Clinical and pathological aspects of progressive hyperphosphatasemia associated with vacuolar hepatopathy and hepatocellular carcinoma in a Scottish Terrier bitch / Aspectos clínicos e patológicos da hiperfosfatasemia progressiva associada à hepatopatia vacuolar e carcinoma hepatocelular em uma cadela da raça Scottish Terrier

Hyperphosphatasemia refers to an increase in alkaline phosphatase serum activity, and Scottish Terriers (STs) are predisposed to develop this condition of uncertain pathogenesis. This study describes a case of progressive hyperphosphatasemia with vacuolar hepatopathy and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a ST bitch. This dog had a five-year clinical follow-up with progressive hyperphosphatasemia (up to 5503 U/L) and with ultrasound findings and histologic diagnosis of vacuolar hepatopathy, in addition to posterior onset of HCC. A steroidogenic adrenal panel revealed an increase of adrenocortical hormones, especially progesterone and androstenedione, consistent with a subdiagnosed hypercortisolism. Euthanasia was elected and at necropsy, multinodular, yellow to red masses were observed in the liver, which were histologically and immunohistochemically defined as HCC. The association of the clinical, imaging, biochemical, adrenal panel and pathologic findings allowed to characterize and confirm a progressive disorder in this ST bitch associated with elevated adrenocortical hormones.

Hiperfosfatasemia é o aumento sérico de fosfatase alcalina, sendo que Scorrish Terriers estão predispostos a desenvolverem essa condição de patogênese desconhecida. Este trabalho descreve um caso de hiperfosfatasemia progressiva com hepatopatia vacuolar e carcinoma hepatocelular em um canino da raça Scottish Terrier. Uma cadela Scottish Terrier foi acompanhada clinicamente por cinco anos devido à hiperfosfatasemia persistente (até 5503 U/L), com achados ultrassonográficos e histológicos compatíveis com hepatopatia vacuolar, além de posterior desenvolvimento de carcinoma hepatocelular. O painel esteroidogênico realizado indicou aumento dos hormônios adrenocorticais, principalmente progesterona e androstenediona, consistente com diagnóstico de hipercortisolismo subdiagnosticado "atípico". Devido ao prognóstico desfavorável, a eutanásia foi realizada e na necropsia, massas amarelas a vermelhas e multinodulares foram observadas no fígado, com diagnóstico de carcinoma hepatocelular pela análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica. A associação dos achados clínicos, de imagem, bioquímicos, do painel androgênico e patológicos permitiram caracterizar e confirmar um distúrbio progressivo no canino da raça Scottish Terrier associado ao aumento dos hormônios adrenocorticais.

New findings of intestinal alkaline phosphatase: effects on intestinal and organ health of piglets challenged with ETEC F4 (K88)

The aim of this study was to assess the addition of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) to diets on the count of bacterial populations, pH of digestive organ contents, histopathological description, proinflammatory markers, hepatic glycogen reserve, and diarrhoea incidence of piglets challenged with Escherichia coli. Sixty-four crossbred piglets (7.16±0.28 kg body weight, 25-days-old) were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomised block design: negative control (NC), NC + antibiotic (ANT), NC + 15 mg IAP, or NC + 30 mg IAP kg−1 of diet, eight replications of two piglets per experimental unit. All piglets were orally challenged with 6 mL of a solution containing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 at 106 CFU mL−1 at 15 days of experimentation. The study lasted for 19 days. At the end of the experimental period, the piglets were slaughtered (six animals per treatment). Enterobacteriaceae in caecum and colon was lower in piglets on 30 mg IAP than with ANT and NC, ANT or 15 mg IAP, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae adhered to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) was greater in piglets fed ANT than the other treatments. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in caecum was greater in piglets fed NC and ANT. In MLN, LAB count was greater in ANT and 30 mg IAP-fed piglets compared with 15 mg IAP. Piglets in 30 mg IAP in diet showed a tendency for lowering tissue necrosis compared with NC or ANT. Piglets fed 30 mg IAP showed a reduction in diarrhoea incidence in the pre- and post-challenge compared with 15 mg IAP and all other treatments, respectively. Based on the criteria, addition of 30 mg IAP to diet inhibits Enterobacteriaceae population and suggests a potential effect in mitigating intestinal injuries, as observed in piglets in the NC for some of the parameters investigated.(AU)

Enzymatic markers of pulmonary inflammation in tracheal wash fluid in racehorses: alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase

Background: Diagnosis of the lower airway diseases (LAD) in horses relies on clinical signs, endoscopic examinationand cytologic evaluation of lower respiratory tract flushing fluids as well. Specific enzyme activities in respiratory tractfluids of horses could be used as useful indicators in lower airway disorders. The main goal of the study was to evaluate thediagnostic usefulness of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activites in tracheal wash(TW) fluids of horses with lower respiratory tract inflammation and/or damage and also in distinguishing of non-septicand septic inflammation in racehorses with LAD.Materials, Methods & Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted in racehorses. TW fluid samples were obtainedfrom 83 racehorses (71 with lower airway diseases and 12 healthy controls) for the study. The One-Way ANOVATest was used for the significance analysis of the differences between the groups in showing the normal distributionof blood serum ALP and LDH properties. Kruskal Wallis H Test and Tamhane T2 test were used for the significanceanalysis of the differences between the groups of tracheal ALP and LDH properties, which were not normally distributed. The sampled horses were classified into 3 groups as healthy control, non septic neutrophilic inflammation(NS-LAD) and septic neutrophilic inflammation (S-LAD) according to the tracheal mucus scores determined duringendoscopic examination, clinical signs, cytologic and bacteriologic examination of collected TW samples. Accordingto cytology results normal neutrophil levels (< 20%) were determined in the healthy control group (14.5%). However, increased neutrophil levels (≥ 20% and ≥ 80%) were encountered in the NS-LAD (61.4%) and S-LAD (24.1%)groups respectively. Also, the signs of degenerative changes and presence of intracellular bacteria in the neutrophilcells in the S-LAD group were observed. Bacteriologic analysis of the samples...

Enzymatic markers of pulmonary inflammation in tracheal wash fluid in racehorses: alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase

Background: Diagnosis of the lower airway diseases (LAD) in horses relies on clinical signs, endoscopic examinationand cytologic evaluation of lower respiratory tract flushing fluids as well. Specific enzyme activities in respiratory tractfluids of horses could be used as useful indicators in lower airway disorders. The main goal of the study was to evaluate thediagnostic usefulness of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activites in tracheal wash(TW) fluids of horses with lower respiratory tract inflammation and/or damage and also in distinguishing of non-septicand septic inflammation in racehorses with LAD.Materials, Methods & Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted in racehorses. TW fluid samples were obtainedfrom 83 racehorses (71 with lower airway diseases and 12 healthy controls) for the study. The One-Way ANOVATest was used for the significance analysis of the differences between the groups in showing the normal distributionof blood serum ALP and LDH properties. Kruskal Wallis H Test and Tamhane T2 test were used for the significanceanalysis of the differences between the groups of tracheal ALP and LDH properties, which were not normally distributed. The sampled horses were classified into 3 groups as healthy control, non septic neutrophilic inflammation(NS-LAD) and septic neutrophilic inflammation (S-LAD) according to the tracheal mucus scores determined duringendoscopic examination, clinical signs, cytologic and bacteriologic examination of collected TW samples. Accordingto cytology results normal neutrophil levels (< 20%) were determined in the healthy control group (14.5%). However, increased neutrophil levels (≥ 20% and ≥ 80%) were encountered in the NS-LAD (61.4%) and S-LAD (24.1%)groups respectively. Also, the signs of degenerative changes and presence of intracellular bacteria in the neutrophilcells in the S-LAD group were observed. Bacteriologic analysis of the samples...(AU)

Eficiência da pasteurização lenta do leite de cabra em diferentes binômios tempo/temperatura / Efficiency of slow pasteurization of goat milk in the different time/temperature binomials

O presente estudo analisou um binômio de tempo-temperatura alternativo para ser utilizado na pasteurização lenta sobre a inativação da fosfatase alcalina no leite caprino. Sua eficiência foi demonstrada pela contagem padrão em placas, e foi feita a comparação no processamento de leite refrigerado e congelado. Foram utilizados 18 tratamentos em leite caprino cru (nove em leite refrigerado e nove em leite congelado). Estes foram acondicionados em frascos de 300 mL, pasteurizados a 60, 63 e 65°C durante 10-20-30 minutos, e testadas às enzimas fosfatase alcalina e peroxidase. A contagem padrão em placas (CPP) e coliformes a 35 e 45°C foi feita nas amostras cruas e em cada tratamento, em duplicata. Após a pasteurização, todos os tratamentos apresentaram: não crescimento de microrganismos mesófilos, coliformes com <0,3 NMP/mL, prova de fosfatase negativa e peroxidase positiva. A pasteurização foi eficiente para melhorar a qualidade microbiológica do leite tanto refrigerado quanto congelado. Todos os binômios avaliados apresentaram resultados satisfatórios para alcançar os parâmetros preconizados em legislação, sugerindo-se o menor binômio (60°C por 10 min). Não houve diferença entre as formas de armazenamento das amostras: refrigerada ou congelada.

