Goat Liver Research Articles

The Combinations of Sulfur and Molybdenum Fertilization Improved Antioxidant Capacity in Grazing Nanjiang Brown Goat.

To assess the impacts of sulfur (S) and molybdenum (Mo) fertilization on antioxidant capacity of grazing Nanjiang brown goat in copper (Cu)-polluted meadow, and explore the control methods of Cu pollution in natural pasture, fertilizer treatments and grazing experiments were carried out in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of the Western Sichuan Plateau, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. 24 hm2 Cu-polluted meadows were fenced and randomly divided into four groups (3 replications/group, 2 hm2/replication): (1) control group, no fertilizer; (2) treatment groups, applied 1 kg Mo+40 kg S, 2 kg Mo+80 kg S, and 3 kg Mo+120 kg S per hectare for group I, group II, and group III, respectively. Seventy-two healthy Nanjiang brown goats (1 year old, 30.9 ± 1.1 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups (3 replications/group, 6 goats/replication) and assigned to the tested pastures. The grazing experiment lasted for 60 days. The results showed that the contents of N, S, Mn, Zn, and Mo in herbage in fertilized pastures were higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). The contents of Cu and Se in herbage in fertilized pastures were lower than those in control group (P < 0.01). There were no differences among the fertilized pastures (P > 0.05). The contents of Mn, Zn, Mo, and S in serum and liver in the treatment goats were higher than those in control animals (P < 0.01). The contents of Cu and Se in serum and liver in the treatment goats were lower than those in control animals (P < 0.01). There was no difference in Fe and Co contents in herbage, serum, and liver among the four groups (P > 0.05). The levels of Hb, RBC, and PCV in blood in the treatment goats and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, CAT, and Cp in serum were higher than those in control goats (P < 0.01). The contents of MDA in the treatment goats were lower than those in control animals (P < 0.01). The contents of serum Cu and Mo, and liver Cu in group III were lower than those in group I and group II (P < 0.01). Taken together, the combinations of S and Mo fertilization did not influence the mineral contents in herbage, serum, and liver, but reduced the toxicity of Cu in Cu-polluted grassland and improved antioxidant capacity in grazing Nanjiang brown goat from fertilized pastures.

Enhancement values of cassava by-product diets on production and haemato-biochemical indices of sheep and goats: a review.

The competition for maize and soybean between humans and livestock for food has led to an increase in the cost of livestock feeds. Therefore, this has necessitated the search for alternative non-competitive feedstuffs in order to partially replace maize and soybean in small ruminant diets. The use of cassava products as a partial replacement for maize and soybean in small ruminant diet has been investigated. Cassava is a tropical crop, and its fodder is rich in crude protein (CP), minerals and vitamins with about 85% of the CP fraction exist as true protein. Cassava by-products are also high in nutrients and could contribute significantly to the nutritional needs of sheep and goats. Specifically, cassava leaves are high in CP (25.10%) with an amino acid composition similar to soybean. Evidence also exist that ruminal degradability of cassava fodder is similar to that of maize and soybean with comparable outflow rates (75%). However, the use of cassava fodder in livestock production is limited by the presence of cyanogenic glucosides (linamarin and lotaustralin) that releases hydrogen cyanide (HCN) known to cause pathophysiological changes in the liver of sheep and goats. Importantly, several processing techniques are well known to reduce or eliminate the concentrates of cyanogenic glucosides in cassava with great success. Blood chemistry and production indices of sheep and goats fed differently processed cassava by-product-based diets have been evaluated by different authors. This review revealed that cassava root sievate meal, cassava root meal and cassava peel meal are low in CP (2.29, 3.40 and 7.05%, respectively), while cassava leaf meal is high in CP (32.43%). Feed conversion efficiency of sheep and good fed cassava leaves were 9.49 and 11.24, respectively, indicating that goats utilize cassava leaves better than sheep. It is concluded that cassava by-products are low in quality protein and should be supplemented with other rich protein sources before their use in ruminant diets.

First description of the emergence of Echinococcus ortleppi (G5 genotype) in sheep and goats in Iran.

Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most important cyclozoonotic helminthic diseases caused by various genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus SENSU lato complex in the Middle East. Echinococcus ortleppi G5 genotype has been previously reported to infect camels in Iran. However, no molecular data are available on the circulation of the cattle genotype from other animal intermediate hosts. Overall, 30 hydatid cyst samples were collected from 2015 to 2016 from sheep (n; 15) and goat (n; 15) isolates in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. The DNA of larval stages was extracted, amplified and sequenced by targeting of mitochondrial 12S rRNA marker. Based on sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, 28 isolates were identified as E. granulosus G1. However, two fertile hydatid cyst samples isolated from sheep and goat liver were confirmed as E. ortleppi with 99.8%-100% identity to species isolated from a buffalo in India. The first emergence of fertile cattle cysts from sheep and goats may have implications in the zoonotic importance of E. ortleppi in human infection and de-worming regime of infected dogs due to the shorter maturation time of G5 genotype compared with G1 genotype. Since the distribution of E. ortleppi in Iran is not fully known, further studies are urgently needed to appraise the evolutionary and epidemiology scenarios. These studies can ascertain the transmission dynamics of E. ortleppi inferred by full-length concatenated mitogenomes on the domestic and wildlife hosts, as well as humans in wider areas of Iran and the neighboring countries.

Liver status of goats fed with cactus cladodes genotypes resistant to Dactylopius opuntiae

The effects of diets containing cactus cladodes genotypes resistant to Dactylopius opuntiae on the hepatic condition of crossbred male goats were evaluated. Thirty-six goats (19.0 ± 2.8 kg body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and twelve replications. For 70 days, the animals were provided with a diet containing Tifton hay as exclusive roughage (control) and two more diets in which the hay was partially replaced by Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (O.E.M.) cactus cladodes. Blood samples were collected one day before (baseline) and 50 days after the introduction of the tested diets to determine enzyme activities, bilirubins concentration and indicators of energy and protein metabolism, as well as, after slaughter, liver samples were collected for histopathological analysis. The use of cactus cladodes, regardless of genotype, decreased the serum concentration of cholesterol (P = 0.0023), whose averages were 73.24; 51.55 and 56.93 mg/dL, for the control treatments, with Miúda and with O.E.M. cactus cladodes, respectively. The animals that consumed cactus cladodes showed a predominance of degenerative and inflammatory processes and the O.E.M. cactus cladodes caused diffuse and accentuated coagulative necrosis in liver tissue (P = 0.0334). The cactus cladodes causes a decrease in serum cholesterol and, especially the O.E.M. genotype, causes outstanding tissue damage in the liver of goats, without affecting productive parameters.

Transcriptome analysis reveals liver metabolism programming in kids from nutritional restricted goats during mid-gestation.

BackgroundMaternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy causes a metabolic disorder that threatens the offspring’s health in humans and animals. However, the molecular mechanism of how undernutrition affecting hepatic metabolism of fetal or postnatal offspring is still unclear. We aimed to investigate transcriptomic changes of fetal livers in response to maternal malnutrition in goats during mid-gestation and to explore whether these changes would disappear when the nutrition was recovered to normal level during mid-gestation using goats (Capra hircus) as the experimental animals.MethodsFifty-three pregnant goats were subjected to a control (100% of the maintenance requirements, CON) or a restricted (60% of the maintenance requirements on day 45 to day 100 of gestation and then realimentation, RES) diet. A total of 16 liver samples were collected from fetal goats on day 100 of gestation and goat kids of postnatal day 90 to obtain hepatic transcriptional profiles using RNA-Seq.ResultsPrincipal component analysis of the hepatic transcriptomes presented a clear separation by growth phase (fetus and kid) rather than treatment. Maternal undernutrition up-regulated 86 genes and down-regulated 76 genes in the fetal liver of the FR group as compared to the FC group. KEGG pathway analysis showed the DEGs mainly enriched in protein digestion and absorption, steroid biosynthesis, carbohydrate digestion and absorption and bile secretion. A total of 118 significant DEGs (fold change > 1.2 and FDR < 0.1) within KR vs. KC comparison was identified with 79 up-regulated genes and down-regulated 39 genes, and these DEGs mainly enriched in the biosynthesis of amino acids, citrate cycle, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis and carbon metabolism.ConclusionHepatic transcriptome analysis showed that maternal undernutrition promoted protein digestion and absorption in the fetal livers, while which restrained carbohydrate metabolism and citric acid cycle in the livers of kid goats after realimentation. The results indicate that maternal undernutrition during mid-gestation causes hepatic metabolism programming in kid goats on a molecular level.

