BW Group Research Articles

Daily brisk walking increases intestinal acetic acid in short-chain fatty adults in healthy young adults: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of daily physical activity levels, specifically brisk walking, on short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production through the modulation of SCFA-producing bacteria in young individuals. Methods: This 12-week randomized comparative trial included 30 participants. The participants were assigned to either the group that walked 8000 steps daily, including 20 minutes of brisk walking at an intensity of≥5 metabolic equivalents (BW group), or the group that walked 8000 steps daily at their customary pace (CP group). The SCFA levels and composition of the intestinal microbiota were assessed before and after the intervention. Daily physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness were monitored using an accelerometer and the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT), respectively. Results: The BW group exhibited a significant increase in the level of acetic acid, a type of SCFA, following the intervention. The relative abundance of intestinal Bifidobacterium was significantly higher in participants who successfully completed 20 minutes of brisk walking during the intervention. Conclusion: Daily brisk walking for 20 minutes enhances acetic acid production by fostering the proliferation of Bifidobacterium in young individuals.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF COMBINATION OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF XIMENIA AMERICANA AND TERMINALIA MACROPTERA AGAINST ALCOHOL-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the combination. Methods: Serum liver markers, tissue antioxidant activity, and histological changes in the livers of rats from the blank, negative (distilled water), positive (silymarin 100 mg/kg bw), and test (combination 500 mg/kg bw) groups were measured after 7 days of pretreatment and induction of hepatotoxicity by 10 g/kg bw alcohol every 12 h for 48 h. Results: Rats in the negative control group showed a highly significant (p<0.001) increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (BT) levels by 281.13%, 221.7%, and 93.44%, respectively, compared to rats in the blank group. Pretreatment with the combination resulted in a highly significant (p<0.001) decrease in AST, ALT, and BT levels of 69.19%, 62.24%, and 41.52%, respectively. The study of tissue oxidative stress parameters revealed a very significant (p<0.01) increase in superoxide dismutase (123.08%), glutathione (131.66%), and catalase (49.01%) activities and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in malondialdehyde concentration (59.72%) in the group pretreated with the combination compared with the negative control group. Steatosis and necrosis estimated at 50% were observed in rats in the negative control group. In contrast, necrosis observed in the group pre-treated with the combination was <10%. Conclusion: These data suggest that the combination is effective in preventing the elevation of biochemical markers and the imbalance of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems caused by alcohol.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of methanol extract of Trema orientalis (Linn) blume in albino wistar rats

BackgroundThe safety potential of the methanol extract of Trema orientalis (TOM) leaf was evaluated in albino Wistar rats using biochemical, haematological, and histological indices in both acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. MethodsThe animals were managed following the National Institute of Health (NIH) stipulated protocols for handling laboratory animals. The weight of each animal was recorded upon arrival and monitored throughout the study. The animals were allowed to acclimatize for 14 days, after which they were reweighed and randomly distributed into four groups of three female rats (n=12) for acute toxicity studies. Group A was given distilled water, and Groups B, C, and D were given a single dose of 2000, 4000, and 5000 mg/kg bw TOM extract, respectively. On day 15, each animal was anaesthetized and then euthanized. For the sub-chronic toxicity study, animals were randomly distributed into five groups of eight female rats (n=40). They were dosed daily for 28 days. Group A (Negative control group) was given distilled water. Groups B, C, and D had 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg bw TOM extract and Group E (Vehicle control group) were given 0.25 % of sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC). Five animals were anaesthetized and then euthanized on day 29, while three animals were kept for recovery evaluation for another two weeks without further administration of the extract. Ten organs were excised from each animal and weighed. The liver and kidney were processed for histopathological studies, while the blood samples were collected for biochemical and haematological assays. ResultsFrom acute toxicity studies, the LD50 value of TOM extract was estimated to exceed 5000 mg/kg bw via oral passage. From Sub-chronic toxicity studies, biochemical results showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total protein, albumin, globulin, AST, ALP, and ALT in a dose-dependent manner. Histology of the liver and kidney tissues of all the animals except the kidney of the 800 mg/kg group had no visible lesions; this sets the safety dose for TOM at above 400 mg/kg but below 800 mg/kg. Recovery animals had significantly (p < 0.05) increased total protein, total bilirubin, and ALP and decreased albumin and direct bilirubin levels. ConclusionThis study reports the safety dose of TOM, a reputable medicinal plant extract. This is the first study reporting that the LD50 value of TOM extract exceeds 5000 mg/kg bw via oral passage.

