Aminotransferase Activity Research Articles

Effectiveness of Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicates and Discarded Date Pits as Dietary Adsorbents for Aflatoxin B1 in Enhancing Broiler Chicken Productive Performance, Hepatic Function, and Intestinal Health.

The research aimed to evaluate how effective hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates (HSCASs) and discarded date pits (DDPs) are as dietary adsorbents for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in enhancing the performance and health of broiler chickens aged 16 to 30 days. A total of 240 Ross 308 straight-run broilers were randomly allocated into four dietary groups, each with 10 replicates: a control diet, a control diet with 1000 ppb AFB1, an AFB1-contaminated diet with 0.5% HSCAS, and an AFB1-contaminated diet with 4% DDP. Incorporating HSCASs or DDPs into the AFB1-contaminated diet resulted in significant improvements across various parameters, involving increased body weight, improved feed conversion ratio, higher dressing percentage, decreased relative weights of kidney and spleen, elevated serum levels of total protein, globulin, and glucose, reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity, and heightened hepatic protein concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity, along with diminished hepatic malondialdehyde content and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity. Moreover, both supplements led to increased ileal villus height and surface area, enhanced apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy digestibility, and decreased AFB1 residues in the liver and kidney. Moreover, the dietary inclusion of DDPs significantly decreased relative liver weight, raised serum albumin concentration, lowered serum alkaline phosphatase activity, enhanced hepatic total antioxidant capacity level, and augmented ileal villus width. Conversely, the dietary addition of HSCASs significantly heightened apparent crude protein digestibility. In conclusion, the inclusion of HSCASs and DDPs in AFB1-contaminated diets can mitigate the toxic effects of AFB1 on broiler chickens, with DDPs exhibiting additional advantages in optimizing liver function and gut morphology.

Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers of physical activity in geriatric patients with HCV

BackgroundCirculating microRNAs have been implicated in a diverse array of biological and pathological phenomena. Their potential utility as noninvasive biomarkers for screening and diagnosing various diseases has been proposed.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the potential role of the miRNAs miR-122 and miR-486 as molecular biomarkers in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Thus, miR-122 and miR-486 were detected in the serum of HCV patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the potential correlations of miR-122 and miR-486 with viral complications, such as physical activity, pain, muscle fatigue, and HCV infection, were identified.MethodsA total of 150 subjects aged 30 to 66 years were included in this study. The patients were classified as patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC) (n = 110) or healthy controls (n = 40). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed to determine miR-122 and miR-486 expression. Physical activity (PA), pain score, HCV genotyping, viral overload, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and antioxidant status were also estimated by using prevalidated questionnaires, PCR, and spectrophotometric analyses.ResultsCompared with those in normal controls, significant increases in the serum levels of miR-122 and miR-486 were reported in patients with CHC. In physically active CHC patients, there was a significant correlation between the expression of miRNAs and increased alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), fibrosis scores, and inflammation activity, but no association was reported for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA or viral load. Additionally, significant decreases in LDH, CK, GSSG, and pain scores and increases in TAC, GSH, and the GSH/GSSG ratio were reported. Moreover, the expression of miR-122 and miR-486 was positively correlated with changes in body mass index (BMI) and liver fibrosis stage, as well as negatively correlated with sex, PA, TAC, GSH, GSSG, and the GSH/GSSG ratio.ConclusionMiR-122 and miR-486 expression levels were strongly correlated with physical activity, pain perception, and muscle fatigue biomarkers in HCV-infected patients. These miRNA levels were associated with elevated AST, ALT, fibrosis scores, LDH, CK, and antioxidant status, thus suggesting their potential as biomarkers for disease severity and oxidative stress. However, no correlation was observed with viral load or HCV-RNA expression, thus implying that these miRNAs may impact disease progression and symptoms through host factors, rather than directly affecting viral replication. In summary, the results demonstrated that molecular studies of miR-22 and miR-468 and their associations with PA, pain, adiposity, sex differences, and muscle fatigue, as well as routine biomarkers, could be useful as prognostic nanoninvasive biomarkers, thus providing novel therapeutic targets for CHC infection.

