Effect of Calcium Soap of Fatty Acids Supplementation on Serum Biochemical Parameters and Ovarian Activity during Out-of-the-Breeding Season in Crossbred Ewes

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium soap of fatty acid (CSFA) supplementation on serum biochemical and hormones and ovarian activity during out-of-the-breeding season in ewes. Twelve crossbred ewes, 2-3 years of age and weighting 45–55 kg, were allocated into two equal groups. The first group was control and the other was treated with 50 g/head of CSFA. All ewes were fed basal diet and treated with 60 mg of medroxy progesterone acetate intravaginal sponge for 12 day. At the third day of sponge removal, the CSFA-treated group was given 50 g/head of CSFA daily for two estrous cycles. During the estrus phase, ovarian activity was detected using ultrasonography in both groups. All ewes were then subjected to natural breeding and conception rate. Blood samples were collected from all ewes during treatment period. Results revealed significant (P < 0.05) increases in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and progesterone levels with decrease in calcium and phosphorous levels in treated group. In treated group, normal-size ovaries and more than one follicle on the ovaries were detected and pregnancy rate increased. In conclusion, CSFA supplementation was effective to maintain the reproductive performance when ewes were out of the breeding season

Egyptian Propolis Alleviates Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral administration of ethanol extract of propolis against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Oral administration of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) at doses 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg.b.wt. orally/daily for 7 days) against gentamicin- (GM) at dose 100 mg/kg b.wt., i.p./daily for 7days) induced nephrotoxicity in six equal groups of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood was collected 24 h after the last injection for determination of serum creatinine, urea, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity. Rats were euthanized and kidney tissue specimens were collected for determination of oxidative/antioxidative biomarkers, gene expression for antioxidative enzymes and DNA fragmentation. Significant increase in serum creatinine, urea and AST activity at the same time, and a depletion of aspartate aminotransferase activity was recorded in renal homogenate of GM only–treated rats compared to control group. Lipid peroxidation in renal tissue showed significant elevation in GM-only treated group, however, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase and its gene expression were markedly decreased. DNA fragmentation was significantly increased in renal tissue of GM- only treated rats. Oral administration of EEP exhibited curative effects by reversing GM-induced alterations in serum biochemical and renal tissue oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, propolis is effective in preventing or ameliorating oxidative stress of gentamicin

Role of evolutionary epidemiology in the determination of the risk factors associated with some equine viral diseases

The evolutionary epidemiology is crucial as it does not only help in tracking the origin, spreading, prediction, and control of viruses but also explains the failure causes of some vaccines and serological diagnostic tools. To keep animal welfare, it is essential to raise awareness of the multiple risk factors associated with the different epidemics. Arthropod-borne viruses like African horse sickness virus (AHSV) and equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) are related to vectors multiplication. Accordingly, their seasonal occurrence was attributed to the environmental climatic conditions. While equine influenza virus (EIV) and equine herpes virus (EHV) were found to occur in winter and spring (foaling seasons), respectively. The management risk factors resulted in the occurrence and reactivation of latently infected cases. The RNA viruses are characterized by genetic assortment which results in increasing pathogenicity, and failure of the used vaccines. The EHVs able to establish infection in different host tissues adding to their immune evasion strategies. Most of the diseases occurred at the age over 2 years although the EIAV takes long time to appear. The hard work of males and other stress factors render them more liable for infection with equine viral arteritis (EVA), EIAV, and EHV. Genetically, some breeds of horses were at risk of AHSV, EVA, and EHV infection. Most of the donkeys, mules, and zebra develop subclinical forms that magnifies their role in the epidemiological situation. Different phenomena like overwintering in AHSV, hard work in EIV, virus hidden nature and latency in EHV should be more analysed

The cientificWorldJOURNAL Research Article Immunostimulant Effect of Egyptian Propolis in Rabbits

