Serum Parameters Research Articles

Fructosamine in llamas (Lama glama) is associated with sex, body condition score, and hematologic and serum parameters.

The objective of this study was to provide orientation values for fructosamine in adult llamas and to characterize relationships with other laboratory and clinical parameters. Data from 22 healthy adult llamas of both sexes. A retrospective study was conducted with the findings of a veterinary herd visit from August 2022. Fructosamine measured from plasma samples was characterized, and its relationships with clinical and laboratory diagnostic data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Fructosamine was 311 ± 34 µmol/L (mean ± SD), with a range of 254.8 to 409.2 µmol/L. Males showed significantly higher plasma fructosamine levels than females (P < .05). Plasma fructosamine revealed significant positive correlations with glucose, total protein, and albumin and also with PCV, hemoglobin, calcium, sodium, and selenium. Female llamas revealed further positive correlations with body condition scoring. The results of this study can be used as orientation values for fructosamine in llamas. Fructosamine is used to distinguish acute hyperglycemia caused by stress from chronic hyperglycemia in other species, which might be caused by disorders of the glucose metabolism.

The Impact of Weight Loss on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Mitochondrial Function in Subjects with Obesity.

Inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function are implicated in the development of obesity and its comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of weight loss through calorie restriction on the metabolic profile, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, and mitochondrial respiration in an obese population. A total of 109 subjects underwent two cycles of a very low-calorie diet alternated with a low-calorie diet (24 weeks). We analyzed biochemical and inflammatory parameters in serum, as well as oxidative stress markers, mRNA antioxidant gene expression, and mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After the intervention, there was an improvement in both insulin resistance and lipid profiles, including cholesterol subfractions. Weight loss produced a significant reduction in mitochondrial ROSs content and an increase in glutathione levels, coupled with an enhancement in the mRNA expression of antioxidant systems (SOD1, GSR, and CAT). In addition, a significant improvement in basal oxygen consumption, maximal respiration, and ATP production was observed. These findings demonstrate that moderate weight loss can improve insulin resistance, lipid profiles and subfractions, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, and mitochondrial respiration. Therefore, we can affirm that dietary intervention can simultaneously achieve significant weight loss and improve metabolic profile and mitochondrial function in obesity.

Dietary administration of green macroalgae (Ulva intestinalis) on growth performance, serum immune parameters, and gene expression in Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to assess the effects of the green macroalgae (Ulva intestinalis) on growth performance, immune parameters of serum and mucus, liver enzymes and the expression of genes related to growth (GH and IGF-1), and immunity (IL1-β and Lyz) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The test was carried out in eight weeks with the treatments supplemented with 0 (control), 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% macroalgae and three replications for each group. At the end of the course, growth indices, serum and mucus total protein, total immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated. Additionally, the expression of growth (GH and IGF-1) and Immunity (IL1-β and Lyz) genes was evaluated using real-time PCR in the brain, liver, and intestine. Based on the results, a significant difference was observed in the levels of total protein, total immunoglobulin, and mucus lysozyme in the fish that received 1% U. intestinalis compared to the control group (P&lt;0.05). In addition, the amount of total protein, total immunoglobulin, and lysozyme in the control group and the other treatments represented a significant difference (P&lt;0.05). Although the initial weight did not show a significant difference among the treatments (P&gt;0.05), the final growth parameters significantly varied in different treatments, with the highest final weight observed in fish fed with 0.25% algae (P&lt;0.05). The results of the expression of immune genes lysozyme (Lyz) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) indicated a significant difference with the control group (P&lt;0.05), representing an increasing pattern with the rising percentage of macroalgae (P&lt;0.05). The supplement was also found effective in promoting the expression of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) compared to the control fish (P&lt;0.05), revealing an increasing pattern for the IGF-1 gene with the elevated level of the supplement. In general, according to the results of the present study, U.intestinalis can be recommended in carp aquaculture, most preferably at the level of 1% of daily feed, as it could significantly enhance the growth and innate immunity of fish.

Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Cottonseed Meal, Peanut Meal, Rapeseed Meal, or Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Rumen Fermentation in Growing Lambs.

Considering the frequently large price fluctuations for soybean meal, an alternative is the increased use of locally produced high-protein ingredients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the total replacement of soybean meal with different sources of protein on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, rumen fermentation parameters, and bacterial communities in growing lambs. Sixty sheep with similar body weights (38.46 ± 0.71 kg) were distributed to one of five treatments: soybean meal (SBM); cottonseed meal (COM); peanut meal (PEM); rapeseed meal (RAM); and distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The experiment lasted 62 days with a 10-day adaptation period and a 52-day growing period. The results indicated that the body weight and average daily gain were not affected by different protein sources (p > 0.05), but the dry matter intake of the SBM group was lower than that of the other groups (p < 0.05); otherwise, the feed efficiency was higher (p < 0.05). The digestion of dry matter was higher in the SBM, COM, and RAM groups than in the DDGS and PEM groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared to the other groups, the SBM group had the highest digestion of gross energy and crude protein (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentration of glutathione peroxidase was highest in the SBM group (p < 0.05). Regarding the rumen fermentation, the SBM group had the highest concentration of NH3-N (p < 0.05). The rumen bacterial community was not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the total replacement of soybean meal with cottonseed, peanut, rapeseed, or DDGS reduced digestibility but did not impact the body weight or average daily gain of growing lambs and had no effect on the immune function and rumen bacterial community; thus, they can be used to substitute the soybean meal.

The effect of lavender essential oil on performance, carcass characteristics and serum parameters of broilers

The effect of lavender essential oil on performance, carcass characteristics and serum parameters of broilers

THE EFFECTS OF SINGLE CELL PROTEIN ON AL-AWASSI LAMBS IN IRAQ

The effects of single cell protein (SCP) were studied in Al-Awassi lambs in Iraq. Four groups of lambs received 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of (SCP) as a replacer for a soybean. The influence of (SCP) on the performance and carcass data of lambs and their blood pictures were studied. The total uric acid, blood urea and the histopathological changes were also investigated. The results - showed” that ‘there were no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences ‘among the initial, slaughtered, total weights gained and chilled carcass weights. The wholesale cuts showed. no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences. The eye rib area, fat thickness of. longissmus doris muscle, average percentage of organs and offal dressing percentage (calculated in live and empty body weight basis) were similar in all groups examined. the blood and serum parameters did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) among the experimental groups.

Anthropometric indicators and cardiovascular diseases risk in pre-diabetic and diabetic adults: NHANES 1999–2018 cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundSince cardiovascular disease (CVD) stands as the primary cause of death in those with diabetes, and given the substantial influence of obesity as a common risk factor for both diabetes and atherosclerotic conditions, this investigation sought to find the relationship between anthropometric indicators and CVD risk within these populations. MethodsOur study examined 36,329 adults, including those with diagnosed diabetes, pre-diabetes, and without diabetes from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data spanning 1999 to 2018. Various anthropometric indicators such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), weight, and height were assessed. Baseline characteristics were compared among the three groups after weighting. Participants were then grouped based on anthropometric indicators, and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between these indicators and CVD risk in the total diabetes group (including diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals). Threshold effect analysis was conducted to explore nonlinear relationships, and mediation analyses assessed whether serum parameters influenced these relationships. ResultsThis cross-sectional study involved 36,329 participants, weighted to a count of approximately 160.9 million, including over 45.9 million pre-diabetic individuals and around 16.6 million diabetic individuals. Baseline analysis showed significant associations between all six anthropometric indicators and CVD risk across patients with different diabetes statuses. Weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve analysis highlighted increased CVD risk among the total diabetes group for each anthropometric indicator compared to the non-diabetic group. Anthropometric indicators were then divided into quartiles, and after adjusting for confounders, Model 3 revealed that the highest BMI group had a heightened risk of CVD compared to the lowest BMI group. Similar trends were observed in the WWI and WHtR subgroups. Threshold effect analysis of anthropometric indicators unveiled nonlinear associations between waist circumference, height, WWI and CVD risk. Mediation analysis suggested that lipid parameters, especially HDL, significantly mediated these relationships. ConclusionIn individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes, BMI, weight, and WHtR displayed a consistent, linear increase correlation with CVD risk. Conversely, the link between waist circumference, height, and WWI and CVD risk showcased a more complex, nonlinear pattern. Moreover, HDL level emerged as notable mediator in the association between anthropometric indicators and the risk of CVD.

