Serum Glutathione Peroxidase Activity Research Articles

A Comparison of Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, Rumen Fermentation, and Bacterial Community of Tibetan Sheep When Fattened by Pasture Grazing versus Stall Feeding

Traditionally, Tibetan sheep only graze pastures without any supplementary feed. However, in recent years, feedlots are being used for fattening Tibetan sheep. The present study compared the growth rates, blood parameters, rumen fermentation, and bacterial communities in Tibetan sheep fattened by pasture grazing (PG) versus those fattened by stall feeding (SF). Twenty 18-month-old Tibetan sheep wethers (42.6 ± 2.11 kg) were divided randomly into PG (n = 10) and SF (n = 10) groups. The PG sheep grazed the grasslands without any supplementary feed, while the SF sheep were offered a commercial total mixed ration (TMR) at a crude protein content of 16.2% DM and an ME of 10.59 MJ/kg. The sheep were on their treatments for 70 days, which included 10 days for adaptation and 60 days for measurements. The average daily gain, white blood cell and lymphocyte counts were greater (p < 0.05), while the platelet count was lower (p < 0.05) in the SF group than in the PG group. The serum glutathione peroxidase activity, and concentrations of total proteins and albumin were greater (p < 0.05), while glucose was lower (p < 0.01) in the PG group compared to the SF group. The concentrations of ruminal ammonia–N and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were greater (p < 0.05), while the pH was lower (p < 0.05) in the SF group compared to the PG group. The molar proportion of acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate were greater (p < 0.01) in the PG sheep than in the SF sheep, but the molar proportion of propionate and iso-VFAs did not differ (p > 0.05) between the groups. Based on the PCoA, the ruminal bacterial communities were distinct between groups, and the alpha diversity was greater (p < 0.001) in the PG sheep than in the SF sheep. The dominant phyla of the rumen bacteria were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, while the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was greater (p < 0.001) in the SF group than in the PG group. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus was greater (p < 0.05) in the SF group, while the abundances of Prevotella, the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Butyrivibrio, and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae were greater (p < 0.05) in the PG group. It was concluded that the Tibetan sheep adopted a short-term intensive fattening strategy when stall fed which altered the rumen bacterial community and blood parameters, enhanced rumen fermentation, and, ultimately, improved their average daily gain.

PSII-26 Effects of diquat injection on growth performance and blood and liver redox status in growing pigs

Abstract Oxidative stress, caused by excessive reactive oxygen species generation, impairs health and production performance of pigs. A number of nutrients and feed additives have antioxidative property. Our current research project is to study the antioxidative roles of methionine (a sulfur-containing amino acid) in pigs, and this abstract is to report our setup of an oxidative-stressed model by injection of diquat (dibromide monohydrate), a bipyridyl herbicide, to the pig. Barrows [n = 20, body weight (BW) = 21.5 ± 2.50 kg] were randomly allotted to two treatment groups fed a corn-and-soybean-meal-based diet that met or slightly exceeded the NRC (2012) recommended requirements of nutrients and energy. After 3 wk of feeding (Phase 1), while Group-1 pigs were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mL saline, Group-2 pigs were injected with 10 mg/kg BW diquat in 10 mL saline. After the injection, pigs were continually fed for 7 d more (Phase 2). At the end of Phases 1 and 2, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed (G:F) ratios were respectively determined. Blood samples were collected on d 1, 22, and 29 of the experiment, and liver samples were collected on d 29. Commercial assay kits were used to determine the blood and liver redox status, for which the malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. The data was statistically analyzed using Student’s t-test. During Phase 1, there were no differences (P > 0.10) in initial BW, final BW, ADFI, ADG, and G:F ratio. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in the serum MDA contents, the serum GPX, SOD, and CAT activities, and the serum TAC and GSH contents between the two dietary treatment groups. By the end of Phase 2, however, the AFDI and ADG in Group 2 were less (P < 0.001) than that in Group 1. The serum MDA content in Group 2 was greater (P < 0.05) than in Group 1, the serum GPX activity and liver SOD activity in Group 2 was less (P < 0.05) than in Group 1, and the liver GPX activity in Group 2 tended to be greater (P = 0.10) than in Group 1, although there were no differences (P > 0.10) in serum SOD activity, serum TAC, and serum and liver CAT activities between the two treatment groups. In conclusion, the results of this study confirmed that young growing pigs intraperitoneally injected with diquat can lead to oxidative stress and serve as a model for studying antioxidant nutrients or feed additives in pigs.

