Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Research Articles

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

Hepatoprotective effect of jojoba oil against lead-induced toxicity in rats

Background Previous investigations showed that jojoba oil exhibited a protective effect against hepatotoxicity caused by different toxicants, however, to the best of our knowledge, no prior research has been done to determine the effectiveness of jojoba oil in protecting against lead toxicity. Objective This study assessed the hepatoprotective properties of jojoba oil against lead toxicity in rats. Materials and methods The study included four groups, each consisting of six Sprague Dawley male rats, and orally administered jojoba oil (JO group), lead acetate (LA group), and lead acetate plus jojoba oil (protective group) Results and conclusion The results showed that lead acetate-induced hepatotoxic effects were revealed by increased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities with hepatic histomorphological changes. There was a significant increase in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, while levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol significantly declined compared to normal rats. Additionally, lead acetate triggered oxidative damage of hepatocytes, evidenced by a significant increase of malondialdehyde levels and a decrease of reduced glutathione levels and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase. Administration of lead was associated with a change in the distribution of cells over different cell cycle phases, characterized by a marked increase in the sub G1 cell population and a significant decrease in the G0/G1 cell population. Supplementation of jojoba oil with lead acetate relieved the toxic impacts of lead acetate with an enhancement of the liver enzyme activities, antioxidant status, lipid profile parameters, and histopathological alterations. In conclusion, jojoba oil might be an effective natural product that offers a promising preventive action towards lead-induced liver damage in rats.

Xylooligosaccharide supplementation in rice protein concentrate based diets: A comprehensive analysis of performance and health of Labeo rohita.

The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) in rice protein concentrate (RPC) based diets on the growth performance, body composition, digestive enzymes, intestinal morphology and blood biochemistry of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Four different XOS levels (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) were used at each RPC (75% and 100%) level. Twenty-five fish per tank with an average initial weight of 25 ± 0.05 g were randomly assigned (Randomised complete block design) to each of the 8 groups in triplicate aquaria (36 × 16 × 12″) and then fed with respective diets @ 3% body weight for 90 days. The results showed significant improvements in growth performance, such as increased weight gain %, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio and improved feed conversion ratio in 1% XOS supplemented diet at 75% RPC. A significant decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and plasma melanodialdehyde (MDA) were observed at 1% XOS level in 75% RPC based diets, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest total cholesterol and highest lysozyme activity were observed in 1% XOS supplemented diet at 75% RPC levels. Moreover, the serum (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase) and plasma (superoxide dismutase, triglyceride, high density and low density lipoprotein) activities showed nonsignificant effects among the treatments. Furthermore, the digestive enzymes (protease & lipase) and intestinal morphology were significantly influenced at 1% XOS in the 75% RPC-based diet. Polynomial regression analysis showed that 1.25% XOS is the optimum requirement for the growth of rohu fingerlings when fed at 75% RPC based diets. Overall, it was concluded that the 75% RPC diet was efficiently replaced by fishmeal along with 1% XOS addition in L. rohita fingerlings without any negative effect on growth performance and intestinal health.

Comparison of chemotherapy outcomes between normal and high serum cortisol concentration in dogs with lymphoma.

Increased serum cortisol (COR) concentrations may induce glucocorticoid resistance by down-regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR), resulting in decreased chemotherapy efficacy in dogs with lymphoma. Investigate the relationship between serum COR concentrations and chemotherapy outcomes in dogs with lymphoma. Thirty client-owned dogs with lymphoma, with serum COR concentration measured using serum samples collected at diagnosis. Retrospective study. Dogs were divided into 2 groups based on serum COR concentrations: a normal group (n = 16) with COR concentrations <6 μg/dL and a high group (14) with COR concentrations ≥6 μg/dL. We compared signalment, clinical signs, stage, type of lymphoma, adrenal gland size, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, response to chemotherapy, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and rate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)- and GCR-positive cells between the 2 groups. No significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. However, the high COR group exhibited a significantly lower response to chemotherapy, PFS, and OS compared with the normal COR group. Serum ALP activity was significantly higher in the high COR group than in the normal COR group. Adrenal gland size was also significantly larger in the high COR group. Although no significant differences were found in the rate of P-gp-positive cells between the 2 groups, the rate of GCR-positive cells was significantly lower in the high COR group. Our data suggests that measurement of serum COR concentrations may serve as a potential prognostic factor and evaluation index.

