Effect of short-term exposure to high-altitude hypoxic climate on feed-intake, blood glucose level and physiological responses of native and non-native goat.

The exposure to high altitude and cold stress poses challenges in maintaining normal physiological standards and body homeostasis in non-native animals. To enhance our understanding of the physiology of native and non-native goats in high-altitude environments, we conducted a comparative study to examine the impact of natural hypoxic and cold stress conditions on their feed intake (FIT) and associated changes in physiological responses, including plasma glucose concentration (PGC). The study took place at an altitude of 3505.2 m above mean sea level and involved twenty-two healthy females from two different breeds of goats. This study was conducted over a period of 56 days after the arrival of non-native Black Bengal goats (BBN) and compared with native Changthangi (CHAN) goats. Both groups were extensively reared in a natural high-altitude and cold-stress environment in Leh, India, and were subjected to defined housing and management practices. The parameters evaluated included FIT, PGC, respiration rate, heart rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature. High altitudes had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on FIT, PGC, respiration rate, heart rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature in BBN, whereas these parameters remained stable in CHAN throughout the study period. Additionally, the detrimental effects of high-altitude stress were more pronounced in non-native goats compared to native goats. These findings suggest that physiological responses in non-native goats tend to stabilize after an initial period of adverse effects in high-altitude environments. Based on the physiological responses and glucose concentration, it is recommended to pay special attention to the nutrition of non-native goats for up to the third week (21 days) after their arrival in high-altitude areas.

High-altitude and low-altitude adapted chicken gut-microbes have different functional diversity.

Recently, there has been considerable interest in the functions of gut microbiota in broiler chickens in relation to their use as feed additives. However, the gut-microbiota of chickens reared at different altitudes are not well documented for their potential role in adapting to prevailing conditions and functional changes. In this context, the present study investigates the functional diversity of gut-microbes in high-altitude (HACh) and low-altitude adapted chickens (LACh), assessing their substrate utilization profile through Biolog Ecoplates technology. This will help in the identification of potential microbes or their synthesized metabolites, which could be beneficial for the host or industrial applications. Results revealed that among the 31 different types of studied substrates, only polymers, carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, and amine-based substrates utilization varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the chickens reared at two different altitudes where gut-microbes of LACh utilized a broad range of substrates than the HACh. Further, diversity indices (Shannon and MacIntosh) analysis in LACh samples showed significant (p < 0.05) higher richness and evenness of microbes as compared to the HACh samples. However, no significant difference was observed in the Simpson diversity index in gut microbes of lowversus high-altitude chickens. In addition, the Principal Component Analysis elucidated variation in substrate preferences of gut-microbes, where 13 and 8 carbon substrates were found to constitute PC1 and PC2, respectively, where γ-aminobutyric acid, D-glucosaminic acid, i-erythritol and tween 40 were the most relevant substrates that had a major effect on PC1, however, alpha-ketobutyric acid and glycyl-L-glutamic acid affected PC2. Hence, this study concludes that the gut-microbes of high and low-altitudes adapted chickens use different carbon substrates so that they could play a vital role in the health and immunity of an animal host based on their geographical location. Consequently, this study substantiates the difference in the substrate utilization and functional diversity of the microbial flora in chickens reared at high and low altitudes due to altitudinal changes.

Recent advancements in toxicology, modern technology for detection, and remedial measures for arsenic exposure: review.

Arsenic toxicity has become a major global health concern for humans and animals due to extensive environmental and occupational exposure to arsenic-contaminated water, air, soil, and plant and animal origin food. It has a wide range of detrimental effects on animals, humans, and the environment. As a result, various experimental and clinical studies were undertaken and are undergoing to understand its source of exposures, pathogenesis, identify key biomarkers, the medical and economic impact on affected populations and ecosystems, and their timely detection and control measures. Despite these extensive studies, no conclusive information for the prevention and control of arsenic toxicity is available, owing to complex epidemiology and pathogenesis, including an imprecise approach and repetitive work. As a result, there is a need for literature that focuses on recent studies on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, detection, and ameliorative measures of arsenic toxicity to assist researchers and policymakers in the practical future planning of research and community control programs. According to the preceding viewpoint, this review article provides an extensive analysis of the recent progress on arsenic exposure to humans through the environment, livestock, and fish, arsenic toxicopathology, nano-biotechnology-based detection, and current remedial measures for the benefit of researchers, academicians, and policymakers in controlling arsenic eco-toxicology and directing future research. Arsenic epidemiology should therefore place the greatest emphasis on the prevalence of different direct and indirect sources in the afflicted areas, followed by control strategies.

