Body Content Research Articles

Seasonal dynamics of the total lipid content in the body of the anchovyEngraulis encrasicolus(Linnaeus, 1758) in 2017-2020

The analysis of the dynamics of lipid content in the body of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in various periods of its life cycle from 2020 to 2022 inclusive. The article shows that the difference in the content of energy-plastic substances in the body of anchovy is clearly traced depending on the age of the fish: the number of lipids in fingerlings is lower than in older individuals. Based on the analysis of the inter-seasonal dynamics of the lipid content in the body of the anchovy, it was found that the minimum lipid content is typical for fish in April, and the maximum is observed in October. Analysis of the interannual dynamics of the lipid content in the anchovy body at the end of the feeding period showed that in the last three years there has been a trend towards a gradual increase in their number to the level of 16-18%.

Seasonal dynamics of the total lipid content in the body of the anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758) in 2017-2020

The analysis of lipid content in the body of the anchovyEngraulis encrasicolusat all stages of its life cycle has been conducted for 2017–2020. This article presents the comparison of the obtained data with the reference range of lipid content, calculated using the results of long-term investigations. It has been found that the differences in the content of constructive and energy-bearing substances in the anchovy body are age-related: the lipid content in fingerlings is lower than in the older individuals. Following the investigation of inter-seasonal variations of lipid content in the anchovy body, it has been established that the lowest lipid content is typical for April–May, and the highest values are observed in October. Analysis of inter-annual dynamics of lipid content in the anchovy body at the end of feeding season has shown that, within recent 10 years, there exists a trend for its gradual decrease, which results from the increasing pressure of adverse environmental factors exerted on the anchovy population.

Influence of Human Activity on Hg Transportation

Hg pollutes the environment, living organisms, and humans; hence, studying Hg content is essential for human health security. Using the dataset in May, September, and October, the Hg content, horizontal distribution, sources and transportation paths in the waters of Jiaozhou Bay were easily determined. These results indicate that the Hg content changing range in the waters in May, September and October was 0.015-0.150 μg/L, corresponding to the national seawater quality standards of Class I and Class II. The Hg content in the water body mainly arises from two sources, the transportation of rivers and offshore ocean currents. It from rivers' offshore ocean currents was 0.019-0.150 μg/L and 0.020 μg/L, respectively. Among them, the transportation of rivers includes the transportation of Haibo River, Licun River and Loushan River. So, a model block diagram has been built to unveil Hg contents and its different paths during the transportation to Jiaozhou Bay. Thus, it becomes easy to quantitively determine the migration process of Hg content through human activities to the ocean and rivers. Hg's different paths and contents reveal four rules for entering Jiaozhou Bay. In May, the offshore ocean currents and Haibo River did not affect by Hg pollution. In September, the Laoshan River was not polluted by it. In October, the Licun River was not, while the Haibo River exhibited light Hg pollution. When the Hg content transported by rivers was relatively low, it by offshore ocean currents became visible. From May to October, three rivers were transporting Hg content. Hg mildly polluted only one river in October, depicting that human activity is a key concern for environmental protection. It discharged by humans to land was relatively low, meanwhile only once was river transportation slightly polluted by it.

Growth performances and gonadal development of golden rabbitfish, Siganus guttatus fed with two types of floating diets in sea cages

A feeding trial was designed to evaluate the effects of utilizing floating pellets on the growth performances, feed utilization and gonadal maturation of the golden rabbitfish, Siganus guttatus. The treatments were two kinds of commercial floating pellet containing different crude protein (CP) levels which were 26% (FD1) and 33% (FD2). The tested diets were fed to golden rabbitfish. Golden rabbitfish with initial body weight of 239.7±4.8 g were stocked into six sea cages with size of 2x2x2 m3 with density of 50 fishes/cage. The feeding trial lasted for 120 days with results showed that the growth performances of weight gain and specific growth rate were significantly higher (P<0.05) in fish fed FD2 diet (55.0±3.7% and 0.37±0.02 %/d) compared to those fed with FD1 diet (41.7±1.6 and 0.29±0.01%/d), respectively. Both female and male fishes had developed gonad at the end of feeding trial. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) for spermatid significantly higher (<0.05) in fish fed FD2 (4.8±0.6%) than FD1 group (3.4±0.3%). Similarly, the GSI for oocyte of fish fed FD2 diet (8.9±1.0%) was significantly higher than the group fed FD1 diet (4.2±0.5%). The FD2 diet produced higher protein content in the whole body and fillet. In contrast, lipid content of whole body and fillet of fish fed FD1 diet was higher than FD2 diet. As conclusion, better growth performances and gonadal development was found in fish fed FD2 diet, a floating diet containing approximately 33% CP.

