Evaluation of cardiovascular biomarkers and histopathological alterations in cattle naturally infected by Babesia bigemina.

Hemolytic anemia and secondary hypoxia are characteristics of naturally occurring Babesia bigemina infection in cattle. The anemic phase comes with cardiovascular insufficiency due to hypoxia-induced system dysfunction; but to date there is no description of cardiac damage in the infected animals. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate hematological parameters, biomarkers of cardiac function and D-dimer in 13 cattle infected with B. bigemina which were unresponsive to standard treatment. The animals were necropsied and the cardiac tissue was examined for histopathologic alterations. A significant parasitemia burden-dependent increase in the cardiac biomarkers and D-dimer level were recorded in the infected cattle compared to the control animals. Thrombocytes count was also significantly lower in the infected animals than the control. Both macroscopic and microscopic hemorrhage, mononuclear infiltrates, and myocardial necrosis were the evident histopathologic findings. These findings suggest that B. bigemina infection can potentially induce cardiac dysfunction in cattle. Furthermore, mechanistic studies should be conducted to understand the mechanisms beyond cardiac complications.

Assessment of hepatic oxidative damage, paraoxonase-1 activity, and lipid profile in cattle naturally infected with Ba7besia bigemina.

Naturally occurring Babesia bigemina infection in cattle is associated with changes in the status of oxidative stress, trace elements, sialic acid, and cholinesterase activity in blood. However, to date there is no description of hepatic damage in the infected animals. More importantly, the majority of the above-mentioned causative factors are synthesized or stored in the liver. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate biomarkers of hepatic function, paraoxonase-1 activity, and lipid profile in 13 cattle infected with B. bigemina which did not respond to standard treatment. The animals were necropsied and the histopathology of the liver and DNA damage of hepatocytes were examined. Blood analysis revealed a significant parasitemia burden-dependent increase in the activities of hepatic enzymes and total bilirubin and a decrease in albumin concentrations in the infected cattle compared to the control ones. Paraoxonase-1 activity was remarkably lower in the infected animals than the control. A significant decrease in the blood concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein and a significant increase in the triglyceride concentration were observed in the infected animals. Severe oxidative damages were also recorded in the haptic tissue evidenced by significant alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, suppression of total antioxidant capacity, and oxidation of biomolecules. Congestion of blood vessels, bile duct hyperplasia, and hepatocyte necrosis were the evident histopathologic findings. Our results revealed significant changes in the indices of liver function in the diseased cattle, leading to the conclusion that the parasite can potentially cause liver dysfunction.

Improvement of the clinical signs of gait abnormality after treatment with levothyroxine in a horse with shivering and hypothyroidism.

An 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding used for jumping was evaluated for gait abnormalities and hoof problems in the hindlimbs. Clinical examinations revealed signs consistent with shivers. A thyroid gland enlargement was noticed, baseline serum thyroid hormone (TH) concentrations were low, and a low response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone administration was observed. Hypothyroidism was suspected. The horse was treated with levothyroxine for 1 year. TH concentrations returned to the normal range by week 4 of treatment. Thirty weeks after the initiation of levothyroxine therapy, the gait abnormality improved. Our findings suggest that the assessment of thyroid status and especially of the subclinical thyroid gland disorders in horses affected with shivering, as well as evaluation of the effects of levothyroxine on the improvement of clinical signs could be promising in establishing the aetiopathogenesis and/or treatment of shivering in horses.

Phylogenetic analysis of the lumpy skin disease viruses in northwest of Iran.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a devastating viral disease of cattle which has recently spread from Africa into the countries of the Middle East. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships among lumpy skin disease viruses (LSDV) isolated from different regions of Iran and the origin and spread of these viruses. In this study, a total of 234 blood samples from clinically affected animals from four provinces in the northwest of Iran were screened for LSDV using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). From 80 positive samples for LSDV detected by PCR, the partial P32 gene (759 bp) of 12 isolates were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. LSD viruses were grouped in three subclusters with an overall 97.1-100% nucleotide identity. LSDVs isolated from Gilan showed lowest nucleotide identity with the other LSDVs. Four isolates of LSDV including KO-1, EA-1, EA-3, and WA-3 showed 100% similarity with each other and also with the Neethling strain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the identified LSDVs were closely related to each other and had high-sequence homology with other LSDV isolates from Africa. It was concluded that LSD outbreak probably occurred in the northwest of Iran by LSDVs entering the country from Iraq and P32 nucleotide sequence information obtained in the present study is a valuable resource in understanding the genetic nature and molecular epidemiology of local LSDV isolates which can be used for future vaccine development based on the circulating strains in the region.

