Aminotransferase Research Articles

Hermetia illucens larvae meal as an alternative protein source in practical diets for gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata): A study on growth, plasma biochemistry and gut microbiota

The effects of dietary Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal on growth, plasma biochemistry and gut microbiota was tested in gilthead sea bream. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic extruded diets (50% protein; 14% lipid) with different levels of HI larva meal (0% CTRL, 5% HI5, 10% HI10, and 15% HI15) in partial substitution to fish meal (FM) were administered to triplicate fish groups over 113 days. Diets were designed to partially replace FM, using FM level for practical application. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in terms of final body weight, specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), feed conversion rate (FCR) as well as feed efficiency parameters such as protein efficiency ratio (PER), gross protein efficiency (GPE), gross lipid efficiency (GLE). At the end of the trial there were not significant differences on growth, feed intake, feed conversion rate and protein efficiency. Among over 20 plasma parameters analyzed, HI inclusion level reduced iron (Fe), potassium (K), creatinine (CREA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The reduction of AST, ALT and ALP might suggest a potential beneficial role of HI for liver integrity and functionality. Concerning gut microbiome (GM) layout, HI was able to induce a shift in the GM structure at any inclusion level considered compared to the control diet increasing the abundance of Bacillaceae (mainly Bacillus and Oceanobacillus) and Paenibacillaceae (Paenibacillus). Taxa that can be involved in chitin degradation and has been recently recognized as novel probiotics for aquaculture. In conclusion, the results of feed intake, growth, feed utilization and plasma biochemistry indicate that HI larvae meal can be successfully incorporated up to 15% in practical aquafeed diets to partially replace FM without any negative effects on growth and feed efficiency. Beyond being a valid alternative protein source for fish meal replacement in this species, it displays gut health functional properties already at low inclusion level.

Aralia saponin A isolated from Achyranthes bidentata Bl. ameliorates LPS/D-GalN induced acute liver injury via SPHK1/S1P/S1PR1 pathway in vivo and in vitro

ObjectiveAcute liver injury (ALI) refers to a disease in which the liver is affected by factors such as chemical substances, alcohol, and virus infection in a short time, resulting in damage to liver cells. Achyranthes bidentata Bl. with the hepatoprotective activity has attracted great attention. In this study, a pentacyclic triterpenoid (Aralia saponin A, AsA) was isolated from roots of Achyranthes bidentata Bl. and its anti-ALI activity, as well as the mechanisms, were investigated for the first time. MethodsAsA (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.g.) was administered over a period of 1 weeks, following which liver injury was induced by LPS (10 µg/kg)/D-GalN (700 mg/kg). H&E staining of liver, Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and cytokines was employed to investigate ALI relevant features. The mitochondrial morphology and levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), oxidative stress balance, apoptosis, average fluorescence intensity of 2-DG, natural killer (NK) cells in liver tissues were determined to assess the oxidative stress damage and inflammatory injury. Transcriptomics and metabonomics analysis were employed to clarify the mechanisms. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), Sphingosine kinase-1 (SPKH1), Sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), Sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3), TNF receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF-2), Phospho-NF- kappaB p65 (p-P65), NF- kappaB p65 (P65), Proto-oncogene ras (Ras), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac), Phospholipase C (PLC), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam1), CC chemokine ligand-2 (Ccl2) were analyzed. The mediating role of SPHK1 in the observed effects caused by AsA was assessed by investigatin SPHK1 transfection silencing/overexpression against AsA in AML12 cells induced by LPS/D-GalN. ResultsAsA can ameliorate liver function, inflammation, mitochondrial structure and oxidative stress in the ALI model. Meanwhile, AsA led to downregulated expression of proteins associated with sphingolipid signaling pathway. Silencing of SPHK1 led to enhanced protective effects of AsA, while over-expression of SPHK1 led to degraded protective effects of AsA in LPS/D-GalN-induced AML12 cells, suggesting that ALI is regulated by active molecules of AsA by means of SPHK1 mediation. ConclusionsAsA can ameliorate LPS/D-GalN-induced ALI by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress via the SPHK1/S1P/S1PR1 pathway. In this way, a molecular justification is provided for AsA application in ALI treatment.

