Creatinine Kinase Activity Research Articles

Estrogen replacement therapy reverses spatial memory loss and pyramidal cell neurodegeneration in the prefrontal cortex of lead-exposed ovariectomized Wistar rats

BackgroundAlthough menopause is a component of chronological aging, it may be induced by exposure to heavy metals like lead. Interestingly, lead exposure, just like the postmenopausal state, has been associated with spatial memory loss and neurodegeneration; however, the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on menopause and lead-induced spatial memory loss and neurodegeneration is yet to be reported. AimThe present study investigated the effect and associated mechanism of HRT on ovariectomized-driven menopausal state and lead exposure-induced spatial memory loss and neurodegeneration. Materials and methodsThirty adult female Wistar rats were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5 rats/group); the sham-operated vehicle-treated, ovariectomized (OVX), OVX + HRT, lead-exposed, OVX + lead, and OVX + Lead + HRT groups. Treatment was daily via gavage and lasted for 28 days. ResultsOvariectomy and lead exposure impaired spatial memory deficit evidenced by a significant reduction in novel arm entry, time spent in the novel arm, alternation, time exploring novel and familiar objects, and discrimination index. These findings were accompanied by a marked distortion in the histology of the prefrontal cortex, and a decline in serum dopamine level and pyramidal neurons. In addition, ovariectomy and lead exposure induced metabolic disruption (as depicted by a marked rise in lactate level and lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase activities), oxidative stress (evidenced by a significant increase in MDA level, and decrease in GSH level, and SOD and catalase activities), inflammation (as shown by significant upregulation of myeloperoxidase activity, and TNF-α and IL-1β), and apoptosis (evidenced by a rise in caspase 3 activity) of the prefrontal cortex. The observed biochemical and histological perturbations were attenuated by HRT. ConclusionsThis study revealed that HRT attenuated ovariectomy and lead-exposure-induced spatial memory deficit and pyramidal neurodegeneration by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of the prefrontal cortex.

Adaptive capability of slow-growing backyard poultry as indicated by physiological and molecular responses in a hot and humid coastal climate

Assessing the adaptability of slow-growing rural chickens for improving thermotolerance to suit the global climate change is a major research need. This work was aimed to evaluate the adaptability of CARI-Debendra chickens and to identify the polymorphism as well as expression profiling of thermotolerant genes (HSP70 and GRP78) under prevailing temperature-humidity indices and thermal stress in a coastal environment. One hundred sixty straight run chicks were reared at THI≥75 (control) and THI>80 under coastal climate till 12 weeks. Polymorphism of HSP70 and GRP78 candidate genes were explored using restriction enzymes TaqI and HaeIII to identify possible thermotolerance markers. Expression profiling of both the genes in liver, intestine and pectoralis muscle was determined through quantitative real-time PCR. Rectal and body surface temperature recorded in the neck and back showed significant differences (P < 0.01) with higher temperature in THI>80 group. Comparatively lower live weights (P < 0.05) and poor FCR were recorded in THI>80 group. The villi height in all intestinal segments was significantly lower (P < 0.01), but deeper crypt depth was observed in THI>80 than control group. A lowest thymus weight (P < 0.05) was noted with no significant differences in immune response in treatment group. Serum levels of cholesterol, activities of lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine kinase and concentration of potassium, sodium and thyroxine hormone were not different between the 2 groups. The concentration of triiodothyronine and chloride ion was lower in THI>80 group indicating adaptive changes for thermoregulation. HSP70 gene expressions in the three tissues were differentially increased (P < 0.01) by temperature-humidity indices, but the expression of GRP78 was not different between the 2 groups. The results concluded that the environmental factors interact with genetics on adaptability towards thermotolerance in slow-growing chickens.

Glutamine-mediated Modulation of XO/uric acid/NF-kB Signaling Pathway Ameliorates Intestinal I/R-induced Bacterial Translocation and Cardiorenal Inflammatory Injury.

