Liver Malondialdehyde Content Research Articles

Effect of dietary bile acid (BA) on the growth performance, body composition, antioxidant responses and expression of lipid metabolism-related genes of juvenile large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) fed high-lipid diets

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary bile acid (BA) on the growth performance, body composition, antioxidant responses and expression of lipid metabolism-related genes of juvenile large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) (average weight, 12.00 ± 0.20 g). An optimal lipid diet formulated with 4.0% fish oil and 4.0% soybean oil was set as the positive control diet (MO), while a high-lipid diet formulated with 6.5% fish oil and 6.5% soybean oil was used as the negative control diet (HO). The other three diets were supplemented with 150 (HOB150), 300 (HOB300) and 450 mg/kg (HOB450) BA on the basis of the negative control diet. The results showed that the survival rate (SR) was not significantly different among dietary treatments (P > 0. 05). Compared with the positive control, there were no significant differences in final body weight (FBW) and weight gain rate (WGR) among fish fed diets with high lipid contents. With increasing supplementation of BA in diets, the FBW and WGR gradually increased. Compared with the negative control, fish fed the diet with 300 mg/kg BA had significantly higher FBW and WGR (P < .05). The liver lipid content and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly decreased with increasing dietary BA (P < .05). In fish fed diets with 300 mg/kg-450 mg/kg BA, the activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) were significantly increased (P < .05). The sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) mRNA expression levels in the liver significantly decreased with increasing dietary BA (P < .05). Furthermore, increasing dietary BA from 150 mg/kg to 450 mg/kg significantly improved the mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) and acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) in the liver (P < .05). These results suggested that dietary BA supplementation could improve the digestion and absorption capacity of lipids, which might be the reason for the improvement in the growth performance of large yellow croaker.

Optimum dietary fiber level could improve growth, plasma biochemical indexes and liver function of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

An 8 week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber levels on growth, plasma biochemical parameters and liver function of juvenile largemouth bass. Five isonitrogenous (49% crude protein) and isolipidic (11% crude lipid) diets were formulated to contain 1.24%, 3.43%, 5.12%, 6.95% and 8.50% fiber levels, respectively. Four groups of largemouth bass were randomly assigned to each diet. The results indicated that largemouth bass fed the diets containing 8.5% fiber had significantly lower weight gain (WG) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than those fed the other fiber diet. The whole-body lipid and liver lipid contents and hepatosomatic index (HSI) decreased with increasing dietary fiber levels，while whole-body protein content rose. Meanwhile, plasma triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) contents and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity significantly decreased as dietary fiber levels increased, whereas plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity significantly rose. The carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-1), adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activities and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR-α) content in liver significantly increased with increasing dietary fiber levels. Furthermore, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and oxide synthase (NOS) increased and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver decreased significantly as dietary fiber levels increased. In addition, the liver histological investigation showed an improvement in liver histostructure at high fiber levels. These findings indicated that dietary fiber levels could improve liver function and antioxidant ability of M.salmoides; also, higher dietary fiber levels have a positive impact and decrease the potential risk of disease in M. salmoides. Based on WG, a dietary fiber level of 4.07% was optimal for growth performance of juvenile largemouth bass.

The enrichment and purification of hexabromocyclododecanes and its effects on thyroid in zebrafish

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) are the third most highly produced brominated flame retardants (BFRs) all over the world. Based on the current research status of HBCDs, zebrafish were exposed to three dietary concentrations of HBCDs (0, 10, 100, 400 ng/g) for 56 days, and followed by clean food for 28 days. In order to investigate the enrichment and purification of HBCDs in zebrafish, HBCD enantiomers in zebrafish were determined using ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). To investigate the effects of long-term exposure of HBCDs on thyroid dysfunction and oxidative stress in zebrafish, the concentrations of thyroid hormone (T3, T4, FT3 and FT4) and the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured. RT-PCR was used to reveal the molecular mechanism of HBCDs' influence on thyroid hormone in zebrafish. The result of UPLC-MS/MS showed that there were three main reasons for the existence of α-HBCD as the major isomer in the organism. HBCDs had significant inhibitory effect on T3 and T4 in liver of adult zebrafish after 56 days’ exposure. Compared with the control group, the ratio of T3 and T4was significantly higher in the medium and high concentration group. The content of FT3 and FT4 in the liver tissue of zebrafish increased first and then decreased with the increase of exposure concentration. With the increase of exposure concentration, the content of MDA in zebrafish liver decreased firstly and then increased. The activity of SOD and CAT in zebrafish liver showed the opposite trend with MDA. And the concentration of GSH in liver decreased gradually, which showed a significant dose-effect relationship. HBCDs exposure has an inhibitory effect on thyroid hormone receptor gene (TRβ) and adrenocorticotropin-releasing hormone gene (Crh) in zebrafish.

