Glutathione-S-transferase activity in various organs of Crocodylus siamensis and its attenuation role in aflatoxin B1-induced cell apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma cells

Research (Published online: 18-01-2022)

7. Glutathione-S-transferase activity in various organs of Crocodylus siamensis and its attenuation role in aflatoxin B1-induced cell apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma cells

Piriyaporn Thiendedsakul, Pitchaya Santativongchai, Prapassorn Boonsoongnern, Rungrueang Yodsheewan and Phitsanu Tulayakul

Veterinary World, 15(1): 46-54

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The crocodile is a model for studying relevant sources of environmental contamination. They were determined an appropriate biomonitoring species for various toxins. The cytosolic and microsomal fraction of crocodiles plays a role in detoxifying xenobiotics. Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) metabolizes aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to aflatoxin M1, while glutathione-S-transferase (GST) catalyzes carcinogenic agents. This study aimed to investigate the GST activity in various organs of Crocodylus siamensis. Further, the fate of microsomal and cytosolic fractions from various crocodile organs against AFB1-induced apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells was investigated.

Materials and Methods: The liver, lungs, intestines, and kidneys tissues from a 3-year-old crocodile (C. siamensis) (n=5) were collected. The cytosolic and microsomal fraction of all tissues was extracted, and protein concentrations were measured with a spectrophotometer. Subsequently, a comparison of GST activity from various organs was carried out by spectrophotometry, and the protective effects of CYP450 and GST activity from various crocodile organs were studied. In vitro AFB1-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Comparisons between the metabolisms of the detoxification enzyme in organs were tested using the Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Dunn's multiple comparison tests. All kinetic parameters were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software version 5.01 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, USA).

Results: Total GST activity in the liver was significantly higher than in the kidneys, intestines, and lungs (p<0.05, respectively). The highest GST pi (GSTP) activity was found in the liver, while the highest GST alpha-isoform activity was in the crocodile lung. The kinetics of total GST and GST mu activity in the liver had the highest velocity compared to other organs. In contrast, the kinetics of GSTP enzyme activity was the highest in the intestine. The in vitro study of microsome and cytosol extract against apoptosis induced by AFB1 revealed that the level of messenger RNA expression of the Bax and Bad genes of HepG2 cells decreased in the treatment group in a combination of cytosolic and microsomal fractions of the crocodile liver but not for Bcl-2. Interestingly, the downregulated expression of Bax and Bad genes was also found in the microsome and cytosol of crocodile kidneys.

Conclusion: The crocodile liver revealed very effective GST activity and expression of the highest kinetic velocity compared to other organs. The combination of liver microsomal and cytosolic fractions could be used to prevent cell apoptosis induced by AFB1. However, further study of the molecular approaches to enzyme activity and apoptosis prevention mechanisms should be carried out.

Keywords: aflatoxin B1, apoptosis, Crocodylus siamensis, glutathione-S-transferase, human hepatocarcinoma cells.

Effect of barley straw and Egyptian clover hay on the rumen fermentation and structure and fibrolytic activities of rumen bacteria in dromedary camel

Research (Published online: 17-01-2022)

6. Effect of barley straw and Egyptian clover hay on the rumen fermentation and structure and fibrolytic activities of rumen bacteria in dromedary camel

Alaa Emara Rabee

Veterinary World, 15(1): 35-45

Background and Aim: Understanding the regulations of rumen microbiota and their fibrolytic capabilities under different forages are essential to improve rumen fermentation and animal feed efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the rumen fermentation and the structure and fibrolytic activities of rumen bacteria in camels fed barley straw and Egyptian clover hay.

Materials and Methods: Three fistulated camels were fed a diet containing barley straw for 30 days; then transitioned to a diet containing Egyptian clover hay for 30 days. In addition, bacterial media enriched with xylan and different cellulose sources, namely, filter paper, wheat straw, and alfalfa hay, were used to evaluate the ability of camel rumen bacteria to produce xylanase and cellulase enzymes.

Results: The camel group fed Egyptian clover hay showed higher crude protein intake, rumen ammonia, total volatile fatty acids, and acetic acid. Moreover, the camel group fed barley straw showed higher neutral detergent fiber intake, rumen pH, and propionic and butyric acids. Principal component analysis showed that bacterial communities were separated based on the forage type. Forage type affected the composition of rumen bacteria and most of the bacterial community was assigned to phylum Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Egyptian clover hay diet increased the proportions of genus Prevotella and Ruminococcus; while fed barley straw diet increased the Butyrivibrio, RC9_gut_group, and Fibrobacteres. The bacterial culture of the Egyptian clover hay fed group produced the greatest xylanase and the bacterial culture of the barley straw fed group produced the maximum cellulase.

Conclusion: Egyptian clover hay is recommended to feed camels in intensive production. Moreover, the bacterial community in the camel rumen is a promising source of lignocellulolytic enzymes.

Keywords: Camelus dromedaries, cellulase and xylanase, forage type, hay and straw, rumen bacteria.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of porcine cysticercosis: A cross-sectional study in Indonesia

Research (Published online: 17-01-2022)

5. Seroprevalence and risk factors of porcine cysticercosis: A cross-sectional study in Indonesia

Annytha Detha, Putri Pandarangga and Yunita Nope

Veterinary World, 15(1): 30-34

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Cysticercosis is a zoonotic disease with a global concern. Estimation of the prevalence and identification of potential risk factors are necessary for the prevention and control of the disease. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of cysticercosis and the correlation of the increased prevalence with several potential risk factors.

Materials and Methods: The seroprevalence of cysticercosis was conducted using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), developed by the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, to detect Cysticercus cellulosae. This study used serum samples from 62 pigs taken from two regencies on Timor Island. The data analysis was performed using SPSS software 20.0 (IBM Corp., NY, USA) to evaluate ELISA results and the strength of the relationship between risk factors and the prevalence of disease using the odds ratio (OR).

Results: Serum samples from 18 out of the 62 pigs were found to be positive; the seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 29%. The results showed that an extensive farming system led to a higher prevalence of cysticercosis compared to an intensive farming system, namely, 10 out of 18 (56.6%), and that the possibility of identifying cysticercosis in pigs in an extensive farming system was 5 times greater than that in pigs in an intensive farming system. In addition, the results showed that nine out of 18 households who did not have toilet facilities were found to be seropositive, indicating a significant relationship between the risk factor of toilet availability with cysticercosis in pigs, with an OR of 4.5. In addition, the results showed that there was no significant relationship between the risk factor of the feed source and the prevalence of cysticercosis in pigs.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 29% in domestic pigs of Timor Island. The risk factors of an extensive pig farming system and toilet availability in community houses were significantly related to the possibility of cysticercosis on Timor Island.

Keywords: cysticercosis, epidemiology, risk factor, seroprevalence.

Zebrafish as an experimental model for the simulation of neurological and craniofacial disorders

Review (Published online: 11-01-2022)

4. Zebrafish as an experimental model for the simulation of neurological and craniofacial disorders

Ashwin Rohan Rai, Teresa Joy, K. S. Rashmi, Rajalakshmi Rai, N. A. Vinodini and P. J. Jiji

Veterinary World, 15(1): 22-29

ABSTRACT

Zebrafish have gained momentum as a leading experimental model in recent years. At present, the zebrafish vertebrate model is increasingly used due to its multifactorial similarities to humans that include genetic, organ, and cellular factors. With the emergence of novel research techniques that are very expensive, it is necessary to develop affordable and valid experimental models. This review aimed to highlight some of the most important similarities between zebrafish and humans by emphasizing the relevance of the first in simulating neurological disorders and craniofacial deformity.

Keywords: craniofacial deformity, experimental model, neurological disorders, zebrafish.

First report of Avian metapneumovirus type B in Iraqi broiler flocks with swollen head syndrome

Research (Published online: 08-01-2022)

3. First report of Avian metapneumovirus type B in Iraqi broiler flocks with swollen head syndrome

Baraa Akeel Al-Hasan, Abdullah O. Alhatami, Husam Muhsen Abdulwahab, Ghadeer Sabah Bustani, Muhammad Ali Hameed and Ameer Haider Jawad

Veterinary World, 15(1): 16-21

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Swollen head syndrome (SHS) is a complex disease caused by various agents, including bacterial and viral pathogens, as well as environmental factors. Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is one of the most important causes of respiratory diseases and SHS in poultry and one of the most widespread viruses worldwide; however, it has not been recorded in Iraq. This study aimed at the molecular identification and subtyping of aMPV in poultry, with the objectives of investigating the prevalence of aMPV in infected broiler flocks with SHS and molecular typing using primers specific to the study of the prevalence of subtypes A, B, and C of aMPV.

Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 67 broiler farms that reported typical SHS from September 2018 to August 2019. Swabs were collected from the trachea, infraorbital sinuses, and lung, then uploaded on FTA cards and subjected to an RNA extraction protocol.

Results: aMPV was detected in 16 (23.8%) samples. Molecular typing using primers specific to the attachment glycoprotein (G) gene showed that all positive samples belonged to subtype B, as assessed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique.

Conclusion: aMPV may be the main etiological factor causing SHS in poultry. Moreover, this was the first report of the prevalence of subtype B aMPV strains in broiler farms in Iraq.

Keywords: Avian metapneumovirus type (B), Iraq, middle Euphrates region, swollen head syndrome, upper respiratory tract infection, viral infection poultry.

Correlation between p53 and Mdm2 expression with histopathological parameters in cattle squamous cell carcinomas

Research (Published online: 07-01-2022)

2. Correlation between p53 and Mdm2 expression with histopathological parameters in cattle squamous cell carcinomas

Waseem Al-Jameel, S. S. Al-Mahmood, and A. M. Al-Saidya

Veterinary World, 15(1): 10-15

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common form of carcinoma in cattle. Histopathological grading systems have been utilized over several decades for estimating the malignancy of cattle SCCs. This study aimed to detect p53 and Mdm2 expression in different SCC cases in cattle and correlate their expression with the SCC histopathological grading.

Materials and Methods: Cattle SCC cases were collected at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Nineveh. The SCC grading system categorized the cases histologically based on their differentiation grade into three groups: Well, moderately, and poorly differentiated. The SCC cases were subsequently verified for p53 and Mdm2 immunoexpression.

Results: Fourteen of 16 examined cattle SCC samples tested positive for p53 expression. Moreover, 15 out of the 16 SCC samples tested positive for Mdm2 expression. The increased immunoreactivity of both p53 and Mdm2 was associated with a poor histological grading of the cattle SCC. There is a positive correlation between the nuclear expression of p53 and Mdm2, and the degree of differentiation and the number of mitotic figures in the examined cattle SCC samples.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate an increased p53 and Mdm2 expression in cattle SCC cases characterized by poor histopathological grading, thus suggesting an essential role of these molecules in the development of moderately and poorly differentiated SCC in cattle.

Keywords: cattle, immunoexpression, Mdm2, p53, squamous cell carcinoma.

Retrospective analysis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in Thailand with emphasis on hematological and ultrasonographic changes

Research (Published online: 05-01-2022)

1. Retrospective analysis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in Thailand with emphasis on hematological and ultrasonographic changes

Kris Angkanaporn, Jidapha Sanguanwai, Taratip O. Baiyokvichit, Pichamon Vorrachotvarittorn, Montana Wongsompong and Woraporn Sukhumavasi

Veterinary World, 15(1): 1-9

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tropical endemic tick-borne disease that causes fatality or chronic infection involving many organs in dogs. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and hematological and ultrasonographic changes in the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen following CME infection.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study used 30,269 samples collected from dogs at the hematology section of the pathology unit of a university veterinary hospital and 35 samples collected from dogs at the diagnostic imaging unit. CME was determined using the buffy coat smear method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and odds ratios.

Results: CCl4 The data revealed that the average yearly prevalence of CME was 1.32%. Risk factors contributing to CME infection were a tick on the body during physical examination, lack of ectoparasite control, and outdoor living. All 148 dogs with CME infection had low platelet counts. The percentages of CME-infected dogs with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and both enzymes above the normal range were 33.6%, 65.9%, and 29.8%, respectively. The rates for elevated serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and both compounds were 33.1%, 19.1%, and 17.3%, respectively. The most common ultrasonographic changes were liver abnormalities (hyperechogenicity or hypoechogenicity, hepatomegaly, and hypoechoic nodules), hyperechogenicity of the kidneys, and an enlarged spleen. These ultrasonographic changes were consistent with the hematology results, which showed a greater elevation of serum liver enzyme levels than renal enzymes.

Conclusion: Ultrasonographic changes during CME infection and after treatment with doxycycline can help to monitor and identify persistent pathological changes in the target organs resulting from immune response to CME.

Keywords: dog, ehrlichiosis, hematology, monocyte, ultrasound.