Serum concentration of sialic acids in naturally occurring ovine babesiosis.

This study is designated to assess the effect of the severity of Babesia ovis infection on sialic acid concentration in blood sera in naturally infected sheep. Infected animals (diseased group) comprised 38 Iranian fat-tailed sheep, about 1-3 years old, naturally infected with B. ovis, divided into four subgroups with respect to parasitemia rates (low 0.1-0.3 %, moderate 0.4-0.9 %, high 1-2.5 %, and very high >2.5 %). The parasitological diagnosis was confirmed using PCR analysis. As a control group, ten clinically healthy sheep reared under the same management and environmental conditions were also sampled. Hematological parameters and the concentrations of total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA), and protein-bound sialic acid (PBSA) were measured in both groups. Compared to controls, sialic acid concentrations showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in infected sheep. Parasitemia rate was positively correlated with sialic acid concentrations. This study demonstrated that B. ovis infection induced marked and persistent elevations of serum sialic acid concentrations. It seems that increase of serum sialic acid concentrations during parasitemia alter receptor-ligand interactions, which are known to play important role in immune response. Furthermore, sialic acid would indirectly inhibit the action of leukocytes and consequently promote the evasion of the immune response and persistence of the parasite in the host. This factor could influence the parasite-host cell adhesion, but further detailed biochemical investigations are needed to precisely explain the exact role of sialic acid in invasion process of the parasite to the host cells.

Impaired efficacy of fenbendazole and ivermectin against intestinal nematodes in adult horses in Iran.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fenbendazole and ivermectin on strongyles and Parascaris sp. infecting adult riding horses in three regions with different climates. During 2021 and 2022 fecal specimens were randomly collected from 483 horses older than three years in 31 equestrian clubs in Hamedan (n = 217), Yazd (n = 146) and Tabriz cities (n = 120). Eggs were counted by McMaster technique, and the strongyle larvae were identified using coproculture, PCR and sequencing. Horses with strongyles and Parascaris egg counts ≥150 were enrolled in fecal egg count reduction (FECR) examination following treatment with ivermectin or fenbendazole. In total, 26.5% of examined horses were positive with at least one parasite. Infection rates varied in three cities i.e., 25.8% in Hamedan, 28.8% in Yazd, 25% in Tabriz. Fifty-seven horses had FECR measured. FECR below <90% was observed for IVM-strongyle in two horses in Tabriz, for FBZ-strongyle in two horses in Tabriz and two horses in Hamedan, for IVM-Parascaris in one horse in all three cities, and for FBZ-Parascaris in one horse in Yazd. Furthermore, FECR 90-100% was observed in IVM-Parascaris and FBZ -Parascaris groups in Tabriz. Data herein presented demonstrate different degrees of resistance of strongyles and Parascaris infecting horses in Iran against both ivermectin and fenbendazole. Since non-principled use of anthelminthics is common among horse owners, urgency of test-and-treatment strategy should be educated and implemented by policy-making organizations. Evaluating efficacy of different anthelminthics and choosing the most effective treatment in each region is suggested.

Beyond probiotics: Exploring the potential of postbiotics and parabiotics in veterinary medicine.

