Increase In Aspartate Aminotransferase Activity Research Articles

GM2 Gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs Disease), type I, Infantile Form: Clinical Case

Background. GM2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs disease, variant B, type I) is an orphan disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. It develops due to gangliosides accumulation in tissues and organs. The description of clinical case of GM2 gangliosidosis in the patient originating from the Buryat nationality has been presented for the first time. Clinical case description. Girl, 1 year 4 months old, parents — Buryats. There were the following complaints at their admission to the neurology department: lack of movement in the limbs, the child has stopped turning over, became lethargic, slowly ate supplemental feeding. Biochemical blood test has shown increased aspartate aminotransferase activity by 6 times from normal upper limit. α-galactosidase, α-glucosidase, β-D-glucosidase, sphingomyelinase, galactocerebrosidase, and α-iduronidase activities were within the reference levels. Sanger sequencing has revealed the nucleotide variant chr15:72346680G>A (GRCh38) in homozygous state in the HEXA gene. The diagnosis has been established: “GM2 gangliosidosis, type I, infantile form”. Conclusion. GM2 gangliosidosis is a rare disease, especially among Asian populations. Moreover, GM2 gangliosidosis is inherited in autosomal recessive way, thus, two children in the described family had the disease (the first child was assumed to have the disease according to the clinical signs)

Study of the Effect of Cadmium Chloride on Some Marker Liver Enzymes of Experimental Animals

Introduction. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most powerful and dangerous pollutants. Cd exposure is associated with multiple organ damage in both animals and humans. The mechanism of Cd toxicity is the disruption of the body’s antioxidant system (AOS), which leads to transformation of the functional integrity of the liver. The extent of target organ damage can be examined by measuring concentrations of key indicators of hepatocellular injury. The purpose of the work is to evaluate changes in the activity of enzyme markers of hepatotoxicity in the blood serum of laboratory animals after oral exposure to an aqueous solution of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) under the conditions of a subchronic experimental model with a period of remission. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 40 white outbred rats. Animals of three experimental groups were intragastrically administered a pollutant in various dosages for 3 months. The duration of the remission stage was 1 month. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined in the blood serum of animals. Results. When CdCl2 was administered to animals at a dose of 1 μg/kg, an increase in AST activity was observed by 45.9% relative to the control (p=0.006). An increase in the concentration of ALT and LDH is shown. A dose-dependent decrease in the level of alkaline phosphatase was revealed in three groups of animals by 24.7%, 37.5% and 55.4%, respectively (p=0.002). The noted trends indicate pathological processes occurring in hepatocytes. Conclusion. In the course of this study, it was found that under the conditions of a subchronic model of the experiment with a period of remission, cadmium, having a pronounced hepatoxic effect, induces liver damage in experimental animals.

Dietary L-carnitine supplementation for heat stressed juvenile pearl gentian grouper(Epinephelusllanolatus (Epinephelus♂×Epinephelusfuscoguttatus♀): Effects on the antioxidant enzyme, survival, and gene expression

The effects of increasing dietary inclusion levels of L-carnitine at 0 (control group) 200, 400, 600, 1200, 1400, and 1600 mg/kg were evaluated in juvenile hybrid groupers exposed to heat shock stress. The feeding trial was conducted for eight weeks. After the feeding trial, hybrid groupers were subjected to a heat stress test for an hour at a temperature of 36 °C to determine the influence of the treatments on survival, biochemical parameters, and gene expression. The results of the current study showed that the survival rate of hybrid grouper was low in fish fed the control diet. A large number of survivors were observed in the treatment group with 400 mg/kg L-carnitine supplementation (LC 400), obtaining the highest survival rate. Heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) the activities of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in the control group but was increased in fish fed the LC 400 diet. Additionally, in the LC 400 treatment, malondialdehyde content decreased considerably (P < 0.05) compared to LC0. Hybrid grouper exposed to a high temperature of 36 °C for 1 h without L-carnitine (LC0, control group) supplementation showed the most increased Aspartate Aminotransferase activity (2.04 U L−1). Additionally, the LC 400 group reached the maximal value for the expressions of genes in the PPARs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) signaling pathway, which showed a tendency of downregulation and, subsequently, up-regulation. The gene expression of FAS (fatty acid synthase) was discovered upstream and downstream (P < 0.05). The lowest mRNA level was found in the lowest L-carnitine supplementation treatment (200 mg/kg). A CPT-1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase) that controls fatty acid oxidation showed upstream and downstream activity in response to increasing doses of L-carnitine supplementation. Our findings showed that dietary supplementation with L-carnitine 400 mg/kg reduced heat stress-related mortality and oxidative damage by enhancing the survival and oxidative enzymes of grouper, which provides a nutritional method of minimizing the consequences of heat exposure.