This study explored the effect of intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) on cardiorenal tissues. The involvement of xanthine oxidase/uric acid/NF-kB signaling in intestinal I/R was also investigated. In addition, the possible protective effect of glutamine was also evaluated. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were acclimatized and then randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6); sham-operated, glutamine-treated rats (GLUT), I/R, and I/R + GLUT. The sham-operated rats were sham-operated and received 0.5 mL of distilled water, GLUT rats were sham-operated and had 1 g/kg b.w. of glutamine, I/R animals had an intestinal I/R procedure and received 0.5 mL of distilled water, and the I/R + GLUT rats had an intestinal I/R procedure and also received 1 g/kg b.w. of glutamine. Treatments were daily and per os. Glutamine attenuated intestinal I/R-induced rise in intestinal and cardiorenal activities of creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase and lactate level. More so, glutamine alleviated I/R-induced rise in malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase, uric acid, myeloperoxidase, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1β, caspase 3 activity, and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, glutamine suppressed I/R-induced decline in GSH levels and SOD and catalase activities. Moreover, glutamine improved intestinal, cardiac, and renal histology in animals subjected to intestinal I/R.

Protein, Lipid and Carbohydrate-Energy Metabolism Indices in Rats under Acute and Chronic Hypokinetic Stress and their Combinations

This article presents the research findings regarding protein, lipid, and carbohydrate-energy metabolism indices in rats under acute (AS) and chronic hypokinetic stress (HS) and their combinations. HS and its combinations with AS were found to decrease protein metabolism indices to various extents, causing a negative nitrogen balance in the body. HS and its combinations with AS increased lipid metabolism indices, which are the factors of atherogenesis in the body (levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins). HS and its combinations with AS increased the glucose level and decreased the creatinine kinase activity, with the values being statistically significant. AS and HS and their combinations increased significantly the lactate dehydrogenase activity.

Systemic glucose-insulin-potassium reduces skeletal muscle injury, kidney injury, and pain in a murine ischaemia-reperfusion model.

Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) is protective following cardiac myocyte ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, however the role of GIK in protecting skeletal muscle from IR injury has not been evaluated. Given the similar mechanisms by which cardiac and skeletal muscle sustain an IR injury, we hypothesized that GIK would similarly protect skeletal muscle viability. A total of 20 C57BL/6 male mice (10 control, 10 GIK) sustained a hindlimb IR injury using a 2.5-hour rubber band tourniquet. Immediately prior to tourniquet placement, a subcutaneous osmotic pump was placed which infused control mice with saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and treated mice with GIK (40% glucose, 50 U/l insulin, 80 mEq/L KCl, pH 4.5) at a rate of 16 µl/hr for 26.5 hours. At 24 hours following tourniquet removal, bilateral (tourniqueted and non-tourniqueted) gastrocnemius muscles were triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC)-stained to quantify percentage muscle viability. Bilateral peroneal muscles were used for gene expression analysis, serum creatinine and creatine kinase activity were measured, and a validated murine ethogram was used to quantify pain before euthanasia. GIK treatment resulted in a significant protection of skeletal muscle with increased viability (GIK 22.07% (SD 15.48%)) compared to saline control (control 3.14% (SD 3.29%)) (p = 0.005). Additionally, GIK led to a statistically significant reduction in gene expression markers of cell death (CASP3, p < 0.001) and inflammation (NOS2, p < 0.001; IGF1, p = 0.007; IL-1β, p = 0.002; TNFα, p = 0.012), and a significant reduction in serum creatine kinase (p = 0.004) and creatinine (p < 0.001). GIK led to a significant reduction in IR-related pain (p = 0.030). Systemic GIK infusion during and after limb ischaemia protects murine skeletal muscle from cell death, kidneys from reperfusion metabolites, and reduces pain by reducing post-ischaemic inflammation.

