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Lead, toxic heavy metal of global concern, induces toxicity in various organs via oxidative stress. Thereby, in this study, the protective role of curcumin against lead acetate-induced toxicity was evaluated. Thirty-two male albino rats were allocated equally into four groups and orally administered with corn oil as a vehicle (Cont.), curcumin (CUR) (400 mg/kg bw), lead acetate (LA) (100 mg/kg bw), and lead acetate plus curcumin (LA + CUR). All rats had received their treatments daily for 4 weeks. The results revealed that LA toxicity induced normocytic normochromic anemia with significant leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. Moreover, LA-intoxicated rats showed a marked elevation in the liver enzyme activities, serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. In contrast, sero-immunological parameters, total protein, albumin, globulin, and testosterone levels were significantly reduced compared to the control rats. Additionally, LA-induced hepatic and testicular oxidative damage revealed by marked increased in MDA level with prominent reduction in the antioxidant system. The gene expression of the hepatic pro-inflammatory markers and testicular steroidogenic biomarkers including LHR and aromatase were significantly upregulated; meanwhile, the expressions of testicular StAR, CYP17a, 3B-HDS, SR-B1, and P450SCC were significantly downregulated in the LA-intoxicated group. Curcumin treatment could partially improve the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations induced by LA. Also, it was observed that curcumin significantly restored hepatic pro-inflammatory markers and testicular steroidogenic enzymes. In conclusion, curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects and is able to minimize the LA-induced oxidative damage in rats.

The objective of this study was to elaborate Doppler ultrasonographic scan, genetic resistance and serum profile of markers associated with endometritis susceptibility in Egyptian buffalo–cows. The enrolled animals were designed as; twenty five apparently healthy buffalo–cows considered as a control group and twenty five infected buffalo with endometritis. There were significant ( p  < 0.05) increased of cervical diameter, endometrium thickness, uterine horn diameter, TAMEAN, TAMAX and blood flow through middle uterine artery with significant decrease of PI and RI values in endometritis buffalo–cows. Gene expression levels were considerably higher in endometritis-affected buffaloes than in resistant ones for the genes A2M , ADAMTS20 , KCNT2 , MAP3K4 , MAPK14 , FKBP5 , FCAMR , TLR2 , IRAK3 , CCl2 , EPHA4 , and iNOS . The RXFP1 , NDUFS5 , TGF-β , SOD3 , CAT , and GPX genes were expressed at substantially lower levels in endometritis-affected buffaloes. The PCR-DNA sequence verdicts of healthy and affected buffaloes revealed differences in the SNPs in the amplified DNA bases related to endometritis for the investigated genes. However, MAP3K4 elicited a monomorphic pattern. There was a significant decrease of red blood cells (RBCs) count, Hb and packed cell volume (PCV) with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis in endometritis group compared with healthy ones. The serum levels of Hp, SAA, Cp, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, NO and MDA were significantly ( P ˂0.05) increased, along with reduction of CAT, GPx, SOD and TAC in buffalo–cows with endometritis compared to healthy ones. The variability of Doppler ultrasonographic scan and studied genes alongside alterations in the serum profile of investigated markers could be a reference guide for limiting buffalo endometritis through selective breeding of natural resistant animals.

