Hepatic Capacity Research Articles

Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Improves Liver Regeneration after Partial Liver Resection in Rats

Objective: Liver regeneration is necessary to restore hepatic mass and functional capacity after partial hepatectomy (PH). Cynara scolymus (CS) is a pharmacologically important plant that contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, and experimental studies have indicated that it has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CS in liver regeneration after PH in rats. 
 Methods: A total of 36 Wistar albino rats weighing 280.5 ± 18.6 g were used. CS leaf extract was administered after partial hepatectomy. The rats were sacrificed at postoperative day 14, and the histological changes were assessed. The mitotic index (MI), nucleus size, hepatocyte size, and binucleation rate (BR) of hepatocytes were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. 
 Results: The rats that received CS extract had significant differences in liver regeneration markers, including the hepatocyte size, mitotic index, and Ki-67 proliferation index (p

Immunomodulation by Hemoadsorption-Changes in Hepatic Biotransformation Capacity in Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Prospective Study.

Background: Sepsis is often associated with liver dysfunction, which is an indicator of poor outcomes. Specific diagnostic tools that detect hepatic dysfunction in its early stages are scarce. So far, the immune modulatory effects of hemoadsorption with CytoSorb® on liver function are unclear. Method: We assessed the hepatic function by using the dynamic LiMAx® test and biochemical parameters in 21 patients with sepsis or septic shock receiving CytoSorb® in a prospective, observational study. Points of measurement: T1: diagnosis of sepsis or septic shock; T2 and T3: 24 h and 48 h after the start of CytoSorb®; T4: 24 h after termination of CytoSorb®. Results: The hepatic biotransformation capacity measured by LiMAx® was severely impaired in up to 95 % of patients. Despite a rapid shock reversal under CytoSorb®, a significant improvement in LiMAx® values appeared from T3 to T4. This decline and recovery of liver function were not reflected by common parameters of hepatic metabolism that remained mostly within the normal range. Conclusions: Hepatic dysfunction can effectively and safely be diagnosed with LiMAx® in ventilated ICU patients under CytoSorb®. Various static liver parameters are of limited use since they do not adequately reflect hepatic dysfunction and impaired hepatic metabolism.

Calcium pyruvate attenuates fat deposition by augmenting fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting glucose oxidation in juvenile large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) consuming a high-fat diet

Calcium pyruvate (CP), known as an energetic aid, has been shown to enhance lipid utilization and prevent obesity in mammals. However, very few studies were conducted to evaluate the potential implications of CP for aquatic animals. This study examined the role of CP on fat deposition in large yellow croaker by feeding fish with high-fat diets containing four levels of dietary CP (0, 0.375%, 0.75% and 1.5%). After a 70-d feeding trial, fish fed higher doses of CP significantly decreased weight gain (WG) and hepatosomatic index (HSI). Lipid percentages and triglyceride (TG) contents of whole fish, liver and muscle were negatively correlated with dietary CP. Plasma TG, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) levels significantly decreased with increasing dietary CP, whereas plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) and β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) levels came to a climax in fish fed the 1.5% CP diet. The fish fed CP diets also exhibited smaller hepatic lipid droplet size. The expression of lipogenic genes (fatty acid synthase, fas; acetyl-CoA carboxylase, acc; diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, dgat2) were significantly down-regulated in the liver and muscle of the CP-treated fish. Conversely, the expression of lipolytic genes (adipose triglyceride lipase, atgl; hormone-sensitive lipase, hsl; carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, cpt1) were markedly elevated. This was accompanied by enhanced tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle capacity (citrate content; succinate dehydrogenase, SDH; malate dehydrogenase, MDH). Further Western blot analysis revealed that CP may dose-dependently induce phosphorylations of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and ACC in the liver and muscle, together with protein expression of CPT1 and fatty acid translocase 36 (CD36). Surprisingly, treatment with CP impaired glucose utilization, as evidenced by raised plasma glucose and weakened glucose metabolism-related enzymatic activities (hexokinase, HK; phosphofructokinase, PFK; pyruvate kinase, PK; pyruvate dehydrogenase, PDH) and gene expression (glucokinase, gk; hk; phosphofructokinase-liver type, pfkl; pyruvate kinase-muscle type, pkma) in the liver and muscle. Notably, increased plasma liver enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate aminotransferase, AST) and hepatic inflammation-related gene expression (interleukin-1 beta, il-1β and cyclooxygenase 2, cox-2) and reduced hepatic antioxidant capacity (total antioxidative capacity, T-AOC; catalase, CAT) were found in high-dose CP treatment. These findings indicated that dietary CP could attenuate fat deposition by stimulating β-oxidation through the AMPK-ACC-CPT1 cascade and inhibiting lipogenesis and glucose oxidation. Considering both lipid-lowering effect and growth performance, dietary supplementation with 0.375% ∼ 0.75% CP is suitable for alleviating fat deposition of juvenile large yellow croaker.

