The Study on the Effects of Chinese Herbal Mixtures on Growth,Activity of Post-Ruminal Digestive Enzymes and Serum Antioxidant Status of Beef Cattle

Sixteen Limousin×Luxi crossbred beef cattle [（199.4±8.67） kg] were used to evaluate the effects of Chinese herbal mixtures （CHM） on growth, activities of post-ruminal digestive enzymes and serum antioxidant status of beef cattle. Treatments were control （no CHM supplementation） and three formulations of CHM （CHM-A, CHM-B and CHM-C） that were arranged as completely randomized design. The calves were fed in indoor individual feeding barn with total mixed ration for 90 d. The CHM-A, CHM-B, and CHM-C was incorporated into the diet at the level of 20 g kg-1 DM （dry matter） of concentrate. The cattle were weighted at the beginning, at the end and every 15 d between to determine growth rate. Blood sample was taken every 30 d to analyze activities of total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-PX） and concentration of malondialdehyde （MDA）. The cattle were slaughtered at the end of experiment and chymus samples from various section of the post-ruminal digestive tract were collected to analyze enzymes activities. All cattle had similar average daily gain, but cattle supplemented with CHM-A tended faster growth （P=0.08） compared to the control and other CHM treatments. Supplementation of CHM did not affect pH of chymus in any section of the post-ruminal digestive tract. Activities of pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and lipase in chymus samples were enhanced （P0.05） to various extents by supplementation of CHM-A, CHM-B, and CHM-C depending on the enzymes and the site of the digestive tract. Amylase activity was increased only by CHM-A and CHM-C from chymus sample collected at the ileum. Supplementation of CHM-A and CHM-B reduced （P0.05） concentration of MDA, but did not affect GSH-PX activity in the serum of cattle throughout the entire experimental period. Cattle supplemented with CHM-B also had higher （P0.05） T-SOD activity in the serum at day 30 and 60 as compared with the control and the other two CHM treatments. Chinese herbal mixtures supplemented at the levels of 20 g kg-1 DM of concentrate increased post-ruminal digestive enzymes activity and enhanced serum antioxidant status. Inclusion of CHM-A and CHM-B in the diet may be favourable for ruminant production.

Effects of dietary Selenomethionine supplementation on growth performance,antioxidant status,plasma selenium concentration,and immune function in weaning pigs

Background： This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of DL-selenomethionine （DL^SeMet） supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, plasma selenium （Se） concentration, and immune function of weaning pigs. 216 weaning pigs were randomly allocated to 6 treatments with 6 replicates each according to a complete randomized block design. Each replicate had six pigs. Diet of group one was corn-soybean basal diet without any additional Se supplement. Group 2 was supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of Se from sodium selenite. Groups 3-6 were supplemented with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mg/kg of Se from DL-SeMet, respectively. The trial lasted for 42 days. Results： Pigs supplemented with 0.3 and 0.7 mg/kg DL-SeMet obtained better feed gain ratio （P 〈 0.05）. The best antioxidant ability （serum, liver, and muscle） was shown in 0.1-0.3 mg/kg DL-SeMet groups （P〈 0.05）. The plasma Se concentration increased as the dietary DL-SeMet level elevated. The immunity among groups was not affected. Conclusions： DL-SeMet supplementation in the diet significantly improved the growth performance, antioxidant ability and plasma Se content of weaning pigs. DL-SeMet can replace sodium selenite in the diet of weaning pigs.

Growth,digestive and absorptive capacity and antioxidant status in intestine and hepatopancreas of sub-adult grass carp Ctenopharyngodonidella fed graded levels of dietary threonine

Background： This study was carried out to investigate effects of threonine levels on growth, digestive and absorptive capacity and antioxidant status in intestine and hepatopancreas of sub-adult grass carp （ Ctenopharyngodonidella）. Results： Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake and feed efficiency were significantly improved by dietary threonine （P 〈 0.05）. Intestinal activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin, alpha-amylase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase, y-glutamyl transpeptidase and creatine kinase took the similar trends. Contents of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl in intestine and hepatopancreas were significantly decreased by dietary optimal threonine supplementation （P 〈 0.05）. Anti-superoxide anion capacity, anti-hydroxyl radical capacity, glutathione content and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase in intestine and hepatopancreas were enhanced by dietary threonine （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions： Dietary threonine could improve growth, enhance digestive and absorptive capacity and antioxidant status in intestine and hepatopancreas of sub-adult grass carp. The dietary threonine requirement of sub-adult grass carp （441.9-1,013.4 g） based on weight gain was 11.6 g/kg diet or 41.5 g/kg of dietary protein by quadratic regression analysis.