Effectiveness of asfotase alfa for treatment of adults with hypophosphatasia: results from a global registry

BackgroundHypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited disease caused by deficient activity of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. Many adults with HPP have a high burden of disease, experiencing chronic pain, fatigue, limited mobility, and dental issues, contributing to decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HPP may be treated with the enzyme replacement therapy asfotase alfa though real-world data in adults are limited. This analysis was conducted to assess the clinical effectiveness of asfotase alfa among adults in the Global HPP Registry.MethodsThe Global HPP Registry is an observational, prospective, multinational study. Adults ≥ 18 years of age were included in this analysis if they had serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity below the age- and sex-adjusted reference ranges, and/or ALPL variant(s), and received asfotase alfa for ≥ 6 months. Mobility was assessed with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and patient-reported outcomes tools were used to assess pain (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form), quality of life (36-item Short Form Health Survey, version 2 [SF-36v2]), and disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index) at multiple time points from baseline through Month 36. Data were collected as per usual standard of care; patients may not have contributed data at all time points.ResultsA total of 190 patients met the inclusion criteria. For patients with ≥ 1 follow-up measurement, the mean distance achieved on 6MWT increased from 404 m (range 60–632 m) at baseline (n = 31) to 484 m at Month 12 (range 240–739 m; n = 18) and remained above baseline through Month 36 (n = 7). Improvements in mean self-reported pain severity scores ranged from − 0.72 (95% CI: − 1.23, − 0.21; n = 38) to − 1.13 (95% CI: − 1.76, − 0.51; n = 26) and were observed at all time points. Improvements in the Physical Component Summary score of SF-36v2 were achieved by Month 6 and sustained throughout follow-up. There was a trend toward improvement in the Mental Component Summary score of SF-36v2 at most time points, with considerable fluctuations from Months 12 (n = 28) through 36 (n = 21). The most frequent adverse events were injection site reactions.ConclusionsAdults with HPP who received asfotase alfa for ≥ 6 months experienced improvements in mobility, physical function, and HRQoL, which were maintained over 3 years of follow-up.Registration: NCT02306720; EUPAS13514.

Association of Alkaline Phosphatase with Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A 6-Year Retrospective Study.

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We aimed to investigate the association of ALP with ASCVD in patients with dyslipidemia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including consecutive adults with dyslipidemia followed-up for ≥3 years (from 1999 to 2022) in the outpatient Lipid Clinic of Ioannina University General Hospital, Greece. The primary endpoint was the association between baseline ALP and incident ASCVD after adjusting for traditional risk factors (i.e., sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia), baseline ASCVD, and lipid-lowering treatment. ALP levels were stratified by tertiles as follows: low: <67 U/L, middle: 67-79 U/L, high: ≥79 U/L. Overall, 1178 subjects were included; 44% were males, and their median age was 57 years (range: 49-65). During a 6-year median follow-up (interquartile range: IQR: 4-9), 78 new ASCVD events (6.6%) occurred. A statistically significant association between baseline ALP levels and incident ASCVD was demonstrated (Odds Ratio, OR: 6.99; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 2.29-21.03, p = 0.001). Subjects in the highest ALP tertile had the highest odds for ASCVD when compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.24-4.41, p = 0.008). The present study indicates an association between ALP and the development of ASCVD in patients with dyslipidemia, which underscores the potential of ALP as a predictive tool or a therapeutic target in the realm of ASCVD prevention within this population.

