Body Weight Gain In Rats Research Articles

Synergistic Effects of Selenium and Magnesium Nanoparticles on Growth, Digestive Enzymes, Some Serum Biochemical Parameters and Immunity of Asian Sea Bass (Lates calcarifer).

This study aimed to investigate the effect of selenium and magnesium nanoparticles and their combination on growth, serum biochemical and immune parameters, serum hepatic enzymes, and digestive enzymes in Asian Sea bass (Lates calcarifer), with an average weight of 32.78 ± 1.16g for 42days. After 4weeks of adaptation to experimental conditions, 96 fish were randomly distributed equally in 12 cylindrical 300-l fiberglass tanks. Four treatment groups included control, 4mg nano-selenium (Nano-Se), 500mg nano-magnesium (Nano-Mg), and a combined treatment of 4mg Nano-SE + 500mg Nano-Mg treatments examined in this study. The fish fed twice a day as satiation. The results showed fish fed with combined treatment showed the highest rate of body weight gain and the specific growth rate. Digestive enzymes were significantly different between experimental treatments (p < 0.05), whereas amylase did not show a significant difference between experimental treatments (p > 0.05). The results of this study showed that serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and protein indices did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05). The immunoglobulin, IgM, C3, and ACH50 indexes did not differ significantly between the experimental treatments (p > 0.05). But cortisol and lysozyme were significantly different between the experimental treatments (p < 0.05). Serum levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and LDH decreased in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the present study showed that adding Nano-Se and Nano-Mg to the diet of L. calcarifer had a positive effect on the growth and non-specific immune system with no disturbance in serum biochemical and hepatic enzymes parameters.

Effect of dietary nucleotide supplementation on broiler performance and economic efficiency

A B S T R A C T A total number of two hundred forty-one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into four different treatment groups (A, B, C and D), of three replicates (20 chicks / replicate). The chicks in control group (A) were fed negative control diet, group B were fed diet containing (Nucleoforce®) (0.025%) in first 10 days of age, group B were fed diet containing (Nucleoforce®) (0.025%) in first 25 days of age. While group D was fed diet containing Nucleoforce® (0.025%) from zero day till slaughtering. This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of nucleotide as an immunostimulant for broiler chicks in terms of chick performance and economic efficiency. Results showed that, groups fed diet supplemented with Nucleoforce recorded improvements in live body weight, body weight gain and relative growth rate with no significant difference in feed intake and feed conversion index than the control group. Economic efficiency showed non-significant difference between control group and other groups but group (D) recorded high value 0.94 more than control group (A) 0.84. It was concluded that, inclusion of nucleotide 0.025% in broiler diets had a positive role in improvement of final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and economic efficiency.

Effects of dietary κ-carrageenan on growth and resistance to acute salinity stress in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon post larvae

Acute salinity stress happens unnoticed in shrimp ponds and there is a need to protect the animals by providing dietary functional ingredients that will elicit resistance to this stress. k-Carrageenan, a sulfated polysaccharide from red seaweed, is reported to trigger innate immunity in vitro and in vivo in shrimps. The present study aims to evaluate its potential as growth-promoter and its immune-enhancement effects against salinity stress. Three separate experiments were done: (a) an attractability test; (b) a 30-day feeding trial to determine optimal inclusion of k-carrageenan, and (3) acute salinity stress test. Results of the attractability tests showed that all the experimental diets did not differ in their attractability to the shrimps. In the feeding trial, 5 groups of post larval shrimp were fed with 5 experimental diets containing various inclusion levels of k-carrageenan, namely, 0.0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60 g kg-1. Results showed that the final average body weight (FABW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) values of shrimps in the 0.15 and 0.3 g kg-1 were significantly higher than that of the control group; the values of those in 0.45 and 0.60 g kg-1 groups were not significantly different from those of the control group. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) values, in contrast, were not significantly different from each group. Optimal inclusion level in the diet of k-carrageenan was 0.29 g kg-1. In the acute salinity stress test, 5 groups of shrimps were fed with the same 5 experimental diets as those in the feeding experiment for 2 weeks, transferred them from 21 ppt salinity media to 4 ppt. Results showed that the control group exhibited significantly highest mortality rate while in the 0.6 g kg-1 group the lowest; each group were significantly different from each other. Mortality rate decreased with increased dietary k-carrageenan level in a linear fashion. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the the diets containing dietary k-carrageenan was equally as attractive as the basal/control diet and that k-carrageenan showed both growth-promoting and immune-stimulating effects against acute salinity stress in the black tiger shrimp P. monodon post larvae.

