Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase Activity Research Articles

Effects of Corbicula fluminea meal in high-fat diet on growth, lipid metabolism and intestinal microbiota of juvenile rice field eel Monopterus albus

Corbicula fluminea meal was added to a high-fat diet for eight weeks to determine its effects on growth, lipid metabolism, and intestinal microbiota in juvenile rice field eel (Monopterus albus). C. fluminea meal was made of dried and crushed soft parts of freshwater clam. The study included four diets: a normal fat diet (6.63% lipid, CON), a high fat diet (12.61% lipid, HFD), and a high fat diet supplemented with 1% or 2% C. fluminea meal (CFM1 and CFM2, respectively). The results showed that: (1) the growth performance was higher in the HFD, CFM1 and CFM2 group compared with the CON group, the hepatosomatic index (HSI) was significantly higher in fish fed the high-fat diet than in those fed other diets. (2) Compared with the CON group, The levels of serum triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contents, glutamate pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activities and the number of hepatic lipid droplets were significantly increased in the HFD group. The addition of C. fluminea meal both reduced liver damage and fat deposition. (3) The mRNA expressions of pparγ, fas, acc, me1, srebp1, g6pdh, hsl, lpl, cpt1, and cpt2 in the HFD group were significantly upregulated, while HFD supplemented with C. fluminea meal significantly downregulated the mRNA expressions of pparγ, fas, acc, me1, srebp1 and g6pdh and significantly upregulated the mRNA expressions of hsl and lpl. (4) The alpha diversity of intestinal microbial community in the HFD group was higher than those in the CON and CFM1 groups. The beta diversity revealed the microbial composition differed in the HFD group from the CON and CFM1 groups. The abundance of Firmicutes in the HFD group increased significantly compared with the CON and CFM1 groups, while the abundances of Cetobacterium decreased. In conclusion, the high-fat diet resulted in abnormal liver fat deposits and intestinal microbiota dysfunction in M. albus, but HFD supplemented with 1% or 2% C. fluminea meal reduced these negative effects.

Effects of compound feed attractants on the growth rate, feed consumption, intestinal histology, protein synthesis, and immune response of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Feed intake is a crucial factor in promoting aquatic animals' robust and accelerated growth. Recently, plant protein has been used extensively as a replacement for fishmeal in aquaculture diets, potentially causing adverse effects on both feed palatability and animal health. However, incorporating suitable quantities of feed attractants into the diet can enhance feed palatability, stimulate the appetite of aquatic animals, and potentially augment both growth and overall health. A study was conducted to assess the efficacy of various feeding attractant combinations on Penaeus monodon. In this study, these seven diets were formulated consisting of a positive control (labeled as P) based on commercial feed, a negative control (labeled as N) with a low level of feed attractants, and five diets (labeled as A, B, C, D, and E) containing 8% compositional feed attractants. Each of the five attractants (yeast extract, squid visceral powder, fish soluble, squid paste, and shrimp paste) was added in equal amounts to A-E diets. The results showed that compared to the E diet, the A diet significantly improved the final body weight, specific growth rate, weight gain, and feed intake of shrimp and upregulated the expression of pi3k, eif4ela, and raptor in hepatopancreas. Compared to the P diet, the C diet feed significantly increased the activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and acid phosphatase and upregulated the expression of pi3k, myd88, and tor in the intestine. In comparison to the N diet, the D diet feed increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase in hemolymph, total superoxide dismutase activity in hepatopancreas, and malondialdehyde content. Additionally, it upregulated the expression of myd88, pi3k, tor, and ror. Compared to the control group, the feed in the E diet increased the total superoxide dismutase activity in the hemolymph and upregulated myd88, pi3k, tor, and imd expression levels. Furthermore, C, D, and E diets increased the width of the shrimp's intestinal folds. Regression analysis showed that the weight gain and feed intake increased with the increasing amount of squid paste in the feed and decreased with the addition of shrimp paste. Feed intake increased with the addition of fish-soluble protein and decreased with the addition of yeast extract in the feed. In conclusion, adding attractants (yeast extract, squid viscera powder, fish soluble, and squid paste) to the feed is beneficial for the growth and feeding of shrimp, and it can promote the expression of shrimp intestinal immune-related genes and histological changes, thus promoting shrimp intestinal health.

