Liver Acid Phosphatase Research Articles

Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides supplemented to high soybean meal diet on immunity and hepatic health of spotted sea bass Lateolabrax maculatus.

High soybean meal diet (HSBMD) decreased the immunity and damaged the liver health of spotted sea bass; in this study, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) was added to HSBMD to explore its effects on the immunity and liver health. The diet with 44% fish meal content was designed as a blank control. On this basis, soybean meal was used to replace 50% fish meal as HSBMD, and LBP was added in HSBMD in gradient (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 g/kg) as the experimental diet. 225-tailed spotted sea bass with initial body weight of 44.52 ± 0.24 g were randomly divided into 5 groups and fed the corresponding diet for 52 days, respectively. The results show that: after ingestion of HSBMD, the immunity of spotted sea bass decreased slightly and hepatic tissue was severely damaged. And the addition of LBP significantly improved the immune capacity and protected the hepatic health. Specifically, the activities of serum lysozyme (LZM), immunoglobulin M (IgM), liver acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were increased, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were significantly decreased, and hepatic morphology was improved. In the analysis of transcriptome results, it was found that toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) were down-regulated in toll-like receptor signaling pathway. And LBP may protect hepatic health by regulating Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis, Insulin signaling pathway, Steroid biosynthesis and other glucolipid-related pathways. In conclusion, the addition of LBP in HSBMD can improve the immunity and protect the hepatic health of spotted sea bass, and its mechanism may be related to glucose and lipid metabolism.

Effects of chronic saline-alkaline stress on gill, liver and intestinal histology, biochemical, and immune indexes in Amur minnow (Phoxinus lagowskii)

The need to maximize the efficiency with which saline-alkaline waters are used for aquaculture is continually increasing due to unabated increases in the global demand for aquaculture products. Here, the effects of chronic saline-alkaline stress on the growth performance, energy consumption, digestion parameters, antioxidant capacity, ion regulation, and non-specific immunity of Phoxinus lagowskii were studied. Fish were exposed to saline environments (10 parts per thousand) varying in the concentration of sodium bicarbonate [5 (T1), 7 (T2), 9 (T3), and 11 mmol L−1 (T4)]. We observed no significant differences in the weight gain and specific growth rate of fish in environments varying in alkalinity concentrations. Exposure to saline-alkaline stress resulted in a decrease in gills LH (lamellar height) and an increase in LT (lamellar thickness) and intestines VH (villous height) in P. lagowskii. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; mean corpuscular volume; serum albumin and total protein content; the activity of liver acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase; and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of liver TNF-α, which encodes tumor necrosis factor-α, were significantly higher in the T4 group than in the control and other groups. Exposure to saline-alkaline stress also induced a strong antioxidant response that enhanced cellular defenses. Levels of serum glucose and triglycerides, lipase activity, and the expression of Glut-1 in the intestine significantly increased following exposure to saline-alkaline stress. The activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase and mRNA expression levels of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 in the gills were significantly higher in the saline-alkaline treatments than in the control group. These findings, coupled with the fact that no mortality was observed, suggest that P. lagowskii could be cultured in saline-alkaline waters, and the optimal alkalinity concentration was <11 mmol L−1. Our study is the first to characterize the effects of exposure to saline-alkaline stress on the histological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of P. lagowskii. Our data indicate that P. lagowskii can adapt rapidly to saline-alkaline environmental stress, suggesting that P. lagowskii could be cultivated at commercial scales in saline-alkaline waters.