The objective of this study was to investigate an alternative time-temperature binomial to be used in the slow pasteurization on the alkaline phosphatase inactivation in the goat milk. Its efficiency was demonstrated with the standard counting in plates, and also refrigerated and the frozen milks processing were compared. Eighteen treatments were used in the raw goat milk (nine refrigerated milk and nine frozen milk). They were packed in 300 mL-flasks, pasteurized at 60-63-65°C for 10, 20, 30 minutes, and then tested for alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase enzymes. The standard counts in plates (CPP) and coliforms at 35°C and 45°C were performed in the raw samples and in the every treatment, in duplicate. After the pasteurization process, all of the treatments showed: no growth of mesophilic microorganisms, coliforms with <0.3 MPN / mL, negative phosphatase and positive peroxidase tests. The pasteurization was efficient to improve the microbiological quality of the milk either refrigerated or frozen. All of the evaluated binomials presented satisfactory results to reach the recommended parameters preconized in the legislation, suggesting the smaller binomial (60°C for 10 min). There was no difference between the samples storage form, either refrigerated or frozen.

Pesquisa de fosfatase alcalina e peroxidase em leites pasteurizados no Estado de Sergipe / Research of peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase in pasteurized milk in the State of Sergipe

O leite é um alimento considerado altamente perecível, devido a sua composição de nutrientes, favorecendo assim, a multiplicação microbiana. Quando armazenado e produzido em condições inadequadas, representam um grande risco à saúde do consumidor. Desta forma, se faz necessário que o leite seja tratado termicamente. Diante disto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a pasteurização de leites com selo de inspeção produzidos no estado de Sergipe através da pesquisa das enzimas fosfatase alcalina e peroxidase. Foram coletadas 10 amostras de leite pasteurizado, optando-se por fabricantes devidamente registrados ao Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF) ou Serviço de Inspeção Estadual (SIE) produzidos no estado de Sergipe. Os resultados obtidos nas amostras do leite pasteurizado demonstraram perfil enzimático satisfatório, ou seja, foi constatada a inativação da fosfatase alcalina, e a atividade da peroxidase, indicando assim que o leite foi corretamente pasteurizado.(AU)

Eficiência da pasteurização lenta do leite de cabra em diferentes binômios tempo/temperatura / Efficiency of slow pasteurization of goat milk in the different time/temperature binomials

O presente estudo analisou um binômio de tempo-temperatura alternativo para ser utilizado na pasteurização lenta sobre a inativação da fosfatase alcalina no leite caprino. Sua eficiência foi demonstrada pela contagem padrão em placas, e foi feita a comparação no processamento de leite refrigerado e congelado. Foram utilizados 18 tratamentos em leite caprino cru (nove em leite refrigerado e nove em leite congelado). Estes foram acondicionados em frascos de 300 mL, pasteurizados a 60, 63 e 65°C durante 10-20-30 minutos, e testadas às enzimas fosfatase alcalina e peroxidase. A contagem padrão em placas (CPP) e coliformes a 35 e 45°C foi feita nas amostras cruas e em cada tratamento, em duplicata. Após a pasteurização, todos os tratamentos apresentaram: não crescimento de microrganismos mesófilos, coliformes com <0,3 NMP/mL, prova de fosfatase negativa e peroxidase positiva. A pasteurização foi eficiente para melhorar a qualidade microbiológica do leite tanto refrigerado quanto congelado. Todos os binômios avaliados apresentaram resultados satisfatórios para alcançar os parâmetros preconizados em legislação, sugerindo-se o menor binômio (60°C por 10 min). Não houve diferença entre as formas de armazenamento das amostras: refrigerada ou congelada.(AU)

