Hepatic Superoxide Dismutase Research Articles

A compound plant extract and its antibacterial and antioxidant properties in vitro and in vivo.

The present study was conducted to prepare a compound plant extract as a candidate animal feed additive. Firstly, Evodia rutaecarpa (ER), Schisandra sphenanthera (SS), Punica granatum (PG) and Artemisia argyi (AA) were screened out from 17 plants as materials of candidate compound plant extracts by measuring the antibacterial rate on Escherichia coli and Salmonella paratyphoid, and the scavenging capability on 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine radical in vitro. Secondly, proportions of the four materials were optimized with an L9 (43) orthogonal experiment. By range analysis of experimental results, two compound extracts (named as F1 and F2) with the strongest antibacterial and antioxidant functions were obtained. The ratio of ER: SS: PG: AA is 9:9:1:3 in F1 and 9:9:9:3 in F2, respectively. Finally, the effects of F1 and F2 on security and efficacy in vivo were evaluated. In healthy mice, F1 had no significant effects (p > 0.05) on all blood parameters and viscera indices, and at 1000mg/kgbw dose significantly increased (p < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG). F2 decreased (p < 0.05) white blood cell count at 3000mg/kgbw and increased (p < 0.05) red blood cell count at 333mg/kgbw. In immunosuppressed mice, both F1 and F2 improved ADG (p < 0.05) and the feed intake to gain ratio (p < 0.01), and increased the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05), catalase (p < 0.05) and total antioxygen capacity (p < 0.05), and the content of malonaldehyde (p < 0.01). In mice challenged with Escherichia coli, the antidiarrhea and reducing mortality effects of F1 were equivalent to the antibiotic. F2 failed to protect the experimental mice. These results suggested F1, a compound plant extract, show a great potential as a substitute for antibiotics in animal feed.

Chlorella vulgaris ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The current was conducted to evaluate the ameliorating effect of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) extract against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty-five rats were allocated randomly into 5 groups (n = 9). Group I (GI), control group: orally gavaged with normal saline daily. Group II (GII): orally gavaged with CV extract (70 mg/kg BW) for 3 months. Group III (GIII): orally gavaged with sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg BW) for 3 months. Group IV (GIV): received sodium nitrite as GIII and CV extract as GII simultaneously for 3 months. Group V (GV): received CV extract as GII and then, sodium nitrite as in GIII from the end of first month until the end of the experiment. Sodium nitrite significantly increased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum concentrations of tumor interleukin 1-β and necrosis factor α. In addition, it increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and expression level of caspase-3 in the hepatic tissue. However, it decreased activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and induced degenerative and necrotic changes in hepatic tissues. In contrast, CV extract administration modulated sodium nitrite-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and alteration in hepatic tissue function and architecture. This study indicated that CV extract modulated sodium nitrite-induced hepatic toxicity through decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic tissue of rats.

Bioactive role of plant stress hormone methyl jasmonate against lipopolysaccharide induced arthritis

The current investigation was carried out to screen antiarthritic potential of Methyl Jasmonate (MJ) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced arthritis. Cartilage damage was induced in experimental animals by intraplantar administration of LPS (1 mg/kg) and antiarthritic effect of MJ was screened in two doses of MJ-1 (20 mg/kg), MJ-2 (40 mg/kg) by intraperitoneally administration. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg p.o.) was used as standard drug. The severity of arthritis was evaluated by assessing arthritis score, secondary lesions, motility test, stair climbing ability, and dorsal flexion pain score method. The estimation of blood cytokine tumor necrosis factor- aplha (TNF-α),interleukine (IL-2 and IL-6) and thymus/spleen index was carried out to access the severity of inflammation. Estimation of hepaticenzymatic antioxidant activity superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)and radiological examination was carried out on 28th day. Results indicated that MJ showed significant reduction in severity of arthritis by decreasing arthritis score, secondary lesions where as significant increase in motility, climbing ability and flexion pain score was observed. Significant decreased in blood cytokine viz. TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6 andthymus/spleen index was observed in MJ treated animals in dose dependent manner. MJ treated animals showed significant increased and restoration of hepatic antioxidant enzymatic activityof SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx where asradiological examination indicates protective effect on joint structure as compared to LPS treated rats. These current studies conclude that MJ has protective role in arthritis.

