Liver Enzyme Activities Research Articles

Supplementing high-fiber olive pomace and multi-enzymes to broiler chicken's diet can improve health and performance.

This study assessed the effects of high-fiber olive pomace (OP) and exogenous multi-enzymes (phytase, cellulase and xylanase) on broiler chickens' growth performance, internal organs, intestinal morphology, blood traits, serum lipid profile and health. A total of three hundred one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated into six treatments using a 2 × 3 factorial design involving 0 and 0.5 g/kg multi-enzymes and 0, 5, and 10% olive pomace. The diet was primarily based on corn and soybean meal. The experiment was carried out in three stages: starter, grower and finisher. The results indicated that including OP at 5% and 10% levels did not negatively impact broilers' performance (P > 0.05). However, supplementing the diet with multi-enzymes significantly increased feed consumption, body weight, and weight gain (P < 0.05). Furthermore, chickens offered with 10% OP + multi-enzymes exhibited the best performance compared to other experimental groups. The mortality rate also showed a non-significant decline of almost 5% (P > 0.05). Additionally, administration of OP and multi-enzymes or a combination of them to the broilers' diet improved serum lipid profile and liver enzyme activity (P < 0.05) and did not affect the relative weight and length of internal organs and intestinal histomorphology (P > 0.05). In conclusion, using multi-enzymes and a diet containing olive pomace could improve the serum lipid profile, liver enzyme activity, and overall health without adversely affecting broiler performance.

The effects of alpha-pinene against paracetamol-induced liver damage in male rats.

This study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of alpha-pinene against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, paracetamol, (APA)-induced liver damage in rats. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 6): Group 1: Normal (control). Group 2: APA 640 mg/kg. Group 3: alpha-pinene 50 mg/kg (APA+ αPi 50 mg/kg). Group 4: alpha-pinene 100 mg/kg (APA+ αPi 100 mg/kg). Group 5: silymarin 50 mg/kg (APA+ SIL). Alpha-pinene or silymarin was orally administered after APA administration for 14 consecutive days. This study investigated liver damage by preparing pathology slides from liver tissue. Levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured. Inflammatory factors, including NF-kB gene expression and levels of IL-6 and TNF-a, were also measured. Administering alpha-pinene with APA can prevent liver damage induced by APA. Alpha-pinene can enhance TAC while reducing TOS, ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin. Moreover, the results have also revealed that alpha-pinene decreases NF-kB expression, which leads to a reduction in IL-6 and TNF-a levels. It appears that alpha-pinene induces liver protective effects against APA damage by reducing the activity of liver enzymes, improving antioxidant/oxidative status, and reducing inflammation through the regulation of NF-kB and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Tryptophan and/or canthaxanthin in quail diets: effects on performance, carcass traits, hematology, blood chemistry and hepatic antioxidant capacity.

To enhance the health and performance of poultry, novel approaches have to be created. Using appropriate nutritional interventions to enhance body physiology and thus enhance productivity is one of these approaches. The purpose of the present investigation intended to examine how growing quail physiology and growth is affected by supplementing diets with tryptophan (Trp) and/or canthaxanthin (CX). The sum of 200 unsexed, 1-week-age Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), with a nearly similar body weight (BW) of 33.50 ± 1.20 g, were assigned, in random, to four experimental groups. Each group consisted of five replicates, with 10 birds per replicate. Chicks in group 1 (T1) served as the control and were fed a basal diet without any supplementation from week 1 to week 5. The second (T2) and third (T3) groups received feed supplemented with 0.01 % Trp and 0.005 % CX, respectively. The fourth group (T4) was given a diet containing a combination of 0.01 % Trp and 0.005 % CX. Results indicated that supplementation with Trp, CX, or their combination significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced live BW and body weight gain (BWG) at 5 weeks. No noticeable variations in carcass characteristics were found across all treatments over the whole trial duration. Blood levels of high-density lipoprotein were considerably greater in the Trp and/or CX-fed group than in the control group. Adding Trp and/orCX to quail diets significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the activity of liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, ALT; aspartate transaminase, AST; alkaline phosphatase, ALP), along with reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Birds received diets with Trp and/or CX had higher values of antioxidant indices in serum and liver (P < 0.05), accompanied by low values of malondialdehyde compared to control group. We concluded that adding quail diet with Trp and/orCX had positive consequences on the growth performance and some physiological indices.

