Hepatic Superoxide Dismutase Activities Research Articles

Evaluation of Cottonseed Meal as an Alternative to Fish Meal in Diet for Juvenile Asian Red-Tailed Catfish Hemibagrus wyckioides.

A 10-week trial was performed to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with cottonseed meal (CSM) on the growth rate, protein metabolism, and antioxidant response of Asian red-tailed catfish Hemibagrus wyckioides. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets (C0, C8.5, C17.2, C25.7, and C34.4) were prepared to contain 0%, 8.5%, 17.2%, 25.7%, and 34.4% CSM replacing fishmeal, respectively. The weight gain, daily growth coefficient, pepsin, and intestinal amylase activities initially increased and then decreased with the raising dietary CSM levels; the highest values were observed in the C17.2 group (P < 0.05). However, feed cost exhibited the opposite trend. With the increasing dietary CSM levels, the protein efficiency ratio and intestinal trypsin activity decreased but feed conversion rate increased gradually; while no differences were observed among the C0, C8.5, and C17.2 groups (P > 0.05). Dietary CSM inclusion regardless of levels increased the plasma growth hormone level as well as hepatic aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities but decreased the plasma glutamate dehydrogenase and AST activities (P < 0.05). With the increasing dietary CSM levels, the plasma alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and hepatic superoxide dismutase activities decreased but malondialdehyde content increased gradually, while no differences were observed among the C0, C8.5, and C17.2 groups (P > 0.05). The plasma immunoglobulin M content and hepatic glutathione reductase activity initially increased but then decreased with the raising dietary CSM levels; the highest values were found in the C17.2 group. These results indicated that dietary CSM inclusion level up to 17.2% improved the growth rate, feed cost, digestive enzyme activity, and protein metabolism without compromising antioxidant capacity of H. wyckioide, whereas these parameters were depressed by further inclusion of CSM. CSM is a potentially cost-effective alternative plant protein source in diet of H. wyckioide.

Effects of Dietary Vitamin C on the Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, and Antioxidant Activity of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792) Postsmolts.

Vitamin C (VC) plays an essential role in fish physiological function and normal growth. However, its effects and requirement of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792) are still unknown. Based on the influences on growth, serum biochemical parameters, and antioxidative ability, an assessment of dietary VC requirement for coho salmon postsmolts (183.19 ± 1.91 g) was conducted with a ten-week feeding trial. Seven isonitrogenous (45.66% protein) and isolipidic (10.76% lipid) diets were formulated to include graded VC concentrations of 1.8, 10.9, 50.8, 100.5, 197.3, 293.8, and 586.7 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that VC markedly improved the growth performance indexes and liver VC concentration, enhanced the hepatic and serum antioxidant activities, and increased the contents of serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) whereas decreased the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, and triglyceride (TG) level. Polynomial analysis showed that the optimal VC levels in the diet of coho salmon postsmolts were 188.10, 190.68, 224.68, 132.83, 156.57, 170.12, 171.00, 185.50, 142.77, and 93.08 mg/kg on the basis of specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), liver VC concentration, catalase (CAT), hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and serum total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), AKP, AST, and ALT activities, respectively. The dietary VC requirement was in the range of 93.08-224.68 mg/kg for optimum growth performance, serum enzyme activities, and antioxidant capacity of coho salmon postsmolts.

Effect of OPG-supplemented diet on immune and stress responses and attenuation of LPS-induced damage in the liver of carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus)

Effects of oxidized peptidoglycan (OPG) on immune and stress responses and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage in the liver of carp were investigated in this study. Four hundred carps (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) were fed with five experimental diets supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg-1 OPG for 28 days. Each group had four replicates and 20 fish per replication. LPS challenge (injection of 40 mg kg-1 saline or LPS) occurred at day 29. The supplementation with OPG linearly increased (p&lt;0.05) plasma total protein, immunoglobulin M (IgM), complement 4 (C4), cortisol, and lactate on day 14. Dietary supplementation with OPG linearly increased (p&lt;0.05) plasma and complement 3 (C3); quadratically improved (p&lt;0.05) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lysozyme (LYS) activities; linearly increased hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities; increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents; and improved (p&lt;0.05) hepatic anti-superoxide anion (ASA) and anti-hydroxy radical (AHR) contents on days 14 and 28. Dietary OPG significantly prevented the increase of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) by inhibiting the excessive activation of TLR2-Myd88 signaling pathway; downregulating TLR2, Myd88, and NF-κB p65; and upregulating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Keap1 mRNA expression (p&lt;0.05). Therefore, this study indicated that dietary OPG improves the plasma immune response, regulates the hepatic antioxidant status, and attenuates LPS-induced negative effects in the carp at the optimal dose of 400 mg kg-1.

