Restored intestinal integrity,nutrients transporters,energy metabolism,antioxidative capacity and decreased harmful microbiota were associated with IUGR piglet's catch-up growth before weanling

Background:Intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR)is a major inducer of higher morbidity and mortality in the pig industry and catch-up growth(CUG)before weanling could significantly restore this negative influence.But there was limited knowledge about the underlying mechanism of CUG occurrence.Methods:Eighty litters of newborn piglets were divided into normal birth weight(NBW)and IUGR groups according to birth weight.At 26 d,those piglets with IUGR but over average body weight of eighty litters of weaned piglets were considered as CUG,and the piglets with IUGR still below average body weight were considered as NCUG.This study was conducted to systemically compare the intestinal difference among NBW,CUG and NCUG weaned piglets considering the crucial role of the intestine for piglet growth.Results:The results indicated that the m RNA expression of nutrients(amino acids,glucose,and fatty acids)transporters,and mitochondrial electron transport chain(ETC)I were upregulated in CUG piglets'gut with improved morphology compared with those NCUG,as well as the ratio of P-AMPK/AMPK protein expression which is the indicator of energy metabolism.Meanwhile,CUG piglet's gut showed higher antioxidative capacity with increased SOD and GSHPx activity,decreased MDA levels,as well as higher m RNA expressions of Nrf2,Keap1,SOD,and GSH-Px.Furthermore,inflammatory parameters including TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-12 factors,and the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways were significantly elevated in the NCUG intestine,while the protein expression of ZO-1,Occludin and Claudin-1 was reduced.The alpha diversity of fecal microbiota was higher in CUG piglets in contrast with NCUG piglets,and the increased beneficial bacteria and decreased pathogenic bacteria was also observed in CUG piglets.Conclusions:CUG piglet's intestine showed comprehensive restoration including higher nutrients transport,energy metabolism,antioxidant capacity,and intestinal physical barrier,while lower oxidative stress,inflammatory response,and pathogenic microbiota.

Effects of Soybean Isoflavones on In vitro Antioxidative Capacity of Satellite Cells of Porcine Skeletal Muscles

A synthetic isoflavone （ISO-S） or genistein was added in culture medium at different concentrations （0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 80 p.mol L^-1） to investigate the effects of soybean isoflavones on antioxidative capacity of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells. After 48 h incubation, the suspension was cryopreserved for the determination of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） activities, and malondialdehyde （MDA） content. The mRNA levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px gene in cells were detected with Taqman fluorescent probe method. The results showed that the content of MDA and the activities and the mRNA levels of SOD of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells were influenced by supplemented soybean isoflavone （P〈0.05） when adding 10-80 μmol L^-1 ISO-S or genistein in the medium. The MDA contents, SOD and CAT activities and their mRNA expression levels of porcine skeletal muscle cells responded quadratically （P〈 0.05） as the level of ISO-S or genistein increased. Pre-incubation of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells with ISO-S or genistein at 10-40 pmol L-1 elevated the activities and the mRNA expression levels of SOD and CAT in cells concurrently and decreased the cellular content of MDA （P〈 0.05）. The results indicated that pre-incubation of ISO-S or genistein at 10- 40μmol L^-1 could improve the antioxidative capacity of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells.