Concentration of some heavy metals in the hair, kidney and liver of cattle and goats in the oil and non–oil producing areas of Ondo State

Pollutions due to anthropogenic sources have made some animals possible carriers of certain toxic substances which could have detrimental effects on humans. In this study, the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and chromium (Cr) in the hair, kidney and liver of cattle and goats in the oil producing areas (OPA) and none oil producing areas (NOPA) of Ondo state, Nigeria, were evaluated. Hair, kidney and liver samples were collected from four purposely selected Local Government Areas in Ondo state in replicates, dried and digested using a 1:3 mixture of concentrated perchloric acid (HClO4) and trioxonitrate (v) acid (HNO3). Data collected were analyzed completely randomized design (CRD) and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Lead concentration (mg/kg) were not significantly different in the organs of cattle (mean = 0.076) and goats (mean = 0.043) in the OPA but varied significantly in the NOPA with highest values in the hair of cattle (0.081) and kidney of goat (0.056). Oil exploration effect was only significant in Pb deposition in the kidney. Cadmium values (mg/kg) ranged from 0.009 to 0.031 in cattle and from 0.010 to 0.020 in goats with no significant variation. However, oil exploration showed significant effect in the Cd deposition in the kidney of cattle. Mean values of mercury concentration (mg/kg) in cattle were between 0.022 to 0.054 and 0.029 to 0.039 in goats from the OPA. In the NOPA, Hg concentration did not vary significantly in the organs of cattle but showed significant variation in the organs of goats with values ranging from 0.016 – 0.046 mg/kg. Chromium concentration (mg/kg) varied between 0.004 to 0.020 in cattle and 0.005 to 0.025 in goats with no significant variation. Conclusively, all the heavy metal concentrations obtained from analysis of the hair, kidney and liver from both the oil producing and the non – oil producing areas were below permissible limits reported by some regulatory bodies.

Molecular and serological detection and of Toxoplasma gondii in small ruminants of southwest Iran and the potential risks for consumers.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases with serious health risks for humans, especially for immunodeficient patients, and can lead to abortion in pregnant women worldwide. The oral uptake of sporulated oocysts and/or consumption of undercooked/raw meat of animals infected with Toxoplasma gondii can infect other animals and humans. Heart, liver, and meat tissues of 150 sheep and 150 goats from a slaughterhouse in Ahvaz, Iran, were collected during autumn 2018 and analyzed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect parasitic DNA in the animal tissues. Moreover, antibodies against T. gondii of 150 sera samples were detected as the targets by in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (in-house ELISA). A total of 26 (17.3%), 33 (22%), and 48 (32%) of liver, meat, and heart samples in sheep, and a total of 24 (16%), 26 (17.3%), and 36 (24%) of liver, meat, and heart samples in goats, respectively, showed positive PCR results. Besides, the ELISA evaluation of sera samples from 150 sheep and 150 goats resulted in 26 (13.3%) and 16 (10.6%) positive cases, respectively. A significant difference was also found between PCR-positive heart samples and ELISA-positive sera samples of both animal species (p < 0.05), but no significant difference existed between PCR-positive liver samples and ELISA-positive sera samples of both species (p > 0.05). The results of this study confirm the presence of T. gondii in sheep and goats’ consumable organs, highlighting the need to avoid consuming raw or uncooked organs of these animal species to prevent human infection with T. gondii.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00003-020-01306-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Activation of glucocorticoid receptors is associated with the suppression of antioxidant responses in the liver of goats fed a high-concentrate diet

