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The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a combination of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate complex (ASI) and magnesium biotinate (MgB) on hair and nail growth in an animal model. Twenty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were randomized into one of the following groups: (i) group (control), shaved; (ii) group (ASI), shaved + ASI (4.14 mg/rat/day); (iii) group (ASI + MgB I), shaved + ASI (4.14 mg/rat/day) + MgB (48.7 μg/rat/day); and (iv) group (ASI + MgB II), shaved + ASI (4.14 mg/rat/day) + MgB (325 μg/rat/day). On day 42, compared with the control group, while hair density (p 0.05, p 0.01, and p 0.0001, respectively) and anagen ratio (p 0.01, p 0.01, and p 0.001) increased in the ASI, ASI + MgB I, and ASI + MgB II groups, telogen ratio decreased (p 0.01, p 0.01, and p 0.001, respectively). In the molecular analysis, VEGF, HGF, and KGF-2 increased in the ASI (p 0.01, p 0.01, and p 0.05, respectively), ASI + MgB I (p 0.0001 for all), and ASI + MgB II (p 0.0001 for all) groups when compared to the control group. FGF-2 (p 0.01) and IGF-1 (p 0.001) were found to be increased in the ASI + MgB I and ASI + MgB II groups. SIRT-1 and β-catenin increased in the ASI (p 0.05 and p 0.01), ASI + MgB I (p 0.001 for both), and ASI + MgB II (p 0.0001 for both) groups. Wnt-1 increased in the ASI + MgB I (p 0.001) and ASI + MgB II (p 0.0001) groups. In conclusion, the combination of ASI and MgB could promote hair growth by regulating IGF-1, FGF, KGF, HGF, VEGF, SIRT-1, Wnt, and β-catenin signal pathways. It was also established that ASI did not affect nail growth, whereas the MgB combination was effective using a higher dose of biotin.

© 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.The present study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding zinc (Zn)-biofortified wheat on performance, digestibility, and concentrations of minerals in quails. Zinc biofortification of wheat has been realized in the field by ergonomically applying Zn to foliar two and three times, which increased grain Zn from 18 mg/kg (control) to 34 and 64 mg/kg. A total of 180 quails were divided into six groups, each containing 30 birds, and fed diets containing wheat grain with either 18, 34, or 64 mg/kg with or without zinc picolinate (ZnPic) supplementation. Bodyweight, feed intake, feed efficiency, and cold carcass weights were greater (P = 0.0001) when the quails were fed a diet containing the biofortified wheat-containing 64 mg Zn/kg. Nitrogen, ash, Ca, P, Zn, Cu, and Fe retentions were greater with the Zn-biofortified wheat-containing 64 mg Zn/kg (P ≤ 0.026). The nutrient excretions were low with feeding a diet containing biofortified wheat-containing 64 mg Zn/kg (P ≤ 0.023). Serum, liver, and heart Zn concentrations increased with feeding biofortified wheat-containing 64 mg Zn/kg (P ≤ 0.002). Thigh meat Fe concentrations increased with increasing Zn concentrations of the wheat samples used (P = 0.0001), whereas the liver Cu concentrations decreased with feeding the wheat-containing 64 mg Zn/kg (P = 0.004). The Zn-biofortified wheat-containing greater Zn concentrations, particularly 64 mg Zn/kg, is a good replacement for corn in the poultry diet as long as its availability and low cost for better performance, greater digestibility, and elevated tissue Zn and Fe concentrations.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of a novel form of magnesium, Mg picolinate (MgPic), to magnesium oxide (MgO) on metabolic and cognitive functions and the expression of genes associated with these functions in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control, MgO, MgPic, HFD, HFD + MgO, and HFD + MgPic. Mg was supplemented at 500 mg of elemental Mg/kg diet for 8 weeks. MgPic and MgO supplementation decreased visceral fat, serum glucose, insulin, leptin, TC, TG, FFA, testosterone, FSH, LH, SHBG, IGF-1, and MDA levels, but increased brain SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities in HFD rats. Inflammation and cognitive-related markers (presynaptic synapsin PSD95, postsynaptic PSD93, postsynaptic GluR1, and GluR2) were improved in HFD rats administered Mg, with more significant effects seen in the MgPic group. MgPic also decreased brain NF-κB but elevated brain Nrf2 levels, compared with the HFD group. The phosphorylation levels of Akt (Thr308), Akt (Ser473), PI3K try 458/199, and Ser9-GSK-3 in the brain were improved after Mg treatment in HFD rats, with more potent effects seen from MgPic supplementation. MgPic has a higher bioavailability and is more effective in improving metabolic parameters and enhancing memory than MgO. The pro-cognitive effects of MgO and MgPic could be mediated via modulation of the AMPA-type glutamate receptor and activation of the PI3K-Akt-GSK-3β signaling pathway. These findings further support the use of MgPic in the management of metabolic and cognitive disorders.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of chromium-picolinate (CrPic) and chromium-histidinate (CrHis) on nutrient digestibility and nutrient transporters in laying hens exposed to heat stress (HS). Hens (n = 1800; 16 weeks old) were kept in cages in temperature-controlled rooms at either 22 ± 2 °C for 24 h/day (thermoneutral (TN)) or 34 ± 2 °C for 8 h/day, from 08:00 to 17:00, followed by 22 °C for 16 h (HS) for 12 weeks. Hens reared under both environmental conditions were fed one of three diets: a basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with either 1.600 mg of CrPic (12.43% Cr) or 0.788 mg of CrHis (25.22% Cr) per kg of diet, delivering 200 μg elemental Cr per kg of diet. HS impaired the nutrient digestibility and nutrient transports in laying hens (P