Biological activities of Persea americana: in vitro and in vivo studies

Natural resources emerge as an essential and alternative tool for controlling parasitic agents. The present study was carried out to evaluate in vitro and in vivo effect of Persea americana fruit extract (PAFE) on helminthiasis and coccidiosis. In vitro, anthelmintic activity was performed using PAFE against Allolobophora caliginose. PAFE elicited significant anthelmintic activity comparable to mebendazole with the lesser time taken to paralysis and death for 200 mg/mL. In vitro anticoccidial activity of PAFE, amprolium, phenol, DettolTM, and formalin were studied after incubation with unsporulated oocysts. PAFE was able to significantly inhibit oocyst sporulation in a dose-dependent manner. A total 35 male mice were divided into seven groups. At day 0, all groups except first and second groups were infected with 1×103 E. papillata. Group 1 served as control. Group 2 served as uninfected-treated one. Group 3 was considered an infected-untreated group. After 60 min of infection, groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated with PAFE. Group 7 was treated with amprolium. However, not at par with amprolium, PAFE showed a good anticoccidial activity adjudged based on a significant change in body weight gain, feed intake, oocysts output, and content of carbohydrates and protein. Therefore, PAFE exhibits powerful anthelmintic and anticoccidial effects.

Vitamin D deficiency in adolescents with obesity - Altered metabolism or environmental factors?

obesity childhood is related to vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study was to compare vitamin D status between adolescents with obesity living in an urban area and in a rural area. We hypothesized that environmental factors would be decisive in reducing the body content of vitamin D in patients with obesity. a cross-sectional clinical and analytical study (calcium, phosphorus, calcidiol and parathyroid hormone) was carried out in a group of 259 adolescents with obesity (BMI-SDS > 2.0), 249 adolescents with severe obesity (BMI-SDS > 3.0) and 251 healthy adolescents. The place of residence was categorized as urban or rural. Vitamin D status was defined according to the US Endocrine Society criteria. vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in severe obesity (55 %) and obesity groups (37.1 %) than in the control group (14 %). Vitamin D deficiency was more frequent in severe obesity (67.2 %) and obesity groups (51.2 %) living in urban areas than in those living in rural areas (41.5 % and 23.9 %, respectively). The patients with obesity living in urban residence did not present significant seasonal variations in vitamin D deficiency in contrast to those patients with obesity living in rural residence. the most probable mechanism for vitamin D deficiency in adolescents with obesity, rather than altered metabolic is the environmental factors (sedentary lifestyle and lack of adequate sunlight exposure).

PHOTOSENSITIVE EFFECT OF THE BIOCHEMICAL AND ECONOMIC TRAITS OF Bombyx mori L.

The silkworm is by nature very delicate and sensitive to environmental conditions. The ecological factors, chiefly temperature, humidity and light during rearing show significant effect on growth larvae and finally cocoon crop quality. Silkworms are photosensitive and they have a tendency to crawl towards dim light. They do not like either strong light or complete darkness. In this way, based on various exposures of light on the effect of biochemical content and economic traits of silkworm were recorded. Biochemical content such as protein is highly essential for insects. The intracellular transport of the silk protein is dependent on hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the amino acid residues of the heavy and light chain of the silk protein and the haemolymph is the only extracellular fluid of insects with diverse functions and serves as reservoir for the products required for every physiological activity of the insect body, thus changes in the composition of haemolymph reflect the physiological and biochemical transformations taking place in the insect tissue. In this way of study, effect of light on biochemical content such as protein and carbohydrate of haemolyph and silk gland are significantly increased. The protein content was high in the haemolymph (17.48%) when the larvae exposed to 5 watt light and silk gland (66.67%) in 3 watt exposure group but fat body (44.33 %) when the larvae exposed to 8 watt. The carbohydrate content of haemolymph (35.54 %), silk gland (12.85%) and fat body (57.26 %) were significantly increased in 3 watt exposure group. In this findings, biochemical content had direct relation to economic traits of B. mori. The cocoon characters such as cocoon weight (28.42 per cent), pupal weight (20.9 per cent), shell weight (71 per cent) and shell ratio (33.48 per cent) were significantly increased in the 3 watt exposed group.

