Curcumin alleviated oxidation stress injury by mediating osteopontin in nephrolithiasis rats

Purpose: To explore the role and mechanism of curcumin (Cur) in reducing oxidative stress damage in rats with nephrolithiasis induced by ethylene glycol (EG). Methods: Thirty male rats were divided into normal control, model, positive (10% potassium citrate), Cur-10 (10 mg/kg curcumin) and Cur-20 (20 mg/kg curcumin) groups. Results: The results of kidney tissue section stained by hematoxylin-eosin and von Kossa showed that curcumin treatment can inhibit the formation of kidney stones. The biochemical test results showed that the urea (Ur), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), inorganic phosphorus and Ca2+ concentrations in urine decreased after being treated with curcumin. There were significant differences between different doses of curcumin (P < 0.05). Compared with the Cur-10 group, Cur-20 had a more significant inhibitory effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05). In addition, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection and immunohistochemical results indicated that the osteopontin (OPN) in the kidney was significantly reduced after curcumin treatment. Conclusion: Curcumin could reduce the oxidative stress damage caused by EG-induced kidney stones.

Identical thermal stress coupled with different temperature and humidity combinations affects nutrient digestibility and gut metabolites of laying hens

The present study investigated whether the same temperature-humidity index (THI) values under different conditions of air temperature and relative humidity (RH) would affect the thermoregulatory, nutritional, and behavioral responses of laying hens. One hundred twenty Hy-Line Brown laying hens (60-weeks-old) were divided equally in two environmental chambers: 26 °C with 70% RH (hRH75) and 30 °C with 30% RH (hT75) for 28 days. The two ambient environments (hRH75 and hT75) had an identical THI value of 75, calculated using an empirical formula for laying hens. Neither hRH75 nor hT75 affected rectal and body-surface temperatures and heart and respiratory rates. The concentration of volatile fatty acids in fecal excreta were altered by the thermal treatments. hT75 vs. hRH75 decreased the proportion of acetate and increased the proportion of propionate in fecal samples. hT75 vs. hRH75 lowered the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber at 14 days. Thermal treatments did not affect heat stress-associated behavioral responses including feeding, drinking, panting, and wing elevation at any stage. Laying hens exposed to the same THI at different temperatures and RH exhibit equal physiological responses including rectal and body-surface temperatures, heart and respiratory rates, and behavioral responses. Nonetheless, high-temperature treatment (hT75; 30 °C and 30% RH) vs. low temperature treatment (hRH75; 26 °C and 70% RH) affects nutrient digestibility and gut metabolites, suggesting that there are negligible but discernable responses to temperature in the gut physiology.(AU)

Columbianadin attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via Sirt1/FOXO1 signaling pathway

Purpose: Oxidative stress and apoptosis contribute to the pathological basis of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. Columbianadin (CBN) is one of the main bioactive constituents isolated from the root of Angelica pubescens. Herein, we intended to explore the potential role and molecular basis of CBN in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were subjected to DOX (15 mg/kg/day, i.p.) to generate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. CBN (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered for four week following DOX injection. Results: DOX administered markedly dampened cardiac function, increased cardiac injury, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cardiomyocyte loss. These alterations induced by DOX significantly alleviated by CBN treatment. Mechanistically, our results demonstrated that the CBN exerts cardioprotection role against DOX by up-regulating silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) and decreasing acetylation of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). Moreover, Sirt1 inhibition with Ex-527 significantly blunt the beneficial effect of CBN on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, including cardiac dysfunction, ROS, and apoptosis. Conclusion: Collectively, CBN attenuated oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through maintaining Sirt1/FOXO1 signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated that CBN might be used to treat DOX-related cardiotoxicity.

Histopathological examination of the protective effect of intense exercise in apoptotic germ cell damage due to diabetes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the protective and antioxidative effects of intensive exercise on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced testicular damage, apoptotic spermatognial cells death, and oxidative stress. Methods: 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control, diabetes, and diabetes+intensive exercise (IE) groups. Testicular tissues were examined histopathologically and antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, as well as serum testosterone level, were measured. Results: Seminiferous tubules and germ cells were found to be better in the testis tissue of the intense exercise group than in the diabetes group. Diabetes suppressed antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, GPx and testosterone levels were significantly decreased, and increased MDA level in the diabetic group compared to diabetes+IE group (p < 0.001). Following four weeks of treatment, intensive exercise improved the antioxidant defense, significantly decreased MDA activity, and increased testosterone levels in testicular tissue in the diabetic group compared to diabetes+IE group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: STZ-induced diabetes causes damage to the testis tissue. In order to prevent these damages, exercise practice has become very popular nowadays. In present study, our intensive exercise protocol, histological, and biochemical analysis of the effect of diabetes on the testicular tissues is shown.

