Decreased Serum Total Cholesterol Research Articles

Beneficial effects of konjac powder on lipid profile in schizophrenia with dyslipidemia: A randomized controlled trial.

Konjac powder has the effect of improving blood lipids in the general population, but there is no research on schizophrenic patients who are susceptible to dyslipidemia. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effects of konjac powder on blood lipid, glucose levels, body weight, and blood pressure in schizophrenia inpatients with dyslipidemia. After a two-week adaptation period, 76 people with schizophrenia were enrolled in a 30-day double-blind randomized controlled trial. The subjects in the experimental group were given a beverage containing konjac powder 30 minutes before each meal, whereas those in the control group were given a beverage containing resistant maltodextrin. The lipid profile, plasma glucose, blood pressure, and body weight were measured at baseline and at the end of 30-day treatment. Fiftynine subjects completed the study. There was a substantial decrease in total serum cholesterol in the experimental group, but an increase in the control group. Likewise, apolipoprotein B decreased in the experimental group but increased in the control group. We concluded that a diet supplemented with konjac powder may prevent the deterioration of dyslipidemia in people with schizophrenia, demonstrating its potential value in the treatment of metabolic disorders in schizophrenia as a new therapeutic method.

Effects of Ecklonia arborea or Silvetia compressa algae intake on serum lipids and hepatic fat accumulation in Wistar rats fed hyperlipidic diets

Seaweeds can generate changes in metabolism of lipids and consequently diminish cholesterol and other serum lipids in mammals. However, the consumption of marine algae may also alter function of other organs. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the metabolism of lipids as well as the liver steatosis of Wistar male rats fed for two months with hyperlipidic diets composed of 20% of fat supplemented with 2.5% of seaweeds Ecklonia arborea or Silvetia compressa. Blood total cholesterol, lipoproteins, triglycerides and key hepatic enzymes were determined and liver histologies were also assessed. The two algae produced different results, while S. compressa reduced 18% total cholesterol, E. arborea increased it 5.8% compared to the animals fed the positive control. Rats fed the S. compressa supplemented diet comparatively had lower serum low density lipoproteins (54%) and triglycerides (69%) levels compared to counterparts fed the high-fat diet. Livers histologies of rats fed with the high-fat diets showed an evident lipid accumulation. However, the consumption of S. compressa diminished liver steatosis compared to E. arborea. Results herein indicate that S. compressa is a promising resource to decrease serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins and hepatic tissue damage. Further investigations should be made to find out if the ingestion of marine algae extracts would decrease the accumulation of hepatic fat and consequently affects positively liver physiology.

Effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract supplementation on serum lipid profile and oxidative stress in obese women with knee osteoarthritis: A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study

ObjectiveDyslipidemia and subsequent oxidative stress may be involved in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) supplementation on serum lipid profile and antioxidant status in obese women with knee OA. MethodsThis randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 66 obese women aged 38–60 years old with knee OA. Participants were allocated into two groups. Subjects in the intervention group (n = 33) received PPE capsules (500 mg) twice daily for 8 weeks along with standard drug therapy and control group (n = 33) received placebo for the same period. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes data, and physical activity levels were collected at the baseline and end of the study. ResultsPPE supplementation significantly decreased serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and malondialdehyde levels (all, p < 0.05) and increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and serum total antioxidant capacity compared to the control group at the end of study (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between two groups in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and body mass index at the end of the trial (p > 0.05). ConclusionResults indicated that short term PPE supplementation had useful effects on serum levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride and antioxidant status in obese women with knee OA.

Effect of Phoenix dactylifera seeds (dates) extract in triton WR-1339 and high fat diet induced hyperlipidaemia in rats: A comparison with simvastatin

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDate seeds are widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine for treating obesity and related diseases. Aim of the studyTwo date seed varieties (Jihel and Majhoul) were assessed for their phenolic profile and lipid-lowering activity. Materials and methodsThe polyphenolic profile was determined using HPLC-DAD. Triton-WR-1339 and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidaemic rats were used to evaluate the hypolipidaemic effect of date seeds extracts. Serum lipid profile was measured using automatic biochemical analyser. ResultsRutin, quercetin, p-coumaric and caffeic acids were the most prevalent chemical among the analysed phenolic compounds. Serum lipids: Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were lowered and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were increased by date seed methanolic extract (at 200 mg/kg) in triton WR1339 -induced hyperlipidaemia in experimental rats. Chronic feeding of these extracts (at 200 mg/kg), to animals concurrently fed with high fat diet (HFD) for three weeks, caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and atherogenic index, while it increased serum HDL-C. Furthermore, the supplementation of date seed extract was effective in preventing body weight gain. ConclusionsThese findings are suggestive of hypolipidaemic and atherosclerosis prevention roles of Jihel and Majhoul date seeds.

