Sheep naturally infected with Anaplasma ovis - evaluation of cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers

Background: Anaplasmosis, also called gall sickness or tropical bovine ehrlichiosis, is an infectious disease caused by species belonging to the genus Anaplasma in domestic and wild animals in tropical and subtropical regions. Anaplasma ovis and A. phagocytophilum are important pathogens of sheep. A. ovis is considered the most common species affecting sheep. The infection is usually subclinical and progresses with high fever, anaemia, icterus, weight loss and abortions. This study aimed to investigate changes in cardiac damage markers, oxidative stress and antioxidant status, cytokines, and acute phase proteins in sheep naturally infected with A. ovis. Materials, Methods & Results: For this purpose, a total of 40 animals, including 20 healthy sheep and 20 sheep infected with anaplasmosis, were used. A. ovis was diagnosed based on clinical findings and peripheral blood smear. Blood smears were prepared from the ear vein. The smears were stained with Giemsa and examined for the presence of Anaplasma spp. Infection was also confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The genomic DNA was isolated from blood, and the MSP-4 gene region was amplified as A. ovis specific target gene. Twenty clinically healthy sheep of the same age group, reared under the same conditions and testing negative in the molecular assessment were used as controls. Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein and and centrifuged to obtain serum. The serum stored at -20°C until the analysis stage. Serum samples were used for the analysis of cardiac damage markers [troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate transaminase (AST)], oxidative stress parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], cytokines [interleukins IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-10, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] and acute phase proteins [C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp)]. cTnI and CK-MB levels were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. MDA, TAS, SOD, CAT, GPx, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, SAA and Hp levels were measured by an ELISA reader. LDH, AST and CRP levels were measured in an autoanalyzer. cTnI and LDH levels were significantly increased in the infected animals compared to the healthy ones (P < 0.05). The concentration of AST was decreased in infected animals. MDA, TAS, SOD, CAT and GPx levels were significantly increased in the infected animals compared to the healthy ones (P < 0.05). The levels of the inflammatory parameters such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in the infected animals compared to the healthy ones (P < 0.05). Hp level were significantly increased in the infected group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in CK-MB, SAA and CRP concentrations in the infected animals (P > 0.05). Discussion: Ovine anaplasmosis is an obligate intracellular arthropod disease that causes widespread changes in haematobiochemical, immune response and oxidative stress parameters. Cardiac damage is often overlooked in field conditions due to the lack of adequate knowledge about the pathophysiology of the disease. Our results showed that A. ovis infection leads to significant changes in cardiac biomarkers and that the parasite can cause cardiac dysfunction. This is the first report on cardiac damage markers in Anaplasma-infected sheep. Additionally, the levels of proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers that may cause functional disorders were also found to be increased. Thus, measuring markers of cardiac function, oxidative stress and inflammation can be a useful tool in the early diagnosis of ovine anaplasmosis.

Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and heart biomarker parameters in sheep experimentally poisoned by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) / Parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, ecocardiográficos e de biomarcadores cardíacos em ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae)

The present study aimed to identify and describe cardiac alterations in sheep experimentally poisoned with Palicourea marcgravii through analysis of serum cardiac biomarkers (serum troponin I and creatine kinase - CK-MB) and electro and echocardiographic assessments to contribute to a better understanding of the poisoning pathophysiology. P. marcgravii is the main plant within a group of 22 species that cause sudden death in Brazil; its toxic principle is sodium monofluoroacetate. Eight healthy crossbreed male sheep, aged between five and twelve months, weighing 14 to 27kg, were evaluated. The animals received 1g kg-1 of P. marcgravii plants orally. The sheep were evaluated before administering the plant (T0) through electro and echocardiography and blood collection to assess cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB and cTnI). Collections and analyses were repeated every four hours until the animal's death. During the study, there was the presence of extravasation of serum troponin I carried out in a qualitative test, with positive values at time T4, and the serum CK-MB biomarker had a peak at T4 and slightly decreased at T8. The electro and echocardiographic examinations showed that the cause of death in these animals was due to acute heart failure characterized by arrhythmias, tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, drop in cardiac output, left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction by the progressive decrease in the LV ejection fraction (EF), decrease in LV fractional shortening (FS), and decrease in aortic flow velocity and aortic flow gradient. This study seems to be the first to evaluate cardiac alterations in sheep poisoned by P. marcgravii through cardiac biomarkers and electro and echocardiographic exams.

