Protective effects of resveratrol against osteonecrosis at the extraction site in bisphosphonate-treated rats.

Resveratrol (RSV) is a phytoestrogen with a wide range of therapeutic effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study was performed to evaluate the protective role of RSV against osteonecrosis after tooth extraction in rats treated with bisphosphonates. Thirty-nine male Wistar rats, weighing 300-350 g, were divided into three groups (n = 13) according to the planned drug regimen: alendronate + dexamethasone (AL/DEX), alendronate + dexamethasone + RSV (AL/DEX/RSV), and no drugs (control group). The first and second molars of each rat were extracted and the extraction sites were analysed histologically 14 days later. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis by means of Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, χ2, and Fisher's exact tests using IBM SPSS software at a significance level of 0.05. The incidence of osteonecrosis was significantly lower in the AL/DEX/RSV group (P = 0.001) and control group (P = 0.041) than in the AL/DEX group, while the amount of new bone formation did not differ significantly between the AL/DEX/RSV and AL/DEX groups (P > 0.05). RSV showed a protective effect by significantly reducing osteonecrosis, which could be due to its antioxidant effects.

Low-Cycle Fatigue Behavior of 10CrNi3MoV High Strength Steel and Its Undermatched Welds.

The use of high strength steel allows the design of lighter, more slender and simpler structures due to high strength and favorable ductility. Nevertheless, the increase of yield strength does not guarantee the corresponding improvement of fatigue resistance, which becomes a major concern for engineering structure design, especially for the welded joints. The paper presents a comparison of the low cycle fatigue behaviors between 10CrNi3MoV high strength steel and its undermatched weldments. Uniaxial tension tests, Push-pull, strain-controlled fatigue tests were conducted on base metal and weldments in the strain range of 0.2⁻1.2%. The monotonic and cyclic stress-strain curves, stress-life, strain-life and energy-life in terms of these materials were analyzed for fatigue assessment of materials discrepancy. The stress-life results of base metal and undermatched weld metal exhibit cyclic softening behaviors. Furthermore, the shapes of 10CrNi3MoV steel hysteresis loops show a satisfactory Masing-type behavior, while the weld metal shows a non-Masing type behavior. Strain, plastic and total strain energy density amplitudes against the number of reversals to failure results demonstrate that the undermatched weld metal presents a higher resistance to fatigue crack initiation than 10CrNi3MoV high strength steel. Finally, fatigue fracture surfaces of specimens were compared by scanning electron microscopy to identify the differences of crack initiation and the propagation between them.

Piriformospora indica inoculation alleviates the adverse effect of NaCl stress on growth, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Salinity is now an increasingly serious environmental issue that affects the growth and yield of many plants. In the present work, the influence of inoculation with the symbiotic fungus, Piriformospora indica, on gas exchange, water potential, osmolyte content, Na/K ratio and chlorophyll fluorescence of tomato plants under three salinity levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mm NaCl) and three time periods (5, 10 and 15 days after exposure to salt) was investigated. Results indicate that P. indica inoculation improved growth parameters of tomato under salinity stress. This symbiotic fungus significantly increased photosynthetic pigment content under salinity, and more proline and glycine betaine accumulated in inoculated roots than in non-inoculated roots. P. indica further significantly improved K+ content and reduced Na+ level under salinity treatment. After inoculation with the endophytic fungus, leaf physiological parameters, such as water potential, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration, were all higher under the salt concentrations and durations compared with controls without P. indica. With increasing salt level and salt treatment duration, values of F0 and qP increased but Fm , Fv /Fm , F'v /F'm and NPQ declined in the controls, while inoculation with P. indica improved these values. The results indicate that the negative effects of NaCl on tomato plants were alleviated after P. indica inoculation, probably by improving physiological parameters such as water status and photosynthesis.

Eimeria arloingi: further studies on the development of some endogenous stages.

