Effect of leptin on the growth and expression of STAT3 in yak mammary epithelial cells

Research (Published online: 07-09-2022)

4. Effect of leptin on the growth and expression of STAT3 in yak mammary epithelial cells

Baoxia Dong, Sidra Mehran, Yuying Yang, Haixia Jing, Lin Liang, Xiaoyu Guo, and Qinwen Zhang

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2141-2150

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Leptin (LEP) is an autocrine and paracrine factor produced by the fat pad and acinar epithelial cells of the breast. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LEP on yak mammary epithelial cells (YMECs) and the expression of STAT3. In addition, we evaluated the possible effects of prolactin (PRL) on the function of LEP.

Materials and Methods: The YMECs were treated with 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ng/mL LEP for 48 h in the absence of PRL and the presence of 500 ng/mL PRL. The growth activity of YMECs was measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay. The changes in the lactation signaling pathway-related factor STAT3 were detected at the mRNA, protein, and protein phosphorylation levels using the reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. To explore whether LEP affects the activation of STAT3 through JAK2/JAK3 in YMECs, the JAK2/3 signaling pathway inhibitor AG490 was used at a fixed concentration of LEP.

Results: Each concentration of LEP significantly promoted the expression of STAT3 mRNA (p < 0.05) in YMECs in the presence of PRL. In the absence of PRL, all concentrations of LEP were found to inhibit the expression of the STAT3 protein (p < 0.05). The expression of the STAT3 protein in YMECs was found to first increase followed by a decrease with an increase in the concentration of LEP. In addition, the phosphorylation level of STAT3 increased in all groups, except the 100 ng/mL concentration group. The STAT3 phosphorylation trend and protein expression were different, such that the level of protein phosphorylation was higher than that of the STAT3 protein (p < 0.05). The addition of AG490 reduced the expression of the STAT3 mRNA, STAT3 protein, and STAT3 phosphorylation in the LEP and LEP + PRL groups.

Conclusion: Altogether, the results indicated that different concentrations of LEP exerted varying effects on the growth of YMECs and the expression of STAT3, and the activity of STAT3 was primarily activated by JAK2. The addition of LEP can effectively inhibit the downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway by AG490, mitigate its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of YMECs, and reduce apoptosis. We believe that these findings will provide a theoretical and experimental basis for future research in this field.

Keywords: JAK2, leptin, mammary epithelial cells, STAT3, yak.

Identification of antinutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of plants that cause livestock poisoning in Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 06-09-2022)

3. Identification of antinutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of plants that cause livestock poisoning in Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia

Maria Rosaria Odilia, Dhiya Tajhanun Zahra Astika Putri, Antasiswa Windraningtyas Rosetyadewi, Agustina Dwi Wijayanti, Agung Budiyanto, Arvendi Rachma Jadi, and Anggi Muhtar Pratama

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2131-2140

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The utilization of cassava leaves and peels, ceara rubber leaves, sweet potato leaves, Chinese Albizia leaves, and lophatheri leaves from Bojonegoro Regency has led to the poisoning of livestock due to antinutritional factors. Nevertheless, the plants are known to have bioactive components and potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity if appropriately processed. This study aimed to determine the antinutritional compounds as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of these plants responsible for livestock poisoning in the Bojonegoro Regency.

Materials and Methods: Extraction was performed by the maceration method using 70% (v/v) ethanol solvent. The samples were analyzed qualitatively to determine the presence of tannins, alkaloids, oxalates, cardiac glycosides, and cyanogenic glycosides. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method, while the antimicrobial activity was assessed by different testing concentrations (125, 250, and 500 mg/mL) against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

Results: The ethanolic extract of the plants was found to contain antinutritional tannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and cyanogenic glycosides suspected of causing livestock poisoning. Despite the presence of these antinutrients, all extracts also had antioxidant and antibacterial potential. Cassava peels and sweet potato leaves had the highest antioxidant activity, whereas Chinese Albizia leaves had the most potent antibacterial activity.

Conclusion: Cassava leaves and peels, ceara rubber leaves, sweet potato leaves, Chinese Albizia leaves, and lophatheri leaves obtained from Bojonegoro Regency and used as agricultural waste contain antinutritional factors but also possess potentially effective antioxidant and antimicrobial components.

