Total Globulin Research Articles

Mitigation of experimental hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inonotus obliquus Mushroom extract in association with oxidative stress and inflammation signaling.

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) has been a component of folk medicine treating several disorders mainly through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, yet its effects on liver carcinoma needed elucidation. This study investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus (IOAE) against diethyl-nitrosamine/carbon tetrachloride (DEN/CCl4) induced HCC in mice and addressed its molecular mechanism. HCC was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of DEN (1 mg/kg b.w.) followed by CCl4 (0.2 ml/kg, i.p., twice a week) after six weeks. IOAE (200 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally after the induction of HCC. Physiological and hematological parameters and biochemical assays for oxidative stress markers were performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry for inflammation and apoptosis were performed. DEN/CCl4 caused a reduction in mice body weight and an increase in the liver weight which was significantly restored by IOAE administration. The tumor incidence of DEN/CCl4 (100 %) was reduced to about 25 % by IOAE supplementation. DEN/CCl4 caused alterations in the hematological parameters, serum total protein albumin globulin, A/G ratio, liver function markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase gamma-glutamyl transferase, acid phosphatase and bilirubin) and lipid profile markers that were significantly restored by IOAE administration. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, nitric oxide, lactate dehydrogenase, and glutathione-s-transferase) were reduced by DEN/CCl4 which were significantly restored by IOAE treatment. The liver histopathology alterations caused by DEN/CCl4 were significantly ameliorated by IOAE treatment. Immunohistochemical studies suggest that AFP, caspase-3, COX-2, and iNOS were chronically overexpressed in DEN/CCl4-exposed mice which were notably attenuated by IOAE administration. Collectively IOAE was found to suppress tumor incidence by suppressing iNOS-COX-2-dependent inflammation and caspase-3 mediated apoptosis. Chaga mushroom showed remarkable anticancer effects against liver carcinoma through induction of apoptosis and suppression of inflammation.

Impact of polyvinyl chloride nano-plastics on the biochemical status of Oreochromis niloticus under a predicted global warming scenario

Plastic pollution and global warming are widespread issues that lead to several impacts on aquatic organisms. Despite harmful studies on both subjects, there are few studies on how temperature increases plastics’ adverse effects on aquatic animals, mainly freshwater species. So, this study aims to clarify the potential impact of temperature increases on the toxicological properties of polyvinyl chloride nano-plastics (PVC-NPs) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by measuring biochemical and oxidative biomarkers. The fish groups were subjected to three distinct temperatures (30, 32, and 34 °C) and subsequently separated into two groups: 0 and 10 mg/L of PVC-NPs, as it is expected that these temperatures may modify their chemical properties, which can influence their absorption and toxicity in fish. After 4 days, the biochemical response of fish exposed to PVC-NPs and elevated temperatures showed a significant increase in the levels of plasma total proteins, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and uric acid. Additionally, the level of oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver, gills, and brain was found to have a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and a decrease in glutathione reduced (GSH) concentration and catalase (CAT) activity in all studied groups. Finally, the current findings revealed a synergistic cytotoxic effect of PVC-NPs and temperatures on the metabolic and oxidative stress indices of O. niloticus.

A Pilot Field Evaluation of Dietary Ginger Zingiber officinale Effects on Immunity, Blood Metabolic Profile, and Disease Resistance in Labeo rohita Under Semi-Intensive Farming

A feeding trial was conducted for 120 days in a pilot field condition to evaluate ginger powder (GP; Zingiber officinale) as a feed supplement for Labeo rohita to improve immunity, blood metabolic profile, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial infection. The study was conducted following a complete randomized design in outdoor cemented tanks (20 m2) with a stocking density of 30 fish (average weight: 20.5 g) per tank. L. rohita fingerlings were divided into five groups and fed a diet with no GP supplementation (control diet; C) or a diet supplemented with 5 g (GP5), 10 g (GP10), 15 g (GP15), or 20 g (GP20) of GP per kg of the control diet. The results showed that fish well-being, determined by measuring the condition factor, remained higher than 1.0 for all the experimental groups. The condition factors of all the groups were not significantly different between the groups, suggesting GP had no negative impact on overall fish health. Immune responses significantly improved in the groups fed with diets supplemented with GP at doses of 10 to 15 g per kg of their diet, as seen in respiratory burst activity, total immunoglobulins, and lysozyme activity at 60 and 120 days. Blood metabolic variables, particularly the albumin level, tended to show some level of improvement in the GP15-fed group. However, the effect was not significant. Total protein and globulin levels and the albumin/globulin ratio were not significantly affected by dietary GP. Importantly, fish fed the GP15 diet showed the highest resistance to the A. hydrophila challenge. In conclusion, ginger powder holds promise as a health-promoting nutraceutical for farmed L. rohita, contributing to their sustainable farming.

