Hepatic Histomorphology Research Articles

Effects of dietary Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin on growth, fatty acid assessment of breast muscles, hematobiochemical, immunological responses, and hepatic histomorphology in broiler chickens

Effects of dietary Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin on growth, fatty acid assessment of breast muscles, hematobiochemical, immunological responses, and hepatic histomorphology in broiler chickens

Effects of silybin on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immunity in juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) fed with high-lipid diets

This research examined the impacts of varying silybin dosages in high-lipid diets on the growth, hepatic histology, immunity, and immune-related gene expression of juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂). The grouper (with an initial body weight of 8.27 ± 0.08 g) were fed diets containing silybin at levels of 0 g/kg (S1, control group), 0.05 g/kg (S2), 0.10 g/kg (S3), 0.15 g/kg (S4), 0.20 g/kg (S5), 0.25 g/kg (S6), and 0.50 g/kg (S7) for 8 weeks. The study results suggest that the silybin-treated groups displayed an initial increase followed by a decrease in final body weight and specific growth rate, with the highest value observed in the group S5. In serum samples, silybin supplementation of high-lipid diets resulted in increased activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes, decreased activities of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) enzymes and increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) content. In liver, the addition of silybin to high-lipid diets increased SOD, CAT, and lysozyme (LYZ) enzyme activities, increased T-AOC and immunoglobulin M (IgM) contents, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Contrasted with the control group, the addition of silybin at 0.05–0.50 g/kg enhanced the hepatic histomorphology, for example, ameliorating the indistinctness of cell outlines and diminishing the hepatocyte vacuolation. Silybin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of liver sod, cat, gpx, nrf2, keap1, hsp70, hsp90, tlr22, myd88, il-1β, tnf-α and il-6(P < 0.05). Silybin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of tlr22, myd88, il-1β, tnf-α, and il-6 of head kidney (P < 0.05). After vibrio harveyi challenge, groups S5-S6 showed higher survival than the control. Incorporating silybin into high-lipid diets boosts grouper's growth, antioxidant, and immune abilities. Regression analysis implies adding 0.23 g/kg silybin to the diets of juvenile hybrid grouper.

Dietary co-enzyme Q10 boosted the growth performance, antioxidative capacity, immune responses, and intestinal and hepatic histomorphology of grey mullet (Liza ramada)

The aim of this experiment was to assess the potential benefits of supplementing coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the diet of Liza ramada, with a focus on growth promotion, enhanced feed utilization, improved digestive enzyme activity, bolstered antioxidant defenses, and overall health. Five diets were prepared, maintaining consistent levels of lipids (7%) and protein (32%). These diets featured equivalent raw materials but varied in their CoQ10 content (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg CoQ10/kg diet). Initial fish weight averaged 90.89±0.41 g, and each diet was administered to fish in triplicate tanks over a 60-day feeding period. Surprisingly, the diet with 80 mg/kg of CoQ10 showed the most substantial increases in weight gain (131.23±1.82 g), specific growth rate (1.40±0.01%/day), and a more favorable feed conversion ratio (1.73±0.01), outperforming the 60, 40, and 20 mg/kg CoQ10 diets. Additionally, 40 and 60 mg/kg CoQ10 diets demonstrated substantial improvements in digestive enzyme activity [protease (22.30±0.80 and 21.34±0.77, U/ mg), amylase (19.90±0.65 and 20.15±0.43, U/ mg), and lipase (27.04±0.80 and 27.41±0.87, U/ mg)], antioxidant markers [superoxide dismutase (14.01±0.27 and 14.44±0.62, U/ mg), catalase (1.19±0.04 and 1.20±0.04, U/ mg), and glutathione peroxidase (3.27±0.14 and 3.47±0.16, U/ mg)], and immune responses [lysozyme (302.12±3.18 and 294.25±7.64, U/ ml), bactericidal activity (5.00±0.04 and 6.03±0.14, U/ ml), respiratory burst using nitroblue tetrazolium (0.55±0.01 and 0.55±0.01, U/ ml), and alternative complement pathway activities (58.29±1.01 and 58.74±0.80, U/ ml)] in L. ramada (p < 0.05). Histological evaluations of the liver and intestine indicated structural enhancements, particularly in the 60 and 80 mg/kg CoQ10 groups, suggesting potential benefits for organ health. CoQ10 supplementation did not affect the survival rate and biochemical parameters [albumin, glucose, total protein, globulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine] (p > 0.05). These findings underscore the potential of CoQ10 as a valuable dietary additive to enhance the growth and overall health of L. ramada, with recommended inclusion levels of CoQ10 falling between 60 and 80 mg/kg.

