Sarcoptic mange in dogs: Its effect on liver, oxidative stress, trace minerals and vitamins

Effect of parity on non-esterified fatty acid, oxidant/antioxidant status, and zinc and copper levels around periparturient period in Beetal goats of Himalayan Region

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of parity and physiological status on non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), oxidative stress, and zinc and copper levels among the Beetal breed of goat. Thirty dual-purpose Beetal goats reared under the semi-intensive system were selected and based on parity were divided into three groups with 10 animals each viz. Early parity (EP; ≤2 parity), mid parity (MP; 3-6 parity), and late parity (LP; ≥7 parity). Blood samples were collected 3 weeks and 1 week pre-kidding followed by 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-kidding for the estimation of NEFA, oxidant (malondialdehyde [MDA], antioxidant (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione [GSH], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], and glutathione S-transferase [GST]), and zinc and copper levels. Significant (p < 0.01) increase was observed in NEFA and MDA levels as the goats approached kidding and continued till 2 weeks post-kidding in MP and LP and 1 week post-kidding in EP goats. Significant decrease in SOD (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.05), GSH-Px (p < 0.01), GSH (p < 0.01), and GST (p < 0.05) activities were observed as goats approached kidding and continued to decrease up to 2 weeks post-kidding. Zinc and copper levels showed a significant decline from 3 weeks pre-kidding to 2 weeks post-kidding in MP and LP and 1 week post-kidding in EP goats. A significant effect of parity was observed on MDA (p < 0.05), GSH (p < 0.05), and GSH-Px (p < 0.05) activities only; however, parity × sampling time interaction was observed in all the parameters. Findings highlight a different metabolic, trace mineral (zinc and copper), and oxidative response around the periparturient period in Beetal goats, with the EP goats, responding first to increased metabolic and oxidative stress and also first to recover from oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.

Evidence underscoring immunological and clinical pathological changes associated with Sarcoptes scabiei infection: synthesis and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sarcoptes scabiei is one of the most impactful mammalian parasites. There has been much research on immunological and clinical pathological changes associated with S. scabiei parasitism across a range of host species. This rich body of literature is complex, and we seek to bring that complexity together in this study. We first (1) synthesise narrative reviews of immunopathological relationships to S. scabiei infection to construct overarching hypotheses; then (2) undertake a systematic meta-analysis of primary literature on immunological and clinical pathological changes; and lastly (3) contrast our findings from the meta-analysis to our synthesis from narrative reviews.

METHODS

We synthesised 55 narrative reviews into two overarching hypotheses representing type I and type IV immune responses to S. scabiei infection. We then systematically extracted all literature reporting immunological variables, acute phase proteins, oxidant/antioxidant status, and erythrocytic, hepatological and nephrological changes, calculating 565 effect sizes between controls and sarcoptic mange affected groupings, refining (simplifying) hypotheses from narrative reviews.

RESULTS

Immunological and clinical pathological parameters were most often studied in dogs (n = 12) and humans (n = 14). Combining immunological and clinical pathological information across mammalian species (n = 19) helped yield general insights into observed disease responses. This is evidenced by interspecific consensus in 27 immunological and clinical pathology variables (6/26 type I hypersensitivity, 3/20 type IV hypersensitivity, 6/10 oxidant/antioxidant status, 3/6 acute phase protein, 4/7 erythrocytic, and 5/10 hepatological/nephrological).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated IgE, eosinophils and mast cells in type I hypersensitivity response corresponded to what was described in narrative reviews. Results from type IV hypersensitivity response suggested typical antibody response, however cell-mediated response was less evident. Some consensus of acute phase protein response and shifted oxidant/antioxidant balance and slight evidence of anemia. We highlight the need for mange/scabies studies to more routinely compare immunological and clinical pathological changes against controls, and include collection of a more standardised suite of variables among studies.

