Immunomodulation during and after castration under inhalation anaesthetic without genotoxic effects on equine lymphocytes

Evaluation of the effects of two anaesthetic protocols on oxidative status and DNA damage in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) undergoing endoscopic coeliotomy

The aim of this study was to assess how red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) respond to anaesthesia itself and coelioscopy. For that purpose, the turtles were anaesthetised with ketamine-medetomidine or propofol, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by spectrophotometry. The possible genotoxic effects of the anaesthetic agents were estimated by comet assay. A total of 24 turtles were included in this study. The animals were divided into four groups according to the anaesthetic protocol and according to whether endoscopy would be performed. Significantly decreased activities of CAT were found only in the propofol group and in turtles undergoing coelioscopy. Both anaesthetic protocols induced significantly increased MDA levels, while no differences were observed after the intervention. A significant increase in GST activity was detected in turtles after both anaesthetic protocols, but after coelioscopy significant changes in GST activity were found only in the propofol group. However, no differences in SOD activity and no DNA damages were detected in either group. These findings suggest that ketamine-medetomidine may be more suitable anaesthetic agents in red-eared sliders than propofol.

Effects of Isoflurane Anesthesia on the Hematologic Values of Rehabilitated Wild Owls

Isoflurane anesthesia is commonly used for owls when they are being rehabilitated to minimize stress during treatments and procedures, as well as to ensure caretaker safety. However, the effects of isoflurane anesthesia on the hematologic response of owls are not known. To investigate the effects of isoflurane anesthesia on the hematology of owls, 3 phases of investigation were performed on the subject animals: 1) single, short manual- versus single, short isoflurane-restraint episodes (n = 12; 38%); 2) a single, prolonged isoflurane episode (n = 10; 31%); and 3) serial, short isoflurane episodes (n = 10; 31%). All owls were classified as adult, and the sex for most individuals was unknown. Twelve owls (38%) were included in phase 1: 5 great horned owls (Bubo virginianus; 42%), 2 eastern screech owls (Megascops asio; 17%), and 5 barred owls (Strix varia; 42%). A separate cohort of 10 novel owls (31%) were selected for inclusion in both phases 2 and 3: 4 great horned owls (40%), 2 eastern screech owls (20%), 2 barred owls (20%), 1 barn owl (Tyto alba; 10%), and 1 snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus; 10%). For each anesthetic episode, blood was collected within 3 minutes of capture and in 15-minute intervals according to the duration of the procedure. Phase 2 had additional blood collections with the patient awake at 2 and 24 hours after time 0 blood collection, whereas phase 3 had an additional blood collection at 24 hours after time 0 blood collection. Hematologic analyses included packed cell volume, total solids, total white blood cell count, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and absolute heterophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts. Total white blood cell count decreased significantly during phase 1; packed cell volume decreased significantly during phases 2 and 3; total solids decreased significantly in phase 2; phase 2 demonstrated a lymphopenia with a concurrent decrease in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio; and phase 3 demonstrated a heteropenia and significant changes in the eosinophil count. All hematologic changes noted in the study were within appropriate reference intervals for the owls but do suggest that there are physiologic consequences of restraining and anesthetizing these avian patients.

The comet assay in animal models: From bugs to whales - (Part 2 Vertebrates)

The comet assay has become one of the methods of choice for the evaluation and measurement of DNA damage. It is sensitive, quick to perform and relatively affordable for the evaluation of DNA damage and repair at the level of individual cells. The comet assay can be applied to virtually any cell type derived from different organs and tissues. Even though the comet assay is predominantly used on human cells, the application of the assay for the evaluation of DNA damage in yeast, plant and animal cells is also quite high, especially in terms of biomonitoring. The present extensive overview on the usage of the comet assay in animal models will cover both terrestrial and water environments. The first part of the review was focused on studies describing the comet assay applied in invertebrates. The second part of the review, (Part 2) will discuss the application of the comet assay in vertebrates covering cyclostomata, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, in addition to chordates that are regarded as a transitional form towards vertebrates. Besides numerous vertebrate species, the assay is also performed on a range of cells, which includes blood, liver, kidney, brain, gill, bone marrow and sperm cells. These cells are readily used for the evaluation of a wide spectrum of genotoxic agents both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the use of vertebrate models and their role in environmental biomonitoring will also be discussed as well as the comparison of the use of the comet assay in vertebrate and human models in line with ethical principles. Although the comet assay in vertebrates is most commonly used in laboratory animals such as mice, rats and lately zebrafish, this paper will only briefly review its use regarding laboratory animal models and rather give special emphasis to the increasing usage of the assay in domestic and wildlife animals as well as in various ecotoxicological studies.