The objective of this study was to investigate an alternative time-temperature binomial to be used in the slow pasteurization on the alkaline phosphatase inactivation in the goat milk. Its efficiency was demonstrated with the standard counting in plates, and also refrigerated and the frozen milks processing were compared. Eighteen treatments were used in the raw goat milk (nine refrigerated milk and nine frozen milk). They were packed in 300 mL-flasks, pasteurized at 60-63-65°C for 10, 20, 30 minutes, and then tested for alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase enzymes. The standard counts in plates (CPP) and coliforms at 35°C and 45°C were performed in the raw samples and in the every treatment, in duplicate. After the pasteurization process, all of the treatments showed: no growth of mesophilic microorganisms, coliforms with <0.3 MPN / mL, negative phosphatase and positive peroxidase tests. The pasteurization was efficient to improve the microbiological quality of the milk either refrigerated or frozen. All of the evaluated binomials presented satisfactory results to reach the recommended parameters preconized in the legislation, suggesting the smaller binomial (60°C for 10 min). There was no difference between the samples storage form, either refrigerated or frozen.(AU)

Pesquisa de fosfatase alcalina e peroxidase em leites pasteurizados no Estado de Sergipe / Research of peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase in pasteurized milk in the State of Sergipe

O leite é um alimento considerado altamente perecível, devido a sua composição de nutrientes, favorecendo assim, a multiplicação microbiana. Quando armazenado e produzido em condições inadequadas, representam um grande risco à saúde do consumidor. Desta forma, se faz necessário que o leite seja tratado termicamente. Diante disto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a pasteurização de leites com selo de inspeção produzidos no estado de Sergipe através da pesquisa das enzimas fosfatase alcalina e peroxidase. Foram coletadas 10 amostras de leite pasteurizado, optando-se por fabricantes devidamente registrados ao Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF) ou Serviço de Inspeção Estadual (SIE) produzidos no estado de Sergipe. Os resultados obtidos nas amostras do leite pasteurizado demonstraram perfil enzimático satisfatório, ou seja, foi constatada a inativação da fosfatase alcalina, e a atividade da peroxidase, indicando assim que o leite foi corretamente pasteurizado.

In vivo detoxification of ochratoxin A by highly porous magnetic nanocomposites prepared from coconut shell

The current study was conducted to elucidate the clinical effect of ochratoxin A in Gallus gallus domesticus and to ameliorate its toxic effects by the development and characterization of highly porous carbon-based adsorbent derived from coconut shell. A series of experiments were performed on one day-old chicks (Group A to F). Clinical signs of the positive control (group B fed on 400 ppb ochratoxin A contaminated feed) included depression, diarrhea, increased water intake, low body weight, high degree of genotoxicity, swollen and hemorrhagic kidneys and liver. Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine and urea concentration significantly increased while albumin, globulin and total proteins were found significantly low. All these lead to increased mortality. Among adsorbents treated groups, chickens in group C (0.3% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) and D (0.6% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in Ochratoxin A (OTA) contaminated feed) showed very low pathological effects while group E (0.9% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) and F (1.2% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) showed normal behavior, blood biochemistry and well maintained histological structure like that in group A. As a whole, the adsorbents treated groups fed with ochratoxin A contaminated feed, supplemented with different levels of the prepared adsorbent helped to ameliorate the toxic effects of OTA and nearly showed normal clinical signs.(AU)

In vivo detoxification of ochratoxin A by highly porous magnetic nanocomposites prepared from coconut shell

The current study was conducted to elucidate the clinical effect of ochratoxin A in Gallus gallus domesticus and to ameliorate its toxic effects by the development and characterization of highly porous carbon-based adsorbent derived from coconut shell. A series of experiments were performed on one day-old chicks (Group A to F). Clinical signs of the positive control (group B fed on 400 ppb ochratoxin A contaminated feed) included depression, diarrhea, increased water intake, low body weight, high degree of genotoxicity, swollen and hemorrhagic kidneys and liver. Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine and urea concentration significantly increased while albumin, globulin and total proteins were found significantly low. All these lead to increased mortality. Among adsorbents treated groups, chickens in group C (0.3% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) and D (0.6% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in Ochratoxin A (OTA) contaminated feed) showed very low pathological effects while group E (0.9% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) and F (1.2% of the prepared adsorbent mixed in OTA contaminated feed) showed normal behavior, blood biochemistry and well maintained histological structure like that in group A. As a whole, the adsorbents treated groups fed with ochratoxin A contaminated feed, supplemented with different levels of the prepared adsorbent helped to ameliorate the toxic effects of OTA and nearly showed normal clinical signs.

