Plasma Acid Phosphatase Research Articles

Metabolic Profile in Rats during Long-Term Restriction of Motor Activity.

We performed a comprehensive study of protein (total protein, medium-molecular-weight peptides, creatinine, and urea), purine (uric acid), and lipid (cholesterol, triglycerides) metabolism, activity of AST, ALT, and acid phosphatase in blood plasma of white male rats under conditions of restriction of motor activity up to 28 days. Patterns of changes in metabolic profile during hypokinesia were established: prevalence of catabolic processes and atherogenic shifts in the lipid spectrum with maximum manifestation on 14-21 days of the experiment.

Semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites in male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) under heat stress.

Heat stress causes infertility in male rabbits in summer. This study was conducted to determine the effects of heat stress on semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites of male rabbits. To achieve these objectives, the temperature and humidity index (THI) was used to determine the stress state of male rabbits during different months, thereby the rabbits were divided into heat stress and no heat stress groups. The quality of the semen and the biochemical indices of seminal plasma were then analyzed. Next the plasma metabolites of rabbits in both groups were evaluated using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS)/MS technique. Our results showed that the THI value of the rabbit housing in May was 20.94 (no heat stress). The THI value of the housing in August was 29.10 (heat stress group, n = 10). Compared with the non-heat stress group, the sperm motility, density, and pH in the heat stress group (n = 10) were significantly decreased (P < 0.01); the semen volume decreased significantly (P < 0.05); and the sperm malformation rate increased significantly (P < 0.01). The number of grade A sperm significantly decreased, while the numbers of B and C grade sperm significantly increased (P < 0.01). The total sperm output (TSO), total motile sperm (TMS), and total functional sperm fraction (TFSF) decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Heat stress protein 70 (HSP70) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the seminal plasma of rabbits in the heat stress group (n = 20) were significantly increased (P < 0.01). Seminal plasma testosterone (T), α-glucosidase (α-Glu), and fructose decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The concentrations of Mg2+ (P < 0.05), Na+ (P < 0.01), and K+ (P < 0.01) in metal ions were significantly decreased. These findings indicated that heat stress severely affected the quality of the male rabbit semen. Furthermore, UPLC-MS/MS technology was used to analyze the seminal plasma samples of rabbits in the heat stress group and non-heat stress group (n = 9 for each group). In total, 346 metabolites were identified, with variable importance in project (VIP) > 1.0, fold change (FC) > 1.5 or < 0.667, and P < 0.05 as the threshold. A total of 71 differential metabolites were matched, including stearic acid, betaine, arachidonic acid, L-malic acid, and indole. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of differential metabolites revealed 51 metabolic pathways, including synthesis and degradation of ketones, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and the citric acid cycle. Our study has shown that the sperm motility, sperm pH value, and sperm density of male rabbits decreased significantly under heat stress, and the sperm malformation rate increased significantly. Furthermore, the quality of semen was shown to deteriorate and the energy metabolism pathway was disturbed. These findings provide a theoretical reference for alleviating the adaptive heat stress in male rabbits.

Organic copper promoted copper accumulation and transport, enhanced low temperature tolerance and physiological health of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei Boone, 1931)

