Alanine Aminotransferase Concentrations Research Articles

Supplementing turmeric rhizome powder in growing Andaman local pigs: a conflated approach for therapy evaluation

This paper examined the pluripotent effect of supplementation of turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) (Curcuma longa) in growing Andaman local pigs. A total of 48 pigs were randomly allotted into four groups and fed diets containing TRP at 4 concentrations, that is, 0 (control group), 0.05 (treatment 1), 0.1 (treatment 2), and 0.2% (treatment 3) for 30 days. The mean body weight of pigs supplemented with 0.1% and 0.2% TRP was significantly higher than that of the control group (41.66 ± 0.44, 42.59 ± 0.33 vs 40.38 ± 0.30 kg; p ≤ 0.05) which indicated the effect of TRP as growth enhancer. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in serum concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was recorded in supplemented groups as compared to the control group. Creatinine kinase (U/l) decreased in all the treatment groups as compared to the control group. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly after supplementation with 0.1% and 0.2% TRP in comparison to the control group. However, there was marked increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dl) in all TRP-supplemented groups than the control group (27.67 ± 0.60 in T1, 32.76 ± 0.32 in T2, and 34.58 ± 0.37 in T3 vs. 23.73 ± 0.69 in control; p ≤ 0.05). Further, there was increase in antioxidant profile after TRP supplementation. Anti-inflammatory potentiality of TRP could also be appreciated since TRP supplementation downregulated (p ≤ 0.05) expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ. Therefore, we perceive that this conflated approach is an example of its own kind to focus on modification of health status of pigs for more productivity and augmentation of immune response.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus extract and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract on growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant capacity of gibel carp juveniles (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS V)

The study aims to investigate the effects of dietary Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME) and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) supplementation on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant capacity of gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS V, 10.01 g ± 0.24 g). Six experimental diets supplemented were marked as A0E0 (basic diet, 0% AME and 0% ELE), A0E0.1 (0% AME and 0.1% ELE), A0.02E0, A0.02E0.05, A0.02E0.1, A0.02E0.2 (0.02% AME with 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% ELE). After 8 weeks, A0.02E0 diet significantly increased the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and decreased the glucose (GLU), triglyceride content (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) of the plasma, the malonaldehyde (MDA) content of the liver, the A0E0.1 group significantly increased the total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) content of the plasma, decreased the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content of the plasma when compared with A0E0 group (Independent T-test: P < 0.05). A0.02E0.1 group significantly increased the FBW, WGR, SGR, and decreased the moisture of the whole body when compared with A0E0.1 group (Independent T-test: P < 0.05). One-way ANOVA analysis showed that 0.02% AME with different levels of ELE (0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2%) significantly increased FBW, SGR, WGR, the crude protein and crude lipid of whole body, the GLU, TP, ALB, TC, and TG content of the plasma, and the activities of the lysozyme, total superoxide dismutase, and catalase (CAT) of the liver when compared with A0.02E0 diet (Tukey’s test: P < 0.05). Two-way ANOVA analysis showed that the AME and ELE showed significantly interaction effect on FBW, WGR, SGR, GLU content, TG content, TC content, ALT content, CAT activity. In conclusion, it could be recommended that AME and ELE interaction can be used for growth promotion and antioxidant capacity improvement in aquaculture animals.

A dry chemistry-based electrochemiluminescence device for point-of-care testing of alanine transaminase

Liver disease causes serious public health problems because of its high prevalence, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries. Alanine transaminase (ALT) is considered to be one of the most sensitive indicators for diagnosing liver disease. Although many strategies have been reported for ALT detection, few of them have solved the problem of automatic detection. In this work, for the first time, a dry chemistry-based electrochemiluminescence (DC-ECL) device is developed for point-of-care testing (POCT) of ALT, achieving real sample-to-answer detection. The proposed DC-ECL device consists of the following two components: (a) a DC-ECL chip consisting of the outer shell (including the top cap and pedestal) and detection layer (including the baseplate, electrode pad and carrier pad) and (b) an automatic ECL analyzer mainly including the data processing and instrument control unit, imaging detection unit, electrochemical reaction excitation unit, open detection window unit and rechargeable power supply. Under optimized conditions, the device had a wide detection range (0–1000 U/L), the ECL intensity linearly increased with ALT concentration (5–50 U/L) and logarithmic ALT concentration (50–1000 U/L), and the limit of detection was calculated to be 1.702 U/L. In addition, the DC-ECL device had the ability to measure ALT levels in human serum samples and showed acceptable selectivity, stability and repeatability. These results reveal that the DC-ECL device can overcome the disadvantages of traditional methods for ALT detection (such as high cost and requirement of professional technicians) and potentially opens the door to the development of similar POCT analyzers.

