Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Concentrations Research Articles

Thoracoscopic hilar lung lobectomy in two dogs

This report aimed to describe the surgical procedure and outcome of thoracoscopic hilar lung lobectomy in two dogs with a solitary pulmonary emphysema. Both patients were positioned in left lateral...

Impact of dietary zinc oxide nanoparticles on selected serum biomarkers, lipid peroxidation and tissue gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and cytokines in Japanese quail

BackgroundThe use of zinc oxide in the form of nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) is of great benefit due to its potent effectiveness and higher bioavailability compared to zinc oxide. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary inclusion of different doses of ZnO-NPs on selected serum biomarkers, lipid peroxidation and tissue gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and cytokines in Japanese quail. Eighty Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) (45 days old) were randomly divided into four groups (20 birds for each) with 4 replicates (5 birds each). Birds in the first group were fed a basal diet alone and served as a control (C). Birds in groups 2–4 were fed the basal diet supplemented with ZnO-NPs at doses of 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg for a period of 60 days. At the end of the experiment, all birds were sacrificed to collect blood in a plain vacutainer, whereas liver and brain tissues were stored frozen at -80 °C. The obtained sera were used for the analysis of selected biochemical parameters, whereas tissue homogenates were used for the estimation of zinc, oxidative stress biomarkers and gene expression of selected antioxidant enzymes and cytokines.ResultsZnO-NPs (30 and 60 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease in serum triacylglycerol (TAG) compared to the control. ZnO-NPs did not affect the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin and tissue zinc concentrations but reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the control. The liver retained a higher zinc concentration than that of brain tissue. In a dose-dependent manner, ZnO-NPs upregulated the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase: SOD1; catalase: CAT; glutathione peroxidase-1: GPX 1) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interferon α: IFN-α; interleukin 6: IL-6) in liver and brain tissues.ConclusionThe current study suggests the inclusion of ZnO-NPs, particularly 60 mg/kg, in the diet of Japanese quails to improve antioxidant and immune status.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine complex supplementation improves reproductive performance, serum biochemical parameters, and anti-oxidative capacity in periparturient dairy cows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine complex (TCHMC) on the productive performance of periparturient dairy cows. Eighteen non-lactating pregnant Holstein dairy cows with similar body conditions with 1 to 2 parity were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6), receiving a basal diet with 0 (CON group), 200 (T-200 group), and 300 (T-300 group) g TCHMC per day from 14 to 9 days prepartum. The results demonstrated that TCHMC treatments decreased the days of gestation, calving to first service, and calving to first visible estrus. Compared with CON at specific time points, TCHMC treatments increased the concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2), whereas progesterone (P4) and E2 concentrations decreased. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were downregulated, whereas that of globulin (GLB) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were upregulated by TCHMC treatments around the time of calving. Compared with CON and T-200 treatments, the T-300 treatment increased the serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration from 7 d prepartum to 21 d postpartum when. In addition, although TCHMC treatment had no effect on average birth weight, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature of calves, the T-300 treatment increased serum albumin (ALB) and IgG concentrations in calves from 3 to 14 days postpartum. The addition of TCHMC used in the present study could serve as a potential effective strategy to improve the health and productive performance of periparturient dairy cows, and the optimal dose should be set at 300 g per day.

Epidemiology and Haemato-Biochemical Changes in Mange Infested Camels

Mange in camel, also named as sarcopticosis is defined as an extremely contagious skin disease characterized by scab formation, pruritic dermatitis, thickening and corrugation of skin and hair loss. A total of 21 positive cases of mange infestation were selected from those presented at the Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College, in Anand and from surrounding villages. The affected camels were divided into 3 groups, viz., B, C, D each group comprised of 7 camels, while seven healthy camels in group A served as control. The maximum prevalence of sarcoptic mange among infected animals was found in the age group of >6 years (52.38 %), followed by 4-6 years (38.09 %) and in less than 3 years age groups (9.52 %), and also in females than the males (85.71 vs 14.29%). The levels of haematological values, viz., haemoglobin, total erythrocytes count, packed cell volume, neutrophils, basophils, MCV and MCH were found to be significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased, whereas the total leukocytes count, lymphocytes and eosinophils were increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in mange affected camel as compared to healthy ones. The biochemical constituents, viz., total serum protein, alanine aminotransferase and zinc concentrations were found significantly (p less than 0.05) lower. In contrast, serum creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and copper concentrations were increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in mange affected camels. The changes reflected that the mange infestation causes hepatocellular and renal damage, apart from general stress to the camel.

