Effect of cadmium on thyroid function in sheep

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of long-term low-dose administration of cadmium on thyroid function in sheep. In this experiment, ten healthy Iranian male sheep, aged about 1 year old, were randomly allocated into two equal groups of control (n = 5) and experiment (n = 5). Both groups were kept under the same conditions of food and environment. Treatment group received cadmium chloride (1 mg/kg/day) orally for 8 weeks. Blood sampling of two groups was done on days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 every morning (8 to 9 a.m.). The function of the thyroid was evaluated by measuring the levels of serum thyroid hormones T3, T4, FT3, FT4, and TSH. The hepatic function in both groups was evaluated by measuring hepatic enzyme activities including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin (TBIL). Serum levels of T3, T4, FT3, FT4, and TSH significantly decreased in cadmium-treated sheep when compared to control group (p < 0.05). Serum enzyme activities of ALT, AST, GGT, and TBIL in Cd-treated sheep were significantly increased in comparison with control group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that Cd-exposed sheep can be at a risk of low thyroid function.     

The gastrointestinal and myocardial adverse effects of flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen and phenylbutazone in Iranian Cashmere (Rayeni) goats: clinical, hematological, biochemical, and pathological findings

Flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and phenylbutazone are classified with the group of compounds commonly referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gastrointestinal and myocardial adverse effects of these three NSAIDs when administered IV to clinically normal Iranian Cashmere (Rayeni) goats. The experiments were conducted on 20 clinically normal adult female, goats. Goats were randomly assigned to four groups: saline (n = 5), flunixin meglumine (n = 5), ketoprofen (n = 5), and phenylbutazone (n = 5). Flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and phenylbutazone were administered at dose rate of 2.2, 4, and 4 mg/kg, respectively. Drug administration was initiated at 08:00 on day 1 and continued every 12 h for 12 days. Daily blood and urine samples were collected from all goats for hematologic indices, enzymes activity, and urinalysis. Immediately after euthanasia, complete necropsy was performed on all goats and gross lesions were recorded. Clinically no apparent abnormalities observed on physical examinations, except some discomfort, anorexia, and diarrhea in ketoprofen- and phenylbutazone-treated groups. Mean total and differential of leukocytes, red blood cells (RBC), and packed cell volume (PCV) remained within normal limits for all groups. Serum biochemical analyses showed a treatment effect on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in all treatment groups but not on creatinine and urea. Urinalysis was not affected by treatment effect. No gross or histopathologic lesions were observed in saline-treated goats during study. Comparing of gastrointestinal and myocardial lesions showed significant difference between treatment groups. Macroscopic and microscopic findings were described in the text. Considering gastrointestinal and myocardial lesions, the toxic potential of the NSAIDs compared in this study was greatest for phenylbutazone, less for ketoprofen and least for flunixin meglumine. Administration of long duration of NSAIDs in small ruminants can lead to severe gastrointestinal and myocardial adverse effects, thus must be used with cautions.     

Association between serum cortisol and progesterone concentrations and the infiltration of immune cells in the endometrium of gilts with vaginal discharge

The objective of the study was to investigate an association between serum cortisol and progesterone (P₄) concentrations and the distribution of immune cells in the endometrium of the gilts with vaginal discharge. Genital organs from 39 Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred gilts culled owing to vaginal discharge problem were collected from two commercial swine herds in Thailand. The estrous stage and gross pathology were examined. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein prior to being slaughtered. Serum P₄ and cortisol were analyzed by means of enzyme immunoassay. The samples observed were in inactive (n = 4), follicular (n = 10), and luteal (n = 25) phases. They, afterwards, were processed in hematoxylin and eosin sections. The endometrium of the gilts was histologically divided into three layers, i.e., epithelial, subepithelial connective tissue, and glandular connective tissue layers. Immune cells, i.e., lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and plasma cells, in each layer were quantified under a light microscope (×400). The results revealed that mean serum cortisol was 430.6 ± 68.3 nmol/l. Serum P₄ varied by ovarian status. Serum P₄ of the gilts in the luteal phase was higher than those in the follicular phase (88.3 ± 7.7 versus 20.6 ± 6.2 nmol/l, P < 0.05). As for the endometrium condition, the gilts were classified into acute/subacute endometritis (n = 13), chronic endometritis (n = 9), and normal endometrium (n = 17). Neutrophils were the main local immune cells in the epithelial layer. Lymphocytes were the dominant population in the subepithelial and glandular connective tissue layers. Generally, the serum cortisol tended to negatively correlate with lymphocytes in the subepithelial connective tissue layer (r = −0.28, P = 0.081). In the gilts with acute/subacute endometritis, no correlation among serum cortisol, P₄, and immune cells was observed. In chronic endometritis gilts, only a negative correlation was remarked between P₄ and epithelial lymphocytes (r = −0.83, P = 0.010), epithelial neutrophils (r = −0.79, P = 0.019), and subepithelial neutrophils (r = −0.73, P = 0.025). In the gilts with normal endometrium, P₄ negatively correlated with subepithelial neutrophils (r = −0.55, P = 0.022) while positively correlated with subepithelial macrophages (r = 0.54, P = 0.024) and subepithelial eosinophils (r = 0.60, P = 0.011).     

