Hepatic Malondialdehyde Content Research Articles

Effect of dietary supplementation of taurine on productive performance, egg quality, and liver health in aged laying hens

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing supplementation of taurine in diets on productive performance, egg quality, and liver health in aged laying hens. A total of three hundred twenty 75-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 8 replicates and 10 hens per replicate in a 12-week feeding trial. A corn-soybean meal-based basal diet was formulated and feed-grade taurine was then supplemented to the basal diet at the supplemental levels of 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 g/kg. Results indicated that increasing supplementation of taurine in diets decreased (linear, P < 0.05) egg weight, egg mass, and feed intake in aged laying hens. Moreover, increasing supplementation of taurine in diets exhibited a quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) with broken and shell-less egg production. However, hen-day egg production and feed conversion ratio were not affected by increasing supplementation of taurine in diets. Increasing supplementation of taurine in diets decreased (linear, P < 0.01) egg yolk color, but tended to increase eggshell strength (linear, P = 0.08). The hepatic malondialdehyde concentrations were decreased (linear, P < 0.01) by increasing supplementation of taurine in diets. However, expression levels of genes related to hepatic taurine metabolism were not affected by increasing supplementation of taurine in diets. In conclusion, increasing supplementation of taurine in diets decreases egg weight and egg yolk color, but improves eggshell strength in aged laying hens. Increasing supplementation of taurine in diets may have positive effects on the liver health, particularly by decreasing oxidative stress in aged laying hens.

Lycopene attenuates chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 axis

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), is an organophosphate pesticide that is widely used for agricultural purposes. However, it has well-documented hepatotoxicity. Lycopene (LCP) is a plant-derived carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present work was designed to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective actions of LCP against CPF-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were assigned into five groups namely: Group I (Control), Group II (LCP), Group III (CPF), Group IV (CPF + LCP 5 mg/kg), and Group V (CPF + LCP 10 mg/kg). LCP offered protection as evidenced by inhibiting the rise in serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) induced by CPF. This was confirmed histologically as LCP-treated animals showed liver tissues with less proliferation of bile ducts and periductal fibrosis. LCP significantly prevented the rise in hepatic content of malondialdehyde (MDA), depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH), and exhaustion of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Further, LCP significantly prevented hepatocyte death as it ameliorated the increase in Bax and the decrease in Bcl-2 expression induced by CPF in liver tissues as determined immunohistochemically. The observed protective effects of LCP were further confirmed by a significant enhancement in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NF-E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. In conclusion, LCP possesses protective effects against CPF-induced hepatotoxicity. These include antioxidation and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis.

Hepatoprotective effects of chlorogenic acid on mice exposed to aflatoxin B1: Modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is widely distributed in crops and feeds, and ingestion of AFB1-contaminated crops is harmful to human/animal health. This study was designed to investigate hepatoprotective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA), due to its excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, on mice exposed to AFB1. Male Kunming mice were orally fed with CGA prior to daily AFB1 exposure for 18 consecutive days. The results showed that CGA treatment reduced the serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase, hepatic malondialdehyde content and pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis, prevented histopathological changes of the liver, increased hepatic glutathione level, catalase activity and IL10 mRNA expression in mice subjected to AFB1. Taken together, CGA exerted the protective effect on AFB1-induced hepatic damage by modulating redox status and inflammation, suggesting that CGA may be a candidate compound for the treatment of aflatoxicosis.

