Γ-glutamyl Transpeptidase Activity Research Articles

Growth, body composition and intestinal enzyme activities of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) fed graded levels of dietary zinc

A 6-week trial was carried out with 900 juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) to investigate the effects of dietary zinc on growth, body composition and intestinal enzyme activities. Diets supplemented with increasing levels (15.3, 26.9, 40.8, 58.2, 68.9 and 92.5 mg Zn kg−1) of zinc lactate were fed to Jian carp (mean initial weight 15.7 ± 0.01 g). Results indicated that per cent weight gain (PWG), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and lipid productive value (LPV) enhanced with dietary zinc levels up to 40.8 mg kg−1 diet (P < 0.05), and plateaued thereafter (P > 0.05). Feed intake (FI) was similar to that observed for PWG. Intestosomatic index (ISI), relative gut length (RGL), hepatopancreas protein content (HPC), intestine protein content (IPC), trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, amylase, alkaline phosphatase (AKP), Na+, K+-ATPase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activities were all higher by dietary zinc supplementation than zinc un-supplementation (P < 0.05). These results suggested that zinc could promote growth and increase nutrient deposition and intestinal enzyme activities. The dietary zinc requirements (use zinc lactate as zinc source) of juvenile Jian carp (15.7–42.2 g) based on PWG and serum zinc were 48.7 and 43.2 mg Zn kg−1 diet, respectively.

Diazinon-induced oxidative stress and renal dysfunction in rats

Diazinon ( O, O-diethyl- O-[2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl] phosphoro thioate), an organo-phosphate insecticide, has been used worldwide in agriculture and domestic for several years, which has led to a variety of negative effects in non target species including humans. However, its nephrotoxic effects and mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated so far. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating the nephrotoxic effects of diazinon and its mechanism of action with special reference to its possible ROS generating potential in rats. Treatment of rats with diazinon significantly enhances renal lipid peroxidation which is accompanied by a decrease in the activities of renal antioxidant enzymes (e.g. catalase, glutathione peroxidise, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase) and depletion in the level of glutathione reduced. In contrast, the activities of renal γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and quinone reductase were increased. Parallel to these changes, diazinon treatment enhances renal damage as evidenced by sharp increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Additionally, the impairment of renal function corresponds histopathologically. In summary, our results indicate that diazinon treatment eventuates in decreased renal glutathione reduced, a fall in the activities of antioxidant enzymes including the enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism and excessive production of oxidants with concomitant renal damage, all of which are involved in the cascade of events leading to diazinon-mediated renal oxidative stress and toxicity. We concluded that in diazinon exposure, depletion of antioxidant enzymes is accompanied by induction of oxidative stress that might be beneficial in monitoring diazinon toxicity.

The estimation of post-transplant lymphocele origin using creatine kinase activity

Introduction. The aim of this research was to create a laboratory instrument for the estimation of post-transplant lymphocele origin. It is based on the enzymatic activity of creatine kinase (CK) in the lymphocele content.Material and methods. A total of 120 lymph samples from different retroperitoneal regions were obtained from non-transplanted patients; equal numbers from the iliac region, renal cysts, and the subdiaphragmatic retroperitoneum. Activities of creatine kinase (CK) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were determined in all samples and statistically analyzed against their activity in serum from patients without surgery.Results. Activities of CK in the pelvis, retroperitoneum, renal cysts, and serum were 5.06, 0.83, 6.48 (P < 0.001), 2.50, 0.73, 3.60 (P < 0.001), 0.02, 0.01, 0.05 (P < 0.001), and 0.66, 0.41, 0.79 μkat/l, respectively. Activities of GGT in the same lymph samples were 0.26, 0.16, 0.36 (P = 0.048), 0.41, 0.25, 0.48 (non-significant), 0.11, 0.07, 1.17 (P = 0.003) and 0.34, 0.24, 0.55 μkat/l, respectively. A graph was constructed relating CK activity to lymph origin.Conclusion. Significantly different CK enzyme activity was observed in different regions of the retroperitoneum. The presented graph is a simple instrument for the estimation of the lymphocele content origin. The method requires percutaneous aspiration of the lymphocele and evaluation of the CK and GGT activity in the sample. From the graph the estimated proportion of renal lymph in the lymphocele can be read directly. This instrument can provide better understanding of post-transplant lymphocele fluid source.