Evaluation of dietary supplementation of frankincense oil on broiler chicken growth performance, hepatic histomorphology, antioxidant activity, blood biochemical parameters, and inflammatory responses

This investigation aimed to assess the potential impact of frankincense oil (FKO) from Boswellia serrata on broiler chicken growth performance parameters, including body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter, grower, and finisher phases. We also evaluated the hepatic histology, serum hepatorenal function tests, antioxidant activity, and inflammatory responses. A total of 400 three-day-old male chicks (Ross 308 broiler) (100.40 ± 0.13 g) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (10 replicates/group, ten chicks/replicate). The birds were fed basal diet (FKO0, control group) or basal diet supplemented with 200, 400, and 600 FKO/kg of diet (FKO200, FKO400, FKO600, respectively). The experiment lasted 35 days. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that FKO contained 36 constituents, with the dominant compounds being 1,6,10-DODECATRIEN-3-OL, 3,7,11-TRIMETHYL-, [S-(Z)]- (12.42%), ç-Elemene (12.42%), à-Farnesene (12.42%), PHENOL and 2,4-BIS(1,1-DIMETHYLETHYL)- (7.15%). Distinctive FKO levels (200-600 mg/kg) showed greater BW without influencing total feed intake compared to the FKO0 treatment. The FCR was improved by the addition of FKO to the diets. The blood concentrations of alanine aminotransferase and creatinine increased (p < 0.05) in the FKO600 treatment. Dietary FKO linearly lowered serum malondialdehyde levels and enhanced blood total antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukine-1 β and interferon γ) compared to the control group. Broilers fed FKO at levels 200–600 mg kg−1 diet also exhibited lower serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the FKO400 and FKO600 treatments showed an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.01). Histomorphological analysis of the liver indicated no significant differences between the FKO-supplemented groups and the control group. However, the immunoexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine (transforming growth factor β) was considerably increased in the liver and spleen tissues of birds fed FKO in a level-dependent manner. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of FKO at levels up to 600 mg/kg can serve as a natural growth promoter in broiler chickens, leading to enhanced growth, hypolipidemic properties, antioxidant status, and immune responses.

Lactoferrin Relieves Deoxynivalenol-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response by Modulating the Nrf2/MAPK Pathways in the Liver.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), one of the most common mycotoxins contaminating food and feed, has been shown to induce hepatotoxicity. Lactoferrin (LF) enriched in human milk is a critical functional food component and performs the hepatoprotection function. Here, we aimed to explore whether dietary LF supplementation can protect from DON-induced hepatotoxicity and uncover the underlying mechanism in mice and alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) hepatocytes. In vivo results revealed that LF alleviated DON-induced liver injury, reflected by repairing the hepatic histomorphology and decreasing the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level and the number of blood white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils (Neu). Moreover, LF decreased the hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and enhanced the hepatic GSH-px activity and protein expression of Nrf2 and GPX4 to reverse the DON-induced hepatic oxidative stress. Furthermore, LF downregulated the pro-inflammatory-response-related gene expressions (IL1β, TNFα, and Tlr4) and the phosphorylation levels of IKK, IκBα, and p38 in the liver of DON-exposed mice. Additionally, in vitro studies confirmed that LF ameliorated the DON-induced oxidation-reduction imbalance, inflammatory responses, and associated core modulators of the Nrf2 and MAPK pathways in DON-induced hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, LF performs hepatic antioxidative and anti-inflammatory functions by regulating the Nrf2/MAPK signaling pathways, thus reducing DON-induced hepatotoxicity.

