Amylase Activity Research Articles

Individual and combined effects of dietary chlorogenic acid and quercetin supplementation on the growth, lipid metabolism and flesh quality of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the individual and combined effects of dietary chlorogenic acid and quercetin supplementation on the growth, lipid metabolism and flesh quality of Ctenopharyngodon idellus (C. idellus). Fish (59.7 ± 0.3 g) were fed for 60 days with five diets, including a basal diet not added (CON) or added with chlorogenic acid (CGA, 400 mg/kg), quercetin (QC, 400 mg/kg), and their combinations (CGA:QC=1:1) with 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg (CGA:QC-400; CGA:QC-800). The weight gain was increased (+4.00 %, +4.41 %), and the feed conversion ratio was decreased (-0.07, -0.08) by individual supplementation with CGA and QC (P<0.05), but not by their combinations (P>0.05). In addition, dietary CGA and QC promoted the apparent digestibility of dry matter and protein and the activities of intestinal amylase and protease (P<0.05). The CGA, QC and CGA:QC-800 groups presented higher activities of flesh superoxide dismutase, flesh glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and serum GSH-Px, as well as lower contents of protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde (MDA) in flesh and MDA in serum than those of CON group (P<0.05). An increase in flesh hardness, water-holding capacity, and total collagen, heat-insoluble collagen and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contents was observed in the CGA, QC and CGA:QC-800 groups (P<0.05). The four supplements reduced mesenteric lipid-somatic index, flesh n-3/n-6 ratio and serum triglycerides (P<0.05), and the CGA:QC-400 and CGA:QC-800 groups also showed lower lipid content in flesh than CON group (P<0.05). Taken together, the individual supplementation of dietary CGA and QC enhanced the growth performance, lipid metabolism and flesh quality of C. idellus, and their combination presented synergistic effect only on lipid metabolism.

N-Pep-Zn Improves Cognitive Functions and Acute Stress Response Affected by Chronic Social Isolation in Aged Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs).

Aging and chronic stress are regarded as the most important risk factors of cognitive decline. Aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) represent a suitable model of age-related vascular brain diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of chronic isolation stress in aging SHRs on their cognitive functions and response to acute stress, as well as the influence of the chronic oral intake of N-Pep-Zn, the Zn derivative of N-PEP-12. Nine-month-old SHRs were subjected to social isolation for 3 months (SHRiso group), and one group received N-pep-Zn orally (SHRisoP, 1.5 mg/100 g BW). SHRs housed in groups served as the control (SHRsoc). The behavioral study included the following tests: sucrose preference, open field, elevated plus maze, three-chamber sociability and social novelty and spatial learning and memory in a Barnes maze. Levels of corticosterone, glucose and proinflammatory cytokines in blood plasma as well as salivary amylase activity were measured. Restraint (60 min) was used to test acute stress response. Isolation negatively affected the SHRs learning and memory in the Barnes maze, while the treatment of isolated rats with N-Pep-Zn improved their long-term memory and working memory impairments, making the SHRisoP comparable to the SHRsoc group. Acute stress induced a decrease in the relative thymus weight in the SHRiso group (but not SHRsoc), whereas treatment with N-Pep-Zn prevented thymus involution. N-pep-Zn mitigated the increment in blood cortisol and glucose levels induced by acute stress. N-pep-Zn enhanced the adaptive capabilities towards chronic (isolation) and acute (immobilization) stress in aged SHRs and prevented cognitive disturbances induced by chronic isolation, probably affecting the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal, sympathetic, and immune systems.

Effects of supplemental medusa (Rhopilema esculentum) on intestinal microbiota and metabolites in silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus).

