Thyroid hormones profile in Holstein calves following dexamethasone and isoflupredone administration

Background: glucocorticoids are the steroidal drugs which are very widely used in large animal medicine. These agents have advantages in large animals but they have also been associated with many potential adverse effects, especially at high doses or prolonged use

Objectives: the present experimental study was designed to clarify the effects of dexamethasone [DEXA] and isoflupredone [ISO], as the most common glucocorticoids in large animal medicine, on bovine thyroid hormones

Methods: ten clinically healthy Holstein calves [6-8 months old] were assigned into 2 equal groups. Dexamethasone [1 mg/kg] and isoflupredone [1 mg/kg] were administered intramuscularly in DEXA and ISOgroups, respectively, for two consecutive days. Blood samples were taken at days 0 [before the 1stdose], 1 [before the 2 nd dose], 2, 3, 5 and 7, from all studied animals and serum concentrations of T3, T4, fT3 and fT4 were determined in all specimens

Results: levels of T3 and T4 were decreased significantly after administration of both drugs. The concentrations of T3 and T4 in Iso group were significantly lower than the DEXA one [p<0.05]. There were no significant changes in serum fT3 and fT4 levels following drug administration

Conclusions: pharmacological doses of dexamethasone and isoflupredone have suppressive actions on the circulating levels of thyroid hormones in Holstein calves possibly via inhibition of TSH production at hypothalamic- pituitary-thyroid level

Study on serum glucose, insulin, NEFA, BHBA and lipid profile in different productive status of high producing Holstein dairy cows

BACKGROUND: Metabolic profiles have been used in efforts to predict pre parturient problems and fertility, to diagnose metabolic diseases, and to assess nutritional status in dairy cows. These profiles may help to confirm the diagnosis of sub clinical diseases, to be aware of possible causes of infertility in the herds, or to monitor improvement in herd animals.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated changes in the metabolic profile of high producing Holstein dairy cows from early lactation to close-up dry periods. The results of the current research can provide useful guidelines for management strategies during different physiological phases of high producing Holstein dairy cows.

METHODS: Twenty five multiparous high producing Holstein dairy cows were selected from a high producing industrial dairy farm. Cattle were divided into 5 equal groups of early, mid and late lactation and far-off and close-up dry cows. Blood samples were collected from all cows and sera were separated to evaluate glucose, insulin, ß-hydroxybutyric acid [BHBA], non-esterified fatty acid [NEFA], cholesterol, triglyceride [TG], high, low and very low density lipoproteins [HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol].

RESULTS: The highest levels of insulin were detected in mid lactation and close-up dry periods. The changing patterns of BHBA and NEFA were significant and the highest levels of these biomarkers were detected in the early lactation group. The decreasing pattern of BHBA and NEFA were seen from early lactation to far-off dry cows. Significant elevations were seen in these biomarkers from far-off to close-up dry cows.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that metabolic biomarkers change in high producing Holstein dairy cows, under different physiological states. These changes are induced commonly by negative energy balance, lactogenesis and fetal growth in each state.

Synovial fluid inflammatory cytokines and proteins in clinically healthy and arthritic joint of dromedary camels [Camelus dromedarius]

Analyzing the synovial fluid is one of the common methods to diagnose the articular problems to detect the stage and express the prognosis. Such gross, cytological, and biochemical analysis of synovial fluids can aid in the diagnosis of various joint diseases. Normal values for synovial fluid in the camels have been described previously; however, there are no reports regarding concentration of acute phase proteins and inflammatory cytokines in camelids synovial fluid. Hence, the present study tried to compare the synovial fluid inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in clinically healthy and arthritic tarsal joints of dromedary camels. 46 male dromedary camels, 5 to 10 years old, were used in this study. 33 camels did not have any clinical articular abnormalities while 13 camels had gross articular problems such as lameness and swollen tarsal joints. Collecting the synovial fluids was extracted from the healthy and arthritic tarsal joints immediately after slaughter. Then, the concentration of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were measured in samples. Concentration of all measured parameters in arthritic joints were significantly higher than clinically healthy joints [p<0.05]. The synovial fluid concentration of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were 5.379, 4.285, 25.503, and 1.904 times higher in arthritic joints than normal joints, respectively. The articular inflammatory processes can increase the synovial fluid concentration of acute phase proteins and inflammatory cytokines. Information about the normal values of these parameters and their changing patterns may help camel rearing systems during arthrititis by assessing the health status of joints in the camels; in addition, the information about normal values can be diagnostically valuable when considering diseased animals

relationships among acute phase response proteins, cytokines, and enzymes during ovine experimental endotoxemia