San-Huang-Chai-Zhu Formula Ameliorates Liver Injury in Intrahepatic Cholestasis through Suppressing SIRT1/PGC-1α-Regulated Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress.

Background Chinese herbal formulae possess promising applications in treating intrahepatic cholestasis. Objective Our study aims to explore the protective effect of the San-Huang-Chai-Zhu formula (SHCZF) on liver injury in intrahepatic cholestasis (IC) and investigate the underlying mechanism related to mitochondrial oxidative stress. Methods An IC rat model was established by α-naphthyl isothiocyanate induction. Hepatic histomorphology was observed through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of biochemical indexes of hepatic function and oxidative stress were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell apoptosis in liver tissues was detected by the TUNEL assay. The mRNA expression of mtDNA, SIRT1, and PGC-1α was measured by qRT-PCR, and the protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, SIRT1, and PGC-1α was determined by Western blotting. Results SHCZF treatment attenuated liver injury in IC. Levels of hepatic function parameters were decreased after SHCZF administration. In addition, the decreased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in hepatic mitochondria confirmed that SHCZF could attenuate oxidative stress in IC. SHCZF treatment also reduced the apoptosis in the liver tissues of IC rats. Furthermore, SHCZF administration upregulated the expression of mtDNA, SIRT1, and PGC-1α in IC. Conclusions SHCZF exerts a protective effect on liver injury in IC via alleviating SIRT1/PGC-1α-regulated mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Lead nitrate toxicity: its effects on hepatic extracellular matrix fibers, filamentous cytoskeleton and the mitigative potentials of Morinda lucida extract

In this study, the effect of orally administered methanolic extract of Morinda lucida stem bark (MLSB) was tested for its efficacy to reverse lead nitrate-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty-six female rats were assigned into six groups (n = 6). Rats in group I received 2.2 mL/kg distilled water for 28 days, those in group II received 30 mg/kg lead nitrate for 14 days while those in groups III to VI received 30 mg/kg lead nitrate for 14 days followed by a treatment with 100, 250, 500 mg/kg BW MLSB extract and 0.2 mL/100 kg rats silymarin respectively for 14 days. They were sacrificed after 28 days after which biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters were examined. The results of this study showed a reduction of catalase and superoxide dismutase activities by lead nitrate. Deranged hepatic histomorphology was also observed intracellularly and extracellularly in lead nitrate-treated rats. Altered vimentin arrangement was also observed in lead nitrate-treated rats. However, 250 mg/kg BW dose of Morinda lucida significantly reversed some of these changes while the 500 mg had some toxic effect on liver tissue. We concluded that the extract at 250mg/kg BW dose may be a potential treatment for conditions associated with lead toxicity and other metallic particles.

Assessment of the antiproliferative potential of Cissampelos owariensis (P. Beauv) methanolic extract in Wistar rats

Cissampelos owariensis is a medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic uses. In this study, the objective was to further assess its antiproliferative potential using cell proliferation and tumor suppressor markers. Solvent extraction of C. owariensis leaves was done using methanol. Twenty (20) male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups 1–4 (n=5) and respectively administered with methanolic extracts of C. owariensis at 0, 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg for 30 days. After treatment, the hepatic tissues were processed and examined histologically and immunohistochemically for cell proliferation (Ki-67) and tumor suppressor (p53) proteins. Immunoexpression of the proteins was quantified using image-J software, the data analyzed with SPSS version 20 and values compared using t-test and one-way analysis of variance. The histological results showed no significant variation in hepatic histomorphology of treated Groups 2–4 relative to non-treated Group 1. However, the immunohistochemical results showed significant (p&lt; 0.05) down-regulation in Ki-67 protein expression and a concomitant significant (p&lt; 0.05) up-regulation in p53 protein expression in hepatic tissues of treated Groups 2–4 relative to non-treated Group 1.These inverse expression patterns of cell proliferation and tumor suppressor proteins following exposure to methanolic extracts of C. owariensis may suggest the antiproliferative potential of the plant extracts.

