Simultaneous Supplementation Research Articles

Influence of β - carotene on the spermatogenic epithelium and output dominant lethal muthations in rats under the exposure to hexavalent chromium

In adult rats exposed to hexavalent chromium (intraperitoneal injection of 0.028; 0.28 and 2.8 mg KCrO(kg bw/ day) during 48 days there is observed the decrease in the intensity of index of spermatogenesis, increase ofspermatids with micronuclei, intensifying of processes peroxidation of lipids in testis, resulted in the increase in the number of the abnormal spermatozoa and of percent of a fetal death. Simultaneous supplementation of β-carotene in Cr (VI) exposed rats showed the increase of intensity index of spermatogenesis. Morphology of a sperm, intensity of processes peroxidation of lipids in testis and of number of viable embryos was restored.

Folic Acid Affects Iron Status in Female Rats with Deficiency of These Micronutrients

Although simultaneous supplementation with iron and folic acid is justified, the potential interactions between these micronutrients are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oral iron and folic acid, administered together or separately, on iron concentration in tissues in rats with a deficiency of both these micronutrients. In the first stage of the experiment (28 days), 150 8-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group (C; n = 30) fed the standard diet and to a study group (n = 120) fed a diet deficit in iron and folate. The study group was then randomly divided to four groups: D group fed a deficit diet, FE group fed a deficit diet with iron gluconate, the FOL group fed a deficit diet with folate acid, and the FEFOL group fed a deficit diet with iron gluconate and folate acid. After 2, 10, and 21 days of supplementation, ten animals from each group were killed. Morphological parameters were measured in whole blood. Iron concentration was assayed in serum, liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, and kidneys. Folic acid supplementation more significantly decreased iron concentrations in the pancreas and spleen than in the D group after 10 and 21 days of supplementation. Moreover, the combination of iron with folic acid markedly decreased iron levels in the liver and spleen, in comparison with iron alone, after 10 and 21 days of the experiment. In conclusion, folic acid affects iron status in female rats deficient in these micronutrients in moderate and long-term supplementation.

Zinc treatment modulates hematological and morphological changes in rat erythrocytes following arsenic exposure.

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of zinc supplementation on antioxidant defense systems, hematological indices, and erythrocyte morphology in conditions of chronic arsenic toxicity. Male Wistar rats were segregated into four groups: control, arsenic treated, zinc supplemented, and arsenic + zinc treated. The animals in the arsenic-treated group were given arsenic orally in drinking water in the form of sodium arsenite at a dose level of 100 mg L-1, and zinc was administered to zinc-treated animals in the form of zinc sulfate orally in drinking water at a dose level of 227 mg L-1. The animals were subjected to different treatments for a period of 12 weeks, and various investigations were undertaken that included serum zinc content, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and hematological indices. Further, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies were performed to assess morphological changes in erythrocytes. Arsenic treatment significantly reduced serum zinc concentrations, which, however, were restored to near-normal levels upon zinc supplementation. The activities of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense systems were altered in the erythrocyte lysates of arsenic-treated rats, which interestingly revealed a significant improvement upon simultaneous zinc supplementation. A significant reduction in the counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes was observed following arsenic intoxication, which came back to near control levels following zinc supplementation. Also, protective effects of zinc were evident from SEM that revealed maintenance of topographical appearances of erythrocytes in conditions of arsenic toxicity. Thus, this study clearly shows the protection afforded by zinc on erythrocytes during arsenic-induced toxicity.

Statin-Associated Cardiomyopathy Responds to Statin Withdrawal and Administration of Coenzyme Q10.