Biochemical parameters of blood in cats with cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism and acute heart failure

Investigating the impact of vascular blockage on blood biochemical parameters, particularly in the context of acute heart failure, is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of arterial thromboembolism in animals. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of vascular occlusion on the biochemical parameters of blood in cats with cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism. The study involved 12 cats and formed two groups: the first – animals with acute heart failure and the second – animals with arterial thromboembolism. Anamnesis data were collected for experimental animals, clinical examination, echocardiography, and biochemical examination of blood samples were performed. The activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, the concentration of glucose, creatinine, urea, potassium, calcium, total and inorganic phosphorus were determined spectrophotometrically in blood serum. It was found that in cats with acute heart failure, the average value of serum aspartate aminotransferase activity increased by 2.8 times, and the creatinine concentration by 1.9 times compared to the upper limit of reference values. This indicates functional changes in the myocardium and kidneys in this pathology. In cats affected by arterial thromboembolism, the blood serum shows a significant elevation in various biochemical parameters compared to the upper limit of the corresponding reference intervals. Specifically, there is a 4.4-fold increase in alanine aminotransferase activity, a 4.3-fold increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity, a 1.4- fold increase in glucose concentration, a 1.8-fold increase in creatinine levels, a 2.0-fold increase in urea levels, and a 1.3-fold increase in inorganic phosphorus levels. The changes in biochemical parameters for feline thromboembolism may be a consequence of functional renal failure, ischemia, and muscle necrosis. Moreover, it was established that in most cats with acute heart failure, the urinary system is primarily affected, and with arterial thromboembolism, changes in muscle tissue also occur. The results obtained are of practical value for veterinary doctors when choosing a therapeutic strategy and prescribing additional diagnostic examinations

Trace elements content in the hair of patients at the maxillofacial surgery department

Relevance. The urgency of the problem of traumatism is constantly increasing, which is associated with an increase in road accidents, an increase in the number of interpersonal conflicts, the availability of firearms and cold steel weapon, etc. In addition, the proportion of victims with injuries of the maxillofacial region in a state of alcoholic intoxication is constantly growing. The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of trace elements in hospitalized patients with maxillofacial trauma, intoxicated, acute traumatic stress and the study of the effect of trauma on the balance of trace elements in patients of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery with various alcohol history. Materials and Methods. The study involved 30 male patients of the department of maxillofacial surgery of the Moscow city clinical F.I. Inozemtseva hospital located in the city of Moscow. All patients were joined to the department for trauma of the maxillofacial tract and were divided into two groups: 15 of them regularly took alcohol and were in a state of alcoholic intoxication at the time of injury (group 1), 15 - without alcohol history (comparison group 2). All patients carried a general clinical blood test, a biochemical blood test, and the content of essential and conditionally essential elements in the hair were also determined. Results and Discussion. As a result, significant differences were revealed in the content of micro elements between the groups of patients: the content of copper (p = 0.013) and zinc (p = 0.000) in the hair examined of the first group was 1.4 lower than in the comparison group 2. The manganese content (p = 0.05), on the contrary, was also increased by 1.4 times in the hair of group 1 patients. Besides, leukocytosis was detected in the blood in patients with a history of alcohol and an increase in AST levels. Conclusion. The study showed an increase in the content of manganese and a decrease in the content of selenium, zinc and copper in the hair of patients with an alcoholic history. Diselementosis was accompanied by a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity, as well as leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. Such an imbalance of chemical elements, together with a changes of peripheral blood and an increase in the activity of ASaT, can be reflected on the period the timing and peculiarities of the course of the reparative process.