Effect of Dietary Crude Protein and Apparent Metabolizable Energy Levels on Growth Performance, Nitrogen Utilization, Serum Parameter, Protein Synthesis, and Amino Acid Metabolism of 1- to 10-Day-Old Male Broilers.

This research compared how different levels of dietary crude protein (CP) and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) affect the growth performance, nitrogen utilization, serum parameters, protein synthesis, and amino acid (AA) metabolism in broilers aged 1 to 10 days. In a 4 × 3 factorial experimental design, the broilers were fed four levels of dietary CP (20%, 21%, 22%, and 23%) and three levels of dietary AME (2800 kcal/kg, 2900 kcal/kg, and 3000 kcal/kg). A total of 936 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to 12 treatments with 6 replications each. Growth performance, nitrogen utilization, serum parameter, gene expression of protein synthesis, and AA metabolism were evaluated at 10 d. The results revealed no interaction between dietary CP and AME levels on growth performance (p > 0.05). However, 22% and 23% CP enhanced body weight gain (BWG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), total CP intake, and body protein deposition but had a detrimental effect on the protein efficiency ratio (PER) compared to 20% or 21% CP (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 2800 kcal/kg AME showed increased feed intake (FI) and inferior PER (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 3000 kcal/kg AME showed decreased muscle mRNA expression of mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) and Atrogin-1 compared to those fed diets with 2800 kcal/kg and 2900 kcal/kg AME (p < 0.05). Increasing dietary CP level from 20% to 23% decreased muscle mTOR and increased S6K1 mRNA expression, respectively (p < 0.05). The muscle mRNA expression of Atrogin-1 was highest for broilers fed 23% CP diets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) and Liver alanine aminotransferase of the 22% and 23% CP groups were higher than those of 20% CP (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between dietary CP and AME levels were observed for muscle AMPK and liver lysine-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR) and branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Dietary AME level had no effect on muscle AMPK mRNA expression for broilers fed 21% and 22% CP diets (p > 0.05), whereas increasing dietary AME levels decreased AMPK mRNA expression for broilers fed 23% CP diets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of LKR and BCKDH was highest for broilers fed the diet with 2800 kcal/kg AME and 22% CP, while it was lowest for broilers fed the diet with 3000 kcal/kg AME and 20% CP. The findings suggest that inadequate energy density hindered AA utilization for protein synthesis, leading to increased AA catabolism for broilers aged 1 to 10 days, and a dietary CP level of 22% and an AME level of 2900 to 3000 kcal/kg may be recommended based on performance and dietary protein utilization.

Bone mineral density assessment in patients with cystinuria.

Cystinuria is a rare genetic disease characterized by impaired tubular transport of cystine. Clinical features of cystinuria mainlyinclude nephrolithiasis and its complications, although cystinuric patients may present with other comorbidities. There are currently no data on bone features of patients with cystinuria. Our aim is to characterize bone mineral density (BMD) in cystinuria. Our study included adult cystinuric patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60mL/min/1.73m2 followed at 3 specialized outpatient clinics in Italy (Rome, Naples and Verona). Markers of bone turnover were analyzed in a centralized laboratory. Clinical, biochemical and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) data were collected from September 2021 to December 2022. Linear regression models were used to evaluate statistically significant deviations from zero of Z-scores. Twenty-seven patients were included in the study. Mean (SD) age was 37 (15) years, 41% were women. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 99mL/min/1.73m2. Serum parameters associated with bone turnover (parathyroid hormone, FGF23, calcium and phosphate) were all in the normal range, with only 4 patients showing mild hypophosphatemia. Prevalence of low bone mineral density, defined as Z-score ≤ - 2 at any site, was 15%. Average Z-scores were negative across most sites. Our study suggests that cystinuric patients have lower bone mineral density compared with individuals of the same sex and age, even when theirkidney functionis normal.

