Search

Curcumin-containing nanocapsule powder formulations have not been used in ruminant feed to date, despite the fact that curcumin is known to be a functional food additive. The objective of this study was to determine whether ethyl polymethacrylate (Eudragit L-100) nanocapsules loaded with curcumin (N-CU) would improve health and growth of lambs. Thirty-two male Lacaune lambs (body weight [BW] = 16 ± 0.99 kg; 45 d of age) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: T0, T1, T2 and T4, representing supplementation of curcumin at 0, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg concentrate, respectively. The animals in each treatment were allocated in 4 pens of 2 lambs each (8 lambs per treatment). The experiment lasted 17 d, with samples and measurements collected on d 0, 7, 12, and 17. The T2 lambs had greater average daily gain than T0 lambs. Regression analysis showed that the ideal dose of N-CU to enhance weight gain was 1.89 mg/kg concentrate. There were significant interactions (P

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare)is a fruit native to the Amazon region. Extracts from the peel and pulp are thought of as promising treatments for bacterial infections. The primary constituents of Tucumã oil and butter possess unsaturated carbon chains that are susceptible to oxidation by light or heat. The oils have high volatility and low aqueous solubility that limits their use without a vehicle. Nanotechnology refers to techniques to solve these problems. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), for example, protect fixed oils degradation by heat or light, as well as from oxidation and evaporation, ensuring greater stability and function, thereby prolonging the useful life of the final product. Study objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemolytic, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of an NLC containing Tucumã butter and oil soasto improve the solubility and photosensitivity of the compounds, generating better pharmacological efficacy. Materials and methods: The NLC was assessed for stability for 60 days. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles in peripheral blood mononucleated cells was determined in culture using assays for cell viability, DNA damage, oxidative metabolism and damage to human erythrocytes. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution technique and antibiofilm activity according to standardized protocols. Results: The Tucumã NLC remained stable throughout the evaluated period, with pH between 5.22–5.35, monodisperse distribution (PDI

This study evaluated the effects of curcumin dietary supplementation on growth, physiology, carcass characteristics and meat quality in lambs. Thirty-two male Lacaune lambs (15.6 ± 0.63 kg, 60 ± 2.8 days of age) were randomly allocated in 16 pens (four treatments of four replicates with two lambs each) for 30 days. The animals were assigned to the following treatments: T0, T100, T200 and T300, representing 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg of curcumin/kg of concentrate, respectively. Curcumin dietary supplementation increased (P = 0.02) weight gain; on regression analysis, 315.1 mg curcumin/kg of concentrate was the dosage that provided the greatest weight gain. T200 and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.04) erythrocytes numbers; T100 and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.01) leukocyte numbers and T300 lambs had lower (P = 0.04) lymphocyte numbers, compared to T0 lambs. Globulin levels were significantly greater in the T200 group (P = 0.04) only on day 15 but not day 30; levels of total protein were significantly higher (P = 0.01) only in T200 and T300 group on day 15 and only in T200 group on d 30. Gamma-glutamyltransferase concentrations tended to be lower (P = 0.08) in T100, T200 and T300 group on d 15, and only in the T100 group on d 30. Curcumin dietary supplementation increased (P = 0.01) the serum activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced (P = 0.01) levels of reactive oxygen species. In meat samples, T200 and T300 had greater total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.03) and lower (P = 0.01) lipoperoxidation rates. In carcasses, T300 lambs had greater (P ≤ 0.02) cooling weight losses and yields than did T0 lambs. Curcumin dietary supplementation also reduced (P ≤ 0.03) redness and yellowness. T200 and T300 lambs had fewer (P = 0.01) cooking losses and T200 lambs had greater (P = 0.03) water holding capacity than did T0 lambs. These findings suggest that curcumin dietary supplementation improves growth and antioxidant responses, as well as influencing meat quality in lambs.