Dietary 25 Hydroxyvitamin D3 Improved Serum Concentration Level and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity during Lactation but Had Meager Impact on Post-Farrowing Reproductive Performance in Sows

Dietary 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) promotes serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP); however, post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows fed with 14-epimer of 25(OH)D3 is uncertain. This study investigated post-farrowing reproductive performance, serum ALP activity, and serum 25(OH)D3 concentration in sows fed VD3, 25(OH)D3, or 14-epi 25(OH)D3. Weaned sows (n = 203) in parities 2 and 3 were blocked weekly and treated with 2000 IU/kg VD3 (T1), 25 μg/kg 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3 (T2), or 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3 (T3) diets, all equilibrated to 2000 IU/kg as fed. Sow performance, treatment, and sampling period effects were analyzed. Environmental conditions were analyzed as covariates. The number of piglets weaned (p = 0.029), pre-weaning mortality (p = 0.029), sampling period (p &lt; 0.001), and treatment and period interaction (p = 0.028) differed significantly. There was an increase in 25(OH)D3 during lactation due to physiological demands for milk calcium and milk production. Supplementing twice the concentration of 25(OH)D3 compared to its epimer, 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3, had no significant effect on the post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows. The effect of 25(OH)D3 on post-farrowing reproductive performance and ALP activity in sows was influenced by metabolic demand for calcium due to physiological changes during lactation as well as epimer conformation.

Dietary sodium butyrate positively modulated intestinal microbial community, but did not promote growth of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

This study investigated the effects of dietary sodium butyrate (NaB) on growth, serum biochemical indices, intestine histology, and gut microbiota of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). A basal diet was formulated and used as the control diet (Con), and five additional diets were prepared by supplementing NaB (50%) in the basal diet at 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, and 16.0 g/kg inclusion (NaB-2, NaB-4, NaB-8, NaB-12, and NaB-16 diets). Then, the six diets were fed to triplicate groups of largemouth bass juveniles (2.4 ± 0.1 g) for 8 weeks. NaB supplementation linearly and quadratically affected weight gain (WG) and feed intake (FI) (P < 0.05). The NaB-16 group displayed lower WG (- 6.8%) and FI than the Con group (P < 0.05), while no differences were found in WG and feed conversion ratio between the other NaB groups and Con group (P > 0.05). Serum alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme activities were higher in the NaB groups (P < 0.05), and D-lactate content was lower in the NaB-12 group (P < 0.05) than the control. Intestinal lipase activity in NaB-2, NaB-4 group, and villi width in NaB-8 group were also higher than those in the Con group (P < 0.05). Compared to the Con group, the intestinal abundances of Firmicutes and Mycoplasma were increased and the abundances of Proteobacteria, Achromobacter and Plesiomonas were decreased in NaB-4 and NaB-16 groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary NaB did not promote the growth of juvenile largemouth bass, but positively modulated the intestinal microbial community.

Effect of Zinc-Deficient Diet on Two Strains of Mice.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. It is associated with reduced nutritional status and has been reported in cases of growth retardation, alopecia, and decreased serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP). It has also been reported to occur during total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration and is associated with various diseases, such as liver diseases, diabetes, and kidney disease. We used Zn-deficient mice of ICR and C57BL/6J strains to investigate the various effects of Zn deficiency on the body, assuming that a healthy person may also become deficient in Zn either due to an unbalanced diet or malabsorption. The results showed that a Zn-deficient diet suppressed body weight gain and increased the tissue weight of the kidneys and cecum in both strains of mice. Biochemical data showed no decrease in serum ALP activity in either strain. Furthermore, in C57BL/6J mice, a Zn-deficient diet caused alopecia, loss of villi in the small intestine, and eventually affected the intestinal mucosa, which could be a risk factor for poor nutritional status. Although previous reports have shown that serum ALP activity is decreased during Zn deficiency, this is the first study that used 4-wk-old mice of ICR and C57BL/6J strains to show that serum ALP activity, which is a Zn deficiency marker, did not decrease in the two strains of Zn-deficient mice; furthermore, a Zn-deficient diet causes various symptoms.