Key co-expressed genes correlated with blood serum parameters of pigs fed with different fatty acid profile diets.

This study investigated how gene expression is affected by dietary fatty acids (FA) by using pigs as a reliable model for studying human diseases that involve lipid metabolism. This includes changes in FA composition in the liver, blood serum parameters and overall metabolic pathways. RNA-Seq data from 32 pigs were analyzed using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Our aim was to identify changes in blood serum parameters and gene expression between diets containing 3% soybean oil (SOY3.0) and a standard pig production diet containing 1.5% soybean oil (SOY1.5). Significantly, both the SOY1.5 and SOY3.0 groups showed significant modules, with a higher number of co-expressed modules identified in the SOY3.0 group. Correlated modules and specific features were identified, including enriched terms and pathways such as the histone acetyltransferase complex, type I diabetes mellitus pathway, cholesterol metabolism, and metabolic pathways in SOY1.5, and pathways related to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease in SOY3.0. The variation in co-expression observed for HDL in the groups analyzed suggests different regulatory patterns in response to the higher concentration of soybean oil. Key genes co-expressed with metabolic processes indicative of diseases such as Alzheimer's was also identified, as well as genes related to lipid transport and energy metabolism, including CCL5, PNISR, DEGS1. These findings are important for understanding the genetic and metabolic responses to dietary variation and contribute to the development of more precise nutritional strategies.

Changes in blood serum parameters in farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during a piscine lactococcosis outbreak.

The aquaculture sector plays a vital role in global food security, yet it grapples with significant challenges posed by infectious diseases. Piscine lactococcosis is one of the significant threats in rainbow trout aquaculture due to its potential to cause severe economic losses through mortalities, reduced growth rates, and increased susceptibility to other pathogens. It poses challenges in disease management strategies, impacting the sustainability and profitability of rainbow trout farming. The current study focuses on the variations in serum blood parameters of farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss during a lactococcosis outbreak caused by Lactococcus garvieae. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, fish were examined for parasites and bacteria, and DNA from bacterial colonies was PCR-amplified and sequenced for identification. Overall, 13 biochemical parameters, including proteins, enzymes, lipids, chemicals, and minerals, were measured in serum blood samples from both diseased and healthy fish. The results indicate significant alterations in the levels of these parameters during the outbreak, highlighting the impact of infections on the blood profile of farmed rainbow trout. Urea levels were significantly higher in diseased fish compared to controls, and creatinine, phosphorus, and magnesium also showed similar trends. Alanine aminotransferase and total protein levels were higher in control fish. Chloride levels differed significantly between groups. Iron levels were higher in controls and lower in diseased fish. No significant differences were found in other parameters. This study reveals significant changes in serum blood parameters of rainbow trout during a lactococcosis outbreak caused by L. garvieae. These changes highlight the potential of these parameters as tools for monitoring health status, stress, and aquaculture management. Continuous monitoring can provide valuable insights into disease severity and overall fish health, aiding in the development of improved management practices. The presented data contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of piscine lactococcosis and developing effective mitigation strategies for farmed rainbow trout.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by modulating IL-6 as a potential mechanism in the nephroprotective and hepatoprotective properties of Tribulus terrestris.

