Serum Acid Phosphatase Activity Research Articles

Nutritional and safety assessment of aqueous extract of nutmeg seeds, Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg, Myristica fragrans is used as a spice or medicinal plant to manage ailments. This study evaluated the nutritional and safety assessment of an aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans in Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 180 - 240 g were randomly distributed into five groups: Control received distilled water, while 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight represented the treatment groups, respectively. The extract was orally administered to the animals for 28 days and then euthanized under anesthesia. Blood, serum, and liver homogenates from rats were used for biochemical analysis. The phytate and tannin contents were 0.38 mg/100 g and 0.15 mg/100 g, respectively. The calculated phytic acid to zinc ratio was 0.12. The respective percentage proximate components of the extract include moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrates: 10.61%, 45.42%, 5.95%, 1.81%, 13.78%, and 22.43%, respectively. Sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and lead were present in the extract. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and acid phosphatase (ALP) activity in the groups treated with the extract compared to the control groups. Similarly, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in serum total bilirubin and albumin concentrations in the extract treatment groups compared to control groups. On the contrary, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the liver AST and ALP activity in the treatment groups compared to the control. The liver total protein and albumin concentrations showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the extract treatment groups compared to the control. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the pack cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), Mean cell volume (MCV), and platelet (PLT) levels in the animals in the extract treatment groups compared to the control group. Myristica fragrans is abundant in essential nutrients crucial for maintaining optimal physiological functions within the body, however, it is important to avoid excessive dosage or prolonged consumption which might be toxic to liver cells. Key words: Myristica, animals, tannins, phytic acid, chemical and drug Induced liver injury, minerals

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Testicular Toxicity Through Inflammation and Reducing Testosterone and Cell Viability in Adult Male Rats.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have wide applications in daily life. Therefore, there is growing interest in the potential harmful impacts of these particles on human health. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential toxic effects of ZnO NPs (40 and 70nm) compared to ZnO on the testes of rats. ZnO NPs were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): Group I (control), Group II (ZnO) received daily oral administration of ZnO (50mg/kg), and Groups III and IV received daily oral administration of ZnO NPs of 40nm or 70nm at 50mg/kg, respectively. All treatments continued for 50 consecutive days. ZnO and ZnO NPs reduced body and testis weights, sperm count and motility, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels, testicular cytochrome p450 17A1 (CYP17A1) and cytochrome p450 1B1 (CYP1B1) concentrations, and the expression of p53 and cdk1. These treatments elevated testicular myeloperoxidase and serum acid phosphatase activities as well as sperm abnormalities. ZnO NPs reduced LH levels, which decreased CYP17A1 and CYP1B1, resulting in reduced synthesis of testosterone. ZnO NPs enhanced testicular inflammation and reduced cell viability. All these effects were manifested as reduced sperm motility and increased sperm deformities. Compared to macromolecules, nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher toxicity. The larger diameter ZnO NPs had more profound toxicity than the smaller-sized particles.

Supplementation of Clostridium butyricum LV1 lyophilised powder to cottonseed protein concentrate basal diets improves growth, intestinal microbiota, and immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei

Clostridium butyricum (CB) is a strictly anaerobic gram-positive probiotic. In this study, CB strain (LV1) was extracted from the intestine of Litopenaeus vannamei for preparing CB lyophilised powder (CBLP, 5.6 × 108 CFU/g) by freeze-drying method, with the aim to explore the effect of CB LV1 lyophilised powder on the growth, intestinal microbiota, and immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei after substitution of fishmeal with cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC). Six isonitrogenous and isolipid diets were formulated with 25% fishmeal in the positive control (FM) and 40% fishmeal replaced by CPC in the negative control (CBLP 0). CBLP was added to the CBLP 0 group at 3 × 105 CFU/g (CBLP 1), 1.2 × 106 CFU/g (CBLP 2), 4.8 × 106 CFU/g (CBLP 3), and 1.92 × 107 CFU/g (CBLP 4), respectively. The results showed that the CBLP 3 group had the highest weight gain rate and specific growth rate (P > 0.05). Serum superoxide dismutase and acid phosphatase activities were remarkably enhanced in the CBLP 2, CBLP 3, and CBLP 4 groups (P < 0.05). CBLP supplementation improved the intestinal digestive enzyme activity. The addition of CBLP optimized the structure of the intestinal microbiota, increased the beneficial bacteria, and reduced the potentially pathogenic bacteria. Chao1, ACE, and Sob indices were elevated in the CBLP 2, CBLP 3, and CBLP 4 groups (P < 0.001). Relish, PO, eIF4E1α, and IGF1 gene expressions were remarkably elevated in the CBLP 3 group (P < 0.01). CBLP further improved the intestinal morphological structure and enhanced the disease resistance. Muscle phenylalanine, histidine, and tyrosine contents were remarkably elevated in the CBLP 1 and CBLP 2 groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of CBLP in CPC basal diets improved the growth, intestinal microbiota, and immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei. Binary regression analysis of SGR indicated that the appropriate addition level of CBLP was 8.79 × 106 CFU/g.