Активность сывороточной щелочной фосфатазы у самцов лосей Alces alces (Linnaeus 1758) различных возрастных групп

The moose has good prospects for hunting and game breeding. Peripheral blood indicators can provide information about their health status and adaptive capabilities, as well as non-infectious, infectious, and invasive pathologies. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity is one of the most common clinical biochem ical tests in this respect. &#x0D; The study involved blood samples obtained from male moose (n = 75) of four age groups: calves aged 6–7 months, young animals of 18 months old, adults of 2.5–7.5 years old, and adults aged ≥ 8.5 years. The biomaterial sampling was carried out in October – December in the southern taiga subzone, Kirov Region. The blood samples were obtained by cutting the jugular vein (Venae jugularis) immediately after the animal was shot during legal hunting. The blood serum tests involved a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer (Biochem SA High Technology, USA).&#x0D; The alkaline phosphatase activity in male European moose during different periods of ontogenesis demonstrated the following pattern. In the first months of life, the enzyme activity was as high as 222.16 ± 31.14 U/L. This process was typical of intense hydrolysis of organic phosphorus esters, including the exchange of macroergs caused by rapid osteogenesis. At 18 months, the demand for organophosphorus compounds in metabolic processes decreased (46.48 ± 44.09 U/L), as did the role of the enzyme in maintaining homeostasis. In adults of 2.5–7.5 years old, alkaline phosphatase activity dropped to 69.88 ± 11.31 U/L. In 8.5-year-old males, it was as low as 47.34 ± 4.74 U/L. All age groups demonstrated significant differences in alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, age had a significant effect on enzyme activity. The study also revealed a certain correlation between alkaline phosphatase activity and body weight.&#x0D; The dynamics of alkaline phosphatase activity in ontogenesis reflected homeostatic changes in the moose body. Indicators of alkaline phosphatase activity can serve as an efficiency marker and an additional criterion in standard selection methods in zootechnical practice.

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on the growth performance, immune responses, antioxidant capacity, and subsequent development of layer chicks

Deficiencies or excesses of dietary amino acids, and especially of methionine (Met), in laying hens can lead to abnormal protein anabolism and oxidative stress, which affect methylation and cause cellular dysfunction. This study investigated the effects of dietary methionine (Met) levels on growth performance, metabolism, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and the subsequent development of laying hens. A total of 384 healthy 1-day-old Hyline Grey chicks of similar body weight were randomly allocated to be fed diets containing 0.31%, 0.38%, 0.43% (control group), or 0.54% Met for 6 wk, with 6 replicates of 16 chicks in each. The growth performance of the chicks was then followed until 20 wk old. The results showed dietary supplementation with 0.43% or 0.54% Met significantly increased their mean daily body weight gain, final weight, and Met intake. However, the feed:gain (F/G) decreased linearly with increasing Met supplementation, from 0.31 to 0.54% Met. Met supplementation increased the serum albumin, IgM, and total glutathione concentrations of 14-day-old chicks. In contrast, the serum alkaline phosphatase activity and hydroxyl radical concentration tended to decrease with increasing Met supplementation. In addition, the highest serum concentrations of IL-10, T-SOD, and GSH-PX were in the 0.54% Met-fed group. At 42 d of age, the serum ALB, IL-10, T-SOD, GSH-PX, T-AOC, and T-GSH were correlated with dietary Met levels. Finally, Met supplementation reduced the serum concentrations of ALP, IL-1β, IgA, IgG, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Thus, the inclusion of 0.43% or 0.54% Met in the diet helps chicks achieve superior performance during the brooding period and subsequently. In conclusion, Met doses of 0.43 to 0.54% could enhance the growth performance, protein utilization efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and immune responses of layer chicks, and to promote more desirable subsequent development during the brooding period.

