Total Plasma Protein Research Articles

Dietary garlic (Allium sativum) powder improved zootechnical performance, digestive enzymes activity, and innate immunity in narrow-clawed crayfish (Postantacus leptodactylus)

In this study, the dietary effect of garlic powder (GP) as an herbal supplement on the growth performance, digestive enzymes, innate immunity, and antioxidant capacity of narrow-clawed crayfish, Postantacus leptodactylus, was investigated. In a 90-day feeding trial, the crayfish (N = 360; 25.90 ± 0.41 g initial weight) were fed with a basal diet (control; GP-free) and supplemented diets with three levels of GP (0.5%, 1%, and 2%). The highest final weight and specific growth rate were obtained in the crayfish fed with GP at 1% and 2% (P < 0.05) and the weight gain in GP 2% treatment was 1.6 fold more than the control group. Also, the feed conversion rate and protein efficiency rate were improved in the GP-add groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the highest counts of total hemocyte, large-granular cell, and semi-granular cell were recorded in those fed with GP 2% diet. The crayfish fed GP 2% diet showed the highest and lowest body crude lipid (0.24 ± 0.03%) and protein contents (15.95 ± 0.12%), respectively. The highest protease (1.92 ± 0.03 U/ml) and amylase (8.36 ± 0.3 U/ml) activities were detected in the crayfish hepatopancreas fed with GP at 2% (P < 0.05). The highest lysozyme activity (21.26 ± 2.08 U/ml) was observed in the group fed with GP 2% diet, which showed a significant difference from others. Besides, total plasma protein and phenoloxidase activity in the groups fed with GP 1% and GP 2% diets were significantly higher than the control group. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase (79.30 ± 2.19 U/ml) and nitric oxide synthase (4.16 ± 0.05 U/ml) in the plasma were significantly increased in GP 2% diet with respect to the GP 0.5% and control groups (P < 0.05). These findings confirmed the beneficial effects of dietary GP, especially at 2%, on growth rate, physiological performance, innate immunity, and antioxidant capacity in P. leptodactylus.

Parámetros hematológicos, bioquímicos y endocrinos en la respuesta aguda al ejercicio de intensidad creciente en caballos de Paso colombianos

The present study aimed to describe the hematological, biochemical, and endocrine parameters in acute response to increasing-intensity exercise in Colombian Paso horses (CPHs). A standardized field exercise test was carried out on 11 untrained adult CPHs of both sexes. The variables of interest were measured before and after the test (i.e. hematocrit, total plasma proteins, creatine kinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen —BUN, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, triglycerides, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, cortisol, insulin, blood sugar levels). Evidence of sympathetic-adrenergic response activation, described for other breeds and equestrian sports disciplines (i.e. hemoconcentration, negative change in plasma volume, slight increase in creatinine and BUN) was found. In addition, evidence of mobilization and use of energy sources such as glucose and triglycerides was found. In conclusion, the increasing-intensity exercise carried out during a standardized field test produced a negative change in plasma volume and the activation of the classic sympathetic-adrenergic response in CPHs.

HEMATOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) ON ECTOPARASITE INFECTION OF THE FLOATING NET CAGES IN RAWA PENING

Hematological analysis of plasma proteins by testing for hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and leukocytes against ectoparasite infection in cages was carried out by taking samples of fish with consumption sizes of 15-20 cm. The aim of this study was to find out the amount of exposure to ectoparasites internally in the body of tilapia based on blood protein hematology test. Analysis of the data used is analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aim of knowing the effect of sampling and the parameters tested. The results showed that the presence of infection identified normal hemoglobin levels of 7.438 g/dL, erythrocytes were quite low at 1.5605 x1012/L, this is the nutritional factor given to tilapia and leukocytes were still in normal condition, namely 61.985x109/L. The ectoparasites found were Streptococcus sp, Lernaea sp, Aeromonas sp, and Trichodina sp. The effect of the value of plasma protein content in blood for hemoglobin and leukocytes is still in normal condition, but erythrocytes are below the normal point so that from internal factors of tilapia disease, hematological blood plasma protein affects tilapia disease, especially on erythrocyte variables that affect fish anemia to mass death. This is in accordance with the situation in the field where tilapia in the KJA (Floating Net Cage) experienced sudden and mass death in a short period of time even though previously routine controls had been carried out by cage cultivators. When fish experience stress, fish blood glucose levels will increase while fish blood plasma total protein levels decrease.

