The effects of some antioxidant vitamin- and trace element-supplemented diets on activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and LPO levels in chicken tissues

Influence of paeoniflorin dietary supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality in broiler chickens

Paeonia lactiflora Pall, known for its antioxidative and anti-apoptotic properties, is a traditional Chinese medicine. To address the growing demand for animal protein, large-scale commercial broiler production systems often induce excessive stress responses in chickens, impacting their performance and immune function. This study examined the effects of adding paeoniflorin at doses of 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg to broiler diets on antioxidant activities, blood biochemical parameters, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. The results showed that different levels of paeoniflorin significantly enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzyme in serum and liver, and decreased in malondialdehyde level both in serum and meat tissue compared with basal diet broilers (P < 0.05). Paeoniflorin supplementation markedly decreased levels of creatinine, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and triglycerides (P < 0.05). Diets containing different levels of paeoniflorin significantly increased the eviscerated yield percentage of birds and reduced abdominal fat (P < 0.05). Furthermore, paeoniflorin supplementation notably enhanced the redness and reduced the yellowness of pectoral and thigh muscles, while also significantly decreasing drip and cooking loss in the pectoral muscle (P < 0.05). Although the levels of crude protein, ether extract, and crude ash in the pectoral and thigh muscles did not significantly vary between treatments (P > 0.05), paeoniflorin significantly increased the nucleotide 5'-monophosphate content in meat muscles (P < 0.05). Therefore, the data suggest that paeoniflorin can be an effective natural feed additive for broiler diets, with an optimal dosage of 150-300 mg/kg.

In Vitro Screening of Trehalose Synbiotics and Their Effects on Early-Lactating Females and Offspring Mice

Activities such as childbirth and breastfeeding can cause severe oxidative stress and inflammatory damage to the mother during early lactation, and can affect animal milk production, and the growth and development of offspring. Trehalose alleviates damage to the body by endowing it with stress resistance. In this study, we used trehalose combined with Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to explore whether dietary intervention can alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in early lactation and to evaluate the growth ability, acid production ability, antioxidant ability, non-specific adhesion ability, antibacterial ability, and other parameters to determine the optimal combinations and proportions. The results showed that the synbiotics composed of 2.5% trehalose and 1 × 107 cfu/g of Bifidobacterium longum could regulate the gut microbiota, and promote mammary gland development in dams by reducing progesterone (PROG) content in the blood, increasing prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) content, enhancing their antioxidant and immune abilities, and effectively increasing the weight and lactation of early lactating dams. In addition, it can also affect the growth of offspring and the development of the intestinal barrier. These results indicate that trehalose synbiotics have great potential in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in early lactation.

Effects of dietary supplementation of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil on expression of genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism in heat-stressed broiler chickens

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of cumin essential oil (CEO) supplementation on levels of certain gene expression related to antioxidant, apoptotic, detoxific, and heat shock mechanisms in the breast meat and ileum of heat-stressed broilers. The study was conducted on a 2 × 6 factorial design (heat stress + feed additive) on 600 day-old male broiler chicks for a period of 42 days. From day 7 to 42, although broilers in heat stress groups (HT) were exposed to constant chronic heat stress (36 °C), others were housed at thermoneutral ambient temperature (TN). The chicks in both conditions were fed with 6 experimental diets: C0 (basal diet with no additive), ANTIB (basal diet + 100 mg/kg chloramphenicol), VITE (basal diet + 50 IU α-tocopherol), C2 (basal diet + 200 mg/kg CEO), C4 (basal diet + 400 mg/kg CEO), C6 (basal diet+ 600 mg/kg CEO). The results showed that heat stress upregulated (except for Bcl-2) the genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism. However, cumin essential oil increased the dose-dependently positive effect on certain genes in tissues of the heat-stressed broilers and downregulated (except for Bcl-2) these genes.

Supplementation of nano-selenium (SeNPs) improved growth, immunity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and selenium retention in broiler chicken during summer season

The present experiment was aimed at finding the optimal supplemental dose of nano-selenium in broiler chicken during the summer season for better performance in terms of growth, blood metabolites, immune response, antioxidant status, and selenium concentration in vital organs. Three-hundred-day-old Vencobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatment groups with six replicates of 10 chicks each. The dietary treatments were as follows: T1 (control group), basal diet; T2, basal diet with 0.0375 ppm of nano-Se; T3, basal diet with 0.075 ppm of nano-Se; T4, basal diet with 0.15 ppm of nano-Se; T5, basal diet with 0.3 ppm of nano-Se. The experiment was carried out for 35 days. The average gain and feed conversion ratio were best observed in T4 and T5. The antibody titres were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the treated birds. At the 5th week, erythrocytic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly (P < 0.05) higher and lipid peroxidation values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in all the nano-Se-treated groups. The Se levels in the liver, breast muscle, kidney, brain, and gizzard were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increased dietary nano-Se. Histological studies of the liver and kidney in the highest nano-Se-treated groups (T4 and T5) did not show any abnormal changes. It is concluded that supplementation of nano-selenium at 0.15 ppm over and above the basal level improved the performance and protect the birds from summer stress without any adverse effect on the vital organs of chicken.

Molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 on Con A-induced acute liver injury in mice

MG-132, an aldehyde-based peptide proteasome inhibitor (PI) that binds to the proteasome and reversibly inhibits proteasome activity, has been widely used in experimental research. However, it is not clear whether MG-132 has anti-inflammatory effects on liver injury. The molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of the PI MG-132 on Con A-induced acute liver injury (ALI) mice was investigated by ELISA, HE, q RT-PCR, and IHC. The results showed that the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and TNF-α and IL-6 contents of mice in the high and medium dose groups were reduced compared with those in the ALI group. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in liver tissues were significantly increased, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was decreased. The pathological sections of mice in the ALI group showed typical ALI manifestations such as significant central venous stasis of liver tissues, cell swelling, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The pathological damage of liver tissues was relieved significantly in the three dose groups, especially in the high-dose group. The transcriptional level of TLR4/NF-κB pathway key factors mRNA was significantly reduced, and the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB P65 protein in liver tissues was significantly and positively correlated with the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that MG-132 can alleviate the inflammatory response to Con A-induced ALI and exert a hepatoprotective effect, and its anti-inflammatory effect is related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

Sterubin protects against chemically-induced Alzheimer's disease by reducing biomarkers of inflammation- IL-6/ IL-β/ TNF-α and oxidative stress- SOD/MDA in rats

Sterubin, a flavanone is an active chemical compound that possesses neuroprotective activity. The current investigation was intended to assess the sterubin effect in scopolamine-activated Alzheimer's disease. The rats were induced with scopolamine (1.5 mg/kg) followed by treatment with sterubin (10 mg/kg) for 14 days. Behavioural analysis was predictable by the Y-maze test and Morris water test. Biochemical variables like nitric oxide acetylcholinesterase, Choline acetyltransferase, antioxidant markers like superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, malondialdehyde, catalase, and myeloperoxidase activity, neuroinflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL-1β), and IL-6 were measured. The result stated that sterubin reversed the oxidative stress parameters, increased motor performance, and lowered the inflammatory markers in scopolamine-induced rats. The study demonstrated that sterubin possesses neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which can be used as a beneficial medication in AD.

Tofu Whey Wastewater as a Beneficial Supplement to Poultry Farming: Improving Production Performance and Protecting against Salmonella Infection

Tofu whey wastewater (TWW) is a by-product of the tofu production process, and contains high amounts of organic products and Lactobacillus ap. However, no studies have been reported on whether naturally fermented TWW can be used as a beneficial additive for poultry production. This study analyzed the main nutritional components and microbial flora of naturally fermented TWW from rural tofu processing plants and their effect on chick production performance, role in modulating the biochemical and immune parameters, and protection against Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis) infection. It was observed that the average pH of TWW was 4.08; therefore, the total viable count was 3.00 × 10⁹ CFU/mL and the abundance of Lactobacillus was 92.50%. Moreover, TWW supplementation increased the total weight gain and feed intake, reduced the feed/gain ratio, increased the length and relative weight of the gut, and reduced the colonization and excretion of S. enteritidis in chickens. Additionally, TWW decreased oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion caused by S. enteritidis infection. In addition, TWW supplementation ensured the structure of the intestine remained relatively intact in S. enteritidis-infected chicken. Furthermore, TWW markedly promoted the intestinal barrier integrity and up-regulated the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, counteracting the changes in gut microbiota caused by S. enteritidis infection in chicken. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that TWW could be used as a beneficial addition to poultry production, providing a research basis for the further development of TWW as a health care application in in food-producing animal.

Protective effect of Monarda didymaL. essential oil and its main component thymol on learning and memory impairment in aging mice

The aging process of human beings is accompanied by the decline of learning and memory ability and progressive decline of brain function, which induces Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in serious cases and seriously affects the quality of patient’s life. In recent years, more and more studies have found that natural plant antioxidants can help to improve the learning and memory impairment, reduce oxidative stress injury and aging lesions in tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Monarda didymaL. essential oil and its main component thymol on learning and memory impairment in D-galactose-induced aging mice and its molecular mechanism. The composition of Monarda didymaL. essential oil was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). A mouse aging model was established by the subcutaneous injection of D-galactose in mice. The behavior changes of the mice were observed by feeding the model mice with essential oil, thymol and donepezil, and the histopathological changes of the hippocampus were observed by HE staining. And the changes of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in hippocampal tissues were detected by corresponding kits. The expression of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways related proteins were detected by western blot. Animal experimental results showed that compared with model group, the above indexes in Monarda didymaL. essential oil and thymol groups improved significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Monarda didymaL. essential oil and its main active component thymol can improve the learning and memory impairment of aging mice to some extent, and Nrf2 and MAPK pathways may be involved in its action process.

Mixed silage with Chinese cabbage waste enhances antioxidant ability by increasing ascorbate and aldarate metabolism through rumen Prevotellaceae UCG-004 in Hu sheep

Silage is rich in nutrients, which can make up for the lack of seasonal roughage, and has a certain promotion effect on the intensive feeding of ruminants. In addition, silage can maintain the rumen function of ruminants to a certain extent and reduce the risk of rumen acidosis and abomasum translocation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the mixed silage of Chinese cabbage waste and rice straw (mixed silage) on antioxidant performance, rumen microbial population, and fermentation metabolism of Hu sheep. The 16 healthy Hu sheep (eight rams and eight ewes, 39.11 ± 1.16 kg, 5.5 months) were randomly divided into two groups (the control group and the mixed silage group) with eight animals (four rams and four ewes) in each group. The control group was fed with farm roughage (peanut seedlings, corn husk, and high grain shell) as forage, and the mixed silage group was fed with the mixed silage as forage. The results showed that the mixed silage had no effect on the growth performance of Hu sheep (p &gt; 0.05). Ruminal butyric acid, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration in the mixed silage group were increased, whereas the pH was decreased (p &lt; 0.05). The blood and rumen total antioxidants capacity (T-AOC) concentration in the mixed silage group was higher, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in rumen, serum, liver, and kidney was lower than that in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). PCoA and ANOSIM results of Illumina sequencing indicated that the mixed silage affected the bacterial composition of the rumen microbes. The mixed silage increased the proportion of Prevotellaceae UCG-004 which was in a positive correlation with Vitamin C (Vc). In addition, PICRUSt functional prediction analysis showed that ascorbate and aldarate metabolism were up-regulated in the mixed silage group (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, higher contents of VC and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in the mixed silage were beneficial to the growth and reproduction of Prevotellaceae UCG-004, resulting in increased production of the butyric acid significantly upregulated the metabolism of ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, thereby improving the antioxidant properties of Hu sheep.

