Plasma Glutathione Research Articles

The hindgut microbiome contributes to host oxidative stress in postpartum dairy cows by affecting glutathione synthesis process

BackgroundDairy cows are susceptible to postpartum systemic oxidative stress (OS), which leads to significant production loss and metabolic disorders. The gut microbiota has been linked to host health and stress levels. However, to what extent the gut microbiota is associated with postpartum OS remains unknown. In this study, the contribution of the fecal microbiota to postpartum systemic OS and its underlying mechanisms were investigated by integrating 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and metabolomics in postpartum dairy cattle and by transplanting fecal microbiota from cattle to mice.ResultsA strong link was found between fecal microbial composition and postpartum OS, with an explainability of 43.1%. A total of 17 significantly differential bacterial genera and 19 species were identified between cows with high (HOS) and low OS (LOS). Among them, 9 genera and 16 species showed significant negative correlations with OS, and Marasmitruncus and Ruminococcus_sp._CAG:724 had the strongest correlations. The microbial functional analysis showed that the fecal microbial metabolism of glutamine, glutamate, glycine, and cysteine involved in glutathione synthesis was lower in HOS cows. Moreover, 58 significantly different metabolites were identified between HOS and LOS cows, and of these metabolites, 19 were produced from microbiota or cometabolism of microbiota and host. Furthermore, these microbial metabolites were enriched in the metabolism of glutamine, glutamate, glycine, and cysteine. The mice gavaged with HOS fecal microbiota had significantly higher OS and lower plasma glutathione peroxidase and glutathione content than those orally administered saline or LOS fecal microbiota.ConclusionsIntegrated results suggest that the fecal microbiota is responsible for OS and that lower glutathione production plays a causative role in HOS. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of postpartum OS and potential regulatory strategies to alleviate OS in dairy cows.7tQg4Y_kMTvQ-DRCXBSguhVideo

Effects of dietary Pennyroyal essential oil on growth performance, digestive enzymes’ activity, and stress responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio

This study aimed at assessing the effects of dietary Pennyroyal essential oil (PE) supplementation on growth performance, digestive enzymes, and stress, antioxidant, and immunological responses to an acute stress. Four experimental diets containing 0 (C), 100 (100PE), 250 (250PE), and 500 (500PE) mg/kg PE were used in this experiment. The fish were fed with these diets for eight weeks, followed by a 3-h crowding stress (40 kg/m3) and 24-h recovery. Growth performance, intestinal amylase, lipase, and protease activities, plasma total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were determined before stress, whereas plasma cortisol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lysozyme, alternative complement (ACH50), total immunoglobulin (Ig), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured before and after stress. Dietary PE supplementation significantly increased growth performance and digestive enzymes of the fish. The highest growth performance was observed in 250PE treatment. Highest amylase, lipase and protease activities were observed in 500PE, 250PE, and 250PE/500PE treatments, respectively. Dietary PE significantly increased plasma total protein, albumin, and globulin and decreased plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Dietary PE supplementation significantly decreased cortisol, glucose, ALT, AST, and MDA before the crowding stress and mitigated the elevations in these parameters after stress. On the other hand, dietary PE significantly increased plasma lysozyme, ACH50, total Ig, SOD, CAT, and GPx before stress and mitigated the alteration in these parameters after stress. In conclusion, dietary PE at 250 mg/kg is recommended for common carp feed, as it improve growth performance, digestive enzymes’ activities, and physiological and immunological responses to acute stress in fish.

Cerebroprotein hydrolysate attenuates neurodegenerative changes in Alzheimer's mice model via ferroptosis pathway.

