Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Plant-derived Hypoglycemic Medicines: An In vivo/In vitro Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The activation of oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions has been associated with acceleration in diabetes (DM) onset and complications. Despite various anti-DM medications, there is a growing trend to discover inexpensive and effective treatments with low adverse effects from plants as one of the promising sources for drug development. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically investigate the simultaneous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of plant-derived hypoglycemic medicines in diabetic experimental models. METHODS: The search terms consisted of "diabetes", "herbal medicine", "antioxidant", "Inflammatory biomarker", and their equivalents among PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to 17 August 2021. RESULTS: Throughout the search of databases, 201 eligible experimental studies were recorded. The results showed that the most commonly assessed inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1ß, IL-10, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO). The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) were assessed in the present review. Among herbal treatments, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Vitis vinifera L., and Moringa oleifera Lam. were most commonly used for diabetic complications. Due to the dispersion of the treatments, meta-analysis was not applicable. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the application of different plant-derived hypoglycemic treatments in animal models improved diabetes and its complications, as well as modulated concomitant inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. These findings suggest that plant-based antidiabetic medicines and food supplements have the potential to manage diabetes and its complications.

Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Rat Reproductive System: Potential Benefits of Vitamin D3 Intervention.

Gravity in space can have a negative impact on the reproductive system. Given that the reproductive system is one of vitamin D's objectives, this study will use a simulated microgravity model to evaluate its impact on the rat reproductive system.Twenty-two male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups at random. Under microgravity circumstances, the rats were housed in both special and standard cages. Each group was then separated into two subgroups, one of which received vitamin D3 and the other did not. Blood was drawn twice to determine blood levels of vitamin D3, LH, FSH, and testosterone. Rat testes were isolated for histological analysis, as well as a piece of epididymis for sperm count and morphological examination.Microgravity had a detrimental effect on testicular tissue, resulting in lower serum levels of LH and testosterone (p-value < 0.001). Spermatogenesis was largely inhibited under microgravity. During microgravity conditions, however, vitamin D3 had a good effect on testicular structure, and the total number of sperm. Simulated microgravity affects the male reproductive system, compromising testicular morphology, sperm parameters, and hormonal balance. However, this study shows that vitamin D3 supplementation can act as a preventative strategy, minimizing the negative consequences of microgravity. The beneficial effect of vitamin D3 on testicular health and sperm quality implies that it may be useful in protecting male reproductive function in space-related situations.

Effects of electroacupuncture on postoperative cognitive dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms: a literature review of rodent studies.

With the aging of the population, the health of the elderly has become increasingly important. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common neurological complication in elderly patients following general anesthesia or surgery. It is characterized by cognitive decline that may persist for weeks, months, or even longer. Electroacupuncture (EA), a novel therapy that combines physical nerve stimulation with acupuncture treatment from traditional Chinese medicine, holds potential as a therapeutic intervention for preventing and treating POCD, particularly in elderly patients. Although the beneficial effects of EA on POCD have been explored in preclinical and clinical studies, the reliability of EA is limited by methodological shortcomings, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Therefore, we have synthesized existing evidence and proposed potential biological mechanisms underlying the effects of EA on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy, the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and epigenetic modification. This review summarizes recent advances in EA and POCD, provides a theoretical foundation, explores potential molecular mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of POCD, and offers a basis for conducting relevant clinical trials.

The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients' Well-Being: Systematic Study of the Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence.

