Serum Biochemical Changes Research Articles

Serum biochemical changes and growth response study following probiotic and phytobiotic supplementation in broiler chickens

Many alternative substances have been investigated for their potential to replace antibiotics as growth promoters. Probiotics and phytobiotics are some of the products that can be used as growth promoters in broiler. The present study was designed to investigate either single or combined effect of a probiotic and phytobiotic on serum bio-chemistry and growth performances in broilers. A total of 50 Cobb-500 day old chicks were divided into five groups (10 birds each). The birds of Group A were offered a basal diet (corn-soya based), Group B basal diet + 0.10% Renamycin 100®, Group C basal diet + 0.15% probiotic (Bio-Top®), Group D basal diet + 0.10% phytobiotic (Galibiotic) and Group E basal diet + 0.15% Bio-Top® + 0.10% Galibiotic. Body weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and serum bio-chemistry (Triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, ALT, AST, creatinine) were recorded. Serum biochemical values differed significantly (P<0.05) among the groups. The average final live weight gain was 665grams, 686grams, 1095grams, 780grams and 1065grams in groups A, B, C, D and E, respectively. The feed conversion ratio was 2.1, 1.96, 1.72, 1.83, and 1.75 in A, B, C, D and E group, respectively. The present study revealed that supplementation of probiotic and phytobiotic in feed significantly reduced triglyceride, cholesterol and HDL values compared to value of control group (P<0.05). Probiotic or its’ combination with phytobiotic has the potential to be exemplary alternatives to antibiotic as growth promoters.
 Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2019, 4 (1), 1-6

A 90-Day Repeated Oral Dose Toxicity Study of Alismatis Rhizoma Aqueous Extract in Rats

Alismatis rhizoma (AR), the dried rhizome of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep, is a well-known, traditional medicine that is used for the various biological activities including as a diuretic, to lower cholesterol and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential toxicity of the Alismatis rhizoma aqueous extract (ARAE) following 90-day repeated oral administration to Sprague-Dawley rats. ARAE was administered orally to male and female rats for 90 days at 0 (control), 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg/day (n = 10 for male and female rats for each dose). Additional recovery groups from the control group and high dose group were observed for a 28-day recovery period. Chromatograms of ARAE detected main compounds with four peaks. Treatment-related effects including an increase in the red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, total protein, and urine volume were observed in males of the 2,000 mg/kg/day group (p < 0.05). However, the diuretic effect of ARAE was considered, a major cause of hematological and serum biochemical changes. The oral no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of the ARAE was > 2,000 mg/kg/day in both genders, and no target organs were identified.

The protective effects of ursodeoxycholic acid and the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib on liver damage in an experimental cholestasis model

Aim: Cholestasis leads to liver cell death, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for cholestatic disorders. Hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression increases in various chronic liver diseases caused either by viruses or toxins. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of UDCA and the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib on inflammation and fibrogenesis in a rat model of cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods: Fifty Sprague–Dawley rats that underwent common BDL for 21 days were assigned to one of five treatment groups (sham-operation, BDL, daily UDCA treatment following BDL, daily celecoxib treatment following BDL, and daily celecoxib and UDCA combination treatment following BDL). Serum and liver samples were collected after 21 days. Fibrosis, ductular proliferation, and portal inflammation were scored in liver samples. Liver function tests were evaluated. Results: In comparison with the control group, the BDL group showed hepatic damage as evidenced by elevation in serum biochemical and histological changes such as ductular reaction, fibrosis, and inflammation. These pathophysiological changes were attenuated by chronic UDCA and selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib supplementation. Conlusion: Our findings indicate that the addition of Celecoxib to UDCA reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis and might be an effective supplemental therapy with UDCA for cholestatic diseases. The beneficial effects of chronic UDCA and Celecoxib supplementation may be associated with their potential cytoprotective, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