Restorative effects of gallic acid against sub-chronic hepatic toxicity of co-exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles and arsenic trioxide in male rats

Background and objectivesThis study aimed to assess the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) and/or arsenic trioxide (ATO) exposure on the liver of adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Moreover, the probable ameliorative impact of gallic acid (GA) against ZNPs and ATO-induced hepatotoxicity and the possible underlying mechanisms were evaluated. MethodsSixty male Sprague Dawley rats were distributed into six groups. The 1st and 2nd groups were orally given distilled water (1 ml/kg) and 20 mg GA/kg b. wt, respectively. The 3rd and 4th groups were orally given 100 mg ZNPs/kg b. wt and 8 mg ATO/kg b. wt, respectively. The 5th group was co-administered ZNPs and ATO at the doses mentioned above. The last one was co-administered ZNPs, ATO, and GA at the earlier described doses. All tested compounds were orally given once a day for 60 successive days. Then, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total, direct, indirect bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, and LDL were estimated. The hepatic content of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was evaluated. Moreover, Bcl-2 and Bax's reactive proteins were immunohistochemically detected, and Zn and As residual patterns in hepatic tissues were assessed. ResultsZNPs, ATO, and ZNPs+ATO-exposed rats showed significantly (P < 0.001) elevated serum AST (219%, 233%, and 333%), ALT (300%, 400%, and 475%), ALP (169%, 205%, and 294%), and total bilirubin (42%, 68%, and 109%) compared to the control ones. On the other hand, a significantly (P < 0.001) declined SOD (58%, 49%, and 43%) and GPx (70%, 63%, and 56%) but increased MDA (133%, 150%, and 224%) was recorded in the hepatic tissues of ZNPs, ATO, and ZNPs+ATO exposed rats, respectively, relative to the control rats. Moreover, the hepatic tissues of the ZNPs, ATO, and ZNPs+ATO exposed rats showed a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in Bcl-2 (28%, 33%, and 23%) but elevation in Bax (217%, 267%, and 236%) immunoreactivities compared to the control rats. These findings were consistent with the microscopic alterations in the hepatic architecture and accumulation of Zn and As. Furthermore, a notable hyperlipidemic condition was recorded following ZNPs and/or ATO exposure. On the contrary, GA notably reduced hepatic enzymes compared to ZNPs+ATO-exposed rats. Additionally, GA markedly improved ZNPs+ATO-afforded liver tissue damage and apoptotic events. ConclusionOverall, GA oral dosing significantly mitigated the negative effects of ZNPs and ATO on the liver by improving the antioxidant defense system and controlling apoptotic changes.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Eulophia gracilis on Benzene-Induced Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Benzene (BZ) is an organic solvent that can induce pathological disorders such as haematological disburbance and liver damage. Eulophia gracilis (EG) plant is a medicinal orchid explored traditionally to treat myriads of ailments including anemia and liver disease. The present study investigated the protective effect of Eulophia gracilis extract against Benzene-induced hepatotoxicity in haematologically disturbed rats. Male Wistar rats (110-120 g) were randomized into four groups (n = 6 / group): I (control), II BZ-treated: 175 mg/kgbw benzene every alternate days for two weeks; III Co-treated with 175 mg/kgbw benzene and E. gracilis 200 mg/kgbw each day for two weeks and IV administered 200 mg/kg of E. gracilis for two weeks. BZ caused a significant reduction in PCV, Hb, RBC and altered white blood cell count. Similarly, activities of hepatic biomarker enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transferase were significantly increased in the BZ-treated group relative to control. Furthermore, BZ caused a significant decrease in the activities of hepatic arylesterase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase and levels of Ascorbic Acid (AA) and Glutathione (GSH). A significant increase in hepatic malondialdehyde content, altered liver ultrastructure and modulation of p53 and BCl-2 protein in the liver also accompanied benzene intoxication. However, coadministration of E. gracilis ameliorated the BZ-induced changes in haematological parameter and liver biomarkers and improved hepatic antioxidant biomarkers and ultrastructure. Overall, the results suggest that Eulophia gracilis protected against BZ-induced hepatic oxidative damage and haematological disturbance in rats.

