Relative Heart Weight Research Articles

Structural Characterization and Cardioprotective Effect of Water-Soluble Polysaccharides Extracted from Clematis flammula

Clematis flammula is widely used for its pharmacological properties in Tunisia. This work aimed to explore, in a rat model, the cardiopreventive capacity of polysaccharides extracted from C. flammula (CFPS) after a myocardial injury caused by isoproterenol. Structural analyses suggested that the average molecular weight of CFPS was 1.82 × 105 g/mol, being mainly composed of glucuronide (41.53%), galacturonic acid (19.06%), arabinose (16.10%), galactose (6.15%), glucose (5.49%), and rhamnose (3.55%). Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments showed that CFPS was rich with carbohydrates containing pectic materials with glycosidic bonds. In addition, results show that pretreatment with CFPS (150 mg/kg) could improve the electrocardiogram pattern by decreasing the elevated ST segment and ameliorating the relative heart weights and the biochemical profile content (creatine phosphokinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, and cardiac troponin I). Furthermore, pretreatment with CFPS reduced the amount of malondialdehyde and restored the genotoxicity induced by isoproterenol. The histopathological study revealed that CFPS pretreatment diminished the level of cardiac tissue injury. Based on these data, CFPS presents a broad biological effect as a cardioprotective and can be used for the exploration of novel natural products for the treatment of cardiac disease.

Empagliflozin Is Not Renoprotective in Non-Diabetic Rat Models of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Gliflozins (sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors) exhibited renoprotective effects not only in diabetic but also in non-diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Controversial results were reported in experimental non-diabetic models of CKD. Therefore, we examined empagliflozin effects in three CKD models, namely, in fawn-hooded hypertensive (FHH) rats, uninephrectomized salt-loaded (UNX + HS) rats, and in rats with Goldblatt hypertension (two-kidney, one-clip 2K1C) that were either untreated or treated with empagliflozin (10 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks. Plethysmography blood pressure (BP) was recorded weekly, and renal parameters (proteinuria, plasma urea, creatinine clearance, and sodium excretion) were analyzed three times during the experiment. At the end of the study, blood pressure was also measured directly. Markers of oxidative stress (TBARS) and inflammation (MCP-1) were analyzed in kidney and plasma, respectively. Body weight and visceral adiposity were reduced by empagliflozin in FHH rats, without a significant effect on BP. Experimentally induced CKD (UNX + HS and 2K1C) was associated with a substantial increase in BP and relative heart and kidney weights. Empagliflozin influenced neither visceral adiposity nor BP in these two models. Although empagliflozin increased sodium excretion, suggesting effective SGLT-2 inhibition, it did not affect diuresis in any experimental model. Unexpectedly, empagliflozin did not provide renoprotection because proteinuria, plasma urea, and plasma creatinine were not lowered by empagliflozin treatment in all three CKD models. In line with these results, empagliflozin treatment did not decrease TBARS or MCP-1 levels in either model. In conclusion, empagliflozin did not provide the expected beneficial effects on kidney function in experimental models of CKD.

Castration of Male Mice Induces Metabolic Remodeling of the Heart.

Androgen deprivation therapy of prostate cancer, which suppresses serum testosterone to castrate levels, is associated with increased risk of heart failure. Here we tested the hypothesis that castration alters cardiac energy substrate uptake, which is tightly coupled to the regulation of cardiac structure and function. Short-term (3-4 weeks) surgical castration of male mice reduced the relative heart weight. While castration did not affect cardiac function in unstressed conditions, we observed reductions in heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and cardiac index during pharmacological stress with dobutamine in castrated vs sham-operated mice. Experiments using radiolabeled lipoproteins and glucose showed that castration shifted energy substrate uptake in the heart from lipids toward glucose, while testosterone replacement had the opposite effect. There was increased expression of fetal genes in the heart of castrated mice, including a strong increase in messenger RNA and protein levels of β-myosin heavy chain (MHC), the fetal isoform of MHC. In conclusion, castration of male mice induces metabolic remodeling and expression of the fetal gene program in the heart, in association with a reduced cardiac performance during pharmacological stress. These findings may be relevant for the selection of treatment strategies for heart failure in the setting of testosterone deficiency.

