The Role of Phthalocyanine-Gold Nanoconjugates (Pc-Au NCs) in Ameliorating the Hepatic and Renal Toxicity-Induced by Silver Nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in Male Rats.

Recently, gold nanoparticles (Au Nps) have gained tremendous attention for its unique properties as a safe nanocarrier for delivering drugs that are used in different disease diagnoses. Although silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been generally applied due to their strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, their toxicity is a subject of sustained debate, thus requiring further studies. The present study aims to evaluate the potential protective effect of gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanine-gold nanoconjugates (Pc-Au NCs) against the hepatorenal toxicity of silver nanoparticles in male rats. Herein, 60 adult male Rattus norvegicus rats were divided into six equal groups (n = 10/group); the first group was kept as control, the second received gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) intraperitoneally (10 µg/kg) daily for 3 weeks, the third group is gold-phthalocyanine (Pc-Au) group where rats were injected intraperitoneally with gold-phthalocyanine for 3 weeks (10 µg/kg), the fourth group received silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) (4 mg/kg) daily intraperitoneally for 3 weeks, the fifth group is silver + gold nanoparticles group (Ag + Au), and the sixth is silver + gold-phthalocyanine nanoconjugates (Ag + Pc-Au) group in which rats were intraperitoneally injected firstly with Ag NPs (4 mg/kg) for 3 weeks then with gold or gold-phthalocyanine for another 3 weeks (10 µg/kg). Our results revealed that Ag NPs could increase the serum AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine, and lipid profile and significantly decreased the total protein and albumin. Moreover, histopathological alterations detected in the kidney and the liver of the Ag NPs group included vascular congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and tissue distortion. Alongside, exposure to Ag NPs induces hepatic and renal oxidative stress by suppressing the antioxidant-related genes including glutathione peroxidase 1 (gpx1), superoxide dismutase (sod), and catalase (cat). Ag NPs also upregulated the hepatic and renal genes involved in inflammation such as the interleukin-6 (il-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κß), apoptosis such as the BCL2 associated X (bax), casp3, and other related to metabolism including asparagine synthetase (asns), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (socs3), MYC proto-oncogene (myc), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (ccl2). On the other hand, treatment with Au NPs and Pc-Au NCs could effectively ameliorate the hepatorenal damages induced by Ag NPs and improve liver and kidney architecture and function, especially in the Pc-Au NCs group. Briefly, our study revealed the underlined mechanism of Ag NPs hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects and that Pc-Au NCs could alleviate these adverse impacts via their anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Influence of Dietary Probiotic and Alpha-Monolaurin on Performance, Egg Quality, Blood Constituents, and Egg Fatty Acids' Profile in Laying Hens.

This work was designed to evaluate the advantages of using multi-strain probiotics feed (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Clostridium butyricum) (PRO) and alpha-monolaurin (AML) on laying performance, criteria of egg quality, blood parameters, and yolk fatty acids' profile in laying hens. One hundred forty of Bovans brown laying hens at 45 weeks old (25th week of egg production) were randomly allocated into four groups, with seven replicates of five birds each in a complete randomized design. The first group was fed a basal diet without feed additives (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, and fourth groups received diets containing 1 g PRO, 1 g AML, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML/kg diet, respectively. No significant impacts of PRO, AML, or their mixture on body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), or egg weight. Egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were enhanced by 1 g PRO/kg and /or 1 g AML/kg supplementation in laying hen diets. Furthermore, egg shape index, eggshell thickness, and yolk color were statistically higher by PRO and AML supplementation at 55 weeks. However, oviduct, infundibulum, and uterus weights were significantly decreased by 1 g PRO or/and 1 g AML. Additionally, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) levels were decreased by PRO and AML supplementation. In conclusion, it seems that dietary inclusion with 1 g PRO/kg, 1 g of AML/kg, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML improved egg production, egg mass, FCR, and yolk fatty acids profile and lowered total cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in laying hens.

The role of chamomile oil against ochratoxin A in quail breeders: productive and reproductive performances, egg quality, and blood metabolites.

