Plasma Total Protein Levels Research Articles

Toxicological, hematological and immunological effects of levamisole and ivermectin diet supplementation on Colossoma macropomum (Serrasalmidae).

This study investigated the toxicological, hematological and immunological effects of diets supplemented with levamisole and ivermectin on Colossoma macropomum. Fish were fed for 24, 96 and 240 h with diets containing 300, 600, 900 and 1200 mg of levamisole kg-1 of feed. None of the levamisole concentrations caused either mortality or behavioral alterations among the fish over 10 d of feeding. In comparison, a single feeding of ivermectin at 4500, 9000, 13500 or 18000 mg kg-1 caused 100% mortality among the fish within 10 h. There were no alterations in erythrocyte parameters or albumin in any treatments with levamisole after 24, 96 and 240 h of feeding. At concentrations of 900 and 1200 mg kg-1, levamisole caused decreases in the albumin-to-globulin ratio compared to the control group and the 300 and 600 mg kg-1 diet treatment groups. Levels of glucose and total plasma protein were higher in the fish fed with 600, 900 and 1200 mg kg-1 than in the controls and the 300 mg kg-1 diet treatment group. After 10 d of receiving feed supplemented with levamisole, globulin levels were higher in the 600 mg kg-1 group than in the controls. Respiratory burst activity of leukocytes also increased in the fish supplemented with the 900 and 1200 mg kg-1 diets compared to the controls and other treatments. This is the first study to investigate how diets supplemented with these drugs affect C. macropomum. Our research indicates that all the levamisole concentrations tested can be used in the diet of C. macropomum for antiparasitic treatments against helminth species, and that dietary treatments with levamisole can stimulate components of the innate immune system.

Successful treatment of hypogammaglobulinaemia in a camel calf (Camelus dromedarius) by maternal blood transfusion

A well-functioning humoral immune response is critical for the immune function of neonatal camel calves. A two-week-old dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) calf was presented for examination. Leucocytosis and neutrophilia with...

Plasma antioxidant and hepatic enzymes activity, thyroid hormones alterations and health status of liver tissue in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to lufenuron

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lufenuron as new practical pesticide on the health of one important fish species in aquaculture, common carp. The LC50 of lufenuron after 96 h was 1.089 mg/L in juvenile common carp (48 ± 4.25 g in weight). Behavior and mortality were investigated during the acute toxicity. The fish showed loss of equilibrium, erratic and lateral swimming and motionless. To determine the chronic effects of lufenuron, the fish distributed into 8 tanks as two treatments (4 tanks per treatment). They were exposed to 0 (control) and lufenuron (0.1 mg/L; 10% LC50-96 h concentration) and sampled at 7th and 21st days for blood biochemical analyses and at 21st day foe liver histopathological examinations. Plasma total protein and globulin levels of the lufenuron-exposed fish decreased significantly compared to the control fish. Lufenuron exposure increased plasma ALP, ALT and AST activities compared to the control group. Sampling time and lufenuron exposure had interaction effect on the plasma LDH activity. The plasma LDH activity of the lufenuron-exposed fish increased after 7 days exposure compared to the control group, but showed no significant difference compared to the control group after 21 days. The plasma T3 level declined in the lufenuron-exposed fish without significant changes in the plasma T4 levels. The plasma SOD activity in the lufenuron-exposed fish increased compared to the control group at the first sampling time, but there was no significant difference in the plasma SOD activities of the lufenuron-exposed and control fish after 21 days. Lufenuron exposure and sampling time had no independent or interaction effects of the plasma CAT activities. Plasma TBARS levels of the lufenuron-exposed fish had no significant difference compared to the control group after 7 day, but significantly increased after 21 days lufenuron exposure. Hepatocyte necrosis, melanomacrophage aggregates and sinusoidal space expansion were observed in the liver samples of the lufenuron-exposed fish.

Impaired metabolic and hepatic functions following subcutaneous lipectomy in adult obese rats.

