Serum Superoxide Dismutase Activity Research Articles

Effects of Polysaccharides-Rich Extract from Gracilaria lemaneiformis on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Function, and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides (GLPs) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 320 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were individually weighed and randomly assigned to four groups of eight replicate cages (10 broilers per cage). Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 mg/kg GLPs. Compared to that of the control group, dietary supplementation with 2,000 mg/kg GLPs linearly increased the average daily weight gain during days 0-42 (P < 0.05) and linearly decreased the feed to gain ratio during days 1-21 and 22-42 (P < 0.05). Broilers fed GLP-supplemented diets showed linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic (P < 0.05) increases in serum superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities in the liver, whereas GLP supplementation decreased serum and liver malondialdehyde concentrations (P < 0.05). A linear increase in serum catalase activity was observed following supplementation with 2,000 or 4,000 mg/kg GLPs (P < 0.05). Broilers fed GLP-supplemented diets showed linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic (P < 0.05) increases in serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and interferon-γ concentrations (P < 0.05), and a trend towards linear improvement in IL-4 levels (P = 0.089). Dietary GLP supplementation increased the Lactobacillus spp. population compared to that of the control group (P < 0.05) and 2,000 and 4,000 mg/kg of GLPs nearly decreased the population of E. coli in the cecum (P = 0.056). Therefore, dietary GLP supplementation may improve broiler growth performance by altering antioxidant capacity, immune function, and the gut microbiota composition. Considering the effects of different doses of GLP on the above parameters, 2,000 mg/kg of GLPs was identified as the best dose.

Compound mycotoxin detoxifier alleviating aflatoxin B1 toxic effects on broiler growth performance, organ damage and gut microbiota

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of compound mycotoxin detoxifier (CMD) on alleviating the toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) for broiler growth performance. One-kilogram CMD consists of 667 g aflatoxin B1-degrading enzyme (ADE, 1,467 U/g), 200 g montmorillonite and 133 g compound probiotics (CP). The feeding experiment was divided into 2 stages (1-21 d and 22-42 d). In the early stage, a total of 300 one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into 6 groups, 5 replications for each group, 10 broilers (half male and half female) in each replication. In the later feeding stage, about 240 twenty-two-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into 6 groups, 8 replications for each group, 5 broilers in each replication. Group A: basal diet; group B: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB1; group C: basal diet with 1 g/kg CMD; groups D, E, and F: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB1 plus 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg CMD, respectively. The results indicated that AFB1 significantly decreased average daily gain (ADG), protein metabolic rate, organ index of thymus, bursa of Fabricius (BF), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and catalase activities in serum, and increased AFB1 residues in serum and liver (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining analysis of jejunum, liver and kidney showed that AFB1 caused the main pathological changes with different degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration. However, CMD additions could alleviate the negative effects of AFB1 on the above parameters. The gut microbiota analysis indicated that AFB1 could significantly increase the abundances of Staphylococcus-xylosu, Esherichia-coli-g-Escherichia-Shigella, and decrease Lactobacillus-aviarius abundance (P < 0.05), but which were adjusted to almost the same levels as the control group by CMD addition. The correlative analysis showed that Lactobacillus-aviarius abundance was positively correlated with ADG, SOD and BF (P < 0.05), whereas Staphylococcus-xylosus abundance was positively correlated with AFB1 residues in serum and liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CMD could keep gut microbiota stable, alleviate histological lesions, increase growth performance, and reduce mycotoxin toxicity. The optimal CMD addition should be 1 g/kg in AFB1-contaminated broilers diet.

Determination of some Antioxidant Activities (Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Reduced Glutathione) and Oxidative Stress Level (Malondialdehyde Acid) in Cirrhotic Liver Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood serum of liver cirrhosis patients.Methods: İn This investigation, we took blood from 31 healthy individuals, and 30 patients with Cirrhosis in both males and females. In this study, serum MDA levels, SOD, GSH, and CAT activities were measured spectrophotometrically. In paired group comparisons in terms of continuous variables; the T-test was utilized where normal deviation was achieved, and Mann-Whitney U statistics was utilized where it was not. In addition, ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate their performance in differentiating the patient group from the control group.Results: SOD, CAT, and GSH activities were significantly decreased in the patient groups compared to the healthy control group (p&amp;lt;0.05). MDA levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the healthy control group (p &amp;lt;0.05).Conclusion: In conclusion, in this study, oxidative stress may play an important role in the development of liver cirrhosis. This study is the first one to show the relationships of MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH in liver cirrhosis. Further studies are essential to investigate antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress status in liver cirrhosis.

