Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Impact of social isolation on corticosterone release and recovery after stroke in aged rats: A behavioral and biochemical analysis

Social isolation (SI) after stroke reduces recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SI on corticosterone release and recovery after stroke in aged rats. A total of 64 male Wistar rats (aged 24 months) were used in the present study. All rats were housed in pairs for two weeks. After two weeks, rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) rats underwent sham surgery and kept socially isolated (control/social isolated (CO/SI) group); (2) rats underwent sham surgery and kept pair housed (control/pair housed (CO/PH) group); (3) rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery and kept socially isolated (stroke/isolated (ST/SI) group); (4) rats underwent MCAO surgery and kept pair housed (stroke/pair housed (ST/PH)) group. Behaviors were assessed using the adhesive removal test, rotarod test and social interaction test at 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st days after stroke. Serum biochemical analysis was also performed on the behavioral testing days. Results showed THAT serum corticosterone and MDA levels in CO/PH group were significantly lower than CO/SI group. Serum BDNF levels in CO/PH group was significantly higher than CO/SI group. Serum corticosterone and MDA levels in ST/PH group were lower than ST/SI group. In ST/PH group, serum Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and BDNF levels were significantly higher than ST/SI group. Biochemical analysis of certain regions of the brain (hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex) was performed on 21st day after stroke. In the hippocampus of CO/PH group, BDNF and TAC levels were significantly higher than CO/SI group. The hippocampal MDA level of CO/PH group were significantly lower than CO/SI group. BDNF and TAC levels in the hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex of ST/PH group were significantly higher and MDA level was significantly lower as compared with ST/SI group. Both ischemic groups showed sensorimotor recovery over a 21-day period, but recovery of ST/PH group was significantly greater than ST/SI group. Total social interaction time in ST/PH group was significantly longer than ST/SI group. Based on the results of this study, social interaction after stroke enhances histologic and sensorimotor recovery through reduction of HPA activity and corticosterone release, leading to increased TAC and BDNF levels.

Microencapsulated essential oils alleviate diarrhea in weaned piglets by modulating the intestinal microbial barrier as well as not inducing antibiotic resistance: a field research

Microencapsulated essential oils (MEO)have been used as antibiotic alternatives that can be applied to alleviate diarrhea in weaning piglet. We examined a large group of weaned piglets and incorporated essential oil containing thymol (2%), carvacrol (5%) and cinnamaldehyde (3%) in the feed of weaned piglets on an intensive production farm. The piglets were divided into four groups; Control (no additions) and chlortetracycline (Chl), essential oil (EO) and microencapsulated essential oil (MEO) were fed ad libitum over a 28-day trial period. We found MEO significantly reduced the incidence of diarrhea in the piglets that was also accompanied by increased average daily weight gains from days 14–28 (p < 0.05). MEO enhanced the antioxidant capacity in the piglets and serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05). MEO also significantly reduced expression of genes related to ileal inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1) (p < 0.05) and significantly (p < 0.05) increased in sIgA antibody levels. MEO influenced the composition of the intestinal microbiome and reduced Bacteroidota (p < 0.05) and thus altered the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio. However, none of the treatments produced significant changes in the most common tetracycline resistance genes (p > 0.05). Metagenomic analysis indicated that MEO impacted DNA expression, virulence factors, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. Metabolomic analysis of the intestinal content also indicated that MEO impacted tyrosine metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis suggesting improved intestinal health and nutrient absorption. This study paves the way for further research into the development and optimization of MEO-based interventions aimed at improving piglet health and performance while also providing a reference for reducing reliance on antibiotics in animal agriculture.

Shedding light on the shadows: oxidative stress and its pivotal role in prostate cancer progression

ObjectivesData on oxidative protein damage, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation in progression of prostate cancer remain elusive. So far, the influence of the presence of perineural invasion on the level of oxidative stress has not been described. Additionally, there is limited data on the level of oxidative stress in patients’ urine.MethodsWe compared the levels of oxidative stress markers in serum and urine in 50 patients with prostate cancer depending on the tumor stage and histological grade, the Gleason score, and the presence of perineural invasion.ResultsWe found a significantly de-creased level of serum thiol groups and TAC in participants with prostate cancer. Similarly, serum Amadori products and malondialdehyde (MDA) were higher in patients than in healthy men. There was a significantly decrease in TAC and a significantly increased MDA in the urine of prostate cancer patients. As the stage of cancer increased, a decrease in the thiol group concentration and TAC as well as an increase in the concentration of lipid peroxidation products in the serum was observed. The serum level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) increased in the group with Gleason scores greater than 7. Furthermore, serum thiol groups and TAC were reduced in the group with Gleason >7 as compared to Gleason <7. The presence of perineural invasion significantly reduced serum and urinary TAC and increased urinary AOPP concentration.ConclusionsThese results indicate a significant role for oxidative damage in prostate carcinogenesis and its progression. Characterizing oxidative and nitrosative damage to proteins may be useful in designing targeted therapies for prostate cancer patients.

