Evaluation of Oxidative Stress, Thyroid Hormones, Trace Elements and Some Biochemical Markers in Goats Naturally Infected with Theileria ovis.

BACKGROUND: Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoon species in the Theileria genus of the Theileriidae family. The biochemical changes induced by infection are considered to be an important understanding of the pathophysiology of caprine theileriosis. In this study, it was aimed to determine oxidative stress, thyroid hormones, trace elements, and biochemical parameters in theileriosis infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 14 goat was used for this purpose, of which 7 were healthy and 7 were infected with Theileria ovis. Theileria infection was diagnosed from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sera from blood samples was tested for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), oxidative stress index (OSI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), iron (Fe). RESULT: TOC, OSI, AST, ALT and GGT values were higher in the patient group than in the healthy group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there were decreases in TAC, T3, T4, total protein, albumin, creatinine, Cu, Zn, Se, and Co values (P < 0.05). However, there was not found to be a statistical difference between the healthy and patient groups in terms of triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, urea, BUN, Mn, and Fe values (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be stated that oxidative stress is a complication of caprine theileriosis and it may be accompanied with hypothyroidism and deficits in trace minerals.

Protective effects of chitosan and chitosan oligosaccharide against oxidative damage in liver tissue of rats with fluorine poisoning.

Fluorine toxicity has negative effects on soft tissue besides skeletal and dental tissues. In the present study, we have investigated the protective effect of chitosan (CS) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on liver tissue of fluorine-intoxicated rats taking the antioxidant characteristics of chitosan and its derivatives into consideration. In this study, 42 male Wistar albino rats were randomly selected to determine the control and experimental fluorosis groups. Our study lasted for 12 weeks. As a consequence of the study, MDA significantly increased in the liver tissue of NaF group while some antioxidant values significantly decreased. It was detected that serum AST and LDH levels increased significantly while ALB and TP values significantly decreased in NaF group. The degenerations were identified in the liver histopathology of all fluoride-treated groups. We have concluded according to the results that chitosan oligosaccharide can be more effective compared with chitosan.

The Effect of Chitosan on the Erythrocyte Antioxidant Potential of Lead Toxicity-Induced Rats.

In the present study, the effects of chitosan on erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) enzyme activities in lead toxicity-induced rats were investigated. Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups of control (C), lead group (Pb group), lead + chitosan group (Pb + CS group), and chitosan group (CS group). Lead groups were administered 50 mg/kg lead acetate intraperitoneally (ip) for 5 days and chitosan groups were administered 200 mg/kg chitosan for 28 days via gavage. At the end of the study, lead levels were measured in the blood; MDA and GSH levels and GPx, GR, and G6PDH activities were measured in the erythrocyte. It was determined that, in parallel with the increase of full blood lead levels in the Pb group, erythrocyte MDA levels increased significantly, while GSH levels and GSH-Px, GR, and G6PDH activities decreased when compared to those in the C and CS groups (p Ë‚ 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in lead and MDA levels and GSH level and GSH-Px activity increased (p Ë‚ 0.05) in the Pb + CS group, where chitosan was administered as a protective agent in addition to lead, when compared to the Pb group. There were no differences between the Pb + CS group and the other three groups based on GR and G6PDH activities (p Ëƒ 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the C and CS groups based on the parameters of analysis (p Ëƒ 0.05). The findings of the present study demonstrated that lead increased oxidative stress by increasing free radical production in erythrocytes, and chitosan was effective in removing the lead from the circulation and enforced the antioxidant defense system.

Protective effect of Silybum marianum and Taraxacum officinale extracts against oxidative kidney injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats.

The protective effect of the extracts of the plants Silybum marianum and Taraxacum officinale by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was researched. Sixty-six female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups: Control, Silybum marianum, Taraxacum officinale, CCl4, Silybum marianum+ CCl4, Taraxacum officinale+CCl4. The Silybum marianum and Taraxacum officinale extracts were administered as 100 mg/kg/day by gavage. The CCl4 was administered as 1.5 mL/kg (i.p.). At the end of the trial period, in the serums obtained from the animals, in the CCl4 group it was found that the MDA level increased in the kidney tissue samples as well as in the ALP and GGT enzyme activities. It was also found that the GSH level and the GST enzyme activities decreased (p<.05). The microscopic evaluations showed that the CCl4 caused a serious hydropic degeneration, coagulation necrosis, and mono-nuclear cell infiltration in the kidney cell. In the animals where CCl4 and Silybum marianum and Taraxacum officinale extracts were applied together, it was found that the serum ALP and GGT enzyme activities decreased and that the MDA level decreased in the kidney tissue, and that the GSH level and GST enzyme activities increased. It was observed that the histopathological changes caused by the CCl4 toxicity were corrected by applying the extracts. Eventually, it was determined that the Silybum marianum was more effective. Silybum marianum and Taraxacum officinale extracts which were used against histopathological changes in the kidney caused by toxication showed a corrective effect, which were supported by biochemical parameters.

