Organic Coefficient Research Articles

Genetic Polymorphisms in HMGCS1 Gene and Its Association with Slaughter Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Organ Coefficients in Guizhou White Goats.

This study aimed to identify polymorphisms in the gene encoding the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1, HMGCS1, and analyze their association with slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and organ coefficients in Guizhou white goats. A total of 153 twelve-month-old Guizhou white goats (78 male and 75 female) were included in the study. Slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and organ coefficients were assessed. Association analyses between genotypes and phenotypic traits were conducted using a generalized linear model. Four polymorphic loci were identified, i.e., g.15523T>C, g.15530G>C, g.18413T>C, g.19711G>A in exons 5, 8, and 9 of the HMGCS1 gene. Across all polymorphic loci, males of the same genotype generally exhibited significantly better slaughter traits compared to females of the same genotype (p < 0.05). At the g.18413T>C locus, differences in shear force were observed between males and females of the same genotype and within the same sex across different genotypes (p < 0.05). Organ coefficients were significantly higher in males of the same genotype compared to females (p < 0.05). The g.15523T>C and g.15530G>C loci were found in strong linkage disequilibrium and significantly associated with intramuscular fat content (p < 0.05). Fat content in diploid Hap2/2 individuals was significantly higher than in Hap1/1 and Hap1/2 (p < 0.05). At the g.19711G>A locus, female goats with the CC genotype showed significantly higher levels of dry matter compared to male goats of the same genotype and female goats of other genotypes within the group. Organ coefficients for the liver and hooves in male goats were significantly higher than in females of the same genotype (p < 0.05). The strongly linked loci g.15523T>C and g.15530G>C were significantly associated with intramuscular fat content and could be used as molecular markers for enhancing this trait in goat breeding programs, fostering the development of goat production.

Read-Across of Biotransformation Potential between Activated Sludge and the Terrestrial Environment: Toward Making It Practical and Plausible.

Recent emphasis on the development of safe-and-sustainable-by-design chemicals highlights the need for methods facilitating the early assessment of persistence. Activated sludge experiments have been proposed as a time- and resource-efficient way to predict half-lives in simulation studies. Here, this persistence "read-across" approach was developed to be more broadly and robustly applicable. We evaluated 21 previously used reference plant protection products (PPPs) for their broader applicability in calibrating regression and classification models for predicting half-lives in soil (DT50OECD307) and water-sediment systems (DT50OECD308) based on their half-life in sludge and the organic carbon-water partition coefficient KOC as predictors. The calibrated regression models showed satisfactory predictions of DT50OECD307 for another 22 test PPPs. Performance was less satisfying for the prediction of DT50OECD308 for 46 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), suggesting a need for expanding the set of calibration substances and more experimental KOC values. The classification models mostly correctly classified persistent and non-persistent test compounds for both PPPs and APIs, which is relevant for early-stage screening of persistence. Transformation products of the reference compounds in activated sludge samples were consistent with the reported degradation pathways in soil, particularly with respect to major aerobic, enzyme-catalyzed transformation reactions. Overall, "reading across" biotransformation in environmental compartments such as soils or sediments from experiments with activated sludge outperformed three widely used in silico approaches for estimating half-lives and hence has immediate potential to support early assessment of biodegradability when aiming to develop chemicals that are safe and sustainable by design.

A python approach for prediction of physicochemical properties of anti-arrhythmia drugs using topological descriptors

In recent years, machine learning has gained substantial attention for its ability to predict complex chemical and biological properties, including those of pharmaceutical compounds. This study proposes a machine learning-based quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) model for predicting the physicochemical properties of anti-arrhythmia drugs using topological descriptors. Anti-arrhythmic drug development is challenging due to the complex relationship between chemical structure and drug efficacy. To address this, we applied machine learning techniques, specifically linear regression models combined with K-fold cross-validation, to predict critical properties such as Density, Boiling Point, Flash Point, Bioconcentration Factor (BCF), Organic Carbon Partition Coefficient (KOC), Polarizability, and Molar Volume. The models were developed using data from ten anti-arrhythmic drugs ( to ). We evaluated the models based on performance metrics such as R and and obtained significant results. Most accurate predictions are obtained for polarizability from models with H(G) and .

