Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility Research Articles

Relationships Between Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility and Vitamin C Nutriture in Adults With or Without Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectivesErythrocyte osmotic fragility is noted in Gulo−/− knockout mice unable to synthesize vitamin C, likely due to the decreased production of cytoskeletal β-spectrin, which affects cell deformability. Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) commonly display marginal vitamin C nutriture, a consequence of reduced cellular uptake and recycling of dehydroascorbic acid. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between vitamin C status and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in adults with or without T2D.MethodsParticipants did not report unresolved disease conditions or supplementation with vitamin C for the previous three months. T2D diagnosis occurred ≥1 year before study enrollment. Participants provided a fasting venous blood sample for erythrocyte osmotic fragility testing based on erythrocyte lysis with varying concentrations of sodium chloride. In addition, plasma was extracted and mixed with equal volume of 10% (w/v) metaphosphoric acid in 2 mmol/L disodium EDTA and centrifuged at 4°C. The supernatant was stored at −80°C until analysis using isocratic reverse-phase UV-HPLC separation. All participants provided written informed consent and the study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board.ResultsParticipant characteristics did not differ significantly between groups with the exception of age (P < 0.01) and HbA1c (p = 0.002). Data are presented for adults with T2D (n = 14; 36% female; 55.5 ± 8.2 y; 31.5 ± 9.0 kg/m2; HbA1c: 7.4 ± 1.9%; plasma vitamin C: 36.0 ± 12.2 mM) and adults without T2D (n = 16; 69% female; 38.7 ± 13.5 y; 26.8 ± 6.6 kg/m2; A1c: 5.4 ± 0.3%; plasma vitamin C: 34.8 ± 10.9 mM). Compared to adults with T2D, erythrocyte osmotic fragility was significantly elevated in adults without T2D at 0.35% saline (+4.4%, p = 0.021). Vitamin C status did not impact erythrocyte osmotic fragility in adults with T2D; however, in adults without T2D, erythrocyte osmotic stability was linked to high vitamin C status at 0.35% saline (p = 0.054 unadjusted and p = 0.022 adjusted for age and gender).ConclusionsIn this small pilot trial, T2D was not related to increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility or marginal vitamin C status. However, vitamin C nutriture was directly linked to erythrocyte osmotic stability in adults without T2D.Funding SourcesThis research received no external funding.

003 Systemic inflammation, erythrocyte fragility and multiple sclerosis

In an unbiased proteomic assay, extracellular haemoglobin was the only serum protein which correlated with brain atrophy in secondary progressive MS. Increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility is reported in individuals with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) versus control individuals and in active versus quiescent RRMS. Erythrocyte fragility has not been measured in progressive MS patients. Here we measure erythrocyte osmotic fragility in individuals with progressive MS versus control individuals. In a murine experimental model of systemic infection, we prove that systemic inflammation causes erythrocyte osmotic fragility. In summary, it is possible that extracellular hae- moglobin released during systemic infections contributes to MS pathology by entering the brain through a leaky blood-brain barrier.c.stuart@soton.ac.uk

Age-and sex-related changes in selected hematological parameters, lipid peroxidation and erythrocytes osmotic fragility of Turkish Angora cats

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in selected hematological parameters, lipid peroxidation and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in Angora cats depending on the age and gender. For this purpose, the blood samples were collected from 9 young and 14 adult cats which also classified as male (n=12) and female (n=11). Following hematological analysis, samples were washed with PBS by centrifugation and 10% hematocrit suspension was prepared from the erythrocytes pellet for osmotic fragility test. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was also measured from lysed erythrocyte to determine lipid peroxidation level. Red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, and hematocrit were high in adults while mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were high in young cats. Erythrocyte MDA level was also higher in adult cats than in young cats. There was no significance in these parameters between male and female cats. Findings of fragility tests were showed that erythrocytes of young and male cats were more susceptible to hypotonic NaCl solutions than those of adult and female cats, respectively. It was concluded that erythrocytes related parameters in Angora cats changed depending on the age rather than gender except stability of RBCs.

