Superoxide Dismutase Activity In Muscle Research Articles

Fishmeal replacement and its effects on nutrition and the physiology of Penaeus vannamei shrimp juveniles

The replacement of fishmeal with plant protein sources has been studied in Penaeus vannamei. However, it has only been studied from the point of view of protein replacement, forgetting the integral role that fishmeal plays in the nutrition of shrimp. This study aimed to determine if a supplement of dietary phosphorus can sustain the fishmeal replacement by a blend of plant protein feedstuffs, with betaine and tauren as attractants and still supporting homeostasis, growth, digestive enzymes, and lipid-soluble antioxidant systems at normal levels in juveniles of P. vannamei. A standard feed (25% fishmeal) for juvenile P. vannamei was partially replaced with a mix of plant ingredients (soybean and canola paste, soy protein concentrate, and wheat meal). These feedstuffs were supplemented with amino acids (MET, LYS, TAU) plus microencapsulated exogenous phytase, betaine, and dicalphosphate. P. vannamei juveniles (2.56 g) were maintained in 100 L fiber tanks for 70 days. Biomass was significantly affected by the treatments (P < 0.05), being better as the fishmeal was replaced in the diet and comparable to commercial feed. No significant changes were observed in blood parameters. Muscle superoxide dismutase activity was significantly affected by the diets (P < 0.05). There were adaptive changes in digestive enzymes, and homeostasis remained stable. Fishmeal replacement may depend on supplementation with taurine and soluble phosphorus, not only for performance but flesh quality, and here, the shear strength of the shrimp muscle remained within the acceptable value (69-81 mJ).

Long-distance transit alters liver and skeletal muscle physiology of beef cattle

Transportation of cattle is necessary but negatively impacts animal health and production efficiency. To gain a better understanding of the physiological responses to long-distance road transit, 36 crossbred beef steers (324 ± 36 kg) were randomly assigned to treatments (n = 12 steers/treatment): no transit and ad libitum access to feed and water (CON), no transit but deprived of feed and water for 18 h (DEPR), or road transit and no access to feed or water for 18 h (1 790 km; TRANS). Blood, liver, and muscle (longissimus dorsi) samples were collected pre- and post-treatment for analysis of blood metabolites, blood leukocyte profiles, blood markers of oxidative stress, and tissue antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, discovery-based metabolomics and proteomics analyses were performed on tissue samples collected immediately post-treatment (d 1). Data (except for omics) were analyzed using ProcMixed of SAS 9.4 with the fixed effect of treatment and steer as the experimental unit. Omics data were analyzed using MetaboAnalyst; metabolites and proteins of interest were identified based on a fold change threshold of 1.20 and t-test P-value of 0.10. On d 1, percent of pretreatment BW and DM intake were least for TRANS steers (P ≤ 0.06). Percent of pretreatment BW remained lesser for TRANS steers on d 8 (P = 0.05). Serum haptoglobin was greatest for TRANS steers immediately post-treatment (P = 0.02). Additionally, TRANS steers exhibited the greatest increase in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and serum non-esterified fatty acids during the treatment period (P < 0.01), indicating TRANS steers experienced a more robust inflammatory and neuroendocrine response. Immediately post-treatment, liver superoxide dismutase activity tended to be greatest for both DEPR and TRANS (P = 0.07) while muscle superoxide dismutase activity was only greatest for TRANS (P = 0.02), suggesting TRANS steers may have experienced more oxidative stress due to the additional physical effort required to stand and maintain balance during transit. The abundance of several proteins (alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein) and metabolites (lactate, citrate, tri-hydroxybutyric acid, and leucine) associated with energy metabolism were altered in the liver and muscle of TRANS. The differential responses for DEPR versus TRANS steers indicate muscle plays an important role in how cattle respond to and recover from transportation stress.