Comparative assessment of sodium selenite, selenised yeast and nanosized elemental selenium on performance response, immunity and antioxidative function of broiler chickens

Although selenium (Se) supplementation is a common practice in poultry, the best source and level has not been established yet. Thus, a 42-day experiment involving diets with three levels (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg) of supplemental Se from sodium selenite (SS), selenised yeast (SY) and nanoelemental Se (SN) was conducted to evaluate the possible differential responses of broiler chickens to inorganic, organic and nano Se sources relative to a control diet. Throughout the experiment, broilers receiving Se supplements had higher feed intake, body weight gain (BWG) and survival rate than the control. Broilers fed dietary SY or SN had improved BWG compared with those fed the SS-supplemented diets. Broilers treated with Se supplementation had increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities and produced higher antibody responses to avian influenza virus (AIV) and sheep red blood cell (SRBC) versus the control. These effects were enhanced with increasing Se addition, except for GPx that responded equally to all supplemental Se levels. Also, broilers receiving supplementary SY or SN exhibited higher anti-AIV and anti-SRBC titres along with more elevated serum Se, TrxR activity and total antioxidant capacity compared with those receiving SS. At the same time, SN had the most increasing effect on anti-SRBC titre. To conclude, diet supplementation with 0.5 mg/kg of Se in the form of SY or SN was capable of meeting the Se demands of broiler chickens for optimum growth and antioxidant capability, while SN seemed to be the most effective Se source in enhancing immunity. Highlights Diet supplementation with SN and SY, especially at 0.5 mg/kg diet, improved broiler performance and carcase quality of chickens compared with SS. SY and SN showed more favourable effects on oxidative status and immunocompetence. The best anti-SRBC titre was observed with SN.

Optimum feeding frequency of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) reared in in-pond raceway recirculating culture system

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding frequency on the growth, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status and hepatic growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) gene expression levels of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) reared in an in-pond raceway recirculating culture system (IPRS). Fish (initial body weight 5.0 ± 0.4g) were hand-fed with a commercial diet under one of three different feeding frequency treatments (2, 3 or 4 meals/day) for 120days. The results indicated that no significant differences were observed in the final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of fish fed different feeding frequencies on 30days and 60days (P > 0.05). Fish fed 2 times/day had higher growth than that fed 4 times/day on 90days but had higher growth than those fed 3 and 4 times/day on 120days. No significant differences were found in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, total protein (TP), lysozyme and triglyceride (TG) content, hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content among fish fed different feeding frequency (P > 0.05). Serum glucose (Glu) content and catalase (CAT) activity decreased, while total cholesterol (TC) content increased with increasing feeding frequency. Fish fed 2 times/day had higher hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) than that fed 4 times/day on 60days, 90days and 120days (P < 0.05). Fish fed 2 times/day had higher IGF-1 gene mRNA expression on 30days, 60days and 120days (P < 0.05), while no significant difference on 90days. No significant difference was found in GH gene mRNA expression on 30days and 60days, while fish fed 4 times/day had lower values than that fed 2 times/day on 90days and 120days (P < 0.05). Fish fed 2 times/day had significantly higher LPL mRNA expression level than that fed 4 times/day on 60days and 90days and had significantly higher HL mRNA expression level on 60days, 90days and 120days (P < 0.05). Based on growth, physiology, hepatic gene expression levels, labour costs and intensity, the optimal feeding frequency of largemouth bass (average body weight 5.0 ± 0.4g) reared in IPRS is 2 times/day. These data are very necessary for the optimizing of culture conditions and feeding management strategy in IPRS culture operations.

Anti-atherogenic properties of Kgengwe (Citrullus lanatus) seed powder in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice are mediated through beneficial alterations in inflammatory pathways.