Cardio-Protective Effect of the Leaf Extract of Andrographis paniculata in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction

Background: Nowadays, myocardial infarction has been regarded as one of the chronic diseases with increasing mortality rate worldwide. The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of this chronic disease is gaining wide acceptance globally.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was carried out to evaluate the cardio-protective effect of the leaf extract of A. paniculata in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. Fresh green leaves of A paniculata were collected from the Faculty of Agriculture farmland, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. The plant was identified and authenticated at the Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a voucher specimen was deposited at the herbarium accordingly. The shredded, air-dried sample was then pulverized and weighed. Solvent-solvent (ethanol and water) (7:3) was used for extraction via maceration for 72 hr. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to obtain the ethanol extract which was used for further bioassay study. The bioactive constituents of the plant extract were quantitatively analyzed by Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The animals were administered with the extract of A. paniculata orally for seven days at a divided dose of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weights. On the eight day, myocardial infarction was induced through subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day diluted in 2 ml of saline on two consecutive days. Subsequently, the blood pressures were monitored and blood collected for bioassay studies.&#x0D; Results: The results of the study showed that the leaf extract of A. paniculata was rich in 2,5-Octadecadiynoic acid, methyl ester (28.21%); 1,2,3,5-Cyclohexanetetrol,(1à,2á,3à,5á)- (15.10 %) and 10-12-Pentacosadiynoic acid (13.05%). The findings also showed a significant decrease (p&gt;0.05) in the Mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities of the treatment group compared with the untreated control group while the antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione) activities were significantly increased in the treatment group, compared with the untreated control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of this work have shown that leaf of A. paniculata was rich in bioactive compounds which could be synthesized to produce plant based products to combat cardiovascular diseases especially myocardial infarction.

Effect of various level of MDMP-4en-PINACA Orally Gavaged to Wistar rats

This research studied effects MDMB-4en-PINACA on white Wistar rats’ liver, kidney, and heart, as well as their biologicaland hematological parameters. For 14 days, 24 male albino rats received orally. First group was the control group; groups2 and 3 received 5 and 50 mg/kg (bw) MDMB-4en-PINACA. Liver and kidneys deteriorated in treated rats. Small clustersof inflammatory cells, “cytoplasmic degeneration with karyolysis”, “venous congestion with hemorrhage” and “edema”,and “steatosis deterioration” were among the liver’s histological abnormalities. Tubular deterioration increased, as did theappearance of tubular casts, and glomeruli suffered from atrophy followed by an increase in Bowman’s gap in renal tissue.Tubular also showed signs of disintegration, including the formation of foam cells that seemed empty in the glomerulus.Myocardial fibers, the central disc nucleus, and endothelial cells were all healthy. The value of HGB, RBC, HCT and MCHCwere higher in groups 2&amp;3 and the values of MCV, MCH and WBC were decreased in groups 2&amp;3. The activity of serumAST, ALT, ALP and Creatinine Kinase and the concentrations of total protein, Albumin, Triglyceride, Total Bilirubin, DirectBilirubin, Urea, and Creatinine in number 2 group and 3 were greater than that of the control. and that of Cholesterol andHDL were lower in groups 2and 3. According to this research, synthetic cannabis’ (MDMB-4en-PINACA) negative effects areworse on the liver and kidneys in group 3 than group 2.

Haematological and biochemical reference intervals in healthy Ragdoll cats.

