The effect of supplementation of clove and agrimony or clove and lemon balm on growth performance, antioxidant status and selected indices of lipid profile of broiler chickens

The study investigated the effects of diet supplementation with 1% clove flower buds powder combined with either 0.2% lemon balm extract or 0.2% agrimony extract (each of the two pulverized extracts supplied through drinking water) on body weight of broilers, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio and the carcass yield, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px, EC 1.11.1.9) in blood, concentration of sulfhydryl (?SH) groups, malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin A and E, low‐density lipoproteins in the blood plasma, serum cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides and high‐density lipoproteins in broiler chickens at 42 days of age. On the day of hatching, 120 male and female broilers of Cobb 500 were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (1st group) of broilers received a basal diet (BD) without any feed and water additive. Both experimental groups of chicks were fed BD enriched with clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) powder at a dose of 10 g/kg DM for 42 days. Moreover, either lemon balm (Mellisa officinalis L.) extract or agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria L.) extract diluted with drinking water (2:1000) was given to broilers in the 2nd and 3rd group respectively. The results indicated that feeding the diets enriched with selected herbal supplements failed to affect the growth performance of broiler chickens at 42 days of age. In addition, this supplementation had no influence on the activities of SOD and GSH‐Px, concentration of vitamin A and selected lipid metabolism indices. On the other hand, we observed beneficial effects on some indices of the antioxidant status (increased concentration of ?SH groups and vitamin E, decreased concentration of MDA) in the blood of broilers in both experimental groups in comparison with the control group of chickens (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a slightly better antioxidant capacity was found in the blood of broilers supplied the combination of clove and lemon balm compared to clove and agrimony (vitamin E, 11.26 ± 0.73 vs. 9.73 ± 0.64 μmol/L, p < 0.05 respectively). It could be concluded that supplementation of the diet with clove flower buds powder combined with lemon balm extract or agrimony extract dissolved in drinking water has a potential to increase the antioxidant status but fails to influence either the growth performance or the selected lipid metabolism indices of broilers at the age of 42 days.     

Effect of ellagic acid on some haematological,immunological and antioxidant parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In this study, effect of ellagic acid on some haematological, immunological and antioxidant parameters in the blood and various tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were examined. Four groups of rainbow trout were fed experimental diets containing either no ellagic acid (control) or supplemented with ellagic acid at 50 mg/kg diet (EA‐50), 100 mg/kg diet (EA‐100) or 150 mg/kg diet (EA‐150) for 21 days. Samples of the blood and tissue (liver, kidney and spleen) were collected at the end of the experiment and analysed for their haematological profile (the red blood cell count, the haemoglobin concentration and the haematocrit level), immune response (the white blood cell count, the oxidative radical production (NBT activity), the total plasma protein and total immunoglobulin level) and oxidant/antioxidant status (the malondialdehyde level, the superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity as well as the reduced glutathione concentration). The findings of this study demonstrated that ellagic acid had a positive effect on the haematological parameters, the immune response and the antioxidant enzyme activities of the fish.     

Effect of dietary antioxidant supplementation on the oxidative status of plasma in broilers

In this study, the effect of dietary antioxidants on the plasma oxidative status of growing birds fed a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids was investigated. One‐day‐old broilers were fed for 42 days a diet containing 4% linseed oil and supplemented with single plant extracts rich in antioxidants (natural tocopherols, rosemary, grape seed, green tea, tomato) or a combination of some of these plant extracts, in two different total doses (100 and 200 mg product/kg feed). A diet with synthetic antioxidants with and without α‐tocopheryl acetate (200 mg/kg feed) were also included. The plasma oxidative status was evaluated measuring the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity. Lipid peroxidation was measured by thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS). No significant effect of the dietary treatments was observed for FRAP as well as for TBARS. However, diet affected GSH‐Px activity (p = 0.002) and a trend for an effect on SOD activity was observed (p = 0.084). A higher GSH‐Px activity was found for 200 mg/kg tomato extract and natural α‐tocopherol in relation to the corresponding 100 mg/kg treatment, and the lowest GSH‐Px activity was measured for the synthetic antioxidants treatment. The lowest and highest SOD activity were found for the 200. and 100 mg/kg treatment with tomato extract respectively. In conclusion, the oxidative status and lipid oxidation of plasma in broilers was not affected by feeding natural antioxidant extracts at the doses in the present study, but some changes in antioxidant enzyme activities were observed, of which the implication remains to be elucidated.     

