Different Levels Of Dietary Vitamin Research Articles

Deficiency and excess in dietary vitamin K3 negatively affect gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae performance and bone health

Despite the importance of vitamin K to maintaining normal growth, survival, and bone health in fish, studies on the effect of different dietary levels of vitamin K on marine fish larvae are very scarce. In the present study, the effect of vitamin K on growth performance, incidence of bone anomalies, bone mineralization, and expression of bone biomarkers were investigated in gilthead seabream larvae by feeding microdiets with six different levels of vitamin K3 (1.32, 1.63, 4.98, 12.26, 22.90, and 58.51 mg kg−1) for 14 days. The highest total length and body weight were registered in larvae fed 4.98 mg kg−1 vitamin K3, whereas the further increase in dietary vitamin K3 up to 22.9 and 58.51 mg kg−1 reduced growth and survival. The highest incidence of anomalies in branchiostegal rays, glossohyal, or neurocranium bones was found in larvae fed the lowest vitamin K3 level (1.32 mg kg−1), whereas the increase in vitamin K3 reduced these anomalies following potential regressions with inflection points close to 5 mg kg−1 vitamin K3. However, larvae fed the highest vitamin K3 levels (22.9 and 58.51 mg kg−1) showed a high incidence of abdominal kyphosis, reduced mineralization, and unbalances in the expression of bone health-related genes. In conclusion, the present study suggested an optimum dietary level of 5 mg kg−1 of vitamin K3 to promote seabream larval growth and reduce the incidence of bone anomalies. On the contrary, the elevation of dietary vitamin K3 levels up to 22.9 and 58.51 mg kg−1 has a deleterious effect on larval performance and bone health.

Effect of Dietary Vitamin E on Growth Performance, Immunity and Antioxidant Capacity in Male Jiangnan White Goslings from 1 to 28 d of Age

This experiment aimed to investigate effects of the different dietary levels of vitamin E (VE) on the growth performance, immunity and antioxidant capacity of goslings. A total of 240 1-day-old, male Jiangnan white goslings were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups. Each treatment included five replicates. The basal diet was supplemented with 6 concentrations of VE (0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 mg DL-α-tocopherol acetate/kg). The results were as follows: (1) The α-tocopherol content in the serum and liver of goslings increased linearly as supplemental VE increased in diet (p < 0.05). (2) The body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) increased quadratically with increasing dietary VE supplementation (p < 0.05). Dietary VE supplementation could significantly reduce the feed/gain ratio (F/G) (p < 0.05). (3) Dietary supplementation with VE could significantly improve the contents of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum of the goslings (p < 0.05). The content of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the serum was significantly reduced with VE supplementation (p < 0.05). (4) Dietary supplementation with VE could significantly improve serum and liver catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and liver total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05); Serum and liver MDA contents were significantly reduced with VE supplementation (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with VE could improve growth performance, immunity and antioxidant capacity. Based on broken-line regression analysis, the dietary VE supplementation level for ADG was 12.51 mg/kg, but higher supplementation level should be considered to improve immunity and antioxidant capacity.

Influence of dietary vitamin E (DL‐alpha‐tocopheryl acetate) and diludine (diethyl 1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐3,5‐pyridinedicarboxylate) levels on growth and lipid peroxidation in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

We aimed to investigate the influence of dietary vitamin E and diludine on growth and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) in rainbow trout. Fish (1.5 g) were fed different dietary levels of vitamin E (0, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and diludine (0, 0.5 and 1 g/kg) for 10 weeks. Growth performance and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly affected by dietary vitamin E (p < .05) but not diludine. Fish fed 50 mg/kg dietary vitamin E with no diludine had significantly better growth and lower FCR than those fed vitamin E free diets. Liver vitamin E content was significantly influenced by dietary vitamin E and diludine (p < .05). The highest hepatic vitamin E was in fish fed the highest dietary vitamin E and diludine levels. Hepatic MDA level was significantly affected by dietary vitamin E and diludine (p < .05), decreasing with the increase in both dietary vitamin E and diludine. According to our results, diludine had no significant effect on growth; however, decreased hepatic lipid peroxidation independent of vitamin E. Our results reveal that 50 mg/kg vitamin E content is suitable for optimal growth and FCR in rainbow trout juveniles. However, dose dependent effects of dietary diludine remain uncertain and need further researches.

