Liver Malondialdehyde Levels Research Articles

Hydroxytyrosol prevents PM2.5-induced adiposity and insulin resistance by restraining oxidative stress related NF-κB pathway and modulation of gut microbiota in a murine model

Exposure to fine particular matter (≤2.5 μM, PM2.5) contributes to increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a simple polyphenol found in virgin olive oil, is considered to be beneficial for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The current study determined whether HT could improve PM2.5-induced adiposity and insulin resistance (IR), and explored the underlying mechanisms. Fifteen adult female C57BL/6j mice on a chow diet were randomly divided into three groups receiving (1) sterile PBS, (2) PM2.5 suspended in sterile PBS (1 mg/mL) and (3) PM2.5+HT (50 mg/kg/day). PM2.5/PBS exposure was administered by oropharynx instillation every other day and HT supplementation was achieved by gavage every day. Four-week PM2.5 exposure did not affect body weight, but significantly increased visceral fat mass. The abdominal adiposity coincided with adipocyte hypertrophy and proliferation in visceral white adipose tissue (WAT), as well as decreased metabolic activity in brown adipose tissue and subcutaneous WAT. PM2.5 enhanced the oxidative stress by diminishing antioxidant enzyme activities in liver and serum, whereas contents of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver and serum were elevated. These changes were accompanied by macrophage infiltration and activation of NF-κB pathway in the liver. Moreover, PM2.5 exposure led to glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity, impaired hepatic glycogenesis, and decreased insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in peripheral tissues. Importantly, HT treatment prevented PM2.5-induced visceral adipogenesis, oxidative stress, hepatic inflammation and NF-κB activation, systemic and peripheral IR. In vitro, after HepG2 cells were incubated with PM2.5 (0, 5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL), reduced glutathione depletion and 4-HNE, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, MDA increment in a dose-dependent manner were observed; likewise, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Further, with antioxidant NAC and NF-κB inhibitor PDTC, we confirmed that HT attenuated PM2.5-induced IR through restraining NF-κB activation evoked by oxidative stress. In addition, HT could expand gut microbiota richness, reduce pathogenic bacteria and accommodate the microbial architecture in PM2.5-exposed mice, which were correlated with parameters of adiposity, oxidative stress and glycometabolism. HT could effectively correct imbalanced oxidative stress triggered by PM2.5, in turn ameliorated NF-κB pathway and insulin signaling. Gut microbiota may mediate the actions of HT.

Comparative and Interactive Biochemical Effects of Sub-Lethal Concentrations of Cadmium and Lead on Some Tissues of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Cadmium is a strong toxic heavy metal which presents in paints and liquid wastes and causes oxidative stress in fish. On the other hand, lead is widely used for different purposes, e.g. lead pipes, it targets vital organs such as liver and kidney causing biochemical alterations. The present study evaluates the effects of 60 days exposure to Cd and Pb either single or combined together in African catfish. Sixty-four fishes were divided into 3 groups and exposed to CdCl2 (7.02 mg/L) or PbCl2 (69.3 mg/L) or a combination of them along with control group. Activities of acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) were estimated. Moreover, gill, liver and kidney were assayed for activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and levels of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Individual exposure showed that both Cd and Pb significantly decreased LDH activity and SOD activity in the kidney. Pb significantly increased G-6-PDH activity and decreased GSH level in the gill. CAT activity in liver and kidney elevated significantly on Cd exposure while lead caused a significant depletion in the liver and significant elevation in the kidney. Both Cd and Pb significantly increased MDA levels in liver and kidney while Pb increased its level in gills. The combined exposure resulted in normalization of LDH, G-6-PDH activity, and CAT activity in liver and kidney as well as GSH level in both tissues and MDA in gill and kidney. The combination increased SOD activity and MDA level in liver and decreased SOD activity in kidney and GSH level in gills. In conclusion, the antioxidant system of African catfish was adversely affected by prolonged exposure to Cd and Pb. The combined exposure caused less damage than individual exposure and returned most parameters to those of controls.

