Decrease In Final Body Weight Research Articles

Ameliorative effects of L-carnitine as an antioxidant against testicular toxicity induced by AlCl3 in male albino rats.

The goal of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of L-carnitine (20 mg/kg bw, 1/20 LD 50) against aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on the quality of the male rats' testicles and sperm, as well as to determine whether or not the effects of AlCl3 could be counteracted by using L-carnitine as an antioxidant. Six groups of 36 adult male albino rats (n=6) were randomly formed. In Group I (Gp I), saline injection was given orally as a control. Group II (Gp II) was injected orally with 75 mg/kg body weight of L-carnitine. Group III (Gp III) was given a high dose of L-carnitine (150 mg/kg body weight) orally, while Group IV (G IV) was given a low dose of AlCl3 (20 mg/kg body weight). Group V (Gp V) was given an oral injection of AlCl3 (20 mg/kg) and L-carnitine (75 mg/kg body weight). Group VI (Gp VI) was given AlCl3 at a dose of 20 mg/kg and L-carnitine at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight for 60 days. The reproductive capacity of each group was assessed. Thus, in addition to histopathological analysis and the comet assay to evaluate sperm DNA deterioration, final body weight, testicular weight change, and sperm analysis were carried out. The findings revealed that AlCl3 caused a significant decrease in final body weight, relative weight of sex organs, sperm concentration, motility and viability, serum testosterone concentration, and a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, AlCl3 caused visible changes in the histological structure of the testis. L-carnitine treatment alleviated the harmful effects of AlCl3, as evidenced histopathologically by a noticeable improvement in testis tissues. When it comes to treating AlCl3-induced reproductive toxicity in male rat testes, L-carnitine shows promise.

Curative Effects of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) Aqueous Extract on Reproductive Parameters and Oxidative Stress Markers in Female Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Exposed to Lead

Some medicinal plants with antioxidant properties have protective effects on reproductive parameters and neutralize the harmful effects of hazardous. Spirulina possesses high concentration of nutrients responsible of their biological activities and nutritional properties. The present study aimed at assessing the protective effect of aqueous extract of Spirulina platensis (AESP) in alleviating the lead-induced impairment of reproductive function in female guinea pig. For this purpose, Sixty (60) sexually mature females were divided into six groups of ten (10) animals each. The first batch served as neutral control, receiving distilled water, the second as negative control, receiving lead acetate at a dose of 12 mg/kg body weight (bw) while the third set, the positive control, was given 12 mg of lead acetate/kg bw and 100 mg of vitamin C; the groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 12 mg/kg bw of lead acetate and thereafter received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bw of AESP respectively. Lead acetate was administered for 30 days and then after the curative substances were given for 60 days. All the administrations were done through oral route. The reproductive and biochemical parameters were studied. Results revealed that lead acetate induced significant (p<0.05) decrease in final body weight, sex organs weight, concentrations of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Lead acetate also lead to an increase in malondiadehyde concentration and to a drop in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The post exposure treatment of female guinea pig with AESP improved the harmful effects of Lead acetate. Therefore, the AESP can be promising as a natural therapeutic agent in Lead-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in female guinea pig.

Effects of reducing the standardized ileal digestible lysine and tryptophan to lysine ratio to slow growth of finishing pigs.

