Goat Liver Research Articles

Cadmium Accumulation in the Goat Liver and Kidney Is Partially Promoted by the Upregulation of Metal Transporter Genes.

Simple SummaryThe pattern of cadmium (Cd) accumulation and the role of metal transport in tissues’ cadmium deposition using Cd from an organic source are not well-clarified in ruminants. The present study results clearly showed that dietary Cd exhibited different deposition rates between goat liver, kidney, and muscle. Cd concentration in the liver, kidney, and muscle of goats fed 1.07 mg Cd/kg of dry matter (DM) for 60 days remained within the scope of (1.0 mg/kg) the food safety standards of China (GB 2762-2017) and the European Commission Regulation 1881/2006 (amended by No. 629/2008). Dietary Cd promoted the expression of metal transporter genes in the liver and kidneys of goats. DMT1, ZIP8, and ZIP14 might play an imperative role in the uptake of Cd in the goat liver and kidney but not in the muscle.Metal transporters, including divalent metal-ion transporter-1 (DMT1), Zrt-/Irt-like protein 8 and 14 (ZIP8 and ZIP14), and ferroportin-1 (FPN1), reportedly participate in cellular cadmium (Cd) uptake, but those in farm animals remain unclarified. This study aimed to examine the growth, plasma biochemical indices, Cd accumulation, and expression of metal transporter genes in the liver, kidney, and muscle of goats exposed to rice paddies contaminated with different levels of Cd. Twenty-four goats were randomly assigned across three dietary treatments: 0.23, 0.63, and 1.07 mg of Cd/kg of dry matter (DM) for 60 days. The results showed that dietary Cd exposure increased (p < 0.05) both Cd accumulation and the mRNA expressions of metal transporter genes (DMT1, ZIP, and FPN1) in the liver and kidney but not in the muscle, suggesting dietary Cd exhibited different deposition rates between goat liver, kidney, and muscle. These outcomes suggest that high levels of dietary Cd stimulated the expression of metal transporter genes and thereby enhanced the uptake and accumulation of Cd in the goat liver and kidney. As such, higher Cd concentrations in the liver and kidney observed with Cd diets could be partly explained by upregulation of metal transport genes expression.

Neurological and gastrointestinal manifestations of spontaneous poisoning by Ricinus communis in goats

An outbreak of Ricinus communis poisoning in goats with neurological and digestive changes was related to the ingestion of different vegetative parts of the plant. Two poisoned animals died within 5 h of the plant intake showing necrotic gastroenteritis and hepatocytes degeneration and necrosis. Toxicological analysis by HPLC-DAD assay demonstrated 21.1–25.1 μg/g of ricinine in samples of ruminal fluids and 10.1–10.9 μg/g in the liver of poisoned goats.

A high-resolution mass spectrometric approach to a qualitative and quantitative comparative metabolism of the humantenine-type alkaloid rankinidine.

Rankinidine belongs to the humantenine-type alkaloids isolated from Gelsemium. Currently, the mechanism behind the toxicity differences of rankinidine has not been explained. In this study, our purpose was to elucidate the major in vitro metabolic pathways of rankinidine and to compare the formation of metabolites of rankinidine in human (HLMs), rat (RLMs), goat (GLMs) and pig (PLMs) liver microsomes. This is the first study to compare the in vitro metabolism of rankinidine with high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF). The MS/MS data and LC/MS peak area acquired in positive ion mode were used to analyze metabolite structures and compare metabolism. We identified 11 metabolites (M1-M11) in total and found five main metabolic pathways, consisting of demethylation (M1), reduction (M2), oxidation at different positions (M3-M5), oxidation and reduction (M6-M10) and demethylation and oxidation (M11). The metabolism of rankinidine has qualitative and quantitative species-specific differences in vitro. In PLMs and GLMs, the main metabolic pathway of rankinidine was oxidation. Notably, among the four species, the oxidation ability of rankinidine was highest in pigs and goats, and the demethylation and reduction abilities of rankinidine were highest in humans and rats. The interspecific metabolic differences of rankinidine in HLMs, PLMs, GLMs and RLMs were compared and studied for the first time using LC/QTOF. These findings will certainly support future studies of rankinidine metabolism in vivo and will contribute to elucidating the cause of species-specific differences behind Gelsemium toxicity.