Selection of species specific panel of reference genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of native livestock species adapted to trans-Himalayan region of Leh-Ladakh.

The identification of appropriate references genes is an integral component of any gene expression-based study for getting accuracy and reliability in data interpretation. In this study, we evaluated the expression stability of 10 candidate reference genes (GAPDH, RPL4, EEF1A1, RPS9, HPRT1, UXT, RPS23, B2M, RPS15, ACTB) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of livestock species that are adapted to high altitude hypoxia conditions of Leh-Ladakh. A total of 37 PBMCs samples from six native livestock species of Leh-Ladakh region such as Ladakhi cattle, Ladakhi yak, Ladakhi donkey, Chanthangi goat, Double hump cattle and Zanskar ponies were included in this study. The commonly used statistical algorithms such as geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder were employed to assess the stability of these RGs in all the livestock species. Our study has identified different panel of reference genes in each species; for example, EEF1A1, RPL4 in Ladakhi cattle; GAPDH, RPS9, ACTB in Ladakhi yak; HPRT1, B2M, ACTB in Ladakhi donkey; HPRT1, B2M, ACTB in Double hump camel, RPS9, HPRT1 in Changthangi goat, HPRT1 and ACTB in Zanskar ponies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic attempt to identify panel of RGs across different livestock species types adapted to high altitude hypoxia conditions. In future, the findings of the present study would be quite helpful in conducting any transcriptional studies to understand the molecular basis of high altitude adaptation of native livestock population of Leh-Ladakh.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Due to Wheat, Cabbage, and Spinach Consumption at Cold-Arid High Altitude Region.

Soil and water from the trans-Himalayan high-altitude region contain high concentrations of various heavy metals. Vegetables and cereals such as cabbage, spinach, and wheat are most prone to heavy metal accumulation from soil and water which can be toxic for human consumption. It has yet to be studied how consumption of vegetables and cereal with excess heavy metal content can affect human health in high altitude areas. To this end, the objectives of this study are (a) quantify the concentrations of Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Boron (B), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) in three crops (wheat, cabbage, and spinach), and (b) evaluate the health risk of excess dietary heavy metal consumption in the local adult population using non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic parameters. A total of 60 samples were analyzed for minerals and potentially toxic elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results found that spinach has a high mineral content than wheat and cabbage. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of each metal in each crop was less than the limit of permissible value. The hazard index (HI) of three plant species, and target hazard quotient (THQ) were less than the threshold level (< 1). The carcinogenic risk (CR) value in all the crops was less than the unacceptable risk level (1 × 10-4). These findings suggest that consumption of wheat, spinach, and cabbage does not have any significant effect on human health due to presence of elevated heavy metals at this high altitude region. .

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Through Cow Milk Consumption in Trans-Himalayan High-Altitude Region.

Consumption of heavy metals contaminated dairy milk may affect human health. No such studies have been carried out at the high-altitude region to assess the human health risk after consuming dairy milk. To this end, this study reveals the evaluation of selected heavy metals in dairy milk in the summer and winter seasons, followed by the assessment of heavy metals health risk. Analysis of Jersey crossbred cattle's milk showed that only the zinc level was significantly higher in the summer season. All the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic parameters were below the permissible limits. However, the carcinogenic risk (CR) level of arsenic and cadmium showed near the threshold level. Based on these findings, it might be concluded that all the studied metals do not have any significant role in health risk. In the near future, CR could be a health concern due to cow milk consumption at a high-altitude region.

Identification of Internal Reference Genes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Cattle Populations Adapted to Hot Arid Normoxia and Cold Arid Hypoxia Environments.