Comparison of Antioxidant Status between Pilots and Non-flight Staff of the Army Force: Pilots May Need More Vitamin C

Objective To compare the blood antioxidant levels and dietary antioxidant intakes between pilots and non-flight staff of the Army Force in The Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods Thirty-seven helicopter pilots and 40 non-flight staff were included in this study. Their general characteristics were recorded and their weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Their daily intake of energy and nutrients including antioxidants was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity （TAC）, malondialdehyde （MDA）, and glutathione reductase （GR）, glutathione peroxidase （GPx）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and catalase （CAT） in red blood cells were also measured. Results The median erythrocytes SOD, serum MDA level and the mean serum level of TAC and erythrocytes GPx were significantly higher in pilots than in non-flight staff. The median vitamin C intake was significantly lower in pilots than in non-flight staff. The serum MDA levels were similar in non-flight staff and pilots when their vitamin C intake was 〈168 mg and significantly lower in non-flight staff than in pilots when their vitamin C intake was 〉168 mg. Conclusion The serum MDA level is lower in non-flight staff than in pilots when their vitamin C intake level is high, indicating that pilots need more vitamin C than non-flight staff.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Cysteamine on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality and Antioxidant Status in Finishing Pigs

The current study was to investigate the effects of cysteamine （CS） on carcass characteristics, meat quality, and antioxidant status in finishing pigs. A total of 24 crossbred （PIC variety） finishing pigs （60.05±1.24 kg, 12 gilts and 12 barrows） were assigned randomly to one of the three dietary groups, with four pens/group （one gilt and one barrow per pen）. Pigs were fed with a basal diet containing 0 （control）, 70, or 140 mg/kg CS for 47 days. The results indicated that dietary CS supplementation increased （P〈0.05） the average daily gain and feed intake with optimal responses occurring at 70 mg/kg. Dietary supplementation of CS increased （P〈0.05） the dressing percentage and lean percentage of finishing pigs with optimal responses occurring at 140 mg/kg. The CS supplementation, however, had no effect （P〉0.05） on meat quality. Dietary CS supplementation increased （P〈0.05） total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） and decreased malondialdehyde （MDA） with optimal responses occurring at 70 mg/kg. CS supplementation at both 70 mg/kg and 140 mg/kg doses improved （P〈0.05） the muscle RNA/DNA ratio. Collectively, the results suggest dietary supplementation of 70 mg/kg CS could significantly improve growth performance and antioxidant status without adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tracts in finishing pigs while the 140 mg/kg CS supplementation improved the carcass quality. However, meat quality was not affected by CS supplementation.

Antioxidant Status in Persons With and Without Senile Lens Changes

Biochemical evidence on lens culture suggests that antioxidant nutrients can protect lens against peroxidation caused by radiation. A case-control study was carried out on 262 middle aged (45-54) and aged (55-64) subjects. The relationship between biochemical markers of antioxidant status and senile lens changes (including cataract) was examined in 131 subjects with senile lens changes and 131 control subjects with clear lens. Antioxidant status was measured using plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and plasma levels of vitamine E and vitamin A. Subjects were grouped by age and sex. The results were as follows: (1) The subjects with lens changes tended to have lower plasma levels of vitamin E and vitamin A, lower activity of several antioxidant enzymes and higher level of MDA. (2) The subjects with senile lens changes had significantly lower erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase level.(3) In the middle-aged group, subjects with senile lens changes were observed to have lower erythrocyte and plasma glutathione peroxidase level than those without senile lens changes.The results suggest that appropriate amount of antoxidant nutrients might be expected to prevent or retard the process of lens changes

Blood Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in overfed Aging Rats: Comparative Effects of Sunflower and Olive-Linseed Mixture Oil Rich Diets

Obesity, one of the most common health problems, is associated with glucose and lipid metabolism abnormalities, increased cardiovascular risk and oxidative stressI1}. Aging is also associated with an increase in oxidative stress[2]. Considering that older adults are already at risk for oxidant stress, the additional metabolic perturbations of obesity aggravated the susceptibility to oxidant stress. Modulating age-related oxidative stress via dietary interventions could reduce free radical production and significantly improve health in aging.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Allium mongolicum Regel extracts on growth performance,serum metabolites,immune responses,antioxidant status,and meat quality of lambs

The present study was to evaluate the effects of dried Allium mongolicum Regel(AMR)powder and its water-and fat-soluble extracts(AWE and AFE)on the growth performance,serum metabolites,immune responses,antioxidant status,and meat quality of lambs.A total of 32 male small-tailed Han lambs(5 months old;initial body weight=34.8±0.40 kg)were used in a 60-d feeding experiment after a 15-d adaptation period.The lambs were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=8)and fed a basal diet(control,CON group),the basal diet supplemented with dried AMR powder at 10 g/d per lamb(AMR group),the basal diet supplemented with AWE at 3.4 g/d per lamb(AWE group),or the basal diet supplemented with AFE at 2.8 g/d per lamb(AFE group).Blood samples were collected on d 0,30,and 60 in the feeding experiment(n-8).At the end of the experiment,the lambs were sacrificed and the longissimus dorsi muscles collected.Growth performance was not significantly affected by dietary supplementation of AMR,AWE and AFE(P>0.05).However,significantly lower albumin(P=0.006),total protein(P=0.006),globin(P=0.025),and blood urea nitrogen(P=0.024)concentrations were observed in AFE group relative to CON and AMR groups.Similarly,a significantly lower lactate dehydrogenase activity(P=0.018)was observed in AFE group relative to AWE group,but not in other groups(P>0.05).In addition,significantly increasing trends in glutathione peroxidase(P=0.06)in AMR,AWE,and AFE groups were observed relative to the control group.Furthermore,significantly lower drip loss(P-0.011)across the treatment groups and cooking loss(P-0.048)were observed in the AMR group relative to the control group.Taken together,these results indicate that AMR and its extracts had no significant effect on lamb growth performance,antioxidant status,and immune responses,but could significantly improve meat quality without the occurrence of pathological kidney and liver lesions.

Betaine improves growth performance, liver health, antioxidant status, breast meat yield, and quality in broilers fed a mold- contaminated corn-based diet

Betaine has been demonstrated to improve growth performance and antioxidant status of animals under various stress conditions.However,there is no literature on the effects of betaine in animals exposed to mycotoxins,which are among the most prevalent contaminants in feed.Therefore,this study was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary betaine on broilers fed a diet based on mold-contaminated corn(MCC).A total of 192 Ross 308 male broiler chicks at 1 d of age were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates and fed an MCC-based diet supplemented with 0,250,500,and 1,000 mg/kg betaine,respectively.Betaine increased average daily gain(linear,P=0.030)and decreased feed conversion ratio(linear,P=0.027)of broilers during d 1-21,and decreased feed conversion ratio during d 22-42(linear,P=0.012;quadratic,P<0.001)and d 1-42(linear,P=0.003;quadratic,P=0.004),whereas feed intake was not affected.Total cholesterol(linear,P=0.024),alanine aminotransferase(quadratic,P<0.001)and alkaline phosphatase(linear,P=0.007;quadratic,P=0.025)activities in serum were decreased by betaine.Betaine linearly increased breast muscle yield(P=0.003)and pH24 h(P=0.008),and decreased drip loss(P=0.022).Betaine increased(linear,P=0.025;quadratic,P=0.016)total superoxide dismutase activity in breast muscle and reduced malondialdehyde content in serum(linear,P=0.006),liver(quadratic,P=0.006)and breast muscle(linear,P=0.003).Moreover,the zearalenone concentrations in breast muscle were linearly decreased by betaine(P=0.006).It was concluded that betaine could improve growth performance,liver health,antioxidant status,and breast meat yield and quality,and reduce zearalenone residue in broilers fed the MCC-based diet,especially at 500 or 1,000 mg/kg.

