Plasma Biochemical Characteristics Research Articles

Effects of Myrcene Addition to Water on Plasma Biochemical Characteristics of Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio, During Transportation

Background: Sedative agents are utilized to mitigate stress and improve fish welfare during and after transportation. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of myrcene addition to the transportation water on the plasma biochemical profile of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Methods: For this purpose, common carp (mean weight of 45.3±1.65 g) were transported in plastic bags containing myrcene at concentrations of 0 (CTL), 10 (10 M), 20 (20 M), 30 (30 M), and 50 (50 M) µL/L for 6 h. Then, their plasma parameters were compared to those values before transportation (BT). Results: Transportation significantly (P<0.05) decreased plasma total protein, albumin, alternative complement, lysozyme, sodium, and chloride, while increasing potassium, calcium, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in the CTL treatment, as compared to BT. Adding 50 µL/L myrcene to water prevented total plasma protein and albumin loss. Supplementing 20 µL/L myrcene to water prevented or reduced the changes in plasma ions, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Addition of 10-50 µL/L myrcene to water decreased the changes in plasma aspartate aminotransferase. Adding 20 and 30 µL/L myrcene to water mitigated the changes in plasma alternative complement, as 30 µL/L myrcene increased plasma lysozyme activity. Transportation and myrcene addition had no significant effects on plasma immunoglobulin (P>0.05). However, a significant increase was observed in plasma globulin in the 20 M treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: In summary, adding 20 µL/L myrcene to the transport water of common carp reduced hepatic enzyme levels and improved immune parameters, and therefore, the use of myrcene improves fish welfare during transportation.

Synergistic interactions of zeolite, stocking density, and water exchange: A holistic approach to optimizing aquaculture performance of juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Effective water management is an essential component of sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in the context of global water scarcity. The accumulation of ammonium ions (NH4+) from fish metabolism necessitates frequent water changes, posing a challenge to the sustainability of fish farming operations. Zeolite materials have emerged as a promising solution, offering enhanced ammonium cation removal compared to conventional nitrifying bacteria. This innovative approach alleviates the pressure on water resources and promotes environmental sustainability in fish farming. Over 75 days, this study examined how zeolite, stocking density, and water exchange affected European seabass water quality and growth. 250 kg of seabass, 25.61 ± 2.39 g/fish. Three factors: zeolite levels (Z: 0, 10, and 15 ppt), density (D: 1, 2.5, and 5 kg/m3), and water exchange (W: 10, 25, and 50 %), using 81 hapas with 0.5 m3 vol each (triplicates for each treatment) fixed in concrete ponds, fish were randomly distributed among 81 experimental hapas in 27 ponds. This research illuminates the potential benefits of various therapies. Zeolite in seabass culture improved water quality. It reduced ammonia derivatives, improving water quality. Adjusting seabass stocking density to low or high improved water quality measures. This change kept dissolved oxygen levels within the target range, providing a good home for farmed fish. Zeolite supplements, reduced stocking density, and optimum water exchange improved European seabass growth, along with water quality improvements. These interventions improved feed consumption and growth rates. These approaches promoted fish growth and reduced stress by limiting the negative effects of high stocking density. The study also examined immune-related, hematobiochemical, and plasma biochemical characteristics after the interventions. Zeolite supplementation, to low stocking density, and water exchange improved these characteristics. They strengthened the European seabass' immune system and preserved healthy plasma and hematobiochemical parameters. In conclusion, optimizing European seabass culture with zeolite (15 ppt), stocking density (1 kg/m3), and water exchange (50 %) enhances water quality, growth performance, and physiological parameters. This contributes to improved aquaculture sustainability and efficiency. Further research is required to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms of those factors that affect fish health and aquaculture practices.

