Liver Lipid Profile Research Articles

Dietary supplementation with a mixture of Dunaliella salina and Spirulina enhances broiler performance by improving growth, immunity, digestive enzymes and gut microbiota

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Dunaliella salina and Spirulina (D + S) mixture on performance, carcass yield, kidney and liver markers, lipid profile, and immune responses of fattening chicks. Two hundred broiler chicks at 7 days old were distributed into 5 experimental groups, 5 replicates each with 8 chicks each. Group 1 was fed on only basal diet; group 2 was fed with basal diet and 0.50 g/kg (D + S); group 3 was fed with basal diet and 1.00 g/kg (D + S); group 4 was fed with basal diet and 1.50 g/kg (D + S); and group 5 was fed with basal diet supplemented with 2.00 g/kg (D + S). The additive mixture (D + S) consisted of (1 D. salina: 1 Spirulina). The experiment lasted for 6 wk. The results demonstrated significantly improved better live body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (P<0.01) for groups that received (D + S) at levels of 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg diet compared to other groups at 6 wk of age. There was no significant influence of different levels of dietary feed additives on feed intake or carcass traits. The lipid profile was improved through a reduction of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values, as well as the immune response, which was improved through increasing values of complement 3, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the birds treated with (D + S) compared to the control group. The inclusion of all levels of (D + S)/kg decreased triglyceride, while total protein, albumen, and globulin values (P<0.05 or P<0.01) were higher compared to other groups. The inclusion of the different levels of (D + S)/kg improved liver function, whereas aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values were lower than in other groups (P<0.001). The lowest values of creatinine, urea, and uric acid were noted in birds fed a diet supplemented with 1.50 g (D + S)/kg. Antioxidant levels were improved through increasing values of catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) enzymes in the treated birds with (D + S) compared with the control chicks. Furthermore, digestive enzymes and microbial content were improved in broiler checks fed on diet supplemented with (D + S) compared to the control group. In conclusion, supplementing broiler chicks with a dietary D. salina and Spirulina combination increased their productive performance, immunity, kidney and liver function, lipid profile, and digestive enzymes.

Features of the fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membranes in patients with fatty liver disease of alcoholic genesis

Introduction. Alcoholic steatosis, which is a reversible condition, is currently considered a significant risk factor for the progression of diffuse liver pathology, therefore understanding of its mechanisms at the molecular level is essential.Aim. To study the features of the fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membranes in patients with fatty liver disease of alcoholic origin for possible use of fatty acids (FAs) as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.Materials and methods. A total of 31 men with alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) (average age of 45.1 ± 17.1 years) and 28 men of comparable age without AFLD and symptomatic pathology of internal organs were examined. The FA composition and levels of erythrocyte membranes (ER) were studied using Agilent 7000B (USA) triple quadrupole gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.Results and discussion. A higher level of a range of saturated FAs (lauric, margaric, pentadecane), monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), which are additional factors for the progression of AFLD (palmitoleic, total monounsaturated acids), n-6/n-3 polyun-saturated FAs ratio (PUFAs), alpha-linolenic FA was detected in patients with AFL vs the control group (p = 0.00002–0.05). In contrast, the levels of arachidic and docosahexaenoic acids, total eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic n-3 PUFAs, and total n-3 PUFAs were lower in patients with AFLD than in healthy men (p = 0.003–0.01), which is associated with increased ethanol induced adipose tissue lipolysis via PDE3B-AMPK axis. The use of FAs panel (C16:1;9, sum MUFA, n-6/n-3 PUFA, C22:6n3, C20:0) to distinguish patients with AFLD from healthy ones ensured high levels of sensitivity (79%), and specificity (81%) (AUC 0.808). Multidirectional associations of FA levels in erythrocyte membranes with each other and liver tests and lipid profile results were revealed.Conclusion. Thus, the features of erythrocytes membrane FAs in patients with AFLD and the potential to use them as biomarkers for differentiation of people with AFLD from healthy individuals have been identified.

Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on the liver enzymes, lipid profiles, glycemic index, and anthropometric indices in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients: An umbrella meta-analysis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. The evidence for curcumin's effects on patients with NAFLD is accumulating; however, meta-analyses have reported mixed results. The current umbrella meta-analysis aimed to assess the present evidence and provide an accurate estimate of the overall effects of curcumin/turmeric on NAFLD patients. The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched till March 2023 using MeSH terms and related keywords based on the PICO criteria. Meta-analysis studies evaluating the effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on NAFLD patients that reported the effect sizes (ES) and corresponding confidence intervals (CI) were eligible for inclusion in this study. All articles were screened by considering the eligibility criteria by two independent reviewers and required data were extracted from the included meta-analyses. The meta-analysis was performed utilizing a random-effects model by STATA software. Findings of 11 meta-analyses of 99 randomized controlled trials comprising 5546 participants revealed that curcumin/turmeric supplementation reduced AST (ES = -1.072, 95% CI (-1.656, -0.488), p = 0.000), ALT (ES = -0.625, 95% CI (-1.170, -0.134), p = 0.014), and TG (ES = -0.469, 95% CI (-1.057, 0.119), p = 0.128) levels, and HOMA-IR (ES = -0.291, 95% CI (-0.368, -0.214), p = 0.000), BMI (ES = -0.205, 95% CI (-0.304, -0.107), p = 0.000), and WC (ES = -1.290, 95% CI (-2.038, -0.541), p = 0.001) in comparison to the control group. However, the effects of curcumin on GGT, ALP, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBS, and HbA1C levels and body weight were not significant. The findings suggest the beneficial effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in patients with NAFLD, such as improving liver function, decreasing serum TG levels, ameliorating insulin resistance, and reducing general and central obesity. Nevertheless, high-quality research is further required to prove these achievements.

Causal relationship between sleep apnea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A Mendelian randomization study.

Observational studies indicate that sleep apnea is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its related metabolic features, independent of confounding factors including obesity. However, the causal relationships remain to be determined. Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to investigate the causal relationship between sleep apnea and NAFLD, along with its typical features including liver function, glycemic traits and lipid profiles. Summary-level data for sleep apnea were obtained from the Finngen consortium (33,423 cases and 307,648 controls). Summary-level data for NAFLD were available from a GWAS meta-analysis (8434 cases and 770,180 controls), and data for 12 NAFLD-related features from corresponding published GWASs. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis was employed as the primary statistical method. Bidirectional MR and CAUSE analysis were conducted to avoid reverse causality and false positive findings. In univariable MR analyses, we found evidence to support a causal effect of genetically predicted sleep apnea on NAFLD (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.18-1.91) and HDL-C (β = -0.045, 95% CI = -0.090 to -0.001). In reverse MR, genetically predicted serum TG was associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.12), while genetically predicted HDL-C was associated with a decreased risk of sleep apnea (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.89-0.98). After adjusting body mass index or educational attainment, none of these causal associations were retained. However, CAUSE method and MR analyses focusing on lipoprotein subfractions supported a causal effect of sleep apnea on HDL-C and HDL subfractions. This MR study indicated that sleep apnea has no direct causal association with NAFLD, elevated liver enzymes and insulin resistance. Our results showed suggestive inverse associations of genetically predicted sleep apnea on HDL-C and HDL subfractions, indicating that both HDL-C levels and HDL function may be causally implicated in sleep apnea.

Salvia officinalis flowers extract ameliorates liver and kidney injuries induced by simultaneous intoxication with ethanol/castor oil.

The current study investigated the possible mechanisms of aqueous extract Salvia officinalis flowers (SF-AE) and its protective effects against hepatorenal toxicities produced by simultaneous acute administration of ethanol (EtOH)/castor oil (CO). Healthy male rats (N = 50) were separated into five equal groups: control, Ethanol (EtOH) + Castor oil (CO), doses of increasing orders of SF-AE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) during 15 days. Liver and kidney injuries were induced by EtOH (4 g/kg, b.w., p.o.) combined with CO (5 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.). Compared to the control group, SF-AE pretreatment protected against simultaneous administration of EtOH and CO-caused serious histological alterations in liver and kidney tissues. SF-AE also reversed liver and kidney biochemical parameters and lipid profile alterations. More importantly, SF-AE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and counteracted the depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SF-AE also prevents against inflammation induced by EtOH combined with CO, expressed by the rise of inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein: CRP and alkaline phosphatase: ALP). Additionally, combined EtOH intoxication and CO poisoning exerted an increase in H2 O2 , free iron and calcium levels. Impressively, SF-AE treatment regulated levels of these studied intracellular mediators in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, SF-AE can potentially improve liver and kidney injuries associated with biochemical parameter deregulations, possibly by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.