Effects of Enzymatic Cottonseed Protein Concentrate as a Feed Protein Source on the Growth, Plasma Parameters, Liver Antioxidant Capacity and Immune Status of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

This study appraised the impact of enzymatic cottonseed protein concentrate (ECP) as a fish meal (FM) substitute on the growth and health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (initial weight 14.99 ± 0.03 g). Five diets with equal nitrogen, fat, and energy were designed to replace 0%, 7.78%, 15.56%, 23.33%, and 31.11% FM by adding 0%, 3.6%, 7.2%, 10.8%, and 14.4% ECP, named ECP0, ECP3.6, ECP7.2, ECP10.8, and ECP14.4, respectively. We fed 300 fish with five experimental diets for 60 days. The results revealed that weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) did not notably reduce until the addition of ECP exceeded 7.2%. The proximate composition of fish was not affected by the amount of ECP added in diets. Plasma total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations increased with the increase of ECP dosage, while the triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity showed an opposite trend. For hepatic antioxidant capacity, the hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, glutathione (GSH) content, and the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and CAT were increased by ECP, while the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the expression of kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) were decreased. With regard to inflammation, the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were inhibited by ECP. In summary, the amount of ECP added to diet can reach 7.2% to replace 15.56% FM without hampering the growth of largemouth bass, and ECP can improve the antioxidant and immune capacity.

The protective effect of naringenin against pyrazinamide-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats

BackgroundPyrazinamide (PZA) is efficient antituberculosis drug. However, PZA-induced hepatotoxicity mediated by oxidative damage is documented. Naringenin (NGN) is a common flavanone with antioxidative properties. Thus, the present work aimed to elucidate the protective role of NGN against PZA-induced toxicity in rats. Eighty adult male Wister rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, PZA, NGN and NGN+PZA. Rats were orally administered 155 mgPZA/kg or 50 mgNGN/kg or NGN 1 h before PZA daily. After 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks, blood and liver were collected for hematological, biochemical, and histopathological investigations.ResultsAdministering PZA alone caused remarkable declines in the white and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin content, packed cell volume, and serum levels of albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase and glutathione level. Serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterols, triglycerides, globulin, glucose, total and indirect bilirubin, malondialdehyde, and aminotransferases activities were markedly elevated. Additionally, the liver of PZA group exhibited considerable histopathological alterations. Inversely, in the NGN+PZA group, all the aforesaid disturbances in the studied parameters were ameliorated.ConclusionsThe current study revealed that NGN can be successfully utilized during treatment with PZA to prevent its side actions.

Effects of chronic exposure of naturally weathered microplastics on oxidative stress level, behaviour, and mitochondrial function of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Microplastics (MPs) are a big and growing environmental concern, with studies showing sublethal to acute biological impacts on typical aquatic organisms. However, little is known about the biological effects of naturally weathered MPs, particularly focusing on mitochondria dysfunction as the key trigger of the biological effects. Therefore, in this study, naturally weathered MPs were produced from day-to-day life products, characterized, and chronically exposed (21 days) to adult zebrafish at the concentration of 0.1 and 1 mg/L. Locomotion and unconditioned anxiety-like behaviour was assessed. Mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, mitochondrial complex activity and oxidative-related parameters were evaluated in the brain and liver. The results revealed the weathered MPs as a copolymer of propylene and ethylene that induced anxiety-like behaviour. There was an increase in brain catalase activity while the brain lactate dehydrogenase activity was inhibited after exposure to 1 mg/L. Brain glutathione levels were increased while their ratio was not affected. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅱ and IV were also significantly decreased in the brain, although not compromising mitochondrial function. On the other hand, exposure to 1 mg/L caused a deficiency in liver mitochondrial respiration and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, which were associated with the mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibition. An increase in hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was noticed, supporting the occurrence of ROS-induced ROS release as the potential trigger for the mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, these findings highlight the potential indirect and cumulative environmental effects these particles may pose to aquatic ecosystems.

Ameliorative effects of monascin from red mold rice on alcoholic liver injury and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in mice

Monascus-fermented red mold rice (RMR) has excellent physiological efficacy on lipid metabolism and liver function. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of monascin (MS) from RMR on alcoholic liver injury (ALI) in mice, and further illustrated its mechanism of action. Results indicated that dietary MS intervention obviously ameliorated lipid metabolism and liver function in mice with over-drinking. In addition, MS intervention alleviated alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the liver by reducing the hepatic activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), increasing the hepatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and hepatic levels of glutathione (GSH). 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing showed that excessive drinking had a significant effect on the composition of the gut microbiota in mice. MS intervention was beneficial to ameliorate intestinal microbiota dysbiosis by elevating the proportion of Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, Coriobacteriales, etc., but decreasing the proportion of Staphylococcus, Muribaculaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, etc. Additionally, correlation analysis indicated that the key intestinal bacterial taxa intervened by MS were closely related to some biochemical indicators of lipid metabolism, liver function and oxidative stress. Moreover, liver metabolomics analysis revealed that dietary MS supplementation significantly regulated the levels of liver metabolites involved in taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, riboflavin metabolism, and purine metabolism, etc. Furthermore, MS intervention regulated gene transcription and protein expression associated with lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in the liver. In short, these findings suggest that MS mitigates alcohol-induced hepatic oxidative damage through modulating the intestinal microbiome and liver metabolic pathway, and thus can be served as a functional component to prevent alcoholic liver disease.

Polyphenolic profile and pharmacological activities of whips horse (Luehea divaricata) bark extracts studied using in vitro and in vivo systems

Leaves and barks of Luehea divaricata (Malvaceae) are used in folk medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases, tumors, rheumatism and diabetes. This work presents in vivo experiments (rats and mice) supported by in vitro and chemical analyses in order to address the above mentioned folk medicinal uses. The phenolic constituents of both aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts are mainly catechin derivatives (135.4 and 215.9 mg/g, respectively). Both extracts displayed strong antioxidant activity. They also showed antiproliferative activities against tumor cells, nitric oxide synthesis inhibition (indicative of anti-inflammatory activity) and antimicrobial activity against a variety of infectious agents. Paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats, which has a high inflammatory component, was substantially attenuated in animals treated with the hydro-alcoholic extract (200 mg kg−1 day−1). This was deduced from aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase measurements in plasma as well as from the hepatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Both extracts inhibited the pancreatic α-amylase with IC50 values of 11.50 ± 0.05 and 18.70 ± 3.87 μg/mL for the hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extract, respectively. Both extracts inhibited starch digestion in mice at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. In general terms the results confirm several of the vox populi notions about the therapeutic potential of L. divaricata, the antidiabetic action, combined with the hepatoprotective effect, being the most relevant observations. Not less important is the economical perspective for the rural producers which may eventually increase their revenue by selling increasingly valued raw materials derived from L. divaricata based on its therapeutic properties.

Replacement of Dietary Fishmeal Protein with Degossypolized Cottonseed Protein on Growth Performance, Nonspecific Immune Response, Antioxidant Capacity, and Target of Rapamycin Pathway of Juvenile Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

A 70-day feeding experiment was carried out to assess the replacement of dietary fishmeal (FM) protein with degossypolized cottonseed protein (DCP) on large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) with initial body weight (13.09 ± 0.50 g). Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets replaced fishmeal protein with 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% DCP were formulated and named as FM (the control group), DCP20, DCP40, DCP60, and DCP80, respectively. Results displayed that weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) in the DCP20 group (263.91% and 1.85% d-1) were significantly increased compared with the control group (194.79% and 1.54% d-1) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, fish fed the diet with 20% DCP significantly increased the activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the content of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) in the DCP20, DCP40, and DCP80 groups was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The activity of intestinal trypsin in the DCP20 group was significantly degraded compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05). The transcription of hepatic proinflammatory cytokine genes (interleukin-6 (il-6); tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α); and interferon-γ (ifn-γ)) in the DCP20 and DCP40 groups was significantly upregulated compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05). As to the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway, the transcription of hepatic target of rapamycin (tor) and ribosomal protein (s6) was significantly up-regulated, while the transcription of hepatic eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4e-bp1) gene was significantly downregulated in the DCP group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In summary, based on the broken line regression model analysis of WGR and SGR against dietary DCP replacement levels, the optimal replacement level was recommended to be 8.12% and 9.37% for large yellow croaker, respectively. These results revealed that FM protein replaced with 20% DCP could promote digestive enzyme activities and antioxidant capacity and further activate immune response and the TOR pathway so that growth performance of juvenile large yellow croaker was improved.