Effect of Dietary Pomelo Peel Powder on Growth Performance, Diarrhea, Immune Function, Antioxidant Function, Ileum Morphology, and Colonic Microflora of Weaned Piglets.

This trial evaluated how dietary-accommodated pomelo peel powder (PPP) affected average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG), diarrhea, antioxidation, and colonic microbial in weaned piglets. Thirty piglets weaned at 28 d were divided into three groups: a basal diet (CON); a CON containing 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC); and a CON containing 8 g/kg (PPP). This trial had a period of 28 days. Piglets supplemented with PPP had higher ADFI and ADG than piglets in CTC and CON (p &lt; 0.05). The diarrhea rate in PPP and CTC was lower than in CON in the 3rd and 4th weeks (p &lt; 0.05). Serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities, and total antioxidant capacity in PPP were higher than those in CON (p &lt; 0.05). Serum interleukin (IL)-4, insulin-like growth factor-I, immunoglobulin (Ig)A, and IgG concentrations in the PPP and CTC groups were higher than those in the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). Serum IL-1β, IL-8, IL-17, and interferon (IFN)-γ concentrations and the cecal pH in PPP were lower than those in CON (p &lt; 0.05). Serum IL-1β, IFN-γ, and IgA concentrations of piglets in PPP were lower than in CTC (p &lt; 0.05). The villus height and villus height/crypt depth of the ileum of piglets in PPP and CTC were higher than those in CON (p &lt; 0.05), but there was no difference between PPP and CTC (p &gt; 0.05). The Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria relative abundances in PPP and CTC (p &lt; 0.05) were lower than those in CON, whereas the Bacteroidetes relative abundances in PPP and CTC were higher than those in CON. The Prevotellaceae relative abundance in CTC was higher than in CON (p &lt; 0.05), whereas the Lactobacillaceae relative abundance in CTC was lower than in CON (p &lt; 0.05). The Ruminococcaceae relative abundance in PPP was higher than in CON (p &lt; 0.05), whereas the Veillonellaceae relative abundance in PPP was lower than in CON (p &lt; 0.05). PPP can improve ADFI and ADG, relieve diarrhea, and enhance the colonic microflora of weaned piglets. Therefore, PPP is expected to replace CTC as a feed additive to alleviate weaning stress and ensure normal growth and development of piglets.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Kuntai Capsule on Angiotensin II -Induced Hypertension in Ovariectomized Rats.

To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Kuntai (KT) Capsule on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Fifty-four rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table, 9 in each group: control, OVX sham+Ang II, OVX, OVX+Ang II, OVX+Ang II +E2, and OVX+Ang II +KT. OVX rats model was constructed by retroperitoneal bilateral ovariectomy. After 4 weeks of pretreatment with KT Capsule [0.8 g/(kg·d) and 17- β -estradiol (E2, 1.2 mg/(kg·d)] respectively, Ang II was injected into a micro-osmotic pump with a syringe to establish a hypertensive rat model. Blood pressure of rat tail artery was measured in a wake state of rats using a non-invasive sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure changes were compared between the intervention groups (OVX+Ang II +KT, OVX+Ang II +E2) and the negative control group (OVX+Ang II). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were detected respectively. The expressions of oxidative stress-related protein superoxide dismutase2 (SOD2) and anti-thioredoxin (TRX), autophagy marker protein [beclin1, light chain (LC) 3 II/I ratio and autophagy canonical pathway protein phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)] were evaluated by Western blotting. Compared with the OVX+Ang II group, the systolic blood pressure of OVX+Ang II +KT group was significantly lowered (P<0.05) but not the diastolic blood pressure. Besides, SOD2 and TRX protein levels in mycardial tissues were significantly reduced in the OVX+Ang II +KT group compared with the OVX+Ang II group (P<0.05). Oxidative stress serum markers MDA and SOD were down- and up-regulated in the OVX+Ang II +KT group, respectively (P<0.05). Compared with OVX+Ang II group, the levels of cardiac proteins beclin-1 and LC3II/LC3 I in OVX+Ang II +KT group were also up-regulated (P<0.05), and the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and mTOR protein were down-regulated (P<0.05). KT could protect blood pressure of Ang II-induced OVX rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and up-regulating protective autophagy.