English

𝛼-Naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) is known to provoke liver damage with intrahepatic cholestasis. This ANIT is accepted to be important for assessing the effect of medicine instigated cholestasis. This assessment investigated the effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) in contrast to that of Vitamin C (VC) against the hepatotoxicity of ANIT. Rats were orally treated with green tea portion (GT50, 75, 100 mg/kg) and CV (250 mg/kg) following 12 h of ANIT mixture (75 mg/kg). Rats were killed 24 h after treatment. Rats treated with ANIT demonstrated hepatocyte damage and cholestasis appeared as changes in serum biomarker levels, among others; increase in entire cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and lipid peroxide, and furthermore, an extension in hepatic lipid peroxide, a decline in glutathione and myeloperoxidase activity and a decrease in hepatic superoxide dismutase. The utilization of GT (75 mg/kg) to rats treated with ANIT blocked hepatic cell mischief and cholestasis and alleviated these serum and hepatic biochemical changes, while the use of GT (50 or 100 mg/kg) was less impressive. Both VC and ANIT-treated rats kept up a vital separation from liver cell hurt, yet not cholestasis, and reduced serum lipid peroxide, hepatic lipid peroxide, and myeloperoxidase action. These results demonstrate that the GT guarantees ANIT-affected liver harm (Cholestasis in the rat) more satisfactorily than VC. Key words: Antioxidant, 𝛼-Naphthylisothiocyanate, cholestasis, green tea, Vitamin C.

Evaluation of Serum Biochemical Parameters, Structural Changes, Immunohistochemistry and Parasite Load in the Urinary System of Dogs Infected Naturally by Leishmania infantum

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes in the urinary system and their correlation with serum biochemical parameters, parasite load and immunodetection of amastigotes in 30 dogs infected naturally by Leishmania infantum. The major histological changes were glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis. Serum biochemistry demonstrated that the dogs had progressive loss of renal function. L. infantum amastigotes were detected immunohistochemically in all parts of the urinary system, except the ureters. There was a correlation between parasite load, severity of histopathological changes and immunodetection of the parasites, but parasite load was not correlated with the serum biochemical parameters evaluated.

Effect of Methanol Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Gomphrena celesioides&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; on Chloroquine-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Hepatic injury has been reported to be associated with chloroquine therapy. Gomphrena celesioides has been claimed to have pleiotropic protective properties in the liver by traditional herbal practitioner but there is no scientific evidence to this claim. This investigation therefore sought to evaluate the effect of Gomphrena celesioides administration on chloroquine-induced hepatic injury in rats. Forty adult male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats and were treated orally once daily. Rats in group one received 1 ml/kg body weight of 0.9% normal saline; rats in group two received 250 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine for three days; groups three, four and five rats were pre-treated with 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract of Gomphrena celesiodes for three days and on the fourth day were given 250 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine for three days. The experiment lasted for seven days. Liver injury was manifested biochemically by a significant increase in serum level or activities of hepatic markers (aminotransferases, alkaline phosphate, bilirubin, cholesterol and gamma glutamyl transferase). In addition, hepatic tissue from chloroquine-treated rats showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation with a decrease in hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reservoirs. Moreover, the liver histopathologic evaluation revealed significant in chloroquine-treated rats. Gomphrena celesioides administration significantly alleviated chloroquine-induced pathologic changes in serum biochemistry and liver tissue. The results also suggest that Gomphrena celesioides possesses protective properties against chloroquine-induced liver injury via mitigation of drug-induced oxidative stress and its consequent events.