Redefining the hepatoprotective potential of Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) Kombucha towards the diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatotoxicity of mice

PurposeThis research intended the utilization of Javanese turmeric (0.4% w/v) as a kombucha substrate and analysis of its hepatoprotective activity, in comparison against nonfermented Javanese turmeric beverage (JTB) and black tea kombucha.Design/methodology/approachForty-two healthy male Balb/c mice (two- to three-week-old, 20–30 g) were divided into six groups with seven replicates each. The treatments were normal diet, normal diet + Javanese turmeric kombucha (JTK), normal diet + diethylnitrosamine (DEN), DEN + JTB, DEN + JTK, DEN + black tea kombucha. Kombuchas and JTB were given at 0.3 mL/20 g BW/d. DEN was induced intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Observed biomarkers were blood serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) activity, serum malonaldehyde (MDA), as well as liver histology. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance.FindingsAmong DEN-induced groups, JTK significantly (p < 0.05) diminished the level of blood SGPT, SGOT and serum MDA. JTK also had lower blood SGPT (8.604 ± 2.195 U/L) and serum MDA levels (2.884 ± 0.083 nM/mL) compared to the normal group (8.604 ± 2.195 U/L and 5.050 ± 0.998 nM/mL, respectively). JTK also produced the least damaged liver-cell numbers.Originality/valueJTK demonstrated better hepatoprotective activity compared to JTB.

Effects of Varying Dietary Protein Levels on Growth Performance, Survival, Body Composition, Haemato-Biochemical Profile, and Metabolic Responses of Hypselobarbus jerdoni (Day, 1870) Juveniles

A 60-day feeding trial has been carried out to access the optimal dietary crude protein (DCP) requirement of juvenile Jerdon’s carp, Hypselobarbus jerdoni. Six isoenergetic (around 400 Kcal DE/100 g), isolipidic (60.80 g/kg), and heteronitrogenous diets were prepared with graded levels of protein, viz., 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, and 450 g/kg (TCP 20-TCP 45 with 50 g/kg incremental level). A completely randomised design (CRD) was used to distribute 270 Jerdon’s carp juveniles (6.12–6.18 g) in six experimental groups in triplicates (15 fish/tank, 200 l water capacity). After 60 days, the fishes of the TCP30 group showed significantly higher weight gain, final body weight, and percentage weight gain (WG%). The fish of the TCP30 group exhibited a significantly higher feed efficiency ratio and specific growth rate. On the other hand, a significantly lower feed conversion ratio is recorded in the TCP30 and TCP35 groups. The protein efficiency ratio of fish was reduced significantly with the elevated DCP level. Whole-body moisture, lipid, and total ash contents of H. jerdoni were remain unaffected by DCP levels. However, DCP levels significantly influenced the whole-body protein of H. jerdoni juveniles, with significantly higher values noticed in the TCP30 and TCP35 groups. The TCP35, TCP40, and TCP45 groups exhibited significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) protease activity, and the amylase activity showed a decreasing trend in response to dietary protein levels. A significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher SOD and CAT activity were observed in the TCP20 and TCP25 groups. However, lower hepatic glutamate pyruvate transaminase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity were observed in the TCP30 and TCP35 groups, respectively. Furthermore, based on broken-line linear and second-order polynomial regression with respect to WG%, the optimal dietary crude protein requirement of H. jerdoni cultured for 60 days was found to be 309.72 and 316.40 g/kg.

Effect of biosal®, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin on the activity of GOT, GPT and total protein contents in two fodder pests Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi.

The assessment of the comparative effect of biosal (phytopesticide), deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroids) were made against two fodder pests, Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi by filter paper impregnation method. The activity of total protein contents, GPT (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) and GOT (glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase) were affected in Hermolaus modestus and Hermolaus ocimumi against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda cyhalothrin. The activity of total protein contents in H. modestus was 31.053%, 4.607%, and 24.575%, against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The activity of total protein contents was observed as 24.202%, 15.25%, and 56.036% against deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and biosal, respectively in H. ocimumi. The activity of GOT was observed as 98.675% for biosal 33.95% for deltamethrin and 83.619% for lambda-cyhalothrin in H. modestus. The GOT activity was estimated in H. ocimumi as 78.831%, 47.645%, and 71.287% against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. The efficacy of GPT enzyme against biosal, deltamethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin was calculated as 89.26%, 73.07%, and 47.58%, respectively in H. modestus. The H. ocimumi showed GPT activity as 77.58% for biosal, 68.84% for deltamethrin, and 52.67% for lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively.