Introduction: Cerebroprotein hydrolysate has been proven to improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We explored the safety and effectiveness of the clinical administration of oral cerebroprotein hydrolysate in AD, and possible mechanisms related to the neuronal ferroptosis pathway. Methods: Three-month-old male APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice were randomly divided into AD model (n = 8) and intervention (n = 8) groups. Eight non-transgenic wild-type (WT) C57 mice were used as age-matched controls. The experiments were started at the age of 6 months. The intervention group was then administered cerebroprotein hydrolysate nutrient solution (11.9mg/kg/day) via chronic gavage, the other groups received an identical volume of distilled water. Behavioural experiments were performed after 90days of continuous administration. Serum and hippocampal tissues were then collected for histomorphological observation, tau and p-tau expression, and ferroptosis markers analysis. Results: Cerebroprotein hydrolysate simplified movement trajectories and shortened escape latencies of APP/PS1 mice in the Morris water maze test. Neuronal morphologies were restored in hippocampal tissues on haematoxylin-eosin staining. In the AD-model group, Aβ protein and p-tau/tau expression levels were elevated, plasma Fe2+ and malondialdehyde levels were elevated, GXP4 protein expression and plasma glutathione levels declined than controls. All indices improved after cerebroprotein hydrolysate intervention. Conclusion: Cerebroprotein hydrolysate improves learning and memory function, alleviates neuronal damage, and reduces the deposition of pathological AD markers in AD mice, which may be related to the inhibition of neuronal ferroptosis.

Hypoxia and Anoxia Tolerance in Diploid and Triploid Eastern Oysters at High Temperature

Increasing reliance on the use of triploid oysters to support aquaculture production relies on their generally superior growth rate and meat quality over that of diploid oysters. Reports of elevated triploid mortality have generated questions about potential trade-offs between growth and tolerance to environmental stressors. These questions are particularly relevant as climate change, coastal activities, and river management impact water salinity, temperature, nutrients, pH, and oxygen levels within key estuarine oyster growing areas. In particular, the co-occurrence of warm water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) events are increasingly reported in estuaries, with potentially lethal impacts on sessile, oyster resources. To investigate potential differences in DO tolerance, diploid and triploid market-sized or seed oysters were exposed to continuous normoxia (DO > 5.0 mg L–1), hypoxia (DO < 2.0 mg L–1), and anoxia (DO < 0.5 mg L–1) at 28°C and their mortalities were monitored. The hemolymph of the market-sized oysters was collected to measure cellular and biochemical changes in response to hypoxia and anoxia, whereas their valve movements were also measured. In general, about half of market-sized oysters died within about 1 wk under anoxia (LT50: 5.7–8.9 days) and within about 2 wk under hypoxia (LT50: 11.9–19.4 days) with diploid oysters tending to die faster than triploid oysters. Seed oysters took longer to die than market-sized oysters under both anoxia (LT50: 9.5–12.1 days) and hypoxia (LT50: 21.8–25.0 days) with diploid oysters (LT50: 9.5–11.8 days) dying slightly faster than triploid oysters (LT50: 11.8–12.1 days) under anoxia. Hemolymph pH decreased and plasma calcium and glutathione concentrations increased with decreasing DO, with values under anoxia being different than those under normoxia. Hemocyte density was also lower under anoxia than under either normoxia or hypoxia. Overall, few differences in physiological responses to hypoxia and anoxia were found between diploid and triploid oysters suggesting that ploidy (2N versus 3N) had limited effect on the tolerance and response of eastern oysters to low DO.

Total Flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae Mitigates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Liver Toxicity in Chickens via Microbiota-Gut-Liver Axis Interaction Mechanisms.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common mycotoxin that widely occurs in feed and has severe hepatotoxic effects both in humans and animals. Total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynaria (TFRD), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, have multiple biological activities and potential hepatoprotective activity. This study investigated the protective effects and potential mechanisms of TFRD against AFB1-induced liver injury. The results revealed that supplementation with TFRD markedly lessened broiler intestinal permeability by increasing the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, as well as correcting the changes in gut microbiota and liver damage induced by AFB1. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the alterations in plasma metabolites, especially taurolithocholic acid, were significantly improved by TFRD treatment in AFB1-exposed chickens. In addition, these metabolites were closely associated with [Ruminococcus], ACC, and GPX1, indicating that AFB1 may cause liver injury by inducing bile acid metabolism involving the microbiota-gut-liver axis. We further found that TFRD treatment markedly suppressed oxidative stress and hepatic lipid deposition, increased plasma glutathione (GSH) concentrations, and reversed hepatic ferroptosis gene expression. Collectively, these findings indicate that ferroptosis might contribute to the hepatotoxicity of AFB1-exposed chickens through the microbiota-gut-liver axis interaction mechanisms; furthermore, TFRD was confirmed as an herbal extract that could potentially antagonize mycotoxins detrimental effects.

