Protective Effects of Dietary Pomegranate Seeds Powder Supplementation against Oxidative Stress of Organochlorine Pesticides Residues in Growing Rabbits

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the pomegranate seeds powder (PSP) as an effective antioxidant in growing rabbit's diets to alleviate the adverse effects of organochlorine pesticides residues (OCPs) on growth performance, antioxidant status and physiological parameters of growing rabbits. A total of 120 unsexed weaned V-Line male rabbits (4 weeks of age) were assigned at random to five experimental groups. The control group was fed a diet free of PSP. The negative control was fed a diet free of PSP and OCPs, while the other empirical groups were fed the same diet supplemented with 500, 750 and 1000 g of PSP/100 kg diet. The results indicated that PSP contained content of vitamin C and vitamin E; 3.13 and 1.45 mg/100g, respectively. The content of total phenols was 0.27% and total flavonoids were 0.21 %. The accumulation of OCPs was concentrated in the rabbit`s liver, followed by the muscle. The control diet contaminated with Alpha Benzene hexachloride (αBHC), Delta Benzene hexachloride (∆BHC), dildren and methoxychlor values. Dietary supplementation of PSP at levels of 750 and 1000 g tended to improve average daily gain and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Rabbits fed diet containing 1000g PSP had the lowest mortality %. Edible giblets were significantly increased in the treated groups. The values of Hemoglobin, Packed cell volume, White Blood Cell, lymphocyte, total protein, globulin, higher density lipoprotein (HDL), Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were improved, but plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total lipids levels were decreased in the treated groups. A significant decrease of plasma and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level and significant increase in liver (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were observed in rabbits fed diets supplemented with PSP groups. Conclusively, dietary pomegranate seed powder supplementation improved growth performance and enhanced the antioxidant status. So it eliminated the adverse effects of oxidative stress induced by organochlorine pesticides of growing rabbits diets.

Protective Role of Pomegranate Seed Extract to Reduce Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity in Rabbits

“…Consequently, a reduction in MDA concentration is associated with increased antioxidant enzymatic activity due to PSE supplementation. This finding is corroborated by the ideas of Hassan et al [54], who suggested an increase in SOD, GSH, and CAT enzymes activity, and a decrease in MDA content in the case of a rabbit's diet supplemented by PSE. 2021) stated that the administration of PSE antagonizes the effects of AFB1 as it contains many biologically active compounds such as minerals (Zn and Se), vitamins (C and E), and (total phenols and flavonoids) [54].…”

“…This finding is corroborated by the ideas of Hassan et al [54], who suggested an increase in SOD, GSH, and CAT enzymes activity, and a decrease in MDA content in the case of a rabbit's diet supplemented by PSE. 2021) stated that the administration of PSE antagonizes the effects of AFB1 as it contains many biologically active compounds such as minerals (Zn and Se), vitamins (C and E), and (total phenols and flavonoids) [54]. The identified vitamins, including vitamins (C, E, and A) in the peels and seeds of the pomegranate plant, are well-known for their powerful antioxidant capabilities [55].…”

“…In addition, Pfohl et al [66] investigated the hepato-protective, and antiinflammatory effects of Punica granatum fruit extract phenolic compounds [66]. Therefore, PSE has been widely studied as an antioxidant due to its high vitamin C content (3.13mg/100g), vitamin E (1.45 mg/100g), zinc (5.60 mg/100g), selenium (0.22 mg/100g), phenols (0.27%), and flavonoids (0.21%) [54]. So, Pomegranate seed is regarded as one of the essential phytochemicals with antioxidant properties.…”