Superior protective effects of febuxostat plus alpha-lipoic acid on renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced hepatorenal injury in rats

A complex cascade of pathological events including oxidative stress and inflammation is involved in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced local and remote organ injuries. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of febuxostat (FEB), a selective xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor, and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a strong antioxidant, on the kidney and liver changes induced by renal I/R in rats. Renal I/R was induced in rats by clamping renal pedicles for 1 h followed by 2 h reperfusion. Fifty rats were assigned to five groups as follows: sham operated; vehicle + I/R; FEB + I/R; ALA + I/R, and (FEB + ALA) + I/R. Drug treatment was given 24 h and 1 h before I/R induction. Serum and tissue biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were examined after reperfusion. Serum creatinine, urea and uric acid levels, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were elevated after renal I/R. An increase in XO, myeloperoxidase, and malondialdehyde levels was observed in kidney and liver tissues with a concomitant decrease in both the glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, kidney and liver sections of vehicle-pretreated rats subjected to I/R exhibited a pronounced alteration in microanatomy. FEB, ALA, or FEB + ALA pretreatment attenuated the serum and tissue biochemical changes with amelioration of the histopathological changes in both the kidney and liver. The findings of this study revealed that FEB in combination with ALA had a greater protective effect than either drug alone. Thus, FEB and ALA co-administration may provide a potential superior therapeutic strategy to protect the kidney and liver against renal I/R-induced injury.

Determining the effect of an electromagnetic field generated by a high voltage power line on rat spermatogonia cells

Objective: Purpose&#x0D; of the study was to research the effect of an electromagnetic field created by&#x0D; a high voltage line on the testes tissue and the serum biochemistry of Wistar&#x0D; albino male rats. At the same time, in the study also examined the protective&#x0D; effects of melatonin and ganoderma lucidum. &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: In&#x0D; the study, 64 rats were divided into eight equal groups (n: 8). In experiments&#x0D; lasting 26 and 52 days, the following groups were used: High voltage (HV), HV +&#x0D; Ganoderma lucidum (GI), HV + Melatonin (MEL), and Sham-control. MEL (10 mg/kg)&#x0D; was administered intraperitoneally and GI (20 mg/kg) as oral lavage. Extremely&#x0D; low frequency electric (80.3 V/m) and magnetic fields (2.48 µT) were applied&#x0D; for eight hours per day. &#x0D; &#x0D; Results:&#x0D; The biochemical results of the study show an increase in total oxidant status (TOS)&#x0D; and oxidative stress index (OSI) level and a decrease in total antioxidant&#x0D; status (TAS) level in the 26 and 52 day high voltage groups, compared to the&#x0D; control group. In the high voltage groups, the nitric oxide (NO) value&#x0D; increased with the increase of the exposure period. Testicular mass (p&amp;gt;0.05),&#x0D; TAS, TOS, OSI and NO (p&amp;lt;0.05) were found at 26 days of comparison. Testicular&#x0D; weight, TAS, TOS, OSI (p&amp;lt;0.05), and NO (p&amp;gt;0.05) were found in 52 day&#x0D; comparisons. In routine histopathology data, we detected effects on both the 26&#x0D; and 52 day HV groups, such as degeneration in spermatic cells and full&#x0D; structural deterioration and increasing hyalinisation. We also detected an step&#x0D; up in the ligament cell in the tubular field for the 52-day test groups. In&#x0D; melatonin added group, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells&#x0D; were more active. TUNEL assay analysis showed that there was no significant&#x0D; difference between the the 26 day experiment groups (p&amp;gt;0.05), but that there&#x0D; was a significant dissimilarity between the 52 day experiment groups&#x0D; (p&amp;lt;0.05).&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions:&#x0D; In our study, the oxidative effect of created by a high voltage results in&#x0D; changes in serum biochemistry of rats and a number of degenerative&#x0D; deterioration in the histological structure of testes. Aslo, it is shown that&#x0D; the oxidative effect created by a high voltage has negative effects on the creation&#x0D; of spermatogonia. GI partly protects against these effects, while melatonin is&#x0D; more effective in this regard.