Background: Animal-assisted therapy, also known as pet therapy, is a therapeutic intervention that involves animals to enhance the well-being of individuals across various populations and settings. Objective: This systematic study aims to assess the outcomes of animal-assisted therapy interventions and explore the associated policies. Methods: A total of 16 papers published between 2015 and 2023 were selected for analysis. These papers were chosen based on their relevance to the research topic of animal-assisted therapy and their availability in scholarly databases. Thematic synthesis and meta-analysis were used to synthesize the qualitative and quantitative data extracted from the selected papers. Results: The analysis included 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria and were deemed to be of moderate or higher quality. Among these studies, 4 demonstrated positive results for therapeutic mediation and one for supportive mediation in psychiatric disorders. Additionally, all studies showed positive outcomes for depression and neurological disorders. Regarding stress and anxiety, 3 studies indicated supportive mediation, while 2 studies showed activating mediation. Conclusions: The overall assessment of animal-assisted therapy shows promise as an effective intervention in promoting well-being among diverse populations. Further research and the establishment of standardized outcome assessment measures and comprehensive policies are essential for advancing the field and maximizing the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.

Investigating the impact of Psidium guajava leaf hydroalcoholic extract in improving glutamatergic toxicity-induced oxidative stress in Danio rerio larvae.

Glutamate is one of the predominant excitatory neurotransmitters released from the central nervous system; however, at high concentrations, this substance may induce excitotoxicity. This phenomenon is involved in numerous neuropathologies. At present, clinically available pharmacotherapeutic agents to counteract glutamatergic excitotoxicity are not completely effective; therefore, research to develop novel compounds is necessary. In this study, the main objective was to determine the pharmacotherapeutic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Psidium guajava (PG) in a model of oxidative stress-induced by exposure to glutamate utilizing Danio rerio larvae (zebrafish) as a model. Data showed that treatment with glutamate produced a significant increase in oxidative stress, chromatin damage, apoptosis, and locomotor dysfunction. All these effects were attenuated by pre-treatment with the classical antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Treatment with PG inhibited oxidative stress responsible for cellular damage induced by glutamate. However, exposure to PG failed to prevent glutamate-initiated locomotor damage. Our findings suggest that under conditions of oxidative stress, PG can be considered as a promising candidate for treatment of glutamatergic excitotoxicity and consequent neurodegenerative diseases.

[Buzhong Yiqi Decoction ameliorates spleen deficiency syndrome by regulating gut microbiota].

This study aims to decipher the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction(BZYQD) in the treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome via gut microbiota. The mouse models of spleen deficiency syndrome were established by fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT, from patients with spleen deficiency syndrome) and administration of Sennae Folium(SF, 10 g·kg~(-1)), respectively, and treated with BZYQD for 5 d. The pseudosterile mice(administrated with large doses of antibiotics) and the mice transplanted with fecal bacteria from healthy human were taken as the controls. The levels of IgA, interleukin(IL)-2, IL-1ß, interferon(IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in the intestinal tissue of two models were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the CD8~+/CD3~+ ratio was determined by flow cytometry. The composition and changes of the gut microbiota were determined by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and qPCR. Furthermore, the correlation analysis was performed to study the mediating role of gut microbiota in the treatment. The results showed that BZYQD elevated the IgA level, lowered the IL-1ß, TNF-α, and 5-HT levels, and decreased the CD8~+/CD3~+ ratio in the intestinal tissue of the two models. Moreover, BZYQD had two-way regulatory effects on the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ. BZYQD inhibited the overgrowth and reduced the richness of gut microbiota in the SF model, and improved the gut microbiota structure in the two models. Algoriphagus, Mycobacterium, and CL500＿29＿marine＿group were the common differential genera in the two models compared with the control. Acinetobacter, Parabacteroides, and Ruminococcus were the differential genera unique to the FMT model, and Sphingorhabdus, Lactobacillus, and Anaeroplasma were the unique differential genera in the SF model. BZYQD was capable of regulating all these genera. The qPCR results showed that BZYQD increased the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and decreased that of Bacteroides uniformis in the two models. The correlation analysis revealed that the levels of above intestinal cytokines were significantly correlated with characteristic gut microorganisms in different mo-dels. The IL-1ß level had a significantly positive correlation with Acinetobacter and CL500＿29＿marine＿group in the two models, while the different levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the two models may be related to its different gut microbiota structures. In conclusion, BZYQD could regulate the disordered gut microbiota structure in different animal models of spleen deficiency syndrome to improve the intestinal immune status, which might be one of the mechanisms of BZYQD in treating spleen deficiency syndrome.

