The protective effect of xanthenone against LPS-induced COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by modulating the ACE2/Ang-1-7 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an inflammatory lung disease that has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It's an acute diffusive lung injury caused by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines into the lungs. Specific microRNAs have been identified to play a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin system signaling pathways the main pathophysiological pathway responsible for ARDS. Since the ARDS life-threatening complication associated with COVID-19 is an ongoing challenge, this current study aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of xanthenone in the treatment of ARDS induced with LPS in mice through ACE2 activation and modulation of miR-200 and ACE2/Ang 1-7 pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were categorized into three groups randomly. The first set of mice served as the normal control group. The ARDS group was injected with LPS (15 mg/kg; i.p.). The last group was treated with xanthenone (2 mg/kg/day; p.o.) for one week before the LPS injection. RESULTS: Xanthenone treatment resulted in a significant down-regulation of miRNA-200 expression, leading to the activation of ACE2 accompanied with marked inhibition of Angiotensin II as well as increases the levels of Ang 1-7 and SP-A. CONCLUSIONS: Xanthenone has the potential to be a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of ARDS COVID-19 complication through activation of ACE2/Ang 1-7 pathways. https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/Graphical_abstract.tif.

The cardioprotective effect of microRNA-103 inhibitor against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in mice through targeting FADD/RIPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

The current study investigates the effect of the innovative phosphorothioate modified backbone locked nucleic acid (LNA) of microRNA-103 (miR-103) specifically designed for systemic delivery in the silencing of miR-103 in experimentally induced myocardial infarction (MI). MicroRNA-103 is a small non-coding RNA which regulates Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) gene expression, which is a negative regulator for necroptosis occurs during the progression of MI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental male mice were allocated into three groups; the first group received normal saline, the second group was injected with isoprenaline and served as the infarcted control, while the third group was treated with LNA miR-103 power inhibitor before isoprenaline injection. Blood and heart samples were used for biochemical analysis of miR-103, FADD, receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK), nuclear factor-κβ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, troponin-I and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) as well as the histological examination of heart tissue.

RESULTS

The treated mice showed marked improvement in the troponin-I and CK-MB levels with almost normal histological structure of heart tissue. Significant inhibition of miR-103 accompanied by increased FADD expression and markedly decreased expression of the other biomarkers were observed in the hearts of the treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

LNA miR-103 inhibitor is a potent cardioprotective agent and can be a promising treatment against MI through targeting FADD/RIPK pathway.

The cardioprotective effect of astaxanthin against isoprenaline-induced myocardial injury in rats: involvement of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) represents a factor that plays a major role in the pathogenesis of CVDs. The current study aims to investigate the modulatory effects of astaxanthin and its molecular mechanisms in rats with isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were pretreated with astaxanthin daily for 14 days prior to inducing myocardial infarction with isoprenaline in the final two days. Blood and heart tissue samples were collected 24 hours after the last dose of isoprenaline was injected for biochemical and histological analysis.

RESULTS

Isoprenaline-induced myocardial injury was demonstrated with histopathological examination of heart tissue and the significantly elevated serum troponin-I. Isoprenaline caused an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in antioxidants. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression levels were significantly higher in infarcted rats. Astaxanthin pretreatment had a significant preventive effect on all of the biochemical and molecular parameters tested in myocardial infarcted rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Astaxanthin's cardioprotective effect has been linked to the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This inhibits the release of inflammatory cytokines, which can cause myocardial cell death. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, astaxanthin is a promising cardioprotective agent.

