Method of Production and Assessment of anEncapsulated Choline Chloride and Its Effects on GrowthPerformanceand Serum LipidIndices in Broilers

Since, choline chloride caking causes serious operating difficulties and customer complaints, two experiments were conducted to optimize in vitro production of a novel encapsulated choline chloride (ECC) with minimum hygroscopic property and optimize delivery in gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The in vivo verification test of ECC was used to compare it with the commercial choline chloride (CC) in Ross 308 broiler chickens. Twelve factors with 3 levels including 27 formulations on ECC properties were evaluated using the Taguchi method (signal/noise ratio analysis).  The produced ECC particles showed a decrease in hygroscopic property and release rate under simulated GIT. The in vitro study showed that the encapsulation efficiency of 27 formulations were ≥ 80% and choline content in ECC particles ranged from 507 to 718 g/kg (wt/wt). The oil, wax, whey protein concentrate (WPC), and calcium stearate contents had the most influence on hygroscopic property (P < 0.05). The ECC particle gastric resistance was improved by increasing oil and wax contents as well as sonication time, pH, and carrier content (P < 0.05). Average daily gain of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with choline chloride (CC or ECC) was increased compared to those fed negative control diet during starter period (P < 0.05). The serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, and cholesterol were decreased in birds fed diet supplemented with choline chloride (CC or ECC; P < 0.05). The results showed that ECC with no hygroscopic property might be an alternative to CC without negative effect on performance of broiler chickens

Protection of rat renal vitamin E levels by ischemic-preconditioning

BACKGROUND: During renal transplantation, the kidney remains without blood flow for a period of time. The following reperfusion of this ischemic kidney causes functional and structural injury. Formation of oxygen-derived free radicals (OFR) and subsequent lipid peroxidation (LP) has been implicated as the causative factors of these injuries. Vitamin E is known to be the main endogenous antioxidant that stabilizes cell membranes by interfering with LP. The present study was designed to examine the role of ischemic-preconditioning (repeated brief periods of ischemia, IPC) in prevention of renal injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in rats. METHODS: IPC included sequential clamping of the right renal artery for 5 min and release of the clamp for another 5 min for a 3 cycles. IR was induced by 30 min ischemia followed by 10 min reperfusion. Four groups of male rats were used: Control, IPC, IR and IPC-IR. Vitamin E, an endogenous antioxidant and as an index of LP, was measured by HPLC and UV detection in renal venous plasma and tissue. Renal function was assessed by serum creatinine and BUN levels. Renal damage was assessed in sections stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. RESULTS: In the IR group, there was a significant decrease in vitamin E in plasma and tissue compared to a control group (p,0.05). In the IPC-IR group, vitamin E concentration was significantly higher than in the IR group (p,0.01). The results showed that 30 min ischemia in the IR group significantly (p,0.05) reduced renal function demonstrated by an increase in serum creatinine levels as compared with the control group. These results in the IPC group also showed a significant difference with the IR group but no significant difference in serum BUN and creatinine between IR and IPC-IR group were detected. Histological evaluation showed no structural damage in the IPC group and an improvement in the IPC-IR group compared to IR alone. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, IPC preserved vitamin E levels, but it could not markedly improve renal function in the early phase (1–2 h) of reperfusion. IPC may be a useful method for antioxidant preservation in organ transplantation

Ultrasonic intensification as a tool for enhanced microbial biofuel yields

peer-reviewedUltrasonication has recently received attention as a novel bioprocessing tool for process intensification in many areas of downstream processing. Ultrasonic intensification (periodic ultrasonic treatment during the fermentation process) can result in a more effective homogenization of biomass and faster energy and mass transfer to biomass over short time periods which can result in enhanced microbial growth. Ultrasonic intensification can allow the rapid selective extraction of specific biomass components and can enhance product yields which can be of economic benefit. This review focuses on the role of ultrasonication in the extraction and yield enhancement of compounds from various microbial sources, specifically algal and cyanobacterial biomass with a focus on the production of biofuels. The operating principles associated with the process of ultrasonication and the influence of various operating conditions including ultrasonic frequency, power intensity, ultrasonic duration, reactor designs and kinetics applied for ultrasonic intensification are also described

