Plasma Superoxide Dismutase Activity Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Vitamin C Supplementation on Growth Performance and Biochemical Parameters in Grower Walleye Pollock, Gadus chalcogrammus.

The optimal dietary vitamin C (VC) levels for walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) remain undefined. This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary VC levels on the growth performance and biochemical parameters of grower walleye pollock and determine the optimal VC level for their diet. Six experimental diets (VC0, VC1, VC3, VC5, VC7, and VC10) with VC levels of 3.24, 21.92, 63.31, 101.42, 145.46, and 202.51 mg kg-1 diet, respectively, were fed to fish (initial mean weight: 173.5 ± 0.31 g) for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed the VC7 and VC10 diets exhibited significantly higher growth (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) and improved feed utilization (feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio) compared with fish fed the VC0 diet (p < 0.05). The VC3-VC10 diets significantly reduced plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.05). Compared with the VC0 group, fish fed the VC7 and VC10 diets showed significantly elevated growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in plasma (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary VC supplementation in walleye pollock improved growth performance and SOD activity. Moreover, broken-line analysis on weight gain indicated that the optimal dietary VC level for grower walleye pollock was approximately 156.42 mg kg-1 diet.

Xylooligosaccharide supplementation in rice protein concentrate based diets: A comprehensive analysis of performance and health of Labeo rohita.

The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) in rice protein concentrate (RPC) based diets on the growth performance, body composition, digestive enzymes, intestinal morphology and blood biochemistry of Labeo rohita fingerlings. Four different XOS levels (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) were used at each RPC (75% and 100%) level. Twenty-five fish per tank with an average initial weight of 25 ± 0.05 g were randomly assigned (Randomised complete block design) to each of the 8 groups in triplicate aquaria (36 × 16 × 12″) and then fed with respective diets @ 3% body weight for 90 days. The results showed significant improvements in growth performance, such as increased weight gain %, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio and improved feed conversion ratio in 1% XOS supplemented diet at 75% RPC. A significant decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and plasma melanodialdehyde (MDA) were observed at 1% XOS level in 75% RPC based diets, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest total cholesterol and highest lysozyme activity were observed in 1% XOS supplemented diet at 75% RPC levels. Moreover, the serum (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase) and plasma (superoxide dismutase, triglyceride, high density and low density lipoprotein) activities showed nonsignificant effects among the treatments. Furthermore, the digestive enzymes (protease & lipase) and intestinal morphology were significantly influenced at 1% XOS in the 75% RPC-based diet. Polynomial regression analysis showed that 1.25% XOS is the optimum requirement for the growth of rohu fingerlings when fed at 75% RPC based diets. Overall, it was concluded that the 75% RPC diet was efficiently replaced by fishmeal along with 1% XOS addition in L. rohita fingerlings without any negative effect on growth performance and intestinal health.

Reduced SIRT1 and SIRT3 and Lower Antioxidant Capacity of Seminal Plasma Is Associated with Shorter Sperm Telomere Length in Oligospermic Men.

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and has a profound impact not only on their families, but also on communities. Telomere attrition has been associated with infertility, DNA damage and fragmentation. Oxidative stress has been shown to affect sperm DNA integrity and telomere length. Sirtuins such as SIRT1 and SIRT3 are involved in aging and oxidative stress response. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in regulating oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and their association with oligospermia. Therefore, we assessed the protein levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in the seminal plasma of 272 patients with oligospermia and 251 fertile men. We also measured sperm telomere length (STL) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) using a standard real-time quantitative PCR assay. Sperm chromatin and protamine deficiency were also measured as per standard methods. Our results for oligospermic patients demonstrate significant reductions in semen parameters, shorter STL and LTL, lower levels of SOD, TAC, CAT, SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels, and also significant protamine deficiency and higher levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that a shorter TL in sperms and leukocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress that also accounts for high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperms. Our results support the hypothesis that various sperm parameters in the state of oligospermia are associated with or caused by reduced levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 proteins.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK DAUN BELALAI GAJAH TERHADAP KADAR MALONDIALDEHID DAN SUPEROKSIDA DISMUTASE PADA TIKUS DENGAN AKTIVITAS TINGGI