Toxicological evaluation and safety of the ethanol extract from leaves of Piptadenia stipulaceae

Piptadenia stipulacea is popularly known as “Jurema Branca” and is apply in empiric therapy as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cells regenerator, antipyretic and astringent pectoral. The present work had as objective to carry out the toxicological analysis of the ethanol extract of the leaves of P. stipulacea. In vitro toxicity was performed according to the methodologies of osmotic fragility against sheep erythrocytes and genotoxicity by Allium cepa and in vivo toxicity according to the protocol of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD 423). Erythrocyte osmotic fragility presented low levels of hemolysis both by the qualitative evaluation of the supernatant and by the hemolytic percentage result. In cytotoxic evaluation with Allium cepa, no chromosomal abnormalities or differences in the cell division process (interphase, prophase, anaphase metaphase and telophase) were identified between the control group and the groups submitted to the different concentrations of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of P. stipulaceae (50μg/mL, 500μg/mL and 1000μg/mL). The ethanolic extract of the leaves of P. stipulaceae can be considered of low acute toxicity, since it did not cause the death of treated animals at the dose of 2000 mg/kg, as recommended by OECD 423. The results obtained allow to proceed with additional tests of sub-acute and chronic toxicity, biological activities on specific organisms in order to define the low risk of this plant.

Ginkgo biloba Supplement Reverses Lead (II) Acetate-Induced Haematological Imbalances, Hepatic and Renal Dysfunctions in Male Wistar Rat.

Lead is a heavy metal abundant in nature that causes haematological imbalances, and hepatic and renal dysfunction, and this imbalance has been linked to oxidative stress. Several reports have shown that natural products are implicated in ameliorating metal poisonings. Ginkgo biloba is a flavonoid-rich natural herbal supplement with several pharmacological properties. The present study investigated effect of Ginkgo biloba supplement (GBS) on lead-induced toxicity. Animals were given a lead dose of 25mg/kg for 14days orally and then given Ginkgo biloba supplements of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg orally for 14days. Animals given GBS had significantly improved haematological and rheological parameters. GBS showed a protective impact in terms of improved kidney and liver histology, anti-oxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, GSH, and MDA), organ function indices, and a lower rate of erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Conclusively, Ginkgo biloba supplementation attenuated lead toxicity by normalization of haematological imbalances, and hepatic and renal dysfunction as well as maintaining erythrocyte membrane integrity.

Effect of silymarin on blood coagulation profile and osmotic fragility in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats

Reports about the impact of Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity on coagulation profile have been inconsistent. Multiple investigators have however demonstrated the effectiveness of silymarin in the resolution of anomalies induced by CCl4, although the effect of silymarin on the impact of CCl4 hepatotoxicity, especially coagulation profile and osmotic fragility have not been investigated. The liver, the primary site for the secretion of coagulation proteins, can become impaired in CCl4 hepatotoxicity, and silymarin reportedly increases hepatic protein synthesis as part of its hepatoprotective mechanism. This study assessed the effect of silymarin on blood coagulation profile and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups (n = 5) at random, namely: Control, CCl4 given CCl4 (1 ml/kg) administered intraperitoneally twice a week, Silymarin (S) given silymarin (100 mg/kg/day) orally, and S+CCl4 given silymarin (100 mg/kg/day) orally and (1 ml/kg) CCl4 one hour after, intraperitoneally twice a week for a duration of four weeks. Results showed protraction of activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time, increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility, liver damage, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in rats given CCl4. Silymarin attenuated most of these effects as observed from comparison between CCl4 and S+CCl4 rats. The findings of this study suggests that pretreatment with silymarin attenuated disruption in coagulation profile and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility and Hematology in Myostatin Mutant Pigs

Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility and Hematology in Myostatin Mutant Pigs

