Relative Liver Weight Research Articles

Effect of aflatoxin B1 exposure on the progression of depressive-like behavior in rats.

While it is well documented that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1); one of the most toxic food contaminants is linked to the development of depression. However, the mechanism on how it affects the gut and brain health leading to depressive-like behavior remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine the effect of AFB1 on the progression of depressive-like behavior. Thirty-two (n = 32) male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control, low-dose (5 μg AFB1/kg), high-dose (25 μg AFB1/kg) and positive control group; exposed on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 4 weeks of exposure, sucrose preference test (SPT) and force swim test (FST) were used to measure behavioral despair. Fecal samples were selectively cultured to profile the bacteria. Body weight and relative organs weights were compared among groups. AFB1 and CUMS caused reduction in body weight and food intake as well as increased relative weight of adrenal glands, liver, and brain. Rats in AFB1 and CUMS groups had suppressed sucrose preference and prolonged immobility time in FST, wherein this could indicate anhedonia. Besides, fecal count of Lactobacillus spp. was significantly low following AFB1 exposure, with increasing count of Bifidobacterium spp, in comparison to the control. Indeed, further biochemical analysis and metagenomic approach are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms on the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis and dysregulation of gut-brain axis due to AFB1 neurotoxicity on the progression of depressive-like behavior.

Pathological Impact of Methotrexate on Body Weight, Absolute and Relative Weight of Liver with Amelioration by Sulforaphane in Albino Rats

Objective: To assess the changes in Body Weight, Absolute and Relative weight of Liver in methotrexate impaired liver with amendment by sulforaphane. Design of research: Experimental. Abode and Period of study: Research was conducted in BMSI, Karachi &duration was ten days. Materials and Methods: For experiment Forty young albino rats of 3-4months old of 200-300gm were taken, Primarily period of study was 20 days however during the pilot study, rats started dying after 10 days, so the duration was reduced to 10 days for final study. Rats were alienated into 4 sets, A was control group, B set was given Inj Methotrexate intraperitoneally. C set was given Inj Methotrexate intraperitoneally along with sulforaphane by N/G tube. D set was given only sulforaphane by N/G tube. After the completion of study, rats were dissected and liver was removed from abdominal cavity of rats and absolute weight of liver was weighed on Sartorius balance. The relative weight of the liver was calculated with the help of formula. Mean weight of liver (G) The relative weight of liver = X100 Final weight of the animal Results: B group showed remarkable decrease in the body weight while absolute liver weight & relative liver weight is increased however group C had slight reduction in the body weight while absolute liver weight & relative liver weight is slightly increased. Conclusion: This study accomplishes that sulforaphane amended the detrimental effects of methotrexate. Keywords: sulforaphane, methotrexate, superoxide dismutase (SOD), dihydrofolate reductase enzyme (DHFR), nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2(Nrf2), Tetrahydrofolate (THF)

Complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in feeding program for broiler chickens from placement through to 49 days of age reduced growth performance and altered organs morphology

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) is characterized with good nutritional and functional attributes. However, there is limited data on inclusion of BSFLM in broiler chicken rations from placement through to market weight. Therefore, we examined growth and organ responses of partial to complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with BSFLM in a practical feeding program. A total of 1,152 d-old male Ross × Ross 708 chicks were allocated to 48 pens and assigned one of six diets (n = 8). The diets were: a basal corn-SBM diet (0%BSFLM), 4 diets in which SBM in 0%BSFLM was replaced with BSFLM at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% and a final diet (0 + AGP) in which 0%BSFLM was treated with coccidiostat (70 mg Narasin/kg) and antibiotic (55 mg Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate/kg). For energy fortification, soy oil was used for 0%BSFLM diets and black soldier fly oil in the other diets. Body weight, feed intake (FI), BW gain (BWG), and mortality-corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR) were reported. Organ weights were recorded on d 24 and 49. On d 10, birds fed diets 12.5, 25, and 0 + AGP had higher BWG than birds fed diets 0, 50, and 100 (P < 0.01), and birds fed diet 100 had lower BWG than birds fed diets 0 or 50 (P < 0.01). Birds fed diets 50 and 100 had lower BWG than birds fed all other diets on d 24 and 49 (P < 0.05). Overall (d 0–49), BSFLM linearly (P < 0.01) decreased BW, BWG, and FI and increased FCR and mortality. The overall BWG of 50 and 100% BSFLM birds was 92 and 81% of birds fed 0%BSFLM, repectively and coresponding overall FI was 96 and 90%. An increase in gizzard, small intestine, pancreas, and liver relative weights were observed with increasing BSFLM inclusion (P < 0.01). The data indicated that lower levels of BSFLM could provide some growth-promoting effects commensurate to antibiotics in the starter phase. However, replacing SBM with greater amounts (≥50) of BSFLM reduced growth and increased organ size.

