Search Results (16)

Viper envenomation in dogs represents a significant medical emergency in regions where vipers are endemic. Despite its clinical relevance, detailed data on the haematological and biochemical alterations in canine viper envenomation remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation and haematological, biochemical and coagulative changes occurring in dogs following bites from the Vipera aspis species, and to assess their diagnostic and prognostic significance. Twelve dogs with suspected Vipera aspis envenomation were encompassed in the study. Clinical data were gathered and blood samples were collected at hospital admission (T1), 24 h (T2) and 48 h later (T3). Complete blood counts, biochemical profiles and coagulation parameters were analysed using standard automated systems. Common clinical signs included local pain and swelling, depression, fever, haematuria and melena. Haematological evaluation revealed progressive anaemia, leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical findings showed elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatine kinas (CK), indicating hepatic and muscular injury; however, no consistent evidence of renal failure was found. Coagulation analysis revealed a significant shortening of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) over time, alongside marked increases in fibrinogen and antithrombin III. This indicates an inflammatory rather than consumptive coagulopathy. Viper envenomation in dogs induces complex haematological and biochemical alterations, reflecting both direct venom toxicity and systemic inflammatory responses. Early recognition, supportive care and continuous laboratory monitoring are essential for improving prognosis. Full article

Aging is a complex biological process marked by progressive physiological decline with increasing vulnerability to diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and metabolic syndromes. Identifying reliable biomarkers of aging is essential for assessing biological age, predicting health outcomes, and guiding interventions to promote healthy aging. Among various candidate biomarkers, red blood cells (RBCs) offer a unique and accessible window into the aging process due to their abundance, finite lifespan, and responsiveness to systemic changes. This review examines the potential of RBCs as biomarkers of aging by exploring their age-associated morphological, functional, and biochemical alterations. Age-related reduction in key haematological parameters such as RBC count, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit, and increases in mean cell volume (MCV) and red cell distribution width (RDW), reflect underlying shifts in erythropoiesis and cellular turnover. Functional changes include reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, decreased deformability, diminished ATP release, and increased RBC aggregation, all of which may impair both macrocirculatory and microcirculatory flow and tissue oxygenation. Biochemically, aging RBCs exhibit altered membrane lipid and protein composition, reduced membrane fluidity, and diminished antioxidant and enzymatic activity, contributing to cellular senescence and clearance. Despite these promising indicators, challenges persist in establishing RBC parameters as definitive biomarkers of aging. Inter-individual and intra-individual variability and storage-related artifacts complicate their use. In conclusion, RBCs present a compelling, though currently underutilized, avenue for aging biomarker research. Further longitudinal validation and mechanistic research are essential to support the clinical utility of RBC parameters as biomarkers of aging. Full article

Tebuconazole (TBZ), a triazole-class fungicide widely used in agriculture, is frequently detected in aquatic environments due to runoff and leaching, where it poses a threat to non-target aquatic organisms. This study investigates the acute toxicity of TBZ on juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a commercially important cold-water fish species. The 96 h LC₅₀ value was determined to be 9.05 mg/L using probit analysis. In addition to mortality, the physiological responses of fish exposed to both LC₅₀ and maximum tolerance concentration (MTC; 6 mg/L) were evaluated through haematological and histological assessments. TBZ exposure significantly suppressed key haematological parameters, particularly WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, and LYM, indicating immunosuppression and potential hypoxia. Histological examination revealed progressive and regressive damage in gill tissues, including epithelial lifting, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy, which were more severe in the LC₅₀ group. These alterations were quantified using a semi-quantitative scoring system. Additionally, significant changes in biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, creatinine, total protein, and glucose levels were observed, further indicating hepatic and renal dysfunctions induced by TBZ exposure. The findings demonstrate that TBZ exposure induces substantial physiological and structural impairments in rainbow trout, highlighting the importance of assessing the ecological risks of fungicide contamination in aquatic environments. The study also provides a dose–response model that can be used to estimate mortality risk in aquaculture operations exposed to TBZ. Full article

