Liver AST Research Articles

Oxidative status and changes in the adenosine deaminase activity in experimental host infected with tropical liver fluke, Fasciola gigantica

Fine tuning of the metabolic, physiological and immunological cues along with interplay between the biomolecules of the host and the parasite could be responsible for the successful establishment of parasitic infections. The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the oxidative status and the level of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in the serum and liver of rabbits experimentally infected with Fasciola gigantica. A significant increase in level of ROS, MDA and 4-HNE along with a decline in the SOD, CAT, GR and GST activity was evident in rabbits experimentally infected with Fasciola gigantica. However, there was an increase in the GPX activity in the sera of infected rabbits. The increased GPX activity and decreased GR activity would have resulted in the depletion of GSH, a key non-enzymatic antioxidant, in the infected animals. The level of GSSG was also found to be higher in the sera and liver tissues of the infected rabbits along with a decline in the GSH/GSSG ratio, indicating a high level of oxidative stress in the infected animals, which also showed a significant increase in the activity of the marker enzymes of liver pathology, AST and ALT. Further, a significant inhibition of the adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in the infected rabbits was accompanied with the reduction in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6 while the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-4 level was significantly elevated.In conclusion, the F. gigantica induced significant oxidative stress as evident from the increased levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation along with the disruption of antioxidant and detoxification cascade ultimately lead to pathogenic and inflammatory responses in the experimental host. Whereas, the altered ADA activity could modulate the host's immune responses toward Th-2 type and would facilitate the successful establishment of flukes within their host, thus indicating that ADA could be exploited as a target for the development of novel anthelmintic drugs against fasciolosis.

Effect of Conocarpus Erectus Extraction on Some Physiological and Biochemical Parameters on Male Rats

The present study was conducted to evaluated some of physiological and biochemical parameters ,we usedeighteen of males rats divided randomly to three group ( six in each ), group one considered as control,group two the animal treated with 250 mg /kg and group three treated with 500 mg /kg .The result shownon-significant appeared in RBC , Hb, PCV ,MCH , MCV and MCHC ,while the WBC , lymphocytes andgranular show increased significantly . The biochemical test show increased significantly in liver enzymeconcentration ALT ,AST and ALP also the result of lipid profile appeared decreased in al parametersexception the HDL which appeared increased significantly .

Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile (Balanitaceae) roots bark

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del (Balanitaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments such as syphilis, jaundice and liver disorders, epilepsy, ... This study was designed to evaluate acute toxicity and hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca on CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Acute toxicity was assessed with the extract at a dose of 2000 mg / kg bw. The extract at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg / kg b.w. was orally administered respectively to CC1 4 -induced hepatotoxicity (0.5 ml / kg) animals. Silymarin (100 mg / kg) was given as a reference. Biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, PT, ALB and ALP were assayed as well as enzymatic antioxidant activities SOD, CAT and MDA. Nitrogen monoxide (NO) involved in inflammation was also measured. Results: Activities of liver marker enzymes, ALT, AST and ALP, total protein, albumin and showed a significant hepatoprotective effect. Regarding antioxidant enzymatic activities in vivo (SOD, CAT and MDA) of aqueous extract exhibited a significant effect showing increasing levels of SOD, CAT and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The production of NO is significantly reduced compared to the batch intoxicated by CCl 4 . Conclusion: Balanites aegyptiaca is endowed with hepatoprotective properties that can be attributed to antioxidant potential which could justify its use in traditional medicine in liver disorders.

The role of physical activity on blood factors, lipid profile, and liver enzymes of tile factory workers (A Case Study)

Introduction: Inhalation of dust particles is prone to chronic diseases, and regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves blood variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on blood factors, lipid profile, and liver enzymes in tile factory workers.
 Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. 70 workers who were eligible to participate in the study were selected based on the sampling method available at the workplace. According to the Beck questionnaire, 15 people were included in each active and inactive groups. After 12 hours of worker's last meal, 10 ml of venous blood was used to evaluate biochemical variables of Blood factors (RBC, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, WBC), lipid profile (Cholesterol, Triglyceride). Liver enzyme (ALT, AST, ALP) tests of both groups were performed in the occupational medicine laboratory of Meybod city, and SPSS Ver.23 software was used for analysis.
 Results: The results showed that red blood cells (p = 0.003) and hemoglobin (p = 0.034) in the active group were significantly higher than the inactive group. Also triglyceride (p = 0.025) and cholesterol (p = 0.042) of liver enzymes, (p = 0.011) ALT and AST (p = 0.047) were significantly lower.
 Conclusion: It seems that physical activity can have a positive effect; it can improve blood factors, liver enzymes, and fat profile in workers. According to the results, tile factory workers can achieve the desired blood factors with minimal physical activity.

