BACKGROUND: Enhancement of the immune system seems to be the most promising method of preventing fish diseases and increasing growth rate. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of dietary administration of Zataria multiflora Boiss and Menthapulegium L extracts on phagocytosis, lysozyme, respiratory burst and total white and red blood cells (WBC/RBC) of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Methods: Two hundred and ten fish (100±10 g) were used in a completely randomized design with 7 treatment and 3 replicates in a 2 weeks period (from 0 to 14 d). The basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 20, 50 and 100 mg/kg food Z. multiflora and M.pulegium extracts. At the end of the experiment (after 14 days), samples from kidney and blood of the fish were collected in order to determine WBC/RBC (by neubauer chamber), serum lysozyme activity (by turbid metric assay, phagocytosic (by number of yeast cells phagocytosed method) and respiratory burst activities (by reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium method) of head kidney tissue. Results: The results indicated that the highest ratio of phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity was observed in 50 mg/kg extract concentration of Z. multiflora (p<0.05). The highest WBC lysozyme activities were seen   in 100 mg/ kg extract concentration of Z. multiflora. No significant difference was shown between RBC in treatment groups and control group (p>0.05). The highest ratio of phagocytosis activity was observed in 100 mg/kg extract concentration of M. pulegium (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed between WBC /RBC, lysozyme, respiratory burst means in treatment groups and control group (p>0.05). Conclusions: It can be concluded that 50 and 100 mg/ kg of the methanol Z. multiflora and 100 mg/ kg M. pulegium have positive effects on stimulating of innate immune system in O.mykiss, but the influence of Z. multiflora extract with100 mg/ kg  concentration is  better than  M. pulegium extract.

BACKGROUND: The repetitive use of antibiotics in different fields (veterinary and medicine) improves the emergence and occurrence of the resistance phenomenon in pathogenic bacteria. Due to the problem of antimicrobial resistance, it is an urgent need to discover new drugs and alternative treatments for the control of bacterial diseases in aquaculture. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate antibacterial effects of methanol and hexane extracts of medicinal plants Rattles (Prosopis farcta), datura (Datura stramunium L) and milkweed (Calotropis procera L), the major pathogenic bacteria of fish, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Yersinia ruckeri and Streptococcus iniae. METHODS: Extraction was performed using a rotary evaporator. To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the standard microdilution method (Dilution in broth) was used and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined based on MIC values obtained for each extract. RESULTS: The results showed that the effect of most potent extract, methanol extract obtained from fruit rattle on the three studied bacteria, with MIC and MBC are 25, 50mg/ml, respectively. The most sensitive bacteria to methanol and hexane plant extracts, is bacterium Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas hydrophila and Yersiniaruckeri bacteria were resistant. The studied extracts had stronger antibacterial properties against gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, it seems that the use of methanol extract of Prosopis farcta fruit is effective for treatment of bacterial diseases in aquaculture.

BACKGROUND: Foot -and- mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Iran. Molecular techniques for diagnosis of persistent infection or carrier animals have shown a potential ability to improve the detection of a low genome copy number in samples. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of foot and mouth disease viral carriers in slaughtered sheep in Mashhad industrial abattoir using RT-PCR. Methods: Samples were isolated from tonsil of 94 slaughtered sheep analyzed by RT-PCR experiment for the detection of FMD, identification of FMD virus serotypes and at the end nucleic acid sequencing were performed. Results: The results showed that the 23 samples (24/5 percent) were positive for the presence of FMD virus RNA, of which 89.9% of cases are type O and 3 cases of FMD samples did not respond. The results of the 1D genome sequencing of the nucleic acid virus showed that FMD virus of sheep (O/IRN/100/2010Sheep), has 92/02% similarity with the virus (O/IRN/67/2001-2005) and 88/42% similarity with the virus (O/IRN/15/2004-2008). Conclusions: This study showed that the percentage of FMDV sheep carriers in Mashhad slaughterhouse was remarkable. Estimation of the frequency of carrier state in cattle and small ruminants is recommended as a monitor of control plan in the region.

BACKGROUND: Haemobartonella (also known as Mycoplasma) is a blood organism of cats and can cause many anemia and many clinical signs in the infected cats. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to calculate the incidence rate of haemobartonellosis in pet cats of Tehran and study its relationship with certain factors. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected ones. METHODS: 0.5 ml blood samples from cephalic veins of 120 pet cats in Tehran were prepared and after sending to parasitology laboratory and slide preparing, were stained with Giemsa. Finally, all of the prepared slides were studied with photomicroscope for presence of Haemobartonella. Meanwhile, the relationship between the infection and some factors including age, sex, breed, animal maintenance type, and color of their coats were studied with Chi square method. Moreover, some blood parameters in the infected cats were compared with non-infected by Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: Results showed that out of 120 pet cats in Tehran, 14(11.67%) were infected to Haemobartonella. Statistical analyses didn't show any significant relationship between the infection and the above-mentioned factors. Also, the results showed significant decrease in number of RBC, MCH, MCHC, NRBC, and number of Band cells compared with non-infected cats. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that haemobartonellosis is one of the probable diagnoses, when we have anaemia in pet cats of Tehran.