Effects of Synthetic Astaxanthin on the Growth Performance, Pigmentation, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune Response in Black Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon).

Synthetic astaxanthin is an effective nutritional strategy for improving shrimp body color and promoting growth. However, the optimal amount of astaxanthin in feed also varies with the synthetic technology and purity. In the present study, five diets containing different doses of synthetic astaxanthin (0% (CON), 0.02% (AX0.02), 0.04% (AX0.04), 0.08% (AX0.08), and 0.16% (AX0.16)) were administered to Penaeus monodon (initial body weight: 0.3 ± 0.03 g) for 8 weeks. With an increase in astaxanthin content in feed, weight gain and specific growth rate increased initially and subsequently decreased, with the highest value appearing at AX0.08. Dietary astaxanthin supplementation obviously improved the carapace and muscle color by enhancing astaxanthin pigmentation. Meanwhile, the fatty acid profile was altered by dietary astaxanthin, as evidenced by a decline in palmitic acid proportion, along with an increase in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) contents in muscle. In addition, dietary astaxanthin supplementation regulated prawn's antioxidant capacity. In the hemolymph, the activities of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) showed a significantly decrease trend with linear effect. The activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) were first downregulated and then upregulated with significantly quadratic pattern. In the hepatopancreas, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the contents of MDA were significantly downregulated with the increase of dietary astaxanthin levels. Reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and catalase (CAT) activities were also significantly decreased in group AX0.08. Correspondingly, astaxanthin decreased GSH and MDA contents under transportation stress. Moreover, the mRNA expression of immune genes (traf6, relish, and myd88) were inhibited by dietary astaxanthin supplementation. Based on the results of polynomial contrasts analysis and Duncan's test, dietary synthetic astaxanthin is a suitable feed additive to improve the growth, body color, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immunity of P. monodon. According to the second-order polynomial regression analysis based on the weight gain, the optimal supplementation level of dietary astaxanthin was 90 mg kg-1 in P. monodon.

Improvement of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) flavonoids on the antioxidant and immune performance of Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fed high-carbohydrate diet

High-carbohydrate (HC) diets may lead to the deterioration of the antioxidant and immune properties of Yellow River carp and the healthy development of the industry. Studies in mammals have found that sea buckthorn flavonoids (SF) improve antioxidant and immune performance. Therefore, this study comprehensively evaluated the effects of SF on Yellow River carp using in vitro and feeding trials with an HC diet. Control (C, 27.23 %), high-carbohydrate (HC, 42.99 %), and HC + SF (0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.4 %) groups were studied in a 10-week aquaculture experiment. The main findings were as follows: (1) SF scavenged O2·‐, ·OH, and DPPH free radicals in vitro, which gradually increased with the SF concentration. (2) The antioxidant and immune performance of Yellow River carp was enhanced by dietary supplementation with SF, which involved the regulation of activities of antioxidant and immune enzymes, as well as their changes at the transcription and protein levels. In terms of antioxidant properties, compared to the HC group, HC + SF significantly decreased the activities of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and the contents of H2O2 and malondialdehyde in the serum and hepatopancreas. The activities of glutathione, glutathione-Px, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant activity in the HC-diet group. In contrast, the addition of SF increased antioxidant enzyme activity. In the hepatopancreas and muscles, SF regulated and activated Nrf2-Keap1, a key signaling pathway for oxidative stress. SF significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of downstream genes (gr, ho-1, cat, and sod) regulated by nrf2. In terms of immune performance, 0.4 % SF markedly increased the activity of immune-related enzymes. SF inhibited the gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors induced by the HC diet and promoted the gene expression of anti-inflammatory factors. In addition, the resistance of Yellow River carp to Aeromonas hydrophila was enhanced by SF. In summary, SF supplementation can reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory harm caused by the HC diet and improve the antioxidant and immune performance of Yellow River carp to varying degrees.