What is the central question of this study? What is the impact and drawbacks of subcutaneous lipectomy on body metabolism? What is the main finding and its importance? Subcutaneous lipectomy resulted in deterioration of hepatic functions, atherosclerotic lipid profile and disturbed redox state. While the results support lipectomy as an effective treatment for obesity, lipectomy induces unfavourable changes in health. The number of obese older adults is on the rise, but data about proper treatment of obesity in the elderly is controversial. The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness and consequences of partial subcutaneous lipectomy, as a rapid medical intervention against increased accumulation of body fat, in adult obese rats. The study was conducted on adult (9-12months) female rats, in which obesity was induced by bilateral surgical ovariectomy. They were randomized into two main groups: short term (5weeks) and long term (10weeks). Both groups were subdivided into control, ovariectomized (OVX) and ovariectomized lipectomized groups. Body weight (BW) was measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and plasma levels of total proteins, albumin, liver enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), leptin and adiponectin were determined. The content of both blood and hepatic tissue of reduced glutathione was estimated. In addition, histological study of the liver, aorta and peri-renal fat was performed. Compared to controls, OVX rats showed significant increase in BW, BMI and plasma levels of liver enzymes, MDA and leptin. Histological study revealed vacuolated ballooned hepatocytes and enlarged irregular visceral adipocytes with atherosclerotic changes in the wall of aorta. Following subcutaneous lipectomy, rats exhibited significant fasting hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, lowered plasma albumin and disturbed redox state with aggravation of the histological changes. The findings indicate that although subcutaneous lipectomy appears to be effective in combating obesity in older females, it has unfavourable effects on both metabolic and hepatic functions.

Long-term patient follow-up after post-kidney transplant symptomatic lymphocele therapy.

Symptomatic lymphocele could impair the function of agraft kidney. The aim of our research was to conduct afive-year follow-up after symptomatic lymphocele therapy. Overall 50 patients undergoing the therapy of symptomatic lymphocele were enrolled in the study cohort. Demographic data, renal failure causes, indication of therapy and lymphocele management were retrospectively evaluated. Laboratory tests were done to evaluate serum creatinine, total plasma protein and albumin levels. Survival rates of the patients and of the grafts were analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. The mean age of the 50 patients (44% females, 56% males) was 51.5±11.8 years, and the time between kidney transplantation and symptomatic lymphocele diagnosis was 12.8±21.5 months. Average lymphocele diameter was 71±35 mm. Causes of the native kidney failure were: glomerulonephritis (34%), tubulointerstitial nephritis (30%), polycystosis (24%), diabetic nephropathy (10%) and nephrosclerosis (2%). The therapy indications were: serum creatinine elevation (44%), graft hydronephrosis (38%), serum creatinine elevation associated with hydronephrosis (8%), infection associated with hydronephrosis (6%) and infection (4%). The lymphocele was managed by: open surgical intraperitoneal drainage (40%), percutaneous aspiration (26%), percutaneous long-term drainage (18%) and laparoscopic intraperitoneal drainage (16%). Mean serum creatinine levels at the time of the therapy and 60 months later were 231 µmol/L and 172 µmol/L, respectively; total plasma protein levels were 59 g/L and 69 g/L, respectively; albumin plasma levels were 36 g/L and 43 g/L, respectively. The five-year patient survival rate was 86% and the graft survival rate was 66%. Adequate management of symptomatic lymphocele stabilizes the graft function. If the post-transplant lymphocele is indicated for therapy, the therapy should be applied as soon as possible to prevent fibrous changes in the surrounding tissues. No patient death or graft loss had any direct relationship with lymphocele management.

Influence Of Total Body Controlled Hyperthermic Perfusion on Levels of Heat Shock Proteins 70 kDa in Patients with Active Infective Endocarditis

Development of infective endocarditis initiates a complex immunological response of the organism changing over time: the prevalence of pro-and anti-inflammatory mechanisms at the beginning is replaced by immunosuppression. A significant role in antigen presentation, cross-presentation, activation of macrophages and lymphocytes play the heat shock proteins 70 kDa (HSP).
 The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between systemic inflammatory response and HSP 70 kDa values in patients operated on under the total body controlled hyper-thermic perfusion (TBCHP).
 Materials and methods.The study included 18 patients with active infective valve endocarditis operated from 01.01.2016 to 01.01.2017 with the use of TBCHP. Assessment of the relationship between clinical characteristics of patients with infective endocarditis and the level of heat shock protein 70 kDa was performed preoperatively, 2 hours after TBCHP, 8 hours after TBCHP, 20 hours after TBCHP.
 Results.The presence of high levels of heat shock proteins 70 kDa (5.6 ± 3.3 ng/ml) pre-operatively indicated the depression of cellular and humoral immunity. Reduction in total blood plasma protein level as an indicator of catabolism was also combined with the registration of higher values of HSP70 kDa. After 2 hours after TBCHP a wide range of HSP 70 kDa levels was observed. A blood test performed after 2 hours after TBCHP showed HSP70 kDa – average level of 6.06 ± 3.8 ng/ml. Values range between 0.96 to 9.08 ng/ml. According to these data it was possible to distinguish two subgroups of patients who differ significantly in the average values of HSP70 kDa after TBCHP. There was a general tendency to reduce the values of HSP 70kDa from the initial preoperative level to the end of 20 hour after TBCHP – 5.6 ± 3.3 ng/ml and 1.6 ± 0.68 ng/ml correspondingly (p = 0.116).
 Conclusion. Taking into account the previously identified preoperative relationships between HSP70 kDa level and clinical parameters of patients we may suggest that reduction of HSP 70 kDa corresponds with elimination of signs of the syndrome of persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism.

