Reduction In Total Protein Content Research Articles

Effects of organophosphates on precision-cut kidney slices

Organophosphate (OP) poisoning, both accidental and with suicidal intent, is a global medical challenge. While the primary toxicity of these pesticides is based on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), case reports describe patients developing OP-mediated renal insufficiency. We set out to investigate possible pathomechanisms utilizing rat precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS). Depending on the method of investigation, PCKS were observed for a maximum of 10 days. PCKS exposed to OP compounds (malaoxon, malathion, paraoxon, parathion) showed a dose-dependent loss of viability and a reduction of total protein content over the course of 10 days. A concentration of 500 µM OP showed the most differences between OP compounds. After two days of incubation parathion showed a significantly lower level of viability than malathion. The respective effects of paraoxon and malaoxon were not significantly different from control. However, effects of OP were only observed in concentrations exceeding those that were needed to achieve significant AChE inhibition in rat kidney tissue. In addition, we observed histological changes, without inducing LDH leakage. Overall, results suggest that OP exert effects in kidney tissue, that exceed those expected from the sole inhibition of AChE and vary between compounds. Without signs of necrosis, findings call for studies that address other possible pathomechanisms including inflammatory response, oxidative stress or activation of apoptosis to further understand nephrotoxicity of OP compounds. Monitoring oxon concentration over time, we demonstrated reduced enzyme inhibiting properties in the presence of PCKS, suggesting interactions between OP compound and kidney tissue.

The Protective Effects of Modified Dachaihu Decoction against LPS-induced Acute Lung Injury via Modulating PI3K/Akt Signalling Pathway

Background: Modified Dachaihu decoction (MDD) is a herbal prescription that has shown promising therapeutic benefits in ameliorating pulmonary diseases in clinical practice. However, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the lung-protective effects of MDD against acute lung injury (ALI) and the involvement of underlying mechanisms. Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to identify the main active ingredients of MDD. Network pharmacological method was adapted to explore the potential mechanisms. Mice were orally administered MDD (11.25, 22.5, and 45 g/kg) once daily for 7 days. H&E staining was performed to evaluate histological changes in the lungs. Levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were measured to determine the extent of lung injury. Total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung wet/dry weight ratio were measured to assess the severity of pulmonary edema. TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to detect apoptosis. RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed to validate the mechanisms involved. Results: About 10 main active ingredients of MDD were identified. Notably, treatment with MDD resulted in a remarkable reduction in total protein content in BALF and lung W/D weight ratio, as well as substantial mitigation of the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Mechanistically, the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway was activated. Moreover, MDD pretreatment downregulated p53 and caspase-9 mRNA expression and decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio to ameliorate lung apoptosis. Conclusions: MDD exhibited pronounced therapeutic effects via attenuating inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These therapeutic effects could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the main active ingredients and are believed to be associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Immobilization of microbial multienzyme preparation on calcium alginate beads as well as lyophilization with mosambi peel matrix improved its shelf-life and stability.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the functional activity and storage viability (at 4°C and 35°C) of an immobilized as well as lyophilized multienzyme, viz., pectinase, cellulase, and amylase (PCA) that was produced by Bacillus subtilis NG105 under solid state fermentation (SSF) at 35 ℃ for 10days using mosambi peel as a substrate. After SSF, the culture media was divided into two aliquots. From the first aliquot, the produced ME was extracted, precipitated, and further immobilized on calcium alginate beads (MEICA). In order to immobilize on mosambi peel matrix, the second aliquot was mixed with acetone and subsequently lyophilized (MELMP). Thus, ready MEICA and MELMP extracted 87.5 and 91.5% juice from mango pulp, respectively. In the reusability study, after 5 cycles, MEICA exhibited 23.8%, 24.4%, and 36.5% PCA activity, respectively. The PCA activity of MEICA and MELMP was examined after 60days of storage at 4 ℃. The result revealed that the PCA for MEICA declined from 100 to 66%, 58.2%, and 64.5%, respectively, while for MELMP, it dropped from 100 to 84.2%, 82.1%, and 69.7%, respectively. Further, after 60days of storage, the reduction of total protein content (TPC) in free multienzyme (FME), MEICA, and MELMP was 92.2%, 91.5%, and 36.3% observed, respectively. In the localization study, the maximum levels of multienzyme activity were found in cell exudates. This study demonstrated that immobilizing of multienzyme through lyophilization on waste substrates like mosambi peel boosted its stability and shelf-life along with greatly reducing the cost of products.