Serum thyroid hormones and trace element concentrations in crossbred holstein cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata

This research was carried out to study thyroid function in view of serum trace element and possible serum cortisol concentration changes in crossbred Holstein cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata. Twenty cattle of different age and sex which had been naturally infected with T. annulata were examined. A control group were selected among the clinically healthy crossbred Holstein cattle with the same age, sex, and production stage similar to the naturally infected group. Serum T3, T4 concentrations were significantly lower in cattle suffering from theileriosis than in the healthy controls (p < 0.05). The cattle suffering from theileriosis had significantly lower concentrations of zinc and selenium in their sera as compared with the healthy control subjects (p < 0.05). Lower packed cell volume (PCV) theileriosis-affected cattle had a lower serum selenium concentration than higher PCV-affected group (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found in PCV, total protein, albumin and total bilirubin concentrations and alkaline phosphatase and gama-gluthamyl transferase activities between theileriosis-affected and healthy cattle (p < 0.05). Total protein and albumin concentrations were statistically different in age (less and more than two years) and PCV (lower and higher) groups of theileriosis-affected cattle (p < 0.05). No significant changes were found in free T3, free T4, cortisol, copper, cobalt, and manganese levels of theileriosis-affected cattle.     

Clotting disturbances in Trypanosoma evansi-infected cats

Coagulopathy in cats (Felis catus) parasitized by Trypanosoma evansi in both the initial and chronic phases of the disease has been investigated. To address this issue, seven animals were infected with 10⁸ trypomastigote forms each, and six were used as control. Animals were monitored for 56 days by examining daily blood smears. Blood samples for hematocrit, platelet counting, and fibrinogen levels were collect at 15-day intervals. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and number of megakaryocytes were analyzed at days 14 and 42 post-inoculation. A decrease in hematocrit values and platelet counts and an increase in plasmatic fibrinogen concentration were observed in the infected cats (P < 0.05). Coagulation time did not differ between the infected and non-infected groups. The reduction in platelet count increased the number of megakaryocytes in the infected group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the infection by T. evansi in cats increased the number of megakaryocytes in response to primary clotting disorders.     

A monoclonal antibody against Schistosoma haematobium soluble egg antigen: efficacy for diagnosis and monitoring of cure of S. haematobium infection

A monoclonal antibody (mAb), 2F/11F, raised against Schistosoma haematobium soluble egg antigen (SEA) was found to be nonreactive with S. mansoni SEA or other parasite antigens (Fasciola hepatica, Echinococcus granulosus). This IgG₁ mAb recognized a repetitive epitope on S. haematobium SEA in the molecular-weight regions of 70, 42, and 35 kDa. It was employed as both an antigen-capture and a biotinylated detection antibody in a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of circulating schistosome antigen (CSA) and had a detection limit of <1 ng S. haematobium SEA/ml. CSA levels were measured in serum and urine samples from 116 S. haematobium-infected rural students before therapy and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after praziquantel treatment. Serum and urine samples from 50 S. mansoni -infected patients, 15 patients harboring other parasites, and 30 noninfected individuals were also assessed. CSA was detected in 90.5% of serum samples and 94% of urine samples from S. haematobium-infected patients. CSA was undetectable in serum from the 15 patients harboring other parasites and in 94% of serum samples and 84% of urine samples from S. mansoni-infected patients. In the S. haematobium-infected group a positive correlation was detected between CSA levels in serum and urine samples and the egg load per 10 ml urine. A significant reduction in CSA levels was detected in serum and urine samples after praziquantel therapy. CSA was undetectable in 87% of serum samples and 81.5% of urine samples from schistosomiasis haematobium patients at 12 weeks post-treatment. These data demonstrate that the use of mAb 2F/11F for detection of CSA provides a sensitive method for the immunodiagnosis and monitoring of cure of schistosomiasis haematobium. Received: 5 December 1998 / Accepted: 26 June 1999     

