Hepatic Superoxide Dismutase Activities Research Articles

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract improves growth, intestinal histomorphometry, immunity, antioxidant status and modulates transcription of cytokine genes in hapa-reared Oreochromis niloticus

This study was designed to evaluate the impacts of dietary supplementation with Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBL) on the growth, intestinal histomorphometry, immunity, antioxidant status, and expression of cytokine genes in Nile tilapia reared in the hapas. A control diet was enriched with different GBL levels (0.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0 g/kg) to form 4 experimental diets and were fed to Nile tilapia for 8 weeks. The findings illustrated that dietary GBL significantly enhanced the growth and feed utilization indices compared to those reared in the control group. A dose-dependent increase of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities alongside a decline of hepatic malondialdehyde levels were recorded in GBL groups compared with the control. Serum lysozyme activity, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M levels were significantly increased in GBL groups compared with the control group. Moreover, dietary GBL maintained the normal intestinal and hepatopancreatic histological structures with a significant increase of some histomorphometric measurements of proximal, middle, and distal intestinal parts of the treated fish. Interestingly, dietary GBL supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (INF-γ) genes in the splenic tissues of treated fish over the control group. To conclude, it could be recommended to use GBL as a functional phytogenic feed additive to improve the growth, hepatic and intestinal health status, hepatic antioxidant status, and immunity of treated Nile tilapia. Besides, the second order polynomial regression revealed that 7.50 g GBL/kg diet is the optimal inclusion level to improve growth with no negative impacts on the overall health condition of treated Nile tilapia.

Effect of supplemental dietary zinc on the growth, body composition and anti-oxidant enzymes of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) alevins

Zinc (Zn) is a trace element in the animal body, which plays a vital regulatory role in nucleic acid, protein synthesis and anti-oxidative enzymes activities. Therefore, this study was designed to elucidate the role of dietary Zn on growth performance, whole body and vertebral Zn concentrations, the total hepatic anti-oxidative enzymes and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) alevins. Triplicate groups of alevins (initial body weight: 0.38 ± 0.02 g) were fed dietary treatments containing 13.4, 28.6, 38.5, 44.3, 56.6 and 65.7 mg/kg Zn level, respectively for 12 weeks. Fish were held in 18 tanks (80cm × 60cm × 60 cm, water volume 240-L, 100 fish/tank). At the ending of experiment, the sampling procedure was implemented after 24 h of fasting. The results showed that dietary Zn treatment higher than 44.3 mg/kg significantly increased the specific growth rate (SGR) (P < .05). Zn concentrations in whole-body and vertebrae were increased as dietary Zn concentrations increased from 38.5–65.7 mg/kg (P < 0.01), compared to dietary Zn contents 13.4 and 28.6 mg/kg. The hepatic superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT) and AKP enzymes activities were increased, however, malondialdehyde (MDA) enzyme activity was decreased as dietary Zn concentrations increased from 28.6–65.7 mg/kg (P < .01). There were no significant differences (P > .05) in whole-body moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash in all the dietary treatments. These results indicated proper dietary Zn supplementation improved SGR and anti-oxidative enzyme activities. Based on the results analysis of SGR, Zn contents in whole-body and vertebrate and liver T-SOD and AKP activities, the optimal dietary Zn levels for coho salmon alevins were estimated to be 54.0, 59.3, 54.5, 59.8 and 53.8 mg/kg, respectively.

Selenium enriched yeast and Gum Arabic combination attenuate oxidative liver damage via suppression of oxidative stress, inhibition of caspase-3 and pro-inflammatory genes expression in carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats

In this study we investigated the potential synergistic effects of Gum Arabic (GA) and Selenium enriched yeast (SY) combination on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) -caused oxidative damage in the liver of rats. The rats were separated into 5 groups (8 animals per group) and subjected to GA, SY and GA + SY diets following CCl4 injection. The results showed that GA + SY supplementation demonstrated higher protective antioxidative properties than the supplementation of either GA or SY alone, as manifested by lesser activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum transaminase, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), and augmented the hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) consistent with up-regulation of antioxidant-related genes including glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in CCl4-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, GA + SY supplementation revealed mild pathological damage and effectively attenuated expression levels of the proinflammatory genes including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α). Moreover, GA + SY supplementation alleviated CCl4-induced hepatocytes apoptosis via suppression of caspase-3 expression. We concluded that GA + SY combination displayed strong protective and antioxidative effects against hepatotoxic injury caused by CCl4 in rats via its ability to suppress the oxidative stress, inhibit the caspase-3 and pro-inflammatory genes expression.