The aim of this study was monitoring health status of mastitic Barki ewes using candidate gene approach, gene expression and serum profile of inflammatory and antioxidant markers. A total of 70 ewes were allocated into two equal-sized groups: healthy and ewes have a history of mastitis. DNA sequencing of IFN-γ (365-bp), IL-4 (285-bp), TNF-α (273-bp), MYD88 (660-bp), CCL5 (360-bp), TLR4 (256-bp), TLR9 (414-bp), LTF (299-bp), PRLR (891-bp), CAT (300-bp), GPX1 (221-bp), Keap1 (360-bp), OXSR1 (357-bp), ATOX1 (433-bp), GST (480-bp) and Nrf2 (340-bp) revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between healthy and mastitic ewes. Levels of IFN-γ , IL-4 , TNF-α , MYD88 , CCL5 , TLR4 , TLR9 , LTF , PRLR , Keap1 and OXSR1 genes expression were significantly up-regulated in ewes affected with mastitis than resistant ones. Meanwhile CAT , GPX1 , ATOX1 , GST , and Nrf2 genes elicited an opposite trend. There is a significant elevation of activity of AST, LDH, Hp, CP, SAA, IgG, MDA, and NO levels ( P  < 0.05), along with reduction of total protein, albumin, GSH, GPx, catalase and SOD ( P  < 0.05) in mastitic ewes. The findings of this study supported the hypothesis that SNPs in immune and antioxidant genes could be important genetic markers for mastitis susceptibility or resistance in Barki ewes. The examined genes’ gene expression profiles may also be utilized as surrogate biomarkers to establish an efficient management regimen and forecast the period of time at which a disease is most likely to manifest.

Background Nutrition has a primary role for optimum expression of genetic potential, and most of the farmers have limited resources of green fodder. Hence, a fat-soluble vitamin, especially vitamin A and E and trace elements remained most critical in the animal’s ration and affects their productive and reproductive performance adversely. Animals cannot be able to produce these vitamins in their bodies; hence, an exogenous regular supply is needed to fulfil the physiological needs and to maintain high production performance. This study elucidated effects of antioxidant vitamins (A, D, E) and trace elements (Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) administration on gene expression, metabolic, antioxidants and immunological parameters in dromedary camels during transition period. Results At 0 day, there were no appreciable differences in the expression patterns of the metabolic ( IGF-I, ACACA, SCD, FASN, LPL , and BTN1A1 ) genes between the control and treatment groups, despite lower levels. A substantial variation in the mRNA levels of SOD1, SOD3, PRDX2, PRDX3, PRDX4, PRDX6 , and AhpC/TSA was observed between the control and treatment groups, according to the antioxidant markers. In comparison to the control group, the treatment group displayed a significant up-regulation at 0 and 21 days. The treatment and control groups exhibited substantial differences in the mRNA values of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 , and TNFα , as indicated by immunological markers. In comparison to the control group, there was a noticeable down-regulation in the treatment group at 0 and + 21 days. But IL10 produced the opposite pattern. No significant difference was observed in glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, total protein, NEFA, BHBA, cortisol and IGF-1 levels between control and treatment group. The activity of serum GPx, SOD and TAC was significantly affected by time and treatment x time in supplemented groups as compared with control group. IL-1, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF were noticeably greater in the control group and lower in the treatment group. Additionally, in all groups, the concentration of all pro-inflammatory cytokines peaked on the day of delivery and its lowest levels showed on day 21 following calving. The IL-10 level was at its peak 21 days prior to calving and was lowest on calving day. Conclusion The results demonstrated a beneficial effect of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements on the metabolic, antioxidant and immunological markers in dromedary camels throughout their transition period.

Feed additives play a crucial role in enhancing the poultry’s overall performance, whether by meeting their needs or helping to overcome various challenges, especially during heat stress. This study examined the effects of adding lysozyme and Bacillus subtilis on growth indices, lipid profiles, immune responses, gut integrity, and gene expression in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 600 one-day-old (Ross 308) male chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups (six replicates) as follows: CON, a basal diet without feed additives; B.S, a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis (500 mg/kg diet); LYS, a basal diet supplemented with lysozyme (150 mg/kg diet); and BSLY, a basal diet supplemented with both B. subtilis and lysozyme (500 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg diet, respectively). Chickens were exposed to a temperature of 33 °C for 4 h daily during the experimental period. Results indicated that broilers receiving a diet supplemented with BSLY showed higher body weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio than the control ( p  < 0.05). The carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility of the BSLY group were also improved. Total cholesterol decreased in chickens fed BSLY and B.S, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels decreased in the LYS group. compared to the control group; however, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased in the BSLY, B.S, and LYS groups. Additionally, the addition of BSLY and B.S enhanced the immune response by increasing the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and the relative weight of the Bursa of Fabricius. Furthermore, gut integrity improved via expanding the ileum villus height in chickens fed BSLY, B.S, and LYS , as well as the counts of Bacillus spp. and Lactobacillus in the broilers fed BSLY and B.S. Dietary BSLY, B.S, and LYS modulated gene expression, via up-regulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and interferon‐gamma (IFN-γ) gene expression compared to the control group, while the highest SOD and IGF1 genetic modification was in the group that received BSLY. In conclusion, adding B. subtilis -lysozyme mixture can have a positive impact on growth performance indices, immune response, gut health, and gene expression, thereby increasing heat stress resistance of broiler chickens.

This study investigates the role of dietary Bacillus subtilis and oregano essential oil in mitigating the effects of high stocking density on growth performance, carcass traits, physiological stress indicators, gene expression, and intestinal integrity in broiler chickens. A total of, 1250 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five experimental groups, where each group had five replicates of 50 chicks. Group 1 (control, LSD): 15 chicks/m 2 fed a basal diet without feed additive, group 2 (HSD): 20 chicks/m 2 fed a basal diet without feed additive, group 3 (BHSD): 20 chicks/m 2 fed a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis (500 mg/kg diet), group 4 (OHSD): 20 chicks/m 2 fed a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil (300 mg/kg diet), group 5 (CHSD): 20 chicks/m 2 fed a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil and B. subtilis . At 35 days of age, there was a noticeable improvement in the growth performance of broilers fed CHSD under high stocking density through the increase in body weight gain, dressing percentage, and crude protein digestibility with a decrease in feed conversion rate compared to other groups. Adding CHSD enhanced the state of oxidation and immunity through increasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius, while decreasing malondialdehyde, in addition to increasing plasma triiodothyronine levels. The microbial structure and morphometric parameters improved in the group that received the CHSD compared to the other groups, where villus height and Lactobacillus population increased, whereas Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens population decreased. Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), fatty acid transporter 1 (FABP1), and amino acid transferase 1 (CAT1) gene expression levels significantly increased when feeding on oregano essential oil with B. subtilis. In conclusion, combining oregano essential oil and B. subtilis supplements mitigated the effects of high stocking density by enhancing growth performance, antioxidative status, and intestinal integrity, in addition to modifying the genetic expression of genes related to nutrient absorption.

Background Despite the fact that diarrhea is more accurately described as a clinical symptom than a disease. Diarrhea is one of the most important issues in ovine medicine, particularly in lambs, and because of high morbidity and mortality rate, sluggish growth performance, and veterinary costs, it is believed to be a major source of economic loss. Salmonella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli are the most common and commercially significant agents responsible for diarrhea. Objective The objective of this study was to monitor the nucleotide sequence variations, gene expression, serum inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in diarrheic lambs. Another aim was to identify different pathotypes and virulence genes of Salmonella and E. coli causing diarrhea. Methodology Blood samples were taken from 50 Barki who were diarrheal and 50 who appeared to be healthy, and then divided in 3 portions, with EDTA added to the first part for CBC, DNA and RNA extraction. The second sample received 5000 I.U. of heparin calcium, and a clean plain tube was used for the third component. The second and third sections were centrifuged to extract serum and plasma until the biochemical and immunological analysis was completed. Fecal samples were collected for bacteriological examination, and the bacteria were identified by PCR analysis. PCR-DNA sequencing was conducted for immune ( SELL, JAK2, SLC11A1, IL10, FEZF1, NCF4, LITAF, SBD2, NFKB, TNF-α, IL1B, IL6, LGALS, and CATH1 ), antioxidant ( SOD1, CAT, GPX1, GST, Nrf2, Keap1, HMOX1 , and NQO1 ), and GIT health ( CALB1, GT , and MUC2 ) genes in healthy and diarrheic lambs. Results Virulent genetic markers of pathogenic characteristics of E. coli (astA, Vt2e (Stx2e), CFA/I, groES and luxS ) and Salmonella ( invA , SopB , bcfC and avrA ) were detected in all diarrheic lambs. PCR-DNA sequencing of immune, antioxidant and intestinal health genes found eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to either diarrhea resistance or susceptibility in Barki lambs. Transcript levels of immune, antioxidant, and GIT health ( CALB1, GT , and MUC2 ) genes varied between healthy and diarrheic lambs. Nucleotide sequence variation of the genes under inquiry between reference sequences in GenBank and those of the animals under investigation verified all identified SNPs. Significant ( P  = 0.001) erythrocytosis, neutrophilic leukocytosis, with lymphocytopenia were observed in diarrheic lambs. Significant ( P  = 0.001) increases in serum IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α (90.5 ± 1.7, 101.8 ± 1.7, 72.3 ± 6.6, 71.26 ± 4.89 Pg/ml, respectively), serum Fb, Cp, Hp, SAA (230.7 ± 12.4 mg/dl, 6.5 ± 0.07 mg/dl, 2.5 ± 0.09 g/dl, 7.4 ± 0.4 mg/L, respectively), free radicals (MDA, NO), cortisol (6.91 ± 0.18 μg/dl) and growth hormone, with significant ( P  = 0.001) decreases in serum IL-10 (81.71 ± 1.05 Pg/ml), antioxidants (CAT, GPx), insulin, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in diarrheic lambs. Conclusions The study's findings provided credence to the theory that marker-assisted selection (MAS) could be used to predict and prevent diarrhea in Barki sheep by selecting lambs based on SNPs in genes linked to inflammation, antioxidants, and intestinal health. In order to establish an efficient management protocol and determine the most susceptible risk period for disease occurrence, gene expression profiles of the genes under investigation, pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins may also be utilized as proxy biomarkers for lamb enteritis.

Background In sheep, pneumonia is a major concern because of its high morbidity, mortality, and economic impact. It results from various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and environmental stressors, that weaken the immune system. Objective The objective of this study was to monitor nucleotide sequence variations, gene expression, and serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in sheep with pneumonia. Additionally, this study aimed to identify various bacterial strains and virulent gene combinations in pneumonic sheep, as confirmed by PCR. Methodology The enrolled animals were categorized as follows: 50 apparently healthy ewes, considered the control group, and 150 infected ewes with pneumonia. The infected ewes included 100 sporadic cases from the Center for Sustainable Development of Matrouh Resources, Desert Research Center, Matrouh, Egypt, and 50 ewes from the slaughterhouse, all exhibiting respiratory symptoms such as coughing, serous to mucopurulent nasal discharge, fever, and abnormal lung sounds. Blood samples were collected to assess various biochemical parameters, detect SNPs, and analyse the expression of specific immunological and antioxidant-related genes. Nasopharyngeal and lung swabs were taken from the affected ewes for bacteriological analysis, and lung samples were collected for histological examination. Results Phenotypic characterization and identification revealed the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pasteurella multocida , Mannheimia haemolytica , Pseudomonas spp., Mycoplasma , Streptococcus , and Escherichia coli , with frequencies of 40%, 28.6%, 34%, 18%, 44%, 29.3%, and 20%, respectively. Additionally, virulence genes for Klebsiella pneumoniae , iutA and fimH , were detected at rates of 39% and 68%, respectively, whereas the toxA gene for Pseudomonas spp. was present in 59.2% of the cases. Nucleotide sequence variations in immunity- and antioxidant-related genes were observed between healthy and pneumonic ewes. The genes encoding IL-1α , IL1B , IL6 , TNF-α , LFA-1 , CR2 , IL17 , IL13 , DEFB123 , SCART1 , ICAM1 , NOS , and HMOX1 were significantly upregulated in pneumonia-affected ewes compared with resistant ewes. Conversely, the genes encoding IL10 , SOD1 , CAT , GPX1 , and NQO1 were downregulated. Further analysis of the serum profile revealed a significant ( P < 0.05) increase in IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NO and MDA along with a significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in the serum levels of C3, C4, CAT, GPx, GR and IL-10 in diseased ewes compared with healthy ewes. Histopathological examination revealed that the infected sheep exhibited broncho-interstitial pneumonia and purulent to fibrino-purulent bronchopneumonia. Conclusions This study revealed the significant presence of various pathogens and virulence factors in infected sheep, along with distinct immunological and antioxidant gene expression patterns. The altered serum profile and gene regulation in pneumonia-affected ewes underscore the complex immune response and potential biomarkers for disease susceptibility and resistance.

