Total Glutathione Peroxidase Activity Research Articles

Extracts fromCinnamomum cassialeaf residues display antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities

In order to explore the potential utilization value of Cinnamomum cassia leaf residues (CcLRs), the extracts of CcLRs and their biological activities were investigated in this study. The results showed that ethyl acetate (EA) fraction of CcLRs’ crude extract had the highest total phenolic content (361.53 ± 19.24 mg GAE/g extract) and total flavonoid content (652.48 ± 9.91 mg RE/g extract), and its antioxidant capacity was 1.2- to 1.4-fold higher than that of the crude extract and other fractions. The in vitro NO inhibition rate of the EA fraction was up to 92.25% at concentration of 200 μg/ml. The in vivo study showed that the EA fraction significantly improved the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in D-galactose-induced aging mice by enhancing the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, as well as inhibited the inflammatory response by reducing the induced nitrogen monoxide synthase (iNOS) activity. Thus, the extract from CcLRs possesses excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and has potential as a new dietary supplement in the food industry. Novelty impact statement 1. Cinnamomum cassia leaf residues (CcLRs) are promising source of bioactive compounds. 2. Ethyl acetate fraction of CcLRs has higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents. 3. Ethyl acetate fraction possesses great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Effects of Taurine Supplementation on Growth, Feed Utilization, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Microflora of Largemouth Bass Fed a Low Fish Meal Diet

AbstractThe present study was conducted to examine the effects of taurine supplementation on feed intake, growth, feed utilization, body composition, waste output, hepatic antioxidant enzymes, and intestinal microflora of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides that were fed a low fish meal diet. Three isoproteic (49% crude protein) and isolipidic (9.5% crude lipid) diets were formulated: one diet contained 40% fish meal and served as the control (FM diet), and 60% of the fish meal in the FM diet was replaced by soybean meal either without taurine supplementation (SBM diet) or with 0.5% taurine supplementation (SBM+T diet). Lower feed intake, final body weight, weight gain, condition factor, and hepatosomatic index and a higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found in fish that received the SBM diet compared to fish that were fed the FM diet, but no significant difference was found in feed intake, final body weight, weight gain, FCR, condition factor, or hepatosomatic index between fish in the FM and SBM+T diet groups. No significant differences were found in nitrogen retention efficiency, body composition, nitrogen waste, or activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase among fish fed the different test diets, and the alpha diversity of intestinal microbiota also did not differ among diet groups. The abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes increased while the abundance of Fusobacteria decreased in the SBM diet group relative to the FM diet group; in contrast, dietary taurine (SBM+T diet) restored the abundance of Proteobacteria to a level similar to that in fish receiving the FM diet. This study suggests that the dietary fish meal level for Largemouth Bass can be reduced from 40% to 16% if soybean meal is used as an alternative protein with 0.5% taurine supplementation.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides as Antibiotic Substitutes Improve Growth Performance, Serum Immunity, Antioxidant Status, and Intestinal Health for Weaned Piglets.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of dietary Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) supplementation on the growth performance, immune response, serum antioxidant status, and intestinal health of weaned piglets. In total, 24 crossed healthy weaned piglets [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace)], of similar body weight (7.47 ± 0.22 kg), were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: CON (basal diet); LBPs (basal diet plus 4,000 mg/kg LBPs); and antibiotic (ABO, basal diet plus 20 mg/kg flavomycin and 50 mg/kg quinocetone). There were eight pigs per group. The study lasted 28 days. When compared with CON, LBPs or ABO dietary supplementation increased average daily gain (P < 0.05), decreased the ratio of feed to gain and the diarrhea ratio (P < 0.05). Similarly, when compared with CON, LBPs dietary supplementation increased serum immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, interleukin-10, interleukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels (P < 0.05). Dietary LBPs enhanced the activity of serum total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis showed a distinct separation between CON and LBPs groups, but no differences between ABO and LBPs groups. LBPs addition increased Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium (P < 0.05) levels, while it decreased Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0.05) levels. Furthermore, when compared with the CON group, LBPs increased villus height (P < 0.05) and the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05). Thus, dietary supplementation with LBPs improved growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immunity, regulated intestinal microbial composition, and may be used as an efficient antibiotic alternative in weaned piglet feed.

