Liver Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Research Articles

Effects of two phosphorous sources in the diet on the growth performance, digestibility, and plasma physiological parameters of Pelodiscus sinensis juveniles

Phosphorus is an essential mineral for aquatic animals to maintain the health of the skeletal system and many physiological functions. This study assessed the effects of two inorganic phosphorus sources on growth performance, apparent phosphorus digestibility, whole-body proximate composition, and physiological status in juvenile Pelodiscus sinensis. Two experimental diets were supplemented with 4% calcium phosphate monobasic (MCP) and 5.47% calcium phosphate dibasic (DCP), respectively, to obtain equal total dietary phosphorus (2.20%). 96 turtles (initial body weight: 5.40±0.03g) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks and fed the corresponding diets for 60d. Results showed that phosphorus sources have not significantly influenced the growth parameters, including the specific growth rate, feeding rate, and feed conversion ratio (P>0.05). No significant differences were observed in the hepatosomatic index and whole-body proximate compositions between MCP and DCP groups (P>0.05). The apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and phosphorus in MCP group (53.22%) are slightly higher than that in DCP group (48.98%) but did not reach the statistically significant level (P > 0.05). Turtles in MCP and DCP groups are the same in plasma physiological parameters and have equal alkaline phosphatase activities in plasma and liver (P>0.05). In conclusion, calcium phosphate monobasic and calcium phosphate dibasic had the same biological phosphorus availability in diet for juvenile Pelodiscus sinensis.

Effects of Dietary Phosphorus Levels on Growth Performance, Phosphorus Utilization and Intestinal Calcium and Phosphorus Transport-Related Genes Expression of Juvenile Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis).

A 60-day feeding trial was performed to assess the effects of dietary phosphorus levels on growth performance, body composition, phosphorus utilization, plasma physiological parameters and intestinal Ca and P transport-related gene expression of juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtle (P. sinensis). Four diets containing available P at graded levels of 0.88%, 1.00%, 1.18% and 1.63% (termed as D0.88, D1.00, D1.18 and D1.63, respectively) were formulated and each diet was fed to turtles (5.39 ± 0.02 g) in sextuplicate. The turtles were randomly distributed to 24 tanks with 8 turtles per tank. The results indicated that final body weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio performed best in turtles fed 1.00% available P diet. The crude lipids of the whole body exhibited a decreasing trend with the dietary available P, whereas the calcium and phosphorus of the whole body and bone phosphorus showed an opposite tendency. The apparent digestibility coefficient of phosphorus declined with the dietary available P. Turtles fed 1.00% available phosphorus had the highest phosphorus retention ratio compared with other treatments. Simultaneously they had significantly lower phosphorus loss than turtles fed D1.18 and D1.63 and had no differences in this respect from turtles fed a low-phosphorus diet. It was noteworthy that the lowest plasma calcium concentrations, and alkaline phosphatase activities in plasma and liver, were discovered in turtles fed the diet containing 1.63% available phosphorus. In addition, the high-phosphorus diet resulted in significantly down-regulated expression of intestinal phosphorus and calcium transport-related key genes. In conclusion, the available phosphorus requirement of juvenile P. sinensis was determined at 1.041% (total phosphorus was 1.80%) based on quadratic regression of weight gain rate, and excessive dietary phosphorus stunted turtle growth possibly via inhibiting intestinal calcium absorption.

Can dietary ethanolic extract of propolis alter growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant, and immune indices in juvenile beluga sturgeon (Huso huso)?

The present study investigated the effects of dietary ethanolic extract of propolis on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, liver antioxidant capacity, and skin mucus immunity in beluga sturgeon. For this purpose, a total of 120 juvenile fish (595.55 ± 31.61 g) were distributed in 12 tanks and fed with ethanolic extract of propolis at 0, 1, 2, and 3% for 60 days. The current study results showed that growth indices and the survival rate did not change in the juvenile fish fed with this extract compared to the control group. However, the protease activity, pepsin, and chymotrypsin were significantly higher in beluga sturgeon fed with the treated diet than the control fish (P < 0.05). The results also showed a higher white blood cell count in fish provided with 2 and 3% extract than in the control group (P < 0.05). The level of the alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase activities in the fish liver remained unaffected in all groups (P˃0.05). Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant-related enzymes were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the liver of beluga sturgeon fed with dietary ethanolic extract of propolis, especially at 3%, than the control fish. In 2 and 3% treated groups, the skin mucus of beluga sturgeon showed an enhanced lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulin level (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. In parallel, the in vitro assay revealed an elevated serum antibacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila in the fish fed with 2 and 3% extract compared with the control group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the supplementation of ethanolic extract of propolis, especially at 3%, could improve some digestive enzyme activities, liver antioxidant capacity, and skin mucus immunity of juvenile beluga sturgeon.