Performance and Metabolic Responses of Nellore Cows Subjected to Different Supplementation Plans during Prepartum.

This study assessed the effects of different prepartum supplementation plans on Nellore cows' performance, metabolic responses, and early offspring development. Thirty-nine pregnant Nellore cows (224 ± 2.67 days of pregnancy, 5.3 ± 0.29 years of age, body weight 520 ± 15.2 kg, initial body condition score 6.0 ± 0.07) were assigned to one of four treatments: a control group receiving only mineral mixture ad libitum, and three groups receiving daily protein-energy supplements of 2, 4, or 6 g/kg BW for 60 days prepartum. Weights and body condition scores were evaluated at the start of the experiment, 7 days before calving, and at 45 and 90 days postpartum. Cows supplemented with 4 and 6 g/kg BW showed improved body weight and body condition scores prepartum and postpartum and had a shorter service period (p < 0.05). The highest blood urea nitrogen concentrations were observed in cows receiving 6 g/kg BW (p = 0.0124). There was a reduction in blood urea nitrogen at calving for the 6 g/kg BW group, while the control group showed an increase (p < 0.001). Non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were lower 21 days before calving for the 4 and 6 g/kg BW groups compared to the control (p < 0.05) and decreased postpartum for all treatments (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in calf birth weight or performance. Supplementing with 4 g/kg BW of protein-energy is recommended to enhance metabolic health and overall performance.

Effect of Black Tea Polysaccharides on Alleviating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Regulating PI3K/Akt/GLUT2 Pathway.

The bioactivity of tea polysaccharides (TPs) has been widely reported, but studies to date have focused on green tea. Some human health investigations have implied that black tea may possess potential antidiabetic effects, but less is known about their potential role and related antidiabetic mechanism. The present study was, therefore, conducted to investigate the chemical properties and antidiabetic activity of TPs from black tea. Monosaccharide composition revealed that Alduronic acid (77.8 mol%) considerably predominated in the fraction. TP conformation analysis indicated that three components in TPs were all typical of high-branching structures. Oral administration of TPs could effectively alleviate fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) mice, with the values 23.6 ± 1.42, 19.6 ± 2.25, and 16.4 ± 2.07 mmol/L in the 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg·BW groups, respectively. Among these TPs groups, the 800 mg/kg·BW groups significantly decreased by 37.88% when compared with the T2D+water group (p < 0.05). Further studies demonstrated that TP treatment upregulated the expression of p-Akt/p-PI3K (p < 0.001). Additionally, TP treatment significantly promoted glucose transporter protein 2 (GLUT2) translocation in the liver (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that TPs from black tea protect against T2D by activating PI3K/Akt/GLUT2 signaling and might serve as a novel therapeutic candidate for T2D.

Tempeh-Based Supplement Decreases Blood Glucose Levels Through Inhibiting Rage and NF-κB Activity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice Model