Volixibat in adults with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: 24-week interim analysis from a randomized, phase II study

Volixibat is an inhibitor of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) that has been hypothesized to improve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by blocking bile acid reuptake and stimulating hepatic bile acid production. We studied the safety, tolerability and efficacy of volixibat in patients with NASH. In this double-blind, phase II dose-finding study, adults with ≥5% steatosis and NASH without cirrhosis (N= 197) were randomized to receive volixibat (5, 10 or 20 mg) or placebo once daily for 48 weeks. The endpoints of a predefined interim analysis (n= 80), at week 24, were: ≥5% reduction in MRI-proton density fat fraction and ≥20% reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase levels. The primary endpoint was a ≥2-point reduction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score without worsening fibrosis at week48. Volixibat did not meet either interim endpoint; the study was terminated owing to lack of efficacy. In participants receiving any volixibat dose, mean serum 7-alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4; a biomarker of bile acid synthesis) increased from baseline to week 24 (+38.5 ng/ml [SD 53.18]), with concomitant decreases in serum total cholesterol (-14.5 mg/dl [SD 28.32]) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-16.1 mg/dl [SD 25.31]). These changes were generally dose-dependent. On histological analysis, a greater proportion of participants receiving placebo (38.5%, n= 5/13) than volixibat (30.0%, n= 9/30) met the primary endpoint. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mainly mild or moderate. No serious TEAEs were related to volixibat. Diarrhoea was the most common TEAE overall and the most common TEAE leading to discontinuation. Increased serum C4 and decreased serum cholesterol levels provide evidence of target engagement. However, inhibition of ASBT by volixibat did not elicit a liver-related therapeutic benefit in adults with NASH. A medicine called volixibat has previously been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. This study investigated whether volixibat could reduce the amount of fat in the liver and reduce liver injury in adults with an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Volixibat did not reduce the amount of fat in the liver, nor did it have any other beneficial effect on liver injury. Participants in the study generally tolerated the side effects of volixibat and, as in previous studies, the main side effect was diarrhoea. These results show that volixibat is not an effective treatment for people with fatty liver disease. NCT02787304.

Exploring the Pharmacognostic Features, Anti-oxidant and Lipid Lowering Potential of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. Seed

Background: Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. is a herb consumed as food and has medicinal value. It is a rich source of bioactive nutrients which cure and prevent many ailments. Traditionally, it is used to treat hypertension, diabetes, constipation, cancer etc. Methods and Objective: Present work illustrates morphological, microscopic and physicochemical parameters of Fagopyrum esculentum seeds as per WHO guidelines, in vitro antioxidant activity; assessed by DPPH scavenging method, hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay and β-carotene linoleic acid bleaching method and study of lipid lowering potential of the ethyl acetate and ethanol extract of seeds on normal diet fed Wistar rats. Results: Morphological studies delineated the triangular shape, dark brown colour, 8 mm length and 6 mm width of the seed. The microscopic examination of the transverse section of seed depicted features like testa or pericarp (seed coat), the endosperm, embryo and sclerenchyma cells. Study of physiochemical parameters exhibited 0.3±0.02% of foreign matter and 1.44±0.51% crude fibre content. Total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash value were 6.7±1.7%, 1.9±0.23% and 3.9± 0.31% respectively. Alcohol soluble and water soluble extractive value came out to be 65.02± 3.21 mg/g and 12.7±1.24 mg/g respectively. Foaming index was less than 100, swelling index was found to be 0.5±0.01 ml/g. Loss on drying was 4.02±1.27%. Phytochemical screening of ethyl acetate and ethanol extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, phytosterols and flavonoids. Trace amount of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Pesticide residue analysis confirmed the presence of nontoxic pesticides like dimethipin, hymexazol, phenothrin-2, methoprene, triadimenol, prohydrojasmon- 1, jasmolin ii, triademinol, jasmolin i, prohydrojasmone i, cyromazine in both the extracts by gc-ms spectrometer. The ethyl acetate and ethanol extract has shown significant in-vitro antioxidant activities demonstrated by the DPPH method (IC50 = 94.37±2.51 and 216.04±4.39 μg/ml respectively), hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay (IC50 = 83.72±3.72 and 193.47±5.05 µg/ml respectively) and β-carotene bleaching method (IC50 = 100.67±4.01 and 205.39±2.89 µg/ml respectively). Lipid lowering study performed on Wistar rats demonstrated a significant (p&lt;0.001) decrease in serum Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and increase in High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level as compared to normal group. Both the extracts have shown a non significant difference in the level of TG as compared to standard drug atorvastatin, depicting that the efficacy of extracts is at par with that of standard drug atorvastatin. Conclusion: Pharmacognostical study of the plant can be a very good tool for identification as well as authentication of a herb. Moreover, these parameters may be helpful in the development of monograph of the plant. Pharmacological activity confirmed Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. seed to be a good antioxidant and have lipid lowering potential.