Histological Study on The Effects of Orlistat on Left Ventricular Myocardium of High Fat Diet-Fed Adult Male Wistar Rats

Obesity-induced by a high-fat diet in animal studies recapitulates the human form of obesity. Obesity is a serious public health concern, a risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. Our study evaluated the impact of orlistat on the left ventricular myocardium in high fat diet-induced obese adult Wistar rats. Our study included fifteen adult male Wistar rats weighing between (130-150g). The rats following environmental acclimatization were assigned into three groups A-C (n=5 each), the control (standard rat diet), high-fat diet only, high-fat diet, and orlistat as A, B, and C, respectively. The rats were placed on diets for eight weeks, which performed the sacrifice and histological procedures. The heart and left ventricles were excised and fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution for histological studies. Body Mass Index (BMI) of the high-fat diet-only group markedly increased (P<0.05) relative to the control and the orlistat-treated groups. Heart weight and relative heart weights were not significantly different across the groups. Histological examination of the left ventricular myocardium with the hematoxylin and eosin stain revealed significant deviation from the regular pattern in the high-fat diet-only group. The orlistat-treated group showed a near-normal left ventricular myocardial histoarchitectural pattern. Orlistat ameliorated left ventricular myocardial alteration, restored elastic tissue component, and reversed increased collagen deposition in high fat diet-induced obese male Wistar rats.

Effect of Different Water Quality with and Without Vitamin C on Some Physiological Parameters of Broiler Chickens

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of different water quality with and without vitamin C on some blood parameters and the relative weight of the heart, liver, gizzard, spleen and bursa gland of broiler chickens. A total of 252 one day old, unsexed chicks of broiler chicken (ROSS 308), average body weight 42 g were used in this study. The birds were randomly distributed into seven treatment groups (each group 36 birds), with three replicates per each (12 birds per replicate) based on completely randomized design for 35 days. The first group drank reverse osmosis (R.O) without any addition containing 28.16 total dissolved solids mg.l-1 (TDS), whereas the second, third and fourth groups drank water containing 1849.6, 1452.8 and 1356.8 TDS mg.l-l respectively. The fifth, sixth and seventh group drank water containing 1849.6, 1452.8 and 1356.8 TDS mg.l-1 with 100 mg.l-1 vitamin C respectively. The birds fed ad libitum a starter diet for 21 days and thereafter, on a grower diet. Increasing water TDS resulted in a significant increase in AST and ALT enzymes. On the other hand, increasing water TDS causing a decrease in the total protein and globulin. Addition vitamin C to different water quality causing a significant decrease in AST and ALT enzymes and increase in the total protein and globulin. Different water quality with or without vitamin C had no effect on albumin in serum and relative weight of heart, liver, gizzard and spleen. Increasing water TDS resulted in a significant increase in the relative weight of bursa gland. On the other hand, addition vitamin C to different water quality causing a significant decrease in the relative weight of bursa gland. It can be concluded that an increasing the level total dissolved solids (TDS) in broiler chickens drinking water caused stress for birds. The addition of vitamin C by 100 mg per liter led to a reduction in the stress of birds.

Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract Ameliorated Caffeine-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Caffeine is the major constituent found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate bar among many others. Several studies have reported various effects of caffeine on the cardiovascular system, although there are inconsistencies in these findings. This study, based on these sought to investigate the role of Myristica fragrans on caffeine-induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty-five healthy Wistar rats, weighing 130-135 g were randomly assigned into groups (A-E) n=5 each. Group A received 2 mL/kg distilled water as placebo, group B was administered caffeine (40mg/kg), group C received Myristica fragrans only (200mg/kg), group D received caffeine (40mg/kg), and Myristica fragrans (100mg/kg), while group E received caffeine (40mg/kg) and Myristica fragrans (200mg/kg). The rats were orally-gavaged caffeine and Myristica fragrans with the aid of an oral cannula for 21 days. On the 22nd day after the last administration, rats were euthanized sacrificed and the heart tissues were obtained histological procedures. Percentage weight change was significantly decreased (p <0.05), and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was significantly increased (p <0.05) in group B relative to the control group. The heart, relative heart weights, and cardiac troponin I were not significantly different (p=0.05) across all experimental groups relative to the control. Assessment of the cardiac histoarchitecture revealed diverse alterations in the caffeine-only group which were ameliorated by administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg Nutmeg extract in groups D and E respectively. Caffeine administration resulted in alteration in cardiac histoarchitecture with 100 and 200mg/kg Myristica fragrans ameliorating these alterations. Nutmeg could serve as a drug lead in the management of cardiac-related conditions.