Protective Effects of Luteolin against Amyloid β 25–35-induced Toxicity on Rat Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Aim To evaluate the effects of luteolin against amyloid beta-peptide 25–35 (Aβ 25–35) on rat cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). Methods CMECs were isolated from Wistar rats at 3-week-old, and randomly divided into 5 groups including control group, Aβ 25–35 group, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 μmol·L −1 luteolin groups. Cell viability was determined with MTS assay. Intracelluar ROS level and SOD activity were monitored by DCFH-DA and SOD inhibition assay, respectively. Transendothelial electrical resistance was measured using an EVOM resistance meter. γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase activities were detected using activity assay kits. Levels of TXA 2 and PGI 2 in culture medium were measured as their stable metabolites, TXB 2 and 6-keto-PGF 1α, by ELISA. Results Luteolin attenuated Aβ 25–35-induced toxicity at 0.1, 1.0, and 10 μmol·L −1, inhibited intracellular ROS generation, and increased SOD activity at 1.0 and 10 μmol·L −1. Luteolin was also found to preserve CMECs barrier function, involving the alleviation of TEER reduction, the increase of characteristic enzymatic activity, and regulation of TXA 2 and PGI 2 secretion. Conclusion Luteolin had the ability to protect rat CMECs against Aβ 25–35-induced toxicity.

Synthesis of theanine from glutamic acid γ-methyl ester and ethylamine catalyzed by Escherichia coli having γ-glutamyltranspeptidase activity

Glutamic acid gamma-methyl ester (GAME) was used as substrate for theanine synthesis catalyzed by Escherichia coli cells possessing gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity. The yield was about 1.2-fold higher than with glutamine as substrate. The reaction was optimal at pH 10 and 45 degrees C, and the optimal substrate ratio of GAME to ethylamine was 1:10 (mol/mol). With GAME at 100 mmol, 95 mmol theanine was obtained after 8 h.

Effect of Coffee on Chemical Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of daily coffee ingestion on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats submitted to the resistant hepatocyte (RH) model. During lactation, the dams were fed a control or a coffee-supplemented diet. After weaning, male pups followed the same dietary protocol and were submitted to the RH model. The animals were sacrificed at 110 days of life. Removal of the medial and left lateral lobes was used as mitogenic stimulus, and the liver regeneration was estimated. Morphometric analyses of preneoplastic lesions were carried out on liver histological sections submitted to the histochemical procedure of the glucose-6-phosphatase activity. The γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity was analyzed in the homogenate of regenerated livers. Body weight, mass liver regeneration, and hepatic cell architecture were not affected by coffee ingestion. In the group of animals fed the coffee-supplemented diet, the number of persistent and remodeling nodules was reduced (85.5% and 70.5%, respectively). The hepatic area occupied by the persistent nodules was also reduced (92%). There was a reduction of 7.7% in the GGT activity in the group fed the coffee-supplemented diet, although not statistically significant. The results indicate that coffee modulates chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase null mice fail to develop tolerance to coumarin-induced Clara cell toxicity

Coumarin was used as a model Clara cell toxicant to test the hypothesis that tolerance to injury requires increased γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity. Wildtype (GGT+/+) and GGT-deficient (GGT−/−) mice on a C57BL/6/129SvEv hybrid background were dosed orally with corn oil (vehicle) or coumarin (200mg/kg). In vehicle-treated mice, Clara cell secretory protein (CC10) expression was distributed throughout the bronchiolar epithelium. After one dose of coumarin, CC10 expression was dramatically reduced and the bronchiolar epithelium was devoid of Clara cells in GGT+/+ and GGT−/− mice. In wildtype mice, 9 doses of coumarin produced tolerance, characterized as a renewed bronchiolar epithelium with Clara cells expressing CC10 along with a 40% increase in total glutathione (GSH) and a 7-fold increase in GGT activity in the lung. In contrast, tolerance was not observed in GGT−/− mice. To assess whether changes in whole lung levels of GSH and GGT activity reflect Clara cell specific changes an enriched population of cells was isolated from female wildtype B6C3F1 mice made tolerant to coumarin. Compared to Clara cells from control mice, GSH and GGT activity increased 3- and 13-fold, respectively. Collectively, these data suggest Clara cell tolerance to coumarin toxicity requires increased GGT activity favoring enhanced GSH synthesis.