Response of growth performance, blood hematology, organ indexes, and myofiber traits to increasing dietary methionine levels in Jilin White goose

A total of 240 geese (28 days old; 120 ganders and 120 gooses) with an average initial body weight of 1068.19 ± 6.59 g were used to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary methionine (Met) levels on growth performance, blood hematology, organ indexes, and myofiber traits. The experimental period was 42 days. All birds were randomly assigned to four treatment groups based on the initial body weight. There were six replicate cages per treatment, and 10 geese per cage (5 ganders and 5 gooses). Dietary treatments were based on a basal diet containing 0.25% Met, and extra supplied 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% Met to form different dietary groups (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% Met, as-fed basis). The results of this study indicated that final body weight, body weight gain, and feed efficiency increased quadratically, relative weight of breast muscle and myofiber diameter increased cubically, serum total protein and uric acid concentrations, relative weight of liver and abdominal fat, and myofiber diameter increased linearly, whereas myofiber density decreased linearly, with the level of Met increased. The maximized growth performance and breast muscle parameters were observed in 0.75% Met-containing group.

Ameliorative effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare) versus silymarin in experimentally induced hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a deterioration of brain function in patients suffering from chronic liver disease, cirrhosis as a result of elevated blood ammonia and the production of pseudo-neurotransmitters. Herein, we investigated the chemical composition of hexane extract from Origanum vulgare (O. vulgare) leaves as well as its possible protective effects against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE in rats. GC–MS analysis of the extract revealed tentative identification of twenty-five compounds (82.93%), predominated by cholesten-3-one (27.30%), followed by γ-tocopherol (13.52%), α-tocopherol (5.01%), β-amyrin (5.24%) and α-amyrin (4.89%). Albino rats were distributed into seven groups (n = 7). G1 served as negative control; G2 and G3 served as controls treated with O. vulgare (100 and 200 mg/kg/p.o b.w, respectively); G4 served as TAA-positive control group (100 mg/kg/day/i.p., three alternative days per week for six weeks); G5, G6, and G7 served as TAA -induced HE rat model that received O. vulgare 100, O. vulgare 200, and silymarin (100 mg/kg of SILY, as standard drug), respectively. TAA showed depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in forced swimming test (FST) and reduction of cognitive score in elevated plus-maze test (EPMT) as well as impairment of locomotor and exploratory activities in open-field test (OFT). TAA caused a significant decline in body weight gain; however, the relative liver weight and brain water content were statistically increased. TAA-intoxicated rats showed significant increase of serum biomarker enzymes, proinflammatory cytokines, blood ammonia levels, brain serotonin, acetyl cholinesterase and cellular lipid peroxidation with significant decrease of brain dopamine, norepinephrine, antioxidant status. The hepatoprotective/neuro-protective activities of O. vulgare was found to be comparable with that of SILY in HE rats model. Where, treatment of TAA-intoxicated rats with O. vulgare attenuated anxiety, depressive-related behaviors, and reduced the biochemical changes in HE-induced by TAA. Therefore, O. vulgare could be an excellent hepato-/neuroprotective against hepatic injury and HE via improving the oxidative/inflammatory status through its antioxidant and neuro-modulatory properties and its effect is equal to that of SILY.

