Promising phytopharmacology, nutritional potential, health benefits, and traditional usage of Tribulus terrestris L. herb.

Traditional medicines are becoming more popular as people become more aware of the dangers of synthetic pharmaceuticals. Tribulus terrestris L., (Gokharu) an annual herbaceous plant, has been extensively utilized by herbalists for numerous medicinal purposes. T. terrestris has been studied for its multiple therapeutic effects, including immunomodulatory, aphrodisiac, anti-urolithic, absorption enhancer, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, neuro-protective, anticancer, and analgesic properties. Saponins and flavonoids are two examples of beneficial substances that have recently been found in T. terrestris. These chemicals are very important for a variety of therapeutic effects. Numerous studies have shown that T. terrestris products and various parts may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, testosterone-boosting, and liver protective effects. According to the published evidence, T. terrestris boosts testosterone secretion, regulates blood pressure, and protects the human body against injuries. The cardiovascular, reproductive, and urinary systems are all severely impacted. Due to its potent bioactive compounds, the literature evaluated from a wide range of sources including books, reports, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and other databases demonstrated the extraordinary potential to treat numerous human and animal ailments. Our review is different from other published articles because we explored its importance for humans and especially in veterinary like poultry health. It could also be used as an aphrodisiac to treat different fertility-related disorders in human and animal science. More research into the pharmacodynamics of herbs like T. terrestris is needed so that it can be used in a wider variety of nutraceutical products for humans and poultry.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus dynamics in border areas of Pakistan with Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND: Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease that impacts cloven-hoofed animals globally. The illegal trade of livestock between the border regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan can contribute to the spread of this disease. This study focuses on investigating the outbreaks of FMD that occurred in this area from June 2020 to May 2021. METHODS: RESULTS: A total of 233 epithelial tissue samples were collected, and 77% were found positive for FMDV through an antigen-detection by ELISA and molecular conformation through RT-PCR. The study found three serotypes of FMDV dominating in the border area of Pakistan with Afghanistan: O, A, and Asia-1. The outbreak activity was peaked between August/September followed by July/October 2020. Phylogenetic analysis conducted using the VP1 region sequence showed that serotype O isolates belonged to the Middle East-South Asia (ME-SA) topotype, PanAsia-2 lineage, and ANT-10 sub-lineage, while serotype Asia-1 isolates belonged to a novel lineage BD-18.The highest prevalence of serotype O of FMDV was found in cattle and buffalo of 1-2 year age group, while the highest outbreak ratio of serotype O was recorded in goats of 0-1 year age group and sheep of > 2 year age group. The serotype O was more prevalent in male than female sheep. The type A was more prevalent in females of sheep and goats than their corresponding males. The serotype Asia-1 was more prevalent in females of cattle and sheep than their corresponding males. The outbreak epidemiology of FMD varied significantly between various regions, months of study, animal species, age groups, and gender. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that FMD outbreaks in the border area of Pakistan and Afghanistan were diverse and complicated, and that different types of FMDV were circulating. The study recommended effective actions to stop FMD transmission in this area.

Promising future of citrus waste into fermented high-quality bio-feed in the poultry nutrition and safe environment.

Essential oils (EO), ascorbic acid, sugars, carotenoids, flavonoids, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and trace minerals are found in citrus residue. It gives animals energy and promotes health. On a dry matter basis, the citrus pulp is composed of 7% crude protein, 14% crude fiber, 21.6% nitrogen detergent fiber, 2.5% fat, 24.4% total sugars, and 12.1% ME MJ/kg. It has been reported that the natural antioxidant content of citrus pulp has a beneficial effect on growth and microbial and immunological parameters. The literature indicates that the ultimate weight and weight gain of poultry are significantly (P > 0.05) greater with 7.5% inclusion. Growing knowledge of the health benefits of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in producing beneficial metabolites has led to interest in developing LAB-containing products for use in biofeed businesses. The consumption of fermented citrus residue significantly decreased blood cholesterol levels. Fermentation results in the production of many compounds (including organic acids, exopolysaccharides, bioactive peptides, phenolic compounds, and gamma-aminobutyric acid), which have many multidimensional functions for maintaining the health and well-being of poultry. During fermentation, the pH may quickly decrease, and harmful bacterial and fungal organisms may be substantially retarded at the early stage of ensiling. The published literature has shown that the fermentation of citrus waste with different probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentocaseus, and Lacticaseiobacillus paracasei, in the diet has fantastic effects on the conversion of citrus waste into fermented high-quality feed with extended shelf life and sensory value. Citrus waste lactic acid fermentation may be a viable option for producing nutritional biofeed for poultry, but there is a lack of related research on poultry, so more research on food-grade bacterial fermentation is needed.