Resveratrol attenuates malathion-induced liver damage by reducing oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND:Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide which disrupts the antioxidant system of the body. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen and antioxidant of the red grape.AIM AND OBJECTIVE:This study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol against toxic effects of malathion to the liver of rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this study, 48 male rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: control normal (saline) and malathion control-treated groups (50 mg/kg), resveratrol groups (2, 8, and 20 mg/kg), and malathion + resveratrol-treated groups (2, 8, and 20 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally daily for 14 days. Griess technique was assessed for determined serum nitrite oxide level. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were determined for liver functional disturbances. In addition, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, antioxidant capacity, the diameter of hepatocytes, and the central hepatic vein (CHV) were investigated.RESULTS:Malathion administration significantly improved liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite oxide level, the mean diameter of CHV and hepatocyte, and liver enzymes and decreased tissue ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) level compared to the normal control group (P < 0.01). The resveratrol and resveratrol + malathion treatments at all doses significantly reduced the mean diameter of hepatocyte and CHV, liver enzymes, kidney MDA, and nitrite oxide levels and increased tissue FRAP level compared to the malathion control group (P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:It seems that resveratrol administration improved liver injury induced by malathion in rats.

Liver Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: Protective Role of Artemisia Turanica.

ObjectivesOxidative stress plays a central role in diabetes-induced complications. In the present study, the protevtive effect of Artemisia turanica (A. turanica) was evaluated against diabetes-induced liver oxidative stress and dysfunction.MethodsFifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetic, diabetic + metformin, diabetic + A. turanica extract, and diabetic + A. turanica extract + metformin. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single-dose (55 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (ip)) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Metformin (300 mg/kg) and A. turanica extract (70 mg/kg) were orally administrated three days after STZ injection for four weeks. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were measured in the liver tissue. Serum glucose concentration, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were also determined.ResultsIn the diabetic group, serum glucose concentration, serum AST and ALT activities and liver MDA level were significantly higher while tissue total thiol content as well as catalase and SOD activities were lower, compared to the control group. Serum glucose in diabetic rats treated with metformin + A. turanica extract showed a significant decrease compared with the diabetic group. In all the A. turanica extract and metformin treated groups, serum ALT, tissue MDA level, total thiol content and SOD activity significantly improved compared with the diabetic rats. However, treatment of the diabetic rats only with metformin could not significantly change the activities of catalase and AST compared with the diabetic group.ConclusionThese findings suggested that A. turanica extract had a therapeutic effect on liver dysfuncyion and oxidative stress induced by diabetes, that may be probably due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects.

The Protective Effect of Sonneratia apetala Fruit Extract on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.

Acute liver injury is a common consequence of taking overdose of acetaminophen (APAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of a mangrove plant Sonneratia apetala fruit extract (SAFE) on APAP-induced liver injury in mice. Mice were orally pretreated with SAFE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) daily for one week. The control and APAP groups were intragastrically administered with distilled water, and NAC group was treated with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) before APAP exposure. The results manifested that SAFE significantly improved survival rates, attenuated hepatic histological damage, and decreased the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in serum in APAP-exposed mice. SAFE treatment also increased glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, enhanced catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver. In addition, the formation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and elevation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in APAP-exposed mice were inhibited after SAFE treatment. And SAFE also displayed high DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power in vitro. The main bioactive components of SAFE such as total phenol, flavonoid, condensed tannin, and carbohydrate were determined. The current study proved that SAFE exerted potential protective effect against APAP-induced acute liver injury, which might be associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of SAFE.

Pulicaria gnaphalodes powder in broiler diets: consequences for performance, gut health, antioxidant enzyme activity, and fatty acid profile