Serum liver enzymes and metabolic syndrome from the Rafsanjan Cohort Study.

Our investigation aimed at evaluating the relationship between metabolic syndrome, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the Rafsanjan cohort study (RCS). We used data obtained from the RCS, as a part of the prospective epidemiological research studies in Iran. In this cross-sectional research, 9895 participants from the baseline phase of RCS who completed medical questionnaire were included. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) defined using NCEP-ATP III criteria. The relationship between elevated serum liver enzymes levels even within the normal range and metabolic syndrome was evaluated by logistic regressions. The prevalence of MetS was 34.42% in the participants of study. The mean concentrations of AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT increased with increasing MetS components. After adjusting for all potential confounders, elevated serum concentrations of ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP even within the normal range were related with an increased odds of MetS. MetS was associated with increased levels of liver enzymes even within the normal range. These results indicated the potential for elevated liver enzymes as biomarkers for the possible presence of MetS.

Big stride in gene therapy for hemophilia B in China.

Big stride in gene therapy for hemophilia B in China.

A low-carbon high inulin diet improves intestinal mucosal barrier function and immunity against infectious diseases in goats.

Abrupt weaning is a major stressful event, contributing to intestinal abnormalities and immune system dysfunction in weaned kids. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber with many positive functions, including promoting intestinal fermentation and enhancing host immunity in monogastric animals. However, the effects of a high-inulin, energy-rich diet on ruminal fermentation characteristics, methane emission, growth performance, and immune systems of weaned kids have not been investigated. A fully automated in vitro fermentation system was used to investigate ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane emission of a mixed substrate of inulin and fat powder (1.31: 1) in comparison with maize grain-based starter concentrate. During a 1-week adaptation and 4-week trial phase, 18 weaned kids (8.97 ± 0.19 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups, one with a conventional diet (83% maize grain; CON) and the other with a low-carbon, high-inulin diet (41.5% maize grain, 14.4% fat powder, 18.9% inulin; INU). In the in vitro rumen fermentation experiment, the total gas production was not different (p > 0.05); however, a lower (p < 0.05) methane production was observed for INU as compared to CON. The average daily gain and the ratio of feed intake and growth performance of kids fed with INU were higher (p < 0.05) than those fed with CON. Serum concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were lower (p < 0.05), whereas the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and cholesterol (CHOL) were higher (p < 0.05) in kids fed with the INU diet as compared CON. Dietary inulin significantly increased (p < 0.05) the secretion of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10) in ileum tissue. Although no differences (p > 0.05) were observed in mRNA expression of tight junction markers, the INU diet tended to increase (p = 0.09) gene expression of ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (P70S6K) in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway of longissimus dorsi muscle. Our findings highlighted that a low-carbon high-inulin energy-rich diet could be used as a promising strategy to improve gut immunity and growth performance of weaned kids under abrupt weaning stress and reduce methane production.

INFLUENCE OF PHYTOBIOTIC AND SYNBIOTIC-ACIDIFIER BLEND SUPPLEMENTS ON HEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL INDICES, ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES AND GUT MICROFLORA OF BROILER CHICKEN