Stressing stocking density and rearing time effect on whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) reared intensively in floating cages

The stressing effect of stocking density and rearing time was assessed on shrimp Penaeus vannamei reared intensively in floating cages. Juvenile shrimp were stocked in 9 m2 cages at 200, 250, and 300 ind m-2 for a 25-day grow-out period. Total soluble protein concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were used as stress indicators in shrimp muscle, hepatopancreas, and hemocytes. Two-way ANOVA showed that protein content in hepatopancreas significantly decreased as stocking rate increased (from 3.81 to 2.26 mg mL-1). Density and rearing time interacted significantly to determine SOD activity in muscle and hemocytes where the maximum activity occurred at the densest rate by the end of the study (10.21 and 122.41 U mg-1); CAT activity in hepatopancreas was significantly lower when the highest density (4.1 U mg-1) was used. Final shrimp weight (5.28-5.49 g), survival (90.2-91.9%), feed conversion ratio (0.75-0.78), specific (0.058-0.063), and absolute (1.17-1.30 g week-1) growth rates were not significantly affected by density, although yields varied significantly (0.99-1.49 kg m-2). To conclude, despite the stocking rate causing a stressing effect on shrimp, its antioxidant enzymatic activity prevented such development from negatively affecting shrimp growth, survival, feed conversion ratio, and production.

Antioxidant and non-specific immune defenses in partially freeze-tolerant Xizang plateau frogs, Nanorana parkeri.

The Xizang plateau frog Nanorana parkeri can tolerate brief and partial freezing of their body. To determine the significant role of antioxidant defense and non-specific immune defense in freezing survival of this species, we assayed parameters of oxidative damage, antioxidant defense and non-specific immune enzymes during freezing exposure (-2°C for 12h) in five organs (heart, brain, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle). The results showed that freezing led to a significant rise in the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups (CG) in brain, liver and kidney tissues. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) increased significantly in brain and liver tissues with an augmentation of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Apparent increments in muscle SOD activity and liver GST activity were also observed during freezing exposure. Vitamin C content significantly decreased in liver and kidney but a significant increase occurred in brain. Activities of non-specific immune enzymes, acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), were also assessed. ACP activity was significantly reduced in all five tissues tested whereas AKP activity decreased significantly in four tissues but rose in brain. In summary, freezing is accompanied by oxidative stress in the high-altitude frog, N. parkeri, as documented by increases in the content of MDA and CG in tissues. Freezing exposure also induced tissue-specific changes in the antioxidant defenses showing that activation of antioxidant systems is a part of the survival strategy of this in a high-altitude frog during freezing. Such up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes suggests a particularly important role for them in the liver and brain, serving as an anticipatory mechanism to deal with the ROS challenge during freeze/thaw episodes. Our findings contribute to extending the current understanding of the mechanisms of freeze tolerance in high-altitude frogs.

Effect of dietary supplementation of sumac fruit powder (Rhus coriaria L.) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum)

This experiment aimed to determine the effects of supplemental sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruit powder (0, 1, 3, 5 and 10 g kg−1) on growth performance, intestinal histological alterations, survival, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant status of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum). The feeding trials were replicated in three tanks each for a total of 15 tanks. The study was conducted for eight weeks. At the beginning of the experiment, 30 rainbow trout (initial weight: 35.67 ± 0.88 g) were randomly stocked into each tank. At the end of the experiment, growth performance improved in the fish fed sumac fruit powder; however, other than the final body weight, the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). The final body weight increased for treatments 1, 3, and 5 g kg-1 (P = 0.18). Intestinal morphology was enhanced in the experimental groups (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in serum biochemistry with sumac powder supplementation. The effect of sumac powder on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also investigated for the overall antioxidant status. SOD activity in muscle was higher in fish fed diets containing various doses of sumac powder than in the controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation administration of sumac powder showed a positive effect on the growth performance, intestinal tissue morphology, and antioxidant enzyme stimulation in rainbow trout.

Modulation of muscle antioxidant enzymes and fresh meat quality through feeding peptide-chelated trace minerals in swine production

The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of dietary peptide-chelated trace minerals as inorganic mineral substitutes to modulate cellular enzyme activity and improve pork quality. Cross-bred pigs were fed a corn-soy-wheat basal diet without (Con) or with supplementary inorganic (ITM) or organic (OTM) trace minerals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se at 125, 22.5, 30, 120, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) to investigate the effects on meat quality and storage stability (4 °C). A diet with one-third of the OTM mineral content (OTM1/3) was also tested. Drip loss of ITM and OTM pork was reduced by 27.5% and 50%, respectively, compared to the control. The OTM pork displayed a higher colorimetric L* value throughout storage but a slightly lower a* value during the first 4 days than ITM meat. While both forms of minerals suppressed lipid oxidation (TBARS), OTM was more effective than ITM, corresponding to a higher muscle superoxide dismutase activity. The OTM1/3 diet also produced significant oxidation inhibition, and the effect was comparable to ITM.

