Impact of insulin-like growth factor 1, immunoglobulin G and vitamin A in colostrum on growth of newborn Black Bengal goats and its crossbred.

The study aims to investigate the relationships between colostral concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and vitamin A (Vit A) and growth (body weight and average daily gain) in Black Bengal (BB) and its crossbred. The colostrum from dams (n = 16) was collected at parturition to measure the concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A. The kid weight at birth (W-0), day 14 (W-14) and day 28 (W-28) were measured and the average daily gain during day 1-14 (ADG1-14) and day 14-28 (ADG14-28) were calculated. The average concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A in colostrum were 504.6 ± 74.9 ng/ml, 9.7 ± 0.6 mg/ml and 549.1 ± 72.5 µg/100 g, respectively. The average body weight of kids at birth, day 14 and 28 were 1.72 ± 0.08, 2.95 ± 0.11 and 3.94 ± 0.13 kg respectively. Kid's breed, IGF-1, IgG and Vit A had significant positive effects on ADG14-28 while parity, litter size and sex had no effect. The growth factors that were classified into 2 classes based upon the mean values of colostral contents in all kids showed that the kids receiving the higher concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A in colostrum had higher body weight gain than those receiving the lower concentrations (92.1 ± 7.8 vs. 59.8 ± 5.7 g/day; p = 0.002, 88.3 ± 7.8 vs. 60.3 ± 6.1 g/day; p = 0.009 and 91.1 ± 6.8 vs. 56.7 ± 5.8 g/day; p < 0.001 respectively). It is concluded that IGF-1, IgG and Vit A concentrations in colostrum of dams were associated with increased kid's body weight gain at the end of first month in BB and BB crossbred goats.

Renal shear wave elastography and urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide (uPIIINP) in feline chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases occurring in cats. It is characterized by renal fibrosis, which is strongly correlated with impairment of renal function. Since renal biopsy is not performed routinely in clinical practice, the non-invasive method of ultrasonographic shear-wave elastography (SWE) was used to determine renal parenchymal stiffness. Currently, urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide (uPIIINP) is a renal fibrosis biomarker in humans. Moreover, PIIINP is increasingly applied for identification of fibrosis in various organs in animals. RESULTS: The Young's modulus (E) value on SWE, uPIIINP, and renal function were evaluated in 23 CKD cats and 25 healthy cats (HC). The renal cortical E values were significantly higher than those of the renal medulla in both groups (P < 0.001). The E values of the renal cortex and medulla were significantly higher in CKD cats than in HC (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). The E values, especially of the cortex, showed a significant positive correlation with concentrations of plasma creatinine (P < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.05), while they had a negative correlation with urine specific gravity (P < 0.001) and urine osmolality per plasma osmolality ratio (P < 0.01). The uPIIINP to creatinine ratios (uPIIINP/Cr) were significantly higher in CKD cats than in HC (P < 0.01) and were highly correlated with renal cortical E values (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SWE might be an additively useful and non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool to evaluate renal parenchymal stiffness, which correlates with renal functional impairment in CKD cats. Moreover, the uPIIINP/Cr might be a promissing biomarker for adjunctive assessing the renal fibrosis in feline CKD.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Growth Hormone Gene and Its Relationship with Growth Traits in Black Bengal Goats.

The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the growth hormone (GH) gene could be related to growth traits, particularly in farm animals. This study aimed to identify the SNPs of the GH gene (A781G and A1575G) in Black Bengal (BB) goats in Thailand. Seventy-seven BB goats of both sexes were recruited, and their genotypes were identified. Preweaning growth at birth (weight, W0; height, H0; length, L0; and chest girth, C0) and at 10 weeks postpartum (W10, H10, L10, and C10), including average daily gain (ADG) at 0-4 weeks (ADG0-4W), 4-8 weeks (ADG4-8W), and 8-12 weeks (ADG8-12W), was compared among the different genotypes in goats born from twin litter-size dams. The results showed one genotype, CC, for A1575G and three genotypes, AA, AB, and BB, for A781G. The AA gene had significantly higher W10 than AB (p < 0.05) and BB (p < 0.05). The AA had significantly higher L10 than AB (p < 0.05), while C10 was only higher in male goats (p < 0.01). The ADG4-8W of the AA genotype was significantly higher than the BB genotype (p < 0.01). We came to the conclusion that A781G is associated with growth traits during the preweaning period, while the AA genotype showed better performance than the other genotypes.