Vitamin E Supplementation Enhances Lipid Oxidative Stability via Increasing Vitamin E Retention, Rather Than Gene Expression of MAPK-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Muscles of Broilers

Dietary vitamin E (VE) supplementation is a method to produce VE-enriched meat and improve meat lipid oxidative stability. We aimed to study the effect of the VE supplementation duration on meat lipid oxidative stability, VE retention, and antioxidant enzymes’ activity, and explore its relationship with the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)-nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in broilers slaughtered after electrical stunning. A total of 240 male 18-day-old Arbor Acres Plus broilers were distributed to four treatments, with six replicates in each treatment, and ten broilers per replicate. Broilers were fed with a basal diet (no supplementation of VE) or VE diet (200 IU/kg VE, DL-α- tocopherol) for one (W1), two (W2), or three (W3) weeks before electrical stunning (130 mA, 60 Hz, for 1s) and slaughter. The VE retention was positively and linearly affected (p < 0.01) by the VE feeding duration at one to three weeks before slaughter, and negatively (all p < 0.01) related to the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) content in both breast and thigh muscles at d 0, d 2, and d 6 postmortem. The VE retention was negatively (p < 0.05) related to the gene expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 (JNK1) and 2 (JNK2), Nrf2 in breast muscles, and JNK1 and p38 MAPK in thigh muscles. In conclusion, dietary vitamin E supplementation at 200 IU/kg for three weeks before electrical stunning and slaughter improved lipid oxidative stability via increasing VE retention, rather than the regulation by gene expression of the MAPK-Nrf2 signaling pathway in skeletal muscles of broilers.

Superoxide dismutase: an updated review on its health benefits and industrial applications

Many short-lived and highly reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide anion (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are toxic or can create oxidative stress in cells, a response involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases depending on their concentration, location, and cellular conditions. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as an endogenous and exogenous cell defense mechanism include the potential use in treating various diseases, improving the potential use in treating various diseases, and improving food-stuffs preparation dietary supplements human nutrition. Published work indicates that SOD regulates oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidation in cells. It can prevent lipid peroxidation, the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein in macrophages, lipid droplets' formation, and the adhesion of inflammatory cells into endothelial monolayers. It also expresses antioxidant effects in numerous cancer-related processes. Additionally, different forms of SOD may also augment food processing and pharmaceutical applications, exhibit anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, and prevent arterial problems by protecting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Many investigations in this review have reported the therapeutic ability and physiological importance of SOD. Because of their antioxidative effects, SODs are of great potential in the medicinal, cosmetic, food, farming and chemical industries. This review discusses the findings of human and animal studies that support the advantages of SOD enzyme regulations to reduce the formation of oxidative stress in various ways.

Effects of different anesthetic methods on immune function and oxidative stress in patients undergoing laparoscopic herniorrhaphy

Introduction

The influence of anesthetic method on the immune function and oxidative stress in patients receiving laparoscopic herniorrhaphy remains largely unknown.

Aim

To assess the effects of different anesthetic methods on the immune function and oxidative stress in patients undergoing laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.

Material and methods

A total of 280 eligible patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA group) and inhalation anesthesia (IA group). T lymphocyte subsets, oxidative stress response indices and inflammatory factor levels were measured before anesthesia, at the end of the operation, and 1 and 3 days after the operation. The incidence rates of adverse reactions were compared.

Results

At the end of and 1 day after the operation, CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ decreased in both groups compared with those before anesthesia (p < 0.05). Three days after the operation, CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells decreased in both groups compared with those before anesthesia, which were higher in the TIVA group (p < 0.05). Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in the TIVA group (p < 0.05). At the end of and 1 and 3 days after the operation, oxidative stress response indices superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase declined in both groups compared with those before anesthesia, which were higher in the IA group (p < 0.05). The incidence rate of adverse reactions was significantly higher in the IA group (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Compared with IA, TIVA has less effect on the immune function and oxidative stress of patients undergoing laparoscopic herniorrhaphy, and controls the inflammatory response more effectively, accompanied by a lower incidence rate of adverse reactions.

Changes in the growth, ileal digestibility, intestinal histology, behavior, fatty acid composition of the breast muscles, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens by dietary inclusion of safflower oil and vitamin C

BACKGROUND

The effects of safflower oil and vitamin C (Vit. C) inclusion in broiler chicken diets on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient "AID%" of amino acids, intestinal histology, behavior, carcass traits, fatty acid composition of the breast muscle, antioxidant and immune status for a 35-day feeding period were evaluated. A total of 300 three-day-old Ross chicks (58.25 g ± 0.19) were randomly allotted in a 2 × 3 factorial design consisting of two levels of vitamin C (0 and 400 mg/kg diet) and three levels of safflower oil (0, 5, and 10 g/kg diet).

RESULTS

An increase in the final body weight, total body weight gain, total feed intake, and the relative growth rate (P <  0.05) were reported by safflower oil and vitamin C inclusion. Dietary supplementation of safflower oil and vitamin C had a positive effect (P <  0.05) on the ingestive, resting, and feather preening behavior. Vitamin C supplementation increased (P <  0.05) the AID% of lysine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine, and valine. Safflower inclusion (10 g/kg) increased (P <  0.05) the AID% of methionine and isoleucine. Safflower oil inclusion increased (P <  0.05) the levels of stearic acid, linoleic acid, saturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) in the breast muscle. In contrast, the supplementation of only 10 g of safflower oil/kg diet increased (P = 0.01) the omega-3/omega-6 (ω-3/ω-6) fatty acids ratio. Vit. C supplementation increased (P <  0.05) the CAT serum levels, SOD, and GSH enzymes. Dietary supplementation of safflower oil and vitamin C improved the intestinal histology. They increased the villous height and width, crypt depth, villous height/crypt depth ratio, mucosal thickness, goblet cell count, and intra-epithelium lymphocytic lick cell infiltrations. The serum levels of IgA and complement C3 were increased (P <  0.01) by Vit. C supplementation and prominent in the 400 vit. C +  10 safflower Oil group.