Kgengwe fruits are commonly consumed in sub-Saharan countries. Recent reports indicated low coronary artery disease rates in those regions. To investigate anti-atherogenic properties and potential mechanisms of action of Kgengwe seed powder (KSP), male low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDL-r-KO) mice were fed with an atherogenic diet supplemented with (treated, n = 10) or without (controls, n = 10) 10% (w/w) KSP for 20weeks. Proximate analysis revealed that KSP contained 38% fibre and 15% lipids. KSP supplementation was not associated with significant changes in body weight gain rate, food intake, and plasma lipid levels. However, the average atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic roots in the KSP-treated group was 58% smaller than that in the control group (0.26 vs 0.11 mm2, p< 0.05). This strong anti-atherogenic effect was associated with significant increases in the average plasma levels of certain cytokines such as IL-10 (6 vs 13 pg/mL, p< 0.05), GM-CSF (0.1 vs 0.2 pg/mL, p< 0.05), and EPO (7 vs 16 pg/mL, p< 0.05) along with reductions in the average levels of plasma MCP-1 (19 vs 14 pg/mL, p< 0.05) and MIP-2 (28 vs 13 pg/mL, p< 0.05). Except for relatively high levels of saturated fatty acids, KSP possesses balanced nutrient compositions with strong anti-atherogenic properties, which may be mediated through alterations in inflammatory pathways. Additional studies warrant confirmation and mechanism(s) of action of such effects. Novelty: Kgengwe seeds prevent atherogenesis in LDL-r-KO mice. Kgengwe seeds increase circulating levels of IL-10 and EPO. No reduction in plasma total cholesterol levels.

Effect of short-chain chlorinated paraffins on metabolic profiling of male SD rats

The toxic effect of high-dose of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) has been extensively studied, however the possible health risks induced by SCCPs at low-dose remain largely unknown. In this study, a comprehensive toxicology analysis of SCCPs was conducted with the exposure levels from the environmental dose to the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) of 100 mg/kg/day. General toxicology analysis revealed inconspicuous toxicity of the environmental dose of SCCPs, high dose SCCP exposure inhibited the growth rate and increased the liver weight of rat. Metabolomics analysis indicated that SCCP-induced toxicity was triggered at environmentally relevant doses. First, inhibition of energy metabolism was observed with the decrease in blood glucose and the dysfunction of TCA cycle, which may have contributed to lower body weight gain in rats exposed to a high dose of SCCPs. Second, the increase of free fatty acids indicated the acceleration of lipid metabolism to compensate for the energy deficiency caused by hypoglycemia. Lipid oxidative metabolism inevitably leads to oxidative stress and stimulates the up-regulation of antioxidant metabolites such as GSH and GSSH. The up-regulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and phospholipids composed of arachidonic acid indicates the occurrence of inflammation. Dysfunction of lipid metabolism can be an indicator of SCCP-induced liver injury.

Benfotiamine counteracts the negative effects of a high dietary carbohydrate on growth and ammonia toxicity resistance in post larval Penaeus monodon

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of high carbohydrate diet in the absence of presence of dietary benfotiamine on growth and immune response against ammonia toxicity (50 mg NH4Cl L-1, average ambient temperature=27oC, pH 8.3) of post larval Penaeus monodon. A feeding trial involving three dietary treatments followed by an ammonia toxicity tests and a feed attractability test were conducted separately. During the feeding trial, shrimps were fed three experimental diets, namely, (1) a diet containing 15% starch (C), (2) a diet with 25% corn starch (high carbohydrate diet, HC) and (3) a diet containing both 25% starch supplemented with 0.2 g kg-1 benfotiamine (HCB). At the termination of the feeding trial, the shrimps were subjected to ammonia toxicity test to determine the effects of the diets on the immune response of the post larval shrimps. Attractability tests using customized aquaria showed that the HCB diet elicited significantly the highest attractability even after 10 min of feed placement in the feeding chamber. In the feeding trial that lasted for 60 days, results showed that shrimps fed with diet containing HCB exhibited significantly the highest growth rate (p&lt;0.05) among all groups of shrimps in terms of final average body weight (FABW), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR); they also exhibited significantly the highest feed intake (p&lt;0.05). Upon challenge of the shrimps with 50 mg L-1 ammonia, shrimps fed with the HCB diet exhibited significantly the highest cumulative survival rate of 60% after 72 h while those fed with diet C and HC exhibited lower survival rates of 33% and 40%, respectively, and were not significantly different from each other. In conclusion, benfotiamine enhances attractability of the feed, growth performance and immune response against ammonia toxicity at the level of 0.2 g kg-1.

