Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract The present study was planned to confirm the clinical diagnosis of canine distemper in dogs with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and its comparison with lateral flow assay based immuno-chromatographic (IC) technique. Fifty clients owned dogs having clinical signs suggestive of respiratory, skin or nervous form of canine distemper were included in the study. An immuno-chromatography-based test was applied using serum to screen each of the suspected dog. In addition to serum, nasal discharges of 15 cases and ocular discharges of 10 samples were used to diagnose canine distemper. Screening with IC kit revealed 72.00% serum samples positive, 66.66% ocular and 50.00% nasal samples were found positive for antigen. The RT-PCR targeting N gene of canine distemper virus was used for the molecular diagnosis of canine distemper. Out of 50 blood samples tested with RT-PCR assay, 38 (76.00%) samples were positive showing characteristics band of 287bp. Statistical comparison of IC Kit (serum samples) results with RT-PCR results comparison showed that IC kit was 52.00% accurate with 36.84% sensitivity, 100% specificity, positive predictive value of 93.33% and negative predictive value of 31.43%. In the current study it was observed that the IC test was rapid, quick and specific but was found to be less sensitive compared to RT-PCR.

Abstract The goal of this research was to determine the normal range of arterial blood gas, electrolytes and acid-base status in the healthy male sheep of Iranian Shall breed. For this purpose, the blood sample was collected from the ear artery of 15 Iranian Shall sheep whose health was confirmed by clinical examinations, hematological tests including complete blood count and air-dried blood smear and cardiac evaluations including electrocardiography and echocardiography. Then, the values of pH, partial dioxide carbon pressure, partial oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation, base excess, bicarbonate as well as the concentration of electrolytes and anion gap were measured using a blood gas analyzer. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analyses by SPSS software and the tests of Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Pearson and descriptive statistics of the results were expressed as mean ± SE, range (minimum and maximum) and confidence interval 95.00%. The results showed the mean value of arterial blood gas including oxygen saturation, partial oxygen pressure, and partial dioxide carbon pressure were 95.69%, 61.58, and 26.28 mmHg, respectively, and the others arterial blood parameters including pH, base excess, and bicarbonate were 7.54, 1.61, and 22.84 mmol L^-1, respectively. Also, the mean values of arterial blood electrolytes including Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^-, were 143.25, 4.22, and 109.46 mmol L^-1, respectively, and the mean anion gap was 12.64 mmol L^-1. The present study determined the range of normal amounts of arterial blood gas, electrolytes and acid-base status in the healthy male sheep of Iranian Shall breed which could be used as a reference for further research on sheep diseases and to distinguish healthy status from disease.

Abstract Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common causes of osteoarthritis in dogs. Surgical stabilization is obligatory and tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is the most commonly used surgical technique. Studies on the long-term monitoring of matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) and acute-phase proteins are limited, especially those with parallel monitoring of changes in the serum, synovial fluid (SF) and urine. We aimed to describe long-term changes in 1) MMPs: gelatinases and caseinases, 2) APPs: ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin and paraoxonase-1, and 3) the correlation of MMPs in the serum, SF and urine with lameness in dogs 2 and 6 months undergoing TPLO. From 17 dogs diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, sera, SF and urine samples were collected preoperative 2 and 6 months after the surgery. Relative activity (RA) of MMPs was measured in all samples using zymography. Acute-phase proteins were measured in the serum and SF using spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. Relative activity of MMPs in serum was not change at different sampling points. In SF, a marked decrease in MMPs RA was evident, however, only RA of caseinases was significantly reduced during the recovery period. In urine, RA of caseinases was positively correlated with the lameness score with decreasing activity trend during time. Serum and synovial acute-phase proteins were not changed after surgery, which was consistent with the agarose gel analyses. Decreased activity of caseinases pointed to reduced degradation of extracellular matrix after TPLO. Synovial and urine caseinases are potential biomarkers in predicting the recovery outcome following stifle stabilization.

