Liver Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Research Articles

Methanol Extract of Citrullus Lanatus Rind and Silymarin Modulates Liver Function, Haematological Profile, and Liver Antioxidant Status in Thioacetamide-Treated Male Wistar Rats

Thioacetamide (TAA) is known to induce hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress, disrupting liver function and body weight in experimental animals. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of methanolic Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) rind extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, as well as silymarin (50 mg/kg), in male Wistar rats treated with TAA (300 mg/kg). Body weight, liver weight, liver function markers, hematological parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed. Results showed that TAA significantly decreased body weight and increased liver weight (p < 0.05), indicating hepatotoxicity. However, both doses of C. lanatus and silymarin significantly mitigated these effects, with the 500 mg/kg dose showing the strongest protective action. Alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, albumin, total protein, and oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde, Reduced Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase) were significantly altered in the TAA group but were restored to near-normal levels in rats treated with C. lanatus and silymarin. Additionally, hematological indices (Red Blood Cells, Haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration, White Blood Cells, and Platelets) were significantly improved by the treatments, with the 500 mg/kg extract and silymarin exhibiting comparable efficacy. These findings suggest that C. lanatus rind extract possesses potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent for managing TAA-induced liver damage. Further studies are recommended to explore its long-term safety and clinical applications.

Effects of Density Stress During Transportation on the Antioxidant Activity and Immuno-Related Gene Expression in Yellowfin Seabream (Acanthopagrus latus Houttuyn, 1782).

Background/Objectives: Maintaining an optimum transport density is essential for protecting water quality, lowering stress levels, and increasing fish survival rates. Transporting marine fish fry involves major dangers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of transport stress at varying densities on the immune-related gene expression, antioxidant capacity, and survival rate of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) fry. Methods: A 12 h simulated transport experiment was conducted with A. latus fry divided into six density groups. For 1-2 cm fry, densities of 900, 1200, and 1500 fry per pouch were used to assess antioxidant enzyme activity; and for 4-5 cm fry, densities of 100, 125, and 150 fry per pouch were used for gene expression analysis. The key parameters measured included survival rates, antioxidant enzyme activities in liver and intestinal tissues, and expression levels of HSP90α and caspase-3 genes. Results: The findings showed that recovery time and density both affected the observed responses and that transport density had a substantial effect on antioxidant enzyme activity in all tissues. The intestinal and liver tissues showed a considerable decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting that these tissues may be able to respond to oxidative stress. Moreover, under high-density transport conditions, there were notable increases in the expression of caspase-3 and HSP90α, suggesting the activation of immune response systems. This research offers valuable new understandings into the relationship between transport density and immunological and antioxidant modulation in A. latus fry. Conclusions: The results provide a scientific foundation for enhancing aquaculture transport conditions, which will ultimately lead to decreased fish mortality and improved general health during transit, resulting in more sustainable and effective aquaculture methods.

Effect of exercise intensity on growth performance, serum biochemistry parameters, liver antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in recirculating aquaculture system

This study examined the impact of different exercise intensities on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, liver antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 270 common carp with an initial weight of 63.91 ± 1.45 g were divided into three groups: a Sustained Exercise group [SE, 1 bl/s (body length per second), 24 h/day], an Intermittent Exercise group (IE, 1 bl/s, 8 h/day), and a Control group (CG, 3 cm/s) for a 90-days experiment. The results demonstrated that exercise substantially improved weight gain rates in common carp. Analysis of serum biochemical parameters revealed that increased exercise intensity significantly reduced levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), and glucose (GLU) (P < 0.05). Post-exercise evaluations also indicated significant reductions in immune-related markers, including lysozyme (LZM), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Regarding liver antioxidant enzyme activities, the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were significantly higher in the IE group relative to the CG group (P < 0.05). Conversely, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly lower in the SE group than in the CG group (P < 0.05). In terms of intestinal health, intermittent exercise significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and increased gut villus length. Additionally, an increase in exercise intensity significantly enhanced the activities of intestinal amylase and lipase. Analysis of the intestinal microbiota through 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that intermittent exercise fostered a more diverse microbial community. Specifically, with an increase in exercise intensity, the relative abundance of Fusobacteriota rose, while those of Firmicutes decreased. At the genus level, the abundances of Cetobacterium and Aeromonas increased, contrasting with declines in Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides, and Escherichia-Shigella. PICRUSt2 functional predictions suggest that exercise might modify the intestinal environment by increasing the prevalence of pathogenic bacterial communities, potentially leading to intestinal damage and adversely affecting the physiological state of the intestine. An observed increase in riboflavin metabolism in the SE group likely contributed to its markedly improved growth performance relative to other groups. In summary, sustained exercise at 1 bl/s improved growth and intestinal digestive enzyme activity in common carp. However, it also induced stress, potentially compromising physiological health, liver function, and immune strength, consequently elevating the risk of disease. These findings provide crucial insights for optimizing growth and physiological health in common carp and other fish species in recirculating aquaculture systems through exercise.