Effect of sulforaphane on long-term storage of rabbit semen

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on rabbit semen cryopreservation. Semen collected from animals was divided into 5 equal volumes as Control, SFN 5 µM, SFN 10 µM, SFN 25 µM and SFN 50 µM groups. Afterwards, semen analyzes were performed. According to our results, there was no statistical difference between the groups at 4°C. However after freezing thawing, the highest total motility, progressive motility and rapid spermatozoa rate was seen in the 10 µM SFN group, while the lowest was observed in the 50 µM SFN group (P<0.05). Static sperm ratio was highest in the 50 µM group, while the lowest was observed in the 10 µM SFN group. When flow cytometry results examined the rate of acrosomal damaged and dead sperm was the lowest in the 10 µM SFN group, a statistical difference was observed between the control group (P<0.05). The highest rate of sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential was seen in the 5 µM SFN and 10 µM SFN groups. Apoptosis and ROS rates were found to be lower in the experimental groups compared to the control groups (P<0.05). As a result, SFN supplementation at a dose of 10 µM increased the quality of sperm in the freezing and thawing processes of rabbit semen. In conclusion, 10 µM SFN improved the quality of cryopreservation of rabbit semen.(AU)

Effect of milking hygiene, herd size, water hardness and temperature-humidity index on milk quality of dairy farms

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of milking hygiene practices, herd size, water hardness, and temperature-humidity index (THI) on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of raw milk, and standard plate count (SPC) in milking machines of dairy farms in the central region of Mexico. Data were collected from fifty-three dairy farms during one year. The evaluated effects included milking hygiene conditions (good, medium, poor), herd size (1-50, 51-100, 101-150, ≥151 heads), water hardness (soft or moderately hard), and THI (comfortable or stressful). The increase in milking hygiene produced greater milk yield (MY) and energy corrected milk (ECM) but lower protein content, and decreased the individual bacterial count (IBC) and somatic cell count (SCC). The MY, ECM, protein content, IBC, and SCC were higher on bigger farms. The use of soft water reduced MY, IBC, and SCC, but improved fat, lactose, total solids (TS), and non-fat solids (NFS). Heat stress negatively affected fat, protein, TS, NFS, acidity, freezing point (FP), SCC, and methylene blue dye reduction test. Poor milking hygiene contributes to higher SPC in milking machine parts. Water hardness and THI did not affect SPC in all milking machine parts. Proper milking hygiene practices, larger herd size, softer water, lower THI, and adequate cleaning and disinfection of the milking machine parts benefits the physicochemical and microbiological quality of the milk.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside plays a protective role against renal ischemia/ reperfusion injury via the JAK/STAT pathway

Purpose: To investigate the role of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) in renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the potential mechanisms. Methods: Mouse models were established by clamping the left renal vessels, and in vitro cellular models were established by hypoxic reoxygenation. Results: Renal dysfunction and tissue structural damage were significantly higher in the I/R group. After treatment with different concentrations of C3G, the levels of renal dysfunction and tissue structural damage decreased at different levels. And its protective effect was most pronounced at 200 mg/kg. The use of C3G reduced apoptosis as well as the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced apoptosis and ERS are dependent on oxidative stress in vitro. In addition, both AG490 and C3G inhibited the activation of JAK/STAT pathway and attenuated oxidative stress, ischemia-induced apoptosis and ERS. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that C3G blocked renal apoptosis and ERS protein expression by preventing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after I/R via the JAK/STAT pathway, suggesting that C3G may be a potential therapeutic agent for renal I/R injury.