Effect of Hormonal Contraceptives on the Total Antioxidants Status of Women from Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria

The use of hormonal contraceptives has been implicated in the depletion of serum antioxidants and resultant promotion of oxidative stress which is associated with various disorders including cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study investigated serum total antioxidant status (TAS) in women taking hormonal contraceptives and compared their results with non-contraceptive users (age- and sex-matched). Sixty women aged 30 - 45 years, were enrolled for the study which included forty-five users of hormonal contraceptives from the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, Isolo, Lagos state and fifteen age-matched, apparently healthy, non-contraceptive users from the same geographical location were selected as controls. The in vitro determination of the serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was performed using Biorex enzymatic kit. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using student’s t-test and P < 0.05 was considered significant. The serum levels of TAS in the users of hormonal contraceptives were significantly lower than non-users (P < 0.05). The study concluded that women on hormonal contraceptives especially those taking either combined oral or combined injectable contraceptives were at risk of developing disorders associated with reduced levels of serum antioxidants.

Effect of organic mineral supplementation in reducing oxidative stress in Holstein calves during short‑term heat stress and recovery conditions

Background This study investigated the effects of inorganic and organic minerals on physiological responses,oxidative stress reduction,and rumen microbiota in Holstein bull calves(123.81±9.76 kg;5 months old)during short-term heat stress(HS)and recovery periods.Eight Holstein calves were randomly assigned to four treatment groups:no mineral supplementation(Con),inorganic minerals(IM),organic minerals(OM),and high-concentration organic minerals(HOM)and two thermal environments(HS and recovery)using 4×2 factorial arrangement in a crossover design of four periods of 35 d.Calves were maintained in a temperature-controlled barn.The experimental period consisted of 14 d of HS,14 d of recovery condititon,and a 7-d washing period.Results Body temperature and respiration rate were higher in HS than in the recovery conditions(P<0.05).Selenium concentration in serum was high in the HOM-supplemented calves in both HS(90.38μg/dL)and recovery periods(102.00μg/dL)(P<0.05).During the HS period,the serum cortisol was 20.26 ng/mL in the HOM group,which was 5.60 ng/mL lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The total antioxidant status was the highest in the OM group(2.71 mmol Trolox equivalent/L),followed by the HOM group during HS,whereas it was highest in the HOM group(2.58 mmol Trolox equivalent/L)during the recovery period(P<0.05).Plasma malondialdehyde and HSP70 levels were decreased by HOM supplementation during the HS and recovery periods,whereas SOD and GPX levels were not significantly affected(P>0.05).The principal coordinate analysis represented that the overall rumen microbiota was not influenced by mineral supplementation;however,temperature-induced microbial structure shifts were indicated(PERMANOVA:P<0.05).At the phylum level,Firmicutes and Actinobacteria decreased,whereas Fibrobacteres,Spirochaetes,and Tenericutes increased(P<0.05),under HS conditions.The genus Treponema increased under HS conditions,while Christensenella was higher in recovery conditions(P<0.05).Conclusion HOM supplementation during HS reduced cortisol concentrations and increased total antioxidant status in Holstein bull calves,suggesting that high organic mineral supplementation may alleviate the adverse effects of HS.

Vitamins C, E, and NADH on in Vitro Lymphocyte Proliferation and Redox Status among Obese Patients

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity associated with oxidative stress and immune abnormalities is continuously increasing. Antioxidant supplementations might counteract potential damage caused by ROS to cellular tissues. Objective: To determine the role of vitamins on immune improvement during obesity, we investigated in vitro effects of vitamins C, E, and NADH on mitogen-stimulated proliferation, Th1- and Th2-type cytokine production, and oxidant/antioxidant status of lymphocytes isolated from obese patients. Methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using a density gradient of Histopaque. They were in vitro cultured and stimulated by Con A in the presence or absence of vitamins. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay and interleukin-2, interleukin-4 and interferon-γ (INFγ) secretions. Cell oxidant/antioxidant balance was studied by assaying glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl protein levels, catalase activity and micronucli frequency. Results: Obesity is associated with enhanced oxidative stress response. Indeed, vitamin C, E and NADH improved significantly lymphocyte proliferation and diminished cellular oxidative stress. Conclusion: Treatments of lymphocytes with vitamins had beneficial effects on lymphocyte proliferation, cytokines secretions and redox status, generating an anti-inflammatory profile and should be considered in therapeutic approaches for normalizing immune cell function in obesity.