Transcriptome profiling and histology changes in juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) liver tissue in response to acute thermal stress

To understand the precise mechanism and the pathways activated by thermal stress in fish, we sampled livers from juvenile Megalobrama amblycephala exposed to control (25 °C) and test (35 °C) conditions, and performed short read (100 bp) next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Using reads from different temperature, expression analysis identified a total of 440 differentially-expressed genes. These genes were related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, immune responses and so on. We used quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR to assess the differential mRNA expression of selected genes that encode antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins in response to thermal stress. Fish exposed to thermal stress also showed liver damage associated with serum biochemical parameter changes. The set of genes identified showed regulatory modulation at different temperatures, and therefore could be further studied to determine how thermal stress damages M. amblycephala livers and the possible roles of reactive oxygen species in this process.

Dietary composition modulates impact of food-added monosodium glutamate on behaviour, metabolic status and cerebral cortical morphology in mice

Effects of food-added monosodium glutamate (MSG) on neurobehaviour, serum biochemical parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and changes in cerebral cortex, liver and kidney morphology were assessed in mice fed standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD). Animals were assigned to 8 groups [SD control, HFD control, and six groups fed MSG plus SD or HFD at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg of feed]. Animals were fed for 8 weeks, behavioural tests were conducted, and blood was taken for estimation of biochemical parameters and MDA level. Whole brain was homogenised for neurochemical assays, while the cerebrum, liver and kidneys were processed for histology.In groups fed MSG/SD, there was a decrease in weight gain, increase in food-intake, an increase in locomotion, a decrease in rearing/grooming, and a decrease in anxiety-response. Also observed were derangements in biochemical parameters, increased MDA, and alteration of renal morphology. Compared to HFD, MSG/HFD groups had reduction in weight gain, food-intake, grooming and anxiety-response, an increase in locomotion, and improved memory. Protection against biochemical derangements and HFD-induced organ injuries were also observed. In conclusion, the findings suggest that possible interactions that may occur between dietary constituents and MSG are determinants of the effects of food-added MSG in mice.

Effects of medetomidine and thiopentone anaesthesia on the haematological and some serum biochemical changes in donkeys (&lt;i&gt;Equus asinus&lt;/i&gt;) in Maiduguri, Nigeria

The effects of combination of medetomidine and thiopentone intravenous (IV) anaesthesia on haematological and some serum biochemical parameters in donkeys was investigated. A total of 5 donkeys, comprising of 3 females and 2 males with mean body weight (159 ± 16.63 kg) and age (3.45 ± 0.50 years) were used for the present study. Each donkey was given a recommended dose of medetomidine at 5μg /kg and 10 % thiopentone at 7mg/kg body weight IV. Pre- anaesthetic blood samples were collected and later at 15minutes interval during anaesthesia in EDTA bottles for haematological and biochemical analysis. The parameters evaluated were packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and differential leucocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) as well as serum biochemical parameters of alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine (Crea). The medetomidine-Thiopentone combination produced no significant difference (P>0.05) in all the haematological and serum biochemical parameters measured.Keywords: Haematological, Thiopentone, Medetomidine, Biochemical parameters, Donkeys

Subchronic (90-day) repeated dose toxicity study of 2-hydroxybenzylamine acetate in rats

2-Hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA), a naturally occurring compound found in buckwheat, can protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. In this study, 2-HOBA acetate was orally administered to male and female rats for 90 consecutive days at doses of 100, 500, and 1000 mg·kg BW−1·d−1 (n = 20 per sex/group). Subchronic administration of 2-HOBA was well tolerated at all dose levels. 2-HOBA-treated male rats were slightly heavier in the last weeks of the study, but this difference was very small (<5%), did not show a dose–response relationship, and was not observed in female rats. Similarly, some statistically significant changes in serum biochemistry and hematology parameters were noted, but these were not considered to be of biological or toxicological significance. Sporadic differences in organ weights were observed between groups, but all were small (<10%) and unlikely to indicate toxicity. The incidence of histopathological lesions was similar between treated and control groups across all organs. Based upon these findings, the no-observed-adverse-effect level was determined to be ≥ 1000 mg·kg BW−1·d−1, which was the highest dose tested. These results further support no toxicity associated with oral consumption of 2-HOBA acetate in rats and the continued development of 2-HOBA as a dietary supplement or functional food.

