Anti-stress Agent Research Articles

Enhancing salt tolerance in rice genotypes through exogenous melatonin application by modulating growth patterns and antistress agents

Melatonin is a bioactive molecule with an important role in plants responding to various abiotic and biotic stresses. This study aims to determine the role of melatonin in rice under salt stress. This study used a factorial completely randomized design. The first factor was local rice varieties (IR64 and Silaun), and the second factor was plant treatments (control, 1 µM melatonin, 150 mM NaCl, 150 mM NaCl + 1µM melatonin). This study shows that exogenous melatonin can increase plant growth, such as plant height, root length, stem length, leaf length, leaf area, and plant biomass under salt stress compared to treatment without melatonin. Exogenous melatonin can increase the total chlorophyll content, relative water content, and proline content, reduce the total sodium content, and increase potassium absorption under conditions of salinity stress. Melatonin is also able to scavenge ROS in plants, resulted the decrease in ROS and MDA content. In terms of gene expression, OsAPX1 and cytosolic APX exhibited the highest expression in IR64 under combined salt and melatonin treatment, while GPOD, Mn-SOD, and Cu/Zn-SOD were upregulated under various conditions in both varieties. Additionally, OsLEA showed high expression in both varieties under control conditions, and CAT was significantly upregulated under salt stress. Our findings indicate that exogenous melatonin has the potential to enhance various factors under salt stress and helping in the recovery of rice plants from sodium (Na+) damage.

Evaluating the efficacy of probiotics and ascorbic acid as anti-stress agents against heat stress in broiler chickens.

Heat stress poses a substantial challenge to poultry production worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies. This study investigated the efficacy of probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and ascorbic acid as antistress agents using cloacal and body surface temperatures (CT and BST) as heat stress biomarkers in broiler chickens. A total of 56 broiler chicks were used for the experiment and were divided into four distinct groups: control, probiotics (1 g/kg of feed), ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg of feed) and the combination of probiotics and ascorbic acid (1 g/kg and 200 mg/kg of feed, respectively). The study lasted 35 days; measurements were taken for ambient temperature (AT), CT, and BST. The ambient temperature in the pens consistently exceeded the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) established for broiler chickens. The CT values for broiler chickens in the probiotic group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Additionally, the BST values in the probiotic and probiotic + ascorbic acid groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in the control group. The findings suggest that incorporating probiotics, with or without ascorbic acid, can effectively reduce CT and BST values in broiler chickens thereby, enhancing thermoregulation when compared to the control group. This implies that using probiotics in poultry diets may enhance health and growth performance, potentially leading to better feed efficiency and reduced reliance on antibiotics. Implementing these dietary strategies could improve the productivity and welfare of broiler chickens in commercial settings.

Unveiling Niaprazine's Potential: Behavioral Insights into a Re-Emerging Anxiolytic Agent.

Ongoing global research actions seek to comprehensively understand the adverse impact of stress and anxiety on the physical and mental health of both human beings and animals. Niaprazine (NIA) is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of piperazine derivatives. This compound has recently gained renewed attention due to its potential therapeutic properties for treating certain conditions such as anxiety. Despite its potential benefits, the behavioral effects of NIA have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine NIA's potential as an anti-anxiety and anti-stress agent. After administering either vehicle or NIA in their drinking water to mice for 14 days, we conducted behavioral analyses using the Marble Burying Test and the Elevated Plus Maze test. NIA-treated mice spend more time in the open arms and bury fewer marbles. Moreover, a stability study confirmed the linear relationship between NIA concentration and its response across concentrations encompassing the NIA mother solution and the NIA solutions administered to mice. Also, a preliminary synaptic toxicity analysis showed no direct damage to cortical nerve endings. Here, we show that NIA can modulate anxiety-related behaviors without significantly impacting exploratory activity or adverse effects. Our work describes new findings that contribute to the research on safer and more tolerable anxiety management options.

Enhancing farmed striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) robustness through dietary β-glucan.

