Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase Research Articles

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of Partially Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Meal on the Blood Chemistry and Tissue (Spleen, Liver, Thymus, and Bursa of Fabricius) Histology of Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata domestica).

Simple SummaryInsects represent a promising feed ingredient for poultry diets, as an alternative to conventional feedstuffs. Black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae are processed to obtain two main products: the protein and fat fractions. The possible utilization of BSF defatted meal in Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata domestica) diets has been poorly investigated. However, its effect on in vivo and post-mortem traits, which are extremely important for animal welfare, has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the present study has evaluated the effect of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% dietary BSF meal replacement on the in vivo haematological parameters and on the post-mortem organ traits. Overall, the obtained results are encouraging as increasing dietary BSF meal did not impair the growth performance or the haematological traits. Furthermore, both the liver and renal function were unaffected or even improved. The antioxidant picture appeared improved and the histological traits were not influenced by the dietary inclusion of BSF meal. From a productive and biological point of view, the dietary replacement up to 9% of BSF meal in Muscovy duck diet is feasible and BSF meal could represent a promising feed ingredient.The present study has evaluated the effects of dietary partially-defatted black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) larva meal on the blood parameters, antioxidant status, and histological features of the organs of broiler ducks. A total of 192 female 3-days of age Muscovy ducklings (Cairina moschata domestica) were divided into four dietary treatments (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% BSF meal inclusion; 6 pens/treatment, 8 birds/pen). A total of 12 ducks/treatment (2 birds/pen) were slaughtered at 51 days of age and blood samples were collected to evaluate the haematological traits, serum protein, lipid and minerals, liver and renal function serum enzymes, plasma oxidative enzymes, and metabolites. Liver, spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius samples were submitted to histopathological investigations. Between the serum and plasma traits, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, malondialdehyde, and nitrotyrosine showed a linear decrease for increasing amounts of dietary BSF meal (p <0.01); in contrast, the serum iron concentration showed a linear increase (p <0.01). Moreover, the histopathological findings were not significantly affected by the dietary BSF larva meal inclusion. The results showed that the inclusion of up to 9% BSF larva meal represents a promising feed ingredient for Muscovy duck nutrition, and improved blood traits were observed.

Grapefruit juice exerts anti-osteoporotic activities in a prednisolone-induced osteoporosis rat femoral fracture model, possibly via the RANKL/OPG axis.

This study aimed to shed light on the protective and therapeutic anti-osteoporotic effects and mechanisms of action of grapefruit juice (GFJ) on prednisolone-induced osteoporosis a rat femoral fracture model. We found that treating rats with GFJ before and/or after prednisolone-induced osteoporosis resulted in increased bone density, total mineral content, and calcium content to counteract the osteoporotic effects of prednisolone. In parallel, the histological and ultrastructural results of the GFJ-treated groups correlated well with enhanced breaking strength of femurs subjected to a constant load. Furthermore, GFJ treatment before and after prednisolone-induced osteoporosis decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activities and increased the level of insulin-like growth factor 1. Mechanistically, our immunohistochemistry study showed that GFJ ameliorated prednisolone-induced osteocalcin depletion, decreased receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression, and increased osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression. GFJ showed a beneficial anti-osteoporotic effect against prednisolone-induced osteoporosis in rats, possibly via the RANKL/OPG axis, suggesting that GFJ might be a good candidate for developing anti-osteoporotic drugs.

Influence of bone meal degelatinisation and calcium source and particle size on broiler performance, bone characteristics and digestive and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity

ABSTRACT 1. The current experiment was performed to elucidate the effects of degelatinised bone meal (DBM) in combination with different particle sizes of limestone or oyster shell on broiler performance, bone characteristics and digestive and plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. 2. Treatments were applied as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three sources of P (DCP, bone meal and DBM) and three particle sizes (50, 100 and 200 µm) of limestone. Chickens were given either DCP or DBM with oyster shell (523 µm), resulting in a total of 11 treatments with 5 replicates of 8 chicks. 3. Performance criteria were measured weekly. Tibia strength, ash, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content and plasma P and Ca concentration along with plasma and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and P digestibility were measured on d 14 and 28. 4. Body weight and FCR were improved in chicks which were fed DBM or oyster shell in comparison to the DCP and limestone respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Performance was influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by particle size; with coarser particles BW and feed intake were increased (P ≤ 0.05). Tibia shear force and P content were reduced (P ≤ 0.001), whereas tibia shear energy, length, ash and Ca content were increased by substitution of DCP with DBM or bone meal (P ≤ 0.001; P ≤ 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the tibia length between the chicks fed oyster shell or limestone with different particles (P ≤ 0.05). Plasma P concentration was reduced in chicks were fed with DBM, bone meal and lower limestone particle size. Intestinal ALP activity was increased (P ≤ 0.001) in chicks which were fed DBM, bone meal, oyster shell or coarse particles of limestone. The P digestibility in chicks fed bone meal was lower than that of those fed DBM or DCP (P ≤ 0.01). Overall, gelatin removal from bone meal improved broiler bone characteristics through the P digestibility and intestinal ALP activity enhancement.

Effects of a-ketoglutarate (AKG) supplementation in low phosphorous diets on the growth, phosphorus metabolism and skeletal development of juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The a-ketoglutarate has a positive effects on phosphorus metabolism and bone synthesis and is expected to decrease the phosphorus requirement of fish, so as to reduce phosphorus pollution in aquaculture. The effects of AKG supplementation in low phosphorous (P) diets on the growth, P metabolism and skeletal development of juvenile songpu mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) were studied. Triplicate groups of mirror carp (6.67 ± 0.08 g) were fed diets containing a total phosphorous of 0.96% (adequate P, AP) and 0.82% (low P, LP), with graded levels 0 (LP-0), 0.2% (LP-0.2), 0.4% (LP-0.4), 0.6% (LP-0.6), 0.8% (LP-0.8) and 1.0% (LP-1.0) of AKG added to diets; fish were fed to satiation for 8 weeks. The results are as follows: Compared with the AP group, the weight gain rate (WGR) and the specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly lower and the feed coefficient rate (FCR) was significantly higher (P < 0.05); the content of crude lipid (EE) was significantly higher; the contents of Ca and P of the vertebra were significantly decreased (P < 0.05); and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma were significantly decreased in the LP-0 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the LP-0 group, the WGR, SGR, PER, HI, CF, content of P in the vertebra and P deposition rate (PDR)were significantly increased; the FCR was significantly decreased in the LP-0.6 group (P < 0.05); the ALP was significantly increased in the AKG supplementation groups (P < 0.05); and the content of collagen in the vertebra was significantly increased with the 0.6–1.0% AKG supplementation (P < 0.05). The expression of NaPi-IIb mRNA in the foregut, midgut and hindgut, kidney and vertebra were similar between the AP and LP-0 groups (P > 0.05), but the expression of NaPi-IIb mRNA in the foregut and hindgut were significantly decreased in the AKG supplementation group (P < 0.05); and the IGF-I mRNA significantly increased by 0.4–1.0% in the AKG supplementation groups (P < 0.05). This study confirmed that the supplementation of AKG can promote growth performance, P metabolism, and the synthesis of collagen in vertebra.

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.

Liver-directed gene therapy results in long-term correction of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 in mice

