Iranian journal of veterinary research最新文献

Background: Investigation of chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes along with their diversity across native regions and populations, as a genetic resource, can be used in the breeding programs. Important characteristics of MHC genes, such as the association with immunological and production traits, make them exceptional candidates for marker assisted selection.

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize MHC based on the LEI0258 microsatellite marker to evaluate the genetic variability and diversity within and between Iranian chicken populations.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from six indigenous ecotypes (n=633) and Ross 308 (n=216) as a commercial breed. The MHC variability was determined based on a microsatellite marker located within MHC, LEI0258. Polymerase chain reaction and fragment analysis was used for microsatellite polymorphism detection.

Results: Based on the fragment analysis, 7 alleles were found in Ross 308 and 25 alleles across all 6 populations. The population with the maximum genetic diversity was Mazandaran (0.939), while the population with the minimum genetic diversity was Ross 308 (0.794). Out of the 6 Iranian chicken ecotypes, all except Arian and Khorasan, were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P<0.05). The genetic variations within (84.92%) and between (15.08%) populations were statistically significant (P<0.001).

Conclusion: A significant genetic structure that is not completely homogeneous among the Iranian chicken populations can be considered as distinct genetic resources. This study highlights the value of using markers such as LEI0258 to investigate the diversity of genes that play dual roles in immunity and production.

Background: There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of music or light in different human disorders.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of music as well as darkness on FDG uptake in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice using a PET scan.

Methods: The music, darkness, and music plus darkness groups were subjected to either song or darkness and their combination, respectively, 30 min before the radiopharmaceutical injection until the end of the experiments. The control group was imaged in silence under ambient conditions.

Results: Our results revealed that music did not significantly alter the range of tumor SUVmean, but showed a slight increase in brain SUVmean (18.2%) and about 100% increase in brain percentage of injected dose per gram (%ID/g) in ex vivo analysis. In contrast, heart SUVmean and heart %ID/g were approximately half those of the silence group. The muscle SUVmean and blood activity measurements showed a decrement upon music exposure. Also, results showed a significant difference in tumor-to-muscle ratio (85% increment) and brain-to-muscle ratio (105% increment) between the silence and music groups. The muscle SUVmean decreased by 50%, and tumor-to-muscle and brain-to-muscle ratios were observed to increase by 44% and 60% in the group exposed to darkness, respectively.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that music and environmental factors may influence FDG uptake in small-animal PET imaging, and provide important insights into the reliability of FDG-PET imaging for music intervention research and may aid researchers in investigating the effects of music on brain changes and tissue metabolism.

Background: Tendon injuries are common and can lead to significant morbidity. Marine collagen and ascorbic acid have shown potential for promoting tendon repair and regeneration.

Aims: This study investigated the effects of marine collagen, ascorbic acid, and their combination on tendon healing in a rat model over 6-week duration.

Methods: Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four equal groups: control, collagen + ascorbic acid, collagen, and ascorbic acid. A controlled full-thickness transverse incision was made in the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon to induce injury, and the defects were sutured following treatment. The treatments were administered orally for 30 days. Tendon recovery was evaluated through histopathological assessments after 30-day treatment at 2-, 4-, and 6-weeks post-operation and biomechanical properties analyzed at 6 weeks.

Results: Histological evaluation revealed significantly higher connective tissue and collagen accumulation in the collagen + ascorbic acid group (75-90%) compared with the collagen (50-75%), ascorbic acid (25-50%), and control groups (25-50%) (P<0.05). Biomechanical analyses showed at 6 weeks after surgery that the collagen + ascorbic acid group had significantly higher maximum force (28.6 ± 3.2 N), maximum stress (4.8 ± 0.6 MPa), work (90.4 ± 11.3 N.mm), and yield points (18.9 ± 2.1 N) compared to the collagen, ascorbic acid, and control groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The combined supplementation of marine collagen and ascorbic acid significantly enhanced tendon healing, as evidenced by improved histopathological and biomechanical parameters. These findings suggest that this combination is a promising therapeutic strategy for tendon repair and regeneration.

Background: Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and bacterial pathogens contribute to bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in young calves. However, the role of BCoV in BRDC occurrence and site-specific respiratory pathology in India remains poorly explored.

Aims: This study aimed to assess BCoV prevalence in BRDC cases.

Methods: We investigated 406 weaner calves (166 cattle, 240 buffaloes) up to ≤1 year, with respiratory distress and pulmonary lesions.

Results: BRDC cases exhibited 0.98% BCoV occurrence, confirmed by partial N gene amplification (172 bp) via RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Grossly, 4 BCoV positive cases showed variable degrees of consolidation of cranioventral lobes and non-collapsed caudodorsal lobes, associated with congestion and emphysema. Microscopically, the inflated sites of the lung tissue sections showed hallmark changes of interstitial pneumonia characterized by moderate infiltration with lymphocytes and increased numbers of fibroblasts in the interalveolar septa and the stroma of bronchioles and bronchi. In concomitant Pasteurella multocida infected cases, cranioventral lobes exhibited suppurative bronchopneumonia with neutrophilic exudate. The above lesions were well colocalized with BCoV antigen in the epithelial cells and in the debris of the lumen of the alveoli and the bronchi/bronchioles. The sequence comparison of the 172 bp amplicon with the published BCoV N gene showed close relatedness.

Conclusion: The present study implicated BCoV as a component of BRDC in India that should be considered in the diagnosis of BRDC outbreaks.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a threat to human and animal health. However, no vaccine exists for controlling this bacterium.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the immune efficacy of a chitosan nanoparticle DNA vaccine of the oprH gene from P. aeruginosa.

Methods: The naked DNA vaccine based on the oprH gene of P. aeruginosa was constructed. Then, the chitosan nanoparticle DNA vaccine of the oprH gene was prepared and the shape, size, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and ability of anti-DNA enzyme degradation were detected. Chickens were divided into five groups, namely the naked DNA vaccine group (poprH group), chitosan nanoparticle DNA vaccine group (CpoprH group), outer membrane protein vaccine group (OMP group), inactive vaccine group, and PBS group. After being vaccinated with corresponding vaccines, the levels of serum antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation assays, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) concentrations were detected. Groups of chickens were challenged with live virulent P. aeruginosa 2 weeks after the last vaccination and the survival numbers were counted until day 15 post challenge. Then, the protective rates were calculated.

Results: The particle size of the chitosan nanoparticle DNA vaccine was approximately 200 nm and close to spherical; the encapsulation efficiency was 95.88%, and it could effectively resist degradation by DNase. Following vaccination, serum antibodies, stimulation index (SI) value, and concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 in chickens immunized with the chitosan nanoparticle DNA vaccine were significantly higher than those that were vaccinated with the naked DNA vaccine (P<0.05). The protective rates of poprH, CoprH, OMP vaccine, and inactive vaccine groups were 55%, 75%, 75%, and 90%, respectively.

Conclusion: Chitosan could significantly enhance the immune response and protection provided by the naked DNA vaccine of the oprH gene.

Background: This is the first record of dactylogyrid parasites from the endemic fish species, Alburnus escherichii Steindachner, 1897 in Turkey.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to define the dactylogyrid specimens of A. escherichii from Sarısu stream.

Methods: A total of 216 individuals of A. escherichii were collected from Sarısu stream between winter (February) and autumn (September) 2023 with seasonal intervals (one sample per season) and screened for the presence of dactylogyrid parasites infections.

Results: It was determined that 57 A. esherichii were infected by one or more dactylogyrid parasite specimens (overall prevalence 26.3%). A total of 3 species of dactylogyrid parasites were identified on the gills: Dactylogyrus fraternus Wagener, 1909, Dactylogyrus alatus Linstow, 1878 and Dactylogyrus minor Wagener, 1857. D. fraternus was found to be the dominant parasite species in host fish species.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the world on dactylogyrid parasites of A. escherichii. The host fish represents a new host record for each of the collected dactylogyrid parasite specimens. Furthermore, the present study provides the first record of D. minor in Turkish freshwater fish.

Background: Diarrhea is widespread in neonatal calves, often treated with antibiotics. However, prolonged use of these antibiotics may promote problems of antimicrobial resistance.

Aims: The experiment was carried out to determine the effect of feeding cinnamon, turmeric, carom seed powder, and probiotics fortified milk on the health and growth performance of Jersey crossbred calves.

Methods: A complete randomized block design was applied with 4 treatments of 10 calves in each experimental unit. All experimental groups except the control group were offered herbs, probiotics and a mixture of both, respectively for 3 months.

