M. F. Gursu

Chromium picolinate, rather than biotin, alleviates performance and metabolic parameters in heat-stressed quail

1. The effects of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation alone and in combination on performance, carcase characteristics, malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C, vitamin E, glucose and cholesterol levels were evaluated in Japanese quail exposed to high ambient temperature. 2. Two hundred and forty quails (10 d old) were assigned randomly to 4 dietary treatments at room temperature (22°C; thermoneutral, TN) or ambient (34°C for 8 h/d; heat stress, HS). Both TN and HS were fed either on a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with 400 µg of Cr/kg (Cr group), 0·5 mg of biotin/kg of diet (biotin group) or both (Cr + Biotin group). 3. Supplementing the diet of heat-stressed quails with chromium picolinate improved live weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and carcase traits. Biotin supplementation during TN and HS conditions did not have any beneficial effects on body weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency or carcase traits. 4. Either in combination or alone, chromium picolinate increased serum concentrations of vitamins C and E, but decreased MDA, glucose and cholesterol concentrations in birds kept at high ambient temperature. There was no difference in vitamins C and E and MDA concentrations between birds given chromium picolinate and birds receiving chromium picolinate plus biotin, while glucose and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in all groups. The lowest concentrations of cholesterol and glucose were found in the combination group under both TN and HS conditions. An interaction between diet and temperature was detected for glucose and cholesterol concentrations. 5. Excretion rates for zinc, iron and chromium were lower in TN groups than in the corresponding HS groups. Supplementing diet with chromium picolinate and chromium picolinate plus biotin decreased excretion of minerals while biotin alone did not effect excretion of minerals. 6. Chromium supplementation, but not biotin supplementation, attenuated the decline in performance and antioxidant status resulting from heat stress.

Lycopene Supplementation Prevents the Development of Spontaneous Smooth Muscle Tumors of the Oviduct in Japanese Quail

Abstract: Leiomyomas (fibroids) are benign tumors of the uterus affecting millions of women. Spontaneous leiomyomas of the oviduct are common tumors of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), which makes it a good animal model for screening potential agents for testing in the prevention and treatment of human myoma uteri. Because dietary intake of lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of a variety of human cancers, we investigated the effects of lycopene supplementation on the development of leiomyomas in the oviduct of Japanese quail. We also measured serum levels of oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and homocysteine], lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and tissue biomarkers Bcl-2 and Bax expression. One hundred twenty quails (6 mo old) were assigned to 3 treatment groups consisting of 4 replicates of 10 birds in each group. Birds were fed either a basal diet (group C) or the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg (group L1) or 200 mg (group L2) of lycopene per kilogram of diet. The animals were sacrificed after 285 days and the tumors were identified. Lycopene supplementation decreased the number of leiomyomas compared with control subjects (P = 0.056). The tumors in lycopene-fed birds were smaller than those found in control birds (P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in the expression of tissue Bcl-2 and Bax among the study groups. Serum vitamins C, E, and A increased (P = 0.01), whereas MDA and homocysteine concentrations decreased (P = 0.01) with lycopene supplementation. No measurable lycopene could be detected in the serum of control birds, whereas a dose-dependent increase was observed in the serum of lycopene-supplemented birds. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with lycopene reduces the incidence and size of spontaneously occurring leiomyoma of the oviduct in the Japanese quail. Clinical trials should be conducted to investigate the efficacy of lycopene supplementation in the prevention and treatment of uterine leiomyoma in humans.

Effects of dietary combination of chromium and biotin on egg production, serum metabolites, and egg yolk mineral and cholesterol concentrations in heat-distressed laying quails.

