Bilirubin Concentration Research Articles

Molecular events in brain bilirubin toxicity revisited.

The mechanisms involved in bilirubin neurotoxicity are still far from being fully elucidated. Several different events concur to damage mainly the neurons among which inflammation and alteration of the redox state play a major role. An imbalance of cellular calcium homeostasis has been recently described to be associated with toxic concentrations of bilirubin, and this disequilibrium may in turn elicit an inflammatory reaction. The different and age-dependent sensitivity to bilirubin damage must also be considered in describing the dramatic clinical picture of bilirubin-induced neurological damage (BIND) formerly known as kernicterus spectrum disorder (KSD). This review aims to critically address what is known and what is not in the molecular events of bilirubin neurotoxicity to provide hints for a better diagnosis and more successful treatments. Part of these concepts have been presented at the 38th Annual Audrey K. Brown Kernicterus Symposium of Pediatric American Society, Washington DC, May 1, 2023.

Skin color influences transcutaneous bilirubin measurements: a systematic in vitro evaluation.

Concerns have been raised about the effect of skin color on the accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements, a widely used method for hyperbilirubinemia diagnosis in newborns. Literature is inconclusive, with both reported under- and overestimations of the TcB with increasing skin pigmentation. Therefore, the influence of skin color on TcB measurements was systematically evaluated in a controlled, in vitro setting. A bilirubin meter (JM-105) was evaluated on layered phantoms that mimic neonatal skin with varying dermal bilirubin concentrations (0-250 µmol/L) and varying epidermal melanosome volume fractions (0-40%; light-dark skin color). TcB measurements were influenced by skin pigmentation. Larger mimicked melanosome volume fractions and higher bilirubin levels led to larger underestimations of the measured TcB, compared to an unpigmented epidermis. In the in vitro setting of this study, these underestimations amounted to 26-132 µmol/L at a TcB level of 250 µmol/L. This in vitro study provides insight into the effect of skin color on TcB measurements: the TcB is underestimated as skin pigmentation increases and this effect becomes more pronounced at higher bilirubin levels. Our results highlight the need for improved TcB meter design and cautious interpretation of TcB readings on newborns with dark skin. Key message: Skin color influences transcutaneous bilirubin measurements: the darker the skin, the larger the underestimation. What this study adds to existing literature: Existing literature is inconclusive regarding the influence of skin color on transcutaneous bilirubin measurements. This study systematically evaluates and clarifies the influence of skin color on transcutaneous bilirubin measurements in a controlled, in vitro setting. This study aids to better interpret the measured TcB level in patients with varying skin colors, and is particularly important when using TcB meters on patients with dark skin colors.

Hepatic and renal lesions in sheep intoxicated with Urochloa hybrid Mulato II in Argentina.

A flock of 48 sheep in Argentina grazing on a pasture of hybrid Urochloa (formerly Brachiaria) Mulato II (Urochloa ruziziensis × Urochloa decumbens × Urochloa brizantha) developed facial dermatitis, severe jaundice, and weakness after brief physical activity. Blood biochemistry of 3 animals revealed azotemia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity, and increased direct, indirect, and total bilirubin concentrations. The urine was markedly turbid and contained large concentrations of bile pigments and protein. At autopsy of 2 animals, there was severe jaundice and subcutaneous submandibular edema. The livers were enlarged, intensely yellow, and had a marked acinar pattern. Gallbladders were distended, and the kidneys were diffusely dark in one animal and yellow-green in the other. Microscopically, there was lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic cholangiohepatitis with abundant crystals in the lumen of bile ducts and in the cytoplasm of macrophages. The proximal and distal convoluted renal tubules had protein casts in their lumens, and crystals were observed in the lumen and epithelial cells. Lectin histochemistry showed strong affinity for Arachis hypogaea agglutinin in hepatic macrophages. In the one sheep that was tested for heavy metals, copper concentrations in the liver and kidney were within the RIs. Despite the immediate change of pasture, morbidity and mortality were 100% within 3 mo. The association between the consumption of this pasture, and the clinical, biochemical, pathology, and lectin histochemistry findings confirmed intoxication with Urochloa hybrid Mulato II. To our knowledge, intoxication by this hybrid of Urochloa has not been reported previously.

