Aspartate Transferase Activities Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Intervention Using Spirulina at Graded Levels on Productive Performance and Physiological Status of Quail Birds Reared under Elevated Temperatures

The current study aimed to explore the effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) inclusion at various levels in quail diets, in terms of their production performance, physiological traits, stress measurements, and immunological parameters under heat stress (HS) conditions. Four hundred Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks, one day old, were equally distributed into forty wire cages, and the cages were placed in two chambers with environmentally controlled systems (20 cages in each chamber). From 21 to 42 d of age, the quails were randomly subjected to a factorial design of two HS treatments × four SP treatments. To induce HS treatments in the quails, the first chamber was maintained at a thermoneutral temperature of 24 °C (TN group), while the temperature of the second chamber was elevated to 35 °C during the daytime (9:00–17:00 h), followed by a thermoneutral temperature for the remaining 24 h cycle (HS group). The birds in each chamber were further allocated into four SP treatments (5 replicate cages × 10 birds per cage in each treatment), where the quails were fed on a basal diet that included 0, 5, 10, or 15 g/kg SP (SP0, SP5, SP10, and SP15 groups, respectively). After exposure to the HS, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of 5% in body weight and 9% in both weight gain and feed intake was recorded, and the slaughter performance of the quails was adversely (p < 0.05) affected. In addition, HS significantly (p < 0.05) impaired the physiological traits (total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, and triglycerides) and immunological parameters (total white blood cells, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and T- and B-lymphocyte stimulation indexes), but increased the stress measurements (corticosterone, malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α). In contrast, most of these parameters were linearly (p < 0.05) improved by increasing the SP levels in the diets of the TN quail group. When the SP was included in the diets of the HS quail group, the deleterious effects of HS on the alanine and aspartate transferase activities, creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides, corticosterone, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and T- and B-lymphocyte stimulation indexes were remarkably (p < 0.05) relieved. These results concluded that SP nutritional application can improve the production performance and the overall physiological homeostasis of the Japanese quail, especially when suffering from heat stress.

Quercetin Zinc and Iron Metal Complexes Protect against Sodium Arsenite Intoxication in the Hepato-Renal System of Wistar Rats via the Oxidative Stress Pathway.

Chronic exposure to arsenic is a major health concern consequent upon generation of excessive reactive oxygen species. The safety of treatment with chelating agents has not been well established; therefore, there is a need for a paradigm shift in the approach to management of arsenic toxicity. Bioflavonoids are known to influence redox homeostasis in cells; the study therefore investigates the efficacy of quercetin and its zinc and iron metal complexes on sodium arsenite (NaAr)-intoxication in rats. Spectroscopic study of quercetin hydrate and its metal complexes was performed using UV-Vis and FT-IR spectrometer. Furthermore, twenty male Wistar rats were obtained and equally divided into four groups, treated orally and daily for 28 days with 10 mg/kg NaAr, 30 mg/kg quercetin, quercetin-zinc, and quercetin-iron separately. Five more rats were used as control. Plasmatic aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and total protein (TP) were estimated. Levels of kidney and liver lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were determined. Histology was used to view the lesions. Treatment of arsenic-toxicity with quercetin and its complexes decreased the activities of ALT, AST, CREA, TP, CAT, and GST and concentration of LPO and GSH. Quercetin-zn treatment showed a better result than quercetin-iron in the liver. Histology results showed absence of lesions in quercetin zinc and iron treatment in both the kidney and the liver. Quercetin zinc and iron increased the bioavailability of quercetin and therefore could be relevant as adjuvants in arsenic poisoning.