This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary copper source and level on hematological parameters, copper accumulation and transport, resistance to low temperature, antioxidant capacity and immune response of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei Boone, 1931). Seven experimental diets with different copper sources and levels were formulated: C, no copper supplementation; S, 30 mg/kg copper in the form of CuSO4·5H2O; SO, 15 mg/kg copper in CuSO4·5H2O + 7.5 mg/kg copper in Cu-proteinate; O1, O2, O3 and O4, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg copper in the form of Cu-proteinate, respectively. A total of 840 shrimp (5.30 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed to 21 tanks (3 tanks/diet, 40 shrimp/tank). An 8-week feeding trial was conducted. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and whole shrimp chemical compositions among all groups. Compared with inorganic copper, dietary organic copper (O2 and O3) increased total protein, albumin, and glucose content of plasma, while decreased triglyceride and total cholesterol of plasma. Copper concentration in plasma and muscle and gene expression of metallothionein and copper-transporting ATPase 2 like in hepatopancreas were higher in shrimp fed organic copper (SO, O2, O3 and O4). The lowest mortality after low temperature (10 °C) challenge test was observed in the O2 and O3 groups. Organic copper (SO, O2, O3 and O4) significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity (in terms of higher activities of total superoxide dismutase, copper zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity, lower malondialdehyde concentration of plasma, and up-regulated gene expression of superoxide dismutase, copper zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase of hepatopancreas). Organic copper (SO, O2, O3 and O4) enhanced the immune response (in terms of higher number of total hemocytes, higher activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, phenoloxidase, hemocyanin and lysozyme in plasma, and higher gene expressions of alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme and hemocyanin in hepatopancreas). Inorganic copper (Diet S) also had positive effects on white shrimp compared with the C diet, but the SO, O2, O3 and O4 diets resulted in better results, among which the O2 diet appeared to be the best one. In conclusion, organic copper was more beneficial to shrimp health than copper sulfate.

Effect of environmental temperature on semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites of Mediterranean buffalo bulls

High-quality semen with high viability is critical to improving the in-vitro fertilization efficiency. This study aimed to understand the effect of ambient temperature and humidity on semen quality and seminal plasma biochemical parameters of Mediterranean buffalo in March and July. The metabolites of seminal plasma in two seasons were detected using the UPLC-MS/MS method. The results showed that temperature and humidity index (THI) in March were 66.86 ± 2.98, and 82.94 ± 3.52 in July. Compared with in March, breath frequency, rectal temperature, and heat shock protein 70 expressions of seminal plasma were significantly increased in July (p < 0.05), motility of sperm was dramatically reduced, and sperm deformity rate was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Fructose, acid phosphatase and α-glucosidase in seminal plasma were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in July, while testosterone level was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Six different metabolites were found in the two groups, which involved in three metabolic pathways, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycerophospholipid, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid. The above results indicate that the increased ambient temperature has obvious side effects on the semen quality of Mediterranean buffalo, and the compromised quality is associated with the change of metabolites related to male hormone secretion, energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation.

Utilization of pelleted and extruded feed by blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala: Insights from growth performance, health status and feed cost.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the utilization of both pelleted feed (PF) and extruded feed (EF) by blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala based on growth performance, stress responses, innate immunity and disease resistance. Both the PF and EF were prepared with the same formula. Fish were divided randomly into 2 groups, including one fed the PF continuously and one offered the EF continuously. The whole feeding trial lasted 8weeks, after which fish were subjected to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. The results showed that the feed intake, feed conversion ratio, hepatic total superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content, plasma complement 3 and complement 4 levels as well as myeloperoxidase activity of the EF group were all significantly lower than those of the PF group, while the opposite was true for the condition factor, the viscera index, the abdominal fat percentage, nitrogen and energy retention, hepatic malondialdehyde content, plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, lactate, total protein and globulin as well as the activities of plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. In addition, the EF group also obtained relatively low activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase and plasma acid phosphatase as well as high cumulative mortality rates at 24-96h after Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. Furthermore, the feed cost of culturing this species with EF is lower than that with PF. These findings indicated that compared with PF, EF could increase the feed utilization and economic benefits of blunt snout bream, but reduce its anti-stress ability, non-specific immunity, A. hydrophila resistance and feed cost.