Background: Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a highly lethal filoviral infection, yet its long-term health consequences remain poorly understood. We present one of the most temporally distant evaluations of MVD survivors, conducted 13 years post-outbreak in Uganda, offering novel insights into chronic physiological, biochemical, haematological, and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based study compared ten MVD survivors with nineteen age- and sex-matched unexposed controls. Clinical evaluations included vital signs, anthropometry, mental health screening, and symptom reporting. Laboratory analyses covered electrolytes, inflammatory markers, renal and liver function tests, haematology, and urinalysis. Standardised psychological assessments measured anxiety, depression, perceived stigma, and social support. Findings: Survivors exhibited an elevated body mass index (BMI), higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and lower respiratory rates compared to controls, indicating ongoing cardiometabolic and autonomic changes. These trends may reflect persistent cardiometabolic stress and potential alterations in autonomic regulation, warranting further investigation. Biochemically, survivors exhibited disruptions in serum chloride, bilirubin, and total protein levels, suggesting subclinical hepatic and renal stress. Haematological analysis revealed persistent reticulocytosis despite normal haemoglobin levels, indicating long-term erythropoietic modulation. Despite these physiological changes, survivors reported minimal psychological morbidity, sharply contrasting with the post-recovery profiles of other viral haemorrhagic fevers. Stigma was prevalent during the outbreak; however, strong family support alleviated long-term psychosocial distress. Interpretation: Thirteen years post-infection, MVD survivors demonstrate multisystem physiological perturbations without marked psychological sequelae. These findings challenge assumptions of universal post-viral trauma and highlight the necessity for tailored survivor care models. Future longitudinal studies should investigate the mechanistic pathways underlying cardiometabolic and haematological reprogramming to inform intervention strategies in resource-limited settings. Full article

Objective: The study aims to assess the overall safety of cultured tilapias in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia by assessing the impact of infection and anthropogenic pollution on farmed tilapias based on fish sex, body weight, length, and heavy metals contamination. Materials and methods: A total of 111 fish were collected from an aquaculture farm in Hada Al-Sham, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Physicochemical parameters of water from the culture system were evaluated. Both ecto- and endoparasites were checked. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological investigations were evaluated. In addition, heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in different fish tissues and water samples from the aquaculture system. Results: The study revealed stressed aquaculture system. Tilapias were infested by both ectoparasites including Trichodina, Icthyophthirius multifiliis, Dactylogrus, and Cichlidogyrus, and endoparasites as Icthyophonus hoferi, the nematode Capillaria and coccidian protozoa. The study showed that male tilapias had greater infestation rates than females and longer and heavier male fish tended to be more susceptible to Dactylogyrus infection. Infected fish showed altered biochemical markers with subsequent increases in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The post-mortem lesion in the skin, gill lamellae, intestine, spleen, and liver showed significant pathological remarks. All investigated fish tissues revealed higher rates of heavy metals bioaccumulation compared to the surrounding waters. On the other hand, infected Nile tilapia tissues showed higher rate of metals accumulation compared to non-infected ones. Metals accumulated at a higher rate in the liver followed by kidney, intestine, gills, and muscles, respectively. Conclusions: This study is recognized as the first to address the food safety of farmed tilapias in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The results emphasized a significant relation between parasites and heavy metal in disrupting fish defense systems and harming fish’s physiological homeostasis and the histological state of tissues. The parasitized and polluted farmed fish pose health risk to humans due to possible zoonosis from parasitic infections and its subsequent bacterial infections with long-term exposure to toxic chemicals. Addressing the need for a combination of improved aquaculture practices, and stringent regulatory oversight. Full article

