Using of essential oils in the treatment of mice infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Objective. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of copaiba, andiroba and aroeira essential oils for controlling trypanosomosis by Trypanosoma evansi with mice as experimental model. Materials and methods. Sixty-six mice were divided into eleven groups (A to L) with six animals each. Group A was the unique composed by healthy and uninfected animals (negative control). Animals in groups B to L were inoculated with 0.1 mL of blood containing 2.7 x 106 trypanosomes. Group B was used as a positive control without treatment. In experiment were tested copaiba (C, D and E), andiroba (F, G and H) and aroeira (I, J and L) oils at doses of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mL kg-1 to infected mice (T. evansi). Results. These protocols did not provide curative efficacy; however, the mice treated with highest dose of copaiba showed a significant increase in the longevity when compared others groups. Conclusions. Previously in our studies, these essential oils have shown trypanocidal activity in vitro, but when they were tested in vivo in mice infected with T. evansi, this trypanocidal activity, or the curative effect was not found, being only able to prolong the lifespan of the animals treated with copaiba oil

In vitro effect of seven essential oils on the reproduction of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus

AbstractThe acaricidal effect of seven essential oils was examined in vitro against the cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus). Engorged female ticks were manually collected in farms of Southern Brazil and placed into petri dishes (n=10) in order to test the following oils: juniper (Juniperus communis), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), cedar (Cedrus atlantica), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), ginger (Zingiber officinale), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and bergamot (Citrus aurantium var bergamia) at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10% each. A control group was used to validate the tests containing Triton X-100 only. Treatment effectiveness was measured considering inhibition of tick oviposition (partial or total), egg’s weight, and hatchability. C. martinii, C. citratus and C. atlantica essential oils showed efficacy higher than 99% at all concentrations tested. In addition, J. communis, Z. officinale, P. graveolens, and C. aurantium var bergamia oils showed efficiency ranging from 73% to 95%, depending on the concentration tested, where higher concentrations showed greater efficacy. It was concluded that essential oils can affect tick reproduction in vitro by inhibiting oviposition and hatchability

Influencia de la infección subclínica por agentes de la fiebre por garrapatas en vacas lecheras

ABSTRACTObjective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of subclinical infection by agents of tick fever in dairy cattle on milk parameters, such as production, composition, and quality. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in a private farm with 75 free-stall-housed dairy cows, from which 37 were evaluated. Monthly, individual milk samples were collected for compositional (fat, lactose, protein, and total solids) and quality (somatic cell counts (SCC)) analyses. In addition, blood samples were collected in order to identify cows that were tick fever-negative and positive by PCR for one or more of the following etiological agents: Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale. Results. The results showed increased SCC in positive animals for at least one of the agents when compared to non-infected cows (p<0.05). Milk production was significantly lower in A. marginale positive animals (p<0.05). An increase of about 40% in milk solids content was found in B. bovis positive cows. Also, an increment of approximately 23% in lactose was found on cows positives for B. bigemina. Conclusions. We may conclude that the presence of at least one of these parasites in dairy cattle affects composition or quality of their milk.RESUMENObjetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la infección subclínica por agentes de la fiebre por garrapatas en el ganado lechero en producción de leche, la composición y calidad. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en una finca privada con 75 vacas lecheras alojadas-libre puesto, y de estas se evaluaron 37. Se recogieron muestras de leche individuales mensuales para determinar la composición (grasa, lactosa, proteína y sólidos totales) y la calidad (recuento de células somáticas (SCC)). Además, se recogieron muestras de sangre para identificar vacas que fueron negativas a fiebre de garrapatas y positivos por PCR para uno o más de los siguientes agentes etiológicos: Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina y Anaplasma marginale. Resultados. Los resultados mostraron un aumento de SCC en los animales positivos, al menos para uno de los agentes cuando se comparó con vacas no infectadas (p<0.05). La producción de leche fue significativamente menor en A. marginale animales positivos (p<0.05). Un aumento de aproximadamente el 40% en el contenido de sólidos de la leche fue encontrado en vacas positivas a B. bovis. También, un incremento de aproximadamente el 23% de la lactosa se encontró en vacas positivas para B. bigemina. Conclusiones. Se puede concluir que la presencia de al menos uno de estos parásitos en el ganado lechero afecta composición o calidad de su leche

