Mean Corpuscular Volume Values Research Articles

Improvement of the Osmotic Fragility (OF) Test in α Thalassemia 1 Screening for HIV-1 Infected Patients by The New Cutoff Values of MCV and MCH

Objective: To evaluate the efficiencies of the standard α thalassemia screening regimen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients and improve the efficiencies of this screening regimen using new cutoff values.Material and Methods: A screening process using the osmotic fragility (OF) test, the old cutoff values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) at <80 fL and <22 pg, and the new cutoff values at <87 fL and <29 pg was performed in 300 HIV infected patients. After which, a genetic study was performed to detect common α thalassemia 1 genes deletions composed of Southeast Asian and THAI deletions and also for hemoglobin constant spring and hemoglobin Pakse mutations for α thalassemia 2 carriers. Screening efficiency was estimated by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).Results: Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the original regimen for thalassemia screening in HIV infected patients were at 50.0%, 95.0%, 39.0% and 96.8%, respectively, demonstrating a high false positivity in HIV-1 infected populations. Therefore, new cutoff values for MCV and MCH were proposed at <87 fL and <29 pg, due to the highest value found in α thalassemia 1 carriers with HIV-1 infection. These new cutoff values showed higher sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV at 100.0 92.6%, 46.2%, and 100.0%, respectively, and thus enhanced thalassemia screening efficiency in HIV-1 infected patients.Conclusion: Incorporation of the OF test and the new cutoff values for MCV and MCH improve the efficiencies of α thalassemia 1 screening in HIV-1 infected patients. This helps reduce the cost of confirming positive test results in α thalassemia screening.

Comparative efficacy of two parenteral iron-containing preparations, iron gleptoferron and iron dextran, for the prevention of anaemia in suckling piglets

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a serious health problem in neonatal piglets and is controlled by routine application of iron in various formulations. The efficacy and safety of two iron-containing products...

The effects of common yarrow (Achillea millefolium Linnaeus), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) and rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis Linnaeus) hydrosols on the some immunological and hematological parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758)

In this study, the effects of some plant hydrosols (distilled plant waters) based upon some hematological parameters and Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) activities in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) infected with Yersinia ruckeri were investigated. In the trial, it was utilized totally 200 common carps with 54.3±6.7 g mean live weight and 15.7±1.8 cm mean total lenght. The 10% rate of the common yarrow (Achillea millefolium Linnaeus) hydrosol; 0.5% rate of the cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) hydrosol; and 5% rate of the rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis Linnaeus) hydrosol were applied to fish as a bath treatment. The erythrocyte (RBC), leukocyte count (WBC), hematocrit value (HCT), haemoglobin amount (Hg), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and activities of NBT in the blood samples taken from the caudal vena of the control and experimental fish groups were analyzed in the 7th, 14th, and 21st days of the exposure treatment. At the end of the research, HCT, Hg, RBC, WBC, MCH and MCV values decreased in the C-2 Group (the control group contain pathogen) compared to the C-1 Group (the control group no contain pathogen), except MCHC value. The NBT activities in the C-1 Groups increased at the 14th day, but decreased quite a few at the 21st day. It has been consequently reached the conclusion that the bath treatments of the some plant hydrosols might be beneficial in increasing of antibacterial properties and in strengthening of defense mechanisms of common carp against Y. ruckeri pathogen.

Hematological alterations in fish exposed at agricultural fair

The objective of this study was to evaluate if there were alterations in hematological variables of fish after transportation and exhibition at an agricultural fair. We first collected blood samples from 12 fish of the species Prochilodus lineatus (curimbata) at the Goio-En research institute; then, these animals were transported (60 km) to the agricultural fair, where they stayed for 3 days in glass aquariums exposed to the visitors of the event. On the return of the fish to the institute, we collected blood again. We performed hematological analyses, measuring hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and total erythrocyte count in the harvested material. We also determined mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Total leukocyte counts and leukocyte differential performed on blood smears. There were no differences in hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte concentration (P > 0.05) before and after the fair. However, the number of erythrocytes and thrombocytes were lower after the fish show (P < 0.05). Mean values of mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin was higher after the fair (P < 0.05). Stress at the fair may have reduced the number of erythrocytes and thrombotic agents, as a result of which there may have been a compensatory effect in the fish that increased the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, in order to maintain the transport of oxygen in the cells and homeostasis. Based on these lines of evidence, it appears that exhibition of curimbata in fairs caused alterations in the hematological parameters, damaging homeostasis and metabolism, thus negatively affecting their development.