Trace elements content in the hair of patients at the maxillofacial surgery department

Relevance. The urgency of the problem of traumatism is constantly increasing, which is associated with an increase in road accidents, an increase in the number of interpersonal conflicts, the availability of firearms and cold steel weapon, etc. In addition, the proportion of victims with injuries of the maxillofacial region in a state of alcoholic intoxication is constantly growing. The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of trace elements in hospitalized patients with maxillofacial trauma, intoxicated, acute traumatic stress and the study of the effect of trauma on the balance of trace elements in patients of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery with various alcohol history. Materials and Methods. The study involved 30 male patients of the department of maxillofacial surgery of the Moscow city clinical F.I. Inozemtseva hospital located in the city of Moscow. All patients were joined to the department for trauma of the maxillofacial tract and were divided into two groups: 15 of them regularly took alcohol and were in a state of alcoholic intoxication at the time of injury (group 1), 15 - without alcohol history (comparison group 2). All patients carried a general clinical blood test, a biochemical blood test, and the content of essential and conditionally essential elements in the hair were also determined. Results and Discussion. As a result, significant differences were revealed in the content of micro elements between the groups of patients: the content of copper (p = 0.013) and zinc (p = 0.000) in the hair examined of the first group was 1.4 lower than in the comparison group 2. The manganese content (p = 0.05), on the contrary, was also increased by 1.4 times in the hair of group 1 patients. Besides, leukocytosis was detected in the blood in patients with a history of alcohol and an increase in AST levels. Conclusion. The study showed an increase in the content of manganese and a decrease in the content of selenium, zinc and copper in the hair of patients with an alcoholic history. Diselementosis was accompanied by a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity, as well as leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. Such an imbalance of chemical elements, together with a changes of peripheral blood and an increase in the activity of ASaT, can be reflected on the period the timing and peculiarities of the course of the reparative process.

Assessing the Chronic Poisoning of White Mice Affected by Mospilan RP and Actara 25 WG

Neonicotinoids are a relatively small group of organic compounds that are widely used in crop production as insecticides. They are highly toxic to insects, and much less toxic to mammals, including humans. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic toxicity of insecticides from the group of neonicotinoids Mospilan RP (active substance acetamiprid) and Actara 25 WG (active substance thiamethoxam) on white mice. The chronic toxicity was induced by daily internal introduction of Mospilan RP and Actara 25 WG to mice for 30 days at the doses of 1/10 of Median Lethal Dose reported as 65 and 363 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. The affected mice showed thrombocytosis, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and lymphocytopenia. Blood plasma hyperproteinemia in mice treated with Mospilan RP and Actara 25 WG was characterized by an increase in globulins content by almost 30.0% in both groups. In Mospilan RP and Actara 25 WG treated groups, there was a reduction in urea content by 43.6% and 31.5%, respectively, an increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity by 80% and 60.0%, and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase by 80% and almost 400%, respectively. Compared to the control group, the activity of alanine aminotransferase increased to 23.0% only in mice that were given Mospilan RP but not in mice that were given Actara 25 WG.

A retrospective evaluation of eastern coral snake envenomation and antivenom administration in cats: 30 cases (2012–2019)