Semen quality and sperm characteristics in broiler breeder cockerels fed vitamin E during hot season

Thirty-two Arbor Acres (AA) cockerels aged 27 weeks were used to determine the effect of vitamin E (VE) on the semen characteristics and sperm quality during hot season. The birds were fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150mg VE kg-1 feed. There were 4 replicates and two birds per replicate. Semen collection was done thrice a week for three weeks in all birds. Dietary vitamin E significantly (p < 0.05) increased the semen volume (SV) and number of sperm cells (NS) in AA cockerels. CONTROL birds (0.71 mL) had lower SV than birds fed 150 mg VE (0.94 mL). Birds on 100 and 150 mg VE recorded similar NS, which was higher than 0 and 50 mg VE groups. The least NS was in the CONTROL group. Sperm abnormality gradually (p < 0.05) decreased as dietary VE increased from 0 to 150 mg. Significant (p < 0.01) effect of dietary VE was recorded in percentage live sperm (PLS). Semen from cockerels on VE treatment had higher PLS than the CONTROL. In conclusion, it may be beneficial to supplement the broiler breeder cockerel diet with VE up to 150 mg kg-1 feed during hot season as it increased SV, NS and PLS and decreased sperm abnormality.(AU)

The effects of different particle film applications on almond trees / Os efeitos de diferentes aplicações de filmes de partículas em amendoeiras

ABSTRACT: Particle film applications have become common in agriculture today given the understanding of the effects of limiting high temperatures and solar radiation on plant physiology. This study was conducted to compare the effects of different particle materials on some physiological and fruit quality attributes of almonds. To achieve this, two non-transparent white solid and three transparent aqueous particle film materials were applied by foliar spraying on deficit irrigated almond trees (cv. Ferragnes). Membrane injury (MI), relative water content (RWC), the SPAD chlorophyll index, leaf temperature and some macro- and micro-nutrient contents were examined in addition to fruit sizes, weights, total oils and fatty acid compositions. The applied treatments significantly influenced the evaluated parameters, which indicated reduced stress and improved fruit quality. MI was found to be from 42.8 to 73.9%, RWC varied from 76.8 to 92.9%, and the K/Na ratio ranged between 103.3 and 521.0. As a result of this study, it was concluded that the observed improvements were due to the effects of the evaluated materials and that particle film applications can be beneficial in alleviating heat, light and water stress in almond trees.

RESUMO: As aplicações de filmes de partículas tornaram-se comuns na agricultura hoje, devido ao entendimento dos efeitos da limitação de altas temperaturas e radiação solar na fisiologia das plantas. Este estudo foi conduzido para comparar os efeitos de diferentes materiais particulados em alguns atributos fisiológicos e de qualidade de frutas. Para isso, dois sólidos brancos não transparentes e três materiais de filme de partículas aquosas transparentes foram aplicados por pulverização foliar em amendoeiras com irrigação deficiente (cv. Ferragnes). A lesão da membrana (MI), o conteúdo relativo de água (RWC), o índice de clorofila SPAD, a temperatura da folha e alguns teores de macro e micronutrientes foram examinados, além do tamanho dos frutos, pesos, óleos totais e composições de ácidos graxos. Os tratamentos aplicados influenciaram significativamente os parâmetros avaliados, os quais indicaram redução do estresse e melhora na qualidade dos frutos. O MI foi encontrado entre 42,8 e 73,9%, o RWC variou de 76,8 a 92,9% e a razão K / Na estava entre 103,3 e 521,0. Como resultado deste estudo, concluiu-se que as melhorias observadas foram devidas aos efeitos dos materiais avaliados e que as aplicações de filmes de partículas são benéficas no alívio do calor, luz e estresse hídrico em amendoeiras.

The effects of different particle film applications on almond trees / Os efeitos de diferentes aplicações de filmes de partículas em amendoeiras

Particle film applications have become common in agriculture today given the understanding of the effects of limiting high temperatures and solar radiation on plant physiology. This study was conducted to compare the effects of different particle materials on some physiological and fruit quality attributes of almonds. To achieve this, two non-transparent white solid and three transparent aqueous particle film materials were applied by foliar spraying on deficit irrigated almond trees (cv. Ferragnes). Membrane injury (MI), relative water content (RWC), the SPAD chlorophyll index, leaf temperature and some macro- and micro-nutrient contents were examined in addition to fruit sizes, weights, total oils and fatty acid compositions. The applied treatments significantly influenced the evaluated parameters, which indicated reduced stress and improved fruit quality. MI was found to be from 42.8 to 73.9%, RWC varied from 76.8 to 92.9%, and the K/Na ratio ranged between 103.3 and 521.0. As a result of this study, it was concluded that the observed improvements were due to the effects of the evaluated materials and that particle film applications can be beneficial in alleviating heat, light and water stress in almond trees.

