Physiological role of antioxidants in the immune system

Engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Strains for Enhanced Astaxanthin Production

Microalgae have evolved a diverse carotenoid profile, enabling efficient light harvesting and photoprotection. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of genome editing in the green algal model species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, leading to significant modifications in carotenoid accumulation. By overexpressing a fully redesigned β-carotene ketolase (bkt), the metabolic pathway of C. reinhardtii was successfully redirected toward astaxanthin biosynthesis, a high-value ketocarotenoid with exceptional antioxidant properties, naturally found in only a few microalgal species. In this study, a tailor-made double knockout targeting lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYE) and zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) was introduced as a background for bkt expression to ensure higher substrate availability for bkt enzyme. The increased zeaxanthin availability resulted in a 2-fold increase in ketocarotenoid accumulation compared to the previously engineered bkt1 or bkt5 strain in the UVM4 background. Specifically, the best Δzl-bkt-expressing lines reached 2.84 mg/L under low light and 2.58 mg/L under high light, compared to 1.74 mg/L and 1.26 mg/L, respectively, in UVM4-bkt strains. These findings highlight the potential of rationally designed microalgal host strains, developed through genome editing, for biotechnological applications and high-value compound production.

Effectiveness of Astaxanthin as a Feed Supplement to Improve Growth Performance and Feed Utilization in Aquaculture Animals: A Meta-Analysis

Aquaculture, a vital component of global food supply, faces challenges from environmental stressors that compromise aquatic animal health and productivity. Astaxanthin, a potent carotenoid antioxidant, has shown promise in enhancing growth and stress resilience in aquaculture species, yet its effects remain inconsistent across studies. This meta-analysis systematically evaluates the efficacy of dietary astaxanthin supplementation on growth, feed utilization, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in aquaculture animals. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 64 studies (33 species, 964 comparisons) published prior to 2025 were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results demonstrated that astaxanthin significantly improved final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, survival rate, and protein efficiency ratio, while reducing feed conversion ratio. Additionally, it enhanced digestive enzyme activities, hepatopancreas antioxidant biomarkers, and immune parameters. The subgroup analysis revealed differences related to species, trophic level, and habitat, and estimated the optimal dose for key indicators. Despite heterogeneity and publication bias, adjusted effect sizes remained significant for most outcomes. These findings underscore astaxanthin's potential as a multifunctional feed additive to promote sustainable aquaculture, though its efficacy depends on species, dosage, and environmental context, warranting further mechanistic and optimization studies.

Effects of Marigold Extract and Carophyll Red on Growth, Body Color Development, Antioxidant Properties, and Innate Immunity in the Ornamental Fish Golden Severum (Heros efasciatus)

The body color state is an important determinant of the value of golden severum (Heros efasciatus)-a popular ornamental fish. The use of dietary supplements to improve the color development and health of this species is unexplored. Herein, the effects of marigold extract (MG) and carophyll red (CR) are examined on the growth, body color development, antioxidant properties, and innate immunity in golden severum. Fish were maintained under controlled water quality conditions (pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen) and fed six experimental diets containing either 0% MG and CR, 1% MG, 2% MG, 5% MG, 0.5% CR, or 2% CR for five weeks. Both MG and CR significantly decreased lipid peroxide levels in hepatic tissues. In contrast, only MG enhanced the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase). Although MG and CR decreased the respiratory burst activity of splenic leukocytes, other innate immune parameters remained unchanged. Additionally, MG and CR stimulated body color development patterns in golden severum that reflect their unique coloring principles. The ROS-scavenging abilities of MG and CR appear to be related to their antioxidant activity. Hence, MG and CR at the optimal levels of 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively, can improve the body color of golden severum and protect against oxidative stress.

Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Tumors

Oxidative stress is the result of the imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which are produced by several endogenous and exogenous processes, and antioxidant defenses consisting of exogenous and endogenous molecules that protect biological systems from free radical toxicity. Oxidative stress is a major factor in the aging process, contributing to the accumulation of cellular damage over time. Oxidative damage to cellular biomolecules, leads to DNA alterations, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in cellular senescence, immune system and tissue dysfunctions, and increased susceptibility to age-related pathologies, such as inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Oxidative stress-driven DNA damage and mutations, or methylation and histone modification, which alter gene expression, are key determinants of tumor initiation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Accumulation of genetic and epigenetic damage, to which oxidative stress contributes, eventually leads to unrestrained cell proliferation, the inhibition of cell differentiation, and the evasion of cell death, providing favorable conditions for tumorigenesis. Colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, and skin cancers are the most frequent aging-associated malignancies, and oxidative stress is implicated in their pathogenesis and biological behavior. Our aim is to shed light on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that link oxidative stress, aging, and cancers, highlighting the impact of both RONS and antioxidants, provided by diet and exercise, on cellular senescence, immunity, and development of an antitumor response. The dual role of ROS as physiological regulators of cell signaling responsible for cell damage and diseases, as well as its use for anti-tumor therapeutic purposes, will also be discussed. Managing oxidative stress is crucial for promoting healthy aging and reducing the risk of age-related tumors.

Enhancing Milk Quality and Antioxidant Status in Lactating Dairy Goats through the Dietary Incorporation of Purple Napier Grass Silage

Oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants can cause damage to certain cellular components. Purple Napier grass, a semi-dwarf variety, is characterized by its purple leaves and contains anthocyanins, which provide it with antioxidant properties. This study examined the effects of feeding purple Napier grass ("Prince") silage to lactating dairy goats on blood antioxidant activity, milk yield, and milk quality. Eighteen female Saanen crossbred goats, weighing 52.34 ± 2.86 kg and producing milk for 14 ± 2 days, were systematically divided into three groups based on their lactation period in the previous cycle as follows: early, mid, and late lactation. In a randomized complete block design (RCBD), treatments were randomly allocated to six animals in each block. The dairy goats were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of the three following treatments: control (100% Napier Pakchong 1 grass silage), 50% (a 50% replacement of the control with purple Napier grass silage), and 100% (100% purple Napier grass silage). The results show that goats who were fed a diet including 100% purple Napier grass silage showed higher levels of certain milk contents, especially with regard to lactose, when compared to those who were fed a control diet, as well as a diet with a 50% replacement of purple Napier grass silage. The somatic cell count (SCC) of these goats was reduced. In terms of antioxidant activity, dairy goats who were fed 100% purple Napier grass silage showed higher levels of enzymes in both plasma and milk, including glutathione s-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, compared to the control group and the 50% replacement group. The plasma and milk of these goats showed lower levels of malondialdehyde. The dairy goats who were fed a 100% purple Napier grass silage diet showed higher concentrations of anthocyanins, including C3G, P3G, Peo3G, M3G, Cya, Pel, and total anthocyanins in milk, when compared to the control group and the 50% replacement group. The increased replacement of purple Napier grass silage led to significant differences in lactose levels, somatic cell count, glutathione S-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, and the composition of anthocyanins. This study provides evidence to support the use of purple Napier grass silage as a beneficial source of roughage for lactating dairy goats.