CORRELATIONS BETWEEN THE INDICATORS OF INFLAMMATION IN THE LIVER AND OSTEODYSTROPHIC CHANGES IN THE BONES IN RATS WITH HYPERVITAMINOSIS A

Background. The long-term therapy of dental diseases by the retinol especially in the cases of the use of high doses can lead to the significant accumulation of vitamin А in an organism, the results of which are such manifestations of the hypervitaminosis A signs as inflammation and development of liver fibrosis and activation of the destructive processes in the bones. Studying the correlation between indicators of the states of the liver and the bone system can be useful for monitoring the state of human bones through the liver indicators during long-term treatment with vitamin A, for example the dentistry diseases of different etiologies. Objective. To investigate the correlation between biochemical indicators of inflammation and antioxidant protection in the liver and the density and the composition of tubular bones and vertebrae in rats under the conditions of high-dose vitamin A use against a periodontitogenic diet. Materials and methods. Experiments were performed on male and female white Wistar rats aged 1 month. At the first stage, periodontitis was simulated with a periodontitogenic diet and the effect of this diet on the density of femur bones was determined. At the second stage, against the background of using this diet, hypervitaminosis A was simulated by introducing retinol at a dose of 8000 IU per 1kg of body weight for 56 days. The following parameters were determined: degree of atrophy of alveolar process of the jaws, density and content of the mineral (MC) and organic (OC) components of the femurs (FF) and lumbar vertebrae (LV), the activities of elastase, catalase, acid phosphatase, urease and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated between liver and bone parameters. Results. Keeping rats on a periodontitogenic diet led to a probable increase in F density: by 11.4–12.4%. The excess intake of vitamin A caused a decrease in the density of FF by 6.4–8.8%, LV by 9.1–9.2%, a decrease in the content of MC in FF by 8.4–12.9%, in LV by 11.2–12.7%, increase of OK in FF by 3.5–7.8%, in LV by 5.2–5.5%. The formation of hypervitaminosis A in liver tissues led to an increase in elastase activity by 39.9–51.3%, acid phosphatase activity by 23.0–23.2%, urease activity by 24.7–29.8%, MDA content by 34.6%–63.7%, a decrease in catalase activity by 3.1–3.8%. The highest correlation with bone state indicators was noted for elastase activity (r &gt; 0.8) and MDA content (r &gt; 0.6) in liver tissues for male and female rats in general. The correlation was negative with the density and content of the mineral component, and positive with the content of the organic component. Liver catalase activity was positively correlated with bone density and mineral content (r &gt;0.7) only in males. Liver acid phosphatase activity was negatively correlated with the density and content of the mineral component of femur bones (r &gt; 0.6) in males. Conclusions. The hypervitaminosis A formation against the background of a periodontogenic diet leads to a decrease in bone density due to the inhibition of mineralization and the activations of bone resorption, and to inflammation and oxidative stress in liver tissues. The reliable correlation between elastase activity, MDA content in liver and the bone state indicators in male and female rats was revealed. The activities of catalase and acid phosphatase in liver were reliably correlated with the bone parameters only in males.

Optimum protein requirement of juvenile orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

The purpose of subject was to explore the optimum protein requirement of juvenile grouper (Epinephelus coioides). In the test, 450 juveniles with an average weight (10.02 ± 0.22) g were randomly divided into six groups with triplicate, and were fed with 350, 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 g/kg iso-lipid test diet twice 1 day for 8 weeks, respectively. The results showed that: (1) With the increase of protein level, the body weight gain rate and specific growth rate first increased and then reduced, while the feed coefficient rate first decreased and then increased, while the protein efficiency significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (2) With the increase of protein level, the condition factor, hepaticsomatic index and visceralsomatic index significantly reduced (P < 0.05). (3) With the increase of protein level, the crude protein content of whole fish and muscle gradually increased, while the crude lipid content gradually decreased. (4) High-protein diet (550–600 g/kg) significantly increased the plasma total protein content and decreased the triglyceride content of orange-spotted grouper (P < 0.05). (5) Compared with the 350 g/kg group, 500, 550, 600 g/kg groups significantly increased the activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in liver (P < 0.05). (6) With the increase of protein level, the protease activity of intestine first increased and then decreased, and reached the maximum at the protein level of 500 g/kg, while lipase and amylase decreased significantly (P < 0.05). (7) The activities of acid phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme in liver increased first and then decreased with the increase of protein level, and reached the maximum in the 400 g/kg protein group. According to the analysis specific growth rate, the optimum protein level of juvenile orange-spotted grouper is 521.84 g/kg.

