Aminotransferase Activity Research Articles

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effect of Rosa davurica Pall Seed Oil on CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice.

The liver, being the most metabolically active organ, is highly vulnerable to damage caused by oxidative stress. Rosa davurica Pall. seed oil (RDPO), a novel vegetable oil, and its bioactive components have been extensively researched in the field of antioxidants. In this research, the antioxidant properties and hepatoprotection by RDPO were evaluated. A series of antioxidant evaluation systems and a CCl4-induced acute liver injury model in mice were used to investigate the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective efficacy of RDPO. The results showed that the extraction rate of RDPO was 11.12% using the optimal extraction process. Three major unsaturated fatty acids of the oil were α-linolenic acid (11.89 ± 0.017%), linoleic acid (18.52 ± 0.072%), and oleic acid (11.54 ± 0.425%). Furthermore, its antioxidant small-molecule compounds were β-sitosterol (1.429 ± 0.002 μg/g), α-tocopherol (1.273 ± 0.079 μg/g), β-carotene (0.012 ± 0.001 μg/g), lycopene (0.108 ± 0.002 μg/g), squalene (178.950 ± 0.794 μg/g), total polyphenols (1.114 ± 0.032 μg GAE/mg), and total flavonoids (0.504 ± 0.009 mg RU/g), respectively. In vitro, RDPO significantly inhibited the production of ABTS+•, DPPH•, O2•-, and hydroxyl radicals, as well as Fe3+. In vivo, RDPO significantly reversed the activity of total superoxide-dismutase, catalase, L-glutathione, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissue. It also obviously inhibited the activity of aspartate transaminase (AST) and the level of MDA in the serum. Therefore, RDPO has demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity and a potential liver protective effect. This effect may be ascribed to its capacity for decreasing AST activity, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and boosting endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity. Therefore, RDPO has significant application value in the biopharmaceutical industry and as a dietary supplement.

The effect and mechanism of combined exposure of MC-LR and NaNO2 on liver lipid metabolism

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2) co-exist in the environment and are hepatotoxic. The liver has the function of lipid metabolism, but the impacts and mechanisms of MC-LR and NaNO2 on liver lipid metabolism are unclear. Therefore, we established a chronic exposure model of Balb/c mice and used LO2 cells for in vitro verification to investigate the effects and mechanisms of liver lipid metabolism caused by MC-LR and NaNO2. The results showed that after 6 months of exposure to MC-LR and NaNO2, the lipid droplets content was increased, and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were raised in the liver (P < 0.05). Moreover, MC-LR and NaNO2 synergistically induced hepatic oxidative stress by decreasing total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels and increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content levels. In addition, the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and P-AMPK was decreased and Keap1 was increased in the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The key factors of lipid metabolism, SREBP-1c, FASN and ACC, were up-regulated in the liver. More importantly, there was a combined effect on lipid deposition of MC-LR and NaNO2 co-exposure. In vitro experiments, MC-LR and NaNO2-induced lipid deposition and changes in lipid metabolism-related changes were mitigated after activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by the Nrf2 activator tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Additionally, TBHQ alleviated the rise of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LO2 cells induced by MC-LR and NaNO2. Overall, our findings indicated that MC-LR and NaNO2 can cause abnormal liver lipid metabolism, and the combined effects were observed after MC-LR and NaNO2 co-exposure. The Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway may be a potential target for prevention and control of liver toxicity caused by MC-LR and NaNO2.