Protective effects of Allium jesdianum essential oil on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to sub-lethal toxicity of cypermethrin

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Allium jesdianum essential oil (AJEO) in decreasing cypermethrin toxicity for rainbow trout. First, the safety of the 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% AJEO supplements was assayed after 60 days. Then, the protective effects of AJEO were studied on fish exposed to 12.5% 96h LC50 cypermethrin after 14 days. Results showed that 1 and 1.5% AJEO administration enhanced protease and lipase activities in the intestine and improved growth performance. Moreover, feeding fish with 1 and 1.5% AJEO increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA). Also, AJEO increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in serum. However, exposure to cypermethrin significantly decreased these enzyme activities and increased MDA. The oxidative biomarkers remained normal in fish fed with AJEO after exposure to cypermethrin. The administration of 1 and 1.5% AJEO significantly decreased cortisol and glucose levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities. Although exposure to cypermethrin significantly increased these biochemical biomarkers, AJEO could adjust them. A significant effect of 1% AJEO on total protein and globulin was observed before and after exposure to cypermethrin. Exposure to cypermethrin decreased all immunological parameters in the serum and mucus. However, administration of 1% AJEO increased protease, lysozyme (LYS) activities, total immunoglobulin (Ig), complement C3 and C4, and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) in the serum and ALP, LYS, protease activities and Ig in mucus. In conclusion, results showed that AJEO could potentially decrease the toxicity effects of cypermethrin in fish.

Maternal chromium supplementation improves oxidation resistance, immunity, and intestinal morphology of goat kids injected with lipopolysaccharide

This study evaluated the effects of maternal chromium (Cr), supplemented with Cr propionate (CrPro) during perinatal period of does, on antioxidant capacity, immune response, and intestinal morphology of goat kids injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Forty LeZhi black does at 90 days of pregnancy were divided into four groups based on body weight (52.36±8.24 kg) with 10 replicate pens for each treatment and one doe for each replicate pen. Treatments consisted of 0, 0.4, 1.2, or 2.0 mg of supplemental Cr per head per day (head-1 d-1) from CrPro. After birth, the goat kids were allowed to suckle until 21 days. At 21-day-old, one male goat kid per replicate was sacrificed 2 h after LPS injection. Individual weight and litter weight of goat kids on birth and 21 d were not affected by maternal Cr supplementation. Chromium concentrations in umbilical cord, colostrum and liver of goat kids were linearly increased by maternal Cr supplementation (P<0.05). Maternal Cr supplementation quadratically increased serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity of goat kids (P<0.05). Goat kids from maternal Cr supplementation groups had higher serum T-SOD activity than those from control group (P<0.05). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of goat kids was linearly decreased, whereas serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was linearly increased as maternal Cr increased (P<0.05). Maternal Cr supplementation linearly increased colostrum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations (P<0.05), and quadratically increased serum IgG and IgM concentration of goat kids with the greatest response detected at 0.4 mg head-1 d-1 maternal Cr supplementation group (P<0.05). The villus height (VH) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in duodenum of goat kids increased quadratically as maternal Cr increased, and both reached the highest in maternal 1.2 mg head-1 d-1 maternal Cr supplementation group. Maternal Cr supplementation linearly decreased ileal crypt depth (CD) of goat kids. The results indicate that 0.4-2.0 mg (0.47-2.41 mg by analysis) head-1 d-1 maternal Cr supplementation from CrPro could improve antioxidant capacity, immune response, and small intestinal morphology of goat kids injected with LPS.