Synergetic Role of Energy and Oat with Enzymes on Physiological Performance of Broiler

This study was conducted in poultry fields at College of Agriculture / University of Anbar’s Animal Production Department from 2/9/2022 to 14/10/2022 (42 days). This study examined the physiological effects of high energy and oats on grill performance. Three hundred one-day-old (unsexed) chicks were distributed in a completely randomised design to ten treatments with three replicates (10 chicks per replicate). All diets were designed to meet the same requirements. Broilers received water and feed ad libitum. Treatments were as follows: T1 birds fed diets for three phases (starter, grower, and finisher) without any addition, T2 birds fed diet (starter 3100 Kcal /kg feed) + 5% oat + 0.01 mg multienzyme, T3 birds fed diet (starter 3000 Kcal/kg feed) + 5% oat + 200 mg multienzyme, T4 birds fed starter 2900 Kcal/kg feed + 5% oat + 200 mg multienzyme, T5 birds fed diet (grower 3200 Kcal/kg feed) + 5% oat + 200 mg multienzyme, and T6 birds fed diet The 5% oat hull groups had higher small intestine villus height and CD than the control group (p < 0.05). T6 group glucose is higher than control group glucose. T10 group and control group total protein differ significantly (P>0.05). The control group’s albumin, MDA, and GPT levels are not significantly different from the other groups. Dietary oat hull increased Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT) activity in T6 compared to control group, but control group had higher ALP activity.

Synthetic astaxanthin has better effects than natural astaxanthins on growth performance, body color and n-3 PUFA deposition in black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon)

Astaxanthin is an efficient nutrition strategy to relieve oxidative stress and enhance crustacean body color. Because of technological and economic benefits, synthetic astaxanthin is favored by the aquatic feed industry. However, whether synthetic astaxanthin can achieve the effects of natural astaxanthin needs further investigation. Here, we evaluated the effects of synthetic astaxanthin and natural astaxanthin (dietary supplementation with Haematococcus pluvialis and Phaffia rhodozyma) on the growth performance, body color, fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). Compared with the control group (no astaxanthin supplementation), only synthetic astaxanthin significantly increased the weight gain rate (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR), together with the elevation of feed efficiency ratio (FER). All three types of astaxanthin enhanced body color by increasing astaxanthin deposition. The highest value of (a*) in the carapace and muscle occurred in the synthetic astaxanthin group. Synthetic astaxanthin significantly increased the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) contents in muscle. As expected, different sources of astaxanthin inhibited glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities in the hemolymph and decreased the contents of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hepatopancreas. Correspondingly, the structure of hepatopancreas was enhanced by astaxanthin. In addition, three types of astaxanthin almost indistinguishably enhanced the ability of shrimps to resist stress caused by transportation simulation. In conclusion, these results indicate that dietary synthetic astaxanthin has a better effect than natural astaxanthin on growth promotion, body color enhancement and n-3 PUFA deposition in muscle of black tiger prawn. Hence, synthetic astaxanthin is a suitable feed additive to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the shrimp industry.

Mepiquat chloride increases Cry1Ac protein content by regulating the carbon and amino acid metabolism of Bt cotton under high temperature and drought stress

The effects of mepiquat chloride (DPC) on Cry1Ac protein contents in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton boll shells under high temperature and drought stress were investigated to provide a theoretical reference for Bt cotton breeding and high-yield and high-efficiency cotton cultivation. This study was undertaken on the Bt cotton cultivar ‘Sikang 3’ during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons at Yangzhou University Farm, Yangzhou, China. The potted cotton plants were exposed to high temperature and drought stress, and 20 mg L−1 DPC and water (CK) were sprayed on cotton plants. Seven days after treatment, Cry1Ac protein content, α-ketoglutarate content, pyruvic acid content, glutamate synthase activity, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity, soluble protein content, and amino acid content were measured, and transcriptome sequencing was performed. DESeq was used for differential gene analysis. Under the DPC treatment, in contrast with the water treatment (CK), Cry1Ac protein content increased by 4.7-11.9%. α-Ketoglutarate content, pyruvic acid content, glutamate synthase activity, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity, soluble protein content, and amino acid content all increased. Transcriptome analysis revealed that there were 7542 upregulated genes and 10449 downregulated genes for DPC vs. CK. GO and KEGG analyses showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in biological processes, such as amino acid metabolism and carbon metabolism. Genes coding 6-phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, glutamic pyruvate transaminase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, glutamate synthase, 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, amino-acid N-acetyltransferase, and acetylornithine deacetylase were all significantly upregulated. DPC increased pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate, and oxaloacetate by increasing the operating rate of the glycolytic pathway, the citric acid cycle. It also significantly up-regulated the genes encoding glutamate synthase and pyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acid dehydrogenase, and down-regulated the genes encoding glutamine synthetase as well as up-regulated the genes encoding glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and N-acetylglutamate synthetase. Therefore, the synthesis ability of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, pyruvate, and arginine was increased by DPC, and then Cry1Ac protein contents were increased by regulating carbon and amino acid metabolism.