Protein change in Chardonnay wine from Bulgaria after treatment with different types of bentonites

Protein profile change of Bulgarian Chardonnay wine under the influence of treatment with bentonite was studied. Protein concentration was determined using the Bradford assay, while fractionation was performed via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The amount of protein found in the original wine was 147.1 mg/dm3, expressed as bovine serum albumin divided into 9 electrophoretic fractions. Low molecular weight fractions with molecular weights of 20, 22 and 24 kDa, were predominant whose share was equal to 65 % of the total electrophoretic fraction profile of wine. The examined wine was treated with four different types of bentonite-two sodium, one activated calcium and one sodium-calcium bentonites. They were added in increasing doses, covering the range of 0.2-3 g/dm3. At lower treatment doses (0.2-0.8 g/dm3), differences in protein concentration reduction were observed. Above the dose of 0.8 g/dm3, an equalization of their effect compared to the reduction of total protein content was reported. Affinity, however small, of the studied bentonites to the different molecular fractions of proteins was observed.

Non-denaturing affinity purification of soluble oligomeric Aβ from human brain using a novel calcium-sensitive monoclonal antibody.

The soluble fraction of human AD brain extracts contains the most bioactive oligomeric forms of Aβ (oAβ), which are low in abundance. Few methods exist to enrich for oAβ from soluble brain extracts without denaturing them. Purification of natural, human oAβ would allow further structural and biochemical study of this truly disease-relevant species. A panel of anti-oAβ monoclonal antibodies was developed by immunizing Trianni mice with synthetic Aβ aggregates. Clones were screened for oAβ selectivity and protection against human oAβ-induced injury in an in vitro neuritic integrity assay and in mouse hippocampal slice LTP recordings. Four antibodies with selectivity for oAβ over monomeric Aβ and protective effects were chosen for further study. Quantitative immunoprecipitations (IP followed by guanidine denaturation and monomer-specific ELISA) were performed on soluble extracts obtained by soaking cortical fragments bits in TBS to enrich for bioactive diffusible oAβ species. One antibody, B24, could IP oAβ only from non-dialyzed extracts. Iterative IPs were used to identify calcium as the soluble, dialyzable factor required for B24 binding to oAβ. Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (nano-DSF), Octet biolayer interferometry (BLI), and immunohistochemistry were further used to characterize B24 calcium-dependence and reversibility of binding to oAβ. B24 showed complete dependence on calcium at low millimolar levels for binding to soluble human oAβ, plaques, and synthetic Aβ protofibrils. Calcium induced a conformational change in B24. Binding of human soluble brain extracts to B24, washing, and elution with EGTA resulted in enrichment of oAβ. The recovered oAβ accounted for 20-40% of the initial input oAβ, accompanied by >400-fold reduction in total protein content. The recovered oAβ required guanidine hydrochloride for denaturation and detection by Aβ monomer-specific ELISA, implying that the recovered oAβ had not been denatured during purification. Calcium did not affect the size distribution of oAβ from human brain extracts by size exclusion chromatography. B24 is protective against natural oAβ-induced neuronal injury and binds oAβ in a calcium-dependent manner. This unique characteristic allows affinity purification of bioactive oAβ from human brain extracts for further study and drug development.