Objective: Hyperglycemia promotes inflammation through inducing the formation of AGE products, which bind with receptor AGE (RAGE) products in cell membranes, leading to the activation of necrosis factor–kappa beta (NF-κB). This study aimed to analyze the effects of tempeh-based supplement (TBS) preparations of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) tempeh against mRNA expressions of RAGE and NF-κB on the pancreas of a type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) mice model. Material and Methods: This research was a quasi-experiment, with pre and post-tests with a control design for blood glucose levels; and post-test only utilizing control for mRNA RAGE and NF-κB expressions. A total of 30 male mice, 8-10 weeks old, weighing 20-25 g were divided into 6 treatment groups: non-diabetic, Diabetic, Diabetic+metformin, Diabetic+TBS 10 mg/100 g BW, Diabetic+TBS 20 mg/100 g BW, and Diabetic+TBS 40 mg/100 g BW. STZ induction once a day for two days was preceded by NA to create a DM mice model; meanwhile, TBS was administrated once a day for 21 days.Results: The mean difference of fasting glucose levels in the diabetic+TBS 40 mg/100 g BW group was the highest when compared to the diabetic group (159.52±1.85) mg/dL. One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in fasting glucose levels, RAGE and NF-κB expressions in the Diabetic+TBS group at various dosage levels compared to the diabetic control group. Relative mRNA expressions of RAGE and NF-κB were downregulated in the treatment group compared to the diabetic control group. Conclusion: TBS can decrease fasting blood glucose levels and downregulate relative mRNA expressions of RAGE and NF-κB in type 2 DM mice.

In vivo protective effects of 6‑gingerol in cerebral ischemia involve preservation of antioxidant defenses and activation of anti‑apoptotic pathways.

Stroke is an important medical problem in developing countries, characterized by a sudden disruption of blood supply to the brain, either through occlusion or hemorrhage. It is a major cause of neurological impairment, resulting in high medical costs. The present study examined the effect of 6-gingerol on morphological changes, antioxidant defenses, and the anti-apoptotic factors p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mitofusin (Mfn)2, in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. A total of 60 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups: Control, right middle cerebral artery occlusion (Rt.MCAO) + vehicle, Rt.MCAO + piracetam, and Rt.MCAO + 6-Gin 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg BW groups. The results indicated that 6-gingerol treatment for a duration of 7 days reverses morphological alterations, enhances catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, reduces Bax, caspase-3 and MAPK expression, and increases Bcl-xL and Mfn2 expression in the cortex and hippocampus. In conclusion, 6-gingerol demonstrated significant in vivo effectiveness in mitigating pathological changes induced by cerebral ischemia. This beneficial effect is attributed, at least in part, to preservation of antioxidant defenses and activation of anti-apoptotic pathways.

Enhanced methane production from source-separated human feces (brown water) by single phase anaerobic co-digestion: Effects of different co-substrates

Based on the concept of source separation of brown water (BW, human feces with flushing water) and yellow water (urine) in rural area, anaerobic co-digestion of BW with agricultural waste is a promising and effective method for rural waste treatment and resource recovery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of different agricultural wastes (peanut straw (PST), peanut shell (PSH), swine wastewater acting as co-substrate for anaerobic co-digestion with BW, and the relative mechanisms were explored. When the mixed ratio was uniformly set as 1:1 (mass ratio, measured by volatile solid (VS)) and initial VS load as 20 g/L, the maximum cumulative methane production obtained by co-digestion (21 days) of BW and PST was 688 mL/g-VS, which performed better than the individual substrates (341 mL/g-VS), as well as the average of the sole BW and sole PST groups (531.2 mL/g-VS). The most impactful advantage was ascribed to the promotion of hydrolytic and acidogenic enzyme activities. The addition of PST also reduced the production of endogenous humus, which is difficult for biodegradation. Microbial community analysis showed that different co-substrates would affect the microbial community composition in the reactor. The relative abundance of hydrolytic acidogens in the PST and PSH co-digestion groups were higher than that in the SW co-digestion and sole BW groups, and the methanogenic archaea were dominated by the acetate-trophic Methanotrichaceae. The overall results suggest that anaerobic co-digestion is a feasible method, and co-digestion of BW and PST can improve methane production potential.