Clinacanthus nutans Lindau is known as the elephant trunk leaf which belongs to the Acanthaceae family. C. nutans can act as an antioxidant by reducing free radicals from the mitochondrial electron transport chain in the cell membrane. In this study, elephant trunk leaves will be studied regarding their content and antioxidant activity and their association with free radicals/Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are compounds that are highly reactive. ROS can cause damage to cell integrity and functional cell disruption. Free radical reduction prevents lipid oxidation, which then reduces malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. By potentiating the antioxidant properties of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and reducing lipid peroxidation, C. nutans can reduce oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of elephant trunk leaf extract on malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels in rats with high activity. The research method used was laboratory experimental research with a Randomized Posttest Only with Control Group Design. In this study, 25 male white rats of the Wistar strain were divided into 5 groups: normal, negative control, and treatment I, II, III which were given elephant trunk leaf extract at successive doses of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg BW ( Weight). and high activity for 14 days. MDA measurements using a spectrophotometer and SOD using calorimetry were carried out after 14 days. The results showed that elephant trunk leaf extract reduced MDA levels and increased SOD activity in the blood plasma of rats induced by high activity (P value &lt;0.05).

Effects of dietary Radix bupleuri root extract on the growth, muscle composition, histology, immune responses and microcystin-LR stress resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

The current study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Radix bupleuri root extract (RBE) on the growth performance, muscle composition, immune responses, and microcystin-LR (MC-LR) stress resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). Crayfish (0.28 ± 0.02 g) were fed experimental diets containing graded RBE levels as 0 (Diet 1), 0.2 (Diet 2), 0.4 (Diet 3), 0.6 (Diet 4), 0.8 (Diet 5) and 1.6 (Diet 6) g/kg RBE for 8 weeks. The results showed that specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain rate (WGR) were significantly increased in the Diet 4 and Diet 5 groups. The content of muscle crude protein was significantly increased in the Diet 4 and Diet 5 groups, and the crude lipid content was significantly decreased in the Diet 5 group. Dietary RBE did not alter the structure of the hepatopancreas. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in hepatopancreas and plasma were significantly increased in Diet 4 and Diet 5 groups compared to the control group, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in hepatopancreas and plasma was significantly decreased in the Diet 5 group. Plasma alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was significantly higher in the Diet 3, Diet 4, Diet 5 and Diet 6 groups. Hepatopancreas and plasma PO activities were significantly increased in Diet 4 and Diet 5 groups. The mRNA levels of extracellular copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (ecCu, Zn-SOD), hemocyanin, C-type lysozyme (C-LZM), GPx, and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) were significantly up-regulated in the hepatopancreas of crayfish fed Diet 5 than those of the control group. After MC-LR challenge, the survival rates of crayfish in the Diet 4 and Diet 5 groups were significantly higher than the control group. The findings suggest that 0.6–0.8 g/kg of RBE can improve growth and muscle composition and enhance immunity and microcystin-LR resistance.

Effects of dietary arachidonic acid supplementation in low fishmeal and fish oil-free diets on growth performance, inflammatory response, gut histology, and non-specific immunity in sub-adult rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is becoming increasingly important due to significant reductions in fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO), the primary sources of ARA, in aquafeeds. ARA is an essential omega-6 fatty acid in some fish species and plays a wide range of physiological roles. However, studies reported to date have demonstrated contrasting findings concerning the effects of ARA in fish growth and health, regardless of the fish's trophic level. Additionally, limited research has addressed energy allocation during reproduction and growth in sub-adult rainbow trout as they approach reproductive maturity. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of ARA on growth performance, the fatty acid composition of whole-body and ovary, intestinal inflammatory gene expression, gut histology, antioxidant activity, and non-specific immunity in sub-adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four isonitrogenous (51% crude protein), isolipidic (15% crude lipid), and isocaloric (23 MJ/kg) diets were formulated and supplemented with ARA-enriched oil (40%), resulting in analyzed ARA levels of 0.10 (ARA0.10), 3.95 (ARA3.95), 7.67 ARA(7.67), and 14.8% (ARA14.8) of total fatty acid, respectively. Rainbow trout (307 ± 3.64 g) were fed to apparent satiation three times a day for 12 weeks to assess growth performance, feed utilization, and intestinal inflammatory response. The fish were then exposed to acute stress to evaluate circulating cortisol, prostaglandin E2, antioxidant activity, and non-specific immune response. The 12-week growth trial demonstrated that dietary ARA did not affect rainbow trout growth performance and feed utilization during the final grow-out. Whole-body fatty acid profiles reflected those of the diets except for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content being significantly lower in the ARA14.8 group than in the ARA0.10 and ARA3.95 groups. EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents in the ovary were less affected by dietary ARA supplementation, likely reflecting the selective deposition of those fatty acids in embryonic development. The expression of tnf-α was significantly downregulated in ARA7.67 and ARA14.8 groups relative to other treatment groups, and only distal intestinal villus height was significantly increased in the ARA3.95 group, suggesting that dietary ARA supported intestinal health. Plasma superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lysozyme activity significantly increased in both pre- and post-stress groups due to incremental increases in dietary ARA. These results suggest that a moderate level of dietary ARA in low FM and FO-free enhances innate immune function and antioxidant responses while supporting intestinal health in sub-adult rainbow trout.