Effects of Dietary Callicarpa nudiflora Aqueous Extract Supplementation on Growth Performance, Growth Hormone, Antioxidant and Immune Function, and Intestinal Health of Broilers

C. nudiflora is notably rich in flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides, making it a significant natural source of antioxidants. We examined the effects of C. nudiflora aqueous extract (CNE) on growth performance, antioxidant function, immunity, intestinal barrier function, nutrient transporters, and microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: a basal diet with 0 (control, CON), 300 mg/kg (CNEL), 500 mg/kg (CNEM), and 700 mg/kg (CNEH) CNE for 42 days. CNEL and CNEM groups quadratically increased body weight and average daily gain but decreased feed-to-gain ratios during the starter and whole phases. Regarding the immune response of broilers, CNE treatment linearly down-regulated jejunal myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ expression in the liver (d 21), while decreasing jejunal IL-1β expression and the concentration of serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (d 42). The CNEM and CNEH groups had lower MyD88 and nuclear factor kappa B expression in the liver (d 21) compared to the CON group. Broilers in the CNEL and CNEM groups had higher spleen index and thymus index (d 21) and interleukin-10 expression from the liver and jejunal mucosa (d 42) than that in the CON group. For the antioxidant capacity of broilers, CNE treatment linearly decreased the content of malonaldehyde and increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity in serum (d 42). CNEM and CNEH groups linearly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum and heme oxygenase-1 expression in the liver, while increasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum, jejunal nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 expression, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression in the liver (d 42). As for the growth hormone of broilers, CNEM group increased the level of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and up-regulated jejunal glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) expression (d 21). Broilers in the CNEM and CNEH groups had higher jejunal GLP-2 expression and growth hormone (GH) expression in the liver and the level of serum GH (d 42) than that in the CON group. Additionally, the villus height and jejunal Occludin and Claudin-1 expression in the CNEM group increased. CNE-containing diets resulted in a linear increase in the expression of jejunal zonula occluden-1 (d 21), villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal Occludin, excitatory amino acid transporters-3, and peptide-transporter 1 (d 42). The regulation of Oscillospira, Ruminococcaceae_Ruminococcus, and Butyricicoccus genera indicated that CNEH altered the composition of the cecal microbiota. In general, supplementing broilers with C. nudiflora aqueous extract could boost hormones, immune and antioxidant function, and gut health, improving their growth performance. Hence, CNE was a promising poultry feed additive, with 500 mg/kg appearing to be the optimal dose.

The efficacy of curcumin supplementation on serum total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and disease activity in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the physiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is associated with impaired antioxidant defenses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and disease activity in women with RA. In this clinical trial, 48 women with RA were treated with one capsule of curcumin (500 mg daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and end of the study. Finally, we assessed the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS-28), dietary intake, and physical activity levels. While curcumin supplementation for 8 weeks significantly increased the serum levels of TAC (p < 0.05), it decreased tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and DAS-28 compared to the placebo at the end of the study (p < 0.001 for all). MDA levels significantly decreased in the curcumin group (p < 0.05). However, changes in MDA concentration were not significant between groups at the end of the trial (p = 0.145). Curcumin supplementation had a beneficial effect on increasing the serum levels of TAC and decreased DAS-28 in women with RA.