Dexmedetomidine as an additive to local anesthetics compared with intravenous dexmedetomidine in peribulbar block for cataract surgery

Background:

No studies compared parenteral dexmedetomidine with its use as an adjuvant to ophthalmic block. We compared between adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in peribulbar block and intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine during peribulbar block for cataract surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study on 90 patients for cataract surgery under peribulbar anesthesia. Study included three groups; all patients received 10 ml of peribulbar anesthesia and IV infusion of drugs as follows: Group I: Received a mixture of bupivacaine 0.5% (4.5 ml) + lidocaine 2% (4.5 ml) + normal saline (1 ml) + 150 IU hyaluronidase + IV infusion of normal saline, Group II: Received mixture of bupivacaine 0.5% (4.5 ml) + lidocaine 2% (4.5 ml) + dexmedetomidine 50 μg (1 ml) +150 IU hyaluronidase + IV infusion of normal saline and Group III: Received mixture of bupivacaine 0.5% (4.5 ml) + lidocaine 2% (4.5 ml) + normal saline (1 ml) +150 IU hyaluronidase + IV dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg over 10 min; followed by 0.4 μg/kg/h IV infusion. We recorded onset, duration of block, Ramsay Sedation Score, intra-ocular pressure (IOP), hemodynamics, and adverse effects.

Results:

There was a significant decrease in the onset of action and increase in the duration of block in Group II as compared with the Group I and Group III. Mean Ramsay Sedation Score was higher in Group III. The IOP showed a significant decrease in Group II and Group III 10 min after injection (P < 0.01). Heart rate showed a significant decrease in Group III in comparison with the two other groups (P < 0.05). Only two patients in Group III developed bradycardia.

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine as an additive shortens onset time, prolong block durations and significantly decreases the IOP with minimal side effects. IV dexmedetomidine, in addition, produces intra-operative sedation with hemodynamic stability.

Effect of raising dietary protein, amino acids and/or energy levels as an attempt to alleviate severity of the chronic aflatoxicosis by broiler chicks. 2. Biochemical characteristics

Aflatoxin caused some reduction in moisture contents of chest and liver, lipids of thigh and blood, blood glucose, muscular protein and GOT in liver. It led also to increase of moisture contents of thigh and kidneys; chest lipids; blood cholesterol; protein of liver, kidneys and blood and blood creatinine. The different supplements used herein led to increasing moisture of muscles, liver and kidneys (except on oil addition); lipids of muscles (except of chest on high energy diet) and blood (except on amino acids-supplemented diet); blood cholesterol (except on high energy one); protein of thigh (except on high protein one) and blood (except on high energy or amino acids diets) and liver GPT (except on high energy diet). The additives led also to low blood glucose; protein of chest (except on high energy), liver, and kidneys; blood creatinine; liver GOT (particularly with high energy or amino acids); plasma GOT (on high amino acids) and plasma GPT. The 2-week withdrawal period led to low moisture contents of muscles and kidneys of most treatments, although they continued higher than in the control for chest, liver and kidneys. It increased blood glucose and cholesterol with continuous higher lipid content of muscles and blood and blood cholesterol than in the control. It led to elevated protein content of muscles, liver (except on the control or supplements mixture), kidneys (on the aflatoxin alone or with the amino acids) and blood (except on the control or aflatoxin alone or with high protein) and blood creatinine (except on the control or on the high energy or the supplements mixture).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of raising dietary protein, amino acids and/or energy levels as an attempt to alleviate severity of the chronic aflatoxicosis by broiler chicks. 1. Performance and toxicity symptoms

In an attempt to alleviate the aflatoxicosis symptoms by broiler chicks fed on low (50 ppb) aflatoxin-contaminated diet; the dietary nutrients were elevated by 2.6% for protein, 0.54 MJ ME/kg for energy or 0.5% for each of methionine and lysine. These supplements were mixed altogether and applied as well. All the experimental diets were offered for a 6-week period followed by a 2-week period on aflatoxin--free diet without supplements as a withdrawal period. It was proved after the treatment period that the raising of energy concentration was beneficial to overcome the aflatoxin effects on the body weight, feed conversion rate, and dressing (eviscerated weight) percentage and stability of relative weights of liver and kidneys. Additionally, the supplements' mixture improved the body weight and the relative weight of the liver comparing with the chicks fed on the aflatoxin diet without additives. All of the contaminated diets, except that of the high energy, caused apparently toxic symptoms besides the internal gross pathology. The high energy diet reflected the lowest mortality rate, whereas the highest was with the amino acids supplemented one. The withdrawal period resulted in lower differences among treatments in the body weight. It improved also the dressing percentage (significantly) and to some extent the results of the post-mortem examination.