Crocin mitigates atherosclerotic progression in LDLR knockout mice by hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction reduction, and intestinal barrier improvement and gut microbiota modulation

Crocin has a protective effect on neurodegenerative disease, but whether crocin can prevent atherosclerosis remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the possible anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of crocin in LDLR-/- mice. Mice were fed an atherogenic high-fat/cholesterol diet and concomitantly treated by intragastric administration with normal saline (Model) or 20 or 40 mg/(kg.bw.day) crocin for 8 weeks. Pathological results showed that Model group exhibited a marked atherosclerotic plaque, while crocin significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque, accompanied by a small amount of denatured collagen fiber and foam cells. Mechanistically, crocin, especially high-dose suppressed the formation of atherosclerotic plaques via enhancing hepatic antioxidant capacity. Besides, crocin effectively inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome and blocked TLR4 signal, through reducing oxidative stress based on Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, and increasing intestinal tight junction proteins and improving gut microbiota composition. These results suggest that crocin can ameliorate inflammation and attenuate atherosclerotic progression by oxidative stress reduction and intestinal barrier improvement.

Liver dysfunction in geriatric patients

With increasing age in addition to alterations of the cardiovascular, neurocognitive and musculoskeletal systems, alterations also occur in hepatic organ function. As a result of morphological and functional age-related processes, progressive hepatic organ dysfunction can develop with increased vulnerability with respect to endogenous and exogenous noxious substances and impaired hepatic regenerative capacity. Frequent causes of liver dysfunction in the geriatric population include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis and drug-induced liver injury. The prompt initiation of adequate diagnostic measures for identification of the underlying etiology is important for timely initiation of appropriate treatment and to reduce the risk of progressive impairment of hepatic function and associated complications.

Machine Perfusion as "Comfort Zone": What Are Key Challenges of Liver Viability Assessment Today?

Machine Perfusion as "Comfort Zone": What Are Key Challenges of Liver Viability Assessment Today?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract improves growth, immunity, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant state, hepatic histoarchitecture, and intestinal histomorphometry of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

In aquaculture, phytobiotics can be used as feed supplements with attractive growth-promoting, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and several health benefits for a variety of finfish species. Herein, we evaluated of the impacts of milk thistle extract (MTE; Silybum marianum) on the overall performances of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus juveniles. Fish (7.10 ± 0.00 g) were fed on diets containing graded MTE levels as 0.0 (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. Fish were assigned into 4 triplicate groups and were hand-fed on the prepared corresponding diets thrice daily for 60 days with 3% of their wet body weight. Significant increases in the feed intake, final weight, weight gain, weight gain%, and specific growth rate were noticed in MTE-supplemented groups with regard to the control group. However, survival rate %, feed conversion ratio, body composition analysis, and amino acid content (% of protein) were statistically non-significant among all experimental groups. Liver function enzymes, intestinal histomorphometry (intestinal villus height, width, and crypt depth), and digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase) were increased in MTE groups compared to controls. Moreover, dose-dependent significant increases in serum lysozyme activities and total immunoglobulin content were remarked in all MTE groups in comparison with the controls. Liver CAT and SOD enzymes were significantly elevated, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly declined in liver homogenates of MTE groups compared with the controls. However, the levels of serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid were not significantly changed by dietary MTE. Of interest, the histological sections of the hepatopancreatic and intestinal tissues showed normal histoarchitecture of the hepatic cords and pancreatic acini as well as normal intestinal villi, crypts, and enterocytes with no lesions recorded among all the experimental groups. Collectively, the findings mentioned above suggest that MTE could improve the growth, enhance digestive enzymes and intestinal morphometry, and boost the immunity and hepatic antioxidant capacity of P. hypophthalmus. Thus, we suggest the possible application of MTE extract in aquafeed as a growth promotor, immunostimulant, and antioxidant.