The Effects of Fish Feed Supplemented with Azolla Meal on the Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, and Health Condition of Genetically-Improved Farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract Azolla meal was included in fish feed at different levels (10%, 20%, and 30%) and was fed to genetically-improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) for 90 days. The obtained results demonstrated that the final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate decreased significantly in fish fed 30% Azolla (P&lt;0.05), while tilapia fed 10% and 20% did not differ significantly from those of the control (P&gt;0.05). However, the feed conversion ratio increased significantly in fish fed 30% Azolla (P&lt;0.05), while tilapia fed 10% and 20% did not differ significantly from those of the control (P&gt;0.05). The body proximate analysis, amylase, lipase, protease, blood phagocytic index, and phagocytic and lysozyme activity were not affected by the inclusion of Azolla in tilapia diets and remained similar to those of the control group (P&gt;0.05). The villus length of the foregut was not significantly affected by Azolla inclusion in tilapia diets (P&gt;0.05). In the midgut, the villus length significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in fish fed Azolla at 20% and 30% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 10% (P&gt;0.05). The villus length significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in the hind gut in fish fed Azolla at 30 % compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 10% and 20% (P&gt;0.05). The mucosal length of the tilapia foregut significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in fish fed Azolla at 10% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 20% and 30% (P&gt;0.05). In the foregut and hindgut, the number of goblet cells significantly increased in fish fed Azolla at 3% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 10% and 20% (P&gt;0.05), while in the midgut, the number of goblet cells significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in fish fed Azolla at 20% and 30% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 10% (P&gt;0.05). Feeding tilapia with Azolla resulted in normal hematological and biochemical functions, with insignificant differences for the measured parameters except for the red blood cell count, which significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in fish fed Azolla at 20% compared to the control, with no differences from those fed at 20% and 30%.

Chronic and Acute Oral Administration of Caffeine Enhance Performance of Olfactory Learning in Crickets

Crickets were arbitrarily fed a caffeine-containing diet during their lifetime or were orally administered caffeine in solution once during the conditioning session. These chronically or acutely treated crickets were used to test whether there were positive effects of caffeine on their learning performance. The effects of chronic exposure to caffeine on crickets' growth were also examined by measuring their body weight and counting the number of adults that emerged from larvae. Chronic treatment with relatively high concentrations of caffeine (5 mg/g and 0.5 mg/g in the diet) impaired the growth of crickets. Mortality was higher with 5 mg/g caffeine, and the survivors could not attain the final molt (eclosion). Body weight gain and eclosion rate were also negatively influenced in the group fed 0.5 mg/g caffeine. The olfactory learning paradigm was used to examine the effects of chronic caffeine treatment. Of the caffeine concentrations tested (0.5 µg/g to 0.5 mg/g), significant improvement in long-term memory (LTM) formation was observed only with 50 µg/g caffeine. Acute effects on olfactory learning were examined after oral administration of 0.1 nM to 10 µM caffeine solutions during the conditioning session. Administration of caffeine ≥ 1 nM consistently resulted in a significant improvement in LTM formation. These results suggest that chronic exposure to caffeine enhances learning performance in crickets at a specific dose (50 µg/g in the diet), although it inhibits their growth at higher doses (≥ 0.5 mg/g). In contrast, acute oral administration of caffeine in naive crickets may enhance their learning performance even at a very low (nanomolar) concentration.

