Serum Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

Effect of Acupuncture on the Serum and Local Microcirculatory Biochemical Parameters in Phantom Limb Pain

Phantom limb pain (PLP) often occurs in post - amputation patients. Acupuncture may have a positive effect in treating PLP. This study aimed to observe the changes in plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels before and after acupuncture in patients with PLP, and to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the peripheral circulation of residual limbs by measuring the skin blood flow (SBF) and oxygen saturation (SO2 ). Six amputees participated in this study. After 28 days of treatment, the PGE2 was significantly lower compared with that at day 0. The NPY was lower compared with that at day 0. The SBF and SO2 change percentage in the intervention and recovery stages of each acupuncture treatment were all significantly increased. Moreover, the visual analog scale scores of PLP showed that patients felt their PLP disappeared completely and were satisfied with the acupuncture treatment. This study suggests that acupuncture was effective in treating PLP, and PGE2 and NPY may be regulators of pain transmission in PLP.

Biochemical screening of Hisex brown cross chickens after multiple vaccinations

It is impossible to imagine the epizootic well-being of poultry without immunoprophylaxis. Today, there are many vaccines to prevent infectious diseases in poultry. Our work aimed to determine how repeated vaccination affects the biochemical parameters of poultry serum. The post-vaccination changes in the protein, lipid, and enzyme metabolism of the poultry of the experimental group, which received repeated vaccine prophylaxis, are highlighted in the work. The obtained blood serum samples on the 1st, 15th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 100th, and 120th days of the chickens' life were analyzed using a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer for the content of glucose, total protein, albumins, globulins, bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, and alpha-amylase activity, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamine transferase, and creatinine kinase. The conducted studies established an increase in indicators in the research group of 100-day-old chickens after the last vaccine prophylaxis complex compared to the control group, namely: hyperpotenemia by 8.6 %, hyperbilirubinemia by 19.6 %, hyperglycemia by 20.3 %, hyperenzymemia of alanine aminotransferase by 31 %, gamma glutamine transferase by 21.2 %, aspartate aminotransferase by 7.9 %, alpha-amylase by 3.9 %, alkaline phosphatase by 11.9 %, lactate dehydrogenase by 18.2 %. In connection with this, we can assume the stimulation of biochemical processes in the poultry's body against the background of vaccine prophylaxis.

Autochthonous Bacilli and Fructooligosaccharide as Functional Feed Additives Improve Growth, Feed Utilisation, Haemato-Immunological Parameters and Disease Resistance in Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton).

The effects of Bacillus spp. (7 Log CFU g-1 feed) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS, 1%) as functional feed additives, either alone or in combination, were evaluated in a study on rohu, Labeo rohita fingerlings. The fish were fed different diets for 90 days, including a control diet and diets supplemented with FOS, B. licheniformis, B. methylotrophicus or synbiotic formulations of these. The results showed that the combination of B. licheniformis and FOS significantly improved weight gain, feed utilisation and protease activity compared to the other groups. Overall, the groups supplemented with probiotics and synbiotics (B. licheniformis + FOS or B. methylotrophicus + FOS) showed improvements in haematology, serum biochemistry and immune parameters compared to the control group. After 90 days of experimental feeding, the fish were challenged with pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila, and data on haematology, immunity and stress parameters were collected. The results indicated that the application of Bacillus spp. and FOS boosted immunity and resistance to physiological stress in the fish. The highest post-challenge survival rate was observed in fish fed a diet with B. licheniformis and FOS, indicating the potential of this particular combination of functional feed additives to enhance growth, immunity and disease resistance in L. rohita.

Dietary Curcumin Supplementation Could Improve Muscle Quality, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and the Gut Microbiota Structure of Pelodiscus sinensis.