Modulatory Potential of Selenium Supplementations on the Growth, Nutrients Profile and Regulation of Antioxidant Status of Striped Catfish (Pangasius Hypophthalmus)

This study is designed to evaluate the impact of varying selenium levels on growth potential, nutrient profile and antioxidant enzymes activity in striped catfish. Fish were randomly allocated into 15 circular indoor tanks, each with a capacity of 2000 L, (100 (H) x 200 cm (D)) dimension, and were raised for 12 weeks. Fifteen fish were allocated to each tank across four separate treatment groups, each replicated three times, following an entirely randomized design. Five iso-nitrogenous diets (30% CP) were prepared from basal diet in which one was control and other four were supplemented selenomethionine (Se-met) with levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg. Upon completion of the feeding trial, a diet containing Se at 1.5 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in weight gain (229.60±3.00) and SGR (0.92±0.23), along with a lower FCR (2.18±0.32). While, proximate composition remains non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) against dietary Se feed. Antioxidant enzymes activity in liver and muscle found higher in Se1.5 diet and Se2.0 mg/kg diet in comparison to lower dietary Se treatments. Moreover, dietary Se1.5 and Se2.0 treatments values remained non-significant. Overall, the results indicated that the incorporation of Se-met at 1.5 mg/kg in the diet can improve growth performance and antioxidant status in P. hypophthalmus.

Synthesis of Ganoderic Acids Loaded Zein-Chitosan Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Hepatoprotective Effect on Mice Given Excessive Alcohol.

Ganoderma lucidum, used in East Asia for its health benefits, contains ganoderic acids (GA) which have various pharmacological activities but are limited by poor water solubility and low oral bioaccessibility. This study synthesized and characterized ganoderic acids loaded zein-chitosan nanoparticles (GA-NPs), and investigated its advantages in alleviating alcoholic liver injury (ALI) in mice model. The GA-NPs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (92.68%), small particle size (177.20 nm), and a +29.53 mV zeta potential. The experimental results of alcohol-induced liver injury mouse model showed that GA-NPs significantly improved liver metabolic function, reduced alcohol-induced liver oxidative stress in liver by decreasing lactate dehydrogenase activity and malondialdehyde level, while increasing the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes and alcohol dehydrogenase. Moreover, GA-NPs were favorable to ameliorate intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice exposed to alcohol by increasing the proportion of probiotics such as Romboutsia, Faecalibaculum, Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter, etc., which were highly correlated with the improvement of liver function. Furthermore, GA-NPs modulated the mRNA expression related to ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Conclusively, this study revealed that GA-NPs have stronger hepatoprotective effects than non-encapsulated ganoderic acids on alleviating ALI by regulating intestinal microbiota and liver metabolism.

Effects of Salinity on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Antioxidant Capacity of Spotbanded Scat (Selenotoca multifasciata) Juveniles

As a euryhaline fish species that inhabits estuarine and coastal regions, the spotbanded scat (Selenotoca multifasciata) experiences growth influences during its larval stage due to variations in salinity. Here, we evaluated salinity required by early-stage spotbanded scat juveniles to achieve the highest growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, survival, and antioxidant capacity. We reared spotbanded scat juveniles (all 0.50 ± 0.05 g) in 0–35‰ salinity gradients for 50 days and recorded their survival rate every 10 days. After 50 experimental days, we measured morphological data, stomach and intestinal digestive enzyme activities, and liver antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde contents. In general, 5–15‰ salinity led to 100% survival. The 5‰ salinity group demonstrated the highest values for the following measures: final wet body weight; weight gain rate; specific growth rate; growth percentage; average daily gain; stomach amylase and lipase specific activities; and intestinal amylase, lipase, trypsin, and pepsin specific activities. However, stomach trypsin and pepsin activities did not demonstrate significant between-group differences (all p &gt; 0.05). The 25‰ salinity group demonstrated the highest liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and malondialdehyde content. Finally, the 0‰ salinity group demonstrated the highest liver catalase activity. Thus, spotbanded scat juveniles demonstrate the highest survival rates, growth performance, and digestive enzyme activity at 5‰ salinity and the strongest oxidative stress responses at 25‰ salinity.