Effects of dietary graded levels of cinnamon essential oil and its combination with bamboo leaf flavonoid on immune function, antioxidative ability and intestinal microbiota of broilers

Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and its combination with bamboo leaf flavonoid (BLF) have been shown to exhibit an additive antibacterial effect in vitro, but their functions in broilers were not clear. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary graded levels of CEO and its combination with BLF on the growth performance, immune responses, antioxidative ability, and intestinal morphology and microbiota of broilers fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet. A total of 576 1-d-old Arbor Acres commercial male broilers were randomly allotted to 9 treatments with 8 replicates of 8 birds each in a completely randomized design. Birds were fed on a basal corn-soybean meal diet (control, without plant extracts and antibiotics), or the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg of aureomycin kg−1, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg of CEO kg−1, a combination of 100 mg of CEO and 16.7 mg of BLF kg−1, or a combination of 200 mg of CEO kg−1 and 33.3 mg of BLF kg−1 for 42 d. Dietary treatment affected (P<0.05) the serum immune globulin M (IgM) contents on d 42, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) contents on d 21, duodenal crypt depth on d 42, relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the cecal contents on d 21, and relative abundances of Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium in the cecal contents on d 42, but had no effect (P>0.16) on all other measured indices. The addition of 400 mg of CEO kg−1 or a combination of 200 mg CEO kg−1 and 33.3 mg BLF kg−1 increased (P<0.02) serum IgM contents on d 42. Dietary supplementation with 100 or 200 mg CEO kg−1, or 50 mg aureomycin kg−1 decreased (P<0.003) liver MDA contents on d 21. In addition, the supplement of 100 mg CEO kg−1 increased (P<0.002) the Lactobacillus relative abundance in caecum on d 21 and Bifidobacterium relative abundance in caecum on d 42, and decreased (P<0.0001) E. coli relative abundance in caecum on d 42. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with CEO, an alternative to aureomycin, improved the immune status, antioxidantative ability and cecal microbiota of broilers, and dietary supplementation with the combinations of CEO and BLF did not exhibit further effects. Dietary supplementation with 100 mg CEO kg−1 is beneficial for broilers fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet.

Effects of compound organic acid calcium on growth performance, hepatic antioxidation and intestinal barrier of male broilers under heat stress.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of compound organic acid calcium (COAC) on growth performance, hepatic antioxidant status and intestinal barrier of male broilers under high ambient temperature (32.7°C).MethodsNine hundred healthy one-d-old Cobb-500 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned into three groups with six replicates of 50 birds each. A basal diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.4% and 0.8% COAC, respectively were fed to birds for 6 weeks. All treatments were under high ambient indoor temperature of 32.7°C, and had a constant calcium and available phosphorus ratio.ResultsThe results showed that, compared with control, the average daily gain of broilers in 0.4% and 0.8% was significantly increased and the ratio of feed to gain in in 0.4% and 0.8% was significantly decreased at 1 to 21, 22 to 42 and 1 to 42 days of age (p<0.05). Compared with control, 0.8% COAC slightly decreased (p = 0.093) the content of malondialdehyde in liver at 42 days of age while 0.4% COAC significantly decreased (p<0.05) the activity of alkaline phosphatase. Furthermore, 0.4% COAC significantly enhanced the intestinal barrier function via increasing jejunal and ileal ocln transcription, promoting jejunal mucin 2 transcription at 42 days of age (p<0.05), and decreasing jejunal toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and ileal TLR-15, inducible nitric oxide synthase compared with control group (p<0.05). Whereas, no significant differences on the transcription of interleukin-1β in jejunum and ileum were observed among three treatments (p>0.05). Overall, heat stress caused by high natural environment temperature may induce the damage to hepatic antioxidation and intestinal barrier.ConclusionDietary inclusion of COAC can improve the tolerance of broilers to thermal environment through the modification of antioxidative parameters in liver and the mRNA expression of genes in intestinal barrier, resulting in an optimal inclusion level of 0.4%.