Osteoinductive effect of the nanoparticulate form of Cissus quadrangularis ethanolic extract on implant surface in experimental animals

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) of a plant extract on implant osseointegration in vivo. NPs of the Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) extract were synthesized. Twenty Wistar rats were included in the study. The test group (n = 5) had NPs-incorporated, the control group (n = 5) had no incorporation of NPs, and the sham group (n = 5) did not have implants placed. The toxicity profile of NPs was carried out by biochemical analysis before and after the implant placement. The rate of integration was assessed using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Digital X-ray, histology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at intervals of 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Statistical significance between the groups was determined by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (p < 0.05) and the differences were uncovered with post hoc Tukey’s test.ResultsRadiographs showed that the bone density around implants with NPs was considerably higher than those without NPs. The osteoid seam along the implant surface was found to be considerably higher in the test group. A noteworthy increase was observed in the bone formation around the implants in bone samples belonging to the test group. Comparing the values at different time intervals, the highest serum Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was noted in the test group after six weeks and the lowest serum Acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was documented in the test group after 6 weeks.ConclusionThe test group samples exhibited an osseointegration rate of less than 2 weeks thus demonstrating CQ NPs to be a potent osteoinductive agent.Graphical abstract

Effects of laminarin on growth performance and resistance against Pseudomonas plecoglossicida of large yellow croaker （Larimichthys crocea）

Laminarin (LAM) is widely used as an immunopotentiator in aquaculture, but its protective mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the effects of LAM on the growth performance and resistance against Pseudomonas plecoglossicida of large yellow croaker were studied in vitro and in vivo. The 42 d-feeding trial in large yellow croaker showed that dietary LAM could obviously promote the fish growth by improving the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion rate (FCR). Dietary LAM could also improve the survival rate of large yellow croakers subjected to P. plecoglossicida infection, and 500 mg/kg LAM produced the highest relative percent survival (RPS) of 35.00 %. LAM improved fish antioxidant level by enhancing serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content. In addition, LAM also improved fish innate immunity by increasing serum acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities and complement 3 (C3) content under P. plecoglossicida infection. What is more, on 9 d post P. plecoglossicida challenge, LAM could significantly decrease the bacteria load in head kidneys, spleens and livers of fish, and the lowest bacterial load was found in 500 mg/kg LAM group. In vitro, LAM exerted a protective role against inactivated P. plecoglossicida-triggered inflammatory injury in primary head kidney macrophages (PKM) of large yellow croaker by recovering cell viability, suppressing NO production, and reversing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8). All these findings therefore will provide insights into the protection mechanism of LAM in fish, facilitating its application in prevention and control of fish bacteriosis.

Effects of Low Salinity on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Antioxidant and Immune Status, and the Microbial Community of Litopenaeus vannamei in Biofloc Technology Aquaculture Systems