Slow and Fast-Growing Chickens Use Different Antioxidant Pathways to Maintain Their Redox Balance during Postnatal Growth.

The evolution of parameters known to be relevant indicators of energy status, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense in chickens was followed. These parameters were measured weekly from 1 to 42 days in plasma and/or muscles and liver of two strains differing in growth rate. At 1-day old, in plasma, slow-growing (SG) chicks were characterized by a high total antioxidant status (TAS), probably related to higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and uric acid levels compared to fast-growing (FG) chicks whereas the lipid peroxidation levels were higher in the liver and muscles of SG day-old chicks. Irrespective of the genotype, the plasma glutathione reductase (GR) and peroxidase (GPx) activities and levels of hydroperoxides and α- and γ-tocopherols decreased rapidly post-hatch. In the muscles, lipid peroxidation also decreased rapidly after hatching as well as catalase, GR, and GPx activities, while the SOD activity increased. In the liver, the TAS was relatively stable the first week after hatching while the value of thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and GR activity increased and GPx and catalase activities decreased. Our study revealed the strain specificities regarding the antioxidant systems used to maintain their redox balance over the life course. Nevertheless, the age had a much higher impact than strain on the antioxidant ability of the chickens.

Effects of Different Combinations of Sodium Butyrate, Medium-Chain Fatty Acids and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Reproductive Performance of Sows and Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Status and Intestinal Health of Their Offspring.

The aim of the study was to investigate the comparative effects of different combinations of sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on the reproductive performances of sows, as well as on the biochemical parameters, oxidative statuses, and intestinal health of the sucking piglets. A total of 30 sows were randomly allocated to five treatments: (1) control diet (CON); (2) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs (SM); (3) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (SP); (4) CON with 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (MP); (5) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB, 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFA (SMP). The results showed that sows fed the SP, MP, and SMP diets had shorter weaning-to-estrus intervals than those fed the CON diet (p < 0.01). The piglets in the SM, SP, and MP groups showed higher increases in the plasma catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities than those of the CON group (p < 0.01). The diarrhea incidence of piglets in the SM, SP and SMP groups was lower than that of piglets in the CON group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the addition of SM, SP, MP, and SMP to the sow diets increased the contents of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, fat, and proteins in the colostrum (p < 0.01), as well as the plasma total superoxide dismutase activities (p < 0.01) in the suckling piglets, whereas it decreased the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and toll-like receptor 4 in the jejunum mucosa of the piglets. The relative abundances of Prevotella, Coprococcus, and Blautia in the colonic digesta of the piglets were increased in the SM group (p < 0.05), and the relative abundances of Faecalibacterium increased in the SMP group (p < 0.05), compared with the CON group. The relative abundances of Collinsella, Blautia, and Bulleidia in the MP group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary combinations of fatty acids with different chain lengths have positive effects on the growth performances and intestinal health of suckling piglets.

Berberine efficacy against Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review

Cardiotoxicity is one of the main complications of chemotherapy that increases morbidity and mortality in cancerous patients. The present systematic review aimed to investigate the protective effects of berberine (Ber) on doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity. The study protocol was developed following the PRISMA statement. An extensive search was performed in multiple databases, including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Scopus. After defining the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study, 12 records were included. The desired data of the retrieved articles were extracted from the studies and imported into an Excel form and ultimately, the effects, probable outcomes and mechanisms were surveyed. By activating sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Ber caused reduced oxidative damage and loss of mitochondria integrity in cardiomyocytes. It also regulated autophagy and apoptosis via down-regulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing protein (NLRP) activation. Moreover, Ber increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), up-regulated SIRT3, and subsequently reduced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes and loss of mitochondria integrity, leading to developed apoptosis and regulating the histopathological and electrocardiogram changes in the myocardium. It also ameliorated the DOX-induced calcium ions (Ca2+) and iron overload. Ber reduced oxidant and inflammatory activity, and regulated apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, thus protecting the cells against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Efficacy of feeding hydroxy-selenomethionine on plasma and milk selenium in mid-lactation dairy cows