The first study on urinary loss of iron and transferrin in association with proteinuria in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Background and Aim: Anemia is an important factor in surviving chronic kidney disease (CKD). Anemia in CKD is associated with various factors, such as inadequate production of erythropoietin and the availability of iron and its binding protein. Reduced total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and iron concentrations may be related to their urinary loss along with proteinuria. This study aimed to determine the urinary loss of iron and transferrin (TF) in relation to the degree of proteinuria. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 37 dogs with CKD. Dogs were divided according to the severity of proteinuria into two groups based on the mean of urinary protein-creatinine (UPC) ratio into UPC ratio <4 and UPC ratio >4. The hematocrit (HCT), blood chemistries, plasma iron, plasma TF, UPC ratio, urinary iron per creatinine ratio (U-Iron/CR), and urinary TF per creatinine ratio (U-TF/CR) were evaluated. Results: Anemia was associated with the severity of renal impairment as demonstrated by reduction of HCT when staging of CKD was higher. Dogs with UPC ratio >4 had higher urinary loss of both U-Iron/CR (p < 0.01) and U-TF/CR (p < 0.001) with lower plasma TIBC (p < 0.001). The UPC ratio was positively correlated with both U-Iron/CR (r = 0.710, p < 0.001) and U-TF/CR (r = 0.730, p < 0.001) but negatively with TIBC (r = -0.462, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Proteinuria was associated with urinary loss of both iron and TF which may contribute to anemia in CKD.

A urinary proteomic study in hypercalciuric dogs with and without calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Background and Aims: Hypercalciuria is an important predisposing factor commonly found in humans and dogs with calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis. Calcium oxalate crystals can induce an inflammatory reaction that subsequently produces several proteins that have an inhibitory or stimulatory effect on stone formation. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in urinary proteomic profiles between hypercalciuric CaOx stone dogs and hypercalciuric stone-free dogs (CaOx stone and control groups, respectively). Materials and Methods: Seven dogs with hypercalciuric CaOx urolithiasis and breed-, sex-, and aged-matched controls with hypercalciuria were included in the study. Serum and urine samples were obtained from all dogs to analyze electrolytes. Urinary proteomic profiles were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Student's t-test was used to compare the differences between groups. Results: Forty-nine urinary proteins were identified in the stone-free and CaOx stone groups, whereas 19 and 6 proteins were unique in the CaOx stone and stone-free groups, respectively. The urinary thrombomodulin level was significantly higher in the CaOx stone group (relative ratio = 1.8, p < 0.01) than in the stone-free group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that urinary proteomic profiles may be used as a candidate biomarker for urinary tract injury in CaOx urolithiasis in dogs.

Growth performance of Black Bengal, Saanen, and their crossbred F1 as affected by sex, litter size, and season of kidding.

The objective of the present study was to determine the factors that influenced growth performance of the goat kids of Black Bengal (BB), Saanen (SA), and their crossbred F1 (male Bengal × female Saanen [BBSA] and male Saanen × female Black Bengal [SABB]). Data for 674 kids were analyzed from 316 litters and 134 does. All kids were weekly measured on their characteristics (body weight, length, height at the withers, and chest girth) from birth to 11 weeks old. The kid's breed and sex, litter size, and season of kidding influenced birth weight and other characteristics through the experiment. The SA and BBSA kids showed similar performance, which were higher than BB and SABB kids. Male kids had higher performance than female kids, and kids from a single litter showed the highest performance. Kids born during rainy season showed lower performance than those born in hot and cool seasons. In conclusion, the crossbred BBSA is superior to SABB or BB to raise in tropical climate Moreover, sex, litter size, and kidding season also affected growth performance during the preweaning period up to 11 weeks old.

The association between single nucleotide polymorphism in vitamin D receptor and calcium oxalate urolithiasis in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are associated with calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis in humans. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between VDR polymorphisms and susceptibility to CaOx urolithiasis in dogs. ANIMALS: Thirty-five dogs with CaOx urolithiasis were compared with 40 stone-free dogs. METHODS: This was a case-control study. Two VDR gene polymorphisms (rs851998024 and rs852900542) were detected by specific TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, and their relationship with serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, serum and urinary electrolyte concentrations was evaluated. RESULTS: The distribution of the rs852900542 polymorphism was significantly different between the case and the control dogs (x2  = 6.369, P = .04). Dogs with a CC or CT genotype had an increased risk of CaOx stones than those with the TT genotype (odds ratio = 3.82, 95% confidence interval 1.04-13.98). The CaOx dogs with the TT genotype had a significantly lower urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio than the CT+CC genotypes. 1,25-(OH)2D concentrations did not differ between the cases and the controls (308.7 ± 217.4 vs 286.7 ± 185.1 pg/mL, P = .45). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This finding suggests that vitamin D metabolism might play a role in CaOx stone formation in dogs.

Validation of Brix refractometer to estimate immunoglobulin G concentration in goat colostrum.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration is high in goat colostrum, particularly in the first few hours after parturition, and this is important for the kid's immunity and growth. IgG levels vary depending on several factors, including breed, disease status, colostrum management, handling, and collection time postpartum. A handheld optical refractometer, an affordable instrument that is simple to use in the field, is used widely in dairy farms to measure total solids. However, it can also be applied to estimate colostrum IgG content on the basis of comparison with standard measurement methods, usually radial immunodiffusion. Studies comparing %Brix values in relation to IgG concentration measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in goats are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of a handheld optical Brix refractometer for the measurement of IgG concentration in goat colostrum, compare results with those using ELISA, and estimate the %Brix cutoff value equating to low-quality colostrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Colostrum samples were collected on day 0 from 21 goats (nine Black Bengal, six Saanen, and six of their crossbred offspring) and were frozen. Subsequently, they were analyzed for IgG concentration using a goat-specific ELISA test and Brix percentage using a handheld refractometer. The optimum %Brix cutoff value for the evaluation of colostrum quality was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean IgG concentration and %Brix in colostrum were 10.60±0.64 mg/mL and 25.0±0.9, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.01) correlation between %Brix and IgG concentration. For an IgG concentration of 6.9 mg/dL, the cutoff value for %Brix was 18.5, equating to high specificity (100%) but low sensitivity (50%). A higher %Brix cutoff value of 21.5 showed high specificity (95%) and high sensitivity (100%). CONCLUSION: A Brix refractometer can be used to estimate goat colostrum quality with a proposed %Brix cutoff value of <18.5%-21.5% for poor-quality colostrum.

Effects of Litter Size and Parity Number on Mammary Secretions Including, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, Immunoglobulin G and Vitamin A of Black Bengal, Saanen and Their Crossbred Goats in Thailand.

The present study aims to investigate the composition including concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A in colostrum and their effects by litter size and goat parity in 3 groups of goats; Black Bengal (BB), Saanen (SA) and their crossbred (BBSA). Thirty-eight goats were used (23 BB, 7 BBSA and 8 SA). The composition (fat, protein, lactose and total solid; TS) in colostrum (Day 0; D0) and milk (Day 4; D4 and Day 7; D7) were measured. The IGF-1, IgG concentrations were analysed in some samples collected at D0, D4 and D7 while Vit A was analysed only in colostrum. The results showed that colostrum components were similar among experimental groups. However, the colostral IGF-1 concentration of BBSA (983.0 ± 163.6 ng/mL) was higher than that of BB (340.7 ± 85.5 ng/mL, p < 0.01) and SA (417.1 ± 93.9 ng/mL, p < 0.01). The colostral IgG concentration of BB (8.2 ± 0.9 mg/mL) was lower than that of BBSA (12.9 ± 1.7 mg/mL, p < 0.05) and SA (12.9 ± 1.0 mg/mL, p < 0.01). Colostral Vit A concentration in BBSA (787.2 ± 152.6 µg/100 gm) was higher than that in BB (388.9 ± 84.3 µg/100 gm, p < 0.05) but was not different from SA (522.8 ± 96.9 µg/100 gm). Colostrum from all groups contained higher protein and TS but was lower in lactose concentration than milk. The IGF-1 and IgG concentrations in colostrum were much higher than in milk both D4 and D7 (p < 0.001). Additionally, litter size had no effects on colostrum contents but colostrum from goats with a higher parity number had higher IgG concentration. It is concluded that colostrum from BBSA may be superior when fed to BB newborn goats in terms of higher IGF-1, IgG and Vit A contents. Moreover, colostrum from goats with a high parity number contained more IgG content.

Iron status and erythropoiesis response to darbepoetin alfa in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Iron metabolism, hepcidin and some blood profiles were investigated in 13 healthy and 31 chronic kidney disease (CKD) dogs. The study consisted of 2 experiments, experiment I included healthy dogs (CONT) and CKD dogs (stage 2, 3 and 4), while experiment II consisted of anemic CKD dogs subjected to 28-day darbepoetin alfa treatment. The response to darbepoetin alfa could divide anemic CKD dogs into responder (RP) and non-responder (NRP) subgroups. The results from experiment I showed that packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma albumin concentration were significantly lower in CKD dogs of all stages while the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was lower in only CKD stage 3 and 4 compared with dogs in CONT group. The PCV was related to both TIBC and albumin when considering among all dogs or only in CKD dogs. The hepcidin concentration in CKD dogs with anemia was lower than those without anemia (P<0.05). In experiment II before darbepoetin alfa treatment, RP subgroup had significantly higher iron and TIBC compared with NRP subgroup (P<0.05), the iron concentration was decreased only in RP subgroup after darbepoetin alfa treatment (P<0.05). The percent increase in PCV was correlated with initial TIBC (P<0.01). Plasma hepcidin concentration was not different between CONT and CKD groups and between RP and NRP subgroups both before and after darbepoetin alfa treatment. It is concluded that TIBC and plasma iron concentration play role on anemia and erythropoietic response to darbepoetin alfa treatment in CKD dogs.

Renal ultrasonographic shear-wave elastography and urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide in chronic kidney disease dogs.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Renal fibrosis is a well-established pathological alteration associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in several species and progresses as CKD advances. Although a renal biopsy is the gold standard for determining renal fibrosis, it is an invasive, impractical method for clinical practice. In humans, ultrasonographic shear-wave elastography (SWE), a novel advanced diagnostic imaging tool, can evaluate renal parenchyma stiffness, and urinary procollagen type III amino-terminal propeptide (uPIIINP), a promising renal fibrosis biomarker in humans, has increasingly been use applied to reduce the biopsies. This study compares renal tissue elasticity observed through SWE Young's modulus (E) values between healthy dogs (HD) and those with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The E value acquired by SWE, uPIIINP levels, and renal function were evaluated in 15 CKD dogs and 15 HD. RESULTS: The renal cortical E values were significantly higher than the renal medullary E values in both groups (p<0.001). Renal cortical and medullary E values in CKD dogs were significantly higher than in HD (p<0.01). Cortical E values had greater significant correlations with renal functional parameters than the medullary E values and had a significant positive correlation with concentrations of plasma creatinine (Cr) (p<0.001); blood urea nitrogen (p<0.01); urine protein Cr ratio (p<0.01); and fractional excretions of sodium (p<0.05), potassium (p<0.05), chloride (p<0.05), and magnesium (p<0.001) while they had a negative correlation with urine specific gravity (p<0.05) and urine osmolality to plasma osmolality ratio (p<0.05). The uPIIINP to Cr (uPIIINP/Cr) ratios of CKD dogs were higher than those of HD (p<0.001). Moreover, the uPIIINP/Cr levels presented significant correlations with the renal cortical E values (p<0.01) and also the renal functional parameters. CONCLUSION: SWE offers a complementary, non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool for evaluating renal tissue stiffness in CKD dogs with renal function deterioration. In addition, uPIIINP levels are associated with renal function and structural changes in dogs. Therefore, the uPIIINP level might be a non-invasive, complementary, and promising biomarker for evaluating renal fibrosis in canine CKD.

Renal ultrasonographic strain elastography and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in canine and feline chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common renal disease in dogs and cats. Renal fibrosis is a main pathologic process leading of CKD progression. Renal biopsy is the gold standard for renal fibrosis assessment. However, it is not routinely performed in clinic due to its invasiveness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ultrasonographic strain elastography (SE), which is a non-invasive method for renal tissue stiffness determination and its association with renal function. Renal strain ratios and renal function were evaluated in 13 CKD dogs (CKDD), 38 healthy dogs (HD), 17 CKD cats (CKDC) and 26 healthy cats (HC). There were significantly lower renal cortical strain ratios than medullary strain ratios in all groups (HD; P<0.01, HC; P<0.01, CKDD and CKDC; P<0.05) and significantly lower cortical and medullary strain ratios in both CKDD and CKDC than in healthy control animals of both species (P<0.0001). In dogs, the renal cortical and medullary strain ratios significantly negatively correlated with plasma creatinine (P<0.05), blood urea nitrogen (BUN; P<0.05; P<0.01, respectively), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA; P<0.01). In cats, similar correlations were found for plasma creatinine (P<0.001), BUN (P<0.05; P<0.001, respectively) and SDMA (P<0.05). SE might be a promising imaging diagnostic tool for renal-elasticity evaluation, also correlating with renal functional impairment in canine and feline CKD.

Left ventricular systolic function in dogs with pulmonic stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pulmonic stenosis (PS) is the most common congenital heart disease in dogs. This condition causes right ventricle (RV) overload and disrupts overall systolic function. The aim of this study was to examine the alterations of cardiac electrical activity and mechanical function in dogs with PS compared to normal healthy dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ventricular systolic function of dogs with PS was studied. Dogs were divided into two groups, PS (n=13) and control (CONT) (n=12). Measurements of blood pressure, electrocardiography (ECG), and echocardiography were performed. RESULTS: PS dogs had exercise intolerance, with six experiencing syncope. ECG of PS dogs showed higher amplitudes of P, S, and T waves (p<0.01), and a lower R:S ratio (p<0.001) with longer QRS duration (p<0.001) compared to CONT dogs. Echocardiography demonstrated that the pulmonic flow velocity and pressure gradient (PG) between the RV and the pulmonary artery of PS dogs were significantly higher than CONT dogs (p<0.001). The RV free wall thickness to the left ventricular posterior wall thickness ratio and the right atrium to the left atrium diameter ratio was higher (p<0.001), while interventricular septum (IVS) was thicker (p<0.01) in PS dogs compared with CONT dogs (p<0.001). The systolic function in PS dogs showed higher pulmonic valve velocity time integral (PVVTI) value (p<0.001) and longer pulmonic valve ejection time (ET) (p<0.05) than CONT dogs. However, aortic valve VTI (AVVTI) value and aortic valve ET were not significantly different between the groups, although fractional shortening in PS dogs was higher. In PS dogs, PG showed a significant positive correlation with PVVTI: AVVTI ratio (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: PS had prolonged pulmonic valve opening. The thickening of the RV wall and IVS can cause a detrimental reduction of the left ventricular preload in PS dogs.

Oxidative stress and intraerythrocytic concentrations of sodium and potassium in diabetic dogs.

Oxidative stress parameters; thiobarbituric acid reaction substances (RBC-TBARS), catalase (RBC-CAT) and reduced glutathione (RBC-GSH) and the intraerythrocytic concentrations of electrolytes; sodium and potassium (RBC-Na and RBC-K) were determined in 18 well- controlled (WC) and 22 poorly-controlled diabetic mellitus (DM). Dogs with DM had significant higher blood glucose concentration (P < 0.001), haemoglobin A1c (P < 0.01) and fructosamine (P < 0.001) compared to normal healthy dogs (n = 19). Diabetic dogs in both groups had higher RBC-CAT (P < 0.05) while RBC-TBARS were higher significantly only in poorly-controlled DM group (P < 0.05). The RBC-K was significantly higher in both DM groups (P < 0.001). No changes in RBC-GSH and RBC-Na were found between DM and control healthy dogs. By linear regression analysis, the relationship were found between degree of diabetic mellitus and RBC-CAT, RBC-TBARS, RBC-Na and RBC-K. The relationship was also found between oxidative stress parameters and intraerythrocytic K+. The results suggest that in diabetic dogs, oxidative stress occurs which related to the severity of disease and may affect potassium homeostasis.

Imbalance of autonomic nervous systems involved in ventricular arrhythmia after splenectomy in dogs.

The role of cardiac autonomic modulation on ventricular arrhythmia, known as ventricular premature complexes (VPC), after splenectomy was investigated. Twelve dogs undergoing splenectomy were divided into 2 groups: low VPC (<1,000/day, n=6) and high VPC groups (≥1,000/day, n=6). Electrocardiograph recording was performed prior to (D0), during the first three days (D1-3) and on day 9 (D9) after surgery. Arrhythmic indices, Tpeak-Tend, corrected QT interval and short-term variability of QT interval as well as heart rate variability (HRV) were evaluated. Plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) were measured. In the high VPC group, the occurrences of VPC were significantly increased (P<0.05) after surgery, and reached the levels higher than those in the low VPC group. For the arrhythmic indices, only Tp-Te in the high VPC group increased significantly (P<0.05) after surgery. For HRV analysis, enhancement of both time and frequency domains were found postoperatively in both groups. On D2, however, the high VPC group showed significantly lower total power and high frequency with higher low to high frequency ratio (P<0.05) than the low VPC group. Plasma NE concentration significantly increased in the high VPC group after surgery. Dogs in the high VPC group had shorter survival time than those in the low VPC group. In conclusion, dogs with imbalance cardiac autonomic modulation accompanied with high circulating NE concentration after splenectomy are prone to ventricular arrhythmia, which leads to short survival time.

Changes of Klotho protein and Klotho mRNA expression in a hydroxy-L-proline induced hyperoxaluric rat model.

Klotho protein is recognized as having a renoprotective effect and is used as a biomarker for kidney injury. We investigated the level of Klotho protein in hyperoxaluria-induced kidney injury and the effects of vitamin E (Vit E) and vitamin C (Vit C) supplementation. Hyperoxaluria was induced by feeding 2% (w/v) Hydroxy-L-proline (HLP) in the drinking water for 21 days. Rats were divided into 5 groups; control (Group 1, n=7), HLP treated rats that received nothing else (Group 2, n=7), Vit E (Group 3, n=6), Vit C (Group 4, n=6) and both Vit E and Vit C (Group 5, n=7). Vit E (200 mg/kg) was injected on days 1, 6, 11 and 16, while Vit C (500 mg/kg) was given intravenously on days 1 and 11. The Klotho protein levels and oxidative status were measured. The expression level of kidney Klotho protein expression was significantly reduced by HLP-treatment, while the mRNA expression was higher (P<0.05), the plasma and kidney malondialdehyde and kidney superoxide dismutase activities were increased, and the kidney reduced glutathione and urinary total antioxidant status were decreased (P<0.05). All of these changes were ameliorated by administration of Vit E, Vit C or especially the co-administration of both. In conclusion, HLP-induced hyperoxaluria reduced the kidney Klotho protein level, which could be restored by Vit E and/or Vit C.

Long-term effect of sildenafil on echocardiographic parameters in dogs with asymptomatic myxomatous mitral valve degeneration.

Sildenafil is a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that has been demonstrated to delay ventricular remodeling in humans and experimental animals. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the chronic effects of sildenafil administration on echocardiographic indices and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in dogs with naturally occurring, asymptomatic myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. Thirty client-owned dogs with ACVIM class B1 or B2 were enrolled. Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment (sildenafil 1-3 mg/kg, PO, BID for 180 days) or control groups. A total of 12 dogs completed the 180 days trial in the sildenafil group, whereas 10 dogs remained in control group. When comparing the difference from baseline values obtained over time between groups, the stroke volume (SV) at day 30 was significantly higher in the sildenafil group (P=0.038). The LA/Ao and the MR jet area were significantly lower beginning at day 30 (only MR jet area; P=0.006), day 90 (P=0.006 and P=0.027, respectively) and day 180 (P=0.029 and P=0.032, respectively). The 2D-LA was significantly lower at day 90 when compared with control group (P=0.028). The differences of NTproBNP from baseline were significantly lower when compared with control group at the same timepoint (D90, P=0.017 and D180, P=0.013). In conclusion, this study suggested that long-term treatment with sildenafil prevented aggravation of disease progression as suggested by several echocardiographic indices (i.e. SV, LA/Ao, MR jet area, 2D-LA) and reduced NTproBNP level at the indicated timepoints in dogs with asymptomatic mitral valve degeneration.

Combination of vitamin E and vitamin C alleviates renal function in hyperoxaluric rats via antioxidant activity.

Hyperoxaluria and oxidative stress are risk factors in calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation. Supplement with antioxidant could be effective in prevention of recurrent stone formation. The present study aims to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin E and vitamin C in hyperoxaluric rat. The experiment was performed in rats for 21 days. Rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: control (group 1, n=8), hyperoxaluric rats (group 2, n=8), hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin E supplement (group 3, n=7), hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin C supplement (group 4, n=7) and hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin E and C supplement (group 5, n=7). Hyperoxaluria was induced by feeding hydroxyl L-proline (HLP) 2% w/v dissolved in drinking water. Intraperitoneal 200 mg/kg of vitamin E was given in groups 3 and 5 on days 1, 6, 11 and 16, while 500 mg of vitamin C was injected intravenously in groups 4 and 5 on days 1 and 11. Renal functions and oxidative status were measured. The urinary oxalate excretion was increased in HLP supplement rats, while glomerular filtration rate, proximal water and sodium reabsorption were significantly lower in group 2 compared with a control (P<0.05). Giving antioxidants significantly lower urinary calcium oxalate crystals (P<0.05). Hyperoxaluric rats had higher plasma malondialdehyde (PMDA) and lower urinary total antioxidant status (UTAS), which were alleviated by vitamin E and/or vitamin C supplement. In conclusion, giving combination of vitamin E and vitamin C exerts a protective role against HLP-induced oxalate nephropathy.

Acute effects of intravenous dronedarone on electrocardiograms, hemodynamics and cardiac functions in anesthetized dogs.

Dronedarone is a class III antiarrhythmic that has been used for management of atrial fibrillation in humans, but limited information was found in dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the acute effects of escalating concentrations of dronedarone on electrocardiograms (ECG), hemodynamics and cardiac mechanics in healthy dogs. A total of 7 beagle dogs were anesthetized with isoflurane and instrumented to obtain lead II ECG, pressures at ascending aorta, right atrium, pulmonary artery and left ventricle, and left ventricular pressure-volume relationship. Five dogs were given vehicle and followed by escalating doses of dronedarone (0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 mg/kg, 15 min for each dose), and two dogs were used as a vehicle-treated control. All parameters were measured at 15 min after the end of each dose. The results showed that all parameters in vehicle-treated dogs were unaltered. Dronedarone at 2.5 mg/kg significantly lengthened PQ interval (P<0.01), reduced cardiac output (P<0.01) and increased systemic vascular resistance (P<0.01). Dronedarone produced negative inotropy assessed by significantly lowered end-systolic pressure-volume relationship, preload recruitable stroke work, contractility index and dP/dtmax. It also impaired diastolic function by significantly increased end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship, tau and dP/dtmin. These results suggested that acute effects of dronedarone produced negative dromotropy, inotropy and lusitropy in anesthetized dogs. Care should be taken when given dronedarone to dogs, especially when the patients have impaired cardiac function.

Effects of dietary sodium chloride intake on renal function and blood pressure in cats with normal and reduced renal function.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of variations in dietary intake of sodium chloride (NaCl) on systemic arterial blood pressure (ABP) in cats with normal and reduced renal function. ANIMALS: 21 adult cats (7 with intact kidneys [control cats; group C], 7 with unilateral renal infarction with contralateral nephrectomy [remnant-kidney model; group RK], and 7 with unilateral renal infarction and contralateral renal wrapping and concurrent oral administration of amlodipine [remnant-wrap model; group WA]). PROCEDURE: All cats were sequentially fed 3 diets that differed only in NaCl content (50, 100, or 200 mg of Na/kg); each diet was fed for 7 days. The ABP was recorded continuously by radiotelemetry, and renal function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR]) was determined on the sixth day of each feeding period. RESULTS: Dietary supplementation with NaCl did not affect ABP, but it increased GFR in groups C and WA. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis was activated in groups RK and WA at the lowest NaCl intake, but supplementation with NaCl suppressed this activation in group WA. The lowest NaCl intake was associated with hypokalemia and a high fractional excretion of potassium that decreased in response to supplementation with NaCl. Arterial baroreceptor resetting was evident after chronic hypertension but was not modified by dietary supplementation with NaCl. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low NaCl intake was associated with inappropriate kaliuresis, reduced GFR, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis without evidence of a beneficial effect on ABP. Therefore, this common dietary maneuver could contribute to hypokalemic nephropathy and progressive renal injury in cats.