Effects of Dietary Fishmeal Replacement by Poultry By-Product Meal and Hydrolyzed Feather Meal on Liver and Intestinal Histomorphology and on Intestinal Microbiota of Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)

The effects on liver and intestinal histomorphology and on intestinal microbiota in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed diets that contained poultry by-product meal (PBM) and hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) as fishmeal replacements were studied. Fish fed on a series of isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets, where fishmeal protein of the control diet (FM diet) was replaced by either PBM or by HFM at 25%, 50% and 100% without amino acid supplementation (PBM25, PBM50, PBM100, HFM25, HFM50 and HFM100 diets) or supplemented with lysine and methionine (PBM25+, PBM50+, HFM25+ and HFM50+ diets). The use of PBM and HFM at 25% fishmeal replacement generated a similar hepatic histomorphology to FM-fed fish, indicating that both land animal proteins are highly digestible at low FM replacement levels. However, 50% and 100% FM replacement levels by either PBM or HFM resulted in pronounced hepatic alterations in fish with the latter causing more severe degradation of the liver. Dietary amino acid supplementation delivered an improved tissue histology signifying their importance at high FM replacement levels. Intestinal microbiota was dominated by Proteobacteria (58.8%) and Actinobacteria (32.4%) in all dietary groups, but no specific pattern was observed among them at any taxonomic level. This finding was probably driven by the high inter-individual variability observed.

Effect of different moxibustion interventions on hepatic histomorphology and PD-1 expression in immunosuppressed rabbits: 不同灸法干预对免疫抑制兔肝脏组织形态学及PD-1表达的影响

Objective To observe the changes in hepatic histomorphology and the differences in the expression of PD-1 after different moxibustion interventions in the immunosuppressed rabbits caused by cyclophosphamide and analyze the intervention effects of different moxibustion therapies.Methods A total of 40 big-ear white rabbits were randomized into 4 groups, i.e. a blank group, an immunosuppressed model group, a moxibustion group and a herbal-paste isolated moxibustion group, 10 rabbits in each one. In the immunosuppressed model group, the moxibustion group and the herbal-paste isolated moxibustion group, the intraperitoneal injection with cyclophosphamide was administered consecutively for 7 days, 60 mg/kg, and then, the immunosuppressed models were prepared. After the models were established successfully, in the moxibustion group and the herbal-paste isolated moxibustion group, moxibustion was administer at “Shénquè (神阙CV 8)” “Guānyuán (关元CV 4)” “Zúsānlĭ (足三里ST 36)” “Píshū (脾俞BL20)” and “Shènshū (肾俞BL23)”, once every other day, 10 times in total. In the blank group and the immunosuppressed model group, the rabbits were restricted on the rabbit platform at the same time periods, without intervention. On the second day after the end of intervention, the animals were weighed and anesthetized, and the livers were extracted. After routine HE staining, the changes of hepatic histomorphology were observed under the microscope and the morphometric analysis was conducted in each group. Besides, PD-1 expression was observed with immunohistochemical method.Result Compared with the blank group, after modeling of each animal in three groups, the body mass decreased obviously (all P < 0.01), the hepatocyte count decreased (all P < 0.01), the inflammatory cellular infiltration area was increased obviously (all P < 0.01), necrosis appeared in hepatic tissue and the positive expression of PD-1 in hepatic tissue was significantly increased (all P < 0.01). After moxibustion intervention, compared with the immunosuppressed model group, the body masses of the animals were increased obviously (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), the hepatocyte count was increased obviously (both P < 0.01), the infiltration area of inflammatory cells decreased significantly (both P < 0.01) and the expression of the PD-1 decreased in the hepatic tissue (both P < 0.05) in both the moxibustion group and the herbal-paste isolated moxibustion group. Compared with the moxibustion group, the animal body mass was higher obviously (P < 0.01), the hepatocyte count was raised apparently (P < 0.01) and the infiltration area of inflammatory cells were reduced obviously (P < 0.05) in the herbal-paste isolated moxibustion group.Conclusion The intervention with different moxibustion therapies improves the condition of body mass reduction and hepatic tissue damage of the immunosuppressed rabbits caused by cyclophosphamide. The effect of herbal-paste isolated moxibustion therapy is better than that of simple moxibustion therapy.

