Effects of chlorogenic acid-enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaf on performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and fatty acid profile of meat in heat-stressed broilers.

To investigate the effects of chlorogenic acid-enriched extract (CGAE) from Eucommia ulmoides leaf on performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in heat-stressed broilers, 400 28-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned into 4 groups with 10 replicates per group (10 broilers per replicate). Broilers in the normal group (NOR) were kept at 22 ± 2°C (24 h/D) and fed the basal diet, and the other 3 groups were treated with cyclic heat (34 ± 2°C from 08:00 to 18:00 and 22 ± 2°C from 18:00 to 08:00) and fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (HT), 500 (CGAE500), and 1,000 mg (CGAE1000) mg of CGAE/kg of diet. The experiment lasted for 14 D. Compared with the HT group, broilers in the NOR and CGAE1000 groups had a higher average daily gain and a lower feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg increased pH24 value, a* value and total superoxide dismutase activity and reduced drip loss, cooking loss, L* value and the contents of malondialdehyde and carbonyl in breast meat of heat-stressed broilers (P < 0.05). Broilers in the HT group showed lower mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (P < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (P = 0.004), and catalase (P < 0.001) in breast meat compared with the other groups. CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg reduced the stearic acid and saturated fatty acids (SFA) contents and increased the dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and n-6 PUFA contents and PUFA:SFA ratio in breast meat of heat-stressed broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CGAE supplementation at 1,000 mg/kg could alleviate the adverse effects of heat stress on growth performance and meat quality and improve oxidative stability and fatty acid profile of breast meat in heat-stressed broilers.

Effects of chestnut tannins on intestinal morphology, barrier function, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, microflora and antioxidant capacity in heat-stressed broilers.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chestnut tannins (CT) on intestinal morphology, barrier function, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, microflora and antioxidant capacity in heat-stressed broilers. Four hundred 28-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned into four groups, with 10 replicates per group and 10 broilers per replicate. The broilers in the normal (NOR) group were kept at 22 ± 1°C and fed the basal diet, and each of the other three groups were treated with cyclic heat (33 ± 1°C from 0800 to 1800 and 22 ± 1°C from 1800 to 0800) and fed the basal diet with 0 (HT), 1 (CT1) or 2 (CT2) g of CT/kg of diet. The experiment lasted for 14 days. Compared with the HT group, broilers in the NOR and CT2 groups had higher (p < .05) average daily gain and villus height in the jejunum and lower serum d-lactate (p < .001) and diamine oxidase (p < .01) levels. The addition of 2 g CT/kg of diet increased the total antioxidant capacity (p < .001) and superoxide dismutase activities (p < .05) and zonula occludens-1 mRNA expression level (p < .05) and decreased the malondialdehyde concentration (p < .01) and mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 (p < .001) and nuclear factor kappa B (p < .001) in the jejunal mucosa of heat-stressed broilers. The populations of Escherichia coli and Clostridium in the jejunum (p < .01) and caecum (p < .05) of broilers in the HT group were higher than those in the NOR and CT2 groups. In conclusion, the addition of 2 g CT/kg of diet seemed to be a feasible means of alleviating the negative effects of heat stress on the growth performance and intestinal function of broilers.

Meat quality, fatty acid composition of tissue and gastrointestinal content, and antioxidant status of lamb fed seed of a halophyte (Suaeda glauca).

Twenty-four Merino lambs were randomly assigned to four treatments: control diet (CT) consisting of 300g concentrates with ad libitum Leymus chinensis hay; C with 150g (T150), 300g (T300) and 450g (T450) Suaeda glauca seed, respectively. Meat quality, fatty acid composition of meat and lipid tissue and antioxidant status of lamb were evaluated. Inclusion of S. glauca seeds significantly increased selenium (Se) concentrations of muscle. The proportions of C18:1 trans-11 in muscle, C18:2 n-6, PUFA, n-6 series fatty acids, and the ratios of P:S in rumen contents, as well as the ratios of n-6:n-3 in adipose tissue, rumen and duodenum content have been significantly (P<0.05) improved with supplementation of S. glauca seeds to lamb diets. No significant effect was found on antioxidant status. The results suggest that S. glauca seed supplementation in lamb diets may change fatty acid composition in tissues and content of digestive tract.