The study aimed to explore the impact of dietary Pediastrum boryanum (PB) on growth performance, immune-physiological and transcriptome responses of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ). A 90-day trial using 1800 fish (17.00 ± 1.722 g) was allocated at random into 4 groups, three replicates each. The 4 groups received PB at 0 (G1), 1 (G2), 2 (G3), and 4 (G4) g/kg diet, respectively. The fish in Group G3 displayed a significant ( p  < 0.05) increase in final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and final length when compared to the control group. In addition, red blood cell counts (RBCs), and neutrophils were significantly ( p  < 0.05) higher in G3. The groups’ biochemical parameters did not significantly differ from one another; nevertheless, significant ( p  < 0.05) variations in immunoglobulin M (IgM), phagocytic activity, and the values of the phagocytic index. The antioxidative activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase differed significantly ( p  < 0.05) between groups, with the highest values seen in group G3. Moreover, there was a significant ( p  < 0.05) upgrade in the expression levels of GH , IGF-1 , SOD , catalase , IL-6 , IL-8 , and PGAM2 genes in group G3. Additionally, G3 had the most typical liver structure, significantly ( p  < 0.05) increased villi length and width, and a thicker lamina propria in the intestine. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of PB boosted growth performance, blood and serum profile, morphometric evaluation of the liver and intestine, and expression of genes related to growth, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and energy metabolism in Nile tilapia.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with frankincense (FR) and Melissa officinalis (MO) on growth performance, meat quality, economic efficiency, and the expression of growth-, immunity-, and antioxidant-related genes in two strains of Japanese quail. A total of 300 fourteen-day-old female quails (150 brown, 150 white) were assigned to five treatments per strain: a control, two FR levels (10 and 12 g/L drinking water) and two MO levels (2.5 and 3 mL/L drinking water), in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement for 28 days. Results revealed a significant treatment × strain interaction, indicating a strain-dependent response. In the brown strain, 10 and 12 g/L FR produced the most favorable responses, whereas in the white strain, 10 g/L FR and 3 mL/L MO were the most effective, resulting in improved growth performance and economic returns. At the treatment level, 10 g/L FR and 3 mL/L MO enhanced body weight, feed efficiency, dressing percentage, and economic indicators. These improvements were associated with upregulation of IGF-1 , GPX1 , and IL-6 , along with downregulation of MSTN . At the strain level, the white strain outperformed the brown strain in productive traits and showed higher IGF-1 expression with lower MSTN levels, whereas the brown strain exhibited relatively stronger GPX1 and IL-6 expressions. Therefore, these findings indicate that the effectiveness of phytogenic feed additives is strongly influenced by genetic background, highlighting the importance of optimizing both treatment level and strain selection to maximize productive performance, meat quality, and economic efficiency in Japanese quail. Specifically, FR at 10–12 g/L is recommended for brown quails, whereas 10 g/L FR or 3 mL/L MO is more suitable for white quails.