Blood Alkaline Phosphatase Research Articles

Safety Study on Novel Ayurvedic Nutritive Powder – An Experimental Study

Introduction: It has been estimated that in India, 65%, i.e., nearly 80 million children under 5 years of age suffer from varying degrees of malnutrition. Most of the children fall into the pit of Malnutrition during the weaning phase. Mothers are expected to make this “weaning Bridge.” This includes utilization of “Supplementary Feeding Programs.” Many weaning foods are available which claims the specific dietary implementation. The development of a nutritive Powder in weaning children is need of hour. This study includes safety of novel Ayurvedic nutritive powder in Wistar rat pups. Aim: This study aims to evaluate its safety in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Ingredients selected were Mudga, Godhuma, Rakta Shali, Ragi, Trikatu, Yastimadhu, and Khanda Sharkara. Safety study of Nutritive Powder was done in 20 days old Wistar Rat pups for 90 days. Parameters selected are HISTOPATHOLOGICAL study and biochemical investigations. Results: No mortality and abnormal behavioral changes were found in rat pups during experimental study. No remarkable pathological changes were observed. Biochemical Parameters revealed significant decrease in blood sugar, serum urea, and alkaline phosphatase in test group when compared to control. Conclusion: Nutritive powder when administered in the dose of 40 g/Kg body weight of animal for 90 days. No mortality was seen in any animals of test group. No remarkable pathological changes were seen in histopathological study of liver and kidney. Significant decrease of blood glucose, serum urea serum alkaline phosphatase was seen in test group animals compared to control group animals.

Relationship of Bone Mineral Density and Knee Osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade): Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are the 2 most common bone disorders associated with aging. We can simply assume that older patients have a higher incidence of OA and OP with more severity. Although several papers have conducted studies on the relationship between OA and OP, none of them has demonstrated a conclusive link. In this study, we used radiological knee OA and bone mineral density (BMD; T-score of the total hip and lumbar spine) to analyze the incidence of OA and OP in a large population. We aimed to determine the relationship between OA and OP and investigate the associated risk factorsMethodsThis cross-sectional study used data extracted from the 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We evaluated a total of 4,250 participants aged ≥ 50 years who underwent knee radiography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and their laboratory results. The relationship between radiological knee OA and BMD was assessed. The generalized linear model was used to evaluate the relationship between BMD and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade.ResultsThe higher KL grade was associated with older age, higher body mass index (BMI), female sex, and lower hemoglobin level (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between OA and the following variables: white blood cell, platelet, total cholesterol, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, dyslipidemia, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise (p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors (age, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol consumption), the average T-scores of total hip and lumbar spine were the highest in the mild OA group with KL grade 2 (−0.22 ± 1.08 and −0.89 ± 1.46, respectively, p < 0.001). The average T-scores of the total hip and lumbar spine significantly decreased as OA progressed from moderate (KL grade 3; −0.49 ± 1.05 and −1.33 ± 1.38, respectively, p < 0.001) to severe (KL grade 4; −0.73 ± 1.13 and −1.74 ± 1.75, respectively, p < 0.001). T-scores of the moderate-to-severe OA group were significantly lower than those of the non-OA group (KL grades 0 and 1, p < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared with the non-OA group, BMD (T-scores of the total hip and lumbar spine) was higher in the mild OA group and lower in the moderate-to-severe OA group.

Simultaneous Occurrence of Ovarian Teratoma and Endometrial Cystic Hyperplasia with Pyometra in a Labrador Retriever Bitch