The effects of fipronil exposure on oxidative stress, non-specific immunity, autophagy, and apoptosis in the common carp.

The increase in the area treated with the insecticide fipronil has caused concern for aquatic organisms such as fish. Here, we assessed the effect of fipronil on carp indexes of non-specific immunity, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis following exposure to 0.074 mg/L and 0.185 mg/L of fipronil in the aqueous environment for 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days. It was found that glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in gills were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The increase in exposure time increases the impact on GSH, SOD, and MDA parameters in the liver and intestine. Liver acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM) activity levels increased significantly in the treatment group on the first day after exposure, except for the 0.074 mg/L group of ACP (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of autophagy-related genes ATG12, ATG5, ATG16L, LC3-II, and BECN1 were generally elevated in the liver and intestine during the initial exposure period (P < 0.05), while mTOR was significantly reduced on the first and third days after treatment (P < 0.05). From the results of Western blotting (WB), we can see that the amount of LC3-II was significantly higher than that of LC3-I at 1, 3, and 5 days of exposure (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the apoptosis-related gene Bcl-2 reached its peak in the liver, intestine, and gill on the first day, and caspase3 was significantly downregulated throughout the exposure period (P < 0.05). The results showed that fipronil was potentially harmful to carp and should be used moderately to reduce the damage to aquatic ecosystems. This study complements the mechanism theory of fipronil on fish toxicology and has a certain value for human health risk assessment.

Different diets can affect the digestion and immunity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) according to enzyme activity assay and transcriptome sequencing

The goal of this study was to prove the benefit of mixed diet for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) liver health in rice field. Common carp is a typical omnivorous fish. They can generally prey on both plant and animal diets in rice paddy mode. In this research, the common carp were randomly divided into three groups: animal diet group (group AD), plant diet group (group PD) and mixed diet group (group MD). Growth index, enzyme activity (digestive and immune), and transcriptome profile were performed to evaluate the effect of different diets on carp health. The results showed that the final weight of common carp is lesser than initial weight and the activity of trypsin and lipase were the highest in animal diet group. On the contrary, the body weight loss and α-amylase activity were the highest in the plant diet group. The mixed diet group had the highest the acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity in liver. “Protein digestion and absorption”, “bile secretion”, “hematopoietic cell lineage” and “intestinal immune network for IgA production” pathways belonging to the digestive and immune systems had significant enrichment between common carp fed a single type of diet and a mixed diet. These results indicate that rice-fish system is more conducive to common carp health, certainly, it is better for economic benefits if providing additional diet for fish.

Interactive effect of thermal and hypoxia on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) gill and liver: Aggravation of oxidative stress, inhibition of immunity and promotion of cell apoptosis