Influences of Partial Substitution of Fish Meal with Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal in Diets on Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, and Body Composition of Juvenile Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis)

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFM) has been widely applied in aquaculture production due to its rich nutritional value, easy availability, and renewability. However, to our knowledge, it has not been used in the diets for turtles. Here, we evaluated the acceptability of partial substitution of fish meal (FM) with defatted BSFM in the diets of juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis). A total of 225 juvenile turtles were randomly divided into D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 groups, which were fed with BSFM replacing 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% FM, respectively, for 70 days. The results showed that growth performances of groups D2 and D3 were not significantly different ( P &gt; 0.05 ) from that of group D1, whereas the growth performance compromised ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in groups D4 and D5. The activity of serum alkaline phosphatase was higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D3 relative to other groups, while alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D4 when compared with groups D1, D2, and D3. Liver lysozyme activity and malonaldehyde level were significantly higher ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D1 relative to other groups, whereas total antioxidant capacity activity showed the opposite trend ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The activities of hepatic total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase displayed a linear elevation ( P = 0.011 and P &lt; 0.001 , respectively) from groups D1 to D3. Intestinal amylase and protease activities linearly increased ( P &lt; 0.001 ) with increasing BSFM levels, while intestinal lipase activity showed a quadratic increase and then a decrease with increasing BSFM levels ( P = 0.011 ). Muscle crude protein and fat contents increased ( P &lt; 0.05 ) in group D3 when compared with groups D1 and D2. Muscle phenylalanine, glutamic, tryptophan, and arginine levels increased in group D1 in comparison with the other groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ), whereas the opposite was true for isoleucine and proline levels. The broken-line analysis based on specific growth rate estimated that the optimal level for replacing dietary FM with BSFM is 5.0%, which could elicit benefits on both the growth performance and physiological health condition of the juvenile Chinese soft-shelled turtles.

The effect of natural infection with different Leptospira interrogans serovars on oxidative stress biomarkers and acute-phase responses in horses and cattle.

Leptospirosis is one of the important zoonotic bacterial diseases with a worldwide distribution that is often subclinical. We aimed to investigate the oxidant/antioxidant balance and acute-phase response in naturally infected horses and cattle with Leptospira interrogans. A total of 600 serum samples from horses and cattle were examined for L. interrogans antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test to determine anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies against a panel of eight important Leptospira antigens in Iran. Then, serum total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde activities, and nitric oxide, total protein, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and albumin concentrations were measured in seropositive and seronegative samples. Serum catalase activities and malondialdehyde, serum amyloid A, and haptoglobin ‌concentrations in seropositive cattle and horses were significantly higher (P<.05) than in those that were seronegative. Antibody titers increased from 1:100 to 1:200 in cattle with L. interrogans infection, resulting in a decrease in the serum total antioxidant capacity (P<.05), an increase in serum glutathione peroxidase (P<.01) activity and nitric oxide (P<.05) , serum amyloid A (P<.01), and haptoglobin (P<.05) concentrations. Following the increase in the agglutinating antibody titers in horses infected with L. interrogans, the serum total antioxidant capacity (P<.01) decreased, and serum nitric oxide (P<.05), malondialdehyde (P<.05), and serum amyloid A (P<.01) concentrations were increased. In this study, horses and cattle had extensive changes in oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium and acute-phase protein concentrations when infected with L. interrogans. We also demonstrated a direct link between antibody titers and the type of leptospiral serovar using serum oxidative and inflammatory markers.

The Effect of Sargassum siliquastrum Supplementation on Growth Performance, Cecal Fermentation, Intestine Histomorphology, and Immune Response of Japanese Quails.

