Hematological Assays Research Articles

Duration of efficacy and effect of implant location in adult queens treated with a 9.4 mg deslorelin subcutaneous implant

Deslorelin is a GnRH-agonist used off-label for contraception in female cats. Little is known about duration and safety of the 9.4 mg subcutaneous implant in the queen as well as its efficacy when placed periumbilically. Fourteen female cats were administered the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant (during interestrus or anestrus) either in interscapular (N=8) or periumbilical (N=6) sites, following general and reproductive examination, vaginal cytology, hematology, biochemistry and progesterone assay to ensure health status. All above procedures (except for progesterone assay) were repeated weekly during the first month, then every 2 months until 6 months and then every 6 months until treated cats regained full reproductive function. No side effects were observed in any treated queen. Post implantation estrus occurred in 40% of the subjects. A significant increase in body weight was observed during treatment (12/14 queens gained weight), particularly at the end of the study. At the end of the study some queens mated, conceived and kittened, proving reversibility of the treatment. The average duration of action of the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant was 790 +/- 155 days (range 525-1140 days) with no significant difference in duration or efficacy depending on implantation sites. The 9.4 mg deslorelin implant causes pharmacological sterilization for about 2 years in female cats, is fully reversible and caused no clinically relevant side effects when administered at both interscapular and periumbilical sites.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of methanol extract of Trema orientalis (Linn) blume in albino wistar rats

BackgroundThe safety potential of the methanol extract of Trema orientalis (TOM) leaf was evaluated in albino Wistar rats using biochemical, haematological, and histological indices in both acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. MethodsThe animals were managed following the National Institute of Health (NIH) stipulated protocols for handling laboratory animals. The weight of each animal was recorded upon arrival and monitored throughout the study. The animals were allowed to acclimatize for 14 days, after which they were reweighed and randomly distributed into four groups of three female rats (n=12) for acute toxicity studies. Group A was given distilled water, and Groups B, C, and D were given a single dose of 2000, 4000, and 5000 mg/kg bw TOM extract, respectively. On day 15, each animal was anaesthetized and then euthanized. For the sub-chronic toxicity study, animals were randomly distributed into five groups of eight female rats (n=40). They were dosed daily for 28 days. Group A (Negative control group) was given distilled water. Groups B, C, and D had 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg bw TOM extract and Group E (Vehicle control group) were given 0.25 % of sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC). Five animals were anaesthetized and then euthanized on day 29, while three animals were kept for recovery evaluation for another two weeks without further administration of the extract. Ten organs were excised from each animal and weighed. The liver and kidney were processed for histopathological studies, while the blood samples were collected for biochemical and haematological assays. ResultsFrom acute toxicity studies, the LD50 value of TOM extract was estimated to exceed 5000 mg/kg bw via oral passage. From Sub-chronic toxicity studies, biochemical results showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total protein, albumin, globulin, AST, ALP, and ALT in a dose-dependent manner. Histology of the liver and kidney tissues of all the animals except the kidney of the 800 mg/kg group had no visible lesions; this sets the safety dose for TOM at above 400 mg/kg but below 800 mg/kg. Recovery animals had significantly (p < 0.05) increased total protein, total bilirubin, and ALP and decreased albumin and direct bilirubin levels. ConclusionThis study reports the safety dose of TOM, a reputable medicinal plant extract. This is the first study reporting that the LD50 value of TOM extract exceeds 5000 mg/kg bw via oral passage.

