Veterinary Research Forum
Volume:11 Issue: 3, Summer 2020

Trichinellosis is an important zoonosis and the most common source of human infection is meat from pigs and wild boars. The European Union (EU) supports alternative pig production systems (organic and free-ranging) as sustainable farming systems. However, these systems that allow outdoor access for farm animals, may create new or reintroduce old risks to public health. During the last years, alternative pig production systems (free-ranging or organic pig) are growing in popularity in Greece due to the increasing interest of consumers for organic products. The majority of the trichinellosis outbreaks in the EU were associated with pork and meat products including wild boars. In Greece, from 2009 to 2012, 37 Trichinella spp. positive free-ranging pigs were reported in free-ranging pig farms of Northern-Eastern Greece (31 were identified as T. britovi). The recent re-emerging present of the Trichinella spp < em>. infections in free-ranging pigs and wild boars are a high risk for the consumers and should alarm the Public Health Authorities in Greece and the EU. During the last years, the organic or free-ranging pig production systems are growing in popularity in the EU. However, these systems increase the risk of Trichinella spp. infections, since pigs are possible to be infected by feeding on carcasses or the offal of hunted or dead wild animals. For this reason, it is important for Public Health Authorities to be focused on the training of hunters and farmers in order to avoid the transmission among free-ranging pigs and prevent the cases of human infection. The recent re-emerging presence of the Trichinella spp. infections in free ranging pigs and wild boars is a high risk for the consumers and should alarm the Public Health Authorities in Greece and EU. During last years, the organic or free-ranging pig production systems are growing in popularity in EU. However, these systems increase the risk for Trichinella spp. infections, since pigs are possible to be infected by feeding on carcasses or the offal of hunted or dead wild animals. For this reason, it is important Public Health Authorities to be focused on the training of hunters and farmers in order to avoid the transmission among free ranging pigs and prevent the cases of human infection.

In the hen oviduct, tubules have been identified that preserve the sperm, maintaining viability for up to 15 weeks. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological status of rooster sperm when preserved in vitro with uterus vaginal junction secretions (UVJS). Males and females of the Rhode Island breed were used. Sperm aliquots were prepared using Lake extender and Lake extender with UVJS (10.00%, 30.00%, 60.00%, and 90.00%). Subsequently, a basic sperm evaluation was performed and sperm physiological status was determined through the presence and distribution of Ca2+ and its acrosomal reaction capability via perivitelline layer (PVL) co-incubation. It was observed that motility was decreased in sperm preserved with UVJS at 6 and 24 hr) compared to 40 min and fresh semen. The sperm decapacitation percentage was increased when preserved with UVJS at 40 min, 6 and 24 hr compared to fresh semen. The acrosomal reaction was increased in sperm co-incubated with PVL, even when preserved with UVJS. It was concluded that UVJS induced physiological changes in sperm by inducing a decapacitation process, which increased sperm viability when preserved in vitro.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) diseases have almost affected 100 million men all over the world. Orally administered phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors are the most used pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of ED. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the metabolomics feature of orally administered vardenafil in rats. To carry out the experimental procedure eight male Wistar albino rats were used. Their livers were gently removed and metabolomics profiles of each sample were determined by UPLC Q-TOF MS. Identification of metabolites was achieved by the METLIN database. Cluster analysis was also performed via Principle Component Analysis. Several metabolites were identified and results were evaluated by XCMS software. UPLC Q-TOF MS could be successfully applied to profile biomarkers and help us understand the molecular mechanisms of vardenafil usage. It was concluded that the level of some metabolites, responsible for the collagen synthesis and Kreb’s cycle, has been statistically significant after the vardenafil administration.

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of two levels of dietary oregano essential oil (OEO) on growth performances, biochemical, hematological parameters, and intestinal histomorphology in Japanese quail. A total number of 99 quail chicks were divided into three groups (33 quails per group): Control, OEO 150 mg kg-1, and OEO 300 mg kg-1 treated groups for 42 days. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed intake, weight gain, and edible organ weight were recorded. Biochemical and hematological parameters were determined. Histomorphological examination of hepatic and intestinal tissues was performed. FCR was significantly improved and feed intake was significantly decreased in OEO 150 mg kg-1 group compared to control. No detectable changes were observed in the lipid profile. Meanwhile, total protein, albumin, globulin, and H/L ratio were significantly increased in OEO 300 mg kg-1 at day 21. Uric acid and creatinine were significantly increased in the OEO 300 mg kg-1 group at day 42. A significant increase was observed in the whole thickness of the small intestine in the OEO 150 mg kg-1 group besides a significant increase in villi length, width, and crypt depth. Vacuolar and fatty degeneration of the hepatocytes along with Kupffer cell hypertrophy was observed in OEO 300 mg kg-1 group. It was concluded that OEO 150 mg kg-1 improved the quail’s performance, intestinal histomorphometry as well as hematological parameters with no negative impacts on biochemical parameters.

Previous findings have shown that saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract and its active constituents produce antinociceptive effects in the rat models of orofacial pain. In the present study, the central H2 histaminergic and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors involvement in crocetin-induced antinociception in orofacial formalin pain in rats was evaluated.The guide cannula was implanted into the fourth ventricle in ketamine-xylazine anesthetized rats. Subcutaneous injection of a diluted formalin solution (1.50%; 50.00 µL) into a vibrissa pad was used as a model of orofacial pain. Face rubbing behavior durations were recorded at 3 min blocks for 45 min.Formalin produced a biphasic pain response (first phase: 0-3 min and second phase: 15-33 min). Intra-fourth ventricle injections of crocetin (5.00 and 10.00 μg μL-1) suppressed, whereas yohimbine (10.00 μg μL-1) and naloxone (10.00 μg μL-1) increased the intensity of both phases of pain. Crocetin-induced antinociception was not prevented by central pretreatment with naloxone. However, the antinociceptive effect of crocetin (5.00 μg μL-1) was inhibited by prior administration of famotidine (10.00 μg μL-1) and yohimbine (10.00 μg μL-1). Our study showed that injection of crocetin into the cerebral fourth ventricle attenuated formalin-induced orofacial pain in rats. Central H2 histaminergic and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, but not opioid receptors, might be involved in crocetin-induced antinociception.

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of silymarin compared to hydrocortisone on clinical and hematological alterations and organ injury (liver and heart) in a low-dose canine lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model. Fifteen clinically healthy dogs were randomly categorized into three equal groups: Two dogs in group A, LPS (0.10 μg kg-1, IV) was injected (control, n = 5); Group B was similar to group A, with the difference that silymarin bolus (10.00 mg kg-1, IV, once) was injected 40 min after LPS injection. Group C was similar to group B with the difference that hydrocortisone bolus (2.00 mg kg-1, IV, once) was administrated instead of silymarin. Five mL of blood was collected at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 hr of the study. Septic control dogs experienced a significant reduction in red blood cells count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) and a significant elevation in serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), and plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration. We noticed a significant increase in RBCs, Hb, and HCT, and a significant decrease in AST, ALP, LDH, CK-MB, and cTnI in the silymarin group in comparison with hydrocortisone and control group. Our results suggested that silymarin had a positive influence on sepsis due to protecting RBCs, and decreasing organ (heart and liver) injury. These findings supported the hypothesis that silymarin could be more effective than routine corticosteroid therapy in sepsis.

The present study was aimed to assess the bedbugs susceptibility to pyrethroid insecticides using molecular analysis. With the aid of pest control companies, adult bedbugs were collected from various places such as hotels, residential houses, and industrial buildings in seven cities highly crowded with domestic and foreign tourists in Iran from May 2016 to August 2017. Bedbugs were colonized in the laboratory to evaluate their resistance to pyrethroid using insecticide resistance bioassay. Genomic DNA was extracted from susceptible and resistant bedbugs. At first, specie specific primers targeting cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was performed to confirm Cimex hemipterus species. Then, kdr-like gene was examined for point mutation using PCR and nucleotide sequencing. Bioassay showed that 11 out of 35 examined bedbugs were resistant to pyrethroids (31.43%; 95.00% confidence interval: 29.48-33.08%). The DNA sequencing showed that all examined bedbugs collected from Tehran province had homozygous V419L kdr-like gene mutations. The level of pyrethroid resistance found in the collected bugs from Tehran province indicated that this phenomenon has already been prevailed in the site and prompts the need to reevaluate the large use of pyrethroids to control the bedbugs.

Several studies have shown that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is considered to be one of the key regulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the mammals. Also, kisspeptin is a powerful upstream regulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the hypothalamus. The present study aims to investigate the effects of the intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of NPY and BIBP3226 (NPY receptor antagonist) on the reproductive axis (either hormonal or behavioral) of the male rats. Furthermore, to see whether NPY signals can be relayed through the pathway of KiSS1/GPR54, the gene expression of these peptides in the arcuate nucleus was measured. The ICV injection of NPY decreased the latencies and increased the frequencies of sexual parameters of the male rats in a significant way. Results obtained from LH and testosterone measurement showed that NPY had a significant increase in comparison with the control group. In this line, BIBP3226 antagonized the stimulative effects of NPY. Furthermore, data from real-time quantitative PCR showed that injection of NPY significantly increased the gene expression of KiSS1 and GPR54, while treatment with BIBP3226 controlled the stimulative effects of NPY on gene expression of KiSS1 and GPR54. Summing up, NPY can exert its impacts on the reproductive axis, this occurs at least partly through affecting KiSS1/GPR54 system.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has toxic effects through the induction of oxidative stress in the body and testicles. Vitamin E (Vit E) is a dietary compound that functions as an antioxidant scavenging toxic free radicals. The present study aimed to probe the protective effect of Vit E against PVC-induced reprotoxicity in male rats. In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6) including control, Vit E (150 mg kg-1 per day; orally), PVC (1000 mg kg-1 per day; orally) and PVC + Vit E. After 40 days, rats were euthanized and epididymal sperms characteristics, embryo development and malondialdehyde (MDA) and testosterone levels were examined. The PVC decreased sperm count, motility and viability as well as testosterone level and increased sperms with damaged chromatin in comparison with controls. Also, the percentages of fertilization, two-cell embryos and blastocysts as well as MDA levels were decreased in PVC-treated rats. However, Vit E improved PVC-induced alterations in aforesaid parameters. The results indicated that PVC can reduce fertility potential in male rats probably through androgen and sperm quality and quantity reductions, while Vit E can exert protective effects in PVC-related reproductive toxicities.

Over the last decade, diagnostic tools to detect and differentiate Fasciola species have improved, but our understanding of the distribution of haplotypes and population structure of this parasite is less clear. This study was designed to survey this gap in the F. gigantica epidemiology in Kermanshah province, western Iran from 2015 to 2017.Sixty-eight Fasciola isolates were collected from slaughterhouses from this province. We evaluated the PCR-RFLP assay of the ITS1 genes for the identification of Fasciola species using the RsaI enzyme. After Fasciola species identification, the partial sequence of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) gene of F. gigantica was used for subsequent construction of the phylogenetic tree and network analysis.Based on the PCR-PRFLP profile, one (6.25%) of sheep isolates and 19 (39.60%) of cattle isolates were detected as F. gigantica, whereas 93.75% of sheep isolates, 60.40% of cattle isolates and all of the goat isolates were F. hepatica. In the 20 analyzed flukes, five ND1 haplotypes were detected. Statistically significant genetic differentiation was demonstrated between the Iran population and all the other populations. Evidence is presented for the existence of two well-separated populations: African and West Asian gigantica flukes and East Asian gigantica flukes.Genetic relationships among haplotypes were associated with geographical divisions. Also, our results have heightened our knowledge about the genetic diversity of F. gigantic, providing the first evidence for the existence of two well-separated populations of this parasite.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell density-dependent mechanism used by many pathogenic bacteria for regulating virulence gene expression. Inhibition or interruption of QS by medicinal plant remedies has been suggested as a new strategy for fighting against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to assess the impact of sub-inhibitory concentrations of licochalcone A (LAA) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as natural plant products on the QS-associated genes(sdiA and luxS)expression. The PCR test was used to confirm the presence of sdiA and luxS genes in 23 S. Typhimurium isolates from poultry. The quantitative real-time PCR assay was used to analyze the expression of sdiA and luxS in S. Typhimurium isolates in response to the treatment with sub-inhibitory concentrations of LAA and EGCG at 45-min time point. All S. Typhimurium isolates showed the presence of sdiA and luxS genes (100%). As result, the expression of QS-related genes was significantly reduced in S. Typhimurium isolates following treatment with LAA and EGCG. In conclusion, LAA and EGCG showed anti-QS activity with down-regulation of both sdiA and luxS genes in S. Typhimurium, suggesting potential therapeutic use of them against salmonellosis. However, it must be pointed out that the safety and efficiency of these compounds need more thorough research.