PENGARUH SUBSTITUSI TEPUNG AZOLLA (Azolla microphylla) DALAM RANSUM TERHADAP TOTAL PROTEIN PLASMA DAN SEL DARAH MERAH BROILER JANTAN

The study aimed to find out the best effect and dose of Azolla microphylla flour substitution in rations on total plasma proteins and red blood cells of male broiler. This research was conducted in March - April 2021 at PT. Sinar Ternak Sejahtera, South Lampung. Blood samples of this study were analyzed at Lampung Veterinary center, Bandar Lampung. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. Treatment given was ration without substitution of Azolla flour (P0), rations with substitution of Azolla flour 2.5% (P1), rations with substitution of Azolla flour 5% (P2), and rations with substitution of Azolla flour 7.5% (P3). The data obtained were analyzed descriptively. The results of descriptive analysis showed that substitution of Azolla flour in rations had no effect on total plasma protein and red blood cells of male broilers which impacted on the health of broiler chickens. The average value of total plasma proteins obtained in each treatment group was 3.47 ± 0.12 g/ml; 3.60 ± 0.10 g/ml; 3.53 ± 0.23 g/ml; and 3.43 ± 0.15 g/ml for P0, P1, P2 and P3, respectively. The average value of red blood cells obtained in each treatment group was 3.51 ± 0.15 x 106/mm3; 2.94 ± 0.11 x 106/mm3; 3.74 ± 0.22 x 106/mm3; and 2.79 ± 0.15 x 106/mm3 for P0, P1, P2 and P3, respectively.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Azolla flour, Erythrocytes, Male broiler, Substitution, Total plasma protein

Beef cows housed in mud during late gestation have greater net energy requirements compared with cows housed on wood chip bedding.

Mud increases net energy requirements for cattle because mud and precipitation compromise the ability of the hair coat to insulate and maintain core body temperature of the cow. The increase in energy required for a gestating cow to compensate for a muddy environment is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of muddy conditions on cow body weight (BW) and fetal growth during late gestation. Sixteen multiparous Angus cows (n = 8/treatment) were paired based on initial BW and one cow from each pair was randomly allocated to either the mud (MUD) or control (CON) treatment on day 213 of gestation. Pens in the CON group were bedded with wood chips, while pens in the MUD group were designed to create a muddy lot (average depth of 23.6 ± 5.8 cm). Cows were housed outdoors individually and fed the same diet that consisted of a limit-fed total mixed ration. Each pair was fed to meet energy and protein requirements for maintenance and gestation. From day 213 to 269 of gestation, cows were weighed and sampled for blood metabolites weekly. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with repeated measurements (SAS 9.4). Though cows consumed the same amount of dry matter, cows in the MUD treatment weighed 37.4 kg less than cows in the CON treatment (P < 0.01) by day 269 of gestation. Cows in the MUD treatment decreased approximately half a body condition score (BCS), while cows in the CON treatment gained approximately 1 BCS during the treatment period (P < 0.01). There was no evidence of a treatment × day of gestation effect for 12th rib back fat (P = 0.85), rump fat (P = 0.48), total plasma protein concentrations (P = 0.85), or plasma 3-methylhistidine (P = 0.84); however, there was a marginally significant treatment × day of gestation effect for plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentration (P = 0.09). Despite differences in cow BW at the end of the treatment period, calf birth weight (P = 0.66) and calf total plasma protein (P = 0.27) were not different; however, the divergence in cow BW remained marginally significant at parturition (P = 0.06). These results indicate that mud increased net energy requirements for cows in the MUD treatment, as calf birth weight was not different but maternal BW was decreased compared with cows in the CON treatment.