Effects of different dietary levels of vitamin E supplementation on the growth and ovarian development of Climbing Perch, Anabas testudineus

Vitamin E is one of the most important micronutrients that influence the performance of fish reproduction. The experiment was carried out for 3 months in aquarium with recirculation facilities in the wet laboratory adjacent to the Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University to observe the effects of different dietary level of vitamin E on growth and gonadal development of Anabus testudineus. One and half months aged 300 A. testudineus were stocked and divided into five treatments each having three replicates. The fish were fed with feed having different levels of vitamin E viz. O mg (as control), 50 mg, 100mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg vitamin 0 E/kg feed as treatment-1 to treatment-5, respectively. Fish fed with 50 mg vitamin E/kg feed (under T2) showed highest (9.12±0.23 g) weight gain in terms of body growth while fishes treated with 0 mg vitamin E kg-1 feed (under Ti) gave the poorest result (6.85±1.32 g). There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.005) between the treatment groups. Gonado-somatic index (%) was highest (0.696±0.44) in fish treated with 100 mg vitamin E/kg feed (under T3) while 400 mg vitamin E/kg (under Ts) showed the poorest effect (0.311±0.03). No significant difference (p&gt;0.005) was found between the treatment groups. The results of this experiment suggest that inclusion of 100 mg vitamin E/kg feed is the best dose for enhancing gonadal development of A. testudineus. The findings indicate that vitamin E content may have a positive impact on gonadal development of this species. The present results also imply that inclusion of higher level of vitamin E exerts an antagonistic effect in terms of growth and gonadal development of this species.

Effects of the different levels of dietary vitamin D on boar performance and semen quality

Vitamin D plays a major role primarily in bone mineral homeostasis; however, the action of vitamin D on male reproduction of boars remains unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation on reproductive performance of boars. Twenty-four Yorkshire boars with eighteen months were randomly allocated to one of three vitamin D3 levels diets: 200 IU/kg (C), 2000 IU/kg (T1) and 4000 IU/kg (T2) of vitamin D3 for a 16-week period. Results showed that sperm motility, effective sperm number per ejaculate, acrosome intactness ratio, and membrane intactness ratio in T1 group were significantly higher than those in C group. The sperm membrane intactness ratio was higher in T1 group than in T2 group, whereas the deformity ratio was significantly lower in T1 than in C and T2 groups. Dietary supplementation with vitamin D3 significantly increased 25-OHD3 concentration in the blood and seminal plasma, but there was no significant difference in its concentration in the seminal plasma between T1 and T2 groups. The concentrations of blood testosterone and aromatase activity increased following vitamin D supplementation. Seminal plasma Ca2+, fructose concentration, and acid phosphatase activity were higher in T1 group than in C group, but not significantly different from the corresponding values in T2 group. Furthermore, expression of CYP19, CYP24A1, and VDR mRNAs in sperm was up-regulated in T1 group compared to that in C group. In conclusion, supplementation of boar diets with 2000 IU/kg vitamin D3 increased the sperm motility and effective sperm number, which was in line with the elevated concentrations of vitamin D, hormone secretion and gene expression.

