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In Vivo Evaluation of a Polyethylene Glycol-Based Cryoprotectant during Cold Stress in a Rat Model
Get PDFCold stress is an environmental factor that impacts the viability of animals and humans. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a cryoprotectant based on polyethylene glycol in reducing cold stress in laboratory rats. For the experiment, 30 outbred Wistar rats (5 weeks) with an average body weight of 55.1 ± 5.3 g were used. Three groups of animals were formed (10 rats per group). The first group served as a positive control, kept at a room temperature of +18 – +20 °С and received 0.1 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. The second group, the negative control, was kept in critically low temperatures (+2–+4°С) and administered 0.1 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution per experimental animal. Rats of the third group were subjected to cold stress and received 0.1 ml of the experimental preparation. Cold stress in laboratory rats was created using a cooling thermostat. Observation for 14 days included monitoring the dynamics of changes in the live weight of animals (before the start of the experiment, and on days 7 and 14 of the observation) as well as biochemical and haematological blood indicators. Fecal samples were collected from the rectum to determine the qualitative and quantitative state of the intestinal microbiota. The survival level of animals that received the experimental drug within fourteen days was 80.0%, compared to only 40% in the untreated group. When using the experimental drug in laboratory animals, an increase in body weight was noted. The number of full-fledged Escherichia coli in rats that received the drug was 3.4 times higher than the indicator of the group of animals that was kept at a critically low temperature without the drug. The prolonged low temperature in control rats had a negative effect on the animal's body as evidenced by increased leukocyte counts and ALT levels, as well as decreased ALT/AST ratio, and total bilirubin. The use of an experimental polyethylene glycol-based preparation had a positive effect on the weight of rats, blood parameters, and intestinal microbiota of rats under cold stress
Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Properties of Fish-Protein Hydrolysate from Skipjack Tuna by-products (Katsuwonus pelamis, Linnaeus 1758) in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats
Get PDFFish protein hydrolysate (FPH) is an alternative to managing fish by-products. Protein hydrolysis by proteolytic enzymes breaks down the protein into bioactive peptides (BP). Bioactive has a high-protein content and various beneficial health properties, including antioxidants, immunoregulatory, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other activities. The current study aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic and immunomodulatory activities of FPH from skipjack tuna by-products. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 25) were equally divided into five groups: healthy group, diabetic mellitus (DM) group, DM + Imunos 0.8 g/ kg BW (drug control group), DM + 0.8 g/kg BW (FPH 1), DM + 1.6 g/kg BW FPH (FPH 2). Diabetic rats were induced by being fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 months, followed by nicotinamide (NA; 120 mg/kg BW)-streptozotocin (STZ) injection (60 mg/kg BW). The initial and final body weights before and after treatment were measured. The leukocyte and lymphocyte levels were measured using a hematology analyzer. The pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The result showed that the blood glucose levels after treatment using FPH significantly decreased compared with DM rats. Leukocyte and lymphocyte numbers also decreased significantly after treatment using FPH 1 than in DM rats. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα in the FPH rat groups improved significantly compared with DM rats. These study results suggested that FPH from skipjack tuna by-product administration can be used as anti-diabetic and immunomodulatory candidates
Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: Epidemiology, Animal Reservoirs, and Control Strategies
Get PDFHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis transmitted through the enteric route, impacting millions of individuals worldwide annually. While HEV is generally self-limiting, it can lead to considerable illness and death, particularly in gestating women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions, such as chronic liver disease. Hepatitis E virus genotypes 1 and 2 infect solely humans and are prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, whereas genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic, infecting both animals and humans. Hepatitis E virus genotype 7 has been reported to infect both humans and animals; however, further research is needed to clarify its zoonotic potential. Zoonotic transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of contaminated meat and close contact with infected animals, posing significant public health risks. Epidemiological studies indicated an increasing seroprevalence of HEV in humans and animals across diverse regions, highlighting the need for strengthened public health measures. While HEV infections in animal reservoirs are generally asymptomatic, they represent a critical source of human infections. The present review aimed to highlight HEV's current classification, epidemiology, modes of transmission from animals to humans, prevention, and control measures, with a special focus on HEV zoonotic genotypes and their animal reservoirs
Evaluation of Crescentia cujete L. Extract as a Promoter of Skin Wound Healing in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Get PDFWound is a tissue that easily disintegrates and requires proper management to promote its healing. One of the wound management techniques for effective healing is the use of herbal remedies such as Crescentia cujete (L.). The current study aimed to analyze the potential of Crescentia cujete (Buah berenuk extract, or BBE) in a cream-based formulation as a healing promoter in excision wounds in rat models. The present study involved 32 male Sprague Dawley rats, 3-month-old and weighing 251.81 ± 7.07 g. Two full-thickness circular wounds (6 mm diameter) were created on the shaved dorsal skin of each rat. The rats were divided into four groups, including untreated (K1), treated with 1% ascorbic acid cream (K2), 1% BBE cream (K3), and 2% BBE cream (K4). The biochemical compounds of BBE were tested using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the level of ascorbic acid and conventional quantitative methods for other biochemical compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and triterpenoids. Treatments were applied once daily for seven days. On days three and seven, four rats from each group were euthanized using cervical dislocation, and their skin samples were collected. The skin was tested using macroscopy, histopathology, collagen density analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) against interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Statistical analysis was performed on the obtained data. The results demonstrated that BBE contained alkaloid, flavonoid, phenolic, saponin, tannin, and ascorbic acid. The current findings revealed that the use of 2% BBE cream had significant impacts on wound area in rat models, affecting histopathology, skin collagenization, and the immunoreactivity of IL-6 and FGF when compared to the other treatment groups
Antibacterial Activities of Rosmarinus officinalis Extract against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium
Get PDFHospital-acquired infections are caused by multidrug-resistant Enterococcus (E.) species, especially E. faecalis and E. faecium, which are zoonotic bacteria and pose a significant public health challenge. This study aimed to identify multidrug-resistant Enterococcus isolates and evaluate the antibacterial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) extract against E. faecalis and E. faecium. Fifty urine and stool samples were collected from hospitalized patients. Four multidrug-resistant strains—E. faecalis 6E, 7B, 10D, and E. faecium 15E—were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal primers (8F and 1492R) targeting the 16S rDNA gene to confirm their identity as Enterococcus species. The antibacterial efficacy of R. officinalis extract was assessed using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis was conducted to identify phenolic bioactive compounds in R. officinalis. The extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with MICs of 25 mg/mL and 30 mg/mL for E. faecalis and E. faecium, respectively. HPLC revealed phenolic compounds such as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid, likely contributing to the antimicrobial properties. The R. officinalis extract could be a promising natural antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus species. Compounds such as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, apigenin-7-glucoside, syringic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid show potential as safer, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional antibiotics, aiding in the fight against rising antibiotic resistance
Pharmacological Roles of Lithium in Treatment of Diseases: New Insights
Get PDFLithium is a delicate, silvery-white alkali metal, the smallest monovalent cation with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. The present study aimed to discuss the current knowledge of Lithium's pharmacological and toxicological effects, as well as future perspectives on its application in treating various diseases in laboratory animals. Lithium is currently being investigated for its potential role in maintaining beta-cell activity and reducing insulin resistance in mammals, as it exhibits a diverse array of biological effects. The basis of bipolar disorder medication for acute mood periods, switch prevention, preventative treatment, and suicide prevention has been and still is lithium. Lithium has lately been investigated in several neurodegenerative diseases and other psychoses. It has demonstrated potential benefits in experimental animals in avoiding neurodegeneration and brain damage. Neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain damage, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, mercury poisoning, alcoholism, and drug dependence, may benefit from lithium's neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Lithium supports neuronal survival, repairs damage, reduces inflammation and cell death, promotes neurogenesis, maintains cell membranes, and affects signaling pathways related to brain health and recovery. In conclusion, lithium remains a key treatment for bipolar disease due to its mood-stabilizing effects and capacity to lower the risk of relapse and suicide. However, accumulating data suggested that lithium may affect glucose metabolism, potentially causing insulin resistance or decreased glucose tolerance in some people. Additionally, Lithium in rats has anti-inflammatory properties with markedly reduced insulin resistance. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring metabolic health during long-term lithium treatment to ensure optimal psychiatric and physical health
Seroprevalence of Ornithobacterium rhinothracheale Infection in Commercial Layers in Tunisia
Get PDFOrnithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) infection is a worldwide disease in commercial poultry production. It is caused by a gram-negative bacterium, inducing respiratory and articular infections. The present study investigated the seroprevalence of ORT in commercial laying chicken farms in the Sfax region of South-eastern Tunisia. Diagnosis of ORT is based on the clinical signs such as respiratory distress, sneezing, cough, and limping, gross pathology in post-mortem examination (fibrinous tracheitis, fibrinous pneumonia, caseous arthritis, and tendinitis), and laboratory investigations, including isolation and identification, molecular and serological analysis. In the current study, 470 serum samples were collected from 25 commercial layer flocks (18 to 20 blood samples/flock) and tested using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which revealed that all 25 flocks (100%) demonstrated evidence of past or recent ORT infection. Seropositivity of the tested sera indicated the presence of antibodies against ORT, ranging widely from 7.69% to 100% within individual layer hens flocks. The average antibody levels varied considerably among flocks, from 1425.67 to 15233 in different flocks. The current findings indicated widespread ORT exposure in commercial layer farms in the Sfax region of South-eastern Tunisia, signifying the potential for horizontal transmission of ORT, particularly in multi-age layer integrations where older flocks can act as a source of infection for younger pullets
Effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Meal on Blood Parameters, Oxidative Status, Antioxidants, and Reproductive Hormones in Grower Rabbits
Get PDFIn the search for safe and effective phytogenic alternatives to synthetic additives in rabbit nutrition, Bryophyllum pinnatum has shown promising biological potential. This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf meal (BPLM) on hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, oxidative stress markers, and reproductive hormone levels in grower male rabbits. A total of 48 Hyla grower male rabbits, aged 7–8 weeks, were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD): T1 (0% BPLM), T2 (1% BPLM), T3 (1.5% BPLM), and T4 (2% BPLM), with 12 rabbits per group, further subdivided into three replicates of four animals each. After an 10-week feeding trial, blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematological indices (erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte indices, total and differential white blood cell counts), biochemical parameters (liver enzymes, total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity [DPPH]), and reproductive hormones. The majority of hematological and biochemical parameters were not significantly affected by BPLM inclusion, indicating no adverse impact on physiological homeostasis. However, erythrocyte count, serum cholesterol, and HDL levels showed significant differences. Erythrocyte count increased progressively from 0% to 1.5% BPLM inclusion, but declined at the 2% level. Serum cholesterol decreased gradually with increasing BPLM inclusion, with the lowest value observed at 2%. Antioxidant activity improved significantly with increasing BPLM levels, as evidenced by enhanced DPPH scavenging capacity and reduced MDA concentrations, particularly at 1.5% and 2% inclusion. Furthermore, reproductive hormones, apart from testosterone, were significantly elevated in rabbits fed diets containing 1.5% and 2% BPLM, suggesting enhanced reproductive function. Overall, these findings indicate that dietary inclusion of BPLM up to 2% is safe and beneficial for growing male rabbits, with positive effects on antioxidant defense and reproductive performance. The functional phytogenic properties of Bryophyllum pinnatum (B. pinnatum) leaves highlight their potential as a natural feed additive for improving rabbit health and productivity
Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Layer Chickens in Basrah, Iraq
Get PDFInfectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) has been widely prevalent in numerous countries in recent years. The present study aimed to detect ILT in chickens exhibiting clinical suspicion, utilizing molecular analytical techniques in Basrah, Iraq. Clinical signs, histological changes, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to diagnose thirty-five samples collected from clinically suspected chickens, including trachea and lungs for histopathology and PCR testing for the p32 gene. The present study demonstrated that the three isolates of ILTV, including ILT-BASRAH 1, ILT-BASRAH 2, and ILT-BASRAH 3, caused the typical signs and pathological changes of ILT in layers chickens. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that ILT-BASRAH 1 exhibited a distant relationship with other current local isolates. Conversely, the isolates ILT-BASRAH 2 and ILT-BASRAH 3 exhibited a close relationship with each other. The initial results indicated that ILT-BASRAH 1 exhibited high nucleotide similarity to MK895003.1, MK895000.1, and MK894999.1 from Australia, which are representative of recombinant strains derived from live attenuated vaccine strains, as well as PQ232589.1 from Georgia. Furthermore, ILT-BASRAH 2 and ILT-BASRAH 3 were identified as vaccine-related isolates. These isolates demonstrated a high level of genetic similarity and a close phylogenetic relationship to the Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 isolate TJ2019 (GenBank accession no. PP062931.1), originating from Chinese source flocks. The current study determined that ILT-BASRAH isolates 1, 2, and 3 exhibited genetic similarity, suggesting that they likely originated from the same or closely related sources. Their difference from vaccine strains, including the minor variation in ILT-BASRAH 1, might indicate regional viral adaptation
Morphometrical Analysis of the Reproductive System in Boschveld Chickens
Get PDFThe egg yield is determined by the number of ovarian follicles that ovulate and the oviduct's capability to form a hard-shelled egg around the egg cell. However, the morphological characteristics of the reproductive organs in Boschveld chickens have not been explored. The present study aimed to evaluate the morphology of the reproductive system, including the oviduct and the developing ova in the Boschveld chicken breed. To perform a morphological analysis, ovarian follicles and oviducts were obtained from six Boschveld hens (Out of a total of twenty), aged 30 weeks, sourced from the University of Limpopo experimental farm in South Africa. The present results revealed significant differences in both the weight and number of small white (2-4 mm), large white (5-6 mm), and small yellow (7-8 mm) follicles. Among the mature follicles, Follicle 1 (F1) exhibited the highest weight, whereas F6 demonstrated the lowest weight. Additionally, the weights and lengths of the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, and shell gland varied significantly in Boschveld chickens. The present findings indicated that the magnum was the heaviest and longest oviduct segment in Boschveld chickens, and the heaviest pre-ovulatory follicle was ovarian F1, followed by ovarian F2. The results revealed a distinct profile characterized by many small white follicles and a well-developed magnum, which is the largest part of the oviduct. These findings provided a crucial anatomical baseline for the breed, indicating that the structure of the follicular hierarchy and oviduct plays a crucial role in its egg-laying ability. Improving the development and function of these reproductive parts could boost productivity in the Boschveld breed