Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Research Articles

Hydrolysis of Extracellular Pyrophosphate increases in post-hemodialysis plasma

Vascular calcification (VC) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality of dialysis patients. Previous studies showed an association between loss of plasma pyrophosphate and VC. Moreover, loss of pyrophosphate occurs during dialysis in this population, suggesting that therapeutic approaches that prevent reduction of plasma pyrophosphate levels during dialysis could improve the quality of life of dialysis patients. This study found that pyrophosphate hydrolysis was 51% higher in post- than pre-dialysis plasma. Dialysis sessions modified the kinetic behavior of alkaline phosphatase, increasing its Vmax and reducing its Km, probably due to the elimination of uremic toxins during dialysis. At least 75% of alkaline phosphatase activity in human plasma was found to depend on a levamisole-sensitive enzyme probably corresponding to tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). Dialysis increased total plasma protein concentration by 14% and reduced TNAP enzyme by 20%, resulting in an underestimation of pyrophosphate hydrolysis in post-dialysis plasma. Levamisole inhibited TNAP activity (IC50, 7.2 µmol/L), reducing pyrophosphate hydrolysis in plasma and increasing plasma pyrophosphate availability. Alkaline phosphatase is also found in many tissues and cells types; therefore, our results in plasma may be indicative of changes in phosphatase activity in other locations that collectively could contribute significantly to pyrophosphate hydrolysis in vivo. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that dialysis increases pyrophosphate hydrolysis, which, taken together with previously reported increases in alkalization and calcium ion levels in post-dialysis plasma, causes VC and could be prevented by adding calcification inhibitors during dialysis.

Effects of Cysteine-Stabilised Peptide Fraction of Aqueous Extract of Morinda lucida Leaf on Selected Cardiovascular Disease Indices in Mice.

This study evaluated the effects of cysteine-stabilised peptide fraction (CSPF) of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf on selected cardiovascular disease indices in mice. Sixty adult Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 10). Group A served as control and received 5% DMSO. Half of the mice in groups B, C, D, E and F received 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500mg/kg body weight of CSPF respectively for 7days while the other half received the various doses for 28days. After the experimental period, selected cardiovascular disease indices were determined in the mice. The results revealed that CSPF significantly reduced (p < 0.05) atherogenic index, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol but significantly increased (p < 0.05) plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration at higher doses after 28days of administration. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) at all doses of the CSPF after 7 and 28days of administration compared to controls. After 7days of CSPF administration, the activities of heart Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase and Na+-K+-ATPase were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) but heart Mg2+-ATPase activity was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 250mg/kg body weight compared to controls. Also, 28days of CSPF administration at all doses had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the activities of heart Mg2+-ATPase and Na+-K+-ATPase of mice compared to controls but heart Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at the highest dose with no significant alteration (p > 0.05) at other doses compared to controls. Generally, CSPF administration had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on haematological parameters after 7 and 28days. These results suggest that CSPF may not predispose subjects to cardiovascular diseases.

The dynamics of blood indexes in rats after ceramic biomaterial implantation in defects of the femur methaphis and diaphysis

Objective: on the base of blood markers dynamics we determined the influence of ceramic material on the rats’ organism and bone regeneration after implantation in the femur methaphis and diaphysis.Methods: study was made on rats male, age of 4.5 months in 4 groups with 9 rats in each group. The 1st group — the methaphis femur defect was empty, in the 2nd group — the defect was filled with ceramic material. The 3rd and 4th g roups – diaphysis d efects were made correspondently. For implantation we used ceramic material consisted of 57.77 % of hydroxyapatite and 47.23 % of three­calciumphosphate beta. In 7, 14, 28, 56 days clinical and biochemistry analyses were made.Results: biochemistry indexes of the liver functional state, glucose, urea did not change after implantation of ceramic material. In 7 days after making of defect in the femur we have found moderate leukocytosis. After ceramic material implantation in rats indexes of hematology analysis did not change. We have found decreasing of creatinine level in 7 days in all groups: in the 1st — 28.2 % , in the 2nd — 29.2 %, in the 3rd — 21.6 %, in the 4th — 21.9 %. Glycoproteins, chondroitin sulfates, alkaline phosphatase activity in blood plasma have shown the revitalization of regeneration process on early stages and these indexes were decreased in late follow-up, it was more pronounced after ceramic material implantation. In 56 days the blood indexes did not differ from the data obtained from intact rats.Conclusions: it was found that after implantation of ceramic material there was not toxic effect on rats’ organism. Indexes of glycoproteins, chondroitin sulfates, alka­line phosphatase activity found in blood testified of more pronounced regeneration in the place of bone defect with ceramic material implantation.

