Sedimentation of erythrocytes in equine, human and canine blood was observed in tubes, intended for preparation of plasma rich with platelets and extracellular vesicles. We ob-served that in human blood, plasma formation started first,... more
Sedimentation of erythrocytes in equine, human and canine blood was observed in tubes, intended for preparation of plasma rich with platelets and extracellular vesicles. We ob-served that in human blood, plasma formation started first, followed by equine blood and canine blood. All three dependencies of the length of the plasma column on time had sigmoid shape, however, the increment was greatest in equine blood. We observed higher propensity of equine blood to form erythrocyte rouleaux by light microscopy. Approxi-mately 70-90% of haematocrit was reached by natural sedimentation of blood in all three species. Keywords: Erythrocyte Sedimentation, Canine plasma, Human blood, Equine blood, Canine blood, Plasma Rich with Platelets and Extracellular Vesicles
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Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) is the most common naturally occurring heart disease in dogs. There is a lack of data on antioxidant status and oxidative damage in dogs with MMVD stage B1 according to the American College of... more
Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) is the most common naturally occurring heart disease in dogs. There is a lack of data on antioxidant status and oxidative damage in dogs with MMVD stage B1 according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM B1). The aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant status (plasma vitamin E, lipid-standardized vitamin E (LS-VitE), antioxidant capacity of lipid-(ACL) and water-soluble antioxidants, whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase), and lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] in dogs with MMVD ACVIM B1. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured to calculate LS-VitE. Fourteen dogs with MMVD ACVIM B1 and 12 control dogs were included in the study. Dogs with MMVD had significantly higher vitamin E, ACL, MDA, and cholesterol concentrations and significantly higher LS-VitE values than control dogs. No significant correlations between MDA and antioxidant parameter...
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The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a therapeutic renal diet on selected clinical, biochemical, and urinary parameters and on selected parameters of oxidative stress in cats with early stages of chronic kidney disease... more
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a therapeutic renal diet on selected clinical, biochemical, and urinary parameters and on selected parameters of oxidative stress in cats with early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A prospective study of a 3-month duration was conducted to evaluate the effect of renal diet on selected clinical and laboratory parameters in client-owned cats with early stages of CKD. Of a total of 29 enrolled client-owned cats, nineteen (19) cats completed the study, ten receiving renal diet and nine receiving a diet of the owner’s choice. A clinical examination was performed, and blood and urine samples were collected on the day of presentation and at regular check-ups after 3-4, 7-8, and 10-12 weeks. Serum creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations and selected parameters of oxidative stress (plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum selenium concentrations), were measured...
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General anesthesia increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can exacerbate or increase oxidative stress and thus affect the prognosis of surgical procedures. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development... more
General anesthesia increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can exacerbate or increase oxidative stress and thus affect the prognosis of surgical procedures. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular, dermatologic, oncologic, and other diseases in dogs, as well as ischemia and reperfusion injury. Some anesthetics, such as halogenated anesthetics, have been shown to stimulate the production of ROS, while others, such as propofol, have antioxidant properties. However, the antioxidant effects of these anesthetics may not be sufficient to counteract oxidative damage at the doses used clinically. Nevertheless, the effects of anesthetics should be considered to minimize oxidative damage during anesthesia in dogs to improve the outcome of procedures requiring general anesthesia. This mini-review addresses the current knowledge on oxidative stress during inhalational and intravenous anesthesia in dogs. There is still a lack of informat...