Fipronil (Phenylpyrazole) induces hemato-biochemical, histological and genetic damage at low doses in common carp, Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758).

This study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of fipronil on common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The trial was performed in laboratory of Department of Life Sciences at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. Total of 72 fishes, with apparently no clinical signs were purchased from local fish hatchery near Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. After 2 weeks of acclimatization fish were divided into six groups in glass aquaria (each having 100 liters of water capacity) and treated with different concentrations of fipronil for 12 days: 0 mg/L-control group (A),0.02 mg/L (B),0.04 mg/L (C),0.06 mg/L (D),0.08 mg/L (E) and 0.10 mg/L (F). Blood samples were taken every 4 days for evaluation of hemato-biochemical parameters. Fish in high doses treated groups show severe abnormalities in clinical-hematological and biochemical parameters. At high dose in group E and F fish show clinical ailments such as convulsions, jerking, faintness, increase in operculum movement, body curvature and breathing difficulty. Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) and mean corpuscular volume, total leukocyte count, neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes were significantly increased. Biochemical parameters including urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose were significantly increased but albumin was significantly decreased. Nuclear and cellular abnormalities were also increased in high dose treated groups. Hence fipronil induces clinico-hematological and serum biochemical changes in common carp C. carpio.

Oral administration of palatinose vs sucrose improves hyperglycemia in normal C57BL/6J mice

Palatinose is a sucrose analog with a slower digestion rate than that of sucrose. For this reason, palatinose shows better effects on hepatic lipogenesis and cholesterol homeostasis compared with sucrose. We hypothesized that supplementation with palatinose instead of sucrose improves postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in mice. Herein, we compared the digestion rates in vitro and observed physiological changes in vivo between sucrose- and palatinose-containing diets given to mice. Palatinose was hydrolyzed only by enzymes of the small intestine and was digested more slowly compared with sucrose in vitro. In mice, a diet containing palatinose resulted in significantly lower body weight gain and food efficiency rate values than those given a diet with sucrose. In this study, changes in serum biochemistry; hepatic fatty acid synthesis; cholesterol homeostasis; glucogenic, proinflammatory cytokines; and oxidative stress-related genes and proteins in the palatinose- and sucrose-fed mice were measured. Compared with the mice fed the sucrose diet, the palatinose diet resulted in lower serum glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol levels, as well as lower expression of several lipogenesis-related genes and proteins. Histological analysis of hepatic cells of palatinose-fed mice showed normal morphology. In conclusion, palatinose intake results in lower hepatic lipogenesis and better cholesterol homeostasis than the effects from sucrose.

Investigation of the hepatoprotective effect of Corydalis saxicola Bunting on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats by 1H-NMR-based metabonomics and network pharmacology approaches

Liver fibrosis is a common consequence of chronic liver diseases resulting from multiple etiologies. Furthermore, prolonged unresolved liver fibrosis may gradually progress to cirrhosis, and eventually evolve into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Corydalis saxicola Bunting (CS), a type of traditional Chinese folk medicine, has been reported to have hepatoprotective effects on the liver. However, the exact mechanism of how it cures liver fibrosis requires further elucidation. In this work, an integrated approach combining proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR)-based metabonomics and network pharmacology was adopted to elucidate the anti-fibrosis mechanism of CS. Metabonomic study of serum biochemical changes by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats after CS treatment were performed using 1H-NMR analysis. Metabolic profiling by means of partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) indicated that the metabolic perturbation caused by CCl4 was reduced after CS treatment. As a result, lipids, leucine, alanine, acetate, O-acetyl-glycoprotein and creatine were significantly restored after CS treatment, which regulated valine, leucine and isoleucine metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; lipid metabolism and pyruvate metabolism. Additionally, 157 potential targets of CS and 265 targets of liver fibrosis were identified by means of network pharmacology. Subsequently, 5 target proteins, which are the intersection of potential CS targets and liver fibrosis targets, indicated that CS has potential anti-fibrosis effects through regulating alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and angiotensinogen. Chelerythrine and sanguinarine were the potential active compounds in CS for treating liver fibrosis through regulating ALT activity. This study is the first report to study the anti-fibrosis effects of CS on the basis of combining a metabonomics and network pharmacology approaches, and it may be a potentially powerful tool to study the efficacy and mechanisms of traditional Chinese folk medicines.

