1,720,986 research outputs found
Role of homocysteine metabolism in animal reproduction: A review.
No full textHomocysteine (Hcy) is a thiol-containing essential amino acid, important for the growth of cells and tissues. Several hypotheses exist regarding Hcy toxicity in humans; Hcy is involved in protein structural modifications, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity induction and is therefore associated with several pathological conditions in humans. In veterinary science, knowledge regarding Hcy has increased recently due to several studies; however, many aspects remain undiscovered. Many details remain unknown regarding the effect of Hcy levels on pregnancy and the optimal management of pathological conditions associated with Hcy levels during pregnancy in various species. In this review, we aimed to compile various studies on Hcy metabolism to elucidate its current status in the veterinary field, particularly for ovine, bovine, equine, porcine, canine, and feline species
Kisspeptin in the early postpartum of the dairy cow.
No full textRecently, a new molecule, kisspeptin (Kp), and in particular Kisspeptin 10 (Kp10), was implicated in stimulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating Kp10 levels in the early post–partum period of the dairy cow. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows, at 10 (T10), 12 (T12), 14 (T14) and 16 (T16) days after calving. Progesterone (P4) levels were evaluated using ELISA, and levels of oestrogens (E2) and Kp were evaluated using a radio‐immunologic method. After an initial plateau, Kp10 significantly increased at T14 and decreased at T16. The P4 and E2 mean serum values remained in the physiological range. It is likely that Kp10 enhanced hypothalamic GnRH release as well as pituitary gonadotropin secretion, thus promoting follicular growth and the increase in E2 levels, which might have further enhanced Kp10 release through a positive feedback loop. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the range of Kp10 blood concentration during the early post–partum period in the dairy cow. The results of our study will increase our current understanding of the complex neuro‐endocrine crosstalk underlying the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in the dairy cow
Ozone therapy in veterinary medicine: A review
No full textOzone (O3) is a triatomic form of oxygen. As O3 rapidly dissociates into water and releases a reactive form of oxygen that may oxidize cells, the gas mixture of O3/O2 is used in medicine. ATP is widely available for cellular activity. O3 can be administered via the systemic and local routes. Although O3 is known as one of the most powerful oxidants, it also promotes antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, it stimulates some of the cells of the immune system and inactivates pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa, and viruses. Owing to these activities, O3 is used to improve several diseases, both in human and in veterinary medicine. Considering the wide scope of O3 application, the aim of this review was to reiterate the mechanisms of action of O3 and its utilization in different mammalian species (bovine, ovine-caprine, equine, canine, porcine)
Oxidative state in the estrus cycle of the buffaloes: a preliminary study
Full text linkThe oxidative status, the relationship between oxidizing agents (free radicals) and antioxidant system, is able to influence the correct performance of the estrus cycle. The aim of the experimentation was to define a first range of physiological values of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP), found during the phases of the buffalo estrus cycle. In this study, blood samples were taken from 30 buffaloes in various phases of the estrus cycle (estrus, diestrus, anestrus), on which serum determinations, by a photometer, of BAP and ROS have been carried out. The highest ROS values were detected during estrus and this is due to the primary role they play in determining ovulation. The highest levels of BAP have been found in diestrus, when they perform protective action against oxidative damage in the ovaries and uterus
Antimicrobial Resistance and Current Alternatives in Veterinary Practice: A Review
No full textAntibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections. For many years, antibiotics have been used at sub-therapeutic doses to promote animal growth and misused as prophylactics and metaphylactic on farms. The widespread and improper use of antibiotics has resulted in a serious problem, defined as antibiotic resistance by the World Health Organisation, which is a major public health threat in the 21(st) century. Bacteria have evolved sophisticated mechanistic strategies to avoid being killed by antibiotics. These strategies can be classified as intrinsic resistance (referring to the inherent structural or functional characteristics of a bacterial species) or acquired resistance (referring to mutations in chromosomal genes or the acquisition of external genetic determinants of resistance). In farm animals, the use of antibiotics warrants serious consideration, as their residues leach into the environment through effluents and come into contact with humans through food. Several factors have contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review provides an update on antibiotic resistance mechanisms, while focusing on the effects of this threat on veterinary medicine, and highlighting causal factors in clinical practice. Finally, it makes an excursus on alternative therapies, such as the use of bacteriophages, bacteriocins, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, phytochemicals, and ozone therapy, which should be used to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. Some of these therapies, such as ozone therapy, are aimed at preventing the persistence of antibiotics in animal tissues and their contact with the final consumer of food of animal origin
Plasma homocysteine levels in cycling, pregnant, and spayed bitches
No full textThe aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological range of homocysteine (Hcy) exhibited by bitches during the follicular (pro-oestrus), luteal (dioestrus) and anoestrus phases of cycling animals, and in pregnant and spayed bitches. The lowest concentrations of Hcy were observed during dioestrus (3.2+/-1.27micromol/L) and in pregnant bitches (3.9+/-1.72micromol/L), and the highest concentrations during anoestrus (7.8+/-0.6micromol/L) and in spayed bitches (12.1+/-5.16micromol/L).[...
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