CONCLUSION

A dietary combination of safflower oil and vitamin C resulted in improved growth rate, amino acids AID%, intestinal histology, welfare, immune and antioxidant status of birds, and obtaining ω-3 and linoleic acid-enriched breast muscles. The best inclusion level was 400 vit. C +  10 safflower Oil.

Protective Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Damage in Chicken Lymphocytes

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the fundamental compounds in green tea. The present study was to evaluate the protective effect of EGCG in oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in chicken lymphocytes. Results showed that preincubation of lymphocytes with EGCG significantly decreased H₂O₂-reduced cell viability and apoptotic cells with DNA damage, restored the H₂O₂-dependent reduction in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and suppressed the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthesis (NOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxide (LPO), and protein carbonyl (Carbonyl). In addition, preincubation of the cells with EGCG increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reduced calcium ion ([Ca²⁺]i) load. The protective effect of EGCG in oxidative damage in lymphocytes was accompanied by mRNA expression of SOD, Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Catalase (CAT), GSH-PX, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1). As EGCG had been removed before lymphocytes were challenged with H₂O₂, the activation of genes such as Nrf2 and Trx-1 by preincubation with EGCG could be the main reason for EGCG to protect the cells from oxidative damage by H₂O_2. Since oxidative stress is an important mechanism of biological damage and is regarded as the reasons of several pathologies, the present findings may be helpful for the use of tea products to prevent oxidative stress and maintain healthy in both humans and animals.

Effect of almond hulls as an alternative ingredient on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota diversity

The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 types of almond hulls (prime hulls and California-type hulls) as alternative feed ingredients for broilers. A total of 560 one-day-old Cobb male chicks were randomly placed to 7 experimental treatments with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. Seven treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal control diet and diets containing prime hulls or California-type hulls at 3, 6, and 9%. The nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy, crude protein, and crude fiber from prime hulls and California-type hulls were 1,624 and 1,514 kcal/kg, 4.8 and 5.0%, and 13.1 and 26.45%, respectively. During 0–19 d of age, the inclusion of the prime hulls at 3 levels had no significant effects on growth performance, but the California-type hulls at 9% increased feed intake (P = 0.02) and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01), compared with control. The prime hulls at 9% decreased (P < 0.01) ileal dry matter and ileal nitrogen digestibility, and the California-type hulls at 9% only decreased ileal dry matter digestibility, but both prime hulls and California-type hulls at 6% had no effects on ileal dry matter digestibility and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy compared to control. In addition, inclusion of prime hulls at 3% decreased (P < 0.01) AMEn compared with control group. There were no significant differences in cecal microbiota diversity at a phylum or genus level among treatments, but 9% inclusion rate of the California-type hulls increased (P < 0.05) the population of certain bacteria in the genus Clostridium and Oscillospira compared with control. In conclusion, as a dietary energy and fiber source, the prime hulls can be used at up to 9% without a negative effect on body weight gain, whereas the California-type hulls can be used up to 6%.

Synthesis, Radical-Scavenging Activities, and Protective Effects against AAPH-Induced Oxidative Damage in DNA and Erythrocytes of Piperine Derivatives

Piperine amino acid derivatives containing phenolic hydroxyl groups were synthesized using piperine as the raw material by amide hydrolysis, amidation, ester hydrolysis, and deacetalization. The obtained products were characterized by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The antioxidant activity of the piperine derivatives was evaluated by the DPPH and ABTS scavenging rates and the total antioxidant capacity. The results showed that the piperine amino acid (4a–4d) had relatively weak radical-scavenging ability, while the piperine amino acid derivatives (5a–5d) containing phenolic hydroxyl groups had significant radical-scavenging effects. In addition, the total reducing ability of 5a–5d was better than that of piperine. The study also found that piperine derivatives containing phenolic hydroxyl groups played an important role in inhibiting oxidative damage in DNA and erythrocytes.

Effect of Illicium verum or Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts on the anti-stress ability, and mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and TNF-α in Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire and Chinese native Licha-black nursery piglets

Plant extracts are considered to be an effective alternative to antibiotics in response to weaning stress in piglets. This study evaluated the effect of Illicium verum extracts (IVE) or Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts (ELE) on growth performance, serum and liver antioxidant ability of nursery piglets, as well as the difference of IVE and ELE on Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) and Chinese native Licha-black (LCB) piglets. A total of 96 nursery piglets (48 DLY and 48 LCB piglets) with an average body weight of 11.22 ± 0.32 kg were randomly divided into four treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial design. Each treatment had four replicates with 3 DLY and 3 LCB piglets per replicate respectively. Treatments included: basal diet, basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE, basal diet + 250 mg/kg ELE and basal diet + 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CHL). All piglets were housed individually for the 42 days trial period after 7 days adaptation. Results showed that there were significant interactions (p < .05) between piglets species and dietary treatments in average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency, serum and hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic integral optical density (IOD) of α-tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), hepatic relative mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/TNF-α and protein expression of TNF-α. Regardless of piglets species, supplementation with IVE and ELE increased (p < .05) ADG and feed efficiency, T-SOD and GSH-Px in serum and liver, hepatic IOD of Nrf2, hepatic mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2/TNF-α. However, CHL treatment resulted in lower (p < .05) serum GSH-Px and hepatic mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2/TNF-α, and higher hepatic MDA and IOD of TNF-α. Compared to LCB, DLY piglets had higher (p < .05) ADG and feed efficiency, serum and hepatic MDA, and protein expression of TNF-α, but lower (p < .05) ADFI, liver index, serum and hepatic GSH-Px, hepatic IOD of TNF-α, mRNA expressions of Nrf2/TNF-α were observed. In conclusion, Illicium verum (500 mg/kg) and Eucommia ulmoides leaf (250 mg/kg) extracts can increase the growth performance and antioxidant ability of DLY and LCB piglets, while chlortetracycline produces undesirable side-effects on the antioxidant ability of DLY and LCB piglets. Illicium verum and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts produced different antioxidant effects in DLY and LCB piglets with the Chinese native Licha-black pig responding better than Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire.

