Serum Catalase Activities Research Articles

The protective and antioxidant effects of Hygrophila schulli seeds on oxidative damage of DNA and RBC cellular membrane

Medicinal plants are sources of antioxidant which may protect the body against oxidative stress related diseases and can be used as human food supplements. In this investigation, seeds of Hygrophila schulli (M. R. Almeida & S. M. Almeida) (Fam.-Acanthaceae), a herbaceous plant well known for its medicinal properties, has been examined for antioxidant activity of crude methanolic extract (CME) and its fraction using in vitro and in vivo assay as well as their protective activity against oxidative damage of DNA and RBC. Total phenolic and flavonoid content have also been estimated using the aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin-Ciocalteu method. Among the different fractions of CME, Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) had higher antioxidant activity in vitro assay and was selected for in vivo antioxidant activity in cadmium intoxicated mice. The EAF showed a significant (p <0.05) increase in serum catalase and SOD activity compared to the control group. TBARS levels were restored to 17.42 and 19.19 nmol/mg protein, respectively, after treatment with EAF and standard ascorbic acid (AA); compared to the normal group (14.96 nmol/mg protein). Similarly, levels of albumin, bilirubin, uric acid, and alkaline phosphatase were also brought back to normal levels. EAF's protective role against oxidative damage of DNA has shown a significant reduction in destroying of nicked DNA. RBC as a target of oxidation by H2O2 and HOCl, EAF showed inhibition of oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner, compared to standard gallic acid. In this study, we confirmed that EAF could scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) thus preventing DNA strand scission and the extract can be used as a functional food or nutraceutical product for health benefits.

Enhancement of growth, antioxidative status, nonspecific immunity, and disease resistance in gibel carp (Carassius auratus) in response to dietary Flos populi extract

This study investigated the effects of dietary Flos populi extract (FPE) on the growth, antioxidation capability, innate immune response, and disease resistance in gibel carp. A total of 480 fish were fed with five different diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g kg−1 FPE (designated as control, D0.5, D1.0, D1.5, or D2.0 groups) for 45 days. The fish were challenged with A. hydrophila after the feeding trial. Compared with the control, the feed efficiency (FE), weight gain (WG), final body weight (FBW), and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly improved in groups D1.0 and D1.5. Dietary FPE significantly increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) content. The contents of protein carbonyl (PCC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum decreased significantly. Additionally, FPE supplementation in diets resulted in significant improvement in serum lysozyme (LZM) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as immunoglobulin M (IgM) and complement 3 (C3) concentrations. The hepatic antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) activities increased, whereas content of MDA decreased in fish treated with dietary FPE than those of control both pre- and post-challenged. After 12 h-challenge, an obvious downregulation of hepatic Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mRNA levels was observed in fish treated with dietary FPE, whereas hepatic Nrf2 transcription level was upregulated compared to the control. Furthermore, compared to group D0.5, higher relative percent survival (RPS) was observed in gibel carp fed dietary 1.0–2.0 g/kg FPE. Our results reveal that FPE supplemented diet has a stimulatory effect on antioxidant capacity and nonspecific immune response, along with improved growth performance and enhanced resistance against A. hydrophila infection in juvenile gibel carp.

The Influence of Dietary Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Zootechnical Performance and Biometric Indices of Growing New Zealand White Rabbits