Responses of growth performance, immunity, disease resistance of shrimp and microbiota in Penaeus vannamei culture system to Bacillus subtilis BSXE-1601 administration: Dietary supplementation versus water addition

This study evaluated the effects of Bacillus subtilis BSXE-1601, applied either as dietary supplementation or water addition, on growth performance, immune responses, disease resistance of Penaeus vannamei, and microbiota in shrimp gut and rearing water. During the 42-day feeding experiment, shrimp were fed with basal diet (CO and BW group), basal diet supplemented with live strain BSXE-1601 at the dose of 1 × 109 CFU kg−1 feed (BD group) and 15 mg kg−1 florfenicol (FL group), and basal diet with strain BSXE-1601 added to water at the concentration of 1 × 107 CFU L−1 every five days (BW group). Results showed that dietary supplementation of strain BSXE-1601 significantly promoted growth performance of shrimp, both in the diet and water, enhanced disease resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus (P < 0.05). The BD and BW groups exhibited significant increases in acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activities, phenonoloxidase content in the serum of shrimp compared to the control (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of immune-related genes proPO, LZM, SOD, LGBP, HSP70, Imd, Toll, Relish, TOR, 4E-BP, eIF4E1α, eIF4E2 were significantly up-regulated compared to the control (P < 0.05). When added in rearing water, strain BSXE-1601 induced greater immune responses in shrimp than the dietary supplement (P < 0.05). Chao1 and Shannon indices of microbiota in rearing water were significantly lower in BD group than in the control. The microbiota in rearing water were significantly altered in BD, BW and FL groups compared to the control, while no significant impacts were observed on the microbiota of shrimp gut. When supplemented into the feed, strain BSXE-1601 obviously reduced the number of nodes, edges, modules in the ecological network of rearing water. The results suggested that dietary supplementation of BSXE-1601 could be more suitable than water addition in the practice of shrimp rearing when growth performance, non-specific immunity, disease resistance against V. parahaemolyticus in shrimp were collectively considered.

Cardioprotective Effect of Hydroalcohol Extract of Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) Fruits on Doxorubicin-Induced Rats.

Andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) fruit is a spice plant widely used in North Sumatra. The chemical content in the Andaliman plant has a cardioprotective effect, with antioxidant properties that inhibit oxidative stress and free radicals. SOD (superoxide dismutase), BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide), and cTnT (troponin T) are measured as markers of heart damage, and histopathology is to see heart damage. Quercetin administration was used as a comparison. The hydroalcoholic extract's phytochemical content and chemical elements were analyzed using LC-HRMS and GC-MS. The findings showed that the hydroalcohol extract of Andaliman fruits affected the blood levels of SOD, BNP, and cTnT in the blood of doxorubicin-induced rats. SOD levels increased, and BNP decreased; the 300 mg/kg BW group was not significantly different from the 50 mg/kg BW quercetin group. cTnT levels also decreased; the 150 mg/kg BW and 300 mg/kg BW groups were not significantly different, and both were better than the 50 mg/kg BW quercetin group. EAF with 150 mg/kg BW and 300 mg/kg BW can also repair damage to rat heart tissue caused by doxorubicin. Andaliman fruit extract has cardioprotective effects and anti-free radical activity due to its content and potential to be developed.

Bicycling and Walking to and from School: Does It Affect Students' Body Mass Index and Aerobic Capacity?

This study investigates the differences between students who regularly cycle or walk when going to and from school and students who do not cycle or walk on body mass index and aerobic capacity. This comparative research involved 20 male students who were obtained using quota sampling techniques and divided into two groups. The first group consists of 10 students who have the habit of going to and from school by bicycle or walking (BW group). In comparison, the second group consists of ten students who do not have the habit of going to and from school by bicycle or walking (including being dropped off/picked up by their parents) (Non-BW group). The research instruments used were weight scales, height measuring instruments, and a 20-meter pacer test. The data analysis technique used is the independent sample t-test. Results of differences between the BW group vs. Non-BW group revealed that there was a significant difference in mean values in the aerobic capacity variable (29.1 ± 2,883 vs. 26.39 ± 2,822 ml/kg/min, p&lt;0.005), while in the body mass index variable there was no significant difference (21,089 ± 3.702 vs. 22.216 ± 4.968 kg/m2, p&gt;0.005). This research concludes that students in the BW group show better aerobic capacity than Non-BW group students. However, the body mass index showed no significant differences between the two groups.