Effect of gibberellic acid on broiler chickens performance and some metabolic parameters

Feeding 2-weeks old broiler chicks on gibberellic acid (GA3)-containing diets (0, 1, 5, 25 and 125 ppm) for 3-weeks led, generally, to nonsignificant increase of body weight, decreased feed consumption and better feed conversion (on 25-125 ppm). Yet, the percentages of the carcass and the other organs (liver, gizzard, heart) and glands (adrenal, thyroid and pituitary) weights were lower comparing with the control (0 level). Blood protein and magnesium concentrations raised significantly. Blood glucose increased but not significantly. There was remarkable decrease (P < or = 0.01) in transaminases activity. The muscular protein decreased, whereas the fat percentage significantly increased. The bone reflected lower density and mineral (calcium, magnesium and phosphorus) contents. GA3 led to numerous histological lesions in different organs. Two-weeks withdrawal period did not ameliorate the negative effects of GA3-inclusion whether on the dressing percentages, blood picture, or on the muscles and bone constituents.

Effect of partially substituting concentrate feed mixture by either fresh or waste oil in sheep diets

Seven digestibility trials were carried out on sheep to study the effect of replacing concentrate feed mixture (CFM) with varying amounts of fresh (raw) sunflower oil or heated oil from bean cake (Taamiah) frying, in almost isocalorific and isonitrogenous diets. Boiling altered the physical and chemical properties of oil but not significantly except for the peroxide value (P < or = 0.05). Substitution with fresh oil significantly increased the digestibility of nutrients, whereas the boiled lead to conflicting results where all the digestibilities tended to decrease. The feeding value was also affected by the addition of oil. The blood analyses of the animals reflected biochemical changes indicating some dysfunction of the internal organs, in particular the liver showed signs of hyperlipidaemia and hypercholesterolaemia. It was concluded that the loss of CFM energy could be partly substituted by fresh oil or by a small amount of waste oil.

Effect of feed-borne pollution with some mycotoxin combinations on broiler chicks

Broiler chicks were divided into five groups and fed starter mash from the first day after hatching. The first group feed (control) was mycotoxin free, whereas the mycotoxins sterigmatocystin (350 ppb) and aflatoxin B1 (100 ppb) were added to the second group diet, patulin (100 ppb) and aflatoxin B1 (100 ppb) to the third group feed, penicillic acid (850 ppb) and aflatoxin B1 (100 ppb) to the fourth group, and aflatoxins B2a (0.9 ppb) +G2 alpha (25 ppb) +M1 (0.9 ppb) +M2 (1 ppb) to the fifth group. This contaminated feeding lasted for four weeks followed by another four weeks as recovery period during which all groups fed finishing mash without mycotoxins. At the end of the experiment, the chickens of groups two, three, four and five were significantly lower in body weight and feed conversion and reflected higher mortality rates than those of the control group.

The influence of contamination with separate mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, citrinin, patulin, penicillic acid or sterigmatocystin) on the in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibilities of some roughages (berseem hay and wheat straw)

In vitro study on berseem hay and wheat straw was undertaken to investigate the the effect of mycotoxin contamination on dry matter and organic matter digestibilities. The data revealed a negative effect of most studied mycotoxins on the materials digestibility. Among the investigated mycotoxins, penicillic acid with its two concentrations (5 and 10 nmol) was the most negative, affecting digestibilities of both feed materials. Wheat straw digestibility was more influenced than berseem hay by the ochratoxin A, citrinin and sterigmatocystin (besides the penicillic acid) particularly with their high level (10 nmol). Yet, some mycotoxins act as antibiotics which may affect only the harmful flora but encourage the rumen microflora resulting in slight improvement of digestibility. The rumen conditions were able to metabolize or deform the used levels of all mycotoxins studied. Thus, there were no detectable residues of these mycotoxins in the digestion media after the in vitro fermentation.