This study was designed to compare the effects of dietary conventional inorganic Zinc oxide (ZnO) and nano-zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) on the zootechnical performance, selected blood serum indices, antioxidant status, general health and production of rabbit meat enriched with zinc enriched with nano-zinc in growing New Zealand White rabbits (NZW). A total of 481 newly-born rabbits produced from two natural successive mating between 36 primiparous (NZW) Rabbit does and 12 bucks by the intensive breeding system were utilized throughout this study. Rabbits does and bucks were randomly distributed into four equal groups, the control positive group G1 was fed the basal diet supplemented with premix contain 50 ppm inorganic zinc in the form of ZnO; while the control negative G2 was fed on a basal diet supplemented with Zinc Free premix, meanwhile, G3 was fed on the basal diet supplemented with premix contain 25 ppm nano zinc as zinc oxide nanoparticles, however, G4 was fed on the basal diet supplemented with 50 ppm nano zinc as zinc oxide nanoparticles in the premix, Litters after weaning continued on the same diet like their dams till the age of selling at 62 days old. The results showed that the growing rabbits in (G4) supplemented with 50 mg ZnO-NPs/kg diet surpassing significance (P≤ 0.05) in all groups and achieved the best result regarding (birth weight(g), weaning weight(g), sealing weight (g) moreover lower Pre-weaning mortality %, and Post-weaning mortality%). Also, G4 showed significant improvement in FCR in comparison with other groups. Furthermore, showed highest significant increase in total protein and globulin, HDL, SOD, GSH, Catalase activity, and zinc concentration in serum, liver, and thigh tissue and also showed the highest significant decrease in AG ratio, creatinine, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, risk factor, MDA and NO level in G4 at 62 day age old, compared to other groups, while there was no significant difference in albumin level between all the experimental groups. In conclusion, supplementation of 50 mg ZnO-Npskg diet in the premix to the diet of growing NZW rabbit maximize the productive performance and improve FCR without any adverse effect.

Effects of calcium propionate on milk performance and serum metabolome of dairy cows in early lactation

Calcium propionate is a source of energy and calcium for alleviating negative energy balance and hypocalcemia. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in milk composition and serum metabolites associated with calcium propionate fed to postpartum dairy cows for 5 weeks. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows after calving were randomly allocated to control (CON), low calcium propionate (LCaP), medium calcium propionate (MCaP) and high calcium propionate (HCaP) groups. The dairy cows in the four groups were given oral drench with 0, 200, 350, 500 g/d calcium propionate per cow, respectively, from calving to d 35 in early lactation. Milk yield increased quadratically with increasing amounts of calcium propionate; being the greatest in the MCaP group. Supplementation with calcium propionate did not affect milk composition of dairy cows in early lactation. Serum glucose, insulin, glucagon, β-hydroxybutyrate, calcium, magnesium, calcitonin and calcitriol were not affected by calcium propionate supplementation. Serum non-esterified fatty acid tended to decrease linearly and parathyroid hormone increased quadratically with treatment. Serum alanine aminotransferase concentration was the lowest in the MCaP group and aspartate aminotransferase was the highest in the HCaP group among the four groups. Compared with the CON group, serum alkaline phosphatase activity decreased linearly and quadratically with the increasing calcium propionate supplementation. Supplementation with increasing amounts of calcium propionate quadratically decreased the activity of serum total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, however, quadratically increased concentration of malondialdehyde. Calcium propionate affected serum metabolites were mainly involved in bile acid metabolism from the metabolomic results. The 350 g/d calcium propionate feeding level could significantly improve milk performance but decrease antioxidant capacity of dairy cows as well. The effects of calcium propionate on milk performance and serum metabolites in early lactation cows was related to the regulation of serum bile acids metabolism.

Delay in puberty is dependent on heat shock protein B1 expression in native cross layers of Punjab under heat stress.

Small heat shock protein B1 (HspB1) has been reported to play an essential role in thermotolerance. This study aimed to determine a correlation (if any) between HspB1 expression and age at first egg lay (puberty) in a native cross-layer poultry of Punjab under heat stress. Forty native cross-layer birds were reared in two different seasons, viz. summer (THI was more than 27), classified as the heat-stressed group (n=20) and winter season (THI was less than 21), classified as the control group (n=20). Blood was collected from both the groups of birds in their 15th week of age and at puberty. Serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, reduced glutathione and corticosterone concentration and lipid peroxidation were measured to assess the oxidative stress in both the groups of birds. The serum antioxidants significantly decreased whilst corticosterone levels and lipid peroxidation significantly elevated in birds in response to summer heat stress. Moreover, in summer season, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes further decreased and lipid peroxidation further increased significantly in birds from their pre-pubertal stage to puberty, which was not observed during the winter season. A clone of chicken HspB1 in BL21 (DE3) cells was revived, and recombinant HspB1 was purified using Ni-NTA agarose column. Serum HspB1 concentration was estimated in different groups of birds by indirect ELISA that has been standardized using the recombinant chicken HspB1. Compared to the control, birds under heat stress had significantly higher serum HspB1 levels. The delay in puberty of all the heat-stressed birds was significantly associated with the increase in their serum HspB1 levels. Taken together, the expression of HspB1 was found to be associated with age at puberty in the native cross poultry layers of Punjab.