High temperatures and low oxygen in aquatic environments, such as intensive aquaculture or in natural watersheds, inevitably cause stress in fish. Fish are exposed to high temperatures during the summer, which exacerbates hypoxia. Hypoxia (1.2 ± 0.2 mg/L) under 20 °C (20 HG) and 26 °C (26 HG) was simulated to induce stress in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Related enzymes and genes involved in antioxidant, immune, and apoptotic responses were selected to explore the interactive effects of temperature and hypoxia on largemouth bass. The results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma, gill, and liver increased in the 26 HG (p < 0.05). Liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in the 26 HG. Peak SOD (SOD1, SOD2, SOD3a, and SOD3b), CAT, and GSH-Px mRNA levels in the gill and liver were observed at 12–24 h of stress. The levels of gill and liver total antioxidant capacity, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and other enzyme activities and genes in the 26 HG were higher than those in the 20 HG (p < 0.05). The gill and liver acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities increased with time in the 26 HG (p < 0.05), while gill and liver lysozyme activities in the 26 HG were lower than those in the 20 HG (p < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA level was upregulated in the gill and downregulated in the liver at 24 h in the 26 HG. Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 mRNA levels were upregulated in the gill and liver in the 26 HG at 24 h, whereas IL-15 mRNA level was downregulated in the 26 HG at 12 h. Transforming growth factor-β1 mRNA level was upregulated in the gill in the 20 HG at 24 h, but downregulated in gill and liver in the 26 HG at 24 h. Similarly, IL-10, Hepcidin-1, and Hepcidin-2 showed lower expression levels in the 26 HG. Gill and liver caspase-3 activities were higher in the 26 HG (p < 0.05), and gill caspase-3 activity was higher than that in the liver. The mRNA levels of proapoptotic genes (caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9) were higher in the 26 HG. The present study demonstrates the interactive effects of temperature and hypoxia on stress in largemouth bass gill and liver. These results will be helpful to understand the mechanisms of stress induced by temperature and hypoxia in fish and provide a theoretical basis for aquaculture management.

Chlorella additive increased growth performance, improved appetite and immune response of juvenile crucian carp Carassius auratus

This study was designed to investigate effects of dietary Chlorella meal (CM) additive on growth performance, immune responses and appetite regulation of juvenile crucian carp Carassius auratus (initial body weight: 1.27 ± 0.03 g). Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0% (CM0), 1% (CM1), 2% (CM2) and 4% Chlorella meal (CM4), respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups with 40 juvenile fish per fibreglass tank for 8 weeks. Weight gain rate, specific growth rate and feed intake increased with increasing dietary CM levels. In contrast, FCR (feed conversion rate) declined with dietary CM levels. No significant differences were observed in moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash contents of muscle and liver tissues. Dietary CM addition increased activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase in liver and kidney. Dietary CM up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of NKEF-B, MCHII and IgM in kidney, and increased the mRNA levels of NPY and agouti gene-related protein in the brain, but down-regulated mRNA levels of MC4R, LEP, LEPR, CART1, CART2 and CCK8 genes. Based on these observations above, this study indicated that dietary CM additive increased growth performance, immune responses and appetite of crucian carp. The results, for the first time, demonstrate a role for the central nervous system in the control of food intake in fish fed dietary Chlorella meal.

Histochemical Distribution of Acid phosphatase in the tissues of Indian Major carp, Labeorohita (ham)

Acid phosphatases (AcPs) are known to provide phosphate to tissues that have high energy requirements, especially during development, growth and maturation. AcPs enzyme shows variations in quantity in reproductive phases in gonads, kidney and liver. AcPs is highest in both the sexes in postspawning phase and lowest in preparatory phase. In male, acid phosphatase activity is maximum in all three tissues i.e gonads, kidney and liver in postspawning phase and lowest in the preparatory phase as in female. AcPs staining was either granular or in diffuse form in brown deposits. This study is aimed on the estimation of activity of acid phosphatase in kidney, liver and gonads tissues of Labeorohita

Physiological responses and non-specific immune parameters in Epinephelus moara exposed to repeated physical stress

To evaluate effects of physical stress on physiological and non-specific immune parameters in Epinephelus moara, levels of cortisol, glucose, lactic acid in serum, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA), Alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lysozyme (LZM) activities in liver were examined. Plasma cortisol levels increased significantly to peak levels at the first day in stressed individuals. Moreover, those levels were significantly higher with respect to control (P less than 0.05). Concentrations of glucose in serum has only a slight increase at the first day when subjected to stress (P greater 0.05). The levels of lactic acid, activity of ACP and AKP increased and significantly peaked during treatment; then, all of them dropped to the levels of control groups at the end of treatment. The concentration of LZM and MDA in liver had a significant increase and peaked during treatment; then it began to drop, and finally recovered to the level of control groups. The results indicate that E. moara presented significant physiological and immune responses when subjected to a repeated physical stressor. Also, cortisol and MDA changes could be used as bio-indicators for monitoring stress. The present study provides basic information for improved rearing and feeding protocols in this species.

