Gamma-glutamyltransferase Activity Research Articles

Hepatoprotective effect of the flavonoid fustin in a rat model of paracetamol-induced acute liver damage

Paracetamol (PCM)-induced toxicity is a well-established pharmacological model. Cotinus coggygria is a medicinal plant rich in polyphenols, including the flavonoid fustin. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the flavonoid fustin isolated from Cotinus coggygria heartwood in a model of PCM-induced liver damage. Male Wistar rats (n=48) were allocated to four groups: Control, PCM, F5+PCM, F10+PCM. The rodents were treated daily orally for nine consecutive days as follows: groups F5+PCM and F10+PCM – with fustin (suspended in a vehicle) at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively; groups Control and PCM – with the vehicle. PCM was injected intraperitoneally (1.0 g/kg) on day 7. At the end of the experiment, serum and liver samples were prepared. PCM caused a severe liver damage confirmed by histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical indices. Compared to PCM group, in F5+PCM and F10+PCM groups, the hepatic necrosis, steatosis, ballooning degeneration, inflammation and expression of NF-κB were significantly reduced. Fustin treatment resulted in a significant reduction of serum activities of alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase to levels that did not differ from the control values. The present study demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect of the flavonoid fustin in a rat model of acute paracetamol-induced toxicity.

Effect of dimercaptosuccinic acid against lead-induced clastogenicity and enzyme activity in mice in-vivo

Indiscriminate exposure of humans to heavy metal contamination via occupation and enviro nmental pollution has been reported with its attendant health burdens including genetic mutation and cancer. This study examined effect of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) a metal chelator against lead-induced mutagenicity in mice and resultant effect on proper formation of erythrocyte cells. Lead acetate (2.5 mg/kg b.wt) and DMSA (25 mg/kg b.wt) were fed to the mice via oral gavage for 14 consecutive days. Clastogenic effects were observed in the bone marrow cells using micronucleus assay while activity of gamma glutamyl transferase (ý-GT) in both serum and liver was evaluated and the hematologic state of the mice was also monitored. The results obtained indicate that group B animals fed with lead acetate only, significantly (P<0.05) induced the formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) in bone marrow of mice compared with control. However, in group C animals fed simultaneously with lead acetate and DMSA, the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was significantly (P<0.05) reduced while there was marked reduction in levels of hematologic parameters in group D animals. Results from enzyme assay showed that treatment with DMSA resulted in decrease activities for both liver and serum gamma glutamyl transferase with highest mean values of 5.02 U/L and 4.38 U/L respectively. This study underscores the cytotoxicity of lead acetate and ameliorative effect of DMSA with great respite from organic alternative therapy.

Studying the relationship of liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase with the activity of gammaglutamyltransferase in horses

Studying the relationship of liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase with the activity of gammaglutamyltransferase in horses

Effect of postpartum drenching on plasma parameters of cows at a large-scale dairy farm.

The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of postpartum drenching with a feed additive on the plasma concentration of biochemical parameters while factoring in prepartum rumination times (RT). One hundred and sixty-one cows were fitted with a Ruminact© HR-Tag approximately 5 days before calving. Drenching and control groups were established based on calving dates. Animals in the drenched group were treated three times (Day 1/day of calving/, Day 2, and Day 3 postpartum) using a feed additive containing calcium propionate, magnesium sulphate, yeast, potassium chloride and sodium chloride mixed in approximately 25 L of lukewarm tap water. Blood samples were collected on Days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 12. Cows with below the average RT were categorised as "low rumination" and those above it as "high rumination" animals. Drenching decreased the plasma concentrations of total protein, urea and creatinine and increased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and chloride. Low rumination time prepartum resulted in higher concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, total protein and activities of alkaline phosphatase and GGT, while it decreased the activity of ALT and the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The day of lactation had an effect on all parameters except for potassium.

Successful Use of Bortezomib for Recurrent Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type II After Liver Transplantation: A Pediatric Case with a 9-Year Follow-Up.