Health status biomarkers and hemato-biochemical indices in Nile tilápia

Considering the aquatic environment, fish are notorious bioaccumulators of persistent pollutants, and that Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) is a species of great economic interest and an excellent model for ecotoxicological experimental studies. Because of this, establishing baseline reference parameters for this healthy animal is extremely valuable for comparison. Thus, our aim is to establish reference values for Nile tilapia for comparative purposes for: (i) functional activation of the alternative pathway of the complement system (ACH50), (ii) some serum biochemical parameters of liver, kidney and muscle tissue integrity, and (iii) hematological profile of Nile tilapia under controlled conditions. Juvenile specimens of O. niloticus were obtained from the fish farming and acclimatized for 15 days. Blood samples were collected without and with anticoagulants (heparin and EDTA) and submitted to hematological assays for leukogram and erythrogram evaluation. Serum was used for the alternative complement and biochemical assays. A mean of 137.6 U/mL was found for ACH50, 52.3 U/mL for alanine aminotransferase, 81.7 U/mL for aspartate aminotransferase, 30.3 U/mL for alkaline phosphatase, 4.3 g/dL for albumin, 8.4 mg/dL for urea, 1.9 mg/dL for uric acid, 3654 U/L for total creatine kinase, 1329.9 U/L for creatine kinase MB fraction, 260.2 U/L for lactic dehydrogenase, 227.2 mg/dL for glucose, 5.6 g/dL for total protein, 252.7 mg/dL for triglycerides, 169.5 md/dL for cholesterol, 19.1 mg/dL for high-density lipoprotein, and 12.5 mg/dL for low-density lipoprotein. For all hematological parameters we found a difference between the lack and presence of the anticoagulants, being the lack and heparin the conditions that presented more stability of the cell numbers along the time. Thus, in this study we establish baseline health parameters for Nile tilapia and it will be applied as an essential and comparative tool for monitoring fish health and physiological fitness at various experimental levels, such as bioassays and environmental biomonitoring.

A Case Study on Canine Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)

A four years old Japanese Spitz dog with a history of anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, reluctant to move, respiratory difficulty, and abdominal discomfort was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nepal Polytechnic Institute, Chitwan, Nepal. The dog underwent clinical examination including hematological investigation. The hematological blood assays revealed severe anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, lymphocytopenia, monocytopenia, and eosinopenia. A peripheral blood smear showed undulating movement of larvae of Dirofilaria Immitis which confirmed it as a canine Dirofilaria immitis (canine heart worm) disease. On the first day of presentation in the hospital, since the dog was dehydrated and anorectic, it was given fluids of 400 ml of normal saline and 200 ml of DNS (dextrose normal saline), pantoprazole at 0.7 mg/kg slow IV, ondansetron at 0.5 mg/kg slow IV, and haematinic agent (HB-RON®) at 5 ml BID PO (Iron, vitamin B12, Folic acid, Zinc, L-Lysin). The following day, the dog was dead, even before all the confirmatory diagnoses. That shows heartworm is prevalent in dog so strategic vector control and screening are recommended for the prevention and control of the disease in countries like Nepal.

Hypolipidemial potentials of selected seed oils on high-fat fed adult albino rats

Annually, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim the lives of more than 17 million individuals. In this study, hypolipidemia potential of Persea americana, Moringa oleifera, Chrysophyllum albidum and Capsicum annuum seed oils were evaluated. Fifty adult Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 120 and 170 g were grouped into ten, with five animals in each group. The animals were stabilized for one week prıor to the induction period. The seed oils were administered in their meal for fourteen days. Blood samples were collected through a cardıac puncture into heparinized tubes centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 10 minutes and were used for haematological and lipid profile assays. Comparatively between the analyte and control groups, the result showed no significant difference (p≥0.05) in haemoglobin (HB) with a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the packed cell volume (PCV) level of the rats. In addition, there were significant reductions in the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. Among the male rats of the analyte and control group, there was a significant increase (p&lt;0.5) in the level of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol ın their blood samples. This study reveals that the rich essential fatty acid reported in the seed oils has hypolipidemic effect potential.

Oxidative-Stress and Hematological Alterations Induced by the Egyptian Naja nubiae Venom in Rats

Background: Snake venoms have been the subject of intense studies to understand the mechanisms involved in toxicity. Limited information is available regarding the Egyptian Spitting Cobra’s oxidative stress and hematological profile (Naja nubiae). Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress produced by the venom of N. nubiae and determine its hematotoxic effects in rats. Methods: The adult male Albino rats (N=30) were subcutaneously (SC) injected with a physiological saline solution in the control group. The SC injection of snake venom in groups 2 and 3 was 1/4 and 1/2 of the LD50 (0.32 mg/kg and 0.65 mg/kg body weight, respectively). Blood samples were collected at 30, 120, and 360 minutes post-injection for biochemical and hematological assays in both control and treated groups. Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl content (PCC), and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated. Antioxidants agents comprising glutathione (GSH) level, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were also evaluated. Results: The results showed that the effects of snake venom on blood cells are dose-dependent. Furthermore, significant alterations (P≤0.05) were observed in the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in response to a low dose of venom at the 30-minute time. In contrast to the control group, the venom induced a substantial elevation in LPO, NO, and PCC levels, indicating a disturbance in redox equilibrium. Additionally, significant reductions were detected in the GSH levels as well as SOD and CAT activities in all treated groups. Conclusion: Overall, the cytotoxicity’s potential to induce oxidative stress may reduce its antioxidant systems, leading to redox disturbance and hematological alteration.