Biofloc technology (BFT) culture systems based on low salinity can meet the needs of shrimp growth and environmental protection, thus having potential application. To evaluate the effects of BFT on water quality, the microbial community, growth, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant and immune status of Litopenaeus vannamei under low salinity conditions, a four-week experiment was conducted in a BFT culture system (C/N ratio of 12: 1) with three salinity conditions: 5.0‰ (S5 group), 10.0‰ (S10 group), and 15.0‰. The results showed that water quality parameters were all within the range suitable for the culture of L. vannamei. There were no significant differences in growth parameters such as final weight or specific growth rate. Muscle moisture, crude protein, and crude lipid contents of L. vannamei did not differ among groups (p &gt; 0.05). In addition, intestinal amylase and trypsin activities in the S5 group significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05). In the S15 group, the superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity in the serum and hepatopancreas of L. vannamei, as well as serum catalase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activities, markedly increased (p &lt; 0.05). The microbial diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) and richness (Chao1 and ACE indices) were higher in the S5 group than in the S15 group. Our findings indicated that although the shrimp in BFT systems with a salinity of 5‰ had lower antioxidant and immune levels, the digestive enzyme activity as well as the gut microbial diversity and richness improved compared to other groups, suggesting the possibility of culturing L. vannamei in low-saline areas with BFT systems.

Serum biochemical indicators in rats of different ages after replacing femoral metaphysis defects with allogeneic bone implants saturated with mesenchymal stem cells

The aim of the study: to evaluate the course of metabolic processes after replacing femoral metaphysis defects with allogeneic bone implants saturated with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based on the analysis of serum biochemical indicators of connective tissue metabolism in laboratory rats. Material and methods. A critical-sized transcortical femoral defect model in the femur metaphysis of white rats was used. Blood serum concentrations of glycoproteins, total chondroitin sulfates, total protein and calcium, alkaline and acid phosphatase activity were measured. Results. On the 28th day, in 3-month-old animals with MSC, in comparison with the data of rats without MSC, clear signs of connective tissue formation and bone resorption activity were observed, as evidenced by an increase in serum chondroitin sulfates and acid phosphatase activity. On the 90th day, this group of rats under the influence of MSCs showed signs of decreased bone tissue formation with lower serum activity of alkaline phosphatase. In 3-month-old rats with MSC, signs of the inflammatory process chronization with higher serum concentrations of glycoproteins were detected on the 90th day of the experiment in comparison with data from animals without MSC. In 12-month-old rats with MSCs, signs of bone resorption were documented on the 14th day, which were manifested by a higher serum activity of acid phosphatase with less formation of connective tissue and lower concentrations of chondroitin sulfates. On the 28th day, the effect of MSCs in 12-month-old animals was manifested in the form of a slowdown in bone formation with a decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. On the 90th day, the connective tissue formation was activated with higher concentrations of chondroitin sulfates in these animals. Conclusions. The studied biochemical indicators in 3-month-old animals showed greater lability. The regeneration phases were faster in 3-month-old animals as well as in animals with alloimplants without MSCs. Injections of allogeneic MSCs together with an allograft immediately after a bone damage, regardless of age, caused signs of bone formation slowing and excessive formation of connective tissue, therefore, the combination of allogeneic MSCs with an allogeneic bone implant is not advisable to use in fresh fractures.

The isolation, identification, whole-genome sequencing of Clostridium butyricum LV1 and its effects on growth performance, immune response, and disease-resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei

In this study, a strain of Clostridium butyricum was isolated from the intestine of Litopenaeus vannamei with the method of anaerobic microbial isolation and culture. Next, the probiotic properties of LV1 were evaluated with susceptibility tests, tolerance tests, and whole genome sequencing in vivo and in vitro, followed by the analysis of the effect of LV1 on the growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei. According to the results, the 16 S rDNA sequence of LV1 was 100% homolofgous to the reference sequence of Clostridium butyricum. Moreover, LV1 was resistant to several antibiotics including amikacin, streptomycin, and gentamicin and highly tolerated artificial gastric and artificial intestinal fluids. The whole genome of LV1 was 4625,068 bp in size and included 4336 coding genes. Among these genes, GO, KEGG, and COG databases exhibited the highest number of genes annotated to metabolic pathway classes and 105 genes annotated as glycoside hydrolases. Meanwhile, 176 virulence genes were predicted. The use of diets supplemented with 1.2 × 109 CFU/kg of LV1 live cells significantly increased the weight gain and specific growth rates of Litopenaeus vannamei and the activity of serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the use of these diets markedly improved the relative expression of intestinal immunity- and growth-related genes. In conclusion, LV1 has excellent probiotic properties. Specifically, the addition of 1.2 × 109 CFU/kg of LV1 live cells to the diet improved the growth performance, immune response, and disease-resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei.