Antioxidative status of patients with alcoholic liver disease in southeastern Taiwan

AIM:To investigate the antioxidative status of patients with alcoholic liver disease(ALD) in southeastern Taiwan.METHODS:Our study comprised 27 patients with ALD recruited from Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital,located in southeastern Taiwan.Patients with ALD included 12 non-aborigines(12 men) and 15 aborigines(11 men and 4 women).According to the severity of ALD,patients with ALD included 10 with hepatitis(9 men and 1 woman) and 17 with cirrhosis(14 men and 3 women).Twenty-two age-and gender-matched healthy adultsserved as the control group in this study.Venous blood(10 mL) of each subject was drawn into EDTA-containing tubes after 8 h overnight fasting.RESULTS:Compared to the control group,patients with ALD showed significantly lower erythrocytic catalase(11.1 ± 0.7 U/mg Hb vs 8.0 ± 0.7 U/mg Hb,P < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase(9.5 ± 1.6 U/mg Hb vs 3.0 ± 0.2 U/mg Hb,P < 0.05) activities.Furthermore,the erythrocytic reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio was signif icantly lower in ALD patients than that in the control group(38.1 ± 5.4 vs 15.7 ± 1.9,P < 0.05).The results revealed that patients with ALD experienced more oxidative stress than those in the control group.The non-aboriginal,but not the aboriginal,ALD group had higher erythrocytic glutathione peroxidase(GPX) activity than that in the control group(46.1 ± 7.8 U/g Hb vs 27.9 ± 2.2 U/g Hb,P < 0.05).Hepatitis,but not cirrhosis,ALD patients had higher erythrocytic GPX activity than that in the control group(44.3 ± 8.6 U/g Hb vs 27.9 ± 2.2 U/g Hb,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that both ethnicity and the severity of ALD may cause different erythrocytic antioxidative enzyme activities especially GPX activity.

Dimethoate Induced Oxidative Damage and Histopathological Changes in lung of Adult rats:Modulatory Effects of Selenium and/or Vitamin E

Objective To determine the efficiency of selenium and/or vitamin E to alleviate lung oxidative damage induced by dimethoate, an organophosphorus compound. Methods Adult Wistar rats were exposed during 30 days either to dimethoate （0.2 g/L of drinking water）, dimethoate＋selenium （0.5 mg/kg of diet）, dimethoate＋vitamin E （100 mg/kg of diet）, or dimethoate＋selenium＋vitamin E. Results Exposure to dimethoate caused oxidative stress in lung evidenced by an increase of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl groups and advanced oxidation protein products. An increase in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and a decrease in acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities, glutathione, non-protein thiols and vitamins C levels were observed. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were noted as emphysema, hemorrhages and hemosiderin deposits. Co-administration of selenium or vitamin E to the diet of dimethoate treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters as well as histological impairments. The joint effect of these elements was more powerful in antagonizing dimethoate-induced lung oxidative damage. Conclusion We concluded that selenium and vitamin E ameliorated the toxic effects of this pesticide in lung tissue suggesting their role as potential antioxidants.

Zinc phosphate-based nanoparticles as alternatives to zinc oxide in diet of weaned piglets

Background: The high doses of zinc oxide(Zn O) administered orally to piglets for the prevention of diarrhea and increase of growth rate can contaminate pig farms and the surrounding environment. Therefore, there is a need to find a replacement of high doses of dietary Zn O with an equally effective alternative. In the present study, the effect of two formulations of zinc phosphate-based nanoparticles(Zn A and Zn C NPs) on growth performance,intestinal microbiota, antioxidant status, and intestinal and liver morphology was evaluated. A total of 100 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 10 equal groups with the base diet(control) or the base diet supplemented with Zn A, Zn C, or Zn O at concentrations 500, 1000, and 2000 mg Zn per kilogram of diet. Supplements were given to animals for 10 days. Fecal samples were collected on day 0, 5, 10 and 20. At the end of the treatment(day 10),three piglets from each group were sacrificed and analyzed.Results: Comparing to that of control, the significantly higher piglet weight gain was observed in all piglet groups fed with Zn A(P < 0.05). Differences in the total aerobic bacteria and coliform counts in piglet feces after NPs supplementation compared to that of control and Zn O groups were also found(P < 0.05). The majority of aerobic culturable bacteria from the feces represented Escherichia(28.57–47.62%), Enterococcus(3.85–35.71%), and Streptococcus(3.70–42.31%) spp. A total of 542 Escherichia coli isolates were screened for the virulence genes STa,STb, Stx2, F4, and F18. The substantial occurrence of E. coli virulence factors was found on day 5, mainly in fimbrillary antigen and thermostable toxins, except for piglets fed by Zn C. Zn treatment decreased Zn blood levels in piglets fed with Zn O and Zn A(500 mg/kg) and increased in Zn C(2000 mg/kg) compared to that of control(P < 0.05). The antioxidant status of piglets was affected only by Zn A. While some changes in the liver and the intestinal morphology of piglets with NPs were observed, none were serious as reflected by the normal health status and increased weigh gain performance.Conclusions: Our results indicate that Zn A NPs have a positive effect on the piglet growth performance even at the lowest concentration. The prevalence of E. coli virulence factors was lowest in pigs supplemented with Zn C.Zinc phosphate-based nanoparticles may be an effective alternative to Zn O.