Validity of BiliDx as a point-of-care bilirubin measurement device to diagnose and monitor neonatal jaundice at Muhimbili National Hospital, an observational study

BackgroundNeonatal jaundice is a condition caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Laboratory determination of serum bilirubin concentration by total serum bilirubin (TSB) test is still considered as gold standard for clinical guidance and practice. In developed countries, diagnosis of neonatal jaundice is shifting towards point-of-care medical devices. BiliDx is a device developed to allow a fast, blood-based determination of bilirubin levels at the point of care. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the BiliDx device relative to a standard laboratory total serum bilirubin to diagnose and monitor jaundice among neonates admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH).Material and methodologyThis was a prospective hospital-based observational study conducted at the Neonatal Ward – MNH, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania from November 2022 to January 2023. A total of 180 neonates admitted at the neonatal ward with jaundice and whose parents consented were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected; 2 ml of venous blood into the vacutainer bottle for standard laboratory measurement of total serum bilirubin (TSB) and 25µL blood collected into a transfer pipette tube and applied to BiliDx. STATA version 15.1 was used for data analysis.ResultsOut of 180 neonates, 39.4% (71/180) had birth weight between 1500 − 2499.9 g, approximately 2/3rd (120/180) were preterm, 92/180 (51.1%) were males and 100/180 (55.6%) were undergoing phototherapy treatment the moment sample taken. The mean bilirubin concentration was 92 mmol/l for BiliDx and 118 mmol/l for standard laboratory TSB. The minimum and maximum values obtained with BiliDx were, 3.4 and 427.5 mmol/l respectively, compared with 10.7 and 382.1 mmol/l using standard laboratory TSB. A linear relationship and correlation coefficient of 0.8408 (p = 0.000) between BiliDx and standard laboratory TSB was found. The regression analysis showed the presence of constant error [coefficient of BiliDx/slope = 0.91, 95% CI (0.82–0.99), p = 0.000] and random error exclusively [coefficient of constant/y-intercept = 48.52, 95%CI (37.70-59.34), p = 0.000]. The Bland–Altman plot showed an acceptable mean difference of 39.1mmol/l, limits of agreement of -48.3mmol/l to 126.4mmol/l, and 179 points (179/180 = 99.4%) lying inside the limits of agreement.ConclusionThe results support the use of BiliDx for rapid and accurate testing of elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream among neonates since 99.4% of the differences between BiliDx and standard laboratory TSB lie between the lines of agreement.

Assessment of Bilirubin Concentrations in the Bile of Patients with Obstructive Jaundice by Raman Spectroscopy

Assessment of Bilirubin Concentrations in the Bile of Patients with Obstructive Jaundice by Raman Spectroscopy

Protective effects of ethanol-water leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia on mouse virus-induced hepatitis (MHV) in male Swiss mice (Mus musculus)

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol-water extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia leaves (EJG) against mouse-induced hepatitis (MHV) in Mus musculus mice. This experiment was carried out with 30 male mice, divided into 6 batches, one control non-contaminated and five batches infected with MHV extracted from wild-type mice liver. Four batches of the infected mice were treated with either EJG (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) or lamivudine (10 mg/kg) used as reference treatment. The fifth infected batch was untreated. The mice of all the batches were monitored every 12 hours for 5 days, including weight measurements and behavioral assessments. After 10 days of the MHV liver extract inoculation, all the subjects were sacrificed, the serum was collected and the biochemical parameters were measured. The results showed that MHV inoculation induced significant increase (p < 0.05) of relative weight of liver, heart, kidney and spleen in negative control, as well as serum values of ASAT, ALAT, C-reactive protein (CRP) and bilirubin compared with the control group. EJG at the concentrations of 75, 150, 300 mg/kg induced a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in relative organ weights, ASAT, ALAT, CRP and bilirubin contents compared with the negative control. In conclusion, EJG could protect the organs and has a potent hepatoprotective effect against MHV-induced liver damage in mice.