Hypoxia stress induces hepatic antioxidant activity and apoptosis, but stimulates immune response and immune-related gene expression in black rockfish Sebastes schlegelii

Dissolved oxygen concentrations both in the open ocean and coast have been declining due to the interaction of global climate change and human activity. Fish have evolved different adaptative strategies to cope with possibly damage induced by hypoxic environments. Black rockfish as important economic fish widely reared in the offshore sea cage, whereas related physiological response subject to hypoxia stress remained unclear. In this study, hepatic anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]), aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, lipid peroxidation (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) content, immunological parameters and the expression of apoptosis (bax, bcl2, p53, caspase3, xiap) and immune-related genes (c3, il-1β, ccl25, saa, hap, isg15) of black rockfish were determined during hypoxia and reoxygenation to illustrate the underlying defense response mechanisms. Results showed that hypoxia stress remarkably increased hepatic LPO and MDA content, AST and ALT activity and proportion of pyknotic nucleus. Hepatic SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activity manifested similar results, whereas GSH levels significantly decreased under hypoxia stress. The apoptosis rate of hepatocyte increased during hypoxia stress and reoxygenation. Meanwhile, p53, caspase3, bax and xiap mRNAs and bax/bcl2 rations were significantly up-regulated under hypoxia stress. However, bcl2 mRNA was significantly down-regulated. Interestingly, hypoxia stress significantly increased NBT-positive cell percent, phagocytic index, respiratory burst and ACH50 activity, and lysozyme activity. The mRNA levels of c3, ilβ, ccl25, saa, hap and isg15 were significantly up-regulated in the liver, spleen and head-kidney under hypoxia stress. The above parameters recovered to normal status after reoxygenation for 24 h Thus, hypoxia stress impairs hepatic antioxidant capacity, induces oxidative damage and apoptosis via the xiap-p53-bax-bcl2 and the caspase-dependent pathways, but enhances host immunity by regulating nonspecific immune indices and related genes expression to maintain homeostasis in black rockfish. These findings will help fully understand the hypoxia tolerance mechanisms of black rockfish and provide more data for offshore open ocean farming.

Effects of Fish Meal Replacement with Composite Mixture of Soybean Protein Hydrolysates and Other Plant Proteins on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Target of Rapamycin Pathway in Largemouth Bass

AbstractA feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish meal replacement with a composite mixture of soybean protein hydrolysates and other plant proteins on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and target of rapamycin pathway in Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. Triplicate groups of Largemouth Bass were fed the diet formulated with 40% (FM40; control), 35% (FM35), 30% (FM30), or 25% (FM25) fish meal for 10 weeks. The results revealed that the best growth performance was achieved in the FM35 group, while a negative effect on growth was observed in the FM25 group. The feed intake of the FM30 and FM25 groups was significantly lower than the other two groups, while no significant difference was observed in feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio. No statistical difference was observed in the activity of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase with the replacement of fish meal. However, the replacement of fish meal with composite plant protein significantly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde content, and a significant improvement in total antioxidant capacity was observed in the FM35 group. Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of amino acid transporter LAT1 was significantly elevated in the FM35 group, while no significant difference was observed in the LAT2 expression among different treatments. No significant difference was observed in the expression of target of rapamycin among treatments. However, the expression of ribosomal protein S6 in the FM35 and FM30 groups was significantly higher than in the other two groups, while the replacement of fish meal significantly decreased the expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4EBP1. In summary, the composite mixture of soybean protein hydrolysates and other plant proteins can reduce the use of fish meal from 40% to 35%.

Effects of dietary β-glucan on growth rate, antioxidant status, immune response, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in genetic improvement of farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus)