A STUDY ON BOVINE BABESIOSIS AND TREATMENT WITH REFERENCE TO HEMATOBIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS

This study was carried out during the period from May to December 2015 on thirty crossbred female cows in Sherbeen city, Dakahlia Governorate and two to four years of age. Twenty cows suffered from fever, anorexia, increase in respiratory and heart rates, anemia, pale to icteric mucous membranes and red urine. Babesiosis was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by detection of intra-erythrocytic stages of the Babesia in Giemsa stained blood film, polymerase chain reaction amplification (PCR) and sequencing of 18S rRNA gene. Hemoparasites were detected in thirteen blood samples by microscopic examination, whereas PCR were positive in twenty. The hematological findings revealed a marked decrease in the erythrocyte count, hematocrit %, hemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration with a significant increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume values in Babesia-infected cows when compared with healthy control. On the other hand there was a significant leucopenia and thrombocytopenia along with a significant eosinophilia. The biochemical findings of infected cows revealed a significant increase in activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. In contrast a significant decrease in serum levels of total proteins, albumin, globulins, sodium and potassium. While serum bilirubin (total, direct and indirect), urea and creatinine levels were significantly increased. After administration of single I/M imidocarb dipropionate 12% (1.7 mg/kg BW) to Babesia infected cows, there was an improvement in hematological and biochemical parameters. It concluded that molecular detection of B. bigemina more sensitive than blood smear. Treatment infected cows with imidocarb improves the clinical signs, hematological and biochemical parameters that indicate recovery of infected cows.

Ferroportin deficiency in erythroid cells causes serum iron deficiency and promotes hemolysis due to oxidative stress

AbstractFerroportin (FPN), the only known vertebrate iron exporter, transports iron from intestinal, splenic, and hepatic cells into the blood to provide iron to other tissues and cells in vivo. Most of the circulating iron is consumed by erythroid cells to synthesize hemoglobin. Here we found that erythroid cells not only consumed large amounts of iron, but also returned significant amounts of iron to the blood. Erythroblast-specific Fpn knockout (Fpn KO) mice developed lower serum iron levels in conjunction with tissue iron overload and increased FPN expression in spleen and liver without changing hepcidin levels. Our results also showed that Fpn KO mice, which suffer from mild hemolytic anemia, were sensitive to phenylhydrazine-induced oxidative stress but were able to tolerate iron deficiency upon exposure to a low-iron diet and phlebotomy, supporting that the anemia of Fpn KO mice resulted from erythrocytic iron overload and resulting oxidative injury rather than a red blood cell (RBC) production defect. Moreover, we found that the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) values of gain-of-function FPN mutation patients were positively associated with serum transferrin saturations, whereas MCVs of loss-of-function FPN mutation patients were not, supporting that erythroblasts donate iron to blood through FPN in response to serum iron levels. Our results indicate that FPN of erythroid cells plays an unexpectedly essential role in maintaining systemic iron homeostasis and protecting RBCs from oxidative stress, providing insight into the pathophysiology of FPN diseases.

Colorectal cancer and markers of anemia.

Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia is an important marker for colorectal cancer (CRC). Our objectives were as follows: (a) to assess whether the association between anemia and CRC can be detected on the 'Clinical Practice Research Datalink', (b) to evaluate the timing between laboratory changes and CRC detection, and (c) to analyze its association with survival. We conducted a case-control study on patients with an incident CRC diagnosis during 2008-2012 and a 1 : 1-matched control group. We compared anemia markers serum ferritin (SF), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red blood cell count between cases and controls using conditional logistic regression. We assessed survival in CRC cases. SF values up to 20 ng/ml were associated with an odds ratio [OR (95% confidence interval)] of 10.66 (6.88-16.51) compared with SF values of 101-300 ng/ml when restricted to measurements up to 180 days before the CRC diagnosis. For measurements taken at 1 year or earlier before the diagnosis, the OR was 2.02 (1.57-2.61). For Hb values less than 9 g/dl compared with Hb values of 13.0-15.9 g/dl the corresponding ORs were 74.25 (34.69-158.91) and 2.19 (1.31-3.67), respectively. The corresponding ORs for MCV values up to 80 fl compared with MCV values of 86-95 fl were 13.94 (10.31-18.85) and 1.89 (1.51-2.36), respectively. Low levels of these markers were only weakly associated with survival. Hb, MCV, and SF levels substantially dropped only shortly before the CRC diagnosis. Although slightly more cases had anemia markers compared with controls at 1 year or earlier before the diagnosis, most cases still had normal values. The Clinical Practice Research Datalink is well-suited to detect associations between low Hb, MCV, and SF levels and CRC.