Feeding value of dried sugar beet pulp from Egyptian production

Dried sugar beet pulp was fed to sheep in mixture with molasses (BPM), molasses plus urea (BPMU) or with hay (BPH) in comparison to whole diet of hay (H) in four metabolic trials. There were no significant differences among the four rations although BPMU reflected the highest digestibility of nutrients. The BPH had the highest feeding value (total digestible nutrients "TDN" and metabolizable energy) and caused the highest retention of nitrogen. Blood profile revealed that there were no significant effect of the rations on packed cell volume, haemoglobin, activity of glutamic pyruvic transaminase, Mg and Na. Whereas glucose, total N, Ca, P and K significantly affected. The BPMU and BPH were found to be the best mixtures of the four tested rations in respect to the digestibility, feeding value and blood picture. Thus, dried sugar beet pulp could be offered to animals in a mixture with molasses and urea or with hay according to the availability and price of the other ingredients than beet pulp, i.e. molasses and urea or hay.

Influence of zearalenone on some metabolic, physiological and pathological aspects of female rabbits at two different ages

Thirty six female rabbits half of which at four months of age while the other half aged eight months. Each group of age was divided into three subgroups of an equal number and received 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 ppm zearalenone (F-2) in the feed of young animals and 0.0, 1.0 and 4.0 ppm in the feed of the old one for 18 days. The data showed that zearalenone administration to young rabbit diets elevated body weight gain, feed intake, water consumption, digestibility and digesta contents of dry matter and ash. Haemoglobin percent, packed cell volume, and serum calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C were also increased in response to dietary F-2. Liver dry matter, ether extract and ash contents as well as bone density, ash and silica contents were considerably elevated in the young treated animals. The opposite trend however, was seen for all studied parameters of old rabbits fed on diets supplemented with F-2. On the other hand, zearalenone application caused a noticeable histopathological changes in liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, adrenal glands, spleen and uterus. Thus, and in spite of its improving the performance of young rabbits, it would not be recommended to use F-2 as anabolic agent in rabbits diet.

Effect of feedborne fluorine intoxication on broiler chicks' performance, biochemistry, physiology and pathology

Feeding broiler chicks on graded levels of fluorine (0, 25, 125, 625 and 3125 ppm F) from NaF for 4 weeks (4-7 weeks of age) resulted in various alterations which depended on the level of contamination. The main changes included poor growth and feed conversion, high mortality rate, disorders of bone formation, decreased relative weights of pituitary, adrenal, heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and gizzard and changes in intestinal dimensions. Also, the biochemical tests revealed other kinds of physiological disfunction mainly in the form of anaemia (low haematocrit, haemoglobin, total protein, albumin and globulin fractions), intoxication (increased methaemoglobin), nephrotic (raised phosphorus and magnesium) and hepatic (elevated lipoproteins and lowering enzymatic activity) disfunctions. The general observations and postmortem examination confirmed also the biochemical findings which revealed the harmful effect of feedborne-fluorine intoxication in broiler chicks.

Effect of feed intake and dietary vitamin A levels on sheep performance

A study was conducted on 20 "Rahmani" male lambs of 16 kg body weight fed on normal feed level and high vitamin A level (NF-HV); normal feed level and normal vitamin A level (NF-NV); low feed level and high vitamin A level (LF-HV) or low feed level and normal vitamin A level (LF-NV) till slaughter weight of 35-40 kg. Average daily gains of lambs were 211, 148, 117 and 87 g for the NF-HV, NF-NV, LF-HV and LF-NV groups, respectively. The corresponding feed conversions were 4.3, 5.9, 5.0 and 6.4 kg DM/kg gain. Raising feed intake and vitamin A level enhanced nutrients digestibility and nitrogen balance. Rumen liquor reflected higher pH value in animals fed higher intake (NF) in the first two diets. Both feed intake and vitamin A levels enhanced volatile fatty acids and ammonia concentrations in the rumen liquor. Feed intake and vitamin A levels positively affected haemoglobin content, packed cell volume, glucose, urea, total protein, vitamin A, insulin, cholesterol, phospholipids, glutamate oxaloacetate and glutamate pyruvate transaminases and alkaline phosphatase in blood Vitamin A, insulin, cholesterol and phospholipids in blood increased gradually over the experimental period. Dressing percentages were 56.2, 49.6, 49.1 and 44.6% for the experimental groups, respectively. Liver content of glycogen and vitamin A increased with increasing feed intake and vitamin A levels. It is concluded that higher levels of vitamin A supplementation (than usually recommended) is required during fattening of lambs. Low energy and normal vitamin A levels are not recommended in lambs feeding.