Antioxidant Effects of Whey Protein as a Dietary Supplement to Alleviate Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

The liquid whey is a byproduct produced during cheese making. Cadmium is a highly hazardous heavy metal with cumulative toxic effects. The present research work was done to clarify the possible role of whey proteins in alleviating cadmium-induced oxidative stress. The used rats were allotted equally and randomly into three experimental groups; untreated control, cadmium-exposed, and cadmium-exposed and whey protein-administered groups. The biochemical and haematological assays of rats exposed to cadmium (group 2) manifested significant alterations compared to those of untreated control animals. Concerning the biochemical serum profile, group 3 animals showed relatively increased levels of total proteins, significant increments of total thiols, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase, and significant decrements in the levels of blood cadmium, alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, bilirubin, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the animals exposed to cadmium (group 2). Homogenates of liver and kidney tissues obtained from group 3 animals demonstrated similar results to that revealed by the serum assay. It was concluded that whey proteins as a dietary supplement can offer potential antioxidant properties that enable these supplementary proteins to alleviate cadmium-induced oxidative stress.

Analysis of Laboratory Critical Values During COVID-19 Pandemic at Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

One of the most important aspects of post-analytical laboratory activity is the notification of critical results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to illustrate and analyze the prevalenceof critical result values of our clinical laboratory investigations during the pandemic stages of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) and other research pre-pandemic stages. The seven-month study was conducted between May 2020 and November 2020. Laboratory data of critical results were collected in this retrospective cohort. In total, 221,384 routine tests and 84,451 STAT tests were performed in our clinical laboratory. Of the 3183 (1.44%) tests result was identified as having Critical values, consisting of 2220 (69.74%) and 963 (30.25%) tests in biochemistry and hematology assays. Among the tests with critical values, 39.6% of which were from emergency department (ED) as STAT testing (1262) and 60.3% (1921) as TAT testing. Testing was found in routine inpatients and outpatients, 58% and 2.3%, respectively, and the most frequent parameter notified was sodium. In our practice, we observed that the higher level of frequency of critical values results is related to inpatients, contradicting several researchers reporting that the higher percentages of critical values were from ED.

Comparative Effects of Garcinia kola and Garlic Extracts on Some Liver and Haematological Functions in High Salt Diet-Induced Hypertensive Wistar Rats

Garcinia kola is commonly consumed in Nigeria in social ceremonies, while Garlic is commonly used as a spice in the preparation of certain foods. In this study, the protective effects of extracts of the plants against a high salt diet (8% NaCl) induced hypertension were investigated in rats. Extracts prepared from the plants were subjected to phytochemical screening for acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in rats. In the protective study against salt-induced hypertension thirty-five adult male rats assigned to seven groups of five rats were treated such that, group one served as the normal control group, and group two was the hypertensive control group. Groups three to six were administered graded doses of extracts respectively after induction. While group seven received a combination of the two extracts after induction. Treatment commenced after confirmation of hypertension and lasted for two weeks before animals were sacrificed to collect blood for biochemical and haematological analysis. Results obtained showed that G.kola and Garlic feeding produced in rats following liver and haematological assays as values of these parameters in the test groups did not significantly differ from control values (p&lt;0.05).

