Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Activity Research Articles

Warm Ischemia Induces Spatiotemporal Changes in Lysophosphatidylinositol That Affect Post-Reperfusion Injury in Normal and Steatotic Rat Livers.

Warm ischemia-reperfusion injury is a prognostic factor for hepatectomy and liver transplantation. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. This study aimed to elucidate these mechanisms and identify the predictive markers of post-reperfusion injury. Rats with normal livers were subjected to 70% hepatic warm ischemia for 15, 30, or 90 min, while those with steatotic livers were subjected to 70% hepatic warm ischemia for only 30 min. The liver and blood were sampled at the end of ischemia and 1, 6, and 24 h after reperfusion. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, Suzuki injury scores, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) products were evaluated. The ALT activity and Suzuki scores increased with ischemic duration and peaked at 1 and 6 h after reperfusion, respectively. Steatotic livers subjected to 30 min ischemia and normal livers subjected to 90 min ischemia showed comparable injury. A similar trend was observed for LPO products. Imaging mass spectrometry of normal livers revealed an increase in lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI (18:0)) and a concomitant decrease in phosphatidylinositol (PI (18:0/20:4)) in Zone 1 (central venous region) with increasing ischemic duration; they returned to their basal values after reperfusion. Similar changes were observed in steatotic livers. Hepatic warm ischemia time-dependent acceleration of PI (18:0/20:4) to LPI (18:0) conversion occurs initially in Zone 1 and is more pronounced in fatty livers. Thus, the LPI (18:0)/PI (18:0/20:4) ratio is a potential predictor of post-reperfusion injury.

Effect of Exposure to Soot on Activities of Alanine Transaminase, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase and Lipase among Cooks in Nnewi

Exposure to soot can lead to hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction. This study determined serum alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and triacylglycerol lipase activities of cooks exposed to soot. Thirty (30) participants (cooks) were exposed to soot (test group), and thirty (30) participants not exposed to soot (control group) were recruited. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and informed consent from the participants was obtained. Alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and triacylglycerol lipase activities were determined using the spectrophotometric method while the Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using weight (kg)/height2 (m2). An Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that the mean serum activities of alanine transaminase (14.69±1.84), of cooks exposed to soot, were significantly higher compared with the control(12.83±0.94)(p<0.05). The mean serum activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (7.81±4.08), of cooks exposed to soot, were significantly higher when compared with the control (3.54±2.00)(p<0.05). The mean serum activities of triacylglycerol lipase of cooks exposed to soot were significantly low compared with the control (p<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the BMI, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure levels respectively in the test group, compared to the control. This study observed higher serum activities of alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and low serum activity of triacylglycerol lipase among cooks exposed to soot, this suggests a predisposition to hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction in the cooks
 Keywords: Soot, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lipase enzymes

High Fischer ratio oligopeptides from hard-shelled mussel: Preparation and hepatoprotective effect against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice

High Fischer ratio oligopeptides (HFOPs) have a variety of physiological activities, but there are few literatures reporting the hepatoprotective effects of HFOPs against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury. The objectives of this study were to establish the preparation process of HFOPs from hard-shelled mussel (Mytilus coruscus) (HFOPs-HM) and investigate the hepatoprotective effects and potential mechanisms of HFOPs-HM against APAP-induced liver injury in mice. Therefore, trypsin and papain were selected as the endo and exogenous proteases for preparing HFOPs-HM according to the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of hard-shelled mussel hydrolysates, and activated carbon of XHJ-200 displayed the best effect to remove aromatic amino acids according to the Fischer ratio (OD220/OD280) and its parameters were optimized as adsorption time of 3.0 h and solid-liquid ratio of 1:10. The HFOPs-HM's Fischer ratio and average molecular weight were 26.03 (>20) and 878.54 Da, respectively. Furthermore, a mice model of liver injury induced by APAP was established. HFOPs-HM could significantly improve liver index and histopathological features, decrease the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities, increase the glutathione content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Further research demonstrated that HFOPs-HM could alleviate liver oxidative stress in liver tissue via activating the Nrf2 pathway to initiate the intracellular antioxidant enzyme system. In addition, HFOPs-HM also suppressed liver inflammation by downregulating the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Thus, HFOPs-HM could serve as an auxiliary functional dietary molecule applied in function products to alleviate drug-induced liver injury.