Enzymatic synthesis of theanine from glutamic acid γ-methyl ester and ethylamine by immobilized Escherichia coli cells with γ-glutamyltranspeptidase activity

Theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide) is the main amino acid component in green tea. The demand for theanine in the food and pharmaceutical industries continues to increase because of its special flavour and multiple physiological effects. In this research, an improved method for enzymatic theanine synthesis is reported. An economical substrate, glutamic acid γ-methyl ester, was used in the synthesis catalyzed by immobilized Escherichia coli cells with γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity. The results show that GGT activity with glutamic acid γ-methyl ester as substrate was about 1.2-folds higher than that with glutamine as substrate. Reaction conditions were optimized by using 300mmol/l glutamic acid γ-methyl ester, 3,000mmol/l ethylamine, and 0.1g/ml of immobilized GGT cells at pH 10 and 50°C. Under these conditions, the immobilized cells were continuously used ten times, yielding an average glutamic acid γ-methyl ester to theanine conversion rate of 69.3%. Bead activity did not change significantly the first six times they were used, and the average conversion rate during the first six instances was 87.2%. The immobilized cells exhibited favourable operational stability.

Proteomic analysis of brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from purified proximal convoluted tubules

The renal proximal convoluted tubule is the primary site of water, electrolyte and nutrient reabsorption and of active secretion of selected molecules. Proteins in the apical brush-border membrane facilitate these functions and initiate some of the cellular responses to altered renal physiology. The current study uses two-dimensional liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to compare brush border membrane vesicles isolated from rat renal cortex (BBMV(CTX)) and from purified proximal convoluted tubules (BBMV(PCT)). Both proteomic data and Western blot analysis indicate that the BBMV(CTX) contain apical membrane proteins from cortical cells other than the proximal tubule. This heterogeneity was greatly reduced in the BBMV(PCT). Proteomic analysis identified 193 proteins common to both samples, 21 proteins unique to BBMV(CTX), and 57 proteins unique to BBMV(PCT). Spectral counts were used to quantify relative differences in protein abundance. This analysis identified 42 and 50 proteins that are significantly enriched (p values <or=0.001) in the BBMV(CTX) and BBMV(PCT), respectively. These data were validated by measurement of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity and by Western blot analysis. The combined results establish that BBMV(PCT) are primarily derived from the proximal convoluted tubule (S1 and S2 segments), whereas BBMV(CTX) include proteins from the proximal straight tubule (S3 segment). Analysis of functional annotations indicated that BBMV(PCT) are enriched in mitochondrial proteins and enzymes involved in glucose and organic acid metabolism. Thus the current study reports a detailed proteomic analysis of the brush-border membrane of the rat renal proximal convoluted tubule and provides a database for future hypothesis-driven research.

Phosphine intoxication following oral exposure of horses to aluminum phosphide–treated feed

66 horses were potentially exposed to phosphine (a gas) 14 hours after being fed a pelleted ration treated with aluminum phosphide. 28 horses had clinical signs of profuse sweating, tachycardia, tachypnea, pyrexia, ataxia, seizures, and widespread muscle tremors. Clinically relevant laboratory findings included hypoglycemia and high plasma concentrations of lactate and ammonia and activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. At least 4 horses had signs consistent with hepatic encephalopathy. Necropsy findings included petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages in multiple organs, widespread vascular congestion, hepatic lipidosis, and neuronal necrosis in the brain. Phosphine was detected in the stomachs of the 3 horses tested. On the farm, horses were treated with gastric lavage followed by administration of di-tri-octahedral smectite, atropine, fluids, and sedatives. Six horses were hospitalized, and lactated Ringer's solution and flunixin meglumine were administered IV. Additionally, 10% dextrose, corn syrup, and di-tri-octahedral smectite were administered PO. Twenty-seven horses died within 2 days after exposure. Two survivors (1 without clinical signs of toxicosis) made a complete recovery. Progression of clinical signs in affected horses in this report was rapid, with few treatment options available, leading to a high case fatality rate. Fumigation with aluminum phosphide is commonly performed to eliminate weevils and other insects from stored grains. When appropriate precautions are used during fumigation, risk to livestock is typically minimal.