Dietary organic acid blend modulates hemato-immunological parameters, digestive and reproductive performances in red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus) broodstock.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary organic acid (OA) blend on hemato-immunological responses, reproduction capacity, gene expression, and histological features of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus) broodstock. Four diets were formulated, containing 0 (control), 2, 3, and 4g OAs kg-1. The diets were fed to triplicate groups (n = 3) of red tilapia broodstock (75 ± 5.56g( (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) stocked in 10-m3 concrete tanks at a male to female ratio of 1:3, to satiation, twice a day, for 8weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, fish in each tank were collected, counted, and weighed. Blood samples were collected from five fish from each tank and used for the determination of hematological and biochemical parameters. The fish were then dissected to study the reproductive performance and reproduction-related genes. The red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV%), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and lysozyme activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary OAs to 4gkg-1. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), white blood cells (WBCs), total protein, albumin, and globulin), and digestive enzyme activity values leveled off or slightly decreased (P > 0.05) at OA levels above 3gkg-1. Optimum liver enzyme activity was obtained at 2gkg-1 OA. The reproductive hormones: testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (Prog), organo-somatic index (GSI), reproductive performance, and the expression of reproductive genes (vasa, nanos1a, nanos2, dnd1, pum1, amh, and VTG) exhibited dose-dependent responses (P < 0.05), suggesting that 4g OA kg-1 boosted the optimum reproductive performance. In conclusion, about 2-3g OA kg-1 diet can improve the hemato-biochemical parameters, immune response, antioxidant status, and digestive enzyme activity in red tilapia broodstock, whereas 4gkg-1 could accelerate their reproductive performance through upregulation of reproductive genes.

The protective role of ethanolic extract of ginseng (Panax ginseng) against adverse physiological and histological alterations in the liver of female rabbits exposed to chlorine

Background: Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has garnered considerable attention due to its medicinal properties. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of ginseng ethanolic extract against chlorine-induced toxicity in female rabbits. .Methods: Thirty-two female rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: a negative control group receiving chlorine-free water, a positive control group receiving tap water with chlorine (0.05 ppm/L), a group exposed to chlorine (5 ppm/L) in water, and a group exposed to chlorine (5 ppm/L) along with ethanolic ginseng extract (200 mg/kg body weight). Treatment lasted for four weeks.Results: revealed that oral exposure to chlorine led to oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver enzymes (AST &amp; ALT), as well as suppressed blood parameters (PCV, HB, and RBC count), and histological liver alterations compared to the normal control group. Conversely, administration of ginseng extracts alongside chlorine for four weeks reduced MDA levels and liver enzyme activity while enhancing blood parameters, accompanied by decreased inflammatory histological changes.Conclusion: These findings suggest that ginseng extract possesses potent antioxidant activity, mitigating chlorine-induced toxicity and its associated pathophysiological consequences. Keywords: Ginseng; Chlorine; MDA; Liver enzymes; Blood parameters

Cannabidiol in Foods and Food Supplements: Evaluation of Health Risks and Health Claims

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid present in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Non-medicinal CBD oils with typically 5–40% CBD are advertised for various alleged positive health effects. While such foodstuffs containing cannabinoids are covered by the Novel Food Regulation in the European Union (EU), none of these products have yet been authorized. Nevertheless, they continue to be available on the European market. Methods: The Permanent Senate Commission on Food Safety (SKLM) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) reviewed the currently available data on adverse and potential beneficial effects of CBD in the dose range relevant for foods. Results: Increased liver enzyme activities were observed in healthy volunteers following administration of 4.3 mg CBD/kg bw/day and higher for 3–4 weeks. As lower doses were not tested, a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) could not be derived, and the dose of 4.3 mg/kg bw/day was identified as the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL). Based on the CBD content and dose recommendations of CBD products on the market, the SKLM considered several exposure scenarios and concluded that the LOAEL for liver toxicity may be easily reached, e.g., via consumption of 30 drops of an oil containing 20% CBD, or even exceeded. A critical evaluation of the available data on potential beneficial health effects of CBD in the dose range at or below the LOAEL of 4.3 mg/kg bw/day revealed no scientific evidence that would substantiate health claims, e.g., in relation to physical performance, the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous system, anxiety, relaxation, stress, sleep, pain, or menstrual health. Conclusions: The SKLM concluded that consumption of CBD-containing foods/food supplements may not provide substantiated health benefits and may even pose a health risk to consumers.

