D3 Diet Research Articles

Luteolin Protects against Vascular Calcification by Modulating SIRT1/CXCR4 Signaling Pathway and Promoting Autophagy.

Vascular calcification (VC) is a common pathological manifestation of atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes vascular disease, vascular injury, chronic kidney disease and aging, which is mainly manifested as increased stiffness of the vascular wall. Oxidative stress and autophagy dysfunction are key factors in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification, but the specific mechanisms and the therapeutic strategy of vascular calcification have not been clarified. In the present study, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was screened as the therapeutic targets for vascular calcification by the bioinformatics. SIRT1 is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which plays an important role in inhibiting oxidative stress and promoting autophagy. Luteolin(LUT), a kind of natural tetrahydroxyl flavonoid, exists in many plants and has many pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis. We have reported that luteolin has certain anti-osteoporosis effects in the previous study, and it is accepted that the development of vascular calcification is similar to bone formation, indicating that luteolin may also resist vascular calcification. And luteolin is known to activate SIRT1 to some extent. Moreover, the molecular docking analysis predicted that SIRT1 could bind directly to luteolin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of luteolin in inhibiting oxidative stress and promoting autophagy during vascular calcification via modulating SIRT1 expression. The results showed that luteolin significantly improved vascular calcification induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and vitamin D3 in rats in vivo. In addition, luteolin significantly repressed the formation of mineralized nodules and ALP activity in H2O2-treated A7r5 cells. Luteolin reduced the level of MDA, LDH and ROS generation, inhibited the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, β-catenin and BMP-2 in the aortic tissue of the rat and rat smooth muscle cells (A7r5) treated with hydrogen peroxide. At the same time, luteolin could promote the expression of autophagy related proteins. Moreover, luteolin also produced effects to increase the protein expression levels of SIRT1 more than 2 times both in vivo and in vitro. In terms of mechanism, luteolin attenuated vascular calcification by inhibiting oxidative stress and improving autophagy level, via modulating SIRT1 / CXCR4 signaling pathway. In conclusion, this experiment for the first time revealed that LUT protected against VC via modulating SIRT1 / CXCR4 signaling pathway to promote autophagy and inhibit vascular calcification and may be developed as a new therapeutic agent for vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.

Effects of the extrusion process on the physical properties of micro pellets and the growth performance of juvenile Nile tilapia

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different extrusion processes on the physical properties of micro pellets and how the alterations affect the growth performance of juvenile Nile tilapia. Four experimental diets were produced with the same formulation, but with different extrusion processes: CE: cold extrusion (18 ºC); HE: hot extrusion (100 ºC); D1: double extrusion, first a hot extrusion (100 ºC) of all the ingredients followed by cold extrusion (18 ºC); D2: double extrusion, first a hot extrusion (100 ºC) of the plant-based ingredients followed by mixing with the animal-based ingredients and milling, then cold extrusion (18 ºC). Juvenile tilapia (0.83 ± 0.01 g; 3.68 ± 0.19 cm) were distributed in 20 experimental units (60 L; n=5; 20 fish per unit) in a completely randomized design for four weeks. The micro pellets of the experimental HE diet presented a positive expansion rate (2.86 ± 0.45 %) and a lower bulk density (465.9 ± 3.45 g/L). The D1 and D2 micro pellets presented higher bulk density (671.0 ± 2.98 and 612.8 ± 4.99 g/L, respectively). All the micro pellets showed high durability (>95 %). The D2 micro pellets showed low water resistance (24.4 ± 3.51 %), resulting in a high leaching rate of nutrients (>68 %). The HE and D1 micro pellets showed a higher absorption rate in water (3.65 ± 0.29 and 3.66 ± 0.21 g water/g, respectively). The water solubility index of the micro pellets was not influenced by the different extrusion processes (P > 0.05), nor were survival and feed consumption. The fish fed with the HE diet showed greater weight gain (3.84 ± 0.44 g), and the lowest weight gain was in the fish fed with the CE diet (3.05 ± 0.39 g) (P < 0.05). Feed conversion was lower in fish fed the HE (1.06) and D1 (1.11) diets (P < 0.05). Fish fed the HE diet had the highest values for relative growth rate (9.08 ± 0.62 %/d), protein retention (30.6 ± 2.61 %) and protein efficiency (2.26 ± 0.22 %) (P < 0.05). Fish fed the CE diet had the lowest values for relative growth rate (7.82 ± 0.51 %/d), protein retention (21.4 ± 2.72 %) and protein efficiency (1.55 ± 0.23 %) (P < 0.05), though the values are in line with those in the literature. In conclusion, hot extrusion resulted in micro pellets with better physical properties and fish with higher growth performance. Double extrusion, first a hot extrusion of the plant-based ingredients followed by mixing with the animal-based ingredients and milling, then cold extrusion is not recommended due to high levels of nutrient leaching. Cold extrusion and double extrusion, first a hot extrusion of all the ingredients followed by cold extrusion processing can be considered for producing micro diets for juvenile tilapia, especially when less investment in the extrusion process is desired.

