Relative Organ Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus farciminis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on Growth and Production Indicators of Broiler Chickens

In response to the 2006 EU ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, researchers have sought alternatives, leading to a focus on the beneficial effects of probiotics on chickens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the probiotic mixture containing Lactobacillus (L.) farciminis CNCM-I-3699 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM-I-3698 on the growth, production indicators, and edible organs of broiler chickens. Three trials were conducted, each consisting of 260 newly hatched Ross 308 broiler chicks (males and females) from a commercial hatchery, randomly allocated into control (n = 130) and probiotic-supplemented groups (n = 130). The dietary treatments were basal diet for the control group and basal diet + the mixture of L. farciminis CNCM-I-3699 (2.1010 GU/g) and L. rhamnosus CNCM-I-3698 (2.1010 GU/g) at a rate of 4g/10kg of diet for the probiotic supplemented group. Broilers were raised until day 35 of age, and their body weight and feed intake were recorded on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. All broiler chickens were weighed on the first day. The investigated parameters included average weight gain, feed conversion ratio, cumulative feed intake, and the European Broiler Index. Daily mortality was recorded. The average organ’s relative weight was calculated for each group on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Although both groups yielded positive results regarding growth and production indicators, no significant differences were observed between the two groups, suggesting that probiotics may not provide expected outcomes when appropriate conditions and age-related requirements are met. The probiotic-supplemented group exhibited significantly accelerated growth in the heart and liver. However, relative organ weights did not differ significantly between the groups.

Effects of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Body Weight and Pathology of Vital Organs in Pathogenic Staph Infection

Aims: Oyster mushroom is rich in secondary metabolites of pharmacological importance. This study evaluates the effect of ethanolic extract of Oyster mushroom on the vital organs of Staphylococcus aureus infected Wistar rats after seven days of administration.
 Study Design: Completely randomized design was used in the study.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Microbiology, Parasitology and Ethnoveterinary medicine Unit of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, between March and December 2022.
 Methodology: The mushroom was processed using a cold extraction technique. A bacterial suspension of Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated via oral route into the experimental animals, which were randomly distributed into six groups of five. Group 1: normal control; group 2: positive control; group 3: negative control, inoculated but received no antimicrobial; and group 4 to 6 were inoculated, and administered with 625, 1250 and 2500 mg dose of the extract respectively. The treatment was administered for seven days, after which blood samples were cultured for the bacterial count and vital organs were analysed for pathological changes.
 Results: The colony count was significantly raised at 625 mg dose while the dose ranging from 1250 to 2500 mg yielded insignificant bacterial growth (P<0.01). The percentage weight gain was significantly lower (P<0.01) in 1250 mg extract in comparison with the negative control after 7 days complete treatment but there was no statistical variation in the 7 days post-treatment percentage weight gain and the relative organ weight (P<0.01).The histological sections showed no variation from normal controls except 625 mg liver that showed some vacuolations within the hepatocytes.
 Conclusion: The organ-body mean weight was proportionate, and the histological sections of the liver, kidney, skin, lungs, heart and spleen were indicative of no anatomical variations as compared with the normal control tissues. The beneficial effect of P. ostreatus on the vital organs was further established by the active clearing of S. aureus infection at 1250 to 2500 mg dose with no observable pathological change in the tissues. The bioactive agents inherent in P. ostreatus were effective against S. aureus infection. The vacuolations observed in the low dose liver sections unveiled the ill effect of under-dose treatment and its consequence on the liver cells. The histopathological investigations were suggestive of the safety and tolerance of P. ostreatus to the body system. Nevertheless, further studies should be carried out on its toxicological profiles.

