Plasma Biochemical Indices Research Articles

Effects of embryonic exposure to chromium (VI) on blood parameters and liver microstructure of 1-day-old chickens

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) has carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and neurotoxic effects. Exposure to Cr(VI) can also lead to hematological alterations and blood biochemical changes. The literature on Cr(VI) toxicity concerns mostly adult forms of vertebrates. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the effect on the developing chicken embryo of Cr(VI) in ovo administration. It was observed that chromium affected the hatchability of chicks in a dose-dependent manner. At a dose from 25 to 250 μg per egg, Cr(VI) resulted in a statistically significant reduction of hatchability. Chromium administrated at lower doses (1.56 and 2.5 μg per egg) caused a statistically insignificant increase of hatchability. However, chromium at a level of LD50 (15.6 μg per egg) or 1/10 LD50 (1.56 per egg) did not cause major changes in hematological parameters or plasma biochemical indices in newly hatched chicks. The same doses did not lead to any histopathological changes in the liver.

Effect of Clostridium butyricum on Plasma Immune Function, Antioxidant Activity and Metabolomics of Weaned Piglets

After weaning, piglets suffer from various stresses, and their immune function declines, causing diarrhoea and death. In recent years, the intestinal health of piglets has been a hot topic in the field of swine nutrition and feedstuff research. The present work aimed to investigate the effects of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) on plasma immune function, antioxidant activity and plasma metabolomics of weaned piglets. A total of 90 weaning piglets of average weight (6.22 ± 0.24 kg BW) and 28±2 days old were randomly divided into three groups: control diet, control diet + 0.1 g/kg antibiotic (colistin sulphate), and control diet + 5 × 108 CFU/kg C. butyricum. The pigs were divided into 6 pens per group with 5 piglets per pen for 21 days. Our results showed that the diet supplemented with 5 × 108 CFU/kg C. butyricum significantly reduced the levels of plasma glucose, total protein, high-density lipoprotein, phosphorus, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA and increased the levels of albumin, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, IgG, C3, SOD activity, T-AOC in the plasma (P<0.05). There were seventeen kinds of differential metabolites were obtained by qualitative comparison of mass spectrometry (P<0.05). we conjectured that C. butyricum's role in immunity of weaned piglets may be mainly realized through the taurine and hypotaurine metabolism pathways (P=0.07). Based on the Spearman's rho correlation analysis, there were eleven differential metabolites (|ρ|≧0.60, P≦0.05) among significant plasma biochemical indexes, immune indexes, antioxidant enzyme activity and plasma metabolites. They were UMP, melanin, L-valine, thiamine(1+) diphosphate chloride, vanillylmandelic acid, L-methionine, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Phosphatidylethanolamine lyso 18:0, (R)-octopamine, 3-amino-2-naphthoic acid and galactitol, respectively. To sum up, C. butyricum can improve the immune performance and antioxidant enzyme activity of weaned piglets and can be considered as a potential substitute for antibiotics.

Effects of graded levels of dietary squalene supplementation on the growth performance, plasma biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary squalene supplementation on the growth performance, plasma biochemical indices, antioxidant status, and meat quality in broilers. Two hundred and forty 0-day-old male chicks were allocated into 5 groups of 6 replicates and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (Control group), 250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg squalene for 42 d. Dietary squalene supplementation linearly increased weight gain and feed efficiency of broilers during the grower and overall periods (P < 0.05). Squalene linearly decreased 21-d malondialdehyde (MDA) level and 42-d glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and both linearly and quadratically decreased 42-d MDA level in plasma (P < 0.05). In contrast, squalene linearly increased plasma reduced form of glutathione (GSH) level on 21 and 42 d and superoxide dismutase activity on 42 d (P < 0.05). Squalene supplementation linearly decreased 21-d MDA accumulation but linearly increased GSH level on 21 d and 42 d and both linearly and quadratically increased 21-d GSH-Px activity in liver (P < 0.05). Supplementing squalene linearly increased pH value at 48 h and linearly decreased lightness at 48 h and 24-h drip loss of breast muscle (P < 0.05). The lightness at 24 h and cooking loss of breast muscle were both linearly and quadratically reduced by squalene (P < 0.05). Dietary squalene administration linearly decreased MDA accumulation but linearly increased GSH level and GSH-Px activity of breast muscle (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, aforementioned growth performance, antioxidant-related parameters (except 42-d GSH-Px in plasma and breast and hepatic GSH), and meat quality were improved by squalene when its level was 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg (P < 0.05), with their results being similar between these 2 groups (P > 0.05). It was concluded that squalene administration especially at a level of 1,000 mg/kg can improve growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality in broilers, providing insights into its application as a potential feed additive in broiler production.