The effect of glutathione treatment on the biochemical and immunohistochemical profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

This study investigated the possible role of glutathione (GSH) in diabetic complications and its biochemical safety in experimental diabetic rats. Serum biochemical parameters and the histology of the pancreas were investigated. Seven rats were separated as controls. To create the diabetes in rats, 45 mg/kg single-dose streptozotocin (STZ) was administered i.p. The treatment was continued for 1 month. STZ was administered to the diabetes + GSH group, then reduced GSH, dissolved in isotonic salt solution (200 mg/kg), was applied i.p. two times a week. The GSH group received i.p. GSH. Serum biochemical parameters were determined by autoanalyzer. Immunohistochemical procedures were used to determine the percentage of the insulin-immunoreactive ß-cell area in the islets of Langerhans. The biochemical parameters changed to different degrees or did not change. Pancreatic cells of the control and GSH groups were healthy, but in the diabetic and GSH-treated diabetic groups we found damage in different numbers. The results from these analyses show that GSH supplementation can exert beneficial effects on pancreatic cells in STZ-induced diabetic rats and can safely be used for therapy in and protection from diabetes and complications of diabetes.

Vitamin levels in lung tissue of rats with bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Bleomycin (BLM) is a chemotherapeutic agent against different carcinomas, one dose of which causes dependent pulmonary fibrosis. The present study was taken up in order to measure the retinyl ester, alpha-tocopherol and cholecalciferol (vitamin D(3)) level in lung tissue in the rats following BLM-induced fibrosis. Fourteen rats were randomly divided into two groups as a control and a BLM group. On the day of the experiment, the BLM group rats were instilled with BLM (7.5 mg/kg) and the control group with sterile saline intratracheally. Fourteen days after instillation, rats in each group were sacrificed and the lungs were prepared for histopathological examination and determination of the vitamin levels with a HPLC system. The levels of retinyl ester, alpha-tocopherol and vitamin D(3) in the lungs of the BLM group were determined to be lower than in the controls. There was statistically significant difference for the alpha-tocopherol and vitamin D(3) concentrations compared to the control group (p<0.01, p<0.001), respectively. According to these results in pulmonary fibrosis, vitamins were consumed by the lung tissue and their levels decreased.

[Determination of the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in cattle infected with Dictyocaulus viviparus]. / Dictyocaulus viviparus ile Enfekte Sigirlarda Lipit Peroksidasyon ve Antioksidan Durumunun Saptanmasi.

Endoparasites cause significant economic losses and health problems in domestic animals. In this study, lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant status were investigated in the lung tissue taken from twenty cattle infected with Dictyocaulus viviparus and ten healthy cattle. Malondialdehyde superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, vitamin C and beta-carotene were measured. In comparison to the control group, the concentration of MDA was high (p < 0.001), but the activities of Cu-Zn-SOD and CAT, and the concentration of GSH, vitamin C and beta-carotene were low (Cu-Zn-SOD, CAT, GSH, vitamin C, p < 0.001 and beta-carotene p < 0.05) in the parasite infected group. These results suggested that endoparasitic infection is among the major causes of oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation was observed and the activities and concentrations of antioxidants systems were decreased in the lungs of cattle infected with Dictyocaulus viviparus.

Effects of vitamin E and selenium on serum trace and major elements in horses.

The combined effects of vitamin E and selenium were studied in native Anatolian horses subject to strenuous exercise. The concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium were determined in serum by atomic absorption spectrometry in two study groups (n = 25 each), one of which served as untreated controls. After exercising the horses by running 1,500 m in about 7 min, only the copper level and the copper/zinc ratio significantly increased (p < 0.05), but the concentrations of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium remained unchanged. In horses treated with vitamin E and selenium, the calcium and potassium levels decreased to levels lower than those of untreated controls before and after exercise. The iron levels were not changed by exercise or treatment alone but increased when the horses had been supplemented and exercised. The copper level and the copper/zinc ration increased as a result of exercise in both treated and untreated horses. These changes suggest that supplementation with vitamin E and selenium had an important effect on the serum concentrations of calcium, potassium, copper, iron, and the copper/zinc ratio.

Plasma levels of zinc, copper, copper/zinc ratio, and activity of carbonic anhydrase in equine piroplasmosis.

We have determined the plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, copper/zinc ratio, and carbonic anhydrase activity in horses infected with Babesia equi. The study was conducted in 14 horses with the disease and 10 healthy animals that served as controls. The infection was confirmed by the clinical manifestations of the disease and by Giemsa staining of thin blood smears showing the parasites inside red blood cells. The horses with piroplasmosis had lower plasma levels of zinc, elevated copper, and increased activity of carbonic anhydrase. Consequently, the copper/zinc ratio was also higher than in the healthy controls.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant potential of sheep liver infected naturally with distomatosis.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of natural distomatosis infections on sheep liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, activities of enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT)) and concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, and beta-carotene). Eighteen Akkaraman sheep naturally infected with Fasciola sp and Dicrocoelium dentriticum (D. dentriticum) and ten healthy Akkaraman sheep were included in the study Liver samples for the analysis of MDA, GPx, Cu, Zn-SOD, CAT, GSH, vitamin C, and beta-carotene and blood samples for the measurement of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were collected immediately after sheep in the two groups were slaughtered. The concentration of MDA and activity of GPx in the group with distomatosis were higher than in the control group (P < 0.001). However, the Cu, Zn-SOD, CAT activities and the GSH, vitamin C concentrations in the infected group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001). The serum beta-carotene was not found to be statistically different in the two groups (P > 0.05). ALT and AST serum activities of the group with distomatosis were significantly higher in comparison to the control group (P < 0.001). In this study it was demonstrated that lipid peroxidation increased and activities or/and concentrations of antioxidant compounds were significantly changed in the liver of sheep with distomatosis.

Serum selenium, vitamin E, and sialic acids concentrations in lambs with white muscle disease.

The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations of selenium, vitamin E, and total- and lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA) in lambs with white muscle disease (WMD) before and after treatment with a commercial preparation containing selenite and vitamin E. Fifteen lambs with WMD and ten control animals were used as research materials. Blood samples were collected from both groups before- and 1 month after treatment for Se analysis by fluorimetry, whereas vitamin E and sialic acid were measured by HPLC and spectrophotometry, respectively. Compared to controls, in the diseased animals, there was a significant increase of serum total sialic acid (TSA) and LBSA, together with significant decreases of serum Se and vitamin E concentrations (p < 0.001). One month after treatment, a reversal of trend was observed with decreases of TSA and LBSA and increases of Se and vitamin E concentrations. The TSA and LBSA levels, however, remained significantly higher than those of the controls, p < 0.05 and 0.001, respectively. The Se and vitamin E concentrations of the treated animals were the same as those of controls. This is the first study on total and LBSA concentrations in lambs with WMD, showing that these markers can be used in the prognosis of the disease.

Serum concentration of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt and the copper/zinc ratio in horses with equine herpesvirus-1.

The serum concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt and copper/zinc ratio were investigated in horses infected with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Nine horses were naturally infected with the virus and nine healthy horses served as controls. The concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt were determined spectrophotometrically in the blood serum of all horses. The results were (expressed in micrograms per deciliters) copper 2.80 +/- 0.34 vs 1.12 +/- 0.44, zinc 3.05 +/- 0.18 vs 0.83 +/- 0.06, iron 2.76 +/- 0.17 vs 3.71 +/- 0.69, cobalt 0.19 +/- 0.37 vs 0.22 +/- 0.45, and copper/zinc ratio 0.72 +/- 0.38 vs 1.41 +/- 0.36 for control vs infected group, respectively. In conclusion, copper and zinc concentrations of the infected group were lower than the control group (p < 0.001), whereas iron concentration and the copper/zinc ratio of the infected group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). The cobalt concentration was not found to be statistically different between two groups. It might be emphasized that copper/zinc ratio was significantly affected by the EHV-1 infection, so it could be taken into consideration during the course of infection.

Investigation of the effects of alpha-tocopherol on the levels of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and carbonic anhydrase in rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

This study was designed to examine the effects of vitamin E on the levels of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and carbonic anhydrase in rats with bleomycininduced pulmonary fibrosis. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: bleomycin alone, bleomycin+vitamin E, and saline alone (control group). The bleomycin group was given 7.5 mg/kg body weight (single dose) bleomycin hydrochloride intratracheally. The bleomycin+vitamin E group was also instilled with bleomycin hydrochloride but received injections of alpha-tocopherol twice a week. The control group was treated with saline alone. Animals were sacrified 14 d after intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Tissue Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and carbonic anhydrase activities were measured in the lung and liver. Lung Cu, Fe, and carbonic anhydrase activity increase in both experimental groups. Zn and Mn levels decreased, except for the Mn level in the bleomycin group. Liver Zn, Mn, and Cu levels decreased in both experimental groups compared to the control group, whereas Fe and carbonic anhydrase activity increased in comparison to the control group. However, the liver tissue Fe level decreased compared to the control group. In the histopathologic assesment of lung sections in the bleomycin+vitamin E group, partial fibrotic lesions were observed, but the histopathologic changes were much less severe compared to the bleomycin-treated group.

Effects of 900-MHz electromagnetic field emitted from cellular phone on brain oxidative stress and some vitamin levels of guinea pigs.

This study was designed to demonstrate the effects of 900-MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted from cellular phone on brain tissue and also blood malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), retinol (vitamin A), vitamin D(3) and tocopherol (vitamin E) levels, and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity of guinea pigs. Fourteen male guinea pigs, weighing 500-800 g were randomly divided into one of two experimental groups: control and treatment (EMF-exposed), each containing seven animals. Animals in treatment group were exposed to 890- to 915-MHz EMF (217-Hz pulse rate, 2-W maximum peak power, SAR 0.95 w/kg) of a cellular phone for 12 h/day (11-h 45-min stand-by and 15-min spiking mode) for 30 days. Control guinea pigs were housed in a separate room without exposing EMF of a cellular phone. Blood samples were collected through a cardiac puncture and brains were removed after decapitation for the biochemical analysis at the end of the 30 days of experimental period. It was found that the MDA level increased (P<0.05), GSH level and CAT enzyme activity decreased (P<0.05), and vitamins A, E and D(3) levels did not change (P>0.05) in the brain tissues of EMF-exposed guinea pigs. In addition, MDA, vitamins A, D(3) and E levels, and CAT enzyme activity increased (P<0.05), and GSH level decreased (P<0.05) in the blood of EMF-exposed guinea pigs. It was concluded that electromagnetic field emitted from cellular phone might produce oxidative stress in brain tissue of guinea pigs. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate whether these effects are harmful or/and affect the neural functions.

Protective effect of alpha-tocopherol on oxidative stress in experimental pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

The study was undertaken to investigate the influence of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) on malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activity in lung of rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Fourteen Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of seven animals each. The first group was treated intra-tracheally with bleomycin hydrochloride (BM group); the second group was also instilled with BM but received injections of alpha-tocopherol twice a week (BM + E group). The third group was treated in the same manner with saline solution only, acting as controls (C). There were decreases in GSH level and CAT activity while an increase in MDA level in BM group was found compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Vitamin E had a regulator effect on these parameters. After administration of alpha-tocopherol, the increase in GSH level and CAT activity and the decrease in MDA level were seen in BM + E group compared to BM group (p < 0.05). Distinct histopathological changes were found in the BM group compared to the untreated rats. Less severe fibrotic lesions were also observed in the BM + E group. The results show that vitamin E is effective on the prevention of BM-induced PF, as indicated by differences in the lung levels of oxidants and antioxidants.

Effects of alpha-tocopherol on serum trace and major elements in rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

The study was undertaken to investigate the influence of alpha-tocopherol on zinc, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium concentrations in serum of rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Fourteen Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of seven animals each. The first group was treated intratracheally with bleomycin hydrochloride (BM group); the second group was also instilled with BM but received injections of alpha-tocopherol twice a week (BM+E group). The third group was treated in the same manner with saline solution only, acting as controls (C). The zinc concentrations of the BM and BM+E groups were significantly decreased compared to the controls (p<0.05). The iron concentration of the controls was significantly higher than the other two groups. The magnesium concentration in the controls and the BM+E group was significantly higher than that of the BM group. The serum copper, calcium, and potassium concentrations were not found to be statistically different among the three groups. Distinct histopathologic changes were found in the BM group compared to the untreated rats. Less severe fibrotic lesions were also observed in the BM+E group. The results of this study show that lungs of rats treated with bleomycin were seriously damaged and that vitamin E seemed to counteract some of the damage, as indicated by differences in the serum concentrations of major elements.