Combined Turmeric, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D Ready-to-Drink Supplements Reduce Upper Respiratory Illness Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Discomfort in Elite Male Football Players

Elite football is associated with the increased risk of illness, although targeted supplementation can reduce illness risk. This study assessed the effects of a supplement containing turmeric root within a black pepper and fat-soluble blend, vitamin C and vitamin D, on upper respiratory symptoms (URS), gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), muscle soreness, and markers of inflammation and gut permeability in elite male footballers. Twenty-three footballers completed 3 weeks of no intervention (CON), followed by 16 weeks of daily consuming 60 mL of a commercially available supplement containing raw turmeric root (17.5 g, estimated to contain 700 mg of curcumin), vitamin C (1000 mg), and vitamin D3 (3000 IU/75 mcg) (SUP). URS and GIS were measured daily. Immediately (0 h), 40, and 64 h after six competitive matches (two in CON, four in SUP), the subjective soreness and plasma concentrations of creatine kinase [CK], c-reactive protein [CRP], and intestinal fatty-acid binding protein [I-FABP] were assessed. URS incidence (p < 0.001), GIS (p < 0.05), and plasma [I-FABP] at 0 h (p < 0.05) were greater during CON versus SUP. At 40 h, [CRP] was greater than 0 h during CON (p < 0.01) but not SUP (p = 0.204). There were no differences in soreness or [CK]. This study indicates that turmeric root, vitamin C, and vitamin D supplementation over 16 weeks can reduce URS, GIS, and post-match [I-FABP] in elite footballers.

Nutrition and Dietary Intervention in Cancer: Gaps, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

The term "cancer" refers to the state in which cells in the body develop mutations and lose control over their replication. Malignant cancerous cells invade in various other tissue sites of the body. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are the first-line modalities for the majority of solid cancers. These treatments work by mitigating the DNA damage of cancerous cells, but they can also cause harm to healthy cells. These side effects might be immediate or delayed, and they can cause a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Dietary interventions have a profound impact on whole-body metabolism, including immunometabolism and oncometabolism which have been shown to reduce cancer growth, progression, and metastasis in many different solid tumor models with promising outcomes in early phase clinical studies. Dietary interventions can improve oncologic or quality-of-life outcomes for patients that are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In this chapter, we will focus on the impact of nutritional deficiencies, several dietary interventions and their proposed mechanisms which are used as a novel therapy in controlling and managing cancers.

Exploration of bioactive molecules from Tinospora cordifolia and Actinidia deliciosa as an immunity modulator via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study

Tinospora cordifolia and Actinidia deliciosa are the widely used plant in Ayurvedic systems of medicine. Both plants are well known for their immunomodulatory activity. In the current study, in silico exploration was performed using advanced computational techniques such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach. Bioactive molecules from the Tinospora cordifolia and Actinidia deliciosa were docked against the Human IL-2. Out of all the docked bioactive molecules, Pygenic acid-B (PubChem CID:146157192) showed the highest negative binding affinity.

Acer truncatum leaves extract modulates gut microbiota, improves antioxidant capacity, and alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in broilers

This study investigated the appropriate way of dietary Acer truncatum leaves (ATL) addition, the effect of disease prevention and its mechanism of action. In experiment 1, 192 Arbor Acres broilers were assigned to 4 treatment groups, fed with basal diets containing 2% bran, replacing it with primary and fermented ATL, and additional 0.3% ATL extract to the basal diet for 42 d, respectively. In experiment 2, 144 broilers were assigned to 3 treatment groups for 21-d trial: (1) C-N group, basal diets, and injected with 0.9% (w/v) sterile saline; (2) C-L group, basal diets, and injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS); (3) T-L group, ATL diets and injected with LPS. In experiment 1, ATL significantly decreased the index of abdominal fat at 42 d (P < 0.05). ATL extract had a better ability to improve antioxidant capacity and reduce inflammatory levels among all treatment groups, which significantly decreased the content of MDA in the liver and ileum mucosa at 21 d, and increased the expression of IL-10 and Occludin in jejunal mucosa at 42 d (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, ATL significantly increased the level of T-AOC in the liver, decreased the expression of NF-κB in the jejunal mucosa and ileum mucosa (P < 0.05), and restored LPS-induced the changed level of CAT in jejunal mucosa, the expression of IL-6, Claudin-1, and ZO-1 in jejunal mucosa and IL-1β in ileum mucosa (P < 0.05). Analysis of gut microbiota indicated that ATL enhanced the abundances of Bacteroidota and reduced the proportion of Firmicutes (P < 0.05), and the changed levels of T-AOC in body, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and NF-κB in jejunum mucosa and propionic acid in cecal were associated with gut microbiota. Collectively, our data showed that the extract of ATL had a better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than primality and fermented. Extraction of ATL modulated intestinal microbiota, and had a protective effect on oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal barrier function in broilers challenged with LPS.

Antioxidant monoammonium glycyrrhizinate alleviates damage from oxidative stress in perinatal cows

This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant capability of dietary supplementation with monoammonium glycyrrhizinate (MAG) in perinatal cows. Glycyrrhizic acid has been shown to have strong antioxidant activity and we hypothesised that the aglycone of glycyrrhizin and MAG, could reduce damage from oxidative stress in perinatal cows by enhancing antioxidant capacity. Blood and milk samples were collected from three groups of healthy perinatal cows that were similar in body weight, parity, milk yield in the last milk cycle, etc., receiving dietary MAG supplementation ([Day 0 = parturition]: 0 g/day, [n = 13)] 3 g/day [n = 13] or 6 g/day [n = 11]) from -28 to 56 day (0 day = parturition). Compared with 0 g/day controls (CON), milk fat was significantly decreased in cows fed with MAG, and 3 g/day had the greatest effect. A diet containing 3 g/day MAG decreased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level compared with CON at -7 day post-partum. ALT was also lower at 5 day post-partum in cows fed with 3 g/day MAG compared to 6 g/day. The administration of 3 g/day and 6 g/day MAG decreased serum aspartate transaminase (AST) at 3 day post-partum. Supplementation of MAG in cows increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum, and cows given 3 g MAG per day had higher T-AOC than controls on post-partum 7 day. At the end of the experiment, we isolated and cultured primary hepatocytes to determine the effect of MAG on oxidative stress caused by incubation with the sodium oleate (SO). SO increased lipid synthesis, but pre-treatment with MAG prevented the fatty buildup. SO treatment increased AST and ALT levels and malondialdehyde concentration, but decreased T-AOC and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Incubation with MAG increased antioxidant capacity and inhibited oxidant damage in bovine hepatocytes. SO stimulated expression of the antioxidant genes, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and SOD1, in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, and catalase 1 (CAT1); this increase was accentuated by MAG pre-treatment. The results suggest that MAG can alleviate the damage caused by oxidative stress in perinatal cows by enhancing antioxidant activity.

In-vivo evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of crude extract and solvent fractions of Cyphostemma adenocaule (Steud. ex A.Rich)

Background

Various indigenous medicinal systems including Ethiopians used Cyphostemma adenocaule for managing tumors, helminthiasis, snake envenomation, rabis virus, splenomegaly, and other immunological disorders. However, no scientific study was conducted to validate these traditional medicinal claims of the plant. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the in-vivo immunomodulatory activity of the crude root extract and its solvent fractions.

Methods

Carbon clearance rate and humoral antibody titer were determined for 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of crude extract and solvent fractions among Swiss albino mice. Carbon ink and sheep red blood cells were used as antigens for carbon clearance assay and humoral antibody titer respectively.

Results

Among all groups, an increase in both carbon clearance rate and the humoral antibody titer was observed with an increase in the dose of both crude extract and solvent fractions. Compared to the solvent fractions of comparable doses, the crude extract showed better activity. The crude extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg revealed the highest and statistically significant augmentation of carbon clearance rate (0.1100 ± 0.0124) and humoral antibody titer (96.00 ± 14.31) compared to the vehicle control group.

Conclusion

From our study, it is concluded that crude extract and n-butanol fraction showed promising immunostimulant activity by enhancing carbon clearance rate and humoral antibody titer.