Cloning, expression and characterization of arcelin and its impact on digestive enzymes of the stored product insect pest, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)

The pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus causes potential damage to legume crops by infesting the seeds, leading to a reduction of total protein content. Arcelin found in the wild accessions of the common bean, is an insecticidal protein that has the potency to hamper the metabolism of the bruchid beetle. The arcelin gene from the wild accession of Phaseolus lunatus was isolated and the ORF encoding 158 amino acids was cloned in pET-45b (+) vector. The recombinant clones were transformed in BL21 STAR (DE3) pLysS cells, and the expressed arcelin was purified using Ni-NTA column. The recombinant protein was used in preparing an artificial diet, and the insecticidal activity was elucidated against the bruchid pest C. maculatus. Adult emergence and seed damage were drastically reduced in the treated groups. The response towards ingested diet by digestive enzymes involved in metabolism was elucidated through quantitative gene expression. The highest expression was observed in the aminopeptidase, followed by upregulation of alpha-amylase, glycoside hydrolase family 31 and cathepsin D-like aspartic protease, and downregulation of cathepsin L-like cysteine protease. The recombinant arcelin demonstrates effective insecticidal activity against the bruchid beetle. The changes in digestive enzymes to counteract the anti-nutritional nature of the protein were the strategies of the insect defense mechanism.

Spectroscopic Analysis of Tempeh Protein Content during the Production Process

Tempeh is a local Indonesian food that is liked by the community, both locally and internationally. The high protein content is the reason for choosing tempeh as a complementary food. In its production, tempeh is made by two important processes, including treatment and fermentation. During this process, the protein can be damaged, resulting in a decrease in the protein content of tempeh. Based on these problems, this study aims to analyze the reduction of tempeh protein content during the production process. The analysis used two spectroscopic methods, including FTIR and UV-Visible. FTIR spectroscopy was used to observe the reduction in total protein content, while UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to observe the reduction in dissolved protein content. The results of the study for FTIR analysis showed that at the pretreatment and fermentation stages, both caused a decrease in the total protein content of tempeh. This was observed with a decrease in the intensity of IR absorption at a wavenumber of 1745 cm-1 which is identical to the C=O group and 1543 cm-1 which is identical to the N-H group. Based on the results of the UV-Visible study, it shows that the fermentation time affects the amount of dissolved protein. This situation is supported by the increasing pH of tempeh and decreasing water content during fermentation.

Spectroscopic Analysis of Tempeh Protein Content during the Production Process

Tempeh is a local Indonesian food that is liked by the community, both locally and internationally. The high protein content is the reason for choosing tempeh as a complementary food. In its production, tempeh is made by two important processes, including treatment and fermentation. During this process, the protein can be damaged, resulting in a decrease in the protein content of tempeh. Based on these problems, this study aims to analyze the reduction of tempeh protein content during the production process. The analysis used two spectroscopic methods, including FTIR and UV-Visible. FTIR spectroscopy was used to observe the reduction in total protein content, while UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to observe the reduction in dissolved protein content. The results of the study for FTIR analysis showed that at the pretreatment and fermentation stages, both caused a decrease in the total protein content of tempeh. This was observed with a decrease in the intensity of IR absorption at a wavenumber of 1745 cm-1 which is identical to the C=O group and 1543 cm-1 which is identical to the N-H group. Based on the results of the UV-Visible study, it shows that the fermentation time affects the amount of dissolved protein. This situation is supported by the increasing pH of tempeh and decreasing water content during fermentation.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Gentisic Acid on 5-Fluorouracil-induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a very potent and effective antineoplastic drug that has been widely used for the management of various types of cancer. However, the clinical use of 5-FU is often associated with severe toxicities including hepatotoxicity, which limit its therapeutic use as a potent anticancer agent. The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of a plant phenolic acid, gentisic acid (GA) (2,5-dihyroxybenzoic acid), against hepatotoxicity induced by 5-FU administration in Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into six groups, with six rats per group. Among these, group I and II served as normal control and 5-FU control groups, respectively. The rats in these groups received distilled water (1 mL/kg) for 14 days by oral route. Groups III, IV, V, and VI served as test groups and received GA at doses of 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, via oral route for 14 days. From Day 9 onwards, all the groups, except group I, received intraperitoneal dose of 5-FU (20 mg/kg body weight) for five days up to day 14. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed, blood was withdrawn for biochemical estimations, and hepatic tissues were excised for histopathological evaluations. Administration of 5-FU at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant increase in the serum levels of hepatic biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin. In comparison to these, 5-FU treatment resulted in a reduction in total protein content (TPC). This was accompanied by significant histopathological changes in the hepatic tissues of the rats, indicating severe hepatotoxicity. Pre- and co-administration of GA with 5-FU at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 14 days resulted in a dose-dependent amelioration of the 5-FU induced alterations in the biochemical and histopathological parameters. The results of the study highlighted the potential of GA as a hepatoprotective agent for the prevention of 5-FU-induced hepatotoxicity.

The mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy in response to transient knockdown of the vitamin D receptor in vivo.

Key points Reduced vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression prompts skeletal muscle atrophy.Atrophy occurs through catabolic processes, namely the induction of autophagy, while anabolism remains unchanged.In response to VDR‐knockdown mitochondrial function and related gene‐set expression is impaired. In vitro VDR knockdown induces myogenic dysregulation occurring through impaired differentiation.These results highlight the autonomous role the VDR has within skeletal muscle mass regulation. Vitamin D deficiency is estimated to affect ∼40% of the world's population and has been associated with impaired muscle maintenance. Vitamin D exerts its actions through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the expression of which was recently confirmed in skeletal muscle, and its down‐regulation is linked to reduced muscle mass and functional decline. To identify potential mechanisms underlying muscle atrophy, we studied the impact of VDR knockdown (KD) on mature skeletal muscle in vivo, and myogenic regulation in vitro in C2C12 cells. Male Wistar rats underwent in vivo electrotransfer (IVE) to knock down the VDR in hind‐limb tibialis anterior (TA) muscle for 10 days. Comprehensive metabolic and physiological analysis was undertaken to define the influence loss of the VDR on muscle fibre composition, protein synthesis, anabolic and catabolic signalling, mitochondrial phenotype and gene expression. Finally, in vitro lentiviral transfection was used to induce sustained VDR‐KD in C2C12 cells to analyse myogenic regulation. Muscle VDR‐KD elicited atrophy through a reduction in total protein content, resulting in lower myofibre area. Activation of autophagic processes was observed, with no effect upon muscle protein synthesis or anabolic signalling. Furthermore, RNA‐sequencing analysis identified systematic down‐regulation of multiple mitochondrial respiration‐related protein and genesets. Finally, in vitro VDR‐knockdown impaired myogenesis (cell cycling, differentiation and myotube formation). Together, these data indicate a fundamental regulatory role of the VDR in the regulation of myogenesis and muscle mass, whereby it acts to maintain muscle mitochondrial function and limit autophagy.

Poultry breasts with white striping meat x impacts on technological properties

This work aimed to characterize the physicochemical parameters and technological properties of breasts from poultry with WS and compare them with normal breasts to evaluate breast quality. Poultry breast fillets (10 normal and 10 carcasses with WS) were White Striping (WS) is a major problem that compromise the quality of the meat. Occurrence of WS on the surface of chicken breasts impairs the visual appearance and consequently decreases consumer acceptance causing damage to the industrial sector. obtained from a slaughterhouse. Then they were weighed, packaged and stored in the freezer at -20°C until analysis of: pH, moisture, protein, lipids, lipid oxidation, warmed-over flavor (WOF), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), exudate protein content (EP) and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) of proteins. The physicochemical characteristics and technological parameters of poultry breasts with WS compromised the quality of the product when compared to the normal breast showing heavier breasts, increasing moisture, lipid content, lipid oxidation and WOF, reduction in total protein content and WHC and an increase in CL, EP content and MFI of proteins. Therefore, this myopathy showed changes in the physical and chemical parameters that can compromise the technological and sensory aspects of meat products, affecting their quality.