Effects of Mulberry Leaf Extract on the Liver Function of Juvenile Spotted Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus).

In order to explore the effect of mulberry leaf extract (ELM) on the liver function of spotted sea bass, 360 fish with healthy constitution (average body weight 9.00 ± 0.02 g) were selected and randomly divided into six groups with three repetitions, and six groups of fish were randomly placed into 18 test tanks (200 L) with 20 fish per tank for the 52-day feeding test. Every day, the fish were fed the experimental feed with different concentrations (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 g/kg) to the level of apparent satiation, with a crude protein content of 48.0% and a crude fat content of 8.6%. And the water temperature was maintained at 25-28°C with a salinity of 0.5%-1‰. After feeding, five fish were randomly selected to collect their livers and serum for detection of indicators. The results showed that, compared with the control group, ELM significantly increased the activities of lipase (LPS) and trypsin (TRS) in the liver, and reached the highest level when the amount of ELM added was 6 g/kg (P < 0.05). ELM significantly increased the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) involved in the metabolic process in liver tissue, and GOT activity reached the highest when ELM was added at 9 g/kg, and LDH activity reached the highest when ELM was added at 15 g/kg (P < 0.05). ELM had no significant effect on liver antioxidant enzymes (P > 0.05), but the content of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, ELM significantly increased the activities of AKP and ACP in the liver, and the AKP activity reached the highest when the ELM addition amount was 3 g/kg, and the ACP activity reached the highest when the ELM addition amount was 9 g/kg (P < 0.05). Through comparative transcriptomic analysis, it was indicated that ELM enhanced the hepatic lipids and carbohydrates metabolism ability, as manifested in the upregulation of expression of phosphatidate phosphatase, glucuronosyltransferase, inositol oxygenase, carbonic anhydrase, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2. ELM can also increase the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, ATP-dependent RNA helicase and C-X-C motif chemokine 9 involved in the immune process. The above results show that the ELM can enhance the digestion, metabolism, and immunity of the liver by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes, metabolic enzymes, and the expression of metabolism and immune regulation genes. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of ELM in the cultivation of spotted sea bass by exploring the effect of ELM on the liver function of spotted sea bass.

Acute thermal stress increased enzyme activity and muscle energy distribution of yellowfin tuna.

Heat is a powerful stressor for fish living in natural and artificial environments. Understanding the effects of heat stress on the physiological processes of fish is essential for better aquaculture and fisheries management. In this experiment, a heating rod was used to increase the temperature at 2°C/h to study the changes of energy allocation (CEA) and energy metabolity-related enzyme activities, including pepsin, trypsin, amylase, lipase, acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, glutamic oxalic aminotransferase and energy reserve (Ea), energy expenditure (ETS), in juvenile yellowfin tuna cells under acute temperature stress. The results showed that the Ea of juvenile yellowfin tuna muscles in response to high temperature (34°C) was significantly lower than that of the control (28°C), and it also increased ETS. At 6 h, CEA decreased slightly in the high-temperature group, but, the difference in CEA between 24 h and 0 h decreased. After heat stress for 6 h, the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST) increased, indicating that the metabolic rate was accelerated. After heat stress for 24 h, the activity of ALT decreased, indicating that with time elapsed, the activities of some protein metabolizing enzymes increased, and some decreased. In this study, digestive enzymes, trypsin and lipase increased gradually. After heat stress, Ea and Ec change significantly. Yellowfin tuna muscles use lipids in response to sharp temperature increases at high temperatures, red muscles respond to temperature changes by increasing energy in the early stages, but not nearly as much, and white muscles reduce lipids.

In Vitro Study on Spermicidal Action of Hydro-methanol Extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Stem in Rat and Human Sperm: a Comparative Analysis.

