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Using curcumin (Curcuma longa) as a dietary supplement modulates performance, behavior, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, and histomorphological changes in heat-stressed broiler chickens

Research Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin supplementation on growth performance, carcass parameters, behavior characteristics, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, and tissue histomorphology in heat-stressed broiler chickens. 120 one-day-old chicks were reared over 35 days in two separate rooms; one designated to induce heat stress and the other to maintain a normal temperature. After a completely randomized design, birds were divided into four treatments, each with 6 replicates of 5 chicks. Treatments were thermoneutral control group fed basal diet, heat-stressed group fed basal diet, curcumin-supplemented group fed basal diet with 1g/kg curcumin, and curcumin-supplemented heat-stressed group fed basal diet with 1g/kg curcumin. Broilers supplemented with curcumin and reared under heat stress conditions grew significantly (P < 0.05) more than other groups with improved carcass parameters. The proportion of birds exhibiting standard behavior was enhanced (P < 0.05), while the duration of Tonic immobility test was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in curcumin-supplemented groups. Total protein, albumin, globulin, HDL, growth hormone, T3, T4, TAC, CAT, SOD, IL -10, C3, and Lysosomes were significantly increased (P < 0.05). At the same time, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and MDA, IL-1β, and IFN levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by adding curcumin. Curcumin effectively reversed the heat stress-induced histopathological changes in the liver, spleen, bursa, intestine, and breast muscles. These results indicate that curcumin can mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on health and stimulate immunity and antioxidant status in broiler chickens

Research Authors
Heba S.A. Gharib a , Asmaa I. Abdelaty a , Walaa M.S. Gomaa b , Ahmed Gouda c , Hala Y. Amer d , Sally A.M. Mohamed e , Rasha I.M. Hassan b
Research Date
Research Journal
Journal of Thermal Biology
Research Year
2025

MMP-9 Expression in bone cells in the developing femur

Research Abstract

The proteolytic functions of the matrix-degrading enzymes, such as ADAMTS (A disintegrin and metalloproteinases) and MMP (Matrix metalloproteinase), play a crucial role in development. This study investigated the proteolytic activity of different types of bone cells, focusing on the expression of MMP-9, throughout the development of the femur in rabbit embryos. The femur formed the physeal growth cartilage, which facilitated the process of endochondral bone development. Osteoblasts are situated on the outer layer of bone spicules and within the periosteum. Osteoclasts are found within the lacunae of the bone matrix, and they have also been observed in the ossification center. Osteoclasts, osteocytes, and osteoblasts all exhibit MMP-9 expression with different intensity of staining with the perichondral stem cells showing the greatest value. MMP-9 is essential in bone formation. Utilizing MMP-9 to modify the extracellular matrix could potentially serve as a favorable approach for identifying treatment targets in bone diseases.

Research Authors
Fatma El-Zahraa A. Mustafa a , Hanan H. Abd-Elhafeez a , Reda S. taha b c , Amira Osman c d , Mohamed M. Almaki e , Zyad Mohamed Baker f , Abdullah A.A. Alghamdi g , Diaa Massoud h i , Mohamad Elmasry j , Soha A. Soliman l , Abeer Madkour Mahmou
Research Date
Research Pages
9
Research Publisher
ELSEVIER
Research Year
2025

Evaluating dried pomegranate peel as a functional feed additive: effects on growth, carcass traits, and gut health in broilers

Research Abstract

This study investigated the impact of dietary supplementation with dried pomegranate peel (DPP) on growth performance, carcass attributes, blood parameters, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: a control group (basal diet without any supplementation), and two treatment groups with diets supplemented with 1% and 2% DPP, respectively. Growth performance was monitored weekly, and carcass attributes were measured at the end of the 42-days trial. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and cecal microbiota (total bacterial count, E. coli and salmonella) was assessed. Results indicated that DPP supplementation significantly reduced body weight, body weight gain, and feed consumption compared to the control group, particularly at 21 and 42 days. Birds fed 2% DPP showed a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) but body weight was reduced during both the starter period and overall experimental period, while those fed 1% DPP had an improved FCR only during the starter phase but showed a worsened FCR during the finisher and overall period. DPP supplementation also significantly increased the relative weights of the eviscerated carcass, liver, heart, gizzard, and spleen while reducing abdominal fat. Blood analysis revealed no significant effects on protein or liver enzymes, but DPP reduced glucose, cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, DPP reduced the cecal counts of total bacteria, E. coli, and Salmonella. Histological analysis revealed that DPP supplementation improved bursal and ileal structures, enhancing immunity and gut health. In conclusion, DPP supplementation, particularly at 2%, improved gut health, reduced abdominal fat, and modulated microbial populations but adversely affected growth performance due to reduced feed palatability. These findings suggest that DPP may be a functional feed additive with health-promoting benefits, though further research is needed to optimize its inclusion level.

