Status of Lipid Peroxidation, Some Antioxidant Enzymes and Erythrocytic Fragility of Crossbred Cattle Naturally Infected with Theileria annulata

Host oxidative stress in piroplasmosis: A review in domestic animals

Piroplasmida is an order of economically important blood parasites, including Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon, transmitted to mammals by ticks. Oxidative stress is a state in which the balance between oxidants and antioxidants is disturbed so that antioxidants cannot compensate for the harmful effects of oxidants. Due to the high concentration of oxygen and hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs), these are among the first cells exposed to oxidative damage. When RBCs are exposed to oxidative stress, their hemoglobin is oxidized, and lipid peroxidation leads to membrane instability, deformation, hemolysis, and anemia. Oxidative stress has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of these parasites. In the present review article, we collected studies on the oxidative stress caused by Piroplasmida in domestic animals. What is obtained from the total review of studies conducted on piroplasmosis revealed that in these infections, the host faces oxidative stress, and the resultant oxidative injury plays a fundamental role in their pathogenicity. Further studies are needed to be carried out on the more precise role of oxidative stress, the use of more sensitive diagnostic biomarkers, and the possible therapeutic role of antioxidant agents in piroplasmosis.

Molecular detection of Theileria spp. in native sheep and estimation of hemato-biochemical parameters from Sulaimani province/Iraq

Theileriosis, the hemoprotozoan infection, is an endemic condition in tropical and subtropical areas. In this study, conventional PCR analysis was applied to detect the natural infection of native sheep with theileriosis and estimate its effect on hemato-biochemical parameters. The study was carried out in five regions of Sulaimani province, northern Iraq. From May to October 2021, a total of 360 blood samples were collected randomly from the jugular vein of sheep belonging to 23 flocks with a history of tick infestations. After PCR for theileriosis, the hematobiochemical parameters were evaluated by an automatic analyzer using commercial kits. The PCR results represented that 71.7% of the examined sheep were infected with Theileria parasites. The highest prevalence rate (74.6%) was reported in Said Sadiq, and the lowest prevalence (69.5%) was from Bazian. The infection rates in Mawat, Qaradagh, and Sharazoor were 73.1, 70.3, and 71.8%, respectively. The hemogram data revealed a significant decrease in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit values. Erythrocyte indices also showed significant increases in MC, MCH, and MCHC levels, but no significant differences were detected between the counting of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease in total protein, albumin, and creatinine levels with a significant increase in urea and AST levels in infected sheep with theileriosis. Alteration in hemato-biochemical parameters from infected animals can outline the impact of theileriosis on body metabolism and blood factors in naturally infected sheep.

Supplementing Diets with Agriophyllum squarrosum Reduced Blood Lipids, Enhanced Immunity and Anti-Inflammatory Capacities, and Mediated Lipid Metabolism in Tan Lambs

Agriophyllum squarrosum (sand rice), a widespread desert plant, possesses anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years. However, its effects on ruminants are unknown. To fill this gap, we examined the effects of A. squarrosum on the immune and anti-inflammatory responses of lambs. A total of 23, 6-month-old Tan ewe-lambs (27.6 ± 0.47 kg) were divided into four groups and offered a basic diet (C—control), or a diet that contained 10%, 20%, or 30% A. squarrosum, on a dry matter basis, for 128 days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol were lower (p = 0.004) in the 30% supplemented lambs than controls, while concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower (p = 0.006) in the 10% and 20%, but not in 30% supplemented lambs than controls. Serum-cortisol concentrations were lower (p = 0.012) in the 30% supplemented lambs and free fatty acid concentrations were higher in the 10% and 20% supplemented lambs than in control lambs (p < 0.001). Supplementation with A. squarrosum decreased (p < 0.05) the area of adipocytes in subcutaneous adipose tissue, but there was no difference between the 20% and 30% diets. Conversely, the area in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) increased (p < 0.05), especially for the 10% and 20% supplemented diets. Supplementation with A. squarrosum also enriched immune and anti-inflammatory related and lipid and glucose-metabolic pathways and associated differentially expressed gene expressions in adipose tissue. A total of 10 differential triacylglycerol, 34 differential phosphatidylcholines and seven differential phosphatidylethanolamines decreased in the diet with 30% supplementation, when compared to the other diets. Finally, adipocyte-differentiation genes, and immune and inflammatory response-related gene expression levels decreased in lamb adipocytes cultured with an aqueous A. squarrosum extract. In conclusion, supplementing lamb diets with A. squarrosum reduced blood lipids, enhanced immunity and anti-inflammatory capacities, and mediated lipid metabolism in adipose tissue and adipocytes of Tan lambs. A level of approximately 10% is recommended, but further research is required to determine the precise optimal level.