Human fertility regulation is a major way to control overpopulation. In this perspective, this study emphasized the in vitro effect of hydro-methanol extract of Tinospora cordifolia (TCHME) stem for spermicidal and reproductive hypo-functions using human and rat samples. Control, 0.5-, 1-, and 2-mg TCHME-charged groups were considered to assess the relevant parameters. Levels of spermiological parameters like sperm motility, viability, the integrity of plasma and acrosomal membrane, and nuclear chromatin decondensation were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the dose- and duration-dependent TCHME-charged groups compared to the control. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of TCHME on motile human and rat sperms were 0.8 and 0.4 mg/ml, respectively. Testicular androgenic key enzymes and antioxidant enzymes (human sperm pellet, testes, and epididymis of rat)' activities were significantly diminished (p < 0.05), while antioxidant enzymes' activities were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in renal and insignificantly (p > 0.05) elevated in hepatic tissues of rat in TCHME-charged groups compared to the control. Significant elevation (p < 0.05) of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)' level in human sperm pellet, testes, and epididymis of rats and significant diminution (p < 0.05) in TBARS levels of liver and kidney were observed in TCHME-charged groups. It focused that TCHME is more potent for stress imposition on reproductive tissues and sperm compared to the other tested tissues. Non-significant alterations (p > 0.05) in glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities in the said organs of rat indicated its non-toxic effect. It highlighted that TCHME possesses spermicidal and reproductive tissue-specific effects which strengthen the possibilities of male contraceptive development from it.

The Protective Effect of a Dietary Extract of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaves against a High Stocking Density, Copper and Trichlorfon in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus).

This study was designed to examine the protective effects of the extract of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves (EML) on crucian carp (Carassius auratus) against a high stocking density, Cu exposure and trichlorfon exposure, which adversely impact fish growth performance, feed intake and fish locomotion. High stocking densities decreased the activities of amylase, lipase, trypsin, Na+/K+-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and increased the content of malonaldehyde (MDA) in fish digestive organs, indicating an impairment of the digestive function and a disturbance of the antioxidant status. Cu exposure increased the activities of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in fish digestive organs, suggesting the activation of amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, trichlorfon exposure reduced the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione reductase (GR), GOT and GPT, and the capacities of the anti-superoxide anion (ASA) and anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR) in fish muscles, indicating a disruption of the bioenergetic homeostasis and antioxidant status. Our present study indicates that dietary EML supplementation relieved the detrimental effects induced by these stressors.

Selenium-Chitosan Treatment Affects Amino Acid Content and Volatile Components of Red Globe Grape during Storage

Flavor is an essential attribute of grapes, but it quickly deteriorates and loses its quality. This study examined the effects of the selenium-chitosan treatment on the amino acid content and volatile components of freshly harvested grapes stored at 0°C. The amount and composition of precursors such as fatty acids and amino acids have an important influence on the formation of aroma compounds. In this article, the amino acids, volatile components, and some enzyme activities of different treated grapes were analyzed. The results of the analysis of free amino acid composition indicated that the selenium-chitosan treatment significantly reduced the loss of amino acid content by inhibiting the activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). The analysis also revealed that the significant differences in alcohol and aldehyde compounds primarily accounted for the variation in volatile components between treatments. The selenium-chitosan treatment slowed the decline in the content of aldehyde compounds and inhibited the increase in the range of alcohol compounds. These findings demonstrated that treatment with 25 mg L-1 selenium mixed with 1.0% chitosan solution has a positive effect on maintaining the flavor of Red Globe grapes. This treatment is worthy of future promotion.

Dietary isoleucine supplementation enhances growth performance, modulates the expression of genes related to amino acid transporters and protein metabolism, and gut microbiota in yellow-feathered chickens

This study investigated the effects of dietary isoleucine (Ile) on growth performance, intestinal expression of amino acid transporters, protein metabolism-related genes and intestinal microbiota in starter phase Chinese yellow-feathered chickens. Female Xinguang yellow-feathered chickens (n=1,080, aged 1 d) were randomly distributed to 6 treatments, each with 6 replicates of 30 birds. Chickens were fed diets with 6 levels of total Ile (6.8, 7.6, 8.4, 9.2, 10.0, and 10.8 g/kg) for 30 d. The average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were improved with dietary Ile levels (P < 0.05). Plasma uric acid content and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase activity were linearly and quadratically decreased with increasing dietary Ile inclusion (P < 0.05). Dietary Ile level had a linear (P < 0.05) or quadratic (P < 0.05) effect on the jejunal expression of ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1. The relative expression of jejunal 20S proteasome subunit C2 and ileal muscle ring finger-containing protein 1 decreased linearly (P < 0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary Ile levels. Dietary Ile level had a linear (P=0.069) or quadratic (P < 0.05) effect on the gene expression of solute carrier family 15 member 1 in jejunum and solute carrier family 7 member 1 in ileum. In addition, bacterial 16S rDNA full-length sequencing showed that dietary Ile increased the cecal abundances of the Firmicutes phylum, and Blautia, Lactobacillus, and unclassified_Lachnospiraceae genera, while decreased that of Proteobacteria, Alistipes, and Shigella. Dietary Ile levels affected growth performance and modulated gut microbiota in yellow-feathered chickens. The appropriate level of dietary Ile can upregulate the expression of intestinal protein synthesis-related protein kinase genes and concomitantly inhibit the expression of proteolysis-related cathepsin genes.

