BACKGROUND: Different breeds of horses have distinct andspecific metabolic profiles which reflect the health status of horses. OBJECTIVES:The present study was performed to determine the circulating metabolicbiomarkers and their correlations in Darehshori horses. METHODS: Bloodsamples were taken from 56 Darehshori horses (5 to 7 years old). They weredivided into 2 groups containing 26 non-pregnant and non-lactating mares and 30stallions. Sera were separated and assayed for glucose, insulin,beta-hydroxybutiric acid, non-esterified fatty acid, cholesterol, triglycerideand high, low and very low density lipoproteins. RESULTS: Serum concentrationof beta-hydroxybutiric acid in stallions was significantly higher than inmares. The remaining metabolic biomarkers showed no significant differencesbetween the two studied groups. There were negative and non- significantcorrelations between insulin and glucose in both sexes. Insulin was negativelycorrelated with cholesterol, triglyceride and high, low and very low densitylipoproteins in studied groups. The negative relationships were seen amongglucose and cholesterol, triglyceride and high, low and very low densitylipoproteins in mares and stallions. In both groups, non-esterified fatty acidand beta-hydroxybutiric acid were negatively correlated with serum lipidprofile. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study provided ageneral pattern for normal values of metabolic profile biomarkers innon-pregnant mares and stallions of Darehshori horses. These values also helpveterinarians to diagnose metabolic abnormalities of this breed. However,season, age, management, nutritional and different physiological states mayalter the values of these biomarkers and in interpreting the changes, theseconditions should be considered

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza virus H9N2 subtype and Ornithobacteriumrhinotracheale (ORT) causes histopathological lesions in birds. Yet, thereis not any study on tissue lesions caused by these pathogens co-infection inspecific pathogen free (SPF) chicks. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this studywas to evaluate the type, severity and extent of histopathological lesionsinduced by co-infection of H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus and Ornithobacteriumrhinotracheale in SPF chickens. METHODS: Sixty, one-day-old SPFchicks were divided randomly into three groups of twenty. At 21 days, thechicks in the first group were infected with H9N2 subtype AI virus and thesecond group was inoculated with H9N2 subtype AI virus and ORT simultaneously.The third group was inoculated with PBS as control. Then, three birds from eachgroup were randomly selected and euthanized and autopsied at 2  till 16 days post-inoculation (DPI). Thetissue samples were collected from trachea, lungs, liver, spleen, thymus, kidneys,cecal tonsil and bursa of fabricius. They were cut into 5 to 6 μm thicknesssections using paraffin embedding method and were stained by Hematoxylin andEosin (H&E). RESULTS: The severity of histopathological lesions inthe second group was higher than first group. Tissue changes were not observedin control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed thatinfected chickens with H9N2 subtype AI virus and ORT simultaneously causeexacerbated histopathological lesions compared to H9N2 subtype of AI virus

BACKGROUND: Betaine is a derivative of three methylates of glycine amino acids, found in the body of many animals. Objectives: The study was conducted to investigate the effects of betaine supplementation in the diet on gene expression and activities of lipogenic enzymes, and lipid levels of blood and liver in broilers. Methods: A total of 320 broilers were evaluated (Ross 308) in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates, with the diets consisted of the control treatment which did not use the betaine supplementation. The second, third and fourth treatments contained 0.05, 0.08 and 0.11% betaine hydrochloride 98%, respectively. Results: Betaine supplementation to the diet has no significant effect on lipoprotein lipase gene expression, and the activities of enzyme Acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase (p> 0.05). Betaine supplementation caused a significant decrease in liver cholesterol and triglyceride chicks fourth treatment (containing betaine hydrochloride 0.11 percent) compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: In general, the results show that in broilers lipoprotein lipase gene expression and the activities of enzyme Acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase are less influenced by betaine.

BACKGROUND: Cryptorchidism is a congenital anomaly in which one (unilateral cryptorchidism) or both (bilateral cryptorchidism) testes fail to descend into the scrotum.                  OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical and histological structure of the inguinal testis in the adult donkey. METHODS: In this study, after examination of the 59 donkeys, three of them with unilateral cryptorchidism in inguinal region were identified. These animals were euthanized, and their testicles were removed and evaluated biometrically. Then, the samples were fixated in 10% formalin solution and after sectioning, were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin and PAS, and examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: The results showed that the inguinal testes were stiff, epididymis was not determined and their size and weight were less than scrotal testes. The difference between the weight of cryptorchid and healthy testicles was statistically significant (p<0.05). Seminiferous tubules had lost their natural shape and inner cavity tubes did not have germ cells, and only a limited number of Sertoli cells could be seen. Remaining seminiferous tubules were only visible in the mediastinum. The cortical and subcapsular regions were without tubes and were occupied by loose connective tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that the inguinal testes in adult donkeys lost their natural structure and more connective tissues and blood vessels are substituted.

