Hepatic Total Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Effects of photoperiod on growth, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress of juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus)

A 58-day cultivation experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of photoperiods on growth, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress of juvenile gibel carp. Juveniles (5.41 ± 0.01 g) were cultured under seven light photoperiods (0 h of light (L):24 h of darkness (D), 4L:20D (12:00–16:00 light), 8L:16D (10:00–18:00 light), 12L:12D (8:00–20:00 light), 16L:8D (6:00–22:00 light), 20L:4D (4:00–24:00 light) and 24L:0D) in an indoor recirculating aquaculture system. The light intensity was 1.02 μmol·m−2·s−1 (at the tank bottom in a 0.5-m water depth). The fish were fed to satiety three times daily (8:30, 14:30 and 18:30). At the end of the experiment, final body weight, specific growth rate, feed efficiency and feed intake were significantly higher in 16L:8D, 20L:4D and 24L:0D groups than those in other groups (P < 0.05). Long-day photoperiods (16L:8D, 20L:4D and 24L:0D) simultaneously promoted lipogenesis, lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. The increases in lipid retention efficiency, whole body lipid concentration and liver lipid content (P < 0.05) indicated that lipogenesis exceeded fatty acid oxidation. Liver oxidative stress was induced in juvenile gibel carp by short day lengths. The hepatic total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and the contents of metabolite glutathione were the highest in the short-day-length groups (0L:24D, 4L:20D and 8L:16D) (P < 0.05). Based on the growth performance and health status in the long-term cultivation experiment, the optimal photoperiods were 16L:8D, 20L:4D and 24L:0D in juvenile gibel carp.

Effects of dietary vitamin B1 on growth performance, intestinal digestion and absorption, intestinal microflora and immune response of juvenile golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin B1 on growth performance, intestinal digestion and absorption, intestinal microflora, and the immune response of juvenile golden pompano. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated, containing diet-1 (0 mg/kg), diet-2 (4.88 mg/kg), diet-3 (8.15 mg/kg), diet-4 (12.00 mg/kg), diet-5 (17.40 mg/kg) and diet-6 (20.40 mg/kg) of vitamin B1. The diets were fed to juvenile golden pompano (initial body weight:11.20 ± 0.15 g) for 8 weeks. The study indicated that dietary vitamin B1 significantly increased weight gain rate (WGR) (P < .05), specific growth rate (SGR) (P < .05), and feed efficiency ratio (FER) (P < .05) of golden pompano. Dietary vitamin B1 levels had a significant effect on serum total cholesterol (TC) (P < .05), glucose (GLU) (P < .05), C4 complement (C4) (P < .05) and lysozyme (LZM) (P < .05). A diet supplemented with 12.00 mg/kg vitamin B1 increased the activities of hepatic total antioxidant capacity catalase (CAT) (P < .05), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < .05), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (P < .05), glutathione reductase (GR) (P < .05), transketolase (TK) (P < .05) and hepatic vitamin B1 accumulation (P < .05), decreasing the activities of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < .05). A diet supplemented with 12.00 mg/kg vitamin B1 improved intestinal digestion and absorption by increasing the activities of intestinal chymotrypsin (P < .05), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) (P < .05), and creatine kinase (CK) (P < .05). Dietary vitamin B1 also increased the intestinal microvilli length and microvilli numbers to a certain degree. Dietary vitamin B1 increased the richness and the diversity of the microbial community (P < .05; Tukey test). Dietary vitamin B1 increased the number of Pseudomonas and restricted the number of Mycoplasma and E. shigella in intestine. A quadratic regression analysis on weight gain and hepatic vitamin B1 concentrations indicated that the optimum dietary vitamin B1 levels for the optimal growth of juvenile pompano were 12.94 and 12.61 mg/kg, respectively.