Effect of dietary arginine-to-lysine ratio in lactation on biochemical indices and performance of lactating sows.

The present study investigated the effect of optimizing the total dietary arginine (Arg)-to-lysine (Lys) ratios on the metabolism of lactating sows and piglet performance by supplementation with l- Arg during lactation. A total of 200 multiparous sows (three to six parities, Yorkshire × Landrace) were selected and randomly and equally assigned to five groups in lactation, and finally, 36, 34, 35, 36, and 33 dams completed the study in the dietary treatments, respectively, where the diets consisted of five step-up Arg-to-Lys ratios (0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3) by the addition of 0%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.30%, and 0.40% Arg. The diets contained 3.37 to 3.38 Mcal of digestible energy/kg energy, 17.73% to 17.75% crude protein, and 0.98% to 1.01% Lys and were fed ad libitum during lactation. The performance of sows and suckling piglets was measured, and plasma and milk samples were collected for analysis. The feed intake of sows as well as litter weight gain during lactation increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05), while maternal backfat and milk composition were not affected (P > 0.05) as the dietary Arg-to-Lys ratios increased. Analyzed plasma biochemical indices, including concentrations of free Arg, Orn, and Glu, and prolactin, insulin, and follicle-stimulating hormone, responded linearly (P ≤ 0.05) to increases in dietary Arg-to-Lys ratios. The dietary Arg-to-Lys ratios of 1.01 and 1.02 were optimal for maternal feed intake and litter weight gain, based on broken-line models. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that increasing total dietary Arg-to-Lys ratios in lactation was beneficial for the performance of lactating sows and suckling piglets, and dietary Arg-to-Lys ratios of 1.01 and 1.02 were optimal, from regression analyses, for the practical feeding of lactating sows.

Effects of different dietary carbohydrate‐to‐lipid ratios on growth, plasma biochemical indexes, digestive and immune enzymes activities of juvenile orange‐spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary carbohydrate-to-lipid (CHO:L) ratios on growth, liver and muscle glycogen content, haematological indices, and liver and intestinal enzyme activity of juvenile grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Five isonitrogenous (496.0 g/kg protein) and isoenergetic (21.6 KJ/g gross energy) diets with varying CHO:L ratios of 0.65 (D1), 1.31 (D2), 2.33 (D3), 4.24 (D4) and 8.51 (D5), respectively, were fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish (average 10.02 ± 0.1 g) for 8 weeks. Results showed that the weight gain rate, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of juvenile grouper increased first and then decreased with the increase in CHO:L ratio, reaching a maximum value in the D4 (CHO:L = 4.24) diet. The trend for the feed conversion ratio was opposite to the PER. Along with the diet CHO:L ratios, the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of crude lipid and energy for the juvenile groupers decreased gradually, while the ADC of dry matter, liver and muscle glycogen level increased gradually. Total protein, triglycerides and cholesterol in serum were all maximized in the D4 diet and glucose in the D5 (CHO:L = 8.51) diet. Digestive enzyme activity in the intestine was significantly affected by dietary CHO:L ratio. Liver hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity increased significantly as CHO:L ratio increased. Liver lysozyme and acid phosphatase activity in the groupers fed the D3 (CHO:L = 2.33) diet was significantly higher than that of other diets. Liver fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity reached a maximum value in the D4 diet and was significantly higher than that in the D1 diet. Taking the above results together, it can be concluded that an optimal dietary CHO:L ratio of 2.33 is suitable for grouper culture concerning growth performance and health.