Carboplatin, a second-generation platinum-containing compound is associated with renal tubular injury and hepatic damage in cancer patients. Tribulus terrestris (TT) is widely used in Indian traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to evaluate TT's beneficial effects against liver and kidney damage induced by carboplatin. An in-vivo study was conducted on thirty rats. All the groups, except the control, received intraperitoneal carboplatin 90 mg/kg on day 5; the three treatment groups received TT extract (1 g/kg, 1.25, and 1.5 g/kg) for 14 days. Serum and tissue parameters for liver functions, kidney functions, oxidative stress, and inflammatory marker interleukin 6 were measured along with histopathological assessment. TT at 1.5 g/kg on day 14 significantly reduced creatinine and aspartate transaminase levels compared to the carboplatin group. The increase in malondialdehyde levels and decrease in glutathione levels was significantly reversed in the groups treated with TT 1.25 and 1.5 g/kg. Interleukin 6 showed a significant decrease in treatment groups when compared to the carboplatin group. Carboplatin distorted hepatic architecture and caused diffused inflammatory cell infiltration in the peritubular interstitial spaces in the kidney. The histopathological evaluation confirmed that TT extract ameliorated hepatic and kidney damage by restoring to normal architecture. Aqueous extract of TT demonstrated a therapeutic effect against nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity caused by carboplatin. The observed benefits can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory action and antioxidant properties.

Effects of Standardized Aqueous Ethanolic Extract of Leaves of Ficus Deltoidea var. Trengganuensis on Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background: Laboratory evidence pertaining to the antihypertensive activity of a number of Ficus deltoidea (FD) varieties remains undetermined, although extracts of some of these varieties have been shown to have angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in vitro. Objective: This study, therefore, evaluated the effect of a standardized aqueous-ethanolic extract of leaves of Ficus deltoidea var. trengganuensis (FDT) on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: SHR were given either to 800, 1000 or 1200 mg kg-1 body weight of standardized aqueous- ethanolic extract of FDT or 10 mg kg-1 body weight of losartan or 0.5 ml of distilled water daily for four weeks. Results: SBP decreased significantly in FDT- and losartan-treated rats (p &lt; 0.05). Components of RAAS and other serum and urinary parameters were not different between the groups except for Endothelin-1, which was significantly lower than that in the controls. Urinary calcium excretion was significantly higher in FDT-treated rats (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that daily oral administration of FDT significantly lowers blood pressure in SHR through mechanisms that do not involve RAAS but may involve the endothelium or other yetto- be-determined mechanisms.

Effects of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) powder on liver enzymes, lipid profiles and carcass traits of finisher broiler chickens

Thirty-two (32) three-week old Anak Acre unsexed broiler chicks were used to evaluate the effects of bitter leaf powder (BLP) on liver enzymes, lipid profile and carcass characteristics. The birds were acclimatized for one week and thereafter allocated to 4 treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (2.5g BLP/bird), T3 (5g BLP/bird), and T4 (7.5g BLP/bird) in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated twice, with each replicate containing 4 birds. The birds received BLP through drinking water (2ml drench) for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, data obtained from serum parameters and carcass traits were subjected to analysis of variance and significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Results showed that BLP supplements had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on liver enzyme markers and lipid profiles. The group treated with BLP at 2.5 g/bird had lowest ALP and ALT liver enzymes and lowest lipid and highest good cholesterol (HDL). The carcass characteristics showed that T3 differed (P&lt;0.05) from other groups in live, slaughter, plucked, eviscerated and dressed weights and body parts including the thigh, breast, neck and the shank weights. The drumstick, back and the gizzard weights did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) across the groups. The control group outperformed (P &lt;0.05) other groups in intestinal and liver weights whereas the abdominal fat was numerically (P&gt;0.05) highest in the group treated with 2.5 g/bird. It can therefore be concluded that liver enzyme markers and lipid profile of broiler chickens were at their best in broilers treated with BLP at 2.5 g/bird while the carcass characteristics showed superiority in broilers treated with BLP at 5 g/bird.