Supplementation of a Multienzyme Complex, an Organic Acid-Essential Oil Complex, and Prebiotic Alone or in Combination Affects Growth, Nutrient Utilization, and Immune Function of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Dietary supplementation of functional additives is an effective strategy to improve the nutritive value of low fish meal diets for fishes. The present study is aimed at investigating the dietary effects of a multienzyme complex, an organic acid-essential oil complex and prebiotic on growth, immune function, and intestinal health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A positive control diet (PC) and a negative control diet (NC) were formulated to contain 200 g/kg and 100 g/kg of fishmeal, respectively. Seven other diets were formulated by supplementing a multienzyme complex (MC, 0.125 g/kg), organic acid-essential oil complex (OEC, 0.5 g/kg), and prebiotic (P, 2 g/kg) alone or in combination to the NC diet (MC, OEC, P, MC+OEC, MC+P, OEC+P, MC+OEC+P). All diets were formulated to be isoproteic (434.3 g/kg-439.1 g/kg) and isolipidic (119.2 g/kg-125.9 g/kg) and fed to rainbow trout of 7.66 ± 0.05 g for 56 days. The weight gain, apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention efficiency were significantly increased, and feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased by the three additives alone or in combination ( P < 0.05 ) compared to the NC. No significant differences in growth performance and feed utilization were observed among the treatment groups. Compared to the NC group, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase activities, and malondialdehyde content reduced significantly, while serum superoxide dismutase increased in all except for the MC group, and alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme activity increased in all except for the MC and MC+P groups ( P < 0.05 ). The foregut protease activity of the MC+P and OEC+P groups and the amylase activity of the OEC and MC+OEC groups were significantly higher than those of the NC group ( P < 0.05 ). The villus height of P, MC+OEC, and OEC+P groups, the villus width of MC group, and the muscle thickness of MC, MC+OEC, and MC+OEC+P groups were also significantly higher than those of the NC group ( P < 0.05 ). Compared to the PC group, the richness and diversity of intestinal microorganisms in the NC group and all the supplemented groups were significantly reduced ( P < 0.05 ), but no differences among them ( P > 0.05 ). In conclusion, the individual or combined supplementation of multienzyme complex, organic acid-essential oil complex, and prebiotic in a low fish meal diet (100 g/kg) improved the growth performance, nutrient utilization, and immune function of rainbow trout, but no synergistic effects were observed in the combination of the three supplements.

Evaluation of different almond (Terminalia catappa) extracts against oxidative stress induced by cyclosporine in brain and liver of rats.

This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of almond (Terminalia catappa) leaf (ALE) and stem bark (ABE) extracts on the enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers in the brain and liver tissues of cyclosporine-A (CsA) stressed male albino rats. Eighty-eight adult male rats weighing between 200 and 220g were randomly distributed to into 11 groups (n=8) and different doses (100 and 200mg/kg bwt.) of ALE and ABE were administered through oral gavages to the normal rats and 50mg/kg/bwt/day CsA-stressed, while normal control rats was given a saline solution (p.o), and the treatment lasted for 14days. Blood plasma, liver and brain tissues were prepared for biochemical analysis. Neuronal [acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butrylcholinesterase (BChE) and arginase] enzyme activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) level, plasma aspartate transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, liver non-protein thiol (NPSH) level were analyzed. The results revealed that, the administration of CsA induced a significant increase in neuronal AChE, BChE, arginase, TBARS level, but decreased nitric oxide (NO) level. CsA also increased ALT, AST, and ALP activities in the blood plasma of CsA stress rats compared to normal control, but were significantly reversed respectively (p<0.001) upon treatment with the ALE and ABE dose-dependently. The study revealed that ALE and ABE could prevent neuronal dysfunction and liver toxicity induced by CsA administration, however, higher dose (200mg/kg) of the studied extracts appears to be more potent.

Dietary salmon milt extracts attenuate hepatosteatosis and liver dysfunction in diet-induced fatty liver model.