β-glucan is a well-documented feed additive for its potent immunostimulatory properties in many farmed fish species. This study examined how it can also be a promising growth promoter, modulate antioxidant enzyme activities, and act as an anti-stress agent in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). A 12-week feeding experiment was untaken to determine the effects of dietary β-glucan supplementation at graded levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g kg-1). Measured indicators suggest that a dietary inclusion level of 1.5 g kg-1 β-glucan gave the highest positive responses: weight gain (120.10 g fish-1), survival (98.30%), and lower FCR (1.70) (P<0.05). Whole body proximate analysis had only revealed that crude protein was significantly affected by the dietary inclusion of β-glucan (P<0.05), with the highest protein content (19.70%) being in fish that were fed with 1.5 g kg-1 β-glucan. Although other inclusion levels (i.e., 0.5 and 1 g kg-1) of β-glucan did not enhance body protein content (P>0.05). The assessment of fatty acid composition in muscle, liver, and adipose tissues showed modifications with the inclusion of β-glucan. Antioxidative-related enzyme activities (inc. catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) that were measured in the liver had higher levels when fed with β-glucan inclusion diets (P<0.05). Following the feed trial, fish were subjected to crowding stress treatment. It was subsequently found that catfish fed with β-glucan-based diet groups had lower levels of blood stress-related indicators compared to the control group with no dietary β-glucan. The use of 1.5 g kg-1 of dietary β-glucan resulted in the lowest measured levels of cortisol (43.13 ng mL-1) and glucose (50.16 mg dL-1). This study has demonstrated that the dietary inclusion of β-glucan can have functional benefits beyond the immunological enhancements in striped catfish. Furthermore, its use can increase production levels and mitigate the stress associated with intensive farming practices.

Effects of selenium on structure of the essential oil isolated from Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiaceae) under the cadmium stress

One of the heavy metals which cause severe environmental pollution and biochemical changes in plants is Cadmium (Cd) while Selenium (Se) acts as an important anti-stress agent in plants. In the present research, the glasshouse experiment was conducted to examine the effect of Cd and Se on structure of the essential oil isolated from the savory plant, Satureja hortensis L. To do so, the plants were polluted with different Cd levels including 0 (the control), 75, 100, and 150 µM. Moreover, Se was used in the form of sodium selenite salt in concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 20, and 40 µM. The results show that carvacrol was the main constituent in most of the essential oil analyses, except for one of them (0 µM of Cd×10 µM of Se). Furthermore, differences among minor constituents in most of treatments were not significant. Therefore, these results indicate the role of Cd and Se in the compositional changes of S. hortensis essential oil.

Modulation by Withania somnifera of stress-induced anxiogenesis and airway inflammation in rats.

Stress is an aversive stimulus which disrupts the biological milieu of the organism and a variety of emotional and environmental stressors are known to influence allergic and immunological disorders like bronchial asthma but the pharmacological basis of such interactions is not clearly defined. Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) is a potent anti-stress agent used widely in Indian traditional medicine and the present experimental study evaluated the effects of W.somnifera extract (WSE) on chronic stress-induced neurobehavioral and immunological responses in an experimental model of allergic asthma in rats. Wistar rats (200-250 g) were immunized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and exposed to restraint stress (RS) and WSE treatments for 15days. Following this, anxiety behavior was assessed by the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and blood and BAL fluid samples were collected for measuring of inflammatory/immune markers by ELISA and biochemical assay. The data of the various treatment groups were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. Restraint stress (RS) induced anxiogenic behavior in the (EPM) test in OVA immunized rats, and this was attenuated by WSE (200 and 400 mg/kg), in a dose related manner. Examination of blood and BAL fluid in these RS exposed rats also resulted in elevations in IgE, TNF-α andIL-4 levels, which were also attenuated by WSE pretreatments. Further, WSE pretreatment neutralized the such RS induced changes in oxidative stress markers viz. elevated MDA and reduced GSH levels. The data pharmacologically validates role of stress in asthma and suggests that adaptogens like WSE could be a potential complementary agent for reducing anxiety as well as airway inflammation by a multi-targeted and holistic approach. The study also highlights the significance of integration of traditional and modern medical concepts in such chronic disorders.

The use of anxiolytic drugs for the correction of behavioral disorders in mammals