Influence of Exposure Route and Oral Dosage Regimen on 1, 1-Dichloroethylene Toxicokinetics and Target Organ Toxicity

The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the effects of route of exposure and oral dosage regimen on the toxicokinetics (TK) of 1,1-dichloroethylene (DCE). Fasted male Sprague-Dawley rats that inhaled 100 or 300 ppm for 2 h absorbed total systemic doses of (10 or 30 mg/kg DCE, respectively. Other groups of rats received 10 or 30 mg/kg DCE by intravenous injection, bolus gavage (by mouth), or gastric infusion (g.i.) over a 2-h period. Serial microblood samples were taken from the cannulated, unanesthetized animals and analyzed for DCE content by gas chromatography to obtain concentration versus time profiles. Inhalation resulted in substantially higher peak blood concentrations and area under blood-concentration time curves (AUC(0)(2)) than did gastric infusion of the same dose over the same time frame at each dosage level, although inhalation (AUC(0)(infinity)) values were only modestly higher. Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activities were monitored as indices of kidney injury in the high-dose groups. NAG and GGT excretion were much more pronounced after inhalation than gastric infusion. Administration of DCE by gavage also produced much higher Cmax and AUC(0)(2) values than did 2-h g.i., although AUC(0)(infinity) values were not very different. The 30 mg/kg bolus dose produced marked elevation in serum sorbitol dehydrogenase, an index of hepatocellular injury. Administration of this dose by inhalation and gastric infusion was only marginally hepatotoxic. These findings demonstrate the TK and target organ toxicity of DCE vary substantially between different exposure routes, as well as dosage regimens, making direct extrapolations untenable in health risk assessments.

Taurine protects acetaminophen-induced oxidative damage in mice kidney through APAP urinary excretion and CYP2E1 inactivation

Acute exposure of acetaminophen (APAP), a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, causes severe renal damage and no specific agent has been reported so far that plays any beneficial role in this organ pathophysiology. In the present study, the protective role of taurine on APAP-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated in mice. In order to induce acute nephrotoxicity, APAP was administered at a single dose of 2 g/kg body weight orally to male adult albino mice of Swiss strain. APAP exposure for 24 h significantly increased plasma level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, TNF-α, NO production, urinary γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activity, total urinary protein and urinary glucose level accompanied by a decrease in Na +–K +–ATPase activity. Moreover, APAP administration significantly increased MDA, protein carbonylation, GSSG level, intracellular ROS production and cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYPP450) activity. The same exposure decreased GSH level, ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes indicating that APAP-induced renal damage was mediated through oxidative stress. Besides, APAP exposure significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and induced up-regulation of CYP2E1 in renal tissues although JNK did not play any significant role in this APAP-induced renal pathophysiology. Caspase 9/3 immunoblot and DNA fragmentation analyses showed that APAP-induced renal cell damage was mostly necrotic in nature, although some apoptosis also occurred simultaneously. Taurine treatment both pre and post (150 mg/kg body weight for 3 days, orally) to APAP exposure, however, significantly reduced APAP-induced nephrotoxicity through its antioxidant properties, urinary excretion of APAP and suppression of CYP2E1. Results suggest that taurine might be a potential therapeutic candidate against APAP-induced acute nephrotoxicity.

Strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate alleviates early diabetic testopathy by suppressing abnormal testicular matrix metalloproteinase system in streptozocin-treated rats

AbstractObjectivesMale hypogonadism is frequently associated with testopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and in middle-aged males. We hypothesized that abnormal matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in testis have large roles to play in male hypogonadism. It has been found in diabetic rats that a novel compound, strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP-Sr), with extra high energy supply, could reverse male hypogonadism by normalizing MMP-9 and TIMPs in the testis. We investigated whether FDP-Sr could be promising in treating diabetic testopathy.MethodsAdult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single dose of streptozocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce diabetes. The diabetic rats were treated with FDP-Sr in three doses or testosterone propionate in the final four weeks during the eight-week study.Key findingsSerum testosterone, activity of marker enzymes, and mRNA of MMPs and TIMPs and protein of MMP-9 in the testis were detected. After eight weeks, the activity of acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in testis were significantly decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.01), accompanied by down-regulated mRNA and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and upregulated mRNA of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Downregulated MMP-9 protein and degenerative changes in histology were predominant in diabetic testis.ConclusionsFDP-Sr or testosterone propionate significantly normalized expression and activity of the MMPs–TIMPs system to attenuate changes in serum testosterone, marker enzymes and histology in testis. Effects of FDP-S-r were dose-dependent and comparable with those of testosterone propionate. By supplying extra energy, FDP-Sr could be promising in treating diabetic testopathy by normalizing abnormal MMP-9 and its endogenous inhibitors in testes.

Effect of Sodium Silicate on Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice

A promoting effect of Na₂SiO₃ on hair regrowth was investigated using an animal model of C57BL/6 mice. There were four experimental groups including distilled water (DW, a negative control), 5% minoxidil (MXD, a positive control), 50% Na₂SiO₃, and 100% Na₂SiO₃ solution. The animals were shaved with an electric clipper and then test solutions applied daily with a volume of 0.2 ㎖ per to the dorsal skin of mice for 3 weeks. Body weight and food and water consumption were measured weekly. Photographs of hair regrowth were taken at experimental day 0, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21. Activities of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase as well as expressions of growth factors were also determined in the dorsal skin of mice. The animal body weight were not significantly changed among the experimental groups. The MXD and Na₂SiO₃ accelerated hair regrowth compared with DW. The elongation of hair follicles were evidently observed in MXD and 50 or 100% Na₂SiO₃ groups. MXD significantly increased γ-glutamyl transpeptidase at day 14, compared with DW (P＜0.05). But the activities of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were not significantly increased in Na₂SiO₃ groups, compared with DW. The expression of epidermal growth factor was significantly increased in MXD and Na₂SiO₃ groups, compared with DW (P＜0.05). The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was not significantly changed by MXD or Na₂SiO₃ treatments. The expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was clearly decreased in MXD and Na₂SiO₃ groups, compared with DW. These results indicate that Na₂SiO₃ may have a hair growth-promoting activity and it can be used for treatment of alopecia or boldness in humans.

Antioxidant defense system in rats simultaneously intoxicated with agrochemicals

The effect of dimethoate, zineb and glyphosate administered alone or in combination on liver, kidney, brain and plasma antioxidant defense system was investigated. Lipid peroxidation, and RNS production were increased in all tissues studied, especially in those groups that received a combination of drugs. Intoxicated rats exhibited lower antioxidant ability, higher oxidized protein and glutathione levels in plasma with a decreased concentration of α-tocopherol in brain and liver, between 30% and 60% of control. Superoxide dismutase was decreased in liver and brain. Glutathione reductase was inhibited in liver while glutathione peroxidase and transferase were unaffected. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities were both increased. The associations of drugs produce more damage than individual administration being the effects observed strongly dependent on the kind of tissue analyzed. In conclusion, the present paper evidenced both the role of the oxidative stress as a mechanism of action of some pesticides and the potential additive effects of a simultaneous exposure to more than one compound. In addition, results suggest a potential contribution of pesticide mixtures to the aetiology of some neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of tributyltin on testicular development in Sebastiscus marmoratus and the mechanism involved

