• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.26 no.11
• /
• pp.1308-1312
• /
• 2016

Heavy metals such as gallium (Ga) cause serious physiological damage to exposed organisms, mostly of aquatic species. Ga one of the inter-metallic, transition elements increasingly being used in making high-speed semiconductors, such as Ga arsenide. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of Ga on acute toxicity, serum biochemical changes, and erythrocyte morphological changes in the blood stream of goldfish (Carassius auratus). Median lethal concentrations were determined in acute tests. The 96 hr $LC_{50}$ value was 9.15 mg/ml. Goldfish were exposed to different Ga concentrations (2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/ml) for 30 days to assess its toxic effects. The results indicate that the measured serum biochemistry parameters (including glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglyceride) of the Ga-exposed fish groups differed significantly from the untreated fish group. In addition, a change in the erythrocytes' morphology at a high concentration (8.0 mg/ml) of Ga exposure shows respiratory problems. Our results suggest that 2.0 mg/ml is proposed as a biologically safe concentration that can be used for establishing tentative water quality criteria concerning the same-size goldfish.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.28 no.7
• /
• pp.1006-1013
• /
• 2015

Heat-stress remains a costly issue for animal production, especially for poultry as they lack sweat glands, and alleviating heat-stress is necessary for ensuring animal production in hot environment. A high ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producer Lactobacillus strain was used to investigate the effect of dietary GABA-producer on laying performance and egg quality in heat-stressed Hy-line brown hens. Hy-Line brown hens (n = 1,164) at 280 days of age were randomly divided into 4 groups based on the amount of freeze-dried GABA-producer added to the basal diet as follows: i) 0 mg/kg, ii) 25 mg/kg, iii) 50 mg/kg, and iv) 100 mg/kg. All hens were subjected to heat-stress treatment through maintaining the temperature and the relative humidity at $28.83{\pm}3.85^{\circ}C$ and 37% to 53.9%, respectively. During the experiment, laying rate, egg weight and feed intake of hens were recorded daily. At the 30th and 60th day after the start of the experiment, biochemical parameters, enzyme activity and immune activity in serum were measured. Egg production, average egg weight, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and percentage of speckled egg, soft shell egg and misshaped egg were significantly improved (p<0.05) by the increasing supplementation of the dietary GABA-producer. Shape index, eggshell thickness, strength and weight were increased linearly with increasing GABA-producer supplementation. The level of calcium, phosphorus, glucose, total protein and albumin in serum of the hens fed GABA-producing strain supplemented diet was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of the hens fed the basal diet, whereas cholesterol level was decreased. Compared with the basal diet, GABA-producer strain supplementation increased serum level of glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.009) and superoxide dismutase. In conclusion, GABA-producer played an important role in alleviating heat-stress, the isolated GABA-producer strain might be a potential natural and safe probiotic to use to improve laying performance and egg quality in heat-stressed hens.

• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.75-84
• /
• 1999

In order to study the effects of $\alpha$-tocopherol acetate in glomerular injury, the minimal change nephrosis disease was induced by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and we examined biochemical analysis in serum and morphological changes. The experimental animals were divided to control, PAN-treated (30 mg/kg, I.p.), vitamin E-treated (200 mg/kg, P.O.), and PAN+vitamin E-treated groups. After PAN injection, the rate of increase of body weight was lower than the other treatments. In addition, at 8 days after PAN injection, total protein content in serum was the lowest, whereas both blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine contents were the highest in all experimental groups, which their changes of serum parameters were statistically significant. In morphological changes, the glomerular tissue at 8 days after PAN injection clearly showed obstruction of urinary space and proliferation of mesangial cells, and that loss and fusion of pedicles, vacuolization and edema of endothelial cells, and thickness of basal lamina were ultrastructurally showed in the glomerulus. Glomerular injury was significantly prevented by administration of vitamin E having an antioxidant effect. It suggested that the glomerular injury induced by PAN was accelerated by hypertension, and renal dysfunction might be induced by oxidative injury.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.11 no.5
• /
• pp.405-414
• /
• 2001

