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This study aimed to investigate the effect of a treadmill exercise on hematological and serum biochemical parameters and the expression of immune-related cytokine genes in leukocytes. For the experiment, six healthy adult dogs were divided into exercise and control groups. The exercise group performed an endurance exercise three times a week for four weeks. Blood samples were collected before exercise, two weeks after exercise, and post-exercise, and hematological and serum biochemical analysis and cytokine gene analysis were conducted. In the exercise group, white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, and glucose levels were significantly decreased, but there was no change in the control group. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 was significantly decreased in the exercise group compared to the control group. There was no difference in IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNA expression between groups. The results in the current study demonstrate that short-term moderate-intensity endurance exercise alters WBC levels and mRNA cytokine expression in leukocytes and may have a meaningful effect on immune health in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applications of natural products in aquaculture to improve fish production and modulate toxic undesired effects of heavy metals represent a global environmental demand. In this study, fish diets supplemented with natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite) were evaluated for their ability to improve growth and alleviate the deleterious effects of lead acetate in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four main experimental groups were used: one control group that fed on diets supplemented with 0% zeolite and three treatment groups received 1%, 3% and 5% zeolite. After 45 days of feeding, zeolite treatments resulted in a positive effect on weight gain (WG) with a significant reduction in water ammonia levels. Following feeding experiment, the control group was divided into two groups. All zeolite-treated groups and one of the control groups (Control +ve) were subjected to lead (Pb) toxicity for additional 21 days, while the other control received no Pb (Control -ve). Exposure to Pb significantly decreased protein and albumin on one hand and increased glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) on the other. Elevation of hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also detected. In contrast, zeolite feeding before and during Pb exposure showed an increase in protein and albumin levels, and a decrease in glucose, cholesterol, ALT, AST, CAT, SOD and TAC levels. Moreover, zeolite decreased Pb residues in muscles and increased it in kidneys. All in all, the data presented indicate that zeolite can improve the growth performance in Nile tilapia and increases fish resistance to undesired effects associated with Pb toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a treadmill exercise on hematological and serum biochemical parameters and the expression of immune-related cytokine genes in leukocytes. For the experiment, six healthy adult dogs were divided into exercise and control groups. The exercise group performed an endurance exercise three times a week for four weeks. Blood samples were collected before exercise, two weeks after exercise, and post-exercise, and hematological and serum biochemical analysis and cytokine gene analysis were conducted. In the exercise group, white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, and glucose levels were significantly decreased, but there was no change in the control group. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 was significantly decreased in the exercise group compared to the control group. There was no difference in IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNA expression between groups. The results in the current study demonstrate that short-term moderate-intensity endurance exercise alters WBC levels and mRNA cytokine expression in leukocytes and may have a meaningful effect on immune health in dogs.

In this study, in vivo biodistribution, clearness and toxicity of curcumin capped iron oxide nanoparticles (Cur-IONPs) were addressed in different body organs. The physicochemical properties of the prepared Cur-IONPs were investigated. Long term (3 weeks) biodistribution, clearness and toxicity were assessed for a single-dose administration of Cur-IONPs (5 mg/kg). The iron content in liver, kidney, spleen and brain was quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum biochemical parameters were also measured. The integrated in vivo results demonstrated that Cur-IONPs was mostly taken up in the liver and spleen reaching its highest levels on days 1 and 2, respectively. In the brain, the results showed significant accumulation of Cur-IONPs between 1 h to 1-day post injection. This represented the successful penetration Cur-IONPs across the blood-brain barrier. Serum biochemical analysis demonstrated a temporal disturbance in the performance of body organs. Also, the body weights showed no alteration throughout the experiment. It has been deduced that the promising green synthesized Cur-IONPs as an "All in One" nanoplatform is safe enough to be used in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the possible sub-acute toxic effect after 14 d oral administration with 0.3 g/kg, 0.6 g/kg and 0.9 g/kg of methanol leaves extract of Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) on liver and kidney functions in young male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: This study was carried out according to OECD 407 guideline. A total of 24 young healthy male SD rats aged between 8-12 weeks old were used throughout the experiments. Each group consisted of six rats (n=6). All animals were observed twice daily until day-14. Body weight, food consumption and water intake were measured on day-3, 7 and day-14. Blood samples were collected and used to analyse the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubins, urea and creatinine in rats. Relative organ weights for liver, kidney, heart, spleen and lung were calculated. Results: From the results obtained, all the serum biochemical parameters, food and water intake, relative organs weight showed no significant changes when compared to the control group. No lethality and abnormal behavioural changes were seen in both control and treatment groups during experiment. Conclusions: For conclusion, repeatedly dosing of C. nutans extract at 0.3g/kg, 0.6g/kg and 0.9 g/kg up to 14 d was proven safe in male SD rats without causing any adverse effects and organ damages in male SD rats.