Dietary available phosphorus requirement of crucian carp, Carassius auratus

This study was carried out to evaluate the dietary available phosphorus (AP) requirement for crucian carp (Carassius auratus). Triplicate groups were fed diets containing five graded levels of AP in 15 recirculating tanks. After a 9‐week feeding experiment, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE) and whole‐body and vertebrae P contents were significantly increased as dietary AP increased from 1.1 to 7.6 g/kg (p .05). Protein and ash contents of the whole body increased linearly as the dietary P level increased, but the lipid content, plasma alkaline phosphatase activities and triacylglycerol contents showed an inverse relationship. Based on WG, FE, whole‐body P content and vertebrae P content, the optimum requirement of dietary AP for crucian carp was estimated to be 8.3, 8.3, 8.0 and 7.8 g/Kg, respectively.

Fumonisin B1 actuates oxidative stress-associated colonic damage via apoptosis and autophagy activation in murine model.

In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic mechanism of Fumonisin B1 (FB1) in mice colonic region in a time course manner. Herein, after consecutive 4 days of exposure to FBI (2.5mg/kg body weight), we observed disintegration of mice colon, as evidenced by histopathological analysis. FB1 significantly increased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in serum and plasma, decreased ceramide level, increased sphinganine level, and increased lipid peroxidase level along with the breakdown of the antioxidant system. Further, FB1-induced ER stress caused apoptosis and autophagy activation in mice colon, evidenced by increased expression of IRE1-α, p-JNK, Casp3, and LC3I/II. In addition, we also noticed a reduced protein kinase C expression in mice colon exposed to FB1, suggesting its role in ER stress-induced cell death. Taken together, study suggests both physiologically and biochemically, FB1 toxicity to mice colon induced by oxidative stress-associated apoptosis and autophagy activation.

Growth performance and protective effect of vitamin E on oxidative stress pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) following by ammonia stress.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin E on growth performance, biochemical parameters, and antioxidant capacity of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) exposed to ammonia stress. The experimental basal diets supplemented with vitamin E at the rates of 2.31 (control), 21.84, 40.23, 83.64, 158.93, and 311.64mgkg-1 dry weight were fed to fish for 60days. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to 100mgL-1 ammonia-nitrogen for 48h. The results shown that the vitamin E group significantly improved weight gain, specific growth rate, and the expression levels of growth hormone receptors and insulin-like growth factor. Fish fed with the vitamin E-supplemented diets could increase plasma alkaline phosphatase activities and decrease plasma glutamicoxalacetic transaminase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activities. The relative expression levels of heat shock proteins (40.23-311.64mgkg-1 vitamin E diet group), manganese superoxide dismutase (83.64-158.93mgkg-1 vitamin E diet group), catalase (40.23-311.64mgkg-1 vitamin E diet group), and glutathione reductase (40.23-311.64mgkg-1 vitamin E diet group) were upregulated. On the other hand, the decreased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in the 83.64-311.64mgkg-1 vitamin E additive group. These results showed that vitamin E might have a potentially useful role as an effective antioxidant to improve resistance in pufferfish.

Blood profile and meat quality of Holstein-Friesian steers finished on total mixed ration or flaxseed oil-supplemented pellet mixed with reed canary grass haylage

Holstein-Friesian steer beef production is renowned globally as a secondary product of the milk industry. Grass feeding is a common practice in raising Holstein steers because of its low cost. Furthermore, grass feeding is an alternative way to produce beef with a balanced n-6 to n-3 fatty acids (FAs) ratio. However, the performance and meat quality of Holstein-Friesian cattle is more likely to depend on a high-quality diet. The aim of this study was to observe whether feeding two mixed diets; a corn-based total mixed ration (TMR) with winter ryegrass (Lolium perenne) or flaxseed oil-supplemented pellets with reed canary grass haylage (n-3 mix) provided benefits on carcass weight, meat quality and FA composition compared with cattle fed with reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) haylage alone. In all, 15 21-month-old Holstein-Friesian steers were randomly assigned to three group pens, were allowed free access to water and were fed different experimental diets for 150 days. Blood samples were taken a week before slaughter. Carcass weight and meat quality were evaluated after slaughter. Plasma lipid levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were determined. Diet did not affect plasma triglyceride levels and GGT activity. Plasma cholesterol levels, including low-density and high-density lipoproteins, were higher in both mixed-diet groups than in the haylae group. The highest activities of plasma AST, CK and ALP were observed in the haylage group, followed by n-3 mix and TMR groups, respectively. Carcass weight was lower in the haylage group than in the other groups and no differences were found between the TMR and n-3 mix groups. Although the n-3 mix-fed and haylage-fed beef provided lower n-6 to n-3 FAs ratio than TMR-fed beef, the roasted beef obtained from the TMR group was more acceptable with better overall meat physicochemical properties and sensory scores. According to daily cost, carcass weight and n-6 to n-3 FAs ratio, the finishing diet containing flaxseed oil-supplemented pellets and reed canary grass haylage at the as-fed ratio of 40 : 60 could be beneficial for the production of n-3-enriched beef.

