Hepatic Malondialdehyde Content Research Articles

Hepatoprotective effects of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor Febuxostat against thioacetamide-induced liver injury in rats: The role of the Nrf2/ HO-1 and TLR4/ NF-κB pathways

Experimental models of liver injury have been established utilizing thioacetamide (TAA), a classic liver toxic chemical that causes organ damage via oxidative stress and inflammatory induction. This study examined the impact of Febuxostat (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor; Febu, 10–15 mg/kg, orally) against TAA (500 mg/kg, i.p.) -induced liver injury in rats.Febu significantly attenuated TAA-induced alterations in liver function parameters, in addition to promoting hepatic antioxidant effects through a significant elevation of Heme-oxygenase-1(HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 (Nrf2), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and reduction in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Moreover, Febu improved the hepatic anti-inflammatory status by increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin (IL-10) level and reducing the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), IL-1β, high-mobility group box1 (HMGB1), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and toll-like receptor4 (TLR4) levels, in addition to suppressing the increased protein and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6, hepatic expression of TNF-α and activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (p-JNK/p-p38 MAPK). Histopathologically, Febu markedly normalized TAA-induced alteration in liver sections. In conclusion, Febu, in a dose-dependent fashion, refines TAA-induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant capabilities and decreasing inflammatory signals.

Nutritional Composition and Effect of Loquat Fruit (Eriobotrya japonica L. var. Navela) on Lipid Metabolism and Liver Steatosis in High-Fat High-Sucrose Diet-Fed Mice.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.) is a popular fruit known for its sweet and slightly tangy flavor, which is widely consumed both fresh and in various processed forms. This study aimed to analyze the biochemical composition of loquat juice and investigate its metabolic benefits in mice fed a high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFSD). Mice were fed either a standard diet or an HFSD and received or not the loquat juice at 4 or 8 mL/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Body weight, food efficiency ratio, plasma lipoprotein profile, plasma glucose, and lipid indices were monitored throughout the experiment. At the end of the experiment, additional assessments were performed, including lipid content measurements in liver, adipose tissue, bile, and feces; hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase); hepatic malondialdehyde content; plasma biomarkers of liver injury; liver histology; and organ relative weight. Feeding mice with the HFSD resulted in a significant perturbation in lipid and glucose metabolism, obesity, liver steatosis, and oxidative stress-related enzymes. However, the concomitant administration of loquat juice significantly corrected this imbalance. Fresh loquat juice is low in fat and protein, moderately sugary, and energetically light; however, it is rich in minerals, vitamin C, and various phytochemicals compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. The loquat juice could be considered a functional food and could be valorized through the extraction of active substances and their use as food supplements to prevent lipid metabolism disorders and the resulting health complications.

Sexual dimorphism in physiological responses of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L) under acute hypoxia and reoxygenation

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a crucial factor throughout fish life cycle. In this study, the hematology, hepatic antioxidant levels, histomorphology of the liver and gill were determined in both female and male turbot under acute hypoxia to evaluated the underlying mechanisms and potential sexual dimorphism difference. Results showed that acute hypoxia stress treatment for 3 h significantly increased plasma cortisol, glucose, hemoglobin (HGB), cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, red blood cell count (RBC) number, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) activity in both male and female turbot. Male obtained higher plasma CHO, TG and LDL contents, GSH-Px and SOD activity than female under hypoxia. Meanwhile, hypoxia increased gill respiratory frequency, secondary lamellar length, secondary lamellar width, perimeter, lamellar surface area and gill surface area and decreased interlamellar distance. Acute hypoxia induced clubbing, hyperplasia, hypertrophy of gill filaments and hepatic vacuolization in both male and female turbot. The aforementioned parameters were recovered to normal levels after reoxygenation for 12 h. In conclusion, sex dimorphism difference of turbot hematological (RBC, HGB) and biochemical (glucose, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA) parameters were observed under hypoxia stress, while male demonstrated more hypoxia tolerance than female. These results help understand turbot hypoxia tolerance mechanisms and provide more data for management in captivity.

Phlorotannin Alleviates Liver Injury by Regulating Redox Balance, Apoptosis, and Ferroptosis of Broilers under Heat Stress.