Effect of Rab18 on liver injury and lipid accumulation by regulating perilipin 2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide, characterized by the presence of lipid droplets. Rab18 is an important lipid droplet protein; however, its effects and mechanisms of action on NAFLD remain unclear. Free fatty acid-stimulated AML-12 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were used as NAFLD models. Lentiviruses overexpressing Rab18 (Rab18-OE) or knockdown (Rab18-KD) were used to generate stable cell lines for genetic analysis. Blood serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and leptin were measured using a biochemical autoanalyzer. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to detect pathological damage to the liver. Lipid accumulation in the cells was assessed by Oil Red O staining. Target expression was measured using qPCR, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. Rab18 mRNA and protein expression levels increased in free fatty acid-stimulated AML-12 cells and the livers of HFD-fed mice. Rab18-OE increased lipid accumulation in vitro, which was attenuated by Rab18-KD. In vivo, Rab18-OE augmented liver pathological damage, serum alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase activity, and triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels, whereas Rab18-KD decreased these indicators. Rab18-KD also downregulated blood glucose levels in HFD-fed mice. Mechanistically, Rab18-OE and Rab18-KD regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of perilipin 2 (PLIN2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Immunocytochemistry revealed that Rab18 colocalized with PLIN2 and PPARγ in AML-12 cells. Rab18 expression was elevated in vitro and in vivo in the NAFLD mouse model. Rab18 regulates PLIN2 and PPARγ expression to exaggerate liver injury and lipid accumulation in patients with NAFLD. Thus, Rab18 may be a crucial protein in this disease and a potential therapeutic target.

Comprehensive analysis of butyric acid impact on immunology, histopathology, gene expression, and metabolomic responses in pacific shrimp experiencing cold stress

In this study, our objective was to investigate the impact of dietary butyric acid (BA) on the homeostasis mechanism of Pacific shrimp under cold stress. Specifically, we analyzed its effects on immunity, antioxidant capacity, gene expression, and metabolomics response. To carry out this research, Litopenaeus vannamei were fed a diet supplemented with BA for 8 weeks. Following this feeding period, a total of 180 shrimp, with an average weight of 12.76 ± 0.38 g, were exposed to cold conditions, with the temperature decreasing from 28 °C to 14 °C within an hour. The results of our study revealed survival rates ranging from 90 % to 100 %. Shrimp that were fed a diet containing 1.5 % BA exhibited a significant increase in acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity. Conversely, the control groups showed an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activity. Shrimp that consumed diets containing 1.5 % BA displayed the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with the highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) content. The shrimp fed the BA diet exhibited tightly organized hepatic tubules with a star-shaped lumen filled with numerous B and R cells. Furthermore, shrimp fed the BA diet demonstrated a significant increase in caspase 3 (CASP) expression. There were no significant variations in the expression levels of prophenoloxidase (ProPO), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) The metabolites of Dl-carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine, propionylcarnitine, hexanoylcarnitine, palmitoylcarnitine, decanoylcarnitine, and Dl-carnitine exhibited significantly increased expression in shrimp that were fed BA, suggesting their role in the lipolysis process. Based on the findings, adding 2 % BA to the diet of Pacific shrimp helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress when they are under cold stress.

High Levels of Erucic Acid Cause Lipid Deposition, Decreased Antioxidant and Immune Abilities via Inhibiting Lipid Catabolism and Increasing Lipogenesis in Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus).