Silymarin Improves Thyroid Function in Lithium-treated Bipolar Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most important side effects of lithium carbonate. Silymarin is a flavonolignan extracted from the milk thistle Silybum marianum (L.), which has remarkable antioxidant and therapeutic properties. This clinical trial study aimed to evaluate the effect of silymarin on thyroid function and serum antioxidant status in patients with lithium-treated bipolar disorder. Methods: Bipolar patients with a depression episode and a history of at least six months of lithium use were randomly divided into placebo-control (n=18) and intervention (n=19) groups. In addition to standard medication, patients in the intervention and control groups received silymarin (140 mg) and placebo tablets daily for ten weeks, respectively. Finally, thyroid function and serum antioxidant status were evaluated along with clinical signs at the beginning and the tenth week. Results: Following the administration of silymarin, a significant increase was observed in total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.004) and total thiol molecules (p = 0.005) levels in serum compared to the placebo group. Although silymarin had no significant effect on serum triiodothyronine (T3) and lithium levels, it could significantly improve the secretory status of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; p = 0.002) and Thyroxine (T4; p = 0.02) hormones in comparison to the placebo group. Conclusion: The current study showed that silymarin might be effective for thyroid function in lithium- treated bipolar patients by improving body’s antioxidant status. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20190811044513N2

Effects of Ramulus mori oligosaccharides on growth performance, serum physiological and biochemical parameters, and immunomodulation in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This study examined the effects of dietary Ramulus mori oligosaccharides (RMO) supplementation on the growth, antioxidant capacity, and immunomodulatory capacity in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Fingerlings weighing 26.82 ± 0.31 g were randomly divided into three groups that were fed either the basal diet, supplementation with 0.5% RMO, or supplementation with 1.0% RMO. The feeding trial lasted 80 days, after which the fish were experimentally challenged with largemouth bass iridovirus (LMBV). The integration of RMO into the diet resulted in a slower rate of weight gain for largemouth bass, and it also led to an elevation in the feed coefficient. RMO supplementation significantly declined the serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, and lowered the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05); increased the levels of serum total protein, albumin, and lysozyme (P < 0.05); and increased the survival rate of fish infected with LMBV. Additionally, RMO supplementation boosted the activity of superoxide dismutase in both serum and liver, decreased the malondialdehyde content, and enhanced the total antioxidant capacity of serum and liver. The addition of RMO to the diet can also lower the phenomenon of liver vacuolization and upregulate the gene expression of liver sod and cat, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors tnf-α and il-8, and regulate the intestinal microbiota structure. In summary, RMO supplementation to a pelleted compound feed could improve the antioxidant capacity, increase disease resistance, affect the gut microbial composition, and protect the liver health of largemouth bass, showing the potential for development of this aquafeed additive.

Redox Homeostasis Alteration Is Restored through Melatonin Treatment in COVID-19 Patients: A Preliminary Study.

Type II pneumocytes are the target of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which alters their redox homeostasis to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS). Melatonin (MT) has antioxidant proprieties and protects mitochondrial function. In this study, we evaluated whether treatment with MT compensated for the redox homeostasis alteration in serum from COVID-19 patients. We determined oxidative stress (OS) markers such as carbonyls, glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiols, nitrites (NO2-), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and thiol groups in serum. We also studied the enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reductase (GR), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) and peroxidases. There were significant increases in LPO and carbonyl quantities (p ≤ 0.03) and decreases in TAC and the quantities of NO2-, thiols, and GSH (p < 0.001) in COVID-19 patients. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes such as ecSOD, TrxR, GPx, GST, GR, and peroxidases were decreased (p ≤ 0.04) after the MT treatment. The treatment with MT favored the activity of the antioxidant enzymes that contributed to an increase in TAC and restored the lost redox homeostasis. MT also modulated glucose homeostasis, functioning as a glycolytic agent, and inhibited the Warburg effect. Thus, MT restores the redox homeostasis that is altered in COVID-19 patients and can be used as adjuvant therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Lonicera flos and Curcuma longa L. extracts improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immune response in broiler chickens.

Alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed to maintain broiler growth and health. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Lonicera flos and Curcuma longa L. extracts (LCE) as antibiotic substitutes on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immune response in broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old female broilers (WOD168) were allocated to 3 treatments with 5 replicates of 32 birds for 35 days. The 3 treatments were: an antibiotic-free basal diet (control, CON), CON +50 mg/kg spectinomycin hydrochloride and 25 mg/kg lincomycin hydrochloride (ANT), CON +500 mg/kg LCE (LCE). During the entire experimental period, supplementation of ANT and LCE increased (p < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and decreased (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR), thereby resulting in greater final body weight (BW) compared with CON. Dietary LCE supplementation increased (p < 0.05) serum (glutathione peroxidase) GSH-Px, (superoxide dismutase) SOD and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities, and decreased (p < 0.05) serum malonaldehyde (MDA) concentration at day 35 compared with CON. There was no significant difference in serum catalase (CAT) activity among treatments. Birds in LCE group had lower (p < 0.05) MDA concentration and higher SOD activity in liver than those in CON and ANT groups at day 35. Birds in LCE group had higher (p < 0.05) phagocytic index and serum antibody titers to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) than those in CON group. Lower (p < 0.05) concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines in serum and liver were observed in birds fed LCE diet than those fed CON diet. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of LCE improved growth performance by enhancing antioxidant capacity, strengthening immune system and alleviating inflammation, which has potential as antibiotic alternatives.