Effects of black cumin, fenugreek, and sesame seeds as a mixture on performance, intestinal morphology, and blood traits of broilers under chronic heat stress conditions

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a seed mixture (SM) (black cumin, fenugreek, and sesame) on broiler chickens’ performance, intestinal morphology, and blood traits under chronic heat stress conditions. 330-day-old male Ross 308 chicks were divided into five treatments (6 replicates and 11 birds per each) consisting of a corn-soybean supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6% SM for 45 days in a completely randomised design. 6% SM supplementation increased body weight (BW) at 45 days of age, average weight gain (AWG) at 26-45 days, and total rearing period under heat stress conditions (p < 0.05). Adding 3% SM to broiler diets increased average feed intake (AFI) at 26-45 and 1-45 days, feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 12-25, and the mortality rate decreased from 28.8% (0% SM) to 12.1% (6% SM) (p < 0.05). Adding SM had no significant effects on the relative weight of carcase segments and internal organs (p > 0.05) except for the duodenum, which increased weight and length at the level of 6% (p < 0.05). The red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin were elevated in chicks inoculated with 3% and 6% SM, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value increased following the supplementation of SM, while differential white blood cell (WBC) counts did not influence. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) activity declined in chicks that received 6% SM at 45 days of age (p < 0.05). SM supplementation decreased liver steatosis, uric acid, glucose, total protein, and lipid profile concentrations of serum (p < 0.05). Therefore, we conclude that adding SM to the broiler diets at 6% level significantly improves broiler performance, blood traits, and liver health under chronic heat-stress conditions.

Role of Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Pathogenesis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a global prevalence of 25% and is one of the main causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, the stress response protein mesencephalon-astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) has been shown to regulate hepatic and systemic metabolic homeostasis.&#x0D; Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between mesencephalon-astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor levels with other anthropometric indicators, and its function in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patients with ages ranging between 40 to 73 years were included in this study and their serum samples were collected and kept at -2 °C. The liver function test, lipid profile, and albumin were determined using the automated biochemistry analyzer, while the mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor biomarker was determined by the ELIZA technique.&#x0D; Results: Our study showed that MANF levels decrease with age, and decreased MANF levels are associated with inflammatory phenotypes. The mean levels of ALT, ALP, AST, TSB, and the ALT/AST ratio in the non-alcoholic fatty liver patients were significantly higher than that for the non-fatty liver patients. As well, the mean level of MANF in the non-fatty liver patients was 305.25 ± 110.49 mg/dl which was significantly higher in the non-alcoholic fatty liver group (157.52). (p ≤ 0.001)&#x0D; Conclusion: A novel finding of our study is that the reduction of serum MANF levels is strongly associated with the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disorders and could be used as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of hepatic disorders.

Emerging Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

The obesity epidemic has pushed fatty liver disease, which consists of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, to the forefront of the 21st century. Disease identification can be done invasively with a liver biopsy or noninvasively through elastography and measurements of biomarkers, such as the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) liver enzymes. Presently, there are no FDA-approved drugs on the market to treat the disease. Alternative medicinal treatments have been investigated, which include altering the intestinal microbiota and consuming anti-inflammatory, herbal-based, vitamin-based, and plant-based medications, in addition to following a healthy lifestyle. In this study, multiple databases were used to identify articles pertaining to fatty liver disease (FLD). Databases included Biomedical Reference Collection: Comprehensive, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Google Scholar, and PubMed. All articles gathered from the databases were peer-reviewed and less than 10 years old to ensure the credibility of the work and recent information regarding the disease. A total of 13 articles were used to gather information for this review. All articles were confirmed to be peer-reviewed by checking them with Ulrich's web. In all 13 peer-reviewed articles, the diagnosis of FLD was most commonly done by analyzing ALT and AST liver enzymes and lipid profiles. Liver ultrasound, liver FibroScan, and liver biopsy served as other tools used for detecting the presence of FLD. It was observed that anti-inflammatory, herbal-based, vitamin-based, and plant-based medications and healthy gut microbiota had beneficial and therapeutic effects in treating FLD when coupled with healthy lifestyle changes. All medicinal treatments were found to lower the ALT and AST liver enzymes, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein), and liver steatosis scores in studies where ultrasound was used before and after treatment.Further investigation is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of treating FLD; however, the medicinal treatments discussed in this review show promising prospects for treating the disease. The therapeutic effects of anti-inflammatory, herbal-based, vitamin-based, and plant-based medications and living a healthy lifestyle were seen in lower levels of liver enzymes, improved lipid profiles, and lower steatosis scores, with no reported side effects on subjects. The treatment options studied may have beneficial impacts in treating FLD patients and may be used in the development of future medications to combat the disease.