Chitosan-coated PLGA microemulsion loaded with tannic acid against Escherichia coli in vitro and in vivo

The overuse of antibiotics has resulted in a surge of drug-resistant bacteria, making the pursuit of natural antimicrobials an urgent and significant trend. Encapsulation and nanoparticulation are effective ways to enhance the antibacterial properties of natural drugs. In this study, we encapsulated tannic acid (TA) with chitosan (CS) and poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) using the emulsion-solvent evaporation method to enhance the antimicrobial effect of TA. We prepared a bilayer membrane spherical nanoemulsion of TA-PLGA-CS (TPC) with uniform size of 559.87 ± 1.16 nm, and zeta potential of 59.53 ± 1.07 mV. TPC could be stably stored for 90 days at 4°C without affecting the properties of the emulsion, and the minimum bactericidal concentration against four strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) remained unchanged for 60 d. The results indicated that TPC enhanced the inhibitory effect of TA against E. coli. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that TPC treatment caused damage to the bacterial cell membrane. In addition, in vivo experiments indicated that TPC exhibited a superior therapeutic effect on artificial colibacillosis in chickens infested with Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, as evidenced by the changes in body weight and a reduction bacterial load in heart. Furthermore, TPC reversed the down-regulation of catalase, glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1), and GPX7 gene expression levels in intestinal tissues. Compared to the model group, TPC treatment elevated serum glutathione peroxidase activities and lowered myeloperoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase levels, offering antioxidant protection that was slightly better than that of doxycycline hydrochlorid group. In summary, we prepared a novel TA antimicrobial preparation with significant antioxidant potential and inhibitory effect against E. coli both in vitro and in vivo.

Effects of Yeast Culture on Laying Performance, Antioxidant Properties, Intestinal Morphology, and Intestinal Flora of Laying Hens.

Yeast culture (YC) plays a significant role in enhancing the performance and health of poultry breeding. This study investigated the impact of different YC supplementation concentrations (basal diet with 1.0 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg of YC, YC1.0, and YC2.0) on egg production performance, egg quality, antioxidant properties, intestinal mucosal structure, and intestinal flora of laying hens. Both YC1.0 and YC2.0 groups significantly enhanced the egg protein height, Haugh unit, and crude protein content of egg yolks compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The supplementation with YC2.0 notably increased the egg production rate, reduced feed-to-egg ratio, and decreased the broken egg rate compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, YC supplementation enhanced serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). Moreover, YC supplementation promoted duodenal villus height and villus ratio in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Analysis of cecal microorganisms indicated a decrease in Simpson and Shannon indices with YC supplementation (p < 0.05). YC1.0 reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria, while YC2.0 increased the abundance of Bacteroidales (p < 0.05). Overall, supplementation with YC improved egg production, quality, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbial composition in laying hens, with significant benefits observed at the 2.0 g/kg supplementation level.

Effects of Three Sources of Astaxanthin on the Growth, Coloration, and Antioxidant Capacity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during Long-Term Feeding

Astaxanthin is an important pigment for the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different sources of dietary astaxanthin on the growth, coloration, and antioxidant capacity of the commercial-sized O. mykiss during long-term feeding. Haematococcus pluvialis (HP), yeast Phaffia rhodozyma (PR), and synthetic astaxanthin (SA) were added to the basic feed (no astaxanthin, NA) to prepare the isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets; the actual astaxanthin content values in the diets were 31.25, 32.96, and 31.50 mg/kg, respectively. Eighteen hundred O. mykiss, averaging 670 ± 20 g, were randomly divided into four groups and then fed with the experimental diet for four months. Dietary supplementation of P. rhodozyma and synthetic astaxanthin had no significant effects on the growth and tissue indexes of O. mykiss. In contrast, dietary supplementation with astaxanthin from H. pluvialis significantly increased the weight gain rate after four months of feeding. The fillet lightness of O. mykiss in the PR and SA was statistically lower than that in the NA and HP; the redness and astaxanthin content of fillet in the HP, PR, and SA groups were statistically higher than those in the NA. The total antioxidant capacity of the liver and serum in the HP was statistically higher than that in other diet groups, and a higher liver total superoxide dismutase activity was detected in the HP compared with the PR. Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver and serum, and the highest serum glutathione peroxidase activity was detected in the HP, while dietary astaxanthin significantly decreased the malondialdehyde content in the liver and serum. Dietary supplementation of PR significantly increased the fillet ash content, while the highest fillet total lipid content was detected in the HP. Dietary astaxanthin significantly improved fillet redness and antioxidant capacity, among which H. pluvialis astaxanthin has greater effects on improving weight gain, antioxidant capacity, and fillet total lipid content.