Exposure to acute ammonia stress influences survival, immune response and antioxidant status of pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) pretreated with diverse levels of inositol

The effect of acute ammonia challenge on survival, immune response and antioxidant status of Litopenaeus vannamei pretreated with diets containing different inositol levels was investigated. Shrimp (initial mean weight 0.40 ± 0.00 g) were randomly allocated in 18 tanks (30 shrimp per tank) and triplicate tanks were fed with a control diet without myo-inositol (MI) supplementation (242.6 mg inositol kg−1 diet) or diets containing diverse levels of inositol (368.8, 459.7, 673.1, 993.8 and 1674.4 mg kg−1 diet) as treatment groups for 8-week. Randomly selected 10 shrimp per tank (final mean weight approximately 11.1–13.8g) were exposed to ammonia stress (total ammonia-nitrogen, 60.21 mg L−1) for 24 h after feeding trial. The results showed that after exposed to ammonia stress, survival rates of MI-supplemented groups were enhanced by 31–77% when compared with the control group. MI supplementation increased activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in plasma, and reduced its activities in hepatopancreas. It also enhanced activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and content of reduced glutathione (GSH), and lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) content in plasma or hepatopancreas. In addition, mRNA expression levels of ferritin (FT), arginine kinase (AK), thioredoxin (Trx), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), catalase (CAT) and peroxiredoxin (Prx) were significantly differentially regulated in hepatopancreas owing to MI supplementation. Therefore, it suggested that L. vannamei pretreated with higher dietary inositol content may have better ammonia stress tolerance and antioxidant status after ammonia stress, and the optimum levels ranged from 459.7 to 993.8 mg inositol kg−1 when total ammonia-nitrogen concentration was 60.21 mg L−1.

Innate-immune responses of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) exposure to acute cold stress.

In this present study, Oreochromis mossambicus tilapia were transferred to cold water at 12°C for various time intervals (1, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hr) and its innate immune response was analyzed by studying cellular and humoral parameters. In vivo, alternative complement pathway activity in blood plasma was rapidly increased at 1 hr of cold water (12°C) exposure. Lysozyme activity and cortisol levels of plasma were increased at 4 and 1 hr, respectively. Surprisingly, only plasma cortisol levels remained unchanged through 24 hr of cold water transfer. Phagocytic ability, phagocytic capacity, and respiratory burst (RB) activity of head kidney (HK) leukocytes and splenocytes showed no any significant changes. In peripheral blood leukocytes, phagocytic capacity, and RB activity were increased at 24 hr of cold water exposure. The expressions of genes involved innate immunity in splenocytes and HK leukocytes of tilapia cold water exposure were analyzed, messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of HSP70, HSP90, and immunoglobulin M failed to change upon exposure to cold stress. Major histocompatibility complex-I and II mRNAs were significantly increased in tilapia splenocytes at 1 hr of cold water transferred. Whereas myxovirus (Mx) expression was increased in splenocytes and HK leukocytes of tilapia after 1 hr of cold water exposed. Our result reveals that the exposure of tilapia to acute cold stress condition significantly enhances plasma acid phosphatase activity and both phagocytic capacity and RB activity. Furthermore, cold stress significantly stimulates Mx gene expression in splenocytes and HK leukocytes.

Dietary yeast culture modulates immune response related to TLR2-MyD88-NF-kβ signaling pathway, antioxidant capability and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila for Ussuri catfish (Pseudobagrus ussuriensis)

The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of dietary yeast culture on immune response related to TLR2-MyD88-NF-kβ signaling pathway, antioxidant capability and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila for Ussuri catfish (Pseudobagrus ussuriensis). A total of 240 Ussuri catfish (mean weight of 7.39 ± 0.32 g) were randomly distributed into four groups that fed diets containing 0 (Y0), 10 (Y1), 20 (Y2) and 30 (Y3) g kg−1 yeast culture for 8 weeks. The results indicated that dietary 10 g kg−1 yeast culture supplementation significantly down-regulated mRNA levels of TLR2, MyD88, NF-kβ p65, IL-1β and IL-8 in the liver tissue compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, serum lysozyme (LZM) activity, respiratory burst activity (RBA) of phagocytes, plasma alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity and immunoglobulin M (IgM) content were significantly improved in fish fed Y1 diet (P < 0.05). Fish fed Y1 diet had significantly higher serum alternative complement pathway activity (ACH50) and plasma complement 3 (C3) content than the Y3 group (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in plasma acid phosphatase (ACP) activity and complement 4 (C4) content among the groups (P > 0.05). Fish cumulative mortality rate (CMR) in the Y1 and Y2 groups were significantly lower than that in Y0 and Y3 groups (P < 0.05), and the lowest CMR was observed in the Y1 group after challenge by A. hydrophila. The highest hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, total antioxidant capacity and the lowest malondialdehyde content were found in Y1 group, but no significant difference was found in hepatic catalase activity among the groups (P > 0.05). These results demonstrate that dietary 10 g kg−1 yeast culture could effectively improve the immunity, antioxidant capability and disease resistance against A. hydrophila for Ussuri catfish and could down-regulate the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines modulated by TLR2-MyD88-NF-kβ signaling pathway.