Bone alkaline phosphatase in donkeys obtained by the thermal inactivation method

The bone alkaline phosphatase has clinical importance in pathological orthopedic conditions as a marker of the osteoblastic activity, especially in malignant bone tumors and therapeutic monitoring of osteoporosis and other diseases. The reaction of Roy quantitative and qualitative technique of thermal inactivation was applied to obtain bone alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme of male and female donkeys, without defined breed (SRD) aged from seven to 14 months, subjected to the same diet, divided into two groups, composed of five animals each, being the group 1 (G1) kept in confinement and the Group 2 (G2) in traction activity. Blood samples were collected in eight times with an interval of 90 days, during 21 months. The percentage of thermostable isoenzyme was 35 for the G1 and 32 for the G2. It was concluded that the measurements of bone alkaline phosphatase by the thermal inactivation method showed no changes when compared among the groups, demonstrating that the activity of animal traction exerted by the donkeys do not interfere in bone metabolism of these animals.

Bone alkaline phosphatase in donkeys obtained by the thermal inactivation method

The bone alkaline phosphatase has clinical importance in pathological orthopedic conditions as a marker of the osteoblastic activity, especially in malignant bone tumors and therapeutic monitoring of osteoporosis and other diseases. The reaction of Roy quantitative and qualitative technique of thermal inactivation was applied to obtain bone alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme of male and female donkeys, without defined breed (SRD) aged from seven to 14 months, subjected to the same diet, divided into two groups, composed of five animals each, being the group 1 (G1) kept in confinement and the Group 2 (G2) in traction activity. Blood samples were collected in eight times with an interval of 90 days, during 21 months. The percentage of thermostable isoenzyme was 35 for the G1 and 32 for the G2. It was concluded that the measurements of bone alkaline phosphatase by the thermal inactivation method showed no changes when compared among the groups, demonstrating that the activity of animal traction exerted by the donkeys do not interfere in bone metabolism of these animals.(AU)

Feline platynosomiasis: analysis of the association of infection levels with pathological and biochemical findings / Platinossomiase felina: análise da associação dos níveis de infecção com achados patológicos e bioquímicos

Platynosomiasis is a common feline hepatic disease caused by Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), which is also known as lizard poisoning. Most reports of feline platynosomiasis show that this disease is sporadic and manifests with uncommon lesions; its pathogenicity is still not well understood. This study aimed to describe liver injuries and enzymatic changes associated with natural P. fastosum infection in 47 stray cats in an endemic area. Overall, 38.3% (18/47) of cats were parasitized, and 2,358 flukes (P. fastosum) were collected (131 mean intensity of parasitism; 50.2 mean abundance). The alanine transaminase (ALT) measure was significantly higher in parasitized animals, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed no statistical difference between parasitized and non-parasitized animals. In infected animals, gross pathological lesions and microscopic liver injuries ranged from mild to severe, and were similar to those in previous descriptions of feline platynosomiasis. Nonetheless, the intensity of parasitism was not related to the severity of macroscopic or microscopic hepatic injuries. However, feline platynosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of feline liver disorders, as well as, in any program of helminth control, even if no clinical abnormalities are present.(AU)

Platinossomiase é uma doença hepática felina comum causada por Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), também é conhecida como envenenamento por lagartixa. A maioria dos relatos de platinossomiase felina mostra que esta doença é esporádica e se manifesta com lesões incomuns; sua patogenicidade ainda não é bem compreendida. Este estudo objetivou descrever as lesões no fígado e alterações enzimáticas associadas à infecção natural por P. fastosum em 47 gatos errantes em uma área endêmica. No total, 38,3% (18/47) dos gatos estavam parasitados, e 2.358 trematódeos (P. fastosum) foram coletados (131 intensidade média de parasitismo; 50,2 abundância média). A quantidade de alanina transaminase (ALT) foi significativamente maior nos animais parasitados, enquanto a fosfatase alcalina (ALP) não apresentou diferença estatística entre os animais parasitados e não parasitados. Nos animais infectados, lesões patológicas macroscópicas e microscópicas hepáticas variaram de leve a grave, e foram semelhantes a descrições anteriores de platinossomiase felina. No entanto, a intensidade do parasitismo não foi relacionada à gravidade das lesões hepáticas macroscópicas ou microscópicas. Contudo, a platinossomiase felina deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de distúrbios hepáticos em felinos, assim como, em qualquer programa de controle de helmintos, mesmo que nenhuma anormalidade clínica esteja presente.(AU)