Innate immunity dysregulation in aging eye and therapeutic interventions

The prevalence of eye diseases increases considerably with age, resulting in significant vision impairment. Although the pathobiology of age-related eye diseases has been studied extensively, the contribution of immune-related changes due to aging remains elusive. In the eye, tissue-resident cells and infiltrating immune cells regulate innate responses during injury or infection. But due to aging, these cells lose their protective functions and acquire pathological phenotypes. Thus, dysregulated ocular innate immunity in the elderly increases the susceptibility and severity of eye diseases. Herein, we emphasize the impact of aging on the ocular innate immune system in the pathogenesis of infectious and non-infectious eye diseases. We discuss the role of age-related alterations in cellular metabolism, epigenetics, and cellular senescence as mechanisms underlying altered innate immune functions. Finally, we describe approaches to restore protective innate immune functions in the aging eye. Overall, the review summarizes our current understanding of innate immune functions in eye diseases and their dysregulation during aging.

Effects of nutrients on immunomodulation in patients with severe COVID-19: Current knowledge

Recent research has demonstrated that critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) show significant immune system dysregulation. Due to that, some nutrients that influence immunomodulation have been suggested as a form of treatment against the infection. This review collected the information on the impact of vitamins on the prognosis of COVID-19, with the intention of facilitating treatment and prevention of the disease risk status in patients. The collected information was obtained using the PubMed electronic database by searching for articles that relate COVID-19 and the mechanisms/effects of the nutrients: Proteins, glucose, lipids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium, including prospective, retrospective, and support articles. The findings reveal an optimal response related mainly to omega-3, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, calcium, and iron that might represent benefits in the treatment of critically ill patients. However, nutrient supplementation should be done with caution due to the limited availability of randomized controlled studies.

The effects of Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum on growth, carcass and organ characteristics, immunity, blood constitutes, liver enzymes, jejunum morphology, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in broilers

To investigate the effects of adding Cynara scolymus (CS) and Silybum marianum (SM) dry extract to the diet of broiler chickens, a 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates. Ten one-day-old male broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain were used in each replicate. Experimental treatments included two levels of supplemental CS and MS, 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM, which were used in combination with a basal diet for 42 days. The 42-day trial was divided into 3 periods, 1-10 days, 11-24 days, and 25-42 days of age. The data were statistically analyzed using SAS software and means differences were tested for significance using Duncan's multiple-range test. The results showed that the effect of the experimental treatments was not significant on growth performance in the entire period (1-42 days), carcass characteristics, and weight of immunity organs. Feed cost per kilogram of live weight increased with supplemental of CS and SM (p < .01). Significant effects of CS and SM supplements were observed on antibody titer against influenza virus at 28 and 42 days and also on antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at 35 and 42 days. Feeding 500 mg/kg of both CS and SM in the diet of broilers resulted in the highest villus height and width, crypt depth, and percentage of oleic and linolenic acids. The results of the present study suggest that feeding 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM in the diet may have positive effects on the traits studied, but to save feed costs, only250 mg/kg is recommended.

Female Mice Reaching Exceptionally High Old Age Have Preserved 20S Proteasome Activities

Oxidized, damaged and misfolded proteins accumulate during aging and contribute to impaired cell function and tissue homeodynamics. Damaged proteins are degraded by cellular clearance mechanisms like the 20S proteasome. Aging relates to low 20S proteasome function, whereas long-lived species show high levels. However, contradictory results exist depending on the tissue or cell type and it is unknown how the 20S proteasome functions in exceptionally old mice. The aim of this study was to investigate two proteasome activities (caspase-like and chymotrypsin-like) in several tissues (lung, heart, axillary lymph nodes, liver, kidney) and cells (peritoneal leukocytes) from adult (28 ± 4 weeks, n = 12), old (76 ± 4 weeks, n = 9) and exceptionally old (128 ± 4 weeks, n = 9) BALB/c female mice. The results show different age-related changes depending on the tissue and the activity considered, so there is no universal decline in proteasome function with age in female mice. Interestingly, exceptionally old mice displayed better maintained proteasome activities, suggesting that preserved 20S proteasome is associated with successful aging.

INFLUENCE OF ARTESUNATE COMBINATIVE THERAPY CO-ADMINISTRATION WITH RUTIN ON INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN PLASMODIUM BERGHEI-INFECTED MICE

Some antimalarial drugs are immune-modulators that impact multiple pathways of innate immunity in malarial treatment. However, information on the immunomodulatory effects of artequine and rutin in the treatment of malaria remains elusive. Twenty-five Swiss mice (18 ± 2 g) were used for this study. Twenty were infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK65). Parasitemia was confirmed, and the animals were grouped (n = 5) as follows: Group A was not infected but treated orally with vehicle. Groups B to E were infected and treated (B) orally with vehicle (10 ml/kg), (C) with 10 mg/kg artequine, (D) with 10 mg/kg of artequine supplemented with 100 mg rutin/kg, and (D) with 10 mg/kg of artequine supplemented with 200 mg rutin/kg, for 7 days. Blood was collected for hematological, inflammatory cytokines, and immunoglobulins G and M assays. Post mitochondrial supernatant fraction was used for antioxidant assays. Rutin co-administration (200 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) increased platelet and neutrophil counts (P < 0.01) but significantly (P < 0.01) decreased white blood cell count and lymphocyte relative to parasitized control. Also, it significantly (P < 0.05) decreased lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities but significantly (P < 0.05) increased reduced glutathione and glutathione S-transferase activity. Rutin co-administration also caused a significant (P < 0.001) increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and immunoglobulin M levels, while interleukin-1β and immunoglobulin G decreased significantly (P < 0.001) compared with parasitized control. These results showed that rutin co-administration with artequine improved host antioxidant status and modulated the immune and inflammatory responses.

Melatonin-induced changes in the bovine vaginal microbiota during maternal nutrient restriction

Altering the composition of the bovine vaginal microbiota has proved challenging, with recent studies deeming the microbiota dynamic due to few overall changes being found. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine whether gestational age, endogenous progesterone, maternal nutrient restriction, or dietary melatonin altered the composition of the bovine vaginal microbiota. Brangus heifers (n = 29) from timed artificial insemination to day 240 of gestation were used; at day 160 of gestation, heifers were assigned to either an adequate (ADQ; n = 14; 100% NRC requirements) or restricted (RES; n = 15; 60% NRC requirements) nutritional plane and were either supplemented with dietary melatonin (MEL; n = 15) or not supplemented (CON; n = 14). Samples for vaginal microbiota analysis were taken on day 0 (prior to artificial insemination), day 150 (prior to dietary treatments), and day 220 of gestation (60 d post-treatment initiation) using a double guarded culture swab. The vaginal bacterial overall community structure was determined through sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina Miseq platform. Alpha diversity was compared via 2-way ANOVA; β diversity was compared via PERMANOVA. The linear discriminant analysis for effect size (LEfSe) pipeline was utilized for analysis of taxonomic rank differences between bacterial communities. Gestational age, progesterone concentration, and maternal nutritional plane did not alter α or β diversity of the vaginal microbiota. However, gestational age resulted in compositional changes at the order, family, and genus level. Moreover, dietary melatonin supplementation did not alter α diversity of the vaginal microbiota but did alter β diversity (P = 0.02). Specifically, melatonin altered the composition at the genus level and increased the prevalence of aerobic bacteria in the vaginal tract. To date, melatonin is the first hormone associated with altering the composition of the bovine vaginal microbiota.