Alkaline sphingomyelinase deficiency impairs intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and reduces antioxidant capacity in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with an unknown etiology.Alkaline sphingomyelinase(alk-SMase)is specifically expressed by intestinal epithelial cells,and has been reported to play an anti-inflammatory role.However,the underlying mechanism is still unclear.AIM To explore the mechanism of alk-SMase anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal barrier function and oxidative stress in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis.METHODS Mice were administered 3%DSS drinking water,and disease activity index was determined to evaluate the status of colitis.Intestinal permeability was evaluated by gavage administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran,and bacterial translocation was evaluated by measuring serum lipopolysaccharide.Intestinal epithelial cell ultrastructure was observed by electron microscopy.Western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of intestinal barrier proteins and mRNA,respectively.Serum oxidant and antioxidant marker levels were analyzed using commercial kits to assess oxidative stress levels.RESULTS Compared to wild-type(WT)mice,inflammation and intestinal permeability in alk-SMase knockout(KO)mice were more severe beginning 4 d after DSS induction.The mRNA and protein levels of intestinal barrier proteins,including zonula occludens-1,occludin,claudin-3,claudin-5,claudin-8,mucin 2,and secretory immunoglobulin A,were significantly reduced on 4 d after DSS treatment.Ultrastructural observations revealed progressive damage to the tight junctions of intestinal epithelial cells.Furthermore,by day 4,mitochondria appeared swollen and degenerated.Additionally,compared to WT mice,serum malondialdehyde levels in KO mice were higher,and the antioxidant capacity was significantly lower.The expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)in the colonic mucosal tissue of KO mice was significantly decreased after DSS treatment.mRNA levels of Nrf2-regulated downstream antioxidant enzymes were also decreased.Finally,colitis in KO mice could be effectively relieved by the injection of tertiary butylhydroquinone,which is an Nrf2 activator.CONCLUSION Alk-SMase regulates the stability of the intestinal mucosal barrier and enhances antioxidant activity through the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Mulberry leaf powder regulates antioxidative capacity and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs

This study evaluated the potential of mulberry leaf powder as an unconventional feed material for fin-ishing pigs by assessing the growth performance,antioxidative properties,fatty acid profile,and lipid metabolism in 180 Xiangcun black pigs.Pigs with an initial body weight(BW)of 71.64±1.46 kg were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups,including the control diet and 4 experimental diets.The corn,soybean meal,and wheat bran in the control diet were partly replaced by 3%,6%,9%,or 12%mulberry leaf powder in experimental diets.There were 6 replicates(pens)of 6 pigs per replicate in each treatment.Blood and muscle samples were collected after the 50-day feed experiment.Compared with the control group,the 3%,6%,and 9%mulberry diets had no adverse effect(P>0.05)on the growth performance of pigs.The serum glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione concentration increased linearly(P<0.05)with the increase in dietary mulberry inclusion.There was no significant difference in the relative expression levels of antioxidant-related genes in muscle tissue between the control and mul-berry groups.Inclusion of dietary mulberry powder increased(P<0.05)the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids,especially in the longissimus dorsi(LD)muscle,up-regulated(P<0.05)the relative mRNA expression level of uncoupling protein-3 in muscle tissue,but down-regulated(P<0.05)the relative mRNA expression levels of hormone-sensitive lipase,acetyl CoA carboxylaseα,lipoprotein lipase,and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y in LD in a linear pattern.The nuclear respiratory factor 2 expression level in the LD muscle of pigs fed the 9%mulberry diet was higher(P<0.01)than that in the other mulberry groups and control group.The inclusion of less than 12%dietary mulberry did not detrimentally affect the growth performance of Xiangcun black pigs,but enhanced the serum antioxidant property,increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid content,and inhibited lipid oxidation by regulating gene expression levels of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial uncoupling protein in muscle tissue.Mulberry leaves can be utilized as a forage crop in the diet of finishing pigs.

Long-term feeding of sand rice(Agriophyllum squarrosum seed)can improve the antioxidant capacity of mice

Unhealthy eating habits with sugar-rich and high-fat foods can bring nutritional imbalance and other chronic diseases. At present, there is an increasing demand in regulating human sub-health through functional foods. Agriophyllum squarrosum(L.) Moq., a pioneer plant native to sand dunes with ecological restoration function, is a traditional food plant of sand regions and Mongolian folk medicine. Numerous studies have confirmed that A. squarrosum seed, also called sand rice, has high nutritional value. However, the long-term health effects of eating sand rice remain unclear. To better explore and evaluate its long-term effects, hereby, ICR mice were fed with sand rice flour at different ratios(control, 60% and 95%) for 100 days. Results show that the growth and blood glucose level curve of these experimental mice were lower and more stable than that of the control. In addition, mice fed pure sand rice ingredient(95%) gained more stable body weight and blood glucose after 28 days, which revealed that sand rice is a food with comprehensive nutritional value and rarely negatively impacts the body growth performance. Our data also demonstrates that, the content of triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) provided the lowest level in the blood of mice with a diet of pure sand rice ingredient, 0.48, 4.14, 0.91, 3.03 mmol/L, respectively. Also, T-SOD and GSH-PX activity provided a high level in mice with pure sand rice gradient, which significantly increased by 36%(T-SOD)and 19%(GSH-PX) compared to the control. These results suggest that long term intake of the pure sand rice ingredients is more helpful for stabilizing blood lipid and improve antioxidant capacity and beneficial to people suffering from chronic disease. This study supplies the first animal evidence to support the claim that sand rice is a promising functional food with comprehensive nutrition in the future. We are confident that, with increasing demands of daily sand rice usage, planting A. squarrosum in the vast desert regions will further increase the local economy and ecological restoration when coping with global warming.