Effects of tannic acid on growth performance, relative organ weight, antioxidative status, and intestinal histomorphology in broilers exposed to aflatoxin B1.

A total of 480 one-day-old AA broiler chicks were randomly allocated to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial to investigate the effects of tannic acid (TA) on growth performance, relative organ weight, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in broilers dietary exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Treatments were as follows: (1) CON, control diet; (2) TA, CON + 250 mg/kg TA; (3) AFB1, CON + 500 μg/kg AFB1; and (4) TA+AFB1, CON + 250 mg/kg TA + 500 μg/kg AFB1. There were 10 replicate pens with 12 broilers per replicate. Dietary AFB1 challenge increased the feed conversion ratio during days 1 to 21 (P < 0.05). The TA in the diet did not show significant effects on the growth performance of broilers during the whole experiment period (P > 0.05). The liver and kidney relative weight was increased in the AF challenge groups compared with the CON (P < 0.05). The addition of TA could alleviate the relative weight increase of liver and kidney caused by AFB1 (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the AFB1 diets had lower activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total superoxide dismutase, S-transferase, and total antioxidant capacity in plasma, liver and jejunum, and greater malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). Dietary supplemented with 250 mg/kg TA increased the activities of antioxidative enzymes, and decreased malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). In addition, AFB1 significantly reduced the villus height and crypt depth ratio in the ileum on day 42 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 250 mg/kg TA could partially protect the antioxidant capacity and prevent the enlargement of liver in broilers dietary challenged with 500 μg/kg AFB1.

Calculus Bovis Sativus alleviates estrogen cholestasis-induced gut and liver injury in rats by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bile acid profiles

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNatural Calculus Bovis (NCB) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for anti-inflammation, treating fever, pain, sedation, and recovering hepatobiliary function. Calculus Bovis Sativus (CBS), produced from in vitro artificial cultivation by bioengineering techniques, acts as an ideal substitute for NCB when treating various diseases.Aim of the study: Gut-liver injury is an important pathological feature of several cholestatic liver diseases, including estrogen-induced cholestasis (EIC). The strong link between cholestatic liver injury and intestinal damage emphasizes the need of considering gut-liver integrity during treatment. The purpose of this study is to look into the pharmacological activities of CBS on EIC-induced gut and liver damage. Materials and methodsEIC-induced cholestatic rats were given oral gavage daily for five days with or without CBS (150 mg/kg). The liver/body weight, serum biochemistry, and tissue histopathology were then evaluated. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analyses, and immunofluorescence were used to determine the gene expression associated with pathological alterations of the liver and intestine in EIC-induced cholestatic rats. Bile acid profiles within enterohepatic circulation were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. ResultsCBS significantly reduced relative liver weight, restored serum biochemistry levels, and improved the hepatic and intestinal pathological damage in EIC model rats. CBS reduced EIC-induced hepatic inflammation by inactivation of the NF-κB signaling and inhibition of TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression. CBS alleviated EIC-induced hepatic and intestinal oxidative stress by regulating Nrf2-GCLM/GCLC and Nrf2-HO-1 pathways, respectively. CBS treatment upregulated Bcl-2 and downregulated Bax and cleaved caspase3 to improve EIC-induced hepatic and intestinal cell apoptosis. Additionally, CBS reversed the disorders of bile acid profiles in the enterohepatic circulation by reducing bile acid accumulation in the liver and plasma and increasing bile excretion and intestinal reabsorption of bile acids. ConclusionCBS alleviates EIC-induced hepatic and intestinal injury through regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bile acid profiles. These results suggest that CBS or drugs targeting the gut-liver axis may be effective therapeutic agents for cholestasis.

