba bean, green lentil, pea, peanut, soybean, white bean, and white lupine) was measured by line blot. Co-sensitization varied from 36.7% to 100%. Mono-sensitization was only found in soybean (16.7%), peanut (10%), and green pea-allergic (3.3%) patients. A high frequency of co-sensitization between the 7S/11S globulin fractions of all 10 legumes and individual 7S and 11S globulins was observed. In peanut and soybean-allergic patients, co-allergies for other legumes were uncommon (≤16,7%), while in green pea, lupine, lentil, and bean-allergic patients co-allergy for peanut (64.7%-77.8%) or soybean (50%-64.7%) was frequently seen. Co-sensitization between legumes was high, but generally not clinically relevant. Co-allergy to other legumes was not often seen in peanut- and soybean allergic patients. The 7S and 11S globulins were likely responsible for the observed co-sensitization.

Effects of the water-soluble fraction of diesel oil on the sera biochemical indicators, histological changes, and immune responses of black rockfish Sebastes schlegelii

In order to understand the physiological and immune responses of Sebastes schlegelii to the water-soluble fraction of diesel oil (WSD), S. schlegelii were used as the experimental objects to study the effect of WSD on the sera biochemical indicators, histological changes, and immune responses. Significant differences in sera biochemical indicators were observed in S. schlegelii after WSD exposure. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose (GLU), and globulin (GLB) were reduced by 3.51-fold, 3.12- fold, and 1.58-fold, respectively; however, K+ was increased by 3.55-fold. The results of HE staining showed that interstitial congestion was observed in the liver; the secondary lamellae deformity and hyperplasia, epithelial lifting, the primary lamellae hyperplasia, and aneurism were observed in the gill. Epidermis thickness increased, and epidermal hyperplasia in the skin was shown. The length of the secondary lamellae shortened significantly after WSD exposure. The results of AB-PAS staining showed that three different types of mucous cells were observed in the gill, and a significant increase in the number of all three types of mucous cells was observed after WSD exposure (P < 0.05). In addition, the results of the relative mRNA expressions in the liver of eleven immune-related genes showed that the relative expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF receptor, BAFF, C1s, C1r, and MyD88 in the WSD group were substantially higher than those in the LPS group (P < 0.05), and the relative expression of caspase 10 was significantly lower than that in the LPS group (P < 0.05). At the same time, no significant differences were observed in the relative expression levels of IL-1, TNFα, and C1inh between the two groups (P > 0.05). This study was expected to provide essential data for health assessments of S. schlegelii and establish the foundation for the immune-related researches of S. schlegelii after WSD exposure.

Albumin–Globulin Score Combined with Skeletal Muscle Index as a Novel Prognostic Marker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation

Sarcopenia was recently identified as a poor prognostic factor in patients with malignant tumors. The present study investigated the effect of the preoperative albumin-globulin score (AGS), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and combination of AGS and SMI (CAS) on short- and long-term survival outcomes following deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and aimed to identify prognostic factors. A total of 221 consecutive patients who underwent DDLT for HCC were enrolled in this retrospective study between January 2015 and December 2019. The skeletal muscle cross-sectional area was measured by CT (computed tomography). Clinical cutoffs of albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), and sarcopenia were defined by receiver operating curve (ROC). The effects of the AGS, SMI, and CAS grade on the preoperative characteristics and long-term outcomes of the included patients were analyzed. Patients who had low AGS and high SMI were associated with better overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and fewer postoperative complications (grade ≥ 3, Clavien-Dindo classification). Stratified by CAS grade, 46 (20.8%) patients in grade 1 were associated with the best postoperative prognosis, whereas 79 (35.7%) patients in grade 3 were linked to the worst OS and RFS. The CAS grade showed promising accuracy in predicting the OS and RFS of HCC patients [areas under the curve (AUCs) were 0.710 and 0.700, respectively]. Male recipient, Child-Pugh C, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score > 20, and elevated CAS grade were identified as independent risk factors for OS and RFS of HCC patients after DDLT. CAS grade, a novel prognostic index combining preoperative AGS and SMI, was closely related to postoperative short-term and long-term outcomes for HCC patients who underwent DDLT. Graft allocation and clinical decision making may be referred to CAS grade evaluation.