O presente estudo objetivou identificar e descrever as alterações cardíacas de ovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Palicourea marcgravii através das análises de biomarcadores cardíacos séricos (troponina I sérica e a creatinoquinase - MB) e das avaliações eletro e ecocardiográficas contribuindo para o melhor entendimento da fisiopatologia da intoxicação. Palicourea marcgravii é a principal planta dentro de um grupo de 22 espécies que causam "morte súbita" no Brasil e seu princípio tóxico é o monofluoracetato de sódio. Foram utilizados oito ovinos saudáveis machos, sem raça definida, com idades entre cinco e doze meses e peso de 14 a 27kg. Os animais receberam 1g/kg de Palicourea marcgravii por via oral. Os ovinos foram avaliados momentos antes da administração da planta (T0) através de eletro e ecocardiograma e coleta de sangue para avaliação dos biomarcadores cardíacos (CK-MB e cTnI). As análises e coletas foram repetidas a cada quatro horas até o óbito do animal. Durante o estudo observou-se extravasamento de troponina I sérica realizada em teste qualitativo, com valores positivos já em T4, assim como o biomarcador CK-MB sérico teve seu pico de aumento em T4 e em T8 houve uma leve redução. Aos exames eletro e ecocardiográfico foi possível determinar que a causa do óbito nestes animais ocorreu devido à insuficiência cardíaca aguda caracterizada por arritmias, taquicardia/fibrilação ventricular, queda no débito cardíaco, disfunção sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) pela diminuição progressiva da fração de ejeção (EF) do VE, diminuição na fração de encurtamento (FS) do VE, diminuição da velocidade do fluxo aórtico e do gradiente do fluxo aórtico. Este é o primeiro estudo que avalia as alterações cardiológicas de ovinos intoxicados por P. marcgravii através de biomarcadores cardíacos e exames eletro e ecocardiográficos.

Cardioprotective action of aprepitant in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusioninduced myocardial injury: role of PI3K-AkT-GSK-3ß-HIF-1α signaling pathway

Purpose: The present study explored the role and mechanism involved in aprepitant-induced cardioprotective effects in rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: The isolated hearts of Wistar male albino rats were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury on Langendorff apparatus. The extent of myocardial injury was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase 1 and CK-MB release in the coronary effluent. The rats were treated with aprepitant (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) before isolating hearts. After injury, the levels of HIF-1α, p-AkT, p-GSK-3ß/GSK-3ß were measured in heart homogenates. LY294002 was employed as PI3K inhibitor. Results: Ischemia-reperfusion led to significant myocardial injury and decreased the levels of HIF-1α, p-AkT and ratio of p-GSK-3ß/GSK-3ß. Aprepitant attenuated myocardial injury and restored the biochemical changes in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with LY294002 (10 and 20 mg/kg) abolished aprepitant-mediated cardioprotective effects and restored the biochemical parameters in the heart homogenate. Conclusions: Aprepitant may be effective in preventing ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial injury, which may be due to activation of PI3K-AkT-GSK-3ß and HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Kukoamine A activates Akt/GSK-3ß signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and relieve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Purpose: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury refers to a pathological condition of treatment of myocardial infarction. Oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to be important mechanisms mediating MI/R injury. Kukoamine A (KuA), a sperm, is the main bioactive component extracted from the bark of goji berries. In this study, we wanted to investigate the possible effects of KuA on MI/R injury. Methods: In this experiment, all rats were divided into sham operation group, MI/R group, KuA 10 mg + MI/R group, KuA 20 mg + MI/R group. After 120 min of ischemia/reperfusion treatment, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), maximal rates of rising and fall of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax), and ischemic area were detected. Serum samples of rats in each group were collected. The enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), CK muscle/brain (CK-MB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apoptosis of myocardium in each group was detected according to the instructions of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expressions of mammalian target of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSH-3ß) and protein kinase B (Akt) mRNA level in myocardial tissues were detected via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: MI/R rats showed a significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, we showed that KuA significantly improved the myocardial function such as LVSP, left ventricular ejection fraction, +dp/dt, and -dp/dt. Here, it attenuated dose-dependent histological damage in ischemia-reperfused myocardium, which is associated with the enzyme activities of SOD, GSH-PX, and levels of MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, L-1ß. Conclusions: KuA inhibited gene expression of Akt/GSK-3ß, inflammation, oxidative stress and improved MR/I injury. Taken together, our results allowed us to better understand the pharmacological activity of KuA against MR/I injury.

Liraglutide restores late cardioprotective effects of remote preconditioning in diabetic rats via activation of hydrogen sulfide and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway

Purpose The present study explored the influence of liraglutide on remote preconditioning-mediated cardioprotection in diabetes mellitus along with the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Methods Streptozotocin was given to rats to induce diabetes mellitus and rats were kept for eight weeks. Four cycles of ischemia and reperfusion were given to hind limb to induce remote preconditioning. After 24 h, hearts were isolated and subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion on Langendorff system. Liraglutide was administered along with remote preconditioning. Cardiac injury was assessed by measuring the release of creatine kinase (CK-MB), cardiac troponin (cTnT) and development of left ventricular developed pressure. After ischemia-reperfusion, hearts were homogenized to measure the nuclear cytoplasmic ratio of Nrf2, H2S and HIF-1 levels. Results In diabetic rats, there was more pronounced injury and the cardioprotective effects of remote preconditioning were not observed. Administration of liraglutide restored the cardioprotective effects of remote preconditioning in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, liraglutide increased the Nrf2, H2S and HIF-1 levels in remote preconditioning-subjected diabetic rats. Conclusions Liraglutide restores the lost cardioprotective effects of remote preconditioning in diabetes by increasing the expression of Nrf2, H2S and HIF-1.(AU)

Beneficial role of oleuropein in sepsis-induced myocardial injury: possible involvement of GSK-3beta/NF-kB pathway

Purpose The present study explored the potential therapeutic role of oleuropein in sepsis-induced heart injury along with the role of GSK-3beta/NF-kB signaling pathway. Methods Sepsis-induced myocardial injury was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in rats. The cardiac injury was assessed by measuring the levels of cTnI and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). Sepsis-induced inflammation was assessed by measuring interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and HMGB1 levels. The different doses of oleuropein (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) were given prior to CLP. Oleuropein (20 mg/kg) was administered after 6 hof CLP. The expressions of GSK-3beta, p-GSK-3beta (Ser9) and nuclear factor-B (NF-B) were measured in heart homogenates. Results Cecal ligation and puncture was associated with myocardial injury, an increase in IL-6, a decrease in IL-10 and an increase in HMGB1. Moreover, it decreased the ratio of p-GSK-3beta/GSK-3beta and increased the expression of p-NF-kB. Pretreatment with oleuropein attenuated CLP-induced myocardial injury and systemic inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of oleuropein after the onset of CLP also attenuated cardiac injury and inflammation. It also restored CLP-induced changes in the HMGB1 levels, the ratio of p-GSK-3beta/GSK-3beta and expression of p- NF-kB. Conclusions Oleuropein attenuates sepsis-induced systemic inflammation and myocardial injury by inhibiting NF-kB and GSK-3beta signaling.(AU)