The practice of replacing costly animal-derived proteins with more economical plant proteins has augmented the risk of mycotoxin contamination in fish feeds, including contamination with ochratoxin A (OTA). OTA is a secondary metabolite produced by molds commonly found in fish feeds that causes impairment of performance in several fish species and some hepatic biochemical alterations. However, the pathways involved in hepatic damage remain unknown and are limited to histopathological alterations. Purinergic signaling is a homeostatic system that continuously monitors the internal environment to detect injury primarily by two intercellular messengers: adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine (Ado). The objective of this study was to determine whether OTA-contaminated feed induces the release of nucleotides in the extracellular milieu, as well as whether ectoenzymes modulate ATP pro-inflammatory effects in liver of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Final mean weight, weight gain (WG), and liver weight were significantly lower in tambaqui fed feeds containing 1.6 and 2.4 mg OTA/kg feed than in the control group. Liver ATP and Ado levels were significantly higher in tambaqui fed feeds containing 1.6 and 2.4 mg OTA/kg feed compared with control, while no significant difference was observed regarding adenosine diphosphate and adenosine monophosphate levels. Hepatic triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) activity (for ATP) was significantly greater in tambaqui fed feeds containing 1.6 and 2.4 mg OTA/kg feed compared with control, while adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity was lower. No significant difference was observed with respect to hepatic NTPDase activity (for ADP) or for 5'-nucleotidase activity. Finally, levels of liver metabolites of nitric oxide were significantly higher in tambaqui fed feeds containing 1.6 and 2.4 mg OTA/kg feed than in the control group. Based on these data, exposure to 1.6 and 2.4 mg OTA/kg feed impaired tambaqui growth performance associated with final mean weight and WG. Levels of two important intercellular messengers, ATP and Ado, increased in the extracellular space as a consequence of hepatic damage, exerting opposite immune responses. Finally, liver NTPDase and ADA activities were altered to modulate ATP and Ado levels, respectively, exerting anti-inflammatory effects to counteract OTA-induced hepatic injury.

The objectives of this study were to produce dog food containing curcumin replacing synthetic antioxidants, to evaluate its beneficial effects on animal growth and health. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) was added after the extrusion process along with the other micronutrients. The final concentration of curcumin was 32.9 mg/kg. The control feed was composed of the same ingredients without curcumin. After a storage of 6 months, feed composition and pH did not differ; however, the feed with curcumin showed lower protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and higher total antioxidant capacity. After 2 months of feed production, 12 young Beagle dogs received either curcumin-containing food (n = 6) or the control diet (n = 6). The animals were fed twice a day using individual kennels. Blood samples were taken on d 1, 35 and 42. During the first 30 d of the study, the animals had natural infectious diseases that were controlled with anti-protozoals and antibiotics. Greater numbers of red blood cells were observed in dogs fed with curcumin (d 35 and 45), and there were greater numbers of white blood cells as a consequence of increased neutrophils on d 42. At the end of the experiment, a significant reduction in the number of lymphocytes was observed in dogs that ingested curcumin (d 42), suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect, manifested as a decrease in globulin levels. In the final 15 d of the experiment, the animals were clinical healthy. Higher serum levels of glucose, urea, triglycerides and cholesterol were observed in dogs fed with curcumin. Curcumin increased the activity of several antioxidant enzymes in addition to non-protein thiols and the total antioxidant capacity in the serum, consequently reducing levels of oxygen reactive species. Curcumin supplementation of dogs did not favour growth or weight gain. Neverthless, it was concluded that curcumin improved animal health, with emphasis on the stimulation of the antioxidant system and evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect.