This study was conducted to assess the influences of dietary β-glucan on growth rate, antioxidant status, immunity response, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% β-glucan, respectively. Fish with similar size (average body weight, 3.43 ± 0.02 g) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks with 40 juveniles per tank and hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 10 weeks. The fish were then challenged by A. hydrophila and their cumulative survival rate was recorded for the next week. No obvious influences on growth rate and feed utilization of GIFT were induced by dietary β-glucan addition (P > 0.05). However, dietary 0.4% β-glucan inclusion increased the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level but decreased the triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities (P < 0.05). Similarly, the increased intestinal superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) activities as well as the decreased intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species contents were also observed in GIFT fed diet with 0.4% β-glucan (P < 0.05). Dietary addition of 0.8% β-glucan increased the plasma SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and TAC activities, but reduced the plasma MDA content (P < 0.05). Dietary β-glucan inclusion regardless of levels improved the hepatic SOD, glutathione reductase, catalase, peroxidase, TAC, and acid phosphatase activities, but depressed the hepatic nitric oxide and MDA contents (P < 0.05). Plasma lysozyme activity was improved by the inclusion of 0.4% and 0.8% β-glucan (P < 0.05); plasma immunoglobulin M, complement 3 and complement 4 contents were improved by dietary β-glucan inclusion (P < 0.05); respiratory burst activity of macrophages was improved by the addition of 0.2% β-glucan (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary β-glucan supplementation reduced the mortality rate and increased the relative percentage survival of GIFT challenged by A. hydrophila (P < 0.05). These results indicated that suitable β-glucan inclusion (0.4–0.8%) could promote the antioxidant status, immune response and disease resistance of GIFT, and β-glucan can be used as a feed additive for GIFT.

The palliative effect of mulberry leaf and olive leaf ethanolic extracts on hepatic CYP2E1 and caspase-3 immunoexpression and oxidative damage induced by paracetamol in male rats

This study investigated the possible protective role of mulberry leaf (MLE) and olive leaf (OLE) ethanolic extracts against paracetamol (PTL)–induced liver injury in rats compared to silymarin as a reference drug. Initially, MLE and OLE were characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Then, forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: the negative control group orally received distilled water for 35 days, the PTL-treated group (PTG) received 500 mg PTL/kg b. wt. for 7 days, the MLE-treated group (MLTG) received 400 mg MLE/kg b. wt., the OLE-treated group (OLTG) received 400 mg OLE/kg b. wt., and the silymarin-treated group (STG) received 100 mg silymarin/kg b. wt. The last three groups received the treatment for 28 days, then PTL for 7 days. The GC–MS characterization revealed that MLE comprised 19 constituents dominated by ethyl linoleate, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, and squalene. Moreover, OLE comprised 30 components, and the major components were 11-eicosenoic acid, oleic acid, phytol, and à-tetralone. MLE and OLE significantly corrected the PTL-induced normocytic normochromic anemia, leukocytosis, hypercholesterolemia, and hypoproteinemia. Moreover, the MLE and OLE pretreatment considerably suppressed the PTL-induced increment in serum levels of hepatic enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Furthermore, the PTL-induced depletion in antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, and the rise in hepatic malondialdehyde content were significantly reversed by the MLE and OLE pretreatment. Besides, MLE and OLE pretreatment significantly protected the hepatic tissue against PTL-induced DNA damage, pathological perturbations, and increased caspase 3 and CYP2E1 immunoexpression. Of note, OLTG showed better enhancement of most indices rather than MLTG. Conclusively, these findings imply that OLE, with its antioxidant and antiapoptotic capabilities, is superior to MLE in protecting against PTL-induced liver injury.

Effects of Dietary Vitamin C on the Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, and Antioxidant Activity of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792) Postsmolts.

Vitamin C (VC) plays an essential role in fish physiological function and normal growth. However, its effects and requirement of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792) are still unknown. Based on the influences on growth, serum biochemical parameters, and antioxidative ability, an assessment of dietary VC requirement for coho salmon postsmolts (183.19 ± 1.91 g) was conducted with a ten-week feeding trial. Seven isonitrogenous (45.66% protein) and isolipidic (10.76% lipid) diets were formulated to include graded VC concentrations of 1.8, 10.9, 50.8, 100.5, 197.3, 293.8, and 586.7 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that VC markedly improved the growth performance indexes and liver VC concentration, enhanced the hepatic and serum antioxidant activities, and increased the contents of serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) whereas decreased the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, and triglyceride (TG) level. Polynomial analysis showed that the optimal VC levels in the diet of coho salmon postsmolts were 188.10, 190.68, 224.68, 132.83, 156.57, 170.12, 171.00, 185.50, 142.77, and 93.08 mg/kg on the basis of specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), liver VC concentration, catalase (CAT), hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and serum total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), AKP, AST, and ALT activities, respectively. The dietary VC requirement was in the range of 93.08-224.68 mg/kg for optimum growth performance, serum enzyme activities, and antioxidant capacity of coho salmon postsmolts.