Anti-aging mechanism and effect of treatment with raw and wine-steamed Polygonatum sibiricum on D-galactose-induced aging in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating gut microbiota.

Polygonatum sibiricum (PS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) first recorded in Mingyi Bielu. The book documents that PS can nourish five internal organs, be taken for a long time, relax the body and prolong lifespan. Presently, PS is widely used in TCM to prevent premature graying of hair. Based on TCM theory and clinical trials, the wine steaming processed product from PS provides a better effect. However, no published study has elucidated the anti-aging mechanism. The study aim was to investigate the anti-aging mechanism of PS and its wine steaming processed product in mice, specifically focusing on the effect of D-galactose (D-gal) surrounding the intestinal flora and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Keap1/Nrf2/ARE) pathway. The chemical components in Raw PS (RPS) and Wine-steamed PS (WPS) were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). An aging model using Kunming mice was established through intraperitoneally injected D-gal. Concentrations of RPS and WPS at 5, 10, or 15g/kg/day levels were administered intragastrically, respectively. The body weight, liver and spleen indexes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities in serum and brain tissue were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained brain tissue was histopathologically examined. The expressions of Keap1, Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the brain tissue at the mRNA and protein levels were respectively detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB). Moreover, an Illumina Hiseq platform was used for 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) high-throughput sequencing to evaluate the proportions of intestinal flora in aging mice. The proportions of saccharides, flavonoids, and triterpene acids were different between RPS and WPS. In the aging model mice, WPS outperformed RPS in improving body weight and mental state by increasing the spleen index, SOD and GSH-PX activities, decreasing the liver index and MDA activities, and restoring the histopathological morphology in D-gal-induced aging mice. At the mRNA levels, RPS and WPS significantly reduced the expression of Keap1 and increased the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1. The trend in protein expressions was similar to that of the mRNA results, and WPS had a stronger effect than RPS. Fecal microbiota analysis showed that RPS and WPS restored intestinal microbiota proportions to normal levels. The results demonstrated that PS and its WPS had a positive effect in relieving oxidative stress in aging mice. WPS outperformed RPS, which might be related to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway and regulation of intestinal flora.

Effects of herbal dregs supplementation of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Isatidis Radix residues improved production performance and gut microbiota abundance in late-phase laying hens.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of a mixture of Chinese medicinal residues (CMRs) consisting of Salvia miltiorrhiza residues (SMR) and Isatidis Radix residues (IRR) on productive performance, egg quality, serum lipid and hormone levels, liver and blood antioxidant capacity, oviduct inflammation levels, and gut microbiota in the late-laying stage. A total of 288 fifty-four-week-old BaShang long-tailed hens were divided into four groups. The feed trial period was 8 weeks. The control group was fed the basic diet as a CCMR group, supplemented with 3, 4, and 6% for the experimental groups LCMR, MCMR, and HCMR. The egg production rate of the MCMR group was 8.1% higher than that of the CCMR group (p < 0.05). Serum triglyceride (TG) levels of hens of the CMR-supplemented group were significantly decreased than those of the CCMR group (p < 0.05). The group supplemented with different levels of CMR had significantly higher serum HDL-C levels compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were remarkably increased for the LCMR and MCMR groups and significantly decreased for the HCMR group compared to CCMR (p < 0.05). Serum and liver glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities were significantly increased, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased in the MCMR group compared to the CCMR group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of tubal inflammatory factor markers (IL-4, IL-1β, TNF-α) in the MCMR and HCMR groups were consistent with the pathological findings of the sections. As for cecal microbiota, supplementation with CMR affected the alpha diversity of the cecum microbiome at the genus level. The Shannon index was significantly higher in the MCMR group than in the CCMR and HCMR groups (p < 0.05). Supplementation with different levels of CMR mainly regulated the ratio of intestinal Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and the abundance of phyla such as Proteobacteria. In addition, CMR supplementation at different levels in the diet enriched lipid-metabolizing bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Ruminococcus_gnavus_group. Furthermore, according to linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the MCMR group showed an increase in the number of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria Romboutsia and fiber-degrading specialized bacteria Monoglobus. Therefore, supplementation of appropriate amounts of CMR to the diet of laying hens enhanced reproductive hormone levels, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism, alleviated the levels of oviductal inflammatory factors, and modulated the abundance structure of bacterial flora to improve the late-laying performance and egg quality. The results of the current study showed that CMR is a beneficial feed supplement for chickens when added in moderation.