Dehulling effect of dietary administered white lupine seeds on the blood biochemistry of broilers

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the partial or complete dietary replacement of crude protein (CP) from soybean meal (SBM) with CP from the meal of whole (trial 1) or dehulled (trial 2) white lupine (WL) seeds on the blood plasma biochemical indicators in broilers. Chickens of the control (C) group were fed diets containing the SBM as the main protein source in the feed. It results from the findings that the complete and also partial replacement of CP from the SBM by CP from the meal of whole WL seeds in diets led to a decrease in the plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerides (TAG) levels (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Concerning the dietary administration of dehulled WL seeds, only the complete replacement of CP resulted in a decrease in the plasma glucose and TAG levels in 35-day-old broilers (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, when including the dehulled WL seeds into the diet, an increase in the plasma aspartate aminotransferase activity was found in both the E1 and E2 groups (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Based on the results found, it can be stated that the use of meal from whole WL seeds seems to be a promising protein feed component which has beneficial effects on the health of broilers.

Effects of different dietary carbohydrate-to-lipid ratios on growth, plasma biochemical indexes, digestive, and immune enzymes activities of sub-adult orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides.

A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary carbohydrate-to-lipid (CHO:L) ratios on glycogen content, hematological indices, liver, and intestinal enzyme activity of sub-adult grouper Epinephelus coioides. Five iso-nitrogenous (496.0gkg-1 protein) and iso-energetic (21.6KJg-1 gross energy) diets with varying CHO: L ratios of 0.65 (D1), 1.31 (D2), 2.33 (D3), 4.24 (D4), and 8.51 (D5), respectively, were fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish (average 275.1 ± 1.86g). Results showed that the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of sub-adult grouper increased and then stable when dietary CHO:L ratios reach D4 (CHO:L = 4.24). The trend of feed conversion ratio (FCR) was opposite to PER. Along with the dietary CHO:L ratios, the liver and muscle glycogen level increased gradually. Plasma triglycerides (TG) and glucose (GLU) were all maximized at D5 (CHO:L = 8.51) group, cholesterol (CHOL) at D4 (CHO:L = 4.24) group. Digestive enzyme activities were significantly affected by dietary CHO:L ratios. Liver hexokinase (HK), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity increased significantly as CHO:L ratios increased. Liver lysozyme (LYZ) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of sub-adult grouper fed the D4 diet was significantly higher than that of the D2 (CHO:L = 1.31) diet. The trend of acid phosphatase (ACP) is opposite to AKP. The regression model analysis showed that the most suitable dietary CHO:L ratio to reach the highest SGR is 6.06.

The effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 on plasma metabolites and hepatic gene expression in broiler breeder hens

ABSTRACT 1. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on laying rate, body weight, plasma metabolites and some liver gene expression in broiler breeder hens. 2. A total of 128 broiler breeder hens (Arbor Acres Plus, 47 weeks of age) were randomly distributed to four dietary groups supplemented with different levels of CoQ10 (0, 300, 600 or 900 mg/kg diet) with four replicates of eight hens each. During 47–54 weeks of age, laying rate, egg mass and body weight were recorded weekly. To assay plasma biochemical indicators, blood samples were collected at 54 weeks of age. At the end of the experiment, for evaluating the abdominal fat weight, liver weight and expression of the adiponectin and proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) genes in the liver, eight hens per treatment were selected, weighed and humanely killed by decapitation. 3. Dietary supplementation of CoQ10 linearly decreased abdominal fat weight, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities by increased levels of CoQ10. The plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were quadratically decreased by increased levels of CoQ10. The best plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and ALP activity were estimated at 562.5, 633.3 and 517.8 mg CoQ10/kg diet, respectively. Adiponectin and PPARα gene expression exhibited a linear increased by increased levels of CoQ10. 4. In conclusion, addition of CoQ10 to the diet influenced lipid metabolism and expression of the adiponectin and PPAR-α genes, which might be partially due to the improvement in mitochondrial metabolism and energy production. However, further studies are necessary to determine the effects of CoQ10 on these indicators in broiler breeder hens during ageing.