Potential roles of micronutrient deficiency and immune system dysfunction in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

Preliminary studies indicate that a robust immune response across different cell types is crucial in recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An enormous number of investigations point to the vital importance of various micronutrients in the interactions between the host immune system and viruses, including COVID-19. There are complex and multifaceted links among micronutrient status, the host immune response, and the virulence of pathogenic viruses. Micronutrients play a critical role in the coordinated recruitment of innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infections, particularly in the regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory host responses. Furthermore, inadequate amounts of micronutrients not only weaken the immune system in combating viral infections, but also contribute to the emergence of more virulent strains via alterations of the genetic makeup of the viral genome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evidence that suggests the contribution of micronutrients in the spread as well as the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. Both the presence of micronutrient deficiencies among infected individuals and the effect of micronutrient supplementation on the immune responses and overall outcome of the disease could be of great interest when weighing the use of micronutrients in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection. These investigations could be of great value in dealing with future viral epidemics.

Evaluating association of vaccine response to low serum zinc and vitamin D levels in children of a birth cohort study in Dhaka

•

MAL-ED Bangladesh birth cohort data used in the analysis.

•

Relationship between vaccine titers and micronutrient data explored.

•

Positive association found between serum zinc level and tetanus vaccine titer.

•

The finding implicates the importance of improving zinc nutrition status of the children.

Background

Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases are often responsible for childhood morbidity and high rates of mortality. Immune response to the vaccine is associated with multiple factors in early childhood and measured by antibody titers. Among them, micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin D and zinc deficiencies are the most important in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the association of vaccine response to low serum zinc and vitamin D levels in children.

Methods

We evaluated vaccine response for measles and poliovirus, tetanus and pertussis toxoid, and Ig A antibody levels to rotavirus by ELISA and serum vitamin D and zinc at 7 and 15 months in the MAL-ED birth cohort of the Bangladesh site. By using population-specific generalized estimating equations (GEE), the association between each explanatory variable and the binary outcome variable was examined longitudinally where the dependent variable was vaccine titers and the independent variables were low serum vitamin D and zinc levels.

Results

The GEE multivariable model identified a positive association between serum zinc level and tetanus vaccine titer (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.07–3.17 and p value = 0.028) after adjusting for age, gender, birth weight, WAMI score, diarrhea, ALRI, exclusive breastfeeding, serum ferritin, serum retinol and undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight). No association was found between the rest of the vaccine titers with serum vitamin D and zinc level (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In the MAL-ED birth cohort, where children were followed for five years, serum zinc level had a positive impact on tetanus vaccine titers.

The Mode of Grass Supply to Dairy Cows Impacts on Fatty Acid and Antioxidant Profile of Milk

The optimization of milk production includes a rational use of forages, respect for the environment and offers the best quality to consumers. Milk production based on grass and forages produces healthier milk and it is widely spread throughout the Atlantic arc to maximize milk yield per hectare. However, the mode of offering the grass can have a major influence on milk composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of grass supply mode (grazing, zero-grazing or ensiling) on dairy cows’ performance, with particular reference to fatty acids and fat-soluble antioxidants concentration. A three by three Latin square experiment was performed with 18 dairy cows. Experimental treatments consisted of exclusive feeding with grass silage and zero-grazing, both offered ad libitum indoors, or grazing for 24 h. The results showed that grazing cows had a higher dry matter intake and greater milk yield than cows feeding on grass silage and zero-grazing, as well as higher concentrations of protein, lactose, nonfat-solids and urea in milk than housed cows. Milk fat from grazing cows had a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids than from cows feeding on grass silage and zero-grazing, with significant differences in the proportion of vaccenic and rumenic acids. The 18:1 trans-11 to 18:1 trans-10 ratio is proposed as biomarker to identify the milk produced from the management system of grazing cattle. Milk from grazing cows had a greater proportion of lutein than cows eating grass silage, with the zero-grazing system having intermediate values. In conclusion, the mode of grass supply affects fatty acid and antioxidant profiles of milk.

Oxyresveratrol Induces Autophagy via the ER Stress Signaling Pathway, and Oxyresveratrol-Induced Autophagy Stimulates MUC2 Synthesis in Human Goblet Cells

Background: Autophagy is a cell protection system invoked to eliminate the damaged organelles and misfolded proteins that induce various stresses, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Autophagy can control mucin secretion in goblet cells. Oxyresveratrol (OXY), an antioxidant, stimulates expression of MUC2. Thus, we investigated the effect of OXY on autophagy and found that OXY-induced autophagy stimulates MUC2 expression in human intestinal goblet cells. Methods: Autophagy-related genes and proteins were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Autophagy was assessed by immunocytochemistry (ICC). To analyze the protein expression profiles of OXY-treated LS 174T goblet cells, two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) were performed. MUC2 expression in cells was evaluated by ICC. Results: OXY significantly increased the expression levels of genes related to autophagy induction, and activated phagosome elongation resulted in the formation of autophagosomes. OXY also activated the ER stress signaling pathway and promoted MUC2 synthesis, which was inhibited by treatment with an autophagy inhibitor. Conclusion: OXY induces autophagy via the ER stress signaling pathway, and OXY-induced autophagy increases MUC2 production in intestinal goblet cells.

Re-opening the stage for Echinacea research - Characterization of phylloxanthobilins as a novel anti-oxidative compound class in Echinacea purpurea

BACKGROUND

Phylloxanthobilins are tetrapyrrolic natural products that arise from the degradation of chlorophyll. Phylloxanthobilins have been discovered roughly 10 years ago in the leaves of deciduous trees, and are now considered a compound class with high and still unexplored potential of bioactivities. To date, however, there are no reports on the occurrence of phylloxanthobilins in parts of a medicinal plant used for pharmaceutical preparations.

PURPOSE

The relevance of Echinacea purpurea as medicinal plant is undoubtedly high, and a large variety of pharmaceutical preparations is available on the market, mostly for the treatment of the common cold. Nevertheless, its phytochemical profiling has been limited to analysis for previously characterized substances, and this has not explained all its pharmacological efficacies. We therefore set out to investigate the occurrence of phylloxanthobilins in Echinacea purpurea.

METHODS

Phylloxanthobilins in leaf extracts of Echinacea purpurea were detected using analytical HPLC. Identified phyllobilins were purified from plant material and characterized by UV/Vis, mass spectrometry, MS/MS, and confirmed by co-injections with previously published phyllobilins from different sources. The anti-oxidant activity of selected isolated phylloxanthobilins was assessed by an in vitro ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay; in addition, the ability to scavenge ROS in cells caused by hydrogen peroxide stimulation was determined by measuring H₂DCF-DA fluorescence and by assessing cellular GSH levels.

RESULTS

In extracts of Echinacea purpurea leaves, an unprecedented diversity of phylloxanthobilins was detected; surprisingly, not only in senescent yellow leaves, but also in green leaves with no visible chlorophyll degradation. Six phylloxanthobilins were identified and structurally characterized. The uptake of phylloxanthobilins by human endothelial kidney cells was demonstrated. When investigating the anti-oxidative activity of these natural products, a potent in vitro activity was demonstrated; in addition, phylloxanthobilins possess intracellular ROS scavenging ability and can prevent oxidative stress as assessed by total cellular GSH levels.

CONCLUSION

Phylloxanthobilins are important constituents of Echinacea purpurea extracts, and our first exploratory studies hint towards promising bioactivities of these natural products, which may be relevant for understanding Echinacea efficacies.

