Serum Biochemical Levels Research Articles

Effect of Group Continuous Nursing Intervention Model on Serum Biochemical Parameters, GSES Assessment, DSQL Assessment and Satisfaction of Diabetic Patients

Objective: To assess effect of group continuous nursing intervention model on serum biochemical parameters, general self-efficacy scale (GSES) assessment, Diabetes Specific Quality of Life Scale (DSQL) assessment and satisfaction of diabetic patients. Methods: A total of 150 patients with type 2 diabetes who were admitted from June 2017 to October 2019 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University were randomly selected as the research subjects. They were divided into intervention group and control group (75 cases each group) according to the mode of health nursing intervention. Control group patients received common nursing intervention, and intervention group patients received group continuous nursing intervention. We collected the valid data from the changes of serum biochemical level, self-efficacy, diabetes specific quality of life and clinical nursing satisfaction were observed before and after the intervention. Result: In serum indicators, the results were not significantly different before nursing intervention (P> 0.05), and these indicators of the intervention group were significantly lower compare with the control group (P 0.05), and the GSES assessment of the two groups of patients were significantly increased after nursing intervention, but the GSES assessments of the patients in the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). In diabetes specific quality of life assessment, The DSQL evaluation of the patients in the intervention group after nursing intervention was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). After nursing intervention, the clinical nursing satisfaction of patients in the intervention group reached 98.67%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (81.33%), and the comparison between groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: group continuous nursing intervention can significantly improve serum indicators, diabetes specific quality of life, self-efficacy, and clinical nursing satisfaction.

Green tea extract synergistically enhances the effectiveness of an antiresorptive drug on management of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy in a rat model.

Antiresorptive drugs are effective for reducing bone loss in postmenopausal women, but their long-term application may be associated with adverse effects. The present study aimed to investigate the potential in vivo synergistic effects of green tea extract (GTE) and alendronate or raloxifene on the management of osteoporosis. Ovariectomized rats were fed orally with GTE, alendronate and raloxifene at different concentrations and various combinations for 4 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femur and tibia was monitored weekly using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Bone microarchitecture in the left distal femur was analyzed using micro-CT, while serum biochemical levels were measured using ELISA kits at the end of the study. GTE alone effectively mitigated BMD loss and improved bone microarchitecture in rats. The co-administration of GTE and alendronate increased total BMD in the lumbar spine, femur and tibia. Particularly, GTE synergistically enhanced the effect of alendronate at a low dose on bone microarchitecture and decreased serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. These findings imply that the dosage of certain antiresorptive agents could be reduced when they are administrated simultaneously with GTE, so that their adverse effects are minimized. The findings may be used to support the development of a new synergistic intervention between food therapy and pharmacotherapy on the management of osteoporosis in a long-term basis.

Radiobiological comparison of flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter-free (FFF) beam in rat laryngeal tissue

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the radioprotective effect of melatonin by analyzing histopathological changes and serum biochemical levels on experimental rat models exposed to flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter-free (FFF) beam. Materials and methods Forty-eight healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. The control (Group 1) was given no treatment, the melatonin (Group 2) was given 10 mg/kg melatonin only, the FF (Group 3) and FFF (Group 5) were given fractionated dose (Total 32 Gy, 5 consecutive days) radiotherapy only, and the FF plus melatonin (Group 4) and FFF plus melatonin (Group 6) were given 10 mg/kg melatonin 15 minutes prior to irradiation. Rats were examined for histopathology and biochemical analysis 10 days after irradiation. Results When results of FF and FFF radiotherapy only groups are compared to control group, statistically significant difference in histopathological and biochemical parameters are observed; however, melatonin administration in radiotherapy plus melatonin groups improved these parameters (p <.05). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between FF and FFF beams (p > .05). Conclusions The effect of low- and high-dose beams on the rat larynx and serum samples were investigated histopathologically and biochemically for the first time. We observed that melatonin supplemented before FF and FFF radiotherapy protected early period radiotherapy-induced laryngeal mucosal damage. Since the radiobiological results of FF and FFF beams are similar, FFF beams can be safely applied in laryngeal irradiation. However, more experimental rat and clinical studies are needed to clarify the radiobiological uncertainy concerning dose rate on cancerous and healthy tissue.