86 Evaluation of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on markers of joint inflammation in young, exercising horses following an intra-articular lipopolysaccharide challenge

Abstract Including Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) into the diets of young, exercising horses may prolong their performance career by optimizing the intra-articular environment. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary SCFP on joint inflammation in yearlings undergoing regular exercise, challenged with intra-articular lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thirty Quarter Horse yearlings (374 ± 25 kg BW; 562 ± 16 d of age; 15 fillies and 15 geldings) were used in a 60-d study to test the hypothesis that dietary SCFP (TruEquine C, Diamond V Mills, Inc.) ameliorates joint inflammation following an acute inflammatory insult. Horses were stratified by BW, age, sex, and randomly assigned to dietary treatments (n = 10/treatment): Control (0), 46, or 92 mg/kg BW SCFP. Treatments were top-dressed onto a custom-formulated concentrate void of added microbials offered at 1% BW/d (as-fed) every 12 h. Horses were individually stalled (3.6 m × 7.3 m) and offered ad libitum Coastal bermudagrass hay. Using a free-stall exerciser, horses were exercised following a progressive workload regimen for 30 min/d, 5 d/wk. On d 46, all horses underwent an intra-articular LPS challenge where each horse had one radial carpal joint randomly assigned to receive either 0.8 mL of a 0.5 ng LPS solution or sterile lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS) as a contralateral control. Synovial fluid samples were obtained pre-injection (h 0) and at 6, 12, 24, and 336 h post-injection and analyzed for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a pro-inflammatory prostaglandin via commercial ELISA, and for chemokine-concentration (signaling proteins that direct immune cells; CCL2, and CCL11) and cytokines (inflammatory mediators; TNFα and IL-10) using a multiplex platform via commercial laboratory. Non-normal data (PGE2, IL-10, and CCL2) were log transformed, and all markers were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS v9.4. Mean separation was achieved with orthogonal contrasts, and contralateral control carpi were used as a covariate across all hours. There was no effect of SCFP on synovial logPGE2 (P = 0.42), logCCL2 (P = 0.90), CCL11 (P = 0.26), or logIL-10 (P = 0.23). However, there was a treatment × hour interaction for CCL11 (P = 0.04) where the Control had increased concentrations compared with SCFP treatment groups at 6 h post-injection. Furthermore, logIL-10 also had a treatment × hour interaction (P = 0.05) where the 46mg/kg BW group had decreased concentrations at h 12 compared with the Control and 92mg/kg BW group. The main effect of treatment for TNFα (P = 0.04) revealed that the 92mg/kg BW group had less concentrations than the 46mg/kg BW group and tended to have less concentrations than the Control group across all hours. Results indicate that SCFP may help mitigate inflammation markers following an acute intra-articular inflammatory insult.

Anti-RAGE (Receptor Advanced Glycation End products) Antibody Improves Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats via Hypoglycemic and Anti-inflammatory Mechanism

Background: Receptor advanced glycation end products (RAGE) activation plays an essential role in diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression. This study was aimed to explore the role of anti-RAGE antibodies (RAGE antagonists) in inhibiting DR progression through their hypoglycemic and anti- inflammatory mechanism in diabetic retinopathy induced rats.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five group. The group was consisted of normal control group, DR group without treatment, DR group with anti-RAGE 1 g/kg BW, 10 g/kg BW, and 100 g/kg BW. To assess the diabetic retinopathy, fundus photographs were taken every week using a camera with 16x magnification placed in front of the rat's eyes. Blood glucose was checked by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method. Retinal TNF-? levels and VEGF were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.&#x0D; Results: The finding of this study showed that anti-RAGE treatment at dose of 10 and 100 g/kg BW, HbA1c levels were significantly higher (p&lt; 0.05) compared to the normal control group but significantly lower (p&lt; 0.05) than in the diabetes group. The mean blood vessel diameter in the DR+anti-RAGE 10 and 100 g/kg BW groups was significantly lower than in the diabetic retinopathy group (p&lt; 0.05). The administration of anti-RAGE 10 and 100 g/kg BW showed the ability to significantly reduce VEGF levels compared to the DR group (p&lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: This study revealed at doses of 10 and 100 g/kg BW, anti-RAGE antibodies improved diabetic retinopathy in Wistar rats through hypoglycemic effects and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Technical note: utilization of various allotment strategies to evaluate variation and replications required to detect statistical significance in nursery pig research.