Growth, reproduction, fatty acid profiles and offspring performance of broodstock yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco fed diets with different lipid levels

Parental nutrition plays important roles in reproductive performance and offspring health of broodstock yellow catfish. However, there is a lack of relevant knowledge concerning the broodstocks of many fish species. This study investigated the influence of dietary lipid levels on growth, spawning performance, tissue fatty acid profiles, sex hormone secretion, and offspring health status of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Five experimental diets were designed containing a 7:3 ratio of fish oil and corn oil blends with graded lipid levels (6.3%, 8.2%, 10.8%, 12.2%, and 14.4% by dry weight) and were fed to female broodstock yellow catfish for 8 weeks. The results showed that weight gain, egg diameter, fertilization ratio, and hatching ratio increased initially and then decreased with increasing dietary lipid levels, reaching optimal peaks in the L10.8 group. Broodstock fed a diet with 10.8% lipid obtained the highest 17-β estradiol concentration. The deposition of highly unsaturated fatty acids in tissues increased initially and then decreased with the increase in dietary lipids, reaching a peak in the 10.8% group. Plasma superoxide dismutase activity and total glutathione content were lowest in fish fed a diet with a 6.3% lipid level, while the contents of malondialdehyde and cortisol in larvae 3 days post-hatching showed an opposite trend, indicating that a low-fat diet reduced the antioxidant capacity of broodstock and induced a stress response that had negative effects on offspring health. Broodstock fed a diet with an appropriate lipid level could increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes by activating the nrf2 signaling pathway. Based on the regression of dietary lipid level and weight gain, reproductive performance, and egg quality of fish, the optimal dietary lipid level was 10.1–11.7% for broodstock yellow catfish.

The Role Of Bee-Propolis As Antioxidants On Antioxidant Enzymes Inmale Rabbits

Propolis has been reported to be important antioxidantThe biological effects exhibited by propolis could be related to an overall effect of the phenolic compounds present in propolis (flavonol galangin; hydroxycinnamic acids, caffeic acid, p-cumaric acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid phenethyl ester Rabbits were orally given propolis (50 mg/kg bw) was given alone. The tested doses were given to rabbits every day for 12 weeks. The effects of propolis on plasma and testes homogenates thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidant enzyme glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S- transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities Treatment with propolis caused significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in the activity of antioxidant enzyme GSH, GPx, GST, SOD and CAT in plasma and testes homogenates compared to control. While, propolis caused a significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in blood plasma and testes homogenates TBARS as compared with control.

Effects of Kudzu Root on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are strictly connected, and both perform an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of kudzu root against oxidative stress and inflammation in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM animal model. Methods: DM was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50 mg/kg body weight). The kudzu root (100 mg/kg BW) was administered orally after 1 week of STZ administration in diabetic animals (for 6 weeks). Results: The diabetic animals exhibited a significant increase in fasting blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and malondialdehyde levels. However, they exhibited a significant decrease in plasma insulin level, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Administration of kudzu root to diabetic animals reversed these effects. Conclusion: The current study indicated that kudzu root has potent antidiabetic properties, likely through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in the STZ-diabetic rat model.