Effects of chestnut tannins on performance and antioxidative status of transition dairy cows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chestnut tannins (CT) on performance and antioxidative status of transition dairy cows. Twenty multiparous Chinese Holstein cows in late gestation were paired according to expected calving date and randomly assigned either to a diet supplemented with CT (CNT, 10 g of CT/kg of diet, dry matter basis) or to an unsupplemented control (CON) diet from 3 wk prepartum to 3 wk postpartum. Blood samples were taken on d -21, 1, 7, and 21 relative to calving for analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Liver samples were taken by puncture biopsy on d 1 and 21 relative to calving for analysis of SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA. Data were analyzed for a completely randomized block design with repeated measures. The addition of CT had no significant effects on dry matter intake, body weight, body condition score, milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield, and milk composition but did decrease milk MDA and somatic cell score in transition dairy cows. Dry matter intake decreased from d -21 to 0 and increased from d 1 to 21 relative to calving across treatments. During the experimental period, body weight and body condition score decreased, whereas milk MDA and somatic cell score increased across treatments. A time effect was also observed for plasma MDA, which peaked on d 1 relative to calving and remained higher than that on d -21 relative to calving across treatments. Addition of CT decreased MDA concentrations in plasma and liver. Neither time nor CT × time effects were observed for SOD and T-AOC in plasma and SOD and GSH-Px in liver; a time effect was observed for plasma GSH-Px, which peaked on d 1 relative to calving and remained higher than those on d -21 relative to calving across treatments. Addition of CT increased SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC activities in plasma and SOD and GSH-Px activities in liver. In conclusion, addition of CT might inhibit lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant enzymes activities in plasma and liver of transition dairy cows. Supplementation of CT may be a feasible means to improve the antioxidative status of transition dairy cows.

Using mushroom farm and anaerobic digestion wastewaters as supplemental fertilizer sources for growing container nursery stock in a closed system.

Wastewaters from farm and composting operations are often rich in select nutrients that potentially can be reutilized in crop production. Liners of silverleaf dogwood (Cornus alba L. 'Argenteo-marginata'), common ninebark [Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim.], and Anthony Waterer spirea (Spiraeaxbumalda Burvénich 'Anthony Waterer') were grown in 6L containers filled with a bark-based commercial mix. Plants were fertigated daily via a computer-controlled multi-fertilizer injector with three recirculated fertilizer treatments: (1) a stock (control) solution with complete macro- and micro-nutrients, electrical conductivity (EC) 2.2 dS m(-1); (2) wastewater from a mushroom farm; and (3) process wastewater from anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste. The wastewaters used in both treatments 2 and 3 were diluted with tap water, and the computer was programmed to amend, dispense and recirculate nutrients based on the same target EC as in treatment 1. For comparison, there was a traditional controlled-release fertilizer treatment [Nutryon 17-5-12 (17N-2P-10K) plus micro-nutrients topdressed at a rate of 39 g/plant, nutrients not recirculated]. All three species responded similarly to the three recirculated fertilizer treatments. Growth with the recirculated treatments was similar and significantly higher than that obtained with controlled-release fertilizer. Throughout the study, the EC measured in wastewater-derived nutrient solutions, and also in the container substrate, were similar or close to those of the control treatment, although there were small to large differences among individual major nutrients. There was no sign of nutrient deficiency or toxicity symptoms to the plants. Small to moderate excesses in concentrations of SO(4), Na, and/or Cl were physiologically tolerable to the species.

Studies on the inactivation of bovine liver enoyl-CoA hydratase by (methylenecyclopropyl)formyl-CoA: elucidation of the inactivation mechanism and identification of cysteine-114 as the entrapped nucleophile.

The inhibitory properties of (methylenecyclopropyl)formyl-CoA (MCPF-CoA), a metabolite derived from a natural amino acid, (methylenecyclopropyl)glycine, against bovine liver enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECH) were characterized. We have previously demonstrated that MCPF-CoA specifically targets ECHs, which catalyze the reversible hydration of alpha,beta-unsaturated enoyl-CoA substrates to the corresponding beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA products. Here, we synthesized (R)- and (S)-diastereomers of MCPF-CoA to examine the stereoselectivity of this inactivation. Both compounds were shown to be competent inhibitors for bovine liver ECH with nearly identical second-order inactivation rate constants (k(inact)/K(I)) and partition ratios (k(cat)/k(inact)), indicating that the inactivation is nonstereospecific with respect to ring cleavage. The inhibitor, upon incubation with bovine liver ECH, labels a tryptic peptide, ALGGGXEL, near the active site of the protein, where X is the amino acid that is covalently modified. Cloning and sequence analysis of bovine liver ECH gene revealed the identity of the amino acid residue entrapped by MCPF-CoA as Cys-114 (mature sequence numbering). On the basis of gHMQC (gradient heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence) analysis with [3-(13)C]-labeled MCPF-CoA, the ring cleavage is most likely induced by the nucleophilic attack at the terminal carbon of the exomethylene group (C(2)'). We propose a plausible inactivation mechanism that involves relief of ring strain and is consistent with examples found in the literature. In addition, these studies provide important clues for future design of more efficient and selective inhibitors to control and/or regulate fatty acid metabolism.

