Amygdalus spinosissima root extract enhanced scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment in mice

The Amygdalus spinosissima (Rosaceae) plant has been used in the Iranian folk medicine as a remedy for the burn wound. Hence, in this study, we aimed to determine the possible medicinal potential of the plant focusing on the root part. The bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in the root extract of the Amygdalus spinosissima plant as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were determined. Moreover, the effects of root extract on learning and memory in mice were evaluated. The results revealed that the root methanolic extract contained phenolic and flavonoid compounds including apigenin, quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, gallic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, and ellagic acid. The extract possessed antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities in vitro. These biological activities were attributed to the presence of phenolics and flavonoids. The A. spinosissima root extract improved learning and memory function in scopolamine-induced memory dysfunction in mice as determined using the Morris water maze task. The extract modulated the AChE, BChE, and inflammatory genes and enhanced the expression of the antioxidant enzymes in the brain. Consequently, A. spinosissima root extract could be considered as a promising source of potent bioactive compounds in the retarding the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Benefits and Challenges of Jatropha Meal as Novel Biofeed for Animal Production

Jatropha curcas L. has gained importance as a source of seed oil for biodiesel production. The meal contained about 60% protein with a good balance of essential amino acids, containing various bioactive compounds, including saponins, phytic acids, trypsin inhibitors, lectins, phenolics, and flavonoids, which render it as a potential biofeed for animal production. The Jatropha meal demonstrated various biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects which enhance its property as a bio-feed. The levels of these bioactive compounds in the seeds are dependent on the genotypes. The J. curcas possessed different varieties which are either toxic or non-toxic according to the presence of phorbol esters. The presence of phorbol esters in the meal confirmed the toxic variety of Jatropha resulting in the limited application of meal as a biofeed. The Jatropha meal devoid of phorbol esters could be applied as a biofeed in the animal production industry, and for the toxic varieties, various techniques such as physicochemical and biological treatments have been introduced to the industry to remove the phorbol esters from Jatropha meal. Several studies employing various cells and animals confirmed the toxicity of the phorbol esters. The molecular mechanism of action of phorbol esters is through up-regulation of PKC-β II gene, overexpression of down-stream proto-oncogenes resulted in inflammation and oxidative stress ending by apoptotic cell death. Despite the presence of valuable bioactive compounds in the Jatropha meal, its nutritional application is not recommended unless the phorbol esters are completely removed.

Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Melanogenesis Inhibitory Activity of Auraptene, a Coumarin from Ferula szowitsiana Root

The auraptene is a geranyloxyn coumarin found in the Ferula species. The plant is endemic in Central Asia and it is used as a medicinal food in Iran. This research aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-melanogenic properties of auraptene, a coumarin from Ferula szowitsiana root. The results revealed that auraptene possessed antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations ranged from 2.5 up to 10 mg/ml against human pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella paratyphi, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus). The nitric oxide scavenging activity (IC₅₀: 670.9 µg/ml) showed its moderate antioxidant potential. Similarly, the results of ferric thiocyanate and thiobarbituric acid assays reconfirmed the moderate antioxidant activity of auraptene and indicated the percentage inhibitions of hydroxyl radicals to be 31.87 and 14%, respectively. The cell-based antioxidant evaluation confirmed the antioxidant activity of auraptene through up-regulation of the antioxidant-related genes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the human foreskin fibroblast (HFF). The auraptene has also displayed the anti-melanogenic activity through direct tyrosinase enzyme inhibition (IC₅₀ of 29.7 µg/ml) and could modulate the expression of major melanogenesis-related genes including tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, and dopachrome tautomerase in the murine melanoma cell line. The auraptene from Ferula szowitsiana root exhibited antibacterial, antioxidant, and melanogenesis inhibitory activities.

Ferutinin: A phytoestrogen from ferula and its anticancer, antioxidant, and toxicity properties

This study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer, and toxicity properties of ferutinin, a phytoestrogen derived from Ferula species. The human Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cell line and normal human fibroblast (HDF) were cultured and treated with different ferutinin concentrations. The cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cell death-defining tests (a comparative real-time polymerase chain reaction [for Bax and Bcl-2 genes], flow cytometry, and acridine orange/propidium iodide cell staining). Moreover, 15 white male balb/c mice were divided into three groups of five (one untreated control group and two groups), which received different doses of ferutinin-supplemented water (500 and 1000 µg/kg mice weight) to check the mice liver and kidney pathomorphological alterations and to determine the antioxidant enzymes' expression profile (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and glutathione peroxidase) in the mentioned tissues. Finally, the liver lipid peroxidation of mice was analyzed. The results of MTT and cell death-defining tests indicate the significant reduction in cell viability and induction of apoptotic death in MCF-7 cells (enhanced sub-G1 peaks, Bax overexpression, Bcl-2 downregulation, and increased apoptotic cells). The antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in the mice liver and kidney cells were found to be upregulated (p < .05) in response to the increasing doses of ferutinin. Besides, the lipid peroxidation of the liver tissue of mice was significantly reduced. According to the results, we suggest that ferutinin has the potential to be served as a selective anticancer compound for breast cancer treatment.

Protective Effects of Anethum graveolens Seed's Oil Nanoemulsion Against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice

The cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that induces oxidative stress in both humans and animals. The plant phenolic compounds are capable of alleviating the toxicity of heavy metals. The encapsulation of plant bioactive compounds using nanoemulsion technology could enhance their bioefficacy. In this study, the protective effects of Anethum graveolens seed's oil nanoemulsion (AGN) against cadmium-induced oxidative stress in mice were studied. The results showed that the major bioactive compounds of essential oil were carvone and limonene. The result of particle size analysis revealed the pseudo-spherical droplets with nanometer size (148.8 ± 9.48 nm), homogenous dispersion, and physical colloidal stability. The Cd intoxication in mice (5 mg/kg BW for 30 days) reduced the body weight gain; however, treatment of the mice with different concentration of AGN (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/L, 30 days) through drinking water improved the body weight loss, liver Cd deposition, lipid peroxidation, cellular antioxidant redox potential, and inflammation in the liver, kidney, and brain of the mice challenged by cadmium-induced oxidative stress. The results of the present study revealed that drinking the essential oil of Anethum graveolens nanoemulsion containing carvone and limonene could be a promising strategy to protect the tissues against cadmium-induced oxidative damage.

Synthesized chrysin-loaded nanoliposomes improves cadmium-induced toxicity in mice

In this study, chrysin as a natural flavonoid was encapsulated in nanoliposomal structures, and the synthesized nanoliposome-loaded chrysin (NLC) was further characterized for its physical properties and cytoprotective effects in mice that received cadmium-containing water. The results showed that the synthesized NLC is possessed spherical structure with the size of 185.1 nm and negative surface charge of - 26 mV with a poly dispersity index of 0.26. The mice received cadmium (2 mg/kg body weight/day) through drinking water showed weight loss and decease in the feed intake significantly (p ≤ 0.05). The cadmium notably (p ≤ 0.05) increased the liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase; altered the liver metal deposition (cadmium, copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc); and induced hepatic oxidative stress (inducible nitric oxide synthase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase genes) with no remarkable histopathological changes. Furthermore, the cadmium impaired the morphology of jejunum through reducing villus height and villus width and increasing the crypt depth. Providing NLC as a dietary supplement at the concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg mice body weight significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the feed intake and body weight gain, modulated the liver enzymes, and alleviated the hepatic oxidative stress. The NLC also improved the antioxidant mineral deposition in the liver and morphohistological structure of jejunum. Consequently, the NLC is suggested as a potential dietary supplement to alleviate the symptoms of cadmium-induced toxicity in mice.

Comparative Study on the Biological Effects of Sodium Citrate-Based and Apigenin-Based Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

The apigenin is a bioactive flavonoid mostly found in fruits and vegetables that possess various biological activities. The current study was performed to compare the biological potentials of sodium citrate-based (SC-SNPs) and apigenin-based (AP-SNPs) synthesized silver nanoparticles under the in vitro and in vivo conditions. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were physically and chemically characterized. The anticancer, pro-apoptotic, and their anti-bacterial activities were determined. Further, the mice trial was conducted to determine the possible toxic effects of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. The result of particle size analysis revealed the nanometer sizes of the SC-SNPs and AP-SNPs were about 95.5 and 93.94 nm, respectively. Both nanoparticles indicated pseudo-spherical shape, homogenous dispersion with an appropriate good degree of stability. However, the anticancer potential, pro-apoptotic effects and antibacterial activity of AP-SNPs were higher than that of SC-SNPs. Moreover, the mice trial indicated that AP-SNPs improved the liver function through modulation of liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) as compared to the mice received AP-SNPs during 30 day experiment. Consequently the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using apigenin as reducing bioactive compound may result in production of silver nanoparticles with enhanced anticancer, antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Synthesis and characterisation of chitosan-encapsulated genistein: its anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activities

Aims: The study was carried out to synthesise and characterise the chitosan-encapsulated genistein (CHI-En/Gen) and determine its anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic properties.Methods: The cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic activity of CHI-En/Gen was performed using MTT and chorioallantoic membrane assay. The molecular action was determined using flow cytometry and gene expression.Results: The synthesised CHI-En/Gen was in submicron size, spherical in shape and with entrapment efficiency and loading efficiency of 76.8% (w/w) and 32.6% (w/w), respectively. The CHI-En/Gen notably inhibited the growth and proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells (HT-29) while did not affect the viability of human dermal fibroblast as normal cell. The flow cytometry and the caspase-3 gene expression analyses revealed the apoptotic cells death in the HT-29 cells. Moreover, the encapsulated genistein showed anti-angiogenic activity.Conclusion: The CHI-En/Gen appeared as a promising carrier for the colon delivery of genistein to be used in complementary health approaches for the cancer prevention.

Citrus aurantium L. bloom essential oil nanoemulsion: Synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity, and its potential health impacts on mice

This research was performed to synthesize the Citrus aurantium L. bloom essential oil nanoemulsion (CABE-NE) and investigate its cytotoxic and apoptotic impacts on human lung (A549 cells), and further, the effects of CABE-NE on mice health parameters was determined. The obtained results demonstrated that C. aurantium bloom contained 1.2 ± 0.16% of essential oil with linalyl acetate, limonene, and α-terpineol as major compounds. The CABE-NE possessed particle size of 76.9 ± 6.11 nm, PDI of 0.19, and zeta potential of -43.5 mV. The CABE-NE indicated the cytotoxicity against A549 cells with the IC₅₀ value of 152 µg/ml. The CABE-NE induced the overexpression of Cas-3 and triggered the apoptotic cells death. The mice gavaged daily with CABE-NE at the concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight for 30 days did not show any remarkable histopathological alteration in the liver and kidney while exhibited enhancement in the jejunum morpho-structural architecture and hepatic antioxidant redox potential. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to the results, the produced CABE-NE drug delivery system could be considered as a promising alternative to prevent lung cancer progression and it provides a new way to enhance the therapeutic value of the plant phytochemicals.

Production of GABA-enriched idli with ACE inhibitory and antioxidant properties using Aspergillus oryzae: the antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The present study aimed to develop a fermented food (idli) with enhanced γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties using a GABA-producing fungus.

Anticancer properties of green-synthesised zinc oxide nanoparticles using Hyssopus officinalis extract on prostate carcinoma cells and its effects on testicular damage and spermatogenesis in Balb/C mice

The unclear bio-safety issue and potential risk of nanoparticles (NPs) on various organelles can be considered as a major challenge. In the present study, we have assessed the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) extract and their effects on PC3 cell line and BALB/c mice model. The cytotoxicity of the ZnO-NPs was assessed on PC3 cell line by MTT test after characterisation. Apoptotic effect of ZnO-NPs was determined by in vitro AO/PI staining. The histopathological assessments and determination of LH and FSH levels carried out as in vivo analysis in BALB/c adult male mice. The expression of major genes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation (Adam3, Prm1, Spata19, Tnp2, Gpx5) were also analysed. The obtained result demonstrated that the IC₅₀ for PC3 cell line treated with green-synthesised ZnO-NPs during 24 and 48 hr was reported 8.07 and 5 µg/ml respectively. Meanwhile, the induced apoptosis was recorded 26.6% ± 0.05, 44% ± 0.12 and 80% ± 0.07 of PC3 cells. The results of gene expression analysis revealed that the increase in the concentration of ZnO-NPs significantly (p < .05) down-regulated the Adam3, Prm1, Spata-19, Tnp2 and Gpx5 genes. The overall results of this research elucidated that ZnO-NPs impaired spermatogenesis, sperm maturation process and sperm motility.

Omics and bioinformatics applied to vaccine development against Borrelia

Borrelia burgdorferi is an extracellular spirochete that causes Lyme disease. Currently, no effective vaccine is available for humans and animals except for dogs. In the present study, an extensive bioinformatics pipeline was established to predict new candidates that can be used for vaccine development including building the protein-protein interaction network based on orthologues of experimentally verified protein-protein interaction networks, elucidation of the proteins involved in the immune response, selection of the topologically-interesting proteins and their prioritization based on their antigenicity. Proteomic network analysis yielded an interactome network with 120 nodes with 97 interactions. Proteins were selected to obtain a subnet containing only the borrelial membrane proteins and immune-related host proteins. This strategy resulted in the selection of 15 borrelial targets, which were subjected to extensive bioinformatics analysis to predict their antigenic properties. Based on the strategy applied in this study the proteins encoded by erpX (ErpX proteins, UniProt ID: H7C7L6), erpL (ErpL protein, UniProt ID: H7C7M3) and erpY (ErpY protein, UniProt ID: Q9S0D9) are suggested as a novel set of vaccine targets to control Lyme disease. Moreover, five different tools were used to validate their antigenicity regarding B-cells. The combination of all these proteins in a vaccine should allow improved protection against Borrelia infection.