Dietary fulvic acid supplementation improves the growth performance and immune response of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicas)

The present study aims to explore the effects of dietary fulvic acid (FA) supplementation on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicas). FA was used to replace 0 (control), 0.1, 0.5 and 1 g cellulose in the basic diet of sea cucumber to formulate four experimental feeds with equivalent nitrogen and energy denoted as F0, F0.1, F0.3 and F1, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the survival rate among all groups (P > 0.05). Results show that the body weight gain rate, specific growth rate, intestinal trypsin, amylase and lipase activities, serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, lysozyme, alkaline and acid phosphatase activities and disease resistance ability against the pathogen, Vibrio splendidus of the sea cucumbers fed with FA-containing diets were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The optimum dose of dietary FA supplementation required for the maximum growth of sea cucumber was 0.54 g/kg. Therefore, dietary FA supplementation to the feed of sea cucumber can significantly improve its growth performance immune response.

Relationship between dental caries and phosphocalcic metabolism in children with severe central nervous system diseases caused by perinatal hypoxia

The purpose of this paper was to study the relationship between dental caries damage and markers of phosphocalcic metabolism in children with severe diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by perinatal hypoxia. To highlight the impact of metabolic disorders on the susceptibility to dental caries of children with severe CNS disease, were studied the biochemical markers of redox processes, bone and phosphocalcic metabolism in blood serum and oral fluid (OF). The study found a chronic disorder of redox processes, phosphocalcic metabolism at the macro and local level that significantly influences the degree of dental caries of children with severe CNS pathology confirms by: increased lactate level and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity; reduced thermolabile alkaline phosphatase (TLAP) activity in the blood serum and OF, as well as a statistically significant increase in tartrate–resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in the blood serum as the statistically significant decrease, below the norm, of the level of Ca, Mg and vitamin D3 in the blood serum as well as the significant reduction of the Ca/Pi ratio in OF. Conclusions: the detection in children with CNS diseases caused by perinatal hypoxia of important caries risk factors and indicators of aggressive evolution of DC such as increased concentration of anaerobic glycolysis products and disorders of phosphocalcic metabolism, requires the deepening of interdisciplinary studies and the complex approach in the planning of preventive measures, developed by multipurpose teams of specialists.

Substituting fish meal with a bacteria protein (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) grown on natural gas: Effects on growth non-specific immunity and gut health of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus)

This study aimed to evaluate effects of substituting fish meal (FM) by methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) on growth performance, non-specific immunity and gut health of Lateolabrax maculatus. Six iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated with 0, 3.5%, 7%, 10.5%, 14% and 17.5% FK to substitute 0 (control group, FM content: 35%), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% fish meal, referred to as FM, FK3.5, FK7, FK10.5, FK14, and FK17.5 respectively. Fish (initial body weight: 11.00 ± 0.02 g) were fed experimental diets for 56 days. Results showed that growth of fish fed the FK3.5 diets was significantly increased (P < 0.05) but that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in growth of the other groups (FK7-FK17.5) compared with control group. Although survival of fish in the 50% substitution group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the other groups, there was no overall trend in the survival data. The activities of serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), gut lipase and protease and the contents of serum total protein and albumin in the FK3.5 group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the activities/contents of serum ACP, AKP, lysozyme and complement 4 in the FK10.5, FK14 and FK17.5 groups were significantly decreased compared with control group. There was no significant difference in gut mucosal structure among all groups. The analysis of gut flora showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the FK7 and FK10.5 groups was significantly higher than other groups. In conclusion, dietary FK inclusion level up to 14% of total diet to replace 40% FM is possible without negatively affecting the growth performance of spotted seabass. Furthermore, the replacement of FM with 3.5% FK enhances the growth and immune, and substituting 20–30% of FM by 7–10.5% FK increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in intestine of fish.