Effects of hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus on spermatogenesis in peri- and post-pubertal mice.

Introduction: Diabetes and thyroid dysfunction often co-exist. One autoimmune disorder always invites another and it has been reported that such co-morbid ailments always become detrimental to the health of the patients. Materials and methods: In our previous work, we elucidated the interactions of diabetes and hypothyroidism on testicular development and spermatogenesis. However, the present study illuminates the interface between diabetes and hyperthyroidism, where 16 ICR pregnant primiparous mice were used and subsequently 48 male pups were randomly selected (n=12/group) and separated into 4 groups: control (C), diabetic (D), diabetic + hyperthyroidism (DH) and hyperthyroidism (H). Results: Computerized sperm analyses showed significant reductions in count by 20% and increases of 15% in D and H animals, respectively, vs. controls. However, rapid progressive sperm motility was significantly lower only in D (30%) compared with C mice. Our histomorphometric investigation depicted damaging effects on testicular and epididymal tissues; the stroma adjacent to the seminiferous tubules of the D mice revealed edematous fluid and unstructured material. However, in the epididymis, germ cell diminution contraction of tubules, compacted principal and clear cells, lipid vacuolization, atypical cellular connections, exfoliated epithelial cells, and round spermatids were conspicuous in DH mice. Discussion: Collectively, our experiment was undertaken to ultimately better recognize male reproductive disorders in diabetic-hyperthyroid patients.

Lagenaria siceraria fruit: A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and promising traditional uses.

Since ancient times, the Cucurbitaceae family is used as a therapeutic option in human medicine. This family has around 130 genera and 800 species. Researchers have studied the various plants of this family including Lagenaria siceraria due to their medicinal potential. Various properties are beneficial for human health, that have been attributed to L. siceraria like antioxidant, hypolipidemic, diuretic, laxative, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, central nervous system stimulant, anthelmintic, free radical scavenging, immunosuppressive, and adaptogenic. The fruit of this plant is commonly used as a vegetable that has a low-calorie value. The species possess a diverse set of biological compounds like flavonoids, sterols, saponins, and terpenoids. Vitamins, choline, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, terpenoids, and other phytochemicals are also found in the edible parts of this plant. Besides 17 different amino acids, many minerals are reported to be present in the seeds of L. siceraria. According to the USDA nutritional database per 100 g of L. siceraria contains 14 Kcal energy, 3.39 g carbohydrates, 0.62 g protein, 0.2 g fat, and 0.5 g fiber. L. siceraria performs a wide range of pharmacological and physiological actions. The literature reviewed from various sources including PubMed, Science Direct, Google scholar, etc. shows the remarkable potential to treat various human and animal illnesses due to its' potent bioactive chemicals. The key objective of this thorough analysis is to present a summary of the data about the beneficial and harmful effects of L. siceraria intake on human health, as well as in veterinary fields.

Therapeutic interventions to urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome and UPOINT system for clinical phenotyping: How far are we?

The assessment and management of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS), is controversial. It is classified by voiding symptoms, pelvic pain, and bladder pain, which is weekly treated, weekly understood, and bothersome. In the aspect of clinical efforts and research to help people with this syndrome have been hampered by the deficiency of a widely reliable, accepted, and a valuable tool to evaluate the patient symptoms and quality of life (QoL) impact. However, the etiology comes into sight is multifactorial, and available treatment options have been imprecise considerably in present years. We compiled the published literature on the assessment of the syndrome, a tentative role of pharmacological and non-pharmacological (conservative, alternative, and invasive therapy) interventions in eradicating the disease as well as improving symptoms. The previously published literature on animal models has established the association of immune systems in the etiology, pathogenesis, and progression of the disease. The UPOINT system for clinical phenotyping of UCPPS patients has six predefined domains that direct multimodal therapy, which would lead to significant symptom improvement in the medical field. The narrative review aims to scrutinize the fluctuating scientist's views on the evaluation of patient and multimodal treatment of the UPOINT system.