Spectral analysis with highly collimated mini-LEDs as light sources for quantitative detection of direct bilirubin

Because the human eye cannot visually detect the results of direct bilirubin test papers accurately and quantitatively, this study proposes four different highly collimated mini light-emitting diodes (HC mini-LEDs) as light sources for detection. First, different concentrations of bilirubin were oxidized to biliverdin by FeCl3 on the test paper, and pictures were obtained with a smartphone. Next, the red, green, and blue (RGB) channels of the pictures were separated to average grayscale values, and their linear relationship with the direct bilirubin concentration was analyzed to detect bilirubin on the test paper noninvasively and quantitatively. The experimental results showed that when green HC mini-LEDs were used as the light sources and image analysis was performed using the G channel, for a direct bilirubin concentration range of 0.1–2 mg/dL, the G channel determination coefficient (R2) reached 0.9523 and limit of detection was 0.459 mg/dL. The detection method proposed herein has advantages such as rapid analysis, noninvasive detection, and digitization according to RGB grayscale changes in the images of the detection test paper.

ACUTE TOXICITY AND HEPATO-RENAL PROTECTION OF LIME JUICE, HONEY AND THEIR FLAVONOID-RICH FRACTIONS IN HIGH FAT-DIET INDUCED OBESE RAT MODEL

Introduction: A major consideration for the use of alternative herbal medicine from natural compounds is the concern of safety due to possible toxicity. This study evaluated the safety and hepato-renal protection of fresh lime juice (FLJ), raw honey (RH) and their flavonoid-rich fractions in obese rat induced high fat-diet (HFD). Methods: Oral acute toxicity (LD50) study involved 24 female Wistar rats, divided into 8 groups of 3 rats, administered 300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg of FLJ, RH, methanol flavonoid rich fraction of lime juice (MFLJ) and ethyl acetate flavonoid rich fraction of honey (EAFH) respectively, for 14 days. Simultaneously, for the anti-obesity study, 24 neonate Wistar rats of 21-days old, divided into 2 groups of 12 rats (for obesity induction phase-1, for two weeks), and regrouped into 4 groups of 4 rats (14 days treatment phase-2), were used. Results: Result of LD50 on FLJ, RH, MFLJ, and EAFH showed no toxicity, no motility, and body weight of rats was not adversely affected evenup to 2000 mg/kg.The increased body weight of the HFD-obese rats was significantly (p<0.05)reduced compared to control. There was significant (p<0.05) decrease in activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase after MIX, MFLJ and EAFH administration, compared with control. Also, total protein and bilirubin concentrations was not significantly (p<0.05) different compared to control. Administration of EAFH significantly (p<0.05) reduced the concentrations of creatinine, urea, potassium, and chloride; while MIX and EAFH significantly (p<0.05) increased their concentrations compared to control. Conclusion: It may be concluded that FLJ, RH, MFLJ, and EAFH are safe for consumption and also possess liver and renal protection. Peer Review History: Received: 27 October 2023; Revised: 19 November; Accepted: 28 December, Available online: 15 January 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia, ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com

OUTCOME OF AZITHROMYCIN AND MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE ON HISTOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN RATS’ LIVER

Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a commonly used flavouring, mediated hepatotoxic and pro-inflammatory responses. Azithromycin (AZT), an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory activity, may be co-consumed with MSG to present unknown outcomes on the liver, a major organ for the detoxification of xenobiotics. Aim: This study evaluated the effect of AZT and MSG on histologic and biochemical changes in rats’ liver. Methods: Thirty rats in five groups were for seven successive days orally exposed to groups 1, (distilled water 1 mL Kg−1), 2, (MSG 8000 mg/kg), 3, overdose AZT, OAZT (AZT 412.5 mg Kg−1), 4, therapeutic concentration AZT, TAZT, (AZT 82.5mg Kg−1), and 5, (TAZT 82.5 mg Kg−1 + MSG 8000 mg Kg−1). Liver function markers in therats’ serum and liver tissue, and changes in the liver histologic were assessed by acceptable protocols. The mean of numeric data were tested for significance at p value less than 0.05 by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: MSG treatment significantly (p<0.05) increased hepatic and serum alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), total bilirubin concentration (T-BIL), and direct bilirubin concentration (D-BIL) but decreased albumin concentration (ALB) compared to control and others. TAZT treatment caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in these effects unlike MSG and OATZ treatments while TAZT + MSG co-treatment significantly (p<0.05) reversed these effects compared to MSG-treated rats. Rats’ liver sections for rats in groups 2 and 3 showed severe hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis compared to others while those in group 4 (TAZT) showed the normal hepatic histo-architecture comparable to those in group 1 (control). Those in group 5 showed marked cellular swelling and leukocytic infiltration in only the centrilobular areas, suggesting active restorative responses. Conclusion: Thus, TAZT significantly mitigated the compromised histologic and biochemical integrities of liver function due to MSG treatment in rats via probable normalization of their enzymatic and non-enzymatic indicators of liver function. This suggests that TAZT could be useful in managing histologic and biochemical malfunction of rats’ liver due to MSG assault. Peer Review History: Received: 12 October 2023; Revised: 9 November; Accepted: 13 December, Available online: 15 January 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, maafayed@gmail.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Idoko Alexander, Caritas University, Enugu, Nigeria, idokoalexander1@gmail.com Dr. Dennis Amaechi, MrsFoluBabade Mini Estate, Flat 5 by Old Soldiers Quarter, Sabongari/Bwari, Abuja- Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. amaechitoexcel@yahoo.com

Turn-Off Fluorometric Determination of Bilirubin Using Facile Synthesized Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots as a Fluorescent Probe.

Bilirubin plays a significant role in human health management, particularly in the case of jaundice. Because of the need for the monitoring of bilirubin levels in jaundice patients, the development of a robust sensitive method becomes essential. Here, we describe the development ofa highly sensitive and selective turn-off fluorometric detectionmethod for bilirubin in blood serum samples using nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs). N-CDs was synthesized by the pyrolysis process, using citric acid and L-asparagine as the carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The prepared N-CDs solution showed highly intense blue emission with good stability. The HR-TEM image of N-CDs revealed spherical dot-like structures with anaverage size calculated to be 7.16nm. Further, the surface functional groups of N-CDs were analyzed by FT-IR, Raman, XRD, and XPS techniques. Fluorescence spectra showed the maximum emission intensity at 443nm (λex). The linear range of addition was performed from 1 to 150µM, and the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 1.97nM. The emission of N-CDs was quenched by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) by adding bilirubin. These N-CDs showed extraordinary sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of bilirubin. Hence, this fluorescent probe has been proven successful in detecting the concentration of free bilirubin in human serum samples.

Clinical and genetic risk factors associated with neonatal severe hyperbilirubinemia: a case-control study based on the China Neonatal Genomes Project.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic risk factors associated with neonatal severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: This was a retrospective, 1:1 matched, case-control study. We included 614 neonates diagnosed with severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (serum total bilirubin level ≥425μmol/L or serum total bilirubin concentration that met exchange transfusion criteria) from the China Neonatal Genomes Project in Children's Hospital of Fudan University. Clinical exome sequencing data were analyzed using a data analysis pipeline of Children's Hospital of Fudan University. The factors associated with severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Interaction analyses were examined between clinical and genetic risk factors. Results: ABO/Rh incompatibility hemolysis (odds ratio [OR] 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.32-4.86), extravascular hemorrhage (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.24-3.89), weight loss (OR 5.46, 95% CI 2.88-10.36), exclusive breastmilk feeding (OR 3.56, 95% CI 2.71-4.68), and the homozygous mutant of UGT1A1 211G>A (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.54-3.59) were all identified as factors significantly associated with severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. The presence of UGT1A1 211G>A mildly increased the risk of severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia caused by ABO/Rh incompatibility hemolysis (OR 3.98, 95% CI 2.19-7.23), although the effect is not statistically significant. Conclusion: ABO/Rh incompatibility hemolysis, extravascular hemorrhage, weight loss, exclusive breastmilk feeding, and the homozygous mutant of UGT1A1 211G>A were found to be risk factors for severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Clinical factors remain the most crucial and preventable determinants in managing severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, with a minimal genetic contribution. The establishment of preconception care practices and the reinforcement of screening for the aforementioned risk factors are essential steps for preventing severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