Glutathione metabolism and nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2)-related proteins in adipose tissue are altered by supply of ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine in peripartal Holstein cows

Enhancing the supply of rumen-protected Met (RPM) during the peripartum period alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress status in dairy cows. We tested the hypothesis that RPM could increase abundance of genes and proteins related to glutathione (GSH) metabolism and the antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2) in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Multiparous Holstein cows were fed a basal diet [control prepartum diet = 1.47 Mcal/kg of dry matter (DM) and 15.3% crude protein; control postpartum diet = 1.67 Mcal/kg of DM and 17.7% crude protein] or the control plus ethyl-cellulose RPM at a rate of 0.09 and 0.10% of DM intake before expected calving and after calving, respectively. Sixty cows were assigned to treatments based on parity, previous 305-d milk yield, and body condition score at 28 d from parturition. Diets were fed from -28 to 30 d. Biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissue collected on d -10, 10, and 30 relative to parturition from 7 cows in each group were used for measuring concentrations of GSH, reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and mRNA and protein abundance (Western blotting). A repeated-measures ANOVA was used for statistics. The statistical model included the random effect of block and fixed effects of treatment, time, and its interaction. There was a diet × time effect for reactive oxygen species due to lower concentrations in Met versus control cows specifically at d -10. Cows fed Met also had lower concentrations of malondialdehyde in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Compared with controls, overall mRNA abundance of the GSH metabolism-related genes cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), glutathione reductase (GSR), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) was greater in cows fed Met. Furthermore, supply of Met resulted in an overall upregulation of protein abundance of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 1, GPX3, glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), and glutathione S-transferase α 4 (GSTA4), all related to GSH metabolism. There was a diet × time effect for protein abundance of NFE2L2 and its repressor Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (KEAP1) due to lower values at 30 d in cows fed Met versus controls. The abundance of phosphorylated NFE2L2 was lower at 30 d in response to Met. Overall, the data suggest that exogenous Met may play a role in activating GSH metabolism and the antioxidant NFE2L2 pathways in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Neglected tropical diseases and vitamin B12: a review of the current evidence

Vitamin B12 deficiency is an urgent public health problem that disproportionately affects individuals in low- and middle-income settings, where the burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is also unacceptably high. Emerging evidence supports a potential role of micronutrients in modulating the risk and severity of NTDs. However, the role of vitamin B12 in NTD pathogenesis is unknown. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the evidence on the role of vitamin B12 in the etiology of NTDs. Ten studies were included in this review: one study using an in vitro/animal model, eight observational human studies and one ancillary analysis conducted within an intervention trial. Most research to date has focused on vitamin B12 status and helminthic infections. One study examined the effects of vitamin B12 interventions in NTDs in animal and in vitro models. Few prospective studies have been conducted to date to examine the role of vitamin B12 in NTDs. The limited literature in this area constrains our ability to make specific recommendations. Larger prospective human studies are needed to elucidate the role of vitamin B12 in NTD risk and severity in order to inform interventions in at-risk populations.

Fermented camel milk by Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris attenuates erythrocytes oxidative stress-induced hematological and immunological damage in CCl4-intoxicated mice

Fermented camel by Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris has been recently discovered to protect against the toxic effect of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), but its beneficial effects in the presence of oxidative stress in the erythrocytes have not been established. In the present study, 28 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group; CCl₄ group: intoxicated by a single intraperitoneal injection (ip) of CCl₄; group FCM-LLC + CCl₄: pretreated with FCM-LLC daily during 14 days, and received a single dose of CCl₄. FCM-LLC group received FCM-LLC alone. The occurrence of oxidative stress in erythrocytes was evidenced by an increase in lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant. The oxidative injury induced by CCl₄ in the erythrocytes was confirmed by modifications in hematological parameters and decreases in protein, albumin, and globulin content in the serum of intoxicated mice. Therefore, CCl₄ caused a significant decrease in immunotoxic indices, including immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (Ig M), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, and an increase of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Meanwhile, FCM-LLC effectively restored the parameters cited above to near-normal values. It can be suggested that fermented camel milk could regulate deviant physiological effects induced by CCl₄ which is due to its powerful antioxidant and immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacity.

Quality consistency evaluation of Isatidis Folium combined with equal weight quantified ratio fingerprint method and determination of antioxidant activity

Isatidis Folium has been known as a valuable traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Little attention, however, has been paid to its quality control. The aim of the present study was to establish a novel strategy to monitor and assess the quality consistency of Isatidis Folium. First, 20 samples were separated and identified simultaneously by high-performance liquid chromatography in an effective, quick and sensitive way. Then, Single-wavelength fingerprint was fused into multi-wavelength fingerprints to show fingerprints' information thoroughly. The similarity analyses of fingerprints were performed by equal weight quantified ration fingerprint method in terms of qualitative and quantitative aspects. The evaluation result showed that 20 batches of samples were classified into different grades. In addition, the relationship between fingerprints and antioxidant activity were investigated by partial least-squares model, which offered significant medicinal efficacy information for quality control. This comprehensive strategy provided a valuable reference for Isatidis Folium to ameliorate their quality control.

In vitro immunomodulatory potential of Artemisia indica Willd. in chicken lymphocytes

Aim:

Evaluation of the in vitro immunomodulatory potential of Artemisia indica Willd. methanolic extract in chicken lymphocyte culture system through lymphocyte (B and T cells) proliferation assay, after standardizing the maximum non-cytotoxic dose (MNCD) in chicken lymphocytes.

Materials and Methods:

Fresh aerial parts of A. indica Willd. (family: Asteraceae) specimens were collected (altitude 1560 m), gotten authenticated, processed, dried, and Soxhlet extracted to yield methanolic extract (AME). Chicken splenocytes were isolated from spleens collected from healthy birds; lymphocytes were separated by density gradient centrifugation, percentage cell viability determined and final cell count adjusted to 10⁷ cells/ml in RPMI-1640 medium. MNCD of AME in chicken lymphocytes was determined through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide dye reduction assay. Immunomodulatory potential of AME was evaluated through lymphocytes proliferation or B and T cells blastogenesis assay in the presence of appropriate mitogens, namely, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A (Con A), respectively.

Results:

Maximum concentration of AME exhibiting 100% cell viability (MNCD) was 200 μg/ml and was selected for further in vitro analysis. The in vitro exposure of chicken lymphocytes to 200 µg/ml dose of AME, resulted in significant (p<0.05) upregulation of 11.76% in B cell proliferation in the presence of B cell mitogen (LPS) and a significant (p<0.05) increase of 12.018% T cells proliferation in the presence of the mitogen (Con A), as compared to the control.

Conclusion:

The significant upregulation in the proliferation of two major cell types modulating the immune system is an indication of the immunostimulatory potential of the plant. It would be worthwhile to further evaluate A. indica on relevant immunomodulatory aspects, especially the in vivo studies in a poultry system.

Level of dietary energy and 2,4-thiazolidinedione alter molecular and systemic biomarkers of inflammation and liver function in Holstein cows

Background

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of overfeeding a moderate energy diet and a 2,4-thiazolidinedione (TZD) injection on blood and hepatic tissue biomarkers of lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation as it relates to insulin sensitivity.

