The therapeutic potential of the novel angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the treatment of coronavirus disease-19

Review (Published online: 23-10-2021)

18. The therapeutic potential of the novel angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the treatment of coronavirus disease-19

Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Temitayo Olabisi Ajibade, Yapo Guillaume Aboua, Idayat Titilayo Gbadamosi, Aduragbenro Deborah A. Adedapo, Abimbola Obemisola Aro, Olumuyiwa Abiola Adejumobi, Emma Thamahane-Katengua, Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale, Olufunke Olubunmi Falayi, Taiwo Olaide Oyagbemi, Blessing Seun Ogunpolu, Fasilat Oluwakemi Hassan, Iyanuoluwa Omolola Ogunmiluyi, Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, Adebowale Benard Saba, Adeolu Alex Adedapo, Sanah Malomile Nkadimeng, Lyndy Joy McGaw, Prudence Ngalula Kayoka-Kabongo, Momoh Audu Yakubu and Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2705-2713

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus has become a global pandemic with unprecedented mortality and morbidity along with attendant financial and economic crises. Furthermore, COVID-19 can easily be transmitted regardless of religion, race, sex, or status. Globally, high hospitalization rates of COVID-19 patients have been reported, and billions of dollars have been spent to contain the pandemic. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is a receptor of SARS-CoV-2, which has a significant role in the entry of the virus into the host cell. ACE2 is highly expressed in the type II alveolar cells of the lungs, upper esophagus, stratified epithelial cells, and other tissues in the body. The diminished expressions of ACE2 have been associated with hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and immune system dysregulation. Overall, the potential drug candidates that could serve as ACE2 activators or enhance the expression of ACE2 in a disease state, such as COVID-19, hold considerable promise in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reviews the therapeutic potential and pharmacological benefits of the novel ACE2 in the management of COVID-19 using search engines, such as Google, Scopus, PubMed, and PubMed Central.

Keywords: Renin-angiotensin system, COVID-19, hypertension, lung injury, ACE2, SARS-CoV-2.

Wound healing by topical application of Momordica charantia L. formulations on mice

Research (Published online: 22-10-2021)

17. Wound healing by topical application of Momordica charantia L. formulations on mice

William Antonio Sagástegui-Guarniz, Carmen R. Silva-Correa, Víctor E. Villarreal-La Torre, María V. González-Blas, Walter O. Sagástegui-Guarniz, Abhel A. Calderón-Peña, Cinthya L. Aspajo-Villalaz, José L. Cruzado-Razco and Julio Hilario-Vargas

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2699-2704

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Momordica charantia is mainly characterized by its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The current study aimed to evaluate the healing activity of gel and cream formulations based on M. charantia on induced wounds in mice.

Materials and Methods: Acetonic extract of M. charantia was prepared and incorporated into gel and cream formulations. Mus musculus Balb/c (n=30) with induced injury were distributed into five groups: Group I (control – day 7), Group II (control – day 14), Group III (1% gel – day 7), and Group IV (1% gel – day 14) to which 1% M. charantia gel was dermally applied daily for 7 and 14 days, respectively, Group V (1% cream – day 7) and Group VI (1% cream – day 14) to which of M. charantia 1% cream were dermally applied daily for 7 and 14 days, respectively. Time of wound closure was determined during the experimentation; rats were euthanized with sodium pentobarbital 60 mg/kg/pc v.ip. for obtaining skin samples for histopathological analysis.

Results: Groups IV and VI showed a higher percentage of wound closure on day 14, and in histopathological analysis, effect was greater in Group VI with the presence of fibroblasts and abundant collagen and elastic fibers.

Conclusion: M. charantia gel and cream showed wound healing activity on induced wounded mice; the most effective treatment was M. charantia 1% cream formulation.

Keywords: histology, Momordica charantia, skin, topical administration, wound healing.

Determination of autoantibodies in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Research (Published online: 22-10-2021)

16. Determination of autoantibodies in dogs with diabetes mellitus

Franco González-Villar and Francisco Pérez-Bravo

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2694-2698

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The classification of diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs has been controversial as currently canine insulin-dependent DM is classified together with absolute insulin deficiency, non-insulin-dependent DM, and relative insulin deficiency. Studies on human autoantibodies evaluated in canines with DM, such as anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), anti-islet antigen 2 (IA2), and anti-zinc transporter isoform 8 (ZnT8), have been inconclusive. Thus, this study was designed to establish the serological profile of anti-GAD65, anti-IA2, and anti-ZnT8 antibodies in a group of dogs with and without DM.

Materials and Methods: Sixty-one dogs, including 31 patients with DM (with and without insulin treatment) and 30 patients without DM (normal weight and obese), were included for determining autoantibodies using a human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection system for type 1 DM.

Results: This study found the presence of anti-IA2 antibodies in 58% of the sample (18/31 patients with DM); however, the presence of anti-GAD65 was not detected, and anti-ZnT8 was found in 3 (9.6%) patients with DM.

Conclusion: This study showed a higher positive frequency of anti-IA2 antibodies in a sample of canine with DM, indicating that alterations in the signaling vesicle tyrosine phosphatase 2 lead to lower insulin release and thus to an increase in patients' glycemia. These preliminary results should be taken with caution and corroborated by a canine-specific assay when an ELISA is available for such determination.

Keywords: autoantibodies, autoimmunity, diabetes, dogs.

Performance and microbiota of the digestive tract of Nellore calves supplemented with fungi isolated from bovine rumen

Research (Published online: 21-10-2021)

15. Performance and microbiota of the digestive tract of Nellore calves supplemented with fungi isolated from bovine rumen

Thiago Alves Xavier dos Santos, Luís Miguel Gonçalves Fernandes, Pedro Paulo Xavier Carvalho, Valdo Soares Martins Júnior, Suze Adriane Fonseca, Amalia Saturnino Chaves and Eduardo Robson Duarte

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2686-2693

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In tropical semiarid regions, supplementation with fungi could contribute to rumen modulation, promoting greater production of fibrolytic enzymes and degradation of forage. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with fungi, isolated from the bovine rumen, on the performance and microbiota of the digestive tract of Nellore calves.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks evaluating eight Nellore calves that were daily supplemented with isolates of Aspergillus terreus and Trichoderma longibrachiatum, along with eight calves that were not supplemented. After 55 days, the animals were weighed, and samples of rumen fluid and feces were collected for analysis. The characteristics that showed normal distribution were subjected to analysis of variance and compared using Tukey's test. Whereas, the variables that did not show normal distribution were subjected to the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the frequencies of the bacterial and fungal genera were compared using the Chi-square test.

Results: Supplementation with fungi promoted the reduction in ruminal pH (p<0.05). However, the final live weight; average daily weight gain; total weight gain; rumen protozoa; and the count of Enterobacteriaceae, mycelial fungi, and yeasts of ruminal fluid and feces were not influenced by supplementation (p>0.05). Moreover, the protozoa Eodinium spp. was identified only in supplemented calves (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Supplementation with the fungi presented the potential for use as possible additives because it did not alter the physiological parameters of the facultative anaerobic microbiota composition in the rumen and feces. In addition, it favored the presence of the ciliate genus Eodinium. However, further studies should be performed to better define suitable dosages for supplementation.

Keywords: Enterobacteriaceae, ruminal microbiota, rumen protozoa, semiarid region, weaning.

Immunometabolic response in Egyptian water buffalo cows during the transition period

Research (Published online: 21-10-2021)

14. Immunometabolic response in Egyptian water buffalo cows during the transition period

Naglaa A. Gomaa, Samy A. Darwish and Mahmoud A. Aly

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2678-2685

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The transition period is extremely critical for pregnant producing animals. However, there is very limited research on the metabolic and immunological changes in Egyptian water buffalo cows during the transition period. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the immunometabolic changes occurring during the transition period in Egyptian water buffalo cows.

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 multiparous pregnant Egyptian water buffalo cows were subjected to weekly blood sampling 3 weeks before calving and 3 weeks after calving and on the day of parturition to determine the complete blood count, including red blood cell count, total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin level, and packed cell volume (PCV). Some selected serum biochemical and immunological parameters were analyzed, including serum glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL (VLDL), cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, Haptoglobin, and C-reactive protein and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin β1, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. All data were statistically analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics software.

Results: The neutrophil count showed a statistically significant increase at 2 weeks preparturition. There was also a significant increase in PCV, TLC, neutrophil count, and IL-6 and TNF-α level at the time of parturition and even at 2 weeks post parturition, except PCV that returned to normal levels in the 1st week post parturition. BHBA and BUN levels were increased significantly in the 2nd and 3rd weeks postcalving. Serum creatinine and VLDL levels were decreased significantly at the time of parturition, and VLDL levels showed a significant decrease even till the 3rd week postcalving, whereas creatinine levels gradually returned to the pre-calving levels in the 3rd week postcalving. Other parameters showed no significant changes.

Conclusion: The most important immunometabolic changes occur in the first 2 weeks post parturition in Egyptian water buffalo cows, which exhibit a potent, remarkable physiological adaptation achieved by their functional liver, which can help the animal overcome the stressful conditions during the transition period.

Keywords: Egyptian water buffalo, immunometabolic changes, transition period.

Comparison of fine-needle cytologic diagnosis between the left and right liver lobes of dogs and cats with diffuse liver disease

Research (Published online: 21-10-2021)

13. Comparison of fine-needle cytologic diagnosis between the left and right liver lobes of dogs and cats with diffuse liver disease

Nardtiwa Chaivoravitsakul, Katriya Chankow, Kongthit Horoongruang, Luksamee Limpongsai, Artima Tantarawanich, Latticha Pluemhathaikij, Kasem Rattanapinyopituk and Kris Angkanaporn

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2670-2677

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Ultrasound-guided fine-needle sample collection for cytology with manual restraint is frequently used for the primary assessment of diffuse liver disease in veterinary patients in Thailand. For better diagnosis, repeated collection of samples ensures the collection of adequate, representative samples, which increase diagnostic accuracy. However, in those that are unable to receive general anesthesia, it is difficult to collect the samples from several liver locations in manually restrained dogs and cats. The study aimed to compare the cytologic diagnosis of the ultrasound-guided fine-needle non-aspiration technique between the left and right liver lobes in dogs and cats with neoplastic and non-neoplastic diffuse liver disease.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 25 client-owned dogs and cats with diffuse liver diseases. Two liver samples were randomly collected from the left and right liver lobes under ultrasound guidance for cytologic examination. All slides were subsequently examined blindly by experienced pathologists for cytologic analysis with cytologic agreement scores (CASs).

Results: Among all 50 samples obtained from ultrasound-guided fine-needle sample collection of the left and right liver, 78% were diagnostic and 22% were non-diagnostic. In the diagnostic group, 73.3% of fine-needle samples had concordant results between the left and right liver, which exhibited 100% cytologic agreement in lymphoma and 63.6% in non-neoplastic groups. Samples collected from the left liver had slightly higher CAS and higher cytologic quality than had those from the right liver lobe (p=0.053).

Conclusion: The location and number of sample collections did not have a significant difference in the cytologic diagnosis of diffuse liver disease, especially in patients with lymphoma. For manually restrained patients, one time ultrasound-guided non-aspiration cytology procedure from the left liver lobe not only decreased restraint duration and minimized tissue trauma but also allowed for an adequate cytologic diagnosis in diffuse liver disease compared to multiple collections.

Keywords: aspiration, cytology, diffuse, hepatic, liver, ultrasound.

Antimicrobial resistance and mcr-1 gene in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry samples submitted to a bacteriology laboratory in South Africa

Research (Published online: 20-10-2021)

12. Antimicrobial resistance and mcr-1 gene in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry samples submitted to a bacteriology laboratory in South Africa

Ibrahim Z. Hassan, Buks Wandrag, Johan J. Gouws, Daniel N. Qekwana and Vinny Naidoo

Veterinary World, 14(10): 2662-2669

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and recently mobilized colistin resistance (mcr-1) associated colistin resistance among Escherichia coli isolates have been attributed to the overuse of antimicrobials in livestock production. E. coli remains an important pathogen, often associated with mortality and low carcass weight in poultry medicine; therefore, the need to use antimicrobials is common. The study aimed to determine the AMR profile and presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes in avian pathogenic E. coli from poultry samples tested at a bacteriology laboratory for routine diagnosis. This is a first step in understanding the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.

Materials and Methods: Fifty E. coli strains were assessed for resistance against ten antimicrobial drugs using broth microdilution. All isolates with a colistin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 μg/mL were analyzed for the presence of mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes by employing the polymerase chain reaction. For each isolate, the following farm information was obtained: farm location, type of farm, and on-farm use of colistin.

Results: Sixty-eight percent of the strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial; 44% were multiple drug-resistant (MDR). Most E. coli isolates were resistant to doxycycline (44%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (38%), ampicillin (32%), and enrofloxacin (32%). None of the E. coli strains was resistant to colistin sulfate (MIC90 of 2 μg/mL). Only one E. coli isolate held the mcr-1 gene; none carried the mcr-2 gene.

Conclusion: Resistance among E. coli isolates in this study was fairly high. Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials was observed, such as doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and enrofloxacin. Only a single E. coli strain carried the mcr-1 gene, suggesting that mcr-1 and mcr-2 genes are common among isolates in this study. The prevalence of AMR, however, suggests that farmers must implement standard biosecurity measures to reduce E. coli burden, and antimicrobial use to prolong the efficacy life span of some of these drugs.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, colistin, Escherichia coli, mobilized colistin resistance-1, poultry.