Effect on catfish (Clarias lazera) composition of ingestion rearing water contaminated with lead or aluminum compounds

To study the effect of contaminated rearing water of catfish (Clarias lazera) with lead acetate, lead chloride or aluminum chloride, 3 level of concentrations (10, 50 and 100 ppm) of each salt were added in the rearing water for 6 weeks. The results of this experiment confirmed the followings: Existence of deaths among fishes reared in water contaminated with the inorganic pollutants (PbCl2 and AlCl3) but not with the organic lead. The treatments led to pathological findings e.g. haemorrhages and congestion of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Protein content was decreased insignificantly (P greater than or equal to 0.05) than for the control. The decrease was accompanied with the elevation of contamination level, especially in the lead acetate treatment. The ether extract increased in the treated fish than in the control. The increase was related to the pollutant level especially in the PbCl2 and AlCl3 treatments (P less than or equal to 0.01). Gross energy, generally, increased slightly by the application of the pollutants than in the control fishes. Muscular contents of ash, calcium, magnesium, and lead were increased significantly than the control. The contents of Na, K (P less than or equal to 0.01) and P (P less than or equal to 0.05) decreased in the treated fishes.

Occurrence of some mycotoxins (aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, citrinin, zearalenone and vomitoxin) in various Egyptian feeds

Ninety five samples of various Egyptian feedstuffs were investigated for the aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 means thin layer chromatography (TLC). Out of these samples 44.2% were positive (maize, rice crack, rice germ, rice germ cake, rice bran, wheat bran, cotton seed, cotton seed cake, peanut, and mixed feed for broilers, egg production, calf fattening and milk production). High percentage (90.5%) of the positive samples were contaminated with less than 100 ppb total aflatoxins. Peanut from "Ismailia" showed the highest contamination-mean of 400 ppb aflatoxin B1. The contamination relationship between kernels and shell of the same pods of the peanut was 1:7. The lowest contamination-mean was 5 ppb B1 in soya bean samples. All samples of horse bean and fish meal were negative. Aflatoxin B1 was present alone so frequently (in 76.2% of the positive samples). The relationship between the concentrations of aflatoxins B2:G1:B1 was 1:2.3:22.4. 51 different samples of foods and feeds from various Egyptian regions were collected and investigated for the nephrotoxic mycotoxin ochratoxin A means TLC. Twelve samples (23.5%) from them were designated as positive samples. The positive samples belonged to white maize, wheat, wheat bran, beans, rice germ, rice germ cake, broilers feed, egg production feed, and milk production feed; whereas the yellow maize (hybrid), soya beans, wheat soya meal, rice crack, cotton seed, cotton seed cake, and fish meal samples were negative. The contamination range was from 4 ppb to 577 ppb with an average of 58.2 +/- 22.9 ppb. Half of the positive samples was contaminated with 10-100 ppb whereas 41.7% from the positive samples had less than 10 ppb and 8.3% only had more than 100 ppb. Citrinin is existing in Egyptian food and feedstuffs. Out of 52 different samples--from various Egyptian regions-15.4% were positive. These were rice bran, rice germ, maize (white), wheat bran, cotton seed cake and fish meal. The highest contamination was in fish meal (40-70 ppb) whereas the lowest was in wheat bran (3 ppb). Mean of the contamination level was 25.9 +/- 3.4 ppb with a range of 3-70 ppb. For the first time in the Egyptian foods and feeds will be informed about the presence of the mycotoxin zearalenone with a high concentration. From several Egyptian places, 64 samples were collected (4 samples for each food or feed stuff).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of feeding sheep on naturally spoiled rice straw, clover hay and concentrate feed mixtures