Effect of multienzymes + probiotic supplementation in fermented shea butter cake based diets on the carcass traits and the biochemistry of broiler chickens

Abstract. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of multienzyme+probiotic (MEP) supplementation on carcass characteristics and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens fed fermented shea butter cake meal (FSBCM) based diets. A total of two hundred and sixty (260), 28-day-old broiler chicks were distributed into four treatments, with five replicates of 13 birds each using a completely randomized design and reared on deep litter system from 28 to 56 days of age. The four treatments were: positive control – T1 (corn-soybean based diet); negative control – T2 (20% FSBCM replacement for corn in T1); diet 3 – T3 (T2 diet + 0.05% MEP) and diet 4 – T4 (T2 diet + 0.10% MEP). On day 56, two birds per each pen were selected for carcass and organ evaluation and other two birds per replicate were selected for serum biochemical analysis. The results indicated that addition of MEP to FSBCM diet caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in live weight, dressing percentage and breast meat yield than FSBCM diet without MEP and did not differ from the T1 diet. The abdominal fat in birds fed MEP treated diets were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those groups fed PC and FSBCM diets. Serum glucose was similar (p>0.05) between birds fed PC and MEP treated diets but significantly (p<0.05) higher than those on FSBCM diet, whereas serum cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations reduced significantly (p<0.05) in groups fed MEP supplemented FSBCM diets. All other parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the MEP supplementation. Therefore, MEP supplementation in FSBCM based diet improved live weights and carcass attributes without any detrimental effect on blood composition of the broiler chickens.

Digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, ingestive behavior and performance of feedlot goats fed high-concentrate diets with palm kernel cake

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of including palm kernel cake (0, 120, 240 or 360 g/kg) in high-concentrate diets for feedlot goats on digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, ingestive behavior and performance. Thirty-two non-pregnant, mixed-breed goats (average age: 1 year; initial body weight: 24.70 ± 3.72 kg) were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design. The intake of nutritional fractions responded quadratically (P<0.05) to dietary inclusion of palm kernel cake, whereas the digestibility coefficients of dry matter (P=0.010) and organic matter (P=0.006) decreased. Fecal (P<0.001) and urinary (P=0.005) excretions of nitrogen also decreased. Plasma gamma glutamyl transferase concentrations decreased (P=0.017), whereas a quadratic response was observed for the serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (P=0.017) and aspartate aminotransferase (P=0.003). Daily weight gain also responded quadratically (P=0.013), with maximum gain estimated at the palm kernel cake inclusion level of 107.7 g/kg. Palm kernel cake inclusion levels of up to 107.7 g/kg are recommended for high-concentrate diets for feedlot goats, as they improve production performance and do not compromise metabolic or behavior parameters.

Elevated serum bile acid and alanine aminotransferase concentrations in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy are associated with increased fetal NT-proBNP which is ameliorated by ursodeoxycholic acid treatment

Elevated serum bile acid and alanine aminotransferase concentrations in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy are associated with increased fetal NT-proBNP which is ameliorated by ursodeoxycholic acid treatment

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ContextVitamin D (VD) has been found to play a key role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This meta-analysis explored the effects of VD supplementation in patients with NAFLD.MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched to find randomized control trials (RCTs) that measured the changes between the VD supplement group and the control group until May 2019. Standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated when data units were different, otherwise weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI was calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.ResultsEight RCTs with 624 individuals were extracted. The main indicators, including serum alanine aminotransferase (WMD = -0.052; 95% CI: -3.740, 3.636; P = 0.978) and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations (WMD = -0.479; 95% CI: -2.791, 1.833; P = 0.685) were not significantly different between the intervention and placebo groups. In addition, no significant intergroup difference was observed in the following secondary indicators: fasting blood glucose (WMD = 0.466; 95% CI: -5.313, -10.879; P = 0.061), homeostasis model assessment (WMD = 0.380, 95% CI: -0.162, 0.923; P = 0.169), serum insulin concentration (WMD = 0.760; 95% CI: -0.532, 2.052; P = 0.249), high-density lipoprotein (WMD = -0.012; 95% CI: -0.188, 0.164; P = 0.891), and low-density lipoprotein (WMD = -0.115; 95% CI: -3.849, -3.620; P = 0.952).ConclusionsThe results indicate that VD supplementation does not improve liver enzymes, insulin resistance, glucose metabolism parameters, and lipid levels in patients with NAFLD.