Protective effects of protocatechuic acid on growth performance, intestinal barrier and antioxidant capacity in broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide

‘Prohibition of the antibiotic uses’ aggravates the problem of intestinal diseases in poultry, and nutritional regulation has become a research hotspot, such as supplementation with active ingredients derived from plants. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on growth, intestinal barrier, and antioxidant capacity of broilers injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Four hundred and eighty 1-day-old yellow feather broilers were randomly allocated to four groups, each with six replicates of 20 broilers. The treatments were basal diet + saline injection (CON) or LPS injection (CON-LPS), and diets with 300 or 600 mg/kg PCA supplementation + LPS injection (P300, P600). Birds were injected intramuscularly on 17th and 19th day of age, then sampled on day 21. The LPS injection significantly decreased BW and average daily gain of broilers, and compared with birds in CON-LPS, PCA supplementation increased (P < 0.05) those variables; moreover, 300 mg/kg PCA also decreased the feed-to-gain ratio. No differences were observed in relative weights of immune organs (P > 0.05). LPS decreased the villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C) in jejunum of broilers, while PCA (P300 and P600) increased (P < 0.05) the jejunal villus height and V/C compared with birds in CON-LPS. LPS challenge increased jejunal malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in plasma (P < 0.05); compared with birds in CON-LPS, jejunal and plasmal GSH-Px activity (P300 and P600) and jejunal T-SOD activity (P300) were decreased (P < 0.05), and hepatic MDA concentration (P600) was increased (P < 0.05). LPS significantly decreased the transcript abundances of OCLN, ZO-1, JAM2, MUC2, SOD1, CAT and GPX in jejunal mucosa of birds, and supplementation with PCA attenuated the decrease in OCLN, JAM2, and MUC2 expression compared with birds in CON-LPS; moreover, 600 mg/kg PCA offset the deduction in SOD1, CAT and GPX expression. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PCA could improve antioxidant status and attenuate the damage in intestinal barrier and loss in growth performance of LPS-challenged broilers, and 600 mg/kg PCA showed more improved effects on antioxidant capacity.

Effects of Enzymatic Cottonseed Protein Concentrate as a Feed Protein Source on the Growth, Plasma Parameters, Liver Antioxidant Capacity and Immune Status of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

This study appraised the impact of enzymatic cottonseed protein concentrate (ECP) as a fish meal (FM) substitute on the growth and health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (initial weight 14.99 ± 0.03 g). Five diets with equal nitrogen, fat, and energy were designed to replace 0%, 7.78%, 15.56%, 23.33%, and 31.11% FM by adding 0%, 3.6%, 7.2%, 10.8%, and 14.4% ECP, named ECP0, ECP3.6, ECP7.2, ECP10.8, and ECP14.4, respectively. We fed 300 fish with five experimental diets for 60 days. The results revealed that weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) did not notably reduce until the addition of ECP exceeded 7.2%. The proximate composition of fish was not affected by the amount of ECP added in diets. Plasma total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations increased with the increase of ECP dosage, while the triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity showed an opposite trend. For hepatic antioxidant capacity, the hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, glutathione (GSH) content, and the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and CAT were increased by ECP, while the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the expression of kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) were decreased. With regard to inflammation, the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were inhibited by ECP. In summary, the amount of ECP added to diet can reach 7.2% to replace 15.56% FM without hampering the growth of largemouth bass, and ECP can improve the antioxidant and immune capacity.

