Cytokine inflammatory response in dairy cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae

Introduction

The aim of the study was evaluation of the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-12β and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the serum and milk of cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae.

Material and Methods

A total of 60 milk samples from diseased cows and 30 milk samples from healthy cows were included in the study. Blood and milk samples were taken from Holstein-Friesian cows from three herds (two in tie-stall and one in a free-stall housing system) in Lublin Province in Poland. The concentrations of cytokines in blood serum and quarter milk samples were determined by ELISA.

Results

The levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the milk of cows suffering from mastitis caused by S. agalactiae compared to the milk of healthy cows (263.03 vs 55.36 pg/mL, 298.34 vs 131.82 pg/mL, 604.10 vs 139.17 pg/mL and 460.86 vs 78.82 pg/mL, respectively). In the group of sick cows, cytokine levels were significantly higher in milk than in serum (263.03 vs 55.25 pg/mL for IL-1β, 298.34 vs 164.22 pg/mL for IL-8, 604.10 vs 70.34 pg/mL for IL-12β and 460.86 vs 104.78 pg/mL for TNF-α).

Conclusion

The results confirm the involvement of the entire bovine immune system to protect against the bacteria first locally in the udder. The response of the mammary gland to infection caused by S. agalactiae is rapid and already very strong at the beginning of the infection.

Genotypes and Variants of BKPyV in Organ Donors after Brain Death

Kidney transplantation from a donor with latent BKPyV might be the cause of serious complications, such as BK virus-associated nephropathy. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of BKPyV infection in donors after brain death (DBDs), to analyse the molecular variation of BKPyV and to compare clinical and inflammation parameters of DBDs infected with various genotypes of BKPyV. BKPyV was investigated in blood and urine samples of 103 DBDs using PCR followed by sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, and the viral load was assessed by qPCR. Clinical parameters, including cellular markers of inflammation were assessed. The results confirm high prevalence of BKPyV (48%),and genotype IV (49%) over genotype I (43%) and the co-infection with genotypes I and IV in 8.2%. Viral load ranged from 102 to 107 copies/mL, with an average of 1.92 × 106 copies/mL. No specific markers for BKPyV infection were detected among the parameters tested. Infection with genotype I may be associated with the adverse impact on thekidney function, while infection with genotype IV was associated with the anemia Not only the viral load but also the genotype of BKPyV may have an impact on the course of infection.

Content of tryptophan and kynurenines in serum and milk of dairy cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus spp

The aim of the study was to investigate serum and milk concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA), and activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in cows suffering from mastitis caused by Streptococcus spp. The blood and milk samples were collected from Holstein-Friesian cows farmed in the Lublin region of Poland. It was found that TRP was lower in cows with mastitis both in serum and milk. KYN was lower in serum but not in milk. KYNA was not significantly altered in diseased cows both in serum and milk. The activity of IDO calculated as KYN to TRP ratio was unchanged in serum but was markedly elevated in milk of cows with mastitis. Our findings may have important implications for diagnosis of mastitis in cows because an increase of activity of IDO and reduction of TRP in milk might be a valuable early marker predicting the occurrence of the disease.

Changes in interferon-gamma and neopterin in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy as elective spay or as treatment of pyometra

The objective of this study was to determine serum concentrations of interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and neopterin (Np) in dogs with pyometra admitted for surgical treatment and to compare these concentrations to healthy dogs admitted for elective spay. The effects of the surgical procedure were also evaluated by measuring these markers in both groups of dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy. Our study indicates that pre-surgery concentrations of INF-γ (57.4 ± 26.0 pg/mL) and Np (5.6 ± 0.8 nmol/L) in healthy dogs were significantly lower compared to dogs with pyometra (124.3 ± 87.6 pg/mL for INF-γ; 7.0 ± 1.5 nmol/L for Np) (P < 0.05 in both cases). Furthermore, Np was lower in dogs with pyometra 3 days after surgery compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). During the post-operative period, INF-γ showed no statistically significant changes in any of the groups, while Np showed lower serum concentration on day 3 than on day 0 in the pyometra group (P < 0.001). No statistically significant correlation was detected between serum concentrations of INF-γ and Np. These results indicate that pyometra causes alterations in serum concentrations of INF-γ and Np in female dogs compared to physiological levels before surgery and during the postoperative period.