Evaluation of single and combined effects of cadmium and micro-plastic particles on biochemical and immunological parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The growing accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments is a global concern. MPs are capable to interact with other environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, altering their toxicity. The aim of the study was to investigate the sub-lethal effects of cadmium chloride (Cd) alone and in combination with MPs on common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Multi-biomarkers, including plasma biochemical parameters and intrinsic immunological factors, were measured after 30 days of exposure. Exposure to Cd or NPs reduced the plasma activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Exposure to both compounds enhanced the observed effects except for AST activity and ALP at the highest concentrations, whereas evidenced an antagonistic interaction in ALT. Plasma total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were decreased, and the levels of glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels increased mainly in the Cd groups with no additional effects derived from the co-exposure to both stressors. Lysozyme and alternative complement (ACH50) activities and the levels of total immunoglobulins, and complement C3 and C4 in fish exposed to Cd and MPs were lower than those in the control group and this decrease was more significant by the mixture of both compounds. These findings showed that the exposure to Cd or MPs alone is toxic to fish altering the biochemical and immunological parameters. Moreover, these alterations are even greater when the Cd and the MPS are combined suggesting synergistic effects in increasing Cd toxicity and vice versa.

Population pharmacokinetics of intravenous sufentanil in critically ill patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy

BackgroundSufentanil is commonly used for analgesia and sedation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Both ECMO and the pathophysiological changes derived from critical illness have significant effects on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of drugs, yet reports of ECMO and sufentanil PK are scarce. Here, we aimed to develop a population PK model of sufentanil in ECMO patients and to suggest dosing recommendations.MethodsThis prospective cohort PK study included 20 patients who received sufentanil during venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO). Blood samples were collected for 96 h during infusion and 72 h after cessation of sufentanil. A population PK model was developed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the final PK parameters with two typical doses.ResultsA two-compartment model best described the PK of sufentanil. In our final model, increased volume of distribution and decreased values for clearance were reported compared with previous PK data from non-ECMO patients. Covariate analysis showed that body temperature and total plasma protein level correlated positively with systemic clearance (CL) and peripheral volume of distribution (V2), respectively, and improved the model. The parameter estimates of the final model were as follows: CL = 37.8 × EXP (0.207 × (temperature − 36.9)) L h−1, central volume of distribution (V1) = 229 L, V2 = 1640 × (total plasma protein/4.5)2.46 L, and intercompartmental clearance (Q) = 41 L h−1. Based on Monte Carlo simulation results, an infusion of 17.5 μg h−1 seems to reach target sufentanil concentration (0.3–0.6 μg L−1) in most ECMO patients except hypothermic patients (33 °C). In hypothermic patients, over-sedation, which could induce respiratory depression, needs to be monitored especially when their total plasma protein level is low.ConclusionsThis is the first report on a population PK model of sufentanil in ECMO patients. Our results suggest that close monitoring of the body temperature and total plasma protein level is crucial in ECMO patients who receive sufentanil to provide effective analgesia and sedation and promote recovery.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT02581280, December 1st, 2014.