The effect of dietary fish meal replacement with blood meal on growth performance, metabolic activities, antioxidant and innate immune responses of fingerlings black carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus

This study was focused on evaluating the effect of dietary fish meal replacement with blood meal on growth performance, metabolic activities, antioxidant and innate immune responses of fingerlings black carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus. Six iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were formulated with varied blood meal (BM) inclusion levels to replace fish meal at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% (designed as BM0, BM20, BM40, BM60, BM80 and BM100 respectively). Triplicate groups of 25 fish/tank (28.62 ± 0.06 g) were fed one of six experimental diets for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in the growth performance including weight gain, specific growth rate, thermal unit growth coefficient and survival among experimental groups. Growth performance was decreased with increasing dietary BM content but BM40 was little higher than BM20, BM60 and BM80 groups and no fish died in this group compared to others. The activity of intestine trypsin was significantly decreased with increasing dietary BM levels, and lower amylase was significantly observed in fish fed diets BM40 and BM100 than other dietary groups (p < .05). There were no significant differences observed among treatments for lipase, pepsin and chymotrypsin. The activities of hepatic catalase, glutathione peroxidase, the levels of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione were significantly higher in fish fed diets BM0, BM20 and BM40 than other dietary groups. The activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase was significantly lower in fingerlings black carp fed diets BM20 and BM60 than other dietary groups (p < .05). Hepatic glutathione s-transferase did not show any significant difference among all dietary treatments (p > .05). Higher malondialdehyde was significantly observed in fish fed diets BM60 and BM80 than BM0 and BM100 (p < .05). Serum lysozyme was significantly higher in fish fed diet BM0 than other dietary groups (p < .05); however, no significant differences were observed for complement C3 and C4. No significant differences were observed on the kidney mRNA expression levels of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein, interferon-α, lysozyme and complement C9 among fingerlings black carp fed all experimental diets (p > .05). Briefly, the results of this research were shown that a suitable level of fish meal replacement with blood meal could be around 40% in the diets of fingerlings black carp without reducing growth performance and innate immune responses.

Assessment of rapeseed meal as fish meal alternative in diets for juvenile Asian red-tailed catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides)

This study investigated the effects of rapeseed meal (RM) as fish meal (FM) alternative on the growth rate, feed utilization, protein metabolism-related parameters, and antioxidant indices of Asian red-tailed catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides). Five isoproteic and isocaloric diets were formulated with 0%, 11.2 %, 22.4 %, 33.6 %, and 44.8 % RM replacing graded levels of FM, respectively. Each experimental diet was randomly offered to juvenile catfish (initial average weight 3.24 g) in triplicate tanks for 8 weeks. The substitution of FM by RM linearly depressed the growth rate and feed utilization of fish, whereas no significant influences were observed among fish fed diets containing 0%, 11.2 %, and 22.4 % RM. Similarly, the substitution of FM by RM also linearly reduced the gastrointestinal digestive enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, lipase, and amylase) activities, but raised the plasma aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic γ-glutamyl transferase activities. The relative repression levels of mammalian target of rapamycin and insulin-like growth factor 1 in liver, adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 and glutamate dehydrogenase genes in liver and muscle were higher in fish fed diets with 0% and 11.2 % RM compared with those fed the other diets. Further, dietary 11.2 % RM inclusion did not negatively affect the plasma IgM and malondialdehyde contents, and hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. These results indicate that a maximum of 11.2 % RM in diets can be included without negative impacts on the growth and health of H. wyckioides; the detrimental effect of higher inclusion levels of RM may be attributed to the existence of antinutritional factors (mainly glucosinolates) present in RM.

Protective mechanisms of piperine against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity may be mediated through TGFBRAP1.

To investigate the possible protective mechanisms of piperine against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Mice were given APAP (650 mg/kg i.p. once) with or without pretreatment with piperine (50 mg/kg/day orally for 3 days). APAP caused liver toxicity as indicated by increased serum alanine aminotransferase and liver microscopic pathology, decreased hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activities, without affecting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. APAP administration induced inflammation and apoptosis manifested as increased NF-κB p65 and dysregulation of caspase 3/Bcl2 expression, respectively. In addition, APAP increased the expression of transforming growth factor-β receptor-associated binding protein 1 (TGFBRAP1). On the other hand, pretreatment with piperine improved liver function and structure, reserved hepatic antioxidative defense, and attenuated inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Interestingly, piperine administration enhanced hepatic TGFBRAP1 expression compared to APAP alone. The hepatoprotective effects of piperine against APAP are mediated via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, in addition to regulation of TGFBRAP1.

Physiological changes of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) fed with high plant protein with and without supplementation of organic acid

This study was conducted to identify the effects of organic acid supplementation on 50 % replacement of fishmeal by soybean meal on the growth performance, hepatic condition and intestinal histology of giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus. Giant grouper juveniles were fed three different diets, 50 % fishmeal protein replacement with soybean meal (SBM50), 50 % fishmeal protein replacement with soybean meal added 1% butyric acid supplementation (SBM50 + 1%) and fishmeal diet (FM) as the control. All diets were formulated isoproteic (48 %) and isolipidic (12 %). Experimental fishes were cultured in a recirculating system and fed twice daily until apparent satiation level. Growth performance, hepatic condition and histological changes were observed in the feeding trial. Highest growth was seen in fish fed FM (p < 0.05), followed by SBM50 and SBM50 + 1% showed the lowest growth. Better feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was also observed in fish fed FM (p < 0.05) followed by fish fed SBM50 and SBM50 + 1%. Meanwhile, hepatic superoxide dismutase activity of fish fed FM was higher, followed by SBM50 + 1% and SBM50 not significant and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of fish fed FM was significantly lower (p<0.05) followed by SBM50 + 1% and SBM50. Fish fed FM also showed significantly bigger hepatocytes (p < 0.05) and significantly higher glycogen content (p < 0.05) compared to SBM50 and SBM50 + 1%. On the other hand, inclusion of 1% butyric acid helped in mitigating intestinal inflammation caused by soybean meal although not significant. Findings from this study showed that 1% butyric acid did not help in optimizing high levels of plant based protein for giant grouper juveniles.

Condensed tannins enhanced antioxidant capacity and hypoxic stress survivability but not growth performance and fatty acid profile of juvenile Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus)

Condensed tannins (CT) have been shown a promising alternative to antibiotics for livestock, but little information is available about the effect of purified CT on the growth and health of fish. A 56-day feeding trial with 640 juvenile Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) was conducted to assess the effects of CT on the growth performance, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity and hypoxic stress of L. japonicus. Four diets were formulated to contain 0 (CT0), 100 (CT100), 200 (CT200) and 400 (CT400) mg/kg CT isolated from grape seed, quadruplicate groups of 40 fish with initial body weight of 10.1 ± 0.11 g were fed to apparent satiation two times daily. Fish were dissected at the end of experiment to evaluate the somatic indexes. Blood samples were collected to analyze serum metabolites, antioxidant enzymes and non-specific immune indices. Muscle and hepatopancreas were sampled to determine fatty acid composition. At the end of the feeding trail, 15 fish from each tank were suffered with a 10-hr hypoxic stress. Blood and hepatopancreas of the suffered fish were collected to analyze antioxidant enzymes, and hepatic mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed. Results indicated that growth performance, whole body compositions, serum biochemical parameters, and fatty acid profile in muscle and hepatopancreas of fish were not affected by dietary treatments. Intraperitoneal fat ratio of the fish was linearly decreased (P < 0.01) as the dietary CT increasing from 0 to 400 mg/kg. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and CAT were linearly increased (P < 0.01), but tumor necrosis factor was linearly decreased (P < 0.05) and IL-6 was linearly and quadratically decreased (P < 0.001) with increasing CT. There was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in hepatic TAOC and anti-superoxide anion with increased dietary CT. Hepatic CAT was quadratically increased (P < 0.01), and GSH-Px and SOD were linearly and quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing CT. Cumulative mortality rate (CMR) after 10 h of hypoxic stress and serum MDA were linearly and quadratically decreased (P < 0.001), whereas serum CAT and GSH-Px were linearly increased (P < 0.01) and TAOC was linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary CT. Hepatic CAT and SOD after 10 h of hypoxic stress were linearly increased (P < 0.05) with CT increasing. The Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA levels were up-regulated (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary CT, and CAT and SOD mRNA levels were up-regulated (P < 0.05) in CT400 than CT0-CT200. In conclusion, dietary CT up to 400 mg/kg can not only improve the antioxidant status of L. japonicus without affecting growth performance, but also reduce the CMR under hypoxic stress by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Optimum feeding frequency of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) reared in in-pond raceway recirculating culture system

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding frequency on the growth, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant status and hepatic growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) gene expression levels of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) reared in an in-pond raceway recirculating culture system (IPRS). Fish (initial body weight 5.0 ± 0.4g) were hand-fed with a commercial diet under one of three different feeding frequency treatments (2, 3 or 4 meals/day) for 120days. The results indicated that no significant differences were observed in the final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of fish fed different feeding frequencies on 30days and 60days (P > 0.05). Fish fed 2 times/day had higher growth than that fed 4 times/day on 90days but had higher growth than those fed 3 and 4 times/day on 120days. No significant differences were found in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, total protein (TP), lysozyme and triglyceride (TG) content, hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content among fish fed different feeding frequency (P > 0.05). Serum glucose (Glu) content and catalase (CAT) activity decreased, while total cholesterol (TC) content increased with increasing feeding frequency. Fish fed 2 times/day had higher hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) than that fed 4 times/day on 60days, 90days and 120days (P < 0.05). Fish fed 2 times/day had higher IGF-1 gene mRNA expression on 30days, 60days and 120days (P < 0.05), while no significant difference on 90days. No significant difference was found in GH gene mRNA expression on 30days and 60days, while fish fed 4 times/day had lower values than that fed 2 times/day on 90days and 120days (P < 0.05). Fish fed 2 times/day had significantly higher LPL mRNA expression level than that fed 4 times/day on 60days and 90days and had significantly higher HL mRNA expression level on 60days, 90days and 120days (P < 0.05). Based on growth, physiology, hepatic gene expression levels, labour costs and intensity, the optimal feeding frequency of largemouth bass (average body weight 5.0 ± 0.4g) reared in IPRS is 2 times/day. These data are very necessary for the optimizing of culture conditions and feeding management strategy in IPRS culture operations.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare), St John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extracts improved the growth rate, antioxidative, and immunological responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of ethanolic extracts of Hypericum perforatum (HP), Origanum vulgare (ORG), and Melissa officinalis (MOF) on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles. Fish (16.92 ± 0.28 g) were randomly divided into seven groups fed on diets with 0 % (CTR), and two levels (0.2 % and 0.5 %) from each plant extract for 60 days. Final body weight, weight gain %, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved in the groups fed with ORG and MOF at 0.5 % (P < 0.05). Moreover, ORG 0.5 % and MOF 0.5 % groups showed a significant increase in RBCs and WBCs counts as well as the hematocrit and hemoglobin values (P < 0.05). Besides, significant enhancement was noticed in the levels of intestinal digestive enzymes in the MOF 0.5 % group (P < 0.05). Activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase were significantly improved, meanwhile, the hepatic malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased in all groups fed on phytogenic diets compared to the CTR group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, ORG 0.5 % and MOF 0.5 % groups showed a significant increase in serum total protein, and alternative complement activity (ACH50) (P < 0.05). Attractively, serum lysozyme levels were significantly increased while serum endotoxin values decreased in all groups fed on phytogenic diets. Furthermore, the MOF 0.5 % group showed the highest activities of skin mucus lysozyme, ACH50, and protease (P < 0.05), meanwhile mucosal total immunoglobulins were the highest in ORG 0.5 % and both levels of MOF. ORG 0.5 % and MOF 0.5 % groups showed the highest protection levels of fish following challenge with pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila. Conclusively, this comparative study showed that both ORG and MOF extract at a 0.5 % level can effectively improve the growth, health, and immune status of Nile tilapia juveniles.

Effects of dietary thyme (Zataria multiflora) extract on antioxidant and immunological responses and immune-related gene expression of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles

Effects of dietary hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora (ZE) on growth performance, plasma and hepatic antioxidant capacities, and humoral and skin mucus immune parameters were evaluated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles. in vitro tests showed that ZE had antioxidant property comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 100–200 μg/mL concentrations, although its antioxidant property was lower than BHT at concentration below 100 μg/mL. Moreover, ZE had anti-bacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila, which was 30–50% lower than that of tetracycline. After feeding the fish with diets supplemented with 0 (CT, 1 (ZE1), 2 (ZE2), and 3 (ZE3) g/kg ZE for eight weeks, there were no significant differences in growth performance and feed efficiency among the treatments; however, the fish in ZE2 and ZE3 treatments showed significantly higher survival than the fish in CT treatment. Blood leukocyte counts, plasma globulin, total immunoglobulin, lysozyme and bactericidal activity against A. hydrophila in ZE2 and ZE3 groups were significantly higher than that of CT group. All the ZE-treated groups had higher plasma complement activity compared to the CT group. Mucosal lysozyme and bactericidal activities of the ZE2 fish were significantly higher than the other treatments. Expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and lysozyme genes increased in head kidney of the fish treated with ZE; the highest increases were related to the ZE2 treatment. Plasma total antioxidant (TA) activities of ZE2 and ZE3 treatments were significantly higher than that of the CT treatment. Plasma and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities of ZE2 group were significantly higher than the other treatments. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly lower in ZE2 treatment, compared to the other treatments. However, hepatic MDA level of ZE2 treatment was significantly lower than those of the ZE1 and CT treatments. In conclusion, dietary ZE supplementation level of 2 g/kg is suggested for rainbow trout feed supplementation to augment fish survival, antioxidant and immune strength.

Dietary taurine supplementation affects lipid metabolism and improves the oxidative status of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of dietary taurine (Tau) in intermediary metabolism, oxidative status, and Tau biosynthesis capacity in European seabass juveniles. For that purpose, four diets (45% protein and 18% lipid) were formulated with increasing levels of Tau (0.2, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.2% of DM) and fed to triplicate groups of fish (IBW 55g) until apparent visual satiety for 10 weeks.Total bile acid content in the liver increased as dietary Tau supplementation increase, while the opposite occurred in the plasma. Plasma glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL cholesterol decreased, while total and indirect bilirubin increased with the increase of dietary Tau level.The activity of the key intermediary enzymes measured decreased with the increase of dietary Tau up to 0.7%. Regarding the antioxidant-related enzymes, dietary Tau supplementation decreased hepatic catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase activities with the maximum effects being observed as dietary Tau increased from 0.2 to 0.5%. Overall, there was a decreasing trend of hepatic lipid peroxidation with the increase of dietary Tau.This study is the first to demonstrate that in European seabass juveniles the capacity of expressing cysteine dioxygenase, an enzyme involved in the cysteine sulfinate pathway for Tau synthesis, although its expression was not affected by Tau levels in the diet.This study indicates that dietary Tau levels affect intermediary metabolism, namely carbohydrates and lipidic metabolism, and improve the antioxidant status of European seabass juveniles. Furthermore, although CDO expression was detected, European seabass seems unable to regulate its activity, these results supporting the essentiality of Tau for this species.

Growth performance and hematological and antioxidant characteristics of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, fed diets supplemented with Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa

Herbal feed additives are important growth-promoters and health-boosters in aquaculture. The present study aimed to assess the effects of dietary Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa, supplementation on growth performance, blood stress, and hematological and antioxidant markers in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were fed 0% Roselle meal (the control), 0.5% Roselle meal (0.5RP), 1% Roselle meal (1RP), and 2% Roselle meal (2RP) diets for 60 days. Growth performance, feed efficiency, survival, stress markers, hematological characteristics, and antioxidant responses were then determined. The highest growth performance (P ≤ 0.001), survival (P = 0.005), blood erythrocyte (P < 0.001), hematocrit (Hct) (P < 0.001), hemoglobin (Hb) (P < 0.001), plasma and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.001), and catalase (CAT) (P < 0.001) were observed in the 0.5RP treatment (P < 0.05). This treatment also exhibited lower plasma cortisol (P = 0.006), glucose (P = 0.025), hepatic MDA content (P < 0.001), and hemolysis rate (P < 0.001) than that of the control treatment. The 1RP treatment exhibited lower plasma glucose (P = 0.025), hepatic MDA (P < 0.001), and blood hemolysis rate (P < 0.001); as well as higher blood RBC (P < 0.001), Hct (P < 0.001), Hb (P < 0.001), plasma CAT (P < 0.001), and plasma and hepatic SOD (P < 0.001) compared to that of the control. There were no significant differences in any parameters between the control and 2RP treatments, except for the higher blood CAT of the 2RP supplement. The present study demonstrates that RP is a suitable growth-promoter and health-boosting agent in rainbow trout, most likely attributable to its antioxidant properties. Dietary supplementation of 0.5% RP is, therefore, recommended for trout feed supplementation.

Effects of dietary carbohydrate types on growth performance, innate immunity, antioxidant ability and glucose metabolism of brook troutSalvelinus fontinalis

The study evaluated the effects of different types of dietary carbohydrates on growth, immunity, antioxidant capacity and glucose metabolism enzyme activities in the juvenile brook trout. Fish (13.65 ± 0.06 g) were fed five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets that contained 150g kg-1 glucose, sucrose, dextrin, pregelatinized corn starch (PS) or raw corn starch (RS) respectively. Weight gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio were significantly higher in fish fed dextrin than the other treatments. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and glucose were higher in fish fed glucose than those fed dextrin, PS or RS. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lysozyme activity, as well as total antioxidant capacity, were lower in fish fed glucose or sucrose than the other treatments. Moreover, the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) level was reported in the glucose group. Furthermore, fish fed glucose had significantly lower hepatic glucokinase (GK), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activities than those fed dextrin, PS or RS. The results suggest that dextrin is the optimal carbohydrate source for brook trout, while incorporating glucose into the diet suppresses innate immunity, increases oxidative stress and interferes with glucose metabolism, resulting into a reduction in growth.

The potentials of fructooligosaccharide on growth, feed utilization, immune and antioxidant parameters, microbial community and disease resistance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus)

This study was conducted to investigate the potentials of dietary fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth and health of tilapia. Fish (5.00 ± 0.02 g) were fed five diets with FOS supplementation at 0 (CON), 0.5 (F-1), 1 (F-2), 2 (F-3) and 4 (F-4) g/kg feed for 8 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved by F-2, F-3 and F-4 groups (p < .05). Dietary FOS promoted the retentions of protein and lipid (p < .05), and the digestibility of dry matter and protein was encouraged by F-2 and F-3 groups (p < .05). The FOS supplementation (except F-4 group) increased serum alkaline phosphate and acid phosphatase activities and hepatic superoxide dismutase activity (p < .05). The amylase activity and villus height in anterior intestine were enhanced by all FOS groups (p < .05). The numbers of total bacteria in F-3 and F-4 groups, lactic acid bacteria in F-4 group and Bacillus in all FOS groups were increased (p < .05). After challenged with Aermonas hydrophila, the cumulative mortality was decreased by all levels of FOS supplementation (p < .05). In conclusion, the FOS supplementation at least 1 g/kg feed could promote growth, nutrient utilization, immune and antioxidant parameters, digestive enzyme activity, gut health and disease resistance of tilapia.

Hepatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaves aquatic extract against lead acetate–induced liver injury in male Wistar rats

Current research was performed to explore the hepatoprotective potential of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on lead acetate-induced hepatic injury. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided equally into 4 groups. The first group was control, while the second, third, and fourth groups were given 200mg/kg aqueous Moringa extract only, 100mg/kg lead only, and 100mg/kg lead plus 200mg/kg aqueous Moringa leaves extract, respectively, via oral gavage for 4weeks. Weight gain and feed efficiency ratio were recorded. Serum lipid profiles, liver enzyme activities, and proteins beside hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, reduced glutathione, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation were assessed. Liver histopathological examination and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) immunohistochemistry were performed. Administration of lead lowered (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and perturbed lipid profile than control. Lead increased liver enzyme activities and TNF-α, while reduced serum proteins and hepatic antioxidant markers compared to control. Lead aggravated hepatic DNA fragmentation beside the presence of histopathological lesions. Co-administration of aqueous Moringa extract with lead significantly alleviated lead-induced adverse effects. The administration of aqueous Moringa extract with its antioxidant significantly restored the lead perturbations through reduction of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage via amelioration of NF-kB and TNF-α which kept hepatocyte integrity and reduced serum hepatic enzyme activities.

The protection of Anthrodia camphorata against acute hepatotoxicity of alcohol in rats

Antrodia camphorata is a unique mushroom of Taiwan and has been used as a folk medicine for protection against liver damage induced by alcohol intoxication. However, no report has been presented in this respect. In this rat study, we examined whether the mycelium and sporocarp of Antrodia camphorata protect against acute liver damage induced by ethanol (EtOH). Rats were orally administered with mycelium and sporocarp of Antrodia camphorata for 9 days before EtOH challenge (5.5 g/kg body wt., i.p.). Rats were divided into eight groups (A-H) and except for groups A and H, all rats were injected with alcohol. A: Control; B: EtOH control: C: Silymarin (250 mg/kg bw., p.o.); D: 0.5 g mycelium/kg; E: 1.0 g mycelium/kg; F: 0.5 g sporocarp/kg; G: 1.0 g sporocarp/kg; and H: 1.0 g mycelium/kg. The results showed that EtOH administration markedly increased the activities of glutamate-pyruvate aminotransferase (GPT) and glutamate-oxaloacetate aminotransferase (GOT). Both mycelium and sporocarp of Antrodia camphorata significantly decreased the activity of GOT and GPT, but the effects were not dose-dependent. Mycelium and sporocarp of Antrodia camphorata also significantly and dose-dependently decreased lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS) induced by EtOH. EtOH treatment significantly increased the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, but did not significantly affect the activity of glutathione peroxidase. Pre-treatment with either the mycelium or the sporocarp completely prevented the rise in the activity of SOD and catalase. The histopathological examination revealed that both mycelium and sporocarp markedly protected against lipid vacuole accumulation and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes induced by EtOH. Thus, the present results demonstrated that both mycelium and sporocarp of Antrodia camphorata protect against acute liver damage induced by EtOH. In addition, rats fed 1.0 g mycelium without EtOH treatment produced no observable toxicity during the experimental period.