Introduction: Liver fibrosis represent a worldwide challenge of clinical importance, results from chronic damage of liver, and evidenced by build up of excessive extracellular matrix proteins.. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antifibrogenic effect of grape seed extract (GSE) against hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. Experimental Design: forty adult male albino mice were divided into four equal groups; first (control) in which mice were injected IP with olive oil as vehicle. In the second group (GSE) mice were received GSE orally at a dose of 200mg/kg/day for 8 weeks while in the third group (CCl4) mice were injected IP with CCl4 (0.4ml/kg / twice weekly) for 8 weeks . In the fourth (GSE+ CCl4) group mice were injected IP with CCl4 and co-treated with GSE orally as in previous treated-groups. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and blood samples and liver tissue specimens were collected. Results: the examined liver of CCl4-intoxicated group revealed marked hepatic fibrotic lesions confirmed by Masson's trichrome stain and associated with the presence of intensely stained α-SMA-positive hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in entire of the hepatic lobules and in the vicinity of bridging fibrotic septa. Hepatic degeneration and necrosis were also seen. This hepatic damage was associated with significant increases in AST and ALT activities with low albumin levels and hypoproteinemia. Co-administration of GSE with CCl4 improved the microscopic picture of liver where scanty fibrotic lesions and mild degeneration of some hepatic cells were recorded. Less intensely stain ed α-SMA-immunopositive cells were observed. Serum AST, ALT, albumin and total protein values were more or less within the ranges of these parameters in the control non-intoxicated group. Conclusion: GSE has potent antifibrogenic effect on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs activation, decreasing collagen synthesis and improving hepatic regenerative capability through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In birds, blood samples are often collected from the jugular, medial metatarsal, and basilic vein. Samples are sometimes collected by toe nail clip, but concerns to avoid drawing blood from the nail include pain after nail clips for blood collection, potential differences in complete blood count (CBC) results, and potential contamination with uric acid values. To compare differences in biochemical and hematologic values in blood samples obtained by jugular venipuncture versus toenail clip, blood samples were collected from Moluccan cockatoos ( Cacatua moluccensis) (N = 23) and sent to a commercial laboratory for routine CBCs and serum biochemical analysis. Results showed good agreement between venipuncture and nail clip blood samples in red blood cell count, packed cell volume, heterophil count and percentage, lymphocyte count and percentage, aspartate aminotransferase, chloride, creatine phosphokinase, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein, and uric acid values. Constant bias was found in values of bile acids, cholesterol, and hemoglobin. Proportional bias toward higher values in the jugular sample were found in total white blood cell (WBC) count and inorganic phosphorus. Serum calcium plots revealed a proportional bias toward higher values in the toe nail blood when values were increased. Results suggest some differences in WBC count, bile acids, calcium, cholesterol, hemoglobin, and phosphorus values between blood samples collected by jugular venipuncture and samples collected by toe nail clip, but the differences are mostly minor and, with the possible exception of inorganic phosphorus and marginally elevated or very low WBC counts, are unlikely to affect the use or interpretation of the avian blood panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum biochemical analysis was undertaken to study the pathophysiological details of emaciation disease of the tiger puffer fish Takifugu rubripes ( Temminck and Schlegel). Serum parameters were measured by biochemical analysis using automated dry chemistry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry ( GC/ MS). Serum concentrations of albumin, amylase, calcium, creatinine, glucose and total protein were significantly lower in the emaciated fish when compared with those of normal fish. Regression analyses found close correlation between concentrations of total protein, albumin, amylase, glucose and progress of the disease. In contrast, serum alanine aminotransferase increased significantly in emaciated fish indicating liver function disorder. Further, GC/ MS metabolic profiling of the puffer serum showed that the profile of the emaciated fish was distinct to that of non-infected control. The serum content of amino acids including glycine, 5-oxo-proline and proline, and ascorbic acid, fumaric acid and glycerol increased significantly in serum in moderately emaciated fish. The serum glucose, linolenic acid and tyrosine level decreased significantly in the late phase of the disease. Our results clearly show that prolonged intestinal damage caused by myxosporean infection impairs absorption of nutrients, resulting in extreme emaciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To examine the possible sub-acute toxic effect after 14 d oral administration with 0.3 g/kg, 0.6 g/kg and 0.9 g/kg of methanol leaves extract of Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) on liver and kidney functions in young male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: This study was carried out according to OECD 407 guideline. A total of 24 young healthy male SD rats aged between 8-12 weeks old were used throughout the experiments. Each group consisted of six rats (n=6). All animals were observed twice daily until day-14. Body weight, food consumption and water intake were measured on day-3, 7 and day-14. Blood samples were collected and used to analyse the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubins, urea and creatinine in rats. Relative organ weights for liver, kidney, heart, spleen and lung were calculated. Results: From the results obtained, all the serum biochemical parameters, food and water intake, relative organs weight showed no significant changes when compared to the control group. No lethality and abnormal behavioural changes were seen in both control and treatment groups during experiment. Conclusions: For conclusion, repeatedly dosing of C. nutans extract at 0.3g/kg, 0.6g/kg and 0.9 g/kg up to 14 d was proven safe in male SD rats without causing any adverse effects and organ damages in male SD rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was undertaken to investigate the hematological and biochemical changes in experimentally infected goats with Besnoitia caprae from the time of infection till 360 days post-infection (PI). Six male goats were inoculated subcutaneously with 13 x 107 bradyzoites of B. caprae, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein. The total erythrocyte and total leukocyte counts, hematocrit value, and differential leukocyte counts were determined. Serum biochemical analysis, including the total protein, albumin, total globulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, chloride, testosterone, calcium (Ca2+), inorganic phosphorus, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), iron (Fe22+), glucose, serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydro- genase, and alkaline phosphatase, was undertaken. Skin biopsy from the limbs were collected at weekly intervals and histologically examined for Besnoitia cysts. Cysts were present in the skin biopsies of the leg of the infected goats from day 28 PI. There were variations in hematological analyses, but no significant difference was seen. From day 30 to 360 PI, results showed that SAA, Hp, fibrinogen, and ceruloplasmin concentrations increased, whereas testosterone concentrations decreased. Infected goats exhibited decrease of albumin and increase of serum total protein and globulin concentrations. By contrast, there were no significant differences in the remained analyses concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]