This study examined the effect of phytobiotic (Superliv powder®, SP) and symbiotic-acidifier blend (Bacflora-F®, BF) feed additives on hemato-biochemical indices, antioxidant enzymes, and gut microflora of broiler chicken. A total of 120-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments, with three replicates of ten birds per treatment as follows, Diet 1 (basal/control diet), Diet 2 (basal + 0.05 g/kg SP), Diet 3 (basal + 1g/kg BF) and Diet 4 (basal + 0.05g/kg SP and 1g/kg BF). The result revealed significant differences (P &lt;0.05) in values of all haematological parameters except monocyte counts. Broiler chickens fed a diet supplemented with SP and BF had higher packed cell volume, red blood cell, and haemoglobin concentration but lower white blood cells and lymphocyte count compared to the control group. The dietary supplementation of SP and BF did not influence the concentration of alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, total protein, and globulin contents (P &gt; 0.05) but significantly reduced cholesterol levels of the broiler chicken compared to the control group. The result further showed that broiler chickens fed the diet supplemented with of SP and BF had higher (P &lt;0.05) concentration of total glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in aerobic bacteria, lactic acid-producing bacteria and coliform bacteria (p &gt; 0.05) count across the experimental treatments. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of SP and BF can be used to enhance the antioxidative status, reduce cholesterol levels and maintain the gut health of broiler chickens during production.

Elevated liver enzymes and adverse outcomes among patients with preeclampsia with severe features

Objective The rate of preeclampsia with severe features has increased. Previous studies have shown elevated liver enzymes are an indicator of worsening hypertensive disease of pregnancy and adverse outcomes, therefore leading to their inclusion as a diagnostic criterion for severe features of preeclampsia. Despite this, there are limited data to support an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration ≥ two times the upper limit of normal as the critical point at which maternal harm from ongoing pregnancy exceeds neonatal harm from delivery. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between elevated liver enzymes and maternal and neonatal outcomes among patients with preeclampsia with severe features. Methods Retrospective cohort study among hypertensive patients who delivered ≥23 weeks’ gestation at Oregon Health & Science University (October 2013–September 2018). Those with preeclampsia with severe features (including chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia meeting criteria for severe features) were included after a screening of ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes and chart validation. The primary exposure was elevated liver enzymes prior to delivery, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ criteria for severe features of preeclampsia: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥2x the upper limit of normal (above threshold liver function tests [LFTs]). Primary outcomes included adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Differences were analyzed by Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, t-test, and logistic regression, with α = 0.05. Results Of 11,825 deliveries, 319 (2.7%) met inclusion criteria and had preeclampsia with severe features. Of these, 44 (13.8%) had above threshold LFTs. Adverse maternal outcomes were no different in those with above threshold LFTs compared to those with below threshold LFTs. The unadjusted odds of an adverse neonatal outcome were 2.08 times greater in patients with above threshold LFTs (95% CI: 1.04–4.14), and 2.43 times greater when adjusting for maternal characteristics (95% CI: 1.17–5.04) compared to those with below threshold LFTs. However, the association between above threshold LFTs and adverse neonatal outcomes became non-significant after adjustment for gestational age at delivery (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.63–3.76). Conclusion Among patients with preeclampsia with severe features, above threshold LFTs are not independently associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. Adverse neonatal outcomes in patients with preeclampsia with severe features and above threshold LFTs are driven by earlier gestational age at delivery. Prospective studies are needed to guide delivery timing in patients with preeclampsia and elevated liver enzymes. Brief rationale The criteria for elevated liver function tests (greater than two times the upper limit of normal) are widely accepted among obstetricians to diagnose a severe feature of preeclampsia. However, these criteria are based on expert opinion and extrapolated from data on patients with HELLP syndrome. Since preterm delivery of the neonate is recommended for preeclampsia with severe features, the threshold used to define severe liver enzyme elevation has a direct impact on neonatal outcomes. Therefore, the goal of our study was to determine if patients with preeclampsia with severe features and a pre-delivery AST or ALT level ≥ two times the upper limit of normal have worse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to those with an AST and ALT below this level.

Assessment of haematological parameter and Liver enzyme among Hepatitis B Infected Blood Donors

Viral hepatitis poses a substantial global health burden. The most often seen abnormalities after the diagnosis of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) generally encompass haematological abnormalities and changes in liver parameters. The aim of this study is to evaluate the haematological variables and liver enzymes, specifically aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), among blood donors who have contracted the hepatitis B virus (HBV) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo. The study encompassed a cohort of 70 individuals, with the experimental group comprising 50 individuals who exhibited positive results for the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The control group consisted of a sample of twenty (20) apparently healthy adults. The mean levels of red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HGB), and platelets (PLT) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in persons relative to the control group, as evidenced by the p-values of 0.002, 0.001, 0.035, and 0.002, respectively. No statistically significant decrease in the average concentration of white blood cells (WBC) was reported among the participants in comparison to the control group (p=0.236). The study revealed a significantly increased mean concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the participants as compared to the control group (p=0.016). The study findings revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of AST observed between the participants and the control group (p = 0.285). The present study has provided evidence to support the use of haematological parameters and liver enzymes as a reliable and accurate approach for assessing the severity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate the surveillance of patients even after their recovery from hepatitis B virus infection as an essential element of their healthcare. Keywords: Hepatitis B, Liver, Haematological Parameter, Liver Enzyme