Untargeted metabolic profiling of high-dose methotrexate toxicity shows alteration in betaine metabolism

Cardiotoxicity is a well-established adverse effect of several drugs across multiple therapeutic indications. It is particularly prevalent following anticancer therapy. In order to evaluate the changes in cellular metabolism associated with methotrexate cardiotoxicity, we treated Wistar rats with a single high dose of methotrexate (HDMTX), and after five days, the animals were sacrificed. We then analyzed the cardiotoxicity parameters in serum like Cardiac enzymes(CK-MB, Troponin T, ALP), Inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6), oxidative stress markers (NO, NOX-2), histopathology and cardiac tissue with the goal of identifying a metabolic signature of cardiotoxicity using discovery-based metabolomics. The biochemical parameters for cardiac enzymes, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers showed a significant increase in all three categories in rats treated with HDMTX. These findings were mirrored in the histopathological analysis confirming cardiotoxicity due to HDMTX. The results showed a total of 95 metabolites that were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) modulated: either up- or downregulated in the HDMTX-treated group when compared with the control group. Using integrated pathway analysis we found these metabolites were associated with many important cardiac tissue metabolic pathways, such as the malate aspartate shuttle, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, betaine metabolism, spermidine biosynthesis, and homocysteine degradation. Among them, L-arginine, homocysteine, and betaine were significantly upregulated, suggesting their possible association with cardiac tissue injury. Overall, we provided evidence for using untargeted metabolomics to identify novel metabolites associated with HDMTX cardiac toxicity.

Prognostic assessment of the quality of oocytes in mares used in ART programs based on biochemical parameters of follicular fluid and blood serum

The biochemical composition of the mare’s follicle fluid was studied, and the level of identity of this composition with the biochemical parameters of their blood was established. It has been shown that the follicular fluid (FF) of large follicles (≥37 mm) contains significantly more electrolytes – Na, K, P and serum Fe, but significantly less total protein, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and intracellular enzymes - ALT, AST, CPK, LDH, GGTP, alkaline phosphatase, than in blood serum (p&lt;0.05). At the same time, no significant differences were found in the content of glucose, urea, magnesium, albumin, all types of bilirubin, creatinine, LDL cholesterol, alphaamylase, and calcium in the studied media. The presence of correlations has been shown between the quantitative indicators of most components of the biochemical composition of the FF and blood serum, and in the FF itself - between the components of the lipid profile with Ca, P, glucose, and albumin. Significant relationships were also established between the content of serum Fe, Mg, Ca, total protein, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, intracellular enzymes - ALT, AST, CPK, LDH, GGTP, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and creatinine in the FF and blood serum (p&lt;0. 05). The obtained statistically reliable experimental data can be used for prognostic assessment of the composition of follicular fluid and the corresponding quality of oocytes based on biochemical analysis of blood serum in mares. The statistically reliable experimental data obtained can be used for a prognostic assessment of the composition of follicular fluid and the corresponding quality of oocytes by biochemical analysis of blood serum of mares.

Effects of gossypol acetate on growth, serum biochemical parameters, and intestinal health of goslings

Free gossypol (FG), the primary antinutritional component in cottonseed meal, can adversely affect the growth and health of poultry. Although younger geese are particularly sensitive to FG, the precise effects of FG on geese remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gossypol acetate (GA), a form of FG, on the growth, serum biochemical parameters, and intestinal health of goslings. Seventy-two healthy male goslings, aged 7-day-old with similar body weight (BW), were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group and 2 GA-treated groups (GA25 and GA50), which were orally administered GA (25 and 50 mg/kg BW) daily for 14 d. The results showed that oral administration of GA significantly suppressed BW, altered serum parameters, and impaired intestinal health in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Specifically, GA adversely affected intestinal morphology, induced oxidative stress, and inflammation, diminished immune function, and increased intestinal permeability and apoptosis of intestinal cells, consequently impairing nutrient absorption and utilization of goslings. Overall, these data indicate that GA adversely affects the growth, serum parameters, and intestinal health of goslings, providing valuable information further to understand the toxic effects of gossypol on goslings.