Assessment of Ameliorative Role of Citrullus vulgaris (Schrad) Seeds on Caffeine-induced Hepatic and Renal Dysfunction in Male Wistar Rats

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive drug in the world. It is often marketed for its physical and cognitive performance benefits. Unlike many other psychoactive substances, it is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world. The ingestion of potentially toxic amounts of caffeine in the forms of energy drinks, over-the-counter supplements, addiction or use of anhydrous caffeine products places individuals at risk for accidental overdose. An overdose of this drug is not without its attendant consequences on the liver and the Kidney. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the possible hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Citrullus vulgaris seed extracts on caffeine induced toxicity. Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. They were induced with caffeine (100 mg/kg) and treated with graded doses (100, 300 and 500 mg/ kg bwt.) of aqueous seeds extract of C. vulgaris for 21 days. The plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined and the concentrations of total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea were estimated. Electrolytes (sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium ion) were also estimated. Plasma lipid profiling (total cholesterol, triacylglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL), Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was carried out and the liver and kidney of the rats were examined for histopathological changes. The results showed that administration of aqueous seeds extract of Citrullus vulgaris restored the levels of the plasma enzymes, blood proteins, urea and creatinine as well as the levels of electrolytes close to normal control levels which were significantly altered by caffeine intoxication, Photomicrographs sections of the liver and kidney showed that the aqueous seeds extract of Citrullus vulgaris was able to repair damage to organs caused by caffeine-intoxication. The study concluded that the aqueous seeds extract of C. vulgaris possesses ameliorative potential against hepatic and renal damage that arises from caffeine-intoxication.

Evaluation of changes in serum biochemical parameters in zarudny’s spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca zarudnyi) influenced by gender and season

BackgroundThe Zarudny’s spur-thighed tortoise or Iranian tortoise (Testudo graeca zarudnyi) has just been reported from Iran so far. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of season and gender on serum biochemical parameters of this valuable species in Iran.ResultsThis study was performed on 20 clinically healthy adult Zarudny’s spur-thighed tortoises. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and then serum biochemical parameters and body weight were measured in autumn and winter. The following biochemical parameters were measured: total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, total protein, creatinine, urea, glucose, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, total bilirubin, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. Urea concentration increased significantly at emergence from hibernation. Also, in winter, total protein, phosphorous, creatinine, total bilirubin concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity decreased significantly compared to autumn, but aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were significantly higher than in autumn. There was no significant difference for the parameters mentioned above by gender, except for phosphorous. Phosphorous concentration in females was significantly higher than that of males in autumn. Cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in females were significantly higher than males in autumn and winter.ConclusionsThe present study is the first study that monitors the serum biochemical parameters of adult Zarudny’s spur-thighed tortoises based on season and gender. Seasonal reference intervals should be used for biochemical parameters in this valuable species. Also, sex-specific reference intervals for phosphate and cholesterol are necessary.

ZnS nanocrystallites as fluorescent probe for selective detection of bilirubin

Selective determination of bilirubin is much essential to identify neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Herein, we present a simple and precise method for quantitative measuring of bilirubin levels using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) capped ZnS nanocrystallites (ZSP). The crystalline structure and purity are studied from x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and the transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. The optical characteristics are analyzed using UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence spectra. For ZSP, the estimated value for the optical band gap is 4.06 eV, surpassing the band gap value of uncapped ZnS (3.89 eV). Upon 265 nm excitation, ZSP nanocrystallites exhibits blue emission peaked at 371 nm wavelength. The fluorescence intensity shows a consistent reduction as the bilirubin concentration rises from 3.0 μM to 80 μM. The spectral overlap between the emission spectrum of ZSP and the absorption spectrum of bilirubin, results in fluorescence attenuation due to the inner filter effect (IFE). The ZnS nanocrystallites exhibit remarkable fluorescence properties and demonstrate high sensitivity in detecting bilirubin, achieving a limit of detection (L.O.D) as low as 56 nM. The selectivity of bilirubin over certain co-existing biomolecules is also analyzed. The utility of the fluorescence probe for practical use is confirmed in spiked human serum and urine samples.