This study investigated the effects of dietary erucic acid (EA) on growth, lipid accumulation, antioxidant and immune abilities, and lipid metabolism in black carp fed six diets containing varying levels of EA (0.00%, 0.44%, 0.81%, 1.83%, 2.74%, and 3.49%), for 8 weeks. Results showed that fish fed the 3.49% EA diet exhibited lower weight gain, compared to those fed the 0.81% EA diet. In a dose-dependent manner, the serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly elevated in the EA groups. The 1.83%, 2.74%, and 3.49% levels of EA increased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as decreased acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase values compared to the EA-deficient group. The hepatic catalase activity and transcriptional level were notably reduced, accompanied by increased hydrogen peroxide contents in the EA groups. Furthermore, dietary EA primarily increased the C22:1n-9 and C20:1n-9 levels, while decreasing the C18:0 and C18:1n-9 contents. In the EA groups, expressions of genes, including hsl, cpt1a, cpt1b, and ppara were downregulated, whereas the fas and gpat expressions were enhanced. Additionally, dietary EA elevated the mRNA level of il-1β and reduced the expression of il-10. Collectively, high levels of EA (2.74% and 3.49%) induced lipid accumulation, reduced antioxidative and immune abilities in black carp by inhibiting lipid catabolism and increasing lipogenesis. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the use of rapeseed oil rich in EA for black carp and other carnivorous fish species.

Metabolic disruptions in Biomphalaria glabrata induced by Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88: Implications for entomopathogenic nematodes in biological control

Research on the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as a potential tool for the biological control of invertebrates has been growing in recent years, including studies involving snails with One Health importance. In this study, the effect of exposure time (24 or 48 h) of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88 on the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as the concentration of total proteins, uric acid, and urea in the hemolymph of Biomphalaria glabrata, were investigated. The concentrations of these metabolic markers were measured weekly until the end of the third week after exposure. Along with a significant reduction in total protein levels, a significant increase (p < 0.01) in uric acid and urea contents in the hemolymph of B. glabrata exposed to H. bacteriophora was observed. The accumulation of urea in these mollusks could lead to deleterious effects due to its high toxicity, inducing significant cell damage. Variations in transaminase activities were also observed, with snails exposed to EPNs showing significantly higher values (p < 0.01) than individuals in the control group, both for ALT and AST. These results indicate that experimental exposure to infective juveniles of H. bacteriophora causes significant alterations in the metabolic pattern of B. glabrata, compromising the maintenance of its homeostasis. Finally, exposure for 48 h caused more damage to the planorbid in question compared to snails exposed for 24 h, suggesting that the exposure time may influence the intensity of the host's response.

Regulation and mechanism of enzyme metabolism in germinated hemp seeds by ultrasound combined with exogenous calcium chloride treatment

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays an important role in anti-anxiety by inhibiting neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals, which is generated in the germinating seeds. The key enzymes activity of GABA metabolism pathway and nutrients content in hemp seeds during germination were studied after treated with ultrasound and CaCl2. The mechanism of exogenous stress on key enzymes in GABA metabolism pathway was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. The results showed that ultrasonic combined with 1.5 mmol·L−1CaCl2 significantly increased the activities of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and GABA transaminase (GABA-T) in seeds, and promoted the conversion of glutamate to GABA, resulting in the decrease of glutamate content and the accumulation of GABA. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that Ca2+ environment enhanced the activity of GAD and GABA-T enzymes by altering their secondary structure, exposing their hydrophobic residues. Ultrasound, germination and CaCl2 stress improved the nutritional value of hemp seeds.

A diverse proteome is present and enzymatically active in metabolite extracts

Metabolite extraction is the critical first-step in metabolomics experiments, where it is generally regarded to inactivate and remove proteins. Here, arising from efforts to improve extraction conditions for polar metabolomics, we discover a proteomic landscape of over 1000 proteins within metabolite extracts. This is a ubiquitous feature across several common extraction and sample types. By combining post-resuspension stable isotope addition and enzyme inhibitors, we demonstrate in-extract metabolite interconversions due to residual transaminase activity. We extend these findings with untargeted metabolomics where we observe extensive protein-mediated metabolite changes, including in-extract formation of glutamate dipeptide and depletion of total glutathione. Finally, we present a simple extraction workflow that integrates 3 kDa filtration for protein removal as a superior method for polar metabolomics. In this work, we uncover a previously unrecognized, protein-mediated source of observer effects in metabolomics experiments with broad-reaching implications across all research fields using metabolomics and molecular metabolism.