Use of Lactoferrin Supplement as an Efficient Antioxidant to Ameliorate the Effects of Mercury-induced Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Background: The present study was carried out to test the antioxidant activity of lactoferrin as a dietary supplement to alleviate the effects of oxidative stress induced by mercury toxicity. Hematological and biochemical assays were employed to evaluate the ameliorating effects of lactoferrin. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were allotted randomly and equally into three groups; animals in Group 1 served as untreated control, animals in Group 2 were administered orally with mercuric chloride (HgCl2) at the dose of 6 mg/kg bw/day, and animals in Group 3 were administered with HgCl2 at the same dose and orally dosed with lactoferrin (400 mg/kg bw/day). Hematological indices (erythrocytic and total leukocytic counts, hemoglobin concentration%, and packed cell volume, (PCV%), and biochemical parameters (serum and homogenates of liver and kidney tissues) were assessed in all animals. Serum and tissue homogenate levels of total thiols, glutathione (GSH), catalase, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) represented the antioxidant markers. The oxidation markers were represented by H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: Compared to the untreated control group, animals in Group 2 (administered with HgCl2) exhibited significantly increased levels of serum enzymes (alanine transferase (ALT), aspertate transferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase), urea, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, H2O2, and MDA. These animals showed significantly decreased levels of erythrocytic and total leukocytic counts, hemoglobin concentration, PCV%, total proteins, total thiols, GSH, catalase, and TAC. The hematological and biochemical changes were comparatively reversed toward the control levels in animals of Group 3 (administered with HgCl2 and orally dosed with lactoferrin). The reversed levels of hematological and biochemical parameters were significantly different compared to Group 2. Conclusions: Based on the encountered amelioration of the assayed hematological and biochemical parameters in animals treated with HgCl2 and given lactoferrin, it could be concluded that lactoferrin as a dietary supplement might function as an efficient antioxidant to alleviate the oxidative stress induced by mercury toxicity.

Effect of Carica papaya (paw-paw) aqueous leaf extract on the growth, haematological parameters and the liver enzymes of Clarias gariepinus juveniles

It is common practice to use herbs to supplement for fish feed and as a way to trap fish during fishing expeditions. The use of these plant materials causes more harm than good in aquaculture species because of lack of knowledge of the side effects. The study was to find acute toxicity of the lethal dose (LD50) of Carica papaya leaf extract on Clarias gariepinus juveniles, hematological parameters, weight changes, liver enzymes. A total number of 200 C. gariepinus juveniles were used for the study. Juveniles were grouped into 5 groups for acute toxicity with different extract concentrations; 290.95 mg/l, 529.00 mg/l, 767.05 mg/l, 1005.10 mg/l, and 1243.15 mg/l. Based on the result of acute toxicity tests, assessment of sub-acute toxicity test was made, using different extract concentration; 290.00 mg/l, 502.50 mg/l, 714.15 mg/l and 925.75 mg/l. Administration of extract lasted for 28 days behavioural changes were observed in the experimental animals at the 96 h static bioassay. Weight were observed, specific growth rate was the lowest in 925.75 mg/l and the control. Hematological assay showed changes in the packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) as they were significantly increased in comparison to the control. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) showed no response except on day 7 when it declined significantly in fish exposed to 290.0 mg/l of extract. The white blood cell differentials and liver enzymes-alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were unaffected. The increase in red blood cell may be indicative that leaf extract of Carica papaya may have anti-anaemic properties. The absence of changes in the white blood cell and liver function enzymes, may be indicative that C. papaya leaf extract has no toxic effect on the juveniles.

Antiplasmodial Profiling of Mangifera indica's Herbal Formulation and Its Ability to Ameliorate Hematological Derangements in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Background Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum with an average prevalence of 75% in Nigeria, can be treated. Chemical-based medications, one of the methods used to treat it, frequently causes hematological abnormalities in the blood tissues. However, the ethnobotanical and scientific usage of Mangifera indica for the management of malaria in Nigeria necessitated this study on the antiplasmodial evaluation, the hematological profiling of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice treated with Mangifera indica's herbal formulation as well as the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from the plants. Method The plant's coarse leaves (3 kg) and stem bark (3.2 g) were weighed, divided into groups of leaves (250.71 g), stem bark (509.34 g), leaves/stem bark (1:1) (101.24/101.24 g), leaves/stem bark (1:2) (164.39/328.78 g), and leaves/stem bark (2:1) (218.50/109.25 g), macerated in 3 L of ethanol for 72 h, filtered, and concentrated. For each extract, the following weights and yields were recorded: 31.3 g leaves (15.2%), 43.8 g stem bark (8.7%), 34.8 g leaves/stem bark (1:1) (17.2%), 29.2 g leaves/stem bark (1:2) (5.92%), and 26.1 g leaves/stem bark (2:1) (7.96%). According to established methods, the herbal formulation was employed for hematological testing, GC-MS analysis, and in vivo antiplasmodial evaluation based on standard protocols. Results The leaves: Stem bark (1:2) extract (the best therapeutic response) of 98.92% was better than ACT (98.63%). GCMS analysis revealed predominantly mangiferin and esters of linoleic acids that could have enhanced erythropoiesis, mitigated infections, as well as boosted platelet aggregation in P berghei-infected mice as observed from the hematological assay. Conclusion Therefore, the extract of leaves: stem bark (1:2) had the best antiplasmodial therapeutic response and hematoprotective activity in P berghei-infected mice.