The present study investigated the ultrastructural characteristics of gamogony and oocyst wall formation of Eimeria arloingi in experimentally infected kids. The 18 newborn animals allocated to 3 equal groups. Two of groups, A, B were inoculated with a single dose of 1×10(3) and 1×10(5) sporulated oocysts of E. arloingi, respectively. At 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42days postinoculation (DPI), 1 kid from each group was necropsied for ultrastructural studies. Transmission electron microscopy was used to screen for the presence of developmental stages of the parasite. All stages of microgametocyte and macrogametocyte developments and also oocyst wall formation were observed from 7 to 42DPI. Different stages of schizigony accompanied by marked proliferation of endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and several granular dividing nuclei were diagnosed in the affected epithelial cells. Young microgamonts were recognizable by an electron lucent parasitophorous vacuole and several dividing nuclei with prominent nucleolar and peripheral chromatin in the cytoplasm. At a later stage, the nuclei began to elongate and a single mitochondrion and two basal bodies were observed in close proximity nucleus. These bodies eventually protruded from the surface of the gametocyte and formed two flagellar structures. Up to 80-120 microgametes were produced per microgamont. Macrogamonts were recognized by the presence of wall-forming bodies of types 1 and 2. Electron lucent WFB2 appeared earlier than the electron denser WFB1 during the process of macrogametogenesis. The outer layer of the oocyst wall was formed by the release of the contents of WFB1 at the surface to form an electron dense layer. The WFB2 appeared, subsequently, to give rise to the electron lucent inner layer. WFB1 plays a major role in oocyst wall formation.

Frequency analysis of HLA class I alleles in Iranian patients with progressive and non-progressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignant disorder of B cell origin, with low incidence in Asian populations. In this study we investigated the HLA-class I A and B allele frequencies in 87 Iranian CLL patients and 64 healthy controls using sequence specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) technique. Our results showed increased frequencies of HLA-A11:01 (p=0.02) and HLA-B35:01 (p=0.002) alleles and HLA-A11:01/B35:01 haplotype (p=0.036) and decreased frequencies of HLA-A01:01 (p=0.02), HLA-A26:01 (p=0.03), HLA-B65:01 (p=0.03) and HLA-B53:01 (p<0.00001) alleles in CLL patients compared to the control group. Classification of the patients into non-progressive and progressive groups did not reveal significant differences for the frequency of any of the HLA-A and -B alleles or haplotypes between these two subtypes. Comparison between patients with immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region genes (IGHV) mutated (n=56) and unmutated (n=31) subtypes showed a significant increase in HLA-A32:01 (p=0.05) and HLA-A33:01 (p=0.05) alleles in IGHV unmutated patients compared to IGHV mutated patients. Similarly, a higher frequency of HLA-B52:01 (p=0.037) alleles was observed in CD38(+) compared with CD38(-) patients. Our results obtained from an Iranian population indicate that CLL is associated with distinct HLA class I alleles and haplotypes some of which are linked to disease prognostic factors.

Genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Eimeria arloingi in Iranian native kids.

Among the 16 species of Eimeria from goats, Eimeria arloingi and Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae are regarded as the most pathogenic species in the world and cause clinical caprine coccidiosis. E. arloingi is known to be an important cause of coccidiosis in Iranian kids. Molecular analyses of two portions of nuclear ribosomal DNA (internal transcribed spacer1 (ITS1) and 18S rDNA) were used for the genetic characterization of the E. arloingi. Comparison of the sequencing data of E. arloingi obtained in the present study (ITS1: KC507793 and 18S rDNA: KC507792) with other Eimeria species in the GenBank database revealed a particularly close relationship between E. arloingi and Eimeria spp. from the cattle and sheep. The phylogram based on the ITS1 sequences shows that the E. arloingi, Eimeria bovis, and Eimeria zuernii formed a distinct group separate from the other remaining Eimeria spp. in cattle and poultry. In pairwise alignment, 18S rDNA sequence derived from E. arloingi showed 99% similarity to Eimeria ahsata with differences observed at only three nucleotides. This study showed that the ITS1 and 18S rDNA gene are useful genetic markers for the specific identification and differentiation of Eimeria spp. in ruminants.

Dynamics of the enzymatic antioxidants during experimental caprine coccidiosis.

