Rheum palmatum root extract inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma in rats treated with diethylnitrosamine.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anticancer properties of a methanol extract of Rheum palmatum roots against diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats and to characterize its phytoconstituents. METHODS: HPLC-PDA-MS/MS was used to profile the secondary metabolites in R. palmatum root extract. HCC was induced using diethylnitrosamine (DENA). The activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), total proteins, serum albumin and serum globulin was determined. DNA fragmentation and histopathological examination and GST-P immunostaining were also studied. KEY FINDINGS: LC-MS/MS analysis identified 16 compounds belonging to anthraquinones, flavonoids and tannins. The root extract significantly reduced the elevated liver enzymes ALT and AST and increased total proteins, albumin and globulin in HCC-rats. Also, the tumour markers AFP and GGT levels were significantly reduced in HCC-rats treated with the extract. In addition, the extract significantly reduced elevated DNA fragmentation and decreased the numbers and areas of GST-P positive putative foci in HCC-rats. CONCLUSIONS: Rheum palmatum is a potential candidate to be explored for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effect of dietary combination of methionine and fish oil on cellular immunity and plasma fatty acids in infectious bursal disease challenged chickens.

This study was carried out to investigate the modulatory effects of dietary methionine and fish oil on immune response, plasma fatty acid profile, and blood parameters of infectious bursal disease (IBD) challenged broiler chickens. A total of 300 one-day-old male broiler chicks were assigned to one of six dietary treatment groups in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. There were three levels of fish oil (0, 2.5 and 5.5%), and two levels of methionine (NRC recommendation and twice NRC recommendation). The results showed that the birds fed with 5.5% fish oil had higher total protein, white blood cell count, and IL-2 concentration than those of other groups at 7 days after IBD challenge. Inclusion of fish oil in diet had no effect on IFN- γ concentration. However, supplementation of methionine twice the recommendation enhanced the serum IFN- γ and globulin concentration. Neither of fish oil nor methionine supplementation affected the liver enzymes concentration. It can be suggested that a balance of moderate level of fish oil (2.5%) and methionine level (twice NRC recommendation) might enhance immune response in IBD challenged broiler chickens.

Muscle performance, size, and safety responses after eight weeks of resistance training and protein supplementation: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 2 different types of protein supplementation on thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), blood markers, muscular strength, endurance, and body composition after 8 weeks of low- or moderate-volume resistance training in healthy, recreationally trained, college-aged men. One hundred and six men were randomized into 5 groups: low-volume resistance training with bioenhanced whey protein (BWPLV; n = 22), moderate-volume resistance training with BWP (BWPMV; n = 20), moderate-volume resistance training with standard whey protein (SWPMV; n = 22), moderate-volume resistance training with a placebo (PLA; n = 21), or moderate-volume resistance training with no supplementation (CON; n = 21). Except for CON, all groups consumed 1 shake before and after each exercise session and one each on the nontraining day. The BWPLV, BWPMV, and SWPMV groups received approximately 20 g of whey protein per shake, whereas the BWP groups received 5 g of additional polyethylene glycosylated (PEG) leucine. Resistance training sessions were performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. There were no interactions (p > 0.05) for muscle strength and endurance variables, body composition, muscle CSA, and safety blood markers, but the main effects for training were observed (p ≤ 0.05). However, the Albumin:Globulin ratio for SWPMV was lower (p = 0.037) than BWPLV and BWPMV. Relative protein intake (PROREL) indicated a significant interaction (p < 0.001) with no differences across groups at pre; however, BWPLV, BWPMV, and SWPMV had a greater intake than did PLA or CON at post (p < 0.001). This study indicated that 8 weeks of resistance training improved muscle performance and size similarly among groups regardless of supplementation.

Amaranthus viridis Linn., a common spinach, modulates C-reactive protein, protein profile, ceruloplasmin and glycoprotein in experimental induced myocardial infarcted rats.

BACKGROUND: Glycoprotein is one of the components of the cardiac extracellular matrix and plays an important role in cardiac remodelling during various cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). This study was aimed at evaluating the preventive role of Amaranthus viridis Linn. on C-reactive protein (CRP), total protein, albumin, globulin, ceruloplasmin and glycoproteins in the serum and heart of experimental induced myocardial infarcted (MI) rats. RESULTS: MI was induced in male Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of 20 mg kg(-1) isoproterenol (ISO) kg(-1) body weight (BW) twice at an interval of 24 h. ISO-induced MI rats showed a significant increase in the levels of serum CRP and ceruloplasmin and a significant decrease in the levels of serum total protein, albumin and globulin. Glycoprotein levels in the serum and heart were increased in ISO-induced MI rats. Oral administration of 300 mg A. viridis kg(-1) BW day(-1) for a period of 45 days altered the metabolic derangement in ISO-induced MI rats. CONCLUSION: This study exemplifies the protective effect of A. viridis on ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The data further reinforce the cardioprotective effect of A. viridis by altering CRP and glycoprotein levels.