Abstract Moellerella wisconsensis is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacillus of Entero-bacteriaceae family, and it is an uncommon pathogen in domestic animals. To date, five cases were reported including two dogs, two cattle, and a goat. Streptococcus equisimilis is the second common bacterial agent after the S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus in equine pneumonia cases. The present report describes the isolation of M. wisconses from lungs and spleen of a 10-year-old Arabian horse (May 08, 2022) at post-mortem examination being co-infected with S. equisimilis. Clinical and pathological findings included bilateral nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, sternal recumbency, severe diffuse necrosuppurative rhinitis, multi-focal fibrinopurulent pneumonia and purulent lymphadenitis. Polymerase chain reaction assays showed no viral nucleic acids of equid alphaherpesvirus (EHV) 1, EHV-4, equine arteritis virus and equine papilloma virus. The antibiogram test revealed that the isolate was sensitive to several antibiotics except colistin. Taken together, the present report documents the first isolation of M. wisconsensis from lungs and spleen of a horse; hence, experimental studies are needed to clarify the pathogenity and pathogenesis of M. wisconsensis.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of bovine leukosis virus (BLV) in specialized and dual-purpose dairy cows located in the central zone of Veracruz state in Mexico, using endpoint polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study population consisted of 307 specialized dairy cows and 95 dual-purpose cows from 13 municipalities located in the study area. All cows were apparently healthy and ≥ 3 years old. Cows were stratified by age (3 - 5, 6 - 8 and ≥ 9 years). The overall prevalence of infection was 6.96%; the calculated prevalence in dairy cows was 7.82% and in dual-purpose cows it was 4.21%. The municipality with the highest proportion was Acajete (14.28%), followed by Huatusco and Tomatlán (11.53%). The association analysis confirms the infection's independence to the cows' productive purpose. The results by age strata were 3 - 5 (4.60%), 6 - 8 (8.00%) and ≥ 9 (18.40%) with X² = 9.96, with an odds ratio of 4.68 for the stratum ≥ 9 years with a significant difference. The present study determined the prevalence of proviral DNA of BLV in dairy and dual-purpose cows in six municipalities in the central zone of Veracruz state, Mexico, using endpoint PCR.

Abstract This study investigated the toxic effects of dried pulverized Caloncoba echinata leaves on the hematology, blood biochemistry and vital organs of male albino rats. Twenty adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Groups A, B and C were fed 25.00%, 15.00% and 5.00% of pulverized C. echinata leaves in feed respectively while group D was given normal feed for a four weeks period. Blood samples were collected at two weeks intervals for hematological and blood biochemistry analyses. Results showed a significant reduction of packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and total red blood cell counts in group B from week two to the end of the study. There was also a reduction of body weight and leukocytosis in groups A and B from week two to the end of the study. There was a significant reduction of albumin in group B when compared to the other groups after two weeks and a significant reduction in blood glucose concentration in group A after two weeks of the feeding of the leaves to the end of the study. Discrete areas of degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes were observed in the rats of groups A and B and testicular atrophy in group B rats. It was concluded that feeding the rats with the pulverized C. echinata leaves led to a significant reduction of body weights and erythrocytic parameters, leukocytosis, hepatic and testicular injuries in the albino rats.

Abstract Canine osteosarcoma (OS) or osteogenic sarcoma is an aggressive tumor of the skeletal system, associated with a rapid progression and guarded prognosis. The osteosarcomas, mostly arise from the appendicular skeleton while axial OS (osteosarcoma of flat bones) are less reported in the majority of large breeds. This report describes complete para-clinical investigations of an aggressive chondroblastic OS involving facial flat bones with highly metastatic characterization in a large mix breed stray dog. Radiographic and computed tomography findings demonstrated an amorphous and active new bone formation, associated with the severe lytic areas in the left maxillary, orbital and zygomatic bones. Also, lots of nodular densities were distributed in all lung lobes. The cytological examination of the mass revealed individualized oval to spindle-shaped pleomorphic mesenchymal cells exhibiting many criteria of malignancy such as marked anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, prominent and multiple nucleoli. The punctate cytoplasmic vacuoles were obvious and bi-nucleated cells were frequently observed. These cells were seen in the background of an eosinophilic matrix. Histopathologic evaluation of the mass exhibited areas of osseous differentiation within the mass containing bony spicules and wavy bone formation along with the vast areas of cartilaginous differentiations with chondroblasts in lacunar spaces. Ultimately, chondroblastic OS with severe lung metastasis was confirmed and the animal was euthanized.

