Copper sulfate and arginine supplements on performance, thyroid hormones and blood biochemistry of broilers fed with canola meal-based diets / Avaliação da suplementação com sulfato de cobre e arginina sobre o desempenho, hormônios tireoidianos e bioquímica sanguínea de frangos alimentados com dietas à base de canola

The present evaluated the effects of copper sulfate solution (CSS) and arginine powder (Arg) supplements on performance, thyroid hormones and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens fed with canola meal (CM)-based diets. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 3 × 3 factorial and 9 treatments, corresponding to 3 levels of CSS (0, 125 and 250 mg/kg) and 3 levels of Arg (0, 0.1 and 0.2%) (n = 45 per treatment). Feeds were offered ad libitum for 21 days, from 22 to 42 days of age. Feed efficiency was significantly affected by the dietary addition of 250 mg/kg CSS and 0.2% Arg, and by the CSS × Arg interaction. CM supplemented with CSS improved the thyroid gland status and increased the plasma levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Birds fed diets supplemented with 0.2% Arg had lower blood glucose level than the other treatments. The addition of 250 mg/kg CSS and 0.2% Arg reduced the stress caused by the rapid growth of broilers, also increasing the overall bird welfare.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da suplementação com solução de sulfato de cobre (SSC) e arginina em pó (Arg) sobre o desempenho, hormônios tireoidianos e bioquímica sanguínea de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas à base de canola DC. O desenho experimental foi completamente casualizado com fatorial 3 × 3 e nove tratamentos correspondentes a três níveis de inclusão de SSC (0, 125 e 250 mg/kg) e três níveis de Arg (0, 0,1 e 0,2%) (n = 45 para cada tratamento). As rações foram oferecidas ad libitum por 21 dias, de 22 até 42 dias de idade. A eficiência alimentar foi significativamente afetada pela adição de 250 mg/kg de SSC e 0,2% de Arg, assim como pela interação SSC × Arg. A suplementação da DC com SSC melhorou os parâmetros da glândula tireoide e aumentou os níveis plasmáticos de triiodotironina e tiroxina. As aves alimentadas com dietas suplementadas com 0,2% de Arg apresentaram menor nível de glicose sanguínea do que as dos demais tratamentos. A adição de 250 mg/kg de SSC e 0,2% de Arg reduz o estresse causado pelo rápido crescimento dos frangos, além de melhorar as condições gerais de bem estar das aves.

RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF COPPER SULFATE IMMERSION TREATMENT IN MARINE TELEOSTS DURING QUARANTINE AT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM OF BALTIMORE FROM 2004 TO 2016.

Copper sulfate immersion is common for the prevention and treatment of Cryptocaryon irritans during quarantine of marine teleosts. The National Aquarium in Baltimore has followed a consistent copper sulfate protocol for marine teleost quarantine since 2004. The protocol used copper sulfate pentahydrate as a slow drip to increase copper ions over 3-5 days to a level of 0.18-0.21 mg/L. This level was maintained for 21 days, and then copper ions were rapidly removed with activated carbon filtration and water changes. Quarantine records from 2004-2016 were used to examine mortality of marine teleosts during copper treatment and identify factors that might have influenced mortality. The following records were excluded: brackish and freshwater teleosts (salinity <25 g/L); long-term treatment at subtherapeutic levels (<0.18 mg/L); intentional short courses (<14 days); and use outside of quarantine. Species, system volume, temperature, parasitic outbreaks, concurrent medications, and water quality concerns were evaluated. During this period, 4,835 individual teleosts belonging to 347 different species were treated. From 2004 to 2016, mortality during copper treatment was 4.1% (199/4,835 individuals) and was higher when treatment was started during the first week of quarantine (7.7%, 68/884) rather than later (3.3%, 131/3,951 individuals). Of the mortalities, 24.1% (48/199) occurred during the initial subtherapeutic period, and 75.9% (151/199) occurred during the therapeutic period. No mortalities occurred in 75.5% (262/347) of species during copper treatment. When using a similar methodology, copper sulfate is a safe immersion for quarantine of marine teleosts. Mortalities during copper treatment can be reduced by increasing copper ion levels to therapeutic ranges more slowly (e.g., over 7 days) and starting copper treatment after the first week of quarantine.