Protective effects of dietary dimethyl itaconate supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in broilers under chronic heat stress.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary dimethyl itaconate (DI) supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in broilers under chronic heat stress (HS). Twenty-one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (n = 120) were randomly allocated to 5 groups: a control group, HS group, HS + 50 mg/kg DI group, HS + 150 mg/kg DI group, and HS + 200 mg/kg DI group. The birds in the control group received the basal diets and were maintained at 21 ± 1 °C for 24 h daily. The birds in the HS group and HS + DI groups were raised at 32 ± 1 °C for 8 h daily and received basal diets containing DI at the indicated dose (0, 50, 150, or 200 mg/kg). The results showed that the contents of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were markedly elevated by exposure to chronic HS (P < 0.01), and this elevation was alleviated by 150 and 200 mg/kg DI supplementation (P < 0.05). Chronic HS-induced declines (P < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in serum were markedly attenuated after 200 mg/kg DI treatment in broilers (P < 0.05). Moreover, broilers subjected to chronic HS exhibited higher contents of MDA, protein carbonyl, and hydrogen peroxide (P < 0.01), but lower T-AOC and activities of antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05), as well as reduced inhibition of superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals (P < 0.01) in the liver compared to the control group; these changes were effectively mitigated by treatment with 200 mg/kg DI in broilers (P < 0.05). In addition, 50-200 mg/kg DI effectively ameliorated chronic HS-stimulated upregulation of the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in the livers of broilers (P < 0.01). Dietary supplementation with 150 and 200 mg/kg DI significantly alleviated chronic HS challenge-induced upregulation of the mRNA levels of Bcl-2-associated X, caspase 3, and caspase 9 (P < 0.01), but downregulation of Bcl-2 mRNA levels (P < 0.01) in broilers (P < 0.05). Importantly, chronic HS-induced downregulation of the mRNA or protein levels of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF-2), NADPH quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), SOD2, or glutathione-S-transferases (GST) (P < 0.01) was markedly improved by 150 and 200 mg/kg DI (P < 0.05). The above results indicated that DI can ameliorate oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in broilers under chronic HS.

Hepatotoxicity and mechanism of Rhododendri Mollis Flos based on zebrafish model

This study used the zebrafish model to explore the hepatotoxicity of Rhododendri Mollis Flos(RMF). The mortality was calculated according to the number of the survival of zebrafish larvae 4 days after fertilization under different concentration of RMF, and the dose-toxicity curve was fitted to preliminarily evaluate the toxicity of RMF. The liver phenotypes under the sublethal concentration of RMF in the treatment group and the blank control group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and acridine orange(AO) staining. Meanwhile, the activities of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were determined to confirm the hepatotoxicity of RMF. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to determine the expressions of genes and proteins in zebrafish larvae. Gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry(GC-TOF-MS) was used to conduct untargeted metabolomics testing to explore the mechanism. The results showed that the toxicity of RMF to zebrafish larvae was dose-dependent, with 1 100 μg·mL~(-1) of the absolute lethal concentration and 448 μg·mL~(-1) of sublethal concentration. The hepatocyte apoptosis and degeneration appeared in the zebrafish larvae under the sublethal concentration of RMF. The content of ALT and AST in zebrafish larvae at the end of the experiment was significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. Under the sublethal concentration, the expressions of genes and proteins related to apoptosis in zebrafish larvae were significantly increased as compared with the blank control group. The results of untargeted metabolomics showed that the important metabolites related to the he-patotoxicity of RMF were mainly enriched in alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and other pathways. In conclusion, it is inferred that RMF has certain hepatotoxicity to zebrafish larvae, and its mechanism may be related to apoptosis.