The COVID-19 global pandemic greatly affected pork processing plants in the United States. These pork processing plants were forced to either temporarily close or operate at reduced capacity due to the increased number of health-related employee absences. Because finishing pigs could not be timely marketed, methods to reduce growth performance were required to keep pigs from becoming too heavy at slaughter weight. Therefore, our objective was to determine the extent that reducing dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys and tryptophan-to-lysine ratio (Trp:Lys) ratio would slow finishing pig average daily gain (ADG) in a commercial setting. A total of 1,080 finishing pigs (327 × 1050, PIC; initially 32.3 kg) were used in a 119-d growth trial. Pigs were allotted by initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a completely randomized block design with 27 pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment. Three dietary regimes were formulated to contain either 100%, 90%, or 80% of the estimated SID Lys requirement for pigs in this facility, with a SID Trp:Lys ratio of 19%, with the exception of the last dietary phase formulated to 17% SID Trp:Lys. Seven different dietary phases were fed. The SID Lys concentrations in the 100% diets were: 1.10%, 1.01%, 0.91%, 0.83%, 0.79%, 0.71%, or 0.67% SID Lys from 32 to 40, 40 to 51, 51 to 72, 72 to 85, 85 to 98, 98 to 112, and 112 to 130 kg, respectively. A fourth regime was formulated to 80% SID Lys with a SID Trp:Lys ratio of 16% (80-16% SID Trp:Lys) throughout all phases. Overall from d 0 to 119, ADG (linear, P < 0.001), final BW (linear, P < 0.001), and gain-to-feed (G:F) decreased (linear, P = 0.087) as SID Lys decreased from 100% to 80% of the estimated requirement. Pigs fed the 80-16% SID Trp:Lys diets had an additional decrease in ADG (P < 0.05) and G:F (P < 0.10) compared with pigs fed 80% of the SID Lys requirement with the normal Trp:Lys ratio. The reduction in SID Lys (from 100% to 80%) and reduction in SID Lys and Trp:Lys ratio resulted in an 8.6 and 11.7 kg, respectively, decrease in final BW compared with pigs fed Lys and Trp at the requirement (100%). This study provides alternatives for pork producers to reduce growth rate of finishing pigs.

Effect of Dietary Ceramide and Glucosylceramide on the Alleviation of Experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice.

Ceramide prepared from glucosylceramide (GlcCer) with Gluceribacter canis NATH-2371T was administrated to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model mice. Dietary ceramide significantly suppressed the decrease in final body weight, and the increase in the disease activity index and myeloperoxidase activity more greatly than GlcCer in IBD mice. Intestinal microbiome profiles were found to be altered in IBD mice, but ceramide counteracted the changes. These results suggest that dietary plant-based ceramide may alleviate symptoms of IBD in mice.

Ameliorative Effect of Ghrelin on Thyroxin Hormones and Body Weight in Hyperthyroidism Male rats

The study's objective is to evaluate the enhanced effect of the ghrelin on the body weight and thyroid hormones in male rats after inducing hyperthyroidism by L–thyroxin. The rats (95 males) were split into two groups. The first group consisted of 25 male rats that were given normal saline for 30 days S.C and set as a control group. While the remainder of the animals were given levothyroxine 500g/kg subcutaneously for 30 days to induce hyperthyroidism. after induction the divided into 4 groups as followe ,the first one was the control group that mentioned previously, the second group was male rats were given normal saline for 30 days S.C, the third group was male rats were given ghrelin at a dose of (0.5nmol/100μl saline) for 30 days S.C, and the fourth group was male rats (1nmol/100μl saline) for 30 days S.C. The fifth group consisted of hyperthyroidism male rats that was given ghrelin at a dosage of (2nmol/100μl saline) for 30 days S.C. The results of final weight and weight gain are presented showed no significant difference in initial weight within all groups that were observed, while a significant decrease in final body weight in hyperthyroidism group compared with control group. On the other hand, the results revealed a significant decrease in body weight gain in male rats have hyperthyroidism compared with the control group. While the results observed a significant increase final body weight and body weight gain in all treated rats with ghrelin as compared with hyperthyroidism group. On other hand, the effect of hyperthyroidism on serum TSH, T3, and T4 concentrations revealed that the hyperthyroidism group had a significant rise in serum T3 and T4 concentrations when compared to the control group. While no significant drop in serum TSH concentration was observed in all hyperthyroidism groups handled with ghrelin (0.5, 1 and 2 nmol) as compared to the hyperthyroidism group, a significant decrease in serum T3 and T4 level was observed in all hyperthyroidism groups treated with ghrelin in comparison to the group of hyperthyroidism. Ghrelin peptide hormone and it has been shown to have potential effects on the body weight and thyroid hormone.