BACKGROUND: Zeolites containing silver ion, in combination with synthetic fibers, show antibacterial activity. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to use silver zeolite indirectly as antimicrobial agents to control Streptococcus iniae infection which recently has caused disease in some of rainbow trout farms in Iran. METHODES: In this context polyurethane foams containing silver zeolite (10 and 20%) were used in water filtration of semi circulation culture system of rainbow trout fry. After addition of Streptococcus iniae (105 Cell/ml) to water in culture systems, the filters were evaluated for efficacy in inhibiting bacteria through measuring bacterial loading in water, monitoring disease symptom and culture of bacteria from kidney and spleen. RESULTS: The results indicated that filters containing silver compounds could significantly reduce load of bacteria from the water to 102 (p<0.05) compared to the control. Filter with 10% silver zeolite had higher efficiency among others. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, it seems that silver zeolite in combination with polyurethane foams has the sufficient potential to control bacterial infection and disease prevention in semi circulation system of Rainbow trout. Development of these filters and their application in control of aquatic animal diseases can result in reduction of using chemical drugs.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the oxidative agents. Disturbances in the normal redox state of cells can cause toxic effects through production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. ObjectiveS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oxidative status in calves within 3 days of birth. Methods: Twenty calves from Zagros dairy farm were selected. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at 0 (before administration of colostrum), 24, 48 and 72 hours after birth for measurement of serum levels of TBARS, Superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results: The results indicated higher levels of serum malondialdehyde concentration at birth that subsequently decreased at 24 and 48 hours after birth (p<0.05). There were lower levels of serum concentration of catalase at birth that followed by increasing in it at 24 and 48 hours after birth (p<0.05). Also, the concentration of superoxide dismutase was lower at the birth that subsequently increased at 24 hours after birth (p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on this study, it seems that antioxidant capacity of calves has been increased within 3 days of birth. Improvement of oxidative status in calves could be due to gradual increasing of their antioxidative capacity and also beneficial effects of colostrum.

BACKGROUND: Medical plants have been recently used to treat diabetes. Osteoporosis is one of diabetes side effects and increases the risk of bone fracture in diabetic patient. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential bone protective effects of O.persica ethanolic extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups and treated as follows: group 1 (control); group 2 (STZ group): received STZ 50 mg/kg by a single IP injection; groups 3, 4 and 5 treated with STZ as above+ 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg of O. persica extract per day by oral gavage, respectively. On day 29, serum taken for glucose level measurement and left femoral and tibio-fibular bones were dissected for histomorphometric study, while L4 vertebrate were removed for determination of ash weight. RESULTS: 300mg/kg of extract reduced serum glucose levels. Epiphyseal and metaphyseal Trabecular thickness as well as epiphyseal bone area/tissue area significantly decreased in STZ group. O. persica extract at the dosage of 200 mg/kg reversed all these parameters to the control level. No significant difference observed in osteoid thickness among different groups. Ash weight of L4 vertebrate in rats treated with 300 and 450 mg/kg of extract was significantly lower than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that ethanolic extract of O. persica has bone protective effects in STZ-treated rats.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial peptides with relative length (2-100 amino acids) and positive charge (pure charge (+9)-(+2)) are amphiphilic that isolated from a wide range of animals. Recently, these peptides have been known as a part of innate immune response. Nowadays, more than 500 antimicrobial peptides from animals have been reported. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of cationic peptides derived from Rana ridibunda skin. Methods: In this study, using alcohol-acid technique, peptides of frog’s skin were isolated and purified by Sep-Pack and Sephadex column. Then the anti-Candida activity (Fluconazole Resistance C. albicans, Fluconazole Sensitive C. albicans, and C. glabrata) of the peptides in different concentrations were evaluated. Results: Regarding to statistical analysis, peptides in concentration ranging from 25 to 100 µg/ml had the most anti-Candida activities. In respect to different understudy Candida species, these agents had the less effect on the Fluconazole Resistance C. albicans (p<0.05). Conclusions: The anti-Candida effects of cationic peptide obtained from frog skin are approved in this study.

BACKGROUND: H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIV) A have become panzootic in Eurasia over the last decade and have caused several human infections in Iran since 1998 and inactivated vaccine has been used in chickens to control the disease. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze H9N2 viruses that have infected broiler in Tehran Province, Iran between 1998 and 2008 based on Matrix gene. METHODS:  The complete coding region of Matrix (M) gene from 8 of H9N2 subtype isolated from chicken flocks in Tehran Province during 1998-2007 was amplified and sequenced. RESULTS: Sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies of H9N2 viruses on the basis of data of viruses in this study and other selected strains available in the GenBank were conducted and determined variations among these sequences at different levels. Sequence analysis revealed a large number of similar substitution mutations and close evolutionary relation among sequences of M gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all our isolates belonged to the G1-like sublineage. In this study, it was determined that Iran’s isolates have been in two separate branches and have the most similarity with Pakistan, United Arab Emirate and occupied Palestine’s isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence indicates that M genes of H9N2 circulating in Iran during the past years were not well conserved. Our finding emphasizes the importance of reinforcing AIV surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Granuloca cells have a key role during estroeidogenesis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of number of culture medium granulosa cells on estradiol concentrations and mRNA codding estrogenic and progestagenic enzyme. METHODS: Briefly, follicles between 2 and 5 mm diameter were dissected from the ovaries of adult cows and were collected by rinsing the follicle walls with Dulbecco Modified Eagle medium/F12 (DMEM/F12). The number of cells was counted with a haemocytometer and the viable cells were assessed by the dye exclusion method using 0.4% Trypan Blue. Treatments were 1) 500,000 cell/500 ml, 2) 250,000 cell/500 ml, 3) 500,000 cell/200 ml 4) 250,000 cell/ 200 ml.  All data were analyzed by JMP (SAS). RESULTS: Low plating density increased E2 secretion and mRNA encoding LHR, FSHR and estrogenic enzymes (17βHSD, CYP19), whereas decreased mRNA encoding GADD45β. There were no differences among treatments for RNA and protein concentration. Low plating density also decreased protein amount but there was no difference among treatments for RNA amount. In conclusion, decreased cell density cause increase in mRNA encoding codding estrogenic enzyme gene expression and decrease in mRNA encoding progestagenic enzyme gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Protein concentrations did not changed with decreased cell density therefore we can save cells against harmful effect of increasing cell density.