Amazon fish are vulnerable to climate change. Current temperature increases in Amazonian rivers are likely to continue in the coming years. Elevated temperatures impair homeostasis and subject fish to oxidative stress; nevertheless, the effects of elevated temperature on plasma and muscle oxidative stress as well as fillet fatty acid composition in matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) remain unknown. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to determine whether antioxidant system is able to withstand acute thermal stress to avoid plasma and muscle oxidative damage and to determine the manner in which matrinxã adjust their muscle fatty acid metabolism in a response to acute heat stress. We exposed juvenile matrinxã to four temperatures (28 °C as control and 30, 32, and 34 °C) for 72 h and observed the effects on plasma and muscle oxidant/antioxidant status and on fatty acid composition. Plasma reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were significantly higher in matrinxã exposed to 34 °C compared with the control group, while they were significantly higher in the muscle of matrinxã exposed to 32 °C and 34 °C compared with the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were significantly lower in the plasma and muscle of matrinxã exposed to 34 °C compared with the control group. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly lower in matrinxã exposed to 32 and 34 °C compared with the control group, while it was significantly lower in the muscle of matrinxã exposed to 34 °C. The total content of saturated fatty acid (SFA) was significantly higher in the fillet of matrinxã exposed to 34 °C compared with the control group, while the total content of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was significantly lower. Based on this evidence, we conclude that acute heat stress at 32 °C and 34 °C causes plasma and muscular oxidative stress, and the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant system is unable to prevent oxidative damage. Moreover, increased levels of total SFA and decreased levels of PUFA occur in an attempt to withstand heat stress and maintain membrane fluidity; nevertheless, these responses can represent negative impacts for consumers.

The objective of this study was to determine whether snacks containing curcumin have beneficial effects on dog health. The snacks were produced from commercial canned meat for dogs, and curcumin was added and homogenized. Snacks containing 15 mg of curcumin were produced, frozen, and offered to dogs twice a day. Ten beagles (6 months of age) were used. The animals were placed in an experimental kennel and allocated randomly to 1 of 2 treatments (5 dogs/treatment): snacks containing curcumin (curcumin; 30 mg of curcumin/animal/day) or not (control). On day 15, numbers of erythrocytes and hematocrit were greater in dogs fed with curcumin than in control dogs. Dogs fed with curcumin had lower numbers of leukocytes (day 30), neutrophils (day 15), and lymphocytes (day 30) than did control dogs. Dogs fed with curcumin had lower plasma levels of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, lipoperoxidation, and protein carbonylation on day 30 than did control dogs. Finally, dogs fed with curcumin had greater plasma total antioxidant capacity and concentrations of protein thiol, non-protein thiol, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase on day 30 compared with control dogs. We conclude that curcumin in dog snacks stimulated the antioxidant system and consequently reduced oxidative reactions, which is beneficial to animal health. Furthermore, 30 mg of curcumin/dog/day reduced leukocyte counts, which suggests mild anti-inflammatory effects.

Trypanosoma vivax is an emerging infectious agent in Brazil. Trypanosomosis kills cattle, especially in regions where the protozoan is unknown and herd immunity does not occur. The present study aims to report infection by T. vivax in dairy cattle from Santa Catarina, Brazil, and evaluate the effects on the percentage of red cells in the blood. Was analyzed 146 cattle blood samples with a clinical diagnosis of anaemia (pale pink mucosa: ocular and vaginal) using indirect immunofluorescence assay PCR and blood smear. 39% of the samples were positive by IFA, but none of them were positive by PCR. It was possible to verify the presence of trypomastigote forms of parasite in 3 samples of cows positive by IFA. The percentage of red cells (hematocrit) did not differ between animals with a positive serological diagnosis compared to seronegative ones. Regardless of the concentration of antibodies, hematocrit did not differ. Another piece of information that drew attention was the hematocrit of the three animals with a parasitological diagnosis. That is, these animals had a percentage of red cells of 35, 38, 39%. Among the symptomatic animals evaluated, 11 had fever and anorexia, cows that presented hematocrit between 21 and 30%. This is the first description of infection in cattle in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Anaemia is not a clinical finding in asymptomatic dairy cows but seroreactive for T. vivax.

Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene found in essential oils of several plant species. It is found commonly in human and animal diets and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a flavoring agent. Nevertheless, recent studies have suggested that nerolidol has potent hepatotoxic effects. Because use of plant-based products in human and animal food has expanded considerably, it is essential to develop approaches such as nanotechnology to avoid or reduce hepatic toxic effects. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine whether nerolidol dietary supplementation elicited hepatic damage associated with impairment of energy homeostasis, as well as whether supplementation with nerolidol-loaded in nanospheres prevented hepatotoxic effects in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Nile tilapia were divided into five groups (A-E, n = 10 per group) with four replicates each, as follows: group A received basal feed (without supplementation); group B received feed containing 0.5 mL free nerolidol/kg; group C received feed containing 1.0 mL free nerolidol/kg; group D received feed containing 0.5 mL nanospheres nerolidol/kg; and group E received feed containing 1.0 mL nanospheres nerolidol/kg. All groups received experimental feed once a day (10% total biomass) at 2 p.m. for 60 consecutive days. Hepatic liver weight and relative liver weight were significantly lower in fish fed 1.0 mL free nerolidol/kg feed than in fish given basal diet (control group). Hepatic pyruvate kinase (1.0 mL free nerolidol/kg) and adenylate kinase (0.5 and 1.0 mL free nerolidol/kg) activities were significantly lower than in the control group, while hepatic reactive oxygen species and lipid damage levels were significantly higher. Finally, the comet assay revealed significant increases in the frequency of damage and the damage index in fish given 0.5 and 1.0 mL free nerolidol/kg in a dose-dependent manner. Nerolidol-loaded in nanospheres prevented all alterations elicited by free nerolidol. Based on these data, we concluded that dietary supplementation with free nerolidol elicited severe impairment of hepatic bioenergetics homeostasis that appeared to be mediated by excessive ROS production and lipid damage, contributing to a genotoxic effect. Dietary supplementation with nerolidol-loaded in nanospheres did not elicit hepatic damage, and therefore, should be considered as a replacement so as to limit toxicity, permitting its continued use as a dietary supplement.

The Amazon region has a wide variety of native palm trees that have fruits and oilseeds. Among these palm trees, Para tucuma (Astrocaryum vulgare) stands out, which provides the tucuma fruit from which its oil is extracted, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, healing and antibacterial properties, among others. However, oils, like that of tucuma, are sensitive to thermal degradation, as well as oxidative reactions, which can reduce their pharmacological effectiveness. In this way, nanotechnology can be a tool to preserve the pharmacological properties of essential oils and increase their therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, this study aims to develop a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) containing tucuma butter and oil, to analyze its in vitro properties of anti-inflammatory and healing activity. For that, tests of anti-inflammatory activity and healing activity were performed by the Scratch test in vitro. The results of the tests demonstrated that the majority of the NLC concentrations showed anti and pro-inflammatory and healing activity.

Thymol is an herbal food additive used to improve animal performance. Thymol acts via its potential to enhance productive and reproductive performance, and by improving bioavailability of nutrients in fish. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms associated with these phenomena remain poorly understood, although recent evidence has suggested the involvement of the phosphotransfer network and antioxidant status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the improvement of the antioxidant/oxidant status and the phosphoryl transfer network may be involved in enhanced growth performance in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed with various levels of thymol (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg feed). Thymol-supplementation (100 mg/kg feed) produced higher body weight and weight gain for 60-day post-feeding compared to the control group. Specific growth rate was higher; while feed conversion ratio was lower in fish that consumed 100 mg of thymol/kg compared to other groups. Hepatic lactate dehydrogenase activity and lipid peroxidation levels were lower in the thymol-supplemented group (100 mg/kg feed) than in the control group, while reactive oxygen species were lower in all supplemented groups than in the control group. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (300 mg/kg feed) and glutathione peroxidase (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg feed) activities, as well as antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (100 mg/kg feed) were higher in these groups than in the control group. Based on these data, we conclude that 100 mg thymol/kg dietary supplementation increased growth performance of fingerling grass carp. Finally, hepatic adenylate kinase activity was lower in the thymol supplemented group (100 mg/kg feed) than in the control group. Thymol supplementation (100 mg/kg feed) improved hepatic energy metabolism, while practically all tested concentrations of thymol enhanced hepatic antioxidant status, all of which may be pathways involved in increased growth performance in fingerling grass carp.