Simple SummaryMarket demand is predicted to rise as the growing scope of seaweed-based applications, as feed additives for poultry, expands. Seaweeds are a rich source of essential nutrients and bioactive substances, including polysaccharides and trace elements. Seaweeds also have prebiotic properties that help birds perform better and could be utilised instead of antibiotics. Only a few studies have examined the effect of brown seaweed (Sargassum siliquastrum) supplementation on bird performance, but to our knowledge, there have been no studies regarding the effect of S. siliquastrum supplementation on the bird’s cecal fermentation and microbial populations. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the impact of S. siliquastrum supplementation on performance, cecal fermentation, and microbial populations, as well as on the immunological response in Japanese quails. The results indicated that the studied S. siliquastrum supplement improved the performance, cecal fermentation, microbial populations, intestinal morphology, and immunological response in Japanese quails. Hence, this research implies that a dietary S. siliquastrum supplement for quails could be a viable feed additive alternative.This study aimed to investigate the dietary effects of Sargassum siliquastrum on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal fermentation, microbial populations, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestine histomorphology of Japanese quails. A total of 450 Japanese quails, aged 7 days, weighing 27.35 ± 0.23 g, were randomly distributed to three dietary groups in a 42-day feeding experiment. Five replicates were prepared per group, with each replicate consisting of 30 chicks in a cage. The three dietary groups consisted of a basal diet (0% supplementation, which was the control) and diets supplemented with 1% and 2% of S. siliquastrum. The results showed that the S. siliquastrum-supplemented groups and the control group had similar final body weight (FBW), average body gain (ADG), and average feed intake (ADFI). However, the S. siliquastrum-supplemented groups had a better feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as a lower mortality rate, compared to the control group. S. siliquastrum supplementation improved the nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) (p < 0.05). The S. siliquastrum-supplemented groups exhibited the heaviest empty intestine and cecum weights, as well as the longest intestinal and cecal length. Furthermore, the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and the propionic acid concentrations increased significantly in quails fed S. siliquastrum-supplemented diets (p < 0.05), although the concentration of NH3-N decreased (p < 0.05). The dietary inclusion of S. siliquastrum had a beneficial effect on cecal microbial populations, where the Lactobacillus sp. counts increased, and the E. coli and Clostridium perfringens counts decreased. The histopathological examination of the duodenum confirmed that S. siliquastrum dietary supplementation enhanced the height and width of the villi. Quails fed S. siliquastrum-supplemented diet exhibited the highest total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, but the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was decreased (p < 0.05). Serum IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations increased considerably (p < 0.05) in S. siliquastrum-supplemented groups. In conclusion, S. siliquastrum supplementation in the diet of Japanese quail can provide beneficial effects on performance, cecal fermentation, beneficial bacteria populations, and the immune response, and could be considered as an alternative feed additive in poultry production.

Effects of dietary supplementation with peony pollen on growth, immune-related gene expression, and antioxidant status of Cyprinus carpio

Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is both ornamental flower and Chinese herbal medicine in China. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary peony pollen on growth performance and immune status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Five different diets with 0% (control group), 1%, 2%, 3% and 4 % of peony pollen were designed to feed the fish for 6 weeks. The results indicated that the dietary peony pollen has beneficial effects on growth performance of common carp. In addition, evaluation of the liver antioxidant enzymes activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in 3% peony pollen group, showed significant increase in carps fed peony pollen (P &lt; 0.05), except the malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. The genes expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-1-β (IL1β) in the carps fed peony pollen were obviously decreased compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The expression levels of heat shock protein-70 (Hsp70) were up-regulated significantly in carps fed peony pollen (P &lt; 0.05). Our observations suggest that peony pollen supplementation in the diets has the potential to improve the immune response by activating carp’s cellular antioxidant activity and regulating the expression of immune -related genes, which may lead to increased carp tolerance to adverse conditions. Further research is needed on the use of peony pollen to improve disease resistance in fisheries.

Dietary Malic Acid Supplementation Induces Skeletal Muscle Fiber-Type Transition of Weaned Piglets and Further Improves Meat Quality of Finishing Pigs.

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of dietary malic acid supplementation on skeletal muscle fiber-type transition during nursery period and the subsequent meat quality of finishing pigs. Results showed that malic acid supplementation for 28 days increased oxidative fiber percentage of weaned piglets, accompanied by the increased aerobic oxidation in serum and longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle. Additionally, activities of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase in serum were increased. Moreover, dietary malic acid supplementation during nursery period tended to increase pH24h and significantly decreased drip loss in LT muscle of finishing pigs. The content of total saturated fatty acid (SFA) and total monounsaturated fatty acid in LT muscle was significantly decreased, whereas the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acid to SFA tended to increase. Together, dietary malic acid supplementation during nursery period can effectively increase antioxidant capacity and oxidative fibers percentage of weaned piglets, and further improve water holding capacity and nutritional values of pork in finishing pigs.