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

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

Biomarker responses of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck 1819) regarding marine mucilage in the Sea of Marmara

It has been proposed that marine mucilage intensifies the biological effects of chemical pollutants and can increase their bioaccumulation in seafood. Indeed, in 2021, mucilage caused a major environmental disaster in the Sea of Marmara. Limited resources on the possible effects of marine mucilage on sustainable food security have increased the importance of this study. The aim of this study is to investigate the biochemical effects of mucilage in wild and cultured mussels, a bioindicator species collected from four different regions [Istanbul Strait (S1) and Canakkale Strait (S2), Bandirma (S3), Gelibolu (S4)] during the 2021 fishing season in the Sea of Marmara. The levels of reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation, activities of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, activities of biomarker enzymes like alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were determined. Our findings demonstrated that mucilage had an impact on cellular oxidative state and compromised the lipid cell membranes in the mantle tissues of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck 1819). It was found that there is a high positive relationship between seawater temperatures and bioparameters in S2 and S3 regions, except for GSH level. This study puts forward that in the presence of marine mucilage the biological responses and the state of health of mussels are negatively affected. Parameters which exhibit this kind of response may be used as biomarkers of exposure to marine mucilage in wild and culture mussel populations. Environmental disasters such as marine mucilage naturally affect food security by putting the sustainability of these species at risk.

Modulation of the Nrf-2 and HO-1 signalling axis is associated with Betaine's abatement of fluoride-induced hepatorenal toxicities in rats.

Sodium fluoride (NaF) ingestion has several detrimental effects in humans and rodents. NaF mechanisms of toxicity include perturbation of intracellular redox homeostasis and apoptosis. Betaine (BET) is a modified amino acid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study investigates BET's effect on NaF-induced hepatorenal toxicities in rats. Experimental rats (n=30) were randomly assigned to groups (n=6) and treated by gavage for 28 days. Group I (2 mL of distilled water), Group II (NaF: 9 mg/kg) alone, Group III: (BET: 100 mg/kg), Group IV: (NaF: 9 mg/kg and BET 1: 50 mg/kg), and Group V: (NaF: 9 mg/kg and BET 2: 100 mg/kg). Our findings revealed significantly (p<0.05) increased hepatic transaminase activities alongside creatinine and urea levels following NaF-alone treatment in addition to increased oxidative status, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and total sulfhydryl groups. The reduced levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 and the activities of heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin, and thioredoxin reductase in NaF-alone treated rats equally compromised cellular molecular responses to oxidative stress. Also, NaF increased (p<0.05) hepatorenal inflammatory biomarkers-nitric oxide, interleukin-10, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase. Furthermore, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased (p<0.05) in rats treated with NaF alone. Contrastingly, BET was observed to alleviate the harmful effects of NaF. Treatment with BET mitigated NaF-induced oxido-inflammatory responses and apoptosis in the experimental rat's hepatorenal system. The study demonstrates the potential of BET to abate NaF-induced hepatorenal toxicity.

Effects of luteolin supplementation on growth, histology, antioxidant capacity, non−specific immunity and intestinal microbiota of the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

To investigate the effects of luteolin (LUT) on the growth, antioxidant capacity, non−specific immunity and intestinal microbiota of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), 300 individual crayfish (4.17 ± 0.50 g average body weight and 50.19 ± 1.40 mm average body length) were randomly divided into five groups and fed with LUT doses of 0 mg/kg (CG), 50 mg/kg (LG50), 100 mg/kg (LG100), 300 mg/kg (LG300), and 500 mg/kg (LG500) for 8 weeks, respectively. Firstly, the results demonstrated that the survival and growth performance were significantly improved in all LUT added groups compared to the control (CG group), with no significant differences in hepatosomatic index, feed coefficient and muscle components, and the crayfish in LG100 group showed the maximal survival rate (SR) and specific growth rate (SGR) (P < 0.05). Secondly, histological observations displayed that the hepatopancreas and intestine tissues were not impacted in the LUT−supplemented groups, and the length of intestinal folds was significantly increased in LG100 and LG300 groups. Thirdly, LG50, LG100, and LG300 groups produced significantly increased hepatopancreatic antioxidant enzyme activities and hemolymph immune indicators compared with the control. In all experimental groups, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly reduced, as were aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities. Lastly, dietary LUT specifically improved the structure and optimized the function of the gut microbiota. Compared to the control, the LG100 group displayed a significant increase in the index of Chao1 and Observed species, an increase in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, a decrease in the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes, and an increase in the abundance of Thermomonas, Turicibacter, Bdellovibrio and Enterococcus. PICRUSt analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in the KEGG pathway associated with isoflavone biosynthesis in the LG group. In conclusion, the present study confirms that dietary supplementation with 50−300 mg/kg LUT favors growth, non−specific immunity and antioxidant function in P. clarkii, with optimal additions ranging from 102−165 mg/kg. Furthermore, it optimized gut microbiota function, suggesting that LUT can be used as a potential feed additive for P. clarkii. These findings provide new insights for crayfish’s healthy culture.