Dietary spirulina (Arthrospira platenesis) mitigated the adverse effects of imidacloprid insecticide on the growth performance, haemato-biochemical, antioxidant, and immune responses of Nile tilapia

The present study was performed to evaluate the toxic effects of imidacloprid (IMI) insecticide on the growth performance, oxidative status, and immune response of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and the protective role of dietary supplementation of spirulina, Arthrospira platensis, (SP). Fish (20.2 ± 0.5 g) were assigned to bifactorial design (2 IMI levels x 3 SP levels) to represent 6 treatments in triplicates. Spirulina was incorporated in diets at levels of 0.0 (control), 20, and 40 g/kg diet. Under each SP level, fish were exposed to 0.0 or 0.05 μg IMI/L. Fish in each treatment were fed on the corresponding diets up to apparent satiation thrice a day for 8 weeks. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant decline in growth indices, hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the IMI-exposed fish. Contrariwise, serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde levels were markedly higher along with significant reductions of the reduced glutathione, nitric oxide as well as lysozyme values in the IMI-exposed fish group. The dietary supplementation of SP showed stimulating effects on the growth performance, haemato-biochemical, oxidants/antioxidants, and immune biomarkers of Nile tilapia with optimum level of 20 g SP/kg diet. Interestingly, the dietary supplementation of SP to Nile tilapia attenuated the above-mentioned variables with improving the growth performance, haemato-biochemical, oxidative stress, and immunity biomarkers. Therefore, the dietary supplementation of 20 g SP /kg diet could be a valuable candidate as a natural antioxidant for ameliorating the IMI toxicity in Nile tilapia.

Growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters, and hepatic antioxidant status of spotted knifejaw Oplegnathus punctatus in an offshore aquaculture net pen

Spotted knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus) is a promising species for aquaculture production because of its high commercial value and limited supply. The growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters, and hepatic antioxidant status of spotted knifejaw reared in an offshore aquaculture net pen system (OANPS) were examined to evaluate the potential development of offshore fish farming on the north coast of China. Results showed that 50, 000 juveniles spotted knifejaw (initial mean body weight 392.73 ± 58 g) were transferred to OANPS and had a survival rate of 98%, final mean body weight of 790.05 ± 12.83 g, body weight gain of 101.2%, feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.52, and specific growth rate (SGR) of 0.59% d−1 after 120 days. The hepatosomatic and the viscerosomatic indices (HSI and VSI) of the spotted knifejaw did not change significantly. The plasma albumin and globulin contents of the spotted knifejaw reared in the OANPS increased significantly. In contrast, the plasma alkaline aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities significantly decreased at the end of the experiment. However, the plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride contents and albumin/globulin levels, white blood and red blood cell numbers, hemoglobin, and hematocrit contents showed no significant differences throughout the experimental period. Hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly increased, and the catalase activity and malondialdehyde levels remained unchanged. In addition, the low hepatic lipid droplet number was observed in the spotted knifejaw reared in the OANPS. These results indicated that juveniles spotted knifejaw reared in an OANPS can show a high survival rate and high growth performance and physiological status through short-term culture. The OANPS opens a new door for spotted knifejaw culture. These findings enhance our understanding of spotted knifejaw aquaculture and contribute to offshore fish farming in China.

Fermented Rice Germ Extract Ameliorates Abnormal Glucose Metabolism via Antioxidant Activity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice

Rice germ is an abundant source of ferulic acid, which is known for its anti-oxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the regulatory effects of fermented rice germ extracts on hepatic glucose metabolism in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. Rice germ was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum and extracted with 30% ethanol (RG_30E) or 50% ethanol (RG_50E). Mice were fed modified AIN-93 diets containing fermented rice germ extracts and ferulic acid for 8 weeks. RG_50E significantly reduced food intake as well as liver weight and RG_30E and RG_50E improved glucose homeostasis, as indicated by fasting blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance. Hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in db/db mice fed RG_30E and RG_50E. The antioxidant capacity of RG_30E and RG_50E was confirmed by a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in hepatic superoxide dismutase activity. The expression of genes related to glycolysis and gluconeogenesis was significantly regulated by RG_30E and RG_50E. These results suggest that fermented rice germ extracts have the potential to regulate hypoglycemia and hepatic glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes db/db mice.