Internal organ and skeletal muscle development in commercial broilers with woody breast myopathy

Increasing growth rate, body weight, and breast muscle yield have been linked to broiler muscle problems such as woody breast (WB). The aim of this study was to investigate the internal organ and skeletal muscle development of broilers with WB myopathy under dietary and Eimeria challenge treatments. A 3 diet (control, antibiotic, or probiotic) × 2 challenge (control or Eimeria) × 2 sex factorial arrangement of treatments was used in a randomized complete block design. Ross × Ross 708 chicks were randomly assigned to 96 floor pens with 12 treatment combinations (8 replicates per treatment). Internal organs were sampled on d 13 and 41. Skeletal muscles were sampled on d 41. Internal organ and skeletal muscle weights were analyzed using a 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Relationships between WB and internal organ and skeletal muscle weights were analyzed using one-way ANOVA as all treatments were pooled together and regrouped according to WB scores. On d 41, absolute and relative heart weights were greater in males when they were averaged over diet and challenge treatments (P < 0.001 and P = 0.026, respectively). The birds with WB score 3 had greater absolute heart (P = 0.0002) and spleen weights (P = 0.016), but there was no difference in relative spleen weight (P > 0.05). When averaged over diet and challenge treatments, males have greater absolute duodenum, jejunum, and ileum weights (for all P < 0.0001). Compared with birds with normal breasts, the birds with WB scores 1, 2, and 3 had a greater live weight (for all P < 0.0001) and absolute and relative breast weights (for all P < 0.0001). The birds with WB score 1, 2, and 3 had greater (P < 0.0001) absolute but lower (P < 0.0001) relative drumstick, thigh, and wing weights. Results indicated that broilers with WB had lower relative proventriculus and gizzard weights and greater relative breast meat weight with lower relative drumstick, thigh, and wing muscle weights.

Effect of elevated carbon dioxide on chicken eggs during the early and late incubation periods

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is always maintained at ambient levels by ventilation in commercial egg incubators. However, elevated CO2 levels during the early and late periods have been reported to improve the quality of chicks and shorten the hatch window. This study investigated the effect of precise CO2 supplementation during the early and late periods of incubation on embryo growth and incubation performance by developing and using a CO2 supplementation system to increase the CO2 level in an experimental egg incubator. The CO2 level was maintained at 1% in the early period (from the beginning to the 10th day of incubation, E0–E10) and in the late period (from internal pipping (IP) to the 21st day of incubation (E21), IP–E21) in an incubator for the treatment group, whereas the CO2 level was maintained at the ambient level in the other incubators for the control group. A comparative assessment of embryonic development, hatching characteristics, and hormone and nutrient levels was conducted for each trial. The experiment comprised three trials, with 300 Jing Hong No. 1 breeding eggs in each incubator. The elevated CO2 treatment significantly shortened the chick hatching time (H0) by 4 h (P < 0.05) and the hatch window by 3 h (P < 0.05) without affecting hatchability, chick weight at 1 d of age, brooding period, or quality score. At external pipping (EP), the heart weight, intestinal weight, relative intestinal weight, and relative heart weight in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the embryonic intestine, relative intestine, and relative heart weights of the newly hatched chicks in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05) at H0. The treatment significantly increased the concentration of corticosterone in the embryonic plasma during the period from IP to EP (P < 0.05), promoted the secretion of triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine (P < 0.05), and increased the glycogen content of the embryonic liver on E21 (P < 0.05). This result indicates that elevated CO2 (1%) during the early and late periods of incubation accelerated embryonic organ development and shortened the chick hatching time and hatch window without affecting hatchability or hatchling quality, which can be explained by the synergistic functions of the secretion of plasma corticosterone and thyroid hormones and the accumulation of liver glycogen between the early and late periods of incubation.