Possible Acute Poisoning by Sinapis arvensis in Sheep: Clinical, Laboratory and Necropsy Findings.

An outbreak of possible acute poisoning by Sinapis arvensis occurred in a flock of 50 fat-tailed sheep located in the Semnan province of Iran. Sinapis arvensis is an annual or winter annual plant of the genus Sinapis in the family Brassicaceae, commonly known as field mustard, wild mustard or charlock. The poisonous constituents are volatile oil of mustard, the alkaloid sinapin, and the alkaloidal glucoside sinalbin. The flock was grazing in land containing high amounts of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) in late spring. Seven sheep (aged between 1 and 5 years) died within approximately 3 days. The affected animals displayed signs of depression, reluctance to move, tachycardia, tachypnea, mucoid and hemorrhagic nasal discharges, pale conjunctiva, ataxia, abdominal pain, bruxism, and anorexia. Rectal temperature in these animals was normal to high (39-41.5 °C). Ruminal movements were reduced (1-2/min). Serum biochemical levels in affected sheep showed marked increases of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorous (P) and a marked decrease in calcium (Ca). In urinalysis, marked hemoglobinuria and proteinuria were observed. Necropsy findings included congestion in lungs and hemorrhage on the epicardial and endocardial heart surfaces, on the surface and medulla of the kidneys, and abomasal mucosa. The liver was also congested with a nutmeg pattern. Rumen contents included digested materials and large quantities of seeds and stems of wild mustard. For the first time, our findings confirmed wild mustard toxicosis in sheep in Iran.

Salivary and Serum Biochemical Analysis from Patients with Chronic Renal Failure in Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To compare salivary and serum biochemical levels in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. Material and Methods: The sample was composed of 57 patients treated in Hemodialysis Reference Centers, from a state of Northeastern Brazilian, with age ≥21 years old with at least 3 months of hemodialysis treatment time. Serum data were obtained from records. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva were collected. Flow rate (mL/min) was measured. Spectrophotometry was performed for the measurement of salivary levels of calcium (570 nm), urea (340 nm), and creatinine (510 nm). Statistical analysis used Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p<0.05). Results: Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates were 0.43 mL/min and 1.69 mL/min, respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.001) of levels of calcium (5.41 mg/dL and 9.70 mg/dL), urea (118.03 mg/dL and 183.22 mg/dL) and creatinine (0.59 mg/dL and 9.20 mg/dL) between saliva and serum, respectively. Concerning the time of hemodialysis, salivary and serum calcium not exhibited significant association; however, serum urea (p=0.012) and serum creatinine (p=0.025) showed significant association to the time of hemodialysis. Conclusion: Salivary biochemical levels of urea, creatinine and calcium can indicate the presence of a possible chronic renal failure and the saliva demonstrated to be a potential auxiliary biofluid for clinical monitoring renal alterations.

Rice bran protein: An alternative plant-based protein to ameliorate protein malnourishment

The rice bran protein (RBP) fractions namely, albumins, albumins-globulins, and alkali extracted protein (AEP) were evaluated for their nutritional response in the normal and malnourished male Wistar rats (50 ± 5 g). The total essential amino acid (EAA) of AEP (40.1%) was closer to casein (43.4%) indicating its superiority. The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of AEP (0.83) was the highest followed by albumins (0.70) and albumins-globulins (0.66). AEP supplementation showed the highest corrected protein efficiency ratio (CPER-1.99) compared to other fractions. Protein depletion considerably affected the body weight and organ weight as well as haematology and serum biochemical markers level. During the repletion period, AEP group regained the normal body weight, exhibiting the highest CPER (1.89). RBP repletion generally helped in improving the organ weight, haematological and serum biochemical profiles. Nutritional assessment in experimental rats suggests that RBP may be promoted as an alternative plant-based protein to ameliorate protein malnutrition.