Sensory Characterization of Conventional and Diets in Sugar Guava Sweet by Check-All- That-Apply and Emotion Measurement Methods

This study aimed to investigate the sensory characterization of commercial diets in commercial guava sugar samples by the Check-all-that-apply (CATA) and Emotion Measurement methods. The samples were evaluated by 120 consumers using the CATA method, (CATA) Ideal, Acceptance Test, Purchase Intention, Emotion Measure, and Ideal Test in relation to the sweetness and taste of guava, allowing the construction of two External Preference Maps aimed to associate the results from the overall impression with the terms from CATA and the emotional responses. The samples of conventional C1, C2, and C4 showed greater correlations with the descriptors terms and positive emotions, and the samples of diets D2 and D4 showed greater correlations with the descriptors terms and negative emotions, which was also observed in the acceptance and purchase intention tests, showing the consumers preference for the product with high caloric value.

Assessment of the hormesis effect and toxic damage of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hormesis and toxicity of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Triplicate isonitrogenous and isocaloric aflatoxin B1 diets—CD (control, 0 ug/kg), D1 (20 ug/kg), and D2 (500 ug/kg)—were prepared and fed to grass carp with an initial mean body weight of (15.2 ± 0.1) g for 56 days. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of grass carp fed diet D2 were significantly higher, and the feed coefficient and crude fat content of the whole body were significantly lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with those fed diet CD. Serum superoxide dismutase content of grass carp fed D1 diet increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with an increasing dose of aflatoxin B1, but when the dose reached 500 ug/kg (D2), serum superoxide dismutase, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M of grass carp decreased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), while malondialdehyde increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05). After short-term feeding of aflatoxin B1-containing diets (D1 and D2), liver body index, visceral body index, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea nitrogen content of grass carp increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), total bile acid secretion decreased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and structural damages such as increase in vacuoles, organizational structure loosening, and nucleus translocation were observed in the liver. Meanwhile, liver function indexes such as serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly with the increase of aflatoxin B1 dose (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, the height of intestinal villi, crypt depth, villus–crypt ratio, and tubular cell number, as well as the content of trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine of grass carp in the D2 group, were significantly higher than those in the CD group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, after a short-term intake of low doses of aflatoxin B1 (≤500 ug/kg), the toxicological damage of aflatoxin B1 was pronounced, although it produced a certain degree of hormesis on the growth performance and intestinal structure and function of grass carp. At a dose of 20 ug/kg, the non-specific immune system and liver structure and function of grass carp showed obvious toxic damage.