Long-term thermal stress induces hepatic injury and alters the thermotolerance response in Hong Kong catfish (Clarias fuscus)

Global climate change has a significant impact on fish survival and the aquaculture industry. Even highly adaptable organisms like Siluriformes fish are susceptible to these effects. This study investigates the consequences of extreme high temperature on Hong Kong catfish (Clarias fuscus), a species known for its long-term habitation in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, C. fuscus were cultivated for 90 days at high temperature (HT, 34 °C) and normal temperature (NT, 26 °C), followed by subjecting the two groups to high temperature stress (34 °C) and temperature recovery (26 °C). The hepatic histology, biochemical, and transcriptomic characteristics of the species were examined before acute high temperature stress (NT-C, HT-C), after acute high temperature stress (NT-T, HT-T), and after temperature recovery (NT-R, HT-R). The histological analysis revealed that long-term heat stress damaged the liver tissue of C. fuscus. Furthermore, significant damage was observed in the liver tissues of the NT group under acute high temperature stress, while no further damage was observed in the HT group. The biochemical analysis showed that 90 days of heat stress altered the body's immune and oxidative balance, resulting in an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Upon acute heat stress, the liver function of the NT group was disordered and unable to produce enough total-bilirubin (T-BIL), while the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity of the HT group was more susceptible to being affected. Long-term heat stress led to significant changes in gene expression, with the NT group showing three times more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the liver compared to the HT group under acute heat stress conditions. Analysis of DEG enrichment during the same treatment period in both groups revealed significant differences in amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways. These results suggest that long-term heat stress caused liver tissue damage in C. fuscus, altering immune and oxidative balance, enzyme activity sensitivity, as well as the body's response to acute heat stress pathways and intensity. This study lays the groundwork for future investigations into fish adaptability to sudden temperature changes and aquaculture strategies to mitigate heat stress in fish facing extreme temperatures.

Use of Bacillus subtilis multiplicate in the water used for biofloc formation: Growth, hemato-biochemistry, intestinal bacteria colonies, and bacterial resistance evaluations of Nile tilapia

Probiotics in the biofloc technology (BFT) system improve fish growth and immune response and promote a favorable intestinal microbiota balance. This study aimed to investigate the growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, bacterial resistance, and the number of intestinal bacteria colonies of Nile tilapia (6.23 g) reared in the BFT system with graded levels of Bacillus subtilis multiplicate (BSM) in the water. The multiplication of these microorganisms was performed in a biofactory. Fish were distributed into four different groups with graded BSM concentrations in the water of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75% (or 0; 750; 1500; and 2250 mL; called BSM0 (control), BSM25, BSM50, and BSM75, respectively). The experimental procedure had 45 days for growth performance evaluations and seven additional days of bacterial challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. The experimental design was randomized into four treatments in triplicate (n = 20 fish per tank; initial stocking density of 0.50 kg m−3). Survival was 100% before and after the bacterial challenge. Increasing BSM in the BFT system had a positive linear effect on nitrite, nitrate, settled solids, hemoglobin, and hematimetric indices. BSM50 showed the highest specific growth rate, weight gain, intestinal total bacteria, and B. subtilis counts and the lowest feed conversion rate. In BSM50 and BSM75, liver glycogen levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity were higher and lower, respectively, than in the other treatments. Plasma total cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and skin mucus total proteins and albumin were highest in BSM25. After the bacterial challenge, the number of lesions was lower in BSM75 than in the control group. In conclusion, we recommended BSM50 because it increased the growth performance and bacterial colonization in the intestine. It also decreased liver AST activity in Nile tilapia reared in the BFT system without compromising water quality and hematological and plasmatic parameters.