Moringa oleifera leaf extracts improve exercise performance in young male adults: A pilot study

BackgroundMoringa oleifera leaves are rich in bioactive substances. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract supplements on energy metabolism and antioxidant function in young male adults. MethodsForty-four young male adults (26.3 ± 3.5 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: a supplement group (n = 23) receiving aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and a placebo group (n = 21). The supplementation period lasted for 30 days. Baseline measurements were taken at the beginning of the study, and further measurements were taken at the end of the supplementation period. Changes in upper- and lower-body strength, treadmill endurance, and certain blood biochemical parameters were evaluated. ResultsAfter 30 days of supplementation, participants in the supplement group exhibited enhanced performance in push-ups and treadmill exhaustion tests compared to the placebo group. Levels of glucose, urea, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase activity in serum were also improved in the supplement group. ConclusionThe findings suggest that Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extracts have the potential to improve post-exercise energy metabolism and antioxidant function in young male adults.

Normal fat intake with high MUFA content and an appropriate SFA/MUFA/PUFA ratio improved the health of rats

AbstractThe quantity and quality of dietary fats have a significant impact on human health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different cooking oils (olive oil (OO), soybean oil (SO), and blended oil (BO)) on growth, glucolipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress of rats fed normal and high‐fat diets. The results showed that the OO‐fed group had lower concentrations of serum triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized LDL‐C (ox‐LDL‐C), and serum total cholesterol (TC) than the normal‐fat SO‐fed group, and rats in the BO‐fed group had lower values of serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) than the normal‐fat SO‐fed groups. However, higher serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity was observed in the OO‐fed group, while those fed with BO had higher serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GSH‐Px activities. Generally, most health‐beneficial fatty acid profiles have a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), an appropriate saturated fatty acid (SFA)/MUFA/poly unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio, and a low n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio, while diets contained a high content of fat is detrimental to health.

Effect of dietary fish oil sparing with blended vegetable oils on growth, fatty acid composition and lipid-metabolism-related genes expression in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract A nutritional study was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary fish oil (FO) sparing by using a mixture of vegetal oils (VO) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles (30.0 g). A basal diet was supplemented with the experimental oils at a 10% level, including FO (FO diet), a blend of VO (sunflower, soybean and rapeseed oils with a 1:1:1 ratio), and a mixture (1:1 ratio) of FO and the blends of VO (MIX). In a raceway system, 450 fish were stocked in nine rectangular concrete tanks (50 fish/ tank−1). Three experimental diets, with three replicates each, were offered to fish up to visual satiation for eight weeks. Growth performance did not change among groups (P&gt;0.05). The highest and lowest proportions of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-3 long chain-PUFA, especially docosahexaenoic acid, and n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio were in the whole body of FO and the VO groups, respectively (P&lt;0.05). Serum catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in VO group were higher than others. Serum superoxide dismutase activity in fish fed FO and VO diets was higher than MIX group (P&lt;0.05). VO group had higher serum lysozyme, alternative complement pathway, and total immunoglobulin levels than other experimental groups. MIX group had highest serum triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins. Serum high-density lipoproteins, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels in VO treatment were in the lowest level compared to others (P&lt;0.05). The highest relative transcription levels of fatty acid synthase, delta-6 fatty acyl desaturase, and apolipoprotein b-100 genes were in the liver of fish fed the MIX diet. The relative transcription level of the fatty acid-binding protein1 gene did not change (P&gt;0.05). In summary, the results of this study revealed that dietary FO sparing with VO did not adversely affect the growth and health indices of rainbow trout; nevertheless, it had adverse effects on its nutritional values by reducing whole-body n-3 LC-PUFA content.