Evaluation of Renoprotective Effects of Our Locally Grown Green Coffee Beans against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice.

Introduction Nephrotoxicity is the most common and severe side effect of cisplatin. Cisplatin causes nephrotoxicity through free radical production and debilitating cellular antioxidant capacity. Coffee is a commonly consumed drink and its ingredients have antioxidant roles that could bring benefits to patients affected by nephrotoxicity. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of our locally grown green coffee beans against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Methods The posttest only control group design was employed on a total of thirty male Swiss albino mice. The mice were divided into five groups: group I (normal control group) received distilled water; group II (negative control group) received distilled water; and groups III–V (treatment groups) received 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg BW/day of green coffee bean extract for 14 days, respectively. Nephrotoxicity was induced in groups II–V by a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg). All mice were sacrificed after 14 days and blood was drawn to evaluate kidney function tests (serum creatinine and serum blood urea nitrogen). Besides, body weight, relative kidney weight, and kidney histopathology were investigated. Result Our results showed that treatment of cisplatin alone (group II mice) significantly increased serum creatinine, serum blood urea nitrogen, relative kidney weight, and pathological damage to the kidney with a decrease in final body weight. However, low-dose green coffee beans (group III), medium-dose green coffee beans (group IV), and high-dose green coffee beans (group V) mice showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in serum creatinine, serum blood urea nitrogen, and relative kidney weight. Furthermore, the dose-dependent treatment with green coffee bean extract prevented the decrease in body weight gain and pathological damage to the kidney in mice. Conclusion Our locally grown green coffee beans brought a dose-dependent ameliorative effect and a promising preventive approach against cisplatin-induced kidney damage in mice.

Metabolic impacts of cordycepin on hepatic proteomic expression in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice.

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with abnormal liver function, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Cordycepin improves hepatic metabolic pathways leading to recovery from liver damage. We investigated the effects of cordycepin in streptozotocin-induced T1DM mice via the expression of liver proteins. Twenty-four mice were divided into four equal groups: normal (N), normal mice treated with cordycepin (N+COR), diabetic mice (DM), and diabetic mice treated with cordycepin (DM+COR). Mice in each treatment group were intraperitoneally injection of cordycepin at dose 24 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Body weight, blood glucose, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates were measured. Liver tissue protein profiling was performed using shotgun proteomics, while protein function and protein-protein interaction were predicted using PANTHER and STITCH v.5.0 software, respectively. No significant difference was observed in fasting blood glucose levels between DM and DM+COR for all time intervals. However, a significant decrease in final body weight, food intake, and water intake in DM+COR was found. Hepatic oxaloacetate and citrate levels were significantly increased in DM+COR compared to DM. Furthermore, 11 and 36 proteins were only expressed by the N+COR and DM+COR groups, respectively. Three unique proteins in DM+COR, namely, Nfat3, Flcn, and Psma3 were correlated with the production of ATP, AMPK signaling pathway, and ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), respectively. Interestingly, a protein detected in N+COR and DM+COR (Gli3) was linked with the insulin signaling pathway. In conclusion, cordycepin might help in preventing hepatic metabolism by regulating the expression of energy-related protein and UPS to maintain cell survival. Further work on predicting the performance of metabolic mechanisms regarding the therapeutic applications of cordycepin will be performed in future.

SRT1720 Administration Attenuates Albuminuria and Renal Fibrosis on Adriamycin‐Induced Glomerulosclerosis

The focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the leading cause of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its responsible for the increasing number of cases of dialysis and kidney transplants worldwide. The lack of knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the progression of FSGS makes it difficult to develop therapeutic approaches with regarding the proteinuria and CKD progression. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of SIRT1 on FSGS induced by adriamycin, focusing on renoprotective responses. For this we used a synthetic SIRT1 agonist, the SRT1720. Male Balb/c mice aged 5 weeks were organized into two treatment groups: 48h and 14 days, being thus distributed in four experimental conditions: control (vehicle), adriamycin (ADR, 10 mg/kg), treated with SRT1720 (20 mg/kg/day) and treated with ADR+SRT1720. After the treatment, physiological parameters such as body weight, renal weight, weight gain, and plasma parameters such as creatinine, urea and osmolarity were evaluated. The glomerulosclerosis index was assessed by quantifying the renal sections stained with periodic acid-schiff (PAS). Urinary albumin was detected after staining the SDS-polyacrylamide gel. For the 48h group, the expression of mRNA was performed by quantitative real time PCR. For the 14-day group, GRP78, claudin-1, phospho eIF2αSer51 and phospho AMPKαThr172 protein expression were evaluated by immunoblotting. Type-IV collagen and nephrin staining were verified by immunofluorescence using confocal microscopy. The results indicate that for the ADR 48h group there was a decrease in final body weight, renal weight and an increase in plasma creatinine concentration compared to the control group. Administration of SRT1720 mitigates part of these effects, improving renal function. Our data indicate that although there is no positive stain for glomerulosclerosis in PAS or differences in the gene expression of Kim1, Tnf and Nphs1, the animals already have significant albuminuria within 48 hours after ADR administration in comparison to control, group, which suggests an initial damage on glomerular ultrafiltration barrier. Regarding the 14-day group, a decrease in final weight, an increase in renal weight, an increase in plasma creatinine, a significant increase in urinary albumin and the glomerulosclerosis index for ADR animals are observed, and this effect was clearly reversed by administration of SRT1720. There were no changes in creatinine clearance between groups after 14 days of treatment, despite an increase in urinary flow for the ADR + SRT1720 group. Although there were no significant differences on GRP78, phospho eIF2αSer51 or claudin-1 protein expression, the ADR+SRT1720 group showed an increase on phospho AMPKαThr172. Type IV collagen deposition was observed in ADR mice, as well as an important reduction in glomerular nephrin marking. These effects were partially reversed by the administration of the SRT1720. In conclusion, our data indicate that SRT1720 administration, a synthetic SIRT1 agonist, can improve renal function, mainly by partially preserving the glomerular ultrafiltration barrier and inhibiting renal fibrosis.

Intestinal dysmotility after bowel resection in rats is associated with decreased ghrelin and vimentin expression and loss of intestinal cells of Cajal.

This study provides novel insight into the mechanisms of intestinal dysmotility following massive small bowel resection. We show that 2 wk after bowel resection in rats, impaired intestinal motility was associated with loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC; downregulation of transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A) and c-kit expression) as well as with decreased vimentin, desmin, and ghrelin levels. Impaired intestinal motility led to a decrease in final body weight, suggesting less effective nutrient absorption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of intestinal motility in a rat model of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Rats were divided into three groups: Sham rats underwent bowel transection; SBS-NSI rats underwent a 75% bowel resection and presented with normal intestinal size (NSI) at euthanasia and hypermotility patterns; SBS-DYS showed dysmotile (DYS) enlarged intestine and inhibited motility patterns. Animals were euthanized after 2 wk. Illumina's digital gene expression (DGE) analysis was used to determine the intestinal motility-related gene expression profiling in mucosal samples. Intestinal motility-related and ICC genes and protein expression in intestinal muscle layer were determined using real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Gastrointestinal tract motility was studied by microcomputer tomography. From 10 Ca2+ signaling pathway-related genes, six genes in jejunum and seven genes in ileum were downregulated in SBS vs. Sham animals. Downregulation of TMEM16A mRNA and protein was confirmed by real-time PCR. Rapid intestinal transit time in SBS-NSI rats correlated with a mild decrease in TMEM16A, c-kit, and vimentin mRNA and protein expression (vs/. Sham animals). SBS-DYS rats demonstrated enlarged intestinal loops and delayed small intestinal emptying (on imaging studies) that were correlated with marked downregulation in TMEM16A, c-kit, vimentin, and ghrelin mRNA and protein levels compared with the other two groups. In conclusion, 2 wk following massive bowel resection in rats, impaired intestinal motility was associated with decreased vimentin and ghrelin gene and protein levels as well as loss of ICC (c-kit and TMEM16A).NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides novel insight into the mechanisms of intestinal dysmotility following massive small bowel resection. We show that 2 weeks after bowel resection in rats, impaired intestinal motility was associated with loss of interstitial cells of Cajal (downregulation of TMEM 16A, and c-kit expression) as well as with decreased vimentin, desmin, and ghrelin levels. Impaired intestinal motility led to decrease in final body weight, suggesting less effective nutrient absorption.

Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers Leaf Extract Attenuates Lung Tumorigenesis via Alleviating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis.

One of the major etiological factors that account for lung cancer is tobacco use. Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], one of the main constituents of tobacco smoke, has a key role in lung carcinogenesis. The present study was conducted to investigate the cytotoxicity of an aqueous ethanolic extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers leaves (LLE) on human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), as well as its in vivo antitumor effect on a lung tumorigenesis mice model. Our results revealed that LLE possesses cytotoxic activity against the A549 cell line. Mice orally administered B(a)P (50 mg/kg body weight) showed an increase in relative lung weight with subsequent decrease in final body weight. Serum levels of tumor marker enzymes AHH, ADA and LDH and the inflammatory mediator NF-κB increased, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) decreased. In addition, we observed the increased activity of metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-12) and levels of the tumor angiogenesis marker VEFG and the lipid peroxidation marker MDA, as well as decreased levels of the non-enzymatic antioxidant GSH and enzymatic antioxidants CAT and GSH-Px in lung tissues. Moreover, B(a)P administration up-regulated the expression of the COX-2 gene, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and an anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, and at the same time down-regulated expression of pro-apoptotic genes BAX and caspase-3 and the p53 gene. Pre- and post-treatment with LLE (250 mg/kg body weight) attenuated all these abnormalities. Histopathological observations verified the protective effect of LLE. Overall, the present data positively confirm the potent antitumor effect of L. speciosa leaves against lung tumorigenesis.

GROWTH AND HAEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES IN AFRICAN CATFISH CLARIAS GARIEPINUS JUVENILES EXPOSED TO MERCURIC CHLORIDE

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Mercuric chloride on the growth and haematological parameters in the freshwater catfish, Clarias gariepinus. A total of 30 fishes were used for each concentration as well as in the control. Clarias gariepinus was exposed to 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10mg/l of HgCl2 for 56 days. The treatment with mercuric chloride was found to inflict a drastic reduction in the total count of RBC’s. The reduction was time dependent; as concentration of mercuric chloride increased, the RBC levels declined. Exposed fishes showed a significant decrease in WBC count when compared to the control. The morphological indices MCV, MCH and MCHC fluctuate as the test concentration increased. The chronic exposure to sublethal concentration of mercuric chloride to the studied fish showed a significant decrease in final body weight in comparison to control group. Also, Growth parameters such as specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion efficiency (FCE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), food conversion rate (FCR) decreased with increased concentration of mercuric chloride. The mercuric chloride caused a significant decrease in the survival rate (P &lt; 0.05). The study recommends timely fish fed since time was a strong dependent variable in all the treatment, so as increase concentration of mercuric chloride increased.

GROWTH AND HAEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES IN AFRICAN CATFISH CLARIAS GARIEPINUS JUVENILES EXPOSED TO MERCURIC CHLORIDE

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Mercuric chloride on the growth and haematological parameters in the freshwater catfish, Clarias gariepinus. A total of 30 fishes were used for each concentration as well as in the control. Clarias gariepinus was exposed to 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10mg/l of HgCl2 for 56 days. The treatment with mercuric chloride was found to inflict a drastic reduction in the total count of RBC’s. The reduction was time dependent; as concentration of mercuric chloride increased, the RBC levels declined. Exposed fishes showed a significant decrease in WBC count when compared to the control. The morphological indices MCV, MCH and MCHC fluctuate as the test concentration increased. The chronic exposure to sublethal concentration of mercuric chloride to the studied fish showed a significant decrease in final body weight in comparison to control group. Also, Growth parameters such as specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion efficiency (FCE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), food conversion rate (FCR) decreased with increased concentration of mercuric chloride. The mercuric chloride caused a significant decrease in the survival rate (P &lt; 0.05). The study recommends timely fish fed since time was a strong dependent variable in all the treatment, so as increase concentration of mercuric chloride increased.