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3), for which there are limited therapeutic options, often leads to end-stage liver disease before adulthood due to impaired ABCB4-dependent phospholipid transport to bile. Using adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-mediated gene therapy, we aimed to restore the phospholipid content in bile to levels that prevent liver damage, thereby enabling stable hepatic ABCB4 expression and long-term correction of the phenotype in a murine model of PFIC3. Ten-week-old Abcb4-/- mice received a single dose of AAV8-hABCB4 (n = 10) or AAV8-GFP (n = 7) under control of a liver specific promoter via tail vein injection. Animals were sacrificed either 10 or 26 weeks after vector administration to assess transgene persistence, after being challenged with a 0.1% cholate diet for 2 weeks. Periodic evaluation of plasma cholestatic markers was performed and bile duct cannulation enabled analysis of biliary phospholipids. Liver fibrosis and the Ki67 proliferation index were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Stable transgene expression was achieved in all animals that received AAV8-hABCB4 up to 26 weeks after administration. AAV8-hABCB4 expression restored biliary phospholipid excretion, increasing the phospholipid and cholesterol content in bile to levels that ameliorate liver damage. This resulted in normalization of the plasma cholestatic markers, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. In addition, AAV8-hABCB4 prevented progressive liver fibrosis and reduced hepatocyte proliferation for the duration of the study. Liver-directed gene therapy provides stable hepatic ABCB4 expression and long-term correction of the phenotype in a murine model of PFIC3. Translational studies that verify the clinical feasibility of this approach are warranted. Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) is a severe genetic liver disease that results from impaired transport of lipids to bile, which makes the bile toxic to liver cells. Because therapeutic options are currently limited, this study aims to evaluate gene therapy to correct the underlying genetic defect in a mouse model of this disease. By introducing a functional copy of the missing gene in liver cells of mice, we were able to restore lipid transport to bile and strongly reduce damage to the liver. The proliferation of liver cells was also reduced, which contributes to long-term correction of the phenotype. Further studies are required to evaluate whether this approach can be applied to patients with PFIC3.

Antioxidant, enzymatic and hematological responses of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed with myrcene- or menthol-supplemented diets and exposed to ambient ammonia

Ammonia toxicity is common and risk factor in aquaculture, deteriorating fish health. Phytochemicals might attenuate adverse effects of ammonia toxicity in fish. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary myrcene and menthol administration on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) health in response to ammonia toxicity. The fish were fed with either myrcene- or menthol-supplemented diets for 30 days before exposure to 0.5 mg/L unionized ammonia for 24 h. The experimental diets contained 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1% of either myrcene or menthol. Growth performance was determined after the 30-d feeding trial and the fish were blood-sampled before and after the ammonia challenge. The results showed that myrcene at 0.5% significantly improved the fish growth performance compared to the control diet (29.3 vs. 41.2% weight gain); however, menthol had no significant effects on the fish growth performance. Ammonia exposure led to significant decrease in plasma catalase, glutathione peroxidase, blood RBC and hemoglobin and significant increase in plasma superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase, which are indicators of oxidative stress, tissue damage and anemia. Myrcene at 0.25–1% and menthol at 0.25% levels significantly improved most of the tested parameters. Moreover, myrcene at 0.5 and 1% significantly inhibited the adverse effects of ammonia exposure on the fish antioxidant responses, tissue health and anemia; however, menthol was less effective compared to myrcene and the most effective concentration was 0.25%, which mitigated the adverse effects of ammonia exposure. In conclusion, myrcene at 0.5% and menthol at 0.25% levels are effective in reducing the adverse effects of ammonia toxicity in common carp. Such effects seem to be related to the compounds antioxidant effects, which mitigated ammonia-induced tissue damage and anemia.

Effects of forage feeding on rumen fermentation, plasma metabolites, and hormones in Holstein calves during pre- and postweaning periods1.