Effect of Odogwu Bitters on Biochemical Indices of Albino Rats

The study assessed the impact of Odogwu bitters on biochemical indices of rats. In this experimental study, 16 adult male rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups. Groups 1-3 were given 100, 200, and 400mg/kg of Odogwu bitters. Group 4 served as the normal control. Serum liver enzyme activity, kidney function enzyme activity, Lipid profile test and haematology tests were carried out. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, ANOVA, and LSD tests. Elevated levels of ALT and AST in rat plasma indicated potential liver tissue stress due to herbal exposure, aligning with findings from similar herbal studies. However, at higher doses, a reduction in these enzyme levels was observed. Conversely, ALP levels increased significantly with the highest dosage, suggesting potential liver damage. Elevated levels of urea, creatinine, and uric acid in the treated groups indicate potential adverse effects on renal function. Urea, vital for waste nitrogen transport and maintaining osmolarity, showed significant alterations, suggesting potential kidney stress. Similarly, increased creatinine levels, a marker of muscle metabolism and renal health, imply compromised kidney filtration. The disturbance in uric acid metabolism, crucial for various physiological functions, points towards potential renal impairment. Haematological results showed a concentration-dependent increase in hemoglobin levels, potentially supporting hemoglobin synthesis. Platelet counts exhibited a dose-related decrease, suggesting an influence on platelet production or function. Red blood cell levels were maintained, possibly due to antioxidant compounds protecting against oxidative damage and stimulating blood cell production. White blood cell levels remained steady, indicating potential immune-boosting effects. Different doses of Odogwu herbal bitters influenced lipid metabolism in Wistar albino rats, with Group 2 showing a reduction in TG levels and Group 3 having the lowest total cholesterol (TCHO). Groups 2 and 3 also had increased HDL levels, while the control group exhibited the lowest LDL levels, suggesting varied effects of the bitters on lipid profiles. The findings collectively suggest a detrimental impact of Odogwu bitters on kidney indices in the studied animal model and could be toxic at a higher dose upon consumption on the liver. But for the lipid status, Odogwu herbal bitters may influence lipid profiles, their effects are not uniformly beneficial across all parameters.

Effects of Turmeric and Rosemary Extract on Oxidative Stress Markers in Goats

Background: Due to their versatility, goats are becoming popular as livestock on commercial farms. To obtain a high productivity, the maintenance of homeostasis in these organisms is needed. Some supplements that could help improve their health state have been tested recently. The study examines the effects of a turmeric–rosemary extract mixture on the antioxidant status of the blood of young castrated bucks. Results: Supplementation lowered lipoperoxidation and increased TAC, probably due to the improved neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by enhanced antioxidant pathways. Despite lowering lipid peroxidation, these products can increase protein oxidation. Thus, while enhancing lipid defense mechanisms may reduce lipid peroxidation, it may also increase the level of OMP, probably due to the accumulation of lipid peroxidation metabolites. The activities of SOD, GPx, and GR remained unchanged, whereas CAT activity decreased. CP, ALT, and AST remained stable, suggesting no adverse effects on key markers of liver function. Conclusions: The high antioxidant potential observed after supplementation indicates that the turmeric–rosemary extract mixture elicited a favorable biochemical response; the supplemented compounds effectively enhanced antioxidant defenses (by improving the neutralization of ROS) without negatively affecting liver enzyme activities. Turmeric–rosemary dry extract supplementation can help with homeostasis maintenance in goat organisms and, consequently, improve their productivity.