Dietary Puerarin Supplementation Improves Immune Response and Antioxidant Capacity of Sows.

Puerarin is an isoflavone extracted from Pueraria mirifica, a wildlife leguminous plant. It has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. However, the effects of directly adding puerarin to the diets of sows, in terms of reproductive performance and antioxidant properties, have not been reported. For this study, 240 sows with varying parities were selected and randomly divided into six treatment groups using a two × three experimental design. The six treatment groups consisted of two diets (control and puerarin) and three parities (zero, one, and two parities or more). The puerarin group was supplemented with 1 g/kg of puerarin. The experiment commenced with mating and continued until 21 days post-delivery. The sow reproductive performance was not affected by supplementing their diets with puerarin (p > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with puerarin significantly increased the daily body weight (BW) gain of piglets and their mean BW at weaning (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, sows in the puerarin group had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase activity in serum and also significantly increased immunoglobulin A and G levels in serum, colostrum, and milk, but significantly lower malondialdehyde concentration in serum (p < 0.05). Thus, puerarin improved the immune response and antioxidant capacity of sows and increased the daily BW gain of their offspring.

Monoterpene linalool restrains gentamicin-mediated acute kidney injury in rats by subsiding oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the NF-κB/iNOS/TNF-α/IL-1β pathway and regulating TGF-β.

The clinical use of gentamicin (GM) is restricted by its nephrotoxic effects. This study aimed for the first time to elucidate the ameliorative effects of the monoterpene linalool (Lin) against GM-mediated acute kidney injury in rats. A total of thirty-two rats were subdivided into four equal groups: control (saline), Lin (100mg/kg/day), GM (100mg/kg/day), and GM + Lin (100 and 100mg/kg/day). Lin and GM were intraperitoneally administered for 12 days. Our results illustrated that Lin ameliorated GM-mediated renal histopathological abnormalities and reduced serum urea and creatinine levels in rats exposed to GM. Lin treatment mitigated oxidative stress in nephrotoxic animals as manifested by reducing serum and renal levels of malondialdehyde and increasing the activities of serum and renal glutathione peroxidase and renal catalase. Moreover, Lin markedly inhibited GM-triggered inflammation by downregulating NF-κB, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β and reducing renal myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide levels. Interestingly, Lin repressed GM-induced apoptosis, as reflected by a marked downregulation of Bax and caspase-3 expression, concurrent with the upregulation of Bcl2 expression. Finally, Lin administration led to a significant downregulation of TGF-β expression in nephrotoxic animals. In summary, Lin ameliorated GM-mediated nephrotoxicity in rats, at least through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities and by modulating TGF-β.

Administration of Red Macroalgae (Galaxaura oblongata) in the Diet of the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Improved Immunity and Hepatic Gene Expression

This study is designed to evaluate the effects of dietary red macroalgae (Galaxaura oblongata) on growth performance, serum, and skin mucus immunological and antioxidant responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). For this, rainbow trout were fed diets containing different levels of G. oblongata (0 (ctrl), 0.5 (G1), and 1 (G2) %) for 8 weeks. Following the feeding trial, there were no significant differences in growth performance between the experimental treatments (p &gt; 0.05). Total immunoglobulin (Ig) content and lysozyme (LYZ) activity in serum were increased in fish fed G. oblongata (p &lt; 0.05), with the highest value at (0.5%). Regardless of the inclusion level, mucus total Ig levels were significantly increased in the G. oblongata groups (p &lt; 0.05), and mucus LYZ activity was not changed (p &gt; 0.05). All groups fed G. oblongata showed higher serum catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities than the control group (p &lt; 0.05). However, skin mucus SOD activity increased more in the group fed 1% of G. oblongata than the other groups (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the skin mucus GPx activity showed higher values in the group fed 0.5 and 1% G. oblongata than in the control (p &lt; 0.05). No significant differences were recognized between the experimental treatments in terms of CAT activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (p &gt; 0.05). G. oblongata up-regulated gpx gene expression with the maximum value at the group fed 1% G. oblongata (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, interleukin 6 (il-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-α) gene expressions were significantly up-regulated in fish fed 1% compared with the control and 0.5% groups. Based on the results, 0.5–1% G. oblongata can be used in the fish diet and enhance immunity without causing impairment in growth.