Effect of Wheatgrass Juice on Fertility Changes Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Male Wistar Albino Rats

In the present study, reproductive toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide on sperm parameters, biochemical parameters, histopathology and protective effect of wheatgrass juice was examined. There were total 6 groups of adult Wistar albino rats. Each group had 6 rats. After 24hrs of the last treatment, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and sperm parameters like sperm count and motility, plasma malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, catalase (CAT) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities in testicular tissue, and testicular histopathological changes in the testicular tissue were examined. Administration of cyclophosphamide showed an increase in plasma MDA level and decrease in SOD, GSH and Catalase activity. These values were statistically significant. However, wheatgrass juice treatment along with cyclophosphamide markedly showed improvement in reducing Cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress, and normalized sperm characteristics and testicular histopathology. Thus, in conclusion, cyclophosphamide causes fertility changes which leads to male infertility, whereas wheatgrass juice has a protective effect on reversing the testicular damage and male infertility.

The Influence of 8-Week Aerobic Exercise on Antioxidant Enzym on Young Men

Background: Aerobic exercise is indicated to be able to trigger an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity in the human body, which is one indicator of an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity marked by an increase in blood plasma Superoxide dismutase (SOD). Aim: This study aims to examine and analyze the magnitude of the increase in SOD due to aerobic exercise for 8 weeks. Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental research with a quantitative approach and a one group pretest and posttest design. The population in this study were students of the Department of Sports Coaching, State University of Malang, aged 19-20 years, with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). The sampling technique used purposive sampling, with a total sample of 20 students. Data was collected by measuring blood plasma SOD activity as an indicator of antioxidant enzyme. SOD measurements were carried out before and after the aerobic exercise treatment. Aerobic exercise is carried out with a frequency of 3 times per week, with moderate intensity, for 8 weeks. Data Analysis using t-test in pairs (? = 0.05). Findings: The results showed that the mean and standard deviation of the SOD pretest were 22.68 ± 2.62 U/ml and posttest 29.05 ± 1.44 U/ml, there is an average increase in SOD activity plasma by 21.9% (p=0.021 &lt;0.05).

Hydrolysed yeast from Kluyveromyces fragilis improves plasma antioxidant efficiency and immunoglobulin concentration, and faecal microbiota of weaned piglets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrolysed yeast from Kluyveromyces fragilis (HK) on growth performance, diarrhoea incidence, plasma antioxidant efficiency and immune status, and faecal microbiota of weaned piglets. A total of 100 weaned piglets with BW (7.03 ± 0.14 kg) and age (25 ± 1 days) were randomly allotted to 4 groups with 5 replicates in a 21-day experiment. Piglets were fed with basal diet (NC), NC + 2 g/kg zinc oxide (PC), NC + 7.5 g/kg HK (HK1), or NC + 10 g/kg HK (HK2). Blood and faecal samples were collected on day 21. Significant differences were pointed out in the PC and HK2 piglets compared to the NC group as to the diarrhoea incidence from day 0 to 21 (p < 0.001; p = 0.032), the activity of plasma superoxide dismutase (p = 0.019; p = 0.003) and the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde (p = 0.042; p = 0.010). Moreover, significant differences were pointed out in the HK2 piglets compared to the NC group as to the content of plasma immunoglobulin A (p = 0.005), the Ace index and Chao1 index (p = 0.023; p = 0.018,) and the relative abundance of Campylobacterota and Escherichia-Shigella (p = 0.023; p = 0.032). In conclusion, dietary HK at 10 g/kg alleviated diarrhoea incidence of piglets that might be attribute to the improved plasma antioxidant efficiency and immune status and the regulated faecal microbial community, and could be alternative to the high dose ZnO. HIGHLIGHTS Dietary HK improved plasma antioxidant and immune status and reduced the diarrhoea incidence in weaned piglets. The dosage of 10 g/kg HK showed better effect than that of 7.5 g/kg. The supplementation of 10 g/kg HK to post-weaning diet may be an alternative to the high-dose ZnO.

Sildenafil attenuates oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in lead-induced hypertension.

Lead (Pb) reduces NO bioavailability, impairs the antioxidant system, and increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pb-induced oxidative stress may be responsible for the associated endothelial dysfunction. Sildenafil has shown nitric oxide (NO)-independent action, including antioxidant effects. Therefore, we examined the effects of sildenafil on oxidative stress, reductions of NO and endothelial dysfunction in Pb-induced hypertension. Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: Pb, Pb + sildenafil and Sham. Blood pressure and endothelium-dependent vascular function were recorded. We also examined biochemical determinants of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant function. ROS levels, NO metabolites and NO levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also evaluated. Sildenafil prevents impairment of endothelium-dependent NO-mediated vasodilation and attenuates Pb-induced hypertension, reduces ROS formation, enhances superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and antioxidant capacity in plasma and increases NO metabolites in plasma and HUVECs culture supernatants, while no changes were found on measurement of NO released from HUVECs incubated with plasma of the Pb and Pb + sildenafil groups compared with the sham group. In conclusion, sildenafil protects against ROS-mediated inactivation of NO, thus preventing endothelial dysfunction and attenuating Pb-induced hypertension, possibly through antioxidant effects.