Recent studies have suggested that the amount of forage intake by calves around the time of weaning could affect ruminal pH levels. Several studies have also proposed that subacute ruminal acidosis in mature cows is a risk factor for various metabolic disorders and production diseases. In this study, we examined the effects of forage feeding on ruminal pH, ruminal fermentation, rumen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration, plasma metabolites, and hormonal concentrations in calves during pre- and postweaning periods. Sixteen male Holstein calves were used. At 7 wk of age, calves were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: calves in the HAY group (n = 8) were fed starter with forage, and those in the CON group (n = 8) were fed starter without any forage. All calves were weaned at 8 wk of age. The amounts of starter and mixed hay were gradually increased until the end of the experiment (age, 11 wk). Ruminal pH was measured continuously every 10 min using an indwelling sensor. Rumen fluid and peripheral blood samples were obtained prior to morning feedings at -1, 0, 1, and 3 wk after weaning. Compared with the HAY group, in the CON group, the average daily ruminal pH was lower (P < 0.05) and the duration of ruminal pH values below 5.6 was longer (P < 0.05). Regarding ruminal VFA profiles, compared with the HAY group, the CON group had lower (P < 0.05) acetate to propionate ratios at 1 and 3 wk after weaning. Rumen LPS concentrations tended to be higher (P < 0.1) in the CON group than in the HAY group; however, concentrations of LPS-binding protein, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A in the peripheral blood did not differ significantly. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were markedly higher (P < 0.05) in the CON group than in the HAY group at 1 and 3 wk after weaning. There was a linear decrease in plasma growth hormone (GH) levels in the CON group after the start of the experiment, and its concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in the CON group than in the HAY group at 0 and 3 wk after weaning. The results indicated that forage provision during pre- and postweaning periods helped prevent decrease in ruminal pH, change in ruminal fermentation, and liver alteration, and helped maintain plasma GH levels, which suggests that calves around the time of weaning need forage intake with starter to maintain proper metabolic and hormonal functions.

Amelioration of renal and hepatic function, oxidative stress, inflammation and histopathologic damages by Malva sylvestris extract in gentamicin induced renal toxicity

BackgroundGentamycin, contrary to its wide range of antimicrobial effects, has a high potential for nephrotoxicity, and renal injury can have effects on other organs such as the liver. ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to assess the effects of hydro alcoholic Malva sylvestris(MS) extract on nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin, and also its remote organ injury in the liver. MethodsRenal and hepatic functions were evaluated through measurement of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma. Oxidative stress was assessed through measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) levels, and histopathologic injuries were evaluated using H & E stained sections. For evaluation of inflammation, TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA expression levels were measured in the renal tissue using Real-time PCR method. ResultsGentamicin resulted in an increase in the levels of creatinine, urea-nitrogen, AST, ALT, and ALP in the plasma, as well as an increase in TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA expression levels in the renal tissue, renal and hepatic histopathologic injuries and MDA level, and a decrease in FRAP. Administration of MS led to improvement in the function of kidney and liver, a decrease in the expression levels of proinflammatory factors, reduction of oxidative stress, and also a decrease in tissue injuries. ConclusionMS extract can protect the kidney against toxic effects of gentamicin, and thus, the degree of harmful effects of nephrotoxicity on remote organs including the liver will be decreased.

The Effect of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) Antimalaria Drugs on Liver Enzymes in Pregnancy

Aims: Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) are employed as first-line agents in malaria chemotherapy. This study is aimed at assessing the effects of ACTs on renal function of pregnant women.&#x0D; Study Design: Comparative study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Pregnant women aged 18 to 50 years were recruited from antenatal clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Ekiti State Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria between 2016 and 2018&#x0D; Methodology: One hundred and eighty pregnant women were grouped into three which include: Sixty pregnant women with malaria parasite on ACT drugs (Group A), sixty pregnant women with malaria parasite not on ACT drugs (Group B), sixty pregnant women without malaria parasite (Group C/control). Plasma Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were evaluated by standard methods. The data collected were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t test to compare the data between the test groups and control.&#x0D; Results: Results showed there was a significant decrease (P=.05) in Body Mass Index in the pregnant women with malaria on ACT and those that were not on ACT when compared with control (24.1± 0.32 versus (25+ 2.30 vs 27± 1.62). A significant increase (P=.05) occurred in the levels of ALP,AST, ALT and LDH in pregnant women with malaria not on ACT drugs when compared the control (168.45±0.19, 10.0±0.27, 8.19±0.25, 4.5±0.21) versus (143.20±0.12, 8.71±0.30, 5.99±0.21, 2.08±0.19),while no significant difference occurred in the levels of ALP,AST, ALT and LDH in pregnant women with malaria on ACT when compared with control (141.60±0.78, 8.02±0.32, 6.10±0.30, 2.75+ 0.20) vs (143.20±0.12, 8.71±0.30, 5.99±0.21, 2.08±0.19).&#x0D; Conclusion: Normal therapeutic dose of ACT has no harmful effect on the liver in pregnancy.