This work described and compared the hematological findings of 25 clinically healthy Harris’s hawks(Parabuteo unicinctus) in captivity at two different tropical locations: 16 samples from Aguascalientes, which altitude is 1878 mean sea level, and nine samples from Amecameca which altitude is 2650 mean sea level. Blood samples were collected from the brachial vein of each raptor under physical restraint. Significant differences between the two locations were found in some parameters including total, erythrocytes, heterophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. When the results were compared to the reference values, the population of Amecameca showed decreased values of hematocrit (32.21 ± 13.72%), hemoglobin (107.40 ± 45.60 g L-1) and erythrocytes (1.98 ± 0.63 ×1012 per µL). This work contributed to the knowledge of variations in blood parameters of clinically healthy captive Harris`s hawks at different tropical locations and sex. The information will enable clinicians to provide appropriate veterinary diagnostics and care to ensure the health and welfare of raptors kept in captivity.

The penicillin allergy is being increasingly recognized as a significant public health problem. Immunological responses to penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics are classified as immediate and non-immediate responses. This research aimed to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of the reactive antibody value against penicillin in various species of animals. The serum samples were collected from nine species (forty mature animals in each species) including horse, dog, goat, sheep, buffalo, cattle, donkey, chicken, and fish. The concentrations of total antibody and immunoglobulin M (IgM) against penicillin were detected using an in-house ELISA test. The total anti-penicillin antibodies concentration from high to low in animals was as chicken, horse, fish, donkey, dog, goat, sheep, buffalo, and cattle, respectively. In cattle and sheepthe level of anti-penicillin IgM (APM) was significantly higher than non-IgM antibodies (APNM); moreover, levels of APNM were very low in chicken and fish serums; no difference was seen regarding these values in buffalo and goat. The other species had significantly lower APM than the APNM. The ani-penicillin antibody levels in the noted animals were successfully detected using the developed ELISA. Most of the species have anti-penicillin antibodies; however, they have reactive antibodies with differences in levels and isotypes.

Electroporation is a technique that increases the uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs by tumors. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has been successfully used to treat solid tumors. Recently, novel applications have been explored in the treatment of visceral tumors. This report aimed to describe the ECT as an approach to vesical carcinoma in three dogs. The patients received ECT with bleomycin as an intravenous bolus and intra-lesional cisplatin (cases 2 and 3). The ECT was performed by electroporator (Onkodisruptor®) using a plate and/or a single pair needle array electrode. Case 1 was a 7-year-old female Pitbull dog with a history of hematuria and stranguria. The ECT was performed during cystotomy using a single pair array electrode. However, the patient developed uroabdomen two days post-ECT and died 5 days later. Case 2 was a 12-year-old female Poodle dog with hematuria, dysuria, and pollakiuria. Cystotomy and ECT were performed using plate array electrodes. Complete remission of the intra-luminal mass was observed 11 days post-ECT. However, 21 days after the procedure, an acute unilateral renal failure occurred possibly due to a neoplastic embolus into the right ureter leading to kidney hydronephrosis, and the patient was euthanized. Case 3 was a 10-year-old female Cocker dog with hematuria and pollakiuria. The patient was fully competent after ECT without clinical signs of pollakiuria and recovered from hematuria 7 days post-ECT. The bladder returned to normal status 28 days post-ECT. The ECT was not able to increase the overall survival of the patients evaluated and should be indicated carefully.

Canine lymphoma is the most common neoplasm of the hematopoietic system with the most frequently diagnosed malignancy. Also, dogs affected by T-cell lymphoma displayed a lower rate of complete chemotherapy response and have a high risk of death in the early stage of the disease. A 5-year-old male mixed dog was presented to the Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran with a history of left testicle swelling for four months. The testicle had approximately 13.00×10.00 cm size with a greyish-white cut surface. Histopathologically, the testicular tissue was infiltrated by neoplastic cells as only a few degenerated seminiferous tubules have remained. The neoplastic cells were round to oval with pleomorphic nuclei and single or multiple prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive and negative immunoreactivity for CD3 and CD20, respectively. According to histopathological and immunohistochemical features, the tumor was concluded as a testicular T-cell lymphoma. It seems that recognition of lymphoma type could be helpful for clinicians therapeutic protocols.