Transcriptional Feedback Loops in the Caprine Circadian Clock System.

The circadian clock system is based on interlocked positive and negative transcriptional and translational feedback loops of core clock genes and their encoded proteins. The mammalian circadian clock system has been extensively investigated using mouse models, but has been poorly investigated in diurnal ruminants. In this study, goat embryonic fibroblasts (GEFs) were isolated and used as a cell model to elucidate the caprine circadian clock system. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that several clock genes and clock-controlled genes were rhythmically expressed in GEFs over a 24 h period after dexamethasone stimulation. Immunofluorescence revealed that gBMAL1 and gNR1D1 proteins were expressed in GEFs, and western blotting analysis further verified that the proteins were expressed with circadian rhythmic changes. Diurnal changes in clock and clock-controlled gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels were also observed in goat liver and kidney tissues at two representative time points in vivo. Amino acid sequences and tertiary structures of goat BMAL1 and CLOCK proteins were found to be highly homologous to those in mice and humans. In addition, a set of goat representative clock gene orthologs and the promoter regions of two clock genes of goats and mice were cloned. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that gRORα could activate the promoter activity of the goat BMAL1, while gNR1D1 repressed it. The elevated pGL4.10-gNR1D1-Promoter-driven luciferase activity induced by mBMAL1/mCLOCK was much higher than that induced by gBMAL1/gCLOCK, and the addition of gCRY2 or mPER2 repressed it. Real-time bioluminescence assays revealed that the transcriptional activity of BMAL1 and NR1D1 in goats and mice exhibited rhythmic changes over a period of approximately 24 h in NIH3T3 cells or GEFs. Notably, the amplitudes of gBMAL1 and gNR1D1 promoter-driven luciferase oscillations in NIH3T3 cells were higher than those in GEFs, while mBMAL1 and mNR1D1 promoter-driven luciferase oscillations in NIH3T3 cells had the highest amplitude. In sum, transcriptional and translational loops of the mammalian circadian clock system were found to be broadly conserved in goats and not as robust as those found in mice, at least in the current experimental models. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms involved.

Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Dysregulation Associate with Enhanced Reactive Oxygen Species and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine in Low-Birth-Weight Goats.

Simple SummaryIn livestock, a low birth weight (LBW) has a broad impact on neonatal survival, growth performance, and metabolic health in adult life. The liver plays an important role to regulate lipid metabolism, but the development of hepatic dyslipidemia associated with LBW is still unknown in goats. Herein, we evaluated lipid and metabolic status of LBW livers in contrast to those of newborns with normal birth weight. RNA sequencing was used to screen potential dysregulated functional genes involved in hepatosteatosis. Results showed lower antioxidant capacity, enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine, and increased hepatic lipid accumulation in LBW goats associated with impaired regulatory machineries. Understanding the knowledge of intrinsic mechanism underlying hepatic dyslipidemia in LBW goats could provide important implications for promoting efficiency of production and health in their later life.Occurrence of low birth weight (LBW) is a major concern in livestock production, resulting in poor postnatal growth, lowered efficiency of feed utilization, and impaired metabolic health in adult life. In the southwest region of China, birth weight of indigenous strains of goats varies seasonally with lower weights in summer and winter, but the metabolic regulation of the LBW offspring is still unknown. In this study, by comparing LBW goats to normal birth weight group, we examined hepatic lipid content in association with regulatory mechanisms. Histological studies showed higher microvesicular morphology in the liver of LBW goats in accompany with a significantly higher level of hepatic free fatty acids, total triglycerides, and cholesterols. Lipid metabolism impairment, increased oxidative stress, and inflammation were observed by transcriptome analysis. Meanwhile, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation further demonstrated lipid peroxidation, antioxidant pathway, and pro-inflammatory response involved in the hepatic lipid dysregulation from LBW group. Therefore, dysregulations of hepatic lipid metabolism, including fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation, lipid transportation, and oxidative stress, played important roles to contribute the lipid accumulation in LBW goats. Moreover, due to impaired antioxidant capacity, the oxidative damage could interact with persisting pro-inflammatory responses, leading to a higher risk of liver injury and metabolic syndromes in their adult life.