Emerging roles of ferroptosis in infectious diseases

In living organisms, lipid peroxidation is a continuously occurring cellular process and therefore involved in various physiological and pathological contexts. Among the broad variety of lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) constitute a major target of oxygenation either when released as mediators by phospholipases or when present in membranous phospholipids. The last decade has seen the characterization of an iron- and lipid peroxidation-dependent cell necrosis, namely, ferroptosis, that involves the accumulation of peroxidized PUFA-containing phospholipids. Further studies could link ferroptosis in a very large body of (physio)-pathological processes, including cancer, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases. In this review, we mostly focus on the emerging involvement of lipid peroxidation-driven ferroptosis in infectious diseases, and the immune consequences. We also discuss the putative ability of microbial virulence factors to exploit or to dampen ferroptosis regulatory pathways to their own benefit.

Evaluation of Hematological, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Profile in Cattle Infected with Brucellosis in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Brucellosis is a well-known and harmful zoonotic disease that poses a severe threat to public health and wild and dairy animals. Due to a lack of monitoring and awareness, disease incidence has increased. Therefore, this study was conducted for the first time to ascertain the status of seroprevalence of brucellosis, hematological, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzymes in different breeds of cattle reared under tropical-desert conditions in Pakistan. This study comprised 570 cattle of different breeds. We recorded some epidemiological traits, including age and gender. The blood samples were obtained from all the cattle, screened with RBPT, and then confirmed by ELISA and PCR. The results recorded an overall 11.75%, 10.7%, and 9.64% prevalence of brucellosis based on RBPT, ELISA, and PCR. We obtained nonsignificant results in different age and sex groups of cattle. The results showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower values of erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin quantity, hematocrit, lymphocytes, and monocytes in infected cases. The results showed that the total leukocyte and neutrophil cells significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased. The lipid peroxidation parameters (MDA- and NO-scavenging activity of erythrocyte) increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in infected cattle, whereas significantly reduced antioxidant enzymes like SOD, RGSH, and CAT were. Similarly, significantly lower serum albumin levels and total serum proteins were recorded in infected cattle.

High Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor to Interleukin 10 Ratio and Marked Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Predominate in Symptomatic Cattle Naturally Infected with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, Theileria orientalis, Theileria sinensis and Trypanosoma evansi

The aim of this study was to measure the serum proinflammatory (IL-12, GM-CSF & IFN-γ) to anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-4) cytokine ratio, oxidant (MDA) level and antioxidant enzyme (SOD; GPx) activities after blood parasite infections. The blood and serum samples were obtained from 130 cattle and screened for identity of the infecting blood parasites by conventional PCR. The following blood parasite species were detected: Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos (70/130); Theileria orientalis (65/130); Theileria sinensis (32/130); Anaplasma marginale (49/130); Anaplasma platys (7/130); and Trypanosoma evansi (4/130). The GM-CSF/IL-10 ratio showed significantly higher values in all the symptomatic blood parasite infected cattle groups except for symptomatic A. platys infected cattle groups. Anti-inflammatory cytokine immune responses were notable findings in symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle infected with C. M. haemobos and T. orientalis characterized by low serum IL-12:IL-10, IFN-γ:IL-10, IL-12:IL-4 and IFN-γ:IL-4 (p < 0.05). Therefore, high serum GM-CSF:IL:10 in the symptomatic blood parasite infected cattle, low serum IL-12:IL-10, IFN-γ:IL-10, IL-12:IL-4 and IFN-γ:IL-4 ratios in asymptomatic cattle, high MDA level, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities could be useful predictive tools for outcome of natural blood parasite infections in cattle.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and antioxidant status, serum trace mineral levels and cholinesterases activity in cattle infected with Anaplasma marginale