Effect of Low Temperature on Insecticidal Protein Contents of Cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.) in the Boll Shell and Its Physiological Mechanism.

Low temperature is the main factor for global natural disasters affecting the growth and distribution of plants, and cotton may be affected by low temperature and cold damage at all growth stages. In addition, the insecticidal resistance of cultivars has been reported to perform poorly or unstably due to adverse environments. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of low temperature on the levels of insecticidal protein in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgenic cotton plants during the peak boll stage. To achieve this, two Bt cotton cultivars, Sikang1 (SK1) and Sikang3 (SK3), were subjected to different temperature regimes and durations. The findings of the study demonstrated that the expression of insecticidal protein in the boll shell of Bt transgenic cotton plants was significantly inhibited under low-temperature stress. Specifically, in 2020, compared to the CK (27 °C), the insecticidal protein content in the boll shell of SK3 decreased by 28.19% after a 48 h of a 16 °C temperature. These results suggest that low-temperature stress can negatively impact the expression of insecticidal protein in Bt transgenic cotton, highlighting the need for appropriate measures to minimize its adverse effects on cotton production. In addition, the threshold temperature that leads to a significant decrease in the content of insecticidal proteins symbolizes an upward trend as the duration of stress prolongs. Decreased Bt protein content at low temperatures is associated with changes in the N metabolism. The present study revealed a significant positive correlation between the levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities, as well as in the soluble protein levels in the boll shell and the content of the Bt protein. On the other hand, a significant negative correlation was observed between the levels of free amino acids, peptidase, and protease activities, as well as of Bt protein content. These findings suggest that, in Bt cotton production, it is crucial to remain vigilant of prolonged low-temperature disasters, which last for over 12 h and drop below 17-20 °C during the peak boll stage. Such conditions may reduce insecticidal resistance, leading to substantial economic losses.

Berberine regulates glucose metabolism in largemouth bass by modulating intestinal microbiota.

This study examined the role of intestinal microbiota in berberine (BBR)-mediated glucose (GLU) metabolism regulation in largemouth bass. Four groups of largemouth bass (133.7 ± 1.43g) were fed with control diet, BBR (1g/kg feed) supplemented diet, antibiotic (ATB, 0.9g/kg feed) supplemented diet and BBR + ATB (1g/kg feed +0.9g/kg feed) supplemented diet for 50days. BBR improved growth, decreased the hepatosomatic and visceral weight indices, significantly downregulated the serum total cholesterol and GLU levels, and significantly upregulated the serum total bile acid (TBA) levels. The hepatic hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, GLU-6-phosphatase and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activities in the largemouth bass were significantly upregulated when compared with those in the control group. The ATB group exhibited significantly decreased final bodyweight, weight gain, specific growth rates and serum TBA levels, and significantly increased hepatosomatic and viscera weight indices, hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate carboxylase activities, and serum GLU levels. Meanwhile, the BBR + ATB group exhibited significantly decreased final weight, weight gain and specific growth rates, and TBA levels and significantly increased hepatosomatic and viscera weight indices and GLU levels. High-throughput sequencing revealed that compared with those in the control group, the Chao one index and Bacteroidota contents were significantly upregulated and the Firmicutes contents were downregulated in the BBR group. Additionally, the Shannon and Simpson indices and Bacteroidota levels were significantly downregulated, whereas the Firmicutes levels were significantly upregulated in ATB and BBR + ATB groups. The results of in-vitro culture of intestinal microbiota revealed that BBR significantly increased the number of culturable bacteria. The characteristic bacterium in the BBR group was Enterobacter cloacae. Biochemical identification analysis revealed that E. cloacae metabolizes carbohydrates. The size and degree of vacuolation of the hepatocytes in the control, ATB, and ATB + BBR groups were higher than those in the BBR group. Additionally, BBR decreased the number of nuclei at the edges and the distribution of lipids in the liver tissue. Collectively, BBR reduced the blood GLU level and improved GLU metabolism in largemouth bass. Comparative analysis of experiments with ATB and BBR supplementation revealed that BBR regulated GLU metabolism in largemouth bass by modulating intestinal microbiota.