Diet supplementation of astaxanthin mitigates cadmium induced negative effects on oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and the intestinal morphology in Trachinotus ovatus

Knowledge about additive on alleviating the negative effects of fish exposed to cadmium (Cd) needs to be more identified in the aquaculture. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate whether diet supplemented with astaxanthin could mitigate adverse effects on hepatic Cd deposition, oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and intestinal morphology of Trachinotus ovatus exposed to dietary Cd treatment. Three isonitrogen-isolipid experimental diets supplemented with/without CdCl2/Astaxanthin were formulated to feed the T. ovatus for 30 days. Results demonstrated that considerably higher hepatic Cd level was found in two Cd supplementing groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while no statistical difference of hepatic Cd concentration between these two Cd supplementing groups (p > 0.05). The activity of hepatic total superoxide dismutase, RNA expression levels of hepatic Nrf2-keap1 pathway genes, pro-inflammatory genes, and non-specific immune genes were no statistical differences between the control group and the dietary Cd supplementing group (p > 0.05), while these data in the dietary Cd with astaxanthin group showed significantly higher than that in the dietary Cd without astaxanthin group (p < 0.05). On the contrary, hepatic malondialdehyde content in the dietary Cd group showed significantly higher than that in the control group and dietary Cd with astaxanthin group (p < 0.05). Significantly lower mid-intestine morphology parameters were obtained in the dietary Cd group than the control group (p < 0.05), while significantly higher data were found in the dietary Cd with astaxanthin group compared to the dietary Cd group (p < 0.05). These results indicated that astaxanthin could mitigate the inhibitory effects of Cd on the oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and intestinal morphology of T. ovatus while not reduce the hepatic Cd deposition.

Hepatoprotective Role of Carvedilol against Ischemic Hepatitis Associated with Acute Heart Failure via Targeting miRNA-17 and Mitochondrial Dynamics-Related Proteins: An In Vivo and In Silico Study.

Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the most common diseases in old age that can lead to mortality. Systemic hypoperfusion is associated with hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury, which may be irreversible. Ischemic hepatitis due to AHF has been linked to the pathogenesis of liver damage. In the present study, we extensively investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins and their epigenetic regulation in ischemic liver injury following AHF and explored the possible hepatoprotective role of carvedilol. The biochemical analysis revealed that the ischemic liver injury following AHF significantly elevated the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes, the level of total and direct bilirubin, and the expression of hepatic mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), dynamin-1-like protein (DNM1L), and hepatic miRNA-17. At the same time, it significantly reduced the serum albumin level, the activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the expression of mitochondrial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-1α (PGC-1α), and mitofusin 2 (Mtf2). The histological examination of the liver tissue revealed degenerated hepatocytes. Interestingly, administration of carvedilol either prior to or after isoprenaline-induced AHF significantly improved the liver function and reversed the deterioration effect of AHF-induced ischemic hepatitis, as demonstrated by biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histological analysis. Our results indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of carvedilol in ameliorating hepatic ischemic damage could be attributed to its ability to target the mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins (Mtf2, DNM1L and PGC-1α), but also their epigenetic regulator miRNA-17. To further explore the mode of action of carvedilol, we have investigated, in silico, the ability of carvedilol to target dynamin-1-like protein and mitochondrial dynamics protein (MID51). Our results revealed that carvedilol has a high binding affinity (−14.83 kcal/mol) toward the binding pocket of DNM1L protein. In conclusion, our study highlights the hepatoprotective pharmacological application of carvedilol to attenuate ischemic hepatitis associated with AHF.

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.

Effects of different types of non-starch polysaccharides on growth, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal barrier function and antioxidant activity of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The effects of different types of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) on growth performance, antioxidant activity and intestinal mucosal barrier function of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were evaluated through a 10-week feeding trial. Eleven isonitrogenous (32% crude protein) and isoenergetic (20 MJ/kg) diets were prepared without (control) or with 3.96% arabinoxylan, 0.92% β-glucan, 1.06% mannan, 7.92% pectin, 6.60% cellulose, 1.06% lignin, 1.51% alduronic acid, 13.86% soluble NSPs (sNSP, 3.96% arabinoxylan + 0.92% β-glucan + 1.06% mannan + 7.92% pectin), 9.17% insoluble NSPs (iNSP, 6.60% cellulose + 1.06% lignin + 1.51% alduronic acid) and 23.03% NSP (13.86% sNSP + 9.17% iNSP), respectively. Dietary inclusion of β-glucan or pectin significantly increased weight gain rate (WGR), daily growth coefficient (DGC), hepatic lactase and plasma catalase (CAT) activities. Dietary inclusion of arabinoxylan or mannan significantly decreased hepatic lactase activity,WGR and DGC, significantly increased diamine oxidase (DAO) activity. Dietary inclusion of iNSP or NSP significantly increased WGR, DGC, feed intake, feeding rate, intestinal lipase and lactase activities, hepatic amylase and lactase activities, plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CAT activities, and hepatic SOD activity, significantly reduced pepsin activity and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of sNSP significantly increased feed coefficient ratio, feed intake, pepsin and hepatic trypsin activities, hepatic MDA and plasma DAO contents, and significantly decreased protein efficiency, plasma CAT and hepatic peroxidase activity. These results showed that dietary inclusion of arabinoxylan, mannan or sNSP negatively affected the growth and health of tilapia, while dietary inclusion of β-glucan, pectin or iNSP shown a positive effect; dietary inclusion of iNSP can ameliorate the negative effects produced by sNSP.

Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and free radical scavenging activities of methanolic leaf extract of Psidium guajava

Objectives: Studies have linked the generation of free radicals with the incidence of degenerative diseases. Antioxidants from plant origin have been proved to play a major role in mitigating against free radicals-induced oxidative damage. This study aimed at assessing the in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant capability of Psidium guajava leafMethods: The leaves were collected and extracted with 70% methanol. Total phenolic, and flavonoids contents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and Hydroxyl radicals scavenging activities, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation potential of the extract were assessed. Furthermore, rats (n=21) randomized into three groups were exposed to 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg body weight of the extract for 30 days. Control animals (n=7) received corn oil, after which blood and liver were excised for antioxidant assay.Results: The extract is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. It scavenged DPPH and hydroxyl radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation in-vitro. In-vivo, it increased the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and plasma paraoxonase, and the concentration of hepatic reduced glutathione and MDA.Conclusion: Psidium guajava leaf extract is a potential source of natural antioxidant compounds, capable of supplementing the body's antioxidant defense system.

The effects of blue and red light color combinations on the growth and immune performance of juvenile steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

To examine the growth and immune response of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under conditions of differing light color, we investigated the effects of different red and blue light color combinations on plasma non-specific immunity, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and GH/IGF-1 axis gene expression in juvenile steelhead trout (initial weight: 34.67 ± 2.69 g). The 16-week trial was set up with six treatments in which light color varied at a constant light intensity of 150 lx: 12 h white light + 12 h dark (12 W), 12 h blue light + 12 h dark (12B), 12 h red light + 12 h dark (12 R), 1.5 h blue light + 9 h red light + 1.5 h blue light + 12 h dark (3B9R), 3 h blue light + 6 h red light + 3 h blue light + 12 h dark (6B6R), total 12 h of blue and red light + 12 h dark (T12BR). The results revealed that the 12B and 3B9R light environments significantly enhanced plasma immunoglobulin M levels in steelhead trout, and that the 3B9R light environment also promoted significant increases in the gene expression of hepatic growth hormone receptor, insulin-like growth factor 1, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein. The 3B9R light environment was also found enhance the antioxidant capacity of trout by increasing hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. In contrast, trout exposed to the 6B6R light environment showed significant reductions in growth and immune performance, and there were similar reductions in hepatic antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, fish exposed to the 12R light environment were found to be characterized by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde, which are indicative of hepatic stress. In addition, we observed that in response to light variation, there were elevations in the activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase in the plasma of steelhead trout, thereby indicating an inhibition of cardiomyocyte function. In summary, our findings indicate that a 3B9R light environment simulates the blue-red-blue daily rhythm of light color variation in natural underwater environments, which is beneficial with respect to enhancing the growth and immunity of steelhead trout, and could accordingly be used to provide suitable light conditions in commercial trout production. However, sudden changes in light color should be avoided in the aquaculture of trout.

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides protect against obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats fed a high-fat diet

Polygonatum sibiricum is a traditional medicinal and dietary plant of the family Liliaceae. The main functional macromolecules of P. sibiricum are polysaccharides, which function in antioxidation and regulating immunity. Previous studies have shown that insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress, and inflammation are important factors in the induction of lipid metabolic diseases such as obesity. Therefore, in this study, we established a high-fat diet-induced rat model of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to explore the potential protective effect of P. sibiricum polysaccharides (PSPs) and the mechanisms behind it. After 4 weeks of high-fat diet feeding to induce obesity, the rats were treated with different doses of PSP solution or distilled water for 6 weeks. Compared with untreated obese rats, PSP-treated obese rats showed a decrease in body weight, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hepatic aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity, hepatic malondialdehyde content, and hepatic levels of the pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6, as well as increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Pathological analysis and immunoblotting of the liver tissues indicated that mechanistically, PSPs reduced obesity and NAFLD in rats by upregulating insulin receptor expression, increasing adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and downregulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 and low-density lipoprotein receptor expression, thus promoting lipid metabolism, decreasing body weight, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by lipid accumulation. Based on these results, PSPs may have the potential to reduce obesity and NAFLD associated with a high-fat diet.

Toxicity induced via ingestion of naturally-aged polystyrene microplastics by a small-sized terrestrial bird and its potential role as vectors for the dispersion of these pollutants

In recent years, there has been a growing number of studies on the impact of microplastics (MPs) on biota. However, its effects on birds’ health are poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible effects of ingestion of naturally-aged MPs by Coturnix Coturnix japonica (11 and 22 MP particles/day/bird, once a day, for 9 days), from different toxicity biomarkers. At the end of the experiment, it was found that the ingested MPs in birds showed a significant reduction in body biomass. Also, an increase in malondialdehyde production in the liver, brain, intestine, and gizzard of the birds, as well as a suppressive effect on hepatic nitric oxide production and superoxide dismutase activity in the liver and intestine were observed. Cerebral catalase activity was reduced in birds exposed to MPs and the cholinesterasic effect (marked by increased acetylcholinesterase activity) was observed in the muscle and brain of these animals. Despite these differences, through the main component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, and integrated biomarker response assessment, we observed similar toxicological effects in birds exposed to different amounts of MPs. In addition, the size of MPs was reduced, and their shape was altered as they transited through the gastrointestinal system, which probably explains their accumulation in the liver of birds. An expressive number of MPs are released through the feces of the birds throughout the experiment. As far as we know, this is the first report that associates MPs ingestion by small-sized terrestrial birds with biochemical alterations viz., predictive of oxidative stress, redox imbalance, and cholinesterasic effect, in addition to shedding light on the potential role of these birds as vectors for dispersal of MPs in natural environments

English

Changes in blood parameters, immunological responses and, activation of antioxidant enzymes of Cyprinus carpio, the fingerlings are being fed Mucuna bracteata leaf meal (MLM) as a rice bran substitute (DORB) were investigated in this study. The trial, which lasted eight weeks, used a total of hundred and eighty fingerlings. In a Completely Randomized Design, four treatment groups were randomly selected, each with fifteen (15) fingerlings and each treatment was reproduced three times (CRD). The following treatments were created using four isonitrogenous (32 percent crude protein) and isocaloric (356 kcal DE/100 g) diets, control (C) had no MLM, but MLM was utilized to replace DORB at 10 percent (T1), 20% (T2) and 30% (T3), respectively. Both muscle and liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were considerably elevated (P &lt; 0.05) in the MLM 20% group. There were also significant increases in hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity (P 0.05) in the MLM20 and MLM30 groups. There was no significant difference between treatments in serum albumin concentration, total protein, or the ratio albumin/globulin (P &gt; 0.05). MLM20% and MLM30% groups had substantially higher Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) values than the other MLM fed groups (P &lt; 0.05). As a result, the study concludes that mucuna leaf meal derived from M. bracteata can fully replace DORB in the diet of C. carpio without causing any negative effects, while 20% MLM inclusion offered additional benefits. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers

Influences of Partial Substitution of Fish Meal with Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal in Diets on Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, and Body Composition of Juvenile Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis)

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFM) has been widely applied in aquaculture production due to its rich nutritional value, easy availability, and renewability. However, to our knowledge, it has not been used in the diets for turtles. Here, we evaluated the acceptability of partial substitution of fish meal (FM) with defatted BSFM in the diets of juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis). A total of 225 juvenile turtles were randomly divided into D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 groups, which were fed with BSFM replacing 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% FM, respectively, for 70 days. The results showed that growth performances of groups D2 and D3 were not significantly different ( P &gt; 0.05 ) from that of group D1, whereas the growth performance compromised ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in groups D4 and D5. The activity of serum alkaline phosphatase was higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D3 relative to other groups, while alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D4 when compared with groups D1, D2, and D3. Liver lysozyme activity and malonaldehyde level were significantly higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D1 relative to other groups, whereas total antioxidant capacity activity showed the opposite trend ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The activities of hepatic total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase displayed a linear elevation ( P = 0.011 and P &lt; 0.001 , respectively) from groups D1 to D3. Intestinal amylase and protease activities linearly increased ( P &lt; 0.001 ) with increasing BSFM levels, while intestinal lipase activity showed a quadratic increase and then a decrease with increasing BSFM levels ( P = 0.011 ). Muscle crude protein and fat contents increased ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D3 when compared with groups D1 and D2. Muscle phenylalanine, glutamic, tryptophan, and arginine levels increased in group D1 in comparison with the other groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ), whereas the opposite was true for isoleucine and proline levels. The broken-line analysis based on specific growth rate estimated that the optimal level for replacing dietary FM with BSFM is 5.0%, which could elicit benefits on both the growth performance and physiological health condition of the juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtles.

Application of bioflocculating agent in inoculum enhances quality of biofloc and influences growth, feed utilization and stress responses of GIFT tilapia reared in-situ

An experiment was conducted for in-situ rearing of GIFT tilapia to evaluate the efficacy of bioflocculating agent chitosan at various dosages in the inoculum. Growth and physiological responses of GIFT Tilapia was studied in a biofloc system developed with a bioflocculating agent based inoculum. A dose optimization study was carried out to determine the optimum dose of chitosan in the inoculum using 3 different doses viz. 30, 60 and 90 ppm. Based on the results of dose optimization, the second experiment was conducted using 10, 20 and 30 ppm of chitosan dosage in the inoculum designated as T1, T2, T3, respectively, and one control (without chitosan) with in-situ rearing of tilapia. The tanks (12 Nos) were stocked randomly with an equal number of fishes of initial mean weight (1.70 ± 0.36 g) at 50 numbers per 250 L of water and C: N ratio was maintained at 15:1 using tapioca flour as carbon source. The biofloc developed with the inoculum using 30 ppm (T3) chitosan showed highest floc volume, highest flocculation activity (83.82 ± 1.84%) and highest total suspended solids level (550.67 ± 32.23 mg L - 1). Higher body weight gain (11 g), specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio (1.5) and feed efficiency ratio were observed to be significantly similar for 20 and 30 ppm chitosan supplemented biofloc groups, where as they indicated higher response compared to 10 ppm (T1) and 0 ppm (C) chitosan supplemented group. The activities of amylase was increased in T2 and T3 groups, while the activities of hepatic and gill superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly lower in T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to control. However, activities of protease, lipase and catalase, serum cortisol and glucose were non-significant. The study concluded that the introduction of bioflocculating agent chitosan at a dosage of 20–30 ppm in the inoculum for in-situ biofloc technology can enhance growth, feed utilization, amylase activity and ameliorating stress in GIFT tilapia.