Effect of Different Levels of Dietary Vitamin C on Growth Performance, Muscle Composition, Antioxidant and Enzyme Activity of Macrobrachium rosenbergii

A 12- week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary vitamin C levels on the growth performance, antioxidant ability, muscle composition and enzyme activity in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The experimental basal diets were supplemented with M. rosenbergii at the rates of 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg dry feed weight and the assays were in triplicate. Growth performance, body composition, antioxidant activity and serum biochemistry parameters were determined. However, the present investigation revealed that prawns fed with diet supplemented with 25–150 mg/kg of vitamins C shows enhanced (P 0.05) alterations in prawns fed with 25–150 mg/kg of vitamin C supplemented diets. Therefore, the present findings suggested that 150 mg/kg of vitamin C could be supplemented for flexible enhanced survival, growth, antioxidant defense system and production of M. rosenbergii.

The effects of dietary vitamin C on mucosal immune responses and growth performance in Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) fry.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary vitamin C on some skin mucus immune parameters, mucus antimicrobial activity and growth performance of Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) fry. Six hundred sixty Caspian roach (1.4 ± 0.02 g) fry were allocated to 12 tanks (55 fish per tank), and triplicate groups were fed diets containing 0, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 mg kg(-1) vitamin C for 60 days. At the end of the trial, the epidermal mucus protein level, alkaline phosphatase and antimicrobial activity against two gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus faecium and Micrococcus luteus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) as well as growth performance were measured. The results demonstrated that feeding on vitamin C significantly elevated skin mucus alkaline phosphatase and protein levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, lysozyme activity was undetectable in both the vitamin C-fed roach fry and the control group. Skin mucus antimicrobial activity was increased following vitamin C administration, and the bacterial growth inhibition zones were significantly elevated in vitamin C-fed roach (P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in case of the minimum inhibitory concentration of skin mucus. Also fish fed the control diet had a significantly lower weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). These results revealed that dietary vitamin C beneficially affects the skin mucus immune parameters and growth performance of Caspian roach fry.

Low vitamin D status throughout life results in an inflammatory prone status but does not alter bone mineral or strength in healthy 3-month-old CD-1 male mice.

The aim of this study was to assess if exposure to different levels of dietary vitamin D pre- and postweaning impacts the intestinal-bone axis. Female CD1 mice were exposed to high (5000 IU vitamin D3 /kg diet, H) or low (25 IU vitamin D3 /kg diet, L) vitamin D diet (modified AIN-93G) during pregnancy and lactation. At weaning (postnatal day 21), a subset of the male offspring was sacrificed and another subset was assigned to receive their dams' respective diet (HH and LL) or the other diet (HL and LH) until sacrifice at 3 months of age. Lower level of vitamin D resulted in reduced vitamin D receptor and increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes in the colon at 3 months, lower numbers of colonic Bacteroides/Prevotella at postnatal day 21 and higher serum LPS concentration at adulthood. There was a programming effect of vitamin D on LPS levels. Mineral content, density, and strength of femurs and vertebrae were not affected. Our findings suggest that low vitamin D exposure results in an inflammatory-prone status that may contribute to or be a risk factor for several diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Energy intake, growth rate and body composition of young Labrador Retrievers and Miniature Schnauzers fed different dietary levels of vitamin A

Research in rodents has shown that dietary vitamin A reduces body fat by enhancing fat mobilisation and energy utilisation; however, their effects in growing dogs remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the development of body weight and body composition and compared observed energy intake with predicted energy intake in forty-nine puppies from two breeds (twenty-four Labrador Retriever (LAB) and twenty-five Miniature Schnauzer (MS)). A total of four different diets with increasing vitamin A content between 5·24 and 104·80 μmol retinol (5000-100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) metabolisable energy were fed from the age of 8 weeks up to 52 (MS) and 78 weeks (LAB). The daily energy intake was recorded throughout the experimental period. The body condition score was evaluated weekly using a seven-category system, and food allowances were adjusted to maintain optimal body condition. Body composition was assessed at the age of 26 and 52 weeks for both breeds and at the age of 78 weeks for the LAB breed only using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The growth curves of the dogs followed a breed-specific pattern. However, data on energy intake showed considerable variability between the two breeds as well as when compared with predicted energy intake. In conclusion, the data show that energy intakes of puppies particularly during early growth are highly variable; however, the growth pattern and body composition of the LAB and MS breeds are not affected by the intake of vitamin A at levels up to 104·80 μmol retinol (100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal).