Effects of Methanolic Leaf-extract of Costus pictus D. Don on Swiss Albino Mice with Hyperglycemia Associated Renal Complications

Effects of Costus pictus leaf extract (CPLE) in ameliorating the adverse outcomes of hyperglycemia-associated renal injury is investigated in Swiss Albino Mice. To induce renal injury associated with hyperglycemia, adult mice were given intraperitoneal injections of Streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in 0.5mol citrate buffer for five days. Animals were divided into five groups, namely CMC (vehicle control group, receiving only carboxy methyl cellulose), DC (Disease control group, receiving only STZ and without any treatment), GLD (positive control group, receiving standard drug glibenclamide), LD (experimental group treated with CPLE at 250 mg/kg bw) and HD (experimental group treated with CPLE at 500 mg/kg bw). After a rearing/treatment regimen of 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed to analyze various parameters. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) based area under the curve of plasma glucose (AUCglucose), kidney index, lipid profiling, serum, urine parameters (creatinine, albumin, urea), antioxidant studies and kidney histopathology were carried out. It was found that harmful lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C) levels were significantly elevated in the DC group, whereas LD, HD and GLD showed a tendency towards normalcy. Urine and serum parameters also showed the same trend in treatments and the GLD group, whereas the DC group showed steep abnormalities. Antioxidant study also reveals that treatment with CPLE, balances antioxidant activity by mitigating the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Histopathological investigations displayed significant disruptions in the microstructure of glomeruli of the DC group compared to both the treatments and GLD groups. These preliminary findings indicate that CPLE shows a trend to ameliorate hyperglycemia-associated renal complications and demands further detailed study.

The Immunostimulatory Potential and Resistance Aeromonas hydrophila of Pineapple Peel Extract in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study described the efficiency of pineapple peel extract (PPE) in increasing the immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and in inhibiting Aeromonas hydrophila infections. The PPE concentrations used in this study were: 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL. 0.1 mL of PPE was administered via intraperitoneal injection into the fish. On day 7, fish was intraperitoneally injected with 0.1 mL A. hydrophila (density 108 CFU/mL). Hematology and biochemical serum parameters were observed on day 1 and 7 after injected with PPE and day 7 and 14 post-challenge with A. hydrophila. The results indicated that, red blood cells, white blood cells, and hematocrit of PPE-injected fish were significantly higher than those in the control group (p&lt;0.05). Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase in the fish groups receiving PPE were lower than those of the control group. After challenge test, fish injected with 125 mg/mL PPE concentration was able to significantly reduce the mortality rate compare to control (from 80.50% to 47.22%). It can be concluded that PPE was effective in preventing A. hydrophila infections, and had a positive impact on the immunity of fish. So that pineapple is an alternative plant that can be used to improve fish health.

Exploring correlations: Human seminal plasma and blood serum biochemistry in relation to semen quality.

Male infertility is a pressing global issue, prompting the need for biomarkers correlating with seminal parameters for diagnosis. Our study investigated 10 biochemical and energetic parameters in the seminal plasma and blood sera of fertile (25 subjects) and infertile (88 subjects) Polish men, correlations between their levels in seminal plasma and semen quality, and correlations between blood sera and seminal plasma levels of examined parameters. Infertile men displayed elevated seminal plasma glucose and fructose but reduced HDL levels compared to fertile men. We observed also weak negative correlations between seminal plasma triglycerides and sperm concentration in both groups. Moreover, infertile men exhibited positive correlations between seminal plasma HDL/LDL concentrations and sperm concentration. Fertile men showed moderate negative correlations between glucose/triglycerides concentrations and sperm count and between seminal plasma triglycerides levels and sperm vitality. Semen volume correlated with triglycerides (negative) and fructose (positive) concentrations in infertile men. Sperm motility correlated negatively with total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides concentrations in fertile men, and weakly with AMP-activated protein kinase in infertile men. Weak negative correlations between seminal plasma fructose/AMP-activated protein kinase concentrations and sperm progressive motility were observed in infertile men, whereas in fertile men seminal plasma AMP-activated protein kinase levels were positively correlated with progressive motility. Correlation analysis between blood serum and seminal plasma parameters revealed intriguing connections, notably regarding LDL, AMP-activated protein kinase, and carnitine, suggesting systemic influences on seminal plasma composition. These findings emphasize the complex interplay between metabolic factors and sperm parameters, offering promising directions for future research in male infertility diagnostics and therapeutics.