Short beak and dwarfism syndrome (SBDS), characterised by growth retardation and short beak, is a contagious disease of ducks, caused by goose parvovirus (GPV). This study aimed to compare morphology and biochemistry data obtained from 4-week-old Pekin ducks naturally infected with parvovirus causing SBDS in healthy Pekin ducks of the same age. Materials and Methods: Forty Pekin ducks (twenty infected GPV and twenty clinically healthy controls) were examined. Measurement of the beak and metatarsus and histopathological examination were conducted, and blood morphological and biochemical analyses were performed for each individual. Results: Statistically significant increases in the SBDS group were observed in white blood cells (WBCs), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin levels, while decreases were noted in non-organic phosphorus, potassium, and amylase levels. ALP in the control group was 465.70 ± 161.49, while in the SBDS group it was 353.68 ± 79.97 (p ˂ 0.006). 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase marker offered a refined gauge for pancreatic function, with established reference values for the healthy control group set at 14.95 ± 4.27 U/L. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the unique impact of GPV on the skeletal system of Pekin ducks, revealing significant insights into the mechanisms of SBDS without osteitis. Additionally, this work offers groundbreaking insights into the morphological and biochemical alterations in the blood during SBDS, establishing normative haematological and biochemical indices for Pekin ducks. It also introduces the DGGR lipase marker as a refined marker for pancreatic function for the healthy control group set at 14.95 ± 4.27 U/L. It highlights the role of ALP in ensuring proper bone growth and the need for ongoing research on its activity in the context of viral infections. Full article

Benzene is harmful to human health and early detection of haematological alterations is important in preventing adverse health effects. This study aimed to investigate the biomarkers of benzene exposure and its effects due to haematological alterations. Gasoline station workers with potential risks according to the biomatrix concerning benzene exposure underwent blood and urine evaluation for the biological monitoring of urinary trans, trans-muconic acid (tt-MA), and haematological and biochemical parameter evaluation. The results were analysed for correlations between biological and haematological effects. The tt-MA biomarker was detected in some workers and approximately 50% of workers had a blood profile that showed abnormal parameters with respect to the haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct) and white blood cell parameters, which were outside the normal range. A significant correlation was observed between the tt-MA biomarker’s level and the levels of the haematological and biochemical parameters, which were Hb, Hct, eosinophil, neutrophil, SGOT and blood creatinine. The level of urinary tt-MA as a marker of benzene exposure correlated with haematological and biochemical changes in the blood, suggesting that the gasoline station workers were affected by benzene exposure. Moreover, the current study suggests that early detection of haematological abnormalities may be possible by analysing biomarkers of their effects through regular health surveillance of workers. Full article

Chronic hyperglycemia brought on by abnormalities in insulin production, insulin action, or both is a typical symptom of diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the ethanol leaf extract of A. senegalensis for its potential hypoglycaemic, anti-oxidative, and haematological activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, as well as the effects of the extract on the lipid profile, liver, and kidney functions of the rats. Following diabetic induction and treatment of the rats, standard procedures were used in determining the red blood cell/erythrocyte count, white blood cell/leukocyte count, platelets, neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate), lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triacylglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein), and kidney and liver function parameters (alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase activities, total protein, total bilirubin serum levels, creatinine, and urea serum levels). There was a reduction in the hyperglycaemic index and significant (p < 0.05) elevations in the antioxidant activity and haematological parameters. Na⁺ and high-density lipoprotein were, respectively, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced and elevated. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the kidney and liver function parameters. The study opens the door for further studies, including the elucidation of the bioactive compounds responsible for the observed pharmacological effects. Full article

Intrauterine growth restriction in piglets has been a problem in the pig industry due to genetic selection based on hyperprolificacy. This has led to an increase in the number of underweight piglets and a worsening of the survival rate. The goal of this study was to enhance the knowledge of differences between normal and IUGR piglets a few hours after birth in terms of haematological variables, biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin levels. Two groups of 20 piglets each were assessed. The control group (N) was made up of piglets with weights greater than 1500 g, and the IUGR group consisted of piglets weighing 500–1000 g and with at least two IUGR features. Blood samples were collected 72 h after birth for analysis of the red and white blood cell parameters, reticulocyte indices, platelet indices, biochemical parameters, and immunoglobulin levels. Alterations in red blood cells and reticulocytes, a lower lymphocyte count, hyperinsulinemia, and high oxidative stress were observed in IUGR piglets (p < 0.05). In contrast, differences were not observed (p > 0.05) in the serum immunoglobulin level. It can be concluded that the haematological and biochemical differences in IUGR piglets with respect to normal-weight piglets are present at birth indicating possible alterations in immunity, metabolism, and redox status; therefore, IUGR piglets could be more vulnerable to illness and future disorders, such as metabolic syndrome. Full article