Organotin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT), that have been used as antifouling biocides can induce masculinization in female mollusks. However, few studies addressing the effects of TBT on fishes have been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of TBT at environmentally relevant concentrations (1, 10, and 100 ng/L) on testicular development in Sebastiscus marmoratus and to gain insight into its mechanism of action. After exposure for 48 d, the gonadosomatic index had decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Although the testosterone levels in the testes were elevated and the 17beta-estradiol levels were decreased, spermatogenesis was suppressed. Moreover, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity (which is used as a Sertoli cell marker) was decreased in a dose-dependent manner after TBT exposure, and serious interstitial fibrosis was observed in the interlobular septa of the testes in the 100 ng/L TBT test group. Increases in the retinoid X receptors and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma expression and the progressive enlargement of lipid droplets in the testes were observed after TBT exposure. Estrogen receptor alpha levels in the testes of the fish exposed to TBT decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction of estrogen receptor alpha mRNA resulted from the decrease of 17beta-estradiol levels, and the progressive enlargement of lipid droplets may have contributed to the dysfunction of the Sertoli cells, which then disrupted spermatogenesis.

Role of heine oxygenase-1 in renal function injury during septic shock in rats

Objective To investigate the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in renal function injury during septic shock in rats.Methods Eighty healthy SD rats of both sexes,aged 3-4 months,weighing 260-330 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n = 20 each) : control group ( group C),septic shock group ( group S),S + ZnPP-Ⅸ group (group SZ) and ZnPP-Ⅸ group (group Z).Group C received iv normal saline 0.5 ml and 2 h later,received intraperitoneal 50 mmol/L sodium bicarbonate 1 ml.Group S received iv LPS 10 mg/kg and 2 h later,received intraperitoneal 50 mmol/L sodium bicarbonate 1 ml.Group SZ received iv LPS 10 mg/kg and 2 h later,received intraperitoneal ZnPP-Ⅸ 10 μmol/kg.Group Z received iv normal saline 0.5 ml and 2 h later,received by intraperitoneal ZnPP-Ⅸ 10 μmol/kg.Carboxyhemoglobin concentration (COHb),concentrations of serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr),urinary α1 -microglobulin ( α1 -M) concentration,N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamidase (NAG) activity,retinol binding protein (RBP) concentration and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activity,MDA content,SOD activity and expression of HO-1 mRNA,HO-2 mRNA,HO-1 and HO-2 in renal tissue were detected at 4 h after administration of sodium bicarbonate or ZnPP-Ⅸ.Results The concentrations of serum BUN and Cr,urinary α1-M concentration,NAG activity,RBP concentration and γ-GT activity,COHb,MDA content,expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 in renal tissue were significantly higher and SOD activity lower in group S and SZ than in group C ( P 0.05).The concentrations of serum BUN and Cr,urinary α1-M concentration,NAG activity,RBP concentration and γ-GT activity,and MDA content in renal tissue were significantly higher,while SOD activity,COHb,and expression of HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 lower in group SZ than in group S ( P 0.05).Conclusion HO-1 in renal tissues has protective effects on renal function during septic shock in rats. Key words: Shock,septic; Heine oxygenase(decyclizing) ; Kindney function tests

Effects of dietary protein levels on the growth performance, digestive capacity and amino acid metabolism of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpiovar. Jian)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of protein levels on the growth performance, digestive capacity and amino acid metabolism of juvenile Jian carp. Brown fish meal was used as the sole protein source in the present study. Six isoenergetic experimental diets containing 14.4 MJ kg−1 of digestible energy and 220–495 g crude protein kg−1 diets were fed to triplicate groups of 50 fish with a mean initial weight of 16.67 ± 0.01 g for 45 days. Per cent weight gain (PWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) improved with an increase in the dietary protein levels up to 330 g kg−1 diet. The condition factor, relative gut length, intestinal folds height, hepatopancreas and intestine protein content improved with an increase in the protein levels up to 330–385 g kg−1 diet. Trypsin, creatinkinase, Na+, K+-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activities generally followed the same tendency as that of growth parameters. Amylase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activities were negatively correlated with increasing protein levels from 220 to 330 g kg−1 diet, and no differences were found thereafter. Lipase activity was unaffected by protein levels. Lactobacillus amount was increased with protein levels up to 275 g kg−1 diet, while Aeromonas amount followed the opposite pattern. Escherichia coli amount was not influenced by dietary protein levels. Glutamate–oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activities in the hepatopancreas and plasma ammonia concentration (PAC) were not influenced by protein levels between 220 and 275 g kg−1 diet, but significantly increased with increasing protein levels from 275 to 440 g kg−1 diet, and remained similar thereafter. Glutamate–pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities significantly increased with protein levels >275 g kg−1 diet. Based on the broken-line model, the dietary protein requirement for PWG of Jian carp (16.7–55.0 g) was estimated to be 341 g kg−1 diet with a digestible energy of 14.4 MJ kg−1 diet.