Utilization of pelleted and extruded feed by blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala: Insights from growth performance, health status and feed cost.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the utilization of both pelleted feed (PF) and extruded feed (EF) by blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala based on growth performance, stress responses, innate immunity and disease resistance. Both the PF and EF were prepared with the same formula. Fish were divided randomly into 2 groups, including one fed the PF continuously and one offered the EF continuously. The whole feeding trial lasted 8weeks, after which fish were subjected to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. The results showed that the feed intake, feed conversion ratio, hepatic total superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content, plasma complement 3 and complement 4 levels as well as myeloperoxidase activity of the EF group were all significantly lower than those of the PF group, while the opposite was true for the condition factor, the viscera index, the abdominal fat percentage, nitrogen and energy retention, hepatic malondialdehyde content, plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, lactate, total protein and globulin as well as the activities of plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. In addition, the EF group also obtained relatively low activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase and plasma acid phosphatase as well as high cumulative mortality rates at 24-96h after Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. Furthermore, the feed cost of culturing this species with EF is lower than that with PF. These findings indicated that compared with PF, EF could increase the feed utilization and economic benefits of blunt snout bream, but reduce its anti-stress ability, non-specific immunity, A. hydrophila resistance and feed cost.

Dietary inosine and uracil efficacy on immune and growth genes expression, physiological performance and intestinal topography of juvenile sea bream ( Sparus aurata )

The effect of inosine (I) and uracil (U) supplementation on growth; carcass biochemical composition; immune and growth promoter genes expression; antioxidant and oxidative stress markers; and intestinal morphology of sea bream (Sparus aurata) fingerlings was studied. Seven experimental diets were used: control basal (Ctrl) diet, inosine (I) supplemented at 2.5 (I1), 5 (I2) and 10 (I3) g/kg diet, and uracil (U) supplemented at similar inclusion levels as inosine. Results showed that diets I3, I2, and U1 had positive effects on fish growth and feed utilization. The I3 group had the highest protein and the lowest lipid contents while U supplementation had no significant effect on fish protein content. For insulin-like growth factors, ilgf-1 and ilgf-2, gene expression was significantly higher in I3 fed fish. il-1β expression in head kidney increased in all studied groups non-significantly except I1, while tnf-α and Selel gene expression was greater in I3. Intestinal, gill and hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were higher (p < 0.05) in I-supplemented groups in an increasing concentration-dependent manner compared to other groups. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased in I2 fed fish, while intestinal and gill MDA was decreased in the I3 treatment. Sea bream-fed U2 recorded the lowest MDA activity relative to other U-supplemented groups. Inosine at all supplementation levels significantly increased villi length and width, epithelial thickness and goblet cell number. Supplementation of I and U improved fish tolerance to low oxygen and low salinity exposure compared to Ctrl. In conclusion, 5–10 g/kg diet of (I) or 2.5 g/kg diet (U) promotes fish growth, intestine health, immune response and resistance to stress exposure and reduces oxidative stress condition.

Dietary cocoa ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and increases markers of antioxidant response and mitochondrial biogenesis in high fat-fed mice

Cocoa powder, derived Theobroma cacao, is a popular food ingredient that is commonly consumed in chocolate. Epidemiological and human intervention studies have reported that chocolate consumption is associated with reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Laboratory studies have reported the dietary supplementation with cocoa or cocoa polyphenols can improve obesity and obesity-related comorbidities in preclinical models. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one such comorbidity, is a risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Limited studies have examined the effect of cocoa/chocolate on NAFLD and underlying hepatoprotective mechanisms. Here, we examined the hepatoprotective effects of dietary supplementation with 80 mg/g cocoa powder for 10 wks in high fat (HF)-fed obese male C57BL/6J mice. We found that cocoa-supplemented mice had lower rate of body weight gain (22%), hepatic triacylglycerols (28%), lipid peroxides (57%), and mitochondrial DNA damage (75%) than HF-fed controls. These changes were associated with higher hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity and increased expression of markers of hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis. We also found that the hepatic protein expression of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), and mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor g coactivator (PGC) 1a, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and forkhead box O3 were higher in cocoa-treated mice compared to HF-fed controls. These factors play a role in coordinating mitochondrial biogenesis and expression of mitochondrial antioxidant response factors. Our results indicate that cocoa supplementation can mitigate the severity of NAFLD in obese mice and that these effects are related to SIRT3/PGC1a-mediated increases in antioxidant response and mitochondrial biogenesis.