Combination Therapy of Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Gliclazide and Ramipril Protects Against Development of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via Inhibition of TGF-β/Smad Pathway.

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major long-term complication of diabetes mellitus, accounting for over 20% of annual mortality rate of diabetic patients globally. Although several existing anti-diabetic drugs have improved glycemic status in diabetic patients, prevalence of DCM is still high. This study investigates cardiac effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation of anti-diabetic therapy in experimental DCM. Methods: Following 12 h of overnight fasting, 44 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups of healthy control (n = 7) and diabetic (n = 37) groups, and fasting blood glucose was measured. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced in diabetic group by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). After confirmation of T2DM on day 3, diabetic rats received monotherapies with ALA (60 mg/kg; n = 7), gliclazide (15 mg/kg; n = 7), ramipril (10 mg/kg; n = 7) or combination of the three drugs (n = 7) for 6 weeks while untreated diabetic rats received distilled water and were used as diabetic control (n = 9). Rats were then sacrificed, and blood, pancreas and heart tissues were harvested for analyses using standard methods. Results: T2DM induction caused pancreatic islet destruction, hyperglycemia, weight loss, high relative heart weight, and development of DCM, which was characterized by myocardial degeneration and vacuolation, cardiac fibrosis, elevated cardiac damage markers (plasma and cardiac creatine kinase-myocardial band, brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I). Triple combination therapy of ALA, gliclazide and ramipril preserved islet structure, maintained body weight and blood glucose level, and prevented DCM development compared to diabetic control (p < 0.001). In addition, the combination therapy markedly reduced plasma levels of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), plasma and cardiac tissue malondialdehyde, triglycerides and total cholesterol while significantly increasing cardiac glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol compared to diabetic control (p < 0.001). Mechanistically, induction of T2DM upregulated cardiac expression of TGF-β1, phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, which were downregulated following triple combination therapy (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Triple combination therapy of ALA, gliclazide and ramipril prevented DCM development by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Our findings can be extrapolated to the human heart, which would provide effective additional pharmacological therapy against DCM in T2DM patients.

Early-onset dietary restriction maintains mitochondrial health, autophagy and ER function in the left ventricle during aging

Dietary restriction (DR) exerts healthy benefits, including heart functions. However, the cardioprotective role of DR is till controversial among researchers due to the variation of DR conditions. The present study focuses on the protective effect of early-onset DR on cardiac injury using mitochondrial structure and expression of protein associated with mitochondrial homeostasis, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function as measures. 2-month-old mice were fed with a breeding diet ad libitum (AL) or DR (60% of AL) for 3 (Young) or 20 (Aged) months. Body weight increased with aging, whereas DR treatment kept body weight consistent. DR mice exhibited a higher relative heart weight than AL mice. DR mice displayed lower plasma glucose levels, compared with AL groups. Furthermore, Aged-AL, but not Aged-DR mice, had increased collagen content and morphological distortions in the left ventricle (LV). Aged-DR mice had a higher ATP and lower TBARS in the LV than Aged-AL mice. Mitochondrial morphology was detected by electron microscopy; Aged-AL mice had increased abnormal morphology of mitochondria. Treatment with DR reduced abnormal mitochondrial accumulation. Aging elevated the protein expressions of mitochondrial functions and ER-induced apoptosis. Aging downregulated autophagy related proteins and chaperones in the heart. Dietary restriction reversed those protein expressions. The present study demonstrated a beneficial effect of early onset DR on cardiac aging. The age-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction and protein quality control dysregulation was significantly reversed by long-term DR, demonstrating a concordance with the beneficial effect in the heart.