The issue of stress and behavioral disorders are growing significantly in the contemporary word in humans and animals alike. Various drugs are used to modify affected behavior, including psychotropic, anticonvulsant, antihistamines, hormones, analgesics, and neuroleptics. Psychotropic drugs are prescribed for animals with behavioral disorders, signs of anxiety or hypersensitivity. Improving the methods of diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders in animals can enhance animal welfare and optimize animal husbandry technology. Future research should be aimed at improving and optimizing the use of psychotropic drugs for behavioral disorders of various animal species. The main indication for the use of anxiolytic drugs is behavioral disorders associated with anxiety in wild and domestic animals. When anxiolytic drugs are used in mammals their pharmacological properties, the dependence of their action on the route of administration, age and species of the animal, and the ability to selectively affect the central nervous system should be taken into account. The most commonly used drugs for the treatment of behavioral disorders in animals are fluoxetine, amitriptyline, escitalopram, haloperidol, zuclopentixol and azaperone. Fluoxetine is an effective drug for the treatment of dogs with behavioral disorders associated with psychological changes. An important component of escitalopram's pharmacological effect is the psychomotor influence, when the animal's behavior changes are due to improved motor activity. Zuclopentixol has a wide range of anxiolytic, sedative and analgesic effects when used in wild cloven-hoofed animals. Amitriptyline along with antidepressant properties, has a local analgesic impact. Azaperone has a pronounced anxiolytic and sedative effect on animals. It is widely used as an anti-stress agent to overcome anxiety caused by weaning, regrouping or veterinary manipulations. Azaperone is often used to control aggressive behavior in group housing, especially in the pig industry. The psychotropic drugs surveyed in this paper, along with direct anxiolytic action, are able to manifest additional physiological effects, which should be taken into account when developing treatment protocols for animals with behavioral problems. Further targeted studies are required to assess the pharmacological effects of anxiolytic drugs in animals.

Therapeutic Uses of Tulsi

The medicinal plant, generally referred to as "tulsi," belongs to the genus "Ocimum sanctum," It has been employed inAyurveda and other traditional indigenous medical systems for ages. It has wide applications, not just restricted to medicine butalso dental applications. The use of such plants has seen a boom in recent years, especially in India, although it has been overlookedfor a long time. Its application is primarily in the field of oral medicine and is used to treat disorders like potentially malignantdisorders. Many studies have shown that the qualities of tulsi, such as expectorant, analgesic, anticancer, antiasthmatic, antiemetic,diaphoretic, antidiabetic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, and antistress agent, can be used to treat awide range of medical diseases. Tulsi and other such plants have fewer side effects and are a potent alternative to moderntherapeutic modalities for treating such disorders. Although its potential has yet to be fully realized as more research is needed,there is no question about its effects as a therapeutic agent. This paper reviews the therapeutic potential of tulsi to treat oraldiseases. According to the current research, Tulsi has various therapeutic uses that several studies have validated. However, itsuse in allopathic medicine is still constrained because there must be human clinical trials.

Determination of the effect of abiotic stress on the oxidative potential of edible potato tubers

Stress factors occurring during the growing season and potato storage, can negatively affect the quality of tubers, including an increased tendency to enzymatic darkening. Abiotic stress due to water shortage is a major factor limiting agricultural production. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of cultivation technology based on the use of biostimulant, hydrogel and irrigation as well as storage on the propensity to darkening and the content of sugars and organic acids. The results show that genotypic and technological variability in interaction with growing season conditions had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the oxidative potential (OP) of potato tubers. The Denar cultivar, compared to the ‘Gardena’, was characterized by a lower tendency to enzymatic darkening. Application of biostimulant and hydrogel generally contributed to lowering the oxidative potential of the tested cultivars. The application of anti-stress agents had no effect on organic acid content. The long-term storage caused an increase in the content of total sugars (TS) (22%), reducing sugars (RS) (49%), chlorogenic acid (ACH) (11%), and loss of ascorbic acid (AA) (6%) in the tubers which contributed to an increase in the oxidative potential of potato tubers (16%). The correlation coefficients obtained (p < 0.05) confirm the dependence of OP on the concentration of organic acids.

Effect of strontium ranelate and cerium oxide addition in the diet on bone quality and expression level of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase genes in broiler chicken.

In the modern broiler industry, leg and gait disorders are considerable problems. Fast-growing broilers are especially susceptible to bone abnormalities, causing major problems for broiler producers. Strontium ranelate (SrR) has been used successfully for the treatment of osteoporosis in humans. In addition, cerium oxide (CeO) is an anti-stress agent applied in the biological system. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of SrR, CeO, and their combinations on tibia quality in broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross chicks were divided into six treatments, with four replicates per treatment (16 birds per replicate). The control group was fed a standard diet, and other groups were fed SrR at levels 450, 900mg/kg feed, CeO at levels 300 and 600mg/kg feed and a combination of 450 SrR + 300 CeO mg/kg feed. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone strength (BS), tibia area, tibia weight, bone Length, bone diameter, minerals in tibia bone of male broilers, alkaline phosphatase gene (ALP) and osteocalcin gene (OC) in male broilers were analysed. The results showed that the addition of SrR and CeO had no significant influence (p > 0.01) on BMD, BMC, BS, bone weight, bone length and bone diameter. While there was a significant interaction between sex and treatments, especially in the combination group, BS in females significantly (p < 0.01) increased compared to the control group. Generally, females were found to be more responsive to treatments than males. Significant increases in gene expression were noticed in OC with the addition of low levels of SrR and CeO and mixed group compared to the control. The gene expression of ALP was increased significantly only in a combination group compared to the control group. It is concluded that SrR and CeO can be used as beneficial additives in the feed to improve the tibia quality of broilers.