BACKGROUND: Rumen health in ruminants has a great importance because its function has a great deal with milk, meat and fetus production. Many factors can affect the rumen health and destruct its function and performance. OBJECTIVES: this research investigates histopathology lesions resulted from ruminants in the sheep. METHODS: for this purpose, macroscopic examination in 1562 rumens of the slaughtered sheep Sanandaj was done. Among these, 23 rumens has lesions placed in drums of formalin 10% for macroscopic evaluations by means of Hematoxylin and Eosin coloring were referred into the pathobiology lab. RESULTS: in Macroscopic observations, swelling (65.22%), swelling and focal congestion (30.43%) and looming papillary (4.35%) were detected. The highest microscopic signs in the rumen lesions included: sub mucosal edema (32.69%), ruminate eosinophilic (23.07%), parakeratosis (13.46%), granulomatous ruminate (7.69%), watery degeneration and acute purulent ruminate (5.76%). CONCLUSIONS: pathologic lesions of rumen can be due to hyperplasia change in the result of mechanical agitation, stress, parasitic diseases, and mature woody forage.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is one of the most dangerous worldwide infectious zoonotic diseases that are common between ruminants and human. Consumption of infected milk and by-products is the major transmission source to human. In Iran, sheep compared to cow, has a higher rate of contamination with brucellosis. Therefore, early detection and precision could be a starting point for any efficient program to control the disease in human and animals. For brucellosis monitoring, milk ring test (MRT) is recommended but the test is not reliable in sheep herds. Perhaps a more realistic outcome could be achieved by changing the antigen used in MRT. OBJECTIVES: Comparison of two Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis antigens in MRT for detection of Brucella antibodies in milk, as well as monitoring contamination of  ewe’s milk in Dezful region by detection of B. abortus and B. melitensis genes using PCR. METHODS: In this research, 220 milk samples from 16 different herds were collected from Dezful region’s nomadic at Khuzestan province. As the first step, MRT by two antigens, B. abortus and B. melitensis, were conducted on the samples. Next, the samples were subjected to detect Brucella genes using PCR technique. RESULTS: Results showed that 47 (21/3 %) out of 220 cases were positive by MRT test, in terms of both antigens of B. abortus and B. melitensis. In PCR, out of 220 samples, only 9 (4%) samples were positive for specific genes of B. melitensis which were MRT positive as well. CONCLUSIONS: A significant difference between B. abortus and B. melitensis antigens was not observed in MRT. Although the nature and basis of PCR and MRT methods for the diagnosis of brucellosis is different but a significant difference between the results obtained by PCR and MRT showed that MRT even by changing of antigens is still not authentic. Considering that various methods of identification have their limitations, it is recommended that in ewe’s milk samples, in addition to using a serological method as screening, PCR and culture methods should be used for definitive diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Skin is the first line of defense against the external environment and and it is possible to maintain the natural physiological functions in the body. The mucus layer on the surface of the fish body contains anti-microbial combination that provides the first layer of defense against pathogens. The mucus is released by some of the epidermis cells which are called goblet cells and it mostly contains the mucin and other glycoproteins. OBJECTIVES: Histomorphometrical, Histochemical and Electron Microscopic Studies of Goblet Mucous Cells in Different Regions of Argyrosomus Hololepidotus Epidermis. METHODS: In this study, six Argyrosomus hololepidotus are used and the structure of the fish’s skin was studied. For doing this microscopic study, the sampling was done on dorsal Regions of fish with a thickness of 0.5µ then they were stained with H &amp; E, PAS, AB (PH = 2.5) and AB (PH = 2.5)-PAS. For electron microscopic study, the samples after primary and post-fixation were dehydrated and were embedded in resin. Then, thin sections 50 μm were prepared and stained with uranyl acetate. RESULTS: Argyrosomus hololepidotus fish has maximum goblet cells in ventral and dorsal skin and minimum numbers of goblet cells were seen in tail skin in 100 µm length of epidermis. There were goblet mucous cells containing mucous in the Argyrosomus Hololepidotus epidermal that thier numbers were different in difference areas but mucus components were similar in different areas and they reacted positively to PAS and AB dyes with PH = 2.5.The electron microscopic results of this study were showed that goblet cells immigrate in thickness of epidermis and they include mucosal drops. CONCLUSIONS: There are goblet mucus cells in all parts of Argyrosomus Hololepidotus Epidermis and they have similar mucus nature.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The middle ear ossicles have a fundamental role in the transmission of sound to the inner ear and therefore it will lead to sound understanding. There is no anatomical and morphometrical research performed on this organ in 91 to 117-day-old Makouei sheep fetuses. OBJECTIVES: Morphological and morphometrical study of middle ear ossicles in Makouei sheep fetuses. METHODS: For this study 8 sheep fetuses at the age of 91 to 117 days were collected from Urmia slaughter-house, then the heads were cut and the middle ear ossicles were obtained from the tympanic bulla and each of the ossicles were assessed anatomically by means of stereomicroscope.Then factors such as shape, dimensions and processes of each of the ossicles were measured. RESULTS: Anatomical results showed that the tympanic cavity contains three middle ear ossicles; respectively Malleus, Incus and Stapes. Rostral process of malleus wasn’t found but in the same place, there was a osseous lamina between the head and muscular process of the malleus that continues to the tympanic ring. Lenticular bone and muscular process of incus weren’t found. There was a distinctive surface at the junction of the head and caudal crus of stapes for the stapedius muscle insertion. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, anatomical findinges of ossicles are similar to the other animals but there are some differences in these fetuses that can be useful for study of evolution and creation process and diagnosis of anomalies. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test were used, and the value of P<0.05 was considered as the criterion for statistical significance.