Free iron leads to the formation of pro-oxidant reactive oxygen species (ROS). Humic acids (HAs) enhance permeability of cellular wall and act as a chelator through electron transferring. This study was designed to test chelator effect of HA on iron as well as its anti-oxidant effect against the iron-induced hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. The rats used were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8/group): group I (the control group); group II (the HA group), humic acid (562 mg/kg) was given over 10 days by oral gavage; group III (the iron group), iron III hydroxide polymaltose (250 mg/kg) was given over 10 days by intraperitoneal route; and group IV (the HA plus iron group), received the iron (similar to group II) plus humic acid (similar to those in groups II and III) group. Blood and two tissue samples both from liver and heart were obtained for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Iron deposition, the iron-induced hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity were demonstrated by histopathological and biochemical manner. However, no significant differences were observed in the serum biochemical values and the histopathological results among the iron and the HA plus iron groups in the liver tissue but not in the heart tissue. The protective effects of humic acid against iron-induced cardiotoxicity were shown but not against hepatotoxicity in our study.

Arginine silicate inositol (ASI) complex is a composition of arginine, silicon, and inositol that has been shown to have beneficial effects on vascular health. This study reports the effects of an ASI ointment on wound healing in rats. A full-thickness excision wound was created by using a disposable 5 mm diameter skin punch biopsy tool. In this placebo-controlled study, the treatment group’s wound areas were covered by 4 or 10 % ASI ointments twice a day for 5, 10, or 15 days. The rats were sacrificed either 5, 10, or 15 days after the wounds were created, and biopsy samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Granulation tissue appeared significantly faster in the ASI-treated groups than in the control groups (P

Conditions in which glucose metabolism is impaired due to insulin resistance are associated with memory impairment. It was hypothesized that supplemental chromium (Cr) may alleviate insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and consequently improve memory acquisition, depending upon its source and level. In a complete randomized design experiment, male Wistar rats (n=60; weighing 200-220 g) were fed either normal (8%, normal diet (ND)) or high-fat (40%, high-fat diet (HFD)) diet and supplemented with Cr as either chromium-glycinate (CrGly) or chromium-acetate (CrAc) at doses of 0, 40, or 80 μg/kg body weight (BW) via drinking water from 8 to 20 weeks of age. Feeding HFD induced type 2 diabetes, as reflected by greater glucose/insulin ratio (2.98 vs. 2.74) comparing to feeding ND. Moreover, HFD rats had greater BW (314 vs. 279 g) and less serum (53 vs. 68 μg/L) and brain (14 vs. 24 ng/g) Cr concentrations than ND rats. High-fat diet caused a 32% reduction in expressions of glucose transporters 1 and 3 (GLUTs) in brain tissue and a 27% reduction in mean percentage time spent in the target quadrant and a 38% increase in spatial memory acquisition phase (SMAP) compared with ND. Compared with supplemental Cr as CrAc, CrGly was more effective to ameliorate response variables (i.e., restoration of tissue Cr concentration, enhancement of cerebral GLUTs expressions, and reduction of the glucose/insulin ratio and SMAP) in a dose-response manner, especially in rats fed HFD. Supplemental Cr as CrGly may have therapeutic potential to enhance insulin action and alleviate memory acquisition in a dose-dependent manner, through restoring tissue Cr reserve and enhancing cerebral GLUTs expressions.