PENDAMPINGAN PEMERIKSAAN HEWAN DAN DAGING QURBAN DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19

Slaughtering of sacrificial animals is a worship activity for slaughtering ruminant livestock which is carried out on Eid al-Adha and carried out in mosques or outside Slaughterhouses (RPH). The limited facilities affect the welfare of the animals so that it affects the quality of the meat. Supervision in the production chain with antemortem and postmortem inspections is carried out to obtain good quality meat. This community service aims to help the community get a guarantee of safe, healthy, whole and halal, sacrificial animal meat with antemortem and postmortem examinations, as well as holding counseling on the handling of sacrificial animals and meat during the covid-19 pandemic through webinars. The activity was carried out in 13 mosques in the areas of Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Gresik, and Pasuruan. The antemortem examination will be held on 19-22 July 2021 followed by a post-mortem examination which will be held on 20-22 July 2021 with a total number of 112 cows, 220 goats and 1 sheep. The Webinar was held earlier, namely on July 14, 2021, by 3 competent speakers. The webinar was attended by the general public, mosque takmir, lecturers, and students. The results of the antemortem examination indicated that the animals were suitable for slaughter, although 2–6 (0.6–1.8%) animals showed diarrhea, nasal and eye discharge, and infection of the prepuce. The results of postmortem examination stated that the animals were fit for consumption with a note that the organs infected with worms had to be removed, namely 15.2% of the liver of cattle and 0.9% of the liver of goats with fasciolosis, 0.5% of goats experiencing parampistomiasis and 1.7% of cattle experiencing eurytrematosis.

Characterization of the microRNA Expression Profiles in the Goat Kid Liver.

The liver is the largest digestive gland in goats with an important role in early metabolic function development. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are crucial for regulating the development and metabolism in the goat liver. In the study, we sequenced the miRNAs in the liver tissues of the goat kid to further research their regulation roles in early liver development. The liver tissues were procured at 5-time points from the Laiwu black goats of 1 day (D1), 2 weeks (W2), 4 weeks (W4), 8 weeks (W8), and 12 weeks (W12) after birth, respectively with five goats per time point, for a total of 25 goats. Our study identified 214 differential expression miRNAs, and the expression patterns of 15 randomly selected miRNAs were examined among all five age groups. The Gene ontology annotation results showed that differential expression miRNA (DE miRNA) target genes were significantly enriched in the fatty acid synthase activity, toxin metabolic process, cell surface, and antibiotic metabolic process. The KEGG analysis result was significantly enriched in steroid hormone synthesis and retinol metabolism pathways. Further miRNA-mRNA regulation network analysis reveals 9 differently expressed miRNA with important regulation roles. Overall, the DE miRNAs were mainly involved in liver development, lipid metabolism, toxin related metabolism-related biological process, and pathways. Our results provide new information about the molecular mechanisms and pathways in the goat kid liver development.

Anatomic pathology of cattle and goat liver collected from slaughterhouses in Mymensingh city of Bangladesh

The morphologic abnormality of cattle and goat livers (collected from slaughterhouses in Mymensinghcity of Bangladesh) were investigated in the present study. The livers of slaughtered cattle (n = 14) and goat (n = 20) were examined by gross visualization, palpation and incision as well as histopathology. The total liver lesion in cattle was 71.4% and in goat was 75%. Grossly, various pathological changes, mainly thickened, rough capsule which was whitish in color, necrotic foci, thickened bile ducts with matured flukes, fibrosis were seen. Histopathologically, necrosis, degenerative changes of hepatocytes, dilated sinusoids, inflammatory infiltrates, granuloma, bile duct hyperplasia, periportal and periductal fibrosis were found in cattle and goat livers. Extensive fibrosis was seen portal areas of liver by Goldner’s trichrome staining. Migratory tracts and immature flukes were seen in intrahepatic bile ducts. Most common cause of liver lesions found in the present study was Fascioliasis in both cattle and goat. It could be concluded that the major gross and microscopic alterationsin the livers of cattle and goat due to Fasciola giganticainfectionreflected tissue damage, which can lead to substantial financial losses in animals and great health problems in human. Therefore, special care and attention are required to ensure that seriously damaged livers of food animals are not passed on for human consumption, and extensive monitoring and epidemiological surveys are necessary to cope this adverse situation