The pathophysiological mechanisms associated with immune responses to the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Providencia rettgeri in fish species are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether purinergic signaling generates anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory profiles in lymphoid immune organs of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) experimentally infected by P. rettgeri. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) hydrolysis activities in the spleen and triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) in the head kidney decreased in experimentally P. rettgeri-infected Nile tilapia on days seven and fourteen post-infection (PI) compared to the control group. At these same time points, splenic and head kidney adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, and levels of ATP, interleukin-15 (IL-15) and metabolites of nitric oxide (NOx) increased in infected animals compared to their respective control groups; this was also observed for serum ATP levels. No significant difference was observed between groups regarding 5′-nucleotidase activity. These results suggest that purinergic signaling in lymphoid immune organs of Nile tilapia exerts a pro-inflammatory profile in response to P. rettgeri infection. This response contributes to the inhibition of immune and inflammatory responses by reduction of ATP hydrolysis and augmentation of ATP in the extracellular environment as well as augmentation in adenosine deamination and its possible reduction in the extracellular environment, leading to a self-sustained pro-inflammatory cycle, corroborated by excessive content of ATP (extracellular milieu), IL-15 and NOx levels. Purinergic signaling may thereby contribute to the pathophysiology of P. rettgeri infection.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of acai (Euterpe oleracea) oil in the diets of lactating sheep under heat stress exerted beneficial effects on health as well as milk production and quality. Eighteen multiparous Lacaune sheep (2 or 3 parities; 28–30 days of lactation; average milk production of 1.7 L/sheep/day) were stratified by parity and milk production and were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments (9 sheep/treatment): diet supplemented with 2% of soybean oil (SOY) or 2% of acai oil (ACAI) in the concentrate for 14 days. The amount of oil added in the diet was equivalent to 0.65% of the total diet (dry matter basis). Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 10 and 14. On day 14, the ACAI group sheep had lower serum concentrations of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes than did the SOY group sheep. On day 14, ACAI group sheep had lower serum concentration of triglycerides and urea, milk concentration of fat and total solid and milk lipid peroxidation than did SOY group sheep. However, on day 14, ACAI group sheep had higher serum concentrations of glucose and globulin, serum and milk antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, milk production and productive efficiency than did SOY group sheep. The fatty acids profile in milk did not differ between groups. These data suggest that acai oil improved the antioxidant activity in serum and milk and improved milk production and quality in dairy sheep under heat stress.

We aimed to determine whether the use of injectable vitamins and minerals improves growth performance and immune and antioxidant responses in dairy calves during pre- and post-weaning period in summer. Twenty dairy calves (45 days of age) were randomized to two groups (10 each): control group (CON) and treated group [TREAT; injection providing 0.20, 0.80, 0.20, 0.10, 35 and 1 mg/kg of copper, zinc, manganese selenium, and vitamins A and E, during two periods (15 days pre- and 15 days post-weaning)]. The animals were weighed and blood samples were collected on days 1, 15, 30 and 45 of the study. Levels of serum copper, selenium, zinc, and manganese were measured on day 1; and the results showed that calves were not deficient in these minerals. The TREAT group had greater BW gain during the final third of the experiment. There was an increase in total leukocyte numbers as a result of elevation in neutrophil counts (day 45) and monocytes (days 30 and 45) in the TREAT group. This group also had lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) content (days 15, 30 and 45) and lipid peroxidation (LPO; days 15 and 45). Furthermore, the TREAT group had greater antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP; days 15 and 30), activities of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx; days 15, 30 and 45) and superoxide dismutase (SOD; day 15), concentrations of total serum proteins (day 30), serum globulin (days 15 and 30), ceruloplasmin (day 15), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1, (IL-1; days 30 and 45) and interferon gamma (IFNγ; day 45), compared to CON group. High respiratory rates during hot times of the day in all study calves was suggestive of heat stress. Taken together, the data suggest that mineral and vitamins injections increased the growth performance and boosted the antioxidant and immunological systems of dairy calves during the diet transition period in summer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of a mineral complex improves the performance and health of suckling piglets in the maternity phase. Three groups were formatted as follows: control group T1, administration of parenteral minerals on day of birth T2 (0.1 mL of piglet), and 3 days after birth T3 (0.1 mL of piglet). The body weight and blood samples were analyzed at birth and at days 7, 14, and 21 of age. No significant difference in weight gain (p > 0.05). Plasma superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as the antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radical levels, were superior (p