Thirty cats were identified to be have been suspected to have a potential coral snake envenomation after searching medical records from 2012 to 2019 at a university teaching hospital. The records were reviewed and evaluated for signalment, date and time of the snake encounter, elapsed time between encounter and hospital examination, presenting complaint, initial physical examination findings, initial laboratory findings, antivenom dose and duration of administration, adverse reactions to antivenom, additional treatments administered, progression of clinical signs, length of hospitalization, and outcome. Thirteen cats presented with clinical signs consistent with envenomation while 17 cats were treated for possible asymptomatic envenomation, as defined by the owner discovering a live or dead coral snake in their home or on their property. Initial physical examination findings included tachypnea with short shallow breaths and use of accessory muscles; tetraparesis with normal or decreased to absent spinal reflexes; cranial nerve deficits including decreased to absent gag, slow pupillary light reflexes, and absent physiologic nystagmus; and normal or altered mentation. Laboratory findings included hypercapnia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, increased aspartate aminotransferase activity, increased alanine aminotransferase activity, echinocytosis, leukocytosis, azotemia, and hyperlactatemia. Twenty-eight cats received antivenom; two cats received two vials while twenty-six cats received one vial. Antivenom reaction was suspected in one cat that developed facial swelling during administration of the drug. Average length of hospitalization was 1 day for cats without clinical signs and 3 days for cats with clinical signs. Twenty-nine cats survived to discharge. Due to the inclusion criteria of the study, cats euthanized on presentation or discharged without receiving antivenom may have been unintentionally excluded from the study.Diagnosis of eastern coral snake envenomation should be suspected in the cat that has acute onset of lower motor neuron neuropathy. Prognosis with treatment is considered good with 97% of cats surviving to discharge. Antivenom reaction occurred in 3.5% of administrations with none being fatal. Monitoring of hypercapnia was critical in making the decision to mechanically ventilate patients. Supportive care that includes antivenom administration, recumbency care, and mechanical ventilation if needed are the mainstays of therapy.

Metabolic processes in the organism of animals under the action of plant extract

The possibility of increasing metabolism and resistance in an organism of animals under the influence of biologically active substances of natural origin is considered in the paper. In the current study, we investigated the effect of 40% ethanolic extract of common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) on hematologic indexes (hemoglobin concentration, erythrocytes and leukocytes content), protein metabolism (total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase activities (ALT)), glutathione metabolism (peroxidase (GP), glutathione reductase (GR) and reduced glutathione content (GSH)), antioxidant defense systems (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)), and indicators of free radical processes (lipid hydroperoxidation products (LHP), TBA-active products and carbonyl groups of protein (CP)) in the blood and tissues of normal and adrenalin-stressed rats. White Wistar rats (male) with body weight 180–200 g were used in the experiments. The animals were divided into 4 groups (control and 3 experimental), each containing 7 animals. The animals of experimental groups D2 and D3 received 40% ethanolic extract of common nettle in a dose of 5 mL/kg of body weight during 4 weeks. After 29 days of the experiment, the animals of D1 and D3 groups were intramuscularly administered 0.1% solution of adrenaline hydrochloride at a dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight. One day after the administration of adrenaline, the animals were decapitated under ether anesthesia. The objects of the study were blood and homogenates of liver, heart, and kidneys of the rats. Our results have shown that adrenaline stress causes a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin, LHP, SOD activity and increase in activities of AST, GP, GR, and GSH content in the blood of rats. Stress induced by adrenaline was accompanied by decrease in CP content, activities of SOD, CAT, and increase in the glutathione chain of antioxidant defense system in the liver of the animals while in the heart and kidneys, there was an increase in oxidative stress parameters and decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GP, GR). The administration of ethanolic extract of nettle caused an increase within the physiological range in the erythrocytes and leucocytes content, hemoglobin concentration, and normalization of protein metabolism (decrease in the activity of AST and increase in protein concentration) in the blood of the stressed rats. The activation of the antioxidant defense system (increase in activities of SOD, GP, CAT, GR) and inhibition of free radical processes (decrease in concentration of LHP, TBA-active products and CP) was observed in the tissues of animals of D2 and D3 groups. Our results suggested that using a complex of biologically active substances of the common nettle ethanolic extract prevents metabolic disorders and stresses of different etiology through the activation of the antioxidant defense system, the normalization of protein metabolism and stimulation of hematopoiesis both in normal and stressed rats.

Effect of pesticide exposure on total antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters in Brazilian soybean farmers

Farmers represent a population highly vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticide exposure. Antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters have been used as biomarkers of occupational exposure to pesticides. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic and renal parameters as well as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) considering high and low exposure periods in soybean farmers in southern Brazil. The exposed group consisted of 50 soybean farmers. Two control groups were used, composed by 35 (Novo Hamburgo control group) and 28 (Sertão control group) subjects not exposed to pesticides. Farmers blood samples were collected during the high and low pesticide exposure periods. BChE, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), urea, and creatinine levels were determined. The FRAP assay was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential in the exposed group. Considering the exposed group, significantly lower BChE and increased AST activity were observed during high pesticide exposure period as well as higher FRAP, urea and creatinine levels; however, ALT and GGT did not differ between the two periods. When compared with the control groups, only urea and creatinine were higher in the exposed group. The present results indicate that occupational exposure to mixtures of pesticides might elicit adverse effects at the biochemical level. In addition, the study highlights the importance in considering periods of a same crop season with different degree of pesticide exposure during biologic monitoring of these biochemical parameters.