Heat stress (HS) poses a great challenge to the poultry industry by inducing oxidative damage to the liver, endangering the health and production of broilers. As an important type of seaweed polyphenols, phlorotannin has been shown to have antioxidant properties. The present study evaluated the protective effects of dietary phlorotannin on HS-induced liver injury in broilers based on oxidative damage parameters. A total of 108 twenty-one days old male Arbor Acres plus (AA+) broilers were randomly divided into three groups: TN group (thermoneutral, 24 ± 1 °C, fed with basal diet), HS group (HS, 33 ± 1 °C for 8 h/day, fed with basal diet), and HS + phlorotannin group (HS + 600 mg/kg phlorotannin). Each group has six replicate cages with six birds per cage. The feeding experiment lasted 21 days. At the termination of the feeding experiment (42 days old), samples were collected for analysis of morphological and biochemical features. The results showed that HS decreased the liver index, serum albumin (ALB) content, hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities of catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), while increasing the hepatic histopathology score, apoptosis rate, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05) in 42-day-old broilers. Compared with the HS group, dietary phlorotannin improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GST and GSH-Px) but decreased the histopathology score and apoptosis rate in the liver (p < 0.05). Moreover, HS down-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of CAT1, NQO1, HO-1, and SLC7A11 (p < 0.05), while up-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of Keap1, MafG, IκBα, NF-κB P65, IFN-γ, TFR1, ACSL4, Bax, and Caspase-9 (p < 0.05). Compared with HS group, dietary phlorotannin up-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of Nrf2, CAT1, MafF, GSTT1, NQO1, HO-1, GCLC, GPX1, TNF-α, Fpn1, and SLC7A11 (p < 0.05), while down-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of IκBα, Bax, Caspase-9, and TFR1 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 600 mg/kg phlorotannin could alleviate HS-induced liver injury via regulating oxidative status, apoptosis, and ferroptosis in broilers; these roles of phlorotannin might be associated with the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Long-term hypoxia-induced physiological response in turbot Scophthalmus maximus L.

Hypoxia affects fish's survival, growth, and physiological metabolism processes. In this study, turbot plasma glucose and cortisol contents, hepatic glycolysis (hexokinase [HK], phosphofructokinase [PFK], pyruvate kinase [PK]) and lipolysis (fatty acid synthetase [FAS], lipoprotein lipase [LPL]) enzyme activities, anti-oxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate and glycogen contents, gill histological parameters (lamellar length [SLL], width [SLW], interlamellar distance [ID]), respiratory frequency (RF), the proportion of the secondary lamellae available for gas exchange (PAGE), and hifs (hif-1α, hif-2α, hif-3α) expression were determined during long-term hypoxia and reoxygenation. Results showed that long-term hypoxia (3.34 ± 0.17mg L-1) significantly elevated plasma cortisol and glucose contents; increased hepatic HK, PK, PFK, FAS, and LPL activity; decreased hepatic glycogen, lactate contents, and lipid drop numbers; and caused changes of hepatocyte (vacuolation, pyknotic, and lytic nucleus) after treatment for 4weeks. Hepatic SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activity, and MDA contents; lamellar perimeter, SLL, ID, RF, and PAGE; and hepatic hif-1α, hif-2α, and hif-3α manifested similar results. Meanwhile, hif-1α is significantly higher than hif-2α, and hif-3α. Interestingly, females and males demonstrated no sex dimorphism significantly different from the above parameters (except hepatic FAS, LPL activity, and lipid drop number) under hypoxia. The above parameters recovered to normal levels after reoxygenation treatment for 4weeks. Thus, long-term hypoxia promotes turbot hepatic glycogenolysis and lipolysis, induces oxidative damage and stimulates hepatic antioxidant capacity, and alters gill morphology to satisfy insufficient energy demand and alleviate potential damage, while hif-1α plays critical roles in the above physiological process.

Effectiveness of Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicates and Discarded Date Pits as Dietary Adsorbents for Aflatoxin B1 in Enhancing Broiler Chicken Productive Performance, Hepatic Function, and Intestinal Health.

