Relative Organ Weights Research Articles

Protective effects of ethanol-water leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia on mouse virus-induced hepatitis (MHV) in male Swiss mice (Mus musculus)

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol-water extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia leaves (EJG) against mouse-induced hepatitis (MHV) in Mus musculus mice. This experiment was carried out with 30 male mice, divided into 6 batches, one control non-contaminated and five batches infected with MHV extracted from wild-type mice liver. Four batches of the infected mice were treated with either EJG (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) or lamivudine (10 mg/kg) used as reference treatment. The fifth infected batch was untreated. The mice of all the batches were monitored every 12 hours for 5 days, including weight measurements and behavioral assessments. After 10 days of the MHV liver extract inoculation, all the subjects were sacrificed, the serum was collected and the biochemical parameters were measured. The results showed that MHV inoculation induced significant increase (p < 0.05) of relative weight of liver, heart, kidney and spleen in negative control, as well as serum values of ASAT, ALAT, C-reactive protein (CRP) and bilirubin compared with the control group. EJG at the concentrations of 75, 150, 300 mg/kg induced a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in relative organ weights, ASAT, ALAT, CRP and bilirubin contents compared with the negative control. In conclusion, EJG could protect the organs and has a potent hepatoprotective effect against MHV-induced liver damage in mice.

Evaluation of acute toxicity of Scabiosa artropurperea var.maritima aqueous extracts in Swiss mice

Scabiosa artropurperea var.maritima is a plant widely distributed in the Mediterranean region and used as a traditional medicine. The present study evaluated the biochemical composition and the potential toxicity of aqueous extract of whole Scabiosa artropurperea var.maritima through acute toxicity oral administration in male mice. Phytochemical analysis of the Scabiosa artropurperea var.maritima revealed high levels of reductor sugars and significant flavonoid and total phenol content. The aqueous extract of Scabiosa artropurperea var.maritima was daily oral administered to mice at doses of 300 (group 1), 2000 (group 2) and 4000 (group 3) mg/kg body weight per day for 14 days. We observed no significant difference in the consumption of food, body weight and relative organ weights except for an increase in the seminal vesicles weight in group 3. Hematological parameters revealed the non-adverse effects of prolonged oral consumption of Scabiosa artropurperea var.maritima except for a slight increase but significant of percentage of hematocrit in group 1 and 3 and a decrease in percentage of granulocytes in group 2. The histopathologic examination did not show any differences in vital organs. We also observed non-adverse effects on the reproductive parameters including testosterone concentration, spermatozoa motility and morphologies. Based on our findings, the aqueous extract of Scabiosa artropurperea var.maritima could be considered safe for oral medication in animals.

Effect of ethanolic stem-bark extract of Blighia unijugata on body and organ weight, biochemistry, and hematology in Sprague-Dawley rats

Introduction: While the efficacy of Blighia unijugata against various conditions has been scientifically validated, very little is known of its safety in normal rats. This study aimed to assess the toxic effects of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Blighia unijugata (EBU) on body and organ weight, biochemistry, and hematology of Sprague Dawley rats following repeated oral administration.
 Method: Twenty (20) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected into four groups (n = 5) and administered distilled water or EBU at doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg respectively for 28 days. For each group, percentage changes in body and organ weight, serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose levels, liver, and kidney functions, and the various hematological variables were determined.
 Results: EBU treatment (50-200 mg/kg body weight) caused no significant changes (p>0.05) in the body weight and the relative organ weight of the heart, kidney, and spleen. Similarly, no significant changes (p>0.05) were observed in the lipid profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, High-Density Lipoproteins, Low-Density Lipoproteins, and Very Low-Density Lipoproteins), fasting blood glucose, serum urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, total protein, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and the hematological measures, except for a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in Alkaline Phosphatase after treatment with 200 mg/kg EBU.
 Conclusion: Overall, this investigation underscores that EBU administration did not cause significant effects on the evaluated parameters, suggesting relative safety within the experimental conditions. However, for potential clinical trials and human use, additional studies such as chronic toxicity assessments across diverse animal models and dosage ranges are recommended.
 Keywords: Blighia unijugata; biochemistry, hematology, body weight, organ weight

