Serum Total Globulin Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Aqueous Extract of Ginger on Some Sex Hormones and Biochemical Parameters in Female Laboratory Mice (Mus Musculus L.)

Objective: Ginger is a flowering tropical plant that commonly used as a spice and flavoring having various pharmacological properties, several phytochemical compounds which has biological activity. The main bioactive compound in ginger is gingerol, have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect will greatly affect on fertility. Also, it has an effective role in many laboratory experiments to study the physiological activities of ginger extract on these functions. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ginger extract on some sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in female mice, also its effect on total protein, albumin and globulin Methods: Thirty adult female mice of (Mus Musculus L.) weight (22-24g) were derived into three groups one control and two treated. Ginger water extract be ready to prepare with affecting doses according to experimental test on mice (3.5 and 7 mg body weight/mice). The concentration of serum female sex hormones (FSH, LH, progesterone and estrogen) were measured. Results: Ginger water extract caused a significant increase in the level of estrogen in both doses and significant increase in the level of FSH and LH in high dose only (P less than 0.01). While progesterone level show no significant changes. On the other hand, the serum total protein, albumin and globulin shows a significant increase only in total protein and globulin levels (P less than 0.01) in turn albumin level show no significant changes in comparison to control. Conclusion: The results of this study, ginger extract could increase the level of female sex hormones (estrogen, FSH and LH) and conceder as adjunctive natural therapy for improvement of female sex hormones as well as lead to increase in total protein and globulin level which is essential for boosting the immunity.

Doum Palm Meal (Hyphaene Thebaica) and Partial Maize Substitution: Impact on The Blood Biochemical Indicators of Weaned Pigs

This study looked at how weaned pigs' blood biochemical indicators were affected when doum palm meal (DPM) was used in part lieu of maize. After being weaned at 28 days of age and weighing 7.40 ± 0.09 kg at birth, fifty Landrace × Duroc crossbred pigs were divided into divisions based on their body weights and given five distinct experimental diets. Over the course of a ninety-day fully randomized design experiment. Diets 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were fed 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % DPM in place of maize. The NRC (2012) states that the experimental diet satisfied the pigs' needs, and clean water was provided daily and at will. DPM had the following elements: manganese (0.91 mg/100g), zinc (0.72 mg/100g), copper (0.35 mg/100g), iron (5.60 mg/100g), calcium (371.20 mg/100g), potassium (966.31 mg/100g), phosphorus (206.19 mg/100g), magnesium (150.67 mg/100g), and zinc. The values of total serum protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, alanine phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and bicarbonate were not affected (P˃0.05) by the treatments, with the exception of the glucose level, which was higher (P˂0.05) in D1 than in the other treatments. It has been shown that DPM can partially replace up to 20% of maize without causing metabolic problems or adversely influencing the health of the animals.

Hypoglycemic and Hepatoprotective Activities of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Extract in Streptozocin Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the role of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) for management of diabetes instead of manufactured drugs, which led to many complications. Medicinal plants would be higher useful for this purpose because they are considered to be effective and non-toxic and safer than manufactured drugs. Aqueous extract of Coriander (C. sativum) was used to measurements their antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects in streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetic male albino rats. Coriander (C. sativum) was given to the STZ induced diabetic rats at the concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight in different groups of three diabetic rats each orally once a day for 15 days. Body weight showed significant increase after 15 days of treatment with Coriander (C. sativum) extract compared with the normal control rats group (N). Blood glucose level on 15th day of treatment became significantly lower. The extract induced significant reduction in serum glucose, total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides level and transaminases (AST, ALT and γ-GT) activities. Liver glycogen content was significantly increased in treated animals compared to control group (N). The present data revealed insignificant changes in the serum total protein, albumin and globulin level during the experimental period. The lipid peroxidation determined was found to be decreased in plasma, liver and kidney of streptozocin induced diabetic rats treated with Coriander (C. sativum) extract (STZ/T) and rats group given Coriander (C. sativum) extract and then induced streptozocin (T/STZ), compared to control streptozocin induced diabetic rats group (STZ©). Glutathione reductase (GSH-R), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-P) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were increased in liver and kidney of rat groups. These findings demonstrates that Coriander (C. sativum) extract have antioxidant effect for reducing lipid peroxidation in plasma and tissues and improve the liver function and antioxidant enzymes in treated rat groups compared to diabetic control rat group (STZ©). These observations revealed that the use of Coriander (C. sativum) extract can be recommended as natural antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic activity agent. Findings of the present study suggest that the aqueous extract of Coriander (C. sativum) at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight brings about significant beneficial effects in various biochemical parameters during diabetic and these effects are quite comparable with standard drug used to treat diabetes mellitus.

