Environmental pollution remains a major global health concern, particularly when it comes to heavy metals, which are associated with various health hazards. Among the prevalent heavy metals in the environment is cadmium (Cd). As a result, the current study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective potential of olive leaves extract (OLE) against Cd-induced chronic renal injury. Forty-eight albino rats were divided into four equal groups. Rats in the control group were received distilled water orally, while those in the OLE group were orally administered OLE 200 (mg/kg b.wt.) daily. The cadmium-intoxicated group rats were orally gavage 5 mg Cd/kg b.wt. twice a week and the OLE+Cd group received the same doses of both OLE and CdCl2. After 4 and 8 weeks of the experiment, blood and kidney samples were collected for analysis of kidney function test and histopathological examination. Oral administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) for 4 and 8 weeks resulted in nephrotoxicity, evidenced by a significant increase (P<0.05) in urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. These biochemical changes were accompanied by distinct histopathological alterations, including renal hemorrhage, edema and vasculitis with severe glomerular and tubular necrosis as well as periglomerular fibrosis and marked interstitial fibrosis. Treatment with OLE exhibited a remarkable reduction in these histopathological changes and restored the serum parameters toward normal levels. In conclusion, OLE has a time-dependent mitigating effect against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity by reducing inflammation, glomerulotubular injury, and renal fibrosis, indicating that it is a potential natural product in counteracting chronic nephrotoxicity.

Avian influenza virus (AIV) poses a serious problem among poultry production sector, low pathogenic avian influenza H9N2 (LPAI H9N2) has been widely spread globally inducing indirect huge economic losses and it considered as a hidden threaten due to its immunosuppressive impact on birds. Therefore, the current work objectives were the molecular detection of the circulating AI H9N2 field strain in Egypt during 2022-2023 with pathogenicity testing of the recovered virus in specific pathogen free (SPF) one day old chicks. Out of 10 suspected tracheal samples that have been collected from different broiler chicken farms in Al Qalyubia governorate only 7 (70%) samples were positive by Reverse transcription Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The strain that showed a high reproductive ability and high egg infective dose 50 (EID50) (109/ µl) on ECE via allantoic sac has been selected for pathogenicity testing in SPF chicks. For pathogenicity testing, 60 SPF chicks were allocated into two groups 30 birds each. G1and G2 were inoculated via oculo-nasal route with 100µl containing 1x 106 EID50/ µl virus and 100µl sterile normal saline, respectively. During the experimental time (15 days), no mortalities were recorded in the two groups. The observed clinical signs were mild (ruffled feathers, and depression) in G1, but no clinical signs were observed in G2. During the experiment 3 birds per group were ethically slaughtered to observe the postmortem (PM) and histopathological lesions at 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days post-infection (dpi).  The observed PM lesions were mild tracheitis, mild pneumonia, subcapsular hemorrhage in liver, enlargement of the spleen, mild atrophy in the pancreas, hemorrhage in the thymus, severe nephritis, and nephrosis with distended ureters with ureates but no macroscopic lesions were detected in the bursa of Fabricius. The virus tropism not restricted only to respiratory, renal, and gastrointestinal tract, but also to the liver, pancreas, and thymus. In conclusion, continuous molecular detection, with pathogenicity testing of circulating AIV is recommended. The authors recommend further full H9 sequence to perform cladogram to the currently tested strain.

Tumors have been rarely documented in the Arabian dromedary (Camelus dromedarius). Importantly, the current study investigated multiple primary tumors in the liver of Dromedary camels, slaughtered at different abattoirs in Egypt during the period from January 2019 to February 2022. The study focused on the existence of two or more separate primary neoplasms, or a single one involving multiple sites in the same liver. The study conducted a comprehensive and accurate gross and histopathological description of the neoplastic cases. The use of special stains and diverse types of immunohistochemical-specific antibodies contributed significantly to the confirmed diagnosis of neoplastic cells. Interestingly, our results diagnosed unusual multiple primary hepatic tumors (prevalence 7/988, 0.7%), including one case each of cholangiocarcinoma-leiomyosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma-cholangiocarcinoma-leiomyoma, myelolipoma-osseous metaplasia, lymphosarcoma and three cases of leiomyomas. Detecting multiple primary hepatic tumors for the first time in the veterinary research area is a major challenge in the diagnosis and treatment strategies of tumors. Additionally, liver cirrhosis, amyloidosis, parasitic infection, and mycotic granuloma may be predisposing factors associated with increased overgrowth of primary mesenchymal hepatic tumors in camels.

