Pro-oxidant and degenerative effects of haloperidol under inflammatory conditions in rat; the involvement of SIRT1 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different doses of haloperidol (HP) on induction of oxidative stress in blood and liver cell degeneration in comparison with influences of HP pre-treatment on inflammatory process induced by intraperitoneal (IP) administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). One hundred twenty male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups (15 in each), including: Control group, LPS group, three groups as HP administration in three divided doses (0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 mg kg-1), and three treatment groups that HP was administered in three doses (0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 mg kg-1) prior to LPS administration. Concentrations of malondialdehyde, activities of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and also the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1-beta were measured in blood and serum. In addition to liver histopathological changes evaluation, hepatic silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1) and phosphorylated-nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB) levels were quantitated. Our findings indicated that sole administration of HP (particularly higher doses) can induce oxidative stress in blood and cell degeneration in liver, while it can attenuate inflammatory process induced by LPS administration presumably via SIRT1 up-regulation and preventing the induction of p-NF-κB. The oxidative and degenerative effects of HP and its impact on inflammatory status were completely dose- dependent according to our results. The possible anti-inflammatory effects of HP may affect reparative mechanisms and hepatic cell degeneration. However, the influences of HP on immune system need further investigations and its higher doses should be administered cautiously especially in patients with immune system dysfunctions.

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of the Median Septum of Juglans regia in Wistar Rats.

Purpose: Median septum of Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) with anti-diabetic effects has been used in Iranian traditional medicine. The present study estimates both oral acute and subchronic toxicities. Methods: In the oral acute toxicity study, female Wistar rats were treated with doses of 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/ kg of the Juglans regia septum of methanol extract (JRSME), and were monitored for 14 days. In subchronic study, JRSME was administered by gavage at dose of 1000 mg/kg daily in Wistar rats for 28 days. Antioxidant status and biochemical examinations were fulfilled, and the vital organs were subjected to pathological analyses. Results: The extract did not produce any toxic signs or deaths; the medium lethal dose must be higher than 5000 mg/kg. In subchronic study, No significant morphological and histopathological changes were observed in the studied tissues. There was a significant increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level in treated group compared to control after 4 weeks of JRSME intake. The treatment of rats resulted in a significant reduction of serum urea level (p<0.05), kidney's xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity (p<0.001) and elevation of aldehyde oxidase (AO) activity (p<0.05) in kidney. In the treated group, the mean diameter of glomerulus and proximal urine tube epithelium stature was slightly greater than control group. A significant increase in serum MDA level is subject for further studies. Conclusion: This study showed that the extract has no acute or subacute adverse effects with dose of 1000 mg/kg. The administration of JRSME may improve kidney structure and function and help in treatment of some chronic diseases.

Evaluation of different methods to detect methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The studies suggest that dogs living with human are potential risk of becoming MRSA carrier and increased risk of infections caused by MRSA. Phenotypic methods to detect methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are inadequate. The objective of the present study was to determine methicillin resistance in S. aureus by phenotypic susceptibility test (oxacillin disk diffusion, cefoxitin disk diffusion, oxacillin screen agar) and molecular methods (PCR as a gold standard) and the latex agglutination test for the detection of PBP2a and to evaluate the results of these tests for its sensitivity and specificity. A total of 100 swab samples were taken from muzzle site, in more contact with human, of dogs and MRSA were isolated. Oxacillin (1 µg), cefoxitin (30 µg) disk diffusion and oxacillin screen agar method were used. The isolates were also subjected to latex agglutination test for detection of PBP2a and PCR to detect mecA gene. By PCR 37% of isolates show the presence of mecA. Latex agglutination was found to be the most sensitive (97.29%) and cefoxitin disk diffusion to be the most specific (96.82%) tests for detection of MRSA. Our finding showed that combining oxacillin screen agar or cefoxitin disk diffusion with latex agglutination improves sensitivity and specificity to detect methicillin resistance S. aureus (MRSA) isolates.

Interrelationship of ßeta-2 microglobulin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in rabbits.

Measurement of serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are used as indicators of glomerular filtration rate. The increased levels of these biomarkers are usually detectable at advanced stages of kidney complications. The aim of this study was to find the interrelationship of beta-2 microglobulin (ß2M), BUN and Cr in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus in rabbits. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 65 mg kg(-1) of STZ in rabbits. The levels of serum insulin, glucose and three above mentioned biomarkers were measured one day before (day -1) and on days 1-3 after injection of STZ and continued weekly to the end of the experiment (12 weeks). A statistically significant increase of serum ß2M, BUN, Cr and glucose levels, and a significant decrease of insulin levels were observed in diabetic animals. However, ß2M levels increased as early as one day after STZ injection compared to Cr and BUN that elevated at day two, suggesting a probable diagnostic advantage of ß2M over currently used biomarkers in diabetic related kidney complications.

Crocin improved learning and memory impairments in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE(S): Crocin influences many biological functions including memory and learning. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of crocin on learning and memory impairments in streptozotocine-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg). Transfer latency (TL) paradigm in elevated plus-maze (EPM) was used as an index of learning and memory. Plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA), blood levels of glucose, and serum concentrations of insulin were measured. The number of hippocampal neurons was also counted. RESULTS: STZ increased acquisition transfer latency (TL1) and retention transfer latency (TL2), and MDA, decreased transfer latency shortening (TLs) and TCA, produced hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, and reduced the number of neurons in the hippocampus. Learning and memory impairments and blood TCA, MDA, glucose, and insulin changes induced by streptozotocin were improved with long-term IP injection of crocin at doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg. Crocin prevented hippocampal neurons number loss in diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, and reduction of hippocampal neurons may be involved in learning and memory impairments in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihypoinsulinemic, and neuroprotective activities of crocin might be involved in improving learning and memory impairments.

Survey of flea infestation in dogs in different geographical regions of Iran.

Medically important arthropods, including fleas, play an important role in causing clinical disorders and disease in man and domestic animals. This study was conducted to determine the seasonal flea infestations for domestic dogs from different geographic regions of Iran. A total of 407 fleas, belonging to 5 different species, were recovered from 83 domestic dogs from 3 regions. There was a distinctive pattern of species distribution and infestations with the highest infestation rates observed in a temperate climate and higher rainfall. Additionally, fleas were observed over all seasons, except February and March, with the highest infestation rate observed in August (24.7%) and the lowest rate in January (1.7%). They also parasitize dogs with a different spectrum of species. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (67.5%), exhibited the highest prevalence among all flea species found on dogs. Thus, climatic conditions and seasonal patterns impact on flea infestation and must be considered in developing control programs.

Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in stray dogs of Urmia, Iran.

To investigate anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in stray dogs living in Urmia city, 135 blood samples were collected. Serum samples were screened for detection of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; >or=50). Antibodies were seen in 36 (27%) of 135 dogs. The IFAT antibody titers were as follows: 1:50 in 16 dogs, 1:100 in ten dogs, 1:200 in six dogs, 1:400 in one dog, 1:800 in two dogs, and 1:1,600 in one dog. There were no significant differences in seroprevalence of Neospora infection between different genders (p > 0.05). The seropositive results were increased with age and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results confirm the presence and exposure of stray dogs to N. caninum in Urmia city and the importance of this protozoan as a cause of disease in dogs of the region.

Radiological investigations of the hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) appendicular skeleton.

The normal radiographic anatomy of the healthy hedgehog can help to identify anatomic features unique to the hedgehog while comparing it with other small mammals, such as the dog and cat. Radiographic examination is a method that can play an important role in the diagnosis of a wide variety of skeletal diseases. Seven (2 males, 5 females) free-living hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) from the Urmia region of Iran were selected for this study. Lateral and craniocaudal radiographs from the front and hind limbs were obtained. The radiographs from these hedgehogs were compared with the normal canine and feline skeletal radiographic anatomy. On the forelimb radiographs, the clavicle was observed as a complete bone connected to the scapula and manubrium. There are three and five carpal bones in the proximal and distal rows, respectively, as in the dog and cat. The pelvis has a larger obturator foramen when compared with the dog and cat. In the lateral view, the pubis and ischium are relatively larger than in the dog and cat and have a more ventral position. The tarsal bones are similar to those of the dog and cat. The number of phalanges and sesamoid bones in the forelimb and hindlimb are likewise similar to those found in the dog and cat.

The effect of organophosphate pesticides on the blood glucose levels in the mouse.

The aim of the present study was to study the effect of two selected agents of this group on blood glucose levels in an animal model. Forty-two adult male mice were divided into 7 groups of 6 each. Animals were exposed by their entire tail for 10 sec once a day for 7 successive days to either 0, 0.1, 1, or 10% azynphos methyl (AZP) malathion (MLT). On days 1,4 and 8, a small drop of blood was taken from tail of the animals that had been kept fasted overnight. Blood glucose levels were measure using a glucometer. The animals then were fed and after 1 h the blood glucose measurement was performed again. Results of this study indicated that the administration of organophosphate agents significantly prevented from the rise of blood glucose after feeding in comparison to the control animals. This reached the level of statistical significance on day 1 with MLT 1% (p < 0.001). It is concluded that exposure with organophosphate pesticides may suppress excessive blood glucose levels with no effect on the basal blood glucose in the fasting animals.

Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on body composition and energy balance in broiler chickens.

The effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on body composition and energy metabolism was investigated in broiler chickens. Male broiler chicks were assigned to receive either a control diet (1 % sunflower oil) or a diet containing CLA (1 % of a 1:1 mixture of trans-10, cis-12 and cis-9, trans-11 isomers of octadecadienoic acid). The diets were fed ad libitum for 3 weeks and there were eight replicates per diet, each replicate including four chickens so that each treatment had thirty-two animals. The proportion of body fat was lower in the control group than in the CLA group. No significant differences as to the proportions of body water, ash and protein were observed. Feed and energy intake were significantly lower in CLA-fed birds. The percentage of ingested energy lost in excreta was higher after CLA feeding and heat expenditure as a percentage of ingested energy was lower in the CLA-fed group. The CLA-fed group showed a higher percentage of SFA and lower percentages of MUFA and PUFA in carcass fat. It is concluded that CLA stimulated de novo fatty acid synthesis and lowered desaturase activity.

Aldosterone-to-renin and cortisol-to-adrenocorticotropic hormone ratios in healthy dogs and dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism.

In dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism, hypocortisolism and hypoaldosteronism usually are present, but these deficiencies also may occur in isolated forms. The diagnosis is commonly made by measuring plasma cortisol concentration before and after stimulation with ACTH, thereby ignoring aldosterone. In search of an alternative approach that would include assessment of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid production, 2 pairs of endocrine variables were measured: (1) plasma concentration of cortisol and ACTH, and (2) plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity. In addition, the cortisol-to-ACTH ratio (CAR) and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) were calculated. Reference intervals were established in a population of 60 healthy dogs. In these dogs, CAR ranged from 1.1 to 26.1 and ARR ranged from 0.1 to 1.5. The variables were compared with those of 22 dogs with spontaneous primary hypoadrenocorticism. Plasma concentration of cortisol and ACTH in both groups of dogs overlapped, whereas CAR did not. Similarly, plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity overlapped, whereas ARR did not. These observations indicate that measurement of these endogenous variables (in one blood sample) allows the specific diagnoses of primary hypocortisolism and primary hypoaldosteronism.

Plasma renin activity and plasma concentrations of aldosterone, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in healthy cats.

A pathogenetic role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been implicated in cats in both systemic arterial hypertension and hypokalemic myopathy. Yet, measurement of plasma aldosterone concentrations (PACs) and plasma renin activity (PRA) has not unequivocally pointed to hyperaldosteronism as a cause of these conditions. To obtain appropriate reference ranges, this study included a large number (130) of healthy house cats of different breeds without a history of recent illness and plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine below the upper limit of the respective reference ranges. In addition, the pituitary-adrenocortical axis was studied by measuring plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and cortisol. Reference ranges for PACs (110-540 pmol/L; 40-195 pg/mL), PRA (60-630 fmol/L/s; 0.3-3 ng/mL/h), and the aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) (0.3-3.8) were very similar to those established in the same laboratory for humans in a supine position. No breed differences were found. The ARRs in neutered cats were significantly higher than in intact cats, primarily because of low PRA in neutered cats. The ARRs of cats > or = 5 years of age were significantly higher than those of cats < 5 years of age. The plasma concentrations of ACTH, alpha-MSH, and cortisol did not correlate significantly with PAC. Thus, although blood sampling was performed in cats in nonstandardized positions and was associated with a wide variation of stress responses, the references ranges of PAC, PRA, and ARR were similar to the relatively narrow limits established for humans under standardized conditions. The effects of neutering and aging on PRA and ARR warrant further investigation.