Molecular Mechanistic Insight Spirulina as Anti-Stress Agent

When under stress, our body reacts by releasing hormones and triggering the nervous system. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which transmits the stress response, is in charge of the neuroendocrine adaptation of the stress response. Corticotrophin releasing hormone neurons control hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function. Increased. Many metabolic and neurological problems linked to stress are associated with the synthesis of corticotrophin releasing hormone. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABAergic inhibition both play a significant role in controlling the activity of CRH neurons. Several synthetic medicines that target the GABAa receptor and activate GABAa activity are used to lessen the effects of stress. These treatments have relaxing effects but also come with a variety of negative effects. As they have no adverse effects and are harmless, anti-stress herbs are utilised as an alternative therapy to help the adrenal system. Spirulina platensis (commonly referred to as ‘Spirulina’), are well for their Immune system modulation; anti-viral activity; cancer preventive properties, and cardiovascular benefits. In present work an attempt had been made to evaluate the anti-stress potential of active constituent of spirulina by molecular docking.

Molecular Mechanistic Insight Spirulina as Anti-stress Agent

When under stress, our body reacts by releasing hormones and triggering the nervous system. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which transmits the stress response, is in charge of the neuroendocrine adaptation of the stress response. Corticotrophin releasing hormone neurons control hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function Increased. Many metabolic and neurological problems linked to stress are associated with the synthesis of corticotrophin releasing hormone. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABAergic inhibition both play a significant role in controlling the activity of CRH neurons. Several synthetic medicines that target the GABAa receptor and activate GABAa activity are used to lessen the effects of stress. These treatments have relaxing effects but also come with a variety of negative effects. As they have no adverse effects and are harmless, anti-stress herbs are utilised as an alternative therapy to help the adrenal system. Spirulina platensis (commonly referred to as ‘Spirulina’), are well for their Immune system modulation; anti-viral activity; cancer preventive properties, and cardiovascular benefits. In present work an attempt had been made to evaluate the anti-stress potential of active constituent of spirulina by molecular docking.

Use of Synthetic Cytokinin-Like Growth Regulators as Antistress Agents at Cucumber Cultivation in Greenhouses

The effect of synthetic analogues of cytokinins - cytodef and tidiazuron - on the growth, development and productivity of cucumber plants grown in protected soil was studied. Cucumber plants at the stage of 3-4 leaves were planted from garden pots into the ground and treated with cytodef solutions at concentrations of 10-9-10-6 M/l or tidiazuron at concentrations of 10-11-10-6 M/l. During vegetation, the timing of the passage of phenological phases was noted, the height of plants, the number of leaves, flowers (male and female), fruits (at the beginning of fruiting) were periodically changed. The productivity of cucumber plants was determined by means of periodic (after 1-2 days) collections. It was revealed that the treatment of young plants with different concentrations of drugs favorably affected the growth of cucumber; the best results were obtained at a concentration of tidiazuron 10-8 M/l and cytodef - in doses from 10-8 to 10-6 M/l. Treatment of cucumber plants with cytodef and tidiazuron increased plant productivity and the yield of the fruits obtained. Under stressful temperature conditions, the preparations contributed to the better condition of the plants.

Computational Design of Plant-Based Antistress Agents Targeting Nociceptin Receptor.

Stress is the body's reaction to the challenges it faces, and it produces a multitude of chemical molecules known as stressors as a result of these reactions. It's also a misalignment of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems causing changes in a variety of physiological reactions and perhaps leading to stress disorders. The reduction in neurotransmitter & neurohormonal hormones is mainly governed by the nociceptin receptor as G-protein coupled receptor and increased the level of reactive oxygen species. Various synthetic medicines that target nociceptin receptors were utilized to reduce the effects of stress but they come up with a variety of side effects. Because of the widespread utilization and renewed interest in medicinal herbal plants considered to be alternative antistress therapy. Our present work is an approach to decipher the molecular nature of novel herbal leads by targeting nociceptin receptor, under which herbal compounds were screened and validated through in-silico methods. Among screened leads, withanolide-B showed stable association in the active site of the nociceptin receptor as an antistress agent with no side effects. Furthermore, the selected lead was also evaluated for stability by molecular dynamic stimulation as well as for pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile. It has been concluded stable conformation of withanolide-B without presence of any major toxic effects. As a result, the in silico molecular docking technique is a highly successful method for selecting a prospective herbal lead molecule with respect to a specific target, and future research can pave the way for further exploration in the drug development field.