Fluoride-Induced Autophagy and Apoptosis in the Mouse Ovary: Genomic Insights into IL-17 Signaling and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis.

Chronic fluoride (F) exposure is linked to gonadotoxicity in females, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated fluoride-induced reprotoxicity using advanced genomic profiling. RNA-seq analysis identified significant activation of autophagy, apoptosis, and IL-17 signaling pathways in fluoride-exposed female mice. To explore these mechanisms, F0 pregnant mice were exposed to deionized water (control) or 100 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) during gestation and throughout the F1 generation (n = 16 females/group), covering puberty to weaning and maturity. NaF exposure caused significant reductions in body weight, organ coefficients, and pathological indices, with increased ovarian autophagic vacuoles, mitochondrial injuries, and elevated serum/ovary LPS levels in F1 females. qRT-PCR, fluorescent staining, biochemical assays, and Western blotting confirmed the activation of IL-17 signaling, apoptosis, and autophagy. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed gut microbiota dysbiosis in NaF-exposed F1 females, potentially exacerbating ovary injury via serum LPS elevation. The gut dysbiosis could justify deteriorated serum LPS levels and its connection to F-induced ovary injury. These findings provide mechanistic insights into fluoride-induced reprotoxicity, emphasizing the interplay of IL-17 signaling, autophagy, and apoptosis in disrupting cellular homeostasis and suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

Toxicity of standing milkvetch infected with Alternaria gansuense in white mice.

Standing milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens) is widely distributed in the wild in Eurasia and North America and has been bred for cultivated forage in China. Yellow stunt and root rot disease caused by Alternaria gansuense is the primary disease of standing milkvetch. A. gansuense promotes the production of swainsonine in the plant. This study aimed to determine the safety of standing milkvetch that is infected with A. gansuense as forage for animals. Two-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) male white mice were fed a commercial mouse feed (CMF), healthy plant feed (HPF) and diseased plant feed (DPF) for 3 or 6 weeks. We observed histological changes in the liver and kidney tissues of the mice and measured their daily feed intake, daily water intake, body weight, feed utilization, organ coefficients, and activities of serum enzymes. The results showed that the daily feed intake of the mice that were fed DPF and HPF was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those fed CMF at 3 and 6 weeks. The highest increase was observed in the daily water intake of the mice fed HPF (p < 0.05) followed by DPF and CMF. However, the mice fed DPF gained the least weight (p < 0.05). There was a significantly higher percentage of liver weight to body weight of the mice fed DPF (p < 0.05) than those fed HPF for 3 weeks and those fed CMF for 3 and 6 weeks. There were significantly higher levels of concentrations of alanine aminotransferase in the mice fed DPF and HPF than those fed CMF for 3 weeks (p < 0.05) and 6 weeks (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the mice fed HPF than those fed DPF. There were significantly higher of lactate dehydrogenase concentration (p < 0.001), while the blood urea nitrogen was lower in the mice fed DPF than those fed HPF and CMF at 3 weeks. There was a significantly higher percentage of numbers of lymphocytes in the blood of the mice fed DPF (p < 0.05) than those fed HPF, but the percentages of monocytes and eosinophils were significantly lower. Comparatively, there were more apparent pathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues of the mice fed with DPF than in those fed with HPF. These findings indicate that standing milkvetch was toxic to white mice, and infection with A. gansuense increased its toxicity. Therefore, we conclude that standing milkvetch plants infected by A. gansuense must never be used as animal feed under any circumstances. Additionally, the amount of healthy standing milkvetch fed to animals should be appropriate, avoiding long-term or excessive feeding.