Effects of yam (Dioscorea oppositifolia L.) on growth performance, serum biochemical level and liver metabonomics of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Yam (Dioscorea oppositifolia L.), as an important traditional medicinal herb, has a functional impact upon anti-disease and strengthens immunity. In the present study, we conducted growth performance, serum biochemical level, metabonomics analysis of liver in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diets including yam extract (0, 0.2 %, and 0.4 %) for 56 days, to identify yam extract-affected growth performance, serum biochemical level, liver metabolites and metabolic pathways. After the feeding experiment, there were no significant changes in weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) in yam-supplemented groups. Albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) contents, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities were increased, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were decreased in yam extract groups. Using VIP- values > 1 and P-value < 0.05 as the threshold, a total of 29 and 78 metabolites were significantly up-regulated in 0.2 % and 0.4 % yam extract group, respectively, while 14 and 74 metabolites were significantly down-regulated. Moreover, 18 overlap significantly discriminating metabolites in two comparisons were annotated to 8 metabolic pathways in KEGG analysis, 7 top significantly enriched pathways terms (P < 0.05) include Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor biosynthesis, Autophagy-other, Autophagy-animal, Ferroptosis, Glutathione metabolism, Glycerophospholipid metabolism, and Cysteine and methionine metabolism. Results showed that yam extract has certain antioxidant and protective effects on liver of rainbow trout, and the mechanism of this effect may be related to the conversion of Glycerophosphoethanolamine to glycerophosphocholine, down-regulation of canavanine, glutathione metabolism and Cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways.

Parathyroidectomy improves hypercalciuria in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundHypercalciuria is an important manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism and may contribute to the risk of nephrolithiasis. This study examined the impact of parathyroidectomy on 24-hour urinary calcium (24-hour UCa) levels and rates of resolution of hypercalciuria after surgery. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who underwent curative parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism from 2007 to 2017. Baseline and postoperative urine and serum biochemistry levels were analyzed. The relationship between preoperative 24-hour UCa levels and the absolute decrease in postoperative UCa excretion was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. ResultsOf 110 patients, 84 (76.4%) experienced a ≥20% decrease in 24-hour UCa level postoperatively. These patients had a higher baseline median 24-hour UCa level (293.5 vs 220.5 mg/24-hour; P = .001), higher baseline mean serum parathyroid hormone (106.5 vs 83; P = .05) and were more likely to have single gland disease (85.7% vs 65.4%, P = .04) compared with patients in whom 24-hour UCa excretion did not improve. Of the 28 patients (25%) who were hypercalciuric (24-hour UCa >400 mg/day) at baseline, 22 (79%) became normocalciuric postoperatively. A linear correlation was observed between preoperative 24-hour UCa levels and the decline in 24-hour UCa excretion after surgery (R2 = 0.59, P < .0001) such that the degree of improvement could be predicted using the following equation: absolute decrease in postoperative 24-hour UCa = 0.68 × preoperative 24-hour UCa-68. ConclusionParathyroidectomy reduces 24-hour UCa excretion in the majority of patients with PHPT and restores normocalciuria in 79% of patients with hypercalciuria at baseline.

Relationship Between Modified Body Adiposity Index and A Body Shape Index with Biochemical Parameters in Bariatric Surgery Candidates.

Body mass index, an estimate of body fat percentage, has been previously shown to be associated with metabolic disorders. However, there is little data on the associations between a body shape index (ABSI) or modified body adiposity index (MBAI), which provide valuable definitions of body fat, with serum biochemical parameter levels. Therefore, this study was conducted to find either ABSI or MBAI associations with serum biochemical parameter levels in bariatric surgery candidates. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 776 bariatric surgery candidates (age range 18-69 years) between November 2010 and September 2017. Demographic data, anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters, and body composition analysis data were drawn from the National Obesity Surgery Database, Iran. ABSI and MBAI were calculated using related equations. A stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate whether ABSI or MBAI was associated with each serum biochemical parameter. ABSI, age, and multivitamin/mineral supplementation (MVMS) were independently associated with serum vitamin D (β = 24.374, SE 10.756, P value 0.026; β = 0.022, SE 0.007, P value 0.002; β = 0.639, SE 0.235, P value 0.008). However, a negative association was observed between MBAI and vitamin D (β = - 0.037, SE 0.016, P value 0.025) in a model adjusted for age and MVMS. Additionally, MBAI and age showed a significant positive association with serum HDL-c (β = 0.185, SE 0.085, P value 0.028; β = 0.171, SE 0.033, P value < 0.001), although there was a negative association between male sex and HDL-c (β = - 4.004, SE 0.891, P value < 0.001). ABSI and MBAI may be appropriate indices in predicting serum vitamin D and HDL-c levels.

