The Effect of Benzo (A) Pyrene (BaP) On the Respiratory Tract of Dogs

The global impact of air pollution encompasses the population health and the economic status of a nation. Air pollution or 'haze' contains a variety of noxious agents including benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). This compound is known to induce acute or chronic deleterious effects. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of BaP on the physiology, defense mechanism and pathology of the lung, to suggest sensitive diagnostic techniques for the diagnosis of early carcinogenesis and to recommend preventive measures to minimise the effect of BaP. An experiment was conducted in 27 dogs that are allocated to nine groups simulating different environmental condition and health status. The groups comprising of three dogs each were as follows: control, BaP, cyclosporine (Cyclo), Selenium (Se), BaP+Cyclo, BaP+Se, BaP+Cyclo+Se and Tricaprylin (Tri). Benzo(a)pyrene was given at the dose of 120 ng/dog intratracheally twice, six week apart, Se 20 ug/dog/day and cyclosporine at the dose 50 mg/m2. The tidal volume (Vt) and whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity was analysed weekly for 12 weeks. While at necropsy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology, alveolar macrophage (AM0) activities, BAL immunoglobulin (Ig) G and Ig A level, gross and histopathology of lungs were also analysed. The finding revealed that the tidal volume (Vt) remain unchanged in all groups during the experimental period. The pulmonary immune response includes AM0 number, phagocytic and intracellular killing activities, and Ig A level in bronchoial alveolar lavage (BAL) that was markedly suppressed in the BaP, Cyclo and BaP+Cyclo groups. Subsequently, the BaP and BaP+Cyclo+Se group exhibited gross and microscopic appearance of tumorigenesis, which was diagnosed as pulmonary adenocarcinoma with expression of mutant p53 protein while the BaP+Cyclo and BaP+Se had atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH). Based on the finding, exposure to BaP can lead to pulmonary immuno-suppression and tumorigenesis in dogs. It is also showed that during haze episode, immuno-stressed individuals are more prone to the development of pulmonary immuno-suppression and tumorigenesis. Selenium supplementation or cyclosporine has great potential in combating these deleterious effects. However, simultaneous supplementation of Se together with cyclosporine during haze is not advised, since this will promote tumorigenesis in the lung. In conclusion, intratracheal instillation (twice, six week apart) of 120 llg BaP/dog causes insignificant reduction of Vt, pulmonary immunosuppression and pulmonary carcinogenesis. The immunocytochemical detection of p53 can be used as a sensitive diagnostic technique for the diagnosis of early pulmonary carcinogenesis. Daily oral administration of Se as a supplement has great potential in minimising the adverse effect of BaP

A retrospective study of feline lower urinary tract disease at University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Being one of the most commonly presented diseases in University Veterinary Hospital, the study of the common criteria that predispose a cat to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is essential. Although there were two retrospective studies carried out previously at the University Veterinary Hospital on FLUTD, this study however had a value-added aspect whereby the common urinalysis findings of those affected cats were studied. Additionally, comparisons of the common predisposing criteria between this study and the previous studies were also done. In this study, medical records of FLUTD cases presented to University Veterinary Hospital, UPM from 2005 to 2008 were selected. The collected data were analysed using descriptive analysis. From this study, there was no specific trend of the occurrence of FLUTD. As the cases were tabulated according to their months of occurrence there was no specific trend as well. Intact male cats had the highest percentage being affected. Domestic Short Hair and indoor lifestyle cats were the most commonly affected. Middle-aged cats with ideal body weight commonly succumbed to the disease. Basically, most of the presented cats were fed with commercial dry food. Stranguria/dysuria was the most commonly observed clinical signs suggestive of obstructed FLUTD. As for the urinalysis findings, most cats had abnormal urine colour, neutral urine pH, 4+ RBC and 2+ WBC. The most commonly observed crystal was triple phosphate followed by amorphous urates and calcium oxalate. With this knowledge, the owners should be well informed whether their cats are at risk of getting FLUTD or not