Functions and Metabolism of Amino Acids in Bones and Joints of Cats and Dogs.

The bone is a large and complex organ (12-15% of body weight) consisting of specialized connective tissues (bone matrix and bone marrow), whereas joints are composed of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, synovial joint capsules and membranes, and a synovial joint cavity filled with synovial fluid. Maintaining healthy bones and joints is a dynamic and complex process, as bone deposition (formation of new bone materials) and resorption (breakdown of the bone matrix to release calcium and phosphorus) are the continuous processes to determine bone balance. Bones are required for locomotion, protection of internal organs, and have endocrine functions to maintain mineral homeostasis. Joints are responsible for resisting mechanical stress/trauma, aiding in locomotion, and supporting the overall musculoskeletal system. Amino acids have multiple regulatory, compositional, metabolic, and functional roles in maintaining the health of bones and joints. Their disorders are prevalent in mammals and significantly reduce the quality of life. These abnormalities in companion animals, specifically cats and dogs, commonly lead to elective euthanasia due to the poor quality of life. Multiple disorders of bones and joints result from genetic predisposition and are heritable, but other factors such as nutrition, growth rate, trauma, and physical activity affect how the disorder manifests. Treatments for cats and dogs are primarily to slow the progression of these disorders and assist in pain management. Therapeutic supplements such as Cosequin and formulated diets rich in amino acids are used commonly as treatments for companion animals to reduce pain and slow the progression of those diseases. Also, amino acids (e.g., taurine, arginine, glycine, proline, and 4-hydroxyproline), and glucosamine reduce inflammation and pain in animals with bone and joint disorders. Gaining insight into how amino acids function in maintaining bone and joint health can aid in developing preventative diets and therapeutic supplementations of amino acids to improve the quality of life in companion animals.

Establishment of a Mouse Degenerative Model of Patellar Tendinopathy with Upregulation of Inflammation.

There is no mouse model of patellar tendinopathy. This study aimed to establish a mouse inflammatory and degenerative patellar tendon injury model, which will facilitate research on patellar tendinopathy using advanced molecular tools including transgenic models. Collagenase at different doses (low dose (LD), medium dose (MD), high dose (HD)) or saline was injected over the mouse patellar tendon. At weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 post-injection, the tendons were harvested for histology and further examined by micro-computed tomography (microCT) imaging at week 8. The optimal dose group and the saline group were further evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, gait pattern, and biomechanical properties. The histopathological score increased dose-dependently post-collagenase injection. Ectopic mineralization was observed and increased with collagenase dose. The LD group was selected for further analysis. The expression of IL-10, TNF-α, and MMP-1 significantly increased post-injection. The changes of limb idleness index (ΔLII) compared to preinjury state were significantly higher, while the ultimate load, stiffness, ultimate stress, and maximum Young's modulus were significantly lower in the LD group compared to the saline group. A mouse inflammatory degenerative model of patellar tendon injury resembling tendinopathy was established as indicated by the dose-dependent increase in tendon histopathology, ectopic calcification, decrease in biomechanical properties, and pain-associated gait changes.

Effects of Soluble Dextrin Fiber from Potato Starch on Body Weight and Associated Gut Dysbiosis Are Evident in Western Diet-Fed Mice but Not in Overweight/Obese Children.