The research aimed to evaluate how effective hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates (HSCASs) and discarded date pits (DDPs) are as dietary adsorbents for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in enhancing the performance and health of broiler chickens aged 16 to 30 days. A total of 240 Ross 308 straight-run broilers were randomly allocated into four dietary groups, each with 10 replicates: a control diet, a control diet with 1000 ppb AFB1, an AFB1-contaminated diet with 0.5% HSCAS, and an AFB1-contaminated diet with 4% DDP. Incorporating HSCASs or DDPs into the AFB1-contaminated diet resulted in significant improvements across various parameters, involving increased body weight, improved feed conversion ratio, higher dressing percentage, decreased relative weights of kidney and spleen, elevated serum levels of total protein, globulin, and glucose, reduced serum alanine aminotransferase activity, and heightened hepatic protein concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity, along with diminished hepatic malondialdehyde content and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity. Moreover, both supplements led to increased ileal villus height and surface area, enhanced apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy digestibility, and decreased AFB1 residues in the liver and kidney. Moreover, the dietary inclusion of DDPs significantly decreased relative liver weight, raised serum albumin concentration, lowered serum alkaline phosphatase activity, enhanced hepatic total antioxidant capacity level, and augmented ileal villus width. Conversely, the dietary addition of HSCASs significantly heightened apparent crude protein digestibility. In conclusion, the inclusion of HSCASs and DDPs in AFB1-contaminated diets can mitigate the toxic effects of AFB1 on broiler chickens, with DDPs exhibiting additional advantages in optimizing liver function and gut morphology.

The protective role of two oxindole derivatives is mediated by modulating NLRP3/caspase-1 and PI3K/AKT pathways in a preclinical animal model of hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury

AimHepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a leading cause of mortality post liver transplantation, hypovolemic shock and trauma. In this study, we tested, on molecular bases, the possible protective role of two different derivatives of 2-oxindole in a preclinical model of HIRI in rats. Main methodsHIRI was operated in male Wistar albino rats and prophylactic treatment with oxindole-curcumin (Coxi) or oxindole-vanillin (Voxi) was carried out before the operation. The biochemical and histopathological investigations, in addition to the mechanistic characterizations of the effect of the tested drugs were performed. Key findingsHIRI was assured with elevated liver enzymes and marked changes in histopathological features, inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with Coxi and Voxi improved the hepatic histopathological alterations, reduced the elevated serum liver enzymes level and hepatic Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increased the hepatic Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced Glutathione (GSH) content, downregulated the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, Nod-Like Receptor p3 (NLRP3), Cleaved caspase1, Cleaved caspase 3 proteins, alongside the expression level of IL-1β, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and BAX genes, attenuated NF-кB p-P65 Ser536 and Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive neutrophils, and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. SignificanceCoxi and Voxi have promising hepatoprotective activity against HIRI in rats through ameliorating the biochemical and histopathological alterations, attenuating inflammatory and oxidative stress status by modulating the inflammatory TNF-α/ICAM-1, the pyroptosis NLRP3/Caspase-1, and the antioxidant PI3K/AKT pathways.

Methylmercury in northern pike (Esox lucius) liver and hepatic mitochondria is linked to lipid peroxidation

Methylmercury (MeHg) readily bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in aquatic food webs leading to elevated concentrations in fish and may thus induce toxicity. Oxidative stress is a suggested effect of MeHg bioaccumulation in fish. However, studies on how MeHg triggers oxidative stress in wild fish are scarce. The purpose of this study was to link the subcellular distribution of MeHg in the liver of northern pike from the St. Maurice River (Québec, Canada), affected by two run-of-river (RoR) dams, artificial wetlands, forest fires, and logging activity, to lipid peroxidation as an indicator of oxidative stress. We also evaluated the protective effects of the glutathione (GSH) system and selenium (Se), as they are known to alleviate MeHg toxicity. A customized subcellular partitioning protocol was used to separate the liver into metal-sensitive (mitochondria, microsome/lysosome and HDP – heat-denatured proteins) and metal-detoxified fractions (metal-rich granules and HSP – heat-stable proteins). We examined the relation among THg, MeHg, and Se concentration in livers and subcellular fractions, and the hepatic ratio of total GSH (GSHt) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) on lipid peroxidation levels, using the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation. Results showed that hepatic MDA concentration was positively correlated with the combined MeHg and Se concentrations in northern pike liver (r2 = 0.88, p < 0.001) and that MDA concentrations were best predicted by MeHg associated with the mitochondria (r2 = 0.71, p < 0.001). This highlights the need for additional research on the MeHg influence on fish health and the interactions between Hg and Se in northern pike.

Gamma ray irradiation enhances defatted Hermetia illucens larvae meal as a dietary alternative to fishmeal for Acanthopagrus schlegelii juveniles

The current research investigated whether gamma (γ)-irradiation could improve the viability of defatted Hermetia illucens larvae (HIL) meal as a fishmeal alternative in black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) diets. Three diets were formulated with equal protein (420 g/kg) and lipid (80 g/kg) contents. A diet containing 400 g/kg fishmeal was served as the control diet (C), and 50% of fishmeal in diet C was replaced by either defatted HIL meal or γ-irradiated defatted HIL meal to produce diet HR and diet HR10, respectively. Fish fed diet HR exhibited lower final body weight and weight gain compared to those fed diet C, while no statistically significant differences were found between fish fed diets C and HR10. Additionally, fish fed diet HR10 exhibited significantly lower feed intake, feed conversion rate, nitrogen waste, hepatic malondialdehyde content, relative usage of fishmeal and fish oil, fish-in to fish-out ratio, and economic conversion ratio, and meanwhile significantly higher nitrogen retention efficiency, hepatic total antioxidant capacity, economic profitability index and profitability, than those fed diet C. Fish fed different test diets showed statistically equal alpha diversity of intestinal microbiota, whereas the beta diversity of intestinal microbiota in group HR was far from groups C and HR10. Compared to fish fed diet C, the gut microbiota composition of fish fed diet HR showed significant alterations at both the phylum and genus levels. However, the altered composition of intestinal bacteria was partially restored in fish fed diet HR10. The above findings indicate that treating defatted HIL meal with γ-ray can reduce dietary fishmeal content for black sea bream to 200 g/kg without any adverse effects on growth, proximate composition and intestinal microbial diversity, and meanwhile ameliorates the feed utilization, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiological composition of black sea bream. Furthermore, feeding γ-irradiated defatted HIL meal enhances the economic profitability, while reduces the waste output and reliance on fishery resource of black sea bream aquaculture.

Therapeutic implication of human placental extract to prevent liver cirrhosis in rats with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is always accompanied with hepatic fibrosis that could potentially progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Employing a rat model, we evaluated the role of human placental extract (HPE) to arrest the progression of hepatic fibrosis to cirrhosis in patients with MASH. SHRSP5/Dmcr rats were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks and evaluated for the development of steatosis. The animals were divided into control and treated groups and received either saline or HPE (3.6 ml/kg body weight) subcutaneously thrice a week. A set of animals were killed at the end of 6th, 8th, and 12th weeks from the beginning of the experiment. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione content were measured. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), collagen type I, and type III. Control rats depicted progression of liver fibrosis at 6 weeks, advanced fibrosis and bridging at 8 weeks, and cirrhosis at 12 weeks, which were significantly decreased in HPE-treated animals. Treatment with HPE maintained normal levels of MDA and glutathione in the liver. There was marked decrease in the staining intensity of α-SMA, 4-HNE, and collagen type I and type III in HPE treated rats compared with control animals. The results of the present study indicated that HPE treatment mediates immunotropic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant responses and attenuates hepatic fibrosis and early cirrhosis. HPE depicts therapeutic potential to arrest the progression of MASH towards cirrhosis.

Dietary Supplementation of Astragalus membranaceus Extract Affects Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, and Energy Metabolism of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

The present study investigated the effects of Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME) on growth performance, immune response, and energy metabolism of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Seven diets containing 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.6% AME (Con, AME0.1, AME0.2, AME0.3, AME0.4, AME0.5, and AME0.6 groups) were formulated and fed to M. salmoides for 8 weeks. Final body weight (FBW), feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were all significantly higher in AME0.4 group than in Con group (P < 0.05). Feed conversion rate (FCR) was significantly improved in AME0.5 group compared with Con group (P < 0.05). Whole-body crude protein contents were significantly increased in AME0.2 group (P < 0.05). Whole-body crude lipid contents were significantly lower in AME0.2 and AME0.3 groups, while muscle lipid was upregulated by dietary AME (P < 0.05). Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly lowered in AME0.3 and AME0.4 groups, and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased in AME0.1 and AME0.2 groups (P < 0.05). Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was significantly lowered in AME0.5, and AME0.6 groups, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was lowered in AME0.5 groups (P < 0.05). Plasma triglyceride was declined in AME0.6 group, and glucose was decreased by 0.3%-0.5% AME (P < 0.05). Significantly higher hepatocyte diameter, lamina propria width, and submucosal layer thickness were recorded in AME0.6 groups, while the longest villi height was obtained in AME0.2 and AME0.3 groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf1) revealed the growth-promoting effect of AME. The anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of AME were demonstrated by transcription levels of interleukin 8 (il-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-a), caspase, B-cell lymphoma-xl (Bcl-xl), bcl-2 associated x (Bax), and bcl-2-associated death protein (Bad). The transcription levels of lipid metabolism and gluconeogenesis related genes, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (acc1), fatty acid synthase (fasn), fatty acid binding protein 1 (fabp1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (pepck2), and glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 1a (g6pc), were reduced by AME treatment, while the levels of glycolysis-related genes, including glucokinase (gck) and pyruvate kinase (pk), were the highest in AME0.2 and AME0.3 groups (P < 0.05). According to polynomial regression analysis of SGR, WG, FCR, whole-body crude lipid, MDA, and ALT, the optimal AME supplementation level was estimated to be 0.320%-0.429% of the diet. These results provided insights into the roles of AME in regulating immunity and metabolism, which highly indicated its potential as immunostimulants and metabolic regulators in diverse aquatic animals.

High replacement of soybean meal by different types of rapeseed meal is detrimental to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and Aeromonas hydrophila tolerance.

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with different types of rapeseed meal (RSM; Chinese 95-type (oil press model) rapeseed meal [C95RM], Chinese 200-type rapeseed meal [C200RM], cold pressed rapeseed cake [CPRC], Indian rapeseed meal [IRM] and Canadian rapeseed meal [CRM]) on growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and Aeromonas hydrophila infection tolerance in 990 fingering (average weight 12.77 ± 0.01 g) rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A basal diet was prepared using fishmeal and soybean meal as the main protein sources, the other 10 diets were formulated with five types of RSM at 20% (C95RM20, C200RM20, CPRC20, IRM20, CRM20) or 35% (C95RM35, C200RM35, CPRC35, IRM35, CRM35) inclusion levels to replace iso-nitrogenous soybean meal. Regardless of the RSM source, dietary inclusion of 20% RSM significantly reduced the weight gain rate (WGR) and digestive enzymes activities (except C200RM20) of fish, but increased the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content (except CRM20). Fish fed with CPRC20 and IRM20 exhibited relatively higher plasma cortisol and MDA content, but lower content/activities of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in plasma, lysozyme (LZM) and complement 3 (C3) in serum, catalase (CAT) in liver, and respiratory burst activity (RBA) of head kidney macrophages. The intestinal and hepatic tissues fed with 20% RSM were damaged to some extent, with the CPRC20 and IRM20 groups being the most severely affected. Regardless of the RSM source, dietary inclusion of 35% RSM significantly decreased WGR and digestive enzymes activities, but significantly increased plasma BUN and MDA content. The fish fed with CPRC35 and IRM35 exhibited relatively higher plasma cortisol, MDA, serum triglyceride, BUN content, but lower content/activities of T3, T4, C3, and LZM in serum, CAT, peroxidase and GPx in plasma, CAT in liver, RBA and phagocytic activity of head kidney macrophage. The hepatic and intestinal tissues damage was the worst in the IRM35 group among the 35% RSM inclusion groups. These results indicate that including ≥20% RSM in the diet, regardless of the source, reduced the growth, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and survival to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in rainbow trout.

Effects of exogenous bile acids (BAs) on growth, lipid profile, digestive enzymes, and immune responses of thinlip mullet, Liza ramada

An eight-week trial was designed to explore the dietary effects of commercially purchased exogenous bile acids (BAs) on growth, whole-body composition, lipid profile, intestinal digestive enzymes, liver function enzymes, oxidative stress biomarkers, and serum immunity of thinlip mullet, Liza ramada. Four triplicate groups (10.50 ± 0.05 g) were fed four soybean meal (SBM)-based diets supplied with several BAs levels at 0 (control), 50, 130, or 350 mg/kg feed. Results indicated that the growth was significantly increased in groups fed BAs-based diets, especially at 130 mg/kg feed. The body composition analysis showed that feeding fish on diets supplied with BAs up to 130 mg/kg decreased moisture (%) alongside increased crude protein (%). However, the body composition of fish fed a diet with 350 mg BAs/kg had the lowest moisture (%) and the highest crude protein (%). Moreover, there were significant increases in the intestinal (protease, α-amylase, and lipase) enzyme activities in the groups supplied with BAs up to 130 mg BAs/kg. Liver function enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzyme activities) were significantly decreased in BAs-supplemented groups compared to those fed the BAs-free group. On the other hand, the control group had higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein alongside the lower high-density lipoprotein than BAs-supplemented groups, especially at 350 mg BAs/kg feed. BAs significantly decreased hepatic malondialdehyde concentrations and increased the activity of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity compared with those reared on the control diet. Serum lysozyme, respiratory burst, and alternative complement activities were significantly increased in BAs-supplied groups, particularly in the group supplied with 130 mg BAs/kg compared to those fed on the control diet. Accordingly, our findings recommend that including 130 mg BAs/kg in an SBM-based diet enhanced the growth, digestive enzyme activities, and liver functions, alleviated oxidative stress, boosted serum immunity, and lowered lipid metabolites in thinlip mullet. These findings will be beneficial for improving the quality of feed prepared for feeding mullets and an effective alternative strategy to support mullet farming.

Saroglitazar mitigated NASH-associated hepatic injury in dexamethasone-treated rats via modulating autophagy, apoptosis, and necroptosis

This study aimed to evaluate the possible ameliorative effects of saroglitazar (SAR) on aspects of hepatic injury in dexamethasone (DEX)-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats.Wistar rats received SAR (2 or 4 mg/kg/day, orally) or metformin (MET, 500 mg/kg/day, orally) for one week before and concurrently with DEX administration (8 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 6 days. Control and drug control groups received vehicle or the higher dose of SAR, respectively. At the end of the experiment, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted, serum hepatic function parameters and lipid profile were assessed, and hepatic histological changes were evaluated. Moreover, hepatic p-Akt/Akt ratios, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, SREBP-1, FOXO1, LC3, cleaved caspase-3, and p-MLKL protein levels were determined. Furthermore, hepatic immunohistochemical expressions of FOXO1, caspase-3, Bcl-2, LC3, and P62 were examined.SAR (mainly at 4 mg/kg/day) significantly improved Area under the OGTT curve (P < 0.0001), hepatic function parameters, lipid profile, and hepatic histopathological features in DEX-administered rats. Moreover, SAR significantly attenuated DEX-induced increases in hepatic MDA content (P < 0.05), SREBP-1 levels (P < 0.0001), and nuclear FOXO1, caspase-3, LC3, P62, and p-MLKL protein expressions (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, SAR significantly enhanced hepatic p-Akt/Akt ratio and Bcl-2 protein expression in DEX-administered rats (P < 0.0001). The higher dose of SAR showed greater hepatoprotective effects compared to its corresponding lower dose and MET in most assessments, approaching levels similar to the control group.SAR mitigated hepatic injury associated with DEX-induced NASH in rats, suggesting it might be a potential hepatoprotective drug for patients with or at high risk of NASH.

Effect of Supplementation of Chlorogenic Acid to High-Fat Diet on Growth, Lipid Metabolism, Intestinal and Hepatic Histology, and Gut Microbiota of Spotted Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus).

The study investigated the impact of chlorogenic acid (CGA) supplementation in a high-fat diet (HFD) on growth, lipid metabolism, intestinal and hepatic histology, as well as gut microbiota in spotted sea bass. A total of 540 fish were fed six experimental diets, including a normal fat diet (NFD), a high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg CGA (named HFD1, HFD2, HFD3, and HFD4, respectively) for 7 weeks. The results showed that HFD feeding increased growth and hepatic lipid deposition compared to that in the NFD group. Inclusion of 300 mg/kg CGA in HFD decreased the HFD-induced hyperlipemia (p < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the HFD group, the HFD4 group showed significant reductions in serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels as well as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while also improving liver total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05). In the CGA-containing groups, hepatocytes were arranged more neatly than those in the HFD group, and there was a reduction in lipid deposition and hemolysis in the liver. Supplementation of CGA had effects on intestinal structure including an increase in mucosal thickness, as well as villus number and width. The diversity of intestinal flora in the CGA-containing groups was higher than those in the HFD group, and supplementation of 200 mg/kg CGA significantly increased the abundance of intestinal bacteria (p < 0.05). HFD4 feeding increased the intestinal Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio and decreased the abundance of Vibrio. The highest value abundance of Actinobacteriota was found in the HFD2 group. Overall, HFD caused negative effects, and supplementation of 200-400 mg/kg CGA to HFD improved fat deposition, lipid metabolic disorders and liver and gut histology, and increased gut bacterial diversity in spotted sea bass.