Effects of dietary n-6: n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on meat quality, carcass characteristics, tissue fatty acid profiles, and expression of lipogenic genes in growing goats

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of altering the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in the diet on meat quality, fatty acid composition of muscle, and expression of lipogenic genes in the muscle of Boer goats. A total of twenty-one Boer goats (5 months old; 31.66±1.07 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios of 2.27:1 (LR), 5.01:1 (MR) and 10.38:1 (HR), fed at 3.7% of body weight. After 100 days of feeding, all goats were slaughtered and the longissimus dorsi muscle was sampled for analysis of fatty acids and gene expression. The dietary treatments did not affect (P>0.05) the carcass traits, and meat quality of growing goats. The concentrations of cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, trans vaccenic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratios linearly increased (P<0.01) with decreasing dietary n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios, especially for LR in the longissimus dorsi muscle of goats. In contrast, the mRNA expression level of the PPARα and PPARγ was down-regulated and stearoyl-CoA desaturase up-regulated in the longissimus dorsi of growing goats with increasing dietary n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios (P<0.01). In conclusion, the results obtained indicate that the optimal n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of 2.27:1 exerted beneficial effects on meat fatty acid profiles, leading towards an enrichment in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in goat intramuscular fat.

Dietary n-6:n-3 Fatty Acid Ratios Alter Rumen Fermentation Parameters and Microbial Populations in Goats

Revealing the ruminal fermentation patterns and microbial populations as affected by dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio would be useful for further clarifying the role of the rumen in the lipid metabolism of ruminants. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios on fermentation characteristics, fatty acid (FA) profiles, and microbial populations in the rumen of goats. A total of twenty-one goats were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments with different n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios of 2.27:1 (low ratio, LR), 5.01:1 (medium ratio, MR), and 10.38:1 (high ratio, HR). After 100 days of feeding, all goats were slaughtered. Dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios had no effect (P > 0.05) on rumen pH and NH₃N concentration. Goats fed HR diet had lower (P < 0.05) propionate and total volatile fatty acids and higher (P < 0.05) butyrate compared with those fed the MR and LR diets. The proportion of C18:0 decreased (P < 0.05) as dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios increased. The proportions of C18:1 trans-11, C18:2n-6, cis-9 trans-11 CLA, and C20:4n-6 were greater in the HR goats compared with the MR and LR goats. Lowering dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios enhanced (P < 0.05) the proportion of C18:3n-3 and total n-3 PUFA in the rumen fluid of goats. The populations of R. albus and R. flavefaciens decreased (P < 0.05) as the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios increased in diet. Diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on the ruminal populations of F. succinogenes, total bacteria, methanogens, total protozoa, Entiodinium, and Holotrich. The population of B. fibrisolvens was lower (P < 0.05) in the LR goats compared with the MR and HR goats. It was concluded that HR would increase the concentration of cis-9 trans-11 CLA and C18:1 trans-11 in the rumen. However, LR whould decrease the B. fibrisolvens population, which is involved in the BH process in the rumen. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential role and contribution of rumen microbiome in the metabolism of FA in the rumen.

The effect of different cooking methods on fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of n-3 fatty acids fortified tilapia meat with or without clove essential oil

Tilapia farmers are increasingly relying on dietary fish oil alternatives which substantially reduces health beneficial n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in tilapia products.? This may be further exacerbated depending on the cooking method.? This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different cooking methods on the fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of tilapia minced meat after prior fish oil fortifications with or without clove essential oil. Results showed that frying tilapia in either sunflower or palm oil significantly increased the saturated fatty acid and linoleic acid content, respectively, of tilapia. However, fish oil fortifications significantly increased the n-3 PUFA content, but tended to decrease oxidative stability, particularly when microwaving. This was mitigated by clove essential oil, which significantly improved oxidative stability after cooking. Results indicate that n-3 PUFA and clove essential oil fortifications is an effective method to deliver and protect these beneficial fatty acids for human consumers. ?

Effects of physical form of starter and forage provision to young calves on blood metabolites, liver composition and intestinal morphology

This study evaluated the effects of physical form of starter feed and forage provision on the performance, blood metabolites, liver composition and intestinal morphology of dairy calves. Individually housed calves (n = 52; body weight = 41.5 ± 2.5 kg) were randomly allocated (n = 13 per treatment) to one of the following four treatments: (i) ground starter feed (GS; mean particle size = 0.72 mm in diameter), (ii) textured starter feed (TS; mean particle size = 3.61 mm in diameter, including steam-flaked corn and barley), (iii) pelleted starter feed (PS; mean particle size = 4.53 mm in diameter) and (iv) ground starter feed with chopped alfalfa hay (GS + AH; mean particle size = 1.02 mm in diameter). The calves fed GS + AH diets had greater (p < 0.01) starter intake, final body weight and average daily gain compared with the other groups, while GS and TS groups both had greater (p < 0.01) starter intake than the PS group. Feed efficiency was found to be better (p < 0.05) in the TS group than in the GS or PS group, but not different from the GS + AH one. Compared with the other groups, the GS + AH group had the highest (p < 0.01), while the PS one had the lowest (p < 0.01) concentrations of blood glucose and triglyceride. The calves fed GS + AH had the highest blood concentrations of total protein, globulin, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), T3 : T4 ratio (p < 0.05) and levels of fat and glycogen in the liver (p < 0.01) compared with the other groups. The highest (p < 0.05) liver glycogen contents were observed in the GS + AH and TS groups. The duodenum, ileum and jejunum in the calves fed GS + AH exhibited a greater muscle layer thickness (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. Based on the results obtained, the addition of dietary forage to starter diets positively influenced performance, liver composition and intestinal morphology in developing calves.

Cytoprotective effect of palm kernel cake phenolics against aflatoxin B1-induced cell damage and its underlying mechanism of action

Background

Palm kernel cake (PKC), a by-product of the palm oil industry is abundantly available in many tropical and subtropical countries. The product is known to contain high levels of phenolic compounds that may impede the deleterious effects of fungal mycotoxins. This study focused on the evaluation of PKC phenolics as a potential cytoprotective agent towards aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced cell damage.

Methods

The phenolic compounds of PKC were obtained by solvent extraction and the product rich in phenolic compounds was labeled as phenolic-enriched fraction (PEF). This fraction was evaluated for its phenolic compounds composition. The antioxidant activity of PEF was determined by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, inhibition of ß-carotene bleaching, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assays. The cytotoxicity assay and molecular biomarkers analyses were performed to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of PEF towards aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced cell damage.

Results

The results showed that PEF contained gallic acid, pyrogallol, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, epicatechin, catechin and ferulic acid. The PEF exhibited free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, ß-carotene bleaching inhibition and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances inhibition. The PEF demonstrated cytoprotective effects in AFB1-treated chicken hepatocytes by reducing the cellular lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant enzymes production. The viability of AFB1-treated hepatocytes was improved by PEF through up-regulation of oxidative stress tolerance genes and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory and apoptosis associated genes.

Conclusions

The present findings supported the proposition that the phenolic compounds present in PKC could be a potential cytoprotective agent towards AFB1 cytotoxicity.

Palm kernel cake extract exerts hepatoprotective activity in heat-induced oxidative stress in chicken hepatocytes

BACKGROUND

Palm kernel cake (PKC), the most abundant by-product of oil palm industry is believed to contain bioactive compounds with hepatoprotective potential. These compounds may serve as hepatoprotective agents which could help the poultry industry to alleviate adverse effects of heat stress on liver function in chickens.

METHODS

This study was performed to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of PKC extract in heat-induced oxidative stress in chicken hepatocytes. The nature of the active metabolites and elucidation of the possible mechanism involved were also investigated.

RESULTS

The PKC extract possessed free radical scavenging activity with values significantly (p < 0.05) lower than silymarin as the reference antioxidant. Heat-induced oxidative stress in chicken hepatocyte impaired the total protein, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity significantly (p < 0.05). Treatment of heat-induced hepatocytes with PKC extract (125 μg/ml) and silymarin as positive control increased these values significantly (p < 0.05). The real time PCR and western blot analyses revealed the significant (p < 0.05) up-regulation of oxidative stress biomarkers including TNF-like, IFN-γ and IL-1β genes; NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS and Hsp70 proteins expression upon heat stress in chicken hepatocytes. The PKC extract and silymarin were able to alleviate the expression of all of these biomarkers in heat-induced chicken hepatocytes. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of PKC extract showed the presence of fatty acids, phenolic compounds, sugar derivatives and other organic compounds such as furfural which could be responsible for the observed hepatoprotective activity.

CONCLUSION

Palm kernel cake extract could be a potential agent to protect hepatocytes function under heat induced oxidative stress.