Star anise extract supplementation improved growth performance, hepatic-antioxidant enzyme status, hematology, serum biochemistry, and survival against crowding stress in Catla catla

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of star anise extract (SAE) (prepared using ethanol as the solvent) on growth, proximate composition, hepatic-antioxidant enzyme status, blood-serum indices, and survival against crowding stress in Catla calta. Healthy fingerlings (N = 900) with an average initial weight of 14.16 ± 0.11 g were acclimatized under laboratory conditions and then placed in 5 hapas (60 fish in each) in triplicate. SAE was supplemented in basal feed at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg and fed to the experimental groups up to satiation twice daily for 90 days. After completion of the feeding trial, 40 fish from each treatment were subjected to crowding stress (60 kg/m3) in triplicate. In the feeding trial, orthogonal polynomial contrast analysis revealed significant enhancement in final weight, weight gain and specific growth in linear and quadratic trends with weight gain percentage, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency in a quadratic trend observed in response to SAE supplementation. The optimum supplementation level of SAE based on weight gain % was estimated to be 0.93 g/kg using broken line regression analysis (R2 = 0.97) for C. catla. No significant differences in survival rate or proximate composition were observed during the feeding trial. Dietary supplementation with SAE improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) in linear and quadratic trends. The activities of hepatic enzymes, such as alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase, were also enhanced linearly and quadratically in response to SAE supplementation. Furthermore, hematological indices (red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were also significantly improved with SAE supplementation. The serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations increased linearly and quadratically. Furthermore, stress markers (glucose, cortisol) and triglycerides were significantly reduced linearly and quadratically in response to SAE supplementation. Lysozyme activities also increased linearly and quadratically, indicating a better immune response. After 7 days of crowding stress, the lowest cumulative mortality was observed for the fish fed a diet supplemented with 1.0 g/kg SAE. In conclusion, dietary SAE supplementation significantly improved growth, hepatic-antioxidant enzyme status, blood-serum indices and survival against crowding stress in C. calta.

Effects of Spinach Extract and Licorice Extract on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets.

Anemia and weaning stress are important factors affecting piglet growth performance. Spinach extract and licorice extract have been used to improve anemia and antioxidant capacity, respectively. However, whether they have synergistic effects has not been reported. To evaluate the effects of mixed spinach extract and licorice extract on growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets, a total of 160 weaned piglets were randomly allotted to four treatments with four replications of 10 piglets each. The four treatments were as follows: control (CON) group (basal diet), spinach extract (SE) group (basal diet + 1.5 kg/t spinach extract), licorice extract (LE) group (basal diet + 400 g/t licorice extract), and spinach extract and licorice extract (MIX) group (basal diet + 1.5 kg/t spinach extract + 400 g/t licorice extract). The results showed that, compared with the CON group, diets supplemented with spinach extract and licorice extract significantly increased the average daily gain (p < 0.05), while considerably reducing the feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.05). Moreover, the MIX group exhibited a significant up-regulation of serum total protein, globulin, albumin, glucose, and triglyceride levels in comparison to the CON group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, both the anemia and antioxidant capacity of piglets were effectively improved. Notably, the MIX group achieved even better results than the individual supplementation in terms of enhancing growth performance, which could potentially be attributed to the increased abundance of the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. These results demonstrated that the supplementation of diets with spinach extract and licorice extract improves the absorption of nutrients from the diet and antioxidant capacity in weaned piglets.