Comparative expression of genes implicated in lipid metabolism in different tissues of Barbari goats

The expression of genes linked to lipid metabolism mainly in lipogenesis, lipid transport and deposition contributes to the quality and composition of fat/lipids in the tissues. The present study investigated the expression changes in genes implicated in lipid biosynthesis (AGPAT2, DGAT2, FASN and GPAM), transport of fatty acids (FABP3) and lipid deposition (PLIN4) in muscles, liver, pancreas and kidney of Barbari goats. Real time quantitative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis was used to estimate the expression level of different genes in the tissue samples. The expression of AGPAT2, DGAT2 and GPAM genes was higher in the liver while FASN was significantly (p<0.01) higher in skeletal muscles. FABP3 gene that coordinates transportation and signalling of lipids, as well as PLIN4 associated with fat deposition were mainly expressed in the muscles. The present study offers insight into the differential expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in different tissues of Barbari goat.

KUALITAS KIMIA DAN ORGANOLEPTIK SOSIS DARAH TRADISIONAL (TA’BU) KAMBINGYANG DIBERI TAMBAHANPASTA ASAM TAMARIN(Tamarindus indica L.) (Chemical and organoleptik quality of traditional bloodsausages (ta'bu) added tamarind acid paste (Tamarindus indica L.)

This study aimed to determine the chemical and organoleptic quality of traditional blood sausage (Ta'bu) that added tamarind acid paste(Tamarindus indica L.) with different level. The materials used were goat blood, mutton, goat abdominal fat, goat liver, grated coconut, black rice flour, tamarind paste, salt, and herbs. Completely randomized design (CRD) 4x3 was used in this experiment. The four treatments consisted of P0; without tamarind paste, P1; tamarind paste 2%, P2; tamarind paste 4% and P3; tamarind paste 6%. The variables measured were content of water, fat, protein, crude fiber, cholesterol, and color, aroma, taste, and texture. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis. The results showed that the addition of tamarind paste caused the water and fiber content to increase, while the fat and cholesterol content decreased (P&lt;0.01), the texture was moderate to fine and the color varied from light brown to red-brown (P&lt;0.05). The lowest fat and cholesterol content were 13.70% and 83.28% respectively at P3 (6%), and dark brown in colour with texture medium – smooth, or the same as the control. The results of this study concluded that the best addition of tamarind paste was at the 6% level.

Micrometry of Liver of Non-descript Goats of Jammu Region in Different Age Groups

The present study was conducted on the liver of non-descript goats of Jammu region during 2019. The samples were divided into young (below 1 year), adult (2–3 years) and senile (4 years and above) age groups as per the dentition. Six samples from each age group were collected. The capsule showed maximum thickness in adult age group. Maximum thickness of capsule was seen at upper part of main lobe (UPOML) in the liver of young, adult and senile age group. The diameter of central vein showed highest values in adult, followed senile group probably due to increased liver functions in adult. Inter-central vein distance was maximum in adult age group followed by young and senile groups. The mean values of length of hepatocytes ranged between 13.50 to 22.50 µm in all regions of liver of irrespective of age groups. The mean values showed higher values in adult and senile age groups. The nuclear diameter of the hepatocytes ranged between 9.00 to 13.50 µm with mean values varying between 9.75±0.50 to 10.50±0.64 µm in all the three age groups. Number of liver lobules per field was maximum at MPOML in senile group (14.16±0.61) whereas minimum number was observed at CL in young (4.41±0.22). Maximum number of portal triads per field was seen at VPOML in senile group (5.16±0.32) whereas minimum number was observed at VPOML in young group (3.08±0.19). In general, number of liver lobules and portal triads per field was highest in senile group followed by adult and young.

