Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Research Articles

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.

Assessment of Osteobrama belangeri (Pengba), a high-value medium carp endemic to North-east India for thermal tolerance limits

Critical thermal maxima (CTmax), lethal temperature maxima (LTmax), opercular respirationrate (ORR - movement of operculum per minute), temperature quotient (Q10) and stressmarkers of Osteobrama belangeri (Pengba), a high-value medium carp endemic tohilly ecosystems of North-east India, were examined with the aim of understanding itsaquaculture potential and management requirements in the event of a temperature rise.Fish (7.82±0.35 cm/4.64±0.36 g) were acclimatised at 20, 25 and 30°C in insulated tanks(10 fish per tank) for 30 days. They were then exposed to a water temperature increase(@ 1°C day-1) using a locally-fabricated thermostat and assessed for CTmax, LTmax and ORR.As the acclimation temperature increased from 20 to 30°C, CTmax, LTmax and ORR of thefish significantly increased. Regression analysis indicated a strong positive correlationbetween acclimation temperatures and CTmax (y = 0.22x + 33.55, R² = 0.97) and LTmax(y = 0.27x + 32.86, R² = 0.99). Fish blood samples were collected at the endpoints ofCTmax and LTmax and analysed for serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The resultsindicated that the fish experienced maximum stress at an acclimation temperature of 30°C(ALP: 38.7 U l-1), followed by 25°C (35.6 U l-1) and 20°C (31.7 U l-1). The results suggestedthat a water temperature increase above 30°C can impair the physiology of O. belangeri andconsequently, their reproductive competence. Therefore, in such events, proper managementand additional care are necessary to protect them from extinction. Keywords:Critical thermal maxima, Lethal temperaturemaxima, Osteobrama belangeri, Thermal limit,Temperature quotient

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.

Evaluation the effect of dietary vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone bioactive compounds on immunological response, intestinal traits and MUC-2 gene expression in broiler Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

The current study was performed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone bioactive lignans derived from sesame and black seed on immunological response, intestinal traits and Mucin2 gene expression in broiler quails. Three hundred and fifty (one days-old) quails were allotted to seven dietary treatments with five replicates as an experimental randomized design study. Treatments were basal diet as a control, control +100 and +200 mg of vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone per each kg of diet respectively. At 35 d of age, two quails from each pen were chosen, weighted, slaughtered, eviscerated and lymphoid organ relative weights were measured. Anti-body titers against Newcastle disease (ND), Sheep red blood cell (SRBC), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and Avian influenza (AI) vaccination were determined. The serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum antioxidant activates such as superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GPX), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were examined. The cell mediated immunity by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) challenges were assessed. The microflora populations of ileum, morphological traits of jejunum and mucin2 gene expression were analyzed. Data showed that the lymphoid organ (thymus, spleen and Bursa) relative weights and antibody titer against HI, AI, SRBC and IB vaccination were increased compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). Serum activities of ALP, ALT and AST were decreased under influences of dietary treatments (p ≤ 0.05). The serum antioxidant activates of GPX,SOD,CAT and TAC were increased and Increasing in mean skin thickness after DNCB challenge and decrease wing web swelling response to PHA mitojen injection were observed (p ≤ 0.05). Salmonella enterica, E-coli and Coliforms colonies were decrease and Lactobacillus colonies increased instead (p ≤ 0.05). The villus height and surface, crypt depth and goblet cells density were increased compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). The expression of MUC2 gene increased under influnces of vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone supplemented diets (p ≤ 0.05).

Impact of dietary piperine on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant status, and immune-related gene expression in pathogen-aggravated Cyprinus carpio