Rice Grains from Slightly Saline Field Exhibited Unchanged Starch Physicochemical Properties but Enhanced Nutritional Values

This study aims to investigate grain quality and nutritional values of rice(Pokkali,a salt-tolerant cultivar;RD73,a new cultivar improved from KDML105 introgressed with Saltol QTL from Pokkali,and KDML105,a moderately salt-susceptible cultivar)grown under non-saline(0.04–0.87 dS/m)and slightly saline(1.08–4.83 dS/m)field conditions.The results revealed that salinity caused significant reduction in grain size but significant increments in reducing sugar and total protein contents in the grains.Nevertheless,the amounts of starch in the grains of KDML105 and Pokkali rice genotypes were unaffected by the stress.The starch granule size distribution was also unaffected by salinity.Interestingly,only starch from Pokkali was significantly diminished in amylose content,from 19.18%to 16.99%.Accordingly,parameters relating to starch gelatinization,retrogradation,and pasting properties of KDML105 and RD73 were unaffected by salinity;only Pokkali showed a significant increase in percentage of retrogradation along with a significant reduction in gelatinization enthalpy.In the saline field,total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in the grains of all rice cultivars tended to increase,particularly in Pokkali.On average,essential element contents in grains from the saline-treated plants showed a 33%,32%,32%,22%,20%,11%,and 10%increase in total P,N,K,Mg,Zn,Fe,and Ca content,respectively.Interestingly,total Fe content exhibited the greatest percentage of increments in KDML105(187%).Taken together,cultivation of rice in the slightly saline field did not alter its eating and cooking qualities,while enhanced some nutritional properties such as proteins,minerals,and secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds.

Overexpression of auxin/indole-3-acetic acid gene MdIAA24 enhances Glomerella leaf spot resistance in apple(Malus domestica)

Auxin is throughout the entire life process of plants and is involved in the crosstalk with other hormones,yet its role in apple disease resistance remains unclear.In this study,we investigated the function of auxin/indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)gene Md IAA24 overexpression in enhancing apple resistance to Glomerella leaf spot(GLS)caused by Colletotrichum fructicola(Cf).Analysis revealed that,upon Cf infection,35S::Md IAA24 plants exhibited enhanced superoxide dismutase(SOD)and peroxidase(POD)activity,as well as a greater amount of glutathione(reduced form)and ascorbic acid accumulation,resulting in less H_(2)O_(2)and superoxide anion(O_(2)^(-))in apple leaves.Furthermore,35S::Md IAA24 plants produced more protocatechuic acid,proanthocyanidins B1,proanthocyanidins B2 and chlorogenic acid when infected with Cf.Following Cf infection,35S::Md IAA24 plants presented lower levels of IAA and jasmonic acid(JA),but higher levels of salicylic acid(SA),along with the expression of related genes.The overexpression of Md IAA24 was observed to enhance the activity of chitinase andβ-1,3-glucanase in Cfinfected leaves.The results indicated the ability of Md IAA24 to regulate the crosstalk between IAA,JA and SA,and to improve reactive oxygen species(ROS)scavenging and defense-related enzymes activity.This jointly contributed to GLS resistance in apple.