Erythrocyte Morphology, Osmotic Fragility and Hematological Studies after Short Term Dietary Copper Deficiency in Male Wistar Rats

Trace element copper is involved in myriad of physiological activities vital for normal function of organs of animals and humans from fetal development onwards. Its deficiency might occur in infants, children as well as adults and has been reported as a global problem affecting developed and undeveloped countries. Copper is essential for efficient iron uptake and mobilization. The present study evaluates the effect of dietary copper deficiency on erythrocyte of prepubertal male Wistar rats for 2, 4 and 6 w. Erythrocyte morphology, osmotic fragility, hematological parameters-hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, cell count (neutrophil, lymphocytes monocytes, eosinophils, platelets), packed cell volume, total red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were evaluated. Occurrence of stomatocytes, echinocytes, dracocytes, acanthocytes, Howell-Jolly inclusion, microcyte and macrocytes were observed after 2 and 4 w of copper deficiency when compared with their respective control and pair fed groups. The extent of morphological changes enhanced after 6 w of dietary copper deficiency with additional appearance of fragmented cells and few elongated cells. The percentage of altered erythrocyte morphology after 2 w deficiency was 0.051 % which enhanced subsequently as duration increased to 0.081 % (4 w) and 0.1709 % (6 w). Consequent to these changes significant (p<0.05) increase in erythrocyte osmotic fragility, eosinophil and lymphocyte count was observed while hemoglobin, neutrophil and platelet count, packed cell volume, total red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration decreased. Monocyte decrease was not significant. These changes were more pronounced after 4 and 6 w. Dietary copper insufficiency caused impairment of membrane, deregulation of hematopoiesis and altered the hematological profile indicating detrimental changes in properties of cellular membrane which may probably be due to enhanced oxidative stress.

The study of biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles effects on iron status in male rabbits infected with T. evansi

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of propolis-iron oxide nanoparticles in eliminating the T. evansi parasite and rehome stasis of deleterious iron status in experimentally infected rabbits. Twenty male rabbits were divided into equal four groups (n=5). the 1st group as Control negative, 2nd control positive, 3rd trypanosomiasis and treated with propolis iron oxide nanoparticles, and 4th trypanosomiasis and treated with diminazene,2nd ,3rd, and 4th groups were inoculated with T. evansi, and were checked for the onset of parasitemia. After 15 of the onset of parasitemia 3rd group was treated with propolis- iron-oxide nanoparticles 30 mg iron /kg BW, and 4th group was treated with diminazene drug with a single dose 3.5 mg/kg BW. The result showed that experimentally infection with T. evansi caused a significant decrease of serum iron and ferritin and a significant increase in total iron-binding capacity and unsaturation iron-binding capacity, as well erythrocytes fragility, bilirubin totally and partially. Treatment with propolis-iron oxide nanoparticles improved iron status parameters to semi-normal values much better than diminazene drug, in addition, reduced the total bilirubin concentration and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes toward a normal state. It can be concluded that the propolis-iron oxide nanoparticles proved successfully rebalancing iron status and eliminating the parasite and making iron available.

Association between the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes and the course of acute myocardial infarction

Aim. To investigate the relationship between the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes and the course of acute myocardial infarction (MI).Methods. An analysis of the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes was conducted using beta-blocker-based osmotic fragility test in sixty-two patients within the first 6 hours after onset of MI symptoms.Results. The results revealed that the patients with increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility experienced more complications after acute MI, such as left ventricular failure and cardiac arrhythmias (ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia) (p = 0.026). Moreover, these patients exhibited greater myocardial injury - the concentration of biomarkers of myocardial necrosis, such as creatine phosphokinase, creatine phosphokinase MB and Troponin I was increased - p = 0.009, p = 0.032 and p = 0.001, respectively. In addition to that, the patients with high osmotic fragility had a larger number of hypokinetic and akinetic segments, high impaired myocardial contractility index, and low ejection fraction. The impaired myocardial contractility index was significantly higher in patients with increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility (1.5 (1.22; 1.75) vs 1.12 (1.0; 1.56), U = 157.5, p = 0.032).Conclusion. Increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility in patients was associated with greater myocardial injury, manifesting through the higher concentration of biomarkers of myocardial necrosis in blood, as well as higher number of hypokinetic segments.