Growth performance, blood variables, intestinal bacterial content, and morphological measurements of broilers supplemented with Lactobacillus casei-fermented mixture of red rice and aromatic ginger

Background and Aim:Natural feed additives are important for broiler sustainability during the post-antibiotic era. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of the dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus casei-fermented mixture of red rice and aromatic ginger (FERMIX) on growth, blood profiles, intestinal bacterial content, and morphological measurements of broilers.Materials and Methods:Two hundred broiler chicks were allotted to four groups with five replications, including CONTROL (chicks provided with basal feed), FERMIX025 (basal feed supplemented with 0.25% FERMIX), FERMIX050 (0.50% FERMIX), and FERMIX100 (1.00% FERMIX). FERMIX is an anaerobic fermentation product from a mixture of red rice flour and aromatic ginger using L. casei. Blood, organs, digesta, and carcass were collected on day 35.Results:Final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio did not differ (p>0.05) across treatments. FERMIX at 0.5% increased (p<0.05) spleen relative weight. Liver weight was lower (p<0.05) in broilers fed with 1% FERMIX. The liver weight linearly reduced (p<0.05) with the increased FERMIX levels. FERMIX at 0.25% elevated (p<0.05) broiler drumsticks’ yield than that in other groups. Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and plasma total protein levels were quadratically higher (p<0.05) in FERMIX050 treated than in other groups. Increased FERMIX levels resulted in a linear decrease (p=0.08) in ileal lactose-negative Enterobacteriaceae counts. Villi height/crypt depth (CD) ratio was quadratically higher (p<0.05) in the duodenum of broiler supplemented with 0.5% FERMIX. The jejunal CD was quadratically lower (p<0.05) in FERMIX050 than in other groups.Conclusion:Although it did not influence growth, dietary FERMIX, especially at 0.5%, improved immune competencies, physiological conditions, and health of broilers’ intestine.

EFFECTS OF OVER−DAY AND OVERNIGHT FASTING ON THE HEMATOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND OXIDATIVE PROFILE OF HEALTHY DOGS

The influence of the circadian rhythm on canine laboratory parameters is yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate possible fluctuations that occur on laboratory tests of healthy dogs following overnight and over−day fasting. For this purpose, 20 adult clinically healthy dogs were enrolled in the study. Venous blood samples were obtained 7:00 am (ONF, overnight fasting) and at 7:00 pm (ODF, over−day fasting) at the same day, following a 12−hour period of respectively overnight and over−day fasting for hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress assessment. The erythrogram showed significant reduction of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measured by the cell counter following ODF. The only change seen on the leukogram was a lower lymphocyte count following ODF. No significant changes were found on platelet count, although ODF was associated with decreased mean platelet volume (MPV) and total plasma protein (TPP). ODF caused a significant reduction of total cholesterol, ALP, phosphate and triglycerides. On oxidative stress parameters, ODF reduced total oxidant capacity (TOC) and increased lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, the time of fasting can partly influence hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in dogs significantly, which warrants standardization of fasting period prior to laboratory tests in dogs, especially during research.

Influence of the social status of male Aulonocara nyassae on behavior, growth, hematology, biochemical parameters, reproduction and larviculture

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of social status of Aulonocara nyassae males on behavior, growth and reproductive performance, hematological parameters and male and female biochemicals and the success of offspring larviculture. For the pre-experimental phase, four aquariums with three males each were observed for 48 h and videos of 10 min, twice a day, were recorded and an ethogram was generated on the definition of social status, classified according to aggressive behavior, territorialism and coloration as dominant, subdominant and submissive. The experimental phase lasted 66 days. One male was stocked per aquarium, from each of the three social statuses, with three females and four replicates. The animals were filmed for 10 min, twice a day, for 5 days, every 30 days. An ethogram on the reproductive behavior of males and females was generated. Locomotion was more frequent in subdominant and submissive males and in females with dominant and subdominant males (P < 0.05). Courtship behavior was more frequent in dominant and subdominant males and in females from aquariums with dominant males (P < 0.05). The survival of females with subdominant males was lower (P < 0.05). Final weight (FW), average weight gain (AWG), glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), viscerosomatic (VSI) and hepatosomatic (HSI) indices for males; final mean total length (FTL), mean length gain (MLG), hemoglobin (Hb), specific growth rate (SGR), Fulton condition factor (K), total cholesterol (TC), FW, AWG, GLU and for females and for progeny, average of egg production, hatching rate, average of larvae produced, mean final larvae weight and mean final larvae length were higher for dominants. In males, SGR and FTL, in females, total plasma protein (TPP), gonadosomatic index (GSI), intraperitoneal fat index (IPFI), TG, HSI and VSI were higher for submissive (P < 0.05). However, the mean length gain (MLG), GSI and IPFI, Hb and TPP were higher for subdominant and submissive males (P < 0.05). K was higher for dominant and submissive males (P < 0.05). Therefore, the social status of males influences growth performance, hematological, biochemical parameters and reproductive capacity of males and females of A. nyassae.