Bloodletting acupuncture of the engorged vein around Bl-40 (Wei-Chung) for acute lumbar sprain.

Bloodletting acupuncture is one of the most classic methods of acupuncture therapy, and is still popularly used to treat acute lumbar sprain in the oriental world. However, most physicians in the western world are not familiar with bloodletting acupuncture, though they may know ordinary acupuncture well. Furthermore based on the literature reviewed, there have been few studies which have investigated the effect of bloodletting acupuncture upon acute lumbar sprain. In this study, we tried to determine if bloodletting acupuncture is effective for acute lumbar sprain. In total, twelve patients were enrolled for analysis. Five patients were treated with ordinary acupuncture upon the contralateral SI-3 (Hou-Hsi) point alone. Seven patients were first treated with bloodletting acupuncture to the engorged vein around the ipisilateral Bl-40 (Wei-Chung), and then followed by ordinary acupuncture upon the contralateral SI-3. It was demonstrated that bloodletting acupuncture to the engorged vein around the ipisilateral Bl-40 followed by ordinary acupuncture upon the contralateral SI-3 had more pain relief than ordinary acupuncture upon the contralateral SI-3 alone (83 +/- 23% vs. 44 +/- 28%) (P < 0.01). And bloodletting acupuncture to the engorged vein around the ipisilateral Bl-40 decreased pain by 56 +/- 23%, similar to that of ordinary acupuncture upon the contralateral SI-3 alone (44 +/- 28%). These findings suggest that bloodletting acupuncture to the engorged vein around the ipisilateral Bl-40 (Wei-Chung) has a substantial contribution for treatment of acute lumbar sprain.

[Determination of adenosine and thymidine in Fritillaria bulbs by dual wavelength ultraviolet spectrophotometry].

A convenient method for the quantitative analysis of adenosine and thymidine in Fritillaria bulbs was developed by means of dual wavelength ultraviolet spectrophotometry. This method has good linear relationship and the interrelated coefficient of standard curve for adenosine and thymidine were all found to be 0.9999. The methanol extracts of four species of Fritillaria have been analyzed with this method. The results show that the the bulbs of four species contain different quantities of adenosine and thymidine, which indicates that the nucleosides may be responsible for the anti-coagulation activity of Fritillaria.

Central vasopressin blockade enhances its peripheral release in response to peripheral osmotic stimulation in conscious rats.

Increased plasma osmolality results in increased central as well as peripheral release of vasopressin. Experiments were carried out to determine whether, in this circumstance, vasopressin can act centrally to modulate its peripheral release. Prior to the start of a thirty-min i.v. infusion of 2.5 M or 0.15 M NaCl, the rats were given an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of a peptide V1/V2 vasopressin antagonist (2 micrograms), OPC-31260 (60 micrograms), a non-peptide V2 antagonist, or 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP, 5 ng), a V2 agonist. Experiments with the peptide antagonist were carried out in male and non-estrous female rats. Since there were no differences between males and females in the measured responses, experiments with the other two drugs were carried out only in males. Pretreatment with either the V1/V2 antagonist or the V2 antagonist enhanced the increase in plasma vasopressin levels in response to the hypertonic saline infusion by about 50% at the end of 30 min. dDAVP, on the other hand, had no effect. None of the i.c.v. drugs had an affect on either the pressor or bradycardic responses to hypertonic saline infusion. These observations suggest that vasopressin can act centrally in a negative feedback fashion to attenuate its own release into the peripheral circulation in response to increased plasma osmolality.

The effects of Chinese herbs on improving survival and inhibiting anti-ds DNA antibody production in lupus mice.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an important autoimmune disease with multiple organ system involvement. From preliminary studies, we have found that six Chinese herbs: Atractylodes ovata, Anqelica sinensis, Cordyceps sinensis, Liqustrum lucidum, Codonopsis pilosula and Homo sapiens can improve defective in vitro interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in patients with SLE. In order to investigate the in vivo effects of these herbs, we used NZB/NZW F1 mice, a typical lupus animal model used to test these herbs. It was found that C. pilosula, H. sapiens and C. sinensis could prolong the life span of female NZB/NZW F1 mice and inhibited anti-ds DNA production. Although A. sinensis could prolong the life span of experimental mice, it did not inhibit the production of anti-ds DNA antibody. These herbs may have great potential for the management of human SLE in the future.