Effect of Oral Administration of the Leaf Extract of Uvaria chamae (Mmimi Ohia) in Albino Wistar Rats

Uvariachamae (vernacular; mmimiohia) belongs to the family Annonaceae. It is a small tree that grows wild to about 4.5 meters in the savanna and rain forest regions of Nigeria and other African countries. It is known to possess various medicinal and therapeutic properties. The biochemical and toxicological effects of its ethanolic leaf extract on Wistar albino rats were assessed in this study. Twenty albino rats grouped into 4 (5 animals in each group) were used. Group A served as control while groups B, C, D received 250, 500 and 1 000mg/kg body weight of the extract for a period of 30 days. The mean alkaline phosphatase activity of the control was 350±11.0Iu/l as against 490±38.00, 630±60, and 370±20 for groups B, C, and D (p =0.01, ˃0.05, 0,001) respectively. The mean serum urea concentration of the control was 5.00±0.19mg/dl as against 3.80±0.31, 3.30±0.28 and 3.50±0.18mg/dl (p=0.01, 0.001, 0.001) for groups B, C, D respectively. The extract had no significant effects on the liver enzymes, ALT and AST, serum sodium, potassium, chloride as well as creatinine of the rats. Serum bicarbonate was raised significantly, 26.00±0.53, 28.00±0.60, 27.00±1.10, 29.00±1.10 for groups B, C, D (p= 0.042, ˃0.05, 0.043) respectively. Histological studies showed no abnormality in the kidneys and mild peri-portal lymphocytic infiltration of the liver. Phytochemical analyses of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, resins, proteins terpenoids and reducing sugar. Hence, ethanolic extract of leaves of Uvaria chamae has no serious deleterious effects on Wistar albino rats and may be safely used in traditional medical practice.

The protective effect of shrimp cooked in different methods on high-cholesterol- induced fatty liver in rats.

This study examined the impact of different cooking methods on fatty acid (FAs) composition of shrimp meat and the ability of these foods to protect against high cholesterol (HC) diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Shrimp were cooked for 10 min boiled, grilled, or fried in sunflower oil. Rats (n = 6/group) were fed a normal diet (ND)or high-cholesterol diet (HC) each containing boiled, grilled or fried shrimp powder (15% w/w) (NDBS, NDFS, NDGS for ND or HCBS, HCFS, HCDGS for HC diet). Frying alone significantly reduced total levels of saturated FAs (SFA) and increased total mono- and polyunsaturated FAs (MSFA, and PUFAs, respectively) in shrimp meat. It also increased levels of n-6 PUFAs and linoleic acid (LA) and decreased levels of n-3 PUFAs including eicosapentaenoic FAs (EPA) and docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA). When fed to HC rats, only diets containing the grilled and boiled shrimp powders significantly prevented the weight loss, lowered fasting and glucose levels, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and prevented the increase in serum liver markers, ALT and AST. They also reduced hepatic fat accumulation, reduced serum levels and hepatic levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs), reduced hepatic levels of MDA, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6, and increased those of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). No alterations in all these parameters were observed in HC-fed rats which fed fried shrimp. In conclusion, boiling and grilling but not frying are the best method to cook shrimp to preserve their fatty acid content and its nutritional value in ameliorating NAFLD.

Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis by FibroScan in β-Thalassemia Children Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Before and After Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir Therapy

Background: Thalassemic children develop liver fibrosis because of liver iron overload and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Transient elastography (FibroScan) can be a reliable non-invasive method for evaluating liver fibrosis in thalassemic patients. Treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) direct acting antiviral agents can significantly affect liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by FibroScan.
 Aims: To assess liver fibrosis by non-invasive FibroScan through LSM before and after generic LED/SOF therapy in multi-transfused β-thalassemic children infected with HCV.
 Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Hematology Unit, Tanta University Hospital, from November 2017 to May 2019.
 Methodology: Fifty multi-transfused β-thalassemic treatment-naϊve children (aged 12-18 years and weighing ≥35kg) with chronic HCV infection were subjected to clinical evaluation, quantitative HCV PCR assay, FibroScan examination, and calculation of APRI, FIB4 index and AST/ ALT ratio. In addition to standard therapy, generic LED/SOF (90/400 mg) treatment was given for 12 weeks’ duration with follow up for further 12 weeks after end of treatment.
 Results: A positive HCV PCR was changed into negative for all studied patients starting from week 4 after treatment. There was highly significant reduction in the LSM values by FibroScan in the studied patients after therapy (p-value <0.001) with median reduction of 19.4 %. The significant reduction in LSM values was particularly prominent in patients with significant (F2) and advanced (F3) liver fibrosis stages as well as cirrhotic patients (F4). There was significant reduction in the values of other non-invasive liver fibrosis markers FIB-4 index, APRI score and AST/ ALT ratio (p-value <0.001, <0.001 and 0.020 respectively) after therapy.
 Conclusion: Generic LED/SOF therapy for 12 weeks’ duration resulted in eradication of HCV infection that was associated with significant decrease in LSM by FibroScan particularly those with higher baseline liver fibrosis stages.

Prevalence of Syphilitic Hepatitis Among HIV-Infected Patients in Istanbul, Turkey, a Region with an Increasing Incidence of Syphilis and HIV Infection

Background: Syphilis is a global health issue, which continues to occur at high rates worldwide, particularly in HIV-infected men, who have sex with men (MSM). Hepatitis can present as an uncommon manifestation of syphilis, and the diagnosis may be overlooked in favor of more common causes of liver injury in this group. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of syphilitic hepatitis among HIV-infected individuals diagnosed with acute syphilis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on HIV-infected individuals who regularly attended a tertiary clinic in Istanbul. The data were collected and analyzed between 2016 and 2019. Cases of syphilitic hepatitis were included according to the following criteria: (I) VDRL-confirmed Treponema pallidum infection after or simultaneously diagnosed with HIV infection; (II) elevated liver enzymes, including ALT, AST, and ALP, that resolved after penicillin treatment; and (III) exclusion of other causes of hepatitis. Sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, clinical and laboratory findings were evaluated using medical records. Results: Among 1,057 HIV-infected patients, 141 (13.3%) were diagnosed to have an early stage of syphilis, 138 of them were male. Nine (6.4 %) out of 141 patients had syphilitic hepatitis, and all of them were self-identified MSM. Moreover, 5 out of these 9 patients were simultaneously diagnosed with syphilis and HIV infection. Up to 10-fold increase in ALT/AST was noted in all of them, and a 3.5-fold increase in bilirubin was observed in two cases. The most prominent laboratory abnormalities in syphilitic hepatitis patients were the detection of a considerable increase in ALP and HIV RNA levels. Conclusions: Syphilitic hepatitis is not encountered rarely in HIV-infected individuals, predominantly MSM populations. Since HIV/syphilis coinfected patients are more infective as a result of higher HIV RNA levels, early diagnosis, and treatment are crucial.

Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease That Replicates the Human Disease

Abstract Objectives To develop a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that replicates the characteristic of the disease in humans, including development of obesity, dysbiosis, fibrosis and liver tumors. Methods Agouti yellow (Ay) mice, which have hyperphagia, were fed a Western diet (WD) (42% kcal from fat, 341 g/Kg sucrose, and 0.2% cholesterol) and a drinking solution containing fructose and glucose equivalent to 42 g/L of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Wild-type mice fed a low-fat diet (LFD) (10% kcal from fat) served as lean controls. After 16 weeks of diet treatment, tissues were collected and analyzed. Obesity was evaluated via body weight and body composition. NAFLD was evaluated by histology and confirmed by liver lipid quantification, plasma ALT and AST levels, expression of inflammation-related genes, and fibrosis-specific staining. Gene expression profile was evaluated by RNAseq. Gut microbiota dysbiosis was evaluated by 16S rRNA metagenomics. Results Ay mice fed the Western diet and HFCS for 16 weeks developed obesity and NAFLD. Histological evaluation determined that the mice developed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with steatosis, liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. This was confirmed by the following analyses: In these mice, steatosis, quantified by liver TAG content, increased 4X when compared to lean controls. Liver injury, assessed by measuring plasma ALT and AST, increased 11X and 4X, respectively. Inflammation, evaluated by liver mRNA expression of Tnf and CCl2, increased 6X and 12X, respectively. Fibrosis, quantified morphometrically, increased 2.5X. Gene expression profiling showed increases in inflammation- and fibrosis-related pathways, similar to NASH in humans. In addition, these mice developed gut microbiota dysbiosis, with increased Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and decreased Firmicutes, as reported in NASH in humans. Finally, 60% of the Ay mice developed liver tumors when fed the WD + HFCS diet for one year. Conclusions Ay mice fed a Western diet and HFCS developed obesity, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and NASH, including fibrosis and tumors, replicating the characteristics of NASH in humans. We present this as a new model for studying NASH physiopathology and testing new therapies. Funding Sources NIH CUNY.

