Autochthonous probiotic bacteria improve intestinal pathology and histomorphology, expression of immune and growth-related genes and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer).

The study isolated two strains of intestinal autochthonous bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum1 (MH155966.1) (L1) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum2 (MH105076.1) (L2) from the Choobdeh Abadan region. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different strains of probiotic bacteria on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, histopathologic and histomorphometric characterization of the intestine, expression of immune and growth related genes, and evaluate Lates calcarifer resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus. To achieve this, for each treatment 60 L. calcarifer juveniles (75 ± 12 g) were randomly distributed in three fiberglass tanks (300 L) and fed for 45 days. The treatments were established as Diet 1 (control diet); L1 (diet with Lb. plantarum isolated 1); L2 (diet with Lb. plantarum isolated 2) with a bacterial concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/g. Nine fish from each treatment were sampled and examined, after euthanasia. The fish were placed 2 cm from the beginning of the intestine for microscopic sampling of villi height, villi width and thickness of the epithelium, with 3 treatments: The result showed differences in the mean values of total weight were found at the end of the experiment. After 45 days of culture, the fish fed with L1 had higher (P < 0.05) growth performance than the other treatment groups. But at the end of the trial, in L2, the digestive enzyme activities were higher (P < 0.05) than the other treatment groups. The fishes fed diets supplemented with the L2 group, like the digestive enzyme activities test, presented an increase in the thickness of the epithelium of the intestine, and villus height, and villus width were greatest in L2. Fish feeding with L1 and L2 probiotics induced higher transcription levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells (GMCFC), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-ß) genes in the gut, which may correlate with better immune and hematological parameters in these groups. The results of the challenge test revealed that the percentage of survival was significantly higher in L1 (76.2%) and L2 (80.95%) treatments than in the control (P < 0.05). These results indicate that host-derived probiotics (Lb. plantarum) have significant potential as important probiotics to enhance nutrient utilization, Digestive enzymes, and metabolism by increasing the gut surface area of Lates calcarifer juveniles at 45 days of culture.

The effects of the differentiated macrophages by dexamethasone on the immune responses.

The characteristics of M2 macrophages suggest immunotherapeutic approaches for inducing immunological tolerance. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of Dexamethasone (Dex) treatment on monocytes polarization and its impact on immune responses. The monocytes were extracted from the rat's blood samples. The effects of Dex concentration and treatment duration on monocyte viability, phagocytosis of rabbit red blood cell (RRBC) antigens, and cytokine gene expression were evaluated using MTT, ELISA, and Real-Time PCR analysis, respectively. The monocytes treated with Dex were injected into the rats as an autograft. The effects of the grafted cells were assessed on immune responses, monocyte differentiation, and pathological lesions, in comparison to the control groups. Treatment of monocytes with 10-5 M of Dex for 48 h increased the expression of IL-10 and TGF-ß genes, while reducing the expression of TNF-α and IL-1 genes. The monocytes treated with antigen and Dex showed higher CD206 gene expression compared to CD80. The cells that were treated with Dex had the highest concentration of antigens after five days. Administration of the grafted cells to the animals has some significant effects on innate immune responses and no impact on pathological lesions. The group that received cells treated with Dex and antigen experienced a significant decrease in anti-RBC antibody titers. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the expression of cytokine genes and M2 differentiation markers among the groups that were evaluated. The effects of Dex on the viability and differentiation of monocytes depend on the dosage, timing, and duration of the treatment.

Strangulation of intraperitoneal kidney transplant by fallopian tube.

Renal allograft strangulation is a rare complication following simultaneous kidney pancreas transplant, often causing graft loss. This case report represents the first documented case of a 35-year-old female who developed renal graft strangulation around the left fallopian tube. Our case outlines a new complication that contributes to graft loss concerning iliac fossa anatomy and variations in female patients, as well as surgical considerations that need to be made prior to transplantation. We recommend measurement of the grafted renal vessels within the iliac fossa and respective surroundings structures to allow for the ideal positioning of the grafted organ.

