Association of Kappa casein gene polymorphism with milk production traits in crossbred dairy cows

Milk's qualitative and technological properties are greatly affected by genetic polymorphisms in the kappa-casein gene, and their polymorphisms may serve as informative markers of yield and composition. Thus, the objective of this study was to detect kappa-casein (kappa-CN) gene polymorphisms and their association with milk production traits in crossbred dairy cows. One hundred healthy crossbred (Friesian x Jenoubi) dairy animals between three and five years old were sampled for blood and milk during their first lactation. The genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR) was used to determine the genotype of the kappa-CN gene. As a consequence of the restriction digestion of this fragment with Hind III, it showed three different restriction patterns: BB (453 base pairs uncut), AB (453, 206, and 225 base pairs), and AA (206 and 225 base pairs). Based on genetic diversity, the AB genotype was the most predominant (n = 67), with a frequency of 0.67. A variant genotype of the kappa-CN gene was associated with milk production traits in crossbred dairy cows. Animals with the AA variant produced a higher milk yield and a higher percentage of fat, casein, protein, and solids not fat (SNF) (P≤0.05) (1.397kg, 0.75%, 0.31%, 0.27%, and 0.68%, respectively) than those with the BB variant. A logistic regression analysis confirmed that the kappa-CN genotypes increase milk yield and casein content. Therefore, genetic variants of the kappa-CN gene could be used as genetic markers for improving milk production traits in dairy cattle. Keywords: cattle, genetic variants, milk protein

Investigating sex specific mechanisms of neuroprotection using mouse organotypic hippocampal slice cultures

Ischaemic stroke initiates a pathological cascade resulting in brain injury and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is the only available and approved drug, thus identification of novel therapeutic targets is essential. There is increasing evidence that men and women differ in incidence, mortality, and outcome following stroke yet the majority of preclinical stroke studies tend to focus on single sex, for in vivo studies, or mixed-sex if using in vitro approaches.The aim of this study was to establish a sex-specific in vitro model of ischaemia to then investigate if the effectiveness of neuroprotective steroids (i.e. oestrogens, progestin) were affected by biological sex. The aim was also to identify sex differences in the molecular processes activated under ischaemic conditions. Male and female-derived organotypic hippocampal sliced cultures (OHSCs) were exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in order to model ischaemia. Treatment with sex steroid hormones (e.g. progesterone and oestrogens) did reduce the amount of cell death but some sex differences were observed. Administration of a caspase inhibitor, i.e. Q-VD-OPH, significantly reduced the amount of cell death only in female-derived OHSCs while poly (ADP) - ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibition, (via PJ-34 inhibition) significantly reduced the amount of cell death only in male-derived OHSCs. The ability of progesterone and oestrogens to induce neuroprotection were not affected, in both sexes, by the inhibition of caspase or PARP.Following the establishment of a sex-specific in vitro model of ischaemia we showed that caspase activation is a major contributor to cell death in female-derived cells only whereas, in contrast, PARP is a major contributor to cell death in males. This adds further evidence to sex differences in the specific elements of the cell death pathways activated following ischaemic stroke and highlights the need to consider sex effects when investigating novel therapeutic targets.</div

Potential effects of Alpha lipoic acid on behavioral alteration and glutamate accumulation during d-gal-induced brain aging in male rats

Background: Alpha lipoic acid has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics and is abundantly distributed in cellular membranes and the cytoplasm. It is among the top cell- protective antioxidants. Material and methods :&nbsp;&nbsp; The present work investigated the possible therapeutic effects of alpha lipoic acid in a male rat model of brain aging induced by D-galactose. Four equal-sized groups of 40 male rats were randomly assigned: G1, the control group, G2, and G3, which each received daily doses of 200 mg/kg of D-gal for 30 days. Alpha lipoic acid was given orally for 30 days to the G4 D-gal + alpha lipoic acid group at 200 mg/kg bw, IP. daily with 100 mg/kg. thirty days of IP. Glutamate is deposited in the brain, according to research on behavioral alterations and brain glutamate. Indicators of oxidative stress are increased Our Results show that whereas brain glutamate deposition declines in the D-gal model of aging, the Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Morris Water Maze Test considerably rise (MWM).&nbsp

Ameliorate role of alpha lipoic acid on the beta amyloid accumulation and some serum oxidant / antioxidants levels in brain aging induced by d-gal in male rats

Alpha lipoic acid has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties and is widely dispersed in cellular membranes and the cytoplasm. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants for cells. The current research looked at the possible therapeutic benefits of alpha lipoic acid) in a male rat model of D-galactose-induced brain aging. G1 normal as control group, G2 animals were given 200 mg/kg bw.IP. daily of D-gal group for 30 days, and G3 animals were given 100 mg/kg. G4 D-gal + alpha lipoic acid group200mg/kg bw.IP. daily with 100 mg/kg. IP every day for 30 days.The accumulation of Beta amyloid in the brain and changes in serum oxidant/antioxidant levels Increased levels of oxidative stress indicators our data demonstrate that the D-gal aging model causes an increase in brain Beta amyloid deposition, as well as a substantial rise in serum MDA, GSH, CAT, and SOD levels. To summarize, our research focused on the brain damage caused by D-gal, which can be mitigated by intubating 100 mg/kg B.W.IP. of ALA to counteract its negative effects

A Rabbit Clinical Trial of Xylazine-Ketamine vs. Fentanyl-Ketamine for General Anesthesia

The Aim of Study: The current investigation was designed to compare the anesthetic and physiological effects of ketamine with different pre-anesthetics protocol.&nbsp; Methods: A total of twelve healthy male rabbits were chosen for the clinical anesthetic trial. Animals were presented to the faculty of veterinary medicine at Kerbala University for skin wound procedures and separated into two equal groups 6 rabbits each (group A and group B). Rabbits in group A were administered an intramuscular injection of xylazine (10mg/kg BW) followed by ketamine (50 mg/kg&nbsp; I.M) after 10 minutes. while those in group B were injected with fentanyl (0.04 mg/kg BW, I.M) first plus ketamine (50 mg/kg&nbsp; I.M) after 10 minutes. The physiological and anesthetic parameters to assess the complications that associated with anesthetic, were recorded and analyzed. Results: The level of induction and recovery varied significantly (P&lt;0.05) among the groups. Compared to group B, group A had a considerably (P&lt;0.05) shorter induction time. Furthermore, group A's mean time for losing pedal reflex revealed a substantial (P&lt;0.05) decrease. Between-group differences in the responses to the pain test and muscular relaxation were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). Group A experienced a substantially longer (P&lt;0.05) induction period, surgical anesthetic duration, and recovery period than group B. No rabbits died as a result of the anesthetic or the recuperation. Conclusion: Compared to Fentanyl-ketamine (FK) combination anesthesia, administration of Xylazine with ketamine (XK) apparently does not influence the physiological parameters.&nbsp; Additionally, this method provides a very successful anesthetic procedure for a flawless induction, suitable muscle relaxation, extended anesthesia, and a painless recovery