Electrophoretic Pattern of Serum Proteins in Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Nutritional status during pregnancy is a determining factor for maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Protein is an essential nutrient for foetal development. If pregnancy is associated with an improper diet leading to protein deficiency, the prospects for maternal and foetal outcomes may be catastrophic. An electrophoretic study of serum protein patterns in pregnancy can help identify pregnancy-specific protein markers and facilitate the monitoring of feto-maternal health. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess serum protein levels and their fractions (albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin) using gel electrophoresis in healthy pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medical Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Sultania Zanana Hospital, associated with Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, between January 2021 and February 2021. Fifty normal non-pregnant women of childbearing age and 50 normal pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy attending an antenatal clinic were enrolled and followed-up through the second and third trimesters for investigations. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were estimated using a fully automated chemistry analyser, and the electrophoretic patterns of serum protein fractions were analysed using an automated gel electrophoresis apparatus. EpiInfo statistical software was used for the statistical analysis of data, with p&lt;0.05 considered the statistical significance level. Results: The serum total protein level in non-pregnant women was 6.36±0.40 g/dL, while in pregnant women, it was 8.01±0.40 g/dL, 8.00±0.42 g/dL, and 6.36±0.43 g/dL in the first (T1), second (T2), and third (T3) trimesters, respectively. The serum albumin level was 3.90±0.30 g/dL in non-pregnant women, while in pregnant women it was 4.24±0.38 g/dL, 4.58±0.34 g/dL, and 3.87±0.36 g/dL in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The globulin level in non-pregnant women was 2.46±0.28 g/dL, while in T1, T2, and T3 it was 3.86±0.22 g/dL, 3.42±0.20 g/dL, and 2.49±0.24 g/dL, respectively. A significant difference was found among the groups for serum total protein, serum albumin, and serum globulin. In non-pregnant women, the protein fractions- albumin, alpha-1 globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulindid not show any deviation from normal levels. However, there was a decrease in albumin and beta globulin levels, along with an increase in alpha-2 globulin levels in the first trimester. An increase in beta globulin and a decrease in gamma globulin levels were observed in the second trimester. In the third trimester, all these fractions did not show any significant alterations, except for gamma globulin. Conclusion: Serum total protein, serum albumin, and serum globulin levels showed a significant difference. However, a slight increase in serum globulin levels compensated for the fall in albumin levels during pregnancy. Variations in the levels of beta globulin, alpha-2 globulin, and gamma globulin were observed during pregnancy, while, on the other hand, alpha-1 globulin did not show any alterations in pregnant women during the first, second, and third trimesters, although its level was higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.

The Ameliorative Effects of Dietary Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Against Growth Retardation, Oxidative Stress, and Immunosuppression Induced by Waterborne Lead Toxicity in Nile Tilapia Fingerlings

Abstract The dietary effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves powder (RLP) were tested on the performance and welfare of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings subjected to lead (Pb) toxicity. Two hundred fish (31.9±0.28 g) were stocked into 20 85-L glass aquaria (10 fish/aquarium) to represent four treatments with five replicates each. Fish were fed on 0.0% (control; T1) and 1.0% RLP (T2) along with continuous exposure to either 0.0 (T3) or 7.94 mg Pb/L (T4) for 60 days. Compared with the control diet, feeding Nile tilapia on RLP alone improved the growth performance and hemato-biochemical, antioxidant, and immunological indices. Conversely, the Pb toxicity negatively affected hematocrit, hemoglobin, white and red blood cell counts, and growth indices. Furthermore, Pb exposure raised blood cortisol, glucose, total cholesterol, serum transaminases (ALT and AST levels), alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase accompanied with significant reductions in serum total lipids, protein, albumin, and globulin values. Furthermore, Pb exposure decreased respiratory burst, lysozyme, total immunoglobulins, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, dietary RLP significantly reduced the negative impacts of Pb toxicity on the above-mentioned indices. Additionally, the dietary RLP reduced the Pb accumulation in Pb-intoxicated fish leading to significant enhancements in Nile tilapia’s growth and welfare. These findings suggest that dietary 1% RLP significantly enhanced the fish performance and welfare status and could alleviate the Pb toxicity effects on Nile tilapia performance and welfare.