Selenium status in beef and dairy cattle at Taman Pertanian Universiti, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Selenium (Se) nutrition forms an integral part of growth and immune function of man and animals. Deficiency of Se in cattle will inevitably lead to poor growth and mastitis causing an economic loss to a farm. This study was carried out to determine the level of Se in beef cattle and dairy cattle reared at the Taman Pertanian Universiti, Universiti Putra Malaysia. A total of 27 dairy and 36 beef cattle were randomly chosen in this study. The age of the cattle used ranged from 1 to 9 years old comprising of both sexes. Blood sample was collected into heparinized and plain tubes for the detection of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and malonylaldehyde (MDA) concentrations, respectively. The activity of GSH-Px was detected using the dithio-bi-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) direct method assay. The concentrations of AST and CK were determined using standard diagnostic kits, while the MDA using the TBA (thio-barbituric acid) test. It was found that although no significant differences existed in the GSH-Px activity between breeds, their Se status were in the deficient state. This is in line with previous reports that the acidic soil of Malaysia renders low Se uptake by plants leading to deficiency state in grazing ruminants. The concentrations of AST and CK were higher in beef cattle due to much more overt muscular damage as the result of foraging and lack of supplementation compared to dairy cattle. It is suggested that diet of both breeds should be supplemented with Se to prevent such deficient status in order to increase the productivity of the farm

Blood and biochemistry profiles of Sambar deer (cervus unicolor) under different adaptation periods.

Hematological and biochemical analyses were carried out on 53, 2-year old Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) of which 44 were from Taman Pertanian Universiti, Universiti Putra Malaysia and 9 deer obtained from Lenggong, Perak, Malaysia in July, 2009. Haematology and serum biochemical parameters were analysed and compared between groups of deer. The study revealed that deer from Lenggong had significantly (p<0.05) higher packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte (RBC) and lymphocyte counts, mean cell volume (MCV), hemoglobin, plasma and total protein concentrations than those from TPU. The biochemical data also revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in eight parameters. Lenggong deer had significantly (p<0.05) higher serum Na+, K+, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and albumin concentrations but lower Cl-, glucose, total bilirubin and alanine transaminase (ALT) concentrations. Among the parameters analysed only ALT, aspartate transminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and ALP were higher than reference value

Detection of the Japanese encephalitis virus in wild boars and comparison of blood profiles between wild boars and domestic pigs in Selangor, Malaysia

The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) RNA was detected in mosquito vectors in Selangor, Malaysia almost two decades ago. However, the JEV status in wild boars, a potential reservoir, has yet to be investigated. Blood profiles can be used for health monitoring however data on the wild boar blood profile is limited. This study was performed to detect the presence of JEV RNA in wild boars in Selangor, Malaysia and to determine the haematological and serum biochemical values of the wild boars. The blood profiles of domestic pigs were also determined for comparison. Thirty-five wild boar tonsils were collected for RNA extraction while 21 wild boar and 40 domestic pig blood were collected for analyses. The RNA extraction was performed using the QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit (Qiagen, USA) while reverse transcription and PCR amplification were performed using the i-JEV Detection Kit (iNtron Biotechnology, Korea). The blood analyses were performed using standard protocols in the Haematology and Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. The JEV RNA (genotype I and/or III) was detected in one of 21 (4.8%) tonsils; gene sequencing can be done to plot a phylogenetic tree to identify the origin of virus. The positivity may be higher if a vigourously optimized multiplex RT-PCR was used in the detection JEV genotypes. The leucocyte, segmented neutrophil counts and serum globulin concentration of the wild boars were significantly (p<0.05) lower than in domestic pigs and the existing reference data. Serum AST and CK concentration of the wild boars were significantly higher than that of domestic pigs, which might be attributed the physically more active wild boars

Effect of transportation stress on physical and blood parameters of thoroughbred racehorses under Malaysian conditions

Twenty Thoroughbred racehorses from Perak Turf Club, which were registered to be competing in a race at Selangor Turf Club in December, 2010 were selected to study the effects of transportation stress on physical and blood parameters under Malaysian conditions. These horses travelled from Perak to Selangor Turf Club at the same time on the same day. The travelling distance was 220 km. Blood samples were taken from each horse at pre- and immediately post-transportation upon arrival at Selangor turf club. Physical examination was carried out and recorded for both pre- and post- transportation. Blood samples were evaluated for both haematological and biochemical components, which were the erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, packed cell volume, segemented neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, total protein, creatine kinase, glucose, lactate as well as cortisol. In this study, significant changes in most blood parameters and physical parameters indicates that travelling horses or road transportation induced some physiological responses in horses. Physiological parameters such as the rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and skin recoil differ as compared from pre- and post-transportation. These indicate changes of physical response due to effect of transportation stress. Blood parameters such as lactate, glucose, cortisol, leukocyte count, plasma protein, haemoglobin, and erythrocyte counts increased significantly. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded throughout the travelling process. However, there was no significant change in both climatic factors in the horse float