As aplicações de filmes de partículas tornaram-se comuns na agricultura hoje, devido ao entendimento dos efeitos da limitação de altas temperaturas e radiação solar na fisiologia das plantas. Este estudo foi conduzido para comparar os efeitos de diferentes materiais particulados em alguns atributos fisiológicos e de qualidade de frutas. Para isso, dois sólidos brancos não transparentes e três materiais de filme de partículas aquosas transparentes foram aplicados por pulverização foliar em amendoeiras com irrigação deficiente (cv. Ferragnes). A lesão da membrana (MI), o conteúdo relativo de água (RWC), o índice de clorofila SPAD, a temperatura da folha e alguns teores de macro e micronutrientes foram examinados, além do tamanho dos frutos, pesos, óleos totais e composições de ácidos graxos. Os tratamentos aplicados influenciaram significativamente os parâmetros avaliados, os quais indicaram redução do estresse e melhora na qualidade dos frutos. O MI foi encontrado entre 42,8 e 73,9%, o RWC variou de 76,8 a 92,9% e a razão K / Na estava entre 103,3 e 521,0. Como resultado deste estudo, concluiu-se que as melhorias observadas foram devidas aos efeitos dos materiais avaliados e que as aplicações de filmes de partículas são benéficas no alívio do calor, luz e estresse hídrico em amendoeiras.

Heat stress effects on the lactation performance, reproduction, and alleviating nutritional strategies in dairy cattle, a review

Heat stress response in dairy cattle affects milk production, quality, body temperature, and other parameters. Dairy cows will most likely experience increased heat stress with unabated global warming. Elevated temperatures and humidity reduce feed intake, harm reproductive potential， and reduce milk production. Heat stress is more common in high-yielding cows than in low-yielding ones. In addition to reducing milk production, heat stress can also reduce milk quality. During lactation, internal metabolic heat production can further reduce cattle's substances to high temperatures, resulting in altered milk composition and decreased milk yield. Several studies proposed various nutritional strategies such as dietary fats, dietary fibers, microbial diets, mineral substances, vitamins, metal ion buffers, plant extracts, and other antistress additives. This review addresses the challenging study on the effects of heat stress on nutritional and fed intake perturbations, milk and components yield, immune system activation, and reproduction parameters. It proves that specific nutritional strategies effectively mitigate the harmful effects of heat stress in dairy cattle.(AU)

Puerarin alleviated oxidative stress and ferroptosis during renal fibrosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury via TLR4/Nox4 pathway in rats

Purpose: To investigate the role of puerarin on renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism in renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) model. Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with puerarin (50 or 100 mg/kg) per day for one week before renal I/R. The level of renal collagen deposition and interstitial fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The ferroptosis related factors and TLR4/Nox4-pathway-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: Puerarin was observed to alleviate renal collagen deposition, interstitial fibrosis and the α-SMA expression induced by I/R. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) level were decreased in I/R and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe2+ level increased. However, puerarin reversed SOD, MDA, GSH and Fe2+ level changes induced by I/R and H/R. Besides, Western blot indicated that puerarin inhibited the expression of ferroptosis related factors in a dose-dependent manner, which further demonstrated that puerarin had the effect to attenuate ferroptosis. Moreover, the increased expression of TLR/Nox4-pathway-associated proteins were observed in I/R and H/R group, but puerarin alleviated the elevated TLR/Nox4 expression. Conclusions: Our results suggested that puerarin inhibited oxidative stress and ferroptosis induced by I/R and, thus, delayed the progression of renal fibrosis, providing a new target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Effect of castration and vasectomy on some oxidative stress parameters and blood hormone levels in rats / Efeito da castração e da vasectomia em alguns parâmetros de estresse oxidativo e níveis de hormônios no sangue

Vasectomy and castration are the most preferred surgical methods to control reproduction in males. While sexual functions are terminated reversibly in vasectomy, they are removed irreversibly in castration. After these processes, changes are observed in hormones and oxidative stress parameters. In this study, we investigated the effects of vasectomy and castration operations on blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that FSH, LH, NO, and MDA levels increased (p<0.05) and testosterone levels decreased (p<0.05) in the castration group compared to the sham and vasectomy groups. Considering the data obtained from the present study, when the two operations (vasectomy and castration) are compared in rats, which are preferred for the control of reproduction, it is thought that vasectomy is a healthier method because it is reversible, does not affect hormone levels, and does not increase oxidative stress.