Water extract from artichoke ameliorates high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

BackgroundThe “multiple-hit” hypothesis is currently the most widely accepted theory for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the water extract of artichoke (WEA) on NAFLD and its underlying mechanism.MethodsRats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce NAFLD and then treated with WEA at three doses (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/kg body weight, BW) for 8 weeks. At the end of the intervention, serum biochemical parameters, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, liver histopathology, hepatic inflammatory gene and lipid metabolism gene expression, and Akt and p-Akt (S473) protein levels were determined.ResultsThe body weight, liver weight, liver triglyceride (TG) and serum levels of TG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, and insulin were all significantly reduced in the WEA-treated groups (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) compared with the HFD group (P < 0.01). A significant decrease in hepatic content of malondialdehyde (P < 0.01) and glutathione (P < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in liver superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.01) were observed in WEA-treated groups (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) compared to the HFD group. In addition, there was a marked decrease in the hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the WEA-treated groups compared to the HFD group (P < 0.01). In line with these findings, the histopathology of the livers of rats treated with WEA (0.8 and 1.6 g/kg BW) showed a decrease in steatosis, ballooning, and lobular inflammation. Mechanistically, the reduced hepatic TG content might be related to the downregulation of lipogenic genes (SREBP1c, FASN, SCD1) and upregulation of lipolytic gene (PPARα), and the improved insulin signaling might be associated with the observed increase in antioxidant activity and reduction in inflammation in the WEA-treated groups.ConclusionThe hepatoprotective role of WEA in NAFLD may be attributed to its anti-steatotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-insulin resistance effects.

Mechanistic Insights into the Ameliorative Effect of Cichoriin on Diabetic Rats-Assisted with an In Silico Approach.

Rats were allocated into five groups. Group I was considered as the control group, while the other groups were HFD/STZ-induced diabetic rats. Group II was assigned as the diabetic control. Groups III and IV were treated with cichoriin (50 or 100 mg/kg, respectively). Group V received glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) (as a positive control). The blood glucose (BG), serum insulin, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis of pancreatic tissue were performed. mRNA and protein expressions of GLUT4, AMPK, and PI3K were estimated. Cichoriin treatment ameliorated HFD/STZ-induced diabetic conditions and mitigated the histopathological characteristics of the pancreas, as well as increasing pancreatic insulin expression. This decreased the levels of BG, TG, TC, and MDA and improved the TAC, catalase and SOD contents. Cichoriin demonstrated upregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of GLUT4, AMPK, and PI3K. The in silico binding of cichoriin with GLUT4, AMPK, and PI3K supported the possible current activities. Collectively, this work highlighted the potential role of cichoriin in mitigating HFD/STZ-induced diabetic conditions and showed it to be a valuable product.

A multispecies probiotic modulates growth, digestive enzymes, immunity, hepatic antioxidant activity, and disease resistance of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings

An eight-week trial was designed by feeding Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings on diets supplemented with a multispecies probiotic comprised of three probiotic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Enterococcus faecium) in combination with a probiotic yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The effects were observed regarding growth, body composition, digestive enzymes, liver function enzymes, serum metabolites, immunological responses, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and resistance to the challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish (9.54 ± 0.50 g) were allocated into four triplicate groups and were fed on formulated pelleted diets enriched with varying levels of the probiotic as 0.0 (reference or CONT), 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g per 1 kg feed. After the feeding trial ended, a significant augmentation of the growth performance in terms of the fish's final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate were observed in the probiotic-enriched groups in comparison to the CONT group. There were also improvements in the feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Nevertheless, no variations were noticed in whole-body analysis, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), and serum metabolites (blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and creatinine) among the experimental groups. Meanwhile, digestive enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) and enzymatic antioxidant activities (CAT, SOD, and GPx) were increased in all probiotic-supplied groups in comparison with the CONT group. On the other side, hepatic malondialdehyde concentrations declined in probiotic-supplemented groups in relation to the CONT group. An improved immunological response (serum lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulins) was aligned with the higher cumulative survival of P. hypophthalmus in response to the pathogenic A. hydrophila challenge. Taken together, the enhancement of the growth, antioxidant activity, and immunity, aligned with increased resistance to A. hydrophila, can suggest the potentiality of dietary supplementation with a multispecies probiotic composed of probiotic bacteria and yeast to improve the functionality and effectuality of aquadiets prepared for this valuable fish species.