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.

Dietary citric acid improves growth performance, feed utilization, phosphorus utilization, lateral scute hardness, and duodenal microstructure in juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × A. schrenckii ♂)

This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of using citric acid (CA) as a feed supplement to improve phosphorus (P) utilization by juvenile hybrid sturgeon (19.75 ± 0.13 g). Four isophosphoric (1.00% total P) diets containing 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 4.0% CA were formulated (1.0% P-0.5% CA, 1.0% P-1% CA, 1.0% P-2% CA, 1.0% P-4% CA). A normal P (1.00% total P) diet and a high P (1.40% total P) diet without CA addition were designed as a negative control (1.0% P-0% CA) and a positive control (1.4% P-0% CA), respectively. A commercial diet (1.48% total P) was applied as a reference group (1.4% P-commercial). The seven diets were randomly allocated to 21 tanks with 15 fish per tank. The fish were hand fed to apparent satiation three meals daily for 8 weeks. The results manifested that significantly improved growth performance (final body weight, weight gain rate) and feed utilization (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio) were discovered in 1.0% P-0.5% CA group compared with two control groups. The P contents in dorsal muscle, vertebrae, and serum were significantly higher in 1.0% P-1% CA group compared with negative control. Additionally, the P retention rate in 1.0% P-0.5% CA and 1.0% P-1% CA groups were significantly higher than 1.4% P-0% CA group. Dietary addition of 0.5% and 1.0% CA significantly improved hardness of lateral scute compared with negative control. Compared with the negative control, the serum alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly improved by addition of 0.5% and 1.0% CA. Supplementation with 0.5% CA significantly elevated duodenal micromorphology (villi height, muscularis thickness, lamina propria width) compared with negative control. The duodenal type IIa sodium phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-IIa) mRNA level was significantly up-regulated by addition of 1.0% CA compared with two control groups. In a nutshell, CA could be a suitable feed supplement in sturgeon diet and dietary supplementation of 0.5% CA improved growth performance, feed utilization, P utilization efficiency, lateral scute hardness, and duodenal micromorphology.

Preliminary Study to Assess the Impact of Dietary Rutin on Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health of Yellow Catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

This research aimed to examine the effects of dietary rutin supplementation on growth, body composition, serum biochemical indexes, liver enzyme activities and antioxidant-related genes expression, intestinal morphology, and microbiota composition of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Rutin was added to the basal diets at doses of 0 (control), 100 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg. Each diet was fed randomly into three tanks, each tank containing 30 fish with an initial body mass of (10.27 ± 0.62) g. The feeding trial was conducted in an indoor recirculating aquiculture system at 28 °C for 56 days. According to the findings, the inclusion of 100 mg/kg rutin significantly improved the growth performance of yellow catfish and reduced the feed conversion ratio; however, the growth promotion effect was diminished when the diet was supplemented with 500 mg/kg of rutin. The inclusion of 500 mg/kg rutin in the diet significantly reduced the level of crude lipid and protein of the whole fish. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and total protein were all significantly increased when fish were fed the diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg rutin, while serum glucose was significantly lower compared to the control group. Meanwhile, dietary rutin at a concentration of 500 mg/kg significantly induced the hepatic mRNA expressions of antioxidant-related genes (including Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, GPx) and inflammatory-associated genes (including TNFα, IL-10, LYZ). Incorporating rutin at doses of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg into the diets resulted in a notable increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while simultaneously reducing malondiadehyde (MDA) content in the liver and intestine. Intestinal villus height, villus width, muscular thickness, and lumen diameter were significantly increased with the administration of 500 mg/kg of dietary rutin. Gut microbial diversity analysis indicated that supplementing diets with 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg rutin significantly enhanced the abundance of Cetobacterium while decreasing Plesiomonas richness. In conclusion, dietary rutin levels at 100 mg/kg could enhance the growth, antioxidant capability, and intestinal health of yellow catfish under present experimental conditions.