Results

Fourteen dry non-pregnant cows were fed a control (CON) diet to meet 100% of NRC requirements for 3 wk, after which half of the cows were assigned to a moderate-energy diet (OVE) and half of the cows continued on CON for 6 wk. All cows received an intravenous injection of 4 mg TZD/kg of body weight (BW) daily from 2 wk after initiation of dietary treatments and for 2 additional week. Compared with CON cows and before TZD treatment, the OVE cows had lower concentration of total protein, urea and albumin over time. The concentration of cholesterol and tocopherol was greater after 2 wk of TZD regardless of diet. Before and after TZD, the OVE cows had greater concentrations of AST/GOT, while concentrations of paraoxonase, total protein, globulin, myeloperoxidase, and haptoglobin were lower compared with CON cows. Regardless of diet, TZD administration increased the concentration of ceruloplasmin, ROMt, cholesterol, tocopherol, total protein, globulin, myeloperoxidase and beta-carotene. In contrast, the concentration of haptoglobin decreased at the end of TZD injection regardless of diet. Prior to TZD injection, the mRNA expression of PC, ANGPTL4, FGF21, INSR, ACOX1, and PPARD in liver of OVE cows was lower compared with CON cows. In contrast, the expression of HMGCS2 was greater in OVE compared with CON cows. After 1 wk of TZD administration the expression of IRS1 decreased regardless of diet; whereas, expression of INSR increased after 2 wk of TZD injection. Cows fed OVE had lower overall expression of TNF, INSR, PC, ACOX1, FGF21, and PPARD but greater HMGCS2 expression. These differences were most evident before and after 1 wk of TZD injection, and by 2 wk of TZD differences in expression for most genes disappeared.

Conclusions

Based on molecular and blood data, administration of TZD enhanced some aspects of insulin sensitivity while causing contradictory results in terms of inflammation and oxidative stress. The bovine liver is TZD-responsive and level of dietary energy can modify the effects of TZD. Because insulin sensitizers have been proposed as useful tools to manage dairy cows during the transition period, further studies are required to investigate the potential hepatotoxicity effect of TZD (or similar compounds) in dairy cattle.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40104-017-0196-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

BILL E. KUNKLE INTERDISCIPLINARY BEEF SYMPOSIUM: Impact of mineral and vitamin status on beef cattle immune function and health

The importance of optimal mineral and vitamin nutrition on improving immune function and health has been recognized in the preceding decades. In the southeast, beef cattle are raised predominantly on forages that may be limiting in nutrients for optimal health, especially trace minerals such as Cu, Zn, and Se. Clinical deficiencies of these nutrients produce classic symptoms that are common to several nutrient deficiencies (e.g., slow growth and unthrifty appearance); however, subclinical deficiencies are more widespread and more difficult to detect, yet may result in broader economic losses. Dietary mineral concentrations often considered adequate for maximum growth, reproductive performance, or optimal immune function have been found to be insufficient at times of physiological stress (weaning, transport, comingling, etc.), when feed intake is reduced. The impacts of these deficiencies on beef cattle health are not apparent until calves have been subjected to these stressors. Health problems that are exacerbated by mineral or vitamin deficiencies include bovine respiratory disease, footrot, retained placenta, metritis, and mastitis. Many micronutrients have antioxidant properties through being components of enzymes and proteins that benefit animal health. In dairy cattle, high levels of supplemental Zn are generally associated with reduced somatic cell counts and improved foot health, possibly reflecting the importance of Zn in maintaining effective epithelial barriers. Neutrophils isolated from ruminants deficient in Cu or Se have reduced ability to kill ingested bacteria in vitro. Supplemental vitamin E, in its role as an intracellular antioxidant has been shown to decrease morbidity in stressed calves. There is more understanding of the important biological role that these nutrients play in the functioning of the complex and multifaceted immune system. However, there is still much to be learned about determining the micronutrient status of herds (and hence when supplementation will be beneficial), requirements for different genetic and environmental conditions, understanding the bioavailability of these nutrients from feedstuffs and forages, quantifying the bioavailability of different supplemental sources of these nutrients, and identifying the impact of dietary antagonists on these nutrients.

Accelerated pre-weaning growth rates in dairy calves: do antioxidants have a place?

Accelerated growth of dairy calves in the pre-weaning phase has been shown to increase productivity of dairy cows during their lifetime. The increased weight gain during the pre-weaning phase is not the driving factor behind the changes in life-time productivity as the weight gained is inconsequential in terms of pre-lactation and weight gain. Furthermore, there are no differences in weight of heifers at the start of first lactation. The increased weight gain during the pre-weaning period must, therefore, initiate cellular changes within the animal. Research has focussed on increasing total nutritional supply or an increase in protein supply for promotion of such changes. The benefits of antioxidants in animal nutrition have been known for a long period of time. However, they have gained prominence with enforced reduction in use of antibiotics in many animal production systems. The role of antioxidants in nutrition of both the calf and the dam before parturition is critical for preventing disease and optimising growth weight of the pre-weaned calf. However, studies are yet to demonstrate a role, outside of preventive health, for the use of antioxidants in the pre-weaning period for increasing total life-time production of the dairy cow.

Comparative study on the effects of aqueous extracts of viscum album (mistletoe) from three host plants on hematological parameters in albino rats

BACKGROUND

The extract of the leaves of Viscum album (mistletoe) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in many parts of the world. However, like many medicinal plants, the belief that things of natural origin are safe may not be entirely true. The blood is a good indicator of health and pathological mirror of the entire body.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, in this study, the acute effects of extracts of mistletoe, harvested from three hosts, on haematology indices of wistar albino rats was investigated.

METHODS

Graded doses (400, 800, 1600 and 3200mg/kg body weight) of aqueous extracts of mistletoe from three different host plants, coffee (Coffee arabica), kola (Kola nitida), cocoa (Theobromae cacao), were administered orally to wistar albino rats for 14 days. Full haematological parameters were evaluated on whole blood collected from rats twenty four hours after the administration of the last dose.

RESULTS

Mistletoe from kola caused a concentration dependent and statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in platelets count in rats. Administration of mistletoe extract from cocoa and coffee led to reduction in hemoglobin concentration. Reductions in packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) and increase in white blood cells (WBC) were also observed in rats administered all the extracts.

CONCLUSION

Increase in the WBC count observed in rats administered mistletoe suggests that mistletoe extract contains agents that could stimulate the production of leucocytes and could serve as immune booster. However, there is need to be cautious in administration at high doses to prevent the risk of anaemia.

Effect of dietary lead on intestinal nutrient transporters mRNA expression in broiler chickens

Lead- (Pb-) induced oxidative stress is known to suppress growth performance and feed efficiency in broiler chickens. In an attempt to describe the specific underlying mechanisms of such phenomenon we carried out the current study. Ninety-six one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatment groups of 6 pen replicates, namely, (i) basal diet containing no lead supplement (control) and (ii) basal diet containing 200 mg lead acetate/kg of diet. Following 3 weeks of experimental period, jejunum samples were collected to examine the changes in gene expression of several nutrient transporters, antioxidant enzymes, and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that addition of lead significantly decreased feed intake, body weight gain, and feed efficiency. Moreover, with the exception of GLUT5, the expression of all sugar, peptide, and amino acid transporters was significantly downregulated in the birds under Pb induced oxidative stress. Exposure to Pb also upregulated the antioxidant enzymes gene expression together with the downregulation of glutathione S-transferase and Hsp70. In conclusion, it appears that Pb-induced oxidative stress adversely suppresses feed efficiency and growth performance in chicken and the possible underlying mechanism for such phenomenon is downregulation of major nutrient transporter genes in small intestine.