Interaction Between Florfenicol and Doxycycline Involving Cytochrome P450 3A in Goats (Capra hricus).

When two drugs are combined, drug-drug interactions (DDI) often occur. Metabolic DDI usually occur due to inhibition of the metabolism of one drug by the other. This leads to an increase in the plasma concentration of the drug whose metabolism is inhibited. The objective of this research study was to verify the DDI risk of two antibacterial, florfenicol (FF) and doxycycline (DOX) due to metabolism. Because food containing residues of any pharmacologically active substance could potentially constitute a public health hazard, we selected a food producing animal, goat, goat liver microsomes and recombinant metabolic enzymes, for in vivo and in vitro metabolism studies. In vitro experiments showed that CYP3A was the key enzyme subfamily in FF metabolism, DOX slowed down FF metabolism and R440 was possibly the key amino acid in the metabolic interaction between FF and DOX. In vivo studies in the goats showed that DOX inhibited up-regulation of CYP3A24 gene expression produced by FF; in liver and kidney, DOX slightly slowed down FF metabolism. Quantitative prediction of DDI risk suggest that when DOX is used in combination with FF in veterinary medicine, may result in a clinical significant increase of FF plasma and tissue concentrations, resulting a prevalence of harmful tissue residues of medicinal products in the food chain. Through our experimentation, when DOX is used in combination with FF, the withdrawal period of FF in the kidney was extended by 1 day. Otherwise, an appropriate withdrawal period (20 days) of FF was established for FF and DOX combined use to ensure that the animal can be safely slaughtered for food.

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Capacity of Clerodendrum paniculatum Flower Extracts against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

The aim of the presented work involves the isolation, characterization, and evaluation of hepatoprotective potential of Clerodendrum paniculatum flower extracts. For this purpose, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, alcohol, and water extracts of C. paniculatum flower were screened for the flavonoid and phenolic content and quantified. Various antioxidant activity assays including 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging, 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reducing ability were carried out. Of the above methods, the alcoholic extract exhibited high antioxidant potential and was selected further for the hepatoprotective evaluations. Hepatoprotective evaluation of the alcoholic extract was carried out for carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated model systems. Enzymes associated with liver functions were estimated, and histopathological evaluations were carried out to monitor the liver architecture. Prominently, reduced levels of various associated enzymes along with increased protein content were observed when the liver specimen was pretreated with the extract. Moreover, the liver architecture was almost comparable to that of the normal control group. The column chromatographic analysis of the extract revealed 13 fractions to possess high phenolics and flavonoid contents. The best two fractions were identified for in vitro hepatoprotective evaluation in the goat liver model. Furthermore, the GC–MS analyses of the fractions were carried out followed by a library search, to identify the constituents responsible for the hepatoprotective activity which revealed the presence of four major constituents—pilocarpine, glyceric acid, pangamic acid, and gallic acid. An in vitro hepatoprotective study of the isolated fractions showed better activity compared to the whole alcoholic extract, and the results were comparable to the normal group taken as a control. The investigations with an in vitro model suggest that the isolated fraction with rich flavonoid content showed better hepatoprotective activity. GC–MS analysis of the fractions that displayed good hepatoprotective activity suggested the presence of pilocarpine, glyceric acid, pangamic acid, and gallic acid, while HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of quercetin.

Evaluation of lead (Pb) concentration in animal tissue, soil, and water samples from grazing pasture near mining industry in southern part of Mongolia

Lead (Pb) is a substance that can cause serious damage to the brain and kidneys, soften bones, adverse effect to the reproductive system, and can be fatal. Long-term exposure to the substance can damage not only children, but also adults' nervous systems. Lead does not belong into the category of toxic substances due to its effects on the human body. It is considered as a harmful substance. In this study, we analyzed lead concentration in liver and kidney of cattle, horse, sheep, and goat from the mining areas located in the Ulaanbadrakh, Zuunbayan, and Airag soums of Dornogovi province. As a result, the level of lead in the liver of sheep and goat Zuunbayan soum of Dornogovi province was slightly higher than in other soums. The content of heavy metals in water and soil samples did not exceed the international standard average.