Brown and Green Seaweed Antioxidant Properties and Effects on Blood Plasma Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, Hepatic Antioxidant Genes Expression, Blood Plasma Lipid Profile, and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens.

The study was designed to analyze the effects of brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS) on blood plasma antioxidant enzyme activities, hepatic antioxidant genes expression, blood plasma lipid profile, breast meat quality, and chemical composition in broiler chickens. The dietary treatment groups contained basal diet [negative control (NC)], basal diet + vitamin E (100 mg/kg feed) [positive control (PC)], basal diet + 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, and 1.25% BS and GS supplements separately. The findings showed that both BS and GS exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity. In contrast, the maximum antioxidant activity was recorded by BS (55.19%), which was significantly higher than the GS (25.74%). Results showed that various levels of BS and GS had no significant effects on broiler blood plasma catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities. The hepatic superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene mRNA expression was significantly higher for birds fed 0.50% and 0.75% BS. Regarding the plasma lipid profile, the total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were higher (p < 0.05) for birds fed 0.75 and 1% BS compared to the negative and positive control groups. The findings showed that different levels of BS and GS had significantly higher breast meat crude protein (CP) content.

Antihypertensive effects of Pleurospermum lindleyanum aqueous extract in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Pleurospermum lindleyanum (Lipsky) B. Fedtsch is a perennial herb classified in the Apiaceae family, genus Pleurospermum, chiefly native to the Taxkorgan County, Xinjiang, China. In the Xinjiang Province, it is a well-known ethnic traditional herb, often addressed by its tribal name, Kurumuti. It grows in harsh conditions over 4000m above sea level, such as the Pamirs plateau. It is rich in flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, essential oil, substances that have been widely applied in the prevention and treatment of hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cerebral thrombosis by local Tajik residents. The present study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of the Pleurospermum Lindleyanum aqueous extract (PLAE) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The Pleurospermum lindleyanum was collected from the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang, China. The main chemical composition of PLAE was identified using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). SHRs were treated by gavage with PLAE (equivalent to Pleurospermum lindleyanum 5 or 10g/kg/day) for 6 weeks, using Captopril (10mg/kg/day) as positive control. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), renal and cardiac morphology, plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), aldosterone (ALD), angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ), superoxide dismutase (SOD), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. A total of 30 compounds were identified in PLAE. PLAE significantly attenuated the SBP of SHRs. The effects began after 3 weeks of administration and then became steady and long-lasting. Its potential mechanisms may be associated with the protective effects on renal and cardiac injury caused by hypertension, the decrease of plasma vasoconstrictors, such as ACE, ALD, AngⅡ, and ET-1 levels, the maintenance of NO/ET balance, the increase in plasma NO levels and SOD activity, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Pleurospermum lindleyanum can be suggested as a novel antihypertensive ethnic traditional herb, which lays the foundation for researching safe and effective antihypertensive herbal medicines.

Magnesium suppresses in vivo oxidative stress and ex vivo DNA damage induced by protracted ACTH treatment in rats.

Oxidative stress, arising from disrupted balance between reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and antioxidant defences, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of stress-related disorders. There is a growing body of evidence that supports the relationship between the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress system, oxidative stress and magnesium (Mg) homeostasis. The present study aimed to explore the gap in our current understanding of antigenotoxic and protective effects of Mg supplementation against excessive ROS production in male rats during chronic treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Our findings show that exposure to exogenous ACTH (10μg/day, s.c., for 21 days), as one of the key mediators of the HPA axis and stress response, produced an increase in superoxide anion levels and a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in plasma. We observed that Mg supplementation, starting seven days prior to ACTH treatment and lasting 28 days (300mg/L of drinking water, per os), abolished these effects in experimental animals. Moreover, our study reveals that ACTH increased the susceptibility of peripheral blood lymphocytes to ex vivo H2O2-induced total and high-level oxidative DNA damage, while Mg completely reversed these effects. Collectively, these results highlight the promising role of Mg in stress-related conditions accompanied by increased oxidative stress in animals and support further investigation using human dietary trials.

