Characteristics of follicular dynamics and reproductive hormone profiles during oestrous cycles of jennies over an entire year.

Although donkeys have been domesticated for over 6,000 years, limited information is available concerning their reproductive physiology, especially under intensive rearing conditions. The aims of this experiment were to study follicular dynamics and reproductive hormone variation in jennies during the inter-ovulatory interval in different seasons. A total of 12 continuous cycles of six Dezhou Black (DB) donkey jennies were examined in four different seasons. The diameters of the six largest follicles of each jenny were measured daily by ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected at fixed times for reproductive hormone assays. The results demonstrated that most jennies displayed regular oestrous cycles in all seasons. The follicular dynamics were similar in Spring, Summer and Winter, while the jennies had longer oestrous cycles with delayed follicular deviation and dominant selection in Autumn. At least two follicular waves were observed in each oestrous cycle, throughout the study, but two jennies presented oestrous cycles with three follicular waves in the Autumn. The numbers of follicular waves were consistent with the numbers of FSH surges. Oestrous characteristics of the jennies in a large herd were also analysed. The results showed that the rates of regular oestrous cycles were 83.1% (265/319), 89.6% (215/240), 80.2% (235/293) and 77.1% (178/231), with 26.4% (70/265), 19.5% (42/215), 22.1% (52/235) and 23.0% (41/178) double ovulation rates in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, respectively. The results presented may be useful for donkey farms in the design of breeding strategies.

Effects of long-distance transportation on blood constituents and composition of the nasal microbiota in healthy donkeys.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the effects of transportation on the nasal microbiota of healthy donkeys using 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS: Deep nasal swabs and blood were sampled from 14 donkeys before and after 21 hours' long-distance transportation. The values of the plasma hormone (cortisol (Cor), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)), biochemical indicators (total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), creatinine (CREA), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), blood urea (UREA), plasma glucose (GLU)) and blood routine indices (white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (LYM), neutrophil (NEU), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB)) were measured. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to assess the nasal microbiota, including alpha diversity, beta diversity, and phylogenetic structures. Results showed that levels of Cor, ACTH, and heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after long-distance transportation. Several biochemical indicators (AST, CK) and blood routine indices (Neu, RBC, and HGB) increased markedly (p < 0.05), but the LYM decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Nine families and eight genera had a mean relative abundance over 1%. The predominant phyla in nasal microbiota after and before transportation were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Transportation stress induced significant changes in terms of nasal microbiota structure compared with those before transportation based on principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) coupled with analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) (p < 0.05). Among these changes, a notably gain in Proteobacteria and loss in Firmicutes at the phylum level was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest transportation can cause stress to donkeys and change the richness and diversity of nasal microbiota. Further studies are required to understand the potential effect of these microbiota changes on the development of donkey respiratory diseases.

Diagnostic orientation values for ACTH and other parameters for clinically healthy donkeys and mules (insulin, triglycerides, glucose, fructosamines, and ɣ-GT).

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction is the most prevalent endocrine disease in horses. Although donkeys and mules may also be affected, only a few data have been published. Reference values for diagnostic parameters, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), are especially scarce or even lacking. Therefore, in the present study, available data from the literature have been verified and completed to facilitate a reliable diagnosis. Clinical inspections and haematological and biochemical examinations were carried out four times in a three-month interval (February to November) in 44 donkeys and 31 mules. Data from clinically healthy animals were used as an orientation. Plasma ACTH concentrations showed seasonal changes in both animal groups. However, it was generally higher in donkeys than mules. Although blood glucose (EDTA plasma) showed no difference between groups, serum insulin concentrations were consistently higher in donkeys. Serum fructosamine levels were slightly higher in mules, whereas, in some cases, serum triglyceride levels were considerably higher in donkeys. Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase showed a striking peak in mules in August, whereas the remaining gamma-glutamyltransferase values were lower compared to donkeys. By comparing donkeys and mules, the present work reveals differences in various blood parameters which should be considered for diagnoses and future studies.

Molecular identification and characterization of nonprimate hepaciviruses in equines.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Hepacivirus, family Flaviviridae. Its genome has a length of 9.6 kb and encodes a single polyprotein flanked by two untranslated regions. HCV can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and approximately 2% of the world's population is chronically infected. The investigation of pathogenesis is complicated due to the lack of an animal model. The origin of this virus remains unclear, but in the last few years, relatives of HCV were initially identified in dogs and later in horses, rodents, bats and Old World monkeys. Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV), which infects dogs and horses, is the closest relative to HCV. We established a pan-reactive "panHepaci"-RT-qPCR assay, which is able to detect human HCV as well as equine NPHV, and additionally, an equine-specific "equHepaci"-RT-qPCR for confirmation of positive results. Serum samples from 1158 clinically inconspicuous horses from Germany and several samples from other mammalian species were screened. We found 2.4% of the horses positive for hepacivirus RNA, and furthermore, the "panHepaci"-RT-qPCR assay also detected a hepacivirus in a donkey from Egypt. This virus had only 78% sequence identity in the E2 gene when compared to other known NPHVs. The established method could be useful for screening purposes, since it is likely that related hepaciviruses also occur in other species.

SURVEY FOR EQUINE HERPESVIRUSES IN POLAR BEARS ( URSUS MARITIMUS) AND EXOTIC EQUIDS HOUSED IN US AZA INSTITUTIONS.

Infection by equine herpesvirus (EHV) strains (EHV-1, EHV-9) in ursid species, including polar bears ( Ursus maritimus), has been associated with neurological disease and death. A serosurvey of captive exotic equid and polar bear populations in US Association of Zoos and Aquaria institutions was performed to determine the prevalence of EHV strains using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests. Equid species surveyed included zebra ( Equus spp.), Przewalski's wild horse ( Equus ferus przewalskii), Persian onager ( Equus hemionus), and Somali wild ass ( Equus africanus somaliensis). A questionnaire regarding husbandry and medical variables was distributed to institutions housing polar bears. No polar bears tested positive for EHVs on qPCR of blood or nasal swabs. No exotic equids tested positive for EHVs on qPCR of blood, but two exotic equids ( n = 2/22; 9%) tested positive for EHVs on qPCR of nasal swabs. On ELISA, polar bears infrequently were positive for EHV-1 ( n = 5/38; 13%). Exotic equids were positive for EHV-4 on ELISA more frequently ( n = 30/43; 70%) than for EHV-1 ( n = 8/43; 19%). Nine institutions submitted samples from both exotic equids and polar bears, two of which had both exotic equids and polar bears positive for EHVs by ELISA. Each of these institutions reported that the polar bear and exotic equid exhibits were within 80 m of each other and that risk factors for fomite transmission between exhibits based on husbandry practices were present. One institution that did not house exotic equids had a polar bear test positive for EHV-1 on ELISA, with no history of exposure to exotic equids. Further testing of captive polar bears and exotic equids is recommended, as is modification of husbandry practices to limit exposure of polar bears to exotic equids.

African animal trypanosomiasis as a constraint to livestock health and production in Karamoja region: a detailed qualitative and quantitative assessment.

BACKGROUND: Nagana (African Animal Trypanosomiasis-AAT) and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) constrain livestock production in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. To this realisation, Uganda government set up an African trypanosomiasis (AT) control unit, which among other activities generates national tsetse control priority maps using apparent tsetse density data. Such maps underestimate mechanically transmitted AAT and thus ought to be refined using actual AT prevalence data. We therefore set out to generate up-to-date cattle and donkey trypanosomiasis prevalence data as well as find out the constraints to livestock production in Karamoja region in a bid to re-define AT control priority in this region. RESULTS: Livestock keepers and animal health workers indicated that TBDs and AAT were the most important livestock diseases in Karamoja region. The prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. in cattle and donkeys was 16.3% (95% CI: 12.4-21.1%) and 32.4% (95% CI; 20.2-47.6%) respectively. Trypanosoma vivax (12.1%) and Trypanosoma congolense savannah (29.6%) were the most prevalent Trypanosoma spp. in cattle and donkeys respectively. Majority of the cattle (85.7%) and more than half of the donkey (57.1%) herds were positive for Trypanosoma spp. CONCLUSIONS: African animal trypanosomiasis and TBDs are the most important constraints to livestock production in Karamoja region. In order to improve livestock production and hence Karamajong livelihoods, government of Uganda and her development partners will need to invest in livestock health programs particularly targeting tsetse and TBD control.

A molecular and haematological study of Theileria equi in Balkan donkeys.

Equine piroplasmosis in donkeys has been recognised as a serious problem of major economic importance. The present molecular study is the first investigation of the presence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in Balkan donkeys and of the possible haematological alterations related to it. A total of 70 apparently healthy donkeys from Serbia were included in this study. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection in donkeys tested with multiplex PCR was 50%. There was no B. caballi-positive sample. Infections in donkeys included in this study seem to be associated with decreased red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and platelet count, and with increased white blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. Altered haematological parameters in donkeys can lead to a decrease in working capacity and production performance. Further molecular research and long-term monitoring of equine piroplasmosis is needed in Serbia and throughout Europe.

The proliferation potential of promastigotes of the main Leishmania species of the old world in NNN culture medium prepared using blood of four different mammals.

The efficacy of the in vitro cultivation of promastigotes of four Leishmania spp. was tested in the biphasic Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle (NNN) medium prepared using blood from different animals (horse, donkey, goat and sheep). The aim was to test which NNN preparation gave the best yield in the shortest time for different parasite species, in order to obtain a large crop of promastigotes for experimental work and for antigen preparation. Promastigotes of Leishmania infantum, Leishmania donovani, Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major, the four main parasite species occurring in the old world, were defrosted from -80 °C and placed, at equal numbers, in the 4 different NNN preparations. At the end of the 7th day, the NNN medium using horse blood produced the greatest number of promastigotes for all Leishmania spp. tested, whilst goat blood proved the poorest medium, providing culture results only for L. infantum. This finding may be explained by the fact that Leishmania is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) auxotroph and horse erythrocytes support NAD-dependent microorganisms.

Effects of age and season on haematological parameters of donkeys during the rainy and cold-dry seasons.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age and season on haematological parameters of donkeys at rest during the rainy and cold-dry seasons. Thirty healthy donkeys divided into three groups based on their age served as the subjects. During each season, blood sample was collected from each donkey thrice, 2 weeks apart, for haematological analysis, and the dry-bulb temperature (DBT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature-humidity index (THI) were obtained thrice each day during the experimental period using standard procedures. During the rainy season, the mean DBT (33.05 ± 0.49 °C), RH (73.63 ± 1.09 %) and THI (84.39 ± 0.71) were higher (P < 0.0001) than the corresponding values of 24.00 ± 0.44 °C, 36.80 ± 0.92 % and 64.80 ± 0.62, during the cold-dry season. Packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count [red blood cell (RBC)], haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), platelet count (PLT), leucocyte count [white blood cell (WBC)], lymphocyte count (LYM) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L) were higher (P < 0.05) in adults than foals during the rainy season. The MCV, MCH, WBC, NEU, LYM and PLT of adult and yearling donkeys were higher (P < 0.05) during the rainy than the cold-dry season. The PCV, RBC, Hb, MCV, MCH, and NEU of foals were higher in the rainy than the cold-dry season. The N/L of adult and foal donkeys were higher (P < 0.05) in the rainy than in the cold-dry season. In conclusion, PCV, RBC, Hb and LYM were considerably higher in foals than yearlings or adults during the rainy season, while erythrocytic indices and platelet counts were higher in adults or yearlings than in foals in both seasons. Erythrocytic indices, PLT and N/L were higher in the rainy than the cold-dry season in adults, yearlings and foals.

Impact of karyotype organization on interlocus recombination between T cell receptor genes in Equidae.

The T cell receptor (TCR) genes (TRA, TRB, TRD and TRG) reside in 3 different chromosomal regions. During the maturation of T lymphocytes, the TCR genes are rearranged by site-specific recombination, a process that also predisposes T cells to aberrant rearrangements. Illegitimate recombination between the TCR genes occurs at a low level in healthy individuals, but this frequency may correlate with the risk of lymphoma. The aim of this work was to investigate interlocus recombination in equids. Illegitimate rearrangements were studied in peripheral blood lymphocytes by FISH with painting and BAC probes and by sequencing of PCR products, and the frequencies of recombination were assessed in horses and 4 other equids. The presence of several trans-rearrangement products between the TRA and TRG genes was verified by PCR in all investigated equids. Frequencies of trans-rearrangements in horses are higher than in humans, and colocalization of the TCR genes on the same chromosome increases the incidence of trans-rearrangements between them. The orientation of the TCR genes does not impact interlocus recombination itself but does affect the viability of cells carrying its products and consequently the number of trans-rearrangements observed in lymphocytes.

Influence of the cardiac glycoside digoxin on cardiac troponin I, acid-base and electrolyte balance, and haematobiochemical profiles in healthy donkeys (Equus asinus).

BACKGROUND: The effect of digoxin administration on the serum concentration of the cardiac troponin I (cTnI) has not been reported to date in equidae. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the effect of digoxin on cardiac cell damage in donkeys (Equus asinus) as assessed by cTnI, acid-base and electrolyte balance and haematobiochemical profiles. Ten clinically healthy donkeys were given an IV infusion of digoxin at a dose of 14 µg/kg. Blood samples were collected from the donkeys up through 72 h post-injection. RESULTS: Three of the donkeys exhibited increased heart and respiratory rates post-injection. In the other seven animals, the heart and respiratory rates were lower 4 h post-injection. The serum digoxin concentration increased significantly at many time points after injection. The serum concentration of cTnI did not differ significantly between pre- and post-injection. An increase in blood pH was noted at 3 h after digoxin injection. There were also increases in PO2 and in oxygen saturation. Decreases in PCO2 at 2 to 48 h post-injection as well as a decrease in blood lactate at 4 h post-injection were observed. The serum concentration of glucose remained significantly elevated at all-time points after digoxin injection. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that administration of digoxin to healthy donkeys (14 µg/kg) did not result in elevations of serum cTnI concentration, signs of digoxin intoxication, ECG abnormalities and did not increase serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.

Changes in the hematobiochemical, acid-base and blood gas elements as well as biomarkers of inflammation and bone metabolism in donkeys (Equus asinus) with acute bleeding.

Background: Acute hemorrhage is fatal in equines with a complication of severe hypovolemic shock that causes a sudden death in such cases. Aim: This study was designed to report the influences of acute bleeding in conscious non-sedated donkeys (Equus asinus) on the hematobiochemical variables, acid-base, blood gas elements, and markers of inflammation and bone metabolism. Methods: Eight healthy donkeys were used where a total of 900 ml of whole blood was collected. Five blood samples were collected from each animal: just before collection of blood (T0); (2) 30 (T1), 60 (T2), 120 (T3), and 240 minutes (T4) later. The blood panels including total white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, red blood cell counts (RBCs), HCT, hemoglobin (Hg), and RBCs indices were measured. Biochemical parameters and electrolytes were evaluated. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were also determined. Complete acid-base and blood gas panels were assessed. Serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), and pyridinoline cross-links (PYD) were measured. Results: The RBCs, Hg, and HCT increased significantly at points T1, T2, and T3 compared to T0. The concentrations of total proteins and albumin decreased significantly at points T3 and T4. The blood urea nitrogen concentrations increased significantly at T4. Creatinine concentrations increased significantly at T2 and T3. The AST, GGT, and CK decreased significantly. On the other hand, glucose increased significantly at T3 and T4. The pH decreased significantly at points T1, T2, T3, and T4. The PCO2 increased significantly at T3 and T4. The BE, HCO3, and TCO2 values decreased significantly at T2, T3, and T4. Contrary, the AG increased significantly at points T3 and T4. The potassium increased significantly at T1-T4 and chloride decreased significantly at T3 and T4. Lactate showed significant increases at T1-T4. The SAA, Hp, OC, b-ALP, and PYD did not differ significantly at T1-T4. Conclusion: In conscious non-sedated donkeys, induced bleeding resulted in significant changes in the hematobiochemical elements, the acid-base status, and blood gas and electrolyte parameters. However, it did not change the markers of inflammation and bone metabolism.

Acute phase protein and protein electrophoresis values for captive Grant's zebra (Equus burchelli).

Grant's zebra (Equus burchelli) are commonly kept in zoos and are subject to routine health monitoring and research studies. Recently, assays for acute phase proteins (APP) have been described in many wildlife species, and specific assays for serum amyloid A (SAA) have been well validated and studied in horses (Equus ferus caballus), in which it serves as a major APP. In the present study, serum samples from 26 Grant's zebra were subject to analysis by using assays for SAA, haptoglobin (HP), and protein electrophoresis. Reference intervals were calculated by using the robust method: SAA 1.8-31.4 mg/L and HP 0.37-1.58 mg/ml. Significant differences in SAA and HP were observed in clinically abnormal zebra; in some cases, these differences were marked and were noted in the absence of abnormal values for protein electrophoretic fractions. These data indicate that APP may be a valuable and sensitive tool in monitoring inflammation in this species.

Comparative study on 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2α) plasma concentrations in newborn horses, donkeys and calves.

The aim of this study was to compare the plasma profiles of 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2α) (PGM) in healthy neonates of three different species from birth until the third week of life. Twenty-four horse foals, 12 donkey foals, and 9 calves were studied. Blood samples were collected at 10, 20 and 30 min after birth, at 3, 24 and 72 h after birth, and at 7, 10, 17 and 21 days of life. All mothers experienced normal gestation lengths and normal, spontaneous deliveries. All newborns were judged mature and viable. Hormone concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in horse foals 20 and 30 min after birth compared to later samples, and at 10 min in donkey foals compared to later samples (p < 0.05). In calves, higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of PGM were observed 10, 20, 30 min and 3 hours from parturition compared to later samples. These findings may be related to increased fetal placental unit production during parturition, while the relatively high PGF(2α) levels in the days after parturition may be connected with their role in completing organ maturation. Despite the existing differences between these species, the statistical analysis did not discover significant differences in PGM profiles during the first 3 weeks of life in donkey, horse and cattle newborns. The low levels observed 10 days after birth are possibly due to a fast completion of maturational development in these species.

Thyroid hormones in milk and blood of lactating donkeys as affected by stage of lactation and dietary supplementation with trace elements.

