Open Veterinary Journal最新文献

Background: Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seeds are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Despite their growing use in traditional medicine, their impact on intestinal health remains underexplored.

Aim: This study aimed to examine the molecular and histopathological effects of Zuhdi date seed extract on the gastrointestinal tract of infected and healthy female rats.

Methods: One group of 20 rats was infected with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli strain EDL933 through nasogastric gavage. Five rats from this infected group were sacrificed after 1 week for histological comparison. Another group of 15 healthy rats received date seed extract through oral gavage and dietary supplementation. A control group of five rats received saline only. The treatment period lasted for 30 days, during which the weights were recorded on days 1, 7, and 30. Each rat received the extract at a dose of approximately 500 mg/kg body weight per day, delivered by oral gavage. The seed powder was soaked in cold distilled water at 4°C for 48 hours, and the extract yield was calculated as 12.4%. This was followed by GC-MS analysis to identify active compounds. The major constituents included TMN, glyceraldehyde, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Histological samples were collected from the colon, cecum, and rectum 30 days after treatment. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure MUC1 and MUC4 gene expression.

Results: Infected rats had downregulated MUC4 (~50%) and stable MUC1 expression, whereas healthy rats treated with date extract showed significant upregulation of MUC1 (~2.0 fold). Histopathological analysis confirmed inflammation, crypt damage, and lymphocytic infiltration in infected tissues, whereas restored mucosal architecture and reduced inflammatory signs were observed in treated tissues. ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in gene expression among groups.

Conclusion: This study concludes that date seed extract supports gastrointestinal health by modulating mucin gene expression and improving tissue recovery after infection. These findings suggest the potential use of date seed supplements in managing gut inflammation and improving mucosal healing.

This review highlights some literature data on salicylic acid (SA) supplementation and its effects on heat-stressed broiler chickens. The current review will assess the potential use of supplemented SA and highlight its mode of action to decrease the adverse effects of heat stress on broiler production, including growth performance, animal health, gut microbiota, and heat-shock protein expression in broiler chickens. Dry matter intake, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were improved for broilers when SA was added to their diet either in powder form or supplemented in their drinking water. It also improves carcass quality in both broiler chicken and Japanese quail. Data from recent literature showed lower blood cholesterol (up to -26.3%) and triglycerides (up to -30.7%) and glucose (up to -16.4%) were found in heat-stressed chickens fed 50-100g/100 kg of SA compared to chickens fed a regular diet. In addition, SA improves the oxidative status of birds by lowering the amount of malondialdehyde in the liver under heat stress. Salicylic acid supplementation also inhibits colonization of harmful microbiota and intestinal pathogens, such as Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus species, and Escherichia coli, in the gut of broilers by enhancing intestinal barrier function and maintaining intestinal microflora balance. Moreover, the review highlights the value of SA as a natural alternative supplement for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities in animal nutrition to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress and enhance poultry production.

Background: Linezolid (LNZ) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that is usually used to treat bacterial infections. However, it is associated with adverse hepatic effects, including myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver induced by LNZ treatment and to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin E and Echinacea purpurea (immulant) combined with LNZ as a hepatotoxicity-inducing agent.

Methods: Forty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups: a control (distilled water, 0.5 ml/200 g/day), Tween 80 (0.5 ml/200 g/day), LNZ (54 mg/kg b.wt), vitamin E (Vit E) (90 mg/kg b.wt), and immulant (15.75 mg/kg b.wt), while the sixth and seventh groups received a combination of Vit E (90 mg/kg b.wt) and LNZ (54 mg/kg b.wt), and E. purpurea (15.75 mg/kg b.wt) and LNZ (54 mg/kg b.wt), respectively.