Effect of dietary lipid oxidation with vitamin C and E supplementation on fillet quality of red sea bream,Pagrus major(Temminck &amp; Schlegel) during storage

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of dietary vitamin C (VC) and E (VE) supplementation on fillet quality of red sea bream fed oxidized fish oil (OFO). Fish with an average body weight of 205.0 g were fed four test diets for 9 weeks. Control diet contained fresh fish oil (FFO) with 100 mg kg−1 of VE and 500 mg kg−1 of VC (FFO100E/500C). The other three diets contained OFO with varying levels of VE (mg kg−1) and VC (mg kg−1) (OFO100E/500C, OFO200E/500C and OFO200E/1000C). After feeding trial, two fillets from each fish by hand filleting were stored in a refrigerator at 4°C for 96 h during analyses. Results showed that fish fed OFO increased fillet thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and K-value, and decreased fillet VC and VE concentrations during storage time. Supplementation of VC did not have any detectable effect on fillet quality. Increasing dietary VE supplementation increased fillet VE concentrations, reduced fillet TBARS and K-value values of red sea bream. Therefore, we suggest that dietary supplementation of 200 mg kg−1 of vitamin E could improve fillet oxidative stability of red sea bream fed OFO.

Growth Performance of Larvae Produced from Vitamin E Treated Female &lt;i&gt;Clarias batrachus&lt;/i&gt; (Linnaeus)

An experiment to observe the growth performance of the larvae produced from female Clarias batrachus treated with 4 dietary levels of vitamin E viz. 0 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg /kg feed was conducted for 28 days. After rearing for 3 months females were used for induction of breeding to produce larvae. Same dose of pituitary gland (100 mg PG/kg body weight) was used for all treatments. From the 7th day of hatching, the larvae were reared for another period of 28 days to see growth and survival rate of the larvae produced by the broods maintained under different dietary levels of vitamin E. In case of growth performance (percent length gain, percent weight gain, specific growth rate) and health condition larvae of T2 (50 mg vitamin E/kg feed) showed significantly better result when compared with those of T1 and T3. There was no significant difference in the growth performance between the larvae of T2 and T4. Larvae of T2 although showed higher survival rate but the difference between different treatments was insignificant. The results concluded that 50 mg vitamin E/kg feed is more suitable to increase growth and survival rate of the larvae.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v20i1-2.16862 Progress. Agric. 20(1 &amp; 2): 107 – 116, 2009

The effect of different dietary levels of vitamin E and selenium on antioxidant status and immunological markers in serum of laying hens

The effect of different dietary levels of selenium (Se) and vitamin E on egg production, the antioxidant status and the immune system response of hens was investigated in the current study. A total of 32 Lohman Brown hens were divided into four groups and were fed diets with 5% of soybean oil and two levels of Se (0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg) and vitamin E (30 and 60 mg/kg). During 10 weeks of experimental feeding, the body weights of hens and egg production were similar in all dietary treatments, but a higher Se content of diets contributed to a significant increase in egg weight. A higher vitamin E level significantly increased alpha-tocopherol concentrations (2.71 vs. 2.05 microg/mL, p = 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (43.3 vs. 39.9 U/mL, p = 0.049) and the ferric reducing ability of serum (FRAP) (123.0 vs. 105.7 micromol/L, p = 0.029). A higher Se content increased the concentrations of ascorbic acid (0.309 vs. 0.073 microg/L, p = 0.001), retinol (1.48 vs. 1.15 microg/mL, p = 0.001) and alpha-tocopherol (2.86 vs. 1.90 microg/mL, p = 0.001), the activity levels of catalase (3.40 vs. 2.98 U/L,p = 0.010) and SOD (43.4 vs. 30.8 U/mL, p = 0.040) as well as the total antioxidant status (TAS) of serum (0.38 vs. 0.28 mmol/L, p = 0.026). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) between treatments, while a higher vitamin E content of diets increased serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations (370.6 vs. 321.3 microg/mL, p = 0.026). Higher dietary levels of vitamin E and Se increased the serum concentrations of retinol (1.66 vs. 2.20 microg/mL, p = 0.013) and a-tocopherol (3.33 vs. 1.71, p = 0.014), but they had no effect on the other physiological parameters. It is recommended that the levels of both supplements, Se and vitamin E, be increased in laying hen diets as they have a beneficial effect on the serum concentrations of retinol and alpha-tocopherol.