Interactions of wheat cultivars and supplemental enzyme in diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphometric features, and blood parameters

This study investigated the effects of wheat cultivar and enzyme supplementation on growth, carcass traits, intestinal morphology, and blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 648 male chicks were assigned to 9 diets: four Iranian wheat cultivars (Sardari, Azar2, Pishgam, Sirvan) with and without enzyme supplementation, plus a corn-based control (6 replicates/diet, 12 birds/pen). Diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Chicks were fed for 39 days. Corn-based diets generally led to higher feed intake (FI) throughout the study compared to most wheat-based diets. However, during the finishing period (25–39 days), broilers fed diets containing Sardari and Azar2 wheat achieved the best weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those fed Sirvan cultivar. Most of the carcass traits were not affected by the experimental treatments. Blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, and high-density cholesterol (HDL) levels were all noticeably affected by the type of wheat in the diet. Jejunum length and cecum weight were greatest in birds fed different wheat cultivars, while the corn-based diet resulted in the shortest jejunum and cecum length. Adding enzymes to the Pishgam cultivar diet increased the length of the ileum. significant interactions between wheat cultivar and enzyme were observed for jejunal villi characteristics (length, thickness, number) and muscle layer thickness, Broilers fed the Sardari diet exhibited the deepest crypts and lowest villi length-to-crypt depth ratio. The study concluded that there is a significant effect of wheat cultivar diversity on broiler performance traits, blood chemistry, carcass characteristics, and gut health. The findings also suggest that the selected enzyme may not be effective in all wheat cultivars due to the absence of a consistent wheat cultivar-enzyme interaction.

The Hepatoprotective Effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra Roots Extract Against Amiodarone Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

Amiodarone (AMD), a powerful antidysrhythmic medication, can cause hepatotoxicity when used long-term or in high doses. It affects both mitochondrial and lysosomal function because of its lipophilic nature and accumulation in tissues. It also has direct production of ROS. Glycyrrhiza glabra is one of the medicinal plants that have been commonly used for thousands of years. It possesses anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, the antihepatotoxic effect of Gg was evaluated against AMD liver toxicity in rats model, thirty rats were taken and divided evenly into five groups given daily doses by gastric gavage oral tube for 3 weeks as follows: the 1st group acted as a control group given D.W., and the 2nd group received AMD at a dose of 300mg/kg for 2 weeks. 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups were pretreated with Gg in doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg, respectively, for one week, then along with AMD for 2 weeks. Hepatic damage, revealed by histology and the increased activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and serum phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was decreased in the AMD group. Gg extract significantly reduced the elevated AST and ALT levels caused by AMD intoxication, rendering PLA2 to its normal level. It also enhanced liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Gg extract markedly reverses the increased serum TNF levels induced by AMD; therefore, it may be considered a good hepatoprotective agent.