Protective effect of resveratrol against hepatic damage induced by heat stress in a rat model is associated with the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Heat stress jeopardizes humans and animals health, and results in enormous economic loss in public health care and livestock production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in heat-stressed rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally fed with 100 mg resveratrol/kg body weight/day prior to heat stress (40 ∘C per day for 1.5 h) exposure for 3 consecutive days. Serum and liver samples were collected for the analysis of hepatic injury, redox status and immune response. The results showed that the heat-stress-induced increased aspartate aminotransferase activities in the serum, aberrant hepatic histology, excessive hepatic malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor alpha concentrations, and up-regulation of heat shock protein 70, superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione peroxidase 1, toll-like receptor 4 and interleukin 10 mRNA expression in the liver were mitigated by oral resveratrol treatment. Collectively, the beneficial effects of resveratrol on hepatic damage induced by heat stress were associated with the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Biochemical effect of low metabolic calories diets on experimentally induced obesity on rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of weight loss diets in experimental obesity. Forty –five male albino rats, 6-8 weeks old, were randomly assigned into four groups: Group 1 (Control normal group) : Comprised 10 rats, provided only with regular diet and plenty of fresh. Group 2 ( Control obese group with 75 calories diet) : Included 10 rats ,was received a high fat diet for 4 weeks period then each rat was fed daily with 75 calories diet for 8weeks .Group 3 (Obese group with 60 calories diet): Included 10 rats ,was received a high fat diet for 4 weeks period then each rat was fed daily with 80% calories of the Control obese diet for 8weeks (60 calories diet) .Group 4 (Obese group with 45 calories diet) : Included 10 rats ,was received a high fat diet for 4 weeks period then each rat was fed daily with 60% calories of the Control obese diet for 8weeks (45 calories diet).Blood samples were collected after 8 and 12weeks of supplementation for biochemical analysis. As compared to the control normal group, control obese group exhibited a significant decrease in serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), transferrin and total iron bending capacity(TIBC), along with increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol ,plasma triacylglycerol, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-c), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c),sodium ,calcium , iron concentration and Plasma ferritin concentration. Meanwhile , the obese group provided with 60 calories diet exhibited a significant decrease in AST activity, total protein, albumin , urea, creatinine, total cholesterol , triacylglycerol ,VLDL-c, LDL-c, sodium ,calcium , iron concentration and ferritin along with increase in HDL-c, transferrin and TIBC when compared with obese group. However, the obese group provided with 45 calories diet, exhibited a significant decrease in total protein concentration, albumin, T. cholesterol, triacylglycerol, VLDL-c, LDL-c, sodium, calcium, iron concentration and ferritin along with increase in AST activity, urea, creatinine, HDL, transferrin and TIBC, when compared with obese group. In conclusion, Low calorie diet reduces calorie intake without incurring malnutrition or a reduction in essential nutrients compared with very low-calorie diet.

Detection of endotoxin in plasma of hospitalized diarrheic calves.