Effects of copper sulphate and coated copper sulphate addition on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and blood metabolites in dairy cows.

Coated copper sulphate (CCS) could be used as a Cu supplement in cows. To investigate the influences of copper sulphate (CS) and CCS on milk performance, nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation, fifty Holstein dairy cows were arranged in a randomised block design to five groups: control, CS addition (7·5 mg Cu/kg DM from CS) or CCS addition (5, 7·5 and 10 mg Cu/kg DM from CCS, respectively). When comparing Cu source at equal inclusion rates (7·5 mg/kg DM), cows receiving CCS addition had higher yields of fat-corrected milk, milk fat and protein; digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM) and neutral-detergent fibre (NDF); ruminal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration; activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, cellobiase, pectinase and α-amylase; populations of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes; and liver Cu content than cows receiving CS addition. Increasing CCS addition, DM intake was unchanged, yields of milk, milk fat and protein; feed efficiency; digestibility of DM, OM, NDF and acid-detergent fibre; ruminal total VFA concentration; acetate:propionate ratio; activity of cellulolytic enzyme; populations of total bacteria, protozoa and dominant cellulolytic bacteria; and concentrations of Cu in serum and liver increased linearly, but ruminal propionate percentage, ammonia-N concentration, α-amylase activity and populations of Prevotella ruminicola and Ruminobacter amylophilus decreased linearly. The results indicated that supplement of CS could be substituted with CCS and addition of CCS improved milk performance and nutrient digestion in dairy cows.

Copper sulfate and sodium selenite lipid-microencapsulation modifies ruminal microbial fermentation in a dual-flow continuous-culture system.

Undesirable interactions between trace mineral elements and ruminal contents may occur during digestion when mineral salts are supplemented. Antimicrobial effects of copper sulfate (CuSO4) may affect ruminal digestibility of nutrients when fed as a source of copper (Cu), while sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) may be reduced in the rumen to less available forms of selenium (Se). Our objective was to evaluate if protection of CuSO4 and Na2SeO3 by lipid-microencapsulation would induce changes on ruminal microbial fermentation. We used 8 fermentors in a dual-flow continuous-culture system in a 4 × 4 duplicated Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors were CuSO4 protection (unprotected and protected by lipid-microencapsulation) and Na2SeO3 protection (unprotected and protected by lipid-microencapsulation). Treatments consisted of supplementation with 15 mg/kg of Cu and 0.3 mg/kg of Se from either unprotected or protected (lipid-microencapsulated) sources, as follows: (1) Control (unprotected CuSO4 + unprotected Na2SeO3); (2) Cu-P (protected CuSO4 + unprotected Na2SeO3); (3) Se-P (unprotected CuSO4 + protected Na2SeO3); (4) (Cu+Se)-P (protected CuSO4 + protected Na2SeO3). All diets had the same nutrient composition and fermentors were fed 106 g of dry matter/d. Each experimental period was 10 d (7 d of adaptation and 3 d for sample collections). Daily pooled samples of effluents were analyzed for pH, NH3-N, nutrient digestibility, and flows (g/d) of total N, NH3-N, nonammonia N (NAN), bacterial N, dietary N, and bacterial efficiency. Kinetics of volatile fatty acids was analyzed in samples collected daily at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after feeding. Main effects of Cu protection, Se protection, and their interaction were tested for all response variables. Kinetics data were analyzed as repeated measures. Protection of Cu decreased acetate molar proportion, increased butyrate proportion, and tended to decrease acetate:propionate ratio in samples of kinetics, but did not modify nutrient digestibility. Protection of Se tended to decrease NH3-N concentration, NH3-N flow, and CP digestibility; and to increase flows of nonammonia N and dietary N. Our results indicate that protection of CuSO4 may increase butyrate concentration at expenses of acetate, while protection of Na2SeO3 tended to reduce ruminal degradation of N. Further research is needed to determine the effects of lipid-microencapsulation on intestinal absorption, tissue distribution of Cu and Se, and animal performance.