To estimate gene expression in a reliable manner, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction data require normalisation using a panel of stably expressed reference genes (RGs). To date, information on an appropriate panel of RGs in cattle populations reared at cold arid high-altitude hypoxia and hot arid tropical normoxia environments is not available. Therefore, the present study was carried out to identify a panel of stably expressed RGs from 10 candidate genes (GAPDH, RPL4, EEF1A1, RPS9, HPRT1, UXT, HMBS, B2M, RPS15, and ACTB) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of cattle populations reared at cold arid high-altitude hypoxia and hot arid normoxia environments. Four different statistical algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder were used to assess the stability of these genes. A total of 30 blood samples were collected: six adult heifers each of Ladakhi (LAC) and Holstein Frisian crosses (HFX) and 4 Jersey (JYC) cows from cold arid high-altitude hypoxia environments (group I) and five adult heifers each of Sahiwal (SAC), Karan Fries (KFC), and Holstein Friesian (HFC) cows from hot arid normoxia environments (group II). Combined analysis of group I and group II resulted in identification of a panel of RGs like RPS9, RPS15, and GAPDH that could act as a useful resource to unravel the accurate transcriptional profile of PBMCs from diverse cattle populations adapted to distinct altitudes.

Morphometric, haematological and physio-biochemical characterization of Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) camel at high altitude.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical and haematological parameters have not been determined in Bactrian camels kept at high altitude. Therefore, this study was undertaken to characterise different physiological, haematological, biochemical, and morphometric parameters of Bactrian camels of high altitude. For this, total fourteen high altitude healthy Bactrian camels were selected from Leh-Ladakh, India, a high altitude area, and thereafter divided into three age groups (N = 3 young; N = 6 adult; N = 5 old camels) to characterise for above parameters. All the results were compared with Lowlander Bactrian camels. RESULTS: Morphometric measurement showed significant difference in body height, body length, front-hump height and girth, back-hump height and girth, abdomen girth, neck length, and circumference of the shank in the young age group camels as compared to other age groups of Bactrian camels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all the physiological and haematological parameters were similar in all the age groups of camels (p < 0.05). However, the leukocyte, erythrocyte, Hb, platelets, monocyte, and ESR level were towards the higher side of the normal reference range of Lowlander Bactrian camels. Whereas, the biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in triglycerides and decrease in protein levels in the younger age group as compared to other age groups (p < 0.05). Although, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, iron, magnesium, urea, and creatinine levels were insignificant among the different groups, but observed towards the higher side of the low altitude reference range. Interestingly, the glucose levels in all the groups were observed towards the lower side of the range, which showed metabolic adaptation to high altitude. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested there is morphometric and biochemical variation in Bactrian camel of high altitude. The results further helped in establishing novel reference ranges for these parameters in Highlander Bactrian camel. Hence, this study will be the basis of future research on a Bactrian camel from high-altitude cold desert and helpful for better camel husbandry and health management in high altitude.

Basic chronobiology: what do sleep physicians need to know?

Sleep is an essential physiological process, which profoundly affects a wide range of biological activities. It is now known that sleep supports myriad vital functions in the central nervous system. This includes neural plasticity, learning, memory, cognition and emotional regulation. Additionally, it affects basic processes such as cardiovascular, immunological and metabolic activity. Evidence from multiple lines of research has thus shown that good quality of sleep is essential for both survival and optimal functioning of life. Considerable evidence also supports the conclusion that even minimal dysfunctions in circadian regulation can significantly disrupt sleep and broadly affect body physiology. As a consequence, it is now appreciated that the therapy of sleep disorders is more complex than was once thought. At present, several clinical disciplines have recognized the significance of the biological clock in health and illness, and are incorporating this knowledge into treatment programs. Recent decades have seen the emergence of chronotherapies, i.e., treatment strategies that are aimed at producing adjustments in the circadian clock. The final objective of these approaches is to affect basic cellular and physiological processes, which in turn may be at the root of disorders such as physiological aging, immune functioning, metabolic activity, and psychiatric disturbance. It is suggested that the integration of chronobiological perspectives into many mainstream medical disciplines would be of significant benefit, both for the reduction of the prevalence of diseases and their treatment. This review considers the physiology of sleep and the importance of timekeeping mechanisms in the regulation of overall health.

Correction: Synthesis of non-toxic, biocompatible, and colloidal stable silver nanoparticle using egg-white protein as capping and reducing agents for sustainable antibacterial application.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C8RA03649G.].

Correction: One pot green preparation of Seabuckthorn silver nanoparticles (SBT@AgNPs) featuring high stability and longevity, antibacterial, antioxidant potential: a nano disinfectant future perspective.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C7RA10262C.].