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of lyophilized plasma

Objective. To assess the hemostatic potential, preclinical safety and in vitro efficacy of lyophilized plasma in patients and blood donors.Materials and methods. The study of acute toxicity was carried out on outbred mice of both sexes (n=120), pyrogenicity – on rabbits of both sexes (n=30), abnormal toxicity – on mice (n=25) and guinea pigs (n=6). Histopathological studies were carried out on preparations of five fragments of the middle part of the mouse tail after intravenous administration of the maximum dose (4500 mg/kg) lyophilized plasma (LP), physiological solution, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and pathogen-reduced FFP (PRFFP) using the Intercept system. The proand anticoagulant activity was investigated by clotting and chromogenic method to evaluate the hemostatic potential of PL. The effect on hemostasis was studied in vitro by thromboelastometry when FFP and LP were added to blood samples of patients (n = 23) and donors (n = 20). Results. Acute toxicity study showed the absence of death and clinical signs of intoxication in all series. On the 14th day, body weight gain was observed in animals of all series. Regardless of the used LP dosage, no development of effusion and adhesions in the thoracic and abdominal cavities, as well as macroscopically detectable pathologic changes of the main organs were observed in animals. The analysis of the relative weight of internal organs of animals did not reveal statistically significant differences in experimental and control series relative to the values of similar indicators in intact animals. The studied hemostatic potential showed that LP was not inferior to PRFFP in the content of coagulation factors of the blood system. Evaluation of the effect of LP application in vitro in female patients showed statistically significant correction of CT (clotting time) index, which indicates the effectiveness of its application for replenishment of blood coagulation factors (BCF).Conclusion. Preclinical animal studies of LP have proven its safety and efficacy compared to FFP.

Diet Supplementation with Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Leaf Powder Exhibits an Antidiabetic Property in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that has a high global health burden and causes high mortality and morbidity in humans. Medicinal herbs and plants offer a promising alternative to conventional therapies for the management of diabetes. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used for the management of several diseases. Therefore, the present study investigates the antidiabetic properties of diets supplemented with R. officinalis leaf powder on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. First, the phytochemicals and 2,2-dephenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging activity of aqueous R. officinalis leaf extract were determined. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats were fed a diet supplemented with R. officinalis leaf powder (ROP) at 3%, 6%, and 12%, respectively, for 6 weeks. Investigations of food intake, body weight, rat relative organ weights, blood glucose, lipid profiles, creatinine, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were estimated according to standard procedures. The results show that ROP aqueous extract contains significant amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, which exhibit in vitro DPPH free-radical scavenging activity. Based on an in vivo study, ROP reduced blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with ROP in diabetic rats significantly (p < 0.05) lowered ALT, AST, bilirubin, creatinine, total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels while increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) when compared with the diabetic control group. Our findings demonstrate that a diet supplemented with R. officinalis leaf powder exhibits an antidiabetic potential with improved health outcomes, as demonstrated by the improved lipid and liver profile enzymes in our animal model.

Assessment of acute and subacute toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of eugenol nanoparticles after oral exposure in Wistar rats

The present study aimed to assess the safety, toxicity, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics of eugenol nanoparticles (EONs) following oral administration in Wistar rat models. In the acute toxicity study, the rats were given a fixed dose of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg body weight per group orally and screened for 2 weeks after administration. In the subacute study, three different doses (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg BW) of EON were administered for 28 days. The results indicated no significant differences in food and water consumption, bodyweight change, hematological and biochemical parameters, relative organ weights, gross findings, or histopathology compared to the control. Additionally, no significant changes were observed in the expression profiles of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNFα in the plasma, confirming the absence of systemic inflammation. Biodistribution analysis revealed rapid absorption of eugenol and improved bioavailability due to gradual and sustained release, leading to a maximum eugenol concentration of 15.05 μg/mL (Cmax) at approximately 8 h (Tmax) in the blood plasma. Thus, the study provides valuable insights into the utilization of EON for enhancing the stability, solubility, and sustained release of eugenol and highlights its promising safety profile in vivo.