Chemopreventive Potential of Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Extract against Colon and Liver Cancer Using a Dual-Organ Rat Carcinogenesis Model.

Humans are frequently exposed to various carcinogens capable of inducing cancer in multiple organs. Phyllanthus emblica (P. emblica) is known for its strong antioxidant properties and potential in cancer prevention. However, its effectiveness against combined carcinogens remains relatively unexplored. This study aimed to assess the chemopreventive potential of the ethanolic extract of P. emblica fruits against preneoplastic lesions in the liver and colon using a rat model. Rats were administered with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) to induce hepato- and colon carcinogenesis, respectively. The ethanolic extract of P. emblica fruit at 100 and 500 mg/kg bw significantly reduced the number of preneoplastic lesions in the liver by 74.7% and 55.6%, respectively, and in the colon by 39.2% and 40.8%, respectively. Similarly, the extract decreased the size of preneoplastic lesions in the liver by 75.2% (100 mg/kg bw) and 70.6% (500 mg/kg bw). Furthermore, the extract significantly reduced the cell proliferation marker in the liver by 70.3% (100 mg/kg bw) and 61.54% (500 mg/kg bw), and in the colon by 62.7% (100 mg/kg bw) and 60.5% (500 mg/kg bw). The ethanolic extract also enhanced liver antioxidant enzyme activities and demonstrated free radical scavenging in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Additionally, the dichloromethane fraction of P. emblica showed significant cancer prevention potential by reducing intracellular ROS and NO production by 61.7% and 35.4%, respectively, in RAW 264.7 macrophages. It also exhibited antimutagenic effects with a reduction of 54.0% against aflatoxin B1 and 52.3% against 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline-induced mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium. Finally, this study highlights the chemopreventive activity of P. emblica fruit extract against the initiation of early-stage carcinogenic lesions in the liver and colon in rats treated with dual carcinogens.

Ameliorating effects of Clerodendrum viscosum leaves on lead-induced hepatotoxicity.

Lead (Pb), a common toxicant is ubiquitously present in the environment. Chronic Pb exposure affects almost every organ system of human body including liver. Clerodendrum viscosum is a medicinal plant and its leaves are known to have hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycemic activities. However, the protective effect of C. viscosum leaves against Pb-induced hepatotoxicity is yet to be studied. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the protective effect of the aqueous extract of C. viscosum leaf (Cle) against Pb-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental mice. Pb-acetate was given to Pb and Pb + Cle groups interperitoneally, and Cle was supplemented to Cle and Pb + Cle groups by oral gavage. Serum biomarkers of liver function-butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT), antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic tissue-superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione reductase (rGR) and catalase (CAT), levels of transcription factor-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and inflammatory marker-interleukin-6 (IL-6) were analyzed. Additionally, histological analyses of hepatic tissues of all groups of experimental mice were performed. Pb-treatment significantly increased ALP, AST, and ALT activities and decreased BChE activity compared to control mice. The antioxidant enzyme (SOD, rGR, and CAT) activities and expression of Nrf2 level were significantly (p < .05) decreased, while IL-6 level was significantly (p < .05) increased in the hepatic tissue homogenates of Pb-treated mice compared to the control group. Furthermore, histological examination revealed the disruption of hepatic tissue integrity in Pb-treated mice. Notably, supplementation of Cle provided significant protection against the changes in the activities of liver function biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes, levels of Nrf2 and IL-6, and disruption of hepatic tissue by Pb. Taken together the present study suggests that Cle ameliorates the hepatic toxicity caused by Pb.