Fermented aquatic weed meal (FAWM) as a protein source in Asian Catfish Clarias batrachus diets: Impacts on growth, blood chemistry profile, liver and gut morphology and economic efficiency

The global aquaculture industry is increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to fishmeal (FM) due to its high price and shortfall in supply. In this context, fermented aquatic weed meal (FAWM) could emerge as a viable plant protein source for aquafeed. Four isoproteic diets [30 % crude protein (CP)] were formulated, incorporating 50 % total protein from FAWM comprising fermented Azolla diet (D1), Pistia diet (D2), and Eichhornia diet (D3). The control diet (D0) did not contain FAWM. At the end of the 90 days feeding trial, their growth performance, whole-body proximate composition, gut microbial load, haemato-biochemical indices, liver and gut health, and economic efficiency were determined. Fish fed with D0 had significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth performance and feed utilization compared to other treatment groups. Meanwhile, the fish supplemented with D1 diet exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher final weight (g), specific growth rate (%/day), weight gain (%), total biomass (g), and protein efficiency ratio among the FAWM dietary groups. The D1 group also demonstrated the significantly (p < 0.05) highest whole-body CP (64.27 ± 0.40 %) and lower crude lipid (8.24 ± 0.28 %) compared to other test diets. The total bacteria (TB) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the fish gut were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in D1 group. Furthermore, most of the hemato-biochemical indices of fish were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by FAWM inclusions, with few exceptions. The histological findings indicated that amongst the FAWM groups, D1 fish exhibited improved intestinal health. Nonetheless, the gut of the control fish demonstrated substantially (p < 0.05) lower villi width and crypt depth than other treatments. The D1 and D2 diet groups had significantly improved liver health. Moreover, FAWM inclusion enhanced economic efficiency by considerably reducing farm feed cost (US$/kg) and increasing return on investment (%). In summary, dietary inclusion of fermented Azolla pinnata (D1) protein at 50 % in aquafeed promoted feed utilization, growth, health, and farm economics of Asian catfish fingerlings compared to other FAWM diets.

Dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 regulates productive performance, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in aged laying ducks

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) on productive performance, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in aged laying ducks. A total of 432 healthy Longyan ducks at 60-week of age were randomly allotted to 6 groups, each with 6 replicates of 12 ducks. Ducks were given a basal diet (without added 25(OH)D3) or that diet supplemented with 800, 1600, 2400, 3200, or 4000 IU/kg 25(OH)D3 for a total of 16 wk. Dietary supplementation with 25(OH)D3 improved egg production, egg mass and average daily feed intake, and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of ducks during the whole trial period (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). Supplementation with 25(OH)D3 decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) content in yolk (P = 0.008), decreased high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content in plasma (P = 0.002). Hepatic index, VLDL, LDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol content in liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver activity score of liver and alanine aminotransferase content in plasma were decreased with supplementation of 25(OH)D3 (linear or quadratic; P < 0.05). The decreased hepatic apolipoprotein B 100 and lipoprotein lipase expression, and increased hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 expression resulted from 25(OH)D3 supplementation (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). Moreover, 25(OH)D3 supplementation increased the villus/crypt ratio (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05) and expression of zonula occludens protein 1 and nuclear factor-κ-gene binding in duodenum (P < 0.05). The supplementation of 25(OH)D3 reduced the abundance of Wittenberg polluted soil-2 bacteria, Synergistota, Bacteroidales, Colidextribacter, Eggerthellaceae, Oscillospira, Oscillibacter, UCG-009, Barnesiellaceae and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010 in cecal contents (P < 0.05). Dietary requirements for 25(OH)D3 for ducks (60 to 76 wk), were estimated to be 3377 IU/kg for egg production, 3434 IU/kg for egg mass, and 3256 IU/kg for FCR. In summary, dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation improved productive performance and influenced liver and plasma lipid homeostasis in aged laying ducks, which may be associated with the reduction of bacteria involved in carbohydrate metabolism in the cecum. Supplementing the basal diet with 3250 to 3450 IU/kg 25(OH)D3 is recommended for aged laying ducks (60 to 76 wk).