Moringa peregrina leaf extracts produce anti-obesity, hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects on high-fat diet fed rats.

This present research investigated the anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic Moringa peregrina leaf (MPLE) and bark extracts (MPBE), in the rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Healthy male rats (n = 48) were randomly distributed to six groups (n = 8): control AIN-93 diet; HFD; HFD + MPBE bark extracts ((300 mg/kg); HFD + MPBE (600 mg/kg); HFD + MPLE (300 mg/kg); HFD + MPLE (600 mg/kg). HFD-fed rats in the Moringa peregrina (MP) treatment groups received orally administered MP leaf or bark extract daily for eight weeks. The results revealed that both doses of MP leaf extract significantly reduced HFD-induced increases in their food intake and the gained body weight, fat pad weights (visceral, subcutaneous, and epididymal), glucose and insulin plasma levels, and leptin and resistin serum levels in HFD-fed rats. Concomitantly, MP leaf extract improved glucose levels after oral or intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and the low-density lipoprotein LDL concentration, reduced hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and increased serum high-density lipoproteins HDL levels and triglycerides and cholesterol levels in fecal. Moreover, the administration of MPLE to HFD-fed rats improved liver architecture, reduced fat accumulation, reduced hepatic malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were significantly increased. All observed effects were more pronounced in HFD-fed rats treated with a 600 mg/kg MP dose. However, neither dose of MPBE altered the measured markers in the HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, MPLE showed potential anti-obesity and hepatoprotective activity in HFD-induced obese rats, mediated by reduced lipid absorption, anti-hyperlipidemic effects, and hepatic antioxidant effects.

Green pea, Pisum sativum leaf meal with supplemented exogenous cellulase and xylanase can completely replace de‐oiled rice bran (DORB) in the diet of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1878) fingerlings

Green pea, Pisum sativum leaf meal (PSLM) was evaluated by conducting a 60-day feeding trial in the diet of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Six iso-nitrogenous (310 g CP/kg) and isocaloric (14 MJ DE/kg) diets viz. Control (0 g PSLM/kg), LM150 (150 g PSLM/kg), LM300 (300 g PSLM/kg), CCX (control + 1 g cellulase and xylanase, CX mixture/kg), LM150CX (LM150 + 1 g CX/kg) and LM300CX (LM300 + 1 g CX/kg) were prepared. Two hundred and seventy acclimated fish (5.06 ± 0.08 g) were randomly distributed in six experimental groups in triplicate with the stocking density of 15 fish per tank and the fish of each experimental tank were fed with respective diet at satiation level. The specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, apparent dry matter digestibility coefficient, amylase activity and the activities of muscle aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase of LM150CX group were the highest among the experimental groups. However, LM300CX and control groups exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) values of these parameters than other groups except LM150CX group. Hepatic catalase and superoxide dismutase activities of LM150CX group were the lowest. Moreover, LM300CX and control groups showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) activities of these enzymes than other dietary groups except LM150CX group. The groups fed with leaf meal and exogenous enzyme showed enhanced hepatic IGF-1 expression. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PSLM at 300 g/kg with supplementation of CX (1:1) at 1 g/kg could replace DORB completely in the diet of L. rohita without compromising the growth performance.