Anti-hyperuricemic effects of the seeds of Hovenia acerba in hyperuricemia mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe seeds of Hovenia acerba water extract (HAW) are used as an edible traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases related to hyperuricemia (HUA). Aim of the studyTo evaluate HAW for its anti-HUA effect and to figure out their underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe anti-HUA effects were evaluated on a mouse model by testing HAW’s effects on the levels of serum uric acid (SUA), the biochemical indicators of liver and kidney function, and the histology of liver and kidney. Body weight and organ coefficients were determined for safety evaluation. RT-qPCR, Western blot and transcriptomic analysis was applied to investigate key mRNAs, proteins and signaling pathways. ResultsHAW significantly reduced the serum levels of UA, ALT, AST, and xanthine oxidase (XOD) and histologically alleviated the liver damage in HUA mice with no negative effect on body weight and organ coefficients. HAW markedly inhibited hepatic XOD activity and protein expression, significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), and up-regulated those of ATP transporter G2 (ABCG2) and renal organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1). RNA-seq analysis showed that 248 HUA-induced differential expression genes (DEGs) were reversed by HAW in the kidney. qRT-PCR analysis showed that regulation of the expressions of HUA-related inflammatory genes were involved. ConclusionHAW possessed remarkable anti-HUA effect. The mechanism involved XOD inhibition to reduce uric acid production, up-regulation of ABCG2 and OAT1 to increase uric acid excretion, and down-regulation of GLUT9 and URAT1 to inhibit uric acid reabsorption, and regulation of HUA-related inflammatory genes.

Exposure to nano-polystyrene during pregnancy leads to Alzheimer's disease-related pathological changes in adult offspring.

Nanoplastics are common environmental pollutants. As of now, research has yet to explore how exposure to nanomaterials during gestation might influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) in offspring. Throughout the research, we assessed the AD pathology in adult offspring of mice prenatal 80 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) exposure. In contrast with the control group, prenatal PS-NPs exposure obviously decreased brain tissue weight and the organ coefficient (brain weight/body weight) in adult male mice, but it only led to changes in the low-dose group of female mice. Histological examination of the adult offspring brains revealed alterations following exposure to PS-NPs during gestation. Specifically, there was a substantial reduction in neuron cells, significant changes in the number of Nissl bodies, noticeable loss of cell nucleus, and increased presence of neurofibrillary tangles in adult offspring mice exposed to PS-NPs during gestation. Furthermore, the phosphorylation levels of tau proteins at ser396 and ser199 were dramatically enhanced in the PS-NPs exposed group. Furthermore, the expression of Aβ protein was markedly increased, consistent with typical AD pathological features. Our findings suggest that being exposed to PS-NPs during pregnancy substantially raises the risk of AD in offspring.

External nitrogen influxes hinder the efficacy of lanthanum-modified bentonite (LMB) on phosphorus and algae control in shallow lakes.

Regulating internal and external phosphorus (P) holds a predominant position in eutrophication management of lakes and other water bodies, with less emphasis on controlling nitrogen (N) due to the presence of N2-fixing cyanobacteria. Nonetheless, external N influxes may stimulate the proliferation of non-N2-fixing cyanobacteria, thereby fostering cyanobacteria blooms during summer seasons. To elucidate the significance of N regulation, a two-factor orthogonal experiment was performed to study the influences of external N input on the efficacy of lanthanum-modified bentonite (LMB), a sediment capping material for P immobilization. At the experimentation ends, the total suspended solids (TSS), organic suspended solids (OSS) concentrations and optical attenuation coefficient (Kd) in the LMB+N treatment were 7.34, 8.65 and 5.20 times higher, respectively, compared to the LMB treatment. The total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations in the LMB+N treatment were 3.02, 1.30 and 0.60 times higher, respectively, than those in the LMB treatment. However, TP and SRP in the LMB+N treatment were 46.98% and 54.93% lower, respectively, compared to N treatment. The chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration of algae in the LMB+N treatment was observed to be 2.86 times higher compared to the LMB treatment, and 17.13% lower compared to the N treatment. The biomass of cyanobacteria accounted for more than 95% of algae in the LMB+N treatment and N treatment. Furthermore, the photosynthetic performance of algae in the N treatment increased significantly, compared to the LMB+N treatment. Our results indicated that external N influxes significantly reduce the efficacy of LMB to control P and algae. Thus, the implementation of more stringent N control policies holds great significance in the eutrophication control.