Lactation Affects Isolated Mitochondria and Its Fatty Acid Composition but Has No Effect on Tissue Protein Oxidation, Lipid Peroxidation or DNA-Damage in Laboratory Mice

Linking peak energy metabolism to lifespan and aging remains a major question especially when focusing on lactation in females. We studied, if and how lactation affects in vitro mitochondrial oxygen consumption and mitochondrial fatty acid composition. In addition, we assessed DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls to extrapolate on oxidative stress in mothers. As model system we used C57BL/6NCrl mice and exposed lactating females to two ambient temperatures (15 °C and 22 °C) while they nursed their offspring until weaning. We found that state II and state IV respiration rates of liver mitochondria were significantly higher in the lactating animals than in non-lactating mice. Fatty acid composition of isolated liver and heart mitochondria differed between lactating and non-lactating mice with higher n-6, and lower n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the lactating females. Surprisingly, lactation did not affect protein carbonyls, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, nor did moderate cold exposure of 15 °C. We conclude that lactation increases rates of mitochondrial uncoupling and alters mitochondrial fatty acid composition thus supporting the "uncoupling to survive" hypothesis. Regarding oxidative stress, we found no impact of lactation and lower ambient temperature and contribute to growing evidence that there is no linear relationship between oxidative damage and lactation.

Genotoxicity of Anesthetics Evaluated In Vivo (Animals)

The anesthesia has been improved all over the years. However, it can have impact on health, in both patients and animals anesthetized, as well as professionals exposed to inhaled anesthetics. There is continuing effort to understand the possible effects of anesthetics at molecular levels. Knowing the effects of anesthetic agents on genetic material could be a valuable basic support to better understand the possible mechanisms of these agents. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview on the genotoxic potential, evaluated in animal models, of many anesthetics that have already been used and those currently used in anesthesia.

Investigations into cytotoxic effects of the herbal preparation Abnormal Savda Munziq

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional herbal medicine, for the prevention and treatment of human diseases, e.g. bowel cancer.

METHODS

The parameters total polyphenol content, cell proliferation and DNA-damage as well as RNA and protein-oxidation were analysed in vitro. Besides, the expressions of miRNA and tumor suppressor genes as well as cellular senescence were evaluated.

RESULTS

ASMq had a high polyphenol content and induced damage to proteins, RNA as well as to DNA, which is correlated with its cytotoxicity. Furthermore ASMq up-regulated the tumor suppressor genes p21, p53 and p16 and down-regulated the micro-RNAs hsa-mir-17 and hsa-mir-106b. In addition cellular growth arrest and SA-β-gal-staining were induced.

CONCLUSION

ASMq has the ability to induce DNA damage and cellular senescence, which are double-edged mechanisms in fighting cancer, as they might also have harmful side effects.

Protective effects of antioxidants on deoxynivalenol-induced damage in murine lymphoma cells

As contradictory results have been reported on the immunotoxic properties of deoxynivalenol (DON) in animal studies, we introduced a lymphoblast cell culture model in order to examine the effects of DON on lymphoblastic cell growth and metabolism as well as the preventive properties of free radical scavenger molecules against the DON-induced cell damage. Murine YAC-1 lymphoma cells were used because lymphoblasts have been shown to be sensitive to DON-induced immunotoxicity. Cells were quantified and their proliferative activity was measured by a proliferation test. Lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation were determined using assays quantifying thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and carbonylated proteins. Severely reduced cell counts were detected in DON-treated samples, confirmed by a 5-10 times lower proliferative activity. Significant increases in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation were found in parallel incubated samples. The pre-incubation with free radical scavengers significantly reduced DON-induced changes to proteins and lipids as well as the tarnished cell viability and cell proliferation. These results suggest that YAC-1 lymphoma cells are a suitable model to investigate and elucidate the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms for possible immunotoxic effects of DON. With regard to the impact of free radical scavengers, the applied in-vitro model might enable the investigation of potential prophylactic and therapeutic effects before or even without harmful animal experiments and cost- and time-intensive expenses.