Breed-specific reference intervals (RIs) may be necessary to avoid misinterpretation of laboratory results. The main aim of this study was to establish haematobiochemical RIs for Ragdoll cats. Forty-two clinically healthy adult (0.8-10 years old) Ragdoll cats (Ragdoll population [RP]) and 60 non-Ragdoll cats as the control population (CP) were prospectively enrolled. Results of haematology, biochemistry and total thyroxine (TT4) were used to determine both Ragdoll-specific and general feline population RIs for each variable using Reference Value Advisor software according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. For each analyte, RIs of the RP were calculated and compared with those obtained from the CP. Haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, reticulocyte absolute count, platelet count and lymphocyte absolute number were statistically different from the CP. Biochemistry RIs revealed a statistical difference in creatinine kinase (CK), total protein, urea, creatinine, glucose, total calcium and iron. Haematobiochemical RIs of the general feline population must be used with caution in Ragdoll cats when it comes to iron and glucose concentrations, CK activity and absolute lymphocyte number. For these parameters, the use of breed-specific RIs is suggested. The docile and more relaxed nature of this breed may explain these differences and further investigations are necessary to better understand the results. Furthermore, investigations are needed to evaluate the possible benefits of breed-specific urea RIs.

Muscle pain and muscle weakness in COVID19 patients: Cross-talk with statins – Preliminary results

BackgroundMuscle pain and muscle weakness, common symptoms among statin-treated patients, may worsen with COVID-19 infection. AimsThe aim of the paper was to find out if concomitant COVID-19 infections increase the frequency of specific side effects of statins such as muscle pain and muscle weakness. MethodA total of 66 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 without comorbidities participated in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: statin-users who had not experienced adverse effects of statins in the past (statin group (SG)) and patients who had not used any drugs in the past six months (control group (CG)). The severity of muscle pain and creatinine kinase (CK) activity was evaluated in each patient, and muscle weakness was confirmed by a dynamometer test (grip strength on both hands). ResultsIn SG, muscle pain was more common and it was characterized by a high level of intensity. Muscle weakness occurred more frequently in the SG and it was more frequent compared to CG. The CK parameter was observed to be higher in the SG compared to the CG and was often associated with the severity of muscle pain in the range of moderate to severe. ConclusionsOur study indicates that COVID-19 is associated with the higher risk of occurrence of typical statin-related side effects, especially with more advanced age, which should be considered in future trials and treatments.

Anacardium occidentale stem bark extract ameliorates hepato-renal oxidative injury in rat: Potential usefulness in the treatment of multiple organ diseases

Anacardium occidentale (cashew) stem bark is habitually used for the treatment of multiple diseases in traditional medicine. The present study investigates its curative potentials in rat model of liver and kidney toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). This was done to provide a cheap but potent therapeutic alternative in the management of liver and kidney diseases. Twenty five adult male albino rats were divided equally into five groups (I-V) and exposed to 3.0 ml/kg b.w. CCl4 except group I animals that received distilled water. Each of the exposed groups was administered different treatments for fourteen days. Levels of selected markers such as creatinine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as urea, uric acid and bilirubin were determined. Lipid profile in the serum and organs homogenates (liver, kidney and heart) including level of reduced glutathione (GSH), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also assessed. Results indicated that exposure to CCl4 caused significant increase in the activities of CK, AST, ALP, ALT as well as the levels of bilirubin, urea and uric acid as compared to the control. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were significantly increased, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) was decreased following exposure to CCl4. Activities of the superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as level of reduced glutathione were diminished after exposure to CCl4. Photomicrograph of the stained tissue indicate the toxic effect of CCl4. Treatment with A. occidentale stem bark extract caused a restoration of all biochemical parameters determined as confirmed by histopathological results. These findings showed that A. occidentale exhibited positive modulatory effects on liver, kidney and heart. It can therefore be considered a therapeutically useful plant in the treatment of hepatic and renal diseases.

Relationships between the age and blood test results or body sizes in Noma horses.

The objective of this study is to analyze the relationships between the age and blood test results or body sizes in Noma horses by using the results of periodical health examination. Out of 45 hematological or physical items examined, statistically significant, but loose correlations were observed in 14 items. Red blood cell count, activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine kinase, concentrations of calcium and inorganic phosphorus decreased with aging. Conversely, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, lipase activity, γ-globulin and chloride concentrations, body height, chest circumference and cannon bone circumference increased with aging. The changes in a few items seemed unique to Noma horse. However, most age-related changes found in this study might be considered as a common trend in horse breeds rather than distinctive characteristic in Noma horse.