A modified low-protein infant formula supports adequate growth in healthy, term infants: a randomized, double-blind, equivalence trial

A high protein intake in early life is associated with a risk of obesity later in life. The essential amino acid requirements of formula-fed infants have been reassessed recently, enabling a reduction in total protein content and thus in protein intake. We aimed to assess the safety of an infant formula with a modified amino acid profile and a modified low-protein (mLP) content in healthy term-born infants. Outcomes were compared with a specifically designed control (CTRL) infant formula. In this double-blind, randomized controlled equivalence trial, infants received either mLP (1.7 g protein/100 kcal; n=90) or CTRL formula (2.1 g protein/100 kcal; n=88) from enrollment (age≤45 d) to 6 mo of age. A breastfed group served as a reference (n=67). Anthropometry and body composition were determined at baseline, 17 wk (including safety blood parameters), and 6 mo of age. The primary outcome was daily weight gain from enrollment up until the age of 17 wk (at an equivalence margin of ±3.0 g/d). Weight gain from baseline (mean±SD age: 31±9 d) up to the age of 17 wk was equivalent between the mLP and CTRL formula groups (27.9 and 28.8 g/d, respectively; difference: -0.86 g/d; 90% CI: -2.36, 0.63 g/d). No differences in other growth parameters, body composition, or in adverse events were observed. Urea was significantly lower in the mLP formula group than in the CTRL formula group (-0.74 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.97, -0.51 mmol/L; P<0.001). Growth rates, fat mass, fat-free mass, and several essential amino acids were significantly higher in both formula groups than in the breastfed reference group. Feeding an infant formula with a modified amino acid profile and a lower protein content from an average age of 1 mo until the age of 6 mo is safe and supports an adequate growth, similar to that of infants consuming CTRL formula. This trial was registered at www.trialregister.nl as Trial NL4677.

Biochemical changes of the pericellular matrix and spatial chondrocyte organization-Two highly interconnected hallmarks of osteoarthritis.

During osteoarthritis, chondrocytes change their spatial arrangement from single to double strings, then to small and big clusters. This change in pattern has recently been established as an image-based biomarker for osteoarthritis. The pericellular matrix (PCM) appears to degrade together alongside cellular reorganization. The aim of this study was to characterize this PCM-degradation based on different cellular patterns. We additionally wanted to identify the earliest time point of PCM-breakdown in this physiopathological model. To this end, cartilage samples were selected according to their predominant cellular pattern. Qualitative analysis of PCM degradation was performed immunohistochemically by analysing five main PCM components: collagen type VI, perlecan, collagen type III, biglycan, and fibrillin-1 (n = 6 patients). Their protein content was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (127 patients). Accompanying spatial cellular rearrangement, the PCM is progressively destroyed, with a pericellular signal loss in fluorescence microscopy for collagen type VI, perlecan, and biglycan. This loss in protein signal is accompanied by a reduction in total protein content from single strings to big clusters (P < .001 for collagen type VI, P = .003 for perlecan, and P < .001 for biglycan). As a result of an increase in the number of cells from single strings to big clusters, the amount of protein available per cell also decreases for collagen type III and fibrillin-1, where total protein levels remain constant. Biochemical changes of the PCM and cellular rearrangement are thus highly interconnected hallmarks of osteoarthritis. Interestingly, the earliest point in time for a relevant PCM impairment appears to be at the transition to small clusters.

