Total Antioxidant Capacity Activity Research Articles

Protective effect of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. ethanol extract on lipopolysaccharide induced acute lung injury in mice

BackgroundTo evaluate the effect of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. ethanol extract (CEE) on lipopolysaccharide induced acute lung injury in mice.MethodsThe ninety C57BL/6 J male mice randomly divided into five groups: control, model and CEE (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) groups for 7 days oral administration. At the last administration, all mice except control were intratracheal instilled with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 3 mg/kg) for establish the acute lung injury. Then lung histopathologic, lung wet/dry weight, white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils were detected. The pro-inflammation cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), IL-10 and the marker of antioxides ability total-antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissue were measured.ResultsThe result showed that CEE could improve lung histopathological injury, reduce the ratio of wet/dry lung weight and lung index, inhibit the increased number of white blood cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils, and reduce the increased levels of TNF-α and IL-6. While CEE also significantly increased the levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10. Furthermore, CEE also markedly increased the activity of T-AOC, and decreased the contents of MDA with a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionsThe study exhibited that CEE has a potential protective effect on lipopolysaccharide induced acute lung injury in mice, the action mechanism of CEE may through balance of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, and the oxygen free radicals inhibition.

Untangling life span and body mass discrepancies in canids: phylogenetic comparison of oxidative stress in blood from domestic dogs and wild canids.

Canids are a morphological and physiological diverse group of animals, with the most diversity found within one species, the domestic dog. Underlying observed morphological differences, there must also be differences at other levels of organization that could lead to elucidating aging rates and life span disparities between wild and domestic canids. Furthermore, small-breed dogs live significantly longer lives than large-breed dogs, while having higher mass-specific metabolic rates and faster growth rates. At the cellular level, a clear mechanism underlying whole animal traits has not been fully elucidated, although oxidative stress has been implicated as a potential culprit of the disparate life spans of domestic dogs. We used plasma and red blood cells from known aged domestic dogs and wild canids, and measured several oxidative stress variables: total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid damage, and enzymatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We used phylogenetically informed general linear mixed models and nonphylogenetically corrected linear regression analysis. We found that lipid damage increases with age in domestic dogs, whereas TAC increases with age and TAC and GPx activity increases as a function of age/maximum life span in wild canids, which may partly explain longer potential life spans in wolves. As body mass increases, TAC and GPx activity increase in wild canids, but not domestic dogs, highlighting that artificial selection may have decreased antioxidant capacity in domestic dogs. We found that small-breed dogs have significantly higher circulating lipid damage compared with large-breed dogs, concomitant to their high mass-specific metabolism and higher growth rates, but in opposition to their long life spans.

Selenium Supplementation May Decrease Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Titer via Reducing Oxidative Stress in Euthyroid Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Objective Selenium, as an antioxidant, has been implicated in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Many studies showed selenium supplementation could decrease thyroid autoantibodies in patients with AIT. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been well determined. Therefore, we performed a clinical study to investigate the possible mechanism of beneficial effects of selenium treatment on AIT patients. Methods Forty euthyroid patients with AIT were randomized into two groups. Group I was treated with 200 μg/day selenium supplementation, and group II received a placebo over a 3-month period. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured before and 3 months after treatments. Additionally, twenty healthy volunteers also served as a control group for the evaluation of such parameters in basic condition. Results Totally, 32 patients (group I, n = 18; group II, n = 14) completed the clinical study and were incorporated into the statistics. MDA level was higher and SOD activity and TAC were lower in patients compared to healthy individuals. After 3 months, TPOAb titer significantly decreased within group I (P < 0.001) but did not change within group II (P=0.001). There were also no statistically significant changes in TSH and TgAb titers within the two groups (all P > 0.05). Additionally, decreased MDA level (from 6.8 ± 1.3 nmol/ml to 4.9 ± 0.7 nmol/ml; P < 0.001) and increased TAC (from 10.0 ± 1.9 mmol/l to 12.9 ± 3.1 mmol/l; P=0.003) and SOD activity (from 72.3 ± 10.3 U/ml to 84.3 ± 13.2 U/ml; P=0.007) were simultaneously observed after 3 months' selenium treatment. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between TAC and TgAb/TPOAb and a positive correlation between MDA and TgAb/TPOAb in AIT patients. Conclusions Our findings support the hypothesis that selenium treatment could decrease TPOAb titer via enforcing the defense against oxidative stress in euthyroid patients with AIT, which may be a potential underlying mechanism.