Chlorfenapyr poisoning: a systematic review

Introduction Chlorfenapyr, a N-substituted halogenated pyrrole, is a broad-spectrum insecticide. The insecticidal activity of chlorfenapyr depends on its biotransformation by hepatic cytochrome P450 monooxygenases to tralopyril, which uncouples mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and disrupts adenosine triphosphate production. Neither the metabolism of chlorfenapyr nor the mechanism of tralopyril is completely elucidated. Acute human chlorfenapyr poisoning is not well characterized, and best practice in management following acute exposure is unclear. The purpose of this review is to characterize acute human chlorfenapyr poisoning by its clinical course, laboratory investigations, and imaging findings and propose a management plan for acute human chlorfenapyr exposure. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and EMBASE from inception to April 2024 across all languages for human chlorfenapyr and tralopyril cases, with descriptions of exposure, clinical manifestations, and clinical course included. Only manuscripts and abstracts from scientific conferences with sufficient clinical data following acute human exposures were included. In vitro studies, animal studies, agricultural studies, environmental impact studies, and non-clinical human studies were excluded. We then reviewed citations of included studies for additional eligible publications. Non-English publications were translated using Google Translate or primarily translated by our authors. The study adhered to Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. Results We identified 3,376 publications of which 48 met study inclusion criteria, describing 75 unique cases of human poisoning from ingestion, inhalation, dermal exposure, and intra-abdominal injection of chlorfenapyr. No cases of tralopyril exposure were identified. The median time from exposure to symptom onset was six hours (interquartile range 1–48 hours). The most frequent initial or presenting signs/symptoms included diaphoresis, nausea and/or vomiting, and altered mental status. While hyperthermia (≥38 degrees centigrade) was less common at presentation, hyperthermia developed in 61 percent of all patients and was temporally associated with clinical deterioration and death. Most common laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood creatine kinase activity, hepatic aminotransferase activities, and lactate concentration. Imaging studies of the central nervous system often showed extensive symmetrical white matter abnormalities with swelling. Case fatality was 76 percent, and survivors commonly experienced sustained neurological sequelae. Management strategies were highly varied, and the effectiveness of specific medical interventions was unclear. Discussion Acute human chlorfenapyr poisoning is characterized by a latent period as long as 14 days, deterioration over hours to days, and can result in serious morbidity and mortality. Development of hyperthermia, likely driven by oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling by tralopyril, is an ominous clinical sign and is temporally associated with clinical decompensation and death. Laboratory abnormalities, particularly elevated creatine kinase activity, hepatic aminotransferase activities, and lactate concentration, were common, but only creatine kinase activity differed amongst survivors and fatalities. Best clinical practice in the management of patients exposed to chlorfenapyr is unclear, and we opine that a conservative approach with close clinical monitoring and supportive care is prudent. Limitations The limitations of all reviews include their inherent retrospective and observational nature as well as publication bias that emphasizes severe outcomes, thus impacting the spectrum of illness and skewing mortality percentage. In addition, we interrogated a finite number of databases for publications on human chlorfenapyr exposure and there were limited cases with laboratory testing to confirm chlorfenapyr poisoning. Analysis of our systematic review was not powered to detect differences between groups, comparative statistics were not performed, and significance is not reported. Conclusions Acute human chlorfenapyr toxicity is characterized by a latent period following exposure, development of new or progression of established signs/symptoms, potential for critical illness, rapid deterioration, serious morbidity, and mortality. A conservative approach to patient management is prudent.

Assessment of the Development of Metabolic Disorders Following Chronic Low-Dose Exposure to the Amine Salt of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in the Animal Experiment

Introduction: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DA) is one of the most common environmental pollutants from the group of organochlorine herbicides. In our experiment, we focused on effects of low doses of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on metabolic parameters, which have been studied to a lesser extent. Objective: To assess the development of metabolic disorders following chronic low-dose exposure to the amine salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in an experiment. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 36 male Wistar rats for 16 weeks in the spring-summer period with the 12/12 hour day/night cycle. Only healthy animals with the body weight of 170±3 g were included in the experiment and divided into the control and exposure groups (Groups 1 and 2, respectively) of 18 animals each. The latter were exposed to 0.5 MAC of 2,4-DA administered with drinking water (0.3–0.4 µg/kg/day). At week 14, the animals underwent a glucose tolerance test. To assess the development of metabolic disorders, the following parameters were measured in blood serum: total protein, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, activity of aspartate and alanine transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols. Statistica 10.0 was used for the analysis. The data were normally distributed (chi-squared test) and are presented as mean (M) and standard error of the mean (m). Results: We observed a decrease in the levels of total protein and albumin and a moderate increase in the activity of serum enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase) accompanied by the development of hypercholesterolemia, triacylglyceridemia, and dyslipoproteinemia. Results of the glucose tolerance test showed that low doses of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid induced insulin resistance in the exposed animals. The main parameters of chemiluminescence in their blood serum, such as spontaneous luminescence, fast flash amplitude, and light sum, were 2.4, 9.3, and 4.1 times higher than in the controls, respectively. We also established a decrease in the level of serum iron by 20 % and an increase in that of ferritin by 12 % compared to the control rats. Conclusions: Long-term low-dose exposure to 2,4-DA induced an increase in the level of markers of metabolic disorders, which can be used to diagnose and assess the state of metabolic processes in the body.