This study investigated the effects of dietary piperine (PIP) on growth performance, digestive enzymes, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant and immune responses, and gene expression in Cyprinus carpio challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Six diets were prepared with PIP doses of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 g/kg, corresponding with the control, PR50, PR100, PR200, PR300, and PR400, respectively. Fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila after 8 weeks of feeding with the respective diets. Weight gain (PWG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly enhanced, whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowered in PR200. The cumulative post-challenge survival was improved to 68.43% in the PR200 group compared with 28.08% in the control. Serum total protein and albumin levels were significantly enhanced in the PR200 group compared to the control. However, dietary PIP up to 3 g/kg had no significant effect on serum glucose, cortisol, aspartate aminotransferase, or alkaline phosphatase activities; however, the alanine aminotransferase level was lower (P < 0.05) in the PR200 group than in the control. Intestinal amylase, lipase, and protease activities increased in PR300, and intestinal amylase and lipase increased in the PR100 group (P < 0.05). The serum immunological indices (lysozyme, alternative complement pathway, phagocytic activity, and respiratory burst activity) were higher (P < 0.05) in the PR200 group than in the control group. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly intensified in PR200–PR300 than in the control group, with the highest activity observed in the PR200 group. Malondialdehyde was significantly lower in the PR200 group than in the control group. Furthermore, SOD, CAT, and Nrf2 expression was strongly upregulated in the liver tissue of the PR200 and PR300 groups compared to that in the control. The transcript levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines viz. IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly upregulated in the kidneys of the PR100 and PR200 post-challenged. In contrast, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly downregulated in the kidneys of PR200. The expression of HSP70 was upregulated only in the PR400. Quadratic regression analysis showed that the optimal dietary PIP level was estimated as 2.07−2.13 g/kg to maximize growth performance. Overall, these results indicate that dietary PIP at an appropriate level can improve immunity, cytokine gene expression, and disease resistance in C. carpio.

Preparation, identification, and application of PEG/ZIF-8@ Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharide as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles loaded with polysaccharides are excellent drug-delivery carriers with high loading capacity and pH sensitivity. This study describes the one-step encapsulation of Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharides (DHP) in ZIF-8. The resultant PEG6000/ZIF-8@DHP complex exhibited drug release properties in acidic microenvironments, possessed water solubility, demonstrated high drug loading capacity, and displayed effective encapsulation. The effects of PEG6000/ZIF-8@ DHP administration on immunoregulation, antioxidant activities, and resistance against Aeromonas veronii in channel catfish were assessed. The study revealed that the PEG6000/ZIF-8@DHP complex stimulated cellular proliferation and phagocytosis, while also inducing the production of cytokines and nitric oxide. Additionally, the complex exhibited improved antioxidant properties and increased serum lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase activities. PEG6000/ZIF-8@DHP exhibited efficacy in vivo against Aeromonas veronii infection. These results indicate that PEG6000/ZIF-8@DHP is an efficient immunostimulant and vaccine adjuvant for enhancing immunity in channel catfish.

Use of Various UVC Photofunctionalization Times to Modify Surface Characteristics and Enhance the Biologic Activity of SLA Titanium.

To evaluate the effect of ultraviolet-C light (UVC) photofunctionalization treatment time on the biologic activity of airborne particle-abraded and acid-etched (SLA) titanium surfaces and to analyze its physical and chemical mechanisms. SLA titanium was treated with UVC light for different lengths of time (10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 24 hours), and then changes to its surface characteristics were evaluated via electron microscope scanning, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle measurement, and zeta potential measurement. The effect of UVC photofunctionalization on the biologic processes of SLA titanium surfaces was assessed by analyzing the bovine serum albumin adsorption, adhesion, proliferation, morphology, and alkaline phosphatase activity of MG-63 cells. UVC irradiation did not change the topography of SLA titanium surfaces. As treatment times increased, the water contact angle decreased from 120 degrees to 0 degrees, and the hydrocarbon content decreased. Zeta potential testing showed increased surface potential of photofunctionalized titanium. In vitro testing showed that cell adhesion, proliferation, morphology, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity on titanium surfaces were significantly improved by UVC photofunctionalization. UVC photofunctionalization can improve the biologic activity of SLA titanium surfaces by removing hydrocarbons and increasing the surface potential of titanium.

Protective Effect of Andropraphis Paniculata Aqueous Extract (EAAp) Against Isoniazid and Rifampicin-Induced Rat Liver Damage

Isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) are first-line antituberculosis drugs (OAT) in tuberculosis treatment that are used for at least 6 months. The use of OAT has been associated with toxic reactions in the liver and causes hepatitis. This study aimed to determine the effect of an aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata (EAAp) on liver damage induced by INH and RIF. Method: Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250–300g were divided into 5 groups, each consisting of 6 mice. Animals were given isoniazid and rifampicin at 100 mg/kg, respectively, to induce liver damage, silymarin (25 mg/kg) for the positive control group, and Ap extract at doses of 200mg and 300 mg/kg for the test group. All treatments were given orally once daily for 28 days. Measurement of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and liver histopathology levels was carried out to determine the effect of EAAp on liver damage by INH and RIF. Results: Rats treated with INH+RIF were hepatotoxic, as evidenced by increased serum ALT, AST, and ALP activity, total bilirubin levels, and histopathological changes in the liver. Administration of Ap extract doses of 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg significantly decreased liver biochemical and histological changes caused by OAT. Conclusions: EAAp has a protective effect against hepatotoxic-induced INH and RIF in animal models.