Canine leishmaniosis is a challenge in veterinary medicine and no drug to date has achieved parasite clearance in dogs. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are a drug class widely used in cancer chemotherapy. We have successfully used O-alkyl hydroxamates (vorinostat derivatives) in the treatment of a laboratory model of visceral leishmaniasis without showing toxicity. In order to test the effectiveness of a particular compound, MTC-305, a parallel-group, randomized, single-centre, exploratory study was designed in naturally infected dogs. In this clinical trial, 18 dogs were allocated into 3 groups and were treated with either meglumine antimoniate (104 mg Sb^V/kg), MTC-305 (3.75 mg/kg) or a combination of both using a lower MTC-305 dose (1.5 mg/kg) through a subcutaneous route for 2 treatment courses of 30 days, separated by a 30-day rest period. After treatment, a follow-up time of 4 months was established. Parasite burden in bone marrow, lymph node and peripheral blood were quantified through qPCR. Antibody titres were determined through an immunofluorescence antibody test, and cytokine expression values were calculated through RT-qPCR. Treatment safety was evaluated through the assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters in blood, weight, and gastrointestinal alterations. Assessment was carried out before, between and after treatment series. Treatment with MTC-305 was effective at reducing parasite burdens and improving the animals’ clinical picture. Dogs treated with this compound did not present significant toxicity signs. These results were superior to those obtained using the reference drug, meglumine antimoniate, in monotherapy. These results would support a broader clinical trial, optimised dosage, and an expanded follow-up stage to confirm the efficacy of this drug. Full article

The demand for the development of novel medicines with few side effects and no proarrhythmic properties is increasing. Extensive research on herbal extracts has been conducted with the expectation that the compounds will exert precise effects without harmful side effects. Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. essential oil (EO) possesses antiarrhythmic properties similar to those of class 1B antiarrhythmics, such as prolonging myocardial activation of the QRS complex and shortening the QT interval. In this study, we determined the kinetic profile of EO phytocompounds and the effects of EO on heart electrical activity and arterial blood pressure. For this study, we chose to use local breed pigs that were anaesthetized. The effects of an intravenous bolus of EO on ECG parameters, arterial blood pressure, heart rate variability, and blood levels of haematological and biochemical parameters were registered and evaluated. Following an intravenous injection of a bolus, EO exerted a vasodilatory effect, resulting in significant reductions in arterial blood pressure. EO also increased the heart rate and altered ECG parameters. The bolus of EO prolonged the QRS complex, shortened the QT interval, and nonmonotonically altered the PQ interval. After the administration of a bolus of EO, the activity of the autonomic nervous system was altered. This study confirms that EO possesses similar properties to class 1B antiarrhythmics and exerts a hypotensive effect; it reduces arterial blood pressure possibly by modulating peripheral vascular resistance. Full article

The use of protein-rich mopane worm meal (MPWM) in marine fish diets has the potential to reduce the overall demand for fishmeal (FM) and thus promote economically and ecologically sustainable dusky kob aquaculture. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of graded levels of MPWM on feed and nutrient utilization, digestive enzymes, blood parameters, and growth performance in dusky kob fingerlings (Argyrosomus japonicus, Temminck and Schlegel, 1843) over a 7-week feeding trial. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic commercial dusky kob diets were formulated by substituting 0 (MPWM0), 3 (MPWM3), 6 (MPWM6), 9 (MPWM9), and 18% (MPWM18) of FM with MPWM and offered at 2.8% of fish body weight. Two-thousand fingerlings (average weight 15.68 ± 0.25 g) were evenly distributed into 20 experimental tanks of a recirculating aquaculture system. Weight measurements were taken weekly, while blood and intestinal samples were taken at the end of the experiment. The inclusion of MPWM quadratically influenced (y = 39.25 (±1.27) + 0.89 (±0.36)x − 0.04 (0.02) x²; R² = 0.23; p = 0.03) overall feed intake. Overall weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) linearly increased while overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) linearly declined with MPWM inclusion levels. Substituting FM with MPWM did not alter (p > 0.05) digestive enzyme activities and haematological parameters. Among the serum biochemical components measured, only urea increased linearly in response to MPWM levels, while no trends were observed for the other components. It was concluded that replacing 11.13% of FM with MPWM in commercial dusky kob diet formulations does not compromise feed intake, feed utilization efficiency, growth rate, and physiological status of juvenile dusky kob. Full article