ОЦЕНКА ИММУННОГО СТАТУСА МОЛОДНЯКА СВИНЕЙ ПРИ МИКОПЛАЗМЕННОЙ ИНФЕКЦИИ

Pig farming still suffers significant economic losses due to infection of animals with mycoplasmas. The pathogenic effect of these bacteria on the body of pigs is especially pronounced in young animals. The purpose of research is to study the nature of the impact of mycoplasma infection on the immune status of piglets. To assess the epizootological state of the complex regarding mycoplasmosis, random blood tests were carried out from all technological groups of pigs using the RNG reaction and determining the percentage of infection. Morbidity was determined by the number of animals identified with clinical signs of the disease among those infected, and mortality was determined by the number of dead animals among those infected with mycoplasmosis. Blood protein fractions were determined in piglets using an ERBA-XL100 biochemical analyzer. Determination of T-lymphocytes was done by the method of spontaneous rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes (E-ROCK). Determination of B cells was carried out in the complementary rosette formation reaction (EAC-ROCK). It was established that the infection of pigs with mycoplasmosis in different groups at the complex ranged from 24.2–65.7 %, while the highest percentage of morbidity (26.8 %) and mortality (18.6 %) of individuals was observed among piglets in growing. The negative impact of mycoplasma infection on the immune status of young pigs was manifested by a decrease in total protein (by 13.5 %) and gamma globulin fraction (by 17.8 %) in the blood serum of sick piglets compared to healthy ones. The impact of pathogenic mycoplasmas on the cellular link of the immune-competent system of the body of sick piglets was manifested by a decrease in their T-lymphocytes by 11 %, and B-lymphocytes by 21.4 % compared to healthy animals.

Ontogenetic features of hormonal status and metabolic profile of pigs in industrial technology

The hormonal and metabolic profile of conditionally healthy Yorkshire pigs of different age and sex groups was studied in an industrial pig farm. A statistically significant effect of age on the level of serum cortisol, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine in the studied pig groups was established. Increased cortisol levels compared to the literature data in almost all pig groups may indicate chronic stress, while increased secretion of thyroid hormones is an adaptive response associated with stress compensation. Biochemical parameters of blood serum in animals of different groups reflect age-related metabolic features. It was shown that the average parameter values for the groups as a whole are within the limits obtained by other authors. It was revealed that with age, there is a decrease in the content of glucose, triglycerides, and urea. At the same time, the level of total protein, albumins, and globulins in the blood serum of the studied pigs gradually increases with age. In some cases, reliable intersexual differences in the level of biochemical parameters were found, in particular, sows exceeded boars in cholesterol content, while the opposite pattern was noted for total protein. In general, the hormonal and metabolic profiles of the herd correspond to the “industrial” status of the complex. The ability to adapt, intensive protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism are obviously fixed by targeted breed selection. The established reference values of the hormonal status and metabolic profile parameters can be used to characterize pigs of high-intensity meat breeds under industrial technology conditions.

Chia (Salvia hispanica) Seed Oil Modulates the Haemato-Immunological Response, Antioxidative Status and Cytokine Gene Expression of Tropical Freshwater Teleost, Labeo rohita.