Precise coupling of spatially separated intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) producing and ATP-consuming exerts a key role in bioenergetic balance, and the phosphoryl transfer network, catalyzed by creatine kinase (CK), adenylate kinase (AK), and pyruvate kinase (PK), is fundamental in energetic homeostasis of tissues with high-energy requirements, as the branchial tissue. This whole system is very sensitive, and our hypothesis is that it can be altered in cases of infectious diseases in fish, such as that caused by the oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica. The effects of S. parasitica infection on gills remain poorly understood and limited only to histopathological studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether natural infection by S. parasitica impairs the enzymes of the phosphoryl transfer network in gills of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), as well as the pathways involved in this inhibition. In this study, we used sick carp and compared to healthy carp, fish of similar age and receiving the same feed, but allocated in different tanks. Branchial CK (cytosolic and mitochondrial) activity and ATP levels decreased in infected fish compared to uninfected on day 7 post-infection (PI), while no significant difference was observed between groups regarding branchial AK and PK activities. Branchial sodium-potassium ion pump (Na+, K+-ATPase) activity decreased in infected carp compared to uninfected on day 7 PI, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels were higher. Gill histopathology revealed massive necrosis, loss of branchial epithelium, and detachment of the epithelium interlayer with structural loss of secondary lamellae. Based on these data, the impairment of CK activity elicited by S. parasitica caused an impairment in branchial energetic homeostasis, reducing the ATP availability in the gills and provoking an impairment on Na+, K+-ATPase activity. Moreover, the inhibition on CK activity appears to be mediated by ROS overproduction and lipid peroxidation, which contribute to disease pathogenesis linked to branchial tissue.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether infection Eimeria spp. in broiler chickens could negatively affect seric enzymes linked to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism and its relationship to oxidative stress. For this, 30 broiler chickens, 27 days-old, were divided into two groups (n = 15): the control group (C) and the group infected by Eimeria spp. (I). On days 1, 7 and 15 of the experiment, the animals were weighed, and fecal and blood samples were collected to evaluate the presence of oocysts and for serum biochemistry and enzymatic parameters, respectively. On day 15, one animal per repetition was submitted to euthanasia and intestinal fragments were collected for histopathological analyses. The body weight was lower in infected animals on day 15 of experiment, while oocyst counts were higher in infected animals on days 7 and 15 of the experiment. Serum levels of globulins were lower in infected animals on days 7 and 15 of experiment, while uric acid levels were higher in the same days, which represent changes on the immune system. Compared to the uninfected animals, on days 7 and 15, levels of serum globulins, triglycerides, creatine kinase and cholesterol were lower. Levels of adenylate kinase and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were higher on both days in infected animals, while levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were elevated on day 15. Lesions and immature forms of the parasite were observed in the intestines of infected birds. The phosphotransfer network elicited by an oxidative stress negatively affected the performance of broiler chickens with coccidiosis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the antiparasitic drug eprinomectin causes hepatic oxidative stress and impairment of hepatic energetic metabolism in the silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen), in conditions of experimental aquatic contamination. The fish were exposed for 24 and 48 h at various concentrations of eprinomectin (0.0, 1.124, 1.809 and 3.976 μg L−1), followed by 48 h of recovery in eprinomectin-free water. We measured levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipoperoxidation (LOOH) in hepatic tissue, as well as levels of antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), and activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), in addition to the activities of enzymes involved in energy metabolism, adenylate kinase (AK) and pyruvate kinase (PK). After 24 h, hepatic ROS levels increased in fish exposed to all concentrations of eprinomectin, and the same occurred with LOOH at the two highest concentrations of eprinomectin. ACAP levels decreased after 24 h of exposure to the highest concentration, also occurring with SOD activity at the two highest concentrations. Glutathione enzymes activities (GPx and GST) decreased after 48 h of exposure to the highest concentration. Fish transfer to eprinomectin-free water, with re-analysis after 48 h post-recovery, was unable to reverse ROS and LOOH increases, likewise with the reductions of ACAP, SOD, GPx and GST, especially at the two highest concentrations. AK and PK activities decreased after 48 h of exposure, AK decreased at the two highest concentrations and PK decreased at the highest concentration. AK activity remained lower after 48 h in eprinomectin-free water. PK activity returned to normal after 48 h in eprinomectin-free water. In summary, silver catfish exposed to aquatic contamination with the antiparasitic drug eprinomectin showed hepatic oxidative stress, possibly related to impairment of the phosphotransfer network and energy metabolism.