Lipid metabolism, growth performance, antioxidant ability and intestinal morphology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under cage culture with flowing water were affected by dietary lipid levels

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid levels on lipid metabolism, growth performance, antioxidant ability and intestinal morphology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under cage culture with flowing water. O. mykiss (average initial body weight 17.64 ± 0.05 g) were fed with six diets (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and L6) containing six levels of lipid (10.03 %, 12.97 %, 17.22 %, 20.16 %, 23.19 %, 26.06 %) for 8 weeks. Result showed that weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed intake (FI) of fish were increased with increasing of dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05). Fish fed D6 diet had higher viscerosomatic index (VSI) and mesenteric fat index (MFI) compared with fish fed other diets. The moisture and crude protein contents in whole body and muscle decreased with increasing of dietary lipid levels, but crude lipid content showed the opposite trend. The hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was increased with increasing of dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P> 0.05). Correspondingly, the mRNA relative expression of SOD in liver was increased with increasing of dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05). Fish fed the diet (L6) containing 26.06 % lipid level showed the optimal intestinal morphology not only in villus amount and height but also in muscular layer thickness. The lipid metabolism related genes expression such as fatty acid synthetase (FAS), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), were significantly affected by dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05). The mRNA relative expression of FAS was increased from L1 to L4 and then decreased with the increasing of dietary lipid levels. The mRNA expression of LPL in fish fed with L5 and L6 diets were significantly higher than other treatments. These results indicated that the suitable lipid requirement of rainbow trout under cage culture with flowing water was not less than 26.06 %.

Dietary phytogenic mixture for broilers reared under thermoneutral and heat stress conditions

Abstract During two feeding trials, the effect of dietary phytogenic mixture on the performance and oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver of broilers reared under thermoneutral conditions (TN) and heat stress (HS) was studied. A number of 60 Cobb 500 chicks/trial were sheltered in environmentally-controlled digestibility cages. On the 14 days of age, the chicks were weighted and assigned to four groups (2 groups/trial with 30 chicks/group). In the first trial, two groups (C-TN and PM-TN) were kept in thermoneutral conditions. In the second trial, other two groups were kept (C-HS and PM-HS) in heat stress (32 ±1 °C). The structure of diets was the same in both experiments. Compared with the control diet (C), the experimental diet (PM) contained the addition of 1% phytogenic mixture (bilberry leaves, peppermint leaves, fennel leaves and sea buckthorn meal). Irrespective of temperature conditions, dietary PM did not affect broiler’s performance. The dietary supplementation of PM delayed protein and lipid oxidation in the liver tissue of broilers in both trials by increasing the hepatic catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity.

Diazinon exposure produces histological damage, oxidative stress, immune disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis in crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio).

Diazinon is a common organophosphate pesticide widely used to control parasitic infections in agriculture. Excessive use of diazinon can have adverse effects on the environment and aquatic animal health. In the present study, the toxic effects of diazinon on the histology, antioxidant, innate immune and intestinal microbiota community composition of crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) were investigated. The results showed that diazinon at the tested concentration (300μg/L) induced gill and liver histopathological damages. Hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities significantly decreased (P<0.05) by 32.47%, 65.33% and 37.34%, respectively. However, the liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly (P<0.05) increased by 138.83%. The 300μg/L diazinon significantly (P<0.05) downregulated the gene expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-kB p100 and IL-8 but had no significant effect TNF-α (P=0.8239). In addition, the results demonstrated that diazinon exposure could affect the intestinal microbiota composition and diversity. Taken together, the results of this study indicated that diazinon exposure can cause damage to crucian carp, induce histopathological damage in gill and liver tissues, oxidative stress in the liver, and innate immune disorders and alter intestinal microbiota composition and diversity.

A compound plant extract and its antibacterial and antioxidant properties in vitro and in vivo.