In vitro and in vivo immune-enhancing effects of polysaccharides with different molecular weights and structural characteristics from Gastrodia elata Blume.

Research on high-molecular-weight polysaccharides tends to be more difficult and lag in terms of their fine structures and bioavailability. We focused on Gastrodia elata Blume polysaccharides (GEPs) with different molecular weights and structural characteristics to reveal their bioactivities, especially those abundant high-molecular-weight GEPs. A novel high-yield polysaccharide (GEP1-2) with the high molecular weight of 3.21×106Da was first purified. Through conventional and enzymolysis-assisted analyses, GEP1-2 was an α-D-(1,4)(1,6)-glucan with unique linkages of →2)-β-D-Frucf-(1→, →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol citrate (HAC), and its main local fine structure had α-1-Glcp, α-1,4-Glcp, α-1,6-Glcp, β-1,6-Galp, and α-1,4,6-Glcp at the molar ratio of 1.20∶17.74∶2.71∶0.98∶0.76. Another refined GEP3-3 with 1.91×104Da was identified as an α-1,4- and α-1,4,6-glucan (molar ratio of 4.91∶1.02). It was noteworthy that all GEPs could induce the release and mRNA expressions of NO and cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages. Specially, the high-molecular-weight polysaccharides showed comparable in vitro immune-enhancing effects to the low-molecular-weight polysaccharide. Furthermore, the macromolecular GEP1-2 could dose-dependently increase the organ coefficient of thymus and cytokine levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in mouse serum as well as in splenic lymphocytes. These efforts will be of great significance when proceeding to the safe relief or therapy of macromolecular GEPs for immunologic diseases.

Lysozyme/Tracheal Antimicrobial Peptide‐Based Tissue‐Specific Expression Antimicrobial Plasmids Show Broad‐Spectrum Antibacterial Activities in the Treatment of Mastitis in Mice

AbstractThe use of antibiotics is the preferred therapy for bacterial diseases. However, overusing antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, which is now a major public health concern. Therefore, in this study, the performance of lysozyme (LYZ)/tracheal antimicrobial peptide (TAP)–based tissue‐specific expression antimicrobial plasmids (TSEAP) have been evaluated in the treatment of mastitis in mice. The results show that LYZ/ and TAP‐based TSEAP could effectively reduce the clinical symptoms caused by Staphylococcus sciuri, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa–induced mastitis. In addition, the studies of behavioral tests, parameters of weight growth, blood biochemistry, and organ coefficients comprehensively indicate that the transfection of LYZ/TAP‐based TSEAP is safe in mice. Taken together, LYZ/TAP‐based TSEAP have broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity and may provide new insight for the non‐antibiotic treatment of bacterial diseases.

Pilot Study of Acute and Subchronic Oral Toxicological Biosafety Evaluation of Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Aerogel Nanomaterial in Kunming Mice.