Pampus argenteus demonstrates a preference for Rhopilema esculentum as prey, yet the ramifications of consuming supplemental medusa on fish microbiota and metabolism remain elusive. To elucidate these effects, 300 juvenile fish were divided into two groups: control group (C, given commercial food only) and supplemental medusa (SM) group (given supplemental medusa + commercial feed). After 15 days, fish in the SM group exhibited a significant increase in fatness, the amylase activity in the intestine significantly increased, and the intestinal microvilli were arranged more neatly. The comprehensive approach involving 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metabolomics was employed, leading to the identification of five genera within the SM group, namely Lactococcus, Cohaesibacter, Maritalea, Sulfitobacter, and Carnobacterium. Functional prediction analysis of the microbiota indicated that the consumption of supplemental medusa facilitated processes such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and amino acid absorption. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant enrichment of 85 differential metabolites, most of them belonging to fatty acids and conjugates. These differential metabolites primarily participated in processes such as amino acid metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and disease. Notably, the consumption of medusa resulted in a significant reduction in nine lysophospholipids associated with cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis revealed associations between specific microorganisms and metabolites, indicating that Cobetia, Weissella, and Macrococcus exhibited an increased abundance in the SM group, positively correlating with apocynin, 12-Hete, and delta 9-THC-d3. The indicator bacteria Psychrobacter reduced in the SM group, exhibiting a negative correlation with cystathionine (a compound involved in glutathione synthesis). Overall, the supplementation of medusa may confer a beneficial effect on the immunity of the fish. This study contributes to the theoretical framework for fish feed development.

Prospective Study on the Effects of Marijuana Smoking on Lipase and Amylase Activities among Adult Nigerians

Marijuana consumption is prevalent among young adults in Nigeria, and its effects on various physiological systems are of growing concern. This study investigates the impact of marijuana use on digestive enzymes, specifically serum amylase and lipase, to understand its potential implications on digestive health. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 participants comprising of 60 marijuana smokers and 60 non-smokers. Sociodemographic and lifestyle data were collected through structured questionnaires. Serum amylase and lipase activity levels were measured by spectrophotometric method and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences and correlations. The study revealed that marijuana smokers had significantly higher serum amylase and lipase activities compared to non-smokers. Lipase activity correlated positively (r=0.425, p=0.019) with duration of marijuana use. Amylase activity was higher among males than females (r=-0.40, p=0.028). No significant correlation was found between the quantity of marijuana consumed and enzyme activities. Chronic marijuana consumption was associated with increased serum amylase and lipase activities, indicating potential alterations in pancreatic function. These findings suggest that marijuana use may have adverse effects on digestive health, warranting further investigation into the long-term implications. It is recommended that healthcare providers monitor digestive enzyme activities in marijuana users to detect early signs of pancreatic dysfunction.

Influence of AMY1 gene copy number on salivary amylase activity changes induced by exercise in young adults.

Human salivary amylase secretion increases in response to stress; the activity has been reported to rise significantly with high-intensity exercise. The human salivary amylase gene (AMY1) has copy number variation, with the copy number correlating with salivary amylase activity. However, the relationship between individual AMY1 copy number and salivary amylase activity in response to exercise remains unclear. In this study, we investigated AMY1 copy number and fluctuations in amylase activity in 42 healthy university students (25 males and 17 females). Participants engaged in intermittent round-trip interval training on a basketball court. Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-exercise to measure amylase activity. DNA was extracted from the oral mucosa, and AMY1 copy number was quantified using RT-PCR. Results showed a significant increase in amylase activity postexercise. Additionally, amylase activity pre- and post-exercise was positively correlated with AMY1 copy number. The generalize linear model showed that the exercise-induced increase in amylase activity per AMY1 gene was negatively related to the AMY1 copy number and aerobic fitness. Gender has no effect on amylase activity. These results suggest a different mechanism for the constitutive and exercise-induced amylase secretion, while aerobic fitness may be independently involved in the secretion.

