The effects of subclinical fasciolosis on hepatic secretory function in sheep

The effects of subclinical fasciolosis at various stages of its development on bile flow and bile acid secretion and on the hepatobiliary transport of bilirubin were investigated in experimentally infected sheep. Bile flow was significantly reduced by weeks 6–14 postinfection. This was accompanied by a decrease in bile acid secretion by weeks 6–8. Serum AST and GLDH activities and serum bile acid concentration were significantly elevated from weeks 6 to 14. Total serum bilirubin was maximally increased at 6 weeks postinfection and remained elevated at weeks 8 and 14. Increases corresponded to both unconjugated and conjugated fractions, although the conjugated/total bilirubin ratio was enhanced in all infected animals. Biliary bilirubin secretion declined from weeks 6 to 14. No alteration was detected in either uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase activity, cytochrome P-450 concentration, or hematological markers of hemolysis. This study shows that the migration of immature flukes in the course of ovine fasciolosis causes a cholestatic phenomenon responsible for changes in serum and biliary bilirubin levels.Abbreviations AST Aspartate aminotrasferase - GLDH glutamate dehydrogenase     

Subacute and acute fasciolosis in sheep in southern Brazil

Eight outbreaks of acute and subacute fasciolosis are reported in sheep in the municipality of Santa Vitória do Palmar, southern Brazil, in areas used for irrigated rice cultivation, which are subject to frequent flooding. Two outbreaks occurred mid-winter during July and August, and six occurred during spring and early summer. Morbidity ranged from 3 to 66.7 %, and mortality ranged from 3 to 50 %. Clinical signs included weight loss, mucosal pallor, apathy, depression, muscle tremors, and drooling; these were followed by death within approximately 24 h. Some sheep were found dead. Gross lesions were characterized by an irregular liver capsule with fibrin deposition and hemorrhages. The liver parenchyma contained hemorrhagic tracts or irregular clear areas alternated with dark hemorrhagic areas. Histologically, hemorrhagic dark red tracts of necrotic liver parenchyma and an inflammatory infiltrate were noted; these lesions coincided with the presence of immature flukes. Langhans-type giant cells, fibrous tissue, and bile duct cell proliferation were observed in subacute cases. Chronic fasciolosis is a well-known disease to farmers in southern Brazil; nevertheless, acute and subacute fasciolosis, which are more difficult to diagnose and treat, may cause important economic losses. Efficient control of fasciolosis requires integration of measures to treat infections in the definitive host, to reduce the population of snails of the genus Lymnaea, and to avoid contact between the parasite and host by appropriate pasture management.     

Associations of serum TRAIL concentrations, anthropometric variables, and serum lipid parameters in healthy adults

To investigate the relationships of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), anthropometric variables, and lipid parameters, we measured serum TRAIL concentrations, body mass index (BMI), total body fat (TBF), and serum lipid profiles in 207 healthy adults. There were no significant differences in serum TRAIL concentrations between men and women, nor between elderly persons and middle-aged subjects. However, men with TBF 16.4 kg (75th per centile) exhibited significantly higher serum TRAIL concentrations than those with TBF 11.2 kg (25th per centile) (69.7 +/- 15.1 pg/ml vs 50.2 +/- 14.3 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Serum TRAIL concentration averaged 76.2 +/- 16.1 pg/ml in women with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 165 mg/dl (75th per centile), which was significantly above the values (53.1 +/- 12.9 pg/ml, p < 0.05) in those with LDL-C 117 mg/dl (25th per centile), although no differences were observed on the basis of TBF (75th percentile vs 25th percentile). Serum TRAIL concentrations correlated significantlywithTBF (r = 0.31, p < 0.05) and lean body mass (r = -0.26, p <0.05) in men and LDL-C (r = 0.32, p < 0.05) and total cholesterol (r = 0.21, p < 0.05) in women. In conclusion, serum TRAIL concentrations are associated with serum lipid levels and body adiposity in healthy adults, but are unrelated to a subject's age or gender.     

Changes in serum lipid concentrations during iron depletion and after iron supplementation

To investigate the effects of body iron depletion and iron supplementation on serum lipid concentrations, hematologic indices, iron markers, and serum lipid profiles were measured in 427 girls, age 14-19 yr. There were no significant differences in serum lipid concentrations between subjects with moderate iron deficiency anemia (blood Hb < 12.0 g/dL) and healthy controls. However, serum total cholesterol concentration (mean +/- SD, 148 +/- 16 mg/dL) in severely anemic subjects with blood Hb < 8.0 g/dL was significantly lower than in subjects with blood Hb > or = 14.0 g/dL (170 +/- 17 mg/dL) (p < 0.01). Moreover, serum triglyceride concentration in subjects with blood Hb > 14.0 g/dL was 2-fold higher than in the severely anemic subjects. Mean values of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride (149 +/- 17 mg/dL and 58 +/- 22 mg/dL) in girls with severe anemia were significantly elevated after iron supplementation (164 +/- 17 mg/dL and 98 +/- 26 mg/dL) (p < 0.01, respectively). In the severely anemic subjects, blood Hb concentration was correlated with serum total cholesterol (r = 0.49, p < 0.01) and triglyceride concentrations (r = 0.51, p < 0.01). These findings indicate that severe iron deficiency anemia in girls is attended by decreased concentrations of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride, and that these reduced serum lipid levels return to normal following iron supplementation.     

