Veterinary Research Forum最新文献

This study compared the effects of a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration at the time of insemination on the reproductive outcome of estrus-synchronized Mongolian ewes subjected to two artificial insemination methods during the breeding season. All females were treated with a polyurethane intravaginal sponge impregnated with 45.00 mg of flurogestone acetate for 12 days, followed by an intramuscular injection of 330 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin at sponge removal. In Experiment 1, 150 ewes were inseminated using a laparoscopic intrauterine artificial insemination method 48 hr after sponge removal. The ewes were randomly assigned to the hCG group which received 500 IU of hCG at the time of insemination, and the control group which received 1.00 mL of sterile saline solution. In Experiment 2, 85 ewes were inseminated twice at 48 and 60 hr after sponge removal using a cervical artificial insemination method. The ewes were randomly assigned to the hCG group, which received 500IU of hCG at the time of the first insemination and the control group which received 1.00 mL of sterile saline solution. The pregnancy rate in the control group was not significantly different compared to the hCG group in Experiment 1 and the pregnancy rate in the control group was significantly higher compared to the hCG group in Experiment 2. In conclusion, the administration of hCG at the time of insemination could not be recommended in ewes when implementing a fixed time artificial insemination protocol during the breeding season.

Exposure to extreme temperature conditions such as occurs in certain occupations is known to induce male infertility. In humans and most of the mammals, it has been shown that whole-body heat stress (HS) decreases fertility and produces defective embryos. Hence, the present study aimed at gaining some insights into the mechanisms producing defects after HS. In the present study, 56 mature male Wistar rats were randomly categorized into eight groups (n = 7), including group 1: Control, groups 2: Bioactive peptides (BPs; 10.00 mg kg^-1), groups 3, 4, and 5: Heat-stressed (37.00, 39.00, and 43.00 ˚C for 20 min, respectively), and groups 6, 7, and 8: Heat-stressed along with BPs (10.00 mg kg^-1), respectively. All treatments were administered orally once per day. The HS was induced through the immersion of rat scrotums in a water bath. After 45 days, rats were sacrificed and left testes were removed, fixed, and used for histological and immunohistochemical studies. Harvested right testes were also used for oxidative stress assessments and molecular analyses. Heat stress increased testicular tissue damage, elevated oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production, and increased germ cells apoptosis, p53 and caspase 3 expressions, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Treatment with BPs as a substance with anti-oxidant properties ameliorated the damage caused by HS. The results of this study highlight the protective role of BPs in the reproductive tract under HS. Bioactive peptides may have potential function against testicular tissue oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Phthalate esters, such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), are extensively utilized and human and animal exposure leads to serious toxic effects, including hepatotoxicity. In the present study the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) on DBP-induced liver damage was investigated. A total number of 40 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 5): control (corn oil), DBP (500 mg kg^-1), RJ (200 mg kg¹), Quercetin (QCN; 50.00 mg kg^-1), RJ (100 mg kg^-1) + DBP, RJ (200 mg kg^-1) + DBP, RJ (300 mg kg^-1) + DBP, QCN (50.00 mg kg^-1) + DBP. After 28 days of daily oral gavage treatment, animals were euthanized. The insulin resistance index, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes were measured on the collected serum samples. Moreover, oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers were determined in the liver. Histopathological alterations and ultimately cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activity was also assessed. Data obtained revealed that RJ significantly reduced the insulin resistance index and liver enzymes level in RJ-DBP groups. At the same time, RJ recovered the DBP-induced oxidative stress and restored the DBP-depleted glutathione. Moreover, RJ improved lipid profile and reduced significantly the DBP-induced hepatic CYP 2E1 activity in RJ-DBP groups. Dibutyl phthalate induced-hepatic damage such as necrosis of hepatocytes and scattered bleeding was alleviated in RJ-DBP group. Our data suggested that the administration of RJ could protect the DBP-induced hepatic functional and structural alterations. The RJ protective effects might be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and reduced CYP 2E1 activity.

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.

Buildup of reactive oxygen species during testicular torsion causes oxidative stress and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in testis. The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of β-cryptoxanthin (BCX) on I/R injury in testicular torsion/detorsion in mature rats. Thirty mature male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six animals each, including sham group: In this group, midline incision of the scrotum was performed and the testicles were taken out for 2 hr with a 720-degree rotation, I/R group: In this group, midline incision of the scrotum was performed and the testicles were taken out and undergone ischemia for 2 hr with a 720-degree rotation, I/R/Oil group: In this group, a midline scrotum cut was performed, the testicles were taken out, ischemia was created for 2 hr with a 720-degree rotation, and at the end of ischemia 100 µL of corn oil (BCX solvent) was injected intraperitoneally, I/R/BCX10 group: The same as I/R/Oil group, as well as intraperitoneal administration of 100 µL of BCX (10.00 µg kg^-1) at the end of ischemia, and I/R/BCX40: The same as I/R/Oil group, as well as intraperitoneal administration of 100 µL of BCX (40.00 µg kg^-1) at the end of ischemia. Evaluations were based on histopathological and spermatological parameters and oxidative stress assessments. Histopathological spermatological and oxidative stress parameters values obtained from I/R/BCX40 were significantly different from those of other groups (p < 0.05). It could be concluded that BCX could ameliorate testicular injuries in acute testicular torsion/detorsion in mature rats.

Several bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus are considered as indicators of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in a wide range of hosts and environments, because they may transfer AMR genes to important pathogenic bacteria. Hedgehog is one of the most important wild species living in urban areas. So, this study aimed to determine AMR against β-lactams and prevalence of colicin genes among various phylotypes of E. coli isolates from hedgehogs in the Kerman, Iran. Totally, 105 E. coli isolates were obtained from 21 hedgehogs (five isolates from each hedgehog). Resistances to the ampicillin (79.10%), cefotaxime (66.70%), and amoxicillin-clavulanate (62.00%) were the most prevalent, and resistance against ceftiofur (39.10%), ceftazidime (39.10%), and ceftriaxone (34.30%) had the lowest prevalence rates. In phenotypic tests, 2.90% of the isolates were extended spectrum β-lactamase producers. The prevalence of β-lactam resistance genes was 26.60% for bla _TEM, 3.80% for bla _{CTX - M}, 8.50% for bla _SHV, and 1.90% for bla _CMY. The frequency of colicin genes, including E1, V, E2-E9, and Ia.Ib was 5.71, 4.76, 10.47, and 11.42%, respectively. All E. coli isolates were negative for 5.10.K, Y.U, and A.N.S4 genes. Phylogenetically, B1 (49.50%), A (40.90%), and D (5.70%) were identified among the isolates, and 3.80% remained unknown. Wildlife could be considered as a bio-marker to determine the environmental dissemination of AMR. Also, hedgehog may be an important reservoir of antibiotic-resistant and non-pathogenic E. coli strains in urban environments. This study highlights the necessity of E. coli surveillance among domestic and wild animals.

Medical imaging methods (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, X-ray, and ultrasound) are used to guide physicians when diagnosing diseases and planning their treatment. Thorax radiography is frequently preferred for the detection of diseases related to the respiratory system and the heart. When the thorax anatomy is known, this facilitates the detection of diseases in these regions. The vertebral heart score (VHS) is a parameter used for the detection of cardiac anomalies. In cases such as cardiomyopathy and chronic pneumonia, the heart silhouette changes and cardiac enlargement is ensued. Knowing the normal VHS parameter is important in the detection of anomalies. In the present study, 15 male and 30 female adult Awassi sheep were used. The thorax region was imaged with an X-ray device in the right lateral position. Each animal was measured for nine parameters in the region. In the measurements, the female and male VHS scores were found to be 9.77 ± 0.48 and 9.69 ± 0.52, respectively, using one method and 10.11 ± 1.64 and 9.96 ± 0.73, respectively, using the other method. No statistical difference was found between the two methods. The cardiodiaphragmatic contact parameter was observed to be statistically significant between males and females. No statistical difference was found in other parameters. Consequently, this study was carried out to determine the VHS values in Awassi sheep, and the thorax measurements were evaluated. This study is considered to contribute to veterinary surgeons and the field of veterinary surgery.

Diazinon (DZN) is a widely used organophosphate. We studied the effect of quercetin pegylated liposome (QPEGL) on acute low dose DZN-induced oxidative stress and behavioral disorders through monitoring brain serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in mature male rats. Animals were treated in two control groups that received a single dose of normal saline and dimethyl sulfoxide, and four groups that received a single dose of DZN 10.00 mg kg^-1 (DZN), DZN 10.00 mg kg + quercetin 20.00 mg kg^-1, DZN 10.00 mg kg^-1 + PEGL 20.00 mg kg^-1, DZN 10.00 mg kg^-1 + QPEGL 20.00 mg kg^-1 (QPEGL), respectively. Performances of the rats were investigated by the open field and elevated plus maze tests. Twenty-four hr after the treatments, animals' brains were harvested and frozen at - 80.00 ˚C. Brain tissues 5-HIAA level was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were determined for oxidative stress analysis. The motor activity was significantly reduced in the DZN group compared to the control group following increased anxiety-like behavior and ameliorated by QPEGL. Moreover, 5-HIAA and MDA levels notably increased in the DZN group compared to the control group and significantly decreased in the QPEGL group compared to the DZN group. The SOD and GPx contents were not significantly changed in the DZN group compared to the control; although, these parameters improved after treatment with QPEGL. Acute low dose DZN exposure resulted in lipid peroxidation and elevated levels of the serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA), leading to neurobehavioral disorders, such as anxiety-like behavior and impaired motor activity, which were alleviated by QPEGL.

Dogs serve as definitive or intermediate hosts for some protozoan and helminth parasites, some of which are of zoonotic, and others cause severe infectious diseases in other animals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter dogs in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. A total of 323 fecal samples were randomly collected from shelter dogs in Mashhad and Neyshabur areas. All samples were then transferred to the Parasitology Laboratory and examined detect intestinal protozoa and helminths using the formalin-ether technique. Out of the 323 fecal samples, 92 (28.48%) tested positive for intestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in shelter dogs in Mashhad and Neyshabur areas were 23.83 and 35.38%, respectively. Monospecific infection was found in 19.50% of dogs, while concurrent infection with two or more species was seen in 8.97% of dogs. The frequencies of the nine detected parasites were as follows: Sarcocystis sp. 12.38%, Giardia sp. 4.64%, Cystoisospora sp. 2.78%, Hammondia Neospora-like oocysts 2.16%, Taenia sp. 6.19%, Toxascaris leonina 7.43%, Dicrocoelium dendriticum 1.54%, Toxocara canis 0.92% and Capillaria sp. 0.30%. The results of this study showed the high frequency of intestinal parasites in shelter dogs. To control important zoonotic helminthic diseases such as echinococcosis and toxocariasis, it is recommended to eliminate stray dogs in cooperation with municipalities and veterinary departments in Iran. If stray dogs are transferred to shelters, they should receive regular treatment with effective anti-helminthic drugs.

Infectious bronchitis, being caused by a coronavirus, is a significant disease affecting broiler and layer chickens, leading to substantial losses in the poultry industry due to the high mortality rates and decreased egg yield. Nearly 30 serotypes and 100 variants were described to date; developed vaccines are being for some severe cases, like the Massachusetts strain, to mitigate the effects. Determining the vaccinal strain's titer is crucial for creating an effective vaccine, and calculating the virus infectivity in the egg embryo is very important using dilutions ranging from 10^-3 to 10^-8, from each dilution 0.10 mL is used. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the avian bronchitis virus injected into the allantoic cavity of ten days old embryonated eggs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction tests determined the viral load in the allantoic fluid. The embryos were removed to study gross injuries. The trachea, lung, and mesonephros were removed and submitted for histopathological studies, and nuclear factor-kappa B immunofluorescence analysis. The results revealed that the dilution of one-thousandth of the virus in the embryos caused the highest organ damage and viral replication. Varying degrees of hyperemia, edema, cellular infiltration, and degeneration were observed in the trachea, lung, and mesonephros depending on the virus dilution. This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the avian bronchitis virus, and has a potential impact on achieving an effective vaccine.