Selenium Differentially Regulates Flavonoid Accumulation and Antioxidant Capacities in Sprouts of Twenty Diverse Mungbean(Vigna radiata(L.)Wilczek)Genotypes

Seed germination with selenium(Se)is promising for producing Se-biofortified foods.Mungbean(Vigna radiata(L.)Wilczek)sprout is freshly eaten as a salad dressed with sauce,making it superior for Se biofortification.Since the Se safety range for the human body is extremely narrow,it is imperative to evaluate the genotypic responses of mungbean sprouts to Se.This study evaluated the Se enrichment capacity and interaction withflavonoids and antioxidant systems in sprouts of 20 mungbean germplasms.Selenium treatment was done by immersing mung-bean seeds in 20μM sodium selenite solution for 8 h.Afterward,the biomass,Se amounts,flavonoid(particularly vitexin and isovitexin)contents,antioxidant capacity,and key biosynthetic gene expressions were measured.Sprout Se content was 2.0-7.0μg g^(-1) DW among the 20 mungbean germplasms.Selenium treatment differentially affected the biomass,totalflavonoid,vitexin,isovitexin,antioxidant enzyme activities,and antioxidant capacities of the mungbean germplasms.Eight germplasms showed increased biomass(p<0.05),the highest increasing by 127%,but 13 did not phenotypically respond to Se treatment.Seven and six germplasms showed varied levels of vitexin and isovitexin increment after Se treatment,the highest measuring 2.67-and 2.87-folds for vitexin and isovitexin,respectively.Two mungbeanflavonoid biosynthesis genes,chalcone synthase(VrCHS)and chalcone isomerase(VrCHI)were significantly up-regulated in the germplasms with increased vitexin and isovitexin levels(p<0.05).Moreover,Se enrichment capacity was significantly correlated with the vitexin,isovitexin,and antiox-idant capacities.In conclusion,mungbean sprouts could be a useful Se-biofortified food,but the Se enrichment capacity and nutritional response must be determined for each germplasm before commercialization.

Supplements of an aqueous combination of Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum boost antioxidative effects and impede hyperlipidemia

Background: Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum, locally known as bashok and tulsi, are two ethnomedicinally important herbs that have been using as dietary supplements for several therapeutic applications. This study evaluated the combined effect of both the herbs as an antioxidative and antihyperlipidemic agent.Methods: Antihyperlipidemic effect was assessed in a high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic model in Wistar albino rats. The rats were treated orally with extracts of bashok(J adhatoda, 200 mg/kg bw), tulshi(O tenuiflorum, 200 mg/kg bw), and a combination of bashok and tulshi(50:50), as well as with a reference drug, atorvastatin(10 mg/kg/day), with or without high-fat diet for 14 days. The antioxidative effect was studied using established in vitro models. The studies were supported by experimentally testing the effects of the extracts on membrane stabilization and inhibition of protein denaturation.Results: The results showed that the serum lipid profile was significantly decreased in the different treatment groups, with bashok having the greatest effect. Body weights, total serum protein, LDH, and relative liver and adipose tissue weights were markedly restored towards baseline values, the lowest atherogenic index being achieved with the combined extract. The combination treatment significantly enhanced total phenolic content and antioxidative capacity and greatly potentiated membrane stabilization, but inhibition of protein denaturation was not significantly affected.Conclusion: The data demonstrate that a combination of Justicia adhatoda and Ocimum tenuiflorum could be developed as a food supplement with antioxidative and antihyperlipidemic benefits.

Phenolic and flavonoid contents of mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) fruit tissues and their antioxidant capacity as evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods

The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the fruit tissues （peels, pulp residues, seeds, and juices） of 19 citrus genotypes belonged to Citrus reticulata Blanco were evaluated and their antioxidant capacity was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydra- zyl radicals （DPPH） method and 2,2＇-azino-bis（3-ethylbenzthiozoline-6）-sulphonic acid （ABTS） method. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and their antioxidant capacity varied in different citrus fruit tissues. Generally, the peel had both the highest average of total phenolics （27.18 mg gallic acid equivalent （GAE） g^-1 DW） and total flavonoids （38.97 mg rutin equivalent （RE） g^-1 DW）. The highest antioxidant capacity was also the average of DPPH value （21.92 mg vitamin C equiv- alent antioxidant capacity （VCEAC） g^-1 DW） and average of ABTS value （78.70 mg VCEAC g-1 DW） in peel. The correlation coefficient between the total phenolics and their antioxidant capacity of different citrus fruits tissues ranged from 0.079 to 0.792, and from -0.150 to 0.664 for the total flavonoids. The antioxidant capacity of fruit tissues were correlated with the total phenoilc content and flavonoid content except in case of the peel. In addition, the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity varied in different citrus genotypes. Manju and Karamandarin were better genotypes with higher antioxidation and the phenolic content, however Shagan was the poorest genotype with lower antioxidation and the phenolic content.