Comparison of the characteristics of small intestinal fluid from white-feathered and yellow-feathered broilers

The objective of this study was to compare the properties of small intestinal fluid (SIF) from white- and yellow-feathered broilers fed variable dietary CP to test the hypothesis that digestive enzymes sourced from the SIF of yellow-feathered broilers could serve as a viable alternative for preparing in vitro SIF specifically for white-feathered broilers. Ten Arbor Acres Plus broilers (32 days of age) and 20 Chinese yellow chickens (51 days of age) were fitted with jejunal cannulas and assigned to dietary treatments as follows: 1) white-feathered broilers (BW of 4.08 ± 0.39 kg) fed diet 1 with CP of 19.88 %, 2) yellow-feathered broilers (BW of 2.89 ± 0.27 kg) fed diet 1, and 3) yellow-feathered broilers (BW of 2.84 ± 0.20 kg) fed diet 2 with CP of 16.32 %. Each treatment contained 10 replicates with 1 broiler in each replicate. Digestive enzyme activities, ion concentrations, pH, 16 amino acid (AA, excluding Tyr and Trp) contents, molecular weight distribution (MWD) of protein, hydrolysis rates on wheat starch, corn starch, casein, and soybean protein concentrate, and in vitro digestible energy of corn, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal were evaluated for SIF. Activities of chymotrypsin and amylase, pH, concentrations (mg/mL) of total amino acid (TAA) and 13 AA (excluding Pro, Cys, and Glu), and hydrolysis rates in casein or soybean protein concentrate were greater (P < 0.05), whereas MWD of protein from 19 to 23 kDa was lower (P < 0.05) in the SIF of yellow compared to white-feathered broilers fed diet 1. Furthermore, activities of chymotrypsin and amylase, concentrations of Na+, and Cl−, MWD of protein from 15 to 18 kDa were greater, while concentrations of K+ were lower in the SIF of yellow-feathered broilers fed diet 2 compared to white feathered broilers fed diet 1. Activities of chymotrypsin and amylase, K+ concentration, pH, TAA and 13 AA (excluding Pro, Cys, and Glu), hydrolysis rates in casein or soybean protein concentrate increased (P < 0.05), while concentrations of Na+ and Cl− (P < 0.05) decreased with dietary CP in SIF from yellow-feathered broilers. This experiment demonstrated diet composition and breed modulate digestive enzyme activities, ions (Na+, K+, Cl−), pH, and AA concentrations in the SIF. Our findings revealed no substantial difference in the hydrolytic characteristics of SIF from white-feathered broilers fed diet 1 and yellow-feathered broilers fed diet 2. Consequently, it is feasible to use digestive enzymes extracted from the SIF of yellow-feathered broilers to prepare simulated SIF for in vitro digestion of white-feathered broilers.

Proline Priming Enhances Seed Vigour and Biochemical Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) during Germination.

Seed vigour is a desirable trait especially for direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation. Seeds with high vigour could improve seed germination, support seedlings in competing with weeds for water and nutrients, and improving seedling establishment throughout the early stages of crop growth. The success of DSR system which account for more 25% of world cultivation areas is highly dependent on the seed vigour and seedling establishment. Seed priming is a promising technique to improve seed vigour. Proline is an amino acid that has been well studied for its roles in plants under different environmental stress conditions. Nevertheless, the effect of proline as a seed priming agent in improving seed vigour in rice remain elusive. In this research, the effect of 24 h of proline priming at various concentrations (0 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 10 mM and 20 mM) on rice seed vigour, amylase activity, and total soluble sugar (TSS) content of a Malaysia indica rice variety, MR269 was investigated. Results showed that seeds primed with lower concentration of proline (0 mM, 1 mM and 2 mM) had better germination responses while priming at high concentrations (10 mM and 20 mM) reduced seed germination. Among the concentration tested, priming with 1 mM proline enhanced seed vigour with significantly higher germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI) and seedling vigour index (SVI). In addition, proline primed seeds also exhibited increased amylase activity and TSS content as compared to unprimed seeds. However, priming seed with 20 mM proline was detrimental to the seed vigour and seedling growth whereby lower GP, GRI and SVI and higher mean germination time (MGT) were observed. In short, this study shows that proline could be a potential seed priming agent to improve seed vigour in rice.

High dietary Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal compromises growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality of broilers.

