Diversity and Co-Occurrence Pattern Analysis of Cecal and Jejunal Microbiota in Two Rabbit Breeds.

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and microbiota variation in the jejunum and cecum of two rabbit breeds with different growth rates. This study was carried out on Native Middle-Egypt Breed (NMER) and Giant Flanders (GF) rabbits from 5 weeks to 12 weeks of age. Twenty NMER (NM) and GF male rabbits were slaughtered, and the jejunum and cecum tracts were collected to assay gut microbiota composition via 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and histology examination. At 12 weeks of age, daily weight gain, villus height in the jejunum, total protein, and albumin were higher in GF rabbits than in NMER rabbits. Also, the jejunal villi of GF were well arranged in their dense borders. The microbiota between the jejunum and cecum was significantly different in terms of Beta-diversity. A significant correlation between Enterococcus (jejunum NM samples) and Lactobacillus (cecum GF samples) with body weight and weight gain was found (p < 0.05). Moreover, Escherichia-Shigella in the cecum of NM was significantly correlated with weight gain (p < 0.05). The most abundant genera identified in the jejunal and cecal contents of GF were generally beneficial microbiota. They may also play a role in reducing the pathogenic effects of Escherichia coli in these rabbits.

Protective role of propolis against reproductive toxicity of triphenyltin in male rabbits.

Triphenyltin (TPT) is known to cause endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity and a decrease in testosterone production. It is involved in the production of reactive oxygen species. Propolis has been reported to be an important antioxidant. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the possible protective effects of propolis in alleviating the toxicity of triphenyltin chloride (TPTCl) on reproductive performance, testosterone levels, lipid peroxidation and enzyme activities in seminal plasma of male New Zealand white rabbits. Animals were orally administered the doses of propolis, TPTCl and propolis plus TPTCl every day for 12weeks. Results showed that semen quality was deteriorated following treatment with TPTCl. Also, testosterone levels, body weight (BW), relative weights of testes (RWT) and epididymis (RWE) were decreased. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and lactate dehydrogenase were increased, while glutathione S-transferase, transaminases and phosphatases were decreased in seminal plasma of rabbits treated with TPTCl compared to control. Propolis alone significantly increased testosterone levels, BW, RTW, REW, semen characteristics and seminal plasma enzymes, and decreased the levels of free radicals and lactate dehydrogenase. Furthermore, the presence of propolis with TPTCl alleviates its toxic effects. From the present study, it can be concluded propolis can be effective in the protection of TPTCl-induced reproductive toxicity.

An in vitro study on reproductive toxicity of aluminium chloride on rabbit sperm: the protective role of some antioxidants.

An in vitro study using rabbit sperm was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of different concentrations of aluminium chloride (AlCl(3)) at 0, 2 and 4h of incubation on sperm motility and viability, oxidative status and the activities of some antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)), transaminases and acid phosphatase. The role of vitamin C (1 mM) or vitamin E (2 mM) was also investigated in counteracting deterioration caused by AlCl(3) on the tested parameters. Rabbit sperm was incubated with different concentrations of AlCl(3) (0, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mM) with or without vitamin C or vitamin E for 2 and 4 h. Results revealed that the percentage of motile and viable sperm decreased significantly after AlCl(3) treatment at 10, 15 and 20 mM and the response was both concentration and time dependent. Aluminium chloride at concentrations of 10, 15 and 20 mM caused significant induction of oxidative stress as evidenced by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and inhibition in the activities of SOD and CAT. Increase in the activities of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and decline in the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) were also observed at AlCl(3) concentrations of 15 and 20 mM. Co-incubation with either vitamin C or vitamin E resulted in marked degrees of protection against AlCl(3)-induced cytotoxic effects, represented in decreased TBARS levels and restoration of enzymes activities near control. On the other hand, no significant effect was exerted from vitamin C or vitamin E on motility and viability. The present study demonstrated that AlCl(3) caused deterioration in sperm motility and viability, enhancement of free radicals and alterations in enzymes activities. The antioxidants revealed protective effects against the cytotoxicity of AlCl(3).

Antioxidant activities and lipid lowering effects of isoflavone in male rabbits.

Dietary flavonoids appear to play a role in the prevention of a number of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease and the soy isoflavones have been the focus of particular. Consumption of soy isoflavones may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease both through reduction in serum lipids and by the antioxidant properties. We have therefore investigate the effects of either 2.5 or 5 mg/kg B.W. doses of isoflavones on the levels of free radicals, lipids and lipoproteins in male New Zealand White rabbits. Animals were orally given 2.5 or 5 mg/kg B.W. doses of isoflavones. The tested doses were given to rabbits every other day for 13 weeks. Treatment with isoflavones caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in the concentrations of free radicals in plasma by 33% and 35%, liver by 18% and 27%, brain by 12% and 33%, testes by 40% and 21%, and kidney by 38% and 20% for 2.5 or 5 mg/kg B.W. doses, respectively, as compared to the control. On the other hand, the activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) did not change in treated animals as compared to control. Also, results showed that isoflavones caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of plasma total lipids (TL) by 16% and 19%, total cholesterol by 20% and 20%, triglyceride (TG) by 18% and 23%, low density lipoprotein (LDL) by 19%, 22%, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) by 18% and 23%, and LDL:HDL ratio by 36% and 39% for 2.5 or 5 mg/kg B.W. doses, respectively, as compared to the control. While the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) increased by 29% and 32%. The present results showed that the 5 mg/kg dose of isoflavone seemed to be related to a better plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles and antioxidant activity.