The present study was conducted to prepare a compound plant extract as a candidate animal feed additive. Firstly, Evodia rutaecarpa (ER), Schisandra sphenanthera (SS), Punica granatum (PG) and Artemisia argyi (AA) were screened out from 17 plants as materials of candidate compound plant extracts by measuring the antibacterial rate on Escherichia coli and Salmonella paratyphoid, and the scavenging capability on 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine radical in vitro. Secondly, proportions of the four materials were optimized with an L9 (43) orthogonal experiment. By range analysis of experimental results, two compound extracts (named as F1 and F2) with the strongest antibacterial and antioxidant functions were obtained. The ratio of ER: SS: PG: AA is 9:9:1:3 in F1 and 9:9:9:3 in F2, respectively. Finally, the effects of F1 and F2 on security and efficacy in vivo were evaluated. In healthy mice, F1 had no significant effects (p > 0.05) on all blood parameters and viscera indices, and at 1000mg/kgbw dose significantly increased (p < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG). F2 decreased (p < 0.05) white blood cell count at 3000mg/kgbw and increased (p < 0.05) red blood cell count at 333mg/kgbw. In immunosuppressed mice, both F1 and F2 improved ADG (p < 0.05) and the feed intake to gain ratio (p < 0.01), and increased the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05), catalase (p < 0.05) and total antioxygen capacity (p < 0.05), and the content of malonaldehyde (p < 0.01). In mice challenged with Escherichia coli, the antidiarrhea and reducing mortality effects of F1 were equivalent to the antibiotic. F2 failed to protect the experimental mice. These results suggested F1, a compound plant extract, show a great potential as a substitute for antibiotics in animal feed.

Qing-Yu-Mu, an Herbal Formula, Reduces Hepatic Oxidative Stress in Rats Fed a High-Frying Oil Diet and Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury.

Qing-Yu-Mu (QYM) is an herbal formula used to prevent and treat liver disease in Taiwan. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of QYM were evaluated in two experimental models. First, rats were fed a high-frying oil (FO) diet containing 1.25% QYM for 5 weeks to investigate effects of QYM on hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities. Then, protective effects of QYM on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic liver injury were evaluated. Results show that QYM treatment reduced FO diet-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels and increased glutathione (GSH) S-transferase activity. A higher reduced GSH/oxidized GSH (GSSG) ratio was observed after QYM treatment. Furthermore, QYM ameliorated CCl4-induced liver injury by reducing the activity of plasma alanine aminotransferase and histological lesions in the liver. QYM also increased the level of hepatic GSH and activities of GSH peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Finally, chlorogenic acid, chrysophanol, and apigenin were found to be present in relative abundance in QYM. Results show that QYM may exhibit a hepatoprotective effect by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant activity in the liver.

Chlorella vulgaris ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The current was conducted to evaluate the ameliorating effect of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) extract against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty-five rats were allocated randomly into 5 groups (n = 9). Group I (GI), control group: orally gavaged with normal saline daily. Group II (GII): orally gavaged with CV extract (70 mg/kg BW) for 3 months. Group III (GIII): orally gavaged with sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg BW) for 3 months. Group IV (GIV): received sodium nitrite as GIII and CV extract as GII simultaneously for 3 months. Group V (GV): received CV extract as GII and then, sodium nitrite as in GIII from the end of first month until the end of the experiment. Sodium nitrite significantly increased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum concentrations of tumor interleukin 1-β and necrosis factor α. In addition, it increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and expression level of caspase-3 in the hepatic tissue. However, it decreased activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and induced degenerative and necrotic changes in hepatic tissues. In contrast, CV extract administration modulated sodium nitrite-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and alteration in hepatic tissue function and architecture. This study indicated that CV extract modulated sodium nitrite-induced hepatic toxicity through decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic tissue of rats.

The effect of dietary fish meal replacement with blood meal on growth performance, metabolic activities, antioxidant and innate immune responses of fingerlings black carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus

This study was focused on evaluating the effect of dietary fish meal replacement with blood meal on growth performance, metabolic activities, antioxidant and innate immune responses of fingerlings black carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus. Six iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were formulated with varied blood meal (BM) inclusion levels to replace fish meal at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% (designed as BM0, BM20, BM40, BM60, BM80 and BM100 respectively). Triplicate groups of 25 fish/tank (28.62 ± 0.06 g) were fed one of six experimental diets for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in the growth performance including weight gain, specific growth rate, thermal unit growth coefficient and survival among experimental groups. Growth performance was decreased with increasing dietary BM content but BM40 was little higher than BM20, BM60 and BM80 groups and no fish died in this group compared to others. The activity of intestine trypsin was significantly decreased with increasing dietary BM levels, and lower amylase was significantly observed in fish fed diets BM40 and BM100 than other dietary groups (p < .05). There were no significant differences observed among treatments for lipase, pepsin and chymotrypsin. The activities of hepatic catalase, glutathione peroxidase, the levels of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione were significantly higher in fish fed diets BM0, BM20 and BM40 than other dietary groups. The activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase was significantly lower in fingerlings black carp fed diets BM20 and BM60 than other dietary groups (p < .05). Hepatic glutathione s-transferase did not show any significant difference among all dietary treatments (p > .05). Higher malondialdehyde was significantly observed in fish fed diets BM60 and BM80 than BM0 and BM100 (p < .05). Serum lysozyme was significantly higher in fish fed diet BM0 than other dietary groups (p < .05); however, no significant differences were observed for complement C3 and C4. No significant differences were observed on the kidney mRNA expression levels of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein, interferon-α, lysozyme and complement C9 among fingerlings black carp fed all experimental diets (p > .05). Briefly, the results of this research were shown that a suitable level of fish meal replacement with blood meal could be around 40% in the diets of fingerlings black carp without reducing growth performance and innate immune responses.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) pre-pupae larvae meal in diets for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles: Effects on liver oxidative status and fillet quality traits during shelf-life