The development of antioxidant system in the intestinal tract of broiler chickens

The gastrointestinal tract is the site for the uptake of nutrients from the external environment. We hypothesized that the antioxidant system in the intestinal tract has a vital protective role from the oxidative damage induced by oxidants in foods. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of the antioxidant system in the intestine of chickens. The activity and gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the content of the non-enzymatic substance glutathione (GSH) were measured in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of chickens at 1, 3, 7, 11, 14, 21, 35, and 42 d of age. The results showed that the small intestinal tract had relatively higher SOD activity and GSH concentration and lower CAT and GSH-Px activities, compared with those of other visceral organs. CAT and GSH-Px activities and GSH concentration showed a decreasing trend with age, whereas SOD activity was not significantly influenced by age. The gene expression of SOD1, SOD2, and GSH-Px7 showed a dramatic decrease from 3 d of age. The results indicated that SOD and GSH were highly expressed in the first week of age after hatching. To conclude, the results suggest that SOD and GSH play a vital protective role in the small intestine after hatching, which contributes to rapid development of the intestine.

Hemolysis, tocopherol, and lipid oxidation in erythrocytes and muscle tissue in chickens, ducks, and turkeys

Muscle from turkeys is more sensitive to lipid oxidation during post mortem storage compared with that of chicken and duck which may involve increased lysis of turkey erythrocytes that releases hemoglobin oxidant. Three separate experiments were conducted to study characteristics of chicken, duck, and turkey erythrocytes in which dietary tocopherols were standardized. In Experiment I, tocopherol, fatty acid composition, and lipid oxidation capacity were measured in erythrocytes from chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Tocopherol content was greater in chicken erythrocytes compared with that of duck and turkey (P < 0.05). Oleic and linoleic acid content was higher in chicken erythrocytes compared with that of turkey (P < 0.05). Lipid oxidation capacity of erythrocytes in washed turkey muscle (WTM) at pH 5.8 ranked chicken > duck > turkey (P < 0.05). In Experiment II, hemolysis was measured in erythrocytes from turkeys and chickens. Detergent-induced hemolysis (pH 7.4) was on average 12-fold greater for turkey erythrocytes compared with that of chicken (P < 0.05). In Experiment III, the ability of lysed and non-lysed erythrocytes to promote lipid oxidation was examined. Lysed erythrocytes promoted lipid oxidation in WTM more effectively than intact erythrocytes (P < 0.05). Reasons that turkey erythrocytes were more labile to detergent-induced hemolysis whereas chicken erythrocytes more effectively promoted lipid oxidation in the WTM model system are discussed. These studies describe variation in chemical and physical properties of erythrocytes from chickens, ducks, and turkeys that can influence progression of lipid oxidation in poultry muscle.

Effects of oxygenated or hydrogenated water on growth performance, blood parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activity of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of providing oxygenated and hydrogenated water on the growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activity of broiler chickens. In our investigation, 144 Ross × Ross broiler chicks were randomly allotted to three different treatment groups with four replicates (treatment × replicate × bird = 3 × 4 × 12). All chicks were given one of the following types of water for five weeks: tap water (CON), hydrogenated water (HNW), and oxygenated water (ONW). ONW supplementation increased the final body weight and weight gain and also improved both feed intake and feed conversion of broiler chickens as compared to those of CON broiler chickens (P < 0.05). The abdominal fat and its ratio to the final body weight showed that fat accumulation in the broiler chicken abdomen was reduced when broiler chickens drank only ONW for five weeks (P < 0.05). ONW supplementation improved blood parameters, including triacylglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Additionally, in accordance with a globulin increase in broiler chickens, both IgG and IgM generation were significantly enhanced when ONW was supplied to broiler chickens (P < 0.05) but only a numerical advance was observed in the HNW group (P > 0.05). Both oxygenated and hydrogenated water supplementation significantly improved the antioxidant effects (P < 0.05), and it seems that superoxide dismutase refinement was completed due to oxygen and/or hydrogen enhancement of drinking water. These results indicate that oxygen enhancement of drinking water may be recommended to improve growth performance by increasing immunoglobulins mainly IgG and IgM.

The effects of maternal dietary vitamin premixes, canthaxanthin, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on the performance of progeny ducklings

This trial studied the effects of maternal dietary vitamin premixes, and the mixture of canthaxanthin (CX) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on the performance of progeny ducklings. Four maternal diets were used under a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 kinds of vitamin premixes (Regular and High; High premix had higher levels of all vitamins except K3 than the Regular premix), and with or without the addition of the mixture of CX (6 mg/kg) and 25-OH-D3 (0.069 mg/kg). Cherry Valley duck breeders (38-wk-old) were fed with corn-wheat flour-soybean meal-based diets for 8 wk, and then eggs were collected and hatched. Healthy ducklings (equal number of female and male) from each maternal group were randomly selected and received the same commercial starter (1 to 14 d) and grower (15 to 35 d) pellet diet for 35 d. Maternal High vitamin premix increased shank pigmentation (1 d, P = 0.001), BW (1 d, P < 0.001 and 14 d, P = 0.006), BW gain (1 to 14 d, P = 0.008), G:F ratio (1 to 14 d, P = 0.007), superoxide dismutase (SOD; 1 d liver, P = 0.027 and 14 d serum, P = 0.031), and total antioxidant capacity (1 d liver, P < 0.001); and decreased protein carbonyl (14 d serum, P = 0.011) of ducklings. The mixture of CX and 25-OH-D3 increased yolk pigmentation (P < 0.001); increased shank pigmentation (1 d, P < 0.001 and 14 d, P < 0.001), BW (1 d, P < 0.001), feed intake (15-35 d, P = 0.014), SOD (1 d liver, P = 0.032), and tibia ash (14 d, P = 0.010) of ducklings; and decreased malondialdehyde (P < 0.001) and protein carbonyl (P = 0.044) of yolks, and malondialdehyde (14 d serum, P < 0.001) of ducklings. In conclusion, either maternal High vitamin premix or maternal supplementation of the CX and 25-OH-D3 mixture improves growth performance and antioxidant status of ducklings.