Effects of the clinical severity of disease and concomitant pyoderma on serum acute-phase proteins concentrations in dogs with sarcoptic mange

BACKGROUND

Information on acute-phase protein (APP) concentrations in dogs with sarcoptic mange (SM) is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of the clinical severity of disease and concomitant pyoderma on serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations in dogs with SM.

ANIMALS

Forty client-owned dogs with SM (INF group) and 10 healthy control dogs (CON group).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The INF group was divided into three subgroups; Group 1 (mild/moderate), Group 2 (severe) and Group 3 (severe+pyoderma) according to the extent of skin lesions and the presence of concomitant pyoderma. Serum CRP, SAA, Hp and Cp concentrations of all study groups were measured.

RESULTS

Serum CRP (P < 0.001), SAA (P < 0.001) and Hp (P = 0.016) concentrations of the INF group were higher than the CON group, with no difference in terms of Cp. A statistical difference was measured between groups 2 and 1 in SAA only. C-reactive protein was found to be significantly higher in dogs with severe SM accompanied by pyoderma (Group 3) when compared with dogs with severe SM (Group 2). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves differentiating pyoderma among dogs with severe SM was 0.850 for CRP (P = 0.0001, cut-off value >61.3 mg/L with sensitivity 69.29% and specificity 90.91%).

CONCLUSIONS

The unique findings in this were that the SAA serum concentrations are related to the severity of SM and that serum CRP concentrations are effective in detecting the presence of pyoderma in dogs with severe SM.

Postprandial lipemia causes oxidative stress in dogs

Oxidative stress (OS) has been strongly associated with postprandial lipemia (PPL) in humans, and still requires further investigation in dogs. However, since lipemia interferes with spectrophotometric determinations such as those used to assess OS, the present study investigated the effect of PPL on OS parameters of healthy dogs. Twenty dogs had lipemic postprandial samples compared to the average of two non-lipemic moments. Subsequently, PPL was simulated in vitro using a commercial lipid emulsion and twelve pools of non-lipemic serum of these dogs were used to simulate the minimum, median and maximum concentrations of triglycerides obtained during the lipemic state. Serum OS parameters were assessed using the antioxidants uric acid, albumin and total bilirubin; total antioxidant capacity (TAC); total oxidant capacity (TOC); and lipid peroxidation. In vivo PPL caused an increase in albumin, TAC-CUPRAC, TAC-FRAP, uric acid (p < 0.0001), TOC (p = 0.0012) and total bilirubin (p = 0.0245); reduction of TAC-ABTS (p = 0.0008); and did not alter the lipid peroxidation (p = 0.8983). In vitro, levels of albumin increased at the three lipemic concentrations (p < 0.0001), uric acid increased in the median and maximum levels (p < 0.0001), and total bilirubin concentration increased only at the maximum lipemic level (p = 0.0012). All lipemic levels tested increased TAC-ABTS (p = 0.0011) and TAC-FRAP (p < 0.0001). TAC-CUPRAC (p = 0.5002), TOC (p = 0.5938) and lipid peroxidation (p = 0.4235) were not affected by in vitro lipemia. In conclusion, both the in vivo postprandial state and in vitro simulated lipemia affect oxidative stress markers in dogs depending on the oxidative stress marker, and thus the postprandial state and/or lipemic samples should be avoided.

Host-Parasite Interaction in Sarcoptes scabiei Infestation in Porcine Model with a Preliminary Note on Its Genetic Lineage from India

Simple Summary

Scabies or mange caused by Sarcoptess cabiei is the latest addition of WHO’s list oftropical neglected diseases. It causes severe itching to the host. It has a wide host range including humans, farm animals, companion animals, and wild animals. It is anemerging/re-emerging disease with high prevalence in underdeveloped and developing countries. The disease has zoonotic importance and is of significant public health concern as cross-transmission or species jumping is very common. To date, fifteen Sarcoptes varieties have been reported as per host origin. Differential diagnosis at variety level is very crucial for epidemiological study and scratching future eradication program of the disease. As morphotaxonomy fails to differentiate varieties, use of molecular markers is crucial. Moreover, it is very important to understand the host-parasite interaction at the systemic level for a better understanding on the pathogenicity of the disease. Here, we report the genetic characterization of S. scabiei from India and host-parasite interaction in a porcine model.

