Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is indeed to be considered as one of the most significant vector-borne diseases globally. The virus responsible for CCHF can persist in various animals and lead to severe infections in humans. Ticks of the Ixodidae family are the acknowledged vectors of CCHF virus (CCHFV) transmission to humans. In this review, different tick species from Iran and its neighbors and their roles in the transmission of CCHFV were evaluated. However, the transmission patterns of CCHF to humans primarily involve tick bites, direct contact with the blood, organs, or tissues of contaminated animals, and exposure to CCHF patients are important in virus transmission. The results of this review confirm that the tick vectors in Iran and its neighbors are very common. Even though tick bite is one of the most important risk factors for CCHF, it cannot explain all cases, and there are other important risk factors, such as high-risk occupations and having contact with livestock. Ticks that have been proven to transmit the disease, especially Hyalomma marginatum, are scattered in Iran and neighboring countries. Transporting passengers and livestock and sometimes smuggling livestock are the means of transmitting the virus between neighboring countries. Therefore, there is a need for joint preparedness and response programs to prevent and manage CCHF between Iran and its neighbors.

Abstract Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) is a popular experimental animal model in scientific research. The present study investigated the effects of dietary multiple enzyme supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility and small intestinal histomorphology in quails fed diets based on wheat and soya bean meal. A total number of 192 1-day-old quails were assigned to three treatments with 16 replicates in each and four quails per replicate for 38 days.  The control group received a basal diet, and the treatment groups received a basal diet with 0.10 or 0.20% multi-enzyme, respectively. Growth performance parameters, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility and small intestinal histomorphology in quails were evaluated. Dietary supplementation of multi-enzymes to diet significantly increased body weight gain and improved the feed conversion rate. Moreover, quails fed with 0.10 or 0.20% multi-enzymes showed better ash digestibility coefficients and apparent metabolizable energy coefficients than the control quails. Furthermore, quails fed on a diet containing 0.20% multi-enzyme had the highest crude fiber digestibility. The villi length and the villi length/crypt depth ratio of the duodenum were significantly increased and the crypt depth was decreased in quails-fed diets supplemented with both multi-enzyme levels. However, feed consumption, carcass yield, carcass weight, heart weight, gizzard weight, liver weight and total intestine weights were not affected by treatments. In conclusion, our results showed that dietary supplementation of multi-enzymes to a wheat and soybean meal-based diet enhanced the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of quails.

Abstract Cardiovascular and respiratory alterations during anesthesia are of major concern in canines. Thus, it is essential to understand the potential depressant effects of anesthetic drugs on cardio-vascular system; so that, anesthetic procedures are conducted in the best possible way. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the echocardiographic indices during dex-medetomidine and midazolam anesthesia in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-eight female dogs brought to the department for elective ovariohysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups comprising of 14 each. Sedation was achieved with dex-medetomidine and G_MID. Physiological parameters and echocardiographic indices were evaluated before drug administration (T₀), after 10 min of sedation (T₁), after induction (T₂) and at the end of surgery (T₃) in both groups. Heart rate was significantly higher at T₁, T₂ and T₃; while, rectal temperature was significantly lower at T₃ in G_MID compared to the G_DEX. There was a significant decrease in stroke volume and cardiac output values at T₁ and then, a significant increase at T₂; whereas, there was a non-significant decrease at T₃ in both groups. Ejection fraction and fractional shortening values decreased significantly at T₁, increased significantly at T₂ and then, decreased significantly at the end of surgery (T₃). Dexmedetomidine-ketamine and midazolam-ketamine combinations provide better hemodynamic and respiratory stability in the dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Systolic functions were minimally altered with G_MID compared to G_DEX. Thus, G_MID is more cardio stable compared to G_DEX.

Abstract Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis, an oncogenic deltaretrovirus that has emerged as a potential zoonotic infection. The BLV naturally infects cattle and causes economic losses through a slow persistent infection with various clinical symtoms following preleukosis. The main objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of BLV antibodies in cattle and buffaloes in the border provinces of the Eastern Anatolia region, Türkiye, using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) assay and  enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For this purpose, a total of 1,033 serum samples were collected from 982 cattle and 51 buffaloes from the provinces of Ağrı (n = 178), Iğdır (n = 252), Kars (n = 317), Van (n = 221), and Hakkari (n = 65) during 2021 - 2022. In AGID and ELISA tests, seropositivity for BLV-specific antibodies was not detected in cattle and buffaloes from the mentioned provinces. This study revealed that BLV was not circulating in cattle and buffaloes in the easternmost border provinces of Türkiye during the sampling period and contributed to determine the status of BLV in the mentioned region. Due to the presence of virus in other regions of Türkiye and neighboring countries, Iran and Iraq, it is recommended to control animal movements, continue efforts to combat the transmission of the virus, and maintain control measures.