Effects of Bacillus cereusYB1 on growth, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, liver antioxidant enzyme activity, and intestinal structure of black rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus cereus YB1 on the growth, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, liver antioxidant enzyme activity, and intestinal tissue structure of juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). A 50‐day feeding experiment was conducted. Feeding was conducted in four diet groups: control group with no YB1 supplement in diet and three treatment groups E‐L, E‐M, and E‐H containing 105, 106, and 107 CFU/g YB1, respectively. The results revealed that the weight gain and specific growth rate of juvenile fish significantly increased, while the feed coefficient was reduced in all three diet treatment groups. This indicated that the growth of black rockfish was significantly and positively affected by YB1 feeding. Enzyme activity in the intestinal tract was not significantly affected by YB1. However, the activity of protease, amylase, and lipase increased because of YB1 treatment, except for the proteases in the E‐M diet group. Meanwhile, no significant differences were recorded in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in liver, but the level of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde activities in treatments shows a better performance compared with the control in overall perspective. Furthermore, the structural features of the intestine (i.e., number of intestinal villi, length of gut villi, and thickness of muscularis) was significantly elevated with the inclusion of B. cereus YB1 in the diet. These results reveal that dietary supplementation of B. cereus YB1 is beneficial to the boosting of enzymatic activities and structure of intestinal tissue as well as the antioxidative ability of liver tissue. Such findings suggest that fish growth would be improved under YB1 feeding conditions.

Supplementation of Salvia hispanica L. seed ameliorated liver function enzymes, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress in high fat diet fed Swiss albino mice

BackgroundSalvia hispanica L. (Chia) seed improves liver marker enzymes, lipid profile and antioxidant enzyme activity. PurposeThe aim of the research work was to evaluate the hepatic and antioxidant enzymes activity of chia seed supplementation in high fat diet fed mice. MethodsLiver marker enzymes, lipid profile, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activity, and histology were evaluated for chia seed supplementation in high fat diet fed mice. Here, ALT, AST, and ALP were done for liver marker enzymes test. Cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL were measured for lipid profiles. MDA, NO, AOPP, and MPO were done for oxidative stress test. Catalase and SOD were performed for measuring antioxidant enzyme activity. Hematoxylin and eosin and Prussian blue staining were done for histology purposes. ResultsIn high fat diet fed mice liver marker enzymes were significantly reduced by supplementation of chia seed. Lipid profiles like cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL concentration were declined and HDL concentration was increased significantly by chia seed supplementation in high fat diet fed mice. High fat diet increased oxidative stress markers such as MDA, NO, AOPP, and MPO which was significantly decreased by the supplementation of chia seed. Antioxidant enzyme activity and histology were also improved by the supplementation of chia seed. ConclusionAccording to this study, chia seed supplementation can reduce liver fibrosis, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and improve antioxidant enzyme activity in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Improved traits of proximate composition, liver antioxidant capacity and feeding habits in diploid hybrids from female Micropterus salmoides × male Lepomis cyanellus

Distant hybridization has been widely used as an effective strategy for improving fish germplasm. The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, LB) is a popular fish worldwide due to its excellent performance in aquaculture, edibility, and sport fishing. However, the carnivorous nature of LB increases the cost and difficulty of culture and poses a threat to wild fishery resources. At present, there is a lack of research on improving the germplasm of LB. In this study, hybrid offspring (LG) were produced by crossing female LB and male green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus, GS). The biological characteristics of the LG, such as muscle proximate composition, liver antioxidant enzyme activity, and pharyngeal tooth structure, were analyzed to evaluate their potential for aquaculture. The proximate composition analysis revealed that LG has a higher crude protein content of 20.07% compared to LB (18.1%) and GS (18.7%) (P < 0.05), and a lower crude fat content of 0.57% than LB (1.17%) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LG had a significantly higher essential amino acid content (7.20%) than LB (6.43%) (P < 0.05), but not significantly different from GS (6.82%) (P > 0.05). In terms of fatty acid content, LG had significantly lower levels of saturated fatty acids (0.083%) compared to LB (0.153%) and GS (0.169%) (P < 0.05). Additionally, the amount of arachidonic acid (C20:4n6, ARA) in LG (0.058%) was significantly higher than LB (0.019%) and GS (0.043%) (P < 0.05). Regarding antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver, LG exhibited significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than LB and GS (P < 0.05). Electron microscopic observation of the pharyngeal tooth showed that the tooth number of LG (160.67 ± 3.93) was significantly lower than that of LB (181.67 ± 4.97) (P < 0.05) and significantly higher than that of GS (108.00 ± 3.58) (P < 0.05), while the tooth diameter of LG (0.076 ± 0.023) was significantly higher than that of LB (0.057 ± 0.016) (P < 0.05) and significantly lower than that of GS (0.108 ± 0.044) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study found that LG exhibited improved traits in proximate composition and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activity. The pharyngeal tooth characteristics indicated that LG may have different food selection and processing capabilities. This is the first report on biological characteristics in offspring produced from a distant hybridization between LB and GS, providing new insights into the genetic improvement and germplasm innovation of LB.