Effects of long-term silymarin oral supplementation on the blood biochemical profile of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Silymarin, an extract from "milk thistle" (Silybum marianum) plant is traditionally used as herbal medicine. The present study was conducted to investigate the clinical effects and possible side effects of silymarin on biochemical blood parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fishes were treated with 0 (control), 100, 400, and 800 mg of silymarin per kg of food during 4 weeks. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), glucose, total protein, creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol, urea, uric acid and liver cellular total antioxidant, and protein content were measured after 7, 14, and 28 days of silymarin treatment. The results showed that oral administration of silymarin in fish significantly reduced plasma glucose and cholesterol levels and relatively increased plasma total protein and globulin concentrations (P < 0.05). Increasing plasma albumin levels indicate the important role of albumin in drug transportation in circulatory system of fish. Silymarin also stabilized cellular membrane structure and regulated the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, CK, and LDH activity. In conclusion, on the basis of these results, oral administration of silymarin up to 400 mg per 1 kg of food has no side effect on blood biochemical and clinical parameters of fishes. However, oral administration of 800 mg/kg- of silymarin caused cytotoxicity and modifications in blood biochemical parameters of fish.

A comparison of nutritionally-related blood metabolites among Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on sweetveld.

The objective of the study was to determine monthly variations in serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein (TP), urea, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus beef steers raised on sweetveld. Twenty-five Nguni, 15 Aberdeen Angus and 15 Bonsmara 8-month old steers were studied from June 2006 until March 2007. Across the 9 months, Nguni had higher concentrations of glucose (P =0.019) and cholesterol (P =0.001) than the other two breeds. The overall glucose and cholesterol concentrations in the Nguni were 4 and 2.86mmol/L, respectively. There was a breedxmonth interaction on glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin and phosphorus concentrations. Breed had no effect on TP, urea, globulin and AST concentrations. Breed and month differences obtained could be attributed to changes in environment temperature and nutrient content of the forage.

The effect of dietary protein supplementation on the pathophysiology of Haemonchus contortus infection in West African Dwarf goats.

The effect of dietary protein on the pathophysiology of Haemonchus contortus infection in reproducing first pregnancy West African Dwarf (WAD) goats was studied. Eighteen 10-12-month-old pubertal female WAD goats divided into two equal groups were used and confined separately. One group was maintained on high-protein diet (HPD) while the other was maintained on low-protein diet (LPD) from day 1 of pregnancy up to week 6 post-partum. Each animal was infected with 600 infective larvae of H. contortus weekly for 4 weeks and blood collected by jugular venipuncture for the determination of packed cell volume and serum proteins. The results of the study showed that improved protein nutrition significantly enhanced the level of serum albumin (p<0.05). It also significantly lowered the level of serum globulin (p<0.05) that otherwise would be high in haemonchosis. However, improvement in the dietary protein level appeared not to have any effect on the packed cell volume and total serum protein level.

Seasonal and physiological variations in serum chemistry and mineral concentrations in cattle.

The present study reports the seasonal and physiological variations of copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, sodium chlorine, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, urea, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (CR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, albumin, globulin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total protein concentrations in cattle. Two groups of mated (n = 14) and nonmated (n = 10) healthy cows were selected for the study. Serum samples were collected at each of four periods: (1) early pregnancy (May), (2) midpregnancy (August), (3) late pregnancy (October), and (4) lactation (February). Physiological variations result in changes of cholesterol, calcium, LDH, and total protein concentrations. Phosphorus varies only with seasonal but not physiological changes, whereas ALP, copper, magnesium, and potassium concentrations change with physiological and seasonal conditions. The copper concentration is increased through the pregnancy. Neither the seasonal nor the physiologic variations affect zinc, iron, sodium, chlorine, calcium, urea, creatinine, albumin, and globulin values in both groups in all periods. Thus, these values can be used as reference for both mated and nonmated bovines. The measured total protein might not reflect its true value because of dehydration during the hot season. These observations suggest that seasonal and physiologic variations have to be taken into consideration for the correct interpretation of serum chemistry and elements status in cattle. Nutritional supplements are required for cattle during certain periods to avoid a decline of their performance, which would then represent consequent economic loses.