Results: After 14 days of treatment, the LNZ-treated group exhibited a noteworthy decrease in the hematological profile and crucial changes in the serum levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, proteins, and lipid profiles. Furthermore, hepatocellular apoptotic cells, shrunken nuclei, hydropic degeneration, and apoptotic (caspase-3) expression in the liver were identified by histopathological immunohistochemical analysis. Vit E or E. purpurea treatment, along with LZN, abridged these opposing effects, indicating a protective effect of Vit E and E. purpurea.

Conclusion: Vit E or E. purpurea provides a protective effect against LNZ-induced hepatic toxicity, suggesting that a simultaneous antioxidant remedy may protect the liver during LNZ treatment.

Background: Gastrointestinal nematodes are a major impediment to the health and productivity of small ruminants. Studies have examined the effects of anthelmintic resistance and herbal medicines on sheep and goat farms. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a revenue-generating agricultural product that provides medicinal properties and secondary metabolites.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the potential of sweet potato leaves as a natural anthelmintic by quantifying the concentrations of secondary metabolites in mountainous and coastal areas. In vitro studies were conducted to examine the effects of sweet potato leaf aqueous extract (A.E.I.) on the viability of Haemonchus contortus, egg hatching inhibition (EHI), and surface ultrastructure alteration.

Methods: Sweet potato leaves were collected from two sites. The leaves were selected, washed, and dried. The total flavonoid, saponin, tannin, alkaloid, and steroid concentrations were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. In vitro tests were performed using A.E.I. and the EHI test against female H. contortus. scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the ultrastructure of adult worm skin exposed to the extract.

Results: Variations in secondary metabolite concentrations were observed in cultivated areas in coastal and mountainous regions. Sweet potato leaves from the mountains have higher levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins than those from coastal areas. In contrast, coastal plants have higher levels of steroids. An in vitro study revealed that 100 mg/ml A.E.I. was almost as effective as 2 mg/ml albendazole after 3 hours and equal after 4 hours. Furthermore, the EHI test showed an 81% inhibitory effect on egg hatching. The length of treatment and A.E.I. concentration had a statistically significant effect on the H. contortus mortality rate. The SEM results illustrated the differences in the cutaneous appearance of the worm groups. The surface alterations were characterized by a rough, wrinkled, and irregular cuticle surface structure, as well as the presence of damage, indicating the anterior cuticle layer's vulnerability.

Conclusion: Sweet potato plants grown in mountainous and coastal areas have varying levels of phytochemical compounds known to have anthelmintic effects, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. A.E.I. exhibited anthelmintic effects against H. contortus. Ultrastructural changes were observed on the rough, wrinkled surface with irregular cuticle structure and the occurrence of damage, indicating that the anterior and posterior cuticle structures were vulnerable.

Background: Pseudorabies virus (PRV), a zoonotic swine alphaherpesvirus, poses a severe threat to global pig production and public health.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of the RASSF6 gene in PRV-infected porcine alveolar macrophages (3D4/21).

Methods: We established stable cellular models of RASSF6 overexpression (verified by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence using an empty vector control) and siRNA-mediated RASSF6 silencing (verified by qRT-PCR) to investigate the role of RASSF6. Using these models, we assessed viral replication (quantified by qRT-PCR/TCID₅₀) and apoptosis (analyzed by flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining and ELISA).

Results: RASSF6 expression was significantly upregulated after PRV infection. RASSF6 overexpression inhibited 3D4/21 cell proliferation and PRV replication and promoted apoptosis through Bax and Caspase-3/9 activation. RASSF6 silencing promoted cell proliferation and viral replication and inhibited apoptosis.

Conclusion: RASSF6 is a critical host defense factor against PRV infection in porcine alveolar macrophages. RASSF6 upregulation restricts viral replication by inducing apoptosis via Bax/caspase-3/9 activation and simultaneously suppressing cell proliferation. Conversely, RASSF6 silencing creates a permissive environment for PRV propagation by inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing cell survival. These findings reveal RASSF6-mediated apoptosis as a novel antiviral mechanism and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for controlling PRV pathogenesis.