MODULATORY EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF XYLOPIAAETHIOPICA ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN HUMANS

Background of study: Xylopia aethiopica is widely used in folkloric medicines hence there has been increased research on the plant to validate such claims. Fruit extracts of Xethiopica aethiopica has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-diarrhoiec,hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects. However, there are still many grounds to be covered. There is paucity of data on the single dose effects of X. aethiopica on physiological and biochemical parameters.&#x0D; Aim: There are two aims of this research: 1) to evaluate the effects of a single dose of extracts on blood pressure, pulse rate, total plasma proteins, creatinine and lipid perioxidation 2) assess any dose –dependent relationship effects on these parameters.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Twenty male subjects with average 24.2± 8.9 kg/m2 were placed in groups of five. Blood samples were collected, then varying concentrations (15, 30 and 45mg/kg) of aqueous extract of the fruit of X. aethiopica was administered. After 45 mins of administration, blood samples were collected again. Total plasma proteins, creatinine and lipid peroxidation were determined in all the blood samples.&#x0D; Results: The extract exerted a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure only in XE 15 group after 45 minutes of administration (p&lt; 0.05). There was also a significant increase in plasma protein in XE 30 and XE 45 groups relative to the control group (p&gt; 0.05). A significant decrease in serum creatinine was observed in only XE 30 group (P&gt; 0.05). There was also a significant decrease in plasma lipid peroxidation levels of XE 30 and XE 45 groups&#x0D; Conclusion: The present findings have further reiterated the usefulness of Xylopiaaethiopica in the treatment of oxidative stress and hypertension

Daily and fasting variation in blood parameters and HL ratio in House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Fluctuations in food supply are frequent in nature during seasons, in different stages of annual cycle of animals, and lately, climate change has become a strong driving force that could affect food supply. An animal's capacity to resist fasting is, therefore, determined by its ability to store energy and control its allocation during periods of food restriction. Daily variations of metabolic substrates and their fluctuations during fasting are relevant to understand the acclimation to fasting. Since fasting is an ecological stressor, we investigated the daily variation of corticosterone levels in feeding and fasting in House Sparrows ( Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758)), and its short-term effect on some biochemical parameters. We found daily variations in body mass, glucose, triglycerides, plasma total protein, uric acid, and corticosterone. However, we did not find diurnal variations of hematocrit and the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (HL ratio). Moreover, we did not find sex-related differences in any parameter. Throughout fasting, we found variations of glucose, triglycerides, total protein, uric acid, HL ratio, and corticosterone. During the photophase, biochemical and physiological responses to food deprivation contributed to the efficient use of resources in this small bird. In the course of fasting period, corticosterone could be responsible for alterations of some blood parameters such as glucose.

Dietary protein/carbohydrate ratio and feeding frequency affect feed utilization, intermediary metabolism, and economic efficiency of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles

To evaluate the effects of dietary protein/carbohydrate (P/CHO) ratio and feeding frequency (FF) on growth, intermediary metabolism, and economic efficiency of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles, two practical isolipidic (17%) diets were formulated to include high protein (50%)/ low starch (10%) (diet P50/CHO10) or low protein (40%)/ high starch (20%) (diet P40/CHO20). Triplicate groups of fish with 9.1 ± 0.01 g were fed for 60 days with these diets until visual satiation at three FF: one (9:00), two (9:00 and 17:00), or three (9:00, 13:00, and 17:00) meals per day. Dietary P/CHO ratios did not affect growth performance while feeding 2 or 3 meals per day improved fish growth. Fish fed diet P40/CHO20 had increased feed intake (FI), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and nitrogen retention (NR), and lower feed efficiency (FE), nitrogen intake (NI), and economic conversion ratio (ECR). Feeding 2 or 3 meals per day increased FI, NI, ECR, and economic profit index, and decreased FE, PER, and NR. Fish fed diet P40/CHO20 presented increased hepatic lipid and glycogen content, hepatocyte area covered by lipid vacuoles, and glucokinase (gk) gene expression, and decreased glutamate dehydrogenase expression. Fish fed 3 meals per day had decreased plasma triglycerides and total protein levels, while fish fed 2 or 3 meals per day presented decreased hepatic growth hormone receptor-i (ghr-i), gk, and fatty acid synthase gene expression. Interaction between P/CHO ratio and FF was only observed in plasmatic glucose, cholesterol, and total lipids levels, and insulin-like growth factor-1, and ghr-ii gene expression. Overall, glycogenesis, glycolysis, and economic efficiency seemed to be increased while the amino acid catabolism was reduced in fish fed the P40/CHO20 diet. Higher FF increased growth and economic efficiency, and reduced glycolysis and lipogenesis pathways. In conclusion, a diet with P40/CHO20 ratio fed twice a day appears to be the most adequate strategy regarding feed utilization and economic efficiency for gilthead seabream juveniles in order to achieve optimum sustainable aquaculture.