Safety Evaluation of a Traditional Medicinal Plant, <i>Flemingia vestita</i> Benth and Hooker in Swiss Albino Mice: An Acute and Sub-acute Toxicity Study

Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity assessment of Flemingia vestita root-peel extract was performed in Swiss albino mice as per OECD guidelines 425 and 407. In acute toxicity test, mice were administered extract doses of 175, 550, and 1760 mg/ kg body weight (b.w.), and finally, 2000 mg/kg b.w., limit dose. The treated animals were observed for adverse signs or mortality for 14 days. In the sub-acute toxicity study, mice were divided into seven groups (n = 5). Animals in group one served as control, while group five received acetaminophen to act as positive control. Groups two, three and four of animals were given 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg doses of extract for 28 days. Animals in groups six and seven served as the satellite groups for 300 mg/kg and acetaminophen-treated groups for another two weeks to monitor any delayed effects or reversal from adverse effects. The study was approved by the Member-Secretary and the Chairman, Institutional Ethics Committee (Animal Models) of North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong vide letter number: IEC/MS/Misc./08/dated September 26, 2019. Body weight, relative organ weight, haematological and biochemical parameters, and histopathology of the liver, kidney, intestine and spleen of animals were studied. No adverse effects or mortality of animals was observed at 2000 mg/kg b.w., limit dose. The LD50 of the extract was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg. In a sub-acute toxicity study, a 300 mg/kg dose showed a noticeable decrease in food, water consumption, and body weight. Likewise, haematological observations revealed an increase in leukocyte count, and biochemical parameters showed an increase in aspartate aminotransferase in 300 mg/kg extract dose. In histopathological studies, mildly disrupted hepatocytes were observed in liver sections of high-dose treated mice. The findings suggest that F. vestita root-peel extract is safe for consumption but may cause mild toxicity at a high dose of 300 mg extract/kg b.w.

<i>In vivo</i> Acute Toxicity and Anti-inflammatory Activity of <i>Ferula sulcata</i> Desf. from Setif, Algeria

Several works are interested in studying the undesirable therapeutic effects of medicinal plants, which must be used with great caution because they can be toxic. Under this objective falls our work, which consists in studying the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory action in vivo of the Essential Oil (EO) of the aerial part (seed) of Ferula sulcata Desf. harvested from the region of Setif in western Algeria. Two doses were applied by oral gavage (2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight). After administration of the oil, the mice were continuously monitored for 14 days. The results obtained showed that there was no mortality or morbidity whereas the animals showed toxic effects e.g., behavioral and morphological changes. On the other hand, a significant increase (p<0.05) in body weight was observed. In addition, an important increase was recorded in the relative organ weights compared to the controls, whereas the liver was significantly increased (**p<0.05): 6.12±0.19; 6.14±0.31 in females compared to controls. Furthermore, ALT value decreased significantly (**p<0.05): 6.83±2.59 in males. In addition, the oral administration of EO at the dose of 600 mg/kg showed an interesting antiinflammatory activity comparable to indomethacin. Histopathological damage was observed in the liver and kidney tissues of mice treated with EO of this plant. Hence, the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of EO of F. sulcata Desf. are considered the first data.

Toxicity Test on the Combination of Caesalpinia sappan and Zingiber officinale in Rattus norvegicus Induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant

Highlights:1. This study determined the toxic effects of combining Caesalpinia sappan and Zingiber officinale extracts, aspeople need to be aware of the potential side effects of these common herbal remedies for the treatment ofrheumatoid arthritis.2. The combination of Caesalpinia sappan and Zingiber officinale extracts is efficacious and non-toxic as an antiarthritis treatment, hence, the ingredients can be upgraded to standardized herbal medicines andphytopharmaceuticals. Abstract Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan) and red ginger (Zingiber officinale) are plant species that have been studied for theirefficacy in treating inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to examine the effects of combiningsappanwood and red ginger in order to determine the potential toxicity of the herbal extracts in medicine. The toxicitytesting was carried out in vivo using 32 Wistar strain male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) grouped into eight groups of four.The rats were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant to induce a chronic inflammatory effect. The eight groups consistedof the negative control group, the positive control group, the normal group, and five treatment groups. This study wasconducted by observing the animals for toxic symptoms and death to determine the safety of the extracts and drugs. Theobservation results were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (p<0.05). The analysis results showed that weightgain and relative organ weight among the groups had no significant differences (p>0.05). Microscopic examination of theorgan preparations observed under a light microscope revealed no significant changes or adverse effects in rats treated withthe extracts or drugs. In conclusion, a combination of sappanwood and red ginger ethanol extracts administered orally hasno toxic effect in rats injected with complete Freund's adjuvant.

