The occurrence of dynamic structural disorders in the pharynx and larynx, at rest and during exercise, in horses diagnosed with mild and moderate Equine Asthma (Inflammatory Airway Disease).

The goal of the present study was to establish the occurrence of structural disorders in the larynx and pharynx during treadmill exercise tests in horses diagnosed with Equine Asthma (EA). Investigation was performed in 29 horses, patients of the Equine Clinic of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Poland, admitted with poor exercise performance. Upper and lower airway examinations were performed in all patients revealing both mild to moderate Equine Asthma (13 horses), and no lower airway abnormalities (16 animals). In the group of horses with EA, 11 did not have structural disorders of the pharynx and larynx at rest. During exercise two horses were free of abnormalities, while 11 had structural disorders, eight of them solely in the pharynx, two in the larynx, and one in both the pharynx and larynx. In the non- asthmatic group, 11 horses had no structural disorders during resting endoscopy. Endoscopy performed during exercise revealed disorders of the larynx in 10 horses, of the pharynx in three horses, and in both the larynx and pharynx in the remaining three horses. IN CONCLUSION: horses with diagnosed EA frequently have disorders of the pharynx during treadmill exercise tests, while without EA, often have disorders of the larynx. Endoscopy of upper airways during exercise testing is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of poor performance in horses with lower airway inflammatory disease.

Pulmonary adiaspiromycosis in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) inhabiting Poland.

Adiaspiromycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by saprophytic fungi Emmonsia spp. (type Ascomycota) occurring especially in small free-living mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of histopathological lesions asscociated with adiaspiromycosis in the Eurasian beaver inhabiting Poland. In order to evaluate the presence of natural adiaspiromycosis we systematically investigated beaver populations from north-eastern Poland for adiaspores in the lungs. This study reveals for the first time the presence of pulmonary adiaspiromycosis of Eurasian beaver in Poland. As far as we know, there is no published data regarding pulmonary adiaspiromycosis in human patients in Poland.

Serum paraoxonase 1 activity and lipid metabolism parameter changes in Dachshunds with chronic mitral valve disease. Assessment of its diagnostic usefulness.

Chronic mitral valve disease, which is frequently diagnosed in Dachshunds, leads to structural, hemodynamic and redox state changes in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and lipid metabolism in different disease stages. Standardized PON1 activity (PON1/HDL ratio) was lower in asymptomatic dogs, B1 and B2 Stages when compared to healthy ones and symptomatic Dachshunds in Stage C (ACVIM classfication). PON1 paraoxonase activity was elevated in Stage C dogs, with no changes found in PON1 activity towards phenyl acetate. Dachshunds in Stage B2 and C showed increased triglyceride levels, with no changes in cholesterol and lipoprotein concentration in comparison to healthy ones. Our data suggest that standardized PON1 activity changes could be used in laboratory diagnostics to differentiate the CMVD of affected asymptomatic (Stage B1 and B2) dogs from healthy (Stage A) and clinically affected (Stage C) dogs. Also, a standardized PON1 activity increase might be a prognostic progression signal of the disease to Stage C.

Immunosuppression in Dogs During Mammary Cancer Development.

Cancer immunosuppression that facilitates tumor progression and metastasis evolves by development of an immunosuppressive network. The aim of this study was to assess this network in dogs with benign or malignant tumors with or without confirmed metastasis. The authors showed that the number of various T cell subpopulations was constant during tumor development; however the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) was significantly higher in tumor-bearing dogs than in healthy individuals. The number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and their p-STAT3 expression (which is a negative regulator of hematopoiesis and regulates VEGF expression) were higher in cancer patients than in control dogs, however their number increased significantly in late-stage cancer patients. Canine mammary carcinomas with confirmed metastases to either lymph nodes or internal organs had greater MDSCs and Treg infiltration than benign mammary tumors or malignant mammary tumors for which metastases had not been detected. Similarly, expression of p-STAT3 and VEGF-C was the highest in tumors with confirmed metastases. This research shows changes occurring in the blood (n = 30 patients) and tumor tissue of patients (n = 100) during canine mammary tumor development. The findings should be considered preliminary because of the small number of samples. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that a high level of Tregs and MDSCs as well as high expression of p-STAT3 and VEGF-C may significantly contribute to mammary tumor progression and metastasis in dogs.

Serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and lipid metabolism parameters changes in different production cycle periods of Holstein-Friesian, Polish Red and Norwegian breeds.

