Comparison of agarose gel and capillary zone electrophoresis methods with preliminary reference interval generation using capillary zone electrophoresis in bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

BACKGROUND

Electrophoresis can be used to aid in the diagnosis of different diseases in avian species. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is an automated method that is proposed to be superior to the dye methods used in agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). However, reference intervals (RIs) for CZE in avian species and comparison studies between electrophoretic methods are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

The goals of the current study were to compare AGE and CZE methods and determine reference intervals for CZE using plasma from bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

METHODS

Heparinized plasma samples from 44 bald eagles (mean age 18.7 years) under managed care were examined by AGE and CZE. Method comparison analyses were completed, as well as the generation of preliminary RIs using the CZE method and ASVCP guidelines.

RESULTS

Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots demonstrate that these methods are not equivalent. All fractions were significantly correlated between the methods except for alpha 1 globulin. Inter-assay and intra-assay CVs for CZE were lower or comparable to AGE and ranged from 2.4% to 15.4%, and 0.8% to 8.3%, respectively. CZE resolved more fractions than AGE with two fractions observed in the beta and gamma region vs one for AGE in each region.

CONCLUSIONS

CZE provided improved resolution and reproducibility for the quantitation of protein fractions in the bald eagle. Although most fraction results correlated with AGE, these methods were judged as not equivalent, necessitating method-specific Rls. Reference intervals generated from a limited number of mostly aged individuals under managed care should be considered preliminary; additional studies will aid in the production of more robust intervals.

Circulating oxidative stress and acute phase protein levels in horses infested with ticks

Ticks have saliva rich in immunoregulatory molecules that interfere with the host's physiology in order to feed. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of acute phase proteins and circulating oxidative stress in response to infestation by Amblyomma sculptum and Dermacentor nitens in two breed horses, Mangalarga Marchador and Breton Postier, to define resistance or susceptibility to ticks. Among the oxidative stress markers, we observed lower malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in horses with tick infestation, consequently not altering the antioxidant enzymes. Breton Postier with tick infestation showed a reduction in the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), which may be due to lower feeding of the host due to the stress caused by the infestation or even to sequestration of components induced by the tick during blood feeding. The alpha-1-antitrypsin, an acute phase protein, showed an increase in Mangalarga Marchador with tick infestation; curiously it is related to a protective action against tissue damage, pathogens and parasites. We could assume that Mangalarga Marchador showed a better response to ticks when compared to Breton Postier. However, it is still early to define the resistance or susceptibility to ticks, as we did not observe significant changes in most of the analyzed variables. Further studies are needed to understand the compounds and mechanisms of action of the tick saliva in the acute phase proteins and the possible relationships of oxidative stress in the host and the tick during blood feeding.

Evidence that ectoparasites influence the hematological parameters of the host: a systematic review

Ectoparasites are important to the one health concept because their parasitism can result in the transmission of pathogens, allergic reactions, the release of toxins, morbidity, and even death of the host. Ectoparasites can affect host physiology, as reflected in immune defenses and body condition as well as hematological and biochemical parameters. Thus, evidence that ectoparasites influence host hematological parameters was systematically reviewed, and the methodological quality of these studies was analyzed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed, and the studies included were limited to those that evaluated changes in hematological tests in ectoparasite-infested and non-infested animals, and bias and methodological quality were evaluated using the Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guideline. Thirty-four studies were selected and information about the host, ectoparasite infestation, blood collection, and analysis was collected and compared whenever possible. In this review, the presence of ectoparasites influenced both the red series and the white series of hematological parameters. Among the main parameters analyzed, hematocrit, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and lymphocytes showed reductions, probably due to ectoparasite blood-feeding, while including eosinophils, neutrophils, and basophils increased in infested animals due to the host immune response. However, methodologic improvements are needed to reduce the risk of bias, enhance the reproducibility of such studies, and ensure results aligned with the mechanisms that act in the ectoparasite-host relationship.

Pain Assessment and Acute Phase Response in Donkeys Submitted to Inguinal Orchiectomy

In most animals, pain can compromise physiological functions and delay healing so, rapid detection of pain through behavior and inflammatory reaction with biomarkers are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate pain, physiological variations and Acute Phase Proteins (APP) in donkeys undergoing orchiectomy technique by inguinal access. For this research, 15 male northeastern donkeys kept in extensive management were selected, with a mean age of 4.5±3.1 years. All animals had the same anesthetic protocol, using dissociative anesthesia and local block with lidocaine, followed by orchiectomy by inguinal access. Due to their predisposition to complications, the inguinal technique is the most indicated to minimize complications and excessive inflammation in donkeys' orchiectomy, the donkeys were evaluated regarding behavioral assessment of pain, hematological parameters, APP and the surgical wound, during 0 hour, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. As for the physiological parameters and APP, no significant differences were observed between times, due to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In the macroscopic evaluation of the surgical wound, it was observed that there were no significant differences between the times, with animals presenting mean scores of 1.8±0.414, in 48 hours 1.6 ± 0.507, and in 72 hours 1.6 ± 0.507. Most animals had mild to moderate edema in the scrotum and foreskin regions. As for pain assessment, the average scores were between 2 and 3, representing mild and moderate pain, not requiring intervention. However, further research is needed to elucidate the behavior of PFAs in the face of variables and the creation of new pain scales for animals raised in an extensive system.

'Candidatus Mycoplasma Haemoalbiventris' and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Black-Eared Opossum (Didelphis aurita) from Southeastern Brazil

The black-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) is a South American synanthropic marsupial. The presence of opossums in domestic spaces is relevant in the One-Health context since they are hosts of pathogens and ectoparasites that may affect the health of domestic animals and humans. In this study, we aim to determine the occurrence of hemoplasmas and selected tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging black-eared opossums, along with their molecular characterization, hematological and biochemical evaluation and factors associated with infection, in the municipality of Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Thirty black-eared opossums were trapped between March 2021 and June 2022. Ectoparasites were collected. Hematological and biochemical analyses were performed. DNA from EDTA-blood samples were analyzed by PCR and qPCR assays. By molecular analyses, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' was the most prevalent hemoparasite (73.3%), followed by Hepatozoon sp. (22.2%). Significant differences were observed in the number of platelets, and in the concentration of protein and globulins in the animals infected by 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' when compared with the negative group. This is the first report of 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' infection in D. aurita.

Efeitos da privação alimentar de 48 horas na resposta de fase aguda em cavalos

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da restrição alimentar na resposta de fase aguda em equinos. Vinte cavalos foram submetidos à restrição alimentar por 48 h enquanto outros 12 animais (controle) tiveram livre acesso à água e alimento. Os animais foram monitorados, examinados e amostras de sangue foram coletadas no início (0) do estudo e com 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 horas de restrição alimentar. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância bidirecional com medidas repetidas e a significância estatística foi P ≤ 0,05. Os cavalos toleraram a restrição alimentar sem complicações clínicas relevantes. A restrição alimentar induziu uma resposta de fase aguda caracterizada pela elevação das concentrações séricas de α2-macroglobulina (24-38 h), ceruloplasmina (36-48 h), α1-antitripsina (30-48 h), α1-glicoproteína ácida (42-48 h) e haptoglobina (42-48 h). A privação de nutrientes eleva os níveis de cortisol circulante, que atua no sistema imunológico inato o qual, então induz a resposta de fase aguda. Em conclusão, a restrição alimentar é um fator estressor físico para equinos, capaz de induzir uma reação proteica de fase aguda, caracterizada pelo aumento na produção de α2-macroglobulina, ceruloplasmina, α1-antitripsina, α1-glicoproteína ácida e haptoglobina.

Effects of 48-hour feed deprivation on acute-phase response in horses

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed restriction on acute-phase response in horses. Twenty horses were deprived of food for 48 h and others 12 animals (control) had free access to water and hay. They were closely monitored and examined, and blood samples were taken at the beginning (0) of the study and 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 hours afterward. Data were submitted to two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures and statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05. The horses tolerated feed restriction without serious clinical complications. Feed restriction induced an increase in the acute-phase response by elevating serum concentrations of α2-macroglobulin (24-38 h), ceruloplasmin (36-48 h), α1-antitrypsin (30-48 h), α1-acid glycoprotein (42-48 h) and haptoglobin (42-48 h). Nutrient deprivation raised the levels of circulating cortisol, which acts on the innate immune system, which then induces the acute-phase response. In conclusion, food restriction is a physical stressor for horses, capable of inducing an acute-phase protein reaction, characterized by increased production of α2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, α1- antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein and haptoglobin.

Profile of Acute-Phase Proteins of Horses Submitted to Low-Level Show Jumping Classes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum proteinogram, identifying and quantifying the acute-phase proteins (APPs) of horses used in show jumping activity with obstacles of a meter in height. As it is an equestrian sport that involves high intensity and excessive impact, the possibility of injury is relevant. The serum of 10 horses was evaluated in a competition for beginners. The material was collected at rest (T0), immediately after exercise (T1), 30 minutes after the effort (T2), 1 hour after the effort (T3), and 24 hours after the effort. Acute-phase proteins were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and their concentrations determined by computerized densitometry. Protein identification was performed using mass spectrometry. The data were evaluated using analysis of variance for repeated measures, considering the level of significance of P < .05. Eight APPs were identified: α2-macroglobulin (α2-macro), ceruloplasmin (Cp), transferrin (Trf), albumin (Alb), α1-antitrypsin (α1-atp), haptoglobin (Hp), acid glycoprotein (AGP), and apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1). There was a difference in Cp, AGP, and Apo A1 between moments. As the other proteins were not influenced by exercise, they were established as a valuable resource in the monitoring of inflammatory processes and an important complementary element in controlling the impact of training on the animals, thus guaranteeing their welfare.