Kefir peptides attenuate atherosclerotic vascular calcification and osteoporosis in atherogenic diet-fed ApoE -/- knockout mice.

Aims: Vascular calcification (VC) and osteoporosis were previously considered two distinct diseases. However, current understanding indicates that they share common pathogenetic mechanisms. The available medicines for treating VC and osteoporosis are limited. We previously demonstrated that kefir peptides (KPs) alleviated atherosclerosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE -/- ) mice. The present study further addressed the preventive effects of KPs on VC and osteoporosis in ApoE -/- mice fed a high-cholesterol atherogenic diet (AD). Main methods: Seven-week-old ApoE -/- and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). The development of VC and osteoporosis was evaluated after AD feeding for 13weeks in KP-treated ApoE -/- mice and compared to C57BL/6 and ApoE -/- mice fed a standard chow diet (CD). Key findings: The results indicated that KP-treated ApoE -/- mice exhibited lower serum total cholesterol, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) activities, which suggested that KPs prevented hyperlipidemia and possible damages to the liver and muscle in ApoE -/- mice. KPs reduced serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the local expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and macrophage-specific CD68 markers in aortic tissues, which suggested that KPs inhibited inflammatory responses in AD-fed ApoE -/- mice. KPs reduced the deposition of lipid, collagen, and calcium minerals in the aortic roots of AD-fed ApoE -/- mice, which suggested that KPs inhibited the calcific progression of atherosclerotic plaques. KPs exerted osteoprotective effects in AD-fed ApoE -/- mice, which was evidenced by lower levels of the bone resorption marker CTX-1 and higher levels of the bone formation marker P1NP. KPs improved cortical bone mineral density and bone volume and reduced trabecular bone loss in femurs. Significance: The present data suggested that KPs attenuated VC and osteoporosis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in AD-fed ApoE -/- mice. Our findings contribute to the application of KPs as preventive medicines for the treatment of hyperlipidemia-induced vascular and bone degeneration.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Prosopis Cineraria on Paracetamol Induced Hepatotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

Aim: To evaluate the protective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Prosopis Cineraria on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Materials and Methods: 30 Swiss albino mice of eithersex mice were used in this study and divided into 5 groups (for each 6). Group 1 Control group fed basal diet and maintained as positive control group. Group 2 received Paracetamol in a dose of (3 g/kg b. wt.). Group 3 received Paracetamolalong with Standard Drug (Silymarin) in a dose of (100 mg/kg). Groups 4 and 5 were treated with Paracetamol along with plant extracts of Prosopis Cineraria at a dose level of 250 g/kg and 500 mg/kg. Results:The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride (TG), bilirubin, and total protein were measured. The values of urea, sodium, potassium and chloride were significantly increased in rats exposed to paracetamol. Moreover, administration of paracetamol resulted in damage to liver structures. Administration of methanolic extract of Prosopis Cineraria before Paracetamol exposure prevented severe alterations of biochemical parameters and disruptions of liver structures. Conclusions: This study obviously demonstrated that pre-treatment with methanolic extract of Prosopis Cinerariasignificantly attenuated the physiological and histopathological alterations induced by paracetamol.