Effects of Rosa roxburghii on insulin resistance in obese rats and its mechanisms

Objective: To investigate the effects of Rosa roxburghii on insulin resistance in obese rats and the regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase Bβ(PKBβ/Akt2)/ glucose transporter 4(GLUT4) signaling pathway. Methods: Five-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC), model group (M), positive control group (PC), low-dose rosa roxburghii group (LD) and high-dose rosa roxburghii group (HD), with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the NC group were fed with normal diet, while those in the M, PC, LD and HD groups were fed with high-fat diet. From the 13th week, according to the dose standard of 6 ml/kg, rats in the LD group were intragastrically administered with 100 mg/kg Rosa roxburghii Tratt, the HD group were treated with 300 mg/kg Rosa roxburghii Tratt, the PC group were treated with 0.11 g/kg Chiglitazar sodium, and the NC and M groups were intragastrically administered with the same volume of normal saline. The body weight was measured every week until 20 weeks. The rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last experiment. Blood and skeletal muscle were collected. Serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) contents were detected by colorimetric method, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was detected by xanthine oxidase method, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content was detected by thiobarbituric acid method, blood glucose (FBG) value was detected by glucose oxidase method, insulin (FINS) content was detected by ELISA, and PI3K, Akt2, and GLUT4 protein and gene expressions were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Compared with the NC group, the body weight, serum MDA, TG, TC, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR levels in the M group were significantly increased (P＜0.01), while SOD activity, PI3K、Akt2、GLUT4 protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly increased(P＜ 0.01). Compared with group M, the body weight, serum MDA, TG, TC, FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR were decreased significantly in LD group, HD group and PC group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), while SOD activity, PI3K, Akt2, GLUT4 protein and mRNA expression levels were increased significantly (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusion: Rosa roxburghii can improve insulin resistance in obese rats by antioxidant stress and up-regulating the expressions of PI3K, Akt2, and GLUT4 proteins and genes, which may be related to the PI3K/Akt2/GLUT4 signaling pathway.

Traditional Chinese herb formulas in diet enhance the non-specific immune responses of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila

The effects of a traditional Chinese herbal mixture (TCHM) composed of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Rheum palmatum, Catsia tora and Lonicera japonica on immune response and disease resistance of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) were studied. Fish were fed diets containing 0% (control), 1.0%, 3.0% or 5.0% TCHM (w/w) for 28 d. Immune parameters including cytokine genes interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lysozyme (LZM), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were measured during the test period. After 28 d of feeding, fish were infected with Aeromonas hydrophila, and mortality was recorded. The TCHM-supplementation diet stimulated ACP, AKP, LZM, CAT, SOD, and IgM activity in serum and induced IL-1β, TNF-α, and IgM mRNA expression in the spleen. All TCHM groups showed reduced mortality after A. hydrophila infection compared to the control group. These results suggest that the TCHM-supplemented diet can improve fish immunity and disease resistance against A. hydrophila.

Potential Effects of 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol on the Growth Performance, Blood Antioxidant Capacity, Intestinal Barrier Function and Microbiota in Broilers under Lipopolysaccharide Challenge.