Hypocholesterolaemic effects of fermented red onion (Allium cepa L. var aggregatum) in rats (Rattus novergicus)

Red onion is known as one of spices, and it also benefits for human health evidently. Previous study that red onion has a beneficial for cardiovascular disease, including hypocholesterolaemic Red onion contains flavonoids. The extract of red onion decreased serum total cholesterol level of rats, which is mediated by quercetin. Quercetin could be increased by fermentation as one of the new methods in drug discovery, so the biological activity also increases through fermentation. This study aimed to antihypercholesterolaemic activity of red onion fermented extract. Twenty five rats were divided in 5 groups; 2 controls [negative and positive control (atorvastatin)] with treatment groups (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg bw of fermented red onion extract. Rats were given atherogenic feed until hypercholesterolaemic All groups were given an atherogenic feed until hypercholesterolaemic. Total cholesterol of rats measured on the 7th, 14th and 21st day after they rats were treated by red onion fermented extract. Data analysed by ANOVA and continued by post hoc Duncan. All doses of red onion fermented extract decreased total cholesterol level of rats and dose of 200 mg/kg showed the strongest effect. Write the expectation for future fermented red onion has potential as a new agent cardiovascular health.

Effects of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) Consumption on Serum Lipid Profiles in Albino Rats.

Dyslipidemia is an important cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of cinnamon on body weight gain, food intake, and serum lipid profiles of albino rats. This study was conducted on 30 healthy male albino rats weighing approximately 130 ± 5 g. The study was divided into the following two experiments: experiment (1), wherein rats were fed a laboratory diet; and experiment (2), wherein rats were fed a high-fat diet. In experiment 1, a total of 15 rats were divided into three groups. Group A (n = 5, untreated control) was fed laboratory diet, Group B (n = 5) was fed laboratory diet and cinnamon powder (2 g/kg body weight), and Group C (n = 5) was fed laboratory diet and cinnamon powder (4 g/kg body weight) for 30 days. In experiment (2), a total of 15 rats were similarly divided into three groups. Group D (n = 5, treated control) was fed laboratory diet plus high-fat diet, Group E (n = 5) was fed cinnamon powder (2 g/kg body weight) mixed with laboratory diet plus high-fat diet, and Group F (n = 5) was fed cinnamon powder (4 g/kg body weight) mixed with laboratory diet plus high-fat diet daily for 30 days. An administration of 4 g/kg body weight of cinnamon extract powder decreased the final weight by 4.4%, body weight gains by 31.41%, food intake by 1.7%, and food efficiency ratio by 22.38% in hypercholesterolemic adult male rats as well as serum total cholesterol by 31.22%, triglyceride by 24.05%, and LDL-C by 43.49%, with an increase in the levels of HDL-C by 30.16%, furthermore, a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels and increasing serum HDL-C on day 30 were observed (P < 0.001). This finding provides scientific evidence to substantiate the traditional use of cinnamon to treat hyperlipidemia.