Growth and Haematological Changes in African Catfish Clarias gariepinus Juveniles Exposed to Mercuric Chloride

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Mercuric chloride on the growth and haematological parameters in the freshwater catfish, Clarias gariepinus. A total of 30 fishes were used for each concentration as well as in the control. Clarias gariepinus was exposed to 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10 mg/l of HgCl2 for 56 days. The treatment with mercuric chloride was found to inflict a drastic reduction in the total count of RBC’s. The reduction was time dependent; as concentration of mercuric chloride increased, the RBC levels declined. Exposed fishes showed a significant decrease in WBC count when compared to the control. The morphological indices MCV, MCH and MCHC fluctuate as the test concentration increased. The chronic exposure to sublethal concentration of mercuric chloride to the studied fish showed a significant decrease in final body weight in comparison to control group. Also, Growth parameters such as specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion efficiency (FCE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), food conversion rate (FCR) decreased with increased concentration of mercuric chloride. The mercuric chloride caused a significant decrease in the survival rate (P &lt; 0.05).

Detoxification and immunoprotection of Zn(II)-curcumin in juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) feed with aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxins, which was produced by Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus fungi during grain and feed processing or storage, could cause severe health problems and reduction of yield during shrimp cultures. To evaluate toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and potential protective effect of Zn(II)–curcumin (Zn-CM), four experimental diets (control, 500 μg/kg AFB1, 500 μg/kg AFB1+100 mg/kg Zn-CM, 500 μg/kg AFB1+200 mg/kg Zn-CM) were formulated in quadruplicate to feed the shrimp for 8 weeks. The results revealed that AFB1 could induce significant decrease in final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG, %) and visible variations of the hepatopancreas structures in L.vannamei. Compared with AFB1 group, AFB1+100 mg/kg Zn-CM group significantly ameliorated the toxic effects of AFB1 on growth performance, while AFB1+100 mg/kg Zn-CM group had no effect on growth performance. Dietary AFB1+100 mg/kg Zn-CM enhanced phenoloxidase (PO) (P < 0.05) activity. Both dietary AFB1+100 mg/kg Zn-CM and AFB1+200 mg/kg Zn-CM reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and glutathione (GSH) level, decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) in hepatopancreas compared with AFB1 group. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated that Zn-CM could relieve the microvilli transformation and mitochondria accumulation reduction caused by AFB1. Consequently, the results demonstrated that suitable Zn-CM could mitigate the AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity effects on L.vannamei.

Effects of stocking density on growth performance, meat quality and tibia development of Pekin ducks.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of stocking density on performance, meat quality and tibia development in Pekin ducks reared on a plastic wire floor. A total of 372 healthy, 21-day-old, male ducks with similar body weight (BW) were randomly allotted to stocking densities of five (low), eight (medium) and 11 (high) birds/m2 . Each group had six replicates. Results showed that compared with the low density group, medium and high stocking density caused a decrease in final BW at 42days old, and in average daily gain, European performance index (p<.01) and meat pH at 45min postmortem (p<.001), and an increase of meat drip loss (p<.01). High stocking density resulted in an increase of feed/gain ratio (p<.001), but a decrease of tibia calcium (p<.01) and phosphorus content (p<.05). Meat color, shear force values, tibia size (weight, length, and width) and breaking strength were not significantly influenced by stocking density. In conclusion, stocking density over eight birds/m2 negatively affects growth performance, but meat quality and tibia development are not dramatically influenced. Based on this study, the stocking density of male Pekin ducks should be adjusted between five and eight birds/m2 .