Resorcinol-formaldehyde aerogel (RFa) is a unique nanomaterial composed of polymer nanoparticles with a three-dimensional network structure. Our previous studies have demonstrated its application in the separation and purification of alkaloids, and we are exploring its application potential as the drug delivery carrier. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the invivo toxicity profile of RFa and evaluate its oral biosafety. In this work, we systematically evaluated the invivo acute toxicity and subchronic oral toxicity of RFa in both male and female Kunming mice. During the 14-day acute toxicity test, the dose administered (M = 580 mg/kg) was converted from the clinical dose of adsorbed alkaloids on RFa. The mice were gavaged only once and were observed continuously for 14 days. There were no abnormalities, and pathological changes in the major organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, testes, and ovaries) were detected, followed by the 12-week subchronic toxicity test at the dose of 1/4M, 1/2M, and M. All mice were administered orally once daily and regularly observed throughout the experimental period. As a result, no abnormalities were found in body weights, food intake, and organ coefficients. Tissue section revealed no pathological changes in the major organs. In addition, there were no significant differences in hematological, blood biochemical, and coagulation parameters in both male and female mice compared to control group. These results showed that RFa was well tolerated at these dosage levels and did not cause significant toxic effects in Kunming mice. This study, as part of a broad research program on the biosafety of aerogel nanomaterials, provided the biosafety assurance for the subsequent study of RFa in biomedical applications.

Subchronic toxicity of a drug based on D-cyphenothrin, pyriproxyfen and piperonyl butoxide

The purpose of the research is to study the effects of a combined drug based on D-cyphenothrin, pyriproxyfen and piperonyl butoxide on the body of rats with repeated dermal application in a subchronic experiment.Materials and methods. The drug subchronic toxicity was studied in the vivarium of the VNIIP – FSC VIEV on 30 male rats divided into one control and two experimental groups of 10 animals each. The drug was applied daily for 7 days to the experimental rats at doses of 1/10 and 1/20 of the maximum possible dose for dermal application determined in an acute experiment when studying LD50. On the first day and at 10 days after the last application of the drug, half of the animals from each group were euthanized and blood samples were taken to determine morphological and biochemical parameters. A macroscopic examination of the organs was carried out; their mass was determined, and mass coefficients were calculated.Results and discussion. The drug based on D-cyphenothrin, pyriproxyfen and piperonyl butoxide applied dermally for 7 days in doses of 1/10 of LD50 (3071 mg/kg) and 1/20 of LD50 (1535.5 mg/kg) had no negative effect on the rats' organism, or its physiological state, and caused no changes in the morphological or biochemical blood parameters, as well as the mass coefficients of the internal organs. Doses of 3071 and 1535.5 mg/kg were inactive (safe). The threshold and toxic doses could not be determined

Biocompatibility of boron-enriched pyrolitic carbon

The Institute for Nuclear Problems of the Belarusian State University (INP BSU) has developed equipment and optimized the technology for synthesizing boron-doped pyrocarbon, a material for application in heart valve endoprostheses.The purpose of this work was to evaluate the general and biochemical blood tests, mass coefficients of animal organs and the dynamics of reactions of rat tissues to implantation of pyrocarbon material in the subcutaneous tissues of the interscapular region. Animals were monitored for 90 days. According to the morphometric data, the boron-doped pyrocarbon, synthesized in INP BSU, was found to be non-irritating to the tissue in comparison with the control sample during all periods of observation. There was no significant effect of implantation of pyrolytic carbon on the parameters of the blood general and biochemical analysis in rats compared with healthy animals. The results of necropsy showed that the mass of organs and mass coefficients of animals did not deviate from the physiological norm during different periods of pyrocarbon sample implantation.Thus, the boron-doped pyrocarbon material synthesized in INP BSU can be used for manufacturing heart valve endoprostheses.

Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of berberine on enteritis caused by Salmonella in poultry.