The acute phase response is beneficial to the animal in restoring homeostasis, and measuring the circulating acute phase proteins, cytokines, and enzymes can be used to evaluate the innate immune system's responses to invader agents such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Measurement of these parameters has shown to be useful as diagnostic and prognostic markers in animal endotoxemia. The aim of the present experimental study was expression of the acute phase response following the induction of endotoxemia by Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 in sheep and the relationships among the acute phase response parameters during endotoxemia and their changing patterns. Five clinically healthy 1-year-old Iranian fattailed ewes [25 +/- 1.5 kg, bodyweight] were randomly selected and lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 was infused at 20 micro g/kg intravenously to each animal. Fluid therapy was performed in all ewes over 120 minutes after lipopolysaccharide injection and continued for 180 minutes. Blood samples were collected from all ewes prior and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 24 hours after lipopolysaccharide injection and sera were separated. Serum concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were assayed. The rapid and significant elevation of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were seen after endotoxemia induction. Serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased after intravenous lipopolysaccharide infusion. The results of the present experimental study showed that haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma at all hours studied after endotoxemia induction were positively correlated together. These parameters were negatively correlated with superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase at all hours after lipopolysaccharide infusion. The results of the present experiment can provide evidence for associations among acute phase proteins, cytokines, and enzymes and their changes during endotoxemia in sheep

Correlations among homocysteine, cardiac troponin I and cardiac enzymes in different ages of clinically healthy male dromedary camels

Information regarding serum biochemical profile can reflect cardiovascular performance in animals. Although studies have evaluated the inter-relationship among cardiovascular biomarkers in animals and human beings, there are no reports of such a probable relationship in camelids. The aim of the present study was to provide data on the correlations among cardiovascular biomarkers in different ages of clinically healthy male dromedary camels to provide a basis for assessing cardiac muscle healthiness in this species. Thirty clinically healthy dromedary camels [Camelus dromedarius] were selected and divided into four age groups including 1-3 [n=7], 4-6 [n=7], 7-9 [n=8], and above 10 [n=8] years old. Blood samples were collected and sera were separated. Serum concentrations of homocysteine [Hcy], cardiac troponin I [cTnI], creatine kinase-myocardial specific isoenzymes [CK-MB], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] were evaluated. The results of the present study showed that there were significant correlations among cTnI and CK-MB [r=-0.853; p=0.015] and Hcy [r=0.916; p=0.004] in the 4 to 6-years-old group of clinically healthy male dromedary camels. LDH was significantly correlated with CK-MB in the 7 to 9-year-old group [r=-0.710; p=0.045]. There were no significant correlations among different factors of 1-3 and above 10-year-old groups [p>0.05]. The data provided here is the first report on cardiac health assessment parameters in dromedary camels. Moreover, the data is valuable in camel racing clubs, when an overall cardiac health and fitness is to be assessed. The correlation reported here might also be helpful for easier analysis of cardiac health status in dromedary camels. The data may be useful for assessing suspected cases of myocardial diseases and its changes maybe of prognostic value

Seroepidemiology and molecular detection of Brucella infection in Iranian horses: a provincial study

Brucellosis is a febrile zoonotic infection and has worldwide distribution among humans as well as animals. Although the seroprevalence of brucellosis in various animals has been described in Iran, there is only one report on equine brucellosis in the region. This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in racing clubs and private horse owners in the south of Iran and risk factors associated with the disease in horses. 312 randomly selected equine serum samples were investigated for the presence of antibodies against Brucella genus, using slide agglutination by Rose Bengal plate test [RBPT], serum agglutination test [SAT] and 2-mercaptoethanol [2-ME] test, using whole cell antigen. PCR assay was also used for detection of clinically suspected cases. Most seropositive horses in this study were asymptomatic. The true seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 9.9, 8 and 7% by RBPT, SAT and 2-mercaptoethanol tests, respectively. All horses with history of clinical signs [3.2% of all samples] had RBPT, SAT and 2-mercaptoethanol positive results. It was also revealed that age, sex and a history of contact with ruminants had no effect on acquiring the infection in positive cases. In the PCR, one of the three horses with fistula withers produced amplicon of 450 bp fragment of wbo sequences specific to Brucella spp. field strain. This study showed the seroprevalence of brucellosis in horses of Fars province and it was indicated that the PCR assay may be helpful in detection of clinically suspected horses

[Survey on cattle serum and hair selenium around ceramic industries of Isfahan-Iran]

Selenium is an essential trace element while having a potential toxicity. It can be identified and measured in urine, milk and hair. Samples of serum and hair from six dairy farms at different radius around ceramic industries of Isfahan [0.1, 1.5 and 2.5km, 2 farms in each zone and 24 cattle in each distance] were randomly taken. Samples [serum and hair] were also taken from 2 farms, 1 5 km away from the polluting sources, as control group. The concentration of selenium in serum and hair samples were measured against certified, standard solutions by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed that the mean selenium concentration of hair, at the radius of 0.1 km from ceramic industries, was significantly higher than control group [P<0.05]. This concentration was significantly lower than the concentration of hair selenium at the radius of 1.5 km from the ceramic industries. The selenium concentration of hair and serum at the radius of 1.5 km was higher than those of other distances [P<0.05]. The results of selenium measurements in the region showed a possible presence of sub clinical selenium deficiency. Meanwhile, it could be concluded that the level of pollution have not been at a level that can cause Poisoning, rather a compensation of this trace element occurred in the area, which was not still able to maintain normal selenium concentration. It seems that the higher concentration of selenium at the radius of 1.5 km may be due to the pattern of precipitation of pollutants around the ceramic industries. It was concluded that the presence of ceramic industries in the region partially Compensated the low concentration of selenium in the region which was not still enough to compensate the deficiency. Furthermore, the findings of this study, revealed the potential use of hair selenium as indicator of body status of this trace element

effect of mercury on thyroid function in sheep

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of long-term low-dose administration of mercury [Hg] on thyroid function in sheep. In this experiment, 10 clinically healthy, adult, male Iranian sheep, aged approximately 1 year, were randomly allocated into the control [n=5] and mercury [Hg-]-treated [n=5] groups. Both groups were kept under identical conditions in terms of food and environment. The treatment group received mercuric chloride [5 mg/kg/day] orally for eight weeks. Blood samples were drawn between the hours of 0800 and 0900 from both groups on days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70. Thyroid function was evaluated by measuring the levels of the serum thyroid hormones, including triiodothyronine [T3], thyroxine [T4], free T3 [FT3], free T4 [FT4] and thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]. Hepatic function was evaluated in both groups by measuring alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], gamma-glutamyltransferase [GGT] and total bilirubin [TBIL]. Renal function was assessed using serum creatinine [Cr] and blood urea nitrogen [BUN] levels. Serum T3 [from day 28 onwards] and serum T4, FT3, FT4 and TSH [from day 14 onwards] decreased in the Hg-treated group [p<0.05]. Serum ALT, AST and GGT increased from days 42, 56 and 70, respectively, when compared to the control group [p<0.05]. The concentrations of total protein and albumin decreased on day 70 and total bilirubin [TBIL], BUN and Cr levels increased on day 70 when compared to the control group [p<0.05]. It was concluded that chronic administration of Hg may expose sheep to the risk of hypothyroidism

Cattle hair as a biomarker of lead pollution in the region of the Shiraz oil and petrochemical industries in Iran

This survey aimed to evaluate the level of lead [Pb] pollution in cattle in the vicinity of the Shiraz oil and petrochemical industries using hair samples. Dairy farms located within 10 km of the Shiraz oil and petrochemical industries were identified and divided into four groups. Farms that were located in the radial zones of 0.5-1.5 km, 1.5-5 km, 5-7 km, 7-10.5 km were considered as groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Fifteen cattle from a farm that was located far from the polluting areas comprised the control group [E]. Head hair samples were collected from fifteen age-matched cows from each of the five groups in each season round year. Cattle that were located closer to the oil and petrochemical industries had higher hair Pb concentration. In all groups, the hair lead concentrations of cattle that were reared near to the oil industry were significantly higher than of those reared in the region of the petrochemical industry [p<0.05]; and showed pollution factors of about two folds when groups in the same distances of oil and petrochemical industries were compared. In this study, there was a declining trend in hair lead concentration from spring to winter from 8.3 to 2.6 ppm and from 4 to 2.2 ppm in cows located near to the oil and petrochemical industry plants, respectively

[Effect of orally administered ivermectin on some blood haematological and biochemical factors in donkeys [Eqqus asinus]]

Five healthy adult male Iranian donkeys [Equus asinus] were selected and Ivermectin [0.2,0.6 and 0.9 mg/kg, orally at different times] for 14 days was administered. Before dosing, control blood samples were taken on day 0. Blood samples were taken on days 1,2,3,7 and 14 following ivermectin administration at different doses. The results showed that the activity of serum AST and LDH increased on days 7 and 14 following ivermectin [0.2, 0.6 and 0.9 mg/kg, orally] administration [p<0.05]. ALP activity and BUN concentration increased significantly on day 14 following ivermectin [0.2, 0.6 and 0.9 mg/kg, orally] administration [p<0.05]. Changes of ablumin, creatinin,glucose, total protein, Phosphorous and calcium concentrations and hemoglobin, PCV, MCH, MCHC, MCV and percentages of neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and platelet numbers were not significant [p>0.05]. As it was shown in short term, no abnormal clinical and laboratory findings were detected following different oral doses of ivermectin and it seems that the drug can be safely administered to this species

Study on correlations among ceruloplasmin, copper of serum, liver and kidney of goats in shahrekord slaughterhouse

In order to determine the copper status and correlation between the ceruloplasmin and copper of serum and among the copper of serum, liver and kidney of slaughtered goats in Shahrekord, blood, liver and kidney samples [10 gr] from 100 goats were gathered. The amounts of ceruloplasmin and copper of serum, liver and kidney were measured by Sunderman - Nomoto and Shimadzu atomic absorption method, respectively. Results were analyzed by Pearson correlation test, Chi square test. The mean serum ceruloplasmin value of goats was 190_40.2 mg/L. The corresponding value for the copper of serum was 14.32 +/- 2.42 micro mol/L. Mean liver and kidney copper levels were respectively 4596.08 +/- 1967.5 and 271.98 +/- 59.81 micro mol/Kg. There was a significant correlation [p < 0.05] between the level of ceruloplasmin and copper of serum [r = 0.85]. There was also a correlation [p < 0.05] between copper of serum and liver [r = 0.56], copper of serum and kidney [r = 0.36] and copper of liver and kidney [r = 0.22]. Kidney copper concentration in 7% of goats were lower than 199.89 micro mol/Kg and serum copper level in 4% of goats were between 6.29-11.01 micro mol/L. They indicated that between 4 to 7 percent of goats had marginal copper deficiency. Data shows low correlation among variables and only correlation between serum copper and ceruloplasmin was high. It could be concluded that copper deficiency can occur under certain conditions in Shahrekord

[ therapeutic effects of oral administration of garlic extract and tablet on experimentally lead acetate poisoning in mouse]

To study the therapeutic effects of garlic extract and tablet on lead poisoning in mouse. Experimental study. Eighty mature male mice with 22-25g body weight. Mice were divided into 8 groups of 10 mice each. All groups received lead acetate [5mg/kg of bady weight] for 21 weeks and after then treated daily for another 4 weeks as follows: group A1, 500mg/kg fresh garlic; group A2, 250mg/kg fresh garlic; group A3, 125mg/kg fresh garlic; group B1, 1/4 Garlet tablet per kg body weight [Eq. to 500 mg fresh garlic]; group B2, 1/8 Garlet tablet per kg body weight [Eq. to 250 mg fresh garlic]; group B3, 1/16 Garlet tablet per kg body weight [Eq. to 125 mg fresh garlic]; group C, 5mg/kg lead acetate and group D did not received any thing in both the first 4 and the second 4 weeks. These results showed that daily administration of fresh garlic [preferably 250-500 mg/kg] or Garlet tablet [1/4 of one garlet tablet per kg body weight] can have therapeutic effects on mice with chronic lead administration. Result showed that garlic and garlet tablets [in a lower grade] have the ability to reduce the lead residues in soft tissues as well as bone in chronic lead poisoned mouse. So, it can be concluded that garlic can be used for lead poisoning therapy in mouse and probably in human and other animals. Moreover, fresh garlic or garlet tablet in aforementioned dose could be used in areas with lead pollution

comparison of standard heparin and dalteparin on prevention of adhesion in peritonitis with or without infection in rat

In our experimental study, 48 rats were divided into six groups in a randomized manner: A[1-3] and B [1-3] groups. A1 and B1 were negative controls. Laparotomy was performed and peritoneal inflammation on exposed bowel and peritoneum in A [1-3] and experimental infection induced in peritoneal cavity of B [1-3]. Each rat of A2 and B2 received 100 IU intraperitoneal standard heparin and each rat of A3 and B3 received 100 IU intraperitoneal dalteparin. On the 21

t postoperative day, rats were euthanized and intensity of intraperitoneal adhesions evaluated macroscopically. The results were analyzed with Chi-Square test. Peritoneal adhesions in experimental groups reduced significantly[p < 0.05] in comparison with controls, but nosignificant differences were seen between experimental groups[p > 0.05]. So, dalteparin and standard heparin are effective in preventing adhesion in infectious and noninfectious peritonitis but nosignificant differences were found between these drugs [p > 0.05]. In brief, regarding to the in vivo beneficial effects of LMWH, dalteparin is more recommended