Analyzing the impact of a combination of zinc oxide and phytase on the performance and alkaline phosphate activity in local chickens

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of adding a combination of zinc oxide (ZnO) and phytase to the diet of local chickens (IPB D1) on their performance and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. A total of 120 male and female chickens were divided into four dietary groups, with 24 cages of five birds each. Each group was fed using: a pure basal diet; a basal diet with 80 ppm ZnO/kg feed; a basal diet with 80 ppm ZnO/kg feed and 500 FTU phytase/kg feed; a basal diet with 80 ppm of commercial ZnO/kg feed and 500 FTU/kg feed of commercial phytase. The chickens were grouped by sex and body weight, with three classes of weight uniformity. The results of this research showed that there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in performance and ALP activity between male and female chickens. The group, that received IPB D1 diets with 80 ppm ZnO/kg and 500 FTU phytase/kg, had higher body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the other groups. However, feed consumption and ALP activity were not significantly different. Overall, adding zinc oxide and phytase to the diets of local chickens was found to improve their performance and ALP activity.

The effects of incorporating dried cashew apple in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health

A total of two hundred and ten one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were utilized in this study to investigate the effects of incorporating Dried Cashew Apples (DCA) in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health. The birds were weighed and randomly allotted to seven treatment groups with three replicates, each having 10 birds. The experimental design was a (2 X 3) + 1 augmented factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Diet D1 (control diet) was a maize-soybean meal-based; diets D2, D3, and D4 comprised 10, 20, and 30% DCA without exogenous enzyme supplementation, whereas diets D5, D6, and D7 included 10, 20, and 30% DCA treated with exogenous enzyme. Data were collected on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut morphology. Collected data were analyzed using SAS (2002) and separation of means was done using Duncan’s Multiple Range Tests of the same statistical software. The difference was set at p &lt; 0.05. The study found that birds fed diets containing 10% DCA, with or without enzyme supplementation (D2 and D5), had a significantly higher Average Daily Gain (ADG) compared to those fed the control diet (D1). The ADG of birds fed diets D3 and D6 was similar to that of birds fed the control diet (D1). However, a significant decrease in ADG was observed as the dietary inclusion level of DCA increased to 30%, as seen in birds offered diets D4 and D7. In addition, a significant linear rise (p &lt; 0.05) in Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) was seen when DCA was included in the diet. In addition, birds that were given diets containing DCA showed significantly higher nutrient digestibility (p &lt; 0.05) compared to birds that were given the control diet (D1), except for birds that were given a diet containing 30% DCA without enzyme supplementation (D4), which showed significantly lower nutrient digestibility (p &lt; 0.05) compared to birds that were given the control diet (D1). Ultimately, birds that were given meals containing DCA exhibited a significant enhancement in GIT development compared to birds on the control diet. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that including DCA in the diet of broiler chickens at a level of up to 20% does not have any detrimental effects on their performance.

Co-ensiled rice straw with whole sugar beet and its effect on the performance of lactating cows

This study investigated the effect of co-ensiled rice straw (RS) with whole sugar beet (SB) on lactating cows’ performance. Ensiled rice straw (ERS) as control (CGS) was incorporated with immersed corn grains (CG) for 24 h, while the 2nd and 3rd ensiled RS (LSB and HSB) contained SB substituted of 50 and 100% of CG on an energy basis (total digestible nutrients, TDN), respectively. In the experimental diets, D1, D2, and D3, which include CGS, LSB, and HSB provided ad-libitum, respectively, while a concentrated feed mixture (2% of body weight) was offered. The population of lactic acid bacteria was slightly higher with fed HSB, relative to LSB and CGS. The OM, CP, EE, NFC, and TCH contents of CGS were slightly higher than LSB and HSB, while the opposite happened with the aNDFom, and ADFom contents. The digestibility of DM, OM, aNDFom, and ADFom of the D3 group was higher (P < 0.05) than in D1 and D2. The D3 recorded the highest values (P < 0.05) of silage consumption, and palatability. Milk production, fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were (P < 0.05) higher for cows fed D3 compared with D1 and D2. Fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were trending on the same track. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of cows fed diet D3 was better than cows fed D1 diet. The level of glucose in the blood increased (P < 0.05) significantly with feeding on HSB than LSB, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to CGS. In conclusion, co-ensiling of RS with the whole SB plant consider a good method to improve its nutritional value.