Molecular target mechanisms of celecoxib induced liver damage in rats and the potential prophylactic roles of melatonin and/or quercetin

Context: Celecoxib (Cele), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is linked with a spectrum of hepatotoxic influences, however the underlying mechanism (s) by which this drug induces liver damage is still unexplored. Aims: To demonstrate the hepatotoxic mechanism (s) of Cele in rats and the prophylactic roles of melatonin (Mel) and/or quercetin(Qr). Methods: Rats were divided into eight groups, GI, served as control group; GII, Mel (12 mg/kg/day) treated group; GIII, Qr (10 mg/kg/day) treated group; GIV, Mel and Qr treated group; GV, Cele (50 mg/kg/day) treated group; GVI, Cele treated group concurrently with Mel GVII, Cele treated group concurrently with Qr; GVIII, Cele treated group concurrently with the combination of the two agents. The efficiency of Mel and/or Qr on hepatic histomorphology was also investigated. Results: Cele significantly reduced hepatic succinate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphate and increased adenosine diphosphate versus the control group. Cele also caused rising in hepatic malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, caspase-3 and hydroxyproline as well as DNA damage along with depletion in catalase and glutathione reductase. Alteration in serum liver function markers and its histologic architecture were also observed in Cele treated group. Co-treatment of Cele treated rats with Mel and/or Qr, effectively ameliorated the deteriorations in the studied parameters as well as the histomorphologic liver pictures. Conclusions: Mel and/or Qr could protect the liver from Cele, toxicity, which was more pronounced in rats treated with the combination of the two agents.

Dose-Dependent Oxidative Damage in Erythrocytes and Hepatic Tissue of Wistar Rats Concurrently Exposed with Arsenic and Quinalphos: a Subacute Study.

Concurrent exposure to a multitude of environmental toxicants pose serious health hazard to humans and animals. The present investigation was conceptualized to determine deleterious effects of concomitant subacute arsenic and quinalphos exposure on antioxidant responses of liver and erythrocytes of Wistar rats. Fifty-four Wistar rats were divided into nine groups with six animals in each. Animals were exposed to either quinalphos (1/100th and 1/10th of LD50) through oral gavage daily or arsenic (50 and 100ppb) in drinking water alone and in combination for 28days. While treatment with different toxicants alone also significantly reduced hemoglobin concentration, hepatic biomarkers and levels of antioxidant parameters as compared with control values, concomitant exposure significantly (P < 0.05) elevated levels of hepatic transaminases and alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, along with significant depletion in activities of SOD, CAT, TTH, AChE, and enzymes of glutathione complex, a significant enhancement of lipid peroxidation was also recorded in liver and erythrocytes in co-exposed animals in a dose-dependent manner when compared with exposure to individual toxicant. More severe alterations occurred in hepatic histo-architecture of rats receiving combined treatment as compared with those treated with either toxicant. Results indicated that oxidative damage in erythrocytes was more than that ofthe liver of rats on concomitant exposure of arsenic and quinalphos in a dose-dependent manner. In nutshell, our results revealed that combined treatment of quinalphos with arsenic potentiated toxic effects of either toxicant on antioxidant machinery of liver and erythrocytes and hepatic histomorphology of exposed Wistar rats.