Clitoria ternatea blue petal extract protects against obesity, oxidative stress, and inflammation induced by a high-fat, high-fructose diet in C57BL/6 mice

This study examined the chemical compounds and bioactivity of the aqueous extract of Clitoria ternatea blue petals and investigated its beneficial effects in vivo on a mouse model of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The extract mainly contained flavonoids, and nine compounds were tentatively identified. Male C57BL/6J mice were either fed a standard diet (SD) or a high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFFD) for 16 weeks, and HFFD-fed animals were treated with 0.25%, 0.5%, and 2% (w/w) of the aqueous extract in drinking water. The aqueous extract ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation mediators. Furthermore, the aqueous extract reduced plasma leptin, free fatty acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and hepatic malondialdehyde content. The aqueous extract significantly reduced total cholesterol and ameliorated insulin resistance. The results demonstrated that the aqueous extract of C. ternatea blue petals contains bioactive anthocyanins that exert substantial hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects by promoting reverse cholesterol transport in HFFD-fed mice.

Replacement of Dietary Fishmeal Protein with Degossypolized Cottonseed Protein on Growth Performance, Nonspecific Immune Response, Antioxidant Capacity, and Target of Rapamycin Pathway of Juvenile Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

A 70-day feeding experiment was carried out to assess the replacement of dietary fishmeal (FM) protein with degossypolized cottonseed protein (DCP) on large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) with initial body weight (13.09 ± 0.50 g). Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets replaced fishmeal protein with 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% DCP were formulated and named as FM (the control group), DCP20, DCP40, DCP60, and DCP80, respectively. Results displayed that weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) in the DCP20 group (263.91% and 1.85% d-1) were significantly increased compared with the control group (194.79% and 1.54% d-1) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, fish fed the diet with 20% DCP significantly increased the activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the content of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) in the DCP20, DCP40, and DCP80 groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The activity of intestinal trypsin in the DCP20 group was significantly degraded compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05). The transcription of hepatic proinflammatory cytokine genes (interleukin-6 (il-6); tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α); and interferon-γ (ifn-γ)) in the DCP20 and DCP40 groups was significantly upregulated compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05). As to the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway, the transcription of hepatic target of rapamycin (tor) and ribosomal protein (s6) was significantly up-regulated, while the transcription of hepatic eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4e-bp1) gene was significantly downregulated in the DCP group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In summary, based on the broken line regression model analysis of WGR and SGR against dietary DCP replacement levels, the optimal replacement level was recommended to be 8.12% and 9.37% for large yellow croaker, respectively. These results revealed that FM protein replaced with 20% DCP could promote digestive enzyme activities and antioxidant capacity and further activate immune response and the TOR pathway so that growth performance of juvenile large yellow croaker was improved.

Growth performance, antioxidant activities, and immunological responses of hapa-reared thinlip mullet (Liza ramada) juveniles fed on diets supplemented with spirulina (Arthrospiraplatensis)

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) (SP) has been utilized for a long time as a valued feed supplement because of its proteinous content and other beneficial phytochemical compounds. Herein, we investigated the influences of SP-supplemented diets on growth, body somatic indices, digestive enzymes, hepatic antioxidant activities, and immunological responses of hapa-reared thinlip mullet (Liza ramada) juveniles. Fish were assigned in six triplicate groups and were fed for consecutive 60 days on the prepared experimental diets containing varying SP levels as 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 g/kg diet and defined as control (CNT or SP0), SP2, SP4, SP6, SP8, and SP10 groups, respectively. The results indicated that dietary SP supplementation linearly and quadratically improved the fish growth performance, and the highest growth indices were found in the SP8 group. However, dietary SP supplementation did not significantly alter feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (%), hepato-somatic index, and viscera-somatic index among all experimental groups. Meanwhile, digestive enzymes (lipase, α-amylase, and proteases) in the mid-intestine were also linearly and quadratically increased in all SP-fed groups, and their uppermost values were noted in the SP8 group. Hepatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in SP-supplemented groups were significantly elevated than the CNT group. Conversely, hepatic malondialdehyde contents were decreased significantly along with increasing dietary SP-supplementation levels. The immunological parameters such as lysozyme, respiratory burst, and alternative complement activities were significantly elevated in SP-fed groups than in the CNT group. These findings evoked that feeding SP-supplemented diets (especially at 8.0 g/kg diet) significantly promoted the growth, digestive enzymes, hepatic antioxidant status, and immunity of L. ramada juveniles.