Dietary Supplementation of Tannic Acid Promotes Performance of Beef Cattle via Alleviating Liver Lipid Peroxidation and Improving Glucose Metabolism and Rumen Fermentation.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary tannic acid (TAN) on the gas production, growth performance, antioxidant capacity, rumen microflora, and fermentation function of beef cattle through in vitro and in vivo experiments. TAN was evaluated at 0.15% (dry matter basis, DM) in the in vitro experiment and 0.20% (DM basis) in the animal feeding experiment. The in vitro results revealed that compared with control (CON, basal diet without TAN), the addition of TAN significantly increased the cumulative gas production and asymptotic gas production per 0.20 g dry matter substrate (p < 0.01), with a tendency to reduce methane concentration after 96 h of fermentation (p = 0.10). Furthermore, TAN supplementation significantly suppressed the relative abundance of Methanosphaera and Methanobacteriaceae in the fermentation fluid (LDA > 2.50, p < 0.05). The in vivo experiment showed that compared with CON, the dietary TAN significantly improved average daily gain (+0.15 kg/d), dressing percent (+1.30%), net meat percentage (+1.60%), and serum glucose concentration (+23.35%) of beef cattle (p < 0.05), while it also significantly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde contents by 25.69% (p = 0.02). Moreover, the TAN group showed significantly higher alpha diversity (p < 0.05) and increased relative abundance of Ruminococcus and Saccharomonas (LDA > 2.50, p < 0.05), while the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae in rumen microbial community was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as compared to that of the CON group. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of TAN could improve the growth and slaughter performance and health status of beef cattle, and these favorable effects might be attributed to its ability to alleviate liver lipid peroxidation, enhance glucose metabolism, and promote a balanced rumen microbiota for optimal fermentation.

PDK inhibition promotes glucose utilization, reduces hepatic lipid deposition, and improves oxidative stress in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) by increasing pyruvate oxidative phosphorylation.

In omnivorous fish, the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs)-pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α subunit (PDHE1α) axis is essential in the regulation of carbohydrate oxidative catabolism. Among the existing research, the role of the PDKs-PDHE1α axis in carnivorous fish with poor glucose utilization is unclear. In the present study, we determined the effects of PDK inhibition on the liver glycolipid metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). DCA is a PDK-specific inhibitor that inhibits PDK by binding the allosteric sites. A total of 160 juvenile largemouth bass were randomly divided into two groups, with four replicates of 20 fish each, fed a control diet and a control diet supplemented with dichloroacetate (DCA) for 8 weeks. The present results showed that DCA supplementation significantly decreased the hepatosomatic index, triglycerides in liver and serum, and total liver lipids of largemouth bass compared with the control group. In addition, compared with the control group, DCA treatment significantly down-regulated gene expression associated with lipogenesis. Furthermore, DCA supplementation significantly decreased the mRNA expression of pdk3a and increased PDHE1α activity. In addition, DCA supplementation improved glucose oxidative catabolism and pyruvate oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the liver, as evidenced by low pyruvate content in the liver and up-regulated expressions of glycolysis-related and TCA cycle/OXPHOS-related genes. Moreover, DCA consumption decreased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increased transforming growth factor beta (tgf-β), glutathione S-transferase (gst), and superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1) gene expression compared with the control diet. This study demonstrated that inhibition of PDKs by DCA promoted glucose utilization, reduced hepatic lipid deposition, and improved oxidative stress in largemouth bass by increasing pyruvate OXPHOS. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the underlying mechanism of the PDKs-PDHE1α axis in glucose metabolism and improve the utilization of dietary carbohydrates in farmed carnivorous fish.

Comparative study of carbohydrate levels on growth, oxidative stress and glucolipid metabolism of hybrid fish between Megalobrama amblycephala (♀) × Culter alburnus (♂) and Culter alburnus

The present study used hybrid fish (Megalobrama amblycephala ♀ × Culter alburnus ♂, abbreviated as BT) and topmouth culter (Culter alburnus, abbreviated as TC) as research subjects to assess and compare the effects of carbohydrate on the growth, oxidative stress and glucolipid metabolism of the two fish. The TC (initial weight, 13.10 ± 0.10 g) and BT (initial weight, 12.85 ± 0.13 g) were fed isonitrogenous (43% crude protein) and isolipidic (6.5% crude lipid) diets with carbohydrate levels of 10% (LC diet) and 30% (HC diet) for 11 weeks, respectively. The results showed that the HC diet resulted in a significant decrease in specific growth rate (SGR) of both fish. However, the SGR in BT was significantly higher than in TC, regardless of diet. Furthermore, HC diet significantly increased serum alanine transaminase (GPT) and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, decreased hepatic catalase (CAT) activity and resulted in increased hepatocyte volume, nucleus deficiency and nucleus deviation from the center of cytoplasm in both fish. However, BT had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and lower serum GPT and aspartate transaminase (GOT) content compared to TC. The HC diet induced significant increases in hepatosomatic index (HSI), liver lipid droplet area, liver glycogen, serum glucose (GLU) and triglyceride (TG) content in both fish. However, HSI and lipid droplet area were significantly higher in BT than in TC, while serum GLU and TG content were significantly lower in BT than in TC. Both fish can adapt to the HC diet by up-regulating the expression of glycolysis-related gene (glucokinase (gk)) and lipogenesis-related genes (acetyl-CoA carboxylase a (acca), fatty acid synthase (fas)). However, the expression levels of glucose transporter 2 (glut2), glycolysis-related gene (phosphofructokinase liver b (pfklb)) and lipogenesis-related genes (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (srebp1), ATP citrate lyase a (aclya)) were increased only in BT fed HC diet. In summary, the BT liver has stronger glucose transport, glycolysis, and lipid tolerance compared to TC, thus exhibiting better glucose homeostasis and growth performance. It indicates that hybridization may help to produce new strain of fish with high carbohydrate utilization capacity.