The effects of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 deficiency on worm development and granuloma formation in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice

CD4⁺ T-helper (Th) cell is widely recognized to be capable of influencing worm development and egg granuloma formation after schistosome infection. Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 play key roles in regulation of Th cell differentiation. In the present study, we subcutaneously inoculated mice with hybridoma cells secreting monoclonal antibodies to neutralize IL-12 and IL-4 and explored the effects of IL-12 and IL-4 deficiency on the worm development and granuloma formation in mice infected with cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum. It was found that deficiency of host IL-12 and IL-4 supported normal parasite survival and fecundity. However, worm development (length and female fecundity) was significantly enhanced in anti-IL-12-treated mice. Mean length of worms in anti-IL-12-treated group was significantly greater than that of intact controls on day 28 after infection (females, 11.84 ± 1.20 mm vs. 9.45 ± 1.34; males, 9.35 ± 1.21 mm vs. 8.10 ± 0.85 mm, p < 0.05). Liver egg load per pair of worms (1,770.12 ± 470.67 vs. 806.08 ± 232.37, p < 0.05) and uterine egg load of ovigerous females (93.08 ± 27.85 vs. 46.05 ± 34.24, p < 0.05) in anti-IL-12-treated mice were significantly higher than those in intact control 28 days postinfection. But these effects diminished 42 days postinfection (p > 0.05). Granuloma size in anti-IL-12-treated mice was significantly larger than that in intact mice 42 days postinfection (398.3 ± 80.7 μm vs. 294.4 ± 72.2 μm, p < 0.05). Granuloma fibrosis dramatically intensified in anti-IL-12-treated mice but diminished in anti-IL-4-treated mice. The results suggest that IL-12 may play an impeditive role in the development of S. japonicum and in granuloma formation as well as fibrosis. IL-4 may promote granuloma formation but have no effect on worm development.     

A comparative kinetic study of doramectin and moxidectin in zebu Gobra cattle (Bos indicus)

The plasma kinetics of doramectin and moxidectin were evaluated in zebu Gobra under field conditions after subcutaneous administration of 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ of commercially available formulations for cattle. The results indicate that the absorption of moxidectin from the site of injection was significantly faster (absorption half-life [t _1/2ab] = 0.7 day) than that of doramectin (t _1/2ab = 3.1 days). Moxidectin peak plasma concentration (C _max) was reached significantly earlier (t _max = 0.4 day) compared with that of doramectin (t _max = 5.3 days). No differences in C _max values were observed; the area under the concentration–time curve was higher for doramectin (475 ng day ml⁻¹) compared with moxidectin (198 ng day ml⁻¹), while the mean residence time was longer for moxidectin (13.4 days) compared with doramectin (9.4 days). These results obtained give interesting information on doramectin and moxidectin pharmacokinetics in zebu Gobra, which show a similar pharmacokinetic profile as in other cattle.     

Effect of Chrysosporium keratinophilum metabolites against Culex quinquefasciatus after chromatographic purification

Chrysosporium keratinophilum is known to be a keratinophilic fungus and an effective mosquito control agent. This fungus was grown on Sabauraud dextrose broth in the laboratory at 25°C, while the relative humidity was maintained at 75 ± 5% for 15 days. Filtration process of metabolites was done using whatman-1 filter paper, column chromatography and flash, chromatography. Larvicidal efficacy was performed against all instars of Culex quinquefasciatus. Larvicidal efficacy was performed at six different concentrations with different effective ratios (ethanol/metabolites: 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8, and 1:9). The mortality values were then subjected by the probit analysis. The larval mortalities were observed for a period of 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The first and second instars were highly susceptible to 2:8 ratio. In the first instar after column chromatography, LC₅₀ = 26.66 ppm, LC₉₀ = 121.96 ppm, LC₉₉ = 231.86 ppm were observed after 72 h, while after flash chromatography the LC₅₀ = 20 ppm, LC₉₀ = 123.02 ppm, LC₉₉ = 281.83 ppm were observed after 48 h. In the second instar after column chromatography, LC₅₀ = 18.19 ppm, LC₉₀ = 102.32 ppm, LC₉₉ = 162.18 ppm were observed after 72 h, while doing flash chromatography 100% mortality could be recorded after 24 h. In the third instar after column chromatography, the LC₅₀ = 38.01 ppm, LC₉₀ = 131.82 ppm, LC₉₉ = 245.47 ppm were observed after 72 h, while after flash chromatography the LC₅₀ = 17.78 ppm, LC₉₀ = 100 ppm, LC₉₉ = 151.35 ppm. In the fourth instar, LC₅₀ = 61.65 ppm, LC₉₀ = 181.97 ppm, LC₉₉ = 436.51 ppm, while after flash chromatography LC₅₀ = 40 ppm, LC₉₀ = 120 ppm, and LC₉₉ = 223.87 ppm were observed after 72 h. The extracellular metabolites of C. keratinophilum could be a fungal based larvicides resource for the control of C. quinquefasciatus larvae. This could be another agent for biotechnological exploitation, if found suitable in field trials.     