Health risk and germ cell toxicity of five commercially available sachet waters in Nigeria: a public health concern.

Sachet water is the most common form of portable water commercially available in Nigeria. Using the murine sperm count and sperm abnormality assay, the germ cell toxicity of five common commercially available sachet waters in Nigeria was assessed in this study. The levels of hormones such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Total Testosterone (TT); and activities of catalase (CAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. The heavy metal and physicochemical parameters of the sachet waters were also analyzed. Healthy male mice were allowed to freely drink the sachet waters for 35days after which they were sacrificed. The findings indicated that the concentrations of some heavy metals (As, Cr, and Cd) in the sachet waters exceeded the limit by regulatory organizations. The data of the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) and total non-carcinogenic risk (THQ) of some heavy metals associated with the ingestion of sachet water for adults and children showed that the values exceeded the acceptable threshold, and thus, is indicative of a high non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The data of the sperm abnormality assay showed that in the exposed mice, the five sachet waters induced a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in abnormal sperm cells and a significantly lower mean sperm count. Additionally noted were changes in the serum activities of TT, FSH, ALP, AST, ALT, and LH. Thus, the sachet waters studied contained agents that can induce reproductive toxicity in exposed humans. This is of public health importance and calls for immediate action by regulatory bodies.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles display antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects on gamma irradiation-induced hepatotoxicity.

Throughout radiotherapy, radiation of the hepatic tissue leads to damage of the hepatocytes. We designed the current study to examine how cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) modulate gamma irradiation-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals received CONPs (15 mg/kg body weight [BW], ip) single daily dose for 14 days, and they were exposed on the seventh day to a single dose of gamma radiation (6 Gy). Results showed that irradiation increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. Furthermore, it elevated oxidative stress biomarker; malondialdehyde (MDA) and inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) in hepatic tissues homogenate. Additionally, hepatic apoptotic markers; caspase-3 (Casp-3) and Casp-9 were elevated and the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) gene level was decreased in rats exposed to radiation dose. We observed that CONPs can modulate these changes, where CONPs reduced liver enzyme activities, MDA, and apoptotic markers levels, in addition, it elevated antioxidant enzyme activities and Bcl-2 gene levels, as well as improved histopathological changes in the irradiated animals. So our results concluded that CONPs had the ability to act as radioprotector defense against hepatotoxicity resulted during radiotherapy.

Aspartate aminotransferase of Rhizobium leguminosarum has extended substrate specificity and metabolizes aspartate to enable N2 fixation in pea nodules.

Rhizobium leguminosarum aspartate aminotransferase (AatA) mutants show drastically reduced symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legume nodules. Whilst AatA reversibly transaminates the two major amino-donor compounds aspartate and glutamate, the reason for the lack of N2 fixation in the mutant has remained unclear. During our investigations into the role of AatA, we found that it catalyses an additional transamination reaction between aspartate and pyruvate, forming alanine. This secondary reaction runs at around 60 % of the canonical aspartate transaminase reaction rate and connects alanine biosynthesis to glutamate via aspartate. This may explain the lack of any glutamate-pyruvate transaminase activity in R. leguminosarum, which is common in eukaryotic and many prokaryotic genomes. However, the aspartate-to-pyruvate transaminase reaction is not needed for N2 fixation in legume nodules. Consequently, we show that aspartate degradation is required for N2 fixation, rather than biosynthetic transamination to form an amino acid. Hence, the enzyme aspartase, which catalyses the breakdown of aspartate to fumarate and ammonia, suppressed an AatA mutant and restored N2 fixation in pea nodules.

A clinical study and laboratory evaluation of the cardiac and hepatic toxic effects of paraphenylenediamine

Introduction Paraphenylenediamine is the main component in many commercial hair dyes, and can produce severe local and systemic toxicity reactions after acute ingestion or dermal absorption. The aim of this study was to assess the factors contributing to morbidity and mortality in cases of acute paraphenylenediamine poisoning, with a focus on evaluating the resultant hepatic and cardiac toxicity. Methods This observational study was conducted on patients with acute paraphenylenediamine poisoning presenting to Sohag University Hospitals, and included a retrospective part from February 2021 to January 2022 and a prospective part from February 2022 to July 2022. Clinical data were extracted and receiver operating characteristic curves created to identify prognostic markers. Results Among 50 eligible patients 39 (78 percent) recovered, and 11 (22 percent) died or had permanent complications. Angioedema and anuria were the most frequent features in complicated cases. By receiver operating characteristic analysis, either an increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity greater than 644 IU/L or alanine aminotransferase activity greater than 798 IU/L, a time delay to presentation of greater than 4.5 hours, and a pH of less than 7.32 were associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. While cardiac enzyme activities, and concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine increased in most cases, they were not associated with mortality. Discussion Management of patients with paraphenylenediamine poisoning is mainly supportive, as there is no specific antidote. Respiratory failure and kidney failure are the most life threatening complications. Hepatoxicity and cardiotoxicity also occur. The ability to predict the events can help guide patient disposition and care. Conclusion Elevated liver enzyme activities, increased time delay to admission, decreased pH, and the presence of angioedema and anuria can be used as predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute paraphenylenediamine poisoning.

Diagnostic studies for enterotoxaemia in rabbits

The relevance of this study is highlighted by the occurrence of enterotoxaemia in rabbits, particularly caused by Clostridium perfringens, in the context of industrial rabbit farming. The research aimed to determine the causes of morbidity and increased mortality in young rabbits during the growing period. The study involved a stepwise analysis of feed samples, clinical examination of rabbits reared in an industrial rabbit farm, and laboratory examination of the obtained biological material. Additionally, to establish a diagnosis and provide the farm with appropriate recommendations regarding the maintenance and prevention of rabbit diseases, the health status of the rabbits, the causes of digestive disorders with symptoms of diarrhoea and increased mortality under production conditions were analysed. Clinical, haematological, pathological, microbiological, and statistical research methods were used. In diseased rabbits, an increase in rectal body temperature, symptoms of diarrhoea, and in some animals, seizures were established. Several animals succumbed to the disease. During laboratory blood tests of the rabbits, moderate anaemia was detected, with a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and a reduction in haemoglobin content. There was also a disturbance in the qualitative composition of erythrocytes, including the presence of poikilocytosis and altered erythrocyte forms: acanthocytes, echinocytes, schistocytes, dacryocytes, keratocytes, and drepanocytes. A decrease in the immune status of the rabbits was characterised by a reduction in the total number of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the blood and a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Biochemical analysis of rabbit serum revealed a decrease in glucose levels below the physiological range and an increase in the activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Results of post-mortem examinations of the deceased rabbits indicated the presence of gas-filled small intestines, with a fluid content and no macroscopic signs of inflammation. The feed provided to the rabbits on the farm was found to contain sulphite-reducing clostridia, specifically Clostridium perfringens. Identifying the causes of morbidity and mortality in rabbits will enable the selection of appropriate methods for preventing deaths within specific farming conditions

The protective effect of dietary extract of Astragalus membranaceus on the high stocking density, copper and trichlorfon in Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)