Relation between Liver Lipid Content and Plasma Biochemical Indicators in Dairy Cows

Background: The incidence of metabolic disorders in dairy cows has increased as a result of intensive production practices and genetic selection for milk yield. Among such disorders, liver lipidosis is very frequently observed and has significant negative effects on cow health and milk yield. Severe energy supply deficit causes high fat mobilization, resulting in rapid body condition loss and liver lipid infiltration, which cannot always be detected by known blood biochemical indicators. The main objective of the study was to determine possible associations of blood biochemical parameters with liver lipid infiltration severity in high-yield multiparous Holstein cows along prepartum and postpartum periods.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Fifty-four high-yield Holstein cows from a herd managed in a free-stall system in the northwest region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil were evaluated. Cows were divided in two groups according to their physiological status. Group 1 included 19 prepartum cows, with an average milk yield of 44.7 L/d in the previous lactation, and 2.8 average parity, and Group 2 included 35 postpartum cows, with an average milk yield of 46.8 L/d in the previous lactation, and 2.5 average parity. The farm produced 10,000 kg milk per year, containing 3.5% of fat, 3.2% of protein and 4.7% of lactose. Total cholesterol (CH), plasma triglycerides (TGp), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), albumin (ALB), non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) levels, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) activities were analyzed in the plasma and liver triglycerides (TGl) levels were determined in liver tissue samples.The SPSS statistical software was used for the statistical analyses. The obtained data were analyzed for normality by the Shapiro-Wilk test and for homoscedasticity by Bartlett test. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and means were compared by the t-test (PROC TTEST). Pearson correlation test (PROC CORR) was used to compare the results between prepartum and postpartum cows, and between those with and without lipidosis.An overall incidence of 20% severe hepatic lipidosis was determined both in prepartum and postpartum cows. Positive significant correlations were obtained between days in milk (DIM) and AST (r= 0.43; P &lt; 0.01), CH and TGp (r= 0.44; P &lt; 0.01), TGl and AST (r=0.32; P &lt; 0.05), NEFA and AST (r= 0.45; P &lt; 0.01) and CK and AST (r= 0.447; P &lt; 0.01). Negative significant correlations were detected between TGp and DIM (r= -0.45; P &lt; 0.01), and between TGl and TGp (r= -0.30; P &lt; 0.05).Discussion: Prepartum cows showed moderate fat infiltration in the liver, while 25.7% of postpartum cows presented severe lipidosis. AST values increased as lactation progressed, suggesting a greater tendency of liver damage, in early postpartum. The obtained CK values were within the reference range, except for the cows with hepatic lipidosis, indicating that the measured AST activity was originated from the liver and not from the muscle tissues. TGp, NEFA and AST values indicate the degree of fat mobilization and, possibly, liver infiltration, while TGl indicates fat infiltration in the liver. Although negative energy balance (NEB) may trigger lipolysis and some degree of hepatic lipidosis, plasma BHB values did not significantly increase. The obtained results show that the evaluated plasma parameters may be useful to establish guidelines for the identification of changes in the metabolic profile of dairy cows during different production stages, as well as measures for the prevention and control of metabolic disorders.

Effects of dietary hawthorn extracts supplementation on lipid metabolism, skin coloration and gut health of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

Hawthorn fruit has long been used as a functional food in China due to its effects of increasing appetite, promoting digestion and protecting the gastrointestinal tract. The present study was conducted to assess the impact of dietary hawthorn extract (HTE) supplementation on plasma biochemical indices, proximate body composition, skin coloration, intestinal morphology and changes in mRNA expression of immune-related genes and tight junction proteins genes in the intestine of golden pompano. Basal diets supplemented with HTE at 0, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 10.00 g kg−1 were fed to golden pompano for eight weeks. The study showed dietary HTE supplementation had hypolipidemic effects by reducing plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein content and improved skin coloration by increasing yellowness values of the ventral skin color of golden pompano. Meanwhile, dietary supplementation of 0.50 and 1.00 g kg−1 HTE could improve gut morphology by increasing villus length, villus width and muscle thickness, and enhance barrier function by increasing tight junction protein genes mRNA levels. However, dietary 10.00 g kg−1 HTE supplementation not only caused damage to intestinal morphology and barrier function, but also induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Our study demonstrated that dietary 0.50 and 1.00 g kg−1 HTE supplementation was beneficial for skin coloration and intestinal health of golden pompano.