Clinico-hematological and oxidative stress status in Nili Ravi buffaloes infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Hemoparasitic diseases like trypanosomiasis have an adverse influence on the health and working capability of infected animals. Monitoring and identification of blood born parasitic infections in dairy animals are of vital importance to get the optimum production. In this study blood samples were collected from Nili Ravi buffaloes (n = 390) kept at different villages of district Lodhran, Punjab province of Pakistan. Blood samples were evaluated for red blood cell counts, total and differential leukocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total proteins and different serum parameters such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphorous, copper, calcium and magnesium. Overall prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi was 4.61% based on microscopic smear examination, 11.02% with Formol Gel Test and 16.15% with PCR. Infected buffaloes showed different clinical signs, including high fever (105 ± 1.0 °F), edema of face and legs, hyperemic mucosa of eyes, lachrymation, bulging eyes, pale mucus membranes and frequent urination. Microscopic examination of blood films showed morphologically different parasites. Statistical analysis did not indicate an association of infection based on age and sex of buffaloes. Results revealed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and total proteins, while increased values of mean corpuscular volume, total white blood cells, monocyte, neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils in infected animals. Infected buffaloes were suffering from macrocytic hypochromic anemia. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum lipid per oxidation product (malondialdehyde) level and serum enzymes while a decrease in macrominerals and trace mineral (copper) in trypanosomiasis positive buffaloes were recorded. It was concluded that Trypanosoma evansi is prevalent in Pakistan under tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. It causes clinical disease with macrocytic hypochromic anemia and oxidative stress in infected buffaloes.

The Effects of Different Exercise Types on Hematological Parameters in Sedentary Women

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of aerobic and strength exercises on hematological parameters in sedentary women. To achieve the purpose of this study, a total of 23 volunteers including aerobic exercise group (AE, n: 10), strength exercise group (SE, n:13) were selected as participants. Two different exercises were applied for 4 days a week, throughout 16 weeks, within 60 minutes for each exercise with the intensity of heart rate (HR) 60-70 percent. The HR was measured using a heart rate monitor for each subject.The women's white blood cell (WBC), thrombocyte (PLT), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were measured before and after exercise. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for intra-group evaluations, and the Mann Whitney U test was used for inter-group evaluations. After the exercise program, there were a meaningful decrease in the body weight and body mass index (BMI) the women in both intervention groups. In addition, in the hematological results of strength exercise group, some meaningful decreases were determined in the values of RBC, HGB, HCT and MCV (p&lt;0.01). As a results, it was observed that regular aerobic and strength exercises can positively influence the body weight and BMI parameters of sedentary women. Along with this, a meaningful decrease has been found in the values of RBC, HGB, HCT and MCV of strength exercise group compared to aerobic exercise.

Influence of biological factors on hematological and serum biochemistry values in captive Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Macaroni penguins in Pingtung, Taiwan.

Hematology and serum biochemistry reference values are essential for health evaluation and disease diagnosis in penguins. However, there are currently no published physiological values for captive Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Chinstrap penguins (P. antarcticus), nor for wild or captive Macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus). The present study is the first investigation regarding hematology and serum biochemistry reference values for captive Adélie, Gentoo (P. papua), Chinstrap, and Macaroni penguins in Asia. Fixed effect models for repeated measure were applied to determine the influence of penguin species, age, gender, and age-gender interaction on each blood parameter. Hematology and serum biochemical data from 122 apparently healthy penguins (24 Adélie, 38 Chinstrap, 46 Gentoo, and 14 Macaroni) were collected between 2009 and 2014. The effects of penguin species were observed for most blood parameters, except total bilirubin, creatine kinase (CK), creatinine, and potassium ion (K+ ). Values of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), heterophil, ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes (H/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and chloride ion (Cl- ) had significant positive correlation with age, while significant negative correlation with age was observed in total red blood cells (RBCs), lymphocytes, thrombocytes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), CK, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and plasma iron. Compared to male penguins, females had lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) but higher calcium ion (Ca2+ ) values. As for age-gender interaction, significant positive correlation was shown in MCHC and K+ , and the reverse was true in H/L ratio.