Efficacy of non-antibiotic treatment options for digital dermatitis on an organic dairy farm.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two non-antibiotic treatment options for digital dermatitis (DD) on an organic certified dairy farm. A randomized clinical trial was conducted using 70 multiparous Holstein cows with an early DD lesion at a USDA certified organic dairy farm in Northern Colorado, USA. Cows were enrolled in the study based on the presence of early DD lesions (scores M1 and M2) and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: (1) topical application of copper sulfate and iodine (CUI); (2) topical application of honey and iodine (HOI); and (3) control subject to no treatment (CON). Cows were evaluated at enrolment and on days 3, 12, 28, and 120 post treatment for pain and lesion size and received a locomotion and a lesion score. Cure was defined as the transition from active to non-active stages (M1/M2 to M0 or M4). The formulations had variable effects on the treatment of DD. The cure rate was numerically higher for CUI on all follow up days. The proportion of cows experiencing pain on d3 after treatment was greater in CON, followed by HOI and CUI. However, this proportion increased in HOI during the follow up period. The CUI group had a greater reduction in lesion size and larger lesions persisted in HOI. Non-antibiotic treatment formulations were partially effective in the treatment of DD in organic dairy cows: The two non-antibiotic formulations resulted in an earlier transition to mature lesions compared with the control group. The CUI combination was the most effective treatment in reducing lesion size, pain, and lameness in affected cows. However, this combination had short-term efficacy, which did not persist throughout the duration of the study. The HOI combination produced only transient reduction in lesion size.

Effects of soybean oil and dietary copper levels on nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, enzyme activity, microflora and microbial protein synthesis in dairy bulls.

The study evaluated the effects of soybean oil (SO) and dietary copper levels on nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, enzyme activity, microflora and microbial protein synthesis in dairy bulls. Eight Holstein rumen-cannulated bulls (14 ± 0.2 months of age and 326 ± 8.9 kg of body weight) were allocated into a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with factors being 0 or 40 g/kg dietary dry matter (DM) of SO and 0 or 7.68 mg/kg DM of Cu from copper sulphate (CS). The basal diet contained per kg DM 500 g of corn silage, 500 g of concentrate, 28 g of ether extract (EE) and 7.5 mg of Cu. The SO × CS interaction was significant (p < 0.05) for ruminal propionate proportion and acetate to propionate ratio. Dietary SO addition increased (p < 0.05) intake and total tract digestibility of EE but did not affect average daily gain (ADG) of bulls. Dietary CS addition did not affect nutrient intake but increased (p < 0.05) ADG and total tract digestibility of DM, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre. Ruminal pH was not affected by treatments. Dietary SO addition did not affect ruminal total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, decreased (p < 0.05) acetate proportion and ammonia N and increased (p < 0.05) propionate proportion. Dietary CS addition did not affect ammonia N, increased (p < 0.05) total VFA concentration and acetate proportion and decreased (p < 0.05) propionate proportion. Acetate to propionate ratio decreased (p < 0.05) with SO addition and increased (p < 0.05) with CS addition. Dietary SO addition decreased (p < 0.05) activity of carboxymethyl cellulase, cellobiase and xylanase as well as population of fungi, protozoa, methanogens, Ruminococcus albus and R. flavefaciens but increased (p < 0.05) α-amylase activity and population of Prevotella ruminicola and Ruminobacter amylophilus. Dietary CS addition increased (p < 0.05) activity of cellulolytic enzyme and protease as well as population of total bacteria, fungi, protozoa, methanogens, primary cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria. Microbial protein synthesis was unchanged with SO addition but increased (p < 0.05) with CS addition. The results indicated that the addition of CS promoted nutrient digestion and ruminal fermentation by stimulating microbial growth and enzyme activity but did not relieve the negative effects of SO addition on ruminal fermentation in dairy bulls.

The Activation of Heat-Shock Protein After Copper(II) and/or Arsenic(III)-Induced Imbalance of Homeostasis, Inflammatory Response in Chicken Rectum.