An Introduction to the Avian Gut Microbiota and the Effects of Yeast-Based Prebiotic-Type Compounds as Potential Feed Additives

The poultry industry has been searching for a replacement for antibiotic growth promoters in poultry feed as public concerns over the use of antibiotics and the appearance of antibiotic resistance has become more intense. An ideal replacement would be feed amendments that could eliminate pathogens and disease while retaining economic value via improvements on body weight and feed conversion ratios. Establishing a healthy gut microbiota can have a positive impact on growth and development of both body weight and the immune system of poultry while reducing pathogen invasion and disease. The addition of prebiotics to poultry feed represents one such recognized way to establish a healthy gut microbiota. Prebiotics are feed additives, mainly in the form of specific types of carbohydrates that are indigestible to the host while serving as substrates to select beneficial bacteria and altering the gut microbiota. Beneficial bacteria in the ceca easily ferment commonly studied prebiotics, producing short-chain fatty acids, while pathogenic bacteria and the host are unable to digest their molecular bonds. Prebiotic-like substances are less commonly studied, but show promise in their effects on the prevention of pathogen colonization, improvements on the immune system, and host growth. Inclusion of yeast and yeast derivatives as probiotic and prebiotic-like substances, respectively, in animal feed has demonstrated positive associations with growth performance and modification of gut morphology. This review will aim to link together how such prebiotics and prebiotic-like substances function to influence the native and beneficial microorganisms that result in a diverse and well-developed gut microbiota.

Antioxidant enzyme influences germination, stress tolerance, and virulence of Isaria fumosorosea

Antioxidizing enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidae) are important enzymatic systems used to degrade hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thereby lowering intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels. Entomopathogenic fungi display increased activities of antioxidizing enzymes during growth and germination, which is necessary to counteract the hyperoxidant state produced by oxidative metabolism. We studied the influence of different carbon sources on antioxidizing enzyme production by Isaria fumosorosea to determine the importance of antioxiding enzymes induction in fungal germination, stress tolerance and virulence. Conidia produced by colonies grown on hydrocarbons showed higher rates of enzyme activities compared to the control and the enzyme activities of the conidia produced on n-octacosane were higher than all the other treatments. The lipid peroxidation activities were observed as an indicative marker of oxidative damage to cells and the lowest levels of lipid peroxidation activities were observed for n-octacosane treatment. The increased enzyme activities of n-octacosane- grown conidia were accompanied by higher levels of resistance to exogenous hydrogen peroxide, reduction in germination time and higher virulence against Spodoptera exigua. Our study has helped to identify that increased activities of antioxidizing enzymes can improve the germination and tolerance to antioxidant stress response of I. fumosorosea.

Influence of different histidine sources and zinc supplementation of broiler diets on dipeptide content and antioxidant status of blood and meat

1. The objective of this study was to investigate how a diet containing spray-dried blood cells (SDBC) (4%) with or without zinc (Zn) would affect the concentration of two histidine heterodipeptides and the antioxidant status of broiler blood and breast muscles. 2. The study was carried out on 920 male Flex chickens randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: I - control, II - diet I with SDBC, III - diet I with SDBC and supplemented with Zn and IV - diet I supplemented with L-histidine. Birds were raised on floor littered with wood shavings, given free access to water and fed ad libitum. Performance indices were measured on d 1, 21 and 42. 3. The activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was analysed in plasma, erythrocytes and muscle tissue. The total antioxidant capacity of plasma and breast muscles was measured by 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability, as well as by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Carnosine/anserine content of meat and plasma were determined using HPLC. Diets and breast muscles were analysed for amino acid profile and selected microelement content. 4. Histidine supplementation of the diet increased glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma and superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes. Moreover, the addition of SDBC or pure histidine in the diet increased histidine dipeptide content and activated enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems in chicken blood and muscles. However, it led to lower growth performance indices. 5. The enrichment of broiler diets with Zn increased the antioxidant potential and the activity of superoxide dismutase in plasma, which was independent of the histidine dipeptide concentration. Zn supplementation combined with SDBC in a broiler diet led to the increase of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, but it did not affect the radical-scavenging or ferric iron reduction abilities of muscles.

Effect of Echinacea purpurea L. on oxidative status and meat quality in Arbor Acres broilers

BACKGROUND

Echinacea purpurea L. (EP) is a popular herbal antioxidant and immunomodulator. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of EP on meat quality and oxidative status in broilers. Two hundred and fifty (1-day-old) male broilers (Arbor Acres) were randomly allocated to five groups including the control (corn-soybean meal diet) and 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% EP powder groups, with two replicates per treatment group.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the addition of 0.5% and 1.0% EP significantly increased water-holding capacity and decreased storage loss of breast and thigh fillets at 35 days old. For fillet colour, L* (lightness) values were lower, and a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values were higher with EP supplementation. Lower crude fat contents were observed in EP groups in comparison with control at 35 days of age in breast and thigh fillets, respectively. Production of malondialdehyde was slightly reduced in serum of EP supplemented birds compared to the control group. Results for Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, catalase and superoxide dismutase were significantly higher for the 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% EP supplemental groups than control group in serum. Liver and spleen tissues results showed that the antioxidative enzymes activities were higher with EP powder at 35 days of age.

CONCLUSION

Dried EP can be used as a feed additive to improve the meat quality and oxidative status in Arbor Acres broilers.