Background: Ovarian teratoma is a rare tumor that occurs in dogs. Its origin comes from embryonic cells of the notochord and it is a unipotent tumor. Pyometra is the accumulation of purulent content in the uterine lumen. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia is one of the factors predisposing a dog to the development of pyometra. The safest and most efficient treatment for pyometra is ovariohysterectomy. The purpose of this report was to describe a case of ovarian teratoma and cystic endometrial hyperplasia with concomitant pyometra in a Labrador Retriever Bitch.Case: A 10-year-old bitch Labrador Retriever, weighing 42 kg, was evaluated at Animal Care Barueri Veterinary Clinic, in Barueri, São Paulo. The patient was referred from another veterinary service to our clinic for an ovariohysterectomy and removal of an intestinal foreign body as previous ultrasonography (US) had indicated the presence of pyometra and a foreign body in the descending colon (she had ingested cloth according to the owner’s report). Laboratory tests, complete blood count, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, and creatinine levels did not show any significant changes. Upon examination, the clinical signs were mucopurulent vaginal discharge, 5% dehydration, rectal temperature 39.1°C, mild abdominal pain on palpation, normophagy, normodipsia, and normal defecation and urinatination. Laboratory tests a new US were requested on which the uterus was observed with the presence of luminal anechoic content and increased uterine diameter (uterine horns 3.97 cm), an acoustic intestinal shadow supposedly from a foreign body,and on the leukogram, leukocytosis (23,600/mm3) due to neutrophilia with a right shift (20,532/mm3) was observed. Therapeutic ovariohysterectomy and exploratory celiotomy were chosen as therapeutic options. Celiotomy with caudoumbilical mid ventral access was performed. When the left uterine horn was identified, an attempt was made to pull it in order to expose the left ovary, but this maneuver was not successful. For this reason, the abdominal incision was enlarged cranially. At that point, a huge mass was observed in the ovary (which was supposedly the acoustic shadow of the foreign body in the descending colon/left ovary). The intestines appeared normal. Macroscopically, the mass had an irregular surface, round shape, firm consistency, and was 15 cm long x 10 cm wide. Once removed, the mass was incised in the transversal direction, purulent content, hair, and mineralized areas inside it were observed. Histopathological examination showed neoplastic proliferation, consisting of cells with elongated epithelioid shape that were arranged in long irregular bundles among well-differentiated adipose tissue. An exuberant eosinophilic matrix with extensive cystic areas filled with lamellar keratin and hairy stems covered by squamous epithelium was also observed. Extensive areas exhibiting nervous tissue. The morphological picture was compatible with teratoma.Discussion: The present report describes the concomitant presence of ovarian teratoma and pyometra in a dog. The diagnosis of pyometra requires complementary tests (laboratory and imaging). The intestinal acoustic shadow observed on the two US images obtained by two different professionals was suggestive of intestinal foreign body but was also a wrong diagnosis, which was confirmed after an exploratory celiotomy when the mass in the left ovary was identified. On the histopathological examination of this presente case, epithelial, nervous, and cartilaginous tissues were observed. This differentiation of tissues corroborated the teratoma diagnosis. Thus, the importance of an accurate diagnosis contributes to the resolution of a surgical conditions that may have had a poor prognosis when the procedure took a longer time to perform. Keywords: ovarian neoplasia, ultrasonography, OSH, pyometra.Descritores: neoplasia ovariana, ultrassonografia, OSH, piometra.Título: Ocorrência simultânea de teratoma ovariano e hiperplasia endometrial cística com piometra em cadela Labrador Retriever

Acute toxicity and anti-dyslipidemic activity of Arogyavardhini compound in fructose-induced dyslipidemia in albino rats

Metabolic syndrome is a co-occurrence of obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia caused by improper diet and lifestyle. Arogyavardhini compound (AVC) contains an equal quantity of Arogyavardhini rasa and Lasuna powder. In clinical practice, Arogyavardhini Rasa is well known for its antidyslipidemic and weight lowering effect. Therefore, the present experimental study was designed to evaluate the safety of AVC on acute administration and anti-dyslipidemic activity in albino rats. An acute oral toxicity study for AVC was carried out by following OECD 425 guidelines. The anti-dyslipidemic activity was carried out against fructose-induced dyslipidemia in albino rats. No mortality and toxicity were observed and gross behaviours of all the albino rats were found normal during the experimental period of 14 days in the acute toxicity study. Fructose significantly increased blood sugar, triglycerides, SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase levels in albino rats in comparison to the control group. AVC treated group produced a decrease in serum triglyceride, transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase, which suggest that the drug has potential as anti-dyslipidemic and may be protective for degenerative changes produced by fructose in the liver, kidney, and heart of albino rats. From the present study it is concluded that AVC is safe up to an oral dose of 2000 mg/kg in albino rats and has exhibited a protective role in fructose-induced dyslipidemia in albino rats, hence may be useful in metabolic syndrome.