Consequences of oxidative damage on the fatty acid profile in muscle of Cichlasoma amazonarum acutely exposed to copper.

Rapid industrialization results in the production of large quantities of waste that are commonly discharged into water bodies, leading to the damage of the aquatic ecosystem and freshwater organisms. Copper (Cu) can induce oxidative damage in fish muscle, the main fish portion that is consumed by humans. However, the responses of the Amazon fish Cichlasoma amazonarum and its capacity to withstand acute Cu concentrations found in Amazon water around mines remain unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether exposure to Cu causes muscle oxidative stress and/or oxidative damage and impairs the fillet fatty acid profile of C. amazonarum acutely exposed to Cu found in Amazon waters around mines. Muscle reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation levels were significantly higher in fish exposed to 1500μg/L Cu compared with the control group, while muscle lipid peroxidation levels were significantly higher in fish exposed to 500, 750, and 1500μg/L Cu compared with control group. Muscle antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radical's levels and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower in fish exposed to 1500μg/L Cu compared with the control group, while muscle superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower in fish exposed to 750 and 1500μg/L Cu compared with control group. The total content of saturated fatty acids was significantly higher in fish exposed to 1500μg/L Cu compared with the control group, while the total content of monounsaturated fatty acids and sum of n3 fatty acids were significantly lower in fish exposed to 1500μg/L Cu compared with control group. No significant difference was observed regarding muscle catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase activities. Based on these lines of evidence, the results of this comprehensive study agree with the initial hypothesis that the exposure to Cu found in Amazon water around mines induces oxidative damage and inhibits enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant response in the muscle of C. amazonarum exposed to high Cu levels. Moreover, the impairment of the fillet fatty acid profile appears to be mediated by oxidative damage, representing a negative impact on fish health.

How potential endocrine disruptor deltamethrin effects antioxidant enzyme levels and total antioxidant status on model organisms

Abstract Objective Deltamethrin, synthetic pyrethroid, is a suspected endocrine disruptor contaminating ecosystems as toxic pollutant via agricultural activities and vector controls. The objective of the study is to determine the possible effects on human by evaluating antioxidant enzyme levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) of invertebrate model organism crayfish exposure to sublethal deltamethrin. Materials and methods Crayfish were exposed to 0.05 μg/L deltamethrin for 48 h and 7 days. Hemolymph samples were taken for TAS and total haemocyte counts (THCs). Gill, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues were examined for superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. Results THCs were decreased (p &lt; 0.05) and hemolymph TAS levels were increased according to control groups. Gill SOD, CAT and GPx enzyme activities were significantly rised. Hepatopancreas SOD activities unchanged. Hepatopancreas CAT activities were increased significantly after 48 h (p &lt; 0.05), but returned back to controls after 7 days. Hepatopancreas GPx and muscle SOD activities were rised (p &lt; 0.05), while muscle CAT and GPx values did not affect from deltametrin. Conclusion Deterioration of ecosystems are directly affect the humans. The toxic effects of deltamethrin for different stages of organisms on the food web will provide basic data to understand and estimate the effects on the human beings.

The Oxidative Stress Markers in the Erythrocytes and Heart Muscle of Obese Rats: Relate to a High-Fat Diet but Not to DJOS Bariatric Surgery.