Changes in heavy metal levels, reproductive characteristics, oxidative stress markers and testicular apoptosis in rams raised around thermal power plant

Male reproductive dysfunction is one of the damages in the organism caused by heavy metals. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the changes in heavy metal levels in serum and testicular tissue, and serum hormone levels, epididymal spermatozoa characteristics, tissue oxidative stress levels, testicular histology and testicular apoptosis level in rams raised in remote and near regions of a thermal power plant. A total of 75 rams were divided into 3 groups according to the regions, where they were born and raised, being far [250 km distance, group 1 (control), n = 25], close (20 km distance, group 2, n = 25) and very close (10 km distance, group 3, n = 25) to the thermal power plant. The blood along with testis and epididymis tissues was taken from the animals after slaughtering. In addition, soil and water heavy metal analyzes were also performed. The highest levels of serum Al, Cr, As, Ag, Sn and testicular Al, V, Ni, Ag, Cd, Cr, As, Pb, and the lowest levels of serum Cu, testicular Cu and Zn were determined in group 3 compared to control. Soil and water heavy metal results were similar to those found in serum and testis. The lowest serum testosterone level, tissue glutathione-peroxidase and catalase activities, spermatozoon concentration, and the highest tissue malondialdehyde level, dead spermatozoon rate, Bax apoptotic protein expression level and Bax/Bcl-2 rate alongside some testicular histopathological lesions were found in group 3 in comparison to control. Significant correlations were determined between some heavy metal levels and some parameters measured. As a result, heavy metals accumulate in the soil and water in the region close to the thermal power plant. The endocrine and exocrine reproductive potentials of rams born and grown in these regions were clearly damaged by the increased testicular heavy metals due to water drank and herbs consumed.

Micelle silymarin supplementation to sows' diet from day 109 of gestation to entire lactation period enhances reproductive performance and affects serum hormones and metabolites.

The aim of the present study was to explore the influences of varying doses of micelle silymarin (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) supplementation on sows' feed intake, milk yields, serum hormones, and litter growth using 40 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, parity from 3 to 5) from the 109th prenatal day to the 21st postnatal day. Each treatment included 10 sows and each sow was used as an experimental unit. On weaning day, litter weight and litter weight gain were linearly improved (P < 0.01, both), corresponding to the increasing dose of silymarin micelle in the diet. Also, litter weight, litter weight gain, and average daily gain (ADG) of piglets born to treated sows exceeded (P < 0.05) those of offspring from the control sows (0% micelle silymarin). Feed intake in week 1, week 2, and the entire lactation period was increased (linear, P < 0.01) as micelle silymarin dose increased. Body weight (BW) loss of sows during lactation was linearly reduced (P = 0.003) with the increasing amounts of micelle silymarin. Average daily milk yields during lactation were also linearly increased (P = 0.002) in treated sows, exceeding (P = 0.046) that of control sows. Also, uniform increases were observed (P = 0.037) in fat content in milk produced by treated sows on day 14 of lactation. Epinephrine concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in sow serum on day 21 postpartum were linearly declined (P = 0.010) as micelle silymarin dose increased, and were both declined (P < 0.05) in treated sows compared with the control. In addition, treated sows' serum had higher activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) at parturition and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), lower oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentrations, and GSSG/GSH (glutathione) ratio (all, P < 0.01) on day 21 of lactation. Moreover, offspring from micelle silymarin-treated sows tended to (0.05 < P <0.1) have higher serum catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentrations. Taken together, the results showed that sows fed increasing levels of micelle silymarin from the 109th prenatal day to the 21st postnatal day had an incremental dose-dependent effect on higher feed intake, diminished BW loss, greater milk yields, and greater litter weight at weaning, and 0.2% of micelle silymarin could be optimal to achieve the better effect.