In Egypt, ostrich farming has had a great increase during the last few years. The most common problems facing ostrich farmers are a high percentage of late embryonic mortality and low hatchability. This study was designed to survey the main causes of late in-shell ostrich embryonic death. A total of 100 freshly dead shell ostrich embryos, all of them were in the second half of the incubation period with different ages ranging from 25 to 39 days old, were received during the breeding seasons of the period from October 2018- October 2021, from different ostrich farms in Egypt, suffered from late-stage embryonic death during artificial incubation, respiratory signs and diarrhea in breeders, moreover, the surveyed ostrich farms were near to chicken farms suffered from Newcastle Disease outbreaks. Gross findings in all embryos were recorded as anasarca, severe general congestion, and hemorrhages. In this study, 66 dead shell ostrich embryos out of 100 (66%) were immunohistochemically positive for Newcastle Disease Virus. Four Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus strains (genotype VIIb) were molecularly characterized in 4 immune-positive ND embryos (from 4 different ostrich farms in 4 different Egyptian governorates) by RT-PCR and F gene sequencing. In addition, all embryos were negative for bacterial isolation except for one vNDV positive embryo (1%) (25 days old) that was superinfected by Citrobacter spp. The main histopathological lesions of vNDV-positive ostrich embryos were general edema, extensive congested blood vessels, hemorrhages, necrosis, syncytial cells formation in the upper respiratory tract, and leukocytic cells infiltrations. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report of the Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus that immunohistochemically and molecularly characterized dead ostrich embryos in Egypt, therefore, Newcastle Disease Virus vaccination of ostrich breeders is strongly recommended.

Cats are the only definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) that shed millions of un-sporulated oocysts. The current study aimed at evaluating the serological and histopathological potential ratio of T. gondii oocysts shedding and re-shedding kittens. Blood and fecal samples collected from fifty-seven un-weaned kittens from various districts of Cairo Governorate, Egypt. All kittens serologically screened for T. gondii using the Latex agglutination test (LAT), and fecal materials inspected daily for oocysts. Only proven seronegative un-shedding kittens employed in the three experimental re-shedding studies using the three T. gondii strain types II, III, and I with the third trial focusing on the ability of re-shedding with corticosteroid therapy.  One kitten corresponding to each type sacrificed for histo-pathological assay and IgM/IgG serum antibodies recorded along the trials course using ELISA. The overall sero-negative percentage was 59.7%, with 35.1 and 24.6% in shedding and un-shedding ones respectively. The shedding number of oocysts /100 mg/feces scored (7, 5 and 3); (30, 15 and 7); (20, 10 and 5) corresponding and sequence to the three T. gondii strain types I, II and III respectively. In addition, the average IgM/IgG ELISA titers recorded significance variations sequence to the three strain types. Corticosteroids therapy stimulates re-shedding ability for the third time. The findings concluded that kittens shed oocysts at a high rate; regard shedding and re-shedding qualities as a critical component in developing oocyst-borne human and animal toxoplasmosis effects. Strong protection against vaccinated cats are required, as is close interaction between cats and farm animals.

In this study, the side effects of some anti-covid-19 drugs (Favipiravir and Dexamethasone) were evaluated through the pathological, and clinicopathological changes in the tissues of rats. 30 rats were divided into 6 groups (Gp1- control), (Gp2 received 0.54 mg/kg dexamethasone), (Gp3 received 200 mg/kg favipiravir), (Gp4 received 400 mg/kg favipiravir), (Gp5 received 200 mg/kg favipiravir + 0.54 mg/kg dexamethasone) and (Gp6 received 400 mg/kg favipiravir + 0.54 mg/kg dexamethasone). The histopathological and clinical results showed that both favipiravir and dexamethasone-induced lesions in the liver, kidney, and lung as well as increased liver functions (alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and C-reactive protein) and kidney functions (Urea and creatinine). Also increased oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidants in liver, and kidney tissues. The gene expression in splenic tissues showed an increase in NF-kb, IL6, and TNF when animals were exposed to 400 mg/kg favipiravir. While these genes (NF-kb, IL6, and TNF) decreased when animals received a combination of favipiravir with dexamethasone. In gp3, hydropic degeneration was noted in both the kidney and liver. In Gp4, necrotic changes in the liver, and vacuolation of the renal glomerular tufts were observed. In Gp5, the necrotic hepatic tissues were infiltrated with mononuclear cells, and necrosis and inflammation in renal tubules in the kidney were shown. In gp6, leukocytic infiltration was noted in both the kidney and liver. In conclusion, the anti-Covid-19 drugs could induce pathological changes in the internal organs of the rat.

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known industrial and environmental pollutant having hazardous and poisonous properties in various forms of kidney impairment. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of palm dates extract (PDE) and olive leaves extract (OLE) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 36 adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group 1: control group injected with physiological saline, group 2: oral gavage with PDE, group 3: orally administrated with OLE, group 4: injected daily with CdCl2 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). Groups 5 and 6: were orally treated with either PDE or OLE, respectively one hour prior to ip administration of CdCl2. After one-week samples were collected from all groups for serum biochemical analysis of kidney function as well as investigation of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Kidney tissue specimens were obtained for histopathological examination. CdCl2 exposure caused a significant elevation (P<0.05) in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and MDA levels with marked reduction in CAT, SOD and GPx indicating renal damage. CdCl2 induced severe congestion and vasculitis with marked perivascular edema, inflammation, hemorrhage, glomerular shrinkage, massive degeneration, necrosis and apoptosis in the renal tubular epithelium. PDE and OLE treatment resulted in significant improvement in kidney function and oxidative markers with a marked reduction of MDA level. Histopathological changes were also ameliorated. In conclusion, PDE or OLE treatment significantly reduced the deleterious effects of acute CdCl2 renal damage by reducing oxidative stress as a protective mechanism.

