Polish journal of veterinary sciences最新文献

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential components of both innate and adaptive immunity, influencing various physiological and pathological processes. It is also known that immune system components are present in the corpus luteum (CL) and regulate its functions. This study aimed to, for the first time, examine the mRNA expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, TLR7, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in canine luteal tissue samples collected during early diestrus (EDI) (n=5), early pregnancy (EPR) (n=5), and pyometra (PYO) (n=5), a pathological condition in which the CL remains active. The luteal tissue samples were obtained via ovariohysterectomy and analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). It was found that the mRNA expression levels of TLR2, TLR7, and IL-8 were highest in the PYO group (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in TLR4 mRNA expression between groups (p>0.05). This study reveals distinct expression profiles of TLRs and IL-8 in canine luteal tissue under different physiological and pathological states. In conclusion, pyometra may induce changes in the mRNA expression patterns of TLRs and IL-8 in canine luteal tissues. Further research involving protein-level analyses with larger sample sizes is necessary to better understand the roles of these molecules in the regulation of luteal function.

This study investigates the localization and immunoexpression levels of nesfatin-1 and ghrelin - two metabolically active peptides - and their putative shared receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), across the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Holstein-Friesian bulls. Recognized for their opposing roles in energy balance, nesfatin-1 and ghrelin are considered "sibling peptides" due to their complementary physiological functions and origin within the gastrointestinal system. The investigation encompassed both immature (calves) and mature (adult) cattle to assess developmental variation in the immunoexpression and localization of these peptides. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to determine their localization patterns and quantify protein concentrations across distinct GIT segments. Nesfatin-1 was found broadly distributed in mucosal layers and the enteric nervous system (ENS), with a pronounced presence in the abomasum and duodenum. Notably, calves exhibited higher levels of nesfatin-1 across most GIT regions, suggesting age-related differences in metabolic regulation. Ghrelin was predominantly localized in the abomasum and, to a lesser extent, in other gastrointestinal regions, including the forestomachs and intestinal mucosa. Its presence in neuronal structures of the ENS, although less abundant, hints at potential neural roles beyond endocrine signalling. GHSR immunoexpression was restricted mainly to the enteric ganglia and selected epithelial cells, with significant levels observed in the duodenum, particularly in calves. The receptor was absent in the rumen, implying that ghrelin activity in this region might be mediated via systemic or paracrine pathways rather than local receptor binding. The findings reveal both overlapping and distinct localization patterns of these peptides and their receptor, showing complex interactions in GIT physiology. Elevated nesfatin-1 immunoexpression in young animals suggests a potential developmental role, while the conserved ghrelin distribution reinforces its established gastric functions. These results may contribute insights into the regulatory architecture of bovine metabolism and potentially inform strategies for optimizing cattle growth and health management, providing a relevant reference point for veterinary sciences.

The mechanism of action of bisphenol A (BPA) in the myometrium has not been fully understood, which is why an attempt was made to determine the involvement of the key mechanisms (cholinergic, adrenergic and non-cholinergic/non-adrenergic) that regulate the uterine contractile activity in the relaxant effect of this BPA in cyclic gilts. Strips of myometrium were incubated for 15 min with the Krebs-Ringer solution (K-Rs), acetylcholine (ACh), atropine, epinephrine, phentolamine, bupranolol, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), methylene blue (MB) or N-ω-nitro L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), and then incubated for 15 min with increasing (10-8-10-2 M) BPA concentrations. BPA administered at concentrations of 10-5-10-2 M, 10-3-10-2 M and 10-2 M after incubation with K-Rs, SNP and ACh and L-NAME, respectively, significantly reduced the uterine tension compared to the period before treatment. The amplitude of contractions was significantly reduced in myometrium pretreated with SNP and thereafter stimulated with BPA at concentrations of 10-3-10-2 M and pretreated with K-Rs, ACh, epinephrine, phentolamine, L-NAME and MB, and stimulated with BPA at a concentration of 10-2 M compared to the period before treatment. BPA administered after incubation with ACh, atropine and SNP significantly reduced the frequency of uterine contractions at concentrations of 10-7-10-2 M, after epinephrine and bupranolol at concentrations of 10-6-10-2 M, after MB at concentrations of 10-5-10-2 M, after K-Rs and phentolamine at concentrations of 10-3-10-2 M, and after L-NAME at a concentration of 10-2 M compared to the period before treatment. BPA at concentrations of 10-4-10-2 M significantly reduced the AUC value after prior administration of atropine, SNP and L-NAME, and at a concentration of 10-2 M after incubation with K-Rs, ACh, epinephrine, phentolamine, bupranolol and MB compared to the period before treatment. The results indicate that BPA's mechanism of action in the porcine myometrium is complex and that the final response to BPA's action results from multiple overlapping mechanisms of action. The autonomic system may slightly modify the action of BPA, with the nitrergic mechanism appearing to perform a more important role but with the guanyl cyclase/c-GMP mechanism being omitted.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs can progress gradually with left atrial enlargement. In veterinary medicine, several radiographic variables including the vertebral heart size (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), modified VLAS (M-VLAS), and radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD) are used to assess cardiac enlargement. The Mitral INsufficiency Echocardiographic (MINE) score, which provides an echocardiographic assessment of the severity of MMVD, has recently been used as a predictor of cardiac death. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation and cut-off values between the MINE score and radiographic variables. A total of 132 dogs with MMVD were recruited. The correlation between radiographic variables and the MINE score was assessed using Pearson's correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated for radiographic variables using a MINE score over 8 (severe) as the classifiers. The MINE score showed a positive correlation with the VHS, VLAS, M-VLAS, and RLAD. For a cut-off MINE score ≥ 8 (severe), the radiographic variables could be ranked from highest to lowest AUC value as follows: VHS, VLAS, M-VLAS, and RLAD with cut-off values of 10.75, 2.75, 4.05, and 2.45, respectively. The results of this study highlight the potential of thoracic radiography as an alternative method for providing valuable prognostic insights in dogs with MMVD.

The resistance of strongyles to pyrantel pamoate has been reported in publications worldwide. There is no data on its efficacy in horses in Poland. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pyrantel pamoate to control strongyle invasions in young horses. The study involved horses of both sexes, aged 1 to 2 years, and was conducted in two seasons (spring and the end of summer). Feces were collected 24 hours before and 14 days after deworming, and they were then examined using McMaster's and combined sedimentation-flotation methods. Results revealed that in spring, the average eggs per gram (EPG) before deworming was 1354.54, but after the treatment EPG was 485, and fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) = 67.45%. Considering the age groups of the horses, the average EPG for one-year-olds was 1565.38, and 1050 for two-year-olds, respectively. The FECRT for strongyle invasions was 69.78% in one-year-old and 62.43% in two-year-old horses. At the end of summer, the average EPG was 1954.54 before deworming, and after the treatment, strongyle eggs were found in only two horses, and FECRT was 99.53%. Considering the age groups of horses before deworming, the average EPG in one-year-olds was 2103.85, but was 1738.89 in two-year-old horses. The FECRT values were 99.27 and 100%, respectively. The results revealed a quite limited efficacy of pyrantel pamoate in the deworming of Strongylidae invasions in young (one- and two-year-old horses) during the spring season. According to WAAVP recommendations, this was assumed to be the result of pyrantel pamoate resistance of Strongylidae nematodes in horses. In contrast, treatment using the same compound in the same age horses, but conducted at the end of summer, was found satisfactory. This was the first study concerning pyrantel pamoate efficacy in horses in Poland.

This study assessed the prevalence of the mcr-1 gene, which provides resistance to colistin (polymyxin E), in Escherichia coli strains isolated from sick poultry in the Peshawar, Mardan, and Charsadda regions of Pakistan. Samples were collected from 246 poultry birds showing symptoms such as diarrhoea, respiratory distress, and other systemic infections. After enrichment in Brain Heart Infusion broth, the samples were cultured on selective media containing colistin. The isolated colonies were further cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue agar and analyzed with PCR to detect the mcr-1 gene. The study found varying levels of mcr-1 gene prevalence across the three regions, with Charsadda exhibiting the highest frequency. Antibiogram analysis showed high resistance to ampicillin, colistin, and sulfamethoxazole, and low resistance to tetracycline, norfloxacin and cefixime. In conclusion, the findings suggest that colistin resistance exists in E. coli from poultry in these regions, with notable resistance trends to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole. Consequently, these antibiotics should be avoided for treating E. coli infections, and alternatives like ceftazidime and cefepime should be considered. This research emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring of antibiotic resistance in poultry pathogens and the need for more targeted treatment approaches.

Selenium is a pivotal micronutrient for microorganisms, humans, and animals, playing essential roles in antioxidant defence, endocrine function, immune response, muscle function and reproduction. Haematopoiesis, the process of blood cell formation in the bone marrow, is a tightly regulated process to ensure the continuous formation of mature blood cells. However, the bone marrow is highly responsive to a wide range of substances, including selenium. As a result, supplementation with this micronutrient has gained attention for its potential impact on haematopoietic activity of the ruminant bone marrow. This review aims to provide an overview of the reasons and forms of selenium supplementation in small ruminants with a particular focus on its impact on caprine and ovine haematopoiesis in the bone marrow. Despite its significance, research on selenium influence on haematopoiesis in small ruminants remains limited. Studies conducted so far have varied in enrolled species, animal age, supplementation type, and material studied. Recent findings suggest that selenium supplementation may enhance overall bone marrow haematopoietic efficiency especially in terms of erythropoiesis, and thrombopoiesis. However, differences in the selenium bioavailability from various supplements, regional variations in supplementation practices, and interactions with other micronutrients underscore the complexity of maximising selenium benefits. These factors highlight the need for further research to optimise selenium supplementation strategies for improved small ruminant health and productivity.

In Northern Cyprus, around 51% of halloumi cheese is produced from sheep milk, and therefore the livelihood of the farmers mostly depends on the sheep milk production. However mastitis, an inflammation of the udder, significantly affects this production. Due to a lack of sufficient data concerning the prevalence, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance of sheep mastitis, there remains no effective method to control the disease. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and identify bacterial etiological agents and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates in sheep in Northern Cyprus. A total of 227 milk samples taken from sheep were analysed using somatic cell count (SCC), bacteriological isolation-identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility procedures. Pathogens were isolated in 62 (27.3%) sheep milk samples. Somatic cell counts of more than 500000 cells/ml were found in 56 (24.6%). S. aureus (12.8%) was the most common isolate from the milk samples, followed by NAS (non-Aureus staphylococci) species (11.9%), Escherichia coli (0.9%), Streptococci (0.4%), Bacillus spp. (0.9%) and Staph spp. (0.4%). While a high resistance to sulphamethaxazole/trimetoprim (81.5%) was found, no resistance to gentamicin (10.6%) was found. The study findings indicate that subclinical mastitis is a serious problem in Cyprus. Therefore, continuous observation of subclinical mastitis and application of antibiogram tests to combat mastitis and antibiotic resistance and reduce economic losses are needed.

Effective control of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestation is essential for human and animal health. To date, several ectoparasitic drugs, such as carbamates, neonicotinoids, phenylpyrazoles, and pyrethroids have been used to control flea infestations; however their widespread use has led to resistance, hampering treatment success. In this study, the resistance potential of C. felis collected from cats to fipronil (FIP), imidacloprid (IMI), flumethrin (FLU), and propoxur (PRO), which are the commonly used compounds for flea control, was investigated by molecular analyses. Bioassays encompassed exposure of adult cat fleas to FIP (2%), IMI (6%), FLU (0.1%), and PRO (0.1%)-impregnated papers using an insecticide susceptibility test kit according to the WHO protocol. Afterward, PCR was performed to identify mutations indicating resistance to FIP and FLU. Based on molecular analyses, mutations in the para gene of C. felis were identified as L1014F and T929V, indicating FLU resistance. Frequencies of T929V and L1014F mutations in fleas were 2.5% and 10%, respectively. On the other hand, two fleas that survived after eight hours of exposure to FIP lacked the A302S mutation, which was partially associated with FIP resistance. Even though our results revealed no resistance to FIP, IMI, and PRO in fleas collected from the study's cat population, the occurrence of FLU resistance due to mutations in the para gene of the fleas was demonstrated at the molecular level.

Feline mammary gland tumors are a serious health concern, resulting in a significant reduction in the animal's lifespan and a decrease in the overall quality of life. Malignant tumors often lead to recurrences and metastases. Among endogenous factors that may influence the development or progression of mammary neoplasia, prolactin (PRL) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appear to be of crucial importance. This study involved 60 queens with surgically removed mammary gland tumors, which were subsequently stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunofluorescence to assess the expression of PRL and VEGF. Variables considered during analyses included the time of ovariohysterectomy, inflammation severity and clinical tumor behavior. The VEGF expression in tumors exhibited an increase in malignant cases, providing evidence of heightened angiogenesis. A lack of differences in the overall expression of PRL receptor was found between tumor types. However, the lower expression of PRL receptor in tumors with increased inflammation may suggest PRL's immunomodulating functions in feline malignant neoplastic tumors. Interestingly, the absence of positive influence of gonadectomy on tumor behavior highlights the need for further research regarding this form of prevention. High expression of PRL receptor and VEGF only in distant metastases may prompt future research on the proangiogenic function of PRL in feline mammary gland tumors.