Effect of different levels of dietary vitamin E (dl-α-tocopherol acetate) on the occurrence of various degrees of white striping on broiler breast fillets

White striping could be a potential reason for the rejection of raw breast fillets in the market. The condition is characterized grossly by the white striations occurring on the fillets showing myopathic changes on microscopic examination. Early research has shown similar lesions in the case of nutritional muscular dystrophy, which is a condition caused mainly by the deficiency of vitamin E in the diet. The present study was intended to evaluate the effect of different levels of dietary vitamin E (dl-α-tocopherol acetate) on the incidence of normal, moderate, and severe degrees of white striping, by modern description, on broiler breast fillets. Basal diets adequate for starter (0 to 18 d), grower (19 to 32 d), and finisher (33 to 49 d) age periods supplemented with 15, 50, 100, 200, and 400 IU of vitamin E/kg of feed were used in the study. Each of the 5 diet treatments were fed to 8 pens (53 birds each) of male broilers from a commercial strain. At 49 d, 5 birds were randomly selected from each pen (n = 40 birds/diet treatment) and were processed. Live weight, ready-to-cook weight, weight of the fillets, wings, tenders, legs, and the racks were obtained. The fillets were scored for the 3 degrees of white striping. There were no significant differences among the diet treatments with respect to the weight and carcass yield parameters. Furthermore, the diet treatments did not show any significant effect on the occurrence of normal, moderate, and severe degrees of white striping. However, fillet weight was the only parameter that had a significant effect on the occurrence of white striping. Higher degrees of white striping were seen associated with heavier fillets, which is in accordance with previous studies. Different levels of vitamin E levels used in the present study did not show any significant effect on the occurrence of 3 degrees of white striping. These results suggest that dietary vitamin E level is not associated with the modern condition of white striping in broiler breast meat.

Long-Term Effects and Interactions of Different Levels of Dietary Vitamin C and E and Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid on Sperm Parameters in Goldfish (Carassius auratus gibelio)

The aim of the work was to determine long-term effects and interactions of different doses of ascorbic acid (L- ascorbic acid) (0, 100 mg/kg diet-1) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) (0, 1000 mg/kg diet-1) and Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (HUFA) (fish oil and soya bean oil) on sperm quality in goldfish. The results of this study showed that vitamin C and E and HUFA have significant (P 0.05).

Growth, Feed Utilization and Haematology of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings Fed Diets Containing Different Levels of Vitamin C

Problem statement: In an effort to increase growth, improve feed utilization, reduc e stress and prevent certain diseases , a 14 week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of dietary vitamin C (ascorbic aci d) on growth, feed utilization and hematological changes in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Approach: Diets were formulated to contain 0, 50, 100, 150, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg L-ascorbic acid kg -1 of feed contributing 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% to the formulated diets respectively. Fish of mean weight 10.12±0.7 g were fed on experimental diets in triplicate groups. Weight gain of fish fed diet with 0% of vitamin C were significantly (p 0.05) differences in weight gain amo ng the fish fed diets containing 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15% of vitamin C. Generally, fish fed vitamin C s upplemented diets showed better growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency compared wi th those without vitamin C supplementation. Results: The results of hematological analyses of fish showe d that red blood cell, white blood cell, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by vitamin C supplemented diets. Fish fed the vitamin C-free d iet begin to show deficiency signs such as erratic swimming, flashing, skin darkening and reduced growth at 12 weeks of feeding trial. Conclusion: This study indicated that 50 mg kg -1 of ascorbic acid is sufficient to prevent C. gariepinus fingerlings from developing clinical symptoms relating to vitamin C deficiency. A mega dose of 1500 mg kg -1 of