This study was undertaken to assess the influence of an Anaplasma marginale infection on oxidative stress and antioxidant status, trace elements and cholinesterase as markers of the inflammatory process and biomarkers of oxidative imbalance. An infected group comprised of 35 crossbred Holstein cattle, about 2-3 years old, naturally infected with Anaplasma marginale, were divided into 4 subgroups according to their parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-10%, 10-20%, >20%) and also 10 healthy cattle as control were selected. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, activities of antioxidant enzymes including erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), median corpuscularfragility (MCF) as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and serum concentrations of antioxidant trace minerals (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were determined. In addition, as an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured. The results revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in RBC count, packed cell volume (PCV) and Hb concentration as well as the activities of erythrocyte GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, G6PD, TAC, MCF and AChE and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Se and BchE in the infected cattle. In contrast, significantly increased (P < 0.05) levels of MDA and erythrocyte osmotic fragility as well as serum concentration of iron were recorded in the infected animals. The significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and substantial elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte osmotic fragility associated with the notable increase in parasitemia indicate increased exposure of RBCs to oxidative damage. Furthermore, decrease of cholinesterase in infection by A. marginale can and directly or indirectly lead to increase acetylcholine levels potent anti-inflammatory molecules, thereby inhibiting inflammation.

Oxidative stress and imbalance of serum trace mineral metabolism contribute to bovine respiratory disease in dairy calves

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common infectious cause of clinical disease and death in young calves. The study was undertaken to scrutinize a relationship between tissue damage by oxidative stress, concentrations of serum trace minerals and clinical status of calves during BRD. The method of clinical scoring and thoracic auscultation were used to screen and select infected calves. In this study, comparison of lipid peroxides (LPO), antioxidant enzymes and serum trace minerals was done between BRD infected and healthy subjects (18 calves in each group). The infected group was further divided into 3 subgroups according to clinical scores (CS) (5,6,7). The blood LPO levels were significantly higher in BRD infected calves. The antioxidative activities of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase and serum uric acid were significantly lower in BRD infected calves. The concentrations of trace minerals (copper, zinc, selenium) were significantly reduced during BRD. All hematobiochemical parameters varied proportionately with the CS of infected calves. These findings demonstrated simultaneous occurrence of increased oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidative trace minerals during BRD in calves. A strong correlation exists between severity of oxidative stress and CS of calves.

The diagnostic importance of coagulation parameters in cattle having natural theileriosis

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic importance of coagulation parameters in cattle with natural theileriosis. Nine Holstein cross-breed cattle with theileriosis as infected group and 6 healthy Holstein cattle as control group were used in the present study. Mean fibrinogen level, thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were not statistically different when control and infected groups compared, except for the D-dimer concentration. Quantitative D-dimer concentrations were determined by immune-turbidimetric assay. D-dimer values increased significantly (p<0.05) in infected group (631.55 ± 74.41 μg/L) compared to control group (370.00 ± 59.94 μg/L). D-dimer sensitivity and specificity were also determined at cut-off concentrations (372 μg/L). Sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer values were determined to be 88.89% and 83.33%, respectively. D-dimer is thought to be important indicator in the evaluation of the prognosis in theileriosis cases. Analysis of D-dimer values before and after treatment in controlled case studies were suggested in future studies to enlighten the issue.