Anti-hyperglycaemic and selected organ protective effects of Ziziphus spina-christi hydroethanol leaf extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Ziziphus spina-christi has been traditionally used for the treatment of stomach pain, wounds, and hair loss, skin infections, diarrhoea, scorpion stings, and malaria. This study aims to investigate the anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-dyslipidaemic, liver and kidney protective effects of Ziziphus spina-christi ethanol leaf extract on diabetic rats. The experimental design comprises of five groups of albinos Wistar rats, with three rats per group. They are normal control group, normal and 150mg/kg bwt treatment with extract group, diabetic control group, diabetic and treatment with the 150mg/kg bwt extract group, and diabetic treated with Metformin as standard drug treated for 14 days. The results of the study indicated that there was a significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction in the blood glucose level in the extract and reference drug administered groups as compared to the diabetic control. The levels of the serum alanine transaminase, serum aspartate transaminase and serum alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in the extract and standard drug treatment groups compared to the diabetic control group. In the diabetic control group, the creatinine and urea concentrations were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher compared with the extract and metformin treated groups. Also, the high-density lipoprotein and triacylglycerol levels were lower in the extract treated groups demonstrating a good lipid profile. In conclusion, Ziziphus spina-christi exhibits anti-hyperglycaemia, anti-dyslipidaemia and liver and kidney protective activities in diabetic model, and thus supporting its traditional usage in diabetes management.

Patterns of metastatic progression and association with clinical outcomes in canine osteosarcoma: A necropsy study of 83 dogs.

Osteosarcoma is a highly metastatic primary bone tumour that occurs spontaneously in both pet dogs and humans. Patterns of metastasis to organs beyond the most common site (lung) are poorly characterised and it is unknown whether specific associations between patterns of metastatic progression and patient features exist. This retrospective study characterised the necropsy findings of 83 dogs receiving standardised therapy and clinical monitoring in a prospective clinical trial setting to document patterns of metastasis and correlate outcomes with these patterns and other patient and tumour-specific factors. A total of 20 different sites of metastasis were documented, with lung as the most common site, followed by bone, kidney, liver, and heart. Two distinct clusters of dogs were identified based on patterns of metastasis. There was no significant association between site of enrollment, trial arm, sex, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, or tumour location and clinical outcomes. A second cancer type was identified at necropsy in 10 dogs (10/83; 12%). These data showcase the extensive nature of osteosarcoma metastasis beyond the lung and provide a benchmark for clinical monitoring of the disease. Further, this study provides insight into transcriptional features of primary tumours that may relate to a propensity for osteosarcoma metastasis to specific organs and tissues.

Serum-Based Detection of Liver Pathology Using a Fluorogenic Alkaline Phosphatase Probe.

Development of "ultrahigh contrast" fluorogenic probes for trapping alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in human serum is highly desirable for clinical auxiliary diagnosis for hepatobiliary diseases. However, the intrinsic dilemma of incomplete ionization of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT)-based ALP fluorophores and autofluorescence interference of serum result in low sensitivity and accuracy. Given that unique halogen effects could lead to a drastic decrease in the pKa value and a significant enhancement in the fluorescence quantum yield, herein we report an enzyme-activatable near-infrared probe based on a difluoro-substituted dicyanomethylene-4H-chromenep for achieving fluorescent quantification of human serum ALP. Rational design strategy is demonstrated by altering the substituted halogen groups to well regulate the pKa for meeting the physiological precondition. Owing to the complete ionization at pH 7.4 with tremendous fluorescence enhancement, the difluoro-substituted DCM-2F-HP manifests a linear relationship between the emission intensity and ALP concentration in both solution and serum samples. Along with measuring 77 human serum samples, the DCM-2F-HP based fluorescence method not only exhibits significant correlations with clinical colorimetry, but also distinguishes ALP patients from healthy volunteers, as well as assessing the progress of liver disease, thus providing a potential toolbox for quantitatively detecting ALP and warning the stage of hepatopathy.