Increased serum alkaline phosphatase in a FeLV-positive cat

Background: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is an oncogenic virus that usually invades bone marrow causing non-regenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia. In FeLV positive cats, the myeloid leukemia is characterized by intense proliferation of blast cells in a bone marrow with myeloid precursor predominance and several malignancies degree. The leukocyte alkaline phosphatase is found secondary granules of mature neutrophils of humans, horses and cows but not in dogs and cats, which demonstrate the enzyme activity in myeloblast and promyeloblasts cells. In this case is describing a FeLV-positive case with leukemic disorder accompanied by extremely high levels of serum alkaline phosphatase. Case: A 8-year-old castrated male Domestic Short Hair cat with a 3-month history of convulsions, pica, vomits, lethargy, hypodipsia and anorexia was examined and showed mild dehydration, severe jaundice and hyperpnoea. Laboratory results evidenced severe normocytic hypochromic non-regenerative anemia, moderated leukocytosis with severe degenerative neutrophil left shift, moderated lymphocytosis and severe thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemical profile showed mild hyperalbuminemia, moderated increment in alanine transaminase and severe increment in alkaline phosphatese. The cat was positive for ELISA point of care FeLV antigen and negative for FIV antibodies. Urinalysis revealed moderated bilirubinuria [...]

Increased serum alkaline phosphatase in a FeLV-positive cat

Background: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is an oncogenic virus that usually invades bone marrow causing non-regenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia. In FeLV positive cats, the myeloid leukemia is characterized by intense proliferation of blast cells in a bone marrow with myeloid precursor predominance and several malignancies degree. The leukocyte alkaline phosphatase is found secondary granules of mature neutrophils of humans, horses and cows but not in dogs and cats, which demonstrate the enzyme activity in myeloblast and promyeloblasts cells. In this case is describing a FeLV-positive case with leukemic disorder accompanied by extremely high levels of serum alkaline phosphatase. Case: A 8-year-old castrated male Domestic Short Hair cat with a 3-month history of convulsions, pica, vomits, lethargy, hypodipsia and anorexia was examined and showed mild dehydration, severe jaundice and hyperpnoea. Laboratory results evidenced severe normocytic hypochromic non-regenerative anemia, moderated leukocytosis with severe degenerative neutrophil left shift, moderated lymphocytosis and severe thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemical profile showed mild hyperalbuminemia, moderated increment in alanine transaminase and severe increment in alkaline phosphatese. The cat was positive for ELISA point of care FeLV antigen and negative for FIV antibodies. Urinalysis revealed moderated bilirubinuria [...](AU)

Improvement of bone repair in diabetic rats subjected to 780 nm low-level laser therapy

To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy on bone healing in diabetic rats. METHODS: Bone cavities (19 mm diameter) were performed in the femur of 72 alloxan-induced diabetic rats, which were assigned into four groups: CTR (non-diabetic control), DBT (diabetic) CTRL (non-diabetic irradiated) and DBTL (diabetic irradiated). Low-level laser therapy was performed every 48h for seven days. Animals were euthanized at seven, 18 and 30 days. Alkaline phosphatase serum levels and bone repair were analyzed. RESULTS: Low-level laser therapy significantly increased alkaline phosphatase in at seven and 18 days (p 0.001), and improved bone healing at seven (p 0.01), 18 (p 0.05) and 30 (p 0.01) in diabetic animals. In addition, bone healing in irradiated diabetic group was statistically similar to control group at 30 days (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy increased the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and improved bone healing in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.(AU)

Effects of Cinnamon extract on biochemical enzymes, TNF-α and NF-κB gene expression levels in liver of broiler chickens inoculated with Escherichia coli / Efeitos de extrato de canela sobre os níveis de enzimas bioquímicos, e expressão de genes de TNF-α e NF-κB em fígado de frangos de corte inoculadas com Escherichia coli

Infection with Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common disease in poultry industry. The use of antibiotics to treat diseases is facing serious criticism and concerns. The medicinal plants may be effective alternatives because of their multiplex activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cinnamon extract on the levels of liver enzymes, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) gene expressions in liver of broiler chickens infected with E. coli. Ninety Ross-308 broilers were divided into healthy or E. coli-infected groups, receiving normal or cinnamon extract (in concentrations of 100 or 200mg/kg of food) supplemented diets. E. coli suspension (108cfu) was injected subcutaneously after 12 days cinnamon administration. Seventy-two hours after E. coli injection, the blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis of liver enzymes in serum (spectrophotometrically), and liver tissue samples were obtained for detection of gene expression of inflammatory markers TNF-α and NF-κB, using real-time PCR. Infection with E. coli significantly increased the levels of TNF-α and NF-κB gene expressions as well as some liver enzymes including creatine-kinase (CK), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine-transferase (ALT) and aspartate-transferase (AST) as compared with control group (P<0.05). Pre-administration of cinnamon extract in broilers diet (in both concentrations) significantly reduced the tissue levels of TNF-α and NF-κB gene expressions and enzymes CK and ALT in serum of broiler chickens inoculated with E. coli in comparison with E. coli group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). The levels of LDH and AST were significantly decreased only by 200mg/kg cinnamon extract in infected broilers. The level of alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) was not affected in any groups. Pre-administration of cinnamon extract in diets of broiler chickens inoculated with E. coli could significantly reduce the gene expression levels...(AU)