The effects of feeding naturally contaminated feedstuffs to sheep were investigated through feeding of contaminated and uncontaminated clover hay, rice straw, and concentrate feed mixture were compared. The highest level of contamination with fungi was observed in the concentrate feed mixture followed by clover hay and rice straw. The most dominant mycotoxin in the contaminated feedstuffs was zearalenone. Contamination resulted in increases of crude protein, ash and silica in feedstuffs while both ether extract and crude fibre decreased. In vivo digestibility of different diet constituents in both contaminated and uncontaminated feedstuffs were determined using four mature Rahmani rams. Contamination resulted in significant increase in the digestibility of dry matter, crude fibre and energy. Contamination affected feed intake of the different feedstuffs particularly the concentrate feed mixture. A metabolism trial was also conducted to study the nitrogen and mineral balance. Retention of nitrogen and calcium was reduced when mouldy feeds were given. On the other hand, magnesium was relatively increased. Blood analysis for sheep at the end of the trials resulted in elevated values of inorganic phosphorus and phospholipid phosphorus and declined total nitrogen, calcium, cholesterol, calcium/phosphorus ratio and cholesterol/calcium ratio due to feeding on mouldy ration. Results of the urine analysis during the metabolism trials proved that mouldy ration increased the estimated values of the concentration of calcium, magnesium and vitamin C; whereas pH values, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and inorganic phosphorus were declined during the feeding on the mouldy ration. Mouldy feeds tested, seemed to have toxic, nephritic and hepatic effect.

Effect of low level of dietary aflatoxins on baladi rabbits

Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 & G2 were administered in a low concentration (100 ppb of each aflatoxin (AN] in a mash offered to Baladi rabbits. An other group of rabbits were fed on the same contaminated mash in addition to 0.25% charcoal (CC). The two groups were compared to control animals fed on AN-free mash. Inclusion of AN in the diet decreased feed and water consumption, body weight and survival rate. Charcoal improved somewhat feed and water consumption and growth rate than AN-group. However, CC-group affected digestibility of organic matter more than AN-group. Relative weights of liver, kidneys, heart and adrenal glands were significantly higher in AN and CC groups than the control group. Blood haemoglobin content, packed cell volume percentage and sedimentation rate were lower in AN group. Although there were an increase in each of serum, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, cholesterol, phospholipids and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase in AN group, yet the serum nitrogen and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase were reduced. Charcoal had alleviated AN-effects concerning N, GPT and phospholipids. Chemical analysis revealed elevation of water, ash and silica contents of liver and water content of muscles from AN-animals. On the other hand, fat content, GOT and vitamin A in the liver as well as muscles ash were reduced. Addition of CC to the diet reduced AN-effects on liver fat, ash and silica but resulted in a rise of the water content of liver and muscles and liver GPT activity. Charcoal also resulted in a sharp decrease in vitamin A content of the liver. Aflatoxin treatments (in AN and CC groups) reduced bone ash, silica and magnesium as well as bone volume. Charcoal administration increased Ca-content of bones. Aflatoxin feeding (in AN group) resulted in a high residual percentage of AN in muscles, serum, liver, heart and kidneys with relationships of 51 :24 : 3 :2 : 1, respectively. Only 1.42% of the fed AN was excreted in the faeces. Charcoal usage had a good effect as it prevented AN to accumulate in the organs. Aflatoxin contaminated diets (in AN and CC groups) resulted in paralysis, disorder of fat deposition, discolouration and haemorrhages of some organs. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed no ill effect on the surface structure of the small intestine due to either AN or AN + CC. Pathological examination showed that the main affected organs were liver, heart and spleen, respectively. The changes include hepatic round cell infiltration, irregularities of lobular plats, focal necrosis and periportal fibrosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Study on effects of feeding laying hens on separate mycotoxins (aflatoxins, patulin, or citrinin)-contaminated diets on the egg quality and tissue constituents