Prolonged liver fluke infection combined with alcoholization: An experimental mouse model

Liver fluke infections disrupt the bile-excreting function of the human liver. Worldwide, excessive alcohol consumption also leads primarily to liver diseases. Our aim was to comprehensively assess the liver state in mice in parallel with the characterization of inflammation when the two adverse factors were combined. C57BL/6 mice were used for the experimental modeling; half of them beforehand were gradually accustomed to consumption of increasing doses of ethanol (from 5% to 20%). Then, half of the animals in each subgroup was infected with Opisthorchis felineus helminths. Finally, the infected (OF), 20% ethanol-consuming (Eth), and subjected to both factors (Eth + OF) mice were compared with no-treatment control. In OF and especially Eth + OF mice, relative liver weight was greater, activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were higher, and bile ducts were considerably enlarged. Eth + OF mice contained noticeably more helminths in the liver than OF mice did. Massive cholangiofibrosis and periductal fibrosis were noted in the liver of the infected mice, especially Eth + OF ones. The liver fluke infection caused inflammatory infiltration and bile duct proliferation. Splenomegaly due to structural changes in the spleen as well as increased levels of interleukin 6 and leukocyte and monocyte counts in the blood reflected substantial inflammation in Eth + OF mice. Thus, in the proposed experimental model, it is shown that a double hit to the liver, i.e., the combination of O. felineus infection with prolonged alcoholization, can be detrimental to both the liver and whole body.

Dynamics of correlations of phenotypic features of individual development of young animals of different genealogical lines of gray cattle of Ukrainian breed

The results of the research of indicators of individual development of young cattle of gray Ukrainian breed of different genealogical lines are given. Based on the obtained data, the strength and direction of correlations between traits are calculated. The study was conducted at the Polyvanovka Research Farm and the Livestock Laboratory of the State Institution "Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS". The work was performed according to the research program №31 "Genetic improvement of farm animals, their reproduction and conservation of biodiversity. (Genetics, conservation and reproduction of bioresources in animal husbandry), tasks "Identify population and genetic patterns of biological diversity of the isolated gene pool of indigenous gray Ukrainian cattle".&#x0D; Evaluation of animals by indicators of individual development was carried out taking into account the following characteristics: live weight at birth, at 7-, 12-, 15- and 18-month-old age, absolute, average daily and relative live weight gain was calculated in the following periods: from birth to 7 -month age; from birth to 12 months of age; from birth to 15 months of age and from birth to 18 months of age. Biometric processing of research results was performed according to the methods of Kovalenko V. P. etc. (2010).&#x0D; It is established that repair heifers in different age periods exceed the minimum requirements for the live weight of the elite class by +0.28 - +7.67 %. The difference between the actual live weight of repair heifers at 12 months of age and the data of the Instructions for grading beef cattle is – 13.6 kg or – 4.94 %. Repair heifers of the Shamrin HU-41 line outperform their peers of the Petushok 191-U line in terms of the absolute increase in live weight during the growing period from birth to 12–15 months of age by 12.0–7.3 kg, respectively.&#x0D; However, the difference is not significant. The difference between the groups of experimental animals on the indicator "Absolute increase in live weight during the period of rearing from birth to 18 months of age, g" and "Index" intensity of formation (Δt), points "is 0.9 kg (td = 0.08; P&gt; 0.05) and 0.039 points (td = 1.14; P&gt; 0.05). The relative increase in live weight of heifers of the gray Ukrainian breed line Petushok 191-U and Shamrin HU-41 for the period of rearing from birth to 18 months of age is at the level of 148.2 – 175.0 %. The results of correlation analysis show that the number of reliable indicators is 90.0 %. This indicates the effectiveness of the use of indicators of absolute, average and relative gains in live weight for the period of rearing from birth to 18 months of age, as well as the index "formation intensity" (Δt) for early forecasting of gray animals in the early genesis.