Chromium picolinate is used in the poultry diet because of its antistress effects in addition to the fact that the requirement for it is increased during stress. This study was conducted to determine if the negative effects of high ambient temperature (34°C) on egg production, egg quality, antioxidant status, and cholesterol and mineral content of egg yolk could be alleviated by combination of chromium picolinate and biotin (0.6/2.0; Diachrome™, as formulated by Nutrition 21 Inc.), in laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japanica), Quails (n=240; 50 d old) were divided into 8 groups, 30 birds per group. The quails were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 2, 4, or 8 mg of Diachrome/kg diet. Birds were kept at 22°C and 53% relative humidity (RH). At 14 wk of age, the thermoneutral (TN) group remained in the same temperature as at the beginning of experiment, whereas the heat stress (HS) group was kept in an environment-controlled room (34°C and 41% RH) for 3 wk. Heat exposure decreased performance when the basal diet was fed (p=0.001). Diachrome supplementation at 4 and 8 mg/kg diet, increased feed intake (p=0.05), egg production (p=0.05), feed efficiency (p=0.01), egg weight (p=0.05), and Haugh unit (p=0.01) in quails reared under heat stress conditions. Heat exposure increased concentrations of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (p=0.001), glucose, and cholesterol (p=0.01), which were elevated by supplemental Diachrome (p≤0.05). Egg yolk Cr, Zn, and Fe (p=0.01) concentrations increased linearly, whereas MDA and cholesterol concentrations decreased (p=0.05) as dietary Diachrome supplementation increased in HS groups. Similar effects of supplementation on serum levels of glucose and cholesterol (p=0.05) and egg yolk concentrations of cholesterol (p=0.05) and Cr (p=0.01) were observed in TN groups. No significant differences in other values were observed in the TN groups. Results of the present study suggest that supplementation with Diachrome protects the quail by reducing the negative effects of heat stress.

Ascorbic acid and melatonin reduce heat-induced performance inhibition and oxidative stress in Japanese quails

1. The effects of ascorbic acid (l-ascorbic acid) and melatonin supplementation on performance, carcase characteristics, malondialdehyde (MDA) as lipid peroxidation indicator, ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherol and mineral status in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to high ambient temperature were evaluated. 2. Two hundred and forty Japanese quails (10 d old) were randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups consisting of 10 replicates of three birds each. The birds were kept in a temperature-controlled room at 22°C (Thermoneutral, TN groups) or 34°C (for 8 h/d; 09:00 to 17:00 h; Heat stress, HS groups). Birds in both TN and HS were fed either a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with 250 mg of l-ascorbic acid/kg of diet (Ascorbic acid group), 40 mg of melatonin/kg of diet (Melatonin group) or both (Ascorbic acid + Melatonin group). 3. Supplementing heat-stressed quails with ascorbic acid and melatonin improved performance compared with the control group. Effects generally were greatest in quails supplemented with both ascorbic acid and melatonin. 4. Although supplementation did not consistently restore the concentrations of serum ascorbic acid, retinol and tocopherol to those of TN groups, these concentrations increased significantly with supplementation. Furthermore, serum and liver MDA and serum cholesterol and glucose concentrations were lower in the supplemented groups than in the heat-stressed controls. 5. Within each environment, excretion of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Fe and Cr were lowest in the combination group and, in all cases, highest in the HS group. Interactions between diet and temperature were detected for live weight gain, cold carcase weight, MDA, ascorbic acid, tocopherol concentrations and excretion of zinc. 6. The results of the study indicate that ascorbic acid and melatonin supplementation attenuate the decline in performance and antioxidant and mineral status caused by heat stress and such supplementation may offer protection against heat-stress-related depression in performance of Japanese quails.

Effects of surgical menopause and estrogen replacement therapy on serum paraoxonase activity and plasma malondialdehyde concentration.

Background: We have investigated the effects of surgical menopause and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in surgically postmenopausal women. Methods: Thirty-six healthy perimenopausal women who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy for uterine myoma were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were taken from the subjects 1 day before surgery, 1 day before starting ERT (30 days after the operation) and on the 30th day after the start of therapy. Results: After surgical menopause, there were significant increases in plasma MDA levels (p < 0.05) and a decrease in serum PON1 activity (p < 0.05). ERT significantly increased the PON1 activity (p < 0.05) and reduced MDA levels (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and PON1 activity (r = 0.7, p < 0.001, n = 36) and a negative correlation between serum PON1 activity and plasma MDA levels (r = –0.63, p < 0.006, n = 36). Conclusions: The present study suggests that postmenopausal women tend to have high levels of plasma MDA and reduced PON1 activity, and ERT reverses these effects. The effect of ERT on lipid peroxidation seems to be associated with serum PON1 activity.