DOSE-DEPENDENT PROTECTIVE FEATURES OF LOBOPHORA VARIEGATA METHANOLIC EXTRACT (LVME) IN N-NITROSODIETHYLAMINE INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL HEPATOCARCINOGENESIS IN RATS

Objective: This study explores the anti-cancer property of Lobophora variegata, also an effective dose to treat hepatocarcinoma in Male Albino Wistar rats in N-nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatocarcinoma paradigm and its possible mechanism of action.&#x0D; Methods: In this study, rats were segregated into five groups; group-1 (control), group-2 treated with 0.01% NDEA through drinking water for 15 w, group-3 NDEA+treated with Lobophora variegata methanolic extract (LVME) (100 mg/kg b.w.), group-4 NDEA+treated with (LVME) (200 mg/kg b.w.) and group-5 NDEA+treated with (LVME) (400 mg/kg b.w.).&#x0D; Results: After the experimental period, functional and morphological changes in the liver were observed both macro and microscopically, the activities of liver marker enzymes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST and ALT) were analyzed. Administration of LVME as 200 mg/kg b.w. (to NDEA treated rats) significantly (i) reduced the preneoplastic lesions alleviated lipid peroxidation through scavenging free radicals, (ii) enhanced antioxidant status and reverted liver/disease marker enzymes plausibly by modulating xenobiotics metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) and by exhibiting antiproliferative and cytoprotective effects.&#x0D; Conclusion: LVME doses higher than 200 mg/kg b.w. are not effective in quenching the free radicals and restoring the liver functions as saturation level could have been reached; also, doses lower than 200 mg/kg b.w. could not be effective as they are below the optimum dose required to exhibit the pharmacological effects.

Effects of Chronic Kidney Disease on Liver Enzymes Activity During Pre and Post Hemodialysis

Background: Worldwide chronic kidney disease is one of the primary public health problems. This study aimed to find the activity of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and Gamma-glutamyl transferase in the patient's serum before and after dialysis in Chronic kidney disease.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study including 68 cases with chronic kidney disease coming for hemodialysis at dialysis centers and 140 healthy individuals as control. Serum samples were used for the analysis of serum urea and creatinine, liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase using ErbaChem-300 liquid Chemistry autoanalyzer. Pearson’s bivariate correlation analysis and ANOVA were used to correlate variables between the controls and cases. p &lt; 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Urea and creatinine levels were significantly higher in both pre and post-hemodialysis as compared to healthy controls with a p-value (p &lt; 0.001). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels were significantly lower in both pre and post-hemodialysis as compared to healthy controls. On the other hand, serum alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in pre and post hemodialysis as compared to healthy control. Moreover, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were significantly higher in pre and post hemodialysis as compared to healthy control.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study showed differences in the level of liver enzymes in pre and post hemodialysis in chronic kidney disease.

Metabolic enzyme profile, behavioural changes and morphophysiological parameters of African catfish Clarias gariepinus juveniles in response to burnt waste tyres

Water-soluble fractions (WSFs) of waste burnt tyres (WBTs) were tested on enzymatic activities, behavioural changes and histology of gills and liver of African catfish Clarias gariepinus juveniles for 96 h at 5.00, 10.00, 15.00, 20.00 and 25.00 g/L in a non renewable static bioassay. Water quality parameters of the experimental media showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in pH and dissolved oxygen content and increased carbon dioxide and alkalinity levels compared to the control. The 96-h LC50 of WSFs of WBTs to C. gariepinus was calculated as 11.22 g/L. There were remarkable abnormal behaviours exhibited by the exposed fish as well as alteration in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in gills and liver in a dose-dependent manner. The exposure also led to changes in primary and secondary gill lamellar hypertrophy and hyperplasia, partial fusion of apical lamellar, cytoplasmic and nuclear degeneration of parenchyma cells, as well as cytoplasmic vacoulation, sinusoidal oedema and nuclear and periportal hepatocyte degeneration of the liver. Hepatomorphometry of the fish revealed significant (p < 0.05) increase in nuclear surface area as well as nuclear diameter of the hepatic cells. BWTs could be deleterious to aquatic biota including fish and could be adopted as biomarkers for assessing the quality of aquatic ecosystem.