Does Flavonoid Supplementation Alleviate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Higher flavonoid intake is associated with reduced risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there is a large discrepancy in the effects of flavonoid supplementation on NAFLD. To fill such knowledge gap, we systematically reviewed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to critically assess flavonoid supplementation effect on liver function, lipid profile, inflammation, and insulin resistance in adults with NAFLD. A systematic search was conducted from 4 databases from inception until May 2023. Twelve RCTs were included in the final analysis demonstrating beneficial effects of flavonoids on ALT (SMD= -3.59, p= 0.034), AST (SMD= -4.47, p= 0.001), GGT (SMD= -8.70, p= 0.000), CK-18M30 (SMD= -0.35, p= 0.042), TG (SMD= -0.37, p= 0.001), LDL-C (SMD= -0.38, p= 0.039), TC (MD= -0.25 mmol/l, p= 0.017), steatosis score (MD= -18.97, p= 0.30), TNF-α (MD= -0.88, p= 0.000), and NF-κB (MD= -1.62, p= 0.001). This meta-analysis suggests that flavonoid alleviates NAFLD through exerting favourable effects on liver function, lipid profile, and inflammation, indicating flavonoid supplementation presents a promising drug regimen for the management of NAFLD and its associated complications.

Brewing Health Benefits: A Comparative Study Of Black, Herbal, And Green Tea On Rat Physiology

This study compared the physiological effects of black, herbal, and green tea in rats to determine prospective health advantages. Animals were divided into eight groups of six male rats each. In the morning and evening, the negative control group was intubated with 1ml of distilled water, with rat chow and water. The remaining six groups got each type of tea (black, herbal, and green) in the morning and evening for 14 days while physiological data were recorded. Green tea showed the most significant lipid profile and liver function improvement among the three tea varieties. The findings imply that all three tea varieties may have health advantages, particularly in enhancing liver health and lipid profiles. The highest impacts on lipid profile and body weight reduction were specifically shown with green tea.

Effects of Quercetin Nanoemulsion on Cholesterol Efflux and MicroRNA-33/34a Expression in the Liver of Mice Fed with a High-Cholesterol Diet.

Quercetin is a flavonoid widely present in plants; despite its beneficial physiological activity, it exhibits considerably low bioavailability. Nanoemulsion technology is used for improving the bioavailability of lipophilic phenolic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of quercetin nanoemulsion (QN) on regulating the microRNA (miR)-33/34a pathway involved in cholesterol efflux in the liver of mice fed with a high-cholesterol (HC) diet. Subsequently, C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups and fed a normal chow diet, HC diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid, or HC diet supplemented with 0.05% QN or 0.1% QN for 6 weeks. Serum and hepatic lipid profiles were assayed using commercial enzymatic kits. Gene expression and miR levels were quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity was measured using an AMPK Kinase Assay kit. QN supplementation improved serum and liver lipid profiles. QN upregulated the mRNA levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette subfamily A1, ATP-binding cassette subfamily G1, and scavenger receptor class B type 1, which are related to cholesterol efflux. In the QN group, the hepatic AMPK activity increased, whereas miR-33, and miR-34a expression levels decreased. These results suggest that QN may enhance cholesterol efflux, at least partly through modulating AMPK activity and miR-33/34a expression in the liver.

Pharmacotherapeutic effect of methanolic and ethanolic extract of Spinacia oleracea L. leaves on glycemic and lipidemic indexes of alloxan-induced diabetic mice

With the various side effects associated with synthetic medicines for treating diabetes, there is a need to develop herbal remedies as an alternative. Although Spinacia oleracea L. leaves are used to treat various health conditions, including diabetes, there is little research to validate its antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Spinacia oleracea L. leaves against alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in mice. Hyperglycemia was induced by an injection of alloxan monohydrate 80mg/kg bw. (i.p.). After 72 hours, mice with Blood Glucose Levels above 11.0 mmol/L were selected for the investigation. Both methanolic and ethanolic extracts at 200 mg/kg bw. doses were observed to have antidiabetic effect for 21 consecutive days. Blood Glucose Level was monitored after 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 days and compared with Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg b.wt.). Serum lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein] and liver enzymes such as SGPT, and SGOT were also determined. Oral administration of both extracts showed significant (P &lt; 0.05) antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The diabetic mice had significant (P &lt; 0.01) reduction in blood glucose; serum liver enzyme level (SGPT and SGOT) and lipid profile were compared with normal mice.