Obesity and high-fat diet (HF) are prevalent causes of oxidative stress (OS). Duodenal-jejunal omega switch (DJOS) is a bariatric procedure used for body mass reduction, extensively tested in animal models. We studied the long-term impact of bariatric surgery and an HF diet on the oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes and heart muscles of rats. We analyzed superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in DJOS or SHAM (control) operated rats fed with different dietary protocols (control diet (CD) and high-fat diet (HF)), before and after the surgery (CD/CD, HF/HF, CD/HF, and HF/CD). We observed higher erythrocytes CAT, GST and GPx activity in DJOS-operated (vs. SHAM) rats fed with an HF/HF diet. For DJOS-operated rats, erythrocytes CAT and GPx activity and MDA concentration were significantly lower in CD/CD group. We observed increased heart muscle GR activity in SHAM-operated rats (vs. DJOS bariatric surgery) fed with an HF/HF diet. Change from HF to CD diet increased heart muscle GPx activity after DJOS bariatric surgery. Heart muscle SOD activity was lower in HF/HF and CD/CD groups after DJOS bariatric surgery (vs. SHAM). DJOS surgery significantly reduced heart muscle MDA concentration in HF/HF and HF/CD groups (vs. SHAM). We conclude that the selected dietary patterns had a stronger impact on oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes and heart muscle than DJOS bariatric surgery.

Flight muscle protein damage during endurance flight is related to energy expenditure but not dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in a migratory bird.

Migration poses many physiological challenges for birds, including sustaining high intensity aerobic exercise for hours or days. A consequence of endurance flight is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS production may be influenced by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which, although prone to oxidative damage, may limit mitochondrial ROS production and increase antioxidant capacity. We examined how flight muscles manage oxidative stress during flight, and whether dietary long-chain PUFA influence ROS management or damage. Yellow-rumped warblers were fed diets low in PUFA, or high in long-chain n-3 or n-6 PUFA. Flight muscle was sampled from birds in each diet treatment at rest or immediately after flying for up to a maximum of 360 min in a wind tunnel. Flight increased flight muscle superoxide dismutase activity but had no effect on catalase activity. The ratio of glutathione to glutathione disulphide decreased during flight. Oxidative protein damage, indicated by protein carbonyls, increased with flight duration (Pearson r=0.4). Further examination of just individuals that flew for 360 min (N=15) indicates that oxidative damage was related more to total energy expenditure (Pearson r=0.86) than to flight duration itself. This suggests that high quality individuals with higher flight efficiency have not only lower energy costs but also potentially less oxidative damage to repair after arrival at the destination. No significant effects of dietary long-chain PUFA were observed on antioxidants or damage. Overall, flight results in oxidative stress and the degree of damage is likely driven more by energy costs than fatty acid nutrition.

The preparation and antibacterial effect of egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) against the outer membrane proteins of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes not only various diseases in aquaculture animals but also seafood-borne illness in humans. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are species-specific proteins found in bilayer membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) has been reported to serve as oral administration of antibodies against bacteria and virus. The present research extracted and identified OMPs from V. parahaemolyticus, and then the extracted OMPs were used to immunize hens to obtain specific IgY. The efficacy of IgY against V. parahaemolyticus were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The specific IgY effectively inhibited the growth of V. parahaemolyticus in liquid medium rather than Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Specific IgY antibodies were incorporated into extruded food pellets and fed to bacteria-challenged white pacific shrimp to observe the anti-bacterial effect in vivo. The bacterial loads in muscles of V. parahaemolyticus infected shrimp fed with specific IgY-included diets were significantly fewer than those fed with non-specific IgY-included diets. The superoxide dismutase activities in muscles of infected shrimp fed with specific IgY-included diets were significantly higher than the control group. The results suggested that the specific IgY effectively inhibited the growth of V. parahaemolyticus and introduced passive immunity to shrimp. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biochemical responses and survival of rock carp (Procypris rabaudi) to total dissolved gas supersaturated water

Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation resulting from spillway discharge during high flows can cause gas bubble disease (GBD) and mortality in fish, and increases threats to their survival. In recent years, TDG supersaturation has become a severe eco-environmental problem owing to the construction of a number of high dams in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of long-term TDG supersaturation on survival and biochemical responses in endemic species dwelling in the upper Changjiang (Yangtze) River. Juvenile rock carps (Procypris rabaudi) were subjected to chronic exposure of TDG supersaturated water at low levels (104, 108, 112 and 116 % respectively), whereas a control group was given vacuum-degassed water (100 % TDG level). The mortality rate of the fish and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in various tissues were measured to evaluate survival and biochemical responses in juvenile rock carp exposed to TDG supersaturated water. The results showed that some symptoms of GBD were observed in rock carp exposed to TDG supersaturated water, but no mortality was found due to GBD. Furthermore, TDG supersaturation caused an increase of CAT and SOD activity in muscle and gill tissues of the rock carp. The capacity to generate CAT and SOD activity at the 112 % and 116 % levels was 1.5-fold to 1.9-fold higher than that in the control group after 21 days of exposure. The increase of CAT and SOD activity was not significant at the 104 % level during the exposure period. However, this increase suggested oxidative stress in cells and also reflected the important role that CAT and SOD perform in removing excess reactive oxygen species from cells. These findings can help us to evaluate how seriously the fish are damaged by TDG supersaturated water and may offer valuable information for the formulation of water quality standards and the protection of aquatic organisms in China.