Effectiveness of the Composition of Banana Peel Vinegar and NaCl as Fish Preservative

Fish is a food that is in great demand by many people. Fish are also easily damaged. Therefore, some fishermen use formalin as a preservative for their caught fish. However, the use of formalin in food is prohibited and is considered dangerous because it can cause health problems. Hence, the use of natural preservatives is an alternative. The combination of banana peel vinegar and NaCl salt used banana peel vinegar can inhibit the growth of microbes in the fish body. Furthermore, if it is combined with the addition of NaCl, it can reduce the water content in the fish body so that microbes cannot grow and reproduce. The purpose of this study was to obtain an effective concentration of preservatives from the combination of banana peel vinegar and NaCl. This type of research is experimental with 4 treatments 9:1, 7:1, 4:1, and 3:1. Each treatment was repeated 6 times. 24 samples of fish that have been treated are left for 12 hours at room temperature which represents the time fishermen catch fish until they come to shore. The results of this study showed that the durability of fresh fish in 4:1 treatment got a value of 6.95, categorized as fresh fish. It means that the combination of banana peel vinegar and NaCl salt at a concentration of 4:1 is effectively used as a fish preservative. The results of the oneway ANOVA test showed that there was an effect of the combination of banana peel vinegar and NaCl salt on the freshness of the fish.

Pathway and mechanism study on improvement of N2 selectivity of catalytic denitrification

Recently, nitrate pollution has attracted more public attention. In order to truly remove nitrate and reduce total nitrate content (TN) in water body, more harmless N2 should be converted from nitrate. Studies on catalytic removal of nitrate in wastewater have been carried out. However, the catalytic performance still needs to be significantly improved, especially the N2 selectivity. According to these, strategies that enable to efficiently improve N2 selectivity of catalytic denitrification were explored in this paper. Results implied that the catalyst with composite carrier that possesses porous structure, large surface area, excellent electronic properties, and stable physical–chemical property tends to have better catalytic performance. It is suggested that acid washing by 2 mol/L HCl for certain carriers be applied to enhancement of N2 selectivity. Additionally, higher N2 conversion was also achieved by addition of sodium bis-2-ethylhexyl sulphosuccinate (AOT) onto Pd with the formation of PdAOT-Cu catalyst, which may be ascribed to the AOT that partially shields Pd active sites and inhibits hydrogen spillover from Pd to Cu. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized for experimental design and prediction of the optimal parameters. More N2 was obtained under the predicted optimal conditions: 5.0 pH, 135 min time, 3.1 Pd: Cu, and 3.1 g/L Fe(0).

Comparative evaluation on the effects of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on growth performance, fatty acid profile and lipid metabolism in two sizes of abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino

A 93-day feeding trial was conducted to comparatively evaluate the effects of graded levels of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (0.06%, 0.46%, 0.99%, 1.57%, 1.95% and 2.25%) on growth performance, fatty acid profile and lipid metabolism in two different sizes of abalone Haliotis discus hannai (initial body weight: 2.83 ± 0.03 g and 26.81 ± 0.17 g, respectively). Results showed that 0.99%–1.95% of dietary DHA contents significantly increased the weight gain rate (WGR) in large size of abalone (P < 0.05), while the WGR in small size of abalone was significantly increased by the 0.46%–0.99% of dietary DHA contents (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the survival of abalone among all the six groups (P > 0.05). Based on the WGR, the optimal dietary DHA content for large and small size abalone were estimated to be 1.32% and 0.88%, respectively. Dietary DHA supplementation significantly increased the activities of trypsin and lipase in the intestine, the content of ∑n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and ∑n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio in digestive gland in both sizes of abalone (P < 0.05). The total glyceride concentration in the cell-free hemolymph in two sizes of abalone was decreased. In large size of abalone, 1.95%–2.25% of dietary DHA reduced the lipid content in digestive gland. Lipogenic genes in the digestive gland, including sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (srebp-1) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase, were up-regulated in the 0.46%–1.57% DHA group (P > 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of hormone sensitive lipase (hsl) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (cpt-1) of lipolytic genes in the digestive gland were significantly increased in the 0.46% and 0.99% DHA groups, respectively (P < 0.05). In the small size of abalone, the lipid content in digestive gland and soft body decreased significantly in the 1.95% and 2.25% DHA groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Lipogenic genes in the digestive gland, including srebp-1 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, were significantly down-regulated in the 0.99%–1.95% DHA group (P < 0.05). Lipolytic genes in the digestive gland, including hsl and cpt-1, were not significantly different from the control group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, based on the WGR, the dietary DHA requirements for large and small size of abalone were estimated to be 1.32% and 0.88%, respectively. Dietary DHA reduced lipid deposition in both sizes of abalone by promoting lipid decomposition and inhibiting lipid synthesis.