Ginsenoside Rb1 prevents deoxynivalenol-induced immune injury via alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is considered to be a grave threat to humans and animals. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) has been reported for its antioxidant potential and medicinal properties. However, the shielding effects of Rb1 and the precise molecular mechanisms against DON-induced immunotoxicity in mice have not been reported yet. In the present research, 4-weeks old healthy C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (n = 12), viz., CON, DON 3 mg/kg BW, Rb1 50 mg/kg BW and DON 3 mg/kg + Rb1 50 mg/kg BW (DON + Rb1). Feed intake and body weight gain were monitored during the entire experiment (15 d). Our results demonstrated that Rb1 markedly increased the ADG (30%) and ADFI (25.10%) of mice compared with DON group. Furthermore, Rb1 alleviated the DON-induced immune injury by relieving the splenic histopathological alteration, enhancing the T-lymphocytes subsets (CD4+, CD8+), the levels of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α), as well as production of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG). Moreover, Rb1 ameliorated DON-inflicted oxidative stress by reducing the ROS, MDA and H2O2 contents and boosting the antioxidant defense system (T-AOC, T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px). Additionally, Rb1 significantly reversed the DON-induced excessive splenic apoptosis via modulating the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in mice, depicting the decreased percentage of splenocyte apoptotic cells by 26.65%, down-regulated the mRNA abundance of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and Cyt-c. Simultaneously, Rb1 markedly rescued both Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression levels. Taken together, Rb1 mitigates DON-induced immune injury by suppressing the oxidative damage and regulating the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in mice. Conclusively, our current research provides an insight into the preventive mechanism of Rb1 against DON-induced immune injury in mice and thus, presents a scientific baseline for the therapeutic application of Rb1.

L-theanine: an astounding sui generis amino acid in poultry nutrition.

L-theanine (γ-Glutamylethylamide) is a nonprotein water soluble amino acid (AA) mostly found in leaves of Camellia sinensis (green tea). This is a key component of green tea and is considered as the most abundant form of total AAs in green tea (i.e., about 50%). L-theanine is an exclusive taste ingredient of tea producing an attractive flavor and aroma in tea. It has biological effects such as antioxidant, growth promoter, immune booster, anti-stresser, hepatoprotective, antitumor, antiaging, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antianxiety activities that are worth noticing. It could reduce the oxidative impairment by reducing the synthesis of reactive oxygen species, oxidative parameters, and lipid damage as well as increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The oral ingestion of L-theanine enhanced γδ T-cell proliferation. Therefore, it is being considered an essential compound of green tea that has the ability to improve immune function. The L-theanine can be used as a potential treatment for hepatic injury and immune-related liver diseases via the downregulation of the inflammatory response through the initiation of nitric oxide synthesis and glutathione production which are likely to be critical for the control of hepatic diseases as well as for the improvement of immune function. In addition, it could be used as a best natural feed additive with a potent antistressor by decreasing the levels of corticosterone, dopamine, and noradrenaline. After systematically reviewing the literature, it is noticed that most studies were carried out on mice, pig, human, and butterfly; while dietary supplementation studies of L-theanine in animal and poultry especially among broilers are very limited because of less awareness of this AA. So, the aim of this review is to encourage the veterinarian and poultry researchers to conduct more research at the molecular level about this AA to expose its more beneficial effects and its mechanism of absorption for potential use of this unique green tea AA in poultry nutrition.

Flavonoid-rich foods (FRF): A promising nutraceutical approach against lifespan-shortening diseases.

It is well documented that life expectancy in developed countries at birth is going to surpass the 20th century. However, regrettably, a potential decline in life expectancy has been proposed for these nations in the 21st century due to a rapid upsurge in the prevalence of fatal degenerative diseases like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer and diabetes. Collectively, these three diseases accounted for 65% of all deaths in urbanized societies and were considered as a dynamic issue for shortening the genetically determined lifespan through increased mortalities, morbidities, disabilities, immense sufferings, and premature aging. These fatal degenerative diseases and premature aging are closely associated with oxidative stress produced by the free radicals in the body. In epidemiologic studies, flavonoid-rich foods (FRF) like fruits, vegetables, and beverages have been associated as protective agents against these diseases. These also have been observed for their geroprotective effects and help in preventing premature aging and deterioration of brain function, which is related to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In this review, we presented a comprehensive overview of the FRF for their potential role against lifespan-shortening complications, i.e., CVD, cancer, and diabetes. We also have drawn the future perspective and dietary guidelines to reduce the fatal disease burden in urban populations.