Abstract After sudden death with a history of about two weeks ruminal tympany, a 3-year-old, male alpaca from Huantaiqi Zoo, Chongqing, China was presented to the Animal Diseases Rapid Diagnosis Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China for diagnosis of the death causes. At necropsy, the primary pathological lesions were found in the lung. A pronounced hemorrhage with topical congestion and lobular pneumonia was identified. Sero-fibrinogenous pleural effusion was also detected in the thoracic cavity. After necropsy, the lung sample was processed for histological examination, while lung, hydropericardium, and heart-blood samples were processed for bacteriological examination. From the lung tissue, abundant fluid exudate was found in the pulmonary alveoli. Meanwhile, a mild to moderate hemorrhage and inflammatory cells infiltrations were also observed in the lung sections. Pure isolates on the 5.00% defibrinated sheep blood agar were submitted for identification by morphological and molecular methods. Sequencing results indicated that the Gram-negative sporadic bacilli were all belonged to Morganella morganii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of M. morganii induced pneumonia in an alpaca.

Abstract In this study, the effects of Urtica dioica hydro-alcoholic extract were investigated on the blood glucose and lipid profiles of female ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized rats. In total, 32 adult female rats were divided into four groups (eight each) including control and ovariectomy groups as well as non-ovariectomy and ovariectomy groups treated with 200 mg kg^-1 of Urtica dioica extract orally in the last five weeks of the study starting from the week 56^th. The duration of the study was 60 weeks. Glucose, serum lipid profiles and pancreatic pathological alterations were determined in these groups at the end of experiment. Serum glucose, triglyceride (TG), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and TG/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio indicated a significant increase in the healthy female rats under treatment with Urtica dioica extract compared to others. The TG, cholesterol, HDL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and VLDL showed a significant increase in menopaused rats compared to others. The interaction of consuming Urtica dioica extract and ovariectomy caused significant decreases in glucose, TG, VLDL, HDL/LDL ratio and TG/HDL ratio. Consumption of Urtica dioica extract by non-menopaused rats damaged the beta cells in Langerhans islets. Results of the present study revealed that the consumption of Urtica dioica extract is not beneficial and has diabetogenic effects in female non-ovariectomized rats compared to ovariectomized ones.

Abstract Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of cancer. Chicken embryo amniotic fluid, vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 have anti-oxidant properties. Total of 70 adult female mice were selected and divided into seven groups. The first group that received 2 ml kg^-1 of inactivated amniotic fluid subcutaneously. The second group treated with 75 mg kg^-1of cyclophosphamide by intraperitoneal injection. Third to fifth groups received 1, 2, and 4 ml kg^-1 of chicken embryo amniotic fluid, respectively. The sixth group received vitamin C at a dose of 0.2 mg g^-1 of body weight by oral gavages. Seventh group received 10 mg kg^-1 coenzyme Q10 intraperitoneally. All cyclophosphamide treated groups (3-7) received 75 mg kg^-1 of cyclophosphamide intraperitoneal on day 22. The mice were euthanized on day 29 and ovarian tissue antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. Activities of above mentioned enzymes in treatment groups (3-7) was significantly higher than patient control group (2). The results also revealed that MDA levels were higher in the control group in comparison to other treatment groups. Therefore, it is concluded that the chick embryo amniotic fluid and coenzyme Q10 can compete with compounds like vitamin C in increasing the anti-oxidant level in ovarian tissue.

Abstract Myocardial infarction is commonly considered as a leading cause of cardiovascular disease taking the lives of seven million people annually. Liver dysfunction is associated with cardiac diseases. The profile of abnormal liver functions in heart failure is not clearly defined. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of betaine on liver injury after myocardial infarction induced by isoprenaline in rats. Forty-eight male rats were divided into four groups: the control group received normal diet and the experimental groups received 50, 150, and 250 mg kg^-1 body weight of betaine daily through gastric gavages for 60 days. All of experimental and control groups experienced myocardial infarction, induced by subcutaneous injection of 100 mg kg^-1 isoprenaline in two consecutive doses )8:00 AM to 8:00 PM). Liver enzymes including aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly reduced in the groups treated with betaine, compared with the control group. The total antioxidant capacity in the experimental groups, treated with betaine, showed a significant increase, compared with the control group. In the control group, severe lesions were created in the liver tissue, while degenerative changes of liver tissue significantly reduced in groups treated with different doses of betaine, showing the repair of liver tissue. Betaine decreased apoptosis in the experimental groups in comparison with the control group. Betaine showed a protective effect against biochemical and histological changes in liver tissue caused by the induction of myocardial infarction via isoprenaline injection.

