Serum Total Protein Research Articles

Assessment of some biochemical parameters in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), inadequate and poor nutrition are important factors affecting the outcome and recovery from disease and injury. This study was designed to assess some nutritional indices of patients with CKD attending UDUTH Sokoto. Seventy-five CKD patients and twenty-five controls were recruited, parameters such as serum albumin, total protein, haemoglobin, vitamin D, zinc and copper were determined using standard methods. A significant (P<0.05) increase in Urea, Creatinine, Uric acid, phosphate, copper and potassium was observed in the patients as compared to the controls. There was a significant (P< 0.05) decrease in sodium, chloride, calcium, bicarbonate and albumin of the patients when compared to the control. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed in the total protein levels of the patients and the control. Therefore, these assessed parameters plays important role for the screening of malnutrition in CKD patents and if this is established, nutritional intervention can be made to these patients to minimize or prevent the advances of malnutrition problems in the CKD patients.

Dietary Selenium Nanoparticles Improved Growth and Health Indices in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Juveniles Reared in High Saline Water.

A 60-day study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) on growth, digestive enzymes, and health status of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer, 46.5 ± 0.2 g) juveniles reared in high saline water (48 ppt). Five levels of SeNP were added to a basal diet (45% protein, 15% lipid), including control (0), 0.5 (SeNP0.5), 1.0 (SeNP1), 2 (SeNP2), and 4 (SeNP4) mg SeNP kg-1 diet. Fish were stocked into fifteen 2,000 L tanks (50 fish tank-1) filled with 1,800 L sand-filtered seawater (26.5 ± 1.5°C, 48.0 ± 0.2 ppt) in a flow-through system. Each dietary treatment was performed in three replicates. The growth rate positively increased in both linear and quadratic trends with increasing dietary SeNP level (P < 0.05). The liver Se concentration increased with increasing SeNP in diet (P < 0.05). Gut total protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipase, and α-amylase activities were significantly enhanced in the SeNP4 group compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity improved in fish-fed SeNP2 and SeNP4 diets regarding catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and the liver glutathione content. Serum lysozyme and hemolytic activities and white blood cells' respiratory burst activity in the control were lower than in fish-fed SeNP-supplemented diets. Serum total protein, globulin, and globulin/albumin ratio in fish-fed SeNP1, SeNP2, and SeNP4 diets were higher than the other groups (P < 0.05). The interleukin-10 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor genes' relative transcription levels in the gut of fish-fed SeNP4 were higher than the other groups. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, ALP, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase significantly decreased in fish with increasing SeNP content in the diet. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with 4 mg kg-1, SeNP was recommended to improve growth and health indices in L. calcarifer juveniles reared in high saline water (48 ppt).

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): an effect biomarker of neurodevelopment in human biomonitoring programs.

The present narrative review summarizes recent findings focusing on the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker of effect for neurodevelopmental alterations during adolescence, based on health effects of exposure to environmental chemical pollutants. To this end, information was gathered from the PubMed database and the results obtained in the European project Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU), in which BDNF was measured at two levels of biological organization: total BDNF protein (serum) and BDNF gene DNA methylation (whole blood) levels. The obtained information is organized as follows. First, human biomonitoring, biomarkers of effect and the current state of the art on neurodevelopmental alterations in the population are presented. Second, BDNF secretion and mechanisms of action are briefly explained. Third, previous studies using BDNF as an effect biomarker were consulted in PubMed database and summarized. Finally, the impact of bisphenol A (BPA), metals, and non-persistent pesticide metabolites on BDNF secretion patterns and its mediation role with behavioral outcomes are addressed and discussed. These findings were obtained from three pilot studies conducted in HBM4EU project. Published findings suggested that exposure to some chemical pollutants such as fine particle matter (PM), PFAS, heavy metals, bisphenols, and non-persistent pesticides may alter circulating BDNF levels in healthy population. Therefore, BDNF could be used as a valuable effect biomarker to investigate developmental neurotoxicity of some chemical pollutants.