Dietary nucleotides have several reported beneficial effects. Here, we report on a proteomic analysis of the effect of dietary nucleotides-rich salmon milt extract (SME) on the liver in a diet-induced fatty liver model. Young male normal ddY mice were fed a normal chow diet, high carbohydrate diet (HCD), HCD containing 1% SME, or HCD containing 10% SME for 5 days following by a 2-day fast. Increased serum alanine transferase and aspartate transferase activities were observed in the HCD group and were significantly attenuated in the SME groups (P < 0.05). Hepatic steatosis was observed in all the HCD groups. Hepatic expression of Tnfα was significantly suppressed in the 10% SME group (P < 0.05). Comprehensive proteomic analysis of the liver in the SME groups revealed an increase in the levels of major proteins involved in mitochondrial bioenergetics, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 alpha, mitochondrial thioredoxin, cardiolipin synthase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I. Dietary SME improved liver function in the diet-induced fatty liver model. Activation of mitochondrial biogenetic function might be involved in this process. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of partially purified sub-fractions of Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract on carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats

BackgroundThis study was designed to determine the hepatoprotective effect of partially purified fractions from Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rats. MethodsThe methanol extract of P. mildbraedii was subjected to solvent partitioning using n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and water. Separation of fractions with proven antioxidant activity was achieved by chromatographic techniques. Acute toxicity and hepatoprotective studies of the methanol sub-fraction 6 (Me 6), methanol sub-fraction 7 (Me 7) and methanol sub-fraction 8 (Me 8) from P. mildbraedii extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated Wister rats. ResultsIntoxication of rats with CCl4 resulted in significant (p<0.05) increase in the activities of aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), level of malondialdehyde (MDA) while glutathione (GSH) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were decreased. Administration of Me6, Me7 and Me8 sub-fractions of P. mildbraedii caused a significant reduction (p>0.05) in the activities of the liver enzymes, MDA level, total and direct bilirubin in dose-dependent manner. There were significant (p<0.05) increases in GSH concentration, SOD, CAT, and Gpx activities in the treated groups. The subfractions also restored the damaged hepatic-architecture in the treated groups. ConclusionTherefore, Me6, Me7 and Me8 leaf sub-fractions of P. mildbraedii extract have hepatoprotective effect. Therefore, this vegetable can further be exploited as a source of drug/supplement development in the prevention and treatment of liver damage.

Studies on the alterations in haematological indices, micronuclei induction and pathological marker enzyme activities in Channa punctatus (spotted snakehead) perciformes, channidae exposed to thermal power plant effluent.

The present study was conducted to assess the toxicity of thermal power plant effluent containing heavy metals (Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > Ni > Co > Cr) on haematological indices, micronuclei, lobed nuclei and activity of pathological marker enzymes [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT) and creatine kinase (CK)] in Channa punctatus. Total erythrocyte count (−54.52 %), hemoglobin (−36.98 %), packed cell volume (−36.25 %), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (−1.41 %) and oxygen (O2) carrying capacity (−37.04 %) declined significantly over reference fish, however total leukocyte count (+25.43 %), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (+33.52 %) and mean corpuscular volume (+35.49 %) showed elevation. High frequency of micronuclei (1133.3 %) and lobed nuclei (150 %) were observed in exposed fish which may indicate mutagenesis. Activities of pathological marker enzymes ALP, AST, ALT and CK increased significantly in serum of exposed fish. The ratio of ALT: AST in exposed fish was beyond 1 which indicates manifestation of pathological processes. These biomarkers show that fish have macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Leukocytosis showed general defence response against heavy metal toxicity and marker enzymes showed tissue degeneration. In conclusion, thermal power plant effluent has strong potential to induce micronuclei, tissue pathology, making the fish anemic, weak, stressed and vulnerable to diseases.