Abstract Recently, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), in particular the gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, generally considered as tumor markers for clinical applications. A longitudinal 2-years follow-up survey was performed on dogs with cutaneous tumor. Serum samples were obtained from 22 dogs with different cutaneous tumors and 22 health dogs at the time of surgery and one month, three months and one year after surgery. Gelatin zymography, hematological and biochemical assessment were performed for all serum samples. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity in dogs with malignant tumors was significantly higher than that in dogs with benign tumors and control cases. Latent forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected in all of the tumor cases. Gelatin zymography showed active form of MMP-9 in 12 cases (three benign and nine malignant tumors) and active form of MMP-2 in one fibrosarcoma case. Serum activity of active-MMP-9 and total MMP-9 was significantly higher in dogs with cutaneous tumors than those in controls. Tumor cases had higher serum activity of active-MMP-9 rather than controls. MMPs and alkaline phosphatase activities in serum were decreased significantly after surgery. Only one case with perianal gland adenoma showed recurrence of tumor four months after surgery in which active form of MMP-9 had identified one month before recurrence. According to the findings, it will be useful to measure ALP, MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in the serum of dogs with cutaneous tumor for determination of tumor behavior before surgical treatment.

Abstract In the present study the protective effect of Nigella sativa (N. sativa)on synaptic plasticity impairment induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats was investigated. Fifty-eight rats were grouped and treated as follows: 1) control (saline), 2) LPS, 3) LPS-N. sativa,and 4) N. sativa. In a Morris water maze test, the escape latency and traveled path to find the platform as well as time spent and the traveled distance in target quadrant (Q₁) were measured. Long term potentiation (LTP) from CA₁ area of hippocampus followed by high frequency stimulation to Schafer collateral was studied and slope, slope 10-90% and amplitude of field excitatory field potential (fEPSP) were calculated. The escape latency and traveled path in LPS group were significantly higher than those in the control group while, in LPS-N. sativa group these parameters were significantly lower than those in LPS group. The rats in LPS group spent less time and traveled shorter distance in Q₁ than the rats in the control group while, in LPS-N. sativa group the rats spent more time and traveled longer distance than the rats in LPS group. LPS significantly decreased slope, slope 10-90% and amplitude of fEPSP while, in LPS-N. sativa group these parameters increased compared to LPS group. The results indicated that the hydro-alcohol extract of N. sativa protected against synaptic plasticity and spatial learning and memory impairment induced by LPS in rats.

Abstract Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) is a perennial plant traditionally used as an herbal medicine in many countries. In the present study, anti-atherosclerotic property of ethanolic extract of C. dactylon was investigated in the experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. In this study, 36 male Wistar rats were selected and allocated into six groups (n = 6). The control group received a normal diet, sham group received a high cholesterol diet (HCD; 1.50% cholesterol and 24.00% fat) and other groups received a HCD and ethanolic extract of C. dactylon at low (100 mg kg^-1), moderate (200 mg kg^-1) and maximum (400 mg kg^-1) doses via gavages. The last group received atorvastatin (10 mg kg^-1) through gavage with a HCD. The study period for all groups was six months. At the end of this period, parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were assessed in the blood samples. Additionally, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations on coronary and aorta arteries sections were performed. The results showed an increase in vessels wall thickness and proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the HCD group, while these pathological changes were not seen in C. dactylon-treated groups. Treatment of HCD animals with C. dactylon positively changed lipid profile by lowering of TC, TG and LDL-C. The results indicate that C. dactylon prevents from early atherosclerotic changes in the vessels wall.

Abstract This experiment was conducted to study the effects of various amounts of treated sunflower meal (SFM) with extracted tannins from pistachio hulls on in vitro gas production and ruminal fermentation in ruminants. The SFM was treated with pistachio extract concentrate (PEC), which contained 111.40 g kg^-1 total phenol and 71.30 g kg^-1 total tannin per dry matter of extract, at six experimental treatment levels of 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 g PEC per 100 g SFM on a dry matter basis. In vitro gas production, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and fermentative parameters of samples were measured. The PEC had no effect on fermentation rate, but asymptotic gas production was linearly decreased with increasing dose of extract. All fermentation parameters (i.e., apparent degraded substrate, short chain fatty acids, gas yield at 24 hr, partitioning factor at 96 hr, IVOMD, ME and microbial protein production (MP) linearly decreased with increasing PEC treatment. Inclusion of PEC linearly decreased ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration (NH₃-N), total protozoa population and pH in the all incubation times. In conclusion, the addition of PEC positively modified some rumen parameters such as NH₃-N concentration and protozoa population.