A vasectomia e a castração são os métodos cirúrgicos preferidos para controlar a reprodução no sexo masculino. Enquanto as funções sexuais terminam reversivelmente na vasectomia, elas são removidas irreversivelmente na castração. Após esses processos, são observadas alterações nos hormônios e nos parâmetros de estresse oxidativo. Neste estudo, foram investigados os efeitos das operações de vasectomia e castração nos níveis sanguíneos de hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH), hormônio luteinizante (LH), testosterona, óxido nítrico (NO) e malondialdeído (MDA) em ratos. Como resultado da análise, foi determinado que os níveis de FSH, LH, NO e MDA aumentaram (P<0,05) e os níveis de testosterona diminuíram (P<0,05) no grupo de castração em comparação com os grupos sham e vasectomia. Considerando os dados obtidos no presente estudo, quando comparadas as duas operações (vasectomia e castração) em ratos, preferidas para o controle da reprodução, acredita-se que a vasectomia é um método mais saudável por ser reversível, não afetar os níveis hormonais e não aumentar o estresse oxidativo.

Impact of high-fat diet consumption during prolonged period of pregnancy on placenta structures and umbilical vascular growth in goats

This study aimed to verify the impact of high-fat diet consumption for a prolonged period on oxidative stress, fetal growth, umbilical vascular system, and placental structures in pregnant goats. Twenty-two pregnant goats were grouped into the control diet (n= 11) and fat diet (n = 11). Flaxseed meal was added to the fat diet, replacing the corn grain of concentrate, from gestational day 100 to delivery date. Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic, differing in fat content (2.8% vs. 6.3% dry matter). The fat group showed higher feed intake and total plasma lipid levels than the control group (P < 0.001). No difference was found in placentome, and umbilical vascular development. Fat diet-fed goats exhibited a lower systolic peak in the umbilical artery. At delivery, placental traits were similar with the exception of the cotyledon width (P = 0.0075), which was smaller in the fat group and cotyledon surface (P = 0.0047) for multiple pregnancy of fat diet. Cotyledonary epithelium showed more intense staining of lipid droplets and a greater area for lipofuscin staining in the fat group compared to control group (P < 0.001). The mean live weight of the kids was lower in the fat group in the first week after delivery than in control group. Thus, in goats, the continuous administration of a high-fat diet during pregnancy does not appear to modify the fetal-maternal vascular structures but has an impact on a part of the placental structure; therefore, its use must be carefully evaluated.(AU)

Bem-estar dos organismos aquáticos e protocolos de avaliação para aquicultura / Welfare of aquatic organisms and assessment protocols for aquaculture

Peixes, anfíbios, répteis, moluscos cefalópodes e crustáceos decápodes são sencientes, e por isso, procedimentos de cultivo e de abate desses animais precisam atender aos critérios de bem-estar. Protocolos de bem-estar têm sido propostos para espécies da aquicultura de relevância econômica trançando novos rumos para atividade, mas infelizmente na maioria das propriedades brasileiras, não são adotados. Nesta revisão, contém informações sobre o cenário atual e os métodos de avaliação de bem-estar dos organismos aquáticos disponíveis na literatura científica, a fim de contribuir para a implantação de métodos, processos e estruturas que garantam o bom estado fisiológico e comportamental durante a vida e morte dos animais em cativeiro. Os dados disponíveis indicam que o estresse, a sanidade, as condições nutricionais e os métodos de insensibilização são os principais indicadores de bem-estar na aquicultura. Portanto, é imprescindível garantir estruturas adequadas ao sistema de produção, protocolos de vacinação, dietas balanceadas compostas principalmente por fontes protéicas de qualidade, depuração pré-abate e métodos de insensibilização que levam à perda de consciência imediata.