Arsenic and copper, two toxic pollutants, are powerful inducers of oxidative stress. Exposure to copper and arsenic can cause intestinal injury in cockerel. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of these two pollutants on the gastrointestinal tract of cockerels. Experimental results showed that the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and glutathione peroxidase) was inhibited and the ionic balance was destroyed after exposure to copper sulfate (300 mg/kg) and/or arsenic trioxide (30 mg/kg). However, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (nuclear factor kappa-B, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and prostaglandin E2 synthases) increased markedly. Damages to the biofilm structure and inflammatory cell infiltration were simultaneously observed during histological examination. Heat-shock proteins were also expressed in large quantities after exposure to the poisons. Collectively, exposure to arsenite and/or Cu2+ can cause rectal damage in cockerels, inducing inflammation and an imbalance in immune system responses. Sometimes, exposure to both pollutants can produce even more toxic effects. Heat-shock proteins can protect the tissue from the exotoxins but the specific mechanisms require exploration. After oral ingestion of toxins, the rectum can still be damaged, necessitating attention to the safety of poultry breeding, human food safety, and environmental protection.

Chronic Copper Exposure Induces Hypospermatogenesis in Mice by Increasing Apoptosis Without Affecting Testosterone Secretion.

Chronic copper exposure impaired spermatogenesis in adult male mice. The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic copper exposure can induce apoptosis of testicular cell and hypospermatogenesis via disturbing testosterone synthesis in adult male mice. In the present study, sixty CD-1 male mice were randomly divided into four groups, and were continuously administered for 8 weeks by oral gavage with copper sulfate at a dose of 0, 25, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day, respectively. We determined the content of serum and testicular copper, testicular coefficient, testicular histopathology, sperm count and motility, the mRNA and protein levels of Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2, Leydig cell count, testosterone content, testosterone synthetase, and testosterone synthesis-related genes. The results showed that the copper levels in serum increased in a dose-dependent manner, and the copper levels in testes were significantly related to serum copper levels. Male mice given copper sulfate 100 and 150 dosage groups showed significant decreased in sperm motility and sperm number as well as increased in testes damage, and there was no significant change in testicular coefficient in the four groups. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2 decreased and Caspase-3 increased in 150 dosage group, and Bax increased in two higher dosage groups. Meanwhile, Caspase-3 and Bax proteins increased in 150 dosage group, and Bcl-2 protein decreased in three copper treatment groups. Nevertheless, there were no differences on the levels of testosterone content and testosterone synthetase of 3ß-HSD, 17ß-HSD, 17α-Hyd, and 20α-Hyd, mRNA levels of Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Star, and quantity of Leydig cells in four groups. Overall, these data showed that chronic copper exposure led to copper residues in the testes, and the doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg/day copper sulfate may induce hypospermatogenesis by increasing apoptosis without affecting testosterone secretion.

Effects of different sources and levels of copper on lipid metabolism in Merino × Texel lambs.

The study was conducted with 40 lambs Merino × Texel in order to determine the effects of 10 or 30 mg of Cu/kg DM of copper sulphate and copper-methionine on the lipid and cholesterol metabolism. The lambs were randomly distributed into 5 treatments, with 8 animals each. The treatments were: control, without cooper additions; 10 or 30 mg of Cu/kg DM in the form of copper sulphate; 10 or 30 mg of Cu/kg DM in the form of copper-methionine. The hepatic concentration of copper was higher in lambs supplemented with copper. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum, as well as the SFTU did not differ between treatments. The supplementation of copper regardless of source or level reduced the concentration of cholesterol in the LT muscle, and reduced the concentration of GSH and increased the concentration of GSSG in the liver. Additionally, there was a minimal effect on the fatty acid profile of lipid in lambs.