Evaluation of Acute Effects of Cadmium Toxicity on Serum Total Protein, Albumin and Globulin in Male Albino Wistar Rats Treated with Ethanol leaf Extracts of Tapinanthus bangwensis and Mangifera indica

Acute impacts of heavy metal exposure on serum total protein (TP), albumin (AL) and globulin (GL) in male albino Wistar rats treated with ethanol leaf extracts of Tapinanthus bangwensis and Mangifera indica were evaluated. Twenty-five (25) animals (125-250 g) were randomly assigned five groups of five rats each. Groups 1-4 were orally administered with cadmium chloride (30 %) below its LD50, (267 mg/kg) each for three times at 2 days interval before treatment with the plant extracts. Groups 1 and 2 were later treated with 300 mg/kg of T. bangwensis and M. indica respectively. Group 3 was treated with 300 mg/kg combined extracts of the two plants at 50:50 dosage ratio while group 4 and 5 were not treated with the plant extracts and served as positive and normal control respectively. Animals in each group were allowed free access to commercial rat mash and water throughput two weeks of treatment which was done daily via oral route. After the fourteen (14) days experimentation, the results revealed a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in serum total protein in group 2 and 3 when compared to group 1. No significant difference (P&gt;0.05) was observed in group 1 compared to the positive and normal controls. Group 2 showed significant increase (P&lt;0.05) when compared to groups 3 and 5. Group 3 showed significant increase (P&lt;0.05) when compared to groups 4 and 5, but with no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in group 4 compared to group 5. Serum albumin level showed significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in group 1 when compared to group 2 and 3, but with no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) compared to groups 4 and 5. Significant decrease in group 2 (P&lt;0.05) when compared to group 4. Group 4 compared to group 5. Significant increase in serum albumin was revealed in group 4 when compared to group 5. Serum globulin recorded significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in group 1 compared to group 2 and 3, but with no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) compared to group 4 and 5. Group 2 showed significant increase (P&lt;0.05) when compared to groups 4 and 5. Group 3 recorded significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in serum globulin when compared to Group 4, but with no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) compared to group 5. The implications of these results are that human should not be exposed to heavy metals to avid toxicity, also if exposed the extracts used could be administered to ameliorate.

Protective effect of flavonoid and saponin-rich fractions against renal toxicity induced by mercuric chloride in rodent model

The present study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorating potential of the flavonoid-rich fraction of Phyllanthus emblica (FRFPE) and saponin-rich fraction of Tribulus terrestris (SRFTT) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced renal toxicity in rats. Forty-two male SD rats were divided into seven different groups, namely normal control (C1), toxicity control (C2), vehicle control (C3), standard control (C4), Flavonoid rich fraction of Phyllanthus emblica (FRFPE; T1), Saponin rich fraction of Tribulus terrestris (SRFTT; T2) and FRFPE + SRFTT (T3). Serum biochemical markers and oxidative stress indicators were measured. Histopathological examination of kidney sections was also carried out. Our data revealed that BUN and creatinine levels in rats’ serum were significantly higher, whereas serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were significantly lower in the toxicity group. HgCl2 administration reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and an elevated MDA in kidney tissue when compared with the control. The treatment with FRFPE and SRFTT markedly attenuated HgCl2-induced oxidative stress in kidney. Further, oxidative stress-related alteration in biochemical markers was confirmed by histopathological changes in rats of different treatment groups. According to histopathology of the kidney, the treatment of FRFPE and SRFTT considerably reduced the damage produced by HgCl2 in rats. LC-QTOF-MS analysis of FRFPE and SRFTT showed the presence of tannins, triterpenoids, alkaloids, gallic acid, steroid derivatives, quinoline derivatives and flavonoids. According to the findings, the flavonoid-rich fraction of P. emblica and the saponin-rich fraction of T. terrestris showed an antioxidant activity and protected the rat kidney from mercury-induced oxidative damage.

Morphology, Formation Kinetics and Core Composition of Pea and Soy 7S and 11S Globulin Amyloid Fibrils.

Legume seed storage proteins can be induced to form amyloid fibrils upon heating at low pH, which could improve their functionality for use in food and materials. However, the amyloidogenic regions of legume proteins are largely unknown. Here, we used LC-MS/MS to determine the amyloid core regions of fibrils formed by enriched pea and soy 7S and 11S globulins at pH 2, 80 °C, and characterized their hydrolysis, assembly kinetics, and morphology. A lag phase was absent from the fibrillation kinetics of pea and soy 7S globulins, while 11S globulins and crude extracts displayed a similar lag time. Pea and soy protein fibrils differed in morphology, with most pea fibrils being straight and soy fibrils being worm-like. Pea and soy globulins were abundant in amyloid-forming peptides, with over 100 unique fibril-core peptides from pea 7S and around 50 unique fibril-core peptides identified from pea 11S, soy 7S, and soy 11S globulins. Amyloidogenic regions derive predominantly from the homologous core region of 7S globulins and the basic subunit of 11S globulins. Overall, pea and soy 7S and 11S globulins are rich in amyloidogenic regions. This study will help understand their fibrillation mechanism and engineer protein fibrils with specific structures and functionality.

