Urokinase alteration and its correlation with disease severity and oxidative/nitrosative stress in buffalo calves with obstructive urolithiasis

Naturally occurring Anaplasma marginale infection in cattle: Molecular prevalence and associated risk factors, haemato-biochemical alterations, oxidant/antioxidant status and serum trace mineral levels

The present investigation was undertaken to map the distribution of Anapalsma species infection in cattle from the Aizawl region of Mizoram, India, in relation to various risk factors, and to study the haemato-biochemical alterations, oxidant/antioxidant status and serum trace mineral levels in cattle with naturally occurring Anapalsma marginale infection. The study was carried out over 31 months from June 2019 to December 2021. A total of 401 cattle blood samples were collected and screened for the presence of Anaplasma spp. by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Non-infected clinically healthy cattle (n = 21) served as control. Blood samples were collected to study the haemogram and serum samples were used for the evaluation of biochemical parameters, oxidative stress indices and trace minerals. During the study period, an overall prevalence of 15.71% was recorded for A. marginale infection in cattle. The prevalence of A. marginale infection was highly associated with age, sex, breed and tick infestation status of animals, floor system and management of farms, and season. The mean values of total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total platelet count, total protein, albumin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower, whereas the mean values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cattle infected with A. marginale. A negative correlation of TEC with LPO, and a positive correlation with SOD, GSH, TAC, Cu and Zn suggest a possible link between oxidative stress and the haemolytic crisis noticed in bovine anaplasmosis. Incorporation of antioxidants and organ protective drugs as an adjunct therapy may result in better prognosis.

Mutation of Klotho rs3752472 protect the kidney from the renal epithelial cell injury caused by CaOx crystals through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) is a major contributor to urolithiasis, one of the most common urological diseases. Our previous study has shown that Klotho rs3752472 polymorphism correlates with an increased risk of CaOx-related urolithiasis in human cohorts. This study aims to identify the effect of Klotho rs3752472 polymorphism on the renal epithelium injury caused by CaOx. A rat urolithiasis model was established and validated. Renal function was assessed, and histological examination was performed. The distribution and expression of Klotho in the rat model were detected by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting analysis. A renal epithelial cell line (HK2) was used and intervened by COM crystals with several concentrations and time points. Expression of Klotho and key mediators in Wnt/β-catenin pathway were assessed by Western blotting analysis. Wide-type and mutated plasmids of Klotho rs3752472 were added in the cell culture, and the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was tested. Finally, Wide-type and mutated plasmids of Klotho rs3752472 were adoptively transferred to the rat model, and the expression of Klotho was verified. In the rat model, Klotho was mainly distributed in the renal tubular area, which significantly declined in the urolithiasis group. In vitro, COM crystals significantly inhibited the expression of Klotho and induced remarkable renal epithelial cell injury. The mutation of Klotho rs3752472 can notably enhance the expression of Klotho, as well as the protection from renal epithelial cell injury and the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. After adoptively transferred to the rat urolithiasis model, similar results were observed for the mutation of Klotho rs3752472. Klotho was significantly correlated with the renal epithelial cell injury induced by CaOx crystals. Furthermore, the mutation of Klotho rs3752472 can remarkably enhance the expression of Klotho in renal tissues and cells, and subsequently protect the renal epithelial cell from the formation of CaOx crystals through the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Obstructive urolithiasis in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis): Serum changes of Vitamins A and D and efficacy of surgical management using tube cystostomy

Background and Aim:

Obstructive urolithiasis is one of the major health problems in livestock animals, mainly in young calves. The present study was designed first to investigate the changes in the serum levels of Vitamins A and D in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) with obstructive urolithiasis and second to investigate the efficacy of tube cystostomy technique in management of such condition.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and forty-nine buffalo calves of variable ages ranged from 3 to 7 months with a history of retained urine were examined clinically and ultrasonographically. Then, they were subjected to surgical treatment using the tube cystostomy technique. The serum levels of Vitamins A and D were investigated in retained urine calves in addition to 10 clinically healthy calves of the same age used as a control group.

Results:

Based on clinical and ultrasonographic findings, the calves were diagnosed as obstructive urolithiasis with intact bladder (n=64 calves) or with bladder rupture (n=85 calves) with the peak incidence in winter months. Tube cystostomy was an efficient and quick surgical technique for the management of such condition and 95.3% of calves returned their normal urination within 7–14 days after surgery. Significant hypovitaminoses A and D were found between retained urine calves and control ones (p= 0.01 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion:

Hypovitaminoses A and D suggested predisposing obstructive urolithiasis in buffalo calves, but further clinical studies are recommended for more confirmation. Surgical treatment using tube cystostomy technique is recommended for the management of obstructive urolithiasis in buffalo calves.