Sub-lethal impacts of lead poisoning on blood biochemistry, immune function and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity in Cape (Gyps coprotheres) and white-backed (G. africanus) Vulture chicks

Although the prevalence of lead poisoning in southern Africa's Gyps vultures is now well-established, its finer physiological effects on these endangered species remain poorly characterised. We evaluated the sub-lethal impact of acute lead exposure on Cape and White-backed Vulture chicks from two breeding colonies in South Africa, by analysing its possible effects on key blood biochemistry parameters, immune function, packed cell volume and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity. All 37 White-backed Vulture nestlings sampled displayed elevated lead levels (>10 μg/dL), and seven had blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Eight of 28 Cape Vulture nestlings sampled had blood [Pb] exceeding background exposure, with one showing blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity was significantly and negatively related to blood [Pb] in nestlings from both species, with 50% inhibition of the enzyme predicted to occur at blood [Pb] = 52.8 μg/dL (White-backed Vulture) and 18.8 μg/dL (Cape Vulture). Although no significant relationship was found between % packed cell volume (PCV) and blood [Pb], the relatively lower mean PCV of 32.9% in White-backed Vulture chicks, combined with normal serum protein values, is likely indicative of depression or haemolytic anaemia. The leukogram was consistent in both species, although the presence of immature heterophils suggested an inflammatory response in White-backed Vulture chicks with blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Values for cholesterol, triglycerides, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were consistent with values previously reported. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations suggested no adverse effects on bone metabolism. A significant decrease in urea: uric acid (U:UA) ratio at blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL in White-backed Vulture chicks, brought about by a decrease in urea production, raises the possibility of hepatic abnormality. These results suggest that δ-ALAD activity may serve as a sensitive biomarker of lead toxicity in both species, while highlighting the need to better understand the significant variability in sensitivity that is observed, even between closely related members of the same genus.

Cytotoxicity and immunological impact of Trypanosoma sp. infection on blood parameters of wild African catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Fish trypanosomiasis is a common blood parasitic disease transmitted by aquatic invertebrates, such as leeches. This study aims to shed light on the cytotoxicity of Trypanosoma sp. on erythrocytes and its impacts on the innate immune response (serum lysozyme activity, nitric oxide production, phagocytic activity, serum total protein, and globulin) in wild African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. One hundred catfish were examined using blood smears stained with Giemsa and confirmed with PCR. The prevalence of infection was found to be 10% by microscope detection and 15% by PCR. The morphological identification of Trypanosoma as Trypanosoma mukasai was determined. Additionally, this study included previously undescribed features of Trypanosoma, such as the width of the anterior and posterior body, the length of the posterior pale region, and the number of folds. Various alterations in erythrocytes were observed, totaling 54.57%. Nuclear abnormalities, including fragmented nuclei, eccentric nuclei, and micronuclei, were also reported. Infected fish showed a reduction in serum total protein and globulin levels, while nitric oxide production, lysozyme activity, and phagocytic activity exhibited a significant increase compared to non-infected fish. We believe that our findings will contribute valuable data to the morphological and molecular identification of Trypanosoma sp. in African catfish, as well as their cytotoxic impact.

Feeding Parents and in ovo Injection Hatching Eggs with Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Sunflower Oil and its Effect on the Physiological Traits of Japanese Quail

It was conducted at the poultry field for the period from 12/20/2021 to 2/14/2022. 540 eggs were distributed to nine experimental and injection treatments (60 eggs per treatment). The experimental treatments for the experiment included the following: T1: negative control (without adding oil). T2: positive control (adding sunflower oil) at a rate of 0.01% to the diet. T3: added 0.01 Omega-3 to the parents diet. T4: The parents were fed omega-3 and the resulting eggs were in ovo injected with omega-3. T5: The parents were fed omega-3 and the resulting eggs were in ovo injected with sunflower oil. T6: The parents were fed with sunflower oil and the resulting eggs were in ovo injected with sunflower oil. T7: The parents were fed with sunflower oil and in ovo injected with Omega-3. T8: The parents were fed free-fed and the resulting eggs in ovo injected with omega-3. T9: The parents were free-fed and the resulting eggs were in ovo injected with sunflower oil. The results of the experiment indicated a significant increase on the number of blood cells (WBC) in the blood of both males and females, with a significant decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin (HGB) compared to the negative and positive control treatments. Feeding Japanese quail parents with in ovo injection of Omega-3 hatching eggs led to a significant increase in the concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin in the blood serum of Japanese quail males. While a significant increase in the concentration of total protein was observed with a significant decrease on the concentration of glucose and cholesterol in the blood serum of Japanese quail females compared to the control treatment.