Relationship of zinc level with pathogenetically significant homeostasis disorders in severely burned patients.

The aim of the study was to assess the zinc content and identify the relationship between the concentration of this element and changes in the biochemical status of patients and markers of inflammation during burn shock. We examined 23 patients aged 45.3±16.1 years with burns of I-II-III degree, area of 31-80%. The serum concentrations of zinc, albumin, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. The majority of patients (21/23) had severe hypocincemia, correlated with burn area (r=-0.53; p=0.008). A decrease in zinc levels during burn shock was associated with the development of hypoalbuminemia (r=0.52, p=0.01). The association of deviations in ALT and AST activity with changes in zinc concentration was revealed (-0.59<γ<-0.61, 0.008<p<0.009), which may indicate the role of hepatic dysfunction in the development of hypocinkemia. The development of a systemic inflammatory response was revealed. The correlation analysis revealed an association between the zinc and interleukin-6 levels (r=-0.63, p=0.03), as well as zinc and CRP (r=-0.41, p=0.04). From the first days after the injury, zinc deficiency is observed in severely burned patients, which is affected by an inflammatory reaction and hypoalbuminemia. Due to the fact that zinc is one of the key factors in maintaining homeostasis in the body, it is necessary to further study the molecular mechanisms of regulating the level of this trace element in burned patients and to develop ways to correct hypocinkemia that contribute to the effective treatment of burn disease.

Investigation into the Intake of Edible Mushroom &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pleurotus ostreatus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Aqueous Extract Oyster Mushroom) on Biochemical Indices of Female Wistar Rats

Pleurotus ostreatus, popularly known as oyster mushroom, has nutraceutical properties that include hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective and hypotensive activities. Aqueous Extract Oyster Mushroom (AEOM) containing lyophilized P. ostreatus reconstituted in 0.9% saline solution was evaluated for its effect on body weight, biochemical indices and pancreas morphometry. Twelve healthy Wistar female rats were assigned to Control and AEOM groups, consisting of rats that received 0.9% saline solution and AEOM (100 mg/kg/day), respectively, administered by oral gavage at 3 mL/kg of body weight for 15 days. The animals had free access to commercial feed and water ad libitum. Blood was obtained by cardiac puncture and serum was used to biochemical determinations. Pancreas was excised, weighed and fixed in 4% neutral buffered formalin for histopathological examination. Initial and final body weights, and absolute and relative weights of pancreas did not differ between the groups. Total cholesterol, HDL-c, albumin and uric acid were lower in the AEOM group compared to the control group. The serum concentration of total proteins, glucose, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and urea were similar in the groups. Pancreas of rats treated with AEOM exhibited an increase in the size of pancreatic islet. Thus, the use of AEOM is relatively safe at the dose studied and produces hypertrophy of the pancreatic islets without altering glycemic homeostasis.

Efficacy of fermented carrot by-product diets on blood profiles, immune responses, and faecal characteristics in fattening pigs

Context The agro-industrial by-products are known to be effective in improving the profitability of livestock industry because of the reduction of feed cost due to low supply price and the nutritional characteristics of by-products. Carrots are widely used as food and, thus, produce remarkable amounts of carrot by-products, such as peels and discarded and uncommercialised carrots. Aims This study was conducted to investigate the effect of substituting fermented carrot by-product diets on the blood profiles, immune responses, and faecal characteristics of fattening pigs. Methods Crossed pigs (n = 96, 75.8 kg initial average BW) were divided into eight heads per pen, four diets, and three replications, and were fed an experimental diet for 45 days. Basal diet (C) was substituted with 3% (T1), 6% (T2), and 9% (T3) fermented carrot by-product diets. Key results Although crude protein content in the fermented diet increased at the end of fermentation period (Day 13) compared with the start of the fermentation period (Day 0), the crude fibre content in the fermented diet decreased. Substitution of fermented carrot by-product diet improved the haematic functions of blood due to decreased concentrations of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, while positively affecting the immunoglobulin G level of serum. Substitution of 6% and 9% fermented carrot by-product diets decreased the emissions of faecal noxious gases such as ammonia, methane, and amine, possibly due to increases in the counts of faecal anaerobic total bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast. Conclusion Substitution with fermented carrot by-product diets improved the hepatic function of blood and faecal beneficial microflora, while decreasing noxious gas emission and faecal harmful microflora in fattening pigs. Moreover, fermented carrot by-product diets may protect against infection due to increased serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations of fattening pigs. Implication Substitution with fermented carrot by-product diets is expected to decrease swine odour by enhancing the feeding environment of fattening pigs and carrot by-products are secure feed ingredients or materials in pig diets.

Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous Extract of Spatholobi Caulis and Its Ameliorative Effect on CCl4 Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

The acute liver injury model of mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was used to explore the protective effect of aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis on acute liver injury. Methods: The contents of total phenols and total flavonoids in the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Caulis spatholobi were determined, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging rate and FRAP total reducing capacity. 30 C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into model group, bifendate group, the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis (n = 6). The animal model of acute liver injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ after 7 days with corresponding drugs. The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by H&E staining. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The indexes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and antioxidant effects of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Results: Liver histomorphology observation showed that aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis could significantly improve liver cell injury and inflammatory cell infiltration, and significantly increased the activities of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px antioxidant enzymes in liver, decreased the contents of MDA and ALT and AST in serum, significantly down-regulated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, and up-regulated the levels of IL-10 and other inflammatory factors. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis can improve acute liver injury induced by CCl₄ in mice through improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Propofol improves ischemia reperfusion-induced liver fibrosis by regulating lncRNA HOXA11-AS.

Liver ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury induces hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis. Propofol (PRO) possesses a positive protective effect on liver ischemia reperfusion injury. We aimed to investigate PRO function and mechanism in IR-induced liver fibrosis. A mice model of liver IR was established. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was utilized to evaluate liver tissue's pathological changes. Masson staining was applied to evaluate liver fibrosis. The expression level of α-SMA was measured by immunohistochemical (IHC). The expressions of lncRNA HOXA11-AS (HOXA11-AS), PTBP1, HDAC4, α-SMA, COL1A1 and Fibronectin were tested by qRT-PCR or Western blot. The commercial kits detected alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations in serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured TNF-α and IL-6 levels. The binding relationship between HOXA11-AS, PTBP1 and HDAC4 was verified by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP). Our results showed that PRO alleviated liver fibrosis and the inflammation in IR-induced mice. PRO decreased the expression levels of HOXA11-AS, PTBP1 and HDAC4. Furthermore, HOXA11-AS overexpression abolished the protective effect of PRO against liver fibrosis in mice with IR-disposed. HOXA11-AS interacted with PTBP1 to regulate HDAC4 level and prevented its degradation in JS-1 cells. HDAC4 silencing eliminated the regulatory of HOXA11-AS overexpression on fibrosis and inflammation in IR-induced mice PRO inhibited HOXA11-AS expression to regulate HDAC4, thereby influencing liver fibrosis and inflammation induced by IR. It suggesting that PRO plays a protective role in liver fibrosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion in mice by regulating HOXA11-AS/PTBP1/HDAC4 axis.

Rutin‐Rich Flavonoid Subfraction of Annona senegalensis Mitigates Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infection and Hematobiochemical Changes in Infected Mice