Settleable atmospheric particulate matter induces stress and affects the oxygen-carrying capacity and innate immunity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Steel industry emissions of atmospheric particulate matter are responsible for air to water cross-contamination, which deposits metal/metalloid contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. This source of contamination has not been considered in most of the environmental monitoring protocols. Settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SePM) collected in an area of steel industry influence was used to analyze the sublethal effects on the hematological and innate immunological variables in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after short-term exposure (96 h). Blood samples were analyzed to evaluate the oxygen-carrying transport capacity, innate immune activity and stress biomarkers after exposure to ecologically relevant concentration of SePM. The exposure reduced blood oxygen-carrying capacity by lessening hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocyte, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Compensatory increments in mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin have also been observed. The contaminant impacted the immune system by reducing the number of leukocytes, thrombocytes, and monocytes, total plasma protein, leukocyte respiratory activity, and by increasing lysozyme concentration. Furthermore, the contaminant caused endocrine stress response, raising plasma cortisol and glucose. Therefore, the alterations caused by SePM threatened the capacity of sustaining aerobic metabolism, impaired the immune system, and changed the energy allocation due to both stress response and immune effect. This may have important implications for the impact of SePM on aquatic ecosystems. Future investigations should assess SePM impact on general physiology and aerobic performance, especially to face common ecological challenges such as hypoxia and sustained swimming. These results point out the need to develop proper protocols to address the air-to-water cross-contamination risks by iron ore processing industries.

Wavelength lighting variation on egg quality and serum glucose

This observational study verified the effects of monochromatic lighting for three monochromatic light spectra on the production and quality of laying hen eggs and blood parameters, as probable indicators of environmental stress. Lohmann®29-week-old birds were divided into groups of 20 animals, housed in three experimental houses with different lighting treatments (blue, green and red), and monitored for 90 days. Were analysed 4,443 eggs, and the values of the following measurements were extracted: egg weight (g), albumen height (mm), shell resistance (kgf/cm²), shell thickness (mm), Haugh unit, specific gravity (g/cm³), and egg shape. Blood samples were collected from the birds at the beginning and at the end of the study period. The levels of total plasma protein and the heterophile/lymphocyte ratio remained within the normal range. Laying hens housed under blue and red lighting had higher egg production (per hen) and showed better egg quality results. Red lighting stood out for providing significantly better shell resistance than other treatments. Glucose differed between treatments, with a drop in blood glucose levels as the environment light wavelength increased. The quality of the eggs was affected differently by the sources of monochromatic lighting. Correct lighting management promotes better health for birds and increased egg production and quality.

Thymol and linalool chemotypes of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) as anesthetic for Colossoma macropomum: Physiology and feed consumption