The search constantly continues to identify potential alternatives to the use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) in broiler production. This trial was conducted with broiler chicks to investigate the effect of different levels of Pulicaria gnaphalodes powder (PGP) in comparison with AGP, and probiotic (PRO) on growth performance, gut microflora, intestinal morphology, antioxidant enzyme activity, and fatty acid profile of meat. Ross 308 male broiler chicks (n = 576) were randomly assigned into 6 dietary treatments with 8 replicate pens per treatment and 12 birds per pen. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet as control (CON, with no additive), CON + 0.1% PGP, CON + 0.2% PGP, CON + 0.3% PGP, CON + 0.1% probiotic mixture (PRO), and CON + 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate (AGP). Higher body weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio were obtained in birds fed AGP and 0.3% PGP compared with those fed CON and 0.1% PGP during grower, finisher, and the entire study (P < 0.05). On day 42, birds on PRO, 0.2 and 0.3% PGP treatments had lower counts of Escherichia coli and higher lactobacillus spp. in ileum and cecal contents compared to the CON and 0.1% PGP (P < 0.05). Villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of the duodenum were increased (P < 0.05) in response to dietary AGP, PRO, and 0.3% PGP. The diets containing PRO and different levels of PGP increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and decreased malondialdehyde level in serum, liver, and thigh muscle (P < 0.05). Total polyunsaturated fatty acid and n-3 fatty acid of birds fed PRO and PGP diets were higher than birds in CON and AGP groups (P < 0.05). In summary, supplementation of PGP could be a potential alternative to AGP in broiler diets due to its combined positive impacts on performance, serum cholesterol, intestinal health, antioxidant activity, and fatty acid profile in meat. Such effects, however, need to be further verified under compromised health or a disease challenge condition.

Temefos’a Maruz Kalan Gökkuşağı Alabalıklarında, Antioksidan Cevaplar

In this study, rainbow trout was exposed to temephos (TE) during 96h acute toxicity conditions. The toxic compound was given in doses of 3 mg L-1 and 6 mg L-1. Furthermore, we assessment antioxidant enzymes activity (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain. CAT, SOD, GR, G6PD, and MDA in liver were demonstrated significant effects by the treatments (P&amp;lt;0.05). TE exposure resulted in the inhibition of AChE activity, which, compared with the control group, decreased in all doses (P&amp;lt;0.05). The results showed that temephos inhibited liver tissue’s enzyme activities and increased MDA levels. In the light of these data, we can say that temephos toxicity should be taken into consideration in aquatic environments.

Composición química por HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS: efectos estrogénicos y antioxidantes de extractos de Mangifera indica L. cv. “Kent” en ratas ovariectomizadas

The chemical composition of Mangifera indica L. cv. Kent leaves was determined by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Polyphenolic compounds characterized as benzophenone derivatives were the main components found in extracts (1, maclurin 3-C-(2-O-galloyl)-D-glucoside isomer; 2, maclurin 3-C---D-glucoside; 3, iriflophenone 3-C---D-glucoside; 5, maclurin 3-C-(2,3-di-O-galloyl)---D-glucoside; 6, iriflophenone 3-C-(2-O-galloyl)---D-glucoside; 7, methyl-iriflophenone 3-C-(2,6-di-O-galloyl)---D-glucoside) and xanthones (4, mangiferin and 8, 6-O-galloyl-mangiferin). The estrogenic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extracts from Mangifera indica L. cv. Kent leaves on ovariectomized rats were determined by uterotrophic assay and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in erythrocytes, bone, liver, and stomach. We conclude that the polyphenolic compounds from extracts act as exogenous antioxidant agents against oxidative damage in ovariectomized rats.

Preventive Effect of Small-Leaved Kuding Tea (Ligustrum robustum (Roxb.) Bl.) Polyphenols on D-Galactose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Aging in Mice.

Small-leaved Kuding tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is rich in polyphenols. In the current study, we investigated the preventive effect of small-leaved Kuding tea (SLKDT) on D-galactose-induced oxidative aging in mice. Changes in serum, skin, liver, and spleen of experimental animals were determined using biochemical and molecular biology techniques. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that polyphenol extract of SLKDT (PSLKDT) improved the indices of the thymus, brain, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney function in model mice. PSLKDT prevented a decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) as well as an increase in nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum, liver, and spleen. Pathological assessment also showed that PSLKDT reduced oxidative damage induced by D-galactose in skin, liver, and spleen. We further found that PSLKDT upregulated neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) mRNA expression and downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. Protein levels of SOD1 (Cu/Zn-SOD), SOD2 (Mn-SOD), CAT, GSH1 (γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase), and GSH2 (glutathione synthetase) in the liver and spleen were also increased by PSLKDT treatment. Collectively, these results indicate that PSLKDT is effective in preventing D-galactose-induced oxidative aging in mice, and its efficacy is significantly higher than antioxidant vitamin C. Because PSLKDT is a potent antioxidant and antiaging polyphenol, Kuding tea rich in PSLKDT should be considered an ideal drink with antioxidative and antiaging effects.