Selenium and nano-selenium ameliorations in two breeds of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of synthesized nano-selenium (NS) and commercial inorganic selenium (Se) on immunity, behaviour, and performance of Arbor (AB) and Ross (RB) broilers that were exposed to heat stress of 40 °C for 6 - 8 hours daily over 38 days. Two hundred and ten one-day-old broilers of two breeds were supplemented with 0.5 mL/L of NS or Se in their drinking water. Two hundred sera, 200 intestinal swabs, and 1000 internal organ and tissue samples were collected. Weight gain, performance index, behavioral indices, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, serum total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum creatinine concentrations increased (P &lt;0.01) in RB compared with AB when supplemented with NS. Meanwhile, NS supplementation decreased (P &lt;0.01) water intake and the logarithmic bacterial counts of the intestine and breast in RB and AB, respectively. Histopathology revealed mild leukocytic infiltration and mild vacuolar degeneration in hepatocytes, and focal leukocytic infiltration, mild congestion, and cytoplasmic vacuolation in the myocardium of RB. Photomicrographs showed a mild lymphoid depletion in the spleen, while histopathology of the bursa of Fabricius revealed a normal follicular epithelium and normal lymphoid follicles with mild inter-follicular fibrosis in RB that were supplied with NS as opposed to AB, which expressed more severe pathological affections from heat stress. Thus, NS was more effective than Se in allowing broilers to respond to heat stress.Keywords: behaviour, immunity, growth traits, tissue architecture

Correlation of Liver Function Test with Different Age and Sex Group and with Ferritin Level in Thalassemia

Thalassemia is the most common genetic blood disease in the world and varies in different population group in the world. In thalassemic patients liver damage is augmented when age of the patients are increase. These are due to increasing age with advancement of disease progression, repeated blood transfusion, less use/ intolerance of iron chelating agent, decreased activity of hepatocyte to rescue them in such excess billirubin and iron flood. Secondary to hypersplenism. Iron overload due to frequent transfusions in ?-thalassemia results in abnormal organ function tests. Proper and timely screening of these parameters can help in early diagnosis &amp; prevention of iron overload. Iron overload is a main leading cause of elevated liver enzymes, and presence of HCV infection is significantly related to the increased iron overload14. Liver injury whether acute or chronic, eventually results in an increase in serum concentrations of Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST). In transfusion dependent thalassemia patients iron overload is often inevitable and exposed to transfusion associated infections. Apart from these when the age is more, the disease progresses with their complication like hepatic injury. The thalassemia patient develops liver fibrosis as a result of iron overload due to excessive blood transfusion and also from excess intestinal absorption. N Sultana et al.6 showed that serum ferritin and serum bilirubin parameter of iron over load and jaundice are correlated.

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with liver injury markers in the US adult population.

To examine the associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and serum liver enzymes in a representative sample of US adults. The cross-sectional study sample consisted of 24 229 adults with data on serum 25(OH)D levels and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transaminase (GGT) concentrations, in addition to data on other potential confounders. Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression were applied to assess the associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and ALT, AST, ALP and GGT concentrations. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2006. The cross-sectional study sample consisted of 24 229 adults. We found a significant association between low serum 25(OH)D levels (<30 nmol/l) and ALP levels in all participants (OR 2·67; 95 % CI 1·98, 3·59; P < 0·001), a confirmed healthy population (OR 3·02; 95 % CI 2·25, 4·07; P < 0·001) and individuals with viral hepatitis (OR 2·87; 95 % CI 1·52, 5·44; P = 0·006) compared with those who had normal 25(OH)D levels (>50 nmol/l). Moreover, in both the logistic regression and linear regression, the associations between 25(OH)D levels and ALP levels were stronger in the subgroups with obesity. No association was present between ALT, AST or GGT levels and serum 25(OH)D levels in this population. The results of the present study provide epidemiological evidence that vitamin D deficiency is associated with liver ALP levels in humans. This finding suggests a potential adverse effect of low 25(OH)D levels on human liver function. However, the underlying mechanisms still need further investigation.