Di-ethanolamine Causes the Mortality of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Due to Metabolic Imbalance and Oxidative Stress

Background: Cell toxicity due to diethanolamine (DEA) is well known but no data are available regarding its mechanism. The present study investigated the cell viability and proliferation ability of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) treated with DEA. Methods: At 3rd passages, BMSCs were treated for 12, 24, and 48 hours with 0.025 to 16 mM of bis(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate. The cell viability was estimated using the trypan blue and MTT, then 1, 4, and 16 mM, and 48 hours were selected as well. Next, other parameters were determined, including proliferation ability, cell morphology, sodium and potassium levels, as well as the concentration of calcium, total protein, and the activity of metabolic enzymes (i.e., alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]). Finally, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured based on the aim of the study. Results: Based on the results, the viability reduced significantly from 0.6 mM at 12 hours and 0.2 for 24 and 48 hours (P&lt;0.05). In addition, the proliferation ability showed a significant reduction (P&lt;0.05) while the activity of LDH, ALT, and AST increased significantly (P&lt;0.05). The level of electrolytes at 1 mM treatment demonstrated no change (P&gt;0.05) whereas 4 mM concentration caused a decline in the calcium level while increased the sodium significantly (P&lt;0.05). The results further revealed that the level of MDA increased although the activity of antioxidant enzymes and TAC represented a significant reduction (P&lt;0.05). No change was detected in the morphology of nuclei while cytoplasm shrinkage and roundness were observable. Conclusion: In general, the findings of this study showed that DEA reduced the viability and proliferation of BMSCs via metabolic change, electrolyte imbalance, and the induction of oxidative stress.

Lactonase activity and status of paraoxonase 1 and oxidative stress in neonates of women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

The level and lactonase activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and their association with PON1 genetic variants and oxidative stress are unclear in neonates of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study included 362 neonates of women with GDM and 302 control neonates. The level, lactonase activity, normalized lactonase activity (NLA), and genetic polymorphisms of PON1, serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. The neonates of the women with GDM had significantly higher levels, lactonase activity, and NLA of PON1, higher TOS, TAC, and MDA concentrations, and relatively higher oxidative stress index than those of the control neonates. The PON1 -108C → T variation decreased the lactonase activity, level, and NLA of PON1, while the PON1 192Q → R variation decreased the PON1 NLA in a genotype-dependent manner in the two groups. Multivariable regression analysis revealed the PON1 -108C/T or 192Q/R variation, apolipoprotein (apo)A1, or apoB as significant predictors of the level, lactonase activity, and NLA of PON1. The lactonase activity, level, and NLA of PON1 were increased in the neonates of women with GDM. The PON1 genetic variants, abnormalities in lipoproteins, and increased oxidative stress may be associated with these changes. This is the first study to report the elevated level, lactonase activity, and NLA of PON1 in the neonates of women with GDM. These neonates also exhibited increased oxidative stress and an adverse glycolipid metabolic profile. We further established that the -108C/T and/or 192Q/R genetic variants of the PON1 gene, abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism, and/or increased oxidative stress had noticeable influences on the level and activities of PON1. Whether these changes potentially cause metabolic disorders later in life remains to be determined. Therefore, the neonates born to women with GDM require further clinical follow-ups.