Effect of Pleurotus eryngii stalk residue on the oxidative status and meat quality of broiler chickens

Pleurotus eryngii stalk residue (PESR) is a byproduct of the edible portion of the fruiting body. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of PESR on the oxidative status and meat quality of broilers. Two hundred fifty 1-d-old male broilers (Arbor Acre) were evenly divided by gender and randomly allocated into control (corn-soybean meal diet) or 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 g/kg dried PESR groups. The results revealed that at 35 d, the dried PESR groups displayed a significantly increased water-holding capacity and decreased storage loss of breast and thigh fillets when compared to the control group. Regarding fillets color, the L* (lightness) values were lower and the a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values were higher following dried PESR supplementation. In 5.0-20.0 g/kg PESR supplementation groups, the activities of antioxidative enzymes were significantly elevated in serum, liver, spleen, and fillet tissues when compared to control group. Additionally, malondialdehyde production was slightly decreased in the PESR supplementation groups. Lower crude fat contents were observed in fillet tissues of 5.0-20.0 g/kg PESR groups when compared with the control group. In conclusion, PESR may potentially be used as an antioxidant to decrease lipid peroxidation and improve meat quality in broilers.

Effects of a Rubus coreanus Miquel supplement on plasma antioxidant capacity in healthy Korean men

Korean raspberry, Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM), contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds, which prevent oxidative stress. To determine the effect of RCM on antioxidant capacity in humans, we assessed in vivo lipid oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities from plasma in 15 healthy men. The subjects ingested 30 g of freeze-dried RCM daily for 4 weeks. Blood was taken at baseline and at the end of the study to determine blood lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, liver function, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities. RCM supplementation had no effect on blood lipid or fasting plasma glucose concentrations but decreased alkaline phosphatase activity. RCM supplementation increased glutathione peroxidase activities (P < 0.05) but had no effect on lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that short-term RCM supplementation may offer health benefits by enhancing antioxidant capacity in a healthy population.

Effect of dietary supplementation of trace elements on blood chemistry and selected immunological indices depending on the age of broiler chickens

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Se on some haematological, immunological and enzymatic indices in blood of broilers at the age of 21, 35 and 42 days. The basal diets (BDs) for Groups 1 and 2 were supplemented with the equivalent amounts of trace elements in an inorganic form (Cu sulphate 5 mg·kg-1 DM, Fe sulphate, Zn oxide, Mn oxide 50 mg·kg-1 DM), however sodium selenite or selenized yeast (Sel-Plex) were given at a dose of Se 0.3 mg·kg-1 DM, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 received the same BD´s but with the substantially reduced amount of supplemented nutrients in the organic “proteinated” form (Bioplex Cu 2.5 mg·kg-1 DM, Bioplex Fe, Bioplex Zn, Bioplex Mn 10 mg·kg-1 DM), except for selenium that was given at a dose of Se 0.3 mg·kg-1 DM as sodium selenite or Sel-Plex, respectively. The supplementation of restricted doses of trace elements in the organic forms into the diet did not affect studied haematological, immunological, enzymatic indices. At the age of 21 days, the activity of GSH-Px was significantly higher in the groups supplemented with sodium selenite later no differences due to the administered form of Se were found. This indicates that the GSH-Px activity reached a plateau in all groups of broilers at the 21, 35 and 42 day, except for GSH-Px activity in the groups of birds supplemented with selenized yeast on day 21. In Addition, significant age dependent changes were observed in blood chemistry, but the different treatments did not influence these changes. Base on our results, the doses of organic forms of trace elements supplemented into the diets for poultry can be restricted to 50% (Bioplex Cu) and 20% (Bioplex Fe, Bioplex Zn and Bioplex Mn) without influencing the blood chemistry of broilers.

Long-term exogenous melatonin treatment modulates overall feed efficiency and protects ovarian tissue against injuries caused by ethanol-induced oxidative stress in adult UChB rats

BACKGROUND

Chronic ethanol intake leads to reproductive damage including reactive oxygen species formation, which accelerates the oxidative process. Melatonin is known to regulate the reproductive cycle, food/liquid intake, and it may also act as a potent antioxidant indoleamine. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of alcoholism and melatonin treatment on overall feed efficiency and to analyze its protective role against the oxidative stress in the ovarian tissue of UChB rats (submitted to 10% [v/v] voluntary ethanol consumption).

METHODS

Forty adult female rats (n = 10/group) were finally selected for this study: UChB Co: drinking water only; and UChB EtOH: drinking ethanol at 2 to 6 ml/100 g/d + water, both receiving 0.9% NaCl + 95% ethanol 0.04 ml as vehicle. Concomitantly, UChB Co + M and UChB EtOH + M groups were infused with vehicle + melatonin (100 μg/100 g body weight/d) intraperitoneally over 60 days. All animals were euthanized by decapitation during the morning estrus (4 am).

RESULTS

Body weight gain was reduced with ethanol plus melatonin after 40 days of treatment. In both melatonin-treated groups, it was observed a reduction in food-derived calories and liquid intake toward the end of treatment. The amount of consumed ethanol dropped during the treatment. Estrous cycle was longer in rats that received both ethanol and melatonin, with prolonged diestrus. Following to oxidative status, lipid hydroperoxide levels were higher in the ovaries of ethanol-preferring rats and decreased after melatonin treatment. Additionally, antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity, and glutathione reductase activity were increased in melatonin-treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that melatonin is able to affect feed efficiency and, conversely, it protects the ovaries against the oxidative stress arising from ethanol consumption.

Dietary strategies to improve nutritional value, oxidative stability, and sensory properties of poultry products

Consumers demand both safer and more nutritious food products exempt of non-natural origin preservatives or other food additives. In this frame, products with lower fat content and/or a higher ratio in unsaturated fatty acids, especially n-3 fatty acids, are desired because these lipids can help prevent the development of cardiovascular and inflammatory pathologies. The intake of meat products is of interest because they are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. In addition, the shelf-life of meat products can be extended by the presence of natural antioxidants coming from different sources such as plant extracts. Therefore, different strategies have been studied to improve the nutritional value, oxidative stability, and sensory characteristics of meat products and eggs through different mineral and natural dietary supplements. In comparison to other strategies, dietary supplements present the advantage that first the living animals may efficiently distribute the compounds throughout the tissues and second, the dietary supplementation is safer because the resulting enriched meat products and eggs ensure tolerable amounts in humans. Poultry meats and eggs are widely consumed and their fatty acid profile and tocopherol content can be easily modified through different dietary strategies thus being excellent models to improve their nutritional value and oxidative stability.