This experiment aimed to assess the impact of different dietary curcumin (CM) levels on growth, muscle quality, serum-biochemical parameters, antioxidant-enzyme activities, gut microbiome, and liver transcriptome in Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis). Five experimental diets were formulated to include graded levels of curcumin at 0 (control, CM0), 0.5 (CM0.5), 1 (CM1), 2 (CM2) and 4 g/kg (CM4). Each diet was randomly distributed to quadruplicate groups of turtles (164.33 ± 5.5 g) for 6 weeks. Our findings indicated that dietary curcumin supplementation did not have a significant influence on growth performance (p > 0.05); however, it significantly improved the muscular texture profiles (p < 0.05). Serum total superoxide dismutase (SOD), liver catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities increased significantly as dietary curcumin levels rose from 0.5 to 4 g/kg (p < 0.05). Dietary curcumin supplementation improved gut microbiota composition, as evidenced by an increase in the proportion of dominant bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Flavobacterium. Liver transcriptome analysis revealed that curcumin altered metabolic pathways in the liver. In conclusion, based on the evaluation of the activities of SOD in serum and CAT in liver under current experimental design, it was determined that the appropriate dietary curcumin supplementation for Chinese soft-shelled turtles is approximately 3.9 g/kg.

Cobalt Iron Oxide (CoFe2O4) Nanoparticles Induced Toxicity in Rabbits.

The market for nanoparticles has grown significantly over the past few decades due to a number of unique qualities, including antibacterial capabilities. It is still unclear how nanoparticle toxicity works. In order to ascertain the toxicity of synthetic cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (CIONPs) in rabbits, this study was carried out. Sixteen rabbits in total were purchased from the neighborhood market and divided into two groups (A and B), each of which contained eight rabbits. The CIONPs were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. Crystallinity and phase identification were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average size of the nanoparticles (13.2 nm) was calculated by Scherrer formula (Dhkl = 0.9 λ/β cos θ) and confirmed by TEM images. The saturation magnetization, 50.1 emug-1, was measured by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). CIONPs were investigated as contrast agents (CA) for magnetic resonance images (MRI). The relaxivity (r = 1/T) of the MRI was also investigated at a field strength of 0.35 T (Tesla), and the ratio r2/r1 for the CIONPs contrast agent was 6.63. The CIONPs were administrated intravenously into the rabbits through the ear vein. Blood was collected at days 5 and 10 post-exposure for hematological and serum biochemistry analyses. The intensities of the signal experienced by CA with CIONPs were 1427 for the liver and 1702 for the spleen. The treated group showed significantly lower hematological parameters, but significantly higher total white blood cell counts and neutrophils. The results of the serum biochemistry analyses showed significantly higher and lower quantities of different serum biochemical parameters in the treated rabbits at day 10 of the trial. At the microscopic level, different histological ailments were observed in the visceral organs of treated rabbits, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and brain. In conclusion, the results revealed that cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles induced toxicity via alterations in multiple tissues of rabbits.

Effects of Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels in Practical Formulation on Growth, Feed Utilization, Body Composition, and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Growing Rockfish Sebastes schlegeli.

A 3 × 2 factorial experiment (protein levels, 42%, 46%, 50%; lipid levels, 9%, 12%) with three replicates was conducted in a circulating water system to investigate the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed utilization, body composition, and serum biochemical parameters of growing rockfish Sebastes schlegeli (initial weight, 29.98 ± 0.10 g). After an 8 weeks feeding trial, growth performance in terms of final body weight, percent weight gain, and specific growth rate increased with the increase of dietary protein level when fish fed diets containing a consistent level of dietary lipid. The feed conversion rate and daily feed intake were significantly affected by dietary protein and lipid levels, and decreased as dietary protein level increased from 42% to 46% or dietary lipid level increased from 9% to 12% (P < 0.05). Survival rate, viscerosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index were unaffected by dietary protein level (P > 0.05), but significantly increased with the increase of dietary lipid level (P < 0.05). On the contrary, condition factor was unaffected by dietary lipid level (P > 0.05), but significantly increased with dietary protein level increasing up to 46% (P < 0.05). The moisture contents of muscle and liver significantly decreased, but the whole-body crude lipid content, the crude protein and lipid contents of muscle increased as dietary protein or lipid level increased (P < 0.05). The contents of isoleucine, leucine, histidine, glycine, alanine of muscle, as well as the proportions of C14 : 0, C20 : 1, and C22 : 1n-9 in total fatty acids were higher in fish fed diets containing 12% lipid than those fed 9% lipid (P < 0.05), while C18 : 1n-9 and C18 : 2n-6 followed an opposite trend. The contents of phenylalanine, lysine, and tyrosine as well as the proportions of C18 : 0, C18 : 2n-6, C22 : 1n-9, and C22 : 6n-3 in total fatty acids decreased with the increase of dietary protein level (P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins increased significantly with dietary protein or lipid levels increasing, but TG concentration was elevated significantly in fish fed diets containing 12% lipid. Considering the present results in terms of growth and feed utilization, the suitable protein and lipid levels in diet for growing rockfish were 46% and 12%, respectively.