Weissella cibaria Relieves Gut Inflammation Caused by Escherichia coli through Inflammation Modulation and Gut Microbiota Regulation.

The emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has considerably challenged the development of new drugs. Probiotics that inhibit MDR pathogens offer advantages over chemical antibiotics and drugs due to their increased safety and fewer side effects. This study reported that Weissella cibaria P-8 isolated from pickles showed excellent antibacterial activity against intestinal pathogens, particularly the antibacterial activity against MDR Escherichia coli B2 was the highest. This study showed that the survival rates of W. cibaria P-8 at pH 2.0 and 0.3% bile salt concentration were 72% and 71.56%, respectively, and it still had antibacterial activity under pepsin, trypsin, protease K, and catalase hydrolysis. Moreover, W. cibaria P-8 inhibits the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6, upregulates the interleukin-10 level, and increases total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in serum. W. cibaria P-8 also efficiently repairs intestinal damage caused by E. coli infection. The gut microbiota analysis demonstrated that W. cibaria P-8 colonizes the intestine and increases the abundance of some beneficial intestinal microorganisms, particularly Prevotella. In conclusion, W. cibaria P-8 alleviated MDR E. coli-induced intestinal inflammation by regulating inflammatory cytokine and enzyme activity and rebalancing the gut microbiota, which could provide the foundation for subsequent clinical analyses and probiotic product development.

Effects of coated sodium butyrate on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens.

This study examined the impact of adding coated sodium butyrate (CSB) to the diet on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of yellow-feathered broiler chickens. In this study, 240 yellow-feathered broiler chickens at 26 days old were divided into two groups: the control group (CON group) received a standard diet, and the experimental group (CSB group) received a diet with 0.5 g/kg of a supplement called CSB. Each group had 6 replicates, with 20 chickens in each replicate, and the experiment lasted for 36 days. Compared to the CON group, the CSB group showed a slight but insignificant increase in average daily weight gain during the 26-62 day period, while feed intake significantly decreased. The CSB group exhibited significant increases in serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the CSB group had significant increases in total protein and albumin content, as well as a significant decrease in blood ammonia levels. Compared to the CON group, the CSB group had significantly increased small intestine villus height and significantly decreased jejunal crypt depth. The abundance of Bacteroidetes and Bacteroides in the cecal microbiota of the CSB group was significantly higher than that of the CON group, while the abundance of Proteobacteria, Deferribacteres, and Epsilonbacteraeota was significantly lower than that of the CON group. These results suggest that adding CSB to the diet can improve the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of yellow-feathered broiler chickens while maintaining intestinal health.

Production of iron-enriched yeast and it's application in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most serious forms of malnutrition. Wild type strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have higher tolerance to inorganic iron and higher iron conversion and accumulation capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of S. cerevisiae enriched iron as a potential organic iron supplement on mice with iron deficiency anemia. 60 male Kunming mice (KM mice, with strong adaptability and high reproduction rate, it can be widely used in pharmacology, toxicology, microbiology and other research) were randomly divided into normal control group and iron deficiency diet model group to establish IDA model. After the model was established, IDA mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, IDA group, organic iron group (ferrous glycinate), inorganic iron group (ferrous sulfate) and S. cerevisiae enriched iron group. Mice in the experimental group were given different kinds of iron by intragastric administration once a day for 4w. The results showed that S. cerevisiae enriched iron had an effective recovery function, and the body weight and hematological parameters of IDA mice returned to normal levels. The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity in serum were increased. In addition, the strain no. F8, able to grow in an iron-rich environment, was more effective in alleviating IDA and improving organ indices with fewer side effects compared to ferrous glycinate and ferrous sulfate groups. This study suggests that the iron-rich strain no. F8 may play an important role in improving IDA mice and may be developed as a new iron supplement.