Nutritional Assessment of Dietary Bt and Cp4EPSPS Proteins on the Serum Biochemical Changes of Rabbits at Different Developmental Stages.

In recent years, the influence of genetically modified (GM) cotton expressing different types of Bt and EPSPS genes has been attested in term of reduced application of pesticides and insecticides coupled with improved cotton production. Although the cultivation of GM cotton has been authorized by the regulatory authorities of various countries in the world, based on the biosafety studies reported by most of the GM cotton producers, yet the information on its safe use are inadequate. In order to support the issues on food safety, it is therefore mandatory to conduct further safety assessment studies on GM cotton for each independent transgenic event on the basis of case assessment rule. In the present study, the effects of different doses of dietary GM cotton seed expressing Bt and EPSPS genes were studied on the level of serum biochemical in albino rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The rabbits were fed a diet containing different levels of GM cotton seeds (i.e., 20, 30, and 40% w/w) respectively mixed with standard diet for 180 days. During the course of the study, various serum enzymes, electrolytes, proteins, glucose and serum total cholesterol were examined at specific time intervals (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180) days. The results showed non-significant (P > 0.05) dose dependent effects in most of the evaluated serum biochemical parameters. Although, the results in some of the serum biochemistry were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the groups, however, they were not biologically significant, since all the differences were within the normal physiological range. These results thus, suggested that the GM cotton seed meal could be considered as safe as other conventional feed ingredients. The experimental evidence for the safe usage of GM cotton was highlighted in this study.

Protective effects of sea cucumber (Holothuriaatra) extract on testicular dysfunction induced by immune suppressant drugs in Wistar rats.

The current study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Holothurian atra (HA) extract; naturally occurring marine resource, against methotrexate (MTX) induced testicular dysfunction. Mature rats received either MTX (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or saline on the 7th day of experiment al design. Seven days prior and after MTX-injection, rats received HA at dose of 300 mg/kg intragastrically (HA + MTX group; HA group alone). Serum was extracted and testicular tissues were examined for the changes in serum biochemistry (liver & kidney biomarkers, testicular hormones and antioxidants), molecular and histopthological alterations using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. MTX-injected rats induced alteration in all testicular parameters. Prior administration of HA ameliorated the MTX-induced oxidative stress. HA administration normalised MTX-induced decrease in serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone) and antioxidants GST, SOD and catalase. MTX-injected rats down-regulated mRNA expression of GST, SOD, steroidogenesis associated genes, IFN-γ, Bcl2 and NFKB. MTX up-regulated BAX expression and caspase 9 immunoreactivity that were ameliorated in HA + MTX group. Collectively, HA ameliorated and restored all altered genes. In conclusion, HA is a promising supplement that is helpful in protection against testicular cytotoxicity and dysfunction induced by methotrexate.

Association of Sulfur Mustard-induced Ocular Problems with Serum and Blood Biochemical Parameters Changes