This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial role of chamomile essential oil in improving productive and reproductive performances, egg quality, and blood metabolites and reducing the toxic effect of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in quail breeder's diets. A total of 144 mature quails, 8 wk old, were divided into 6 groups. The treatments were: G1 (the control), G2 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet), G3 (supplemented with chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), G4 (supplemented with chamomile oil 1 G/kg diet), G5 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), and G6 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 1 g/kg diet). The OTA administration alone significantly decreased egg production and mass in quail breeders (P < 0.0001). Moreover, poor feed conversion ratio (FCR), fertility percentage (P < 0.0001), and hatchability percentage (P < 0.0009) were recorded. A significant decline (P < 0.05) in the levels of serum protein (total protein and globulin) was also recorded in OTA-contaminated groups, along with elevated serum levels of liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST) and kidney function test as urea and creatinine levels (P < 0.05). Ochratoxin A-contaminated feed resulted in a significant elevation (P < 0.05) in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), along with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in antioxidant status and immunological response. The supplementation of chamomile essential oil, either 0.5 g/kg or 1g/kg, to the basal diet or OTA-supplemented feed, revealed a significant increase in hatchability %, fertility, egg mass, and egg production and better FCR, egg quality, and immunological status when compared to OTA only. Moreover, chamomile essential oil supplementation improves liver and kidney function markers, decreases LDL, VLDL), TG, and TC. Along with a significant increase (P < 0.05) in terms of antioxidant status as glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and significantly (P < 0.05) improves immunological response as IgM, IgG, lysozyme and complement 3. In summary, chamomile oil supplementation, either separate or combined with OTA, reduced the adverse effects of OTA and led to improved productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and blood metabolites in Japanese quail breeders.

Transcriptome and proteome profile of jejunum in chickens challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium revealed the effects of dietary bilberry anthocyanin on immune function.

Introduction: The present study investigated the effects of bilberry anthocyanin (BA) on immune function when alleviating Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection in chickens. Methods: A total of 180 newly hatched yellow-feathered male chicks were assigned to three groups (CON, SI, and SI + BA). Birds in CON and SI were fed a basal diet, and those in SI + BA were supplemented with 100 mg/kg BA for 18 days. Birds in SI and SI + BA received 0.5 ml suspension of S. Typhimurium (2 × 109 CFU/ml) by oral gavage at 14 and 16 days of age, and those in CON received equal volumes of sterile PBS. Results: At day 18, (1) dietary BA alleviated weight loss of chickens caused by S. Typhimurium infection (P < 0.01). (2) Supplementation with BA reduced the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.01) and jejunal villus height (P < 0.05) and increased the number of goblet cells (P < 0.01) and the expression of MUC2 (P < 0.05) in jejunal mucosa, compared with birds in SI. (3) Supplementation with BA decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of immunoglobulins and cytokines in plasma (IgA, IL-1ß, IL-8, and IFN-ß) and jejunal mucosa (IgG, IgM, sIgA, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-ß, and IFN-γ) of S. Typhimurium-infected chickens. (4) BA regulated a variety of biological processes, especially the defense response to bacteria and humoral immune response, and suppressed cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and intestinal immune network for IgA production pathways by downregulating 6 immune-related proteins. Conclusion: In summary, the impaired growth performance and disruption of jejunal morphology caused by S. Typhimurium were alleviated by dietary BA by affecting the expression of immune-related genes and proteins, and signaling pathways are related to immune response associated with immune cytokine receptors and production in jejunum.

Biological Selenium Nanoparticles in Quail Nutrition: Biosynthesis and its Impact on Performance, Carcass, Blood Chemistry, and Cecal Microbiota.

This study was conducted to examine the influence of dietary supplementation of biological nano-selenium (BNSe) on productive performance, hematology, blood chemistry, antioxidant status, immune response, cecal microbiota, and carcass traits of quails. In total, 180 Japanese quails (1 week old) were randomly allocated into four groups, with five replicates of nine chicks each in a complete randomized design. The 1st group was fed a control diet without BNSe, and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th treatments were fed diets supplemented with BNSe (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g /kg feed, respectively). The best level of BNSe in body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) parameters was 0.4 g/kg diet. Feed conversion was improved (P < 0.01) by adding BNSe in quail feed compared with the basal diet without any supplementation. The inclusion of different BNSe levels (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 g/kg) exhibited an insignificant influence on all carcass traits. The dietary addition of BNSe (0.4 and 0.6 g/kg) significantly augmented aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (P = 0.0127), total protein and globulin (P < 0.05), white blood cells (WBCs) (P = 0.031), and red blood cells (RBCs) (P = 0.0414) compared with the control. The dietary BNSe supplementation significantly improved lipid parameters, antioxidant and immunological indices, and increased selenium level in the blood (P < 0.05). BNSe significantly increased (P = 0.0003) lactic acid bacteria population number and lowered the total number of yeasts, molds, total bacterial count, E. coli, Coliform, Salmonella, and Enterobacter (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, adding BNSe up to 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg can boost the growth, lactic acid bacteria population number, hematology, immunological indices, antioxidant capacity, and lipid profile, as well as decline intestinal pathogens in growing quail.