Role of Natural Compounds Modulating Heme Catabolic Pathway in Gut, Liver, Cardiovascular, and Brain Diseases.

The crucial physiological process of heme breakdown yields biliverdin (BV) and bilirubin (BR) as byproducts. BV, BR, and the enzymes involved in their production (the "yellow players-YP") are increasingly documented as endogenous modulators of human health. Mildly elevated serum bilirubin concentration has been correlated with a reduced risk of multiple chronic pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory diseases, especially in the elderly. BR and BV per se have been demonstrated to protect against neurodegenerative diseases, in which heme oxygenase (HMOX), the main enzyme in the production of pigments, is almost always altered. HMOX upregulation has been interpreted as a tentative defense against the ongoing pathologic mechanisms. With the demonstration that multiple cells possess YP, their propensity to be modulated, and their broad spectrum of activity on multiple signaling pathways, the YP have assumed the role of an adjustable system that can promote health in adults. Based on that, there is an ongoing effort to induce their activity as a therapeutic option, and natural compounds are an attractive alternative to the goal, possibly requiring only minimal changes in the life style. We review the most recent evidence of the potential of natural compounds in targeting the YP in the context of the most common pathologic condition of adult and elderly life.

Impact of Foetal Haemoglobin on Disease Severity among Sickle Cell Subjects

Objective: Haemolysis is a common complication of Sickle cell disease, exhibiting considerable variability among affected individuals. Established haemolysis markers including lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) and bilirubin have been reported as reliable indicators of disease severity. Foetal haemoglobin plays a pivotal role in Sickle Cell Disease by neutralizing Haemoglobin-S (HbS) polymerization, consequently extending the lifespan of red blood cells and influencing overall clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the impact of foetal haemoglobin on disease severity among sickle cell subjects. Method: This study involved forty (40) sickle cell subjects and thirty (30) normal subjects. Blood samples from the participants were analysed for lactate dehydrogenase activity, bilirubin concentration, and foetal haemoglobin concentration. The alkali denaturation technique was employed for HbF analysis, while diagnostic kits were used for LDH and bilirubin assays. Results: Foetal haemoglobin concentrations below 10% have been defined as low. The HbF concentration of the sickle cell subjects was relatively low (5.23%) but significantly higher than the normal subjects (1.84%). Similarly, there was a significant elevation in markers of haemolysis in the sickle cell subjects compared to the normal subjects. Subjects with HbF>10% demonstrated a noteworthy increase in haemolysis markers compared to those with HbF<5%. Additionally, a significant inverse relationship was observed between HbF concentration and haemolysis markers. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant inverse correlation between foetal haemoglobin concentration and disease severity among sickle cell subjects and also contributes valuable insights to our understanding of sickle cell disease pathology.

Biochemical parameters of dairy goats of the Zaanen breed when using a preparation based on bacillus Amyloliquefaciens

The effect of a drug based on B. amyloliquefaciens on the biochemical parameters of blood serum of dairy goats was studied. All biochemical parameters of the animals corresponded to the norm, but in the experimental groups during the experiment, the amount of total protein and albumin was higher on average by 8.39% (p≤0.05) and 16.5% (p≤0.05), respectively. The amount of cholesterol was 17.5% lower in the experimental groups (p≤0.01), the activity of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase was 7.6% lower, the bilirubin content was 19.5% lower (p≤0.01) compared to the control parameters. The use of probiotic B. amyloliquefaciens optimizes the intensity of metabolic processes and improves liver function in animals. This contributed to an increase in the average milk yield per lactation in the experimental groups of goats by 60 and 51 kg relative to the control data. It is possible to recommend the drug probiotic B. Amyloliquefaciens as a biologically active supplement for goats during lactation in order to increase the milk yield of animals and receive conditionally additional profit in the amount of 2244.5 rubles per head on average.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ЭКСТРАКТА КОРЫ ЛИСТВЕННИЦЫ В КОРМЛЕНИИ СВИНЕЙ

