Homocysteine (Hcy) is an amino acid containing sulfur group in methionine metabolism regulating by vitamin B12 and folic acid. In recent years, it has been used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of several diseases. Therefore, in this study, it was aimed to investigate normal values of plasma Hcy, vitamin B12 and folic acid in Angora cats considering the age and gender. Thirty-two blood samples were collected from healthy Angora cats. They were classified as young (5.8±2.6 months, n=16) and adults (76.6±52.6 months, n=16) according to age, and as male (n=16) and female (n=16) according to gender as well. The findings of this study showed that plasma Hcy, vitamin B12 and folate concentrations of all cats were totally 29.94±3.20 nmol/mL, 1179.25±156.96 pg/mL, 28.10±1.50 ng/mL, respectively. These parameters were not differed statistically according to gender (P>0.05). On the other hand, it was observed that plasma concentrations of Hcy, and vitamin B12 were significantly (P<0.05) increased by ageing, except folate levels. In conclusion, this is the first study represents the normal values of plasma Hcy, vitamin B12 and folic acid in Angora cats considering age and gender It is supposed that findings of this study may offer scientific data for researchers, veterinarians, or further comprehensive studies.

     The present study aims to evaluate the effects of metformin in combination with vitamin B12 and folic acid on lipid profiles and serum homocysteine levels in male rabbits. The study included twenty-four male rabbits that weighed (1.5-2 kg), and were divided randomly into four groups (six rabbits/group). The control first group was administrated (5 ml) of distilled water; The second group was given metformin (125g/kg B.W) plus vitamin B12 (500 μg/kg B.W) daily, the third group was given metformin (125g/kg B.W) plus folic acid (5g/kg B.W) daily and the fourth group was given metformin (125g/kg B.W), folic acid (5g/kg B.W) and vitamin B12 (500 μg/kg B.W) daily, the rabbits were followed up for one month. The results revealed a decrease in the final body weight and body weight gain in all treated groups as compared to the control group.  The homocysteine parameter decreases significantly in the second group which was given metformin and B12 and the third group was given metformin in combination with folic acid as compared with the control group and group four. It showed a significant decrease in the fourth group (metformin + folic acid + vitamin B12) compared with the second and third groups also the glucose level increased significantly in group three compared to group second, fourth, and control group. The results showed that serum cholesterol and TG have decreased in G2 and G3 while an increase in G4 as compared with the control group, and the HDL was decreased in G2 and G4 compared with control and G3 groups. While the results of LDL and VLDL were increased in G3 and G4 compared with G2 and the control group

Objective-To determine expression of folate receptors (FRs) and folate uptake in multicentric lymphomas in dogs. Sample-10 dogs with histopathologically confirmed multicentric lymphoma and 20 archival lymph node biopsy specimens from dogs with multicentric lymphoma. Procedures-Multicentric lymphomas in 10 dogs were prospectively evaluated for FR expression by use of immunohistochemical analysis and for in vivo folate uptake by use of nuclear scintigraphy. Dogs with FR-expressing tumors were eligible for FR-targeted chemotherapy. Twenty archival lymphoma biopsy specimens were also evaluated with immunohistochemical analysis. Results-FRs were not detected with immunohistochemical analysis in lymph node samples obtained from the 10 dogs or in archival biopsy specimens. However, nuclear scintigraphy revealed uptake of radioactive tracer in 6 of 10 dogs. Five of these 6 dogs were treated with an FR-targeted chemotherapeutic agent; results of treatment were complete remission in 1 dog, stable disease in 2 dogs, and progressive disease in 2 dogs. Treatment-related toxicoses generally were mild. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-This study provided strong evidence for folate uptake in a substantial portion of multicentric lymphomas of dogs and indicated the antitumor activity of FR-targeted chemotherapeutics for these cancers. Use of FR-targeted chemotherapeutics may be promising for the treatment of FR-expressing multicentric lymphomas in dogs. Further studies are needed to determine reasons for lack of immunoreactivity to currently identified anti-FR antibodies and to develop improved methods for detecting FRs in lymphomas of dogs.

     The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of spirulina (as a food supplement) on the reproductive performance of adult female rabbits. Female rabbits (16 to 18 weeks old) were divided into three groups (10 rabbits/ group). These groups are: (Gr.I) as a control group and (Gr. II) spirulina was given at a dose (0.5 g / kg of body weight) and (Gr. III) was given a complex of folic acid, B6 and B12 (2.5 + 50 +1 mg / kg body weight) all groups were treated for four weeks. At the end of the treatment period, 2 untreated males (two males/ group) were naturally mated with treated females. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the estrogen concentrations among all groups, while the progesterone concentration showed a significant decrease in the third compound group compared to the control group and DXN-spr. Also, the testosterone hormones did not show significant differences in all groups. FSH and LH concentrations appeared to be significantly decreased in the third group than in the other two groups. The fertility rate and the number of female fertilities increased in the second group (DXN-Spr.) compared to the other groups. There was also a significant increase in birth weight and fertility rate in this group compared to the control and group No. 3 groups. We conclude that oral dosed spirulina (0.5 g/kg body weight) acts as a natural antioxidant that improves reproductive efficiency and reproductive hormones.  

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of withholding food on the results for measurements of serum concentrations of cobalamin, folate, canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI), and canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) in healthy dogs. ANIMALS 11 healthy employee- or student-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Food was withheld from the dogs for 12 hours, baseline blood samples were collected, then dogs were fed. Postprandial blood samples collected 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours later were assessed. A mixed-effects ANOVA model with fasting duration (time) as a fixed factor and dog as a random effect was fit for each analyte variable. Additionally, a mixed-effects ANOVA model controlling for the variable of time was fit to assess whether lipemia affected serum concentrations of the analytes. RESULTS The median serum cobalamin concentration was lower at 4 hours (428 ng/L) and 8 hours (429 ng/L) postprandially, compared with baseline (479 ng/L), but this difference was not clinically meaningful. Although there were no substantial differences in serum concentrations of folate, cPLI, or cTLI, postprandial changes in serum concentrations of cTLI or folate could potentially affect diagnoses in some dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although results indicated that feedings rarely resulted in clinically important differences in the median serum concentrations of cobalamin, folate, cPLI, or cTLI in healthy dogs, given the further processing required for lipemic samples, withholding food for at least 8 hours is an appropriate recommendation when measuring these analytes. Similar research is needed in dogs with gastrointestinal disease to determine whether the withholding of food is necessary when measuring these analytes in affected dogs.