Adaptive performance of hairy thin-tailed (Yankasa) and wooly fat-tailed (Ossimi) sheep in tropical hot-dry season

The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the thermoregulatory, haematological, oxidative stress and serum electrolyte variations in an indigenous, hairy thin-tailed Yankasa (n = 10) and a recently introduced, wooly fat-tailed Ossimi (n = 10) sheep in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone during the peak of the hot-dry season. Thermoregulatory variables were recorded in the morning and afternoon hours, while samples were collected to evaluate variations in blood parameters. The results revealed that the rectal, skin, eye and fibre surface temperatures, as well as respiratory rate significantly (P < 0.05) increased from morning to afternoon hours in both sheep types. The heart rate significantly increased from morning to afternoon hours in wooly fat-tailed sheep, but no significant increase was observed in the hairy thin-tailed sheep. The wooly fat-tailed sheep exhibited higher (P < 0.05) heart rate and eye temperature than the hairy thin-tailed sheep in the afternoon hours. In the morning hours, the skin temperature was higher (P < 0.05) in the hairy thin-tailed sheep than the wooly fat-tailed sheep. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility was higher (P < 0.05) in hairy thin-tailed than wooly fat-tailed sheep. No significant difference (P> 0.05) was observed between sheep types in respiratory rate, sweating rate, rectal temperature, haematological parameters, serum malondialdehyde, potassium and sodium ion concentrations. It is concluded that the wooly fat-tailed sheep showed greater sensitivity, but higher erythrocyte membrane integrity during the hot-dry season. The non-significant difference between sheep types in most evaluated parameters suggests a relative similarity in their responses to heat stress, affirming the prime influence of adaptation to heat, and not fibre type, in the development of heat tolerance in the sheep.

Minor Changes in Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility in Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 5 (TAAR5) Knockout Mice.

Trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs) are a group of G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed in the olfactory epithelium, central nervous system, and periphery. TAAR family generally consists of nine types of receptors (TAAR1-9), which can detect biogenic amines. During the last 5 years, the TAAR5 receptor became one of the most intriguing receptors in this subfamily. Recent studies revealed that TAAR5 is involved not only in sensing socially relevant odors but also in the regulation of dopamine and serotonin transmission, emotional regulation, and adult neurogenesis by providing significant input from the olfactory system to the limbic brain areas. Such results indicate that future antagonistic TAAR5-based therapies may have high pharmacological potential in the field of neuropsychiatric disorders. TAAR5 is known to be expressed in leucocytes as well. To evaluate potential hematological side effects of such future treatments we analyzed several hematological parameters in mice lacking TAAR5. In these mutants, we observed minor but significant changes in the osmotic fragility test of erythrocytes and hematocrit levels. At the same time, analysis of other parameters including complete blood count and reticulocyte levels showed no significant alterations in TAAR5 knockout mice. Thus, TAAR5 gene knockout leads to minor negative changes in the erythropoiesis or eryptosis processes, and further research in that field is needed. The impact of TAAR5 deficiency on other hematological parameters seems minimal. Such negative, albeit minor, effects of TAAR5 deficiency should be taken into account during future TAAR5-based therapy development.