The protective role of virgin olive oil and vitamin E on mercury-induced hepatic, renal, testicular and adrenal toxicity in the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

This study aimed to strengthen the antioxidant defenses against the toxic effect of mercury, by administering a synthetic antioxidant (vitamin E) and a natural product rich in antioxidant compounds (virgin olive oil) to rabbits. Hepatic and renal biomarker levels, cortisol and testosterone synthesis, mercury concentration, relative weight of organs, and tissue architecture were studied. The results showed a significant decrease in the plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), plasma testosterone levels, and relative weight of the liver, testes, and adrenal in the mercury treated group (group M), while the other indices were significantly increased in the m-group compared to the control (group C). However, the group treated with olive oil combined with mercury (group O) showed a significant decrease in the ALP, AST, ALT, testosterone levels, and adrenal relative weight, while plasma creatinine, uric acid levels, mercury concentration in organs, and the kidney relative weight were significantly increased. Vitamin E supplementation (group E) led to a significant decrease in the ALP, testosterone levels, and adrenal relative weight, a significant increase was observed in plasma levels of triglycerides, creatinine, and uric acid. Histological sections of the liver, kidney, testis, and adrenal of group M showed severe tissue damage, while the other groups showed less important tissue alterations demonstrating that supplementation with natural or synthetic antioxidants can protect against the toxicity of heavy metals such as mercury, improving the health of rabbits.

Screening of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, and in vivo safety profile of the hydroethanolic peel extract of Musa sapientum

Introduction: Banana peels can be utilized as nutraceuticals in the management of disease caused by oxidative stress, like any other plant material. It is therefore, important to understand the phytochemical constitute, antioxidant capacity and the safety profile of Musa sapientum variety Muraru peels. Aim of the study: The study identified the chemical composition of unripe and ripe Musa sapientum variety Muraru peels, along with its antioxidant capacity and evaluated the oral acute and sub-acute toxicity of Muraru peel hydroethanolic extracts. Materials and methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed, GC-MS was used in the identification of bioactive compounds present. The DPPH total antioxidant activity was used to evaluate the scavenging percentage and IC50. Acute and sub-acute toxicity tests were done for Musa sapientum variety Muraru hydroethanolic peel extract. Hematology, biochemistry and relative organ weight were analyzed, with the sub-acute group organs were further analyzed for histopathology. Results: Flavonoids, tannins, phenols were found abundant in both unripe and ripe Muraru peels. GC-MS showed that the peels were rich in lipids, fatty acids and terpenoids. The unripe peels showed significant total antioxidant capacity. No significant difference (p> 0.05) was observed in hematology, biochemistry, relative organ weight compared to the normal controls. Histopathological examination of liver, lung, heart, kidney and spleen showed normal tissue orientation in all treated groups. Conclusion: Unripe and ripe Musa sapientum variety Muraru peels are both rich in various secondary metabolites which greatly influenced its antioxidant capacity. Toxicity profile showed that Muraru hydroethanolic peel extract are nontoxic.

The Nephroprotective Activity of Boesenbergia Rotunda Rhizome by Reducing Creatinine, Urea Nitrogen, Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, and Malondialdehyde Levels in the Blood and Attenuating the Expression of Havcr1 (KIM-1), Lcn2 (NGAL), Casp3, and Casp7 Genes in the Kidney Cortex of Cisplatin-Induced Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Cisplatin chemotherapy induces nephrotoxicity by producing reactive oxygen species, hence, discovering add-on nephroprotective drugs for patients with cancer is challenging. Boesenbergia rotunda has been reported for its antioxidant properties. This study aims to explore the nephroprotective mechanism of the ethanol extract of Boesenbergia rotunda rhizome (EEBR) in cisplatin-induced rats. The rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: the normal control (treated with saline); the negative control (cisplatin-induced without any treatment); the positive control (treated with quercetin 50 mg/kg BW); and 3 treatment EEBR (125 mg/kg BW; 250 mg/kg BW; 500 mg/kg BW) groups for 10 days. The % relative organ weight, kidney histopathology, and nephrotoxicity biomarkers expression were evaluated. EEBR decreased creatinine, urea nitrogen, glutamic pyruvate transaminase, and malondialdehyde levels in the blood of cisplatin-induced rats. An insignificant increase in GOT was observed in rats treated with the highest dose of EEBR. EEBR did not significantly alter the BW and the % kidney relative weight. An abnormal shape of the Bowman capsule is observed in the negative control group. EEBR reduced the expression of Havcr1 (KIM-1), Lcn2 (NGAL), Casp3, and Casp7 genes in rats' kidneys. Boesenbergia rotunda could be considered a potential candidate for add-on therapy in cisplatin-treated patients, but further studies are needed to verify its efficacy and safety.