Effects of dietary inulin during late gestation on sow physiology, farrowing duration and piglet performance

In this study there was evaluation of effects of dietary inulin during late gestation on sow physiology, farrowing duration and piglet performance. At day 80 of gestation sows were randomly assigned to four groups：basal diet (CON); or basal diet with 0.8 %; 1.6 %; or 2.4 % inulin. The feeding of the diet with 1.6 % inulin resulted in larger weights of the litter at birth a shorter duration of the farrowing period, lesser average birth interval between piglets, lesser number of piglets dead at birth, and fewer piglets/sow dead at birth (P < 0.05). When sows were fed 0.8 % and 1.6 % IN, there was a larger litter weight at weaning, sow average daily feed intake and piglet average daily gain during lactation compared with values for these variables in the CON group (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was an increase in serum concentration of free fatty acid, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with increasing amounts of inulin in the diet (linear, P < 0.05). Sows fed 1.6 % IN had greater serum concentrations of glucose than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a linear increase in serum activity of total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase with increasing amounts of inulin in the diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results of the present study indicated feeding inulin during late gestation improved reproductive performance of sows, thus, may be a novel additive for the pig industry in improving efficiency of pork production.

Dietary Supplementation of Postbiotics Mitigates Adverse Impacts of Heat Stress on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity, Total Antioxidant, Lipid Peroxidation, Physiological Stress Indicators, Lipid Profile and Meat Quality in Broilers.

Simple SummaryTo mitigate the adverse impacts of stressful environmental conditions on poultry and to promote the animal’s health and growth performance, antibiotics at sub-therapeutic doses have been added to poultry diets as growth promoters. Nevertheless, the improper and overuse of antibiotics as feed additives have played a major role in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and increased levels of antibiotic residues in animal products, which have disastrous effects on the health of both animals and humans. Postbiotics, used as dietary additives for livestock, could be potential alternatives to antibiotics. Postbiotics produced from the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum have been the subject of several recent kinds of research. However, the researchers have very rarely considered the effect of postbiotics on the broilers under heat stress.The purpose of this work was to evaluate the impacts of feeding different postbiotics on oxidative stress markers, physiological stress indicators, lipid profile and meat quality in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 252 male Cobb 500 (22-day-old) were fed with 1 of 6 diets: A basal diet without any supplementation as negative control (NC); basal diet + 0.02% oxytetracycline served as positive control (PC); basal diet + 0.02% ascorbic acid (AA); or the basal diet diet + 0.3% of RI11, RS5 or UL4 postbiotics. Postbiotics supplementation, especially RI11 increased plasma activity of total-antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), and decreased alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein (α1-AGP) and ceruloplasmin (CPN) compared to NC and PC groups. Meat malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in the postbiotic groups than the NC, PC and AA groups. Plasma corticosterone, heat shock protein70 (HSP70) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were not affected by dietary treatments. Postbiotics decreased plasma cholesterol concentration compared to other groups, and plasma triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) compared to the NC group. Postbiotics increased breast meat pH, and decreased shear force and lightness (L*) compared to NC and PC groups. The drip loss, cooking loss and yellowness (b*) were lower in postbiotics groups compared to other groups. In conclusion, postbiotics particularly RI11 could be used as an alternative to antibiotics and natural sources of antioxidants for heat-stressed broilers.

Changes in antioxidant enzymes in postmortem muscle and effects on meat quality from three duck breeds during cold storage

This study was conducted to evaluate changes to antioxidant systems in the postmortem muscle of three duck breeds and to analyze their relationship with meat quality. Pekin ducks, Muscovy ducks, and Mulard ducks were euthanized at the age of 70 d. The antioxidant enzyme activities and related gene expressions as well as meat quality in muscle tissues were examined. The breed of the duck had a significant effect on the antioxidant capacity of muscle tissues (P &lt; 0.05), with the exceptions of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at 96 h as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) at 120 h. The SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx/GSH-Px), and T-AOC activities from highest to lowest were Muscovy duck &gt; Mulard duck &gt; Pekin duck, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration followed the opposite pattern. During cold storage (0–120 h), a decrease in the GPx, SOD, and T-AOC activities was noted, although MDA concentration increased gradually. The GPx1 and Cu/Zn-SOD gene expression levels in Muscovy duck muscle tissues were significantly higher than those in other breeds at both 0 and 24 h. Correlation analysis showed that higher antioxidant enzyme activity in duck muscle tissues was associated with higher water-holding capacity (WHC) and more stable meat color. Higher antioxidant enzyme activity in duck meat similarly resulted in higher pH values, higher WHC, and more stable meat color. These data indicate that antioxidant enzymes may inhibit lipid oxidation and participate in the regulation of meat quality.