Usage of soyabean meal (SBM) in broiler diets is economically and environmentally unsustainable thus necessitating investigation of alternative protein sources. Therefore, this study investigated effects of incremental inclusion levels of Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) for partial substitution of SBM in broiler diets. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 400day-old Ross 308 chicks were allotted to 5 iso-caloric-nitrogenous MSM-containing (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) dietary treatments. Each treatment was replicated 8 times, with each pen having 10 birds, during starter (d1 - 14), grower (d15 - 28), and finisher (d29 - 42) phases. Results showed that dietary MSM decreased feed intake (FI: quadratic: P < 0.001), body weight gain (BWG: linear: P < 0.001), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE: linear: P < 0.001) as it linearly decreased slaughter weight (SW: P < 0.001), hot carcass weight (HCW: P < 0.001), cold carcass weight (CCW: P < 0.001), dressing percentage (P < 0.001), and breast weight (P < 0.05). In contrast, dietary MSM linearly increased the weights of the liver (P < 0.01), proventriculus (P < 0.001), gizzard (P < 0.001), duodenum (P = 0.01), jejunum (P < 0.001), ileum (P < 0.001), caecum (P < 0.01), and colon (P < 0.01). Also, dietary MSM quadratically increased blood heterophils (P < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.05) of the chickens whilst linearly increasing their serum amylase (P = 0.001) and lipase (P = 0.001) activities and linearly decreasing their serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA: P = 0.001) and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Further, dietary MSM linearly decreased chicken breast meat ultimate pH (P < 0.05) whilst linearly increasing its cooking loss (P < 0.01), drip loss (P < 0.05) and shear force (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary MSM compromised growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers as it increased the weights of their digestive-metabolic organs.

Impact of the stepwise implementation of INFOGEST semi-dynamic conditions on in vitro starch and protein digestion: A case study on lentil cotyledon cells

The impact of food design parameters on digestion is mostly studied using static in vitro digestion models. In this work, the complexity of the static model was gradually increased, by implementing several dynamic gastric reactor conditions, i.e., gradual (i) acidification, (ii) pepsin addition, and (iii) emptying, as well as (iv) saliva in the oral phase. As a relevant case study, starch and protein digestion was studied in lentil cotyledon cells under these conditions. Implementation of these dynamic parameters affected gastric proteolysis, linked to the pH-dependence of pepsin, and amylolysis, linked to the pH-dependence of salivary amylase activity. Though gastrointestinal hydrolysis kinetics were affected by the applied simulation conditions, similar levels of starch and protein digestion were generally reached at the end of the simulated digestion. Salivary amylase was not completely inactivated at the low gastric pH conditions, resulting in significantly higher levels of small intestinal starch digestion upon saliva inclusion. Gastric emptying significantly affected macronutrient hydrolysis kinetics. In that regard, an approach separately considering gastric samples taken upon different gastric emptying times should be preferred over the pooling of gastric samples before simulating small intestinal digestion.

Interactive Effects of Dietary Probiotic and Succinic Acid on the Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Immunomodulation, Antioxidative Capacity, and Disease Resistance in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Juveniles

Abstract The current study was carried out to explore the effects of lactofeed (LA) as a multi-strain probiotic and succinic acid (SA) on growth variables, gut lactic acid bacteria count, digestive enzymes, innate immune responses, antioxidant capacity, and resistance against yersinia ruckeri in rainbow trout juveniles (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Three hundred sixty healthy rainbow trout juveniles (13.21±0.41 g) were randomly divided into twelve tanks (300 L) as four experimental groups. They were fed with basal diet (Control; BD), FT1: BD + 1 g/kg LA, FT2: BD + 5 g/kg SA, and FT3: BD + 1 g/kg LA + 5 g/kg SA for eight weeks. According to the results, final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), protein efficiency rate (PER), and feed conversion rate (FCR) revealed a remarkable discrepancy compared to the control group. In addition, dietary inclusion of LA (FT1 and FT3) significantly increased the specific growth rate (SGR). Dietary supplementation of LA+SA (FT3) remarkably improved total bacteria count (TBC) and amylase activity compared to the unsupplemented group. Gut lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count and digestive protease activity in all supplemented fish were remarkably higher than in unsupplemented group. Blood immunological factors including white blood cell (WBC) count, total immunoglobulin content (Ig), and the activity of lysozyme (LYZ), alternative complement pathway (ACH50), and acid phosphatase (ACP) were significantly enhanced in the supplemented groups. Neutrophil (NEU) count, skin mucus Ig and hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPX) increased in SA (FT2 and FT3) treatments. In addition, monocyte (MON) count and skin mucus LYZ activity were significantly elevated following feeding with the FT3 diet. Other immunological parameters of skin mucus including protease activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and ACH50 activity, as well as hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities increased in fish fed with diets containing LA and/or SA. Malondialdehyde (MDA) value was remarkably decreased in all supplemented rainbow trout compared to the fish fed with BD. Disease resistance against Y. ruckeri in fish fed with supplemented diets significantly improved with respect to the results obtained in the control specimens. Overall, dietary LA+SA supplementation was beneficial to improve growth performance, gut LAB count, digestive enzyme activities, innate immune responses, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance in rainbow trout. According to these findings, 1 g/kg LA + 5 g/kg SA is suggested for adding to rainbow trout diet.