Clinical, hemato-biochemical alterations and oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers in Babesia-infected calves

Babesia is one of the main causes of anemia in cattle, a lot of elucidations have been suggested to explain its pathogenesis. This study was designed to investigate clinical, hemato-biochemical and oxidant/antioxidant status and its relation with the resultant anemia in Babesia-infected calves. Seventeen (17) native breed calves were involved in this study, clinical signs and microscopic findings were recorded, also blood samples were taken to investigate hematologic changes, serum biochemical variations and oxidative stress biomarkers. The most commonly observed clinical signs were fever, emaciation, depression, icterus and hemoglobinuria. Significant reduction in PCV, HB, RBCs, MCHC, Total protein, and albumin along with significant increase in MCV, WBCs, monocytes and BUN were the most consistent hemato-biochemical changes. Oxidant/antioxidant and trace mineral assessment showed significant reduction in Superoxide dismutase “SOD”, Glutathione peroxidase “GPx”, Zn, Cu along with significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) activities. In the current investigation, oxidant/antioxidant imbalance along with the synchronized alterations in antioxidant trace minerals was detected in Babesia-infected calves. These findings support notion that Babesia infection associated with oxidative stress and this process may be linked to the resultant anemia.

Effects of Long-Term Mineral Block Supplementation on Antioxidants, Immunity, and Health of Tibetan Sheep

Tibetan sheep have been observed with mineral deficiencies and marginal deficiencies in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Adequate amounts of essential minerals are critical to maximize the productivity and health of livestock. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of 6 months of mineral block supplementation on the antioxidants, immunity, and health of Tibetan sheep. The study was conducted in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The consumed values of mineral blocks were measured. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment to evaluate the trace elements, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) activities, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-2, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), triiodothyronine (T3), tyroxine (T4), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were determined. The toxic effects of the mineral block were also monitored. For Tibetan sheep, the average consumed value of mineral block was 13.09 g per day per sheep. Mineral block supplementation significantly increased the serum levels of Mn, Fe, and Se (P < 0.01), decreased the level of MDA (P < 0.05), and increased GSH activity (P < 0.05). Additionally, the mineral block-treated sheep blood had greater total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) than control sheep. Moreover, the mineral block supplementation improved the levels IgA, IgM, and IGF-1 (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant histopathological changes in the organs of Tibetan sheep after long-term treatment with the mineral block. The results demonstrated that the mineral block was non-toxic and safe; the protective effects of the mineral block might be caused by an increase in the antioxidant defense system, as well as an increase in the benefits from immunity-related parameters.

Evaluation of serum sialic acid level in buffaloes naturally infected with Theileria annulata

Tropical theileriosis, caused by Theileria annulata, is the most economically important disease of domestic buffaloes and causing major losses in livestock production in Iran. Sialic acids are often involved in interaction between the cells and the infectious agents by regulating the molecular relations as well as mediating a variety of cell-cell adhesion processes in the immune response. This study was conducted to assess the effect of T. annulata infection on sialic acid concentration in blood sera in naturally infected buffaloes. T. annulata-infected (n = 22) and uninfected control (n = 20) adult buffaloes were selected. Theileria infection was revealed by Giemsa-stained peripheral blood and was confirmed by nested-PCR using T. annulata-specific primers. Based on the detected parasitemia, the infected animals were subgrouped into low <1 %, moderate 1–3 %, high 3–5 %, and very high >5 %. Hematological parameters and the concentrations of total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA), and protein-bound sialic acid (PBSA) were measured and correlated to parasitemia. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in red blood cells (RBCs), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), and sialic acid concentrations between infected and control groups. As the parasitemia increased accordingly, a significant decrease in RBCs, PCV, Hb and increase in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and serum sialic acids was observed. We concluded that T. annulata infection could elevate the serum sialic acid concentrations. The increased levels of serum sialic acid concentrations during parasitemia presumably stimulate the host immune response and influence the parasite-host cell adhesion.