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.

The effects of royal jelly on oxidative stress and toxicity in tissues induced by malathion, an organophosphate insecticide

Royal jelly is a bee product frequently used in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries due to its biological activities. The present study aimed to determine the effects of royal jelly on malathion-induced toxicity and biochemical changes. The rats that were used as experimental animals in the study were divided into 6 groups. Control group rats were administered nothing, while carrier chemicals (1% DMSO) were administered to sham group rats. Malathion group (MAL) rats were injected with 0.8 g/kg malathion in DMSO subcutaneously. Saline solution that included 100 mg/kg royal jelly was administered with gavage to the rats in the royal jelly group (RJ). 100 mg/kg royal jelly was administered to RJ+MAL group rats via gavage 1 hour before the injection of 0.8 g/kg malathion. 100 mg/kg royal jelly was administered to MAL+RJ group rats via gavage 1 hour after the injection of 0.8 g/kg malathion. After the experimental process (24 hours), blood samples were taken from the rats in each group under anesthesia (ketamine+xylazine). MDA, NO, GSH, GPx (glutathione peroxidase), CAT, SOD and AChE activities were determined in blood, liver, kidney and brain tissues. It was found that erythrocyte, liver, kidney and brain MDA (malondialdehyde) concentrations in MAL groups were statistically significantly higher when compared to the other groups (p&lt;0.05). It was observed that GSH (glutathione) concentrations increased in the brain, while they decreased in erythrocyte, liver and kidney in the MAL group when compared to the control and sham groups. CAT (catalase) concentration significantly decreased in erythrocyte, liver, kidney and brain tissues in the MAL group when compared to the control and sham groups (p&lt;0.05). SOD (superoxide dismutase) concentration in the MAL group decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) when compared to other groups, while SOD concentration increased significantly in the therapy and prevention groups (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the others. It was found that serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) concentration was significantly lower in the MAL group when compared to sham and control groups (p&lt;0.05). Thus, it was concluded that malathion led to lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in MDA and NO (nitric oxide) levels and toxicity in AChE activities. It was also determined that royal jelly could be effective against oxidative damage and toxicity. The findings suggested that the antioxidant effect of royal jelly could support the treatment of malathion, which is one of the insecticides that contain organophosphate and could lead to oxidative stress. It is considered that the prophylactic characteristics of royal jelly was more effective on malathion toxicity when compared to therapatic properties.

Local and systemic effects of aging on acute pancreatitis

Background/Objectives: Evaluation of the local and systemic effects of aging on the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in an experimental rat model in elderly animals. MethodsAP was induced in Wistar rats by intraductal 2.5% taurocholate injection and divided into two groups: Young (3 month old) and Aged (18 month old). Two and 24 h after AP induction blood samples were collected for determinations of amylase, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, glucose, and of plasma I-FABP. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were determined in serum and ascitic fluid. Liver mitochondrial function and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, pancreas histological analysis, and pulmonar myeloperoxidade (MPO) activity were performed. Bacterial translocation was evaluated by bacterial cultures of pancreas. ResultsA significant increase in serum amylase, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, glucose, I-FABP, and IL-6 levels, and a reduction in serum and ascitic fluid TNF-α levels were observed in the aged group compared to the young group. Liver mitochondrial dysfunction, MDA contents, and pulmonary MPO activity were increased in the Aged AP group compared to the Young AP group. Positive bacterial cultures obtained from pancreas tissue in aged group were significantly increased compared to the young group. Acinar necrosis was also increased in aged AP group when compared to young AP group. ConclusionAging worsens the course of acute pancreatitis evidenced by increased local and systemic lesions and increased bacterial translocation.