Effectiveness of Gnetum gnemon Peel Extract as an Antihyperuricemic in White Rats Rattus norvegicus

Melinjo (gnetum gnemon) peel extract is believed to have potential as antihyperuricemic agent, however, in vivo assays have yet to be conducted to prove the antihyperuricemic activity. The objectives of this research were to analyze antihyperuricemic activity of melinjo peel extract in Sprague Dawley male white rat. A total of 24 rats were divided into 6 groups, which are a normal, positive, and negative group, 70% ethanolic extract of melinjo peel dose 450 mg/kg BW (ET I) and dose 900 mg/kg BW (ET II), and water extract of melinjo peel dose 93.35 mg/kg BW (EA). The results show that antihyperuricemic potency of 70% ethanolic extract of melinjo peel (ET1 and ET2) was more effective than allopurinol dose 90 mg/kg BW with a percentage decrease of 50% and 54%. Ethanol extract of melinjo peel was able to reduce uric acid levels to be in the range of normal values (&lt;5 mg / dL). Bodyweight gain of rats given ethanol extract of melinjo peel dose 450 mg/kg BW had values that were close to the normal group. Melinjo peel extract contained flavonoid, tannins, saponin, and triterpenoid.

Brief daily access to cafeteria-style diet impairs hepatic metabolism even in the absence of excessive body weight gain in rats.

Numerous nutritional approaches aimed at reducing body weight have been developed as a strategy to reduce obesity. Most of these interventions rely on reducing caloric intake or limiting calories access to a few hours per day. In this work, we analyzed the effects of the extended (24hours/day) or restricted (1hour/day) access to a cafeteria-style (CAF) diet, on rat body weight and hepatic lipid metabolism, with respect to control rats (CTR) fed with a standard chow diet. The body weight gain of restricted-fed rats was not different from CTR, despite the slightly higher total caloric intake, but resulted significantly lower than extended-fed rats, which showed a CAF diet-induced obesity and a dramatically higher total caloric intake. However, both CAF-fed groups of rats showed, compared to CTR, unhealthy serum and hepatic parameters such as higher serum glucose level, lower HDL values, and increased hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol amount. The hepatic expression and activity of key enzymes of fatty acid synthesis, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS), was similarly reduced in both CAF-fed groups of rats with respect to CTR. Anyway, while in extended-fed rats this reduction was associated to a long-term mechanism involving sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), in restricted-fed animals a short-term mechanism based on PKA and AMPK activation occurred in the liver. Furthermore, hepatic fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and oxidative stress resulted significantly increased in extended, but not in restricted-fed rats, as compared to CTR. Overall, these results demonstrate that although limiting the total caloric intake might successfully fight obesity development, the nutritional content of the diet is the major determinant for the health status.

The synergistic effects of Spirulina platensis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Probiotics and herbals are highly recommended in aquaculture; however, little is known about their combined effects. Therefore, the present study evaluated the possible synergistic impacts of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA) on the growth performance, histomorphology, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A control and three test diets were enriched with SP, BA, or both SP and BA and fed for tilapia for 60 days. The obtained results displayed higher final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate in fish fed SP or/and BA with respect to the control with the highest being in fish fed both SP and BA (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was lower in fish fed SP or/and BA with the lowest being in fish fed both SP and BA (P < 0.05). In the three intestinal segments, the mucosal length, villi length, and number of goblet cells were increased by dietary SP or/and BA (P < 0.05). The histological structure of the intestinal villi revealed increased length and regular structure which confirm that the tilapia intestine is out of inflammation. The biochemical variables displayed non-significant differences among the groups with normal values. The blood total protein and immunoglobulin M were significantly higher in fish fed BA alone or both SP and BA than fish fed the control (P < 0.05). The mRNA level of TNF-α gene was significantly increased by dietary SP or/and BA with respect to the control group while HSP70 was decreased (P < 0.05). The transcription of SOD was higher in fish fed both SP/BA than the other groups (P < 0.05). The obtained results revealed the importance of including both SP and BA in tilapia diets to enhance the growth rate, intestinal histomorphology, and health status.

Effects of Chronic Cannabidiol Treatment in the Rat Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression.