Heart failure (HF) is rapidly increasing in incidence and is often present in patients receiving long-term statin therapy. To test whether or not patients with HF on long-term statin therapy respond to discontinuation of statin therapy and initiation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation. We prospectively identified patients receiving long-term statin therapy in whom HF developed in the absence of any identifiable cause. Treatment consisted of simultaneous statin therapy discontinuation and CoQ10 supplementation (average dosage = 300 mg/d). Baseline and follow-up physical examination findings, symptom scores, echocardiograms, and plasma CoQ10 and cholesterol levels. Of 142 identified patients with HF, 94% presented with preserved ejection fraction (EF) and 6% presented with reduced EF (< 50%). After a mean follow-up of 2.8 years, New York Heart Association class 1 increased from 8% to 79% (p < 0.0001). In patients with preserved EF, 34% had normalization of diastolic function and 25% showed improvement (p < 0.0001). In patients with reduced EF at baseline, the EF improved from a mean of 35% to 47% (p = 0.02). Statin-attributable symptoms including fatigue, muscle weakness, myalgias, memory loss, and peripheral neuropathy improved (p < 0.01). The 1-year mortality was 0%, and the 3-year mortality was 3%. In patients receiving long-term statin therapy, statin-associated cardiomyopathy may develop that responds safely to statin treatment discontinuation and CoQ10 supplementation. Statin-associated cardiomyopathy may be a contributing factor to the current increasing prevalence of HF with preserved EF.

Effect of L-Ascorbic Acid on Nickel-Induced Alteration of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology in Wistar Rats.

Nickel, a widely used heavy metal is suspected as a cardiotoxic element. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible protective role of l-ascorbic acid on nickel-induced alterations of cardiovascular pathophysiology in male albino rats. Twenty-four albino rats (b.wt. 170-250g) were randomized into four groups: control; l-ascorbic acid (50mg/100g b.wt., orally); NiSO4 (2.0mg/100g b.wt., i.p.); NiSO4 with l-ascorbic acid. Cardiovascular electrophysiology, serum and cardiac tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid, serum α-tocopherol and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated. Histopathology of cardiac and aortic tissues was also assessed. NiSO4-treated rats showed a significant increase in heart rate, LF/HF ratio and blood pressure (SBP, DBP and MAP). A significant increase of serum MDA, NO and VEGF in NiSO4 treatment with a concomitant decrease of serum ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol as compared to their respective controls were also observed. Simultaneous supplementation of l-ascorbic acid with NiSO4 significantly decreased LF/HF ratio, BP and oxidative stress parameters, whereas ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol concentration was found to be increased. Histopathology of cardiac and aortic tissues showed nickel-induced focal myocardial hypertrophy and degeneration in cardiac tissue with focal aneurism in aortic tissues. Supplementation with l-ascorbic showed a protective action in both cardiac and aortic tissues. Results indicated the possible beneficial effect of l-ascorbic acid on nickel-induced alteration of the cardiovascular pathophysiology in experimental rats.

Flaxseed and dried tomato waste used together in laying hens diet

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of simultaneous supplementation of laying hens with dietary sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and carotenoids on egg quality, fatty acids and carotenoid profile of the egg yolk and on feed and yolk lipid peroxidation. A 6-week experiment was carried out with 53-week old laying hens (96 Tetra SL) assigned to a control and three treatment groups supplemented with 5% flaxseeds and different levels of dried tomato waste (DTW, 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0%). Hens from the groups supplemented with 5% and 7.5% DTW had a significantly lower average daily feed intake and laying percentage as compared to the control. Increased doses of dietary DTW enhanced yolk Roche colour score in direct correlation with the enrichment of egg yolk in carotenoids but decreased their transfer efficiency from feed to egg. After 4 weeks, egg yolk from hens fed with 5% flaxseeds and 7.5% DTW had increased lutein and zeaxanthin levels (by 29% and 24%, respectively) and the colour score was 3.5 fold higher compared to the control group. As a result of the dietary supplementation with flaxseed, the n-3 fatty acid content was 3.1–3.7-fold higher in egg yolk compared with the control and the n-6/n-3 ratio decreased from 18.3 (control) to 4.1–5.4 in supplemented diets. Dietary supplementation with 5% DTW effectively prevented lipid oxidation of eggs enriched with n-3 PUFA, but the increase in DTW content depressed the absorption and deposition of n-3 PUFA in egg yolk.

Switch from tablet to oral liquid or softgel capsule L-thyroxine ensures lower serum TSH levels and favorable effects on blood pressure, total cholesterolemia and glycemia in thyroxine-replaced postmenopausal women under simultaneous calcium supplementation.

