Antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective effect of aqueous and ethyl acetate extract of carob honey in streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

Research (Published online: 10-12-2019)

5. Antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective effect of aqueous and ethyl acetate extract of carob honey in streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats

Redouan El-Haskoury, Noori Al-Waili, Jaouad El-Hilaly, Waili Al-Waili and Badiaa Lyoussi

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1916-1923

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study included the effect of aqueous extract (AE) and ethyl acetate extract (EAE) on blood sugar in diabetic rats and their effects on liver enzymes and lipid panel in control and diabetic rats. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the EAE was studied in vitro and compared with AE.

Materials and Methods: Sugar and antioxidant content of AE and EAE were determined. In vitro antioxidant activity of AE and EAE was estimated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ABTS*+ radical scavenging assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, and total antioxidant assay. To study the effect of the extracts on blood glucose level (BGL), lipid profile, and liver function in non-diabetic and diabetic rats, five groups of six rats each were treated with distilled water, AE, EAE, glibenclamide (GLB), and sucrose for 8 days. Plasma glucose level (PGL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), transaminases (alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined. The effect of the interventions on BGL after acute administration also was investigated. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection.

Results: EAE contains significantly lower content of fructose and glucose than AE (p<0.05), and it has no sucrose. AE and EAE exhibited a significant antioxidant activity and high antioxidant content; the antioxidant content was higher in AE than EAE (p<0.05). In diabetic rats, acute treatment by AE increased PGL, while EAE significantly lowered BGL as compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Both interventions significantly decreased BGL as compared to the sucrose treated group in diabetic rats (p<0.05). EAE was more potent than GLB. Sucrose caused 13% increment in BGL after 8 days of induction of diabetes, while AE caused only 1.3% increment. Daily treatment by EAE decreased significantly AST, ALT, ALP, and TC. EAE decreased significantly TC and TG level in diabetic rats in comparison to the untreated diabetic group.

Conclusion: The study showed for the 1st time that EAE has more hypoglycemic effect than AE, and both extracts prevent the increment in BGL on day 8 after induction of diabetes observed in the control and sucrose treated group. EAE significantly ameliorated the lipid and liver function disorders induced by diabetes.

Keywords: carob honey, diabetes, ethyl acetate extract, glucose, lipid, transaminases.

Coprological detection of equine nematodes among slaughtered donkeys (Equus asinus) in Kaltungo, Nigeria

Research (Published online: 07-12-2019)

4. Coprological detection of equine nematodes among slaughtered donkeys (Equus asinus) in Kaltungo, Nigeria

Tobias Nnia Egbe-Nwiyi, Bura Thlama Paul and Ajuji Chungsyn Cornelius

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1911-1915

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and intensity of nematode infection among slaughtered donkeys in Kaltungo, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A total of 72 fecal samples were examined by salt flotation and the modified McMaster fecal egg count technique to morphologically identify nematodes eggs and determine their egg per gram (EPG) outputs.

Results: Out of a total of 72 (100%) donkeys sampled, 36 (50%) tested positive, but the prevalence of nematodes was independent of the age, sex, and breed of donkeys (p>0.05). Among the four species of nematodes identified in single and mixed infections, Strongylus spp. (27.8%) and Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (13.9%) were the most prevalent followed by Strongyloides westeri (5.6%) and Trichonema spp. (5.6%). Infected donkeys had moderate overall mean EPG (801.39±611.3) with no statistical differences between age groups and sexes (p>0.05), but means of EPG were significantly higher (p<0.05) in Duni (1026.92±719.55) than Idabari (673.91±514.75). Light EPG count was recorded among 63.9% of infected donkeys, while 16.7% and 19.4% had moderate and severe infections, respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence and importance of equine nematodes were discussed in connection to their epidemiology and control. Furthermore, the preponderance of light infection may suggest that donkeys in this environment developed resistance to nematode infection and are potential reservoirs for other equines.

Keywords: detection, donkey, egg per gram, Gombe, nematodes, Nigeria.

Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex against fatty liver in rat model

Research (Published online: 04-12-2019)

3. Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex against fatty liver in rat model

Ahmed Medhat Hegazy, Ayman Samir Farid, Ahmed S. Hafez, Rania M. Eid and Soad M. Nasr

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1903-1910

ABSTRACT

Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex (CNC) against methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCDD)-induced fatty liver in rats.

Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into one of four equal-sized groups (G1-G4). The G1 group was fed a balanced diet and kept under normal conditions; the G2 group received CNC orally at a dose of 0.043 mg/kg body weight, 3 times/week for 4 weeks, and a balanced diet; the G3 group was fed an MCDD for 4 weeks; and the G4 group was fed an MCDD and administered CNC at the same dose and route as G2. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum enzyme activity. After 4 weeks of treatment, liver specimens were collected for the evaluation of the oxidative/antioxidative markers, cytokine gene expression, and histopathological examination.

Results: CNC improved MCDD-induced liver dysfunctions by recovering serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities to their normal levels. The glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly decreased, while lipid peroxidation (as reflected by malondialdehyde [MDA]) markedly increased in the liver tissue of the MCDD group. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, the GSH level and SOD activity markedly increased and the MDA level significantly decreased to return to normal levels. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, significant downregulation of the mRNA expression of hepatic interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, macrophage inflammatory protein-1a, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 genes was found. Moreover, CNC reduced fatty liver complications by reducing the number of hepatic vacuolations, degenerative changes in the hepatocytes, and hemorrhage.

Conclusion: CNC has the potential to limit tissue injury and possibly prevent the progression to severe liver disease caused by an MCDD.

Keywords: copper-nicotinate complex, cytokines gene expression, fatty liver, hepatoprotective, oxidative stress markers.

Effects of dichloromethane Sarcophyton spp. extract on the lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of nuclear factor-kappa B and inducible nitric oxide synthase in mice

Research (Published online: 03-12-2019)

2. Effects of dichloromethane Sarcophyton spp. extract on the lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of nuclear factor-kappa B and inducible nitric oxide synthase in mice

Putut Har Riyadi, Didik Wahyudi and Wendy Alexander Tanod

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1897-1902

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The soft coral genus Sarcophyton is a source of cembraneterpen. Sarcophyton is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties, with the ability to reduce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of soft coral Sarcophyton spp. to inhibit the expression of NF-κB and iNOS induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Materials and Methods: Crude extracts of Sarcophyton spp. were macerated with DCM (1:3 v/v) for 24 h. Thirty-six Balb/c mice were divided into six treatment groups, namely, normal control (without LPS induction), negative control (LPS induction 4 mg/mL), comparative control (LPS+Dexamethasone 6 mg/kg), and 3 concentration groups extract (LPS+50, 125, and 250 mg/kg). The expression of NF-κB and iNOS was measured in each treatment group.

Results: Flow cytometry analysis showed that the relative number of NF-κB+ cells increased (18.38±1.24%) in LPS-induced mice compared with normal mice (13.24±1.15%). The Sarcophyton spp. DCM extracts decreased the relative number of NF-κB+ cells (125 mg/kg: 13.96±0.84%). Immunohistochemical analysis with ImmunoMembrane showed that LPS induction in mice increased iNOS expression when compared to normal mice. The Sarcophyton spp. DCM extracts reduced iNOS expression (especially at 125 mg/kg).

Conclusion: DCM extracts of Sarcophyton spp. inhibited the activation of NF-κB, resulting in suppressed iNOS expression, which directly inhibits NO production.

Keywords: Alcyoniidae, anti-inflammatory, lipopolysaccharide, nitric oxide, soft coral.

Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in farmed pigs in Southeast Gabon, Central Africa

Research (Published online: 02-12-2019)

1. Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in farmed pigs in Southeast Gabon, Central Africa

Gael Darren Maganga, Linda Bohou Kombila, Larson Boundenga, Ivan Cyr Moussadji Kinga, Judicael Obame-Nkoghe, Herve Tchoffo, Oubri Bassa Gbati and Julius Awah-Ndukum

Veterinary World, 12(12): 1888-1896

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal infestations caused by intestinal parasites are the most important diseases and the most common in pigs in the tropics. These parasites are often associated with a huge economic loss. This study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in farmed pigs from Haut-Ogooue Province, in South East Gabon.

Materials and Methods: From March 2018 to July 2018, 156 samples of pig feces collected from nine different farms were analyzed under light microscopy. The identification of eggs, cysts, and oocysts in fecal samples was done using two qualitative techniques: Flotation and sedimentation.

Results: After examination, the results obtained revealed an overall infestation level of 98.7% (154/156). We found ten parasite types with infestation levels that varied from species: Balantidium coli (120/156), Oesophagostomum spp. (100/156), Isospora suis (102/156), Ancylostoma spp. (17/156), Trichostrongylus spp. (28/156), Hyostrongylus spp. (13/156), Strongyloides spp. (7/156), Ascaris suum (8/156), Globocephalus spp. (1/156), and spirurida (1/156). The study of risk factors revealed that factors such as sex, age, and physiological condition may influence the diversity and level of infestation of animals by gastrointestinal parasites.

Conclusion: For better prevention of parasitism in these farms, it would be interesting to implement health monitoring and to ensure good hygiene. Finally, further studies would be needed to better evaluate the distribution of these parasites in Gabon and the involvement of these animals in the transmission cycle of parasitic zoonoses.

Keywords: diversity, Gabon, gastrointestinal parasites, pigs, prevalence.

Antibody reaction of leptospirosis in asymptomatic feral boars, Thailand

Research (Published online: 29-11-2019)

28. Antibody reaction of leptospirosis in asymptomatic feral boars, Thailand

Phirom Prompiram, Kanaporn Poltep and Nongluck Sangkaew

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1884-1887

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aimed to determine the proportion of exposure to leptospirosis and evaluate the degree of serovar antibody reaction in feral boars.

Materials and Methods: A total of 58 sera obtained from feral boars in Khao Prathab Chang Wildlife Breeding Center, Ratchaburi, Thailand, were screened for leptospirosis exposure by microscopic agglutination test, conducted with a reference panel of 23 pathogenic serovars and a non-pathogenic serovar.

Results: Overall exposure rate of 62.07% was found in the studied population. An antibody reaction presented in 18 of 24 leptospiral serovars. Among the seropositive, Ballum serovar showed predominant exposure in the feral boar population.

Conclusion: The results show a relatively high exposure to leptospirosis and the predominant serovar was Ballum followed by Canicola, the first finding in feral boars in Thailand. It has been revealed that feral boars act as a natural reservoir host of leptospirosis. There should be more concern about public health problems in leptospirosis arising where feral boars appear.

Keywords: Ballum serovar, Canicola serovar, feral boar, microscopic agglutination test, Thailand.

Fungal food spoilage of supermarkets' displayed fruits

Research (Published online: 29-11-2019)

27. Fungal food spoilage of supermarkets' displayed fruits

Iman Saleh and Roda Al-Thani

Veterinary World, 12(11): 1877-1883

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Post-harvest fungal infection of fruits and vegetables is mainly caused by fungal pathogens that can be harmful to both human and animals as they produce mycotoxins, post-harvest diseases in fruits and vegetables are a serious problem that results in the loss of a large percentage of crops reaching 50% in some fruits. This study aims at screening the post-purchasing shelf-life of four highly consumed fruits and vegetables and at identifying the fungal strains behind their spoilage in Qatar.

Materials and Methods: Fruits and vegetables were collected from the market to study their post-purchasing shelf-life and to identify the fungal types involved in samples rotting. Factors that affect samples' shelf-life were also analyzed.

Results: A total of 73 fungal isolates were isolated and identified, with the highest percentage of Penicillium (21.9%) followed by Rhizopus (17.8%). Interestingly, many mycotoxins producing and diseases inducing fungi were identified in this study; this includes Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Botrytis, Geotrichum, and Colletotrichum. Statistical analysis shows that different fruits have significantly different shelf-life and different predispositions for spoilage. In many cases, a strong relationship was shown between the fungal types isolated and the country of origin of the fruit. Finally, the price of the commodity did not have a significant effect on its contamination level nor did the market from which the sample was purchased. This indicates that the fruit displaying methods in Qatar do not affect their contamination level.

Conclusion: The study is among the first reports about fungal types involved in fruits and vegetables rotting in Qatar and it highlights the strong link between spoiling fungi and their country of origin.

Keywords: country of origin, fungi, post-harvest, shelf-life, spoilage.