A total of 720 barrows (line 200 × 400, DNA genetics) were used in two 42-d nursery trials (initially 6.20 ± 0.12kg and 5.63 ± 0.16kg, respectively) to evaluate strategies for allotting pigs to pens in randomized controlled trials. At placement, the population was split into three cohorts with similar average weight and standard deviation and randomly assigned to one of the three allotment strategies. Strategy 1 (random) utilized a simple randomization strategy with each pig randomized to pens independent of all other pigs. Strategy 2 (body weight [BW] distribution) sorted each pig within the cohort into one of the five BW groups. One pig from each weight group was then randomly assigned to a pen such that distribution of BW within pen was uniform across pens. Strategy 3 (BW grouping) sorted pigs within the cohort into 3 BW categories: light, medium, and heavy. Within each BW category, pigs were randomized to pen to create pens of pigs from each BW category. Within each experiment, there were 72 pens with five pigs per pen and 24 pens per allotment strategy. For all strategies, once pigs were allotted to pens, pens were allotted to one of the two treatments for a concurrent trial. In experiment 1, environmental enrichment using ropes tied near the pan of the feeder was compared to a control with no enrichment. In experiment 2, treatment diets consisted of basal levels of Zn and Cu from the trace mineral premix for the duration of the study (110 and 17mg/kg, respectively; control), or diets (supplemented control) with carbadox (50g/ton; Mecadox, Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ) fed in phase 1 (days 0 to 22) and 2 (days 22 to 43), pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu (2,414mg/kg Zn from ZnO; 168mg/kg Cu from CuSO4) fed in phase 1, and only pharmacological levels of Cu (168mg/kg Cu from CuSO4) fed in phase 2. These treatment designs were used to determine the impact on coefficient of variation (CV) and to estimate the number of replications required to find significant treatment differences based on allotment strategy. There were no meaningful allotment strategy × treatment interactions for either study. For between-pen CV, pigs allotted using BW distribution and BW grouping strategies had the lowest CV at allotment and final weight in both trials. For overall average daily gain in experiments 1 and 2 in experiment 2, the BW distribution strategy required the fewest replications to detect differences in performance. However, there is no meaningful difference between allotment strategies in replications required to detect significant differences for gain:feed ratio.

The anti-obesity properties of Anredera cordifolia leaf extract in rats fed a high-fat diet through inhibition of adipogenesis.