Phytochemical constituents and larvicidal activity of Ruta graveolens, Ruta montana and Artemisia absinthium hydro-methanolic extract against mosquito vectors of avian plasmodium (Culiseta longiareolata)

This study evaluated the larvicidal efficacy of the methanolic extract of Ruta graveolens, Ruta montana and Artemisia absinthium against fourth instar larvae of Culiseta longiareolata (Aitken, 1954). Qualitative analysis of the plants revealed that flavonoids, Catechictannins, steroids were present in all three plant extracts. Alkaloids present only in R. montana and R. graveolens. The larvicidal activities of the leaf extracts were studied under laboratory conditions on the fourth instar larvae of Cs. longiareolata at a concentration ranging from 16 to 467 ppm. The result of this study indicated that the values LC 25 , LC 50 and LC 90 of the methanolic extract of leaves obtained after 24 h were, respectively, 113.2, 199.5 and 620.2 ppm for A. absinthium , 53.14, 97.74and 330.6 ppm for R. montana . While the methanolic extract of R. graveolens exhibited a higher degree of potency with low LC 25 , LC 50 and LC 90 of 25.14, 43.24 and 127.9 ppm, respectively. The morphometric measurements carried out on larvae treated with LC 50 of the three plants revealed a decrease in growth for the various stages studied (larvae, pupae, male and female adults). In addition, it significantly reduces the body content of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids of the various stages studied. The extracts of the three plants cause an extension of the development time for larvae and pupae. In summary, this study reports the larvicidal effects of R. graveolens, R. montana and A. absinthium against Cs. longiareolata larvae which may serve as an alternative to synthetic pesticides in Algeria. • The hydro-methanolic extracts of R.graveolens, R. montana and A.absinthium have larvicidal effects against mosquitoes. • Methanolic extracts from the three plants affected development time and growth in post-embryonic stages. • Biochemical changes in individuals treated with the extracts. • The hydro methanolic extract of R. graveolens, R. montana and A. absinthium can be used in the fight against C. longiareolata .

Transformation Capability Optimization and Product Application Potential of Proteatia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae) Larvae on Cotton Stalks.

Cotton stalks (CS) are a potential agricultural biomass resource. We investigated the use of CS as a feed for Proteatia brevitarsis Lewis larvae and the resulting frass (larvae dung-sand) as a fertilizer. Based on a three-factor experiment (decomposition inoculant, fermentation duration, and cattle manure ratio), the optimal parameters for the transformation of CS using P. brevitarsis larvae were determined as 40-50% of cattle manure, the use of VT inoculant and a fermentation duration of 25-30 days. Regarding the products of the transformation, the protein content of the larval body was as high as 52.49%, and the fat content was 11.7%, which is a suitable-quality insect protein source. The organic matter content of larvae dung-sand was 54.8%, and the content of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (TNPK) was 9.04%, which is twice more than that of the organic fertilizer standard (NY525-2021, Beijing, China, TNPK ≥ 4.0%), and larvae dung-sand has the potential of fertilizer application. Therefore, CS as a feed and fertilizer based on the transformation of P. brevitarsis larvae is feasible, and it is a highly efficient way to promote the utilization of both CS and cattle manure.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG protects against atherosclerosis by improving ketone body synthesis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major cause of death and morbidity worldwide. There is an increasing amount of evidence that the gut microbiota plays an important role in disorders associated with lipid metabolism, such as AS, and alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota and its metabolic potential have been identified as contributing factors in the development of AS. Recently, probiotics have attracted great interest for their excellent cholesterol-lowering ability, their capacity to improve vascular endothelial function, and their participation in the remodeling of the intestinal flora to prevent AS. The incidental findings of our other study suggest that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may be associated with slowing the progression of AS. Thus, we delivered strain GG into mice by oral feeding and found that strain GG could effectively inhibit AS plaque generation. We analyzed the differences in gut microbiota composition and the peripheral blood metabolome in mice after oral feeding of strain GG by 16S DNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics, respectively. The results showed that strain GG changed the composition of the gut microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet; elevated the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bilophila and Alistipes, and decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Deltaproteobacteria. The results of enrichment analysis of the gut microbiota and the peripheral blood metabolome both indicated that the antiatherosclerotic effect of strain GG might be associated with the biosynthesis pathway of ketone bodies. In addition, strain GG attenuated endothelial injury and elevated peripheral blood ketone body content in mice but did not significantly affect low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) content. In conclusion, our study provides new evidence that strain GG slows the progression of AS, which may be associated with its improvement of the gut microbiome and peripheral blood metabolome, its ability to increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and its participation in unsaturated fatty acid and ketone body synthesis and degradation. KEY POINTS: • L. rhamnosus GG attenuated endothelial injury and atherosclerotic plaque formation • L. rhamnosus GG elevated the abundance of beneficial bacteria • L. rhamnosus GG elevated peripheral blood ketone body content in mice.