Abstract Blood selenium and trace minerals play an important role in animal’s health and production. The aims of this study were to determine selenium effect on blood glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, trace minerals and weight gain in lambs. Twelve female Makuei breed were studied for 63 days in groups of control, nanoselenium (NanoSe) and sodium selenite (NaSe). Mean concentrations of GPX, Cu and Fe in selenium supplemented groups were higher than in control group but the differences were not significant. Mean GPX and selenium was significant among the bleeding times, for Cu and Zn significant occasionally while not for weight gain. The percentages of weight gain in groups were 34.20, 38.90 and 36.30, respectively, which was not different. The individual comparison of parameters among groups showed differences for GPX, selenium and Cu. Correlations were observed between weight & Fe, weight & GPX, weight & selenium, Zn & Fe and GPX & selenium in NanoSe group. Weight gain showed negative correlations with Fe and positive correlation with GPX. In conclusion, selenium compounds increased GPX activity and selenium in which it was predominant in NanoSe than in NaSe group. Selenium compounds showed no effects on Cu, Zn and Fe but caused weight gain to increase. NanoSe revealed correlations between weight gain, GPX, Fe and selenium and was preferable to NaSe. Thus, the effect of NanoSe on reducing the oxidative stress and increased weight gain was acceptable and probably an option to NaSe administration in lambs.

Abstract Two hundred and fifty male 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of turmeric and cinnamon powders on meat quality and lipid peroxidation of broilers under heat stress condition. The five treatment groups were control (recommended temperature for Ross 308), heat stressed (32 ± 1 ˚C from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during finisher period) and heat stressed birds fed with 0.50% turmeric, 0.50% cinnamon and a blend of cinnamon and turmeric (0.25% turmeric + 0.25% cinnamon). The results showed that there were no significant differences between the treatments for ether extract, ash and crude protein contents of thigh meat at 42 day of age (p > 0.05). Heat stress decreased the pH value and dry matter (DM) content of thigh meat, whereas the consumption of all experimental diets (turmeric, cinnamon and both of them) compensated the decreased pH and DM values due to heat stress to some extent but could not restore them to the level of control treatment (p< 0.01). Furthermore, the thigh meat lightness was increased under heat stress (p < 0.05). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and free radicals scavenging activity were increased in thigh meat of broilers reared under heat stress (p < 0.05), while these parameters were reduced by the combination of both plants (p < 0.01). It was concluded that heat stress reduces antioxidant properties and quality of thigh meat and dietary supplementation of turmeric and cinnamon powders together can remove the detrimental effects of heat stress on meat quality.

Abstract To assess the effects of pre-analytical handling (storage time and temperature) on selected hematological parameters, whole blood samples were collected in EDTA coated tubes from each of 30 clinically normal male adult beagle dogs. Each sample was separated in 2 aliquots, of which one was stored in ambient temperature (25 ˚C) and the other one was refrigerated (2 to 4 ˚C). Complete blood counts were performed in 1, 2.5, 5, 12, 24, 36 and 60 hr post-sampling for each aliquot of every sample using a flow cytometer. Packed cell volume values remained stable in the samples kept in room temperature (RT), whereas a significant increase was noted in the refrigerated ones 24 hr post-sampling. Statistically significant increases in red blood cell counts were noted after 24hr in the samples stored in 2 to 4 ˚C and after 12 hr in those kept in RT. No significant changes were observed in haemoglobin concentration. A significant decrease was evident only 60 hr post-sampling for the white blood cells kept in RT, but not for those kept in 2 to 4 ˚C. Platelet counts significantly decreased after 24 hr in the refrigerated aliquots and after 5 hr in those kept in RT. The results of this study indicate that storage of blood samples for up to 24 hr in 2 to 4 ˚C is associated with the least artifactual changes.