Biopriming using microbial consortia and biostimulants as a technique to increase seed quality of Solanum melongena L. by modifications in morphological and metabolic constituents

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions. High-quality seeds are crucial for successful crop production, necessitating rapid and uniform field emergence. In the new wave of the Green Revolution, organic wastes were replaced by agrochemicals. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 to standardize biopriming techniques for brinjal using various organic inputs and microbial cultures to improve seed quality. Brinjal seeds cv. PLR 2 were treated with organic inputs (Panchagavya, Egg fermented extract, Fish fermented extract and effective microorganism solution) and liquid microbial cultures (Azospirillum and Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph). The bioprimed seeds were assessed for their physiological attributes and anatomical and biochemical changes. Compared with the control, biopriming with 2% Fish fermented extract significantly improved the germination rate (19.4%), germination energy (40.9%), root length (44.4%), shoot length (24.4%) and seedling vigour index (68.1%). This increase was attributed to the nutritional and bioactive compounds in the fish by-products, which promoted root development and nutrient absorption. The biochemical parameters revealed increased ?-amylase activity, protein, and amino acid content in the bioprimed seeds. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed beneficial root volatile compounds in the roots of treated seeds. An evaluation of the plant growth-promoting activities of the biopriming agents revealed the superiority of fish-fermented extract over other bioagents. Therefore, this method promotes sustainable agriculture and improved crop productivity, providing a scientific basis for biopriming as a viable alternative to conventional seed treatments.

Assessing the effects of N-acetyl cysteine on growth, antioxidant and immune response in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under different regimes of stocking densities.

The study investigated the impact of N-acetyl cysteine on growth, immune response, and antioxidant activity in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were reared at three densities (1.50, 3.00, and 4.50 kg/m3) with four levels of N-acetyl cysteine supplementation (0, 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg) over 60 days. Better growth was observed at low density, but at all densities, fish fed the highest N-acetyl cysteine level (6 mg/kg) showed improved growth. Chemical composition of fish and activity of amylase, lipase and protease in all treatments were noted to be insignificant. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and cortisol in HD treatments were high as compared to LD and MD treatment. However, fish fed with N3 diet in each density treatment showed the lowest level of antioxidant enzymes as well as cortisol. Similarly, the levels of malondialdehyde were noted to be high at HD treatments as compared to that in LD and MD. Its levels were lower in fish fed with N3 diets in all density treatments. Expression of somatostatins-1 did not increase in MD and HD treatments in response to high stocking density when compared with LD treatment. However, pro-opiomelanocortin-α level was reduced after N3 diet in HD treatment and interleukin 1-β expression increased after N3 supplement in HD treatment. In conclusion, N-acetyl cysteine supplementation improved growth and antioxidant response in tilapia. The most optimum dose of N-acetyl cysteine was noted to be 6 mg/kg at high stocking, suggesting the potential role of this nutraceutical in tilapia intensive culture.