The traditional utilization of donkeys (Equus asinus) as dairy animals has recently attracted substantial scientific interest with regard to human nutrition. Donkey milk is well tolerated by infants with cows' milk allergy, useful in the treatment of human immune-related diseases, in the prevention of atherosclerosis, and in-vitro studies showed an anti-proliferative effect. Active 3-3'-5-triiodothyronine (T3) in colostrum and milk could play different physiological roles, systemic and paracrine, for both the mother and the suckling offspring. The aim was to evaluate whether thyroid hormones (TH) concentrations in milk and blood of lactating donkeys change with the advancing lactation and whether they can be affected by dietary supplementation with several trace elements, some of them directly involved with TH synthesis (I), metabolism (Se) and action (Zn). Sixteen lactating jennies were divided into two groups (CTL and TE). Mixed feed for TE was added with Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, I, Se and Co. Every 2 weeks milk and blood samples were collected at 11·00. Total concentrations of T3 in milk (T3M) and T3 and T4 in plasma (T3P and T4P) were assayed using ELISA kits, validated for the donkey species. T3M was not correlated with TH concentrations in blood, did not change with the stage of lactation, and was significantly higher in TE (4·09 ± 0·07 ng/ml, mean ± SE) than in CTL group (3·89 ± 0·08 ng/ml). T4P (81·8 ± 5·2 ng/ml) and T3P (15·2 ± 1 ng/ml) significantly changed with time, but were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. T3P/T4P ratio was significantly lower in TE group. This study indicates that in donkey milk the concentration of T3, a human-like bioactive compound, can be affected by trace elements intake.

Genetic differences in the serum proteome of horses, donkeys and mules are detectable by protein profiling.

Although horses and donkeys belong to the same genus, their genetic characteristics probably result in specific proteomes and post-translational modifications (PTM) of proteins. Since PTM can alter protein properties, specific PTM may contribute to species-specific characteristics. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse differences in serum protein profiles of horses and donkeys as well as mules, which combine the genetic backgrounds of both species. Additionally, changes in PTM of the protein transthyretin (TTR) were analysed. Serum protein profiles of each species (five animals per species) were determined using strong anion exchanger ProteinChips® (Bio-Rad, Munich, Germany) in combination with surface-enhanced laser desorption ionisation-time of flight MS. The PTM of TTR were analysed subsequently by immunoprecipitation in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight MS. Protein profiling revealed species-specific differences in the proteome, with some protein peaks present in all three species as well as protein peaks that were unique for donkeys and mules, horses and mules or for horses alone. The molecular weight of TTR of horses and donkeys differed by 30 Da, and both species revealed several modified forms of TTR besides the native form. The mass spectra of mules represented a merging of TTR spectra of horses and donkeys. In summary, the present study indicated that there are substantial differences in the proteome of horses and donkeys. Additionally, the results probably indicate that the proteome of mules reveal a higher similarity to donkeys than to horses.

Seroepidemiological survey of Rhodococcus equi infection in asymptomatic horses and donkeys from southeast Turkey.

In order to assess the level of Rhodococcus equi infection in southeast Turkey, 679 sera from healthy foals and adult horses and 78 sera from donkeys were tested by indirect ELISA using a R. equi reference strain (ATCC 33701) as antigen. Eighty (11.7%) sera from horses and 9 (11.5%) sera from donkeys with titres >0.85 were positive. The prevalence of seropositive horses in Sanliurfa Province was higher than in Diyarbakir Province; 56 (13.9%) horses in Sanliurfa Province and 24 (8.7%) horses in Diyarbakir Province were defined as seropositive. In Sanliurfa Province 14.5% of female (n=343) and 10.1% of male (n = 59) horses tested were defined as seropositive, while in Diyarbakir Province more males (11.4%, n=114) were seropositive than females (6.7%, n=163). Horses 1 to 5 years of age were found to have the highest seropositivity rate in both provinces. A total of 78 sera from donkeys were investigated in Sanliurfa Province, of which 9 (11.5%) were positive by ELISA. Among the 9 positive sera, 6 (12.8%) were from donkeys 1-5 years old and 3 (13.6%) were from donkeys >5 years of age. No positive sera were found in donkeys less than 1 year old. Five (12.5%) sera of females and 4 (10.5%) sera of males tested were positive. These results indicate the existence of R. equi in the horse populations in Sanliurfa and Diyarbakir Provinces. Similar infection rates were found for donkeys in Sanliurfa. This suggests the importance of serological surveys to diagnose R. equi infection in the region and to prevent the zoonotic risk.

[In vivo and in vitro effect of peptide HP-6 derived from donkey serum albumin on hematopoietic system].