The reaction of soybean and pea crops in the Priobye region to a humic antistress agent to herbicides in the foreststeppe of Western Siberia

In the article, the authors presented those enticing actual herbicidal treatments (the active ingredient is cloquintocet-mexyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl), spring-summer and summer droughts, are stress factors for the development of early-ripening soybean varieties and zoned pea varieties in the forest-steppe of the Priobye region. They limit the realization of the biological yield potential of soybeans and reduce the coarseness of pea grains and their total protein. Use with the herbicide of humic preparation from leonardite Cytogumat at a rate of 0.4 l/ha relieves physiological stress on soybean plants, providing a rapid increase in biomass and grain yield of 4.2-5.5 c/ ha, or 19%. Furthermore, the humic product in a single year can increase the duration of soybean vegetation by 3-4 days and the height of lower bean attachment by 24%. The authors analyze the stress resistance to the anti-cereal herbicide of 5 varieties of peas. They also found that the varieties Altaysky Usatiy and Novosibirets mediumresistant, Yamal, and Astronaut are sensitive to the herbicide. The application of Cytogumat in susceptible varieties increased green mass by 30.1% and 24.0%, grain yield by 10.5-12.0%, weight of 1000 grains by 7.1-7.4%, and total protein. In moderately resistant varieties, the reaction to Cytogumat was less pronounced and was accompanied by an increase in yield by 8–10%, grain size by 5–5.4%, and protein content by 1.9%. The Yamalsky pea variety in the Ob River region proved to be tolerant to stress, and it is inexpedient to use Cytogumat on it.

PARTICIPATION OF THE ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM IN THE PROCESS OF ADAPTATION OF THE BODY OF ATHLETES DURING INTENSE MUSCLE ACTIVITY

Introduction. One of the types of biochemical reserves of the human body is the antioxidant system, which reverses the destructive effect of free radicals and keeps the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) within physiologically safe limits. The article presents the results of determination of the antioxidant properties of the blood of wrestlers and boxers at rest and after physical activity for 10 minutes of recovery, after 1 hour and in the morning of the next day. The activation of LPO under the influence of physical activity is one of the manifestations of the general adaptation syndrome - stress, and the quantification of its parameters is important for the timely use of antistress agents and measures. The purpose of the study: to study the informative indicators of the antioxidant system of the blood of athletes of different specializations at rest and after the influence of physical activity. Materials and methods. The study involved 21 high-class athletes (men and women) aged 19-30 years. The content of TBA-active products was determined in the capillary blood of athletes by the colorimetric method of reaction with thiobarbituric acid. The peroxide resistance of erythrocytes was studied using a photometer LP-400, "Dr. Lange" (Germany), using ready – made reagent kits. Statistical processing of the data was performed using standard computer programs. Results. After control-training loads lasting about 1.5 hours in representatives of Greco-Roman wrestling and boxing, the content of TBA-active products and erythrocyte peroxidation increased significantly relative to the resting state at the 10th minute of recovery, after an hour and in the morning of the next day. The increase in the content of TBA-active products and erythrocyte hemolysis under the influence of physical activity indicates excessive activation of the process of free radical generation and increased LPO due to insufficient antioxidant protection. Conclusions. Summarizing the analysis and interpretation of the results of the study presented in this paper, as well as the results of previous studies, we can consider the fact of activation of LPO in tissues that function intensively during intense muscle activity and the important role of the body's AO system in ensuring high physical performance to be convincingly proven. The specificity of the functioning of individual mechanisms in various sports is an objective basis for the choice of means and methods of their correction, which provides a protective effect against the negative effects of increased free radical reactions and thereby increases the body's resistance to free radicals, stimulates the efficiency of muscle activity and accelerates the recovery process.

Stress relieving activity of Withania Somnifera

is a valuable medicinal plant in the Solanaceae family. It is commonly known as Indian ginseng, Winter Cherry and is widely distributed around the globe. The plant is used traditional for its ameliorative properties against a human medical condition like cancer, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, stress, etc. Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension, which can lead to underperformance and adverse clinical changes. is considered a potent adaptogen and anti-stress agent that could have some potential to improve physical and mental condition of a person. This review mainly focuses on anti-stress property of .

Social stress alters sleep in FGF21-deficient mice

Although several previous studies have suggested a relationship between sleep and the stress response, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains largely unknown. Here, we show that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a lipid metabolism-related hormone, may play a role in this relationship. In this study, we examined differences in the stress response between FGF21 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice after social defeat stress (SDS). When the amount of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness were averaged over the dark period after SDS, only KO mice showed significant differences in NREM sleep and wakefulness. In the social interaction test, KO mice seemed to be more prone to social avoidance. Our real-time (RT) -PCR results revealed that the mRNA expression of the stress- and sleep-related gene gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor subunit alpha 2 was significantly lower in WT mice than in KO mice. Moreover, KO mice showed lower plasma levels of ketone bodies, which also affect sleep/wake regulation, than WT mice. These results suggested that FGF21 might influence sleep/wake regulation by inducing production of an anti-stress agent and/or ketone bodies, which may result in resilience to social stress.

Effects of anti-stress agents on the growth performance and immune function in broiler chickens with vaccination-induced stress

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of anti-stress agents on the growth performance and immune function of broilers under immune stress conditions induced by vaccination. A total of 128, 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups. Group normal control (NC) was the control group. Group vaccination control (VC), T 0.5%, and T 1% were the treatment groups, which were nasally vaccinated with two doses of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine. The chicks in groups T 0.5% and T 1% were fed conventional diets containing 0.5% and 1% anti-stress agents. Thereafter, these broilers were slaughtered on 1, 7, 14, and 21 days post-vaccination. The results indicated that anti-stress agents could significantly reduce serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (P < 0.01) and cortisol (CORT) (P < 0.05) levels, and improve the growth performance (P < 0.05) and immune function of broilers (P < 0.05); However, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) were decreased, and the decreased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.01) levels mediated by vaccination were markedly improved. In addition, anti-stress agents could attenuate apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes (P < 0.01) by upregulating the ratio of Bcl-2 to BAX (P < 0.01) and downregulating the expression of caspase-3 and -9 (P < 0.01), which might be attributed to the inhibition of the enzymatic activities of caspase-3 and -9 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, anti-stress agents may improve growth performance and immune function in broilers under immune-stress conditions. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Investigation of effects and mechanism of immune stress induced by vaccination. Beneficial effect of anti-stress agents on growth performance, immune function, oxidative stress, and regulation of lymphocyte apoptosis. Demonstration of the effects of apoptosis on immune function in the organism.

Environmental cadmium exposure during gestation impairs fetal brain and cognitive function of adult offspring via reducing placenta-derived E2 level

Early-life exposure to environmental cadmium (Cd) is known to cause developmental disorders, yet the effect and mechanism of gestational exposure to Cd on the offspring's cognitive function remains unclear. Placenta as a well-established target organ for Cd-impaired fetal development, its role in estrogen regulation and offspring cognitive function is unknown. Our in vivo experiments found that gestational Cd exposure impaired cognitive function in adult male offspring, accompanied with lowered 17β-estradiol (E2) level in the male fetal brain upon Cd exposure. Correspondingly, the expression of synapse-associated proteins including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synapsin-1 were downregulated, which were reversed when supplemented with E2 hormone during gestation. Further observation showed placental estrogen synthesis inhibition and general control non-derepressible 2 (GCN2) signaling activation upon Cd exposure, whereas placental estrogen synthesis could be restored through inhibiting GCN2 activity. Based on ovariectomy (OVX) of pregnant mice, we confirmed that Cd exposure reduced E2 level in fetal brain via inhibiting placenta-derived estrogen synthesis. The aforementioned Cd-induced fetal brain injury and cognitive impairment in adult offspring were significantly alleviated when pregnant dams were supplemented with anti-stress agent N-Acetyl-l-cysteine. In summary, Cd disrupted placenta-derived estrogen synthesis via activating GCN2 signaling, and thereby caused cognitive impairment in adult offspring mice. Our findings suggest that placenta-derived estrogen may be an effect marker of environmental toxicants-evoked cognitive dysfunction in adult offspring and suggest that environmental toxicants may affect the fetal brain development via placenta-fetal-brain axis.