Fibrinolytic response to retinal detachment surgery under general or local anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate perioperative changes in fibrinolysis in patients undergoing retinal detachment surgery under general or local anesthesia. PATIENTS: Prospective study of 81 patients (43 male, 38 female), aged from 15 to 82 (mean 50.7 SD = 17.8) years, undergoing retinal detachment surgery (encirclement with scleral buckling) under general anesthesia (group A), and 14 patients (6 male, 8 female) aged from 15 to 78 (mean 52.9, SD =19.8) years, operated under local anesthesia (group B). Excluded were patients with venous or arterial disease or other factors that could change the parameters investigated. METHODS: Blood was sampled from a cubital vein one day before surgery, immediately after induction of anesthesia but before surgery, immediately after completion of the operation but before the termination of anesthesia and after the operation (on days 1 and 4). In patients' citrated plasma, tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA-Ag), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen (PAI-1 Ag) and activity (PAI-1), fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and euglobulin lysis time (ELT) were measured. RESULTS. The pattern of changes in perioperative fibrinolytic activity was similar in both groups. Intraoperative levels of FDP were significantly higher and ELT shorter than preoperatively. In both groups t-PA Ag concentration was significantly increased on the first postoperative day. There were no changes in PAI-1 in both groups. Postoperatively, the FDP concentration was reduced and ELT prolonged. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal detachment surgery induces intraoperative activation of fibrinolysis in the systemic circulation regardless of the type of anesthesia.

alpha2-macroglobulin- and murinoglobulin-1- deficient mice. A mouse model for acute pancreatitis.

Mice deficient in either or both mouse alpha2-macroglobulin (MAM) and murinoglobulin-1 (MUG1) were generated and proved phenotypically normal under standard conditions. Acute pancreatitis was induced with a diet deficient in choline and methionine, supplemented with ethionine. The mortality was less than 25% in wild-type mice, as opposed to at least 56% in knockout mice, and was highest (70%) in MAM-/- mice, with earliest onset at 2 days. Plasma amylase and lipase levels were increased, but pancreatic tissue appeared histologically variable in individual mice. The clinical symptoms were most severe in MAM-/- mice and, surprisingly, were not aggravated in the double knockout mice, suggesting that the lack of proteinase inhibition capacity was not the major problem. Therefore, we analyzed the expression of 21 different cytokines and polypeptide factors in the pancreas of all experimental groups of mice. Interleukin-1-receptor antagonist mRNA was consistently induced by the diet in the pancreas of MAM-/- mice, and transforming growth factor-beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tumor necrosis factor-beta, beta-lymphotoxin, and interferon-gamma mRNA levels were also increased. The data demonstrate the important role of alpha2-macroglobulin (A2M) in acute pancreatitis as both a proteinase inhibitor and a cytokine carrier. Mice deficient in MAM and/or MUG thus offer new experimental models for defining in vivo the role of the macroglobulins in pancreatitis and in other normal and pathological processes.

[Hemostatic effect of Dracaena cochinensis (Lour.) S.C. Chen].

Dracaena cochinensis helps to decrease the clotting time in mice, the recalcification time and eugloblinlysis time (ELT) of plasma in rabbits, but has no effect on the prothrombin time in rabbits.

The effect of fluoride therapy on blood chemistry parameters in osteoporotic females.

To determine the potential adverse effects, if any, of long-term fluoride ingestion in humans, samples were collected from 25 adult females taking daily doses of fluoride (mean, 23 mg elemental F) for the treatment of osteoporosis and from 38 osteoporotic female controls. Patients in the fluoride group had been receiving therapy for approximately 18 months with a mean duration of 4.2 years and had serum fluoride values of at least 10 mumol/l. Laboratory analyses for fluoride were conducted on plasma, urine and drinking water samples collected from each panelist. Blood was also collected for blood chemistry analyses and plasma lymphocytes were examined for the frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE). Plasma and urine fluoride levels were significantly different between the two groups, while water fluoride was not. The SCE frequency, a measurement of potential genotoxicity, did not differ between the two groups. Of the blood chemistry parameters measured, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, sodium, chloride, the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were found to be significantly different between the two groups (P < or = 0.05). However, none of the mean group values were outside stated normal ranges for any of these parameters. We conclude that the risk of developing adverse systemic effects from the ingestion of fluoride, at dosages and for a duration comparable with that of our panel, is minimal.

The effect of oral contraceptives on protein metabolism.