Biochemical and histopathological alterations in Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus exposed to malathion

The present study was conducted to determine the toxicity induced by pesticide, malathion in Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus through assaying the plasma biochemical characteristics and histopathological alterations. For this purpose, three groups were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of malathion (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 median lethal concentration (LC50)) for 7 days and one control was considered (malathion-free group). Plasma levels of plasma total protein (TP) and globulin (GLOB) significantly decreased in exposed fish. The plasma levels of cortisol and glucose significantly elevated during exposure period in 0.2 LC50 group by the second day. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities showed dose- and time-dependent change pattern, with and the highest activity in 0.2 LC50 group by the second day. Alkaline phosphatase levels showed a dose- and time-dependent decrease in all experimental days. The plasma malondialdehyde levels significantly increased during exposure period. Different histopathological damages were observed in the gill, liver, and kidney of malathion-exposed fish. The degree of the histopathological alterations was varied from mild to very severe depending on malathion dosage. In conclusion, the results showed that plasma biochemical and histological parameters can be used as biomarkers of malathion pollution in A. persicus.

A plasma metabonomic analysis on potential biomarker in pyrexia induced by three methods using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Pyrexia usually is a systemic pathological process that can lead to metabolic disorders. Metabonomics as a powerful tool not only can reveal the pathological mechanisms, but also can give insight into the progression of pyrexia from another angle. Thus, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (UHPLC-FT-ICR-MS) metabonomic approach was employed for the first time to investigate the plasma biochemical characteristics of pyrexia induced by three methods and to reveal subtle metabolic changes under the condition of pyrexia so as to explore its mechanism. The acquired metabolic data of the models were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) for allowing the clear separation of the pyrexia rats from the control rats. Variable importance for project values (VIP) and Student's t-test were used to screen the significant metabolic changes caused by pyrexia. Fifty-two endogenous metabolites were identified and putatively identified as potential biomarkers primarily associated with phospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation metabolism, fatty acid amides metabolism and amino acid metabolism, and related to bile acid biosynthesis and glycerolipid catabolism. LysoPC (14:0), LysoPC (18:3), LysoPC (20:4), LysoPC (16:0), phytosphingosine, Cer (d18:0/12:0), N-[(4E,8E)-1,3-dihydroxyoctadeca-4,8-dien-2-yl]hexadecanamide, oleamide, fatty acid amide C22:1, tryptophan, acetylcarnitine, palmitoylcarnitine and stearoylcarnitine were considered as common potential biomarkers of pyrexia rats induced by three methods: Our results revealed that the UHPLC-FT-ICR-MS-based metabolomic method is helpful for finding new potential metabolic markers for pyrexia detection and offers a good perspective in pyrexia research.

Plasma proteins, hepatic enzymes, thyroid hormones and liver histopathology of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) exposed to an oxadiazin pesticide, indoxacarb

Indoxacarb is a relatively new pesticide from oxadiazin class, which is used near carp ponds for agricultural purposes. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine indoxacarb effects on common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The fish were exposed to 0 (control), 0.75, 1.5 and 3 ppm of indoxacarb over 21 days and plasma biochemical characteristics and liver histopathology were examined. Exposure to indoxacarb induced fall in total protein after 21 days. Globulin increased after 7 days and then decreased after 14- and 21-day exposure. Plasma alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities increased in 1.5 and 3 ppm treatments after 7-day exposure. Indoxacarb exposure significantly decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase after 7 days with no change at the second and third samplings. After 7 days, plasma T3 levels had no significant change; however, it decreased after 14 days in the 1.5 and 3 ppm treatments and also reduced after 21-day exposure to the 3 ppm treatment compared to the control group. Plasma T4 level only decreased significantly in the 3 ppm treatment compared to the control group after 21 days. Different histopathological symptoms such as necrosis, hyperaemia, sinusoidal space extension, pyknotic nuclei, leucocyte infiltration and melanomacrophage aggregates were observed after 21-day exposure to indoxacarb. The symptoms intensity was dependent on indoxacarb concentration. In conclusion, the present results show that indoxacarb exposure adversely affects common carp health and welfare, which consequently may induce serious problems in this species aquaculture.