BACKGROUND: The study investigated the impact of starch degradation products (SDexF) as prebiotics on obesity management in mice and overweight/obese children. METHODS: A total of 48 mice on a normal diet (ND) and 48 on a Western diet (WD) were divided into subgroups with or without 5% SDexF supplementation for 28 weeks. In a human study, 100 overweight/obese children were randomly assigned to prebiotic and control groups, consuming fruit and vegetable mousse with or without 10 g of SDexF for 24 weeks. Stool samples were analyzed for microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and amino acids (AA) were assessed. RESULTS: Results showed SDexF slowed weight gain in female mice on both diets but only temporarily in males. It altered bacterial diversity and specific taxa abundances in mouse feces. In humans, SDexF did not influence weight loss or gut microbiota composition, showing minimal changes in individual taxa. The anti-obesity effect observed in mice with WD-induced obesity was not replicated in children undergoing a weight-loss program. CONCLUSIONS: SDexF exhibited sex-specific effects in mice but did not impact weight loss or microbiota composition in overweight/obese children.

[Natural 5α-reductase inhibitors in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia].

Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) is a common disease of the male urinary system, and its incidence rate in China is increasing. However, the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of BPH remains unclear. Some studies demonstrated that the incidence of BPH was related to the change in the levels of steroid hormones. Too high content of dihydrotestosterone(DHT) in the body may cause BPH and other related diseases. Testosterone(T) is converted to DHT by 5α-reductase(SRD5A). By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, the production of DHT can be reduced, and then the incidence of BPH can be lowered. Therefore, it has drawn great attention to screen and discover safer and more effective 5α-reductase inhibitors from natural medicines to treat prostatic hyperplasia without affecting the physiological function of men. This review summarizes the characteristics and tissue distribution of 5α-reductase, the discovery of 5α-reductase inhibitors in traditional Chinese medicine and natural medicines, 5α-reductase inhibitors commonly used in clinical practice and their side effects, as well as the animal models of prostatic hyperplasia and common detection indicators, aiming to provide a reference for more in-depth understanding and research about BPH and development of drugs.

Guidance on Minimum Standards for Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Adolescent Mental Health: Delphi Expert Consensus on Health, Safety, and Canine Welfare.

As interest in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) grows, there are increasing calls for the management of related health, safety, and welfare concerns for canines, providers, and clients. Existing health and safety guidelines lack empirical support and are, at times, contradictory. Welfare is increasingly prioritized; however, tools to monitor and manage welfare are underutilized and under-reported. The aim of this study was to provide expert consensus on the minimum health, safety, and welfare standards required to develop and deliver a CAP group program to adolescents experiencing common mental health disorders. Diverse AAT experts were recruited globally. Using Delphi methodology, over two rounds, 40 panelists reached a consensus agreement to include 32 items from a possible 49 into the minimum standards. Health and safety measures included risk assessment, veterinary screening, preventative medicine, training in infection control, and first aid. Welfare measures included training in welfare assessment, documentation of welfare, and flexible, individualized responses to promote wellbeing. Intestinal screening for parasites and the prohibition of raw food were not supported. Flexible and individualized assessment and management of canine welfare were supported over fixed and time-limited work schedules. Clinical practice implications are discussed, and recommendations are made.

Farm Animal Welfare-From the Farmers' Perspective.

Improvements in the welfare of animals in the intensive production industries are increasingly being demanded by the public. Scientific methods of welfare improvement have been developed and are beginning to be used on farms, including those provided by precision livestock farming. The number of welfare challenges that animals are facing in the livestock production industries is growing rapidly, and farmers are a key component in attempts to improve welfare because their livelihood is at stake. The challenges include climate change, which not only exposes animals to heat stress but also potentially reduces forage and water availability for livestock production systems. Heat-stressed animals have reduced welfare, and it is important to farmers that they convert feed to products for human consumption less efficiently, their immune system is compromised, and both the quality of the products and the animals' reproduction are adversely affected. Livestock farmers are also facing escalating feed and fertiliser costs, both of which may jeopardise feed availability for the animals. The availability of skilled labour to work in livestock industries is increasingly limited, with rural migration to cities and the succession of older farmers uncertain. In future, high-energy and protein feeds are unlikely to be available in large quantities when required for the expanding human population. It is expected that livestock farming will increasingly be confined to marginal land offering low-quality pasture, which will favour ruminant livestock, at the expense of pigs and poultry unable to readily digest coarse fibre in plants. Farmers also face disease challenges to their animals' welfare, as the development of antibiotic resistance in microbes has heralded an era when we can no longer rely on antibiotics to control disease or improve the feed conversion efficiency of livestock. Farmers can use medicinal plants, pro-, pre- and synbiotics and good husbandry to help maintain a high standard of health in their animals. Loss of biodiversity in livestock breeds reduces the availability of less productive genotypes that survive better on nutrient-poor diets than animals selected for high productivity. Farmers have a range of options to help address these challenges, including changing to less intensive diets, diversification from livestock farming to other enterprises, such as cereal and pseudocereal crops, silvopastoral systems and using less highly selected breeds. These options may not always produce good animal welfare, but they will help to give farm animals a better life.