Recurrence of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) type II poses challenges during postoperative liver transplant care. Posttransplant patients with PFIC type II risk developing recurrent cholestasis with normal gamma-glutamyl transferase activity, which mimics the original bile salt export pump (BSEP) protein deficiency and is related to a form of immunoglobulin G antibody (anti-BSEP)-mediated rejection. Bortezomib effectively induces apoptosis of actively antibody-producing plasma cells that may have a role in antibody-mediated rejection. In this case, we used bortezomib to treat PFIC type II recurrence after liver transplantation in a child.

Comparison of the effects of BDNF/TRKB signalling on metabolic biomarkers in the liver of sedentary and trained rats with normal and knockout BDNF genotypes.

Introduction: The effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the modulation of metabolic processes in the liver is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether hepatic concentrations or activities of metabolic biomarkers depend on altered BDNF/TrkB content in the liver, resulting from different BDNF genotypes of rats. In addition, it was assessed whether 5-week moderate endurance training modifies the levels of BDNF/Trk-B signaling and studied hepatic markers. Methods: Experiments were performed on wild-type and heterozygous BDNF knockout (HET, SD-Bdnf) rats, which were divided into four groups: control with normal genotype (Bdnf+/+), control with BDNF knockout genotype (Bdnf+/-), trained with normal genotype (Bdnf+/+T) and trained with BDNF knockout genotype (Bdnf +/-T). BDNF/TrkB concentrations as well as selected metabolic biomarkers including lipids-total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG); enzymes-alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP); hormones-insulin (INS) and leptin (LEPT) as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) as regeneration indicator were measured directly in liver homogenates. Results and Discussion: The study showed that Bdnf+/- rats exhibited reduced BDNF/TrkB signaling (BDNF, p < 0.0001; Trk-B, p = 0.0005), altered lipid levels (CHOL, p < 0.0001; LDL, p < 0.0001; TG, p = 0.0006) and reduced hepatic ALAT (p = 0.0004) and GGT (p < 0.0001) activity, which may contribute to hepatic steatosis and obesity, as well as indicate impairment of specific metabolic pathways in the liver. Interestingly, endurance training did not alter hepatic BDNF and TrkB content, but improved ALAT (p = 0.0366) and ASAT (p = 0.0191) activities and increased hepatic IL-6 (p = 0.0422) levels in Bdnf +/- rats, suggesting enhanced liver regeneration in animals with BDNF allele loss.

Rutin attenuated hexachlorobenzene-induced testicular injury via regulation of oxidative stress, steroidogenic enzymes and apoptotic process in male rats

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a pesticide that is constantly produced as a by-product in many industrial processes. Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid found in many plants with numerous biological and pharmacological properties. However, there is no scientifical information on the impact of RUT on HCB-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Thus, we investigated the effect of rutin on HCB-induced reproductive toxicity. Rats were divided into four groups consisting of control administered with corn oil, HCB alone (16 mg/kg), RUT alone (100 mg/kg) and HCB + RUT that were treated orally by gavage for 28 days. Hexachlorobenzene caused a significant reduction in epididymal sperm count, sperm progressive motility, viability, number of hypo-osmotic tail swelled spermatozoa and increased sperm morphological abnormalities (head, midpiece and tail). Furthermore, HCB decreased the activities of gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, levels of glutathione and total protein with increased malondialdehyde level. Additionally, HCB increased the levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone but decreased high density lipoproteins, serum testosterone, steroidogenic enzymes (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), B-cell lymphoma and increased pro-apoptotic markers (Bcl-2 associated protein (Bax), caspases-3 and-9) alongside histological and histomorphometrical abnormalities. Nevertheless, RUT prevented all the aberrations caused by HCB. Our result showed that HCB induced reproductive toxicity in rats and RUT protected against HCB-induced r reproductive toxicity.