In-Ovo injection of melittin into Alexandria chicken eggs: a way for early immune acceleration

This study intended to assess the properties of in-ovo administration of Melittin (MLT) on hatchability, chick yield, hematology, immunological indices and relative organs weight of Alexandria chickens at hatch. A total of 600 eggs with an average weight of (45.12 g), were gathered and split into five groups: a non-injected group or negative control (NC), a saline injection group or positive control (PC), and three concentrations of MLT (5, 10 and 15 µg of MLT per egg, respectively). On day 18 of incubation, eggs from the injection groups were injected into the amniotic fluid from the large end with the in-ovo injection solutions (0.2 ml per egg). Results indicated that 10 µg MLT/egg positively affected the weight and yield of chicks. In addition, our findings indicated that the in-ovo administration with 10 or 15 µg MLT/egg was superior in most of the immunological indicators (spleen and bursa relative weights, immunoglobulins IgG and IgM, T cells and B cells). In conclusion, in order to improve the immune efficiency (early immune acceleration) of Alexandria chicks, which may contribute to offering a significant boost to their future performance, this study suggests injecting eggs with 5 or 10 µg MLT/egg.

Responses of broiler chickens to incremental levels of water deprivation: Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and relative organ weights

Abstract The objective of the study was to assess the effect of varying levels of water deprivation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and internal organ weight of broiler chickens. Ninety unsexed Ross 308 chicks 2 weeks old were randomly assigned to five water deprivation periods of 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. Each treatment was replicated three times with six birds per replicate. Broiler chickens were given water ad libitum (0 h) or for 30 min at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-h intervals. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined on a weekly basis. A negative linear relationship (P < 0.05) existed between water deprivation and ADFI. The increase in water deprivation level resulted in ADFI decreasing at an increasing rate. The R 2 value was 0.94. There was no relationship between water deprivation on ADG and FCR (P > 0.05). There was a quadratic relationship between water deprivation and cold dress mass (CDM) and warm dress mass. As the level of water deprivation increased, there were linear increases in relative weight of gizzard, spleen, heart, lungs, liver, and gastrointestinal tract (P < 0.001). The organ weights of the broiler chickens revealed the ability of birds to withstand of up to 24 h. Using differential of quadratic equations, the maximum time of water deprivation that did not negatively affect CDM was estimated to be 4 h.

Porcine intestinal antimicrobial peptide as an in-feed antibiotic alternative improves intestinal digestion and immunity by shaping the gut microbiota in weaned piglets.

