Effect of Feeding Whole Crop Barley Silage on Growth Performance, Carcass Trait and Meat Quality of Hanwoo Steer

Hanwoo steers are one of the major sources of meat, required for increasing consumer demands in Korea, Japan, and China. Beef contained high levels of saturated fat, and it contains appreciable quantities of linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Optimum growth can obtain with appropriate combination of concentrate and forage. Fattening of Hanwoo on concentrate-based feeds resulted in faster, more efficient growth and heavier carcasses. However, feed costs represent the largest single variable in beef production in Korea and Japan. The grass is generally the cheapest source of feed available for beef production, which provides high yields with quality herbage. Grass-feed based production systems are low-input methods that are particularly suitable to meet the demand of meat retailers and consumers. Therefore, in Korea, the combination of roughage and concentrates are commonly available in the market is used for rearing Hanwoo. Especially, the study of manufacturing silage using whole crop barley or whole crop rye was carried out to expand the usage of roughage. Barley is an important crop cultivated for the production of high-quality forage in Korea and Japan. However, the benefits of feeding diet combinations of concentrate and barley silages from growing period to finishing the period of Hanwoo steer have not been evaluated. The objectives of this study were to compare the growth performance, meat quantity and quality characteristics in Hanwoo steers fed barley silage/concentrate and rice straw/concentrate diet

Modulation of Osteogenic and Myogenic Differentiation by a Phytoestrogen Formononetin via p38MAPK-Dependent JAK-STAT and Smad-1/5/8 Signaling Pathways in Mouse Myogenic Progenitor Cells

Formononetin (FN), a typical phytoestrogen has attracted substantial attention as a novel agent because of its diverse biological activities including, osteogenic differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying osteogenic and myogenic differentiation by FN in C2C12 progenitor cells remain unknown. Therefore the objective of the current study was to investigate the action of FN on myogenic and osteogenic differentiation and its impact on signaling pathways in C2C12 cells. FN significantly increased myogenic markers such as Myogenin, myosin heavy chains, and myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD). In addition, the expression of osteogenic specific genes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Run-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and osteocalcin (OCN) were up-regulated by FN treatment. Moreover, FN enhanced the ALP level, calcium deposition and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein isoform (BMPs). Signal transduction pathways mediated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), extracellular signal-related kinases (ERKs), protein kinase B (Akt), Janus kinases (JAKs), and signal transducer activator of transcription proteins (STATs) in myogenic and osteogenic differentiation after FN treatment were also examined. FN treatment activates myogenic differentiation by increasing p38MAPK and decreasing JAK1-STAT1 phosphorylation levels, while osteogenic induction was enhanced by p38MAPK dependent Smad, 1/5/8 signaling pathways in C2C12 progenitor cells

Nutraceuticals as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Colon Cancer: A Review

Colon cancer is a world-wide health problem and the second-most dangerous type of cancer, affecting both men and women. The modern diet and lifestyles, with high meat consumption and excessive alcohol use, along with limited physical activity has led to an increasing mortality rate for colon cancer worldwide. As a result, there is a need to develop novel and environmentally benign drug therapies for colon cancer. Currently, nutraceuticals play an increasingly important role in the treatment of various chronic diseases such as colon cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer׳s disease. Nutraceuticals are derived from various natural sources such as medicinal plants, marine organisms, vegetables and fruits. Nutraceuticals have shown the potential to reduce the risk of colon cancer and slow its progression. These dietary substances target different molecular aspects of colon cancer development. Accordingly, this review briefly discusses the medicinal importance of nutraceuticals and their ability to reduce the risk of colorectal carcinogenesis

Evaluation of antihypercholesterolemic effect using Memecylon edule Roxb. ethanolic extract in cholesterol-induced Swiss albino mice

Purpose/Aim: In the present study, we investigate the antihypercholesterolemic effect of the ethanolic extract of Memecylon edule in in vivo. Methods: Cholesterol (1%) -induced experimental groups were treated with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg M. edule ethanolic extract. The study period of antihypercholesterolemia, the mice body weight, lipid profile, serum enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase), liver marker enzyme, and histopathological study of liver tissues were examined. Results: The M. edule-treated groups have exhibited significant changes in total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein, and eventually increased the high-density-lipoprotein activity in serum. Also, it reduced the malondialdehyde level and increased the antioxidant-enzyme activities. The activity is mainly the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides in the ethanolic extract of M. edule. Conclusion; The M. edule extract contains a different class of secondary metabolites, which reduces the hypercholesterolemic condition in the experimental animal model. The results explored the M. edule extract as a potent drug for hypercholesterolemic condition

Endoplasmic reticulum stress activates unfolded protein response signaling and mediates inflammation, obesity and cardiac dysfunction: Therapeutic and molecular approach

Obesity has been implicated as a risk factor for insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although the association between obesity and CVD is a well-established phenomenon, the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This has led to a relative paucity of therapeutic measures for the prevention and treatment of CVD and associated metabolic disorders. Recent studies have shed light on the pivotal role of prolonged endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-initiated activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), and the ensuing chronic low-grade inflammation, and altered insulin signaling in promoting obesity-compromised cardiovascular system (CVS). In this aspect, potential ways of attenuating ERS-initiated UPR signaling seems a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions. We review intersecting role of obesity-induced ERS, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in the discovery of targeted therapy. Moreover, this review highlights the current progress and strategies on therapeutics being explored in preclinical and clinical research to modulate ERS and UPR signaling

In vitro neuroprotective potential of four medicinal plants against rotenone-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