Characterization, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of degraded polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum

The aim of this work is to characterize the primary structure and physicochemical properties of natural polysaccharides (GLP) and degraded polysaccharides (GLPUD) from Ganoderma lucidum, and evaluate their hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. The results of particle size distribution and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides were effectively degraded by ultrasonic method. GLPUD was composed of the same monosaccharide units as GLP but with different molar ratios. Infrared spectra and NMR showed that the primary structure of polysaccharides had not been changed by ultrasonic degradation. Meanwhile, the thermal stability of polysaccharides increased after ultrasonic treatment. After administration by GLP and GLPUD four weeks, body weight, visceral index, atherosclerosis index (AI) and biochemical indicators in serum and in liver were determined. The results showed that GLPUD had stronger hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities than GLP. GLPUD was more effective than the GLP for reducing AI, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), raising high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) (p < 0.01), reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as increasing the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice serum, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reducing MDA content in liver (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). In addition, the histopathological observations of mice livers showed that GLPUD could significantly improve lipid metabolism disorder in hepatocytes. Thus, GLPUD might be tested as a more effective hypolipidemic drug.

Feeding effects of the microalga Nannochloropsis sp. on juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

Protein-rich microalgae are a potential alternative to fishmeal in aquafeed. This study evaluated the effects of replacing fishmeal with Nannochloropsis sp. meal in the diet of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.). A fishmeal-based diet was used as the control, and four experimental diets containing 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% Nannochloropsis sp. meal (w/w) were formulated to replace 3.9% (R3.9), 7.8% (R7.8), 11.6% (R11.6), and 15.5% (R15.5) of fishmeal weight. The diets were fed to the fish (initial body weight, 24.60 ± 0.02 g) for 10 weeks. Final results showed weight gain increased linearly from 149.72% to 158.31% with increasing levels of Nannochloropsis, but no significant differences were detected between control and treatment groups. Specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio followed the same trend as weight gain. The viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index did not differ significantly among groups. Each type of essential amino acids content of muscle was lowest in control, increased until reaching a peak in R7.8, and then decreased, and values of the R7.8 group were significantly higher than those of control (P < 0.05). Pepsin, trypsin, and lipase activities also increased to reach peak values in the R7.8 group, which were significantly higher than those of control (P < 0.05). Total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and total antioxidant capacity of serum and liver followed the same trend as the digestive enzymes, whereas the liver malondialdehyde content followed the opposite trend. These results indicate Nannochloropsis sp. meal could be used as an ingredient contributing up to 10% of the diet with no negative effects on fish growth performance and muscular amino acid profiles. Dietary inclusion of 5% Nannochloropsis sp. meal significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of fish. In short, Nannochloropsis sp. meal should be a promising alternative to fishmeal in aquafeed.

The Alisma and Rhizoma decoction abates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated liver injuries in mice by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy

BackgroundTo investigate the effects of the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to further shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the actions of the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction.MethodsPlasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content was determined and liver inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated. Intrahepatocellular malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase contents were determined using commercially available kits Furthermore, α-SMA expression in liver tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry and LC3-II was detected by immunoblotting assays.ResultsMice receiving the Alisma and Rhizoma decoction by gastric lavage had significantly lower plasma ALT content and markedly higher hepatic superoxide dismutase activity than mice receiving the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet. Furthermore, the decoction aborted MCD-induced increase in liver malondialdehyde content. Immunohistochemistry showed that the decoction suppressed hepatic α-SMA expression. Our transmission electronic microscopy revealed that the decoction markedly reduced the number of autophagosomes and immunoblotting assays showed that the decoction caused a dose-dependent decrease in LC3-II in hepatic tissues.ConclusionThe Alisma and Rhizoma decoction lessens NASH-associated liver injuries by modulating oxidative stress and autophagy in hepatocytes of mice fed with MCD.