Fibrinogen Beta-Chain -C148T Polymorphism is Associated with Increased Fibrinogen, C-Reactive Protein, and Interleukin-6 in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The fibrinogen beta-chain (FGB) -C148T polymorphism is linked with plasma fibrinogen concentration in the general population. We examined whether the -C148T polymorphism is associated with pre- and early postoperative levels of fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 243 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Plasma inflammatory markers were measured prior to and 5–7 days after surgery. The -C148T polymorphism was analyzed with the restriction fragment-length polymorphism method. The genotype distribution was as follows: CC—142 (58%), CT—85 (35%), and TT—16 (7%). Carriers of the -148T allele had higher preoperative plasma fibrinogen (4.42 ± 0.14 vs. 4.07 ± 0.11 mg/L, p = 0.04) and CRP levels (7.49 ± 1.2 vs. 4.26 ± 1.0 mg/L, p = 0.04) compared with non-carriers; 5 to 7 days after CABG, patients carrying -148T allele had increased CRP (70.4 ± 5.0 vs. 51.6 ± 4.25 mg/L, p = 0.005) and IL-6 levels (22.34 ± 2.64 vs. 15.53 ± 2.28 pg/L, p = 0.05), but not fibrinogen, compared with the remaining subjects. In-hospital nonfatal stroke occurred more frequently in -148T allele carriers (4% vs. 0%, p = 0.02). No genotype-associated differences were found in the occurrence of postoperative myocardial infarction and death. Presence of the -148T allele has also been associated with longer intensive care stay and intubation time (p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis identified the CT+TT genotype as an independent predictor of pre- and postoperative CRP levels. The results indicate that the presence of the -148T FGB allele determines higher pre- and postoperative levels of inflammatory markers, which might be associated with in-hospital clinical outcomes.     

Relationship between plasma thyroid hormones and some biochemical parameters in Iranian Sarabi calves

The thyroid gland has some important endocrine hormones that regulate basal metabolism in various tissues of domestic animals. Thyroid hormones have a central role in animals’ development and their tissue functions. In this study, the relationship between the plasma thyroxine (T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃), free thyroxine (fT₄), free triiodothyronine (fT₃), triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, total protein, and albumin concentrations as well as albumin/globulin ratio in different ages of Iranian Sarabi calves was investigated. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 47 clinically healthy calves free from internal and external parasites (grouped according to their age—1–14 days, 1–2, and 3–6 months) in early of winter. The level of thyroid hormones was determined by chemiluminescence, and other parameters were measured by spectrophotometry using commercial kits. Our data from this study indicates that there was no significant difference and correlation in all the studied parameters between age groups and sexes. But we found a significant correlation between plasma T₄ and total protein (P < 0.05, r = 0.600), T₄ and albumin (P < 0.05, r = 0.575), T₃ and fT₃ (P < 0.05, r = 0.610), T₃ and total protein (P < 0.01, r = 0.725), T₃ and glucose (P < 0.01, r = 0.685), and fT₄ and fT₃ (P < 0.05, r = 0.609) concentrations as well as between total protein and albumin/globulin ratio (P < 0.01, r = −0.783).     

Larvicidal activity of micronized aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aedes aegypti</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Culex quinquefasciatus</Emphasis> (Diptera: Culicidae)

In the search of alternatives for the control of mosquitoes of medical importance, we evaluated the larvicidal activity of micronized suspensions of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Tests conducted under laboratory conditions determined a LC50 = 0.027% (LC90 = 0.096%) for A. aegypti and a LC50 = 0.092% (LC90 = 0.2%) for C. quinquefasciatus, at 24 h post-treatment. Considering that the LC50 for the less susceptible species killed 100% of larvae for both species at 48 h post-treatment, we decided to use the diagnostic concentration of 0.1% which eliminated 100% of larvae at 48 h under a simulated field trial. There was a residual effect for up to 84 and 70 days for A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively. Evaluation of Ca(OH)₂ on breeding sites showed a larvicidal activity of 100% for up to 56 days. When the micronized Ca(OH)₂ was incorporated at concentrations from 0.02% (w/v), a superficial film was formed which killed 100% of the larvae of both species after 24 h of contact, and the activity remains until the film broke apart due to stirring. The fact that Ca(OH)₂ is cheap and the people in rural areas of Mexico and other countries know the handling procedures for this compound led us to consider that 0.1% suspensions of Ca(OH)₂ could be used for mosquito control in deposits of water placed in human premises both in urban and rural areas.     

Cardiovascular responses to upright and supine exercise in humans after 6 weeks of head-down tilt (−6°)

Seven healthy men performed steady-state dynamic leg exercise at 50 W in supine and upright postures, before (control) and repeatedly after 42 days of strict head-down tilt (HDT) (−6°) bedrest. Steady-state heart rate (f _c), mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output (Q˙ _c), and stroke volume (SV) were recorded. The following data changed significantly from control values. The f _c was elevated in both postures at least until 12 days, but not at 32 days after bedrest. Immediately after HDT, SV and Q˙ _c were decreased by 25 (SEM 3)% and 19 (SEM 3)% in supine, and by 33 (SEM 5)% and 20 (SEM 3)% in upright postures, respectively. Within 2 days there was a partial recovery of SV in the upright but not in the supine posture. The SV and Q˙ _c during supine exercise remained significantly decreased for at least a month. Submaximal oxygen uptake did not change after HDT. We concluded that the cardiovascular response to exercise after prolonged bedrest was impaired for so long that it suggested that structural cardiac changes had developed during the HDT period. Accepted: 6 June 2000     

Evaluation of medicinal plant extracts against blood-sucking parasites

The present study was based on assessments of the antiparasitic activities to determine the efficacies of acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, hexane, and methanol dried leaf, flower, and seed extracts of Cassia auriculata L., Rhinacanthus nasutus KURZ., Solanum torvum Swartz, Terminalia chebula Retz., and Vitex negundo Linn. were tested against larvae of cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Canestrini, 1887 (Acari: Ixodidae), adult of Haemaphysalis bispinosa Neumann, 1897 (Acarina: Ixodidae), hematophagous fly Hippobosca maculata Leach (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), nymph of goat-lice Damalinia caprae Gurlt (Trichodectidae), and adult sheep parasite Paramphistomum cervi Zeder, 1790 (Digenea: Paramphistomatidae). All plant extracts showed moderate parasitic effects after 24 h of exposure at 3,000 ppm; however, the highest parasite mortality was found in leaf ethyl acetate, flower methanol of C. auriculata, leaf and seed methanol of S. torvum, seed acetone of T. chebula, and leaf hexane extracts of V. negundo against the larvae of R. microplus (LC₅₀ = 335.48, 309.21, 297.43, 414.99, 167.20, and 611.67 ppm; LC₉₀ = 1571.58, 1111.82, 950.98, 1243.64, 595.31, and 1875.50 ppm), the leaf and flower methanol of R. nasutus, leaf and seed methanol of S. torvum, and seed methanol extracts of T. chebula against the nymph of D. caprae (LC₅₀ = 119.26,143.10,164.93,140.47, and 155.98 ppm; LC₉₀ = 356.77, 224.08, 546.20, 479.72, and 496.06 ppm), the leaf methanol of R. nasutus, leaf and seed methanol of S.torvum, and seed acetone of T. chebula against the adult of H. bispinosa (LC₅₀ = 333.15, 328.98, 312.28, and 186.46 ppm; LC₉₀ = 1056.07, 955.39, 946.63, and 590.76 ppm), the leaf methanol of C. auriculata, the leaf and flower methanol of R. nasutus, the leaf ethyl acetate of S. torvum against the H. maculata (LC₅₀ = 303.36, 177.21, 204.58, and 211.41 ppm; LC₉₀ = 939.90, 539.39, 599.43, and 651.90 ppm), and the leaf acetone of C. auriculata, the flower methanol of R. nasutus, the seed methanol of S. torvum, and the seed acetone of T. chebula were tested against the adult of P. cervi (LC₅₀ = 180.54, 168.59, 200.89, and 87.08 ppm; LC₉₀ = 597.51, 558.65, 690.37, and 433.85 ppm), respectively. Therefore, this study provides first report on the veterinary parasitic activity of plant extracts from Southern India.     