Various disease complications are a risk of overweight or obesity, so losing weight can reduce the risk of diseases caused by obesity. Binahong leaf ethanol extract (Anredera cordifolia) is a weight-loss herbal preparation. This study aims to analyze whether A. cordifolia extract is effective in losing weight by affecting the mechanism of adipogenesis in an animal obesity model. Animals were grouped into six groups as follows: the normal diet (K1), the negative control group (K2), the positive control group with Orlistat at a dose of 20 mg/kg BW (K3), an ethanol extract of A. cordifolia leaves at doses of 50 mg/kg BW (P1), 100 mg/kg BW group (P2), and 150 mg/kg BW (P3). All rats were fed a diet that consisted of high fat for eight weeks, except K1. Afterward, the treatments were given based on group distribution. Then, the rats were treated based on their groups for 4 weeks, and the high-fat diet was still given during the treatment for the control groups (K2). Anthropometric examinations such as body weight, length, and the circumference of the abdomen were measured. Metabolic parameters, including blood glucose, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and abdominal fat weight, were measured using molecular parameters that measured PI3K levels and Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in abdominal fat tissue samples using the ELISA method. ERK levels of abdominal fat were lowered in the treatment group using the extract of A. cordifolia (50 mg/kg BW (P1) and 100 mg/kg BW (P2)) compared to the control group that was given a high-fat diet without treatment. The control group, which was fed a high-fat diet without treatment, had an average ERK level of 10.17 ± 2.98 ng/ml, P1 (50 mg/kg BW). Furthermore, when ethanol extracts were used as opposed to the control group, which received a high-fat diet without treatment, there was an increase in phosphoinositide three-kinase (PI3K) levels (K2). The control group received 9.35 ± 2.87 ng/ml, the treatment group received 100 mg/kg BW (P2) 9.48 ± 1.54 ng/ml, and the treatment group received 150 mg/kg BW (P3) 7.87 ± 1.79 ng/ml. The weight of fat in the abdomen differed between the groups that received a high-fat diet without treatment (K2) and those that received a high-fat diet with treatment (P1, P2, P3; p < 0.05). Anredera cordifolia extract possesses anti-obesity activities by decreasing ERK and increasing PI3K levels, as well as reducing abdominal fat weight.

Hydroxyl‐α‐Sanshool Maintains Intestinal Health in Obese Mice Fed a High‐Fat Diet by Activating AMPK Signaling

To explore the effects of hydroxyl‐α‐sanshool (HAS) administration on the intestinal health of high‐fat diet‐fed mice, mice were separated into a control (CN) group, a model (MC) group, a HAS (8 mg/kg bw) (HD) group, and a HAS (8 mg/kg bw) + Compound C (10 mg/kg·4 d) (HA) group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the mice were fasted for 12 h prior to sacrifice, and autopsy samples were taken for analysis. HAS improved inflammatory and metabolic imbalances by activating AMPK, as shown by biochemical, microbiota composition, and metabolomics analyses. These findings suggest that HAS can maintain intestinal health through AMPK‐mediated amino acid metabolism.

The nutrient profile and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of methanol-extracted turmeric in Wistar rats

Curcuma longa has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties in traditional medicine systems, which has received substantial scientific validation. This study aimed to evaluate C. longa methanolic extract's proximate and anti-inflammatory activities. Phytochemical screening of C. longa was done by colorimetric and spectrophotometric approaches (both qualitative and quantitative respectively). Furthermore, a recent approach (standard method) was used to research C. longa's anti-inflammatory effects and proximate components. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed a substantial amount of turbid alkaloid (++) but no steroid (-). Phenol (151.34±1.01 mg/100g) had the highest concentration (5.83%), while flavonoid (22.30±0.62 mg/100g) had the lowest (5.83%), according to the quantitative screening. The anti-inflammatory activity of the C. longa methanolic extract in the treated groups (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight) and the positive control group demonstrated a valuable value (inhibitory values). Paw thickness was also significantly different (reduced) between the 600 mg/kg (0.7 cm at 6 hours) and positive control groups (0.5 cm at 6 hours) deducing the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric when compared to the negative control groups. The lowest inhibition was noted in the 150 mg/kg bw group when compared to 1-6 hours of treatment. These findings demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric and its adjuvant capabilities.