Effect of Nano-potassium Molybdate on the Copper Metabolism in Grazing the Pishan Red Sheep.

The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of different levels of nano-potassium molybdate (nano-K2MoO4) fertilization on the copper (Cu) metabolism in grazing the Pishan red sheep in the natural pasture. The fertilization and grazing experiments were conducted on the Pishan farm in Southern Xinjiang, China. The natural pastures of 16 hm2 were randomly divided into four groups (4 hm2/group), consisting of group C (no fertilized), group I, group II, and group III. The fertilizing amount of Mo from nano-K2MoO4 was 0, 7, 8, and 9kg/hm2 for group C, group I, group II, and group III, respectively. The 40 Pishan red sheep were randomly distributed to the tested pastures for 90days, and the 10 sheep/group. The results showed that the contents of Mo and N in forage from the fertilized pastures were extremely increased (P < 0.01). The yield and dry matter digestibility of forage in fertilized pastures were significantly higher than those in no fertilized pasture (P < 0.01). The values of crude protein (CP) and crude fat (EE) in forage from fertilized pastures were significantly increased (P < 0.01). The Mo contents in the blood and liver in the Pishan red sheep from fertilized pastures were greatly increased (P < 0.01). The Cu contents in the blood and liver in the Pishan red sheep from the fertilized pastures were greatly decreased (P < 0.01). The activities of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in group I, group II, and group III were extremely lower than those in group C (P < 0.01), and the contents of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) in group I, group II, and group III were greatly higher than those from group C (P < 0.01). In summary, the application of nano-K2MoO4 improved the nutritive values and the yield of forage, but overuse will remarkably reduce the Cu contents of blood and greatly interfere with the Cu metabolism, leading to the Cu deficiency and low antioxidant capacity in grazing the ruminants.

Correlation between Apelin and Some Angiogenic Factors in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia: Apelin-13 as Novel Drug for Treating Preeclampsia and Its Physiological Effects on Placenta.

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the commonest causes for maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Imbalances of angiogenic factors, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response have a role in the pathogenesis of PE. Data regarding the circulating apelin level and its role in PE remains controversial. This study was formulated to assess the serum apelin level in PE, investigate its correlation with some inflammatory, oxidative stress, and angiogenic proteins in a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; the N (gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced rat model of PE and determine whether apelin administration could protect against development of PE. 40 healthy adult female albino rats and 10 adult male albino rats were used in this study. The pregnant female rats were randomly divided into three groups: group 1 (normal pregnant group), group 2 (PE-induced group), injected subcutaneously with 75 mg L-NAME/kg bodyweight/day starting from day 9 to 20 of gestation, and group 3 (PE-induced group supplemented with apelin (PE + apelin)); PE induced as before and simultaneously subcutaneously injected with apelin-13 (6 × 10−8 mol/kg bodyweight/twice daily) beginning from day 6 to 20 of gestation. In all groups, blood pressure and urine protein were determined at gestation days (GD) 0, 10, and 18. Moreover, serum apelin, placental growth factor (PLGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels and serum superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities of all groups were estimated at the end of experiment. Placental histopathological examination was also performed. PE-induced rats showed significantly decreased serum apelin levels. Moreover, they showed significantly increased blood pressures, urine proteins, sFlt-1, sEng, and IFN-γ (mean arterial blood pressure, urine proteins, sFlt-1, sEng, and IFN-γ showed significant negative correlations with serum apelin level), but it showed significantly decreased VEGF, PLGF, IL-10, SOD, and CAT (VEGF, PLGF, IL-10, and SOD showed significant positive correlations with serum apelin level). In contrast, exogenous apelin administration significantly ameliorated these parameters together with improvement in the placental histoarchitecture in the apelin-supplemented PE group. This study demonstrated the protective effects of apelin administration on the pathogenesis of PE.

Effects of Nano-copper Oxide on Antioxidant Function of Copper-Deficient Kazakh Sheep.

Kazakh sheep are vital to the production system of the Barkol prairie. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of nano-copper oxide (Nano-Cu2O) on the antioxidant system of Cu-deficient Kazakh sheep in the Barkol prairie in Xinjiang, China. We analyzed mineral contents in soil, forage, and animal tissues. Blood parameters were also measured at the same time. The results showed that compared with healthy grassland, the Cu content in the soil and forage in Cu-deficient pastures was significantly lower than that in healthy grassland (P < 0.01). The Cu content in the blood, wool, and liver of Cu-deficient Kazakh sheep was significantly lower than that of healthy animals (P < 0.01). After Kazakh sheep were supplemented with Nano-Cu2O or CuSO4, the blood Cu concentration increased significantly (P < 0.01). From the 5th day, the Cu content of the Nano-Cu2O group was significantly higher than that of the CuSO4 group. The levels of hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte count (RBC), and packed cell volume (PCV) in the two experimental groups were significantly higher than those in Cu-deficient Kazakh sheep (P < 0.01). Compared with Cu-deficient Kazakh sheep, the serum ceruloplasmin (Cp) level of the two experimental groups increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Compared with Cu-deficient Kazakh sheep, the activities of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in Nano-Cu2O and CuSO4 groups increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the level of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Therefore, Nano-Cu2O could not only significantly increase the Cu content in the blood of Cu-deficient Kazakh sheep, but also greatly improve the antioxidant capacity.

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

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

Anti-fatigue effect of quercetin on enhancing muscle function and antioxidant capacity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-fatigue effect of quercetin in mice. Three-week-old male BALB/c mice, fed with/without 0.005% quercetin for 6weeks, were randomly divided into two experimental sets (loaded swimming and non-loading swimming tests). Our data indicated that dietary quercetin supplementation prolonged the exhaustive swimming time. In addition, lactic acid (LD) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities in serum were significantly decreased, while the levels of non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) in serum and the content of liver glycogen and muscle glycogen were significantly enhanced in dietary quercetin supplementation group. Furthermore, dietary quercetin supplementation significantly enhanced the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities in serum, liver and gastrocnemius muscle and enhanced the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in gastrocnemius muscle, but decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Meanwhile, dietary quercetin supplementation affected the mRNA expression of regulators factors involved in muscle damage and inflammation, glucose metabolism and gluconeogenesis, muscle mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and antioxidant related genes. Together, our data confirm that dietary quercetin supplementation can promote anti-fatigue capacity by promoting the antioxidant capacity and glycogen storage, as well as enhancing muscle function. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Quercetin is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid substance. Here we confirm that quercetin has anti-fatigue activity. Our study indicates that quercetin may be used as natural anti-fatigue functional food or drugs.

Effects of Vitamin C and E Supplementation on Growth, Fatty Acid Composition, Innate Immunity, and Antioxidant Capacity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed Oxidized Fish Oil

This 10-week feeding experiment examined the effects of supplementing vitamin C (VC) and E (VE) in oxidized oil diets on growth, fatty acid composition, blood physiological indicators, innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, and liver and intestine histology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four diets were produced including a fresh fish oil containing diet (FFO diet), an oxidized fish oil containing diet (OFO diet), and OFO diet supplemented with 500 mg kg–1 VC and 400 mg kg–1 VE (OFO+C500+E400 diet) or 1,000 mg kg–1 VC and 800 mg kg–1 VE (OFO+C1000+E800 diet). Four hundred and twenty fish averaging 46.9 ± 0.32 g were stocked into 12 tanks and fed the diets twice a day to visual satiety. The results showed no significant effect of OFO or vitamins supplementation on growth, feed intake and feed utilization (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The groups that received OFO and OFO+C1000+E800 diets had significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) lower hepatosomatic indices than the other groups. Muscle fatty acid composition showed decreased proportion of 15:0, 16:0, 16:1n-7, 16:2n-4, 18:1n-5, 18:2n-6 (linoleic acid) and total saturated fatty acids in OFO group. Whereas higher percentages of 20:3n-6 and 20:3n-3 were found in OFO group. In addition, the highest ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) was detected in OFO+C500+E400 group. The highest serum triglyceride concentration was recorded in the OFO group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase activity increased in OFO and OFO+C1000+E800 groups compared to OFO+C500+E400 group. Furthermore, significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity in blood was found in OFO and OFO+C500+E400 groups. Significantly lower serum lysozyme, antiprotease, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were recorded in OFO group compared to FFO and OFO+C500+E400 groups, and an opposite trend was observed for malondialdehyde concentration. Muscle VC and VE concentrations, and liver and intestine histology remained unaffected. To conclude, feeding diet containing oxidized oil with peroxide value of 182 meq kg–1 with/without VC and VE supplementation did not influence growth and tissue VC and VE concentrations of rainbow trout. However, supplementing 500 mg kg–1 VC and 400 mg kg–1 VE reversed the adverse effects of OFO on non-specific immune response and antioxidant capacity.

Increased oxidative stress contributes to enhance brain amyloidogenesis and blunts energy metabolism in sucrose-fed rat: effect of AMPK activation

Metabolic disturbances are linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the cellular mechanisms underlying this connection are unclear. We evaluated the role of oxidative stress (OS), during early metabolic syndrome (MetS), on amyloidogenic processes in a MetS rat model induced by sucrose. MetS caused OS damage as indicated by serum and hypothalamus lipid peroxidation and elevated serum catalase activity. Tissue catalase and superoxide dismutase activity were unchanged by MetS, but gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (NFE2L2), which up-regulates expression of antioxidant enzymes, was higher. Expression of amyloid-β cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) and amyloid precursor protein (APP), key proteins in the amyloidogenesis pathway, were slightly increased by sucrose-intake in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Activation and expression of protein kinase B (PKB) and AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), pivotal proteins in metabolism and energy signaling, were similarly affected in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of MetS rats. Brain creatine kinase activity decreased in brain tissues from rats with MetS, mainly due to irreversible oxidation. Chronic metformin administration partially reversed oxidative damage in sucrose-fed animals, together with increased AMPK activation; probably by modulating BACE-1 and NFE2L2. AMPK activation may be considered as a preventive therapy for early MetS and associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Limitation and Potential Effects of Different Levels of Aging Corn on Performance, Antioxidative Capacity, Intestinal Health, and Microbiota in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryCorn is an important ingredient and staple food in China; thus, corn storage has a certain importance to ensure domestic food resources. Normally, corn has been stored for 3 or more years under the proper storage conditions in national barns before it is used as a feed ingredient. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of aging corn (AC) on performance, antioxidative capacity, intestinal health, and microbiota in broilers. In the present study, AC grains were stored for 4 years under the proper storage conditions at the national storage facility. The results indicated that a lower level of AC diet showed improved performance and overall bird health than a higher level of AC, and comparable with a normal corn diet. However, antioxidative capacity is reduced by AC diets.Three-hundred and sixty-day-old male broilers underwent three treatments with six replicates of 20 birds per treatment. The experimental diets included NC: normal corn diet; ACL: lower level (39.6–41.24%) of AC; and ACH: a higher level (56.99–59.12%) of AC. During phase 1 (0–21 d), broilers fed on AC showed lower (p < 0.05) body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared with the NC group. During phase 2 (22–42 d), the NC group and ACL group showed better (p < 0.05) BW, BWG, and FCR than the ACH group. The footpad lesion score (p = 0.05) and litter moisture percentage (p < 0.05) were found to be higher in the ACH group. During phase 1, the ACL group showed a lower level of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < 0.05) in serum; moreover, catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities (p < 0.05) were found lower in both AC-containing groups. During phase 2, CAT activity in serum was found higher (p < 0.05) in the ACH group. During phase 1, the NC group showed higher CAT (p = 0.05), GSH-Px (p < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p = 0.03); however, it showed lower MDA (p < 0.05) and total-antioxidative capability (T-AOC) (p < 0.05) in the liver. During phase 1, in breast muscle, CAT, SOD, and T-AOC were higher (p < 0.05) in the NC group. During phase 1, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. Similarly, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in the ACL group than the ACH group. During phase 1, villus height was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACH group. Moreover, the goblet cell (GC) was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the NC group than the ACL group. During phase 2, GC was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. In ileal digesta, during phase 1, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid (BA) levels were found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the ACL group. In cecal digesta, BA was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the NC group.