Protective effect of Euphorbia thymifolia and Euphorbia hirta against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Objectives The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of Euphorbia thymifolia and Euphorbia hirta extracts on in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo analysis on hepatic marker enzyme levels and histopathological changes in the liver of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity rats. Materials and methods This study includes 42 adult male Albino Wistar rats randomly divided into seven treatment groups, including control (basal diet, G1), CCl4-induced single dose (1.5 ml/kg, i.p.) as the negative control (G2), G1 supplemented with 300 mg/kg of ethanol extract of E. thymifolia (G3) and E. hirta (G4), G2 supplemented with 300 mg/kg of ethanol extract of E. thymifolia (G5), E. hirta (G6), and silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w.) used as a standard drug (G7) for 21-days experimental period. Results The ethanolic extracts of E. thymifolia and E. hirta exhibited potential in vitro antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner (25 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml). Oxidative stress caused by CCl4-induced the liver damage, including changes in liver marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (lipid peroxides and glutathione) and hepatocellular alterations such as hydropic degeneration, irregular hepatocytes, and distention of the vein. Administration of E. thymifolia and E. hirta significantly (p < 0.05) restored the enzyme activity along with the histology of the liver. Conclusion The results from the current study demonstrate that E. thymifolia and E. hirta have the property of restoring hepatic redox capacity and antioxidant activities against CCl4-induced acute liver damage.

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation response overrides glucocorticoid-induced stress in a reptile.

Stress hormones and their impacts on whole organism metabolic rates are usually considered as appropriate proxies for animal energy budget that is the foundation of numerous concepts and models aiming at predicting individual and population responses to environmental stress. However, the dynamics of energy re-allocation under stress make the link between metabolism and corticosterone complex and still unclear. Using ectopic application of corticosterone for 3, 11 and 21days, we estimated a time effect of stress in a lizard (Zootoca vivipara). We then investigated whole organism metabolism, muscle cellular O2 consumption and liver mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation processes (O2 consumption and ATP production) and ROS production. The data showed that while skeletal muscle is not impacted, stress regulates the liver mitochondrial functionality in a time-dependent manner with opposing pictures between the different time expositions to corticosterone. While 3days exposition is characterized by lower ATP synthesis rate and high H2O2 release with no change in the rate of oxygen consumption, the 11days exposition reduced all three fluxes of about 50%. Oxidative phosphorylation capacities in liver mitochondria of lizard treated with corticosterone for 21days was similar to the hepatic mitochondrial capacities in lizards that received no corticosterone treatment but with 40% decrease in H2O2 production. This new mitochondrial functioning allows a better capacity to respond to the energetic demands imposed by the environment but do not influence whole organism metabolism. In conclusion, global mitochondrial functioning has to be considered to better understand the proximal causes of the energy budget under stressful periods.

Mulberry leaf meal: A potential feed supplement for juvenile Megalobrama amblycephala “Huahai No. 1”

This study was performed to evaluate the potential application of mulberry leaf meal (ML) and fermented mulberry leaf meal (FML) as feed supplements in aquatic animals for developing varieties of practical and economical feed ingredients. Juveniles Megalobrama amblycephala were fed a basal diet (35.7% crude protein, 10.4% crude lipid; control group) supplemented with 2.22% and 4.44% mulberry leaf meals (ML2, ML4) and fermented mulberry leaf meals (FML2, FML4) for 8 weeks. Generally, the two-way ANOVA showed the supplementation level exhibited a prominent effect on the growth performance and physiological status of fish. Furthermore, the two-way ANOVA showed the supplementary fermented mulberry leaf meal increased plasma complement 4 (C4) content (P < 0.05). The weight gain rate (WGR, 145.87%) and the specific growth rate (SGR, 1.63%) were significantly increased in FML2 group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The muscle crude lipid content and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were higher in FML2 group than that in ML2 group (P < 0.05). The hepatic GSH content in ML4 group and CAT, T-SOD activities in FML4 group were significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The hepatic MDA content in FML4 group was significantly decreased compared with the FML2 group (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol (TC) contents showed a significant decrease in ML4 and FML4 groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding the gene expression, sirtiun 1 (Sirt1) gene expression was elevated in FML2 group compared with the ML2 group (P < 0.05). Compare to the control group, FML2 diet significantly increased the expression of i-kappa-B alpha (IKBα) gene in liver, and decreased the expression of forkhead box O1 α (FoxO1α), toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 2.22% FML promoted the growth performance of M. amblycephala and enhanced the anti-inflammatory responses by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. On the other hand, 4.44% FML reduced plasma lipid content (hypolipedemic effect) and improved the hepatic antioxidant capacity of M. amblycephala.