Bee pollen and propolis as dietary supplements for rabbit: Effect on reproductive performance of does and on immunological response of does and their offspring

To evaluate the effect of bee pollen (BP) and/or propolis (Pro) supplementation on rabbit does, 64 nulliparous NZW rabbits does were distributed among eight groups (eight animals/group). One unsupplemented group was the control; the other seven groups were supplemented, respectively, with zinc bacitracin (ZnB) at 100mg, BP at 150 and 300mg, Pro at 150 and 300mg, BP+Pro at 150 and 300mg of each three times/week, day after day continuously along eight parities. The BP300, Pro300 and BP+Pro150 groups had higher body weight of litter at birth and number of kids born alive. The BP supplementation at 150mg increased plasma total protein and albumin than the control group. The BP or Pro at 150mg decreased plasma T3 than the other groups except for BP+Pro150. The ZnB group had significantly greater T3 /T4 ratio compared to BP, Pro and BP+Pro at 150mg. The BP+Pro150 group had less ALT than the control; BP300 and Pro 300mg resulted in lower plasma AST than the groups Pro150 with or without BP and the control group. The plasma alkaline phosphatase of BP at 150 or 300mg and BP+Pro150 was significantly greater than that of the Pro150 group. The BP+Pro300 group had higher WBCs than the other groups. In contrast, the lymphocytes were greater in the Pro and BP+Pro300 groups than in BP, Pro and BP+Pro at 150mg. The groups supplemented with BP and BP+Pro at 150 and 300mg had significantly greater SRBCs of doe rabbits and their offspring compared to the control and the ZnB group. The BP at 300mg increased the serum albumin and α1 -globulin than the control group. The Pro300 group had greater serum α2 -globulin and β-globulin than the control group. The total globulin was significantly greater for the 300mg propolis-supplemented groups than the control.

Time – Course of Sodium Arsenate Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Arsenic exposure has been implicated by several epidemiological studies as an important metalloid that is currently poisoning millions of people globally. In order to investigate the time – course of arsenic exposure on hepatic and renal toxicity, male albino rats (n=45) were exposed to arsenic (100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm) for 4, 8 and 12 weeks as sodium arsenate in their drinking water. Control animals (n=15) received distilled water for the same period after which blood and vital organs were removed from the animals and analyzed for alanine amino transaminase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST) gamma amino transaminase (γGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine and urea spectrophotometrically. Histological changes in hepatocytes was also examined. Before the commencement of arsenic exposure, five animals were sacrificed to obtain baseline data. Significant elevation in plasma ALT, AST, γGT and alkaline phosphatase activities characterized the effect of the arsenical at all doses and time interval relative to the controls. Plasma levels of creatinine and urea were also elevated at all-time intervals in the arsenic group. In most of the cases observed, the elevated level of these biochemical marker in circulation are time – and dose – dose dependent. Hepatic histopathology reveals degeneration of cytoplasmic contents, evidence of necrosis, collapse of central vein, cytoplasmic inclusion and enlarged hepatic sinusoids in arsenic – exposed groups. These findings suggest that different dose regimens of sodium arsenate at different time interval caused degenerative changes in hepatic and renal tissues in rats in dose – and time – dependent fashion. Keywords: Arsenic, Time – course, Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-4-09

EFFECT OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INFECTION ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE, ASPARTATE AND ALANINE TRANSFERASES IN THE BLOOD PLASMA OF RABBITS

The aim of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP), aspartate (ASAT) and alanine (ALAT) transferases in plasma of rabbits that are infected with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). METHODS: The experiment was carried out with 12 male rabbits (White New Zealand), divided into two groups: experimental and control. Blood samples from each rabbit were taken before the euthanasia of v. auricularis externa as follows: at 3 months of age, coinciding with 0 hours before infection, and at 6, 24, 48, 72 hours and on days 7, 14 and 21 after S. aureus infection in sterile heparinized tubes. The AP, ASAT and ALAT were performed on a semi-automated biochemical analyzer, Section in Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. RESULTS: The results showed significant decreasing (P &lt;0.05) of AP 48h after infection and on day 14 comparing to the control group(P&lt;0,01), significant increasing of ALAT (P&lt;0,01) comparingto the control group and pre-initial level and significant increasing of ASAT on day 14 and day 21 in the experimental group comparing initial level.