Association between serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and early-onset coronary artery disease: a retrospective case-control study

BackgroundSerum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity has been proposed as a promising predictor of atherosclerosis-related complications and a prognostic marker for cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between serum levels of GGT and early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD).MethodsA retrospective, hospital-based case-control study was conducted, which included 860 patients with EOCAD and gender- and age-matched controls. Serum levels of GGT were measured using the reference measurement procedure on an automatic biochemistry analyser.ResultsThe serum GGT levels of patients with EOCAD (34.90 ± 31.44 U/L) were significantly higher than those of the control group (21.57 ± 16.44 U/L, p < .001). Elevated serum levels of GGT were found to be an independent risk factor for EOCAD, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.021 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.014–1.029). Additionally, for every quartile increase in serum GGT levels, the risk of developing EOCAD increased by 1.6-fold. Moreover, serum GGT levels were significantly associated with disease severity, with lower GGT levels observed in patients without significant vascular disease (31.74 ± 24.06 U/L) compared to those with two-vessel disease (33.06 ± 25.00 U/L, p = .002) and three-vessel disease (37.75 ± 36.76 U/L, p = .001).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that elevated serum GGT levels are associated with the development of EOCAD, and GGT may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to explore the potential relationship between serum GGT levels and the dynamic development of EOCAD.

Antibiotic-Associated Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is associated, among other things, with the use of antibiotics. Children with DILI are at risk of acute liver failure and even death. However, the literature on the subject provides little information on the possibility of distinguishing the types of hepatic lesions to diagnose potentially life-threatening DILI in time.AIM. The study aimed to describe the phenotype of new-onset DILI associated with antibiotics in critically ill children with nosocomial infection.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The authors conducted a prospective observational study in the resuscitation and intensive care units of the Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital from 1 February 2020 to 1 September 2021. The study assessed the incidence of antibiotic-associated DILI using the Global Trigger Tool. The study enrolled 100 critically ill children aged 0 to 17 years (44 boys and 56 girls) with nosocomial infection.RESULTS. Signs of hepatotoxicity were detected in 19 patients, including 8 with abnormal liver function tests but normal liver function and 11 with abnormal liver function tests and clinically apparent liver disease. Thus, the incidence of new-onset hepatotoxicity associated with antibiotics amounted to 12.9 cases per 100,000 paediatric patients, and the incidence of DILI was 7.5 cases per 100,000 children. Based on the analysis of medical records, biochemical findings, and relationships between the time of dosing and the manifestation of signs of liver disorder in 11 children, the authors characterised the phenotype of idiosyncratic cholestatic hepatitis. Critically ill children treated with antibiotics showed alanine transaminase activity up to 10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), bilirubin levels up to 4.45 times the ULN, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity up to 5 times the ULN. The odds of developing new-onset DILI were the highest with tigecycline (OR: 4.07; 95% CI: 1.32–12.50) and meropenem (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.01–3.36). In 6 patients, clinical signs of idiosyncratic cholestatic hepatitis resolved within a few weeks after antibiotic discontinuation. The other 5 patients with clinical signs of idiosyncratic cholestatic hepatitis died.CONCLUSIONS. The authors described the phenotype of idiosyncratic cholestatic liver injury associated with antibiotics in critically ill children. The role of pharmacogenetic markers in the development of DILI associated with antibiotics in critically ill children needs to be assessed further to implement a risk-based approach and mitigate the risks.The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under No. NCT04141657 on 24 October 2019.

ETUDE COMPARATIVE DE LA PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSTIQUE DES MARQUEURS INDIRECTS D’ALCOOLISATION CHRONIQUE : CDT, GGT ET VGM

ntroduction: gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) andmean corpuscular volume (MCV) are the traditionalmarkers of chronic alcoholism. For over 30 years,carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) has been oneof the biological diagnostic tools used in themanagement of alcohol-dependent patients. The aimof this study was to set up a capillary electrophoresisassay for CDT in the Biochemistry Laboratory of theFann Hospital and University Centre, in order to providepractitioners with much more effective diagnostic toolsfor identifying and monitoring alcohol dependence.Materials and methods: The methodology consistedof recruiting patients diagnosed as alcohol-dependentat the Centre de Prise en Charge Intégrée desAddictions de Dakar (CEPIAD) and determining GMV,GGT activity and CDT content. The CDT content wasobtained by capillary electrophoresis and the resultsexpressed as a percentage of total transferrin. Toensure the absence of liver damage, transaminaseactivity was assessed.Results: The results showed that CDT was much moresensitive because it was disturbed in more than halfthe patients, compared with 40% for GGT and 10%for VGM. CDT was elevated in 100% of patientsconsuming more than 1 litre of alcohol. It also appearedthat in the presence of alcoholic hepatitis as evidencedby an ASAT/ALAT ratio &gt; 1, GGT appeared to be moresensitive. The combination of GGT and CDT was moresensitive than either GGT-VGM or CDT-VGM.Conclusion: CDT was a highly relevant parameter inthe diagnosis and monitoring of alcohol-dependentpatients. It is more relevant to combine CDT and GGTthan GGT and VGM, which are traditionally measuredroutinely.Key words: CDT, alcohol dependence, biologicaldiagnosisCorrespondance : Fatoumata Bah,Laboratoire de Toxicologie et Hydrologie de la FMPO de l’UCAD, Dakar.Tel : +221 33 824 65 39.Email : fabah2001@yahoo.fr10

Dietary Effects of Mycotoxins Adsorbents Mycostop Premium® and Mycostop Duplo® on Piglets Productive Performance and Blood Serum Enzyme Activities

This study aimed to investigate the dietary effects of mycotoxin adsorbents Mycostop Premium® and Mycostop Duplo® on piglets' productive performance and serum enzyme activities. A total of 100 weaned piglets (28 days old) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatment groups (20 piglets in each group) for a duration of 42 days. The dietary treatments included: control group C with no mycotoxin adsorbent; group E1 supplemented with Mycostop Premium® adsorbent in amount of 1kg/t of feed; group E2 supplemented with Mycostop Premium® adsorbent in amount of 2.5kg/t of feed; group E3 supplemented with Mycostop Duplo® adsorbent in amount of 1kg/t of feed; and group E4 supplemented with Mycostop Duplo® adsorbent in amount of 2.5kg/t of feed. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The results revealed significant improvements in productive performance parameters, including average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), in piglets fed diets containing mycotoxin adsorbents. Serum enzyme activities were also assessed to gauge the impact of mycotoxin adsorbents on piglets' health. The activities of liver enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and gut health-related enzymes (amylase and lipase) were evaluated. Piglets consuming diets supplemented with mycotoxin adsorbents exhibited a reduction in the activities of liver enzymes, indicating lower hepatic stress, and an enhancement in the activity of gut health-related enzymes, reflecting improved nutrient digestion and absorption. In conclusion, the inclusion of mycotoxin adsorbents in piglet diets resulted in significant improvements in productive performance and serum enzyme activities.

Metabolic Profile of F1 Holstein × Zebu Lactating Dairy Cows Under Grazing Supplemented with Two Non-Protein Nitrogen Sources

Pastures dedicated to cattle production in Venezuela have a low crude protein concentration. One of the nutritional strategies to correct the forage protein deficit is using non-protein nitrogen in the diet. To evaluate the effect of two non-protein nitrogen sources on the metabolic profile of lactating dairy cows, 31 F1 Holstein × Zebu multiparous cows averaging 419 ± 46 kg body weight and 17.1 ± 3.3 kg milk·animal·d-1 were randomly assigned to two treatments for 91 days: 1) 59 g·animal-1·d-1 of urea and 2) 64 g·animal-1·d-1 of Optigen II® as slow-release urea (SRU). The animals were grazing (2.12 AU·ha-1) on Urochloa decumbens, U. humidicola, and U. brizantha (7.98-9.61 % CP) and supplied with 4 kg·animal·d-1 of concentrate (15 % CP), and 108, 60, and 108 g·animal·d-1 of mineral, molasses, and bypass fat, respectively. Glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, urea, and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were determined in blood serum samples every 28 days. ANOVA analyzed data in a completely randomized design with repeated measures. There were no differences among treatments in the parameters investigated; however, collecting time influenced all of them. No treatment × time interactions were found except for albumin concentration, higher in urea at day 0. The results indicate that under the conditions assayed in the present work, Optigen II® offers no advantage over urea concerning blood indicators of energy and protein metabolism and hepatic functionality in dairy cows.

Effect of Dietary Calcium Propionate Inclusion Level and Duration in High-Risk Newly Received Stocker Calves: Growth Performance, Body Fat Reserves, and Health

This study utilized fifty bull calves of the Continental × British crossbreed, with an average body weight of 147.0 ± 1.67 kg (BW), in a completely randomized design. The objective was to examine the impact of varying levels and duration of calcium propionate (CaPr) supplementation on the growth performance, body fat reserves, serum metabolites, and hemogram of high-risk newly received stocker calves. These calves were individually housed and fed a received diet for 56 d. The calves received the following treatments: (1) no CaPr (CTL), (2) 20 g CaPr/calf/d, (3) 40 g CaPr/calf/d, (4) 60 g CaPr/calf/d, and (5) 80 g CaPr/calf/d at 14, 28, 42, and 56 d after their arrival. Supplementing with 20 g CaPr from 28 to 56 d after arrival increased average daily gain (ADG) and BW (p &lt; 0.05), and DMI was not affected (p &gt; 0.05). This was reflected at 28 d with increases (p &lt; 0.05) in the ADG/DMI ratio and longissimus muscle area (LMA), and at 56 d in back fat thickness (BFT) and fat thickness at the rump (FTR). Also, with 20 g, blood urea nitrogen decreased (p &lt; 0.05), and increases were observed in the activity of gamma glutamyltransferase, monocytes (quadratic trend, p &lt; 0.07), and granulocytes % (quadratic effect, p &lt; 0.03). However, as the level of CaPr increased during the first 14 d after arrival, daily water intake, creatinine, total cholesterol, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (linear effect, p &lt; 0.05), globulin, calcium, and mean corpuscular volume (linear trend, p = 0.08) increased, while alkaline phosphatase (linear trend, p = 0.07) and lymphocytes (linear effect, p = 0.05) decreased. Finally, the different levels of CaPr supplementation did not produce any significant effects or differences (p &gt; 0.05) in the remaining serum metabolites and hemogram (p &gt; 0.05). Ultimately, the inclusion of 20 g CaPr/calf/d in the diet for 28 d in newly received stocker calves increased ADG, ADG/DMI ratio, and LMA. If extended to 42 or 56 d, the increases in ADG persisted, but there was also a rise in body fat reserves (BFT and FTR) at the expense of a reduction in the ADG/DMI ratio. Furthermore, the different supplementation levels did not impact the reference range for most serum metabolites or the health of stocker calves.

Jatonik polyherbal mixture induced rat liver MMPT pore opening in normal Wistar rat: In vitro and in vivo studies

ObjectiveTo assess acute toxicity, the in vitro and in vivo effects of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts (JME and JEE) of Jatonik polyherbal mixture on some mitochondria-related parameters and their effect on the activity of some liver enzymes. MethodsAcute toxicity of JME and JEE was determined using Lorke’s method. In vitro and in vivo opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (MMPT pore) was spectrophotometrically assayed. Production of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of lipid peroxidation and the activity of mitochondrial ATPase was evaluated in vitro and in vivo and the effect of JME and JEE on the activity of liver enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was also investigated. ResultsJME had an LD50 of 3 808 mg/kg b.w whereas JEE had an LD50 greater than 5 000 mg/kg b.w. of rats. After the rats have been fed with both extracts, a photomicrograph of a piece of liver tissue showed no apparent symptoms of toxicity. From the in vitro and in vivo studies, both extracts prompted intact mitochondria to open their MMPT pores. When compared to the control, lipid peroxide product release and ATPase activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in vitro and in vivo. The activities of AST, ALT, and GGT were all reduced at 50 mg/kg when treated with JME, but the activity of AST was considerably enhanced when treated with JEE (P < 0.05). The results revealed that both JME and JEE of the Jatonik polyherbal mixture had low toxicity, profound MMPTpore induction, and enhanced ATPase activity, but an increased MDA production. ConclusionJatonik extracts may be a promising target for drug development in diseases where there is dysregulation of apoptosis, however, further studies are needed to better clarify the molecular mechanism involved in these phenomena.