Effects of replacing fish meal with corn gluten meal on growth, feed utilization, nitrogen and phosphorus excretion and IGF-I gene expression of juvenilePseudobagrus ussuriensis

Seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing fish meal (FM) protein replaced by corn gluten meal (CGM) protein at 0% (the control, C0), 10% (C10), 20% (C20), 30% (C30), 40% (C40), 50% (C50) and 60% (C60) were fed to juvenile Pseudobagrus ussuriensis for 8-weeks to evaluate the effects of FM protein replaced by CGM protein on growth, feed utilization, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) excretion and IGF-I gene expression of juvenile P. ussuriensis. The results showed that the replacement level up to 40% did not affect the weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake and protein efficiency ratio, whereas these parameters were depressed by further replacement level. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein significantly decreased, but ADC of phosphorus significantly increased with increasing dietary CGM levels (p < .05). Fish fed diets with FM protein replaced by CGM protein led to an increase in nitrogen excretion, but led to a reduction in phosphorus excretion. No significant differences were observed in alpha-amylase and lipase activities of intestine (p > .05). The lowest pepsin activity was found in C60 group. Fish fed diet C40, C50 and C60 had significantly lower serum lysozyme activity compared with fish fed diet C0 (p < .05). The lowest plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and the highest plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were observed in C60 group. Fish fed diet C60 had significantly lower hepatic IGF-I gene expression compared with fish fed diet C10 (p < .05). Broken-line model analysis based on SGR against the CGM substitution level indicated that the appropriate replacement level was 37.7%.

Hematological, hepatic enzymes' activity and oxidative stress responses of gray mullet (Mugil cephalus) after sub-acute exposure to copper oxide.

Given the importance of assessing potential toxicity of heavy metals in valuable species of aquatic animals, the goal of the present research was to assess the sub-acute effects of copper oxide on hematological, enzymological, and oxidative stress responses of gray mullet to measure toxicity of copper oxide pollution in this significant fish. The median lethal concentration (LC50) value of copper oxide to gray mullet was detected at 3.15±0.039mg/L for 96h, and 25 and 50% of the 96-h LC50 values were selected as sub-acute concentrations. The fish were exposed to (0.79 and 1.57mg/L) copper oxide for 21days. At the end of 21days, the results showed that hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cells (RBC) count, MCV, MCH, and MCHC levels were found to be decreased in copper oxide treated fish, whereas white blood cells (WBC) count increased in copper-treated fish. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity increased in treated groups; however, copper oxide in both groups of sub-acute exposure significantly decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity compared to the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels significantly declined in copper oxide-treated fish. These findings indicated the deleterious effects of copper oxide on gray mullet, even at low concentrations, and offered that hematological and hepatic enzyme activity and antioxidants are suitable tools for evaluating heavy metals toxicity.

Effects of soybean meal replacement with fermented soybean meal on growth, serum biochemistry and morphological condition of liver and distal intestine of Florida pompanoTrachinotus carolinus

This study evaluated the suitability of commercially produced fermented soybean meal (FSBM) known as PepSoyGen™, in a plant-based diet for Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus fingerlings. An 8-week growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing 0, 206, 309 and 410 g/kg FSBM, replacing approximately 0%, 50%, 75% and 100% SBM (designated as Basal, FSBM 50, FSBM 75 and FSBM 100, respectively) on growth performance, body composition, serum biochemistry and morphological condition of liver and distal intestine of Florida pompano. There were no significant differences in final mean weight, percentage weight gain, thermal unit growth coefficient and feed conversion ratio in all treatments. For serum biochemistry analysis, there were no significant differences in total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, bile acids, plasma alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in all treatments. Cellular infiltration, presence of goblet cells and the width of lamina propria in the distal intestine were partly improved in fish fed FSBM 75 and 100 compared to the fish fed FSBM 50 and basal diet. Glycogen granulation, inflammation and nuclear change condition in the liver of pompano were better as the inclusion of fermented product increased. Results of this study indicate that FSBM can be utilized as an alternative protein source and microbial fermentation process could improve the functional properties of SBM.

