Influence of Dietary Copper Proteinate on Performance,Selected Biochemical Parameters,Lipid Peroxidation,Liver, and Egg Copper Content in Laying Hens

This study was performed to determine the effects of copper proteinate on performance, blood chemistry, lipid peroxidation status, and organs as well as copper deposition in the liver and eggs of laying hens. Seventy-two 30-week-old Bovans laying hens were distributed into four groups with three replicates. Animals were fed basal diet containing at least 17% crude protein and 2,800 kcal/kg metabolizable energy supplemented with either 0, 150, 300, or 450 mg/kg copper as copper proteinate. Supplementation of 150 and 300 mg/kg copper increased egg production, whereas 450 mg/kg copper decreased (p < 0.001). Liver copper levels were elevated in 300 and 450 mg/kg copper-supplemented groups (p < 0.001). Egg copper contents increased in all treatment groups (p < 0.01). An increase in glucose (p < 0.001) and decreases in albumin (p < 0.01) and total cholesterol (p < 0.05) levels were determined with 300 and 450 mg/kg copper. Supplementation of 450 mg/kg copper increased alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activities (p < 0.05), malondialdehyde, and high-density lipoprotein levels (p < 0.01) but decreased alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities (p < 0.01). No gross and microscopic changes were observed in the liver and kidneys. These results indicated that 150 and 300 mg/kg copper increased egg production without having marked adverse effects, but 450 mg/kg copper altered some blood chemistry variables and reduced egg production in laying hens.     

硫酸铜浓度和造伤对叶材保色效果的影响

本实验以15种植物的叶为试材,分别用0%、1.02%、5.85%、10.22%、14.21%和17.15%浓度90℃硫酸铜(CuSO₄·5H₂O)溶液进行保色处理,对其中不易进行保色处理的叶材人为造伤,研究硫酸铜浓度和造伤对叶材保色效果的影响。结果表明,不同叶材对硫酸铜溶液的反应不同:纸质叶材如酢浆草在热的硫酸铜溶液中易皱缩变形,革质叶材如荷兰铁和铁树,用硫酸铜热处理无效;新叶较成熟叶易于保色。硫酸铜浓度对保色效果没有影响,但对保色时间有影响,硫酸铜浓度越高,复绿时间越短,14.21%和17.15%两种浓度的复绿时间相同。保色处理的叶材干燥前后颜色有深浅变化。少数叶材如贴梗海棠不经保色处理自然干燥就能较好保持原有色彩。造伤有利于部分革质叶材的保色。     

Effects of Ellagic Acid on Copper,Zinc, and Biochemical Values in Serum and Liver of Experimental Cholestatic Rats

Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenolic compound. Although, modulator effects of EA on copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in some liver diseases have been reported in experimental animals, its effects in obstructive jaundice (OJ) has not been clarified. We aimed to evaluate potential effects of EA on Cu and Zn levels in liver and serum of cholestatic rats. Forty Wistar albino rats were equally divided into four groups. First group was used as controls. Second group received EA (60 mg⁻¹ kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) for 8 days. Third was OJ group, and fourth group was OJ plus EA group. After 8 days, blood and liver samples were obtained. Higher serum and liver Cu and lower serum and liver Zn levels were found in OJ group (p < 0.05) compared with other groups. However, these differences reached to significant levels for Cu in serum and for Zn in lever. Higher serum copper levels were decreased, and lower liver Zn levels were increased by EA treatment in cholestatic rats (p < 0.05). Also, higher Cu/Zn ratio in OJ group was decreased by EA treatment both in liver (p < 0.05) and in serum (p < 0.05). Significantly higher serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase values were found in OJ and OJ + EA groups compared with the control and EA groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, result of the current study indicated that ellagic acid has modulator effects on Cu and Zn levels in liver and serum of cholestatic rats.     

Effects of Nano-zinc on Biochemical Parameters in Cadmium-Exposed Rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic environmental and occupational pollutant with reported toxic effects on the kidneys, liver, lungs, bones, and the immunity system. Based on its physicochemical similarity to cadmium, zinc (Zn) shows protective effects against cadmium toxicity and cadmium accumulation in the body. Nano-zinc and nano-zinc oxide (ZnO), recently used in foods and pharmaceutical products, can release a great amount of Zn²⁺ in their environment. This research was carried out to investigate the more potent properties of the metal zinc among sub-acute cadmium intoxicated rats. Seventy-five male Wistar rats were caged in 15 groups. Cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) was used in drinking water to induce cadmium toxicity. Different sizes (15, 20, and 30 nm) and doses of nano-zinc particles (3, 10, 100 mg/kg body weight [bw]) were administered solely and simultaneously with CdCl₂ (2–5 mg/kg bw) for 28 days. The experimental animals were decapitated, and the biochemical biomarkers (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) were determined in their serum after oral exposure to nano-zinc and cadmium. Statistical analysis was carried out with a one-way ANOVA and t test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The haematocrit (HCT) significantly increased and blood coagulation time significantly reduced in the nano-zinc-treated rats. AST, ALT, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, and free fatty acids increased significantly in the cadmium- and nano-zinc-treated rats compared with the controls. However, albumin, total protein, and HDLc significantly decreased in the cadmium- and nano-zinc-treated rats compared with the controls (P < 0.05). It seems that in the oral administration of nano-zinc, the smaller sizes with low doses and the larger sizes with high doses are more toxic than metallic zinc. In a few cases, an inverse dose-dependent relationship was seen as well. This research showed that in spite of larger sizes of zinc, smaller sizes of nano-zinc particles are not suitable for protection against cadmium intoxication.     

Effects of Dietary Copper (II) Sulfate and Copper Proteinate on Performance and Blood Indexes of Copper Status in Growing Pigs

160 crossbred (Duroc × Landrace ×Yorkshire) gilts averaged 21.25 kg body weight were used to study the effects of dietary copper (II) sulfate (CuSO₄) and copper proteinate (Cu-Pr) on growth performance, plasma Cu concentration, ceruloplasmin activity, and erythrocyte Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. All pigs were allotted to four treatments and fed with basal diets supplemented with 0 (control), 250 mg /kg Cu as CuSO₄, and 50 and 100 mg/kg Cu as Cu-Pr. Growth performance was determined based on two growth phase (phase 1: days 0 to 15, phase 2: days 15 to 30). After 30 days of the treatment, 16 pig blood samples (four per treatment) were collected for indexes of copper status determination. The experimental results showed that compared with control, pigs fed with 250 mg Cu/kg as CuSO₄ and 100 mg Cu/kg as Cu-Pr had higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake in the whole growth phase (d 0 to 30). In addition, 250 mg Cu/kg as CuSO₄ and 100 mg/kg Cu as Cu-Pr enhanced plasma ceruloplasmin activity (P < 0.05), and 100 mg/kg Cu as Cu-Pr increased erythrocyte Cu/Zn-SOD activity (P < 0.01) compared with the control. There was no obvious treatment response on plasma Cu concentration in the present study.     

Effects of Copper Sulfate on Seedlings of Prosopis pubescens (Screwbean Mesquite)

Phytoextraction is an established method of removal of heavy metals from contaminated soils worldwide. Phytoextraction is most efficient if local plants are used in the contaminated site. We propose that Prosopis pubescens (Screw bean mesquite) would be a successful phytoextractor of copper in our local soils. In order to determine the feasibility of using Screw bean mesquite, we utilized inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and elemental analysis to observe the uptake of copper and the effects on macro and micro nutrients within laboratory-grown seedlings. We have previously shown that P. pubescens is a hyperaccumulator of copper in soil-grown seedlings.

Light and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated death of root cells and ultrastructural changes due to the presence of copper from 50 mg/L – 600 mg/L. Ultrastructural changes included plasmolysis, starch accumulation, increased vacuolation and swollen chloroplasts with disarranged thylakoid membranes in cotyledons. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy analyses of macro- and micro-nutrients revealed that the presence of copper sulfate in the growth medium of Petri-dish grown Prosopis pubescens seedlings resulted in dramatic decreases of magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. At 500-600 mg/L of copper sulfate, a substantial increase of sulfur was present in roots.     

Biochemical Parameters for Longitudinal Monitoring of Liver Function in Rat Models of Partial Hepatectomy Following Liver Injury

Background

While evaluation of liver function in preclinical animal studies is commonly performed at selected time-points by invasive determination of the liver/body weight ratio and histological analyses, the validation of longitudinal measurement tools for monitoring liver function are of major interest.

Aims

To longitudinally evaluate serum cholinesterase (CHE) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels as non-invasive markers to determine injury- and partial hepatectomy (PHx)-induced alterations of liver function in rats.

Methods

Male and female Lewis rats were subjected to either methionine/choline deficient (MCD) diet or treatment with FOLFOX chemotherapy prior to PHx. Body weight and CHE/TSB levels are determined weekly. Following PHx and at the study end, histological analyses of liver tissue are performed.

Results

Following MCD diet, but not after FOLFOX chemotherapy treatment, results indicate gender-specific alterations in serum CHE levels and gender-independent alterations in TSB levels. Likewise, histological analyses of resected liver parts indicate significant liver injury following MCD-diet, but not following FOLFOX treatment. While TSB levels rapidly recover following MCD diet/FOLFOX treatment combined with a PHx, serum CHE levels are subject to significant model- and gender-specific differences, despite full histopathological recovery of liver tissue.

Conclusions

Longitudinal measurements of serum CHE levels and TSB levels in rats are highly complementary as non-invasive parameters for evaluation of liver injury and/or recovery.     

Effects of Epiphyseal Proteins and Melatonin on Blood Biochemical Parameters of Fluoride-Intoxicated Rats

We examined the effects of fluoride intoxication on certain blood plasma biochemical indices in rats. Fortyeight adult female Wistar rats weighing 123-142 g were divided into eight groups: two control groups (0 and 28 days) and six experimental groups, namely sham-injected animals (vehicle), injected with pineal proteins (PP) and melatonin (Mel), intoxicated with fluoride (F), and also F+PP and F+Mel groups. Fluoride (150 ppm, per os administration with drinking water), melatonin (10 mg/kg, i.p.), and PP (100 μg/kg, i.p.) were administered daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of experiments to estimate plasma [Na⁺] and [K⁺], alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and levels of glucose and proteins in different animal groups. The plasma [K⁺] and [Na⁺], and ALP activity were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in F-treated animals, as compared with others. Administration of PP and Mel in F-treated rats caused significant (P < < 0.05) reduction of [Na⁺], [K⁺], and ALP levels. Interestingly, PP and Mel administrations resulted in noticeable (P < 0.05) increases in the plasma glucose level in F-intoxicated animals, as compared to other groups. These findings convincingly indicate that PP and Mel exert ameliorative effects on fluoride-induced adverse changes in certain biochemical parameters in rats.     

Synergistic Effect of Fadrozole and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I on Female-To-Male Sex Reversal and Body Weight of Broiler Chicks

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Fadrozole hydrochloride and recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I) on female-to-male sex reversal, hatching traits, and body weight of broiler chickens. On the third day of incubation, fertile eggs were randomly assigned to five experimental groups comprising (i) Fadrozole (0.1 mg/egg), (ii) rhIGF-I (100 ng/egg), (iii) Fadrozole (0.1 mg/egg) + rhIGF-I (100 ng/egg), (iv) vehicle injection (10 mM acetic acid and 0.1% BSA), and (v) non-injected eggs. Eggs in the rhIGF-I-injected groups showed the mode of hatching time at the 480th hour of incubation, 12 hours earlier compared to the other groups, with no statistically significant difference in mortality and hatchability. On Day 1 and 42 of production, 90% of genetically female chicks were masculinized using Fadrozole treatment, while 100% female-to-male phenotypic sex reversal was observed in the Fadrozole+rhIGF-I group. Fadrozole equalized the body weight of both genders, although rhIGF-I was effective on the body weight of male chicks only. Interestingly, combined rhIGF-I and Fadrozole could increase the body weight in both sexes compared to the individual injections (P<0.05). These findings revealed that (i) IGF-I-treated chicken embryos were shown to be an effective option for overcoming the very long chicken deprivation period, (ii) the simultaneous treatment with Fadrozole and IGF-I could maximize the female-to-male sex reversal chance, (iii) the increase in the body weight of masculinized chickens via Fadrozole could be equal to their genetically male counterparts, and (iv) the IGF-I effectiveness, specifically along with the application of aromatase inhibitors in female chicks, indicates that estrogen synthesis could be a stumbling block for the IGF-I action mechanism in female embryos.     

淫羊藿苷对小鼠力竭游泳时间及力竭恢复小鼠血清生化指标的影响

为探讨淫羊藿苷(icariin,ICA)对小鼠力竭游泳时间及力竭恢复小鼠血清生化指标的影响,对小鼠以不同剂量的ICA灌胃12 d,进行一次性力竭游泳,恢复24 h后,用超微量微孔板分光光度计测定小鼠血清的丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)活性和丙二醛(MDA)、血尿素氮(BUN)、血糖(SG)含量,用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳分析乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)同工酶.结果表明,ICA中剂量组小鼠力竭游泳时间明显延长(P＜0.05),血清的ALT、AST活性和MDA、BUN含量以及LDH总活力与对照组相比都有显著性降低(P＜0.05),SG无显著性差异(P＞0.05).结果说明,淫羊藿苷中剂量组具有较强的抗疲劳作用.     

电磁辐射对大鼠内皮祖细胞和肾脏组织学的影响

目的：研究电磁辐射对体外培养骨髓来源的内皮祖细胞（EPCs）增殖、迁移、黏附能力的影响,并探讨其与肾脏疾病的可能关系。方法：密度梯度离心法获取大鼠骨髓单个核细胞（MNCs）,接种至纤维连接素包被的培养板上,培养6d后进行免疫细胞化学和免疫荧光鉴定EPCs。采用MTT比色法、Transwell小室和黏附能力测定实验,观察平均功率密度为65mW/cm2,时间20min的电磁辐射对EPCs的增殖、迁移、黏附能力的影响;同等剂量全身照射大鼠,光镜和透射电镜观察大鼠肾脏组织学和超微结构的变化。结果：从大鼠骨髓能成功分离培养获得EPCs。EPCs的增殖、迁移、黏附能力较对照组显著下降;大鼠接受全身照射后各时相点无明显组织学改变,但超微结构显示在照射后3h后开始出现肾小球毛细血管袢足突肿胀,12h后出现部分足突融合。结论：电磁辐射导致EPCs生物功能显著减弱,肾小球超微结构改变,电磁辐射可能与起肾脏疾病的发生有关。     

Short-Term Effects of Sibutramine on Mineral Status and Selected Biochemical Parameters in Obese Women

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sibutramine on mineral status and selected biochemical parameters in obese women. The study was conducted on 24 patients who received 15?mg daily doses of sibutramine for 12?weeks, and on 20 patients who received placebo. At the baseline, after the sixth and twelfth weeks of treatment, body weight and blood pressure were measured, the BMI was calculated, and samples of blood and of first morning urine were collected. Serum lipid profiles, glucose levels, and nitric oxide levels were determined. The iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) present in the serum and urine samples were assessed. The erythrocyte hemolysate of the patients was use to assay the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). No changes were observed in BMI, blood pressure, or nitric oxide during the study. After 12?weeks of treatment, a decrease was observed in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and ferritin levels. GSH-Px and SOD activity increased after 12?weeks of sibutramine treatment. The Mg and Cu increases was observed in serum after the sixth and twelfth weeks of treatment. It was found that the Zn level decreased in serum after the twelfth week. The elimination of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu in urine also declined in the twelfth week. No differences were found in the women taking the placebo. In conclusion, we found that sibutramine had a positive effect on lipid and glucose status in obese women. However, the drug disturbed the balance of minerals, especially Zn and Mg, in the subjects.     

壳寡糖对环江香猪生化参数及肠道菌群组成的影响

为了探讨壳寡糖(COS)用作环江香猪饲料添加剂的可行性,试验选用21日龄断奶的环江香猪12头,随机分为2组,每组6头,分别饲喂添加0.5%COS的基础日粮和添加抗生素的基础日粮,试验期为14 d。试验结束时采集仔猪血液,肝素抗凝,离心分离血浆,测定生化参数;处死后取回肠和盲肠内容物,用荧光定量PCR测定其中双歧杆菌、乳酸杆菌、链球菌、大肠杆菌和总细菌的数量。结果表明,与对照组相比,壳寡糖组仔猪碱性磷酸酶活性显著增加(P<0.05),血氨和尿素氮含量有降低趋势(P>0.05);壳寡糖组回肠乳酸杆菌数量显著增加、链球菌数量显著降低(P<0.05),盲肠双歧杆菌和乳酸杆菌数量显著增加、大肠杆菌和链球菌数量显著降低(P<0.05)。上述结果提示,壳寡糖可在一定程度上改善环江香猪蛋白质代谢和肠道菌群平衡,从而增强其肠道健康。     

Alterations in Biochemical Parameters During Subacute Toxicity of Fluoride Alone and in Conjunction with Aluminum Sulfate in Goats

Fluoride toxicity is a serious health problem in many parts of the globe. In present study, sodium fluoride at 20 mg/kg alone and in conjunction with aluminum sulfate at 150 mg/kg was administered orally daily for 30 days in healthy goats of group 1 and 2, respectively, to access the alterations in the various biochemical parameters during subacute toxicity of fluoride alone and in conjunction with aluminum sulfate. In Group 1, significant alterations in plasma glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, magnesium, and sodium were observed on different days of exposure from their pre-exposure values. However, no significant changes were observed in plasma calcium, phosphorus, and potassium on different days of exposure of sodium fluoride. Similar type of biochemical alterations were noticed in the goats of Group 2 except BUN, total protein magnesium, and sodium. On the basis of results, it could be concluded that sodium fluoride alone and in conjunction with aluminum sulfate produced significant alterations in the various biochemical parameters of the body. Part of M.V.Sc. research conducted in Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, F.V.Sc. and A.H., SKUAST-J, R.S. Pura, Jammu-181102, J&K, INDIA.     

In Vitro Effect of Copper Chloride Exposure on Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Respiratory Chain Complex Activities of Mitochondria Isolated from Broiler Liver

This study is to examine if Cu(2+) can act directly on mitochondria or indirectly by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), isolated broiler hepatic mitochondria were exposed to different concentrations of Cu(2+) (10, 30, 50?μM). Respiratory chain complex activities, ROS generation, respiratory control ratio (RCR) and mitochondrial membrane potential were investigated. Dose-dependent inhibition of respiratory chain complexes and induction of ROS were observed, which coincided with decreasing RCR both with glutamate?+?malate or succinate. Further investigation indicated that the membrane potential determined by rhodamine 123 release decreased after CuCl(2) exposure at 30 and 50?μM. In addition, the effects of the antioxidants NAC (200?μM) and GSH (200?μM) were studied at 50?μM Cu(2+). The results indicate that Cu can induce mitochondrial dysfunction in excessive dose and the effect of Cu(2+) exposure on respiratory chain is not site-specific, and antioxidants can protect the mitochondrial function by reducing the formation of free radicals.     

重组白介素2对红鳍东方鲀的血液生化指标及免疫指标的影响

为研究重组白介素2(Recombinant interleukin-2,r IL-2)对红鳍东方鲀(Takifugu rubripes)血液生化指标及免疫指标的影响,选用体重为(205.9±30.5)g的红鳍东方鲀进行了重组白介素2的免疫应答实验。设计r IL-2免疫剂量为2.5、5、7.5、10μg,并在免疫后的4 h、8 h和12 h进行采血。结果表明:经r IL-2免疫后红鳍东方鲀血清中尿素氮含量在各个浓度组的8 h时间点显著高于同组内其它时间点(P<0.05),4 h时间点甘油三酯含量有随着免疫浓度增加而增加的趋势,谷草转氨酶活性在8 h时间点要显著高于其他时间点(P<0.05),2.5μg、5μg浓度组过氧化氢酶的活性在4 h时间点显著高于其他各组(P<0.05),对免疫球蛋白的含量也有显著影响。本研究发现,r IL-2的免疫可引起血液生化指标和免疫指标的变化,尤其是超氧化物歧化酶和谷草转氨酶的变化较为显著(P<0.05),可在一定程度上促进红鳍东方鲀的免疫反应。