Chemometric Analysis of Antioxidant and Mineral Elements in Colostrum of Native and Non-native Goat Breeds to Hypoxic Conditions at High Altitude.

Colostrum of goat is a well-known nutritional source of animal product, which is attributed to innumerable nutritional properties. To enrich nutritional resources for understanding various nutritional values of animal product at high altitude, chemometric analysis of antioxidant and mineral element study was carried out by comparing antioxidants capacity, free radical scavenging activity, and certain mineral elements in colostrums of native and non-native goat breeds. Colostrum samples were collected from native Changthangi (CNG) and non-native Sirohi (SIRO) goat breeds, situated at naturally exposed high altitude of 3505.2 m above mean sea level. The antioxidant of samples was measured by ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity assay, and mineral elemental quantification of Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, K, Ca, B, Ni, and Cr was performed using ICP-OES. The values of FRAP, DPPH, and Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, K, and Ca in colostrums of native goat breed was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than the non-native goat. These data conclude that high altitude native goat has more antioxidant and mineral elements in colostrum than non-native colostrum. This study could provide a basis for establishing the role of colostrum supplements as a natural source to strengthen the endurance to modalities for the survival of newborn kids of goat within the native high altitude environment. This is the first report of a comparative chemometric analysis of colostrums of goat species and can be utilized to characterize the nutritional aspect of animal product with unique antioxidant and mineral nutrients composition in colostrum of goat.

Antibiofilm potential of Seabuckthorn silver nanoparticles (SBT@AgNPs) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In era of antibiotic resistance, antibacterial silver nanoparticles are considered as potential alternative therapeutic agent to combat drug resistant pathogens. The aim of present study was to evaluate the antibacterial, antibiofilm and biocompatible potential of green synthesized Seabuckthorn silver nanoparticles (SBT@AgNPs). In the study, antibacterial efficiency of SBT@AgNPs was studied against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. SBT@AgNPs were found to possess high antibacterial activity which was indicated in terms of low minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (2-4 µg/ml) obtained against test pathogens. Anti-biofilm activity of SBT@AgNPs on young as well as mature P. aeruginosa biofilms was also evaluated. SBT@AgNPs were able to eradicate the P. aeruginosa biofilms, which was further confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Quorum sensing assay also revealed the quorum quenching activity of SBT@AgNPs. Biocompatibility and cytocompatibility results demonstrated SBT@AgNPs to exhibit first-rate non-toxicity as no membrane damage on RBCs or detrimental morphology variation was seen in human dermal fibroblast. LC-MS analysis was also carried out to analyze the potential antibacterial chemical compounds present in aqueous extract of Seabuckthorn leaves. To the best of our knowledge this is first study in which green synthesized silver nanoparticles were exploited to eradicate young as well as mature biofilms of P. aeruginosa. Results showed that SBT@AgNPs are highly antibacterial, antibiofilm, nontoxic in nature and consequently can aid in biomedical applications.

Chronotherapeutics: Recognizing the Importance of Timing Factors in the Treatment of Disease and Sleep Disorders.

This review describes the characteristics of a number of pathologies, which are considered from the point of view of chronobiology, that is, the way in which biological processes are expressed throughout the 24-hour day. This perspective is a relatively new way of thinking about disease and additionally about how to treat diseases. It has called attention to the importance of not only the quantity of a drug that is administered but also when it is administered. In addition, the review presents an overview of the emerging clinical strategies known as chronotherapeutics, that is, the effects of the daily scheduling of drug administration and the consequences of the activity and efficacy of therapies that are applied in this manner. This article also reviews innovative ways in which physicians are applying time-specified drug treatment (chronopharmacology) for sleep disorders. Here, we present a systematic description of chronopharmacology as well as definitions of key terms that, we believe, will be helpful for newcomers to the field. It is hoped that greater awareness of this new perspective on pharmacology will promote its adoption by researchers and clinicians.

Overexpression of genes associated with hypoxia in cattle adapted to Trans Himalayan region of Ladakh.