Substitution of high-dose sucrose with fructose in high-fat diets resulted in higher plasma concentrations of aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, ornithine and phenylalanine, and higher urine concentrations of arginine and citrulline

High fructose intake has been shown to increase circulating alanine transaminase in humans, which could reflect damage to the liver by fructose but could also be linked to higher level of transamination of amino acids in liver. Therefore, we hypothesized that a diet with high content of fructose would affect the amino acid composition in rat plasma and urine differently from a diet with high sucrose content. Because high intake of sucrose and fructose is often accompanied with high intake of saturated fat in the Western-style diet, we wanted to compare the effects of high fructose/sucrose in diets with normal or high content of coconut oil on individual free amino acids plasma and urine. Male Wistar rats were fed diets with normal (10 wt%) or high (40 wt%) content of sucrose or fructose, with normal or high fat content (7 or 22 wt%) and 20 wt% protein (casein). Rats fed high-fructose high-fat diet had higher plasma concentrations of aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, ornithine, and phenylalanine and higher urine concentrations of arginine and citrulline when compared to rats fed high-sucrose high-fat diet. Substituting normal content of sucrose with fructose in the diets had little impact on amino acids in plasma and urine. Serum concentrations of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and creatinine, and urine cystatin C and T cell immunoglobulin mucin-1 concentrations were comparable between the groups and within normal ranges. To conclude, substituting high-dose sucrose with high-dose fructose in high-fat diets affected amino acid compositions in plasma and urine.

Evaluation of Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of Silymarin on Phenobar- bital-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Cats

BACKGROUND: Phenobarbital is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders in dogs and cats. Hepatotoxicity following phenobarbital administration is dose-dependent. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the protective action of silymarin on phenobarbital-in- duced hepatotoxicity in cats. METHODS: For this purpose, twenty-four healthy adult cats were randomly allotted to four equal groups. Cats in group A were given phenobarbital with dosage 16 mg/kg orally for 28 days; group B received silymarin (30 mg/kg/day for twenty-eight days) orally concurrent with phenobarbital; groups C and D were treated like group B, but silymarin was administered 3 and 48 h after administration of phenobarbital, respectively, and continued up to twenty-eight days. The serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino- transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total and direct bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured before administration of phenobarbital and after 24 h, 72 h and 28 days. RESULTS:Phenobarbital elevated significantly serum concentrations of liver enzymes (in all cases), and total and direct bilirubin in two cats of group A, after 24 h (P 0.05), while in group D, levels of serum enzyme activities (in 4 cases) were higher than the normal values (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that silymarin can protect liver tissue against oxidative stress in cats with phenobarbital intoxication especially in the first 3 h post-exposure.

The Association Between Liver Function Tests and Some Metabolic Outcomes: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Objectives: Regarding the inconsistent reports on the potential relationship between cardiometabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes, hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and elevated serum levels of liver enzymes, we conducted this study to test this hypothesis. Methods: Men and women aged ≥ 19 years participated in the sixth examination of Tehran Lipid and Glucose study (TLGS) were recruited. Anthropometric and demographic measurements, as well as biochemical tests, were done for all participants. The odds ratio of cardiometabolic disorders in each tertile category of liver function tests (LFTs), including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), ALT/AST ratio, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were estimated using the multivariable logistic regression models. Results: The mean age (± SD) of participants was 48.2 (± 17.1) years, and 42.3% of the participants were men. After adjustment for confounding variables, elevated serum concentrations of ALT, AST, ALT/AST ratio, GGT, and ALP were positively associated with increased chance of develop MetS (OR = 3.80, 95% CI = 2.46 - 5.87 for ALT, OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.04-2.23 for AST, OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 2.05 - 4.63 for ALT/AST ratio, OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.80 - 4.09 for GGT, OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.12 - 2.38 for ALP). Elevated serum concentrations of ALT, ALT/AST ratio, GGT and ALP were also positively associated with risk of diabetes (OR = 4.32, 95% CI = 2.40 - 7.79 for ALT, OR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.92 - 5.61 for ALT/AST ratio, OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.46 - 4.34 for GGT, OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.05 - 2.88 for ALP). Also, increased levels of ALT, GGT and ALP were positively associated with HTN (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.66 - 4.17 for ALT, OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.30 - 3.13 for GGT, and OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.26 - 2.87 for ALP). Moreover, the elevated level of LDH was positively associated with CKD (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.09 - 5.43). Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, LFT could be helpful for the early detection of cardiometabolic disorders.