Fustin Ameliorates Elevated Levels of Leptin, Adiponectin, Serum TNF-α, and Intracellular Oxidative Free Radicals in High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Fustin is a prominent ingredient of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (Anacardiaceae) and has a wide range of pharmacological and clinical effects. The present study attempted to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of fustin in streptozotocin- and high-fat diet-induced diabetes in rats. The efficacy of fustin 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg/day p.o. was studied in 60% of total calories from fat as a high-fat diet along with single-dose administration streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) experimentally induced diabetes in rats for 42 days. The mean body weight; blood glucose; and biochemical parameters such as lipid profile, total protein (TP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), insulin, leptin levels, adiponectin levels, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity in serum were measured. The rats’ weight was maintained in the fustin groups compared to the diabetic control group. Diabetes caused a significant increase in serum levels in blood glucose, lipid profile, MDA, TNF-α, ALT, and AST parameters and a decrease in serum insulin, adiponectin, leptin, GSH, SOD, and CAT compared to healthy rats. The treatment regimen with fustin (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly restored all serum parameters in test groups. The present study found clinical evidence for the first time regarding the significant antidiabetic property of fustin, which could be a worthwhile candidate for the treatment of diabetes.

Livin/BIRC7 gene expression as a possible diagnostic biomarker for endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma

BackgroundLivin/BIRC7 is a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins family which are implicated in development of cancer through the inhibition of apoptosis process. This case-control study was intended to investigate livin/BIRC7 gene expression in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma and its correlation to some oxidative stress markers in addition to its possible diagnostic performance. MethodsThis study included 90 participants [30 endometrial hyperplasia patients, 30 endometrial carcinoma patients, and 30 healthy controls]. Livin/BIRC7 gene expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum catalase activity was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and malondialdehyde level was measured by the colorimetric method. ResultsLivin/BIRC7 gene expression was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in endometrial carcinoma from patients with endometrial hyperplasia when compared to controls. A positive correlation was found between livin/BIRC7 expression and serum catalase activity and malondialdehyde level in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. The detection of livin/BIRC7 in endometrial carcinoma has excellent sensitivity and specificity. ConclusionsLivin/BIRC7 was overexpressed in endometrial carcinoma with excellent power to differentiate endometrial carcinoma from endometrial hyperplasia or healthy subjects, suggesting that it might be a useful molecular marker for endometrial carcinoma diagnosis.

CoNi alloy nanoparticles for cancer theranostics: synthesis, physical characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies

Nanomaterials are attracting increasing interest in many biomedical fields, including the fight against cancer. In this context, we successfully synthesized CoNi alloy nanoparticles (NPs) by a simple polyol process. The magnetic characteristics of the products were measured by vibration sample magnometry, which revealed that the samples have soft ferromagnetic behavior. The microstructure and morphology were inspected by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Human cancer cells derived from the breast (MCF7) and oral cavity (C152) and normal cells derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with increasing concentrations of CoNi NPs, and their cytotoxic effect was measured via MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assays. We found that treatments by using 12.5 to 400 µg/mL of Co0.5Ni0.5, Co0.6Ni0.4, and Co0.4Ni0.6 NPs were associated with significant concentration-dependent toxicity toward such cell lines and profoundly enhanced LDH leakage following 48 h of exposure (P < 0.05 compared with untreated cells). Besides, a NP dose of 6.25 µg/mL did not affect the survival of HUVECs while leading to marked cell death in MCF7 and C152 cells. In vivo experiments in rats were done to investigate the biochemical and histopathological changes over three weeks, following intraperitoneal administration of Co0.5Ni0.5, Co0.6Ni0.4, and Co0.4Ni0.6 NPs (100 mg/kg). As compared with the controls, the exposure to NPs caused significant elevations in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum catalase activity, serum superoxide dismutase, and liver malondialdehyde levels. Also, rats treated with Co0.6Ni0.4 NPs showed more severe histopathological changes of the liver and kidney. Our findings represent an essential step toward developing theranostic nanoplatforms for selective cancer treatment.