248 Effects of feeding finishing pig diets differing in Ca:P ratio, added phytase and 25(OH)D3 on growth performance, serum 25(OH)D3, carcass characteristics, and bone characteristics

Abstract A total of 2,160 pigs [337 × 1050, PIC; initial body weight (BW) = 33.2 ± 1.4 kg] were used in a 114-d trial to determine the effects of feeding diets differing in Ca:P ratio and added phytase or phytase and 25(OH)D3 (Hy-D, DM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum 25(OH)D3, and bone characteristics. Pigs were housed in mixed sex pens with 27 pigs per pen and 20 pens per treatment. The four treatments were assigned to pens in a randomized complete block design and consisted of 1) a high phosphorus (HP) diet with standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) P at 115% of NRC (2012) requirement estimate without added phytase and formulated to a 1.25:1 Ca to P ratio; 2) low phosphorus (LP) diet with STTD P at 80% of NRC requirement without added phytase and formulated to a 1.25:1 Ca to P ratio; 3) HP with phytase (HP+phytase) diet with STTD P at 115% of NRC requirement using 0.125% STTD P release from 600 FYT/kg HiPhorius and 1.1:1 Ca to P ratio; and 4) Diet 3 except 25(OH)D3 replaced most of the vitamin D3 in the diet (HP+25(OH)D3). Diets were fed in 4 phases from 32 to 50, 50 to 75, 75 to 100, and 100 to 133 kg. For overall growth performance, source of vitamin D had no impact on performance. Pigs fed HP diets had improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) compared with those fed LP diets, and increased ADFI compared with those fed the HP+phytase diets (Table 1). For 25(OH)D3 measured on d 50, pigs fed the HP diets had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) serum 25(OH)D3 compared with pigs fed the LP diets and pigs fed the HP+25(OH)D3 diets had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) serum 25(OH)D3 compared with pigs fed the HP+phytase diets. Pigs fed the HP diets had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) HCW and percentage lean than those fed LP diets. For bone analysis, pigs fed HP diets had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) bone ash (g) and breaking strength than pigs fed LP or HP+phytase and 1.1:1 Ca to P ratio. In conclusion, compared with pigs fed LP diets, HP-fed pigs had improved performance and HCW. Dietary 25(OH)D3 replacing D3 did not impact performance but increased circulating 25(OH)D3.

Inhibition of SPARC signal by aerobic exercise to ameliorate atherosclerosis

Background and aimsInflammation and atherosclerosis (AS) are closely associated to Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) and its related factors. This study attempted to define the role and the potential mechanism of SPARC and its related factors in ameliorating hyperlipidemia and AS by aerobic exercise intervention. MethodsThe AS rat model was established with a high-fat diet plus vitamin D3 intraperitoneal injection. Treadmill exercises training (5 days/week at 14 m/min for 60 min/day) for 6 weeks was carried out for AS rat intervention method. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the mRNA and protein expression of SPARC and its related factors, respectively. H&E staining was applied to evaluate the morphological changes and inflammation damage. Von Kossa staining was used to measure the degree of vascular calcification. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the expression and distribution of SPARC signal molecules. ResultsSPARC was highly expressed and co-localization with the smooth muscle marker α-SMC in the AS rat. And its downstream factors, NF-κB, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 were upregulated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), FNDC5 expression was downregulated in AS rat model. However, slight declined body weight, delayed AS progression, decreased hyperlipidemia and favorable morphology of skeletal muscle and blood vessels have been detected in AS rat with aerobic exercise intervention. Moreover, the expression of SPARC and its downstream factors were decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), while elevated the expression of FNDC5 (P < 0.01) was observed after aerobic exercise intervention. ConclusionsThis study suggested that aerobic exercise ameliorated hyperlipidemia and AS by effectively inhibiting SPARC signal, and vascular smooth muscle cells may contribute greatly to the protection of AS.

Nutrient and Energy Apparent Digestibility of Protein-Based Feed Ingredients and Effect of the Dietary Factors on Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Sobaity Seabream, Sparidentex hasta.