Effects of sub-lethal doses of miconazole nitrate on Labeo rohita and its curing efficacy against Saprolegniasis

Miconazole nitrate (MCZ) is an imidazole derivative antifungal drug used as therapeutic and prophylactic agent against fungal outbreak in human and veterinary animals. However, its use in aquaculture industry has not been reported yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of MCZ in fish and the effects of sub-lethal doses of MCZ on the haematological and biochemical parameters in Labeo rohita. Different haematological parameters like total blood cell counts, haemoglobin content along with mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration values were observed. Biochemical parameters like plasma glucose level, plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity, plasma Na+ and K+ levels were also determined. In this experiment, 32 treatments (4 dose × 8 exposure times) of four MCZ doses (control- 0.0 mgMCZ kgBW−1, T1–6.30 mgMCZ kgBW−1, T2–12.61 mgMCZ kgBW−1 and T3–25.22 mgMCZ kgBW−1) with eight exposure times were set up in triplicates. In the second experiment, fish infected with Saprolegnia parasitica were fed with MCZ based feeds @ 1% BW daily for 21 days and their relative percent survival were recorded. The study revealed that the sublethal doses of MCZ have the significant (p < 0.05) effect on the haematological and biochemical parameters of the fish and also lowered (p < 0.05) the mortalities of saprolegnia infected fish. Fish fed with diet T3 (25.2 mgMCZ kg−BW−1) had maximum survivability with highest curing efficacy without any observable harmful effect on the physiology of fish. Thus, MCZ has an effective role in maintaining the health status of fish and providing protection against oomycetes, S. parasitica infection.

Application of the automated haematology analyzer XN-30 in an experimental rodent model of malaria

BackgroundThe erythrocytic stage, where malaria parasites proliferate in human blood, is clinically significant as this causes the symptoms and illness of malaria. Experimental rodent models of malaria at the erythrocytic stage are used for the development of anti-malarial drugs and for biological analysis. An automated haematology analyzer XN-30 was developed for detection of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) in human blood samples and measurement of their parasitaemia in approximately 1 min through flow cytometry analysis. Additionally, the analyzer simultaneously measured other haematological parameters in these samples. It is inferred that the analyzer would also allow easy and rapid measurement of parasitaemia in mice and provide important clues on the mouse haematological state during infection and treatment.ResultsThe XN-30 analyzer is a simple and rapid tool to detect iRBCs in mouse blood samples infected with rodent malarial parasites, with three-dimensional analysis permitting the precise measurement of parasitaemia (referred herein as the ‘XN-30 system’). The XN-30 analyzer allowed not only the detection of iRBCs but also the monitoring of RBC, white blood cell, and platelet counts, as well as haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and mean platelet volume values in the mouse blood sample. For anti-malarial drug development, aside from demonstrating possible efficacy in mouse models, XN-30 analyzer could provide a first glimpse of the safety profile of the drug.ConclusionsThe XN-30 system is a powerful tool that can be utilized for the in vivo screening, development, and evaluation of anti-malarial drugs as well as for pre-clinical pharmacology and/or toxicity tests in rodent models.

Reticulocyte hemoglobin content in a large sample of the general Dutch population and its relation to conventional iron status parameters

BackgroundNo full consensus exists on which iron status parameters to use for iron status assessment. In this study, we assessed the usefulness of measurement of the hemoglobin content of reticulocytes (CHr) in the general population. MethodsThe following iron status parameters were assessed in 1024 adults: CHr, reticulocytes, hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, serum iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Mean parameter values and correlation coefficients for CHr and other parameters were calculated. In addition, mean CHr levels in subgroups based on low and normal values of other iron status parameters were compared. ResultsMean CHr values in men were 31.81 (SD = 1.50) pg and in women 31.32 (SD = 1.51) pg. A positive correlation was observed between CHr and Hb, ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation and MCV; a negative correlation was observed between CHr and transferrin. CHr levels were lower in subjects with low values of Hb, ferritin, serum iron and MCV compared to subjects with normal values for these parameters. ConclusionMean CHr values in this population were comparable to values reported in small healthy control groups. Associations with other parameters were in agreement with associations reported in literature. CHr measurement might have additional value in iron status assessment.