Postbiotics and parabiotics (PP) are emerging fields of study in animal nutrition, preventive veterinary medicine, and animal production. Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced by beneficial microorganisms during the fermentation of a substrate, while parabiotics are inactivated beneficial microbial cells, either intact or broken. Unlike probiotics, which are live microorganisms, PP are produced from a fermentation process without live cells and show significant advantages in promoting animal health owing to their distinctive stability, safety, and functional diversity. PP have numerous beneficial effects on animal health, such as enhancing growth performance, improving the immune system and microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, aiding ulcer healing, and preventing pathogenic microorganisms from colonizing in the skin. Moreover, PP have been identified as a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics in veterinary medicine due to their ability to improve animal health without the risk of antimicrobial resistance. This review comprehensively explores the current research and applications of PP in veterinary medicine. We aimed to thoroughly examine the mechanisms of action, benefits, and potential applications of PP in various species, emphasizing their use specifically in livestock and poultry. Additionally, we discuss the various routes of administration to animals, including feed, drinking water, and topical use. This review also presents in-depth information on the methodology behind the preparation of PP, outlining the criteria employed to select appropriate microorganisms, and highlighting the challenges commonly associated with PP utilization in veterinary medicine.

Unusual left colon displacement and clockwise torsion in a 10-month-old Arab filly: A case report.

In this case report, we present an unusual clockwise torsion of left colon around mesenteric root in a 10-month-old Arab filly, highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and successful surgical intervention. A 10-month-old Arab filly weighing approximately 250 kg was referred with signs of acute abdominal pain. The history revealed anorexia, restlessness and severe abdominal pain that had begun the previous day. The local practitioner had previously administered flunixin meglumine, an analgesic, but it proved ineffective in relieving the pain. Upon physical examination, the filly exhibited sweating, a body temperature of 38.5°C, tachycardia (65 beats per minute) and tachypnea (25 breaths per minute). Due to the severity of the colic and the lack of response to the conservative treatments, surgical intervention was deemed necessary. An exploratory midline celiotomy was performed to evaluate the abdominal organs. During the examination, no obvious primary lesions were identified in the evaluated organs. However, a restriction in exteriorizing the left colon's length was observed. Further examination revealed an unusual clockwise torsion of the left colon that displaced in left to the right side around the mesenteric root; thereby, pelvic flexure was located in the normal anatomical position with a short length. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of clockwise torsion and an atypical displacement of the left colon in horses. The surgical correction of the displacement was successfully performed. The filly showed improvement post-surgery and did not exhibit any complications during the recovery period.

Effects of aqueous ginger extract on smooth muscle contraction in bovine cecum: in vitro study.

Intestinal hypomotility cause health risks and economic losses and is considered as an important digestive disorder that efforts to find prokinetic drugs can solve this major problem. This study investigated the effects of Zingiber officinale aqueous extract (ZOAE) on caecal smooth muscle contractions in healthy cows. To perform in vitro tests, cecum strips connected to the organ bath. Ginger aqueous extract caused concentration-dependent contraction in caecal smooth muscle with an effective threshold concentration of 6.00 mg L-1. The strongest contraction was caused at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 with an average contraction of 141%. To evaluate the possible mechanisms underlying the contractile effect on cecum strips, atropine, 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (4-DAMP) and verapamil completely inhibited aqueous extract induced smooth muscle contractions, while addition of hexamethonium had no effect on the contraction process. The lack of reduction of contractions caused by the extract in the presence of hexamethonium indicates that presence of acetylcholine-like constituents independent of nicotinic receptors. The inhibitory properties of atropine and 4-DAMP indicate that at least part of the prokinetic effect of the extract is due to stimulating the muscarinic receptors, especially M3 receptors. Also, verapamil inhibitory function proves that the extract acting by L-type calcium channels. The results suggest that the ZOAE has a potential prokinetic effect which may provide a pharmacological base to its medicinal or prophylactic use in caecal motility disorders.

Phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia species isolated from horses and dogs in Iran.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia spp. in horses and dogs in Iran. Blood samples were collected from 400 animals, including 200 horses and 200 dogs, from five different provinces in Iran. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Ehrlichia spp. based on amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The semi-nested PCR method was used to amplify the dsb, TRP36, and gltA genes. The results showed that 4.5 % of the samples (3 % horses and 6 % dogs) were positive for Ehrlichia sp. The highest prevalence was observed in Kerman and Khuzestan, while the lowest was found in West Azerbaijan, Golestan, and Mazandaran. The study suggests that the populations of dogs and horses in the country should be considered important factors in the epidemiology of ehrlichiosis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the dsb and TRP36 genes revealed that the prevalent species were E. canis and E. ruminantium.