Bacterial diseases are one of the major problems in freshwater fish culture and have been linked to significant losses and high mortality rate. In this study, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus was infected by Providencia rettgeri to evaluate the oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in the fish tissues. Juvenile Nile tilapia was divided into two groups, as follow: control (uninfected) and experimentally infected with 100 μL of P. rettgeri suspension containing 2.4 × 107 viable cells/fish, and the liver and kidney tissues were collected on days 7 and 14 post-infection (PI). Liver and kidney ROS and lipid peroxidation levels were high in infected fish on day 14 PI compared to control group, while superoxide dismutase activity was lower in liver (days 7 and 14 PI) and kidney (day 14 PI) compared to their respective control groups. Liver and kidney antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, non-proteic, and proteic thiols levels was lower in infected tilapia on day 14 PI compared to control group. Based on these results, P. rettgeri infection may elicit oxidative damage via increased ROS production, decreased ROS elimination and inhibits enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems; which may contribute directly to disease pathophysiology of infected animals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Brucella ovis infection altered the activities of cardiac enzymes belonging to the phosphotransfer network and cause an oxidative imbalance in mice, used as an experimental model. We used hearts from 48 mice in two groups (n = 24 each): uninfected (control group) and infected by B. ovis, collected on days 7, 15, 30, and 60 post-infection (PI). Cardiac cytosolic creatine kinase (CK) activity was higher in infected animals than in the control group on days 30 and 60 PI, while cardiac mitochondrial CK activity was lower at the same moments of infection. Cardiac pyruvate kinase (PK) activity was lower in infected animals than in the control group on day 60 PI, while no significant difference was observed between groups regarding cardiac adenylate kinase (AK) activity. Cardiac thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were higher in infected animals than in the control group on days 30 and 60 PI, while non-protein thiol (NPSH) levels were lower on days 30 and 60 PI. Finally, cardiac SOD activity was higher in infected animals than in the control group on day 60 PI. The inhibition on mitochondrial CK activity caused an impairment of cardiac energy homeostasis, possibly through depletion of ATP production, although cytosolic cardiac CK activity acted in an attempt to restore the mitochondrial ATP levels through a feedback mechanism.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive impact of colibacillosis on laying hens and to investigate whether energetic metabolism and oxidative stress were involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. An experimental shed containing 270 laying hens of the Hy-Line lineage (32 weeks old) presented approximately 40% daily laying, and many birds presented with diarrhea and apathy followed by death. Necropsy revealed macroscopic lesions compatible with colibacillosis and infectious agent Escherichia coli was isolated from fecal samples of all birds in the infected group, as well as from tissue (ovary, liver and peritoneum). Sixteen chickens were selected for this study, divided into two groups: Control (animals without clinical alterations) and infected (with diarrhea and apathetic). E. coli isolates were subjected to the antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to the methodology approved by CLSI, 2018. This testing showed sensitivity to gentamicin, amoxicillin, norfloxacin and colistin. It was then determined that laying hens would be treated with norfloxacin (15 mg/kg) diluted in water offered at will to the birds for three days. Blood collections were performed via brachial vein after the diagnosis of E. coli (before starting treatment) and seven days after treatment. Three debilitated chickens died on the second day after initiating therapy. Before treatment, birds with clinical signs had higher levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) and activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) than in the control group (asymptomatic animals). After treatment, LPO levels remained higher in birds that had clinical disease (infected group), whereas the activity of SOD and GPx enzymes did not differ between groups. Activity levels of creatine kinase (CK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) were higher in the group of chickens with clinical disease before treatment. Post-treatment, no differences were observed between groups in terms of CK; however, PK activity remained high in these animals. In the hens that died, there were lesions characteristic of avian colibacillosis, with ovary involvement, explaining the low laying activity of the birds at their peak of production. For 10 days after starting treatment, the percentage of laying increased to 90%. Therefore, we conclude that colibacillosis interferes with the phosphotransfer network by stimulating ATP production, in addition to causing oxidative stress of the birds during laying, that negatively affects health and productive efficiency.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether antiparasitic eprinomectin may be an environmental contaminant in water compartment in low concentrations, negatively affecting neurotransmission and, consequently, the natural behavior of the jundia (Rhamdia quelen). Fish were randomly allocated in tanks and exposed for 24 and 48 h to eprinomectin concentrations in water [0.0 (Control), 1.124 (T1), 1.809 (T2) and 3.976 (T3) μg L−1], followed by 48 h of recovery in eprinomectin-free water, in order to evaluate the behavioral parameters, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain, as well as cerebral enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and of the sodium-potassium ATPase pump (Na+/K+-ATPase). Especially at the two highest concentrations of eprinomectin (T2 and T3), the fish showed alterations in natural behavior, particularly hyperlocomotion and longer time on the surface. Furthermore, at these same concentrations, cerebral ROS levels increased and cerebral AChE activity decreased. At the highest concentration (T3) cerebral Na+/K+-ATPase activity was reduced. Increased ROS and impairment of AChE and Na+/K+-ATPase enzymes in the brain may have contributed directly to behavioral changes, due to neuronal damage and synapse impairment. Even after 48 h in water without eprinomectin, behavioral changes and neurotoxic effects were observed in fish, suggesting residual effects of the antiparasitic. In conclusion, eprinomectin even in low concentrations may be a hazardous environmental contaminant for aquatic organisms, as it causes brain damage and affects the natural behavior of fish.