Protective effects of a standardized extract of Iris germanica on pancreas and liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Background and purpose:Previous studies have shown the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hypolipidemic activities of Iris germanica. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Iris germanica rhizomes on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Experimental approach:Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups including a normal control group, diabetic control group, diabetic groups treated for 4 weeks with 100 and 200 mg/kg/day of the Iris germanica extract (IGE).Findings/Results:Induction of diabetes significantly decreased the body weight gain and considerably increased the serum levels of glucose, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Diabetes also diminished the antioxidant capacity of the liver (decrease of thiol groups) and significantly degenerated pancreatic islands. The IGE at both doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the levels of glucose, triglyceride, AST, ALT, and ALP. Moreover, IGE increased the total antioxidant capacity of the liver and ameliorated pancreatic island morphology. The extract had no significant effect on body weight and BUN level.Conclusion and implication:These findings suggest that Iris germanica rhizomes inhibits the progression of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia and has protective effects against diabetes-induced injury of the liver and pancreas. Therefore, this plant has the potential to be used as a natural product for controlling diabetes.

The regulatory roles of yucca extract on the growth rate, hepato-renal function, histopathological alterations, and immune-related genes in common carp exposed with acute ammonia stress

The accumulation of ammonia in fish ponds regularly occurs in intensive aquaculture systems, and the inclusion of yucca extract is recognized as a practical solution to adsorb the waterborne ammonia. In this context, the study was planned to investigate the possible regulatory roles of yucca extract on the performances of common carp exposed to acute ammonia stress. Fish with similar initial weight were assigned to four groups (triplicates) where fish in the control group reared without ammonia exposure and without yucca treatment whereas the second group was exposed to ammonia (10 mg/L) without yucca treatment. The third group treated with yucca (0.75 mg/L) without ammonia while the fourth group exposed with ammonia and treated with yucca. The groups were named as the control, the ammonia, the yucca, and the ammonia/yucca. After 30 days, the growth performance, survival rate, total protein, albumin, and globulin of fish treated with yucca extract had the highest values (P < 0.05) followed by control and those exposed to acute ammonia stress and treated with yucca. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) displayed the lowest value in fish treated with yucca without ammonia stress while the highest FCR was in fish exposed to ammonia without yucca (P < 0.05). The uric acid and urea levels displayed the lowest value in fish treated with yucca without ammonia stress while the highest uric acid and urea were in fish exposed to ammonia without yucca (P < 0.05). The levels of blood creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) implemented the highest values in fish exposed to acute ammonia stress without yucca while the lowest values were in the group of fish treated with yucca without ammonia exposure (P < 0.05). The expression of hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and interleukin (IL-10) genes were upregulated in fish treated with yucca and downregulated in fish exposed to acute ammonia stress. Heat shock protein (HSP70), interleukin (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin (IL-1β) were upregulated in fish exposed to acute ammonia stress and downregulated in the group of fish treated with yucca extract (P < 0.05). The histopathological study revealed that fish exposed to acute ammonia stress had inflammatory and abnormal features while yucca extract induced anti-inflammation influences. Hence, the study concluded that the treatment of yucca extract is recommended to protect common carp from the toxicity of waterborne ammonia.

Cord Blood Alkaline Phosphatase as a predictor of Neonatal Jaundice in full term neonates

Cord Blood Alkaline Phosphatase as a predictor of Neonatal Jaundice in full term neonates

Relationship between serum Vitamin D and insulin resistance in pre-diabetic and diabetic states- A comparative study

Introduction: Pre-diabetes is an important risk factor for the development of overt diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease. Pre-diabetes is frequently associated with obesity which in turn is commonly associated with hypovitaminosis-D. Low Vitamin D levels impair synthesis & secretion of insulin and through many other mechanisms is attributed in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a stage where prevention efforts have been shown to be effective in delaying or preventing the onset of diabetes. However, there are not many studies that have examined the association between low serum 25(OH) Vit D levels and prediabetes. The aim of this study was to compare Vit D levels between the normals, pre-diabetics & diabetics and study the relationship between insulin resistance and vitamin-D status among individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes. Materials and Methods: 50 non diabetic, 50 pre-diabetic and 50 type 2 diabetics were included in the study. Waist hip ratio and Body mass index calculated. Fasting blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D were estimated. Insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA2-β) was calculated using HOMA 2 calculator. Result: Vitamin-D deficiency (

Antioxidant effects of Moringa oleifera seed oil against oxidative stress induced by alloxan in rats.