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of different sources of selenium (Se; sodium selenite [Na2SeO3] or selenomethionine [Se-Met]) supplementation on egg production, egg quality, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and Se in serum and egg yolk in heat-stressed Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The birds (n = 360; 55 days old) were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups consisting of six replicates of five birds each in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (temperatures, selenium sources, selenium levels). Birds were kept in wire cages in a temperature-controlled room at either 22 (thermoneutral) or 34 degrees C (heat stress) for 8 h/day (09:00-17:00; till the end of study) and fed a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 0.15 or 0.30 mg of Na2SeO3 or selenomethionine/kg of diet. Heat exposure decreased live weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, egg production, and egg quality when basal diet was fed (P0.0001). A linear increase in feed intake (P = 0.001) and body weight (P = 0.001), egg production (P = 0.001), and improvement in feed efficiency (P = 0.001) and egg quality (P = 0.001) were found in Se-supplemented quail reared under heat stress conditions. Serum, egg white, and egg yolk Se (Por = 0.001) concentrations increased linearly, whereas serum, liver, and egg yolk MDA concentrations decreased linearly (P = 0.001) as dietary Na2SeO3 or Se-Met supplementation increased. An interaction between dietary Se sources, temperature, and levels of supplementation (Por = 0.05) for these parameters was detected. Supplementation with Se improved egg production, egg quality, and antioxidant status of birds, and the effects of Se-Met were relatively greater than Na2SeO3 in heat-stressed quail. Results of the present study suggest that supplementation with Se-Met can be considered to be more protective than Na2SeO3 by reducing the negative effects of oxidative stress induced by heat stress in quail.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of various levels of dietary chromium supplementation on performance, carcass traits, blood chemistry, and tissue distribution of chromium (Cr3+) in quails. Two hundred forty 1-d-old Japanese quails were divided into five groups with four replicates and were fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 20,40,80, or 100 mg/kg Cr (CrCl3 center dot 6H(2)O) until 38 d of age. Chromium supplementation decreased carcass fat percentage, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glucose and increased serum magnesium (Mg) and Cr content of kidney, liver, and muscle. In conclusion, 20, 40, 80, or 100 mg/kg Cr supplementation to quail diet had no effect on performance, chemical composition of carcass except fat percentage, serum protein, calcium (Ca), and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) levels, but reduced serum glucose, LDL and fat percentage of carcass. Chromium is accumulated mainly in the kidneys and liver.

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 degrees 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 degrees 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 degrees 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 (por = 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.

The effects of vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) and selenium (Se; Na2-SeO3) on egg production, egg quality, and mineral content of egg yolk in Japanese quails reared under a low ambient temperature (6 degrees C) were evaluated. Birds (n=300; 7 wk old) were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups, 25 birds per group. The birds in a 3 x 2 factorial design received either three levels of vitamin E (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg diet) or two levels of selenium (0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg diet). After 2 wk on feed, six groups of the birds were maintained at 18 degrees C (thermoneutral temperature [TN]), and the other half were acclimated over 3 d to a decreased environmental temperature of 6 degrees C (cold stress [CS]). The performance, egg quality, and mineral content of egg yolk were not influenced by supplemental vitamin E and selenium in quails not exposed to cold stress (por = 0.09). Two hundred fifty and 500 mg vitamin E/kg diet compared with 125 mg/kg diet and higher dietary selenium inclusions (0.2 vs 0.1 mg/kg) resulted in a better body weight, egg production, and feed efficiency (p = 0.01) in quails reared under CS. Similarly, egg weight, egg specific gravity, eggshell thickness, and Haugh unit were positively influenced with vitamin E (p = 0.01) and selenium (por = 0.05) supplementation. Egg yolk concentrations of Zn, Fe, and Mn were higher with higher dietary vitamin E (p = 0.01) and selenium (p = 0.05). There was no interaction detected for parameters measured in the present study (por = 0.3). The results of the present study showed that a combination of 250 or 500 mg vitamin E and 0.2 mg selenium per kilogram of diet provides the greatest effects on performance and egg quality of Japanese quails reared under cold stress and suggest that such a supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in Japanese quail diets to reduce the detrimental effects of cold stress.

The effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and zinc (ZnSO(4)H(2)O) supplementation on serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (an indicator of lipid peroxidation) and serum status of some antioxidant vitamins and minerals of laying hens (Hy-Line) reared at a low ambient temperature (6.8 degrees C) were evaluated. One hundred twenty laying hens (Hy-Line; 32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The hens were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 0.4 mg Cr/kg of diet, 30 mg Zn/kg of diet, or 0.4 mg Cr plus 30 mg Zn/kg of diet. Digestibility of nutrients (dry matter [DM], organic matter [OM], crude protein [CP], and ether extract [EE]) increased by supplementation of chromium and zinc (p0.05). Supplemental chromium and zinc increased serum vitamins C and E but decreased MDA concentrations (p0.05). Additionally, supplemental chromium and zinc caused an increase in the serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cr (p0.05). The present study showed that low ambient temperature causes detrimental effects on the digestibility of nutrients and antioxidant status and that such detrimental effects caused by low ambient temperature can be alleviated by chromium and zinc supplementation, particularly when Cr and Zn were simultaneously included into the diet. Data obtained in the present study suggest that such supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in a diet of laying hens for alleviating negative effects of cold stress.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) supplementation at various levels (0, 200, 400, 800, or 1200 microg/kg of diet) on performance, carcass characteristics, and some serum metabolites of broiler chickens (Ross) reared under heat stress (32.8 degrees C). One hundred fifty old male broilers were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups, 3 replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed either a control diet or the control diet supplemented with either 200, 400, 800, or 1200 microg Cr/kg of diet. Increased supplemental chromium resulted in an increase in body weight (p = 0.01, linear), feed intake (por = 0.05, linear), and carcass characteristics (por = 0.05, linear) and improved feed efficiency (p = 0.01, linear). Increased supplemental chromium decreased serum corticosterone concentration (p = 0.01, linear), whereas it increased serum insulin and T3 and T4 concentrations (p = 0.01). Serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations decreased (p = 0.01), whereas protein concentrations increased linearly (p = 0.001) with higher dietary chromium supplementation. Results of the present study conclude that a supplementation of diet with chromium at 1200 ppb can alleviate the detrimental effects of heat stress in broiler.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) on serum concentrations of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and some metabolite and mineral in laying hens reared at high ambient temperatures ranging from 25 degrees C to 35 degrees C. One hundred twenty laying hens (18 wk old; Hy-Line) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The laying hens were fed either a basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented with either 250 mg of L-ascorbic acid/kg of diet (vitamin C), 250 mg of alpha-tocopherol acetate/kg of diet (vitamin E), or 250 mg of L-ascorbic acid plus 250 mg alpha-tocopherol acetate/kg of diet (combination). Separately or as a combination vitamins C and E increased serum vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations (p0.001) but decreased serum MDA concentration (p0.05). Serum concentrations of vitamin E and vitamin C were found highest but serum MDA concentration was lowest in the combination group. Supplemental vitamins C and E either separately or in a combination increased serum T3 and T4 concentrations (p0.05), whereas decreased serum ACTH concentration (p0.01). Serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations decreased, whereas serum protein concentration increased (p0.05) when vitamins C and E singly or together were added to the diet. Vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation resulted in an increase in serum concentrations of Ca, P, and K (p0.01) but a decrease in serum concentration of Na (p0.05). The results of the present study suggest that supplemental vitamin C and vitamin E alter serum lipid peroxidation, vitamin C, vitamin E and metabolite status, and diets supplemented with a combination of these two vitamins offer a good management practice in laying hens reared at high temperatures. In addition, the results suggest that dietary vitamin C and vitamin E act synergistically.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and zinc (ZnSO4 x H2O) on egg production, egg quality, and serum insulin, corticosterone, glucose, cholesterol, and total protein concentrations of laying hens reared under a low ambient temperature (6.8 degrees C). One hundred twenty laying hens (Hy-Line; 32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The laying hens were fed the control diet (T1) or the control diet supplemented with either 400 microg of Cr/kg of diet (T2), 30 mg of Zn/kg of diet (T3), or 400 microg of Cr plus 30 mg of Zn/kg of diet (T4). Although the dry matter intake (DMI) was similar (p0.05) for all treatment groups, supplemental chromium and zinc either individually or together increased live-weight change, egg production, and improved feed efficiency (p0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between T4 and T2 or T3. Compared to T1, supplemental chromium and zinc increased egg weight, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, egg specific gravity, and Haugh unit (p0.05) in T2, T3, and T4 groups, among which there was no significant difference. Serum insulin concentration increased (p0.05) and corticosterone concentration decreased (p0.05) with dietary chromium and zinc supplementation. Serum glucose and choles- terol concentrations decreased (p0.05) and protein concentrations increased (p0.001) with dietary chromium and zinc supplementation in all treatment groups. The results of this study indicated that either supplemental dietary chromium or zinc increased plasma insulin and decreased corticosterone concentrations and that had a positive effect on performance of laying hens under low ambient temperature.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of lycopene on the expression of organic anion transporters (OATs), organic cation transporters (OCTs), and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Twenty-eight 8-week-old Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, lycopene-treated (6 mg/kg BW by oral gavage), cisplatin-treated (7 mg/kg BW, IP), and lycopene in combination with cisplatin-treated groups. In the presence of cisplatin, serum urea nitrogen (urea-N) (48.5 vs. 124.3 mg/dl) and creatinine (0.29 vs. 1.37 mg/dl) levels and the kidney efflux transporters MRP2 and MRP4 levels were significantly increased, whereas OAT1, OAT3, OCT1, and OCT2 levels in kidney were decreased in the treated rats compared with normal control rats. However, administration of lycopene in combination with cisplatin resulted in a reduction in the serum urea-N (124.3 vs. 62.4) and creatinine (1.37 vs. 0.40) levels and the kidney efflux transporters MRP2 and MRP4 proteins in the kidneys. Administration of lycopene to acute renal injury-induced rats largely upregulated the organic anion transporters (OAT1 and 3) and organic cation transporters (OCT1 and 2) to decrease the side effects of cisplatin. The present study suggests that lycopene synergizes with its nephroprotective effect against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats.