ПОВТОРНЫЕ ДЛИТЕЛЬНЫЕ ПИЛОТИРУЕМЫЕ ПОЛЕТЫ: ПРОТЕОМНЫЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ КРОВИ КОСМОНАВТОВ

We performed the first ever comparative analysis of modifications in the proteome, ionogram and some other blood plasma biochemical indices of 18 male cosmonauts (44 ± 6 years of age) before and after maiden or repeated long-term missions to the Russian segment of the International space station (ISS RS). Levels of proteins, substrates and ions as well as chemical components were measured using the LC-MS-based proteomics and routine biochemical techniques. A total of 256 to 281 indices were investigated with the methods of descriptive statistic, regression analysis, and access to bioinformatics resources. It was shown that blood indices recovery from the maiden and repeated missions reflects changes in the body systems and goes at a various speed. The results of measurements made prior to launch and on day 7 after landing are dependent on the number of missions. The bioinformatics techniques showed that after maiden missions both the mediator proteins of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and blood proteins with reliably changing concentrations are associated with the bio-processes including stress, metabolism and DNA reparation, apoptosis, catabolism and proteolysis. During early re-adaptation from repeated missions the AP level was affected by bone remodeling, phosphorylation, angiogenesis and coagulation cascade suggesting a distinct and urgent trigger of the processes of bone structure and mineralization.

Estimation of dietary zinc requirement for laying duck breeders: effects on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, tibial characteristics, plasma biochemical and antioxidant indices, and zinc deposition

This study evaluated the effects of different dietary zinc (Zn) levels on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, tibial characteristics, plasma biochemical and antioxidant indices, and zinc deposition in laying duck breeders. A total of 504 Longyan duck breeders aged 21 wk were randomly allocated to 6 treatments and fed a basal diet (Zn, 27.7 mg/kg) or that basal diet supplemented with Zn (as ZnSO4·H2 O) at 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 mg Zn per kg of feed for 20 wk. Each group had 6 replicates of 14 ducks each. Dietary Zn supplementation affected (P < 0.05) the egg production, FCR, and shell thickness of laying duck breeders from 21 to 40 wk, and there was a quadratic (P < 0.05) effect between them. Dietary Zn supplementation affected (P < 0.05) and quadratically (P < 0.001) increased the breaking strength, density, and dry defatted weight of tibias. Alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities or content in plasma were affected (P < 0.05), and quadratically (P < 0.01) changed by dietary Zn levels. Dietary Zn supplementation affected (P < 0.01) and increased the Zn deposition in egg yolk (linear, P < 0.05; quadratic, P < 0.001) and tibia (linear, P < 0.05). The dietary Zn requirements, in mg/kg for a basal diet containing 27.7 mg/kg Zn, for Longyan duck breeders from 21 to 40 wk of age were estimated to be 65.4 for optimizing egg production, 68.6 for FCR, 102 for hatchling BW, 94.7 for eggshell thickness, 77.2 for tibial breaking strength, 81.4 for tibial density, 78.9 for tibial dry defatted weight, 69.5 for plasma GSH-Px activity, 72.4 for plasma MDA content, and 94.6 for Zn content in tibia. Overall, dietary Zn supplementation, up to 160 mg/kg feed, affected the productive performance, eggshell thickness, tibial characteristics, plasma antioxidant status, and Zn deposition of layer duck breeders. Supplementing this basal diet (27.7 mg/kg Zn) with 70 to 80 mg/kg additional Zn was adequate for laying duck breeders during the laying period.