Secondary metabolite contents and safety assessment study of the aqueous extract from the Algerian Echium trygorrhizum Pomel roots

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSpecies of Echium trygorrhizum Pomel, belonging to the Boraginaceae family, grow wild in North Africa. This plant is used in traditional Algerian medicine for the treatment of Diabetes, Jaundice and Tonsillitis. Aim of the studyTo our knowledge, no work has been done on the phytochemistry and biological activities of this plant. Moreover, no study has yet corroborated that the use of this plant is safe. Therefore, the present study was carried out to gather information on the various medicinal uses of this plant and to evaluate the total phenolic content and assess its safety after acute and sub-acute toxicity tests with rodents (mice and rats). Material and methodsAn ethnopharmacological survey was carried out using a direct questionnaire. It included some questions relating to the plant. The content of polyphénols, flavonoids and tannins present in the aqueous extract was determined by colorimetric methods. In the acute toxicity tests, three groups each containing five males and five females Albino mice were formed. The control group received water, while the test groups received different doses of aqueous extract (2000 and 5000) mg/kg body weight. In the subacute toxicity study, different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract were administered to male and female rats for 28 consecutive days. Hematological analysis, biochemical parameters estimation and histopathological examination have been determined at the end of the treatment. ResultsData from the ethnopharmacological survey showed that 25, 31% of people used this plant in Algeria as a traditional medicine for the treatment of Jaundice (100%), Diabetes (28, 33%) and Tonsillitis (10%). Results also revealed that aqueous extract contains high amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins. The extract did not cause any toxicity during the 14-days observation period after a single dose of 5000 mg/kg was administered to mice, with LD50 values greater than 5000 mg/kg. In a further step, the administration of the aqueous extract at all dose levels (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) to male and female rats during the 28-days study did not result in any deaths or behavioral changes, and there were no changes in body weight, relative organ weights, or food consumption as a result of this experiment. However, male rats showed a significant difference in relative liver weight in the high dose group (1000 mg/kg) (p < 0.05) and the satellite group (p < 0.01). In female rats, liver weight significantly increased only in the satellite group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). The results showed an increase in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) in the female groups. However, a clear decrease was observed in plasma ALP enzyme activities in females treated with the doses of 250 and 1000 mg/kg (p < 0.05) after the treatment periods. ConclusionThe study indicated that the single dose of 5 g/kg AQE can be considered relatively safe as it did not cause death or any signs of toxicity in mice. Repeated oral administration of AQE at doses below 250 g/kg/day for 28 consecutive days can be considered relatively safe.

Research Note: Developmental changes of glucose metabolism are associated with insulin signaling in goose embryo

This study aimed to investigate whether the developmental changes in glucose metabolism were associated with insulin signaling in the middle and later stages of goose embryos. Serum and liver were sampled on embryonic day 19, 22, 25, 28, and day of hatchment, with 30 eggs at each sampling time point, and 6 replicates of 5 embryos. The embryonic growth traits, serum glucose, hormone levels, and the hepatic mRNA expressions of target genes related to glucose metabolism and insulin signaling were measured at each time point. Relative body weight, relative liver weight, and relative body length decreased linearly and quadratically from embryonic day 19 to day of hatchment, while relative yolk weight decreased linearly from embryonic day 19 to day of hatchment. Serum glucose, insulin, and free triiodothyronine levels increased linearly with increasing incubation time, while no differences were observed in serum glucagon and free thyroxine levels. The hepatic mRNA expression related to glucose catabolism (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase) and insulin signaling (insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate protein, Src homology collagen protein, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 70 ku) increased quadratically from embryonic day 19 to day of hatchment. The expression of citrate synthase and isocitrate dehydrogenase mRNA decreased linearly and quadratically respectively from embryonic day 19 to day of hatchment. Serum glucose levels were positively related to serum insulin (r=1.00) and free triiodothyronine (r=0.90) levels, as well as the hepatic mRNA expression of insulin receptor (r=1.00), insulin receptor substrate protein (r=0.64), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (r=0.81), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 70 ku (r=0.81) related to insulin signaling. In conclusion, glucose catabolism was enhanced and had positive correlations with the insulin signaling in the middle and later stages of geese embryogenesis.