We investigated the measurement of paraoxonase 1 (PON1), as a potential marker of redox state changes in dairy cows, its involvement in lipid metabolism and compared it with superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity changes. We also evaluated lipid metabolism parameters associated with dairy production. PON1 paraoxonase and arylesterase acitvities, SOD activity, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), uric acid (UA), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured in Holstein-Friesian, Polish Red and Norwegian breeds serum in two production cycles. Our data showed a significant postpartum depletion in PON1 activity and lipoprotein and lipid products concentrations, with elevated BHB values. However, there were no significant changes in SOD activity and uric acid concentrations in Holstein-Friesian and Polish Red breeds after calving. At lactation peak there was a significant SOD activity decrease correlated with standardized PON1 activity depletion in all examined breeds. The results suggest that PON1 might be a better parameter for minimal redox state changes in serum, shortly after labour in the examined breeds.

ProANP as a screening biomarker for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine coon cats.

The aim of this study was to determine if atrial natriuretic peptide can be used as an early screening tool for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine coon cats. ANIMALS: The study was performed in 43 Maine coon cats of both sexes, aged 11 to 92 months. Clinical and echocardiographic examinations were done and proANP serum concentrations were measured every three months over a period of one year (each cat had a total of five examinations). Cats were divided into 3 groups based on echocardiographic results: group 1 - healthy cats, group 2 - cats with unequivocal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy results, group 3 - cats with HCM. The study showed that the concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide correlates with the severity of HCM. A significant increase in serum concentration of this peptide was observed in cats from group 3, but it did not differ significantly between cats from group 2 and the healthy animals (p>0.05). A correlation was also found between proANP and age of the cats (p<0.01, r=0.5578) as well as between the ejection fraction (p=0.0285, r=0.5305) and end-systolic left ventricular diameter (p=0.05, r=0.48) in the affected animals. Atrial natriuretic peptide may be used to help in the diagnosis of advanced stages of HCM in Maine coon cats. Cats with high levels of proANP should be assigned to echocardiographic studies to confirm the disease.

Cytological evaluation of tracheal aspirate and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid in comparison to endoscopic assessment of lower airways in horses with recurrent airways obstruction or inflammatory airway disease.

The aim of the present study was to compare the grade of discharge accumulation in the tracheal lumen, area of tracheal bifurcation, main bronchi and the tracheal septum thickness with the cytology of the tracheal aspirate (TA) and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in horses with recurrent airways obstruction and inflammatory airway disease from those horses. This study was conducted on 96 horses with RAO, 139 horses with IAD and 10 control horses. In all the horses, both clinical and endoscopic examinations were performed. During endoscopy, a score of mucus accumulation was estimated in 3/4 lower of the trachea and in the tracheal bifurcation. In addition, thickening of the tracheal septum was also assessed; tracheal aspirates and broncho-alveolar lavage were performed. An estimate of cell percentage was done in TA and BALF samples. In horses suffering from RAO and IAD, there was a positive correlation between the percentage of neutrophils and the accumulation of discharge, and in the IAD group, there was a negative correlation between the percentage of eosinophils and the accumulation of discharge. There was no correlation between tracheal septum thickening and the percentage of neutrophils and/or eosinophils.

Histological Evaluation of Selected Organs of the Eurasian Beavers (Castor fiber) Inhabiting Poland.

There is a general scarcity of data on the histological structure of major organs in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). This study presents the histological characteristics of beaver organs such as the liver, spleen, cardiac muscle, lungs and kidneys. Tissue samples were collected from 21 beavers and analysed. Selected samples of tail tissue were additionally examined. Tissue samples were placed in neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. 4-µm-thick sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and other staining techniques were also used. Scant amounts of inter-lobular connective tissue were found in the liver. Ion or copper deposition was not observed, but scattered cytoplasmic glycogen deposits were present in hepatocytes. Our results suggest that beavers have defensive rather than storage spleens. Interestingly, the presence of melanin in splenic red pulp was noted. The histological structure of the examined organs closely resembled that of other rodent species. According to our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the histological structure of beaver organs. Nevertheless, precise characterization of the evaluated organs requires further work with the involvement of accurate and reliable techniques, such as molecular biology or electron microscopy methods.

Usefulness of the assessment of discharge accumulation in the lower airways and tracheal septum thickening in the differential diagnosis of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in the horse.

The aim of the present study was to use endoscopic evaluation to compare the grade of accumulation of discharge in the lower airways of horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD), and to estimate the usefulness of endoscopic evaluation in differential diagnosis of these diseases. Endoscopic evaluation consists of: the amount of discharge in the lower part of the trachea and tracheal bifurcation, and the assessment of tracheal septum thickness. This study was performed on 248 horses, 10 were healthy, 97 were diagnosed as RAO, and 141 were diagnosed as IAD. In all animals both a clinical and endoscopic examination were performed. During endoscopy, a score of mucus accumulation was estimated in 3/4 lower of the trachea and in the tracheal bifurcation. In addition to this, thickening of the tracheal septum was also assessed. According to the results of this study, it was estimated that the accumulation of mucus in the lower airways was much more advanced in RAO horses compared to horses with IAD. In horses with RAO there was a marked thickening of the tracheal septum compared to IAD horses. The results indicate the efficacy of scoring the amount of mucus in the tracheal lumen and tracheal bifurcation, as well as the efficacy of the assessment of tracheal septum thickness in the diagnosis of these diseases.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) concentrations in erythrocytes of dairy cattle and farm-raised deer by a computer-assisted analysis of microscopic images.