Protaetia brevitarsis has been utilized as an ingredient of the description for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatic diseases in oriental medicine. This study was attempted to investigate whether Protaetia brevitarsis extract(PBE) protects or modulates the liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride or ethanol in Sprageue-Dawley rate. The liver injuries of rats induced by the treatment of carbon tetrachloride or ethanol were manifested by the observation of the significant changes in liver weight, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and microsomal detocification enzymes(cytochrome P_450), cytochrome b$_{5}$, and cytochrome b$_{5}$ reductase).The effect of PBF on the liver damage induced by the chemicals was evaluated with the extent modulated in change of biochemical parameters above. Exposure to ethanol alone resulted a significant change in the ration of liver per body weight, ALT activity, and microsomal detoxification enzymes (cytochrome P_450, cytochrome b$_{5}$, and cytochrome b$_{5}$ reductase), but did not significantly changes in the levels of serum AST activity and TBARS. Pretreatment coith PBE did not modulate the alteration of the ratio of liver to body weigth, and the activities of serum aminotransferascs (AST. ALT), TBARS, and micro somal detoxification enzyme (cytochrome p_450, cytochrome b$_{5}$,and cytochrome b$_{5}$ reductase. These result suggested that PBE has not appreciable therapeutic effect on carbon tetrachloride or ethanol induced hepatotoxicity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.33-44
• /
• 2014

Purpose: Elevated serum phosphorus and potassium levels are a major problem for hemodialysis (HD) patients. Hyperphosphatemia and hyperkalemia are closely related to intake of dietary phosphorus and potassium. Methods: This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of food consumed on serum phosphorus and potassium levels in 48 HD patients (20 males and 28 females). We collected anthropometric data, biochemical parameters, and dietary data of the subjects. Dietary data for usual intake were obtained by use of a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 21 food items. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) was $22.2{\pm}3.0kg/m^2$, mean serum phosphorus level was $4.50{\pm}1.52mg/dl$, and mean serum potassium level was $4.74{\pm}0.73mEq/l$. Hyperphosphatemia (> 4.5 mg/dl) was found in 45.8% of subjects, and hyperkalemia (> 5.0 mEq/l) in 35.4%. Subjects who took medication only were 56% of total, and those who took medication with dietary therapy were 27%. Patients with medication and dietary therapy showed significantly lower serum phosphorus levels compared to patients with medication only (p < 0.05). Mean duration of HD was $7.9{\pm}7.3$ years and it showed positive correlation with serum potassium levels (p < 0.05). Serum phosphorus levels showed positive correlation with intake of mixed grains and soybean milk (p < 0.05). Serum potassium levels showed positive correlation with intake of mixed grains (p < 0.01), potatoes, fish, and high-potassium vegetables (p < 0.05). On the other hand, intake of white rice showed negative correlation with serum potassium levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that intake of white rice rather than mixed grains is an important factor in sustaining normal serum phosphorus and potassium levels. In addition, limiting intake of soybean milk, potatoes, and fish to under three serving per week is recommended. Finally, conduct of a strict dietary therapy along with medical treatment is desirable because inappropriate food intake increases serum phosphorus and potassium levels to a higher than normal range.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.159-164
• /
• 2007

Toxicity screening of a newly developed oral heparin derivative were carried out in 6 male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), composed of a treatment group and vehicle control group. A newly orally active heparin derivative, developed by Seoul National University, was once given to treatment group at dose of 500 mg/kg. A treatment group did not show any change in body weights, hematological parameters including platelet-related varivables (platelet, PDW, PCT, MPV) and serum biochemical parameters (e.g., AST, ALT, BUN, etc.) for 2 weeks compared with those of vehicle control group. We also confirmed the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax, 1.73 IU/ml) and the time (Tmax, 1 hr) to reach Cmax. The present study will be valuable in the proper interpretation for nonclinical study using cynomolgus monkeys in the development of new drug of heparin derivative.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.7-15
• /
• 2014