The present investigation attempts to evaluate the impact of the dietary inclusion of chia (Salvia hispanica) seed oil (CSO) on the indices of haemato-immunology, metabolic enzymes, and expression of immune-responsive cytokine genes in Labeo rohita (rohu) fingerlings. The responses were observed in a 60-day feeding trial, set up with a total of 180 rohu fingerlings (19.74 ± 0.33 g) randomly allocated to four treatment groups with three replicates each. The groups were fed with a basal diet incorporated with 0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% CSO, denoted as control, CSO (1), CSO (2), and CSO (3), respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) augmentation of hematological indices such as total protein and globulin levels was observed in the group fed a 1.0% CSO-supplemented diet. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and complement reactive protein levels declined, whereas marker anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GST) and protein metabolic enzymes (ALT and AST) increased (p < 0.05) in the lowest CSO-supplemented group. A significant upregulation of inflammatory cytokine viz. IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and TLR22 alongside downregulation of IL-10 was noted in various tissues. The results support the inclusion of 1.0% CSO as a prospective dietary vegan substitute to fish oil in rohu aquaculture.

The Impact of Feeding Non-defatted Silkworm Pupae Meal on Haemato-biochemical and Oxidative Stress Parameters of Crossbred Cattle Calves

Background: The expenses on feed alone accounts around 55-60% to the total rearing cost of ruminants. In present time where the cost of feed is very high, it is very difficult to minimize the cost of production. Among feed ingredients, animal protein is quite expensive, thus, it is the need of the hour to unearth different unconventional feed resources to supply the nutrients to livestock and also for the profitability and sustainability of livestock sector. Among various important unconventional animal protein sources, silkworm pupae meal is one among them. The current study aimed to assess the effect of feeding non-defatted silkworm pupae meal on health status of crossbred calves. Methods: Fifteen crossbred, female calves (30-40 days old, 35.21±2.72 kg body weight) were selected and equally distributed in a random manner to three treatments viz., control (CON), treatment-1 (TRT-25) and treatment-2 (TRT-50). In CON group, fish meal was added as an ingredient in concentrate mixture @10%, while in the treatments TRT-25 and TRT-50, fish meal was replaced with SWPM at the levels of 25% and 50%, respectively. A 90-days feeding trial was carried out to determine the effect of feeding SWPM on health status of calves. Result: The haemato-biochemical parameters viz., Hb, PCV, RBC’s, WBC’s, blood glucose, ALT, AST, BUN, serum creatinine and A:G ratio revealed non-significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between the treatment groups, while the values of total protein, albumin and globulin showed significant difference (p≤0.05) between the treatment groups. The results of oxidative stress parameters viz., SOD, GPx, Catalase and MDA revealed non-significant differences (p greater than 0.05) between treatment groups. Hence, the study concluded that inclusion of SWPM upto 50% level in the calf starter ration had no adverse effect on the health status of crossbred calves.

Utilizing Invasive Pterygoplichthys pardalis as a Sustainable Fish Meal Substitute and Euphorbia hirta Extract Supplement: Effects on Growth Performance, Organosomatic Indices, Hematological Profiles, and Serum Biochemistry in Chinese Bullfrogs (Hoplobatrachus chinensis).

This research examined the efficacy of substituting commercial fish meal (CFM) with Pterygoplichthys pardalis meal (PPM) in Hoplobatrachus chinensis diets, with and without Euphorbia hirta extract (EHE) supplementation. The study utilized six dietary treatments: a control diet (0% PPM, no EHE) and five experimental diets with varying PPM levels (0%+, 25%+, 50%+, 75%+, and 100%+), each fortified with 300 mg/kg EHE. The experiment spanned 90 days. The analysis revealed that PPM exhibited superior amino acid profiles compared to CFM, both in quality and quantity, while CFM demonstrated higher fatty acid content. The growth metrics showed a significant decline only in the group receiving 100% PPM replacement with EHE supplementation. Most organosomatic indices remained consistent across the treatments, with the exception of intraperitoneal fat, which decreased in all EHE-supplemented groups. Blood parameters, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and hematocrit, along with serum proteins (total protein, globulin, and albumin), displayed an upward trend in all EHE-supplemented groups. The 50%+ and 75%+ PPM replacement groups exhibited significantly elevated serum glucose levels (p < 0.05). Liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase) showed no significant variations among the treatments. The results indicate that PPM can serve as an effective replacement for up to 75% of CFM in H. chinensis feed, without compromising their growth performance. Moreover, supplementing with EHE helps to enhance essential biochemical indices in the body, without adversely affecting liver function. This investigation offers valuable perspectives on the development of sustainable aquaculture feed and the potential application of invasive fish species in aquatic animal nutrition.