The Role of Chlorella vulgaris in Attenuating Infertility Induced by Cadmium Chloride via Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Modulating Spermatogenesis and Steroidogenesis in Male Rats.

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant known as endocrine disruptor . Cd has been reported to induce perturbations of the testicular functions and the subsequent decline of the male fertility of both animals and humans. Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) a species of green microalga has been reported to have multiple beneficial activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. Thus, this work was conducted to declare the benefits of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) (500 mg/kg doses) against cadmium chloride CdCl2 (2 mg/kg doses) toxicity on the main and accessory reproductive organs' weight, structure, and function of male rats. Briefly, 40 adult male rats in 4 groups (n = 10) were used as follows; control, ChV, CdCl2, and CdCl2+ChV. (i) The 1st group was kept as control fed on pellet chow and water ad libitum. (ii) The second group is Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) group fed with C. vulgaris alga for 10 days (500 mg/kg BW). (iii) The third group was administrated CdCl2 (2mg/kg BW) via subcutaneous injection (S/C) daily for 10 days. (iv) The fourth group administered both CdCl2 and ChV with the abovementioned doses daily for successive 10 days. Our observations declared that cadmium exhibited an adverse influence on the testes and prostate gland architecture indicated by seminiferous tubule destruction, testicular edema, degeneration of Leydig cells, and prostate acini damage. All together affect the epididymal semen quality and quantity including sperm viability, motility, and count. Interestingly, ChV could restore the testicular architecture and spermatozoa regeneration accompanied by semen quality improvement and increased reproductive hormones including testosterone. On the other side, ChV suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation via enhancement the antioxidant-related genes in the testicular tissue including SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA and maintaining spermatocyte survival via suppression of apoptotic related genes including caspase3 and activating steroidogenic related genes including StAR and HSD17ß3 in the cadmium-treated testes. In this study, ChV could enhance male fertility under normal or stressful conditions and ameliorate the adverse effects of hazardous heavy metals that are widely distributed in our environment.

Evaluation of the Interaction between Gum Arabic Addition and Stocking Density on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and General Health Parameters of Broiler Chickens.

The present study aims to investigate the interaction between the addition of gum arabic as a prebiotic and various stocking densities on performance indicators, intestinal morphology, carcass characteristics, lymphoid organs, and selected blood indices of broiler chickens. A total of 816 1-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were used and randomly divided into six blocks as replicates with eight treatments per block (forty-eight floor pens) based on 4 × 2 factorial arrangements with four dietary treatments containing 0.00% (CONT), 0.12% gum arabic (T1), 0.25% gum arabic (T2), and 0.10% commercial prebiotic (T3) and two stocking densities (normal = 28 kg/m2; high = 50 kg/m2). All performance indicators were evaluated during the feeding phases. Blood biochemical indicators were analyzed at 36 days of age. At 37 days of age, carcass characteristics, lymphoid organs, and intestinal morphology were measured. On days 1-36, growth performance indicators were negatively affected at high stocking density, but all growth performance indicators except feed intake improved in chickens receiving T1-T3 compared to CONT (p < 0.05). The relative weight of total small intestine and weight-to-length ratio showed a significant interaction between treatments and stocking density (p < 0.05). A high stocking density decreased pre-slaughter weight, carcass weight, and dressing yield, while legs and thymus increased (p < 0.05). None of the interactions or treatments affected carcass characteristics or lymphoid organs (p > 0.05). Indicators of blood biochemistry were not affected by treatments, stocking density, or their interaction (p > 0.05), except for uric acid, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase, which were higher at a high stocking density (p < 0.05). In conclusion, gum arabic as a prebiotic improved growth performance, production efficiency, and intestinal morphology in broilers. In contrast, high stocking density negatively affected performance, production efficiency, some blood indices, carcass weight, dressing yield, and intestinal morphology. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism.