The effect of dietary doum supplementation on- productive and reproductive performance of male rabbits in Upper Egypt

The objective of this work was conducted to study the effect of Doum (Hyphaenethebaica) supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of rabbit bucks in Upper Egypt during spring season. Thirty- two males16 California (CAL) and 16 Newzland (NEZ) rabbits 8 months old with average initial body weight 3.409±0.05 kg were randomly divided into four groups of 4 bucks each/breed (CAL and NEZ). Group 1 served as control fed a basal diet. Groups 2, 3 and 4 fed basal diets supplemented with 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 g doum/kg diets, respectively for 12 weeks. The results revealed that doum supplementation significantly (p≤0.01) increased bucks live body weight compared with control group. Ejaculate volume, mass motility, sperm concentration, total sperm output, total motile sperms, live normal sperm, total functional sperm fraction and initial fructose were significantly increased, while reaction time significantly decreased in rabbit bucks received doum compared to control group. Administration of doum increased (P < 0.05) seminal plasma total proteins, globulins, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. Conversely, seminal plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly decreased compared to the control group. Seminal plasma lipid peroxidation as indicated by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was significantly decreased while, seminal plasma antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased due to doum supplementation Also, doum supplementation significant increased serum testosterone level .In conclusion, doum supplementation improved semen quality, and seminal plasma antioxidant status of rabbit bucks. Thus, the doum could help to improve productive and reproductive efficiency of rabbit bucks under Upper Egypt condition.

Protective effect of crocin on food azo dye tartrazine-induced hepatic damage by improving biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers in rats.

The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the protective effect of crocin on the adverse effects of tartrazine on liver. Crocin is a carotenoid and a strong free radical scavenger. Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10). The first group was the control group (C) and saline solution was administered to this group. The second group (Cr) was administered 50 mg/kg crocin. The third group (T) was administered 500 mg/kg tartrazine. The fourth group (T+Cr) was administered the same doses of both crocin and tartrazine as the previous groups for 21 days. It was determined that tartrazine increased liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels and catalase (CAT) activity, decreased glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels. Furthermore, tartrazine administration resulted in significant increases in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and pathological changes in the liver. When tartrazine administered rats were treated with crocin for 21 days, the biochemical parameters improved, and liver tissues were restored. Thus, it was demonstrated that crocin had protective effects on the adverse effects caused by tartrazine administration.

Effect of lesimarin against thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rat

Liver cirrhosis is one of chronic liver diseases with high disability and mortality accompanying fibrosis, hepatocyte damage, and liver dysfunction. In this study, the hepatoprotective and the antifibrotic properties of lesimarin(lecithin - silymarin - Artemisia messerschmitiana Besser(AMB) extract complex at 11:3:6 ratio) on rat hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) was investigated. Rats were divided into seven groups: control, lesimarin, TAA, TAA+lesimarin, TAA+lecithin, TAA+silymarin, TAA+AMB. Rats were administered with TAA at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally twice a week for three months. Lesimarin, lecithin, silymarin and AMB were administered at a dose of 1.0, 1.0, 0.5, 1.0g/kg body weight orally daily for three months, respectively. TAA administration resulted in hepatic fibrosis, significant decrease in body weight, albumin level and A/G ratio and increase in plasma transaminase, GGT(γ-glutamyltransferase) and ALP(alkaline phosphatase) activities as well as hepatic hydroxyproline content, which were attenuated by lesimarin administration. Lesimarin was found to decrease AST, ALT and GGT, ALP and bilirubin, hydroxyproline levels and increase albumin level and A/G ratio and its effect is more prominent than those of individual constituents. These results suggest this new drug, lesimarin, might be a promising drug to be used for chronic liver diseases.