The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of berberine (BBR) on Salmonella enteritis in broiler chickens and to elucidate its mechanisms of action preliminarily. Blood samples were collected from 21- to 35-day-old Sanhuang male chicks to measure immune and biochemical indicators and to calculate the organ coefficients for the liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus. The caecal microbiota was analysed through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, and transcriptome sequencing was conducted. Compared with the positive control group (S), the berberine-treated group (BS) presented increased serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, serum IgG levels, and total antioxidant capacity; berberine ameliorated the increase in the thymus index caused by Salmonella administration. The addition of berberine to the diet increased the abundance of beneficial bacterial genera, including Bacteroides and Lactobacillus. It also decreased the abundance of harmful bacterial genera, including Faecalibacterium and Streptococcus. Transcriptome analysis revealed that gene expression in the S and BS groups was associated with T cell selection and B cell receptor signalling pathways, which are enriched primarily in multiple immune-related signalling pathways, including the B cell receptor signalling pathway, NF-κ B signalling pathway, intestinal immune network for IgA production, asthma, and African trypanosomiasis. The significantly expressed genes included ATAD5, ERP29, MGST2, PIK3CA, and HSP90AA1. The present study demonstrated that berberine has a good therapeutic effect on Salmonella infection in chicks, as it inhibits the occurrence and development of Salmonella-induced intestinal inflammation by regulating the balance of the gut microbiota and the expression of related genes, including ATAD5, ERP29, MGST2, PIK3CA, and HSP90AA1.

Recovery effects of sodium carboxymethylcellulose-xanthan gum hydrogels containing peptide‑iron complexes against iron deficient anemia in vivo

In this study, the sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and xanthan gum (XG) were used to prepare the CXM-Fe hydrogels (CMC: 20 mg/mL, XG: 10 mg/mL) with the addition of Mytilus edulis protein hydrolysate‑iron (MEPH-Fe) complexes. The incorporation of MEPH-Fe complexes formed a denser network structure and the CXM-Fe hydrogels had better pH stability as well as gastrointestinal retention ability. Compared with ferrous sulfate and MEPH-Fe complexes, the CXM-Fe hydrogels at moderate doses (Fe2+:2 mg/kg) showed impressive recovery effects on iron deficiency anemia (IDA) mice in terms of hematological indices, organ coefficients and iron content, antioxidant capacity, and remarkedly attenuated the infiltration of inflammatory cells as well as the levels of inflammatory factors in iron deficiency-induced colonic inflammation.

Safety assessment and exploration of the mechanism of toxic effects of diallyl trisulfide: Based on acute and subacute toxicity and proteomics experiments

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGarlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice and condiment around the world, applied both as a food and as a traditional medicine, and is a natural strengthening agent for the body's circulatory and nervous systems. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is the major volatile organosulfur phytochemical found in garlic, with antithrombotic, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet activities as well as antioxidant, anti-infective, and other pharmacological effects. However, the safe dose and the underlying mechanisms of its toxic effects remain elusive. Aim of the studyDATS, an important pharmacologically active compound found in garlic, has garnered attention for its ability to fight cancer, antioxidant, anti-infective, and cardioprotective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of DATS and to elucidate the potential mechanisms of its toxicity. Materials and methodsIn this study, ICR mice were selected for acute and subacute toxicity experiments according to OECD guidelines. The toxicity profile of DATS was analyzed by computer prediction software. Also, key differential proteins in spleen and serum were analyzed by proteomics. The binding stability of DAST to differential proteins was analyzed by molecular docking. Additionally, the regulatory relationship between DATS and differential proteins was verified by Western blot and ELISA experiments. ResultsThe results showed that the LD50 value of DATS in acute toxicity was 188.67 mg/kg. In subacute toxicity, water consumption and food intake were reduced in both male and female mice. In addition, the spleen and small intestinal organ coefficients were significantly elevated in male mice at the high dose of DATS; the blood biochemical indices ALB and TP were also significantly elevated. HE staining results showed significant damage to the spleen, liver, small intestine, and kidney of mice at high doses of DATS. Spleen and serum proteomics analyses showed that DATS significantly inhibited ZBP1 expression and upregulated TEC. ADMETlab 2.0 software predictions identified DATS as having potential genotoxicity, dermal sensitization, carcinogenicity, and respiratory and ocular toxicity. Docking results showed that the binding energies between DATS and TEC protein (PDB: 6F3F) and ZBP1 protein (PDB: 4KA4) were −3.7 kcal/mol, −2.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Western blot results showed that DATS-H significantly inhibited the expression of ZBP1 (only in male mice) and Bcl-2 proteins. ELISA results showed that DATS-H significantly increased the level of TEC protein both in male and female mice. ConclusionsLong-term administration of high-dose DATS may carry some risk of toxicity. Based on the amount of DATS in garlic, it is recommended that adults should not take more than 359 mg of DATS and 84.5 g of garlic per day. The mechanism of toxicity may be related to the fact that DATS significantly inhibits ZBP1 expression, upregulates TEC, and promotes apoptosis. This study provides valuable toxicological data for the effective evaluation of the long-term toxicity of DATS and offers an additional experimental basis for developing DATS as a healthy food or drug.