Evaluation of mycotoxin binder supplementation on production parameters and organ weights in Toulouse geese with experimental aflatoxicosis

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the beneficial effects of a mycotoxin binder (Mycotox NG 0.05%) in 40 day-old Toulouse geese from both sexes with experimental aflatoxicosis. The birds were reared from day one to 42 days of age on deep litter system and divided into four groups. Normal feed free of aflatoxin (AFB1), was given to the control (Group 1). The feed of Group 2 was supplemented with 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG, aflatoxin (0.5 mg/kg feed) was supplemented to the feed of Group 3 and Mycotox NG (0.05%) + 0.5 mg/kg AFB1 - to the feed of Group 4. Production parameters (body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion) and relative organ weights were recorded. The results showed that the total feed intake, final live weight of Mycotox NG + AFB1 treated birds (Group 4) at 6 weeks of age were significantly increased (P&lt;0.01) as compared to birds treated only with AFB1 (Group 3). The total feed conversion ratio of the group given AFB1 only (Group 3) at 6 weeks of age was significantly increased (P&lt;0.01) compared to controls while in Mycotox Ng + AFB1 treated birds (Group-4) it was significantly increased (P&lt;0.01) by post treatment week 1 vs controls, but not as compared to birds treated with AFB1 alone. There was a significant increase in relative weights of liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, pancreas, proventriculus and gizzard in birds fed only aflatoxin (Group 3). The co-administration of Mycotox NG (0.5 g/kg feed) with AFB1 (Group 4) reduced the relative weights of thymus and bursa of Fabricius. The study concluded that dietary supplementation of Mycotox NG could partially neutralise aflatoxicity in geese.

IMPACT OF DIFFERENT SKIP FEEDING PROGRAMS ON CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKS

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of various skip feeding programs on some carcass characteristics of mixed sex broiler chicks. Two Hundred- Forty unsexed 1 day-old commercial strain broiler chicks were included in the experiment. Broilers allocated randomly to four treatment groups with four replicates each and 15 chicks per replicate. The feeding programs were as follows; (T0): Control treatment (The feed is placed in front of the birds on a permanent basis), (T1) Skip every 1 day, (T2) Skip every 2 days, and (T3) Skip every 3 days. Birds were fed ad libitum for two weeks. At age 42 days, one male and female were randomly chosen from each replicate to estimate the carcass characteristics. The results showed that during 14-42 days of age, significant differences (P≥0.05) were obtained for (dressing, breast, back, wings, thigh, drumstick, liver, heart, and gizzard) weight (g) in different skipping programs in males and females. Dressing, breast and thigh weights were significantly increases in group (T0) as compare with other groups. Significant increases were recorded for relative weights of liver, heart and gizzard for males in group (T1), while it was mentioned that characteristics and abdominal fat in females of group (T3) were increased in weights. The effect of treatments on chemical composition of breast, thigh and wings in both sexes were not significant differences except the fat percentage was significant improvement (P≥0.05) in breast percentage for (T2). No significant differences were observed in thigh and wings in both males and females except percentage of fat content in breast in group (T2) which recorded high values.

Teratogenic effect of alcohol on the myocardium of laboratory animals at the stages of prenatal ontogenesis (literature review)

Background. To date, close attention is paid to the problems of formation and development of the myocardium in general and in particular its structural components. This phenomenon is associated with an increase in cardiovascular malformations in both adults and infants. These defects can be caused by genetic factors, as well as various teratogenic substances. One such substance is alcohol. Despite the risks, many women still drink alcohol during pregnancy. The main problem is that almost half of pregnancies are unplanned, so a woman may continue to consume alcohol for several weeks before learning about her condition. Especially in young women, fertilization can occur in a state of intoxication. In addition, under the influence of ethanol, cardiac function may be impaired in the absence of structural abnormalities. Chronic alcohol intoxication causes changes in the myocardium at all levels of its structural organization. First of all, teratogenic changes caused by the action of ethanol affect the development of cardiomyocytes in the process of embryogenesis, which contributes to the underdevelopment of the structure or function of heart cells. Although the effect of maternal alcohol consumption on the fetus has been studied for decades, there are still conflicting conclusions about the severity of myocardial morphological changes depending on the time, frequency and duration of alcohol consumption. Objective: to conduct a retrospective analysis of literature sources devoted to the study of adverse effects on the fetus caused by alcohol. Methods. The paper conducted a retrospective analysis of literature references and formed an understanding of the changes in the structure of the myocardium caused by teratogenic effects of alcohol. Results and conclusion. Analysis of literature sources showed a high level of adverse effects observed in offspring born to alcoholic mothers. Detrimental effects of alcohol cause changes in the myocardium at all levels of structural organization, including its ultrastructure. It was studied that prenatal exposure to ethanol induces significant changes in relative heart weight, left ventricular wall thickness and cardiomyocyte size. Exposure to high concentrations of alcohol in experimental animals during gestation can lead to congenital heart defects, such as atrial, ventricular, and septal defects. The main manifestation of the prenatal effect of alcohol after birth is the fetal alcohol syndrome, which combines various degrees of deviation in the development of the child.