Supplemental dietary genistein improves the laying performance and antioxidant capacity of Hy-Line brown hens during the late laying period

The present study evaluated the effects of 3 supplemental levels of dietary genistein ingested during the late laying period (66-73 wk) of laying hens. A total of 384 Hy-Line brown hens (66 wk old) were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 replicates of 16 hens in each group), the basal diet group (CON), and groups for the basal diet supplemented with 80, 120, and 400 mg/kg of genistein, G1, G2, and G3, respectively. The results of the present study showed an increased laying rate in groups G2 and G3 (linear, P < 0.01), and decreased feed-egg ratios (linear, P < 0.05) and broken egg rate (P < 0.01) in all genistein-treated groups compared with the CON group. Moreover, the G2 group showed an increase in eggshell strength and ratio (linear, P < 0.05), whereas all genistein-treated groups saw a decrease in the L* value (linear, P < 0.01) and an increase in the a* value (linear, P < 0.05) compared with the CON group. Additionally, all genistein-treated groups had an increase in the total antioxidant capacity of plasma (linear, P < 0.05), along with reduced plasma, ovarian, and yolk malondialdehyde levels (linear, P < 0.05), compared with the CON group. The G2 group had an increase in both the superoxide dismutase activity of plasma (P < 0.01) and the total antioxidant capacity of the ovaries (linear, P < 0.05), compared with the CON group. The G3 group had an increase in both the glutathione peroxidase concentration of plasma (linear, P < 0.05) and the total antioxidant capacity of the ovaries (linear, P < 0.01), compared with the CON group. The transcript levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, superoxide dismutase 1, and catalase were increased in all of the genistein-treated groups (P < 0.05) compared with the CON group, whereas heme oxygenase 1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit were increased only in the G2 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 120 mg/kg dietary genistein had the best effect on improving the laying rate, eggshell quality, and antioxidant capacity in Hy-Line brown hens during the late laying period.

Effects of dietary β-glucan on growth rate, antioxidant status, immune response, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in genetic improvement of farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus)

This study was conducted to assess the influences of dietary β-glucan on growth rate, antioxidant status, immunity response, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% β-glucan, respectively. Fish with similar size (average body weight, 3.43 ± 0.02 g) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks with 40 juveniles per tank and hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 10 weeks. The fish were then challenged by A. hydrophila and their cumulative survival rate was recorded for the next week. No obvious influences on growth rate and feed utilization of GIFT were induced by dietary β-glucan addition (P > 0.05). However, dietary 0.4% β-glucan inclusion increased the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level but decreased the triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities (P < 0.05). Similarly, the increased intestinal superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) activities as well as the decreased intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species contents were also observed in GIFT fed diet with 0.4% β-glucan (P < 0.05). Dietary addition of 0.8% β-glucan increased the plasma SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, and TAC activities, but reduced the plasma MDA content (P < 0.05). Dietary β-glucan inclusion regardless of levels improved the hepatic SOD, glutathione reductase, catalase, peroxidase, TAC, and acid phosphatase activities, but depressed the hepatic nitric oxide and MDA contents (P < 0.05). Plasma lysozyme activity was improved by the inclusion of 0.4% and 0.8% β-glucan (P < 0.05); plasma immunoglobulin M, complement 3 and complement 4 contents were improved by dietary β-glucan inclusion (P < 0.05); respiratory burst activity of macrophages was improved by the addition of 0.2% β-glucan (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary β-glucan supplementation reduced the mortality rate and increased the relative percentage survival of GIFT challenged by A. hydrophila (P < 0.05). These results indicated that suitable β-glucan inclusion (0.4–0.8%) could promote the antioxidant status, immune response and disease resistance of GIFT, and β-glucan can be used as a feed additive for GIFT.