Monocrotophos induced histopathological and biochemical Changes in gills, stomach and intestine of Anabas testudineus (Cuvier)

Monocrotophos, an organophosphate pesticide is used frequently in paddy fields of India. Although its impact of toxicity has been reported in many organisms, its effect on digestive and respiratory organs in Anabas testudineus is scanty. The Present investigation was conducted to evaluate the impact of histopathological and biochemical indices on freshwater fish A.testudineus exposed to sub-lethal concentration (45 ppm) of an organophosphorous pesticide monocrotophos (MT). Severe histoarchitectural and biochemical changes were observed in fishes exposed to monocrotophos when compared to fishes of control group. Exposure of fishes to the pesticide resulted in induction of histological abnormalities in gills, stomach and intestine. This was accompanied with reduction in total protein content and an elevation in catalase activity in gills, stomach and intestine. These structural alterations of the gills, stomach and intestine could affect respiration, digestion and absorption of nutrients which in turn could adversely affect growth and survival of the freshwater fish A. testudineus. The result of this investigation serves as a biomonitoring tool for the effects of organophosphorous pesticide MT on the aquatic biota.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Some Entomopathogenic Fungi on the Greater Wax Moth Larvae, Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: galleriidae)

The present study designed to investigate the effect of three entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Beauveria bassiana (Biovar), Trichoderma album (Biozed) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Bioranza) on greater wax moth Galleria mellonella larvae. The results revealed that the LC25 values of T. album, M. anisopliae and B. bassiana against G. mellonella larvae were 14.08, 44.20 and 57.82 ppm, respectively. The LC50 were 104.03, 252.55 and 389.05 ppm, respectively for the same biocides. T. album was the most toxic biocide for controlling G. mellonella larvae, While B. bassiana was the least toxic one. The slope of the tested compounds was 0.78, 0.89 and 0.81 for T. album, M. anisopliae and B. bassiana, respectively. The toxicity index of the tested compounds was 24.35 & 26.74 & 31.85 and 41.18, respectively. On the other hand, the relative potency of the three tested compounds at LC25 and LC50 were 1.31 & 1.54 and 4.11 & 3.74 fold for both M. anisopliae and T. album compared to 1.00 fold in case of B. bassiana. The results showed that the cumulative mortality percentages of G. mellonella larvae treated with the three products can be arranged according to the most efficient compounds 47.61, 41.52 and 39.67%, respectively for T. album, M. anisopliae and B. bassiana compared to control. Also, the results indicated that three tested biocides have a significant effect on some biological aspects of G. mellonella larvae. B. bassiana was the most effective biocide on larval and pupal duration, pupal mortality, pupal weight and sex ratio percentages. While, treatment with M. anisopliae reduced male longevity, and the malformation percentages recorded as 27.35% compared to control. But, T. album had the most toxic effect on accumulative larval mortality, pupation percentages, pupal duration and significantly decreased the female sex ratio than control. The three tested biocides had an effect on some biochemical parameters of G. mellonella larvae. The activity of amylase enzyme had a significantly decreased effect after five periods of treatment compared to control. A significant increase in relative activity in protease enzyme was recorded after treatment with the three EPF. A fluctuation in the enzyme activity of transaminase enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was estimated. There was also a significant reduction in total protein content. Results cleared that, significantly increased gradually in total lipid up to ten days after treatments. The results indicated that the tested bio-products can be used in honey bee colonies as a strategy to control G. mellonella larvae as one of the components of biological control programs.

Effects of 4-tert-octylphenol on the kidney and the liver of the adult male albino rat: A histological and biochemical study

ABSTRACTBackground: Bisphenol A (BPA) and Octylphenol (OP) have been shown to increase the oxidative stress in the body by upsetting the ratio balance of prooxidant and antioxidant in the cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cytotoxic agents that caused damage of nucleic acid bases, lipids and proteins, in turn lead to cell death. So the current work aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of 4-tertoctylphenol (OP) exposure on liver, kidney, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hematologic parameters of adult male albino rats.Material and Methods: The total number of the animals used was 36 rats The age of the used rats was 60-75 days. The groups was devided into; 12 control rats, 24 rats received the treatment; half of them had the low dose and the other 12 had the high dose treatment. The rats were treated with 4-OP in orally low dose (10 μg/kg/day) and high dose (450 mg/kg/b.w.daily). (b.w. means the body weight). After 4 weeks of treatment blood samples were withdrawn for biochemical and hematological analysis. Also the liver and kidney were investigated histopathologically.Results: The administration of OP resulted in a significant elevation in serum urea and creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level after administration of both low and high doses. The obtained data revealed a significant increase in liver function Aspartate Aminotransferease (ASAT) & Alanine Aminotranseferase (ALAT) as well as reduction in total protein content in target tissues of all treated groups and this confirmed by the histopathological study. Significant elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with a reduction in tissues reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the kidney and liver tissue. The total blood count and other blood parameters showed significant variations after 4-OP administration.The liver and the kidney deteriorated with the increasing doses and the duration of the treatment, showing glomerular lobulaion, mild interstitial fibrosis and tubular cytoplasmic degeneration in the kidney, while the liver showed mild venous and sinusoidal congestion along with bile duct proliferation and mild fatty change.Conclusion: The findings of the present study raise the possibility of hepatic, renal and hematological effects exerted by 4-OP.

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ЛІКУВАННЯ СПОРТИВНИХ КОНЕЙ ЗА МІОКАРДІОДИСТРОФІЇ

Recent years are characterized by close attention to diseases, which are often a component of metabolic syndrome (MS). The pathogenetic multifacency of the MS and the clinical heterogeneity of the manifestations of the diseases give the problem of contemporary sound, provides formation of new perspectives on their course and the development of therapies. The promising direction of drug therapy is the use of metabolic drugs. Metabolic therapy has become one of the areas in the treatment of heart failure, therefore the compulsory component of treatment should be drugs that act to stabilize the myocardial metabolism, and the correction of hypoxia and its effects is important for the adaptation of tissues to work in conditions of reduced supply of oxygen. The basis of metabolic therapy is the protection of the myocardium from cardiotoxic action of catecholamines released during physical activity, as well as energy-saving correction of oxidation processes. The purpose of the work was to study the effectiveness of metabolic therapy in sport horses for myocardial dystrophy. In order to assess the influence of metabolic syndrome (MS) on myocardium and the analysis of the effectiveness of metabolic therapy, patients with myocardial dystrophy of horses were selected. According to the results of clinical studies and analysis of indicators of blood of sick horses was divided into two groups: the first included animals that were treated, the second - which were not treated. From the control group of horses of two animals at 8 and 9 days was excluded from research due to complications due to the development of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic therapy in sports horse patients with myocardial dystrophy contributed to the restoration of work capacity, normalization of the frequency of respiration and pulse, reduction of the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, arrhythmias and valve regurgitation, restoration of hydration (reduction of total protein content) and renal function (reduction of urea and creatinine concentrations), normalization carbohydrate metabolism, restoration and stabilization of membranes of cardiomyocytes (reduction of lactate concentration and activity of AST, СK, СK-MB, LDH, LDH-1), and consequently jay complication and development of metabolic dysfunction. In animals of the control group, which were not treated, complications of myocardial dystrophy in the form of a metabolic syndrome developed, which were manifested by an increase in the percentage of animals with reduced capacity for work, tachypnea and tachycardia, an increase in the incidence of cardiac noise, arrhythmias and valve regurgitation, the development of dehydration (increase in total protein content), violation renal function (increased urea concentration and creatinine), development of cardiomyocyte cytolysis syndrome (increased lactate and ac activity of the AST, CК, СК-MB, LDH, LDH-1).

Protective potency of Meristotropis xanthioides against nephrotoxicity in a rat model along with its antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