To investigate whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is present in plasma of calves with naturally occurring diarrhea. The second objective was to determine whether plasma [LPS] correlates with clinical, hematological, biochemical, and acid-base variables, and whether [LPS] differs between surviving and nonsurviving diarrheic calves. Prospective observational study (January 2012-May 2014). Veterinary teaching hospital. Thirty-four calves <28 days old admitted for diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea and 30 healthy control calves. Admission demographics, physical examination, blood gas, biochemistry analysis, and outcome data were recorded. Plasma concentration of LPS was determined using a bovine LPS ELISA assay. Plasma [LPS] was detected in both healthy and diarrheic calves. Plasma [LPS] was significantly higher in diarrheic than healthy calves (median: 0.99ng/mL; Interquartile range (IQR): 0.068, vs 0.88ng/mL; 0.065ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Plasma [LPS] was higher in nonsurviving (1.04ng/mL; 0.07ng/mL) than in surviving calves (0.98ng/mL; 0.022ng/mL; P < 0.001). Plasma [LPS] was higher in beef (1.07ng/mL; 0.182ng/mL) than in dairy diarrheic calves (0.99ng/mL; 0.022ng/mL; P < 0.001). In diarrheic calves, plasma [LPS] correlated with [l-lactate] (r2 = 0.496; P = 0.002); hypoglycemia (r2 = -0.453; P = 0.007); increased unmeasured strong ions (r2 = 0.332; P = 0.050), [Mg2+ ] (r2 = 0.475; P = 0.004), and [phosphate] (r2 = 0.468; P = 0.005), and increased aspartate aminotransferase activity (r2 = 0.348; P = 0.003). This study highlights a potential role of LPS in the pathogenesis of metabolic derangements such as hyperlactatemia, hypoglycemia, and increased concentration of unmeasured strong anions in diarrheic calves. Further investigation evaluating the effect of LPS on l-lactate and glucose metabolism in diarrheic calves is warranted.

Biochemical and Histological Effects of Glyphosate on the Liver of Cyprinus carpio (Linn.)

Glyphosate is an active ingredient of Roundup®, a herbicide which is extensively used for agricultural applications and control of vegetation in non-crop areas often leading to its runoff from sites of application into water bodies posing serious threat to non-target species including fish. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the biochemical and histopathological effects of glyphosate on the liver of freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio (Linn.) after calculating the 96 h LC50 of glyphosate (Roundup®41% SL) which was 3.260 ppm. The fish fingerlings having mean wt. 3g ±0.5 and mean length 5.5cm ±0.35 were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of glyphosate i.e. 25% of LC50 (T1) and 50% of LC50 (T2) for a period of 28 days. Total soluble proteins, lipids and enzymatic activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were recorded at weekly intervals and significant (p>0.05) decrease in protein and lipid content of the liver was continually observed till the termination of the experiment. However, the enzymatic activities of AST and ALT in liver showed a significant (p<0.05) increase with increasing concentrations of glyphosate and duration of exposure. The histo-morphology of liver in fish exposed to glyphosate exhibited vacuolation of hepatocytes, pyknotic nuclei, degeneration of cytoplasm, and infiltration of leukocytes, necrosis and severe vasodilation in the treatments. The severity of biochemical and histological alterations was more pronounced in T2 after 28 days of exposure. The increase in activities of AST and ALT and the decrease in protein and lipid content of the liver following exposure of fish to the herbicide suggest enhanced protein catabolism, hepatocellular damage and increased utilization of energy stores to compensate for higher energy demands during stress. This indicates that the above said herbicide causes potential harm to the aquatic life.

Effect of gender and exercise on haematological and biochemical parameters in Holsteiner horses

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of exercise of average intensity in the haematological and biochemical values, as well as acidic resistance of erythrocytes in mares and stallions of Holsteiner breed. A total of seventeen horses of Holstein breed (seven mares and 10 stallions aged 6years) were used in this study. The blood samples were assessed for haematocrit (HCT) value, haemoglobin concentration (HGB), the amount of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), leucogram, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as oxidative stress biomarkers were analysed. Stallions showed a significant increase in leucocytes and granulocytes amount, as well as erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels after exercise test. Pre-exercise level of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was higher in stallions. At the same time, mares showed significant decrease in platelet volume after exercise test. Physical effort in stallions leads to significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity. Trained mares and stallions showed a decrease in lipid peroxidation after exercise. Exercise also caused increase in oxidative modified protein of erythrocytes in stallions indicating by exercise-induced oxidative stress. The resistance of erythrocytes in 0.1m HCl was similar between females and males. No statistically significant differences in the percentage of haemolysed erythrocytes before and after exercise were observed.