Infecção ocasionada por Escherichia coli (E. coli) é uma enfermidade comum na indústria avícola. O uso de antibióticos para tratar doenças bacterianas vem enfrentando sérias críticas e preocupações. As plantas medicinais podem ser alternativas eficazes por causa de suas atividades sinérgicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do extrato de canela sobre os níveis de as enzimas hepáticas bem como sobre a expressão dos genes relativos, fator de necrose tumoral-alfa (TNF-α) e fator nuclear -kappa B (NF-κB) em fígado de frangos de corte infectados com E. coli. Noventa frangos Ross-308 foram divididos em grupos saudáveis ou infectados com E. coli, que receberam dietas controle ou com suplementação contendo extrato de canela (em concentrações de 100 ou 200 mg/kg de alimento). Suspensão de E. coli (108UFC) foi injetado por via subcutânea, após 12 dias de administração do extrato de canela. Setenta e duas horas após a injeção de E. coli, amostras de sangue foram colhidas para análise bioquímica das enzimas do fígado no soro (espectrofotometria), e amostras de tecido de fígado foram obtidas para a determinação da expressão de genes de marcadores inflamatórios TNF-α e NF-κB, através PCR em tempo real. A infecção com E. coli aumentou significativamente os níveis de expressão dos genes TNF-α e NF-κB, assim como algumas enzimas hepáticas, incluindo creatina-quinase (CK), lactato-desidrogenase (LDH), alanina-transferase (ALT) e aspartato-transferase (AST), em comparação com o grupo de controle (P<0.05). A pré-administração do extrato de canela na dieta dos frangos (em ambas as concentrações) reduziu significativamente os níveis de expressão tecidual de TNF-α e NF-kB, da mesma forma que das enzimas CK e ALT no soro de frangos infectados com E. coli, em comparação com o grupos somente infectado com E. coli (P<0.05 e P<0.01). Os níveis de LDH e AST foram significativamente menores apenas para o grupo suplementado com extrato de canela na concentração...(AU)

The effects of microbial phytase on serum calcium and phosphorus levels and alkaline phosphatase activities in broilers fed diets containing different levels of phosphorus

Background: Addition of the phytase enzyme to the diet of monogastric animals is an effective and practical method for both utilization of phytate-P and P disposal. Besides hydrolytic effects on phytate, phytase may also improve the availability of minerals. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plays an important role in bone mineralization. Since dietary P levels decrease, serum ALP level has been shown to increase. It was reported that pigs and broilers fed phytase had lower serum ALP level. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of microbial phytase on serum calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (Pi) levels and ALP activities in broilers fed diets containing different P levels.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 144 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500 stain) were used in this study. The birds were housed in metabolic cages (33 cm × 33 cm × 40 cm) under environmentally controlled conditions for 42 days. The fluorescent lights were on for 24 h each day. Diets and water were provided ad libitum. Starter diet was given in the first three weeks of the study, and grower diet was given from the beginning of the fourth to the end of the sixth week. The study was designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three levels, low, medium and high, of nonphytate phosphorus (nPP) (0.18, 0.30 and 0.45 %), and two levels of phytase (0 and 600 U/kg diet). Blood samples were collected from 5 broilers in each group on days 21 and 42 and analyzed for serum Ca and Pi levels and ALP activities. Serum Ca concentrations were affected only by dietary P levels between 0-21 days (P < 0.05), but there were no differences between groups for serum Ca concentrations for 22-42 days. Phytase supplementation had no effect on serum Ca concentrations. During the experiment, serum P concentrations increased linearly depending on dietary P levels.[...]