Trypanosomiasis is an important but neglected tropical diseases which continues to cause morbidity and mortality on a large scale in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the present study, the aqueous leaf extract, flavonoid fraction, and subfractions of the flavonoid from A. senegalensis leaves were evaluated for their antitrypanosomal activities, effects on some hematological parameters, and some liver‐based enzymes in mice infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Mice treated with aqueous extract at a concentration range of 100–400 mg kg bw exhibited parasite inhibition range between 66.08 and 73.09% while mice treated with the flavonoid fraction (50‐200 mg/kg bw) exhibited higher parasite inhibition (83.37‐86.38%). Mice treated with subfractions of the flavonoids showed a significant decrease in parasite count (p &lt; 0.05), with subfraction 3 completely clearing parasites in the circulation after twenty‐one days of treatment. Biochemical analysis revealed that the subfraction 3 restored the alterations in the serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and total protein concentrations that were observed in the infected nontreated mice. The subfraction 3 was subsequently characterized by HPLC analysis which revealed the presence of rutin (RT: 22.26, 65.34 ppm) as the most abundant bioactive compound that could be attributed to the bioactivity of the subfraction 3. Other polyphenolic compounds identified included gallic acid (RT: 4.39, 0.578 ppm), quercetin (RT: 37.27, 0.729 ppm), kaempferol (RT: 38.33, 1.52 ppm), and luteolin (RT; 39.173, 32.77 ppm). Taken together, subfraction 3 of the flavonoid fraction from of A. senegalensis demonstrated potent antitrypanosomal activities and therefore represents a reserve of bioactive metabolite worthy of further exploration for the treatment of trypanosomiasis.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide ameliorates alcoholic liver injury though suppressing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway in mice.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is adenosine A2A receptor agonist, facilitates healing and inhibits inflammation and apoptosis. The effect of PDRN on alcoholic liver injury (ALI) was evaluated focusing on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. The mice were given daily oral administration of 50% ethanol at a dose of 4 g/kg during 8 weeks. After 4 weeks of alcohol intake, 200 μL of normal saline containing 8-mg/kg PDRN was intraperitoneally administered 3 times a week for 4 weeks. To determine whether the action of PDRN occurs through the adenosine A2A receptor, 8-mg/kg 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX) with PDRN was treated. The concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was detected. For liver histopathological score, hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to measure cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) concentration. PI3K and Akt expression was determined using Western blot analysis. In the results, PDRN treatment suppressed AST and ALT level in serum and liver tissue, and improved damaged liver tissue and decreased histological score. PDRN application inhibited the expression of phosphorylated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The increasing effect of PDRN on cAMP level ats as a mechanism for ALI treatment. Co-treatment of DMPX with PDRN did not reduce apoptosis, causing no improvement in liver function. As a result of this experiment, PDRN has the potential to be selected as a therapeutic agent for ALI.

Histopathological and Biochemical Evaluation of Albendazole in the Treatment of Infected Mice with Hydatid Cyst

Introduction: Hydatidosis, caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is a prevalent parasitic disease affecting both humans and animals. Albendazole is currently the most effective drug for treating hydatid cysts. This research aimed to investigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of Albendazole on the liver, lung, and kidney of mice experimentally infected by hydatid cysts.&#x0D; Materials and methods: A total of 20 mice weighing approximately 220 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into the Albendazole group (100 mg/kg/day) and the control group (infected Rats without treatment). At the end of the experiment, tissue samples from the liver, lung, and kidney were collected for histopathological evaluation. Liver blood tests were used to assess liver functions or liver injury (alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and bilirubin).&#x0D; Results: After 30 days of daily treatment, the total numbers of cysts, size, and weight of the largest cyst were significantly lower in the Albendazole group, compared to the control group. The study addressed histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, and lungs caused by hydatid cysts, such as tissue necrosis, hemorrhage, and local inflammation, indicating the potential for serious complications and significant damage to these organs. The group treated with Albendazole showed severe histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, and lungs, compared to the control group. This suggests that Albendazole may trigger a more aggressive response in these organs to the cysts, leading to increased tissue damage. In addition, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and bilirubin concentrations revealed a significant increase in the Albendazole group.&#x0D; Conclusion: While Albendazole is an effective drug for treating hydatidosis, it can also cause severe side effects on various organs in the body. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies need to be developed to minimize these adverse effects.

TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF GRADED GINGER ENRICHED DIET

The effect of ginger on the hepatic enzymes, blood glucose, lipids profile and serum protein of five groups (control group and four test groups) of albino rats were analyzed using routine laboratory methods. Results from the control group showed that the concentrations of Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were3.0±0.7 iu/l, 3.0±0.7 iu/l, 22.0±2.2iu/l respectively; Serum Protein and Blood Glucose were found to be 4.5±0.4g/dl and 38.0±0.7mg/dl respectively; While results determined for Lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) was102.0±1.7 mg/dl, 93.0±0.7 mg/dl, 66.0±2.1 mg/dl, 41.0±1.5 mg/dl respectively. Though the four test groups with concentrations of 2g, 4g, 6g, and 8g of ginger respectively in feed administered, presented results that lie within the reference normal range irrespective of their concentration. Statistical analysis however showed that there was significant difference (P ?0.005) in the results at different concentrations of ginger. However, the results of this study showed that there is no side effect such as hepatotoxicity following ginger consumption.