BACKGROUND: Due to the globally increasing diabetes and widespread side effects after using the synthetic drugs, a lot of researches are being undertaken  in order to replace chemicals with natural substances with similar biological effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare pancreatic histopathological changes between Glibenclamide and Mentha spicata extract consumed in diabetic Wistar rats. METHODS: 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided to four groups (six rats per group) including healthy group (negative control), diabetics (positive control). Group 2 included diabetic rats treated with 2mg/kg Glibenclamide (standard anti-diabetic drug), Group 3 were diabetic rats treated with 300mg/kg aqueous extract of menthe spicata. Group 4 included positive control. Diabetes was induced through intraperitoneal injection (150mg/kg) in groups 2,3 and 4. All treatments were carried out daily by gavage for 21 days. After the treatment period, and euthanizing rats, pancreatic tissues were fixed and prepared for staining with H &amp; E and Gomori methods to differentiate α and β cells and other changes of Langerhans islets. Average area of islets and (total islets area/total pancreas) was calculated. Total cells average count per mm2 of islets and beta cells density were examined in random selected microscopic fields. Changes in shape of cells and their nucleis were considered. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test in SPSS software. RESULTS: The results showed that alloxan can induce severe damage on beta cells and Glibenclamide and aqueous extracts of Mentha spicata can be taken to prevent further destruction of these cells. Statistical results showed that although Glibenclamide has  effects but there is no significant difference between aqueous extracts of Mentha spicata and Glibenclamide in their effects on the pancreas islets of diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Because the aqueous extract of Mentha spicata has strong antioxidant properties, It may prevent the damaging effects of free radicals on the beta cells of Langerhans islets. As a result, due to side effects of chemical drugs, compared to the use of this extract, it can be more useful and prevent further destruction of pancreatic beta cells rather than chemical drugs used in diabetics.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays essential oils with antioxidant properties are used in order to increase the shelf life of pre-cooked food. Objectives: This study was carried out to compare the effect of Cumin and three methods of cooking, frying, oven baking and steaming on oxidative changes of pre-cooked fillet of rainbow trout. Chemical (DPPH(1,1- Diphenyl- 2- picryl hydrazine) for Cumin and FFA (Free Fatty Acid), PV(Peroxide value), TBARS) ، Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and sensory indicators, were evaluated during  4 months storage at freezing temperatures. Methods: Fillet samples were treated with Cuminum cyminum EOs and BHT. The study was based on application of cooking methods, frying at 180° C for 4 min in sunflower oil, baked in the oven at 200 °C for 22 min and steamed at 200 °C for 22 min and oxidative changes were evaluated during the period of storage as frozen fillets. Results: The FFA formation showed increase in all groups, oven baked rainbow trout fillets gave the highest increase (P<0.05). The highest value of PV was obtained from fried fillets treated with C. cyminum EOs (4.92  ± 0.23 meq/kg). The TBARS values were not significantly different with fresh-raw fillet after cooking (P>0.05), but the treated samples with EOs generally showed slower oxidative changes than those of the untreated samples. Based on the sensory evaluation, fillet fried was found as a preferred cooking method and also, the additions of C. cyminum EOs have positive effect on sensory quality of baked rainbow trout. Conclusions: Differences in cooking methods includin frying, oven baking and steaming showed that rainbow trout fillet treated with C. cyminum EOs under the frying method are more desirable in terms of chemical changes and sensory analysis compared with the other treatments.