Changes in hemolymph characteristics of ark shell Scapharaca broughtonii dealt with Vibrio anguillarum challenge in vivo and various of anticoagulants in vitro

The ark shell Scapharca broughtonii is a commercially important shellfish in China. Alserver's solution (AS), modified Alserver's solution (MAS) and Heparin sodium solution (HSS) are common anticoagulants used for shellfish blood. To observe the immune response mediated by its hemocytes, we challenged in vivo S. broughtonii hemolymph with Vibrio anguillarum and dealt with the following three anticoagulants in vitro: Alserver's solution (AS), modified Alserver's solution (MAS) and Heparin sodium solution (HSS). The methodologies we used were immunostimulation with V. anguillarum, Wright-Giemsa staining, micro-examination, and flow cytometric and hydrolyzing enzyme activity analysis. The results showed that all three types of anticoagulants effectively prevented blood clotting in ark shellfish. The morphology of hemocytes did not significantly change 30 h after anticoagulant treatment, except for the shrinking of hemocytes after administering HSS. The size and permeability of hemocytes changed when treated with the anticoagulants and when stimulated with V. anguillarum. Both alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in hemocytes and Plasma were measured at different times after they were stimulated with V. anguillarum in HSS and MAS. The AKP enzymatic activity in HSS was somewhat higher than in the MAS anticoagulant, but changes in response to V. anguillarum challenge of enzymatic activity were almost the same in HSS and MAS groups. In conclusion, all three types of anticoagulants may be used for ark shell blood preservation. They all changed the cell-surface characteristics of hemocytes to inhibit clot formation. The AS anticoagulant was appropriate for maintaining white and red cell shapes, while MAS was ideal for retaining throbus cell function. Lastly, HSS was appropriate for maintaining enzymatic activity in hemolymph and function of hemocytes. Following this investigation, we gained insight into the changes in hemolymph characteristic during immune response.

In Vivo Anti-diabetic and Biological Activities of Milk Protein and Milk Protein Hydrolyaste

The effect of milk protein (MP) and milk protein hydrolysate (MPH) as Anti-diabetic agent were investigated in vivo using six groups of normal and type 2 diabetic rats. The results of this study showed that the treatments of diabetic rats by oral intake of MP or MPH significantly reduced the concentrations of plasma glucose, total lipids of blood plasma, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL in rat plasma. Also, the treatments of diabetic rats by oral intake of MP or MPH significantly increased the globulin value and HDL, while the concentration of urea, creatinine and bilirubin were reduced. In addition, oral intake of MPH has no affective on acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in blood plasma and liver of normal rats and protective its concentrations in diabetic rats. The present results concluded that MP and MPH could be used as anti-diabetic agents.