Lactobacillus plantarum KAD protects against high-fat diet-induced hepatic complications in Swiss albino mice: Role of inflammation and gut integrity.

Hepatic complications are the major health issues associated with dietary intake of calorie saturated food e.g. high-fat diet (HFD). Recent studies have revealed the beneficial effects of probiotics in HFD fed mice with hepatic complications. Some probiotic Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) e.g. Lactobacillus plantarum have drawn our attention in managing hepatic complications. Here, we aim to elucidate the protective effects of L. plantarum KAD strain, isolated from ethnic fermented food 'Kinema' in HFD-fed mice as, a preventive approach. Eighteen Swiss albino mice were equally divided into 3 groups: Normal Diet (ND), negative control (HFD), and HFD-fed with oral L. plantarum KAD supplementation (LP). All the experimental groups were subjected to specific diet according to grouping for eight weeks. After completion of the regime, subjects were anesthetized and sacrificed. Organs, blood, and fecal samples were collected and stored appropriately. Physical indices, including body weight gain, organ co-efficients were calculated along with assessment of glycemic, lipidomic, hepatic, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and histological parameters. Gut microbiota analysis was performed using 16s V3-V4 fecal metagenomic profiling, and sequencing were done using Illumina Miseq system. Oral administration of L. plantarum KAD is found to significantly (p<0.05) restore metabolic health by normalizing glycemic, lipidomic, hepatic parameters, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. Moreover, LP group (7.08±0.52 mg/g) showed significantly (p<0.001) decreased hepatic triglyceride level compared to HFD group (20.07±1.32 mg/g). L. plantarum KAD improved the adipocytic, and colonic histomorphology with significantly better scoring pattern. LP group (1.83±0.41) showed a significantly (p<0.001) reduced hepatic score compared to negative control group (5.00±0.63), showing reduced hepatosteatosis, and immune infiltration. The strain modulated gut health by altering its microbial composition positively towards normalization. In conclusion, the results of the experiment suggest that prophylactic L. plantarum KAD administration has beneficial effects on the onset of HFD induced hepatic complications in mice. Further studies are needed, on this strain for its clinical use as dietary supplement.

The Immunomodulatory Effect of Intraperitoneal Injection of Licorice Extract on Giant Salamander

The effect of licorice extract on non-specific immune function of giant salamanders was studied by intraperitoneal injection. The results showed that the lysozyme activity in the drug group increased, and the lysozyme activity increased with the increase of dose. From the 7th day onwards, each sampling of the drug group showed significant differences compared to the control group (P&amp;lt;0.05). The phagocytic activity of macrophages in the drug group showed some fluctuations, but there was no significant difference compared to the control group. The white blood cell volume value of the high-dose group gradually increased in the first three samplings, and showed a significant difference compared to the control group at 14 days (P&amp;lt;0.05). It decreased slightly in the last two samplings, but was still higher than the control group at the same time. The spleen organ coefficient of the low-dose group was (0.7 ± 0.01) % at 28 days, higher than that of the control group (0.4 ± 0.05) %, and the high-dose group was (0.7 ± 0.07) % at 14 days, higher than that of the control group (0.4 ± 0.02) %. Both differences were significant (P&amp;lt;0.05). After the last sampling (28 days), artificial infection with &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aeromonas hydrophila&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; bacteria resulted in a mortality rate of 80% in the control group, 50% in the low-dose group, and 30% in the high-dose group, all lower than the control group. The drug group also had higher immune protection rates than the control group. The results indicate that intraperitoneal injection of licorice extract can improve the immune function and disease resistance of giant salamanders to a certain extent.