Hepatic transcriptomics and metabolomics indicated pathways associated with immune stress of broilers induced by lipopolysaccharide

Broilers with immune stress show decline of growth performance, causing severe economic losses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune stress still need to be elucidated. One hundred and twenty broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 2 groups with 6 repeats per group, 10 birds per repeat. The model broilers were intraperitoneally injection of 250 µg/kg LPS at 12, 14, 33, and 35 d of age to induce immunological stress. Control group was injected with an equivalent amount of sterile saline. Blood samples from chickens were collected using wing vein puncture at 35 d of age and the serum was obtained for detection of CORT and ACTH. At the end of the experiment, the liver tissues were excised and collected for omics analysis. The results showed that LPS challenge significantly inhibited growth performance, increased relative weight of liver, spleen and decreased relative weight of bursa, as well as enhanced the concentration of serum ACTH and CORT, when compared with the Control. A total of 129 DEGs and a total of 109 differential metabolites were identified between Model and Control group. Transcriptomics profiles revealed that immune stress enhanced the expression of genes related to defense function while declined the expression of genes related to oxidation-reduction process. Metabolomics further suggested that immune stress changed metabolites related to amino acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism. In addition, integrated analysis suggested that the imbalance of valine, leucine and isoleucine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and mTOR signaling pathway played an important role in immune stress of broiler chicks.

Effect of Betaine Supplementation to Methionine-deficient Diet on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Blood Parameters and Economic Efficiency of Broilers

Background: Betaine is a protein found in shellfish, spinach and wheat bran. Betaine’s main physiological function is to act as a methyl donor and an osmolyte. Betaine also functions as an osmolyte, ensuring that the avian’s cellular water and ion balance are maintained. It may protect a variety of intestinal bacteria against osmotic changes resulting in increased microbial fermentation activity. Adding betaine to chicken diets has been shown to improve nutritional digestibility and lower abdominal fat weight. Methods: A total of two hundred and seventy day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted to nine treatments of six equal replicates with 5 chicks each (9 x 6 x 5=270). Nine experimental isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets consisting of a control diet (CD), 25% and 50% methionine deficient diet and with graded levels of betaine (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% levels) were formulated and fed to chicks from 1 to 42 days of age. Result: The results of the study revealed that supplementation of betaine to broiler diets deficient in methionine at 25% and 50% resulted in better performance with (p less than 0.05) higher body weight gain and better FCR, higher percentages of livability, carcass yield, total edible parts, breast yield and breast meat while those of heart and abdominal fat were decreased but relative weights of giblets, liver and gizzard were not affected compared with their control counterparts. Betaine supplementation resulted in increased immunity against ND, better tolerance to oxidative stress and better net profit over feed cost of broilers at 42 days of age.

δ13C in muscle, liver, and adipose fin and their relationship to weight change during both growth and starvation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), after feeding a diet low in 13C

A 35-day experiment was conducted with a total of 105 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with an average initial weight of 192.9 g, sampled over four time points (day 7, 14, 21, and 28) to study the relationship between respectively, δ13C in muscle, liver, and adipose fin and relative weight gain, when fed a diet based on plant C3 ingredients, with a lower level of δ13C compared to the baseline diet. From day 28 to 35, seven fish per tank were starved to investigate the effect of starvation on δ13C in muscle, liver, and the adipose fin. Relative weight gain (as a proxy for feed efficiency) significantly (P < 0.0001) affected δ13C in muscle and liver, respectively, implying that a diet with a lower natural abundance (compared to the baseline diet) can be used to phenotype feed efficiency. Moreover, the change in δ13C due to weight loss was considerable in liver (2.6‰), but only 1.7‰ in muscle under starvation.