Caprine coccidiosis, caused by coccidian parasites from genus Eimeria, is considered as one of the most common and significant diseases in goats worldwide. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the responses of the enzymatic antioxidant systems during experimental coccidiosis. For this purpose, 20 newborn kids were selected. Ten were infected with sporulated oocysts of the most pathogenic species of Eimeria, and the remainder served as the control. Blood samples were taken at 0 (before inoculation), 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days post-infection (dpi), and antioxidant-oxidant-related parameters were measured. Our data showed that the activities of the main erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes revealed significant declines at 7 dpi. These decreases were more evident at 14 to 21 dpi and then gradually enhanced to the normal values until 35 dpi; however, total antioxidant capacity revealed a remarkable decrease at 7 dpi and remained on the same level toward the end of the study. By contrast, serum levels of malondialdehyde (a biomarker of lipid peroxidation) and total homocysteine significantly increased at 21 and 14, 21, and 28 dpi, respectively. These observations suggest that caprine coccidiosis can impair the major antioxidant systems leading to remarkable oxidative damages during the infection. Furthermore, oxidative injuries could have a considerable linkage to the pathogenesis of Eimeria parasites.

Novel nanocomposite coating for dental implant applications in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

This study aimed at preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel bioactive, biodegradable, and antibacterial nanocomposite coating for the improvement of stem cells attachment and antibacterial activity as a candidate for dental implant applications. Poly (lactide-co-glycolide)/bioactive glass/hydroxyapatite (PBGHA) nanocomposite coating was prepared via solvent casting process. The nanoparticle amounts of 10, 15, and 20 weight percent (wt%) were chosen in order to determine the optimum amount of nanoparticles suitable for preparing an uniform coating. Bioactivity and degradation of the coating with an optimum amount of nanoparticles were evaluated by immersing the prepared samples in simulated body fluid and phosphate buffer saline (PBS), respectively. The effect of nanocomposite coating on the attachment and viability of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) was investigated. Kirschner wires (K-wires) of stainless steel were coated with the PBGHA nanocomposite coating, and mechanical stability of the coating was studied during intramedullary implantation into rabbit tibiae. The results showed that using 10 wt% nanoparticles (5 wt% HA and 5 wt% BG) in the nanocomposite could provide the desired uniform coating. The study of in vitro bioactivity showed rapid formation of bone-like apatite on the PBGHA coating. It was degraded considerably after about 60 days of immersion in PBS. The hASCs showed excellent attachment and viability on the coating. PBGHA coating remained stable on the K-wires with a minimum of 96% of the original coating mass. It was concluded that PBGHA nanocomposite coating provides an ideal surface for the stem cells attachment and viability. In addition, it could induce antibacterial activity, simultaneously.

Acute phase response in cattle infected with Anaplasma marginale.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the acute phase responses via the assessment of the concentration of serum sialic acids (total, lipid bound and protein bound), inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and acute phase proteins (Hp and SAA) in 20 adult crossbred cattle naturally infected by Anaplasma marginale. The infected animals were divided into 2 subgroups on the basis of parasitemia rate (<20% and >20%). Also, as a control group, 10 clinically healthy cattle from the same farms were sampled. Our data revealed significant decreases in red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrite (PCV) and hemoglobine (Hb) in infected cattle compared to healthy ones. Conversely, the concentrations of Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, serum sialic acids and the circulatory IFN-γ and TNF-α were increased in the diseased cattle (P<0.05). In addition, it was evident that the progression of parasitemia in infected cattle did not induce any significant alterations in the hematological indices (RBCs, PCV and Hb) and the concentrations of Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen. SAA was the most sensitive factor to change in the diseased cattle. Therefore, increase in SAA concentration may be a good indicator of inflammatory process in cattle naturally infected with Anaplasma marginale.

Antioxidant status in patients with lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planus (LP) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the mucocutaneous tissue, whose exact pathological course is not yet understood. Many studies have implicated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the protective role of antioxidants in several autoimmune skin disorders. In this study, serum levels of antioxidants in patients with LP were determined and compared with those of healthy controls. METHODS: In total, 30 patients with LP (mean ± SD age 41.63 ± 13.03), who had never received treatment for their disease, were enrolled; 30 healthy people (aged 41.17 ± 13.24) were recruited as the control group. Serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), vitamin C, selenium, bilirubin and uric acid were determined. RESULTS: The mean plasma level of vitamin C was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in patients compared with controls. A significant positive correlation was found between selenium and GPX in both patients (Spearman ρ = 0.99, P < 0.001) and controls (ρ = 0.10, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum levels of vitamin C in patients with LP indicates that free radicals and the resulting oxidative damage may be important in the pathogenesis of LP lesions.

Subcutaneous connective tissue reactions to three types of bioactive glass nanopowders.

Silica-based bioactive glasses are considered promising bone substitutes and tissue regeneration matrices, because of their bioactivity, biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and possibly even osteoinductivity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the subcutaneous connective tissue reactions to 58S, 63S, and 72S bioactive glass nanopowders. Our previous study showed the antibacterial activities of 58S and 63S bioactive glass nanopowders on aerobic bacteria, while 72S showed no antibacterial effects at all. Bioactive glass nanopowders were prepared via the sol-gel technique. Characterization techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray fluorescent (XRF) were utilized to carry out the phase analysis, study of the structure, particle size and the composition of the synthesized bioactive glasses. To evaluate the subcutaneous connective tissue reactions, the specimens were placed in polyethylene tubes and implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of rats. Empty polyethylene tubes were used as the control and bioactive glass micropowders (NovaBone) was used as a FDA approved bone graft. The evaluation of inflammatory reactions was performed 3, 7, 15, and 28 days after implantation. Results showed a particle size of below 100 nm for samples with amorphous structure. The samples were well tolerated by the tissues over a 28-day evaluation period. The extra tissue reactions of the 72S specimen in comparison with 58S and 63S specimens could be attributed to its higher silica content. It may be concluded that biocompatible 58S and 63S bioactive glass nanopowders with antibacterial activities can be synthesized for the treatment of osseous defects.

Alterations of erythrocyte antioxidant mechanisms: antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and serum trace elements associated with anemia in bovine tropical theileriosis.

In order to investigate the alterations of erythrocyte protective antioxidant mechanisms, lipid peroxidation and trace elements associated with anemia in bovine tropical theileriosis, an infected group comprised of 50 crossbred Holstein cattle, about 1-2 years old, naturally infected with Theileria annulata, were divided into 4 subgroups according to their parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-3%, 3-5%, >5%) and also 10 healthy cattle as control were selected. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase and serum concentrations of some antioxidant trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium) were measured. As an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) was also determined. The results showed a conspicuous decrease in the activities of SOD, GPX and catalase (P<0.01), and a significant decrease in the serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn and Se in cattle with higher than 1% parasitemia (P<0.05) compared to the control. In addition, remarkable elevations in the MDA level (P<0.01) and serum concentration of iron (P<0.05) were observed in the infected animals. These findings pointed to the occurrence of exacerbating oxidative injuries to erythrocytes during parasitemia. Furthermore, it can be concluded that infection with T. annulata can interfere with protective antioxidant mechanisms of RBCs against oxidative damages, which promote the development of anemia.

Evaluation of erythrocyte antioxidant mechanisms: antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and serum trace elements associated with progressive anemia in ovine malignant theileriosis.

Ovine malignant theileriosis is a fatal disease that is characterized by severe progressive anemia. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved in anemia, this study was designed to assess the antioxidant status and erythrocyte oxidative injuries in Iranian fat-tailed sheep that suffered from malignant theileriosis. The infected animals (infected group), composed of 50 Iranian sheep about 1-2 years old, naturally infected with Theileria sp., were divided into three subgroups according to parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-3%, 3-5%), and ten non-infected animals were also selected as the control group. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, and serum concentrations of some trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium), were measured. As an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was also determined. According to the results, a significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume, the activities of SOD, GPX, and catalase (P <0.001), and also serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se (P < 0.05) were evident in the infected sheep. In contrast, significantly increased levels of MDA and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (P < 0.001) as well as serum concentration of iron (P < 0.05) were recorded in the infected animals. The significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and substantial elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte osmotic fragility associated with the increase in parasitemia indicate increased exposure of RBCs to oxidative damage. Also, it appears that disturbed antioxidant defense mechanisms can promote the development of anemia in ovine theileriosis.