Oxidative stress in cryopreserved semen of sex-reversed female and normal male rainbow trout

The aim of the current study was to determine the sperm quality of sex-reversed female (SRF) and normal male rainbow trout measured as ROS+ (percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting reactive oxygen species) production and TAC (total antioxidant capacity) in semen cryopreserved at different glucose concentration [optimal (0.15 M), low (0.11 M) and high (0.19 and 0.21 M for SRF and normal male rainbow trout, respectively)] in 7.5% methanol (glucose-methanol extender). Our hypothesis assumes that at non-optimal glucose concentrations, production of ROS+ is induced, resulting in damage to spermatozoa which should be characteristic for normal males and SRF rainbow trout. Such approach would allow to describe the characteristics of the response of spermatozoa of normal males and SRF to oxidative stress which is prerequisite for better understanding the mechanism of oxidative stress of normal males and SRF. This knowledge can be important for improvement of protocols of short-term storage and cryopreservation of SRF and normal males semen. We established baseline values for ROS+ and TAC for fresh semen from SRF and normal male rainbow trout and found a negative regression between those two characteristics in SRF. We determined the effect of glucose concentration on ROS+ production, TAC and sperm quality parameters of cryopreserved semen. TAC activity was monitored at the same time, and its relationship to oxidative stress was assessed. The glucose concentration significantly affected sperm motility, curvilinear velocity and viability after thawing. Cryopreservation resulted in increased ROS+ values in both tested groups. On the other hand, TAC values were significantly lower in cryopreserved samples than in equilibrated samples of SRF rainbow trout semen at all tested glucose concentrations. Our results strongly suggest that increasing the osmolality of the extender induces oxidative stress in spermatozoa of SRF and normal male rainbow trout. Most changes are related to freezing and thawing; however, some changes may occur during equilibration. Specific changes in oxidative stress characteristics occur in fresh and cryopreserved semen of SRF and normal males. An inverse relationship between ROS+ and TAC is likely caused by consumption of antioxidants by ROS+. Our results can be useful for optimization of cryopreservation protocols for salmonid fish. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms that lead to differences in oxidative stress levels in semen from SRF and normal male rainbow trout.

Effects of dietary organic trace mineral mixture levels on survival, growth performance, body composition and antioxidant capacity of juvenile turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus )

A 70-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate effects of dietary organic trace mineral (OTM) mixture levels on survival, growth performance, body composition and antioxidant capacity of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). The commercial diet with 0.03% inorganic trace mineral (ITM) premix was used as the control, and other four experimental isonitrogenous (50% crude protein) and isolipidic (12% crude lipid) diets were formulated to contain 0.0375%, 0.075%, 0.1125% and 0.15% OTM mixture respectively. Results showed that there were no significant differences in survival among dietary treatments. However, the growth was not significantly different between the control and OTM supplementation diets. Especially, turbot fed the diet with 0.075% OTM had significantly higher specific growth rate than 0.15%, 0.1125% and 0.0375% OTM treatments (p < .05). Moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash of the whole fish body showed no significant differences among dietary treatments. Activities of superoxide dismutase in serum of turbot fed diets with 0.1125% and 0.15% OTM were significantly higher than 0.0375% OTM treatment (p < .05). Activities of total antioxidant capacity and catalase in serum were the highest, while the malondialdehyde content was the lowest when the turbot were fed the diet with 0.075% OTM. In summary, results of the present study suggested that the supplementation of 0.0375% or more OTM in diets could obtain similar performance to the commercial diet with ITM premix, and the optimal amount of OTM supplementation in diets of turbot was approximately 0.075% on basis of growth performance and antioxidant capacity.