Bluetongue outbreak in a sheep flock from Iran.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arthropodborne Orbivirus that belongs to the Reoviridae family. Bluetongue is one of the most important diseases of sheep. A flock of 300 Lacon sheep just arrived from France, located in the countryside of Qazvin city, Iran, was examined, in August 2022. In history taking and clinical examination, submandibular oedema (216/300, 72%), fever (216/300, 72%), inappetence (216/300, 72%), stomatitis (216/300, 72%), nasal discharge (90/300, 30%) and lameness (30/300, 10%) were recorded. Foot-and-mouth disease, bluetongue (BT), contagious ecthyma and peste des petits ruminants were the most important differential diagnosis with reference to clinical signs. Tongue scraping samples from four clinically affected sheep were sent to the laboratory for PCR tests and, in all of them, BTV was detected. The affected flock had a history of vaccination with an attenuated live vaccine in the previous 4 months. The morbidity rate, mortality rate and case fatality rate were 72% (216/300), 7% (21/300) and 9.7% (21/216), respectively. This report is the first documented clinical form of BT in sheep from Iran.

Prevalence and Concentration of Mycotoxins in Animal Feed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study seeks a comprehensive meta-analysis of mycotoxin contaminants in animal feed consumed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The obtained articles were reviewed, and 49 articles that investigated the contamination of mycotoxins including aflatoxins (AFs), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 toxin, fumonisins (FUM), and ochratoxin A (OTA), in feed samples or components of animal feed in the MENA region were selected. The titles of the final articles included in the study were meta-analyzed. Necessary information was extracted and categorized from the articles, and a meta-analysis was performed using Stata software. The highest contamination was in dry bread (80%), and Algeria was the most contaminated country (87% of animal feed), with the most mycotoxins contaminating AFs (47%) and FUM (47%). The highest concentration of mycotoxins in animal feed is related to FUM (1240.01 µg/kg). Climate change, economic situation, agricultural and processing methods, the nature of the animal feed, and improper use of food waste in animal feed are among the most critical factors that are effective in the occurrence of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed in MENA. Control of influential factors in the occurrence of contaminations and rapid screening with accurate identification methods to prevent the occurrence and spread of mycotoxin contamination of animal feed seem important.

Hyperpressure intraperitoneal fluid administration for control of bleeding after liver injury.

BACKGROUND: Acute hemorrhage is the principal cause of death in trauma patients, with most fatalities occurring during the pre-hospital phase. Recently, intra-abdominal insufflation by carbon dioxide has been shown to drastically reduce bleeding in vascular and splanchnic hemorrhagic animal models simulating the pre-hospital phase. Here, we propose that using dialysate fluid for increasing intra-abdominal pressure is at least as effective as gas with some potential advantages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A novel method of inducing liver trauma was used in 24 White New Zealand rabbits randomized into three groups: intra-abdominal carbon dioxide insufflation (GAS) with 15 cm H(2)O pressure; intra-abdominal infusion of type III dialysate solution (DIAL) with the same pressure; no change in intra-abdominal pressure (CTRL). All groups received intravenous resuscitation when their mean arterial pressure was below 30 mmHg. Physiologic parameters were recorded during 20 min of bleeding. RESULTS: Red blood cell (RBC) volume loss in the DIAL and GAS was 45% and 48% lower than that in the CTRL, respectively (P < 0.0005). Similar trends were observed for losses in RBC count and hemoglobin (Hb). Final mean arterial pressure, arterial RBC, Hb, and hematocrit were higher in the DIAL and GAS than in the CTRL; glucose concentration in the DIAL group was significantly higher than that in the GAS and CTRL groups. No intravenous fluid therapy was needed in the DIAL group. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperpressure intraperitoneal dialysate administration successfully reduced bleeding after severe liver injury in rabbits. This method can potentially be used as an adjunct to increase patient survival during pre-hospital cares.

Spasmolytic effect of 1,8 cineole is mediated through calcium channel blockade in the bovine ileum.