In vivo protective effect of Rosmarinus officinalis oil against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes liver injuries. There are claims that extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis protect from such injuries. This study aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effects of cold-pressed R. officinalis oil (CPRO) against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in the experimental rats. Fatty acids and bioactive lipids of CPRO were analyzed. CPRO was orally administered to rats in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) along with CCl4 (1 mL/kg in olive oil) for 8 weeks. Indices of liver and kidney functions, lipid profile and oxidation were evaluated in rats’ serum and tissues. In CPRO the percentages of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids were 42.3%, 41.7%, and 15.8%, respectively. CPRO contained high amounts of total phenolic compounds (7.20 mg GAE/g). α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols accounted for 18, 12, 29, and 158 mg/100 g CPRO, respectively, while α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols accounted for 291, 22, 1145, and 41 mg/100 g CPRO, respectively. The LD50 at 24 h was 5780 mg/kg. Treatment with 200 mg/kg CPRO caused a decrease in creatinine, urea and uric acid levels to 0.66, 28.3 and 3.42 mg/dL, respectively. After 8 weeks of administration, levels of total lipids (TL), total cholesterol (TC), total triacylglycerol (TAG), low dentistry lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low dentistry lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) were decreased to 565, 165, 192, 75.6 and 38.5 mg/L, respectively. Malondialdehyde levels in liver were reduced and glutathione levels were elevated in CPRO-treated rats. CPRO reduced the activity of ALT, AST, and ALP as well as kidney function markers, lipid and protein profiles. Histopathological examination of liver indicated that CPRO administration reduced fatty degenerations, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis. CPRO possessed a hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced toxicity, mediated possibly due to the antioxidant traits of CPRO. CPRO contains high levels of phenolics and tocols, which is a scavenger of reactive species making the oil a promising material for functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Modulation of lipid metabolism and colonic microbial diversity of high-fat-diet C57BL/6 mice by inulin with different chain lengths.

The physicochemical properties, biological functions and microbial degradation of inulins differ according to their degree of polymerization. However, the relationship between inulin activities and its effect on gut microbiota remains unknown. In this study, high fat diet with inulin (1 or 5 g/kg·bw), either with short or long chains groups were administered to different groups of mice (n = 10) for 10 weeks in order to investigate the effect of inulin on the microbial diversity of the animals. Litchi pericarp procyanidins (LPPC) were used for comparison purposes. Furthermore, the lipid metabolism and key regulator genes in mice were determined. The results indicated that natural inulin (1 g/kg·bw) ingestion reduced the body weight of fat mice between week 6-9. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in liver was remarkably higher after adding long chain inulin (5 g/kg·bw) compared to high-fat-diet mice. Moreover, high dose of natural inulin regulated malondialdehyde and advanced glycation end-products levels in mice liver. Likewise, the high dose of short-chain inulin increased sterol response element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), β-Hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) genetic expression. A significant change on the abundance of six genera in gut microbial profile suggested that inulin has the ability to modulate the lipid metabolism regardless of chain length, mainly due to its impact on colon microbiota variety.

Variations in the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant biomarkers in some tissues of anadromous cyprinid fish during migration

Alburnus tarichi is an endemic fish species inhabiting the Lake Van basin of Turkey. This anadromous cyprinid fish migrates for spawning to the freshwater inlets pouring into Lake Van, which has highly alkaline and brackish water. During the migration, the fish moves to a new habitat from a different habitat and encounters many challenges. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether antioxidant responses occur in the tissues of A. tarichi during its anadromous migration. To this end, fish were sampled at three different points and in two different periods from the migration route, including in Lake Van at prespawning, at the entrance of a freshwater stream (Karasu) at spawning and in the upstream of the freshwater stream at spawning. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and antioxidant defenses including activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase and the level of glutathione were assayed in liver, gill, white muscle, trunk kidney and anterior intestine tissues. Our results showed increased MDA levels in liver, white muscle and anterior intestine and tissue-specific antioxidant responses in the freshwater environment. This study reports that alterations occurred in the antioxidant defense system indicators in the tissues of anadromous cyprinid fish during migration and that the antioxidant defenses might reflect an important role in spawning migration that ultimately leads to accomplishment of reproductive activity.

The hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Pleurotus ostreatus on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury rats.

This study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Pleurotus ostreatus (POP) on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in rats. The hepatoprotective effect of POP against ALI was reflected by the decreased alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels in blood, increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in blood and liver. TUNEL and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that TUNEL apoptosis cell rate and Bax, cytochrome C, caspase-3, caspase-9, and apoptosis-inducing factor expression levels were obviously decreased, whereas Bcl-2 expression levels obviously increased after POP treatment. A total of 11 metabolites belonging to energy, amino acid, fatty acid, and gut bacteria metabolism were identified as biomarkers by using metabolite analysis of liver homogenate based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. POP exhibited hepatoprotective effects on CCl4-induced ALI, and the underlying mechanism is correlated with antioxidants that regulate metabolic pathway disorders and alleviate liver mitochondria apoptosis.

The possible structural changes in the adrenal gland cortex after induction of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in male albino rats: Light and electron microscopic study.

The adrenal gland is an important endocrine gland in the body that secrets the adrenal hormones. One of the important clinical issues is the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Liver IR injury results in many distant organs dysfunctions such as lung, kidney, intestine, pancreas, and myocardium. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible remote effects of hepatic IR on the structure of the adrenal cortex. Twenty healthy males, Sprague-Dawley albino rats aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups (10 rats each): the sham control group (SC-group) and the ischemia-reperfusion group (IR-group). Sera were estimated for the following: aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and corticosterone levels. Also oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the antioxidative enzyme, catalase were measured. Adrenal glands were processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study. The results showed a significant increase in serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and LDH), corticosterone, MDA, and TNF-α levels and a significant decrease in serum levels of catalase in IR-group compared with SC-group. Adrenal cortical tissue of IR-group showed the loss of normal appearance. Some cells of zona glomerulosa and most of the zona fasciculata cells appeared swollen and degenerated with highly vacuolated cytoplasm. Other cells were shrunken with deeply acidophilic cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. Degenerated mitochondria with disrupted cristae, lipid droplets were confluent and dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum were seen. Few zona reticularis cells had the dark nucleus and cytoplasmic vacuolations. In the different zones, blood capillaries were markedly congested and some inflammatory cells infiltrations were observed. Liver IR affected the structure of the adrenal cortex.

Cytokines' gene expression, humoral immune and biochemical responses of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus, 1758) to transportation density and recovery in brackish water

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of stocking density during transportation and post-transportation salt treatment on stress, hydromineral, immunological and antioxidant responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). For this, the fish were transported in plastic bags for 4 h at two densities: 100 (LD) and 200 (HD) g/L and allowed to recover for 24 h in both freshwater (FW) and brackish water (3 g/L sodium chloride; BW). Water physicochemical parameters were determined after transportation. Blood stress, immunological and hydromineral responses, head kidney cytokine gene expression, and liver antioxidant responses were determined. The transportation led to significant decrease in water dissolved oxygen and pH, and increase in water total and unionized ammonia levels. Water dissolved oxygen was significantly lower, whereas, water total and unionized ammonia were significantly higher in the HD, compared to the LD group. Serum cortisol and glucose, and liver malondialdehyde levels, and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-8 genes increased after transportation. Serum ion levels and liver superoxide dismutase and catalase decreased after transportation. All the above-mentioned changes, except for cortisol and catalase, were more severe in the HD compared to the LD group. There were no significant changes in serum total immunoglobulin and alternative complement after transportation, compared to before transportation values; but the LD group had significantly higher alternative complement than the HD group. Lysozyme and WBC significantly increase in the LD group; whereas, significantly decreased in the HD group, after transportation. Recovery in BW was useful to mitigate stress response, hydromineral imbalance, immunosuppression and oxidative stress caused by the transportation. Using sodium chloride is recommended during fish recovery from transportation, particularly when the fish are transported at high stocking density. The benefits of sodium chloride treatment seem to be mediated by restoration of hydromineral balance and oxidative status, which leads to healthier fish with higher immune responses.