Dietary intakes of vitamin D promote growth performance and disease resistance in juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

Vitamin D3 (VD3) is an essential nutrient for fish and participates in a variety of physiological activities. Notably, both insufficient and excessive supplementation of VD3 severely impede fish growth, and the requirements of VD3 for fish vary considerably in different species and growth periods. The present study aimed to evaluate the appropriate requirements of VD3 for juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) according to growth performance and disease prevention capacity. In this study, diets containing six supplemental levels of VD3 (0, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, and 4800IU/kg diet) were formulated to investigate the effect(s) of VD3 on the growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, and antimicrobial ability in juvenile grass carp. Compared with the VD3 deficiency group (0IU/kg), the supplementation of 300-2400IU/kg VD3 significantly enhanced growth performance and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in the fish liver. Moreover, dietary supplementation of VD3 significantly improved the intestinal health by manipulating the composition of intestinal microbiota in juvenile grass carp. In agreement with this notion, the mortality of juvenile grass carp fed with dietary VD3 was much lower than that in VD3 deficient group upon infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Meanwhile, dietary supplementation of 300-2400IU/kg VD3 reduced bacterial load in the spleen and head kidney of the infected fish, and 1200IU/kg VD3 supplementation could decrease enteritis morbidity and increase lysozyme activities in the intestine. These findings strengthened the essential role of dietary VD3 in managing fish growth and antimicrobial capacity. Additionally, based on weight gain ratio and lysozyme activities, the appropriate VD3 requirements for juvenile grass carp were estimated to be 1994.80 and 2321.80IU/kg diet, respectively.

Effect of Yamadazyma triangularis derived peptide XHY69AP on muscle fatigue via regulation of AMPK/PGC-1α and Nrf2/Keap1 pathways

The peptide XHY69AP was derived from Yamadazyma triangularis with a molecular weight of less than 3 kDa from our lab. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of XHY69AP on muscle fatigue in vivo. Exercising mice were given 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg∙d XHY69AP by gavage daily during four weeks of treadmill training. XHY69AP was found to increase treadmill exhaustion time and energy reserve (glycogen, adenosine triphosphate, and sodium-potassium pump), decrease the metabolite accumulations (lactic acid, urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase) in serum, and attenuate morphological injury of gastrocnemius muscle. Meantime, XHY69AP reduced the malondialdehyde content and improved antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) in skeletal muscles and liver to decrease oxidative damage caused by excessive exercise. Moreover, RT-qPCR and western blotting results further verified that XHY69AP activated AMPK/PGCC-1α and Nrf2/Keap1 signal pathways to relieve muscle fatigue of mice.

Effect of Dietary Seaweed (Gracilaria pulvinata and Sargassum ilicifolium) on Serum and Mucosal Immunity, Some Growth and Immune-Related Genes Expression, Antioxidant Status, and Fatty Acid Profile in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer).

This study was done to appraise the effects of the combination of dietary Gracilaria pulvinata and Sargassum ilicifolium on growth, immunity, and fatty acid profile in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). A total of 540 juveniles (36.06 ± 0.05 g) were stocked into eighteen 200 L tanks and divided into six experimental treatments, each in triplicate. Fish were fed diets containing 0 (control), 3% (SW3), 6% (SW6), 9% (SW9), 12% (SW12), and 15% (SW15) mixtures of both seaweeds powder in equal proportions (1 : 1) for 56 days. There was no improvement in weight gain parameters. Serum lysozyme and peroxidase activities in SW9 and SW12 treatments were significantly higher in compare to other treatments. The highest activities of skin mucus lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and total protease were observed in the SW12. Liver igf-1, il-1β, il-8, and lysozyme expression showed a rising trend up to SW9 and then decreased. Liver antioxidant enzymes activity and glutathione content showed a similar pattern of changes. Liver total antioxidant capacity was highest in the SW9 treatment, while the lowest value of liver malondialdehyde was observed in the 12% seaweed treatment. The amount of total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid, was higher in the SW12 and SW15 treatments in compare to others. Our findings suggest that adding 9%-12% of Gracilaria and Sargassum seaweed powder to the diet improves serum and mucosal immunity, antioxidant status, and fatty acid profile in L. calcarifer juveniles.