Staphylococcus aureus and biofilms: transmission, threats, and promising strategies in animal husbandry.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common pathogenic bacterium in animal husbandry that can cause diseases such as mastitis, skin infections, arthritis, and other ailments. The formation of biofilms threatens and exacerbates S. aureus infection by allowing the bacteria to adhere to pathological areas and livestock product surfaces, thus triggering animal health crises and safety issues with livestock products. To solve this problem, in this review, we provide a brief overview of the harm caused by S. aureus and its biofilms on livestock and animal byproducts (meat and dairy products). We also describe the ways in which S. aureus spreads in animals and the threats it poses to the livestock industry. The processes and molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation are then explained. Finally, we discuss strategies for the removal and eradication of S. aureus and biofilms in animal husbandry, including the use of antimicrobial peptides, plant extracts, nanoparticles, phages, and antibodies. These strategies to reduce the spread of S. aureus in animal husbandry help maintain livestock health and improve productivity to ensure the ecologically sustainable development of animal husbandry and the safety of livestock products.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats detorsioned after experimental ovarian torsion.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate whether hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) could ameliorate ischaemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model of ovarian torsion-detorsion. Methods: Twenty-seven rats were divided among four groups: surgical sham rats (S) (n = 6) underwent identical anaesthesia and surgical incisions to other groups (n = 7 per group) but with no ovary intervention; torsion rats (T) underwent laparotomy, ovarian torsion, relaparotomy and sacrifice after three hours; torsion and detorsion rats (T/DT) underwent laparotomy, ovarian torsion (three hours), relaparotomy and detorsion, and sacrifice after one week; torsion, detorsion, hyperbaric oxygen rats (T/DT/HBOT) underwent laparotomy, ovarian torsion, relaparotomy and detorsion, and sacrifice after one week during which HBOT was provided 21 times (100% oxygen at 600 kPa for 50 min). In all groups blood collection for markers of oxidative stress or related responses, and ovary collection for histology were performed after sacrifice. Results: When the T/DT, and T/DT/HBOT groups were compared, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (a marker of oxidative damage to DNA) and malondialdehyde (a product of lipid peroxidation) levels were lower in the T/DT/HBOT group. Anti-Mullerian hormone levels were higher in the T/DT/HBOT group compared to the T/DT group. In addition, oedema, vascular occlusion, neutrophilic infiltration and follicular cell damage were less in the T/DT/HBOT group than in the T/DT group. Conclusions: When biochemical and histopathological findings were evaluated together, HBOT appeared reduce ovarian ischaemia / reperfusion injury in this rat model of ovarian torsion-detorsion.