ENZYME ACTIVITY OF CARBOHYDRATE AND AMINOACID METABOLISM, LIPID PEROXIDATION IN CARP TISSUES UNDER THE EFFECT OF 19-NORTESTOSTERONE

The aim of the study was to investigate the activity of a number of enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, individual amino acids, creatine phosphate, inorganic phosphorus and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the hepatopancreas and blood plasma of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) under the influence of the synthetic steroid 19-norethisterone. The experiments were conducted on two-year-old carps, which were kept for 24 hours in aquariums with different concentrations of 19-nortestosterone in water at optimal temperature, oxygen content and pH. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in the supernatant fraction of hepatopancreatic homogenate was monitored by UV-kinetic and colourimetric methods. The activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) was determined spectrophotometrically by the accumulation of NADPH, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gl-6-PDH) and glucose-6-phosphatase (Gl-6-Phase) - by the accumulation of NADH in the reactions of conversion of the corresponding substrates. Conventional biochemical methods were used to determine the concentration of diene conjugates, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in blood plasma and supernatant fraction of hepatopancreatic homogenate. Conventional biochemical methods were used to determine the concentration of diene conjugates, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in blood plasma and the supernatant fraction of hepatopancreatic homogenate. It was found that fish exposed to water with a concentration of synthetic steroid 19-nortestosterone of 50 µg/dm3 for 24 hours had higher levels of MDA and diene conjugates, increased activity of CAT and SOD in blood plasma, increased activity of ALP, ALT, AST, CK, CAT and SOD in the hepatopancreatic supernatant fraction, and LDH remained unchanged, as well as the level of lipid hydroperoxides in blood plasma. Under the influence of 19-nortestosterone, the activity of Gl-6-FDG and IDDG in the mitochondrial fraction of carp hepatopancreas increases, and that of Gl-6-phase in the supernatant. At a concentration of 19-nortestosterone in water of 200 μg/dm3, the content of lipid hydroperoxides in the blood plasma of carp increases, and in the hepatopancreatic supernatant fraction - diene conjugates and SOD activity, while ALP and CPK decrease relative to their values in fish with a low level of xenobiotic in water. The content of MDA, diene conjugates, as well as the activity of CAT, SOD, ALP, CPK and LDH in blood plasma, IDH and Gl-6-PDH in the mitochondrial fraction and Gl-6-Phase and LDH in the hepatopancreatic supernatant did not change, but remained higher than in the control. It was concluded that 19-nortestosterone stimulates carbohydrate metabolism, amino acids alanine and aspartate transamination, creatine phosphate conversion, antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation in the hepatopancreas of two-year-old carp. The obtained results deepen the understanding of the mechanism of action of synthetic steroids in bony fish, and the differences in enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation can be important criteria for ecotoxicological assessment of water bodies contaminated with hormonal compounds.

Protective effects of protocatechuic acid on growth performance, intestinal barrier and antioxidant capacity in broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide

‘Prohibition of the antibiotic uses’ aggravates the problem of intestinal diseases in poultry, and nutritional regulation has become a research hotspot, such as supplementation with active ingredients derived from plants. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on growth, intestinal barrier, and antioxidant capacity of broilers injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Four hundred and eighty 1-day-old yellow feather broilers were randomly allocated to four groups, each with six replicates of 20 broilers. The treatments were basal diet + saline injection (CON) or LPS injection (CON-LPS), and diets with 300 or 600 mg/kg PCA supplementation + LPS injection (P300, P600). Birds were injected intramuscularly on 17th and 19th day of age, then sampled on day 21. The LPS injection significantly decreased BW and average daily gain of broilers, and compared with birds in CON-LPS, PCA supplementation increased (P < 0.05) those variables; moreover, 300 mg/kg PCA also decreased the feed-to-gain ratio. No differences were observed in relative weights of immune organs (P > 0.05). LPS decreased the villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C) in jejunum of broilers, while PCA (P300 and P600) increased (P < 0.05) the jejunal villus height and V/C compared with birds in CON-LPS. LPS challenge increased jejunal malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in plasma (P < 0.05); compared with birds in CON-LPS, jejunal and plasmal GSH-Px activity (P300 and P600) and jejunal T-SOD activity (P300) were decreased (P < 0.05), and hepatic MDA concentration (P600) was increased (P < 0.05). LPS significantly decreased the transcript abundances of OCLN, ZO-1, JAM2, MUC2, SOD1, CAT and GPX in jejunal mucosa of birds, and supplementation with PCA attenuated the decrease in OCLN, JAM2, and MUC2 expression compared with birds in CON-LPS; moreover, 600 mg/kg PCA offset the deduction in SOD1, CAT and GPX expression. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PCA could improve antioxidant status and attenuate the damage in intestinal barrier and loss in growth performance of LPS-challenged broilers, and 600 mg/kg PCA showed more improved effects on antioxidant capacity.