What Function Do Platelets Play in Inflammation and Bacterial and Viral Infections?

The article presents the function of platelets in inflammation as well as in bacterial and viral infections, which are the result of their reaction with the endovascular environment, including cells of damaged vascular endothelium and cells of the immune system. This role of platelets is conditioned by biologically active substances present in their granules and in their specific structures - EV (extracellular vesicles).

Mitochondria, pattern recognition receptors and autophagy under physiological and pathological conditions, including viral infections.

Research on the health of mammals invariably shows how dynamic immunology is and how the role of many elements and immune processes of the macroorganism, developed in the process of evolution in protecting against threats, including infections, is changing. Among these elements conditioning the homeostasis of the macroorganism are mitochondria, PRR receptors (pattern recognition receptors) and the phenomenon of autophagy. In the context of physiological and pathological states in the body, mitochondria perform various functions. The primary function of these organelles is to produce energy in the cell, but on the other hand, they are heavily involved in various cellular processes, including ROS production and calcium homeostasis. They are largely involved in the activation of immune mechanisms during infectious and non-infectious conditions through mtDNA and the mitochondrial MAVS protein. Mitochondrial involvement has been also determined in PRR-related mechanisms as mtDNA has the ability to directly stimulate TLRs. On the other hand, mitochondria are also associated with apoptotic cell death and autophagy.

Expression of metallothionein in the liver and kidneys of the red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) from an industrial metal smelting area of Poland.

The metallothionein 1 (MT1) coding sequence of red deer was identified and compared to orthologous sequences from other mammals. Over 90% identity was observed between red deer MT1 amino acid sequence and MT1 sequences of other ruminants. Liver and kidney samples of red deer were collected from the industrial zinc smelting site of Miasteczko Slaskie and from the Masuria Lake District serving as a pollution-free control site. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were analyzed by the atomic absorption spectrometry technique (AAS). The levels of Cd in the liver of red deer from the metal smelting region was about 8 times higher than for the reference control site. Next, the expression of MT1 mRNA in the liver of red deer was quantified by the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the expression of MT1/2 protein in the liver and kidneys was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Positive correlations were found between expression levels for MT1 mRNA and the concentrations of Cu and Zn in liver of red deer, and with the age of animals. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the nuclear and cytoplasmatic expression in both liver and kidney tissues, but with no obvious relationship shown for the expression of MT1/2 protein and tissue metal levels. Our results showed that the analysis of MT expression levels in the red deer could not be used independently as a biomarker for identifying exposure to Cd, but could be co-analyzed with tissue metal levels to give better prognosis for environmental exposure to metals.

Cytotoxicity of Odorous Compounds from Poultry Manure.

Long-term exposure and inhalation of odorous compounds from poultry manure can be harmful to farm workers and the surrounding residents as well as animals. The aim of the present study was to determine the cytotoxicity and IC50 values of common odorous compounds such as ammonium, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, butyric acid, phenol, and indole in the chick liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line LMH (Leghorn Male Hepatoma), in vitro, using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and PrestoBlue cytotoxicity assays. The cells were microscopically examined for any morphological changes post treatment. Dimethylamine exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect on LMH cells with an IC50 value of 0.06% and 0.04% after an exposure of 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Both ammonium and trimethylamine had comparable cytotoxicity and their IC50 values were 0.08% and 0.04% after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Of note, indole had the lowest cytotoxicity as the majority of cells were viable even after 72 h exposure. Thus, the IC50 for indole was not calculated. Results achieved from both MTT and PrestoBlue assays were comparable. Moreover, the morphological changes induced by the tested odours in LMH cells resulted in monolayer destruction, cytoplasm vacuolisation, chromatin condensation, and changes in nucleus and cell shape. Our study showed harmful effects of odorous compounds in chick tissues.

Zearalenone and its metabolites in the tissues of female wild boars exposed per os to mycotoxins.

The study was performed on 18 clinically healthy female wild boars with initial body weight of 35 ± 2 kg. The animals were divided into two experimental groups (group I and group II) and one control group (group C) of 6 female wild boars per group. Group I animals were administered per os pure zearalenone (ZEN) at 150 µg/kg BW every two months for 7 subsequent days, whereas group II animals received feed naturally contaminated with ZEN at 50 µg/kg BW/day. Female wild boars were exposed to ZEN over a period of 1 year. Control group animals were fed a placebo. Tissue samples (dorsal muscles, left lobe of liver, left kidney, spleen, apical part of the cardiac muscle, cranial lobe of lung, left ovary, central part of the left horn of the uterus) were collected on the last day of the experiment within 3 min after slaughter. In group I, the highest ZEN levels were noted in the spleen (19.813 ng/g), cardiac muscle (18.105 ng/g) and kidneys (14.555 ng/g). In group II, the highest concentrations of ZEN were observed in muscle tissue (12.033 ng/g), uterus (10.821 ng/g) and kidneys (10.463 ng/g). The highest values of the carry-over factor were noted in the same tissues. In the examined female wild boars, per os exposure to natural sources of the parent substance or a combination of ZEN and its metabolites led to different concentrations of ZEN in the analyzed tissues. Zearalenone concentrations were compatible with CF values in both experimental groups.

Impact of a microbial-mineral biopreparation on microbial community and deodorization of manures.

The aim of this study was to determine the number of bacteria in poultry, cattle and swine manure in order to perform hygienization and deodorization using a microbial-mineral biopreparation. The highest number of bacteria was recorded in laying hens manure (5.1×10(10) cfu/g). It was noted that bacteria: coliforms, E. coli, Clostridium, Enterococcus number was reduced (1-2 log) after the biopreparation application. The investigated odorous compound concentrations were reduced with 34-78% efficiency, depending on the type of manure and odorant. All odorous compounds were efficiently reduced only in the case of laying hen manure.

Effect of heat stress on physiological parameters and blood composition in Polish Merino rams.

The Merino sheep represents the most prevalent sheep breed in Poland and is one of the most genetic-stable sheep races. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the responses of Polish Merino sheep to three thermal conditions: thermoneutral (16.5 degrees C, group I), mild heat stress (30 degrees C, group II), and severe heat stress (50 degrees C, group III). During the experiment heart rate (HR; beats/min), respiratory rate (RR; breaths/min), rectal temperature (RT) and skin temperatures (ST) were measured daily. The ST measured at four points of the animal body was mostly statistically different (p < 0.01) between the treatment groups. It was found that the highest HR occurred in group II (30 degrees C), and that it was higher than in groups I (16.5 degrees C) and III (50 degrees C) (p < 0.01 for groups I, III). The RR was different (p < 0.01) in all experimental groups (I, II, III) with the highest increase in group II. There was also a clear and significant (p < 0.01) increase in RT during the heat stress phases. Blood analysis including morphology, biochemistry and hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, ACTH, and cortisol) was also performed. Significant differences in cortisol level in group II (p < 0.01) and group III (p < 0.05) were observed. There was an upward trend in adrenaline and ACTH as a result of increasing temperature. Differences in noradrenaline levels (p <0.01), with the highest level recorded in group III, were also observed. Additionally there was a strong upward trend in blood parameters, especially in hormone concentrations (cortisol, noradrenaline).