Effects of dietary supplementation of postbiotic derived from Bacillus subtilis ACCC 11025 on growth performance, meat yield, meat quality, excreta bacteria, and excreta ammonia emission of broiler chicks

The primary aim of this study was to explore the impact of dietary supplementation with a postbiotic derived from Bacillus subtilis ACCC 11025 on growth performance, meat yield, meat quality, excreta bacterial populations, and excreta ammonia emissions of broiler chicks. A total of 480 day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks, initially weighing 52.83 ± 1.38 g, were randomly allocated into 4 distinct groups. Each group was housed in 6 separate cages, each containing 20 birds. The experimental phase spanned 42 d, divided into 2 periods (d 1-21 and d 22-42). Dietary interventions were based on a basal diet, with postbiotic supplementation at levels of 0.000, 0.015, 0.030, or 0.045%. Our findings indicate that dietary supplementation with postbiotic had a positive influence on body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency. The most substantial improvements in BWG and feed efficiency were observed in the group of broiler chicks fed a diet containing 0.015% postbiotic. Furthermore, the inclusion of postbiotic in the diet led to an increase in the yield of breast and leg muscles, with a significant difference in meat yields observed between the control group and the group receiving 0.015% postbiotic supplementation. It's noteworthy that dietary manipulation did not exert any discernible impact on the quality of breast and leg muscle samples. Concurrently, we observed an elevation in serum albumin and total protein contents corresponding to the increasing postbiotic dosage in the diet. Additionally, dietary supplementation with postbiotic effectively controlled the emission of ammonia from excreta and reduced the abundance of Salmonella in excreta while enhancing the presence of Lactobacillus bacteria. The group receiving 0.015% postbiotic supplementation displayed the lowest levels of ammonia emission and the highest counts of Lactobacillus bacteria in excreta. In light of these results, we conclude that dietary supplementation with 0.015% postbiotic represents an efficacious strategy for increasing BWG and meat yield of broiler chicks by enhancing feed efficiency as well as mitigating ammonia emissions from excreta by modulating the composition of excreta bacterial communities.

Impacts of genetic polymorphisms and cancer cachexia on naldemedine pharmacokinetics and bowel movements in patients receiving opioid analgesics.

Clinical responses to naldemedine vary between individuals with advanced cancer. This is a prospective, single-center, observational study aimed to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms and cachexia status on plasma naldemedine and clinical responses. Forty-eight patients being treated with naldemedine for opioid-induced constipation under treatment of cancer pain were enrolled. Plasma naldemedine concentrations were determined on the fourth day or later after administration of naldemedine, and the associations with genotypes, cachexia status, and clinical responses were assessed. Cancer patients exhibited a large variation in the plasma naldemedine concentrations, and it was correlated with serum total protein level. Patients who were homozygous CYP3A5*3 had a higher plasma concentration of naldemedine than those with the *1 allele. ABCB1 genotypes tested in this study were not associated with plasma naldemedine. A negative correlation was observed between the plasma naldemedine concentration and 4β-hydroxycholesterol level. The plasma naldemedine concentration was lower in patients with refractory cachexia than in those with precachexia and cachexia. While serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and acute-phase proteins were higher in patients with refractory cachexia, they were not associated with plasma naldemedine. A higher plasma concentration of naldemedine, CYP3A5*3/*3, and an earlier naldemedine administration after starting opioid analgesics were related to improvement of bowel movements. Plasma naldemedine increased under deficient activity of CYP3A5 in cancer patients. Cachectic patients with a higher serum IL-6 had a lower plasma naldemedine. Plasma naldemedine, related to CYP3A5 genotype, and the initiation timing of naldemedine were associated with improved bowel movements.

Effect of Substituting Soybean Meal in Oreochromis niloticus Diets with Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) Seed Cake on Water Quality, Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Carcass Composition.

A 10-week feeding experiment was performed to determine the impacts of partial substitution of soybean meal (SB) with pumpkin seed cake (PSC) in Oreochromis niloticus diets on water quality, growth rate, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and carcass composition. One hundred and fifty tilapia fish (average weight, 11.93 ± 0.17 g) were randomly allocated to five diets. The first diet (the basal diet) contained 420 g of SB per kg of feed. The remaining four diets, namely, D1, D2, D3, and D4, had SB partially replaced by PSC at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. The results revealed that D4 and D1 significantly improved dissolved oxygen levels, while water temperature, pH, total ammonia, and nitrate levels were not significantly affected. Replacing SB with PSC significantly improved specific growth performance indicators and feed conversion compared to the control, with the D4 group showing the best values. Increasing PSC levels decreased serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. In contrast, the D4 group had higher globulin, albumin, total protein, and lysozyme serum levels. Moreover, fish-fed PSC had significantly increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities and significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels. Increasing PSC substitution levels in fish diets increased the ash and crude lipid contents in the bodies of the fish, while crude protein and moisture decreased. In conclusion, replacing SB with PSC in fish diets significantly enhances growth performance, feed conversion, and fish health. Moreover, the findings suggest that PSC can be a promising alternative protein source for sustainable aquaculture practices.