Histopathological and cytological analyses of endometrium in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) to detect estrus and endometritis.

This study aimed to determine cytological, histopathological and cytomorphometrical characteristics of endometrium in healthy and endometritic uterus in the water buffalo. Fifty eight non-pregnant reproductive systems were collected from slaughterhouse. Efficiency of three methods of sampling including cotton swab, smear, and aspiration were compared for cytologic study. Concurrent histopathologic examination revealed endometritis in 38 uteri including 8 (21.00%) with mild endometritis, 7 (18.42%) with moderate endometritis, 6 (15.90%) with severe endometritis and 17 (44.73%) with chronic endometritis. Cyto-morphometrical results showed significant relationship between diameter and area of epithelial nuclei with phases of estrus cycle. Neutrophil and lymphocytes densities in swab and aspiration samples were significantly higher in severe endometritis than normal and chronic endometritis samples. Similarly, lymphocytes density in smear and aspiration methods was significant between normal and moderates, and also severe and chronic endometritis. Cytomorphometric analysis of epithelial nuclei characteristics (diameter and area) in buffalo were performed for the first time and it could be valuable to identify estrus cycle in this species. Aspiration had the most efficiency to identify endometritis in comparison with other methods.

Evaluation of oxidant/antioxidant status in serum of sheep experimentally envenomated with Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom.

Scorpion envenomation is a main general health problem in developing countries, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Hemiscorpius lepturus as a member of the Hemiscorpiidae family is cause of the most scorpion sting lethality in Iran. In the present study, the oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in serum of envenomated sheep with the venom of Hemiscorpius lepturus were investigated. Nine sheep were randomly divided into three groups (three in each). Groups A, B and C received 0.10, 0.05 and 0.01 mg kg-1 of H. lepturus venom subcutaneously, respectively. Blood sampling were performed 30 min before envenomation (control) and 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 6 hr after envenomation and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malonedialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) were determined. The TAC was significantly increased at the doses of 0.10 mg kg-1 (at 3 hr) and 0.05 mg kg-1 (at 6 hr) compared to pre-injection time. However, no significant differences were observed in serum levels of MDA and PCO in different groups. It can be concluded that the dose of 0.01 mg kg-1 of venom had no effect on stress factors of serum, but according to increased level of TAC at the doses of 0.05 and 0.10 and no significant changes in serum levels of MDA and PCO, the oxidative damage has been prevented by the antioxidant defense system response.

Protective effect of quercetin on histomorphometric changes in kidney of retinoid acid-treated rat fetuses / Efecto protector de la quercetina sobre los cambios histomorfométricos en el riñón de fetos de rata tratados con ácido retinoico

SUMMARY: Retinoic acid, an active metabolite of vitamin A, plays essential signaling roles in mammalian embryogenesis. Prenatal rat fetuse exposure to retinoid induces some malformations in various organs, the most active and teratogenic metablolite is all-transretinoic acid (atRA). The teratogenic effects of some drugs can be prevented by the application of antioxidant drugs and stimulation of the maternal immune system. Also, quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid has excellent antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was assess the protective effects of quercetin against atRA in fetuses of rat's kidney tissue. This study was performed on 40 pregnant rats that were divided into seven groups. Control group received normal saline and test groups received DMSO, quercetin (75 mg/kg), quercetin (200 mg/kg), atRA (25 mg/kg), atRA (25 mg/kg) plus quercetin (75 mg/kg) and atRA (25 mg/kg) plus quercetin (200 mg/kg), intraperitoneally at 8-10th days of gestation. Fetuses were collected at 20th day of gestation. Kidneys were collected and placed in 10 % buffered formalin solution. Then, kidneys were sectioned by routine method and stained by H&E and examined histologically. On histomorphomertrical examination, it was observed the priglomerular space and diameter of renal corpuscle in group which received only atRA were significantly (p≤0.05) greater than those received normal saline, dimethyl sulfoxide and quercetin, while these two indexes in group which received atRA plus quercetin significantly (p≤0.05) decreased by quercetin as dose dependent manner. Number of renal corpuscles were significantly (p≤0.05) decreased by atRA, but the quercetin could not affect the glomerular numbers. It is concluded that quercetin can protect fetuses against atRA damages and prevent their incidence probably via its antioxidant effect.