Results: Calves fed herb-probiotic mixture had significantly higher dry matter intake (DMI) from concentrates (P<0.05, 0.72 kg), dry matter intake (DMI) per 100 kg body weight (P<0.05, 2.30 kg) and had better fecal scores (P<0.05, 1.19±0.07) when compared to the other treatment groups. Simultaneously, there was an increase in the Lactobacillus sp. (P<0.05, 7.58±0.44 CFU/g) with markedly reduced E. coli counts (P<0.01, 4.93±0.41 CFU/g) when the herb-probiotics combination was fed as compared to the control calves. Also, the average duration of illness was lowest in the herb-probiotic group (3.38±0.59 days), with higher serum total protein levels (P<0.05, 5.33±0.15 g/dL).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that feeding herb-probiotic mixtures reduced calf diarrhea and improved dry matter intake in calves.

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disorder in both humans and animals. L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) has limitations as a chemotherapy agent due to adverse effects and low serum stability. In a previous study, L-ASNase was chemically modified with carboxymethyl dextran to enhance its properties.

Aims: This study aimed to validate the potential of these modifications using the NALM-6 cell line.

Methods: NALM-6 cells were cultured and treated with various concentrations, including 0 IU/ml as negative control, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 IU/ml of modified L-ASNase and L-ASNase. The optimal concentration was determined at specific intervals, and viability and metabolic activity were assessed through Trypan blue and MTT tests. Flow cytometry, using Annexin V/PI staining, was employed to evaluate apoptosis. Real-time RT-PCR techniques were used to determine changes in the expression of the ATG2B and LC3-II genes (important genes in autophagy), with data analysis conducted using PRISM software.

Results: The modified L-ASNase reduced the viability of NALM-6 cells and induced higher levels of apoptosis (P=0.001). Interestingly, the modified enzyme had a lesser impact on autophagy, which is important for avoiding treatment resistance.

Conclusion: The modified L-ASNase showed enhanced effectiveness in reducing the viability of NALM-6 cells and induced higher levels of apoptosis. Interestingly, the modified enzyme had a lesser effect on autophagy, which is important as excessive autophagy can lead to treatment resistance. These findings suggest that the modified L-ASNase may have the potential to be a more effective chemotherapeutic agent for ALL treatments.

Background: Hepatitis-Hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), a significant disease in poultry, is caused by fowl adenoviruses (FAdV). While common in commercial flocks, HHS has not been previously documented in native chicken breeds in Iran.

Case description: This case report describes HHS in a small backyard flock of native hens in Mashhad, Iran. The affected birds, three 6-month-old hens, exhibited lethargy for one day prior to death.

Findings/treatment and outcome: Post-mortem examination revealed hydronephrosis, splenomegaly, hydropericardium, and hepatic necrosis. Histopathological examination showed significant lesions in the liver, heart, kidney, and spleen. The liver displayed congestion, hemorrhage, hepatocellular degeneration, necrosis, lymphocytic hepatitis, and large basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in the affected hepatocytes, confirmed by Lendrum's phloxine-tartrazine method. Cardiac lesions included pericarditis, myocarditis, edema, and myofiber degeneration and necrosis. The spleen exhibited congestion and hemorrhage, while renal tissues showed tubular epithelial cell degeneration and necrosis with inflammation. PCR assay on the liver samples confirmed FAdV serotype 4.

Conclusion: These findings show HHS and a FAdV serotype 4 etiology, highlighting the emerging threat of adenoviral diseases to noncommercial poultry settings in Iran.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus, a ubiquitous pathogen due to its key involvement in dairy animal mastitis, is the leading cause of food-borne diseases in humans by producing various enterotoxins. Aims: The present study reported the prevalence of significantly increased enterotoxigenic MRSA pathogens among bovines and dairy occupational workers, along with antibiotic-resistant patterns, using the in-vitro technique.

Methods: A total of 384 bovine (n=192 cattle, n=192 buffalo) milk samples and 100 human nasal or skin swab samples were collected to find out the prevalence of S. aureus, MRSA, spa, and enterotoxin genes (seb, sec) by PCR. Also, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted to compare and analyze the prevalent enterotoxin seb gene sequences from bovines, workers, and other sources.

Results: The present study revealed that out of 484 total samples, 49.79% of isolates were positive for S. aureus while 29.46% and 66.80% of S. aureus isolates were positive for MRSA, and spa genes among bovine and human samples collectively. The prevalence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus was found to be 16.18% in bovine and human staphylococcal isolates. Additionally, the enterotoxigenic strains exhibited resistance to commonly used antibiotics.

Conclusion: The present study shows that enterotoxigenic MRSA is prevalent in bovines and dairy occupational workers of study districts, Pakistan, and study isolates revealed a varying level of resistance to different antibiotics. The various virulence factors along with the antibiotic resistance makes MRSA a potential threat at animal-human interface, highlighting the need for further research.