Dietary Effects of Lipid and Protein Levels on Growth, Feed Utilization, Lipid Metabolism, and Antioxidant Capacity of Triploid Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

This study investigated the dietary effects of lipid and protein levels on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant capacity of triploid rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. A 3 × 2 two-factor design was conducted with three crude lipid levels of 4%, 9%, and 14% (L4, L9, and L14) and two crude protein levels of 44%, 49% (P44, P49). Therefore, a total of six diets were prepared as P44/L4, P44/L9, P44/L14, P49/L4, P49/L9, and P49/L14. Triploid rainbow trout (initial body weight 65.0 ± 0.1 g) were fed one of the six diets for 80 days. The results showed that weight gain (WG), protein retention (PR), and protein efficiency rate (PER) significantly increased with increasing the dietary lipid level at the same crude protein level, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) and hepatosomatic index significantly decreased (P < 0.05). At the same lipid level, there was no difference in WG, FCR, PR, PER between 44% and 49% crude protein group (P > 0.05). The P49/L14 group had the highest WG (374.6%) and lowest FCR (1.25), while P44/L14 group had the highest PER (1.80) and PR (25.06%) with similar WG and FCR to P49/L14 group. The crude lipid contents in whole fish were significantly higher in the L14 group than those in the L4 and L9 groups (P < 0.05). Muscle n-3 PUFAs, n-6 PUFAs, and PUFAs levels were positively correlated with dietary lipid level, while n-6 PUFAs was negatively correlated with dietary protein level. Dietary protein, dietary lipid, and their interaction significantly affected hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, aspartate aminotransferase, lipase (LPS), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) activities (P < 0.05). In both P44 and P49 groups, LPS and FAS activities increased with increasing the dietary lipid level. MDA content significantly decreased in the P44 group and increased in the P49 group with increasing the dietary lipid level (P < 0.05). As dietary protein level increased, serum total cholesterol level increased, while hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity decreased. With increasing the dietary lipid level, total superoxide dismutase, catalase, total nitric oxide synthase, and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activities showed an increasing trend, while the opposite was true for alanine aminotransferase activity. In conclusion, based on growth performance and feed utilization, dietary protein level of 44% and dietary lipid level of 14% (measured value, 43.71% and 13.62%) were suggested for young triploid rainbow trout.

Effects of Different Dietary Selenium Sources on the Meat Quality and Antioxidant Capacity of Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco).

To assess the effect of dietary selenium (Se) sources on the meat quality and antioxidant capacity of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), Se yeast, and selenium-enriched Spirulina platensis (Se-SP) were supplemented in the control diet at 0.30 mg Se/kg feed to formulate four diets. The experimental period lasted 50 days. The results showed that Se levels in the plasma, liver, muscle, and whole body were significantly increased by dietary Se yeast supplementation (P < 0.05) but showed no change in response to Na2SeO3 (P > 0.05). The three types of Se all increased the firmness and decreased the fracturability of the muscles (P < 0.05), but only Na2SeO3 resulted in higher springiness, flexibility, stringiness, and stickiness (P < 0.05). In addition, the muscle n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content was increased by Se yeast (P < 0.05). Regarding antioxidant capacity, dietary Se yeast and Se-SP supplementation improved hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity but decreased hepatic malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). Given these results, Se yeast was found to be the optimal source of Se for yellow catfish for higher tissue retention, antioxidant capacity, and PUFA levels. Dietary Se is an effective way to regulate the meat quality and antioxidant capacity of yellow catfish.