Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume:17 Issue: 3, Summer 2023

Lactoferrin is a natural biological active cationic protein that can be used as a yogurt additive to inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of lactoferrin against Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans inoculated in laboratory prepared yogurt at refrigerator temperature. The pre-warmed skimmed milk was inoculated by commercial starter and then divided into 3 parts, each inoculated by different inoculum and a certain concentration of lactoferrin (0.5% and 1.5%) and incubated at 42oC for 4 h till curd formation. Tenfold serial dilutions were performed for each group and refrigerated at4±1oC  for up to 14 days to be examined every day. The obtained results showed that the treated yogurt samples with lactoferrin had significant reductions in B. cereus, Ent. faecalis, and C. albicans counts than untreated samples (control positive). Generally, yogurt samples treated with 1.5% lactoferrin showed the highest reduction percentages on B. cereus and C. albicans than 0.5% lactoferrin. In addition, B. cereus showed more susceptibility to lactoferrin than Ent. faecalis; the maximum reduction of the inoculated B. cereus was observed on the sixth day of the incubation to be 99.99%. Maximum reduction of the tested C. albicans was observed after the seventh day.  The application of lactoferrin showed a potentially significant antimicrobial effect against B. cereus, Ent. faecalis, and C. albicans in refrigerating conditions, so lactoferrin is recommended to be used in yogurt production for safe product manufacturing.

The transportation of fish is a common practice in aquaculture. However, the transportation of fish results in significant stress that can cause mortality and disease outbreaks due to compromised immune status. To ameliorate the effect of this stress, it is advocated that a suitable antioxidant be supplemented to fish before subjecting to transportation.  The present experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on haematological parameters and water quality indices of Clarias gariepinus post-transportation. Forty adult C. gariepinus fishes, weighing an average of 450.46 g and measuring an average of 38.23 cm and 4.46 cm were used for the experiment. They were divided into two groups. Group I (MMF) was supplemented with melatonin in their feed every day for one month while group II (OMF) was not administered melatonin. The subjects were fed a commercial pelleted diet once a day throughout the experiment. They were maintained in a tank made of plastic, and water was originally provided through a flow-through system. Haematological and water quality parameters were determined before and after transportation. After the transportation process, erythrocyte count and packed cell volume of the group I was significantly higher (P<0.05). In comparison to group II, the total leucocyte count, neutrophil count, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio of group I were all significantly lower (P<0.05). After transit, group II had considerably higher quantities of nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia (P<0.05) than group I. Following transportation, group II had significantly higher nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia (P<0.05) than group I. However, in group I, dissolved oxygen concentration was greater (P<0.05) than that of group II. Accordingly, it was concluded that melatonin affected various haematological and water quality variables in C. gariepinus and will ameliorate the stress of transportation.

All organisms need iron for their survival and metabolic activity, and the healing process of patients depends on this element. Hence, its deficiency can negatively affect patients’ quality of life and cause disorders. Although iron deficiency is proven an important comorbidity in human and canine patients with heart failure, no research has been published on the role of iron in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This research aimed to determine and compare the iron status of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with and without congestive heart failure. Based on laboratory, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings, 45 client-owned cats were studied and divided into three groups: control, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) without congestive heart failure, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. Iron and ferritin concentrations, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum transferrin saturation (TSAT) percentage were measured and compared in all cats. Statistical nonparametric testing was used to analyze the data. No groups illustrate any statistically significant difference for iron concentration (P=0.3), ferritin concentration (P=0.853), TIBC (P=0.1), and TSAT (P=0.639). The highest iron concentration and the lowest transferrin level and the transferrin saturation percentage were observed in the HCM group with congestive heart failure. Also, cats without congestive heart failure had the lowest TIBC compared to other groups. Unlike previous studies in dogs and humans, our study did not show a significant difference between cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy regarding iron status.

Adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin are metabolism regulatory factors affecting milk production and reproductive performance. This study aimed to investigate the adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin serum concentration in predicting Holstein cows’ reproductive and milk production indexes in the post-partum period.  In this research, 45 clinically healthy and pregnant Holstein dairy cows were randomly selected near the forthcoming calving. Blood samples were taken from the jugular veins of cows 15 days before and after parturition, and serum concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, and some other metabolic biochemical parameters were measured. The animals were monitored for milk production and reproductive parameters for 3 consecutive months.  Findings showed no significant difference in adiponectin concentration between the pregnant and non-pregnant cows following the first artificial insemination (AI); however, pre- and post-partum serum concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, and insulin were higher in conceived cows following the first AI (P<0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between post-partum serum adiponectin concentration, the number of services before conception, and mean milk production levels (P<0.05). However, adiponectin did not have a long-lasting effect on the reproductive and milk production indexes because of other studied variables. It was concluded that the post-partum increased serum adiponectin and ghrelin and decreased leptin concentrations could not predict the reproductive and milk production indexes.

Mammary tumors are common in dogs and cats. They are models for investigating carcinogenesis and designing treatment protocols that benefit human beings. Senescence, sex, and reproductive status affect the development of such neoplasms.  In Iran’s absence of a national animal tumor registry, the present study determined clinicopathological and epidemiological aspects of canine and feline mammary tumors in referral cases of four veterinary practices across Tehran from 2020 to 2022. Here, the incidence and types of canine and feline mammary tumors are described, in addition to sex, reproductive status, age, breed, the affected mammary gland(s), grades, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastases. All canine and feline patients with masses in the mammary gland region were considered in this study. The resected tumors and occasional lymph nodes were macroscopically scrutinized. Hematoxylin-Eosin slides were reviewed by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry was utilized when necessary.  Of the 76 dogs and eight cats, 100% were females, and the majority were intact. Most patients were 10-11 years old. Purebreds were the most frequent referrals. In some patients, more than one mammary gland had developed neoplasm, i.e. 141 affected glands in 76 bitches and nine affected glands in eight queens. Tumors were presented in both chains and even on the ventral midline, with an increased preponderance of caudally located glands. Thus, the caudal-most glands, i.e. inguinal and caudal abdominal glands, constituted 31.2% and 66.7% of the affected glands in bitches and queens, respectively. Intraductal papillary carcinoma (17%) and complex carcinoma (16.3%) had the highest incidence in dogs. The most commonly observed lesions in cats were lobular hyperplasia with atypia, and duct ectasia, each encompassing 22.3% of the affected glands. Most canine neoplasms were grade I (90.3%), while grade II neoplasms had the highest incidence in cats (50%). Lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastases were seen in canine anaplastic carcinoma, solid carcinoma, and complex carcinoma, as well as feline comedocarcinoma and tubular carcinoma.  The risk of developing malignant tumors increases as the individual ages, and generally, caudally located mammary glands in intact purebred females are at increased risk. Moreover, anaplastic carcinomas must be precisely examined, both clinically and histopathologically, for lymph node metastases.

The growing consumer interest in healthy food has encouraged the industry to search for products that exhibit additional benefits over nutritional value. Yogurt is the best carrier for beneficial nutrients such as probiotics and antioxidants. Agave tequilana is a plant that contains phytochemicals comprising flavonoids that show antioxidant activity. In this work, the effects of incorporating A. tequilana aqueous extract (ATAE) on the antioxidant properties, syneresis, and flavor of probiotic yogurt were investigated. Radical scavenging ability was evaluated against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Amounts of total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Syneresis was determined using the centrifugal technique. The sensory evaluation was carried out using a 5-point hedonic scale. The addition of ATAE in yogurts exhibited a dose-dependent relationship and had significantly (P≤0.05) higher TPC and DPPH scavenging ability than the control yogurts. The TPC and DPPH scavenging properties of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% ATAE-fortified yogurts were 389.9, 629.2 and 905.6 mg GAE/kg yogurt and 283, 480, and 617 mg BHT eq./kg yogurt, respectively. The addition of ATAE increased the syneresis of yogurt samples (P≤0.05). Although the sensory properties of synbiotic yogurt samples were lower than plain and probiotic treatments, their scores were still above the acceptable level. As the results of this study indicated, it is recommended to improve the antioxidant properties of the yogurt by incorporating AEAT and its potential application as a functional food formulation.