Several neuropharmacological actions of cannabidiol (CBD) due to the modulation of the endocannabinoid system as well as direct serotonergic and gamma-aminobutyric acidergic actions have recently been identified. The current study aimed to reveal the effect of a long-term CBD treatment in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 24) were exposed to various stressors on a daily basis in order to induce anhedonia and anxiety-like behaviors. CBD (10 mg/kg body weight) was administered by daily intraperitoneal injections for 28 days (n = 12). The effects of the treatment were assessed on body weight, sucrose preference, and exploratory and anxiety-related behavior in the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Hair corticosterone was also assayed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. At the end of the experiment, CBD-treated rats showed a higher rate of body weight gain (5.94% vs. 0.67%) and sucrose preference compared to controls. A significant increase in vertical exploration and a trend of increase in distance traveled in the OF test were observed in the CBD-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group. The EPM test did not reveal any differences between the groups. Hair corticosterone levels increased in the CBD-treated group, while they decreased in controls compared to baseline (+36.01% vs. −45.91%). In conclusion, CBD exerted a prohedonic effect in rats subjected to CUMS, demonstrated by the increased sucrose preference after three weeks of treatment. The reversal of the effect of CUMS on hair corticosterone concentrations might also point toward an anxiolytic or antidepressant-like effect of CBD, but this needs further confirmation.

Effect of Yucca schidigera extract on the growth performance, intestinal antioxidant status, immune response, and tight junctions of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on the growth performance, intestinal antioxidant status, immune response, and tight junctions of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 450 mirror carp (45.21 ± 0.43 g) were fed diets supplemented with 0, 200, or 400 mg/kg YSE for 8 weeks. Compared with the control (0 mg/kg), the final body weight and weight gain rate were significantly higher in the 400 mg/kg YSE group (P < 0.05), and the serum ammonia concentration was significantly lower in both YSE groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, the total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in the 400 mg/kg YSE group (P < 0.05), and the malondialdehyde content was significantly lower in both YSE groups (P < 0.05). Complement 3 and 4 contents were significantly higher in the 400 mg/kg YSE group (P < 0.05), and lysozyme was significantly higher in both YSE groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA levels of copper zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase1a, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 as well as transforming growth factor β were significantly higher in both YSE supplemented groups compared to the control (P < 0.05), whereas the relative mRNA level of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 was significantly lower in both YSE supplemented groups (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA levels of interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 were significantly lower in the 400 mg/kg YSE supplemented group compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, both YSE levels decreased the relative mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA levels of ZO-1 and claudin 11 were significantly higher in both YSE supplemented groups (P < 0.05), and the relative mRNA level of occludin was significantly higher in the 200 mg/kg YSE group than the control and 400 mg/kg YSE groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 400 mg/kg YSE improved the growth, intestinal antioxidant status, immune response, and tight junctions of mirror carp.

Effect of forced running on rat skeletal muscle with acrylamide neuropathy

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of prolonged forced running on rat lower limb muscles with acrylamide neuropathy. Twenty-four 4-week-old rats were divided into three groups of eight rats. Acrylamide was given to two groups of sixteen rats to induce mild paralysis. Eight rats with acrylamide injections were forced to run 3,200 m/day on a treadmill for five weeks. Running activities slowed the rate of body weight gain and aggravated paralysis. Although the wet weight of tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles was reduced by running, that of soleus (SOL) muscles was unchanged. The ratio of their weight to their body weight (BW) remained constant regardless of exercise. Protein content (PC) of muscles was not altered by exercise, either. We postulated that exercise-induced worsening of paralysis in acrylamide neuropathy rats was not caused by muscle pathology. Deterioration of neuropathic condition due to exercise was suggested.

90-Days Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity Study on Majoon-e-Nisyan

Majoon-e-Nisyan (MJN) is a polyherbal semisolid compound formulation. Its description is present in various Unani literatures. It is used in Unani medicine for its therapeutic efficacy against amnesia. There is no report regarding its safety on long term administration. Therefore, toxicological evaluation of MJN is carried out in rats. Majoon-e-Nisyan was subjected to 90-days repeated oral dose toxicity studies as per OECD guide line 408. Wistar rats were treated at three dose levels i.e., 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw and one vehicle treated group. MJN and vehicle were orally administered daily for 90 days and animal were observed for clinical signs of toxicity, mortality, body weight and feed consumption. On completion of 90-days, blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematology and biochemistry. Necropsy was performed on all survived animals and vital organs were collected and subjected to histopathology. No post dose adverse effect was reported on survival of both male and female rats after oral administration of MJN for 90 days. No incidence of mortality was reported in MJN treated male and female rats at all tested dose levels. No abnormal clinical signs were observed in MNJ treated animals at 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw as compared to animals of control group. No significant changes were observed in biochemistry, hematology and histopathological examination. No incidence of mortality, adverse changes in clinical signs of toxicity or body weight gain of rats was noted. No changes in clinical chemistry, hematology, and histopathology were observed in MJN-treated or control group. Therefore, NOAEL for MJN may be considered more than 2000 mg/kg bw in rats. Subject Classification Numbers: Pharmacology, Toxicology.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Potential of Snail (Achatina Spp.) Meat in Rat