Optimum dietary fiber level could improve growth, plasma biochemical indexes and liver function of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

An 8 week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary fiber levels on growth, plasma biochemical parameters and liver function of juvenile largemouth bass. Five isonitrogenous (49% crude protein) and isolipidic (11% crude lipid) diets were formulated to contain 1.24%, 3.43%, 5.12%, 6.95% and 8.50% fiber levels, respectively. Four groups of largemouth bass were randomly assigned to each diet. The results indicated that largemouth bass fed the diets containing 8.5% fiber had significantly lower weight gain (WG) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than those fed the other fiber diet. The whole-body lipid and liver lipid contents and hepatosomatic index (HSI) decreased with increasing dietary fiber levels，while whole-body protein content rose. Meanwhile, plasma triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) contents and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity significantly decreased as dietary fiber levels increased, whereas plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity significantly rose. The carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-1), adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activities and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR-α) content in liver significantly increased with increasing dietary fiber levels. Furthermore, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and oxide synthase (NOS) increased and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver decreased significantly as dietary fiber levels increased. In addition, the liver histological investigation showed an improvement in liver histostructure at high fiber levels. These findings indicated that dietary fiber levels could improve liver function and antioxidant ability of M.salmoides; also, higher dietary fiber levels have a positive impact and decrease the potential risk of disease in M. salmoides. Based on WG, a dietary fiber level of 4.07% was optimal for growth performance of juvenile largemouth bass.

The Interaction between Phagocytes and Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) Mediated by the Activated Complement System is the Key to GBS Inducing Acute Bacterial Meningitis of Tilapia.

Simple SummaryStreptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is a serious threat to farmed tilapia, which results in high mortality and seriously hinders tilapia farming development. The pathogenic mechanism of tilapia infected with GBS which die rapidly in production remains unknown. We provided a comprehensive comparative analysis of the tilapias infected with fish-derived GBS attenuated strain YM001 and its parental virulent strain HN016. The present study indicates that the interaction between phagocytes and GBS mediated by the activated complement system is key to GBS inducing tilapia acute bacterial meningitis. The low survival ability caused by reduced β-lactam antibiotics resistance is one of the important reasons YM001 lost its pathogenicity to tilapia. Our study provided a comprehensive cognition of the mechanism of acute bacterial meningitis caused by GBS.Streptococcus agalactiae is an important pathogen for tilapia meningitis. Most of the infected tilapia die rapidly in production, when the way to study the pathogenic mechanism of bacteria on host through chronic infection in laboratory is not comprehensive and accurate enough to elucidate the real pathogenic mechanism. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of acute bacterial meningitis of tilapia caused by Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS), and provide a theoretical basis for its prevention and treatment. Duel RNA-seq, proteome analysis, histopathological analysis, plasma biochemical indexes, and blood routine examination were performed on tilapias infected with fish-derived GBS attenuated strain YM001 and its parental virulent strain HN016. The results showed that the contents of white blood cell (WBC), monocytes (MON), and neutrophil (NEU) were significantly lower in the HN016 group compared to that in the YM001 group (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination showed that there were partially lesions in the examined tissues of tilapia infected by HN016, while no obvious histopathological changes occurred in the YM001 group. The differential expressed genes (DEGs) and differential expressed proteins (DEPs) between YM001 and HN016 were mainly enriched in the beta-lactam resistance pathway (oppA1, oppA2, oppB, oppC, oppD, oppF, and mrcA). The DEGs DEPs between YM001-brain and HN016-brain were mainly enriched in the complement and coagulation cascades signaling pathway (C2a, c4b, c3b, c7, CD59, ITGB2, and ITGAX). The present study indicates that the interaction between phagocytes and GBS mediated by the activated complement system is the key to GBS inducing tilapia acute bacterial meningitis. The low survival ability caused by reduced β-lactam antibiotics resistance is one of the important reasons for why YM001 lost its pathogenicity to tilapia.