Genome wide association study of 40 clinical measurements in eight dog breeds

The domestic dog represents an ideal model for identifying susceptibility genes, many of which are shared with humans. In this study, we investigated the genetic contribution to individual differences in 40 clinically important measurements by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a multinational cohort of 472 healthy dogs from eight breeds. Meta-analysis using the binary effects model after breed-specific GWAS, identified 13 genome-wide significant associations, three of them showed experimental-wide significant associations. We detected a signal at chromosome 13 for the serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in which we detected four breed-specific signals. A large proportion of the variance of ALT (18.1–47.7%) was explained by this locus. Similarly, a single SNP was also responsible for a large proportion of the variance (6.8–78.4%) for other measurements such as fructosamine, stress during physical exam, glucose, and morphometric measurements. The genetic contribution of single variant was much larger than in humans. These findings illustrate the importance of performing meta-analysis after breed-specific GWAS to reveal the genetic contribution to individual differences in clinically important measurements, which would lead to improvement of veterinary medicine.

Separate and Synergic Effects of Lactobacillus uvarum LUHSS245 and Arabinogalactan on the In Vitro Antimicrobial Properties as Well as on the Fecal and Metabolic Profile of Newborn Calves.

Simple SummaryDiarrhea is common problem for young calves. It causes economic losses to cattle producers because for a newborn calf, diarrhea can be fatal. For this reason, calf diarrhea is an expensive disorder, often requiring prolonged medical treatment. Furthermore, treatment often requires use of drugs and antibiotics, increasing public concerns of excessive usage of drugs in dairy farming, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, prevention remains the best option, and the preventative strategies against newborn diarrhea aim to increase the immunity and the gut health status early after birth. One common prophylactic strategy against diarrhea is the use health-enhancing supplements in the feed. Our hypothesis is that a combination of different origins and mechanisms of action (lactic acid bacteria as an antimicrobial agent and arabibogalactan as a prebiotic for good microbiota stabilization), can lead to improvement in newborn calves’ health parameters. In this study, the lactic acid bacteria strain, LUHS245, effectively inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria, as well being non-resistant to all the tested antibiotics. LUHS245, arabinogalactan, and its combination used for newborn calf feeding showed a desirable positive effect on newborn calf health parameters and it can be recommended in dairy farms for diarrhea prophylaxis.In this study, arabinogalactan (ARB) and Lactobacillus uvarum LUHS245 antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 17-331, Acinetobacter baumanni 17-380, Proteus mirabilis, MRSA M87fox, Enterococcus faecalis 86, Enterococcus faecium 103, Bacillus cereus 18 01, and Streptococcus mutans) and resistance to antibiotics were evaluated and the role of their supplementation on the main metabolic and fecal variables of newborn calves was established. The animal trial involved 48 Holstein female calves randomly allocated in four homogeneous groups of 12 animals each, on the basis of body weight in the second day of life. Calves were fed with a standard milk replacer diet from the second day of life until 14th day, either unsupplemented or supplemented with 50 mL of LUHS245 (≥7.5 log10 CFU mL−1), 30 g of ARB, or with both (50 mL of LUHS245 and 30 g ARB). In vitro data showed that the LUHS245 inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica and Bacillus cereus (inhibition zones 13.0 and 21.3 mm, respectively). Supplementation of LUHS245 and ARB either alone or together, lowered total bacterial count in the feces and reduced lactate and serum alanine aminotransferase concentrations in blood. This study showed that LUHS245 supplementation alone or together with ARB seemed to have some positive influence on certain health parameters in newborn calves. Further research with larger cohorts of animals is warranted to validate the beneficial effects of the tested supplements.