Correlation between the Amplitude of Glucose Excursion and the Oxidative/Antioxidative System in Subjects with Different Types of Glucose Regulation

Objective To investigate effects of glucose excursion on the oxidative/antioxidative system in subjects with different types of glucose regulation. Methods A total of 30 individuals with normal glucose regulation (NGR), 27 subjects with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and 27 subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were selected and recruited for 3 days’ continuous glucose monitor system (CGMS) assessment. The data from CGMS was used to calculate the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), mean blood glucose (MBG) and its standard deviation (SDBG), area under the ROC curve when the blood glucose 5.6 mmol/L within 24 h (AUC 5.6), mean of daily differences (MODD), and mean postprandial glucose excursion (MPPGE). In all groups, the content or activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidation capacity (TAOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) were detected. Results Glucose excursion parameters of subjects with T2DM or IGR were higher than those of NGR subjects (P0.05 or 0.01). Moreover, Glucose excursion parameters of T2DM subjects were higher than those of IGR subjects (P0.05 or 0.01). Subjects with T2DM or IGR had significant higher MDA levels and lower GSH‐Px/MDA and TAOC/MDA levels compared to NGR subjects (P0.01). T2DM subjects had even higher MDA levels and lower GSH‐Px/MDA levels than IGR (P0.05 or 0.01). According to the median of normal population for MAGE, T2DM and IGR subjects were divided into MAGE2.6mmol/L Group and MAGE≤2.6mmol/L Group. MAGE2.6mmol/L Group had higher levels of MDA and lower levels of GSH‐Px/MDA than MAGE≤2.6mmol/L Group (P0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P0.05) in terms of the levels of TAOC/MDA. Pearson correlation analysis showed that MDA was positively correlated with FPG, 2hPG, MAGE, and SBP. GSH‐Px/MDA was negatively correlated with MAGE and TC. TAOC/MDA was negatively correlated with FPG. Partial correlation analysis showed that the relationship between MDA and MAGE, GSH‐Px/MDA, and MAGE remained significant after adjustments for the other differences among groups. Conclusion Glucose excursion contributed significantly to promoting lipid peroxidation and decreasing antioxidation capacity than chronic sustained hyperglycemia did in the subjects with different types of glucose regulation.

Effects of Cooking on Anthocyanin Concentration and Bioactive Antioxidant Capacity in Glutinous and Non-Glutinous Purple Rice

Purple rice is a source of bioactive antioxidants for rice consumers. Loss of the major antioxidant compounds after a range of cooking processes was evaluated by measuring the changes in anthocyanin concentration （ATC） and antioxidant capacity （DPPH activity） of four non-glutinous and four glutinous genotypes. However, soaking in water prior to cooking generally decreased more ATC and antioxidant capacity in non-glutinous than in glutinous genotypes. Wet cooking （WC） and soaking before wet cooking （S-WC） led to lose almost all the ATC and antioxidant capacity with only slight variation between genotypes. In the glutinous genotype Pieisu, which had the highest raw rice ATC, ATC remained the highest when cooked by the WC method. By contrast, almost no ATC remained after WC and S-WC in the low ATC genotypes such as Kum Doi Saket. Overall, the loss of ATC was greater in non-glutinous than in glutinous genotypes for both WC and S-WC methods, but the reverse occurred for antioxidant capacity. WC using electric rice cooker retained higher ATC than the pressure cooking. Thus, for genotypes with high ATC and antioxidant capacity, the selection of cooking method is critical for retaining and stabilizing rice quality.

Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Enhanced Antioxidant Capacity, Amylase Activities and Salt Tolerance of Cucumber Hypocotyls and Radicles

In the present experiment, effects of sodium hydrosulfide （NariS）, a H2S donor, on the oxidative damage, antioxidant capacity and the growth of cucumber hypocotyls and radicles were studied under 100 mmol L^-1 NaCl stress. NaCl treatment significantly induced accumulation of H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances （TBARS） in cucumber hypocotyls and radicles, and application of NariS dramatically reduced the accumulation of H/O2 and lipid peroxidation. However, the alleviating effects greatly depended on the concentrations of NariS, and 400 ~tmol L-1 NariS treatment showed the most significant effects. Corresponding to the change of lipid peroxidation, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes as well as the antioxidant capacity indicated as DPPH scavenging ac＇tivity, chelating activity of ferrous ions and hydroxyl radical （.OH） scavenging activity were induced by Naris treatment under NaCI stress, especially by 400 Ixmol L-I Naris treatment. With the alleviating lipid peroxidation, the amylase activities in cotyledons were increased, and the length of cucumber hypocotyls and radicles were significantly promoted by NariS treatment under NaCI stress. Unlike the effects of NariS, pretreatment with other sodium salts including Na2S, NazSO4, NaHSO4, Na2SO3, NaHSO3 and NaAc did not show significant effects on the growth of cucumber hypocotyls and radicles. These salts do not release H2S. Based on above results, it can be concluded that the effects of NariS in the experiment depended on the H2S rather than other compounds derived from NariS, and the alleviating effects might related with its function in modulating antioxidant capacity and amylase activities.

Dietary isoleucine improved flesh quality,muscle antioxidant capacity,and muscle growth associated with AKT/TOR/S6K1 and AKT/FOXO3a signaling in hybrid bagrid catfish(Pelteobagrus vachelli♀×Leiocassis longirostris♂)

Background:Muscle is the complex and heterogeneous tissue,which comprises the primary edible part of the trunk of fish and mammals.Previous studies have shown that dietary isoleucine(Ile)exerts beneficial effects on growth in aquatic animals.However,there were limited studies regarding the benefits of Ile on fish muscle and their effects on flesh quality and muscle growth.Thus,this study was conducted to explore whether dietary Ile had affected flesh quality and muscle growth in hybrid bagrid catfish(Pelteobagrus vachelli♀×Leiocassis longirostris♂).Methods:A total of 630 hybrid fish,with an initial average body weight of 33.11±0.09 g,were randomly allotted into seven experimental groups with three replicates each,and respectively fed seven diets with 5.0,7.5,10.0,12.5,15.0,17.5,and 20.0 g Ile/kg diets for 8 weeks.Results:In the present study,we demonstrated that Ile significantly:(1)increased muscle protein and lipid contents and the frequency distribution of myofibers with≤20μm and≥50μm of diameter;(2)improved pH value,shear force,cathepsin B and L activities,hydroxyproline content,resilience,cohesiveness,and decreased cooking loss,lactate content,hardness,springiness,gumminess,and chewiness;(3)decreased reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),and protein carbonyl(PC)contents,GCLC and Keap1 mRNA levels,and up-regulated CuZnSOD,CAT,GPX1a,GST,and Nrf2 mRNA levels;(4)up-regulated the insulin-like growth factor 1,2(IGF-1,IGF-2),insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),Myf5,Myod,Myog,Mrf4,and MyHC mRNA levels,and decreased MSTN mRNAlevel;(5)increased muscle protein deposition by activating AKT-TOR-S6K1 and AKT-FOXO3a signaling pathways.Conclusion:These results revealed that dietary Ile improved flesh quality,which might be due to increasing nutritional content,physicochemical,texture parameters,and antioxidant ability;promoting muscle growth by affecting myocytes hyperplasia and hypertrophy,and muscle protein deposition associated with protein synthesis and degradation signaling pathways.Finally,the quadratic regression analysis of chewiness,ROS,and protein contents against dietary Ile levels suggested that the optimal dietary Ile levels for hybrid bagrid catfish was estimated to be 14.19,12.36,and 12.78 g/kg diet,corresponding to 36.59,31.87,and 32.96 g/kg dietary protein,respectively.