Antioxidant vitamins, oxidant injuries and diseases

Over the past few decades antioxidant vitamins have been shown to aid in disease prophylaxis as well as treatment. Deficiencies of these vitamins in diets have resulted in associated deficiency syndromes in both humans and animals. Since a handful of disease conditions is associated with imbalances of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione as well as increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrogen oxide species (NOS) and lipid per-oxidation markers such as malondialdehyde, supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has resulted in amelioration of oxidative damage and ultimately disease recession. Vitamins A, C and E together with compounds such as carotenoids have been extensively studied for their roles in disease modulation or exacerbation. However, while Vitamins C and E have been shown to have immense potentials in the alleviation of several conditions, Vitamin A and especially carotenoids had shown little or no use in conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention. This review highlights the documented roles of these vitamins in disease prevention over the past few decades and the potentials that need to be explored further

Evaluation of acute, subacute and subchronic oral toxicity of Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott extract in male Sprague Dawley rats

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott has been used in some Chinese community to treat colon cancer. This study aims to evaluate the toxic effects of the plant extract after a single dose toxicity study (14-day acute toxicity study), as well as 28-day sub-acute and 90-day subchronic toxicity study in male Sprague Dawley rats. Seventy two rats were divided into 3 groups for the acute, sub-acute and sub-chronic toxicity evaluations. Each group also have its control group which received distilled water. For the acute toxicity study, the 3 treatment groups received a single oral dose of the plant extract at 700, 2800 or 3500 mg/kg. The rats were then sacrificed after 14 days. For the sub-acute toxicity study, the 3 treatment groups received a daily oral dose of the plant extract at 70, 140 or 210 mg/kg for 28 days. As no lethality was observed in the sub-acute toxicity study, similar doses were used for the 90-day sub-chronic toxicity study. The toxicity was evaluated by the incidence of lethality, cage-side observations, body weight measurements, hematological and serum biochemical results. No adverse effects were observed during the experimental periods in any of the studies. Behaviour, body weight, haematological and biochemical analysis also showed no significant changes in the three toxicity studies. Based on the results, we concluded that the methanol extract of R. decursiva did not cause any toxic effects in male Sprague Dawley rats. The lethal oral dose (LD50) of the extract was greater than 3500 mg/kg, while the noobserved-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for the extract was 210 mg/kg when administered once per day for 90 days

Brewers' rice, a by-product from rice processing, has antiproliferative activity on human colorectal cancer (HT-29) cell line

Colon carcinogenesis is a malignant tumor, and is well-known as the third leading cancer, which contributes to high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Brewers' rice, known locally as temukut, consists of a mixture of broken kernels with rice bran and rice germ which is a byproduct produced in the rice industry. Although extensive studies on the anti-cancer properties of rice bran, published data on the cytotoxicity of brewers' rice are very limited. The present study was conducted to evaluate the apoptosis induction capability of the water extract of brewers' rice (WBR) on human colorectal cancer (HT-29) cell line. The HT-29 cells were treated with various concentrations (16, 32, and 64 μg/mL) of WBR for 24 and 48 hours. The morphological analysis of apoptotic cells was evaluated using inverted light microscope and fluorescence microscope. The apoptotic HT-29 cells was evaluated using Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) staining apoptosis test and cell cycle analyses. The data obtained were evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and P < 0.05 was considered statistical significant. Overall analyses indicated that WBR induced typical characteristics of apoptosis in HT-29 cells, including nuclear fragmentation (NF), nuclear compaction (NC), apoptotic bodies (AB), cellular shrinkage (CS), and chromatin condensation (CC), as visualized under inverted light microscope and fluorescence microscope. Cell cycle analyses and Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) staining apoptosis test using flow cytometry revealed that WBR induced apoptotic population in HT-29 cells. In this study, our findings provide clear evidence that WBR inhibits the growth of HT-29 cells via induction of apoptosis. Taken together, we suggest that WBR may be a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer

Antioxidant Vitamins, Oxidant Injuries and Diseases

Over the past few decades antioxidant vitamins have been shown to aid in disease prophylaxis as well as treatment. Deficiencies of these vitamins in diets have resulted in associated deficiency syndromes in both humans and animals. Since a handful of disease conditions is associated with imbalances of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione as well as increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrogen oxide species (NOS) and lipid per-oxidation markers such as malondialdehyde, supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has resulted in amelioration of oxidative damage and ultimately disease recession. Vitamins A, C and E together with compounds such as carotenoids have been extensively studied for their roles in disease modulation or exacerbation. However, while Vitamins C and E have been shown to have immense potentials in the alleviation of several conditions, Vitamin A and especially carotenoids had shown little or no use in conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention. This review highlights the documented roles of these vitamins in disease prevention over the past few decades and the potentials that need to be explored further