Background: Type I diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome manifested with chronic hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin secretion. Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus has been associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with inflammatory mediators. There is no allopathic cure for T1DM; therefore, novel strategies for cost-effective plant origin treatments are needed to be formulated with fewer side effects. The research aims to analyze the potential effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) seed oil, tracking certain biochemical markers and antioxidant enzymes in Alloxan induced diabetic rats.&#x0D; Methodology: Eighteen male Wistar rats having weights of 180-220 g were distributed into 3 groups (n=6). Group I: served as Control group, Group II: served as Alloxan treated and Group III: served as Alloxan + MO treated. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneally administered Alloxan dissolved in 0.9 % NaCl solution (120 mg/kg body weight). In group III, rats were also given 1.5 ml/kg body weight of MO seed oil daily from 4th day of Alloxan administration. The rats were decapitated just after the 21st day for biochemical and antioxidant assessments.&#x0D; Results: Treatment with MO seed oil has shown a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in plasma glucose, serum urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In contrast, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were not-significant (p&gt;0.05) as compared with untreated control groups. Insulin and total protein levels had a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in Alloxan+MO treated group compared to the Alloxan treated group. Also, the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05), whereas catalase (CAT) activity was not-significant (p&gt;0.05) in Alloxan+MO treated group as compared with Alloxan treated group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our study showed that MO seed oil is a potent anti-oxidative hypoglycemic agent capable of improving other clinical conditions related to either oxidative stress or diabetes mellitus, such as the hepatic, renal and pancreatic functions.

Hematology and Blood Chemistry Reference Values of Captive Adult Black-Faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis melanopis).

Simple SummaryWildlife and human interactions are increasing all over the world, with many injured wild animals needing to be treated or rehabilitated. Reference values are of great help when treating injured animals. The black-faced ibis is a bird common in South America and is one of the few ibises in this region. The human population has increased the risk of interaction with these birds, and rehabilitation centers are receiving injured birds. The aim of this work was to establish the normal or reference hematology and blood chemistry values in this species. The result may be used to elucidate the health and welfare status of injured or recovering black-faced ibis in rehabilitation centers and to act with the required therapeutic measures. This in turn may increase rates of survival and may indicate the correct moment of returning of the birds back to the wild while contributing to the conservation of this species.Hematology and blood chemistry reference values in wildlife animals are considered a key element to evaluate their health and welfare status. The incidence of birds rescued is increasing, thus, rehabilitation centers worldwide need valid reference values to improve medical care for wild individuals. The objective of this study was to obtain the reference values of the adult black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis). Blood was taken from adult rehabilitated birds and analyzed to obtain red and white line values such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Values for blood glucose, proteins, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and albumin:globulin (A/G) ratio were also obtained. The results were similar to others reported for species of the Threskiornithidae family (bald, glossy and Puna ibises), but showed higher values for white blood cells (WBC), heterophils, monocytes and heterophil-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, but lower values for basophils and eosinophils. Moreover, higher values in albumin, BUN and CPK were observed. This is the first report of the hematology references values for the black-faced ibis showing differences to other closely related species. The results may be of use in rescue and rehabilitation centers for animal welfare and health assessments of the black-faced ibis.

Metabolomics Study of Pleurotus ostreatus Polysaccharides on the Treatment of Acute Liver Injury in Rats based on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Objective:This study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Pleurotus ostreatus (POP) on acute liver injury rats.Methods:An animal model of acute liver injury in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride.The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in blood were determined by biochemical analyzer.The effects of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharides on urinary metabolic markers and metabolic pathways in rats with liver injury were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results:The levels of ALT, AST and ALP were markedly decreased in POP group compared with model group (p < 0.05).Meanwhile, after treatment with POP, the levels of citric acid, malic acid, D-glucuronic acid and 1, 2, 3-propanetricarboxylic acid decreased (p < 0.05) and hexadecanoic acid level increased (p < 0.05). These biomarkers belonged to TCA cycle, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism. Conclusion:POP could ameliorate the abnormal changes of liver function and regulate the disorder of biomarkers and pathways on acute liver injury rats.Conclusion:POP had a hepatoprotective effect on acute liver injury and had certain application value to be developed as liver protection functional foods.

PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY AND PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS REFERENCE INTERVALS OF THE COMMON LOON (GAVIA IMMER).