Antibiotic resistance of pathogens, which is caused by the abuse of in-feed antibiotics, threatens the sustainable development of livestock production. The present study aimed to investigate the efficiency of porcine intestinal antimicrobial peptide (PIAP) as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics in terms of growth performance, intestinal morphology, digestive enzymes and immunity, and microbiota community of the post-weaning piglets. A total of 204 piglets (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire, weaned at 28d age) with a similar body weight of 7.97±1.04kg were randomly allocated to 4 groups (51 piglets per group): (1) control group: basal diet; (2) AB group: antibiotic, basal diet+chlortetracycline (1000mg/kg from d 1 to 24; 500mg/kg from d 25 to 37); (3) P1 group: basal diet+a relatively low dose of PIAP (400mg/kg from d 1 to 24; 300mg/kg from d 25 to 37); (4) P2 group, basal diet+a relatively high dose of PIAP (600mg/kg from d 1 to 24; 500mg/kg from d 25 to 37). The results showed that serum indicators of hepatocyte damage and relative organ weight were not affected by these treatments (P>0.05). Compared with the AB treatment, the P1 treatment remarkably decreased jejunal crypt depth and increased jejunal and ileal villus height:crypt depth ratio (P<0.05). The values of jejunal maltase, lactase, sucrase, intestinal alkaline phosphatase, and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in the P1 group were sharply increased compared with those in the control and P2 groups (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the P1 group decreased serum concentrations of D-lactate, diamine oxidase, and endotoxin (P<0.05), and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri (P<0.05) in the colonic feces. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the abundance of L.reuteri and the concentrations of maltase, lactase, sucrase, and SIgA (P<0.05). Collectively, dietary supplementation with a relatively low dose of PIAP (400mg/kg from d 1 to 24; 300mg/kg from d 25 to 37) demonstrates beneficial effects on intestinal morphology, digestive enzymes, immunity, and permeability by shaping the gut microbiota composition in weaned piglets. This study will provide a valuable reference for using PIAP as an in-feed antibiotic alternative in swine production.

L-glutamic acid-g-poly hydroxyethyl methacrylate nanoparticles: acute and sub-acute toxicity and biodistribution potential in mice.

The aim of this safety study in mice was to determine in vivo toxicity and biodistribution potential of a single and multiple doses of L-glutamic acid-g-p(HEMA) polymeric nanoparticles as a drug delivery system. The single dose did not cause any lethal effect, and its acute oral LD50 was >2.000 mg/kg body weight (bw). Multiple doses (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg bw) given over 28 days resulted in no significant differences in body and relative organ weights compared to control. These results are supported by biochemical and histological findings. Moreover, nanoparticle exposure did not result in statistically significant differences in micronucleus counts in bone marrow cells compared to control. Nanoparticle distribution was time-dependent, and they reached the organs and even bone marrow by hour 6, as established by ex vivo imaging with the IVIS® spectrum imaging system. In conclusion, L-glutamic acid-g-p(HEMA) polymeric nanoparticles appear biocompatible and have a potential use as a drug delivery system.

Acute Toxicity Study of Methanol Extract of Baobab (Adansonia digitata Linn) Fruit Shell Extract in Mice

Background: The natural origin of medicinal plants does not guarantee their safety, as there are no sufficient studies on the safety, efficacy, and toxicity to support their benefit claims. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the oral acute toxicity of Adansonia digitata L. (A. digitata) fruit shell extract in mice. Methods: The maceration method was employed for the extraction of the A. digitata fruit shell using methanol. The extract was then screened for its phytochemical constituents both qualitatively and quantitatively. Lorke’s method was followed for the toxicity study, and the mice were observed for clinical signs of toxicity and mortality. Further, serum was analyzed for liver and kidney function biomarkers besides the histology of the liver, kidney, and cerebellum. Results: No single death was recorded and no sign of toxicity persisted for more than 2 hours post-administration to the extracts up to 5000 mg/kg. Therefore, the - of A. digitata fruit shell is above 5000 mg/kg. Additionally, no changes were observed in the weights as well as the relative organ weight of the mice. Further, no statistically significant changes were seen in their liver and kidney function biomarkers, besides the relatively intact histological appearance of their liver, kidney, and cerebellum. Conclusion: The oral acute toxicity of methanol extract of A. digitata fruit shell is above 5000 mg/kg; hence, it is relatively safe to use it for medicinal purposes. However, a longer study duration is recommended to evaluate its toxic effects on fertility, teratogenicity, and carcinogenic potentials.

Toxicological Evaluation and Pain Assessment of Four Minor Cannabinoids Following 14-Day Oral Administration in Rats.