Metformin attenuates oxidative stress and liver damage after bile duct ligation in rats.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the antioxidative effect of metformin (MTF) on bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatic disorder and histological damage in rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups including sham control (SC), BDL alone (BDL surgery), MTF1 (BDL surgery and administration of 250 mg/kg of MFM) and MTF2 (BDL surgery and administration of 500 mg/kg of MTF). After BDL, the animals treated with MTF by gavage for 10 days. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, biochemical analysis and oxidative stress markers were assayed to determine histological alterations, liver functions, and oxidant/antioxidant status. Hepatotoxicity was verified by remarkable increase in plasma levels of aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase activity and liver histology 10 days after the BDL surgery. Our finding showed that treatment with MTF markedly reduced plasma alkaline phosphatase and alleviated liver injury indices (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, BDL caused a considerable increase in the protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde content (P ≤ 0.05). However, MTF reduces oxidative stress by constraining the protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, and increases antioxidant reserve by increasing the ferric reducing ability of plasma and reducing glutathione levels. MTF exerts antioxidative effects in the liver fibrosis and may represent a hepato-protective effect when given to rats with BDL-induced hepatic injury.

Manipulation of plasma myo-inositol in broiler chickens: effect on growth performance, dietary energy, nutrient availability, and hepatic function

This study investigated the effects of graded levels of myo-inositol (INS) in diets containing 2 levels of available P on growth performance, nutrient retention, liver N, fat and vitamin E contents, INS and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations in blood plasma. A total of 120 male Ross 308 broilers were allocated to 60 small floor pens each holding 2 birds. Two basal mash diets were formulated to be nutritionally adequate for chicks at that age, with one diet designed to have the recommended available P content (RP) (4.8g/kg non-phytate P) and the other diet containing low available P (LP) (2.5g/kg non-phytate P). The 2 basal diets were split in 3 batches each and 2 of the batches were supplemented with INS at 3.0 and 30g/kg diet, with the remaining batch of each basal diet not supplemented, giving a total of 6 experimental diets. Diets were fed ad libitum to 10 pens from 7 to 21 d age following randomization. Feeding RP diets improved (P < 0.001) the birds' growth performance, mineral availability, and blood plasma ALP. Feeding RP diets reduced (P < 0.001) apparent metabolizable energy (AME), dry matter and fat availability, blood plasma INS, and hepatic vitamin E. Dietary INS did not (P > 0.05) influence bird growth, dietary AME, or nutrient retention coefficients. Feeding INS linearly increased (P < 0.05) liver weight and hepatic N content, but linearly reduced (P < 0.05) hepatic fat concentration. It also linearly increased (P < 0.001) the INS concentration in blood plasma, but did not influence (P > 0.05) the endogenous losses (measured as sialic acid concentration) in excreta. Dietary INS did not influence (P > 0.05) the hepatic vitamin E concentration but increased (P < 0.001) the ALP in the blood of birds fed 30g/kg INS. In conclusion, high-level dietary INS supplementation did not affect bird growth performance, mineral availability, and endogenous losses, and there were no interactions between INS and P.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modulates gastrointestinal absorption, excretion patterns, and toxicity in Holstein calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B1