There are no published plasma biochemistry reference intervals for any species within the order Gaviiformes, which includes the common loon (Gavia immer). Because of their unique classification and lack of close taxonomic relatives, species-specific values for clinical data in loons are needed. This study determined reference intervals for plasma biochemical values in adult common loons, and reference intervals for protein electrophoresis values in both adult and juvenile common loons. Healthy, wild adult (n = 148, age >3 yr) and juvenile (n = 31, age 4-12 wk) common loons were sampled on freshwater summer breeding territories at study sites across North America. Plasma biochemical analytes included glucose (Glu), total calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatine kinase, γ-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, and bile acids. Protein electrophoresis data included albumin to globulin ratio (A: G), prealbumin, albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin. Adult females had significantly higher Glu, ALP, and BUN than adult males. Juvenile loons had higher β-globulins than adults, whereas adults had higher α1-globulins. Establishment of complete reference intervals will improve clinical assessment of captive loons, and allow researchers to better understand the health of wild loons in response to the multiple environmental stressors faced by these species.

Comparison of Hematological and Biochemical Results Derived from Arterial and Venous Blood Samples in Post-Anesthetic Dogs.

Simple SummaryIn contrast to humans, general anesthesia is required for both surgical procedures and diagnostic imaging like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in small animals. Because the post-anesthetic period is a particularly high risk time for death, serial monitoring of biochemical and hematological parameters could be required. Blood samples could be collected from an indwelling arterial catheter to avoid stress caused by venipuncture, but studies using arterial blood for hematological and biochemical testing have been limited. The aim of this study is to compare hematological and biochemical results derived from venous and arterial blood samples, and to evaluate their clinical interchangeability in post-anesthetic dogs. We found statistically significant but clinically irrelevant differences in hemoglobin, glucose, creatinine, and calcium levels, and results from venous and arterial blood samples are not clinically interchangeable for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and potassium levels.Collecting blood from an indwelling arterial catheter may reduce stress from repeated venipuncture in patients requiring serial monitoring, but the use of arterial blood for hematological and biochemical testing remains understudied. Here, we compared hematological and biochemical results of arterial and venous blood and evaluated their clinical interchangeability. Blood samples from dogs who had recovered from anesthesia, collected by both arterial catheterization and venipuncture, were analyzed. To assess clinical acceptance between paired samples, the limit of agreement between the values derived from the arterial and venous blood samples was compared with the allowable total error (TEa) recommended for each parameter. We found no significant differences between the arterial and venous sample results for red/white blood cell and platelet counts and hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, phosphate, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels, whereas hemoglobin, glucose, creatinine, and calcium levels differed significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, only gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and potassium exceeded the recommended TEa. Hematological and biochemical results derived from venous and arterial blood samples are clinically interchangeable in post-anesthetic dogs, with the exception of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and potassium; thus, these values should be used with caution.

Ameliorative potential of Sterculia tragacantha aqueous extract on renal gene expression and biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The ameliorative potential of aqueous leave extract of Sterculia tragacantha on renal gene expression and biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were assessed. Forty albino rats (out of fifty) were intraperitoneally induced using 35 mg/kg of streptozotocin, and then grouped into normal control, diabetic control, diabetic animals received 150 and 300 mg/kg of aqueous extract of S. tragacantha leaves (AESTL) and diabetic animals placed on 200 mg/kg of metformin. This experiment lasted for two weeks, animals were sacrificed, and a series of biochemical indices were evaluated. Diabetic rats receiving AESTL revealed a momentous decline in fasting blood glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Administration of AESTL to diabetic animals considerably improved the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GSH with a decline in MDA levels. Also, AESTL reversed abnormalities in mRNA gene expressions of IL-1β, TGF-1β, KIM-1, EPO and CASP 6 in diabetic rats placed on AESTL treatment. The excellent results of diabetic rats maintained on AESTL were supported by histological findings in this study. Hence, AESTL may have beneficial effects in controlling nephropathy associated with diabetes mellitus.