Abstract

The burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei causes scabies in humans or mange in animals. It infests a wide range of mammalian species including livestock, companion animals, wild animals, and humans. Differential diagnosis of Sarcoptes varieties is key for epidemiological studies and for formulation of an eradication program. Host-parasite interaction at the systemic level is very important to understand the pathogenicity of the mite. This communication deals with the preliminary report on the genetic characterization of S. scabiei from India. Moreover, the effect of S. scabiei infestation on host physiology with special emphasis on serum biochemical parameters, lipid profile, oxidant/antioxidant balance, stress parameters, and immune responses were evaluated in a porcine model. Cytochrome C oxidase 1 and voltage-sensitive sodium channel based phylogenetic study could distinguish human and animals isolates but could not distinguish host or geographical specific isolates belonging to animal origin. An absence of host-specific cluster among animal isolates argues against the hypothesis of delineating S. scabiei as per host origin. Elevated levels of markers of liver function such as albumin, AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH in infested animals indicated impaired liver function in infested animals. S. scabiei infestation induced atherogenic dyslipidemia indicated by elevated levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, and a decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Oxidative stress in infested animals was indicated by a high level of nitric oxide and serum MDA as oxidative stress markers and low antioxidant capacity. S. scabiei triggered stress response and elevated levels of serum cortisol and heat shock proteins were recorded in infested animals. S. scabiei infestation increased the serum concentration of immunoglobulins and was associated with up-regulation of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 indicating both Th1 and Th2 response. The results of the study will be helpful for a better understanding of host-parasite interaction at the systemic level in crusted scabies in pigs.

Obesity-Induced Heart Rate Variability Impairment and Decreased Systolic Function in Obese Male Dogs

Simple Summary

Obesity in dogs can induce many adverse health effects including musculoskeletal problems, respiratory distress, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. In humans with obesity, heart rate variability (HRV) is used to identify and predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, this predictive tool has never been used in veterinary medicine, and the relationship between obesity and HRV has rarely been investigated. In this study, we investigated HRV, plasma oxidative stress (MDA), and cardiac function in obese male dogs. We hypothesized that obese male dogs have decreased cardiac function and impaired HRV compared to non-obese dogs. Our study found that obese dogs have decreased cardiac systolic function and impaired HRV, as indicated by reduced percentages of cardiac contraction and impaired cardiac autonomic activity compared to non-obese dogs. We concluded that obesity can decrease systolic function and cause HRV impairment, which might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in dogs. In addition, HRV might be used as a predictive or prognostic tool in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in obese dogs.

Abstract

Obesity can induce cardiovascular diseases in both humans and animals. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of sympathovagal balance and is used to identify cardiovascular diseases in humans. However, HRV and cardiac function have rarely been investigated in obese dogs. This study investigated the effect of obesity on oxidative stress, HRV, and cardiac function in obese and non-obese dogs. The nine-scale body condition score (BCS) system was used to determine obesity. Thirty small breed dogs were divided into a normal weight group (n = 15) and an obese group (n = 15). All dogs underwent physical examination, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and two hours of Holter monitoring. This study found that obese dogs had increased plasma MDA and sympathovagal imbalance, which was indicated by impaired time and frequency domains compared to normal weight dogs. Although cardiac function was within normal limits, the echocardiographic study found that the obese dogs had reduced cardiac wall thickness and lower systolic function, as indicated by a reduction in %ejection fraction, %fractional shortening, increased left ventricular (LV) internal diameter during systole, and LV end-systolic volume compared to normal weight dogs. This study concluded that obesity in dogs can induce increased plasma oxidative stress, impaired HRV, and reduced cardiac systolic function compared to non-obese dogs.

Vitamin C in Health and Disease: A Companion Animal Focus

Vitamin C is synthesized in the liver in most species, including dogs and cats, and is widely distributed through body tissues. Vitamin C has an important physiologic role in numerous metabolic functions including tissue growth and maintenance, amelioration of oxidative stress, and immune regulation. It is also a co-factor in the production of important substances such as catecholamines and vasopressin. Decreased vitamin C levels have been documented in a wide variety of diseases, and in critically ill human patients may be associated with increased severity of disease and decreased survival. Intravenous supplementation with vitamin C has been proposed as a potential life-saving treatment in conditions such as septic shock, and results of small some human trials are promising. Data in companion in animals is very limited, but the possible benefits and , seemingly low risk of adverse effects , and the low cost of this treatment make vitamin C therapy a promising area of future investigation in critically ill dogs and cats.

The cascading pathogenic consequences of Sarcoptes scabiei infection that manifest in host disease

Sarcoptic mange, caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, causes a substantive burden of disease to humans, domestic animals and wildlife, globally. There are many effects of S. scabiei infection, culminating in the disease which hosts suffer. However, major knowledge gaps remain on the pathogenic impacts of this infection. Here, we focus on the bare-nosed wombat host (Vombatus ursinus) to investigate the effects of mange on: (i) host heat loss and thermoregulation, (ii) field metabolic rates, (iii) foraging and resting behaviour across full circadian cycles, and (iv) fatty acid composition in host adipose, bone marrow, brain and muscle tissues. Our findings indicate that mange-infected V. ursinus lose more heat to the environment from alopecia-affected body regions than healthy individuals. Additionally, mange-infected individuals have higher metabolic rates in the wild. However, these metabolic demands are difficult to meet, because infected individuals spend less time foraging and more time inactive relative to their healthy counterparts, despite being outside of the burrow for longer. Lastly, mange infection results in altered fatty acid composition in adipose tissue, with increased amounts of omega-6 acids, and decreased amounts of omega-3 acids, a consequence of chronic cutaneous inflammation and inhibition of anti-inflammatory responses. These findings highlight the interactions of mange-induced physiological and behavioural changes, and have implications for the treatment and rehabilitation of infected individuals.

Evaluation of oxidant/antioxidant balance in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) experimentally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei

Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance between radical-generating and radical scavenging activity, resulting in oxidation products and tissue damage. Although some studies have been done in other species, there is a lack of information about the oxidative/antioxidant status in the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) affected by sarcoptic mange. To clarify this fact, albumin, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH): oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total oxidant status (TOS) concentrations were measured in peripheral blood of ibexes experimentally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei (n=25), as well as in the healthy control group (n=14). During the course of the experiment, the infected ibexes were visually assigned to four categories according to the percentage of skin surface affected by mites. In the infested ibexes, the levels of albumin, PON-1, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px and GSH:GSSG ratio showed a significant (p<0.01) decrease with disease progression. With respect to the control group, this decrease was significantly (p<0.001) lower in the more severe clinical stages. No significant changes were observed in GR activity during disease or with respect to the control group. Conversely, the concentrations of TOS and TBARS increased with lesion severity, and with respect to the control group, this increase was significant (p<0.01) in the more advanced stages of the infection. Additionally, to explore the possible effects of sex, age, haplotype, mange status, and days post infection (dpi) on each of the OS biomarkers, generalized additive mixed models were applied. According to our results, the mange status and dpi explained the highest percentages in the observed changes in the biomarkers analyzed, whereas the haplotype only influenced the observed variability of albumin and TOS. The contribution of sex and age was not significant in any of the OS biomarkers. From the present study, it may be concluded that sarcoptic mange infestation increases OS and decreases antioxidant status in ibex. This imbalance may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease.