Anticoagulants and their effects on the hematological and biochemical parameters of yellow-spotted amazon river turtle / Anticoagulantes e seus efeitos em parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de tracajá

Knowledge of suitable methods and reagents for assessing the health condition of specimens of a given species is essential. The present study evaluated the efficacy of the heparin anticoagulants 5,000 I.U. mL-1, Na2EDTA, and K3EDTA on the blood parameters of yellow-spotted amazon river turtle Podocnemis unifilis, employing different solutions for red blood cells count. The use of the various anticoagulants evaluated after 10 hours of storage efficiently inhibited coagulation in blood samples from P. unifilis. An increased number of erythrocytes was observed with the use of K3EDTA 5% when compared with heparin. Statistically significant changes in the erythrocyte number were observed with the use of the different solutions. Solutions which featured sodium citrate and formaldehyde in their composition, allowed erythrocytes counting up to 120 hours after blood collection, without a change in values. The use of the heparin anticoagulants 5,000 I.U. mL-1, Na2EDTA 3%, Na2EDTA 5%, K3EDTA 3% was recommended in the hematological analysis of P. unifilis. Also recommended was the use of the formaldehyde-citrate solution containing 1.9 g of sodium citrate and 1.0 mL of formaldehyde (in 50 mL of distilled water) to perform red blood cells counts in yellow-spotted amazon river turtle.

O conhecimento sobre métodos e reagentes apropriados para as avaliações da condição de saúde de exemplares de determinada espécie é fundamental. Este estudo avaliou a eficácia dos anticoagulantes heparina 5.000 U.I. mL-1, Na2EDTA (3% e 5%), e K3EDTA (3 e 5%) em parâmetros sanguíneos de tracajá (Podocnemis unifilis), bem como diferentes soluções para contagem de eritrócitos totais. A coagulação foi eficientemente inibida nas amostras de sangue de P. unifilis com o uso dos diferentes anticoagulantes avaliados após 10 horas de armazenamento. Maior número de eritrócitos com o uso de K3EDTA 5% foi observado quando comparado com a coleta de sangue realizada com heparina. Diferenças, estatisticamente significativas, entre as contagens de eritrócitos com o uso das diferentes soluções de reagentes avaliadas foram verificadas. As soluções contendo citrato de sódio e formol na composição possibilitaram contagens de eritrócitos até 120 horas após a coleta, sem alteração em seus valores. Recomenda-se o uso dos anticoagulantes heparina 5000 U.I. mL-¹, Na2EDTA 3%, Na2EDTA 5%, K3EDTA 3% nas análises hematológicas de tracajá. Assim como o uso da solução de formol-citrato contendo 1,9 g de citrato de sódio e 1,0 mL de formol (em 50 mL de água destilada) para realização das contagens de eritrócitos totais em tracajá.

Comparison of hemostatic efficacy of topical Ankaferd Blood Stopper on heparinized and nonheparinized rats in bleeding related to liver injury

Purpose: In this study, hemostatic efficacy of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), a new generation hemostatic agent, was compared in the presence of heparin effect. Methods: Forty-eight Wistar albino rats were divided into two main groups as heparinized and nonheparinized, and these two main groupswere divided into six subgroups as control, Surgicel and ABS (n = 8). Grade 2 liver injury was performed on rats as standard. All groups were compared in terms of weight, laceration surface area, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), bleeding time, bleeding amount, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, macroscopic and microscopic reactions to the agent used. Results: Whereas there was no statistically significant difference between weight, laceration surface area, PT, INR and preoperative Hb values in the heparinized and nonheparinized groups, postoperative Hb, bleeding time, bleeding amount and aPTT values were statistically different (p 0.05). In the heparin-hemostat interaction, the ABS group had the lowest bleeding in the heparinized group in terms of the amount of bleeding compared to the control and Surgicel groups (F = 0.764; p = 0.047). In macroscopic and microscopic comparison, there was no difference between the groups in terms of cell necrosis andfresh bleeding (p > 0.05), it was found that the Surgicel group had statistical significantly higher reaction scores (p < 0.05) than the other groups in terms of other parameters. Conclusions: Ankaferd Blood Stopper can be safely and effectively used in surgical practice and in patients with additional diseases requiring heparinization, since it causes minimal reaction in the liver and decreases the amount of bleeding especially in the heparinized group.(AU)

Properties, bioactive potential and extraction processes of glycosaminoglycans: an overview / Propriedades, potencial bioativo e processos de extração de glicosaminoglicanos: uma visão geral

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long-chain polysaccharides that are divided into sulphates and non-sulphates, these being chondroitin sulphate, heparan sulphate, dermatan sulphate, heparin sulphate and the only non-sulphate in the group is hyaluronic acid. GAGs are obtained from animal tissue and by an expensive low-yield extraction process; however, they are highly commercially valued polysaccharides and exploited in the biomedical market. Their disaccharidic composition, chain length and sulfation pattern present great variability depending on the species and extraction factors. GAGs possess immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiproliferative and anticoagulant properties, functioning as therapeutic agents modulating an array of biological processes. This report presents the general aspects of each GAG, source and extraction process, in addition to the characteristics that give them the most varied therapeutic properties and pharmacological applications.(AU)

Os glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) são polissacarídeos de cadeias longas que se dividem em sulfatados e não sulfatados, sendo estes, sulfato de condroitina, sulfato de heparana, sulfato de dermatana, sulfato de heparina e o único não sulfatado do grupo que é o ácido hialurônico. Os GAGs são encontrados em todo tecido animal, são extraídos por um processo de alto custo e baixo rendimento, no entanto, o material obtido é valorizado comercialmente e amplamente explorado no mercado biomédico. Sua composição dissacarídica, comprimento da cadeia e padrão de sulfatação apresentam grande variabilidade dependendo das espécies e fatores de extração. Os GAGs possuem propriedades imunomoduladoras, antioxidantes, antivirais, anti-inflamatórias, neuroprotetoras, antiproliferativas e anticoagulantes, além de farmacológicas, funcionando como agentes terapêuticos moduladores de uma série de processos biológicos. Este relatório apresenta os aspectos gerais de cada GAG, fonte e processo de extração, além das características que lhes conferem as mais variadas propriedades terapêuticas e aplicações farmacológicas.(AU)