Ladakh is an important part of the Trans-Himalayan region located between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south in the state of Jammu and Kashmir of India. The local cattle from Leh and Ladakh region, known as "Ladakhi cattle" is a unique germplasm having an excellent adaptation potential to high altitude hypobaric stress. In the present study, an effort was made to evaluate the transcriptional pattern of hypoxia inducing factor-1 (HIF-1) and several of its regulated genes in PBMCs of local Ladakhi cattle, Holstein Frisian crosses, Jersey (exotic) maintained at high altitude region and Sahiwal (Bos indicus) and Karan Fries (cross bred) cattle maintained in tropical environment. The combined data set indicated increased expression of HIF-1 and its regulated genes viz., glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hexokinase (HK2) in high altitude cattle indicating their importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis during high altitude hypoxia. The data indicated that hypoxia associated genes accumulated under hypoxic conditions are part of an essential adaptive component for adaptation to the high altitude of the trans-Himalayan region. In contrary, higher expression of molecular chaperons' viz., HSP70 and HSP90 in tropically adapted cattle give tolerance to high ambient temperature prevalent in tropical condition. In conclusion, HIF-1 and its regulatory genes could be termed as important candidates for producing homeostatic responses to hypoxia in cattle populations reared in higher altitudes of the Trans-Himalayan region.

Transcriptome Analysis of Circulating PBMCs to Understand Mechanism of High Altitude Adaptation in Native Cattle of Ladakh Region.

Ladakhi cattle is native population of Leh and Ladakh region and constantly exposed to hypobaric hypoxia over many generations. In present study, transcriptome signatures of cattle from Ladakh region (~5500 m) and Sahiwal cattle from tropical regions were evaluated using Agilent 44 K microarray chip. The top up-regulated genes in Ladakhi cows were INHBC, ITPRI, HECA, ABI3, GPR171, and HIF-1α involved in hypoxia and stress response. In Sahiwal cows, the top up-regulated genes eEF1A1, GRO1, CXCL2, DEFB3 and BOLA-DQA3 were associated with immune function and inflammatory response indicating their strong immune potential to combat the pathogens prevalent in the tropical conditions. The molecular pathways highly impacted were MAPK signaling, ETC, apoptosis, TLR signaling and NF- kB signaling pathway indicating signatures of adaptive evolution of these two cattle types in response to diverse environments. Further, qPCR analysis revealed increased expression of DEGs such as HIF-1, EPAS-1, VEGFA, NOS2, and GLUT-1/SLC2A1 in cattle types from high altitude suggesting their pivotal role in association with high altitude adaptation. Based on data generated, native cattle of Ladakh region was found to be genetically distinct from native cattle adapted to the tropical region of India.

Hippophae rhamnoides as novel phytogenic feed additive for broiler chickens at high altitude cold desert.

Extremes of climate and hypobaric hypoxia cause poor growth performance in broiler chickens at high altitude. The present study examined the potential of Hippophae rhamnoides extract as phytogenic feed additive for broilers reared at 3500 m above mean sea level (MSL). Higher content of phytomolecules were recorded during characterization of the extract. Immunomodulatory activity of extract was observed in chicken lymphocytes through in-vitro studies. Thereafter, for in vivo study, 105 day old Rhode Island Red (RIR) Cross-bred chicks were randomly distributed in to control and treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 which were supplemented with H. rhamnoides aqueous extract along with basal diet, at level of 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight of chicken, respectively. Among the experimental groups, birds in the T3 group represent the highest body weight. Furthermore, treatment group birds had shown better physio-biochemical indices as compared to control group birds. Interestingly, lower mortality rate due to ascites and coccidiosis was recorded in treatment groups and therefore, higher net return was observed. Hence, present investigation demonstrated the beneficial effect of H. rhamnoides extract (@200 mg/kg) at high altitude and therefore, may be used in formulation of feed additive for poultry ration.

Synthesis of non-toxic, biocompatible, and colloidal stable silver nanoparticle using egg-white protein as capping and reducing agents for sustainable antibacterial application.