단시간 고강도 다빈치바디보드 운동이 중년여성들의 만성질환에 미치는 영향

Recently, as women enter middle age and old age, they are exposed to various diseases that worsen their health. In middle-aged women, physical activity is rapidly reduced due to family and social life, which is hampering health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short-term high-intensity exercise on da Vinci bodyboard exercise for middle-aged women who had insufficient time to affect various chronic diseases (liver level, kidney function). The 12 middle-aged women who did not experience the da Vinci bodyboard exercise were selected. In the change of liver level, AST and ALT decreased after the da Vinci bodyboard exercise, which was statistically significant. In the changes in kidney function, Creatine decreased after the da Vinci bodyboard exercise, which was statistically significant. Urea decreased after the da Vinci bodyboard exercise but did not show statistically significant levels. Taken together, the Da Vinci Bodyboard exercise is thought to improve liver and kidney function in middle-aged women who lack physical activity. As such, if middle-aged women who are in short of time and continue to exercise to improve their health by short-term high-intensity exercise, it is thought that they will be able to live a healthy life by preventing various chronic diseases coming in middle and old age.

An investigation of acute effects at various doses of malathion on glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in rat liver, pancreas and serum

Objective. This study investigates acute effects of various doses of Malathion on glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in rat. Methods. Rats were randomly divided into four groups of 6 animals each. Corn oil was given orally to Group 1. Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 received malathion dissolved in corn oil via oral administration at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. 24 hours later the rats were sacrificed. Results. Acute administration of Malathion led to a decrease in serum butryl cholinesterase (BChE) levels at all doses tested. It also caused a significant increase in serum advanced glycation end products (AGEs), insulin, and TNF-α levels at all doses. Moreover, Malathion administration raised the liver ALT, AST and LDH, TNF-α, and glycogen levels in a dose dependent manner. It also led to a remarkable increase in pancreatic insulin levels at all doses. Conclusions. Acute administrations of Malathion affect glucose homeostasis in a dose dependent manner through its effects on the liver, serum, and pancreas.

Amoxicillin Induced Behavioral Neurotoxicity and Histopathological Changes in Organs of Albino Rats

Background: There are various adverse drug reactions of penicillin. Neurotoxicity is attracting the attention of researchers all over the world. It also affects other organs like liver, kidney, heart and testes
 Methods: The study was conducted at pharmacy and pharmacology department of Gandaki Medical College (GMC) from January till April, 2018. Albino rats were divided six each in test and control group. Tests were administered amoxicillin 90mg/kg/d and control with distilled water for 10 days. After 10 days, rats were tested for neurotoxicity with rota-rod (RR) and modified forced swim test (MFST). They were then sacrificed under anesthesia, organs were dissected and sent for histopathological investigation.
 Results: The latency to fall from RR apparatus decreased significantly in test rats than control. (P value = 0.0001) In MFST, immobility time was significantly increased than control (P value = 0.0001). Swimming time(ST) was significantly decreased (P value = 0.001) and climbing time (CT) was not significantly altered in test rats than control (P value = 0.352). The liver enzyme, AST and ALT were significantly increased in the test rats (TR) as compared to controls. (P value 0.049 and 0.001 respectively) Brain of test rats (TR) showed shrunken neurons surrounded by perineuronal vacuolations, liver and kidney showed degenerative changes. Vacuolations and pyknotic cells were seen in spermatogonic cells.
 Conclusions: Neurotoxic effects were seen in test rats which recommends regulation of the administration of high dose of penicillin.