This study evaluated the use of two chemotypes of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris (EOTV) as anesthetics for Colossoma macropomum and their influence on physiology and feed consumption. Three experiments were performed using thymol (EOTV-T) and linalool (EOTV-L) chemotypes. Experiment 1 determined anesthesia induction and recovery times for juveniles exposed to different concentrations of EOTV-T and EOTV-L (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 mg/L). Based on the results of Experiment 1, two more experiments were performed. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of 0 mg/L EO (only the solvent ethanol), 50 mg/L EOTV-T and 100 mg/L EOTV-L on blood parameters after induction and one hour after recovery. Experiment 3 evaluated the effects of 0 mg/L EO, 50 mg/L EOTV-T and 100 mg/L EOTV-L on feed consumption after handling. No mortality was observed in any of the experiments. In Experiment 1, increasing concentrations of EOTV-T and EOTV-L reduced anesthesia induction time and increased recovery time; EOTV-T induced anesthesia faster than EOTV-L. Experiment 2 found control hemoglobin levels to be above baseline after one hour of recovery; no difference was observed for hematocrit and total plasma protein. Soon after induction, the control treatment had higher glucose levels than the other treatments. After one hour of recovery, the EOTV-T and EOTV-L treatments had increased glucose levels, while those of the control treatment were reduced. Soon after anesthesia, juveniles anesthetized with EOTV-L had the lowest cholesterol level, while those anesthetized with EOTV-T had the highest level of triglycerides. Experiment 3 found no difference in feed consumption among treatments. The lowest feed consumption was in the first days after handling for all treatments, which increased over subsequent days of the experiment. It was concluded that EOTV-T and EOTV-L are promising anesthetics for juvenile C. macropomum and that the use of 50 mg/L EOTV-T and 100 mg/L EOTV-L causes anesthesia in these juveniles within ideal induction and recovery intervals. The use of EOTV-T and EOTV-L did not greatly influence blood parameters and did not affect feed consumption after handling.

Effects of Individual and Co-exposure of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Copper Sulphate on Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: Nanoparticles Enhance Pesticide Biochemical Toxicity.

Copper, like iron and zinc, is one of the most essential trace elements for organisms. Different forms of copper have distinctive and specific uses. For example, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NP) are widely used in the world as a nanomaterial. Copper sulphate (CuSO4) is worldwide used as a fungicide in agriculture and as an algaecide in aquaculture. Nowadays, the increasing use of these chemicals raises concerns regarding their potential effects on the health of aquatic organisms and ecological risks. Therefore, in the present research, toxic effects of CuSO4 and CuO-NP, alone and in combination, were evaluated using biochemical markers (plasma biochemical and gill and liver oxidative stress) in freshwater fish, Oreochromis niloticus. The fish were exposed to 0.05 mg/L CuSO4, CuO-NP, and CuSO4+CuO-NP for 4 and 21 days. Especially at 21 days, CuSO4 and CuO-NP, alone and combined, generally increased plasma alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, cortisol, glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and tissue malondialdehyde while they decreased plasma total protein, and tissue superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione. Consequently, our results illustrate that CuSO4 and CuO-NP have similar toxic effects in fish, however, co-exposure of CuO-NP and CuSO4 is more toxic than effects of these chemicals alone.

Changes in Specific Biomarkers Indicate Cardiac Adaptive and Anti-inflammatory Response of Repeated Recreational SCUBA Diving.

ObjectiveRecreational SCUBA (rSCUBA) diving has become a highly popular and widespread sport. Yet, information on molecular events underlying (patho)physiological events that follow exposure to the specific environmental conditions (hyperbaric conditions, coldness, immersion, and elevated breathing pressure), in which rSCUBA diving is performed, remain largely unknown. Our previous study suggested that repeated rSCUBA diving triggers an adaptive response of cardiovascular and immune system. To elucidate further molecular events underlying cardiac and immune system adaptation and to exclude possible adverse effects we measured blood levels of specific cardiac and inflammation markers.MethodsThis longitudinal intervention study included fourteen recreational divers who performed five dives, one per week, on the depth 20–30 m that lasted 30 min, after the non-dive period of 5 months. Blood samples were taken immediately before and after the first, third, and fifth dives. Copeptin, immunoglobulins A, G and M, complement components C3 and C4, and differential blood count parameters, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were determined using standard laboratory methods. Cell-free DNA was measured by qPCR analysis and N-glycans released from IgG and total plasma proteins (TPP), were analyzed by hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography.ResultsCopeptin level increased after the first dive but decreased after the third and fifth dive. Increases in immunoglobulins level after every dive and during whole studied period were observed, but no changes in C3, C4, and cfDNA level were detected. NLR increased only after the first dive. IgG and TPP N-glycosylation alterations toward anti-inflammatory status over whole studied period were manifested as an increase in monogalyctosylated and core-fucosylated IgG N-glycans and decrease in agalactosylated TPP N-glycans.ConclusionrSCUBA diving practiced on a regular basis promotes anti-inflammatory status thus contributing cardioprotection and conferring multiple health benefits.

