Influence of dietary aflatoxin on certain serum enzyme levels in broiler chickens

Experimental aflatoxicosis was produd in Cobb broiler chickens by feeding them with dietary aflatoxin at concentrations of 1 and 3 ppm for a poriod of four weeks from 0 to 28 days. Twelve birds in triplicate were used for each treatment of which three from each replicate were sacrificed at weekly intervals for enzymatic estimations of SGPT, SGOT, Serum amylase and serum lipase. Thus each treatment contained nine weekly observations and 36 observations in total. The SGPT activity was not found in appreciable amounts either in control or in toxin treated birds. However, the SGOT levels were in measurable amounts and elevated levels were observed in toxin treated birds from first week onwards at both levels of toxin and was dose related. The treatment means of SGOT differed significantly (P<0.05). The serum lipase levels increased from first week onwards and the treatment means showed significant difference (P<0.01). Serum lipase changes in toxin treated birds occurred to about the same extent. But the serum amylase levels decreased from first week onwards and their treatment means differed significantly (P<0.01) at both levels of toxin treated birds. Serum amylase concentrations decreased as the aflatoxin level increased in the diet.Presented in X Annual Poultry Symposium of the Indian Poultry Science Association held at Madras Veterinary College, Madras-600 007, 15th to 17th December, 1983.     

Ocimum sanctum aqueous leaf extract provides protection against mercury induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice

HgCl2 (5.0 mg/kg body weight) induced toxicity led to significant elevation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) level but decline in the glutathione content in liver of Swiss albino mice. In serum of HgCl2 treated mice there was significant elevation in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) activities but significant decline in the alkaline phosphatase activity. Animals treated with O. sanctum extract (10 mg/kg body weight, po) before and after mercury intoxication showed a significant decrease in LPO level, SGOT and SGPT activities and increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity and glutathione (GSH) content. Ocimum treatment alone did not alter SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase activities but significantly enhanced reduced glutathione. The results suggest that oral administration of Ocimum extract provides protection against HgCl2 induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice.     

Porcine lactoferrin as feedstuff additive elevates avian immunity and potentiates vaccination

In this study, recombinant porcine lactoferrin (PLF) was used as feedstuff additive to investigate the effects of peripheral lymphocyte proliferation and serum antibody titers in chickens vaccinated against the infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus. Treatment groups were fed three doses of PLF powder in their diet (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% w/w), and the IBD vaccine was administrated at 1 and 3 weeks of age. At 8, 12, and 16 weeks after vaccination, serum IBD antibody titers were measured via the micro-method and T cell proliferation rates were evaluated. The results revealed that a high dose of PLF led to significant increases in serum IgA, IgG and IBD-specific antibody titers (P < 0.05). PLF administration, at either low or high doses, enhanced the expression of IFN-γ and IL-12 in chicken T lymphocytes. These results suggest that PLF enhances cell-mediated immunity and augment the ability of IBD vaccination to strengthen subsequent anti-viral responses.     

Effect of Achyranthes aspera on the immunity and survival of Labeo rohita infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

Achyranthes aspera seed was incorporated in the diets (at 0.01%, 0.1% and 0.5%) of Labeo rohita, rohu fingerlings (3.0+/-0.4 g). After 2 weeks, the fish were immunized with heat-killed Aeromonas hydrophila, and after a further 2 weeks the rohu were experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila (ATCC 49140). After 7 days blood and serum were sampled to determine superoxide anion production, bactericidal activity, lysozyme, serum protein, albumin, globulin, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Superoxide anion production, serum bactericidal activity, lysozyme, ALP, serum protein, albumin:globulin ratio (A/G) were enhanced in Achyranthes treated groups compared to the control group. SGOT and SGPT levels were elevated in control group, but in Achyranthes treated groups the levels were similar to the uninfected-control group. Higher cumulative mortalities were observed in the control group (77%) up to day-9 after infection. This gradually decreased with increasing dose of Achyranthes, 66% mortality in 0.01% group, 57% mortality in 0.1% group and 28% mortality in 0.5% group. These results indicate that Achyranthes aspera stimulates immunity and increases resistance to infection in L. rohita.     

Effects of conjugated linoleic acids on growth performance, serum lysozyme activity, lymphocyte proliferation, and antibody production in broiler chicks

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on growth performance and immune responses in broiler chicks. A total of 240 day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments with different inclusion levels of CLA (0, 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g/kg) for six weeks. Growth performance, peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation, lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity (carbon clearance) and serum antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine were examined. There were no significant differences in growth performance among treatments (p > 0.05). Chicks fed CLA diets produced more lysozyme activity in serum than the control group at 2 and 6 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Dietary CLA enhanced the PBL proliferation in response to concanavalin A (ConA) at the age of 42 d (p < 0.05). Phagocytic ability was also affected by dietary CLA and chicks fed CLA diets had faster carbon clearance rate (p < 0.05), but antibody titers to NDV was not influenced by dietary CLA. The results of the study suggested that dietary CLA could enhance innate and cellular immune response in broiler chicks, and not affect the growth performance.     

Effect of Emblica officinalis (Gaertn) on CCl4 induced hepatic toxicity and DNA synthesis in Wistar rats

A single dose of CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight, po in corn oil) increased the levels of SGOT (serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase), SGPT (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), glutathione-S-transferase and depletion in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. It also caused enhancement in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and DNA synthesis. There was also pathological deterioration of hepatic tissue as evident from multivacuolated hepatocytes containing fat globules around central vein. The pretreatment of E. officinalis for 7 consecutive days showed a profound pathological protection to liver cell as depicted by univacuolated hepatocytes. Pretreatment with E. officinalis at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, prior to CCl4 intoxication showed significant reduction in the levels of SGOT, SGPT, LDH, glutathione-S-transferase, LPO and DNA synthesis. There was also increase in reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The results suggest that E. officinalis inhibits hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats.     

Assessment of protective role of polyherbal preparation, Livina, against anti-tubercular drug induced liver dysfunction

The present study evaluated the possible protective role of Livina (a polyherbal preparation) against anti-tubercular therapy (ATT)-induced liver dysfunction in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. Patients were given intensive phase treatment with 4-drugs (rifampicin, INH, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) used for anti-tubercular therapy for 2 months, followed by a 4-month continuous phase treatment with 2 drugs (rifampicin and INH) under clinical advice and supervision. Both qualitative and quantitative measures of liver function were assessed, at different time intervals, before and after ATT. Analysis of data showed that the incidence of qualitative manifestations of liver dysfunction were greater in the placebo treated group as compared to the test drug group. None of the patients of either group showed clinical jaundice. Most signific changes ant were observed in the SGOT and SGPT levels in the placebo group, wherein the levels of both enzymes were higher at 4 and 8 weeks post-ATT, as compared to the respective baseline (0 week) values. When Livina (2 capsules twice daily) was given with ATT drugs, incidence of qualitative manifestation of liver dysfunction was insignificant and SGOT and SGPT levels were also significantly lower than the placebo+AITT drugs treated group. These results indicate that the test drug (Livina) was efficacious, against ATT-induced hepatic dysfunction in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis.     

传染性法氏囊病不同代次细胞毒免疫效果的研究

将从山东省东营分离到的1株传染性法氏囊病病毒(IBDV)野毒(暂命名 IBDV SDDY株,经鉴定该株与 IB DV STC株具有较高的同源性)经 SPF 鸡胚传代,然后转为细胞培养,取第 20 代、21 代、25 代毒,以 1 倍剂量(3000TCID50/0.2mL )和5倍剂量不同的免疫剂量,分别在7日龄、14日龄对商品代海蓝褐蛋鸡进行免疫,并于免疫前用 IBD ELISA试剂盒检测 IBDV母源抗体水平,于 35 日龄用传染性法氏囊病病毒超强毒 (very virulent In fectious Bursal Disease Virus, vvIBDV )GX 8/99攻毒,在攻毒前再次检测IBDV的抗体水平,攻毒后观察记录各分组鸡的致病率和死亡率,并计算免疫器官体重指数,观察免疫器官的组织损伤情况。试验结果表明:3 代毒都具有较高免疫原性,但是20代毒仍具有较大的毒性,7 日龄接种会引起法氏囊的萎缩,造成持续的组织损伤;21 代毒、25代毒保护率高,无免疫抑制,是比较理想的疫苗来源;7日龄免疫较14日龄免疫更易造成组织损伤和免疫抑制,14日龄免疫较为合适。     

Effect of Dietary Aflatoxin Concentration on the Assessment of Genetic Variability of Response in a Randombred Population of Chickens

The effect of graded levels of dietary aflatoxin on the assessment of genetic variability of body weight and gain and plasma protein response was tested utilizing the Athens-Canadian randombred population of chickens. Dietary aflatoxin was administered at levels of either 0, 1.25, 2.50 or 5.0 µg/g of diet ad libitum from 7 to 21 days of age to progeny from 58 sire families. Twenty-one-day body weights, gain and plasma protein concentration were used to assess the variation in response.—The administration of increasing levels of aflatoxin resulted in a dose-related decrease of gains and plasma protein concentrations. Plasma protein concentrations were significantly higher among males than females within the control group; however, this difference was reversed as the severity of the aflatoxin challenge increased. Heritability estimates for all responses increased as the level of aflatoxin administered increased. This change was most notable for total plasma protein concentration. Phenotypic correlations for plasma protein concentration and growth measurements tended to diminish with increasing levels of aflatoxin. A similar trend was noted for the genetic correlations; however, a moderate correlation between growth responses and plasma protein response was detected in the 5.0-µg/g aflatoxin treatment group. Genetic correlations were calculated for the same characters between the different levels of aflatoxin. Regardless of which aflatoxin challenges were compared, a very high genetic correlation for 21-day body weight and 7- to 21-day gain was estimated. This variation in growth potential in the toxic environment paralleled that observed in the control environment but at a lower plane. Genetic correlations for plasma protein response across aflatoxin levels diminished as the difference between the levels of aflatoxin administered increased. Plasma protein concentration in the control environment was positively correlated with plasma protein response in groups fed a low level of aflatoxin, but negatively correlated when an aflatoxin challenge of 2.5 µg/g or more was given, suggesting that selection for aflatoxin resistance using plasma protein response as a selection criterion should be made under an aflatoxin stress environment.     

Effects of conjugated linoleic acids on growth performance,serum lysozyme activity,lymphocyte proliferation,and antibody production in broiler chicks

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on growth performance and immune responses in broiler chicks. A total of 240 day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments with different inclusion levels of CLA (0, 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g/kg) for six weeks. Growth performance, peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation, lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity (carbon clearance) and serum antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine were examined. There were no significant differences in growth performance among treatments (p > 0.05). Chicks fed CLA diets produced more lysozyme activity in serum than the control group at 2 and 6 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Dietary CLA enhanced the PBL proliferation in response to concanavalin A (ConA) at the age of 42 d (p < 0.05). Phagocytic ability was also affected by dietary CLA and chicks fed CLA diets had faster carbon clearance rate (p < 0.05), but antibody titers to NDV was not influenced by dietary CLA. The results of the study suggested that dietary CLA could enhance innate and cellular immune response in broiler chicks, and not affect the growth performance.     

Effect of Antihelminthic Treatment on Vaccine Immunogenicity to a Seasonal Influenza Vaccine in Primary School Children in Gabon: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

BackgroundHelminth infections are a major public health problem, especially in the tropics. Infected individuals have an altered immune response with evidence that antibody response to vaccination is impaired. Hence, treatment of helminth infections before vaccination may be a simple intervention to improve vaccine immunogenicity. In the present study we investigated whether a single-dose antihelminthic treatment influences antibody responses to a seasonal influenza vaccine in primary school children living in Gabon, Central Africa.MethodsIn this placebo-controlled double-blind trial conducted in Gabon the effect of a single-dose antihelminthic treatment with 400 mg albendazole versus a placebo one month prior to immunization with a seasonal influenza vaccine was investigated. Antiviral antibody titers against all three vaccine strains were assessed by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test at baseline (Day 0; vaccination) and four weeks (Day 28) as well as 12 weeks (Day 84) following vaccination. Vaccine-specific memory B-cell response was measured at Day 0 and Day 84 by vaccine-specific Enzyme-linked Immunospot (ELISpot) assay. The trial is registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) (PACTR201303000434188).Results98 school children aged 6–10 years were randomly allocated to receive either antihelminthic treatment or placebo and were vaccinated one month after the treatment. The prevalence of helminths at baseline was 21%. Vaccine-specific HI titers against at least one of the three vaccine strains increased at Day 28 and Day 84 in all participants. HI titers against both influenza A strains as well as memory B-cell response were modestly higher in the antihelminthic treated group compared to the placebo group but the difference was not statistically significant. Total but not specific IgA was elevated in the antihelminthic treated group compared to the control group at Day 28.ConclusionIn our setting antihelminthic treatment had no significant effect on influenza vaccine immunogenicity. A trend towards better antiviral and vaccine immunogenicity in the antihelminthic treated group encourages studies to be conducted with alternative treatment schedules or in populations with a higher helminth burden.     