Growth, digestive capacity and intestinal microflora of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpiovar. Jian) fed graded levels of dietary inositol

A 60-day feeding trial was carried out with juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) to study the effects of myo-inositol (MI) on the growth, digestive enzyme and intestinal microbial population. Diets with seven levels of inositol (163.5, 232.7, 384.2, 535.8, 687.3, 838.8 and 990.3 mg MI kg−1 diet) were fed to Jian carp (initial weight 22.28±0.07 g). Per cent weight gain (PWG) was improved with increasing inositol levels up to 535.8 mg MI kg−1 diet (P 0.05). The protein production value, lipid production value and ash production value were increased with increasing dietary inositol levels up to 384.2, 838.8 and 838.8 mg MI kg−1 diet respectively (P 0.05), chymotrypsin, lipase and amylase activities in intestine were the lowest for fish fed the MI-unsupplemented diet (P<0.05). Alkaline phosphatase, Na+, K+-ATPase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and creatinkinase activities in the intestine were increased with an increase in the inositol levels up to 384.2–687.3 mg MI kg−1 diet (P<0.05). Intestinal Aeromonas hydrophila and Escherichia coli decreased with an increase in the levels of dietary inositol up to 232.7 and 687.3 mg MI kg−1 diet respectively (P<0.05), while Lactobacillus in the intestine increased with an increase in inositol levels up to 990.3 mg MI kg−1 diet (P<0.05). In conclusion, inositol improved growth, digestive capacity and intestinal microbial population of juvenile Jian carp, and the dietary inositol requirement for PWG of juvenile Jian carp is 518.0 mg MI kg−1 diet.

Subacute Effects of Carbofuran on Enzyme Functions in Rat Small Intestine

The effect of carbofuran administration to rats has been studied on enzymes functions in rat intestine. Carbofuran was administrated 4.0 mg/kg body weight for 7 days or 2.8 mg/kg body weight for 30 days daily by Ryle's tube. Animals given carbofuran for 30 days exhibited retarded growth compared to control group. The activities of sucrase (56%), alkaline phosphatase (62%), leucine aminopeptidase (56%), and γ-glutamyl trans peptidase (84%) were enhanced in animals given carbofuran for 7 days. Enhancement in the activities of alkaline phosphatase and leucine amino peptidase (92–96%) was also observed in animals exposed to carbofuran for 30 days, but the activities of sucrase (28%) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (49%) were reduced under these conditions. There was no change in activities of maltase, lactase, and trehalase in pesticide-treated animals for 7 or 30 days. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase was enhanced (p < 0.001) in 7 days and 30 days induced carbofuran toxicity. The activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase were also enhanced (p < 0.001) in pesticide-treated animals for 7 days, but were reduced by 46% and 26%, respectively, after 30 days of carbofuran exposure. The activity of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase was unaltered in carbofuran toxicity. Kinetic analysis of brush border enzymes revealed a change in Vmax with no change in apparent Km. Western blot analysis of brush border sucrase, alkaline phosphatase, and leucine aminopeptidase corroborated the enzyme activity data. Intestinal histological revealed distruption of the villi, and comet assay showed disintegration of DNA in enterocytes of animals exposed to carbofuran for 30 days. These findings suggest that carbofuran toxicity may modulate digestive functions in rat intestine.