Toxicological Effect of Biodiesel Emission Particles on Cellular System of Albino Rats

Aim: This study investigates toxicological effect of biodiesel smokes on cellular system of albino rats.&#x0D; Study Design: Biodiesel was blended with fuel diesel at 100, 75, 50, and 25% v/v. Rats were exposed to each flame for 120 seconds daily over a period of ten days.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory work was carried out in the Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: Rats were grouped into six each containing six rats designated; Control group (no exposure), FD (exposed to smoke of fuel diesel), 100BD, 75BD, 50BD and 25BD exposed to 100, 75, 50 and 25% blend of biodiesel respectively. Afterwards, rats were sacrificed, liver, lungs and brain was isolated and homogenized. Serum was also separated. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), choline esterase (CEST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed for in the selected tissues.&#x0D; Results: ALP activity of liver of rats in Control group was significantly higher (p&lt;.05) relative to rats in other treatment groups. Lungs ACP activity of rats in Control groups was 3 folds that of rats in FD group, 2 folds those of rats in 100BD, 75BD and 25BD groups. CEST activity in brain of rats in Control group was 3 folds that of FD group and two folds that of 50BD and 25BD group of rats. Conversely, serum CEST activity of rats in Control group was significantly lower (p&lt;.05) relative to that of other treatment groups it is about 16% that of FD group in particular. Serum MDA level of Control rats was significantly lower (p&lt;.05) relative to each of the other treatment groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Biochemical evidence from this study indicated loss of membrane integrity, possible inflammation of cells of the brain, lungs, and liver.

Different diets can affect the digestion and immunity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) according to enzyme activity assay and transcriptome sequencing

The goal of this study was to prove the benefit of mixed diet for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) liver health in rice field. Common carp is a typical omnivorous fish. They can generally prey on both plant and animal diets in rice paddy mode. In this research, the common carp were randomly divided into three groups: animal diet group (group AD), plant diet group (group PD) and mixed diet group (group MD). Growth index, enzyme activity (digestive and immune), and transcriptome profile were performed to evaluate the effect of different diets on carp health. The results showed that the final weight of common carp is lesser than initial weight and the activity of trypsin and lipase were the highest in animal diet group. On the contrary, the body weight loss and α-amylase activity were the highest in the plant diet group. The mixed diet group had the highest the acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity in liver. “Protein digestion and absorption”, “bile secretion”, “hematopoietic cell lineage” and “intestinal immune network for IgA production” pathways belonging to the digestive and immune systems had significant enrichment between common carp fed a single type of diet and a mixed diet. These results indicate that rice-fish system is more conducive to common carp health, certainly, it is better for economic benefits if providing additional diet for fish.

Effects of exogenous multienzyme complex supplementation in diets on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and non‐specific immunity of the Japanese seabass,Lateolabrax japonicus

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous multienzyme complex (EC) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and non‐specific immunity of the Japanese seabass, Lateolabrax japonicus (initial weight 27.09 ± 0.08 g). EC includes protease, xylanase, glucanase and mannase. Japanese seabass were given six levels of EC (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g/kg) for 28 days. Results show that EC significantly enhanced the weight gain rate and specific growth rate (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio reduced significantly (p < .05). Activities of lipase and trypsin in liver and intestine significantly increased (p < .05). Alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme activities in serum and liver significantly increased (p < .05), while the content of malondialdehyde in liver significantly declined (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the optimal supplementation of EC in WGR, SGR, FCR, SOD and LZM activity in serum was 1.66, 1.67, 1.81, 1.71 and 1.53 g/kg, respectively, while the best SOD, LZM activity in liver, trypsin activity in liver and intestine supplement were 1.64, 1.51, 1.81 and 1.97 g/kg. In conclusion, EC supplemented can improve the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and non‐specific immunity of Japanese seabass, and it is recommended that the optimal supplementation of EC in diets of Japanese seabass is 1.5–2.0 g/kg.

Inclusion of microbe-derived antioxidant during pregnancy and lactation attenuates high-fat diet-induced hepatic oxidative stress, lipid disorders, and NLRP3 inflammasome in mother rats and offspring.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of microbe-derived antioxidant (MA) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic lipid disorders in mother rats and offspring.MethodsA total of 36 female rats were randomly divided into three groups at the beginning of pregnancy: the control group (CG), HFD, and HFD with 2% MA. Mother rats were slaughtered at the first and 10th day of lactation (L1 and L10) and offspring were slaughtered at L10. The plasma and liver of mother rats, and liver of offspring were collected.ResultsThe results showed that MA reversed HFD-induced activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and antioxidative enzymes in liver of mother rats and offspring. In addition, MA reduced HFD-induced lipid accumulation through decreasing the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) content in plasma of mother rats and improving hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS) in mother rats and offspring. MA decreased HFD-induced hepatic alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity in liver of mother rats and offspring. Furthermore, MA reduced HFD-activated nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in liver of mother rats and offspring.ConclusionsMA supplementation reversed HFD-induced hepatic oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, NLRP3 inflammasome, and function in mother rats and offspring, suggesting MA can be functional ingredients to improve maternal-fetal health.

Effect of dietary vitamin C on growth performance, body composition and biochemical parameters of juvenile Chu's croaker (Nibea coibor)

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for normal physiological and immune functions of fish. However, its requirements and effects in Chu's croaker (Nibea coibor) are currently unknown. A 56‐day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the optimal dietary vitamin C requirements based on its effects on growth performance, body composition and biochemical parameters in juvenile Chu's croaker (14.17 ± 0.1 g). Six isoproteic (450 g/kg crude protein) and isolipidic (100 g/kg crude lipid) diets were formulated to contain 2.24 (basal diet), 39.03, 85.01, 171.16, 356.49 and 715.46 mg/kg of vitamin C. The results showed that fish fed on 171.16 mg/kg vitamin C diet had the highest growth performance and feed utilization. Fish fed on the basal diet had higher malondialdehyde (MDA) content and lower activities of antioxidant enzymes in the serum and liver as compared with those fed on vitamin C diets. Polynomial analysis indicated that the optimal dietary vitamin C requirements of juvenile Chu's croaker were 102.28, 98.21, 150.26, 165.38, 71.46, 176.19, 84.84 and 103.78 mg/kg based on weight gain, specific growth rate, liver storage, muscle storage, liver MDA content, liver alanine aminotransferase activity, liver alkaline phosphatase activity and liver superoxide dismutase activity, respectively. We recommend an inclusion level in the range of 71.46–150.26 mg/kg vitamin C in the diets of juvenile Chu's croaker for optimum growth performance, liver function, antioxidant capacity and innate immunity functions.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of &lt;i&gt;Moringa oleifera&lt;/i&gt; flower on ccl4 -induced toxicity in rats

Liver disorders constitute part of health problems in developing countries, and available chemo-preventive drugs against liver diseases are costly and less effective. Moringa oleifera contains high concentrations of four natural dietary antioxidants: vitamins A, C, E and phenolics. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of M. oleifera flower on carbon tetrachloride (CCl )-induced 4 hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty five (25) male rats were randomly distributed into five groups. Group A (control) received distilled water, while groups B-E received 1.5 ml/kg b.w. of CCl followed by 1 ml of distilled 4 water, 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w of aqueous extract of M. oleifera flower (AEMOF) respectively. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of rats administered 1.5 ml/kg body weight of carbon tetrachloride, but untreated increased significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with the control. There was no significant difference (p ˃ 0.05) in liver ALP activity of rats administered 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w, of aqueous extract of M. oleifera flower when compared with the control. Similarly, there were no significant differences in both serum and liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities of rats administered 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w of aqueous extract of M. oleifera flower relative to the control. This observation suggests that the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of M. oleifera flower may be due to the prevention of leakage of intracellular enzymes of the hepatocyte by stabilizing its membrane. Furthermore, liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities of rats treated with 250 mg/kg b.w. of aqueous extract of M. oleifera flower were not significantly (p ˃ 0.05) different from the control. Histopathological examinations of the tissues from the experimental rats clearly supported the biochemical findings. Results from this study strongly indicate that aqueous extract of M. oleifera flower possesses remarkable hepatoprotective potential underlining its ability to prevent and reverse CCl -induced liver injury in experimental animals. Keywords : Moringa oleifera flower, Carbon tetrachloride, Hepatotoxicity, Antioxidants, Lipid peroxidation