The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis given alone or in combination with inactivated Pasteurella multocida vaccine on rabbits challenged with a virulent strain of Pasteurella multocida. Fifty-six NewZealand rabbits, 6-8 weeks old and non-vaccinated against pasteurellosis, were randomly divided into eight equal groups. The first group was kept as a control for the experiment. The other groups received different treatments with propolis extract, inactivated vaccine, or both. The experiment continued for seven weeks during which clinical signs, body weight, and mortality rate were monitored, and blood samples were collected weekly for evaluating the leukogram, serum biochemistry, and immune response in all groups of animals. At the end of the seventh week, the animals were subjected to challenge with a virulent strain of Pasteurella multocida. Two weeks later, tissue specimens were collected from different organs for histopathological examination. Results showed that rabbits of the groups treated with both propolis and the vaccine by different routes appeared healthy after challenge. It has been concluded that alcoholic extract of propolis administrated in combination with inactivated Pasteurella multocida vaccine has no adverse effects on the general health conditions and enhances immune response in rabbits

ANTIVIRAL AND IMMUNE STIMULANT ACTIVITIES OF GLYCYRRHIZIN AGAINST DUCK HEPATITIS VIRUS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of glycyrrhizin as an immune stimulant against duck hepatitis virus (DHV). In vitro study was carried out to determine cytotoxic and antiviral effects of glycyrrhizin in VERO cells. In vivo study was performed on 40 one-day-old White Pekin ducklings. –and the birds weres divided into 4 groups: control, glycyrrhizin treated, vaccinated with live attenuated DHV vaccine and glycyrrhizin treated and vaccinated; to investigate the changes in immunity and challenge test. Blood samples were collected from each duckling for evaluation of cellular and humeral immunity. The in vitro results revealed that glycyrrhizin had antiviral and no toxic effects till 106 dilutions. Higher antibody titer was observed from the 5th week till the end of experiment in glycyrrhizin and vaccinated group. Treatment with glycyrrhizin alone or with DHV vaccine demonstrated a pronounced lymphocytic proliferation response after 4 days post-inoculation till the end of experiment, while vaccinated group revealed a pronounced proliferation response after 24 days post-inoculation. Treatment with glycyrrhizin alone or combination with DHV vaccine revealed good immune stimulant and antiviral effect against DHV

<b>Antiulcerogenic effect of some plants extracts</b>

258-263Methanol extracts were prepared from aerial parts of 8 medicinal plants and evaluated for their potential antiulcerogenic effects using ethanol and Aspirin - induced gastric ulcerations in rats. Oral administration of the methanol extract (400 mg/kg-) of Bidens bipinnata Linn., Zygophyllum album Linn. f.,  Plantago major Linn. (leaves) and Schouwia thebaica Webb. significantly (P< 0.01) decreased the average ulcer index with a curative ratio ranged from 100% for B. bipinnata to 58.3% for S. thebaica in the ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. Mentha microphylla C. Koch., Conyza linifolia Willd., C. dioscoridis (Linn.) Desf., Cynanchum acutum Linn. and P. major (seeds) decreased the ulcer index, however, their curative ratios were below 50% but higher than the reference drug Ranitidine (curative ratio 38.9%). B. bipinnata, Z. album and P. major (leaves) in a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly decreased the number of gastric ulcer and decreased total protein in gastric juice in aspirin-induced gastric ulceration. The total acidity was significantly (P< 0.01) decreased by all tested plant extracts. Based on the decreased ulcer index, increased curative ratio, decreased number of gastric ulcers and decreased total protein and total acidity, B. bipinnata, Z. album and P. major leaves in a dose of 400 mg/kg produced a potent antiulcerogenic effect against alcohol- and aspirin-induced gastric ulcer. Moderate effect was produced by S. thebaica

Potential protective effect of some plant extracts against carbon tetrachloride – induced hepatotoxicity

Plantago major seeds, Diplotaxis acris and Schouiwa thebaica methanol extracts were evaluated for their potential hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage model. Preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out to elucidate their components. Oral administration of the methanol extract (1000 mg kg-1) of Plantago major seeds, Diplotaxis acris and Schouiwa thebaica significantly (P< 0.05) attenuated the CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. This was indicated by the tendency of serum enzyme activities to return toward the normal values. Moreover the histopathological changes of liver tissues induced by CCl4 were moderate to mild in methanol extract-pretreated rats. No toxic symptoms were reported in rats receiving methanol extract at doses up to 2.5 g kg-1. Unsaturated sterols and/or triterpenes, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrates and/or glycosides were the major active constituents of the tested plants. Keywords: hepatoprotective, medicinal plants, Plantago major, Diplotaxis acris, Schouwia thebaica African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Vol. 3(3) 2006: 1-

Immunostimulant Effect of Egyptian Propolis in Rabbits

The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis given alone or in combination with inactivated Pasteurella multocida vaccine on rabbits challenged with a virulent strain of Pasteurella multocida. Fifty-six New-Zealand rabbits, 6–8 weeks old and non-vaccinated against pasteurellosis, were randomly divided into eight equal groups. The first group was kept as a control for the experiment. The other groups received different treatments with propolis extract, inactivated vaccine, or both. The experiment continued for seven weeks during which clinical signs, body weight, and mortality rate were monitored, and blood samples were collected weekly for evaluating the leukogram, serum biochemistry, and immune response in all groups of animals. At the end of the seventh week, the animals were subjected to challenge with a virulent strain of Pasteurella multocida. Two weeks later, tissue specimens were collected from different organs for histopathological examination. Results showed that rabbits of the groups treated with both propolis and the vaccine by different routes appeared healthy after challenge. It has been concluded that alcoholic extract of propolis administrated in combination with inactivated Pasteurella multocida vaccine has no adverse effects on the general health conditions and enhances immune response in rabbits

Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex against fatty liver in rat model

Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex (CNC) against methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCDD)-induced fatty liver in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into one of four equal-sized groups (G1-G4). The G1 group was fed a balanced diet and kept under normal conditions; the G2 group received CNC orally at a dose of 0.043 mg/kg body weight, 3 times/week for 4 weeks, and a balanced diet; the G3 group was fed an MCDD for 4 weeks; and the G4 group was fed an MCDD and administered CNC at the same dose and route as G2. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum enzyme activity. After 4 weeks of treatment, liver specimens were collected for the evaluation of the oxidative/antioxidative markers, cytokine gene expression, and histopathological examination. Results: CNC improved MCDD-induced liver dysfunctions by recovering serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities to their normal levels. The glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly decreased, while lipid peroxidation (as reflected by malondialdehyde [MDA]) markedly increased in the liver tissue of the MCDD group. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, the GSH level and SOD activity markedly increased and the MDA level significantly decreased to return to normal levels. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, significant downregulation of the mRNA expression of hepatic interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, macrophage inflammatory protein-1a, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 genes was found. Moreover, CNC reduced fatty liver complications by reducing the number of hepatic vacuolations, degenerative changes in the hepatocytes, and hemorrhage. Conclusion: CNC has the potential to limit tissue injury and possibly prevent the progression to severe liver disease caused by an MCDD

Phytochemical, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of different fractions of Moringa oleifera leaves methanol extract against liver injury in animal model

Objective: To evaluate the potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of n-hexane, dichloromethane(DCM), ethyl acetate(EtOAc), n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Moringa oleifera(M. oleifera) leaves methanol extract against carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. Methods: These fractions were prepared from the M. oleifera leaves methanol extract by solubilization in water and partitioning in n-hexane, EtOAc, DCM and n-butanol. Their phyto-components were identified by GC-MS analysis. The in vitro antioxidant effect of these fractions was carried out by assessment of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity. A total of 40 Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into 8 equal groups: group 1 given olive oil (1 mL/kg b.wt.), group 2 injected with CCl4, group 3 to 7 administered with n-hexane, DCM, EtOAc, n-butanol and aqueous fractions, respectively after CCl4, group 8 administered with silymarin after CCl4. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, total proteins and albumin in serum were determined spectrophotometrically. Glutathione reduced, lipid peroxide by-products levels, glutathione-s-transferase and catalase enzyme activities in the liver homogenate were determined by spectrophotometer. Liver specimens were also examined for histopathological alterations under light microscope. Results: The GC-MS analysis of different fractions of the M. oleifera leaves methanol extract revealed that n-hexane, DCM, EtOAc, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions contained 17, 22, 23, 19 and 32 compounds, respectively. The percent and the molecular structure of each component in each fraction were identified. The n-butanol and EtOAc fractions exhibited the strongest in vitro antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. CCl4 significantly decreased glutathione reduced and total proteins concentration and glutathione-s-transferase and catalase activities but increased lipid peroxide by-products and total cholesterol levels. The n-hexane followed by aqueous and DCM fractions were the most potent to regulate serum enzyme activities and lipid peroxide by-products levels in the liver homogenate. Conclusions: n-hexane, DCM, and aqueous fractions have the highest effectiveness against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Isolation and purification of the active constituents require further experiments