A L-arginina na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos: perspectivas para o futuro / L-arginine in the in vitro production of bovine embryos: perspectives for the future

A L-arginina (L-arg) é o principal precursor da síntese do NO, contudo, é precursora também da síntese de creatina, agmatina, ureia, síntese proteica, L-ornitina, poliaminas, L-prolina e L-glutamato. Nesta breve revisão, vamos falar de alguns resultados que estão sendo obtidos sobre o papel da L-arg na capacitação de espermatozoides bovinos e seu impacto na produção in vitro de embriões. Estudos in vitro mostraram que a adição de L-arg ao meio de capacitação espermática está associada a um aumento na produção de NO, que se correlaciona com aumento da motilidade e vigor, integridade da membrana plasmática e acrossomal, atividade mitocondrial, capacitação espermática, peroxidação lipídica, bem como com a produção de blastocistos. Além disso, a adição da L-arg ao meio de capacitação in vitro, altera o perfil de proteínas importantes ligadas ao processo de capacitação, fertilização e desenvolvimento embrionário inicial. Estes efeitos da L-arg são GMPc dependentes e independentes. Na maturação in vitro, entretanto, embora já tenham sido encontrados bons resultados com o uso do L-arg, mais estudos são necessários para determinar a concentração ideal a ser adicionada ao meio de maturação in vitro e seu impacto na produção de blastocistos. Visto que a pré-capacitação de espermatozoides induzida pela heparina em presença de L-arg foi o método mais eficiente na produção in vitro de embriões, sugerimos sua utilização. Mais pesquisas sobre o metabolismo da L-arg no espermatozoide e CCOs de bovinos durante eventos ligados à fertilização são necessários para se identificar novas vias que atuem nestas etapas in vitro visando o aumento da percentagem e qualidade de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro.

L-arginine (L-arg) is the main source of NO synthesis; however, it is also a precursor of the synthesis of creatine, agmatine, urea, protein synthesis, L-ornithine, polyamines, L-proline, and Lglutamate. In this brief review, we will discuss some results obtained previously about the role of L-arg in the capacitation of bovine sperm and its impact on in vitro embryo production. In vitro studies have shown that the addition of L-arg to the sperm capacitation medium is associated with an increase in NO production, which in controlled levels is related to an increased motility and vigor, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, sperm capacitation, peroxidation lipids, as well as with the blastocyst production. Furthermore, the addition of L-arg to the in vitro capacitation medium alters the profile of important proteins linked to the capacitation process, fertilization, and early embryonic development. These effects of L-arg are cGMP dependent and independent. In in vitro maturation, however, although good results have already been found with the use of L-arg, further studies are needed to determine the ideal concentration to be added to the in vitro maturation medium and its impact on the production of blastocysts. Since heparin-induced pre-capacitation of spermatozoa in the presence of L-arg was the most efficient method for in vitro embryo production, we suggest its use. More research on L-arg metabolism in bovine sperm and OCCs during events related to fertilization is needed to identify new pathways that act in these in vitro steps aiming to increase the percentage and quality of bovine embryos produced in vitro.

Non-cardiogenic thromboembolism in a Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common acquired cardiovascular disease in the feline species. A frequent complication of this cardiomyopathy is the development of cardiac congestive failure, left atrial enlargement and subsequent development of arterial thromboembolism. In a significant percentage of affected animals there is progression to congestive heart failure, resulting in cyanosis and dyspnea, often the first clinical signs reported by owners. This is a report of a 10-year-old Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and venous and arterial thromboembolism of non-cardiogenic origin. Case: The patient was referred for cardiac evaluation, arterial thromboembolism was the suspected cause of tetraparesis. On clinical examination, a metacarpal pulse was present in all limbs; there was no cyanosis or peripheral hypothermia thus, ruling out a thromboembolic event in the limbs. Changes consistent with feline asthma and pulmonary edema were seen on radiographs, therefore hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was suspected. Treatment with enalapril (0.25 mg/kg every 12 h) for the heart condition and prednisolone (1 mg/kg every 24 h) for asthma was started. Nine days later, the patient developed mixed dyspnea (inspiratory and expiratory) and was hospitalized with signs consistent with arterial thromboembolism: paralysis and cold extremities in the right and left pelvic limbs. The patient was euthanized due to the poor prognosis. Postmortem and histopathological findings revealed left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, with no valvular changes; disseminated intravascular coagulation, with thrombi in the arterial (iliac arteries, pancreatic and renal vessels) and venous (pulmonary and renal veins) beds; as well as multiple neoplastic lung masses, identified as scirrhous pulmonary adenocarcinoma, responsible for increased interstitial radiopacity. Metastasis was also identified at the tracheal bifurcation, causing radiographic changes similar to the alveolar pattern of pulmonary edema

Non-cardiogenic thromboembolism in a Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common acquired cardiovascular disease in the feline species. A frequent complication of this cardiomyopathy is the development of cardiac congestive failure, left atrial enlargement and subsequent development of arterial thromboembolism. In a significant percentage of affected animals there is progression to congestive heart failure, resulting in cyanosis and dyspnea, often the first clinical signs reported by owners. This is a report of a 10-year-old Persian cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and venous and arterial thromboembolism of non-cardiogenic origin. Case: The patient was referred for cardiac evaluation, arterial thromboembolism was the suspected cause of tetraparesis. On clinical examination, a metacarpal pulse was present in all limbs; there was no cyanosis or peripheral hypothermia thus, ruling out a thromboembolic event in the limbs. Changes consistent with feline asthma and pulmonary edema were seen on radiographs, therefore hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was suspected. Treatment with enalapril (0.25 mg/kg every 12 h) for the heart condition and prednisolone (1 mg/kg every 24 h) for asthma was started. Nine days later, the patient developed mixed dyspnea (inspiratory and expiratory) and was hospitalized with signs consistent with arterial thromboembolism: paralysis and cold extremities in the right and left pelvic limbs. The patient was euthanized due to the poor prognosis. Postmortem and histopathological findings revealed left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, with no valvular changes; disseminated intravascular coagulation, with thrombi in the arterial (iliac arteries, pancreatic and renal vessels) and venous (pulmonary and renal veins) beds; as well as multiple neoplastic lung masses, identified as scirrhous pulmonary adenocarcinoma, responsible for increased interstitial radiopacity. Metastasis was also identified at the tracheal bifurcation, causing radiographic changes similar to the alveolar pattern of pulmonary edema…(AU)