Serum amyloid A as an marker of cow֨ s mastitis caused by Streptococcus sp

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of amyloid A in serum (SAA) and in milk (MAA) of cows with mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus uberis and healthy cows. The blood and milk samples were obtained from Holstein-Friesian cows with clinical signs of mastitis from two tie-stall housing systems herds in the Lublin region in Poland. A total of 80 milk and serum samples from 30 cows with mastitis and 10 healthy cows were selected for study. In the quarter milk samples from cows with mastitis Streptococcus strains were isolated: Strep. agalactiae (7 cows), Strep. dysgalactiae (9 cows) and Strep. uberis (14 cows). The present study indicates that amyloid A concentration was significantly higher in milk of cows with mastitis compared to control cows (1134.25 ng/mL and 324.50 ng/mL, P < 0.001). The highest concentration of amyloid A was found in milk of cows with mastitis caused by Strep. agalactiae and Strep. uberis whereas lowest in the milk of cows with mastitis caused by Strep. dysgalactiae (3882.50 ng/mL, 2587.75 ng/mL and 812.00 ng/mL, respectively). No statistically significant difference in amyloid A concentration in serum was revealed between all unhealthy cows and control group (2140.00 ng/mL and 2510.00 ng/mL, P > 0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference between the level of amyloid A in serum and in milk of cows with mastitis caused by Strep. agalactiae and Strep. uberis. Whereas, in the case of Strep. dysgalactiae, like in the group of healthy cows, the level of amyloid A was significantly higher in serum compared to this in milk (2100 ng/mL and 812.00 ng/mL, P < 0.001; 2510.00 ng/mL and 324.50 ng/mL, P < 0.001; respectively).

Selected leukocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood and uterine washings in cows before and after intrauterine administration of cefapirin and methisoprinol

The aim of the study was to evaluate the selected lymphocyte subpopulations TCD4, TCD8, BCD21, BCD25, CD18, CD11b, and MHC II in blood and uterine flush of cows with endometritis, before and after intrauterine (i.u.) administration of cefapirin and methisoprinol. The research was carried out on 28 cows with clinical endometritis. Animals were divided into four groups, each composed of seven cows, depending on the i.u. preparation used: Group A, cefapirin; Group B, methisoprinol; Group C, cefapirin and methisoprinol simultaneously; and a control group-without medication. The study was performed using flow cytometry method. Summarizing the results of the research, i.u. infusion of cefapirin caused a weakening of the effector phase of the local uterine immune response; however, it enhanced leukocyte chemotaxis and antigen presentation. After i.u. administration of methisoprinol, the stimulation of specific uterine immunity mechanisms was mainly observed. The use of both mentioned preparations showed the strengthening of specific uterine immunological mechanisms presumably caused by methisoprinol, despite the inhibitory effect of the antibiotic. Intrauterine use of immunostimulatory substances can improve the effectiveness of the endometritis treatment in cows by improving specific local mechanisms of uterine immunity. As a consequence, it may enhance the effector function of immune competent cells and finally eliminate inflammation.

Emotional excitability and behaviour of horses in response to stroking various regions of the body

Touching the skin by gentle stroking is frequently used to reward horses. The objective of the study was to examine emotional excitability and behaviour of horses in response to stroking different regions of their bodies. The study included 15 adult warmbloods and 15 adult ponies, nine geldings and six mares within each type of horse. First, a novel-object test was conducted. For five successive days, one of five regions of the horse's body was stroked on each side for 5 min. Heart rate and heart rate variability were monitored at rest, during the test and stroking. Simultaneously, horse behaviour was assessed on a 1-5 scale. The data were analysed using analysis of variance GLM, Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. When stroked, horses were more excited than when at rest. Differences in emotional excitability and behaviour while stroking various body regions depended on the type and sex of horses. Parameters studied indicated that both in warmbloods and ponies, stroking the head may be beneficial, whereas the trunk should be treated with caution. Stroking may have a more positive influence in horses of lower emotionality and highly estimated behaviour at rest and during the novel-object test.

Changes in Blood Lymphocyte Subpopulations and Expression of MHC-II Molecules in Wild Mares Before and After Parturition

Introduction

Pregnancy is a physiological state in which the immune system undergoes certain changes. On the one hand, by depleting cell defence mechanisms, it favours development and maintenance of the pregnancy. At the same time cells of the immune system ensure resistance to many risk factors, including infectious agents.

Material and Methods

The study was carried out on 24 Polish Konik breed mares which were divided into two equal groups. The first group (group I) included mares living in the reserve. The second group (group II) comprised mares maintained under conventional conditions in the stables. The blood samples were collected for the first time in the perinatal period, i.e. 2 weeks before parturition (trial 0), then within the first 24 h after delivery, and then on 7^th and 21^st day after foaling. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte expressing TCD4+, TCD8+, CD2+, and MHC class II antigens was performed.

Results

Before the delivery, in group I there was a significantly higher CD4:CD8 ratio compared to group II (P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, significantly increased CD4:CD8 ratio in group I was noted within 24 h after parturition (P ≤ 0.001) and it was also observed on 7^th day (P ≤ 0.03) and 21^st day after foaling (P ≤ 0.02). In the first 24 h after parturition, a significant decline of lymphocytes CD8+ (P ≤ 0.02) was noted. No significant differences in terms of lymphocytes CD2+ and CD3+ were observed. Expression of MHC-II molecules before and after the parturition was higher in group I compared to group II; however, the difference between the groups was not significant.

Conclusion

The results obtained indicate that mares living in the reserve display higher activity of cell defence mechanisms.

Serum amyloid A protein (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and selected hematological and biochemical parameters in wild mares before and after parturition

The aim of the study was to evaluate physiological changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in mares in perinatal period. Blood samples were collected from 24 pregnant Polish Konik breed mares which were divided into two groups. The first group (Group - I, n=12) comprised mares living in the wild, in the reserve. The second group (Group - II, n=12) consisted of mares kept in stables. The blood was collected 2 weeks prior to the parturition, then 24 hours after the delivery, and then at the 7th and 21st day after foaling. When comparing the two groups before the parturition, no significant differences in terms of WBC, RBC, and Hb were found, however, there was a significant difference in MCV, MCH, LYM, NEU and SEG NEU (p≤0.05). In Group II, 24 hours after the parturition and at the 21st day after foaling, a significant raise in WBC, NEU and SEG NEU (p≤0.05) was detected. No significant differences in serum concentrations of proteins such as TP, Alb or Glb were observed. As to acute phase proteins, significant rise in SAA and Hp (p≤0.05) was found in the two examined groups 24 hours after the parturition. Yet, this rise remained within physiological range. The study revealed a certain degree of fluctuations in hematological parameters, in serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins and total proteins in the mares in the perinatal period. However, these changes remained still within physiological ranges and thus they do not indicate potential susceptibility to disorders of perinatal period.

Inflammatory cytokine and acute phase protein concentrations in the peripheral blood and uterine washings of cows with subclinical endometritis in the late postpartum period

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), and acute phase proteins (APPs)—haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in serum and uterine washings of cows with subclinical endometritis, and compare them to healthy animals. The study was performed on 24 cows on day 60 after delivery. The cows were divided into two groups based on the results of cytological tests: 12 cows with subclinical endometritis and 12 healthy cows. Experimental material consisted of blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines in the study material were determined with ELISA: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and APPs - Hp and SAA. The results show that the levels of TNF-α (p < 0.01), IL-6, IL-10 as well as SAA and Hp were significantly higher in the serum of cows with subclinical endometritis compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Uterine washings had significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp in the experimental cows compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The demonstrated differences in the concentration of cytokines and APP between cows with subclinical endometritis and healthy cows, in both the serum and uterine washings, may suggest the usefulness of these parameters in the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in cows in the late postpartum period.

Flow cytometric evaluation of sperm apoptosis in semen of silver foxes in the breeding period

The objective of the study was to evaluate cytometrically the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic spermatozoa in fresh semen of silver foxes in the breeding season. In males F3 and F4 with high percentages of early apoptotic (A+Pi-), late apoptotic (A+Pi+) and necrotic (A-Pi+) spermatozoa as well as 56-65% of living spermatozoa (A-Pi-) with progressive motility, the semen was characterised by reduced fertility. In males F1 and F2 with spermatozoa showing the motility and viability of 89-90% and high percentages of living cells that do not bind Annexin V and propidium iodide, the semen was assessed as valuable and useful for artificial insemination. Amongst 16 females of group I and II inseminated with semen from F1 and F2 males, 15 (93.75%) had multi-cub litters - on average 6.1 and 4.8, respectively. In contrast, amongst 16 females of group III and IV inseminated with semen from F3 and F4 males, only 10 (62.5%) had litters with few cubs (on average 2.6 in group III and 2.1 in group IV). Our findings explicitly indicate that semen of farm male foxes should be evaluated before the breeding season, as one of the causes of reproduction failures is likely to be a high percentage of apoptotic and necrotic spermatozoa. Thanks to flow cytometry, fresh ejaculates can be speedily evaluated and their usefulness for artificial insemination determined.