山奈酚对三硝基丙酸诱导氧化应激胎鼠的影响

试验旨在研究山奈酚对三硝基丙酸诱导亲代小鼠氧化应激从而对子代胎鼠氧化应激和抗氧化能力的作用。42只亲代小鼠分为3组:对照组、氧化应激模型组、抗氧化剂组,试验重复3次。测定妊娠20 d后的子代胎鼠肝脏、肺脏和心脏3个器官中的总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活力、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、丙二醛(MDA)含量和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活力。结果显示,山奈酚显著代偿降低子代胎鼠心、肝、肺相关抗氧化酶的活力(P<0.05),显著降低氧化应激产物的含量(P<0.05)。研究表明,山奈酚对于由三硝基丙酸诱导的亲代小鼠氧化应激模型的子代胎鼠氧化应激情况具有一定的抗氧化作用。     

Effects of dietary leucine on antioxidant activity and expression of antioxidant and mitochondrial‐related genes in longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of piglets

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary leucine on antioxidant activity and expression of antioxidant‐ and mitochondrial‐related genes in longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of piglets. Three diets were formulated with different levels of supplemented leucine (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%). Results showed that supplementation of 0.25% leucine significantly increased antisuperoxide anion (ASA) and antihydroxyl radical (AHR) levels and activities of total superoxide dismutade (T‐SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) in serum, longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of piglets as compared with the control group. The SOD2, catalase (CAT), GPx, GST, glutathione reductase (GR), and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA levels in longissimus dorsi muscle and liver were significantly increased by 0.25% leucine supplementation. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the mRNA level of Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) exhibited an opposite tendency. Additionally, supplementation of 0.25% leucine significantly increased the mRNA levels of mitochondrial‐related genes in longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of piglets. Results suggested that supplementation of 0.25% leucine improved antioxidant activity and mitochondrial biogenesis and function of piglets, which was related to the increase in antioxidant enzymes activities and upregulation of expression of antioxidant‐ and mitochondrial‐related genes.     

Effect of under‐ and overfeeding on sheep and goat milk and plasma enzymes activities related to oxidation

Twenty‐four dairy sheep and goats, respectively, were assigned each to three homogenous subgroups per animal species and fed the same diet in quantities which met 70% (underfeeding), 100% (control) and 130% (overfeeding) of their energy and crude protein requirements. The results showed that the underfed sheep in comparison with the control had significantly lower glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and total antioxidant capacity (measured with Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma [FRAP] assay) in their blood plasma. A significant increase in the glutathione transferase (GST) and GPX activities, malondialdehyde content and total antioxidant capacity (measured with 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) [ABTS] assay) in the blood plasma of underfed goats compared with controls was observed, while the opposite happened for the GR and SOD activities. The underfeeding in both animal species caused a significant increase in the protein carbonyls (PC) content of their blood plasma. The overfeeding, compared with the control, caused a significant decline in the GPX activity and total antioxidant capacity (measured with FRAP) in the blood plasma of sheep while the opposite happened for the GPX and GST activities in the case of goats. The overfed animals, of both species, compared with the respective controls, had higher PC content in their blood plasma. The feeding level had no noticeable impact on the antioxidants' enzymes activities of milk in both animal species. Moreover, the underfeeding in the blood plasma and the overfeeding in milk of both animal species resulted into a significant increase in the PC content. Finally, only in sheep milk, the underfeeding, compared with the respective control, and overfeeding reduced significantly the total antioxidant capacity (measured with ABTS). The feeding level caused oxidative stress in both organism and milk but the response was different in animal species and needs further investigation.     

Enzymatic antioxidant defense in isolated rat hepatocytes exposed to cadmium

The aim of the study was the evaluation of cadmium effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rat hepatocytes. The studies were conducted with isolated rat hepatocytes incubated for 1 or 2 hours in a modified (deprived of carbonates with phosphates) Williams' E medium (MWE) in the presence of cadmium chloride (25, 50 and 200 microM). Hepatocytes incubated in the MWE medium without cadmium chloride were used as a control. The application of the modified Williams' E medium allowed for the appearance of cadmium compounds in a soluble form that is indispensable for suitable estimation of its toxic action. There were evaluated markers of the oxidative stress such as: concentration of thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBARS)--proportional to the level of lipid peroxidation, concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD1 and SOD2), catalase (CAT), total glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), selenium--dependent glutathione peroxidase (SeGSHPx), glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GSHR). Alterations of antioxidant enzymes activity, the level of TBARS and GSH in isolated rat hepatocytes caused by cadmium in vitro, were shown to depend on the concentration and time of exposure of cells to this metal. The increased level of TBARS and GSH was observed as well as changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The activity of SOD isoenzymes and CAT was increased, whereas GSHPx and GST were decreased. These results indicate that cadmium induces oxidative stress followed by alterations in the cellular antioxidant enzyme system in isolated rat hepatocytes.     