Many biochemical features of sulfur mustard (SM) intoxication have remained unknown. So far, the direct association between biochemical parameter changes and ocular problems in patients exposed to SM is not evaluated. The current study aimed at evaluating the associations between the ocular findings in patients with SM intoxication and the changes of serum and blood biochemical parameters. In the current study, 372 patients exposed to SM and 128 matched controls were compared concerning the association between their ocular problems and biochemical parameters. Ocular problems include photophobia, ocular surface discomfort (OSD), etc. Biochemical parameters include uric acid, creatinine (Cr), hematocrit (HCT), total, direct and indirect bilirubin, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), calcium (Ca), fasting blood sugar (FBS), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), etc. The SM-exposed group with photophobia, OSD, tearing, blurred vision, abnormal tear status, and slit-lamp findings had significantly higher mean serum and blood levels of uric acid, Cr, HCT, and total and indirect bilirubin than the controls. The SM-exposed group with photophobia, tearing, ocular pain, blurred vision, bulbar conjunctival and limbal abnormalities had significantly higher mean serum and blood levels of HDL, ALT, Ca, FBS, MCHC, and HDL, indirect and total bilirubin, compared to the control group. The association of photophobia with uric acid, OSD and tearing with Cr, photophobia with HDL, ocular pain with Ca, and blurred vision with FBS may be explained for their known ocular effects in the SM-exposed subjects. SM-induced biochemical changes may intensify the ocular problems induced by the direct effects of SM.

A study of hematologic and biochemical profile in female dromedary camels during the breeding and non-breeding seasons

Dromedary camel is a seasonal breeder, with the maximum breeding activity during winter and spring and minimum activity occurring in summer and autumn in female camels of southwest Iran. This study was performed to investigate hematological and serum biochemical changes during breeding and non-breeding seasons in female camels, raised in Khouzestan Province. Blood samples were collected from 32 apparently healthy female dromedary camels during December to March as breeding period and from June to October as non-breeding period. Complete blood counts and serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. The results revealed a significant rise in erythrocyte markers including RBC, Hb, HCT, and MCHC in peak breeding season. Serum creatinine concentration in the breeding season was significantly higher than the non-breeding one. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were both significantly increased in camels sampled during their maximum breeding time. There was also a significant elevation in protein concentration in the mentioned group (P < 0.05). Phosphorus and magnesium levels, in contrast to calcium, were higher in the breeding period (P < 0.05). The activity of serum enzymes comprising LDH, GGT, and ALT was significantly increased in the breeding season (P < 0.05). In spite of that, total bilirubin concentration declined in the same period. It can be concluded that reproductive status can make a considerable alteration in hematologic and biochemical profile in female dromedary camel which must be considered when interpreting laboratory data obtained from this species.

Impact of Water Acidification or Magnetic Treatment on Growth Performance, Health and Oxidative Status of Broiler Chicks Challenged by Salmonella Enteritidis

A total of 220, one-day old of Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used to determine the effect of water acidifier (organic acids) or magnetic water on growth performance, immune response, serum biochemical changes, intestinal histopathology and microbiology of broiler chicken challenged with Salmonella enteritidis. The chicks were randomly allotted into 8 equal groups, First group fed on the basal diet and drank tap water without any supplementation and considered as control, while groups 2 – 4 fed on the same basal diet with magnetic treatment, water acidifier (4 ml M-Cure/Liter), or magnetic treatment plus acidifier supplementation respectively. Group's 5-8 drink water of the same design as described for groups 1 – 4 with Salmonella infection. It was found that water acidification or acidifier plus magnetic water treatment without infection non-significantly improved growth performance, feed efficiency, blood picture, antioxidant capacity, immune responses (WBCs, heterophil%, phagocytic activity and index, antibody titer against New castle disease vaccine at 35th) and increased (P≥0.05) ileum villi length and width and non-significantly (P≥0.05) reduced total bacterial count in jejunum and colon. Meanwhile, broiler chicks group drank tap water with salmonella infection non-significantly (P≥0.05) decreased the final body weight and total body weight gain, meanwhile numerically increased total feed intake which reflected on deterioration (P≥0.05) of the feed efficiency parameters (FCR, WGR, PER, EEU) and PI. Also salmonella infection inhibited the immunity and intestine health. Our data indicated the broiler chicks group drank MWT, acidified water or combination of both treatments with infection overcame the salmonella hazards and improved the growth performance, feed efficiency parameters and immune response. It can be concluded that the best growth performance, immune response, intestinal health and absorptive capacity was obtained by group drank combination of acidified + magnetic water with or without Salmonella infection.