In this study, we aimed to determine the amount of Se transferred to milk and blood of mid- to late-lactation dairy cows when supplemental Se from hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) was fed compared with an unsupplemented group and a group supplemented with a seleno-yeast (SY). Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows (178 ± 43 d in milk) were used in a complete randomized block design for 91 d (7-d covariate period and 84-d treatment period). Treatments were (1) basal diet with an analyzed Se background of 0.2 mg of Se per kg as-fed (control); (2) basal diet + 0.3 mg of Se/kg as-fed from SY (SY-0.3); (3) basal diet + 0.1 mg of Se/kg as-fed from OH-SeMet (OH-SeMet-0.1); and (4) basal diet + 0.3 mg of Se/kg as-fed from OH-SeMet (OH-SeMet-0.3). During the trial, plasma and milk were analyzed for total Se, and plasma was analyzed for glutathione peroxidase activity. The mean plasma and milk Se concentrations exhibited the same relationship, where OH-SeMet-0.3 resulted in the highest values (142 µg/L of plasma and 104 µg/kg of milk), followed by SY-0.3 (134 µg/L and 85 µg/kg), OH-SeMet-0.1 (122 µg/L and 67 µg/kg), and the control group had the lowest values (120 µg/L and 50 µg/kg). The increment of Se in milk induced by OH-SeMet-0.3 (+54 µg/kg) was 54% higher than that induced by SY-0.3 (+35 µg/kg). Additionally, dietary supplementation of 0.2 mg/kg Se from OH-SeMet in the total mixed ration was estimated to be similar to 0.3 mg/kg Se from SY in the total mixed ration when considering the level of Se in the milk. There was no difference in plasma glutathione peroxidase activity between groups; however, OH-SeMet-0.3 significantly decreased somatic cell count. The results confirmed that supplementation with organic Se increases milk and plasma Se concentrations. Moreover, when administered at the same level of supplementation, OH-SeMet was shown to be more efficient than SY in improving milk quality by increasing Se content and decreasing milk somatic cell count.

High Dietary Cation and Anion Difference and High-Dose Ascorbic Acid Modify Acid–Base and Antioxidant Balance in Dairy Goats Fed under Tropical Conditions

High ambient temperature (HTa) causes acid-base imbalance and systemic oxidative stress, and this may indirectly affect the mammary gland. Furthermore, HTa induces intracellular oxidative stress, which has been proposed to affect cell metabolism directly. We previously showed in dairy goats that the negative effect of HTa was compromised by enhancing heat dissipation during a high dietary cation and anion difference (DCAD) regimen. Moreover, high-dose vitamin C or ascorbic acid (AA) supplements have been used to manage oxidative stress in ruminants. The present study hypothesized that high DCAD and AA supplements that could alleviate the HTa effect would influence the milk synthesis pathway and mammary gland function. The results showed that goats fed with high DCAD had higher blood pH than control goats in the 4th week. The high dose of AA supplement decreases urine pH in the 8th week. The percent reduction of urine pH from the AA supplement was significant in the DCAD group. The high-dose AA supplement decreased plasma glutathione peroxidase activity and malonaldehyde. This effect was enhanced by a high DCAD supplement. In addition, supplementation with AA increased milk protein and citrate and decreased milk FFA. These alterations indicate the intracellular biochemical pathway of energy metabolism and milk synthesis. It can be concluded that a high DCAD regimen and AA supplement in dairy goats fed under HTa could influence the milk synthesis pathway. The evidence suggests that HTa decreases mammary gland function by modification of acid-base homeostasis and oxidative stress.