Biomarkers for differentiation of causes of respiratory distress in dogs and cats: Part 2--Lower airway, thromboembolic, and inflammatory diseases

OBJECTIVES

To review the current veterinary and relevant human literature regarding biomarkers of respiratory diseases leading to dyspnea and to summarize the availability, feasibility, and practicality of using respiratory biomarkers in the veterinary setting.

DATA SOURCES

Veterinary and human medical literature: original research articles, scientific reviews, consensus statements, and recent textbooks.

HUMAN DATA SYNTHESIS

Numerous biomarkers have been evaluated in people for discriminating respiratory disease processes with varying degrees of success.

VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS

Although biomarkers should not dictate clinical decisions in lieu of gold standard diagnostics, their use may be useful in directing care in the stabilization process. Serum immunoglobulins have shown promise as an indicator of asthma in cats. A group of biomarkers has also been evaluated in exhaled breath. Of these, hydrogen peroxide has shown the most potential as a marker of inflammation in asthma and potentially aspiration pneumonia, but methods for measurement are not standardized. D-dimers may be useful in screening for thromboembolic disease in dogs. There are a variety of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, which are being evaluated for their ability to assess the severity and type of underlying disease process. Of these, amino terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide may be the most useful in determining if antibiotic therapy is warranted. Although critically evaluated for their use in respiratory disorders, many of the biomarkers which have been evaluated have been found to be affected by more than one type of respiratory or systemic disease.

CONCLUSION

At this time, there are point-of-care biomarkers that have been shown to reliably differentiate between causes of dyspnea in dogs and cats. Future clinical research is warranted to understand of how various diseases affect the biomarkers and more bedside tests for their utilization.

A study on the status of inflammatory systems in camels naturally infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is a unique intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. This parasite infects a variety of cells in a wide range of animal species such as dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). In order to evaluate the pattern of possible changes in the blood level of some inflammatory mediators and antioxidant enzymes in camels infected with T. gondii, blood samples were taken from a total of 493 dromedary camels and serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators, acute phase proteins and antioxidant enzymes were measured. According to serological data, no seropositivity was found for anti-T. gondii IgM in serum samples; however, 49 camels (9.93 %) showed positive titrations for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. The analyses of data in seropositive animals showed significant increases (P < 0.05) in the serum level of IL-1β and adenosine deaminase activity; however, IFN-γ and TNF-α demonstrated no significant changes in serum samples of the infected camels. In addition, while major acute phase proteins (haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA)) were markedly elevated in infected camels, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPX) was remarkably decreased in the blood samples of infected animals. Thus, during the chronic infection in camels, T. gondii can promote significant rises in concentrations of some cytokines (such as IL-1β), acute phase proteins and adenosine deaminase.

Evaluation of antioxidant status, oxidative stress and serum trace mineral levels associated with Babesia ovis parasitemia in sheep

Ovine babesiosis is a fatal disease characterized by severe progressive hemolytic anemia. In order to clarify the causal mechanisms implicated in anemia, this study was aimed to assess the antioxidant status and erythrocyte oxidative stress in sheep suffering from ovine babesiosis. Babesia infection was confirmed both with Giemsa's staining blood smears and semi-nested PCR amplified region of 18S rRNA gene. Thirty-eight Iranian sheep, naturally infected with Babesia spp., were considered as the infected group and divided into four subgroups according to parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-2%, 2-3% and >3%), and the same number non-infected animals were selected as the control group. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, activities of antioxidant enzymes including erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), median corpuscular fragility (MCF), and serum concentrations of some trace minerals (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium) were measured. In addition, as an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured. The results revealed a significant decrease (P<0.01) in RBC count, packed cell volume (PCV) and Hb concentration as well as the activities of erythrocyte GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, G6PD, TAC, MCF and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn and Se in the infected sheep. In contrast, significantly increased (P<0.01) levels of MDA and erythrocyte osmotic fragility as well as serum concentration of iron were recorded in the infected animals. Overall, the observed remarkable decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activities, median corpuscular fragility and substantial elevated levels of lipid peroxidation associated with the notable increase in parasitemia indicate high exposure of RBCs to oxidative damage in Babesia infected sheep. These results indicate that the disturbed antioxidant defense mechanisms in ovine babesiosis can promote the development of anemia.