The Effect of Arumanis Mango Rind (Mangifera indica L) Extract as Antidiabetic in Rats Model

Arumanis mango (Mangifera indica L) rind is one of the organic wastes containing flavonoid compounds. The objectives of this study were to find out the effect of arumanis mango rind extract on alloxan-induced blood glucose reduction in rats, to find out the most effective dose for reducing the levels of blood glucose in diabetic rats, and to find out the histopathology of the pancreas in diabetic rats.We used experimental method. In this study, 24 rats were divided into six groups consisting of I negative control, II positive control, III, IV, V different doses of 100 mg/kg BW, 200 mg/kg BW, 400 mg/kg BW and VI comparison group ( glibenclamide ). Groups II to VI were administered alloxan at 150 mg/kg BW for 3 days, and then the extract was administered to each group for 14 days, except group II. The levels of blood glucose were measured using a glucometer via the capillary of rat’s tail, before and after induction and after administration of extract to all groups. The results are analyzed by the one-way ANOVA it showed significantly different results (p&lt; 0.05 ). The extract of arumanis mango rind in all doses, had an effect on decreasing the level of blood glucose in diabetic rats effectively in dose of 400 mg/kg BW ( group V ) and histopathology desricptive results showed that arumanis mango rind extract could reduce damage to the pancreatic islet of Langerhans with histopathology of the exocrine glands and endocrine glands at group V was better than at group III and IV.

Tetrodotoxin/Saxitoxin Accumulation Profile in the Euryhaline Marine Pufferfish Chelonodontops patoca.

Marine Takifugu pufferfish, which naturally possess tetrodotoxins (TTXs), selectively take up and accumulate TTXs, whereas freshwater Pao pufferfish, which naturally possess saxitoxins (STXs), selectively take up and accumulate STXs. To further clarify the TTXs/STXs selectivity in pufferfish, we conducted a TTX/STX administration experiment using Chelonodontops patoca, a euryhaline marine pufferfish possessing both TTXs and STXs. Forty nontoxic cultured individuals of C. patoca were divided into a seawater group (SW, acclimated/reared at 33‱ salinity; n = 20) and a brackish water group (BW, acclimated/reared at 8‱ salinity; n = 20). An aqueous TTX/STX mixture was intrarectally administered (both at 7.5 nmol/fish), and five individuals/group were analyzed after 1-48 h. Instrumental toxin analyses revealed that both TTX and STX were taken up, transferred, and retained, but more STX than TTX was retained in both groups. TTX gradually decreased and eventually became almost undetectable in the intestinal tissue, while STX was retained at ~5-10% of the dose level, and only STX showed transient transfer in the liver. The BW group showed a faster decrease/disappearance of TTX, greater STX retention in the intestine, and greater STX transient transfer to the liver. Thus, C. patoca appears to more easily accumulate STXs than TTXs, especially under hypoosmotic conditions.

Cancer-Preventive Activity of Argemone mexicana Linn Leaves and Its Effect on TNF-α and NF-κB Signalling

Skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Western countries with a surge in case occurrences making it a global burden on healthcare systems. The present study aims to evaluate the cancer-preventive activity of an ethanolic extract of Argemone mexicana Linn leaves (AML). The DMBA/TPA method was used to induce skin cancer in mice. Experimental animals were divided into three pretreatment groups of 100 mg/kg BW, 250 mg/kg BW, and 500 mg/kg BW of AML extract, and feeding was continued during the induction process. In the fourth group, 500 mg/kg BW AML extract treatment was started along with the cancer induction. The analyses were performed on the basis of the time period of in-tumour induction incidence, haematological parameters, histopathology and augmentation of TNF-α secretion and the NF-κB (p65 subunit) signalling pathway. The AML extract resisted and delayed tumour formation for up to 8 weeks in the 500 mg/kg BW pretreated group as compared to 4 weeks in the negative control group. The tumour burden varied in a dose-dependent manner in the different groups. On the 60th day, a significantly high burden (p &lt; 0.001) was observed in the negative control group and the 100 mg/kg BW group. The study was validated by investigating the expression of TNF-α and the p65 subunit of the NF-κB signalling pathway, which were found to be reduced significantly in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.001) in the 500 mg/kg BW group as compared to negative control group. The 500 mg/kg BW pretreated group was found to have significant results in comparison to the 500 mg/kg BW post-treatment group. The study revealed the effective cancer preventive activity of Argemone mexicana Linn leaves (AML) in the mouse model and paved a pathway for molecular approaches which could be explored more in future studies.