L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-Carboxylate, a Cysteine Precursor, Stimulates Growth and Normalizes Tissue Glutathione Concentrations in Rats Fed a Sulfur Amino Acid-Deficient Diet

The efficiency of L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate, a cysteine precursor, in stimulating glutathione synthesis and growth was evaluated in growing rats. Animals were fed a sulfur amino acid-deficient diet (0.25% L-methionine and no cysteine) supplemented with L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (0.35%) for 3 wk and compared with age-matched animals receiving the sulfur amino acid-deficient diet alone. Rats fed the sulfur amino acid-deficient diet had lower glutathione concentrations in bronchoalveolar lining fluid, lung, lymphocytes, and liver than rats fed a sulfur amino acid-deficient diet supplemented with L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate. Rats fed the supplemented diet had normal tissue and bronchoalveolar lining fluid glutathione levels. Central venous plasma glutathione concentrations, mostly reflecting liver excretion, were less affected by L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate supplementation. Rats fed L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate supplementation had normal weight gain compared with a much lower weight gain in animals fed the sulfur amino acid-deficient diet alone. Thus, L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate increased tissue glutathione concentrations and stimulated growth in rats. The lung glutathione status of the rats was reflected by glutathione concentrations in lymphocytes and the bronchoalveolar lining fluid, but not by the central venous plasma glutathione concentrations.

Dietary Supplements Potentially Target Plasma Glutathione Levels to Improve Cardiometabolic Health in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of death in people with diabetes mellitus. Severely suppressed intracellular antioxidant defenses, including low plasma glutathione (GSH) levels, are consistently linked with the pathological features of diabetes such as oxidative stress and inflammation. In fact, it has already been established that low plasma GSH levels are associated with increased risk of CVD in people with diabetes. Dietary supplements are widely used and may offer therapeutic benefits for people with diabetes at an increased risk of developing CVDs. However, such information remains to be thoroughly scrutinized. Hence, the current systematic review explored prominent search engines, including PubMed and Google Scholar, for updated literature from randomized clinical trials reporting on the effects of dietary supplements on plasma GSH levels in people with diabetes. Available evidence indicates that dietary supplements, such as coenzyme Q10, selenium, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E or D, may potentially improve cardiometabolic health in patients with diabetes. Such beneficial effects are related to enhancing plasma GSH levels and reducing cholesterol, including biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. However, available evidence is very limited and additional clinical studies are still required to validate these findings, including resolving issues related to the bioavailability of these bioactive compounds.

Breviscapine restores sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibiting NF-κB

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is featured by cognitive impairments in patients with high morbidity and mortality. Sevoflurane (SEV) is one of the main drugs used to maintain clinical general anesthesia and has been found to cause cognitive dysfunction. Breviscapine has various pharmacological effects. However, the effects of breviscapine on sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction is unclear. The sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction rat model was established. Morris water maze task was conducted to detect time in target quadrant, number of platform crossings, and the distance covered in the quadrant. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining was used to examine cell morphology. Cell apoptosis was analyzed through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) detected the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Western blot assay was conducted to measure the protein level. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay examined tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, plasma glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels. Breviscapine improved sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunctioning in rats. Breviscapine could play a suppressive role in apoptosis in the brain tissues of sevoflurane-induced rats. Further functional analysis showed that sevoflurane increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain tissues of sevoflurane-induced rats whereas breviscapine exerted apposite effects on sevoflurane-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, we demonstrated that breviscapine promoted sevoflurane-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) (PI3K/Akt) pathway and inhibited sevoflurane-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in the brain tissues of rats. These results indicate that breviscapine could improve sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction through activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and suppressing NF-κB pathway, which provides a therapeutic method for patients with sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction.

Effects of dietary β-glucan on growth rate, antioxidant status, immune response, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in genetic improvement of farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus)

This study was conducted to assess the influences of dietary β-glucan on growth rate, antioxidant status, immunity response, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% β-glucan, respectively. Fish with similar size (average body weight, 3.43 ± 0.02 g) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks with 40 juveniles per tank and hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 10 weeks. The fish were then challenged by A. hydrophila and their cumulative survival rate was recorded for the next week. No obvious influences on growth rate and feed utilization of GIFT were induced by dietary β-glucan addition (P > 0.05). However, dietary 0.4% β-glucan inclusion increased the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level but decreased the triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities (P < 0.05). Similarly, the increased intestinal superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) activities as well as the decreased intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species contents were also observed in GIFT fed diet with 0.4% β-glucan (P < 0.05). Dietary addition of 0.8% β-glucan increased the plasma SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and TAC activities, but reduced the plasma MDA content (P < 0.05). Dietary β-glucan inclusion regardless of levels improved the hepatic SOD, glutathione reductase, catalase, peroxidase, TAC, and acid phosphatase activities, but depressed the hepatic nitric oxide and MDA contents (P < 0.05). Plasma lysozyme activity was improved by the inclusion of 0.4% and 0.8% β-glucan (P < 0.05); plasma immunoglobulin M, complement 3 and complement 4 contents were improved by dietary β-glucan inclusion (P < 0.05); respiratory burst activity of macrophages was improved by the addition of 0.2% β-glucan (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary β-glucan supplementation reduced the mortality rate and increased the relative percentage survival of GIFT challenged by A. hydrophila (P < 0.05). These results indicated that suitable β-glucan inclusion (0.4–0.8%) could promote the antioxidant status, immune response and disease resistance of GIFT, and β-glucan can be used as a feed additive for GIFT.

