Insight into microRNAs' involvement in hematopoiesis: current standing point of findings.

Hematopoiesis is a complex process in which hematopoietic stem cells are differentiated into all mature blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Different microRNAs (miRNAs) involve in several steps of this process. Indeed, miRNAs are small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules, which control gene expression by translational inhibition and mRNA destabilization. Previous studies have revealed that increased or decreased expression of some of these miRNAs by targeting several proto-oncogenes could inhibit or stimulate the myeloid and erythroid lineage commitment, proliferation, and differentiation. During the last decades, the development of molecular and bioinformatics techniques has led to a comprehensive understanding of the role of various miRNAs in hematopoiesis. The critical roles of miRNAs in cell processes such as the cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation have been confirmed as well. However, the main contribution of some miRNAs is still unclear. Therefore, it seems undeniable that future studies are required to focus on miRNA activities during various hematopoietic stages and hematological malignancy.

Hematological and Biochemical Changes in Naturally Occurring Equine Piroplasmosis in Donkeys (Equus asinus) of Northwest of Iran.

PURPOSE: Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne protozoal disease affecting horses, mules, donkeys and zebras and can lead to severe economic losses in the equine industry. There is limited information on clinical pathologic changes of equine piroplasmosis in donkeys. This study aims to investigate the impacts of babesiosis on various hematological and biochemical properties in naturally infected donkeys with Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. METHODS: A total of 200 apparently healthy donkeys were randomly examined for the presence of equine piroplasmosis in blood samples. Of 200 samples, 11(5.5%) animals were positive for T. equi and 3(1.5%) of the samples were infected with B. caballi. 14 uninfected donkeys, were also selected as a control group. RESULTS: The results of the comparison showed that infected donkeys presented a significant elevation (P < 0.05) of total leukocyte count, number of lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil, while showed a significant decreased in (P < 0.05) hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The infected donkeys had significantly higher levels of total protein and total bilirubin (P < 0.05), whereas the amount of albumin was significantly lower in comparison to healthy animals (P < 0.05). It is interesting to note that the amounts of urea, cholesterol, creatinine, triglyceride, LDL and HDL, CK, AST, LDH, GGT, and Malondialdehyde were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in infected donkeys. CONCLUSIONS: The current study describes laboratory findings in the affected donkeys which were good criteria for diagnosis and control of equine piroplasmosis in donkeys.