DISSOCIATION OF STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION AFTER ISCHAEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY IN THE ISOLATED PERFUSED RAT KIDNEYS

Oxygen-derived free radical* (OFR) involvement in ischacmia-rcpcrfusion (IR) injury was investigated in a rat isolated kidney model, using 20 minutes iscliaemia followed by 15 or 60 minutes reperfusion. Two antioxidants, the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol and the hydroxyl radical scavenger dimcthylthiourca (DMTU), were uscit to try and prevent OFR-relatcd damage. Renal function was estimated from the inulin clearance, fractional soiiium excretion and renal vascular resistance, location and extent of tubular damage, and type of cell death (apoptosis vs necrosis) were used as morphological parameters of IR-iiuluced change. Cell damage was most extensive in the nephron segments of the outer zone of the outer medulla (straight proximal tubule and thick ascending limb (TAL)). I&apos;re-treatment with allopttrinol or DMTU did not Improve renal function. Less structural damage was observed in the TAL of allopuriol - or DMTU - treated kidneys compared with IR alone. In allopurinol - treated kidneys, luminal debris was less extensive than that seen in IR kidneys. Most cell death was necrotic in type and morphological features of apoptosis were seen infrequently. Tlic beneficial effects of allopurinol and DMTU on structural change did not correlate with functional improvement during the reperfusion period, litis may require longer repcrfusion or multiple treatments. Tlie results suggest that OFR ■ injury is of limited significance in this model of renal IR injury. Targeting OFR injury may only be useful after very brief periods of iscliaemia where necrosis is minimal ami the potential for recover}- is greater, Tiie results confirm the different susccptibilitcs of individual nephron segments to injury within the intact kidney. Understanding the molecular response to injury in each segment should facilitate development of methods to accelerate repair after [R injury

Effects of Pretreatment with Pentoxyfilline and N-acetylcysteine on Renal Injury Following Induction of Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion

Abstract: Background & Aims: Liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is one of the common consequences of liver surgery, especially during liver transplantation which results in organ dysfunction. Acute hepatic injury causes systematic inflammatory responses which may finally lead to functional disturbances in remote organs such as heart, lungs and kidneys. In this study, the effects of a potent inhibitor of inflammatory cytokines (pentoxyfilline, PTX) and a well known antioxidant, (N-acetylcysteine, NAC), was evaluated on renal functional damage and oxidative stress following liver IR. Method: Five groups of six male rats were used. Group one was sham operated. In group 2, 90 min liver partial ischemia was conducted by a clamp around hepatic artery and portal vein and followed by 4 hours of reperfusion. In group 3 and 4, PTX or NAC was injected intraperitoneally before the ischemia, while in group 5 both drugs were co-administered. The levels of ALT, AST, ALP, BUN and creatinine in serum as well as MDA and GSH levels in renal tissues were measured. Results: Significant increase in the serum levels of ALT, AST in IR group is indicative of liver functional damages comparing to sham operated rats. Elevated BUN levels and increased renal tissue MDA and decreased GSH levels in IR group demonstrates a significant kidney functional damage and oxidative stress comparing to sham group. Administration of PTX alone and PTX+NAC prevented the IR-induced increase in renal MDA levels. Administration of both drugs and their co-administration prevented the reduction in renal GSH levels. Conclusion: Pretreatment with PTX and NAC before liver IR induction may prevent renal oxidative stress by protection of cellular GSH concentration and a reduction in MDA levels. Keywords: Ischemia, Reperfusion injury, Liver, Kidney, Oxidative stress, Pentoxyfilline, N-acetylcystein