RESUMEN: El ácido retinoico, un metabolito activo de la vitamina A, desempeña un papel esencial de señalización en la embriogénesis de mamíferos. La exposición al ácido retinoico en fetos de ratas prenatales induce malformaciones en varios órganos, siendo el metabolito más activo y teratogénico el ácido transretinoico (ATRA). Los efectos teratogénicos de algunos medicamentos se pueden prevenir mediante la aplicación de medicamentos antioxidantes y la estimulación del sistema inmune materno. Además, la quercetina, un flavonoide de origen natural, tiene excelentes propiedades antioxidantes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos protectores de quercetina contra ATRA en fetos de tejido de riñón de rata. Este estudio se realizó en 40 ratas preñadas que se dividieron en siete grupos. El grupo control recibió solución salina normal y los grupos de prueba recibieron DMSO, quercetina (75 mg / kg), quercetina (200 mg / kg), ATRA (25 mg / kg), ATRA (25 mg / kg) más quercetina (75 mg / kg) y ATRA (25 mg / kg) más quercetina (200 mg / kg), por vía intraperitoneal a los 8-10 días de gestación. Los fetos se recolectaron a los 20 días de gestación. Los riñones se recogieron y se colocaron en solución de formalina tamponada al 10 %. Luego, los riñones se seccionaron por método de rutina y se tiñeron con H & E y se examinaron histológicamente. En el examen histomorfométrico, se observó que el espacio periglomerular y el diámetro del corpúsculo renal en el grupo que recibió solo ATRA fueron significativamente (p≤0.05) mayores que los que recibieron solución salina normal, dimetilsulfóxido y quercetina, mientras que estos dos índices, en el grupo que recibió ATRA más quercetina, disminuyó significativamente (p≤0.05) en forma dependiente de la dosis. El número de corpúsculos renales disminuyó significativamente (p≤0.05) por el ATRA, pero la quercetina no pudo afectar el número de glomérulos. Se concluye que la quercetina puede proteger a los fetos contra daños de ATRA y prevenir su incidencia, probablemente, a través de su efecto antioxidante.

The first report of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran.

In mid-July 2013, an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was observed in a herd of camels after they were imported from Kuwait to the Khuzestan province in southwest of Iran. The clinical signs of the affected animals included sudden death, fever, oral erosion, and ecthyma like lesions, yellowish diarrhea, pneumonia and respiratory distress, enlargement of lymph node, severe dehydration, dermatitis, ulcerative keratitis, and conjunctivitis. Necropsy findings included keratoconjunctivitis, congestion and consolidation of the lung, paleness of the liver, and enlargement and edema of lymph nodes. Histopathological exam revealed degeneration and acute hyperemia of the lungs, fatty change and necrotic foci in the liver, tubular necrosis in the kidneys, and necrotic dermatitis. We used immunocapture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to confirm peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and differentiate it from rinderpest virus. Then virus genome was studied by molecular analysis for detecting of strain and substrain of the virus. Immunocapture ELISA of all specimens reacted positively against PPRV antigens. Also, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results in the lung and lymph nodes of the dead camels consolidated the cause of disease to be PPRV. The present study is the first report of the PPRV outbreak in camels in Iran.

Metabolic capacities of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following combined exposures to copper and environmental hypoxia.