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Quercetin plays protective role in oxidative induced apoptotic events during chronic chlorpyrifos exposure to rats.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate insecticide has a wider application throughout the world to protect agricultural crops and vegetables from insects. Polyphenolic compounds are considered as beneficial against toxicities induced by organophosphates. The present study was conducted to understand the neuroprotective role of quercetin in chlorpyrifos-induced apoptotic events in rats. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 170 to 200 g were divided into four groups viz: Control, chlorpyrifos treated (13.5 mg/kg body wt. alternate day), quercetin treated (50 mg/kg body wt. every day) and combined chlorpyrifos + quercetin treated. All the treatments were carried out for a total duration of 60 days. Protein carbonyl content and acetylcholinesterase activity were estimated in serum along with cerebrum and cerebellum to ascertain neurotoxicity. Further, for appraisal of neurodegeneration as a consequence of apoptosis, protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-8, and caspase-9 were assessed. The results showed that protein carbonyl contents were markedly increased in both serum and brain tissues (cerebrum and cerebellum) of chlorpyrifos-treated rats when compared with control group and were appreciably improved upon simultaneous supplementation with quercetin. Further, chlorpyrifos treatment revealed a significant decrease in the enzyme activity of acetylcholinesterase in serum as well as in cerebrum and cerebellum, which however was increased upon concomitant treatment with quercetin. In chlorpyrifos-treated animals, we have observed a significant decrease in the protein expression level of Bcl-2, but a remarkable increase in the expression levels of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-8, and caspase-9 in both cerebrum and cerebellum. Interestingly, when chlorpyrifos-treated animals were supplemented with quercetin, a significant increase in the expression of Bcl-2 and an appreciable decline in the expression levels of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-8, and caspase-9 was observed. In conclusion, the present study advocates that quercetin may prove to be a useful candidate in containing the oxidative-induced apoptotic events during chlorpyrifos exposure.

In thyroxine-replaced hypothyroid postmenopausal women under simultaneous calcium supplementation, switch to oral liquid or softgel capsule L-thyroxine ensures lower serum TSH levels and favorable effects on blood pressure, total cholesterolemia and glycemia.

In postmenopausal women under L-T4 therapy, which was subsequently accompanied by calcium carbonate (CC) supplementation taken 6-8 h after tablet L-T4, TSH levels were greater than prior to adding CC. Total cholesterolemia [CHOL], fasting glycemia [FG], systolic and diastolic blood pressure [SBP, DBP] were also greater than baseline. Our aim was to explore the effects of either liquid or softgel capsule L-T4, while maintaining CC ingestion 6-8 h, later on TSH levels, CHOL, FG, SBP, and DBP. We proposed to 50 hypothyroid postmenopausal women under tablet L-T4 therapy, to switch to either liquid or softgel capsule L-T4 at the same daily dose while maintaining CC ingestion 6-8 h later. Sixteen women accepted [group I; liquid (n = 9), capsule (n = 7)], while 34 continued tablet L-T4 [group II, (n = 34)]. After 3 months, in group I, TSH decreased significantly (1.23 ± 0.49 vs. 1.80 ± 0.37 mU/L, P < 0.01), as did FG (80.7 ± 7.9 vs. 83.4 ± 6.3 mg/dL, P < 0.05); CHOL, SBP, and DBP decreased, though insignificantly. In contrast, in group II, TSH, FG, CHOL, SBP increased insignificantly, and DBP increased borderline significantly (69.7 ± 9 vs. 66.3 ± 6.5, P < 0.10). Compared to baseline (before adding CC), in group I, TSH was significantly lower (P < 0.01) and the other indices similar; in group II, TSH, FG, and SBP were significantly higher (P < 0.05), DBP borderline significantly higher (P < 0.10) and CHOL insignificantly higher. Performance of liquid L-T4 and capsule L-T4 was similar. Delaying CC ingestion even by 6-8 h after taking tablet L-T4 is not entirely satisfactory, unlike liquid or softgel L-T4.