The potential synergistic action of quercetin and/or Pediococcus acidilactici on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus performance

An 84-day experimental trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary quercetin, Pediococcus acidilactici or combined on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzymes, feed utilization, bacterial counts, intestinal histo-morphometric indices, hemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant responses in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Four isonitrogenous (30.34 g kg−1 of crude protein) and isocaloric (19.21 MJ kg−1 gross energy) diets were formulated from practical ingredients. The first diet was the control diet. The other three formulated diets were supplemented with 5 g quercetin (quer) kg−1 diet or P. acidilacticiat 2 × 109 CFU kg− 1 (probiotic; pro), and their mixture 5 g quercetin kg−1 + 2 × 109P. acidilactici (CFU kg− 1) (pro-quer). A total number of 300 healthy fingerlings (Initial average weight 4.51 ± 0.01 g) were randomly allocated into four groups (25 fish for each group in triplicates). The results showed that the best values of growth, feed efficiency, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded in fish fed diet containing pro-quer. The activity of endogenous enzymes including; amylase, lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin was substantially boosted (P < 0.05) by supplemental diets with quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer. Furthermore, fish fed diet supplemented with pro-quer had greater villi width, villi height, goblet cells, absorption area, muscularis mucosa, and muscularis. The highest total intestinal and gut bacterial counts were detected in fish fed diet supplemental with probiotic. Diets supplemented with quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer substantially improved hematological markers including hematocrit (Htc), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), and white blood cell (WBC) counts. The fish given a pro-quer diet had the lowest significant (P < 0.05) ALT value, whereas that fed quercetin had the lowest AST value. Serum total protein, globulin, and albumin levels were higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed diets containing quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer compared to the control diet, with the greatest levels found in those fed diet supplemented with quercetin. However, supplementation of quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer, lowered the levels of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride. The supplemental diets with quercetin, probiotic, and pro-quer improved the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared with the control diet. In conclusion, the synergetic effect between quercetin and probiotic ameliorated the growth, feed efficiency, intestinal digestive enzymes, intestinal histological morphometric, hemato-biochemical indices, and antioxidant responses of Nile tilapia.

Impact of duck stocking density on growth performance, digestive enzymes, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant capacity of the Labeo rohita reared in an integrated ponds system.

This study investigated the effects of duck stocking density (SD) on growth performance, meat quality, hematology, serum metabolites, and antioxidant status of L. rohita reared in an integrated pond system. A total of 9000 fingerlings of L. rohita average weighing 150.5±1 grams were reared in nine ponds (n = 1000/pond) and randomly allotted one of three SDs under a completely randomized design. The stocking densities were 100 (SD-100), 150 (SD-150), and 200 (SD-200) ducks/pond and each group had three replicates. The final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rates were greater (p<0.05) in SD-200 than in the rest of the treatments. The activities of proteases and amylase were also greater (p<0.05) for SD-200 than for the rest of the SD. However, hematological parameters like red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit, met hematocrit, and hemoglobin contents were not influenced (p>0.05) by SD in ponds. The serum total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, and glucose contents were also similar (p>0.05) across the ponds. However, blood urea nitrogen was higher (p<0.05) in SD-200 than in the rest of the SD. Moreover, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were linearly decreased (p<0.05) with increasing SD across the ponds. The changes in catalases and superoxide dismutase were non-significant (p>0.05) among the groups. However, glutathione peroxidase was greater for SD-200 than for the rest of the SD. The carcass compositional characteristics such as dry matter, protein, fat, and ash contents were not changed (p>0.05) by varying SD. In conclusion, SD over 200 birds/pond improved growth performance, digestive enzyme functions, and oxidative capacity without any negative impact on the hematology and carcass composition of L. rohita.

Serum albumin levels as a useful complementary marker for erectile dysfunction in ulcerative colitis: A cross-sectional study.