Hepatic steatosis precedes pregnancy in the BPH/5 preeclampsia‐like mouse model

BPH/5 mice represent a superimposed model of preeclampsia that spontaneously develop maternal and fetal characteristics of preeclamptic pregnancies. In women, the development of preeclampsia is associated with pre-existing dysregulation of lipid metabolism including hepatic steatosis. The study objective was tocharacterize the basal hepatic health of the female BPH/5 mouse to determine if hepatic steatosis precedes the preeclampsia-like syndrome. We hypothesized that non-pregnant female BPH/5 mice have an excess of hepatocellular lipid that promotes intrahepatic pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Blood and liver samples were collected from 8–10-week-old BPH/5 non-pregnant females (n=10) and 8–10-week-old C57Bl/6 non-pregnant females (n=6). Liver and body weight were recorded. Biochemical markers of hepatocellular function (albumin, ALT, BUN, and bilirubin) were quantified. Hepatic RNA was isolated, and qPCR was used to evaluate pro-inflammatory markers. H&E staining was used to evaluate hepatic histomorphology and lipid accumulation. There was no significant difference in albumin, ALT, BUN, or bilirubin between BPH/5 and C57Bl/6 mice. There was significantly higher hepatic CXCL-2, CXCL-10, IL-1ß, TLR2, and TLR7 mRNA expression in BPH/5 versus C57Bl/6 mice (p<0.05). There was a significantly greater liver weight in BPH/5 mice compared to C57Bl/6 mice (p=0.05). The histologic microsteatosis score was significantly increased in the BPH/5 mice (2.5) compared to C57Bl/6 mice (0.98, p=0.025). The BPH/5 mouse has basal hepatic steatosis and a pro-inflammatory hepatic phenotype that precedes pregnancy. Dysregulated lipid metabolism in the liver may contribute to the development of preeclampsia.

Hesperidin, a novel candidate for the successful treatment of high fat diet plus ethanol-induced fatty liver disease in mice.

Flavonoids have demonstrated beneficial effects in fatty liver disease (FLD). Consumption of flavonoids is associated with several health benefits via their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The current study aimed to investigate hesperidin and myricetin as new candidates for FLD therapy. Five-week-old female ICR mice were provided a high fat diet (HFD) 60 kcal % fat of total food and daily intragastrically administered ethanol (0.5 g/kg/day) in combination with fenofibrate (40 mg/kg/day) or flavonoids, hesperidin or myricetin (50 and 200 mg/kg/day), for 60 consecutive days. Hepatic histomorphology was observed with oil red O (ORO) staining along with hepatic triglyceride (TG) level, activity of antioxidative enzymes, and mRNA expression of metabolic, antioxidative, and inflammatory genes, including peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha and -gamma 2 (Ppara and Pparg2), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (Srebp-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acaca), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), CD36 molecules (Cd36), catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (Sod1 and Sod2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1), nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells 1 (Nfkb1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf-α), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (Ccl2). Fenofibrate, hesperidin, and myricetin improved hepatic histomorphology, restored expression of metabolic genes, improved antioxidative system, and suppressed inflammatory pathways. Interestingly, hesperidin attenuated TG level and down-regulated Ccl2 expression at low dose and reinstated Cat expression better than myricetin. These findings confirm that hesperidin is a promising candidate for FLD therapy.

Sub-acute toxicity of Caladium bicolor (Aiton) leaf extract in Wistar rats

Herbal medicinal plants constitute an integral component of plant biodiversity whose application for therapeutic purposes has been a common practice since antiquity. However, studies have reported tissue pathologies following exposure to herbal medicinal plants or extracts. This study was carried out to assess the possible pathological effects of sub-acute exposure of methanol extract of Caladium bicolor on the hepatic histomorphology of experimental Wistar rats. Twenty four Wistar rats were divided into four groups A-D. Group A was administered with distilled water (2 ml/kg b.w) and groups B-D administered with 100 ml/kg, 200ml/kg and 300ml/kg b.w. of the extract respectively for twenty eight days. The bodyweight of experimental animals was recorded at regular intervals during the study period. After the treatment period, hepatic tissue was harvested, weighed and processed for histopathological study. The results showed that exposure to the extract causes significant (p&lt;0.05) body and organ weight reduction, a significant increase in serum level of ALT and AST as well as prominent hepatic histopathological changes such as inflammation, necrosis and steatosis. Sub-acute exposure to methanol extract of C. bicolor thereby causes dose-independent hepatopathy in experimental animals. Hence, its application for therapeutic purposes needs to be re-evaluated and preferably discontinued to avoid these associated hepatic tissue pathologies.