Effects of a blend of acidifiers added continuously to the drinking water of nursery piglets

Context Adding organic and inorganic acids to the drinking water is a potential alternative to improve production results in nursery piglets, and a strategy for reducing the use of antimicrobials. Aims To assess the effects of adding a blend of organic and inorganic acids to drinking water on the oxireduction potential (ORP) of water, and growth performance, biochemical, antioxidant and blood gas profiles, intestinal morphometry, biometry of organs, and intestinal microbiome of nursery piglets. Methods Experiment involved 1080 female piglets assessed over 30 days (Landrace × Large White, weaned at 26 days of age, weighing 6.8 ± 0.29 kg), randomly assigned to the following three treatments: (1) piglets received drinking water of natural pH of 7.39 (pH7.39), (2) piglets received drinking water of pH of 5.31 (pH5.31), and (3) piglets received drinking water of pH of 3.40 (pH3.40), with eight replicates and 45 piglets/stall. Piglets had ad libitum access to diet and water throughout the experiment, and received different diets in each phase. Key results Receiving drinking water of pH3.40 promoted a higher ORP, and a lower total water consumption was observed in Starter II piglets with pH5.31. There was no treatment effect on the performance, but mortality was lower in starter piglets in the pH3.40 treatment. Animals in the pH3.40 treatment had lower blood alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, differing from the result obtained for total cholesterol concentrations. Animals in the pH3.40 treatment showed a lower concentration of total protein than did piglets in the pH7.39 treatment. Piglets in the pH3.40 treatment had higher weights of empty stomach, spleen, and liver with gallbladder than did those in the pH7.39 treatment. Animals in the pH3.40 treatment showed a lower relative abundance of the Escherichia–Shigella genus and bacteria of Enterobacteriaceae family than did those in the pH5.31 treatment. Conclusions Acidification of drinking water to pH3.40 for nursery piglets can be used to partially increase the ORP of the water, and promote a greater weight of organs with metabolic and immune functions, while decreasing mortality. In addition, acidification of drinking water does not compromise performance or intestinal histology, but improves the profile of the intestinal microbiome in piglets. Implications This research has provided new information on the effects of acidifiers in the drinking water for nursery piglets and has shown their potential use for bolstering general health.

Evaluation of interleukin 4, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and activity of alanine transaminase among cooks in Nnewi

Evaluation of interleukin 4, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and activity of alanine transaminase among cooks in Nnewi