Silymarin attenuated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins GRP78 and XBP-1 in mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important health problem. The prevalence of NAFLD is increasing, especially in the Western countries. Although there are several intracellular pathways in NAFLD, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has recently gained importance. Silymarin is an important liver-protective biological molecule. In light of this information, we investigated mice for the effect of silymarin on ER stress in the NAFLD model. In our study, the mice were randomly divided into six groups: Control, silymarin 100 and 200mg/kg sham, fructose-induced NAFLD, and NAFLD+silymarin groups. After the last administrations, liver and blood samples were taken and hematoxylin-eosin, as well as Oil red O staining, were performed. As a result, the body and liver weights, lipid profile, AST, ALT, and glucose levels, along with the ER stress markers, increased in the NAFLD-only group. Silymarin treatments reversed most of these changes. Particularly, 200mg/kg silymarin was more effective. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to the results, silymarin attenuated NAFLD by decreasing the ER stress proteins GRP78 and XBP-1. Silymarin may be therapeutic in the treatment of NAFLD as well as other ER-stress-based diseases. Silymarin can also be taken with food for prophylactic purposes.

Antrodin A from mycelium of Antrodia camphorata alleviates acute alcoholic liver injury and modulates intestinal flora dysbiosis in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAntrodia camphorata (A. camphorata) is a rare functional fungus in Taiwan and contains a variety of biologically active ingredients. Antrodin A (AdA) is one of the main active ingredients in the solid-state fermented A. camphorata mycelium. It protects the liver from alcohol damage by improving the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of the liver and maintaining the stability of the intestinal flora. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective activities of ethyl acetate layer extract (EALE), AdA, and Antroquinonol (Aq) from mycelium of A. camphorata on alcoholic liver injury. Materials and methodsMice were given with intragastrically vehicle (NC, 2% CMC-Na), alcohol (AL, 12 mL/kg bw), or different A. camphorata samples (EALE, AdA, Aq) at low (100 mg/kg bw) or high (200 mg/kg bw) dosages. The positive control (PC) group was given with silymarin (200 mg/kg bw). Except the NC group, each group of mice was fasted for 4 h after the last treatment and was intragastrically administrated with 50% alcohol (12 mL/kg bw). At the end of experiment, mouse serum was collected and the liver was excised. A portion of the liver was fixed in formalin and used for histopathological analysis, whereas the rest was used for biochemical analysis and real-time PCR analysis. The intestinal flora structure of feces was analyzed by determining the v3-v4 region sequence in 16S rDNA. ResultsThe high-dose groups of the three samples (EALEH, AdAH, and AqH) significantly alleviated the alcohol-induced increases in liver index, serum ALT, AST, and AKP activities. Serum TG level was significantly reduced in all treatment groups. The increase of HDL-C content indicated that active ingredients of A. camphorata could reduce the lipid content in serum. Furthermore, MDA contents of the AdAH and AqH groups in liver were significantly reduced, accompanying with the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH elevated to various extents. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities in the liver were increased in the AdAH group, as evidenced by the mRNA expression levels of Nrf-2 and HO-1 were significantly increased; while those of CYP2e1, TNF-α, and TLR-4 were significantly decreased. Analysis of intestinal flora of feces showed that alcohol treatment significantly changed the composition of intestinal flora. Supplementation with AdA could mitigate dysbiosis of intestinal flora induced by alcohol. Flora of Faecalibaculum, Lactobacillus, and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 showed significantly negative correlations with ALT, AST, AKP, and MDA levels. ConclusionAntrodin A could improve the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of the liver and maintain the stability of intestinal flora. It is potentially a good candidate compound against acute alcoholic liver injury.