Sodium benzoate exacerbates hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in rats

Background Liver damage is a global health concern associated with a high mortality rate. Sodium benzoate (SB) is a widely used preservative in the food industry with a wide range of applications. However, there’s a lack of scientific reports on its effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic dysfunction. Objective The present study investigated the influence of SB on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury. Materials and methods Twenty-eight rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control (received distilled water), SB (received 600 mg/kg), LPS (received 0.25 mg/kg), and LPS + SB (received LPS, 0.25 mg/kg, and SB, 600 mg/kg). SB was administered orally for 14 days while LPS was administered intraperitoneally for 7 days. Results Administration of SB to rats with hepatocyte injury exacerbated liver damage with a significant increase in the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). We also observed that SB aggravated LPS-mediated hepatic oxidative stress occasioned by a marked decrease in antioxidant status with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, LPS – mediated increase in inflammatory biomarkers as well as histological deterioration in the liver was exacerbated following the administration of SB to rats. Conclusion Taken together, the study provides experimental evidence that SB exacerbates hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in LPS-mediated liver injury.

The protective effects of baicalin and chrysin against emamectin benzoate-induced toxicity in Wistar albino rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of baicalin, chrysin and their combinations against emamectin benzoate-induced toxicity in rats. For this purpose, sixty four rats were divided into evenly8 groups with 6-8-week-old male Wistar albino rats, weighing 180-250g, in each group. While the first group was kept as a control (corn oil), the remaining 7 groups were administered with emamectin benzoate (10mg/kg bw), baicalin (50mg/kg bw) and chrysin (50mg/kg bw) alone or together for 28days. Oxidative stress parameters, serum biochemical parameters and blood/tissue (liver, kidney, brain, testis and heart) and tissue histopathology were investigated. Compared to the control group, the emamectin benzoate-intoxicated rats had significantly higher tissue/plasma concentrations of nitric oxide(NO) and malondialdehyde(MDA), as well as lower tissue glutathione(GSH) concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase/GSH-Px, glutathione reductase/GR, glutathione-S-transferase/GST, superoxide dismutase/SOD, catalase/CAT). Biochemical analysis showed that emamectin benzoate administration significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, as well as triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid and urea levels, and decreased serum total protein and albumin levels. The histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, brain, heart and testis tissues of the emamectin benzoate-intoxicated rats demonstrated necrotic changes. Baicalin and/or chrysin reversed the biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by emamectin benzoate on these tested organs. Therefore, baicalin and chrysin (alone or in combination) could offer protection against emamectin benzoate-induced toxicity.

Alanine aminotransferase assay biosensor platform using silicon nanowire field effect transistors

Frequent monitoring of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity is essential to prevent drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Current ALT assays are restricted to centralized clinical laboratories, making frequent patient monitoring logistically difficult. To address this, we demonstrated the capability of commercial foundry manufactured silicon nanowire field effect transistor (SiNW-FET) biosensors in a form factor that enables frequent near-patient monitoring. Here, we designed an ALT assay, by coupling the ALT-catalyzed production of pyruvate to the reduction of ferricyanide, enabling both spectrophotometric and electrical measurement of ALT activity. The two methods yield comparable ALT activity detection across a dynamic range wide enough to monitor patients at risk for DILI. This study demonstrates kinetic activity measurement of an endogenous enzyme using uncoupled SiNW-FETs, and commercial manufacturing of SiNW-FET sensor arrays for use in a portable biosensor platform.

Protective effect of corn peptide on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats induced by high fat diet