Dietary phosphorus requirement of bullfrog Aquaranacatesbeiana

This experiment investigated the dietary phosphorus (P) requirement of bullfrogs Aquaranacatesbeiana. Six diets containing available P (AP) levels of 0.29% (the control group), 0.47%, 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% were formulated and fed to bullfrogs for 56 days. As dietary AP level increased from 0.29% to 1.24%, weight gain rate increased and then decreased, reaching the highest at the AP level of 0.88% (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, content of crude protein in the whole-body was significantly increased in bullfrogs fed the 0.88% AP diet (P < 0.05). Content of crude lipid in the whole-body was significantly decreased in bullfrogs fed the 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets compared to those fed the 0.29% and 0.47% AP diets (P < 0.05). Bullfrogs fed the 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06%, and 1.24% AP diets had higher content of serum P than those fed the 0.29% and 0.47% AP diets (P < 0.05). Activity of glutamic pyruvic transaminase in the serum was significantly decreased in bullfrogs fed the 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets compared to those fed the 0.29% and 0.47% AP diets (P < 0.05). Bullfrogs fed the 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets had lower contents of total cholesterol in the liver and triglycerides in the serum than the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, bullfrogs fed the 0.47%, 0.65%, 0.88% and 1.06% AP diets had higher total antioxidant capacity in the serum than the control group (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, contents of P and calcium in the whole-body were significantly increased in bullfrogs fed the 0.65%, 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, bullfrogs fed the 0.88%, 1.06% and 1.24% AP diets had lower expression of sodium-dependent phosphate transporter in the intestine and kidney, and higher expression of hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase in the liver (P < 0.05). Bullfrogs fed the 0.88% and 1.06% AP diets had higher the mucosal fold height than those fed the 0.29% and 1.24% AP diets (P < 0.05). Compared to those fed the 0.29% and 1.24% AP diets, the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria Serratia and Acinetobacter in the intestine was decreased in bullfrogs fed the 0.88% AP diet. Using the weight gain rate, feed efficiency, whole-body and serum P content as evaluation indicators, the AP requirements of bullfrogs was 0.82% to 0.89%.

Exploring the relationship between dietary rapeseed meal, condensed tannin and growth, nutrive metabolism in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This study evaluated the effects of rapeseed meal (RM) and condensed tannin (CT) on the growth and nutritional metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and speculated whether there was interaction between anti-nutritional factors in RM. Eight diets were formulated for 55-day feeding trial, six of which were practical diet groups, including control group (CG), five RM inclusive groups with graded RM levels of 5% (RM5), 10% (RM10), 15% (RM15), 20% (RM20) and 25% (RM25) partially replacing fishmeal, and the other two were semi-purified diets with 0.062% CT (CT5) ≈ the CT content in the RM5 and 0.31% CT (CT25) ≈ the CT content in the RM25. The results of the experiments on replacing fishmeal with RM demonstrated that with the increase of RM substitution level, the weight gain rate (WGR), survival rate (SR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of largemouth bass showed a downward trend. High levels of RM led to the inhibition of digestive enzyme activity in largemouth bass, as well as the manifestation of abnormal markers related to protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism in both plasma and liver. RM reduced muscle protein and fat content, although the effect was not statistically significant at 5% RM level. The results of CT concentration experiments showed that the addition of 0.31% CT significantly reduced WGR, SGR, SR, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and gastrointestinal digestive enzyme activity, and significantly increased the feed coefficient ratio (FCR), plasma ammonia (PA), plasma glucose (PG), and hepatic glycogen (HG) and liver triglyceride (TG). The addition of 0.062% CT significantly reduced PG and HG. Supplementation of CT significantly reduced muscle fat. Among the groups of CT supplementation and RM, CT5 exhibited superior WGR, PER and FCR compared to RM5, along with enhanced intestinal trypsin, amylase activity, liver glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity and decreased content of HG and liver TG; CT25 exhibited decreased activities of gastric lipase (LPS), enteric trypsin and pepsin, and increased content of total cholesterol (T-CHO) and glucose in plasma in compariosn to RM25, accompanied with no significant change in growth performance. Therefore, largemouth bass exhibited tolerance to a 5% inclusion of RM in the feed without compromising their growth, digestion and metabolic functions. The incorporation of 5% RM, equivalent to a supplemental 0.062% CT, had regulatory effects on the digestion and metabolism of largemouth bass while improving feed utilization. There was an interaction among anti-nutritional factors in RM, with synergistic effect being evident at low RM levels, whereas antagonism more promient at high levels of RM.

HEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF WEANED PIGS FED MAIZE COB-CASSAVA PEEL MIXTURE AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR MAIZE

This study was carried out to investigate the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of weaned pigs fed maize cob-cassava peel mixture as partial replacement for maize. A total of 36 crossbreed male piglets with initial body weight (6.07±0.02 kg) of about 7-8 weeks’ old were randomly distributed into four groups of nine animals per treatment. Each treatment was further divided into three replicates consisting of three pigs in a completely randomized design. Pigs in treatment 1 were fed 0 % maize cob-cassava peel mixture (CPMCM) while CPMCM was used to replace maize at 10 % (T2), 20 % (T3) and 30 % (T3). Phytochemical evaluation of CPMCM revealed the presence of alkaloids (19.10 mg/kg), tannins (8.17 mg/kg), saponins (9.11 mg/kg), cyanide (16.50 mg/kg), flavonoids (12.86 mg/kg) and phenol (7.72 mg/kg). All the haematological parameters: red blood cell, pack cell volume, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell, monocytes, basophils and lymphocytes were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced by the treatment except for platelet values (P&gt;0.05). Similarly, total protein, total bilirubin and gluscose levels were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments except for cholesterol, urea, creatinine, activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were not influenced by the treatment (P&gt;0.05). However, values were within the normal range for heathy weaner pigs. It was concluded that CPMCM can be used to partially replace maize up to 30 % without having any negative effect on the health status of pigs.

COMBINED EFFECT OF ETHYLTHIOSULFАNYLATE AND VITAMIN E ON THE ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY OF AMINOTRANSFERASES IN RAT BLOOD PLASMA UNDER THE TOXIC EFFECT OF Cr(VI)

Aim. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of ethylthiosulfаnylate (ETS) and vitamin E on the enzymatic activity of blood plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of rats exposed to Cr(VI). Methods. The study was performed on male Wistar rats divided into 6 groups of 5 animals each. The animals were administrated with: group I (control) – physiological saline for 7 days; group III – 2.5 mg Cr(VI)/kg b.w. for 14 days; group II – oil for 14 days; group IV – vitamin E oil solution [20 mg/kg b.w.] for 14 days; group V – ETS oil solution [100 mg/kg b.w.] and vitamin E [20 mg/kg b.w.] for 14 days; group VI – ETS oil solution [100 mg/kg b.w.] and vitamin E [20 mg/kg b.w.] for 14 days, after which 2.5 mg Cr(VI)/kg b.w. for 14 days. We determined the activity of AST, ALT and de Ritis coefficient in blood plasma. Results: The activity of AST, ALT significantly increased (by 40%, 122%) and de Ritis coefficient significantly decreased (by 37%) in the blood plasma of rats after 14 days of Cr(VI) toxicity. AST, ALT increased (by 24%, 61%) also after combined exposure to ETS and vitamin E by subsequent 14-day exposure to Cr(VI) in the blood plasma of rats. Conclusion: Cr(VI)-induced stimulation of blood plasma AST and ALT was twofold lower after combined pretreatment with ETS and vitamin E.

Short-term dietary teprenone improved thermal tolerance and mitigated liver damage caused by heat stress in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Heat stress seriously threatens fish survival and health, demanding immediate attention. Teprenone is a gastric mucosal protective agent that can induce heat shock protein expression. This research investigated the effects of teprenone on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) subjected to heat stress. Juvenile fish were assigned to different groups: group C (control group, 0 mg teprenone/kg diet), T0, T200, T400, and T800 (0, 200, 400, and 800 mg teprenone/kg diet, respectively), which were fed for 3 days, followed by a day without the diet. All groups except group C were subjected to acute heat stress (from 24 °C to 35 °C at 1 °C per hour and then maintained at 35 °C for 3 h). The results were as follows: The critical thermal maxima were significantly higher in the T200, T400, and T800 groups compared with the T0 group (P < 0.05). Heat stress caused severe damage to the tissue morphology of the liver, while teprenone significantly reduced this injury (P < 0.05). Serum cortisol concentration decreased gradually as teprenone concentration increased, and the lowest concentration was observed in the T800 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the T0 group, the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase were significantly lower in the T200, T400, and T800 groups (P < 0.05). The liver activities of catalase, total superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were significantly higher in the T200 group than in the T0 group (P < 0.05). Transcript levels of the heat shock proteins (hsp90, hsp70, hspa5, and hsf1) and caspase family (caspase3 and caspase9) in the liver of the T200 group were significantly higher than those of the T0 group (P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that HSP70 and HSPA5 in the liver were significantly upregulated in the T200 group compared with the T0 group (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary teprenone improved thermal tolerance, alleviated heat stress damage in the liver, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and upregulated heat shock proteins in juvenile largemouth bass. This study offers theoretical support for applying teprenone in aquaculture to reduce financial losses caused by abiotic factors.