Response of plasma copper, ceruloplasmin, iron and ions in carp, Cyprinus carpio to waterborne copper ion and nanoparticle exposure

In this study, Cyprinus carpio was exposed to 0.25mgL−1 copper as either copper sulfate (CuSO4) or copper oxide nanoparticles (nano-Cu), and 25mgL−1 copper as nano-Cu for 14days. CuSO4 and high concentration of nano-Cu led to a significant increase in plasma total copper levels. Plasma free copper levels increased significantly in all copper-exposed treatments. Except for low concentration of nano-Cu after 7 and 14days, copper exposure generally led to a significant decrease in plasma ceruloplasmin levels. Plasma iron levels increased significantly in CuSO4 (all times) and nano-Cu (7th and 14th days) treatments. A significant elevation in plasma total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was observed after 3days in the fish exposed to low concentration nano-Cu, and after 14days in all copper-exposed treatments. Transferrin saturation (TSA) ratio showed significant increase in CuSO4 (3rd and 7th days) and the high concentration nano-Cu (7th day) treatments. Decrease in plasma chloride (7th and 14th days) and sodium (14th days) was observed in CuSO4 treatment. In conclusion, the results suggest that ionic copper is mainly absorbed via fish gill, whereas, nano-copper are more likely absorbed via gut. Also, data suggest that ionic copper has more adverse effects on the examined plasma biochemical characteristics compared to the equivalent nano-copper concentration, which may be due to the lower copper absorption by fish in the nano-copper suspension.

Plasma metabolites, ions and thyroid hormones levels, and hepatic enzymes׳ activity in Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) exposed to waterborne manganese

To investigate the effect of waterborne manganese on plasma biochemical characteristics in fish, Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) was exposed to 0 (control), 60 (M60), 150 (M150) and 300 (M300) mg/L water manganese for 96h. Thereafter, plasma biochemical characteristics were studied. Plasma glucose level significantly increased in M60 and decreased in M150 and M300 groups, compared to the control. M300 had significantly lower hematocrit compared to the control. Albumin remained unchanged after manganese exposure, however, the manganese-exposed fish showed significant increase in plasma total protein levels. M150 and M300 showed significant increase in the plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the control and M60. M60 and M150 had significantly higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity compared to the control. The manganese-exposed groups had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity compared to the control. M150 and M300 had aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity significantly higher than those of the control and M60. M300 had significantly higher triiodothyronine (T3) levels than the other groups. All manganese-exposed fish had significantly higher thyroxin (T4) levels than the control. The plasma levels of chloride showed a significant decrease in the manganese-exposed fish, compared to the control. M150 and M300 had significantly lower sodium levels, compared to the control. M60 and M150 had significantly lower plasma calcium levels compared to the other groups. It is concluded that clinical chemistry along with thyroid hormones levels can be the useful tools to monitor manganese toxicity in fish. The possible mechanisms involving in the biochemical changes were discussed.

Effect of vitamins, probiotics and protein level on semen traits and seminal plasma biochemical parameters of post-moult male broiler breeders

1. A study was designed to investigate the comparative effect of supplementary vitamin E, vitamin C, probiotics and dietary crude protein concentration on semen traits and seminal plasma biochemical parameters in male broiler breeders after Zn-induced moulting. 2. A total of 180 male broiler breeders were induced to moult at 65 weeks of age by mixing ZnO in diet at the rate 3000 mg/kg of feed. After moulting, the males were divided into six groups that were given feed supplemented with: vitamin C (500 IU/kg), vitamin E (100 IU/kg), protein (140 g CP/kg), probiotics (50 mg/kg) and the combination of these components, while one group was kept as a control. Semen samples were collected weekly and semen volume, spermatozoa concentration, motility and dead spermatozoa percentage were determined. Seminal plasma was separated to determine the concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), homocysteine, paraoxonase (PON1), arylesterase, ceruloplasmin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. 3. Semen volume was significantly higher in the vitamin E and C groups compared to the control. Spermatozoa motility was higher in the vitamin E group and dead spermatozoa percentage was significantly lower in the vitamin C group compared with the control group. 4. Seminal plasma TAC was higher in the vitamin E group, homocysteine was lower in the vitamin C and E groups. PON1 was higher in the combination group. Arylesterase increased significantly in the vitamin C and combination groups over time. Seminal plasma AST was significantly lower in the vitamin C and E supplemented groups whereas ALT decreased significantly only in the vitamin E group compared with the control. Higher concentrations of ceruloplasmin were observed in the combination group compared with the other treatments. 5. It was concluded that additional vitamin E and C or their combination was the most potent nutrient treatment for improving the semen traits and seminal plasma biochemical characteristics in male broiler breeders after Zn-induced moulting.