Growth performance of critically endangered Hypselobarbus pulchellus in biofloc system: Influence of carbon sources on immune response, enzyme and antioxidant activity

We investigated the effect of various carbon sources on the production performance of critically endangered Hypselobarbus pulchellus in biofloc system. The experimental setup comprised four biofloc treatment groups with various carbon sources (jaggery, tapioca, rice and corn flour) and a control group. Healthy early fry (0.0068 g) was randomly stocked at 100 individuals per m3 into 15 circular fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks (1000 l) and raised for 90 days. All the tested carbon sources significantly influenced weight gain, weight gain (%) and specific growth rate (SGR), with the jaggery treatment displaying the best growth performance (p&lt;0.05). Fingerling survival rates varied from 93 to 95.67% (p&gt;0.05). Compared to the control, the biofloc groups had significantly lower concentrations of nitrogen compounds, specifically total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate concentrations were significantly lowered (0.29, 0.35 and 1.32 mg l-1, respectively) in jaggery treatment (p&lt;0.05). In addition, the treatment using jaggery had a higher amount of plankton biomass and an abundance of the Bacillariophyceae group (80%). All biofloc groups displayed enhanced immune and antioxidant activity compared to the control. The jaggery treatment had elevated levels of lysozyme activity than other treatments (p&lt;0.05). Furthermore, fingerlings raised in BFT treatments had significantly higher amylase, protease and lipase activity (p&lt;0.05). Overall, this study’s findings suggest that the addition of various carbon sources significantly improves the production performance, with jaggery as the best carbon source for critically endangered H. pulchellus fingerling production in biofloc system to ensure sustainability. Keywords: Antioxidant activity, Fingerling, Heterotrophic bacteria, Jaggery, Specific growth rate, Sustainability

Fermented but Not Irradiated Cottonseed Meal Has the Potential to Partially Substitute Soybean Meal in Broiler Chickens.

This study was conducted to investigate and compare the effects of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with untreated cottonseed meal (CSM), fermented CSM (FCSM), or electron beam-irradiated CSM (ICSM) on the growth performance, cecal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and excreta gas emission of broiler chickens. A total of 384 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental diets, with eight replicates per diet and 12 birds per replicate, for six weeks. The experimental diets consisted of a control diet based on corn-SBM and three other diets in which 50% of the SBM (control) was substituted with CSM in its raw, irradiated, and fermented forms. The results showed that throughout the entire rearing period, feeding broiler chickens with ICSM significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) compared to the CSM diet (p < 0.05). Replacing 50% of SBM with FCSM led to a significant improvement in BW, ADG, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the CSM and ICSM diets (p < 0.05). Interestingly, no significant differences in BW, ADG, or FCR were observed between birds fed FCSM and those on the control diet (p > 0.05). Birds fed FCSM diets exhibited the lowest pH value in the crop, ileum, and ceca. Substituting SBM with FCSM significantly reduced Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. counts in the ceca, while enhancing the presence of Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05). The AID of protein and ether extract was higher in the FCSM group than in the CSM and ICSM groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the CSM diet, ICSM feeding improved protein digestibility (p < 0.05). Broiler chickens on the FCSM diet exhibited higher intestinal amylase and protease activity than those on the other diets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, feeding diets containing FCSM significantly reduced ammonia emissions compared to the other diets (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated that microbial fermentation of CSM is a more effective approach than irradiation for enhancing the nutritional value of CSM. Therefore, FCSM is recommended as a viable alternative protein source that can safely replace up to 50% of SBM in broiler chicken diets, particularly during times of fluctuating SBM prices and availability issues.