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1Institute of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia 2Institute of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia 3Centre for Sustained... more
1Institute of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia 2Institute of Microbiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia 3Centre for Sustained Recultivation Vremščica, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia 4Clinic of Surgery and Small Animals, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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The objective of the study was to find whether a single intratracheal inoculation with live Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 influences local and systemic inflammatory and immune responses in mice.Twelve-week-old BALB/c mice were... more
The objective of the study was to find whether a single intratracheal inoculation with live Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 influences local and systemic inflammatory and immune responses in mice.Twelve-week-old BALB/c mice were intratracheally inoculated with 2.9 × 109 CFU P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 diluted in 40 μl sterile phosphate buffer (treated group) or with sterile PBS (control group). The animals were sacrificed 2, 6, 24, 72 and 168 h after inoculation. TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and total protein concentrations were measured in the serum, lungs and kidneys. Six hours after P. gingivalis inoculation, TNFα concentration was significantly increased in serum (p = 0.02) and kidneys (p = 0.04), but in the lungs TNFα production was enhanced already 2 h (p < 0.0001) after inoculation, reaching the peak after 6 h (p < 0.0001). The IL-1β concentration was also significantly increased in serum after 2 h (p = 0.006), remaining significantly elevated up to 3 days (p ≤ 0.0001) after inoc...
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Background In this prospective study, we hypothesized that dogs with signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) would show differences in left and right heart echocardiographic parameters compared with brachycephalic dogs... more
Background In this prospective study, we hypothesized that dogs with signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) would show differences in left and right heart echocardiographic parameters compared with brachycephalic dogs without signs of BOAS and non-brachycephalic dogs. Results We included 57 brachycephalic (30 French Bulldogs 15 Pugs, and 12 Boston Terriers) and 10 non-brachycephalic control dogs. Brachycephalic dogs had significantly higher ratios of the left atrium to aorta and mitral early wave velocity to early diastolic septal annular velocity; smaller left ventricular (LV) diastolic internal diameter index; and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion index, late diastolic annular velocity of the LV free wall, peak systolic septal annular velocity, late diastolic septal annular velocitiy, and right ventricular global strain than non-brachycephalic dogs. French Bulldogs with signs of BOAS had a smaller diameter of the left atrium index and right ventr...
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Despite numerous studies on haemorrhagic shock treatment, the choice of fluid and the rate of administration is a subject of controversy. Early haemodynamic effects, neuroendocrine response and renal func - tion following acute sodium... more
Despite numerous studies on haemorrhagic shock treatment, the choice of fluid and the rate of administration is a subject of controversy. Early haemodynamic effects, neuroendocrine response and renal func - tion following acute sodium load with either hypertonic saline (HS) or Lactated Ringer's (LRS) were investigated in a model of controlled haemorrhagic shock. Six anaesthetized dogs were bled 30% of calculated blood volume, i.e., 27 ml/kg b.w. over 15 min and left untreated for 30 min. Afterward, the dogs were treated with either HS 4 ml/kg b.w. or LRS 81 ml/kg b.w., followed by whole blood. After a resting period of at least 30 days, the dogs underwent a similar second shock experiment, but with the second solution. Haemodynamics, renal effects and neuroendocrine response were studied during shock and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after administration of HS or LRS and 30 and 60 min after the addition of whole blood. LRS treatment resulted in significantly higher cardiac filling pr...
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Canicross is a sport discipline that connects human and canine athletes in running. Changes in physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters, and exercise-induced oxidative stress have not been thoroughly characterized in... more
Canicross is a sport discipline that connects human and canine athletes in running. Changes in physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters, and exercise-induced oxidative stress have not been thoroughly characterized in canicross dogs. The aim of our study was the assessment of the health status of trained canicross dogs that were subjected to two acute bouts of exercise with their owners during the training season. Health status was assessed by measuring the rectal temperature, hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as blood oxidative stress parameters (plasma malondialdehyde, lipid peroxidation marker; whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase1, antioxidant enzymes) before and during a two-day canicross training session and after a 24-h rest period. Seven trained canicross dogs (three females/four males) aged 12–120 months were included in the study. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after the first acute bout...