Objectives: The present study investigated the toxic properties of petroleum ether extract of Wattakaka (W.) volubilis in Wistar female rats. Methods: An in vitro brine shrimp lethality bioassay was studied in A. Salina nauplii, and the lethality concentrations were assessed for petroleum ether extract of W. volubilis. A water soluble portion of the test extract was used in different concentrations from $100-1000{\mu}g/mL$ of 1 mg/mL stock solution. A 24-hours incubation with a 1-mL aliquot in 50 mL of aerated sea water was considered to calculate the percentage rate of dead nauplii with test extract administration against a potassium-dichromate positive control. The acute and the sub-acute toxicities of petroleum ether extract of W. volubilis were evaluated orally by using gavage in female Wistar rats. Food and water intake, body weight, general behavioral changes and mortality of animals were noted. Toxicity or death was evaluated following the administration of petroleum ether extract for 28 consecutive days in the female rats. Serum biochemical parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and ${\alpha}$-amylase levels, were measured in the toxicity evaluations. Pathological changes in isolated organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, were also examined using hematoxylin and eosin dye fixation after the end of the test extract's administration. Results: The results of the brine-shrimp assay indicate that the evaluated concentrations of petroleum ether extract of W. volubilis were found to be non-toxic. In the acute and the sub-acute toxicity evaluations, no significant differences were observed between the control animals and the animals treated with extract of W. volubilis. No abnormal histological changes were observed in any of the animal groups treated with petroleum ether extract of W. volubilis. Conclusion: These results suggest that petroleum ether extract of W. volubilis has a non-toxic effect in Wistar female rats.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.236-244
• /
• 2021

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, irregular menstruation, ovulatory dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Recent studies have reported the possible role of phytoestrogens in PCOS. This animal study aimed to evaluate the effects of genistein on insulin resistance, inflammatory factors, lipid profile, and histopathologic indices on PCOS. Methods: PCOS was induced by 1 mg/kg of letrozole in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats then received normal saline (PCOS group), 150 mg/kg of metformin, or 20 mg/kg of genistein dissolved in 1% methylcellulose solution for 42 days. Body weight, the glycemic and lipid profile, and inflammatory, antioxidative, and histopathological parameters were assessed at the end of the intervention. Results: Treatment with genistein significantly alleviated the increased level of fasting blood insulin (p=0.16) and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (p=0.012). In addition, the genistein group had significantly lower levels of serum malondialdehyde (p=0.039) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (p=0.003), and higher superoxide dismutase enzyme activity (p<0.001). Furthermore, the histopathological analysis indicated that genistein administration led to an increase in luteinization and the development of fewer cysts (p<0.05). Conclusion: Biochemical and histopathological analyses indicated that genistein administration to rats with PCOS induced significant remission in oxidative, inflammatory, and glycemic and histopathologic parameters.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.65 no.3
• /
• pp.550-561
• /
• 2023

This study investigated the effects of corn resistant starch (RS) on the anti-obesity properties, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters in healthy beagles. Four spayed and six castrated beagle dogs were divided into a control group (CON) with a diet comprising rice and chicken meal and a treatment group (TRT) with a diet comprising corn with an increased RS content by heating-cooling and chicken meal. All dogs in the CON and TRT groups were fed a 1.2-fold higher energy diet than the daily recommended energy requirement for 16 weeks. Throughout the study period, the body weight of dogs in CON increased, whereas no change in body weight was observed in TRT, resulting in a significant difference in body weight between the two groups at the end of the experiment. Moreover, a significant reduction in the apparent total tract digestibility was observed upon the analysis of dry matter, nitrogen-free extract, and organic matter in TRT compared with that in CON. The complete blood cell composition and biochemical parameters were within the reference range in both groups. A significant increase in the concentration of serum adiponectin was found in TRT at the end of the experiment. These results suggest that the corn RS may be beneficial for weight management owing to its reduced nutrient digestibility.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.12-18
• /
• 2024

Background: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a prominent technology that can preserve superior genetic traits of animals and expand the population in a short time. Hematological characters and endocrine profiles are important elements that demonstrate the stability of the physiological state of cloned animals. To date, several studies regarding cloned camels with superior genes have been conducted. However, detailed hemato-physiological assessments to prove that cloned camels are physiologically normal are limited. In this study, We evaluated the hemato-physiological characteristics of cloned male and female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries). Methods: Therefore, we analyzed variations in hematological characteristics and endocrine profiles between cloned and non-cloned age-matched male and female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries). Two groups each of male and female cloned and non-cloned camels were monitored to investigate the differences in hemato-physiological characteristics. Results: All the animals were evaluated by performing complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and endocrinological tests. We found no significant difference between the cloned and non-cloned camels. Furthermore, the blood chemistry and endocrine profiles in male and female camels before maturity were similar. Conclusions: These results suggest that cloned and non-cloned camels have similar hematological characteristics and endocrine parameters.