Influence of Obesity on Serum Concentrations of Acute-Phase Proteins in Horses

Obesity in human and veterinary medicine is one of the most complex challenges within emerging diseases in the context of health. The problem of obesity in horses results in severe comorbidities; therefore, acute-phase proteins should be investigated for fluctuations increasing or decreasing by at least 25% in response to inflammation; these are candidates for future biomarkers and might provide new perspectives on early diagnosis and prognosis. Serum samples were analyzed in nine healthy animals (C) and nine obese animals (O). The proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the concentrations determined by computerized densitometry; matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry/TOF mass spectrometry was performed to identify the proteins, and the results obtained were compared to the Equidae and Metazoa taxon protein database deposited in UNIPROT using the MASCOT application. Three proteins presented a difference between the groups; ceruloplasmin (Cp), α₁-antitrypsin (α₁-antitryp), and haptoglobin (Hp). The behavior of the Cp and Hp proteins was compatible with the available literature for obesity in other species. The α₁-antitryp protein was positively correlated with leptin, demonstrating the need for further investigations. The initial study of these proteins was important due to the lack of information available on the influence of obesity on inflammatory biomarkers in horses in Brazil; therefore, we sought to verify a possible association between overweight and changes in the studied variables.

Acute-Phase Proteins of Healthy Horses and Horses Naturally Affected by Colic Syndrome

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the serum proteinogram, identifying and quantifying the acute-phase proteins (APPs) of healthy horses and those naturally affected by colic syndrome. Blood samples were collected from 9 healthy horses and 17 horses with clinical (G1) or surgical (G2) colic at the time of arrival at the veterinary hospital (M0) and 24 (M1), 48 (M2), and 72 (M3) hours after the initiation of treatment. The APPs were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and their concentrations were determined by computerized densitometry. Protein identification was performed using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Nine APPs were identified: α2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, α1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, α1-acid glycoprotein, apolipoprotein A1, and serum amyloid A. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) presented an elevation at M0 in G2 in relation to G1 and the control group (CG). Serum amyloid A (SAA) presented an elevation with a difference at M3 in G1 and G2, compared with CG. In the comparison between the time points within each group (G1 and G2), there was an increase in SAA in G2 with a difference at M1, M2, and M3. Cp and SAA were suitable for evaluating the acute-phase response in horses with colic. Cp was an indicator of colic with surgical resolution. SAA presented favorable behavior for its use as a biomarker to establish the prognosis in horses with colic. The serial measurement of these proteins was useful in differentiating the clinical or surgical treatment and prognosis of horses with this disorder.

AVALIAÇÃO DO PERÍODO PERIPARTO POR PARÂMETROS CLÍNICOS E HEMATOLÓGICOS EM CABRAS LEITEIRAS

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do período de periparto sobre os parâmetros clínicos e hematológicos de cabras adultas. Utilizou-se animais da raça Saanen e Parda Alpina, sendo 24 nos tempos: T-15 (quinze dias antes do parto), T0 (imediatamente após o parto), T2 (dois dias após o parto), T5 (cinco dias após o parto), T10 (dez dias após o parto), T15 (quinze dias após o parto) e T30 (trinta dias após o parto) e 10 animais como grupo controle (Mesma raça, não gestantes e não lactantes). Como principais achados físicos, observou-se que a frequência cardíaca (FC) dos animais é normalmente mais elevada no pré-parto e parto, caindo ao longo do tempo de lactação. A frequência respiratória (FR) dos animais avaliados é mais elevada em relação aos animais controle, com o pico acontecendo no T-15. Na avaliação das principais observações no hemograma, observam-se valores mais baixos para hemoglobina no T-15 em relação ao grupo controle, e uma redução da toda série vermelha no T15. Houve uma elevação do número de leucócitos por neutrofilia com linfopenia em T0 e a leucocitose com neutrofilia se manteve ao longo da fase observacional. Valores de proteínas mais baixos foram observados em T-15 e T0, aumentando posteriormente. A variável fibrinogênio apresentou o maior valor em T0. Conclui-se que os parâmetros físicos e hematimétricos são úteis para detecção das variações que ocorrem no periparto. Tais achados, associados ao leucograma de estresse e aumento da taxa metabólica basal, encontrado nesta mesma fase, corroboram com o momento de fragilidade fisiológica na qual a cabra se encontra. Assim, cuidados no manejo relacionados ao conforto térmico e atendimento às exigências nutricionais são fundamentais a fim de se evitar mais desequilíbrios orgânicos decorrentes de fatores externos que podem vir a comprometer a saúde do caprino e posterior desempenho produtivo.

Statistical experimental design to assess the influence of enzymes of nematophagous fungi versus helminths

The present work used Plackett-Burman experimental design to assess the influence of enzymes of nematophagous fungi versus Strongyloides westeri and trichostrongylides larvae and Platynosomum fastosum eggs. The variables studied in the Plackett-Burman design were the proteases and chitinases of AC001 or VC4 as destructive agents of S. westeri and trichostrongylides larvae, and P. fastosum eggs. All tested enzymes had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the destruction of S. westeri larvae. Furthermore, only VC4 and AC001 proteases showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the destruction of trichostrongylides larvae. On the other hand, chitinases of VC4 showed the highest significance (P < 0.05) on the destruction of P. fastosum eggs. It is proposed that statistical planning for the use of enzymes derived from nematophagous fungi is a viable way to elucidate some questions about their mechanism of action.