Recently, a close association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and erectile dysfunction (ED) was reported. An inverse relationship between serum albumin and ED is found in patients with chronic disease. However, the association between serum albumin levels and ED in patients with UC is unclear. This study aims to investigate this issue in Japanese patients with UC. One hundred and thirty-six Japanese male UC patients were enrolled in this study. Information on serum albumin levels and medications for UC from medical records, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score information from self-administered questionnaires and information on the severity of UC from physician reports were obtained from medical records, self-administered questionnaires, and reports from physicians. The participants were divided into tertiles based on the total protein, serum globulin, serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and C-reactive protein levels. The definition of ED and severe ED was SHIM score < 22 and SHIM score < 8, respectively. The association between these serum markers and ED was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of severe ED in the low, moderate, and high albumin groups was 66.0%, 51.0%, and 28.3%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, the low albumin group was independently and positively associated with severe ED (adjusted odds ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-7.48, p for trend =0.044). No association between other marker and ED was found. Serum albumin was independently inversely associated with severe ED in Japanese patients with UC. Hypoalbuminemia might be a useful complementary marker for assessing the prevalence and severity of ED in UC patients.

Unraveling the combined deleterious effects of ochratoxin A and atrazine upon broiler’s health: Toxicopathological, serum biochemical and immunological perspectives

Atrazine, a herbicide, is used for eradication of broad-leaved herbs in corn crop; and ochratoxins, particularly ochratoxin A (OTA), are major pollutants of poultry diet. Existence of both of these hazardous chemicals as residues is obvious as elucidated by various epidemiological findings. The present study was designed to investigate toxicopathological, serum biochemical and immunological alterations incurred by atrazine alone and/or, in combination with OTA in broilers. For this purpose, one-day old broiler chicks (n = 180) were purchased from a local hatching unit and were fed two levels of atrazine (50 and 150 mg/kg) and one level of OTA (100 μg/kg) in different combinations. Results of this experiment showed a significant reduction in feed intake, body weight gain, relative organ weights, serum total protein, albumin and globulin while there was a significant increase in urea and creatinine levels, decreased antibody response to sheep red blood cells, reduced lymphoproliferative response and phagocytic capacity in groups given OTA and atrazine individually in feed and these effects became more pronounced when atrazine was given in combination with OTA suggesting synergistic effects of both toxicants for each other.

COMPARISON BETWEEN RENOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF FEBUXOSTAT AND ALLOPURINOL IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS WITH HYPERURICEMIA

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the renoprotective effects of febuxostat versus allopurinol in chronic kidney disease patients with hyperuricemia. Methods: One hundred and ten patients were divided randomly into two equal groups: group F (febuxostat) and group A (allopurinol). Group F patients received tablet febuxostat 40 mg OD for 4 months and group A patients received tablet allopurinol 100 mg TDS for 4 months. Following parameters such as estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) assessment, serum creatinine, serum uric acid (SUA), total serum protein, urine creatinine, urine protein, blood urea, and number of dialysis were carried out and repeated at the end of 1st–4th month to check for the effect of the test drugs on the status of kidney function. Observations: Febuxostat caused more rise in eGFR than allopurinol. Meanwhile, the number of patients with eGFR ≤15/mL/min/1.73 m2 showed no difference between the groups. No patient showed &gt;10% decrease in the eGFR values. Febuxostat showed more decline in SUA levels than allopurinol, although the number of patients reaching the target SUA levels was the same in both groups. Febuxostat led to a more reduction in serum creatinine levels than allopurinol. Urine creatinine and urine albumin levels decline were associated more with febuxostat. No remarkable difference in comparison of both the groups in terms of total serum protein and serum globulin, although a significant rise was seen with febuxostat in serum albumin levels. Both drugs had a similar sequel in declining blood urea nitrogen levels. No discernible difference in the number of dialysis sessions needed by patients in the previous month was seen in the study groups. Conclusion: The present study concluded that febuxostat appears to be a better alternative to allopurinol for chronic kidney disease patients with hyperuricemia. Febuxostat has a superior renoprotective effect than allopurinol.