In aquatic ecosystems, a decline in water O2 level is the main factor that can release heavy metal ions from top sediment layer. Therefore, hypoxia in turn, and in association with heavy metals might provide undesirable environment and impairs physiological functions of aquatic animals. To address this, metabolic capacities, including standard metabolic rate (SMR), maximum metabolic rate (MMR), aerobic scope (AS) and factorial aerobic scope (FAS) of common carp were determined following exposures to different levels of water-borne Cu(2+) as well as hypoxia. Treatments for Cu(2+) were included: 100% (acute), 50% (sub-lethal) and 10% (chronic) of LC50-96h for immediately, 24h and 7 days exposures respectively. Hypoxia treatments were assigned as acute for immediately, sub-lethal for 24h and chronic for 7 days. Combined effects of treatments were also considered as acute Cu(2+)+hypoxia, sub-lethal Cu(2+)+hypoxia and chronic Cu(2+)+hypoxia. While SMR of carp was reduced by chronic hypoxia, significant (P<0.05) increase was observed during acute hypoxia, as compared with control. The MMR and AS were significantly reduced (P<0.05) following all hypoxia treatments. The acute and chronic Cu(2+) treatments showed significant (P<0.05) increases in SMR and MMR values. All acute and sub-lethal combined treatments showed significant (P<0.05) reductions in SMR, MMR and AS values, whilst chronic combined treatments showed generally increasing trends for MMR and AS. PCrit was relatively reduced following all treatments except for acute and sub-lethal Cu(2+)-treated fish that showed higher value (P<0.05) and no change respectively. Although all Cu(2+) treatments increased the number of mucus cell, hypoxia treatments did not show any remarkable differences when compared with control group. In general, the results of present study reveal that hypoxia acts as limiting stressor whilst Cu(2+) do act as loading stressors in the case of common carp metabolism. The interactive exposures mostly showing a synergist effect in all metabolic capacities with an exception for chronic treatments.

Quercetin preventive effects on theophylline-induced anomalies in rat embryo.

BACKGROUND: Theophylline has been shown to cause heart anomaly in animal and human fetus. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of quercetin on theophylline-induced heart disorders in rat embryo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Theophylline-induced teratogenicity in rats was used as the animal model. Pregnant rats were administered theophylline (259 mg/kg, po) or theophylline plus quercetin (259 mg/kg, po and 100 mg/kg, ip, respectively) on 9th and 10th days of pregnancy. On day 19, cardiac changes were assessed, measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity levels in blood samples and also the fetus heart weight. Histopathological examination was also performed on all specimens. RESULTS: Theophylline-treated rats showed MDA level elevation and GPx activity reduction. Quercetin treatment improved heart conditions and resulted in a significant reduction in MDA levels and elevation in GPx activity. Moreover, co-administration of quercetin and theophylline increased the heart weight significantly. Furthermore, histophatological study showed no changes in the treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that quercetin have beneficial effects on theophylline-induced-anomalies in rat embryo.

Effects of chronic heat stress on testicular structures, serum testosterone and cortisol concentrations in developing lambs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of high and moderate summer ambient temperatures on testicular structures and endocrine profile of developing ram lambs. Twenty fall-born ram lambs were randomly divided into two groups: animals were kept outdoor (n=10) under ambient temperature (31-50 degrees C) or maintained indoor (26-32 degrees C) from May to October 2007. Daily maximum ambient temperature was recorded for both environments. Monthly serum testosterone and cortisol concentrations were compared between two groups throughout the experiment. The animals were slaughtered at the end of the study and their testes subjected to histopathology exam. The results showed that maximum outdoor ambient temperature was significantly higher than indoor. There was no difference between two groups on serum testosterone concentration. There was no effect on serum cortisol levels except in August and October. Histolopathological examination revealed a severe testicular degeneration with significant germ line degeneration without any impact on somatic cells. In conclusion, direct exposure of developing lambs during non-breeding season impairs testicular germ cells without significant effect on testicular endocrine function.