Effects of dietary copper supplementation on production performance and plasma biochemical parameters in broiler chickens

1. A study was conducted to estimate the effect of copper (Cu) supplementation on growth performance and biochemical profiles of blood and meat in broiler chickens. 2. A total of 240 d-old broiler chicks (Vencobb-100) were randomly divided into 12 groups, each of 20 chicks (4 treatments × 3 replicates). 3. The basal diet (T1) contained 215 g kg−1 crude protein (CP), 12·76 MJ kg−1 ME, 32 g kg−1 total calcium and 5 g kg−1 total phosphorus. T2, T3 and T4 were formulated to contain an additional 75, 150 and 250 mg Cu kg−1 diet, respectively. Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4, 5H2O) was used as the source of Cu. 4. Significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride, and an elevated concentration of HDL-cholesterol, were observed in the chickens fed with 250 mg Cu kg−1 (T4) of feed at the 3rd and 6th week of the experiment. Total cholesterol in meat decreased significantly in the birds fed with dietary Cu at 250 mg kg−1 (T4) of feed. 5. Growth performance was measured in terms of live weight gain, cumulative feed intake and feed conversion ratio at the end of d 21 and d 42 of the experiment, and the result was found to be commercially beneficial for the chickens receiving 150 mg Cu kg−1 (T3) of diet. The concentration of Cu in breast muscle and liver increased significantly at the end of experiment. 6. From this study it can be concluded that supplementation with dietary Cu may be beneficial for production performance and plasma biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens.

Antioxidant responses and plasma biochemical characteristics in the freshwater rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, after acute exposure to the fungicide propiconazole

In this study, the toxic effects of PCZ, a triazole fungicide present in aquatic environment, were studied in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, by an acute toxicity test. Compared to the control group, fish exposed to PCZ (96-h-LC50, 5.04 mg/l) showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) plasma NH3 and GLU concentration and the activities of plasma enzymes including CK, ALT, AST, LDH, but the TP content was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The oxidative stress indices (levels of LPO and CP) of brain and muscle in the experimental group were higher compared to the control group, especially for a significant change (P < 0.05) in the brain. SOD, CAT, GPx and GR activity in the brain of experimental groups was significantly lower (P < 0.05), however, an opposite tendency was found out in muscle. In addition, there are significant correlations between TBARS and CAT, TBARS and GPx, CP, and CAT, GR, and GPx in the fish brain. Thus, PCZ exposure changed the oxidative stress indices and plasma characteristics, and these changes may be used as potential bioindicators of the exposure and effect of PCZ in the controlled experiment. The use in monitoring of PCZ exposure under natural field conditions is possible, but it needs further investigations.

Variation in characteristics of islets of Langerhans in insulin-resistant, diabetic and non-diabetic-rat strains.

Assessment of the histopathological and plasma biochemical characteristics of diabetic and non-diabetic rat strains [Han and AP Wistar, lean and obese Zucker Fatty (ZF), and lean and obese Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats] was performed at 6 or 14 weeks of age. Wistar and lean ZF and ZDF rats showed no or minimal islet pathology or plasma biochemical alterations at both timepoints. Obese ZFs were euglycaemic at both timepoints and mildly and severely hyperinsulinaemic at 6 and 14 weeks respectively. Islet morphology was normal at 6 weeks but at 14 weeks, islet hyperplasia was present with a minority showing degenerative changes namely, beta-cell vacuolation, vascular congestion and haemorrhage with minimal mononuclear cell and T lymphocytic infiltration. Obese ZDFs were euglycaemic and moderately hyperinsulinaemic at 6 weeks and severely hyperglycaemic with minor hypoinsulinaemia at 14 weeks. Obese ZDFs at 6 weeks showed mainly normal islets with some displaying degeneration (ranging from beta-cell vacuolation alone to the features described above). At 14 weeks, islet degeneration was more severe and widespread: beta-cell death was present in numerous islets at low level. Islet beta-cell numbers were reduced or absent (with associated reduction in insulin immunostaining) within the islets that now consisted predominantly of fibroblasts, collagen and mononuclear cells. Fibroproliferation consisting of smooth muscle actin-alpha-positive tissue was associated with mononuclear cell infiltration. Some fibrous scars were visible indicative of lost islets. Islet degeneration in obese ZF and ZDF rats was not accompanied by a reduction in beta-cell proliferation or in compensatory proliferation of beta-cell neogenic clusters. In the light of recent reports of adaptive and inflammation-mediated degenerative changes in human non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) islets, the hypertrophy/hyperplasia of beta-cells and islet degeneration involving infiltration by monocyte/macrophages in obese ZF and obese ZDF rats respectively offers substantial potential for elucidation of the processes involved.