Relationships between growth indicators, liver and kidney function markers, and blood concentrations of essential and potentially toxic elements in environmentally exposed young children

Environmental exposure to multiple metals and metalloids is widespread, leading to a global concern relating to the adverse health effects of mixed-metals exposure, especially in young children living around industrial areas. This study aimed to quantify the concentrations of essential and potentially toxic elements in blood and to examine the potential associations between multiple elements exposures, growth determinants, and liver and kidney function biomarkers in children living in several industrial areas in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The blood distribution of 20 trace elements As, Ag, Bi, Br, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, I, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Tl, V, U, and Zn, growth determinants such as body mass index and body fats, blood pressure, liver and kidney injury biomarkers including serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, serum calcium, and creatinine levels, blood urea nitrogen, and hemoglobin concentrations, and glomerular filtration rate were measured in 141 children, aged six to 16 years. Among these elements, blood concentrations of Ag, U, V, Cr, Cd, Sb, and Bi were measured below LOQs and excluded from subsequent statistical analysis. This comprehensive study revealed that blood concentrations of these elements in children, living in industrial areas, exceeded critical reference values to varying extents; elevated exposure to As, Pb, Br, Cu, and Se was found in children living in multiple industrial areas. A significant positive association between elevated blood Tl concentration and obesity (β = 0.300, p = 0.007) and an inverse relationship between lower As concentration and underweight (β = −0.351, p < 0.001) compared to healthy weight children indicate that chronic exposure to Tl and As may influence the metabolic burden and physical growth in children. Concentration-dependent positive associations were observed between the blood concentrations of Cu, Se, and Br and hepatic- and renal dysfunction biomarkers, an inverse association with blood Mo and I level, however, indicates an increased risk of Cu, Se, and Br-induced liver and kidney toxicity. Further in-depth studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the observed associations. Regular biomonitoring of elemental exposures is also indispensable to regulate pollution in consideration of the long-term health effects of mixed-elements exposure in children.

Toxicological studies of additives feed endoforce multi on laboratory animals

The creation of new drugs and feed additives is an urgent task that contributes to the growth of the efficiency of the livestock and poultry industries of agriculture, especially during the period of import substitution in the Russian Federation. An experimental study of possible changes in the body of laboratory animals after single or multiple uses of new feed additives is necessary for the toxicological assessment of newly created products. Single intragastric administration of feed additive Endoforce Multi containing live vegetative cells and spores of cultures: Bacillus subtilis B-5449, Bacillus subtilis B-1323, Bacillus subtilis B-3679 - 5.0 109 CFU / ml, at a dose many times higher than recommended, did not lead to the death of laboratory animals, which confirmed the absence of its acute toxicity. Over the entire observation period, the authors did not note any disturbances in the rats’ behavioural reactions and physiological states. Determination of chronic toxicity was carried out for 30 days. The studied suspension of the feed additive was given with water to rats of the experimental groups at doses: 1st - 100 mg, 2nd - 150 mg and 3rd - 200 mg per head. At the end of the empirical study, an increase in the number of erythrocytes by 2.68–3.72 1012/l, haemoglobin - by 41.50–61.58 g/l in laboratory animals of the experimental groups compared with the control ones was revealed, which indicated an increase in blood oxygenation and the organism as a whole. In addition, in the rats of the experimental groups, a decrease in the content of urea in the blood to 3.14 ± 0.53 - 4.68 ± 0.41 mmol / l and creatinine to 32.26 ± 5.18 - 48.13 ± 6.23 µmol/l. The opposite trend was observed when determining the serum activity of alkaline phosphatase, which increased by 39.0–52.6% in intact individuals, which indicated dynamic processes of growth, formation and development of the skeleton. According to the results of the autopsy of the rats of the studied groups, regardless of the dose of the introduction of the feed additive Endoforce Multi, no pathological changes in the colour, consistency and size of the internal organs were registered.

Efficacy of dietary thiamine supplementation on growth performance, digestive enzymes, immunological responses, and antioxidant capacity of juvenile beluga (Huso huso)

The aim of the current study was to investigate the beneficial effects of dietary thiamine supplementation on physiological, immunological and antioxidant responses in juvenile beluga, Huso huso. The juvenile fish (∼ 3 g) were fed four times a day with diets containing 0 (control), 5 (5 T), 10 (10 T), and 20 (20 T) mg kg−1 thiamine for 12 weeks. Significant increases were observed in growth performance indicators of the fish fed different levels of thiamine, compared to the control group and the best performance was observed in 10 T treatment. The carcass protein content significantly increased in the thiamine-treated fish and the highest protein content was observed in the 10 T treatment. Digestive enzymes’ activities (pepsin, trypsin, lipase, and amylase) significantly increased in the fish fed the thiamine-supplemented diets. The serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities significantly decreased in the 10 T and 20 T treatments, compared to the control group. Dietary thiamine supplementation significantly increased the serum lysozyme, alternative complement activities, and IgM level, compared to the control diet and the highest lysozyme activity and IgM level were observed in the 10 T and 20 T treatments. The hepatic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-s-transferase, transketolase activities of 10 T and 20 T treatments were significantly higher than those of the control treatment. The hepatic catalase activities in the thiamine-treated fish were significantly higher than that of the control fish. Contrastingly, the hepatic malondialdehyde contents of the 5 T, 10 T, and 20 T treatments were significantly lower than the control treatment. Although all the dietary thiamine levels (5–20 mg kg−1) showed beneficial effects on different tested parameters, 10 mg kg−1 was the most beneficial level and is recommended for dietary inclusion to improve the growth and health of juvenile beluga.