Sürekli Ambulatuar Periton Diyalizi Hastalarında Isoflavonların Paraoksonaz ve Adiponektin Üzerine Etkileri

Objective: The level of oxidative stress may increase improperly in chronic pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and uremia. Increased production of reactive oxygen radical species and/or failure of antioxidant systems contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic renal failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isoflavone, which has antioxidant properties, on oxidative-antioxidative system in patients with chronic renal failure who underwent continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Material and Methods: Thirty patients who underwent CAPD were included in the study. Three patients were excluded from the study, two patients due to gastrointestinal complaints and one patient due to renal transplantation. The remaining 27 patients received 40 mg oral soy isoflavones (Isoflavin® tablets, Micro-Gen) twice daily for 10 weeks. The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDLcholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, hs-CRP, oxidized LDL, malondialdehyde, adiponectin, paraoxonase and arylesterase were measured and analyzed statistically before and after isoflavone treatment. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels after treatment (p <0.001, p=0.005, p <0.001, respectively). There was a statistically significant decrease in hs-CRP levels, which is one of the markers of inflammation, and oxidized LDL and malondialdehyde levels, which are oxidative stress markers, compared to pretreatment levels (p <0.001, p<0.001, p=0.04, respectively). The levels of adiponectin, paraoxonase and arylesterase, which have antioxidative properties, increased significantly after treatment compared to pre-treatment levels (p=0.002, p=0.03, p <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The use of soy isoflavones, which have antilipogenic, antihypertensive and vascular health-enhancing properties, may provide beneficial effects on inflammatory and atherogenetic processes by obtaining positive effects on antioxidative system in patients with chronic renal failure.

Structural characteristic of a sulfated polysaccharide from Gracilaria Lemaneiformis and its lipid metabolism regulation effect.

A sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Gracilaria lemaneiformis (GLP) with a prominent effect in regulating lipid metabolism was isolated. The molecular weight was 31.5 kDa and it was composed mainly of galactose, glucose and xylose. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis suggested that GLP was composed of the following repeating unit: [3-β-Gal-4(OSO3)-1→4-α-3,6-anhydrogal-2(OSO3)-1→]. GLP could significantly decrease serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels and lower alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in high-fat-diet mice. Additionally, GLP could keep the body weight and attenuate accumulation of fat surrounding the liver and epididymis induced by high-fat diet. Results of RT-PCR indicated that GLP might regulate lipid metabolism and accelerate free fatty acid oxidation by up-regulating the expression of the PPARα, ACS and CPT1a gene. The present study suggests that GLP may be potentially useful for regulating lipid metabolism.

The effects of wheat germ supplementation on metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

The aim of the present trial was to examine the effects of wheat germ (WG) consumption on metabolic control and oxidative stress status of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Eighty participants with T2DM were randomly allocated to receive 20-g WG (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) in a randomized double-blind clinical trial for 12 weeks. Serum lipid profiles, glycaemic indices, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdhyde (MDA) were assessed. A total of 75 subjects completed the trial. Compared with the placebo, WG consumption led to significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) concentrations (p = .04). There was a trend regarding TC to high density lipoprotein ratio (p = .08) following 12 weeks WG consumption, although they were not statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing. In addition, within-group comparison revealed a significant rise in total antioxidant capacity concentration (p = .001) in WG group. We observed no significant effects of WG intake on glycaemic status, blood pressure, MDA, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein levels. WG consumption for 12 weeks could decrease serum TC levels and had no significant effects on other metabolic variables and MDA in patients with T2DM. Though observed health benefit effects were small, it might lead to a major impact on wider public health.

Effect of okra polysaccharide on the spermatogenesis of KKAy mice

In this work, a water-soluble okra polysaccharide (OP-2) was prepared by hot water extraction, and the effects of OP-2 on the spermatogenesis of KKAy mice were investigated. Forty eight KKAy mice with similar initial body weights and lipid and blood glucose levels were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., one control group and three OP-2-treatment groups (treated with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg OP-2, respectively). Oral OP-2 administration increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, protein and superoxide dismutase levels in testis, sperm density, sperm movement and rate of normal morphology of KKAy mice and decreased serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and nitrate oxide in testis of KKAy mice. The results indicated that OP-2 can effectively ameliorate the spermatogenesis of KKAy mice and may be used as an adjuvant drug for infertility with diabetes mellitus.

Quercetine influence on the resological properties of blood for elderly patients with metabolic syndrome

The aim – to study the effects of quercetin on the functional status of platelets and blood viscosity in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome (MS).Materials and methods. Fifty patients with MS at the age of 60–75 years, who were equally distributed into the experimental and control groups, were examined. Patients of the experimental group received quercetin for 3 months («Quertin», PJSC SIC «Borshchahivskiy CPP», Ukraine) 80 mg 3 times a day. The control group received placebo for the same period of time. Before and after the treatment, MS criteria, platelet aggregation ability, blood viscosity and serum lipid levels were assessed.Results and discussion. After quercetin course, the rheological blood properties improved, that is its viscosity, spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation decreased. A statistically significant decrease in serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels was noted. Correlation analysis showed that an improvement in blood viscosity occurred due to favourable changes in the lipid spectrum and a decrease in the aggregation ability of blood cells.Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome a course (within 3 months) use of quercetin reduces manifestations of dyslipidemia, increases spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation, contributes to an increase in the erythrocyte deformability index, which together lead to the decrease of blood viscosity, as one of the risk factors for the development of complications in metabolic syndrome.