Effects of varying levels of crawfish (Procambarus clarkia) shell meals on growth, fillet quality, and health of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The rapidly growing of the crawfish industry generates a massive quantity of waste by-products such as heads and shells. This study evaluates crawfish shell meal (CSM) as an alternative source to fishmeal. Five isonitrogenous (crude proteins, 41%, dry matter) and isocaloric (crude lipid, 6%) experimental diets, with different levels of CSM to replace fishmeal (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%; 75% + bile acids), were formulated to feed koi carps (4.41 ± 0.1 g) for eight weeks. Fish that were fed 25% and 50% CSM diets exhibited no significant differences in growth performance or feed utilization (P > 0.05), whereas these indices decreased significantly in fish that were fed 75% CSM (P < 0.05). Additional supplementation with bile acids did not undo the adverse effects of CSM overdoses (P > 0.05). Dietary CSM increased the visceral, hepatopancreatic, intraperitoneal fat, and intestinal indices. In contrast, only 75% CSM caused the visceral, hepatopancreas, and intestinal indices to differ significantly (P < 0.05). Dietary bile acids almost restored these indices to their original values, with only the hepatopancreas index differing significantly (P < 0.05). Only 75% CSM significantly increased total serum protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Bile acids did not restore the original levels of these parameters (P > 0.05); however, they significantly restored the decreased muscle moisture induced by 75% fishmeal replacement (P < 0.05). No obvious differences were observed in the proximate, amino acid, and fatty acid compositions of the muscles among the various treatments (P > 0.05). The 75% CSM treatment significantly decreased muscle shearing force, which was recovered by bile acids (P < 0.05). No apparent differences in serum antioxidative and antibacterial enzymes, including catalase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and lysozyme, were observed in the serum and liver; however, replacing 75% of fishmeal with CSM increased serum glutathione peroxidase and acid phosphatase activities (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that up to 50% of fishmeal can be replaced by CSM and that additional supplementation with bile acids has trace positive effects during CSM oversupplementation (75% supplemented level).

Effects of Dietary American Cockroach Periplaneta americana Meal Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immunity of Juvenile Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of dietary American cockroach Periplaneta americana meal (PAM) inclusion on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 g/kg PAM (defined as PAM100-PAM300), respectively. The final body weight and weight gain rate of PAM250 were significantly higher than those of PAM100 and PAM150, and a higher specific growth rate was recorded in PAM200-PAM300. The highest levels of liver alanine aminotransferase and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as serum total amino acids were detected in PAM150, while higher levels of liver AST and serum total protein were detected in PAM200-PAM300. The liver lipase activity of PAM150, PAM200, and PAM300 was significantly higher than that of PAM100. The liver glucose content in PAM150 was significantly higher than that in PAM250-PAM300. The highest liver catalase, alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme activities were detected in PAM300; the lowest liver malondialdehyde content was detected in PAM250, while the highest serum total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and total superoxide dismutase activities were detected in PAM250. The highest serum AKP and acid phosphatase activities were detected in PAM150, while higher serum IgM and complement C3 contents were detected in PAM200-PAM300. In conclusion, dietary PAM inclusion at 200-300 g/kg could improve the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of juvenile O. mykiss.

Effects of Three Compound Attractants in Plant Protein Diets on Growth, Immunity, and Intestinal Morphology of Yellow River Carp Cyprinus carpio var

A feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of three compound attractants on the growth performance, immunity, and intestinal morphology of Yellow River (YR) carp. Five treatment groups were included in the feeding experiment. Group I consisted of a fishmeal-based diet (positive control), and group II was a plant protein diet (negative control). The compound attractants 1 ( 0.06 % dimethyl − beta − propiothetin DMPT + 0.22 % tangerine peel powder + 0.75 % yeast powder ), 2 ( 0.05 % garlic powder + 0.06 % DMPT + 0.75 % yeast powder ), and 3 ( 0.07 % sodium glutamate + 0.22 % tangerine peel powder + 0.34 % betaine ) were added to the plant protein diet, belonging to groups III, IV, and V, respectively. The three different compound attractants significantly improved the weight gain rate, special growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio of Yellow River (YR) carp ( P &lt; 0.05 ) compared with the negative control, among which group III performed best. Similarly, group III had significantly higher serum lysozyme (LZM) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities than the negative control, and groups III, IV, and V depicted significantly higher LZM activities in the liver and gill ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Groups III, IV, and V revealed significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities in the serum and liver than the negative control ( P &lt; 0.05 ), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was the opposite ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Moreover, the height and width of the plica in the foregut and midgut and the thickness of the midgut muscle layer in group III were significantly higher than those in the negative control ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Therefore, adding compound attractants in a plant protein diet can significantly enhance the total antioxidant and immune capacity, along with improved growth performance of YR carp. Similarly, compound attractants significantly elevated the height and width of the intestinal fold within the anterior and middle sections of the intestine, depicting that compound attractants promote intestinal digestion and absorption, thereby reducing intestinal injury. The results from the three experimental groups found that the compound attractants combined with 0.06% DMPT, 0.22% tangerine peel powder, and 0.75% yeast powder were more suitable for the basic plant protein diet of YR carp.