Suplemento de difenil diselenuro inyectable en ovejas lecheras

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of subcutaneous supplementation with diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) in dairy sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes on animal health and possible damage to environment when the feces of these animals will be used for fertilizing. Materials and methods. The experiment was performed using 16 primipara dairy sheep, that were divided into two groups: the group A as control and the group B supplemented with 3 µmol/kg of (PhSe)2 subcutaneously. Blood samples were used to determine the hepatic function, as well as the protein and lipid metabolism in animals. Feces were used to determine the number of helminths eggs per gram of feces (EPG), as well as used for ecotoxicology tests. Results. The (PhSe)2 supplementation not affected the helminths reproduction, since the EPG did not differ (p>0.05) between groups. Total protein and globulin levels increase (p<0.05) in supplemented animals, while the seric alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decrease (p<0.05) in the end of experimental design. Cholesterol levels increase (p<0.05) in the supplemented animals, while triglycerides, albumin and urea not differ between groups (p>0.05). The feces of supplemented sheep not interfered the springtails reproduction. Conclusions. At the administered dose, the (PhSe)2 is not able to control the parasitism, however, it did increase the globulins and cholesterol levels, that are important to immune response and for sheep reproduction, respectively. Also, the feces of supplemented animals with (PhSe)2 can be used as organic fertilizing, without negative impacts to environment.Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de la suplementación subcutánea con diselenuro de difenilo (PhSe)2 en ovejas lecheras infectadas con nematodos sobre la salud animal y posible daño al ambiente cuando las heces de estos animales se utilicen para fertilizar. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se realizó utilizando 16 ovejas lecheras, que se dividieron en dos grupos: el grupo A se usó como control y el grupo B se suplementó con 3 µmol/kg of (PhSe)2 vía subcutánea. Se utilizaron muestras de sangre para determinar la función hepática, así como el metabolismo de proteínas y lípidos en animales. Las heces se utilizaron para determinar el número de huevos por gramo de heces (EPG), así como para las pruebas de ecotoxicología. Resultados. La suplementación (PhSe)2 no afectó la reproducción de helmintos. Los niveles totales de proteína y globulina aumentan (p<0.05) en los animales suplementados, mientras que los niveles séricos de alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) disminuyen (p<0.05) al final del diseño experimental. Los niveles de colesterol aumentan (p<0.05) en los animales suplementados, mientras que los triglicéridos, la albúmina y la urea no difieren entre los grupos (p>0.05). Las heces de ovejas suplementadas no interferían en la reproducción de las colas de caballo. Conclusiones. A la dosis administrada, el (PhSe)2 no es capaz de controlar el parasitismo; sin embargo, aumenta los niveles de globulinas y colesterol, que son importantes para la respuesta inmune y para la reproducción, respectivamente. Las heces de animales suplementados pueden usarse como fertilizantes orgánicos, sin impactos negativos en el ambiente.

Microencapsulated herbal components in the diet of Lacaune ewes: impacts on physiology and milk production and quality

Abstract This study aimed to determine whether the addition of a microencapsulated herbal blend (MHB) based on thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde in dairy sheep feed would improve production efficiency, milk quality, and animal health. Thirty lactating Lacaune ewes were divided into three groups: Control (T0), 150 mg blend/kg of feed (T150), and 250 mg blend/kg of feed (T250). Milk was measured before the beginning of the experiment (d 0), at the end of the adaptation period (d 15), and during the experiment (d 20). In milk samples, was measured the composition, somatic cell count (SCC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipoperoxidation (LPO), and total antioxidant capacity. The MHB improved the milk production (only T150 vs. T0 sheep on d 20), productive efficiency and feed efficiency, and reduced the milk SCC (only T250 vs. T0 sheep, on d 20), ROS and tended to reduce the milk levels of LPO (only T250 vs. T0 sheep on d 20). Also, MHB reduced the blood levels of neutrophils and ROS (only T250 vs. T0 sheep on d 20) and increased total protein and globulin levels. Thus, a microencapsulated blend of thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde improved the productive performance and milk quality of sheep

β-Cyclodextrins alter the energy metabolism-related enzyme activities in rats

Abstract Although widely used in medicine, separation technology, and other fields, the effects of cyclodextrins on the activities of phosphoryl transfer enzymes have not been previously evaluated. In vivo studies evaluated the function of cyclodextrins as active compounds. Despite the use of cyclodextrins as active compounds, the effects of cyclodextrins on hepatic and renal tissues remain to be fully elucidated. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of β- cyclodextrins, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β- cyclodextrins), and (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-cyclodextrins) on enzyme activities regulating the maintenance of energy homeostasis in the kidney and liver tissues in relation to toxicity. Serum levels of liver and kidney markers were measured, and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. After 60-day treatments, we observed that the administration of β-cyclodextrins and M-β-cyclodextrins inhibited the hepatic activity of pyruvate kinase, an irreversible enzyme within the glycolytic pathway. Additionally, administration of HP-β-cyclodextrins inhibited creatine kinase activity and increased the total sulfhydryl content in kidneys. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that β-cyclodextrins, M-β-cyclodextrins, and HP-β-cyclodextrins cause bioenergetic dysfunction in renal and hepatic tissues. These findings suggest that understanding the balance between cyclodextrins’ efficacy and adverse effects is essential for better accepting their use in medicine

Efecto insecticida y repelente del aceite de canela sobre moscas asociadas con el ganado