Therapeutic Uses of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides on Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Mice via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the treatment of ITP mice and to explore its mechanism. Forty idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) mice were divided randomly into a model control group and LBP groups I, II, III and IV. ITP mice in LBP groups I, II, III, and IV were administered LBP at four different doses (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively) for 7 days by gavage. Blood samples were collected from the tail veins of the mice after treatment. Platelet counts were determined, and the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) were measured with ELISA kits. The platelet count was (30.28 ± 13.42) × 109/L in the model control group, and the number of platelets in all LBP groups was higher than that in the model control group. The platelet count increased, and it reached (67.09 ± 10.81) × 109/L in LBP group I;the platelet counts in the other three groups increased significantly compared to LBP group I, and they did not differ significantly. TAS concentrations in the LBP groups were significantly increased compared to the model control group, whereas TOS concentrations were significantly decreased. Taken together, these results indicate that LBP is effective at increasing the number of platelet (PLT), and LBP may treat ITP mice via suppressing oxidative stress.

Evaluation of oxidative and nitrosative stress in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS) through demyelination and neurodegeneration. Several lines of evidence support a role for oxidative and nitrative stress (OS and NS) in pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. The mechanism of influence of OS and NS on blood-brainbarrier (BBB) has critical importance for evaluating antioxidant therapies. As far as we know, markers of oxidative and nitrative stress in MS patients have been investigated independently for their relationship with the state of the blood-brain-barrier. Blood plasma samples of 58 patients with relapse-remitting MS (RRMS) with normal (Group A, n = 48, 36.2 ± 10.5 years) and damaged BBB (Group B, n = 10, 38.2 ± 11.2 years) and of 44 healthy controls (39.2 ± 14.9 years) were analyzed. TAS (total antioxidant plasma status), lipoperoxides, protein carbonyls, 3-nitrotyrosine and uric acid were evaluated in each group. Our results confirmed decreased TAS (Group A: 1.35 ± 0.55 mmol/l, P e level of lipoperoxidation positively correlated with the state of BBB (P of protein’s carbonyls (A: 0.48 ± 0.11 nmol/mg protein, P nmol/l, P ed damage to plasma proteins, what was confirmed by their positive mutual correlation (P The level of uric acid was physiological and correlated negatively with protein’s carbonyls (P 0.05) while there was no significant relationship with 3-nitotyrosine. The results suggest the role of this antioxidant in the protection of the proteins against OS what was confirmed by its positive correlation with TAS

Combined yeast culture and organic selenium supplementation during late gestation and lactation improve preweaning piglet performance by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and milk content in nutrient-restricted sows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with yeast culture(YC)and organic selenium(Se)during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance,milk quality,piglet preweaning performance,antioxidant capacity,and secretion of immunoglobulin in multiparous sows.A total of 160 healthy cross-bred sows(Landrace×Yorkshire,mean parity 4.1±0.3)were randomly assigned to 4 groups as follows:1)high nutrient(HN),3,420 kcal/kg digestible energy(DE)and 18.0%crude protein(CP);2)low nutrient(LN),3,240 kcal/kg DE and 16.0%CP;3)LN+YC,LN diet+10 g/kg YC;4)LN+YC+Se,LN diet+10 g/kg YC+organic Se(1 mg/kg Se).Feeding trials of sows started from d 85 of pregnancy to d 35 of lactation.Compared with sows in the LN group,sows fed the LN+YC+Se diet had greater litter weaning weight,average litter gain,and milk fat content(14-d and25-d milk)(P<0.05).The content of malonaldehyde(MDA)(colostrum and 14-d milk)was lesser,and the activity of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)(colostrum and 25-d milk)was greater when sows were fed the LN+YC+Se diet,compared with sows fed the LN diet(P<0.05).Supplementation of YC and organic Se in the nutrient-restricted diet improved sows’reproductive performance and pig weaning body weight by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and fat content in milk.