Effects of perinatal exposure to daily maximum THI and THI fluctuations on serum total proteins and health of preweaned Holstein heifers raised in a dry climate.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the exposure to daily maximum and temperature-humidity index (THI) and to daily THI fluctuations (∆THI = maximum THI-minimum THI) at exposure periods comprising 2 d before birth to birth (-2 d), birth date (0 d), birth to 2 d of age (+2 d), and birth to 7 d of age (+7 d) on serum total proteins (STP), transfer of passive immunity (TPI), and the occurrence of scours and respiratory disease. A total of 841 Holstein heifer calves were retrospectively observed from -2 d until 65 d of age. Colostrum quality was assessed using a colostrometer to ensure a minimum globulin concentration of 52 mg/mL in the colostrum fed to the study calves. Two temperature and relative humidity sensors were installed at the calf yard. Maximum, minimum, and ∆THI values were obtained for each exposure period, and thermal exposure categories were defined as heat stress (HS: maximum THI > 70 units; non-HS: THI ≤ 70 units) and ∆THI (low < 20 units, medium ≥ 20 to ≤30 units, high > 30). The TPI was classified as poor (STP < 5.1 g/dL), fair (5.1 and 5.7 g/dL), good (>5.7 and 6.1 g/dL), and excellent (≥6.1 g/dL). Associations between the thermal exposure categories and the study outcomes were examined using ANOVA, logistic regression, and survival analyses. No differences in STP at -2 d were observed between HS and non-HS calves (6.83 ± 0.05 vs. 6.91 ± 0.05 g/dL), whereas HS-exposed calves at 0 d tended to have lower STP compared with non-HS calves (6.82 ± 0.05 vs. 6.92 ± 0.05 g/dL). Calves exposed to small ∆THI at 0 d had greater STP compared with calves exposed to medium ∆THI (7.00 ± 0.06 vs. 6.75 ± 0.05 g/dL). No association was found between HS, and ∆THI categories and the TPI category. The odds of scours were about 2 times greater in HS calves compared with non-HS calves at all exposure periods. In addition, HS calves were affected by scours between 9 and 15 d earlier than non-HS calves. Furthermore, high ∆THI favored the development of respiratory problems compared with medium and low ∆THI. Assessment of extreme THI values and THI fluctuations provides a research opportunity for assessing thermal stress in dairy heifer calves raised in dry climate.

Rehydration post-transport: duration of oral fluid therapy on behavior, biochemical measures of hydration, and health of neonatal dairy calves.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of 0, 1, 2, or 3d of oral electrolyte solutions (OES) following transport on calf behavior, biochemical measures of hydration, and subsequent health. Two cohorts of 60 Holstein bull calves ~3 to 7d of age were included in this experiment. Calves (n = 30/treatment) were randomized to 1 of 4 treatments on arrival at a calf-raising facility: (1) 1-d OES, (2) 2-d OES, (3) 3-d OES, or (4) no OES (control). Calves were evaluated for signs of arthritis, depression, dehydration, diarrhea, fever, navel inflammation, and respiratory disease on arrival (day 0) and 1, 2, 3, and 7d after arrival. Blood was obtained following each examination to assess biochemical measures of hydration, including serum electrolytes, glucose, hematocrit, lactate, pH, and serum total protein (STP). Calves were fitted with 3D accelerometers attached to the right hind leg along the metatarsus bone to continuously measure lying time. Linear regression models with Gaussian or Poisson link functions were used to test differences between treatments in blood parameters, as well as disease frequency and behavior, respectively. Calves spent the most time lying immediately post-transport (day 0); however, there was no effect of OES treatment on lying time. On arrival, 90% (95% CI: 84.6% to 95.4%) of calves had mild to moderate dehydration, and there was no significant difference in hydration status across treatments. Mildly dehydrated calves that received 1- and 2-d OES had higher STP concentration compared to the control. Moderately dehydrated calves that received 3- vs. 1-d OES had higher (101.4 vs. 93.7mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.01) glucose concentration, and 3- vs. 2-d OES (101.4 vs. 96.2, respectively; P = 0.07) calves tended to have higher glucose concentration. The prevalence of failed transfer of passive immunity (STP < 5.1g/dL) and hypoglycemia (glucose < 4.95mmol/L) was 26.7% (18.6% to 34.7%) and 76.5% (68.7% to 84.2%), respectively. The frequency of moderate dehydration was lower for calves that received 2-d OES compared to the control (count ratio: 0.4; 0.2% to 0.8%; P = 0.009). These results underline the need for more research on rehydration strategies to help inform calf processing protocols. Future research should investigate preconditioning strategies to minimize the impact of marketing and transport on dairy calves. Continued nutritional-based research is also needed to better support calves' recovery post-transport.

Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Fruit Peel Extract Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Traditional herbal medicine practitioners in the Ashanti region of Ghana use the fruit peels of Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck (C. limon) in preventive and curative treatment of many cancers including liver cancer. This ethnobotanical claim remains to be verified scientifically. Aim of the Study. This study investigated prophylactic hepatoprotective and anti-HCC effects of C. limon peel extract (LPE) in CCl4/olive oil-induced HCC-like rats. After preparation of LPE, it was subjected to phytochemical screening using standard phytochemical methods. A total of 30 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 150-200 g) were randomly assigned into six groups of 5 rats each. Rats in the control group received olive oil (5 mL/kg ip) twice weekly for 16 weeks. Rats in the model group received CCl4/olive oil (2 mL/kg, ip) twice weekly for 16 weeks. Rats in capecitabine (10 mg/kg po) and LPE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg po) groups received CCl4/olive oil (2 mL/kg, i.p) in the morning and their respective treatments in the afternoon twice a week for 16 weeks. Rats in all groups had free access to food and water ad libitum. Body weight and survival rates were monitored. Rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, blood was collected, and liver and other organs were isolated. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), prothrombin time, bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha- (α-) fetoprotein (AFP), and liver histology were assessed. Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins were detected in LPE. Model rats demonstrated increased serum levels of AFP, CRP, ALP, GGT, ALT, and AST, prothrombin time, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood lymphocyte, and monocyte counts, but decreased serum albumin and total protein compared to control rats. Unlike the control, model rats demonstrated fat accumulation in periportal and centrilobular hepatocytes and neoplastic transformation. Semiquantitation of periodic acid Schiff- (PAS-) stained liver sections showed decreased glycogen storage in hepatocytes of model rats compared to control rats. Compared to the model, LPE treatment protected against CCl4-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, which was evidenced by decreased AFP, CRP, liver enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, prothrombin time, and blood lymphocyte and monocyte counts; attenuation of fat accumulation; and increased glycogen storage, albumin, and total protein. LPE abates CCl4-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by attenuating liver inflammation and improving metabolic, biosynthetic, and detoxification functions of the liver. The prophylactic hepatoprotective and anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects of LPE are attributable to its phytochemical composition raising hopes of finding potential anticancer bioactive compounds from C. limon fruit peels.

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.

Immunological studies on the effects of toltrazuril and neem extract in broiler chickens suffering from coccidiosis.

The prevalence of avian coccidiosis in the poultry industry has grown, resulting in substantial financial losses from high mortality, stunted growth, reduced productivity, and expensive medical expenses. The purpose of the current study was to assess the immunological effects of neem leaf extract and toltrazuril on broilers that had contracted coccidiosis. In this investigation, 100 one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks without sexes were employed. The chicks were divided into five equal groups, with 20 birds in each. On the 14th day of life, the birds in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received an oral inoculation with 1 × 105 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) (field isolate). The first group (Gp), which consists of 20 healthy broilers, served as a negative control. Gp (2) contains experimentally infected broilers and nontreated (served as a positive control). Gp (3) contains experimentally infected broilers treated with toltrazuril (1 ml/l drinking water) for two consecutive days. Gp (4) contains experimentally infected broilers treated with neem leaf extract 4% (50 ml/l drinking water) for 5 successive days, and Gp (5) contains experimentally infected broilers treated with toltrazuril (1 ml/l drinking water) and a half dose of neem leaves extract 4% (25 ml/l drinking water) for 5 successive days. For the purpose of estimating body weight growth and feed conversion ratio, each broiler was weighed separately at the start of the trial and again on the 1st and 10th day after treatment. In addition to obtaining intestinal samples for immunohistochemistry, blood samples were also obtained for immunological examination. As compared to the negative control group, the experimentally infested broilers with E. tenella showed significant decreases in serum nitric oxide, lysosome, phagocytic percent, and phagocytic index, along with significant increases in white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocyte, heterophilis, eosinophilis, basophilis, monocyte, serum total protein, γ globulin, fibrinogen, and haptoglobin. When compared to the control positive group, experimentally infested broilers treated with either neem or toltrazuril alone or in combination demonstrated significant increases in serum total protein, nitric oxide, lysozyme, phagocytic percent, and phagocytic index, but significant decreases in WBCs, lymphocytes, heterophile, eosinophile, basophile, and monocyte. The intestinal peroxidase stain of broilers infected with E. tenella exhibited a significant positive expression for CD4, but the infected broilers treated with toltrazuril and half a dosage of neem displayed a negative expression for CD4, identical to the negative control. The broiler chickens infested with E. tenella may have a variety of negative impacts on their immune systems and immunohistopathological findings. Nonetheless, toltrazuril and neem extract, either separately or in combination, function as anticoccidial medications that may enhance the broiler chicks' immune state.

Effects of sub-lethal concentrations of lindane on histo-morphometric and physio-biochemical parameters of Labeo rohita.

Lindane is a broad-spectrum insecticide widely used on fruits, vegetables, crops, livestock and on animal premises to control the insects and pests. The extensive use of pesticides and their residues in the soil and water typically join the food chain and thus accumulate in the body tissues of human and animals causing severe health effects. The study was designed to determine the toxicity effects of sub-lethal concentrations of lindane on hemato-biochemical profile and histo-pathological changes in Rohu (Labeo rohita). A significant increase in the absolute (p<0.05) and relative (p<0.05) weights was observed along with severe histo-pathological alterations in liver, kidneys, gills, heart and brain at 30μg/L and 45μg/L concentration of lindane. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in RBCs count, PCV and Hb concentration while a significant (p<0.05) increased leukocytes were observed by 30μg/L and 45μg/L concentrations of lindane at 45 and 60 days of the experiment. Serum total protein and albumin were significantly (p<0.05) decreased while hepatic and renal enzymes were significantly (p<0.05) increased due to 30μg/L and 45μg/L concentrations of lindane at days-45 and 60 of experiment compared to control group. The observations of thin blood smear indicated significantly increased number of erythrocytes having nuclear abnormalities in the fish exposed at 30μg/L and 45μg/L concentrations of lindane. ROS and TBARS were found to be significantly increased while CAT, SOD, POD and GSH were significantly decreased with an increase in the concentration and exposure time of lindane. The results showed that lindane causes oxidative stress and severe hematological, serum biochemical and histo-pathological alterations in the fish even at sub-lethal concentrations.

Immunological effects of ractopamine in rabbits receiving the viral inactivated rabbit hemorrhagic disease vaccine.

There is an obvious lack of information about the effects of ractopamine, a ß-adrenergic agonist, on the growth performance and immune responses of rabbits, particularly in those receiving the viral rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) vaccine. The current study was undertaken to study the effects of ractopamine on growth performances and immunological parameters in rabbits inoculated with the viral RHD vaccine. Experimental rabbits were grouped into four groups, the first acted as a control and received distilled water, the second received ractopamine, the third received inactivated RHD vaccine, and the fourth received both ractopamine, and inactivated RHD vaccine. Then, blood analysis, histopathological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations were followed. The obtained results demonstrated that ractopamine induced significant increases in body weight gain, neutrophils, monocytes, nitric oxide, lysosome, and improved feed conversion rate. A significant decrease in lymphocytes with insignificant decreases in eosinophils, phagocytic % and index, serum total protein, α, β, and γ globulin were observed. Vaccinated rabbits only showed a marked rise in WBCs, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, phagocytic index and activity, nitric oxide, lysosome activity, total protein, albumin, γ globulin, and a decrease in lymphocytes. Rabbits that received ractopamine and then vaccinated had insignificant increases in body weight, weight gain, WBCs, neutrophils, monocyte, eosinophils, basophils, phagocytic activity, and index, globulins besides a significant decrease in lymphocytes. Pathologically, rabbits that received ractopamine alone, with a vaccine or vaccinated only showed an increase in villus length, villus width, and absorption surface area. IHC of rabbits' liver and kidneys of the control and vaccinated group showed negative expression for caspase-3, but rabbits received ractopamine only or rabbits vaccinated and received ractopamine showed diffuse positive moderate expression for caspase-3. Ractopamine induced several adverse effects on the immune responses of the rabbits inoculated with the viral HRD vaccine.

Ameliorative effects of Lactobacillus against Aflatoxin B1.

Lactobacilli are probiotics with Aflatoxin (AF) detoxification ability, found in fermented products, GIT of animals and environment. Purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of broiler isolates of Lactobacillus against Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). For this purpose, 5 isolates of Lactobacillus from broiler gut were incubated with 100 ppb AFB1 in aqueous environment and effect of different parameters (cell fractions, time, temperature, pH) on detoxification was determined by HPLC. The ameliorative effect of Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) against AFB1 was studied in broiler. The results revealed that LS (CR. 4) showed the best results (in vitro) as compared to other isolates (L. salivarius (CR. 3, CR, 4), L. agilis (CE. 2.1, CE. 3.1) and L. crispatus (CE. 28). Cell debris of CR. 4 showed significantly higher detoxification (P<0.05). Maximum amount of AFB1 was detoxified at 30°C (97%), pH 4.0 (99%) and 6 h (99.97%). In vivo study showed that AFB1 decreased weight gain (1,269 ± 0.04 gm/ bird), feed consumed (2,161 ± 0.08 gm/ bird), serum total protein (2.42 ± 0.34 gm/ dl), serum albumin (0.5 ± 0.2 2 gm/dl) and antibody titer (4.2 ± 0.83). Liver function enzymes were found (alanine transaminase (ALT): 32 ± 10.7 U/L) and aspartate transaminase (AST): 314.8 ± 27 U/L) elevated in AFB1 fed broilers. Treatment with 1% LS not only decreased the toxic effects of AFB1 (group D) but also improved the overall health of broilers due to its probiotic effects (p<0.05) as compared to control negative (group A). The detoxification ability of LS was better than commercial binder (CB) (0.2% Protmyc). It was concluded that detoxification of AFB1 by Lactobacillus was strain, temperature, pH and time dependent. LS has detoxification ability against AFB1 in vivo.

Dietary Effects of Probiotic Bacteria, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AV5 on Growth, Serum and Mucus Immune Response, Metabolomics, and Lipid Metabolism in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

In the present study, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AV5 (OR647358) on the growth, serum and mucus immune responses, metabolomics, and lipid metabolism of Oreochromis niloticus. Fishes (27.2 ± 1.7 g and 9.0 ± 1.2 cm) were fed three distinct meals: a commercial diet (control‐GC) and two treatment diets supplemented with probiotics at 106 (G1) and 108 cfu/g (G2), respectively, for 30 days. In the G2 group, the final weight, specific growth rate, weight gain rate, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio of the fish were significantly improved (p &lt; 0.05). Lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in the mucus of fish were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the G1 and G2 groups. The serum total protein, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species levels were noticeably higher (p &lt; 0.05) in fish fed G1 and G2. In addition, in the G1 and G2 groups, higher levels of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, such as pyruvate kinase, 2‐hydroxyethyl‐ThPP, and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, were increased. Distal gastrointestinal metabolites, such as glycerophospholipids and histidine, were observed. These findings strongly indicate that incorporating B. amyloliquefaciens AV5 at 108 cfu/g into commercial feeds positively influences fish growth, immunity, and lipid metabolism.