Alliumcepa exposed to Nativo® fungicide with and without swine liver enzyme biotransformation: A comparative genotoxicity study.

The biotransformation of compounds is a critical point in understanding their toxic effects in both toxicology and ecotoxicology. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is a difference in the phytogenotoxic potential of the commercial fungicide Nativo® between non-biotransformed samples and samples biotransformed by swine liver enzymes. The fungicide Nativo is a mixture of Tebuconazole (TEB; 200gL-1) and Trifloxystrobin (TRI; 100gL-1). The test organism used in this study was Allium cepa, and the mitotic index (MI), chromosomic aberrations, and micronucleus frequency in A. cepa cells were compared between samples of non-biotransformed Nativo and biotransformed Nativo. The results showed that the Nativo biotransformated products were less genotoxic than the non-biotransformed Nativo, with the no-observed effect concentration (NOEC) values for micronuclei formation being four times lower after swine enzymes biotransformation, while MI was not altered. The no observed effect concentration values for micronuclei formation by the fungicide mixture were 7.8 and 3.9mgL-1 for TEB and TRI, respectively, for the biotransformed samples, and 1.9 and 1.0mgL-1 for the non-biotransformed samples, demonstrating that swine liver enzyme activity decreased genotoxicity. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the importance of considering biotransformation in phytogenotoxicity studies, as this process can significantly alter phytogenotoxic effects.

First autochthonous case of Opisthorchis felineus in Austria

BackgroundOpisthorchis felineus is a feline pathogen with zoonotic potential that can be a causative agent of human opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma. In Europe, O. felineus is particularly endemic in Eastern European countries, while this parasite has also been sporadically detected in Germany, Italy and northern Poland. Parts of Asia, such as Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, are also affected.Methods A 7-year-old female neutered European Shorthair cat, without any traveling history, presented in May 2023 with weight loss, anorexia and vomiting.ResultsThe cat showed increased liver enzyme activities, hyperbilirubinemia and hyperammonemia consistent with the suspected diagnosis of cholangitis with consecutive hepatoencephalopathy. Eggs of O. felineus were detected by routine cytological examination of bile smears and PCR confirmed O. felineus.Conclusions This is the first report of autochthonous O. felineus infection in Austria.Graphical

Boswellic acid synergizes with low-dose ionizing radiation to mitigate thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a syndrome that arises from acute or chronic liver failure. This study was devised to assess the impact of a combination of boswellic acid (BA) and low doses of gamma radiation (LDR) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE in an animal model. The effect of daily BA treatment (175 mg/kg body weight, for four weeks) and/or fractionated low-dose γ-radiation (LDR; 0.25 Gy, twice the total dose of 0.5 Gy) was evaluated against TAA (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) twice-weekly for four weeks to induce liver damage and HE in rats. TAA-exposed rats exhibited a significant elevation in serum activities of liver enzymes (GGT, ALP) and plasma ammonia levels at P < 0.05 (Duncan’s test) compared to the control group. Moreover, there was an increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL12, IL18) in the TAA-exposed animals accompanied by a depletion in the activities of paraoxonase-1 and neurotransmitter contents compared with normal control rats (P < 0.05). However, the administration of BA alone or in combination with LDR led to improvements in liver and brain parameter indices. Furthermore, the histopathological assessments of liver and brain tissues supported the findings of the biochemical investigations. From the statistical analysis, it can be concluded that the combined administration of BA and exposure to LDR may possess potential hepatoprotective effects against hepatic encephalopathy-associated hyperammonemia and the consequent damage to the liver and brain. This study proposes that a combination of therapeutic approaches, LDR and BA could be a new therapeutic candidate for the management of hepatic encephalopathy.