In vitro Metabolism of Humantenine in Liver Microsomes from Human, Pig, Goat and Rat.

Gelsemium elegans Benth (G. elegans) is a well-known toxic plant. Alkaloids are the main active components of G. elegans. Currently, the metabolism of several alkaloids, such as gelsenicine, koumine, and gelsemine, has been widely studied. However, as one of the most important alkaloids in G. elegans, the metabolism of humantenine has not been studied yet. In order to elaborate on the in vitro metabolism of humantenine, a comparative analysis of its metabolic profile in human, pig, goat and rat liver microsomes was carried out using high performance chromatography/ quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/QqTOF-MS) for the first time. Totally, ten metabolites of humantenine were identified in liver microsomes from human (HLMs), pig (PLMs), goat (GLMs) and rat (RLMs) based on the accurate MS/MS spectra. Five metabolic pathways of humantenine, including demethylation, dehydrogenation, oxidation, dehydrogenation and oxidation, and demethylation and oxidation, were proposed in this study. There were qualitative and quantitative species differences in the metabolism of humantenine among the four species. The in vitro metabolism of humantenine in HLMs, PLMs, GLMs and RLMs was studied by a sensitive and specific detection method based on HPLC/QqTOF-MS. The results indicated that there were species-related differences in the metabolism of humantenine. This work might be of great significance for the further research and explanation of species differences in terms of toxicological effects of G. elegans.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Methanolic and Aqueous Extract of Chenopodium botrys against Lead-induced Toxicity

Background: Chenopodium botrys L. is local to Europe and Asia and established in North America. The plant commonly used for the treatment of disease. The medicinal use of Chenopodium botrys is mainly due to mythology rather than scientific proof. Objectives: To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of methanolic and aqueous extract of Chenopodium botrys against lead-induced toxicity. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of Chenopodium botrys were extracted by the continuous hot extraction process using acetone and methanol as a solvent and the aqueous extract of the plants were obtained by the cold maceration process. Liver tissue was treated with 5 ppm Lead Acetate and 5 mg/ml of acetone methanol and aqueous extract of Chenopodium botrys. During the study, biochemical indices like lipid peroxidation (LPO), Protein levels and enzymatic activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALPase), acid phosphatase (ACPase) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were measured. Results: The current study report that protein levels and enzymatic parameters of alkaline phosphatase as well as succinate dehydrogenase declined significantly while levels of lipid peroxidation and acid phosphatase increased significantly in lead acetate exposed goat liver homogenates as compared to control groups. Co-administration of herbal methanol and aqueous extract of Chenopodium botrys (5 mg/ml) along with 5 ppm lead acetate to liver homogenate exerted an ameliorative effect and maintained the studied parameters closed to control group. Conclusion: Chenopodium botrys is endowed with hepatoprotective activity. It can be taken as one candidate for the development of hepatoprotective agents because of its good safety profile.

Histomorphology and Histochemistry of Liver of Adult Bakerwali and Non-descript Goats of Jammu,India

Histomorphology and Histochemistry of Liver of Adult Bakerwali and Non-descript Goats of Jammu,India

Metal pollution of soil, plants, feed and food in the Niger Delta, Nigeria: Health risk assessment through meat and fish consumption