Concentration of selected transition metals in layer hens non-infested and infested with Dermanyssus gallinae

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of selected transition metals, i.e. iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the livers of laying hens free from and infested with the red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and to explain the effects of the invasion of this parasite on the content of those elements. The study was carried out on 24 Hy-Line Brown hens bred in battery cages. The birds were divided into two groups, free from and infested with D. gallinae. Concentration of analysed metals was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Based on this experiment, it was proved that a long-term (52 weeks) exposure of hens to D. gallinae resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease of Fe, Cu and Zn in the liver. The mean content of analysed metals in the group infested with the parasite amounted to 31.42 mg Fe/kg, 2.71 mg Cu/kg and 22.64 mg/kg, whereas in the non-infested group it was 38.51 mg Fe/kg, 3.12 mg Cu/kg and 26.53 mg Zn/kg. No significant (P < 0.05) alterations in haematological indicators were found between the examined groups of birds. The results may suggest that 3 weeks of recovery in hens are sufficient to bring about a considerable increase in concentration of analysed transition metals in the liver.

Serum acute phase proteins in control and Theileria annulata infected water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

This study was carried out to ascertain the changes in acute phase proteins (APPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in Theileria annulata infected water buffalo. Thirty infected water buffaloes and 20 parasitologically free were used. In the present study there was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin, α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and fibrinogen levels (2.18 ± 0.29 g/l, 156.58 ± 3.48 mg/l, 31.23 ± 1.25mg/dl, 370.23 ± 33.21 mg/l and 16.17 ± 1.18 g/l, respectively) in T. annulata infected water buffaloes when compared to healthy ones (0.13 ± 0.01 g/l, 23.9 ± 0.56 mg/l, 21.23 ± 1.21 mg/dl, 240.53 ± 22.45 mg/l and 4.2 ± 0.1 6g/l, respectively). Moreover, there was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β and IFN-γ (2.55 ± 0.12 ng/ml, 98.32 ± 4.21 pg/ml, 152.32 ± 5.62 pg/ml, 26.44 ± 1.43 ng/ml, 240.33 ± 20.45 pg/ml and 123.65 ± 5.67 pg/ml, respectively) in T. annulata infected water buffaloes when compared to healthy ones (0.42 ± 0.04 ng/ml, 55.32 ± 3.21 pg/ml, 88.23 ± 3.21 pg/ml, 7.45 ± 0.67 ng/ml, 98.33 ± 3.45 pg/ml and 34.76 ± 1.56 pg/ml, respectively). There was also significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the Hb content, PCV%, RBCs and WBCs counts in the diseased water buffaloes compared to the control ones. Neutropenia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia, monocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were also recorded. The biochemical changes revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) elevation in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDL-c, VLDL-c, BHBA and NEFA, with significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in the levels of total proteins, albumin, globulins, cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, G6PD, calcium and phosphorus in T. annulata infected water buffaloes when compared to healthy ones. It could be concluded that APPs and pro-inflammatory cytokines could be used as a valuable biomarkers in T. annulata infected water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Corpuscular oxidation in newborn crossbred calves naturally infected with Theileria annulata