The Effect of Quercetin on Coenzyme HMG-CoAR, ABCA1 Transporter, Dyslipidemia Profile and Hepatic Function in Rats Dyslipidemia Model

Background: Dyslipidemia is a lipid metabolic disorder that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, typically marked by abnormalities in triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol (TC), along with decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This study explored the potential of quercetin, a natural substance, as a preventive agent against dyslipidemia induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in a rat model. Simvastatin, a standard cholesterol-lowering drug, was used for the comparison. Objective: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of quercetin in lipid metabolism for dyslipidemia caused by HFD and compare its effects with the first-line drug therapy simvastatin, which has a similar mechanism. Methods: Rats fed a HFD were treated with quercetin and simvastatin, and their lipid profiles, liver enzyme activities, and molecular markers related to cholesterol metabolism were analyzed. Results: Quercetin markedly decreased cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase (HMG CoAR). Cellular observation revealed that it also prevented liver damage and showed a protective effect on liver enzyme activity. Quercetin enhanced the expression of the Adenosine Triphosphate Binding Cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) protein, showing a protective effect against dyslipidemia akin to simvastatin, yet with a reduced likelihood of liver toxicity. Conclusion: Quercetin may serve as an effective and safer alternative to simvastatin for treating dyslipidemia, offering cholesterol-lowering benefits without hepatotoxic risks associated with long-term statin therapy.

Phytobiotic effects of Guinea grass supplementation on production and health performances of coloured-broilers

Growing concerns about antibiotic resistance in the livestock industry have prompted researchers to explore alternative solutions. This study investigated the effects of Megathyrsus maximus as a phytobiotic supplement on the production performance and health of Sasso broilers raised in tropical environments. 216 Sasso mixed-sex broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups (six replicates per treatment): Treatment 1 (T1) as a negative control (no antibiotics), Treatment 2 (T2) as a positive control (100 mg/kg oxytetracycline), and Treatments 3–6 received 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g/kg of M. maximus grass meal on top the basal diet, respectively, without antibiotics. At day 56, broilers in T6 had the highest final body weight (1.87 kg) and superior FCR of 1.93. Nutrient digestibility was optimised at higher doses of M. maximus, with the highest CP (67.68%) and EE (74.50%) digestibility in the T6 group (p < 0.001). Megathyrsus maximus also improved intestinal morphology, with higher VH:CD in all segments. However, microbial counts and carcase characteristics remained largely unaffected, though meat quality was significantly improved in terms of reduced drip loss and shear force at supplementation levels of 5.00 g/kg. Blood biomarkers analysis and decreased liver enzyme activity in the M. maximus groups, particularly in T6, suggests lowered inflammation and enhanced liver function. This study concludes that M. maximus supplementation, particularly at the highest inclusion level (T6) shows potential as an effective antibiotic replacement in tropical poultry production.

Exploring the Effects of Imidacloprid on Liver Health and the Microbiome in Rats: A Comprehensive Study.

The current study investigates the systemic effects of imidacloprid, one of the most widely used neonicotinoid insecticides, on the liver and gut microbiome of rats in detail. With consideration of recent discussions on the potential harmfulness of imidacloprid to environmental and human health, the aim was to investigate the influence of this compound in the framework of controlled exposure at different dosages, namely, IMI-5, IMI-10, and IMI-30. Histopathological examination showed that liver morphology changed significantly with the dose, including in terms of cellular disorganization and signs of stress, with an alteration in the hepatic architecture. Morphological changes were related to disturbances in the activity of liver enzymes, reflecting deteriorating liver function with increased imidacloprid exposure. In parallel with this, a deep analysis of the gut microbiome revealed dramatic changes in microbial diversity and composition. Alpha diversity, represented by the Chao1 and Shannon indices, was significantly reduced with an increased dosage of imidacloprid. Subsequent beta diversity analysis, as visualized by principal component analysis, showed distinct clustering among the microbial communities, separated well between control and imidacloprid-treated groups, especially at higher dosages. Taxonomic analysis revealed an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and a change in key phyla including Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. A heatmap and bar charts further confirmed dose-dependent changes in microbial abundance. These changes point toward imidacloprid-induced dysbiosis, a reduction in microbial diversity, and an imbalance in the F/B ratio, usually associated with metabolic disorders. Overall, given these findings, it would seem that imidacloprid does indeed impose serious negative impacts on both liver function and gut microbiota composition and may have further impacts on health and ecological safety.