Effects of Sulla forage (Sulla coronarium L.) on the oxidative status and milk polyphenol content in goats

Twelve milking Girgentana goats were allocated into 3 groups and fed 3 diets ad libitum in a 3×3 Latin square design with 3 periods. The diets were Sulla fresh forage ad libitum (SUL), Sulla fresh forage ad libitum and 800g/d of barley meal (SULB), and mixed hay ad libitum and 800g/d of barley meal (HB). Changes were observed in total polyphenol intake, plasma oxidative status, plasma polyphenol content, metabolic status, milk polyphenol content, and total antioxidant capacity. The fresh forage diets (SUL and SULB) increased dry matter, total polyphenol, nontannic polyphenol and tannin intakes, and the milk total protein, casein, milk total polyphenols, and milk free polyphenols compared with the HB diet. The intake of condensed tannins was higher in the SUL than in the HB group, and an intermediate value was recorded for the SULB group. Plasma from the SUL- and SULB-fed goats exhibited greater total antioxidant capacity and greater total polyphenol and free polyphenol levels compared with the plasma from the HB group. Positive correlations between plasma total antioxidant capacity and condensed tannins intake (r=0.43), plasma total polyphenol and total polyphenol intake (r=0.61), and plasma free polyphenol and milk total polyphenols (r=0.38) were observed. The correlation between milk free polyphenols and whey total antioxidant capacity (r=0.42) highlights the role of free polyphenols in the determination of the antioxidant activity of milk. These results indicate that Sulla fresh forage exerts an antioxidant activity due to its secondary compounds that provide additional antioxidant value and that Sulla forage appears to be a promising strategy for improving product quality.

Micronutrients and dengue

Dengue virus infection is the most widespread mosquito-borne viral infection in humans and has emerged as a serious global health challenge. In the absence of effective treatment and vaccine, host factors including nutritional status, which may alter disease progression, need investigation. The interplay between nutrition and other infections is well-established, and modulation of nutritional status often presents a simple low-cost method of interrupting transmission, reducing susceptibility, and/or ameliorating disease severity. This review examines the evidence on the role of micronutrients in dengue virus infection. We found critical issues and often inconsistent results across studies; this finding along with the lack of sufficient literature in this field have limited our ability to make any recommendations. However, vitamins D and E have shown promise in small supplementation trials. In summary, the role of micronutrients in dengue virus infection is an exciting research area and needs to be examined in well-designed studies with larger samples.

Serum cytokine profiles of Khorasan veterans 23 years after sulfur mustard exposure

Sulfur mustard (SM) is an incapacitating chemical warfare agent that was used against Iranian soldiers during the period from 1983 to 1988. We have investigated serum cytokines profiles of Khorasan veterans who were exposed to SM >23 years earlier. Forty-four male Iranian veterans who had >40% disabilities due to delayed complications of SM poisoning and had disabilities were investigated. A total of 30 healthy male volunteers (relatives of the veterans) were selected as the control group. Cytokine levels were measured in the serum of case and control subjects using commercial ELISA kits. Hematologic parameters (white/red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, immune cell differentials) were also performed on blood samples from the study subjects. The results indicated that serum levels of ICAM-1 were significantly higher in the samples from SM-exposed veterans (772.8 [± 15.1] ng/ml [p=0.014] vs. control values of 710.2 [± 20.0] ng/ml). On the other hand, serum IL-1β, IL-8 levels and TNFα, were significantly lower for the veterans than the controls (IL-1β: 3.8 [± 0.1] vs. 4.3 [± 0.2] pg/ml, p=0.037; IL-8: 21.0 [± 6.1] vs. 84.6 [± 20.3] pg/ml, p=0.002; TNFα: 4.5 [± 0.1] vs. 5.5 [± 0.1] pg/ml, p=0.027). Levels of other assayed cytokines, e.g., IL-2, -4, -5, -6, -10, and -12, IFNγ, TNFβ, and sVCAM-1 were not significantly different between the study populations. None of the assayed hematologic parameters appeared to differ as well. It seems possible that dysfunctions could have been induced in the innate immune functions of the SM-exposed veterans as a result of these changes in cytokine expression and that these, in turn, may have contributed to the increased incidence of a myriad of diseases that have been documented in these veterans, including cancers. Future studies must focus on examining the significance of these changes in circulating cytokines and their potential contribution to the development of different diseases in veterans exposed to SM.

Antioxidant Potential of the Polyherbal Formulation "ImmuPlus": A Nutritional Supplement for Horses

In order to counteract harmful effects of oxidative stress due to pathological conditions or physical exercise, horses are often administered dietary supplements having supposed high antioxidant activities. The aim of the present study was to identify the in vitro antioxidant potential of “ImmuPlus”, a polyherbal formulation (Global Herbs LTD, Chichester, West Sussex, Great Britain), containing three medicinal plants (Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, and Emblica officinalis), known in Ayurveda for their use in human disease treatment. Extracts obtained by different solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, and hexane) were tested for total antioxidant capacity, total reducing power, scavenging activity against DPPH radical, and total polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Our results showed that, except as regards hexane, all the used solvents are able to extract compounds having high antioxidant activity, even when compared to ascorbic acid. Regression analysis showed significant correlations between antioxidant properties and polyphenol/flavonoid contents, indicating the latter, known for their beneficial effects on health of human and animal beings, as major components responsible for the strong antioxidant capacities. Moreover, obtained results suggest the effective role of the polyherbal mixture as good source of antioxidants in horses.

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory Activities, and Safety of Ethanol Extract and Fractions of Gongronema latifolium Fruit

Gongronema latifolium fruit has wide application in ethnomedicine, especially in maintaining healthy living and general body healing. We therefore investigated the antioxidant, immunomodulatory activities, and safety of its ethanol extract and fractions. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the extract and fractions were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test while in vivo activities were determined using carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄) induced oxidative stress. Cell and humoral mediated immune responses were also evaluated together with toxicity studies. The extract, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions showed inhibition of DPPH radical with IC₅₀s 120, 90, and 60 μg/mL, respectively. Methanol fraction at 200 mg/kg produced significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of lipid peroxidation (MDA conc. 1.2 μmol/L) compared to control (2.8 μmol/L). Both ethyl acetate and methanol fractions at 200 mg/kg produced significant (P < 0.05) phagocytic index of 0.021 and 0.025, respectively, compared with control (0.01). Significant (P < 0.05) elevations of white blood cells, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were noticed on the 91st day at higher doses. Generally, this study justified the traditional use of G. latifolium fruit for general body healing and maintenance of healthy living. Long term administration is safe on the haematological and biochemical systems especially at lower doses and its toxicity at higher doses is reversible.

Effects of Different Amounts of Supplemental Selenium and Vitamin E on the Incidence of Retained Placenta, Selenium, Malondialdehyde, and Thyronines Status in Cows Treated with Prostaglandin F2α for the Induction of Parturition

The incidence of retained placenta (RP) in cows increases in cases of parturition induced by prostaglandin F2α . We analyzed the effects of different doses of supplemental selenium and vitamin E on the incidence of RP, blood selenium, plasma thyronines, and malondialdehyde concentration. Thirty-three clinically healthy, multiparous Holstein-Frisian cows were assigned to 3 groups and supplemented with a single intramuscular injection of sodium selenite (SS) and tocopherol acetate (TAc) between days 250 to 255 of gestation: control-unsupplemented; group A-10 mg SS + 400 mg TAc; group B-20 mg SS + 800 mg TAc. Parturition was induced using PGF2α not before day 275 of gestation. The RP incidence was reduced from 66.7% in the control to 38.2 and 30.8% in groups A and B, respectively. Blood selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity in treated groups were significantly higher compared to control, with no significant difference between groups A and B. Plasma malondialdehyde in group B was significantly lower than that in control and group A, while thyronines levels were not affected. Comparison of RP and non-RP cows, independently of supplement treatment, revealed higher blood selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity and lower MDA and thyroxine in non-RP animals, while triiodothyronine level did not differ.