Annona muricata L. Suppresses Stannous Chloride Effects through Changing Hematological Parameters in Male New Zealand White Rabbits

Background: Annona muricata. L has a wide range of therapeutic characteristics and is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Stannous chloride (SnCl2) are widely used in daily life and distributed in many tissues and nutrients. Although over-ingestion of SnCl2, can cause health problems, relatively little attention has been given to the toxic effects of this compound in livestock health and hematological parameters. This study was designed to study protective roles of A. muricata L. against SnCl2 effects through alleviating hematological disturbances in adult male New-Zealand white rabbits.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Four rabbits per group were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: 0 mg A. muricata and 0 mg SnCl2/kg BW (control); 100 mg of A. muricata /kg BW; 20 mg SnCl2/kg BW; 20 mg SnCl2 plus 100 mg of A. muricata /kg BW. Rabbits were orally administered the respective doses every other day for 10 weeks.&#x0D; Results: The obtained results showed that A. muricata alone caused increase in body weight, relative weight of liver, lung, heart and kidney. It also caused increase hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) level and number of platelets (PLT) compared to control. However, treatment with A. muricata was caused significant decrease in white blood cell counts (WBCs) and non-significant decrease in red blood cell counts (RBCs), mean cell volume (MCV). Meanwhile, treatment with SnCl2 was lead to adverse effect on the body weight and relative organs weight practically spleen. It was caused significant increase in WBCs, MCV compared to control. The rest of hematological parameters (RBCs, PCV, PLT, Hb and MCHC) were significantly decreased, which indicated to cause anemia. Previous parameters were returned to normal values in group that treatment with A. muricata plus SnCl2. In term of bone marrow smear, all smears are similar in terms of numbers and types of cells.&#x0D; Conclusion: Results of the present study convincingly demonstrated that SnCl2 exposure resulted in varying degree of hematological parameters of rabbits. A. muricata has been promise as nutritional supplements to help prevent disorders involving SnCl2 induced these effects. Thus A. muricata may be helpful to combat SnCl2 associated sufferings in human as well as animal.

Influence on Mycotox® NG effects on relative weights of some internal organs in Pekin ducks with experimentally reproduced aflatoxicosis В1

Abstract. Contamination of poultry feeds with mycotoxins is a global problem faced by poultry industry due to increased demands and availability of poor-quality cereals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of a mycotoxin binder (Mycotox NG) on relative weights of internal organs in Pekin ducks with experimental aflatoxicosis. The birds were divided into one control and six experimental groups (n=10) as follows: group І (0 mg/kg AFB1 without Mycotox NG); group ІI (0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG); group ІІI (1.0 g/kg Mycotox NG); group IV (0.2 mg/kg AFB1); group V (0.4 mg/kg AFB1); group VI (0.2 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG) and group VII (0.4 mg/kg AFB1 + 1.0 g/kg Mycotox NG). Trial duration was 42 days. It was established that ducks fed AFB1-contaminated feed had increased relative weights of liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, gizzard and proventriculus compared to the control group. At the same time, the relative weights of immunocompetent organs (thymus, spleen and bursa of Fabricius) were reduced. The addition of Mycotox NG to the feed contaminated with AFB1 compensated partly the changes in relative weights of visceral organs. The results from the present study demonstrated that the tested toxin binder could be effective for reduction of toxic effects of aflatoxins in domestic ducks.