Body Weight and Blood Biochemical Changes Following Nutritional Supplementation in Prepubertal Jaffrabadi Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Heifers

The high plan of nutrition right from an early age is believed to enhance ovarian activity and early onset of puberty in heifers. This study was therefore conducted to know the body weight, ovarian and blood biochemical changes in nutritionally supplemented and control groups of prepubertal Jaffrabadi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers. A total of 12 animals of 30 ± 2 month's age and the identical body weight of 380–410 kg from Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh were utilized for this study. They were randomly divided into two equal groups of 6 animals in each treatment and control groups. The heifers of the treatment group were supplemented with bypass fat (100 g), bypass protein (950 g) and chelated mineral mixture (50 g) over the routine farm feeding practices of control group, and its effect on body weight gain and blood biochemical profiles were studied at a monthly interval during 6 months of experimental period. The overall effect of nutritional supplementation on animals body weight, blood glucose and total cholesterol over the control group was statistically non-significant (p greator than 0.05) yet beneficial. The plasma total protein levels in the supplemented group increased with a duration of supplement and levels were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher over the control group. The ovarian dynamics evaluated by transrectal ultrasound during last three months of the study revealed an increasing number of growing follicles greator than 4 mm in diameters (5.00 ± 0.13 to 6.67 ± 0.40), without significant variation in diameters of largest follicles (9.14 ± 0.45 to 10.27 ± 0.85 mm) between groups or periods. However, none of the heifers exhibited behavioral signs of estrus during 6 months study, in spite of the establishment of cyclicity with the presence of developed follicles, or CLs suggesting silent ovulation, at 36 ± 2 months of age in this breed.

Blood Biochemical, Hormonal and Mineral Status of Cyclic, Acyclic, Endometriotic and Pregnant Crossbred Cows

A study was carried out on infertile (acyclic and endometriotic) crossbred cows under field and normal cyclic (all 4 phases of cycle) as well as pregnant (3, 6, 9 month) crossbred cows of University farm to evaluate the plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) hormones by RIA, and plasma total protein, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus concentrations by using assay kits on chemistry analyzer. The mean progesterone levels in cows during the diestrus phase and in pregnancy were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than those during proestrus, estrus, metestrus, anestrus, and endometritis status. At six month of gestation, the mean P4 level was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than at early or late gestation. The mean E2 values at estrus and 9th month of gestation were highest (p less than 0.01) as compared to another status. The mean plasma total protein and cholesterol levels were significantly (p less than 0.05) lower during six and nine months of pregnancy than during cyclic and acyclic stages. The cholesterol profile of all three stages of pregnancy and endometriotic cows were statistically similar, though distinctly low at 9 month of pregnancy. Plasma levels of P4 and E2 thus correlated with the physiological and clinical status of cows, while cholesterol levels reflected steroidogenic status. The mean plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus concentrations of cyclic, acyclic, pregnant and endometriotic cows, however, did not differ significantly.

Kidney disease in natural infection by Ehrlichia canis in dogs

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, caused by the intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis, can affect different organs, including the kidneys, in different stages of infection, and kidney involvement is considered one of the main causes of death related to the disease. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of kidney disease in dogs naturally infected with E. canis and to correlate antibody levels with the severity of renal disease. Serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, and proteins (albumin and globulin), along with urine concentration, urine gamma-glutamyl transferase, and urine protein levels, were evaluated in 60 dogs with E. canis infection diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction. The detection of anti-E. canis antibodies was also performed for each dog. Of the 60 dogs with E. canis infection, 73.33% presented anti-E. canis antibodies. Laboratory abnormalities consistent with renal disease were observed in 33 (55%) infected dogs, and of these, 43.3% were in stage I chronic kidney disease. A positive correlation was observed between antibody levels and total plasma protein (p = 0.0332) and serum globulin (p = 0.0057) levels. In this study, renal disease was observed on routine laboratory testing in 55% of dogs with monocytic ehrlichiosis; however, there was no correlation between the stage of renal disease and the antibody titer against E. canis.

Biochemical changes in Curimbatá subjected to transport stress and exposed to an agricultural fair

Fish known as Curimbata (Prochilodus lineatus) suffered a reduction in natural stocks due to predatory fishing and environmental deterioration; these are among the reasons for increased interest in the inclusion of this species in agricultural fairs. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether transport and exposure to an agricultural fair alters plasma biochemical parameters in curimbatas. Blood samples were collected at 0 h (before transport), 10 h (end of transport), and 72 h (end of exposure to agricultural fair). Plasma cortisol levels increased after 72-h exposure to agricultural fair compared with initial collection (0 h). Plasma reactive oxygen species levels were lower in fish at 72-h exposure to agricultural fairs compared with those at initial collection, while plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were higher after 10 h of transport than at initial collection (0 h). Plasma superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activities were lower after 10 h of transport than at initial collection, while plasma glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in fish exposed for 72 h at the agricultural fair compared with initial collection (0 h). Plasma total protein, albumin, and glucose levels were higher after 10 h of transport than at initial collection, while triglycerides levels were higher after 10 h of transport and 72-h exposure to the agricultural fair than at initial collection. The transport of these fish (average weight 209 g) for display agricultural fairs causes stress demonstrated by biochemical changes and increases in antioxidant enzyme activity, resulting in decreases of reactive oxygen species.