Transcriptomics integrated with metabolomics reveals perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) exposure effect during pregnancy and lactation on lipid metabolism in rat offspring

Emerging epidemiological evidence indicates potential associations between gestational perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) exposure and adverse metabolic outcomes in offspring. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate PFBS exposure effects during pregnancy and lactation on rat offspring lipid profiles and the possible underlying mechanisms. Although the biochemical index difference including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and fasting blood glucose between exposed groups and the control group was not significant, transcriptome analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the 50 mg/kg/day PFBS exposure group were significantly related to protein digestion and absorption, peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, xenobiotic metabolism by cytochrome P450, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, bile secretion, unsaturated fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. Untargeted metabolomics analyses identified 17 differential metabolites in the 50 mg/kg/day PFBS exposure group. Among these, phosphatidylserine [PS (18:0/22:6(4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z))], lysoPE (18:1(11Z)/0:0), and PS (14:0/20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)) were significantly correlated with phospholipid metabolism disorders. Correlation analysis indicated the DEGs, including FA binding protein (Fabp4), spermine oxidase (Smox), Fabp2, acyl-CoA thioesterase 5 (Acot5), sarcosine dehydrogenase (Sardh), and amine oxidase, copper-containing 3 (Aoc3) that significantly enriched in xenobiotic metabolism by cytochrome P450 and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism signaling pathways were highly related to the differential metabolite pantetheine 4’−phosphate. Pantetheine 4′-phosphate was significantly negatively associated with non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) and TC levels. Collectively, our study indicated that maternal PFBS exposure at a relatively low level could alter gene expression and metabolic molecules in lipid metabolism-related pathway series in rat offspring, although the effects on metabolic phenotypes were not significant within the limited observational period, using group-wise and trend analyses.

Cardiac Biomarker Responses to Acute Exercise in Show Jumping Horses.

Cardiac biomarkers are useful to identify cardiac muscle variations in human and equine medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a bout of show jumping training on serum activity of cardiac and muscular biomarkers in healthy athletic horses to include cardiac troponin (cTnI), myoglobin (MB), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Serum samples were collected from seven Italian Saddle horses (three geldings and four mares; 10 ± 3 years; mean body weight 480 ±70 kg), regularly trained for show jumping at rest, immediately after exercise (show jumping simulate trial) and during the recovery period (30 and 60 min after exercise). ANOVA was applied to all parameters, and Pearson correlation coefficient t (r) evaluated. Immediately after exercise there was an increase in cTnI (P < .01), MB (P < .01), and CPK (P < .005); a positive correlation between cTnI and AST and between AST and LDH; and a negative correlation between cTnI and ALT and between ALT and CPK. Thirty minutes after exercise, there was a positive correlation between AST and ALT and between AST and LDH, while 60 mintues after exercise, there was a positive correlation between MB and LDH and a negative correlation between AST and CPK. The results obtained demonstrate the cardiac and muscular response to short-term intense exercise show jumping exercise.

Acute toxicity test of some concoctions used for the management of malaria in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Practice of complementary and alternative medicines continue to gain popularity in the recent times. These medicines are products of plants prepared by local herb sellers. Many herb sellers can be sighted on the street of many towns in Ekiti State, Nigeria selling their products to community people. The medicines are either prepared as powder or concoctions. Concoctions that are used to manage malaria were randomly purchased from three herb sellers in Ado-Ekiti metropolis, Ekiti State. These were subjected to acute toxicity test in Wister strain albino rats of either sex in order to determine their biosafety. Water was administered to the test animals in lieu of concoction for the control group. No mortality was recorded 24 hours post-administration of the concoctions to the test animals. The biochemical parameters examined in the test animals were alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase and creatinine, all these parameters showed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) from the control group. The photomicrographs of the cellular structures of the visceral organs of the test animals also showed no morphological alterations. The acute intake of the concoctions did not cause any noticeable adverse effects on the biochemical and histological composition of the test animals. The concoctions appeared not to cause any potential harm to the animals and could be considered safe pharmacologically.