Autochthonous Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis improved liver health, immune response, mucosal microbiota and red-head disease resistance of yellow drum (Nibea albiflora)

Yellow drum (Nibea albiflora), a commercially important fish species in the coastal regions of southeast China, is highly susceptible to red-head disease caused by Vibrio harveyi B0003. Probiotics have been shown to enhance disease resistance in fish, but whether commensal probiotics could improve of the resistance to red-head disease in yellow drum and possible mechanisms has yet not been reported. A six-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the red-head disease resistance potentials of five probiotic candidates (Bacillus megaterium B1M2, B. subtilis B0E9, Enterococcus faecalis AT5, B. velezensis DM5 and B. siamensis B0E14), and the liver health, serum and skin immunities, gut and skin mucosal microbiota of yellow drum were determined to illustrate the possible mechanisms. The results showed that autochthonous B. subtilis B0E9 and E. faecalis AT5 (particularly E. faecalis AT5, P < 0.05) effectively improved red-head disease resistance in yellow drum. Furthermore, B. subtilis B0E9 and E. faecalis AT5 (particularly E. faecalis AT5) efficiently improve liver health by improving liver morphology and decreasing serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic propylic transaminase activities pre and post challenged with V. harveyi B0003 (P < 0.05). B. subtilis B0E9 and E. faecalis AT5 led to significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the serum complement 3 content (un-detected after challenged with V. harveyi B0003), lysozyme activity and skin mucosal immunity (such as IL-6, IL-10 and lysozyme expression) pre and post challenged with V. harveyi B0003, which was generally consistent with the cumulative mortality after challenged with V. harveyi B0003. This induced activations of serum and skin mucosal immunities were consistent with the microbiota data showing that B. subtilis B0E9 and E. faecalis AT5 modulated the overall structure of intestinal and skin mucosal microbiota, and in particular, the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic Achromobacter decreased while beneficial Streptococcus, Rothia, and Lactobacillus increased in fish fed with B. subtilis B0E9 and E. faecalis AT5. Overall, autochthonous B. subtilis B0E9 and E. faecalis AT5 (particularly E. faecalis AT5) can improve liver health, serum and skin immunities (especially up-regulated lysozyme activity and inflammation-related genes expression), positively shape gut and skin mucosal microbiota, and enhance red-head disease resistance of yellow drum.

Low temperature decreased insecticidal protein contents of cotton and its physiological mechanism.

Low temperature delayed cotton growth, increased abscission of reproductive organs, and seriously reduced quality and yield. Moreover, failed or unstable performance of insecticidal resistance due to adverse environments have been reported. In order to study the impact of low temperature on the insecticidal protein contents at square stage in Bacillus Thuringenesis (Bt) transgenic cotton, different temperature regimes and durations were imposed on two Bt cotton cultivars, Sikang1 (the conventional cultivar, SK1) and Sikang3 (the hybrid cultivar, SK3). Low temperature stress exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on insecticidal protein expression in squares and leaves of Bt transgenic cotton plants, with insecticidal protein contents decreased up to 30% with decreasing temperature. In addition, the threshold temperature resulting in significant reduction of insecticidal protein contents symbolized a rising trend as stress duration extended, together with a greater reduction observed. Thus, at square stage, the detrimental influence of low temperature on Bt protein contents was closely related to the low temperature level and duration. The square Bt protein content was positively correlated with leaf Bt protein content, but was more sensitive to low temperature. Across the whole treatment duration in both years, square Bt protein level was significantly negatively correlated with malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, as well as the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), indicating the negative effect of cold induced oxidative stress on Bt protein contents. The reduced Bt protein contents under low temperature were also related to altered N metabolism. Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities, as well as soluble protein contents in squares reduced, and greater reduction was recorded with decreasing temperature. In contrast, the free amino acid contents, and peptidase and protease activities increased, and greater elevation was noted with decreasing temperature. These results suggested in Bt cotton production, it is necessary to be alert to low temperature disasters that may last for more than 24 hours and lower than 15-17°C during the square stage, which may lead to reduced insecticidal resistance causing serious economic losses.