Blood biochemical indicators and concentration of thyroid hormones in heavily pregnant and lactating ewes depending on selenium supplementation

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of dietary selenium supplementation (organic and inorganic) on the biochemical indices and thyroid hormone concentration in the blood of heavily pregnant and lactating ewes. Research was conducted on 30 pregnant ewes of the Merinolandschaf breed divided into 3 groups, and lasted for four months (two months on ewes in late pregnancy and two months on ewes during lactation). The first group was given a basal diet without the addition of selenium. The feed mixture of group 2 was supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of organic sources of selenium, and group 3 with the same amount of inorganic sources of selenium. In lactating ewes, organic and inorganic selenium lead to a significant (P&lt; 0.05;P&lt; 0.01) increase in urea concentration. At the same time, in lactating ewes inorganic selenium had a significant decreasing effect (P&lt; 0.05;P&lt; 0.01) on cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides. Organic selenium in heavily pregnant ewes significantly (P&lt; 0.01) increased aspartate aminotransferase activity in comparison to group 1 and 3. In lactating ewes significant (P&lt; 0.05) differences in aspartate aminotransferase activity were determined between groups 2 and 3. With selenium supplementation a significant (P&lt; 0.01;P&lt; 0.05) increase concentration of Se was determined (for heavily pregnant and lactating ewes, respectively), as well as Na, Cl, Fe (lactating ewes), and a decrease of K (high pregnant ewes). Organic selenium had an effect on the increase of triiodothyronine in lactating ewes. We can conclude that selenium supplementation contributes to good health and condition of ewes in the demanding period of lactation.

Hepatic Parameters of Marine Fish Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) Exposed to Sublethal Concentrations of Water-Soluble Fraction of Petroleum

Hepatic Parameters of Marine Fish Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus, 1766) Exposed to Sublethal Concentrations of Water-Soluble Fraction of Petroleum The aim of this paper was to evaluate the liver histological changes, hepatosomatic index and condition factor, as well as the activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase after sublethal exposure 0.3 ppm of water-soluble fraction (WSF) of petroleum the period from 7 and 14 days. Observed an increase of hepatosomatic index after 7 and 14 days and reduced condition factor at 14 days of exposure, increased AST activity in serum at 14 days of exposure and liver histological alterations in 7 and 14 days, such as hypertrophy of nucleus of the hepatocytes, increase of density of the hepatic blood vessels, disarrangement of hepatic cords, cell atypia contour, intense cytoplasmic and nuclear vacuolization and hyperemia. We concluded that the evaluation of hepatosomatic index, histopathological alterations and activity of enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are sensitive to exposure to WSF, being good biomarkers. It is concluded, also, that the sub-lethal exposure to 0.3ppm WSF change of hepatic parameters of the fish species Rachycentron canadum, affecting the functioning of the biotransformation system. Knowledge of the changes and their adaptations will serve as the basis for the conservation of the species and more effective environmental monitoring

Depletion of cellular adenosine triphosphate and hepatocellular damage in rat after subchronic exposure to leachate from anthropogenic recycling site.

One of the major hazards arising from recycling sites is the generation of leachate containing mixed metal. This study evaluated the toxic effects of leachate obtained from Elewi Odo municipal auto-battery recycling site (EOMABRSL) on male liver functions using hepatic indices and biomarker of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in rat via the oral route. Concentrations of heavy metals analysis showed that lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, manganese, and iron were 1.5-, 2-, 2.5-, 1.36-, 19.61-, and 8.89-folds, respectively, higher than acceptable limits set by regulatory authority World Health Organization. Copper, zinc, and cobalt were 5.9-, 300-, and 1.02-folds, respectively, lower than permissible limits. The EOMABRSL was administered at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% concentrations to adult male rats for 60 days. Following exposure, plasma and livers were collected for several biochemistry assays. Exposure of animals to EOMABRSL resulted in 27.51, 28.14, 63.93, 28.42, and 40.16% increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity, whereas it elevated alanine aminotransferase activity by 5.35, 22.33, 88.68, 183.02, and 193.08%, respectively, when compared with the control. Similarly, γ-glutamyl transferase activity increased by 111.22, 114.19, 122.96, 573.14, and 437.02%, respectively, when compared with the control. EOMABRSL administration significantly decreased catalase activity and reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase with concomitant increase in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels. Also, significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (marker of cellular ATP) was observed. Taken together, the hepatotoxicity of EOMABRSL could be due to the depletion of LDH and induction of oxidative damage, which may suggest possible health hazards in subjects with occupational or environmental exposure.

