The Effects of a Fermented Rapeseed or/and Soybean Meal Additive on Antioxidant Parameters in the Blood and Tissues of Piglets

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) and/or rapeseed meal (FRSM) on the redox status of blood and tissues in piglets. The experiment was conducted on 150 28-day-old weaned piglets divided into five groups. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in the experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with FRSM and/or FSBM: group FR—8% FRSM; group FR/FS—6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; group FS/FR—2% FRSM and 6% FSBM; and group FS—8% FSBM. Group FR/FS showed an increase in FRAP and low-molecular-weight antioxidants, i.e., vitamin C, urea, uric acid, and albumin (ALB), as well as an increase in catalase activity. Blood levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) were decreased. A reduction in lipid peroxidation due to the use of FR/FS was also indicated by a decrease in liver MDA and jejunum wall LOOH levels. Increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and vitamin C levels in these tissues were also noted. The results of the study indicate that the inclusion of fermented rapeseed meal in the diet (6%) in combination with soybean meal (2%), improved the redox status of the weaners.

Effect of Dietary Flaxseed Oil Supplementation on the Redox Status, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Horses’ Blood

This study compared the effect of two dietary vegetable oils on plasma biochemical indices, haematological parameters, and redox status of horses. Forty riding horses (20 mares and 20 stallions) of the Malopolski breed were divided equally into two groups that were similar in terms of age, sex, and body weight (on average 530 ± 30 kg). The horses received soybean oil (SO) or flaxseed oil (FO) in the amount of 25 mL per 100 kg BW/day. After 60 days, blood was collected for biochemical and haematological analyses. The results show that horses receiving FO as compared to the SO group had significantly lower plasma levels of glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and triacylglycerols, as well as the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. In turn, %HDL-TC and lactate dehydrogenase activity were significantly higher in the FO group. The inclusion of FO in the diet contributed to an increase in antioxidant indices: creatinine, vitamin C, copper, and zinc contents and also superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The level of the end product of lipid peroxidation, i.e., malonyl dialdehyde, in the FO group as compared to the SO group was significantly lower. Moreover, FO caused an elevation in red blood cell indicators, lymphocyte count and lysozymes. In conclusion, FO exerts a beneficial effect by stimulating antioxidant defence mechanisms of horses and reducing the severity of oxidative stress. FO also improved the lipid profile and haematological parameters of the blood. The replacement of SO by FO is recommended based on these findings.

Anti-Varroa Efficiency of Coumaphos and Its Influence on Oxidative Stress and Survival of Honey Bees

Apart from the efficiency of coumaphos against Varroa mites, its impact on the oxidative status and survival of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) was assessed. The research was conducted on hives from the same apiary, equalised regarding the number of bees, brood area and food storage. Based on Varroa infestation the hives were allotted to two groups: non-infested (N) and infested (I). Both groups were either treated (T) – NT and IT, or untreated (U) – NU and IU. The treatment of infested bees was controlled with a follow-up treatment with amitraz. The efficiency of coumaphos was 96-97%. This organophosphate had a negligible effect on bee survival, but it significantly affected their oxidative status: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities, and the concentrations of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA). Coumaphos significantly (p˂0.0001) decreased SOD activity in non-infested bees, but increased it in those infested. By contrast, both CAT and GST activities, as well as MDA concentrations significantly increased (from p˂0.05 to p˂0.0001) after treatment in all groups, with the exception of IT, where it declined. Coumaphos in non-infested hives caused oxidative stress per se, not unlike varroa in infested colonies. However, in infested colonies it decreased oxidative stress, owing to its efficacy against Varroa mites and contributed to the recovery of bee colonies. In spite of its certain downsides, coumaphos remains an effective anti-varroa substance, but should be used with precaution, not to add to the effects of environmental factors which may cause red-ox misbalance.

Enhancement of colour quality, growth, and health status of rainbow Kurumoi fish Melanotaenia parva through dietary synthetic carotenoids supplementation

ABSTRACT Carotenoids were known as pigment sources, the precursor of vitamin A, potential antioxidant and can improve the health status of fish. Furthermore, there are also studies that reveal the role of carotenoids in bone formation and metabolism. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different carotenoids at two different doses in the feed on growth, pigmentation, vitamin A conversion, blood profile, antioxidant activity, and calcium bone of the rainbow fish. Twenty-one aquariums with a volume of 20 L each stocked with 20 fish (1.08 ± 0.03 g of body weight and 4.56 ± 0.07 cm of body length). The experiment applied seven experimental diets (in triplicates) consisted of three types of carotenoids were astaxanthin (AS), canthaxanthin (CS), and lutein (LS) and two doses (130 and 260 mg/kg), i.e. AS-130, AS-260, CS-130, CS-260, LS-130, LS-260 and basal (without carotenoids) as the control. The fish were fed for 56 days of experimental period. The results showed that carotenoid diets were able to increase growth, total carotenoids, percentages of chromatophores, vitamin A conversion, erythrocyte, leukocytes, packed cell volume (PCV), neutrophils, and hemoglobin (Hb) compared to the control. Fish fed dietary astaxanthin at a level of 260 mg/kg was superior compared to other diets. Dietary carotenoids were also capable of decreasing the endogenous antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) and increased the calcium level in fish bone than basal diet. Keywords: carotenoids, growth, health status, Melanotaenia parva, pigmentation ABSTRAK Karotenoid diketahui sebagai sumber pigmen, prekursor vitamin A, antioksidan potensial dan dapat meningkatkan status kesehatan ikan. Selain itu, karotenoid juga memiliki peran dalam formasi dan metabolism tulang. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengevaluasi pengaruh jenis dan dosis karotenoid yang berbeda terhadap pertumbuhan, pigmentasi, konversi vitamin A, gambaran darah, aktifitas antioksidan dan kalsium tulang ikan rainbow Kurumoi. Sebanyak 20 ekor ikan (bobot tubuh rata-rata 1,08 ± 0,03 g dan panjang total rata-rata 4,56 ± 0,07 cm) dan diberi makan pakan yang mengandung karotenoid. Pakan uji terdiri atas tiga jenis karotenoid dengan tiga ulangan yaitu astaksantin (AS), cantaksantin (CS), dan lutein (LS) dan dua dosis (130 dan 260 mg/kg) dikodekan dengan AS-130, AS-260, CS-130, CS-260, LS-130, LS-260 dan basal (tanpa karotenoid) sebagai kontrol. Ikan diberi makan selama 56 hari pemeliharaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa karotenoid dapat meningkatkan pertumbuhan, total karotenoid, persentase kromatofora, konversi vitamin A, eritrosit, leukosit, hematokrit, neutrofil, dan hemoglobin dibandingkan dengan kontrol. Ikan yang diberi pakan mengandung astaksantin 200 mg/kg lebih baik dibandingkan denga pakan uji lainnya. Pakan yang mengandung karotenoid juga mampu menurunkan antioksidan endogenus superoxide dismutase (SOD) dan malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), serta meningkatkan kalsium tulang ikan dibandingkan pakan kontrol. Keywords: Melanotaenia parva, karotenoid, pertumbuhan, pigmentasi, status kesehatan.

PROTECTIVE ROLE OF DAIDZEIN AGAINST CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of daidzein on cyclophosphamide (CPA) induced nephrotoxicity in experimental rats.Methods: The Wistar rats of either sex were randomly divided into five equal groups: Group I (normal saline 1 ml p. o.), Group II (CPA 150 mg/mg i. p), Group III (Daidzein 20 mg/kg p. o.+CPA 150 mg/kg, i. p.), Group IV (Daidzein 40 mg/kg p. o.+CPA 150 mg/kg, i. p.) and Group V (Daidzein 40 mg/kg p. o., alone). Rats of all groups except Group I and Group V treated with CPA in a dosage of 150 mg/mg i. p in the last five days of treatment. Blood samples were collected on 11th day from each rat and subjected for the evaluation of serum markers such as Serum creatinin, serum urea and serum uric acid. Kidney of each rat was excised and subjected for antioxidant parameters evaluation such as malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and histopathological study.Results: Daidzein explored a significant (P<0.001) role in CPA-induced nephrotoxicity by suppressing serum creatinine, serum urea and serum uric acid. Daidzein also demonstrated significant (P<0.001) protection against CPA-induced nephrotoxicity by decreasing MDA level and by elevating the GSH, SOD, catalase at different doses.Conclusions: The obtained results of present study revealed that daidzein attenuates the CPA-induced nephrotoxicity by antioxidant defence action in rats.