Evaluation of Hepatic Detoxification Effects of Enteromorpha prolifera Polysaccharides against Aflatoxin B1 in Broiler Chickens.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major risk factor in animal feed. Seaweed (Enteromorpha prolifera)-derived polysaccharides (SDP) are natural antioxidants with multiple biological functions, which may have an in vivo detoxification effect on AFB1. The current study aimed to evaluate whether SDP could mitigate AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity in broilers. A total of 216 chickens (male, 5 weeks old) were randomly allocated to three groups with differing feeding patterns, lasting 4 weeks: (1) control group (CON, fed a basal diet); (2) AFB1 group (fed a basal diet mixed with 0.1 mg/kg AFB1); and (3) AFB1 + SDP group (AFB1 group + 0.25% SDP). The results showed that dietary SDP improved the liver function-related biochemical indicators in serum, and reversed the increase in relative liver weight, hepatic apoptosis and histological damage of broilers exposed to AFB1. SDP treatment also reduced the activity and mRNA expression of phase I detoxification enzymes, while increasing the activity and mRNA expression of phase II detoxification enzymes in the livers of AFB1-exposed broilers, which was involved in the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. In conclusion, dietary SDP alleviated AFB1-induced liver injury of broilers through inhibiting phase I detoxification enzymes and upregulating p38MAPK/Nrf2-mediated phase II detoxification enzymes pathway.

Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective efficacy of Cichorium intybus following imidacloprid induced subchronic toxicity in WLH cockerels

The current research work was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potential of Cichorium intybus following subchronic exposure of imidacloprid in white leghorn (WLH) chicks. Thirty, 6 to 8 weeks old chicks of 300-350 g weight were randomly and equally divided into five groups. Group I served as control and was fed normal grower ration and other were fed medicated ration containing Cichorium intybus leaf powder @ 5000 ppm in Group II, imidacloprid @ 100 ppm in Group III, imidacloprid @ 100 ppm + silymarin @ 100 ppm in Group IV and imidacloprid @ 100 ppm + Cichorium intybus leaf powder @ 5000 ppm in Group V, respectively, for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters at 4th and 8th week revealed a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) with an increase in absolute and relative organ weights of liver and kidney after 8 weeks and a significant decline in total protein, albumin and globulin in imidacloprid treated Group III as compared to control (Group I). However, the simultaneous administration of Cichorium intybus leaf powder (CILP) in Group V revealed amelioration in these parameters at par with Groups I and IV. Thus, amelioration of imidacloprid induced hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects following simultaneous CILP administration indicates hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potential of Cichorium intybus in imidacloprid intoxicated cockerels.

Acute and subacute oral toxicity evaluation of Antarctic krill protein in Kunming mice

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) protein is widely acknowledged as a potential animal protein source due to its large biomass with excellent nutritional and utilisation properties. However, safety assessments of Antarctic krill protein (AKP) are highly warranted before its use as human food. The present work thus assessed the safety of AKP in a Kunming mice model through acute toxicity and a 28-day feeding study, where the Kunming mice were fed with AKP or control diets. In the acute toxicity study, a single oral dose of 10 g/kg bodyweight (BW) AKP caused no death or abnormal effects in male and female mice, and the bodyweight gain remained within the normal range. In the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity study, AKP was orally administered to Kunming mice at the doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/kg BW/day for 28 days. The absolute and relative liver weight gained was only observed in the mice administered with high-dose of AKP. However, this increase was incidental as no weight gain or histopathological alterations were observed in the main groups. These findings were consistent with the normal background lesions in the clinically normal mice used in the present work, which were considered spontaneous and/or incidental in nature and unrelated to the treatment. These results demonstrated that AKP did not exert significant acute and subacute toxicity upon oral administration to Kunming mice.