β-Glucan improved the immunity, hepato-renal, and histopathology disorders induced by chlorpyrifos in Nile tilapia

This study aimed at investigating the potential role of β-glucan in improving the immunity, anti-inflammatory and histopathology disorders induced by chlorpyrifos in Nile tilapia. Fish were allocated in four group where the control fed the basal diet without chlorpyrifos toxicity and chlorpyrifos group fed the basal diet and subjected to chlorpyrifos (15 μg/L water). The third group fed dietary β-glucan (1 g/kg diet) without chlorpyrifos toxicity and the fourth group fed dietary β-glucan and exposed to chlorpyrifos (β-glucan/chlorpyrifos). Results revealed that the exposure to chlorpyrifos tended to decrease final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival but increased the feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Administration of β-glucan tended to increase FBW, WG, SGR, survival, and FI but did not change the FCR. Exposure to chlorpyrifos did not change the blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP) but increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and cortisol levels whereas β-glucan administration markedly decreased ALP, AST, ALT, and cortisol levels and β-glucan/chlorpyrifos treatment declined the levels of these variable close to the baseline values. Compared to the control, chlorpyrifos administration tended to decrease the lysozyme and phagocytic index but no change was observed in phagocytic activity. β-Glucan administration greatly increased the levels of lysozyme, phagocytic activity and phagocytic index, and β-glucan tended to alleviate the negative effect of chlorpyrifos on the mentioned parameters. The chlorpyrifos exposure caused congestion and telangiectasia in gills, catarrhal enteritis followed by degeneration and sloughing of the apical part of the intestinal villi with diffused lymphocytic infiltration, and fatty degeneration and vacuolation of hepatocytes in addition to congestion of blood sinusoids in liver. However, the histopathological structure of these organs was normal with dietary β-glucan. In conclusion, β-glucan administration alleviated the adverse effects of chlorpyrifos on the immune and anti-inflammatory response as well as histopathology of gills, liver, and intestine of Nile tilapia.

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Composition, Biochemical Profile, and Antioxidant Status in a Sample of Healthy Individuals.

BackgroundMuslims fast during the month of Ramadan by abstinence from food and drink every day from dawn to sunset. Studies have reported contradictory results with respect to the changes in body weight and biochemical parameters. No study has been conducted on the association between fasting and body weight and biochemical parameters in the Indian setting on healthy Muslim subjects.ObjectivesTo assess the effect of fasting during Ramadan on biochemical parameters such as lipid profile, liver function test, renal function test, antioxidant status, random blood sugar, hemoglobin, body composition, and blood pressure in a sample of healthy individuals.MethodsIn this study, 52 healthy free-living participants (25 males, 27 females, 21-64 years) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed both follow-ups (before and after Ramadan) were studied. Participants were fasting 12 hours a day for at least 21 days, including menstruating women. It was a free-living study with no dietary restrictions. Anthropometry, lipid profile, liver and renal function tests were measured by standard methods. Body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance.ResultsSignificant beneficial changes in albumin, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were observed, while total cholesterol, random blood sugar, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes remained unchanged after Ramadan. Fasting did bring in some changes in body composition; among both men and women, mean weight loss ranged from 0.81 - 1.4 kg in majority of the subjects, which was due to loss in muscle mass. Moderate changes in intra- and extracellular water content was observed after fasting.ConclusionsSignificant improvements were observed in HDL levels and liver function tests, which can be attributed to the loss of body weight. Improvement in liver function tests may be related to the changes in cytokines and alteration in sleep patterns. Ramadan-like fasting, along with the nutritional education prior to fasting, may be beneficial and effective in the spiritual and overall well-being.

Evaluation of Nephrotoxic and Hepatotoxic Potential of Artesunate in Malaria Patients

Aim: To evaluate the nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic potentials of artesunate in humans.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, between November and December 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: 70 blood samples were collected from 35 normal individuals (control group), and 35 malaria patients treated with parenteral artesunate (treatment group). These were analyzed for biochemical parameters, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The treatment group was further regrouped according to gender (19 males and 16 females), age (20 patients aged 20-29 and 15 patients aged 30-40 years) and duration of treatment (29 patients on 3rd or 4th day and 6 patients on 5th or 6th day of treatment). Biochemical tests were carried out using standard Randox test kits. One-way ANOVA was done on the parameters using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), and comparisons were made.&#x0D; Results: Compared to control group, the treatment group showed significant increases (p&lt;0.05) in BUN (15.89+1.30 against 11.69+0.62), Creatinine (0.96+0.62 against 0.82+0.03) and AST (22.14+2.45 against 16.66+0.85), a non-significant increase (p 0.05) in ALT (26.57+3.18 against 21.66+2.56) and ALP (85.31+4.06 against 77.54+3.09) and a non-significant decrease (p 0.05) in total bilirubin (0.59+0.06 against 0.65+0.06). However, all parameters examined were within the normal ranges. There was no significant relationship found in any parameter in a comparison of gender, age and duration of treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion: Since all parameters examined were in the normal ranges, administration of artesunate in the recommended dosage and the right duration may not have any significant toxic effect on the kidney and liver. However, further studies may be necessary to ascertain if the observed elevations could be attributed wholly to artesunate or other medications taken by the malaria patients.