Red Blood Cells Fragility among Sudanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and has become a major public health problem globally. Diabetes is the risk factor for osmotic fragility. Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe erythrocyte osmotic fragility changes in type II diabetes. The osmotic fragility test is a measure of the resistance of erythrocytes to hemolysis by osmotic stress. Material and method: In this study 50 diabetic type 2 patients were informed about the study and parameters selected for the study are : median corpuscular fragility (MCF), hemoglobin(HB) , hemoglobin A1c(HA1c) , Fasting blood glucose (FBG) . Result: The analyzed results showed: Patients with type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher erythrocyte mechanical fragility. And that fasting blood glucose and anemia are also strongest correlate of increased mechanical fragility of erythrocytes. Conclusion: The result of FBG, HBA1c and OFT were significantly increased in diabetic’s type 2 patient (p value &lt; 0.05), furthermore hemoglobin (HB) estimation was significantly decreased in diabetic’s type 2 patient (p value &lt;0.05). The correlation between OFT and duration of type 2 DM were positive significant correlation (p value &lt; 0.05).

Inhibition of acrylamide toxicity in vivo by arginine-glucose maillard reaction products

Acrylamide has a variety of toxicities, including carcinogenicity, and can be present in food via the Maillard reaction in processing of certain foods. Previous studies have demonstrated that co-existing Maillard reaction products (MRPs) ameliorated acrylamide-induced abnormal physiological status in mice. This study is focused on the effects on hematological parameters, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, oxidative stress in plasma and liver, and contents of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in mice exposed to acrylamide and to acrylamide and MRPs derived from arginine and glucose. Acrylamide alone caused significant increases in liver indexes, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, malonaldehyde level in liver and 8-OHdG level in testis, and significant decreases in weight gain, hematological parameters, levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase in plasma. Whether MRPs and acrylamide were physically mixed or when the solution is prepared from heating the mixture of arginine, glucose and acrylamide, the presence of MRPs effectively reduced the adverse changes caused by acrylamide. These results suggest that the toxicity of acrylamide to mice can be ameliorated by MRPs, the common compositions simultaneously generated with acrylamide in food matrix.

Selenium deficiency induces spleen pathological changes in pigs by decreasing selenoprotein expression, evoking oxidative stress, and activating inflammation and apoptosis

BackgroundThe immune system is one aspect of health that is affected by dietary selenium (Se) levels and selenoprotein expression. Spleen is an important immune organ of the body, which is directly involved in cellular immunity. However, there are limited reports on Se levels and spleen health. Therefore, this study established a Se-deficient pig model to investigate the mechanism of Se deficiency-induced splenic pathogenesis.MethodsTwenty-four pure line castrated male Yorkshire pigs (45 days old, 12.50 ± 1.32 kg, 12 full-sibling pairs) were divided into two equal groups and fed Se-deficient diet (0.007 mg Se/kg) or Se-adequate diet (0.3 mg Se/kg) for 16 weeks. At the end of the trial, blood and spleen were collected to assay for erythroid parameters, the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes, the spleen index, histology, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Se concentrations, the selenogenome, redox status, and signaling related inflammation and apoptosis.ResultsDietary Se deficiency decreased the erythroid parameters and increased the number of osmotically fragile erythrocytes (P < 0.05). The spleen index did not change, but hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining indicated that the white pulp decreased, the red pulp increased, and splenocyte apoptosis occurred in the Se deficient group. Se deficiency decreased the Se concentration and selenoprotein expression in the spleen (P < 0.05), blocked the glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant systems, and led to redox imbalance. Se deficiency activated the NF-κB and HIF-1α transcription factors, thus increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and TNF-α), decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β) and increasing expression of the downstream genes COX-2 and iNOS (P < 0.05), which in turn induced inflammation. In addition, Se-deficiency induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, upregulated apoptotic genes (Caspase3, Caspase8, and Bak), and downregulated antiapoptotic genes (Bcl-2) (P < 0.05) at the mRNA level, thus verifying the results of TUNEL staining.ConclusionsThese results indicated that Se deficiency induces spleen injury through the regulation of selenoproteins, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Genetic Deletion of Trace-Amine Associated Receptor 9 (TAAR9) in Rats Leads to Decreased Blood Cholesterol Levels.