Erythrocytic lipid peroxidation has been implicated as a cause of anemia in Theileria annulata infection in cattle. The present study aimed to evaluate oxidative damage of membrane lipids and proteins in addition to hemoglobin (Hb) as three criterions of erythrocyte oxidation and their relation to erythrocyte deformability and anemia of newborn crossbred calves (Friesian × Egyptian Balady breed) naturally infected with T. annulata. Twenty-five T. annulata-infected calves (aged 20-30 days) along with 15 age matched healthy controls were used. Percentage of parasitemia varied from 12% to 63% (34.76 ± 3.05%). In comparison to controls, infected calves showed increased levels (P<0.001) of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA, 52%) and protein oxidation (protein carbonyls; PCs, 132%) in erythrocyte membrane as well as increased values of Hb oxidation (methemoglobin; MetHb, 186%), corpuscular osmotic fragility (15.1%) and hemolysis (free Hb; 195.5%). Parasitemia was positively correlated with MDA (r=0.41, P=0.039), PCs (r=0.45, P=0.023) and MetHb (r=0.40, P=0.042). Also, percent of erythrocytic deformability (echinocytosis) was positively correlated with MDA (r=0.49, P=0.013) and PCs (r=0.63, P<0.001). On the other hand, erythrocytic packed cell volume was negatively correlated with MDA (r=-0.44, P=0.028), PCs (r=-0.72, P<0.001) and MetHb (r=-0.42, P=0.037). In conclusion, T. annulata infection is associated with a parasitic burden-dependant oxidative damage to the erythrocyte membrane protein and lipid contents in addition to Hb. This oxidative damage is linked to the morphological changes of the erythrocyte and may act as mechanisms contribute to pathogenesis of anemia in T. annulata infection in newborn calves.

Alterations of erythrocyte antioxidant mechanisms: antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and serum trace elements associated with anemia in bovine tropical theileriosis

In order to investigate the alterations of erythrocyte protective antioxidant mechanisms, lipid peroxidation and trace elements associated with anemia in bovine tropical theileriosis, an infected group comprised of 50 crossbred Holstein cattle, about 1-2 years old, naturally infected with Theileria annulata, were divided into 4 subgroups according to their parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-3%, 3-5%, >5%) and also 10 healthy cattle as control were selected. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase and serum concentrations of some antioxidant trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium) were measured. As an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) was also determined. The results showed a conspicuous decrease in the activities of SOD, GPX and catalase (P<0.01), and a significant decrease in the serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn and Se in cattle with higher than 1% parasitemia (P<0.05) compared to the control. In addition, remarkable elevations in the MDA level (P<0.01) and serum concentration of iron (P<0.05) were observed in the infected animals. These findings pointed to the occurrence of exacerbating oxidative injuries to erythrocytes during parasitemia. Furthermore, it can be concluded that infection with T. annulata can interfere with protective antioxidant mechanisms of RBCs against oxidative damages, which promote the development of anemia.

Clinical and biochemical studies on Theileria annulata in Egyptian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with particular orientation to oxidative stress and ketosis relationship

This study was carried out on 68 Theileria annulata naturally infected buffaloes in addition to 25 parasitologically free buffaloes distributed in small herds at Dakahlia and Gharbya governorates, Egypt, to demonstrate the clinical picture associated with theileriosis in this buffaloes with particular emphasis to the oxidative stress and ketosis relationship. Clinical signs recorded in infected buffaloes were in the form of fever, enlargement of one or more lymph node, ocular discharge, corneal opacity, skin lesions, decreased milk yield, pale mucous membrane and anorexia. Blood and serum analysis revealed significant (p<or=0.05) decrease in RBCS and or Hb concentration in infected animals compared to control ones. Moreover, significant increase (p<or=0.05) in the levels of beta hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) and non-esterified free fatty acid (NEFA) with a significant decrease (p<or=0.05) in the levels of reduced glutathione (R.GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), glucose and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in infected animals compared to control ones. It can be concluded that T. annulata plays an important role in the occurrence of anemia, oxidative and ketotic stressor in Egyptian water buffaloes.