The effects of microbial phytase on serum calcium and phosphorus levels and alkaline phosphatase activities in broilers fed diets containing different levels of phosphorus

Background: Addition of the phytase enzyme to the diet of monogastric animals is an effective and practical method for both utilization of phytate-P and P disposal. Besides hydrolytic effects on phytate, phytase may also improve the availability of minerals. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plays an important role in bone mineralization. Since dietary P levels decrease, serum ALP level has been shown to increase. It was reported that pigs and broilers fed phytase had lower serum ALP level. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of microbial phytase on serum calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (Pi) levels and ALP activities in broilers fed diets containing different P levels.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 144 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500 stain) were used in this study. The birds were housed in metabolic cages (33 cm × 33 cm × 40 cm) under environmentally controlled conditions for 42 days. The fluorescent lights were on for 24 h each day. Diets and water were provided ad libitum. Starter diet was given in the first three weeks of the study, and grower diet was given from the beginning of the fourth to the end of the sixth week. The study was designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three levels, low, medium and high, of nonphytate phosphorus (nPP) (0.18, 0.30 and 0.45 %), and two levels of phytase (0 and 600 U/kg diet). Blood samples were collected from 5 broilers in each group on days 21 and 42 and analyzed for serum Ca and Pi levels and ALP activities. Serum Ca concentrations were affected only by dietary P levels between 0-21 days (P < 0.05), but there were no differences between groups for serum Ca concentrations for 22-42 days. Phytase supplementation had no effect on serum Ca concentrations. During the experiment, serum P concentrations increased linearly depending on dietary P levels.[...](AU)

Evaluation of hematological profile, biochemical and peripheral blood smear with a view to the health profile in primates of the Cebus genre maintained in captivity / Avaliação do perfil hematológico, bioquímico e esfregaço de sangue periférico com vistas ao perfil sanitário em primatas do gênero Cebus mantidos em cativeiro

Non-human primates serve as a model for studies on the dynamics of transmission routes and natural history of diseases shared between humans and animals. The captive environment is conducive the dissemination of zoonotic diseases. Many of these animals do not present clinical symptomatology, even when infected, which characterize them as an important source of infection for domestic animals and man. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sanity of non-human primates kept in captivity through hematological and biochemical analysis as well as peripheral blood smear, aiming to investigate the presence of zoonotic pathogens, serving as a model for future studies on the dynamics of routes of transmission of diseases shared between humans and animals. Were collected samples of blood from 15 nail monkeys (Cebus sp.), adults, clinically healthy and belonging to Park Zoobotanic of Teresina. Were stained smear sanguine blades and obtained the haematological and biochemical profiles of each animal. The data analysis was based on basic statistics. Did not observed any haemoparasite present in peripheral blood. All animals were anemic, 46,7% thrombopenics and 87% of the animals showed some type of pathological process of chronic evolution, due to the high rate of monocytes found. All animals showed high rates of alkaline phosphatase, and transaminases AST and ALT, indicating injury of the hepatic parenchyma. New studies should be conducted to better elucidate of results, seeing that biochemical physiological data primate of the genus Cebus are scarce in literature.(AU)

Os primatas não humanos atuam como modelo para estudos sobre a dinâmica das vias de transmissão e história natural de doenças compartilhadas entre homens e animais. O ambiente de cativeiro é propício à disseminação de doenças de caráter zoonótico. Muitos destes animais não apresentam sintomatologia clínica, mesmo estando infectados, o que os caracterizam como importante fonte de infecção para os animais domésticos e o homem. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a sanidade de primatas não humanos mantidos em cativeiro através de análise hematológica e bioquímica, bem como esfregaço de sangue periférico, com intuito de investigar a presença de patógenos de caráter zoonótico, servindo de modelo para estudos futuros sobre a dinâmica das vias de transmissão de doenças compartilhadas entre homens e animais. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 15 macacos prego (Cebus sp.), adultos, clinicamente saudáveis e pertencentes ao Parque Zoobotânico de Teresina. Foram coradas lâminas de esfregaço sanguíneo e obtidos os perfis hematológicos e bioquímicos de cada animal. A análise dos dados baseou-se em estatística básica. Não foi observado nenhum hemoparasita presente em sangue periférico. Todos os animais estavam anêmicos, 46,7% trombopênicos e 87% apresentavam algum tipo de processo patológico de evolução crônica, devido à elevada taxa de monócitos encontrados. Todos os animais apresentaram elevadas taxas de fosfatase alcalina e das transaminases AST e ALT, indicando injúria do parênquima hepático. Novos estudos deverão ser realizados para melhor elucidação dos resultados, visto que dados bioquímicos fisiológicos de primatas do gênero Cebus são escassos na literatura.(AU)