Background: Blood proteins have been widely used to characterize animal breeds, as most are genetically determined and follow simple genetic rules. Therefore, the transferrin protein has been studied based on its various alleles. Transferrin is a type of protein that binds two iron atoms to each transferrin molecule. Sheep meat production can be increased through genetic improvement.

Aim: The aim of the study is to predict the live weight and growth hormone (GH) concentration of lambs by identifying transferrin gene alleles and selecting them for meat production or breeding.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah. Blood samples were taken from 74 Arabi sheep, and the genetic makeup of the iron transporter protein (transferrin) was studied using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in a variable buffer solution with black amido dye. The relationship between gene expression, lamb live weight, and GH concentration was investigated.

Results: indicated the detection of six transferrin genotypes AA, AB, AC, BB, BC, and C were detected based on their electrophoretic mobility in basal medium. Three alleles, A, B, and C, accounted for these genotypes. The results showed that the AA and BB genotypes were associated with lamb live weight and GH concentration, accounting for 48.61% and 16.66 % of the genotypes, respectively. The average lamb weights were 38.15 and 37.22 kg, and the GH concentrations were 9.97 and 9.51 ng/ml, respectively. In contrast, the genotypes AB and AC accounted for 20.83% and 11.11%, respectively, with an average weight of 36.20 and 36.05 kg, and a GH concentration of 8.97 and 8.85 ng/ml, respectively. As for the genotypes AC, BC their percentage reached 1.33%, with an average weight of 35.65 and 35.35 kg, respectively, and a GH concentration of 8.75 and 8.45 ng/ml, respectively, as these traits are recessive.

Conclusion: From the results, we conclude that there is a correlation between body weight, GH concentration in lambs, and the genotype AA and BB, indicating that it is the dominant trait over the other genotypes.

Background: Broiler livestock supports the fulfillment of animal protein in a country where the meat price is affordable for the wider population. However, its progress faces numerous challenges, with colibacillosis, induced by APEC, being a significant concern due to its detrimental impact on production levels, as evidenced by elevated morbidity and mortality rates. Exploring natural antibacterial substances, such as ant nest extracts, presents promising avenues for combating APEC.

Aim: This study investigated the potential of Myrmecodia sp. extract as a natural feed additive to improve performance and immune responses in APEC-challenged broiler chickens.

Methods: The effects of varying concentrations of Myrmecodia extract (15% and 30%) at 0.1% concentration and infusions (1% and 2%) were evaluated against a zinc bacitracin control using a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replications. Growth performance indicators, including feed intake, total body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency, and immune markers (leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels) were measured.

Results: Results showed that 15% extract improved FCR by 1.47%, while 30% extract further boosted feed intake and weight gain. Infusion treatments also demonstrated positive effects: the 20 ml infusion improved FCR and stabilized leukocyte and platelet counts, while the 10 ml infusion enhanced overall performance, reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and positively impacted lipid profiles.

Conclusion: Myrmecodia sp. has the potential to serve as a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler production. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, and further confirmation is required.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition, and the number of cases of AD is projected to increase each year. Developing an AD animal model has a major impact on studying the pathology of the disease and on developing therapies and treatments.

Aim: This study aimed to create an AD animal model using C3H mice by administering trimethyltin (TMT) via intraperitoneal injection. Hematological analysis, pathology, protein biomarkers, and behavioral assessments supported the findings.

Methods: In this experiment, two groups were included: a non-treated group (normal mouse) and a treatment group (AD animal model). Each group consisted of four male C3H mice aged 8 weeks. The treatment group was intraperitoneally injected with 2.5 mg/kg of body weight TMT. Hematological analyses were conducted to assess the blood routine, while pathological changes in brain structure, particularly in the hippocampus, were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as Nissl staining. Additionally, proteomic profiling was used to analyze protein biomarkers associated with AD via liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Behavioral analysis was conducted using the radial arm maze.