Safety evaluation of a proprietary ayruveda-based polyherbal preparation (arthralgex) used for arthritis.

Arthralgex is a proprietary polyherbal preparation used in clinics to treat rheumatoid arthritis for decades. Its safety evaluation has not been reported. The study is aimed at evaluating the safety of arthralgex using Wistar rats, as per OECD guidelines. According to OECD 407, rats of either gender were separated into six groups (n= 6 each). The dose of arthralgex was decided based on an acute toxicity study. Under the treatment group, separate set of rats received arthralgex in three dose levels like - low, medium, and high (200, 400 & 800 mg/kg/day; p.o for 28 days). Satellite groups received high dose (800 mg/kg/day, p.o for 28 days), and control group received equal volume of vehicle. On day 28, blood samples were collected to estimate hematology and biochemistry parameters. Subsequently, rats were euthanized to collect organs for weighing and histopathology. Satellite groups were maintained for an additional 14 days post-treatment to assess toxicity reversibility and euthanized on day 43. Arthralgex did not show any signs of toxicity or major change in body weight in the acute toxicity study. Arthralgex has no significant adverse effect on general health status as confirmed by body weight, feed intake, hematology, biochemistry, urine analysis, internal organs, relative organ weight, and histopathological evaluation after 28 day treatment. Arthralgex could be considered safe for short-term treatment. Present findings may help researchers in dose fixing for sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies, which is essential for safety evaluation for long-term use.

Investigation of the Subchronic Toxicity of Graded Doses of Extracts of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Rats

Aim: To investigate the subchronic toxicity of graded doses of aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. guineense stem bark in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of seventy (70) rats (35 per extract) weighing 160 to 180 g (mean weight = 170 ± 10 g) were divided into seven (7) groups of five (5) rats each. Group I served as control, while rats in groups II – VII received graded doses of extract (200 – 5000 mg/kg body weight, bwt) for a duration of 28 days. Weight parameters, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level and histopathological assessment were carried out. Results: Percentage increases in body weights of rats treated with aqueous or ethanol extract of D. guineense stem bark were significantly reduced, when compared with control group (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the corresponding relative organ weights and tissue MDA level, among the groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, the extracts did not significantly alter the normal architecture of the liver, but induced mild periportal lymphocytosis and kupffer cell activation. Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of the medicinal plant stem bark did not elicit any deleterious effects on rat liver.

Avaliação da segurança pré-clínica de um iogurte probiótico feito com polpa de tumbo (Passiflora tripartita Kunth)

Abstract A probiotic yogurt made from the pulp of the tumbo fruit (Passiflora tripartita Kunth) possesses antioxidant capacity, physicochemical and microbiological quality and stability; however, it needs to be safe for later studies of clinical functionality. The present study would be considered as a precursor to the preclinical safety evaluation of a functional food by in vivo toxicological testing. The study aimed to evaluate the preclinical safety of yogurt made from the pulp of the tumbo fruit (P. tripartita). The toxicological studies proposed were based on the OECD 423:2001 standard on Acute Oral Toxicity, performing the peroral administration of the probiotic yogurt at a dose of 2000 mg/kg one-time in a group of randomized male rats, for its evaluation during 14 days compared to a control group; and on the OECD 407: 2008 on Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity, a daily dose of 2000 mg/kg of the yogurt was administered for 28 days in male rats, considering the evaluation of their clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters, to determine any possible toxic effect produced by the probiotic formulation. The results showed that in both toxicological studies, no adverse alterations were detected in their clinical signs, relative organ weights and hematological and biochemical profiles. In addition, a possible improvement in the immunological status, liver function and hematological profile was evidenced as a finding. In conclusion, it was possible to establish knowledge on the preclinical safety of the formulation of a probiotic yogurt made with tumbo fruit pulp, obtaining a NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) value higher than 2000 mg/kg body weight in male rats.