Abstract Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been shown to protect the gastric mucosa through several protective mechanisms but till now its effect on mRNA expression of sodium bicarbonate cotransporter 1 (NBC1), trefoil factor1 (TFF1) and trefoil factor2 (TFF2) was not investigated. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of H₂S on mRNA expression of NBC1, TFF1 and TFF2 in rat gastric mucosa in response to gastric distention. Thirty two rats were randomly assigned into four equal groups. They were control (C), distention (D), propargylglycine (PAG)-, and NaHS-treated groups. To evaluate the effect of exogenous and endogenous H₂S on gene expression of NBC1, TFF1 and TFF2, two groups of rats were received H₂S donor, intra-peritoneal NaHS (80 µg Kg^-1), and PAG (50 mg kg^-1), accompanied to stimulate the gastric acid secretion, respectively. Under general anesthesia and laparotomy, a catheter was inserted into the stomach through duodenum for instillation of isotonic saline for gastric distention. Ninety min after beginning the experiment, animals were sacrificed and the gastric mucosa was collected to determine total acid content of gastric effluents and to quantify the mRNA expression of studied genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results showed that A) gastric distention increased the level of mRNA expressions of NBC1, TFF1 and TFF2; B) these levels in NaHS-treated rats were significantly higher than those in Distention group; and C) PAG decreased the expression levels of NBC1 and TFF1. The Findings showed H₂S upregulated gene expression of NBC1, TFF1 and TFF2 in gastric mucosa.

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soy milk on serum 17- β estradiol level and number of neurons in cerebral cortex and hippocampus as well as determination of the ratio of neurons in cortical and hippocampal regions in neonatal ovariectomized rats. Thirty female rats (one day old) were divided into six groups of five. At day 7, ovariectomy surgery was performed in four groups and two other groups were assumed as sham and control groups. Three groups of ovareictomaized rats were fed with soy milk at the doses of 0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 mL kg^-1 per day since they were 14. At day 60, the blood samples were collected to measure the17- β estradiol concentration, and then the brain of rats were prepared for histological studies. The serum 17- β estradiol level significantly increased in ovariectomized rats fed with soy milk compared to ovariectomized rats with no soy milk supplementation. In addition, the results showed that soy milk significantly increased the number of neurons in CA1, CA2 and dentate gyrus regions of hippocampus and granular layer of cerebral cortex in ovariectomized rats, whereas there was no significant change in number of neurons in CA3 zone of hippocampus and molecular, pyramidal and multiform layers of cerebral cortex in ovariectomized rats fed with soy milk. The ratio of cerebral cortex neurons to hippocampal neurons had no significant changes among the experimental groups.

Abstract Makouei sheep is one of the famous breeds in Iran which is reared in Azerbaijan province for their meat, milk and wool. Fifty clinically healthy Makouei ewes were selected to study the variations in energy-related blood metabolites during peri-partum period. Blood was collected from Jugular vein from each sheep on day 7 before the expected lambing time, day of parturition and also day 7 postpartum to determine total protein, albumin, urea, cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non- esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. Serum total protein and albumin concentrations were gradually decreased during pre-partum period and reached the lowest level after parturition (p > 0.05). Blood urea concentration was significantly decreased to the lowest level at parturition (p < 0.05). Serum cholesterol and triglycerides were gradually decreased and reached low levels after lambing (p < 0.05). Serum glucose concentrations were significantly lower at pre-partum period than post-partum (p < 0.05). The serum NEFA and BHB concentrations were higher before lambing and thereafter decreased (p < 0.05). Current findings regarding the blood parameters may expand our knowledge for the diagnosis and prognosis of reproductive and metabolic diseases in Makouei sheep during these phases.