This study investigated changes in oxidative stress and the relevant mechanisms in the liver of goats fed a high-concentrate (HC) diet for 5 weeks. Twelve goats were randomly assigned to a low-concentrate (concentrate-to-forage = 55:45, LC, n = 6) or HC diet (concentrate-to-forage = 90:10, n = 6), with dry matter as the base. Enzyme activity assays, real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to evaluate antioxidant parameters and gene expression in the liver. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), total nitric oxide synthase activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver declined (p < .01) in HC-fed goats compared to those in LC-fed goats. The mRNA levels of GPX1, CAT and SOD1 were down-regulated (3.69, 47.37 and 27.61%, respectively) in HC-fed goats compared to those in LC-fed goats. Furthermore, glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) was upregulated (466.35%, p < .01) in the liver of HC-fed goats. The mRNA and protein levels of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and total glucocorticoid receptor (GR) declined (p < .05) in HC-fed goats (by 28.57, 33.1, 30.85 and 34%, respectively). However, the nuclear translocation of GR increased (p < .05; by 44.75%) in HC-fed goats. Negative correlations were detected for hepatic nuclear GR protein expression with hepatic CAT activity and GPx activity. In conclusion, feeding an HC diet to goats for 5 weeks suppressed NRF2-dependent antioxidant responses and enhanced GR nuclear translocation in the liver. Highlights Feeding goats high-concentrate diets suppresses NRF2-dependent antioxidant responses in liver, downregulating NRF2 and altering SOD1, GPx and CAT activity. This suppression of NRF2-dependent antioxidant responses is associated with GR activation in the liver of goats.

МОРФОГИСТОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ПЕЧЕНИ И ПОЧЕК КОЗЛИКОВ ПОД ВЛИЯНИЕМ СВИН ЦОВО-КАДМИЕВОЙ ИНТОКСИКАЦИИ ПРИ СОДЕРЖАНИИ ИХ В ЗОНЕ ТЕХНОГЕННОГО ЗАГРЯЗНЕНИЯ

The article is devoted to the study of the content of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) in the liver and kidneys of young goats of the Russian breed in the zone of technogenic pollution. It is determined that the content of toxic elements in the studied organs increases with age

Prevalence and Phylogenetic analysis of Fasciola species in Upper Egypt Based on Ribosomal ITS-2 gene Sequencing

Fascioliasis is an important parasitic zoonosis with an estimated annual economic loss at more than US$3 billion in animals and infection risk in more than 180 million people worldwide. Given the economic and public health significance of this trematode, a periodical evaluation of its prevalence and the associated risk factors as well as the evolutionary relatedness is needed. Here, 1560 cattle and 1630 goat livers were examined for the presence of adult Fasciola among animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses of at Assiut and Sohag Governorates, Upper Egypt. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic relationships were determined based on the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The overall prevalence of fasciolosis was based on morphological identification of the recovered Fasciola adult worms and the prevalence was 5.1% and 3.5% among cattle and goats, respectively. Though the age, gender, and housing system significantly affected the disease in cattle, none of these variables had a significant impact on goat fasciolosis. Nonetheless, the sampled goats were found at increased risk of being infected with Fasciola hepatica as the age increases and when the winter season emerges. Phylogenetic analyses showed that both Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica sequenced in this study had a common ancestor and they fall in one clade with several previously reported Egyptian and worldwide fasciolae from animals and humans. This study demonstrates that the disease is currently circulating among animals in Assiut and Sohag Governorates that warrants the urgent need for application of the appropriate control measures as well as evaluating the possible ongoing zoonotic burden in people residing such areas.

Phytosteroid 28-homobrassinolide targets cholesterol and glucose homeostasis implicating ABCA1 and SREBP role in regulation