In Vivo Anti-diabetic and Biological Activities of Milk Protein and Milk Protein Hydrolyaste

The effect of milk protein (MP) and milk protein hydrolysate (MPH) as Anti-diabetic agent were investigated in vivo using six groups of normal and type 2 diabetic rats. The results of this study showed that the treatments of diabetic rats by oral intake of MP or MPH significantly reduced the concentrations of plasma glucose, total lipids of blood plasma, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL in rat plasma. Also, the treatments of diabetic rats by oral intake of MP or MPH significantly increased the globulin value and HDL, while the concentration of urea, creatinine and bilirubin were reduced. In addition, oral intake of MPH has no affective on acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in blood plasma and liver of normal rats and protective its concentrations in diabetic rats. The present results concluded that MP and MPH could be used as anti-diabetic agents.

Toxicological evaluation of the effect of phenol-contaminated water on the liver of albino rats

Phenol is a constituent of coal tar and is formed during the natural decomposition of organic materials. The effect of phenol-contaminated water on the liver of rats was investigated. Activities of some liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were determined alongside some serum indices of liver function such as serum bilirubin, albumin, globulin and serum enzymes. The total bilirubin of rats treated with phenol-contaminated water was observed to be 8.4 ± 0.8 g/l while that of control rats was 5.6 ± 0.5 g/l. Serum albumin of test rats was found to be 15 ± 2 g/l while that of control rats was 7 ± 3 g/l. Activity of all the enzymes studied reduced significantly in the liver of test rats compared with the control (P < 0.05). However, serum enzymes activity, with the exception of serum aspartate transaminase, of test rats increased significantly (P < 0.05) relative to that of test rats. It is viewed that phenol-contaminated water is hazardous to health as it may be responsible for the leakage of enzymes into the serum and may impair liver function as portrayed by reduced serum globulin and albumin.

STUDIES ON IMPACT OF CYPERMETHRIN ON ACID AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN THE SELECTED ORGANS OF FRESH WATER FISH CIRRHINUS MRIGALA (HAMILTON) AND THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM

The impact of cypermethrin on acid phosphatase (ACP) and alka line phosphatase (ALP) activity in gill, liver and kidney on Cirrhinus mrigala , ex hibited notable alterations which are being the main site of metabolic activity in fish. The acute toxicity value was found to be 150 µg/l and 1/5 as used for LC 50 (30 µg/l) was selected for sub lethal concentration. The ACP and ALP values in all the organ s were decreased due to 120 hours treatment of cypermethrin. These enzymes in various organs were recovered by Cardiospermum halicacabum . Hence the pesticide intoxication has made a disturbance in normal function of

Endosulphan Concentration alters biomarkers in albino rat

Effect of 11.01ppm of endosulfan dose on the enzyme Acid phosphatase and Alkaline phosphatase in liver and kidney of 5 week of swiss albino rat was studied for different period of exposure. The enzyme activity increased due to congestion, biliary hindrance and hyperplasia swelling of renal tubules and vacuolization. Phosphatase testing is used to assess enzymatic damage caused by kidney disease, liver disease, or a heart attack. Primary site of organochlorine storage in the body is adipose tissue. It is metabolized in the liver as a lipophilic xenobiotic to hepatotoxic intermediates by mono-oxygenase systems which cause oxidative stress. Increase in acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity is due to leakage of lysosomal enzymes into the cytoplasm and renal necrosis and pyknotic nuclei. Endosulphan effects the biomarker of albino rat.