Type-1 diabetes: Lessons from a decade of preclinical studies on phytotherapy.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, numerous herbal products have been shown to have antihyperglycemic and beta cell-regenerative effects in animal studies. However, there is no clinical evidence that those products completely cure patients with type-1 diabetes (T1D). Therefore, it seems that most of the phytochemicals do not have a significant impact on human beta cells, and the results of experimental studies conducted on them may not be generalizable to the clinic. PURPOSE: The present work aims to review extensively the methods and results of preclinical studies on phytotherapy of T1D published in the last 10 years. METHODS: This paper critically analyzes the designs of studies, treatment protocols, methods of diabetes induction, characteristics of the studied animals, clinical relevance, reproducibility of research, and other aspects related to conducting preclinical studies on T1D. We discussed limitations that make many of the results of these studies not generalizable to the clinic. Finally, some recommendations were given to improve studies on the phytotherapy of T1D to avoid misleading interpretations about the antidiabetic effect of herbal compounds. CONCLUSION: This paper can be considered a practical guide for researchers interested in the field of phytotherapy of T1D to increase the reliability, reproducibility, and validity of their preclinical studies.

C. elegans: a prominent platform for modeling and drug screening in neurological disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (NDevDs and NDegDs, respectively) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the nervous system with an increasing incidence. In this context, the nematode C. elegans, has emerged as a benchmark model for biological research, especially in the field of neuroscience. AREAS COVERED: The authors highlight the numerous advantages of this tiny worm as a model for exploring nervous system pathologies and as a platform for drug discovery. There is a particular focus given to describing the existing models of C. elegans for the study of NDevDs and NDegDs. Specifically, the authors underscore their strong applicability in preclinical drug development. Furthermore, they place particular emphasis on detailing the common techniques employed to explore the nervous system in both healthy and diseased states. EXPERT OPINION: Drug discovery constitutes a long and expensive process. The incorporation of invertebrate models, such as C. elegans, stands as an exemplary strategy for mitigating costs and expediting timelines. The utilization of C. elegans as a platform to replicate nervous system pathologies and conduct high-throughput automated assays in the initial phases of drug discovery is pivotal for rendering therapeutic options more attainable and cost-effective.

Finishing of grazing crossbred steers supplemented with detoxified castor bean meal (Ricinus communis L.) in the rainy-dry transition period.

This study evaluated levels of replacement of soybean meal by castor bean meal in the finishing crossbred steers on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture during the rainy-dry transition period. Forty Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers with an average initial weight of 395.93 ± 10 kg were randomly allocated to four treatment groups that were supplemented with concentrate levels of replacing (0, 290, 613, and 903 g/kg DM of the supplement; at 0.4% body weight [BW]). The experimental period was 120 days. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted; with regression analysis using the computational software package (SAS 9.2, USA). Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients and animal performance were evaluated. The replacement levels did not influence (P > 0.05) the intakes of DM (kg/day), organic matter (OM, kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, kg/day and %BW), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC, kg/day), or total digestible nutrients (kg/day). However, the intake of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE, kg/day) decreased as the replacement levels were increased (P < 0.05). The digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and EE did not change, whereas CP digestibility decreased linearly and NFC digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.05). The replacement levels did not affect (P > 0.05) final body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion, and carcass yield. Castor bean meal can replace up to 903 g/kg DM of soybean meal in the composition of the supplement without compromising the performance of steers on Marandu pasture during the rainy-dry transition period.

A review on the alternatives to antibiotics and the treatment of antibiotic pollution: Current development and future prospects.

Antibiotics, widely used in the fields of medicine, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and agriculture, pose a serious threat to the ecological environment and human health. To prevent antibiotic pollution, efforts have been made in recent years to explore alternative options for antibiotics in animal feed, but the effectiveness of these alternatives in replacing antibiotics is not thoroughly understood due to the variation from case to case. Furthermore, a systematic summary of the specific applications and limitations of antibiotic removal techniques in the environment is crucial for developing effective strategies to address antibiotic contamination. This comprehensive review summarized the current development and potential issues on different types of antibiotic substitutes, such as enzyme preparations, probiotics, and plant extracts. Meanwhile, the existing technologies for antibiotic residue removal were discussed under the scope of application and limitation. The present work aims to highlight the strategy of controlling antibiotics from the source and provide valuable insights for green and efficient antibiotic treatment.

Traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines used by Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to document and preserve the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China, providing valuable insights for modern pharmacological research and the development of these traditional remedies. METHODS: Our methodology encompassed a blend of literature review, community interviews, and participatory observation to delve into the traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines among the Gelao community. We employed quantitative ethnological and ecological assessment techniques to evaluate the significance of these practices. Informed consent was secured before conducting interviews, with a focus on ascertaining the types of medicines familiar to the informants, including their local names, sources, methods of preparation, application techniques, diseases treated, frequency of use, and safety considerations. RESULTS: Our research cataloged 55 varieties of animal-derived medicines utilized by the Gelao people. Out of these, 34 originate from wild animals, mainly encompassing small insects, reptiles, and aquatic species; the remaining 21 are derived from domesticated animals, largely involving their tissues, organs, and various physiological or pathological by-products. These medicines are primarily applied in treating pediatric ailments (13 types), internal disorders (11 types), gynecological issues (3 types), dermatological problems (7 types), ENT conditions (3 types), trauma-related injuries (5 types), joint and bone ailments (5 types), infections (2 types), dental issues (2 types), and urolithiasis (1 type), with three types being used for other miscellaneous conditions. Commonly utilized medicines, such as honey, Blaps beetle, chicken gallstones, and snake-based products, are preferred for their availability, edibility, and safety within the Gelao communities. CONCLUSION: The Gelao community's traditional medicines represent a rich diversity of animal sources, showcasing extensive expertise and knowledge in their processing and clinical applications. This wealth of traditional knowledge offers novel perspectives for the contemporary pharmacological study and development of these remedies. Additionally, our research plays a crucial role in aiding the preservation and continuation of this invaluable cultural heritage.

Blended-protein changes body weight gain and intestinal tissue morphology in rats by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and secondary bile acid biosynthesis induced by gut microbiota.

PURPOSE: The impact of dietary nutrients on body growth performance and the composition of gut microbes and metabolites is well-established. In this study, we aimed to determine whether dietary protein can regulate the physiological indexes and changes the intestinal tissue morphology in rats, and if dietary protein was a crucial regulatory factor for the composition, function, and metabolic pathways of the gut microbiota. METHOD: A total of thirty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (inbred strain, weighted 110 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned to receive diets containing animal-based protein (whey protein, WP), plant-based protein (soybean protein, SP), or a blended protein (soybean-whey proteins, S-WP) for a duration of 8 weeks. To investigate the effects of various protein supplement sources on gut microbiota and metabolites, we performed a high throughput 16S rDNA sequencing association study and fecal metabolomics profiling on the SD rats. Additionally, we performed analyses of growth indexes, serum biochemical indexes, and intestinal morphology. RESULTS: The rats in S-WP and WP group exhibited a significantly higher body weight and digestibility of dietary protein compared to the SP group (P < 0.05). The serum total protein content of rats in the WP and S-WP groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in SP group, and the SP group exhibited significantly lower (P < 0.05) serum blood glucose levels compared to the other two groups. The morphological data showed the rats in the S-WP group exhibited significantly longer villus height and shallower crypt depth (P < 0.05) than the SP group. The gut microbial diversity of the SP and S-WP groups exhibited a higher level than that of the WP group, and the microbiomes of the WP and S-WP groups are more similar compared to those of the SP group. The Arachidonic acid metabolism pathway is the most significant KEGG pathway when comparing the WP group and the SP group, as well as when comparing the SP group and the S-WP group. CONCLUSION: The type of dietary proteins exerted a significant impact on the physiological indices of SD rats. Intake of S-WP diet can enhance energy provision, improve the body's digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as promote intestinal tissue morphology. In addition, dietary protein plays a crucial role in modulating fecal metabolites by regulating the composition of the gut microbiota. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the changes in the levels of arachidonic acid metabolites and secondary bile acid metabolite induced by Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group maybe the primarily causes of intestinal morphological differences.