Gastrointestinal motility disorders include increased or decreased movements. Other studies have shown that herbal components, for example, essential oils can modify the increase and decrease of gastrointestinal movements of ruminants. The 1,8-cineole being obtained from the essential oil of many plants has several effects. The present study has investigated the effect of 1,8-cineole on the contractility of bovine ileum smooth muscle. The experiment was performed on the circular smooth muscle of ileum samples taken from slaughtered cows in the organ bath. Seven cumulative concentrations of 1,8-cineole from 1.00 to 1,000 µg mL-1 were added to tissue samples. The used solution was Tyrode's solution aerated with a mixture of 95.00% oxygen and 5.00% carbon dioxide, and the temperature was set at 37.00 ˚C. The effects of 1,8-cineole on baseline contractions and three induced contractions with barium chloride, potassium chloride, and carbachol were investigated. The effects of 1,8-cineole, and verapamil (standard calcium channel blocker) on calcium channels were assessed. The results revealed that 1,8-cineole significantly inhibited spontaneous contractions as well as all spasmogen-induced contractions. The 1,8-cineole exerts its myorelaxant properties by inhibiting calcium channels in smooth muscle. It seems that 1,8-cineole has a good potential for producing antispasmodics or gastrointestinal motility modulators in veterinary medicine.

Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction improves tendon healing in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential effects of uncultured adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction on tendon healing. METHODS: Twenty five adult male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2.5-3.0 kg were used. Five rabbits were used as donors of adipose tissue and the rest were divided into control and treatment groups. The injury model was completed by unilateral tenotomy through the middle one third of deep digital flexor tendon. Immediately after suture repair, either fresh stromal vascular fraction from enzymatic digestion of adipose tissue or placebo was intratendinously injected at tendon stumps in treatment and control groups, respectively. Immobilization with cast was continued for two weeks after surgery. Animals were sacrificed at eight weeks after surgery and tendons underwent histological, immunohistochemical, and mechanical evaluations. Statistical analyses of quantitative and qualitative data were assessed using one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U-test, respectively. RESULTS: Histological evaluations demonstrated superior fibrillar linearity and continuity, and decreased vascularity in treatment group indicated improved organization and remodeling of neotendons. Immunohistochemistry de- monstrated a significant increase in collagen I expression in treatment group. Ultimate load and energy absorption capacity were both significantly increased in cell-treated repairs compared with controls. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that intratendinous injection of uncultured adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction results in improved structural and mechanical properties of tendon repairs and it could be an effective modality for treating tendon injury.

The effect of cinnamaldehyde on the contractility of bovine isolated gastrointestinal smooth muscle preparations.

Gastrointestinal motility disorders can occur as either increased or decreased movements. Studies have shown that herbal ingredients such as essential oils can modify the increase and decrease of gastrointestinal movements of ruminants. Cinnamaldehyde at room temperature is an oily yellow liquid which is obtained from the steam distillation of the oil of cinnamon bark. It bears carminative activity and gastrointestinal, antimicrobial, and vasodilatory effects. This study examined the effects of cinnamaldehyde on the contraction of circular smooth muscles of abomasal fundus and the antrum, duodenum, and ileum of healthy cows using an in vitro approach. The results indicated that cinnamaldehyde had relaxant effects on the basal tonus and contractions caused by barium chloride (BaCl2) and carbachol (CCh) in these tissues dependent upon concentration and the origin of the smooth muscle. These effects were more prominent in the ileal smooth muscle preparations than in other tissues. This substance in the smooth muscle preparations of the abomasal fundus not only had no significant effect on the basal tonus, but also significantly increased the contractions caused by barium chloride at low concentrations. Study of the mechanism of action showed that, similar to verapamil, cinnamaldehyde applied its relaxation effect by blocking the calcium channels. The results showed that cinnamaldehyde possessed a spasmolytic effect mediated through blockage of the calcium channels, which may provide a pharmacological base to its medicinal use for diarrhea and spasms.

Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiographic parameters in Ghezel sheep.