Evaluation of the neurocognitive and neuroprotective potentials of selected Nigerian medicinal plants in experimental models of dementia

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have implicated oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, functional cholinergic deficits, and glutamatergic pathway disruptions in the pathophysiology of dementia. However, certain medicinal plants are being used in the management of dementias by the inhabitants of Ibarapa Area of South‐Western Nigeria, hence this study.MethodEthno‐pharmacological survey of medicinal plants used in the management of dementias in Ibarapa Area of Oyo State, South‐Western Nigeria was conducted using semi‐structured questionnaires and open‐ended interviews. Phytochemical, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐nociceptive, and cholinesterase‐inhibiting screenings were conducted on selected medicinal plants (SMPs) using standard assays. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening of promising crude extracts were determined using brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). LD50, acute and sub‐chronic administrations of the SMPs into groups of mice were determined using Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 423 guideline. Haematological, biochemical, and histopathological examinations following single and repeated doses of crude extracts of SMPs into groups of mice were determined using standard assays. Behavioural studies using relevant mouse models were conducted. Mechanistic studies using cell lines are being carried out on the promising SMPs. Data are expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) and analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post‐hoc test (Student‐Newman‐Keuls test).ResultThe ethnomedicinal survey revealed about 105 medicinal plants belonging to more than 50 families being used as memory enhancers in the management of dementias by the inhabitants of Ibarapa Area of Oyo State in south‐Western Nigeria. Phoenix dactylifera, Combretum mucranthum, Parquitena nigrescens, Crinum jagus, Blighia sapida, Entandrophragma utile, Ficus exasperate showed significant antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐cholinergic activities. Results of BSLA revealed LC50 values of 100 ‐ 1000 ppm for the screened plants. The oral LD50 values of crude methanol extracts of SMPs are 2000 ‐ 5000 mg/kg. Findings from haematological, biochemical, histological and behavioural assays following both single and repeated administrations of the tested SMPs in mice showed that they are safe and possess promising neurobehavioural potentials that warranted further exploration.ConclusionThe SMPs are safe, highly rich in beneficial phytochemicals, exhibited significant antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐cholinesterase, nootropic and neuroprotective potentials thereby suggesting the rationale for their ethnomedicinal use in the management of NNDs.

Toxicological Evaluation of Methanol Extract of Hunteria umbellata Seed on Sperm and Haematological Parameters in Male Wistar Rats

The effect of chronic administration of methanol seed extract of Hunteria umbellata (HU) on sperm and haematological parameters in male Wister rats were examined for 90 days. Adult male Wister rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Group 1 received 10 ml/Kg/day of distilled water and served as the control, while groups 2, 3 and 4 received 250 mg/kg/day, 500 mg/kg/day and 1000 mg/kg/day of the extract daily for 90 days by oral gavage. Sperm cells were collected from the vas deferens of the sacrificed male rats for the determination of sperm motility, sperm count and sperm morphology as well as blood samples via the abdominal aorta for haematological assays. Body weight was also recorded. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and P&lt;0.05 was recognized as significant. The result from this studies showed that the extract did not significantly altered (P&gt;0.05) sperm count, motility, morphology as well as the haematological parameters except increase in platelet count as compared with the control group. In conclusion, the results suggests that the prolonged oral treatment with 250-1000 mg/Kg/day of the methanol extract of the seed of Hunteria umbellata did not produce any sperm toxicity but may cause an increase in platelet activity.

Clinical Chemistry and Haematology Values of a Captive Population of Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti).

Reference intervals for clinical chemistry and haematology analytes are essential for the interpretation of blood results, but limited data are available for Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in zoological collections as well as in the wild. The aim of the present study was therefore to establish reference intervals for a series of clinical chemistry and haematology analytes in a single zoological population of Humboldt penguins. Furthermore, possible variations of the analytes influenced by the age and sex of the individuals were investigated. Lithium heparinized plasma and whole blood samples from 39 animals were analysed and statistically evaluated. The following clinical chemistry analytes were significantly higher in females: glutamate dehydrogenase (p = 0.0003), alanine transaminase (p = 0.0005), alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.0245), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.0043), creatine kinase (p = 0.0016), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.0001), inorganic phosphorus (p = 0.0223), and sodium (p = 0.0415). No significant differences between males and females were found for any haematology analyte. Cholesterol (p = 0.0233; -0.39), white blood cell count (p = 0.0208; -0.40), and absolute heterophiles (p = 0.0148; -0.42) had significant negative correlations with the age of the penguins. The results indicate that the factors of sex and age should be considered when interpreting the results of haematological and clinical biochemistry assays, and further studies are needed to determine whether there are more differences in other age groups or seasons.