Effects of dietary nano-iron on growth, hematological parameters, immune antioxidant response, and hypoxic tolerance in juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

In this study, six diets with different concentrations of nano-iron (0, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480 mg/kg) were designed to evaluate the growth, hematological parameters, antioxidant and immune status, and hypoxia tolerance of juvenile Largemouth Bass (initial weight 6.2 ± 0.2 g) through a 10-week feeding trial. The results showed that the addition of 60 mg/kg of nano-iron significantly improved the growth performance (weight gain, WG; specific growth rate, SGR), hematological parameters (red blood cell counts, RBC; hemoglobin, Hb; haematocrit, Hct; mean corpuscular volume, MCV; mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCH), and hypoxia tolerance of juvenile Largemouth Bass (P < 0.05). Similarly, the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes (total superoxide dismutase, T-SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GPX) (P < 0.05) and the immune enzymes (acid phosphatase, ACP; alkaline phosphatase, AKP) presented increase significantly in 60 mg/kg addition group. Also, the expression levels of antioxidant (superoxide dismutase 1, SOD1; glutathione peroxidase, GPX; catalase, CAT; nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Nrf-2), anti-inflammatory (transforming growth factor β1, TGF-β1) and anti-apoptotic (B cell lymphoma 2, Bcl-2) genes were enhanced in the 60 mg/kg group. These results indicated that supplementation of 60 mg/kg nano-iron in the diet could improve the antioxidant and immune capacity of juvenile fish. However, we observed that the addition of 480 mg/kg of nano-iron reduced the antioxidant and immune capacity of juvenile Largemouth Bass, elevated the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes, and exacerbated the level of oxidative stress in the organism. In conclusion, the addition of nano-iron to the diet could improve the growth performance, hematological parameters, antioxidant and immune status, and hypoxia tolerance of juvenile Largemouth Bass at an optimal concentration of 60 mg/kg.

Dietary inulin benefits on growth, digestive ability and intestinal microbiota in yellow catfish exposed to ammonia

Inulin can be selectively utilized by the host intestinal microbiota to promote growth and stress resistance. Although inulin is rarely reported in aquatic animal, it has been widely used in feed production. This study evaluated the effects of dietary inulin on growth, digestive ability, and intestinal microbiota of yellow catfish exposed to ammonia. The results showed that ammonia stress resulted in growth retardation (weight gain and specific growth rate decreased), which may be related to reduced feed utilization (feed intake and feed conversion ratio increased). Dietary inulin supplementation can improve intestinal digestive enzyme activity (lipase and pepsin), blood health and immune response (total protein, 50 % hemolytic complement, immunoglobulin M increased; total cholesterol, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase decreased), and liver antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase), but reduce inflammatory response (interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α) of yellow catfish under ammonia stress. In addition, inulin can increase Turicibacter abundance, and reduced Achromobacter abundance in intestinal microbiota, which was positive correlation with improved growth of yellow catfish exposed to ammonia. This study suggests that inulin can be used as a potential feed additive to help yellow catfish cope with ammonia stress.

Seasonal Changes in Photoperiod: Effects on Growth and Redox Signaling Patterns in Atlantic Salmon Postsmolts.

Farmed Atlantic salmon reared under natural seasonal changes in sea-cages had an elevated consumption of antioxidants during spring. It is, however, unclear if this response was caused by the increase in day length, temperature, or both. The present study examined redox processes in Atlantic salmon that were reared in indoor tanks at constant temperature (9 °C) under a simulated natural photoperiod. The experiment lasted for 6 months, from vernal to autumnal equinoxes, with the associated increase and subsequent decrease in day length. We found that intracellular antioxidants were depleted, and there was an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver and muscle of Atlantic salmon with increasing day length. Antioxidant enzyme activity in liver and muscle and their related gene profiles was also affected, with a distinct upregulation of genes involved in maintaining redox homeostasis, such as peroxiredoxins in the brain in April. This study also revealed a nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated oxidative stress response in muscle and liver, suggesting that fish integrate environmental signals through redox signaling pathways. Furthermore, growth and expression profiles implicated in growth hormone (GH) signaling and cell cycle regulation coincided with stress patterns. The results demonstrate that a change in photoperiod without the concomitant increase in temperature is sufficient to stimulate growth and change the tissue oxidative state in Atlantic salmon during spring and early summer. These findings provide new insights into redox regulation mechanisms underlying the response to the changing photoperiod, and highlight a link between oxidative status and physiological function.