Abstract Four in vitro experiments (Exp.) were conducted to evaluate lavender essential oil (LEO) effects at 0 (control), 250 (low dose), 500 (medium dose), 750 and 1000 µL per L(high doses) of incubation medium on rumen gas production kinetics (Exp.1), ruminal digestibility and fermentation (Exp.2), methane production (Exp.3) and rumen acidosis (Exp.4). The asymptote of gas production (A) increased quadratically (p < 0.001), but the lag phase (L) increased(p = 0.003), and gas production rate (µ) decreased linearly (p = 0.031) with increasing dose of LEO. A linear and quadratic effect (p < 0.01)was observed for the gas produced after 24 hr of incubation (GP₂₄₎. In vitro true dry matter degradability (IVTDMD) and in vitro true organic matter degradability (IVTOMD) both decreased linearly (p < 0.01), but microbial biomass (MB) and partitioning factor (PF) changed quadratically with increasing doses of LEO (p < 0.05). A cubic effect was observed for total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and ammonia (NH₃) concentrations (p < 0.05). Acetate molar percentage decreased (p = 0.004), whereas those of butyrate and valerate increased linearly (p <0.05)with LEO dosage. The molar percentage of propionate increased by 10.60 and 12.00% at low and medium doses of LEO, respectively. Methane production decreased by 11.00 and 44.00 to 60.00% at medium and high doses of LEO (p < 0.05), respectively. Lavender essential oil decreased also ruminal pH at all included doses (p < 0.05), intensifying rumen acidosis. These results revealed a dose-dependent selective effect (stimulatory at low and medium, and inhibitory at high doses) of LEO on rumen fermentation.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of gallic acid on gastric mucosal lesions caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat. Forty male rats were randomly divided into sham, control (I/R injury) and three gallic acid-pretreated groups. To induce I/R lesions, the celiac artery was clamped for 30 min and then the clamp was removed to allow reperfusion for 6 hr. Pretreated rats received gallic acid (15, 30 or 60 mg kg^-1, intraperitoneally) 30 min prior to the induction of I/R injury. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the areas of ulceration were compared. Samples of gastric mucosa were collected to evaluate the protein expression of pro-apoptotic factor, caspase-3, and pro-inflammatory enzyme, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) using western blot. Pretreatment with gallic acid decreased the total area of gastric lesions. Gallic acid at 30 mg kg^-1 decreased the levels of protein expression of caspase-3 and iNOS induced by I/R injury. Our findings showed the protective effect of gallic acid on gastric mucosa against ischemia-reperfusion injury. This effect of gallic acid was mainly mediated by reducing protein expression of iNOS and caspase-3.

Abstract Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a selective inhibitor of Inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase. Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances in immature ones are reported for MMF-induced compilations, which in the case of occurrence dose reduction is required. Thus, in the present study, the fructooligosaccharide raftilose^® (RFT) was co-administrated with MMF to estimate the protective effect of RFT against MMF-induced GI complications. Thirty six immature male Wistar rats were divided into six groups including: Control (normal saline), RFT-treated (100 mg kg^-1), MMF-treated (20 mg kg^-1), MMF + LRFT (50 mg kg^-1), MMF + MRFT (100 mg kg^-1) and MMF + HRFT (200 mg kg^-1) groups. The hematocrit (Hct), lymphocyte/total WBC, feces water content and pH were analyzed. Moreover, the hepatic functional tests, kidney-related biomarkers, lipid and protein profiles, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents were assessed. Co-administration of RFT stabilized the MMF-reduced body weight. The MMF significantly diminished Hct and lymph/total WBC (p < 0.05). Only MRFT enhanced the lymphocyte/total WBC. Increased water content, no changes in feces pH, increased serum ALT and AST, no alteration in urea and mild enhancement in creatinine were demonstrated in MMF-received animals. However, RFT at low dose ameliorated the feces parameters and reduced ALT. No significant changes were demonstrated for serum lipid and protein profiles in MMF- and RFT + MMF-treated groups. The RFT enhanced the serum TAC, reduced MDA and NO contents. In conclusion, our data suggested that RFT could be considered as an effective agent to subsidize the MMF-induced clinical, hematological and biochemical disorders.

Abstract This work analyzes the effects of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) on the thyroid and antioxidant system, assessed by measuring levels of tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats (225 ± 25 g) were divided into five equal groups: one control and four hyperthyroid groups that received placebo, 200 mg kg^-1 body weight of vitamin (Vit.) E, 225 mg kg^-1 body weight of SKEO, 200 and 225 mg kg^-1 body weight of Vit. E and SKEO together, respectively. Hyperthyroidism was induced by administering of L-thyroxin in drinking water. After 30 days of L-thyroxin consumption, serum T₃ and T₄ levels, TSH, and oxidative stress indices were determined. Significant increase in serum T₃, T₄ and MDA concentrations with a simultaneous significant decrease in TSH, GSH level and GPx activity were observed in hyperthyroid group (p <0.05). In the treatment groups, SKEO and/or Vit. E can compensate serum MDA elevation and GPx activity reduction. Only, SKEO + Vit. E could compensate the decline of GSH levels in response to hyperthyroidism. Supplementation of SKEO, plus Vit. E as antioxidants is useful in attenuating lipid peroxidation and may potentially benefit hyperthyroid patients.