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG; ATCC 53013) on growth performance and hepatotoxicity in calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and to investigate the absorption, distribution, and elimination of AFB1 and the hydroxylated metabolite aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in rumen fluid, blood, and excretions. Twenty-four male Holstein calves were blocked for body weight and age and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) untreated control, (2) treated with 4.80 mg of AFB1 (AFB1 only), or (3) treated with 1 × 1010 cfu of LGG suspension and 4.80 mg of AFB1 (AFB1 plus LGG). The calves received LGG suspension in 50 mL of phosphate-buffered saline daily via oral administration for 14 d before and on the day they received a single oral dose of AFB1. Body weight was recorded at the beginning of the study (before LGG administration), at the day of AFB1 administration, and at the end of the trial. Rumen fluid, blood, urine, and feces samples were collected continuously for 96 h after AFB1 administration. Average daily gain (ADG) and plasma biochemical parameters were analyzed, and concentrations of AFB1 and AFM1 in the samples were determined for monitoring excretion pattern and toxicokinetics. The results showed that ADG was lower in AFB1-treated animals; LGG administration partially mitigated the decrease in ADG (0.85 ± 0.08 vs. 0.76 ± 0.18 kg of gain/d). The AFB1 treatment increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Administration of LGG alleviated the AFB1-induced increase in plasma enzymes activity. The excretion patterns of AFB1 and AFM1 were surprisingly regular; toxins were rapidly detected in all samples after a single oral dose of AFB1, and the peak of toxins concentrations was sequentially reached in rumen fluid, plasma, urine, and feces (except AFM1 in rumen fluid), followed by an exponential decrease. The excretion curves showed that AFB1 and AFM1 concentrations were the highest in feces and urine, respectively. Administration of LGG decreased the concentrations of free AFB1 and AFM1 in rumen fluid and reduced the release of toxins into plasma and urine. Toxicokinetic parameters (except for the time of maximum concentration and the terminal half-life) were reduced by LGG administration. In conclusion, the absorption, distribution, and excretion of AFB1 and AFM1 were rapid in calves fed a single dose of AFB1. Urine was the main route for the excretion of AFM1, and the clearance pattern from the peak of concentration was well fitted by exponential decreasing function. Administration of LGG reduced the absorption of AFB1 in the gastrointestinal tract by increasing the excretion via the feces, thus alleviating the hepatotoxic effect of AFB1.

Evaluation of Serum Status of Biochemical Indices of Liver Injury and Oxidative Stress in Rats Exposed to Warri River Levels of Pb and Other Identified Metallic Co Pollutants

This study investigated serum status of biochemical indicators of liver injury and oxidative stress in rats exposed to Warri River level of lead(Pb) alone and in the presence of metallic co-pollutants. A total of 55 albino rats (of Wistar strain) weighing an average of 150.00± 09.00g, divided into 11 groups were used for the study. Groups I and II represented the deionized and Pti borehole water controls, while groups III- XI represented the test rat groups orally treated with water containing laboratory reconstituted Warri River Pb level on one hand and in the presence of laboratory reconstituted identified metallic co-pollutants including Fe, Ca, Cu, Mn, Mg, Zn via water on the other hand. The serum biochemical –hepatotoxic indices investigated were liver/body wt. ratios, body wt. change, lipid per oxidation products, plasma ALT and AST, plasma and liver alkaline phosphatase activities, plasma catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, plasma total and conjugated bilirubin level, plasma and urine glucose concentration, and plasma and urine total protein concentration. Our findings revealed an overall significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in liver/body wt ratios and body wt change , significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in plasma ALT and AST activities, induced ALP and ACP activities, increase in SOD and catalase activities, increased plasma and urine bilirubin concentrations, decreased plasma and increased urine total protein concentrations, increased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while plasma and urine glucose levels were elevated in the groups of rats exposed to Pb only, Pb + Cu, Pb + Fe and Pb + Zn, Pb + All metallic co-pollutants, and river water relative to their respective controls (deionized water and Pti tap water groups). There was a significant (P&lt;0.05) reversal of the above parameters in the groups of rats exposed to Pb + Ca, Pb + Mn, Pb + Mg. There was also a difference in liver/weight ratio, body wt. change and all the other parameters evaluated in this study, between groups of rats treated with Warri river water relative to the laboratory reconstituted water, although the changes were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Our findings revealed that, the presence of Ca, Mg and Mn in the river water significantly (P&lt;0.05)) reversed the induced activities of ALT, AST, ACP and ALP by Pb and some identified metallic co pollutants like Cu, Fe and Zn. This study also revealed the possibility of significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase , plasma total and direct bilirubin and lipid per oxidation products of rats exposed to Warri River level of Pb in the presence of Ca, Mg and Mn relative to the Pb only group.