Keywords: antimicrobial, antinutritional, antioxidant, Bojonegoro regency, livestock, plant poisoning.

Pathological study and molecular detection of zoonotic diseases in small ruminants at slaughter houses in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Research (Published online: 05-09-2022)

2. Pathological study and molecular detection of zoonotic diseases in small ruminants at slaughter houses in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Nazneen Sultana, Munmun Pervin, Sajeda Sultana, Mahmuda Islam, Moutuza Mostaree, and Mohammad Abu Hadi Noor Ali Khan

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2119-2130

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Slaughterhouses act as a significant public health hotspot in developing countries like Bangladesh. The study aimed to investigate small ruminants at slaughterhouses for pathological study and molecular detection of important zoonotic diseases.

Materials and Methods: A total of 75 goats and 14 sheep were investigated from June 2019 to January 2020 at different slaughterhouses in Mymensingh division, Bangladesh. The targeted diseases were tuberculosis (TB), listeriosis, Q fever, brucellosis, anthrax, toxoplasmosis, hydatidosis, and linguatulosis. The tentative diagnosis was made based on gross and histopathological lesions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to confirm the causal agents of zoonotic diseases using disease-specific primers.

Results: Grossly, caseous nodule formation in the visceral organs; enlarged and calcifications of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs); hydatid cyst formation in the liver were the predominant lesions observed. Histopathologically, granuloma, caseous necrosis, and calcifications admixed with acid-fast bacteria in the MLNs, liver, spleen, and kidney were seen as suggestive of infectivity due to TB. Septic lymphadenitis mixed with rod-shaped bacteria, doughnut granuloma, fibroplasia accompanied by eosinophils and lymphocytic infiltration in MLNs, and portal granuloma were observed in listeriosis, Q fever, linguatulosis, and toxoplasmosis suspected cases, respectively. The PCR amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (372 bp), Mycobacterium bovis (600 bp), Listeria monocytogenes (517 bp), Toxoplasma gondii (512 bp), and Coxiella burnetii (687 bp) species-specific amplicons. In addition, linguatulosis and hydatidosis were identified in six and three goats, respectively. Brucellosis and anthrax were not detected in any cases. The slaughterhouse samples were also found to harbor the coexistence of different zoonotic pathogens.

Conclusion: Deadly infectious zoonotic diseases in goats and sheep at slaughterhouses may cause widespread public health risks. As a result, more intensive monitoring and epidemiological surveys are required to successfully prevent and control zoonotic diseases.

Keywords: pathology, polymerase chain reaction, small ruminants, zoonotic diseases.

First study on stress evaluation and reduction in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery

Research (Published online: 05-09-2022)

1. First study on stress evaluation and reduction in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery

Worranan Klintip, Thitichai Jarudecha, Khwankamon Rattanatumhi, Sudpatchara Ritchoo, Rattana Muikaew, Sakkapop Wangsud, and Metita Sussadee

Veterinary World, 15(9): 2111-2118

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In Thailand, domestic cats are the most common companion animal, and many are admitted to veterinary clinics for neutering surgery; however, such environment can induce stress. This is the first study to evaluate stress in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery using cat stress score (CSS) and salivary cortisol levels, including the impact of providing a hiding box (B) and/or administering a pheromone product to reduce stress.

Materials and Methods: The study design was based on a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 80 domestic cats undergoing routine neutering surgery were assessed for their behavioral demeanor scoring system (DSS) as friendly (DSS1) and aggressive (DSS2) based on a DSS. During admission, the cats were randomly allocated to single standard cages with one of the following treatments: (B), feline facial pheromone (P), a combination of hiding box and the pheromone (BP), or no additional enrichment (C). Cat stress score, food intake, and hide-seeking behavior were recorded. The cortisol enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to assess the salivary cortisol level.

Results: On the 1st day of admission, aggressive cats had a significantly higher CSS (4.16 ± 0.29) than friendly cats (3.27 ± 0.16). Both demeanor cat groups showed statistically significant reductions in stress levels earlier than the control group after providing the enrichments. Saliva cortisol measurements ranged from 0.24 to 0.66 ng/mL. No statistical differences in cortisol levels were observed between the 1st day and other days of admission. In contrast, no differences in food intake and hide-seeking behavior were seen within each group during the same period.