Maternal obstructive sleep apnea aggravates metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease via HMGB1-TLR4 signaling-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress in male offspring rats

Aims/hypothesisMaternal obstructive sleep apnea (MOSA) may inflict long-term metabolic effects on offspring. We hypothesize that MOSA increases the propensity for metabolic dysregulation in offspring and thus facilitates the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This study aims to test the hypothesis and explore the underlying mechanism. MethodsThe MOSA rat model of upper airway obstruction was established and fecundated. The postweaning male offspring (n = 171) from both the control group and MOSA group were randomly fed the normal chow diet (NCD, n = 89) or high-fat diet (HFD, n = 82) for the next 5 months. Liver function, lipid profile, glucose, and insulin levels were measured. Expression levels of fibrosis-related proteins and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins in liver tissues were assessed using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. ResultsMOSA increased body and liver weight in male offspring, along with augmented liver organ coefficient. Serum levels of aminotransferases, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, total cholesterol, total bile acid, fasting glucose, and insulin increased significantly. MOSA exacerbated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. These effects were driven by the overactivated double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR)-like eukaryotic initiation factor 2(PERK)-activating transcription factor (ATF)4-C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway-induced ER stress, and hyperacetylation and release of high mobility group box-1(HMGB1) elicited above signaling in a TLR4-dependent manner. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that MOSA can exert prolonged adverse effects manifested as metabolic dysfunction in male offspring. Therefore, surveillance and management of OSA during pregnancy may be necessary to prevent and alleviate MAFLD in offspring.

Replacement of Vitamin E by an Extract from an Olive Oil by-Product, Rich in Hydroxytyrosol, in Broiler Diets: Effects on Liver Traits, Oxidation, Lipid Profile, and Transcriptome.

The study examines the effect of replacing vitamin E (VE) with a liquid obtained from alpeorujo, an olive oil by-product rich in hydroxytyrosol (HT), as an antioxidant in broiler chicken feeds on the gene expression, lipid profile, and oxidation in the liver. There were five diets that differed only in the substitution of supplemental VE (0 to 40 mg/kg with differences of 10 mg/kg) by HT (30 to 0 mg/kg with differences of 7.5 mg/kg). A linear decrease (p < 0.05) in α-tocopherol concentration in the liver was observed with the replacement of VE by HT. There were no significant changes in triglyceride, cholesterol, or TBARS concentrations. The hepatic transcriptome showed 378 differentially expressed genes between broilers fed HT15 (20 mg/kg VE and 15 mg/kg HT) and HT0 (40 mg/kg VE) diets (p < 0.05 and fold change less or higher than 1.3). Significant changes in cell cycle, cell nucleus activity, neuroactivity, and necroptosis pathways and functions were observed. It is concluded that the olive oil by-product, rich in HT, could be used to spare VE as an antioxidant in broiler diets without affecting liver lipid and TBARS concentrations. The differential gene expression analysis showed a potential role of olive polyphenols in enhancing the chicken immune response.

Phytochemical composition, toxicological profiling and effect on pup birth weight of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract in rats: Implications for fetal macrosomia control

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCorchorus olitorius is used in ethnomedicine to arrest threatened miscarriage, ease labour, and promote smooth childbirth. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the phytochemical composition, toxicity profile, and effect of Corchorus olitorius L. leaf extract (COLE) on fetal macrosomia control in rats. Materials and methodsThe chemical constituents of COLE were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A single dose of up to 5000 mg/kg was administered in the acute toxicity test, and the rats were monitored for 14 days. In the sub-acute toxicity study, rats were treated with the extract for 28 days, and liver function, renal function, lipid profile, and serum antioxidant parameters, coupled with liver and kidney histology, were used to assess the toxicity potential of the extract. In the pup birth weight study, treatment of pregnant rats lasted until the birth of pups and continued for an extra 4 weeks. Rats in group 1 served as a control, whereas rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 received daily doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight of COLE, respectively, via oral gavage. ResultsBioactive compounds such as D-limonene, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z), dodecanoic acid, and ethyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate with well-known pharmacological activities were detected. LD50 of COLE was >5000 mg/kg. COLE decreased body weight and increased red blood cell, packed cell volume, and haemoglobin values when compared with the control (p < 0.05). COLE significantly decreased alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase but did not cause any significant (p > 0.05) changes in other biochemical (liver and kidney) parameters when compared to control. COLE decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Birth weights of pups were significantly decreased in the COLE-treated groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05), but the observed difference terminated by the fourth week of weaning. ConclusionThe results showed that COLE is not toxic but has several bioactive compounds with known pharmacological activities and therefore may be a safe oral agent for fetal macrosomia control.

Antihyperglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Dolichos lablab Linn in STZ induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Mice

Background: Traditional herbs have been used in the human healthcare system as medicines, foods, or spices from ancient times. Dolichos lablab is an Indian medicinal herb with a good source of nutrition, and has insulin-like proteins, thus can be employed in the cure of diabetes. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the lipids and blood glucose lowering effect of Dolichos lablab hydroalcoholic extract by using STZ-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus in-vivo model. Methods: Animals were divided into five groups including vehicle control, diabetic control, extract treated (200 &amp; 400 mg/kg), and standard group. All the treatment was continued for 14 days after the confirmation of diabetes. Food consumption, water intake, serum glucose, insulin, kidney function test, liver, and serum lipid profile were assessed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of the plant. Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, protein, amino acids, and terpenoids. Extract treatment significantly diminished HbA1c, and blood glucose levels. In addition, an ameliorative effect on serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein was observed at 400 mg/kg/day dose. Moreover, blood urea nitrogen and hepatic SGPT were also reduced significantly with extract treatment. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study depicted that Dolichos lablab is a useful herb in diabetes management and possesses hypolipidemic potential.

The Effects of Asystasia vogeliana Benth. on Wistar Rat Liver Health, Kidney Function, and Lipid Profile

Aims: This study investigated the effects of long term consumption of A. vogeliana leaf on the liver health, kidney function, and lipid profile of female Wistar rats. This was with a view to assessing the safety and potential health effects of the plant extract.&#x0D; Study Design: The study employed in vivo animal model in Wistar rats.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between June 2019 and February 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Acute oral toxicity and LD50 were determined. Animals were randomized into three groups (n = 6) and treated as follows: Group 1 (normal control; distilled water), Group 2 (250 mg/kg), and Group 3 (500 mg/kg) for 21 days. Animals were sacrificed on 22nd day and plasma was analyzed for liver-kidney biomarkers: aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. Also, the lipid biomarkers (total cholesterol TC), triglyceride TG, high-density lipoprotein HDL, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol LDL), and atherogenic indices were determined.&#x0D; Results: The result showed LD50 &gt; 2000 mg/kg. A non-significant difference was observed in ALT activity, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and urea levels. Significant (p&lt;0.05) elevations in AST and ALP, and a significant decrease in creatinine were observed in the treated group, suggesting detrimental effect on the kidney health. TC, TG, and LDL were significantly high, whereas HDL was significantly low in the treated group. Similarly, significant increases in non-HDL, atherogenic coefficient (Ac), coronary risk index-1 (CRI-1), and 2 (CRI-2), were observed in the treated groups, suggesting a likelihood for cardiovascular diseases.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that prolonged administration of A. vogeliana leaf impacted the kidneys and induced an elevated lipid profile and a sharp decrease in HDL. Therefore, prolonged use of A. vogeliana should be discouraged.

Naringenin suppresses aluminum-induced experimental hepato-nephrotoxicity in mice through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Aluminum is a widely used metal substance in daily life activities that has been shown to cause severe hepato-nephrotoxicity with long-term exposure. Natural dietary flavonoids are being utilized as a newer pharmaceutical approach against various acute and chronic diseases. Naringenin (NAR) has shown efficient therapeutic properties, including effects against metal toxicities. However, the protective efficacy of NAR on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced hepato-renal toxicity needs investigation as aluminum has shown serious environmental toxicity and bioaccumulation behavior. In this study, mice were treated with AlCl3 (10mg/kg b.w./day) to assess toxicities, and a group of mice were co-treated with NAR (10mg/kg b.w./day) to assess the protective effects of NAR against hepato-nephrotoxicity. The levels of blood serum enzymes, oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and the apoptosis marker caspase-3 were measured using histological examinations. NAR treatment in AlCl3-treated mice resulted in maintained levels of liver and kidney function enzymes and lipid profiles. NAR treatment attenuated oxidative stress by regulating the levels of nitric oxide, advance oxidation of protein products, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation. NAR also replenished reduced antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced the levels of glutathione and oxidized glutathione. NAR regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and elevated the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ). The histological study further confirmed the protective effects of NAR against AlCl3-induced hepato-renal alterations. NAR decreased the expression of caspase-3 as a mechanism of protective effects against apoptotic damage in the liver and kidney of AlCl3-treated mice. In summary, this study demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of NAR, leading to the suppression of AlCl3-triggered hepato-renal apoptosis and histological alterations. The results suggest that aluminum toxicity needs to be monitored in daily life usage, and supplementation of the natural dietary flavonoid naringenin may help maintain liver and kidney health.