Impacts of Circadian Gene Period2 Knockout on Intestinal Metabolism and Hepatic Antioxidant and Inflammation State in Mice.

The period circadian regulator 2 (Per2) gene is important for the modulations of rhythmic homeostasis in the gut and liver; disruption will cause metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver. Herein, we investigated the alterations in intestinal metabolic and hepatic functions in Per2 knockout (Per2−/−, KO) and wild-type (Per2+/+, WT) mice. Growth indices, intestinal metabolomics, hepatic circadian rhythms, lipid metabolism, inflammation-related genes, antioxidant capacity, and transcriptome sequencing were performed after euthanasia. Data indicated that KO decreased the intestinal concentrations of amino acids such as γ-aminobutyric acid, aspartic acid, glycine, L-allothreonine, methionine, proline, serine, and valine while it increased the concentrations of carbohydrates such as cellobiose, D-talose, fucose, lyxose, and xylose compared with WT. Moreover, the imbalance of intestinal metabolism further seemed to induce liver dysfunction. Data indicated that Per2 knockout altered the expression of hepatic circadian rhythm genes, such as Clock, Bmal1, Per1, Per3, Cry1, and Cry2. KO also induced hepatic lipid metabolism, because of the increase of liver index and serum concentrations of low-density lipoprotein, and the upregulated expression of Pparα, Cyp7a1, and Cpt1. In addition, KO improved hepatic antioxidant capacity due to the increase activities of SOD and GSH-Px and the decrease in concentrations of MDA. Lastly, KO increased the relative expression levels of hepatic inflammation-related genes, such as Il-1β, Il-6, Tnf-α, Myd88, and Nf-κB p65, which may potentially lead to hepatic inflammation. Overall, Per2 knockout induces gut metabolic dysregulation and may potentially trigger alterations in hepatic antioxidant and inflammation responses.

Modulation of growth performance, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and disease resistance in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) upon compound probiotic cultures inclusion

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of compound probiotic cultures (CPC; Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and disease resistance of juvenile largemouth bass. Triplicate groups of largemouth bass (average weight 42.05 ± 0.02 g), with a destiny of 30 individuals per tank, were fed diets supplemented with different concentration of compound probiotic cultures (CPC) (0%, CPC (0.0); 0.5%, CPC (0.5); 1.0%, CPC (1.0); 2.0%, CPC (2.0)). After the feeding trial, tissue samples of largemouth bass were collected and the challenge test with Aeromonas hydrophila was performed. Results indicated that the CPC supplementation produced no significant difference on the growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of largemouth bass, while significantly increased the cumulative survival rate in the Aeromonas hydrophila challenge test. Meanwhile, the inclusion of CPC elevated the hepatic antioxidant capacity, and the highest activity of antioxidant enzymes, including T-AOC, CAT, GPx and T-SOD, was observed in the CPC (2.0) group. Meanwhile, the transcription of Nrf2/keap1 and antioxidant related genes, including CAT, GPx, GST, SOD1 and SOD2, was significantly elevated with the inclusion of CPC. In addition, the inclusion of CPC improved the non-specific immunity of largemouth bass. The activity of serum lysozyme was significantly elevated in the CPC (2.0) group, while the transcription of RelA and pro-inflammatory factors, including TNF-α and IL-1β, was inhibited with the inclusion of CPC. Meanwhile, related genes potentially linked to RelA, including TLR2 and p38 MAPK, were detected that their relative expression was significantly inhibited with the inclusion of CPC. The current findings indicated that the inclusion of 2% CPC improved the antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and disease resistance of juvenile largemouth bass, and suggested that 2% CPC as a functional additive could be applied to the diet of juvenile largemouth bass in aquaculture practice.