An evaluation of graded levels of beta-sitosterol supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal permeability-related parameters and morphology in broiler chickens at an early age

This study was designed to examine the effects of different levels of beta-sitosterol (BS) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, redox status, and intestinal permeability-related parameters and morphology of young broilers. Two hundred and forty male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated into 5 groups of 6 replicates with 8 birds each, and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg BS for 21-d, respectively. The BS quadratically decreased feed conversion ratio during 1 to 14 d and 1 to 21 d, with its effect being more prominent at 25 or 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS linearly and quadratically reduced 14-d plasma diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate level, and this effect was more pronounced when its supplemental level was 25 or 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS linearly increased duodenal villus height (VH) and quadratically increased jejunal VH and ratio of VH and crypt depth (CD) at 14 d, and these effects in 25 mg/kg group were more remarkable (P < 0.05). Similarly, BS linearly or quadratically increased VH and ratio of VH and CD, but decreased CD in the jejunum and ileum at 21 d, with these effects being more pronounced at 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The BS supplementation especially at 50 or 75 mg/kg linearly or quadratically reduced 14-d serum and 21-d hepatic malondialdehyde concentration, and increased serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities at 14 and 21 d (P < 0.05). Moreover, the BS administration linearly and/or quadratically increased glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione level, and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation in the intestinal mucosa at 14 and/or 21 d, and these consequences were more significant in 50 to 100 mg/kg BS-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that BS administration could improve growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and antioxidant status of broilers at an early age, with these effects being more pronounced at a level of 50 mg/kg.

Diet supplementation of astaxanthin mitigates cadmium induced negative effects on oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and the intestinal morphology in Trachinotus ovatus

Knowledge about additive on alleviating the negative effects of fish exposed to cadmium (Cd) needs to be more identified in the aquaculture. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate whether diet supplemented with astaxanthin could mitigate adverse effects on hepatic Cd deposition, oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and intestinal morphology of Trachinotus ovatus exposed to dietary Cd treatment. Three isonitrogen-isolipid experimental diets supplemented with/without CdCl2/Astaxanthin were formulated to feed the T. ovatus for 30 days. Results demonstrated that considerably higher hepatic Cd level was found in two Cd supplementing groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while no statistical difference of hepatic Cd concentration between these two Cd supplementing groups (p > 0.05). The activity of hepatic total superoxide dismutase, RNA expression levels of hepatic Nrf2-keap1 pathway genes, pro-inflammatory genes, and non-specific immune genes were no statistical differences between the control group and the dietary Cd supplementing group (p > 0.05), while these data in the dietary Cd with astaxanthin group showed significantly higher than that in the dietary Cd without astaxanthin group (p < 0.05). On the contrary, hepatic malondialdehyde content in the dietary Cd group showed significantly higher than that in the control group and dietary Cd with astaxanthin group (p < 0.05). Significantly lower mid-intestine morphology parameters were obtained in the dietary Cd group than the control group (p < 0.05), while significantly higher data were found in the dietary Cd with astaxanthin group compared to the dietary Cd group (p < 0.05). These results indicated that astaxanthin could mitigate the inhibitory effects of Cd on the oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and intestinal morphology of T. ovatus while not reduce the hepatic Cd deposition.