This study was aimed at determining mainly the concentrations of As and other metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, V and Zn) in samples of feed, soil, plants and foods (fish, chicken, goat and cow meat) grown and consumed in six areas of Niger Delta, Nigeria (Choba, Khana, Trans Amadi, Eleme, Uyo and Yenagoa). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) models were used for identifying groups of variables (i.e., elements) based on the loadings and groups of samples (i.e., plants, soil, fish, meet, feed) according to the scores that contributed most to the environmental pollution in each Nigerian area. In Choba and Khana sites, the results showed a cluster of elements like As, Pb, V and Zn, mostly associated with samples of goat and cow meat, as well as soils, and separated from another cluster of metals composed by Cu and Hg with different origin. In Trans Amadi area, a clustering of As, Cd and V was found associated to different types of meat (chicken, goat, and cow) located in the opposite side of Cu and Hg, which correlated to plants and soil. In Eleme, the strongest loadings were obtained for V and Zn associated with soil and meat (goat and cow) samples and separated from As and Cd. Finally, in Uyo and Yenagoa, dominant elements were As, Cu, Pb and Zn, with proximity to cow and goat liver samples, while Cd and V corresponded to a different pollution pattern. Lead intake trough meat and fish consumption for adults and children were much higher than the tolerable limits set by international organizations. The results of this study should allow a better understanding of the complex phenomenon of metal pollution in the feed-to-food chain and human health in Nigeria, which should help to manage a pollution reduction strategy and give priorities of research and monitoring.

The metabolism of gelsevirine in human, pig, goat and rat liver microsomes.

Gelsemium is a small genus of flowering plants from the family Loganiaceae comprising five species, three of which, Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) J. St.‐Hil., G. elegans Benth and G. rankinii Small, are particularly popular. Compared with other alkaloids from G. elegans, gelsemine, gelsevirine and koumine exhibit equally potent anxiolytic effects and low toxicity. Although the pharmacological activities and metabolism of koumine and gelsemine have been reported in previous studies, the species differences of gelsevirine metabolism have not been well studied. In this study, the metabolism of gelsevirine was investigated by using liver microsomes of humans, pigs, goats and rats by means of HPLC‐QqTOF/MS. The results indicated that the metabolism of gelsevirine in liver microsomes had qualitative and quantitative species differences. Based on the results, the possible metabolic pathways of gelsevirine in liver microsomes were proposed. Investigation of the metabolism of gelsevirine will provide a basis for further studies of the in vivo metabolism of this drug.

Molybdenum Fertilization Improved Antioxidant Capacity of Grazing Nanjiang Brown Goat on Copper-Contaminated Pasture.

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element, but excessive Cu intake can induce poor performance and Cu poisoning and result in various health problems. Cu and molybdenum (Mo) antagonize each other in vivo. Therefore, Mo can reduce the absorption and utilization of Cu. The aims of this study were to investigate the impacts of Mo fertilization on antioxidant capacity of grazing Nanjiang brown goat on Cu-polluted meadow and explore the control methods of Cu pollution in natural pasture. Fertilization and grazing experiments were carried out in Liangshan Yi Nationality Prefecture of the Western Sichuan Plateau, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. Cu-polluted meadows of 12 hm2 were fenced, and randomly divided into two groups (3 replications/group, 2 hm2/replication), control group and treatment group, fed with basic diets supplemented with 0 and 3 kg Mo/hm2 [ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate, (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O], respectively. In the current study, 36 healthy Nanjiang brown goats (1 year old, 32.8 ± 1.1 kg) were randomly divided into two groups (3 replications/group, 6 goats/replication) and assigned to the experimental pastures. The grazing experiment lasted for 60 days. The results showed that the concentration of Mo in soil in treatment group was 96.28 mg/kg, far exceeding the normal levels. At days 30 and 60, the levels of Hb, RBC, and PCV in blood in treatment group and the activities of serum SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, CAT, and Cp were higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). The MDA content in treatment group was lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). The contents of Cu in blood and liver in treatment goats were lower than those in control animals (P < 0.01). The contents of Zn and Mo in blood and liver in treatment goats were higher than those in control animals (P < 0.01). The Mn content in liver in treatment group was higher than that in control animals (P < 0.01). These results indicated that fertilization of (NH4)6Mo7O24 not only markedly influenced the mineral contents in blood and liver, but also extremely improved antioxidant capacity of grazing Nanjiang brown goat from fertilized pastures and relieved the damage caused by Cu pollution.