EFFECT OF CHRONIC IMMOBILIZATION STRESS ON KIDNEY FUNCTION IN RENAL ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION RAT MODEL

Background: Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a common and important cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), is considered a major socioeconomic health problem. Stress, a state of disrupted normal homeostasis is known to trigger the progression of many illnesses. Objectives: This study was designed to determine changes in renal function and structure induced by renal I/R in rats subjected to chronic immobilization stress and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanism(s). Materials and Methods: Forty seven adult male albino rats were allocated into 3 groups: Group I: Sham-Operated Control, Group II: Renal I/R in which rats were subjected to 45 minutes ischemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion, and Group III: Stressed Renal I/R in which rats were separately subjected to immobilization stress, 2 hours/day for 4 weeks, and then exposed to renal I/R procedure. All rats were subjected to determination of body weight (BW) and kidney weight (KW), plasma levels of creatinine, urea and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as renal tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and catalase activity. Kidney tissues were also examined histopathologically. Results: Stressed renal I/R group showed significant decrease in final BW, BW % change, KW and KW/BW, and significant increase in plasma levels of creatinine, urea, TNF-α, renal tissue MDA, and nitrite levels as compared to both renal I/R and sham-operated groups. Renal catalase significantly increased as compared to renal I/R group, but significantly decreased compared to sham-operated group. Stress provoked significant augmentation in renal histomorphological damage scores compared to renal I/R and sham groups, evidenced in the form of glomerular capsular thickening and tuft retraction, tubular cells necrosis with loss of brush borders and cast formation, interstitial cell necrosis and hemorrhage, and endothelial cell disruption. Conclusion: Chronic immobilization stress aggravated renal dysfunction and morphological disturbance induced by renal I /R injury. Accentuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and nitric oxide may contribute to such effect.

Long-term programming effect of embryonic hypoxia exposure and high-carbohydrate diet at first feeding on glucose metabolism in juvenile rainbow trout.

Environmental conditions experienced during early life play an important role in the long-term metabolic status of individuals. The present study investigated whether hypoxia exposure [for 24 h: 2.5 mg O2l-1 (20% dissolved O2)] during the embryonic stage alone (hypoxic history) or combined with a 5-day high-carbohydrate (60%) diet stimulus at first feeding (HC dietary history) can affect glucose metabolism later in life, i.e. in juvenile fish. After 19 weeks of growth, we observed a decrease in final body mass in fish with an HC dietary history. Feed efficiency was significantly affected by both hypoxic and HC dietary histories. After a short challenge test (5 days) performed with a 30% carbohydrate diet in juvenile trout, our results also showed that, in trout that experienced hypoxic history, mRNA levels of gluconeogenic genes in liver and glucose transport genes in both liver and muscle were significantly increased at the juvenile stage. Besides, mRNA levels of glycolytic genes were decreased in fish with an HC dietary history. Both hypoxic and dietary histories barely affected plasma metabolites or global epigenetic modifications in juvenile fish after the challenge test. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that an acute hypoxic stimulus during early development alone or combined with a hyperglucidic stimulus at first feeding can modify growth performance and glucose metabolism at the molecular level in juvenile trout.

EVALUATION OF DIETARY INCLUSION GUAR KORMA MEAL WITH TWO ENZYMES SUPPLEMENTATION ON PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL STRAIN INSHAS CHICKS.