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.

Assessment of selected biomarkers of bone healing and inflammation among subjects with fracture on traditional and conventional treatment methods

Abstract &#x0D; &#x0D; Fractures have significant implications for health. Treatment approaches vary, including traditional and conventional methods. This study in Ekpoma, Nigeria assessed biomarkers in fracture healing through a cross-sectional random sampling. Blood samples from 60 subjects were analyzed for hydroxyproline, creatinine, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein. The aim was to evaluate treatment effectiveness and improvement in patient outcomes by monitoring bone remodeling. Statistical analysis utilized is the SPSS software version 21.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Biochemical marker analysis revealed that serum alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium, and creatinine did not significantly differ between subjects without fractures and those with fractures (p&gt;0.05). However, hydroxyproline levels exhibited a significant difference (p&lt;0.05), with higher values observed in subjects with fractures. Additionally, C-reactive protein levels showed significant variations (p&lt;0.05), indicating increased inflammation in fracture patients. High-sensitive C-reactive protein levels also displayed significant differences (p&lt;0.05). Further analysis comparing male and female subjects without fractures and those with fractures revealed no significant variations in serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and creatinine levels (p&gt;0.05). However, hydroxyproline levels demonstrated significant variations (p&lt;0.05) between males and females in the fracture group, suggesting gender-specific differences in bone metabolism. C-reactive protein and High-sensitive C-reactive protein levels exhibited significant variations (p&lt;0.05) between males and females in the fracture group. Furthermore, a comparison between patients on traditional and conventional treatment methods indicated significant variations in serum alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium levels (p&lt;0.05), suggesting distinct effects of the treatment modalities on these markers. However, no significant differences were observed in creatinine, C-reactive protein, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels (p&gt;0.05). Traditional and conventional fracture treatment methods may affect biochemical markers differently, with gender-specific variations in hydroxyproline, C-reactive protein, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels. Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications and underlying mechanisms of these findings.

Modulation of pectin on intestinal barrier function via changes in microbial functional potential and bile acid metabolism

Weaning is one of the major factors that cause stress and intestinal infection in infants and in young animals due to an immature intestine and not fully developed immune functions. Pectin (PEC), a prebiotic polysaccharide, has attracted considerable attention in intestinal epithelial signaling and function via modulation of the microbial community. A total of 16 weaned piglets (21-d-old) were randomly assigned into two groups: control group and PEC group. Supplementation of 5% pectin improved intestinal mucosal barrier function by modulating the composition of the bile acid pool in piglets. Specifically, piglets in PEC group had less serum D-lactate content and alkaline phosphatase activity. In the ileum, dietary pectin increased the number of crypt PAS/AB-positive goblet cells and the mRNA expressions of MUC2, ZO-1, and Occludin. Piglets in PEC group displayed a decreased abundance of Enterococcus (2.71 vs. 65.92%), but the abundances of Lactobacillus (30.80 vs. 7.93%), Streptococcus (21.41 vs. 14.81%), and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 (28.34 vs. 0.01%) were increased. Elevated concentrations of bile acids especially hyocholic acid species (HCAs) including HCA, HDCA, and THDCA were also observed. Besides, correlation analysis revealed that dietary pectin supplementation may have beneficial effects through stimulation of the crosstalk between gut microbes and bile acid synthesis within the enterohepatic circulation. Thus, dietary pectin supplementation exhibited a further positive effect on the healthy growth and development of weaned piglets. These findings suggest pectin supplementation as the prebiotic is beneficial for gut health and improvement of weaned stress via regulating microbiota and bile acid metabolism.

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibits osteoporosis by regulating the expression of TERT: an in vivo and in vitro study.