Dietary arginine silicate inositol complex during the late laying period of quail at different environmental temperatures

1. Arginine silicate inositol complex (ASI†; arginine 49·5%, silicon 8·2%, inositol 25%) is a novel material which is a bioavailable source of silicon and arginine. ASI offers potential benefits for vascular and bone health. †Abbreviation key: ASI = arginine silicate inositol complex; BMD = bone mineral density; HS = heat stress; OC = osteocalcin; TN = thermoneutral. 2. Poor eggshell quality has been a major economic concern to commercial egg producers. Poor egg quality, skeletal abnormalities and architectural deterioration of bone tissue are common problems under hot conditions and in older birds. 3. The effects of ASI supplementation on egg production, egg quality, levels of osteocalcin (OC) and bone mineral content were investigated in heat-stressed Japanese quail during the later part of the laying period. 4. The birds were randomly assigned to six treatment groups consisting of six replicates of five birds each in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (temperatures, ASI levels). The birds were kept in wire cages in a temperature-controlled room at either 22°C (TN) or 34°C (HS) for 8 h/d and fed either a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 500 or 1000 g of ASI/kg. 5. Heat exposure reduced egg production, egg quality and bone mineralisation when the basal diet was fed. ASI supplementation had no effect on feed intake or egg production under TN or HS conditions. However, ASI supplementation increased egg weight, shell thickness, shell weight and Haugh unit in both TN and HS groups during the late laying period. Bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly improved by ASI supplementation in both TN and HS groups. Serum osteocalcin (OC) concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased linearly with dietary ASI supplementation during the late laying period. The amount of calcium and phosphorus in the excreta decreased, while ash, mineral content, calcium and phosphorus concentrations in tibia increased in ASI-supplemented quail in both TN and HS groups during the late laying period. 6. ASI supplementation significantly improved egg quality and bone mineralisation in quail during the late laying period and did not affect feed consumption or egg production.

Protective Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Oleic Acid-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

BACKGROUND Oxidative stress is believed to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective role of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) on oleic acid (OA)-induced ALI in rats. STUDY DESIGN Animal experiment. METHODS A total of thirty-five rats were divided into five groups in the study. Group 1 served as a control group. Rats in Group 2 (α-LA) were administered α-LA intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (BW). Rats in Group 3 (OA) were administered OA intravenously at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW. In Group 4 (pre-OA-α-LA), α-LA was given 15 minutes prior to OA infusion, and in Group 5 (post-OA-α-LA), α-LA was given two hours after OA infusion. Four hours after the OA infusion, rats were decapitated. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), and the levels of activity for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Lung tissue samples were taken for histopathological examination. RESULTS Exposure to OA resulted in increases in serum MDA levels (p<0.001), as well as histopathological lesions in lung tissue, and decreases in CAT (p<0.05), GSH-Px (p<0.05) activities and GSH (p<0.05) levels. On the other hand, MDA levels were decreased significantly (p<0.001), while CAT (p<0.05), GSH-Px (p<0.01) activities and GSH (p<0.05) levels were increased significantly in the pre-OA-α-LA group compared with the OA group. CONCLUSION α-LA was found to lessen oxidative stress and to have positive effects on antioxidants in cases of OA-induced ALI. In conclusion, α-LA appears to have protective effects against ALI and potential for the prevention of ALI.

The hematological and biochemical changes in rats exposed to britholite mineral

The present study was to investigate the alteration of biochemical and hematological parameters on the rats exposed to natural radiation caused by britholite mineral (REE, Ca, Na)5 [(Si,P)O4]3(OH,F) within 15 days. Britholite was collected from Kuluncak mining area, Malatya, bearing radioactive 232Th isotope (average 2.68% ThO2), which is rare earth elements found high amounts. Britholite is toxic for the living animal and human and emits the radiation to natural surroundings about 0.8R/h due to its radioactive 232Th properties. In this study, animals were divided to two groups, one groups exposed to 232Th, the other group was served as control group. All animals were fed with same food and water during the experimental study (15 days). After 15 days, the hematologic and biochemical parameters (Na, K, Ca, P, Cl, Mg, glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, albumin, Uric acid, AST, ALT, total protein, Fe, urea and creatine level and hormonal parameters (TSH, T3 and T4)) were analyzed The levels of serum triglyceride in the ionizing radiation group generated by 232Th isotope (p < 0.05) statistically significantly increased compared with control group value. Lymphocytes, TSH, T3 and T4 decreased in the ionizing radiation group generated by 232Th isotope while neutrophils increased in the ionizing radiation group generated by 232Th isotope. The rats exposed to ionizing radiation generated by 232Th isotope caused significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters and the most significantly alteration was observed in the thyroid hormonal levels, which might be due to high radiation doses within short time. These results should be kept in mind to maintain healthy life in people who lives in britholite mineral vicinity.