BACKGROUND:Canine mammary gland cancers are the most prevalent malignancies in dogs. There are different challenges regarding management of these cancers in dogs and human, one hypothesis is related to small cellular subset of tumor mass called cancer stem cell. These cells are therapy resistant and cause metastasis and relapse even after primary successful treatment. The well-identified phenotypes for detecting this population are ALDH1+/CD44+/CD24-/Low biomarkers. OBJECTIVES: A study to evaluate existence of cancer stem cells in canine malignant mammary glands tumor and assess effects of these cells on clinicopathological parameters of tumors were designed. METHODS: In this study forty cases of canine mammary glands tumors were collected. All cases were tested via H&E and then Immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods. All samples were evaluated immunohis- tochemically for common markers of these tumor-initiating cells. Monoclonal antibodies against ALDH1, CD44 and CD24 were used. Some tumor aggressiveness-related parameters, including lymphovascular in- vasion, tumor grades and histotypes were assessed. RESULTS: The present study revealed that 17.5% of cases were enriched with cancer stem cells and all  of them were diagnosed as grade II and III (P ≤ 0.05). Other findings showed all cancer stem cell-positive cases were significantly lymphovascular invasion positive (P ≤ 0.05). The most common histotypes in this research were tubular, tubulopapillary and intraductal carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrated that cancer stem cells can be considered as reliable prognostic factors to predict severity of malignant behavior of canine malignant mammary glands cancer, which is  comparable with human breast cancer.

BACKGROUND:Canine mammary gland cancers are the most prevalent malignancies in dogs. There are different challenges regarding management of these cancers in dogs and human, one hypothesis is related to small cellular subset of tumor mass called cancer stem cell. These cells are therapy resistant and cause metastasis and relapse even after primary successful treatment. The well-identified phenotypes for detecting this population are ALDH1+/CD44+/CD24-/Low biomarkers. OBJECTIVES: A study to evaluate existence of cancer stem cells in canine malignant mammary glands tumor and assess effects of these cells on clinicopathological parameters of tumors were designed. METHODS: In this study forty cases of canine mammary glands tumors were collected. All cases were tested via H&E and then Immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods. All samples were evaluated immunohis- tochemically for common markers of these tumor-initiating cells. Monoclonal antibodies against ALDH1, CD44 and CD24 were used. Some tumor aggressiveness-related parameters, including lymphovascular in- vasion, tumor grades and histotypes were assessed. RESULTS: The present study revealed that 17.5% of cases were enriched with cancer stem cells and all  of them were diagnosed as grade II and III (P ≤ 0.05). Other findings showed all cancer stem cell-positive cases were significantly lymphovascular invasion positive (P ≤ 0.05). The most common histotypes in this research were tubular, tubulopapillary and intraductal carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrated that cancer stem cells can be considered as reliable prognostic factors to predict severity of malignant behavior of canine malignant mammary glands cancer, which is  comparable with human breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) is a gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium with the ability to infect a wide range of hosts. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide a snapshot of the immune responses against ST challenge in primary chicken monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) by evaluating the transcriptional changes in inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β. METHODS: After preparing blood MDMs, cell monolayers were challenged with ST at a multiplicity of infection of 50. Transcriptional analyses of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β were performed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction using SYBR Green dye. RESULTS: The results indicated that wildtype ST challenge in avian MDMs favors the differentiation of macrophages toward the alternatively activated M2-like cells through downregulating inflammatory IL-1β. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated the preferential differentiation of chicken macrophages toward the alterna-tively activated M2-like cells upon ST infection. Further improvement of the existing control measures, such as vaccination and molecular-based immunotherapeutic strategies against poultry salmonellosis requires a better understand-ing of mechanisms involved in the immunomodulatory actions of Salmonella in immune cells in future studie

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) is a gram-negative facultative intracellular bacterium with the ability to infect a wide range of hosts. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide a snapshot of the immune responses against ST challenge in primary chicken monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) by evaluating the transcriptional changes in inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β. METHODS: After preparing blood MDMs, cell monolayers were challenged with ST at a multiplicity of infection of 50. Transcriptional analyses of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β were performed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction using SYBR Green dye. RESULTS: The results indicated that wildtype ST challenge in avian MDMs favors the differentiation of macrophages toward the alternatively activated M2-like cells through downregulating inflammatory IL-1β. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated the preferential differentiation of chicken macrophages toward the alterna-tively activated M2-like cells upon ST infection. Further improvement of the existing control measures, such as vaccination and molecular-based immunotherapeutic strategies against poultry salmonellosis requires a better understand-ing of mechanisms involved in the immunomodulatory actions of Salmonella in immune cells in future studie