Seasonal variations of some serum electrolyte concentrations in sheep and goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of calcium, chloride, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, in sheep and goats, during 12?months. The experimental subjects were six female sheep (Valle del Belice breed; aged 4?±?1?years; mean weight, 68?±?6?kg) and six female goats (Maltese breed; aged 3?±?1?years; mean weight, 45?±?3?kg). All subjects were clinically healthy and not pregnant nor lactating before and during the study. Blood samples were collected every 30?days at the same time (09:00) for 1?year (12?months). On the obtained sera, calcium, chloride, phosphorus, and magnesium were assessed by means of UV spectrophotometry; sodium and potassium were assessed by means of semiautomatic flame photometry. The application of the periodic model and statistical analysis of the cosinor procedure demonstrated seasonal rhythms of calcium, chloride, and sodium only in goats. Calcium showed the acrophase during the spring season, whereas the sodium and chloride serum values showed a seasonal rhythm with the acrophase in early summer. Our study sheds light on the seasonal difference existing between sheep and goats and provides useful information in livestock productions.     

Hepatotoxic iron storage in patients with chronic hepatitis C but no hepatic iron detectable histochemically

The accumulation of iron plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, even slight excesses of iron should be measured if possible. Eight patients were entered in this study who were negative for histochemical tests for iron in the liver. X-ray microanalysis showed that all eight patients had iron stored as scattered hepatocyte hemosiderin. Hemosiderin iron index expressed as the Fe X-ray count was correlated with serum ferritin levels. Phlebotomy reduced serum aminotransferase levels. Thus, the serum ferritin level is an index of excess iron that potentiates viral-induced hepatotoxicity in chronic hepatitis C.     

Early effects of erythropoietin on serum hepcidin and serum iron bioavailability in healthy volunteers

Hepcidin regulates plasma iron bioavailability and subsequently iron availability for erythropoiesis. rHuEPO has been reported to decrease hepcidin expression in case of repeated subcutaneous injections. Thus, hepcidin level measurement could be a candidate marker for detection of rHuEPO abuse. However, when used for doping, rHuEPO can be injected intravenously and the scheme of injection is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the early effects of a single intravenous rHuEPO injection on serum hepcidin levels. Fourteen male healthy volunteers received one intravenous injection of 50 U/Kg of rHuEPO during a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Serum hepcidin, quantified by a competitive ELISA method and iron parameters was then evaluated for 24 h. Serum levels of hepcidin were significantly increased 4 h after rHuEPO injection when compared with placebo injection (78.3 ± 55.5 vs. 57.5 ± 34.6 ng/ml, respectively; +36%, p < 0.05), whereas iron and transferrin saturation dramatically decreased 12 h after rHuEPO injection when compared with placebo injection (9.2 ± 3.5 vs. 15.8 ± 4.2 μg/l, respectively; −42%, p < 0.05 and 14.8 ± 5.0 vs. 26.3 ± 6.4%, respectively; −44%, p < 0.05). In addition, 12 and 24 h after rHuEPO injection serum hepcidin levels were lower compared with placebo injection (41.6 ± 27.4 vs. 56.6 ± 28.1 ng/ml after 12 h; −27%, p < 0.05 and 26.0 ± 29.6 vs. 81.2 ± 29.4 ng/ml after 24 h; −68%, p < 0.05). Intravenous injection of recombinant EPO induces a precocious and transient increase of serum hepcidin leading to a transient decrease of iron bioavailability. The transitory increase and dynamics of its concentration make difficult the practical use of hepcidin to detect rHuEPO doping.     

Serum copper,zinc, and iron concentrations of Holstein dairy cows in different seasonal and physiological states

The aim of the present study was to determine the serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations of Holstein dairy cows in different seasonal and physiological states. A total of 250 blood samples were collected from healthy Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were divided according to season, pregnancy, gestation period, calving number, and milk yield. The Cu, Fe, and Zn contents were assessed in samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Neither the seasonal nor the physiological changes affect mean serum Cu and Fe concentrations of Holstein dairy cattle. Mean Zn concentrations in serum vary only with physiological changes, including gestation period and milk yield. In cattle groups divided based on gestation period, the mean serum Zn concentrations were significantly higher for under 3 months than for 6–9 months (P?<?0.05). In cattle groups divided based on daily milk yield, the highest serum Zn concentrations were related to the group under 10 kg/day (P?<?0.05). In present study, although slight differences were observed in serum Cu, Zn, and Fe concentration in different seasonal and physiological states, especial care must be taken when concentrates are supplemented in different physiological states of Holstein dairy cows by trace elements.     