Microsatellite Instability and MMR Genes Abnormalities in Canine Mammary Gland Tumors.

Early diagnosis of mammary gland tumors is a challenging task in animals, especially in unspayed dogs. Hence, this study investigated the role of microsatellite instability (MSI), MMR gene mRNA transcript levels and SNPs of MMR genes in canine mammary gland tumors (CMT). A total of 77 microsatellite (MS) markers in 23 primary CMT were selected from four breeds of dogs. The results revealed that 11 out of 77 MS markers were unstable and showed MSI in all the tumors (at least at one locus), while the other markers were stable. Compared to the other markers, the ABC9TETRA, MEPIA, 9A5, SCNA11 and FJL25 markers showed higher frequencies of instability. All CMT demonstrated MSI, with eight tumors presenting MSI-H. The RT-qPCR results revealed significant upregulation of the mRNA levels of cMSH3, cMLH1, and cPMSI, but downregulation of cMSH2 compared to the levels in the control group. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were observed in the cMSH2 gene in four exons, i.e., 2, 6, 15, and 16. In conclusion, MSI, overexpression of MMR genes and SNPs in the MMR gene are associated with CMT and could be served as diagnostic biomarkers for CMT in the future.

An investigation on the prevalence of peste des petits ruminants in the camels of Sindh, Pakistan.

The present study investigated the status of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) for the first time in the camels of Pakistan. The samples were collected from the camel residing area of Sindh, Pakistan, and analyzed for breeds (Dhatti and Larri), districts (Tharparkar and Umerkot), age (young, adult, and old), and sexes (male and female). The sera samples (n = 200) were analyzed for the detection of antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Moreover, the nasal and fecal samples were screened for the PPR virus. Finally, the positive nasal and fecal samples were validated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocapture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ic-ELISA). The cELISA results showed an overall prevalence of 8.5% PPR in the study area. The camels of Tharparkar (10.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.2-12.9) showed higher seroprevalence of PPR antibodies than those of Umerkot (5.5%; 95% CI 4.1-7.2). Moreover, the Larri breed exhibited slightly greater resistance against the disease, because the camels of Dhatti breed (9.0%; 95% CI 7.5-11.0) exhibited a numerically higher (p > 0.05) seroprevalence of PPR in comparison with those of Larri breed (7.9%; 95% CI 6.4-9.9). Furthermore, the young and old camels were more susceptible to the disease attack, because the adults (6.3%; 95% CI 5.0-7.8) exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower prevalence rate than the young (9.2%; 95% CI 7.6-11.1) and old (10.3%; 95% CI 8.9-11.9) camels. Finally, the results of the Ic-ELISA and HA test established the 8.3 and 8.2% prevalence of PPR antigen in nasal and fecal material samples, respectively, while the RT-PCR results validated the seropositive animals. These findings confirmed that the prevalence of PPRV infection in the camels of the Sindh province of Pakistan hence urged the need to take effective measures for prevention and control of the disease.

Heat stress management in poultry farms: A comprehensive overview.

Heat stress causes significant economic losses in poultry production, especially in tropical and arid regions of the world. Several studies have investigated the effects of heat stress on the welfare and productivity of poultry. The harmful impacts of heat stress on different poultry types include decreased growth rates, appetites, feed utilization and laying and impaired meat and egg qualities. Recent studies have focused on the deleterious influences of heat stress on bird behaviour, welfare and reproduction. The primary strategies for mitigating heat stress in poultry farms have included feed supplements and management, but the results have not been consistent. This review article discusses the physiological effects of heat stress on poultry health and production and various management and nutritional approaches to cope with it.

A cardiac troponin I study in a minimally invasive myocardial infarction canine model.