Ergogenic property of Morinda citrifolia L. leaf extract affects energy metabolism in obese Sprague Dawley rats.

Ergogenic property is the ability to enhance capacity for physical activities through efficient production of energy and is potentially beneficial in weight management for the obese. In this study, ergogenic property of Morinda citrifolia leaf's extract (MCL) was evaluated using AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and high fat diet-induced obese rats. Findings from the study showed that MCL demonstrated ergogenic activity via enhancement of AMPK activity using L6 skeletal muscle cell line. Interestingly, the result also revealed that rats treated with the intermediate dosage of MCL experienced the lowest % weight gain. The rats fed the highest dose of 200mg/kg BW MCL demonstrated the longest swimming time of approximately three times that of green tea and caffeine-fed rats. The highest dose fed rats were also found to have lower glucose and lactate levels, suggesting that energy metabolism was more effective in these rats. In addition, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase activities, the muscle injury indicators, were found to be the lowest in rats fed the highest MCL dose. The same effect was not seen in rats fed either caffeine or green tea, indicating that MCL treatment is may be protective of the rats' muscles. It was also shown that MCL consisted of various flavonoids with epicatechin, catechin, and quercetin that may be responsible for the effects measured. In conclusion, improvements were seen in rats fed MCL in terms of weight management, endurance capacity, energy metabolism, and muscle injury parameters. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Results of the study revealed that Morinda citrifolia leaf has great potential to be used as functional ingredient in the development of designer food/drink as ergogenic aid for both obese and non-obese individuals. Morinda citrifolia leaf could help in the weight management of obese people and enhance endurance capacity and energy metabolism in active individuals.

Ethanolic Extract of Whole Unripe Plantain Musa paradisiaca Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rat

Aim: Globally, burden of liver and kidney diseases has been on the increase in recent times. The present study therefore investigates the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potentials of unripe plantain Musa paradisiaca on CCl4-induced oxidative damage in albino rat. This was with the aim of providing a locally available and potent therapeutic alternative to the conventional drugs used in the management of liver and kidney diseases.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti between July 2018 and January, 2019. &#x0D; Methodology: Twenty-five adult male albino rats were placed into seven groups of 5 animals each. Group I animals received distilled water throughout the duration of the experiment, while group II were exposed to CCl4 only. Groups III, IV, V and VI received 3 ml/kg b.w of CCl4 intraperitoneally but were post treated with 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of unripe plantain extract respectively while group seven were post-treated with silymarin by oral gavage. Animals were sacrificed for the excision of the liver and kidney. Activities of creatinine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as levels of urea, uric acid, bilirubin and lipid profile were assessed. Tissue antioxidant level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also determined.&#x0D; Results: Exposure to CCl4 caused a significant derangement in lipid profile, resulting in the increase in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) while high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was diminished. Liver and kidney biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, CK, urea, uric acid and bilirubin were also significantly elevated in the serum relative to the control animals following exposure to CCl4. Activities of antioxidant enzymes in the serum were markedly inhibited by CCl4 exposure. Treatment with Musa paradisiaca extract caused a dose-dependent restoration of all biochemical parameters determined, while histopathological observation was in agreement with biochemical results.&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings showed that Musa paradisiaca extract exhibited positive modulatory effects on the liver and kidney subjected to oxidative attack, hence, its potential usefulness in the management diseases associated with these organs.

Ameliorative Effect of Acetyl L-carnitine in Alzheimer's Disease via Downregulating of Homocysteine Levels in Hyperhomocysteinemia Induced Cognitive Deficit in Mouse Model.