Assessment of Glyphosate Roundup Turbo (450 g/l) on Haemato-biochemical Indices of Freshwater African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

The escalating use of glyphosate-based herbicides in agricultural practices has sparked concerns regarding their potential ecological impact. This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the acute ecotoxicological effects of a brand-new glyphosate (Roundup Turbo 450 g/l) on haematology and biochemical indices of Clarias gariepinus a commercially vital fish species in Nigeria. Fish were exposed to 0.0 as control, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and 1.2 mg/l glyphosate for 96 hours in the laboratory. Water quality parameters monitored were temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen electrical conductivity, nitrate and nitrite. The blood, liver and gills were extracted and analyzed. Haematological and biochemical analyses revealed significant changes (P &lt; 0.05) as concentration increases. The decrease in red blood cell, pack cell volume, haemaglobin and white blood cell was indicative of glyphosate-induced hematotoxicity. Biochemical analyses disclosed alterations in enzymatic activities within liver and gill tissues, including significant increase in alanine aminotransaminases, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, suggesting hepatic and branchial dysfunction and decrease in total protein, globulin and albumin, showing enhanced disruption in protein synthesis. Glucose and albumin in liver were not detected. Behavioral observations indicated the fish heightened stress response, characterized by erratic swimming patterns, increased agitation, equilibrium loss, hyperactivity and skin erosion. The 96-hour LC50 value for this study was 2.50 mg/l and it highlights glyphosate roundup turbo’s potential to exert detrimental effects on Clarias gariepinus populations. These findings underscore the imperative for sustainable agricultural practices, judicious pesticide management, and rigorous environmental monitoring to mitigate the ecological risks associated with glyphosate use.

Salinity-dependent effects of integrated biofloc technology on reproductive performance, biological responses, and offspring quality in red tilapia aquaculture

The study aims to evaluate the reproductive performance, serum biochemical indices, growth, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of Florida Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) progeny reared at different salinity levels within biofloc technology (BFT) systems, focusing on egg production, fertilization rates, tolerance to oxidative stress, and offspring performance. Broodstock reared in biofloc systems (BF) were compared to those in clear water (Without biofloc, WBF) across three salinity levels (18, 28, and 36‰) over a 7-month period. The study also assessed the tolerance of fry reared in biofloc systems to direct transfer to high salinity (36‰) without prior acclimatization. A total of 216 females (initial body weight: 182 ± 1.8 g) and 72 males (initial body weight: 201 ± 0.88 g) were randomly assigned to 18 concrete tanks (2 × 6 × 1 m) to investigate the effects of BFT on spawning performance and larval survival under high-salinity conditions. The findings indicated that appropriate salinity (18‰) in BFT systems positively affected reproductive efficiency, enhanced immunological parameters, and improved growth performance, but elevated salinity levels (36‰) led to reduced reproductive success and hindered growth performance. Florida red tilapia thrive in water quality conditions that are within acceptable limits. High salinity environments led to increased dissolved oxygen but reduced pH, especially in BFT ponds. BFT improved reproductive performance, reduced spawning time, and increased egg production. It also improved hatchability, larval quality, and yolk sac absorption. The BFT broodstock showed higher levels of key proteins (total protein, albumin, and globulin) and improved immune parameters, which helped counteract the negative effects of elevated salinity and enhanced their overall health and stress tolerance. In high-salinity environments, offspring in BFT systems showed higher survival rates and growth rates. In conclusion, BFT improves the reproductive performance, growth, and immune response of Florida red tilapia under high salinity. It enhances egg production, hatchability, and larval survival, while also improving water quality and immune function, making it a sustainable solution for tilapia aquaculture in saline environments.

Packed Cell Volume and Plasma Chemistry Reference Intervals for Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo) in a Rehabilitation Setting in South Korea before Release.

Rehabilitation and release of wild birds hinge upon a comprehensive understanding of both biologic and nonbiologic factors, including the medical and physical fitness of the animal. The objectives of this study were to determine reference intervals of packed cell volume and plasma chemistry values for healthy Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo) and to compare blood values between age and sex classes. There were significant differences between males and females in total protein and globulin mean values, with males having higher values than females. Adult and juvenile Eagle Owls differed significantly in the mean values of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and uric acid, with juveniles having higher values than adults. The calculated reference intervals for Eagle Owls can be used in Eurasian Eagle Owls admitted to rescue centers to assist veterinarians and wildlife managers to clinically evaluate and monitor the health of Eagle Owls and make decisions about when to release them after treatment.