Enzymolytic soybean meal-impact on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidative capacity, and intestinal health of weaned piglets.

Enzymolytic soybean meal (ESBM) enriches free amino acids and small peptides, while mitigating anti-nutritional factors. Substituting soybean meal with ESBM enhances animal performance, though optimal piglet dietary supplementation levels vary. The present study aimed to assess the impact of ESBM on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidative capacity and intestinal health of weaned piglets. A total of 120 piglets (initial body weight, 7.0 ± 0.4 kg) were randomly allocated into 4 dietary groups, each comprising 5 replicates with 6 piglets per replicate. The control group received the basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed diets containing 2, 4% or 8% ESBM as a replacement for soybean meal over 28 days. Compared with the control group, piglets supplemented with 4% ESBM exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in average daily gain and the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, ether extract and gross energy (p < 0.05), alongside a notable decrease (p < 0.05) in diarrhea incidence. Fed ESBM linearly increased (p < 0.05) the villus height in the ileum of piglets. The levels of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in serum of piglets increased (p < 0.05) in the 2 and 4% ESBM groups, while diamine oxidase content decreased (p < 0.05) in the 4 and 8% ESBM group. ESBM inclusion also upregulated (p < 0.05) the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), Catalase (CAT) and claudin-1 mRNA. In terms of cecal fermentation characteristics, ESBM supplementation resulted in a increase (p < 0.05) in valerate content and a linear rise (p < 0.05) in propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acids levels, accompanied by a decrease (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of tryptamine and NH3 in cecal digesta. ESBM had no discernible effect on cecal microbial composition. In summary, substitution of soybean meal with ESBM effectively improved the growth performance of piglets by enhancing nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier and cecal microbial fermentation characteristics, with the optimal replacement level identified at 4%.

Supplementation of feedlot lambs with magnesium oxide and sodium bicarbonate: Effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen environment, serum biochemistry and antioxidant indices

The present experiment was conducted to obtain an appropriate addition strategy of magnesium oxide (MgO) for feedlot lambs and to elucidate how the combined addition of MgO and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) influences the growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs. Sixty male Dorper-Hu hybrid lambs (32.76 ± 0.85 kg) were randomly assigned to 20 pens (3 lambs per pen; 5 pens per treatment). Lambs received a corn-based total-mixed ration (TMR, 80:20 concentrate to forage) without supplementation (CON) or with the inclusion (dry matter basis) of 15 g/kg NaHCO3 (SB), 2.5 g/kg MgO + 7.5 g/kg NaHCO3 (MG1) or 5 g/kg MgO + 7.5 g/kg NaHCO3 (MG2). Buffer addition effectively increased ruminal pH and water intake in feedlot lambs (P < 0.01). The MG2 group had lower dry matter intake (P ≤ 0.03), while the MG1 group showed higher average daily gain and lower feed-to-gain ratio than the other groups (P < 0.01). Compared to the CON and SB groups, MG1 and MG2 groups had greater total tract nutrient digestibility, except for the stage 1 of DM and ADF (P < 0.01). Adding MgO with NaHCO3 improved total volatile fatty acids concentration (P < 0.01). Microbial community analysis revealed enhanced Prevotella abundance in both MG1 and MG2 groups (P = 0.04). Additionally, MG1 and MG2 groups also both exhibited greater serum antioxidant capacity compared to CON and SB groups (P ≤ 0.03). The MG1 group showed greater dressing percentage, and ribeye area than other groups (P < 0.01). Overall, the recommended supplementation strategy for the lambs' diet was 2.5 g/kg MgO + 7.5 g/kg NaHCO3. The mixture of MgO and NaHCO3 enhanced the total tract nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and serum antioxidant capacity in lambs, resulting in improved lamb growth and carcass performance.