Effects of fermented feed on growth performance, immune organ indices, serum biochemical parameters, cecal odorous compound production, and the microbiota community in broilers

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dietary fermented feed addition on growth performance, immune organ indices, serum biochemical parameters, cecal odorous compound production, and the bacterial community in broilers. A total of 480 broiler chicks (1-day-old) were randomly assigned to 6 groups, including a basal diet (control group), a basal diet supplemented with 10, 15, 20, and 25% dried fermented feed, and 10% wet fermented feed. Each group contained 8 replicates of 10 chicks each. The results showed that fermentation increased (P < 0.05) the total acid level and the number of Lactobacillus, Yeast, and Bacillus. The 15% dried fermented feed group had an increased (P < 0.05) body weight (BW) than the control, while the 25% dried fermented feed group had the lowest (P < 0.05) BW on 42 d. Compared to the control group, the feed intake (FI) was increased (P < 0.05) in the 10, 15% dried and 10% wet fermented feed groups from 22 to 42 d and from 1 to 42 d. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in feed conversion ratio (FCR) among all groups. Supplementation with fermented feed increased (P < 0.05) the bursa of Fabricius index but not (P > 0.05) the thymus and spleen indices. Compared with the control, the broilers fed fermented feed had increased (P < 0.05) serum total protein, albumin, globulin, IgA, IgG, IgM, lysozyme, complement 3, and complement 4 levels. The cecal concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and lactic acid were increased and the pH values were decreased in the fermented feed groups (P < 0.05). Among the groups, the 15% dried fermented feed group showed the lowest concentrations of skatole and indole in the cecum (P < 0.05). The composition of the cecal microbiota was characterized, in which an increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and unclassified Clostridiales and a decreased abundance of Rikenellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidaceae were found in the fermented feed groups. Taken together, dietary fermented feed supplementation can improve growth performance, immune organ development, and capacity and decrease cecal odorous compound production, which may be related to the regulation of microbial composition.

Dietary Supplementation with Eugenol Nanoemulsion Alleviates the Negative Effects of Experimental Coccidiosis on Broiler Chicken's Health and Growth Performance.

The present study investigated the protective efficacy of dietary supplementation with clove essential oil (CEO), its main constituent eugenol (EUG), and their nanoformulated emulsions (Nano-CEO and Nano-EUG) against experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens. To this aim, various parameters (oocyst number per gram of excreta (OPG), daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), serum concentrations of total proteins (TP), albumin (ALB), globulins (GLB), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHO) and glucose (GLU), serum activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione s-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were compared among groups receiving CEO supplemented feed (CEO), Nano-CEO supplemented feed (Nano-CEO), EUG supplemented feed (EUG), Nano-EUG supplemented feed (Nano-EUG), diclazuril supplemented feed (standard treatment, ST), or basal diet [diseased control (d-CON) and healthy control (h-CON)), from days 1-42. Chickens of all groups, except h-CON, were challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. at 14 days of age. Coccidiosis development in d-CON was associated with impaired productivity (lower DWG and higher DFI and FCR relative to h-CON; p < 0.05) and altered serum biochemistry (decreased TP, ALB, and GLB concentrations and SOD, GST, and GPx activities relative to h-CON; p < 0.05). ST effectively controlled coccidiosis infection by significantly decreasing OPG values compared with d-CON (p < 0.05) and maintaining zootechnical and serum biochemical parameters at levels close to (DWG, FCR; p < 0.05) or not different from (DFI, TP, ALB, GLB, SOD, GST, and GPx) those of h-CON. Among the phytogenic supplemented (PS) groups, all showed decreased OPG values compared with d-CON (p < 0.05), with the lowest value being measured in Nano-EUG. All PS groups showed better values of DFI and FCR than d-CON (p < 0.05), but only in Nano-EUG were these parameters, along with DWG, not different from those of ST. Furthermore, Nano-EUG was the only PS group having all serum biochemical values not different (or even slightly improved) relative to ST and h-CON. In conclusion, the tested PS diets, especially Nano-EUG, can limit the deleterious effects of coccidiosis in broiler chickens, due to anticoccidial activity and possibly their reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby representing a potential green alternative to synthetic anticoccidials.

Effect of pregnancy on some haematological and biochemical parameters in pregnant Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis)

The haematological and biochemical parameters of endangered wild animals in gestation can provide the knowledge of normal physical conditions and recognition of every abnormality, then contribute to conservation and management. For better breeding management of Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) reintroduced population, a series of haematological and biochemical parameters were tested and analyzed, viz. white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), packed-cell volume (PCV), platelet count (PLT), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean red blood cells distribution width coefficient of variation (RDW) and different hematological parameters viz. total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), albumin to globulin ratio (A/G), total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/ALT, creatinine, urea (BUN), uric acid, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cortisol. The WBC value of non-pregnants was significantly higher than that of pregnants; the total cholesterol and total bilirubin concentration was significantly lower in pregnants. The hematological and serum biochemical parameters to change when the pregnant Chinese water deer pregnancy, which could be used in health monitoring and disease diagnosis of the Chinese water deer and reference for other cervids.