Relationships of lead, copper, zinc, and cadmium levels versus hematopoiesis and iron parameters in healthy adolescents

To investigate the relationships of trace element concentrations vs hematopoiesis and iron parameters, we measured lead, copper, zinc, cadmium, and ferritin levels in 251 healthy adolescents. Concentrations of trace metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. There were no significant gender-related differences in serum copper or serum cadmium concentrations. However, blood lead and serum zinc levels were significantly higher in males than females (3.82+/- 1.24 and 118.4 +/- 43.7 microg/dl vs 2.86+/- 1.06 and 83.5+/- 35.2 microg/dl, p<0.05, respectively). Subjects with elevated lead and copper concentrations exhibited significantly higher leukocyte counts and significantly lower serum iron levels than those with decreased lead and copper concentrations, but no significant differences were observed in blood erythrocyte counts or hemoglobin levels between the 2 groups. Blood lead concentrations were 2-fold higher in male adolescents with leukocytes >9.1 x 10(3)/microl than in those with leukocytes <4.3 x 10(3)/microl (5.04+/- 1.67 microg/dl vs 2.51+/- 0.75 microg/dl, p<0.05). Leukocyte counts had significant correlations with blood lead (r=0.39, p<0.05) and serum copper (r=0.26, p<0.05) in males and zinc (r=0.28, p <0.05) in females. Serum iron levels were inversely correlated with blood lead and serum copper concentrations but were not correlated with serum zinc or cadmium levels. In short, blood lead and serum copper concentrations have important relationships to leukocyte counts and iron parameters in adolescents.     

Correlation of zinc and copper values in the blood serum of Makuii sheep

In autumn 2009, 87 blood samples (28 male and 59 female) were taken, via jugular vein puncture using a heparinised venoject, from Makuii sheep in a preserved herd. The samples were divided into four age groups. Blood samples were transferred to a laboratory on ice, and the serum samples were separated from whole blood by centrifugation. Concentration of zinc and copper was measured in the serum by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean?±?SE of zinc and copper was 8.34?±?1.07 and 12.32?±?0.28?μmol/l, respectively. Zinc values were less than the normal expected range (P?<?0.05), but the copper value was normal in serum samples. It is possible that there is zinc deficiency in the herd in this part of Iran.     

Analysis of procalcitonin and CRP concentrations in serum of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Background

Our previous findings showed the importance of analysing the peripheral markers of acute phase response (APR) activation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 in the context of urticaria activity and severity. However, these biomarkers do not reliably differentiate between APR to infectious and the disease severity.

Aim

In order to investigate a possible association between the immune-inflammatory activation markers CRP and procalcitonin (PCT).

Methods

Serum PCT and CRP concentrations were measured in patients with CU of varying severity as well as in healthy subjects.

Results

Serum PCT and CRP concentrations were significantly increased in more severe CU patients when compared to healthy controls and mild CU, and within the CU population there was a significant correlation between concentrations of PCT and CRP. Serum PCT concentrations remained within normal ranges in most CU patients and were only slightly elevated in some severe CU cases.

Conclusions

PCT serum concentration may be only slightly elevated in some cases of severe CU. Upregulation of PCT synthesis accompanied by parallel changes in CRP concentration reflects a low-grade systemic inflammatory response in CU. PCT should be considered as a better marker than CRP to distinguish between APR to infection and an active non-specific urticarial inflammation.     

Effect of intravenously administered tetrathiomolybdate on plasma copper concentrations of copper-loaded sheep

Chronic copper toxicity was induced in 14 ewes in two groups by oral dosing with CuSO4. Copper dosing was stopped in sheep of groups 1 and 2 at the first rise of serum acid phosphatase activity and on the first day of haemolysis, respectively. Thiomolybdate was administered intravenously (i.v.) to sheep of group 2 at the rate of 100 mg on the first day of haemolysis and at 24-h intervals, with a maximum of 3 doses during haemolysis. Thiomolybdate was also given intravenously at a dose of 50 mg twice weekly for 11 weeks to four sheep of group 1 after the cessation of copper dosing (group 1B) and to five sheep of group 2 at the end of haemolysis. Plasma copper concentration was determined before and 24 h after each injection of 50 mg thiomolybdate and "elevations" of plasma copper concentration were seen after each injection of thiomolybdate. The differences between plasma copper concentrations observed before and after each thiomolybdate injection for doses 1 to 11 were significantly higher than those seen for doses 12 to 22. Following thiomolybdate administration, the copper content of the liver of sheep in groups 1B and 2 was reduced much more than in sheep of group 1A, in which copper dosing also ceased but which did not receive thiomolybdate. It was concluded that the high plasma copper response to thiomolybdate doses 1 to 11 was due to an influx of copper into the bloodstream from the heavily copper-loaded liver cells. The lower plasma copper response during the latter part of thiomolybdate administration was due to a gradual reduction in the amount of copper entering the bloodstream from the liver cells, as these cells became depleted of copper. Some of this copper may become part of the glomerular filtrate and be taken up by the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney or may be excreted in the urine.