Selenium ameliorates mercuric chloride-induced brain damage through activating BDNF/TrKB/PI3K/AKT and inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2), a heavy metal compound, causes neurotoxicity of animals and humans. Selenium (Se) antagonizes heavy metal-induced organ damage with the properties of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) against HgCl2-induced neurotoxicity remains obscure. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the protective mechanism of Na2SeO3 on HgCl2-induced brain damage in chickens. Morphological observations showed that Na2SeO3 alleviated HgCl2-induced brain tissues damage. The results also showed that Na2SeO3 decreased the protein expression of S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B), and increased the levels of nerve growth factors (NGF), doublecortin domain containing 2 (DCDC2), as well as neurotransmitter to reverse HgCl2-induced brain dysfunction. Further, Na2SeO3 attenuated HgCl2-induced oxidative stress by decreasing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Mechanistically, Na2SeO3 activated the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin-related kinase receptor type B (TrKB)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and suppressed the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis and inflammation caused by HgCl2 exposure. In summary, Na2SeO3 ameliorated HgCl2-induced brain injury via inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation through activating BDNF/TrKB/PI3K/AKT and suppressing NF-κB pathways.

Metabonomic identification of serum biomarkers related to heat stress tolerance of sheep.

Heat stress is considered as a limiting factor for sheep production; it is necessary to screen for sheep breeds with heat tolerance. This study was to compare the serum metabolomes of Hu sheep and Dorper sheep and identify potential biomarkers related to heat stress. The results revealed that the respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature of Dorper sheep were significantly higher than those of Hu sheep. Compared to Dorper sheep, the serum activities of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase in Hu sheep were significantly higher, while the concentration of malondialdehyde was lower. Metabolomics analysis identified 107 differential serum metabolites. The pathways enriched from the altered serum metabolites between the two breeds were mainly involved in protein metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism. The levels of antioxidant- and energy-related metabolites were higher in the serum of Hu sheep than that of Dorper sheep; however, the levels of lipid catabolism- and inflammation-related were higher in the serum of Dorper sheep. The results indicate that Hu sheep had better heat stress resistance capability than Dorper sheep. Moreover, high levels of metabolites in the serum of Hu sheep are potential biomarkers for heat stress tolerance, including l-methionine, s-adenosylmethionine, and nicotinuric acid.

Apple polyphenols improve intestinal barrier function by enhancing antioxidant capacity and suppressing inflammation in weaning piglets.

This study aimed to examine the effects of apple polyphenols (APPs) on antioxidant capacity, immune and inflammatory response, and barrier function in weaning piglets. Results showed that APPs improved jejunal barrier function by increasing the villus height, villus height/crypt depth, the mRNA levels of occludin, mucin-1, and mucin-4 and up-regulating the protein expression of occluding (P < 0.05). As for antioxidant capacity, APPs increased the activities of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity level in jejunum (P < 0.05). Besides, APPs up-regulated the protein expressions of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and nuclear-related factor 2 (NRF2) and down-regulated the protein expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). As regard to immune and inflammatory response, APPs increased the immunoglobulin A content in serum and decreased the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and IL-8 in jejunum (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary APPs supplementation improves the jejunal barrier function by enhancing antioxidant capacity and suppressing the mRNA expression related to inflammation, which may be related to the NRF2 signal and TLR4/NF-κB signal.

Nephroprotective effect of exercise training in cisplatin-induced renal damage in mice: influence of training protocol.

Cisplatin is an effective antineoplastic agent, but its use is limited by its nephrotoxicity caused by the oxidative stress in tubular epithelium of nephrons. On the other hand, regular exercise provides beneficial adaptations in different tissues and organs. As with many drugs, dosing is extremely important to get the beneficial effects of exercise. Thus, we aimed to investigate the influence of exercise intensity and frequency on cisplatin-induced (20 mg/kg) renal damage in mice. Forty male Swiss mice were divided into five experimental groups (n=8 per group): 1) sedentary; 2) low-intensity forced swimming, three times per week; 3) high-intensity forced swimming, three times per week; 4) low-intensity forced swimming, five times per week; and 5) high-intensity forced swimming, five times per week. Body composition, renal structure, functional indicators (plasma urea), lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity, expression of genes related to antioxidant defense, and inflammatory and apoptotic pathways were evaluated. Comparisons considered exercise intensity and frequency. High lipid peroxidation was observed in the sedentary group compared with trained mice, regardless of exercise intensity and frequency. Groups that trained three times per week showed more benefits, as reduced tubular necrosis, plasma urea, expression of CASP3 and Rela (NFkB subunit-p65) genes, and increased total glutathione peroxidase activity. No significant difference in Nfe2l2 (Nrf2) gene expression was observed between groups. Eight weeks of regular exercise training promoted nephroprotection against cisplatin-mediated oxidative injury. Exercise frequency was critical for nephroprotection.