Two separate feeding trials were undertaken to benchmark a series of commercial diets and determine the nutrient and energy apparent digestibility coefficients of a variety of protein-based feed ingredients when fed to sobaity seabream, Sparidentex hasta. In Experiment 1, triplicate groups of fish (initial body weight: 330.5 ± 2.6 g) were fed with one of three locally available diets containing crude protein (CP) levels ranging from 44 to 46% of dry matter (DM), each with ~12% crude fat. Fish grew at around 3.2 g day-1 with a specific growth rate (SGR) of 0.7% day-1. Both the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly better in fish fed diets, which contained the highest (46.4%) crude protein level. Overall, the data from these preliminary studies suggest that the best performance by sobaity seabream was obtained with a diet containing 46% crude protein, 20 MJ/kg, and a protein-to-energy ratio of 23 mg/kJ. In Experiment 2, fish with an initial body weight of 319 ± 7 g were held in 11 tanks and fed reference (D1) and test diets (D2-D11) for 7 days before fecal collection. This process was repeated twice in a blocking arrangement to generate three replicates. Each of the ten test diets contained 30% of a test ingredient, with the remaining 70% proportionally identical to the D1 diet. Diet apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) were measured, and the diet ADCs were then used to derive the protein and energy ADCs for the individual test ingredients. Ingredient protein ADC ranged between 75.5 and 93.9%, while ingredient energy ADC ranged between 66.8 and 81.2%.

Functional nutrition option patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The results of a study of the clinical efficacy of dietary treatment in patients with non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) with the additional inclusion of a new specialized nutritional functional dietary product “A mixture of essential nutrients multicomponent dry” (SENMS) in the product content of the standard D3 diet are presented. 75 patients with NAFLD were examined (39 - study group, 36 - control group). The patients in the study group received 6 g of SENMS daily for 2 weeks, consisting of 6 ingredients that are sources of biologically active substances: inulin, green tea extract, dry red wine extract, L-carnitine, grape seed extract, coenzyme Q10. As a result of the conducted study, it was proved that the SEMS in patients with NAFLD contributed to a faster decrease in the severity of hepatic parenchymal inflammation compared with the control, improved cholesterol metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and quality of life indicators of patients. In conclusion, the expediency of using a new specialized functional dietary food product “A mixture of essential nutrients multicomponent dry” in dietary treatment programs for patients with NAFLD was noted.

An Inclusion Effect of Amino-acid (Histidine) in the Carcass Quality and Mineral Profile of African Catfish Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

150 fingerlings of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with initial mean weight of ±5.1g was stocked in a glass aquaria and were fed to satiation for 156 days. Histidine was used as a supplement to determine the mineral and carcass quality of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings at varying inclusion levels (0, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8%) representing D1 – D5 in a formulated diet of 40% crude protein.&#x0D; The carcass proximate and mineral composition were significantly improved by histidine supplementation but, exhibited no definite pattern of inclination while, moisture decreased significantly with increased histidine level up to diet D5. The calcium composition were significant different (P&lt;0.05) with values ranging between 41.0 and 87.6 mg/gDM.

The interaction between lipid and vitamin D3 impacts lipid metabolism and innate immunity in Chinese mitten crabs Eriocheir sinensis

As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D3 relies on fat to perform its biological function, affecting lipid metabolism and innate immunity. This study used different percentages of lipid and vitamin D3 diets to evaluate the synergistic effects on the growth, lipid metabolism and immunity of juvenile Eriocheir sinensis (5.83 ± 0.01 g) for 56 days, including low lipid (LL, 1.5%) and normal lipid (NL, 7.5%) and three levels of vitamin D3: low (LVD, 0 IU/kg), medium (MVD, 9000 IU/kg) and high (HVD, 27,000, IU/kg). The synergistic effect of lipid and vitamin D3 was not significant on growth but significant on ash content, total protein, hepatopancreas lipid content, hemolymph 1α,25-hydroxy vitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3] content, hepatopancreas lipolysis and synthesis genes. Crabs fed normal lipid (7.5%) and medium vitamin D3 (9000 IU/kg) had the highest hepatopancreas index, hemolymph 1α,25(OH)2D3 content, antibacterial ability, immune-related genes and hepatopancreatic lipid synthesis genes expression, but down-regulated the lipolysis genes expression. In contrast, crabs fed diets with low lipid percentage (1.5%) had low growth performance, hemolymph 1α,25(OH)2D3, mRNA levels of lipid synthesis genes, antibacterial ability and immune-related gene expression. At the 1.5% lipid level, excessive or insufficient vitamin D3 supplementation led to the obstruction of ash and protein deposition, reduced growth and molting, aggravated the reduction in antioxidant capacity, hindered antimicrobial peptide gene expression and reduced innate immunity, and resulted in abnormal lipid accumulation and the risk of oxidative stress. This study suggests that diets' lipid and vitamin D3 percentage can enhance antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism and innate immunity in E. sinensis. A low lipid diet can cause growth retardation, reduce antioxidant capacity and innate immunity, and enhance lipid metabolism disorder.