Mini-Percoll technique induces similar capacitation features in domestic ruminant frozen-thawed spermatozoa regardless of the presence of heparin

Background: Sperm capacitation is a process consists of a series of functional, biochemical, and biophysical modificationsthat render the ejaculated sperm competent for oocyte fertilization. Secreted by the female reproductive tract epithelium,heparin promotes capacitation by binding to and removing seminal plasma proteins, which are adsorbed to the sperm PMand would inhibit capacitation. There is substantial evidence that cryopreservation promotes capacitation-like changes inbull, ram and buck sperm. Our general hypotheses were: (a) cryopreserved ram sperm suffer capacitation more quicklythan buck and bull sperm under the same conditions; (b) the capacitation status of ruminant cryopreserved sperm is similarwhether or not heparin is present after the mini-Percoll technique; and (c) ruminant frozen-thawed sperm selected by miniPercoll and incubated within media without heparin supplementation is not impaired in terms of capacitation status andsperm agglutination. This study aimed to compare sperm parameters of ovine, caprine, and bovine frozen-thawed spermafter mini-Percoll processing followed by incubation with or without heparin supplementation.Materials, Methods & Results: Commercial semen of all species were used. Sperm samples were selected by mini-Percolland supplemented (or not) with heparin within an incubation medium for 18 h. Sperm kinematics (CASA system analyzes),capacitation status (CTC staining) and sperm agglutination were evaluated after thawing, mini-Percoll, 1.5 h, 3 h, 6 h and18 h. In comparison with post-thawing analysis, ovine species demonstrated a reduction (P < 0.05) in most of the spermmotility parameters after mini-Percoll. Conversely, ovine samples presented...

Mini-Percoll technique induces similar capacitation features in domestic ruminant frozen-thawed spermatozoa regardless of the presence of heparin

Background: Sperm capacitation is a process consists of a series of functional, biochemical, and biophysical modificationsthat render the ejaculated sperm competent for oocyte fertilization. Secreted by the female reproductive tract epithelium,heparin promotes capacitation by binding to and removing seminal plasma proteins, which are adsorbed to the sperm PMand would inhibit capacitation. There is substantial evidence that cryopreservation promotes capacitation-like changes inbull, ram and buck sperm. Our general hypotheses were: (a) cryopreserved ram sperm suffer capacitation more quicklythan buck and bull sperm under the same conditions; (b) the capacitation status of ruminant cryopreserved sperm is similarwhether or not heparin is present after the mini-Percoll technique; and (c) ruminant frozen-thawed sperm selected by miniPercoll and incubated within media without heparin supplementation is not impaired in terms of capacitation status andsperm agglutination. This study aimed to compare sperm parameters of ovine, caprine, and bovine frozen-thawed spermafter mini-Percoll processing followed by incubation with or without heparin supplementation.Materials, Methods & Results: Commercial semen of all species were used. Sperm samples were selected by mini-Percolland supplemented (or not) with heparin within an incubation medium for 18 h. Sperm kinematics (CASA system analyzes),capacitation status (CTC staining) and sperm agglutination were evaluated after thawing, mini-Percoll, 1.5 h, 3 h, 6 h and18 h. In comparison with post-thawing analysis, ovine species demonstrated a reduction (P < 0.05) in most of the spermmotility parameters after mini-Percoll. Conversely, ovine samples presented...(AU)

Aplicações dos testes de integridade acrossômica e reação acrossômica induzida para touros da raça Nelore / Applications of acrosome integrity and induced acrosome reaction tests to Nelore bulls

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho e a variabilidade de resultados das provas funcionais de integridade acrossômica (IA) e a reação acrossômica induzida (RAI) em touros jovens da raça Nelore, bem como verificar suas associações com outros parâmetros andrológicos. Foram avaliadas 16 amostras de sêmen congelado de touros jovens da raça Nelore utilizando-se esfregaços em lâminas pelo método de Azul Trypan / Giemsa. A média geral da integridade acrossômica pós-congelação foi de 85 ± 6%, com redução para 76 ± 8% após quatro horas de incubação em banho maria a 37º C com meio de TALP HEPES com albumina. Os testes de RAI tiveram diferenças acentuadas entre os touros do experimento, com média 18 ± 9 %, com números máximos e mínimos de 44% a 3%. Os resultados sugerem que ambos os indutores Heparina e Heparina + Lisofosfatidilcolina (LPC) foram eficientes e devem ser utilizados nas avaliações de RAI. Na comparação entre touros de alta a baixa RAI quanto a diversos parâmetros andrológicos, houve diferença (p<0,05) apenas para motilidade pré-congelação entre os grupos, com resultados superiores para os touros de baixa RAI (≤ 17%). Quanto as correlações dos parâmetros andrológicos e as provas funcionais da qualidade espermática (IA e RAI), somente a motilidade espermática esteve negativamente correlacionada a RAI (–0,51, p<0,05). Concluiu-se que os testes de integridade acrossômica e reação acrossômica induzida são importantes testes complementares para avaliação da qualidade funcional dos espermatozoides, uma vez que apresentam alta variabilidade entre touros e baixa associação com outros parâmetros andrológicos. Entretanto, os mesmos devem ser interpretados dentro dos limites de avaliação dos processos associados a qualidade espermática, e não como um indicador amplo e único da fertilidade ou capacidade fecundante de touros.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and variability of the results of functional tests for assessing acrosome integrity and heparin-induced acrosome reaction (IAR) in young Nellore bulls, as well as to verify their associations with other andrological parameters. Smears were prepared from 16 frozen semen samples of young Nellore bulls and stained with Trypan blue/Giemsa. The overall average post-freezing acrosome integrity was 85 ± 6%, with a reduction to 76 ± 8% after 4 hours of incubation and no large variation between bulls. Marked differences between bulls of the experiment were observed for the heparin IAR tests, with an average of 18 ± 9% (range 44% to 3%). The results suggest that both heparin and heparin + lysophosphatidylcholine were efficient inducers that should be used together in IAR evaluations. Comparison of the different andrological parameters between bulls with high and low IAR showed a difference (p<0.05) only for pre-freezing motility, with superior results for low IAR bulls (≤ 17%). There were no correlations between the andrological parameters and functional tests of sperm quality (acrosome integrity and IAR). Only pre-freezing sperm motility was negatively correlated with IAR (–0.51, p<0.05). In conclusion, the acrosome integrity and IAR tests are important complementary tests to evaluate the functional quality of sperm since they exhibit high variability between bulls and low association with other andrological parameters. However, the tests should be interpreted within the limits of evaluation of the processes associated with sperm quality and not as a broad indicator of bull fertility or reproductive capacity.

