Polish journal of veterinary sciences最新文献

Urinalysis is a key diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, aiding in the detection of urinary diseases and systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. This study investigates the impact of polypropylene-based urine collection litter on the reliability of urinalysis results in feline patients. Urine samples were collected from 50 cats and divided into native and litter-treated aliquots. Parameters such as leukocytes, ketones, glucose, protein and pH were analyzed using dipsticks, refractometry and sediment examination. Significant differences were observed in leukocyte counts, which decreased after exposure to litter (p=0.0054), and inconsistencies were noted in ketone and glucose results. While protein, pH and red blood cell counts remained unaffected, sediment analysis revealed more contaminated backgrounds in litter-treated samples. These findings highlight that while urine collection litter is a practical solution for sample acquisition, it may introduce variability in certain parameters. Therefore, it is best suited for preliminary assessments and should guide further diagnostics rather than serve as a definitive basis for treatment or prognosis. Further research is needed to refine its application in clinical settings.

This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of bacterial pathogens linked to subclinical mastitis in dairy cows, as well as their occurrence in milk, faecal, and environmental samples collected in eastern Turkey between February and May 2024. A total of 2,400 milk samples were collected from 600 cows affected with subclinical mastitis, along with 292 rectal faecal samples, 150 raw milk samples consumed by the public, and hand and fecal samples obtained from animal breeders in 25 cattle enterprises. In addition, environmental samples such as water, soil, feed, and bedding (five samples per enterprise), were collected. Bacterial isolates cultured from all samples were identified using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/ Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Of the 600 cows examined, 292 (48.6%) were CMT-positive, and bacterial growth was detected in 261 (89.7%) of these samples. The predominant isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS, 30.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (19.5%), Escherichia coli (8.9%), and Aerococcus viridans (5.8%). Antimicrobial susceptibility of S. aureus and CoNS against 15 antibiotics and E. coli against 17 antibiotics was assessed using the disc diffusion method, and the mecA gene was screened by PCR. Among 121 E. coli isolates, no mcr, carbapenemase, or β-lactamase genes were detected by multiplex PCR. Tetracycline resistance was highest among E. coli isolates, particularly in milk samples from mastitic cows, rectal fecal samples, unpasteurised cow's milk, farmer's feces, soil, and feed, while resistance to amikacin, cefepime, cefoxitin, cephalexin, ertapenem, and norfloxacin remained lower. No resistance was observed against kanamycin. The mecA gene was identified in three S. aureus isolates (3/57, 5.3%): two from cows affected with subclinical mastitis and one from a farmer's hand. These findings highlighted the prevalence of major bacterial pathogens, potential therapeutic challenges and public health risks associated with the presence of AMR bacteria and raw milk consumption.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Brassica juncea (BJ) leaves methanol extract against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced toxicity in rats. Thirty-six male albino rats, six weeks old (weighing 140-190 g), were randomly assigned into 6 groups (n=6). AFB1 (200 μg/kg b.w., orally) was given to rats on alternate days and Brassica juncea extract (BJE) (300 and 600 mg/kg b.w., orally) in combination with AFB1 on successive days for 28 days. AFB1 exposure significantly elevated hepatic and kidney function parameters. Moreover, AFB1 markedly reduced antioxidant enzymes, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and altered the gene expression of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene and the caspase-3 gene, promoting redox stress and apoptosis. Co-administration of silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.) and BJE (300 and 600 mg/kg b.w.) significantly restored the liver. lung and kidney tissue biochemical markers, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Additionally, BJE significantly ameliorated the mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance and tissue damage caused by AFB1. BJE significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of the Nrf2 gene while downregulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3. Therefore, the results clearly indicate that BJ could potentially alleviate AFB1-induced toxicity due to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Chronic liver disease (CLD) progressively impairs liver function, leading to cirrhosis, which has limited available treatments and a bleak prognosis. The current investigation aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of the methanolic extract of Praecitrullus fistulosus in mitigating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in a rat model. The methanolic P. fistulosus extract was prepared, qualitatively analyzed for phytochemical composition, followed by assessments of its total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant activity. The male albino rats (n=36) were assigned into six groups: normal control, CCl4-treated group, standard group with silymarin and three treatment groups receiving P. fistulosus extract orally at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 30 consecutive days. Except for the normal control, all groups were co-administered with CCl4 (1 mL/kg) intraperitoneally every 72 hours. P. fistulosus extract has indicated the significant presence of flavonoids, phenols and glycosides, further supported by the total phenolic content (TPC) of 1748 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid content (TFC) of 1573 mg QE/g and potent antioxidant capacity. The hepatoprotective potential of P. fistulosus extract was demonstrated by its ability to significantly reduce the elevated ALT, AST, ALP levels, oxidative stress markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the CCl4-treated group. A marked increase in serum protein levels, including total protein and albumin, along with endogenous antioxidants such as total antioxidant capacity and catalase, was observed. Lastly, histopathological findings indicated a substantial decline in cellular swelling and tissue congestion in the P. fistulosus extract treated groups. These findings suggest that P. fistulosus extract at doses of 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg possesses optimal hepatoprotective properties by attenuating oxidative stress and markedly declining inflammation mediated by the suppression of inflammatory cytokines, leading to reduced hepatocyte necrosis.

This study compared immunoglobulin G (IgG) and lactoferrin concentrations in the serum and colostrum of cows and buffaloes, as well as in the serum of their calves. A total of 20 dams (10 Holstein cows and 10 buffaloes) and their 20 calves (10 Holstein calves and 10 buffalo calves) were included. Blood samples were collected from all calves on days 0 (before colostrum intake), 1, 2, 7, 14, and 30. In addition, blood and colostrum samples were obtained from the dams on days 0, 1, and 2. IgG and lactoferrin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with species-specific bovine kits. Buffalo calves exhibited higher IgG and lactoferrin concentrations than Holstein calves, particularly during the first days after birth (IgG: Holstein calves: 29.10±7.20; Buffalo calves: 38.80±7.40) (Lactoferrin: Holstein calves: 122.00±31.00; Buffalo calves: 273.00±45.00). In both species, IgG and lactoferrin peaked on days 1-2 and then declined. Although IgG concentrations did not differ significantly between cows and buffaloes (p=0,100), buffaloes showed markedly higher lactoferrin concentrations (p=0.007). These findings suggest that buffalo colostrum may provide greater immunological support to calves in the early stages of life compared with Holstein colostrum.

This study presents, for the first time, a histomorphological analysis of the lumbar sympathetic chain ganglia (L SChG) during prenatal development in 5-, 7-, and 10-week-old female porcine foetuses. Single immunohistochemical staining for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP) as a neural marker has shown that in 5-week-old foetuses, the ganglia appeared as paired, structures adjacent to the dorsolateral aspect of the descending aorta, measuring approximately 170-190 μm in diameter, composed of small oval neurons (6-8 μm) with large nuclei and scant cytoplasm. They formed elongated, oval structures, like a segmented column, with slight variations in shape and size. By seven weeks, the ganglia had grown to 270-200 μm, becoming broader than tall, while the neurons enlarged to 8-11 μm and took on a more rounded shape. At 10 weeks, L SChG showed significant growth and morphological diversity (up to 530-630 μm), with neurons varying in shape (oval, round, triangular) and size (12-16 μm). The progressive enlargement and neuronal differentiation of L SChG suggest functional maturation relevant to autonomic innervation of the abdominal and pelvic viscera. The findings may aid early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, optimize prenatal care, and support broader veterinary insights into autonomic development across mammals.