Influence of general anaesthesia on circulating biomarkers of glucose metabolism in pigs.

Pigs are widely used in metabolic research with procedures often requiring general anaesthesia. The aim was to investigate the effect of four different anaesthetic protocols: 1) isoflurane inhalation, 2) propofol infusion, 3) a mixture of tiletamine, zolazepam, medetomidine, ketamine and butorphanol (TZMKB)) and 4) ketamine combined with midazolam and xylazine (KMX)) on selected biomarkers during basal and glucose stimulated conditions. Eight domestic pigs were included in a cross-over design. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, cortisol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase, creatinine, urea, fructosamine, albumin, free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol were measured at baseline, during 2 h of anaesthesia and during 1 h of recovery. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT, 0.5 g glucose/kg) was performed after 1 h of anaesthesia. Glucose disappearance rate and areas under the insulin, C-peptide and glucagon curves from the IVGTT were calculated. All four anaesthetic protocols affected glucose metabolism parameters significantly compared with un-anaesthetised pigs, which was particularly evident during IVGTT and for TZMKB and KMX anaesthesia. Propofol additionally influenced the plasma concentrations of triglycerides, FFAs and glycerol significantly. The remaining circulating biomarkers were largely unaffected by anaesthesia. These data underline the importance of considering the anaesthetic protocol in porcine studies of circulating metabolic biomarkers.

E55 Macrophagic activation syndrome in pediatric rheumatology: about 12 cases

Abstract Introduction Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a serious clinical condition due to inappropriate stimulation of macrophages. It can be primary or secondary to underlying neoplastic, infectious or autoimmune diseases. Some pediatric inflammatory diseases are highly complicated by MAS with a higher incidence in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objective We aim to highlight the features of MAS occurring in the context of pediatric inflammatory diseases according to our epidemiology and local conditions. Materials and methods This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study seen over a period of 4 years (from January 2019 to December 2022). The diagnosis of MAS was confirmed according to Ravelli criteria published in 2016 in the presence of mandatory persistent fever and at least four of the following abnormalities: hyperferritinemia&amp;gt; 684 ng/ml, platelet count &amp;lt; 181x103/mm3, liver cytolysis aspartate amino transferase (AST) &amp;gt; 48UI/l, triglyceridemia &amp;gt; 1.56 g/l, fibrinogenemia &amp;lt; 3.6 g/l, after having ruling out infections. The presence of hemophagocytes in the bone marrow aspiration was considered sufficient for the diagnosis in presence of long lasting fever. Results Among 70 patients followed for inflammatory disease, 12 presented with MAS. The age of the patients ranged from 8 months to 17 years during the MAS episode, with a mean age of 8 years 9 months and male: female ratio was 1.4 (7 boys/5 girls). All patients had fever and altered general condition, two had associated hemorrhagic syndrome. On clinical examination, 3 patients had splenomegaly, 3 had hepatomegaly, 2 of which combined splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Adenopathies were reported in 3 patients. No patient had jaundice or neurological signs. Biological parameters revealed a platelet count&amp;lt; 181 000/mm3 in 58.3% (7 cases), an AST level &amp;gt; 48IU/l in 91,6% (11 cases), hypertriglyceridemia &amp;gt; 156mg/l in 69.2% (9 cases), hypofibrinogenemia &amp;lt; 360 mg/dl in 66.6% (8 cases), and hyperferritinemia &amp;gt;684 ng/ml in 91,6% (11 cases). Eight had bone marrow aspiration, which was inflammatory in 37.5%, normal in 37.5% and hemophagocytosis in 25%. In our series, MAS preceeded the diagnosis of paediatric inflammatory disease in 9 patients, and complicating the evolution of an inflammatory disease in 3 patients. The main aetiology was SLE in 58.3% (7 cases). Other causes were reported such as SJIA in 1, NLRC 4 deficiency without genetic confirmation in 1, PIMS in 1, primary immune deficiency with hypogammaglobulinemia and sarcoidosis like picture in 1 and one case of primary MAS. Recurrence was noted in 3 patients, including 1 SLE, 1 primary MAS and the NLRC 4 deficiency. All patients received bolus intravenous corticosteroids, followed by oral corticosteroids which was weaned off over a period of four months if no disease progression. Ciclosporin A was added to corticosteroids in 4 (33,3%). Biotherapy was administered to 2 patients, the first with NLRC4 deficiency, who received Tocilizumab and infliximab before responding favorably to anakinra 10 mg/kg/d. The second for a PIMS complicated by severe MAS, who received Tocilizumab once without any improvement before switching to anakinra 2 mg/kg/day for 4 months with complete remission. Conclusion and Discussion MAS is a severe syndrome, characterized by non-specific clinical and biological signs, making the diagnosis very difficult. Recently, clinical and biological criteria have been proposed according to the disease, however, the most discriminating biological parameter is hyperferritinemia. This condition must be detected and treated without delay to avoid death. Our series is characterized by the predominance of SLE as the major aetiology of MAS, by its inaugural presentation worsening the prognosis of the underlying inflammatory disease probably related to a delay in consultation, by the low percentage of hemophagocytes in bone marrow aspiration, which could be explained by a lack of knowledge on the part of our cytologists and by a low use of biotherapies.

The Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles of Acalypha wilkesiana Ethyl Acetate extract on Ehrlich ascites Carcinoma Cells.

Nanoparticles' precise targeting properties are becoming increasingly important in treating cancer and starting to outweigh cancer therapies. The in vivo anticancer activity of ethyl acetate iron oxide nanoparticles (NPS EAE) of Acalypha wilkesiana Müll. Mosaica was tested using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EAC). The value of the median lethal dose LD50 limit was found to be 3000 mg/kg. The value count of EAC cells was significantly decreased to 150±2.01 (106) and 275±2.01 (106) cells for each preventive and therapeutic group related to the positive group (525±4.3 (106) cell. Moreover, the results of biological markers decrease in alanine amino transferase activity (ALT), aspartate amino transferase activity (AST), creatinine (CREAT), UREA, albumin, globulin, and total protein level according to the confident group by restoring the abnormal dissimilarity in the biomedical parameters to normal values. Ethyl acetate nano particles induced apoptosis in hepatic and kidney cells. This was designated by increasing the apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 associated X (BAX) level and significantly reducing antiapoptotic assay B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) level as an antiapoptotic marker. In the apoptotic marker BAX, there was a significant rise in therapeutic activity with a change of 273.87% and a significant increase in the preventive group with a change of 144.69% according to the positive group. However, in the antiapoptotic marker, Bcl-2 highly decreases in the therapeutic group and preventive group with changes -83.20% and -87.82% according to the positive group, which has a highly significant increase with a change of 5855%. Histopathology tests showed anticancer activity against (EAC) in both the preventive group and therapeutic group, especially in the preventive group in kidney organs showed no pathology with normal glomeruli and normal tubules, it also showed in liver foci of lobular inflammation with mild development of a portal tract accompanied by inflammation, but in the therapeutic group showed less activity than the preventive group as in the kidney many tubules displayed appearances of slight tubular injury with mild acute tubular injury and in the liver, the therapeutic group becomes a more effective representation in normal liver architecture, with no detected lobular or portal inflammation or confluent necrosis. So the preventive group was considered as protecting agent for the kidney organ. However, the therapeutic group is supposed to be the treatment agent for the liver organ. This is due to the fact that it has a defensive effect rather than a curative effect. There is a possibility that it is a favorable anticancer agent. Green synthesis of Fe3O4- NPS was successfully done using plant extract acting as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent.

Epidemiology and Phylogeny of Anaplasma ovis with a Note on Hematological and Biochemical Changes in Asymptomatic Goats Enrolled from Four Districts in Punjab, Pakistan.