Oxysterols are natural ligands of certain nuclear receptors known as liver X receptors (LXR). LXRs are regulators of fatty acid, cholesterol, and glucose homeostasis. Dietary phyto-oxysterol 28-homobrassinolide (28-HB) has been demonstrated to transactivate rat LXR α and β. In this study we assessed the potential of 28-HB to effect such changes in – (1) human HepG2 cancer cell line, (2) isolated perfused goat liver, and (3) high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice. Serum and perfusate marker levels along with hexokinase activity were determined through enzyme assays. Fat deposition was studied by Oil Red O staining, ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1), and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 2 (SREBP2) protein expression by Western blot and their mRNA expression through real-time PCR. In HepG2 cells, 28-HB (5–20 μM) treatment indicated a 2-fold increase in glucose utilization and ABCA1 and SREBP2 protein expression within 12 h. Tissue glucose and cholesterol levels decreased in 28-HB perfused goat liver within 2 h, whereas cholesterol level increased 54% in the perfusate (p < 0.05) and tissue hexokinase activity increased 23% (p < 0.05). Glucokinase, ABCA1, and SREBF1 gene expression increased 2.6, 5.37, and 2.85 fold respectively in the perfused tissue after 4 h. High-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice when treated with 28-HB (1–20 µg/day) for 6 weeks exhibited a marked decrease in aortic fat deposit and serum marker levels. Our study suggests that 28-HB modulates cholesterol and glucose homeostasis in animal cells through activation of LXR involving ABCA1 and SREBP-1 and 2 augmentations.

Heavy Metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn) Residue in Selected Tissue and Organs of Slaughtered Goat-Meat randomly selected from Markets in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Akure, and Owena

This study investigated Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) content of some selected organs (liver, kidney, heart, and intestine) and tissue (blood) of slaughtered goats randomly sampled from central markets in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Akure and Owena, South-western Nigeria. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the level of heavy metals based on comparison with standards. The mean concentrations obtained Zn were detected in all samples investigated, but Cd was undetected in some samples, especially the liver and blood of goat from Owena. The general trend in the mean concentration of metals was Zn&gt;Pb&gt;Cd, in tissue and organs was kidney &gt; liver &gt; intestine &gt; heart &gt; blood, and in-market, with respect to metals, was Akure &gt; Ayegbaju-Ekiti=Owena for Cd, Ayegbaju-Ekiti &gt; Akure &gt; Owena for Pb and Owena &gt; Akure &gt; Ayegbaju-Ekiti for Zn. All the metals in some samples of goat, especially Cd in the kidney (2.50±2.18) from Akure, Pb in the kidney (19.00±9.17 mg/kg) from Ayegbaju-Ekiti and intestine (15.00±17.35 mg/kg) from Akure as well as Zn in the heart (71.50±95.90 mg/kg) from Ayegbaju-Ekiti, had a mean concentration in excess of the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. Some of the tissue and organs of goats sampled from the studied area were therefore polluted with all the metals investigated, and their consumption may have health implications.

High Rumen-Degradable Starch Diet Promotes Hepatic Lipolysis and Disrupts Enterohepatic Circulation of Bile Acids in Dairy Goats

High rumen-degradable starch (RDS) diets decrease milk fat. The increase of LPS in plasma associated with increased RDS impairs liver function, immune response and lipid metabolism, which depress the precursors for milk fat. This study investigated the mechanism of depression of milk fat precursors in the liver and small intestine of dairy goats fed different RDS diets. Eighteen Guanzhong lactating goats (second lactation, 45.8±1.54kg) and 6 ruminally cannulated dairy goats (aged 2-3 y, 54.0±2.40kg) were fed 3 different diets with low dietary RDS concentrations of 20.52% (LRDS), medium RDS of 22.15% (MRDS), and high RDS of 24.88% (HRDS) for 36 and 21 d, respectively, in experiments 1 and 2. The liver metabolites and jejunal microbiota in experiment 1 and LPS concentrations in rumen fluid and plasma in experiment 2 were measured. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the biochemical parameters and mRNA or protein expression. The MIXED procedure was used to analyze LPS concentrations. In experiment 1, the HRDS diet showed increased activity of alkaline phosphatase (27.4 to 41.4U/L) in plasma (P<0.05) compared with LRDS treatment. The HRDS diet significantly increased the hepatic concentrations of l-carnitine (129%), l-palmitoylcarnitine (306%), taurochenodeoxycholate (856%), and taurodeoxycholic acid (588%) in liver (variable importance in the projection>1, P<0.10) compared with the LRDS treatment. Goats fed the HRDS diet had 33.6% greater liver protein expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (P<0.05), and greater relative abundance of Firmicutes and Ruminococcus 2 in the jejunal content (linear discriminant analysis>2.0, P<0.05) than did goats fed LRDS diet. In experiment 2, goats fed the HRDS diet had greater LPS concentrations in rumen fluid (7.57 to 13.6 kEU/mL) and plasma (0.037 to 0.179 EU/mL) (P<0.05) than did goats fed LRDS diet. Feeding the HRDS diet promoted hepatic lipid β-oxidation and disrupted phospholipid and bile acids metabolisms in liver, thereby reducing the supply of lipogenic precursors to the mammary gland in dairy goats.

EFFECT OF BOILING AND MICROWAVE COOKING ON NUTRITIONAL, ANTI-NUTRITIONAL AND TOXICITY OF WILD EDIBLE PLANTS OF NORTH-EASTERN REGION IN INDIA

Objective: The target of this appraisal was to explore the impacts of various cooking techniques, for example, boiling and microwave cooking on nutritional, antinutritional, minerals content and in vitro toxicity of ten wild consumable plants viz. Zanthoxylum acanthopodium, Viburnum foetidum, Houttuynia cordata, Sonchus arvensis, Oenanthe linearis, Perilla ocymoides, Clerodendrum colebrookeanum, Solanum gilo, Solanum kurzii, Potentilla lineata, widely consumed by the common individuals of North-Eastern area in India.&#x0D; Methods: The proximate parameters like ash, moisture, protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate, energy content, minerals viz. sodium, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc and antinutritional parameters like oxalate, phytate, tannin, saponin, cyanogenic glycoside content were evaluated in the selected wild edible plants using standard food analysis techniques. In vitro haemolytic toxicity of aqueous extracts (100, 300 and 500µg/cc) of ten palatable wild plants was done with the blood samples were gathered from healthy rat, mixed with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid(EDTA) and centrifuged at 5,000 Revolutions Per Minute (rpm) for five minutes. The 10 % erythrocyte suspension was set up in sterile Phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.4) for haemolytic examination. The genotoxic potential of the concentrates were assessed by a single-cell gel electrophoresis comet test. Cytotoxicity studies were evaluated with fresh goat livers procured from the local market were perfused in PBS (pH 7.4) with collagenase and the liver was then minced in minute pieces and cells were isolated utilizing cell strainer.&#x0D; Results: Both cooking medications diminished the congregations of ash, fat, minerals, antinutritional parts and the destructive nature of the consumable plants while the carbohydrate and fiber substance were expanded. The protein focuses in the wild edibles were expanded fundamentally (P&lt;0.05) in the range from 1.26 to 10.45% on microwave cooking while the indistinguishable were exhausted in the range out of 2.20 to11.55% on boiling treatment. The microwave cooking demonstrated lesser misfortunes in minerals in the consumable plants than those cooked by frothing. The microwave cooking also caused the colossal rot (P&lt;0.05) of antinutritional parameters and damaging tendency to a more significant degree than the sputtering medications of the wild edibles.&#x0D; Conclusion: Therefore, the outcomes uncovered that microwaving of appealing plants could be prescribed to expand the supporting quality and to diminish the fat, threatening to dietary structure and lethality. The toxicity assessment of the consumable plants at cell and genomic level showed that these are harmless to consume.

Assessment of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the edible goat products pointed out a risk for human infection in Upper Egypt

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is endemic in developed and developing countries. Although the seroprevalence of HEV among the Egyptians is high, the sources of HEV infection in Egypt are not completely identified. Zoonotic HEV transmission among Egyptians is underestimated. Recently, we detected HEV in the milk of cows, this suggests the possibility of HEV transmission through the ingestion of contaminated milk. However, the role of small ruminants especially the goats in HEV epidemiology in Egypt remains unclear. Herein, we screened HEV markers in the edible goat products, mainly the milk and liver and we assessed the risk factor for HEV infection to the goat owners.A total of 280 goat milk samples were collected from 15 villages in the Assiut governorate. Anti-HEV IgG and HEV Ag were detected in 7.14% and 1.8% of the samples, respectively. HEV RNA was detected in 2 milk samples, cladogram analysis revealed that the isolated viruses belonged to HEV-3 subtype 3a. One viral isolate showed high homology to HEV recently isolated from the cow milk in the same geographic area. The level of anti-HEV IgG and HEV Ag were comparable in the milk and matched blood samples. While the urine and stool of HEV seropositive goats tested negative for HEV markers. HEV RNA was also detectable in the fresh goat liver samples (n = 2) derived from HEV seropositive goats. Finally, we analyzed HEV seroprevalence in households (n = 5) that owned the seropositive goats and households (n = 5) that owned the seronegative goats. Interestingly, anti-HEV IgG was recorded in 80% of households owned and frequently consumed the products of HEV seropositive goats, while HEV markers were not detectable in the owners of the seronegative goats.In conclusion: Here, we report HEV in the milk and liver of goats distributed in the villages of Assiut governorate. Higher HEV seroprevalence was recorded in the households that owned the seropositive goats. Investigation of the goat products is pivotal to assess the risk factor of HEV transmission to villagers in the Assiut governorate.

Effects of Dietary Zinc-Methionine Supplementation During Pregnancy on the Whole-Genome Methylation and Related Gene Expression in the Liver and Spleen of Growing Goats: a Short Communication.

The effect of replacing inorganic zinc with organic zinc in diets of pregnant goats was investigated on the development of the liver and spleen of offspring. Pregnant goats (n = 14; Xiangdong black goat, local breed) of similar parity and body weight (BW, 37.17 ± 5.28kg) were selected and divided randomly into two groups: the zinc sulfate group (ZnSO4; n = 7) and the methionine-chelated zinc group (Zn-Met; n = 7). Goats were fed for 45days (day 106 of gestation to delivery). After delivering, lactating goats were fed a diet without extra zinc supplement. Kid goats were weaned at 2months of age and both the groups were fed the same diet. All goats were fed a mixed diet and had free access to fresh water. Kid goats were slaughtered on day 100, and the liver and spleen were collected, weighed, and stored in liquid nitrogen for genomic DNA methylation and related gene expression determination. In the Zn-Met group, the liver organ index of kid goats showed an increasing trend (P < 0.10), but the methylation of the whole genome was not affected both in the liver and spleen (P > 0.10). Furthermore, the blood zinc content of the offspring was reduced (P < 0.05), and the expression of genes related to methylation were downregulated (P < 0.05) or showed a downward trend (P < 0.10) in the liver and spleen. These data indicated that goats feeding Zn-Met during pregnancy increased the offspring liver organ index without change in the genomic DNA methylation. It is speculated that the regulation of zinc finger protein Sp3 adjusted by blood zinc indirectly regulated the expression of methylation-related genes in the liver and spleen of the kid goats, thus enhancing the development and function of the immune system of the offspring.

Toward Quantitative and Operator-independent Quasi-static Ultrasound Elastography: An Ex Vivo Feasibility Study.

It is known that the elasticity of liver reduces progressively in the case of diffuse liver disease. Currently, the diagnosis of diffuse liver disease requires a biopsy, which is an invasive procedure. In this paper, we evaluate and report a noninvasive method that can be used to quantify liver stiffness using quasi-static ultrasound elastography approach. Quasi-static elastography is popular in clinical applications where the qualitative assessment of relative tissue stiffness is enough, whereas its potential is relatively underutilized in liver imaging due to lack of local stiffness contrast in the case of diffuse liver disease. Recently, we demonstrated an approach of using a calibrated reference layer to produce quantitative modulus elastograms of the target tissue in simulations and phantom experiments. In a separate work, we reported the development of a compact handheld device to reduce inter- and intraoperator variability in freehand elastography. In this work, we have integrated the reference layer with a handheld controlled compression device and evaluate it for quantitative liver stiffness imaging application. The performance of this technique was assessed on ex vivo goat liver samples. The Young's modulus values obtained from indentation measurements of liver samples acted as the ground truth for comparison. The results from this work demonstrate that by combining the handheld device along with reference layer, the estimated Young's modulus value approaches the ground truth with less error compared with that obtained using freehand compression (8% vs. 15%). The results suggest that the intra- and interoperator reproducibility of the liver elasticity also improved when using the handheld device. Elastography with a handheld compression device and reference layer is a reliable and simple technique to provide a quantitative measure of elasticity.