Effects of antioxidant-rich Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inoculated alfalfa silage on rumen fermentation, antioxidant and immunity status, and mammary gland gene expression in dairy goats

BackgroundMilk synthesis in lactating animals demands high energy metabolism, which results in an increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) causing an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants thereby inducing oxidative stress (OS) on the animals. To mitigate OS and postpartum disorders in dairy goats and gain insight into the impact of dietary choices on redox status during lactation, a feeding trial was conducted using alfalfa silage inoculated with a high-antioxidant strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.MethodsTwenty-four Guanzhong dairy goats (38.1 ± 1.20 kg) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: one containing silage inoculated with L. plantarum MTD/1 (RSMTD-1), and the other containing silage inoculated with high antioxidant activity L. plantarum 24-7 (ES24-7).ResultsES24-7-inoculated silage exhibited better fermentation quality and antioxidant activity compared to RSMTD-1. The ES24-7 diet elevated the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities in milk, serum, and feces of lactating goats (with the exception of T-AOC in milk). Additionally, the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage enhanced casein yield, milk free fatty acid (FFA) content, and vitamin A level in the goats’ milk. Furthermore, an increase of immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG, IgM, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10 concentrations were observed, coupled with a reduction in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations in the serum of lactating goats fed ES24-7. Higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, and propionate were observed in the rumen fluid of dairy goats fed ES24-7 inoculated silage. Moreover, the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2), beta-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1), SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, GPX2, CAT, glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) genes in the mammary gland, while decreased the levels of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), TNF, and interferon gamma (IFNG).ConclusionsThese findings indicated that feeding L. plantarum 24-7 inoculated alfalfa silage not only improved rumen fermentation and milk quality in lactating dairy goats but also boosted their immunity and antioxidant status by modulating the expression of several genes related to antioxidant and inflammation in the mammary gland.

Molecular purification, and kinetic study of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase in patients with cardiovascular disease

This study was conducted to evaluate serum glutathione peroxidase activity and partial purification of the enzyme from the serum of heart attack patients using a precipitant or what is called salting out, ion exchange dialysis using DEAE-Cellulose, and gel filtration using Sephadex G100 gel. This study was conducted on 90 samples, (60) patients whose ages ranged between (35-75) years and control (30) individuals whose ages ranged between (23-55). It showed that the number of purification times was (4.64), and the enzyme yield was (40%). The specific activity was (1.3 U/mg). Likewise, kinetic studies were carried out in which values of Km and Vmax of glutathione peroxidase were (16.66 mM) of Vmax, and (0.909 IU/L) of Km, and the optimal concentration of the base material was (100 mmol/L). The optimal temperature for enzyme action was (37°C), while the optimal pH was (7.2), and the molecular weight of glutathione peroxidase was (23 kDa). The study also studied the effect of carvedilol as an inhibitor of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, and the results showed a decrease in enzyme activity, and the type of inhibition was uncompetitive.