Rare complications of acute pancreatitis: Clinical cases

Background. Acute pancreatitis is recognized as a common disease, occasionally accompanied by the development of local complications that require surgical debridement. Rare complications of pancreatitis may occur in clinical practice, which is one of the reasons for their untimely diagnosis and treatment. Pancreaticopleural fistula and high small bowel obstruction develop in less than 1% of acute pancreatitis cases. Therefore, possible options for management of these complications are considered valuable. Description of clinical cases. The clinical examples, provided in the present paper, describe pancreaticopleural fistula and high small bowel obstruction that develop against the peripancreatic mass in the abdominal cavity. Patient K., 44, was hospitalized to the Regional Clinical Hospital of Emergency Medical Care, Krasnodar Krai, and preliminary diagnosed with bilateral hydrothorax and type II respiratory failure; pleural puncture was performed. Following the extended examination, a clinical diagnosis was made as follows: “Acute necrotic pancreatitis spreading to a pancreatic tail cyst. Reactive double pleurisy”. The postoperative period was indicated with repeated recurrence of right hydrothorax, and pancreaticopleural fistula (diagnosed by measuring amylase activity in the brown fluid effused from the right pleural cavity, which appeared to be 41216 IU/l (not normally determined)). The right pleural cavity and pseudocyst of the pancreatic tail were drained, resulting in obliteration of the pancreatbcopleural fistula. Patient V., 50, was hospitalized and transferred to the surgical department of the Regional Clinical Hospital No. 2, Krasnodar Krai, and diagnosed with “pancreonecrosis, extensive purulent-necrotic peripancreatitis.” The patient underwent puncture-drainage treatment. The postoperative period was complicated by acute small bowel obstruction. Surgical treatment involved Braun enteroesterostomy. The patient recovered. Conclusion. Pancreaticopleural fistula refers to a rare complication of acute pancreatitis, manifested by hydrothorax. Its diagnosis is based on the determination of amylase activity in the effusion. Drainage of the pleural cavity and pancreatic pseudocyst contributes to obliteration of the fistula. The intestinal obstruction, another complication of pancreatitis, requires open surgical treatment when a conservative therapy appears ineffective.

Starch-related structural basis and enzymatic mechanism of the different appearances of soft rice

To investigate the fine starch structure characteristics and formation mechanism of high-quality appearance soft rice, two high-quality and low-quality soft rice varieties (HA-SR and LA-SR, respectively) were selected. Differences in appearance quality, fine starch structure, and activity of key enzymes involved in starch synthesis during the grain-filling stage were compared. The results showed that compared with LA-SR, HA-SR were less chalky, more transparent, had larger starch grains, a lower content of shorter chains (DP 6–24), a higher content of longer chains (DP ≥ 25), lower relative crystallinity, fewer ordered structures, more amorphous structures and larger thicknesses of semi-crystalline lamellae. In terms of amylase activity during the grain-filling stage, the AGPase and GBSS activities of HA-SR were higher, and the SBE activity of HA-SR was lower compared to LA-SR. In conclusion, higher AGPase activity can produce a higher filling rate resulting in fuller starch grain in soft rice. Fuller starch grains reduce the chalkiness of soft rice. Higher AGPase and GBSS activities and lower SBE activity can result in soft rice with more long-branched and less short-branched amylopectin. Thus, soft rice has lower relative crystallinity and less ordered structure. These structures may facilitate reduce grain chalkiness and improve grain transparency.

The structural properties of “Huilou” yam starch fermented with five microbial species

In this study, we employed two lactic acid bacterial species, two yeast species, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens to ferment “Huilou” yam starch. The aim was to explore the effects of fermentation time and microbial species on the structural properties of yam starch. The results showed that fermentation caused an increase in relative crystallinity (29.23 %–37.98 %) compared with native starch (25.69 %). The fermentation process altered the thermal properties of yam starch, leading to higher enthalpy of gelatinization values compared with unfermented starch. Notably, an absorption peak of native starch shifted from 992 cm−1 to 1015 cm−1 upon 2-day fermentation by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and 5-day fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum or Pediococcus pentococcus, associated with an increase in the presence of amorphous structures in yam starch. “Huilou” yam starch obtained through lactic acid bacterial fermentation exhibited a significant presence of organic acids, whereas samples derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens fermentation were primarily affected by amylase activity. Following yeast fermentation, organic acids and amylase were observed, albeit with relatively low influence. This research reveals that microbial fermentation can potentially alter the structural characteristics of yam starch, which can improve the quality of yam starch-based foods.