Growth,serum biochemical parameters,salinity tolerance and antioxidant enzyme activity of rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)in response to dietary taurine levels

This study evaluated the effect of dietary taurine levels on growth,serum biochemical parameters,salinity adaptability,and antioxidant activity of rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss).Four diets were formulated with taurine supplements at 0,0.5,1,and 2%w/v(abbreviated as To,T05,Tt,and T2,respectively).Rainbow trouts(initial weight of 80.09±4.72 g)were stocked in tanks(180 L capacity),and were fed these diets for six weeks and subsequently underwent salinity acclimation.Physiological indicators were determined before salinity acclimation at 1,4,7,and 14 days afterwards.Results showed that there were no significant differences in growth performance(final mean weight ranged from 182.35 g to 198.48 g;percent weight gain was between 127.68%and 147.92%)of rainbow trout in freshwater stage,but dietary taurine supplement significantly increased serum-free taurine content.After entering seawater,the Na+-K+-ATPase activity of T2 group returned to its freshwater levels,and the serum cortisol content was significantly higher than To and To 5 groups.At the end of this experiment,the liver superoxide dismutase activity in the To and To 5 groups was significantly lower than in the Tj and T2 groups,and the liver catalase in the To group was the lowest whereas that in the T2 group was the highest.Muscle malondialdehyde content was the highest in the To group,and the lowest in the T2 group.Based on the results of this study,supplement of dietary taurine(0.5-2%)enhanced the salinity tolerance in rainbow trout,which increased with the higher taurine concentration.

Arginine, N-carbamylglutamate,and glutamine exert protective effects against oxidative stress in rat intestine

The objective of the current study is to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with arginine(ARG), N-carbamylglutamate(NCG), and glutamine(GLN) on rat intestinal morphology and antioxidant status under oxidative stress. Rats were fed for 30 d with one of the following iso-nitrogenous diets:basal diet(BD), BD plus 1% ARG, BD plus 0.1% NCG, and BD plus 1% GLN. On day 28, half of the rats fed BD were intraperitoneally injected with 12 mg/kg body weight of diquat(DT; i.e., the DT group) and the other half was intraperitoneally injected with sterile solution(i,e., the control group). The other diet groups were intraperitoneally injected with 12 mg/kg body weight of DT(i,e., DT + 1% GLN [DT + GLN],DT + 1% ARG [DT + ARG], and DT + 0.1% NCG [DT + NCG]). Rat jejunum samples obtained at 48 h after DT injection were analyzed. Results showed that DT significantly decreased catalase(CAT) activity and glutathione(GSH) content by 58.25% and 56.57%, respectively, and elevated malondialdehyde(MDA)content and crypt depth(CD) by 19.39% and 22.13%, respectively, in the jejunum(P < 0.05, relative to the control group). Compared with the DT group, the DT + GLN group exhibited significantly improved villus height(VH), villus width(VW), villus surface area(VSA), CD and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC) activity(P < 0.05); the DT + ARG group exhibited significantly increased the ratio of VH to CD(H:D) and TAOC activity(P < 0.05); the DT + GLN, DT + ARG and DT + NCG groups exhibited significantly enhanced CAT activity and GSH content as well as decreased MDA content(P < 0.05). Moreover, VH, VW, VSA, CD and GSH content in the DT + GLN group were higher whereas MDA content was lower compared with the corresponding values observed in both the DT + ARG and the DT + NCG groups(P < 0.05). The H:D ratio in the DT + ARG group significantly increased compared with that in the DT + NCG and DT + GLN groups(P < 0.05). Collectively, this study suggested that dietary supplementation with 1% GLN, 0.1% NCG,and 1% ARG was effective in enhancing the antioxidant status and maintaining the morphological structure of rat jejunum under oxidative stress; of these supplements, 1% GLN exerted the greatest effects on mitigating oxidative stress.