Changes of total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status of aqueous humor in diabetes patients and correlations with diabetic retinopathy

AIM:To measure changes of total oxidant status(TOS)and total antioxidant capacity(TAC) of aqueous humor(AH) in diabetic retinopathy(DR) patients,and to determine if there were any differences in TOS and TAC of AH in diabetic patients without retinopathy compared with non-diabetic patients.·METHODS:One hundred and three eyes of 103patients who were enrolled for cataract surgery were included in this study.Patients were grouped according to presence of diabetes and stage of DR.Prior to cataract surgery,0.1mL to 0.2mL of AH was aspirated and analyzed for TAC and TOS level using a colorimetric method.·RESULTS:TOS levels were highest among proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR) patients and lowest in patients with only cataracts.Results were statistically significant between all groups(P 【0.05).Whereas result between diabetic without retinopathy patients and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR) patients was not statistically significant(P =0.757).TAC levels were highest in patients with only cataract and lowest among PDR patients and results were statistically significant between all groups(P 【0.05).·CONCLUSION:Aqueous humor TAC levels are low in diabetic patients and reduced further in DR patients,TOS levels are increased in diabetic patients and this is exacerbated in DR patients.

Effects of Heat Treatment on Flavonoids Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaert) Flour Ethanolic Extracts

The chemical composition, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of 50% ethanolic extracts from raw and cooked buckwheat flour from southwest of China were determined. The heat treatment used to gelatinize the flour starch significantly reduced the total flavonoids in the extract from 83.52 to 67.36 mg 100 g 1 of dry matter in the raw and cooked flour, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated using autooxidation in a β carotene linoleate model system (AA or AAC), DPPH radical scavenging assay (IP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Values for raw buckwheat flour extract were 97.84, 874.31, 76.45 and 94.92% for AA, AAC, ORAC and IP, respectively, while values in cooked buckwheat flour were 86.14, 842.88, 63.93 and 94.74% for AA, AAC, ORAC and IP, respectively. Values before cooked and raw buckwheat flour extracts were significantly different ( P <0.05) for AA, AAC, and ORAC.

Effect of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on serum antioxidant capacity, mucosal sIgA secretions and gut microbial populations in weaned piglets

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different forms of yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on serum antioxidant capacity, mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A（s Ig A） secretions and gut microbial populations in weaned piglets. A total of 96 piglets weaned at 14 d of age were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments：（1） basal diet without yeast（Control）;（2） basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g kg–1 live yeast（LY）;（3） basal diet supplemented with 2.66 g kg–1 heat-killed whole yeast（HKY）; and（4） basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g kg–1 superfine yeast powders（SFY）. Each treatment had 4 replicates（pens）, with 6 piglets per replicate. The experiment lasted for 3 wk. At d 7 and 21 of the experiment, the samples of serum, mucosa and mesenteric lymph node（MLN） from jejunum, and digesta from the ileum and cecum were collected for determinations. Compared with the Control, dietary SFY supplementation increased serum superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity and lysozyme levels at d 7, and jejunum mucosal s Ig A secretions at d 21 of the experiment（P〈0.05）. Dietary LY supplementation increased serum SOD activity and jejunum mucosal s Ig A secretions, but decreased serum malondialdehyde（MDA） concentration at d 7 and 21（P〈0.05）. Piglets fed diets supplemented with LY and SFY had lower p H values and decreased numbers of Escherichia coli in the ileum and cecum contents at d 21 compared with the Control（P〈0.05）. Moreover, the ratio of Lactobacilli to E. coli in the ileum and cecum contents was increased by dietary LY and SFY supplementations（P〈0.05）. Collectively, different forms of yeasts, especially LY and SFY, may modulate body antioxidant capacity and enhance the intestinal immunity by regulation of secretions of mucosal s Ig A and reduction of pathogenic bacteria colonization, thus improving intestinal health of weaned piglets.