Evaluation of ratios of fish-to-soybean oils on growth, lipid and cholesterol metabolism and muscle metabolites of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed low fishmeal diets containing Clostridium autoethanogenum protein

The present study aims to investigate the effects of ratios of fish-to-soybean oils in a low fishmeal diet containing Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) on the growth and metabolism of Litopenaeus vannamei. Four diet groups were designed and the basal diet (FM, 44% crude protein, 8.66% crude lipid, fish-to-soybean oil: 1.5:2.5) contained 25% fishmeal. After 40% of fishmeal protein was replaced by CAP, three different fish-to-soybean oil ratios (4:1, 1:1, and 1:4) were set to formulate three experimental diets, and referred as HF (high fish oil), MF (medium fish oil), and LF (low fish oil), respectively. Shrimp were distributed to four groups of three replicates, each with 40 shrimp in a 300-L tank and they were fed four times daily for 7 weeks before sampling. Results showed that the growth performance of shrimp fed the MF diet was significantly lower than those fed the FM diet, while the shrimp fed the LF diet showed better growth than the HF group. The reduction of the crude lipid content of the whole body, hemolymph total cholesterol (T-CHO), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contents indicated an alteration in the lipid and cholesterol metabolism of shrimp. Compared to the FM group, the mRNA levels of fas in shrimp fed the HF diet were significantly downregulated, while the mRNA levels of delta-24-sr in the HF group were significantly upregulated. In addition, the mRNA levels of hmgcr and scp in shrimp fed the LF diet significantly upregulated compared to the FM group. Metabolomic results showed that multiple metabolic pathways were affected by diet factors, including several amino acid metabolisms, purine metabolism, energy metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. In conclusion, the reduction of the ratios of fish-to-soybean oils in the low fishmeal diet containing CAP can not only reduce the usage of fish oil and the cost of feed but also maintain the growth performance of shrimp.

Gold bipyramids molecularly imprinted gel colorimetric device for whole blood cholesterol analysis

Simple and disposable monitoring of blood is usually the best solution for early clinical diagnosis and home self-inspection of the chronic patients. Herein, a simple point-of-care (POC) device which called molecularly imprinted membrane modified gel colorimetric device (MIMGCD) was prepared for whole blood cholesterol colorimetric detection at the first time. The convenient detection principle of this device rely on molecularly imprinted membranes for specifically separating cholesterol from whole blood firstly, following the gold bipyramids (GBPs) agarose gel system is react with the cholesterol oxidation to product hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the cholesterol will be quantified based on the color change. Under optimal conditions, the analytical performance of the proposed device yielded a linear range of 315.8–6000.0 μM and detection limit of 94.7 μM with 6.89% RSD for cholesterol, which can meet the needs of the detection of normal cholesterol content in the human body. Compared with the traditional whole blood detection methods, no complex sample preparation steps or precision instruments are required, endowing MIMGCD with the merits of easy to operate and low-cost. In addition, the multicolor variation of GBPs in the device allow a colorimetric card-like detection mechanism, which can be used for home self-inspection. This device has the potential to be utilized in clinical and home POC testing application for whole blood biomolecule analysis, thereby facilitating the whole blood screening and long-term monitoring in non-specialized laboratory infrastructure.