Laligurans (Rhododendron arboreum) Enhances Growth, Enzyme Profiles, and Immune Response of Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val. 1844)

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the effects of Laligurans (Rhododendron arboreum) flowers on the growth performance and health parameters of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Known for their anti‐inflammatory properties and medicinal uses, Laligurans flowers were incorporated into diets as an ethanol extract (LGE) and fine powder (LGP) to test their efficacy. A total of 630 grass carp fingerlings (3.07 ± 0.76 g to 3.95 ± 0.85 g) were randomly distributed into 21 nylon cages (1.5 m × 1 m × 2 m) placed in an earthen pond. Seven dietary treatments were administered: a control diet (T1) with standard commercial feed, LGE‐supplemented diets (T2, T3, T4, and T5) at 0.20%, 0.40%, 0.80%, and 1.60% inclusion levels, respectively, and LGP‐supplemented diets (T6 and T7) at 0.20% and 0.40%, respectively. Results demonstrated significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05) in liver, kidney, and blood serum protein levels (total protein, albumin, globulin, and AG ratios) in treated groups compared to the control. Reductions in SGOT, SGPT, and ALP levels were observed in the liver and blood serum of treated groups, while control fish exhibited elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Fish fed LGE diets showed superior blood profiles compared to those receiving LGP. The T4 group (0.80% LGE) achieved the highest final weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate (p &lt; 0.05), highlighting the potential of Laligurans flower extract as a natural immunological and growth‐enhancing supplement in aquaculture diets.

The effect of adding two types of organic chromium to the diet of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. on some blood and biochemical traits.

This research was carried out in the fish laboratory of the Department of Animal Production/College of Agriculture and Forestry/University of Mosul. 147 common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., were used with an average initial weight of 27.60 ± 2 gm/fish, distributed over seven experimental treatments, with three replicates for each treatment. The fish were acclimatized before the experiment for twenty-one days to the aquarium environment and food intake. Two types of organic chromium were added, namely chromium picolinate, at an amount of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/kg feed (T2, T3, and T4), and 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/kg feed of chromium nicotinate (T5, T6, and T7), besides the control diet without additives (T1), which was balanced in terms of crude protein and metabolic energy. Results of the statistical analysis showed that the fish fed the experimental diets T3 and T7 were significantly superior (P? 0.05) in terms of hemoglobin and PCV to the rest of the experimental diets, including the control diet. Fish fed the T6 diet recorded a significant superiority over the rest of the other experimental treatments in the total blood protein and globulin standards, while no significant differences were observed between the different experimental treatments with the exception of the control diet, which was significantly behind the rest of the treatments in the albumin standard. Fish fed the control diet outperformed the parameters of blood sugar, triglycerides, AST, and ALT significantly more than the rest of the experimental treatments. It turns out that adding both types of organic chromium (organic chromium picolinate and nicotinate) at a rate of 0.5 mg/kg feed gave the best results in most of the criteria studied.

Dietary supplementation of compound probiotics to improve performance, egg quality, biochemical parameters and intestinal morphology of laying hens.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of compound probiotics on the performance, egg quality, biochemical parameters and intestinal morphology of laying hens. A total of 180 healthy 200-day-old Hyline Brown laying hens with similar initial laying rate (87.5% ± 0.2%) were randomly divided into the control group and the treatment group. Each group included 6 replicates and each replicate included 15 laying hens. The control group was provided a basal diet, while the treatment group received the basal diet supplemented with compound probiotics. The experiment lasted for 52 days. The study indicated the following outcomes: (1) The laying rate (LR) and average egg weight (AEW) of laying hens in the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05), whereas the feed-to-egg ratio (F/E) was significantly lower (p < 0.05); (2) The yolk weight (YW), egg shape index (ESI) and albumen height (AH) were significantly higher (p < 0.05), whereas the eggshell percentage (EP) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) after the dietary supplementation of compound probiotics; (3) The treatment group significantly decreased in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in serum compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum levels of total protein (TP), globulin (GLB), albumin (ALB), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were significantly higher in the treatment group (p < 0.05); (4) The supplementation of compound probiotics to laying hen diets led to a significant reduction in crypt depth (CD) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in the jejunum compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of compound probiotics can regulate the body metabolism and improve the intestinal morphology, thus enhancing the antioxidant capacity and immune function of the body, which in turn improves the performance and egg quality of laying hens.