Effects of folic acid supplementation to basal diets of broilers on growth performance, slaughter performance, IGF2 gene expression and methylation

Folic acid (FA) is an important water-soluble vitamin and plays an important role as a cofactor and coenzyme in animal growth and development, and regulation of gene expression and methylation. A total of 270 female broiler chickens (1-day-old) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments supplemented with 0 mg/kg (control group), 5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg FA in basal diets for 42 days, respectively. Each treatment had six replicate cages with 15 birds per cage. Dietary supplementation of 5 mg/kg FA significantly enhanced average body weight and average daily gain of 21-day-old broilers (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but significantly reduced subcutaneous fat thickness and widths of an intermuscular fat band of 42-day-old broilers by dietary FA treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Also, a diet with 10 mg/kg FA supplementation significantly increased the relative heart weight of 42-day-old chickens (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Furthermore, dietary FA supplementation significantly improved the serum insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and IGF2 mRNA expression in the abdominal fat (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but no statistical differences were found in the methylation of IGF2 promoter (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The present study demonstrated that dietary FA supplementation may have positive effects on chicken growth through increased IGF2 gene expression.

Effects of low eggshell temperatures during incubation, in ovo feeding of L-arginine, and post-hatch dietary guanidinoacetic acid on hatching traits, performance, and physiological responses of broilers reared at low ambient temperature

This study aimed to investigate the effect of eggshell temperature (ET) manipulations during incubation, in ovo feeding (IOF) of arginine, and post-hatch dietary supplementation with guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on hatching traits and subsequent growth and physiological performance of hatched broiler chicks reared under subnormal temperature. In experiment 1, from d 8 of incubation onward, a total of 2,160 hatching eggs were randomly arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design, in which the eggs were exposed to 2 ET (37.8°C or periodically low ET), and 3 IOF treatments (noninjected, diluent-injected, and 1% arginine solution-injected). In experiment 2, a total of 576 one-day-old male broiler chicks from 2 temperature conditions and 2 IOF treatment groups (noninjected and Arg-injected) were reared for 42 d with or without GAA supplementation in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Each treatment had 6 replicates with 12 birds each. A subnormal ambient temperature (17°C) was applied from 15 d onward to induce ascites. Results from experiment 1 showed a 2-way interaction between ET and IOF for embryonic mortality rate during 19 to 21 d of incubation and residual yolk weight at hatch (P < 0.05). A periodically low ET significantly increased yolk free body mass, first-grade chicks, and relative heart weight than an ET of 37.8°C. In the second experiment, overall average daily gain (ADG) was increased, but feed conversion ratio (FCR), ascites mortality, and serum thyroid hormones and corticosterone were reduced in the low ET group (P < 0.05). There were also IOF × GAA interactions for ADG and FCR (P < 0.05). IOF of arginine or dietary GAA increased serum nitric oxide concentration and jejunal villus height, but decreased ascites mortality (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a periodically low ET accompanied by IOF of arginine during incubation and posthatch dietary supplementation with GAA could be a useful strategy for improving the chick quality at hatch and subsequent improvements in post-hatch performance and ascites indices in cold-stressed broilers.

Acute and Subacute Toxicity of an Aqueous and Ethanolic Extract of Harungana madagascariensis LAM (Hypericaceae) Stem Bark in Wistar Rats