Aplicações dos testes de integridade acrossômica e reação acrossômica induzida para touros da raça Nelore / Applications of acrosome integrity and induced acrosome reaction tests to Nelore bulls

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho e a variabilidade de resultados das provas funcionais de integridade acrossômica (IA) e a reação acrossômica induzida (RAI) em touros jovens da raça Nelore, bem como verificar suas associações com outros parâmetros andrológicos. Foram avaliadas 16 amostras de sêmen congelado de touros jovens da raça Nelore utilizando-se esfregaços em lâminas pelo método de Azul Trypan / Giemsa. A média geral da integridade acrossômica pós-congelação foi de 85 ± 6%, com redução para 76 ± 8% após quatro horas de incubação em banho maria a 37º C com meio de TALP HEPES com albumina. Os testes de RAI tiveram diferenças acentuadas entre os touros do experimento, com média 18 ± 9 %, com números máximos e mínimos de 44% a 3%. Os resultados sugerem que ambos os indutores Heparina e Heparina + Lisofosfatidilcolina (LPC) foram eficientes e devem ser utilizados nas avaliações de RAI. Na comparação entre touros de alta a baixa RAI quanto a diversos parâmetros andrológicos, houve diferença (p<0,05) apenas para motilidade pré-congelação entre os grupos, com resultados superiores para os touros de baixa RAI (≤ 17%). Quanto as correlações dos parâmetros andrológicos e as provas funcionais da qualidade espermática (IA e RAI), somente a motilidade espermática esteve negativamente correlacionada a RAI (–0,51, p<0,05). Concluiu-se que os testes de integridade acrossômica e reação acrossômica induzida são importantes testes complementares para avaliação da qualidade funcional dos espermatozoides, uma vez que apresentam alta variabilidade entre touros e baixa associação com outros parâmetros andrológicos. Entretanto, os mesmos devem ser interpretados dentro dos limites de avaliação dos processos associados a qualidade espermática, e não como um indicador amplo e único da fertilidade ou capacidade fecundante de touros.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and variability of the results of functional tests for assessing acrosome integrity and heparin-induced acrosome reaction (IAR) in young Nellore bulls, as well as to verify their associations with other andrological parameters. Smears were prepared from 16 frozen semen samples of young Nellore bulls and stained with Trypan blue/Giemsa. The overall average post-freezing acrosome integrity was 85 ± 6%, with a reduction to 76 ± 8% after 4 hours of incubation and no large variation between bulls. Marked differences between bulls of the experiment were observed for the heparin IAR tests, with an average of 18 ± 9% (range 44% to 3%). The results suggest that both heparin and heparin + lysophosphatidylcholine were efficient inducers that should be used together in IAR evaluations. Comparison of the different andrological parameters between bulls with high and low IAR showed a difference (p<0.05) only for pre-freezing motility, with superior results for low IAR bulls (≤ 17%). There were no correlations between the andrological parameters and functional tests of sperm quality (acrosome integrity and IAR). Only pre-freezing sperm motility was negatively correlated with IAR (–0.51, p<0.05). In conclusion, the acrosome integrity and IAR tests are important complementary tests to evaluate the functional quality of sperm since they exhibit high variability between bulls and low association with other andrological parameters. However, the tests should be interpreted within the limits of evaluation of the processes associated with sperm quality and not as a broad indicator of bull fertility or reproductive capacity.(AU)

Clinical biochemistry of rescued Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus): serum or heparinized plasma? / Bioquímica clínica de pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) de resgate: soro ou plasma heparinizado?

IIn the last few years, an increasing number of debilitated Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) has been rescued and taken to rehabilitation centers on Brazil's southern coast to be clinically treated and evaluated for re-introduction. This work aims to compare the viability of heparinized plasma with the viability of serum for biochemistry analyses under rehabilitation conditions. Blood sampled from 31 physically healthy rescued penguins was processed into serum/plasma-paired samples and analyzed for 12 biochemical parameters: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol (CHOL), creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, (GLU) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total proteins (TP), triglycerides (TG), urea (UR), and uric acid (UA).The results showed that six paired samples presented visual signs of hemolysis (visual hemolytic score≥1), four of which occurred exclusively in the serum counterpart. Significant differences (P≤ 0.5) between sample types were found for CHOL (3%), GLU (6%) and TG (52%). Only TG was considered clinically relevant (>10%). All mean/median results fell within the available reference intervals by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Penguin, 2014). In conclusion, we verified that heparinized plasma is a viable sample for the clinical biochemistry of rescued Magellanic penguins as it yields compatible results with serum, while providing practical benefits. The adoption of this practice favors a faster bird recovery, by minimizing blood sampling volume, and optimizes material resources, allowing use of the same collector tube as for hematology.(AU)