To investigate nephroprotective potential of Meristotropis xanthioides (M.xanthioides) extract against ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats, and also its total phenolics content, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Total phenol and flavonoid amounts of the leaf and stem extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride reagents, respectively. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the extracts were investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and disc diffusion methods, respectively. In addition, protective potential of the leaf extract against ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity was studied by histological and biochemical analyses. Obtained results indicated high total phenol [(10.26±0.46) mg GAE/g of dry extract] and flavonoid [(3.63±0.62) mg QE/g of dry extract] amounts in the leaf extract. The leaf and stem extracts possessed stronger antioxidant activity [IC50: (0.119±0.006) mg/mL and IC50: (0.133±0.009mg/mL)] than that of ascorbic acid [IC50: (0.142±0.002) mg/mL]. Also, the extracts showed good antibacterial activity against the most of bacteria taken in this research, especially Gram-positive ones. Histological examinations revealed tissue injury in the kidney of rats treated with ethanol. Results from biochemical assays showed reduction in total protein content and also in superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, remarkable increased levels (P<0.05) of H2O2 and malondialdehyde were found in ethanol-treated rats in comparison to control group. However, these injuries were significantly improved in rats treated by M.xanthioides leaf extract. Results from present study demonstrates strong pharmaceutical potential of M.xanthioides extract to apply as a new drug supplement.

Transcriptome changes of blue-green algae, Arthrospira sp. in response to sulfate stress

Arthrospira platensis, a protein-rich blue-green alga is utilized as feed supplements for human and animals, which primarily depend upon nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur in the presence of sunlight for their growth and survival. Cyanobacteria depend on sulfur for the synthesis and modification of a variety of biomolecules but, the exact mechanism of sulfur metabolism and impact of sulfate deprivation on A. platensis remain unclear. In this study, we analysed the change in growth and difference in the expression of key molecules of A. platensis during sulfate deprivation by comparing the transcriptome profiles of A. platensis grown at normal and sulfur deprived culture conditions. Observations showed that sulfate stress affected the levels of pigments in spirulina with slightly reduced growth. Transcriptome profile showed that expression profiles of different genes involved in various sulfur-dependent pathways were altered due to sulfur depletion. Major genes that were down-regulated include iron-sulfur clusters biosynthesis due to the absence of sulfur. Expression of genes involved in pathways such as translation, amino acid biosynthesis, protein folding, rRNA binding, were down-regulated, whereas genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, phosphor relay sensor kinase activity, integral components of membrane, plasma membrane, thylakoid membrane, metal ion binding and DNA repair, were up-regulated during sulfur stress. Genes involved in transcription were up-regulated and hence there is a higher number of transcripts in A. platensis grown in sulfur depleted state. However, genes involved in translation were down-regulated; thus, there was a reduction in total protein content. Based on this analysis, it could be concluded that A. platensis was able to sustain sulfate stress, by its ability to alter the expression of genes that are specifically involved in sulfur metabolism and various other sulfur-dependent pathways.

Effects of preoperative administration of hypertonic saline or pentastarch solution on hematologic variables and long-term survival of surgically managed horses with colic.

To compare the effects of preoperatively administered pentastarch (10% concentration in isotonic saline [0.9% NaCl] solution) and hypertonic saline (7.2% NaCl) solutions on PCV and circulating total protein (TP) concentration in horses with colic undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy and to assess survival rates of horses that received each treatment. Prospective, randomized study. 100 horses with signs of abdominal pain and PCV ≥ 0.46 L/L. Procedures-Horses received a 4 mL/kg (1.8 mL/lb) dose of pentastarch solution (n = 50) or hypertonic saline solution (50) over a 10- to 20-minute period before anesthetic induction. Blood samples were collected at the time of evaluation and ≤ 5 minutes after fluid resuscitation; changes in PCV and TP concentration were compared. Survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Age, weight, sex, PCV, and heart rate on initial examination were similar between treatment groups. Hypertonic saline solution treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in PCV (median change, -0.14 L/L) than did pentastarch treatment (median change, -0.07 L/L). Reduction in TP concentration was also significantly greater after hypertonic saline solution treatment (median change, -16 g/L) than after pentastarch treatment (median change, -2 g/L). Long-term survival was not significantly different between groups. Despite a greater reduction in preanesthetic hemoconcentration following administration of hypertonic saline solution (4 mL/kg infusion, once), no difference in overall long-term survival was found between horses that received this treatment and those that received an equal volume of pentastarch solution. Findings suggested that, in a clinical setting, either of these fluids would be appropriate for preoperative fluid resuscitation in horses with colic.