The Effect of Moderate Exercise on Liver Function, Lipid Peroxidation and the Lipid Profile in Rats Fed a High-Fat or Standard Diet

It is a well-known fact that diet with excessive fat and obesity are the triggers and theculprits of many diseases. .It is known that exercise increases physical fitness, affects general health positively and plays an active role in preventing diseases. This study investigated the effect of moderate exercise on liver function, lipid peroxidation and the lipid profile in rats fed with a high fat or standard diet.Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups as control, exercise, high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD+exercise (n=6). After 8 weeks of study glucose, lipid profile, liver fonction tests, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and the malondialdehyde (MDA)level were measured in both serum and liver.Glucose levels in the HFD+E group were lower than the control and exercise (p

The toxicity effects of the individual and combined exposure of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and tire rubber powder (RP) on Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus)

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is soluble in water and can contaminate water sources when it spills during transportation or leaks from underground storage tanks. Incomplete combustion releases MTBE as exhaust fumes that can be deposited on urban surfaces. Meanwhile, car tires erosion emits of large amounts of rubber dust (RP), easily transported to water bodies. Therefore, this study has the objective of assessing the toxicity of varying concentrations of MTBE (0, 2.5, 5.0 μL L−1) and RP (0, 5.0, 10.0 mg L−1 RP), both individually and in combination, over a period of 28 days on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). MTBE and PR decreased fish growth performance. Blood biochemical analytes indicated that MTBE and RP led to increasing Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities. Alterations related to glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and creatinine, plasma contents, were also observed. Increased antioxidant biomarkers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and malondialdehyde (MDA), was observed. Exposure fish to MTBE and PR changed metabolic profile of muscle tissue. Moreover, results showed that MTBE, its metabolites, and PR could accumulate in the muscle tissue of fish. Results suggest that MTBE and RP can impact fish health, both individually and when combined. The presence of MTBE enhances the toxicity of RP, indicating a synergistic effect. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to understand the impact of toxic compounds on aquatic environments and organisms' health.

Feeding spent hemp biomass to lactating dairy cows: Effects on performance, milk components and quality, blood parameters, and nitrogen metabolism

The legalization of industrial hemp by the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States has driven a sharp increase in its cultivation, including for cannabinoid extraction. Spent hemp biomass (SHB), produced from the extraction of cannabinoids, can potentially be used as feed for dairy cows; however, it is still illegal to do so in the United States, according to the US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine, due to the presence of cannabinoids and the lack of data on the effect on animals. To assess the safety of this byproduct as feed for dairy cows, late-lactation Jersey cows (245 ± 37 d in milk; 483 ± 38 kg body weight; 10 multiparous and 8 primiparous) received a basal total mixed ration (TMR) diet plus 13% alfalfa pellet (CON) or 13% pelleted SHB for 4 wk (intervention period [IP]) followed by 4 wk of withdrawal period (WP), where all cows received only the basal TMR during WP. The dry matter intake (DMI), body weight, body condition score, milk yield, milk components, and fatty acid profile, blood parameters, N metabolism, methane emission, and activity were measured. Results indicated that feeding SHB decreased DMI mainly due to the low palatability of the SHB pellet, as the cows consumed only 7.4% of the total TMR with 13.0% SHB pellet offered in the ration. However, milk yield was not affected during the IP and was higher than CON during the WP, leading to higher milk yield/DMI. Milk components were not affected, except for a tendency in decreased fat percentage. Milk fat produced by cows fed SHB had a higher proportion of oleate and bacteria-derived fatty acids than CON. The activity of the cows was not affected, except for a shorter overall lying time in SHB versus CON cows during the IP. Blood parameters related to immune function were not affected. Compared with CON, cows fed SHB had a lower cholesterol concentration during the whole experiment and higher β-hydroxybutyric acid during the WP, while a likely low-grade inflammation during the IP was indicated by higher ceruloplasmin and reactive oxidative metabolites. Other parameters related to liver health and inflammatory response were unaffected, except for a tendency for higher activity of alkaline phosphatase during IP and a lower activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase during WP in the SHB group versus CON. The bilirubin concentration was increased in cows fed SHB, suggesting a possible decrease in the clearance ability of the liver. Digestibility of the dry matter and protein and methane emission were not affected by feeding SHB. The urea, purine derivatives, and creatinine concentration in urine was unaffected, but cows fed SHB had higher N use efficiency and lower urine volume. Altogether, our data revealed a relatively low palatability of SHB affecting DMI with minimal biological effects, except for a likely low-grade inflammation, a higher N use efficiency, and a possible decrease in liver clearance. Overall, the data support the use of SHB as a safe feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows.