Effects of replacing fish meal with mussel (Cristaria plicata) meat on growth, digestive ability, antioxidant capacity and hepatic IGF-I gene expression in juvenile Ussuri catfish (Pseudobagrus ussuriensis)

An 8-week feeding trial was implemented to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with mussel (Cristaria plicata) meat (MM) on growth, digestive ability, antioxidant capacity and hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene expression of juvenile Ussuri catfish (Pseudobagrus ussuriensis). Three isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to include 0, 177.5 and 355.1 g/kg of MM, accordingly, replacing 0% (M0, control), 50% (M1) and 100% (M2) of FM protein, respectively. The results showed that the final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed intake were gradually decreased with dietary MM protein levels increased, but there were no significant difference between M0 and M1 groups (p > 0.05). The protein efficiency ratio was increased significantly with dietary MM inclusion (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude lipid and gross energy gradually increased with increasing dietary MM protein levels, but the apparent digestibility coefficient of crude protein was not significantly affected by MM protein supplementation (p > 0.05). Fish fed diet, M0 and M1 remained unaffected significantly on activities of alpha-amylase and pepsin (p > 0.05), but fish fed diet M2 had the highest activities of alpha-amylase and pepsin. Fish fed diet M1 or M2 had significantly lower hepatic total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and the higher malondialdehyde level compared to fish fed diet M0. In addition, no significant difference was observed in hepatic IGF-I gene expression level for fish fed diet M0 and diet M1, and fish fed diet M2 showed significantly lower hepatic IGF-I gene expression level. Therefore, we can conclude that MM protein can successfully substitute 50% of FM protein without significantly negative effect on growth, nutrient utilization, and hepatic IGF-I gene expression for juvenile Ussuri catfish, but the antioxidant capacity was negatively affected in the present study, what is more, the total replacement of FM by MM in diet may result in the inhibition of the growth and antioxidant capacity of fish.

Preventive effect of omega-3 fatty acids in a rat model of stress-induced liver injury.

Omega-3 fatty acids are gaining attention as a therapeutic agent of many diseases. Their protective effect in a variety of diseases has been demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on omega-3 fatty acids related to acute cold-restraint stress (CRS) induced hepatic dysfunction in rats. Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley albino rats were used and classified into: control, omega-3 group, each rat was pretreated with omega-3 fatty acids; CRS group, rats were subjected to acute CRS for 6 hr; and CRS group pretreated with omega-3 fatty acids. Serum was obtained to determine corticosterone (CORT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were measured. Also, liver tissues were taken for histological examination and immunohistochemical assessment of the apoptotic marker, caspase-3. Results showed that pretreatment of stressed rats with omega-3 fatty acids led to significant decrease in hepatic MDA and increase in TAC levels. They reduced serum levels of CORT, ALT, AST, and TNF-α. Also, they improved liver damage and suppressed hepatic caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, pretreatment of stressed rats with omega-3 fatty acids has ameliorated stress-induced liver damage due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. So, they can be used to minimize stress complications on the liver.

Metformin ameliorated methotrexate-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats in addition to its antitumor activity: two birds with one stone.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug used in treatment of various malignancies. Unfortunately, it leads to life-threatening complications including hepatorenal toxicity. Previous studies revealed the protective effects of metformin (MET) on hepatorenal toxicity in other models in addition to its anticancer effects. The current study investigates the effect of MET on MTX-induced hepatorenal toxicity and the possible mechanisms involved in this toxicity which can be overwhelmed by MET. Thirty male rats were divided into 3 groups: normal control, MTX treated and MET/MTX treated. After 7 days, MTX induced hepatorenal toxicity as proved by histological examinations and biochemical analysis of liver and kidney functions. Also, it led to significant increase in hepatic and renal malondialdehyde levels, significant decrease in hepatic and renal total antioxidant capacity levels and Na+/K+-ATPase activities and significant up regulation of mRNA expressions of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, cyclooxygenase-2 and caspase 3 compared with the control group. While, MET could significantly reduce hepatorenal toxicity and counteract the effects of MTX on all measured parameters. In conclusion, MET can be an effective adjuvant to MTX chemotherapy that could ameliorate its hepatorenal toxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Ascorbic acid synthesis and transportation capacity in old laying hens and the effects of dietary supplementation with ascorbic acid

BackgroundLaying hens over 75 weeks of age commonly show great declines in immunity and production performance. It is unclear whether these declines can be relieved by supplementing with ascorbic acid (AA) in feed. Two trials were conducted to investigate the synthesis and metabolism of AA in layers of different ages and the effects of dietary supplemental AA on the performance and the immune and antioxidant statuses of 78 weeks old hens.MethodsIn Exp. 1, equal numbers (24 hens) of 35 weeks old (Young) and 75 weeks old (Old) layers were fed the same diet without AA supplementation for 4 weeks. In Exp. 2, 360 healthy 78 weeks old laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1 g AA/kg diet) in an 8-week feeding trial.ResultsThe old hens tended to have decreased L-gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) synthase activity in the kidney and liver than that of the young hens (P = 0.07 and P = 0.05, respectively). Compared with the young hens, the old hens had lower hepatic antioxidant capacity allowing for the lower thioredoxin (TXN), thioredoxin reductase (TXNR) and cytochrome b5 reductase (CYB5R) gene expression (P < 0.05), whereas increased sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter (SVCT) 1 expression levels in the ileum and kidney and enhanced splenic and hepatic AA concentrations (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with AA significantly decreased GLO enzyme activity but increased splenic AA concentration and anti-bovine serum albumin IgG levels (P < 0.05) and tended to increase CD4+ T lymphocyte numbers (P = 0.06) in serum. Supplementation of 0.25 g AA/kg diet significantly increased hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, P < 0.05) relative to the control group.ConclusionsLaying hens could synthesize AA in both the kidney and the liver, though the GLO enzyme activities were 100 times greater in kidneys than in livers. The old laying hens had greater absorption and reabsorption capacity and higher AA retention in some tissues that did the young hens. Dietary supplementation of AA can improve the health of old layers by enhancing immunity and antioxidant capacity.

Hepatic oxidative stress in pigmented P23H rhodopsin transgenic rats with progressive retinal degeneration

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a group of inherited retinal degenerative conditions characterized by primary degeneration of the rod photoreceptors. Increased oxidative damage is observed in the retina, aqueous humor, and plasma of RP animal models and patients. The hepatic oxidative status may also be affected in RP due to oxidative damage influencing soluble macromolecules exiting the retina or to alterations in the melanopsin system resulting in chronic circadian desynchronization that negatively alters the oxidative stress defense system.P23H rats were crossed with pigmented Long Evans rats to produce offspring exhibiting the clinical conditions of RP. We measured hepatic malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenal concentrations as oxidative stress markers; nitrite level as a total nitrosative damage marker; total antioxidant capacity; and the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase. Retinal visual function was assessed based on optomotor and electroretinogram responses.P23H transgenic rats exhibited diminished visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and electroretinographic responses according to the level of retinal degeneration. P23H rats at 30 days of age already demonstrated only 47% of the hepatic total antioxidant capacity of wild-type animals. Hepatic catalase and SOD activities were also reduced in P23H rats after 120 days, but we detected no difference in glutathione S-transferase activity. P23H rats had increased hepatic oxidative and nitrosative damage markers. GSH/GSSG ratio showed a significant diminution in P23H rats at P120 compared to WT.We conclude that the liver is under increased oxidative stress in P23H rats. Further studies are required, however, to clarify the contribution of systemic oxidative damage to the pathogenesis of RP.

Effects of dietary Panax notoginseng extract on growth performance, fish composition, immune responses, intestinal histology and immune related genes expression of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀) fed high lipid diets

Growth, plasma biochemical parameters, fish composition, immune parameters, intestinal histology, and expressions of immune-related genes were examined in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀) that fed respectively six diets containing Panax notoginseng extract (PNE) at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 10 g kg−1 after 8 weeks. Results indicated that dietary PNE significantly improved growth, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and protein deposit rate, and significantly increased crude protein and crude lipid levels of whole body and crude protein level of muscle. Dietary PNE significantly increased plasma total protein, alkaline phosphatase, immunoglobulin, complement 3 and complement 4 contents, but significantly decreased cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol contents. Furthermore, dietary PNE increased villus length and muscle thickness in foregut, midgut, and hindgut, activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity, and increased the expression levels of immune related genes (IL-10, TGF-β1, TOR, MHC2 and TLR3) in the head kidney and the expression levels of antioxidant genes (CAT and GR) in fish that fed PNE at 0.5–4 g kg−1. In conclusion, grouper fed high lipid diets supplemented with PNE at 0.5–10 g kg−1 improved growth, feed utilization, blood immune parameters, hepatic antioxidant status, intestine morphology and expression levels of immune related genes in the head kidney.

Anti-atherosclerotic effect of Fermentum Rubrum and Gynostemma pentaphyllum mixture in high-fat emulsion- and vitamin D3-induced atherosclerotic rats

BackgroundThe mixture of Hongqu and gypenosides (HG) is composed of Fermentum Rubrum (Hongqu, in Chinese) and total saponins of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Jiaogulan, in Chinese) in a 3.6:1 weight ratio. Both Hongqu and Jiaogulan are considered valuable traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs); they have been commonly used in China for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and related diseases for centuries. The aim of the current study was assess the anti-atherosclerotic effect of HG. MethodsSixty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups: normal, model, positive control (simvastatin, 1 mg/kg), Hongqu-treated (72 mg/kg), gypenoside (total saponin)-treated (20 mg/kg), and three doses HG-treated (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). All of the rats were fed a basal diet. Additionally, the model group rats were intragastrically administered a high-fat emulsion and intraperitoneally injected with vitamin D3. The serum lipid profiles, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine, and hepatic antioxidant levels were then determined. Furthermore, the liver histopathology and arterial tissue were analyzed, and the expression of hyperlipidemia- and atherosclerosis (AS)-related genes was measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. ResultsThe AS rat model was established after 80 days. Compared to the model group, the HG-treated groups showed an obvious improvement in the serum lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine levels, and showed markedly increased hepatic total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis and inflammation reduced and that of the genes related to lipid oxidation increased in the liver and arterial tissue, which also reflected an improved health condition. Conclusionthe anti-atherosclerotic effects of HG were superior to those of simvastatin, Hongqu, and the gypenosides. Therefore, HG may be a useful anti-atherosclerotic TCM preparation.

Protective effects of phloridzin against methotrexate-induced liver toxicity in rats

BackgroundLiver is the largest internal organ concerning with metabolism, hormonal balance and clarifying of the toxins. One of the main complications of methotrexate (MTX) therapy was the hepatic injury. ObjectiveThis study was conducted to elucidate the possible protective effects of phloridzin (PHL) against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity as compared to standard agent N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Materials and methodsRats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a respective group (PHL 40mg/kg/day orally (p.o.) for 10 consecutive days), a hepatotoxicity control group (MTX 20mg/kg, i.p., once), and three treated groups received NAC (150mg/kg/day; a reference standard), PHL (40mg/kg/day) and PHL (80mg/kg/day) p.o. for 10 consecutive days, at the end of the day 3 of the experiment rats were administered MTX. Assessed biomarkers included serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as liver function parameters, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-II (COX-II), as inflammatory biomarkers, hepatic total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione reduced (GSH), nitrite (NO2−), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as oxidative stress biomarkers. Furthermore, hepatic caspase-3 expression was assessed. Biochemical and molecular estimations reinforced by histopathological findings. ResultsRats pre-treated with PHL significantly reduced hepatic injury, evidenced by significant reductions in ALT, AST and LDH, TNF-α and COX-II levels, significant reductions in hepatic NO2− and TBARS levels, and significant elevations in hepatic TAC, GSH, GST, CAT and SOD levels. Additionally, downregulation of hepatic caspase-3 expression. Finally, histopathological results consistent with our previous findings. ConclusionPHL protects against hepatic injury in rats mainly through mitigation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in hepatic tissues and may be promising to alleviate and early treatment of MTX-induced hepatoxicity in man.

Effect of dietary inclusion of dried citrus pulp on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites and hepatic antioxidant status of rabbits

ABSTRACTCitrus pulp is a major by-product of the citrus processing industry. A total of 192 post-weaning, 35-day-old Hyla rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Each group contained four replicates and each replicate comprised 12 rabbits. The four groups were given 0 (control group), 7%, 14% and 21% citrus pulp in the feed. Results indicated no significant difference in the performance of rabbits (P >.118). Rabbits fed with increasing citrus pulp demonstrated an increase in hot carcass weight (linear, P =.041) and liver weight (linear, P =.015). An upward trend (linear, P =.087) was found in thymus with increasing citrus pulp. The experimental groups all displayed an increase of at least 8.28%, 11.7% and 5.07% in serum albumin (ALB), ALB:GLO ratio and calcium (Ca) levels, respectively, compared with the control group (P <.05), and the experimental groups also presented high serum P (linear, P =.023). Hepatic total antioxidant capacity activities in the experimental groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P <.05), but no difference was found in glutathione peroxidase activities (P >.05). In summary, inclusion of increased citrus pulp did not impair growth performance, could improve immunization, serum Ca and hepatic antioxidant status of growing rabbits.

An evaluation of replacing fish meal with cottonseed meal in the diet of juvenile Ussuri catfish Pseudobagrus ussuriensis: Growth, antioxidant capacity, nonspecific immunity and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with cottonseed meal (CM) on growth and immune characteristics of juvenile Ussuri catfish Pseudobagrus ussuriensis. Seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain CM to replace fish meal at 0 (C0, control), 10 (C10), 20 (C20), 30 (C30), 40 (C40), 50 (C50) and 60% (C60), respectively. The replacement level up to 30% did not affect the weight gain and specific growth rate, whereas these parameters were depressed by further replacement level. The apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid decreased with increasing dietary CM level. Fish fed C60 diet had the lowest hepatic total antioxidant capacity but the highest malondialdehyde level. The activities of serum lysozyme, plasma myeloperoxidase and plasma alkaline phosphatase decreased as the proportion of CM increased. Conversely, the inclusion of CM increased the plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. The highest heat shock protein 70 gene expression level was observed in fish fed the C60 diet. In addition, percent mortality increased after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Percent mortality of fish fed the C60 diet was significantly higher than the other groups. Broken-line model analysis based on WG against dietary CM replacement level indicated that the optimum replacement level was 25.3%. However, including too high proportion of CM could depress the antioxidant capacity, non-specific immune response and resistance to A. hydrophila infection of Ussuri catfish.

Effects of astaxanthin on antioxidant capacity of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) in vivo and in vitro

The objective of this research was to study the effect of astaxanthin (AST) on growth performance and antioxidant capacity in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) both in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo study, two diets were formulated with or without astaxanthin supplementation (D1 and D2; 0 and 200 mg/kg) to feed fish for 6 weeks. In the in vitro study, cells from hepatopancreas of golden pompano were isolated and four treatments with or without astaxanthin and H2O2 supplementation were applied (control group: without both astaxanthin and H2O2 treated; H2O2 group: just with H2O2 treated; H2O2 + AST group: with both astaxanthin and H2O2 treated; AST group: just with AST treated). Results of the in vivo study showed that weight gain (WG) and special growth rate (SGR) significantly increased with astaxanthin supplemented (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish fed D2 diet was significantly lower than that of fish fed D1 diet (P < 0.05). Hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the reduced glutathione (GSH) of golden pompano fed D2 diet were significant higher than those of fish fed D1 diet (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly declined as astaxanthin was supplemented (P < 0.05). Results of the in vitro study showed that the cell viability of H2O2 group was 52.37% compared to the control group, and it was significantly elevated to 84.18% by astaxanthin supplementation (H2O2 + AST group) (P < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the reduced glutathione (GSH) of cell were significant decreased by oxidative stress from H2O2 (P < 0.05), but it could be raised by astaxanthin supplementation (H2O2 vs H2O2 + AST), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) was significant higher in H2O2 group (P < 0.05) and astaxanthin supplementation could alleviate the cells from lipid peroxidation injury. In conclusion, dietary astaxanthin supplementation can improve the growth performance of golden pompano. Moreover, astaxanthin can improve the golden pompano hepatic antioxidant capacity both in vivo and in vitro study by eliminating the reactive oxygen species.

GC-MS analysis and hepatoprotective activity of the n-hexane extract of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius leaves against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats

Context: In Egypt, the burden of liver diseases is exceptionally high. Objective: To investigate the components of the n-hexane extract of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Arn. (Leguminosae) and its hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Material and methods: TRACE GC ultra gas chromatogaphic spectrometry was used for extract analysis. Thirty albino rats were divided into six groups (five rats in each). Group 1 was the healthy control; Groups 2 and 3 were healthy treated groups (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. of the extract, respectively) for seven days. Group 4 was hepatotoxicity control (APAP intoxicated group). Groups 5 and 6 received APAP + extract 250 and APAP + extract 500, respectively. Results: Chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 36 components. Major compounds were α-tocopherol (18.23%), labda-8 (20)-13-dien-15-oic acid (13.15%), lupeol (11.93%), phytol (10.95%) and squalene (7.19%). In the acute oral toxicity study, the mortality rates and behavioural signs of toxicity were zero in all groups (doses from 0 to 5 g/kg b.w. of A. fraxinifolius). LD50 was found to be greater than 5 g/kg of the extract. Only the high dose (500 mg/kg b.w.) of extract significantly alleviated the liver relative weight (4.01 ± 0.06) and biomarkers, as serum aspartate aminotransferase (62.87 ± 1.41), alanine aminotransferase (46.74 ± 1.45), alkaline phosphatase (65.96 ± 0.74), lipid profiles (180.39 ± 3.51), bilirubin profiles (2.30 ± 0.06) and hepatic lipid peroxidation (114.20 ± 2.06), and increased body weight (11.58 ± 0.20), serum protein profile (11.09 ± 0.46) and hepatic total antioxidant capacity (23.78 ± 0.66) in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Conclusion: Our study proves the antihepatotoxic/antioxidant efficacies of A. fraxinifolius hexane extract.

Dietary astaxanthin improved the body pigmentation and antioxidant function, but not the growth of discus fish (Symphysodonspp.)

To assess the effects of dietary astaxanthin on the growth and body colour of red discus fish (Symphysodon spp.), synthetic astaxanthin was added into the basal diet (beef heart hamburger) with the levels of 0 (control diet), 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg kg−1 respectively. The six experimental diets were fed to discus fish with an initial body weight of 10.3 ± 0.8 g for 8 weeks. The results showed that the supplementation of 50–200 mg kg−1 astaxanthin had no significant effects on growth performance of discus fish, but the high supplementation of astaxanthin (300 or 400 mg kg−1) significantly reduced the weight gain and increased the feed coefficient ratio (P < 0.05). After 4 or 8 weeks of feeding, the L* (lightness) values in astaxanthin-supplemented groups were significantly lower, while a* (redness), b* (yellowness) and skin astaxanthin contents were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). When the astaxanthin supplementation reached 200 mg kg−1, skin redness and astaxanthin contents remained relatively stable. When b* was relatively stable, the supplemental astaxanthin was 300 (4 weeks) and 50 mg kg−1 (8 weeks) respectively. With the supplemental astaxanthin increasing, the astaxanthin retention rate significantly decreased and hepatic total antioxidant capacity was strengthened. The dietary astaxanthin also significantly increased the reduced glutathione level (P < 0.05) when the astaxanthin inclusion was higher than 50 mg kg−1. The above results showed that dietary astaxanthin could effectively improve the skin pigmentation of red discus fish in 4 weeks and the supplementation level was suggested to be 200 mg kg−1.

Selenium and vitamin E in sow diets: II. Effect on selenium status and antioxidant status of the progeny

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of 2 selenium (Se) sources and 2 vitamin E (VE) levels in gestating and lactating diets of sows on Se status and antioxidant status of their progenies at farrowing and 21-d postpartum. The study was conducted in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of Se sources (0.30mg/kg diet of sodium selenite or Se-enriched yeast) and VE levels (30 or 90IU/kg diet). A total of 234 multiparous sows were bred and started on 1 of 4 dietary treatment according to parity and body condition, and then maintained on feed until 21-d postpartum. At farrowing and at weaning, 8 piglets per treatment (1 piglet/litter) were selected on similar body weight and sampled to ensure 6 piglet samples per treatment. The Se content was determined in serum, whole blood, umbilical cord blood and tissues, whereas antioxidant status of liver and serum were determined by analyzing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. The newly-born piglets from sows fed organic Se had higher Se contents in kidney (P<0.05) and loin (P<0.10), higher serum T-AOC (P<0.05) and SOD activity (P<0.05), lower serum MDA content (P<0.05), and higher hepatic T-AOC (P<0.05), and GSH content (P<0.05) than newborns from sows fed inorganic Se. The 21-d-old nursery piglets from sows fed organic Se have higher Se contents in heart (P<0.10), pancreas (P<0.05), thymus gland (P<0.05), thyroid and loin (P<0.05), higher serum GSH content (P<0.05), lower serum MDA content (P<0.05), and higher hepatic T-AOC (P<0.05) and GSH content (P<0.05), and greater SOD activity (P<0.10), than 21-d-old piglets from sows fed inorganic Se. No source×VE level interaction was evident for Se status and antioxidant status of the progeny (P>0.05) expect for hepatic Se content of newborns and serum Se content of 21-d-old piglets (P<0.05). The α-tocopherol level in serum of newborn and weaning piglets increased when sows fed elevated VE diet (P<0.05). In summary, Se status and antioxidant status of the progeny including newborns and 21-d-old nursery piglets were improved when Se was added as organic Se instead of inorganic Se in sow diet. However, the Se status and antioxidant status of the progeny were scarcely unaffected by maternal dietary Se source×VE level interaction. When sows were fed the treatment diets from breeding until weaning, sows fed organic Se had more weaned piglets with similar individual pig weight at weaning compared with sows fed inorganic Se.

Punicalagin alleviates hepatotoxicity in rats challenged with cyclophosphamide.

This study investigated the possible hepatoprotection of punicalagin in rats received cyclophosphamide (20mg/kg/day, i.p., for 7 days). Punicalagin given at two doses, 15 and 30mg/kg/day, p.o., for 7 days, starting the same day of cyclophosphamide administration. Punicalagin significantly and dose-dependently reduced the elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase, and liver nuclear factor-κB p65, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, inducible nitric oxide synthase, caspases 3 and 9 activities, and prevented the decrease of hepatic total antioxidant capacity. Punicalagin also attenuated the histopathological liver tissue damage, and decreased cyclooxygenase-2 expression in liver of rats received cyclophosphamide in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that punicalagin protected rat liver against cyclophosphamide toxicity by inhibiting oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Hepatoprotective effect of withanolide-rich fraction in acetaminophen-intoxicated rat: decisive role of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-II and iNOS