Cardiac, energy and hormonal blood markers, and lactatemia in cows with displaced abomasum

Background: Displaced abomasum (DA) is a common and economically important disorder that affects dairy cattle. Nutritional factors and adaptive responses that occur in the peripartum play a central role in the pathogenesis. The measurement of blood metabolites represents a useful tool for monitoring and prognostic determination in affected animals. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate cardiac, energy and hormonal blood markers, lactatemia, and insulin sensitivity in cows diagnosed with right displaced abomasum (RDA) and left displaced abomasum (LDA), comparing them with each other. Materials, Methods & Results: Nineteen cases of abomasum displacement in cows were studied, including 9 cases of RDA and 10 cases of LDA. The diagnosis was established by means of physical examination and measurement of the concentration of chlorides in the ruminal fluid (> 30 mEq/L). After diagnosis, clinical-surgical therapeutic management was instituted. At the time of diagnosis (M1) and at the resolution of the case (M2), blood samples were collected to assess the variables: non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxybutyrate (βHB), L-lactate, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, insulin, and cortisol. In addition, insulin sensitivity was estimated using the Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (RQUICKI) and RQUICKI-βHB. The means of the variables were compared, separating the effects of groups (RDA and LDA) and moments (M1 and M2), at the level of 5% probability. The concentrations of NEFA, CK-MB, L-lactate, glucose, insulin, and cortisol were higher at M1 and the RQUICKI and RQUICKI-βHB indices were lower at this moment. L-lactate, CK, and CK-MB were higher in the RDA group, while cTnI, βHB, and LDH did not present a group or moment effect. Cardiac markers correlated with the energy profile metabolites, L-lactate, and cortisol. Discussion: The high...

Exploring the role of neurogenic pathway-linked cholecystokinin release in remote preconditioning-induced cardioprotection

Purpose: The current study explored the involvement of neurogenic pathway-linked cholecystokinin (CCK) release in RIP-induced cardioprotection in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to four cycles of alternate episodes of ischemia and reperfusion (five min each) to induce RIP. Thereafter, the hearts were subjected to global ischemia and reperfusion ex vivo. The myocardial damage was assessed by quantifying the levels of heartspecific biochemicals i.e. LDH-1, CK-MB and cTnT. Apoptotic cell injury was assessed by measuring the levels of caspase-3 and Bcl-2. The levels of CCK were measured in the plasma following RIP. Results: Exposure to RIP significantly increased the plasma levels of CCK and attenuated IR-induced myocardial injury. Administration of CCK antagonist, proglumide significantly attenuated RIP-induced cardioprotection. Administration of hexamethonium, a ganglion blocker, abolished RIP-induced increase in plasma CCK levels and cardioprotective effects. Exogenous delivery of CCK-8 restored the effects of RIP in hexamethonium treated animals. Conclusion: RIP activates the neurogenic pathway that may increase the plasma levels of CCK, which may act on the heart-localized CCK receptors to produce cardioprotection against I/R injury.(AU)

Presença de Leishmania sp. e Dirofilaria immitis em / Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino cutâneo / Presence of Leishmania sp. and Dirofilaria immitis in Cutaneous Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor

Background: Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) is a neoplasm transmitted by implantation of its cells into genitaland extragenital organs, while Heartworm and Visceral Leishmaniasis are zoonosis transmitted by hematophagous insectsthat are often underdiagnosed in asymptomatic animals. Coinfection by the agents of these parasitosis is well documented,however, the association of both diseases with the CTVT is still unusual. Thus, it was aimed to report a case of incidentalidentification of microfilariae of D. immitis and amastigotes forms of Leishmania sp. in cutaneous CTVT by cytology in anasymptomatic dog for the parasitosis.Case: A 6-year-old, male, mongrel, sexually intact dog from the city of Patos, Paraiba, Brazil, was presented with a cutaneouscircumscribed tumoral lesion in a region adjacent to the right olecranon, with an ulcerated surface of reddish color, havingareas of necrosis inside and larvae (myiasis), draining bloody secretion. The material was collected for cytological analysis,which proved to be Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) with the presence of amastigote forms of Leishmania sp.and microfilariae of D. immitis among neoplastic cells. Blood count, serum urea, creatinine and albumin, ALT, AST, FA,CK, Na+, K+, Ca++, CK-MB, Troponin I (cTnI), Snap 4Dx Plus (Idexx®), Snap Leishmania (Idexx®), and Knott’s test wereperformed, plus chest radiography, blood pressure measurements and electrocardiogram (ECG). The alterations found corresponded to normochromic normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, microfilariae in the Knott test, increaseof CK, CK-MB and cTnI, positivity for Erlichia sp., Anaplasma sp., Leishmania sp. and Dirofilaria immitis. Furthermorecardiomegaly on radiographs and sinus arrhythmia associated with atrioventricular block (AVB) of the first degree on theECG. Euthanasia was performed after necropsy, in which adult worms were...

Presença de Leishmania sp. e Dirofilaria immitis em / Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino cutâneo / Presence of Leishmania sp. and Dirofilaria immitis in Cutaneous Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor

Background: Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) is a neoplasm transmitted by implantation of its cells into genitaland extragenital organs, while Heartworm and Visceral Leishmaniasis are zoonosis transmitted by hematophagous insectsthat are often underdiagnosed in asymptomatic animals. Coinfection by the agents of these parasitosis is well documented,however, the association of both diseases with the CTVT is still unusual. Thus, it was aimed to report a case of incidentalidentification of microfilariae of D. immitis and amastigotes forms of Leishmania sp. in cutaneous CTVT by cytology in anasymptomatic dog for the parasitosis.Case: A 6-year-old, male, mongrel, sexually intact dog from the city of Patos, Paraiba, Brazil, was presented with a cutaneouscircumscribed tumoral lesion in a region adjacent to the right olecranon, with an ulcerated surface of reddish color, havingareas of necrosis inside and larvae (myiasis), draining bloody secretion. The material was collected for cytological analysis,which proved to be Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT) with the presence of amastigote forms of Leishmania sp.and microfilariae of D. immitis among neoplastic cells. Blood count, serum urea, creatinine and albumin, ALT, AST, FA,CK, Na+, K+, Ca++, CK-MB, Troponin I (cTnI), Snap 4Dx Plus (Idexx®), Snap Leishmania (Idexx®), and Knotts test wereperformed, plus chest radiography, blood pressure measurements and electrocardiogram (ECG). The alterations found corresponded to normochromic normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, microfilariae in the Knott test, increaseof CK, CK-MB and cTnI, positivity for Erlichia sp., Anaplasma sp., Leishmania sp. and Dirofilaria immitis. Furthermorecardiomegaly on radiographs and sinus arrhythmia associated with atrioventricular block (AVB) of the first degree on theECG. Euthanasia was performed after necropsy, in which adult worms were...(AU)

GDF11 ameliorated myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by antioxidant stress and up-regulating autophagy in STZ-induced type 1 diabetic rats

Purpose: To investigate whether GDF11 ameliorates myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MIR) injury in diabetic rats and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Diabetic and non-diabetic rats subjected to MIR (30 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion) with/without GDF11 pretreatment. Cardiac function, myocardial infarct size, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 15-F2tisoprostane, autophagosome, LC3II/I ratio and Belcin-1 level were determined to reflect myocardial injury, oxidative stress and autophagy, respectively. In in vitro study, H9c2 cells cultured in high glucose (HG, 30mM) suffered hypoxia reoxygenation (HR) with/without GDF11, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment, cell injury; oxidative stress and autophagy were assessed. Results: Pretreatment with GDF11 significantly improved cardiac morphology and function in diabetes, concomitant with decreased arrhythmia severity, infarct size, CK-MB, LDH and 15-F2tisoprostane release, increased SOD activity and autophagy level. In addition, GDF11 notably reduced HR injury in H9c2 cells with HG exposure, accompanied by oxidative stress reduction and autophagy up-regulation. However, those effects were completely reversed by H2O2 and 3-MA. Conclusion: GDF11 can provide protection against MIR injury in diabetic rats, and is implicated in antioxidant stress and autophagy up-regulation.(AU)

Biochanin A attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the TLR4/NF-B/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Purpose: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (Ml/R) injury is a leading cause of damage in cardiac tissues, with high rates of mortality and disability. Biochanin A (BCA) is a main constituent of Trifolium pratense L. This study was intended to explore the effect of BCA on Ml/R injury and explore the potential mechanism. Methods: In vivo MI/R injury was established by transient coronary ligation in Sprague-Dawley rats. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC) was used to measure myocardial infarct size. ELISA assay was employed to evaluate the levels of myocardial enzyme and inflammatory cytokines. Western blot assay was conducted to detect related protein levels in myocardial tissues. Results: BCA significantly ameliorated myocardial infarction area, reduced the release of myocardial enzyme levels including aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK-MB) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). It also decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-) in serum of Ml/R rats. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that BCA inhibited inflammatory reaction through blocking TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: The present study is the first evidence demonstrating that BCA attenuated Ml/R injury through suppressing TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-mediated anti-inflammation pathway.(AU)

Pharmacological modulation of b-adrenoceptors as a new cardioprotective strategy for therapy of myocardial dysfunction induced by ischemia and reperfusion

Purpose: To evaluate the cardioprotective response of the pharmacological modulation of β-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) in animal model of cardiac ischemia and reperfusion (CIR), in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive (NWR) rats. Methods: CIR was induced by the occlusion of left anterior descendent coronary artery (10 min) and reperfusion (75 min). The SHR was treated with β-AR antagonist atenolol (AT, 10 mg/kg, IV) 5 min before CIR, and NWR were treated with β-AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO, 0.5 mg/kg, IV) 5 min before CIR. Results: The treatment with AT increased the incidence of VA, AVB and LET in SHR, suggesting that spontaneous cardioprotection in hypertensive animals was abolished by blockade of β-AR. In contrast, the treatment with ISO significantly reduced the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia, atrioventricular blockade and lethality in NWR (30%, 20% and 20%, respectively), suggesting that the activation of β-AR stimulate cardioprotection in normotensive animals. Serum CK-MB were higher in SHR/CIR and NWR/CIR compared to respective SHAM group (not altered by treatment with AT or ISO). Conclusion: The pharmacological modulation of β-AR could be a new cardioprotective strategy for the therapy of myocardial dysfunctions induced by CIR related to cardiac surgery and cardiovascular diseases.(AU)

Alprostadil attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting antioxidant activity and eNOS activation in rats

Purpose:To investigate the effect of alprostadil on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods:Rats were subjected to myocardial ischemia for 30 min followed by 24h reperfusion. Alprostadil (4 or 8 μg/kg) was intravenously administered at the time of reperfusion and myocardial infarct size, levels of troponin T, and the activity of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the serum were measured. Antioxidative parameters, nitric oxide (NO) content and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 (p-eNOS) expression in the left ventricles were also measured. Histopathological examinations of the left ventricles were also performed.Results:Alprostadil treatment significantly reduced myocardial infarct size, serum troponin T levels, and CK-MB and LDH activity (P<0.05). Furthermore, treatment with alprostadil significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P<0.05) and markedly reduced myonecrosis, edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (P<0.05), NO level (P<0.01) and p-eNOS (P<0.05) were significantly increased in rats treated with alprostadil compared with control rats.Conclusion:These results indicate that alprostadil protects against myocardial I/R injury and that these protective effects are achieved, at least in part, via the promotion of antioxidant activity and activation of eNOS.(AU)

Protective effects of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide on acute heart failure in rats