Evaluation of the effect of soaked false yam (Icacina oliviformis) tuber meal on the haematological indices and serum biochemistry of rabbits

BackgroundThe exploitations of non-conventional feeds for livestock have sparked great interest due to human-animal competition for conventional feedstuffs. The majority of animal feedstuffs are formulated with grains as the major ingredient, resulting in tautness and an increase in the costs of conventional feeds. This practice has underscored the necessity for an alternatively cheap and sustainable non-conventional feedstuff to salvage the feeding restraint to animal production. With this, the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of soaked false yam tuber meal (SFYTM) on the haematological indices and serum biochemical profile of weaner rabbits. MethodsSixteen local weaned rabbits of diversified breeds and sexes were randomly apportioned to dietary treatments containing 0, 10, 15, and 20 % of soaked false yam tuber in replacement for maize in a maize-fishmeal-based diet. Following feeding trials, blood samples from the rabbits were taken and analyzed using haematology and chemistry analyzers. ResultsThe haematological assay revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments for red blood cells (RBCs), total white blood cells (TWBCs), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and monocytes. For haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelet, lymphocytes, neutrophils, esoniphiles, and basophils, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were achieved. With the serum biochemical tests, significantly higher values were obtained for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and sodium relative to the control. Despite some of the evaluated parameters having relatively high values, they tumbled within the normal range of values for a healthy weaned rabbit. ConclusionFalse yam tuber can therefore be exploited as a substitute for maize in rabbits’ diets without detrimental effects on the haematological and biochemical markers of the farm animals.

Iron Metabolism Dysregulation and Atherosclerotic Changes in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

The Syndrome of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, brain-vascular damages and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to assess the connection between iron metabolism dysregulation in OSA and atherosclerotic changes of carotid arteries. Thirty-five OSA patients with brain-vascular atherosclerotic evidences were included in this study; changes were evaluated by carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Their results were compared to an equal number of healthy volunteers. Haematological and biochemical assays were performed in all participants in the study. Serum hepcidin levels are statistically significantly increased in OSA patients with atherosclerotic a. carotis changes (101.9±10.1 µg/L) compared to the control group (18.5±2.5 µg/L); $$P&lt;0.001$$. Serum homocysteine levels are significantly higher in OSA than in healthy people. Average IMT (1.22±0.19) and ABI (1.71±0.14) values in OSA patients with atherosclerotic a. carotis changes are increased in comparison to the control group (0.34±0.07, 1.11±0.06, resp.); $$P&lt;0.001$$. Serum vitamin B12 levels were lower in OSA patients with atherosclerotic changes in carotid arteries (71.7±9.9 pmol/L) compared to the controls (449.7±21.4 pmol/L); $$P&lt;0.001$$. A connection between iron homeostasis and atherosclerotic changes was established during this study. Increased hepcidin and homocysteine concentrations might be connected to an elevated risk of cardio- and brain-vascular diseases in OSA. The use of these markers in the routine practice may be very useful for early atherosclerosis assessment in OSA.

Effect of Penicillin on Hematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Female Wistar Rats

An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria. It is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections, and antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of such infections. This study was designed to investigate effect of penicillin on blood parameters in female rats. Ten female Wistar rats (130 – 150 g) were grouped into control and penicillin (17.14 mg/kg) – treated groups for blood assay. The penicillin was administered orally for 50 days. Haematological assay was carried out using haemocytometer, while biochemical assay was carried out using spectrophotometry. Mean +/- SEM and student’s t-test at p&lt;0.05 were determined. Penicillin (17.14 mg/kg) significantly decreased haemoglobin and lymphocyte values, but induced significant increase in eosinophil value relative to their controls. It also significantly decreased total protein and ALP values relative to their controls. Conclusively, it can be suggested that penicillin had harmful effects on blood parameters in female Wistar rats via induction of significant reductions in hemoglobin, lymphocyte and total protein values. However, it also had advantageous effects on blood parameters in female Wistar rats via induction of significant increase in eosinophil value as well as significant decrease in ALP activity.

A-380 Concordance of Truvian's Point-of-Care Blood Testing Analyzer to Central Laboratory Testing

Abstract Background Truvian has developed a fully automated blood testing analyzer (TruAnalyzer) capable of running a panel of clinical chemistry, immunoassay and hematology assays from a low-volume blood sample. Truvian's compact instrument was designed to deliver a convenient and affordable alternative to off-site traditional labs, providing lab-accurate rapid insights from a single, small sample of blood with no upfront pre-processing required to inform health decisions at the point of care. Here, we evaluate the precision and accuracy of a comprehensive wellness panel tested on the TruAnalyzer and compare its performance to FDA cleared devices. Methods TruAnalyzer performance was assessed for both precision and accuracy. For the precision studies, two commercially available controls (one for plasma-based assays and one for blood-based assays) were added to the Truvian consumables and loaded into the TruAnalyzer. Six replicates were run on each of the ten instruments (N = 60). Coefficient of variance (CV) analysis was performed and compared against pre-established requirements. For method comparison studies, 50 unique donors were consented and enrolled in an IRB approved study and 68 donor samples were collected over a 3-day period. For each donor, three 4-mL tubes of blood were drawn: 1) a Lithium Heparin (LiHep) sample for the TruAnalyzer clinical chemistry and hematology panel, 2) a LiHep gel tube for the Roche Cobas c311 clinical chemistry assays, and 3) an EDTA sample for the Sysmex PocH-100i complete blood count with 3-part differential. All samples were processed within 1 hour of collection. Using only 300 µL sample volume, the TruAnalyzer reported results for 23 analytes including CMP (no electrolyes), Lipid, HbA1c, and CBC with 3-part differential. Concordance to comparator devices was determined by Bland-Altman analysis. Results For the precision study, 13 out of 14 (93%) chemistry analytes had a between-system CV of ≤5.8%. For hematology, 5 out of 5 (100%) analytes had a between-system CV of ≤6%. For the method comparison study, RBC counts showed 98% of samples tested being within 6% of comparator values. WBC and platelet counts had 97% of samples tested being within 10% and 15% of comparator values respectively. 95% of hematocrit samples were within 6% of comparator values and 98% of hemoglobin samples were within 7% of comparator values. All hematology analytes showed equivalency to Sysmex PocH-100i as determined by Bland-Altman equivalency analysis. For clinical chemistry analytes, 14 out of 15 (93%) analytes showed equivalency to Roche Cobas c311 as determined by Bland-Altman equivalency analysis when CLIA ATE guidelines were applied. 7 out of 15 clinical chemistry analytes had ≥90% of results within ATE. 5 out of 15 clinical chemistry analytes had ≥80% of results within ATE. Conclusion The Truvian blood testing analyzer is the first multi-modality system capable of running hematology, clinical chemistry and immunoassays from a single, low-volume blood sample. Results from this study demonstrate good precision for the majority of panel analytes and excellent concordance to FDA cleared comparators for assays evaluated in this study.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antifibrotic Potential of Longidaze in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most common forms of interstitial lung disease, characterized by progressive parenchymal fibrosis and respiratory failure. In a model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory activity of Longidaze (Bovhyaluronidase Azoxymer), which contains a conjugate of the hyaluronidase enzyme with a high molecular weight synthetic carrier azoxymer bromide, was investigated. Experiments were conducted in male C57BL/6 mice. Longidaze was administered at different doses by intranasal and intramuscular routes. Histology, hematology, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used in the study. The use of Longidaze reduced pulmonary fibrosis, as evidenced by an improvement in histopathologic damage to the lungs, a decrease in the area of connective tissue, and the levels of profibrotic factors (TGF-β1, hydroxyproline, collagen I) in lung tissue. In addition, Longidaze inhibited the inflammatory response in pulmonary fibrosis, and decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and hyaluronic acid in lung tissue and the recruitment of inflammatory cells into lung tissue. The highest therapeutic efficacy was observed with the use of Longidaze at doses of 120 and 1200 U/kg intramuscularly, which was superior to that of the reference drug pirfenidone axunio. The data presented in this study suggest that Longidaze is a new and promising drug for the treatment of IPF that warrants further investigation in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease.