Protective effect of Mucuna pruriens against arsenic-induced liver and kidney dysfunction and neurobehavioral alterations in rats

Research (Published online: 12-08-2020)

10. Protective effect of Mucuna pruriens against arsenic-induced liver and kidney dysfunction and neurobehavioral alterations in rats

Preethi Concessao, Laxminarayana Kurady Bairy and Archana Parampalli Raghavendra

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1555-1566

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Intoxication of arsenic in rats is known to result in neurological effects as well as liver and kidney dysfunction. Mucuna pruriens has been identified for its medicinal properties. The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effect of aqueous seed extract of M. pruriens on sodium arsenite-induced memory impairment, liver, and kidney functions in rats.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was divided into short-term treatment (45 days) and long-term treatment (90 days), with each group divided into nine sub-groups consisting of six animals each. Sub-groups 1 and 2 served as normal, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) controls, respectively. Sub-groups 3-9 received sodium arsenite in drinking water (50 mg/L). In addition, sub-group 4 received NAC (210 mg/kg b.wt) orally once daily, sub-groups 5-7 received aqueous seed extract of M. pruriens (350 mg/kg b.wt, 530 mg/kg b.wt, and 700 mg/kg b.wt) orally once daily and sub-groups 8 and 9 received a combination of NAC and aqueous seed extract of M. pruriens (350 mg/kg b.wt and 530 mg/kg b.wt) orally once daily. Following the treatment, the blood was drawn retro-orbitally to assess the liver (serum alanine transaminase [ALT], serum aspartate transaminase, and serum alkaline phosphatase) and kidney (serum urea and serum creatinine) functions. Learning and memory were assessed by passive avoidance test. Animals were sacrificed by an overdose of ketamine, and their Nissl stained hippocampal sections were analyzed for alterations in neural cell numbers in CA1 and CA3 regions.

Results: In the short-term treatment, groups administered with M. pruriens 530 mg/kg b.wt alone and combination of NAC + M. pruriens 350 mg/kg b.wt exhibited a significant improvement in memory retention, less severe neurodegeneration, and decrease in serum ALT levels. In long-term treatment, groups administered with M. pruriens 700 mg/kg b.wt alone and combination of NAC+M. pruriens 350 mg/kg b.wt, respectively, showed better memory retention, decreased neural deficits, and reduced levels of kidney and liver enzymes.

Conclusion: The seed extract of M. pruriens showed significant enhancement in memory and learning. The number of surviving neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions also increased on treatment with M. pruriens. Serum ALT, serum urea, and serum creatinine levels showed significant improvement on long-term treatment with M. pruriens.

Keywords: hippocampus, kidney functions, liver functions, memory and learning, Mucuna pruriens, sodium arsenite.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paraserianthes falcataria bark waste against Haemonchus contortus obtained from a local slaughterhouse in Indonesia

Research (Published online: 11-08-2020)

9. In vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paraserianthes falcataria bark waste against Haemonchus contortus obtained from a local slaughterhouse in Indonesia

Zein Ahmad Baihaqi, Irkham Widiyono and Wisnu Nurcahyo

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1549-1554

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Paraserianthes falcataria bark against Haemonchus contortus.

Materials and Methods: Ethanol extract of bark (E.E.B.) waste and aqueous extract of bark (A.E.B.) waste of P. falcataria (at concentrations 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1, 2.5, and 5%) and albendazole (2 mg/ml) as the positive control were placed in separate Petri dishes (50 mm). Twenty H. contortus worms were placed in Petri dishes and incubated at 37°C for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 h. Mortality of each worm was ensured by pressing the body of the worm with a pair of tweezers and keeping it in lukewarm water for 5 min before declaring it dead. Mortality is defined as amount of death individuals and time of mortality of each worm was recorded. The parasites were then observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at an accelerating voltage of 15 Kv. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 software, two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test to detect significant differences (p<0.05). The result was expressed as the mean ± standard deviation.

Results: The E.E.B. and A.E.B. of P. falcataria contained active compounds, such as tannin, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, steroid, and triterpenoid. E.E.B. had a higher content of phenol, while A.E.B. had a higher content of flavonoid. In this study, P. falcataria showed a significant effect (p=0.00) on H. contortus in vitro. E.E.B. (0.8%) was able to exterminate H. contortus completely after 6 h, more effective than A.E.B. (5%) while the positive control requires (2 mg/ml) after 2 h. SEM analysis of the worm treated with E.E.B. and A.E.B. showed damaged cuticle structure.

Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of P. falcataria bark waste demonstrated anthelmintic activity against H. contortus.

Keywords: anthelmintic, bark, Haemonchus contortus, prevalence, scanning electron microscopy.

Gastrointestinal parasite infections in fighting bulls in South Thailand

Research (Published online: 10-08-2020)

8. Gastrointestinal parasite infections in fighting bulls in South Thailand

Domechai Kaewnoi, Ratchakul Wiriyaprom, Saowakon Indoung and Ruttayaporn Ngasaman

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1544-1548

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Bullfighting is booming in South Thailand, attracting tourists, and stimulating local economies. The bulls are well raised and practiced, but in many cases, the owners lack knowledge and understanding of the prevention of animal diseases, including parasitic infections. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infection in fighting bulls.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1501 fecal samples were collected from bulls aged 2-5 years visiting the animal hospital of Prince of Songkla University during 2016-2019. The formalin ethylether concentration method was used to detect GI parasites in feces.

Results: The overall rate of GI parasite infection was 94.27%. Rumen fluke eggs were detected in 97.17% of all infected animals, followed in prevalence by strongyles (26.29%), Eurytrema spp. (2.83%), Fasciola spp. (2.47%), Trichuris spp. (0.35%), and Moniezia spp. (0.14%). Two protozoan genera were identified, Balantidium coli (6.64%) and Eimeria spp. (3.53%). Coinfection was observed in 33.99%. The five most common coinfections were rumen fluke with strongyles (20.85%), B. coli (4.66%), Eimeria spp. (1.55%), rumen fluke (1.34%), and Fasciola spp. (1.06%).

Conclusion: In addition to high GI parasite infection rates, zoonotic parasites were observed. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers should follow good sanitation and prevention practices to control parasitic infections in bulls, and proper hygienic precautions should be taken by the owners. Implementation of deworming programs using appropriate anthelmintic drugs as well as rotation of anthelmintic drug that have different chemical agent to prevent further drug resistance should be considered. The promotion of bull health management is highly recommended to protect humans from zoonotic diseases.

Keywords: fighting bulls, gastrointestinal parasite, southern, Thailand.

Effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses in feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft

Research (Published online: 10-08-2020)

7. Effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses in feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft

Frizky Amelia, Basril Abbas, Darmawan Darwis, Sri Estuningsih and Deni Noviana

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1536-1543

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Fracture cases significantly increase recently, demanding high quality of bone graft materials. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of bone types, particle sizes, and gamma irradiation doses on morphological performance and cell viability of feline demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) through an in vitro study.

Materials and Methods: Feline DFDBA derived from feline cortical and cancellous long bones was processed into four different sizes: Group A (larger than 1000 μm), B (841-1000 μm), C (420-840 μm), and D (250-419 μm) for each type of bones. The materials were then irradiated with two doses of gamma rays, 15 and 25 kGy, resulting in 16 variants of feline DFDBA. The surfaces of each material were then observed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The in vitro evaluation of feline DFDBA was then performed using 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

Results: The MTT assay results showed that the lowest inhibition rate (14.67±9.17 %) achieved by feline DFDBA in Group A derived from cortical bones irradiated with 15 kGy. Group D generally showed high inhibition rate in both cancellous and cortical bones, irradiated with either 15 or 25 kGy. The SEM results showed that cancellous and cortical bones have numerous macropores and micropores structure in 170× and 3000×, respectively.

Conclusion: The material derived from cortical bones in Group A (larger than 1000 μm in particle size) irradiated with 15 kGy is the best candidate for further development due to its abundance of micropores structure and ability in preserving the living cells.

Keywords: bone type, feline bone allograft, gamma irradiation, in vitro study, particle size.

Methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia protects alloxan-induced hepatopathy through modulation of caspase-9 and interleukin-1β signaling pathways in rats

Research (Published online: 08-08-2020)

6. Methanol leaf extract of Momordica charantia protects alloxan-induced hepatopathy through modulation of caspase-9 and interleukin-1β signaling pathways in rats

Sunday Oluwaseun Ofuegbe, Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale, Aduragbenro Deborah Adedapo, Abiodun Emmanuel Ayodele, Momoh Audu Yakubu, Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju and Adeolu Alex Adedapo

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1528-1535

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Momordica charantia is a highly valued plant, widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is reported to have a wide range of medicinal uses. This study was designed to explore the ameliorative potential of M. charantia methanol leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic animal model with a particular focus on the liver.

Materials and Methods: Hepatoprotective effect of methanol leaf extract of M. charantia was assessed in alloxan-induced toxicity in 50 rats divided into five groups (A-E) (n=10). Group A normal control, Group B was toxicant group, and Group C animals received glibenclamide treatment while Groups D and E received extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Histopathological changes, blood glucose level, and serum enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, oxidative status and caspase-9, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were evaluated.

Results: Extract-treatment caused a decreased blood glucose level, markers of oxidative stress such as malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Treatment of rats with leaf extract of M. charantia resulted in increased levels and activities of protein thiols, non-protein thiols, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase indicating its antioxidant potential. The liver section revealed mild distortion of the hepatic architecture compared to the toxicant group, while decreased expressions of caspase-9 and IL-1β in extract-treated groups was observed.

Conclusion: The plant extract exhibited antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, thus showing its hepatoprotective property.

Keywords: antioxidant, caspase-9, hepatotoxicity, histopathology, interleukin-1β, Momordica charantia.

Clinical signs, prevalence, and hematobiochemical profile associated with Anaplasma infections in sheep of North Iraq

Research (Published online: 08-08-2020)

5. Clinical signs, prevalence, and hematobiochemical profile associated with Anaplasma infections in sheep of North Iraq

Donea Abdulrazak Abdullah, Fawwaz Fadhil Ali, Afrah Younis Jasim, Shola David Ola-Fadunsin, Fufa Ido Gimba and Moeena Sadeq Ali

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1524-1527

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Anaplasma infection is a worldwide prevalent condition that causes significant economic losses in affected flocks. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and clinical signs associated with ovine anaplasmosis as well as the hematological and biochemical changes associated with the disease in natural infection in North Iraq.

Materials and Methods: A total of 420 sheep were appropriately examined, and the clinical signs were documented accordingly. Blood samples were collected and subjected to parasitological, hematological, and biochemical analyses.

Results: Anaplasma-infected sheep displayed the following clinical signs: Paleness of the mucous membrane, bloody diarrhea, emaciation, pyrexia, jaundice, nasal discharge, coughing, loss of wool, nervous signs, hemoglobinuria, and lacrimation. The prevalence of Anaplasma infection was 66.19%, and female sheep were significantly (p<0.05) more infected than male sheep. The hematological and biochemical parameters were significantly different between Anaplasma-positive and Anaplasma-negative sheep.

Conclusion: Anaplasma infection among sheep is a significant concern in North Iraq considering its prevalence, clinical signs, and hematological and biochemical findings, which entirely causes significant debilitating effects on sheep productivity. It is important to pay more attention toward managing tick infestation among sheep to reduce the occurrence of this rickettsial disease for a more robust livestock sector of the Iraqi economy.

Keywords: Anaplasma species, biochemical, hematological, prevalence, sheep.

Production, immunogenicity, stability, and safety of a vaccine against Clostridium perfringens beta toxins

Research (Published online: 07-08-2020)

4. Production, immunogenicity, stability, and safety of a vaccine against Clostridium perfringens beta toxins

Mohamed J. Saadh, Issam J. Sa'adeh, Moeen F. Dababneh, Ammar M. Almaaytah and Mohammad F. Bayan

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1517-1523

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The beta toxin is causing the most severe Clostridium perfringens-related diseases. This work was dedicated to developing a vaccine against beta toxin using C. perfringens type C (NCTC 3180).

Materials and Methods: The crude toxoid harvest contained 710 limits of flocculation (Lf)/mL. The vaccine was formulated. Each 1 mL of the final vaccine product contained at least 50 Lf/mL of beta toxoids, 0.2 mL 3% aluminum hydroxide gel (equivalent to 5.18 mg of aluminum), <0.001% W/V thiomersal, formaldehyde <0.05% W/V, and ∼0.7 mL phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2). The efficacy of the vaccine was evaluated by potency, stability, and safety tests.

Results: The vaccine demonstrated 24.36 IU/mL (standard deviation, ±0.56) and 14.74 IU/mL (±0.36) of neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and cattle, respectively. Indeed, these levels were above the minimum recommended by international protocols since the obtained antibody levels had 2.43- and 1.47-fold increase in both rabbits and cattle, respectively, over the minimum antitoxin level suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture. Interestingly, our formulation was capable of inducing 1.65-fold higher immune responses in rabbits than that stimulated in cattle (65% increase) with a significant difference (p<0.0001). The vaccine was stable up to 30 months. The vaccinated rabbits were suffered from a temporarily slight increase in temperatures in the first 10 h without any significant difference (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The research showed a procedure for the manufacturing process of the vaccine against C. perfringens beta toxins with a feasible quantity and the vaccine described here showed to be effective in eliciting levels of neutralizing antibodies higher than required by international standards. In addition, The vaccine was stable up to 30 months. Thus, it may represent an effective and safe for preventing C. perfringens-related diseases in rabbits and cattle, although further studies to prove its efficacy in the field on other farm animals are still needed.

Keywords: beta toxin, cattle, Clostridium perfringens type C, potency, safety, stability, toxoid.