Curcumin, a polyphenol, has pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer features. In this study, we have performed comparative in vivo evaluations of CDF (curcumin difluorinated) and curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) Control; (2) Cisplatin (7 mg/kg body wt, intraperitoneal as a single dose); (3) Cisplatin and CDF (50 mg/rat/day; for 12 days); (4) Cisplatin and curcumin (50 mg/rat/day), for 12 days). Cisplatin treated rats exhibited kidney injury manifested by increased serum N-urea and creatinine (P 0.001). Kidney from cisplatin treated rats also exhibited significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostane levels (P 0.001). Treatment with CDF and curcumin prevented the rise in serum N-urea, creatinine, MDA and 8-isoprostane as compared to experimental control group in kidney (P 0.05). Compared to curcumin, CDF had greater potential in suppressing cisplatin-induced pro-inflammatory factors NF-κB and COX-2 as well as downstream markers Nrf2 and HO-1 (P 0.05) in kidney. The analysis on anion transport markers (OAT1 and OAT3) showed a similar trend (CDF curcumin). CDF could reduce the expression of multi-drug resistance markers OCT1, OCT2, MRP2 and MRP4 to a much greater extent than curcumin (P 0.05). We also demonstrate that CDF influenced the expression of p-mTOR, p-p70S6K1, p-4E-BP1 and p-Akt. These data suggest that CDF can potentially be used to reduce the chemotherapy induced nephrotoxicity thereby enhancing the therapeutic window of cisplatin. The results also proved that compared to curcumin, CDF has superior protective effect in nephrotoxicity.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of supplemental chromium picolinate (CrPic) and chromium histidinate (CrHis) on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB p65) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in diabetic rat brain. Nondiabetic (n = 45) and diabetic (n = 45) male Wistar rats were either not supplemented or supplemented with CrPic or CrHis via drinking water to consume 8 μg elemental chromium (Cr) per day for 12 weeks. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (40 mg/kg i.p., for 2 weeks) and maintained by high-fat feeding (40 %). Diabetes was associated with increases in cerebral NF-κB and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adducts and decreased in cerebral nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) and Nrf2 levels. Both Cr chelates were effective to decrease levels of NF-κB and 4-HNE protein adducts and to increase levels of IκBα and Nrf2 in the brain of diabetic rats. However, responses of these increases and decreases were more notable when Cr was supplemented as CrHis than as CrPic. In conclusion, Cr may play a protective role in cerebral antioxidant defense system in diabetic subjects via the Nrf2 pathway by reducing inflammation through NF-κB p65 inhibition. Histidinate form of Cr was superior to picolinate form of Cr in reducing NF-κB expression and increasing Nrf2 expression in the brain of diabetic rats.