Effects of air exposure time and temperature on physiological energetics and oxidative stress of winged pearl oyster (Pteria penguin)

The winged pearl oyster (Pteria penguin) is one of the most potential species used to produce large sized pearls. Waterless transport and nuclei implant process are two common handling practices for pearl oyster in aquaculture. These processes can cause air exposure stress. In order to investigate the physiological energetics and oxidative stress of pearl oysters exposed to air, live P. penguin were exposed to air for 6 h, 9 h and 12 h at different air temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C) before immediate re-immersing in seawater at 27 °C for their recovery. The air exposure time and temperature significantly affected the survival rates of P. penguin. Meanwhile, the optimum temperature was found to be 25 °C, in which the survival rate of P. penguin was >90 % after 9 h of air exposure. In addition, five parameters of physiological energetics, such as clearance rate (CR), ingestion rate (IR), absorption efficiency (AE), respiration rate (RR), and ammonia excretion rate (AR) were significantly influenced by air exposure. When the duration of air exposure increased, simultaneous decrease in CR, IR and AE, and increase in RR and AR were observed. After re-immersing into seawater, these parameters of P. penguin exposed to less time (6 h or 9 h) and suitable temperature showed normal level after 96 h or less. Further, the air exposure influenced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in hepatopancreas and hemolymph. SOD activities increased after air exposure, and stabilized thereafter. After 6 h of air exposure, activities of CAT, T-AOC and GSH-Px rapidly increased, before gradually decreasing. There were no significant differences in the MDA content of hepatopancreas after 6 h and 9 h of air exposure, however, significant differences were observed after 12 h of air exposure. MDA contents in hemolymph showed significant increase after 9 h and 12 h of air exposure. In this study, it was demonstrated that the air exposure associated with common aquaculture practices strongly affected the physiological energetics and oxidative stress of P. penguin. This showed that excessive air exposure (unfavorable temperature and long duration) might lead to irreversible injures in P. penguin.

Soybean bioactive peptides supplementation during late gestation and lactation affect the reproductive performance, free amino acid composition in plasma and milk of sows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of soybean bioactive peptides (SBP) supplementation to sows during late gestation and lactation on plasma and milk free amino acid composition and reproductive performance. A total of 86 gestating sows (Landrace × × Yorkshire; mean parity of 2.40 [SD 1.18]) from two successive batches of with a 9-day interval were randomly assigned to either a basal diet group (control diet [Con]) or the Con supplemented with 2% soybean bioactive peptides (SBP) product group from d 90 of gestation to weaning at day 21 of lactation. The duration of farrowing and the interval between piglet births (P < < 0.05) were decreased and the litter weight gain during lactation (P = 0.097) tended to increase of sows fed SBP than Con diet. Serum concentrations of lysine, phenylalanine, valine, arginine (+36–354%, P < < 0.05) and leucine (+30%, P = 0.056), glutamate (+36%, P = 0.057), ornithine (+104%, P = 0.079) at farrowing were increased or tended to increase of sows fed SBP. Serum concentrations of methionine (+29%, P < 0.05), lysine (+72%, P = 0.068), isoleucine (+35%, P = 0.074), arginine (+45%, P = 0.098) and ornithine (+99%, P = 0.085) on postpartum day 21 were increased or tended to increase of sows fed SBP. The concentrations of cystathionine, lysine, arginine, glutamine (+92~351%, P < 0.05), alanine (+191%, P = 0.061) in colostrum and arginine (+41%, P < 0.05) in milk were increased or tended to increase of sows fed SBP. The contents of IgG and fat in colostrum (P < 0.05) of sows fed SBP were increased compared with that in Con sows. Serum malondialdehyde concentrations of sows at parturition and at d 14 of lactation were both markedly (P < 0.05) decreased and the activity of total antioxidant capacity in serum of sows at parturition (P < 0.05) was significantly increased with SBP supplementation. In conclusion, the present research indicated that dietary supplementation with soybean bioactive peptides during late gestation and lactation could shorten the duration of farrowing and enhance the growth performance of suckling piglets by improving functional amino acids concentration and antioxidant properties.

Effect of salinity acclimation on osmoregulation, oxidative stress, and metabolic enzymes in the invasive Xenopus laevis.