Assessment the Protective Role of Quercetin on Acrylamide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

This study aimed to elucidate whether quercetin treatment could modulate acrylamide (ACR)-induced DNA damage and oxidative changes in rat brain, liver, kidneys and testes tissues. Fifty adult albino rats were divided into five groups. The first group served as normal control, second group received 50 mg/kg quercetin (QTN) and third group received 20 mg/kg ACR. Fourth and fifth groups received dose of ACR along with 25 or 50 mg/kg QTN, respectively. ACR and QTN were given by oral administrations for 30 days. The results showed that, ACR administration induced significant elevation of alanine transferase, aspartate transferase activities, urea, creatinine and Malondialdehyde levels in serum, whereas, Acetylcholine esterase and testosterone levels were reduced after ACR administration. Moreover, ACR treatment increased Glutathione-S-transferase, Myeloperoxidase, Glutathione peroxidase activity, 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine, tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide contents in all tissues. QTN significantly improved the previous parameters. It played a role in ameliorating toxic effects of ACR in rats by reducing oxidative stress. Practical Applications Acrylamide was found in various fried, deep fried and oven-baked foods that are regularly consumed like chips, crisps and bread, also biscuits, crackers and breakfast cereals. Acrylamide exposure led to increase of alanine transferase, aspartate transferase activities, urea, creatinine and Malondialdehyde levels in serum, whereas, Acetylcholine esterase and testosterone levels were reduced. Moreover, ACR treatment increased Glutathione-S-transferase, Myeloperoxidase, Glutathione peroxidase activity, 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine, tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide contents in all tissues. Our study revealed the protective role of quercetin on acrylamide-induced oxidative stress in rats. Quercetin regulate the generation of inflammatory markers and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in rat liver, kidneys, brain and testes tissues.

Comparative Hepatoprotective Effect of Vitamins A and E Against Gasoline Vapor Toxicity in Male and Female Rats

BackgroundPlasma alanine transferase(ALT), aspartate transferase(AST), α-glutamyl transferase(GGT), and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activities are known biomarkers in assessing hepatic functional integrity. A remarkable rise in the activities of these enzymes normally signifies hepatotoxicity of chemical agent(s) in the biological system. Exposure to 17.8 cm3h-1m-3 of PMS blend unleaded gasoline vapors (UGV) for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 20 weeks have been reported to cause hepatotoxicity in rats.MethodsIn this study, the comparative hepatoprotective effect of vitamins A (retinol) and E (α-tocopherol) against UGV-induced toxicity was assessed in male and female rats. Retinol and α-tocopherol at prophylactic dosage (400 and 200 IU/kg/day, respectively) were separately administered orally to the test rats concomitant with exposure to UGV in the last two weeks of the experiment.ResultsThe results of this study indicated that exposure to UGV caused significant increase (P < 0.05) in the activities of serum ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and bilirubin in male and female rats. Oral administration of prophylactic doses of retinol and α-tocopherol produced a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the activities of these parameters in male and female test rats, compared with the non-treated test rats; but insignificant increase(P ≥ 0.05), compared with the control. However, the hepatoprotective effect of α-tocopherol was observed to be more potent than that of retinol.ConclusionsThe result of this study demonstrated that the hepatoprotective potency of α-tocopherol against gasoline vapors toxicity was higher than that of retinol in male and female rats, although the female gender of the animal model responded to treatment with both vitamins better than the males. Hence, the work suggested the beneficial effects of both vitamins against hepatotoxicity in individuals frequently exposed to gasoline vapors.

Biochemical, Hematological, and Electrocardiographic Changes in Buffaloes Naturally Infected with Theileria annulata

Changes in selected blood and serum components and electrocardiography (ECG) were investigated in 20 adults (13 females and 7 males) of water buffaloes suffering from severe theileriosis. The age of all animals used in this study ranged 1.5-5 yr. Theileriosis was diagnosed by observation of parasites in the peripheral blood and the presence of schizonts in lymphocytes that were provided from swollen lymph nodes. Statistically significant decreases were observed in the means of RBC, WBC, and packed cell volume (PCV) in blood of infected animals. The means levels of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium of infected animals were lower than healthy animals, but only the decrease of potassium was significant. The mean serum activities of aspartate transferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly higher than in uninfected animals. Three cases had atrial premature beat, 2 cases had sinus tachycardia, 2 had sinus arrhythmia, and 1 had first degree of atrioventricular block in ECG. The present study showed that T. annulata infection in cattle is associated with hematological and biochemical, and ECG changes.

Prevalences and clinical signs of polysaccharide storage myopathy and shivers in Belgian Draft Horses

To determine prevalences of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) and shivers in Belgian Draft Horses (BDHs) and determine whether there was an association between these 2 conditions. Prospective cohort study. 103 BDHs > 1 year old. Owners were questioned regarding clinical signs of PSSM, shivers, and hindquarter weakness, defined as poor hindquarter muscling and lack of propulsion. Blood samples were collected for determination of serum creatine kinase and aspartate transferase activities and serum selenium and vitamin E concentrations. A biopsy sample from the gluteus medius muscle was submitted for histologic, histochemical, and biochemical analysis. A diagnosis of PSSM was made if abnormal amylase-resistant polysaccharide inclusions were seen histologically. 37 (36%) horses had PSSM and 19 (18%) had shivers, but only 6 (6%) had both PSSM and shivers, whereas 31 (30%) had PSSM alone, 13 (13%) had shivers alone, and 53 (51%) had neither, and a significant association between PSSM and shivers was not detected. Hindquarter weakness was found in 30 horses. Only 13 of 37 (35%) horses with PSSM and 11 of 19 (58%) horses with shivers had hindquarter weakness. Serum creatine kinase and aspartate transferase activities and serum selenium and vitamin E concentrations were not significantly different between horses with and without PSSM or between horses with and without shivers. Results suggest that PSSM and shivers are common but unrelated disorders in BDHs.

Infarctive purpura hemorrhagica in five horses

Five horses were examined because of signs of muscle stiffness, colic, or both. All 5 had been exposed to Streptococcus equi within 3 weeks prior to examination or had high serum titers of antibodies against the M protein of S equi. Horses had signs of unrelenting colic-like pain and focal areas of muscle swelling. Four horses were euthanatized. The fifth responded to treatment with penicillin and dexamethasone; after 3 weeks of treatment with dexamethasone, prednisolone was administered for an additional 10 weeks. Common hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities included neutrophilia with a left shift and toxic changes, hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and high serum creatine kinase and aspartate transferase activities. Necropsy revealed extensive infarction of the skeletal musculature, skin, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs. Histologic lesions included leukocytoclastic vasculitis in numerous tissues and acute coagulative necrosis resembling infarction. These horses appeared to have a severe form of purpura hemorrhagica resembling Henoch-Schönlein purpura in humans and characterized by infarction of skeletal muscles. Early recognition of focal muscle swelling, abdominal discomfort, neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and high serum creatine kinase activity combined with antimicrobial and corticosteroid treatment may enhance the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Hepatoprotective effect of lactic acid bacteria, inhibitors of β-glucuronidase production against intestinal microflora

The hepatoprotective activity of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis HY7401, Lactobacillus acidophilus CSG and Bifidobacterium longum HY8001), which inhibited beta-glucuronidase productivity of intestinal microflora, on t-BHP- or CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity of mice were evaluated. These oral administration of lactic acid bacteria lowered beta-glucuronidase production of intestinal microflora as well as Escherichia coli HGU-3. When lactic acid bacteria at a dose of 0.5 or 2 g (wet weight)/kg was orally administered on CCl4-induced liver injury in mice, these bacteria significantly inhibited the increase of plasma alanine transferase and aspartate transferase activities by 17-57% and 57-66% of the CCl4 control group, respectively. These lactic acid bacteria also showed the potent hepatoprotective effect against t-BHP-induced liver injury in mice. The inhibitory effects of these lactic acid bacteria were more potent than that of dimethyl diphenyl bicarboxylate (DDB), which have been used as a commercial hepatoprotective agent. Among these lactic acid bacteria, L. acidophilus CSG exhibited the most potent hepatoprotective effect. Based on these findings, we insist that an inhibitor of beta-glucuronidase production in intestine, such as lactic acid bacteria, may be hepatoprotective.