Allium vegetable consumption and health: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes.

Previously, our meta‐analysis and other studies have suggested that allium vegetable consumption is beneficial for health, but no umbrella review has been conducted to assess the evidence of the various health benefits of allium vegetable consumption. Therefore, we conducted this umbrella review on this topic. This umbrella review included a total of 16 meta‐analyses with 50 unique outcomes. The most beneficial cancer‐related outcome was shown for gastric cancer (risk ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–0.91). In addition, only 8 weeks of garlic consumption significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (weighted mean differences −17.20 mg/dl; 95% CI −23.10 to −11.30), and patients with dyslipidemia who consumed garlic experienced more benefits than the whole population. Diabetic patients with longer durations of garlic intake experienced more benefits in terms of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, and serum fructosamine than healthy participants, and garlic intake was associated with blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients but not in normotensive participants. Limited side effects of garlic, such as garlic odor and gastrointestinal complaints, were reported among the included meta‐analyses. Our results suggested that allium vegetables might be beneficial for cancer prevention. In particular, garlic was comparatively safe and is recommended as a long‐term dietary component for patients with dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension.

SLC10A1 S267F variant influences susceptibility to HBV infection and reduces cholesterol level by impairing bile acid uptake.

The SLC10A1 Ser267Phe (S267F) variant has been reported to severely inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and taurocholate transport activity. This study aimed to clarify the effects of this variant on HBV infection and bile acid metabolism. SLC10A1 S267F was genotyped in 2907 HBV-exposed subjects (including HBV persistent carriers and spontaneously recovered subjects) and 1364 unexposed subjects (HBV marker-negative subjects), followed by replication I, comprising 914 exposed subjects and 1123 unexposed subjects, and replication II, comprising 355 children born to HBsAg-positive mothers (226 HBV-infected children and 129 controls). Intriguingly, SLC10A1 AA was observed only in the unexposed group, but not in the exposed group. The SLC10A1 A allele consistently decreased HBV infection risk compared with the G allele (OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.64-0.90 in combined samples). In addition, children with the SLC10A1 GA genotype had a reduced risk of perinatal transmission (OR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.14-0.71). Moreover, unexposed subjects with the SLC10A1 AA genotype exhibited decreased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to those with the GG or GA genotypes (P=2.975×10-4 and 0.004, respectively). The study highlighted the role of the SLC10A1 S267F variant in the loss of the ability to support HBV infection and taurocholate transport activity. Subjects with the AA genotype may escape from HBV infection and present decreased cholesterol levels as a consequence of impaired bile acid uptake.

Hypolipidemic Effect of Trixis angustifolia Aqueous Extract on Triton WR-1339- and High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Mice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of Trixis angustifolia aqueous extract (TxAE) on Triton WR-1339- and high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. In the Triton model, treatment with TxAE at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight produced a significant decrease in triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein levels and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Similarly, administration of TxAE along with the high-fat diet induced a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and increase in HDL. In addition, a phytochemical study of TxAE led to the isolation of 2 previously described compounds: pebrellin and xanthomicrol. This is the first time that these compounds have been identified in a plant extract with hypolipidemic effect. The results suggest the possible therapeutic potential of TxAE as a hypolipidemic agent supporting the usage of T. angustifolia as a traditional medicine.

Impacts of supplementing broiler diets with a powder mixture of black cumin, Moringa and chicory seeds

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of a phytogenic mixture in the diet on broiler production. A total of 400 day-old unsexed Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four treatment groups of 10 replications in a randomised design experiment. The phytogenic feed mixture (BMC) contained equal ratios of black cumin, Moringa oleifera and chicory seeds. The treatment groups were as follows: T1 was fed the basal diet, while T2, T3 and T4 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.2%, 0.4% or 0.6% of three BMC mixture, respectively. Results showed that increasing the dietary BMC level could be associated with a gradual but significant increase in body weight and improvement in the feed conversion ratio when compared with the control group. Broiler diets enriched with 0.4% to 0.6% of the BMC mixture reduced gut microbial count of coliforms, E. coli and C. perfringens as well as gut pH, compared to the control group. Increasing the dietary BMC mixture level was associated with gradual but significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein concentrations and liver enzymes concentrations. However, there was an increase in the high density lipoprotein concentration, and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity in serum. In conclusion, the BMC mixture could be deemed an effective growth promoter, but further research is needed to evaluate it as a viable alternative to antibiotics.Keywords: blood, broiler, carcass, microbiota, oxidative status, performance, phytogenic