The effect on protein and amino acid metabolism of combined oral contraceptives (OC) containing 150 micrograms of laevonorgestrel and 30 micrograms of ethinyl oestradiol was studied in a group of 34 healthy non-lactating women. This was compared to an identical study conducted in another group of 19 subjects who used IUCDs for contraception, and also in two other groups of subjects who were given an additional multivitamin preparation on a daily basis (29 subjects) and on the days when OC was not taken (29 subjects). Assessments were made prior to, and during the third week of the 4th, 7th, and the 13th cycles of OC treatment. Results indicated that the ceruloplasmin and retinol binding protein underwent significant increases with OC usage, while sex hormone binding globulin concentration, on the other hand, remained unaffected. At the same time, a significant reduction of several of the plasma amino acid and plasma albumin concentrations was observed, suggesting that the increase in the visceral and other types of protein concentrations previously noted was due to increased hepatic protein synthesis rather than increased breakdown or excretion as result of OC intake. Interesting biochemical alterations and metabolic effects previously observed may well be related to this altered synthesis and release of proteins and/or protein binders as well as induction of certain metabolic enzymes from the liver.

PIP: To assess the effects of combined oral contraceptive (OC) use on protein and amino acid metabolism, measurements were obtained from four groups of women: Group 1 (29 women who took OCs for 21 days followed by 7 days of multivitamin administration); Group 2 (29 women who took OCs and multivitamins concurrently for 21 days); Group 3 (34 women who took OCs and a placebo for 21 days); and Group 4 (19 IUD users). The OC used in this study contained 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 150 mcg of levonorgestrel; 13 cycles were evaluated in the one-year study period. The fasting concentrations of ceruloplasmin and retinol binding protein increased by an average of 155% and 178%, respectively, above baseline in OC users but not in IUD controls. Fasting plasma concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin showed no changes over baseline in any of the four groups. Free amino acid concentrations were depressed in OC users by 13-33%, with the largest decreases occurring for tyrosine, glycine, ornithine, and proline. Finally, mean concentrations of alpha-1 and beta-globulins increased in OC users, while albumin and total protein decreased significantly. Overall, there was a trend toward increased hepatic protein synthesis with a resultant reduction in concentrations of plasma amino acids and albumin. Multivitamin supplementation did not alter any of these patterns.

[Research on hemostatic mechanism of extracts from carbonized Schizonepeta tenuifolia Brig].

It has been shown that StE can significantly shorten PT, TT, KPTT and RT of experimental animals and has an antiheparin function in the body. Meanwhile, it can significantly shorten ELT and strengthen FA. Its hemostatic action is accomplished through promoting coagulation and inhibiting fibrinolysis. 3P test and EG test were negative, it is thus impossible for a large dosage of StE to lead to DIC.

[Effect of various combinations of DL-alpha-tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid on adjuvant arthritis in the rat]. / Einfluss verschiedener Kombinationen von DL-alpha-tocopherol und Acetylsalicylsäure auf die Adjuvansarthritis der Ratte.

The influence of per os application of different combinations of DL-alpha-tocopherol (TOC) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) on adjuvant-induced arthritis was tested in male Wistar rats (body weight 227 +/- 18 g; 8 groups, n = 8). One group (control) was without adjuvans arthritis and received no treatment, another group was also not treated in spite of adjuvans arthritis. Further, six groups of adjuvans arthritis were treated with the following combinations: ASS/TOC (mg/kg BW/d each) 250/-, 250/250, 167/250, 83/250, 167/167 and 167/83. During the course of the experiment (21 d), body weights, food intake, and the swelling of injected and noninjected paws, and (at the end of the test period) relative weight of spleen and the albumin-globulin-ratio in plasma were recorded. With the ASS/TOC combination of 250 mg/kg BW each, the highest antiinflammatory effect could be reached, as compared with all treated groups. The reduction of acetylsalicylic acid does by one-third to 167 mg/kg BW in combination with 250 mg DL-alpha-tocopherol/kg BW seem to have the same antiphlogistic effect as acetylsalicylic acid alone at 250 mg/kg BW. This positive effect could be confirmed by the partially normalized relative spleen weight and albumin-globulin-ratio. The results allow the conclusion: --main antiphologistic effect of the combination is due to acetylsalicylic acid; --when combined with 250 mg DL-alpha-tocopherol/kg BW acetylsalicylic acid dosage can be reduced by one-third to 167 mg/kg BW and still have the same effect as ASS alone (250 mg/kg BW); --further reductions of ASS and/or DL-alpha-tocopherol dosage minimize the antiinflammatory effect.

Activity of arthritis.