A comparative immunohistochemical evaluation of CD68 and TRAP protein expression in central and peripheral giant cell granulomas of the jaws.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell granulomas of the jaws are lesions that arise either peripherally in periodontal ligament and mucoperiosteum or centrally in the bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of CD68 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) proteins in multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells. METHODS: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue section of 20 specimens of central giant cell granuloma and 20 cases of peripheral giant cell granuloma were immunohistochemically analyzed for CD68 and TRAP proteins expression rate using Biotin-Streptavidin method. RESULT: In central giant cell granuloma, more than 99% of multinucleated giant cells were positive for TRAP antibody and about 90% were positive for CD68. In mononuclear cells of this lesion, 14% of cases were positive with TRAP antibody and 8% with CD68. In peripheral giant cell granuloma, TRAP antibody was positive in 99% of giant cells and in 13% of mononuclear cells. A proportion of 97% of giant cells and 6% of mononuclear cells reacted positively with CD68. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical evidence of this study shows that giant cells and a group of mononuclear cells of stroma in both peripheral and central giant cell granuloma express TRAP antibody severely that is specific for osteoclast. Also, these cells are positive reactive to CD68, which is the macrophage marker and therefore it can be mentioned that giant cells are osteoclast, although their origins are macrophagic/monocytic or their precursors, and maybe mononuclear cells in stroma have a role in formation of giant cells.

Rheological characterization and sensory evaluation of a typical soft ice cream made with selected food hydrocolloids.

The effect of two novel hydrocolloids known as Balangu seed gum (BSG) and palmate-tuber salep (PTS) with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on the rheological characteristics of a typical soft ice cream was studied. The power law model well described the flow behavior of mixes with a high correlation coefficient (r). The flow behavior index was in the range of 0.450-1.154, while the consistency coefficient varied from 0.051 to 6.822 Pa s(n). All mixes showed a pseudoplastic behavior except the mix containing 0.3% PTS, which was found to have a slightly dilatant characteristic. An increase in the concentration was accompanied by an increase in the pseudoplasticity and consistency coefficient. The effect of selected gums on some sensory properties of a soft ice cream such as viscosity, coldness, firmness, degree of smoothness (coarseness), liquefying rate, body and texture and total acceptance has also been investigated in this work. The correlation between the apparent viscosity and sensory attributes has been determined because of the importance of viscosity in the quality evaluation of an ice cream. Taking into account the commercial ice cream properties, a 0.4% BSG gum concentration may be recommended.

Eimeria species in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Fars province, Iran.

This investigation was accomplished during February to November 2008. A total of 71 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) of about 5 to 12 months age were collected alive from different parts of Fars province, south of Iran. Faecal sampling was carried out directly from recti and the oocysts were isolated using sedimentation and floatation techniques and the sporulated oocyst were identified based on morphological and biological characteristics. All the rabbits were apparently healthy and showed no clinical symptoms. Twenty two rabbits (31.0%) were positive for infection with Eimeria and six species including Eimeria perforans (18.3%), Eimeria magna (16.9%), Eimeria media (14.1), Eimeria irresidua (11.2%), Eimeria flavescens (4.2%), and Eimeria coecicola (2.8%) were identified. Eighty six percent of the infected rabbits showed mixed infections with two or three Eimeria species. Lack of clinical signs could be due to the agro ecological and environmental conditions of rabbit habitats specifically dry and hot climatic features in recent years. In addition, immunity induced by long term exposure to low doses of oocysts shedded by the carrier animals probably have pivotal role in impairing parasitic developmental cycles and preventing acute coccidiosis.

Occurrence and biology of goat warble fly infestation by Przhevalskiana silenus (Diptera, Oestridae) in Iran.

Goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) by the larvae of Przhevalskiana silenus is endemic in goats of semi-hilly and mountainous regions of Iran. This myiasis has severe economic impact on tanning industries, and it is responsible for impaired milk and meat production, growth retardation and carcass depreciation. To estimate the prevalence of GWFI in the southern areas of Iran, from October 2006 to December 2008, the carcasses of 8000 goats at a Shiraz slaughterhouse and 1000 each at Marvdasht and Darab cities were examined weekly for the presence of P. silenus larvae. In addition, appropriate sections from the skin and subcutaneous tissues were processed for histopathological investigation. The prevalence rate of infestation in different cities varied from 7.0% to 18.9% and the minimum and maximum infestation rate was 3 and 78, with an average rate of infestation of 26.2 warbles per animal. Significant differences were observed in the prevalence among different age groups with no significant difference between male and female animals. First instar larvae (L(1)) were found on infected animals from early August to end of September, second larval stage (L(2)) from early October to end of November and third-stage larvae (L(3)) from early December to mid-March. No larvae were found on skin or subcutaneous tissues from end of March to late July. Live L(1) initiated mild lymphocyte, macrophage and eosinophil infiltration while dead L(1) initiated granulomatous or pyogranulomatous reactions. Live L(2) induced severe inflammatory reaction and massive tissue necrosis, which continued for L(3) and until the end of infestation phase. The subcutaneous tissues, dermis and epidermis became necrotic and fragmented, and L(3) penetrated the necrotic area to start its aerobic life cycle.