Association of toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway with steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis in rats.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is frequently observed in patients treated with excessive corticosteroids. However, the pathogenesis of corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intramuscularly with 20 mg/kg methylprednisolone (MP) for 8 weeks, twice per week. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the last MP injection, respectively, and then allocated to the 2-, 4- and 8-week model groups (n=24 each). Rats in the control group (n=12) were not given any treatment. Histopathological analysis was performed and the concentration of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in plasma was determined. The activation of osteoclasts in the femoral head was assessed by TRAP staining. The expression of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6 and NF-κB p65 that are involved in TLR4 signaling, and MCP-1 production were detected by using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. The results showed that the osteonecrosis in the femoral head was clearly observed and the concentration of TRAP in the plasma was increased in the model rats. The femoral head tissues in MP-treated rats were positive for TRAP and the intensity of TRAP staining was greater in MP-treated rats than in control rats. As compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of TLR4 signaling-related factors was enhanced significantly at 4 and 8 weeks, and the protein levels of these factors increased significantly with time. It was concluded that MP could induce the femoral head osteonecrosis in rats, which was associated with osteoclast activation via the TLR4 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that TLR4 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteonecrosis.

Human sperm and other seminal constituents in male infertile patients from arsenic and cadmium rich areas of Southern Assam

In the present study the occurrence of two heavy metals, arsenic and cadmium, have been reported in the drinking water and seminal plasma of infertile male patients as compared to a control group. The study originated from a survey of geogenic groundwater contamination with the heavy metals arsenic and cadmium in Southern Assam, India as an increase in the incidence of male infertility was being reported from these areas. According to WHO protocol, patients with sperm concentration < 20x106/ml were selected as cases (oligozoospermic and azoospermic), and those with > 20x106/ml, without any extreme pathological disorders and having fathered a child within 1-2 years of marriage were the control (normozoospermic) group. The study reports an inverse relationship between total sperm count and heavy metal content in drinking water as well as seminal plasma of the subjects. Moreover, a high correlation between altered semenological parameters and lower expression of accessory sex gland markers like fructose, acid phosphatase, and neutral α-glucosidase in the seminal plasma of patients is reported. The study also highlights significant differences of the sperm function parameters like hypo-osmotic swelling, acrosome reaction, and nuclear chromatin decondensation in the patient group as compared to controls. These findings are significant as they address a likely association between heavy metal stress and altered sperm function as well as seminal enzyme inhibition.

Organophosphorus Insecticides Induced Alterations in Liver of Male Albino Rat

Pesticides cause ecological problems which may leads to immediate mass mortality in addition to biological magnifications. Liver plays very important role in mammalian metabolism. Liver is the primary site for any toxic substance and suffered first. The present study revealed the toxic effect of organophosphorus in albino rat through plasma and liver enzymes. Adult male rats 70 days old, weighing 150-170 g were treated orally with of monocrotophos (1/5 LD 50 , 3.5 mg/kg bw) and methyl parathion (1/5 LD 50 , 4.8 mg/kg bw) for 60 days. The liver weight, aminotransferase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in homogenates and plasma were estimated. It was found that the levels of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferases and alanine aminotransferases were significantly (p<0.05) increased in liver with all of two organophosphates. It has been concluded that (monocrotophos and methyl parathion) caused increasing in the levels of phosphatase and aminotransferase as well as decreased in liver weight.

Prostate Secretory Protein of 94 Amino Acids (PSP94) Binds to Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) in Human Seminal Plasma

Prostate Secretory Protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94) is one of the major proteins present in the human seminal plasma. Though several functions have been predicted for this protein, its exact role either in sperm function or in prostate pathophysiology has not been clearly defined. Attempts to understand the mechanism of action of PSP94 has led to the search for its probable binding partners. This has resulted in the identification of PSP94 binding proteins in plasma and seminal plasma from human. During the chromatographic separation step of proteins from human seminal plasma by reversed phase HPLC, we had observed that in addition to the main fraction of PSP94, other fractions containing higher molecular weight proteins also showed the presence of detectable amounts of PSP94. This prompted us to hypothesize that PSP94 could be present in the seminal plasma complexed with other protein/s of higher molecular weight. One such fraction containing a major protein of ∼47 kDa, on characterization by mass spectrometric analysis, was identified to be Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP). The ability of PAP present in this fraction to bind to PSP94 was demonstrated by affinity chromatography. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the presence of PSP94-PAP complex both in the fraction studied and in the fresh seminal plasma. In silico molecular modeling of the PSP94-PAP complex suggests that β-strands 1 and 6 of PSP94 appear to interact with domain 2 of PAP, while β-strands 7 and 10 with domain 1 of PAP. This is the first report which suggests that PSP94 can bind to PAP and the PAP-bound PSP94 is present in human seminal plasma.