Studying the Effect of COVID-19 on Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile in Iraqi Recovering Patients

The Covid-19 virus disease has been shown to affect numerous organs and systems including the liver. The study aimed to compare lipid profiles and liver enzyme levels in individuals who had recovered from Covid-19 infection. To achieve the study objectives, liver Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and Lipid profile which include cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (T.G), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and Very low-density Lipoprotein (VLDL) were determined. One hundred twenty serum samples were obtained, of which fifty samples were utilized as the control healthy persons (not affected by COVID) and seventy samples came from COVID-19 patients who had recovered. Liver enzymes showed a significant increase in serum AST, ALT, and ALP between the two groups (p-values) of 0.001. The lipid profile demonstrated notable ariations which showed an increase in cholesterol, TG, LDL, and VLDL., as well as a decrease in HDL level in the recovered patients’ group compared to the control (p-values) with a value of 0.001. There were no significant differences in RBS between the recovered patients’ group as compared with the control, (p-value) (0.062). Also, body mass index )BMI( and age showed no significant differences. This study concluded that Covid 19 survivors experienced issues with their lipid profiles and liver enzymes

The effects of aerobic exercise on liver function, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles in prediabetic and type 2 diabetic mice

Background and aimsThe purpose of the current study was to evaluate the expression of gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance key genes; including insulin receptor substrate 1 (Irs1), a serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt), forkhead box class-O 1 (FoxO1) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pepck) genes, and lipid profiles following either a standard or a high-fat diet (HFD) and either an aerobic exercise or non-exercise intervention in prediabetic and type 2 diabetic (T2DM) mice. Methods24 male mice were randomly assigned to two groups fed with a normal diet (ND) or a HFD for 12 weeks. The mice in each group were again randomly assigned to two groups to create four groups in total: 1. Prediabetes-exercised (Prediabetes-Exe), 2. Prediabetes-non exercised (Prediabetes-Non exe), 3. Healthy-exercised (Healthy-Exe), and 4. Healthy-non exercised (Healthy-Non exe). Eighteen additional male mice were fed with the HFD for 8 weeks, after which streptozotocin (STZ) was administered. The mice were then fed the HFD for an additional 4 weeks. These T2DM mice were then randomly divided into two groups: 1. Diabetes-exercised (Diabetic-Exe), and 2. Diabetes-Non exe. The three Exe groups all exercised on a treadmill for 8 weeks for 5 sessions/week. After the last training session, liver tissue was extracted, and the expression of Irs1, Akt, FoxO1, and Pepck genes was measured using real time quantitative Polymerase chain reaction tests. Lipid profiles were measured in serum and in the liver. ResultsThe expression of both Irs1 and Akt was significantly increased in the Healthy-Exe, Prediabetes-Exe, and Diabetes-Exe groups as compared to the Healthy-Non exe, Prediabetes-Non exe, and Diabetes-Non exe groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, the expression of FoxO1 (p < 0.05) and Pepck (p < 0.001) decreased significantly in the Prediabetes-Exe, and Diabetes-Exe groups as compared to the Prediabetes-non exe, and Diabetes-Non exe groups. Aerobic exercise did not lead to reductions in FoxO1 or Pepck expression in the Healthy-Exe mice. ConclusionsEight weeks of aerobic exercise (5 sessions/week) significantly increased the expression of key genes that are important for maintaining glucose homeostasis and improving insulin resistance (Irs1 and Akt), and decreased expression of genes that are important for decreasing gluconeogenesis in the liver (FoxO1 and Pepck) in healthy, prediabetic, and T2DM mice. The lipid profiles improved in healthy, prediabetic, and T2DM mice.