Silymarin enhances the response to oxytetracycline treatment in Oreochromis niloticus experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

Many governments have approved the use of oxytetracycline as an antibiotic additive to food fish, with oxytetracycline now routinely used in many nations. However, oxytetracycline is known to have immunosuppression impacts. We, therefore, evaluated the immunological, antioxidative, and histopathological status of Nile tilapia fed a diet containing silymarin (100 mg/kg fish feed) for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The protective effects of silymarin against Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) infection and oxytetracycline treatment were evaluated. Blood parameters (erythrocyte count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume) improved over time in fish fed on dietary silymarin. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lower in fish fed on dietary silymarin, whereas serum levels of aspartate transferase (AST)and alkaline phosphatase (ALK) were unchanged. Dietary silymarin affected serum lipid profiles as decreases in serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a trend toward lower cholesterol levels, whereas serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased compared to fish fed on the control diet. Dietary silymarin resulted in an increase of serum total protein levels and globulin fractions. Significant and progressive increases in catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels were observed after six weeks of feeding on a dietary silymarin before decreasing to control levels at the end of the experimental period. Fish fed on dietary silymarin, interleukin-1 and fish tumor necrosis factor-alpha were upregulated in hepatic tissues; however, interleukin-10 levels decreased to comparable levels to controls after eight weeks. Fish infected with A. hydrophila displayed septicemia (opaque eye, hemorrhagic ulcers, dentated fins, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly). Reduced mortality was observed in Nile tilapia infected with A. hydrophila and fed a diet containing silymarin, indicating that silymarin improves fish responses to oxytetracycline with a 37% reduction in mortality.

Effect of Yarrowia lipolytica yeast biomass with increased kynurenic acid content on selected metabolic indicators in mice.

The unconventional yeast species Yarrowia lipolytica is a valuable source of protein and many other nutrients. It can be used to produce hydrolytic enzymes and metabolites, including kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan with a multidirectional effect on the body. The administration of Y. lipolytica with an increased content of KYNA in the diet may have a beneficial effect on metabolism, which was evaluated in a nutritional experiment on mice. In the dry biomass of Y. lipolytica S12 enriched in KYNA (high-KYNA yeast) and low-KYNA (control) yeast, the content of KYNA was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, proximate and amino acid composition and selected indicators of antioxidant status were compared. The effect of 5% high-KYNA yeast content in the diet on the growth, hematological and biochemical indices of blood and the redox status of the liver was determined in a 7-week experiment on adult male mice from an outbred colony derived from A/St, BALB/c, BN/a and C57BL/6J inbred strains. High-KYNA yeast was characterized by a greater concentration of KYNA than low-KYNA yeast (0.80 ± 0.08 vs. 0.29 ± 0.01 g/kg dry matter), lower content of crude protein with a less favorable amino acid composition and minerals, higher level of crude fiber and fat and lower ferric-reducing antioxidant power, concentration of phenols and glutathione. Consumption of the high-KYNA yeast diet did not affect the cumulative body weight gain per cage, cumulative food intake per cage and protein efficiency ratio compared to the control diet. A trend towards lower mean corpuscular volume and hematocrit, higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and lower serum total protein and globulins was observed, increased serum total cholesterol and urea were noted. Its ingestion resulted in a trend towards greater ferric-reducing antioxidant power in the liver and did not affect the degree of liver lipid and protein oxidation. The improvement of the quality of Y. lipolytica yeast biomass with increased content of KYNA, including its antioxidant potential, would be affected by the preserved level of protein and unchanged amino acid profile. It will be worth investigating the effect of such optimized yeast on model animals, including animals with metabolic diseases.

Molecular Diagnosis and Haemato-biochemical Alteration in Canine Parvoviral Infection in Dogs

The present study was undertaken to diagnose and assess the haematological &amp; biochemical alteration in parvoviral gastroenteritis in dogs. Total of 12 dogs suspected for parvovirus infection were diagnosed by using lateral flow-based immunochromatographic assay rapid canine parvovirus (CPV) antigen test kit and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in the faeces of affected dogs. All 12 dogs were found positive by a rapid antigen test kit and VP2 gene of CPV PCR assay using the CPV-2ab primer pair and expected size of 681 bp. The haemato-biochemical study revealed a decrease in Hb, TEC, serum total protein, albumin and globulin, whereas the increase in absolute neutrophil count and BUN in parvovirus-infected dogs, indicated anemia and hypoproteinemia in parvovirus infected dogs.