Background: Anaplasma ovis is an intra-erythrocytic gram negative rickettsial bacterium that infects small ruminants, resulting in huge economic losses worldwide. Materials and Methods: The present investigation aims at reporting the molecular prevalence of A. ovis in 1200 asymptomatic goats that were enrolled from 4 districts (Layyah, Lohdran, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur) in Punjab, Pakistan by targeting the msp4 gene of bacterium. Risk factors associated with the prevalence of A. ovis and phylogeny of bacterium were also documented. Results: 184 out of 1200 (15%) goat blood samples were infected with A. ovis. The prevalence of the pathogen varied with the sampling sites (p = 0.005), and the highest prevalence was detected in goats from Layyah (19%) followed by Rajanpur (17%), Dera Ghazi Khan (15%), and Lohdran district (9%). The represented partial msp4 gene amplicon was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and deposited to GenBank (OP225957-59). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the amplified isolates resembled the msp4 sequences reported from Iran, Mangolia, Sudan, and the United States. Sex and age of goats, herd composition and size, and the presence of ticks on goats and dogs associated with herds were the rick factors associated with the prevalence of A. ovis. Red blood cells, lymphocytes (%), neutrophils (%), hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels in blood and Aspartate amino transferase, urea, and creatinine levels in serum were disturbed in A. ovis infected goats when compared with uninfected animals. Conclusion: We are reporting the prevalence of A. ovis in Pakistani goats from four districts of Punjab and these data will help in developing the integrated control policies against this tick-borne pathogen that is infecting our goat breeds.

Dual function of glucocorticoid hormones in the body and using this duality for preventing complications of glucocorticoid therapy

Glucocorticoid preparations are used in all areas of medicine for more than 70 years as the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs possessing also anti-allergic and immunosuppressive actions. However, the use of these preparations, unique in the combination and expression of therapeutic properties, is associated with nearly inevitable serious adverse effects. The complications of glucocorticoid therapy are caused by the duality of glucocorticoid hormone functions. Glucocorticoid hormones in the body act: · As the most universal regulators of virtually all metabolic and physiological processes and · As hormones mainly responsible for the organism behavior under stress conditions. In clinical practice, glucocorticoid preparations are used mainly as stress-responsible agents, and their regulatory activities are neglected, but they are manifested inevitably as complications. To prevent these complications, it is necessary to follow the regulatory properties of glucocorticoid preparations which are realized through regulation of activities of many enzymes. The hepatic tyrosine amino transferase seems to be, possibly, the best example of the regulatory activity of glucocorticoids. Based on the literature data and results of the author’s studies, it is proposed to use blood level of tyrosine as a promising laboratory parameter for monitoring glucocorticoid therapy.

"Yajieshaba" prevents acute alcoholic liver injury and repairs the intestinal mucosal barrier

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAn essential factor related to the acute alcoholic liver injury is damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. Yajieshaba (YJSB) is a commonly used formulation of Dai people in China and protects the liver. Aim of the studyThis study investigated whether YJSB can prevent acute alcoholic liver injury by regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier. Materials and methodsThe mice received 0.39 g/kg, 1.17 g/kg, and 3.51 g/kg dose YJSB for 7 days, a mouse model of acute alcoholic liver injury was established by a single instillation of 56% alcohol. Plasma biochemical markers were analyzed, liver injury was identified by histopathology, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), nuclear factor-k-gene binding (NF-κB), hepatic inflammatory factors, oxidative stress factors and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was analyzed. The morphological changes of intestinal histology were observed by H&E staining, and the ultrastructure of ileal cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence and Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of transporters and enzymes involved in Claudin 1, Occludin and zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) homeostasis in the liver and intestine. ResultsThe findings showed that YJSB reduced the levels of aspartate aminotr ansferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bile acid (TBA), both of which are indicators of liver function and had a protective effect against liver injury. In the liver homogenate, YJSB reduced the level of LPS, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), decreased the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and catalase (CAT) and ROS. The results of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that YJSB reduced the degree of damage to intestinal tissue and intracellular organelles, implying that YJSB can reduce the "attack factor" that causes intestinal barrier damage, increase the "defense factor" that protects the intestinal barrier. The results of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis showed that YJSB could increase the expression of claudin 1, occludin, and ZO-1 proteins, suggesting that the mechanism of action of YJSB against acute alcohol liver injury involves the upregulation of the expression of the intestinal barrier-related proteins and the repair of the damaged intestinal barrier. ConclusionsYJSB can block LPS, oxidative stress factors, and other harmful substances in the blood and protect the liver resisting acute alcoholic liver injury.