Effect of salt stress on osmoregulation and energy consumption in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.,1844)

This study aims to explain the effect of salt stress on Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. It includes two parts, the first to determine the LC50 during abrupt increase in salinity to 5,10 and 15g/L.While the other part concerned with the physiological effects of the gradual increase in salinity to 5 and 10 g/L on osmoregulation, by measuring ions concentration ( Na+, K+ ) in the blood plasma and muscles, water contents in the muscles , numbers and percentage of chloride cells in the gills epithelia, beside studying the expenditure of osmoregulation by measuring the rate of oxygen consumption, the levels of glucose and total protein in blood plasma. The results showed that the Grass carp has a narrow salt tolerance with LC50 7.5g/L. Osmoregulation study showed an increase in the concentrations of ions( Na+ and K+) in the blood plasma and muscles with increasing salinity to 5 and 10 g/L and the water levels in the muscle increase with increasing salinity. These changes are parallel with the increasing percentage and numbers of chloride cells in the gills. The oxygen consumption rate was increased with increasing salinity to 5 and 10 g/L .There was a decrease in the total protein and increase in the glucose levels with increasing salinity to 5 and 10g/L which reflect an increase energy consumption for osmoregulation. It was concluded, that the Grass carp does not have resistance to high salt concentration over 10 g/L, and the acclimation occurred in salt concentrations between 5 and 10 g/L with a new state of homeostasis and high consumption of energy for osmoregulation.

Dynamics of age-related changes in biochemical parameters of blood plasma of the emerald pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) in post-embryogenesis

The article presents experimental data on the detection of age-related changes in blood biochemical parameters in pheasants. The research is devoted to the artificial breeding of one of the subspecies of pheasants of our wild fauna (the emerald pheasant - Phasianus versicolor). The aim of the work was to determine the total protein content in the blood plasma of pheasants in post-embryogenesis in comparison with the indicators in the chicks of the original line when using a complex of vitamins and anti-stress drugs. As a result of experimental studies, a change in the total blood plasma protein of pheasants from the moment of hatching and up to 2 months of age was revealed, with the complex use of vitamins (A-20000 IU, D3 -1250 IU, E-50 mg), as well as anti-stress preparations of succinic acid and fenozepam at a dose of 0.02 g, 0.03 g, 0.05 g per 1 kg of body weight per day.

Effect of salt stress on energy usage and growth in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes, 1844) and common carp Cyprinus carpio L. juveniles

The present study was conducted on two species of cyprinid fish: Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The study includes the effect of increasing salinity on survival rate, oxygen consumption, glucose and total protein levels in blood plasma, energy usage, food consumption and growth rate. Common carp show more resistance to increasing salinity with 90% survival rate in 15 g/l salinity. While grass carp did not survive increasing in salinity more than 5 g/L. Increasing salinity was accompanied with decreasing total protein in blood plasma, increasing blood glucose, increasing oxygen consumption rate and increasing energy usage. Food intake was also decrease with increasing salinity which results in decreasing growth rate for both fish species. This study showed that salt stress negatively affect food intake, energy usage and decrease growth rate.

Hepato- and Nephro-Effect of Sphenostylis stenocarpa– Formulated Diet on Dexamethasone-Treated Pregnant Rats

This study sought to investigate the effect of Sphenostylis stenocarpa-formulated diet on hepatic and renal parameters of dexamethasone-treated pregnant rats. Sphenostylis stenocarpa were locally sourced from a market in Ado Ekiti. They were milled into powder and used in formulating feed for experimental animals. Fifteen female pregnant rats were divided in three groups of five each. Animals in group A were exposed to standard animal feed only. This served as the control group. Those in group B were exposed to Sphenostylis stenocarpa-formulated diet + 0.3 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone, while those in group C were exposed to Sphenostylis stenocarpa-formulated diet. At the end of the eight days treatment, animals were sacrificed and blood sample, liver and kidney were collected. Exposure of pregnant rats to dexamethasone was observed to significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the activities of plasma aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) as well as the concentrations of plasma total protein, bilirubin, creatinine and urea when compared with those in animals in the control as well as those fed with S. stenocarpa-formulated diet only. The results further showed that pregnant rats fed with S. stenocarpa-formulated diet only had no significant difference on plasma hepatic and renal biomarkers when compared with those in the control group. The results of liver and kidney homogenates are similar to those observed in the plasma. Exposure of animals to dexamethasone adversely unhinged hepatic and renal biomarkers investigated in the study. The study also revealed that P. biglobosa seed is beneficial to the health of the liver and kidney of pregnant female rats.