Conclusion: Results suggested that stress and stress responses in cats depended on behavioral demeanor. The provision of enrichment, including hiding box and feline facial pheromone in singly housed caging reduced stress, especially in aggressive cats. However, salivary cortisol analysis, food intake, and hide-seeking behavior were ineffective for assessing stress in cats after neutering surgery.

Keywords: cortisol, domestic cats, food intake, pheromone.

Brucellosis in livestock: First study on seroepidemiology, risk factors, and preventive strategies to manage the disease in Famenin, Iran

Research (Published online: 31-08-2022)

26. Brucellosis in livestock: First study on seroepidemiology, risk factors, and preventive strategies to manage the disease in Famenin, Iran

Maryam Adabi, Salman Khazaiee, Ali Sadeghi-Nasab, Saeed Alamian, Mohammad Reza Arabestani, Zahra Valiei, and Jamal Gharekhani

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2102-2110

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is an infectious disease in humans and livestock. The disease is endemic in many regions of Iran, for example, Hamedan Province. Knowledge of infection rate and associated risk factors is essential to control and prevent the disease. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis and associated risk factors in cattle, sheep, and goats in Famenin, Hamedan Province, West of Iran.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples of 1758 animals (1470 sheep, 190 goats, and 98 cattle) were obtained in different rural regions of Famenin. The samples were evaluated to detect of Brucella-antibodies using rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), Wright standard tube agglutination test (SAT), and 2-Mercapto-Ethanol (2-ME) techniques. The risk factors associated with brucellosis such as age, gender, history of vaccination against brucellosis, and abortion history in animals were evaluated. In the sampling process, the critical gaps related to the distribution of brucellosis in the herds and regions are identified for designing the strategies to prevent and control the disease.

Results: About 6.88% and 89.31% of animals had a history of abortion and vaccination against brucellosis, respectively. Most of the animals were female (92.49%) and in the range of 2–3 age old (39.8%). The antibodies to the Brucella-infection in animals were 2.73% with RBPT and 1.30% with SAT and 2-ME. The prevalence of brucellosis was detected 1.3% among individual animals and 11% among herds. This rate was 1.43% for sheep and 1.05% for goats, with no significant statistical difference. No seropositive case was detected in cattle samples using RBPT, STAT, and 2-ME. The highest rate of brucellosis (6.25%) was detected in Emamzadeh-Pirnahan region (22.2% goats and 5.6% sheep). In sheep, most cases of the disease were in 3–4 age-old group (1.92%), animals without a history of abortion (1.58%), and without a history of vaccination against brucellosis (2.80%). Furthermore, 5.94% of males and 1.11% of females were detected positive for brucellosis (p < 0.001). The chance of brucellosis in rams was 5.6 folds higher than in others (odds ratio = 5.64). Brucellosis in goats was detected 2.94% and 1.89% in the age groups <1 and 2–3 year-old. Furthermore, 1.22% of females and 1.34% of animals without a history of abortion were positive. Brucellosis was found in 0.61% of vaccinated and 3.85% of non-vaccinated goats. Except for gender in sheep, no significant statistical correlation (p > 0.05) was observed between prevalence of brucellosis and risk factors. In farmers, low level of information about the transmission and also control and preventive methods of the disease was dominant. Consumption of traditional and unpasteurized dairy products is also very common in the studied regions.

Conclusion: This is a comprehensive evaluation of animal brucellosis parallel to humans' cohort study in the Famenin region for the first time. Although the rate of brucellosis in animals is low in the region, explaining the risk factors to farmers, mass vaccination, regular screening of animals, and culling the positive animals are very important for controlling and reducing the disease in the region.

Keywords: animal, brucellosis, endemic, prevention, risk factors.

Prognostic factors associated with survival and hospitalization time in pediatric canine patients diagnosed with presumptive acute viral gastroenteritis

Research (Published online: 30-08-2022)

25. Prognostic factors associated with survival and hospitalization time in pediatric canine patients diagnosed with presumptive acute viral gastroenteritis

Tomás Rodrigues Magalhães, Hugo Gregório, João Araújo, Lénio Ribeiro, Maria João Dourado, Sofia Batista, and Felisbina Luisa Queiroga

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2095-2101

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Acute viral gastroenteritis is one of the main causes of hospitalization in dogs during the 1st year of life. This retrospective study aimed to describe a pediatric canine population presumptively diagnosed with acute viral gastroenteritis and to identify potential prognostic factors that influence hospitalization time (HT) and mortality.