Inclusion of Chlorella water extract in Oreochromis niloticus fingerling diets: Effects on growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant and immune capacity, intestine and hepatic histomorphology and sodium nitrite stress resistance

Chlorella meal as feed ingredient in diets has been well evaluated in fish and shellfish, whereas limited information is available about Chlorella extract as feed supplement and their effects on growth performance and stress resistance of fish. This study was conducted to assess effect of Chlorella water extract (CWE) on growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant and immune capacity, histomorphology, and sodium nitrite stress resistance of Oreochromis niloticus. In total of 1920 O. niloticus fingerlings with initial body weight of 0.9 ± 0.01 g were randomly distributed into six groups with four replicates (80 fish per replicate) and fed six diets containing 0 (C0), 2.7 (C2.7), 5.5 (C5.5), 11 (C11), 22 (C22), and 33 (C33) ml/kg dry matter of CWE for 56 d. Fish were suffered with a 24-h sodium nitrite stress test at the end of feeding trial. Results indicated that dietary CWE did not affect growth performance, body composition and histological appearance of fish, but quadratically increased (P < 0.05) protein efficiency ratio and trypsin activity as dietary CWE increasing. Inclusion of CWE in diets increased (P < 0.05) hepatic glutathione peroxidase and lysozyme activities. Fish fed CWE-containing diets had lower (P < 0.05) cumulative mortality rate but higher (P < 0.05) acid phosphatase and lysozyme activities as observed in the sodium nitrite stress test. In conclusion, dietary CWE did not affect growth performance, body composition and histological appearance, but improved protein utilization, trypsin activity, antioxidant and immune capacity, and sodium nitrite stress resistance of O. niloticus.

UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS-based metabolomics revealed the lipid-lowering effect of Ilicis Rotundae Cortex on high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemia rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIlicis Rotundae Cortex (IRC), a Chinese crude drug, has been widely utilized in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces of China to treat or prevent cardiovascular diseases. Aim of studyThis investigation aims to study the lipid-lowering effect of IRC, as well as the regulating effect on the endogenous metabolites in hyperlipidemia rats. Materials and methodsHigh-fat diet induced hyperlipidemia rats were administrated with different doses of IRC extract (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Simvastatin was used as the positive control. Body weight, serum lipid levels and histopathology of liver were evaluated. The metabolic profiles of plasma, urine and cecum content were analyzed using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS-based metabolomics approach coupled with multivariate data analysis. ResultsThe levels of serum TC, TG, LDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly decreased and HDL-C level was increased in IRC treatment groups. The hepatic histomorphology was partially restored. 23, 26 and 15 metabolites in plasma, urine and cecum content were determined as the biological biomarkers, respectively. IRC extract could partially recover the disturbed metabolic pathways of bile acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, sphingolipid metabolism and riboflavin metabolism. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that IRC could effectively improve the serum lipids and partially restore the hepatic histomorphology. The underlying metabolic mechanism mainly included improving the metabolism of bile acids, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, fatty acid and amino acid. This is the first study on the lipid-lowering effect of IRC from the perspective of metabolomics.