Protective Effects of Konjac and Inulin Extracts on Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective The present study was designed to determine whether konjac and inulin extracts or their combination, konjac-inulin (KI) composition, as diet supplementary, can exert beneficial effects against type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes using animal models. Methods A total of 60 diabetic (type 1) rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ) were randomly assigned to five groups: vehicle control (STZ group), KI combination at low dose group (KI-L group), KI combination at medium dose group (KI-M group), KI combination at high dose group (KI-H group), konjac extract group (konjac group), and inulin extract group (inulin group). A sham group (without STZ) was also included. Levels of blood glucose were monitored at each week. After continuous treatment of each diet for 24 days, a glucose tolerance test was performed. After 28 days of treatment, plasma biochemical indicators including glycated serum proteins, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured and immunohistochemistry staining of the rat pancreas was performed, to study the insulin expressions. Type 2 diabetes was developed in db/db mice. A total of 28 db/db mice were divided into 4 groups: vehicle control (db/db group), KI composition group (KI group), konjac extract group (konjac group), and inulin extract group (inulin group). A wild-type control group (wild-type group) for db/db mice was also included. Levels of blood glucose, body weight, and blood triglycerides were monitored at each week. Results Daily use of the KI composition significantly decreased levels of blood glucose and blood triglycerides, as well as improved the insulin production in islets or reduced development of obesity in STZ-induced diabetic rats or in db/db mice. Such effects from KI composition were better than single ingredient of konjac or inulin extract. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that daily use of KI composition has a protective role on type 1 and 2 diabetes and provided experimental basis for further development of KI composition as a food supplement for diabetic or diabetic high-risk population.

Individual and Combined Effects of Moringa Leaf and Garlic Powder on Growth and Plasma Biochemical Indices of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles

The study was designed to compare the growth promoting and some plasma biochemical indices of moringa leaf powder (MLP) and garlic powder (GP) each at 15.00g/kg; treatments 1 and 2, treatments 3 and 4 contained a combination of 7.50g and 15.00g/kg each of the phytoaddivites respectively and a control diet without additive. These five diets were fed to juveniles of Clarias gariepinus (46.45±0.12g). Relative to the juveniles in control diet, growth and nutrient utilization indices, (except survival percentage) of juveniles in phytoadditive diets increased. Plasma transaminase enzymes reduced significantly (pClarias gariepinus juveniles.

Modulatory effects of vitamin C on biochemical and oxidative changes induced by acute exposure to diazinon in rat various tissues: Prophylactic and therapeutic roles.

Diazinon (DZN) as an organophosphate pesticide may cause oxidative stress in different tissues. Antioxidants increase tissue protection from oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate prophylactic and therapeutic effects of vitamin C against oxidative stress caused by DZN in various tissues of male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into five groups: control group received corn oil as DZN solvent, DZN group received 100mg/kg of DZN, C group received 200mg/kg of vitamin C, C-DZN and DZN-C groups received vitamin C before and after DZN injection. Plasma and various tissues were prepared and evaluated for measurement of the biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Results showed that acute administration of DZN significantly increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities and malondialdehyde level in all tissues, catalase (CAT) activity in liver, kidney and heart and some plasma biochemical indices, while it decreased cholinesterase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and glutathione content in all tissues. CAT activity in erythrocytes, brain and spleen was decreased in DZN-exposed rats compared with the control group. Administration of vitamins C in both prophylactic and therapeutic groups ameliorated in these parameters, although all these tests in tissues did not return to the normal level. These data suggest that oxidative stress is an essential mechanism involved in DZN-induced adversity effect, as evidenced by the altered activity of antioxidant enzymes, depleted GSH content and the enhanced membrane lipid peroxidation. Both the prophylactic and therapeutic treatments of rats to vitamin C have beneficial effects against oxidative stress and cholinergic hyperactivity induced by DZN in tissues especially in the brain tissue through free radical scavenging.