The Effect of Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharide on Immunization Analyzed by Intestinal Flora and Proteomics

Proteomics and intestinal flora were used to determine the mechanism of immune modulatory effects of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide on immunosuppressed mice. The results showed that compared with the model group, F. velutipes polysaccharide could increase thymus and spleen indices and improve thymus tissue structure in mice; IL-2 and IL-4 contents were significantly increased and IL-6 and TNF-α contents were significantly decreased; serum acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities were increased (P < 0.05); in the liver, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased (P < 0.001), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased (P < 0.001). Proteomics discovered that F. velutipes polysaccharides may exert immune modulatory effects by participating in signaling pathways such as immune diseases, transport and catabolism, phagosomes and influenza A, regulating the immune-related proteins Transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFRC) and Radical S-adenosyl methionine domain-containing protein 2 (RSAD2), etc. Gut microbial studies showed that F. velutipes polysaccharides could increase the abundance of intestinal flora and improve the flora structure. Compared to the model group, the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the relative abundance of SCFA-producers Bacteroides and Alloprevotella were increased in the F. velutipes polysaccharide administration group, while Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and f_Lachnospiraceae_Unclassified decreased in relative abundance. Thus, F. velutipes polysaccharide may play an immunomodulatory role by regulating the intestinal environment and improving the balance of flora.

Effects of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaf Extracts on Growth, Immune Response, and Antioxidant Functions in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract This study evaluates how white mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extracts affect the growth, antioxidant activity, and immune response in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Mulberry leaf extracts were obtained through aqueous extraction (AE) and ethanol extraction (EE). Powder of mulberry leaf (PML) was added directly to feed and compared with the effects of feeds supplemented with the different extracts. Fish were divided into eight groups for an 8-week feeding trial where they were fed the basal diet or supplemented with 10% PML, 10% AE, 20% AE, 40% AE, 10% EE, 20% EE, or 40% EE. The inclusion of mulberry leaf extract obtained with either method showed better effects on fish growth performance, antioxidant activities and acid phosphatase activity (ACP) in serum, immune cytokine expression, and intestinal morphology as compared with controls or fish fed the 10% PML diet. The specific growth rate was significantly higher in the 10% AE, 10% EE, and 20% EE groups compared with all other groups (P&lt;0.05). Catalase activity was significantly greater in most groups fed an extract, and in the 10% PML group, when compared with controls. Similarly, ACP, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-2 expression was significantly increased in groups fed an extract, and in the 10% PML group, when compared with controls (P&lt;0.05). IL- 1, IL-2, IL-10, and Toll-like receptor 2 expression was significantly greater in the 10% EE group than in the 10% PML and 10% AE groups (P&lt;0.05). Villus length in the middle intestine was significantly increased in the 10% AE and 10% EE groups compared with controls and the 10% PML group (P&lt;0.05). Thus, 10% mulberry leaf ethanol extract added to feed is recommended for enhancing the growth rate and health of cultured Nile tilapia.

In pursuit of new anti-malarial candidates: novel synthesized and characterized pyrano-benzodioxepin analogues attenuated Plasmodium berghei replication in malaria-infected mice

Malaria, a parasitic disease, is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in the tropics. Following the increased resistance of the primary causative parasite, Plasmodium sp, to the mainstream drug, artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs), combating malaria incidences, morbidity and mortality have remained elusive. Novel pyrano-benzodioxepin derivatives (DHA-PABA and DHA-LEVO) were synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. The compounds were subjected to standard in vivo antimalarial screening (using chloroquine-sensitive strain) in mice, and the toxicity was also determined using a standard assay. The observed elevation in serum alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity in the untreated and the group administered lower doses of DHA-LEVO is an indication of the hepatic stage of the parasite in the experimental animal, which is accompanied by significant perturbation in the membrane of the hepatocyte leading to leakage of this enzyme out of the liver cells. The semisynthetic pyrano-benzodioxepin derivatives act rapidly by clearing the parasite load from the blood. The novel pyrano-benzodioxepin candidates containing endoperoxide functionality hold promise in the pursuit of new monotherapy drug candidates against the virulent strain of the plasmodium.