BLOOD AND TISSUE ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN BEARDED DRAGONS (POGONA VITTICEPS).

Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are a common reptile species kept under human care and suffer from a wide range of diseases for which plasma biochemistry is used as a first-line diagnostic test. There is limited information available regarding tissue enzyme activities and origin that could assist in interpreting the bearded dragon plasma biochemistry enzymology profile. The aim of this study was to characterize the tissue activities of seven enzymes routinely used in the reptile biochemistry panel: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) in 12 adult inland bearded dragons in 13 tissues, plasma, and red blood cells. CK activity was highest in skeletal muscle followed by cardiac muscle; ALT and AST were distributed in several tissues and were relatively non-specific for all organs, additionally hepatic fat accumulation reduced AST hepatic activity on a weight per weight basis. ALP and GGT activities were mostly high in the kidneys; LDH activity was elevated in cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle followed by liver; and GLDH had primarily high enzyme activities in liver. Low red blood cell enzyme activities suggest that hemolysis is unlikely to artifactually increase AST or LDH plasma concentrations. These results provide a stepping stone to improve the interpretation of biochemistry results in bearded dragons, especially as it compares to other reptile species.

Serovar Australis replaces serovar Copenhageni as the most common cause of canine leptospirosis in New South Wales, Australia.

Highly fatal canine leptospirosis emerged in urban Sydney dogs in 2017, and serovar Copenhageni, against which a registered monovalent vaccine is available, was predominant until 2020. This study was conducted to (1) determine serological characteristics of canine leptospirosis in New South Wales (NSW) between 2021 and 2023; (2) describe the geospatial distribution of leptospirosis; and (3) evaluate if clinicopathological abnormalities and outcome differ between the dominant infecting serovars, Copenhageni versus Australis. Cases were identified through referral or direct veterinarian contact and included if clinical and clinicopathological findings confirmed leptospirosis. Between 2021 and 2023 leptospirosis was confirmed in 61 dogs in NSW. In 2022 two major outbreaks occurred in the local government areas of Shoalhaven (n = 23) and Lake Macquarie (n = 7). The most common serovar identified by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was Australis (n = 23) followed by Copenhageni (n = 8), Pomona (n = 2), Robinsoni (n = 2) and Bratislava (n = 1). In 16/18 cases from Shoalhaven in which serological results were available, serovar Australis was identified. Dogs infected with serovar Copenhageni were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to have hepatic involvement with significantly higher liver enzyme activities, bilirubin concentration and icterus, whereas dogs with serovar Australis were significantly (P < 0.01) more likely to have glucosuria. Overall case fatality rate was 40% and was not different between infecting serovars. There are regional differences of infecting serovars with distinct leptospirosis hotspots, and differences in clinicopathological findings. The apparent emergence of serovar Australis highlights the need for bi- or multivalent vaccines and ongoing case surveillance of causal serovars is needed. Glucosuria should prompt leptospirosis testing in endemic areas.

Effect of the Several Herbal Medicines Mixture on BMI and Lipid Profile -The Animal Study

Objective: Obesity involves complex pathological mechanisms. Multi-herbal formulations targeting diversepathways may provide synergistic therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects ofa standardized multi-herbal formulation (GUTAC), consisting of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Urtica dioica, Trigonellafoenum-graecum, Artemisia persica and Camellia sinensis Materials and Methods: Obesity was induced in male Wistar rats (n= 30) via a high-fat diet (HFD) forthree months. Subsequently, the rats were divided into three groups (n= 10 per group): (1) HFD alone, (2)HFD with GUTAC, and (3) standard diet (SD) with GUTAC, for an additional three months. Key parameterssuch as body mass index (BMI), blood biomarkers, and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney wereevaluated. Results: BMI was significantly lower in both the HFD+GUTAC and SD+GUTAC groups compared to theHFD group (P&lt; 0.05). Notably, the SD+GUTAC group exhibited a more pronounced BMI reduction,indicating that combining GUTAC with a standard diet yields greater benefits than its combination with ahigh-fat diet. GUTAC treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels (P= 0.0013), liver enzyme activity(AST and ALT), and improved lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides,compared to the HFD group (all P&lt; 0.05). Furthermore, GUTAC enhanced renal function markers (BUN andcreatinine) and mitigated hepatic steatosis, as evidenced by histological analysis. Conclusion: The standardized multi-herbal GUTAC formulation demonstrated significant anti-obesity,hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective effects in a rat model. These benefits are likely mediatedby the bioactive compounds’ modulation of lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways.These findings highlight GUTAC's potential as a multi-target therapeutic strategy for obesity, warrantingfurther exploration in human clinical trials.