The article presents materials from research on the use of Dahurian larch bark extract in the nutrition of weaned piglets, as an activation of metabolic processes, increasing pathogenetic resistance and preventing diarrhea. The studies were carried out on the pig farm of the collective farm in Kaluga region. on two groups of large white x landrace crossbred piglets during the growing period after weaning until placement for fattening lasting 70 days. Based on the principle of analogues, two groups of weaned piglets were formed: control and experimental. Piglets in the control group received standard complete feed. The piglets of the experimental group received larch bark extract powder, 4 g per head per day, as part of their general diet. The use of larch bark extract in feeding piglets contributed to an increase in the body's adaptive capacity, pathogenetic resistance and correction of metabolic processes, which ensured a higher realization of the genetic potential of pigs. Thus, in the blood serum of piglets receiving larch bark extract. the total protein content was 72.6 g/l, which was higher than that of the control by 5.7%, mainly due to the albumin fraction. In piglets of the experimental group, the serum creatinine content was 6.4% higher. They also significantly improved the functional state of the liver, as indicated by a twofold decrease in the bilirubin content in the blood serum (P<0.01). Changes in metabolism in piglets of the experimental group had a positive effect on the productivity and safety of the livestock. Thus, during the 70-day period of application of Daurian larch bark extract, the gross gain of piglets was 33.1 kg with an average daily gain of 473 g versus 28.1 kg and 416 g, respectively, in the control, which was 13.7% higher.

Evaluation of the safety and immune stimulatory effects of multi-strain Lab Mix product on laboratory animals

Background & aimsProbiotics are alive and beneficial bacteria used as food complements with sufficient amounts to improve and balance the intestinal flora in the human gastrointestinal tract and inhibit harmful microorganisms. In this study, we conducted experiments to evaluate he safety and the effect of one of our probiotics on selected biochemical parameters in animal models. MethodsLabMix is a probiotic product containing three bacterial strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 304.17, Lactobacillus casei LC 304.08, and Bifidobacterium bifidum BF 304.98, with a density of 9 × 109 CFU/g and being mixed with suitable excipients. In this study, we conducted experiments to evaluate LabMix's acute ttoxicity in mice as well as subchronic toxicity in rats. ResultsThe LD50 dose in mice of this product could not be determined since no death or disorder was recorded. In rats receiving LabMix with doses of 2.52 × 109 CFU/kg and 12.6 × 109 CFU/kg continuously for 28 days, this product caused no significant changes in the amount of red and white blood cells and platelets. Similarly, no significant changes were recorded in serum concentrations of hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, protein, cholesterol, bilirubin, and creatinine. Besides, LabMix products also did not cause any changes in the histology of the liver, kidney, and spleen in rats. Moreover, LabMix was well tolerated without affecting the normal growth and feeding of rats. Furthermore, LabMix also decreased serum cytokines and increased serum and gut mucosal IgA antibodies. ConclusionsLabMix product is possibly considered safe for human., and this sproduct reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), but increased IgA levels. However, it is necessary to further evaluate the product's effectiveness in the preclinical phase as well as in further phases before mass production and commercialization.

Evaluation of Some Biochemical Parameters in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficient subjects of Hausa and Fulani ethnics

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a significant public health problem that is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of common diseases via increased oxidative stress and a decrease in the generation of nitric oxide. There is little information about its impact on some organ, hence the need for this research. This was a case-control study carried out on Hausa and Fulani ethnics in Kano. Heparinized 5 ml venous blood specimen were collected from 140 individuals (70 deficient and 70 control) aged between 18-35 years selected for the study to determine the blood levels of some biochemical parameters using standard methods. There were significant increase in transaminases (p<0.001), but significant decrease concentrations of sodium (p<0.05), chloride (p<0.001), alkaline phosphatase (p<0.001) and total protein (p<0.001) whereas there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the plasma concentration of albumin, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, urea, creatinine, potassium and bicarbonate ions. Our results demonstrate extremely significantly lower (p<0.001 for all) concentration in glutathione reductase, total antioxidants potential, copper, zinc and non-significant decrease (p>0.05) in manganese level of G-6-PD deficient patients compared to controls, whereas malondialdehyde level showed an increasing trend on contrary. However, there were correlations between G-6-PD activity and oxidative stress markers. The findings of the present study suggest that liver and kidneys functions were not altered among people living with G-6-PD deficiency but induce oxidative stress which is not capable of causing organ impairment.