Abstract African swine fever (ASF) is considered as one of the most threatening diseases for the pig farming industry all over the world. Due to the lack of an effective vaccine, organized farms and backyard rearing must strictly enforce control measures in order to combat the disease. The present report describes the ASF epidemic in a piggery in Uttar Pradesh state, India. The pathological samples were collected from the affected pigs and processed for histopathological and molecular studies. Gross lesions comprised of cyanosis of ear pinna, multi-focal hemorrhagic spots on ventral abdomen and inner aspect of thigh, highly congested mesenteric lymph nodes with marbling, marked congestion, hemorrhages and splenomegaly, interstitial pneumonia, and multi-focal endocardial hemorrhages on papillary muscles and wall of ventricle in heart. Histopathological investigation revealed marked congestion and hemorrhages of mesenteric lymph node, liver and spleen. Depletion of lymphocytes from the splenic white pulp was visible in the splenic parenchyma. The virus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct clustering of the Uttar Pradesh virus isolates from Vietnam with other Ib group isolates, indicating a close genetic relationship between these samples. Additionally, the mutant Chinese virus isolate showed clear genetic differences with the Vietnamese Ib group, confirming its suitability as an out-group for comparison. The study represents the first report of ASF outbreak in North India, establishing the phylogenetic relationship between ASF virus circulating in the study area and other regions.

Abstract Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with a progressive damage to the air sacs and deposition of collagen fibers in the lung tissue. The study aimed to explore the effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) or thymoquinone (TQ), alone or in combination with dexamethasone (DEX), on the development of bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF. Forty-two male rats were divided into seven groups: Control (CTRL); BLM, received a single dose of BLM on day 0, intratracheally; all remaining groups received BLM, as well. DEX, received DEX daily, intraperitoneally, 1 day before BLM and continued for 14 days; NSO and TQ groups, received daily NSO and TQ, respectively, 7 days before BLM and continued for 35 days; DEX + TQ, received both DEX and TQ; DEX + NSO, received both DEX and NSO. At the end, lung tissues were used for histopathological and biochemical analyses. BLM significantly increased the severity of fibrosis and inflammation compared to the CTRL. Bleomycin also significantly increased the amount of hydroxyproline, however, decreased most antioxidant enzymes in the lung tissue compared to the other groups. Group TQ + DEX significantly reduced the severity of BLM-induced PF as well as alterations in biochemical parameters, lung weight and O2 saturation. Nigella sativa oil slightly reduced BLM-induced PF, however, it caused non-significant hyperemia in lung tissue. Thymoquinone potentiated the effects of DEX on most biochemical and pathological alterations of BLM-induced lung injury much better than NSO. More studies are needed to support the use of NSO and TQ as potential protective agents against PF.

Abstract Scaffolds play a crucial role in tendon healing by providing structural support, promoting cell infiltration, and guiding tissue regeneration. Polycaprolactone (PCL) has been used as a polymer in biological scaffolds for several tissue engineering studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin-loaded PCL scaffold on Achilles tendon using a tenotomy model in rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups. In control group, tenotomy and suture placement were performed. The identical intervention followed by the implantation of curcumin-loaded PCL scaffold around the tendon stumps was performed in the treatment group. The nanofibrous PCL scaffold containing 5.00% curcumin was fabricated by electrospinning. Walking track analysis was performed weekly. Then, after 6 weeks, histopathological examination and tendon mechanical tests were performed. The weekly walking track analysis revealed a significant improvement in Achilles functional index in scaffold-treated rats from week three to six. The rate of functional improvement was remarkably slower in the control group. Histopathological examination revealed aseptic inflammation and enhanced neovascularization in the treatment group. Also, collagen arrangement and density were significantly improved in this group compared to the control samples including less regular orientation and loose organization of collagen fibers. Significant increase in mechanical properties, except for strain, was observed in the treatment group. The present study demonstrated that implantation of curcumin-loaded PCL scaffold resulted in increased fibrillar architecture, as well as improved mechanical properties and Achilles functional index in rats. To reduce the biodegradation-induced inflammation, an anti-inflammatory treatment is recommended.

Abstract Docetaxel (DTX) is widely utilized in breast cancer treatment. However, cancer cell resistance has limited its anti-tumor efficacy. Some molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs), acting like fine-tuned switches, can influence how breast cancer develops and spreads. We conducted a study to examine if augmenting breast cancer cells with a particular molecule, known as miRNA-142-3p, could improve the efficacy of a widely used treatment called DTX. The expression level of miR-142-3p was initially assessed in MDA-MB-468 cells. The miRNA transfection was performed to conduct additional experiments. The impact of a combined treatment involving DTX and miRNA-142-3p on both cell migration (by wound healing assay) and apoptosis (using annexin V/Propidium iodide staining) was examined. Cell viability was determined through the MTT assay, and gene expression was quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The combined application of DTX and miRNA-142-3p resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of factors promoting tumor growth, such as SOX2, Octamer 4, HMGA2, Kruppel-like factor 4, and Bach-1. Additionally, the combination of miRNA-142-3p and DTX initiated apoptotic cell death. Moreover, the progression of breast cancer cells was impeded by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G¹ phase. This combination also efficiently restrained the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. The DTX or miRNA-142-3p alone can suppress malignant behavior and progression of breast cancer cells, but their combination elicits a synergistic effect that further enhances breast cancer inhibition. In summary, miRNA-142-3p transfection can be administered in conjunction with DTX therapy to enhance its cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells and prevent chemoresistance.