Optimization of the extrusion conditions and formulation of spaghetti enriched with full-fat soy flour based on the cooking and color quality.

The influence of full-fat soy flour (FFSF) 0-27.0 g/100 g, water content 31.0-35.0 g/100 g and extrusion conditions on the cooking and color characteristics of spaghetti was investigated. The process was performed with a speed of 10-40 rpm and a water circulating temperature of 35-70 degrees C. The results showed that adding FFSF causes decreases (P< or =0.05) in cooking time, cooking weight, intensity and hue characteristics. However, the cooking loss and saturation of spaghetti increased (P< or =0.05). The temperature and speed of the extruder had no significant effect on the cooking and color attributes. Interaction between them and the components, however, had a slight synergistic effect on characteristics. Also, interaction between the components and the water temperature has a negative effect on the color and cooking loss. Data analysis showed that the cooking and color characteristics were optimized when 56.9 g/100 g wheat flour, 12.1 g/100 g FFSF and 31.0 g/100 g water content at a screw speed of 40 rpm and a temperature of 35 degrees C were applied.

Study on acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, and ceruloplasmin) changes and their diagnostic values in bovine tropical theileriosis.

This study was conducted to assess the pattern of changes and the relative value of acute phase proteins (haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen) in bovine tropical theileriosis. The diseased group comprised 50 dairy Holstein cattle, 2-3 years old, naturally infected with Theileria annulata. Infected animals were divided into four subgroups with different parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-3%, 3-5%, >5%). As a control group, 20 uninfected cattle were also sampled. Blood samples were collected and all measurements were done using validated methods. There were significant differences in red blood cells (RBCs), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) and concentrations of Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen between healthy cattle and those infected with T. annulata with different parasitemia rates (P < 0.05). As the parasitemia rate increased in infected cattle, a significant decrease was observed in RBCs, PCV, and Hb. In contrast, with increase in the parasitemia rate, a significant increase in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen was evident. The optimal cut-off point was set by the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) method to >5.68 microg/ml for SAA, >0.16 g/l for Hp, >0.064 g/l for ceruloplasmin and >4.00 g/l for fibrinogen with corresponding 84% sensitivity and 100% specificity for SAA, 76% sensitivity and 100% specificity for Hp, 84% sensitivity and 80% specificity for ceruloplasmin and 40% sensitivity and 100% specificity for fibrinogen. SAA had the highest sensitivity and specificity and was diagnosed to be a suitable indicator of APPs changes in bovine theileriosis.

The relationship between serum level of thyroid hormones, trace elements and antioxidant enzymes in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Thyroid hormones might be able to regulate the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The role of thyroid hormones in metabolic pathways and antioxidant enzyme activities are well known in many species. Nevertheless, there is no report describing probable relationship between thyroid hormones status, erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and serum profiles of trace elements. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between these parameters in Iranian dromedary camels. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of 30 clinically healthy Iranian dromedary camels under aseptic conditions during 6 consecutive days of summer. The serum was analyzed for serum profile of thyroid hormones, trace elements, SOD and GPX activity. There were no significant differences in serum thyroid hormones, serum level of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), selenium and antioxidant enzymes in different days (P > 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between SOD and Fe (P < 0.01, r = -493). There was no significant correlation between other parameters. In case of copper deficiency likewise the present study, the copper was used to produce more SOD, so there was a decrease in Fe transportation, and it might be a cause of decrease in Fe amount. On the other hand, a relatively small quantity of Fe is present in tissue myoglobin, catalase, peroxidases, and cytochromes. So it might be another cause of decrease in Fe amount. The explanation for these finding is not possible at this moment and further investigations are needed to interpret these changes.