The effects of levamisole and albendazole on spermatological parameters, testosterone levels, and sperm DNA damage in Saanen bucks.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of levamisole and albendazole on spermatological parameters, testosterone levels, and sperm DNA damage in Saanen bucks. For this purpose, twenty-four Saanen bucks were divided into three groups as control, levamisole, and albendazole administration group. The control group received only water (20 ml, oral), the levamisole group received 7.5 mg/kg of levamisole (2 oral tablets once daily for 2 days) + water (20 ml, oral), and the albendazole group received 7.5 mg/kg of albendazole (1 oral tablet) + water (20 ml, oral). Semen and blood samples were collected from all animals, both before drug application (day 0) and within a 2-day interval after drug application between day 1 (day of the treatment) and day 11. Spermatological parameters were evaluated immediately after collection. Testosterone levels were also measured from the blood samples with ELISA. Sperm DNA damage was determined with comet assay. The present research showed that especially albendazole administration decreased spermatological parameters and levamisole administration decreased testosterone levels. Significant sperm DNA damage was seen after both albendazole and levamisole administration. As a result, albendazole and levamisole administration should be used carefully on Saanen bucks, especially during the breeding season.

Adverse effects of oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin on the fertility of Saanen bucks.

This study aimed to determine the adverse effects of oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin application on the fertility of Saanen bucks. For this purpose, twenty-four bucks were divided into three groups. Group I (control group) received only 5 ml of 0.9% NaCl for 7 days, group II was given a single dose of 20 mg/kg oxytetracycline and group III was given at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg per day for 7 days intramuscularly. Serum and semen samples were collected from the bucks at post-treatment 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days and examined spermatological parameters (quantity, motility, density, abnormal sperm ratio, and live-dead sperm ratio), serum testosterone levels (with ELISA) and sperm DNA parameters (with Comet assay). The results showed no change in sperm volume, abnormal sperm rate, and dead-live sperm ratio in group II and III following oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin administration. However, a decrease in sperm density, sperm motility, mass activity, and testosterone levels, and an increase in sperm DNA damage were detected. These spermatological parameters (density, motility, mass activity) and testosterone levels were less decreased and sperm DNA damage was less increased in group II than group III. The greater damage in group III may be attributed to the longer duration of enrofloxacin administration compared to oxytetracycline and the effect of enrofloxacin on DNA. The results obtained from this study suggest that usage of oxytetracycline and especially enrofloxacin should be restricted and antibiotics with fewer side effects on sperm should be preferred in Saanen bucks during the reproduction period.

Use of an antiarrhythmic drug against acute selenium toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: Selenium is an essential trace element. But, selenium may have toxic effects in high doses. There are no proven antidotes or curative treatments for acut selenium toxicity. Treatment involves stopping the exposure and providing supportive care for symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to find more effective substances in the treatment of selenium toxicity. The aim of this study was to increase the survival rate of animals by supporting the heart with amiodarone and to determine the effect of amiodarone on the pathological, hematological and biochemical parameters in acute selenium intoxication. METHODS: 64 Wistar-Albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I was given only distilled water, Group II was given 18 mg/kg dose of amiodarone, Group III was given 18 mg/kg amiodarone and 10 mg/kg sodium selenite and Group IV was given sodium selenite 10 mg/kg (LD50 dose)orally. RESULTS: 11 of the 16 animals in Group IV died within the first 48 h of drug administration. However, no deaths were observed in the rats in Group III. No hematological changes were observed. Biochemically, CK, CK-MB and LDH levels of Group IV were higher than the other groups on both the 2nd and 10th days. In Groups II and III, this serum level decreased, and vitamin B12 levels increased. In macroscopic inspections of the organs of Groups III and IV, slight paleness was detected. Histopathologically, degenerative changes in tissue were observed, especially in Group IV. CONCLUSION: This study shows that amiodarone application has a reducing effect on selenium toxicity. This was because amiodarone protected the heart by reducing CK and CK-MB levels and increased vitamin B12 levels, which play a role in the synthesis of S-adenosyl methionine that converts selenium into a nontoxic form.

Common Mistakes in the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in Turkey. A Retrospective Descriptive Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a widespread metabolic bone disease representing a global public health problem currently affecting more than two hundred million people worldwide. The World Health Organization states that dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the best densitometric technique for assessing bone mineral density (BMD). DXA provides an accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis, a good estimation of fracture risk, and is a useful tool for monitoring patients undergoing treatment. Common mistakes in BMD testing can be divided into four principal categories: 1) indication errors, 2) lack of quality control and calibration, 3) analysis and interpretation errors, and 4) inappropriate acquisition techniques. The aim of this retrospective multicenter descriptive study is to identify the common errors in the application of the DXA technique in Turkey. METHODS: All DXA scans performed during the observation period were included in the study if the measurements of both, the lumbar spine and proximal femur were recorded. Forearm measurement, total body measurements, and measurements performed on children were excluded. Each examination was surveyed by 30 consultants from 20 different centers each informed and trained in the principles of and the standards for DXA scanning before the study. RESULTS: A total of 3,212 DXA scan results from 20 different centers in 15 different Turkish cities were collected. The percentage of the discovered erroneous measurements varied from 10.5% to 65.5% in the lumbar spine and from 21.3% to 74.2% in the proximal femur. The overall error rate was found to be 31.8% (n = 1021) for the lumbar spine and 49.0% (n = 1576) for the proximal femur. CONCLUSION: In Turkey, DXA measurements of BMD have been in use for over 20 years, and examination processes continue to improve. There is no educational standard for operator training, and a lack of knowledge can lead to significant errors in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.