Effectiveness of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Development of Pentavalent Clostridial Toxoid Vaccine in Terms of Clinical Pathology Elements and Immunological Responses.

Toxoid vaccines can provide protective immunity against clostridial diseases. Since the duration of the toxoid vaccine immunogenicity is short, these vaccines need to contain an adjuvant. The nanoparticles of chitosan can stimulate humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. In the present study, the effect of chitosan nanoparticles was investigated on the immunogenicity of the pentavalent clostridial toxoid vaccine containing Clostridium perfringens types D, C, and B, Clostridium septicum, as well as Clostridium novyi. Rabbits were immunized by two injections with 3-week intervals and checked clinically and through autopsy 2 weeks after the last injection. Hematological changes were investigated during immunization, including the changes of white and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, platelet, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophile, monocyte, and Neut/Lymph. Biochemical factors, namely creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and albumin, were also studied. The changes in immune responses during the immunization period were investigated through indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results of ELISA showed that chitosan significantly enhanced immunogenicity when accompanied with in the pentavalent clostridial toxoid vaccine. During the immunogenicity period and following that, no changes were observed in clinical behavior and internal organs after autopsy. The hematological and biochemical factors were reported with no significant pathologic changes during immunization in the control and vaccinated groups (p &amp;lt;0.05). The obtained findings revealed that the toxoid vaccines could not induce significant physiological changes in the body. The vaccine containing chitosan could stimulate humoral immunity 2-3 times higher than the nonchitosan vaccine. The humoral immune response was significantly duplicated due to the chitosan effect. Chitosan not only had no local or general side effects but also could be a good help with the enhancement of the immune system; therefore, it can be recommended as an appropriate safe adjuvant in the development of toxoid vaccines.

Cord Blood Alkaline Phosphatase and Albumin as Probable Predictors of Significant Neonatal Jaundice in Healthy Full-Term Infants

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia in a neonate may occur in 60 -70 % of term and 80 % of preterm babies. It is known to be associated with significant morbidity like neonatal bilirubin encephalopathy and even death. The concept of prediction of jaundice offers an attractive option to pick up babies at risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Objective: To assess the predictive value of cord blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cord albumin in development of indirect neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in healthy term infants. Patients and method: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Obstetrics Emergency Department, Menoufia University Hospital and included (100) healthy full-term neonates over a period November 2019 to August 2020. Result: The cord alkaline phosphatase in no jaundice group was (248.63±71.73 U/L) while in jaundice group it was significantly higher (374.98±67.15 U/L, p <0.01). The cord albumin in no jaundice group was (3.72±0.18 g/dl) and in jaundice group it was (2.81±0.31 g/dl) with a highly significant decrease in jaundice group than the no jaundice group (p <0.01). The area under the curve was 0.965, at the cutoff value of alkaline phosphatase more than 315 (U/L), with a sensitivity of diagnosis of jaundice 95.0%, and a specificity 100.0%. Also, the area under the curve was 0.983 at the cutoff value of cord albumin (g/dl) less than 2.82 (g/dl) with sensitivity of diagnosis of jaundice 96.0% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both cord albumin levels and cord blood alkaline phosphatase in a healthy term neonate can predict the possibility of the neonate who will develop hyperbilirubinemia with a high sensitivity and specificity, with cutoff value less than 2.8 gm/dl for cord albumin and more than 315 U/L for alkaline phosphatase. Hence routine determination of cord albumin along with alkaline phosphatase can be implemented to keep track of at-risk neonates.

Cord Blood Alkaline Phosphatase and Albumin as Probable Predictors of Significant Neonatal Jaundice in Healthy Full-Term Infants

Hyperbilirubinemia in a neonate may occur in 60 -70 % of term and 80 % of preterm babies. It is known to be associated with significant morbidity like neonatal bilirubin encephalopathy and even death