Benefits of Chlorella vulgaris against Cadmium Chloride-Induced Hepatic and Renal Toxicities via Restoring the Cellular Redox Homeostasis and Modulating Nrf2 and NF-KB Pathways in Male Rats.

In our life scenarios, we are involuntarily exposed to many heavy metals that are well-distributed in water, food, and air and have adverse health effects on animals and humans. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic 10 chemicals reported by The World Health Organization (WHO), affecting organ structure and function. In our present study, we use one of the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris (ChV, 500 mg/kg body weight) to investigate the beneficial effects against CdCl2-induced hepato-renal toxicity (Cd, 2 mg/kg body weight for 10 days) on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. In brief, 40 adult male rats were divided into four groups (n = 10); Control, ChV, Cd, and Cd + ChV. Cadmium alters liver and kidney architecture and disturbs the cellular signaling cascade, resulting in loss of body weight, alteration of the hematological picture, and increased ALT, AST, ALP, and urea in the blood serum. Moreover, cadmium puts hepatic and renal cells under oxidative stress due to the up-regulation of lipid peroxidation resulting in a significant increase in the IgG level as an innate immunity protection and induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α) that causes hepatic hemorrhage, irregular hepatocytes in the liver and focal glomeruli swelling and proximal tubular degeneration in the kidney. ChV additive to CdCl2, could organize the protein translation process via NF-kB/Nrf2 pathways to prevent oxidative damage by maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and improving the survival of and tolerance of cells against oxidative damage caused by cadmium. The present study shed light on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of Chlorella vulgaris that suppress the toxicity influence of CdCl2.

Does slaughter age affect amino acids and fatty acids profiles and health and nutritional values of male and female ROSS 308 broiler chicken breast muscle?

Chemical composition, amino acids (AAs), and fatty acid (FAs) profiles, and health and nutrition values of breast muscle of ROSS 308 broiler chickens were studied after being slaughtered at 28, 35, 42, and 49 d of age (n = 126 males and 126 females/slaughter age). The slaughter age significantly affected some AAs levels including glutamic acid, valine, isoleucine, histidine, and leucine, and some FAs level including capric acid, tetradecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, total saturated fatty acids, 9-pentadecenoic acid, hexadecatetraenoic acid, α-linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, linoleic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, adrenic acid, omega 6, sum polyunsaturated fatty acids (Æ© PUFAs), and unsaturation index. Subsequently, the slaughter age significantly affected some health indexes including the n-6/n-3 ratio, thrombogenic index, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, and health-promoting index. Valine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, and glutamic acid levels increased with increasing slaughter age until 35 d of age and then decreased with increasing slaughter age until 49 d of age. Moreover, the health indices of fatty acids were best at slaughter age of 35 d, followed by 49 d, and the lowest health-promoting indices were at 42 d, followed by 28 d. The sex did not affect (P ˃ 0.05) all the evaluating parameters including chemical composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and related health indices. There was no significant interaction effect between sex and slaughter age in all evaluating parameters except in stearidonic acid level. In conclusion, amino acids and fatty acids profiles and health and nutritional values of male and female ROSS 308 broiler chicken breast muscle can be affected by slaughter age. The study provides valuable insights into the nutritional value of meat, including its composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles, and associated health indices, for both male and female fast-growing ROSS 308 broiler chickens, as the slaughter age increases.

Evaluation of Carcass Attributes and Physical, Chemical, and Qualitative Characteristics of Breast Meat of Broiler Chickens Fed on Pulicaria jaubertii Powder.