Systemic administration of fractions from Nyctanthes arbor‑tristis attenuates chronic inflammatory response in Freund’s‑complete‑adjuvant‑induced arthritis in rats

Object: The present study was aimed to assess the anti‑arthritic activity of chloroform and n‑butanolic fraction of Nyctanthes arbor‑tristis leaf extract against Freund’s‑complete‑adjuvant (FCA)‑induced arthritis in rats. Material and Method: Ethanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor‑tristis leaves were fractionated in various organic solvents and on the basis of results of anti‑inflammatory activity, chloroform and n‑butanolic fractions were selected for anti‑arthritic activity. The active chloroform and n‑butanolic fraction were administered at the dose of 50 and 75 mg/kg body weight. The effects of both fractions on liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP),acid phosphatase (ACP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) from articular cartilages in arthritic animals were studied. Prednisolone (10 mg/kg) was used as standard. Results: In FCA‑induced arthritis, the chloroform and n‑butanolic fraction showed a highly significant reduction in paw volume (75 mg/kg–76.49%; 70.94%). The levels of various membrane marker enzymes and oxidative free radicals were significantly decreased in the both fraction treated groups and GSH and SOD activities were significantly increased compared with the arthritic control. The chloroform fraction showed most prominent activity as compared to n‑butanolic fraction. Conclusion: The possible mechanism of action of the chloroform fraction of Nyctanthes arbor‑tristis leaf extract may be due to either stabilizing action of membrane marker enzymes or inhibition of oxidative free radicals and thereby preventing the spread of inflammation. Future studies will provide new insights into the anti‑arthritic activity of Nyctanthes arbor‑tristis and isolation of compound and its possible mechanism of action. Key words: Arthritis, chloroform and n‑butanolic fraction, Nyctanthes arbor‑tristis, membrane marker enzymes, oxidative free radicals

Biochemical and histopathological changes induced by different time intervals of methomyl treatment in mice liver

The present study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects induced by different time intervals of methomyl exposure on liver antioxidant defense system, oxidative stress, liver function biomarkers and histopathology in CD-1 mice. Ten male mice per group were assigned to one of four treatment groups. Group one served as control while group 2, 3 and 4 were orally treated with one mg methomyl/kg BW for 10, 20 and 30 days, respectively. Results obtained showed that methomyl significantly induced TBARS and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase and the levels of reduced glutathione in mice liver. Aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly decreased in liver due to methomyl administration, while the activities of these enzymes were significantly increased in serum. In addition, liver lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly increased. On the contrary, methomyl treatment caused a significant decrease in liver acid phosphatase. The histology of mice liver treated with methomyl for 10, 20 and 30 days of duration showed dilation of central vein, sinusoids between hypertrophied hepatocytes and nuclear degeneration with mononuclear cell infiltration. In conclusion, exposure to methomyl induced toxicity and oxidative stress in mice liver via free radicals mechanism. Also, methomyl might have affected cell metabolism, cell membrane permeability and the detoxification system in liver.

Immunoprotection of Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus by Recombinant Vibrio anguillarum Hemolysin

The gene vah4 encoding Vibrio anguillarum hemolysin was cloned and hetelogously expressed. The purified recombinant VAH4 protein was then injected into Japanese flounder Paralichtys olivaceus as an immunogen. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in liver became higher in the immunized group. However, these improvements vanished in 72 h after the injection. VAH4-specific antibodies were detected at a titer of 1:10,240 by ELISA on the 10th day after the injection. In a separate experiment, fish were immunized with VAH4 twice and challenged with V. anguillarum. The immunization with the VAH4 protected fish from V. anguillarum infection.

Histological and Histochemical changes in diabetic male rat liver and intestine: and protective effect of cinnamon oil.