Effect of Nickel Supplementation on Liver and Kidney Function Test and Protein Metabolism in Growing Cattle

This study was conducted to assess the nickel (Ni) content of commonly available feedstuffs and their supplemental effect on biomarkers of liver and kidney function and protein metabolism in growing cattle. Eighteen growing Hariana heifers were randomly assigned to three groups for 90 days and managed on similar feeding regimen except that these three groups were supplemented with 0.0 (Ni0.0), 1.5 (Ni1.5), and 3.0 (Ni3.0) of Ni/kg DMI. Cereal grain by-products, cakes and meals, green fodders, molasses, and compounded concentrate were high in Ni content. Cereal grains, straw, and stovers were moderate to low in Ni content. Dietary supplementation of 3.0 mg of Ni/kg DMI showed linear increase (P < 0.01) in average daily gain. No effects of treatments were observed on haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value, aspartate aminotransferase level, alanine aminotransferase level, and alkaline phosphatase level. Circulating levels of bilirubin (P < 0.05) and creatinine (P < 0.01) showed dose-dependent increase with supplemental Ni. Heifers receiving diet supplemented with Ni showed higher (P < 0.001) plasma urease activity, plasma levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and plasma urea nitrogen as compared to non-supplemented heifers. Ni supplementation showed a trend of linear increase (P < 0.001) in plasma Ni concentrations, and Ni level was observed highest in Ni3.0 group. Mean plasma iron (Fe) concentration showed no effect of Ni supplementation. The results of the present study indicate that Ni supplementation seems to improve performance in growing cattle by modulating urease activity and protein metabolism.

Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation rescues the glomerular filtration barrier and epithelial cellular junctions in a renovascular hypertension model.

What is the central question of this study? Can a single bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplant into the subcapsular region of kidney improve cellular communication and adhesion, while restoring renal tissue cytoarchitecture and function during renovascular hypertension? What is the main finding and its importance? The BMMC transplantation restored connexin40 expression and led to recovery of N- and E-cadherin levels within 15 days. It was observed, for the first time, that BMMC transplantation restores expression of nephrin, a component of the glomerular filtration barrier related to podocytes and the glomerular basal membrane. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential treatment for renal diseases owing to the regenerative potential of stem cells. However, a better understanding of the morphological and functional changes of damaged renal cells in the presence of transplanted stem cells is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate cell-cell communication and adhesion in renal parenchyma, with analysis of fibrosis, to evaluate renal morphology and function after bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation in two-kidney-one-clip rats. The BMMC therapy significantly decreased blood pressure and renin expression, improved renal morphology and restored the glomerular filtration barrier, with remodelling of podocytes. In addition, there was a reduction in fibrosis, and connexin40 and nephrin expression were significantly increased after 7 and 15 days of transplantation. Plasma creatinine, urea and total protein levels were restored, and proteinuria was reduced. Furthermore, N- and E-cadherin expression was increased soon after BMMC therapy. Green fluorescent protein-positive BMMCs were found in the renal cortex 24 and 48h after transplantation into the renal subcapsule, and at 7 and 15 days after transplantation, these cells were observed throughout the renal medulla, indicating cellular migration. Therefore, these data suggest that transplanted BMMCs improve cell-cell communication and adhesion between damaged cells, which is accompanied by a recovery of renal morphology and function.