Harungana madagascariensis is widely used for treatment of various ailments in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate potential toxic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of H. madagascariensis stem bark in rats. OECD Guidelines 423 and 407 were used for acute and sub-acute toxicity study. The acute toxicity study of both extracts revealed no lethal effects and behavioural signs of toxicity at the tested doses indicating that LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-acute toxicity study, both extracts induced significant reduction of the body weight (p &lt; 0.05). The EEHm treatments at the dose of 1000 mg/kg increased significantly the relative heart weight in female rats. The EAHm treatment at the dose of 300 mg/kg, caused significant increase of AST level in male rats (p &lt; 0.05). Administration of EAHm at all doses increase significantly WBC counts (p &lt; 0.05) and the levels of platelets at dose of 1000 mg/kg in the male rats (p &lt; 0.05). However, it induced an decrease in HDL-C in female and an increase in HDL-C in male (p &lt; 0.05). EAHm increased significantly the levels of creatinine at 1000 mg/kg dose, and electrolytes level at doses 600 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg in the male rats compare to untreated group (p &lt; 0.05). The EEHm treatments cause significant decrease in urea level of female rats at all doses (p &lt; 0.05) and significant increase of Na+ level at the dose of 300 mg/kg. The EEHm decreased K+ level at the dose of 1000 mg/kg in female rats (p &lt; 0.05). In male rats, it has favorized the increasing of K+ level at the dose of 1000 mg/kg and Cl- levels at all doses (p &lt; 0.05; p &lt; 0.01). Results indicate that oral doses of aqueous extract of Harungana madagascariensis is relatively safe in rats in acute use. But in long term use, it could causes consequences on heart weight, lipid profile and electrolyte homeostasis.

Effect of Acclimation and Vitamin C addition in some physiological Traits and productive performance in Local Hens Reared under hot climate

This study was carried out at animals house–college of veterinary medicine university of Mosul aimed to identify the effect of acclimation and adding vitamin C to drinking water of local hens reared under hot climate in some physiological traits and production performance. One hundred twenty unsexed one day old (local chicks) were divided into two divisions, the first division reared on ordinary condition and called not acclimated and other division also reared on ordinary condition yet exposed to (39 ±2)°C temperature for six hours daily at age (6, 9, 12 and 15) days to acclimate them to high temperature and called acclimated. At (22) days old birds were divided into four treatments in each treatment thirty chicks with three replicate (ten birds in each). The treatments were as follows T1 Control (An acclimated), T2 Acclimated, T3 An acclimated and adding 150 mg Vit. C / Litter drinking water,T4 Acclimated and adding 150 mg Vit. C / Litter drinking water. Birds reared under cyclic temperature (25 -36 -25)°C in semi-opened houses until 56 days old. Statistical analysis of data showed a significant increase in Hetero., Lympho., Mono., Baso., Esino., pH, Hb, RBC, WBC, PCV, weight gain, body weight at slaughter, carcass weight, Relative weight of Gizzard, Spleen and Liver weight for birds of T4. Improving in Heat Tolerance in T3 and T4. No significant differences between treatments in Initial body weight, Relative Heart weight and Body Temperature.

Use of fumaric acid as a feed additive in quail's nutrition: its effect on growth rate, carcass, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes, blood metabolites, and intestinal microbiota

To investigate the effects of dietary fumaric acid (FUA) on performance, carcasses, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, digestive enzymes, and cecal microbiota in Japanese quail chicks. Three hundred unsexed Japanese quail (1-wk-old) were randomly assigned to 5 groups. Supplementation of FUA in the diet of Japanese quail chicks exhibited a significant improvement in growth performance through the different experimental periods studied compared with those receiving unsupplemented one. The digestibility of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) were improved with 10 and 15 g/kg FUA, respectively. Apart from lipase enzyme, birds fed 5 and 15 g/kg FUA recorded higher activity of amylase. There were no significant changes among experimental groups on the relative weights of carcass, gizzard, heart, and dressing. Dietary supplementation of FUA at different levels (P> 0.05) increased total protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) concentrations and A/G % compared with control group. A significant (P < 0.01) decrease in plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels and increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations were observed in chicks fed with FUA containing diets. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) (P = 0.0026) and M (IgM) (P = 0.0007) levels were greater in groups treated with either 10 or 15 g FUA/kg diet. A significant increase in plasma Ca concentration was noticed in chicks received 15 g FUA/ kg compared with the other groups. Quail chicks received diets containing FUA at different levels exhibited reduced cecal count of coliform, E. coli, and Salmonella as compared with control group. In conclusion, supplementation of fumaric acid (especially 15 g/kg diet) in quail chick diets improved their growth, digestibility of nutrients, immune response, antioxidant status, digestive enzyme, and intestinal health.