Materials and Methods: Canine patients up to 12 months of age diagnosed with presumptive acute viral gastroenteritis were searched retrospectively from two veterinary hospitals during a 5-year period (2015–2020). Information regarding patient signalment, prophylactic care, clinical signs, blood test results, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and additional treatments were recorded to analyze their association with HT and mortality. Only dogs with a complete medical record until death or discharge were included in the study.

Results: Ninety-four dogs were identified: 76 dogs (80.9%) survived with a median HT of 5 days (range: 2–16 days) and 18 dogs (19.1%) died with a median HT of 3½ days (range: 1–8 days) after admission. The presence of fever and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) administration was significantly associated with a lower survival rate (p = 0.021 and p = 0.037) in the multivariate analysis. Among survivors, incomplete primo-vaccination, the presence of hematochezia, and FFP administration were considered independent predictors of time to clinical recovery (p = 0.026, p = 0.047, and p = 0.026, respectively), being associated with higher HT.

Conclusion: The presence of fever and FFP administration was significantly associated with a lower survival rate. An inadequate primo-vaccination status prior to admission, hematochezia, and FFP administration was associated with longer HT in surviving patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the present results.

Keywords: acute viral gastroenteritis, dog, infectious gastroenteritis, plasma administration, prognosis.

First study on molecular detection of hemopathogens in tabanid flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) and cattle in Southern Thailand

Research (Published online: 28-08-2022)

24. First study on molecular detection of hemopathogens in tabanid flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) and cattle in Southern Thailand

Narin Sontigun, Worakan Boonhoh, Yotsapat Phetcharat, and Tuempong Wongtawan

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2089-2094

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Female tabanids play a key role in disease transmission as mechanical vectors for various hemopathogens, but only a limited number of studies have been conducted on them. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of hemopathogens in tabanid flies compared to those found in nearby cattle hosts.

Materials and Methods: Tabanids were collected using a Nzi trap for three consecutive days per month during the dry season (February–May 2021). Furthermore, blood samples were collected from 20 beef cattle (Bos taurus) raised in the same area where the flies were captured. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect hemopathogenic DNA in flies and beef cattle.

Results: In total, 279 female tabanids belonging to five species were collected: Tabanus megalops, Tabanus rubidus, Tabanus mesogaeus, Chrysops dispar, and Chrysops fuscomarginalis. Notably, T. megalops was the most abundant species, accounting for 89.2% of the flies collected (n = 249). PCR technique revealed that 76.6% of T. megalops carried at least one pathogen (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, or Theileria). In addition, all beef cattle had multiple hemopathogenic infections (Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia spp., Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, and Theileria spp.).

Conclusion: Although T. megalops could carry many hemopathogens, it might not be an important vector due to the limited number of flies and parasitic load. Furthermore, T. megalops could be utilized to monitor the presence of hemopathogens in the study area, but not the disease occurrence in the individual host species. Knowing the presence of hemopathogens in flies could help manage the disease in this area.

Keywords: cattle, hemopathogen, tabanids, Thailand, vector.

Occurrence and biodiversity of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Madura cattle reared on Kamal Subdistrict, Madura Island, Indonesia

Research (Published online: 27-08-2022)

23. Occurrence and biodiversity of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Madura cattle reared on Kamal Subdistrict, Madura Island, Indonesia

Poedji Hastutiek, Nunuk Dyah Retno Lastuti, Lucia Tri Suwanti, Agus Sunarso, Dyah Ayu Kurniawati, and Aditya Yudhana

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2084-2088

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In Indonesia, Madura cattle are native breeds that are expected to contribute to the improvement of regional meat self-sufficiency. Eimeria spp. are protozoans that are commonly found in ruminants. This study aimed to identify the occurrence and diversity of Eimeria spp. in Madura cattle.

Materials and Methods: In this study, fresh fecal samples were collected from 100 cattle in Kamal Subdistrict, Bangkalan District, Madura Island, Indonesia. Morphological detection was performed using a light microscope, and molecular identification was performed using a polymerase chain reaction. DNA amplification was conducted using various species-specific primers for Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria auburnensis, Eimeria alabamensis, Eimeria ellipsoidalis, and Eimeria cylindrica.