The effects of dietary thiamin on oxidative damage and antioxidant defence of juvenile fish

The present study explored the effects of thiamin on antioxidant capacity of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian). In a 60-day feeding trial, a total of 1,050 juvenile Jian carp (8.20±0.02g) were fed graded levels of thiamin at 0.25, 0.48, 0.79, 1.06, 1.37, 1.63 and 2.65mg thiamin kg(-1) diets. The results showed that malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents in serum, hepatopancreas, intestine and muscle were significantly decreased with increasing dietary thiamin levels (P<0.05). Conversely, the anti-superoxide anion capacity and anti-hydroxyl radical capacity in serum, hepatopancreas, intestine and muscle were the lowest in fish fed the thiamin-unsupplemented diet. Meanwhile, the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase, and the contents of glutathione in serum, hepatopancreas, intestine and muscle were enhanced with increasing dietary thiamin levels (P<0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum, hepatopancreas and intestine followed a similar trend as CAT (P<0.05). However, SOD activity in muscle was not affected by dietary thiamin level (P>0.05). The results indicated that thiamin could improve antioxidant defence and inhibit lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation of juvenile Jian carp.

Exercise training prevents skeletal muscle damage in an experimental sepsis model

OBJECTIVE:Oxidative stress plays an important role in skeletal muscle damage in sepsis. Aerobic exercise can decrease oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant defenses. Therefore, it was hypothesized that aerobic exercise training before a sepsis stimulus could attenuate skeletal muscle damage by modulating oxidative stress. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic physical preconditioning on the different mechanisms that are involved in sepsis-induced myopathy.METHODS:Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to either the untrained or trained group. The exercise training protocol consisted of an eight-week treadmill program. After the training protocol, the animals from both groups were randomly assigned to either a sham group or a cecal ligation and perforation surgery group. Thus, the groups were as follows: sham, cecal ligation and perforation, sham trained, and cecal ligation and perforation trained. Five days after surgery, the animals were euthanized and their soleus and plantaris muscles were harvested. Fiber cross-sectional area, creatine kinase, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, carbonyl, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were measured.RESULTS:The fiber cross-sectional area was smaller, and the creatine kinase, thiobarbituric acid reactive species and carbonyl levels were higher in both muscles in the cecal ligation and perforation group than in the sham and cecal ligation and perforation trained groups. The muscle superoxide dismutase activity was higher in the cecal ligation and perforation trained group than in the sham and cecal ligation and perforation groups. The muscle catalase activity was lower in the cecal ligation and perforation group than in the sham group.CONCLUSION:In summary, aerobic physical preconditioning prevents atrophy, lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation and improves superoxide dismutase activity in the skeletal muscles of septic rats.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on ROS homeostasis and expression of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 in skeletal muscle during the repair process