Pulicaria jaubertii (PJ) is a medicinal plant used as a synthetic antioxidant and as a traditional medicine due to its bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of PJ on carcass traits and breast meat quality parameters of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty male broilers (1 day old) were divided into four groups (0, 3, 6, and 9 g of PJ/kg of basal diet). Performance indicators were evaluated during the feeding stages, and carcass characteristics and physiochemical and qualitative parameters of breast meat were measured at 36 days old. The results showed that PJ improved performance parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency index (p < 0.05) in the finishing stage. The diets supplemented with PJ were associated with better carcass characteristics (p < 0.05), but some body parts, such as legs (6 and 9 g PJ) and backs (3-9 g PJ) decreased (p < 0.05). Temperature and initial pH were decreased by PJ (p < 0.05). Meat color was not affected by PJ (p > 0.05), although the yellowness and saturation index were lower at 9 g PJ. Total saturated fatty acid content was higher at 3 g PJ, while total polyunsaturated fatty acids and unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio were lower at 3 and 6 g PJ (p < 0.05). Total monounsaturated fatty acid content increased at 6 and 9 g PJ. Omega-6 fatty acids and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 were lower at 3 g PJ. PJ resulted in higher weight loss on cooking (6 and 9 g PJ) and shear force (3-9 g PJ). In conclusion, PJ had a positive influence on performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile, and some meat quality traits were generally improved by PJ, but knowledge of its mode of action is still limited and therefore requires further investigation.

Effects of Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) Powder on Characteristics of Carcass and Breast Meat Quality Parameters in Male Broiler Chickens.

Gum Arabic, one of the soluble fibers, is considered a source of natural prebiotics that can be fermented by the activity of the intestinal microbiota and, therefore, may have a positive effect on the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of gum Arabic on performance, carcass characteristics, physicochemical properties, and quality of broiler breast meat. Six dietary treatments (T1-T5) with a basal diet (CON) containing 0.12%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% gum Arabic, respectively. A total of 432 one-day-old male broiler chickens were conducted for 35 days. Performance and carcass characteristics, as well as physical, qualitative, and chemical indicators of breast meat, were evaluated. The results showed that the treatments improved overall performance (p < 0.05), such as body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and performance index, except for feed intake, which was lower at T1, T2, and T5 than at CON. Carcass characteristics, body components, and breast meat color or initial pH were not affected by dietary treatments (p > 0.05), but ultimate pH (T1 and T2) and color lightness were comparatively lower, and color change (T2-T3) was comparatively higher. Cooking water loss (T2-T4) and shear force (T1-T5) were higher in the treatments. Cohesiveness and resilience were higher in T2, while gumminess and chewiness were lower in T4 and T5. T1 breast meat had higher crude protein content and lower crude fat content, but the other chemical compositions were not affected by the treatments. Some fatty acids in the breast meat were more affected by treatments compared to CON. In conclusion, the present findings showed that gum Arabic (0.12% to 0.75%) has favorable effects on growth performance and some quality indicators of breast meat (such as cooking water loss, shear force, protein, and fat content), especially at the level of 0.12% with no alterations on the carcass characteristics and body components or physical indicators of breast meat.

Physiological and Neurobehavioral Disturbances Induced by Al2O3 Nanoparticle Intoxication in Nile Tilapia Fish: Benefits of Dietary Chamomile Essential Oil.

Despite the usage of nanoparticles (NPs) is rapidly increasing, several experts have noted the risk of their release into ecosystems and their potential negative impacts on biological systems. However, the available studies on the neurobehavioral impacts of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3NPs) on aquatic organisms are little. Hence, this study targeted to ascertain the harmful effects of Al2O3NPs on behavioral characteristics and genotoxic and oxidative damages in Nile tilapia fish. In addition, the beneficial role of chamomile essential oil (CEO) supplementation in reducing these effects was also investigated. In the current study, fish were distributed into 4 equal groups (n = 60 fish per group). The control group was fed a plain diet only, the CEO group received a basic diet complemented with CEO at a level of 2 mg/kg diet, the ALNP group received a basic diet and was exposed to an approximate concentration of 1/10th LC50 of ALNPs nearly 5.08 mg/L, and the combination group (ALNPs/CEO group) received a basal diet coadministered with ALNPs and CEO at the aforementioned percentages. The findings revealed that O. niloticus exhibit neurobehavioral changes along with changes in the level of GABA, monoamines in the brain tissue, and serum amino acid neurotransmitters, besides a reduction of AChE and Na+/K+-ATPase activities. In addition to brain tissue oxidative damage with upregulation of proinflammatory and stress genes, such as HSP70 and caspase-3, supplementation of CEO significantly reduced the negative impacts of ALNPs. These results showed that CEO has neuroprotective, antioxidant, genoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties in fish that have been exposed to ALNPs. Therefore, we advise its usage as a valuable addition to fish diet.