Biochemical Markers of Liver Damage in Cattle Naturally Infected with Fasciola Hepatica

Abstract Fascioliasis is a worldwide spread parasitic disease with a high impact on the economy and public health in many countries. Therefore, it is important to apply prevention, effective treatment, and education campaigns, to prevent the disease. This work aimed to determine the biochemical markers of liver damage caused by Fasciola hepatica during 21 days (D0 – D21) post albendazole (ABZ) therapy in the blood sera. This study included 24 cows naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica, randomly divided into a control group (n = 12) and a group treated per os with ABZ (7.5 mg per kg body weight) (n = 12). The activity of hepatic enzymes – aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and cholestatic enzymes – gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were measured in both groups. The activity of AST has significantly increased in the course of the experiment (D0 – D21) in both groups (P &lt; 0.001). ALT activity during D0 – D21 was significantly decreased in both groups (P &lt; 0.001). Activity of GGT was not significantly changed in the control group in the course of the experiment (P &gt; 0.05). Contrarily, the activity of GGT in the treated group was significantly decreased (P &lt; 0.01) during D0 – D21. The activity of GGT in the blood sera of the treated group was significantly lower in comparison with the control group in D7 and D21 (P &lt; 0.01). This decreased GGT activity in the blood sera of the treated group may be caused by the effect of albendazole resulting in fasciola elimination and bile flow improvement. The results of ALP determination show no significant changes in ALP activity between groups. This can lead to the conclusion that the most useful marker of cholestasis caused by F. hepatica is the GGT activity and may help to evaluate the ABZ therapy effect in cattle.

Zafirlukast protects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats via modulating Bcl-2/Bax and NF-κB/SMAD-4 pathways.

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a clinical problem commonly during liver transplantation and other liver surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of zafirlukast (ZFK) on IR-induced hepatic injury and investigate its relevant protective mechanism. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated to four groups: sham, IRI, ZFK, and ZFK+IR groups. ZFK was administered orally in a dose of 80mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBL) levels, and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity were estimated. Liver tissues were used to assess oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NOx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. Inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-33 (IL-33), in addition to apoptosis biomarkers, BCL2 associatedXprotein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and galactine-9 (GAL9) proteins were also assessed. Western blot analysis was performed for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibrinogen expressions. Immunohistochemical analysis for hepatic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and SMAD-4 was done in addition to histopathological examination. Our study revealed that ZFK pre-treatment resulted in liver function restoration and oxidative stress correction. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced and a remarkable reduction of apoptosis, angiogenesis, and clotting formation has been indicated. Additionally, a significant reduction in SMAD-4 and NF-kB protein expressions was observed. These results were supported by hepatic architecture improvement. Our findings revealed that ZFK possesses a potential protective effect against liver IR possibly through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.

Exploring porcine kidney explants as a model for the study of nephrotoxins and the therapeutic potential of phytic acid

The use of in vivo models to assess nephrotoxicity has faced ethical limitations. A viable alternative is the ex vivo model that combines the 3 R principles with the preservation of tissue histology. Here, we established a gentamicin nephrotoxicity model using pigs` kidney explants and investigated the effect of phytic acid (IP6) against gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 360 kidney explants were divided into control, gentamicin (10 mM), IP6 (5 mM), and gentamicin+IP6 groups. The activity of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine levels, histological assessment, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine expression were analyzed. Exposure to gentamicin induced an increase in GGT activity, creatinine levels, lesion score, lipoperoxidation and IL-8 expression. Explants exposed to IP6 remained like the control. The addition of IP6 to gentamicin prevented tissue damage, increasing the antioxidant status and gene expression of IL-10. This model proved to be an adequate experimental approach for identifying nephrotoxins and potential products to modulate the toxicity.