Effect of dietary lipid level on growth, lipid metabolism and oxidative status of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary lipid levels on growth, body composition and liver oxidative stress of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. Fish were fed isonitrogenous (crude protein 45%) practical diets with five lipid levels (3.3%，8.2%，13.2%，18.1% and 23.3%, respectively) for 60 days. The results showed that weight gain (WG) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were all significantly improved by dietary lipid levels up to 18.1% and then levelled off beyond this level. Both feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a decreasing trend with dietary lipid increased. Body lipid content, liver lipid content, total n-3 and n-6 PUFA content in muscle, and triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contents in plasma significantly increased with increasing dietary lipid levels. However, body protein content, and HDL-C/TC and HDL-C/LDL-C values significantly reduced. The carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-1), lipoprtein lipase (LPL), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) activities in liver increased significantly as dietary lipid levels increased, whereas both fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) activities showed the opposite trend. Moreover, higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and oxide synthase (NOS) activities, and nitric oxide (NO) concent in liver were recorded in fish fed diets with 18.1% lipid, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver increased as dietary lipid levels increased. Results indicated that high dietary lipid level (23.3%) inhibit weight gain and induce oxidative stress, which affect the health status of largemouth bass. Based on WG, a dietary lipid level of 18.42% was optimal for growth performance of juvenile largemouth bass.

Protein nutrition on sub-adult triploid rainbow trout (1): Dietary requirement and effect on anti-oxidative capacity, protein digestion and absorption

An 80-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the dietary protein requirement of sub-adult triploid rainbow trout (initial average weight: 233 g). Six isolipidic and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain increasing levels of protein (31.6, 35.4, 40.7, 43.3, 45.8 and 52.4%). Each diet was fed to quadruplicate groups of fish (100 fish per group) in freshwater cages. Results showed that weight gain rate (WGR), protein gain, whole-body protein content, trypsin and chymotrypsin specific activities in intestine significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing dietary protein level and then plateaued (P > 0.05). Protein retention, protein efficiency ratio (PER), lipase in pyloric caeca and amylase specific activities significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing dietary protein level. Fish fed the diet with 45.8% protein had higher feed efficiency (FE) and higher enteric peptide transporter 1 (Pep T1) gene expression level. Generally, fish fed diets with low dietary protein levels had lower feed intake (FI), higher hepatosomatic index (HSI), higher plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, higher hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity, as well as higher malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in plasma, liver and intestine and lower total anti-oxidative capacity (T-AOC) contents in plasma and intestine (P < 0.05). Based on WGR, the optimum dietary protein requirement of sub-adult triploid rainbow trout was 45.8% dry matter with a diet containing 20% lipid and 22 kJ gross energy/g. This optimal dietary protein level improved the digestive and absorptive abilities of rainbow trout. Diets with lower protein levels (31.6–35.4%) led to increase lipid peroxidation level in whole fish body, while the diet with excess protein (52.4%) appeared to limit enteric Pep T1gene expression level.

Acupuncture improves hepatic lipid metabolism by suppressing oxidative stress in obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rats

To investigate the effect of acupuncture of "Daimai"(GB26) on abdominal fat accumulation, lipid metabolism and hepatic oxidative stress in abdominal obese non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats. male SD rats were divided into 3 groups: normal diet (normal, n＝8), high fat diet control (model) and acupuncture (n＝8/group in the latter 2 groups). The abdominal obese NAFLD model was established by feeding the rats with high fat diet for 12 weeks. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1.5 mA) was applied to bilateral GB26 for 20 min, once every other day for 8 weeks. Rats of the model group were also restrained for 20 min as those in the EA group. The body mass and abdominal circumference were measured weekly, the isolated adipose tissues around the bilateral kidney and epididymis and the fresh liver were weighed. The contents of serum cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine transaminase (ALT), glutamic oxaloacetic aminotransferase (AST) were detected by using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The abdominal visceral fat distribution was acquired by CT scanning. The oxidative stress indexes of the homogenated liver tissues, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) was assayed using sodium thiobarbital (TBA) method, and the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were assayed by using hydroxylamine method and colorimetric method respectively. The histopathological changes of the liver were observed after staining with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Following modeling, the body mass and waist circumference, visceral fat weight of bilateral kidneys and testis (visceral fat weight), liver weight, serum ALT, AST, TG and TC and liver MDA contents, were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.001，P<0.05), while hepatic T-SOD and GSH-PX activity was considerably lower in the model group than those in the normal group (P<0.001). After acupuncture intervention, the levels of all the above-mentioned indexes (modeling induced both increase and decrease) were reversed relevant to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results of CT scanning showed that the fat accumulation area in the abdomen was 8.67 cm2, 18.51 cm2 and 13.75 cm2 in the normal, model and acupuncture groups, respectively, presenting a decrease after acupuncture. H．E. staining displayed that the degree of hepatic steatosis (including vague hepatic lobule boundary, disordered arrangement of hepatic cord, hepatocellular swelling, diffuse fatty degeneration, unequal-sized lipid droplets in the hepatocytes, nucleus excursion and dissolution after modeling) was improved after acupuncture. Acupuncture can reduce body weight and abdominal fat accumulation in abdominal obese NAFLD rats, which may be related to its effects in inhibiting oxidative stress (lowering MDA level and increasing the activity of T-SOD and GSH-PX) and improving hepatic lipid metabolism.

Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation can Improve Oxidative Stress Response to Exercise in Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Background: The metabolic syndrome leads to high morbidity and mortality. Almost all pathological states are associated with oxidative stress (OS) disorders. This study evaluates the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on different lifestyles, in relation to serum and tissue OS parameters. Materials and methods: Twelve Wistar rat groups (10 rats/group) were equally divided in three types of diets: standard (St), high fat (HF), high sugar (HS); within each diet group there was one sedentary group with CoQ10 supplementation (100mg/kg body weight), one sedentary without CoQ10, one trained group with CoQ10 and one trained group without CoQ10 supplementation. After 28 days blood samples were collected as follows: after 12 hours of fasting (T0), 1 hour postprandial (T1) and after 1 hour of exercise (T2) or sedentary postprandial time (T3). Thiol groups (SH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined from serum and liver homogenate. Results: Significant changes were observed in fasting MDA for HF (p=0.024 for training, 0.028 for CoQ10). Postprandial, OS status altered, with highest MDA in HF sedentary non-CoQ10 group (3.92±0.37 vs 2.67±0.41nmol/ml in St trained CoQ10). At T2 the untrained and non-CoQ10 groups had the highest MDA levels (up to 22.3% vs T1, p<0.001 in HF) as SH dropped (34.4% decrease vs T1, p<0.001 in HF). At T3 high MDA levels were observed, correlated with low SH (Pearson r=-0.423 overall), irrespective of the CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 improved the liver OS status (MDA and SH decreased), but not the exercise, in all diets. Conclusions: CoQ10 supplementation accompanied by chronic exercise improved the OS serum profile, irrespective of the daily diet. CoQ10 lowered liver MDA and SH concentrations.

The effects of water and bottom sediments from Lake Balkash (Central Asia) on early development of fish and amphibians

The effects of water and bottom sediments from Lake Balkash (Central Asia) on early development of fish and amphibians

Palygorskite Supplementation Improves Growth Performance, Oxidative Status, and Intestinal Barrier Function in Cherry Valley Ducks.

The effects of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on growth performance, oxidative status, and intestinal barrier function in ducks were investigated. In total, 720 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks were categorized into 4 treatments comprising 6 replicates with 30 ducks each. Ducks were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10, or 20 g/kg Pal for 42 days. Twenty-four ducks (1 male/replicate) were slaughtered at 14 and 42 days and samples were collected for analysis. Pal supplementation quadratically increased weight gain and linearly and quadratically increased feed intake (P<0.05) during the starter period. Pal enhanced serum glutathione peroxidase activity (GSHPx) at 14 (linear and quadratic, P<0.05) and 42 days (linear, P<0.001), and lowered serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content at 14 and 42 days (quadratic, P<0.05). It enhanced 42-day liver superoxide dismutase activity (linear, P=0.003) and GSH-Px activity at 14 (quadratic, P=0.044) and 42 days (linear and quadratic, P<0.001), but decreased 14-day liver MDA content (quadratic, P=0.003). Pal reduced 42-day serum diamine oxidase activity (linear and quadratic, P<0.05) and serum endotoxin content at 14 (linear and quadratic, P<0.05) and 42 days (quadratic, P=0.017). It linearly and quadratically increased jejunal mucosal immunoglobulin (Ig) M at 42 days and IgG at 14 and 42 days, and 42-day ileal mucosal IgG and secretory IgA (P<0.05). Ileal mucosal IgM content was quadratically increased at 14 and 42 days (P<0.05) by Pal. Moreover, Pal enhanced the mRNA expression of 14-day occludin in the jejunal mucosa (quadratic, P=0.033) and that of 42-day zonula occludens-1 in the ileal mucosa (linear, P=0.027). Thus, dietary Pal supplementation exerts beneficial effects through improving growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier function of ducks.