Effect of Antibiotic, Phytobiotic and Probiotic Supplementation on Growth, Blood Indices and Intestine Health in Broiler Chicks Challenged with Clostridium perfringens.

Simple SummaryNecrotic enteritis is one of the most important economic issues in the poultry industry, associated with sudden death rates of up to 50%. However, there is limited information on the role of probiotics and/or phytobiotic compounds on the treatment and prevention of Clostridium perfringens infections in broiler chicks. This study aimed to assess the effects of probiotic compounds (Maxus, CloStat, Sangrovit Extra, CloStat + Sangrovit Extra and Gallipro Tech) on the growth performance, blood biochemistry and intestinal health of broiler chicks in vivo. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of probiotic and/or phytobiotic compounds has a positive effect on performance, blood constituents, liver histopathology, intestinal morphology and histopathology. Furthermore, a notable reduction in both lesion scores was observed when probiotics and phytobiotics alone or in combination were included in the diets.This study evaluated the effects of feed additives on the growth, blood biochemistry and intestinal health of broiler chicks. A total of 378 of broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to seven groups. Chicks were fed a basal diet with 0.0 (control negative), 0.0 (control positive), 0.1, 0.5, 0.12, 0.5 + 0.12 and 0.2 g Kg−1 of Maxus, CloStat, Sangrovit Extra, CloStat + Sangrovit Extra and Gallipro Tech, respectively for 35 days. After 15 days, the chicks were inoculated with Clostridium perfringens. All feed additives were found to enhance growth performance and feed efficiency. The best feed conversion ratio was found in the Negative Control, CloStat + Sangrovit Extra and Gallipro Tect groups, respectively. A notable increase in villus length, total villus area, small intestine weight, ilium weight and total lesion score was found in chicks supplemented with Bacillus subtilis. Besides, the dietary inclusion of phytobiotic compounds showed potential in reducing the serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration and increasing the glucose levels. All intestine and liver histopathological signs were reduced in chicks fed a probiotic-supplemented diet. Our findings indicate that supplementation with probiotics and phytobiotics alone or in combined form can be used to enhance performance, intestine health and blood constituents against C. perfringens infection in broiler chicks.

Laying performance, immune response, serum biochemical parameters and egg quality traits of female turkeys fed diet incorporated with organic selenium

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of organic selenium (Se) supplementation on laying performance, immune response, serum biochemical parameters and egg quality traits of female turkeys. Female turkeys (96; 16 wks old) were randomly distributed into 4 treatment groups with 4 replicates and 6 birds each (4 × 4 × 6) for a period of 24 weeks. The basal diet (T1) contained 0 mg Se/kg diet and the three experimental diets were supplemented with 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg Se/kg diet (T2, T3 and T4 respectively). Age at sexual maturity, egg number and egg weight differed significantly in 0.4 mg Se/kg treated group (T3) than the other dietary treatment groups (T2 or T4). Humoral (29th weeks) and in vivo cell mediated immune response (30th weeks) were significantly improved in 0.4 or 0.6 mg Se treated group. Se supplemented groups, i.e. T3 and T4 decreased significantly in serum cholesterol and uric acid concentration whereas significant increase were recorded in total protein, albumin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). No significant differences were observed in serum aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) concentration among the experimental groups. Egg quality traits, viz. shape, albumin and yolk index, shell thickness did not differ significantly among Se supplemented groups, whereas albumin and yolk weight and Haugh unit score were significantly higher in 0.4 mg Se/kg treated (T3) group. Thus, this study demonstrates that that dietary supplementation of 0.4 mg/Se kg diet has a beneficial effect on laying performance, immune responses, serum biochemical and egg quality traits in laying turkeys.

A synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus gasseri 505 and Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract prevents hepatic toxicity induced by colorectal cancer in mice

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known to be a life-threatening disease and commonly leads to metastasis in the liver. Fermented milk acts as an effective carrier for probiotic strains, whose consumption improves host health. Our previous study indicated that fermented milk that included a synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus gasseri 505 (505) and Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract (CT) resulted in significantly greater anti-oxidative effects than fermented milk without CT. Therefore, we hypothesized that fermented milk containing CT and 505 (FCT) could result in hepatoprotective effects against CRC-induced liver metastasis. Liver inflammation and CRC were induced in male C57BL/6J mice, using azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate, and 505, CT, and FCT were administered to the 3 sample-treated 505, CT, and FCT groups, respectively, for 10 wk. The results showed that FCT treatment significantly reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations and elevated albumin concentrations. Moreover, the results of histological analysis showed that hepatic steatosis was notably reduced in the FCT group. Among the 3 sample-treated groups, the expression of mRNA associated with enzymes showing anti-oxidative activities, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase, was the highest in the FCT-treated mice. In addition, FCT administration resulted in the greatest anti-inflammatory activity, as inflammatory marker levels (i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, myeloperoxidase, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells) were significantly downregulated at the mRNA level and the expression of proteins associated with the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways was suppressed by FCT. Therefore, this study demonstrated that fermented milk containing novel synbiotics has the potential to prevent hepatic toxicity induced because of CRC owing to its enhanced anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral effects of ABI-H0731, a hepatitis B virus core inhibitor: a randomised, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial

Therapies with novel mechanisms of action against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are being explored with the goal of achieving a functional cure (sustained off-treatment response) without requiring lifelong therapy. We aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and antiviral activity of ABI-H0731, an investigational inhibitor of the HBV core protein. This phase 1, randomised, placebo-controlled study was done in two parts. In part 1, healthy adults without hepatitis B aged 18-65 years at one clinical research centre in New Zealand (eight participants per dose cohort) were randomly assigned (3:1) to receive single oral doses of ABI-H0731 (100, 300, 600, or 1000 mg) or matching placebo, or once-daily or twice-daily doses of ABI-H0731 800 mg or matching placebo for 7 days. In part 2, adults aged 18-65 years at clinical research centres in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea with chronic HBV (12 participants per dose cohort) were randomly assigned (5:1) to receive ABI-H0731 (100, 200, 300, or 400 mg) or matching placebo once daily for 28 days. In part 2, participants were required to have HBeAg-positive or HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection, with serum HBV DNA concentrations of at least 2 × 104 IU/mL (HBeAg-positive) or 2 × 103 IU/mL (HBeAg-negative) and serum alanine aminotransferase concentrations less than seven times the upper limit of normal. Both parts used simple randomisation, with study participants, site personnel, and study monitors masked to treatment assignments. The primary study objective was dose-related safety and tolerability of ABI-H0731 in healthy volunteers and in participants with chronic HBV infection, assessed in all treated participants. Key secondary assessments included pharmacokinetic analyses and virological responses. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02908191 and is completed. 48 [61%] of 79 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the single-ascending or multiple-ascending dose phase of part 1 between Nov 16, 2016, and Jan, 27, 2017. 38 [55%] of 69 HBV-infected participants were enrolled in part 2 between June 15, 2017, and March 15, 2018. All adverse events were non-specific and of mild or moderate intensity apart from a single HBV-infected participant given the 400 mg dose who developed a severe (grade 3) maculopapular rash and terminated treatment. Overall, the most frequent adverse events of any grade among the 74 participants who received ABI-H0731 were headache (11 [15%]), influenza-like illness (seven [9%]), and dizziness (six [8%]); the most frequent adverse events considered treatment-related were rash (four [5%]) and dizziness (three [4%]). In part 1, ABI-H0731 reached maximum plasma concentrations (Tmax) in 2·50-4·17 h; the mean plasma half-life (t1/2) was 23·5-28·4 h. In part 2, mean maximum HBV DNA declines from baseline were 1·7 log10 IU/mL in the 100 mg dose cohort, 2·1 log10 IU/mL in the 200 mg dose cohort, and 2·8 log10 IU/mL in the 300 mg dose cohort. Across dose cohorts, serum HBV RNA declines correlated with HBV DNA declines. No pattern of treatment-emergent adverse events was observed at ABI-H0731 doses up to 300 mg in individuals with chronic hepatitis B. ABI-H0731 was rapidly absorbed and exhibited a plasma half-life supportive of once-daily dosing. Dose-dependent decreases in serum HBV DNA and RNA concentrations are consistent with the proposed mechanism of action. Assembly Biosciences.