Biochemical, hematological and histopathological evaluation of the toxicity potential of the leaf extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis in rats

Background and AimThe many pharmacological potentials of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (L.C. Rich) Vahl, especially in managing central nervous system disorders, hypertension, diabetes and infections, have made it a subject of abuse, necessitating the need to ascertain its safety. This study therefore investigated the toxic effects of the leaf extract of S. cayennensis in rats following acute and 28-day repeated doses in male and female rats. Experimental procedureAcute and repeated dose studies were conducted in male and female groups of rats (135–150 g), using OECD 423 and 407 Tests guidelines respectively. Functional observational battery, and body weights were monitored. Blood samples were analysed for haematological and plasma biochemical indices. Organs (brain, kidneys and liver) specimen were collected and weighed. Kidney and liver specimen were subjected to histopathological analysis. Results and conclusionThe LD50 of the extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg, p.o. (24 h) suggesting that the extract may be non-toxic. However, following single and repeated doses, the results revealed varying degree of significant (p < 0.05) changes in biochemical and heamatological indices, as well as in relative body weight and organ-body and organ-brain weight ratios. Also, histological assessment revealed evidence of liver and kidney toxicities and recovery was incomplete, as signs of toxicities were still evident after 21 days of recovery. Therefore, the extract is potentially harmful to vital organs with evidence of sex differential adverse effects and non-reversible forms of toxicity, especially with repeated usage, necessitating the need to avoid indiscriminate use.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of a Flavonoid Prescription against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease In Vivo.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute, high fatal contagious disease induced by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) with acute severe hepatic injury and causes huge economic loss worldwide. In order to develop an effective and reliable drug to treat this disease in clinic, a prescription formulated with baicalin, linarin, icariin, and notoginsenoside R1 (BLIN) according to the theory of syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine was applied to investigate its curative effects against RHD in vivo. The preliminary study results showed that BLIN prescription exerted good curative effect on RHD therapy. To further validate the curative effect and to investigate the possible related curative mechanisms of this drug, the survival rates, the plasma biochemical indexes of hepatic function, the plasma evaluation indexes of oxidative injury, and the RHDV gene expression levels were detected and then the correlation among these indexes was also analyzed. These results showed that BLIN prescription could significantly increase the survival rate, reduce the hepatic injury severity, alleviate the oxidative injury, and decrease the RHDV gene expression level in rabbits infected with RHDV. All these results indicate that BLIN prescription possesses outstanding curative effect against RHD, and the curative mechanism may be related to its antioxidant and anti-RHDV activities. Therefore, this prescription can be expected to be exploited into a new candidate for RHD therapy in clinic.

Investigation of Efficacy Enhancing and Toxicity Reducing Mechanism of Combination of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Paeoniae Radix Alba in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rats by Metabolomics.

Combination of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (FZ) and Paeoniae Radix Alba (BS) shows a significant effect in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate the efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing mechanism of combination of them in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats by metabolomics. Rats were randomly divided into seven groups, including A (healthy control), B (model control), C1 (therapy group), C2 (efficacy enhancing group), D1 (toxicity group), and D2 (toxicity reducing group), and dexamethasone group was used as positive control. The plasma biochemical indexes showed that therapeutic dose of lipid-soluble alkaloids of FZ could significantly inhibit the concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in AIA rats, and combination with total glucosides of peony could further reduce the concentration of IL-1β. Then, UPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap MS with untargeted metabolomics was performed to identify the possible metabolites and pathways. Through multivariate data analysis of therapeutic dose groups (A vs. B vs. C1 vs. C2) and multivariate data analysis of toxic dose groups (A vs. B vs. D1 vs. D2), 10 and 7 biomarkers were identified based on biomarker analysis, respectively. After inducing AIA model, the plasma contents of spermidine, vanillylmandelic acid, catechol, and linoleate were increased significantly, and the contents of citric acid, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, leucine, L-tryptophan, and uridine 5'-monophosphate (UMP) were decreased significantly. High dose of lipid-soluble alkaloids of FZ could increase the plasma contents of L-lysine, L-arginine, and deoxycholic acid, while the plasma contents of UMP, carnitine, N-formylanthranilic acid, and adenosine were decreased significantly. The pathway analysis indicated that therapeutic dose of lipid-soluble alkaloids of FZ could regulate energy and amino acid metabolic disorders in AIA rats. However, toxic dose could cause bile acid, fat, amino acid, and energy metabolic disorders. And combination with total glucosides of peony could enhance the therapeutic effects and attenuate the toxicity induced by lipid-soluble alkaloids of FZ.