Corilagin alleviates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity via enhancing the AMPK/GSK3\u03b2-Nrf2 signaling pathway

BackgroundAcetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced acute liver failure (ALF) is mainly resulted from uncontrolled oxidative stress. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key antioxidant transcription factor, is essential for alleviating APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Corilagin (Cori) is a natural polyphenol compound that possesses effective antioxidant activity; however, the protective effect of Cori on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity is still unknown. The current study aimed to explore whether Cori could mitigate hepatotoxicity caused by APAP and the underlying molecular mechanisms of action.MethodsCell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, Western blotting analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays, a mouse model, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout technology, and hematoxylin-eosin (H & E) staining were employed to explore the mechanisms by which Cori exerts a protective effect on hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells and in a mouse model.ResultsOur findings suggested that Cori efficiently decreased APAP-triggered the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death in HepG2 cells. Additionally, Cori significantly induced the expression of several antioxidant enzymes, and this induced expression was closely linked to the upregulation of Nrf2, inhibition of Keap1 protein expression, and promotion of antioxidant response element (ARE) activity in HepG2 cells. Moreover, Cori clearly induced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Furthermore, Cori-mediated GSK3β inactivation, Nrf2 upregulation and cytoprotection were abolished by an AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) in HepG2 cells. Lastly, we found that Cori inhibited APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and mediated the expression of many antioxidant enzymes; these results were reversed in Nrf2 −/− HepG2 cells. In vivo, Cori significantly protected against APAP-induced ALF by reducing mortality and alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, attenuating histopathological liver changes, inhibiting myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content and GSH-to-GSSG ratio as well as suppressing c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. However, Cori-induced reductions in mortality, AST and ALT levels, and histopathological liver changes induced by APAP were clearly abrogated in Nrf2-deficienct mice.ConclusionsThese findings principally indicated that Cori effectively protects against APAP-induced ALF via the upregulation of the AMPK/GSK3β-Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Effects of carotenoids on the growth performance, biochemical parameters, immune responses and disease resistance of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) under high-temperature stress

The yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) is an economically important species in eastern Asia, but its aquaculture faces bottlenecks due to the influence of environmental factors. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary carotenoid supplementation on high-temperature stress and disease resistance in yellow catfish. Fish were randomly assigned to one of six treatments: five groups were fed basal diets supplemented with 50, 100, 150, 200 or 250 mg·kg−1 carotenoids, and a control group was fed a basal diet. The feeding experiment lasted 60 d, after which the fish were exposed to acute heat shock for 1 d and then infected with Proteus mirabilis. The results showed that the specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) were significantly increased and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly decreased in the groups supplemented with 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg·kg−1 carotenoids (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Yellow catfish fed 150–200 mg·kg−1 carotenoids exhibited significantly increased serum lysozyme activity; increased total protein (TP), thyroxin (T4), immunoglobulin (Ig), complement 3 (C3) and complement 4 (C4) concentrations; increased liver total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; increased liver hepcidin, immunoglobulin M (IgM), lysozyme G (LysG) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression; and decreased serum aminotransferase (ALT) and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels prior to stress exposure (P < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. Additionally, supplementation with 200 mg·kg−1 carotenoids decreased serum cortisol levels prior to stress exposure. The groups supplemented with 150, 200 and 250 mg·kg−1 carotenoids also exhibited significantly increased serum lysozyme activity after stress exposure (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 100–250 mg·kg−1 carotenoids decreased yellow catfish mortality from P. mirabilis infection. These results suggest that supplementing a basal diet with 150–200 mg·kg−1 carotenoids enhances immune responses to disease and imparts resistance to high-temperature stress in yellow catfish.