In the last two decades, interest has grown significantly in the investigation of the role of trace amines and their receptors in mammalian physiology and pathology. Trace amine-associated receptor 9 (TAAR9) is one of the least studied members of this receptor family with unidentified endogenous ligands and an unknown role in the central nervous system and periphery. In this study, we generated two new TAAR9 knockout (TAAR9-KO) rat strains by CRISPR-Cas9 technology as in vivo models to evaluate the role of TAAR9 in mammalian physiology. In these mutant rats, we performed a comparative analysis of a number of hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood. Particularly, we carried out a complete blood count, erythrocyte osmotic fragility test, and screening of a panel of basic biochemical parameters. No significant alterations in any of the hematological and most biochemical parameters were found between mutant and WT rats. However, biochemical studies revealed a significant decrease in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood of both strains of TAAR9-KO rats. Such role of TAAR9 in cholesterol regulation not only brings a new understanding of mechanisms and biological pathways of lipid exchange but also provides a new potential drug target for disorders involving cholesterol-related pathology, such as atherosclerosis.

Comparative study of hematological parameters of Colossoma macropomum anesthetized with benzocaine and eugenol by using different anticoagulants

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the action of benzocaine and eugenol over anesthesia stages and the use of three anticoagulants (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, sodium citrate, and sodium heparin) over hematological and biochemical parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in tambaquis Colossoma macropomum. For that, fish were distributed into two experimental groups: G1: fish anesthetized with benzocaine and G2: fish anesthetized with eugenol. Induction and recovery times of anesthesia were evaluated and blood samples with different anticoagulants were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis and osmotic erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Fish anesthetized with eugenol showed a longer period of anesthesia, shorter induction time, and longer recovery time. In addition, fish anesthetized with benzocaine by using sodium citrate showed leukopenia and lymphopenia and morphological alterations when compared to the other anticoagulants. Furthermore, fish anesthetized with eugenol by using sodium citrate showed significantly lower values (P < 0.05) of hematocrit and hemoglobin when compared to other anticoagulants and there were significant differences in erythrocyte osmotic fragility between anticoagulants in fish anesthetized with eugenol. The results observed in this study indicate that eugenol is a good alternative as anesthetics for tambaquis when compared to benzocaine because of its rapid anesthesia induction and few alterations in blood parameters. In addition, the use of EDTA facilitates the erythrocyte conservation and cause few blood alterations compared to other anticoagulants.

Haematological responses and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in pregnant Yankasa ewes and their lambs

The aim of the study was to evaluate blood cellular responses and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), as an index of oxidative stress, in pregnant Yankasa ewes and their lambs. Blood samples were collected from each ewe at pre-gestation, gestation (weeks 3, 10 and 17, corresponding to early-, mid-, and late-gestation, respectively), prepartum (weeks 18 and 19), postpartum (immediately after lambing, weeks 1 and 3); and from their lambs postpartum. The blood samples were used to determine blood cellular parameters and EOF. Results revealed higher (P < 0.05) packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) counts at mid-gestation than prepartum and postpartum values. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio was higher (P < 0.05) on parturition day compared to other stages. There was no significant (P> 0.05) difference in EOF during the different stages in the dams. On the day of lambing, PCV, haemoglobin and lymphocyte counts were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs than dams, but lower neutrophil count was recorded in the lambs compared to dams. The EOF was lower in lambs than their dams (P < 0.05) on the day of lambing. In conclusion, the mid-gestation PCV and RBC values were higher than pre- and post-partum values, whereas parturition influenced neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio compared to other stages. The results showed that most blood cellular changes occurred during the periparturient period, when most life-threatening disorders affect ewes. Erythrocyte membranes of lambs were more resistant to hypotonicity, indicating that the erythrocyte membranes of the lambs were less vulnerable to oxidative stress damage than those of their dams. Hence, Yankasa lambs may be more resistant to immediate postpartum oxidative stress than their dams.

Farming systems in sheep rearing: Impact on growth and reproductive performance, nutrient digestibility, disease incidence and heat stress indices.

