Histological Structure Of Liver Research Articles

Raphani Semen (Raphanus sativus L.) Ameliorates Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating De Novo Lipogenesis.

In this study, we investigated the pharmacological effect of a water extract of Raphani Semen (RSWE) on alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) using ethanol-induced AFLD mice (the NIAAA model) and palmitic acid (PA)-induced steatosis HepG2 cells. An RSWE supplement improved serum and hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels of AFLD mice, as well as their liver histological structure. To explore the molecular action of RSWE in the improvement of AFLD, we investigated the effect of RSWE on four major pathways for lipid homeostasis in the liver: free fatty acid transport, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and β-oxidation. Importantly, RSWE decreased the mRNA expression of de novo lipogenesis-related genes, such as Srebf1, Cebpa, Pparg, and Lpin1, as well as the protein levels of these factors, in the liver of AFLD mice. That these actions of RSWE affect lipogenesis was confirmed using PA-induced steatosis HepG2 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that RSWE has the potential for improvement of AFLD by inhibiting de novo lipogenesis.

Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity, Immune Status, Meat Quality, Liver Fat Content, and Liver Histomorphology of Broiler Chickens Fed Rice Bran Oil.

Simple SummaryThere are numerous approaches for enrichment of broiler’s meat with valuable nutrients, for instance the enrichment with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The addition of vegetable oils in the diets of broilers is an appropriate strategy to enrich the chicken meat with beneficial FA, however, this enrichment is accompanied by a lipid peroxidation with a resultant decrease in the nutritional value, quality, and shelf-life of the meat, and for that reason, the dietary supplementation with antioxidants becomes necessary. What places rice bran oil (RBO) on top of other vegetable oils is its antioxidant components and unique fatty acid profile and it is reported to induce substantial lipid-reducing effects and antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the influence of RBO inclusion in the diets of broiler chickens on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, meat quality, antioxidant activity, liver lipid content, and liver histological structure. RBO inclusion had a positive effect on the growing performance, dressing percentage, and immune status. Furthermore, RBO supplementation decreased the abdominal fat yield and EE content in the meat, while it increased the content of PUFA in the meat, which may be beneficial for consumers. RBO improved the antioxidant capacity of the meat and the liver, whereas it reduced the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, meat and liver. RBO could be used as an efficient ingredient in broiler chickens’ diets to improve performance, immune status, antioxidant activity, blood lipid profile, and the nutritive value of meat.This trial was performed to determine the effect of rice bran oil (RBO) inclusion in diets of broiler chickens on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, meat quality, antioxidant activity, liver lipid content, and liver histological structure. The 35-day feeding trial was conducted on 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens, allocated to four treatment groups with six replicates each. RBO was examined at different inclusion levels, 0% (control), 1% (RBO1%), 1.5% (RBO1.5%), and 2% (RBO2%) in a completely randomized design. The results showed that at the end of the trial (35 days) the RBO supplementation had positive effects (p < 0.001) on the productivity parameters, but the feed intake was linearly decreased due to RBO inclusion. In addition, RBO supplementation linearly improved (p < 0.05) the dressing percentage, breast yield, immune organs relative weights, and meat glutathione concentration, while it decreased (p < 0.01) the abdominal fat yield and meat crude fat, triglycerides, cholesterol, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in broiler’s meat. Moreover, serum total protein, globulin, and high-density lipoprotein contents improved noticeably (p < 0.01) due to offering an RBO-supplemented diet, but serum total lipids, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations linearly reduced (p < 0.01). The RBO supplementation augmented (p < 0.05) the phagocytic index, phagocytic activity, and antibody titer compared to control. On the other hand, RBO inclusion had no effect on the breast, thigh, or abdominal fat color parameters. Moreover, RBO supplementation reduced (p < 0.01) the content of total saturated FA (SFA), but increased (p < 0.01) the content of total monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and polyunsaturated FA in both breast and thigh meat. Chemical analysis of the liver tissue samples revealed that the inclusion of RBO linearly reduced (p < 0.05) hepatic cholesterol, triglyceride, and MDA contents. Histologically, the lipid percentage and number of lipid droplets (p < 0.01) were markedly lessened in the RBO-supplemented groups. The histological structure of the liver asses by light and electron microscope were normal in all groups without any pathological lesions. It is concluded that RBO could be used as a valuable ingredient in broiler chickens’ diets to stimulate the growing performance and immune status, enhance the antioxidant activity and blood lipid profile, augment liver function, and improve the nutritive value of the meat.

Phenolic Compounds and Hepatoprotective Activity of Chicory Herb Extract

Introduction. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is widely applied for liver disease treatment by traditional medicine of different countries; as well, it is the object for pharmacological research of hepatoprotective activity. In this regard, the method for obtaining dry extract of wild chicory herb (WCHE) is developed in the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.Aim. Aim of the research is determination of the qualitative composition of phenolic compounds, identification of the substances prevailing in WCHE and conducting pharmacological screening of the extract.Materials and methods. WCHE chemical composition has been explored with HPLC-MS/MS method; the main components were determined quantitatively with HPLC-UF method using single compounds that were isolated by us earlier and identified by NMR spectroscopy. WCHE pharmacological screening of hepatoprotective activity research was involving 50 male rats. Acute toxic hepatitis in animals was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of 50 % oily solution of tetrachloromethane (TCM) at a dosage of 0.4 ml per 100 g body weight. One hour before administration TCM, animals received WCHE at the doses of 100 or 500 mg/kg. 48 hours after TCM administration, the activity of serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as the content of total bilirubin were determined for preliminary establishment of pharmacological activity. Pathomorphological studies of rat liver were carried out using histological methods. The liver histological structure was inspected using liver sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Results and discussion. The component composition of WCHE is represented by oxycoumarins, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. The dominant phenolic compounds are esculetin, chicoriin, chicoric, chlorogenic and caftaric acids. It was found under acute experimental toxic hepatitis, that preliminary WCHE administration reduces the toxic TCM effect on liver cells. In animals treated with WCHE at doses both 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight, it was observed decreases in ALT activity by 35 % and 45 %, AST by 15 % and 28 %, alkaline phosphatase by 15 % and 21 %; the content of total bilirubin by 20 % and 29 %, respectively, in comparison with similar indicators in the group of animals that were not treated with the extract. The histological study showed that WCHE administration to animals at the doses of 100 and 500 mg/kg reduces dystrophic changes in hepatocytes, this effect is more pronounced at the extract dosage of 500 mg/kg.Conclusion. Main WCHE components are oxycoumarins (esculetin, chicoriin), hydroxycinnamic acids (chicoric, chlorogenic and caftaric). According to the results of screening studies, it was established that WCHE in doses of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg is a promising object for further pharmacological research.

Protective effects of some antioxidants against long-term intake of aspartame toxicity on liver and kidney: biochemical and histopathological approach in rats

BackgroundAspartame is used to treat obesity, and the diabetic people could induce changes in liver and kidney structures and function. Garlic extract, melatonin and thymoquinone have an important role against aspartame toxicity due to their antioxidant properties. The current study was designed to examine the protective effects of garlic, melatonin and thymoquinone against aspartame-induced hepatorenal toxicity in albino rates.ResultsThe results indicated that aspartame induced changes in the serum levels of liver parameters function (glucose, ALT, AST and ALP) and renal parameters function (urea and creatinine). Garlic, melatonin and thymoquinone reversed the values of liver and kidney enzymes levels near to or similar to that of control. The histopathological effects of aspartame on the histological structures of liver and kidney were either reduced or removed by garlic, melatonin and thymoquinone.ConclusionLong-term (6 months) administration of aspartame induced toxic effects on hepatorenal function and structure, whereas garlic, melatonin and thymoquinone resulted in hepatorenal ameliorative and protective effects.

Influence of the Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) on hematological and biochemical parameters of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

The acute toxicity of household detergent (Ariel) on blood parameters and histology of Oreochromis niloticus was investigated using static bioassay for 96 h. Linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS)is an anionic surfactant widely used in detergents and cleaners, both in industrial and household applications.LAS contaminating aquatic ecosystems as a potential toxic pollutant, was investigated in the present study for acute toxicity.The fish samples were divided into six groups, including 20 fish in each group. Normal feed was given to control group without detergents treatment. Hematological parameters (RBC count, Hb, Ht and platelets) were significantly declined, while WBC count showed a highly significant increase. Compared with the control group, significant elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was recorded in fish treated with different concentrations of detergent. Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) concentration showed a highly significant reduction. Total proteins showed significant decrease, while total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides significantly increased. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) for 96 h of Ariel was at concentration 10 mg/L. Relative percentage of detergent residues in fish muscles was increased with higher detergent concentrations. In conclusion, exposure to detergents resulted in great alterations in the histological structure of liver and gills.

The Effect of Immune Max in the Liver, Kidney and Spleen Histological Structure in Male Albino Mice

Background: This study aimed to identify the effect of using the Immune Max dietary supplement on the histological composition of some organs in male albino mice. Methods: The study was conducted on the Swiss albino male mice which were divided into two groups: treated group with 0.162 mg/kg/day of Immune Max and second group as a control. Results: Histological examination was conducted for liver, kidney and spleen. The results showed some histological changes in these organs like loses of tissues, congestion, leukocytes infiltration and dead cells. Conclusion: The purpose of a conclusion that the use of the Immune Max nutritional supplement can cause damage to the tissues of a number of organs and this is likely to be due to the dose concentration and the duration of the treatment.

Phytochemical Screening and Hepatoprotective Potential of Sida cordata

Sida cordata (Burn. f.) Borss. Waalk is highly distributed in entire part of India. The various parts of the plant are used in folklore medicine for the management of multiple diseases. So,the present study was performed to examine the hepatoprotective activity study of ethanolic extract of S. cordata leaves (SCLE) on alcohol mediated hepatotoxicity in a rat model. Ethanol intoxicated rats showed noteworthy elevation of liver weight and volume. Further, ethanol insulted rats also showed significant elevation in the level of biochemical markers such as AST, ALT, TG, TB, and DB) and marked variation in the histological structure of liver. Oral administration of SCLE at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 30 days) significantly reduced the liver weight, hepatic markers level and restored the histological changes annoyed by ethanol thus indicating its hepatoprotective potential. Furthermore, HPTLC analysis was performed for the identification and quality estimation of S. cordata leaves.

Pengaruh Pemberian Teh Kombucha Konsentrasi 50% dengan Waktu Fermentasi yang Berbeda pada Struktur Histologi Hepar Tikus Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) Jantan

This study was conducted to determine the effect of 6 kombucha fermented tea (P1), 9 (P2) and 12 (P3) fermentation days at a concentration of 50% on the liver histological structure and hepatocyte diameter. This study used 16 male white rats consisting of 4 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment of this study consisted of P0: control treatment; P1, P2 and P3 respectively were given 6, 9 and 12 days fermented kombucha tea at a concentration of 50%. This research uses a completely randomized design. The variable measured in this study was the diameter of hepatocytes in test animals. The data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence level and if there were real differences, followed by Duncan's test. The results of data analysis showed that kombucha tea fermented 6, 9 and 12 days with a 50% concentration did not have a significant difference in hepatocyte diameter variables. The histological structure of the liver looks normal and shows no sign of cell damage. It can be concluded that kombucha tea at a concentration of 50% is safe for consumption by mammals because it does not cause liver damage.

The effects of mitochondrial transplantation in acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in rats

AimsAcetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is one of the leading causes of acute liver injury-related death and liver failure worldwide. In many studies, mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as an important cause of damage in APAP toxicity. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the possible effects of mitochondrial transplantation on liver damage due to APAP toxicity. Main methodsAPAP toxicity model was implemented by administering a toxic dose of APAP. To demonstrate the efficiency of mitochondria transplantation, it was compared with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) application, which is now clinically accepted. Mitochondrial transplantation was carried out by delivering mitochondria to the liver via the portal circulation, which was injected into the spleen. In our study, the rats were randomly divided into 6 groups as Sham, APAP, Control 1, APAP+mito, Control 2, and APAP+NAC. In the end of the experiment, histological and biochemical analysis were performed and the biodistribution of the transplanted mitochondria to target cells were also shown. Key findingsSuccessful mitochondrial transplantation was confirmed and mitochondrial transplantation improved the liver histological structure to a similar level with healthy rats. Moreover, plasma ALT levels, apoptotic cells, and total oxidant levels were decreased. It was also observed that NAC treatment increased GSH levels to the highest level among the groups. However, mitochondrial transplantation was more effective than NAC application in terms of histological and functional improvement. SignificanceIt has been evaluated that mitochondrial transplantation can be used as an important alternative or adjunctive treatment method in liver damage caused by toxic dose APAP intake.

Ligustrazine alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity via the inhibition of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway

AimsCyclophosphamide (CP) is a common therapeutic drug for cancer, but exposure to CP can cause acute hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects of Ligustrazine (2, 3, 5, 6-tetramethylpyrazine, TMP) on hepatotoxicity induced by CP or its active metabolite 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC). Main methodsWe presented a comprehensive investigation about the hepatoprotection of TMP on CP-induced mice and 4-HC-treated HSC-LX2 cells. Liver function was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic histopathology analysis was performed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. Survival of hepatocytes was detected by TUNEL assay. Related proteins in the thioredoxin (Trx)-interacting protein (Txnip)/Trx/Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were measured by western blotting. Key findingsThe results indicated that CP or 4-HC could increase the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, enhance inflammatory factors and oxidative indicators, and suppress the activity of oxidoreductases. Moreover, significant changes in liver histological structure, fibrosis, and cell death were observed through the activation of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway. In contrast, administration of TMP significantly reversed these above changes. Furthermore, TMP intervention participated in the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome accompanied with pyroptosis, as well as upregulating Trx expression and downregulating p-NF-κB, while the protective effect of TMP was limited to the involvement of Txnip overexpression. SignificanceTMP treatment could significantly alleviate the hepatotoxicity process as evidenced by improving the structure and function of the liver, inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation accompanied with pyroptosis, which was positively correlated with the inhibition of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway.

Gene Expression, Immunological and Oxidative Indices of Aflatoxicated Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Alpha-Lipoic Acid

This work aimed to investigate experimentally the effect of lipoic acid as super-antioxidant on the balance between immune and antioxidant status of birds fed aflatoxicated diet as well as histological alterations of immune organs including spleen, thymus, bursa of fabricious and liver. One hundred and twenty-one-day old chicks, fed basal diet till 8th day of age then divided into 4 groups (30 birds/group), each group subdivided into 3 replicates (10 birds/replicate). Group 1: aflatoxicated chickens (125 µg/kg diet). Group 2: aflatoxicated lipoic treated (300 mg/kg diet), Group 3: lipoic treated. Group 4: non-treated (control). The blood samples were collected at 14th day post aflatoxicosis and at the end of experiment, then the serum was separated for HI and different biochemical tests. At the end of experiment, four birds from each group were sacrificed and immune organs (thymus, spleen, bursa of fabricious and liver) were collected for histopathology. Livers were also collected for measurement of apoptotic gene expression Caspase (Cystinyle Aspartate Protease), MDA (Malano-Di-Aldehyde) and TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity). The results showed the addition of lipoic acid into the aflatoxicated broiler ration improved the antibody titer against Newcastle Disease Virus NDV, hepatic apoptotic gene expression, TAC, and the level of different biochemical parameters (protein profile, lipid profile, bilirubin, total calcium and alkaline phosphatase). It was alleviated the toxic effect of aflatoxin on the histological structure of liver, and immune organs. Therefore, lipoic acid could be implicated as a dependent approach in the control of aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens. Keywords: Aflatoxin, broiler chickens, histopathology, immunity, lipoic acid.

The Adjuvant Protective Effect of Resveratrol on Cisplatin-Induced Liver Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Background: Cisplatin is antineoplastic drug associated with hepatotoxicity due to oxidative stress. Resveratrol has antioxidant effect so it could protect the liver cell. Objective: the aim of this work was to investigate the possible protective effects of resveratrol on hepatotoxicity caused by cisplatin drug in rats. Materials and Methods: forty male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control group): was maintained throughout the experiment without any treatment. Group II (resveratrol group) that received resveratrol daily in a dose of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 21 days. Group III (cisplatin group) that received single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin in a dose of 7.5 mg/kg at the 16th day of the experiment. Group IV (protected group) that received resveratrol in a dose of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 21 days and cisplatin at 16th day of the experiment. Body and liver weight were estimated, biochemical measurements and histopathological study of the liver tissue were done. Results: showed significant preservation of the liver function and histological structure. Conclusion: it is concluded that resveratrol could protect liver against cisplatin side effects.

Effect of melatonin and folic acid supplementation on the growth performance, antioxidant status, and liver histology of the farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) under standard rearing conditions.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary of melatonin (MLT) and folic acid (FA) administrations on growth performance, antioxidant status, and liver histological structure of juvenile gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L. under standard rearing conditions. Four diets were considered: a basal diet considered a control and three diets supplemented with 40mg/kg of melatonin (MLT), 2mg/kg of folic acid (FA), and with the mixture of melatonin and folic acid (MLT + FA). Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish (mean initial weight was 2.99 ± 0.55g) for 41days. The obtained results clearly indicated that the melatonin-supplemented diet decreased significantly the growth performance parameters (final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate) and IGF-1 level of the gilthead sea bream, while the folic acid-supplemented diet has no significant effect on these parameters. The mixture supplementation of melatonin and folic acid has no significant effect on the growth parameters due to the possible interaction between melatonin and folic acid effects. Furthermore, fish fed with all experimental diets showed significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and protein sulfhydryl level (PSH) and lower lipid peroxidation level (TBARS) and catalase activity (CAT) which confirm their powerful antioxidant role. The acetylcholinesterase activity (ACHE) decreased in fish fed with all experimental diets. The underlying mechanisms of driving melatonin and folic acid to reduce acetylcholinesterase activity require further studies. The histological structure of liver of control S. aurata fish shows severe hepatic lipid accumulation in large vacuoles that diminished after dietary individual or mixture folic acid and melatonin supplementations over 41days. This work proved that 2mg/kg of dietary folic acid has a positive effect on the growth performance, oxidative stress defense, and hepatic lipid accumulation reduction in the gilthead sea bream fish. Under our experimental conditions, melatonin failed to improve the growth indexes WGR, SGR, and IGF-I. This study recommends the diet supplementation with a dose lower than 2mg/kg of food due to the observed effects on tissue ACHE activity.

Multi-Biomarker Assessment in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus 1758) Liver after Acute Chlorpyrifos Exposure

The excessive use of pesticides at different stages of crop production can pose a great danger to the aquatic environment, and particularly to fish. The purpose of the present work was to assess the negative effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on the liver histological architecture and the activities of marker enzymes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758), by applying a multi-biomarker technique. The tested insecticide is categorized as a priority pollutant in surface waters in terms of Directive 2013/39/EU. The carps were exposed to different and environmentally relevant CPF concentrations for 72 h (a short-term acute experiment). The results showed that the tested insecticide alters the liver histological structure, causing degenerative lesions, such as granular and vacuolar degeneration; necrobiotic alterations and necrosis, as well as changes in the circulatory system. In addition, CPF induces changes in the enzymatic activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), cholinesterase (ChE), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). The results from such experimental set ups could be successfully used in the legislation related to the protection of water bodies from contamination, in areas with intensive application of plant protection products used in agricultural practices, and also in implementing the Water Frame Directive by using multi-biomarker approaches.

Research Progress of Metformin in the Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

<i>Backgroud</i>: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has become the second largest source of chronic liver disease in the urban population. Metformin, a traditional drug, has good prospects for treating the disease in primary health care facilities. <i>Objective</i>: To summarize and grasp the status of metformin in adults, children with diabetes and non-diabetic NAFLD patients. Methods: We reviewed 31 relevant research literatures in PubMed database, and sorted out some preclinical and clinical research results. <i>Results</i>: Metformin was found to have a good effect in improving liver function indicators in both adult diabetic and non-diabetic NAFLD patients, and could benefit liver histology in NAFLD patients with adult diabetes. Metformin treatment did not show a significant advantage over lifestyle interventions in children with NAFLD. Conclusion: Metformin can improve the liver function and histological structure of adult NAFLD patients to a certain extent, and children patients should still be treated mainly with improved lifestyle.

The Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Cashew Fruit Peel on The Liver Histological Structure in Rat (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769)

Cashew fruit peel is a waste produced from the cashew nut industry, and it has not been utilized optimally yet. Cashew peel extract has the potential to be used as a contraceptive agent, which capable of reducing reproductive capacity. However, its side effects on other tissue and organ such as liver not clearly studied yet. This study aims to determine the effect of ethanolic extracts of cashew peel on the histological structure of the white rat liver. In this study, 21 female white rats were used and be grouped for control (6 mice) which were treated with CMCMa 0.5% and 15 mice were treated with peel extract of 500 mg/kg body every day for one month. Liver for examination was collected sequentially at 3rd, 5th, 8th, 11th, and 14th of the estrous cycle. The liver was processed for histological observation and stained with Hematoxylin Eosin and Mallory Acid Fuchsin staining solution. The liver hepatocyte was observed for it abnormality and be scored to calculate the number of cell damage or abnormality. The result showed that peel extract-treated mouse liver was similar to control ones; we did not witness any evidence of fibrosis, pyknosis and cellular necrosis on either control or treated mouse. Statistical analysis by SPSS showed that the p-value between the control and treatment groups was 0.078 (&gt; 0.05) so there was no significant difference between control and treatment. It could be concluded that ethanolic extracts of cashew nuts peel with a concentration of 500 mg/kg body weight caused no effect on the mouse liver histological structure. application with reduced-dosages of NPK fertilizers were arranged in a random block design with three replicates. The results show that large quantities of silica bodies attached to the surface of EFB fibers and amounting to 0.44% soluble Si. The FFB data indicated that the application of 75% NPK + 500 kg composted EFB + 2 L BioSilAc/ha/year on a five-year-old plant resulted in higher yield than that obtained from 100% standard dosage of NPK. The study also revealed that the application of EFB compost reduced 50% of BioSilAc dosage.

Dietary high calories from sunflower oil, sucrose and fructose sources alters lipogenic genes expression levels in liver and skeletal muscle in rats

Introduction and ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to investigate the underlying mechanism of PPARα, LXRα, ChREBP, and SREBP-1c at the level of gene and protein expression with high-energy diets in liver and skeletal muscle. Materials and methodsMetabolic changes with consumption of high fat (Hfat), high sucrose (Hsuc) and high fructose (Hfru) diets were assessed. Levels of mRNA and protein of PPARα, LXRα, ChREBP, and SREBP-1c were investigated. Body weight changes, histological structure of liver and plasma levels of some parameters were also examined. ResultsIn Hfru group, body weights were higher than other groups (P<0.05). In liver, LXRα levels of Hsuc and Hfru groups were upregulated as 1.87±0.30 (P<0.05) and 2.01±0.29 (P<0.01). SREBP-1c levels were upregulated as 4.52±1.25 (P<0.05); 4.05±1.11 (P<0.05) and 3.85±1.04 (P<0.05) in Hfat, Hsuc, and Hfru groups, respectively. In skeletal muscle, LXRα and SREBP-1c were upregulated as 1.77±0.30 (P<0.05) and 2.71±0.56 (P<0.05), in the Hfru group. Protein levels of ChREBP (33.92±8.84ng/mg protein (P<0.05)) and SREBP-1c (135.16±15.57ng/mg protein (P<0.001)) in liver were higher in Hfru group. In skeletal muscle, LXRα, ChREBP and SREBP-1c in Hfru group were 6.67±0.60, 7.11±1.29 and 43.17±6.37ng/mg, respectively (P<0.05; P<0.01; P<0.05). The rats in Hfru group had the most damaged livers. ConclusionBesides liver, fructose consumption significantly effects skeletal muscle and leads to weight gain, triggers lipogenesis and metabolic disorders.

Dietary N-Carbamylglutamate (NCG) alleviates liver metabolic disease and hepatocyte apoptosis by suppressing ERK1/2-mTOR-S6K1 signal pathway via promoting endogenous arginine synthesis in Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus)