BACKGROUND: Equine salmonellosis is an important infection with a wide variety of consequences including develop-ment of acute salmonellosis in the cases of predisposing factors, nosocomial infections, public health risk, and environmental contaminations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fecal shedders of Salmonella spp. in the horses of Kurdistan province of Iran using phenotypic and molecular approach. METHODS: A total of 130 fresh feces were randomly collected from horses in four age groups and both sexes in four seasons from all over Kurdistan province. The samples were analyzed for the isolation of Salmonella spp. with culture and biochemical method. An invA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was also carried out for detection of Salmo-nella spp. in pooled fecal samples, simultaneously. The isolates were further serotyped and the antimicrobial profile of the isolates was determined using Kirby-Bauer method. RESULTS: The results showed 1.53% (n=2) and 7.69% (n=10) by bacteriological methods and PCR method, respec-tively. There was no significant relation between the frequencies of Salmonella shedders and age, sex and season (p ≥0.05). The two isolates were recognized as Salmonella Typhimurium, showing 100% resistance against ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, sulphamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol, and 50% resistance against gentamycin. CONCLUSIONS: Rapidity and accuracy of PCR versus phenotypic method makes it an appropriate procedure for the surveillance programs regarding Salmonella detection in feces. Approximately high prevalence of subclinical form in equine salmonellosis or Salmonella fecal carriers in the studied region is instigated to seriously apply strategies to manage and control the distribution of infection to susceptible hosts.

BACKGROUND: Equine salmonellosis is an important infection with a wide variety of consequences including develop-ment of acute salmonellosis in the cases of predisposing factors, nosocomial infections, public health risk, and environmental contaminations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fecal shedders of Salmonella spp. in the horses of Kurdistan province of Iran using phenotypic and molecular approach. METHODS: A total of 130 fresh feces were randomly collected from horses in four age groups and both sexes in four seasons from all over Kurdistan province. The samples were analyzed for the isolation of Salmonella spp. with culture and biochemical method. An invA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was also carried out for detection of Salmo-nella spp. in pooled fecal samples, simultaneously. The isolates were further serotyped and the antimicrobial profile of the isolates was determined using Kirby-Bauer method. RESULTS: The results showed 1.53% (n=2) and 7.69% (n=10) by bacteriological methods and PCR method, respec-tively. There was no significant relation between the frequencies of Salmonella shedders and age, sex and season (p ≥0.05). The two isolates were recognized as Salmonella Typhimurium, showing 100% resistance against ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, sulphamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol, and 50% resistance against gentamycin. CONCLUSIONS: Rapidity and accuracy of PCR versus phenotypic method makes it an appropriate procedure for the surveillance programs regarding Salmonella detection in feces. Approximately high prevalence of subclinical form in equine salmonellosis or Salmonella fecal carriers in the studied region is instigated to seriously apply strategies to manage and control the distribution of infection to susceptible hosts.

BACKGROUND: Members of the genus Mycoplasma are known as pathogens causing respiratory disease in cattle world-wide. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate mycoplasmal infection in the lung tissue of cattle slaughtered in Hamadan industrial abattoir, Iran, using molecular and histopathological methods. METHODS: A total of 108 tissue samples were collected from the cranioventral parts of the cattle lung during March 2015-February 2016. The specimens were subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathological examinations. The PCR-positive samples were tested subsequently for Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma dispar using nested PCR assay. RESULTS: Nine (8.33%) samples contained the DNA of genus Mycoplasma, among which, five and one showed the DNA sequences of M. bovis and M. dispar, respectively. Pathological changes, such as caseonecrotic lesions, interstitial pneumonia, lobar bronchopneumonia, and bronchial atelectasis were observed in 24 (22.22%) tissue samples. All the PCR-positive lungs demonstrated at least one pathological manifestation. However, not every pathognomonic tissue changes were concomitant with the presence of the DNA of Mycoplasma spp. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that M. bovis and to a lesser extent M. dispar are relatively common in the cattle population of the western part of Iran. Therefore, these pathogens should be taken into consideration whenever respiratory problems are evident in cattle

BACKGROUND: Members of the genus Mycoplasma are known as pathogens causing respiratory disease in cattle world-wide. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate mycoplasmal infection in the lung tissue of cattle slaughtered in Hamadan industrial abattoir, Iran, using molecular and histopathological methods. METHODS: A total of 108 tissue samples were collected from the cranioventral parts of the cattle lung during March 2015-February 2016. The specimens were subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathological examinations. The PCR-positive samples were tested subsequently for Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma dispar using nested PCR assay. RESULTS: Nine (8.33%) samples contained the DNA of genus Mycoplasma, among which, five and one showed the DNA sequences of M. bovis and M. dispar, respectively. Pathological changes, such as caseonecrotic lesions, interstitial pneumonia, lobar bronchopneumonia, and bronchial atelectasis were observed in 24 (22.22%) tissue samples. All the PCR-positive lungs demonstrated at least one pathological manifestation. However, not every pathognomonic tissue changes were concomitant with the presence of the DNA of Mycoplasma spp. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that M. bovis and to a lesser extent M. dispar are relatively common in the cattle population of the western part of Iran. Therefore, these pathogens should be taken into consideration whenever respiratory problems are evident in cattle

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are widely used for the treatment of livestock. Their inappropriate usage leads to various disorders in humans as a result of consuming animal products. Milk is among the foods that are significantly affected by consuming antibiotics. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare Yoghurt Culture Test (YCT), Four- Plate Test (FPT), and the Copan test for detecting antibiotic residues in raw and pasteurized milk produced in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 146 raw milk samples and 54 pasteurized milk samples were selected randomly from dairy farms and dairy products suppliers. The presence of antibiotics was evaluated by YCT, FPT, and Copan test. In addition, the sensi-tivity of the three tests for tetracycline and penicillin, as the two common antibiotics in the treatment of animals, was compared. RESULTS: Our findings showed that 8.9% of raw milk and 11% of pasteurized milk samples contained antibiotics. However, the levels of antibiotic residues were higher in 2% of the positive samples than maximum residue levels (MRL). Moreover, significant differences were observed between FPT, YCT, and the Copan test (p <0.05). On the other hand, the positive results of YCT and Copan tests were not significantly different (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that a low percentage of milk samples contained antibiotic residues higher than the permissible limit. Furthermore, YCT could be used as an inexpensive, easy, and sensitive method for identifying the residues of penicillin and tetracycline in milk.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are widely used for the treatment of livestock. Their inappropriate usage leads to various disorders in humans as a result of consuming animal products. Milk is among the foods that are significantly affected by consuming antibiotics. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare Yoghurt Culture Test (YCT), Four- Plate Test (FPT), and the Copan test for detecting antibiotic residues in raw and pasteurized milk produced in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 146 raw milk samples and 54 pasteurized milk samples were selected randomly from dairy farms and dairy products suppliers. The presence of antibiotics was evaluated by YCT, FPT, and Copan test. In addition, the sensi-tivity of the three tests for tetracycline and penicillin, as the two common antibiotics in the treatment of animals, was compared. RESULTS: Our findings showed that 8.9% of raw milk and 11% of pasteurized milk samples contained antibiotics. However, the levels of antibiotic residues were higher in 2% of the positive samples than maximum residue levels (MRL). Moreover, significant differences were observed between FPT, YCT, and the Copan test (p <0.05). On the other hand, the positive results of YCT and Copan tests were not significantly different (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that a low percentage of milk samples contained antibiotic residues higher than the permissible limit. Furthermore, YCT could be used as an inexpensive, easy, and sensitive method for identifying the residues of penicillin and tetracycline in milk.

BACKGROUND: Bee venom contains various biomolecules, such as enzymes, peptides, and amines. The immune sys-tem produces IgG antibodies against bee venom proteins. However, IgE antibodies may also be developed in allergic individuals. OBJECTIVES: In this study, immune responses, including IgG and IgE reactions to bee venom were assessed in vari-ous individuals, using the immunoblotting technique. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 20 people of three major groups, namely beekeepers, allergic individu-als, and normal people. Venom samples of honey bees and wild bees were collected from the suburbs of Tehran, Iran. Furthermore, commercial honey bee venom samples extracted from Apis mellifera and samples of wild bees extracted from Polistes and Vespula were purchased from France. Immunoblotting was carried out using the sera of subjects and anti-human IgG and IgE coupled to horseradish peroxidase. RESULTS: The results of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed similar protein bands in Iranian and European honey bee venoms, including α-glucosidase (170 kDa), Api m (100 kDa), acid phosphatase (49 kDa), hyaluronidase (43 kDa), phospholipase A2 (17 kDa), and melittin (2 kDa). In wild bees, two bands were found with the molecular weights of 35 and 25 kDa belonging to antigen 5 and phospholipase A1, respectively. These were not observed in honey bee venoms. Immunoblot analysis revealed that all the mentioned proteins were immunogenic and al-lergenic in different individuals. Hyaluronidase, as well as phospholipases A1 and A2, were the major allergens in most individuals, while IgE reaction to melittin was only reported in one person. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, studies on antibodies against bee venoms can be useful in immunotherapy. Different people indicated distinct allergenic patterns. Therefore, further similar assays are recommended before, during, and after immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Bee venom contains various biomolecules, such as enzymes, peptides, and amines. The immune sys-tem produces IgG antibodies against bee venom proteins. However, IgE antibodies may also be developed in allergic individuals. OBJECTIVES: In this study, immune responses, including IgG and IgE reactions to bee venom were assessed in vari-ous individuals, using the immunoblotting technique. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 20 people of three major groups, namely beekeepers, allergic individu-als, and normal people. Venom samples of honey bees and wild bees were collected from the suburbs of Tehran, Iran. Furthermore, commercial honey bee venom samples extracted from Apis mellifera and samples of wild bees extracted from Polistes and Vespula were purchased from France. Immunoblotting was carried out using the sera of subjects and anti-human IgG and IgE coupled to horseradish peroxidase. RESULTS: The results of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed similar protein bands in Iranian and European honey bee venoms, including α-glucosidase (170 kDa), Api m (100 kDa), acid phosphatase (49 kDa), hyaluronidase (43 kDa), phospholipase A2 (17 kDa), and melittin (2 kDa). In wild bees, two bands were found with the molecular weights of 35 and 25 kDa belonging to antigen 5 and phospholipase A1, respectively. These were not observed in honey bee venoms. Immunoblot analysis revealed that all the mentioned proteins were immunogenic and al-lergenic in different individuals. Hyaluronidase, as well as phospholipases A1 and A2, were the major allergens in most individuals, while IgE reaction to melittin was only reported in one person. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, studies on antibodies against bee venoms can be useful in immunotherapy. Different people indicated distinct allergenic patterns. Therefore, further similar assays are recommended before, during, and after immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Fish and fish products are consumed in many countries as a considerable source of nutrients. The heavy metals contents are known to increase drastically in the marine environment. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the contents of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in four com-mercially valuable fish species of the Caspian Sea (Rutilus frisii kutum) and Persian Gulf (Parastromateus niger, Pomadasys kaakan, and Scomberomorus commerson). METHODS: A total of 200 samples were collected randomly from fresh fish. A microwave-assisted digestion method was conducted to prepare fish samples and atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for determining heavy metals. RESULTS: The ranges obtained for heavy metals were 0.013-0.038, 0.127-0.352, and 0.007-0.067 mg/kg for Cd, Pb, and Hg, respectively. No fish species overpassed the standard concentrations of metals set by the national or international standards, except for the mean level of Pb in Parastromateus niger. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study indicated that Pb, Cd, and Hg were found in Iranian fish species exclu-sively in trace levels except for the Pb content of the black pomfret of the Persian Gulf. The concentrations of these elements did not exceed the legal limits of the European Commission or the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Fish and fish products are consumed in many countries as a considerable source of nutrients. The heavy metals contents are known to increase drastically in the marine environment. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the contents of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in four com-mercially valuable fish species of the Caspian Sea (Rutilus frisii kutum) and Persian Gulf (Parastromateus niger, Pomadasys kaakan, and Scomberomorus commerson). METHODS: A total of 200 samples were collected randomly from fresh fish. A microwave-assisted digestion method was conducted to prepare fish samples and atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for determining heavy metals. RESULTS: The ranges obtained for heavy metals were 0.013-0.038, 0.127-0.352, and 0.007-0.067 mg/kg for Cd, Pb, and Hg, respectively. No fish species overpassed the standard concentrations of metals set by the national or international standards, except for the mean level of Pb in Parastromateus niger. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study indicated that Pb, Cd, and Hg were found in Iranian fish species exclu-sively in trace levels except for the Pb content of the black pomfret of the Persian Gulf. The concentrations of these elements did not exceed the legal limits of the European Commission or the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of economic loss in horse industry and is well recognized as a cause of abortion, respiratory disease, neurologic disorders and death of neonatal foals.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of EHV-1 in horses with clinical signs and/or history associated with this virus from four provinces of Iran (Golestan, Tehran, Khuzestan, West Azer- baijan) that have considerable horse population, followed by phylogenetic study of positive cases and compare them with herpes viruses in other parts of the world.METHODS: Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken from 150 horses from four aforementioned provinc- es. DNA of samples was extracted and used for detection in real-time PCR TaqMan assay. Finally, phyloge- netic trees were designed based on neighbor joining method.RESULTS: Out of 150 sampled horses, a total of 14 (9.33%) were found to be positive for EHV-1. The results indicated that positive cases of EHV-1 from this study were clustered to herpes virus cases in other parts of the world with a noticeable similarity.CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the presence of EHV-1 in these provinces of Iran, thus consideration should be given to preventive and control programs to prevent dissemination and outbreak of this virus.

BACKGROUND: Equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of economic loss in horse industry and is well recognized as a cause of abortion, respiratory disease, neurologic disorders and death of neonatal foals.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of EHV-1 in horses with clinical signs and/or history associated with this virus from four provinces of Iran (Golestan, Tehran, Khuzestan, West Azer- baijan) that have considerable horse population, followed by phylogenetic study of positive cases and compare them with herpes viruses in other parts of the world.METHODS: Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken from 150 horses from four aforementioned provinc- es. DNA of samples was extracted and used for detection in real-time PCR TaqMan assay. Finally, phyloge- netic trees were designed based on neighbor joining method.RESULTS: Out of 150 sampled horses, a total of 14 (9.33%) were found to be positive for EHV-1. The results indicated that positive cases of EHV-1 from this study were clustered to herpes virus cases in other parts of the world with a noticeable similarity.CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the presence of EHV-1 in these provinces of Iran, thus consideration should be given to preventive and control programs to prevent dissemination and outbreak of this virus.

BACKGROUND: Gastric ulcer is one of the most common diseases in racehorses. Colic, weight loss and poor performance are some of the clinical signs. The second and third larval stages of the bot fly Gasterophilus spp live in the stomach of the horse. This parasite is often found in large numbers of horses in all of the countries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was assessment of gastric ulcer in the rural horse and relation with Gasterophilus spp. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study twenty rural horses were randomly selected for endoscopic finding for gastric ulcer. Gender, age, keeping situation, type of feed, history of colic, hair coat condition, deworming plan and presence of GasterophilussSpp. were recorded in a sheet. The horses were kept fasted for 12 hours before endoscopic examination by a VET3M OLYMPUS (Japan). Sedation was done by injection of Detomidine (Detomo Vet ® ceva-Spain) 0.1ml/100kg to look for presence of gastric ulcers with grading and Gasterophilus spp. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with 95% confidence interval and P RESULTS: Out of 20 horses, 13(65%) horses were mares and 7(35%) were males and Mean±2SE of age was 8.9±4. Endoscopic observation showed 9 (45%) of the horses suffered from gastric ulcer. All of the ulcers were in non-glandular part and near the margo plicatus. Overall, 4 (20%) head of the horses had Gasterophilus spp. and all of them were present in the horse with no deworming plan. Based on the results, there was no associ- ation between presence of Gasterophilus with occurrence of Gastric ulcer (P>0.05). Further study with high sample size is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: There was high frequency of gastric ulcer in non-glandular portion of stomach in rural horse and there was not any association between presence of Gasterophilus and gastric ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric ulcer is one of the most common diseases in racehorses. Colic, weight loss and poor performance are some of the clinical signs. The second and third larval stages of the bot fly Gasterophilus spp live in the stomach of the horse. This parasite is often found in large numbers of horses in all of the countries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was assessment of gastric ulcer in the rural horse and relation with Gasterophilus spp. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study twenty rural horses were randomly selected for endoscopic finding for gastric ulcer. Gender, age, keeping situation, type of feed, history of colic, hair coat condition, deworming plan and presence of GasterophilussSpp. were recorded in a sheet. The horses were kept fasted for 12 hours before endoscopic examination by a VET3M OLYMPUS (Japan). Sedation was done by injection of Detomidine (Detomo Vet ® ceva-Spain) 0.1ml/100kg to look for presence of gastric ulcers with grading and Gasterophilus spp. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with 95% confidence interval and P RESULTS: Out of 20 horses, 13(65%) horses were mares and 7(35%) were males and Mean±2SE of age was 8.9±4. Endoscopic observation showed 9 (45%) of the horses suffered from gastric ulcer. All of the ulcers were in non-glandular part and near the margo plicatus. Overall, 4 (20%) head of the horses had Gasterophilus spp. and all of them were present in the horse with no deworming plan. Based on the results, there was no associ- ation between presence of Gasterophilus with occurrence of Gastric ulcer (P>0.05). Further study with high sample size is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: There was high frequency of gastric ulcer in non-glandular portion of stomach in rural horse and there was not any association between presence of Gasterophilus and gastric ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and prognosis of inflammatory conditions based on acute phase proteins (APPs) level in blood has been exploited for a long time in human medicine and their changes in SARA condition is considered in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the variations of serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) as main acute phase proteins in cow with normal pH or cows that experienced rumen pH ≤5.8 during first days after parturition. METHODS: A total of 106 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly selected after parturition in two different seasons of winter and summer 2017. Cows were divided into 2 groups as normal cows with pH >5.8 or rumen pH ≤5.8. Ruminal fluid samples were collected through stomach tube for rumen pH and blood samples were taken from the coccygeal vein of cows concurrently once per day at days 4, 11 and 18 post-partum. SAA and Hp were determined in blood samples. The PROC MIXED of SAS (2003) was used for all determined variables with repeated measures. BCS, parity and milk yield were included as fixed and cows as random effect. The significant level was declared at P≤0.05, and tendency toward significance was considered at 0.05<P≤0.10 by the Tukey test. Correlation between rumen pH and APPs were surveyed using PROC CORRELATION of SAS (2003). RESULTS: The results of experiment showed that rumen pH was lower (P<0.05) in summer samples than winter (6.33 vs. 6.46). Rumen pH was lower (P<0.0001) in cows composed by subjects with rumen pH ≤5.8 than pH >5.8. For all examined cows, SAA concentration was greater in winter than summer (P<0.001), as well as at day 4 than days 11 and 18 after calving (P<0.05).Also, Hp concentration was greater for winter samples than summer (P<0.05), and at day 18 than days 4 and 11 after calving (333.33 vs. 299.3 and 300.1 respectively) (P<0.05). SAA and Hp concentrations were not affected by rumen pH. There was no significant correlation between rumen pH and APPs concentrations in both groups of pH ≤5.8 and pH >5.8. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that rumen pH ≤5.8 seems not to stimulate the APPs production

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and prognosis of inflammatory conditions based on acute phase proteins (APPs) level in blood has been exploited for a long time in human medicine and their changes in SARA condition is considered in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the variations of serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) as main acute phase proteins in cow with normal pH or cows that experienced rumen pH ≤5.8 during first days after parturition. METHODS: A total of 106 multiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly selected after parturition in two different seasons of winter and summer 2017. Cows were divided into 2 groups as normal cows with pH >5.8 or rumen pH ≤5.8. Ruminal fluid samples were collected through stomach tube for rumen pH and blood samples were taken from the coccygeal vein of cows concurrently once per day at days 4, 11 and 18 post-partum. SAA and Hp were determined in blood samples. The PROC MIXED of SAS (2003) was used for all determined variables with repeated measures. BCS, parity and milk yield were included as fixed and cows as random effect. The significant level was declared at P≤0.05, and tendency toward significance was considered at 0.05<P≤0.10 by the Tukey test. Correlation between rumen pH and APPs were surveyed using PROC CORRELATION of SAS (2003). RESULTS: The results of experiment showed that rumen pH was lower (P<0.05) in summer samples than winter (6.33 vs. 6.46). Rumen pH was lower (P<0.0001) in cows composed by subjects with rumen pH ≤5.8 than pH >5.8. For all examined cows, SAA concentration was greater in winter than summer (P<0.001), as well as at day 4 than days 11 and 18 after calving (P<0.05).Also, Hp concentration was greater for winter samples than summer (P<0.05), and at day 18 than days 4 and 11 after calving (333.33 vs. 299.3 and 300.1 respectively) (P<0.05). SAA and Hp concentrations were not affected by rumen pH. There was no significant correlation between rumen pH and APPs concentrations in both groups of pH ≤5.8 and pH >5.8. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that rumen pH ≤5.8 seems not to stimulate the APPs production