Alkaline phosphatase and cardiovascular disease

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is a plasma membrane-anchored enzyme that is widely distributed in nature from bacteria to humans. AP has a broad specificity and catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters from a wide range of substrates. The best known physiological function of AP is participation in the bone mineralization by increasing the availability of phosphate that is used for hydroxyapatite synthesis. Measurement of AP activity in plasma is widely used for the diagnosis of bone and liver diseases. Population-based longitudinal studies strongly suggest an association between elevated AP and increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) or all-cause mortality. Elevated AP in subjects with pre-existing coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with the increased risk of mortality with no evidence for a stronger association between AP and mortality in these subjects compared to subjects free of CHD. AP is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors including conventional CVD risk factors, metabolic syndrome, systemic inflammation, vitamin D deficiency and various morbid conditions that may signify a poor CVD risk profile or impact unfavorably on prognosis. Experimental studies strongly suggest an involvement of AP in the vascular calcification and, through this mechanism, a direct role of the enzyme in the pathophysiology of CVD. However, criteria for a causal relationship between AP and CVD or mortality remain unfulfilled. Further explorations of the molecular mechanisms of the involvement of AP in the pathophysiology of CVD and the use of the enzyme as a therapeutic target to reduce CVD risk remain to be elucidated in future studies.

Excessive Vitamin E Intake Does Not Cause Bone Loss in Male or Ovariectomized Female Mice Fed Normal or High-Fat Diets

Background: Animal studies on the effects of vitamin E on bone health have yielded conflicting and inconclusive results, and to our knowledge, no studies have addressed the effect of vitamin E on bone in animals consuming a high-fat diet (HFD).Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of excessive vitamin E on bone metabolism in normal male mice and ovariectomized female mice fed a normal diet (ND) or HFD.Methods: In the first 2 experiments, 7-wk-old male mice were fed an ND (16% energy from fat) containing 75 (control), 0 (vitamin E-free), or 1000 (high vitamin E) mg vitamin E/kg (experiment 1) or an HFD (46% energy from fat) containing 0, 200, 500, or 1000 mg vitamin E/kg (experiment 2) for 18 wk. In the third experiment, 7-wk-old sham-operated or ovariectomized female mice were fed the ND (75 mg vitamin E/kg) or HFD containing 0 or 1000 mg vitamin E/kg for 8 wk. At the end of the feeding period, blood and femurs were collected to measure bone turnover markers and analyze histology and microcomputed tomography.Results: In experiments 1 and 2, vitamin E intake had no effect on plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, or bone formation, resorption, or volume in femurs in mice fed the ND or HFDs. In experiment 3, bone volume was significantly reduced (85%) in ovariectomized mice compared with that in sham-operated mice (P < 0.05), but it did not differ among mice fed the 3 diets. Plasma ALP and TRAP activities and bone formation and resorption in femur were similar among ovariectomized mice fed the HFD containing 0 or 1000 mg vitamin E/kg.Conclusions: The results suggest that excess vitamin E intake does not cause bone loss in normal male mice or in ovariectomized or sham-operated female mice, regardless of dietary fat content.

Effect of dietary astaxanthin on the growth performance, non-specific immunity, and antioxidant capacity of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) under high temperature stress.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on growth performance, biochemical parameters, ROS production, and immune-related gene expressions of the pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) under high temperature stress. The experimental basal diets supplemented with astaxanthin at the rates of 0 (control), 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320mgkg-1 were fed to fish for 8weeks. The results showed that the fish fed diet with 80, 160, and 320mgkg-1 astaxanthin significantly improved weight gain and specific growth rate. Furthermore, fish fed the moderate dietary astaxanthin increased plasma alkaline phosphatase activities, and decrease plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to high temperature stress for 48h. The results shown that astaxanthin could suppress ROS production induced by high temperature stress. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, the astaxanthin groups increased SOD, CAT, and HSP70 mRNA levels under high temperature stress. These results showed that the basal diet supplemented with 80-320mgkg-1 astaxanthin could enhance growth, nonspecific immune responses, and antioxidant defense system and improve resistance against high temperature stress in pufferfish.

Hydrogen Sulfide Facilitates the Impaired Sensitivity of Carotid Sinus Baroreflex in Rats with Vascular Calcification.

Arterial baroreflex is a general mechanism maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis; its sensitivity is reduced in vascular calcification (VC). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) treatment facilitates baroreflexive sensitivity in normal and hypertensive rats. Here, we aimed to detect the effect of H2S on baroreflexive sensitivity in rats with VC. The rat VC model was induced by vitamin D3 plus nicotine for 4 weeks. The sensitivity of baroreflex was detected by perfusing the isolated carotid sinus. VC was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Ca2+ content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Protein levels were detected by western blot analysis. Vitamin D3 plus nicotine induced structural disorder and elevated Ca2+ content in the aortic and carotid arterial wall and increased plasma ALP activity. In the calcified aorta and carotid artery, protein levels of contractile phenotype markers of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were downregulated and that of osteoblast-like phenotype markers and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) markers were upregulated. NaHS treatment ameliorated the histologic disorder and Ca2+ content in the calcified aorta and carotid artery, inhibited the elevated plasma ALP activity, and prevented the transformation of the VSMC phenotype and activation of ERS in rats with VC. Chronic NaHS treatment prevented the impairment of the baroreflex sensitivity and acute NaHS treatment dose-dependently improved the sensitivity in rats with VC. Our results suggested that H2S could directly facilitate the impairment of baroreflex in rats with VC and ameliorate VC, which might provide new target and strategy for regulation of the baroreflex and therapy of VC.

The Changing Presentation of Paget's Disease of Bone in Australia, A High Prevalence Region.

Studies from several countries suggest that the incidence of Paget's disease of bone (PDB) and the severity of newly diagnosed cases are declining. The aim of this study was to examine secular changes in clinical presentation of PDB in Australia, which historically had the highest prevalence outside the United Kingdom. The participants were 293 patients (61% male) diagnosed between 1956 and 2013 with details recorded in the database of the Paget's Disease Research Group of Western Australia. The mean age at diagnosis was 62years (range 28-90); 26% of participants had a family history of PDB and 11% had Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) mutations. After adjustment for covariates (SQSTM1 mutation status, family history, country of birth, smoking and dog exposure), there was a significant positive relationship between year of diagnosis and age at diagnosis (P<0.001) and significant negative relationships between year of diagnosis and both pre-treatment total plasma alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and number of involved bones (P<0.001 for each). Patients with SQSTM1 mutations had more extensive disease (P<0.001) and higher pre-treatment ALP (P=0.013). In subgroup analyses, relationships between year of diagnosis and each of age at diagnosis, number of involved bones and ALP were similar in patients with sporadic or familial disease, and in patients with and without SQSTM1 mutations. We conclude that the severity of PDB in Western Australia has declined over recent decades. This is likely to reflect altered exposure to one or more environmental agents involved in pathogenesis.

An evaluation of replacing fish meal with cottonseed meal in the diet of juvenile Ussuri catfish Pseudobagrus ussuriensis: Growth, antioxidant capacity, nonspecific immunity and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with cottonseed meal (CM) on growth and immune characteristics of juvenile Ussuri catfish Pseudobagrus ussuriensis. Seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain CM to replace fish meal at 0 (C0, control), 10 (C10), 20 (C20), 30 (C30), 40 (C40), 50 (C50) and 60% (C60), respectively. The replacement level up to 30% did not affect the weight gain and specific growth rate, whereas these parameters were depressed by further replacement level. The apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein and crude lipid decreased with increasing dietary CM level. Fish fed C60 diet had the lowest hepatic total antioxidant capacity but the highest malondialdehyde level. The activities of serum lysozyme, plasma myeloperoxidase and plasma alkaline phosphatase decreased as the proportion of CM increased. Conversely, the inclusion of CM increased the plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. The highest heat shock protein 70 gene expression level was observed in fish fed the C60 diet. In addition, percent mortality increased after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Percent mortality of fish fed the C60 diet was significantly higher than the other groups. Broken-line model analysis based on WG against dietary CM replacement level indicated that the optimum replacement level was 25.3%. However, including too high proportion of CM could depress the antioxidant capacity, non-specific immune response and resistance to A. hydrophila infection of Ussuri catfish.

Life-history dependent relationships between plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and body condition in male Eurasian Tree Sparrows

BackgroundIn temperate-breeding birds, individuals must adjust their physiological states from one life-history stage to another in response to changing conditions to maximize ecological fitness. Previous evidences have shown that body mass, size-corrected mass (SCM), and hematocrit (Hct) could be used as estimates of the energetic state of individuals to illustrate life-history trade-offs and individual quality in field physiology. Plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plays critical roles in regulating the metabolism of energy but very limited information is known on its link with body mass or Hct.MethodsWe determined the changes of plasma ALP levels in both early breeding and wintering stages of male Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus), and examined the relationships between ALP and body mass, SCM, and Hct of the birds.ResultsOur study showed that (1) in male Eurasian Tree Sparrows, body mass did not vary with life-history stage but plasma ALP activity significantly increased in the wintering stage compared to the breeding stage; (2) ALP activity was not correlated with individual body mass but was positively correlated with individual SCM and Hct. Such positive correlations, however, only occurred in the wintering but not in the breeding stages.ConclusionsOur results suggest that plasma ALP activities in free-living birds can be used as one of the indicators of body condition or nutritional status for analyzing individual variation in the wintering but not in the breeding stages. The life-history dependent relationships between plasma ALP activity and body condition may contribute to our better understanding of the trade-off between individual survival and reproduction in free-living animals.

Alterations in lipid profile in neonatal calves affected by diarrhea.

Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the alterations in the lipid profile, plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, total and direct bilirubin levels of neonatal calves with diarrhea.Materials and Methods:A total of 25 calves with diarrhea as experimental group and 10 healthy calves as control group, 1-30 days old, were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein in tubes with anticoagulant agent to evaluate the concentration of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), ALP, total and direct bilirubin. Very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were calculated according to the Friedewald formula.Results:Significant increases in the plasma levels of ALP (p<0.05), total and direct bilirubin, triglycerides, and VLDL-C (p<0.01) were determined, whereas significant decreases in the levels of total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C (p<0.01) were observed in neonatal calves with diarrhea.Conclusion:According to the findings of this study, liver functions impaired and, therefore, lipid profile is affected negatively in neonatal calves with diarrhea.

Effects of dietary linolenic acid on growth, fatty acid composition, immune function and antioxidant status of juvenile blunt snout bream,Megalobrama amblycephala

A nine-week feeding trial was performed to determine the dietary linolenic acid (LNA; 18:3n–3) requirements of juvenile blunt snout bream. Six iso-nitrogenous, semi-purified diets were prepared with different concentrations of LNA (0–25 g/kg). Dietary LNA had no significant effects on survival rate. However, final fish weight, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) increased with increasing dietary LNA concentrations up to 20 g/kg. Dietary LNA increased muscle LNA and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents, but decreased total saturated fatty acid content. Fish fed 20 g/kg LNA had the highest plasma alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein, albumin and white blood cell count levels. Additionally, fish fed 20 g/kg LNA had higher triglyceride levels than control fish. Plasma glucose increased with increasing dietary LNA concentrations. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities significantly increased with increasing dietary LNA concentrations up to 15 g/kg. Based on SGR and FER, the optimal dietary LNA requirements of juvenile blunt snout bream were 17.5 and 15.6 g/kg respectively.

Subsequent bone and metabolic responses of broilers to high-non-phytate phosphorus diets in the starter period

ABSTRACT1. An experiment was performed to elucidate the subsequent effects of high-non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) diets on growth performance, blood metabolites, bone characteristics and P retention of broilers fed on low-NPP grower diets. The 42-d study was designed as a 2 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial, which included two starter NPP concentrations (4.5 and 5.5 g/kg; d 0–21), two grower NPP concentrations (1.5 and 2.3 g/kg; d 22–42), with or without phytase (1000 FTU/kg), with a reference diet containing an adequate NPP concentration over the course of the trial.2. In the starter period, growth performance and P retention were not affected by experimental diets. The high-NPP diet increased plasma P concentration, increased tibia ash and tibia P contents and decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at d 21.3. No significant interaction was observed between NPP concentrations in the starter and grower periods and phytase. The main effect data indicated that the increase in NPP concentration in the starter diets had no effects on growth performance in the grower period and overall. The high-NPP diet in the early stage of growth reduced plasma P concentration, plasma ALP activity and tibia ash content at d 42. The main effect data also showed that exogenous phytase increased body weight gain in the grower period and overall.4. It can be concluded that feeding increased NPP diets have no effects on growth performance in the starter period. This feeding strategy results in negative effects on plasma P concentration and bone ash content at d 42. Also, exogenous phytase is effective in improving growth performance, bone characteristics and apparent P retention of growing broilers fed diets that are inadequate in phosphorus.