Lactobacillus plantarum AS1 Isolated from South Indian Fermented Food Kallappam Suppress 1,2-Dimethyl Hydrazine (DMH)-Induced Colorectal Cancer in Male Wistar Rats

The relationship between antioxidant and anticancer properties of probiotic bacterium strain Lactobacillus plantarum AS1 (AS1) in colon cancer induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) has been studied. In this study, an increased level of lipid peroxide (LPO) products and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S transferase) and marker enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase) in colon and plasma of cancer-bearing animals have been observed. AS1 was supplemented either before initiation or during initiation and selection/promotion phases of colon carcinogenesis and was found to be effective in altering lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities and marker enzymes to a statistically significant level measured either in the colon and in the plasma. These alterations inclined towards normal in a time-dependent manner on AS1 supplementation. The mean tumor volume diameter and total number of tumors were found to be statistically decreased in AS1 pre- and post-treated rats. Furthermore, histopathological examination shows remarkable difference between control and treated groups. The in vitro antioxidant assay shows that AS1 has promising antioxidant property. These results demonstrate that AS1 strain can modulate the development of DMH-induced rat colon carcinogenesis through an antioxidant-dependent mechanism.

Effect of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on sperm quality in infertility patients with sperm abnormality

Objective Working on seminal plasma acid phosphatase, to explore the mechanism by which acupuncture improves sperm quality (concentration, viability and motility) in infertility patients.

Protective effect of folic acid on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

Objective To investigate the protective effect of folic acid(FA) on osteoporosis in ovariectomized(OVX) rats.Methods Forty three-month-old female SD Rats were divided into 5 groups, sham operation group, OVX group, diethylstilbestrol group(0.03mg·kg-1·d-1),low dose FA Group (5 mg·kg-1·d-1),and high dose FA group (20 mg·kg-1·d-1).Gastric gavage in each group was started from one week after being ovariectomized and lasted 10 weeks. Sham operation group and OVX group were treated with solvent. The rats were sacrificed at the end of 10th week after treatment. The total homocysteine(tHcy) in plasma, alkaline phosphatase(ALP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRACP) activity of bone homogenates were measured. The bone mineral density(BMD) and bone biomechanics were determined using L5 vertebrae and right femur. The bone tissue slices were made with L6 vertebrae and left femur and HE stained, and then the histomorphology was observed. Results Compared with sham operation group, plasma tHcy level was significantly increased(P＜0.01), BMD of lumbar vertebrae and femur was remarkedly decreased in OVX group(all P＜0.01). Plasma tHcy concentration was negatively correlated with lumbar BMD(r=-0.359, P=0.040). Plasma tHcy level in both groups treated with folic acid was significantly reduced(all P＜0.01). The ALP concentration in bone homogenates was higher, the TRACP concentration in bone homogenates was lower, and BMD and bone biomechanics of lumbar vertebrae and femur were increased in high dose FA group than those in OVX group(all P ＜0.01). Conclusions In OVX rats hyperhomocysteinemia existed and was involved in the development of osteoporosis. Folic acid could protect OVX rats from osteoporosis, due probably to improved homocysteine metabolism. Key words: Folic acid; Homocysteine; Osteoporosis; Ovariectomized; Rat

Influence of chicken native breeds on some physical and biochemical characteristics and short-term storage of semen

1. The major objective of this study was to examine the influence of 24-h storage of semen at low temperature on semen characteristics and fertilising ability of spermatozoa in two native breeds (Kadaknath – KN, Aseel Peela – AP) and White Leghorn (WL) chicken. 2. Various physical and biochemical properties of freshly ejaculated semen of KN and AP were investigated. Fertility was examined in freshly-ejaculated as well as 24-h-stored (3°C) semen diluted (1:3) with Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender. 3. No significant difference was observed in sperm motility among the different breeds whereas live counts were higher in WL than the native breeds. Body weight, semen volume and sperm concentration were highest in AP, followed by KN and WL. A similar trend was observed in the percentage of dead and morphologically-abnormal spermatozoa. 4. The activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase in seminal plasma were higher in WL than KN, whereas the opposite trend was recorded for glutamic oxaloacetic and pyruvic transaminases. The cholesterol content of semen was highest in AP, followed by KN and WL. Cholesterol was much lower in seminal plasma compared with whole semen but there were no differences between breeds. Mean values of the methylene blue reduction time test were higher in WL than in the native breeds. 5. Fertility and hatchability, using freshly-diluted semen, were poorer in the native breeds than in WL. The pattern of fertility deteriorated further, especially in native fowls, when the birds were inseminated with 24-h-stored semen. 6. In conclusion, variation in physical and biochemical characteristics of semen in native breeds compared to WL correlated with poor fertility after short-term storage of semen.

Residual Effects of Enrofloxacin Administration on Biochemical Attributes of the Semen of Barbari Bucks

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of enrofloxacin administration on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in seminal plasma of Barbari bucks. The bucks were administered enrofloxacin at the dose of 5mg/kg body weight intra-muscularly daily for 7 days. From each buck biweekly eighteen ejaculates (1st to 18th) were collected and one sample (0th) from each buck was collected before administration of enrofloxacin buck using a non-oestrous doe as a dummy. Seminal plasma was obtained after centrifuging semen and AST, ALT, ACP and AKP level was estimated besides protein concentration. AST and ALT levels were significantly higher (P≤0.01) and maximum in seminal plasma of 9th and 5th ejaculate respectively, as compared to ejaculate at 0 day. The AKP and ACP level increased significantly (P≤0.01) and was the maximum in the seminal plasma of 1st and 4th ejaculate respectively, as compared to ejaculate at 0 day. It may be concluded from this study that only after nine weeks of enrofolaxacin administration, the biochemical status of seminal plasma with respect to ALT, AST, AKP and ACP becomes normal which may be attributed to residual effect of enrofloxacin.

Effect of organic and inorganic forms of selenium in diets on turkey semen quality

The effects of Se supplementation and its organic or inorganic form on semen quantitative parameters (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and total number of sperm) and biochemical parameters of seminal plasma (protein concentration, acid phosphatase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and total antioxidant capacity) were investigated over a 25-wk reproductive season. Additionally, DNA fragmentation and motility characteristics of turkey spermatozoa were measured. The parameters of turkey semen in relation to yellow semen syndrome were also determined. Twenty-four males (Big 6) were divided into 3 experimental groups differing in form of Se supplementation (no Se supplementation, 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic Se from sodium selenite and 0.3 mg/kg of organic Se from Sel-Plex, Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY). Dietary Se supplementation enhanced the sperm concentration and total number of sperm and did not influence the antioxidative properties of turkey seminal plasma and most biochemical parameters. Only seminal plasma acid phosphatase activity was increased in turkeys fed inorganic Se. The main sperm DNA fragmentation parameters were not affected by dietary Se. The highest percentage of motile spermatozoa (85%) was recorded for the semen of turkeys fed organic Se. Values of the biochemical parameters (acid phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity) of seminal plasma increased during the reproductive season. Yellow semen was characterized by increased biochemical parameters and decreased spermatozoa motility characteristics. However, the percentage of motile spermatozoa did not differ between white and yellow semen. Organic Se seemed to be the preferred form of diet supplementation in comparison with inorganic Se. Biochemical parameters of semen and spermatozoa motility parameters appear to be useful for evaluating the effect of age on semen quality. Monitoring the DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa at the end of the reproductive season could be a useful tool for monitoring turkey semen quality. Increased superoxide dismutase activity can be used as an indicator of yellow semen. A decline in the quality of yellow semen can be related to a decrease in the spermatozoa motility parameters of turkeys.