Antiparasitic and antioxidant effects of selenium nanoparticles on parasitic Trichinellaspiralis.

This study presents a comprehensive methodology for the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) for their anthelmintic properties against Trichinella spiralis. SeNPs were synthesized via a chemical reduction method, with a color change from clear white to brownish-red indicating nanoparticle formation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed broad peaks at 2θ ranges of 20-33° and 48-58°, confirming the semi-crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy identified a characteristic peak at around 295nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed spherical, monodispersed SeNPs with smooth surfaces, ranging from 30 to 106nm in size, with an average diameter of 69nm. Forty-two male rats were divided into six groups, including healthy controls and T. spiralis-infected rats treated with varying doses of SeNPs. Body and organ weight indexes were assessed at the start, during the intestinal and muscular phases. Significant body weight increases were observed during the intestinal phase, particularly in the positive control group. Organ weight analysis showed a significant decrease in liver weight in the high-dose SeNP group compared to controls. SeNP treatment significantly reduced the number of adult worms in the intestines and encysted larvae in muscles. The high-dose group reduced adult worms and encysted larvae more than the low-dose group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed morphological alterations in adult T. spiralis worms, including wrinkled architecture, torn cuticles, and severe sloughing in high-dose treated worms. During the muscular phase, significant decreases in hemoglobin and red blood cell count were observed in the positive control group, while SeNP treatment restored these levels. Liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP) were elevated in infected untreated groups but were enhanced with SeNP treatment. Antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, and SOD) increased in SeNP-treated groups, with higher doses showing greater efficacy in reducing oxidative stress markers (MDA) and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, and IL-6). Histological analysis showed significant restoration of normal intestinal architecture in high-dose SeNP-treated infected rats, including the reduction of villus atrophy and leukocyte infiltration. In diaphragm muscles, high-dose SeNP treatment minimized encysted larval deposition and restored normal muscle architecture. We can conclude that the study demonstrates the potential of SeNPs as an effective anthelmintic agent against T. spiralis, highlighting their synthesis, characterization, and therapeutic efficacy.

Grazing sheep on pastures with tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) – results of a two-year study on ingested pyrrolizidine alkaloids and transfer into animal organs

Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) growing in animal pasture may pose a risk to humans due to the potential transfer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) into food of animal origin. Here, we investigated what amount of PAs corresponds to the amount of ragwort consumed by sheep on a pasture and whether the ingested PAs are transferred into edible tissue. From 2020 to 2021, a field study was conducted with 70 sheep grazing on a pasture (stocking density of 12 sheep/hectare) with considerable quantities of tansy ragwort. After slaughter, blood samples were taken for analysis of liver enzyme activities and haemoglobin concentration. Samples of ruminal fluid, liver and diaphragm pillar were analysed for PAs. The amount of ingested ragwort was determined by counting missing plant parts and calculating their weight using reference material. The mean daily intake of ragwort per sheep ranged from 0.16 kg to 4.89 kg fresh matter and corresponded to PA doses from 0.3 to 40.9 mg/kg body weight with no effect on the liver enzyme activities. The PA concentrations in the animal tissue were between the limit of detection and a maximum of 8.0 µg/kg in the liver and 2.5 µg/kg in muscle. These data suggest that the risk is negligible of exposure to PAs through consumption of meat or liver.

Comparative analysis of ferritin levels and liver enzyme activity in liver disease patients within Benin City

Comparative analysis of ferritin levels and liver enzyme activity in liver disease patients within Benin City