Our study was performed to investigate whether the Wingless and int-1 (Wnt) signaling pathway promotes osteogenic differentiation and inhibits apoptosis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by regulating telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression. An in vivo model of osteoporosis (OP) in C57BL/6J mice by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and an in vitro model of H2O2-induced BMSCs were established separately. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the pathway-related proteins TERT, β-catenin, and phosphorylated-glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (p-GSK3β)/GSK3β, the osteogenic-related markers osteopontin (OPN), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and the apoptosis-related indicators B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and BAX. Osteoblastic phenotypes were also evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and serum ALP activity assays. Osteogenic differentiation phenotypes in mice were verified by H&E staining, micro-CT, and parameter analysis of the femur. Western blotting results showed that the expression of the pathway-related proteins TERT, β-catenin, p-GSK3β/GSK3β was reduced in OVX mice and H2O2-induced BMSCs, accompanied by downregulated protein expression of osteogenic-related markers and antiapoptotic indicators and upregulated protein expression of apoptotic proteins compared to those in the control group. Mechanistic studies showed that the activation of Wnt signaling pathway in BMSCs promoted β-catenin translocation to the nucleus, as verified by immunofluorescence and facilitated colocalization between β-catenin and TERT, as verified by double-labeling immunofluorescence, thereby promoting osteogenic differentiation and reducing apoptosis. In summary, our experiments confirmed that the GSK3β/β-catenin/TERT pathway could regulate the osteogenic differentiation and apoptosis of BMSCs and that TERT might be a promising target for the future treatment of osteoporosis.

An accurate and sensitive sensor based on the internal filtration effect for the detection of alkaline phosphatase and ascorbic acid by the Fenton reaction and dual readout signal

Ascorbic acid (AA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in human serum are indispensable substances in the process of biological metabolism, and their abnormal contents are strongly associated with a range of diseases. Therefore, it is meaningful to develop a simple, accurate and sensitive assay for the detection of AA and ALP. Up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have some unique characteristics, especially, the potential for background-free excitation by the near-infrared region (NIR) significantly improves the limits of detection (LODs). Moreover, sensors based on the inner filter effect (IFE) do not require covalent linkage between receptors and fluorophores or surface modification, thus the probe fabrication is simple and flexible UCNP-based. Therefore, a simple, selective, sensitive, and flexible sensing system for the detection of AA and ALP is proposed by combining the IFE and the cyclic signal amplification strategy. Under ideal circumstances, the LODs of ALP through the colorimetric and fluorescence method were 0.192 U/L and 0.013 U/L. The established sensing platform was applied to assessing ALP activity in human serum, and the detection results are close to those of commercially available kits, indicating its immense potential as an effective and convenient tool for monitoring ALP activity in clinical settings.

Novel Treatments for PXE: Targeting the Systemic and Local Drivers of Ectopic Calcification.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a heritable multisystem ectopic calcification disorder. The gene responsible for PXE, ABCC6, encodes ABCC6, a hepatic efflux transporter regulating extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), a potent endogenous calcification inhibitor. Recent studies demonstrated that in addition to the deficiency of plasma PPi, the activated DDR/PARP signaling in calcified tissues provides an additional possible mechanism of ectopic calcification in PXE. This study examined the effects of etidronate (ETD), a stable PPi analog, and its combination with minocycline (Mino), a potent inhibitor of DDR/PARP, on ectopic calcification in an Abcc6-/- mouse model of PXE. Abcc6-/- mice, at 4 weeks of age, before the development of ectopic calcification, were treated with ETD, Mino, or both for 18 weeks. Micro-computed tomography, histopathologic examination, and quantification of the calcium content in Abcc6-/- mice treated with both ETD and Mino revealed further reduced calcification than either treatment alone. The effects were associated with reduced serum alkaline phosphatase activity without changes in plasma PPi concentrations. These results suggest that ETD and Mino combination therapy might provide an effective therapeutic approach for PXE, a currently intractable disease.