Gentiopicroside improves high-fat diet-induced NAFLD in association with modulation of host serum metabolome and gut microbiome in mice.

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing every year, and there is growing evidence that metabolites and intestinal bacteria play a causal role in NAFLD. Gentiopicroside, a major iridoids compound in gentian, has been reported to reduce hepatic lipid accumulation. However to date, no studies have confirmed whether the predominance of Gentiopicroside is related to metabolites and intestinal bacteria. Therefore, we sought to study whether the hypolipidemic effect of Gentiopicroside is related to metabolic function and intestinal flora regulation. In the present study, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks, followed by a high-fat diet with or without Gentiopicroside for 8 weeks, respectively. The Gentiopicroside intervention reduced body weight gain, liver index, and decreased serum biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and triglycerides in high-fat fed mice. The effect of Gentiopicroside on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was studied using serum untargeted metabolomics and 16S rDNA assay. Metabolomic analysis showed that the addition of Gentiopicroside significantly altered the levels of amino acids, unmetabolized Gentiopicroside after administration, and metabolites such as Cinnoline, Galabiosylceramide, and Tryptophyl-Tyrosine, which are involved in the pathways regulating bile secretion, tryptophan metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Analysis of intestinal bacteria showed that Gentiopicrosides altered the community composition structure of intestinal bacteria, characterized by an increase and a decrease in beneficial and harmful bacteria, respectively. In addition, correlation analysis showed that the effect of Gentiopicroside on metabolites was positively correlated with intestinal flora Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Muribaculum, and Prevotellaceae_UCG_001. Finally, the combined analysis revealed that metabolites were associated with the regulation of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and positively correlated with lipid levels. These results suggest that Gentiopicroside may be a potential agent for the prevention of intestinal disorders and the alleviation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Dysregulations of metabolites and gut microbes and their associations in rats with noise induced hearing loss.

Noise exposure could lead to hearing loss and disorders of various organs. Recent studies have reported the close relations of environmental noise exposure to the metabolomics dysregulations and gut microbiota disturbance in the exposers. However, the associations between gut microbial homeostasis and the body metabolism during noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were unclear. To get a full understanding of their synergy in noise-associated diseases, it is essential to uncover their impacts and associations under exposure conditions. With ten male rats with background noise exposure (≤ 40 dB) as controls (Ctr group), 20 age- and weight-matched male rats were exposed to 95 dB Sound pressure level (SPL) (LN group, n = 10) or 105 dB SPL noise (HN group, n = 10) for 30 days with 4 h/d. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) of the rats and their serum biochemical parameters were detected to investigate their hearing status and the potential effects of noise exposure on other organs. Metabolomics (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) and microbiome (16S rDNA gene sequencing) analyses were performed on samples from the rats. Multivariate analyses and functional enrichments were applied to identify the dysregulated metabolites and gut microbes as well as their associated pathways. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the associations of the dysregulations of microbiota and the metabolites. NIHL rat models were constructed. Many biochemical parameters were altered by noise exposure. The gut microbiota constitution and serum metabolic profiles of the noise-exposed rats were also dysregulated. Through metabolomics analysis, 34 and 36 differential metabolites as well as their associated pathways were identified in LN and HN groups, respectively. Comparing with the control rats, six and 14 florae were shown to be significantly dysregulated in the LN group and HN group, respectively. Further association analysis showed significant correlations between differential metabolites and differential microbiota. There were cochlea injuries and abnormalities of biochemical parameters in the rats with NIHL. Noise exposure could also disrupt the metabolic profiles and the homeostatic balance of gut microbes of the host as well as their correlations. The dysregulated metabolites and microbiota might provide new clues for prevention of noise-related disorders.

Serum versican as a potential biomarker in patients with uterine fibroids: A study from Eastern India.