Hesperidin: a New Approach to Ameliorate Diazinon Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Diazinon (DZN) is one of the most broadly used organophosphorus insecticides in controlling agricultural pests, increasing exposure to these compounds that may have harmful side effects. Hesperidin (HN) is a citrus bioflavonoid with gifted anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to explore antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of HN on DZN induced hepatotoxicity in adult male albino rats. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were included into four groups; Group I served as the control (IA, IB and IC), Group II HN (50 mg/kg), Group III diazinon (20 mg/kg) and Group IV hesperidin and diazinon in doses as previously mentioned. All treatments were given daily via oral gavage for 6 weeks. Subsequently, Blood samples were collected and serum liver enzymes (ALT and AST) were determined. Then livers were extracted to assess hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), histopathological (Haematoxylin and Eosin staining) and immunohistochemistry using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Diazinon intoxication induced a significant raise of serum liver enzymes and hepatic MDA and a significant reduction in hepatic SOD and GSH. It also induced histopathological alterations in liver with strong TNF-α immunoreactivity. The previous toxic effects were partially improved by hesperidin treatment in combination with DZN. It can be concluded that HN supplementation alleviates DZN induced hepatotoxicity via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dietary origanum essential oil improved antioxidative status, immune-related genes, and resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to Aeromonas hydrophila infection

The use of herbal essential oils in aquafeeds is an important approach to maintain the fish health status. The origanum essential oil (OEO), extracted from Origanum vulgare, was included at levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g per kg diet to evaluate its beneficial effects on antioxidant, immunity status, and expression of immune-related genes of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. After 8 weeks, dietary inclusion of OEO significantly increased the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase (P < 0.05); meanwhile, levels of hepatic malonaldehyde significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The levels of serum lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, and phagocytic index have been linearly and quadratically increased by dietary OEO in a dose-dependent regime showing their highest levels in 15–20 g OEO/kg diet. Moreover, dietary OEO significantly upregulated the relative expression of hepatic interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) genes (P < 0.05). Dietary OEO maintained the normal histomorphological criteria and density of melanomacrophage centers of spleens, and hematopoietic tissues of the anterior kidneys in all fish groups with respect to the control. After challenge with pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila, the 10-day cumulative mortality significantly decreased (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the relative percent of survival of common carp significantly increased by OEO administration (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. The obtained results reflect the beneficial roles of dietary OEO to boost the antioxidative status and the immune responses in common carp with an optimum level of 15 g/kg diet.

Morin attenuates dutasteride/tamsulosin-induced hepatic oxidative stress in rat

Dutasteride-Tamsulosin (DUT-TAM) is a combination drug for the treatment of symptoms of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). Despite the efficacy, it is associated with some side effects, including hepatotoxicity. Therefore, this study investigated the attenuative effects of morin on DUT-TAMinduced organ toxicity. Twenty four male rats were divided into 4 groups (A-D) consisting of 6 animals each. Group A animals (control) were given olive oil, Group B animals were administered with DUT-TAM (5.4 mg/kg body weight of dutasteride + 3.4 mg/kg body weight of tamsulosin), Group C were given morin (100 mg/kg body weight) while group D animals were administered DUT-TAM and morin (5.4 mg/kg body weight dutasteride + 3.4 mg/kg body weight of Tamsulosin and 100 mg/kg body weight of morin). All the administrations were carried out orally for 14 days. DUT-TAM caused a significant increase in plasma bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 62%, 45% and 18% in the DUT-TAM treated group respectively, compared with the control (P˂0.05). However, treatment with morin significantly decreased the DUT-TAM-induced increase in plasma bilirubin concentration as well as AST and ALT activities. Furthermore, DUT-TAM administration decreased the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as hepatic concentration of ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione (GSH) by 58%, 54%, 59%, 46% and 63% respectively, but increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level by 49% relative to the control (P˂0.05). However, treatment with morin significantly ameliorated the observed changes in these antioxidant parameters (P˂0.05). These data suggest that morin protects against hepatic toxicity, as well as oxidative stress induced by dutasteride-tamsulosin in rats.&#x0D; Keywords: Dutasteride, Tamsulosin, Prostate enlargement, Oxidative stress, Liver