Nos últimos anos, um número crescente de pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) debilitados vem sendo resgatado e encaminhado aos centros de reabilitação do litoral sul do Brasil para cuidados clínicos e posterior avaliação de reintrodução. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar a viabilidade do plasma heparinizado com a do soro para análises bioquímicas, em condições de reabilitação. Amostras de sangue de 31 pinguins de resgate fisicamente saudáveis foram processadas em amostras pareadas de soro e plasma heparinizado, e 12 parâmetros bioquímicos foram analisados: alanina aminotransferase (ALT), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), colesterol (CHOL), creatina quinase (CK), gamaglutamil transpeptidase (GGT), glicose (GLU), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), proteínas totais (TP), triglicérides (TG), ureia (UR) e ácido úrico (UA). Os resultados mostraram que seis amostras pareadas apresentaram sinais visuais de hemólise (escore hemolítico visual≥1), das quais quatro ocorreram exclusivamente no soro. Observaram-se diferenças significativas (P≤0,5) entre os tipos de amostra em CHOL (3%), GLU (6%) e TG (52%), sendo apenas TG considerado clinicamente relevante (>10%). Todos os resultados de médias e medianas situaram-se dentro dos intervalos de referência disponíveis fornecidos pela Associação de Zoológicos e Aquários (AZA). Como conclusão, verificou-se que o plasma heparinizado é uma amostra viável para a bioquímica clínica de pinguins-de-magalhães de resgate, produzindo resultados compatíveis com os do soro. Além disso, a adoção dessa prática favorece uma recuperação mais rápida dos animais, ao diminuir o volume de sangue amostrado, e otimiza os recursos materiais, ao permitir o aproveitamento do mesmo tubo de colheita de hematologia.(AU)

Clinical biochemistry of rescued Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus): serum or heparinized plasma? / Bioquímica clínica de pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) de resgate: soro ou plasma heparinizado?

In the last few years, an increasing number of debilitated Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) has been rescued and taken to rehabilitation centers on Brazil's southern coast to be clinically treated and evaluated for re-introduction. This work aims to compare the viability of heparinized plasma with the viability of serum for biochemistry analyses under rehabilitation conditions. Blood sampled from 31 physically healthy rescued penguins was processed into serum/plasma-paired samples and analyzed for 12 biochemical parameters: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol (CHOL), creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, (GLU) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total proteins (TP), triglycerides (TG), urea (UR), and uric acid (UA).The results showed that six paired samples presented visual signs of hemolysis (visual hemolytic score≥1), four of which occurred exclusively in the serum counterpart. Significant differences (P≤ 0.5) between sample types were found for CHOL (3%), GLU (6%) and TG (52%). Only TG was considered clinically relevant (>10%). All mean/median results fell within the available reference intervals by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Penguin, 2014). In conclusion, we verified that heparinized plasma is a viable sample for the clinical biochemistry of rescued Magellanic penguins as it yields compatible results with serum, while providing practical benefits. The adoption of this practice favors a faster bird recovery, by minimizing blood sampling volume, and optimizes material resources, allowing use of the same collector tube as for hematology.(AU)

Nos últimos anos, um número crescente de pinguins-de-magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) debilitados vem sendo resgatado e encaminhado aos centros de reabilitação do litoral sul do Brasil para cuidados clínicos e posterior avaliação de reintrodução. Este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar a viabilidade do plasma heparinizado com a do soro para análises bioquímicas, em condições de reabilitação. Amostras de sangue de 31 pinguins de resgate fisicamente saudáveis foram processadas em amostras pareadas de soro e plasma heparinizado, e 12 parâmetros bioquímicos foram analisados: alanina aminotransferase (ALT), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), colesterol (CHOL), creatina quinase (CK), gamaglutamil transpeptidase (GGT), glicose (GLU), lactato desidrogenase (LDH), proteínas totais (TP), triglicérides (TG), ureia (UR) e ácido úrico (UA). Os resultados mostraram que seis amostras pareadas apresentaram sinais visuais de hemólise (escore hemolítico visual≥1), das quais quatro ocorreram exclusivamente no soro. Observaram-se diferenças significativas (P≤0,5) entre os tipos de amostra em CHOL (3%), GLU (6%) e TG (52%), sendo apenas TG considerado clinicamente relevante (>10%). Todos os resultados de médias e medianas situaram-se dentro dos intervalos de referência disponíveis fornecidos pela Associação de Zoológicos e Aquários (AZA). Como conclusão, verificou-se que o plasma heparinizado é uma amostra viável para a bioquímica clínica de pinguins-de-magalhães de resgate, produzindo resultados compatíveis com os do soro. Além disso, a adoção dessa prática favorece uma recuperação mais rápida dos animais, ao diminuir o volume de sangue amostrado, e otimiza os recursos materiais, ao permitir o aproveitamento do mesmo tubo de colheita de hematologia.(AU)

Surgery-induced changes in erythrocyte and plasma lipid peroxidation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of female rats: protective role of heparin and pentoxifylline

Background: Intra abdominal adhesions are a complication that occurs after many abdominal surgical procedures, especially gynecological operations. These complications occur by irritating the peritoneum due to such circumstances as infection or surgical trauma, and are considered a pathological part of the healing process of peritoneal injury. It manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, intestinal or urethral obstruction and abdominal abscesses. Oxidative stress due to adhesions plays an important role on adhesion formation. In addition to many researches done at the point of prevention of adhesion and decreasing stress parameters, in this study, it was planned to determine the effect of Heparin (H) and Pentoxifylline (PTX) on malondialdehyde (MDA) and some antioxidant values.Materials, Methods & Results: This study was performed on rats and thirty-seven female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups. The first group was sham (Sh) group (n = 7) and laparotomy was performed and 2 mL of 0.9 % NaCl was applied. For all other rats (n = 30) the small intestine was withdrawn and the uterus was uncovered and the anti mesenteric surfaces of the left uterine horn and left abdominal wall were superficially tilted until slight bleeding was seen. Lesion areas have been covered. Two mL 0.9 % NaCl to control (C) group (n = 10), 500 IU heparin to group H, and 25 mg / kg Pentoxifylline to group PTX (n = 10) have been given and then the abdominal incision was closed. The adhesion score of group Sh was found to be more important than C and PTX groups (P < 0.05). The adhesion score of group C was determined to be more significant than group H (P < 0.05). In group Sh, erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were found to be more significant (P < 0.01) than C, H and PTX groups whereas it was found that group C was more significant than group H (P < 0.01).[...]