Objetivo. Debido a la mayor resistencia parásita, hay una necesidad de explorar insecticidas alternativos, incluidos los productos naturales, tales como aceites esenciales. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar, para el primer equipo, el efecto insecticida y repelente de Cinnamomum zeylanicum (formas libres y nanoemulsión) in vitro e in vivo. Materiales y métodos. Para ello, el efecto insecticida de la forma libre se ensayó a 1.0, 5.0 y 10%, mientras que la forma nanoemulsión se ensayó a 0.5, 1.0 y 5.0% frente a las moscas domésticas adultas, Musca domestica. Para la validación de la prueba, las moscas fueron rociados con el diluyente (agua y triton 10%) y con nanoemulsión en blanco (sin aceite esencial de C. zeylanicum). También, fueron realizados pruebas in vivo usando vacas naturalmente infestadas con Haemotobia irritans. Resultados. Los resultados demostraron que el aceite de canela (10%) y la nanoemulsión (5%) fueron 100% eficaz contra M. domestica después de 90 minutos de exposición. El efecto repelente se ensayó in vivo usando 5% de aceite de canela en vacas Holstein, naturalmente infestados por Haemotobia irritans. Se contaron las moscas a las 0, 1, 2, 3, 9 y 24 h después del tratamiento el aceite de canela. Se verificó disminución significativa (p<0.05) en el número de moscas vivas de vacas canela pulverizada en todo momento. Conclusiones. En base a estos resultados, C. zeylanicum mostró un efecto insecticida (in vitro) contra las moscas domésticas y efecto repelente (in vivo) contra la mosca de los cuernos

Actividad de acetilcolinesterasa y niveles totales de antioxidantes en perros con tumores de mama antes y después de la extirpación quirúrgica

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate AChE activity in total blood and the FRAP levels in samples from dogs with mammary tumors before and after surgery, as well as the relationship between these variables with immunohistochemical markers of tumor (E-caderina, ki-67, COX-2). Materials and methods. In this study, 13 dogs with mammary tumors were divided into two groups (A and B). The group A was formed by dogs with tumors smaller than 3 cm of diameter, and the group B was formed by dogs with tumor of 3 cm of diameter or larger. The AChE activity and FRAP levels were evaluated before and after surgery and the immunohistochemistry were performed at the tumors. Results. The AChE activity was significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in dogs with mammary cancer compared to control animals, and neither surgery or tumor size affected the AChE activity (p&gt;0.05). FRAP levels before surgery were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) compared to control animals. Also, FRAP levels increased significantly after surgery in animals of the group A compared to data before surgery, a fact not observed in dogs from the group B. E-cadherin showed low significant positive correlation with FRAP levels (r=0.37, P-value=0.05); COX-2 showed a moderate significant positive correlation to FRAP (r=0.55, P-value&lt;0.05); and COX-2 showed a low significant positive correlation to AChE (r=0.32, P-value=0.01). Conclusions. AChE and antioxidant levels are modified in dogs with mammary cancer. These variables are involved in various physiological functions, and thus, they might be related to disease pathogenesis.Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad de la AChE en sangre total y los niveles de FRAP en muestras de perros con tumores mamarios antes y después de la cirugía, así como la relación entre estas variables con marcadores inmunohistoquímicos de tumores (E-caderina, ki-67 , COX - 2). Materiales y métodos. En este estudio, 13 perros con tumores mamarios se dividieron en dos grupos (A y B). El grupo A estaba formado por perros con tumores menores de 3 cm de diámetro y el grupo B estaba formado por perros con tumor de 3 cm de diámetro o más. La actividad de AChE y los niveles de FRAP se evaluaron antes y después de la cirugía y la inmunohistoquímica se realizó en los tumores. Resultados. La actividad de la AChE aumentó significativamente (p &lt;0,05) en perros con cáncer mamario en comparación con los animales control, y ni la cirugía ni el tamaño tumoral afectaron la actividad de la AChE (p&gt; 0,05). Los niveles de FRAP antes de la cirugía fueron significativamente más bajos (p &lt;0,05) en comparación con los animales control. Además, los niveles de FRAP aumentaron significativamente después de la cirugía en animales del grupo A en comparación con los datos antes de la cirugía, hecho que no se observó en perros del grupo B. La E-cadherina mostró correlación positiva baja con los niveles de FRAP (r = 0,37, valor P = 0,05); COX-2 mostró una moderada correlación positiva significativa con FRAP (r = 0,55, P-valor &lt;0,05); Y la COX-2 mostró una correlación positiva de baja significación con la AChE (r = 0.32, P-valor = 0.01). Conclusiones. AChE y los niveles de antioxidantes se modifican en perros con cáncer de mama. Estas variables están implicadas en diversas funciones fisiológicas, y por lo tanto, pueden estar relacionadas con la patogénesis de la enfermedad