Chromium picolinate (CrPic) has shown both antidepressant and antidiabetic properties. In this study, the effects of CrPic on serotonergic properties and carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats were evaluated. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups. (1) The control group received only standard diet (8 % fat). (2) The CrPic group was fed standard diet and CrPic (80 μg CrPic per kilogram body mass (b.m.)/day), for 10 weeks (microgram/kilogram b.m./day). (3) The HFD/STZ group fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 40 % fat) for 2 weeks and then received streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg, i.p.) (i.v.) HFD-STZ–CrPic group treated as the previous group and then were administered CrPic. CrPic administration to HFD/STZ-treated rats increased brain chromium levels and improved all measurements of carbohydrate metabolism and serotonergic properties (P < 0.001). CrPic also significantly increased levels of insulin, tryptophan, and serotonin (P < 0.001) in the serum and brain, and decreased cortisol levels in the serum (P < 0.01). Except chromium levels, no significant effect of CrPic supplementation was detected on the overall measured parameters in the control group. CrPic administration was well tolerated without any adverse events. The results support the use of CrPic supplementation which improves serotonergic properties of brain in diabetes.

Curcumin, a polyphenol, has pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer features. In this study, we have performed comparative in vivo evaluations of CDF (curcumin difluorinated) and curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) Control; (2) Cisplatin (7 mg/kg body wt, intraperitoneal as a single dose); (3) Cisplatin and CDF (50 mg/rat/day; for 12 days); (4) Cisplatin and curcumin (50 mg/rat/day), for 12 days). Cisplatin treated rats exhibited kidney injury manifested by increased serum N-urea and creatinine (P curcumin). CDF could reduce the expression of multi-drug resistance markers OCT1, OCT2, MRP2 and MRP4 to a much greater extent than curcumin (P

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium histidinate (CrHis) against experimentally induced type II diabetes and on chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in serum, liver, and kidney of diabetic rats. The male Wistar rats (n = 60, 8 weeks old) were divided into four groups. Group I received a standard diet (12% of calories as fat); group II were fed standard diet and received CrHis (110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day); group III received a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% of calories as fat) for 2 weeks and then were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) on day 14 (STZ, 40 mg/kg i.p.; HFD/STZ); group IV were treated as group III (HFD/STZ) but supplemented with 110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day. The mineral concentrations in the serum and tissue were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to the HFD/STZ group, CrHis significantly increased body weight and reduced blood glucose in diabetic rats (p0.001). Concentrations of Cr, Zn, Se, and Mn in serum, liver, and kidney of the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control rats (p0.0001). In contrast, higher Fe and Cu levels were found in serum and tissues from diabetic versus the non-diabetic rats (p0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation increased serum, liver, and kidney concentrations of Cr and Zn both in diabetic and non-diabetic rats (p0.001). Chromium supplementation increased Mn and Se levels in diabetic rats (p0.001); however, it decreased Cu levels in STZ-treated group (p0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation did not affect Fe levels in both groups (p0.05). The results of the present study conclude that supplementing Cr to the diet of diabetic rats influences serum and tissue Cr, Zn, Se, Mn, and Cu concentrations.