The experiment was conducted with an intent to know the effect of different farming systems on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility coefficients, reproductive traits, disease incidence, heat stress indices, and cost economics of Nellore sheep. The study includes two parallel trials to prevent the influence of age on heat stress indices (panting score and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF)). One hundred and twenty lambs (60 ram-lambs and 60 ewe-lambs) were allotted in a randomized block design under extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive systems for trial I, whereas trial II include eighteen rams assigned to the three respective farming systems in a completely randomised design. Both, season (summer) and grazing practice increased the panting score and EOF. The heat stress indices were positively correlated (P<0.01) with dry-bulb temperature and temperature-humidity index (THI) and inversely correlated (P<0.01) to relative humidity. Allotting the sheep to intensive system increased (P<0.001) weight gain and average daily gain with higher effect in males compared to females. The parameters of asymptotic weight (A), integration constant (B), and maturation rate were higher for intensive males. The male Nellore lambs had higher asymptotic weight and lower maturity rate than females, irrespective of the rearing system. Intensive sheep revealed a higher dry matter intake, digestibility coefficients, feed conversion ratio. The instantaneous bite mass (IBM) was higher for Commelina benghalensis, while instantaneous bite frequency (IBF), instantaneous intake rate (IIR) were higher for Cyanodon dactylon and amaranthus viridis, respectively. The proportion of intakes were highest for Stylo hemata followed by Cynodon dactylon and Tridax procumbens species. No differences were observed for the weight at puberty, oestrus cycle length, oestrus duration, conception percent, gestation period, and lambing percent in three rearing systems; however, the age at puberty was lower (P<0.001) and the birth weight was higher (P<0.001) for sheep reared under intensive farming system. Highest disease incidence was observed in rainy and winter seasons, particularly in sheep reared under extensive system. The capital expenditure was same for the three rearing systems, while the recurring expenditure was higher for Intensive farming system. The gross income and net income were higher for intensive system on account of higher weight gains. However, the higher returns per rupee of expenditure project the extensive farming as an ideal rearing system for small farmers and entrepreneurs with a low initial capital.

Effect of hydro-methanol stem bark extract of Burkea africana on erythrocyte osmotic fragility and haematological parameters in acetaminophen-poisoned rats

BackgroundBurkea africana is a widely used medicinal plant in folkloric medicine in many developing countries of the world. It is useful in the treatment of various ailments including hepatitis, jaundice, diarrhea, stomach aches, abscesses, oedema, epilepsy, bloody diarrhea, gonorrhea, syphilis, toothaches and poisoning. Nevertheless, there are little or no scientific evidence to substantiate this medicinal claim by traditional healers. Burkea africana stem bark was therefore, investigated for its protective or stabilizing effect on erythrocyte membrane in acetaminophen-treated rats. B. africana stem bark was extracted using 80% methanol. Erythrocyte stabilizing effect was studied using erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) test. Thirty (30) male rats were randomly assigned into five (5) groups of six (6) rats each. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal control and negative control (acetaminophen-treated group) respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were pretreated with methanol stem bark extract of Burkea africana (MSBEBA) at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight respectively once daily for seven (7) days. Blood samples were collected from the animals in all the groups on the 8 day for evaluation of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell counts, and differential white blood cell count as well as erythrocyte osmotic fragility.ResultsThe erythrocyte osmotic fragility test showed that there was a significantly (p < 0.05) low percentage hemolysis in the groups pre-treated with the extract when compared with the negative control. The percentage hemolysis was least at 600 mg/kg body weight of the extract. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell count at all the doses of the extract used. Neutrophils were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased while lymphocytes were significantly increased in the groups administered MSBEBA 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight.ConclusionMethanol stem bark extract of Burkea africana had protective effect on the red blood cells and also improved haematological parameters. This indicates that Burkea africana may be useful in the treatment of disease conditions that results in hemolytic anemia by stabilizing red erythrocyte membranes and enhancing erythropoiesis.