Clinical analyses of 75 parathyroidectomy (PTE) patients and 69 adrenalectomy (AE) patients including saliva-type amylase-secreting secondary parathyroid hyperplasia (SPTH) and insulinoma with adrenal adenoma (AA) showing primary aldosteronism

Seventy-five parathyroidectomy (PTE) and 69 adrenalectomy (AE) patients were analyzed. The 75 PTE included 56 of secondary parathyroid hyperplasia (SPTH) with chronic renal failure (CRF) and 19 of primary parathyroid hyperplasia (PPTH) without CRF. The 69 AE included 23 with Cushing’s syndrome, 30 with primary aldosteronism, four with cortical carcinoma (three virilizing and one feminizing carcinomas), seven with pheochromocytoma (two multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A), two with paraganglioma, one with schwannoma, one with non-functional adenoma, and one with hepatic cancer metastasis. The 56 SPTH showed higher levels of intact (I)-parathyroid hormone (PT) of 1,359 ± 1,036 pg/ml than the 292 ± 372 pg/ml of the 19 PPTH. Measured vitamin D of 1, 25(OH)₂D was higher in the nine PPTH (88.0 ± 34.7 pg/ml) than in the 46 SPTH (15.5 ± 13.9). High serum amylase of >350 IU/l and cyst formations were found in ten (18%) and 16 (29%) of the SPTH but none of the PPTH. At least ten (18%) of the SPTH had polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Saliva-type amylase of the SPTH resolved the high I-PTH. High levels (>6.0%) of Hb A1C (8.1%) were measured only in one SPTH case with mediastinal ectopic SPTH and PKD. High urine 17 ketosteroid (17 KS) levels of 161.5 ± 72.9 mg/l were measured in three virilizing carcinomas with metastases to the bone, liver, and/or lung. Low-grade feminizing carcinoma was observed in a 6-year-old boy. Cysts of the kidney and/or liver were found in 17 (74%) with Cushing’s syndrome, 12 (40%) with primary aldosteronism, and three (43%) with pheochromocytoma. One paraganglioma had liver and pancreatic cysts, and one schwannoma had polycystic ovary. High levels of Hb A1C were detected in six (26%) with Cushing’s syndrome, five (17%) with primary aldosteronism showing insulinoma, and two (29%) with pheochromocytoma. In all 13 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), AE was an effective DM treatment.     

Hepatoprotective Effect of Infliximab,an Anti-TNF-α Agent,on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis

To assess the effect of infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agent, on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Rats were randomized into three groups (n = 9). The control group received only intraperitoneal (i.p.) olive oil. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by repeated i.p. injections of 1.5 ml/kg CCl₄ (1:3 mixture with olive oil) for 5 weeks in the remaining two groups which were also injected subcutaneous saline or 2 mg/kg infliximab. Infliximab reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05 for both). The scores of hepatic necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin were lower in the infliximab-treated group than the CCI₄-treated group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in terms of liver tissue and plasma malondialdehyde, and serum TNF-α levels, while infliximab relatively reduced the level of transforming growth factor-β₁ (373.0 ± 153.1 vs. 280.8 ± 127.1 pg/ml). Treatment with infliximab attenuated the necro-inflammation and fibrogenesis in the CCI₄-induced hepatic fibrosis, and thus it might be effective as a therapeutic anti-fibrotic agent.     

