Effects of dietary antioxidants on glucose and insulin responses to glucose tolerance test in transition dairy cows.

Oxidative stress occurs during the transition period and causes insulin resistance, which may be reduced by the use of antioxidants in this period. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein dairy cows, at 8 wk before parturition, were divided into 4 equal groups, namely control (Ctrl), vitamin E (VE), selenium (Se), and vitamin E plus selenium (VE + Se) groups. On a daily basis, VE and Se cows received dietary 1.5 IU vitamin E/kg BW and 0.3 mg/kg DM selenium, respectively, from 8 wk before to 3 wk after parturition. Vitamin E plus selenium group received doses similar to VE and Se groups. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated through intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT) at weekly intervals from 3 wk before to 3 wk after parturition. Serum concentrations of total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) were assayed weekly before the commencement of ivGTT. Based on the results of ivGTT, the lowest and the highest degrees of insulin sensitivity were detected in Ctrl and VE + Se groups, respectively. The highest and the lowest concentrations of NEFA and BHBA were observed in Ctrl and VE + Se groups, respectively. Total antioxidant status, SOD, and GPx values were significantly lower in Ctrl cows and significantly higher in VE + Se-received cows compared with other groups. However, MDA values in Ctrl and VE + Se cows were significantly higher and lower than the other groups, respectively. Collectively, our results show that dietary administration of vitamin E and selenium ameliorates oxidative stress and lipid mobilization and increases insulin sensitivity in transition cows.

All-trans retinoic acid preconditioning enhances proliferation, angiogenesis and migration of mesenchymal stem cell in vitro and enhances wound repair in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: Stem cell therapy is considered to be a suitable alternative in treatment of a number of diseases. However, there are challenges in their clinical application in cell therapy, such as to reduce survival and loss of transplanted stem cells. It seems that chemical and pharmacological preconditioning enhances their therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we investigated effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on survival, angiogenesis and migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro and in a wound-healing model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCs were treated with a variety of concentrations of ATRA, and mRNA expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and Ang-4 were examined by qRT-PCR. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were measured using an ELISA kit and MSC angiogenic potential was evaluated using three-dimensional tube formation assay. Finally, benefit of ATRA-treated MSCs in wound healing was determined with a rat excisional wound model. RESULTS: In ATRA-treated MSCs, expressions of COX-2, HIF-1, CXCR4, CCR2, VEGF, Ang-2 and Ang-4 increased compared to control groups. Overexpression of the related genes was reversed by celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Tube formation and in vivo wound healing of ATRA-treated MSCs were also significantly enhanced compared to untreated MSCs. CONCLUSION: Pre-conditioning of MSCs with ATRA increased efficacy of cell therapy by activation of survival signalling pathways, trophic factors and release of pro-angiogenic molecules.

Brucellosis as a neglected disease in a neglected population: a seroepidemiological study of migratory nomads in the Fars province of Iran.

This study assessed the seroprevalence of brucellosis and its risk factors in migratory nomads in the Fars province of Iran. Active brucellosis was defined as the combination of clinical symptoms, including fever, chills, night sweats, headache, low back pain, arthralgia, or myalgia, and positive laboratory testing, including either a serum agglutination test (SAT) ⩾1:80 with a 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) test ⩾1:40, or a SAT <1:80 combined with a positive Coombs Wright test (CWT) at a titre of at least threefold higher than SAT titre results. For the 536 participants, the female (316, 59%) to male (220, 41%) ratio was 1·4 and the participants' mean age was 32·4 ± 18·9 (range 1-96) years. Of all participants, 325 (60·6%) showed clinical symptoms; in symptomatic participants, the Rose Bengal plate test was positive in 33 (6·1%) cases, the SAT was positive in 18 (3·3%) cases, and the 2-ME test was positive in 30 (5·5%) cases. Positive SAT and 2-ME results were seen in 18 (3·3%) cases, but a negative SAT and a positive CWT were found in 36 (6·7%) cases. As a result, active brucellosis was detected in 54 cases, indicating a prevalence of 10% (95% confidence interval 8-12). In conclusion, we determined that brucellosis is a prevalent yet neglected disease in this nomadic population. Brucellosis control is not possible as long as these high-risk populations remain neglected.

Garcinol exhibits anti-proliferative activities by targeting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 in human colon cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of death. Various natural compounds are known to have antitumor properties. Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the current study, we investigated the anticancer activity of garcinol on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) human colon cancer cells. METHODS: HT-29 cells were treated with various concentrations of garcinol for 24 h. The effect of garcinol on HT-29 cells proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay; the mRNA expression of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction; apoptosis was detected by proportion of sub-G1 cell; caspase 3 activity and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and HT-29 cells migration was assessed using scratch test. RESULTS: Garcinol preconditioning markedly decreased the expression of mPGES-1, HIF-1α, VEGF, CXCR4, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The proportion of cells in sub-G1 phase and caspase 3 activity were increased by garcinol treatment whereas the cell proliferation, PGE2 level, and cell migration were decreased in these cells, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that garcinol plays a critical role in elevating apoptosis and inhibiting HT-29 cells proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion by suppressing the mPGES-1/PGE2/HIF-1α signaling pathways.

Detection of faecal Cryptosporidium parvum antigen in diarrheic Holstein dairy cows.

Over a one-year period, based on a random cluster sampling design, 661 faecal samples from natural cases of diarrheic calves were taken in Fars province of Iran. The samples were taken from the 267 diarrheic calves of high and 394 diarrheic calves of average producing Holstein dairy cows. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum. Herd selection was based on geographical location and density of cattle in the region. Samples were collected based on 5 percent of herd population in 4 geographical regions: North, West, East and South of Fars province. The herds were stratified into small, medium and large size. Laboratory investigation consisted of a direct identification test for antigen of Cryptosporidium parvum. All herds had HPDC and APDC Cryptosporidium-infected diarrheic calves in their population. Diarrheic Cryptosporidium infected HPDC calves in southern region of Fars province were at much lower risk (P<0.05) than APDC calves. The rate of Cryptosporidium infection in diarrheic APDC calves in southern region of Fars province was highest when compared to other geographical locations. When considering the effect of age, diarrheic Cryptosporidium affected APDC Holstein calves of younger dams (>2 to 3years) showed a higher rate of infection when compared to diarrheic HPDC Cryptosporidium infected ones. There were no differences among the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in diarrheic HPDC and APDC calves of different herd size groups.

Detection of faecal Cryptosporidium parvum antigen in diarrheic Holstein dairy cows

Over a one-year period, based on a random cluster sampling design, 661 faecal samples from natural cases of diarrheic calves were taken in Fars province of Iran. The samples were taken from the 267 diarrheic calves of high and 394 diarrheic calves of average producing Holstein dairy cows. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum. Herd selection was based on geographical location and density of cattle in the region. Samples were collected based on 5 percent of herd population in 4 geographical regions: North, West, East and South of Fars province. The herds were stratified into small, medium and large size. Laboratory investigation consisted of a direct identification test for antigen of Cryptosporidium parvum. All herds had HPDC and APDC Cryptosporidium-infected diarrheic calves in their population. Diarrheic Cryptosporidium infected HPDC calves in southern region of Fars province were at much lower risk (P2 to 3years) showed a higher rate of infection when compared to diarrheic HPDC Cryptosporidium infected ones. There were no differences among the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in diarrheic HPDC and APDC calves of different herd size groups.

The relationship between KCl infusion and changes of ECG, electrolytes of plasma and K content of donkey's red blood cells.

Sudden marked increases in the serum potassium concentration, up to 8 to 9 meq L(-1), are the result of transcellular movement of potassium and are associated with profound electrocardiographic abnormalities and fluid shifts. Electrocardiographic changes associated with hyperkalemia have been described in the cat, the dog, the horse and are well documented in man. Since there is no research about the effects of hyperkalemia on electrocardiogram of donkey, the purpose of this study was to induce the experimentally hyperkalemia in donkey and studying the relationship between KCl infusion and changes of ECG, electrolytes of plasma and K content of donkey's red blood cells. This research was carried out in seven clinically healthy female donkeys, injected with 0.35 molar potassium chloride solutions to jugular vein. Results indicated that potassium content of RBC at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min, blood potassium level at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min, blood calcium at 60, 75, 90 and 105, increased significantly and blood magnesium decreased significantly at 135 min. Electrocardiographic changes were first degree A-V block, wandering pacemaker, inversion of negative to positive T-wave, flattening of the P-wave, ventricular premature beat, sinus arrest, bradycardia and sinus tachycardia.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 exon 1 A/G polymorphism in Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a T-cell surface receptor of activated T cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 100 Iranian patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) and 100 ethnic, sex- and age-matched controls. CTLA-4 exon 1 A/G polymorphism was compared amongst patients and controls. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the allelic [odds ratio (OR): 1.19, confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.76-1.85, P = 0.4] and genotypes (OR: 1.60, CI 95%: 0.911-2.824, P = 0.102) distribution amongst patients and controls. Also gender, course and progression index did not reveal any statistically significant differences in allele and genotype distribution of A/G polymorphism. CONCLUSION: As a non-European patient population, our results are consistent with the major previous studies showing no significant associations between CTLA4 exon 1 polymorphism and neither MS nor any of its subtypes.

Effect of garlic along with lead acetate administration on lead burden of some tissues in mice.

Garlic ability to reduce lead burden in body tissues before and during chronic lead toxicity was studied. Eighty mice were divided into 8 groups. Group D received placebo. Groups A1, A2 and A3, respectively received 500, 250 and 125 mg kg(-1) day garlic and Groups B1, B2 and B3, respectively 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 garlic tablet kg(-1) day in first four weeks and in second four weeks they received 5 mg kg(-1) day lead acetate plus garlic or garlic tablet. Group C received placebo in first four weeks and in second four weeks they received 5 mg kg(-1) day lead acetate and placebo. Reduction in lead burden of kidney, liver, bone and blood (except for group A3) in experimental groups was significant compared with group C (p<0.05). Results showed that fresh garlic extract and garlic tablet had almost same effects on lead reduction in tissues.