Antioxidant Enzyme System Modulation by Dietary Palm Oils, Palm Kernel Oil and Soybean Oil in Laying Hens.

Palm-based oils (palm oil and kernel oil) and soybean oil have unique fatty acid and antioxidant profiles based on the compounds present in them. Hence, this study elucidated the antioxidant properties of crude palm oil (CPO), red palm oil (RPO), refined palm oil (RBD), palm kernel oil (PKO) and soybean oil (SBO) and the influence of dietary oils on blood lipid profiles, tissue fatty acid deposition and the expression of hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism genes in laying hens. The oils were analyzed for color, beta-carotene, free fatty acid and acid value, phenolic content and lipid peroxidation. In an in vivo trial, 150 laying hens were allotted into five groups and supplemented with either CPO, RPO, RBD, PKO or SBO for 16 weeks. High antioxidant compounds present in palm oils help reduce the oxidation of oils. Dietary supplementation with palm oils, particularly CPO and RPO, contributed to the lower liver, serum and jejunal mucosal antioxidant enzyme activities. The antioxidant enzyme genes in the jejunal mucosa were downregulated in palm oils and PKO, but there was no difference between oils in antioxidant enzyme genes in the liver. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with oils with high antioxidant content contributed to protection against oxidation and was associated with a lower requirement for producing antioxidant enzymes.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST ARSENIC INDUCED TOXICITY IN CIRRHINUS MRIGALA

This experimental study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activities of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against Arsenic (As) induced toxicity in Cirrhinus mrigala in Tawakkal Fish Hatchery at Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan. 288 fingerlings were collected from fish pond and kept in circular tank for acclimatization. 12 fish about 100-day old having similar size were selected randomly and kept in separate glass aquaria for each treatment groups T1, T2, T3 and control group T4. Fish in treatments groups T1, T2 and T3 were exposed with water born sublethal concentration of 1/10th LC50 of arsenic (As) for 7days (240 hours). On 8th and 16th days of the experiment three fish were collected from each aquarium, humanly dissected targeted organ was taken out and used for liver, muscle, and gills antioxidant enzyme activities and histopathological alteration. The findings indicate that in treatment group T2 which feed with 2% and 4% Moringa oleifera supplemented diet reduced significantly (P&lt;0.05) arsenic induced oxidative stress in fish, enhance the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities but treatment group T2 is 2% Moringa oleifera supplemented diet is more effective near to control group T4 as compared to treatment group T3 with 4% Moringa oleifera supplemented. After 16 days exposure of 1/10th concentration of arsenic with 0% Moringa oleifera various degenerative alteration were seen in gills. In 2% and 4% Moringa oleifera with 1/10th arsenic, spiked secondary lamellae and lamellar epithelium lifting (EL) and rupture of epithelial layer (↑↑) and fusion of lamellae were observed at several points. Moringa oleifera is medicinal herb, which has various tremendous benefits.

Exploring of the ameliorative effects of Nerium (Nerium oleander L.) ethanolic flower extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats via biochemical, histological and molecular aspects.

Nerium oleander L. is ethnopharmacologically used for diabetes. Our aim was to investigate the ameliorative effects of ethanolic Nerium flower extract (NFE) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Seven random groups including control group, NFE group (50mg/kg), diabetic group, glibenclamide group and NFE treated groups (25mg/kg, 75mg/kg, and 225mg/kg) were composed of forty-nine rats. Blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin level, liver damage parameters and lipid profile parameters were investigated. Antioxidant defense system enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and immunotoxic and neurotoxic parameters were determined in liver tissue. Additionally, the ameliorative effects of NFE were histopathologically examined in liver. mRNA levels of SLC2A2 gene encoding glucose transporter 2 protein were measured by quantitative real time PCR. NFE caused decrease in glucose level and HbA1c and increase in insulin and C-peptide levels. Additionally, NFE improved liver damage biomarkers and lipid profile parameters in serum. Moreover, lipid peroxidation was prevented and antioxidant enzyme activities in liver were regulated by NFE treatment. Furthermore, anti-immunotoxic and anti-neurotoxic effects of NFE were determined in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Histopathogically, significant liver damages were observed in the diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were decreased partially in the 225mg/kg NFE treated group. SLC2A2 gene expression in liver of diabetic rats significantly reduced compared to healthy rats and NFE treatment (25mg/kg) caused increase in gene expression. Flower extract of Nerium plant may have an antidiabetic potential due to its high phytochemical content.