Four groups (each of 8 laying hens plus one cock) were offered commercial laying mash contaminated with 100 ppb of aflatoxins, citrinin, patulin or uncontaminated (control) for 6 weeks. The mycotoxin-contaminated diets led to some significant changes in egg characteristics and composition such as ash and calcium contents of the egg shell. The noticeable changes including also the relative weights of adrenal glands. Blood profile reflected too alterations (P greater than 0.05) in urea content and activity of both glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase as well. The mycotoxins affected significantly moisture and fat contents of the red muscle and protein content, texture and percentage of lean meat in both types of muscles (red and white). Patulin toxicosis was responsible for the strongest alterations in moisture, fat and vitamin A contents of the laying hen's liver and for the lowest calcium content of egg shell besides the shape alteration of the eggs. Laying hens fed on aflatoxin-contaminated diet produced hatched chicks with higher weight (P less than or equal to 0.05) than those from the controls. Citrinin residues were 10 ppb in the fresh muscles and egg yolk and 6 ppb in egg white.

Effect of feeding rabbits on naturally moulded and mycotoxin-contaminated diet

For studying the effects of naturally moulded diet on mature female-rabbits, Buskat rabbits were fed for 6 weeks on a naturally moulded diet comparing with the other similar group of animals which was fed also on the same ingredients in the first diet, except that, they were sound (not moulded apparently). The results which were obtained from this study due to the feeding on the moulded diet were as follows: 1. Decreasing the feed intake significantly (P less than 5%) and increasing somewhat the water consumption, but the water/feed ratio increased significantly (P less than 5%). 2. Reduction of the digestibility of most nutrients, especially of the crude fibre (P less than 1%) and crude protein (P less than or equal to 5%). 3. Changing in the relative weights of different organs particularly the significant (P less than 5%) decrease in weight of the liver and spleen as well as the significant (P less than 5%) increase in weight of empty stomach and female genital tract. 4. The most important haematological changes were the reduction in cholesterol content and the elevation of phospholipid concentration, thus the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio decreased by the rate of 40.7%. Calcium/phosphorus ratio increased by the rate of 9.5% as a result of increasing calcium content in the control serum. 5. Chemical analyses revealed a significant (P less than 1%) reduction in ash content of the liver and magnesium content of the tibia bone, a slight decrease in liver content of iron and ether extract, and significant (P less than 5%) rise in femoral muscle content of the ether extract.

Possibility of fat addition in the rabbit diets

Baladi rabbits were fed on five-similar-experimental diets, except the replacement for starch in the 1st diet, cattle tallow in the 2nd, cotton seed oil in the 3rd, and hydrogenated palm oil in the 4th instead of 2% more wheat bran in the 5th (control) diet. All other husbandry conditions were the same for all groups of animals during the experimental period of 7 weeks. The cattle tallow in the second diet caused significant increase of feed intake, growth rate, relative weights of kidneys, lungs and heart and calcium of the tibia bone. This diet had tendency to diminish significantly blood contents of total nitrogen and cholesterol as well as vitamin A in the liver and tibia contents of silica, phosphorus and magnesium. Diet number 3 included cottonseed oil lowered blood contents of glucose, phosphorus, cholesterol and enzyme activity of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase in the serum and specific gravity of tibia bone. On the other hand, it elevated significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) stored vitamin A in the liver than on all other experimental diets. Feeding rabbits on diet including hydrogenated palm oil subsided liver contents of dry matter, ash and vitamin A and raised ether extract of the liver significantly. It reduced also dry matter content of the femoral muscle. Substitution for starch (instead of 2% of the diet fats or bran) increased blood content of haemoglobin and haematocrit (insignificant) but values of glucose and phosphorus as well as liver content of dry matter, content of femoral muscle of dry matter and ether extract and content of tibia bone of silica and phosphorus were significantly higher than the other experimental diets. It decreased relative weights of different organs (significantly) and liver contents of ether extract and vitamin A (insignificantly) than on control diet. It could be said that the addition of cattle tallow and cottonseed oil would be recommended to be included in rabbit diets after more studies to determine the effects of the different animal-vegetable mixtures of fats, the best ratio between the two sources of fats, the interrelationships between that mixtures and the energy of the diet, the dietary protein level, the rabbit breed and their weights and aim of the production under the seasonal variation of the weather.