For nearly a decade, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been the most prevalent commercial nanomaterials products widely used in different biomedical applications due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. However, their poor long-term stability in different environments, namely, pH, ionic strength, and temperature, and cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells has restricted their more extensive applications. Hence, there is urgent need to develop highly biocompatible, non-toxic, and stable silver nanoparticles for wide-ranging environments and applications. In the present study, a simple, sustainable, cost-effective and green method has been developed to prepare highly stable aqueous colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-EW) using the ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, and ovomucoid of egg-white as reducing and capping agents accomplished under the irradiation of direct sunlight. Then, we evaluated the effects of freezing-drying (lyophilization) and freeze-thaw cycles on the stability of AgNPs-EW in aqueous solution under visual inspection, transmission electron microscopy, and absorbance spectroscopy. In addition, we studied the antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, carried out biocompatibility studies on chicken blood, and tested acute, chronic toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. The results suggest that AgNPs-EW did not aggregate upon freeze-thawing and lyophilization, thus exhibiting remarkable stability. The antibacterial activity results showed that the AgNPs-EW had the highest antibacterial activity, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs-EW for E. Coli and S. typhimurium were 4 and 6 µg ml-1, respectively. The biocompatibility study revealed that the AgNPs-EW did not induce any hemolytic effect or structural damage to the cell membranes of chicken erythrocytes up to a concentration of 12 µg ml-1. Similarly, no acute and chronic toxicity was observed on melanization, fecundity, hatchability, viability, and the duration of development in the 1st generation of Drosophila melanogaster at the concentration range of 10 mg L-1 to 100 mg L-1 of AgNPs-EW, and all the flies completed their full developmental cycle. Therefore, the present study successfully demonstrated the green and sustainable preparation of non-toxic AgNPs-EW having good biocompatibility, enhanced colloidal stability, and antibacterial activity. Hence, the synthesized AgNPs-EW could be used for the development of an antimicrobial formulation for controlling microbial infection.

Effect of Prunus armeniaca seed extract on health, survivability, antioxidant, blood biochemical and immune status of broiler chickens at high altitude cold desert.

Extreme climatic conditions and hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude hinders the growth and productivity of chickens. The present study was carried out to examine the effect of aqueous extract of Prunus armeniaca seeds on health, survivability, antioxidants, plasma biochemical parameters, and immune status of broiler chickens at high altitude. Phytochemical analysis of extract revealed the presence of high phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids contents. Before the in vivo study, in vitro efficacy evaluation indicated a significant protective effect of the extract in chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes. For in vivo study, experimental groups include control (fed the basal diet), and treatment T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 which received an aqueous extract of P. armeniaca in drinking water at concentrations of 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight of chicken respectively, along with basal diet for 42 days. Body weight was significantly increased in all treatment groups as compared to control group and the highest body weight was recorded in T3 group. Higher profit was gained in treatment groups due to lesser mortality in chickens. Moreover, chicken in the treatment groups had significantly higher total antioxidant capacity, free radical scavenging activity, interleukin-2, total protein, albumin, globulin level and lower malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, ALT and AST level as compared to control group. Results suggest that, P. armeniaca extract at 200 mg/kg body weight of chicken, exhibited the beneficial effect on growth performance and survivability rate of broilers and therefore, could be useful as phytogenic feed additive for broiler chickens at high altitude cold desert.

Effects of melatonin and epiphyseal proteins on fluoride-induced adverse changes in antioxidant status of heart, liver, and kidney of rats.

Several experimental and clinical reports indicated the oxidative stress-mediated adverse changes in vital organs of human and animal in fluoride (F) toxicity. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effect of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) epiphyseal (pineal) proteins (BEP) and melatonin (MEL) against F-induced oxidative stress in heart, liver, and kidney of experimental adult female rats. To accomplish this experimental objective, twenty-four adult female Wistar rats (123-143 g body weights) were divided into four groups, namely, control, F, F + BEP, and F + MEL and were administered sodium fluoride (NaF, 150 ppm elemental F in drinking water), MEL (10 mg/kg BW, i.p.), and BEP (100 µg/kg BW, i.p.) for 28 days. There were significantly (P < 0.05) high levels of lipid peroxidation and catalase and low levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues of F-treated rats. Administration of BEP and MEL in F-treated rats, however, significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated these adverse changes in all the target components of antioxidant defense system of cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues. The present data suggest that F can induce oxidative stress in liver, heart, and kidney of female rats which may be a mechanism in F toxicity and these adverse effects can be ameliorated by buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) epiphyseal proteins and melatonin by upregulation of antioxidant defense system of heart, liver, and kidney of rats.