Orychophragmus violaceus and/or chicory forage affects performance, egg quality, sensory evaluation and antioxidative properties in native laying hens

Orychophragmus violaceus (OV) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L., CC) can be used as fresh or dry forage for animals. To determine whether OV and/or CC have beneficial effects on performance and egg quality, a total of 1212 28-wk-old Beijing You Chicken (BYC) laying hens with similar performance were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 3 replicate pens per group, and 101 birds per pen. The birds were fed a basal diet (control), the basal diet + OV (3.507 kg/d/pen), the basal diet + CC (2.525 kg/d/pen), and the basal diet + OV + CC (OVC, 1.7535 kg/d/pen OV + 1.2625 kg/d/pen CC) for 3 wks after one wk of adaptation. The results showed that egg-laying rate was not affected by OV, CC and OVC (p > 0.05), but weekly average egg mass was significantly increased by OV and CC (p < 0.05). The feed egg ratio in the CC group (2.82) was significantly lower than that in the other three groups (p < 0.05). The eggshell thickness (EST), albumen height (AH) and Haugh unit (HU) were decreased by OV and CC (p < 0.05); while yolk color (YC) was increased in the CC and OVC groups (p < 0.05). Egg grade was decreased by OV (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation showed that there was a trend for increased YC in OV, CC and OVC (p = 0.089). Serum total protein was significantly lower in OV group than those in the control and CC group (p < 0.05); serum albumin content was significantly decreased in OV, CC and OVC groups (p = 0.006). Serum glutathione peroxidase activity in CC and OVC groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study suggests that CC had a better effect on the performance of the native laying hens than OV. The OV and CC affected egg quality, while YC was increased in CC and OVC groups. The OVC improved YC and serum antioxidative properties of native laying hens without affecting the performance.

Dietary Chito-oligosaccharide attenuates LPS-challenged intestinal inflammation via regulating mitochondrial apoptotic and MAPK signaling pathway

To investigate the regulatory effects of Chito-oligosaccharide (COS) on the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and MAPK signaling pathways. A total of 40 28-day-old weaned piglets were randomly allotted to 4 equal groups [including the control group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, COS group, and COS*LPS group]. On the morning of d 14 and 21, piglets were injected with saline or LPS. At 2 h post-injection, whole blood samples were collected on d 14 and 21, and small intestine and liver samples were collected and analyzed on d 21. The results showed that COS inhibited the LPS-induced increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and hepatic TNF-α cytokines. COS significantly increased the serum total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) value on d 14, and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities in both serum and liver on d 21. Furthermore, it increased hepatic catalase (CAT) activity. COS also increased the LPS-induced decrease in serum IgG concentrations. Immunohistochemical analysis results showed that COS significantly increased the jejunal and ileal Caspase 3, and ileal CD4+ values challenged by LPS. Dietary COS decreased the LPS-induced jejunal and ileal BAX and CCL2 mRNA levels, markedly decreased ileal COX2 and SOD1 mRNA levels, while increasing ileal iNOS. Furthermore, COS significantly increased the LPS-induced jejunal and ileal p-P38 and MyD88, as well as jejunal P38, while it effectively suppressed jejunal JNK1, and jejunal and ileal JNK2, p-JNK1, and p-JNK2 protein expressions. These results demonstrated that COS could be beneficial by attenuating LPS-challenged intestinal inflammation via regulating mitochondrial apoptotic and MAPK signaling pathways.

Effects of a mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, and antioxidant status in laying hens.

This study aimed to determine the effects of a mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde (GCM) supplementation on the laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and serum parameters of laying hens. A total of 1120 14-week-old Jingfen-1 strain laying hens with similar performance were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: control, and GCM groups supplemented with 250, 500, or 1000 mg kg-1 for 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, GCM-supplemented groups significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the rate of unqualified eggs of laying hens aged 17-24 weeks. Supplementation of GCM significantly increased (P < 0.05) yolk color and serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity but decreased (P < 0.05) the hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) content in the serum of laying hens at the age of 20 weeks. Furthermore, groups supplemented with GCM showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Haugh unit, yolk color, activities of total superoxide dismutase and GSH-Px, and the glucose content in serum, and a decrease (P < 0.05) in the content of urea nitrogen and H2 O2 and malondialdehyde in serum of laying hens at the age of 24 weeks. 500 mg kg-1 GCM supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) the number of large white follicles and 1000 mg kg-1 GCM supplementation decreased the number of large yellow follicles in 28-week-old laying hens. These results indicated that GCM supplementation has positive effects on reducing egg loss and improving egg quality in the early laying period of laying hens. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.