Glycerol monolaurate in the diet of broiler chickens replacing conventional antimicrobials: Impact on health, performance and meat quality

Glycerol monolaurate (GML), known as lauric acid, is a chemical compound formed from lauric acid and glycerol that presents strong antimicrobial activity. Therefore, our hypothesis is that MGL can replace conventional antimicrobials, being a new alternative to poultry farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of GML as a replacement for antibiotics could have positive effects on health and performance of broiler chickens. For this, 240, one-day-old, Cobb 500 broiler chicks were weighed and randomly distributed into four groups with four repetitions each (n = 15). The control group, T0, received a basal diet containing antibiotic (60 ppm of bacitracin), while the T100, T200, and T300 groups received a basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of GML, respectively. The birds were weighed at intervals of seven days, as well as at the end of the experiment (day 42). Blood samples were collected for evaluating animal health, stool for counting bacteria and coccidian, as well as muscle (chest) to measure meat quality, respectively. At the end of the experiment (day 42), body weight, weight gain, and daily weight gain of broiler chickens in the T300 group were higher than the T0 group (P < 0.05). Indeed, feed conversion was lower compared to T0. Animals that received diets containing GML showed lower amounts of Eimeria spp. oocysts on day 42 in comparison to the control group. Low total bacterial counts on day 21 of the experiment were also observed in the treated groups. Conversely, plasma levels of total protein, globulins, uric acid, and glucose were higher in animals that received GML when compared to the control group. It was also observed higher carcass yields in the breast muscle of the T100 group when compared to other groups. Lower water holding capacity was observed in breast meat of animals of the groups T100, T200, and T300 when compared to T0. Histopathological findings were compatible with coccidiosis, and the degree of these lesions did not differ among groups. Based on these results, GML in the diets of broiler chickens, showing potent antimicrobial effect, growth promoter capacity, and lack of toxicity. Therefore, GML is a promising alternative to replace conventional antimicrobials used in the diets of broiler chickens.

The protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. hydroalcoholic extract on TNF-α production, oxidative stress, and insulin level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Oxidative stress leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, which causes tissue injury in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Zataria multiflora extract on TNF-α, oxidative stress products, and insulin levels as well as lipid profile in diabetic rats. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 10 animals. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Control and diabetic control rats orally received 1 mL/day of normal saline, whereas the other three groups received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day of Z. multiflora extract, and one non-diabetic group orally received 1000 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora extract, for 28 days. At the end of the treatment course, rats were anesthetized and their serum samples were analyzed for TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid profile, total plasma protein, blood glucose, insulin, and liver enzymes levels. Our results showed that cholesterol, LDL, TG, MDA and TNF-α levels decreased, but HDL, SOD, TAC, and total protein increased significantly in the diabetic group receiving 1000 mg/kg Z. multiflora compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05). Moreover, blood glucose level was significantly reduced following administration of different concentrations of Z. multiflora. Liver sections of diabetic rats treated with Z. multiflora 1000 mg/kg showed normal hepatocytes and restoration of liver architecture. Z. multiflora extract ameliorated oxidative stress, TNF-α serum level, lipid abnormality, blood glucose, and liver damage in rats with diabetes mellitus.

Effect of different levels of iron sulfate on some haematological parameters of ship sturgeon, Acipenser nudiventris

The present study was conduct to examine different dietary levels of iron (FeSo4) on some haematological parameters of Ship sturgeon, Acipenser nudiventris including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBCs), differential WBCs, hematocrit (Hct), Hemoglobin (Hb), the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), immunoglobulin (IgM), ferritin, transferrin and plasma Fe2+. Four experimental treatments and one control group with three replicates were considered for the experiment. The experimental treatments were fish fed by experimental diets containing different levels of FeSo4 i.e. 100, 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg diet. After 60 days, there were significant differences between experimental groups in terms of WBCs, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, MCH and MCHC, MCV, total plasma protein, IgM, ferritin, transferrin and plasma Fe2+ (P<0.05). In 100 mg.iron/kg.diet treatment, more levels of IgM and total plasma protein were observed compared to other experimental groups (P<0.05). The highest values of neutrophils, monocytes and MCHC were found in control fish whereas MCV, MCH and eosinophils values were higher in 200 mg iron/kg.diet treatment (P<0.05). Also, more WBCs were observed in 250 mg.iron/kg.diet treatment than in other groups (P<0.05). The values of lymphocytes, RBC, Hct, Hb, ferritin, transferrin and plasma Fe2+ were higher in fish fed by 300 mg.iron/kg.diet compared to other experimental groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that the supplementation of ship sturgeon diet with high levels of iron enhances the RBC, Hct, Hb, ferritin, transferrin and plasma iron.