Effects of L‐methionine on performance,gut morphology and antioxidant status in gut and liver of piglets in relation to DL‐methionine

This study investigated the hypothesis that dietary supplementation of L‐methionine (L‐Met) in weaned piglets in relation to DL‐methionine (DL‐Met) results in a higher antioxidant status and lower need for antioxidant enzyme activation in intestinal epithelium and body tissues, and improves gut morphology and gut barrier function as well as performance. A total of 99 early‐weaned 21‐day old piglets were allotted to six groups and fed a semi‐synthetic wheat–barley‐based basal diet supplemented with 0.067%, 0.107% and 0.147% of either DL‐Met (MetAmino; Evonik, Hanau, Germany) or L‐Met (L‐Met100; CJ Europe, Schwalbach am Taunus, Germany) to reach dietary Met concentrations of 0.16%, 0.20% and 0.24%, of which the latter met the requirements for maintenance and growth based on a pre‐experiment. Feed intake and body weights were recorded weekly, and samples of plasma, liver and duodenum and jejunum mucosa were collected after 3 weeks at slaughter. Plasma concentrations of L‐Met were similar, and those of D‐Met and total Met were higher in piglets fed DL‐Met in relation to those fed L‐Met. Feed intake, daily gains and feed:gain ratio, and the relative bio‐efficacy based on gains and feed:gain ratio were similar for both groups. Likewise, villi length, crypt depth, the villi length:crypt depth ratio in duodenum and jejunum and gene expression of tight junction proteins in the jejunum did not differ. Concentrations of antioxidants like glutathione and tocopherol, the total antioxidant capacity, the mRNA abundance or activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, markers for oxidative damage of lipids and the expression of inflammatory genes were similar in liver and jejunum mucosa. These data indicate that the effects of L‐Met and DL‐Met supplementation are comparable considering both piglet performance and parameters of gut health and function like gut morphology and the intestinal antioxidant status.     

Systemic and pituitary pars intermedia antioxidant capacity associated with pars intermedia oxidative stress and dysfunction in horses

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a deficiency in systemic or local (pars intermedia) antioxidant capacity is associated with pituitary pars intermedia oxidative stress and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses. SAMPLE POPULATION: Blood samples from 20 horses with PPID and 20 healthy client-owned horses, archived paraffin-embedded adrenal gland and substantia nigra tissues from 20 horses, and pituitary gland tissue from 16 horses. PROCEDURES: Total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were determined in RBCs. Accumulation of a systemic marker of oxidative stress (3-nitrotyrosine) was assessed in plasma and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded adrenal gland and substantia nigra tissues. Local antioxidants (total and manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total glutathione) were measured in pars intermedia tissues. RESULTS: No significant differences existed in systemic antioxidant enzyme activity or accumulation of 3-nitrotyrosine between horses with PPID and control horses. In pituitary gland tissues, glutathione peroxidase activity was increased in horses with oxidative stress, whereas total glutathione concentration and superoxide dismutase activity remained unchanged. There was an age-associated decrease in manganese superoxide dismutase activity in the pars intermedia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There was no evidence of systemic accumulation of oxidative stress markers or deficiencies in antioxidant capacity in horses with PPID, suggesting that these are unlikely to be major predisposing factors in the development of PPID. Manganese superoxide dismutase activity in the pars intermedia decreased significantly with increasing age. Role of an age-associated decrease in antioxidant capacity for the pars intermedia in the development of PPID in horses warrants further investigation.     

Association Between ETFA Genotype and Activity of Superoxide Dismutase,Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase in Cryopreserved Sperm of Holstein–Friesian Bulls

The aim of this study was to determine whether C/T missense mutation within the ETFA gene is associated with sperm antioxidant enzymatic activity. One hundred and twenty Holstein–Friesian bulls were genotyped by the PCR‐RFLP technique (MwoI). Commercial straws of frozen‐thawed semen were used to evaluate the activity of three antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Among all bulls investigated, genotype CT was the most frequent (44.2%), in comparison with CC (42.5%) and TT (13.3%). Significant differences in glutathione peroxidase activity were observed between homozygous individuals (CC vs TT) with heterozygous CT having intermediate values. Dismutase activity was significantly associated with ETFA genotype, although only bulls with the CT genotype were significantly different from bulls carrying the CC genotype. The activity of catalase showed a similar trend (but was not statistically significant). In conclusion, we found that bulls with the ETFA TT genotype produce sperm with the highest glutathione peroxidase activity and can therefore be more efficiently protected from reactive oxygen. The mechanism of this interaction needs to be elucidated in future research.     