Modulatory effect of thymol on the immune response and susceptibility to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia fish exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have many exciting properties that make their use in a continuous increase in various biomedical, industrial, and agricultural applications. This is associated with accumulation in the aquatic ecosystems and fish exposure with consequent deleterious effects. To determine the potential of thymol to counteract the immunotoxic effects of ZnO-NPs, Oreochromis niloticus was exposed to ZnO-NPs (⅕ LC50 =1.14 mg/L, for 28 days) with or without feeding a thymol-incorporated diet (1 or 2 g/kg diet). Our data demonstrated a reduction of aquaria water quality, leukopenia, and lymphopenia with a decrease in serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels in exposed fish. At the same time, the stress indices (cortisol and glucose) were elevated in response to ZnO-NPs exposure. The exposed fish also revealed a decline in serum immunoglobulins, nitric oxide, and the activities of lysozyme and myeloperoxidase, in addition to reduced resistance to the Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. The RT-PCR analysis showed downregulation of antioxidant (SOD) superoxide dismutase and (CAT) catalase gene expression in the liver tissue with overexpression of the immune-related genes (TNF-α and IL-1ß). Importantly, we found that thymol markedly protected against ZnO-NPs-induced immunotoxicity in fish co-supplemented with thymol (1 or 2 g/kg diet) in a dose-dependent manner. Our data confirm the immunoprotective and antibacterial effects of thymol in ZnO-NPs exposed fish, supporting the potential utility of thymol as a possible immunostimulant agent.

Effect of Quercetin Nanoparticles on Hepatic and Intestinal Enzymes and Stress-Related Genes in Nile Tilapia Fish Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles.

Recently, nanotechnology has become an important research field involved in the improvement of animals' productivity, including aquaculture. In this field, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained interest as antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents. On the other hand, their extensive use in other fields increased natural water pollution causing hazardous effects on aquatic organisms. Quercetin is a natural polyphenolic compound of many plants and vegetables, and it acts as a potent antioxidant and therapeutic agent in biological systems. The current study investigated the potential mitigative effect of quercetin nanoparticles (QNPs) against AgNPs-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia via investigating liver function markers, hepatic antioxidant status, apoptosis, and bioaccumulation of silver residues in hepatic tissue in addition to the whole-body chemical composition, hormonal assay, intestinal enzymes activity, and gut microbiota. Fish were grouped into: control fish, fish exposed to 1.98 mg L-1 AgNPs, fish that received 400 mg L-1 QNPs, and fish that received QNPs and AgNPs at the same concentrations. All groups were exposed for 60 days. The moisture and ash contents of the AgNP group were significantly higher than those of the other groups. In contrast, the crude lipid and protein decreased in the whole body. AgNPs significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and decreased glycogen and growth hormone (*** p < 0.001). The liver and intestinal enzymes' activities were significantly inhibited (*** p < 0.001), while the oxidative damage liver enzymes, intestinal bacterial and Aeromonas counts, and Ag residues in the liver were significantly increased (*** p < 0.001, and * p < 0.05). AgNPs also significantly upregulated the expression of hepatic Hsp70, caspase3, and p53 genes (* p < 0.05). These findings indicate the oxidative and hepatotoxic effects of AgNPs. QNPs enhanced and restored physiological parameters and health status under normal conditions and after exposure to AgNPs.

In ovo protective effects of chicoric and rosmarinic acids against Thiacloprid-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and growth retardation on newly hatched chicks.

Thiacloprid (TH) is a neonicotinoid insecticide employed in agriculture to protect fruits and vegetables against different insects. It showed different deleterious effects on the general health of non-target organisms including birds and animals, however, its developmental toxicity has yet to be fully elucidated. Chicoric (CA) and rosmarinic (RA) acids are polyphenolic compounds with a wide range of beneficial biological activities. In this study, the possible protective effects of CA and RA were investigated in chick embryos exposed in ovo to TH (1µg/egg) with or without CA (100 µg/egg) or RA (100 µg/egg) co-exposure. TH reduced the hatchling body weight, body weight/egg weight, and relative weight of bursa of Fabricius in the one-day-old hatchlings. Examination of the 7-day-old chicks revealed a decline in feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and plasma levels of T3, T4, and growth hormone. Serum ALT, AST activities, and total cholesterol levels showed significant elevations. Hepatic MDA was increased with a reduction in SOD activity and GSH level and downregulation of the liver SOD and GST gene expression pattern. Serum IgG and IgM levels were reduced, and various histopathological alterations were noticed in the liver. Co-administration of CA or RA with TH mitigated the toxic effects on hatchlings. When both CA and RA are combined, they present a synergistic protective effect. CA and RA can be used as protective agents against TH toxicity as they improve growth performance and have hepatoprotective and immunostimulant effects in newly hatched chicks.