Hepatocyte caveolin-1 modulates metabolic gene profiles and functions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a crucial regulator of lipid accumulation and metabolism. Previous studies have shown that global Cav1 deficiency affects lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis. We aimed to analyze the consequences of hepatocyte-specific Cav1 knockout under healthy conditions and upon non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. Male and female hepatocyte-specific Cav1 knockout (HepCAV1ko) mice were fed a methionine/choline (MCD) deficient diet for 4 weeks. MCD feeding caused severe hepatic steatosis and slight fibrosis. In addition, liver function parameters, i.e., ALT, AST, and GLDH, were elevated, while cholesterol and glucose level were reduced upon MCD feeding. These differences were not affected by hepatocyte-specific Cav1 knockout. Microarray analysis showed strong differences in gene expression profiles of livers from HepCAV1ko mice compared those of global Cav1 knockout animals. Pathway enrichment analysis identified that metabolic alterations were sex-dimorphically regulated by hepatocyte-specific CAV1. In male HepCAV1ko mice, metabolic pathways were suppressed in NAFLD, whereas in female knockout mice induced. Moreover, gender-specific transcription profiles were modulated in healthy animals. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that hepatocyte-specific Cav1 knockout significantly altered gene profiles, did not affect liver steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD and that gender had severe impact on gene expression patterns in healthy and diseased hepatocyte-specific Cav1 knockout mice.

Изменения маркеров гематологического, биохимического и коагулологического анализов крови при новой коронавирусной инфекции COVID-19

This review provides new literature data on the features of changes in the indicators of clinical and biochemical analysis of blood, as well as hemostatic and fib-rinolysis systems in patients with coronavirus infection COVID-19. It was shown that laboratory manifestations of COVID-19 have their own characteristics and are closely interrelated with the nature of the course of infection. In a clinical blood test, lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia are most common. Among the bio-chemical parameters of blood, an increase in the level of C-reactive protein and ferritin, as well as a decrease in the level of albumin, are more often detected. It should be noted that in 1/3 of severe patients with COVID-19 infection, the activity of liver enzymes, ALT and AST, increases. Among the indicators of hemostasis and fibrinolysis systems, an increase in the concentration of D-dimer in blood plasma is more often detected. The review also analyzes the possible causes of changes in some laboratory parameters with COVID-19.

Blockage of Kv1.3 regulates macrophage migration in acute liver injury by targeting δ-catenin through RhoA signaling.

Background: Activation of macrophages and infiltration are key events in acute liver injury (ALI). Kv1.3 plays an important role in regulating immunologic functions of macrophages and is extensively recognized as a potential ion channel for immunological diseases.Objective: We hypothesized that blockage of Kv1.3 may influence ALI by inhibiting macrophages infiltration in damaged liver tissues.Methods: Margatoxin was administered into the peritoneal cavity of ALI mice. The impact of this treatment on ALI and macrophage migration in vivo and in vitro was determined using immunohistochemistry, transwell migration, and wound healing assays.Results: MgTX treatment alleviated ALI in mice, as evidenced by reduced macrophage infiltration in liver tissues and lower serum levels of liver ALT and AST. RNA-seq profiling analysis showed that the most obvious change by MgTX treatment was downregulation of δ-catenin, a protein known to be associated with macrophage migration. The effect of MgTX on macrophage migration and involvement of δ-catenin was confirmed by transwell and wound healing assays. Overexpression of δ-catenin in RAW264.7 cells promoted migration, an event that was suppressed upon silencing of δ-catenin. Mechanistically, the expression of RhoA was regulated by the overexpression or knockdown of δ-catenin.Conclusion: These findings suggest a role for blockage of Kv1.3 channel in macrophage migration and reveal a new target in the treatment of ALI.

USING ANISE LEAVES (PIMPINELLA ANISUM L.) FOR IMPROVING OF PERFORMANCE NEW ZEALAND RABBITS.