Context: Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) is common in humans and is often associated with hepatic damage. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae) shows multiple pharmacological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.Objective: To evaluate the possible mechanism of hepatoprotective activity of withanolide-rich fraction (WRF) isolated from a methanolic extract of Withania somnifera roots.Materials and methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced by oral administration of APAP (750 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 d. The control group received the vehicle. APAP-treated animals were given either silymarin (25 mg/kg) or graded doses of WRF (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) 2 h prior to APAP administration. Animals were killed on 15th day and blood and liver tissue samples were collected for the further analysis.Results: In WRF-treated group, there was significant and dose-dependent (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) decrease in serum bilirubin, ALP, AST and ALT levels with significant and dose-dependent (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) increase in hepatic SOD, GSH and total antioxidant capacity. The level of MDA and NO decreased significantly (p < 0.01) by WRF treatment. Up-regulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-II and iNOS was significantly down-regulated (p < 0.001) by WRF. Histological alternations induced by APAP in liver were restored to near normality by WRF pretreatment.Conclusion: WRF may exert its hepatoprotective action by alleviating inflammatory and oxido-nitrosative stress via inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-II and iNOS.

Comparative study on the effect of high dietary carbohydrate on the growth performance, body composition, serum physiological responses and hepatic antioxidant abilities in Wuchang bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) and black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus Ri

A 90-day trial investigated the effect of dietary carbohydrate level on growth performance, body composition, serum physiological responses and hepatic antioxidant abilities of a herbivorous fish, Wuchang bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) and a carnivorous fish, black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus Richardson, 1846). For each species, two isonitrogenous and isolipidic semi-purified diets (28.6% crude protein and 5.3% crude lipid for Wuchang bream) were formulated to contain 30.4% and 52.9% carbohydrate (WB-NCHO and WB-HCHO); Two isonitrogenous and isolipidic semi-purified diets (32.6% crude protein and 5.3% crude lipid for black carp) were formulated to contain 20.5% and 40.5% carbohydrate (BC-NCHO and BC-HCHO). It was shown that, compared to Group WB-NCHO, Wuchang bream in Group WB-HCHO had lower weight gain rate, specific growth rate, serum total protein, hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidative capacity, while higher feed conversion ratio, serum triglyceride and cortisol levels (P < 0.05). Compared to Group BC-NCHO, black carp in Group BC-HCHO had lower final weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, serum alkaline alkaline phosphatase activity, serum total protein, hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidative capacity, while higher feed conversion ratio, whole body crude lipid, serum triglyceride, cholesterol, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activity and cortisol levels (P < 0.05). The results of this study suggested that Wuchang bream had better capacity of utilizing dietary carbohydrate than that of black carp, while high levels of dietary carbohydrate might not only be detrimental to growth performance and feed utilization but also the immune response and health for both species.

Effects of different formulations of α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) on growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E (VE)) and microencapsulated VE (MVE) on growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens.A total of 360 d-old broiler chicks were procured and randomly allocated into three groups with 6 replicates. Each replicate had 20 chickens. Chickens were fed with basal diets (CON group) or experimental diets supplemented with 20 mg/kg VE (VE group) or 20 mg/kg MVE (MVE group) for 42 d.The results showed that the MVE group had higher body weight gain (BWG) than the CON and VE groups, and higher gain/feed ratio (G/F ratio) than the CON group during the period of 22–42 d. During the whole experiment, a higher increase in BWG was found in the MVE group than the CON group.Chickens fed on diets supplemented with the VE or MVE had lower abdominal fat percentage, higher pH and antioxidant enzyme activity than the CON group in the breast meat.There was an increased tendency in the hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activity of the VE and MVE groups than the CON group. The hepatic mitochondrial total antioxidant capacity and GSH-Px enzyme activity in the MVE group were higher than the CON group. Hepatic 2,2-dipheny-ʟ-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of the MVE group was higher than the CON group.These results suggested that the dietary addition of VE or MVE could improve breast meat quality in broilers. MVE supplementation may improve growth performance, hepatic mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging capacity in chickens. In addition, dietary supplementation of MVE gave better broiler growth performance than VE.