Sequencing, characterization and genetic variation of the Bos indicus glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase gene

The coding sequence of the bovine (Bos indicus) Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene was amplified by Reverse Transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR), cloned, sequenced and characterized. The deduced amino acid sequence clustered the bovine G6PD sequence with the other mammalian G6PD proteins into a monophyletic group. The bovids (B. indicus and B. taurus) clustered clearly from the rodent (rat, mouse and hamster) subcluster and from humans. The multiple sequence alignment of the bovine G6PD with the mammalian species clearly revealed conservation of the substrate, coenzyme, catalytic and the dimer binding sites with the solved X-ray crystallographic structure of Homo sapiens. Also, four fragments of bovine (Bos indicus) G6PD gene viz. 118, 319, 683 and 408 bp were amplified and sequenced for the first time. A G/A and G/C single nucleotide polymorphisms in intron-9 and exon-10 were detected on PCR-RFLP of the 319 bp amplicon with Hae III and Pst I, respectively. This work is the first study on Bos indicus G6PD gene at the nucleotide level.

Study on the antioxidant status of rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi

The antioxidant status of rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi isolated from a camel was studied using established parasitological, haematological and biochemical methods. The results indicated that infections in all rats resulted in a fulminating parasitaemia. Changes in blood parameters in T. evansi-infected rats indicated leukocytosis and a macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. A degree of anisocytosis was also observed. The activities of plasma glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione peroxidase in whole blood of infected rats were significantly higher (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) compared with control. No statistically significant difference was observed in the activity of superoxide dismutase in infected and control rats. Results obtained indicated that trypanosomosis caused oxidative stress and induced antioxidant enzymes.

Serum antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress parameters as possible biomarkers of exposure in veal calves illegally treated with dexamethasone

Low doses of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) are often illegally used, alone or in association with steroids and beta-agonists, to improve meat performances in cattle. As it is known that oestrogens and beta-agonists may generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce oxidative stress, the effects of illicit DEX protocols on the antioxidant status and oxidative stress parameters were measured in veal calves. Ten cross-bred male veal calves were given DEX (0.4mg/day administered per os, for 23days or 2mg pro capite, injected intramuscularly on days 14 and 21 after the beginning of the oral DEX administration). Five further animals were used as controls. Blood samples were withdrawn before (T(0)), and 4 (T(1)), 10 (T(2)), 14 (T(3)), 21 (T(4)) and 28 (T(5)) days. Antioxidant enzyme activities (AOEs), the serum antioxidant capacity (SAC) and ROS were measured in sera. Calves orally treated showed a significant increase of both glutathione peroxidase isoforms (P<0.05) and SAC (P<0.05), too. Antioxidant enzymes have already been used as biomarkers (BMs) of response, measured in target or in surrogate tissues. Our results suggest glutathione peroxidase and SAC as possible BMs of illicit oral low-dose administration of DEX in cattle.

Evaluation of antioxidant status and oxidative stress in cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata

To assess the antioxidant status and oxidative stress in bovine theileriosis due to Theileria annulata blood samples were collected from 35 clinically affected cattle referred to Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. Complete blood count, piroplasm parasitemia percentage, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, malondialdehyde concentration, osmotic fragility test and median corpuscular fragility were determined and the results were compared with those of 50 healthy controls. Of 35 affected cattle, 12 (34.28%) had severe anemia and 23 had mild to moderate anemia and parasitemia varied from 5 to 40%. The activities of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly lower (P<0.0001) and the activity of catalase was significantly higher in the affected cattle than in healthy ones (P<0.001). Malondialdehyde concentration in erythrocytes of affected cattle was significantly more than those of healthy cattle (P<0.001). The affected cattle showed increased fragility of erythrocytes, so that median corpuscular fragility (MCF) in affected group was significantly lower than those of healthy group (P<0.0001). Median corpuscular fragility showed a positive correlation with the severity of parasitemia (r=0.81, P<0.0005) and a negative correlation with the activities of GSH-Px (r=-0.78, P<0.0001), SOD (r=-0.71, P<0.0005), catalase (r=-0.53, P<0.018) and G6PD (r=-0.58, P<0.0005). The results of this study suggest that oxidative damage to RBCs may contribute to the pathogenesis of anemia in bovine theileriosis.