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Brachycephalic breeds have various health problems due to anatomic abnormalities that repre-sented brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). BOAS is characterized by stenotic nostriles, an elongated soft palate, aberrant nasal... more
Brachycephalic breeds have various health problems due to anatomic abnormalities that repre-sented brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). BOAS is characterized by stenotic nostriles, an elongated soft palate, aberrant nasal conche, everted laryngeal saccules, laryngeal collapse and hypoplastic trachea and is clinically observed by dyspnea, stridor, exercise intolerance and vomiting. Staphylectomy and resection of the ala nasi for surgical treatment of BOAS was performed in 30 brachycephalic dogs (BOAS group) (14 French bulldogs, 9 Boston terriers, and 7 pugs). There were two control groups, a group of 15 non-brachycephalic dogs and a group of 11 brachycephalic dogs that did not have surgery associated with BOAS. The dogs in the BOAS group had significantly higher body temperature compared to the control group of brachycephalic dogs, but not compared to the group of non-brachycephalic dogs. Internal diameter of the endotracheal tube was significantly smaller in the BOAS g...
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The aim of the present preliminary study was to investigate how submaximal exercise affects blood lactate (BL) concentrations, body temperature (BT) and heart rate (HR) in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Seven... more
The aim of the present preliminary study was to investigate how submaximal exercise affects blood lactate (BL) concentrations, body temperature (BT) and heart rate (HR) in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Seven dogs with BOAS grade 2/3 and 3/3 were subjected to submaximal exercise on a treadmill. Each dog was subjected to training session that began with a 5-minute walk at a speed of 2.5 km/h and an incline of 0% and continued with a 5-minute walk at a speed of 2.5 km/h and at an incline of 5%. Heart rate, BT, and BL concentrations were measured before the start (T1), every 5 minutes during the test (T2, T3) and after 15 and 30 minutes of rest (T4, T5). Blood lactate concentrations at T3 and T5 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than concentrations at T1. Heart rate and BT values at T2 and T3 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than values at T1. Submaximal exercise resulted in a significant decrease in BL concentrations and a significant increase...
Research Interests: Cardiology and Medicine
Brachycephalic dog breeds, such as Pug, English and French Bulldogs and Boston Terrier belong to a group of breeds characterized by a severe shortening of the muzzle and thus the underlying bones, as well as a more modest shortening and... more
Brachycephalic dog breeds, such as Pug, English and French Bulldogs and Boston Terrier belong to a group of breeds characterized by a severe shortening of the muzzle and thus the underlying bones, as well as a more modest shortening and widening of the skull. These breeds are prone to a conformation-related disorder known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Among consequences of the upper airway abnormalities is not only hypoxia, but also redued clearance of carbon dioxide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate selected parameters (pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate concentration and base excess) of venous blood gas analysis in brachycephalic dogs with BOAS before and one month after surgical treatment of BOAS. Sixty-two BOAS patients with different severity grades of BOAS were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified as grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 based on the decrease in the radius of the airway at the level of the nasopharynx, or...
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Additional file 1: Table S1. Baseline demographic characteristics of canine DCM and MMVD patients and control dogs. Table S2. Inflammatory markers (Median, IQR) and NT-proBNP concentrations (Median, IQR) in DCM and MMVD patients and... more
Additional file 1: Table S1. Baseline demographic characteristics of canine DCM and MMVD patients and control dogs. Table S2. Inflammatory markers (Median, IQR) and NT-proBNP concentrations (Median, IQR) in DCM and MMVD patients and control dogs. Table S3. Oxidative stress markers (mean ± SD) in DCM and MMVD patients and control dogs.
Additional file 1. Procedures for the multivariate models.
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances... more
License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in seminal plasma were evaluated on the basis of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis as predictors for distinguishing satisfactory from unsatisfactory boar semen samples after storage. SOD on day 0 correlated significantly with progressive motility (
BackgroundHaematological examination is an important diagnostic tool in the assessment of pig health status. The present study aimed to assess haematological parameters in pigs of different age categories from six farrow-to-finish farms... more
BackgroundHaematological examination is an important diagnostic tool in the assessment of pig health status. The present study aimed to assess haematological parameters in pigs of different age categories from six farrow-to-finish farms differing in herd health status. The following pig categories were included: 5 age groups of growers (5, 7, 9–10, 11 and 12–13 weeks-old), fatteners and breeding pregnant sows. Individual blood samples for determining complete blood count and white blood cell differential count were taken and group samples of oral fluid and faeces were collected from each animal category in each of the six farms and tested for the detection of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Virus (PRRSV), and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) using PCR, RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR protocols. Individual blood samples were analysed using an automated laser-based haematology analyser. The following haematological parameters were reported: white blood cell count (WB...
This study investigated the most appropriate blood sampling time for determining the lactulose/mannitol (L/M) index, and whether isoflurane anaesthesia increases intestinal permeability in dogs, in terms of changes in the L/M index. Six... more
This study investigated the most appropriate blood sampling time for determining the lactulose/mannitol (L/M) index, and whether isoflurane anaesthesia increases intestinal permeability in dogs, in terms of changes in the L/M index. Six dogs were given 100 ml of sugar solution (3.6 g lactulose and 3.4 g mannitol) with orogastric tube. Blood samples for determination of basal plasma L/M index were taken 90, 120, and 180 minutes later. The next day, the dogs were administered methadone, induced with midazolam mixed with ketamine, followed immediately by propofol, and anaesthesia maintained with isoflurane in oxygen for 200 minutes. The same sugar solution as the day before was administered at the end of anaesthesia and 12 and 24 hours post-anaesthesia. Blood samples were taken 90, 120 and 180 minutes after administration of sugar solution. HPLC-MS was used for plasma determination of lactulose and mannitol and the results expressed as L/M index. The highest concentrations of lactulose...
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OBJECTIVE To determine the dose of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) needed to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). ANIMALS 18 dogs... more
OBJECTIVE To determine the dose of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) needed to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). ANIMALS 18 dogs with CHF due to MMVD and 12 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, dogs with MMVD were given 50 or 100 mg of water-soluble CoQ10 (ubiquinone; total daily dose, 100 mg [n = 5] or 200 mg [6]) or a placebo (7), PO, twice a day for 2 weeks in addition to regular cardiac treatment. Plasma CoQ10 concentration was measured in dogs with MMVD before (baseline) and at various time points after supplementation began and in healthy dogs once. Concentrations were compared among and within groups. RESULTS No significant difference in median baseline plasma CoQ10 concentration was detected between healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD. Fold increases in plasma CoQ10 concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 4.7 and 3.2 to 6.8 for individual dogs in the 100-mg and 200-mg groups, respectively. The change in plasma CoQ10 concentration after supplementation began was significantly higher than in the placebo group at 4 hours and 1 and 2 weeks for dogs in the 200-mg group and at 1 and 2 weeks for dogs in the 100-mg group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A daily CoQ10 dose of 200 mg was sufficient to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration and may be used in CoQ10 supplementation studies involving dogs with CHF due to MMVD.
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Abstract Background Data on alterations in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) subtypes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is lacking. Objectives To investigate PBL subtypes and their correlation with parameters of... more
Abstract Background Data on alterations in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) subtypes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is lacking. Objectives To investigate PBL subtypes and their correlation with parameters of inflammation and MMVD progression markers in dogs with different stages of MMVD. Animals Seventy‐eight client‐owned dogs: 65 with MMVD (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine [ACVIM] classification stages B2, C, and D) and 13 healthy controls. Methods Prospective cross‐sectional study. Complete cardiac assessment, flow cytometry (T lymphocytes [CD3+], their subtypes [CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+CD8+, CD3+CD4−CD8−], and B lymphocytes [CD45+CD21+]) and measurement of N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide, cardiac troponin I, and C‐reactive protein concentrations were performed. Results The percentage of CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes was significantly lower in stable ACVIM C patients (P = .01) and unstable ACVIM C and D patients (P = .003), the percentage of CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes was significantly higher in stable ACVIM C patients (P = .01) and unstable ACVIM C and D patients (P = .01), CD3+CD8+ lymphocyte concentration was significantly higher in unstable ACVIM C and D patients (P = .05), and the CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ ratio was significantly lower in stable ACVIM C patients (P = .01) and unstable ACVIM C and D patients (P = .01) compared with healthy controls. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The percentages of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ PBL and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were altered in MMVD dogs with congestive heart failure (ACVIM C, D), but not in ACVIM B2, suggesting involvement of these PBL subtypes in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure in dogs with MMVD.
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Background Inflammation and oxidative stress can contribute to the development and progression of heart failure. This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in dogs with congestive... more
Background Inflammation and oxidative stress can contribute to the development and progression of heart failure. This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). Associations between the disease severity marker N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were also determined. Results Thirty-seven dogs with cardiovascular diseases (dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM (16 dogs), myxomatous mitral valve disease, MMVD (21 dogs)) and ten healthy dogs were included in this prospective study. The patients were further divided into groups with (26) and without CHF (11). We found a significantly higher serum concentration of C-reactive protein (P = 0.012), white blood cell (P = 0.001), neutrophil (P = 0.001) and monocyte counts (P = 0.001) in patients with CHF compared to control dogs. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was sig...
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The aim of the current study was to assess the antioxidative effects of the dietary supplementation of olive leaf extract (OLE) in different concentrations compared to those of vitamin E in piglets under conditions of dietary n-3... more
The aim of the current study was to assess the antioxidative effects of the dietary supplementation of olive leaf extract (OLE) in different concentrations compared to those of vitamin E in piglets under conditions of dietary n-3 PUFA-induced oxidative stress. Forty-eight castrated male piglets (10.6 ± 0.99 kg) were fed the following experimental diets: Cont− (low-fat diet, no supplement), Cont+ (high linseed oil diet, no supplement), Vit-E (as Cont+, 105 IU vitamin E/day), OLE-1 (as Cont+, 3.84 mg hydroxytyrosol equivalents (HEQs)/day), OLE-2 (as Cont+, 38.4 mg HEQ/day), and OLE-3 (as Cont+, 96 mg HEQ/day). After 21 days of feeding, the experimental diets, blood and urine samples were collected to assess the extent of the oxidative stress. Results indicated that diet OLE-1 lowered the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, protected DNA (measured as DNA tail %) and altered urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Dietary vitamin E lowered the levels of urinary F2-isoprostanes...
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To investigate changes in serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations in dogs in which medetomidine was used for sedation or for premedication prior to anaesthesia with propofol and sevoflurane. Prospective clinical study. A total of... more
To investigate changes in serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations in dogs in which medetomidine was used for sedation or for premedication prior to anaesthesia with propofol and sevoflurane. Prospective clinical study. A total of 66 client-owned dogs. The dogs were sedated with medetomidine (0.04 mg kg) intravenously (IV) (group M; n = 20) and left to breath room air or anaesthetized with propofol (6.5 ± 0.76 mg kg IV) and sevoflurane (4.5% vaporizer setting) in oxygen (group P + S; n = 20) or with medetomidine (0.04 mg kg IV), propofol (1.92 ± 0.63 mg kg) and sevoflurane (3% vaporizer setting) in oxygen (group M + P + S; n = 26), respectively. After 35 minutes, medetomidine was antagonized with atipamezole (0.1 mg kg intramuscularly). Blood samples for serum cTnI determination were taken before sedation or anaesthesia, 6 and 12 hours and 4 days thereafter. Serum cTnI concentrations were measured with the Architect STAT Troponin-I assay. Before sedation or anaesthesia, cTnI c...
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Although human studies have shown that inflammation plays a role in the development of congestive heart failure, scarce information exists on white blood cell count (WBC) and differential cell counts in various stages of heart failure in... more
Although human studies have shown that inflammation plays a role in the development of congestive heart failure, scarce information exists on white blood cell count (WBC) and differential cell counts in various stages of heart failure in man and dogs. A few studies demonstrated increased concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), a major acute-phase protein, in cardiac diseases in dogs. Our research aimed to investigate whether CRP concentration, WBC and neutrophil count (NEUT), as markers of systemic inflammation, are elevated in canine cardiovascular patients. We also aimed to find out whether there is an association between CRP concentration and WBC and NEUT, as well as associations between these inflammatory markers and selected echocardiographic parameters. Sixty-two client-owned canine cardiac patients and 12 healthy dogs were included in the study. The patients were classified into International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council classes (ISACHC I-III). The serum CRP concen...
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We tested the hypothesis that indirect measures of oxidative stress (vitamin E, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde) differ in dogs in heart failure resulting from either myxomatous mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy.... more
We tested the hypothesis that indirect measures of oxidative stress (vitamin E, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde) differ in dogs in heart failure resulting from either myxomatous mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. Dogs were classified according to the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) classification. Additionally, the effect of cardiac therapy on oxidative stress parameters and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in advanced stages of congestive heart failure was investigated. There were no significant differences in oxidative stress parameters between healthy dogs and the individual groups of cardiac patients. Significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed in the ISACHC II group in comparison to ISACHC groups III and I. A significant positive correlation in treated patients was observed between NT-proBNP and MDA, NT-proBNP and vitamin E, as well as between MDA and vitamin E (and lipid-standardized vitamin E)...
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Data on the values of selected blood antioxidant parameters, i.e. total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in healthy dogs, are lacking. There are no published accepted standard reference methods for... more
Data on the values of selected blood antioxidant parameters, i.e. total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in healthy dogs, are lacking. There are no published accepted standard reference methods for their determination. The aim of this study was to determine the values of plasma total antioxidant capacity and the activities of whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase in 30 healthy client-owned dogs (19 females, 11 males). The effect of age and sex on the measured antioxidant parameters was also investigated. Antioxidant parameters were determined with an automated biochemical analyser, using the commercially available Randox kits. No significant difference in age, weight, and antioxidant parameters was determined between females and males. A significant positive effect of age (p = 0.002, r2 = 0.284) on superoxide dismutase activity was confirmed. There was no effect of sex on any of the antioxidant parameters measur...
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ABSTRACT Export Date: 18 October 2014
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Low levels of plasma vitamin E concentrations were found in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). The present study was aimed at determining the effect of an eight-week vitamin E supplementation on clinical response (Canine Atopic Dermatitis... more
Low levels of plasma vitamin E concentrations were found in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). The present study was aimed at determining the effect of an eight-week vitamin E supplementation on clinical response (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-03) scores and pruritus intensity) in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Levels of oxidative stress markers (plasma malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, plasma and skin vitamin E concentrations) were also determined. Twenty-nine dogs with CAD were included in the study. Fourteen received vitamin E (8.1 IU/kg once daily, orally) and 15 received mineral oil as placebo (orally). All dogs were treated with antihistamine fexofenadine. Levels of oxidative stress markers (with the exception of skin vitamin E), CADESI-03 and pruritus intensity were determined at the beginning, then every two weeks. Skin vitamin E was determined at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Significantly higher plasma levels of vitamin E and TAC were observed in the vitamin E group than in the placebo group. CADESI-03 scores determined throughout the treatment in the vitamin E group were significantly lower than in the placebo group. The findings of this study support the supplementation of vitamin E in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
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Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in seminal plasma were evaluated on the basis of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis as predictors for... more
Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in seminal plasma were evaluated on the basis of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis as predictors for distinguishing satisfactory from unsatisfactory boar semen samples after storage. SOD on day 0 correlated significantly with progressive motility (r=-0.686;P<0.05) and viability (r=-0.513;P<0.05) after storage; TBARS correlated only with motility (r=-0.480;P<0.05). Semen samples that, after 3 days of storage, fulfilled all criteria for semen characteristics (viability > 85%, motility > 70%, progressive motility > 25%, and normal morphology > 50%) had significantly lower SOD levels on the day 0 than those with at least one criterion not fulfilled (P<0.05) following storage. SOD levels of less than 1.05 U/mL predicted with 87.5% accuracy that fresh semen will suit the requirements for satisfactory semen characteristics after storage, ...
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Altered homeostasis of vitamin E has been demonstrated in human atopic dermatitis. Data on plasma and skin vitamin E concentrations in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) are not available. To determine vitamin E concentrations in plasma and... more
Altered homeostasis of vitamin E has been demonstrated in human atopic dermatitis. Data on plasma and skin vitamin E concentrations in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) are not available. To determine vitamin E concentrations in plasma and skin of atopic dogs. Vitamin E concentrations in plasma and full-thickness skin biopsies of 15 atopic dogs were related to CAD extent and severity index (CADESI-03) scores and compared to the equivalent concentrations in 17 healthy dogs. Statistically significant differences of measured parameters between the two groups were determined by the nonparametric Mann Whitney U test and correlations between CADESI-03 scores and vitamin E concentrations were evaluated by the Spearman rank test. A value of P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Plasma concentrations of vitamin E were significantly lower in atopic dogs than in healthy dogs, with median values of 29.8 and 52.9 μmol/L, respectively. Skin vitamin E values did not differ significantly between patients and healthy controls. The median concentration of skin vitamin E in atopic dogs was higher than that in healthy dogs. No significant correlations were found between CADESI-03 score and plasma vitamin E or skin vitamin E concentrations. Significantly lower plasma vitamin E concentrations in atopic dogs than in healthy controls indicate altered homeostasis of vitamin E in CAD. Further investigation into vitamin E supplementation in CAD is warranted.
Research Interests: Dogs, Female, Animals, Male, Vitamin E, and 4 moreSkin, Homeostasis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Veterinary Sciences
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport pathway, and is also the only known endogenously synthesized lipid-soluble antioxidant. The aim of the present study was to determine, for the first... more
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport pathway, and is also the only known endogenously synthesized lipid-soluble antioxidant. The aim of the present study was to determine, for the first time, endogenous plasma CoQ10 concentration and its correlation with plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and serum total cholesterol (TC) in a population of healthy untrained horses. Thirty-one horses were included in the study. Plasma CoQ10 concentration ranged from 0.380 to 2.090 mg/L, which is in general agreement with plasma CoQ10 concentration in humans. The study demonstrated no significant correlation between plasma CoQ10 and TAC, which indicates that CoQ10 does not contribute to the TAC of equine plasma significantly. In contrast to humans, no significant correlation was found between CoQ10 and TC in investigated horses. The results warrant further studies on CoQ10 supplementation in healthy untrained horses and subsequent determination of correlations between CoQ10 and TAC.