This study was designed to examine the protective effects of extract of Astragalus membranaceus (EAM) against stress, which induced by high stocking density, Cu and trichlorfon exposure in Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian). The husbandry period (23.0 ± 1 °C) for high stocking density (0.97 fish/L) was 60 days with the initial fish weight 7.2 ± 0.2 g, and Cu (0.7 mg/L) and trichlorfon (2.2 mg/L) exposure was 4 days after feeding trial (30 days) with the initial fish weight 10.5 ± 0.3 g. Stress of high stocking density and Cu exposure decrease 48.2 % of fish weight gain and reduced 97.6 % of feed intake. Meanwhile, trichlorfon exposure induced 100 % fish rollover. High stocking densities and Cu exposure decreased activities of amylase, trypsin, as well as Na+/K+-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase and increased malonaldehyde content in fish digestive organs (P < 0.05), indicating an interruption of digestive ability and antioxidant status. Furthermore, trichlorfon exposure decreased activities of lactate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase in fish muscles (P < 0.05), indicating an interruption on bioenergetic homeostasis and antioxidant status. Dietary EAM supplementation relieved these detrimental effect, which induced by high stocking density, Cu and trichlorfon exposure. The optimum dietary EAM supplementation were 5.23, 4.79 and 5.12 g kg/diet for Jian carp under high stocking densities, Cu and trichlorfon exposure, respectively. Our study indicates that dietary EAM supplementation offers a feasible way for relieving the stress which induced by inappropriate high stocking densities, Cu, as well as trichlorfon.

Assessment of etiological factors of hyperkalemia development in cats

Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels in the blood, can have a serious effect on the body. High potassium levels can be both a cause and a consequence of impaired cell function, including cells of the heart, nervous system, muscles and other organs. The purpose of the presented study was to identify and evaluate the etiological causes leading to the development of hyperkalemia in cats in St. Petersburg with subsequent statistical processing of the results obtained. The serum levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, glucose, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, as well as the activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (AlAt), aspartate aminotransferase (AsAt) and alkaline phosphatase were determined. The study of biochemical parameters was carried out according to generally accepted methods. It was revealed that the most common causes of hyperkalemia in cats include disorders of the urinary system (52%) – acute renal failure, less often chronic kidney disease, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (24%), oncological processes (19%). It was also revealed that the survival rate for 7 days after diagnosis was approximately the same in groups with different levels of hyperkalemia and amounted to about 60-67%, which indicates the rapid reversibility of adverse reactions resulting from hyperkalemia with timely intervention. In the future, the study is planned to expand with the capture and analysis of individual nosological units and breed characteristics, as well as dietary characteristics, the ratio to the severity of the condition, the analysis of life expectancy and survival.

Clinical and morphological manifestation of the visceral form of candidiasis in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris)

The relevance of this research lies in the current lack of information regarding the pathological manifestations of fungal infections in the parenchymal organs of animals, the manifestations and the host’s response to the fungus. Diagnosis of visceral mycoses is quite complex and insufficiently substantiated. A significant factor is the absence of clear criteria for pathological changes in visceral mycoses and differential diagnosis from similar diseases. This study aimed to reveal and establish the features of the clinical and morphological manifestation of the visceral form of candidiasis in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). The study employed the following main methods: morphologic and biochemical blood analysis, post-mortem examination, and cytological and histological studies. When conducting biochemical analyses of blood serum in dogs, it was found that the glucose concentration was 2.17 mmol/L, which is almost three times lower than the lower limit of the norm, while the creatinine content exceeded the norm by four times and corresponded to a value of 560.4 mmol/L. As a result of serum analysis, an increase in the content of total and direct bilirubin was also recorded. In particular, the content of total bilirubin exceeded the physiological limit by 20 times and amounted to 222.68 μmol/L, while the level of direct bilirubin increased almost 10-fold and corresponded to a value of 59.4 μmol/L. The activity of aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, amylase, and alkaline phosphatase in the blood serum of sick animals increased significantly. Key pathological features of visceral mycoses in domestic dogs include haemolytic jaundice with extensive haemorrhages in organs and tissues. Hepatitis and nephritis, diagnosed in sick dogs, are the result of a generalised infectious process, the etiological factor of which is visceral candidiasis. The obtained data are of practical value for practising veterinarians in the issue of differential diagnosis of candidiasis, revealing the features of clinical and morphologic changes in the visceral form of mycoses in dogs