Bovine mastitis is primarily treated with antimicrobial agents. Anti-inflammatory agents are also used to alleviate clinical symptoms or reduce antimicrobial use. Glycyrrhizin is an anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of bovine mastitis, but its effects are not fully understood. We therefore examined the anti-inflammatory effects of glycyrrhizin both in vivo and in vitro. We first tested whether glycyrrhizin exerts anti-inflammatory effects using MAC-T cells, an immortalized bovine mammary epithelial cell line. Glycyrrhizin decreased the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner in MAC-T cells stimulated with lipoteichoic acid (LTA). We then investigated the effects of glycyrrhizin in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs), which seem to retain more of the characteristics of actual mammary epithelial cells. Stimulation with LTA or lipopolysaccharide significantly increased cytokine mRNA expression in bMECs. Glycyrrhizin exhibited a slight inhibitory effect, but no significant difference was observed. The effect of glycyrrhizin on LTA-induced mastitis was examined in lactating cows. Quarters were divided into test and control areas (test quarter: n=8, control quarter: n=7). All quarters were stimulated with LTA at the start of the trial (0 h). In the test quarter group, glycyrrhizin was administered via intramammary infusion. The somatic cell count and relative gene expression of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly lower in test quarters than control quarters. Both the in vitro and in vivo studies showed that glycyrrhizin reduces the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes in response to LTA-induced inflammation and partially revealed the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizin on mastitis. Further investigations involving field cases of mastitis with bacterial infections are needed to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizin on bovine mastitis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative parameters of sperm during storage of the semen of Duroc boars. The ejaculates were diluted, and insemination doses were then prepared and stored at 17°C. Analyses were performed four times: after collection, after one day of storage, after four and after eight days. Parameters of sperm motility, morphology and morphometry, cell membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA integrity were evaluated. Analysis using the CASA system revealed a decrease in the percentage of motile sperm and sperm showing progressive motility during liquid storage of boar semen samples. The greatest differences, which were statistically significant, were shown between the results on the day of ejaculate collection and after eight days of semen storage. In addition, the percentage of sperm with head and tail defects increased, and differences were noted in the morphometric dimensions of the sperm during preservation of the semen. The length, width and area of the sperm heads increased over storage time. Preservation of Duroc boar semen at 17°C for eight days resulted in a decrease in the percentage of sperm with an integral cell membrane, sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA integrity. The breakthrough moment was the fourth day of sperm conservation. After then, the semen quality of Duroc boars deteriorated significantly. This study is particularly important since it provides a more complete analysis of the qualitative traits of the sperm of Duroc boars during semen preservation. However, there is a need for further study to determine the relationship between the qualitative parameters of the semen of Duroc boars evaluated during liquid storage of semen samples and fertility data.

In this study, some toxicological effects of tribenuron-methyl pesticide on non-target aquatic animals were determined using Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869) as the animal model. The effects of sublethal tribenuron-methyl concentrations on various hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters in the blood of Acipenser baerii were examined. Additionally, the LC50 (lethal concentration) value for this fish species was determined. The sturgeons were exposed to tribenuron-methyl for 15 days at concentrations of 0.0 (control), 50, 100 and 150 mg/L. Biochemical, hematological, and immunological alterations were observed in fish exposed to tribenuron-methyl. A statistically significant decrease was found in erythrocyte (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (at 100 and 150 mg/L) and protein levels (at 50, 100, and 150 mg/L) compared to the control group. Conversely, a significant increase was observed in leukocyte (WBC), glucose, cortisol, interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (at 50, 100, and 150 mg/L), monocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, interleukin-6 (IL-6) (at 100 and 150 mg/L), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (at 150 mg/L). No change was observed in eosinophil counts. The LC50 values for tribenuron-methyl were determined as 2827 mg/L for 24 hours, 1831 mg/L for 48 hours, 1474 mg/L for 72 hours and 1017 mg/L for 96 hours. In conclusion, long-term exposure to sublethal concentrations of tribenuron-methyl caused toxicity-induced hematological, biochemical and immunological changes in Siberian sturgeon.

Mycobacterial infections pose significant diagnostic challenges due to the genetic diversity of species, limitations of current detection methods, and the need for rapid and accurate identification tools. In this study, we developed and validated a novel molecular approach for the specific detection of the Mycobacterium genus and the Mycobacterium marinum species based on the identification of unique DNA sequences. Using comparative genomic alignments and in silico screening of curated genomic databases, we identified a 391 bp region of the mmpl gene specific to the Mycobacterium genus, and a 202 bp region of the espE_2 gene specific to M. marinum. Primers were designed for both targets and validated for specificity using in silico BLAST analysis and in vitro PCR and qPCR assays. Experimental validation involved DNA from 52 bacterial isolates, including 44 Mycobacterium species and 6 M. marinum strains. The mmpl target showed a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100% for Mycobacterium, while the espE_2 target achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity for M. marinum. We further demonstrated the applicability of our method using mock clinical samples spiked with bacteria and subjected to standard diagnostic workflows. Although qPCR sensitivity was reduced in complex matrices like sputum, likely due to DNA degradation and eukaryotic DNA interference, our method showed strong performance in buccal swabs and saliva. The assay offers a rapid, cost-effective, and adaptable alternative for the detection of mycobacteria, particularly in laboratories with limited resources. Future work will expand validation across a broader panel of strains and clinical specimens to enhance diagnostic confidence.