To explore the dose-effect and mechanism of the protective effect of corn peptide(CP) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Seventy male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, CP group, puerarin positive control group, low-, medium-, high-dose corn peptide group, the experiment started after 1 week of adaptive feeding. The control group and CP group were fed with ordinary feed and others were fed with high-fat feed, while the control group was given intragastric administration of purified water, the CP group and the low-, medium-, high-dose corn peptide group were given intragastric administration of corn peptide(800, 400, 600 and 800 mg/(kg·d), respectively), and the puerarin positive control group was given intragastric administration of 300 mg/(kg·d) of puerarin, for 10 weeks. The body weight and general condition of rats were recorded every week, after 10 weeks, the indexes of 7 groups were compared. Compared with the model group, the liver index(3.67, 3.29, 3.19 and 3.04, P<0.05) of the rats in the three doses of corn peptide groups decreased. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(13.66, 11.82, 11.55 and 10.53, P<0.05) decreased. The serum triglyceride(TG)(0.59, 0.42, 0.34 and 0.28, P<0.05), total cholesterol(TC)(2.57, 2.10, 1.67 and 1.46, P<0.05), free fatty acid(FFA)(0.66, 0.44, 0.40 and 0.36, P<0.05), and leptin(10.64, 9.87, 9.43 and 9.05, P<0.05) decreased. The serum interleukin-6(74.61, 61.66, 51.12 and 35.68, P<0.05) and tumor necrosis factor-α(100.18, 74.13, 67.44 and 48.46, P<0.05) decreased. The serum aspartate aminotransferase(41.38, 19.41, 14.98 and 8.44, P<0.05) and alanine aminotransferase(25.14, 13.10, 11.57 and 7.48, P<0.05) activity decreased. The liver TG(9.89, 5.55, 4.73 and 3.13, P<0.05), TC(1.73, 0.97, 0.80 and 0.50, P<0.05) and FFA(1.81, 1.11, 0.77 and 0.70, P<0.05) decreased. The serum malondialdehyde(MDA)(21.36, 15.24, 12.75 and 10.87, P<0.05) level and liver MDA(11.87, 8.27, 6.33 and 4.98, P<0.05) level decreased. The serum and liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity increased(P<0.05), and the effect is related to the intervention dose of corn peptide. The size of the liver became smaller, the liver color gradually changed from light yellow to light red. Corn peptide has a certain preventive effect on NAFLD in rats, and the preventive effect of corn peptide is related to its intervention dose.

Extremely Low Activity of Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Is Associated with Long-Term Overall-Cause Mortality in the Elderly Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention after Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background and Objectives: Recent studies revealed that the extremely low activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is associated with frailty and contributes to increased mortality after acute physical stress. We aimed to investigate whether the extremely low activity of serum ALT (<10 U/L) at the time of diagnosis can be used to predict overall-cause mortality in elderly patients that underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective medical record review was performed on 1597 patients diagnosed with ACS who underwent PCI at a single university hospital from February 2014 to March 2020. The associations between the extremely low activity of serum ALT and mortality were assessed using a stepwise Cox regression (forward: conditional). Results: A total of 210 elderly patients were analyzed in this study. The number of deaths was 64 (30.5%), the mean survival time was 25.0 ± 18.9 months, and the mean age was 76.9 ± 7.6 years. The mean door-to-PCI time was 74.0 ± 20.9 min. The results of stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that the extremely low activity of serum ALT (adjusted hazard ratio: 5.157, 95% confidence interval: 3.001-8.862, p < 0.001) was the independent risk factor for long-term overall-cause mortality in the elderly who underwent PCI after ACS diagnosis. Conclusions: The extremely low activity of serum ALT at ACS diagnosis is a significant risk factor for increased long-term overall-cause mortality in the elderly who underwent PCI after ACS diagnosis. It is noteworthy that a simple laboratory test at the time of diagnosis was found to be a significant risk factor for mortality.

Liver Injury and Metabolic Dysregulation in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) after Ammonia Exposure.

Elevated environmental ammonia leads to respiratory disorders and metabolic dysfunction in most fish species, and the majority of research has concentrated on fish behavior and gill function. Prior studies have rarely shown the molecular mechanism of the largemouth bass hepatic response to ammonia loading. In this experiment, 120 largemouth bass were exposed to total ammonia nitrogen of 0 mg/L or 13 mg/L for 3 and 7 days, respectively. Histological study indicated that ammonia exposure severely damaged fish liver structure, accompanied by increased serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activity. RT-qPCR results showed that ammonia exposure down-regulated the expression of genes involved in glycogen metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, lipid metabolism, and urea cycle pathways, whereas it up-regulated the expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis and glutamine synthesis pathways. Thus, ammonia was mainly converted to glutamine in the largemouth bass liver during ammonia stress, which was rarely further used for urea synthesis. Additionally, transcriptome results showed that ammonia exposure also led to the up-regulation of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and down-regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in the liver of largemouth bass. It is possible that the energy supply of oxidative phosphorylation in the largemouth bass liver was increased during ammonia exposure, which was mediated by the MAPK signaling pathway.

Hepatoprotective Mechanism of Apigenin via Suppression of Oxidative Inflammatory Signaling and Apoptosis against Hepatotoxicity Induced by CCl4 in Rats

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a critical hepatotoxicant causing liver injury and fibrosis via hepatic production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apigenin (APG) is a natural bioactive compound and flavonoid antioxidant. We, therefore, evaluated whether APG could mitigate CCl4-mediated hepatotoxicity. Methods: Rats were randomly divided and administered APG and/or CCl4 in Control group, CCl4 group, APG + CCl4 groups (APG: 10 and 20 mg/kg bw) and APG groups (APG: 10 and 20 mg/kg bw) 2 times per week for 7 consecutive weeks. Result: Rats exposed to CCl4 demonstrated marked increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities and decreased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level compared to control. The hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased appreciably. The CCl4 intoxication caused significant increases in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and apoptosis markers, while the anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) decreased with evident histopathological lesions compared to control. APG-dose-dependently-prevented these hepatic alterations.

Assessment of serum glutamate dehydrogenase activity and comparison to serum alanine aminotransferase activity in cats with increased blood total T4 concentration.

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), a key enzyme in amino acid oxidation and urea production, is mainly derived from the liver and its activity may increase with hepatocellular necrosis. Feline hyperthyroidism is associated with elevated serum activities of various enzymes, but the pattern of serum GLDH activity has not been reported, to our knowledge. Feline clinical biochemistry results from 2 commercial diagnostic laboratories were reviewed retrospectively to assess changes in serum GLDH activity in cats with significantly elevated serum total T4 concentrations, which is highly suggestive of hyperthyroidism. A total of 2,773 records were analyzed, of which 2,370 (85%) had normal total T4 (≤50 nmol/L) and 403 (15%) had increased total T4 (≥60 nmol/L) concentrations. Among cats with an increased total T4 concentration, 26.5% had increased serum GLDH activity. All cats with increased GLDH activity also had increased serum ALT activity. In 42.9% of cats, ALT activity was increased, but GLDH activity was normal. In 30.5% of cats, both serum GLDH and ALT activities were within RIs. The fold-increase of GLDH activity was almost half of the ALT fold-increase. Although serum GLDH activity increased in some cats with hyperthyroidism, serum ALT activity increased more frequently and to a greater extent.

Molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 on Con A-induced acute liver injury in mice

MG-132, an aldehyde-based peptide proteasome inhibitor (PI) that binds to the proteasome and reversibly inhibits proteasome activity, has been widely used in experimental research. However, it is not clear whether MG-132 has anti-inflammatory effects on liver injury. The molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of the PI MG-132 on Con A-induced acute liver injury (ALI) mice was investigated by ELISA, HE, q RT-PCR, and IHC. The results showed that the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and TNF-α and IL-6 contents of mice in the high and medium dose groups were reduced compared with those in the ALI group. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in liver tissues were significantly increased, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased. The pathological sections of mice in the ALI group showed typical ALI manifestations such as significant central venous stasis of liver tissues, cell swelling, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The pathological damage of liver tissues was relieved significantly in the three dose groups, especially in the high-dose group. The transcriptional level of TLR4/NF-κB pathway key factors mRNA was significantly reduced, and the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB P65 protein in liver tissues was significantly and positively correlated with the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that MG-132 can alleviate the inflammatory response to Con A-induced ALI and exert a hepatoprotective effect, and its anti-inflammatory effect is related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

Association between biochemical parameters and ultrasonographic measurement for the assessment of hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows

Hepatic lipidosis (HL) is a serious metabolic disorder that affects transient high-producing dairy cows. However, there are many laboratory methods could help in the assessment of HL in dairy cows, the definite diagnosis of the disease under field conditions remains a challenge because of the non-specificity of clinical parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate the utility of serum biomarkers, and ultrasonography (US) measurement to diagnose HL in dairy cows. Forty Holstein dairy cows underwent physical examination and were divided into three groups: non-HL, mild HL, and severe HL groups based on US findings, and the concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs). Ultrasound images showed hyperechoic lesions and increased pixel intensity (PI) values of liver echotexture in the HL groups. A significant increase was observed in mild and severe HL groups in the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), BHBA, NEFAs, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) while the concentrations of triglyceride (TG), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly decreased. The classification accuracy was in the interest of NEFAs (cut off 0.62 mmol/L, sensitivity 82.6%, specificity 91.7%, and an AUC of 0.913) and BHBA (cut off 1.35 mmol/L, sensitivity 91.31%, specificity of 86.4%, and an AUC 0.812) as important diagnostic parameters. This study offers new insights into the importance of serum biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers especially, AST, NEFAs, BHBA, and GSH with the digital values of US images for prompt use of minimally invasive techniques to diagnose HL under farm conditions. HIGHLIGHTS Serum metabolites and oxidative stress indices could diagnose hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows NEFA and BHBA concentrations and ultrasound digital values can use as a non-invasive way to the classification of hepatic lipidosis degrees in cows under farm condition.

Effects of acute heat stress on haemato-biochemical parameters, oxidative resistance ability, and immune responses of hybrid yellow catfish (pelteobagrus fulvidraco × P. vachelli) juveniles.

This study investigated the effect of heat stress on the physiological parameters, oxidation resistance ability and immune responses in juvenile hybrid yellow catfish. Heat stress group exposed to 35°C and control to 28°C. Blood and liver were sampled at different hours' post-exposure. Results showed that red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) counts, Hemoglobin (HGB) levels and hematocrit (HCT) values increased significantly (P < 0.05) post-exposure to heat stress. This indicates the increase of cell metabolism. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities, total cholesterol (TC), total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG) and glucose increased significantly (P < 0.05) indicating the need to cope with stress and cell damage. Liver TC, TG, COR hormone, C3 complement increased significantly from 24 to 96h. Heat stress mostly affects the hepatic antioxidant and immune resistance functions, resulting in increments of cortisol levels, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. The increase of Malondialdehyde (MDA), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) indicate stimulation of the immune responses to protect the liver cells from damage. The decrease in Liver TP indicated liver impairment. Decrease in Glycogen content from 6 to 96h indicated mobilization of more metabolites to cope with increased energy demand. Interestingly, results showed that heat stress trigged costly responses in the experimental fish like accelerated metabolism and deplete energy reserves, which could indirectly affect ability of fish to set up efficient long term defense responses against stress. These results provide insight into prevention and management of stress in juvenile hybrid yellow catfish.

Dietary leucine requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus (Bloch) based on growth, feed conversion and leucine retention efficiency, hematological parameters, antioxidant and intestinal enzyme activities.

To find out the dietary leucine requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus (5.24 ± 0.07g), six purified experimental diets (45% CP and 14.73kJ/g DE) with various leucine concentrations (0.5, 1.0,1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0% diet) were fed to apparent satiation to triplicate groups for 12weeks (714/02/a/CPCSEA). Absolute weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, protein and leucine retention efficiency, and RNA/DNA ratio improved up to 2.0% leucine in the diet. Carcass protein and fat increased significantly with increasing leucine levels up to a 2.0% dry diet. Moisture content showed a reverse pattern. Red blood corpuscles hemoglobin and hematocrit increased with incremental levels of leucine up to 2.0% diet. Significant changes were also noted in serum total protein, superoxide dismutase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lysozyme activity. Serum protein, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme activity were positively correlated with increasing leucine levels up to 2.0% diet, whereas aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase showed the opposite trend. Based on the quadratic regression analysis of absolute weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein, and leucine retention efficiency, inclusion of 2.0% leucine is recommended for optimum growth of fingerling C. punctatus.

The Impact of Chitosan on Oxidative Stress in Liver of Rats Loaded With Lead Acetate

This study was conducted to determine the impact of chitosan on lead (Pb)-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, lead acetate was administered intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg for 5 days) and chitosan was given as 200 mg/kg via oral gavage for 28 days. When the trial was terminated, it was determined that aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in serum as well as Pb, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase (CAT) activity in liver tissue significantly increased, however reduced glutathione (GSH) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) levels in liver and high density lipoproteins (HDL) in serum had a significant decrease in the Pb group when compared to the control group. The administration of chitosan significantly prevented Pb-induced changes in serum liver enzyme activities, 8-OHdG and MDA levels. In addition, chitosan showed a statistically insignificant effect on reduced GSH, Cp, HDL levels and CAT activity. Accordingly, administration of chitosan can strengthen the antioxidant defence system of liver tissue and may decrease oxidative stress.

Effects of essential oil of Magnolia denudata on spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) during simulated live transportation

The essential oil of Magnolia denudate (MDO) is an effective anesthetic and sedative on spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus). To improve animal welfare and transportation effectiveness, this study evaluated the effects of MDO on water quality, blood biochemical, and tissue damage after the transportation of L. maculatus (164.16 ± 15.40 g). A base group (no MDO and no transport) and 0 (control group), 10, and 20 mg/L MDO during simulated transportation treatments of 5 h were involved. Every treatment has four replicates with four fish transported in a plastic box (34 × 22.5 × 19 cm) with 5 L water at a fish density of 130 g/L and a shake rate of 60 rpm. At the end of the transportation simulation, no mortality was observed. Fish were immediately sampled for blood collection, liver and brain removal. Compared to the control group, the MDO groups showed significantly lower ammonia in water, lower cortisol level and lactic dehydrogenase activity, higher glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in fish serum (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione (GSH) concentration decline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were alleviated in the fish brain when MDO was added to the water. However, SOD and GSH further decreased, but MDA increased in the fish liver in the MDO groups (p < 0.05). These results revealed that the administration of MDO on L. maculatus transportation could alleviate stress and decrease energy metabolism. Due to the 20 mg/L MDO may trigger more serve liver function decline, we suggest 10 mg/L MDO addition in L. maculatus transportation.

Dietary acidic calcium sulfate enhances growth, digestive enzyme activities, intestinal histology and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with acidic calcium sulfate on growth, intestinal histology, and disease resistance of juvenile largemouth bass. Fish (19.88 ± 0.03 g) were fed on diets supplemented with 0 % (control), 1% acidic calcium sulfate (ACS1), 2 % acidic calcium sulfate (ACS2), 3 % acidic calcium sulfate (ACS3) and 0.03 % florfenicol (F) for 56 days. The results showed that the supplementation of 1 % acidic calcium sulfate to the diet significantly enhanced the growth performance (P < 0.05). Serum alanine aminotransferase activity in ACS2 and ACS3 groups was significantly higher than that in the control and ACS1 groups (P < 0.05). The serum alkaline phosphatase activity in ACS1 and F groups was significantly higher than that in the control and ACS3 groups (P < 0.05). The activity of serum superoxide dismutase in the control, ACS2 and ACS3 groups was significantly lower than that in ACS1 group (P < 0.05). Intestinal trypsin, amylase, and lipase activities increased significantly with increasing acidic calcium sulfate when compared to the control. (P < 0.05). The intestinal histology features showed that the villi height and width of ACS1 and ACS2 groups were significantly increased compared to that of the control (P < 0.05). The results of TOR pathway related genes in the liver showed that the expressions of TOR and ribosomal protein S6 of ACS1 group were significantly higher than the control, while the expression of 4E-BP1 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). When challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila, the survival rate of the control was significantly lower than that of F, ACS1, and ACS2 groups (P < 0.05). In summary, the optimum amount of acidic calcium sulfate for this experiment is 1 %. 1 % acidic calcium sulfate can effectively improve the growth performance and disease resistance of juvenile largemouth bass.