Purpose: To investigate the protective effects of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) on acute heart failure (AHF) in rats. Methods: Sixty rats were randomly divided into control, model, and low-, middle- and high-dose PSP groups, 12 rats in each group. The low-, medium- and high-dose PSP groups were intragastrically administrated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg PSP for 5 days, respectively. On the sixth day, the AHF model was established by intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin. After 24h, the cardiac function, serum biochemical indexes, myocardial ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase levels and apoptosis related protein expressions were determined. Results: Compared with model group, in high-dose PSP group the heart rate, left ventricular systolic pressure, ±dp/dtmax, serum superoxide dismutase level, myocardial Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase levels and myocardial Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein expression levels were significantly increased (P 0.05), the left ventricular end diastolic pressure, serum cTnI, CK-MB, TNF-, IL-6, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and myocardial Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression levels were significantly decreased (P 0.05). Conclusions: Polysaccharide can prevent the acute heart failure induced by adriamycin. The mechanism may be related to its anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation and inhibition of cardiac myocyte apoptosis.(AU)

Cardioprotective effect of lipstatin derivative orlistat on normotensive rats submitted to cardiac ischemia and reperfusion

Purpose: To evaluate in vivo animal model of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion the cardioprotective activity of pancreatic lipase inhibitor of the orlistat. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were anesthetized, placed on mechanical ventilation and underwent surgery to induce cardiac I/R by obstructing left descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion to evaluation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB) and lethality (LET) with pancreatic lipase inhibitor orlistat (ORL). At the end of reperfusion, blood samples were collected for determination of triglycerides (TG), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB). Results: Treatment with ORL has been able to decrease the incidence of VA, AVB and LET. Besides that, treatment with ORL reduced serum concentrations of CK and LDL, but did not alter the levels of serum concentration of TG, VLDL and HDL. Conclusion: The reduction of ventricular arrhythmias, atrioventricular block, and lethality and serum levels of creatine kinase produced by treatment with orlistat in animal model of cardiac isquemia/reperfusion injury suggest that ORL could be used as an efficient cardioprotective therapeutic strategy to attenuate myocardial damage related to acute myocardial infarction.(AU)

Hematologic, Blood Gas, Cardiac Biomarkers and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Calves with Atresia Coli and Theirs Relationship with Prognosis

Background: Atresia coli is an intestinal anomaly. Generally, absence of defecation in calves less than 10 days old, diminishing appetite, progressing abdominal distention and time-developing depression are reported in atresia coli. Although a calf consumes its milk normally in first days, loss of appetite develops over time. Occasional minor pain indications are observed. The objective of this study was to evaluate of hematologic, blood gases, cardiac biomarkers and serum biochemical parameters before operation in calves with atresia coli, and to investigate relationship with prognosis of these parameters.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty calves with atresia coli and 6 healthy calves for control were used as material. Poor suction reflex, anorexia, dehydration, abdomen-kicking, frequent leg movement, abdominal distension and depression were observed in calves brought to the clinic. Some calves presented swashing sound depending on content of intestines when abdomen was shaken. Intestine atresia was diagnosed by history and clinical examination. After clinical examination, operation was performed. All calves were observed during 10 days after operation. Fifteen of 30 calves died during 10 days after operation. The blood lactate, WBC, LDH and CK-MB levels in non-surviving calves with atresia coli were significantly higher compared to control calves. The venous blood pH le

Hematologic, blood gas, cardiac biomarkers and serum biochemical parameters in calves with atresia coli and theirs relationship with prognosis

Background: Atresia coli is an intestinal anomaly. Generally, absence of defecation in calves less than 10 days old, diminishing appetite, progressing abdominal distention and time-developing depression are reported in atresia coli. Although a calf consumes its milk normally in first days, loss of appetite develops over time. Occasional minor pain indications are observed. The objective of this study was to evaluate of hematologic, blood gases, cardiac biomarkers and serum biochemical parameters before operation in calves with atresia coli, and to investigate relationship with prognosis of these parameters.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty calves with atresia coli and 6 healthy calves for control were used as material. Poor suction reflex, anorexia, dehydration, abdomen-kicking, frequent leg movement, abdominal distension and depression were observed in calves brought to the clinic. Some calves presented swashing sound depending on content of intestines when abdomen was shaken. Intestine atresia was diagnosed by history and clinical examination. After clinical examination, operation was performed. All calves were observed during 10 days after operation. Fifteen of 30 calves died during 10 days after operation. The blood lactate, WBC, LDH and CK-MB levels in non-surviving calves with atresia coli were significantly higher compared to control calves. The venous blood pH level was significantly lower in non-surviving calves compared to surviving calves. In addition, when compared to the control group, the blood pCO2 level was significantly higher in non-surviving and surviving calves with atresia coli while the pO2 and O2 saturation levels were significantly lower.Discussion: In calves with intestinal atresia, hematologic parameters are normal in first 48 h of disease. However, leukocytosis and shift to the left have been reported over time. However, leukocytosis due to peritonitis, bacterial overgrowth, etc. have been reported over time.[...]

Hematologic, blood gas, cardiac biomarkers and serum biochemical parameters in calves with atresia coli and theirs relationship with prognosis

Background: Atresia coli is an intestinal anomaly. Generally, absence of defecation in calves less than 10 days old, diminishing appetite, progressing abdominal distention and time-developing depression are reported in atresia coli. Although a calf consumes its milk normally in first days, loss of appetite develops over time. Occasional minor pain indications are observed. The objective of this study was to evaluate of hematologic, blood gases, cardiac biomarkers and serum biochemical parameters before operation in calves with atresia coli, and to investigate relationship with prognosis of these parameters.Materials, Methods & Results: Thirty calves with atresia coli and 6 healthy calves for control were used as material. Poor suction reflex, anorexia, dehydration, abdomen-kicking, frequent leg movement, abdominal distension and depression were observed in calves brought to the clinic. Some calves presented swashing sound depending on content of intestines when abdomen was shaken. Intestine atresia was diagnosed by history and clinical examination. After clinical examination, operation was performed. All calves were observed during 10 days after operation. Fifteen of 30 calves died during 10 days after operation. The blood lactate, WBC, LDH and CK-MB levels in non-surviving calves with atresia coli were significantly higher compared to control calves. The venous blood pH level was significantly lower in non-surviving calves compared to surviving calves. In addition, when compared to the control group, the blood pCO2 level was significantly higher in non-surviving and surviving calves with atresia coli while the pO2 and O2 saturation levels were significantly lower.Discussion: In calves with intestinal atresia, hematologic parameters are normal in first 48 h of disease. However, leukocytosis and shift to the left have been reported over time. However, leukocytosis due to peritonitis, bacterial overgrowth, etc. have been reported over time.[...](AU)

Effects of Origanum Syriacum Essential Oil on Blood Parameters of Broilers Reared at High Ambient Heat

The biochemical and hematological blood values of broilers fed under heat stress and that were administered Origanum syriacum (OS) essential oil were investigated in this study. In total, 400 male broilers (Ross-308; age, 1 day) were used for the period of 42-days of the study. The experiment included ten groups (n = 50/group; each group divided into five sub-groups): normal heat, 22°C: basal feed (BF)-positive control group (PC), BF + 100 ppm OS; BF + 300 ppm OS; BF + 600 ppm OS). Heat stress, 36°C: BF-positive control group (PC), BF + 100 ppm SOS; BF + 300 ppm OS; and BF + 600 ppm OS). Biochemical and hematological parameters were measured in blood collected into EDTA tubes. Total bilirubin, cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ increased, whereas alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, urea, uric acid, Cl-, and K+ decreased (p 0.05); however, no changes were detected in the other hematological values.(AU)