Efficacy of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichophyton ajelloi</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lagenidium giganteum</Emphasis> metabolites against mosquitoes after flash chromatography

Entomopathogens are significant natural enemies for mosquitoes. We have investigated the adulticidal efficacies of metabolites of Trichophyton ajelloi and Lagenidium giganteum against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti simultaneously. The T. ajelloi was grown on Sabouraud’s dextrose broth medium at 25 ± 2°C and relative humidity at 75 ± 5% for 15 days. L. giganteum was grown in peptone yeast extract glucose broth at 25 ± 2°C and relative humidity 75 ± 5% for 15 days. The filtrations of metabolites have been made by using Whatman-1 filter paper then with the flash chromatograph. The bioassays were conducted as per the World Health Organization’s methods and protocols (2006). In this significant investigations, the metabolites of T. ajelloi have been found highly susceptible against A. aegypti with LC₉₉-7.24 ml after an exposure time of 24 h with a comparison, the LC₉₉-66 ml was observed against C. quinquefasciatus after exposure of 24 h. Moreover, the L. giganteum metabolites have shown higher pathogenicity against C. quinquefasciatus with LC₉₉-11.3 ml and A. aegypti with LC₉₉-15.49 ml. Although, the efficacy in adults could be achieved with higher concentration can be significant also. Their adulticidal activities in different climatic zones are plausible with metabolites which have better LT values of T. ajelloi.     

Calcium-phosphorus homeostasis and changes in parathyroid hormone secretion in cats with various stages of spontaneous chronic renal failure

Feline chronic renal failure was recognized with increased frequency in Maine coon, Abyssinian, Siamese, Russian blue, and Burmese cats. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, calcium, and phosphorus homeostasis and the development of various stages of the naturally occurring chronic renal failure (CRF) in cats. Thirty-two CRF cats without history of receiving special diet for renal diseases that were presented to the Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University were studied. Nineteen CRF cats were followed prospectively for 60 days and divided into two groups: uremic group (11 cats) and end-stage group (eight cats). The control group (13 cats) were normal cats, which were brought for vaccination at the same hospital within the same period. CRF cats with blood urea nitrogen concentrations of more than 50 mg/dl, serum creatinine level of more than 2.1 mg/dl, and urine specific gravity of between 1.008 and 1.014 were included into the study. Completed blood count, blood chemistry, electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, total calcium, and phosphorus, and PTH levels were measured on days 0, 14, 30, and 60 after the first diagnosis. The results showed that cats with CRF had significantly lower red blood cells, hemoglobin, and pack cell volume than control cats (p < 0.01) on days 0, 14, 30, and 60. PTH levels on first day of diagnosis were 50.51 ± 19.65, 79.41 ± 28.12, and 183.37 ± 50.12 pg/ml in controls, uremic, and end-stage groups, respectively. Cats in end-stage group had significantly increased levels of PTH when compared to control (p < 0.01) and uremic groups (p < 0.05) on days 0, 14, and 30. Serum phosphorus levels also increased significantly in end-stage group (p < 0.001), indicating the presence of renal secondary hyperparathyroidism. This study reveals that PTH level is significantly increased in end-stage CRF cats who did not received special diet for renal diseases. The development of renal secondary hyperparathyroidism in end-stage CRF cats significantly decreased its survival rate.     

In vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of crude extracts and compounds from the stem bark of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kigelia africana</Emphasis> (Lam.) Benth (Bignoniaceae)

In order to assess the potential of the stem bark of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth as source of new anti-malarial leads, n-hexane and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts and four compounds isolated from the stem bark were screened in vitro against the chloroquine-resistant W-2 and two field isolates of Plasmodium falciparum using lactate dehydrogenase assay. The products were also tested for their cytotoxicity on LLC/MK2 monkey kidney cells. The EtOAc extract exhibited a significant antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ = 11.15 μg/mL on W-2; 3.91 and 4.74 μg/mL on field CAM10 and SHF4 isolates, respectively), whereas the n-hexane fraction showed a weak activity (IC₅₀ = 73.78 μg/mL on W-2 and 21.85 μg/mL on SHF4). Three out of the four compounds showed good activity against all the three different parasite strains (IC₅₀ < 5 μM). Specicoside exhibited the highest activity on W-2 (IC₅₀ = 1.54 μM) followed by 2β, 3β, 19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (IC₅₀ = 1.60 μM) and atranorin (IC₅₀ = 4.41 μM), while p-hydroxycinnamic acid was the least active (IC₅₀ = 53.84 μM). The EtOAc extract and its isolated compounds (specicoside and p-hydroxycinnamic acid) were non-cytotoxic (CC₅₀ > 30 μg/mL), whereas the n-hexane extract and two of its products, atranorin and 2β, 3β, 19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid showed cytotoxicity at high concentrations, with the last one being the most toxic (CC₅₀ = 9.37 μg/mL). These findings justify the use of K. africana stem bark as antimalaria by traditional healers of Western Cameroon, and could constitute a good basis for further studies towards development of new leads or natural drugs for malaria.