The study of the toxicological profile of dry extracts of narrow-leaved lavender herb

Aim. To study the acute toxicity of narrow-leaved lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) herb dry extracts of Ukrainian origin. Materials and methods. The study objects were experimental test samples: test sample No. 1 ‒ a dry extract of narrow-leaved lavender herb obtained by extraction with purified water; test sample No. 2 ‒ a dry extract of narrow-leaved lavender herb obtained by extraction with a water‒ethanol solution (40 % ethanol); test sample No. 3 ‒ a dry extract of narrow-leaved lavender herb obtained by extraction with a water‒ethanol solution (70 % ethanol). To reproduce the clinic of acute poisoning and determine LD50, the acute toxicity of test samples was studied on sexually mature white mice weighing 19-21 g under the conditions of a single intragastric administration. The animals were observed for 2 weeks, which made it possible to assess the toxic effect of the lavender extracts studied on the body of experimental animals. The weight (initial data, 3, 7 and 14 days), the behavior of animals after the introduction of test samples (appearance, respiration, salivation, urination, excreta, feed consumption by animals) were monitored by daily feed and water consumption ‒ on days 7 and 14. The macroscopic examination included the external examination of animals, the examination of internal organs of the chest (heart, lungs, thymus) and abdominal cavities (liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, testes/ovaries). For statistical processing of the data obtained (body weight), the arithmetic average value and its standard error were used; the reliability of discrepancies between samples was assessed using ANOVA RM and the Dunnet criterion. Comparisons were made with the negative control group. Indicators of the mass coefficients of internal organs were presented in the form of the median, upper and lower quartiles. The reliability of discrepancies between samples was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney test compared to the negative control group. Results and discussion. It was experimentally proven that intragastric administration of dry extracts from lavender herb in the dose of 5000 mg/kg did not lead to lethality and did not affect the general trophic processes of animals. The macroscopic examination of internal organs and analysis of their mass coefficients confirmed that a single intragastric administration of test samples of lavender extracts did not lead to pathological changes in both males and females. The organ mass coefficients were within the normal range and had no statistically significant differences compared to animals in the negative control group. Conclusions. The results of the study have demonstrated that a single intragastric administration of test samples of lavender in the dose of 5000 mg/kg does not lead to pathological changes in the physiological state of mice, which allows to attribute the extracts studied to class V of practically non-toxic substances (LD50 &gt; 5000 mg/kg).

Characteristics, prediction, and risk assessment of phthalates, organophosphate esters, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in vegetables from plastic greenhouses of Northeast China

We investigated the contaminations of phthalates (PAEs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the vegetables and their corresponding soils from 26 plastic greenhouses of Northeast China. PAEs, OPEs, and PAHs in the edible portion of vegetables were in the range of 2620–21800, 115–852, and 32.4–602 ng/g, while the levels of these chemicals in the greenhouse soils were 5770–18800, 196–935, and 109–1600 ng/g, respectively. PAEs are the main organic pollutants in greenhouses, which were 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that of OPEs and PAHs. Leafy vegetables showed the highest contamination level, which is ∼1–3 times that of root and fruit vegetables. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of chemicals are significantly negatively correlated with their physicochemical properties, e.g., octanol-water partition coefficient and organic carbon partition coefficient. The partition-limited model can accurately predict the contamination level of greenhouse vegetables to a certain extent based on the chemical's concentration in the corresponding soil. We assessed the hazard quotients of target compounds through daily intake of greenhouse vegetables, and found a low risk for di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. This research emphasized the potential dietary exposure risks caused by greenhouse leafy vegetables, and proposed a method for evaluating the risk of greenhouse vegetables through soil monitoring.