Association of genetic variants in the GPX1 and GPX4 genes with the activities of glutathione-dependent enzymes, their interaction with smoking and the risk of acute pancreatitis

Genetic factors and tobacco smoke exposure can be associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). The pathogenesis of AP is associated with intensive oxidative stress. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is one of many enzymes involved in the neutralization of free radicals. This study aimed to investigate the impact of SNP rs1050450 in the GPX1 gene and rs713041 in the GPX4 gene on the activity of total GPx in a group of AP patients and healthy subjects. It was found that AP can contribute to decreased GPx activity (in plasma and erythrocyte lysate) accompanied by an increased glutathione reductase (GR) activity and decreased glutathione (GSH) concentration in two groups, non-smokers and smokers. A decreased GPx activity in erythrocyte lysate of AP patients compared to healthy subjects was associated with the occurrence of the CC genotype for SNP rs1050450. It was noted an increased GPx activity and decreased GR activity in erythrocytes of non-smoking AP patients with the TT genotype compared to subjects with the CC and TC genotype for SNP rs713041. However, in the group of smoking AP patients with this genotype, GR activity was elevated compared to non-smokers, which was accompanied by increased GSH concentration. These results can indicate that smoking in the course of AP can change the involvement of antioxidants in dependence on the genotype for the examined SNPs. The CC genotype for SNP rs1050450 and the TT genotype for rs713041 increases the risk of AP recurrence, which may be associated with increased MDA concentration.

Nutritional evaluation of fish protein hydrolysate and its application in piglet production.

This study was conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and ileal digestibility of amino acids (AA) of fish protein hydrolysate (FPH), and to evaluate the effects of FPH on the performance of piglets. In Exp. 1, the available energy content of FPH was determined by difference methods: 12 barrows with an initial body weight (BW) of 40.0±2.1kg were randomly assigned into two dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment, the treatments contained a corn basal diet and an experimental diet in which 20% corn was replaced by FPH. The experiment lasted for 12 d, with 7 d adaptation period followed by 5 d total collection of feces and urine. In Exp. 2, the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in FPH by the N-free method was determined, 12 barrows (initial BW of 35.3±1.8kg) with ileal T-cannulas were randomly allotted into two treatments with six replicates per treatment, and the dietary treatments consisted of an experimental diet and a N-free diet. The experiment was lasted for 7 d, with 5 d adaptation period followed by 2 d collection of ileal digesta. In Exp. 3, the effect of FPH on the performance of piglets was conducted. One hundred ninety-two piglets (initial BW of 8.10±1.8kg) were randomly allotted into four treatments with six replicates per treatment. The treatments were a control diet with fish meal (FM) and part or all FM was replaced by FPH, receiving diets containing 2%, 3%, or 5% FPH. The experiment lasted for 28 d. Results showed that in Exp. 1, the DE and ME of FPH were 21.12 and 20.28 MJ/kg. In Exp. 2, the SID of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp was 79.99%, 87.17%, 68.29%, and 71.53%, respectively. In Exp. 3, addition of 3% FPH increased nutrient digestibility and volatile fatty acid content in feces. Addition of 5% FPH increased the average daily feed intake (ADFI), significantly increased (P < 0.05) the activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and immunoglobulin A (IgA), while significantly decreased (P<0.05) the average daily gain (ADG). In conclusion, FPH had a high value of digestible energy and ileal digestible essential amino acids, and could improve nutrient digestibility, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of piglets, while adverse to nitrogen deposition in piglets.

Effects of calcium propionate on milk performance and serum metabolome of dairy cows in early lactation

Calcium propionate is a source of energy and calcium for alleviating negative energy balance and hypocalcemia. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in milk composition and serum metabolites associated with calcium propionate fed to postpartum dairy cows for 5 weeks. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows after calving were randomly allocated to control (CON), low calcium propionate (LCaP), medium calcium propionate (MCaP) and high calcium propionate (HCaP) groups. The dairy cows in the four groups were given oral drench with 0, 200, 350, 500 g/d calcium propionate per cow, respectively, from calving to d 35 in early lactation. Milk yield increased quadratically with increasing amounts of calcium propionate; being the greatest in the MCaP group. Supplementation with calcium propionate did not affect milk composition of dairy cows in early lactation. Serum glucose, insulin, glucagon, β-hydroxybutyrate, calcium, magnesium, calcitonin and calcitriol were not affected by calcium propionate supplementation. Serum non-esterified fatty acid tended to decrease linearly and parathyroid hormone increased quadratically with treatment. Serum alanine aminotransferase concentration was the lowest in the MCaP group and aspartate aminotransferase was the highest in the HCaP group among the four groups. Compared with the CON group, serum alkaline phosphatase activity decreased linearly and quadratically with the increasing calcium propionate supplementation. Supplementation with increasing amounts of calcium propionate quadratically decreased the activity of serum total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, however, quadratically increased concentration of malondialdehyde. Calcium propionate affected serum metabolites were mainly involved in bile acid metabolism from the metabolomic results. The 350 g/d calcium propionate feeding level could significantly improve milk performance but decrease antioxidant capacity of dairy cows as well. The effects of calcium propionate on milk performance and serum metabolites in early lactation cows was related to the regulation of serum bile acids metabolism.

Effect of dietary dihydromyricetin supplementation on lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity and skeletal muscle fiber type transformation in mice

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary dihydromyricetin (DHM) supplementation on lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity and muscle fiber type transformation. Twenty-four male Kunming mice were randomly allotted to either control (basal diet) or DHM diets (supplemented with 300 mg/kg DHM). Our data showed that DHM administration decreased the triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contents, and increased the catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in serum. In the liver, DHM decreased the TG and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the T-SOD and GSH-Px activities. For the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, DHM increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level and T-SOD activities. Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that DHM increased the protein and mRNA levels of MyHC I and MyHC IIa and decreased the protein and mRNA levels of MyHC IIb in TA muscle, which may be achieved by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signal. The mRNA levels of several regulatory factors related to mitochondrial function were up-regulated by DHM. In conclusion, dietary 300 mg/kg DHM supplementation improved lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity and promoted the transformation of muscle fiber type from glycolysis to oxidation in mice.

Antidiabetic with antilipidemic and antioxidant effects of flindersine by enhanced glucose uptake through GLUT4 translocation and PPARγ agonism in type 2 diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMedicinal plants have been used by the people of developing countries to treat various diseases. WHO also recommends the use of medicines from plants source. In that, diabetes also one of the diseases that have been treated traditionally by several people all over the world. In India, Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. (Rutaceae) is also a medicinal plant used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda. Moreover, T. asiatica is also used in a polyherbal formulation to treat diabetes. Aim of the studyThis study examined the antidiabetic with antilipidemic and antioxidant effects of flindersine isolated from T. asiatica leaves. Materials and methodsDiabetes was induced in Wistar rats by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 days and injecting a single dose of 40 mg/kg b. wt. of Streptozotocin (STZ). Five days post-injection, the grouped diabetic rats were treated with 20 and 40 mg/kg of flindersine. ResultsFlindersine resulted in a clear decline of blood glucose levels during 28 days of treatment in two different doses. Flindersine also significantly (P ≤ 0.05; P ≤ 0.005) reduced the body weight gain, plasma insulin concentration, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) levels and significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05; P ≤ 0.005) the total protein level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities compared to the standard drug, pioglitazone. Additionally, flindersine restored the glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4), adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expressions in adipose tissues and skeletal muscles. ConclusionIt has been found that flindersine has potent antilipidemic and antidiabetic activities by improving insulin sensitivity by enhancing the phosphorylation of AMPK, GLUT4 translocation, and PPARγ agonism on adipose tissue and skeletal muscles of diabetic rats.

Oxidative Stress in Dairy Cows: Insights into the Mechanistic Mode of Actions and Mitigating Strategies.

