Porcine scabies induces marked apoptosis, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, TNF-α and shedding of ICAM-1.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is one of the leading causes of morbidity in pigs worldwide. Limited data are available regarding the role of immune reactions in the development of porcine scabies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α), soluble variant of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and mite-mediated apoptosis of peripheral leukocytes in 20 pigs with scabies, in addition to 10 healthy controls. The pigs with at least three typical clinical signs and found positive for Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis in microscopy were recruited for the present study. RESULTS: IL-1 acted as the major pro-inflammatory cytokine as serum IL-1 concentrations showed significantly (p < .05) higher levels (7-fold increase) in cases than in controls. The minor cytokine TNF-α was 4-fold higher during scabies, and its mean serum concentration was significantly increased (p < .05) in cases when compared to healthy controls. Soluble ICAM-1 levels were significantly higher (p < .05) in all the pigs of infested group compared with the controls. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic leukocytes was found to be significantly higher (p < .05) in scabies positive pigs as compared to the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that systemic elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α, shedding of soluble ICAM-1 variant in peripheral blood and increased rate of host-cell apoptosis in peripheral leukocytes might be implicated in the immunopathology of naturally acquired porcine scabies.

Migratory Gaddi sheep and goats as potential carriers of Theileria infection: a molecular survey.

Theileriosis caused by parasites of the genus Theileria, is a vector-borne haemoprotozoan parasitic disease of critical concern in small ruminants. This study aimed to explore the infection status of migratory Gaddi sheep and goats with parasites from the Theileria genus in concurrence with ectoparasite infestations using molecular methods. Seventy three apparently healthy animals were randomly sampled from different flocks of migratory Gaddi sheep and goats and were systematically screened for ectoparasitic infestations. Molecular investigation for theileriosis was conducted using the genus wide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Out of 56 (76.71%) animals positive for the genus Theileria, 2 randomly selected amplicons were sequenced and subjected to BLAST analysis and were showing 99.71% identity with Theileria luwenshuni, a pathogenic Theileria species of small ruminants. To confirm the presence of T. luwenshuni, species-specific PCR was attempted to identify that 38 (52.05%) animals were infected by T. luwenshuni. On analysing the molecular prevalence data of Theileria to the ectoparasitism, it was evident that the infection existed in the animals irrespective of the type of ectoparasitic infestation and even T. luwenshuni was found in non-infested animals also. This is the first report of subclinical infections of T. luwenshuni in sheep and goats of Northern India and its potential carrier status. The asymptomatic carrier status of these nomadic animals is a matter possessing serious implications on the disease transmission rates and the production economics of small ruminant production in this region.

A field study on the efficacy of ivermectin via subcutaneous route against chewing lice (Bovicola caprae) infestation in naturally infested goats.

Caprine pediculosis is an ectoparasitic disease of great concern among goat farmers in India. It may be caused by either sucking lice or chewing lice; the latter one results in severe skin lesions, leading to production loss. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the macrocytic lactone drug, ivermectin, administered via subcutaneous injection, against chewing lice Bovicola (Damalinia) caprae infestation in naturally infested goats. The study was conducted on 20 goats with severe B. caprae infestation. Animals of group A (n = 10) were treated using a single dose of ivermectin (200 µg/kg body weight) subcutaneously and animals of group B (n = 10) underwent placebo therapy using normal saline. The animals were examined on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 and 56 for lice counts. There was 100% elimination of lice in all animals of group A and effective protection from re-infection remained at least for 21 days. Considerable improvement in haematological parameters was also observed by day 21. Based on this study, ivermectin injected via a subcutaneous route can be used effectively for the therapeutic and prophylactic management of chewing lice infestation in goats maintained under an extensive grazing system.

In vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory potential of Pedicularis longiflora and Allium carolinianum in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats.

Pedicularis longiflora Rudolph (Orobanchaceae) and Allium carolinianum Linn (Alliaceae) are two important medicinal plants found in trans-Himalayan Changthang. The immunomodulatory potential of these plants has not been explored. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory potential of P. longiflora and A. carolinianum in alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats. The ethanol extracts of the aerial parts of P. longiflora and whole plant parts of A. carolinianum were used for studying the in vitro immunomodulatory activity using lymphocyte stimulation and cytokine release assays. For the in vivo study, 5 groups of 6 rats per group, including alloxan-induced diabetic and plant extract-treated rats, were evaluated for cell-mediated immune (CMI) and humoral immune (HMI) responses in a 42-day experimental trial using doses of 500mg/kg b.wt. for P. longiflora and 250mg/kgbwt. for A. carolinianum. For P. longiflora, the median effective dose was found to be 500mg/kg. The in vitro lymphocyte stimulation index for P. longiflora was significantly higher (1.73±0.04, p<0.05) than that for A. carolinianum (1.27±0.06). However, the release of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1, 15.63±1.00, p<0.05) by P. longiflora was significantly lower than that by A. carolinianum (21.61±1.19), suggesting a better immune response by P. longiflora than by A. carolinianum. P. longiflora significantly increased the ear thickness (53.12%), inflammatory cellular infiltration (200.00±11.42), and total leukocyte count (7.44±0.02) compared to A. carolinianum (47.57%, 165.83±3.96, and 7.01±0.01, respectively). P. longiflora significantly reduced the percentage of leukocytes with depolarized mitochondria (3.24±0.16%) and apoptosis (1.81±0.07%), and induced a better CMI response than A. carolinianum. Significantly (p<0.05) higher hemagglutination titer (28.37±0.80) and IgG production (6.43±0.34mg/mL) were observed in the P. longiflora-treated group than in the A. carolinianum-treated group (23.93±0.58 and 6.23±0.37mg/mL). Plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TGF-ß1 levels, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the P. longiflora-treated group than in the A. carolinianum-treated group. This may be due to better HMI responses produced by P. longiflora than by A. carolinianum. This is the first study to show that P. longiflora ethanol extract has more potent in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory activities than A. carolinianum, especially in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. However, further research is needed to identify the different molecular mechanisms involved in mediating this immunomodulatory response.

Beneficial health applications and medicinal values of Pedicularis plants: A review.

Pedicularis plants (Orobanchaceae), popularly known as lousewort, are found in Asia, Europe, and North America, and have been used in Sowa-Rigpa, the Himalayan art of healing and a traditional system of medicine for treating various ailments in humans. A comprehensive compilation on this valuable medicinal plant is not available, however. The present extensive review provides insight into the salient medicinal properties of Pedicularis plants with respect to various health issues and diseases. Our previous studies on Pedicularis plants from the Changthang region of Ladakh (India) and research advances leading to new developments in this field have prompted this review. The information presented here has been compiled and analyzed from authenticated published resources available on Medline, Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Science Direct, and other scientific databases. The Pedicularis genus consists of approximately 600 species (83 of which are found in India), with commonly reported species being Pedicularis longiflora Rudolph, P. bicornuta Klotzsch, P. oederi Vahl, P. cheilanthifolia, and P. pectinata. The major phytoconstituents of the Pedicularis sp. are phenols, phenylethanoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, and alkaloids, among others. The existing literature highlights that these compounds possess antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, muscle-relaxing, antifatigue, diuretic, antipyretic, antithrombus, antihemolysis, and DNA-repairing properties. This medicinal herb is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea, fevers, sterility, rheumatism, general debility, collapse, and urinary problems, and for revitalizing the blood circulation, improving digestion, and maintaining vitality. This review emphasizes the various medicinal aspects of Pedicularis sp. plants containing a variety of phytoconstituents. Besides phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, tannins, iridoid, and phenylpropanoid glycosides are among the active constituents responsible for multiple health effects. However, further extensive research is required to characterize the various phytoconstituents of Pedicularis to explore their modes of action at a molecular level and identify other beneficial applications that can exploit the tremendous medicinal potential of this important herb.

Buparvaquone therapy in a rock pigeon infected with Haemoproteus columbae showing torticollis.

A clinical Haemoproteus columbae infection in a two months rock pigeon was diagnosed on the basis of outward signs and blood smear examination. The clinical signs suggestive of pigeon malaria were anorexia, depression, inability to fly, circling movements and episodes of torticollis. The characteristic halter shaped gametocytes were seen, in thin blood smear, encircling the nucleus of erythrocytes. Buparvaquone therapy, two intramuscular injections at the rate of 5 mg/kg at 72 h interval, was successful. Supplementation of multivitamin helped in speedy recovery and clinical signs along with uncommon torticollis, completely disappeared in one week.

Alteration in clinico-biochemical profile and oxidative stress indices associated with hyperglycaemia with special reference to diabetes in cattle--a pilot study.

The present study aimed to assess hyperglycaemia with special reference to diabetes mellitus in cattle by clinico-biochemical estimation and evaluation of oxidative stress indices. A total of 256 cattle exhibiting weakness, poor body condition and reduced milk yield in lactating cattle were included in the study. These animals were screened with blood glucose level, urine glucose and ketone bodies. Out of these, 32 (12.5%) cattle showed hyperglycaemia and glycosuria, of which 25% exhibited ketonuria. Diabetes was confirmed in five cattle by estimation of fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, serum fructosamine, intravenous glucose tolerance test and insulin level. This reports first confirmation of diabetes in cattle in India. All these five animals revealed low level of serum insulin suggestive of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in cattle. The level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) was found to be increased in diabetic cattle. Oxidant/antioxidant balance was assessed in hyperglycaemic cattle and five age-matched Holstein Friesian (HF) cross-bred healthy control animals. Diabetic cattle revealed significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) levels of erythrocytic lipid peroxides in comparison with other hyperglycaemic cattle and healthy controls whereas the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase was found to be significantly lower in diabetes-affected animals in comparison to healthy controls. Reduced glutathione did not show a significant difference between hyperglycaemic and control groups. It is concluded from the present study that oxidative stress associated with diabetes in cattle is obvious compared with other hyperglycaemic cattle.

Assessment of the cytokine profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of naturally Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis infested dogs.

The mechanism of cytokine secretion from T lymphocytes plays an important role in the immune response of dogs and parasitic skin infestations. Assessment of the cytokine profile of naturally S. scabiei var. canis infested dogs could augment understanding of the pathobiology of canine sarcoptic mange. Therefore, the present study examined the cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of dogs suffering from sarcoptic mange. Thirteen dogs naturally infected with sarcoptic mange participated in the study. The dogs were found positive for S. scabiei var. canis mites in skin scraping examinations and revealed at least three clinical inclusion criteria. Another five clinically healthy dogs were kept as healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from heparinized blood samples and used for extraction of mRNA. Further, cDNA was synthesized by using 1 mg of mRNA by reverse transcription using oligonucleotide primers. Relative levels of cytokine expression were compared with normalized glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) transcripts. The levels of interleukin-4, interleukin-5 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) mRNA expression in dogs with sarcoptic mange were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01), whereas the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01) in comparison with the healthy dogs. No remarkable difference was seen for interleukin-2 mRNA expression between these animals. An overproduction IL-4 and IL-5 might be involved in immuno-pathogenesis of canine sarcoptic mange. S. scabiei var. canis mites possibly induce an overproduction of TGF-ß and reduced expression of TNF-α and thus could be conferring the immune suppression of infested dogs.

Assay of alterations in oxidative stress markers in pigs naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis.

The present study aimed to examine the status of antioxidant systems of the pigs naturally suffering from sarcoptic mange. Fifty nine pigs were divided into three groups, healthy control (group I, n=15), subclinical sarcoptic mange (group II, n=22) and clinical sarcoptic mange (group III, n=22). To assess the status of antioxidant systems; lipid peroxides (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ascorbic acid, zinc and copper concentrations in the blood samples as well as LPO, SOD, CAT and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities in the skin were measured. The GSH, SOD, GPx, ascorbic acid, zinc, copper concentrations in blood were significantly lower in the pigs suffering from clinical and subclinical sarcoptic mange, when compared with the healthy control. However, LPO content of these infested pigs was significantly higher. The CAT, SOD and GST activities in the skin of the diseased pigs were significantly lower, whereas LPO was significantly higher as compared to the healthy control. From the present study, it may be concluded that sarcoptic mange bestows remarkable alterations in the oxidative stress markers and imposes compromisation of the antioxidant status of the infested pigs.