Effects of Selenium-Enriched Yeast Improved Aflatoxin B1-Induced Changes in Growth Performance, Antioxidation Capacity, IL-2 and IFN-γ Contents, and Gene Expression in Mice.

Sixty Kunming mice were randomly assigned into three groups. Mice in a control group were fed a basal diet, while mice in AFB1 group and AFB1-Se group were fed the basal diet supplemented with 250μg/kg AFB1 or the basal diet supplemented with 250μg/kg AFB1 and 0.2mg/kg selenium as selenium-enriched yeast, respectively. On day 30 of the experiment, growth performance, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in liver, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) contents in serum, and cytochrome P3a11 (Cyp3a11), IL-2, IFN-γ, and GSH-Px1 mRNA levels in liver were determined. The results showed that final weights, weight gains, T-AOC levels, GSH-Px1, and IFN-γ mRNA levels in AFB1-Se group and control group were higher or significantly higher than those in AFB1 group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), respectively. Body length gains in AFB1 group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the AFB1-Se and control groups (P > 0.05). IL-2 contents and liver IL-2 mRNA levels in AFB1-Se group were significantly higher than those in the AFB1 group and control group (P < 0.01), and IL-2 contents in the control group were also significantly higher than those in the AFB1 group (P < 0.01). IFN-γ contents in AFB1-Se group and AFB1 group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.01), while IFN-γ contents in AFB1-Se group were significantly lower than those in AFB1 group (P < 0.01). Cyp3a11 mRNA levels in AFB1-Se group and AFB1 group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The results indicated that selenium-enriched yeast could partly reduce the toxicity induced by AFB1 in mice, including improving growth performance, antioxidation capacity, IL-2 and IFN-γ contents, and enhancing IL-2, IFN-γ, and GSH-Px1 mRNA levels.

Esculin prevents Lipopolysaccharide/D-Galactosamine-induced acute liver injury in mice

Liver injury is an important cause of serious liver disease and is characterized by inflammatory and oxidative responses. Esculin, a coumarinic derivative found in Aesculus hippocastanum L., has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Here, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanism of esculin on Lipopolysaccharide/D-Galactosamine (LPS/D-Gal)-induced acute liver injury. A mouse model for acute liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection with D-Gal and LPS, and was assessed by histology, and serum transaminase analyses. The results showed that esculin significantly reduced the pathological symptoms of acute liver injury, as well as serum AST and ALT levels. LPS/D-Gal-induced liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were also suppressed by esculin. Furthermore, LPS/D-Gal-induced liver tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production were attenuated by esculin. Our data demonstrate that esculin can inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation as well as increase nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates that esculin protects liver injury induced by LPS/D-Gal via inhibiting inflammatory and oxidative responses.

Selenium-biofortified corn peptides: Attenuating concanavalin A—Induced liver injury and structure characterization

The relationship between hepatoprotective effects of selenium-biofortified corn (Zea mays Linn) peptides (SeCPs) and its antioxidant ability was evaluated and the structure of SeCPs was identified. SeCPs and corn peptides (CPs) both had good antioxidant ability, and the effect of SeCPs was significantly higher than CPs within a certain concentration range (P < 0.05). Additionally, animal experiments indicated that SeCPs (200 mg/kg) had a significantly protective effect against concanavalin A (Con A) induced hepatic lesions, as it significantly declined glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) activities, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon (IFN)-γ contents in serum, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in liver (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in liver were also significantly increased by SeCPs (P < 0.05). The amino acid composition of SeCPs with Mw < 1 kDa was mainly glutamic acid (Glu, 31.18%), leucine (Leu, 21.06%) and alanine (Ala, 13.26%). According to the retention time, the amino acid sequences of 8 selenium-biofortified corn peptides and 29 selenium-free corn peptides were identified. Our results illustrated that the mechanisms of SeCPs against Con A induced hepatic injury in mice may be related to its antioxidant ability and reduction of lipid peroxidation, inhibiting the release of immune factors, such as TNF-α and IFN-γ.