This review examines several molecular mechanisms underpinning oxidative stress in ruminants and their effects on blood and milk oxidative traits. We also investigate strategies to alleviate or repair oxidative damages by improving animal immune functions using novel feed additives. Microbial pathogenic cells, feeding management, and body condition score were some of the studied factors, inducing oxidative stress in ruminants. The predominance of Streptococcus spp. (24.22%), Acinetobacter spp. (21.37%), Romboutsia spp. (4.99%), Turicibacter spp., (2.64%), Stenotrophomonas spp. (2.33%), and Enterococcus spp. (1.86%) was found in the microbiome of mastitis cows with a decrease of d-mannose and increase of xanthine:guanine ratio when Streptococcus increased. Diversity of energy sources favoring the growth of Fusobacterium make it a keystone taxon contributing to metritis. Ruminal volatile fatty acids rose with high-concentrate diets that decreased the ruminal pH, causing a lysis of rumen microbes and release of endotoxins. Moreover, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities increased in high concentrate cows accompanied by a reduction of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity. In addition, albumin and paraoxonase concentrations were inversely related to oxidative stress and contributed to the protection of low-density and high-density lipoproteins against lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, and lactoperoxidase. High concentrate diets increased the expression of MAPK pro-inflammatory genes and decreased the expression of antioxidant genes and proteins in mammary epithelial tissues. The expression levels of NrF2, NQO1, MT1E, UGT1A1, MGST3, and MT1A were downregulated, whereas NF-kB was upregulated with a high-grain or high concentrate diet. Amino-acids, vitamins, trace elements, and plant extracts have shown promising results through enhancing immune functions and repairing damaged cells exposed to oxidative stress. Further studies comparing the long-term effect of synthetic feed additives and natural plant additives on animal health and physiology remain to be investigated.

Effects of Dietary Mannan Oligosaccharides on Non-Specific Immunity, Intestinal Health, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

This study was conducted to comprehensively investigate the beneficial effects of a mannan oligosaccharide product (hereinafter called MOS) on Litopenaeus vannamei and optimum level of MOS. Five isonitrogenous and isolipid diets were formulated by adding 0%, 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08%, and 0.16% MOS in the basal diet. Each diet was randomly fed to one group with four replicates of shrimp in an 8-week feeding trial. The results showed that dietary MOS improved the growth performance and the ability of digestion of shrimp. Dietary MOS significantly increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and decreased the content of malondialdehyde in plasma of shrimp. Dietary MOS significantly increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme in plasma and the hemocyte counts. Dietary MOS significantly upregulated the expression of Toll, lysozyme, anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, Crustin, and heat shock protein 70 in the hepatopancreas. And dietary MOS significantly upregulated the expression of intestinal mucin-2, mucin-5B, and mucin-19, while it decreased the expression of intestinal mucin-1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Dietary MOS improved the bacterial diversity; increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and Pseudoalteromonas; and decreased the abundance of Vibrio in the intestine. Shrimp fed MOS diets showed lower mortality after being challenged by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Notably, this study found a decrease in antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements after MOS supplementation for the first time. The present results showed that diet with MOS supplementation enhanced the organismal antioxidant capacity and immunity, improved intestinal immunity, optimized intestinal microecology, mitigated the degree of antibiotic resistance, and increased the resistance to V. parahaemolyticus in L. vannamei, especially when supplemented at 0.08% and 0.16%.

The effects of glutathione supplementation on post-thawed Turkey semen quality and oxidative stress parameters and fertilization, and hatching potential

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of semen extenders enriched with glutathione (GSH) on in vitro quality parameters and fertility of post-thawed turkey. In experiment 1, pools of semen diluted in glucose-based extender containing 0.5, 1, and 2 mM of GSH were cryopreserved. During the next step, a different variable such as motility and motion parameters, plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and functionality (PMF), DNA integrity, lipid peroxidation (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined in the post-thawed samples. In the second experiment, artificial insemination was used to evaluate the fertility and hatchability performances of the post-thawed semen. The results of the first experiment showed that the extenders supplemented with 2, 1 and 0.5 mM of GSH had higher levels (p ≤ 0.05) of motility and motion parameters, PMI, PMF, TAC, CAT and SOD activity and lower abnormal morphology, DNA damage, and lipid peroxidation respectively in comparison to the control group (only extender with semen). Notably, the second experiment showed a higher rate of fertility (p ≤ 0.05) in 2 mM of GSH compared to the control group. It can be concluded that adding 2, 1 and 0.5 mM of glutathione leads to an improvement in the survival of the post-thawed turkey, while 2 mM of GSH can increase the fertility strength of the turkey sperm; hence it can be used to improve fertility and hatchability performance.