Parturition depression is an important physiological problem, and several attempts have been made to ascertain this physiological phenomenon. Natural monoterpenes like α-pinene have numerous beneficial properties, but no studies have been done on their antidepressant potential in postpartum animals. This study aimed to determine the effects of prenatal administration of α-pinene on the antidepressant-like behavior of mice following delivery.  Pregnant female mice were randomly assigned into four groups. In the control group, the animals were injected with saline on their 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 gestation days (GD). In groups 2 to 4, pregnant female mice were injected with α-pinene (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg, respectively) at GD 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17. On day 2 postpartum, open field test (OFT), rotarod, forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant activity of α-pinene in mice. Also, serum samples were taken to determine the antioxidant activity. According to the results, α-pinene (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) significantly increased activity in OFT and staying on the rotarod (P≤0.05). Also, α-pinene (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) diminished immobility time (s) in TST and FST on postpartum mice (P≤0.05). α-pinene (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) decreased malondialdehyde while increased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant status levels in postpartum mice as compared with the control group (P≤0.05). It seems that prenatal administration of the α-pinene can alleviate postpartum depression via its antioxidant property in mice.

Organic acids and their salts are known as appropriate substitutes in feed for improving the health, growth, and performance of fish.  The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary lactic acid supplementation on immunological factors, hepatic enzyme activity, and plasma proteins in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The fish were fed the diets mentioned above for 56 days, then their growth performance, humoral immunity, and plasma hepatic enzymes were assessed. A total of 180 fish (mean weight=25 g) were randomly distributed in twelve tanks (150 L water in each tank) as four treatments, fed diets containing 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 g/kg lactic acid (T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively). At the end of the feeding trial, T2 showed significantly higher growth performance than T0. Plasma total protein, albumin, and globulin levels of T1-T3 were significantly higher than that of T0. However, plasma protein levels decreased significantly by elevation in dietary lactic acid concentration (10 g/kg). No significant differences were observed in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity among the treatments, although alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity decreased significantly in fish-fed dietary lactic acid supplementation (T1-T3) compared with the control group (T0). All humoral immunity parameters (lysozyme, complement, immunoglobulin, and bactericidal activity) increased significantly in T1-T3 treatments compared to the T0 group. Overall, dietary lactic acid supplementation improves growth performance, humoral immunological parameters, and hepatic health. According to the results, dietary lactic acid (2.5-5 g/kg) is recommended for preparing common carp feed.

Uterine Prolapse is termed as the eversion of the uterus or casting of ‘’wethers’’ or casting of calf bed. It is a common complication of the third stage of labor and more common in pleuripara than primipara. Uterine prolapse is common in cows and ewes, but rarely seen in mares, dogs, and cats. A six-year-old female pony was brought to the emergency unit at the Obstetrics Unit of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute Orathanadu, with a history of aborted pre-term (eight months) a day before and the mass hanging through the vulva. On clinical examination, the animal was dull and in a standing posture, the congested mucous membrane with tachycardia was noticed. Further examination of the mass revealed severe congestion and edema of the prolapsed uterus with no evidence of fetal membrane remnants. A vaginal examination explored constricted cervix. Blood samples were collected for hematology and serum biochemistry. Upon epidural anesthesia, the prolapsed mass was washed with potassium permanganate solution and then a hypertonic solution. After 10 minutes, the mass was washed with warm normal saline. Using Cetrimide cream as a lubricant and an antiseptic, the mass was reduced and repositioned. No Buhner’s suture was applied. Mare has received 40 IU of oxytocin for the involution process to begin. Systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered for five days. Uterine lavage was done for three days with normal saline and povidone-iodine to aid in uterine clearance. On consequent days, the mare had improved and the cervix was closed with no discharge. The mare had an uneventful recovery.

Idiopathic cardiomyopathy in hamsters can cause death due to cardiac failure. The current case study investigated the capability of imaging to reveal possible cardiomyopathy in a dead hamster. To this end, the cadaver of a 6-month-old male Roborovski dwarf hamster, which showed acute respiratory symptoms a few days before its death, was examined by virtopsy to discover the cause of death. Postmortem radiography was not efficient enough to evaluate the heart due to postmortem lung atelectasis that increases lung opacity and diminishes the contrast between lung and heart. Postmortem computed tomography can be helpful for the assessment of cardiac size. Consistent with postmortem echocardiographic studies, an increased thickness of the left ventricular parietal wall and the interventricular septum and dilation of the left atrium were observed. Thus, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was determined by imaging and confirmed by the conventional necropsy approach. It showed that the cause of death was acute cardiac failure following idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.