Study of the Clinical, Electrocardiographic and Biochemical Spectrum of Cardiovascular Complications in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage − An Initial Experience at a Tertiary Centre in India

Objectives: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an extremely fatal condition with mortality as high as 45%. Apart from the intra-cranial causes, there are cardiovascular events, which add to the morbidity and mortality. These can manifest with deranged cardiac biomarkers. However, quantitative assessment of these biochemical markers and its correlation with prognosis has not been adequately studied. We tried to analyse the spectrum and outcome of cardiovascular complications in patients with aneurysmal SAH and whether elevated levels of serum biochemical markers have any association with the prognosis. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Materials and Method: We included patients of all grades of aneurysmal SAH with ictus less than 48 hours at the time of admission. The patient’s serum biochemical marker levels [troponin T (TnT), total creatine phosphokinase (CPK), cardiac-specific creatine phosphokinase (CPK − MB), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C reactive protein (CRP)] were measured for 6 consecutive days from the day of admission (Day 0). Patient also underwent 12 lead Electrocardiography (ECG) and two dimensional echocardiography (2D Echo) on Day 0, Day 1 and Day 5. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis was performed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20:0. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to find the association between diagnosis and various data variables associated with diagnosis. P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Data was graphically depicted with the help of box plots. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for TnT, CPK and BNP. Results: Twenty five patients were enrolled in the study. Out of the five serum biochemical markers studied, TnT, CPK and BNP were statistically associated with outcome. Serum TnT levels on day 4; serum CPK levels on day 3 and day 4; and serum BNP levels on day 3, day 4 and day 5 were statistically significant. BNP was the serum biochemical marker which had the strongest statistical association with outcome. ECG abnormalities were observed in 76% of the cases. Prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval was the most common abnormal ECG finding among the patients who died. One patient developed 3rd degree heart block and another patient developed left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 40% on 2D Echo following aneurysmal SAH. Conclusion: Cardiovascular complications are common in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Serum quantitative levels of TnT, CPK and BNP can be incorporated in the battery of routine blood tests in SAH patients for predicting outcome.

Effects of Ethyl Pyruvate on Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Nrf2 Pathway and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Rats.

Aim The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on experimental liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Material and Method Rats were randomly divided into three groups: the sham group, the BDL group, and the BDL+EP group. Liver fibrosis was induced by common bile duct ligation and was evaluated by serum biochemical parameter levels, Masson's trichrome staining, α-SMA expression, and collagen I deposition. The levels of Nrf2 signaling pathway-related antioxidant genes (Nrf2, SOD2, NQO1, and GSH-Px) in liver tissues were also measured. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of HMGB1, IL-1β, TNF-α, and HSP27 were analyzed. In BDL-induced liver fibrosis rats, the successfully established model was confirmed by the significant increase of serum ALT and AST levels, the high liver fibrosis score, α-SMA expression, and collagen deposition. Results Compared with the BDL group, EP administration could diminish fibrosis level and substantially increase the expression of Nrf2 signaling pathway-related antioxidant genes. Furthermore, EP significantly suppressed the mRNA expression levels of HMGB1, IL-1β, TNF-α, and HSP27. Conclusions The results suggested that EP administration could effectively inhibit the liver fibrosis induced by BDL in rat, which may be associated with the enhanced activity of Nrf2 to mediate antioxidant enzyme system and downregulate the inflammatory genes.

Dual TBK1/IKKɛ inhibitor amlexanox attenuates the severity of hepatotoxin-induced liver fibrosis and biliary fibrosis in mice.

Although numerous studies have suggested that canonical IκB kinases (IKK) play a key role in the progression of liver fibrosis, the role of non‐canonical IKKε and TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) on the development and progression of liver fibrosis remains unclear. To demonstrate such issue, repeated injection of CCl4 was used to induce hepatotoxin‐mediated chronic liver injury and biliary fibrosis was induced by 0.1% diethoxycarbonyl‐1, 4‐dihydrocollidine diet feeding for 4 weeks. Mice were orally administered with amlexanox (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) during experimental period. Significantly increased levels of TBK1 and IKKε were observed in fibrotic livers or hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from fibrotic livers. Interestingly, amlexanox treatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IKKε accompanied by reduced liver injury as confirmed by histopathologic analysis, decreased serum biochemical levels and fibro‐inflammatory responses. Additionally, treatment of amlexanox promoted the fibrosis resolution. In accordance with these findings, amlexanox treatment suppressed HSC activation and its related fibrogenic responses by partially inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Furthermore, amlexanox decreased the activation and inflammatory responses in Kupffer cells. Collectively, we found that inhibition of the TBK1 and IKKε by amlexanox is a promising therapeutic strategy to cure liver fibrosis.

Dietary zerumbone, a sesquiterpene, ameliorates hepatotoxin-mediated acute and chronic liver injury in mice.

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome. Long-lasting liver injury can lead to chronic hepatic inflammation and fibrogenic responses. Zerumbone (ZER), the main constituent of rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet Smith, has a variety of functions including anticancer activity. We investigated the role of ZER on the progression of hepatotoxin-induced liver injury. Single or repeated injection of CCl4 was used to induce acute or chronic liver injury, respectively. Mice were orally administered with ZER (10, 50mg/kg) during the experimental period. Histopathologic analysis and serum biochemical levels revealed that ZER had hepatoprotective activities against ALI. Similar effects of ZER on injured livers were confirmed by analyses of inflammation and apoptosis-related genes. Western blot analysis showed that protein levels of apoptotic molecules were decreased, whereas antiapoptotic protein levels were conversely increased in injured livers treated with ZER. Furthermore, chronic liver injury and its associated fibrogenesis in mice were reduced by ZER treatment. These findings from our in vivo experiments further indicate that ZER could alleviate hepatocellular toxicity and inhibit activation of primary hepatic stellate cells. Our results suggest that ZER might have potential as a safe and prophylactic alternative to prevent acute and chronic liver injury.

Hematological and serum biochemical parameters of five freshwater snow trout fish species from river Jhelum of Kashmir Himalaya, India

Fish blood is a pathophysiological indicator of the whole body function and is thus considered as an important tool in diagnosing the structural and functional status of fish. However, the blood parameters vary between species to species and it mainly depends upon the favorable environmental conditions where the species live. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the hematological and serum biochemical indices of five Schizothorax species: Schizothorax labiatus, S. plagiostomus, S. esocinus, S. curvifrons and S. niger in order to establish the resemblances and variations between these Schizothorax species which are inhabiting in river Jhelum. The hematological profile including hemoglobin (Hb), total red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Hct), white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was analyzed from each Schizothorax sp. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in blood parameters among five Schizothorax spp. The results showed lowest values of hematological parameters in S. niger with respect to other species, while the highest values of hematological parameters were recorded in S. plagiostomus. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in serum biochemical levels of glucose, protein, cholesterol and urea were also noted in Schizothorax spp. The differences found in the hematological profile and serum biochemical composition in these fishes can be attributed to the individual feeding behavior, tolerance and environmentally adjustable capability of the fish. However, further study is required to correlate the present study with some other parameters such as the nutrient status of the river Jhelum where these fishes live.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Entamoeba histolytica infection among gastroenteritis patients visiting the public healthcare system, Pakistan.

To investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of entamoeba histolytica among patients with gastrointestinal complaints, and to measure the eventual changes in serum biochemical parameters to reflect its pathogenicity. The cross-sectional study was conducted in different hospitals of Potohar region in Punjab province and in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan from September 2015 to February 2017, and comprised individuals of either gender belonging to diverse backgrounds, inhabiting different areas of the country. The patients were enrolled from among those who visited outpatient departments with complaints of vague abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and diarrhoea. Blood samples were screened by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and serum biochemical tests. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 356 subjects, 238(66.9%) were females and 118 (33.1%) were males. The overall mean age was 33.4}11.05 years. Seroprevalence of entamoeba histolytica was 356(73%). The infection rate did not differ significantly (p>0.05) among cities, while the highest infection was recorded in Islamabad 91(25.5%). The participants in rural areas had 2.16-fold higher risk of infection compared to urban areas, while the lowest risk of infection among people aged 50years compared to those aged 40-49 years (p=0.04). The amoebiasis was significantly associated with eating unwashed raw vegetables and average toilet facilities. Among clinical complications, haemodynamic changes, jaundice, vomiting, haemoglobin level, loose motion, intolerance to oral feeding, and history of antibiotics were significant associated variables (p<0.05 each). Significant elevation in alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein and globulin levels were positively associated with amoebiasis (p<0.01 each). In entamoeba histolytica -positive patients ,serum biochemical level was found elevated and the risk factors determined were eating unwashed vegetables, toilet facilities, age, locality, jaundice, vomiting, haemoglobin level, loose motion, intolerance to oral feeding, and history of antibiotics.

Modulation of gut microbiota by chlorogenic acid pretreatment on rats with adrenocorticotropic hormone induced depression-like behavior.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated as a vital element in the development or exacerbation of mental disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Based on the current interest in the gut-brain axis, we investigate the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on gut microbiota in a rat model of MDD. Depression was induced by the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, 100 μg per rat) in male Wistar rats, which were intervened with using saline or CGA (500 mg kg-1). Behavioral changes and serum parameters were assessed and fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our studies demonstrated that CGA pretreatment ameliorated depression-like behavior (SPT, FST, TST, and OFT) and serum biochemical levels (5-HT, DA, IL-6, and TNF-α) in ACTH-induced depression rats. In addition, CGA ameliorated the decrease in fecal microbiota diversity in ACTH-treated rats. In particular, at the genus level, the changes in the relative abundance of some key bacteria such as Desulfovibrionales, Desulfovibrio, Klebsiella, Burkholderiales, and Bifidobacterium were modulated by CGA pretreatment. These results indicated that CGA could modify the gut microbial community structure, which may contribute to its antidepressant effects.

Curcuma angustifolia ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells and Swiss albino rats

Objective: To determine the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of methanol extract of rhizome of Curcuma angustifolia (MECA) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in vitro and in vivo. Methods: DPPH, ABTS and reducing power assays were performed to estimate the antioxidant effect of MECA. In vitro cytotoxicity of MECA against HepG2 cells was evaluated, whereas serum biochemical parameters and levels of antioxidative enzymes were measured in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, histopathological studies were estimated in order to investigate the hepatoprotective efficacy of MECA. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of the extract was performed to identify the chemical components. Results: MECA exhibited strong antioxidant activity and attenuated CCl4-induced decrease in the viability of HepG2 cells. Additionally, MECA significantly restored the ALT, AST, ALP, TP and albumin level in comparison with the CCl4 group. After pre-treatment with MECA, effects of SOD, CAT and GSH were increased as well as lipid peroxidation amount decreased on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo model. Furthermore, histopathological observation confirmed that MECA reduced liver injury induced by CCl4 in rats. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents such as α-tocopherol (12.27%), phytol (7.61%), squalene (3.71%), β-sitosterol (2.19%), eugenol (2.59%), curcumenol (1.20%), β-elemene (1.00%) and eucalyptol (0.89%). Conclusions: MECA contains antioxidant and hepatoprotective constituents such asa-tocopherol, phytol, squalene and eugenol and exerts hepatoprotective effect both in vitro and in vivo.

Kid Coccidiosis and Associated Heamato-Biochemical Changes in Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

The morbidity and mortality of kids is one of the major problems and an important constraint to profitable goat farming. Coccidiosis is one of the significant diseases, which accounts for anemia and associated with problems like decreased appetite, poor growth rate, decreased resistance to infections, and high mortality in kids. The present study reveals the alterations in hemato-biochemical parameters in kids naturally infected with Coccidia. Blood parameters like hemoglobin, PCV and TLC showed a significant reduction where as an increase in TLC was recorded as compared to healthy kids. Serum glucose, total protein, albumin, sodium, calcium and phosphorus were significantly (P≤ 0.05) decreased where as BUN, creatinine, AST and ALT of diseased kids were significantly (P≤ 0.05) increased in comparison to healthy kids. All the hematological, serum biochemical parameters and serum levels of sodium, calcium, and phosphorus of Coccidiosis infected kids were evaluated statistically by comparing with healthy control animals. Alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters should be taken into consideration while selecting the therapeutic regimen in order to reduce severity and hasten recovery.

Safety of isotretinoin treatment as measured by liver parameters.

Isotretinoin is an analogue of vitamin A and by suppressing the sebaceous glands it is often prescribed in cases of severe acne treatment. The treatment for the average patient is carried out during two to ten months. This study was designed to investigate liver structure, hepatic enzyme levels and the stress oxidative parameter after isotretinoin treatment during a similar period and using the dosages of 1 mg/kg and another one of 10 mg/kg in young male Wistar rats. We have analyzed the blood serum biochemical levels to determine hepatic function and lipid peroxidation, hepatic tissue levels of hepatic enzymes, histology and ultrastructure. The groups receiving 1 mg/kg were not altered after treatment. Their ultrastructure showed a metabolically more active organ after treatment with 10 mg/kg, in which there was an increase in the area occupied by mitochondria and rough reticulum in electron transmission images. The group that received 10 mg/kg also showed increased alkaline phosphatase, decreased high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein. The changes observed with the 10 mg/kg dose were not conclusive for liver damage, because of the lack of histological structural modifications and the few biochemical alterations. The 1 mg/kg dose showed a liver responding to some stimuli but without profound alterations. So, we confirm that the proposed protocol with 1mg/kg or 10 mg/kg isotretinoin did not cause important biochemical and histological disfunctions for male Wistar rat livers.

Anti-obesity and fatty liver-preventing activities of Loniceracaerulea in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Blue honeysuckle (BH, Lonicera caerulea) is used as a traditional medicine in Russia, Japan and China, but is not commonly considered as an edible berry in Europe, USA or Korea. BH has been revealed to decrease serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol (triglyceride or TG) levels through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thus it is expected to be a health functional food and pharmaceutical agent for the prevention of non-alcoholic liver damage, in addition to effects as a suppressor of hyperlipidemia and as an anti-obesity agent. In the present study, the pharmacological activity of BH extract (BHe) was observed in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Significant increases in fat pad weight, body weight, fat accumulation (body and abdominal fat density, and thickness of the periovarian and abdominal wall) and serum biochemical levels (aspartate transaminase, alanine amino-transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyltransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and TG, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein) were observed in HFD-fed mice. In addition, increases in adipocyte hypertrophy, the area of steatohepatitis and hepatocyte hypertrophy were observed, whereas decreased zymogen content was identified upon histopathological observation. Increased deterioration of the endogenous antioxidant defense system (liver catalase, glutathione and superoxide dismutase) and hepatic lipid peroxidation was observed. In addition, there were decreases in hepatic glucokinase activity, AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 mRNA expression, adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 expression, and adiponectin mRNA expression, increases in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity, hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 mRNA expression, and the expression of leptin, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) α, C/EBPβ and sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein 1c mRNA in the periovarian tissue. Furthermore, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity were significantly inhibited by the continuous administration of BHe for 84 days. These results revealed that BHe may be a promising novel drug or functional food candidate for the treatment of obesity and NAFLD.