BACKGROUND: Lannea schweinfurthii, Zanthoxylum capense, Scadoxus puniceus and Crinum bulbispermum are used traditionally to treat neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytoprotective potential of the four plants, after induction of toxicity using rotenone, in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. METHODS: Cytotoxicity of the plant extracts and rotenone was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Fluorometry was used to measure intracellular redox state (reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular glutathione content), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and caspase-3 activity, as a marker of apoptotic cell death. RESULTS: Of the tested plants, the methanol extract of Z. capense was the least cytotoxic; LC(50) 121.3 ± 6.97 μg/ml, while S. puniceus methanol extract was the most cytotoxic; LC(50) 20.75 ± 1.47 μg/ml. Rotenone reduced intracellular ROS levels after 24 h exposure. Pre-treating cells with S. puniceus and C. bulbispermum extracts reversed the effects of rotenone on intracellular ROS levels. Rotenone exposure also decreased intracellular glutathione levels, which was counteracted by pre-treatment with any one of the extracts. MMP was reduced by rotenone, which was neutralized by pre-treatment with C. bulbispermum ethyl acetate extract. All extracts inhibited rotenone-induced activation of caspase-3. CONCLUSION: The studied plants demonstrated anti-apoptotic activity and restored intracellular glutathione content following rotenone treatment, suggesting that they may possess neuroprotective properties

Phenyllactic Acid from Lactobacillus plantarum PromotesAdipogenic Activity in 3T3-L1 Adipocyte via Up-Regulationof PPAR-γ2

Synthetic drugs are commonly used to cure various human ailments at present. However, the uses of synthetic drugs are strictly regulated because of their adverse effects. Thus, naturally occurring molecules may be more suitable for curing disease without unfavorable effects. Therefore, we investigated phenyllactic acid (PLA) from Lactobacillus plantarum with respect to its effects on adipogenic genes and their protein expression in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes by qPCR and western blot techniques. PLA enhanced differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells at the concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μM. Maximum differentiation and lipid accumulation were observed at a concentration of 100 μM of PLA, as compared with control adipocytes (p < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of PPAR-γ2, C/EBP‑α, adiponectin, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and SREBP-1 were increased by PLA treatment as compared with control adipocytes (p < 0.05). PLA stimulates PPAR-γ mRNA expression in a concentration dependent manner, but this expression was lesser than agonist (2.83 ± 0.014 fold) of PPAR-γ2. Moreover, PLA supplementation enhances glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes (11.81 ± 0.17 mM) compared to control adipocytes, but this glucose uptake was lesser than that induced by troglitazone (13.75 ± 0.95 mM) and insulin treatment (15.49 ± 0.20 mM). Hence, we conclude that PLA treatment enhances adipocyte differentiation and glucose uptake via activation of PPAR-γ2, and PLA may thus be the potential candidate for preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

Acetaminophen Induced Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats—A Proteomic Approach

Understanding the mechanism of chemical toxicity, which is essential for cross-species and dose extrapolations, is a major challenge for toxicologists. Standard mechanistic studies in animals for examining the toxic and pathological changes associated with the chemical exposure have often been limited to the single end point or pathways. Toxicoproteomics represents a potential aid to the toxicologist to understand the multiple pathways involved in the mechanism of toxicity and also determine the biomarkers that are possible to predictive the toxicological response. We performed an acute toxicity study in Wistar rats with the prototype liver toxin; the acetaminophen (APAP) effects on protein profiles in the liver and its correlation with the plasma biochemical markers for liver injury were analyzed. Three separate groups—control, nontoxic (150 mg/kg) and toxic dose (1500 mg/kg) of APAP—were studied. The proteins extracted from the liver were separated by 2-DE and analyzed by MALDI-TOF. The differential proteins in the gels were analyzed by BIORAD’s PDQuest software and identified by feeding the peptide mass fingerprint data to various public domain programs like Mascot and MS-Fit. The identified proteins in toxicity-induced rats were classified based on their putative protein functions, which are oxidative stress (31%), immunity (14%), neurological related (12%) and transporter proteins (2%), whereas in non-toxic dose-induced rats they were oxidative stress (9%), immunity (6%), neurological (14%) and transporter proteins (9%). It is evident that the percentages of oxidative stress and immunity-related proteins were up-regulated in toxicity-induced rats as compared with nontoxic and control rats. Some of the liver drug metabolizing and detoxifying enzymes were depleted under toxic conditions compared with non-toxic rats. Several other proteins were identified as a first step in developing an in-house rodent liver toxicoproteomics database

A Transcriptomic Response to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-KCC48 against High-Fat Diet-Induced Fatty Liver Diseases in Mice

The most prevalent chronic liver disorder in the world is fatty liver disease caused by a high-fat diet. We examined the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-KCC48 on high-fat diet-induced (HFD) fatty liver disease in mice. We used the transcriptome tool to perform a systematic evaluation of hepatic mRNA transcripts changes in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed animals and high-fat diet with L. plantarum (HFLPD)-fed animals. HFD causes fatty liver diseases in animals, as evidenced by an increase in TG content in liver tissues compared to control animals. Based on transcriptome data, 145 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the liver of HFD-fed mice compared to control mice. Moreover, 61 genes were differentially expressed in the liver of mice fed the HFLPD compared to mice fed the HFD. Additionally, 43 common DEGs were identified between HFD and HFLPD. These genes were enriched in metabolic processes, retinol metabolism, the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, arachidonic metabolism, and steroid hormone synthesis. Taking these data into consideration, it can be concluded that L. plantarum-KCC48 treatment significantly regulates the expression of genes involved in hepatosteatosis caused by HFD, which may prevent fatty liver disease