Pirometaxine™ (Narlisim™) in pediatric nasal congestion: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Nasal congestion represents a troublesome health issue which is especially and invalidating in children. Effective nasal drugs, such as sympathomimetic drugs, are usually forbidden in children under 12 years of age because of their potential systemic adverse effects. Hypertonic nasal physiological solutions have recently been successfully used to decongest nasal mucosa in children: its mechanical activity has been universally recognized as safe and effective and it represents a well-established, useful treatment in children. METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed a case series of 40 children treated for 4 days (96 hours) with a new class 1s medical device nasal hypertonic spray containing Pirometaxine™ (Narlisim™) in outpatient affected by nasal congestion due to common cold. Every child was evaluated on a 3-point symptom assessment scale (0: no symptom; 1: mild symptom; 2: moderate symptom; 3: severe symptom) at the beginning of the trial (T0) and after 48 (T1) and 96 hours (T2). The symptoms assessed were nasal obstruction, nasal secretion, headache, flash of cold, pharyngodynia, cough, and sneeze. RESULTS: The results, in terms of short-term efficacy to control nasal obstruction (T1 vs. T0: P<0.0001; T2 vs. T0: P<0.0001), nasal secretion (T1 vs. T0: P<0.0001; T2 vs. T0: P<0.0001) and all the symptoms related to common cold have supported the efficacy of this hypertonic nasal solution. No adverse events have been pointed out during the trial supporting the safety of this new nasal hypertonic approach. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of adverse events after 48-96 hours along with the short-term effectiveness of this new treatment seems to represent a new, safe option to treat children affected by nasal congestion secondary to common cold. Considering the current lack of safe treatments for children under 12 years of age, Narlisim™ can be considered as a useful short-term option to control nasal congestion in children.

Effect of copper nanoparticles on the mineral content of tissues and droppings, and growth of chickens.

We hypothesised that copper nanoparticles (NanoCu), because of their high physicochemical reactivity and bioavailability, could be used in much smaller quantities than bulk Cu, consequently reducing excretion of Cu into the environment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of various levels of NanoCu on the development and growth of broiler chickens, in order to establish an optimum level of NanoCu dietary supplementation. Broiler chickens were randomly divided into five groups of 10 birds each. The control group received 7.5 mg Cu/kg feed (standard level) as CuSO4, while groups fed with complexes of NanoCu and starch received 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the standard level of Cu used in the control group. Chicken growth and excretion of Cu, Fe and Zn were measured during the growth period from d 7 to 42. At d 42, the slaughter characteristics, the content of Cu, Fe and Zn in the breast muscle and liver, and the oxidative status were analysed. The results indicate that using NanoCu can reduce the standard level of Cu from CuSO4 supplementation by 75% without jeopardising animal growth, and at the same time significantly decreasing Cu excretion into the environment.

Copper and zinc sources and levels of zinc inclusion influence growth performance, tissue trace mineral content, and carcass yield of broiler chickens.

A 35-d experiment was conducted in broilers to study the effect of supplementation of sulfate or hydroxychloride forms of Zn and Cu at 2 supplemental Zn levels on growth performance, meat yield, and tissue levels of Zn. On day 0, 900 male Ross 308 broiler chicks (45 ± 1.10 g) were allocated to 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design and 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The factors were 2 sources (sulfate or hydroxychloride) of Zn and Cu and 2 levels (low or high) of Zn. The Zn sources were zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZSM) or hydroxychloride Zn. Copper sources were copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate or hydroxychloride Cu. Each of the 4 treatments had 15 replicates and 15 birds per replicate. Birds were weighed on days 0, 21, and 35 for growth performance. On day 35, left tibia bone, liver, and blood were collected from 4 randomly selected birds per pen. In addition, 7 birds per pen were used for carcass evaluation. There was no significant source × level interaction on any of the growth performance response. Broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu had greater (P < 0.05) gain: feed, whereas broiler chickens receiving lower Zn level had greater (P < 0.01) weight gain. There was no source × level interaction on meat yield. Broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu had greater (P < 0.05) % breast yield than those receiving sulfate Zn and Cu. Higher level of Zn, irrespective of source, produced greater (P < 0.01) tibia and plasma Zn levels, whereas liver Cu was greater (P < 0.05) in broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu. It was concluded that hydroxychloride Zn and Cu were more efficacious than sulfate Zn and Cu in promoting growth performance and enhancing meat yield in the current study.