Factor analysis was used in clarifying the picture of joint inflammation. 376 arthritis patients were examined at the onset of the disease and after three years. The six factors produced are interpreted to represent six components of joint inflammation, namely the anaemic factor, the factors of clinical joint inflammation gammaglobulin activity, complement activity and acute phase, and the factor of alfa-beta globulin activity. The factor structure remained quite similar during the follow-up. This would indicate that there are certain basic aspects of inflammation which remain fairly stable from year to year.

Physiology and morphology of pulmonary microvascular injury with shock and reinfusion.

The effect of hemorrhagic shock and reinfusion of the shed blood on lung microvasculature was studied in 10 anesthetized dogs during a control, a shock (40-50 mmHg aortic pressure), and a reinfusion period. Pulmonary capillary hydrostatic and oncotic pressures decreased, whereas lung lymph flow and lymph-to-plasma albumin and globulin ratios increased with shock and with reinfusion, indicating an increased microvascular permeability. Calculated pore radius increased with reinfusion (p less than 0.05), whereas pore number increased both with shock and with reinfusion in eight dogs. Comparison of the autopsy results of these experiments with those of previous control and shock animals showed that with reinfusion there was a rise in lung wet-to-dry weight ratios and increased granulocytes by light microscopy. By electron microscopy, the granulocytes were intravascular, and there was alveolar wall edema without endothelial or epithelial damage. We conclude that the morphological changes in the lung with reinfusion are minimal and that our data are consistent with the hypothesis that granulocytes may cause the observed microvascular injury and interstitial edema.

Studies on some Egyptian foods. Part 2: The effect of protein on blood constituents of rats.

This study was undertaken to study the changes of the blood constituents of rats fed different proteins (lupinus termis, Guiza 1, 2 and balady; fenugreek seeds, raw, roasted, and germinated). The total serum protein for animals fed casein was slightly higher than those fed other proteins. Total serum protein of animals fed lupinus termis, roasted and germinated fenugreek was higher than those fed raw seeds. The albumin/globulin ratios showed a similar trend. The ratio of nonessential to essential free serum amino acids of rats fed non-protein diet was higher than those fed protein. Lupinus termis and fenugreek seeds are good sources of protein. Treatment of seeds either by heat of germination improves the nutritive value of the proteins.

The evaluation of liver function after partial hepatectomy in the rat: serum changes.

In serial studies of hepatic function in rats after 70% partial hepatectomy, quantitative changes were found in several of the serum components used clinically to assess liver status. The activities of the following enzymes were found to increase: gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and lactic dehydrogenase were maximal 6 h postoperatively, while glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase reached peak values at 24 and 48 h respectively. Albumin levels were found to be relatively constant during the study; however, total protein concentration was lowest 6--12 h postoperatively, paralleling a decrease in globulin concentration. Bilirubin levels were elevated to 4x normal within 12 h after surgery. After partial hepatectomy calcium and phosphorus concentrations were significantly decreased at 24 and 12 h respectively. With the exception of alkaline phosphatase, the activities of all serum components measured returned to normal levels by 1 week after surgery; the alkaline phosphatase concentration continued to be elevated 2 weeks postoperatively.

Effect of orally administered duodenal fluid on serum proteins in neonatal calves.

This study was to determine if orally administered duodenal fluid, as a source of intestinal microorganisms, would influence absorption of gamma-globulin of colostrum in newborn calves. Duodenal fluid was obtained 2 h postfeeding from a cannulated milk-fed calf. Twenty-seven male and female Holstein calves obtained within 6 h of birth were assigned randomly to one of three treatments: 1) colostrum alone, 2) 200 ml duodenal fluid immediately followed by colostrum, and 3) 200 ml duodenal fluid followed 3 h later by colostrum. Pooled colostrum was fed at 10% of body weight in two daily feedings. Total protein, albumin, alpha-globulin, beta-globulin, and gamma-globulin of blood serum were determined prior to colostrum consumption, and again 24 and 48 h after administration of duodenal fluid. Total proteins, beta-globulin, and gamma-globulin of serum increased with age in all calves. Inocula interference with absorption was indicated by depressed values of serum in calves of treatment 3 as compared to treatment 1 calves for protein (5.28 to 6.28 g/dl), beta-globulin (.67 to .87 g/dl), and gamma-globulin (.76 to 1.33 g/dl). Protein was also lower in calves of treatment 3 (6.05 g/dl) compared to uninoculated calves (6.28 g/dl). Malabsorption of colostral proteins may be related to early establishment of large numbers of intestinal microorganisms in the newborn calf.