 
Research Authors
Mohammed Younis, Saber G. Abdo, Mohammed A. Abu Elmakarem, Fatma El-Zahraa A. Mustafa & Mohamed A. Fawaz
Research Date
Research File
Research Journal
Tropical Animal Health and Production
Research Pages
10
Research Publisher
springer nature
Research Year
2025

Histological, immunohistochemical assessment and DNA fingerprint species identification of some meat products in Egyp

Research Abstract
Research Authors
Heba F. Kamaly, Abeer M. Hassan, Zainab MA Youssef & Fatma El-Zahraa Ahmed Mustafa
Research Date
Research Journal
Scientific Report
Research Pages
14
Research Publisher
springer nature
Research Year
2025

Immunohistochemical Detection of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Receptors in the Rabbit Vagina

Research Abstract

The vagina is a critical part of the reproductive canal. It is considered part of the birth canal and the site of semen deposition. The vagina is controlled by a variety of important physiological factors, including hormones. One of the most popular lab animals is the rabbit. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in the vagina at early pregnancy were observed on basic histological constituents of the vagina and newly discovered histological components including telocyte, vascular compartments, interstitium, and lymph. mmunoreactivity to NSE with different intensity detected at vaginal lining epithelium and smooth muscle fibers. Mild immunoreactivity was observed on mucosal crypt-lining cells. Strong immunoreactivity to NSE was detected in lymphocytes, telocytes, endothelium, red blood cells, interstitium, and lymph. However, immunoreactivity to PR was strong on the nucleus of the vaginal lining epithelium, crypts, smooth muscle, cytoplasm of the intraepithelial lymphocytes, lining epithelium of lymph vessels, interstitium, and lymph. Also, there is strong immunostaining for ER on the red blood cells, interstitium, and lymph. Mild immunoreactivity was noticed on the blood and lymph vessels' endothelial lining.

Research Authors
Fatma El‐Zahraa Ahmed Mustafa
Research Date
Research Pages
9
Research Publisher
Wiley
Research Year
2025

Detection of neuron specific enolase in the lip and ear pinna of goat (Capra hircus): an immunohistochemical study

Research Abstract

Goat skin is considered a multifunctional organ with regulatory, sensory, and protective roles. Despite the goat’s economic importance and use as a model in biomedical research, it remains not given the suitable position in academic publications. This study aimed to investigate the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in the lips and ear pinnae of goats, revealing its considerable location among several sensory and structural components using immunohistochemical techniques. Also, we identified a new structure in different locations of the skin of the goat, referred to as the goat corpuscle. In the lip, NSE was strongly expressed in Ruffini corpuscles, goat corpuscles located in the skin and mucosa, and Merkel cells present in the stratum basale of the epidermis and hair follicles. NSE expression was also found in large nerves among skeletal muscle fibers, near sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and in the superficial layers of the dermis, where free nerve endings were directed. Vascular elements, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels, exhibited NSE positivity in their endothelial and smooth muscle layers. Additionally, NSE was present in myoepithelial cells surrounding sweat and salivary gland secretory end pieces, fibroblasts, and telocytes in the connective tissue. In the ear, NSE was detected in Ruffini corpuscles, goat corpuscles, and a range of nerve fibers around cartilage and blood vessels. NSE expression was also observed in fibroblasts, chondroblasts, and telocytes in the cartilage and dermal tissues. This detailed mapping of NSE distribution provides new insights into its role in sensory and structural components, revealing its extensive involvement in the tissues.

Research Authors
Fatma EL-Zahraa Ahmed Mustafa
Research Date
Research Pages
13
Research Publisher
springer nature
Research Vol
21
Research Year
2025

Herbal synergy enhances growth performance, antioxidant status, immunity, and lymphoid tissue architecture in pigeons

Research Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a herbal mixture (HM) composed of black seeds, dill, sage, and coriander on pigeon squabs and their parents. Using a randomized design, 54 squabs were divided into three groups. All groups were fed a basal diet, and HM was added to groups 2 and 3 at 1% and 2%, respectively. To receive crop milk, squabs were caged with their parents. Squab performance and the self-maintenance behaviors (sleeping and preening) of their parents were positively affected by HM supplementation (P = 0.001). Blood metabolites, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were significantly decreased (P = 0.001). Antioxidation biomarkers glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were positively stimulated. The meat’s chemical composition, including fat, protein, amino acids, and moisture, was influenced by HM (P = 0.004). Histomorphometrical investigation of the bursa and spleen showed the significant effects of HM on the follicle area, medulla, white pulp area, and their S100-positive cells. Overall, adding HM, especially at a 1% concentration, was more cost-effective and improved pigeon parents’ behavior, squabs’ performance, immunity, antioxidant status, meat quality, and bursal and spleen histology and immunohistochemistry.