Ameliorative effect of dietary supplementation of kinnow peel powder on the health status of Cyprinus carpio (L.) fingerlings

An outdoor feeding trial (120 days) was carried out in FRP pools (1.5 × 1.0 × 0.75 m) to evaluate the efficacy of dietary incorporation of kinnow peel powder (KPP) on the health status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fingerlings. Healthy fingerlings (av. length 9.19 cm, and av. weight 10.51 g) were stocked in five feeding treatments @ 15 nos./tank following a complete randomized design with three replicates for each treatment and daily fed with five iso-proteinous experimental feeds containing KPP at 0 (KPP0), 0.5 (KPP1), 1.0 (KPP2), 1.50 (KPP3) and 2.0% (KPP4) inclusion levels @ 2% of fish body weight. The results demonstrated that the water quality parameters remained within the optimum/permissible limit for freshwater carps in all the treatments. Further, KPP supplementation improved the haematological indices (total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, haemoglobin and haematocrit) and immunological parameters (serum total protein, Albumin (A), globulin (G) and A: G ratio) of fish at all the inclusion levels in respect to control, while the best (P0.05) findings observed at 1.5% KPP inclusion level. Additionally, in comparison with the control group, KPP supplementation decreased the glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lipid peroxidation level, being lowest (P0.05) in KPP3, while increased the superoxide dismutase activity and recorded highest (P0.05) in KPP3 group. The results revealed that KPP can be potentially utilized as health promoting natural feed additive at a 1.5 % inclusion level to improve the overall health condition of C. carpio fingerlings.

A validated UPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of pyrotinib and population pharmacokinetic study of pyrotinib in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

Pyrotinb has been approved for the treatment of HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer in China. However, the plasma concentration of pyrotinb in different patients varies greatly, and in the course of treatment, if patients have intolerable adverse reactions, the drug dosage will be reduced or even stopped. This study set out to establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the determination of pyrotinb in human plasma, analyze the population pharmacokinetics (PPK) of pyrotinib and assess the influence of patient variables on PK of pyrotinib in patients with HER2 positive breast cancer. An UPLC-MS/MS method was developed to measure pyrotinib in human plasma. Utilizing a gradient elution procedure and a Kinetex C18 column (2.1mm × 100mm, 1.7μm), sample separation was accomplished in 5.5min. Pyrotinb extraction via protein precipitation was used as a sample pre-treatment technique. In total, 50 patients provided 158 plasma samples, which were identified and used in the PPK investigation. The non-linear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM) approach was used to assess the plasma concentrations and covariates information. For the final PPK model evaluation, external evaluation, non-parametric bootstrap, visual predictive check (VPC), and goodness-of-fit (GOF) were used. The UPLC-MS/MS method for determining plasma concentration of pyrotinib in patients had good selectivity and linearity in the range of 1-1,000ng/mL. Pyrotinib concentration profile in HER2-positive breast cancer patients was well described by a single-compartment PPK model with first-order absorption and elimination. The formulas for the final estimated values of overall parameters of CL/F and Vd/F and Ka are respectively: , , . No dosage adjustment was advised, despite the possibility that the total protein levels could have a substantial impact on the apparent distribution volume of pyrotinib with limited magnitude. In this study, an UPLC-MS/MS method was established to determine the concentration of pyrotinib in human plasma. A population pharmacokinetic model of pyrotinib in HER2 positive breast cancer patients suggested that low serum total protein reduced the clearance rate of pyrotinib in patients. Clinical medical staff should pay attention to the liver function of patients with abnormal serum total protein and be alert to the occurrence of adverse drug reactions.

Effects of heat stress on oxidative balance and sperm quality in dogs.

Heat stress negatively affects both animal reproductive performance and their overall wellbeing and welfare. When temperatures soar, the body responds to maintain balance, resulting in heat stress. This triggers various responses, including the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can harm sperm vitality through lipid peroxidation. Oxidative damage can result in sperm dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental heat stress on canine quantitative and qualitative ejaculate parameters. Thirty-six male crossbred dogs were involved in the trial. This study was performed in 2022, precisely from May to August. Dogs were subdivided in two groups, one heat stressed (HS) and one in thermoneutrality (TN). Thermo Hygrometric Index (THI) was hourly measured and ranged from 60 to 71 in TN dogs and from 60 to 83 for HS dogs. Semen and blood samples were collected at 30-day intervals, starting from May (0 days), and then at 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days and analysis for evaluating biochemical profile, semen oxidative status, and semen quality were performed. In HS dogs, serum total protein, albumin, and urea concentrations showed a significant decrease after 60 days (P < 0.01), with values lower than those observed in TN dogs (P < 0.01). Both catalase and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were reduced after 60 days in HS dogs, showing lower levels than the TN group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Antioxidant potential increased over time in HS dogs, reaching higher values at 60 days (P < 0.05) and 90 days (P < 0.01). On the other hand, ROS in the sperm of HS animals rose by day 90, surpassing the values recorded at previous time points and in TN dogs (P < 0.01). Semen concentration (P > 0.01) and total sperm count (P < 0.05) declined after 30 days in the HS group and remained lower than the TN group throughout the trial. The study demonstrates that heat stress negatively affects the oxidative status and sperm quality of male dogs, reducing reproductive performance. However, further research is needed due to the lack of complete breed homogeneity in the study groups.

The Use of Perovskia abrotanoides Extract in Ameliorating Heat Stress‐Induced Oxidative Damage and Improving Growth Efficiency in Carp Juveniles (Cyprinus carpio)

Herbal extracts have been successfully used as feed additives in fish culture with attractive growth‐promoting, immunostimulant, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties for several fish and shellfish species. Therefore, we have designed a feeding trial to assess the impacts of dietary incorporation of Perovskia abrotanoides extract (PAE) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio). For this purpose, five isonitrogenous (35% protein) and isocaloric (~4,000 kcal/kg) diets have been supplied by supplementing PAE at the varying inclusion levels as 0.0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% diets, and growth performance and feed utilization, digestive enzyme activities, serum biochemical variables, antioxidant responses, and immunological factors were studied. The experiment continued for 60 days. At the termination of the experiment, the mean final weight, weight gain percentage (WG%), feed conversion rate (FCR), and specific growth rate (SGR) have been improved significantly in all fish groups fed PAE‐based diets with regard to those fed the reference diets. A second‐order polynomial regression equations indicate that the optimum dietary supplementation level of PAE in fish diets was ~1%. Serum cortisol, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and malondialdehyde levels as well as catalase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities were significantly decreased generally in all PAE‐supplemented groups compared to the control groups before and/or after high‐temperature stress (32°C). Moreover, serum total protein, albumin, and total immunoglobulin levels as well as ACH50, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased before and/or after high‐temperature stress (32°C). In conclusion, the results showed, for the first time, that dietary supplementation with ~1% PAE can improve growth performance, stimulated the digestive enzymes, and enchanced antioxidant status as well as immune parameters and prevented high‐temperature stress of common carp.

Effects of Vitamin C on Growth and Non‐Specific Immune Response of Labeo gonius Fry in Density‐Dependent Biofloc Rearing

Biofloc technology offers a viable choice for the rearing of fish seed by offering a safe and protected habitat for young fish. Nevertheless, it is crucial to establish a standardised stocking density and implement effective ameliorative steps in order to successfully utilise this technology. In this study, a 90‐day investigation was conducted to assess the effect of stocking density and dietary vitamin C (Vit C) levels on the growth and immunity of Labeo gonius fry (1.03 ± 0.01 g) reared in a biofloc system. Three stocking density groups (5, 10 and 15 fish per 50 L) were established, and each experimental group was supplemented with three levels of Vit C (0, 500 and 1000 mg kg−1). The highest survival rate was observed in the lowest density group (five fish per 50 L) fed with 1000 mg kg−1 Vit C. A better feed conversion ratio and significantly higher protein efficiency ratio were found in the moderate stocking density group (10 fish per 50 L) fed with 500 mg kg−1 Vit C. Total leukocyte count (TLC), haemoglobin, and packed cell volume improved in Vit C‐fed groups. The total erythrocyte count (TEC) increased in groups fed Vit C and stocked at lower densities (5 and 10 fish per 50 L). Total serum protein (TPP) content increased when Vit C was added at a rate of 500 mg kg−1. Serum glucose and cortisol levels were significantly reduced in Vit C‐supplemented groups. Supplementation of Vit C at 500 mg kg−1 resulted in a significantly lower value of malondialdehyde (MDA). Thus, the findings confirm that the incorporation of Vit C in the basal diet promotes the growth and health status of L. gonius fry reared in the biofloc system at high‐density rearing.