The development and adoption of cell therapies has been largely limited by difficulties associated with their safety, handling, and storage. Extracellular vesicles (EV) have recently emerged as a likely mediator for the therapeutic effect of cells, offering several advantages over cell therapies. Due to their small size and inability to expand and metastasize, EV are generally considered safer than cell transplantation. Nevertheless, few studies have scrutinized the toxicity profile of EV, particularly after repeated high-dose administration. The present study aimed to evaluate a preparation of small EV obtained from umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MNC-sEV) for its cytotoxicity in different cell lines, as well as its differential accumulation, distribution, and toxicity following repeated intravenous (IV) administrations in a rodent model. In vitro, repeated sEV exposure in concentrations up to 1 × 10¹¹ particles/mL had no deleterious impact on the viability or metabolic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, THP-1 monocytes, THP-1-derived macrophages, normal dermal human fibroblasts, or human umbilical vein endothelial cells. DiR-labelled sEV, injected intravenously for four weeks in healthy rats, were detected in clearance organs, particularly the kidneys, spleen, and liver, similarly to control dye. Moreover, repeated administrations for six and twelve weeks of up to 1 × 10¹⁰ total particles of sEV dye were well-tolerated, with no changes in general haematological cell counts, or kidney and liver toxicity markers. More importantly, unlabelled sEV likewise did not induce significant alterations in cellular and biochemical blood parameters, nor any morphological changes in the heart, kidney, lung, spleen, or liver tissue. In sum, our data show that UCB-MNC-sEV have no significant toxicity in vitro or in vivo, even when administered repeatedly at high concentrations, therefore confirming their safety profile and potential suitability for future clinical use. Full article

Deviation in the gut microbial composition is involved in various pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) can act as a promising approach to treat IBD by which changes in microbiome can be reversed and homeostasis restored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FMT on the remission of acute inflammatory response using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced rat colitis model. Faecal microbial communities were analysed using the 16S rRNA approach, and clinical manifestations together with histological/haematological/biochemical/immunological analyses were assessed. Our study demonstrated significant shifts in the dominant species of microbiota under inflammatory conditions induced by DSS and evident restoration effect of FMT treatment on microbial composition. These faecal microbial alterations in FMT-treated rats led to a relative restoration of colon length, and a significant decrease in both epithelium damage and disease severity, which was reflected in lower serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Haematological/biochemical parameters in DSS-treated animals showed signs of anaemia with a significant reduction in red blood cell count together with increasing levels of total bilirubin, creatinine and phosphorus suggesting potential protective effect of FMT. These results support FMT as a valuable therapeutic strategy to control inflammation during acute colitis. Full article

Verbena officinalis or vervain is globally used as an herbal medicine and dietary supplement for anti-depressive and anti-convulsive purposes, as well as to treat inflammatory disorders, skin burns, abrasions and gastric problems. In our exploratory research, we investigated the biochemical, antioxidant and histopathological effects of local V. officinalis infusion in rats previously submitted to chronic physical stress. The animals presented significant alterations in several organs’ ratios; namely the epididymis and brain ratios with p = 0.003 and p = 0.013, respectively. Moreover, tissues such as those of the kidney and liver presented relevant histologic alterations due to experimental conditions. Total protein, creatine kinase (CKI), uric acid (URCA), circulating and hepatic alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and glucose levels were statistically different between treated and non-treated animals with p < 0.05. Altogether, biochemical and haematological results indicated significant impacts in antioxidant, lipidic and protein metabolism. Therefore, physical stress and vervain infusion have significant in vivo effects. Chronic stress effects were not counteracted by vervain consumption (e.g., p = 0.5 for hepatic and renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels between the different groups). A correlation between histology and the active components in an herbal extract would enable a better evaluation of herbal medicines. Accordingly, further studies of vervain extracts effects are in progress. Full article