Влияние доместикации на интерьерные показатели представителей семейства куньих (Mustelidae)

The article examines the impact of domestication and selection of fur-bearing animals on live body weight and the absolute and relative weight of some internal organs of three representatives of the mustelidae family (Mustelidae): mink, ferret and sable. During the work, the parameters of the liver, spleen, heart, lungs and kidneys were studied in females and males of each species. It was established that over the past period of domestication in minks (both females and males), the parameters of the considered internal organs increased manifold (from 1,84 to 2,70 times). In farm ferrets, regardless of gender, enlargement of the studied organs was also noted, but to a lesser extent (from 1,35 to 2,20 times). In farm sables, during cage breeding, the size of the liver (1,6 times in females and 1,1 times in males), heart (1,1 times in females and 1,2 times in males), lungs increased slightly – in females (1,2 times) and kidneys in females and males (1,2 times). The size of the spleen did not change and a decrease in the lungs was noted in males (0,9 times). Thus, it can be stated that in the species of fur-bearing animals under consideration, the process of domestication has an impact to varying degrees: the greatest in American minks and the least in sables.

Buriti oil as an alternative to the use of antimicrobials in broiler diets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects and economic viability of diets containing different levels of antibiotic and buriti oil (BO) on performance, carcass and cut yields, and relative weight of organs of broilers. A total of 432 one- to 42-day-old male chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with six treatments, each consisting of six replicates of 12 birds. The treatments consisted of one diet with antibiotic without BO, one diet without antibiotic (DWA) without BO, and four DWA containing increasing levels of BO (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8%). Average weight and weight gain (WG) of broilers fed with DWA + BO were similar to those of birds fed control diet. Feed intake and feed conversion (FC) were not different among treatments. Relative weight of pancreas linearly increased in the birds fed diets containing BO. The inclusion of 0.45 and 0.40% of BO in the diets promoted the improvement of WG and FC, respectively. Cost of feed management, ratio, gross margin, and gross income did not differ among treatments. It was concluded that the inclusion of 0.45% of BO in diets without antibiotics is economically feasible and allows recovering the performance of broilers.

Ffects of Smokeless Tobacco on various vital organs of Albino Wistar Rats

The present study evaluated the toxic effect of smokeless tobacco product extract (STPE) in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) on various body organs in albino Wistar rats. The toxicities of orally administered STPE were studied at the dose of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg body weight, respectively, and the control group contained 1 ml/kg of normal saline in albino rats for 28 days. Acute toxicity was studied in albino rats by orally administering a single dose of STPE at 2000 mg/kg. The results showed that the relative organ weight of the liver, stomach, and spleen was found to increase significantly (p<0.05) in comparison to the control group. From a hematological study, it was observed that white blood cells (WBC) count was increased significantly (p < 0.05) with all three doses, but red blood cell (RBC) count remained unchanged. The biochemical parameter revealed a significant increase in serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level, blood glucose, and cholesterol level. Histopathological results suggested that administration of STPE caused damage to the liver and stomach. There was no significant change in behavior and mortality during the 14-day observation period. In conclusion, short term consumption of STPE caused gastritis in stomach and liver cell damage, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and immunotoxicity. A further long-term study is required to unveil all the risk factors associated with STPE consumption.

Reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test of kovir capsules in mice

The present study was performed to gather information on the effects of Kovir capsules on reproductive and developmental parameters in mice according to the OECD guideline for reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test. The test item was administered orally at dose levels of 1.44 and 2.16 capsules/kg body weight/day to male mice from 2 weeks before mating to the end of the 14-day mating period and females from 2 weeks before mating, during mating, gestation, and until the 13th day of lactation. During the study period, clinical signs, body weight, relative organ weight, reproductive and littering results, necropsy results, and histopathological examination of the testicles were examined. No significant differences existed between the relative organ weights of exposed and unexposed males after the 4-week exposure. Photomicrographs of the testis of treated males did not display marked damage compared with untreated males. There were also no treatment-related effects of Kovir on pregnancy rates, the number of implantations, and the live fetuses of females. These results suggested that Kovir capsules at both test doses did not induce reproductive hazards in mature male and female animals. The effects of Kovir on the mean litter size, postnatal mortality, and appearance of developmental markers in pups were not identified.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of the ethanol extract of Erythrina fusca Lour. fruit via oral administration in mice

Erythrina fusca Lour. is a medicinal plant traditionally used in herbal medicine; however, there are no records of toxicity associated with the ethanol extract of E. fusca fruit (EtEF). The objective of this study was to assess the safety of EtEF through toxicity testing. Four groups of Swiss albino mice were employed, including a control group and three groups administered EtEF at doses of 1000, 3000, and 5000 mg/kg (single dose) and 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg (administered repeatedly for 90 days). Various parameters, including body weight, food and water consumption, hematological and biochemical parameters, relative organ weight, urine composition, and histopathology, were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the tested groups compared to the control group, and there was no evidence of morphological or histopathological damage in the organs of mice treated with EtEF. This study affirms the safety of EtEF and establishes a foundation for further investigations into its utilization in traditional medicine.

The effect of varying levels of potassium hydroxide-treated false Yam seed meal on growth performance, haematology and serum biochemistry of male broiler chickens

This study was carried out to evaluate sequential treatment of false yam seeds as substitute for maize in broiler chicken diets on their growth, carcass, haematology and serum biochemistry. Ripped fruits of false yam plants growing in the wild were harvested by hand picking. The fruits were partially sun-dried to reduce their moisture content and facilitate cracking to obtain the false yam seeds (FYS). The fresh FYS were crushed with a stone to reduce size, increase surface area and facilitate processing. The freshly crushed false yam seeds were subjected to multiple-stage processing where seeds were first soaked in ordinary water (i.e., addition of fresh seeds in ordinary water at a ratio of 1:2, wt/vol) for 12 days with water being changed every 3 days. After the 12 days of soaking, the seed sample was washed with clean ordinary water. In the second stage of processing, soaked FYS was soaked in a solution of 1M concentration of potassium hydroxide at a ratio of 1:2 (wt/vol) for 24 hours, after which the sample was washed thoroughly with clean ordinary water. The last stage of processing involved blanching of potassium hydroxide-treated seeds, firstly by immersing the sample in hot water (900C) for 20 minutes and then transferring it into cold water (40C) for 40 minutes. The treated seed sample was then washed with clean water, sun-dried to approximately 12% moisture on a cement floor and ground into gritty flour using a hammer mill. The treated false yam seed meal was labeled as KOH_T FYSM. At 21 d of age, 128 birds were individually weighed and then randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in quadruplicate lots. Each replicate had 8 male broilers. The mean live-weight of birds in each replicate was 883 g (±0.05). The four treatments included the control without KOH_T FYSM; treatments 2, 3 and 4 contained 100, 300 and 500g/kg KOH_T FYSM respectively replacing maize (wt. /wt. basis) in a completely randomized design. The birds were fed various diets for 35 d. The growth response of male broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with varying levels of KOH_T FYSM revealed no significant (P<0.05) difference in all growth parameters measured. Carcass dress weight and carcass dressing showed no significant (P>0.05) difference at 500g/kg. However, the relative weight of organs revealed a significant (P<0.041) increase in the heart weight and a reduction in the weights of the liver and the spleen. Haematological parameters evaluated revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration as KOH_T FYSM was increased in the diets. The economics of replacing maize with KOH_T FYSM in the diets of male broilers revealed that price per kg of feed reduces as the test material was increased in the diets. Inclusion of KOH_T FYSM up to 500g/kg in the diets of male broilers had no adverse effect on their growth performance. However, its inclusion influenced internal organ weights such as the liver, spleen and heart. Economics of feeding KOH_T to broilers did not increase cost of feeding, suggesting that, There is an economic value for using this product for broiler chickens as an alternative to maize during periods of scarcity and can be recommended for use by farmers where this plant is available.