Copper requirements of broiler breeder hens.

One-hundred-twenty Cobb 500 hens, 20 wk of age, were randomly allocated into individual cages with the objective of estimating Cu requirements. After being fed a Cu deficient diet for 4 wk, hens were fed diets with graded increments of supplemental Cu (0.0; 3.5; 7.0; 10.5; 14; and 17.5 ppm) from Cu sulfate (CuSO4 5H2O), totaling 2.67; 5.82; 9.38; 12.92; 16.83; and 20.19 ppm analyzed Cu in feeds for 20 weeks. Estimations of Cu requirements were done using exponential asymptotic (EA), broken line quadratic (BLQ), and quadratic polynomial (QP) models. Obtained Cu requirements for hen d egg production and total settable eggs per hen were 6.2, 7.3, and 12.9 ppm and 8.1, 9.0, and 13.4 ppm, respectively, using EA, BLQ, and QP models. The QP model was the only one having a fit for total eggs per hen with 13.1 ppm Cu as a requirement. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum Cu from hens had requirements estimated as 13.9, 11.3, and 18.5, ppm; 14.6, 13.0, and 19.0 ppm; and 16.2, 14.6, and 14.2 ppm, respectively, for EA, BLQ, and QP models. Hatching chick hemoglobin was not affected by dietary Cu, whereas requirements estimated for hatching chick hematocrit and body weight and length were 10.2, 12.3, and 13.3 ppm using EA, BLQ, and QP models; and 6.8 and 7.1 ppm, and 12.9 and 13.9 ppm Cu using EA and BLQ models, respectively. Maximum responses for egg weight, yolk Cu content, and eggshell membrane thickness were 14.9, 12.7, and 15.1 ppm; 15.0, 16.3, and 15.7 ppm; and 7.3, 7.8, and 14.0 ppm Cu, respectively, for EA, BLQ, and QP models. Yolk and albumen percentage were adjusted only with the QP model and had requirements estimated at 11.0 ppm and 11.3 ppm, respectively, whereas eggshell mammillary layer was maximized with 10.6, 10.1, and 14.4 ppm Cu using EA, BLQ, and QP models, respectively. The average of all Cu requirement estimates obtained in the present study was 12.5 ppm Cu.

Effect of CuSO4 and nano copper on serum antioxidant capacity in Weaned piglets.

Copper is the most essential trace element in the animal body. Nano-sized copper particles have been widely used in a number of different animal species in modern medicinal practice. The present study was designed to examine the effect of dietary copper sulfate/(CuSO4) and nano copper supplementation on serum antioxidant capacity of weaning piglets. A total of 28 Duroc piglets (21 days, and weighing ~7 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups. The control group (n=4) was administered with a normal standard diet; however the CuSO4 (n=12) and nano copper (n=12) groups were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day body weight, respectively. After 28 days, blood serum copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), ceruloplasmin (CP), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), peroxidase (POD), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and inhibition of hydroxyl radical (CIHR) were analyzed from all groups. The results indicated that nano copper supplementation has significant (P less than 0.05) effect on the serum antioxidant capability as compared to dietary CuSO4 group in weaned piglets. Nano-size copper 100 mg/kg/day supplementation was confirmed to improve the immunity level by strengthening the antioxidant capacity of weaning piglets. Dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg body weight nano copper could be a potential substitute for weaned piglets.

The effect of administration of copper nanoparticles to chickens in their drinking water on the immune and antioxidant status of the blood.