Dietary oregano extract (Origanum vulgare L.) enhances the antioxidant defence in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss against toxicity induced by organophosphorus pesticide, diazinon

Moderating effects of oregano extract (Origanum vulgare L.) on oxidative stress and toxicity induced by organophosphate pesticide, diazinon (0.287 mg/l) were investigated for the first time in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss by measuring antioxidant and metabolic enzymes. In non-diazinon-exposed fish, the hepatic levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) elevated in fish supplemented with 6 and 10 g ORG/kg diet compared to control group (non-ORG-supplemented fish). The supplementation of fish with 14 g ORG/kg diet significantly decreased the hepatic antioxidant enzymes compared to control. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels remained unchanged in all groups throughout the experiment. The serum levels of hepatic metabolic enzymes [(aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LHD)] remained unchanged in all experimental groups throughout the experiment. In diazinon-exposed groups, the activity of SOD, GPx, and TAC in liver elevated after exposure to diazinon in fish fed 2, 6, and 10 g ORG/kg diet. The CAT activity increased only in fish supplemented with 6 and 10 g ORG/kg diet. The levels of all antioxidant enzymes and TAC significantly decreased in control and fish supplemented with 14 g ORG/kg diet. The AChE activity significantly declined in control and fish supplemented with 2 and 14 g ORG/kg diet. After exposure to diazinon, the levels of MDA in liver increased in control and those fed 2 and 14 g ORG/kg diet. In fish supplemented with 6 and 10 g ORG/kg diet, the MDA levels showed no significant alternations during the experiment period. The serum levels of AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) elevated during exposure to diazinon in control and fish supplemented with 2 and 14 g ORG/kg diet, while these enzymes showed no significant changes in fish fed with 6 and 10 g ORG/kg diet. In conclusion, our results showed that ORG at optimum dietary levels (6 and 10 g ORG/kg diet) could moderate the toxicity induced by diazinon in rainbow trout by enhancing the liver antioxidant system and protecting the hepatocytes. Furthermore, the high dietary levels of ORG caused toxic effects on antioxidant enzymes and hepatocytes, which this makes it necessary to optimize its levels in the diet.

Glycyrrhizin and Omega-3 fatty acids have hepatoprotective roles through toll-like receptor-4

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the hepatoprotective role of natural compounds [glycyrrhizin (GL) and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3)] against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis and clarified their underlying molecular mechanism through their effect on oxidative stress and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). Forty male Wistar rats were randomized to five groups: Control group and four groups received TAA 200 mg/kg i.p. twice weekly for 8 weeks: TAA group, TAA+GL group (received GL 25 mg/kg daily by oral tube), TAA+ω-3 group (received ω-3150 mg/kg daily by oral tube), TAA+GL+ω-3 group (received similar combined doses of both natural compounds). GL, ω-3 and their combination protected the liver from TAA-hepatotoxic effects. Their hepatoprotective effects were confirmed by histopathological analysis as they significantly reduced the necroinflammatory scores and the extent of fibrosis. They act as anti-oxidant as they significantly decreased the liver malondialdehyde level (P < 0.005). They also significantly increased liver inactive TLR-4 concentration (P < 0.005) which indicates inhibition of TLR-4 pathway. This is confirmed by a significant decrease in liver TLR-4 mRNA expression (P < 0.005). In conclusion, glycyrrhizin, omega-3 fatty acids and their combination have potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-fibrotic effects through inhibition of TLR-4.

Effects of polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis on some related indexes of free radical and energy metabolism after strenuous exercise in rats

The root of Angelica sinensis is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine. Present study was designed to evaluate the effect of polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis (APS) on the some related indexes of free radicals and energy metabolism after strenuous exercise. The animals were divided into three groups, namely the sedentary control (SC), exercise control (EC), and exercise APS treated (200 mg/kg.d, EAT) group. At the 28th day, the rats in the EC and EAT group performed three-stage incremental exercise until exhaustion. After exhaustion exercise, a series of biochemical parameters including blood glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA) and free fatty acid (FFA) were measured. The results showed that APS increased exhaustion times, blood glucose levels, FFA levels in plasma and the levels of SOD and GPx in liver, which were accompanied by corresponding decreases in the MDA levels in liver. The present findings indicate that the antifatigue mechanisms of APS may be attributed to the following aspects: 1) APS can enhance antioxidant enzymes activities and inhibit the production of lipid peroxidation products, which can protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. 2) APS can affect carbohydrates metabolism, which has the effects of increasing hepatic and muscle glycogen stores and maintaining homeostasis of blood glucose levels. 3) APS can affect fat metabolism, which can regulate the formation of FFA and the utilization of fat oxidation. APS can be used as a nutritional supplement in exercise training.