Fish, amphibians, reptiles, cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans are sentient, so these animals' cultivation and slaughter procedures must meet welfare criteria. Welfare protocols have been proposed for aquaculture species of economic relevance, tracing new directions for the activity, but unfortunately, in most Brazilian properties, they are not adopted. This review contains information about the current scenario and the methods of evaluating the welfare of aquatic organisms available in the scientific literature to contribute to the implementation of methods, processes and structures that ensure a good physiological and behavioral state during the life and death of the animals in captivity. Available data indicate that stress, health, nutritional conditions and stunning methods are the main indicators of welfare in aquaculture. Therefore, ensuring adequate structures for the production system, vaccination protocols, balanced diets composed mainly of quality protein sources, pre-slaughter purification, and stunning methods that lead to immediate loss of consciousness is essential.

Broiler behavior: influence of thermal stress, age, and period of the day

This study evaluated the behavior of broiler chickens subjected to thermal stress during different periods of the day and age of birds. A total of 180 one-day-old male broiler chicks were allocated to three chambers. Each chamber contained five boxes, with 12 chicks/box. Birds were assigned to a completely randomized design. The birds were filmed, and the images recorded every minute during the two periods: morning (from 08:00 to 09:00 h) and afternoon (from 17:00 to 18:00 h), at 7, 14, and 35 d of age. The frequency of the behavioral category (water intake, feed intake, resting, exploration, and comfort) was determined. Data were subjected to variance analysis for mixed models with rearing temperatures (cold, usual, and hot) and age of birds (7, 14, and 35 d) as subdivided plot, and periods of the day (morning and afternoon) as sub-subdivided plot. Birds at cold and usual temperatures showed higher feed intake than those at hot temperature in the morning. Birds exposed to cold and usual temperatures explored the environment less frequently at 35 d when compared with 14 d. However, chickens at hot temperature showed decreased exploration according to the increase of age. Birds spent more time feeding during the morning, regardless of age and rearing temperature. Also, during this period of the day, chickens spent most of the time exploring the environment. The frequency of feed intake and exploration decreases with the increase of age. The similarity of behavior between chickens reared at cold and usual temperatures may be due to a change in the thermal comfort zone of the birds. It suggests that the real thermal comfort temperature is between the two temperature ranges studied (cold and usual).

Naringenin attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response via the activation of SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling pathway in vitro

Purpose: To explore the protection of naringenin against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced HT22 cell injury, a cell model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in vitro, focusing on SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling pathway. Methods: Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, 4-hydroxynonenoic acid (4-HNE) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured by commercial kits. Inflammatory cytokines levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions were monitored by Western blot analysis. Results: Naringenin significantly ameliorated OGD/Rinduced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HT22 cells. Meanwhile, naringenin promoted SIRT1 and FOXO1 protein expressions in OGD/R-subjected HT22 cells. In addition, naringenin attenuated OGD/R-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, oxidative stress (the increased ROS, MDA and 4-HNE levels, and the decreased SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities) and inflammatory response (the increased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1ß, and IL-6 levels and the decreased IL-10 level), which were blocked by the inhibition of the SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling pathway induced by SIRT1-siRNA transfection. Conclusion: Naringenin protected HT22 cells against OGD/R injury depending on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities via promoting the SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling pathway.