Taohong Siwu decoction ameliorates atherosclerosis in rats possibly through toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88/nuclear factor-κB signal pathway.

To investigate the effect of Taohong Siwu decoction (, TSD) on atherosclerosis in rats as well as investigate the underlying mechanism based on molecular docking. Sixty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 rats in each group: control group, model group, atorvastatin group (AT, 2.0 mg/kg), and TSD groups (20, 10, 5 g/kg) after 7 d of acclimation. The model of atherosclerosis was successfully established except the control group by high fat diet (HFD) and vitamin D2. Biochemical analyzers were used to detect the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholestero (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipid-cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood lipid. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sudan IV staining and Hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE staining) were performed to observe the pathological changes in aortic tissue. Molecular docking technology was used to predict the best matching between the main components of TSD and the target proteins. The expression of target proteins was further detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The results showed that TSD restricted atherosclerosis development and decreased the inflammatory cytokines in plasma. Molecular docking results predicted that the main components of TSD showed a strong binding ability with toll-like receptor (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in the aorta were reduced in atorvastatin group and TSD group. TSD can ameliorate atherosclerosis in rats, and the underlying mechanism is supposed be related to the suppression of inflammatory response by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway.

Food and nutritional skills of the edible caterpillar Cirina butyrospermi vuillet (Lepidoptera: Attacidae) on non-ordinary diets for industrial breeding

The shea caterpillar C. butyrospermi has exceptional nutritional features. This insect is however univoltine, specific to shea and its larvae are mature only in July and August. Their food capacity apart from shea is poorly documented to suggest mass production and dietary diversification. This study aimed at evaluating the feeding and nutritional abilities of the caterpillar on non-ordinary natural diets. The approach consisted of feeding 21-day-old larvae with diets of choice or by imposition and then measuring some biological parameters of the edible insect. Nine diets including a control (shea leaves) were used in eight repetitions to the larvae in order to evaluate their preference index using the Chesson formula. Nutritional abilities were assessed for 12 days in a Fischer design with seven treatments (seven diets) randomized in four repetitions. Each treatment contained a single diet and one solitary or three gregarious larvae. The trace elements of the diets were measured by Inductively Coupled Spectrometry (ICP-AES). Caterpillars feed day and night and it does not matter whether they are gregarious or solitary. They preferentially feed on diets D1 (ƛ: 0.931) and D3 (ƛ: 0.791). Food rations were significantly higher in the control (989.86 mg/day), D3 diets (931.92 mg/day) and D1 (478.00 mg/day). Only the control and the D1 diet presented respective positive FCRs of 20.54% and 31.94% and respective positive AWGs of 53.63 mg/larva and 23.38 mg/larva. The pupation rate was 57.23% with the Control and 6.97% with the D1 diet. These two diets had similar levels of trace elements and macronutrients. The D1 diet could be used for mass breeding and contribute to the dietary diversification of the caterpillar

Dietary 25 Hydroxyvitamin D3 Improved Serum Concentration Level and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity during Lactation but Had Meager Impact on Post-Farrowing Reproductive Performance in Sows