Evaluation of Serum Status of Biochemical Indices of Liver Injury and Oxidative Stress in Rats Exposed to Warri River Levels of Pb and Other Identified Metallic Co Pollutants

This study investigated serum status of biochemical indicators of liver injury and oxidative stress in rats exposed to Warri River level of lead(Pb) alone and in the presence of metallic co-pollutants. A total of 55 albino rats (of Wistar strain) weighing an average of 150.00± 09.00g, divided into 11 groups were used for the study. Groups I and II represented the deionized and Pti borehole water controls, while groups III- XI represented the test rat groups orally treated with water containing laboratory reconstituted Warri River Pb level on one hand and in the presence of laboratory reconstituted identified metallic co-pollutants including Fe, Ca, Cu, Mn, Mg, Zn via water on the other hand. The serum biochemical –hepatotoxic indices investigated were liver/body wt. ratios, body wt. change, lipid per oxidation products, plasma ALT and AST, plasma and liver alkaline phosphatase activities, plasma catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, plasma total and conjugated bilirubin level, plasma and urine glucose concentration, and plasma and urine total protein concentration. Our findings revealed an overall significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in liver/body wt ratios and body wt change , significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in plasma ALT and AST activities, induced ALP and ACP activities, increase in SOD and catalase activities, increased plasma and urine bilirubin concentrations, decreased plasma and increased urine total protein concentrations, increased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while plasma and urine glucose levels were elevated in the groups of rats exposed to Pb only, Pb + Cu, Pb + Fe and Pb + Zn, Pb + All metallic co-pollutants, and river water relative to their respective controls (deionized water and Pti tap water groups). There was a significant (P&lt;0.05) reversal of the above parameters in the groups of rats exposed to Pb + Ca, Pb + Mn, Pb + Mg. There was also a difference in liver/weight ratio, body wt. change and all the other parameters evaluated in this study, between groups of rats treated with Warri river water relative to the laboratory reconstituted water, although the changes were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Our findings revealed that, the presence of Ca, Mg and Mn in the river water significantly (P&lt;0.05)) reversed the induced activities of ALT, AST, ACP and ALP by Pb and some identified metallic co pollutants like Cu, Fe and Zn. This study also revealed the possibility of significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase , plasma total and direct bilirubin and lipid per oxidation products of rats exposed to Warri River level of Pb in the presence of Ca, Mg and Mn relative to the Pb only group.

Arglabin as a potential drug in the treatment of Freund’s complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Purpose: To investigate the anti-arthritic activity of arglabin in Freund’s complete adjuvant- induced arthritis in rats, and the likely underlying mechanism.Methods: A total of 40 male albino Wistar rats weighing between 120 and 150 g were used for this study. The rats were divided into four groups of ten rats each: control group, arthritis group, arglabintreated group, and standard (STD) group. Chronic arthritis was induced by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant in the plantar region of the rats. Rats in the arglabin-treated group received 5 ng/g arglabin intraperitoneally (i.p.), while those in the STD group received 1.5 mg/kg indomethacin, p.o. for 4 weeks. The development of arthritis was assessed at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28th day of protocol by measuring thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical nociceptive threshold, arthritic score and paw volume. Activities of liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine amino-transaminase (ALT) and aspartate amino-transaminase (AST), and the levels of inflammatory cytokines -tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-6 and interleukin (IL)-1β were measured in the synovial fluid, while those of inflammatory mediators - thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were determined in serum. The expressions of mRNAs of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were also determined in rat synovial tissues.Results: Arglabin significantly decreased the paw swelling and arthritic scores, but significantly increased the paw withdrawal latency, when compared to the arthritis group (p &lt; 0.05). It also attenuated the altered levels of inflammatory cytokines in arthritic rats, and significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory mediators, when compared to the arthritis group (p &lt; 0.05). The expressions of mRNAs of NFkB, COX-2 and iNOS also significantly decreased in arglabin-treated group, relative to the arthritis group (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: The anti-arthritic activity of arglabin is due to its effect on inflammatory pathway via decreases in the levels of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and decrease in the expressions of NFkB, COX-2 and iNOS in the synovial tissues of arthritic rats.Keywords: Arglabin, Arthritis, Freund’s complete adjuvant, Inflammatory cytokines