Origanum vulgare Essential Oil Modulates the AFB1-Induced Oxidative Damages, Nephropathy, and Altered Inflammatory Responses in Growing Rabbits.

The current study was performed to investigate the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) through the evaluation of kidney function tests and histopathological examination of renal tissues, targeting the therapeutic role of Marjoram (Origanum vulgare essential oil-OEO) in improving health status. Forty-eight New Zealand Whites growing rabbits (four weeks old) weighing on average 660.5 ± 2.33 g were randomly and equally distributed into four groups, each of which had four replicas of three animals as the following: Control group (only basal diet), AFB1 group (0.3 mg AFB1/kg diet), OEO group (1 g OEO/kg diet) and co-exposed group (1 g OEO/kg + 0.3 mg AF/kg diet). Our study lasted eight weeks and was completed at 12 weeks of age. The results revealed that OEO decreased the toxic effects of AFB1 in rabbit kidneys by substantially reducing the cystatin C levels in the AFB1 group. Additionally, OEO decreased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation levels in the co-exposed group. Moreover, OEO reduced DNA damage and inflammatory response in addition to the down-regulation of stress and inflammatory cytokines-encoding genes. Besides, OEO preserved the cytoarchitecture of rabbits' kidneys treated with AFB1. In conclusion, O. vulgare essential oil supplementation ameliorated the deleterious effects of AFB1 on the rabbits' kidneys by raising antioxidant levels, decreasing inflammation, and reversing oxidative DNA damage.

The Effect of Gum Arabic Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Indicators, Immune Response, Cecal Microbiota, and the Duodenal Morphology of Broiler Chickens.

Gum Arabic (GA) belongs to the Fabaceae family and contains indigestible soluble fibers (80-85%) that could be fermented by commensal bacteria to enhance performance, immune response, and intestinal integrity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GA on performance, serum biochemical indicators, microbiota, immune-related gene expression, and histological changes in chickens. Six GA levels (0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0%) were allocated using a total of 432 1-day-old male chickens (12 replicates with 6 chickens each). Growth performance was evaluated on days 10 and 24 of age. Blood parameters, organ pH levels, and intestinal health were determined on day 10 of age. Results showed that GA at 0.12% increased weight gain and 0.12 to 1.0% decreased feed intake but was best in feed conversion ratio and production efficiency except for 1.0% on day 1-10 of age. There was an increase in the thymus weight at GA level 0.25 to 0.75%. GA decreased the pH value of the proventriculus (at 0.50 and 1.0%) as well as the duodenum and cecum (at 0.12 and 1.0%). Chickens fed GA between 0.25 to 1.0% had higher protein and HDL, but lower cholesterol, LDL, and creatinine. Globulin was increased at 0.50% GA, while glucose and triglycerides were decreased (at 0.25 and 0.75% GA, respectively). The immune-related gene expression was reduced, except for 0.25% GA, which increased IL-10. Furthermore, chickens fed GA (0.25 to 0.75%) had higher Lactobacillus spp. and lower Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. When chickens received GA, the villus length and length to crypt ratio were higher, which also improved the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells and early duodenal development. We conclude that using GA (0.25 to 0.75%) as a natural prebiotic positively affects the performance, microbiota, immune response, morphology, and gut health of post-hatched chickens. More studies are needed to determine the potential mechanism of GA on broiler chickens.

Evaluation of gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve growth performance and health status of broiler chickens.

Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural product containing soluble fiber that is indigestible in the gastrointestinal tract and has been used as a traditional medicine to treat many diseases such as intestinal inflammation, kidney disease, and liver disorders, which may be reflected in the improved performance of broiler chickens when used. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of GA on the performance, immune system, visceral organs, functional tests, and histological changes of the ileum, liver, and kidneys of broilers. A total of 432 1-day-old male broilers were allocated to six dietary treatments (0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% GA) for 35 days. Performance, internal organs, and blood biochemical indices were measured. Morphology and histometry of the intestine were also performed. Meanwhile, tissues of the ileum, liver, and kidney were examined and evaluated microscopically to observe histological changes. All levels of GA (0.12 to 1.0%) had a positive effect on growth performance and feed conversion ratio. In addition, GA had no effect on the relative weight of lymphoid and visceral organs, except for a linear response in the bursa and liver. The levels of GA (0.12 and 0.25%) showed the potential to decrease serum uric acid, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase. The remarkable increase in small intestinal morphology of chickens fed GA and an increase in all histometric values of the ileum. All histological changes in the intestine, liver, and kidneys improved in chickens fed the basal diet containing 0.12 to 0.50% GA. These results provide useful evidence for the potential use of GA powder (Acacia senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve performance and intestinal, liver, and kidney health in broiler chickens.

Dietary Cinnamon Bark Affects Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Breast Meat Quality in Broiler Infected with Eimeria tenella Oocysts.

A total of 150 broiler chicks were used to determine the impact of dietary cinnamon bark powder (CBP; Cinnamomum verum) on breast meat quality, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of birds under coccidiosis, as one of the protozoan parasitic diseases. A total of 5 replicates of birds received 1 of the following 6 groups for 34 days: control groups (1 and 2) received a basal diet without the addition of CBP or salinomycin; group 3 received a basal diet with 0.066 g salinomycin; groups 4-6 were given a basal diet supplemented with 2, 4, and 6 g CBP/kg feed, respectively. On day 21, 4 × 104/100 µL of Eimeria tenella oocysts/bird were challenged, except for the negative control (NC). At the end of the experimental trial, five birds/group were sampled for carcass characteristics and breast attributes. Overall, emeriosis negatively affects slaughter body mass, carcass yield, and the majority of carcass characteristics in birds, and cinnamon can mitigate these effects. Cinnamon groups, particularly at the 2 g level, alleviated the negative effect on performance caused by coccidia infestation to the same or greater extent as the negative control and salinomycin treatment groups. Furthermore, when compared with the other experimental groups, the addition of cinnamon improved some physicochemical properties with some affecting meat quality, such as decreasing MFI and increasing toughness in cinnamon-treated groups. In summary, it can be concluded that CBP can enhance the shelf life, carcass, and quality of birds' meat by maximizing the productive performance efficiency and breast meat productivity of birds under coccidiosis infestation. Further research is required to investigate the use of cinnamon to optimize the quality of meat and the productivity of both healthy and diseased broilers.

Effect of Rumex nervosus Leaf Powder on the Breast Meat Quality, Carcass Traits, and Performance Indices of Eimeria tenella Oocyst-Infected Broiler Chickens.

This work aimed to assess the effect of using the RNL on performance indices, carcass trait, and meat quality of broiler chicken infected with Eimeria tenella compared with commercially used anticoccidials salinomycin. Moreover, we compare these selected variables between infected medicated groups and a non-infected unmedicated group (UUT) and an infected unmedicated group (IUT). A total of 150 1-day-old Ross 308 mixed-sex broilers were divided into 6 groups. Birds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were fed basic diets supplemented with 1, 3, and 5 g of RNL/kg diet, respectively. Group 4 received a basic diet with 66 mg of salinomycin. The control groups (5 and 6) were given a basic diet with no RNL or salinomycin added. All groups except the negative controls were challenged with Eimeria tenella at 21 days old. Birds in RNL groups outperformed those in the IUT group in performance indices, and they have a similar effect to the salinomycin group. Enhancement-infected birds with RNL affected some chickens' carcass traits. Drip loss, water-holding capacity, and meat tenderness were improved by RNL inclusion (1 g) in the diet. In conclusion, the meat of infected birds receiving 1 g RNL had increased quality attributes, with preferable tenderness and springiness when compared to the IUT group. RNL could therefore also be considered a promising non-conventional feed source in the future. Further research is needed to optimize the use of RNL to improve broilers production and meat quality in both infected and non-infected conditions.