Background:The diabetogenic agent alloxan is a selective necrosis of insulin producing cells .Alloxan accumulated rapidly in liver and pancreatic islets , this study was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of cinnamon oil on the destructive effect of alloxan in liver and intestine diabetic tissues .Materials and methods:Thirty male rats were used and divided into threegroups: Group I =10 animal controls, Group II =10 treated with alloxan, Group III = 10 treated with alloxan + cinnamon oil . Results:Liver and intestine tissues of diabetic groups revealed necrotic, degeneration of cells (histologically ) , increase in blood serum enzymes for acid and alkaline phosphatase , total protein ,cholesterol and triglycerides ( biochemically) , and increase in the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase in liver and intestine tissues ( histochemically ). While diabetic group treated with cinnamon oil revealed decrease in all these parameters.Conclusions: Oral administration of cinnamon oil produce significant hypoglycemic effect restores liver function and normalize the histological, histochemical and biochemical abnormalities caused by diabetes in alloxan induced diabetic rats, this may be due to antioxidant effect of this herb.

Therapeutic Influence of Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Against Lead induced Biochemical Alterations

The influence of co-administration of zinc (10mg/kg, intraperitoneal [ip]) and ascorbic acid (10, 20 and 30mg/kg, ip) against lead (lead acetate; 35mg/kg, ip for 3days) induced biochemical alterations was studied in young albino rats. The results revealed significant fall in hemoglobin content, on the other hand significant raise in the activity of serum transaminases and serum alkaline phosphatase after lead administration. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decreased level of reduced glutathione in liver showed oxidative stress due to lead exposure. Total protein content in liver and kidney were diminished after lead exposure. Activity of acid phosphatase in liver and kidney and alkaline phosphatase in kidney was increased significantly. Zinc and ascorbic acid treatment showed moderate therapeutic efficacy when administered individually, whereas more pronounced protective effects were observed after combined therapy of zinc and different doses of ascorbic acid. The results thus, suggested that co-administration of zinc and ascorbic acid may be useful in restoration of lead induced biochemical alterations.

Chronic mixture toxicity study of Clophen A60 and diethyl phthalate in male rats

Chemical mixtures are an important area of research as individuals are exposed to low doses of persistent chemical agents known as environmental pollutants throughout their life time. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that could be present in the same environmental compartment; hence organisms may get simultaneously exposed to both. Therefore, a study was undertaken to see whether PCB and DEP together show interactive chronic mixture toxicity in male Wistar rats. Healthy male Wistar rats weighing 70–100 g were randomly assigned to four groups of six each. Control rats were fed on normal diet and water ad libitum. Oil control rats were maintained on a normal diet mixed with corn oil. Rats were given Clophen A60 (PCB) and DEP dissolved individually in corn oil mixed with the diet at 50 mg kg−1 of the diet/day, as well as a mixture in corn oil mixed with the diet both at 50 mg kg−1 of the diet/day. After 150 days of treatment animals were sacrificed and enzymes and other biochemical parameters in the serum and liver were assessed. Liver weight to body weight ratio showed a significant increase in Clophen A60 and in Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats. In the DEP, Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated groups there was significant increase in liver and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly increased in the liver and serum of DEP treated rats only. Cholesterol levels were significantly increased only in the serum and the liver of DEP treated rats. Triglyceride levels were significantly increased in the serum of treated rats and only in the liver of Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats. Liver glycogen levels were significantly increased in DEP and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats. In all treated animals, there was a significant decrease in liver glutathione reductase (GR). Histology of liver showed severe vacuolations, fatty degeneration and loss of hepatic architecture in Clophen A60 and Clophen A60 + DEP treated rats, whereas in DEP treated rats only loss of hepatic architecture and granular deposits in the hepatocytes was predominant with mild vacuolations of centrilobular and periportal area. It is evident from this study of mixture toxicity of Clophen A60 and DEP that there is no significantly enhanced toxicity due to the interaction of these two compounds. On the other hand, to some extent there is alleviation in toxicity as evidenced by enzyme ACP and AST levels in the liver. The hepatocellular damage and biliary congestion caused by these two compounds, which can be confirmed by significantly increased liver weights and elevated serum and liver enzyme levels as well as histology, was almost the same between individual and mixture treated group.