Determination of reference ranges of blood biochemical markers for track and field athletes considering specialization and preparation period

Determination of reference ranges of blood biochemical markers for track and field athletes considering specialization and preparation period

Effect of per os administration of fucoxanthin alcoholic and oil extracts to Balb/c mice on biochemical parameters and serum cytokine level

Microalgae are a source of various biologically active substances, including carotenoids. One of the carotenoids of diatom microalgae is fucoxanthin, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumour and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used in the treatment of a wide range of human and animal pathologies. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of alcohol and oil extract of fucoxanthin on biochemical parameters and levels of serum cytokines in mice during intragastric administration. Material and methods. Fucoxanthin extracts from the microalga Nanofrustulum shiloi were used. Mice of Balb/c strain were intragastrically administrated with 0.5 ml of oil (500 μg/ml) or alcoholic extract of fucoxanthin (187.5 μg/ml), mice in the comparison group were given 0.5 ml of olive oil or 45% ethyl alcohol once a day within 5 days. On the 8th day, blood serum was obtained and the level of albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, low (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL), urea, uric acid, creatinine, aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferases (ALT), lactate, stable nitric oxide (NO) metabolites (nitrites), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ) was determined using ELISA with photometric detection. Results and discussion. In the comparison group, ethyl alcohol promoted an increase in serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, ALT, AST, nitrite, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α content compared to intact animals. Fucoxanthin alcoholic extract administration increased the level of LDL, HDL, uric acid, TNF-α and decreased albumin, cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, ALT, AST, IL-6 content compared to control. The olive oil group showed a decrease in serum triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, uric acid, ALT and AST content but an increase in LDL, HDL, nitrite level compared to the control. Administration of fucoxanthin oil extract to animals decreased albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, uric acid, ALT, AST, lactate, IL-6, IL-10 compared to control. Conclusions. Thus, it was discovered that fucoxanthin in Balb/c mice contributes to a decrease in hepatic synthetic function, as evidenced by the change in the concentration of albumin, triglycerides, uric acid), influences energy metabolism (creatinine, lactate), cell membrane stability (cholesterol, LDL, HDL), serum transaminase activity, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines content.

Dietary multi-strains Bacillus spp. enhanced growth performance, blood metabolites, digestive tissues histology, gene expression of Oreochromis niloticus, and resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection

The present study tested the symbiotic effects of dietary multi-strain Bacillus probiotics (MSB) (Bacillus licheniformis, B. pumilus, and B. subtilis) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to Aspergillus flavus infection. Furthermore, this study investigated water quality, growth performance, blood metabolites, histological morphology, immune regulatory genes, and resistance to A. flavus infection. For 70 days, fish (n = 240) were divided into four groups in triplicate: T0 (control group; MSB0), T1 (1 g/kg, MSB1), T2 (2 g/kg, MSB2), and T3 (3 g/kg, MSB3). The immune response was then assessed by challenging all fish groups with the A. flavus pathogen. The results showed that the rearing water quality, fish growth, and blood parameters, as well as total proteins, albumin, globulins, and amylase activity were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in all MSB-treated groups with the best results in MSB2 and MSB3 groups. Meanwhile, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, and glucose levels were significantly (P < 0.05) modulated, particularly at higher concentrations of the probiotic mixture (MSB3 group). Fish fed with various levels of MSB showed a maintained histological structure of the hepatopancreas, intestine, and spleen tissues. The mRNA expression of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF-1R), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were increased in a dose-dependent manner due to MSB dietary inclusion (P < 0.05). Conversely, the mRNA expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene was significantly decreased in MSB groups compared to untreated group (P < 0.05). Surprisingly, supplemented groups in Bacillus spp. probiotics exhibited significant modulations in all computed parameters. MSB supplementation improved the pathogenic tolerance of tilapia after change with A. flavus. The integration of growth performance, biochemical, and transcriptomic results confirms that the dietary intervention of multi-strain Bacillus spp. is symbiotic and enhances the benefits for the maintenance of O. niloticus’ health, growth, and digestion. This is achieved by supporting growth genes, reducing inflammatory genes, and enhancing immune-antioxidant resistance to combat A. flavus infection.

Effects of Ramulus mori oligosaccharides on growth performance, serum physiological and biochemical parameters, and immunomodulation in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This study examined the effects of dietary Ramulus mori oligosaccharides (RMO) supplementation on the growth, antioxidant capacity, and immunomodulatory capacity in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Fingerlings weighing 26.82 ± 0.31 g were randomly divided into three groups that were fed either the basal diet, supplementation with 0.5% RMO, or supplementation with 1.0% RMO. The feeding trial lasted 80 days, after which the fish were experimentally challenged with largemouth bass iridovirus (LMBV). The integration of RMO into the diet resulted in a slower rate of weight gain for largemouth bass, and it also led to an elevation in the feed coefficient. RMO supplementation significantly declined the serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, and lowered the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05); increased the levels of serum total protein, albumin, and lysozyme (P < 0.05); and increased the survival rate of fish infected with LMBV. Additionally, RMO supplementation boosted the activity of superoxide dismutase in both serum and liver, decreased the malondialdehyde content, and enhanced the total antioxidant capacity of serum and liver. The addition of RMO to the diet can also lower the phenomenon of liver vacuolization and upregulate the gene expression of liver sod and cat, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors tnf-α and il-8, and regulate the intestinal microbiota structure. In summary, RMO supplementation to a pelleted compound feed could improve the antioxidant capacity, increase disease resistance, affect the gut microbial composition, and protect the liver health of largemouth bass, showing the potential for development of this aquafeed additive.

Canine and feline foetal fluids: Volume, hormonal and biochemical characterization during pregnancy.

This study aimed to evaluate the volume, the concentration of steroid hormones, and biochemical composition of the foetal fluids at different gestational ages in dogs and cats. Following the ovariohysterectomy, the allantoic and amniotic fluid samples were collected from pregnant bitches and queens and were assigned to different groups according to their gestational age. The canine and feline allantoic fluid volume increased during pregnancy, reached its maximum values on days 40-49 and then decreased. The canine and feline amniotic fluid volume increased steadily by the last days of pregnancy. In spite of significant changes of sex hormones in the foetal fluids, their concentration and ratios were not significantly different between male and female fetuses. The canine amniotic cortisol concentration increased until days 40-49 and decreased significantly afterwards. The maximum cortisol concentrations in the feline allantoic and amniotic fluids were observed on days 50-60 and 40-49, respectively. During the canine pregnancy, the concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, chloride, sodium, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and the activities of aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the amniotic fluid were higher than the allantoic fluid. The magnesium, potassium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, creatine and lipase were higher in the allantoic fluid. In the feline allantoic fluid, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, creatinine, albumin and glucose concentrations and the activities of creatine kinase (CK), GGT, LDH and lipase were higher. The ALP, AST activities, sodium and calcium concentrations were higher in the amniotic fluid (p<0.05). Volume of foetal fluids was determined in dogs and cats. Concentration of sex hormones did not different between male and female fetuses.