Alterations in oxidant/antioxidant balance, high-mobility group box 1 protein and acute phase response in cross-bred suckling piglets suffering from rotaviral enteritis.

Rotaviral enteritis has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in piglets during their post-natal life. The present study was carried out to examine high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, acute phase response and oxidative stress indices in the serum of suckling piglets suffering from enteritis with or without association of porcine group A rotavirus infection. The present investigation utilized 23 clinical cases with signs of acute enteritis and 12 more healthy piglets of a similar age group as control animals. Out of 23 enteritis cases, 12 cases were found to be positive for porcine group A rotavirus infection as confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific primers for group A rotavirus, and the rest were found negative. The acute enteritis cases in piglets were associated with an elevated level of HMGB1 protein and serum haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin suggestive of an acute phase response. Among the oxidative stress indices, the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) in serum were significantly increased. A pronounced drop of total antioxidant capacity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase in the serum of piglets suffering from acute enteritis compared to healthy ones were also noticed. The alterations in HMGB1 protein, acute phase response and oxidative stress indices were more pronounced in cases with the involvement of porcine rotavirus as compared to rotavirus-negative cases. It is concluded that HMGB1 protein, markers of oxidative stress and acute phase proteins might play an important role in the aetiopathogenesis of porcine diarrhoea caused by rotavirus and might be true markers in diagnosing the conditions leading to the extension of the prompt and effective therapeutic care.

The immuno-pathological conversions of canine demodicosis.

Canine demodicosis is a common but exigent noncontagious parasitic dermatosis caused by overpopulation of the host-specific follicular mites of various Demodex species. Receptivity of dogs to demodicosis and progression of the clinical disease are influenced by numerous factors including; genetic defect, alteration of skin's structure and biochemistry, immunological disorders, hormonal status, breed, age, nutritional status, oxidative stress, length of hair coat, stage of oestrus cycle, parturition, endoparasitism and debilitating diseases. Of these, the immune status is thought to be the most significant. Thus, in the present review we intended to edify the immuno-pathological conversions of canine demodicosis. Generalized demodicosis requires a cutaneous environment that is ecologically and immunologically favorable for extreme colonization of demodectic mites. Demodex canis mites can down regulate the CD4+ T cells; possibly by an increased rate of apoptosis or immunological exhaustion of CD4+ T cells. An increased apoptosis of peripheral leukocytes confers progression of the clinical manifestations. Mites induced elevation of TGF-ß and inhibition of TNF-α mRNA expression might be a key factor for revealing the difference in the mechanism of onset between localized and generalized demodicosis. Moreover, an elevated serum level of IL-10 could be accountable for the recurrence as well as occurrence of demodicosis in dogs. Over production of reactive oxygen species can corroborate immunological discrepancies in dogs with demodicosis.

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) - a re-emerging concern in livestock: a revisit to its biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and prophylaxis.

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) is known to cause several diseases worldwide. It is a double-stranded DNA virus consisting of 33 structural proteins out of which 13 are associated with the envelope. Based on genomic analysis and viral peptide patterns, BHV-1 virus can be divided into several subtypes like BHV-1.1, BHV-1.2, and BHV-1.3. However, all subtypes are antigenically similar. The symptoms of the related diseases are mainly non-life-threatening but have a rather wide host range that limits animal trade. The different modes of transmission as unique feature of this virus and the tendency to cause infection in the early age with latency development in trigeminal and sacral ganglion cause huge economic losses around the world. The virus also affects endangered bovine species like mithun (Bos frontalis) and yak (Poephagus grunniens). The disease can be diagnosed by using conventional procedures (like cell culture, immune-histopathology, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) as well as highly sensitive modern techniques (like nested PCR and southern hybridization) with the virus neutralization test regarded as gold standard. With the currently available diagnostic tests it is not possible to identify animals which have a latent BHV-1 infection. Different types of modern and conventional vaccines are available for immunoprophylaxis. Inactivated vaccines are not as efficacious as modified live virus (MLV) vaccines. Marker vaccines allow the distinction between vaccinated and naturally infected animals. In this review the present status of BHV-1 around the world will be addressed besides the current knowledge with regard to its biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and prophylaxis.

Efficacy of doramectin in Trixacarus caviae infestation in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

The present study was intended to evaluate the efficacy of doramectin against seven naturally Trixacarus caviae infested male guinea pigs. Multiple skin scrapings of all the seven guinea pigs were found microscopically positive for T. caviae mites. Clinically these animals revealed, more or less denuded, very red often thickened, and crustated cutaneous lesions restricted at the sacral region and back. Doramectin 1 % (w/v) was administered intramuscularly at a dose rate of 400 µg/kg once weekly, which resulted in profound improvements in clinical conditions within 14 days after the first doramectin application. It took almost 28 days for the cutaneous lesions to disappear and to witness partial hair coat regrowth. Two moderately infested guinea pigs required only single injection of doramectin to achieve complete parasitological cure, while remaining five (one moderately infested and four severely infested) guinea pigs required two injections of doramectin to achieve complete parasitological cure. No adverse effects were revealed by any of the doramectin treated guinea pigs during the study period. Thus, it can be concluded from the present study that guinea pigs naturally infested by T. caviae mites can be cured safely using two doses of doramectin once in a week.

Amelioration of altered oxidant/antioxidant balance of Indian water buffaloes with subclinical mastitis by vitamins A, D3, E, and H supplementation.

The effect of vitamins A, D3, E, and H supplementation on oxidative stress indices in Indian water buffaloes suffering from subclinical mastitis was investigated. Changes in the total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in milk were evaluated before and after the supplementation of vitamins A, D3, E, and H. The buffaloes suffering from subclinical mastitis revealed remarkable alterations in the milk oxidants/antioxidants balance shifted towards oxidative status. The buffaloes with subclinical mastitis revealed significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher TOC, NO contents, and CAT activity, while TAC content and GSH-Px activity were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) lower in comparison with the healthy controls. However, SOD activity did not show any significant change. Supplementation of vitamins A, D3, E, and H to these animals revealed significant (P ≤ 0.01) reduction in TOC, NO, and CAT, while a significant (P ≤ 0.01) increase in TAC and GSH-Px activity was also evident. From the present study, it may be concluded that supplementation of these vitamins can help ameliorate the altered milk oxidants/antioxidants balance towards normalcy and, thus, ensue recovery from subclinical mastitis in the Indian water buffaloes.

Psoroptes cuniculi induced oxidative imbalance in rabbits and its alleviation by using vitamins A, D3, E, and H as adjunctive remedial.

The oxidant/antioxidant balance of rabbits naturally infected with Psoroptes cuniculi and treated with ivermectin +/- vitamins A, D(3), E, and H supplementation was investigated. Two groups of seven mixed ♂ and ♀, 6-to-8 month-old New Zealand White rabbits, diagnosed Psoroptes mites-positive by skin scraping examination and seven clinically healthy control rabbits were examined. Blood samples were obtained on day 0 and at 28 days post-therapy to determine oxidative stress indices. On day 0, the levels of lipid peroxides were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) in the Psoroptes-infected rabbits compared with the healthy controls while those of reduced glutathione and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01). Vitamin supplementation of the ivermectin-treated rabbits revealed both faster clinical (14 days) and parasitological (10 days) recovery. It was concluded that significant alteration of oxidant/antioxidant balance is a factor in the pathogenesis of P. cuniculi infestation of rabbits, and recovery can be enhanced by combining ivermectin treatment with vitamin A, D(3,) E, and H supplementation.

Oxidant/antioxidant balance, minerals status and apoptosis in peripheral blood of dogs naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis.

The present study was aimed to examine lipid peroxides, antioxidants, zinc, copper, iron panels and apoptosis in peripheral blood of dogs with clinical dirofilariosis. In comparison to healthy control, erythrocytic lipid peroxides level and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly (P<0.01) higher in diseased dogs. However, level of reduced glutathione and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase were significantly (P<0.01) lower in diseased dogs. Blood zinc, copper and iron levels in dogs with dirofilariosis were significantly (P<0.01) lower than the healthy control. The percent apoptotic peripheral leukocytes were significantly higher in dogs with dirofilariosis in comparison with healthy control. From the present study, it is concluded that significant alterations in oxidant/antioxidant balance, mineral status and rate of apoptosis in peripheral blood may be implicated in the pathogenesis of clinical canine dirofilariosis.