The current study was carried out to study the effect of using different levels of guar korma meal (GKM) with β-mannanase and protease enzymes in the diet of Inshas chicks on growth performance traits, nutrients digestibility and economic efficiency. Experimental diets were formulated to included 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% guar korma meal. The experiment started with one day old Inshas chicks and lasted for 12 weeks. Two hundred and twenty five Inshas chicks were randomly divided into five groups (45 birds for treatment). Each treatment consisted of 3 replicate (15 birds/ replicate). Results indicate that inclusion of (GKM) in chicks diet up to 7.5% supplemented with enzymes lead to insignificant (P>0.05) increase in final body weight and weight gain. While, inclusion at rate 10% lead to significant decrease in final body weight and weight gain (P 0.05). While, using (GKM) in feed at 10% lead to significant decrease in nutrient digestibility (P<0.05). Similarly, there were insignificant differences in empty carcass and dressing percentages when chicks fed with diet contain up to 7.5% (GKM) compared to the control group. While, the inclusion of (GKM) at rate 10% in diet significantly decrease (P<0.05) carcass and dressing compared to control. Also, the results indicate that use of (GKM) in diet reduced feed cost per chicks. However, the highest net revenue, economic efficiency and relative economic efficiency were obtained at inclusion rate 7.5% of guar meal in chick diet. Conclusively, it could be concluded from the present study that Guar Korma Meal can be used in growing Inshas chicks diets up to 7.5% in the diet with β-mannanase and protease enzymes to reduce fed costs without adverse effects on performance of chicks.

Toxicological Consequences of Di-N-Butyl-Phthalate (DBP) on Health of Nile Tilapia Fingerlings

Phthalic Acid Esters (PAEs) are mainly used in the plastics industry as adhesives and plasticizers. Di-n-Butyl Phthalate (DBP) is one of the important members in the family of PAEs was listed as environmental priority pollutants by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicological consequences in Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. fingerlings, exposed to 1/10 and 1/20 LC50 of DBP for 8 weeks, via determination of its effect on growth performance and mortality rate, behavioral changes, DNA damaging potential using comet assay (SCGE) in gills, oxidative stress biomarkers via serum reduced glutathione content (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase enzyme activity (SOD) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a marker of lipid peroxidation, determine serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), cortisol, creatinine, urea and IgM. Histological alterations occurred in liver, kidneys and gills. In this study 90 O. niloticus L. fingerlings were used. Mortality was investigated in DBP exposed fishes. There was significant decrease in final body weight, weight gain and body gain percentage, condition factor was decreased in fish which exposed to 1/10 and 1/20 LC50 DBP. Behavioral changes were observed. Significant increase in tail length, tail DNA % and TM in DBP exposed groups than the control ones except in 1/20 DBP exposed group the increase in tail length and tail moment was non-significant. Significant reduction in serum GSH content, significant increase in SOD, MDA, ALT, cortisol, creatinine and urea levels in groups of DBP exposed fish compared with control one. In the other hand there was a significant decrease in total serum IgM in DBP exposed groups. There were variable histo-pathological alterations in liver, kidney and gills depending on the dose and duration of DBP exposure. The results indicate that DBP induced oxidative stress and the fish seemed to activate compensatory antioxidant defense to cope with the imposed substance. Considering these results, it can be concluded that there is still a need for simultaneous assessment of toxicological consequences of different phthalate esters on multiple cellular target.

Comparative analysis of antioxidants against cadmium induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats

The present study was conducted to compare and evaluate the potential benefits of three different antioxidants in reversing cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Rats (n = 5) weighing 180 ± 20 gm were divided into five groups (control, Cd, Cd + sulforaphane, Cd + vitamin E, and Cd + plant extract). Treated groups received CdCl2 (0.2 mg/kg), sulforaphane (25 µg/rat), vitamin E (75 mg/kg), and plant extract (100 mg/kg) for 15 days. Blood samples and testicular tissues were obtained for estimation of testosterone, Zn, and Cd concentration and daily sperm production/efficiency of sperm production. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease in final body weight (p < 0.0001). The plasma concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p < 0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. The testicular concentrations of Cd were significantly increased and Zn concentration decreased (p < 0.0001) in the Cd group as compared to the control group. Cadmium exposure caused a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in plasma testosterone concentrations and daily sperm production as compared to the control group. More significant effects were observed with Cd+sulforaphane, Cd + vitamin E, and Cd + plant extract treated groups in slashing Cd-induced toxicity. Present findings suggest that Ficus religiosa and sulforaphane are more powerful antioxidants as compared to vitamin E in reversing the oxidative stress and can have a protective role against Cd induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. Part of the mechanism involved in this protective role seems to be associated with the antioxidant properties of these agents in reducing reproductive damage.