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Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of gedunin, a natural compound, in a rat model of gastric carcinogenesis induced by MNNG. Material and methods Fifty-four rats were randomly assigned to six groups for a 60-day study on the effects of MNNG and gedunin. Groups 1–4 received 200 mg/kg MNNG (1, 10, or 100 mg/kg), and group 5 had only 100 mg/kg gedunin. Results Gedunin at low doses exhibited anti-cancer and protective properties against MNNG-induced damage, including reduced inflammation, and apoptosis. Conclusions Gedunin demonstrates a U-shaped dose-response, with low doses offering protection and high doses promoting tumor growth.

IntroductionNocardia seriolae adversely impacts a diverse range of fish species, exhibiting significant pathogenic characteristics that substantially impede the progress of aquaculture. N. seriolae infects in fish has a long incubation period, and clinical symptoms are not obvious in the early stages. There is presently no viable and eco-friendly approach to combat the spread of the disease. According to reports, N. seriolae primarily targets macrophages in tissues after infecting fish and can proliferate massively, leading to the death of fish. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a crucial molecule that regulates macrophage activation, but little is known about its role in the N. seriolae prevention.MethodsIFN-γ was first defined as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, MsIFN-γ), which has a highly conserved IFN-γ characteristic sequence through homology analysis. The recombinant proteins (rMsIFN-γ) were obtained in Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain BL21 (DE3). The inflammatory response-inducing ability of rMsIFN-γ was assessed in vitro using monocytes/macrophages. Meanwhile, the protective effect of MsIFN-γ in vivo was evaluated by N. seriolae infection largemouth bass model.ResultsIn the inflammatory response of the monocytes/macrophages activated by rMsIFN-γ, various cytokines were significantly increased. Interestingly, interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) increased by 183- and 12-fold, respectively, after rMsIFN-γ stimulation. rMsIFN-γ improved survival by 42.1% compared with the control. The bacterial load in the liver, spleen and head kidney significantly decreased. rMsIFN-γ was also shown to better induce increased expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, hepcidin-1(Hep-1), major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI), and MHC II in head kidney, spleen and liver. The histopathological examination demonstrated the transformation of granuloma status from an early necrotic foci to fibrosis in the infection period. Unexpectedly, the development of granulomas was successfully slowed in the rMsIFN-γ group.DiscussionThis work paves the way for further research into IFN-γ of largemouth bass and identifies a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of N. seriolae.

The response of feedstuffs to thermal processing depends on the type of feed and the thermal processing methods being applied. Steam pressure toasting (SPT) has been used to modify the nutrient degradability and enhance the nutritional quality of pulses, including faba bean seeds (FBS). Strategic feeding approaches are essential for balancing diets and maintaining adequate nutrition, especially in high-performing ruminants. This research aimed to determine the effects of SPT duration in FBS on the intestinal and metabolic characteristics of dairy cows. Faba Bean seeds (three harvesting years) were processed at 121 °C for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. Rumen degradation and intestinal digestion were determined using the in situ and modified in vitro three-step techniques. The true protein supplied to the small intestine was also determined using the NRC and DVE systems. Our results showed a reduced total digested DM (TDDM) with longer SPT duration (quadratic, p = 0.02). The intestinally digested crude protein (IADP) increased from 62 to 220 g/kg DM with 0 to 120 min of SPT, respectively (p < 0.01), whereas the total tract digestible starch (TDSt) gradually decreased from 321 to 182 g/kg DM based on SPT time (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the truly digested protein in the small intestine (DVE) and the total metabolizable protein (MP) increased from 138 to 282 g/kg DM and 129 to 282 g/kg DM, respectively, with 0 to 120 min of SPT (quadratic, p < 0.01). The Feed Milk Value (FMV), based on both the DVE/OEB and NRC dairy nutrition systems, also increased with SPT (Quadratic, p < 0.01). The processing of FBS with SPT at 121 °C effectively reduced the highly degradable protein fraction in the rumen, shifting to a higher rumen undegraded protein (RUP) which was able to reach the small intestine. In the current study, the total MP, DVE, and FMV in dairy cows showed an overall increase with SPT in FBS.

Intensive high-density culture patterns are causing an increasing number of bacterial diseases in fish. Hepcidin links iron metabolism with innate immunity in the process of resisting bacterial infection. In this study, the antibacterial effect of the combination of hepcidin (Cihep) and chitosan (CS) against Flavobacterium columnare was investigated. The dosing regimen was also optimized by adopting a feeding schedule of every three days and every seven days. After 56 days of feeding experiment, grass carp growth, immunity, and gut microbiota were tested. In vitro experiments, Cihep and CS can regulate iron metabolism and antibacterial activity, and that the combination of Cihep and CS had the best protective effect. In vivo experiments, Cihep and CS can improve the growth index of grass carp. After challenge with Flavobacterium columnare, the highest survival rate was observed in the Cihep+CS-3d group. By serum biochemical indicators assay and Prussian blue staining, Cihep and CS can increase iron accumulation and decrease serum iron levels. The contents of lysozyme and superoxide dismutase in Cihep+CS-3d group increased significantly. Meanwhile, Cihep and CS can significantly reduce the pathological damage of gill tissue. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that Cihep and CS can significantly increase the abundance and diversity of grass carp gut microbiota. These results indicated that the protective effect of consecutive 3-day feeding followed by a 3-day interval was better than that of consecutive 7-day feeding followed by a 7-day interval, and that the protective effect of Cihep in combination with chitosan was better than that of Cihep alone. Our findings optimize the feeding pattern for better oral administration of Cihep in aquaculture.