Tissue fatty acid profiles, plasma biochemical characteristics and cecal biogenic amines in piglets fed diets containing flaxseed and carbohydrase enzymes

We investigated tissue fatty acids (FA) profiles, systemic and portal plasma biochemical characteristics, and cecal digesta biogenic amines in piglets fed diets containing flaxseed (FS) and a multi-carbohydrase enzyme supplement (C). Enzyme supplement provided 500 U pectinase, 50 U cellulase, 400 U mannanase, 1200 U xylanase, 450 U glucanase and 45 U galactanase per kg of diet. Ninety-six pigs were weaned at 17 d of age and based on a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement allotted to 4 diets in a completely randomized design to give 6 pens per diet (4 pigs per pen). The diets contained wheat, barley, peas, soybean meal and canola meal with 0 or 12% FS and fed without or with C. Diets were fed for 28 d after which time fresh fecal samples were collected and one pig per pen was held under surgical plane of anesthesia to sample systemic (jugular vein) and portal blood. Pigs were then euthanized to sample liver and loin area (comprised: longissimus thoracis + back fat + skin) tissues and cecal digesta. There was no interaction ( P > 0.05) between FS and C on any response criteria. Pigs fed FS diets had higher ( P < 0.01) ω-3 FA and lower ( P < 0.01) ω-6 FA contents in both the liver and loin area which resulted in lower ω-6:ω-3 ratios in these tissues. There was higher ( P < 0.05) docosapentaenoic acid (DPA [C22:5 n-3]) in the liver of pigs fed diets with C than pigs fed diets without C. In the loin area, pigs fed FS diets had lower ( P < 0.01) unsaturated and total FA contents than those fed non-FS diets. Piglets fed FS diets had lower ( P < 0.05) levels of systemic K +, portal acetic acid, cecal amine and fecal fat digestibility but higher ( P < 0.05) portal lactate levels than pigs fed non-FS diets. Enzyme supplementation increased ( P < 0.05) systemic glucose content. In conclusion, FS with or without C supplementation lowered tissues ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio, supported lactate fermentors and reduced biogenic amine levels in the caecum. Enzyme supplementation increased plasma glucose independent of FS.

The in vivo survival of red blood cells stored in modified CPD with adenine: report of a multi-institutional cooperative effort.

In order to provide data in support of licensure applications for citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) supplemented with adenine, a multi-institutional cooperative effort was organized to determine survivability of red blood cells subjected to prolonged liquid storage. Two manufacturers supplied plastic multiple bag blood storage containers prefilled with modified CPD (glucose 25% greater than the normal concentration) supplemented with adenine (17.0 to 17.3 mg per 63 ml of anticoagulant; 0.25 millimolar approximate final concentration when diluted with 450 ml of whole blood for 35 days showed a mean survival of 80.53 +/- 6.44 per cent (1 SD). Both red blood cell and supernatant plasma biochemical characteristics were comparable to those reported for whole blood stored for 21 days in either acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) or CPD. Red blood cells from 19 units stored as concentrates for 35 days (Hct 75.03 +/- 3.74%) had a mean survival of 71.38 +/- 10.3 per cent with considerable interdonor variation in survival and interlaboratory variation in some biochemical characteristics. Red blood cells from eight units stored as concentrates (Hct 75.38 +/- 4.30%) for 28 days showed a mean survival of 83.97 +/- 6.10 per cent and biochemical characteristics comparable to those reported for red blood cell concentrates stored in CPD or ACD for 21 days. Modified CPD with adenine as formulated offers an improved anticoagulant for blood banking by extending the permissible red blood cell storage period.