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dietary fishmeal (FM) replacement with Hermetia illucens prepupae larvae meal (HM) on oxidative stress indicators and fillet quality traits during shelf-life of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles. HM was used replace 0%, 15%, 30% and 45% of dietary FM, corresponding to an inclusion level of 0%, 6.5%, 13%, and 19.5% of HM. After a feeding period of 62 days, fillet quality traits were analysed immediately after sampling (T0) and after three days of storage at +2/4 °C (T3). At the end of the feeding trial, hepatic lipid peroxidation and activities of superoxide dismutase decreased, catalase activity decreased at intermediary HM inclusion levels, while glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were unaffected with the dietary inclusion of HM. Irrespectively of the diet, storage time did not affect the skin and fillet (dorsal and ventral regions) colour, while fillet pH was higher at the highest dietary HM inclusion level. Biometry traits, slaughter yield, fillet proximate composition, and liver fatty acid (FA) profile were not affected by dietary treatment. Fillet fatty acid profile was also unaffected by diet or storage time, except total C18-FA that decreased at the two intermediary levels of HM inclusion, n-6 PUFA that was higher in fillets from fish fed the HM-based diets, and total n-3 PUFA that decreased with the increase of dietary HM level at T3. The n-3/n-6 ratio was not affected by the diets but decreased with the refrigeration time. Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 22:5n-3) decreased with the storage time, irrespectively of the dietary treatment. Fillet lipid peroxidation increased with storage time but decreased with the dietary inclusion of HM. Overall, dietary replacement of fish meal by HM up to 19.5% (22.5% of total dietary protein) did not affect the fillet quality traits and shelf-life of European seabass while reducing fillet lipid oxidation.

Assessment of rapeseed meal as fish meal alternative in diets for juvenile Asian red-tailed catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides)

This study investigated the effects of rapeseed meal (RM) as fish meal (FM) alternative on the growth rate, feed utilization, protein metabolism-related parameters, and antioxidant indices of Asian red-tailed catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides). Five isoproteic and isocaloric diets were formulated with 0%, 11.2 %, 22.4 %, 33.6 %, and 44.8 % RM replacing graded levels of FM, respectively. Each experimental diet was randomly offered to juvenile catfish (initial average weight 3.24 g) in triplicate tanks for 8 weeks. The substitution of FM by RM linearly depressed the growth rate and feed utilization of fish, whereas no significant influences were observed among fish fed diets containing 0%, 11.2 %, and 22.4 % RM. Similarly, the substitution of FM by RM also linearly reduced the gastrointestinal digestive enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, lipase, and amylase) activities, but raised the plasma aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic γ-glutamyl transferase activities. The relative repression levels of mammalian target of rapamycin and insulin-like growth factor 1 in liver, adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 and glutamate dehydrogenase genes in liver and muscle were higher in fish fed diets with 0% and 11.2 % RM compared with those fed the other diets. Further, dietary 11.2 % RM inclusion did not negatively affect the plasma IgM and malondialdehyde contents, and hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. These results indicate that a maximum of 11.2 % RM in diets can be included without negative impacts on the growth and health of H. wyckioides; the detrimental effect of higher inclusion levels of RM may be attributed to the existence of antinutritional factors (mainly glucosinolates) present in RM.