Can Taurine Supplementation in a Diet with Soybean Meal Instead of Fish Meal Improve the Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, and Antioxidant Capacity of Spotted Knifejaw (Oplegnathus punctatus)?

To determine the impact of replacing fish meal (FM) in the diet with various levels of soybean meal (SBM) on the spotted knifejaw Oplegnathus punctatus, a 56 day feeding trial was done. Seven diets were formulated with SBM to replace 0% (SBM0), 30% (SBM30), 40% (SBM40), 50% (SBM50), 60% (SBM60), and 70% (SBM70) of FM protein, and SBM50 + T was developed on the basis of SBM50 with the addition of 1.2% taurine. There were triplicate groups of 18 fish (initial weight: 14.62 ± 0.02 g). The weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) values of the SBM0, SBM30, and SBM50 + T groups were found to be significantly higher than those of the SBM60 and SBM70 groups (p &lt; 0.05). The daily energy gain (DEG), daily nitrogen gain (DNG), daily lipid gain (DLG), energy retention (ER), nitrogen retention (NR), and lipid retention (LR) values decreased significantly with increasing dietary SBM levels (p &lt; 0.05). The highest retention of most amino acids (except lysine) was observed in the SBM30 group (p &lt; 0.05). The lipid content of the whole body and dorsal muscle decreased significantly as dietary SBM levels increased (p &lt; 0.05). Fish fed the SBM70 diet had the lowest serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations (p &lt; 0.05). The effects of different treatments on total cholesterol (T-CHO) were not significant (p &gt; 0.05). Fish fed the SBM0 and SBM30 diets had the highest amylase (AMS) and lipase (LPS) activities (p &lt; 0.05). The lowest liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were observed in the SBM70 group. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of the SBM50 to SBM70 groups were significantly higher than that of other groups (p &lt; 0.05). The levels of interleukin 8 (il-8) mRNA were highest in fish fed the SBM0, SBM30, and SBM50 + T diets (p &lt; 0.05), while the level of transforming growth factor β1 (tgf-β1) was the opposite (p &lt; 0.05). According to the broken line regression of WG and FE, the highest level of FM substitution by SBM for Oplegnathus punctatus was 24.07–25.31%.

Dietary Histidine Supplementation Maintained Amino Acid Homeostasis and Reduced Hepatic Lipid Accumulation of Juvenile Largemouth Bass, Micropterus Salmoides.

This 56-day research aimed to evaluate the recommended histidine requirement and the influence of dietary histidine levels on the protein and lipid metabolism of juvenile largemouth bass (Mieropterus salmoides). The initial weight of the largemouth bass was 12.33 ± 0.01 g, which was fed with six graded levels of histidine. The results showed that appropriate dietary histidine had a positive effect on growth, with a higher specific growth rate, final weight, weight gain rate, protein efficiency rate, and a lower feed conversion rate and feed intake rate being observed in 1.08-1.48% dietary histidine groups. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of GH, IGF-1, TOR, and S6 showed an increasing trend first and then declined, similar to the trend of the growth and protein content of the whole body composition. Meanwhile, dietary histidine levels could be sensed by the AAR signaling pathway, representing as downregulation of core genes of AAR signaling pathway with the increased dietary histidine levels, including GCN2, eIF2α, CHOP, ATF4, and REDD1. In addition, increased dietary histidine levels decreased the lipid content of the whole body and the liver by upregulating the mRNA levels of core genes of the PPARα signaling pathways, including PPARα, CPT1, L-FABP, and PGC1α. However, increased dietary histidine levels downregulated the mRNA levels of core genes of the PPARγ signaling pathways such as PPARγ, FAS, ACC, SREBP1, and ELOVL2. These findings were also supported by the positive area ratio of hepatic oil red O staining and the TC content of plasma. According to the specific growth rate and feed conversion rate, the recommended histidine requirement of juvenile largemouth bass was 1.26% of the diet (2.68% of dietary protein) by regression lines calculated using a quadratic model. In general, histidine supplementation promoted protein synthesis and lipid decomposition and reduced lipid synthesis by activating the TOR, AAR, PPARα, and PPARγ signaling pathways, which provided a new perspective to solve the fatty liver problem of largemouth bass by nutritional means.