OBJECTIVE: By bioinformatics method, the effect in hematopoietic system of bioactive peptide HP-6, which was obtained from donkey serum albumin and is one of the major protein components from donkey-hide gelatin, was investigated. METHOD: Human bone marrow nucleated cells (hBMNCs) and murine bone marrow stromal cells (mBMSCs) were separated and cultured with different concentration of peptide HP-6 (0.000 15, 0.001 5, 0.015, 0.15, 1.5 micromol x L(-1)). The effect on promoting proliferation of cells related to hematopoiesis in bone morrow was detected and the ultrastructure of cells after treated by HP-6 was observed through transmission electron microscope. Hemorrhage anemia mouse model and anemia mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide were established, and randomly divided into peptide HP-6 groups which were administered respectively with different doses (1, 0.1, 0.01 mg x kg(-1)) by gavage, and control group which was administered with PBS by gavage. Peripheral blood components of all mice and bone morrow cells (BMC) number of mice induced by cyclophosphamide were evaluated. RESULT: Peptide HP-6 could concentration-related promote the proliferation of hBMNCs and mBMSCs, hBMNCs got the highest reproduction rate of 152.11% and mBMSCs also got 63.52% with the concentration of 0.15 micromol x L(-1), then the reproduction rate decreased while the concentration kept increasing. The transmission electron microscope showed that ultrastructure of cells was normal after treated by HP-6.1 mg x kg(-1) peptide HP-6 significantly increased peripheral platelet and protected mouse morrow injured by cyclophoshamide. 0.1 mg x kg(-1) peptide HP-6 significantly increased peripheral platelet with relative growth rate of 77.65%, increased peripheral white blood cells count and peripheral red blood cells count, also could protect mouse peripheral blood after treated by chemotherapeutics. CONCLUSION: Peptide HP-6 could promote the proliferation of cells related to hematopoietic system, enhance mouse hemopoiesis function and the resistance to chemotherapeutic injury.

Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in blood samples of horses (Equus caballus) and donkeys (Equus asinus) by PCR.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by the Leishmania infantum parasite. The protozoan is able to infect several domestic and wild mammals. Since the first report on Leishmania spp. infection in horses in South America, leishmaniasis in equids has been highlighted in Brazil. A molecular epidemiological survey was carried out to verify the occurrence of Leishmania spp. DNA in horses and donkeys, in leishmaniases endemic areas in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. To this end, blood samples were obtained from 107 horses and 36 donkeys and subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR targeting the ITS-1 region. Among the horses and donkeys, 1.87% (2/107) and 8.33% (3/36) were positive by PCR, respectively. The DNA sequencing of the ITS-1 amplification products confirmed L. infantum DNA in these animals. Our results suggest that horses and donkeys from non-VL and VL endemic areas of São Paulo State may be infected by the parasite.

Energy hormone response to fasting-induced dyslipidemia in obese and non-obese donkeys.

Metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as dyslipidemia, are common in donkeys. Negative energy balance due to fasting, stressful conditions, or disease is a major trigger for fat mobilization often leading to dyslipidemia. The hormonal response to fasting has not been well characterized in donkeys. Therefore, this work aimed to study variations in insulin, glucagon, leptin, total adiponectin, ghrelin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations, insulin-to-glucagon (IGR) and glucagon-to-insulin (GIR) molar ratios, and lipid and carbohydrate parameters during a 66 h fasting period in 8 adult donkeys, and to determine differences depending on body condition. Obese donkeys developed earlier lipid mobilization (increased plasma total triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations) compared to non-obese donkeys. Plasma glucose and leptin concentrations decreased in obese animals. After 60 h fasting, obese donkeys showed a significant increase in glucagon and decrease in leptin. GIR significantly increased, while insulin and IGR decreased in both groups. These findings support faster lipid mobilization in response to negative energy status in obese donkeys during fasting, which could be linked to greater glucagonemia and could explain the predisposition of these animals to dyslipidemia.