Correlation of Serum Calcium with Enzymes Aspartate Aminotransfrase, Creatine Kinase and Mastitis in Postpartum Period in Dairy Cattle

Mastitis is inflammation of udder and its chances increases in hypocalcemia cases because sphincters of teat are loosened due to calcium-ion channel blockage. Cows those suffered milk fever have 8 times more chances of developing mastitis than other cows which haven’t suffered hypocalcaemia. The values of AST and CK are high in downer cows due to hypocalcemia as compared to healthy cows. Subclinical hypocalcaemia is one of the major complication occurring just after parturition in local and exotic breeds of cattle in Pakistan. It weakens the immune system of dairy animal and also decreases the production potential of animals thus causing serious economic losses in terms of decrease milk production of animal, decrease earning of animal and increased treatment cost due to secondary infection like mastitis occurred due to weakened immune function. The current study was aimed to the correlation of serum calcium with enzymes Creatine Kinase and Aspartate amino transferase and mastitis in postpartum period in dairy cattle. A total of 50 cattle (n=50) just after parturition were included in this study. The cattle were sampled in two ways. Firstly, 10ml blood was drawn aseptically into clot activator vacutainers from jugular vein. Secondly milk samples were taken from all four teats. First 2 milk strips were discarded and next strips were collected in aseptic test tubes. The samples were transported to Pathology laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore maintaining the cold chain and stored at -20 0C till further analysis. Correlation between calcium and creatin kinase comes out to be 0.279 which is weak positive correlation. Correlation between calcium and aspartate aminotransferase is also weak and comes out to be 0.111. Similarly, correlation between calcium and SCC also weak and comes out to be 0.193.This is the first study of correlation of calcium with CK, AST and SCC in dairy cattle after postpartum period.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale attenuates carbon tetrachloride induced hepatorenal injury in albino rats

The rising burden of liver and kidney diseases is taking a global dimension and could threaten public health with devastating consequences. Most patients cannot cope with the cost of conventional treatment particularly in developing nations, hence there is a dire need for a cheaply available but potent alternative in the management of hepatorenal disorders. This study therefore investigates the therapeutic potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rat model of hepatorenal toxicity. Twenty-five adult male albino rats were randomly divided equally into five groups. Groups I and II served as positive and negative control respectively and were administered with distilled water and CCl4 respectively. Group III and IV received a single intraperitoneal injection of 3 ml/kg b.w CCl4 and were post-treated with 50 mg/kg b.w. and 100 mg/kg b.w of Z. officinale extract respectively. Animals in group V were post-treated with standard drug (silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.)) after exposure to CCl4. Activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as levels of urea, uric acid and bilirubin were determined. Lipid profile as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined in the serum and organs’ homogenates. Level of reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also assayed. Exposure to CCl4 caused a marked derangement in lipid profile, inhibition of CAT and SOD, increase in the levels of AST, ALP, ALT, bilirubin, urea and uric acid coupled with depletion in GSH level relative to control animals. Oral intervention of Z. officinale extract in CCl4-exposed animals resulted in the restoration of deranged lipid profiles, activity of antioxidant enzymes as well as liver and kidney biomarkers. The study suggests that Z. officinale has potentials that can be exploited for hepato-protection and nephroprotection.