Multinuclear MRI in Drug Discovery.

The continuous development of magnetic resonance imaging broadens the range of applications to newer areas. Using MRI, we can not only visualize, but also track pharmaceutical substances and labeled cells in both in vivo and in vitro tests. 1H is widely used in the MRI method, which is determined by its high content in the human body. The potential of the MRI method makes it an excellent tool for imaging the morphology of the examined objects, and also enables registration of changes at the level of metabolism. There are several reports in the scientific publications on the use of clinical MRI for in vitro tracking. The use of multinuclear MRI has great potential for scientific research and clinical studies. Tuning MRI scanners to the Larmor frequency of a given nucleus, allows imaging without tissue background. Heavy nuclei are components of both drugs and contrast agents and molecular complexes. The implementation of hyperpolarization techniques allows for better MRI sensitivity. The aim of this review is to present the use of multinuclear MRI for investigations in drug delivery.

Positive association of lean mass and negative association of protein intake on bone mass and bone geometry of adolescent soccer players

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association of food consumption and body composition on bone parameters in adolescent soccer players. MethodsThere were 148 male soccer players 12 to 18 y who participated in the study. Body composition was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, comprising bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of total body without head (TBLH), lumbar spine (L1-L4), and right femoral neck (RFN). The bone geometry variables measured were femoral strength index (FSI), buckling ratio (BR), section modulus (Z), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), and cross-sectional area (CSA). Food intake was analyzed using the 24-h food recall. Somatic maturation was estimated by the peak height velocity equation. For the statistical analysis, the stepwise multiple linear regression was used, with P < 0.05. ResultsRegarding food consumption, there was a high protein intake and low calcium intake. Lean mass was a predictor of BMC of TBLH (R2 = 0.524), L1-L4 (R2 = 0.492), and RFN (R2 = 0.405); BMD of L1-L4 (R2 = 0.407) and RFN (R2 = 0.27); Z (R2 = 0.683), CSMI (R2 = 0.630), and CSA (R2 = 0.640). There was a negative correlation between protein intake with bone mass and bone geometry parameters. ConclusionIn adolescent soccer players, lean mass was a predictor of bone parameters, and high protein intake was negatively associated with bone mass and geometry.

Growth, Nutrient Retention, Waste Output, and Antioxidant Capacity of Juvenile Triangular Bream (Megalobrama terminalis) in Response to Dietary Selenium Yeast Concentration.

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of different dietary selenium yeast levels on growth, nutrient retention, waste output, and antioxidant capacity of juvenile triangular bream (Megalobrama terminalis). Five isonitrogenous (320 g/kg crude protein) and isolipidic (65 g/kg crude lipid) diets were formulated, with supplementation of graded levels of selenium yeast at 0 (diet Se0), 1 (diet Se1), 3 (diet Se3), 9 (diet Se9), and 12 g/kg (diet Se12). No significant differences were found in initial body weight, condition factor, visceral somatic index, hepatosomatic index, and whole body contents of crude protein, ash, and phosphorus among fish fed different test diet. The highest final body weight and weight gain rate were found in fish fed diet Se3. The specific growth rate (SGR) is closely related to dietary selenium (Se) concentrations with a relationship described as SGR = -0.0043 Se2 + 0.1062 Se + 2.661. Higher feed conversion ratio was found, while lower retention efficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus were found in fish fed diets Se1, Se3, and Se9 than in fish fed diet Se12. Contents of selenium in whole body, vertebra, and dorsal muscle increased with dietary supplementation of selenium yeast increased from 1 mg/kg to 9 mg/kg. Lower nitrogen and phosphorous waste was found in fish fed diets Se0, Se1, Se3, and Se9 than in fish fed diet Se12. Fish fed diet Se3 exhibited the highest activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and lysozyme while the lowest malonaldehyde content in both the liver and kidney. Our results showed that the optimal dietary selenium requirement for triangular bream should be 12.34 mg/kg based on the nonlinear regression on SGR, and fish fed diet Se3 in which selenium concentration (8.24 mg/kg) was close to the optimal requirement displayed the best growth performance, feed nutrient utilization, and antioxidant capacity.