Results: Hematological analysis revealed an increase in hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, leucocytes, and neutrophil levels, whereas other parameters remained within the normal range. Histopathological analysis revealed neuronal loss and structural alterations in the pyramidal cell layers of the CA1 and CA3, the presence of inflammation, and neurofibrillary tangles. Proteomic analysis identified several protein biomarkers related to AD in the AD animal model, including amyloid beta, tau protein, apolipoprotein E, and Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells. Behavioral analysis demonstrated significant cognitive and memory declines in AD animal models compared with non-treated animals.

Conclusion: The intraperitoneal administration of TMT in C3H mice effectively induces pathological changes in the brain that are related to AD. The observed pathological and behavioral changes in this AD animal model resemble those found in human cases of the disease. This model can serve as a valuable platform for studying the etiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology of AD, as well as testing new therapies.

Background: Silage technology ensures year-round feed for ruminants, and phytobiotics, such as tannin, saponin, and cumin, can enhance ruminant survival by maintaining nutritional content and inhibiting decay.

Aim: This study evaluated the efficacy of secondary metabolites from tannin, saponin, and cumin essential oil as inhibitors of amino acid deamination in silage, focusing on their binding affinity and stability with Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH).

Methods: Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were used to study atomic-level protein conformational changes. The spoilage bacterium Clostridium sp., which contaminates silage, expresses GDH, an amino acid deamination-related enzyme. Molecular screening was conducted using AutoDock Vina (v1.1.2) with GDH receptors from Clostridium sp. (Protein Data Bank: 1BGV).

Results: Punicalagin, a tannin metabolite, showed the lowest affinity energy value as a deamination inhibitor, at -16.3 kcal/mol. Within the saponin group, theasapogenol B displayed an affinity energy value reaching -11.4 kcal/mol, and cumin, including alpha-hederin, has an affinity energy value reaching -11.3 kcal/mol for GDH inhibition. The smaller the affinity energy value, the greater the effectiveness in preventing deamination, indicating stronger inhibitory potential. Furthermore, the molecular dynamics data indicated that punicalagin, a metabolite from tannins, exhibited increased efficacy and measurable conformational stability as a deamination inhibitor.

Conclusion: The secondary metabolites punicalagin (from tannins), theasapogenol B (from saponins), and alpha-hederin (from cumin essential oil) showed optimal efficacy as deamination inhibitors in silage. Punicalagin demonstrated optimal and stable results as a deamination inhibitor.

Background: In dogs, intraocular tumors are uncommon and often present with nonspecific clinical signs such as vision loss, corneal opacity, or hyphema. Melanocytic tumors of the iris are rare among these, with limited documentation in Thailand. Accurate diagnosis requires ophthalmic examination, imaging, and histopathology, whereas treatment strategies depend on tumor location and progression.

Case description: A 16-year-old neutered male Shih Tzu presented with progressive blindness and a history of bumping into objects. Ophthalmic examination revealed blood-tinged discharge, elevated intraocular pressure (99 mmHg) in the right eye (OD), and a superficial corneal ulcer. Ocular ultrasonography using B-mode at 8 MHz demonstrated iris thickening and a hypoechoic intraocular mass. Hematology revealed thrombocytopenia and eosinophilia. Surgical enucleation of the OD was performed, and histopathology confirmed iridal melanoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the surgical wound had healed normally at the 1-month follow-up. The dog remained bright and maintained a normal appetite. No abnormalities were observed in the contralateral iris.

Conclusion: This is a rare and unusual case of thrombocytopenia and eosinophilia with iridal melanoma in a dog in Thailand. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including ultrasonography, plays a crucial role in dogs with elevated intraocular pressure and intraocular hemorrhage. Enucleation was effective in resolving clinical signs and preventing recurrence in this older dog. Ongoing monitoring of the contralateral eye and potential metastatic neoplasia in other organs is essential.