Natural astaxanthin enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved semen quality through the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway in aging layer breeder roosters

Background:Natural astaxanthin(ASTA)has strong antioxidant properties and has been widely used as a health product to improve human health.However,the effects of ASTA on the reproductive performance of aging roosters have been poorly studied.We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ASTA on semen quality and antioxidant capacity in aging roosters and to explore the potential mechanism of semen quality change via antioxidation defense system.Methods:In the present study,9653-week-old Jinghong No.1 layer breeder roosters were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing 0,25,50,or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks.Results:Semen quality in the ASTA groups remarkably improved than that in the control group,and antioxidant activities,the abilities to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions,increased gradually with ASTA addition(P<0.05).In addition,the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes as well as the mRNA and protein levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)were markedly increased in the 50-100 mg/kg ASTA group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,these results demonstrate that dietary ASTA may improve semen quality by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals,which may be related to upregulation of the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.

Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus 1.1878 on sIgA Content in the Intestinal Mucous and Antioxidant Capacity of Broiler Chicks

[ Objective] The paper was to study the immune activities of Lactobacillus acidophilus 1. 1878 and its effect on antioxidant capacity of broiler chicks. [ Methods] Samples of intestinal mucous, serum and liver were collected from broiler chicks after oral administration of L. acidophilus 1. 1878. Secretory immunoglobulin A （slgA） content in the intestina/mucous, total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC）, level of MDA and activity of SOD and GSH-Px were determined, respec- tively. [Result] Oral administration of L. acidophilus 1. 1878 significantly improved the slgA content in jejunum and ileum mucous （P 〈0.05）. No significant differences were observed in GSH-Px activity between treatment group and control group. The concentration of T-AOC and activity of SOD in serum and liver increased significantly （P 〈 0.05 ）, while the level of MDA reduced significantly after oral administration of L. acidophilus 1.1878 （P 〈 0.05 ）. [ Conclusion ] L. acidophilus 1. 1878 can enhance the immune function of intestinal mucous and antioxidant capacity of broiler chicks.

Antioxidant capacity and concentration of redox-active trace mineral in fully weaned intra-uterine growth retardation piglets

Background： The redox status of intra-uterine growth retardation（IUGR） piglets post-weaning has been poorly studied.Methods： Newborns from twenty-four sows were weighted, weaned at 21 d and fed a starter diet until sampling.Sampling was done at 14 d post-weaning. A piglet was defined as IUGR when its birth weight was 2 SD below the mean birth weight of the total population. At weaning, eighteen piglets with nearly equal body weight from each category（i.e. IUGR or normal birth weight（NBW） piglets） were selected and then allocated to two treatments,consisted of six replicates with each pen having three piglets.Results： Compared with NBW group, IUGR significantly decreased average daily gain（P 〈 0.001）, average daily feed intake（P = 0.003）, and feed efficiency（P 〈 0.001） of piglets during the first two weeks post-weaning. IUGR decreased the activities of total antioxidant capacity（P = 0.019）, total superoxide dismutase（T-SOD, P = 0.023）,and ceruloplasmin（P = 0.044） but increased the levels of malondialdehyde（P = 0.040） and protein carbonyl（P = 0.010） in plasma. Similarly, the decreased activities of T-SOD（P = 0.005）, copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase（Cu/Zn-SOD, P = 0.002）, and catalase（P = 0.049） was observed in the liver of IUGR piglets than these of NBW piglets. IUGR decreased hepatic Cu/Zn-SOD activity（P = 0.023） per unit of Cu/Zn-SOD protein in piglets when compared with NBW piglets. In addition, IUGR piglets exhibited the decreases in accumulation of copper in both plasma（P = 0.001） and liver（P = 0.014）, as well as the concentrations of iron（P = 0.002） and zinc（P = 0.048） in liver. Compared with NBW, IUGR down-regulated m RNA expression of Cu/Zn-SOD（P = 0.021） in the liver of piglets.Conclusions： The results indicated that IUGR impaired antioxidant capacity and resulted in oxidative damage in fully weaned piglets, which might be associated with the decreased levels of redox-active trace minerals. This study highlights the importance of redox status in IUGR offspring and provides a rationale for alleviating oxidative damage by dietary interventions aiming to supplement trace minerals and to restore redox balance in the future.