Environmental stress causes adverse effects in performance and antioxidant status of poultry. Dietary chromium supplementation promotes the growth rate and feed efficiency of growing poultry and these beneficial effects of chromium appear to be greater under stress. Biotin, a member of the vitamin B complex, is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In a previous experiment, we examined the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) as a chromium source in birds subjected to high environmental temperature and the data showed that supplementation with CrPic ameliorated the deletorious effect of stress. The study was conducted to determine the effects of a supplementation of combination of CrPic and biotin (Diachrome ) on performance, carcass characteristics, levels of oxidative stress markers, serum cholesterol, and glucose concentrations in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to high ambient temperature of 34 degrees C. Two hundred forty Japanese quail (10 d old) were randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups consisting of 10 replicates of 3 birds. The birds were kept in a temperature-controlled room at 22 degrees C (thermo-neutral [TN] groups) or 34 degrees C (for 8 h/d; 09.00 am to 05.00 pm; heat-stress [HS] groups). Birds were fed either a basal (control) diet (TN and HS) or the basal diet supplemented with either 1, 2, or 4 mg of Diachrome/kg of diet. Heat exposure decreased performance when the basal diet was fed (p = 0.001). Diachrome supplementation increased feed intake (p = 0.001), body weight (p = 0.05), feed efficiency (p = 0.01), and carcass traits (por= 0.05) variables linearly in birds reared under HS conditions. Serum vitamin C (p = 0.05) and vitamin E (p = 0.03) concentrations increased, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and the liver (p = 0.01), thigh muscle (p = 0.05), and serum cholesterol and glucose concentrations (p = 0.05) decreased in supplemented birds reared at a high temperature. It should be noted that when birds were kept at the thermo-neutral temperature, Diachrome supplementation did not affect (p0.05) the variables measured, with the exception of a reduction in serum cholesterol and glucose. Results of the present study suggest that Diachrome can be considered a protective dietary supplement by reducing the negative effects of high environment temperature on performance and oxidative stress in quail.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc (ZnSO4.H2O) and vitamin A (retinol) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total protein, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of lipid peroxidation in broiler chickens (Ross) reared at a high temperature (34 degrees C). One hundred twenty 10-d-old male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups, 3 replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 30 mg Zn/kg diet, 4.5 mg (15,000 IU) retinol/kg diet, or 30 mg Zn + 4.5 mg retinol/kg diet. Supplemental zinc and vitamin A significantly increased live weight gain and improved feed efficiency (p

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) supplementation on the digestion of nutrients and serum concentration of some antioxidant vitamins and minerals of laying hens (Hy-Line) reared at a low ambient temperature (6.8 degrees C). One hundred twenty laying hens (32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The laying hens were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 400 microg of Cr/kg diet, 250 mg of L-ascorbic acid/kg diet, or 400 microg of Cr plus 250 mg L-ascorbic acid/kg diet. The digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, and EE) increased by the supplementation of chromium and vitamin C (p < 0.05). Supplemental chromium and vitamin C also increased serum vitamin C and E but decreased malondialdehyde concentrations (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplemental chromium and vitamin C caused an increase in the serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cr (p < 0.05) but a decrease in Cu concentration. The results of the present study showed that each dietary supplement influenced most of the parameters measured in a similar way. Also, a combination of the two supplements resulted in an additive effect, and supplementing a combination of vitamin C (250 mg/kg of diet) and chromium (400 microg Cr/kg diet) may offer a potential protective management practice in preventing cold-stress-related depression in the performance of laying hens.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin E and selenium (Se) on lipid peroxidation (MDA), serum and liver concentration of antioxidant vitamins, and some minerals of Japanese quails reared under heat stress (34 degrees C). One hundred twenty 10-d-old Japanese qualis (60 males, 60 females) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups, 3 replicates of 10 birds each. The experiment was designed in a 2x2 factorial arrangement using two levels of vitamin E (125 and 250 mg/kg of diet) and two levels of selenium (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg of diet). Greater dietary vitamin E and selenium inclusions resulted in a greater (p = 0.001) serum vitamin E and vitamin A, but lower (p = 0.001) MDA concentrations. Liver vitamin E and vitamin A concentrations increased (p = 0.001) and MDA concentrations decreased (p = 0.001) when both dietary vitamin E and selenium increased. No interactions between vitamin E and selenium were detected (p > or = 0.11) for any parameters. Increasing both dietary vitamin E and selenium caused an increase in serum concentrations of Fe and Zn (p = 0.001), but a decrease in serum concentration of Cu (p = 0.001). Results of the present study showed that dietary vitamin E and selenium have synergistic effects and that supplementing a combination of dietary vitamin E (250 mg/kg of diet) and selenium (0.2 mg/kg of diet) offers a good management practice to reduce heat stress-related depression in performance of Japanese quails.