Utilisation of essential oils as a natural growth promoter for broiler chickens

This study assessed the impacts of essential oils (EOs) consisting of 4.5 g cinnamaldehyde and 13.5 g thymol per 100 g of EOs as phytogenic growth promoters in broiler diet. A total of 216, one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly allotted into six groups, each with six replicates. The 1st group was fed a basal diet (Control) without supplementation; the 2nd group was fed the basal diet including zinc bacitracin (ZnB); the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th groups were fed the basal diet including EOs at 25 (EOs_25), 50 (EOs_50), 100 (EOs_100) and 150 (EOs_150) mg/kg diet, respectively. The group EOs_150 showed significantly increased (p < .05) body weight gain (BWG), enhanced feed conversion rate (FCR) and production efficiency index (PEI) compared to the other groups, except for EOs_100. Increasing concentrations of EOs above 25 mg/kg significantly (p < .05) increased protein, lipid and fibre digestibility; the addition of EOs also increased the amount of edible parts and dressing percentage of carcases. Diets EOs_100 and EOs_150 resulted in significantly increased plasma total protein and globulin levels, while EOs_150 led to higher plasma glucose concentrations. From the findings, supplementation with 100 mg/kg EOs in encapsulated, heat-stable forms could be used as an alternative growth promoter to ZnB in broiler chickens.Highlight• Essential oils can replace antibiotic in broiler nutrition with no adverse effects on growth performance.• Essential oils improved total edible parts and dressing percentage.• Essential oils enhanced digestibility of protein, lipid and fibre. Thus essential oils contained of 4.5 g cinnamaldehyde and 13.5 g thymol per 100 g can be used at 100 mg/kg feed as alternative growth promoter for broilers chickens.

Effect of Punica granatum peel and Vitis vinifera seeds on Biochemical Indices in DEN induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

Plants have been the source of traditional medicines for many diseases known to mankind. Many materials which are considered as waste products from plants are reservoir of phytochemicals possessing important biological activities. In the current study the hepatoprotective potential of Punica granatum peel and Vitis vinifera seeds were evaluated in rats against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as normal control group, the second group received DEN at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight by Single intraperitoneal administration. The third one received DEN as in DEN-treated group and co-treated with 400 mg/kg Punica granatum peel extract (EPGP). The final group also received DEN and co-treated with 400 mg/kg Vitis vinifera seeds extract (EVVS). DEN administration to rats resulted in significantly elevated levels of serum AFP, bilirubin, triglycerides, cholesterol and urea. The levels of plasma total protein, albumin and blood glucose were significantly decreased in DEN treated rats. No significant changes were noted in creatinine levels of DEN induced rats. Co-treatment with the Punica granatum peel and Vitis vinifera seed extracts orally for 12 weeks significantly reversed the DEN induced alterations of above mentioned parameters in the serum. The present study indicates that both the selected extracts exhibits good hepatoprotectivity against diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocellular damage in rats.

Hepatoprotective and Anti-oxidant effects of Nepeta Ispahanica Boiss extract on CCL4 induced liver Injury

Background: Natural products might be applicable as remedial agents with their roles in oxidative stress regulation and as natural antioxidants. In this regard, Nepeta ispahanica bioss has been utilized in traditional medicine for several functions. Despite numerous properties of the Nepeta species including their antioxidant properties, Nepeta ispahanica boiss effects against hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) have not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Nepeta ispahanica boiss on CCL4 induced acute hepatic injury in an animal model. Materials and Methods: The experiment used a total of 36 male Wistar rats, that were divided into six groups. Except for the intact control groups, all groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 after pre‐treatment period with distilled water, Nepeta ispahanica boiss extracts, or legalon. After 24 hours, rats were anesthetized, sacrificed and blood samples were obtained. Serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB), urea and plasma levels of total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. Besides, SOD and CAT enzyme activities and GSH levels were determined. Histopathological studies also were done in liver tissue samples. Results: After the CCl4 injection, oxidative stress‐mediated necrotic acute liver injuries were observed. Also, serum ALP, AST, and ALT elevated. Hepatic lipid peroxidation and related decrease of endogenous antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes; lipid peroxidation markers, and oxidative stress markers were presented. Nevertheless, histological and biochemical markers of liver injury were reserved by the pre‐treatment with Nepeta ispahanica boiss extracts. Conclusion: The present study confirmed that the administration of Nepeta ispahanica boiss extracts before exposure to CCl4, induced significant hepatoprotective effects. These findings verified that Nepeta ispahanica boiss has favorable properties as an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent.