Effects of High-Frequency Electrical Stunning Current Intensities on Pre-Slaughter Stunning Stress and Meat Lipid Oxidation in Geese

Intensive slaughtering with electrical stunning (ES) is replacing traditional manual slaughtering of geese in China. This study aimed to assess stunning stress and meat lipid oxidation in geese stunned by high-frequency current intensities. Forty male Yangzhou geese, 92 days old, were randomly allocated into five treatments with eight replicates per treatment. The geese in the control group were not stunned, while the other birds were stunned by alternating current (AC) in a water bath. Each bird received a current intensity of 20 mA (E20mA), 40 mA (E40mA), 70 mA (E70mA), or 100 mA (E100mA) for 10 s at 500 Hz. The gene expression of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 tended to decrease in the E40mA birds (p = 0.08). Stunning with 40 mA resulted in the maximum serum uric acid and urea among the ES groups and decreased serum adrenocorticotropin and creatine kinase (p < 0.01) compared with 70 mA and 100 mA. Increasing the current intensity reduced the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical elimination ability and total-superoxide dismutase linearly in goose breast meat at d 2 and in thigh meat at d 0 (all p < 0.01). Stunning geese with 40 mA at 500 Hz for 10 s could alleviate stunning stress and meat lipid oxidation.

Protective Effect of Zinc Oxide and Its Association with Neutrophil Degranulation in Piglets Infected with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has reemerged throughout the world in the past ten years and caused huge economic losses to the swine industry. No drugs are available to prevent or treat PEDV infection in piglets. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been shown to reduce diarrhea. However, little is known about its role in PEDV infection. In this study, twenty-four 7-day-old piglets were randomly divided into three treatment groups: control, PEDV, and ZnO+PEDV. Piglets in the ZnO+PEDV group were orally administered with 100 mg/kg·BW ZnO and then inoculated PEDV at a dose of 104.5 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious dose) per pig. Growth performance, histologic lesions, viral load, indicators of intestinal damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress were recorded or detected to determine the effect of ZnO on PEDV infection. And the underlying mechanisms were revealed by microarray and proteomic analyses. Results showed that ZnO administration mitigated diarrhea and the reduction of average daily weight gain induced by PEDV infection. ZnO could inhibit PEDV replication in the small intestine and colon. Both villus height and crypt depth were affected by PEDV infection in the duodenum and jejunum, which could be rescued by ZnO administration. Moreover, the activity of catalase was decreased both in plasma and intestine after PEDV infection, while increased in the intestine by ZnO administration. PEDV infection also significantly increased the concentration of H2O2 in jejunal and ileum and decreased the activity of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in plasma, whereas ZnO administration obviously increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase and decreased the concentration of H2O2 in the ileum. The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the plasma were all decreased upon ZnO administration. A large number of differentially expressed genes and proteins were identified in the ileum among the three groups by microarray and proteomic analyses. Gene Ontology and Reactome pathway analyses indicated that neutrophil degranulation and nutrient metabolism were the main biological process and pathways in both PEDV infection and ZnO administration. Overall, ZnO administration could improve growth performance, intestinal redox status, morphology, and function and reduce diarrhea in PEDV-infected piglets; ZnO could exert antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects on PEDV-infected piglets probably through regulating neutrophil degranulation. Our findings have important implications in piglet and infant nutrition.

Effect of fulvic acid on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) seedling growth under flooding conditions

Barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.] is a problematic weed that grows in rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields. Over-applying herbicide caused environmental pollution and the emergence of resistant weeds, and integrated weed management method can reduce the dependence on herbicides. The growth of E. crus-galli and rice seedlings could be significantly inhibited by high concentrations of fulvic acid (FA, C14H12O8) under flooding conditions (HF, 0.80 g/L) (p < 0.05). In contrast, the growth of seedlings could be promoted by the application of very low-concentration FA (LF, 0.02 g/L). The activities of glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) and antioxidant enzymes, including total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in E. crus-galli seedlings were enhanced by LF treatment; while the POD activity was decreased, the GSTs, T-SOD, and CAT activities were not significantly changed by HF treatment. The metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses showed that FA regulated E. crus-galli seedling growth by affecting the synthesis of indole derivatives and flavonoid compounds. Compared with the blank control (CK, 0 g/L), the levels of four indole derivatives were up-regulated under HF treatment, and the indole derivatives mentioned above were slightly down-regulated under LF treatment. The flavonoids, including naringenin, naringenin chalcone, eriodictyol, kaempferol, and epigallocatechin, were down-regulated under HF treatment, and the growth of E. crus-galli was restrained. In contrast, the metabolism and transcription of flavonoids were not significantly changed under LF treatment. Under the addition of 0.80 g/L FA, the growth of newly sprouted E. crus-galli was obviously inhibited, and the growth of rice was significantly promoted after eight days of rice planting (p < 0.05). The application of FA, therefore, might be a potential integrated weed management method to control the damage caused by E. crus-galli in paddy fields.

Zinc Supplementation Forms Influenced Zinc Absorption and Accumulation in Piglets

The study aimed at determining the effect of different zinc (Zn) supplementation forms on Zn accumulation, activities of Zn-containing enzymes, gene expression of metallothionein (MT), and Zn transporters in piglets. Eighteen piglets were randomly divided into three groups: (a) a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg Zn from Zn methionine (Zn-Met) in the feed (Zn-Met group), (b) a basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg Zn from Zn sulfate (ZnSO4) in the feed (ZnSO4, feed group), and (c) a basal diet supplemented with the same dose of Zn as in ZnSO4,feed group but in water (ZnSO4, water group). The results showed that Zn-Met added in feed and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water significantly improved (p < 0.05) the Zn concentration in liver and jejunum and the apparent digestibility of Zn in comparison with the ZnSO4 added in feed. In addition, dietary Zn supplementation as Zn-Met significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the jejunum of piglets in comparison with the ZnSO4, feed group. Furthermore, the Zn-Met and ZnSO4, water groups showed an improved total superoxide dismutase activity (T-SOD) in the ileum as compared to the ZnSO4, feed group. Meanwhile, the qPCR and western blot results showed that Zn-Met and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water increased the expression of MT in the jejunum in comparison with the ZnSO4 added in the piglets’ feed. However, different Zn supplementation forms had no effect on the mRNA expressions of Zip4 and ZnT1 transporters. In conclusion, Zn-Met added in feed and ZnSO4 dissolved in drinking water had higher bioavailability in piglets.

The effects of nanofatty acids on the nervous system

To investigate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (nanofatty acids) on the nervous system, 90 clean female mice aged 3?5 weeks old were randomly divided into two groups (n = 45). The experimental group was injected with nanofatty acids once every other day for a total of three times, while the control group was injected with the same volume of normal saline. The behavior, weight, plasma, malondialdehyde content in the brain homogenate, and total superoxide disodium alcohol were assessed after the treatments. Mice treated with nanofatty acid were easily provoked, hyperactive, and had significantly reduced body weight as compared to the control mice (P <0.05). These findings suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acid can reduce the levels of lipid peroxidation and the activity of total superoxide dismutase in mice. Our results suggest that nanofatty acid exposure has a protect effect on the nervous system.

Galectin-3 Deficiency Reduces Cardiac and Renal Antioxidant Capacity in Mice

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has increasingly been recognized as a modulator of inflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, fibrogenesis, and tissue remodeling. The objective of the current pilot study was to investigate the influence of Gal-3 on cardiac and renal antioxidant capacity using biochemical and histopathological examinations. Two groups (n=7 each) of male mice were tested: 1. control (CON) group (wild type of C57BL/6 mice) and 2. GAL-3-/- group (galectin-3-/- knockout mice). After overnight fasting, mice were sacrificed by exsanguination in ketamine (100mg/kg intraperitoneally). Then, cardiac and renal tissue samples were taken to determine the parameters of oxidative/nitrosative stress and antioxidant capacity. The levels of malondialdehyde and nitrites+nitrates was not significantly different in the GAL-3-/- group vs. the CON group. The total superoxide dismutase activity in the renal tissue of the GAL-3-/- mice was significantly lower compared to the CON group. Cardiac and renal catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity was significantly reduced in the GAL-3-/- group vs. the CON group, respectively. A significant decrease in glutathione level was also registered in hearts of the GAL-3-/- group vs. the CON group. Our findings indicate that Gal-3 deficiency does not lead to lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress in cardiac and renal tissue in mice. However, the lack of this beta-galactoside-binding lectin does reduce antioxidant capacity in both of the investigated tissues.

Features of the relationship between cone-beam computed tomography and the severity of oxidative stress in chronic generalized periodontitis with and without bronchoectatic disease

The study identified and analyzed the relationship between cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and markers of oxidative stress in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP) without somatic pathology and with bronchoectatic disease. 90 patients with CGP were examined, which were divided into two groups: patients with CGP without somatic pathology (n=40) and patients with CGP with comorbid pathology in the form of bronchiectatic disease (n=50). Somatically healthy persons with intact periodontal disease (n=40) were examined as a control group. Enzyme immunoassay was used to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and total superoxide dismutase (total SOD) of all three types — Cu/Zn-SOD + Mn-SOD + Fe-SOD) in oral fluid. In patients with CGP observed intensification of oxidative stress expressed in an increase in oxidation products of lipids and proteins, as well as a decrease in antioxidant protection. Greater intensification of the process of oxidative stress and deeper changes in periodontal tissues were detected in patients with CGP with bronchiectatic disease. According to the results of correlation analysis, statistically significant, positive relationships of different strength between changes in the level of MDA, AOPP, total SOD and CBCT parameters in patients with CGP, both without somatic pathology, and with bronchiectatic disease were revealed. The revealed interrelations evidence of the influence of the intensification of the process of oxidative stress on a condition of periodontal tissues at patients with CGP. The strength of the identified relationships between most of the indicators characterizing CB CT deep periodontal lesions was greater in patients with CGP with bronchiectatic disease.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus roots supplementation on growth performance, serum antioxidant and immune response in finishing lambs

Objective: <i>Astragalus membranaceus</i> root is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine with many biological active constituents. This study was conducted to examine the effects of <i>Astragalus membranaceus</i> root powder (AMP) on growth performance, serum antioxidant and immune response in finishing lambs.Methods: A total of thirty-six Guangling fat-tailed ram lambs (body weight = 19±2 kg, mean ±standard deviation) were randomly assigned to one of six treatments for a 40 d feeding period, with the first 10 d for adaptation. Treatments consisted of the lambs’ basal diets with addition of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g/kg of diet of AMP.Results: Response to supplementation level of AMP was quadratic (p≤0.032) for final weight and ADG with the greatest at 10 g/kg of diet, but dry matter intake was not affected (p≥0.227) by treatments. The increase of AMP supplementation resulted in a quadratic response in contents of triglyceride and creatinine (p<0.05), with the lowest values for 10 and 20 g/kg of diet, respectively. A linear and quadratic decrease was observed in activity of alkaline phosphatase in serum of lambs. As the AMP supplementation increased, the activities of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity increased linearly (p≤0.018) and hydroxyl radical (OH^–) decreased linearly (p = 0.002). For catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), quadratic (p≤0.001) effects were observed among treatments, with the greatest CAT and lowest MDA values at 10 g/kg AMP. Additionally, supplementing AMP up to a level of 10 or 15 g/kg of diet quadratically increased immunoglobulin and interleukin contents in the serum.Conclusion: The results indicated that AMP can be used as natural feed additive in the ration of lambs to improve ADG, antioxidant status, and immune functions, and the optimal dose was 10 g/kg of diet under the condition of this experiment.

Influence of dietary zinc on growth, zinc bioaccumulation and expression of genes involved in antioxidant and innate immune in juvenile mud crabs (Scylla paramamosain)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary Zn level on growth performance, Zn bioaccumulation, antioxidant capacity and innate immunity in juvenile mud crabs (Scylla paramamosain). Six semi-purified diets were formulated to contain dietary Zn levels of 44·5, 56·9, 68·5, 97·3, 155·6 or 254·7 mg/kg. Dietary Zn level significantly influenced percentage weight gain (PWG), with the highest observed in crabs fed the diet containing 97·3 mg/kg Zn. Tissue Zn concentrations significantly increased as dietary Zn levels increased from 44·5 to 254·7 mg/kg. Retention of Zn in hepatopancreas increased with dietary Zn levels up to 68·5 mg/kg and then significantly decreased. Moreover, inadequate dietary Zn (44·5 and 56·9 mg/kg) reduced antioxidation markers including total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Cu/Zn SOD activities and total antioxidant level. Crabs fed the diet with 44·5 mg/kg Zn also showed significantly lower expression of genes involved in antioxidant status, such as Cu/Zn SOD, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and thioredoxin than those fed diets containing 68·5 and 97·3 mg/kg Zn. The highest activities of phenoloxidase and alkaline phosphatase were recorded in crabs fed the diets containing 68·5 and 97·3 mg/kg Zn. Expression levels of prophenoloxidase and toll-like receptor 2 were higher in crabs fed the 97·3 mg/kg Zn diet compared with crabs fed the other diets. Based on PWG alone, the optimal dietary Zn level was estimated to be 82·9 mg/kg, with 68·5 to 97·3 mg/kg recommended for maintaining optimal Zn bioaccumulation, oxidation resistance and innate immune response of juvenile mud crabs.