N-Carbamylglutamate (NCG), an analogue of N-acetylglutamate (NAG), can promote the synthesis of endogenous Arginine (Arg) in mammals, but not well studied in fish. This study was conducted to investigate the capacity of Arg endogenous synthesis by NCG, and the effects of various dietary NCG doses on growth performance, hepatic health and underlying nutrient regulation metabolism on ERK1/2-mTOR-S6K1 signaling pathway in Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus). Four experimental diets were prepared with NCG supplement levels of 0 (N0), 360 (N360), 720 (N720) and 3600 (N3600) mg/kg, in which N360 was at the maximum recommended level authorized by MOA, China in fish feed, and the N720 and N3600 levels were 2 and 10-fold of N360, respectively. Each diet was fed to 6 replicates with 30 Japanese seabass (initial body weight, IBW = 11.67 ± 0.02 g) in each tank. The results showed that the dietary NCG supplementation had no significant effects on the SGR and morphometric parameters of Japanese seabass, but 360–720 mg/kg NCG inclusion promoted PPV, while the 10-fold (3600 mg/kg) overdose of NCG had remarkably negative effects with significantly reduced feed efficiency, PPV and LPV. We found that Japanese seabass can utilize 360–720 mg/kg NCG to synthesis Arg to improve the amino acid metabolism by increasing plasma Arg and up-regulating intestinal ASL gene expression. Increased plasma GST and decreased MDA indicated the improved antioxidant response. Dietary NCG inclusion decreased plasma IgM and down-regulated the mRNA levels of inflammation (TNF-α and IL8), apoptosis (caspase family) and fibrosis (TGF-β1) related genes in the liver. The immunofluorescence examination revealed significantly decreased hepatic apoptosis and necrosis signals in the NCG groups. The ameliorated liver function and histological structure were closely related to the improved lipid metabolism parameters with decreased plasma VLDL and hepatic TG and NEFA accumulation, down-regulated fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and simultaneously increased lipolysis gene mRNA levels, which regulated by inhibiting phosphorylation of ERK1/2-mTOR-S6K1 signaling pathway. Consuming 3600 mg/kg of dietary NCG is not safe for Japanese seabass culturing with the significantly increased FCR and decreased protein and lipid retention, and reduced plasma ALB. Accordingly, the observed efficacy and safety level of dietary NCG in the diet of Japanese seabass is 720 mg/kg.

Liver histological structure of rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the lactation period after supplemented with organic quail eggs

Lactation period requires more nutrients and energy to meet the needs of lactating rats and pups. Increased energy and nutrient requirements during lactation have an effect on increasing metabolic rate as well. Lactation energy deficiency may affect the histology of the liver. This study was conducted to examine and analyze the effect organic quail eggs supplementation on hepatocytes diameter, hepatic lobules diameter, liver weight, and body weight in the lactating test animal. This study used 20 females Wistar rats consisted of 5 treatments with 4 replications. The treatment of this study consisted of T0: control rat; T1: rat supplemented with commercial quail eggs; T2: rat supplemented with standard organic quail eggs; T3: rat supplemented with organic quail eggs contained cassava leaves, mackerel, and turmeric powder; and T4: rat supplemented with organic quail eggs contained cassava leaves, seaweed, and turmeric powder. This research used Completely Randomized Design. The variables measured in this study were hepatocytes diameter, hepatic lobules diameter, liver weight, and body weight in the test animal. The obtained data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance level and continued with Duncan test with 5% significance level if there is a significant difference. The result of data analysis showed that supplementation of organic quail eggs give the significant difference in hepatocytes diameter and hepatic lobules diameter, but had no significant difference in liver weight and body weight so that it can be concluded that quail eggs supplementation in the lactation period affects rats’ liver histological structure.

Combination of Caffeine and Liver Albumin Plus Protects against Smoking-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Background: A number of studies have revealed the hepatoprotective effect of coffee and tea. However, the role of caffeine on smoking-induced liver injury is not well elucidated. Liver Albumin Plus (LAP) is a liver supplement given in different liver diseases; to our knowledge, its role in smoking-induced liver injury is not clear. Objectives: This study aimed to find out the protective effect of caffeine and LAP alone and in combination in attenuation of smoking-induced liver injury. Methods: Thirty male albino rats were divided into a control group and a smoking group; the smoking group was then subdivided into a smoking group, a smoking + caffeine group, a smoking + LAP group, and a smoking + caffeine + LAP group. At the end of the experimental study, blood samples were collected for assessment of liver enzymes, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and interleukin 6, and livers were excised. Biochemical analysis of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) as well as histological examination were done. Results: The results showed that smoking elevated liver enzymes, AFP, H₂O₂, and HIF and decreased SOD; histologically, deterioration of the liver was observed. On administration of caffeine, significant (p < 0.05) improvement in all measured parameters and preserved liver histological structure were observed, while intake of LAP alone showed some improvement. In combination, all liver parameters were improved and histological structure was preserved in contrast to each drug alone. Conclusion: It is better to give a combination of caffeine and LAP with cigarettes smoking to attenuate smoking-induced liver injury.