Calves with arthritis - changes in antioxidant parameters

Background: In a healthy organism, oxidants and antioxidants are in balance. However, in cases such as inflammation, infection, and stress, this balance is disrupted in favor of oxidants, creating oxidative stress that can cause damage to cells or tissues. It is known that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Determination of oxidant and antioxidant balance, especially in inflammatory diseases, plays an important role in elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease and developing treatment strategies. This study, it was aimed to reveal the oxidant status in inflammatory disease of calves with septic and aseptic arthritis. Materials, Methods & Results: The material of the study consisted of 21 calves up to 2 months old, of different races and genders, 14 (9 male, 5 female) with arthritis and 7 healthy (control, 5 male, 2 female). Of the calves with arthritis, 11 were septic and 3 were acute aseptic. In the calves with arthritis, the affected joint or joints were determined by clinical examinations. By palpating the joints, swelling, local temperature increase, tension in the joint capsule, presence of pain, and the presence and severity of lameness were examined. The color, clarity, viscosity, odor, and clot formation of the synovial fluid were examined and determined to be septic or aseptic. To determine the antioxidant status, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is the most important oxidative stress marker, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), gluta-thione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), which are the enzymatic antioxidant enzymes, were measured spectro-photometrically in serum samples. Vitamin E, C, and A levels, which are nonenzymatic antioxidants, were also measured colorimetrically. In the clinical examination, lameness was detected in the relevant extremity of all patients with arthritis. In the macroscopic examination of the synovial fluids taken from animals with arthritis, the colors of the synovial fluids varied between yellow and yellow tones in 11 cases; in 3 cases, it was determined that they were red and brown. It was observed that the colors of the synovial fluids were transparent in the subjects in the control group. It was observed that the synovial fluid clarity of the calves with arthritis was lost, with severe turbidity (+++) in 3 cases, moderately turbid (++) in 6 cases, slightly turbid (+) in 2 cases, and clear (-) in 3 cases. It was observed that the viscosity of synovial fluid taken from calves with arthritis decreased in varying degrees according to the severity of the disease, severe (+++) in 5 cases, moderately decreased (++) in 4 cases, slightly decreased (+) in 2 cases, and normal in 3 cases. It was determined that the viscosity of the synovial fluid taken from the calves in the control group was normal. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of MDA (P < 0.01), SOD (P < 0.01), GSH-Px (P < 0.05), vitamin E (P < 0.001), and vitamin C (P < 0.01), while MDA levels increased in calves with arthritis, SOD and GSH-Px activities and vitamin E and C levels decreased significantly. Although there was no statistically significant difference in CAT (P > 0.05) enzyme activity, it was determined that it was at a lower level in calves with arthritis, and there was no significant difference be-tween the groups in terms of vitamin A (P > 0.05). Discussion: According to the results of the study, there is an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in antioxidant status in calves with arthritis. It is thought that these changes may be due to efforts to reduce tissue damage by reducing lipid peroxidation. As a result, it was determined that oxidant and antioxidant balance was impaired in calves with arthritis, and oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation developed due to the increase in free radicals. It is thought that giving additional antioxidants to the calves may contribute to the recovery of the disease and reduce treatment costs.

Resveratrol Attenuates Heat-Stress-Impaired Immune and Inflammatory Responses of Broilers by Modulating Toll-Like Receptor-4 Signaling Pathway

This study investigated the effect of resveratrol on the immune and inflammatory responses and the mRNA levels of splenic toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signaling pathway-related genes of broilers under heat stress (HS). One hundred and sixty-two birds were allocated to three groups, each with 6 replicates, for 21 continuous days. The three treatments were as follows: the control group (22 ± 1 °C), the HS (33 ± 1 °C for 10 h d-1 and 22 ± 1 °C for the remaining time) group and the HS + resveratrol (400 mg kg-1) group. At the end of the trial, one bird per replicate close to the average body weight (BW) was selected, exsanguinated, and slaughtered. Compared with the control group, the HS treatment decreased (p<0.05) final BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) Y, IgA and interleukin (IL)-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it increased (p<0.05) feed/gain, mRNA levels of splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TLR-4, nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), IL-1ß, and IL-6. Compared to the HS group, the HS+resveratrol group exhibited increased (p<0.05) final BW, ADG, relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum IgY, IgA and IL-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it exhibited lower (p<0.05) TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 contents in serum, and splenic TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NF-κB mRNA levels. In conclusion, resveratrol prevented a HS-impairment of the immune function of broilers by blocking the abnormal activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway.(AU)

Oxidative stress caused by lead in the lichen Xanthoria parietina

The assessment of the air quality is a major concern to the current time. The monitoring and maintenance of air quality necessarily pass by detecting and estimating the overall air pollution. The use of lichens must be an assessmenttool to be studied. In our work we were interested about the toxicity of lead on the various parameters of stress in the lichen Xanthoria parietina. For this purpose, lichen thalli have been incubated at lead concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mM, for time scale of 0, 24, 48 and 96 hours. The obtained results showed that lead has an action on the various studied parameters, and the intensity of oxidative stress observed in lichens thalli depends on the concentration, and time of exposure. Lead induced a decrease in chlorophyll and protein contents, and an increase in the contents of catalase, hydrogen peroxide and reduced glutathione. Furthermore, the results also showed that high concentrations of lead caused total destruction of reduced glutathione.(AU)