Effect of dietary inclusion of lecithin with choline on physiological stress of serum cholesterol fractions and enzymes, abdominal fat, growth performance, and mortality parameters of broiler chickens

A total of 270 one-d-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 9 experimental diets (3 replicates of 10 birds each), including three types of supplemental lipotropic factors (control, 0.1% or 0.2% choline and 0.5% or 1% lecithin) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Supplementation of lecithin improved FCR values during 1-21 days of age. Although no differences were noticed for mortality index among different diets, the group supplemented with a combination of choline (0.1) and lecithin (0.5) showed the highest (P < 0.0001) production index. Choline (0.1% or 0.2%) significantly decreased serum total cholesterol by 11%, triglycerides by 21%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 20%, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) by 20%, while increased the glucose and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values by 11% and 6%, respectively. On the other hand, lecithin significantly increased glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and VLDL by 4%, 9%, 7%, 24%, and 25%, respectively. Choline supplementation decreased the aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (AP); however, the lecithin addition increased their respective proportions. This study concluded that the combinations of 0.1% choline and 0.5% lecithin is the best among all other treatments because of the highest production index and least mortality.

Strategies to combat the deleterious impacts of heat stress through feed restrictions and dietary supplementation (vitamins, minerals) in broilers

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impacts of feed restriction (FR) for 3 hours and/or dietary supplementation with vitamins and minerals on growth, mortality rate, some carcass traits, and serum biochemistry indices of broiler chicks under heat stress in the open housing system. A total of 240 one-week old broilers were weighed and randomly assigned into 4 equal experimental treatments. Treatment 1 (T1) was fed ad libitum on basal diets, T2 birds were fed on basal diets with FR, T3 birds were fed ad libitum on basal diets with vitamin C (200 mg) + vitamin E (200 mg) + Cr (1.5 mg ) + Zn (100 mg) per kg diet, and T4 birds were fed on basal diets with FR and combined supplementation of vitamins and minerals. It was found that growth parameters improved in T2, T3, and T4, while the mortality rate was significantly reduced compared with control. FR and feed additives (T4) revealed marked increases in serum total protein and a decrease in total serum cholesterol. It was concluded that combined effect of FR and feed additives could significantly alleviate heat stress effects for broilers by improving growth performance and decreasing mortality rate.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION WITH SOME ENZYMES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CHICKENS

The present study was conducted at a private Farm, Shebin EL - Kom, Minoufia Governorate, Egypt, in order to investigate the effect of polyzyme* (multi enzymes) in broiler diets with low protein levels on growth performance, carcass traits, some blood components and economic efficiency. A total of 180 Ross 308 unsexed one - day old broiler chicks, were distributed at random into 3 groups each in 3 replicates, 20 chicks each. Treatments were: T1: positive control, without Polyzyme, T2: negative control, without Polyzyme and T3: negative control, with o.5 g Polyzyme*/ kg diet through the starter (1 - 21 d) and finisher (22 - 35 d) period. The results indicated that: 1- Body weight, body weight gain and performance index were improved significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) with addition of polyzyme (0.5g/ kg diet). 2- Daily feed intake decreased significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) with addition of polyzyme. 3- Feed conversion ratio, performance index and European efficiency index were improved significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) with supplementation of polyzyme. 4- Polyzyme addition significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased Dressing, liver and heart%, while Gizzard % was not affected. 5- Polyzyme supplementation to low protein diet led to decreased serum total cholesterol and increased aspartic transaminase (AST) enzyme compared to the positive control. 6- Total protein, creatinine, glucose and alanine transaminase (ALT) enzyme were not affected by polyzyme supplementation. 7- In general, The obtained results in the present investigation are encouraging and indicated that supplementation of 0.5g polyzyme/ kg diet can be used in broiler diets with low protein level to get heaviest weight, best feed conversion, performance index, European efficiency index and economic efficiency.