Hepatic endogenous defense potential of propolis after mercury intoxication

Exposure to mercuric chloride (HgCl₂; 5 mg kg^?1 body weight; i.p.) induced oxidative stress in mice and substantially increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, decreased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and various antioxidant enzymes in liver and also increased the activities of liver marker enzymes in serum. Therapy with propolis extract, a resinous wax‐like beehive product (200 mg kg^?1 orally, after mercury administration), for 3 days inhibited LPO and the formation of GSSG and increased the level of GSH in the liver. Release of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase were significantly restored after propolis treatment. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, that is, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, were also concomitantly restored towards normal levels after propolis administration. These observations clearly demonstrate that propolis treatment augments antioxidant defense against mercury‐induced toxicity and provide evidence that propolis has therapeutic potential as a hepatoprotective agent.     

Effect of mercury chloride on oxidative stress and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 signalling molecule in liver and kidney of laying hens

This study investigated the effects of mercury chloride (HgCl₂) on the deposition of mercury (Hg), histopathology and oxidative stress in liver and kidney of laying hens. The gene expressions of antioxidant enzymes and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) were further studied to uncover the molecular mechanism. A total of 960 40‐week‐old Hyline brown laying hens were randomly allocated to five treatments with eight pens per treatment and 24 hens per pen. The hens were fed with five experimental diets containing graded levels of Hg at 0.270, 1.250, 3.315, 9.405 and 27.230 mg/kg respectively. Results revealed that both deposition of Hg and score of injury in liver and kidney were significantly increased as dietary Hg dosage up to 27.230 mg/kg diet. Deposition of Hg was positively related to score of injury in liver and kidney of laying hens. Besides, the activities of superoxidative dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and glutathione (GSH) content all significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly increased (p < 0.05) after Hg exposure in liver and kidney of laying hens. In addition, positive relationships occurred between antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant enzyme gene expressions except between SOD activity and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene expression in liver. Meanwhile, Nrf2 gene expression was positively related to antioxidant gene expressions and negatively connected with Keap1 gene expression. Negative relationships occurred between Nrf2 and Keap1 protein levels in liver and kidney. In conclusion, Hg could dose‐dependently damage liver and kidney and induced hepatic and renal oxidative stress by means of suppressing Nrf2‐Keap1 signalling molecule in laying hens.     

Effects of energy supply and nicotinic acid supplementation on serum anti‐oxidative capacity and on expression of oxidative stress‐related genes in blood leucocytes of periparturient primi‐ and pluriparous dairy cows

The periparturient period is accompanied by metabolic and oxidative stress. Niacin is known to decrease lipolysis but is also reported to have anti‐oxidative effects. Therefore, we examined the effects of energy supply and a nicotinic acid (NA) supplementation on anti‐oxidative serum parameters and on the expression of oxidative stress‐related genes in blood leucocytes of periparturient dairy cows, differing in parity. Twenty‐nine pluriparous and 18 primiparous cows were allocated to four different feeding groups 42 days before expected parturition until 100 days postpartum and fed a ration with either a low concentrate proportion of 30% (LC) or a high concentrate proportion of 60% (HC). After parturition, all animals received 30% concentrate which was increased to 50% either within 16 (LC group) or 24 days (HC group). Half of the animals per group were supplemented with 24 g NA per day from 42 days prepartum until 24 days postpartum. All investigated parameters varied significantly over time compared to parturition (p < .05). Ferric reducing ability (FRA) exhibited a nadir before parturition, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed peak activities around parturition. Expression levels of GPX1, SOD2, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (NRF2) peaked before calving. The concentrate level influenced GPX activity and mRNA abundance of SOD2, XDH and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1). Pluriparous animals exhibited higher serum GPX activities, a more distinct nadir for FRA and higher expression levels for GPX1, SOD2 and XDH. Primiparous cows displayed higher serum SOD activities. NA supplementation increased serum SOD activity antepartum in LC animals. Parturition was characterised by an increased need for antioxidants and an increased expression of oxidative stress‐related genes that clearly differed with parity and was influenced by energy supply while NA exerted only minor effects on the investigated parameters.     

Glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in the chickens with dexamethasone‐induced oxidative stress

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of long‐term treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) on the antioxidation and nutrition metabolism in broiler chickens. Broilers were placed on a high‐nutrient diet for 41 days, and half were given orally DEX‐supplemented water at 20 mg/L every other day from 19 to 41 days of age. DEX treatment downregulated superoxide dismutase activity as well as the mRNA expression of CuZn‐superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase with a decrease in GSH/GSSG ratio and an increase in malondialdehyde level in the liver of broilers. DEX treatment aggravated oxidative damage in the liver and, therefore, increased the sensitivity of broilers to ascites syndrome with higher mortality and reduced growth performance. Serum metabolomics analysis showed that DEX treatment significantly increased the levels of glucose, intermediates in protein metabolism (valine, proline, serine, threonine and urea) and lipid metabolism‐related products (palmitic acid, stearic acid and cholesterol) while decreasing the levels of β‐hydroxy butyric acid, succinic acid and malic acid, demonstrating that DEX treatment inhibited the Krebs cycle and the oxidation of fatty acids, and promoted the de novo synthesis of fatty acids as well as protein decomposition in the liver of broilers. Additionally, detection of metabolism‐related enzymes revealed that DEX treatment inhibited glycolysis and promoted glycogen decomposition. In summary, DEX treatment resulted in oxidative stress and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in the broilers.     

微粒蒙脱石对猪组织铅水平、红细胞生成和肝脏ALA-D酶活性及铅诱导的脂质过氧化的影响

选60头体质量约33kg的“杜长大”杂交猪，随机分成2组，每组3个重复，一组饲以基础日粮＋10mg/kg铅＋0.5％微粒蒙脱石，另一组饲以基础日粮＋10mg／kg铅作为对照。研究结果表明：添加微粒蒙脱石组与对照组相比，明显降低了猪全血、脑、肝、肾、骨和毛等组织中铅含量：通过血细胞计数、血红素和血球容积测定表明，添加微粒蒙脱石组的红细胞生成显著增高，且肝脏中ALA—D酶活性显著提高。铅对肝脏的损伤作用明显。表现为丙二醛（MDA）含量显著升高（17．08％），过氧化氢酶（CAT）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GPx）含量分别降低85．73％、52．17％、47．56％，而在日粮中添加微粒蒙脱石可以显著改善铅诱导的上述损伤。结果提示，微粒蒙脱石对铅中毒有潜在的治疗作用。     

Tissue and plasma antioxidant status in response to dietary methionine concentration and source in broilers

This study hypothesized that plasma and tissue antioxidant status of broilers is positively influenced when dietary Met concentrations exceed, and negatively when they go below NRC recommendations. In addition, different Met sources are hypothesized to affect the antioxidant defence system differently. Day‐old male Cobb‐500 broilers (n  = 336) were allotted to seven groups and phase‐fed three wheat–soya bean meal‐based basal diets during days 1‐10, 11‐21 and 22‐35. The basal diets (Met? group, Met + Cys concentration 15% below NRC recommendations) were supplemented with 0.10%, 0.25% or 0.40% Met either as DL ‐Met (DLM ) or DL ‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid (DL ‐HMTBA ) (equimolar comparison). Growth performance and carcass weights were lower in the Met? group compared to the groups whose diets met or exceeded Met requirements. The antioxidant defence system was not influenced by the Met source. However, in the liver, concentrations of glutathione increased with increasing dietary Met concentrations. Tocopherol concentrations in the liver at days 10 and 21 were lower in the Met? group than in the groups supplemented with Met. However, liver concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA ‐RS ) and protein carbonyls (PC ) were largely not influenced by dietary Met concentration. Plasma tocopherol concentrations at day 35 were lower, and those of TBA ‐RS and PC at day 35 were higher in Met? group than in the groups fed the Met‐supplemented diets. In jejunum, but not in liver, relative mRNA abundances and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were higher in the Met? group than in the groups fed Met‐supplemented diets. These data indicate that suboptimum supply of Met results in decreased antioxidant concentrations in plasma and body tissues, and increases oxidative stress in the jejunum mucosa. However, supplementation of Met in excess of the requirements (based on NRC ) compared to diets adequate in Met + Cys did not influence the antioxidant defence system.     