The effectiveness of the immunohistochemical method in determining Cu/Zn SOD concentrations in red blood cells of dairy cattle and farm-raised deer was evaluated by a computer-assisted analysis of microscopic images and scanning technique. Superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) concentrations in erythrocytes were determined in smears of whole blood samples collected from 16 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows and 22 farm-raised deer in spring. Mouse anti-bovine SOD (Cu-Zn) monoclonal antibodies (2F5, Serotec) were used in 1:50 dilution. The degree of immunostaining for SOD in red blood cells was determined with the use of the MIDI 3DHistech Panoramic Scanner (Hungary) and 3DHistech Panoramic Viewer, NuclearQuant and MembraneQuant software. Our findings indicate that the immunohistochemical method is a useful technique for evaluating Cu/Zn SOD concentrations in red blood cells of cattle and deer.

Serum paraoxonase-1 activity of dairy Holstein-Fresian cows in different lactation stages--preliminary study.

The objective of this study was to investigate paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in different lactation stages. The study was conducted on Holstein--Friesian dairy cows in 2nd and 3rd lactation. A significant decrease in paraoxonase activity was found in the postpartum period and during peak of lactation. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentration were also markedly reduced during postpartum period. The concentrations of uric acid in serum was 23% higher during lactation peak in comparison with dry and postpartum period. The results indicate that lower serum paraoxonase activity and higher concentration of uric acid are associated with oxidative character of transition period and lipid functional antioxidative protection during intensive milk production.

Hematological parameters in relation to age, sex and biochemical values for mute swans (Cygnus olor).

The knowledge of the correct morphological and biochemical parameters in mute swans is an important indicator of their health status, body condition, adaptation to habitat and useful diagnostic tools in veterinary practice and ecological research. The aim of the study was to obtain hematological parameters in relation to age, sex and serum biochemistry values in wild-living mute swans. We found the significant differences in the erythrocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in relation to age of mute swans. There were no differences in hematological values between males and females. The leukogram and H/L ratio did not vary by age and sex in swans. Among of biochemical parameters the slightly increased AST, ALP, CK, K, urea, decreased CHOL and TG values were recorded. As far as we know, this is the first study in which the morphometric parameters of blood cells in mute swans were presented. We found extremely low concentration of lead in blood (at subthreshold level). No blood parasites were found in blood smears. The analysis of body mass and biometric parameters revealed a significant differences dependent on age and sex. No differences in the scaled mass index were found. Our results represent a normal hematologic and blood chemistry values and age-sex related changes, as reference values for the mute swan.

Concentration of ascorbic acid in the blood of cows with subclinical mastitis.

The aim of the investigations was evaluation of ascorbic acia concentration in the blood or cows in the subclinical form of mastitis. The research was conducted on 56 cows. The cows were divided into 4 groups: A, B, and C with subclinical form of mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia col, and D control. The ascorbic acid concentration in the serum of cows was measured by the hydrazine method. We observed a marked decrease in ascorbic acid concentration in the serum of cows from experimental groups A, B and C, respectively: 34.2, 35.9, and 39.4 micromol/dm3 when we compared them with control group D--69.8 micromol/dm3. In cows with subclinical form of inflammation of the mammary gland, a decreased potential of antioxidant protection in the blood was noticed, which manifested itself as a lower ascorbic acid concentration.

Role of antioxidants in the protection against oxidative stress in cattle--trace elements and enzymatic mechanisms (Part 3).

The most important enzymatic mechanisms which protect an organism against oxidative stress are superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (Px), e.g. glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase. Their activity depends on many trace elements. Enzymatic mechanisms, functioning under physiological conditions, prevent the spread of free radical reactions. New and reoccurring metabolic and infectious diseases of cattle emerge when there is a disproportion in the balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidative enzymatic barrier.

Role of the antioxidants in the protection against oxidative stress in cattle--nonenzymatic mechanisms (Part 2).

Antioxidative status consists of two mechanisms: nonenzymatic and enzymatic mechanisms. Nonenzymatic mechanisms are composed of antioxidants, scavengers of free radicals, transition metal ions, sequester transition metal ions, albumins, ceruloplasmin, and metallothioneins. On the other hand, enzymatic mechanisms are composed of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase, catalase and reductase. In cattle, characteristics of these mechanisms depend on the nutritional status of anti-oxidant minerals, especially copper, zinc, iron, selenium, silicon, and manganese. The nutritional status of the cattle in different regions of the world and in Poland is often characterised by the lack of these minerals; therefore, there is a great potential for changes in the activity of defence mechanisms against free radicals.

Antioxidant parameters of horses according to age, sex, breed and environment.

Antioxidant defences interact to form an integrated system. There is no comprehensive and uniform view on issues concerning the antioxidant status in horses. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to estimate antioxidant parameters in horses of different age, sex and breed as well as environment and relationship between different antioxidants. Parameters of selected antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), total antioxidant status (TAS), ceruloplasmin (CP), bilirubin, uric acid, zinc, copper and selenium were determined in blood of 80 clinically healthy horses. Antioxidant parameters significantly varied between horses form different environments or different breed and sex. Age of horses had no significant effect on antioxidant parameters. Significant correlation coefficients were observed between enzymatic and nonenzimatic antioxidants. The nature of the relationship between the antioxidant system in horses with respect to environmental factors is rather complex and to date only a part of system is known.

Role of transition metals ion and reactive oxygen species in biological oxidation in cattle (part 1).

Technological advances in last decades of XX centuries were well utilised in the studies of biological oxidation processes. Biological oxidation can lead to the oxidative stress and subsequently to the cell damage of animal organisms leading to many diseases. Free radical processes taking place in cattle under pathological conditions. Metal ions are often responsible for the damage of biological systems. Fenton and the Fenton like reactions can play the central role in the oxidative stress. Transition metal ions and their complexes catalyse Fenton and the Fenton like reactions.

Effect of Baypamun on blood leucocytes in normal and dexamathasone treated goats.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Baypamun on selected lymphocyte subpopulations and granulocyte phagocytic activity mediated by lectin-like receptors in goats of normal immune status and in goats experimentally immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Eighteen goats in total were used. Blood samples were collected 24 h before immunomodulation and 5 and 10 days after immunomodulation. Animals in group I were immunostimulated with Baypamun for 2 days and immunosuppressed with Dexafort for the next 2 days. Animals in group II received Dexafort first and then Baypamun. The number of leucocytes in total and in subpopulations was determined by flow cytometry. Application of Baypamun before (group I) or after (group II) immunosuppression caused significant (P < 0.001) and lasting changes in the percentage of CD2+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Significant but transient changes were observed in CD19+ (B) and WC1-N2+ (null) cells. Results show that application of Baypamun to modulate non-specific defence is advisable following immunosuppression (group I). When Baypamun was applied after immunosuppression (group II), although there was no reaction during the initial phase, an increase in the activity of cells responsible for non-specific immunity was noticeable after 10 days.

Flow cytometry analysis of milk and peripheral blood cells from goats during lactation.

Cells from goat's milk and peripheral blood taken during the lactation period were analysed by flow cytometry. The investigated cells were populations of leucocytes, lymphocyte subpopulations (T, T-helper, T-cytotoxic, B, WC1-N2) and all MHC class II positive cells. Labelling of cells was performed on whole blood and milk cell suspensions. Statistically significant differences were found between percentages of B and WC1-N2 lymphocytes and MHC II positive cells from peripheral blood during the lactation period and all of examined milk cells during the same time.

The effect of lecithin supplementation on the biochemical profile and morphological changes in the liver of rats fed different animal fats.

Sixty-four Wistar rats were divided into 8 equal groups and kept for 36 days in individual boxes. Three of the groups were given full synthetic diets containing various animal fats: beef tallow, pork fat or fish oil. A control group was fed the diets without the fat. The other four groups were fed the same diets with lecithin supplementation. At the end of experiment, sections taken from the liver were stained with haematoxylin eosin and Sudan III to indicate fat infiltration. Liver enzyme levels, total bilirubin, albumin and two products of lipid metabolism were measured in serum from all the animals. The addition of lecithin to the diets did not influence the level of enzymes in the serum except in rats fed the diet containing beef tallow. A relationship between the type of diet, lecithin supplementation and the total cholesterol concentration in serum was observed. The concentration of HDL-cholesterol was only influenced by lecithin supplementation and that of triglycerides by the type of fat in the diet. The addition of lecithin to the diet was associated with proliferation of Kupffer cells, and an increased number of binuclear cells. Fatty degeneration of hepatocytes was less pronounced in all groups following lecithin supplementation. Lecithin supplementation of the diet did not elicit any pathological lesions and may be considered as a hepatocyte protector. This favourable effect of lecithin was most marked in the group of rats fed the fish oil.