Research Authors
Rasha I. M. Hassan, Hala Y. Amer, Walaa M. S. Gomaa, Ramadan D. EL-Shoukary, Abeer M. Hassan, Asmaa A. Rayan & Fatma El-Zahraa A. Mustafa
Research Date
Research Journal
Scientific Report
Research Pages
16
Research Publisher
springer nature
Research Vol
15
Research Year
2025

Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus enhance growth performance, immunity, cecal microbiota, and vital organs histomorphology in rabbits

Research Abstract

This study aimed to examine how adding two levels of probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum and

 

Lactobacillus acidophilus, to the growing V-line rabbits’ basal diet affects growth performance, carcass

 

parameters, hematology, serum biochemistry, digestibility, cecal microbiota, economic evaluation

 

of the diet, and histological and immunohistochemical features of the intestine, kidneys, liver, and

 

heart. Sixty healthy five-week-old male rabbits were allocated at random to three groups, each

 

with four replicates of five rabbits. The standard basal diet was provided to the three groups, with

 

probiotics added to the second and third groups at 0.25 g/kg and 0.50 g/kg, respectively, for the 56-day

 

experimental period. Probiotic supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth parameters

 

and the weights of internal organs, while reducing the percentage of abdominal fat. White blood cell

 

counts and other hematological parameters increased significantly (P < 0.05). Rabbits supplemented

 

with 0.25 and 0.50 g/kg of probiotics showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum total protein,

 

globulin, albumin, T3, T4, IgM, IgG, IgA and levels, and significantly (P < 0.05) lower triglycerides,

 

ALT, and AST levels compared with the control one. Probiotic supplementation increased (P < 0.05)

 

the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, crude protein, and

 

ether extract. It positively influenced beneficial cecal microbiota. Histological data showed increased

 

villus length, crypt depth (CD), and epithelial thickness in the intestines. The kidney’s renal corpuscle

 

and glomeruli diameter, along with CMFs diameter, increased. Liver PAS staining showed a dosedependent increase. TNF-α expression rose significantly in both the small and large intestines, while

 

synaptophysin increased in the large intestine (LI). Therefore, adding probiotics to the rabbit diet could

 

improve performance, hematology, serum biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, cecal microbiota, and

 

the economic evaluation of the diet, as well as the histological features of the intestine, kidneys, liver,

 

and heart. 
 

Research Authors
Hitham Anas, Mahmmoud A. A. Mohamed, Rasha I. M. Hassan, Walaa M.S. Gomaa & Fatma El-Zahraa A. Mustafa
Research Date
Research Journal
Scientific Report
Research Pages
16
Research Publisher
springer nature
Research Vol
16
Research Year
2026

Prevalence and genotyping of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from food and human sources

Research Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen of a wide range of nosocomial infections in humans, as well as foodborne illnesses. The current study focuses on the molecular genotyping of P. aeruginosa recovered from human, water, and food specimens. A total of 350 samples, fifty samples each from human, tap water, fish swamp, chicken meat, minced meat, raw milk, and hospital surface from the Menoufiya governorate, Egypt. P. aeruginosa was detected in 14.28%, including human (26%), tap water (18%), fish swamp (18%), chicken meat (12%), minced meat (10%), raw milk (16%), and hospital surface (0%). The results of testing of 50 P. aeruginosa isolates against sixteen antibiotics revealed a relatively high antibiotic resistance for Amoxicillin (100%), Erythromycin (98%), Cephradine (90%), Colistin (82%), Oxytetracyclin, (79%), Chloramphenicol (70%), Doxycycline (70%), and Kanamycin (62%) and high susceptibility for Imipenem (96%), Apramycin (94%), Amikacin (90%), Norfloxacin (78%), Sulphamethoxazol (86%), Enrofloxacin (64%), and Ofloxacin (60%). Furthermore, PCR was successfully amplified for the toxA, exoS, and oprL virulence genes at 396, 118, and 504 bp, respectively, as well as amplifying the ermB, pelA, blaTEM, and tetA resistance genes at 639, 786, 516, and 570 bp, respectively. The dendrogram investigation by ERIC-PCR of 10 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates revealed two main clusters and 10 different ERIC-PCR patterns. The presence of P. aeruginosa isolates in food may represent a potential public health concern, with the need for further epidemiological studies, as well as whole-genome sequencing and correlations of P. aeruginosa in water, food samples, and human infections.

Research Authors
Walid S. Mousa1, Eman E. Abdeen2, Hanem F. El-Gendy3, Reem M. Alsaadawy4 & Mary M. Hana5
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Scientific Reports
Research Member
Research Pages
1-10
Research Publisher
Nature Publishing Group UK
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
71
Research Website
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-37559-y
Research Year
2026
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