Changes in the Fatty Acid Composition of M. longissimus dorsi of Lamb during Storage in a High-Oxygen Modified Atmosphere at Different Levels of Dietary Vitamin E Supplementation

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on fatty acid composition during storage of lamb meat packed in a high-oxygen modified atmosphere was studied. Lambs were fed with diets supplemented with four levels of vitamin E (0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg acetate-alpha-tocopherol/kg feed). Slices of M. longissimus dorsi were packed in a high-oxygen modified atmosphere (70% O2:30% CO2) and stored at 2 +/- 1 degrees C in the dark for 14, 21, and 28 days. The nonsupplemented group (E0) showed an increase in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids and a reduction in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in total fatty acids. The proportion of SFA and PUFA was unchanged in the supplemented groups (E250, E500, and E1000). The supplementation with 250 mg acetate-alpha-tocopherol/kg feed prevented the oxidation of PUFA in the total lipids and in the polar lipids fraction, while 500 mg acetate-alpha-tocopherol/kg feed was necessary to prevent the oxidation of PUFA in free fatty acids. Supplementing vitamin E not only inhibited lipid oxidation but also maintained nutritional value [essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), and beneficial fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3)] throughout the storage period.

Effect of Dietary Vitamin E on Growth, Fecundity, and Leukocyte Count in Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

The effects of different levels of dietary vitamin E (0, 100, 200, 300, and 600 mg/kg diet) on growth, gonad weight, fecundity, and leukocyte count were studied in goldfish (Carassius aura- tus) for 120 days. Fish fed the 300 mg vitamin E/kg diet had the best feeding rate, weight gain, and specific growth rate. Fish fed the control diet lacking vitamin E began to develop gonads on day 60 and spawned only once, while those fed diets containing vitamin E began to develop gonads on day 40 and spawned twice. Females fed the 300 mg vitamin E/kg diet had signifi- cantly (p&lt;0.01) heavier gonads and a higher number of eggs with better hatchability than those fed other diets. The second spawn was significantly (p&lt;0.01) more prolific than the first in all groups. Egg weight and diameter and larvae weight and length were significantly (p&lt;0.05) high- er in fish fed 300 mg vitamin E than in fish fed the control diet but did not differ from other vita- min E treatments. Lymphocyte and monocyte populations were highest in fish fed 300 mg vita- min E. Thus, 300 mg vitamin E/ kg diet is the optimum level for improving reproduction and immune response in C. auratus. The probable mechanism for the action of vitamin E on growth and reproduction is discussed.

EFFECTS OF VITAMIN E ON ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME ACTIVITIES AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITIONS IN JUVENILE ABALONE HALIOTIS DISCUS HANNAI INO

