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Long coronavirus disease (COVID) syndrome leads to chronic inflammatory state onset that can have a multisystem impact and compromise organ function. Moreover, long COVID syndrome is often characterized by the presence of chronic fatigue, which affects subjects' daily activities and worsens their quality of life. The aim of our double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial (protocol code RS 150.21, approved on 4 November 2021) was to evaluate the beneficial effects of the consumption of 2 cps/day, for two months, of an oral food supplement (OFS), based on Echinacea angustifolia, rosehip, propolis, royal jelly and zinc, in long COVID patients, compared to a two-month placebo period. The OFS's vitamin C content was equal to 22.17 mg/g (8.87 mg/capsule). The OFS's total polyphenol content was 43.98 mg/g gallic acid equivalents. At the end of the in vivo study, we highlighted a significant decrease in the inflammatory parameters in the OFS period, compared to the placebo period (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, p = 0.0455; monocyte to-lymphocyte ratio, p = 0.0005; C-reactive protein, p = 0.0145). Our study also highlighted a significant increase in vitamin D serum values (p = 0.0005) and, at the same time, an improvement in patients' life quality and a reduction in fatigue, monitored by the fatigue severity scale. This study showed the OFS's beneficial effects on the inflammatory state, fatigue and quality of life in long COVID patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is one of the essential microelements for the metabolism of animals. Zinc nanoparticles may have higher bioavailability due to their low specific surface area, facilitating absorption by fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Zinc, in different sizes (nanoparticles or bulk) and forms (inorganic or organic), were used as a supplement in the tilapia diet at a dose of 15 mg kg feed−1 for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, production performance, hemato-immunological parameters, activity of antioxidant system enzymes, exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae and zinc concentration in the muscle were examined. After the bacterial challenge, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) significantly increased in the fish treated with organic zinc, inorganic nano zinc, and organic nano zinc, while in the control group (inorganic zinc), MCHC remained unchanged. Regarding defense cells, dietary inorganic nano zinc increased the number of basophils (1.50 ± 1.10) compared to organic zinc (0.80 ± 0.90). Lymphocyte count increased after the challenge only in the organic zinc treatments (bulk and nanoparticles). Neutrophils decreased in the control (inorganic zinc) (2.20 ± 1.70) and inorganic nano zinc (2.60 ± 2.70) treatments after the challenge. When compared before and after the bacterial challenge, the plasma antimicrobial titer significantly increased after the bacterial challenge in all treatments. No significant differences were observed for total proteins, enzymes (SOD and CAT), cumulative survival and zinc deposition on fillet. In conclusion, organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size increased Nile tilapia innate defense during bacterial infection. However, the other parameters evaluated were not affected by zinc particle size or form (organic or inorganic), indicating that further evaluations should be conducted with organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size in the tilapia diet. • Lymphocytes increased after challenge only in organic zinc treatments. • Zinc nanoparticles increased basophils compared to organic zinc. • Neutrophils increased in organic zinc treatments and decreased in inorganic treatments after bacterial challenge. • Organic zinc in nanoparticle or bulk size increases lymphocytes and neutrophils during infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effect high-energy diet with supplemented with copper and zinc on oxidative stress, leukocyte function and reproductive performance during the transition period in the crossbred cow under tropical settings. Advanced pregnant crossbred cows of two to four parity and lactation yield of >10 L/day were divided into three equal groups (n = 10 cow/group). Group I cows were fed basal diet to serve as control. Group II cows were supplemented with 20% additional concentrate, copper (15.7/kg DM) and zinc (22 mg/kg DM). Group III cows were provided with only energy in the form of 20% additional concentrate. Copper and zinc were supplemented from −4 before to +8 week of calving, whereas concentrate was given from +2 to +8 week after calving. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval from −4 to +8 week of calving. Group II had a significantly lower MDA, higher TAC and decreased activity of SOD and CAT than that of Group I (P < 0.05). Phagocytic activity and lymphocytic activity increased from 3 to 8 weeks postpartum (P < 0.05) in Group II and III indicating early restoration of leukocyte function. Resumption of postpartum oestrus was shorter in group II (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]