The aim of this experiment was to determine what dosage of copper (Cu) nanoparticles, added to a standard dietary supplementation with copper sulfate, would improve antioxidant and immune defense in chickens. The experiment was conducted with 126 broiler chickens assigned to seven treatments with three pens per treatment and six broiler chickens per pen. The basal-diet treatment did not receive Cu nanoparticles (nano-Cu) and as shown by analyses it was Cu-deficient (-29% vs. National Research Council (NRC) recommendations; 5.7 vs. 8 mg/kg). Broiler chickens received nano-Cu (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg/kg body weight per day) via a tube into the crop over three 3-day periods (days 8-10, 22-24 and 36-38) or three 7-day periods (days 8-14, 22-28 and 36-42). As a result, in the nano-Cu-treated broilers the total experimental Cu intake was from -11% to +96% versus NRC recommendations. At the age of 42 days of broilers, their blood indices were determined. The obtained results showed that correction of the deficient basal diet of chickens with nano-Cu to a level of copper exceeding the NRC recommendation by 54% increased the antioxidant potential of the organism and inhibited lipid peroxidation. At the dosage of +96% versus NRC, some symptoms of a deterioration in antioxidant status appeared (a decrease in the level of glutathione plus glutathione disulfide and an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and ceruloplasmin activity and in lipid hydroperoxide content). Additionally, +7% versus the recommended Cu dietary level was followed by unfavorable results, indicating a deterioration in red blood cell parameters and stimulation of the immune system (an increase in interleukin-6, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM and IgY). To conclude, it was shown that it is possible to simultaneously increase antioxidant and immune defense of chickens by supplementing their diets with nano-Cu - up to 12 mg per bird during 6 weeks of feeding, that is to a level no more than 7% over the NRC recommendation for growing broiler chickens.

Copper sulphate forms in piglet diets: Microbiota, intestinal morphology and enteric nervous system glial cells.

The objective of this study was to evaluate dietary supplementation with different copper sulphate (CuSO4 ) forms on small intestine microanatomy and large intestine microbiota. Ninety weaned piglets were divided into three experimental groups: control diet (CTR), with no added CuSO4 and diets supplemented with 150 ppm of CuSO4 in protected (150P) and unprotected form (150UP). After 18 days of dietary treatment, six piglets per treatment were randomly selected and sacrificed. Duodenum villi length and crypt depths were higher (P < 0.001) in the animals fed 150UP than other groups. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker for enteric glial cells, was unaffected by dietary treatments. The total bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria counts were lower (P < 0.05) in cecum of animals fed 150P in comparison with the other two groups. In the colon the Streptococci spp were lower (P < 0.001) in both CuSO4 supplemented groups than controls. The obtained results revealed a modulation of intestinal structure and microbiota exerted by the studied CuSO4 dietary supplementation. The present data show that dietary supplementation with 150UP in the first period post-weaning may assist in restoring the gut morphology, improving duodenal structure.

Haemolytic anaemia and hepatocitolysis associated with hypermagnesaemia by repeated exposures to copper-calcium fungicides.

For the medical practice, our manuscript acts as a signal, despite only presenting three cases which feature the association between hepatocytolysis, haemolysis and hypermagnesaemia. This clinical-biologic triad was highlighted with the workers who through the nature of their profession were exposing themselves periodically to vapours which contained copper sulphate neutralised with calcium hydroxide, a fungicide used for fruit trees. We are exclusively assessing the haematological perturbation. In this aetiological context, the generating mechanism for haemolysis is very probable biochemical, where hypercupraemia interferes with cellular antioxidant defence mechanisms. Hypothetically, the role of the redox homeostasis disorder in the intravascular destruction of erythrocytes is sustained, and particularly the coexistence of cell cytolysis in the medullary erythroid compartment, which can be assimilated with a possible ineffective erythropoiesis.

Syzygium cumini leaf extract inhibits LDL oxidation, but does not protect the liproprotein from glycation.

ETNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels is a plant widely used in folk medicine to treat diabetes mellitus (DM). The tea from its leaves is frequently used by diabetics for lowering hyperglycemia. There is a close relationship between DM and atherosclerosis, a chronic immuno-inflammatory disease, were the early stages encompass oxidative and glycative modifications in the structure of low density lipoprotein (LDL). AIM OF THIS STUDY: To investigate the potential protective effects of aqueous-leaf extract from Syzygium cumini (S.cExt) against CuSO4-induced oxidation and methylglyoxal (MG)-induced glycation of human LDL in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LDL oxidative changes were evaluated by measuring conjugated dienes (CD) formation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, quenching of tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence and structural modifications in LDL particle. In LDL glycated by MG (glyLDL), we determined the levels of fluorescent advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and mobility by agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: S.cExt blocked oxidative events induced by CuSO4 in human LDL, plasma and serum. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed that specific regions of apoB100 were oxidized by CuSO4 in human LDL and that S.cExt reduced these oxidations. Unlike, the increased AGEs levels and eletrophoretic mobility observed in LDL MG-glycated were not modified by S.cExt. CONCLUSION: The findings herein indicate that S.cExt could be tested in atherogenesis models as potential protective agent against LDL oxidation.

Effect of different levels of copper nanoparticles and copper sulphate on performance, metabolism and blood biochemical profiles in broiler chicken.

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of copper administration in ovo to chicken embryos and/or supplied in drinking water to growing chickens in the form copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) or copper sulphate (CuSO4 ). The fertilised eggs were assigned to three groups (n = 50 per group): control (not injected), injected with 50 mg/kg Cu-NP or with 50 mg/kg CuSO4 at day 1 of incubation. Thereafter, 126 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to seven post-hatched groups: control not injected and not provided with Cu in the drinking water, injected with 50 mg/kg Cu-NP + 20 mg/kg in water, not injected + 20 mg/kg Cu-NP in water, injected with 50 mg/kg CuSO4  + 20 mg/kg in water, not injected + 20 mg/kg CuSO4 in water, injected with 50 mg/kg Cu-NP and injected with 50 mg/kg CuSO4 . The experiment was carried out from day 1 to 35 post-hatching. The in ovo injection of Cu improved the final body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in relation to the control group. Conversely, the provision of Cu in the drinking water had less of an effect on growth performance in comparison with the injected groups. A significant improvement was shown in energy and nitrogen utilisation, being better for Cu-NP than CuSO4 . The cholesterol, urea and glucose levels in the blood were reduced by Cu-NP treatment in relation to the other groups. The relative weight of the liver was decreased, while bursa of Fabricius was increased in Cu groups in relation to the control group. Cu excretion was only reduced in chickens injected with 50 mg/kg Cu-NP + 20 mg/kg in water. The immune-related genes were not affected by the treatments. The in ovo injection of Cu-NP might improve broiler performance more efficiently than the injection of CuSO4 or the provision of Cu-NP and/or CuSO4 in drinking water.

[Effect of copper sulphate on the lung damage induced by chronic intermittent exposure to ozone]. / Efecto del sulfato de cobre en el daño pulmonar inducido por la exposición crónica intermitente a ozono.

BACKGROUND: Ozone exposure could increase lung damage induced by airborne particulate matter. Particulate matter lung toxicity has been attributed to its metallic content. AIM: To evaluate the acute effect of intratracheal administration of copper sulfate (CuSO4) on rat lungs previously damaged by a chronic intermittent ozone exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two-months-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 0.5 ppm ozone four h per day, five days a week, during two months. CuSO4 was intratracheally instilled 20 h after ozone exposure. Controls breathed filtered air or were instilled with 0.9% NaCl or with CuSO4 or were only exposed to ozone. We evaluated lung histopathology. F2 isoprostanes were determined in plasma. Cell count, total proteins, γ glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatases (AP) were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RESULTS: Ozone increased total cell count, macrophages, proteins and AP in BALF (p < 0.05), and induced pulmonary neutrophil inflammation. CuSO4 plus air increased plasma F2 isoprostane levels and total cell count, neutrophils and proteins in BALF (p < 0.05). Histopathology showed foamy macrophages. Ozone plus CuSO4 exposed animals showed a neutrophil inflammatory lung response and an increase in total cell count, proteins, GGT and AP in BALF (p < 0.05). Foamy and pigmented alveolar macrophages were detected in all lungs of these animals (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intratracheal instillation of a single dose of CuSO4 in rats previously subjected to a chronic and intermittent exposure to ozone induces a neutrophil pulmonary inflammatory response and cytoplasmic damage in macrophages.