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 in the gastrocnemius muscles of rats following contusion. Muscle regeneration involves cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and is regulated by growth factors. A growing body of evidence suggests that LLLT promotes skeletal muscle regeneration and accelerates tissue repair. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=96) were randomly divided into three groups: control group (no lesion, untreated, n=6), contusion group (n=48), and contusion-plus-LLLT group (n=42). Gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) laser irradiation (635 nm; beam spot, 0.4 cm(2); output power, 7 mW; power density, 17.5 mW/cm(2); 20 min) was administered to the gastrocnemius contusion for 20 min daily for 10 days. Muscle remodeling was evaluated at 0 h and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injury. Hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson staining were used to evaluate regeneration and fibrosis; muscle superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected via biochemical methods; expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were investigated via immunohistochemistry. The results showed that LLLT markedly promoted the regeneration of muscle and reduced scar formation. LLLT also significantly enhanced muscle SOD activity and significantly decreased muscle MDA levels 1, 2, and 3 days after injury. LLLT increased the expression of IGF-1 2, 3, and 7 days after injury and decreased the expression of IGF-1 21 and 28 days after injury. LLLT decreased the expression of TGF-β1 3 and 28 days after injury but increased expression at 7 and 14 days after injury. Our study showed that LLLT could modulate the homeostasis of ROS and of the growth factors IGF-1 and TGF-β1, which are known to play important roles in the repair process. This may constitute a new preventive approach to muscular fibrosis.

Growth, metabolism and immune responses to evisceration and the regeneration of viscera in sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus

Growth, metabolism and immune responses of sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus, following evisceration induced artificially, were investigated in this study. The body weight, specific growth rate (SGR), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), activities of immunoenzymes including acidic phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) from hydrolytic system, and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malonyl-dialdehyde (MDA) from antioxidant system in muscle, intestine and respiratory tree were measured to evaluate the physiological responses of A. japonicus to evisceration and regeneration of viscera. The results showed that body weight of sea cucumber significantly dropped following evisceration and then increased gradually with digestive function resumed. Accelerated growth rates were observed in the regeneration group from the 10th day to 20th day, but there was no significant difference between the regeneration group and control group at the end of the experiment. OCR reduced rapidly after evisceration and increased gradually afterwards. Compared to the control, no significant difference in OCR was found on the 45th day (P>0.05). The immune responses of A. japonicus were highly tissue-specific during the regeneration of viscera. Both ACP and AKP activities in muscle peaked on the 10th day after evisceration, then decreased gradually to normal on the 45th day (P>0.05), while those in the regenerated tissues exhibited a differential rising trend from the 20th day after evisceration. SOD activity in muscle was not significantly influenced by evisceration; however, in the regenerated tissues it was enhanced and significantly higher than those in the control on the 45th day (P<0.01). CAT activity in muscle of the regeneration group was significantly higher than in the control during the experiment (P<0.05). Comparatively, CAT activity in the respiration tree increased invariably after evisceration, while in the intestine CAT activity was not significantly affected by evisceration (P>0.05). Significant increase was found in both T-AOC and MDA in all three tissues after evisceration (P<0.05); however, they all returned to normal at the end of the experiment. Results of this study indicated that growth, metabolism and immune responses including hydrolytic and antioxidant enzymes in sea cucumber were significantly influenced by evisceration. Although the regeneration group did not catch up with the control in body weight, SGR, OCR, major non-specific immune parameters resumed to normal level within 45days after evisceration, indicating that A. japonicus might have recovered physiologically from evisceration. Results from this study first presented comprehensive and valuable data of physiological responses to evisceration and the regeneration of viscera in A. japonicus, which would have important implications for those farmers engaged in sea cucumber culture.

Effects of Low-Level Laser Irradiation on Rat Skeletal Muscle Injury after Eccentric Exercise

The effect of photobiomodulation on delayed onset muscle soreness remains unknown. This study represents the first investigation of this treatment using an animal model. Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: sedentary control group, exercise control group and three exercise-plus-laser groups. Downhill running was used to induce muscle injury in the gastrocnemius muscle. He-Ne laser irradiations were administered to the injured muscles immediately and at 18 and 42 h after exercise in the three exercise-plus-laser groups at 12, 28, and 43 J/cm2, respectively. Histological examination and serum creatine kinase (CK), muscle superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses were done at 24 and 48 h after exercise. The exercise control group exhibited a marked inflammation in the gastrocnemius muscle and significant elevations in serum CK activity and muscle MDA level after downhill running. He-Ne laser irradiation at 43 J/cm2 inhibited muscle inflammation, significantly enhanced muscle SOD activity and significantly reduced serum CK activity and muscle MDA level at both 24 and 48 h after exercise, whereas the irradiation at 12 or 28 J/cm2 slightly inhibited muscle inflammation and significantly reduced serum CK activity at 48 h after exercise only (P<0.05). Low-level He-Ne laser therapy could exert therapeutic effects on eccentric exercise-induced rat muscle injury through enhancing muscle anti-oxidative capacity and reducing the inflammatory reaction. The photobiomodulation was dose-dependent, and the 43 J/cm2 dose was the most efficient among the doses used.