Beta-estradiol protects against copper-ascorbate induced oxidative damage in goat liver mitochondria in vitro by binding with ascorbic acid

Aimsβ-Estradiol (β-E), one of the chemical forms of female gonad hormone exhibited antioxidant efficacy in biochemical system, in vitro. The aim of the study was to investigate whether any other mechanism of protection by β-E to hepatic mitochondria in presence of stressor agent i.e.,a combination of Cu2+ and ascorbic acid is involved. Main methodsFreshly prepared goat liver mitochondria was incubated with stressors and 1 μM β-E and post incubated with the same concentration at 37 °C at pH 7.4. Mitochondrial viability, biomarkers of oxidative stress, activities of Krebs cycle enzymes, mitochondrial membrane potential, Ca2+ permeability were measured. Mitochondrial morphology and binding pattern of β-E with stressors were also studied. Key findingsUpon incubation of mitochondria with Cu, ascorbic acid and their combination there is a significant decline in activities of four of Krebs cycle enzymes in an uncompetitive manner with a concomitant increase in Ca2+ permeability and membrane potential of inner mitochondrial membrane, which is withdrawn during co-incubation with β-E, but was not reversed during post incubation with the β-E. The final studies on mitochondrial membrane morphology using scanning electron microscope also exhibited damage. Isothermal titration calorimetry data also showed the negative heat change in the mixture of β-E with ascorbic acid and also its combination with Cu2+. SignificanceOur results for the first time demonstrated that β-E protects againstCu2+-ascorbate induced oxidative stress by binding with ascorbic acid. The new mechanism of binding of β-E with stress agents may have a future therapeutic relevance.

Homemade infant formula recipes may contain harmful ingredients: a quantitative content analysis of blogs.

When breast-feeding is not possible, commercially made human milk substitute is recommended. Some consumers would prefer to make their own homemade infant formula (HIF) and may seek information on this practice from internet sources. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the content of blogs posting HIF recipes. Blog postings were identified through a comprehensive search conducted using the Google search engine and the following search terms along with the term 'blog': 'Make Your Own Baby Formula', 'Homemade Baby Formula', 'Do It Yourself (DIY) Baby Formula', 'DIY Baby Formula', 'Baby Formula Recipe' and 'All Natural Baby Formula'. A quantitative content analysis of blogs offering recipes for HIF was completed. Blogs that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed for disclaimers, blogger's credentials, rationale for HIF use, advertisement or sale of recipe ingredients and recipe ingredients. Worldwide Web. Fifty-nine blogs, featuring one hundred forty-four recipes, met inclusion criteria. Among reviewed blogs, 33·9% did not provide a disclaimer stating breast milk is the preferred option, 25·4% recommended consulting a healthcare professional before using, and 76·3% and 20·3% either advertised or sold ingredients or recipe kits, respectively. Credentials of bloggers varied and only seven bloggers identified themselves as 'nutritionists'. The three most frequently mentioned recipe ingredients were whole raw cow's milk (24·3%), raw goat's milk (23·6%) and liver (14·5%). Clinicians should be aware of this trend, discuss source of formula with parents, advocate for appropriate infant feeding practices and monitor for side effects.

Effect of Singeing Materials on Distribution of Some Metals in Liver and Kidney Samples of Capra aegagrus hircus Slaughtered in Uyo Village Road Abattoir in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria and Health Risk Assessment

A number of local butchers in Uyo metropolis usually make use of used scrap car tyres (USCT) and condemned plastics (CPS) as close substitutes for firewood to singe slaughtered ruminants. This study evaluated the effect of singeing materials on the distribution of some metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe) in liver and kidney samples of Capra aegagrus hircus (goat) slaughtered in Uyo Village Road Abattoir in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults were also estimated using Estimated Chronic Daily Intake (ECDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Indices (HI) of metals in liver and kidney. Relative to unsinged samples, singed treatments generally demonstrated elevated heavy metal levels in both goat liver and the kidney. Apart from nickel, iron and zinc, the range of values obtained for all the metals in singed samples studied were above the threshold stipulated by the Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization. The health risk assessment revealed Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr as potential carcinogens in the signed samples evaluated. The continuous use of these dangerous materials for singeing of goat meat for human consumption poses great risk to human health and should be discontinued.