Heat stress exposure changed liver lipid metabolism and abdominal fat deposition in broilers

To evaluate the effects of heat stress on lipid metabolism in the liver and abdominal adipose deposition in broilers, totally, 120 female 21-day old broilers were selected and randomly allocated to 2 groups with 6 replication and 10 broilers per each replication. Broilers in the control group (CON) were reared at 24 °C, and broilers in the heat stress group (HS) were reared at 34 °C. Heat stress exposure increased (P < 0.05) rectal temperature, relative weight of abdominal adipose and liver, serum triacylglycerol (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) level, liver TG, TC, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) content. Hepatic mRNA expression level of fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and abdominal adipose mRNA expression level of ACC and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) were up-regulated (P < 0.05) when compared with the CON group. Heat stress exposure increased serum and hepatic TC and TG content, up-regulated the mRNA expression of FAS and ACC in liver, and promoted preadipocytes differentiation by increasing C/EBPα mRNA expression in abdominal adipose. Therefore, heat stress exposure increased abdominal adipose deposition, which related to increase in hepatic de novo lipogenesis, and promoted preadipocytes differentiation in abdominal adipose. HIGHLIGHTS Heat stress increased abdominal adipose deposition Heat stress increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis Heat stress promoted preadipocytes differentiation in abdominal adipose

Effectivity of Dry and Liquid BS4 Enzymes in Improving Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Nutrient Density Diet

Supplementation of enzymes in feed is now commonly practiced to increase the nutrient availability of feed and the performance of poultry. A new enzyme called BS4 was produced by cultivating Eupenicilium javanicum. It is necessary to test the efficacy of this enzyme since the effectiveness of enzyme supplementation depends on many factors. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary BS4 enzyme supplementation in improving the performance of broiler chickens. A number of 300 broilers DOC was distributed into 30 pens and reared until 35 d. Six experimental diets i.e., factorial of 2 (Standard diet, and low nutrient density diet) X 3 (Control, BS4 liquid enzyme, and BS4 powder enzyme) were formulated with 5 replications. The performance (feed intake, body weight, FCR, and survival rates) were observed during the starter (1-21 d) and whole (1-35 d) periods. At the end of the trial, measurements were also made on the carcass yield, abdominal fat, liver, and gizzard weights. Results showed that performances of broilers from 1-35 d were not significantly affected by interaction between nutrient density and enzyme supplement. The nutrient density also did not affect performances of broilers. However, dietary enzyme supplementation significantly reduced feed intake and improved FCR of broilers as compared to the control. Supplementation of BS4 in liquid or powder form, reduced feed intake by 3.6%. Supplementation of liquid and powder BS4 enzymes improved FCR by 6.4% and 8.9%, respectively, but no different effect between liquid and powder BS4 enzymes on performance of broilers. Nutrient density, enzyme supplementation, and interactions between the two factors did not significantly influence carcass yield, abdominal fat, liver, and gizzard relative weights of broilers.

Developmental and reproduction toxicity of piperonyl butoxide part 1 developmental safety of piperonyl butoxide in the CD® (Sprague Dawley) rat

Developed as an insecticide synergist in the early 1940s, PBO increases the effectiveness of pyrethrins. Herein, the findings from a guideline developmental toxicity study in rat conducted in 1991 are reported. Timed-pregnant CD® (Sprague Dawley) rats were randomly assigned to a control and three treatment groups of 25 females each. A single daily dose of 200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day was administered orally (gavage) on days 6–15 of gestation. A vehicle group received deionized water. Cesarean sections were performed on all surviving females on gestation day 21 and fetuses were evaluated. All rats survived to GD 21 of gestation. Pregnancy rates in each group ranged from 88 % to 96 %. One dam in the 500 mg/kg/day dose had a single conceptus litter (one early resorption). Adverse clinical observations (urogenital wetness and staining) occurred in the 1000 mg/kg/day dose group. Maternal body weight decrease and food reductions occurred over the dosing period in the 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day groups. There were no treatment-related maternal necropsy findings. Terminal body weights and gravid uterine weights were comparable among the groups. Corrected body weight gain was decreased (>10 %) at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day. Increased liver weights and relative liver weights were observed in the 1000 mg/kg/day dose group. There were no treatment-related effects on early resorptions, late resorptions, live fetuses per litter or sex ratio, or fetal weight per litter among the dose groups and no fetal malformations or variations attributed to PBO at any dose level.