Aquatic animals often display physiological adjustments to improve their biological performance and hydrosaline balance in saline environments. In addition to energetic costs associated with osmoregulation, oxidative stress, and the activation of the antioxidant system are common cellular responses to salt stress in many species, but the knowledge of osmoregulation-linked oxidative homeostasis in amphibians is scarce. Here we studied the biochemical responses and oxidative responses of Xenopus laevis females exposed for 40 days to two contrasting salinities: hypo-osmotic (150 mOsm·kg-1 ·H2 O NaCl, HYPO group) and hyper-osmotic environments (340 mOsm·kg-1 ·H2 O NaCl, HYPER group). We found an increase of plasma osmolality and plasma urea concentration in the animals incubated in the HYPER treatment. Increases in electrolyte concentration were paralleled with an increase of both citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase activities in liver and heart. Interestingly, HYPO group had higher catabolic activity of the skin and liver total antioxidant capacity (TAC), compared with animals from the HYPER group. Moreover, there was an inverse relationship between liver TAC and plasma osmolality; and with the metabolic enzymes from liver. These findings suggest that salinity induces changes in urea metabolism and specific activity of metabolic enzymes, which appears to be tissue-dependent in X. laevis. Contrary to our expectations, we also found a moderate change in the oxidative status as revealed by the increase in TAC activity in the animals acclimated to low salinity medium, but constancy in the lipid peroxidation of membranes.

Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract as an alternative to antibiotics improving growth performance and antioxidant function in broilers

Due to a series of problems, such as drug resistance and tissue residue caused by adding antibiotics to feed, this research aimed to study the effects of Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract (AAE) as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old mixed-sex Arbour Acres broilers were randomly allotted into six groups with five replicates of eight birds each. These six diets were formulated by adding 0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 mg/kg AAE and 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC) to the basal diet, respectively. Average daily body weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined, and the relative gene expression in tissues was measured. The polyphenol flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidative results showed that: the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 39.58 ± 6.01 mg GAE/g, 7.04 ± 0.55 mg RE/g, respectively. The inclusion of AAE increased ADG, the activities of T-AOC, CAT, SOD and GSH-Px, and the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, the concentrations of MDA decreased in serum and tissues. In conclusion, AAE can be used as a feed additive due to its capability to improve growth performance, antioxidant function in broilers. Dietary inclusion of 1000–1500 mg/kg AAE can be used as an alternative for antibiotic growth promoter replacement without negative effect on broiler performance. Highlights Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract can promote growth performance and antioxidant function of Broilers. Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract is expected to become the substitute for antibiotics and promote the growth of the body. The optimal dose range of Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract in diet of broilers was 1000–1500 mg/kg.

Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract Repairs the Oxidative Misbalance following Sub-Chronic Exposure to Sodium Fluoride in Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

Simple SummaryThe present study investigated the antioxidant effect of ethanolic extract of Moringa Oleifera (MO) leaves against sodium fluoride-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia. It is concluded that MO leaves are a promising antioxidant plant via downregulation of lipid peroxidation, and upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity including SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, and TAC in liver, kidney, gills, and muscle tissue in a time-dependent manner, in addition to downregulation of mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes.The potential antioxidant property of Moringa oleifera (MO) has been the recent focus of an increased number of studies. However few studies investigated its antioxidative ability against sodium fluoride-induced redox balance breakdown in Oreochromis niloticus. Thus, this study evaluates the effects of MO against the oxidative stress induced by sub-chronic exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF). A total of 264 fish (40 ± 3 g BW) were used to calculate the 96 hr-LC50 of NaF and perform the sub-chronic exposure study. 96 hr-LC50 of NaF was calculated as (61 mg/L). The 1/10 dose of the calculated 96 hr-LC50 (6.1 mg/L) was used to complete the sub chronic exposure for eight weeks. Fish were divided into four groups (n = 51; three replicates each); control, non-treated group; NaF group (exposed to NaF 6.1 mg/L); MO group (treated with 1% MO of diet); and NaF+MO (exposed to NaF 6.1 mg/L and treated with 1% MO of diet). The results revealed that the sub-chronic exposure to NaF (6.1 mg/L) was substantially increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reduced (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the gills, liver, kidney, and muscle tissue in a time-dependent manner. In addition, a significant reduction in mRNA expression of GST in the liver was reported following NaF exposure. On the contrary, dietary supplementation of MO to NaF-exposed fish resulted in a significant reduction in MDA levels, and a significant elevation of SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, and TAC activities in a time-dependent manner, in addition to significant elevation of GST mRNA expression in liver tissue. It could be concluded that a 1% MO (w/w) ration is a promising antioxidant plant that may successfully use to interfere with the oxidation processes induced by NaF in various tissues of Oreochromis niloticus.