Potential benefit of Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation to rats fed with a high-fat diet on serum lipid profile, kidney amyloid protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha level

AimIt was aimed to determine the potential effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on rats exposed to an experimental high-fat diet on serum lipid profile and kidney total beta amyloid protein (TBAP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Methods24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study to establish 4 groups. Standard rat food (SD) was provided to Group 1 as the control; Group 2 was fed a high-fat diet (HFD); Group 3 consumed SD and received L. acidophilus probiotics; Group 4 was fed HFD and received L. acidophilus probiotics. Body weights were determined weekly during the 12-week trial period. At the end of the experiment, TBP and TNF-α levels in the serum and kidney tissue of the rats were measured by ELISA method. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL, LDL, urea and creatinine levels and paraoxanase, amylase and lipase activities were determined by spectrophotometric method on the analyzer device. ResultsWhen the control (Group 1) group and Group 2 were compared at the end of the experiment, it was found that Group 2 had gained the most weight and that both the blood and kidney tissue levels of TNF-α and TBAP, as well as the quantities of TG, TK, LDL, and urea, were significantly greater (P<0.05). Serum HDL, PON and amylase levels were found to be significantly low (P>0.05). TG, TK, LDL, urea, and the levels of TNF-α and TBAP in serum and renal tissue were shown to be lower in the groups who received L. acidophilus probiotics (Groups 3, 4) when compared to Group 2 (P>0.05). It was observed that HDL, PON and amylase levels increased and approached the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe study's findings showed that probiotic supplementation improved blood levels of TG, TC, HDL, LDL, urea, PON, and amylase as well as serum and kidney tissue levels of TNF-α and TBAP in obese rats fed a high-fat diet.

The Influence of Acoustic Treatment on the Activity of Amylases of the Microbial Enzyme Preparation

The Influence of Acoustic Treatment on the Activity of Amylases of the Microbial Enzyme Preparation

Amylase activity across black soldier fly larvae development and feeding substrates: insights on starch digestibility and external digestion

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL; Hermetia illucens) hold promise for converting biowaste into proteins and lipids for feed. Dietary starch is efficiently digested by the larvae and influences larval performance, but the mechanisms of starch digestion remain poorly understood. This study investigated changes in individual weight and amylase activity in BSFL after 4, 7 and 11 days of feeding for five substrates varying in starch content and type: chicken feed (CF), corn gluten feed (CGF), wheat bran (WB), wheat distillers grain (WDG) and discarded potatoes (DP). Substrate amylase activities were also measured with and without larvae (feeding and fermenting trays, respectively) over time in order to explore external digestion. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and estimated digestibility (ED) of DM and starch were assessed at the end of the experiment. The ranking for best FCR was CF, WB, CGF, WDG and DP. In feeding trays, ED of DM was 69.8 ± 1.8, 59.5 ± 2.9, 58.6 ± 0.7, 45.4 ± 0.6 and 19.5 ± 0.8% in CF, DP, WB, CGF and WDG, respectively. Estimated digestibility of starch reached 100% with WB and CGF, followed by CF (88.2 ± 2.3%), DP (85.2 ± 1.2%) and WDG (43.1 ± 1.0%). Larval amylase activity increased with growth for all substrates and dropped when approaching pupation. No relationship was found between larval amylase activity and substrate starch or other nutrient content, but a negative correlation was reported with the reducing sugar content of the larvae, suggesting glucose repression of amylase production. Amylase activity decreased with time in all feeding and fermenting substrates except WDG and DP. In vitro degradation assays indicated that BSFL amylase was nine times more efficient on raw corn or wheat starch than on raw potato starch, highlighting that starch structure is a major driver of digestibility. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of BSFL amylase in the feeding substrate, hinting at external digestion. Larval amylase was purified to identify its optimal pH (5.0–6.5) and temperature (70 °C). These results highlight that starch content is not a major driver of amylase activity in BSFL and suggest that other non-investigated factors could have had a crucial impact on the activity of larval digestive enzymes, such as microbial community of the substrate and presence of amylase inhibitors. This study also provides insights into the evolution of BSFL digestive activity during their development and the occurrence of external digestion.