Tannic acid extracted from gallnut prevents post-weaning diarrhea and improves intestinal health of weaned piglets.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of tannic acid (TA) on growth performance, diarrhea rate, nutrient digestibility and intestinal health in weaned piglets. A total of 180 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 24 d of age, initial average BW = 7.77 ± 0.17 kg) were allotted to 5 groups (6 pigs/pen and 6 replicates/group) in a randomized complete block design according to their gender and body weight. Piglets were fed a basal diet, or the basal diet supplemented with 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.4% TA for 28 d. The supplementary levels of TA in the diets were obtained by adding tannalbin containing 51% TA and 40.17% protein. The results showed that, compared with the CON group, dietary TA did not affect ADFI, ADG or F:G, and linearly reduced (P < 0.01) the diarrhea rate and diarrhea index of piglets. There were no significant effects on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) in the 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% TA groups, while negative effects (P < 0.05) on apparent digestibility of crude protein and gross energy were observed in the 0.4% TA group. In addition, the nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy linearly decreased (P < 0.01) with the increase of TA dosage. Supplementation of TA increased (P < 0.05) the villus height of the duodenum and jejunum, as well as increased (P < 0.05) catalase (CAT) activity in serum. Dietary TA improved (P < 0.05) the Bacillus counts in cecal digesta. Further, TA significantly improved (P < 0.05) Bacillus counts and reduced (P < 0.05) the Escherichia coli counts in colonic digesta. The concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and isovaleric acid in cecal digesta were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression level of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), zonula occludens-2 (ZO-2), and claudin-2 (CLDN-2) in the jejunum were greater (P < 0.05) in TA supplemented groups. The study showed that, compared to the control, TA prevented post-weaning diarrhea and improved intestinal health of weaned piglets, and the appropriate level of TA supplementation would be from 0.1% to 0.2%.

Dietary Spirulina platensis phycocyanin improves growth, tissue histoarchitecture, and immune responses, with modulating immunoexpression of CD3 and CD20 in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This experiment was performed to examine the impact of dietary Spirulina platensis phycocyanin (SPC) on the growth performance, antioxidant status, histomorphology of certain organs, immune status with analyzing the immunohistochemical expression of CD3 and CD20, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus against A. hydrophila infection. Fish (N = 225, 41.41 ± 0.29 g/fish) were fed basal diets supplemented with five levels of SPC 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 g kg −1 diet (SPC0, SPC0.5, SPC1, SPC1.5, and SPC2, respectively) for 10 weeks. The final body weight, average daily weight gain, total weight gain (TWG), and specific growth rate were quadratically increased in SPC0.5 and SPC1 groups. The total weight gain was increased by 43.85 and 52.63% in SPC0.5 and SPC1 groups, respectively. According to the broken line regression model, the optimal SPC supplementation level was 1.5 g kg-1 based on the TWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The protein level of the fish body was quadratically raised in SPC1 and SPC1.5 groups. Linear and quadratic rise in the fat content and decrease in the ash content in a level-dependent way. The SPC supplementation enhanced most intestinal morphometric measures with increased hepato-pancreatic acinar secretory activities and the presence of immune cells infiltration, particularly in the SPC2 group. The lipid profile and liver function tests in the serum were not significantly affected by SPC supplementation. SPC supplementation increased the serum catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the reduced glutathione (GSH) level and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The immune response indicators (interleukin 10 (IL10), lysozyme activity, complement 3, and IgM serum levels) were improved by SPC supplementation. The percentage of immunostaining reaction against a cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) and a cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20) in the liver was strongly increased by SPC addition in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Dietary SPC led to 100% survivability following A. hydrophila challenge compared to 10% survivability in the SPC0 group (P < 0.05). It could be concluded that SPC can be supplemented to O. niloticus diets up to 2 g kg −1 diet to improve health, antioxidant status, immune response, and disease resistance against A. hydrophila infection. The optimal SPC supplementation level was 1.5 g kg−1.