Inhibiting advanced glycation end products (AGEs) of high-performance hemodialysis membranes self-assembled by gallic acid and Ti3C2Tx MXene

Current patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffer from either accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) or inefficient clearance of the middle molecule uremic toxins, threatening their long-term survival rate. In particular, conventional hemodialysis membranes cannot prevent AGEs formation because of continuous oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, a persistent ROS scavenging and efficient uremic toxin clearance of hemodialysis membrane is proposed by the in situ deposition of a gallic acid-Ti3C2Tx MXene (GA-MXene)n multilayers through a self-assembly method, where n denotes the number of deposition layers. These hemodialysis membranes have a highly interconnecting composite laminate with tunable pore size. In the dialysis experiment, the (GA-MXene)2 membrane with the vertical nano-slits shows the highest middle molecule uremic toxin clearance of 80.0% compared with state-of-the-art hemodialysis membranes, which has been approximately equal to the clearance of small molecule urea. Furthermore, GA conferring efficient ROS scavenging rate over dialysis treatment time allows anti-oxidative activities to inhibit AGEs’ formation. (GA-MXene)n multilayers enhanced the serum total antioxidant capacity and suppressed lipid peroxidation from oxidative damage. Ultimately, the (GA-MXene)n hemodialysis membranes provide excellent anticoagulant properties and cytocompatibility through the heparin-mimicking sulfonated Ti3C2Tx MXene and biological activity of GA. This work facilitates the blood purification application of MXenes and opens up an avenue for developing functional multilayers for high-performance hemodialysis membranes and beyond.

Benefits of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity, and cecal microbiota of rabbits.

Heat-killed probiotics, as a type of inactivated beneficial microorganisms, possess an extended shelf life and broader adaptability compared to their live counterparts. This study aimed to investigate the impact of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus, LA) - a deactivated probiotic on the growth performance, digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity and cecal microbiota of rabbits. Two hundred weaned Hyla rabbits were randomly allocated into five equal groups (CON, L200, L400, L600, and L800). Over a 28-day period, the rabbits were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg of heat-killed LA, respectively. Results revealed a significant reduction in the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the L800 group exhibited significantly higher apparent digestibility of crude fiber (CF) and crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05). Regarding digestive enzyme activities, enhanced trypsin and fibrinase activities were observed in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05). Concerning the regulation of the body's antioxidant status, the L800 group demonstrated elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in both serum and ileal tissue (p < 0.05). In terms of immune capacity modulation, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly lower in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05), while immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were higher (p < 0.05). Additionally, the L800 group exhibited a substantial increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in the intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05). In comparison to the CON group, the L800 group exhibited a significant increase in the relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium and Alistipes in the cecum (p < 0.05). Phascolarctobacterium demonstrated a positive correlation with SIgA (p < 0.05), IgM (p < 0.01), and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), while displaying a negative correlation with TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Concurrently, Alistipes exhibited positive correlations with IgA (p < 0.05), IgM (p < 0.05), SIgA (p < 0.01), GSH-Px (p < 0.05), SOD (p < 0.05), and T-AOC (p < 0.01), and a negative correlation with TNF-α (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary incorporation of 600 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of heat-killed LA positively influenced the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immune capacity and cecal microbiota of rabbits. This highlights the potential benefits of utilizing heat-killed probiotics in animal nutrition.

Effects of Spirulina supplementation in patients with ulcerative colitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial

AimWe conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Spirulina (SP) supplementation on disease activity, health-related quality of life, antioxidant status, and serum pentraxin 3 (PTX-3) levels in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodsEighty patients with UC were randomly assigned to consume either 1 g/day (two 500 mg capsules/day) of SP (n = 40) or control (n = 40) for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes, physical activity, disease activity, health-related quality of life, antioxidant status, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum PTX-3 levels were assessed and compared between groups at baseline and post-intervention.ResultsSeventy-three patients (91.3%) completed the trial. We observed increases in serum total antioxidant capacity levels in the SP supplementation group compared to the control group after 8 weeks of intervention (p ≤ 0.001). A within-group comparison indicated a trend towards a higher health-related quality of life score after 8 weeks of taking two different supplements, SP (p < 0.001) and PL (p = 0.012), respectively. However, there were no significant changes in participant’s disease activity score in response to SP administration (p > 0.05). Similarly, changes in ESR and PTX-3 levels were comparable between groups post-intervention (p > 0.05).ConclusionsSP improved antioxidant capacity status and health-related quality of life in patients with UC. Our findings suggest that SP supplementation may be effective as an adjuvant treatment for managing patients with UC. Larger trials with longer interventions periods are required to confirm our findings.

The Oxidative Status and Na+/K+-ATPase Activity in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Control Study.

Oxidative stress is involved in pathogenesis of some psychiatric disorders. To examine the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), we aimed to determine oxidative stress indices, including malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and red blood cells (RBC) membrane, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum glutathione (GSH) levels, serum antioxidant vitamins (A and E), and Na+/K+-ATPase activity, in patients with the mentioned disorder vs. healthy controls. 39 OCD patients diagnosed based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and 39 volunteer healthy subjects were included in this study. MDA levels in serum and RBC membrane were measured using fluorometric method. Serum TAC level, serum GSH level, and Na+/K+-ATPase activity were also measured using spectrophotometric methods. Serum levels of vitamins were calculated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). There was a significantly higher MDA level in serum (p < 0.0001) and RBC membrane (p = 0.002) of OCD patients compared with those in controls. A significant reduction in vitamin A (p = 0.001) and vitamin E (p = 0.024) levels was found in OCD patients vs. controls. There was significantly lower activity of erythrocyte membrane Na+/K+-ATPase in RBC membrane of OCD patients vs. controls (p < 0.0001). Our findings indicate significantly higher levels MDA in both serum and RBC membrane, lower levels of serum vitamins A and E, and lower activity of membrane Na+/K+-ATPase in OCD patients compared to controls. These suggest an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant factors in OCD patients that might play a fundamental role in the etiopathogenesis of OCD.

Effects of antioxidant-rich Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inoculated alfalfa silage on rumen fermentation, antioxidant and immunity status, and mammary gland gene expression in dairy goats

BackgroundMilk synthesis in lactating animals demands high energy metabolism, which results in an increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) causing an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants thereby inducing oxidative stress (OS) on the animals. To mitigate OS and postpartum disorders in dairy goats and gain insight into the impact of dietary choices on redox status during lactation, a feeding trial was conducted using alfalfa silage inoculated with a high-antioxidant strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.MethodsTwenty-four Guanzhong dairy goats (38.1 ± 1.20 kg) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: one containing silage inoculated with L. plantarum MTD/1 (RSMTD-1), and the other containing silage inoculated with high antioxidant activity L. plantarum 24-7 (ES24-7).ResultsES24-7-inoculated silage exhibited better fermentation quality and antioxidant activity compared to RSMTD-1. The ES24-7 diet elevated the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities in milk, serum, and feces of lactating goats (with the exception of T-AOC in milk). Additionally, the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage enhanced casein yield, milk free fatty acid (FFA) content, and vitamin A level in the goats’ milk. Furthermore, an increase of immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG, IgM, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10 concentrations were observed, coupled with a reduction in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations in the serum of lactating goats fed ES24-7. Higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, and propionate were observed in the rumen fluid of dairy goats fed ES24-7 inoculated silage. Moreover, the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2), beta-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1), SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, GPX2, CAT, glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) genes in the mammary gland, while decreased the levels of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), TNF, and interferon gamma (IFNG).ConclusionsThese findings indicated that feeding L. plantarum 24-7 inoculated alfalfa silage not only improved rumen fermentation and milk quality in lactating dairy goats but also boosted their immunity and antioxidant status by modulating the expression of several genes related to antioxidant and inflammation in the mammary gland.

Effects of Tail Vegetable Fermented Feed on the Growth and Rumen Microbiota of Lambs.

This study explored the impact of integrating fermented feed into the starter diet of lambs, focusing on growth, health, serum antioxidants, immune markers, rumen fermentation, and microbial communities. Thirty-six ten-day-old female Tail Han lambs were randomly divided into three experimental groups, which were separately fed with alfalfa hay (LA group), tail vegetable fermented feed (LB group), and tail vegetable fermented feed supplemented with 0.1% microbial inoculants (LC group) during the experimental period. This study assessed the influence of fermented feed on various parameters, including growth performance, fiber degradation, rumen fermentation, enzymatic activities, and ruminal histomorphology. The results indicate that compared to the control group, the addition of fermented feed can increase the daily weight gain of lambs. Simultaneously, the addition of fermented feed can enhance the total antioxidant capacity of serum (p < 0.05). The addition of fermented feed promoted the increased height of villi in the duodenum or jejunum of lambs (p < 0.05), and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the LB and LC groups was also improved (p < 0.05). The addition of fermented feed increased the richness and diversity of the rumen microbial community in lambs (p < 0.05), primarily increasing the relative abundance of Ruminococcus_1, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Lachnospiraceae, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group.