Michael Kleerekoper (August 18, 1944 to May 10, 2018): In Relentless Pursuit of a Better Way.

Michael Kleerekoper (August 18, 1944 to May 10, 2018): In Relentless Pursuit of a Better Way.

Leucine‐rich diet minimises liver glycogen mobilisation and modulates liver gluconeogenesis enzyme expression in tumour‐bearing cachectic rats

AbstractAimsCachexia is defined as a complex metabolic syndrome that is associated with tissue damage. Some studies have shown that the liver metabolic alterations contribute to overall host tissue wasting. Knowing that leucine acts as cell signalling, we evaluated hepatic metabolism in Walker 256 tumour‐bearing rats and investigated the modulatory effects of a leucine‐rich diet.Methods and ResultsWistar rats were distributed into 4 groups: control (C) and tumour‐bearing (W) groups, fed a control diet, and leucine (L) and leucine tumour‐bearing (LW) groups, which fed a leucine‐rich diet. After tumour evolution (21 days), liver samples were collected, and assessed the glycogen content via histological periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining and performed the molecular and biochemical analysis. A higher liver‐to‐body weight rate was observed in W and LW groups, whereas a lower muscle‐to‐body weight ratio was observed only in W group. Hepatic glycogen content was lower only in W group, which had a greater number of hepatocyte nuclei; these parameters were unchanged in LW rats. Moreover, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glycogen synthase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) gene expressions were higher in liver tissue from W group than in LW group. However, liver alkaline phosphatase and γGT activities, and also liver AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression were higher in both tumour‐bearing groups.ConclusionsOur results suggest that a leucine‐rich diet has a protective effect on the loss of skeletal muscle and also minimises the liver failure induced by Walker 256 tumours. Despite the lack of protection against liver damage, the leucine‐rich diet modulated liver energy stores, likely decreasing the futile Cori cycle and reducing energy expenditures.

Physiological responses and non-specific immune parameters in Epinephelus moara exposed to repeated physical stress

To evaluate effects of physical stress on physiological and non-specific immune parameters in Epinephelus moara, levels of cortisol, glucose, lactic acid in serum, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA), Alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and lysozyme (LZM) activities in liver were examined. Plasma cortisol levels increased significantly to peak levels at the first day in stressed individuals. Moreover, those levels were significantly higher with respect to control (P less than 0.05). Concentrations of glucose in serum has only a slight increase at the first day when subjected to stress (P greater 0.05). The levels of lactic acid, activity of ACP and AKP increased and significantly peaked during treatment; then, all of them dropped to the levels of control groups at the end of treatment. The concentration of LZM and MDA in liver had a significant increase and peaked during treatment; then it began to drop, and finally recovered to the level of control groups. The results indicate that E. moara presented significant physiological and immune responses when subjected to a repeated physical stressor. Also, cortisol and MDA changes could be used as bio-indicators for monitoring stress. The present study provides basic information for improved rearing and feeding protocols in this species.

Effects of dietary supplementation of zinc oxide nanoparticles on some biochemical biomarkers in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

If the dose and duration of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO-NPs) supplementation optimize, low concentrations of Zn nanoparticles can replace conventional Zn sources in diets of different species of fish. Since evaluating the cytotoxicity of any nutritional supplement is one of the requirements for optimizing the dose for a specified time, we conducted this study to investigate the effects of oral administration of ZnO-NPs on oxidative stress and certain biochemical biomarkers in common carp, Cyprinus carpio , as an experimental model. For this purpose, ZnO-NPs were orally administered to fish for 21 days at 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 mg kg -1 feed. Administration of ZnO-NPs (15 mg kg -1 ) significantly enhanced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydro-genase (LDH) activities in liver, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and LDH activities in kidney. Dietary ZnO-NPs increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity in liver of fish. The results indicated that administration of 10 mg kg -1 and 15 mg kg -1 ZnO-NPs caused a significant increase in ALT and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver, AST and CAT activities and MDA levels in kidney. ZnO-NPs decreased the liver ALP activity. Administration of 5 mg kg -1 ZnO-NPs significantly increased the cellular total antioxidant (TA) levels in various tissues. Therefore, we suggest that oral administration of 10 and 15 mg kg -1 ZnO NPs caused cytotoxicity and alterations in oxidative biomarkers, but 5 mg ZnO-NPs per kg feed had no side effects on oxidative stress and biochemical biomarkers in fish.

Alterations in the general condition, biochemical parameters and locomotor activity in Cnesterodon decemmaculatus exposed to commercial formulations of chlorpyrifos, glyphosate and their mixtures

The Pampean region, an extensive area of South America is continuously impacted by agricultural activities and the pesticides related to them like chlorpyrifos and glyphosate. Both pesticides have been registered in freshwater bodies of the region. One of the most abundant and widely distributed fish species in Pampean streams is Cnesterodon decemmaculatus, which have to cope with this altered scenario.In the present study the toxicity of Clorfox® and Roundup Max®, the commercial formulations of chlorpyrifos and glyphosate, respectively, and their mixture where evaluated using a set of biomarkers at different biological organization levels in fish exposed to relevant environmentally pesticides concentrations. Somatic indexes such as the condition factor (K), and the hepato-somatic index (HSI), the locomotor activity through the distance traveled and the average speed, the enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain and muscle, catalase (CAT) in muscle and liver, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in brain, liver, muscle and gills, aspartate amino-transferase (AST), alanine amino-transferase (ALT), AST/ALT ratio and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in liver were measured on C. decemmaculatus. Adult females were exposed during 6 weeks to the following concentrations: 0.0084μl/l and 0.00084μl/l of Clorfox (CF), 0.2 and 2mg/l of Roundup Max (RM) and all the combinations of these concentrations. The CF exposure caused a decrease in the condition factor and in the locomotor activity parameters and induced an increase brain AChE, liver CAT activity and AST/ALT ratio. On the other hand, the exposure to RM produced a decrease in liver GST, AST/ALT ratio and ALP activity. Finally, some pesticide combinations decrease general condition and liver GST activities, and increase brain GST and liver ALP activities. Different responses in biomarkers were observed in mixtures treatments, reflecting the complex interactions between these toxics and suggesting a suppressive action of RM on CF effects.Since the concentrations we tested are environmentally relevant and the overall fish health condition was affected, the presence of these pesticides in freshwater systems could impose a risk for populations by causing deleterious effects on C. decemmaculatus in Pampean region.

Anti-inflammatory activity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn) seed petroleum ether extract.

Objectives:The aim of the present work was to study the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of petroleum ether extract of fenugreek seeds.Materials and Methods:Fenugreek seed powder was extracted in petroleum ether by cold maceration. This fenugreek seed petroleum ether extract (FSPEE) was analyzed by gas–liquid chromatography (GLC) and tested on rats against carrageenan and formaldehyde-induced paw edema, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis and cotton pellet-induced granuloma. Changes in serum glutamic oxaloacetic tansaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in liver and serum were also studied in cotton pellet-induced arthritic rats. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:GLC of FSPEE showed oleic (33.61%), linoleic (40.37%), and linolenic (12.51%) acids. With 0.5 mL/kg FSPEE treatment, there was 37% (P < 0.05) and 85% (P < 0.05) reduction in inflammation of the paw in carrageenan and formaldehyde-induced paw edema. In CFA-induced arthritis, a biphasic increase in paw volume followed by decrease was seen. There was 42.5% (P < 0.01) reduction in the weight of cotton pellets and significant (P < 0.01) reductions in the elevated SGPT and ALP activities in serum and liver of FSPEE (0.5 mL/kg) treated rats.Conclusion:Thus, petroleum ether extract of fenugreek seeds has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities which are due to the presence of linolenic and linoleic acids.