The interactive effect of dietary inclusion levels and preparation methods of myo-inositol on growth performance, antioxidant function and lipid metabolism homeostasis of Cyprinus carpio var. jian

To evaluate the interactive effect of inclusion levels (IL) and preparation methods (PM) of myo-inositol (MI) on growth performance, hepatic antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism of Cyprinus carpio var. jian, five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated at a high level of dietary fat content (11.3%, HF basic diet), supplemented with 400 mg/kg or 800 mg/kg of enzyme biocatalysis MI (E-MI) (400E-MI, 800E-MI) and chemical acid hydrolysis MI (C-MI) (400 C-MI, 800 C-MI). 300 healthy C. Carpio var. jian (1.5 ± 0.1 g) were randomly fed one of the five experimental diets in triplicates (20 fish per tank) for 66 days. After the 66 days feeding trial, the growth performance, plasma biochemistry, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, and gene expressions related to lipid metabolism were determined. Two-way ANOVA analysis showed that PM and IL of dietary MI had an interactive effect on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism of C. Carpio var. jian. The IL significantly affected protein deposition rate (PDR), activities of hepatic CAT, T-SOD and GPx (P < 0.05). Specifically, final average weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR) and PDR in the 400E-MI group and 800 C-MI group were significantly higher than those in the 400 C-MI group (P < 0.05). The oil red O staining results showed that a large amount of lipid accumulation in the liver tissues of the HF group, while the hepatic lipid accumulations of 400 C-MI, 400E-MI and 800 E-MI were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The expressions of lipid metabolization-related genes showed that the myo-inositol PM and IL had an interactive effect on mRNA expressions of hepatic ACO, ACSL, PPARβ and SIRT1 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of ACC, AMPK, PPARβ and SREBP-1 were significantly affected by IL (P < 0.05). Specifically, The mRNA expressions of LPL, PPARβ and SIRT1 of 400 C-MI, 400E-MI and 800 E-MI groups were significantly higher than those of the HF basic group. Overall, the supplementation of C-MI and E-MI in the HF diet improved the protein deposition and liver antioxidant ability, promoted lipid metabolism through activating AMPK and SIRT1 of C. Carpio var. jian fed HF diet.

Nutritional programming of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae by dietary vegetable oil: effects on growth performance, lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity.

The nutritional status experienced in the early development of life plays a vital role in the long-term metabolic state of the individual, which is known as nutritional programming. The present study investigated the long-term effects of vegetable oil (VO) nutritional programming during the early life of large yellow croaker. First, larvae were fed either a fish oil (FO) diet or a VO diet for 30 d. Subsequently, under the same conditions, all fish were fed a commercial diet for 90 d and thereafter challenged with an FO or VO diet for 30 d. The results showed that growth performance was significantly lower in larvae fed the VO diet than in those in fed the FO diet in the stimulus phase. Notably, VO nutritional history fish showed lower levels of liver lipids liver total triglycerides and serum nonesterified free fatty acids than the FO nutritional history fish when juveniles were challenged with the VO diet, which was consistent with the expression of lipogenesis-related genes and proteins. Moreover, the VO nutritional history fish showed lower liver damage and higher antioxidant capacity than FO nutritional history fish when challenged with the VO diet. In summary, this study showed that a short VO stimulus during the early life stage of large yellow croaker, had a long-term effect on lipid metabolism and the antioxidant system. Specifically, VO nutritional programming had a positive effect on alleviating abnormal lipid deposition on the liver, liver damage, and the reduction of hepatic antioxidant capacity caused by a VO diet.

Dietary curcumin supplementation regulates the lipid metabolism in laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin on the hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in Roman laying hens. A total of 144 Roman laying hens (28 weeks old) were allocated 4 dietary treatments that included curcumin at concentrations of 0, 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg for 9 weeks. Each treatment had 6 replicates per group with 6 hens per replicate (2 birds/cage). The results showed that dietary supplementation of curcumin decreased (P < 0.05) the absolute and relative abdominal fat weight during 32–34 wk. Curcumin supplemented at 150 mg/kg had been reduced (P < 0.05) the concentrations of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol in plasma, the liver TG concentrations, and the enzyme activities of malic (ME) and lipoprotein lipase of Roman laying hens throughout the experiment. Curcumin supplemented also decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of Sterol expression-regulatory protein-1c (SREBP-1c), ACC, FAS, ME and while it increased the mRNA expression of Apolipoprotein B-100 and Apolipoprotein-II. Further research found that dietary curcumin boosted the activity of the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione peroxidase in plasma and liver. It lowered the levels of Malondialdehyde in plasma and liver. In conclusion, curcumin inclusion regulated the hepatic fat metabolism, reduced abdominal fat deposition and improved the antioxidant capacity of Roman laying hens. Highlights Curcumin can regulate the lipid metabolism of Roman laying hens by reducing the activity of lipid metabolism enzymes in the liver. Curcumin can regulate the fat deposition of Roman laying hens by reducing the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis in the liver.

Effect of dietary levels of folic acid on growth performance, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

AbstractTo obtain the optimal requirement of dietary folic acid (FA) in feed of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, five experimental diets were prepared with 0, 0.5, 1.5, 4.5, and 13.5 mg/kg of supplemental FA in the basal practical diet (measured FA value &lt;0.18 mg/kg in the basal diet) and fed to juvenile largemouth bass with an initial body weight of (14.49 ± 0.06) g for 7 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of the experimental fish in each FA supplementation group were higher than those in the control group to varying degrees and reached maximum values at 1.5 mg/kg in the experimental group, which were significantly higher than those in the FA‐free group; the increase in the addition of FA to the diet significantly reduced the visceral to body ratio (visceral somatic index), liver to body ratio, and relative intestine weight. The addition of ≥0.5 mg/kg FA to the feed significantly increased the whole fish protein content. The hemoglobin content and hematocrit of whole blood cells were significantly increased in the fish group supplemented with 0.5–1.5 mg/kg FA, and the addition of 0.5 mg/kg FA significantly increased the number of red blood cells. Plasma total protein and albumin levels increased and then decreased with the addition of FA, reaching a maximum at 1.5 mg/kg, and differed significantly from the FA‐free group. The addition of 0.5 mg/kg and more of FA significantly decreased plasma alanine transaminase (GPT) activity and improved liver GPT activity, the addition of 0.5 mg/kg and more of FA significantly decreased serum malonaldehyde activity, 0.5 mg/kg of FA significantly increased total hepatic antioxidant capacity, 1.5 mg/kg of FA significantly increased hepatic catalase and head kidney lysozyme activity. The addition of 0.5 mg/kg and above of FA significantly reduced liver glycogen content. In conclusion, the addition of FA to the diet significantly improved the growth performance, hematopoiesis, metabolism of protein and carbohydrate, antioxidant capacity of the liver, and protected liver health of juvenile largemouth bass. Regression analysis based on growth performance showed that the optimal amount of FA in the feed of juvenile largemouth bass was 1.42–1.46 mg/kg.

Dihydroartemisinin alleviates deoxynivalenol induced liver apoptosis and inflammation in piglets

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the mycotoxins that contaminate cereals and feed, thereby endangering human and animal health. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions in addition to anti-malaria and anti-cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on alleviating liver apoptosis and inflammation induced by DON in piglets. The experimental design followed a 2 (normal diet and DON-contaminated diet) × 2 (with and without supplementation of DHA) factorial arrangement. 36 weaned piglets were subjected to a 21-day experiment. Results showed that DON increased ALT activity, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2, and reduced the levels of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in the serum. However, DHA decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2, and increased the levels of TP and ALB. Also, DON decreased glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity, and increased methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) content. But GSH content was increased by DHA. In addition, DHA decreased DON-induced increase in apoptosis rate of hepatocytes. Furthermore, DON activated death receptor pathway to promote apoptosis by up-regulating the protein expression of FasL and caspase-3, and the mRNA expression of FasL, TNFR1, caspase-8, Bid, Bax, CYC and caspase-3. However, DHA reduced caspase-3 protein expression, as well as the mRNA expression of FADD, Bid, Bax, CYC and caspase-3. Besides, DON also activated TNF/NF-κB pathway to induce an inflammatory response by up-regulating TNF-α protein expression, and the mRNA expression of TNFR1, RIP1, IKKβ, IκBα, IL-1β and IL-8. Nevertheless, DHA reduced the mRNA expression of RIP1, IκBα, NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6, and the protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. In conclusion, DHA improved DON-induced negative effects on serum biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokine levels, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic apoptosis and inflammation.