Evaluating Thyroid Hormones and Glycemic Parameters in Diabetic Patients: Insights from Kirkuk Governorate

Chronic metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, which is typified by persistent hyperglycemia, can have a detrimental effect on a patient's quality of life and increase mortality rates. Complications include renal failure, systemic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases are common. Because poor protein synthesis and glucose metabolism increase the risk of subsequent difficulties, co-occurring hyperthyroidism in diabetes individuals exacerbates glucose management even more. Plasma protein levels can be dramatically affected by the dysregulation of proteins, such as albumin and globulin, which are essential for many physiological processes and can be dysregulated in diseases including diabetes and hyperthyroidism. By comparing the levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and oxidative stress biomarkers, such as free amines, thiols, and carbonyls, in diabetic patients with and without hyperthyroidism to healthy controls, this study investigates the molecular pathways causing diabetes complications. Significant differences in oxidative stress and protein indicators are found in these patients, which sheds light on the biochemical abnormalities they have and opens up new therapy options that target oxidative stress and protein metabolism.

A Study of the Protective Role of Berberis vulgaris Aqueous Extract on Some Liver Enzymes and Proteins in Male Rats Treated with Monosodium Glutamate

Various civilizations utilize the fruit of the common herb barberry as a culinary component. Barberry is utilized as a therapeutic herb. This is used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal issues, kidney stones, gallbladder and liver issues, circulatory system stimulation, and urinary tract abnormalities. Twenty adult male rats, ages 2-4 months, with an average weight of 150-300 g, have been utilized in the study. The rats have been split up to four groups (G), with five rabbits in each one of the groups. G1 was treated with normal saline extract 15 ml orally as the positive control group, G2 was treated with aqueous extract 14 mg/kg as the negative control group, G3 was treated with aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris (300 mg/kg BW), and G4 was treated with aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris (300 mg/kg BW) following 3hours. This study sought to ascertain protective effect of Berberis vulgaris extract on albumin, total protein, aspartate amino transaminase (ALT), globulin, alkaline phosphate (ALP), and alanine amino transaminase (AST). The current study's findings indicated that the mean levels of ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, total protein, and globulin have been much higher (p≤0.050) in G2 group than in G1 group. We have found no significant difference (p≥0.050) in levels of ALT, AST, total protein, ALP, albumin, and globulin in the group that had received doses of Berberis vulgaris (300 mg/kg BW) and Monosodium glutamate (14 mg/kg BW) in comparison with G1. We found a significant decrease (p≤0.050) in levels of (ALP, ALT, and AST) total protein, globulin, and albumin in G4 and G3 in comparison with G2. The study demonstrated that common barberry significantly enhances protective functions through the elevation of liver enzyme and protein levels. The observed effects are ascribed to the direct influence of the plant extract on hepatic function.

Changes in Prolactin and Insulin Resistance in PCOS Patients Undergoing Metformin Treatment: A Retrospective Study

Background: Prolactin levels have been shown to influence metabolic outcomes, including insulin resistance. Metformin is known to be beneficial in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. PCOS women might react differently to metformin treatment depending on their baseline prolactin levels. Methods: In this retrospective study, the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the LH:FSH ratio, and total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in 75 obese/overweight women with PCOS and insulin resistance before initiation of metformin treatment and after 6–8 months. Results: At baseline, HOMA-IR was inversely correlated to SHBG (r = −0.408; p &lt; 0.001) and prolactin (r = −0.402; p &lt; 0.001). After 6–8 months of metformin treatment, the LH:FSH ratio and the HOMA-IR declined significantly (p &lt; 0.05). A significant positive correlation could be shown between basal prolactin and the difference in the HOMA-IR (r = 0.233; p = 0.044). Women with lower baseline prolactin (≤14.9 ng/mL) revealed a sharper decline in HOMA-IR (−0.8, IQR −1.0; −0.5 vs. −0.6, IQR −0.8; −0.3; p = 0.049) as well as an increase in prolactin at follow-up (1.6 ng/mL, IQR −0.2;3.8 vs. −1.3, IQR −4.6;3.2; p = 0.003) compared to patients with a baseline prolactin &gt; 14.9 ng/mL. Conclusions: In overweight/obese, insulin-resistant PCOS women, lower baseline prolactin levels are associated with higher baseline HOMA-IR levels as well as with a better response to metformin treatment. More data are necessary to prove these observations in larger populations.