Thirty-six of unsexed New Zealand rabbits (5-6 weeks old and average weight 654.64± 2.75 g were randomly distributed into 4 groups (9 each, in 3 replicates. Experimental rabbits were fed on a basal diet containing anise leaves (Pimpinella anisum L.) by levels 0, 2, 4 and 6% to the experimental animal groups. All the experimental diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of rabbits according to NRC (1977). The feeding trail extending to 56 days. The diets containing different levels of anise leaves (D2, D3 and D4%) were the highest (P<0.05) significantly of DM, OM and CP% digestibility, the highest values digestibility was recorded with diet (D4) by 19.29, 25.42 and 19.81%, followed by diet (D3) by11.50, 7.79 and14.07 %, finally diet (D2) by 10.35, 4.11 and 15.16% compared with control diet (D1) which values 64.90, 64.74 and 67.14%, respectively. Whereas, EE did not differ significantly among the experimental diets. Otherwise, anise leave 2% in diet D2 decreased (P<0.05) CF digestibility by 6.51%, but the diet (D3) was significant increased by 82.70%, the highest values were recorded with D4 by 214.32%. Digestibility of NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and NDF-cell soluble% tend to be higher in diet D4, followed by D3 compared to the control. Nutritive values TDN, DCP and DE were significant increased with diet D4 by 16.42%, 25.88% and 21.64(kcal/ kg DM), followed by D2 by14.04%, 15.35% and 10.62(kcal/ kg DM), while the lowest nutritive values recorded with diet D3 by 20.19% ,16.42% and 13.21(kcal/ kg DM), respectively. Blood plasma constituents of the dietary rations as not significantly affected by anise leaves. Plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, Triglycerides), kidney function (urea, creatinine) and liver function alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT).The inclusion of anise leaves in rabbits’ diets significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the body weight and the body weight gain as compared to the control diet. Rabbits fed diet containing (6%) D4 anise leaves showed significantly (P<0.05) enhancing in the final body weight, average daily gain and total feed intake and the best decrease of FCR and economic efficiency compared to control D1. No significant differences were observed in total giblet, lung and kidney among the experimental groups. The testes percent showed significant increase due to feeding diet containing anise leaves which may be due to anise phytoestrogens effect. Costing of one kg feed, (LE) was decreased by inclusion anise leaves in test diet compared to control diet. Conclusion: In conclusion, it can used anise leaves (Pimpinella anisum L.) in rabbit diets up to 6% to improve nutritive and feeding values, growth parameters as well as realized the highest value of feed efficiency and relative economic efficiency.

Hepatoprotective effect of artichoke leaf extracts in comparison with silymarin on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

ABSTRACTAcetaminophen is a common analgesic-antipyretic agent, which is safe in therapeutic doses but in higher doses can produce hepatic necrosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of artichoke, silymarin, and both agents in acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice. Forty male mice were divided into five main groups, (1) control (2) Acetaminophen (APAP) (3) Artichoke leaf extracts (ALE) and APAP (4) silymarin and APAP group (5) ALE, silymarin and APAP groups. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP). The liver was excised, weighed and dissected into two parts, one used for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione reductase, and the other part used for histopathological examination and assessment of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical expression. APAP group showed a significant increase in liver weight, ALT, AST, ALP, MDA, and PCNA expression with a significant decrease in glutathione reductase in comparison to control group. All these parameters were significantly improved in the three treated groups when compared to APAP group. APAP group showed marked portal inflammation and parenchyma necrosis. Co-administration of ALE and/or silymarin to acetaminophen treated mice showed a significant reduction in PCNA expression compared to APAP group. Both ALE and silymarin co-treatment showed a significant decrease in PCNA percentage to a level near to control group. Artichoke and/or silymarin are suggested to protect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice by ameliorating liver enzymes, antioxidant effect, decreasing liver damage and proliferation.Abbreviation: ALT, alanine transaminase. AST, aspartate transaminase. ALP, alkaline phosphatase.MDA, malondialdehyde. PCNA, proliferative cell nuclear antigen

Lactobacillus plantarum LP104 ameliorates hyperlipidemia induced by AMPK pathways in C57BL/6N mice fed high-fat diet

Abstract Lactobacillus plantarum LP104 was isolated with excellent antioxidant properties from kimchi. In order to evaluate the role of LP104 in improving hyperlipidemia in high-fat-diet mice, C57BL/6N mice were randomly assigned into three groups treated with different diets: normal chow (Control), HFD, and HFD with L. plantarum LP104. After eight weeks, L. plantarum LP104 treatment significantly reduced HFD-induced body weight gain and the levels of serum or liver TC, TG, LDL, ALT, AST, LPS and TNF-α, and elevated liver HDL levels. The liver lipid accumulation was decreased in L. plantarum LP104 group. L. plantarum LP104 could activate the AMPK/Nrf2/CYP2E1 related pathway and regulate expressions of related proteins by using western blotting. Therefore, L. plantarum LP104 will improve hyperlipidemia, liver metabolic disorders, and liver oxidative stress response.