Effects of Dietary Lipid Levels on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Antioxidant Capacity, and Lipid Metabolism in Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) at Three Different Stages

Three 56-day feeding trials were conducted to evaluate dietary lipid requirements and effects of dietary lipid levels on growth, digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) at three growth stages. The initial mean body weight of turbot was 9.13 ± 0.17 g, 50.10 ± 0.38 g, and 80.05 ± 0.76 g (small, medium, and large turbot), respectively. Five practical diets were formulated to contain 68.4, 93.9, 120.7, 147.8, and 171.2 g/kg lipid (L68.4, L93.9, L120.7, L147.8, and L171.2), respectively. Results of three trials showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of turbot fed with L120.7, L147.8, and L171.2 diets were all significantly higher compared with turbot fed with L68.4 and L93.9 diets except for large turbot fed with the L147.8 diet. Activities of intestinal trypsin, lipase and hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity firstly increased and then decreased as dietary lipids increased. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde content decreased firstly but then increased with the elevation of dietary lipids in small and medium turbot, and it was significantly higher in the L171.2 group than the rest in large turbot. With increasing levels of dietary lipid, contents of whole-body lipid, liver lipid, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were markedly increased at three stages. In addition, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents increased firstly and then decreased over the L120.7 group. Transcriptional levels of lipolysis-related genes lipin1 and lpl were significantly upregulated firstly and subsequently downregulated with increasing dietary lipid levels except lipin1 in medium fish. Meanwhile, a significant increase in lipogenesis-related genes lxr and pparγ expressions was detected in all fish. Based on the specific growth rate, the dietary lipid level of 130.1, 120.1, and 107.7 g/kg was optimal for the growth performance of turbot cultured at three phases, respectively. Additionally, the results indicated that high lipid diets may lead to abnormal lipid deposition and affect the physiological health of turbot.

Warmer Ambient Temperatures Depress Detoxification and Food Intake by Marsupial Folivores

Ambient temperature is an underappreciated determinant of foraging behaviour in wild endotherms, and the requirement to thermoregulate likely influences food intake through multiple interacting mechanisms. We investigated relationships between ambient temperature and hepatic detoxification capacity in two herbivorous marsupials, the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) that regularly feed on diets rich in plant toxins. As an indicator of hepatic detoxification capacity, we determined the functional clearance rate of an anaesthetic agent, Alfaxalone, after possums were acclimated to 10°C [below the thermoneutral zone (TNZ)], 18°C [approximately lower critical temperature (LCT)], and 26°C [approximately upper critical temperature (UCT)] for either 7 days or less than 24 h. We then measured intake of foods with high or low plant secondary metabolite (PSM) concentrations under the same temperature regimes. After 7 days of acclimation, we found a positive correlation between the functional clearance rate of Alfaxalone and ambient temperature, and a negative relationship between ambient temperature and intake of foods with high or low PSM concentrations for both species. The effect of ambient temperature on intake of diets rich in PSMs was absent or reduced when possums were kept at temperatures for less than 24 h. Our results underscore the effects of ambient temperature in hepatic metabolism particularly with respect intake of diets containing PSMs. Given that the planet is warming, it is vital that effects of ambient temperature on metabolism, nutrition and foraging by mammalian herbivores is taken into account to predict range changes of species and their impact on ecosystems.

Improvement of Growth Performance, Hepatic and Erythrocyte Antioxidant Capacity, Innate Immunity, and Biochemical Parameters of Persian Sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, by Sulfur Amino Acids’ Supplementation

The present study was aimed at determining the effects of taurine and/or methionine addition to a plant-based diet on growth performance and immunological and antioxidant responses of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus. Four plant-based diets were formulated, including control (C), control+1 g/kg taurine (T), control+2 g/kg methionine (M), and control+1 g/kg taurine and 2 g/kg methionine (T+M). Fish were fed each diet in triplicate for 70 days, and growth performance, hematological, plasma biochemical, and immunological parameters, and hepatic and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters were determined after that. Dietary taurine or methionine supplementation significantly increased growth performance, hematological parameters, antioxidant enzymes’ activities, plasma lysozyme, alternative complement, and total immunoglobulin but decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase activities, and malondialdehyde. Interaction additive effects of dietary taurine and methionine were observed in erythrocyte count, hematocrit, alternative complement, total immunoglobulin, hepatic malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. In conclusion, dietary taurine (1 g/kg) and methionine (2 g/kg) supplementation is necessary to support higher growth rate, immunological responses, and antioxidant capacity in Persian sturgeon, when fed a plant-based diet. According to the present results, the highest performance is obtained when both amino acids are simultaneously added to the fish diet.