Effects of exposing Japanese quail eggs to a low dose of gamma radiation and in ovo feeding by two sources of trace elements on embryonic development activities

The present study investigated the influence of exposing quail eggs to low-dose gamma radiation (GR) and in ovo feeding with 2 sources of a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including sulfate (TES) and loaded with montmorillonite (TEM), on embryonic development activities and prehatch quality. A total of 960 eggs on the seventh day of incubation were randomly divided into 6 groups (160 eggs/group) with 4 replicate of 40 eggs in each. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment was performed and included 3 sources in ovo feeding with a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including 0 mg/egg, 50 mg TES/egg, and 50 mg TEM/egg with egg irradiation using 0 and 0.2 Gy from GR. Eggs injected with 50 mg TEM/egg and exposed to 0.2 Gy from GR (TEM/GR) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) higher in hatchability, hatch body weight, and relative organ weight (liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart, and intestine). The obtained results indicated significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in TEM/GR group. There was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased of catalase (CAT) activity and the concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in TEM/GR group; however; total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in CT/GR group. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) (P ≤ 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were increased in the TEM/CR group; the concentration of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the TEM/GR group; and interleukins (IL6 and IL10) showed no significant differences among the groups. Our results showed increase in thyroxine and myostatin concentrations with TES/CR and CT/GR of our study groups, respectively. The relative mRNA expression levels of the GH, IGF-1, and Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS) genes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) upregulated in the liver tissue of the TEM/GR group compared with the other groups. In conclusion, TEM/GR was the best treatment for improving prehatch quality, increasing serum antioxidant enzyme activities, and promoting the expression of growth and immune genes in fertilized quail eggs.

Protective effect of quercetin on cadmium-induced kidney apoptosis in rats based on PERK signaling pathway

BackgroundCadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic environmental pollutant that can enter the body through bioaccumulation. The kidney is an important target organ for Cd poisoning. Quercetin (Que) is a natural flavonoid compound with free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Previous studies showed that Que can alleviate kidney damage caused by Cd poisoning in rats, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. MethodsTwenty-four male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: normal saline-treated control group, Cd group treated by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2, Cd + Que group treated by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2 and 100 mg/kg b.w. Que, and Que group treated by 100 mg/kg b.w. Que. Four weeks later, the rats were anesthetized with diethyl ether, and blood was taken intravenously. The rats were executed with their necks cut off, and the kidneys were removed. Body weight, kidney organ weight, and glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. The structure of kidney tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, kidney cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay, and the mRNA expression levels of genes related to the PERK signaling pathway were analyzed by RT-PCR. ResultsCompared with the control group, the Cd-treated group exhibited a significant decrease in body weight (P < 0.01). Their kidneys showed a significant increase in the relative organ weight (P < 0.01). Moreover, the MDA and GSH levels increased. Kidney tissue damage and renal cell apoptosis were observed, and the mRNA expression levels of genes related to the PERK signaling pathway significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the Cd-treated group, the Cd + Que group exhibited a significant increase in body weight (P < 0.01) and significant decreases in the relative organ weight, MDA and GSH levels, and mRNA expression levels of genes related to the PERK signaling pathway (P < 0.01). Furthermore, kidney tissue damage and renal cell apoptosis were observed. ConclusionCd treatment resulted in rat weight loss, renal edema, and oxidative stress and caused renal tissue damage and cell apoptosis by activating the PERK signaling pathway. Que was able to restore the body weight and renal coefficient of rats. It also alleviated the oxidative stress and kidney tissue damage caused by Cd and the cell apoptosis caused by Cd through inhibiting the PERK signaling pathway. Thus, Que could be considered for the treatment of kidney diseases caused by Cd poisoning.