Sidr honey abrogates the oxidative stress and downregulates the hyaluronic acid concentration and gene expression of TGF‐β1 and COL1a1 in rat model of thioacetamide‐induced hepatic fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a major health concern, which might progress to cirrhosis. To date, treatment trials rely mainly on the removal of the causative factor. The current study investigated the potential ameliorative role of sidr honey on thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced liver fibrosis in rats. Forty‐eight Wistar albino rats were equally allocated into four groups: control; sidr honey (5g/kg body weight (BW), orally); TAA (200 mg/kg BW, IP three times weekly/15 weeks); and sidr honey plus TAA at the same dose and administration rout. Rats co‐treated with sidr honey plus TAA revealed significant reduction in hepatic malondialdehyde, hyaluronic acid (HA), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, direct bilirubin, and hepatic mRNA expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1a1) compared to TAA‐exposed rats. In addition, the hepatoprotective potential of sidr honey was indicated via improvement of histopathologic picture of hepatocytes and upregulation of total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, total protein, and albumin compared to TAA‐treated rats. In conclusion, daily administration of sidr honey (5 g/kg BW) is a promising natural antioxidant and fibrosuppressive agent that could ameliorate liver fibrosis via downregulation of fibrosis genes including TGF‐β1 and COL1a1 and HA and via enhancement of antioxidant system.     

The effect of dietary Chlorella vulgaris inclusion on goat's milk chemical composition,fatty acids profile and enzymes activities related to oxidation

The impact of dietary supplementation with microalgae on goat's milk chemical composition, fatty acids (FA) profile and enzymes activities related to antioxidant mechanism has not been well documented. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris on the following: (i) milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile, (ii) the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in blood plasma and (iii) the activities of SOD, GR and lactoperoxidase (LPO) in milk of goats. Furthermore, the oxidative stress indicators for measuring total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2, 2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays] and oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC)] were also determined in blood plasma and milk of the animals. For this purpose, 16 cross‐bred goats were divided into two homogenous groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group (Control) had no microalgae, while those of the Chlorella group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrates (Chlorella). Thus, the average intake was 5.15 g Chlorella vulgaris/kg DM. The results showed that the dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris had not noticeable impact on goat's milk yield, chemical composition and FA profile. Significantly higher SOD (by 10.31%) and CAT (by 18.66%) activities in the blood plasma of goats fed with Chlorella vulgaris compared with the control were found. Moreover, the dietary supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris caused a significant increase in SOD (by 68.84%) activity and a reduction in PC (by 24.07%) content in goat's milk. In conclusion, the Chlorella vulgaris inclusion in goat's diets improved the antioxidant status of both animals and milk.     

Effects of Inulin Supplementation in Low‐ or High‐Fat Diets on Reproductive Performance of Sows and Antioxidant Defence Capacity in Sows and Offspring

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of inulin supplementation in low‐ or high‐fat diets on both the reproductive performance of sow and the antioxidant defence capacity in sows and offspring. Sixty Landrace × Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated to four treatments with low‐fat diet (L), low‐fat diet containing 1.5% inulin (LI), high‐fat diet (H) and high‐fat diet containing 1.5% inulin (HI). Inulin‐rich diets lowered the within‐litter birth weight coefficient of variation (CV, p = 0.05) of piglets, increased the proportion of piglets weighing 1.0–1.5 kg at farrowing (p < 0.01), reduced the loss of body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BF) during lactation (p < 0.05) and decreased the duration of farrowing as well as improved sow constipation (p < 0.05). Sows fed fat‐rich diets gained more BW during gestation (p < 0.01), farrowed a greater number of total (+1.65 pigs, p < 0.05) and alive (+1.52 pigs p < 0.05) piglets and had a heavier (+2.06 kg, p < 0.05) litter weight at birth as well as a decreased weaning‐to‐oestrous interval (WEI, p < 0.01) compared with sows fed low‐fat diets. However, it is worth noting that the H diet significantly decreased the serum activities of superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and increased the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in sows and piglets (p < 0.05). In contrast, HI diet enhanced the activities of T‐SOD and GSH‐Px and decreased the serum MDA concentrations (p < 0.05) in sows and piglets. In summary, the fat‐rich diets fed to sows during gestation had beneficial effects on reproductive performance, but aggravated the oxidative stress in sow and piglets. Inulin‐rich diets fed to sow during gestation had beneficial effects on within‐litter uniformity of piglet birthweight and enhanced the antioxidant defence capacity of sows and piglets.