The influence of nonspecific immunostimulation of pregnant sows on the immunological value of colostrum

The purpose of this experiment was to estimate the influence of nonspecific immunostimulation of pregnant sows on the immunological value of colostrum. The studies were done in the fall-winter season on 20 pregnant sows (Polish Landrace) divided into four groups, five animals each. The sows were clinically healthy and unvaccinated. Group I received isoprinosine, group II (TFX), group III (HMB), and group IV served a control. The immunostimulants were applicated 4-6 weeks before the expected date of delivery. The following parameters were determined in colostrum taken from sows after completed delivery: specific gravidity; total proteins, lysozyme activity, IgG level. It was found that the nonspecific immunostimulation of pregnant sows increased in colostrum the level of IgG, total protein content and lysozyme activity.

The effect of nonspecific immunostimulation of pregnant mares with 1,3/1,6 glucan and levamisole on the immunoglobulins levels in colostrum, selected indices of nonspecific cellular and humoral immunity in foals in neonatal and postnatal period

The objectives of the studies were to evaluate the effect of levamisole and 1,3/1,6 glucan applied in pregnant mares on parameters of non-specific cellular and humoral immunity of foals. Eighteen mares in three experimental groups (six animals in each) and their progeny were examined. Multiparous mares, crossbreed of Polish, full-blood and Hannover lines (400-500 kg), 4-9 years old, originated from four different farms. They were kept under identical zoohygienic and nutritional conditions. The animals were randomly chosen in experimental groups. None of mares had been previously vaccinated. In group I, levamisole was injected three times at 7-day intervals at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight. Group II was injected at the same periods of time and manner with 1,3/1,6 glucan at a dose of 0.19 mg/kg of body weight, whereas mares in group III served as controls. Injection of the immunostimulators started in mares 4-6 weeks before expected parturition. Blood was taken from foals before the first dose of colostrum, then 18 and 36 h after the first dose of colostrum and on Days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 of life. The parameters determined in blood were reduction of NBT by PMNs, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, test of intracellular killing and in blood sera were total protein, gamma-globulin fraction, lysozyme activity, level of IgG, IgG(T), IgM and IgA. In the first dose of colostrum taken just after parturition, specific gravity, total protein, gamma-globulin complex, lysozyme activity, level of IgG, IgG(T), IgM, IgA were determined. Colostrum of mares immunostimulated with levamisole or 1,3/1,6 glucan were characterized by a high content of IgG and IgG(T) compared to the colostrum of nonstimulated mares. The level of immunity was higher in foals from dams immunostimulated with levamisole or 1,3/1,6 glucan. Clinical examinations in neonatal and postnatal period did not show any abnormalities in these foals.

The Genome Sequence DataBase (GSDB): improving data quality and data access

In 1997 the primary focus of the Genome Sequence DataBase (GSDB; www. ncgr.org/gsdb ) located at the National Center for Genome Resources was to improve data quality and accessibility. Efforts to increase the quality of data within the database included two major projects; one to identify and remove all vector contamination from sequences in the database and one to create premier sequence sets (including both alignments and discontiguous sequences). Data accessibility was improved during the course of the last year in several ways. First, a graphical database sequence viewer was made available to researchers. Second, an update process was implemented for the web-based query tool, Maestro. Third, a web-based tool, Excerpt, was developed to retrieve selected regions of any sequence in the database. And lastly, a GSDB flatfile that contains annotation unique to GSDB (e.g., sequence analysis and alignment data) was developed. Additionally, the GSDB web site provides a tool for the detection of matrix attachment regions (MARs), which can be used to identify regions of high coding potential. The ultimate goal of this work is to make GSDB a more useful resource for genomic comparison studies and gene level studies by improving data quality and by providing data access capabilities that are consistent with the needs of both types of studies.