Effects of Forsythia suspensa Extract on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Antioxidant Activities in Broiler Chickens Under High Ambient Temperature

A 42-d trial was conducted with 252 broiler chickens (d 1 of age, 38.8 ± 1.3 g of BW) to determine the effects of Forsythia suspensa extract on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant activities under high ambient temperature (32 ± 1°C). The feeding program consisted of a starter diet from d 1 to 21 of age and a finisher diet from d 22 to 42 of age. Dietary treatments included a negative control group (NC) fed a cornsoybean meal based diet without vitamin C or Forsythia suspensa extract, a positive control group fed a diet with 200 mg of vitamin C/kg, and a test group (FS) fed with 100 mg of Forsythia suspensa extract/kg. There were 14 cages per treatment and 6 birds per cage during the study. Birds had free access to diets and water during the entire period. Body weight and feed intake were measured at d 21 and 42. Blood and tissue samples were collected at d 21 and 42 for assay of antioxidant indices. Growth performance did not differ among treatment groups during the starter period. In the finisher phase, birds in FS had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain, feed conversion, and apparent digestibility of energy, CP, calcium, and phosphorus than birds in NC. Furthermore, birds in FS had greater (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity and lower (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde activity in the serum than birds in NC. The FS birds had greater (P < 0.05) muscle superoxide dismutase activity and lower (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde than NC birds. During the entire period, hepatic superoxide dismutase activity of FS birds was greater (P < 0.05) than that of NC birds. Dietary supplementation with Forsythia suspensa extract can enhance nutrient digestibility and growth performance possibly by reducing oxidative stress of broiler chickens under high ambient temperatures.

Antioxidant Enzymes and Heavy Metal Levels in Tissues of the Black Chocolate Clam Megapitaria squalida in Bahía de La Paz, Mexico

The black chocolate clam Megapitaria squalida is a commercially important bivalve along the Pacific coast of Mexico and is used as a bioindicator in environmental health studies. Previous studies of Bahía de La Paz indicated significant differences in heavy metal content among localities in this clam. To identify areas affected by heavy metal pollution, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) levels and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were measured in muscle, gonad, and digestive gland tissue and correlated with heavy metal levels of clams from six localities along the shore of the bay. Significant differences in TBARS levels and antioxidant enzyme activity were found among these tissues at all localities. Such differences are ascribed to the physiology of each organ. Higher levels of TBARS were found in areas with higher cadmium content. SOD activity in muscle correlated positively with cadmium, lead, and iron in areas with a higher content of those elements. This study suggests that TBARS levels and SOD and GST activity are affected by biotic and abiotic factors and have potential as indicators of heavy metal contamination.

Novel biomarkers of bladder decompensation after partial bladder obstruction

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) results in marked contractile, biochemical, and histological alterations in the bladder. Our aim was to determine the time course of progressive PBOO in the rabbit and to find parameters that marked the shift to decompensation. Twenty-four rabbits were subjected to 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of PBOO. Sham operated rabbits served as controls. At each time period, cystometry was performed and individual bladder strips were used for contractility studies. Full-thickness sections of bladder body from each rabbit were fixed in formalin and used to determine the vascular density and nerve density. The balance of the bladder body was separated between muscle and mucosa and was analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Bladder weight increased progressively and all contractile responses were reduced significantly over the course of obstruction. Markedly increased bladder weight and very large bladder volumes indicated decompensation. Nerve density was marked decreased in decompensated bladders. Similarly, SOD activity in muscle decreased progressively and was markedly lower in decompensated bladders. Although CAT activity of the muscle increased after 2-4 weeks of obstruction, it decreased markedly in decompensated bladders. This study shows that prolonged PBOO causes progressive deterioration in the rabbit bladder with decompensation after 8 weeks. Markedly decreased nerve density and severely reduced SOD and CAT activities are associated with the shift from compensated to decompensated function of the bladder. They may be excellent biomarkers of decompensation.