Genomic organization of the cytosolic manganese superoxide dismutase gene from the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, and its response to thermal stress

Cytosolic manganese superoxide dismutase (cMnSOD) is an important antioxidant enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of superoxides to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide in several organisms. In the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, three cMnSOD genes (LvcMnSOD1-3) have previously been characterized. Here, the genomic structure of LvcMnSOD2 and its mRNA expression in response to thermal stress was examined. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence demonstrated that LvcMnSOD2 is comprised of 2392 bp spanning from the ATG translation start site to the stop codon and contains six exons interrupted by five introns. The 5' region upstream of the LvcMnSOD2 gene contains several putative regulatory elements but lacks the accepted TATA sequence. The putative transcription factor binding elements that may be involved in LvcMnSOD2 mRNA expression level include activator protein-1 (AP-1), cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), upstream stimulatory factor (USF), CAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and heat shock regulatory element (HSE). In addition, we compared the 5' upstream sequences of the LvcMnSOD2 gene between two shrimp strains that are resistant or susceptible to Taura syndrome virus (TSV), respectively, which revealed the absence of the USF and C/EBP elements at positions -2125 and -1986, respectively, in the TSV-susceptible shrimp line. Moreover, genomic variations between the two shrimp strains were detected in some of the putative C/EBP, USF, HSE and NF-κB transcription factor binding elements. That these genomic variations might be involved in the TSV resistance as well as in stress responses remains to be evaluated. The presence of 15 putative HSEs suggests that the expression of LvcMnSOD2 is regulated under thermal stress. Here, we found that in response to a 1 or 3 h thermal stress (35 °C), the mRNA expression levels of LvcMnSOD2 were significantly increased and then gradually decreased in the recovering phase at room temperature (25 °C) to control levels by 3 h after the heat shock. Thus, the antioxidant system may be induced to protect cells from the oxidative damage caused by thermal stress. The genomic organization of LvcMnSOD2 likely provides a clue to the mechanisms that might regulate the antioxidant defense pathway in shrimps and so potentially in marine invertebrates.

Lycopene modulates initiation of N-nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatocarcinogenesis: studies on chromosomal abnormalities, membrane fluidity and antioxidant defense system

Oxidative damage due to free radicals generated during nitrosamine metabolism has been suggested as one of the major cause for the initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis. Lycopene, is a well known antioxidant and have promising preventive potentials, however the mechanism of action remain hypothetical and unclear. To investigate the involvement of lycopene extracted from tomatoes (LycT) against oxidative stress induced deleterious effect of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) on cellular macromolecules, female Balb/c mice were divided in four groups: Control, NDEA (cumulative dose of 200mg NDEA/kg body weight injected intraperitoneally in 8 weeks), LycT (5mg/kg body weight given orally on alternate days, throughout the study) and LycT+NDEA (co-administration of LycT and NDEA). NDEA treatment commenced after 2 weeks of LycT administration. At the end of NDEA exposure i.e., at 10th week, enhanced activities of hepatic phase I enzymes, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO) was observed in NDEA group which may have contributed in chromosomal aberrations, enhanced micronucleated cell score, membrane fluidity and serum liver marker enzymes. A significant decrease in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant system could delineate the mechanism behind such NDEA insults. LycT pre-treatment to NDEA challenged group showed lower chromosomal abnormalities, micronucleated cells score, ROS, LPO levels and liver enzymes. Lycopene aids in normalizing the membrane fluidity and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione which could account for the reduced oxidative damage in LycT+NDEA group. It seemed that lycopene supplementation target multiple dys-regulated pathways during initiation of carcinogenesis. Thus, dietary supplementation with lycopene can serve as an alternate measure to intervene the initiation of carcinogenesis.

Effects of molecular structure on kinetics and dynamics of the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay with ABTS(+•)

Reaction kinetics in the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay between ABTS(+•) [2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation radical] and compounds with different structure, molecular weight, number of OH groups, and redox potential were investigated by recording loss of ABTS(+•) absorbance (734 nm) continuously over time. Curves showed six distinguishable kinetic patterns, including both immediate and extended reaction components. Radical quenching rates in the immediate component most relevant to reactions in foods and tissues depended on phenol structure and steric accessibility to the hindered radical, while reaction stoichiometry correlated with the number of phenol groups (>0.81) but not redox potential. Current assay procedures measure antioxidant capacity under conditions not relevant to actual applications and do not determine radical quenching rates. Results raise serious questions regarding the ability of reactions with the hindered ABTS(+•) to rank actual radical quenching by compounds with different structures and invalidate reporting antioxidant activity as Trolox equivalents.

Anti-hyperglycemic effects of three medicinal plants in diabetic pregnancy: modulation of T cell proliferation

Background

Populations in Africa mostly rely on herbal concoctions for their primarily health care, but so far scientific studies supporting the use of plants in traditional medicine remain poor. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic effects of Picralima nitida (seeds), Nauclea latifolia (root and stem) and Oxytenanthera abyssinica (leaves) commonly used, in diabetic pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant wistar rats, rendered diabetic by multiple low injections of streptozotocin, were treated with selected plant extracts based on their antioxidant activities. Vitamin C concentrations, fatty acid compositions and phytochemical analysis of plants extracts were determined. Effect of selected plant extracts on human T cell proliferation was also analysed.

Results

All analysed plant extracts exhibited substantial antioxidant activities probably related to their content in polyphenols. Picralima nitida exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. Ethanolic and butanolic extracts of Picralima nitida, butanolic extract of Nauclea latifolia and ethanolic extract of Oxytenanthera abyssinica significantly decreased hyperglycemia in the diabetic pregnant rats. Butanolic extract of Picralima, also appeared to be the most potent immunosuppressor although all of the analysed extracts exerted an immunosuppressive effect on T cell proliferation probably due to their linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) and/or alkaloids content. Nevertheless, all analysed plants seemed to be good source of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.

Conclusion

By having antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and immunosuppressive activities, these plants could be good candidates in the treatment of diabetes and diabetic pregnancy.

Antioxidant and immunostimulant effect of carica papaya linn. Aqueous extract in acrylamide intoxicated rats

INTRODUCTION

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and immunostimulant effects of The Carica papaya fruit aqueous extract (CPF, Caricaceae) against acrylamide induced oxidative stress and improvement of Immune functions which affected by free radicals liberating acrylamide in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty male wistar albino rats (195-230g) were assigned to four groups, (fifteen/group). The first group used as control group and received normal physiological saline orally daily. The second group was supplemented with acrylamide 0.05% in drinking water. The third group was gastro-gavaged with 250 mg/kg of papaya fruit extract orally on daily basis. The fourth group was supplemented with acrylamide 0.05% in drinking water and gastro-gavaged with 250 mg/kg of papaya fruit extract orally on daily basis. The chosen dose of papaya fruit extract was based on the active pharmacological dose range obtained from the orientation study earlier conducted. The experimental period was extended to forty day. At the expiration of the experimental period and night fasting, blood samples were collected from the orbital venous sinus. The sera were separated and used for determining of IgG and IgM and the stomach, liver and kidney homogenates for estimation of MDA, GSH level, SOD and CAT activity as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation and antioxidative stress.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The obtained results revealed that, acrylamide caused significant increases in MDA and decrease of GSH level, SOD and CAT activity due to the oxidative stress induced by acrylamide on membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids in rat's stomach, liver and kidney while administration of CPF aqueous extract, was significantly ameliorated the increased levels of MDA and decline of GSH, SOD and CAT activity in the stomach, liver and kidney tissues caused by acrylamide toxicity. Meanwhile, CPF aqueous extract significantly increased immune functions (IgG and IgM) while acrylamide significantly decrease it specially IgG. Thus, this study suggests that acrylamide-induced oxidative stress in rats can be ameliorated by administration of CPF aqueous extract.