The Effects of Pre-weaning and Post-weaning Feeding Periods on Biochemical Parameters in Terms of Metabolic Profile in Dorper and Lacaune Lambs

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding on biochemical parameters in terms of metabolic profile in female and male lambs of Dorper and Lacaune breeds at the developmental stages from birth. Methods: A total of 32 singleton newborn Dorper and Lacaune breed lambs (n= 8 for each group; male and female) were used. The trial was continued total of 5 nutritional periods each of 21-day after the first two weeks (0-14 days) suckling period. The biochemical parameters determined were paraoxonase 1 (PON1), ischemia modified albumin (IMA), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), aspartat amino transferase (AST), alanin amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Result: PON1 activity of all lambs was found to be low during the suckling period (P≤0.001). The highest IMA value was reached in against to the decrease in TP and ALP levels during the weaning period (P≤0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of PON1, TP, ALB and ALP. Increases were observed in the AST, ALT, IMA and MDA levels of male Dorpers. (P≤0.05). It was concluded that adaptation periods to solid feeds may cause oxidative damage or variable metabolic activity in male Dorpers.

Effects of acute exposure to chlorfenapyr on hepatic enzyme activities and serum lipid profile of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The effects of acute exposure to chlorfenapyr on hepatic enzymes and lipid profile of Clarias gariepinus juveniles were investigated following standard protocols. Test organisms were exposed to chlorfenapyr concentrations of 5, 7, 9, 11 and 15 mgL-1 for 96 hr exposure period. After exposure, peripheral blood was collected through the caudal vein into plain sterilised tubes and allowed stand for 1 h for clot to form. The clotted blood was then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min and the serum obtained was used for all the biochemical assay. Cross-sections of the gills were examined for histological aberrations. Results showed significant increase in enzymatic activities of Aspartate amino transferases (AST), Alanine amino transferases (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p&lt; 0.05) when compared with control. Lipid profile results showed significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in Total cholesterol (TC) and Low- density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) in all treated groups when compared with the control. Significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in high density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and triacylglycerides in all treated groups compared to the control was also recorded. Such alterations in biochemical parameters did not show any relationship with gills histology as the cross-section of the gills provided no evidence of aberrations. The results suggest that exposure to acute concentrations of chlorfenapyr can alter liver enzyme activities and serum lipid profile initiating a jump in the energy requirement of the exposed organism.

The Use of Ethanolic Extract of Sonchus Oleraceus in the Treatment of Hepatotoxicity Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride Injection in Rats

Purpose: To study the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of Sonchus Oleraceus. The plant is of the family Asteraceas and was used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders, tumors and inflammatory diseases.&#x0D; Methodology: Sixty rats of both sexes were used, divided into 5 groups. The hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) at dose rate of 0.2 mg /kg BW. The plant extract was administered orally at dose rates of 200 and 400 mg /kg BW.&#x0D; Findings: were compared to the standard drug known Silymarin at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg BW. The protective effect of ethanolic extract of Sonchus. Oleraceus was found to be better with the high dose (400 mg), hence the level of serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum Aspartate amino transferase (AST), were significantly decreased. Total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were also decreased, The Histological appearance of the given Sonchus Oleraceus. ethanolic extract (400mg/kg BW) showed few hepatocytes necrosis that has amorphous eosinophilic cytoplasm and areas of necrosis characterized by disintegration and disappearance of cells in many areas.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: According to the obtained results, it would be important to isolate the active ingredient of the plant used that responsible for the treatment of hepatotoxicity.

Predictive epidemiological, clinical and laboratory parameters in the diagnosis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Background: The aim of this study is to determine predictive parameters that can be used in the differential diagnosis of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and other diseases with similar clinical and laboratory findings. Materials & methods: In this study, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory parameters of 107 CCHF-positive and 71 CCHF-negative patients were compared. Results: Alanine amino transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, red blood cell, hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly higher in CCHF-positive patients, whereas total anddirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, prothrombin time, international normalization ratio, white blood cell, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were higher in CCHF-negative patients. In binary logistic regression analysis, an increase in activated partial thromboplastin time level was identified as an independent predictor of having CCHF, while alanine amino transferase, white blood cell and C-reactive protein elevations were identified as independent predictors of not having CCHF. Conclusion: In endemic areas where PCR and serological tests are delayed, knowing the predictive parameters may be of vital importance in the early diagnosis of CCHF.