Introduction: Despite growing consumer interest and market availability, the safety of minor cannabinoids, generally present in low concentrations in Cannabis sativa L., is not well understood. Materials and Methods: Cannabichromene (CBC; 3.2, 10, 17, 22, 32, or 100 mg/kg-bw/day), cannabinol (CBN; 1, 3.2, 10, 17, 32, or 100 mg/kg-bw/day), delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (D8-THC; 0.32, 1, 3.2, or 10 mg/kg-bw/day), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV; 3.2, 10, 17, 22, 32, or 100 mg/kg-bw/day), and vehicle (medium-chain triglyceride oil) preparations were administered via oral gavage once daily for 14 days to Sprague Dawley rats. Changes in behavior, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology, organ weights, body temperature, and thermal pain sensitivity (tail flick assay) were assessed. Select organ tissues were collected at terminal necropsy and fixed for histopathological examination. Results: No treatment-related deaths were observed throughout the study, and cannabinoids were generally well tolerated. While some significant trends in body weight differences from controls (increases and decreases) were observed, these occurred independently of food consumption. Overall, differences in serum chemistry and hematology parameters between cannabinoid groups and their respective control groups were considered to occur due to biological variation among rats. No treatment-related gross abnormalities were observed in examined organs. Significant changes in absolute and relative organ weights occurred primarily in males and were generally of negligible magnitude. There were no biologically significant histopathological observations. While pain tolerance was significantly improved in animals treated with D8-THC (3.2 and 10 mg/kg-bw/day, day 14), results across minor cannabinoids were inconsistent and warrant further study. Conclusion: Minor cannabinoids were well tolerated across 14 days of daily oral administration at the doses assessed. Modest, dose-dependent trends in relative organ weights and serum chemistry parameters warrant exploration at higher oral doses. These data will assist in dose selection for future studies investigating the long-term safety and effects of CBC, CBN, D8-THC, and THCV.

Single Herbs and Diet Propagated by Classical &lt;i&gt;Ayurvedic&lt;/i&gt; Texts for Improving ‘Gut Health’ as Indicated in &lt;i&gt;Grahani&lt;/i&gt; (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - A Review

‘Gut’ is being referred to as ‘second brain’ as the role played by the gut is very crucial to health. In continuation, the gut microbiome is a part of gut health. Diet plays an important role in maintaining the healthy microbiome. A close correlation to gut health is found to Grahani mentioned in Ayurveda. The word ‘Grahani’ is used to specify the organ ‘Grahani’ correlated as duodenum and the disease ‘Grahani’ whose clinical presentation of alternating frequent watery bowels, and constipation blood-stained stools can be correlated to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This disease is attributed to the pathology of the Annavaha srotas (channels carrying the food and the related organs). Even with medical intervention, Ahara (food) is to be planned with utmost care and sensitivity. In Grahani, the treatments and diet prescribed are meant for the healing and recovery of the alimentary tract, they are inclusive of the gut microbiome also. Hence a literature review of the Brhatrayis - the three major classical textbooks in Ayurveda: Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha and Hrdaya were reviewed for the single herbs and diet recommendations in Grahani. Articles supporting this fact from modern pharmacology were added as supporting documents. No review has been done so far exploring into the depths of the Ayurvedic Samhitas regarding the single herbs and diet mentioned to address gastric ailments thus relating to the gut and gut health. This article aims at filling this lacuna.

Effects of sub-chronic oral administration of hydromethanolic stem extract of Costus afer Ker Gawl. (Costaceae) on body weight, relative organ weight (ROW) and histopathology of selected organs in rats

Adverse effects of plant extracts on body weight, relative organ weight and histopathology are important indicators of toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the hydromethanolic stem extract of Costus afer Ker Gawl. (Costaceae). OECD (2008) Guideline 425 was used to evaluate oral acute toxicity of the extract. Sub-chronic oral administration of the extract on body weight, relative organ weight (ROW) and histopathology of selected organs in Wistar rats were evaluated using OECD 1995 guideline 407. Forty Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into 4 groups. Rats in control group (Group I) received 1 ml/kg/day distilled water while Groups II, III and IV rats received 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of the extract respectively for 28 days. All treatments were administered orally. The rats were sacrificed under light halothane anaesthesia on the 29th day and the target organs were harvested, weighed and examined macroscopically for any morphological changes and microscopically for any lesions. There were no significant changes in mean body weights of rats and relative organ weights of selected organs in the extract treated groups when compared with the control group (distilled water). Although histological features of the brain, heart, stomach mucosa, lungs, spleen, ovaries and uterus in the extract treated groups were similar to those of control, slight to moderate renal and hepatic necrosis and necrosis of secondary spermatogenic cells at doses of 500 mg/kg and above of the extract were observed in the kidneys, liver and testes respectively. Caution should be exercised on sub-chronic administration of this extract as it may be toxic to the kidneys, liver and testes.

Ameliorative effects of palm oil on sniper induced toxicity on the cerebral cortex of adult male Wistar rats

Introduction: Sniper insecticide is a highly toxic, water soluble, synthetic organophosphate belonging to the DDVP (2, 2 — dichlorovinyl dimethylphosphate) compound family of chemicals. It’s wide spread indiscriminate indoor usage and more recently, an effective instrument for suicide related mortality which has been a source of great concern. Red palm oil, on the other hand, is an edible vegetable oil from the fleshy pulp of the oil palm that contains antioxidants; carotenoids that is responsible for its color (pigmentation) and Vitamin E that support brain health. This palm oil is consumed widely, used as an antidote in Nigeria and so is used for various ingested poisons. Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the ameliorative effects of palm oil on sniper induced toxicity on the cerebral cortex. Materials and methods: Sixteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 4 per group). Group A was the Control, while Group B was administered just sniper (5 mg/kg), Group C was administered 2 ml of Red oil and Group D received 5 mg/kg of sniper + 2 ml of red oil. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, their brains extracted and fixed in 10% formal saline for routine histological analysis. Results: There was significant increase in the body weight of Groups A, B, C and D. The relative organ weight of Wistar rats showed an insignificant decrease in the relative brain weight of Group B compared to the Control. Groups C and D also had a relative decrease in comparison to the control. The cerebral cortex reveals neuronal damage and proliferation of glial cells in the sniper-induced group and the mild recovery of neuronal cells in the rats treated with sniper and palm oil. Conclusion: The results from this study shows that there was a significant reduction in organ weight in Group B [Sniper only] when compared to the control group. When palm oil was administered, there was mild recovery of neuronal cells. This shows the ameliorative effects/ impact of Palm Oil in Neurotoxicity.

SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY OF DIABECINE RECONSTITUTE IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY IN THE EVALUATION AS AN ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIA AGENT

Diabecine reconstitute is a combination of well-known herbs such as Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Eugenia polyantha, Curcuma xanthorizza, Orthosiphon stamineus and Andrographis paniculata which are believed to give promising finding especially in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, no scientific studies have been performed to investigate its toxicological effect. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate its safety profile using sub-acute toxicity (14 days repeated doses) in rat model. The sub-acute toxicity study was evaluated by daily administration of different doses (250, 600 and 2000 mg/kg) of diabecine reconstitute for 14 days. Clinical signs, body weight changes, food and water intake, white blood count and relative organ weight were recorded. While the liver and kidney were removed for histological analysis. The result indicated that administration of diabecine reconstitute did not show significant differences in food consumption, water intake and white blood count (p&gt;0.05) as compared to the control. However, there is significant difference observed in body weight and relative organ weight (p&lt;0.05). Diabecine reconstitute at 600 and 2000 mg/kg proved to be toxic to kidney and liver in histopathology studies. However, the diabecine reconstitute at concentration of 250 mg/kg is safe to be used and showed no toxicity effect. Therefore, diabecine reconstitute at dose of 250 mg/kg was found to be toxicologically safe and it may be a good potential polyherbal formula to be incorporated in the diabetes mellitus treatment.

The impact of non-caloric artificial sweetener aspartame on female reproductive system in mice model

BackgroundArtificial sweeteners, used as sugar substitutes have found their ways into almost all the food items due to the notion that they are non-caloric. Aspartame is used in numerous food products throughout the world. The primary users of aspartame include diabetics and calorie conscious people who intend to limit their calorie intake.MethodsFemale Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups (12 mice each) for the duration of 30 and 60 days consecutively. The treatment groups received 40 mg/kg b. w. aspartame orally. Hormone assays using ELISA and tissue histopathology have been performed along with the fertility assay to access the treatment outcomeon the fertility of treated mice in comparison to controls.ResultsPresent study reports that female mice treated with aspartame for 30 and 60 days showed significant reduction in body weight, relative organ weight of (liver and kidney) and gonadosomatic index. These changes were more significantly recorded in 60 days treatment group. Aspartame treated animals for 30 and 60 days showed duration-dependent decrease gonandotropins (follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone), and steroids (estradiol and progesterone). Moreover, severe histopathological changes, reduction in number of growing follicles, degenerative changes in follicular structure, corona radiata and zonagranulosa were also observed. Besides, histomorphological changes were also observed in the uterine structure including atrophic uterine endometrial glands, contracted endometrial lining, disruption of the endometrial structure and the shapes of blood vessels were also altered.ConclusionNon-nutritive artificial sweeteners including aspartame negatively impact the function of ovaries and feedback mechanism of reproductive hormones by affecting the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. In light of present findings the aspartame negatively impacted the reproductive system of female mice. More studies are required to identify the molecular mechanism and the pathways involved.

Effect of Penthorum Chinense Pursh Compound on AFB1-Induced Immune Imbalance via JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Spleen of Broiler Chicken.

Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) is the main secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus flavus, which is highly toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic. It can induce immune imbalance in animals or humans. Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP) is a traditional herbal plant that has been used as a hepatoprotective drug with a long history in China. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese Medicine, we prepared Penthorum chinense Pursh Compound (PCPC) by combining four herbal medicines: 5 g Penthorum chinense Pursh, 5 g Radix bupleuri, 1 g Artemisia capillaris Thunb and 1 g Radix glycyrrhizae. The role of the Penthorum chinense Pursh Compound (PCPC) in preventing AFB1-induced immune imbalance in broiler chickens was studied. A total of 180 broiler chickens were equally distributed in six groups: controls, AFB1, YCHD and high-, medium- and low-dose PCPC treatment groups. After 28 days, broilers were anesthetized, and serum spleen and thymus samples were collected for analysis. Results show that AFB1 significantly increased and decreased the relative organ weight of the spleen and thymus, respectively. Pathological section of hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) stained spleen sections showed that AFB1 resulted in splenic tissue damage. Both the serum levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) were suppressed in the AFB1 group. IL-6 was elevated in the AFB1 group. The balance between pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4) was disturbed by AFB1. The apoptosis-related protein and JAK/STAT pathway-related gene expression indicated that AFB1-induced apoptosis via JAK/STAT pathway. PCPC has proven its immunoprotective effects by preventing AFB1-induced immune imbalance. PCPC can be applied as a novel immune-modulating medicine in broiler chickens. It can be applied as a novel immune modulator in veterinary clinical practice.

Polysaccharide from Paris polyphylla improves learning and memory ability in D-galactose-induced aging model mice based on antioxidation, p19/p53/p21, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

The current study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Paris polyphylla polysaccharide component 1 (PPPm-1) to improve learning and memory in D-galactose-induced aging model mice. We determined the effects of PPPm-1 on the brain, organ index, and behavior in the aging model mice induced by D-galactose to study learning and memory improvement. UV–Vis spectrophotometry helped determine the PPPm-1 effect on antioxidant parameters associated with learning and memory in the brain and related organs of aging mice. Moreover, in the hippocampi of aging model mice, PPPm-1 effect on the mRNA and protein expressions of p19, p53, p21, P16, Rb, Wnt/1, β-catenin, CyclinD1, TCF-4, and GSK-3β were detected using the quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The results indicated that PPPm-1 could increase the brain and organ indexes, the avoidance latency, the total distance and average speed in the water maze, and the SOD and GSH-PX activities in the brain, liver tissues, and plasma. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expressions of Wnt/1, β-catenin, CyclinD1, and TCF-4 were also elevated in the hippocampi of aging model mice. However, the error times in step-through tests, the MDA content in the brain and liver tissues, the AChE activity in the brain tissue, the protein expressions of P16, Rb in the hippocampi, and the mRNA and protein expressions of p19, p53, p21, and GSK-3β in the hippocampi of aging model mice were significantly decreased. Thus, PPPm-1 significantly enhanced the learning and memory impairment induced by D-galactose in mice. The action mechanisms were associated with anti-oxidative stress, cholinergic nervous system function regulation, LTP enhancement in long-term memory, down-regulated expression of p19/p53/p21 signaling pathway factors, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation.

Influences of flavonoid (quercetin) inclusion to corn-soybean-gluten meal-based diet on broiler performance.

Quercetin (a predominant flavonoid) is considered to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of graded doses of quercetin (QS) on growth efficiency, nutrient retention, faecal score, footpad lesion score, tibia ash and meat quality. In a 32-day feeding test, a total of 576 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers (male) were allocated arbitrarily with an average body weight of 41 ± 0.5 g. The trial had four dietary treatments with eight repetitions of 18 birds per pen and a basal diet incorporating 0%, 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06% of QS. As the QS dosage increased, body weight gain tended to increase linearly on Days 9-21 (p = 0.069) and overall period (p = 0.079). Similarly, feed intake increased (p = 0.009) linearly with the increasing doses of QS on Days 9-21. Likewise, there was a linear improvement in dry matter (p = 0.002) and energy (p = 0.016) digestibility after QS administration. Moreover, the inclusion of QS supplement (0%-0.06%) linearly increased (p = 0.012) tibia ash in broilers. However, the faecal score and footpad lesion score showed no significant outcome (p > 0.05). By giving broilers a graded amount of QS, the relative organ weights of breast muscle (p = 0.009) and spleen (p = 0.006) improved linearly, meat colour lightness increased (p = 0.015), redness tended to improve (p = 0.065) linearly and drip loss decreased (p = 0.015) linearly. The inclusion of QS in the graded-level diet led to improvements in growth efficiency, nutrient absorption, meat quality and tibia ash, which recommended it as a beneficial feed additive for the broiler.

Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-Conjugated Hemoglobins as a Red Blood Cell Substitute.

Hemoglobin wrapped covalently with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s (POx-Hb) is characterized physicochemically and physiologically as an artificial O2 carrier for use as a red blood cell (RBC) substitute. The POx-Hb is generated by linkage of porcine Hb surface-lysines to a sulfhydryl terminus of the POx derivative, with the average binding number of the polymers ascertained as 6. The POx-Hb shows moderately higher colloid osmotic activity and O2 affinity than the naked Hb. Human adult HbA conjugated with POx also possesses equivalent features and O2 binding properties. The POx-Hb solution exhibits good hemocompatibility, with no influence on the functions of platelets, granulocytes, and monocytes. Its circulation half-life in rats is 14 times longer than that of naked Hb. Hemorrhagic shock in rats is relieved sufficiently by infusion of the POx-Hb solution, as revealed by improvements of circulatory parameters. Serum biochemistry tests and histopathological observations indicate no acute toxicity or abnormality in the related organs. All results indicate that POx-Hb represents an attractive alternative for RBCs and a useful O2 therapeutic reagent in transfusion medicine.