Versican is a chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan with raised expression at site of inflammation, and uterine fibroids are associated with local inflammation. Hence, this study aimed to estimate serum Versican levels in pre-menopausal women with uterine fibroids to evaluate its diagnostic efficiency. This case-control study included forty uterine fibroid cases and 40 healthy controls. Cases clinically evaluated with USG findings, that is number, location of fibroid and volume calculated by prolate ellipse formula a × b × c × 0.523 (a - height, b - width, c - depth). Biochemical investigations, that is serum Versican levels, were estimated by ELISA with total cholesterol, HDLc and LDLc. Triglycerides by fully automated chemistry analysers. Serum biochemical parameters were compared and correlated with volume of fibroid. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated along with cut-off value to determine diagnostic potential of Versican, differentiating women with fibroids. In the present study, patients with fibroids had decreased levels of serum Versican (79.43 ± 18.60) as compared to healthy controls (101.81 ± 28.24, P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation (r = - 0. 307, P = 0.04) between serum Versican level and volume of fibroid. Area under ROC was 0.726 (95% CI: 0.616-0.836; P = 0.001). The best cut-off value for serum Versican level was 96.90 ng/ml with 90% sensitivity and 48% specificity. Serum Versican levels were found significantly lower in women with fibroid with a negative correlation with volume of fibroid uterus. Furthermore, extensive study would help in substantiating diagnostic potential of serum Versican in fibroid uterus patients.

Effects of rutin on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity and immunity in laying hens fed a diet containing stored soybean meal

This study aimed to investigate the effects of rutin on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, serum immunoglobulin, and antioxidant status in laying hens fed a diet containing stored soybean meal (SBM). The dietary treatments used were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 types of SBM (FSM: SBM was stored in the cold storage warehouses at −20 °C for 45 days and was considered as fresh SBM; RTSM: SBM was stored in room temperature warehouse (15 °C to 25 °C), average temperature was 20 °C for 45 days) and 2 levels of rutin (0 and 500 mg/kg). In total, 384 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (220 days of age) were randomly divided into 4 groups with eight replicates. Pre-feeding period was 1 week, and the experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results showed that the RTSM diet had no effect on laying performance (p > 0.05). Compared with the diet without rutin, diet with 500 mg/kg rutin exhibited a tendency to increase egg mass compared with the diet without rutin (p = 0.096), and there was a trend of interaction effect on average egg weight (p = 0.061). The RTSM diet decreased the egg Haugh unit significantly compared with the FSM diet at the end of 8th week (p < 0.05). Compared with the diet without rutin, dietary rutin supplementation could affect egg quality as evidenced by increased eggshell thickness, albumen height, egg yolk colour at the end of 4th week and increased eggshell strength and eggshell thickness at the end of 8th week (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary rutin supplementation increased urea nitrogen, decreased the immunoglobulin M (IgM) content in serum compared with the diet without rutin (p < 0.05). Compared with the diet without rutin, dietary supplementation with rutin improved the total antioxidant capacity in the serum and liver (p < 0.05). The interactions of SBM × Rutin were observed on egg yolk ratio at the end of 8th week, and the urea nitrogen and IgM content in serum. These findings suggested that diet with RTSM had adverse effects on egg quality in laying hens. The RTSM diet negatively impacted egg quality of laying hens over time when compared to the FSM diet. Dietary rutin supplementation could improve the egg quality, and antioxidant capacity of laying hens.

The effect of training load stress on salivary cortisol concentrations, health parameters and hematological parameters in horses

The performance of sport horses is conditioned not only by the quality of its gene pool, but also by a large number of external factors. The most dominant being nutrition, quality of breeding, level of zootechnical care and the quality of the sports rider and coach. Important factor is the process of individuals’ adaptation to the training load occurring during the training itself. This study was focused on the analysis of salivary cortisol levels as well as hematological and biochemical blood parameters in relation to load to which the tested horses were subjected. In the study 14 horses of sport breeds were analyzed a all tested horses were in the same (medium) level of training load. Tested horses underwent following stages of workload – transportation, jumping training, parkour competition, treadmill training, riding training, shoeing and lunging of various intensity. Saliva samples were obtained using a tampon on a string which was inserted into horse's oral cavity, chewed by the horse and placed in a sterile tube with a closable lid. Afterwards, the samples were then stored in deep-freezing boxes at temperature of −80 °C. The EIA cortisol kit was used in this study. The absorbance was read at the wavelength of 450 nm against a reference wavelength of 620–630 nm or a blank sample. Blood samples were obtained at the beginning of the experiment, after half a year of running the experiment and at the end of the experiment from v. jugularis. Hematological analysis were carried out using automatic hematologic analyser and multiple parameters were observed. Analysis of biochemical parameters in blood serum were realized using commercial DiaSys kits and semiautomatic biochemical spectrophotometer. Sodium, potassium and chlorides were measured using automatic analyzer EasyLytePlus. In all monitored forms of exercise (transportation, jumping training, parkour competition, treadmill training, riding training, horse shoeing, lunging), an increase in cortisol concentrations immediately after the exercise was recorded, but only spotted statistically significant differences were found during the transportation of monitored horses. The levels of blood parameters were within the reference range during the experiment period. From a comprehensive evaluation of the results, it can be stated that there were no visible health changes to the horses that underwent the experimental load and that manipulation with horses is an important factor that has effect on horses’ stress response. In general, the results of this study show no visible impact of training and/or load on the health status of horses over entire 12-month duration of the experiment.

Dose-dependent stress response of esfenvalerate insecticide on common carp (Cyprinus carpio): Evaluating blood parameters and gene expression

Esfenvalerate is a pyrethroid insecticide used primarily in the agriculture sector for insect management. Esfenvalerate is effective against a wide range of harmful insects, including flies, cockroaches, locusts, and many other types of bugs. It is also known that esfenvalerate has toxic effects on aquatic organisms and poses significant environmental concerns. In this study, the aim is to subchronically examine the effects of sublethal concentrations of esfenvalerate insecticide on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by assessing changes in blood parameters and resulting gene expression. For this purpose, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were divided into 5 groups and exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 μg/L concentrations of esfenvalerate for a period of 14 days. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected from the fish that underwent weight and length measurements. The effects on gene expression levels of immune, antioxidant, and stress-related genes in the liver tissue, including SOD, GST, Cortisol receptor, HSP70, H+−ATPase, Na+/K+−ATPase, Catalase, and GpX, were evaluated, as were the hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Significant decreases were observed in the levels of hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, triglycerides and total protein and catalase, H+−ATPase, and GpX gene expression. Glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), SOD, Cortisol receptor, Na+/K+−ATPase gene expression levels increased. As a result, it has been revealed that esfenvalerate insecticide causes oxidative stress in carp at all dose ranges.

Assessment of the Haematological and Biochemical Effects of Himalayan Herb Urtica dioica Leaves Diets Fed Amur Carp, Cyprinus carpio haematopterus

The various properties of Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle) supplemented feeds were evaluated in amur carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus). Four iso-protein and iso-energy diets were prepared by using different dietary levels of U. dioica i.e., 0.5 g (T1), 0.75 g (T2), and 1.0 g/kg (T3) respectively, and the treatment TC (control) consist of the basal diet with 0% of U. dioica. The phytochemical analyses of U. dioica revealed the presence of flavonoids (25.39 μg/mL), alkaloids (30.21 μg/mL), tannin (2.97 μg/mL), terpenoid (6.15 μg/mL), glycosides (10.12 μg/mL), phenolic (25.16 μg/mL) and saponin was absent. The best result of growth parameters such as net weight gain (415±0.55 g), net length gain (4.20±0.04 cm), weight gain percent (85.65±0.40%), specific growth rate (0.30±0.01%), gross conversion efficiency (0.229±0.01%), feed conversion ratio (4.37±0.13) and condition factor (1.53±0.01) were recorded in treatment T3 in comparison with the other treatments. No mortality was observed in all the treatments resulting in a 100% survival rate. The haematological parameters (like haemoglobin level, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, etc.) and serum biochemical parameters (including total serum protein, albumin, and globulin) showed better results in treatment T3.

The influence of long-lived radionuclides of Cesium - 137 and Strontium - 90 on some biochemical parameters of pig blood

The article presents the results of studying the effect of long-lived radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr on some biochemical parameters of the blood serum of pigs. Ionizing radiation has a pronounced biological effect, and the radiobiological reaction in pigs begins with the formation of various kinds of cellular damage as a result of the transfer of radiation energy to them. A feature of the influence of incorporated irradiation on the body of pigs is not only decay, but also the formation of highly reactive ions and free radicals, which are involved in the primary radiation-chemical processes in organs and tissues with the formation of toxic metabolites. The severity of the damage depends on the type of radiation exposure, the power and dose of radiation, radiosensitivity and the age of a particular animal species. In addition, the tropism of long-lived radionuclides and the level of radioactive doses received for various organs and tissues of pigs are of particular importance.

The relationship between morning blood pressure surge and serum IGF-1 level in acromegaly patients with hypertension.

High levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in patients with acromegaly cause structural and functional changes specific to the disease. These changes lead to mortality if the disease is not treated. Circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm as measured by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) can change with a decrease in BP during sleep and a sudden increase in wakefulness. We aim to evaluate the relationship between changes in BP and IGF-1 levels in patients with acromegaly. Patients who were diagnosed with acromegaly and the patient group with hypertension were included. Serum biochemistry parameters, serum IGF-1 level and ABPM follow-ups were compared in these patients. In our study, 30 patients with acromegaly and 30 patients with hypertension without acromegaly were included. Thirty of the patients were male and 30 were female. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of IGF-1(p = < 0.001) and GH(p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between patients' office systolic/diastolic BP measurements, day/night, systolic/diastolic BP measurements and all systolic/diastolic BP measurements in ambulatory blood pressure follow-ups. There was a significant difference in morning blood pressure surge(p = < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the acromegaly patient groups with MBPS below and above 25mmHg in terms of IGF-1 (p = 0.025) and platelet levels (p = 0.004). As a result, cardiovascular disease risks can be predicted in patients with high serum IGF-1 levels by planning ambulatory blood pressure in the early period.

Preclinical evaluation of general toxicity and safety pharmacology of a receptor-binding domain-based COVID-19 subunit vaccine in various animal models.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in the introduction of several naïve methods of vaccine development, which have been used to prepare novel viral vectors and mRNA-based vaccines. However, reluctance to receive vaccines owing to the uncertainty regarding their safety is prevalent. Therefore, rigorous safety evaluation of vaccines through preclinical toxicity studies is critical to determine the safety profiles of vaccine candidates. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity profile of HuVac-19, a subunit vaccine of SARS-CoV-2 utilizing the receptor-binding domain as an antigen, in rats, rabbits, and dogs using single- and repeat-dose study designs. Repeat-dose toxicity studies in rats and rabbits showed transient changes in hematological and serum biochemical parameters in the adjuvant and/or vaccine groups; however, these changes were reversed or potentially reversible after the recovery period. Moreover, temporary reversible changes in absolute and relative organ weights were observed in the prostate of rats and the thymus of rabbits. Gross examination of the injection sites in rats and rabbits treated with the adjuvant- and HuVac-19 showed discoloration and foci, whereas histopathological examination showed granulomatous inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and myofiber degeneration/necrosis. This inflammatory response was local, unassociated with other toxicological changes, and resolved. In a pharmacological safety study, no toxicological or physiological changes associated with HuVac-19 administration were observed. In conclusion, HuVac-19 was not associated with any major systemic adverse effects in the general toxicity and safety pharmacology evaluation, demonstrating that HuVac-19 is a vaccine candidate with sufficient capacity to be used in human clinical trials.

Effects of essential mineral elements deficiency and supplementation on serum mineral elements concentration and biochemical parameters in grazing Mongolian sheep.

Traditional sheep grazing is the pillar industry and the main source of income for local herders in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. However, grazing sheep often suffer from mineral deficiency. In the present study, the feeding experiment was performed on 84 grazing Wu Ranke sheep. After being divided into calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) treatment groups, they were fed with a mineral deficient diet for 60 days and then a mineral supplement diet for 41 days. Serum samples were collected three times, 10 concentrations of essential mineral elements and 15 concentrations/activity of biochemical parameters were measured to assess the effects of mineral deficiency and supplementation on the physical health of sheep. The results revealed that the sheep showed mineral Ca, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se deficiencies after feeding their respective mineral deficient diet. Deficiency in dietary Ca, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se may adversely affect the liver, myocardium and pancreas of sheep. The prompt supplementation of dietary Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se may alleviate the damage caused to the liver, myocardium and pancreas, while that of dietary Ca improved energy generation. In conclusion, the adequate supplementation of dietary Ca, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Se is essential for avoiding the impairment caused to the liver, myocardium and pancreas function of sheep by the deficiency in essential dietary minerals.

Eugenia sonderiana O. Berg leaves: Phytochemical characterization, evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects, and structure-activity correlation

Several medicinal plants have drawn the attention of researchers by its phytochemical composition regarding their potential for treating chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. In this context, plants of the Myrtaceae family popularly used in Brazil for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, including Eugenia sonderiana, have shown beneficial effects due to the presence of phenolic compounds and saponins in their chemical constitution. Thus, the present work aimed to perform the phytochemical characterization of the hydroethanolic extract of E. sonderiana leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), along with in vitro and in vivo studies of antidiabetic activity. The chemical characterization revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, neolignans, tannins, and saponins. In addition, the extract exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations of alpha-amylase and alpha-glycosidase higher than the acarbose in the in vitro tests. Also, the in vivo tests revealed a slight increase in body mass in diabetic rats, as well as a significant decrease in water and feed consumption provided by the extract. Regarding serum biochemical parameters, the extract showed significant activity in decreasing the levels of glucose, hepatic enzymes, and triglycerides, in addition to maintaining HDL cholesterol levels within normal ranges, protecting the cell membranes against oxidative damage. Thus, the extract of E. sonderiana leaves was considered promising pharmaceutical ingredient in the production of a phytotherapy medication.

Assessment of Anti-urolithic effect of the Ocimum basilicum L. seed extract on Ethylene Glycolinduced urolithiasis in male rats

This research aimed to assess the effect of Ocimum basilicum L. seed extract on the urolithiasis. Rats were treated with Cystone (750mg/kg) and hydro-alcoholic extracts in 250 and 500mg/kg doses for 28days. On Day 29, Ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis was verified by evaluating urinary parameters, biochemical parameters, oxidative stress parameters and histology of kidneys. Extract treatment attenuated the urinary parameter elevation and biochemical serum parameters induced by the evidence. Extract treatment also reversed induced changes in urine volume, pH and Magnesium and creatinine clearance, oxidative and histological damage to the EG-caused kidneys. The histology of treated group showed small and low deposits of calculi in the kidney. Extract showed potential calcium oxalate crystal formation, diuretic, antioxidant activity and preserving the balance between stone promoters and inhibitors. This validated study rationalized its medicinal use in urolithiasis.

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) extract ameliorates insulin resistance by regulating mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a growing health problem worldwide, is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells. The skeletal muscle is a central organ that consumes most of the insulin-stimulated glucose in the body, and insulin resistance can damage muscles in T2DM. Based on a strong correlation between diabetes and muscles, we investigated the effects of stevia extract (SE) and stevioside (SV) on the skeletal muscle of diabetic db/db mice.MethodsThe mice were administered saline, metformin (200 mg/kg/day), SE (200 and 500 mg/kg/day), and SV (40 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. During administration, we checked the levels of fasting blood glucose twice a week and conducted the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). After administration, we analyzed serum biochemical parameters, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), insulin and antioxidant enzymes, and the cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle fibers of db/db mice. Western blots were conducted using the skeletal muscle of mice to examine the effect of SE and SV on protein expression of insulin signaling, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress.ResultsSE and SV administration lowered the levels of fasting blood glucose, OGTT, and ITT in db/db mice. The administration also decreased serum levels of TG, TC, and insulin while increasing those of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Interestingly, muscle fiber size was significantly increased in db/db mice treated with SE500 and SV. In the skeletal muscle of db/db mice, SE and SV administration activated insulin signaling by increasing the protein expression of insulin receptor substrate, Akt, and glucose transporter type 4. Furthermore, SE500 administration markedly increased the protein expression of AMP-activated protein kinase-α, sirtuin-1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α. SV administration significantly reduced oxidative stress by down-regulating the protein expression of 4-hydroxynonenal, heme oxygenase-1, SOD, and GPx. In addition, SE500 and SV administration suppressed the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice.ConclusionSE and SV administration attenuated hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Moreover, the administration ameliorated insulin resistance by regulating mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, increasing muscle fiber size. Overall, this study suggests that SE and SV administration may serve as a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic muscles.