A 240-day feeding trial was conducted in a recirculated water system to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin E on the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT; superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GPX) and the composition of fatty acids in abalone, Haliotis discus hannai Ino. Triplicate groups of juvenile abalone (initial weight: 0.71 ± 0.00 g; initial shell length: 15.49 ± 0.04 mm) were fed to satiation one of three semipurified diets containing 0, 50, and 5,000-mg/kg vitamin E, respectively. Abalone were sampled on the 120th day and the 240th day, respectively. There were no significant differences in activities of CAT and SOD in soft body of abalone fed with different levels of dietary vitamin E for 120 days (P > 0.05), but significantly higher activity of GPX was found with 5,000-mg/kg dietary vitamin E (P < 0.05). Activities of CAT and GPX were significantly elevated by dietary vitamin E on the 240th day. The lowest value of 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6 and the highest value of 22:6n-3 in soft body were found with 50 mg/kg dietary vitamin E supplement on the 120th day. On the 240th day, the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in abalone with 50-mg/kg dietary vitamin E supplement was significantly higher than those in the other two treatments (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects of dietary vitamin E on the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in abalone during the two sampling periods (P > 0.05). In conclusion, 50-mg/kg dietary vitamin E supplement elevated the activities of antioxidant enzymes and could protect MUFA from peroxidation damage. Excessive dietary vitamin E (5,000 mg/kg) did not serve as an antioxidant any more, but tended to be a pro-oxidant in the soft body of abalone.

Effect of an acute dose of ethanol on lipid peroxidation in rats: action of vitamin E

Free radical generation is an important step in the pathogenesis of ethanol-associated liver injury. Administration of ethanol induces an increase in lipid peroxidation both by enhancing the production of oxygen reactive species and by decreasing the levels of endogenous antioxidants. This work focuses on the generation of free radicals provoked by an acute ethanol dose in rats, and the role of different dietary levels of vitamin E. The objective of this investigation was to study the effect of three different dietary levels of vitamin E (deficient, control and supplemented with 20 times higher levels) on plasma and liver lipid peroxidation (assayed by TBARS), vitamin E in plasma and liver, and hepatic glutathione concentration, in rats receiving the different diets. The animals were submitted to an acute dose of ethanol (5 g/kg body weight) administered by gavage at the end of an experimental 4 week period and were sacrificed at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h after ethanol administration. Dietary vitamin E caused a dose-dependent increase in liver and plasma concentration of the vitamin, but ethanol administration decreased hepatic vitamin E in all groups. TBARS concentrations were higher in liver of rats that received the deficient diet, independent of ethanol, however, liver TBARS concentrations were low in control and supplemented groups, but increased with ethanol ingestion. Glutathione levels were lowered by ethanol administration in all groups, in different times, but recovered to this original level in 24 h time. In conclusion, vitamin E deficiency alone induces liver lipid peroxidation in rats, acute administration of ethanol affect vitamin E and GSH level and maintenance of adequate or higher vitamin E levels acts as a protective factor against free radical generation.

Effects of different dietary levels of L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate on growth and tissue vitamin C concentrations in juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck et Schlegel)

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different dietary levels of vitamin C, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (ASPP), on growth and tissue vitamin C concentrations in juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck et Schlegel). Fish were fed one of six semi-purified diets containing an equivalent of 0, 25, 50, 75, 150, or 1500 mg ascorbic acid (AA) kg−1 diet (C0, C25, C50, C75, C150 or C1500) in the form of ASPP for 12 weeks. Weight gain (WG) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed the C0 diet were significantly lower than those of fish fed the other diets (P < 0.05), and WG and PER of fish fed the C25, C50 and C75 diets were significantly lower than those of fish fed the C1500 diet (P < 0.05). Fish fed the C0 diet exhibited vitamin C deficiency symptoms such as anorexia, scoliosis, cataract, exophthalmia and fin hemorrhage at the end of the 12-week test. After 12 weeks of the feeding trial, AA concentrations from gill, kidney, and liver of fish fed the C0, C25, C50 and C75 diets were significantly lower than those of fish fed the C150 and C1500 diets (P < 0.05). Based on broken line analyses for WG and PER, the optimum dietary levels of vitamin C were 91 and 93 mg AA kg−1 diet respectively. These findings suggest that the dietary vitamin C requirement could be 93 mg AA kg−1 diet to support reasonable growth, and greater than 150 mg AA kg−1 diet may be required for AA saturation of major tissues for juvenile olive flounder under experimental conditions.