Cardioprotective and antihypertensive effects of Enicostemma littorale Blume extract in fructose-fed rats

We investigated the protective effects of Enicostemma littorale Blume (EL) extract on hypertension and insulin resistance along with its associated cardiovascular complications in high fructose (HF) fed rats. For this, rats were divided among 4 groups: (i) control, fed laboratory chow; (ii) fed with a high level of fructose; (iii) fed with a high level of fructose plus E. littorale extract; and (iv) fed with a high level of fructose plus rosiglitazone (Rg). EL and Rg treatments were given simultaneously with HF diet. The results show that untreated HF-fed rats showed altered oral glucose tolerance, increased fasting insulin, and increased fasting glucose. These rats also exhibited hypertriglyceridemia, moderate hypertension, platelet hyperaggregability, decreased prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, altered vascular reactivity, and increased serum levels of enzymes (creatine kinase, type muscle-brain (CK-MB), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alanine aminotransferase (SGPT). This is the first demonstration of platelet hyperaggregation and prothrombotic alteration in HF-fed rats. HF-fed rats treated with EL showed improved insulin resistance, along with reduced hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, platelet aggregability, blood coagulation, serum enzymes (CK-MB, SGOT, LDH and SGPT), and vascular reactivity. These effects of EL in HF-induced hypertensive rats might be associated with the suppression of hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, along with its antiatherogenic and antithrombogenic potential. These data indicate that the aqueous extract of EL has great therapeutic potential for the prevention and (or) management of insulin resistance and the associated hypertension.     

Methodische Untersuchungen zur stoffwechselorientierten Lysinbedarfsbestimmung an Broilerküken

Broiler chicks were divided into five groups and fed starter mash from the first day after hatching. The first group feed (control) was mycotoxin free, whereas the mycotoxins sterigmatocystin (350 ppb) and aflatoxin B, (100 ppb) were added to the second group diet, patulin (100 ppb) and aflatoxin B, (100 ppb) to the third group feed, penicillic acid (850 ppb) and aflatoxin B, (100 ppb) to the fourth group, and aflatoxins B_2a (0.9 ppb) + G_2α (25 ppb) + M₁ (0.9 ppb) + M₂ (1 ppb) to the fifth group. This contaminated feeding lasted for four weeks followed by another four weeks as recovery period during which all groups fed finishing mash without mycotoxins.

At the end of the experiment, the chickens of groups two, three, four and five were significantly lower in body weight and feed conversion and reflected higher mortality rates than those of the control group.     

Astragalus polysaccharide and sulfated epimedium polysaccharide synergistically resist the immunosuppression

The immunoenhancement of compound polysaccharides, APS-sEPS composed with astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and sulfated epimedium polysaccharide (sEPS), was observed in immunosuppressed model chicken induced by cyclophosphamide (Cy). 11-day-old chickens were injected with Cy once a day for three successive days except vaccine control group. At day-14-old, all chickens were vaccinated with ND vaccine, and in experimental groups simultaneously administrated with APS-sEPS at three dosages, APS and sEPS once a day for three successive days. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after the administration, the peripheral T-lymphocyte proliferation, serum antibody titers, IFN-γ, IL-2, IgG and IgM were determined. The results displayed that APS-sEPS could overcome Cy-induced immunosuppression, significantly promote T-lymphocyte proliferation and raised serum antibody titers, IFN-γ, IL-2, IgG and IgM levels, its high and medium doses were superior to single APS or sEPS. This demonstrated that APS and sEPS could synergistically resist the immunosuppression and APS-sEPS was an effective immunopotentiator.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Cassia fistula leaf extract.

Hepatoprotective activity of the n-heptane extract of Cassia fistula leaves was investigated by inducing hepatotoxicity with paracetamol in rats. The extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg body wt. exhibited orally, significant protective effect by lowering the serum levels of transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The effects produced were comparable to that of a standard hepatoprotective agent.     

Probiotics and herbal mixtures enhance the growth, blood constituents, and nonspecific immune response in Paralichthys olivaceus against Streptococcus parauberis

The present study was reported the effect of probiotics and herbals mixture supplementation diet on growth, blood constituents, and nonspecific immune response in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus against Streptococcus parauberis on weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 after injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 50 μl of PBS (phosphate buffer saline) containing S. parauberis (2.1 × 10? CFU ml?1). The initial weight did not significantly increased in supplementation diet group from 1 to 4 weeks, whereas it was significantly increased from weeks 6 to 12 as compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. The serum aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (SGPT) activities significantly increased from weeks 4 to 12 in infected fish fed with supplementation diet compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. However, the total protein (TP) and glucose (GLU) levels were significantly increased in infected fish fed with supplementation diet after 6 weeks. The phagocytic, respiratory burst, complement, and lysozyme activities significantly enhanced in infected fish fed with supplementation diet from weeks 4 to 12 as compared to fish fed without supplementation diet. These results suggested that different probiotics and herbals mixture supplementation diet enhanced the growth, blood biochemical constituents, and nonspecific immunity in olive flounder against S. parauberis.     

Active immunization against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in Chinese male pigs: effects of dose on antibody titer, hormone levels and sexual development

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal dose of a GnRH vaccine for immunocastration of Chinese male pigs, based on immune, endocrine and testicular responses. Forty-two crossbred (Chinese Yanan x Large White) male pigs were randomly assigned to one of the five treatments as follows: (I) 0 microg (control, n=8); (II) 10 microg (n=8); (III) 62.5 microg (n=8); (IV) 125 microg (n=8); (V) 250 microg (n=10), D-Lys6-GnRH tandem dimer (TDK) peptide equivalent of conjugate (TDK-OVA), using Specol as the adjuvant. Pigs were immunized at 13 and 21 weeks of age and were slaughtered at 31 weeks of age. Blood samples for antibody titer and hormone assays were collected at 13, 21, 24 and 31 weeks of age. At these time-points, testis size was also measured. At slaughter, testis weight was recorded and fat samples were collected for androstenone assay. Four animals, one out of each immunized group, responded poorly to the immunization (non-responders). At slaughter, serum testosterone and LH levels, fat androstenone levels and testis size/weight of these non-responders were similar to those in control animals. Antibody titers of non-responders were substantially lower (P<0.05) than in other immunized pigs. For the animals that responded well to the immunization (immunocastrated pigs), serum testosterone and LH levels, fat androstenone levels and testis size or weight were reduced (P<0.05) as compared to either controls or non-responders, at all doses tested. There was a significant effect of dose of TDK-OVA on antibody titers. The overall mean antibody titers in the 62.5 or 125 microg dose group (53.6 and 50.5% binding, respectively) were significantly higher than in the 10 or 250 microg group (39.2 and 40.24% binding, respectively). At slaughter, there was a significant dose effect on testis size or weight and on serum testosterone levels, but there was no dose effect on serum LH levels and fat androstenone levels. Testis size or weight in the 10 microg group was reduced to a lesser extent (P<0.05) than in the three higher dose groups. At slaughter, in comparison to controls, mean testis size of immunocastrated pigs in treatments II-V was reduced to 55, 21, 33 and 25%, respectively, whereas testis weight was reduced to 39, 12, 18 and 14%, respectively. Reduction of testis size and/or weight is important for visual assessment of castration at the slaughterline, therefore, it is concluded that a dose of 10 microg peptide is not suitable. We conclude that, within the dose-range studied, the 62.5 microg dose is optimal for future GnRH immunization studies or future practical use in immunocastration of Chinese male pigs.     

鸡痘的诊断与防治技术研究

鸡痘是危害养鸡业发展的一种传染病,不分日龄大小均可发病,肉鸡和蛋鸡均可感染,发病期1—2周,雏鸡死亡率较高,可达5％～30％不等,近年来发病率和死亡率有上升趋势,并且免疫失败的病例时有发生。为了建立接种疫苗后抗体监测手段和研究感染鸡痘病毒后抗体产生规律,我们建立了间接     

禽呼肠孤病毒感染对鸡法氏囊及免疫应答的影响

研究LY株禽呼肠孤病毒(ARV)感染1日龄SPF鸡后对法氏囊发育影响,对传染性法氏囊病毒(IBDV)、禽流感病毒(AIV)、新城疫病毒(NDV)疫苗免疫诱发的抗体的影响,及对强毒株IBDV致病作用的影响。结果表明,LY株ARV感染1日龄SPF鸡可引起法氏囊萎缩和部分淋巴细胞减少,但对增重及AIV和NDV疫苗免疫后抗体滴度却没有显著影响。ARV感染可降低弱毒IBDV疫苗免疫后的抗体反应,但对随后IBDV强毒株攻毒的抵抗力却与对照鸡无显著差异。经IBDV弱毒疫苗免疫后,再接种强毒株IBDV,不会引起死亡,但却仍能显著抑制对AIV、NDV疫苗免疫后的抗体滴度。然而,对于1~7日龄经ARV感染的鸡,IBDV强毒的这种免疫抑制作用又显著低于未经ARV感染的对照鸡。