Grape pomace is a by-product of the winemaking process, rich in bioactive compounds such as resveratrol and has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Recent evidence has demonstrated the protective effects of grape against impairment of the phosphoryl transfer network, a system linked to energetic homeostasis of high-energy phosphoryl transfer, to maintain energetic balance. Also, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in fish has been related to severe impairment of the branchial phosphoryl transfer network via inhibition of creatine kinase (CK), adenylate kinase (AK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary supplementation with grape pomace flour (GPF) is able to reduce or prevent the impairment of cellular energetic homeostasis in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) experimentally infected by P. aeruginosa. Branchial CK (cytosolic and mitochondrial), AK, and PK activities were lower in infected animals on day 15 post-infection (PI) compared to uninfected fish, while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was higher. Branchial reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid oxidation (LOOH) and protein carbonylation levels were higher, while the level of non-proteic (NPSH) and proteic (PSH) thiols was lower in infected fish on day 15 PI, as compared to uninfected fish. The use of 300 mg of GPF/kg of feed was able to ameliorate the activities of CK, AK, PK, and LDH as compared to infected fish, but their activities remained different from the control group. On the other hand, dietary supplementation with 300 mg of GPF/kg of feed was able to prevent all alterations linked to oxidative damage elicited by disease. Based on this evidence, inhibition of the phosphoryl transfer network may contribute to the impairment of intracellular energetic communication between cellular ATP synthesis and consumption and is mediated by oxidative damage in the gills of fish infected by P. aeruginosa. The use of 300 mg of GPF/kg of feed exerted protective effects on branchial energetic metabolism linked to ATP metabolism by reducing the impairment in cellular energetic homeostasis; its effects can be mediated by the prevention of SH group oxidation.