Aspartate aminotransferase activity in the pulp of teeth treated for 6 months with fixed orthodontic appliances.

ObjectiveTo measure aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the pulp of teeth treated with fixed appliances for 6 months, and compare it with AST activity measured in untreated teeth.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 16 healthy subjects (mean age 25.7 ± 4.3 years) who required the extraction of maxillary premolars for orthodontic reasons. Of these, 6 individuals had a total of 11 sound teeth extracted without any orthodontic treatment (the control group), and 10 individuals had a total of 20 sound teeth extracted after 6 months of orthodontic alignment (the experimental group). Dental pulp samples were extracted from all control and experimental teeth, and the AST activity exhibited by these samples was determined spectrophotometrically at 20℃.ResultsMean AST values were 25.29 × 10-5 U/mg (standard deviation [SD] 9.95) in the control group and 27.54 × 10-5 U/mg (SD 31.81) in the experimental group. The difference between these means was not statistically significantly (p = 0.778), and the distribution of the AST values was also similar in both groups.ConclusionsNo statistically significant increase in AST activity in the pulp of mechanically loaded teeth was detected after 6 months of orthodontic alignment, as compared to that of teeth extracted from individuals who had not undergone orthodontic treatment. This suggests that time-related regenerative processes occur in the dental pulp.

Relationship of hepatotoxicity and the target tissue dose of decabrominated diphenyl ether in subacutely exposed Wistar rats

Based on numerous studies in animals, the most prominent toxic effects of decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) are observed in the liver, thyroid hormone homeostasis, reproductive and nervous systems. BDE-209 exhibits its toxic effects partly through the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor and consequent induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. The aim of this study was to assess the hepatotoxic effect vs target tissue dose of BDE-209 in the subacutely orally exposed Wistar rats. Effects were examined on male Wistar rats, weighing 200-240 g, exposed to doses of 1;000, 2,000 or 4,000 mg BDE-209/kg body weight (bw)/day by gavage during 28 days. Animals were treated according to the decision of the Ethics Committee of the Military Medical Academy, No 9667-1/2011. Evaluation of the hepatotoxic effect was based on: relative liver weight water and food intake, biochemical parameters of liver function [aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gama glutamyl transferase (γ-GT)], and oxidative stress parameters in liver homogenates [malondialdehiyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), -SH] and morphological and pathohistological changes in the liver. For the assessment of internal dose-response relationship, lower confidence limit of Benchmark dose (BMDL) of 5% or 10% i.e. BMDL5 or BMDL10, were calculated using PROAST software. After the application of 1,000,2,000 or 4,000 mg BDE-209/kg bw/day, the concentrations of BDE-209 measured in liver were 0.269, 0.569 and 0.859 mg/kg of liver wet weight, (ww) respectively. Internal doses correlated with external (r = 0.972; p < 0.05) according to equation: internal dose (mg BDE-209/kg of liver ww) = 0.0002 x external dose (mg/kg bw/day) + 0.0622. Hepatotoxicity was demonstrated based on significant increase in AST and γ-GT activities and the degree of histopathological changes. The lowest BMDLs of 0.07228 mg BDE-209 /kg of liver ww, correlating to external dose of 39 mg/kg/day, indicated the increase of AST activity as the most sensitive biomarker of BDE-209 hepatotoxicity in subacutely exposed rats. The results of the present work add up to the issue ofBDE-209 toxicity profile with a focus on relationship between internal dose and hepatotoxicity. Critical internal dose for the effect on AST of 0.07 mg/kg of liver ww, corresponding to external dose of 39 mg/kg/ day, is the lowest dose ever observed among the studies on BDE-209 hepatotoxicity. For the persistent substances with low absorption rate such as BDE-209, critical effect based on internal dose in majority of cases is considered as more precisely deined than the effect established based on external dose, particularly.