Enhanced intestinal microflora composition and phosphorus-transportation efficiency in fast-growing spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) fed a low-phosphorus diet

This study examined differences in the intestinal microflora composition and phosphorus-transportation efficiency between fast- and slow-growing spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) fed a low-phosphorus diet. A total of 60 spotted seabass (9.48 ± 0.19 g) were randomly distributed into three tanks at a density of 20 fish per tank and fed a low-phosphorus diet for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the four heaviest and four lightest individuals from each tank were sampled as the fast-growing spotted seabass (FGS) and slow-growing spotted seabass (SGS), respectively. FGS had significantly higher weight gain (WG) than those in SGS. Higher whole-body phosphorus deposition, serum phosphorus content and the mRNA expression of genes associated with phosphorus transportation (NaPIiib, PiT1, and PiT2) were observed in FGS compared to SGS. Moreover, lower serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was found in FGS compared to SGS. However, no significant differences were found in liver phosphorus deposition or serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels between FGS and SGS. Compared to SGS, higher relative abundances of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and potential probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Cetobacterium, and lower relative abundances of potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Enhydrobacter and Chryseobacterium, were observed in the intestinal microflora of FGS. Overall, these findings suggested that higher growth rates in spotted seabass fed a low-phosphorus diet were associated with enhanced phosphorus-transportation efficiency and intestinal microflora composition.

Effect of dietary arginine supplementation on protein synthesis, meat quality and flavor in growing lambs

This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary arginine supplementation on protein synthesis, meat quality and flavor in lambs. Eighteen Dorper (♂) × Small Tailed Han sheep (♀) crossed ewe lambs of similar weight (27.29 ± 2.02 kg; aged 3 months) were assigned to two groups, the control group was fed the basal diet (Con group), and the arginine group (Arg group) was supplemented with 1% l-arginine based on the Con group for 90 d. The results suggested that dietary arginine significantly increased final body weight, loin eye muscle area, muscle fiber diameter, cross-sectional area (P < 0.050), and decreased shear force value and cooking loss (P < 0.050), as well as altered the composition and contents of volatile flavor compounds in lambs. Importantly, the total protein (TP) content, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in serum, branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT), AST, ALT activities and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) gene expression and content were elevated (P < 0.050), while content of urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum and 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) were decreased in arginine fed lambs (P < 0.050). In addition, arginine triggered muscle protein synthesis through protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, while minimized protein degradation by regulating gene expression of myogenin (MyoG), myostatin (MSTN), muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) and forkhead box O3 family (FoxO3) (P < 0.050). Taken together, this study suggested that arginine can be used to improve protein deposition and meat quality in lamb production.

Biochemical Assessment of Solid-State Fermented Elephant Grass and its Potential Incorporation in Broiler's Diets

The objective of this study was to determine if incorporating pre-treated ensiled elephant grass into broiler feed could help meet the rising demand for animal protein. The elephant grass underwent solid-state fermentation for seven days and ensiling in airtight nylon bags for 21 days. Compared to the control, pre-treated ensiled elephant grass exhibited a significant increase in soluble protein concentration (p&lt;0.05) during fermentation. However, the glucose concentration was significantly lower (p&gt;0.05) in the pre-treated ensiled elephant grass after fermentation than in the control. Elephant grass that was solid-state fermented and ensiled with Rhizopus oligosporus demonstrated the highest percentage inhibition (22.4±0.5%). The pre-treated ensiled elephant grass had significantly higher mannanase activity (p&lt;0.05) than the control. In terms of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, there were no significant differences between the control group and the experimental group fed with diets composed of ensiled elephant grass, ensiled elephant grass fermented with R. oligosporus, or solid-state fermented and ensiled elephant grass with R. oligosporus and urea in a 25% maize replacement. In conclusion, ensiled elephant grass can replace 25% maize in broiler starter feed, and the animal feed industry could benefit from the mannanase identified in this study.