The study was aimed at exploring the role of Acetyl L-Carnitine supplementation attenuating dementia and degradation of cognitive abilities in Hyperhomocysteinemia induced AD manifestations in the mouse model. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder that is marked by dementia, and degradation of cognitive abilities. There is great popularity gained by natural supplements as the treatment for AD, due to the higher toxicities of synthetic drugs. Hyperhomocysteinemia causes excitotoxicity to the cortical neurons, which brought us to the point that amino acids possibly have a role in causing cholinergic deformities, which are an important etiological parameter in AD. Acetyl L-Carnitine a methyl donor with the presence of three chemically reactive methyl groups linked to a nitrogen atom was found to possess neuroprotective activity against experimental models of AD. The objective of the present investigation was to investigate and evaluate the pharmacological effect of Acetyl L-Carnitine against hyperhomocysteinemia induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the mouse model. The animals were divided into normal control (vehicle-treated), HHcy (dl-Homocysteine thiolactone treated) negative control, test group i.e., low dose (50mg/kg, p.o) of acetyl L-carnitine (L-ALC), high dose (100mg/kg,p.o) of acetyl L-carnitine (H-ALC), L-ALC+ SOV (Sodium orthovanadate) and H-ALC+SOV. HHcy was induced by administration of dl-Homocysteine thiolactone (dl-HCT; 1 g/kg, p.o.) on day-1 to day-15 of experimental schedule to all animals except normal control. The changes in the behaviour pattern of the animals due to neuroinflammation, and cholinergic dysfunction were examined in rotarod, novel objective recognition, passive avoidance, elevated plus maze, and morris water maze analysis. Biochemical investigation includes the estimation of total homocysteine (tHcy), Creatinine Kinase (CK), Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) and IL-6 and TNF-α. Supplementation of ALC in mouse considerably lowered the HHcy-induced AD manifestations in the experimental animals. It was found that ALC and SOV successfully diminished the behaviour abnormalities and lessened the Hcy-induced alteration in systemic Hcy levels, CK activity, and cholinergic dysfunction with improved bioenergetics in the Prefrontal cortex of the mice. ALC was found to improve the HHcy-induced cognitive disabilities which was found to be associated with the decreased systemic levels of Hcy, CK, and cholinergic abnormalities. It also combats the oxidative stress-induced neuroinflammation with diminished pro-inflammatory markers in the pre frontal cortex. The outcomes collectively indicate ALC's potential to be used as a supplementation in the pharmacotherapy of AD.

Effects of different photoperiods on growth performance and health status of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) juveniles

This study investigated the effects of photoperiod duration on growth, heamatological and blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Triplicate groups of juvenile fish (33.22 ± 4.68 g) were kept in a recirculating aquaculture system and exposed to five different photoperiods [light/dark (L/D), h] as follows: 8L:16D; 12L:12D; 16L:8D; 20L:4D and 24L:0D. All the fish were fed a commercial diet at a fixed ratio of 1% body mass with daily inspection of the consumed feed. The experiment lasted 16 weeks and fish growth was monitored at 4-week intervals. The results revealed the significant effect of photoperiod duration on growth rate and feed utilization. The constant light exposure (24L:0D) benefited weight gain (WG) only during the first four weeks while thereafter negative impacts were noticed. At the end of the feeding trial, the highest WG and specific growth rate were obtained in the 8L:16D group which significantly differed from those of the 12L:12D and 16L:8D groups. Although fish feed intake was not influenced by photoperiod duration, better feed conversion ratio was found in the 8L:16D group. Moreover, the same group exhibited the highest hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indices, and haemoglobin concentration. The highest plasma total protein and globulin concentrations were recorded for the 16L:8D group. Plasma glucose concentration decreased by prolongation of light duration while opposite trends were observed for plasma ammonia concentration and creatinine kinase activity. The highest alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were found in 20L:4D and 12L:12D groups, respectively. Moreover, plasma alkaline phosphatase activity significantly decreased in 12L:12D and 16L:8D groups. Longer light duration led to remarkable increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in fish liver, brain and gill indicating the incidence of oxidative stress. Likewise, boosted antioxidant responses were found in liver [glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)], brain (GST) and kidney (superoxide dismutase) as light duration extended. These findings suggest that 8 L:16D is favouring better growth, organosomatic index and antioxidant capacity of largemouth bass juveniles reared in RAS.

Se-[(2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl] 4-Chlorobenzoselenolate Attenuates Inflammatory Response, Nociception, and Affective Disorders Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice.

Despite major advances, not all patients achieve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission, thus highlighting a pressing need for new therapeutic treatments. Given this scenario, this study sought to evaluate Se-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl] 4-chlorobenzoselenolate (Se-DMC) potential on a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced unilateral arthritis model. The effects of Se-DMC (5 mg/kg; oral dose) and meloxicam (5 mg/kg; oral dose), both administered to animals daily for 14 days, on paw edema, mechanical sensitivity, neurobehavioral deficits (anxiogenic- and depressive-like behaviors), Na+/K+-ATPase activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation were evaluated in male Swiss mice exposed to CFA (intraplantar injection of 0.1 mL; 10 mg/mL). Se-DMC reduced the paw withdrawal threshold and CFA-induced paw edema. Histopathological results revealed the antiedematogenic potential of the compound, which was evidenced by lower quantities of dilated lymphatic vessels compared with the CFA group. Se-DMC reduced mRNA relative expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the hippocampus and paw of CFA mice. The CFA-induced anxiogenic- and depressive-like behaviors were reversed by Se-DMC to the control levels in the elevated plus-maze and tail suspension tests. Se-DMC reduced the paw reactive species levels and restored the superoxide dismutase (hippocampus and paw) and Na+/K+-ATPase (hippocampus) activities previously increased by CFA. Moreover, CFA administration inhibited serum creatinine kinase activity, albeit the Se-DMC effects did not appear to involve the modulation of this enzyme and were equal to or greater than meloxicam. Se-DMC attenuates CFA-induced inflammatory response, nociception, and neurobehavioral deficits in mice.

Effects of the chelating agent DTPA on naturally accumulating metals in the body

Diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) is the most widely used chelating agent for Pu and Am. Volunteers were assigned to receive intravenous injections or aerosol inhalations of 1 g of DTPA on days 1-4; volunteers received once daily injections of CaDTPA or ZnDTPA, CaDTPA inhalation as an aerosol, or CaDTPA injection on day 1 and ZnDTPA on days 2-4. CaDTPA injection or inhalation increased the excretion rates of Zn in urine with concomitantly reduced levels of serum Zn. Injection of CaDTPA reduced activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) in parallel with the kinetics of Zn, whereas CaDTPA and ZnDTPA injection reduced activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reduced activities of creatinine kinase (CK) were observed upon CaDTPA injection and its inhalation. Intravenous administration of CaDTPA and ZnDTPA enhanced excretion rates of Mn in urine, whereas transient reduction of Mn levels in serum was detected only via CaDTPA injection. Both CaDTPA and ZnDTPA transiently reduced levels of Mg in serum without affecting the excretion rates. On the other hand, both DTPAs increased excretion rates of toxic metals such as Pb and Cd, and CaDTPA also increased the rates of Hg. These results suggest that DTPA, and especially CaDTPA, removes essential metals and that the activities of these metalloenzymes are good indicators for the imbalance of essential metals during the DTPA administration. Our results also show that CaDTPA injection is more potent for removing these metals than ZnDTPA and inhalation of CaDTPA, and DTPA may be useful for the treatment of acute heavy metal poisoning with Pb, Cd, or Hg.

Diclofenac Administration after Physical Training Blunts Adaptations of Peripheral Systems and Leads to Losses in Exercise Performance: In Vivo and In Silico Analyses.

Recovery in athletes is hampered by soreness and fatigue. Consequently, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as an effective strategy to maintain high performance. However, impact of these drugs on adaptations induced by training remains unknown. This study assessed the effects of diclofenac administration (10 mg/kg/day) on rats subjected to an exhaustive test, after six weeks of swimming training. Over the course of 10 days, three repeated swimming bouts were performed, and diclofenac or saline were administered once a day. Trained animals exhibited higher muscle citrate synthase and lower plasma creatinine kinase activities as compared to sedentary animals, wherein diclofenac had no impact. Training increased time to exhaustion, however, diclofenac blunted this effect. It also impaired the increase in plasma and liver interleukin-6 levels. The trained group exhibited augmented catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, and a higher ratio of reduced-to-oxidized glutathione in the liver. However, diclofenac treatment blunted all these effects. Systems biology analysis revealed a close relationship between diclofenac and liver catalase. These results confirmed that regular exercise induces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are crucial for tissue adaptations. Altogether, diclofenac treatment might be helpful in preventing pain and inflammation, but its use severely affects performance and tissue adaptation.

Effects of Dietary Soybean (Glycine max) on Growth Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of African Carp (Labeo Cubie Ruppell 1832)

The effects of dietary replacements of fish meal with soybean meal on growth performance, heamatology and serum biochemistry in juvenile Labeo cubie were evaluated. Four hundred and fifty (450) apparently healthy juvenile Laboe cubie were distributed into one of fifteen 1000 L tanks divided into five groups and fed any of diets A (0% soybean meal); B (30% soybean meal); C (40% soybean meal); D (45% soybean meal) and diet E (75% soybean meal) for 56 days. At set time points day 7, 14, 28 and day 56, five fish were randomly selected per tank for growth assessments, heamatology and serum biochemical evaluations. Growth performance indices decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) along the gradient of soybean meal inclusion and the duration of feeding. The erythrocytes count increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) at day 14 in fish fed soybean meal diets and decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) beginning at day 28 in fish fed soybean meal-based diets. The haematocrit of fish fed diets D and E were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower at day 28 compared to day 56. There were no significant variations in haemoglobin concentration and the leucocytes counts (p &gt; 0.05). The proteins, blood glucose and the transaminases increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) along gradient of dietary inclusion and duration of feeding in the first 28 days while creatinine kinase activity, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid concentration remained significantly elevated (p &lt; 0.05) in fish fed the soybean meal-based diets. The results of the study show juvenile L. cubie may tolerate up to 40% dietary inclusion of soybean meal as replacement for fish meal.

Doxorubicin-Induced Cardio Toxicity in Albino Rats Protected by Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Leaf Extract

Cardiovascular disease is the world's leading cause of death, killing 17 to 19 million people each year. The usage of traditional drugs was influenced by the need for effective medications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease without side effects. The current study investigated the cardio-protective effects of Adansonia digitata leaf extract on doxorubicin-mediated cardiotoxicity in laboratory rats. Thirty-five albino rats were divided into five groups, each consisting of seven rats. Group 1 was given filtered water as a control, while Group 2 was given saline and doxorubicin, Group 3 received doxorubicin and Vitamin E, and Groups IV and V were myocardial oxidative animals treated with Adansonia digitata leaf extract (150 and 300 mg/kg/wt) for two weeks. After the rats were sacrificed, their hearts were collected and homogenized for biochemical assays. The results on the activities of creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate amino transferase (AST), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde were determined. Histopathology examination was used in addition to assays to validate myocardial damage. In comparison to the control group, rats provided doxorubicin showed a significant increase in the activities of cardiac marker enzymes (CK, LDH, and AST), as well as a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration with a concomitant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and NOS), implying cardiotoxicity. In rats with doxorubicin-induced myocardial infection, pretreatment with Adansonia digitata leaf extract reduced myocardial damage, these biochemical results were confirmed by histopathology. Finally, the new study demonstrates that Adansonia digitata has cardioprotective properties.