The effects of Paulownia leaf extract dietary administration on growth, redox status, immune responses, and modulate intestinal microbial content in Nile tilapia

The primary goal of this trial was to examine how Paulownia leaf extract (PLE) dietary supplementation affected performance, feed utilization and efficiency, redox status, immunological responses, intestinal microbial content, and disease resistance of Oreochromis niloticus. Nile tilapia fry (0.52 ± 0.19 g) were fed four formulated diets enriched with graded amounts of PLE at 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g kg−1 diet, respectively, for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, fish were intraperitoneal injected with Aeromonas hydrophila then the survival percentage was recorded daily and calculated mortality rate in all treated groups for 14 days. The performance findings showed that enriched tilapia diets with modest levels of PLE (0.25 or 0.5 g kg−1) substantially enhanced performance, consumed feed, feed efficiency, and feed utilization parameters compared to the control and other treatment groups, whereas the total serum protein and globulin concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the fish provided a small quantity of PLE (2.5 g kg-1 diet) than in the control group. Compared to other treatment groups, all estimated liver enzymes and kidney function indicators improved significantly (P < 0.001) at PLE0.5, followed by PLE2.5, whereas the digestive enzymes’ activity increased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing PLE level up to 0.5 g/kg diet compared to the un-supplemented group. In the same context, enriched tilapia diets with 0.5 g PLE/kg significantly (P < 0.001) boosted redox status and innate immune parameters as compared to other groups. Furthermore, increased PL inclusion levels in tilapia diets significantly (P < 0.05) increased crude protein and ash contents while decreasing fat levels in fish flesh. Moreover, fortified tilapia diets with high PLE levels significantly enhanced the survival percentage and diminished the development of all gram-negative intestinal microbial content. Finally, the results strongly recommend enriched tilapia diets with 0.25 or 0.5 g /Kg for promoting performance and health status.

Effect of dietary supplementation of betaine and organic minerals on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, nutrients digestibility, and growth-related genes in broilers under heat stress

Global warming and climate changes have a detrimental impact on poultry production, causing substantial economic losses. This study investigated the effects of incorporating dietary betaine (BT) and organic minerals (OMs) on broilers’ performance as well as their potential to mitigate the negative impacts of heat stress (HS). Six hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to 12 experimental treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds each (5 male + 5 female). The birds were provided with diets containing BT (0 and 2,000 ppm) and OMs (0, 250, and 500 ppm), either individually or in combination, under both thermoneutral and HS-inducing temperatures. The HS conditions involved exposing the birds to cyclic periods of elevated temperature (35°C ± 2°C) for 6 h daily, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, starting from d 10 and continuing until d 35. The exposure to HS deteriorated birds’ growth performance; however, dietary BT and OMs inclusion improved the growth performance parameters bringing them close to normal levels. Carcass traits were not affected by dietary supplementation of BT, OMs, HS, or their interaction. Interestingly, while HS led to increased (P < 0.05) levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), these adverse effects were mitigated (P < 0.05) by the addition of BT and OMs. Moreover, dietary BT supplementation led to elevated serum total protein and globulin concentrations. Cyclic HS did not alter Mn, Zn, and Cu contents in the pectoral muscle. However, the incorporation of OMs at both levels increased concentrations of these minerals. Notably, the combination of 500 ppm OMs and 2,000 ppm BT improved Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe digestibility, which has been compromised under HS conditions. Cyclic HS upregulated gene expression of interleukin-1β, heat shock protein 70, and Toll-like receptor-4 while downregulated the expression of claudin-1, uncoupling protein, growth hormone receptor, superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione peroxidase 1 and insulin-like growth factor 1. The aforementioned gene expressions were reversed by the combination of higher dietary levels of BT and OMs. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of 500 ppm OMs along with 2,000 ppm BT yielded significant improvements in growth performance and mineral digestibility among broiler chickens, regardless of thermal conditions. Moreover, this combination effectively restored the expression of growth-related genes even under heat-stress conditions.