Effects of dietary Zn on growth, antioxidant capacity, immunity and tolerance to lipopolysaccharide challenge in juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral element in organisms and is involved in physiological processes. This study investigates the effects of dietary Zn on the growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and disease resistance of juvenile Chinese mitten crab. Zn was supplemented, respectively, at 0 (control), 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg to the basal diet to form six diets as Zn0, Zn25, Zn50, Zn100, Zn200 and Zn400. Each diet was separately used to feed the crabs (0.40 ± 0.01 g) for 56 days. Diet without Zn supplementation led to a higher feed intake rate, a lower Zn content in the hepatopancreas and a lower non-specific immune enzyme activity than other groups with Zn supplement. The results also showed that compared with the control group: (1) The final weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, Zn in the hepatopancreas, body crude protein and the activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and copper-zinc superoxidase (CuZnSOD) were significantly increased in the Zn100 group. (2) Moreover, Zn accumulation in the hepatopancreas and body ash were significantly increased in the Zn200 group, and the antioxidant enzyme activities such as CuZnSOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hepatopancreas were significantly increased. (3) In addition, the addition of Zn can activate the TLRs/NF-κB pathway after the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, resulting in upregulation of the relative mRNA expression of antimicrobial peptide (ALFs). This study demonstrates that dietary Zn supplements can significantly improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and disease resistance of juvenile crabs. The regression analysis showed that the optimal dietary Zn level was 94.87 mg/kg for weight gain and 96.96 mg/kg for specific growth.

Effects of dietary ESTAQUA® yeast culture supplementation on growth, immunity, intestinal microbiota and disease-resistance against Vibrio harveyi in hybrid grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus×♂E. lanceolatus)

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of ESTAQUA® yeast culture (YC) on the growth, immunity, intestinal microbiota, and disease-resistance against Vibrio harveyi in hybrid grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus×♂E. lanceolatus) at 0% (C0), 2% (N1), and 4% (N2). After 8 weeks of the feeding trial, the results indicated that the survival rate (SR), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) of hybrid grouper were significantly higher in the N1 (2%) and N2 (4%) group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total protein (TP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and immunoglobulin (IgM) activities were significantly higher in the N2 (4%) group (P < 0.05). Contrary to the control, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glucose (GLU) were notably decreased in the N2 (4%) group (P < 0.05). The activity of intestinal digestive enzymes was significantly higher in the experimental groups than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes was remarkably higher in the N2 (4%) group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Blautia and Lactobacillus was notably higher in the N2 (4%) group at the genus level (P < 0.05). Hybrid grouper in the N1 (2%) and N2 (4%) groups effectively improved intestinal villus height and width (P < 0.05). Lastly, the protection against V. harveyi challenge in hybrid grouper was enhanced in the YC treatment group, while N2 (4%) experienced the highest cumulative SR of 80%. In conclusion, the N2 (4%) treatment group is suggested as the best to improve the growth and immunity of hybrid grouper.

Comparative analysis of growth performance, feed utilization, and antioxidant capacity of juvenile mud crab, Scylla paramamosain, reared at two different conditions

Abstract This study was carried out to analyse the growth performance, feed utilization, and antioxidant capacity of juvenile mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) reared in two conditions. Here, a new indoor polypropylene tank culture system and a traditional outdoor pond cage facility were used to perform feeding experiments on juvenile crabs. After eight weeks, the survival rate, weight gain, moulting rate and feed efficiency of crabs cultured in polypropylene tanks were markedly higher than those cultured in pond cages. Moreover, the activities of serum acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the antioxidant indices including glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in hepatopancreas were higher in crabs cultured in the polypropylene tank system than those in pond cages. Based on these results, compared with the traditional pond cages, the polypropylene tank culture system is more suitable for the short-term culture of mud crabs.