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in End-Stage Heart Failure Patients Is Independently Associated With All-Cause Mortality After Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

BackgroundRed blood cell markers (RBCM) have been found to be predictors of mortality in various populations. However, there is no information regarding the association between the values of RBCM and long-term outcomes after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT).The aim of this study was to assess whether the values of inflammatory markers and RBCM obtained directly before OHT are associated with mortality in patients diagnosed as having end-stage heart failure undergoing OHT. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data of 173 nonanemic adult patients diagnosed as having end-stage heart failure undergoing primary OHT between 2007 and 2014. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained at the time of admission for the OHT. RBCM were analyzed using an automated blood counter (Sysmex XS-1000i and XE-2100, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan). ResultsMean age of the patients was 54 (41–59) and 72% of them were male. During the observation period, the mortality rate was 32%. Multivariable analysis of Cox proportional hazard confirmed that elevated pretransplantation red blood cell distribution width value (hazard ratio [HR], 1.38 [1.25–1.48], P < .001) was the sole independent predictor of death during long-term follow-up. Other red blood cell distribution width such as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (HR, 0.88 [0.84–0.91]; P < .001; HR, 0.75 [0.53–1.05]; P < .05; HR, 0.78 [0.64–0.96]; P < .05, respectively) had predictive value in univariable analysis. ConclusionsIn summary, we have demonstrated that elevated red blood cell distribution width immediately before OHT is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in heart transplant recipients. Other factors associated with posttransplantation mortality include lower values of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

Causes of microcytic anaemia and evaluation of conventional laboratory parameters in the differentiation of erythrocytic microcytosis in blood donors candidates

ABSTRACT Context and Objective: Microcytic anaemia results from defective synthesis of haemoglobin in the erythroid precursors, causing a reduction in its mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The most common causes of microcytosis, without the increase in HbA2 levels, are iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and α-thalassemia. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of microcytic anaemia and evaluate the haematological parameters from blood donors deemed ineligible (due to the low haematocrit level) that would differentiate the IDA and α-thal, whether isolated or in association. Methods: Genomic DNA was submitted to the polymerase chain reaction multiplex for the diagnosis of the most common allele deletions of α-thal and erythrogram and in order to verify haematological parameters. Iron deficiency (ID) was determined through the measurement of serum ferritin. Results: Of the 204 samples, 82 (40.2%) were identified with ID, 24 (17.8%) with α-thal and 10 (4.9%) with ID associated with α-thal. In the α-thal with ID group haemoglobin (Hb), MCV, mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) values were significantly lower compared to the isolated α-thal. In the group with ID Hb, MCV, MCHC and MCH values were significantly lower compared to those with isolated α-thal. The α-thal with ID group, showed Hb, MCV, MCHC and MCH significantly reduced when compared to those with IDA. Conclusions: This study showed that the values of haematological parameters, especially haematocrit, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and red blood cell distribution width (RDW), are lower in patients with IDA, especially when associated with α-thal and therefore it may be useful to discriminate between the different types of microcytic anaemia.

The influence of age, farm, and physiological status on pig hematological profiles

Objectives: To evaluate influence of age, farm, and physiological status on pig hematological profiles. Materials and methods: This study was carried out on five 1-site, farrow-to-finish pig farms in Slovenia, where a total of 382 clinically normal pigs were sampled. All farms were free of Aujeszky’s disease (pseudorabies), classical swine fever, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Blood samples were taken from the anterior vena cava. Hematological analyses were performed with an automated hematological analyser. The following hematological variables were measured: red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), erythrocyte indices, and platelet count (PLT). Differential WBC counts were determined manually using stained smears. Results: The farms themselves influenced all of the investigated variables except RBC and WBC differential (ie, lymphocytes, monocytes, and band neutrophils). A trend of lower values of RBC, Hb, and Hct, higher WBC numbers, and a higher percentage of segmented granulocytes were observed in lactating sows when compared to pregnant sows. Age significantly influenced hematological values and differential WBC counts except basophils, monocytes, and band neutrophils. Values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased with age, the highest values being found in sows. Numbers of WBC and PLT decreased with age, the lowest number being observed in sows. Implications: Hematological examination may be an important diagnostic tool in the assessment of pig health status, but to interpret the results properly, it is important to consider pig age, health history, and clinical data.