Effect of the presence of a urea fertilizer plant on the nitrate content of berseem and constituents of milk and blood of buffaloes

An attempt was made to study the effect of the presence of "El-Nasr" Fertilizer Plant in "Talkha" on the nitrate content of berseem as well as on some blood and milk constituents of buffaloes raised in the surrounding areas of the factory. The studied areas included the northern area (0-2 km from the factory), the south eastern area (1.5-3 km from the factory) and the control area (not nearer than 5 km from the factory). The study showed that the nitrate content in berseem grown near the factory had higher NO3 values exceeding 2% NO3 in DM in some cases. Berseem from the areas far from the factory had lower NO3 levels (about 50-200 ppm NO3 in DM). Samples from "El-Mansoura" and "El-Manzala" contained higher NO3 levels than the samples from "El-Senblawin" and "Belkas." There were no clear effects of cut sequence on nitrate levels in berseem. Values of blood packed cell volume and methaemoglobin percentages and plasma urea concentration did not differ significantly among the three areas (northern, south eastern and control areas). Blood haemoglobin and total protein contents were lower, whereas transaminase activity and blood nitrate contents were higher in buffaloes of the south eastern area than those for animals of the other two areas. The blood ammonia content in the control buffaloes was higher than that of the animals of the northern and south eastern areas. The analysis of milk revealed that nitrate levels were not different among areas or between morning and evening milkings. Total milk protein was higher in the northern area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Physionutritional effects of rubratoxin-B on rabbits

The present work lasted 4 weeks to study the effects of rubratoxin-B (RTB)-contaminated diet (1 ppm) on performance and physiological nutrition of Baladi rabbits. In comparison to the toxin-free diet, the contaminated diet caused the following results: Significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) decrease in feed intake and significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) increase in water/feed ratio. Digestibility coefficient of crude protein declined significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) whereas those of ether extract and crude fibre slightly elevated. The autopsy revealed rise of relative weights of liver, genital tract and kidneys (but not significantly), in addition to some gross pathological symptoms (haemorrhage in chest cavity and congestion of lungs, liver and caecum). The analyses proved significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) increase in blood sedimentation rate, serum phosphorus, ether extract of liver and femoral muscle, tibia-bone contents of calcium, magnesium and specific gravity of the bone.

Effect of addition oral contraceptives in chicks diet

Contraceptives are used in poultry production aiming to increase the profit. The present study resulting in some data revealed that the application of contraceptive pills in chicks diet is negatively affecting the chick performance as shown from the insignificant (P greater than or equal to 0.05) decrease of body gain, feed conversion efficiency, deposit fat percent, liver weight percent and blood glucose content. Dressing percentage and total edible parts percentages, did not differ significantly (P greater than 0.05). Biochemical parameters in blood were measured and the results are discussed.

Effect of dietary contamination with mercury on the performance of rabbits

This work was designed to study effects of HgSO4 on rabbits performance when added in the mash diet for 7 weeks with concentrations of 0, 150, and 300 ppm as Hg (6 animals/group). The Hg application caused mortality associated with diarrhoea, haemorrhage, oedema and liver and stomach necrosis. The contaminated diets caused significantly increased feed intake, drinking water consumption and live body gain. Mercury did not affect organ percentages significantly (P greater than or equal to 0.05). Serum analyses reflected a significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) rise in the glucose content (for the animals fed the 300 ppm Hg-diet) with a slight decrease in Ca level and activity of both transaminases GPT and GOT. The most affected organ by the application of Hg was the liver which reflected a slight increase in its dry matter substance, significant increase (P less than or equal to 0.01) in the ether extract percentage on the 300 ppm Hg-diet and severe reduction (P less than or equal to 0.01) in its vitamin A as well as in the iron content (P less than or equal to 0.05) on the 300 ppm Hg-diet. The highest level of Hg added caused an increase (P less than or equal to 0.01) in bone magnesium.