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is an important biomarker of acute myocardial infarction (MI) in animals and human beings. Nevertheless, no immunohistochemical study has been reported about the pattern of myocardial cTnI egression in a minimally invasive model. The present study intended to establish a minimally invasive model of MI and to evaluate the distribution of cTnI. Twelve Mongrel dogs were divided into 2 groups (n = 6): experimental and sham-operated group. Three incisions were made on the left thoracic wall, left anterior descending (LAD) of coronary artery was identified and titanium nips were clamped by video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS). Series of electrocardiograms (ECG) and biochemical analyses of blood samples - oxidatively modified proteins (OMP), creatine kinase (CK), and cTnI were performed. Furthermore, Masson's trichrome staining was used to observe the histopathology of cardiac myocytes, while immunohistochemistry was done to observe cTnI egression from myocardium. ECG showed elevated ST-segment, whereas OMP, CK and cTnI level increased remarkably and declined to baseline subsequently in the model group throughout study period. Masson's trichrome staining of model group showed a large amount of collagen deposition in the fibrotic area as compared to control group. In immunohistochemical staining, no loss of cTnI staining was observed in non-necrotic myocardium, meanwhile, a great loss was observed in necrotic myocardium. An exception was the myocardium of cardiac apex, where loss of cTnI was visible even in non-necrotic myocardium. All these results revealed that loss of cTnI occurs not only in the necrotic myocardium but also in so-called non-necrotic myocardium of minimally invasive MI model through VATS.

Improvement of color, texture and food safety of ready-to-eat high pressure-heat treated duck breast.

Since high-temperature cooking (>95 °C) deteriorates duck meat quality, a lower temperature (70 °C) with high-pressure (400 MPa) were investigated. Duck breast was subjected to salting/pickling treatment prior to heating-alone (70 °C) or HPP with heating (P + H) for 10 or 20 min. These were compared with a Cooked-control (80 °C at 0.1 MPa). Compared with Control, the P + H method resulted in improved meat color (p < 0.05). Low-field NMR indicated that P + H contributed to protonation due to inward shift of proton equilibrium. Moreover, P + H significantly decreased MDA equivalents (TBARS) and carbonyl contents, but increased sulfhydryl contents. The protonation under P + H produced an antioxidant-like effect due to strengthening of H-bonds and recycling of thiols. PCA revealed that changes in proton relaxation of P + H samples affected extents of lipid and protein oxidation, hence influenced product color and texture. This P + H method exhibited potential as a minimal thermal processing method for duck meat, with enhanced product quality and safety.

Sequence Characterization of DSG3 Gene to Know Its Role in High-Altitude Hypoxia Adaptation in the Chinese Cashmere Goat.

The Tibetan cashmere goat is one of the main goat breeds used by people living in the plateau. It exhibits the distinct phenotypic characteristics observed in lowland goats, allowing them to adapt to the challenging conditions at high altitudes. It provides an ideal model for understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation and hypoxia-related diseases. Our previous exome sequencing of five Chinese cashmere breeds revealed a candidate gene, DSG3 (Desmoglein 3), responsible for the high-altitude adaptation of the Tibetan goat. However, the whole DSG3 gene (44 kbp) consisting of 16 exons in the goat genome was not entirely covered by the exome sequencing. In this study, we resequenced all the 16 exons of the DSG3 gene in ten Chinese native goat populations. Twenty-seven SNP variants were found between the lowland and highland goat populations. The genetic distance (FST ) of significant SNPs between the lowland and highland populations ranged from 0.42 to 0.58. By using correlation coefficient analysis, linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype network construction, we found three non-synonymous SNPs (R597E, T595I, and G572S) in exon 5 and two synonymous SNPs in exons 8 and 16 in DSG3. These mutations significantly segregated high- and low-altitude goats in two clusters, indicating the contribution of DSG3 to the high-altitude hypoxia adaptation in the Tibetan goat.

Pharmacological values and therapeutic properties of black tea (Camellia sinensis): A comprehensive overview.