Effect of Levosimendan, an Inodilator, on Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

Levosimendan, an inodilator, was shown to have a renal protective effect in different models of kidney dysfunction in experimental animals and in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of levosimendan on streptozotocin‐induced early diabetic nephropathy. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24, 320–400 g) were randomly distributed into four groups and treated for 6 weeks. Groups 1 and 3 received either vehicle or levosimendan (1 mg/kg/day) for the last three weeks, respectively. Groups 2 and 4 were rendered diabetic by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and were treated as in groups 1 and 3, respectively. At the end of the experiment, rats were placed in metabolic cages and urine was collected for biochemical analysis. Rats were then anesthetized and blood samples collected for biochemical analysis. Kidneys were removed for histopathology. In the untreated diabetic group, there was a significant decrease in body weight, polyuria and increased relative kidney weight. There was increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), 24 hour (h) albumin level and N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG)/creatinine ratio (UNCR). Streptozotocin did not cause a significant effect on creatinine clearance when adjusted to body weight. In addition, diabetes was associated with increased oxidative stress [reduced plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase activities]. Kidneys from streptozotocin‐treated rats showed focal clear renal tubular cells affecting proximal convoluted tubules and focal mild interstitial fibrosis at the cortico‐medullary junction. Levosimendan significantly attenuated the reduction in body weight, polyuria and the increase in relative kidney weight. In addition, it significantly attenuated the increase in UACR, urinary 24 h albumin level and UNCR in diabetic rats. It also significantly mitigated the decrease in plasma TAC and catalase activities in diabetic rats. Rats in the diabetic group treated with levosimendan showed less clear cell changes but similar interstitial fibrosis when compared with the untreated diabetic group. This study shows that levosimendan ameliorated some of the changes seen in streptozotocin‐induced early diabetic nephropathy in rats. This could be partly due to its antioxidative effects.Support or Funding InformationSupported by an internal grant from Sultan Qaboos University (IG/MED/PHAR/18/01)

Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits grass carp reovirus replication in grass carp ovarian epithelial cells

Ginseng exhibits multiple medicinal properties, including the improvement of immune function and enhancing disease resistance. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infection of grass carp ovarian (CO) epithelial cells, in order to provide a baseline framework for future high-efficacy antiviral drug screening investigations. Ginsenoside Rg3 was added to GCRV-infected CO cells, and cells were cultured at 27 °C before cell proliferation was measured by MTT assays. Label-free real-time cellular analysis (RTCA) after 72 h of experimentation demonstrated that 100 μg/mL ginsenoside Rg3 treatment had the highest inhibitory effect on GCRV (among 1,10,100 μg/mL treatments). We then measured the capacity for cellular antioxidant ability. Cells treated with 1,10,100 μg/mL ginsenoside Rg3 exhibited increases in Total Antioxidant Capacity activity relative to controls, respectively. Furthermore, Antioxidant assay and reverse transcript quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that ginsenoside Rg3 were efficient to restrain the replication of GCRV in CO cells. Expression analysis of immune-related genes via RT-qPCR showed that treatment with ginsenoside Rg3 promoted expression of IRF-3 and IRF-7 increases, respectively. Moreover, expression of IFN-1 was induced, which then inhibition the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In conclusion, we demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg3 promotes CO cell proliferation, inhibits GCRV activity, promotes CO cell immune activities, and thereby enhances the resistance of CO to GCRV infection.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Different Zinc Sources on Diquat-Induced Oxidant Stress in a Piglet Model.

Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and diarrhea in postweanling piglets. This study is aimed at comparing the effects of zinc chelate of 2-hydroxy-4 methyl-thio butanoic acid (HMZn) and ZnSO4 on the oxidative stress in weaned piglets. A total of 32 piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments: CON: basal diet+80 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO4; DIQ: basal diet+80 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO4; HMZn: basal diet+200 mg/kg Zn as HMZn; and ZnSO4: basal diet+200 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO4. On day 15, the DIQ, HMZn, and ZnSO4 groups were injected intraperitoneally with diquat except for the CON group. The trial lasted 21 days. The results showed that zinc sources did not influence the growth performance during the first 14 days. But HMZn increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum (P < 0.05). After diquat injection, the fecal score was decreased in the HMZn group. Both HMZn and ZnSO4 increased the activities of GPX and T-AOC in serum and the relative mRNA expressions of hepatic and renal Nrf2, SOD1, and GPX compared with the DIQ group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the relative mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the small intestine, liver, and kidney was downregulated; the phosphorylation of NF-κB protein was inhibited in the HMZn group compared with the DIQ and ZnSO4 groups (P < 0.05). In general, HMZn showed notable advantage over ZnSO4 in reducing diarrhea and improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ability in piglets challenged with diquat.

Boar sperm quality and oxidative status as affected by rosmarinic acid at 17 °C.

Peroxidation damage induces sublethal injury to boar sperm during preservation. Rosmarinic acid (RA) has already been verified to efficiently protect cells from oxidant-induced injury and to produce significant effect on cryopreservation of semen. Through our experiments, we aim at investigating whether RA has a positive effect on the preservation of pig semen at room temperature. The semen collected from sexually mature Large White boars were preserved at 17°C in Beltsville thawing solution (BTS) supplied. The boar sperm were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150μM RA in vitro and the sperm functions were examined. The sperm motility, the acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, the catalase activity (CAT), the total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) activity and the malondialdehyde content (MDA) were examined at 0, 1, 3 and 5days. The BTS diluent containing RA improved the sperm quality during the process of liquid preservation compared with the control treatment. After 5days of liquid preservation, the addition of RA at 100μM produced an optimal effect on the survival time as well as on the maintenance of motility, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity; T-AOC activity; CAT activity; and the MDA content. Besides, our results in the reproductive experiments showed that the addition of RA at 100μM to the BTS diluent increased the pregnancy rate. These results suggest that the proper concentration of RA in boar semen extenders possibly improves the artificial insemination efficiency by reducing the sperm damage and the subsequent dysfunction during liquid preservation in swine production systems.

Protective effects of Genistein on the cognitive deficits induced by chronic sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation has been widely reported to cause cognitive dysfunction, and elevation in oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, including the brain, have been suggested as the main factors. Genistein (GE) is an isoflavone widely present in leguminous plants, and it was found to exert a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and antimetastatic effects. In this study, the protective effect of GE on chronic sleep deprivation (CSD)-induced cognitive dysfunction was investigated. The mice were subjected to the sleep interruption apparatus and continuously sleep deprived for 25 days. GE was orally administrated (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) during the sleep deprivation process totally for 25 days. Cognitive behavioral tests were conducted to study the learning and memory using the object location recognition (OLR) task, novel object recognition (NOR) test, and the Morris water maze (MWM) task. Additionally, the cortex and hippocampus were dissected to measure the oxidative stress markers and the antioxidant element nuclear erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream targets, including glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic, glutamate cysteine ligase modifier, heme oxygenase 1, and quinone oxidoreductase 1, as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) protein expression. Moreover, the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-1β) level was examined in the serum. The current results showed that GE could dose-dependently ameliorate the cognitive deficits of CSD-treated mice in the OLR, NOR, and MWM tasks. In addition, GE treatment significantly elevated the activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase and the level of glutathione and lowered the content of malondialdehyde in the cortex and hippocampus of CSD-treated mice. Furthermore, GE administration effectively activated the antioxidant element Nrf2 and its downstream targets in the cortex and hippocampus of CSD-treated mice. Moreover, GE treatment significantly suppressed CSD-induced NF-κB p65, iNOS, and COX-2 activation in the cortex and hippocampus, as well as inhibited CSD-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) release in the serum. Taken together, all these results suggested that GE has substantial potential as a therapeutic intervention for the alleviation of CSD-induced deleterious effects.