Effects of Dietary Thiamine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzymes’ Activity, and Biochemical Parameters of Beluga, Huso huso, Larvae

Thiamine is a crucial nutrient in larval stage of fish, and thus, the present study aimed at evaluating the effects of dietary thiamine supplementation on survival, growth performance, and biochemical parameters of beluga, Huso huso, larvae. The fish larvae (50 ± 4.5 mg) were fed diets containing 0 (control), 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg thiamine for 26 days from 18 days after hatching to 44 days after hatching. Thiamine significantly increased the larvae survival, growth rate, digestive enzymes activity, and whole body protein and ash but decreased the whole body lipid and moisture P &lt; 0.001 ). Also, alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were decreased significantly in thiamine-treated groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The highest survival and whole body ash were observed in 20 mg/kg thiamine treatment; the highest whole body protein and lipase activity were observed in 10 mg/kg thiamine treatment. The highest growth rate, amylase, and lowest whole body lipid, alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed in 10 and 20 mg/kg thiamine treatments. All thiamine-treated fish exhibited similar pepsin and chymotrypsin activities, all above the control fish. There were no significant effects of dietary thiamine supplementation on trypsin, whole body lysozyme, alternative complement (ACH50), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and IgM levels. According to the results, 10–20 mg/kg dietary thiamine supplementation can increase the performance of beluga larvae by improving the health of liver and the activity of digestive system.

Some histological and biochemical evaluation on commercial hair dyes

The use of hair dyes as a means of beautification is currently increasing. This study aimed at evaluating the toxicity of different commercial hair dyes on the histology of the skin and biochemical parameters of the liver of Albino rats. This study was carried out in the Pathology Department, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar and College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar between May, 2019 and October, 2019. Four different colours of hair dyes were obtained from a cosmetic store in Watt daily market in Calabar, Cross River State. Twenty male Albino rats with average weight of 55g were used for this study. The rats were randomly divided into five (5) groups of four (4) rats each. Group 1 to 4 served as the test groups while group 5 served as the control group. Different colours of hair dye were applied topically on selected area of the back of Albino rats daily for 30 days after which, the rats were sacrificed using chloroform inhalation procedure. The skin of the rat was harvested for histology while heart puncture was used to collect 5 milliliters of blood from each rat for biochemical analysis. Plasma Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined using Kind and King's method. Plasma Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and Aspartate Amino transferase (AST) were determined by Reitman and Frankel method. Serum protein (TP) was determined by Biurette's method while bilirubin was estimated using Powell's method. Liver tissues were processed using routine paraffin wax tissue processing method for histological analysis. The serum levels of ALP, AST, TP, Total bilirubin (TB) and conjugated bilirubin (CB) in all the test groups were significantly increased when compared with the control (P=0.001). Histological evaluations indicated evidence of cellular injury in all the test groups. Prolonged use of commercial hair dyes caused adverse effects to the skin and liver as seen in the Albino rat used in this study.

Development and Recovery of Liver Injury in Piglets by Incremental Injection of LPS.

This study aimed to explore the effects of the incremental injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on liver histopathology, inflammation, oxidative status, and mitochondrial function in piglets. Forty healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire castrated boars (21 ± 2 days old, weight 6.84 ± 0.11 kg) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8) and then slaughtered on days 0 (group 0, without LPS injection), 1 (group 1), 5 (group 5), 9 (group 9), and 15 (group 15) of LPS injection, respectively. The results showed that, compared to the piglets without LPS injection, LPS injection caused liver injury in the early phase, as manifested by the increased activities of serum liver injury-related parameters (aspartate amino transferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholinesterase, and total bile acid) on day 1, and impaired liver morphology (disordered hepatic cell cord arrangement, dissolved and vacuolized hepatocytes, karyopycnosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration and congestion) on days 1 and 5. Meanwhile, LPS injection caused liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction on days 1 and 5, as reflected by the upregulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB; increased MPO and MDA content; and impaired mitochondrial morphology. However, these parameters were ameliorated in the later phase (days 9~15). Taken together, our data indicate that the incremental injection of the LPS-induced liver injury of piglets could be self-repaired.