The effect of hydroalcoholic Berberis integerrima fruits extract on the lipid profile,antioxidant parameters and liver and kidney function tests in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the hepatic disorders which is characterized by increasing fat deposits in the liver. This disorder may lead to elevation the activity of liver enzymes and is associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type II diabetes. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of Berberis integerrima extract on NAFLD patients compare to placebo.MethodsThe present clinical trial was performed on 42 NAFLD patients who were randomly divided into two groups. The case group received a capsule (750 mg) containing hydro-alcoholic extract of Berberis integerrima extract every 12 h for 2 months, while the control (placebo) group received a capsule containing cellulose. Baseline characteristics, biochemical factors, antioxidant parameter, functional liver and renal test were evaluated before and after the treatment.ResultsComparison rate of different parameters in case group before and after treatment demonstrated that BMI, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes and renal parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly decreased while HDL-C, glutathione peroxidase enzyme, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly elevated. The comparison of the mean parameters difference in two groups indicated that cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes and renal factors were significantly decreased, however HDL-C, glutathione peroxidase enzyme, and total antioxidant capacity were significantly increased in case group compared to control group.ConclusionThe study findings revealed that the Berberis integerrima extract could reduce biochemical factors of blood, except HDL-C and increases total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase enzyme. Therefore, hydro-alcoholic extract of Berberis integerrima may be used as a great supplementary medicine in treating NAFLD.     

Hypermethioninemia provokes oxidative damage and histological changes in liver of rats

In the present study we evaluated the effect of chronic methionine administration on oxidative stress and biochemical parameters in liver and serum of rats, respectively. We also performed histological analysis in liver. Results showed that hypermethioninemia increased chemiluminescence, carbonyl content and glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased total antioxidant potential, as well as altered catalase activity. Hypermethioninemia increased synthesis and concentration of glycogen, besides histological studies showed morphological alterations and reduction in the glycogen/glycoprotein content in liver. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and glucose were increased in hypermethioninemic rats. These findings suggest that oxidative damage and histological changes caused by methionine may be related to the hepatic injury observed in hypermethioninemia.     

The effects of starvation and force-feeding on the metabolism of the Northern pike, Esox lucius L.

The effects of starvation and force-feeding on certain tissue and blood constituents were studied in the Northern pike, Esox lucius L. Starvation resulted in a reduction of liver and muscle glycogen and liver lipid. Blood glucose concentration and haematocrit were reduced, total plasma cholesterol levels were increased, while the levels of plasma free fatty acids (FFA), amio acid nitrogen and protein remained unaltered. No significant changes were observed in either muscle protein, muscle water or the response to amino acid loading during the starvation period.
The force-feeding of pike starved for 3 months resulted in liver lipid and muscle glycogen being increased to levels higher than those observed in freshly-captured fish. Liver glycogen, however, increased to values only slightly higher than those of starved animals. Furthermore, while force-feeding had little effect on plasma FFA or protein concentrations, blood glucose, plasma cholesterol and haematocrit returned to the levels found in freshlycaptured fish and those of amino acid nitrogen were higher.
The results indicate that pike are well adapted for periods of prolonged starvation and that hepatic and extra-hepatic lipid and glycogen stores serve for metabolic needs during food shortage, while body protein is conserved. The endocrine basis for these changes in the tissue and blood constituents is discussed.     

Frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight/obese children and adults: Clinical,sonographic picture and biochemical assessment

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition defined by significant lipid accumulation (5–10%) in hepatic tissue in the absence of significant chronic alcohol consumption. We aim to detect frequency of fatty liver among overweight/obese adults and children and associated clinical; anthropological measures; biochemical; genetic and imaging studies. Eighty three consecutive adults and 72 children included in the study. All patients underwent clinical measurements of height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference. Biochemical investigations were done to all subjects including liver function tests; lipid profile; fasting blood glucose; insulin resistance (IR); high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP); adiponectin and genotyping of adiponectin genes. Abdominal ultrasonography was done to search for fatty liver; to measure subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and visceral fat thickness (VFT). Fatty liver was detected in 47 (65.3%) children and in 52 (62.7%) adults. Correlation analysis in both groups revealed that enlarged liver was highly positively correlated to age; BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP); waist circumference; hip circumference, subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and Visceral fat thickness (VFT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT). In addition in adults to fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), IR and hs-CRP. Homozygous T adiponectin genotype at position +276 was significantly increased among children with enlarged liver size and hs-CRP. NAFLD affects a substantial portion of adults and children; it is associated with the metabolic syndrome.     

Protective effect of carnosic acid on acrylamide‐induced liver toxicity in rats: Mechanistic approach over Nrf2‐Keap1 pathway

Acrylamide is a food contaminant with a range of toxic effects. Carnosic acid (C₂₀H₂₈O₄) is a phenolic compound found in plants and has many beneficial effects. In this study, we aimed at investigating the effect of carnosic acid on acrylamide‐induced liver damage. Rats (n = 7) were allotted to control, carnosic acid, acrylamide, acrylamide + carnosic acid groups. Animals were euthanized. Their blood was taken for biochemical analysis, and liver tissue was excised for morphological, immunohistochemical, and immunoblotting analyses. As a result, acrylamide reduced bodyweight, liver weight, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity levels but increased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index levels, Nrf2, and Keap1 protein levels. In addition, acrylamide disrupted liver histology leading to vascular congestion, cellular infiltration, necrotic cells, and so forth. Carnosic acid cotreatment ameliorated the altered biochemical parameters, liver histology, Nrf2, and Keap1 enzyme levels. In conclusion, carnosic acid has the potential to be used as a protective agent against acrylamide‐induced liver damage.     

实验性鸡脂肪肝出血综合征模型的建立与评价

目的 建立一种造模时间较短、成本较低,成功率更高的鸡脂肪肝出血综合征动物模型.方法 320只14日龄青脚麻鸡随机分为对照组、高脂模型组、雌激素模型组和高脂结合雌激素模型组,每组设4个重复,每个重复20只,共处理28 d.期间每天观察记录鸡的临床状况,并于实验14、28 d测定血清生化指标、肝脏相关参数以及腹腔脂肪重、肝脏病理形态学变化.结果 对照组在28 d内未发生脂肪肝出血综合征,而高脂结合雌激素模型组在实验14 d发生了脂肪肝出血综合征.临床观察见10d后部分鸡开始出现张口呼吸、嗜睡、腹部大而下垂等临床表现.14 d及28 d后,剖检见腹腔脂肪过度沉积,肝脏明显肿大、黄染、质脆、边缘钝厚、表面可见散在点状或斑状出血;14 d后,显微镜下可见肝细胞轻度变性,胞质内出现较小的脂肪空泡.28 d后,可观察到大量肝细胞体积极度肿大,胞质内充满较大的脂肪空泡,肝脏结构紊乱等病理学变化;28 d后FLHS发生率高于14 d.血清甘油三酯浓度、总胆固醇浓度、肝脏相对重、腹脂相对重、肝脂率、肝出血分数与对照组相比,差异皆有显著性(P＜0.05或P＜0.01).雌激素模型组和高脂模型组的临床症状、剖检特征、病理组织学变化及血液生化指标的变化趋势与高脂结合雌激素模型组相似,但程度稍轻、发生时间较晚.结论 通过28 d的高脂日粮与雌激素复合诱导,可成功建立鸡脂肪肝出血综合征模型.     

Swimming training induces liver adaptations to oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity in rats submitted to high-fat diet

Oxidative stress, physical inactivity and high-fat (FAT) diets are associated with hepatic disorders such as metabolic syndrome (MS). The therapeutic effects of physical training (PT) were evaluated in rats with MS induced by FAT diet for 13 weeks, on oxidative stress and insulin signaling in the liver, during the last 6 weeks. FAT-sedentary (SED) rats increased body mass, retroperitoneal fat, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), and total cholesterol, serum alanine aminotransferase, glucose and insulin. Livers of FAT-SED rats increased superoxide dismutase activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, protein carbonyl and oxidized glutathione (GSSG); and decreased catalase activity, reduced glutathione/GSSG ratio, and the mRNA expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and serine/threonine kinase 2. FAT-PT rats improved in fitness and reduced their body mass, retroperitoneal fat, and glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, MAP and HR; and their livers increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, the reduced glutathione/GSSG ratio and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and insulin receptor compared to FAT-SED rats. These findings indicated adaptive responses to PT by restoring the oxidative balance and insulin signaling in the liver and certain biometric and biochemical parameters as well as MAP in MS rats.     

Does rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) support regeneration of rat liver after intoxication by carbon tetrachloride?

This study evaluates the effect of rooibos tea (RT, Aspalathus linearis) on biochemical and histological parameters during rat liver regeneration after intoxication by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). From the 10th week, when the administration of CCl4 was terminated, the liver tissue began to regenerate. Seven days later in the regeneration phase, the animals treated by RT during whole period of the experiment, and those which drunk RT only during the regeneration period, exhibited a trend for decrease in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and significant decrease in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and in total bilirubin content when compared with the water-drinking group. At the same time, the concentration of plasma albumin was elevated and that of tissue malondialdehyde decreased in the both groups drinking RT. After 42 days of regeneration, all biochemical parameters in all three groups reached the level of control healthy animals. In both groups treated with RT, the extent of fibrotic tissue was lower than in the group which received water. We conclude that RT can be recommended not only for the prevention but also as a co-adjuvant for the therapy of liver diseases.     

有氧运动对非酒精性脂肪肝小鼠肝脏CNPY2-PERK通路的影响

目的:探讨有氧运动对高脂诱导小鼠非酒精性脂肪肝(NAFLD)的影响及其肝脏冠层成纤维细胞生长因子信号调节器2 (CNPY2)-PKR样内质网激酶(PERK)机制。方法:8周龄雄性C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为对照组(C)、对照+运动组(CE),NAFLD模型组(M)和NAFLD模型+运动组(ME),每组10只。C组和CE组小鼠给予普通饲料,M组和ME组小鼠给予高脂饲料(脂肪供能占比为60%),连续喂养18周至实验结束,取小鼠血清和肝脏。CE组和ME组从第10周起进行有氧跑台训练(12 m/min,每次60 min,每周5 d)。检测小鼠血清总胆固醇(TC)、总甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-c)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-c)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)和天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)水平;观察小鼠肝组织病理学形态;检测肝组织CNPY2、PERK、p-eIF2a、CHOP、CNPY2 mRNA、PERK mRNA表达和CNPY2、PERK的阳性表达。结果:与C组比较,M组小鼠的血清LDL-c、TC、TG、ALT和AST水平显著升高(P<0.05),HDL-c水平显著降低(...     

Protective effect of ursolic acid on ethanol-mediated experimental liver damage in rats

Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid that exists in nature and is the major component of some traditional medicinal herbs. In this study, ursolic acid has been evaluated for its hepatoprotective effect against chronic ethanol-mediated toxicity in rats. Ethanol administration (7.9 g/kg/day) for 60 days resulted in increased oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant defense and liver injury. It also negatively affected the serum total protein, albumin and A/G ratio. Subsequent to the experimental induction of toxicity (i.e. after the initial period of 30 days) ursolic acid treatment performed by co-administering ursolic acid (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days along with the daily dose of ethanol. While this treatment causing a significant improvement in body weight, food intake and serum protein levels, it decreases serum aminotransferase activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and total bilirubin levels. Ursolic acid improved the antioxidant status of alcoholic rats, which is evaluated by the decreased levels of lipid peroxidation markers in plasma (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides) and increased levels of circulatory antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. Histopathological observations were also in correlation with the biochemical parameters. The activity of ursolic acid (20 mg/kg) compares well with silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug, and seems to be better in certain parameters. The protective effect of ursolic acid is probably related to its antioxidant activities.     