Dietary 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) promotes serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP); however, post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows fed with 14-epimer of 25(OH)D3 is uncertain. This study investigated post-farrowing reproductive performance, serum ALP activity, and serum 25(OH)D3 concentration in sows fed VD3, 25(OH)D3, or 14-epi 25(OH)D3. Weaned sows (n = 203) in parities 2 and 3 were blocked weekly and treated with 2000 IU/kg VD3 (T1), 25 μg/kg 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3 (T2), or 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3 (T3) diets, all equilibrated to 2000 IU/kg as fed. Sow performance, treatment, and sampling period effects were analyzed. Environmental conditions were analyzed as covariates. The number of piglets weaned (p = 0.029), pre-weaning mortality (p = 0.029), sampling period (p &lt; 0.001), and treatment and period interaction (p = 0.028) differed significantly. There was an increase in 25(OH)D3 during lactation due to physiological demands for milk calcium and milk production. Supplementing twice the concentration of 25(OH)D3 compared to its epimer, 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3, had no significant effect on the post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows. The effect of 25(OH)D3 on post-farrowing reproductive performance and ALP activity in sows was influenced by metabolic demand for calcium due to physiological changes during lactation as well as epimer conformation.

Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Powder Additive on Growth Performance, Flock Uniformity and Blood Profile of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)

Turmeric has been reported to possess various bioactive compounds. This study examined the effects of turmeric powder as a natural feed additive on the growth performance, flock uniformity, and blood profile of Japanese quail. Two hundred and fifty-six (256) male Japanese quail of average weight of 115.00 ± 5g were used for this study. The birds were randomly allotted to four dietary groups with four replicates of sixteen birds each in a Completely Randomized Design. Turmeric powder was added in the diet at 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% to form diet D1, D2, D3, and D4. All the data collected for growth performance were significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05). Birds fed D2 had the highest average daily weight gain (1.33 g/bird) followed by those fed D3 (1.25 g/bird), D1 (1.17 g/bird), and D4 (1.09 g/bird). Birds fed D2 had the highest total feed intake (829.59 g/bird) and D1 had the lowest (786.34 g/bird). Birds fed D4 had the highest flock uniformity and feed conversion ratio (59.40% and 18.17 respectively). All the haematological parameters were significant (P&lt;0.05) except pack cell volume, haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell, and platelet. Birds fed D2 had the highest mean corpuscular volume (163.00 fL). Birds fed D3 had the highest white blood cell count (189.50 103/μL), heterophils (55.00 cells/μL), and eosinophils (1.50 cells/μL). Lymphocyte and platelet count were highest in the birds fed D4. All the serum biochemical parameters were significant (P&lt;0.05) except asparate aminotransferase, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein. Except for total protein, alanine aminotransferase, and globulin, all the significant parameters were highest in birds fed D1. 0.25% of turmeric powder can be included in quail’s diet without adverse effect on the growth performance and health.

Vitamin D3 promotes fish oocyte development by directly regulating gonadal steroid hormone synthesis†.

Vitamin D receptors and vitamin D3-metabolizing enzymes have been found to be highly expressed in the ovaries and spermatophores of fish. However, the role of vitamin D3 on fish gonadal development has rarely been reported. In this study, 2-month-old female zebrafish were fed with different concentrations of vitamin D3 diets (0, 700, 1400, and 11200IU/kg) to investigate the effects of vitamin D3 on ovarian development. The diet with 0IU/kg vitamin D3 resulted in elevated interstitial spaces, follicular atresia, and reproductive toxicity in zebrafish ovaries. Supplementation with 700 and 1400IU/kg of vitamin D3 significantly increased the oocyte maturation rate; upregulated ovarian gonadal steroid hormone synthesis capacity; and elevated plasma estradiol, testosterone, and ovarian vitellogenin levels. Furthermore, the current study identified a vitamin D response element in the cyp19a1a promoter and demonstrated that 1.25(OH)2D3-vitamin D response directly activated cyp19a1a production through activating the vitamin D response element. In conclusion, this study shows that an appropriate concentration of vitamin D3 can promote zebrafish ovarian development and affect vitellogenin synthesis through the vdr/cyp19a1a/er/vtg gene axis.