The role of apoptosis in immunosuppression of dogs with demodicosis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of apoptosis in peripheral blood leukocytes of dogs with demodicosis. A total of 26 dogs suffering from demodicosis, and positive for Demodex canis mites by skin scraping, participated in the study, 13 with localized demodicosis (LD) and 13 with generalized demodicosis (GD). A further 13 clinically healthy dogs, all of whom were negative for mites upon skin scraping, were used as controls. The dogs with GD revealed significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) percentage of leukocytes with externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm) as compared with the dogs with LD and healthy controls. These dogs also revealed significantly lower values (P ≤ 0.0001) of hematological parameters viz. hemoglobin, total erythrocytes count total leukocytes count, lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. Significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) percentages of leukocytes with externalization of PS and depolarized ΔΨm were also found in dogs with LD as compared with the healthy controls. These dogs also revealed significantly lower values of Hb (P ≤ 0.0001), TEC (P=0.025), TLC (P ≤ 0.0001), lymphocytes (P=0.008), monocytes (P ≤ 0.0001) and neutrophils (P=0.03). It is concluded that premature apoptosis of PBL may be implicated in the immunosuppression of the dogs with demodicosis.

The curative and antioxidative efficiency of ivermectin and ivermectin + vitamin E-selenium treatment on canine Sarcoptes scabiei infestation.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the curative and antioxidative efficacy of ivermectin and ivermectin + vitamin E-selenium, and the influence of these agents on oxidative stress parameters in canines infested by Sarcoptes scabiei. Twenty two sarcoptic mites infested dogs and nine healthy dogs of 6 months to 2 years of age were divided into three groups. Group I comprised of healthy dogs (n=9) whereas animals in group II (n=11) and III (n=11) were positive for scabies. Group II animals were treated with only 1% ivermectin @ 0.2 mg/kg SC whereas group III were additionally treated with Vitamin E and selenium (tocopherol 50 mg + Se 1.5 mg/ml) @ 0.5 ml/20 kg IM at weekly intervals for three times. Blood samples were collected on day 0 and 28 post therapy. The values for hemato-biochemical parameters and activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased (P<0.05) whereas level of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in all the infested dogs in comparison to the healthy dogs on day 0 which approached normalcy by day 28 post therapy. The dogs of group III showed better clinical recovery in comparison to group II at the end of therapy. Thus, administration of vitamin E and selenium in addition to standard therapy can alleviate these alterations hastening the clinical recovery of diseased dogs and can be recommended as an adjunct therapy with miticides for canine sarcoptic mange.

Effect of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on oxidative stress indices and cortisol level in blood in water buffaloes during pregnancy and early postpartum period.

Pregnancy is a physiology state accompanied by high energy and oxygen demand that may lead to increased level of oxidative stress and development of metabolic and reproductive disorders in pregnant water buffaloes. In the present study, the alterations in serum cortisol and erythrocyte lipid peroxides and superoxide dismutase activities were examined in 28 pregnant water buffaloes supplemented with antioxidant nutrients, Vitamin E and selenium. Another 14 buffaloes did not receive any treatment during pregnancy to serve as negative control. Results of the present study suggested that pregnancy is associated with oxidative stress and supplementation of vitamin E and selenium may be beneficial by alleviating oxidative stress in water buffaloes.

Changes in oxidative stress indices, zinc and copper concentrations in blood in canine demodicosis.

Status of certain oxidative stress indices and zinc and copper concentrations in blood were estimated in dogs with localized demodicosis (LD) and generalized demodicosis (GD). In comparison to healthy control, erythrocytic lipid peroxides level and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly (P<0.01) higher in both LD as well as GD. However, level of reduced glutathione and activity of catalase were significantly (P<0.01) lower in both LD and GD. Blood zinc and copper levels in dogs with LD and GD were significantly (P<0.01) lower than healthy control. Significant (P<0.01) differences were also observed in different oxidative stress indices and zinc and copper levels in between LD and GD groups. From the present study, it was concluded that demodicosis is associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant supplementation may be beneficial in management of canine demodicosis.