Influence of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

1 There is an increasing body of evidence supporting the hypothesis that antioxidants are able to reduce gastric mucosal damage induced by stressors of different origin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate (TA) on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats and a possible role for an anti-oxidative mechanism in the response. 2 TA (25, 50 and 100 mg kg(-1)) was applied intraperitoneally as a pretreatment 1 h before the subcutaneous administration of indomethacin (30 mg kg(-1)). 3 TA reduced the area of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers, the effect being significant (P < 0.05) at the highest dose of 100 mg kg(-1). 4 Histopathological examination of rat stomach samples demonstrated that TA caused an increase in gastric mucus production and a reduction of the severity of mucosal lesions. 5 The three doses of TA prevented indomethacin-induced elevation of plasma and mucosal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which in TA-pretreated rats were not significantly different from the control values. Neither indomethacin treatment nor TA pretreatment had a significant influence on the gastric mucosal levels of reduced glutathione or oxidized glutathione. 6 Our results suggest that the gastroprotective effect of TA is likely to be due to increased mucus production and interference with oxidative stress development as evidenced by the decreased plasma and gastric mucosal MDA.

Seleno-L-methionine protects against beta-amyloid and iron/hydrogen peroxide-mediated neuron death

Increasing evidence suggests a role for oxidative stress in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and that selenium compounds may function as antioxidants. To evaluate the antioxidant mechanism of selenium, primary rat hippocampal neurons were pretreated with seleno-L-methionine (SeMet) for 16 h prior to treatment with iron/hydrogen peroxide (Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)) or amyloid beta peptide (Abeta(2535)); free radical generation was assessed using laser confocal microscopy and CM-H(2)DCFDA and APF. Treatment with Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) or Abeta significantly decreased cell survival and increased free radical generation compared to cultures treated with vehicle alone. In contrast, cultures pretreated with SeMet showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased survival and significantly lower CM-H(2)DCFDA and APF fluorescence compared to Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) or Abeta treated cultures. To determine if SeMet protection was mediated by glutathione peroxidase (GPx), levels of GPx protein and activity were measured using confocal microscopy and a selenium-dependent GPx specific antibody and an activity assay. Pretreatment with SeMet significantly (p < 0.05) increased GPx protein and activity in Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2)- and Abeta-treated cultures compared to cultures treated with Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) or Abeta alone. These data suggest that SeMet can decrease free radical generation induced by Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) or Abeta through modulation of GPx and may be suitable as a potential therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative diseases where there is increased oxidative stress.

Effect of heated sunflower oil and dietary supplements on the composition, oxidative stability, and sensory quality of dark chicken meat

A factorial design was used to study the effect of dietary oxidized sunflower oils (fresh, heated at low temperatures, and heated at high temperatures), DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (0 or 100 mg/kg), and Zn supplementation (0 or 600 mg/kg) on the composition, oxidative stability, and sensory quality of dark chicken meat with skin from animals fed with a Se supplement (Se-enriched yeast, 0.6 mg of Se/kg). The positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid were increased in raw meat from chickens fed oils oxidized at high temperatures. In addition, supplementation with alpha-tocopheryl acetate increased the alpha-tocopherol content, whereas 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values and lipid hydroperoxide content were reduced. Likewise, TBA values, rancid aroma, and rancid flavor also decreased in cooked dark meat. However, none of the dietary factors studied affected consumer acceptability scores of cooked meat. Furthermore, Zn supplementation increased the Se content in raw meat.

Changes in glutathione peroxidase and tissue selenium concentrations of broilers after consuming a diet adequate in selenium ,

Three experiments (EXP) were conducted with commercial broilers to develop a low-Se diet for comparing plasma glutathione peroxidase (pGPX3) concentrations and then to compare pGPX3 and plasma and tissue Se concentrations in broilers fed this low-Se diet after being supplemented with sodium selenite (SS) or Se-enriched yeast (SY). With the exception of Se, all diets were nutritionally adequate. The EXP lasted from 0 to 20 or 22 d posthatching, and treatments were replicated with 6 to 8 pens of 6 to 15 chicks per pen. The results of EXP 1 and 2 indicated that a cornstarch-dextrose diet containing 10% torula yeast and 31% soybean meal (SBM) resulted in similar gain as a corn-SBM (C-SBM) diet, but the cornstarch-dextrose-torula yeast-SBM diet with no added Se reduced pGPX3 activity 6-fold. In EXP 3, the treatments were a C-SBM diet with 0 or 0.30 ppm added Se from SS or SY. These diets were fed from 0 to 10 d posthatching. Beginning on d 10, all broilers were fed the cornstarch-dextrose-torula yeast-SBM, low-Se diet. On d 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22, three broilers per replicate were randomly selected for plasma and tissue collection. Treatment differences were significant at P < 0.05. Daily gain, daily feed intake, and gain:feed were not affected by diet during the 0-to-10-d or 0-to-22-d periods. Plasma GPX3 activity and plasma, liver, and breast Se concentrations were greater in broilers previously fed the diets with added Se, regardless of source, than in those fed the C-SBM diet, except for liver Se concentration on d 19 of broilers previously fed the SS diet. The pGPX3 concentrations were not different in broilers previously fed either Se diet on d 10 and 13 but were greater in broilers previously fed the SY diet on d 16, 19, and 22. Plasma Se concentrations were not different in broilers previously fed diets with SS or SY on d 10 and 22 but were greater in broilers previously fed the SY diet on d 13, 16, and 19. Breast Se concentrations were greater in broilers previously fed the SY diet than in those fed the SS diet on each day. Liver Se concentrations were not different in broilers previously fed SS or SY diets on d 19 and 22 but were greater in those previously fed the SY diet on d 10, 13, and 16. These results indicated that SY supplementation in broiler diets resulted in greater tissue Se concentrations than SS and that pGPX3 and tissue Se concentrations remained greater in birds previously fed a diet with SY than in those fed SS after being fed a low-Se diet.