The chemical composition of Achatina achatina and Archachatina ventricosa, nutritional potential of snail (Achatina achatina) meat in growing rats was assessed. Five groups of six growing rats were fed for 21 days, with isoprotein diets (10 % protein). The control diet consisting of fish powder is substituted with snail powder levels of 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 %. The results of the chemical composition of Achatina achatina and Archachatina ventricosa show that they have a high protein content (68.65%±1.38 and 69.31%±1.82 Dry matter, respectively). Fat levels in Achatina achatina and Archachatina ventricosa were respectively 8.86±0.12 and 14.68±0.33% dry matter. These snails are rich in all minerals, but most mineral contents of Achatina achatina are higher than those of Archachatina ventricosa. The growth performance of rats decreased in proportion to the inclusion rates of snail powder in the control diet (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Body weight gain of rats subjected to snail meat (-0.12±0.00 g) is lower than that of rats consuming fish powder (1.81±0.00 g). The optimal rate of recommendable snail powder incorporation is 75%. Over this threshold, animals start to lose weight. Snail meat alone cannot support growth performance in rats.

Effect of green tea and oregano extracts fed to preweaned Jersey calves on behavior and health status

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) extracts on behavior, weight gain, and health indicators of dairy calves from birth to 60 days of age. Twenty-one Jersey calves were distributed into three treatments: without additives (CON); green tea extract (GT): supply of 30 mg/kg of body weight/day; and oregano extract (OR): supply of 60 mg/kg of body weight/day. Observers registered animal's behavior at 5-minute intervals from 8:00 to 16:00, three times a week, from day 1 to day 60 of life. The behavioral variables considered were time spent in standing, lying down, ruminating, frequency of visits to feeders, frequency of eating pasture and straw, as well as body weight gain, body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, and health conditions. GT and OR anticipated the occurrence of the first rumination and the ingestion of straw in approximately 7 days compared with CON but did not modify the body weight gain, incidence of diarrhea, health conditions, and other behavioral variables. Supply of GT and OR stimulated the onset of dry feed intake and rumination without changing performance and health status.

Subchronic Toxicity of the New Iodine Complex in Dogs and Rats.

Background: Complexes of iodine (povidone-iodine and cadexomers) are among the most important antiseptics used in clinical and veterinary medicines. However, high local irritation activity and systemic toxicity limits their oral administration. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of a new complex of iodine (PA, potentiator of anticancer antibiotics), in which iodine is coordinated by carbohydrates and polypeptides) on the organisms of rats and dogs treated orally with the drug for 30 days.Methods: Wistar rats and Beagle dogs served as experimental animal models. Effect of PA on the animal organism was examined through the measurements of hormones level changes, hematological and clinical chemistry parameters alterations, necropsy and histological examination.Results: The established maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 2,000 mg/kg PA led to a decrease in the rate of body weight gain in male and female rats. Changes in hematological and certain biochemical parameters in rats at doses of 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg were observed. Histological study of the thyroid gland revealed changes in the shape and size of the follicles along with colloid resorption. Administration of a half of MTD (180 mg/kg) and lower doses did not result in any change in dogs (thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine).Conclusions: The results of our study show that the pathogenetic action of PA takes place along the path of induction of an inflammatory response with the development of thyrotoxicosis, rather than hypothyroidism. The mechanism of induction of an inflammatory response is also confirmed by histological studies of lesions of the thyroid gland and testes in rats (Figure S1). The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of PA is estimated to be 180 mg/kg (or iodine 22.8 mg/kg) in dogs, which is equivalent to 100 mg/kg (or iodine 12.3 mg/kg) in humans.