Medicinal plants are essential parts of traditional medicine due to their phytochemical constituents having pharmacological values and therapeutic applications. Black tea have thousands of various biological compounds such as flavonoids (Thearubigins (TRs) and theaflavins (TFs) and catechins), amino acids (L.theanine), vitamins (A, C, K), phenolic acids (caffeic acid (CA), gallic acid (GA), chlorogenic acids (CGA) and cauramic acid), lipids, proteins, volatile compounds carbohydrates, ß-carotene and fluoride that illustrated many promising pharmacological effects regarded as growth promoter, cardioprotector, potent cholesterol-lowering effect, antioxidant and antimicrobial, etc inhuman. Although there is an exponential growth in molecular evidence of cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant effect in human, there is still a lack of information of the pharmacological effects of black tea. To fill this information gap, therefore, this review article underscores broadening the new insight pertaining to black tea that could be used as safe food additive. This article also illuminates the interesting role of black tea as an herbal medicine that is the future demand to get rid of synthetic health promoters in the human health practice. Moreover, this information would be useful in terms of the low-cost practice of natural medicines with no residual effects, and a natural protection of the human being. In addition, further studies at a molecular level are needed to reveal its mechanism of action particularly for the hypocholesterolemic effect of black tea to overcome the heart-related diseases, fewer side effects and being a natural safeguard of human health.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA): A pharmacological review and call for further research.

Phenolic acids have recently gained substantial attention due to their various practical, biological and pharmacological effects. Chlorogenic Acid (CGA, 3-CQA) is a most abundant isomer among caffeoylquinic acid isomers (3-, 4-, and 5-CQA), that currently known as 5-CQA as per guidelines of IUPAC. It is one of the most available acids among phenolic acid compounds which can be naturally found in green coffee extracts and tea. CGA is an important and biologically active dietary polyphenol, playing several important and therapeutic roles such as antioxidant activity, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-hypertension, free radicals scavenger and a central nervous system (CNS) stimulator. In addition, it has been found that CGA could modulate lipid metabolism and glucose in both genetically and healthy metabolic related disorders. It is speculated that CGA can perform crucial roles in lipid and glucose metabolism regulation and thus help to treat many disorders such as hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity as well. Furthermore, this phenolic acid (CGA) causes hepatoprotective effects by protecting animals from chemical or lipopolysaccharide-induced injuries. The hypocholesterolemic influence of CGA can result from the altered metabolism of nutrients, including amino acids, glucose and fatty acids (FA). The purpose of this review was to broaden the scope of knowledge of researchers to conduct more studies on this subject to both unveil and optimize its biological and pharmacological effects. As a result, CGA may be practically used as a natural safeguard food additive to replace the synthetic antibiotics and thereby reduce the medicinal cost.

Aflatoxin B1 Induced Systemic Toxicity in Poultry and Rescue Effects of Selenium and Zinc.

Among many challenges, exposure to aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), is one of the major concerns in poultry industry. AFB1 intoxication results in decreased meat/egg production, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, disturbance in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and reproduction, immune suppression, and increased disease susceptibility. Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), in dietary supplementation, offer easy, cost-effective, and efficient ways to neutralize the toxic effect of AFB1. In the current review, we discussed the impact of AFB1 on poultry industry, its biotransformation, and organ-specific noxious effects, along with the action mechanism of AFB1-induced toxicity. Moreover, we explained the biological and detoxifying roles of Se and Zn in avian species as well as the protection mechanism of these two trace elements. Ultimately, we discussed the use of Se and Zn supplementation against AFB1-induced toxicity in poultry birds.

Gum Arabic extracts protect against hepatic oxidative stress in alloxan induced diabetes in rats.

Gum Arabic (GA) from Acacia seyal and Acacia senegal is a branched-chain polysaccharide which has strong antioxidant properties, and has been used to reduce the experimental toxicity. Yet, the effects of GA on oxidative stress in type I diabetic rats have not been reported. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of GA on oxidative stress in Alloxan induced diabetes in rats. The rats were divided into 3 groups (n=20 of each): control group, diabetic group injected with allaoxan, and diabetic group given 15% GA in drinking water for 8 weeks. Oxidative damage to liver tissue was evaluated by measurement of key hepatic enzymes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes and expression of oxidative stress genes. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in GA group compared to diabetic and control groups. Treatment of GA decreased liver malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased glutathione (GSH). In addition, GA was significantly (P<0.05) reduced the activities of key liver enzymes, including alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). SOD, GPx and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA were significantly increased in GA group compared to control and diabetic groups. Liver of all diabetic rats showed marked degeneration whereas slight degeneration was observed in GA treated rats compared to control. The results suggest that GA may protect liver by modulating the expression of oxidative stress genes, and thus can improve antioxidant status.