Echocardiography is a non-invasive method of cardiac evaluation in most species. Echocardiographic reference parameters are poorly documented in sheep and not documented in Ghezel sheep. The purpose of this study was to determine reference ranges of normal echocardiographic parameters using two-dimensional and M-mode techniques in Ghezel sheep. In 15 healthy female Ghezel sheep aged between 15 and 18 months, echocardiography was performed in standing position from left and right parasternal approach focused at 3rd - 5th intercostal spaces using a 2.50 - 5.00 MHz phased array transducer. The following parameters were measured in two-dimensional echocardiography: left atrial diameter (LAD), mitral valve annulus (MVA), aortic sinus (AoS), aortic valve (AoV), pulmonary sinus (PuS), and pulmonary valve (PuV); and in M-mode echocardiography: interventricular septum (IVS), left ventricular internal diameter (LVID), left ventricular free wall (LVFW), right ventricle free wall (RVFW), right ventricle internal diameter (RVID). Calculated variables included the ratios LAD/Ao and Pu/AoS, and the fractional shortening (FS), end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) of the left ventricle. In conclusion, echocardiographic parameters could be reliably assessed in Ghezel sheep and our study provided some normal echocardiographic reference ranges that might be useful in proper identification, visualization, and measurements of cardiac structures. Such findings could be useful to assess and to diagnose the specific heart diseases in sheep practice and also for experimental studies in sheep as an animal model used for research purposes in cardiovascular studies of human.

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.

Platelet Selenium Indices as Useful Diagnostic Surrogate for Assessment of Selenium Status in Lambs: an Experimental Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Sodium Selenite vs. Selenium Nanoparticles.

Unlike in human medicine, information on the platelet selenium (Se) concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, as potential biomarkers of Se status, is lacking in the field of veterinary medicine. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of sodium selenite (SeS) and Se nanoparticles (SeN) on platelet Se indices, and compare the results with those of conventional indices of Se status in sheep. Eighteen lambs with marginal Se status were assigned to a control (CON) group and two Se-treated groups administered either a single dose of Se at 0.055 mg/kg BW subcutaneously as SeS or SeN. The Se concentration and GPx activity in plasma, erythrocytes, whole blood, and platelets were assessed at 14 time points during 90 days. In Se-treated groups, Se concentrations and GPx activity increased significantly in plasma, whole blood, erythrocytes, and platelets. However, the responses in SeS group often started and peaked earlier and, in almost all time points, were more pronounced than the SeN group (P < 0.001), indicating that SeS compared to SeN was more biopotent in raising Se biomarkers. Se indices in platelets started and peaked later than those of short-term (in plasma) and earlier than those of long-term indices (in erythrocytes) indicating that platelet indices can serve as intermediate-term biomarkers of Se status. In conclusion, platelet indices of Se are promising proxy for currently used indices of Se status in sheep, regardless of Se source.

Alterations of cardiac and renal biomarkers in horses naturally infected with theileria equi.

Equine theileriosis due to Theileria equi is probably the most widespread and pathogenic disease of equines, which comes with major cardiac and renal complications. This study was undertaken to investigate the biomarkers of cardiac and renal functions in horses infected with T. equi and determine the association between these parameters and the level of parasitemia. Giemsa-stained blood smears from 300 horses with ages of 3-4 years old were examined for detection of T. equi on erythrocytes. Moreover, multiplex PCR was employed for confirmation of the diagnosis in the 28 positive cases. Based on the rate of red blood cell infection, the infected animals were subdivided into horses with low (n = 9), moderate (n = 13) and high (n = 6) parasitemia. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, cystatin-C, cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), homocysteine (Hcy), myocardial fractions of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and d-dimer were determined in control (healthy) horses (n = 20) and the infected animals. The results revealed that both the renal (urea, creatinine and cystatin-C) and the cardiac (cTn-I, Hcy, CK-MB and d-dimer) biomarkers increased in a parasitemia burden-dependent pattern. However, urea, creatinine, cTn-I and d-dimer levels were not significantly influenced in the horses infected with low rate (<1 %) of parasitemia (p> 0.05). Moreover, all of the biomarkers were significantly and positively associated with the parasitemia (R2> 0.5). In conclusion, T. equi infection was related to cardiac and renal complications evidenced by increase in the levels of biomarkers and evaluation of these indices may have promise for early diagnosis of the complications.