Comparative histomorphological assessment of Vitamin E and Green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract-mediated amelioration of Lead-induced hepatopathy in experimental Wistar rats

Objective: Hepatotoxins such as lead has potency of distorting hepatic histomorphology. Conversely, antitoxins exhibit anti-hepatotoxic effects by ameliorating their damaging effects. This study was carried out to comparatively assess ameliorative effects of Vitamin E and green tea extract on hepatic histomorphology of rat model of lead-induced hepatopathy. Methods: Forty two (n=42) animals were equally grouped into six: Group A received 5 ml/kg distilled water; Group B received 2 mg/ml lead acetate; Groups C and D received 2 mg/ml lead acetate + 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg Vitamin E respectively; Groups E and F received 2 mg/ml lead acetate + 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg green tea extract respectively. All treatment was via oral route and lasted for 35 days wherein animal body weight was regularly recorded. Serum ALT and AST levels were determined; hepatic tissues were harvested, weighed and processed for histomorphological study. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS (version 20) and compared using t-test and analysis of variance. Results: There was significant (p < 0.05) body and organ weight decrease in Group B relative to Group A while Groups C-F only showed marginal reduction. Also, the serum ALT and AST levels were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in Group B while Groups C-F animals only showed marginal increase. The hepatic histomorphological features Groups C-F showed mild variations from normal histomorphology of Group A but intense variations were observed in Group B. Conclusion: Vitamin E and green tea extract comparatively exhibited histomorphological reparation against damaging effects of lead on hepatic histomorphology. The most potent dosages for their hepato-reparative activity were 200 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg respectively.

Mitigative Effects of Alpha-lipoic Acid on the Toxicity of Dimethoate in Male Rats

Background and Aim: Organophosphates are currently widely used by humans, but these compounds have tremendous negative effects on human health. Therefore, this study aims to use alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to alleviate the negative effects of dimethoate (DM). Methods: This study was designed as follows: Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats were utilized and further subdivided into control, DM and DM+ALA groups. Liver and renal cortex sections from all groups were processed for histopathological examination and biochemical estimation of liver function tests, serum urea, creatinine, BUN, testosterone and lipid profile was performed. Results: This study clarified the ameliorative effects of ALA on the negative effects of DM, where ALA induced a significant recovery of hepatic (ALT, AST, ALP and total protein) and renal functions by normalizing them in the DM + ALA group and promoted some improvement of lipid profile and testosterone levels. Additionally, ALA restored normal hepatic and renal histomorphology. Conclusion: ALA therapy can be concluded to ameliorate the negative effects of DM that affect vital organs such as the liver and kidney. Additionally, ALA can reduce the occurrence of atherogenesis by decreasing the levels of unhealthy cholesterol in the blood. ALA also boosts testosterone levels, thus augmenting male sexual characteristics.

Hypoxis hemerocallidea alters metabolic parameters and hepatic histomorphology in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic male rats under antiretroviral therapy.

IntroductionHighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV/AIDS have been demonstrated to induce endocrine/metabolic dysfunction with a consequential increase in morbidity/mortality due to organ toxicities. This study aimed at investigating the possible protective effect of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HH) against metabolic and hepatic histomorphology of diabetic rats under HAART.Material and methodsSixty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a normoglycemic group A (n = 6) and 7 diabetic (110 mg/kg nicotinamide + 45 mg/kg streptozotocin) groups (B–H) (n = 8) and treated according to protocols. Concomitant treatment with adjuvant HH and HAART resulted in the least %body weight gain as the liver weight decreased in all treated animals.ResultsSignificant changes in serum lipids were aggravated by treatment with HH and HAART, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were elevated (p < 0.001/0.05), but changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total protein levels were insignificant. While artherosclerotic and cardiopulmonary indexes remained insignificant, concomitant use of HH with HAART in diabetes resulted in reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.001), and increased triglyceride (p < 0.05) and total cholesterol (p < 0.001). The parameters of liver injury showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in ALT of animals treated with HH alone, HAART + HH and melatonin; however, an insignificant decline in AST level was recorded. Treatment with adjuvant HAART, HH and melatonin resulted in significant (p < 0.005/0.0001) up-regulation of ALP and total bilirubin levels. Histopathology derangement ranged from severe hepatocellular distortions, necrosis with reduced glycogen expression following co-treatment of HAART+melatonin, HH and HAART alone in diabetes.ConclusionsPresumptive hypoglycemic use of HH with HAART by people living with HIV/AIDS requires caution as implications for hepatocellular injuries are suspected with further uncontrolled metabolic disorder.