Surgery-induced changes in erythrocyte and plasma lipid peroxidation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of female rats: protective role of heparin and pentoxifylline

Background: Intra abdominal adhesions are a complication that occurs after many abdominal surgical procedures, especially gynecological operations. These complications occur by irritating the peritoneum due to such circumstances as infection or surgical trauma, and are considered a pathological part of the healing process of peritoneal injury. It manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, intestinal or urethral obstruction and abdominal abscesses. Oxidative stress due to adhesions plays an important role on adhesion formation. In addition to many researches done at the point of prevention of adhesion and decreasing stress parameters, in this study, it was planned to determine the effect of Heparin (H) and Pentoxifylline (PTX) on malondialdehyde (MDA) and some antioxidant values.Materials, Methods & Results: This study was performed on rats and thirty-seven female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups. The first group was sham (Sh) group (n = 7) and laparotomy was performed and 2 mL of 0.9 % NaCl was applied. For all other rats (n = 30) the small intestine was withdrawn and the uterus was uncovered and the anti mesenteric surfaces of the left uterine horn and left abdominal wall were superficially tilted until slight bleeding was seen. Lesion areas have been covered. Two mL 0.9 % NaCl to control (C) group (n = 10), 500 IU heparin to group H, and 25 mg / kg Pentoxifylline to group PTX (n = 10) have been given and then the abdominal incision was closed. The adhesion score of group Sh was found to be more important than C and PTX groups (P < 0.05). The adhesion score of group C was determined to be more significant than group H (P < 0.05). In group Sh, erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were found to be more significant (P < 0.01) than C, H and PTX groups whereas it was found that group C was more significant than group H (P < 0.01).[...](AU)

Extraction, physical-chemical characterization and in vitro inhibitorypotential of thrombin generation of crude sulfated polysaccharides from Brazilian tropical seaweeds / Extração, caracterização físico-química e potencial inibitório in vitro da geração detrombina de polissacarídeos sulfatados brutos de algas marinhas tropicais brasileiras

The biotechnological value of macroalgae for screening assays of thrombin generation-TG using sulfated polysaccharides-SPs as substitutes to heparin has been poorly explored. Five Brazilian species of macroalgae (Gracilaria birdiae, Acanthophora muscoides, Halymenia sp., Caulerpa cupressoides and C. racemosa) wereanalyzed and compared for their abundance, physical-chemical characteristics and in vitro anticoagulant assays of activated partial thromboplastin time-APTT, prothrombin time-PT and TG. Papain extraction yielded (p < 0.001) from 0.66±0.03% (C. racemosa) to 41.60±1.10% (Halymenia sp.) of crude SPs varying sulfate (8.41-42.60%) and total sugars (47.80-70.53%). Crude SPs showed difference in mobility and resolution pattern by agarose electrophoresis, while polyacrylamide analysis revealed SPs of > 100 kDa. These procedures,combined with the use of Stains-All, also indicated nonSPs. APTTs ranged from 2.81 (A. muscoides) to 21.30 IU(Halymenia sp.) vs. heparin (193 IU), and were dependent on sulfation of the crude SPs. PT was not altered. Withrespect to TG assay, crude SPs modified concentration-dependent and independently from molecular mass TGby both intrinsic/extrinsic pathways in 60-fold diluted human plasma, with total intrinsic inactivation using crudeSPs from A. muscoides in parallel to heparin (p < 0.05). Thrombosis in vitro is differentially modulated by distinctcrude SPs from Brazilian seaweeds.(AU)

O valor biotecnológico das macroalgas para ensaios de varredura de geração de trombina-GT pouco tem sido explorado usando polissacarídeos sulfatados-PSs como substitutos à heparina. Foramanalisadas e comparadas cinco espécies brasileiras de macroalgas (Gracilaria birdiae, Acanthophora muscoides, Halymenia sp., Caulerpa cupressoides e C. racemosa) quanto à abundância, às característicasfísico-químicas e os ensaios anticoagulantes in vitro de tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada-TTPA, aotempo de protrombina-TP e a GT. A extração com papaína rendeu (p < 0,001) de 0,66±0,03%(C. racemosa) a 41,60±1,10% (Halymenia sp.) de PSs brutos variando sulfato (8,41-42,60%) e açúcarestotais (47,80-70,53%). Os PSs brutos mostraram diferenças na mobilidade e resolução por eletroforese emagarose, enquanto pela análise em poliacrilamida revelou PSs brutos de >100 kDa. Esses procedimentos,combinados ao uso de azul de toluidina/Stains-All, indicaram também polissacarídeos-não sulfatados. OsTTPAs foram dependentes da sulfatação dos PSs brutos e variaram de 2,81 (A. muscoides) a 21,30 UI (Halymenia sp.) vs. heparina (193 UI). O TP não foi alterado. Com respeito ao ensaio de GT, os PSs brutos modificaram, dependente de concentração e independentemente de massa molecular, GT pelas viasintrínseca/extrínseca no plasma humano diluído 60 vezes, com inativação intrínseca total usando PSs brutosde A. muscoides em paralelo à heparina (p < 0,05). A trombose in vitro é modulada diferencialmente porPSs brutos distintos de algas marinhas brasileiras.(AU)

Extraction, physical-chemical characterization and in vitro inhibitorypotential of thrombin generation of crude sulfated polysaccharides from Brazilian tropical seaweeds / Extração, caracterização físico-química e potencial inibitório in vitro da geração detrombina de polissacarídeos sulfatados brutos de algas marinhas tropicais brasileiras

The biotechnological value of macroalgae for screening assays of thrombin generation-TG using sulfated polysaccharides-SPs as substitutes to heparin has been poorly explored. Five Brazilian species of macroalgae (Gracilaria birdiae, Acanthophora muscoides, Halymenia sp., Caulerpa cupressoides and C. racemosa) wereanalyzed and compared for their abundance, physical-chemical characteristics and in vitro anticoagulant assays of activated partial thromboplastin time-APTT, prothrombin time-PT and TG. Papain extraction yielded (p 100 kDa. These procedures,combined with the use of Stains-All, also indicated nonSPs. APTTs ranged from 2.81 (A. muscoides) to 21.30 IU(Halymenia sp.) vs. heparin (193 IU), and were dependent on sulfation of the crude SPs. PT was not altered. Withrespect to TG assay, crude SPs modified concentration-dependent and independently from molecular mass TGby both intrinsic/extrinsic pathways in 60-fold diluted human plasma, with total intrinsic inactivation using crudeSPs from A. muscoides in parallel to heparin (p < 0.05). Thrombosis in vitro is differentially modulated by distinctcrude SPs from Brazilian seaweeds.

O valor biotecnológico das macroalgas para ensaios de varredura de geração de trombina-GT pouco tem sido explorado usando polissacarídeos sulfatados-PSs como substitutos à heparina. Foramanalisadas e comparadas cinco espécies brasileiras de macroalgas (Gracilaria birdiae, Acanthophora muscoides, Halymenia sp., Caulerpa cupressoides e C. racemosa) quanto à abundância, às característicasfísico-químicas e os ensaios anticoagulantes in vitro de tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada-TTPA, aotempo de protrombina-TP e a GT. A extração com papaína rendeu (p 100 kDa. Esses procedimentos,combinados ao uso de azul de toluidina/Stains-All, indicaram também polissacarídeos-não sulfatados. OsTTPAs foram dependentes da sulfatação dos PSs brutos e variaram de 2,81 (A. muscoides) a 21,30 UI (Halymenia sp.) vs. heparina (193 UI). O TP não foi alterado. Com respeito ao ensaio de GT, os PSs brutos modificaram, dependente de concentração e independentemente de massa molecular, GT pelas viasintrínseca/extrínseca no plasma humano diluído 60 vezes, com inativação intrínseca total usando PSs brutosde A. muscoides em paralelo à heparina (p < 0,05). A trombose in vitro é modulada diferencialmente porPSs brutos distintos de algas marinhas brasileiras.

Plasma Biochemistry values in wild female hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) during nesting in Mexican coast / Valores de bioquímica plasmática em tartaruga de pente (Eretmochelys imbricata) durante a época de desova na costa mexicana

To obtain plasma biochemistry values, blood was collected for 47 nesting females of apparently healthy Eretmochelys imbricata sea turtles using sodium heparin as an anticoagulant. Blood samples were collected in April-Jun for two years (nesting season). Hematologic characteristics, including packed cell volume, white blood cell counts, red blood cell count and hemoglobin level; and plasma chemistry values, including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose were measured. The data generated from this study may be useful for clinical assessment of health and disease of wild hawksbill sea turtles on nearshore habitats in the Gulf of Mexico, thus contributing to a conservation of this species.

Para obter valores da bioquímica plasmática, foram coletadas amostras de sangue durante a desova de 47 tartarugas marinhas fêmeas aparentemente saudáveis da espécie Eretmochelys imbricata, utilizando heparina sódica como anticoagulante. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas durante dois anos entre os meses de abril e junho (época de nidificação). Mediu-se os parâmetros hematológicos (incluindo hematócrito, contagem de glóbulos brancos e vermelhos e nível de hemoglobina) e os valores da bioquímica plasmática (incluindo creatinina, ureia, ácido úrico, triglicérides, colesterol total e glicose). Os dados gerados a partir deste estudo podem ser úteis para a avaliação clínica de saúde e de doença em tartarugas-de-pente em habitats próximos ao litoral no Golfo do México, contribuindo para a conservação dessa espécie.

Structural and physical-chemical analyses of sulfated polysaccharidesfrom the sea lettuce Ulva lactuca and their effects on thrombin generation / Análises estrutural e físico-química de polissacarídeos sulfatados da alface do mar Ulva lactuca e seus efeitos sobre geração de trombina

Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyceae) has biotechnologically-important sulfated-polysaccharides (Ul-SPs), but their potentials on thrombin generation (TG) are unknown. This study analyzed the structural and physicalchemical features of the Ul-SPs as modulators of TG. Proteolytic digestion yielded (13.13%) extract containing sulfate (20.43%) and total sugars (65.72%), besides ulvan consisting of rhamnose, xylose, glucose, glucuronic acid and α-/β-types glycosidic linkages as characterized by one-/two-dimensions nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Fractionation of the Ul-SPs by DEAE-cellulose chromatography yielded Ul-SP1 and Ul-SP2 (0.50 and 0.75 M NaCl, respectively) showing sulfation (15.72-18.04%) and total sugars (59.73-60.58%) consistent with the charge density pattern by combination of agarose/polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis using sequential staining with toluidine blue and stains-all, although with slight differences in their sizes (40 and >100 kDa, respectively). By both activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests, anticoagulation of the fractions was virtually detected by APTT (0.39 and 0.43 IU, respectively) against heparin (193 IU). Fractions acted differently on both intrinsic/extrinsic pathways in TG using 60-fold diluted human plasma, with 50% efficacies up to 8.3 μg, whereas at high concentrations suggested intrinsic hypercoagulability since heparin abolished both systems at low amounts. Ul-SPs block TG, but predicting thrombosis in increasing doses.

Clorofícea Ulva lactuca possui polissacarídeos sulfatados (Ul-PSs) importantes biotecnologicamente, porém são desconhecidos seus potenciais sobre geração de trombina (GT). Analisaram-se as características estruturais e físico-químicas dos Ul-PSs como moduladores de GT. Digestão proteolítica rendeu (13,13%) extrato contendo sulfato (20,43%) e açúcares totais (65,72%), além de ulvana, como caracterizada por experimentos de ressonância magnética nuclear uni-/bi-dimensionais, consistindo de ramnose, xilose, glucose, ácido glucurônico e ligações glicosídicas tipos-α/-β. Fracionamento dos Ul-PSs por cromatografia de DEAE-celulose rendeu Ul-PS1 e Ul-PS2 (0,50 e 0,75 M de NaCl, respectivamente) mostrando sulfatação (15,72-18,04%) e açúcares totais (59,73- 60,58%) consistentes com o grau de densidade de carga por combinação de eletroforese em gel de agarose/poliacrilamida usando coramento sequencial com azul de toluidina e "stains-all", embora com diferenças quanto aos seus tamanhos (40 e >100 kDa, respectivamente). Por ambos os testes do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA) e do tempo de protrombina, anticoagulação das frações foi detectada virtualmente pelo TTPA (0,39 e 0,43 UI, respectivamente) frente heparina (193 UI). Frações atuaram diferentemente sobre ambas as vias intrínsica/extrínsica na GT usando plasma humano diluído 60 vezes, com eficácias de 50% até 8,3 μg, enquanto em concentrações maiores sugeriram hipercoagulabilidade intrínsica visto que heparina aboliu ambos os sistemas em quantidades baixas. Ul-PSs bloqueiam GT, porém prevendo trombose em doses crescentes.

Structural and physical-chemical analyses of sulfated polysaccharidesfrom the sea lettuce Ulva lactuca and their effects on thrombin generation / Análises estrutural e físico-química de polissacarídeos sulfatados da alface do mar Ulva lactuca e seus efeitos sobre geração de trombina

Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyceae) has biotechnologically-important sulfated-polysaccharides (Ul-SPs), but their potentials on thrombin generation (TG) are unknown. This study analyzed the structural and physicalchemical features of the Ul-SPs as modulators of TG. Proteolytic digestion yielded (13.13%) extract containing sulfate (20.43%) and total sugars (65.72%), besides ulvan consisting of rhamnose, xylose, glucose, glucuronic acid and α-/β-types glycosidic linkages as characterized by one-/two-dimensions nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Fractionation of the Ul-SPs by DEAE-cellulose chromatography yielded Ul-SP1 and Ul-SP2 (0.50 and 0.75 M NaCl, respectively) showing sulfation (15.72-18.04%) and total sugars (59.73-60.58%) consistent with the charge density pattern by combination of agarose/polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis using sequential staining with toluidine blue and stains-all, although with slight differences in their sizes (40 and >100 kDa, respectively). By both activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests, anticoagulation of the fractions was virtually detected by APTT (0.39 and 0.43 IU, respectively) against heparin (193 IU). Fractions acted differently on both intrinsic/extrinsic pathways in TG using 60-fold diluted human plasma, with 50% efficacies up to 8.3 μg, whereas at high concentrations suggested intrinsic hypercoagulability since heparin abolished both systems at low amounts. Ul-SPs block TG, but predicting thrombosis in increasing doses.(AU)

Clorofícea Ulva lactuca possui polissacarídeos sulfatados (Ul-PSs) importantes biotecnologicamente, porém são desconhecidos seus potenciais sobre geração de trombina (GT). Analisaram-se as características estruturais e físico-químicas dos Ul-PSs como moduladores de GT. Digestão proteolítica rendeu (13,13%) extrato contendo sulfato (20,43%) e açúcares totais (65,72%), além de ulvana, como caracterizada por experimentos de ressonância magnética nuclear uni-/bi-dimensionais, consistindo de ramnose, xilose, glucose, ácido glucurônico e ligações glicosídicas tipos-α/-β. Fracionamento dos Ul-PSs por cromatografia de DEAE-celulose rendeu Ul-PS1 e Ul-PS2 (0,50 e 0,75 M de NaCl, respectivamente) mostrando sulfatação (15,72-18,04%) e açúcares totais (59,73- 60,58%) consistentes com o grau de densidade de carga por combinação de eletroforese em gel de agarose/poliacrilamida usando coramento sequencial com azul de toluidina e "stains-all", embora com diferenças quanto aos seus tamanhos (40 e >100 kDa, respectivamente). Por ambos os testes do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA) e do tempo de protrombina, anticoagulação das frações foi detectada virtualmente pelo TTPA (0,39 e 0,43 UI, respectivamente) frente heparina (193 UI). Frações atuaram diferentemente sobre ambas as vias intrínsica/extrínsica na GT usando plasma humano diluído 60 vezes, com eficácias de 50% até 8,3 μg, enquanto em concentrações maiores sugeriram hipercoagulabilidade intrínsica visto que heparina aboliu ambos os sistemas em quantidades baixas. Ul-PSs bloqueiam GT, porém prevendo trombose em doses crescentes.(AU)

Plasma biochemistry values in wild female hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) during nesting in Mexican coast / Valores de bioquímica plasmática em tartaruga de pente (Eretmochelys imbricata) durante a época de desova na costa mexicana

To obtain plasma biochemistry values, blood was collected for 47 nesting females of apparently healthy Eretmochelys imbricata sea turtles using sodium heparin as an anticoagulant. Blood samples were collected in April-Jun for two years (nesting season). Hematologic characteristics, including packed cell volume, white blood cell counts, red blood cell count and hemoglobin level; and plasma chemistry values, including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose were measured. The data generated from this study may be useful for clinical assessment of health and disease of wild hawksbill sea turtles on nearshore habitats in the Gulf of Mexico, thus contributing to a conservation of this species.(AU)

Para obter valores da bioquímica plasmática, foram coletadas amostras de sangue durante a desova de 47 tartarugas marinhas fêmeas aparentemente saudáveis da espécie Eretmochelys imbricata, utilizando heparina sódica como anticoagulante. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas durante dois anos entre os meses de abril e junho (época de nidificação). Mediu-se os parâmetros hematológicos (incluindo hematócrito, contagem de glóbulos brancos e vermelhos e nível de hemoglobina) e os valores da bioquímica plasmática (incluindo creatinina, ureia, ácido úrico, triglicérides, colesterol total e glicose). Os dados gerados a partir deste estudo podem ser úteis para a avaliação clínica de saúde e de doença em tartarugas-de-pente em habitats próximos ao litoral no Golfo do México, contribuindo para a conservação dessa espécie.(AU)