Effect of an Aloe Preparation and 5-Oxo-1,2,4-Triazine on the Redox Profile of the Blood of Turkey Hens Subjected to Stress

The aim of this study was to determine whether the introduction of stress affects corticosterone and malonyl dialdehyde levels and antioxidant indices of the blood of turkey hens, and whether additives used in conjunction with stress, such as aloe extract supplemented with trans-resveratrol and vitamin C or the amidrazone derivative 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine, can mitigate adverse changes that may occur in these parameters. The experiment was carried out on 360 turkey hens allocated randomly to 6 groups of 60 birds each. Groups C and C(+)stress were the control groups and did not receive any additive. Birds from groups A and A(+)stress were administered aloe extract with the addition of trans-resveratrol and vitamin C in the amount of 0.70 ml/kg body weight (BW)/ day. The turkey hens from groups T and T(+)stress received 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine in the amount of 30 μg/kg BW/day. Blood tests included determination of the content of corticosterone and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), total plasma antioxidant potential (FRAP) and vitamin C, as well as activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT ) and glutathione peroxidase (PGx). The blood serum samples were also analysed for levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The stress factors applied resulted in a significant increase in the level of corticosterone and MDA and in SOD and CAT activity in the blood plasma of the turkey hens. A significant decrease in the level of vitamin C and total plasma antioxidant potential were also recorded in the birds treated with stress. The aloe preparation supplemented with trans-resveratrol and vitamin C caused a significant increase in vitamin C, FRAP, Fe and Cu, and a decrease in the corticosterone and MDA levels in the blood plasma of the turkey hens, while in the blood plasma of birds treated with 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazine a significant increase was noted in superoxide dismutase activity and a decrease in the malonyl dialdehyde level. In order to alleviate the negative effect of stress, supplementation of diets with aloe extract supplemented with resveratrol and vitamin C may be considered.

The effect of traumatic acid on the growth, metabolite content and antioxidant activity in Wolffia arrhiza (L.) Wimm. (Lemnaceae)

The research presented here was conducted in order to determine the influence of exogenous traumatic acid (TA) on the growth, metabolism, and antioxidative activity of vascular water plant, Wolffia arrhiza Wimm. The research was concerned with TA influences, in concentrations of 10−8 M − 10−4 M, on fresh W. arrhiza, and on primary metabolites, such as monosaccharides, proteins, chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids. It was determined that TA causes a substantial increase in these metabolites compared to the control, especially at concentrations of 10−7 − 10−6 M. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins (SDS-PAGE) was conducted in order to specify in more detail the qualitative changes in proteins, whose synthesis is stimulated by TA. Under the influence of TA W. arrhiza cells saw an induction of de novo synthesis of 3 proteins with molecular weights of 10, 58, and 90 kDa. It was proven that 10−7 − 10−6 M concentrations of TA also increase photosynthesis intensity and the activity of antioxidative enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase). In cells treated with exogenous TA, lipids’ peroxidation decreases (expressed as a drop in malonyl dialdehyde) and sulfhydryl (SH) groups in proteins increase. Based on our research, TA plays an important role in the regulation of growth and metabolism in W. arrhiza. Our results also show that TA possibly participates in the activation of antioxidant enzymes and its probable participation in the metabolic responses of lower water plants to oxidative stresses.

Changes of Cell Membrane Permeability Induced by DMSO and Ethanol in Suspension Cultures of Taxus Cuspidata

The changes of cell membrane permeability caused by dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and ethanol, two commonly used solvents in study of water-insoluble elicitors, were investigated in suspension cultures of Taxus cuspidata. The extracellular medium became alkalinized in the case of DMSO while the medium pH fluctuated upon the addition of ethanol. When the content of DMSO or ethanol was larger than 2% (v/v), the concentration of intracellular malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) increased remarkably at day 5 compared to that of the control, while that of the extracellular MDA less changed at a DMSO content of below 2% (v/v) and increased rapidly within 15 min at a DMSO content of 4% (v/v). The electrical conductivity (EC) decreased slightly when DMSO content was below 2% (v/v) but increased markedly at day 5 when DMSO content reached 4% (v/v). EC less varied when the content of ethanol was below 0.4% (v/v) but changed obviously when the ethanol content was larger than 1% (v/v). The cell membrane integrity hardly broke in the case of small concentration of DMSO (below 1%, v/v), but the presence of even small amount of ethanol (0.4%, v/v) caused cell membrane integrity lost partly, especially long time contact. It is thus concluded that DMSO is a more suitable solvent for water-insoluble elicitors compared to ethanol especially at low concentration levels.

Comparative study of antioxidant capacity in organs of different Allium species

Cultivated and wild Allium species were investigated in order to compare the antioxidant capacity of their leaves and bulbs. Leaf and bulb anti-oxidative enzymes and scavenger activities, along with quantities of non-enzymic antioxidants, malonyl-dialdehyde and OH radicals were determined. Results obtained suggest that leaves possess higher anti-oxidant and scavenging activities than bulbs in the majority of cultivated and wild Allium species examined. Cultivation of some wild species such as A. flavum L., A. schoenoprasum L. and A. ursinum L. could be conducted in the future in order to produce Allium species with high antioxidant capacity in leaves and bulbs.