Hematology and serum biochemistry parameters of captive Chinese alligators (Alligator sinensis) during the active and hibernating periods.

The Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis is an endangered freshwater crocodilian species endemic to China. Hematology and serum biochemistry reference range are useful in the assessment and management of animal health condition. In this study, a total of 74 Chinese Alligators (30 males and 44 females) were examined to establish reference range values of hematology and serum biochemistry parameters during the active and hibernating periods. We measured and analyzed 9 hematology and 21 serum biochemistry parameters including 4 serum electrolyte parameters, and described the morphology of different types of blood cells. No statistical differences between the sexes were found for hematology parameter, while significant differences were noted for some serum biochemistry parameters, with males having greater alkaline phosphatase activity level and lower globulin concentration value than females. There were some significant differences between the two different periods with alligators during the active period possessing lower values for mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, total bilirubin and creatine kinase, but higher values for red blood cell and white blood cell counts, monocyte percentage, aspartate aminotransferase, a-amylase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglycerides, and cholesterol. These baseline data were essential for health condition evaluation and disease diagnosis of this endangered species.

Comparative study of hematological and blood chemistry of Persian sturgeon (Asipencer persicus) exposed to two common anticoagulants

The effects of heparin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on plasma biochemistry and hematological parameters in Asipencer persicus were studied. Differences in ALT and ALP activity were found between serum and heparinized plasma (P&lt;0.05). AST activity in EDTA treated samples increased (P&lt;0.05) compared to its values in serum. On the contrary, ALP activity showed a significant decrease compared to its serum level (P&lt;0.05). Samples collected with EDTA showed an increase in haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and white blood cells (WBC) values (P&lt;0.05) when compared to those collected in heparin. The other measured biochemical parameters did not show any variation. The present study suggests the use of heparin as a preferred anticoagulant for routine haematological analyses in the Persian sturgeon. However, both of these anticoagulants inflicted changes in selected biochemical parameters.

Relationship between obesity and iron deficiency anemia: is there a role of hepcidin?

ABSTRACTObjectives: Iron deficiency is common in obese children although the underlying mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between iron parameters, leptin, hepcidin and adiponectin levels in obese children.Methods: A total of 237 children, ranging in age from 5 to 18 years, 180 with primary obesity and 57 healthy children and adolescents, were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum iron levels, iron-binding capacity, ferritin levels, leptin, hepcidin and adiponectin levels were studied.Results: White blood cell and platelet count, iron-binding capacity, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, leptin and hepcidin values in the obese group were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, mean corpuscular volume, adiponectin and transferrin saturation values in the obese group were lower than in the control group (p = 0.026, p = 0.003, and p < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were found in terms of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, iron and IL-6 levels.Conclusions: Our study suggests that hepcidin levels do not contribute to the development of iron deficiency anemia in pediatric obese individuals.

EFFECT OF CADMIUM CHLORIDE ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES OF THE FRESHWATER ORNAMENTAL FISH, CYPRINUS CARPIO KOI (LINNAEUS, 1758)

Haematological profile [Haemoglobin (Hb), White Blood Corpuscles (WBC), Red Blood Corpuscles (RBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and Platelets count (PLT)] of the freshwater ornamental fish, Cyprinus carpio koi exposed to 1/10th of 96hrs LC50 (92.5 ppm) sublethal concentration of Cadmium chloride for a period of 30 days were checked. Compared to control, significant decrease in Hb, RBC, PCV, MCH, MCHC and PLT were noted (P < 0.05) while WBC and MCV values were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Observation of haematological parameters allows the most rapid detection of alterations in fish after the exposure with xenobiotic compounds and thus, it could be concluded that the haematological indices could be considered as possible biomarkers for heavy metal pollution.