Results: The results obtained 21% (21/100) of Eimeria spp. based on morphological detection. A total of 15 positive samples with 500–25,000/mL oocysts were selected for DNA extraction and amplification, resulting in 12 positive samples. Four Eimeria spp. were obtained based on molecular identification: E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. auburnensis, and E. cylindrica.

Conclusion: Four species of Eimeria namely E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. auburnensis, and E. cylindrica were identified from fecal sample of Madura cattle using PCR method in this study. Further comprehensive studies are required to investigate the pathogenicity of Eimeria spp. in Madura cattle. Therefore, improved and integrated management practices should be strengthened by local governments to prevent pathogenic diseases and increase national livestock productivity in Indonesia.

Keywords: biodiversity, Eimeria species, infectious disease, Madura cattle, Madura Island.

Evaluation of the association between electrocardiogram parameters and left cardiac remodeling in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease

Research (Published online: 27-08-2022)

22. Evaluation of the association between electrocardiogram parameters and left cardiac remodeling in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease

Mizuki Ogawa, Haruka Ogi, Hirosumi Miyakawa, Huai-Hsun Hsu, Yuichi Miyagawa, and Naoyuki Takemura

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2072-2083

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Electrocardiography (ECG) is an adjunct for cardiac enlargement diagnosis. However, its efficacy in assessing left cardiac remodeling (left atrial and left ventricular enlargement) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ECG parameters and left cardiac remodeling and to investigate whether the rate of change in ECG waveforms in the same individual reflected left cardiac remodeling in dogs with MMVD.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 20 healthy dogs and 140 dogs with MMVD. Data on clinical variables were obtained through physical examination, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography. The ECG parameters were the P-wave duration, PR interval, QRS complex duration, P-wave amplitude, R-wave amplitude, and mean electrical axis. Dogs with examination data that could be obtained multiple times during the study period were classified into the non-progressive and progressive groups.

Results: Only the P-wave and QRS complex durations were selected as significant variables associated with imaging test parameters (p < 0.05); they had a relatively higher discriminatory ability for the left cardiac remodeling than other ECG parameters. The rates of change in the PR interval and R-wave amplitude were significantly higher in the progressive group than in the non-progressive group.

Conclusion: In dogs with MMVD, the P-wave and QRS complex durations were significantly correlated with the left cardiac remodeling indicators. Furthermore, an increased rate of change in the PR interval and R-wave amplitude in the same individual may indicate left cardiac remodeling.

Keywords: left atrial enlargement, left ventricular enlargement, PR interval, rate of change, R-wave amplitude.

Optimization of polymerase chain reaction for the identification of Roe deer, Saiga, and Siberian stag living in Kazakhstan

Research (Published online: 26-08-2022)

21. Optimization of polymerase chain reaction for the identification of Roe deer, Saiga, and Siberian stag living in Kazakhstan

Kanatbek Mukantayev, Darkhan Kanayev, Sholpan Zhumabekova, Alexander Shevtsov, Kanat Tursunov, Kasim Mukanov, and Yerlan Ramankulov

Veterinary World, 15(8): 2067-2071

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: One of the reasons for the decline in the number of wild species of artiodactyls is poaching and the illegal trading of animal products. Molecular genetic identification of animals from a biological sample effectively proves poaching cases and illegal trade of animal products. This study aimed to develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that allows for species identification of artiodactyl animals that are most often subject to poaching.

Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from meat and blood samples of animals killed by poachers using commercial kits. Three pairs of primers were designed and used to amplify the cytochrome b gene fragment of Roe deer, Saiga antelope, and Siberian stag.

Results: The proposed protocol allows amplification of specific PCR products of 542 bp with Roe deer DNA, 587 bp with Saiga DNA, and 525 bp with Siberian stag DNA. Specificity analysis showed no cross activity with DNA from other animal species. The detection limit of PCR ranged from 15.6 pg to 1.9 pg of DNA in 25 μL of the reaction mixture.

Conclusion: Sequencing the amplified products and subsequent comparison with the corresponding reference sequence showed a similarity ranging from 99.99% to 100%. The PCR based on the developed primers demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity when using DNA from homogeneous and heterogeneous animals.

Keywords: Argali, cytochrome b, identification, Roe deer, Saiga, Siberian stag.