Aeromonas hydrophila dose and post-immunostimulation period as immunomodulatory effect indicator on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

In fish challenge tests, there is no standardization in the concentration and analysis period of parameters. This study investigates the immunomodulatory and cytotoxic effects of A. hydrophila dose and postimmunostimulation periods on Nile tilapia. Four level of bacterial doses (½, ¼, ⅛, and 0 LD50) were administered, and immune parameters, hematological data, and erythrocyte abnormalities were analyzed at 3, 7, 10, and 14 days post-infection (dpi). The highest respiratory burst, total globulins, and lysozyme activity were detected at 7 dpi. Considering the bacteria doses, the lysozyme activity was higher in the ⅛ LD50 and ¼ LD50 of A. hydrophila. Erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes counts remained unchanged. Ten days post-injection, the control group exhibited reduced abnormalities, showing a notable distinction from the ⅛ LD50 and ¼ LD50 treatments, particularly in hooked and notched nuclei abnormalities. Mortality rates were higher in infected groups, peaking at different times with the highest in ½ LD50. For evaluating Nile tilapia immunity post A. hydrophila infection, it is recommended ¼ LD50 dose and blood collection at 7 and 10 dpi for immunological parameters and abnormalities in Nile tilapia erythrocytes, respectively.

Biochemical perturbations associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens:Is oxidative stress implicated?

The aim of this study was to investigate some biochemical and tissue changes associated with Salmonella gallinarum infection in laying hens (LHs), and the complicities of oxidative stress (OS). Fifty LHs were assigned to two groups of 25 LHs infected with S. gallinarum (109 cfu*mL-1 of S. gallinarum) and 25 uninfected controls. Biochemical assays and histopathology were carried out following standard procedures. There was a significant loss of body weight, drop in egg production, as well as 28% mortality in the infected group. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as serum total protein, globulin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher, whereas serum albumin levels were significantly lower in infected LHs. There were inflammatory, degenerative and necrotic changes observed in the affected organs. Considering the significant elevation in MDA levels coupled with elevated SOD activity in the infected LHs, OS may play a significant role in the pathology of fowl typhoid and may suggest a possible treatment of infected layers with antioxidants.

Effects of Subacute Ammonia Nitrogen Stress on the Growth, Antioxidant Capability, and Immunity of Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) Juveniles

To investigate the effects of subacute ammonia nitrogen stress on the growth, antioxidant capacity, and innate immunity of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama ambrycyphala), a sample of fish (average body weight 6.55 ± 0.24 g) was divided into three groups: a control group (G1), a 10% LC50 ammonia nitrogen stress group (G2), and a 20% LC50 ammonia nitrogen stress group (G3). The fish in G1 were reared in tap water with aeration. The fish in G2 were reared in water with 6.82 mg/L ammonium chloride at 10% LC50. The fish in G3 were reared in water with 13.64 mg/L ammonium chloride at 20% LC50. The feeding period was 4 weeks. Then, the growth, antioxidant, and immune response parameters of the fish were analyzed. The results showed that the median lethal concentration (LC50) of the ammonia nitrogen solution for blunt snout bream juveniles at 96 h was 68.18 mg/L. The final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), albumin, globulin, acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) of fish in the stress groups were significantly lower than in the control group (p &lt; 0.05); however, the MDA content of fish in the control group was significantly lower than that of those in the stress groups (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the relative expression levels of the GHRa, GHRb, IGF1, and IGF2 genes in the muscles of fish in the stress groups were significantly downregulated compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). The relative expression levels of the SOD, CAT, Leap1, and Leap2 genes in the liver of fish in the stress groups were significantly lower than those in fish in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, subacute ammonia nitrogen stress inhibited growth performance and decreased the antioxidant capacity and immunity of blunt snout bream.