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The applications of natural products in aquaculture to improve fish production and modulate toxic undesired effects of heavy metals represent a global environmental demand. In this study, fish diets supplemented with natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite) were evaluated for their ability to improve growth and alleviate the deleterious effects of lead acetate in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four main experimental groups were used: one control group that fed on diets supplemented with 0% zeolite and three treatment groups received 1%, 3% and 5% zeolite. After 45 days of feeding, zeolite treatments resulted in a positive effect on weight gain (WG) with a significant reduction in water ammonia levels. Following feeding experiment, the control group was divided into two groups. All zeolite-treated groups and one of the control groups (Control +ve) were subjected to lead (Pb) toxicity for additional 21 days, while the other control received no Pb (Control -ve). Exposure to Pb significantly decreased protein and albumin on one hand and increased glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) on the other. Elevation of hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also detected. In contrast, zeolite feeding before and during Pb exposure showed an increase in protein and albumin levels, and a decrease in glucose, cholesterol, ALT, AST, CAT, SOD and TAC levels. Moreover, zeolite decreased Pb residues in muscles and increased it in kidneys. All in all, the data presented indicate that zeolite can improve the growth performance in Nile tilapia and increases fish resistance to undesired effects associated with Pb toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Liver fibrosis represent a worldwide challenge of clinical importance, results from chronic damage of liver, and evidenced by build up of excessive extracellular matrix proteins.. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antifibrogenic effect of grape seed extract (GSE) against hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. Experimental Design: forty adult male albino mice were divided into four equal groups; first (control) in which mice were injected IP with olive oil as vehicle. In the second group (GSE) mice were received GSE orally at a dose of 200mg/kg/day for 8 weeks while in the third group (CCl4) mice were injected IP with CCl4 (0.4ml/kg / twice weekly) for 8 weeks . In the fourth (GSE+ CCl4) group mice were injected IP with CCl4 and co-treated with GSE orally as in previous treated-groups. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and blood samples and liver tissue specimens were collected. Results: the examined liver of CCl4-intoxicated group revealed marked hepatic fibrotic lesions confirmed by Masson's trichrome stain and associated with the presence of intensely stained α-SMA-positive hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in entire of the hepatic lobules and in the vicinity of bridging fibrotic septa. Hepatic degeneration and necrosis were also seen. This hepatic damage was associated with significant increases in AST and ALT activities with low albumin levels and hypoproteinemia. Co-administration of GSE with CCl4 improved the microscopic picture of liver where scanty fibrotic lesions and mild degeneration of some hepatic cells were recorded. Less intensely stain ed α-SMA-immunopositive cells were observed. Serum AST, ALT, albumin and total protein values were more or less within the ranges of these parameters in the control non-intoxicated group. Conclusion: GSE has potent antifibrogenic effect on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs activation, decreasing collagen synthesis and improving hepatic regenerative capability through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]