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There are no data in the veterinary literature relating to oxidative stress in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). The study aimed to determine levels of oxidative stress markers, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity... more
There are no data in the veterinary literature relating to oxidative stress in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). The study aimed to determine levels of oxidative stress markers, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), in 15 CAD patients and 17 healthy dogs. A correlation between CADESI (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index) score and MDA was also determined. Significantly higher plasma MDA levels were found in patients than in healthy dogs. The significant, highly positive correlation determined between CADESI score and MDA in the patient group indicates an association between the severity of CAD and the extent of oxidative damage to membrane lipids. There were no significant differences in TAC, GPX and SOD between patients and healthy dogs. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress with increased lipid peroxidation could be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Research Interests: Chemistry, Oxidative Stress, Medicine, Animal Production, Veterinary Dermatology, and 15 moreVeterinary Science, Antioxidants, Dogs, Animals, Glutathione Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, Oxidative Damage, Biological markers, Atopic Dermatitis, Indexation, Erythrocytes, Malondialdehyde, Gene Expression Regulation, Total Antioxidant Capacity, and Case Control Studies
Adjunctive corticosteroid treatment to reduce excessive local inflammatory response in pneumonia is controversial. To study the effects of an early local adjunct dexamethasone treatment on the course of pneumonia and inflammatory/cytokine... more
Adjunctive corticosteroid treatment to reduce excessive local inflammatory response in pneumonia is controversial. To study the effects of an early local adjunct dexamethasone treatment on the course of pneumonia and inflammatory/cytokine response, mice were intratracheally inoculated with live Porphyromonas gingivalis and treated with either clindamycin (C), dexamethasone (D), C+D combination, or were not treated (Pg). Six mice from each group were euthanized at 6, 24, 72, and 168 hours after inoculation. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, soluble TNF-α receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and lung-homogenate supernatant were determined. Lung samples were histopathologically assessed and all findings compared to those found in 24 sham-inoculated mice (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]). Severe P. gingivalis-induced bronchopneumonia progressed from 24 hours, peaked at 72 hours, and resolved after 168 hours with changes in local and systemic cytokine levels. Clindamycin-treated mice developed only mild bronchopneumonia that resolved fast (72 hours) with an early (6-24 hours) normalization of local and systemic cytokine levels. Similar course of pneumonia and cytokine level changes were observed in mice treated with C+D, but later. Early (6-24 hours) local elevation of sTNFRs was observed in C and C+D groups of mice, whereas nontreated (Pg) mice had increased systemic sTNFRs. Severe bronchopneumonia with delayed resolution was observed in D-group mice, with an early local and systemic decrease in sTNFR1 and persistent elevation of local TNF-α. Clindamycin or a clindamycin-dexamethasone combination treatment significantly improves the course of P. gingivalis-aspiration pneumonia, but more so if clindamycin alone is used. A favorable course of pneumonia seems to be associated with an early elevation of sTNFRs and normalization of TNF-α.
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... of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60; National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia *Corresponding author, E-mail: alenka.nemecsvete@vf.uni-lj ... of the TAS kit used here is that even slight changes in reaction... more
... of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60; National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia *Corresponding author, E-mail: alenka.nemecsvete@vf.uni-lj ... of the TAS kit used here is that even slight changes in reaction conditions, such as temperature and run time, have ...
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Two hundred and ten adult patients undergoing open cholecystectomy, vagotomy or gastrectomy were included in a randomised multicentre study to compare postoperative nausea and vomiting, oxygen saturations for the first three postoperative... more
Two hundred and ten adult patients undergoing open cholecystectomy, vagotomy or gastrectomy were included in a randomised multicentre study to compare postoperative nausea and vomiting, oxygen saturations for the first three postoperative nights, time to return of gastrointestinal function, mobilisation, and discharge from the hospital following induction and maintenance of anaesthesia with propofol and alfentanil or with thiopentone, nitrous oxide, isoflurane and alfentanil. Recovery from anaesthesia was significantly faster in the propofol group (mean (SD) times to eye opening and giving correct date of birth of 14.0 (SD 13.8) and 25.5 (SD 29.5) minutes, and 18.5 (SD 14.8) and 35.5 (SD 37.2) minutes in the propofol and isoflurane groups respectively). There was significantly less nausea in the propofol group (15.4%) than in the isoflurane group (33.7%) in the first two postoperative hours (p &lt; 0.003) but not thereafter. There were no significant differences between the groups in any other recovery characteristics. The incidence of hypoxaemia (arterial oxygen saturation less than 93%) was close to 70% in both groups for the first three postoperative nights, indicating the need for oxygen therapy after major abdominal surgery.