Our experiment was to detect the effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3) on antioxidant capacity, immune status and gut health of broilers under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In total, 108 male Arbor Acre broilers (48.5 ± 0.4 g) were allotted to three treatment groups containing six replicates for each group with six birds per replicate: (1) corn-soybean basal diet + injection of sterile saline (CON group); (2) corn-soybean basal diet + an injection of LPS (LPS group); (3) corn-soybean basal diet with 50 μg/kg 25OHD3 + injection of LPS (LPS + 25-D group). At the end of the experiment, birds were intraperitoneally injected with LPS in the LPS and LPS + 25-D groups based on the dosage of 5.0 mg/kg BW, or the equivalent volume of 0.9% sterile saline in the CON group. At 4 h postinjection, blood samples, jejunal and ileal tissues and cecal digesta were collected to analyze blood antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function and microbiota. The results showed that broilers challenged with LPS had significantly higher BW loss than the CON group, and 25OHD3 alleviated BW loss induced by the LPS challenge. 25OHD3 alleviated the LPS-induced decline (p &lt; 0.05) in serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), as well as prevented the LPS-induced increase (p &lt; 0.05) in serum content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). 25OHD3 significantly increased villus height in the jejunum and the relative mRNA abundance of Occludin in the jejunum and ileum, as well as prevented the LPS-induced increase in the jejunal content of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) compared with the LPS group. Compared with the LPS group, 25OHD3 significantly increased Lactobacillus abundance and decreased Lachnoclostridium abundance in the cecal digesta, as well as had the potential to enhance metabolite contents including propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate and total SCFA. The correlation analysis revealed that BW loss and serum contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and D-lactate were positively correlated with Lachnoclostridium and negatively correlated with Lactobacillus (p &lt; 0.05). Overall, 25OHD3 partially improves the antioxidant status, immunity, intestinal barrier and microbial composition of broilers under the LPS challenge.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Different Levels of Zinc, Manganese and Copper Nanoparticles on Growth Performance and Bioavailability in Commercial Broilers Chicks

Background: Nanotechnology is an emerging field and it has shown the great impact in broiler sector for production. Although extensive research is needed to evaluate the safety of nanominerals. Methods: A biological study was carried to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of inorganic, organic and nano forms of zinc, manganese and copper trace minerals on growth performance and immune status of commercial broiler chicken out for 35 days with 150 numbers of commercial broiler chicken and randomly distributed in 5 treatment groups viz., T1 (Inorganic 100%), T2 (Organic 100%), T3 (Nano 100%), T4 (Nano 50%) and T5 (Nano 25%) comprising of 30 birds in each group. Result: The results revealed that body weight, cumulative body weight gain and feed intake of broiler chicken increased significantly (p less than 0.01) in the 50 and 100% nano trace mineral supplemented groups when compared to other groups without any significant change in FCR. T3 and T4 exhibited significant (p less than 0.05) improvement in serum superoxide dismutase activity. The mRNA expressions of biomarker gene metallothionein, manganese-superoxide dismutase and ceruloplasmin were upregulated in T3 and T4 groups revealing that the nano trace mineral supplementation had better bioavailability.

Sulforaphane alleviated vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a cardiopulmonary disease featured by pulmonary vascular remodeling, which is due to abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs). Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate extracted from cruciferous vegetables with promising anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of SFN on HPH. Male mice were exposed to persistent chronic hypoxia for 4 weeks to induce HPH. The results demonstrated that SFN repressed the increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and attenuated the right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary arteries remodeling in HPH mice. In particular, after SFN treatment, the CD68 positive cells in lung sections were reduced; TNF-α and IL-6 levels in lungs and serum declined; activation of NF-κB in PASMCs was inhibited in response to hypoxia. Besides, SFN enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum, SOD2 expression, total glutathione levels, and GSH/GSSG ratio in PASMCs, along with a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in serum and ROS production in PASMCs after hypoxia exposure. Notably, SFN, as an Nrf2 activator, reversed the reduction in Nrf2 expression in hypoxic PASMCs. In vitro, SFN treatment inhibited hyperproliferation and promoted apoptosis of PASMCs under hypoxia conditions. SFN also prevented the apoptosis of pulmonary microvascular ECs caused by hypoxia. Therefore, these data suggested that SFN could significantly restrain the inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby inhibiting PASMCs proliferation, promoting PASMCs apoptosis, and reversing hypoxia injury in ECs to improve pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Sinomenine pretreatment alleviates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury through activating Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway.

IntroductionIschemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is induced by an interrupted blood flow and succeeding blood restoration, which is common in the operation of liver transplantation. Serious IR injury is a major reason leading to transplant failure. Hepatic IR is featured by excessive inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Sinomenine (SIN) is derived from the herb Sinomeniumacutum and shows properties of anti‐inflammation and antiapoptosis in multiple IR‐induced organ injuries. However, the effect of SIN in hepatic IR has not been investigated.MethodsThis study aims to investigate impacts of SIN on hepatic IR and the involved signaling pathway. An in vivo rat model of syngeneic orthotopic liver transplantation was constructed to induce the hepatic IR injury.ResultsResults showed that SIN pretreatment provided a significant prevention against IR‐induced hepatic injury as manifested by the downregulated activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, the alleviatedoxidative stress as shown by increased activities of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased serum level of malondialdehyde, the suppressed inflammatory responses as shown by downregulated serum tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 levels, and upregulated IL‐10 level, as well as attenuated apoptosis as shown by decreased protein expression of cleaved caspase‐3 and −9. In line with these results, SIN pretreatment also alleviatedthe hepatic histopathological changes in IR rats and induced Nrf‐2/HO‐1 activation. The use of brusatol, a selective inhibitor for Nrf‐2, effectively reversed SIN‐induced above effects.ConclusionsAltogether, our results demonstrate that SIN might be a useful therapeutic drug for preventing hepatic IR‐induced injury during clinical liver transplantation.

Effects of Macleaya cordata Extract on Blood Biochemical Indices and Intestinal Flora in Heat-Stressed Mice.

Simple SummaryHeat stress severely affects animals’ performance and welfare. Macleaya cordata extract is a potential anti-stress product. However, the effect of Macleaya cordata extract on heat stress in mice is unknown. This study discussed the effect of gavage Macleaya cordata extract on biochemical parameters and cecal flora in heat-stressed mice. This will provide a scientific basis for the application of Macleaya cordata extract in animal husbandry under heat stress conditions.Heat stress (HS) leads to disturbance of homeostasis and gut microbiota. Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and gut health maintenance properties. Still, the specific effects of MCE on blood biochemical indices and gut microbiota homeostasis in heat-stressed mice are not entirely understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MCE on blood biochemical indices and gut microbiota in heat-stressed mice. A control group (CON) (25 °C, n = 6) and HS group (42 °C, n = 6) were gavaged with normal saline 0.2 mL/g body weight/day, and HS plus MCE group (HS-MCE) (42 °C, n = 6) was gavaged with 5 mg MCE/kg/day. HS (2 h/d) on 8–14 d. The experiment lasted 14 days. The results showed that HS increased mice’ serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transferase activities, heat shock protein 70 level, and malondialdehyde concentrations, and decreased serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. HS also disrupted microbiota diversity and community structure in mice, increasing the Bacteroidetes and decreasing Firmicutes and Lactobacillus; however, MCE can alleviate the disturbance of biochemical indicators caused by HS and regulate the flora homeostasis. Furthermore, MCE was able to moderate HS-induced metabolic pathways changes in gut microbiota. The Spearman correlation analysis implied that changes in serum redox status potentially correlate with gut microbiota alterations in HS-treated mice.

Seeds of Ginkgo biloba L. inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in COPD rats through the Nrf2 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs a traditional medicine, seeds of Ginkgo biloba L. (Gbs) have been used to treat cough or asthma for a long time. It is commonly used in clinic for lung diseases. However, its mechanism of lung protection is not completely clear. Aims of the studyThis research was designed to explore the protective effects of Gbs on antioxidant and inflammation during the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathological process provoked by cigarette smoking (CS) in rats. Materials and methodsSix random groups including control group, CS model group, Gbs intervention groups (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) and aminophylline group were composed of forty-eight rats. Smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to establish the COPD rat model. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for quantifying the inflammatory factors such as IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and TNF-α. Western blotting were used for detecting the protein expressions of Nrf2, Keap1 and HO-1 in the lung tissues. ResultsGbs inhibits lung histological changes and decreased the inflammatory factors in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum of CS-exposed rats, including IL-10, IL-17, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. Gbs also inhibited the MDA level, increased SOD and GSH-PX activity in serum and changed expressions of Nrf2, Keap1 and HO-1 in the lung tissues. ConclusionGbs inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cigarette smoke in COPD rats through the Nrf2 Pathway.

Role of nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-19, interleukin-34, and interleukin-37 expression in diabetic nephropathy

BackgroundThe long-term effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) can impair several organs, including the kidney, resulting in serious health problems. Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a primary contributor in end-stage renal failure worldwide, affects 20–30% of patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). This study was designed to assess the contribution of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-19, IL-34, and IL-37 in the development of DN.MethodsThe study included 160 participants, of which 130 were allocated into the patients with diabetes group, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and patients with diabetic chronic kidney disease (DCKD), and 30 were healthy controls.ResultsThe obtained data revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in IL-19, IL-34, and NF-κB mRNA expression and serum IL-6 levels in patient groups (CKD and DCKD) compared with the healthy control group, whereas IL-19, IL-34, and NF-κB mRNA expression showed a marked elevation in the DCKD group when compared with patients with CKD. Conversely, IL-37 mRNA expression and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in both groups relative to the healthy controls, whereas the decrease was markedly higher in the DCKD group when compared with the CKD group.ConclusionThe obtained results could indicate the potential implication of NF-κB, IL-19, IL-34, and IL-6 levels, along with the decrease in IL-37 expression and serum SOD activity, in the pathophysiology of kidney disease in diabetes. Moreover, designing drugs targeting these cytokines and/or their signal pathways may prevent or alleviate the progression of kidney disease.

PSXIV-16 The Influence of Lead Concentration in Blood Serum on the Antioxidant Status and the Intensity of Lipid Peroxidation in the Holstein Cows

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to evaluate different concentrations of Pb in blood serum on antioxidant status and intensity of lipid peroxidation in lactating cows. The object of the study is the Holstein cows (n=45; age-3-4 years). The period of blood serum sampling is 20-40 days after calving. The concentration of Pb in blood serum was determined by atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES-ICP and MS-ICP). The activity of superoxide dismutase and the concentration of malondialdehyde were studied by spectrophotometric method on Stat fax 1904 Plus. Based on the data on the concentration of Pb in the blood serum, in accordance with the recommendations of Skalnaya (2003), cows were divided into three groups: I-Pb concentration up to the 25th percentile, II-within the 25th-75th percentile, III-above the 75th percentile. At the same time, the actual range of Pb concentrations in blood serum of cows of group I ranged from 0.00028-0.00049 µg/mL, II from 0.00053 to 0.00089 µg/mL, group III from 0.00094 to 0.0018 µg/mL. It was found that as the concentration of Pb in blood serum increased from the lowest (I group) to medium (II group) and high (III group), there was an increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde in blood serum from 42.5±12.9μM/L to 47.8±15.22µM/L and 57.9±11.2% (P£0.05) µM/L, respectively, the level of activity of the antioxidant defense enzyme, superoxide dismutase, decreased from 1,971±203.8% to 1,890±290.3% and 1,829±283.8 (P£0.05)%. The calculation of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients confirmed the statistically significant (P£0.05) degree of influence of Pb on the malondialdehyde (r=0.63) and superoxide dismutase activity (r=-0.57) in blood serum of cows. Thus, it can be stated that an increase in the concentration of Pb in the blood serum reduces the level of antioxidant protection and contributes to the development of oxidative stress in lactating cows.

Dietary supplementation with Cyberlindnera jadinii improved growth performance, serum biochemical Indices, antioxidant status, and intestinal health in growing raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

This study was conducted to investigate whether different dietary Cyberlindnera jadinii levels affect growth performance, serum immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota in growing raccoon dogs. Forty-five healthy male raccoon dogs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, with 15 raccoon dogs per group. Each raccoon dog was housed in an individual cage. The raccoon dogs in the three groups were fed diets supplemented with Cyberlindnera jadinii at dosages of 0 (N group), 1 × 109 (L group) and 5 × 109 CFU/g (H group). A 7-day pretest period preceded a formal test period of 30 days. The results showed that Cyberlindnera jadinii in the L and H groups improved average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05) and decreased the ratio of feed to weight (F/G) (P < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulins A and G levels were increased in the L and H groups compared to the N group (P < 0.05). Cyberlindnera jadinii in the L and H groups increased serum superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.05), and serum glutathione peroxidase activity was increased in the L group compared to the N group (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota were increased, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidota was decreased in the L and H groups compared to the N group (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria was increased in the H group compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes in the Cyberlindnera jadinii supplementation groups increased compared with the N group (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Megasphaera and Bifidobacterium were increased, and the relative abundance of Prevotella was decreased in the L and H groups compared to the N group (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Dialister was increased, while the relative abundance of Blautia was decreased in the H group compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Agathobacter was decreased in the H group compared to the N group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Cyberlindnera jadinii increased growth performance, serum immunity, antioxidant capacity, and improved intestinal microbiota in growing raccoon dogs. Cyberlindnera jadinii can therefore be used as a growth promoter in raccoon dogs.

Quercetin and lycopene co-administration prevents oxidative damage induced by d-galactose in mice

Quercetin and lycopene are strong dietary antioxidants that often co-exist in foods. Here, the cardiac and neuroprotective effects of quercetin and lycopene combination were analyzed in d-galactose-induced oxidative stress in mice. ICR mice were divided into control group, d-galactose group (D-GAL), quercetin treatment (Q45: 45 mg kg−1 d−1quercetin, Q60: 60 mg kg−1 d−1 quercetin), lycopene treatment (15 mg kg−1 d−1 lycopene), and M groups (45 mg kg−1 d−1quercetin+15 mg kg−1 d−1 lycopene). Mice were given quercetin, lycopene, and their combination through oral gavage for 6 weeks. They were injected with d-galactose (150 mg kg−1 d−1) simultaneously except for the control group. Results showed that the quercetin-lycopene combination could ameliorate histopathological injuries in the heart and hippocampus. They significantly decreased the serum and heart malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, heart 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) levels, and increased the activity of serum and heart superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and the hippocampal SOD and CAT mRNA level. Quercetin-lycopene combination exhibited anti-inflammation effects by reducing inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The heart and hippocampal mRNA level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression was up-regulated, and the antioxidant genes related to Nrf2 including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were elevated. Quercetin-lycopene combination significantly promoted the mRNA level of deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), increased 3.3-fold and 3-fold SIRT1 expression in the heart and hippocampus, respectively. They could bind SIRT1 at the active site predicted by molecular docking. These results suggested that they may interact with SIRT1 to activate Nrf2, inhibit pro-inflammatory factors, and prevent oxidative stress in D-GAL-induced mice.

An Encapsulated Organic Acid and Essential Oil Mixture Improves the Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets by Altering Intestinal Inflammation and Antioxidative Capacity.

Simple SummaryWeaning stress causes retarded growth, gut disorder and dysfunction, severe diarrhea and higher mortality in weaned piglets. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) have been conventionally used to alleviate the negative effects of weaning stress. However, the long-term use of AGP leads to various adverse effects, such as antimicrobial resistance and food drug residues, and threatens public safety. Therefore, AGP should be replaced with residue-free, pollution-free and toxin-free alternatives because several countries and regions have banned the use of AGP in the feed industry. This study investigates the effects of an encapsulated organic acid and essential oil mixture (OAEO) on the growth performance, immuno-antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of weaned piglets. The results reveal that OAEO as an alternative to AGP improved the growth performance, immuno-antioxidant status and intestinal health of weaned piglets partly by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.This study investigates the effects of an encapsulated organic acid and essential oil mixture (OAEO) on the growth performance, immuno-antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of weaned piglets. In total, 120 weaned piglets (23 days of age; 6.96 ± 0.08 kg) were randomly allotted to four treatments (six replicates/group; five piglets/replicate): the control group (CON) was fed the basal diet (BD), the antibiotic growth promoters group (AGP) received the BD with 20 mg/kg colistin sulphate and 10 mg/kg bacitracin zinc, and OAEO1 and OAEO2 were fed the BD with 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg OAEO, respectively. The trial lasted 21 days and then one piglet per replicate was selected for sample collection. OAEO increased the average daily gain, spleen index, serum interleukin (IL)-10, immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA levels; serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities; and jejunal villus height (VH), VH/crypt depth, goblet cell number, and amylase and trypsin activities (p < 0.05) compared with CON but reduced the diarrhea rate, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), and D-lactic acid contents and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity (p < 0.05). OAEO also increased the jejunal zonula occludens-1, occludin, claudin-1, mucin-2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), GPX and IL-10 mRNA levels, GPX activity and IL-10 content (p < 0.05) compared with CON but reduced jejunal MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α contents and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, nuclear factor (NF)-κB and TNF-α mRNA levels (p < 0.05). In addition, AGP increased ADG, serum IgA level and GPX activity, jejunal trypsin activity and IL-10 content and mRNA level (p < 0.05) compared with CON but reduced the serum TNF-α content and DAO activity and jejunal NF-κB mRNA level (p < 0.05). Overall, OAEO as an alternative to AGP improved the growth performance, immuno-antioxidant status and gut health of weaned piglets partly via activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effects of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera silage on growth performance, visceral organs, blood biochemical indices, antioxidant indices, and carcass traits in dairy goats

The crude protein content of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera silage (HBPS) is close to that of alfalfa hay. In the present study, we substituted alfalfa hay with HBPS in diets for Saanen dairy goats, and tested a possibility of using HBPS as a feedstuff to provide protein. Thirty male Saanen dairy goats (6-months old, body weight 18.85 ± 1.44 kg) were divided into three groups of 10, and randomly assigned to three diets: the control group (CN) fed the basal diet containing 600 g/kg (dry matter (DM) basis) of alfalfa hay, and the other two groups fed the diets with 33 % and 67 % of alfalfa hay being substituted with HBPS, so HBPS accounted for 198 g/kg (LB) and 402 g/kg (HB) of the diet respectively. The experiment lasted for 94 days. Compared with CN, feeding HBPS did not change feed intake, body weight gain, and the visceral organ coefficients (P > 0.05), but reduced the feed conversion ratio and the weight gain cost, particularly on the 198 g/kg HBPS diet (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, and urea-nitrogen in both LB and HB groups and glucose in HB group decreased (P < 0.05), but their values remained within the normal range. Ammonia concentration in rumen fluid was reduced by feeding HBPS (P < 0.05). The serum activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (P < 0.05) in both LB and HB groups (P < 0.05), and the SOD activity in longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) was increased only for LB treatment (P < 0.05). Feeding HBPS had no effect on the carcass traits and water holding capacity in LDM (P > 0.05). In conclusion, HBPS had similar effects to alfalfa hay on the growth performances, visceral organ development, and water holding capacity postmortem, but reduced the feed conversion ratio and the feed cost, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of animals. Inclusion of 198 g/kg of HBPS in the diet would be a better choice for growing goats. Reduced ammonia concentration in the rumen, urea and protein concentrations in blood suggest dietary protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract could be affected by feeding HBPS, which is worthy of further investigation.

Effects of compound probiotics on intestinal barrier function and caecum microbiota composition of broilers

ABSTRACT Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms existing in nature and animals and can be used in livestock and poultry breeding. Here, 240 1-day-old Arbor Acre (AA) broilers were used to study the effects of compound probiotics (CP) on antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier function and caecum microorganisms. 2‰, 3‰ or 4‰ CP were added to the basal diet. Blood, jejunum, caecum and caecum contents of broilers were collected on day 60, and the jejunum histopathological observation, oxidative stress state evaluation, intestinal barrier function mRNA level and caecum microflora composition were carried out. The results showed that CP significantly improved the growth performance of broilers in 1-30 days. Moreover, CP supplementation increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents in serum, and increased the mRNA levels of zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), claudin-1 and occludin in the jejunum of broilers. 3‰ CP observably increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth, and the abundance of the genus Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Phascolarctobacterium, decreased the abundance of the genus Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, together with regulation of several genes that are responsible for signaling pathways involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism and endocrine and metabolic diseases. Taken together, the supplementation of CP could reduce oxidative stress levels, increase the mRNA expression levels of tight junction (TJ)-related genes and the colonization of beneficial bacteria in the caecum, which has a promoting effect on the growth performance in broilers.