Oxygen-Dependent Blood Processes in Beck's Sarcoidosis

The objective: to assess the state of oxygen-dependent blood processes in patients with Beck's sarcoidosis.Subjects and Methods. Parameters of blood oxygen transport function and free radical lipid oxidation, as well as the content of nitrogen monoxide and hydrogen sulfide gas transmitters were assessed in the blood of 75 patients (41 women; 34 men) with Beck's sarcoidosis, stage 2 (the pulmonary mediastinal form).Results. In the pulmonary mediastinal form of sarcoidosis versus healthy individuals, there was a decrease in the degree of blood oxygen saturation from 65.4 (60.6; 67.8) to 41.50 (36.0; 49.8), p &lt; 0.05, %, partial oxygen pressure from 40.0 (38.0; 47.0) to 23.0 (18.3; 29.0) mmHg, p &lt; 0.05, and blood pH increased. A decrease in the index of hemoglobin affinity to oxygen p50real (26.80 (24.70; 31.40), p &lt; 0.05, versus healthy individuals 28.2 (27.9; 29.1) mmHg) was revealed. The level of diene conjugates increased in plasma by 86.4% (p &lt; 0.05) and malondialdehyde increased in erythrocytes by 139.2% (p &lt; 0.05), while the following parameters decreased: α-tocopherol (by 42.7 %, p &lt; 0.05), retinol (by 41.9%, p &lt; 0.05), reduced glutathione (by 30.4%, p &lt; 0.05), and ceruloplasmin (by 22.3%, p &lt; 0.05) in plasma. There was an increase in the concentration of nitrogen monoxide (from 15.42 (14.48; 17.71) to 17.09 (7.04; 25.09), mmol/L) and a decrease in hydrogen sulfide (from 29.01 (25.21; 37.03) to 13.08 (8.63; 20.46), mmol/L) in the blood in case of this pathology.Conclusion. There is a deterioration in the blood oxygen-binding properties in patients with Beck's sarcoidosis, stage 2, and as a consequence, tissue needs in oxygen are not adequately provided by blood circulation. There is an increase in the concentration of nitrogen monoxide and a decrease in hydrogen sulfide, which affects the oxygen transport function of blood which may be important for ensuring the processes of oxygen transfer to tissues. In this pathology, activation of lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the level of antioxidant protection factors of blood were revealed which might be important for the genesis of this disease.

Microplastic and oil pollutant agglomerates synergistically intensify toxicity in the marine fish, Asian seabass, Lates calcalifer

Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer frys were exposed to polystyrene (MP: 0.5 mg/l), oil (0.83 ml/l) and agglomerates (MP + oil + Corexit) as eight treatments in three replicates, and fresh synthetic marine water (control) for 15 days. The synergistic effect was confirmed (P ˂ 0.05) by bio-indicators including RBC count, total plasma protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), basophils, thrombocyte and eosinophils percentages. Most of the significant and synergistic effects were observed in the highest doses (5 mg/l MP and 5 mg/l MP-oil-dispersant). Exposure to MP and a combination of MP+ oil caused tissue lesions in gill, liver and intestine. Our results suggest there are no critical health issues for Asian seabass in natural environments. However, the bioaccumulation of MPs, oil, and their agglomerates in consumers' bodies may remain a concern.