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most commercially and clinically effective chemotherapeutics, but its toxicity causes significant problems with its administration.  Consequently, it was intended in the current research to explore the potential activity of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and propolis against PTX-induced cardiopulmonary damage. Thirty male albino rats were divided equally into six groups: control group; given saline, CoQ10 group; given CoQ10 (100 mg/kg b.wt daily), propolis group; given propolis (200 mg/kg b.wt daily), PTX group; given PTX (7.5 mg/kg b.wt i.p.), CoQ10+PTX group; given CoQ10 (100 mg/kg b.wt daily) before PTX (7.5 mg/kg b.wt) and propolis+PTX group; given propolis (200 mg/kg b.wt) before PTX (7.5 mg/kg b.wt). All treatments were received for 4 weeks. The PTX group had significantly higher serum concentrations of CK-MB and LDH. This result was concomitant with histopathological changes that represented by cardiac necrosis and degeneration together with congestion, edema and hemorrhage in the heart. Lung injury induced by PTX was characterized by perivascular hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltrates, bronchiolestenosis, hyperplasia and/or desquamation of the bronchiolar epithelium, alveolar emphysema, congestion, interstitial edema and fibrinoid necrosis of blood vessels walls. Besides, pulmonary fibrosis was confirmed by Van Gieson stain. Immunohistochemical staining for IL-1β revealed positive immunoexpression in heart and lung tissue. Treatment with CoQ10 and propolis ameliorated the cardiopulmonary toxicity induced by PTX indicated by improved microscopic picture of heart and lungs, serum biochemical parameters and decrease IL-1β immunoreactivity in heart and lung tissues. In conclusion, CoQ10 could be the best choice to counteract the cardiopulmonary toxicity produced by PTX exposure.

Objective: The main goal of the study was to find whether pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) extract has any preventive or antioxidant properties against acute uranyl acetate (UA)-induced reproductive cytotoxicity. Material and Methods: Four groups each, including 10 adult male rats, were randomly assigned. (GI): the control group was given 1 ml of purified water orally for 30 days. (GII): Rats were given orally, a single dose of 150 mg/kg b.w. UA (GIII): Rats consumed 40 mg/kg b.w. of pumpkin seed extract (PSE) orally every day for 30 days. (GIV): Rats received a single dose (150 mg/kg b.w.) of UA plus a daily oral dose of PSE (40 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days. Animal sacrifice was used for oxidative stress and histopathological study. Results: Showed significantly (p &ge; 0.001) elevated malondialdehyde levels in the GII group (6.19 ± 0.4), while GIII and GIV showed no significant differences. Glutathione peroxidase showed a significant (p &ge; 0.001) decrease (2.55 ± 0.2) in the GII group, while in groups (GIII and GIV), it showed a significant (p &ge; 0.001) increase (4.61 ± 0.16, 4.28 ± 0.032), respectively. The histopathological study for GII groups showed sloughing of epithelial cells lining the seminiferous tubules with a decrease in the number of spermatozoa in some tubules. Many sections revealed hyperplasia of the epithelial cells lining the seminiferous tubules with necrosis. The GIII and GIV groups showed normal histological structures with an increase in spermatogenesis in the testes and epididymis tissues. Conclusion: We concluded that UA causes oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in the rat reproductive system. Pumpkin extract plays a role in improving the activity of the reproductive system. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 647-653]

Objective: Aspergillosis is a disease that affects several species of birds and causes substantial losses in the poultry business. The purpose of the investigation was to identify the pathogen responsible for a respiratory outbreak among juvenile ducklings. Materials and Methods: An epidemic of Aspergillosis infected a total of 800 Muscovy ducks that were being reared in El-Beheira Governorate. Tissue samples were obtained to isolate suspected fungi from diseased birds and the hatchery environment. In addition, identification and molecular characterization were performed on the obtained fungal isolates. Results: Affected birds displayed acute respiratory manifestations such as difficulty breathing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, and a mortality rate of up to 28.1%. Postmortem examination revealed bronchitis, tracheitis, congested lungs, air sacculitis, severe multifocal granulomatous pneumonia, a congested, enlarged liver, and a congested kidney with nephritis. Mycological examination revealed seven Aspergillus (A.) spp. isolates from ducklings and six from hatcheries. Isolate colonial morphology and microscopical examination were as follows: A. fumigatus, A. niger, Syncephalastrum racemosum, and four untypable isolates. These isolates were further identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) gene was detected. Four representative isolates were submitted for sequencing and further phylogenetic analysis. The source of duckling infection might be linked to the hatchery environment due to the observed similarity of isolates from both affected birds and the hatchery, as evidenced by phylogenetic analysis. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated the significance of appropriate hatchery control in preventing infection in young ducklings. Furthermore, the use of molecular identification techniques would be helpful for tracing the source of infection and rapid diagnosis of Aspergillus in the field. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 763-772]