Novel soil remediation technology for simultaneous organic pollutant catalytic degradation and nitrogen supplementation

This study developed a novel remediation technology based on urea-hydrogen peroxide (UHP) activated by a synthesized Fe-impregnated biochar (FB). The technology can simultaneously degrade sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and supply nitrogen nutrition in cropland soil. Experimental results showed that 97.56% of SMZ was removed in the FB-UHP system within 24 h, whereas 7.12% and 14.65% were removed in the individual application of FB and UHP. Chemical probe and scavenger test results demonstrated that SMZ degradation mainly occurred through oxidation of hydroxyl radicals generated from the activation of UHP by FB. The effects of FB pyrolysis temperature, initial pH, and reaction temperature were investigated. The combination of UHP and FB led to efficient SMZ degradation at a wide pH range of 2–10. Catalytic durability test results showed that FB exhibited good stability even after four uses. A soil column leaching experiment showed that the addition of FB-UHP reduced the SMZ leaching from the soil by 95.06%, increased the nitrogen content on surface soil by approximately 2.5 times, and decreased the nitrogen leaching by 97.57%. Early-stage seedling growth bioassay confirmed that FB-UHP significantly enhanced the SMZ degradation, increased the soil nitrogen content, and improved the lettuce plant growth. Therefore, application of FB-activated UHP is a promising technology for agricultural soil remediation.

N,N-dimethylformamide induces cellulase production in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei

BackgroundThe filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei produces cellulase enzymes that are widely studied for lignocellulose bioconversion to biofuel. N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is a versatile organic solvent used in large quantities in industries.ResultsIn this study, we serendipitously found that biologically relevant concentrations of extracellular DMF-induced cellulase production in the T. reesei hyper-cellulolytic mutant Rut-C30 and wild-type strain QM6a. Next, by transcriptome analysis, we determined that plc-e encoding phospholipase C was activated by DMF and revealed that cytosolic Ca2+ plays a vital role in the response of T. reesei to DMF. Using EGTA (a putative extracellular Ca2+ chelator) and LaCl3 (a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker), we demonstrated that DMF induced a cytosolic Ca2+ burst via extracellular Ca2+ and Ca2+ channels in T. reesei, and that the cytosolic Ca2+ burst induced by DMF-mediated overexpression of cellulase through calcium signaling. Deletion of crz1 confirmed that calcium signaling plays a dominant role in DMF-induced cellulase production. Additionally, 0.5–2% DMF increases the permeability of T. reesei mycelia for cellulase release. Simultaneous supplementation with 1% DMF and 10 mM Mn2+ to T. reesei Rut-C30 increased cellulase activity approximately fourfold compared to that without treatment and was also more than that observed in response to either treatment alone.ConclusionsOur results reveal that DMF-induced cellulase production via calcium signaling and permeabilization. Our results also provide insight into the role of calcium signaling in enzyme production for enhanced cellulase production and the development of novel inducers of cellulase.

Neuro-protective potential of quercetin during chlorpyrifos induced neurotoxicity in rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) has been considered as one of the most potent organophosphates and is linked to several neurological disorders. On the other hand, Quercetin is a vital plant flavanoid and has been reported to regulate a number of physiological processes in the central nervous system. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective potential of quercetin during chlorpyrifos induced neurotoxicity. Female Wistar rats weighing 150–200 g were divided into four different groups viz: Normal control, CPF treated (13.5 mg/kg.b.wt. every alternate day), Quercetin treated (50 mg/kg.b.wt./day) and combined CPF and quercetin-treated. All the treatments were carried out for a total duration of eight weeks. Chlorpyrifos treatment showed significant alterations in the cognitive behavior and motor activities of rats, which were appreciably improved upon simultaneous supplementation with quercetin. Further, CPF treatment caused a significant inhibition in the enzyme activities of acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase, but caused an increase in the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Further, chlorpyrifos exposure significantly elevated the levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl contents as well as the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, which were interestingly found to be decreased following co-treatment with quercetin. In contrast, CPF treatment decreased the activities of glutathione reductase, transferase, as well as levels of reduced and total glutathione in both the cerebrum and cerebellum but co-administration of quercetin, increased these levels. Chlorpyrifos treatment altered the neuro-histoarchitecture, which showed improvement upon quercetin supplementation. Hence, this study suggests that quercetin can be used as a prophylactic intervention to prevent CPF induced neurotoxicity.

The combined effects of Cr(III) propionate complex supplementation and iron excess on copper and zinc status in rats

It is suggested that both iron overload and chromium(III) deficiency may be risk factors of diabetes. It seems that both Fe and Cr(III) metabolism as well as copper and zinc metabolism are interrelated. However, the direction of these changes may depend on mutual proportions of these elements in the diet and organism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the combined effects of Cr(III) supplementation with Fe excess on the Cu and Zn status in female rats. Thirty-six healthy rats were divided into 6 experimental groups with different Fe levels in the diet. Groups marked with C (control) contained Fe at the recommended level (45 mg kg−1). The excess groups (E) contained Fe at 180 mg kg−1. At the same time the animals were supplemented with Cr(III) of doses 1, 50 and 500 mg kg−1 of diet. The Cr, Fe, Cu and Zn dietary and tissular contents were measured with the AAS method.The excess Fe in the diet significantly decreased the Cu content in the liver and kidneys, but it increased the spleen Cu level. The Cr(III) supplementary did not affect the tissular Cu levels, regardless of Fe supply with diet. The experimental factors did not have significant interactional effect on the Cu status parameters under study.The Fe excess in the diet reduced the renal and splenic Zn content, but increased the heart Zn content. The Cr(III) supplementation decreased the Zn content in the kidneys. The Zn content in the liver and spleen tended to decrease as the Cr(III) supply in the diet increased. There was no significant interactional effect of Cr(III) supplementation and the Fe excessive supply in diet on the parameters of Zn metabolism in Wistar rats.Iron oversupply disturbed the rat's Cu and Zn status. However, Cr(III) supplementation did not affect the tissular levels of these elements, except the kidney Zn content. Simultaneous supplementation with the Cr(III) propionate complex did not deepen changes in tissular Cu and Zn levels caused by the Fe excess in the diet.

Increasing Iron Status through Dietary Supplementation in Iron-Depleted, Sedentary Women Increases Endurance Performance at Both Near-Maximal and Submaximal Exercise Intensities

Iron deficiency persists as the most common micronutrient deficiency globally, despite having known detrimental effects on physical performance. Although iron supplementation and aerobic exercise have been examined individually and are known to improve physical performance, the impact of simultaneous iron supplementation and aerobic training remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the individual and combined effects of iron supplementation and aerobic training on improving maximal and submaximal physical performance in iron-depleted, nonanemic (IDNA) women. We hypothesized that women receiving iron would improve their endurance performance but not their estimated maximal oxygen consumption (eVO2max). Seventy-three sedentary, previously untrained IDNA (serum ferritin <25 µg/L and hemoglobin >110 g/L) women aged 18-26 y with a body mass index (kg/m2) of 17-25 participated in a double-blind, 8-wk, randomized controlled trial with a 2×2 factorial design including iron supplementation (42 mg elemental Fe/d) or placebo and aerobic exercise training (5 d/wk for 25 min at 75-85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate) or no training. Linear models were used to examine relations between training, supplement, and changes in the primary outcomes of observed maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and eVO2max and ventilatory threshold (absolute oxygen consumption and percentage of maximum). Re-evaluation of a published meta-analysis was used to compare effects of iron supplementation on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and VO2peak. There were significant training-by-supplement interactions for VO2peak, volume of oxygen consumption at the ventilatory threshold, and the percentage of eVO2max where the threshold occurred, with the iron-untrained group performing better than the placebo-untrained group. There was no beneficial effect of iron supplementation for VO2max (mean difference: 0.53; 95% CI: -0.75, 1.81; P=0.42), but a significant benefit was observed for VO2peak (mean difference: 1.87; 95% CI: 0.15, 3.60; P=0.03). Iron supplementation increases endurance performance at submaximal and maximal (VO2peak) exercise intensities in IDNA women. However, increasing iron status does not increase eVO2max. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03002090.

Comparison of Three Deoxidation Agents for Ozonated Broths Used in Anaerobic Biotechnological Processes

Anaerobic fermentation of organic compounds is used in many biotechnological processes and has been the subject of much research. A variety of process conditions and different growth media can be used to obtain microbial metabolites. The media must be free from contamination before fermentation. Sterilization is most often achieved by applying heat or other treatments, such as ozonation. Sterilization of liquid media using ozone can be very beneficial, but this method introduces high concentrations of residual oxygen, which inhibit anaerobic processes. Deoxidation is therefore necessary to remove the oxygen from ozonated broths. This study evaluates the effectiveness of three deoxidation agents for two kinds of fermentation media based on malt or molasses: ultrasound, iron(II) sulfate, and Metschnikowia sp. yeast. The time needed for deoxidation varied, depending on the kind of broth and the deoxidation agent. In general, the dynamics of oxygen removal were faster in malt broth. A comparative analysis showed that yeast biomass was the most effective agent, achieving deoxidation in the shortest time. Moreover, the fully deoxidated broth was supplemented with yeast biomass, which is rich in biogenic substrates, expressed as a protein content of 0.13–0.73 g/L. Application of Metschnikowia sp. may therefore be considered as an effective strategy for simultaneous deoxidation and nutrient supplementation of broths used in anaerobic biotechnological processes.

Protective role of fucoxanthin in diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in experimental adult rats.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for majority of cancer related deaths. Two major risk factors in induction of HCC are chemical and virus, however, the possible mechanisms of their differences remain indefinable. The current study focused on protective role of Fucoxanthin (Fx) in liver affected by diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC. In this study, levels of liver enzymes, oxidative stressors, antioxidant status, and lipoproteins were compared both in tissue and blood. Tissues were also analyzed extensively by histological studies using H and E staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Rats were clustered into four groups of six experimental animals. Group I: Control rats were administered isotonic saline intraperitoneal Group II: Animals received 0.01% DEN through drinking water to induce hepatocellular carcinoma. Group III: Animals received 0.01% DEN simultaneously oral supplementation of Fx (50 mg/kg b.w). Group IV: Rats were given Fx alone (50 mg/kg b.w) orally and the treatment is for 15 weeks. Results showed the decrease in body weight, serum albumin, antioxidant enzymes, and increased all the liver enzymes, serum bilirubin, and stress markers in DEN induced rats, where as the simultaneous supplementation of Fx reverted them to normal levels. Administration of only Fx did not show any change. Therefore, Fx may serve as a chemotherapeutic agent against liver cancer.

Influence of Reduced Protein Content in Complete Diets with a Consistent Arginine–Lysine Ratio on Performance and Nitrogen Excretion in Broilers

The current discussion concerning resource-efficient broiler production inevitably leads to diets with lowered crude protein (CP) levels. Therefore, the hypothesis was formed that crude protein reduction far below the recommended levels can significantly lower the nitrogen (N) content in litter, if essential amino acids are added and a constant lysine-arginine ratio is guaranteed. In a five-week feeding trial, 360 ROSS 308 broilers of both sexes were randomly assigned to four feeding groups with six replicates each with a standard three-phase feeding program (d 1–7, d 8–14, d 15–35). The control group was offered a complete diet with a common protein content found in practice (CP-% as fed; starter: 21.5, grower: 20.5, finisher: 20.0; lysine/arginine: 100/115). In the experimental diets the lysine/arginine ratio was constant, whereas the protein content was lowered in steps of 1.00 percent each with simultaneous supplementation of growth limiting amino acids. Feeding a diet with a 2.00 percent reduced protein content led to higher body weights after 34 days compared to the control (2329 g vs. 2192 g). The N content in the total litter decreased significantly with a 2.00 and 3.00 percent reduction in the CP content (51.2 vs. 46.2 or rather 36.2 g/kg dry matter (DM)). Meticulous balanced protein-reduced diets therefore allow a significant environmental relief.

Simultaneous Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis and Antibiotic Growth Promoters by Stages Improved Intestinal Function of Pullets by Altering Gut Microbiota.

Early nutrition of pullets could determine the overall development and the performance of laying hens. With the aim to reduce the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and to maintain the growth and development of pullets, the effect of simultaneous short-termed supplementation of AGPs (bacitracin zinc 20 mg/kg and colistin sulfate 4 mg/kg) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) DSM17299 probiotic, as well as the effect of supplementation of AGPs (bacitracin zinc 20 mg/kg and colistin sulfate 4 mg/kg) during the whole period (0~16 weeks) on the overall growth and development, intestinal health, and caecal microbiota of pullets were evaluated. In the present study, a total of 630 one-day-old Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly distributed into five equal groups: including the AGPs group (supplemented with AGPs based on basal diets for 16 weeks), the BA3 group (supplemented with AGPs and B. subtilis based on basal diets for 3 weeks), the BA6 group (for 6 weeks), the BA12 group (for 12 weeks), and the BA16 group (for 16 weeks). When compared with the AGPs group, the supplementation of AGPs + B. subtilis for the first 3 weeks could maintain overall growth performance, including the average body weight, average feed intake, average daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of pullets at 3, 6, 12, and 16 weeks of age (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, the characteristic growth indexes in different periods were separately measured. At 3 weeks of age, the amylase activity in ileum was elevated (P = 0.028), and the length of tibia was up to the standard in the BA3 group. At 12 weeks of age, the increased villus height (P = 0.046) of jejunum, increased villus height (P = 0.023) and ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P = 0.012) of ileum, decreased crypt depth (P = 0.002) of ileum, and elevated mRNA levels of sucrase in jejunum (P < 0.05) were all identified in the BA3 group. At 16 weeks of age, the secreted immunoglobulin A (sIgA) content in the jejunum mucosa of the BA3 group was greater than the other groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, altered intestinal microbiota was found in the BA3 group. Specifically, decreased amounts of Alistipes, Bacteroides, Odoribacter, Dehalobacterium, and Sutterella and increased amounts of Lactobacillus, Dorea, Ruminococcus, and Oscillospira were determined (P < 0.05) in the BA3 group at week 6. Meanwhile, decreased amounts of B. fragilis and C. leptum (P < 0.05) were identified in the BA3 group at week 12, which were found to be relevant for the improvement of intestinal morphology (P < 0.05) by Pearson analysis. In conclusion, simultaneous supplementation of AGP and B. subtilis for 0~3 weeks increased the relative abundance of beneficial microbiota in caecum in 0~6 weeks, then improved the intestinal morphology by elevating populations of B. fragilis and C. leptum in 7~16 weeks, and further upregulated sucrase expression and increased sIgA content in the intestinal mucosa in 13~16 weeks.

Nickel spiking to improve the methane yield of sewage sludge

The presence of micro-nutrients can be stimulatory for the anaerobic digestion (AD) of hardly degradable wastes and thus, improve process performance. Among the essential trace elements, nickel is involved in multiple important enzymes necessary for efficient AD. The present study investigates the effect of nickel spiked sewage sludge on batch and continuous mode operation. Metal spiking was conducted in the form of nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) and salt (NiCl2·6H2O). Results from batch assays showed that 5 mgNi-Salt/kgVS in the presence of Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) enhanced the methane yield by ∼10% compared to the untreated sample. The impact of Ni-NPs in the AD process was also positive, but slightly lower compared to the effect of NiCl2·6H2O. The stimulatory impact of Ni was also revealed in continuously fed digester boosting the methane yield by ∼8%. Overall, the improved methane production indicated that methanogenic archaea were favoured by the simultaneous supplementation of Ni and NTA.

Folate/Vitamin B Alleviates Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Alzheimer-Like Pathologies in Rat Retina.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Visual dysfunction is commonly found and is positively correlated with the severity of cognitive defects in AD patients. Our previous study demonstrated that Hhcy induces memory deficits with AD-like tau and amyloid-β (Aβ) pathologies in the hippocampus, and supplementation with folate and vitamin B12 (FB) prevents the Hhcy-induced AD-like pathologies in the hippocampus. Here, we investigated whether Hhcy also induces AD-like pathologies in the retina and the effects of FB. An Hhcy rat model was produced by vena caudalis injection of homocysteine for 14days, and the effects of FB were assessed by simultaneous supplementation with FB in drinking water. We found that Hhcy induced vessel damage with Aβ and tau pathologies in the retina, while simultaneous supplementation with FB remarkably attenuated the Hhcy-induced tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple AD-related sites and Aβ accumulation in the retina. The mechanisms involved downregulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin-1, beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1, and protein phosphatase-2A. Our data suggest that the retina may serve as a window for evaluating the effects of FB on hyperhomocysteinemia-induced Alzheimer-like pathologies.