Anti-oxidant effect of N-acetyl cysteine in dogs with chronic kidney disease

The present study was carried out with the objectives of assessing oxidative stress in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and evaluating response to treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Dogs diagnosed with stage III CKD as per the guidelines of the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) were included in the study. The animals were divided into two groups. Animals of one group were given standard therapy for CKD and the animals of the second group were administered NAC along with standard therapy. Oxidative stress parameters such as total antioxidant status (TAS), serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were studied. On the day of presentation, a significant increase in the mean values of serum MDA and TAS were observed in diseased animals compared to healthy animals, whereas a significant decline was noted in plasma GSH-Px activity. After treatment, a significant decline in serum MDA and TAS were recorded in animals of group II receiving NAC therapy. A significant increase in plasma glutathione GSH-Px activity was recorded in this group. N-acetyl cysteine therapy was found to be effective in the management of oxidative stress in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Electronic cigarettes with different nicotine concentrations in unflavoured liquid induce oxidative stress

Background/Aim: Nicotine content and flavour in electronic cigarette (e-cig) liquids have been demonstrated to cause oxidative stress in acute exposure. However, the chronic effects of using unflavoured and with or without nicotine in e-cigs liquid have not been evaluated. This in vivo study aims to investigate the chronic effect of e-cig exposure with unflavoured liquids at different nicotine concentrations on oxidative stress. Methods: The 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each. Normal, as a control group. Nic 0, Nic 6 and Nic 12 groups were exposed to unflavoured e-cig liquid for eight weeks with different nicotine concentrations: 0, 6 and 12 mg/mL, respectively. E-cig exposure in rats was conducted using an exposure instrument adjusted to real-life exposure to humans. Oxidative stress markers, including plasma, liver and lung malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as plasma catalase (Cat) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed at the end of the study. Results: Unflavoured e-cig liquids induced oxidative stress in a nicotine concentration-dependent manner, in which the nicotine content of 12 mg/mL demonstrated the greatest response. There was a significant increase in plasma, liver and lung MDA and concurrently decreased plasma and selected organs SOD, as well as plasma Cat and GPx in all nicotine concentration exposed groups compared to the Normal group. Conclusions: Chronic unflavoured liquids in e-cig exposure at different nicotine concentrations induced oxidative stress, potentially leading to various oxidative stress-induced diseases.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and efficacy of antioxidant therapy in dogs with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis

The present study was conducted to evaluate the alterations in oxidative stress parameters in dogs suffering from haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Dogs presented with vomiting and diarrhoea were screened and fifteen animals with signs suggestive of HGE were included in the study. The oxidative stress parameters, serummalondialdehyde (MDA) level, total antioxidant status (TAS) and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were studied. The values were compared with the values from six apparently healthy dogs. A significant increase was noticed in the mean values of serum MDA and TAS of diseased animals at the time of presentation when compared to healthy animals whereas the activity of plasma GSH-Px was found to be lower than in healthy dogs. Supplementation with N-acetyl cysteine @ 70 mg/kg or five days was found effective in managing the oxidative injury in the affected animals.

Black Mulberry (Morus Nigra L.) juice has positive effects on spermatological parameters in male New Zealand White rabbits

The current study aimed to investigate the possible effects of black mulberry juice (BMJ) consumption on spermatologic parameters, oxidant/antioxidant activity, and seminal plasma testosterone concentrations of male rabbits. Twenty-four healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6). By oral gavage, 3.0 mL of distilled water, 0.75 mL BMJ + 2.25 distilled water, 1.50 mL BMJ + 1.5 mL distilled water, and 3 mL BMJ per 1 kg body weight were given daily for 9 weeks to rabbits in the C, LD, MD, and HD groups, respectively. Ejaculates were taken at the beginning and end of the experiments. Progressive motility, sperm concentration, and intact sperm rates were significantly increased especially in MD and HD groups. A significant decrease in malondialdehyde concentrations was apparent due to BMJ consumption. Moreover, there was a marked increase in catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels in the seminal plasma of the MD and HD groups. The current results indicated that, although seminal plasma protein levels and seminal plasma glutathione levels were not altered, overall oral BMJ treatments were able to improve sperm quality and antioxidant states of the male rabbits.