High dietary fat exacerbates arsenic-induced liver fibrosis in mice

Many factors could potentially affect the process of arsenic-induced liver fibrosis. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of high fat diet on arsenic-induced liver fibrosis and preneoplastic changes. Mice were given sodium arsenite (As3+, 200 ppm) or sodium arsenate (As5+, 200 ppm) in the drinking water for 10 months, and provided a normal diet or a diet containing 20% added fat. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), indicative of liver injury, was elevated in both arsenite and arsenate groups, and a high fat diet further increased these levels. Histopathology (H&E and Masson stain) showed that liver inflammation, steatosis (fatty liver), hepatocyte degeneration, and fibrosis occurred with arsenic alone, but their severity was markedly increased with the high fat diet. Total liver RNA was isolated for real-time RT-PCR analysis. Arsenic exposure increased the expression of inflammation genes, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, iNOS, chemokines, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2. The expression of the stress-related gene heme oxygenase-1 was increased, while metallothionein-1 and GSH S-transferase-pi were decreased when arsenic was combined with the high fat diet. Expression of genes related to liver fibrosis, such as procollagen-1 and -3, SM-actin and TGF-beta, were synergistically increased in the arsenic plus high fat diet group. The expression of genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP1, TIMP2) was also enhanced, suggestive of early oncogenic events. In general, arsenite produced more pronounced effects than arsenate. In summary, chronic inorganic arsenic exposure in mice produces liver injury, and a high fat diet markedly increases arsenic-induced hepatofibrogenesis.     

Reference values for biochemical parameters in blood serum of young and adult alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The aim of this study was to establish reference interval for biochemical parameters in blood of alpacas on the basis of large population of clinically healthy animals, and to determine the influence of sex, age and season on nitrogen and lipid metabolites, enzymes, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals in blood of alpacas. Blood samples were collected from 311 alpacas (61 males and 201 females >6 months of age and 49 crias (21 males and 28 females) ⩽6 months of age). Selected farms were located in Central Europe (Czech Republic and Germany). We determined 24 biochemical parameters from blood serum. We performed the comparison of results by the sex of animals and for the older group also the comparison of the results with regard to the season, respectively, to the feeding period. We found no highly significant difference (P<0.01) between males and females with the exception of γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholesterol. We found 15 significantly different parameters between the group of crias 6 months of age and the older alpacas. Based on our findings we suggest for most parameters to use different reference intervals (especially ALP, cholesterol, total protein, globulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), GGT and phosphorus) for the two above-mentioned age groups. Another important finding is the differences between some parameters in older group of alpacas in summer/winter feeding period. Animals in the summer feeding period have higher values of parameters related to fat mobilization (β-hydroxybutyrate, NEFA) and liver metabolism (bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase). The winter period with increased feeding of supplements with higher amount of fat, vitamins and minerals is characteristic by increased values of cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamins A and E, and some minerals (K, Ca, Mg and Cl) in blood serum. Clinical laboratory diagnosis of metabolic disturbances may be improved with use of age-based reference values and with consideration of seasonal differences.     

Arginase as a useful factor for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer liver metastases

The present work is a continuation of studies on arginase as a marker in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the arginase test in comparison with other colorectal cancer tests such as CEA, CA 19-9 and biochemical markers of liver function such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The studies were conducted on blood serum from 85 patients with CRCLM obtained one to two days before tumor resection. The control group comprised 140 healthy blood donors and 81 patients with various non-malignant gastrointestinal diseases. Raised arginase activity was observed in serum of 85% of CRCLM patients, whereas elevated levels of CEA and CA 19-9 were found in 63% and 42% of patients, respectively. The combination of CEA or CA 19-9 with the arginase assay improved their sensitivity, but the sensitivity of the combined parameters was not higher than that of the arginase test itself. AST and ALT activities were increased in about 30% of CRCLM patients. The specificity of the arginase test calculated for 221 control subjects was 76%. It can thus be concluded that the determination of serum arginase activity can be helpful in the diagnosis of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases.     

Detection of TTV in peripheral blood cells from patients with altered ALT and AST levels

This work analyzes the prevalence of TTV DNA in peripheral blood cells from patients with hepatic alterations and healthy blood donors and measures levels of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, phosphatase alkaline, total and direct bilirubin, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in certain randomly selected patients. DNA samples from 111 individuals were evaluated. They were divided into two groups, "A" (study) and "B" (control), including 54 patients with liver enzyme alterations (ALT/AST) presenting non-B-non-C hepatitis and 57 blood donors, respectively. TTV DNA was determined by nested PCR. Certain products of the second-round PCR were sequenced. Serum biochemical assay was performed and disclosed TTV in 31.48% (17/54) of patients in group A and 5.26% (3/57) in the control group B. TTV prevalence was significantly higher in patients with liver disease than in healthy donors. In group A, sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, phosphatase alkaline, total and direct bilirubin, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were analyzed in certain randomly selected patients and no significant difference in biochemical levels (p>0.05) was found when TTV infected and noninfected individuals were compared. Knowledge related to TTV has rapidly increased, but many fundamental aspects remain unclear. This led us to question the role of TTV and doubt remains as to whether or not it is just a commensal virus. Further studies are necessary to confirm and extend these findings.     

Minor liver profile dysfunctions in Plasmodium vivax, P. malaria and P. ovale patients and normalization after treatment

Liver function tests were performed in 61 vivax, 54 malariae and 15 ovale malaria patients who were admitted to Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases between 2001 and 2004. The objective of the study was to evaluate changes in hepatic biochemical indices before and after treatment with artemisinin derivatives. On admission and prior to treatment, hepatic dysfunction was found among the 3 groups. Serum liver function tests and physical examinations were performed weekly during the 28-day follow-up period. Initially elevated serum bilirubin and diminished albumin returned to normal within 2 weeks of treatment. Serum alkaline phosphatase and aminotransferases returned to within normal limits within 3 weeks. We conclude that patients with Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale infections had slightly elevated serum bilirubin, aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels, and hypoalbuminemia. These minor abnormalities returned to normal within a few weeks after treatment with therapies based on artemisinin derivatives.     

青少年食蟹猴糖尿病模型的肝脏病理生理学研究

目的通过对胰岛素用量不足条件下链脲佐菌素诱导的青少年食蟹猴1型糖尿病模型肝脏病理生理学的研究,探讨长期高血糖所致青少年食蟹猴肝损伤特点及机制。方法通过静脉注射68 mg/kg的链脲佐菌素,诱导4只3岁的食蟹猴成为1型糖尿病模型,然后经长期的血糖监测和静脉糖耐量实验来评价该模型的可靠性及稳定性,造模4年后,对模型猴进行血生化、PAS染色、苏丹III染色及普通病理和超微病理等指标的检测,另外选取4只健康与模型猴年龄匹配的猴作为正常对照组,同时进行相应的检测。结果与正常对照组比较,糖尿病猴血清学检测指标中总胆汁酸、尿素氮、谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、胆碱酯酶、乳酸脱氢酶、总胆固醇、甘油三酯和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇明显升高。组织化学染色结果显示,与正常猴比较,糖尿病猴中央静脉区肝实质细胞肿胀,肝细胞PAS染色（糖原染色）加深,苏丹Ⅲ染色（脂肪染色）阳性细胞增多;电镜结果显示糖尿病猴肝细胞内胞质糖原颗粒增多;线粒体电子密度显著增高,结构不清;窦周隙内含有大量脂滴的肝星状细胞明显增多。结论在长期胰岛素用量不足血糖控制不理想的条件下,青少年食蟹猴1型糖尿病模型肝脏特异性的病理改变是肝糖原贮积和含有大量脂滴的肝星状细胞增生,这些病理改变与非酒精性脂肪肝病的病变特点存在显著不同,但其机制目前尚不清楚。     

A kinetic study of the natural induction of liver steatosis in Greylag Landaise geese: the role of hyperphagia

We have previously demonstrated that a sharp rise in feed intake (hyperphagia) and spontaneous liver steatosis could be experimentally induced in domestic Greylag geese by combining a short photoperiod and a sequence of feed restriction followed by ad libitum corn feeding during the fall and the winter. In this previous work, however, individual feed intake could not be recorded. The present study aimed at evaluating the relationship between level and pattern of hyperphagia and liver weight with an individual control of feed intake in individually housed (IH) geese, while comparing the performances with group housed (GH) geese. A total of 300 male geese of 19 weeks of age, were provided with corn ad libitum after an initial feed restriction period. From 21 to 23 weeks of age, the daylight duration was progressively reduced from 10 to 7 h and kept as such until the end of the experiment (week 36). In all, 30 GH and 30 IH geese were slaughtered at 19, 27, 30, 32 and 36 weeks of age. Feed intake was measured per group in GH geese and individually in IH geese. During the 1^st week of corn feeding, the average feed intake rose up to 600 g/goose per day in GH geese but not in IH geese where the feed intake rose gradually from 300 to 400 g/day. The liver weight increased from 93 g (week 19) to 497 g (week 32; P<0.05) in GH birds. In IH birds, liver weights were, on average, much lower (ranging from 220 to 268 g) than in GH birds (P<0.05). In GH and IH bird, the variability in the individual response to corn feeding was very high (liver weight c_v ranging from 63% to 83% depending on slaughter age). A close correlation between corn consumption and liver weight was evidenced in IH birds at each slaughter age (R² ranging from 0.62 to 0.79), except at 36 weeks of age where this correlation was weak (R²=0.14). The variability in the extent of liver steatosis is very high and our results in IH birds clearly point out the major role of hyperphagia, mainly at the beginning of the ad libitum corn feeding period, on the development of spontaneous liver steatosis.     

Metabolism in two breeds of geese with moderate or large overfeeding induced liver-steatosis

Biochemical mechanisms which may control fat deposition in liver and/or peripheral tissues have been studied in Poland and Landes geese. Post-prandial plasma substrates and post-heparin lipoprotein-lipase (LPL) activity were measured in 10-week-old animals. At 23 weeks of age, geese were overfed for 14 days then slaughtered. Hepatic steatosis was more important in Landes geese, while muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue were less developed. In this breed, fatty liver weight negatively scaled to LPL activity, suggesting that a low LPL activity is a limiting factor of peripheral fat deposition. Consequently, non-catabolized VLDL may return to liver and increase hepatic steatosis. In Poland geese, such a mechanism does not exist. On the other hand, fatty liver weight was positively correlated to very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and triacylglycerols measured in overfed Poland geese, suggesting that lipids synthetized by liver are better transferred from liver to extrahepatic tissues. Kinetics of post-prandial plasma glucose, triacylglycerols, phospholipids and uric acid were similar in the two breeds. However, the marked decrease in post-prandial plasma glycerol in Poland geese suggests that an extrahepatic tissue lipolysis inhibition could contribute to the higher peripheral fattening in overfed Poland geese and could be a limiting factor of hepatic steatosis in this breed.     

Toxic and sub-lethal effects of oleandrin on biochemical parameters of fresh water air breathing murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch.)

Active compound oleandrin extracted from Nerium indicum (Lal Kaner) leaf has potent piscicidal activity. The piscicidal activity of oleandrin on freshwater fish C. punctatus was both time and dose dependent. Exposure to sub-lethal doses of oleandrin for 24hr and 96hr to fish caused significant alteration in the level of total protein, total free amino acid, nucleic acid, glycogen, pyruvate, lactate and enzyme protease, phosphatases, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and acetylcholinesterase activity in liver and muscle tissues. The alterations in all the above biochemical parameters were also significantly time and dose dependent. The results show a significant recovery in all the above biochemical parameters, in both liver and muscle tissues of fish after the 7th day of the withdrawal of treatment. Toxicity persistence test of oleandrin on juvenile Labeo rohita shows that fish seed of common culturing carp can be released into rearing ponds after three days of oleandrin treatment. It supports the view that the oleandrin is safer and may be useful substitute of other piscicides for removing the unwanted freshwater fishes from aquaculture ponds.