BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM), as a metabolic disease, has a high rate of mortality all over the world. In recent years, there is accumulating evidence that show this complex multifactorial disease has various effects on reproductive system. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of parsley (Petroselinum cris-pum) leaves on spermatogenesis and pituitary-gonadal axis in male streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: In the present study, 60 male rats were divided into 5 groups of 12 animals in each: control, DM control and 3 experimental groups (treated with doses 1, 2, and 4 gr/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of parsley leaves gavage for 28 days). DM was induced 48 h after intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg). At the end of the treatment, rats were bled from the heart and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels were measured. The testes of rats were isolated and weighed. Assessment of the sperm motility and evaluation of the seminiferous cells were performed using light microscopy. RESULTS: Comparison of LH, FSH and testosterone in rats treated with doses 1 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of the plant revealed a significant increase as compared to the diabetic control group (P≤0.05). In addition, the results of histopathological evaluation elucidated a significant increase in the sperm cells number, and motility, testis weight, and total sperm count. It also improved condition of the seminiferous cells in the experimental group (1 mg/kg) compared to the diabetic control group (P≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that parsley (P. crispum) hydroalcoholic extract can be effective in decreasing repro-ductive disorders in DM patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders with a severe impact on the quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of the hydroalcoholic extract of Eryngos on blood glucose, blood cells, and pancreatic tissue. METHODS: Thirty-five male rats were prepared. After diabetes induction by streptozotocin, they were randomly divided into 5 groups, including; non-diabetic control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Eryngos at doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally, and metformin at a dose of 500 mg/kg. At the end of the study, glucose level was measured, and blood cells and pancreatic tissue were examined. RESULTS: Hydroalcoholic extract of Eryngos caused a significant reduction in blood glucose. Given the adverse effects of diabetes on the number of WBC, Eryngos extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg had a protective effect on the number of WBC. It decreased their number significantly compared with the diabetic control group. This effect was the same for both diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Histopathological results also indicated that Eryngos extract significantly increased the number of islets of Langerhans and beta cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Eryngos may be effective in the treatment of diabetes. Moreover, based on the biochemical and histological results, it can be concluded that the hypoglycemic effect of the extract is probably due to the restoration and repair of the islets of Langerhans

Chondrosarcoma is an uncommon malignant neoplasm in which the neoplastic cells produce chondroid and varying amounts of matrix. This tumor is the second most common primary skeletal tumor in animals. In our case, radio-logical and histopathological findings supported the final diagnosis of chondrosarcoma in a six-year-old male cat weighing 6.3 kg with a large and solitary mass in the right humerus. The shoulder joint had a limited range of motion. Radiographs were obtained from the raised growth. The mass was surgically excised for histopathological evaluation. Microscopically, the mass was composed of bundles and nests of neoplastic mesenchymal cells. Histo-pathologically, multiple-sized lacunae within a homogenous cartilage matrix were observed. There was marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. Neoplastic chondrocytes and oval cells with 1 to 3 nucleoli were seen. Based on the macroscopic, radiological, and cartilaginous differentiation of tumor cells and matrix, the mass was diagnosed as well-differentiated chondrosarcoma

BACKGROUND: Timed breeding programs are essential to implementing extensive artificial insemination (AI) programs in sheep. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate whether application of pre-synchronization and controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR) before and during fixed time AI protocol, respectively, could enhance estrus synchronization and fertility of ewes. METHODS: A total of 120 ewes were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (n=30 in each group) considering age, weight, and body condition score (BCS). All ewes received GnRH (25 μg of alarelin acetate), and five days afterwards, PGF2α (75 μg d-cloprostenol) plus eCG (400 IU). In the control group, ewes received no additional treatment. In Pre-synch group, ewes received two injections of PGF2α at 9-day interval three days before GnRH administration of main estrus syn-chronization protocol. In CIDR group, ewes received 5-day CIDR between GnRH and PGF2α of main estrus synchronization protocol. In Pre-synch-CIDR group, ewes received both two injections of PGF2α at 9-day interval and 5-day CIDR. Blood serum progesterone concentrations were measured in all ewes prior to injection of PGF     2α (day 5). All ewes were subjected to fixed time laparoscopic AI 48 hours after administration of the last PGF     2α. RESULTS: No interaction was found between CIDR and pre-synchronization protocols (p >0.05). Progesterone concen-tration was higher in the CIDR groups than in groups without CIDR (p <0.0001). Estrous cycle was not affected by pre-synchronization and CIDR (p >0.05). The estrus was earlier in ewes with pre-synchronization compared to ewes without pre-synchronization following the last injection of prostaglandin (p =0.022). Pregnancy rate, lambing rate, prolificacy rate, fecundity rate, lamb weight at birth, and lamb gender were not significantly different between the treatment groups (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, estrus rate and reproductive parameters showed no significant differences between dif-ferent groups, although pre-synchronization advanced onset of estrus expression.

BACKGROUND: Gentamicin is an effective antibiotic with some important side effects, such as nephrotoxicity. There is evidence of renoprotective effects and antioxidant properties for camel milk. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the impact of camel milk on the nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin was evaluated. METHODS: The present study was performed on four groups of six Wistar rats. Group 1(C), as the control group, received exclusively normal saline injections and the rats in group 2 (GM) received intraperitoneal gentamicin injections at the dose of 100 mg/kg for the last ten days. The animals in group 3 (CM) were fed by 5 mL/rat/day of camel milk through gavage for 15 days. Group 4 (MGM) was fed camel milk only for the first five days followed by gentamicin injections for 10 days. Serum urea, creatinine, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured and kidneys were studied histopathologically. RESULTS: Increased concentrations of urea and creatinine along with the decreased level of SOD were found in the GM group. Histopathologic changes, such as eosinophilic casts in the tubular lumen, capillary congestion, glomerulonephritis, necrosis, interstitial nephritis, and edema were more common in the GM group, in comparison with the C, CM, and MGM groups (p <0.05). The elevations in serum urea and creatinine (p <0.05) were significantly prevented by the co-administra-tion of camel milk and gentamicin. Moreover, a significant increase in the serum activity of SOD was revealed in the GM group (p <0.05). Camel milk significantly prevented tissue injury, in comparison with the GM group (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that gentamicin-induced histological and biochemical alterations in the kid-ney decreased significantly due to camel milk consumption

BACKGROUND: Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious immunosuppressive disease of young chickens caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). IBDV consists of a two-segmented double-stranded RNA genome which can easily undergo genomic recombination or reassortment during mixed infections. OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this study were aimed to characterize a previously identified Iranian IBDV strain (JRMP29IR) in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, evaluate the presence of a mixed and/or reassortant virus popula-tion in this strain, and examine the frequency of genomic recombination and reassortment in publicly available IBDV genomes through bioinformatics study. METHODS:The SPF chickens were challenged with the JRMP29IR strain via oral and intraocular routes. Bursal tissues were extracted for histopathological evaluation and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing. Putative recombinations and reassortments were evaluated using the Recombination Detection Program 5. RESULTS:Through genomic sequencing of the viruses from the bursas of infected chickens, the JRMP29IR strain was found which contained viruses from the classic, variant and very virulent IBDV genotypes. Through bioinformatics, nu-merous putative recombination and reassortment events were identified that naturally occur throughout the IBDV genome. CONCLUSIONS:Parental JRMP29IR appears to be derived from a flock undergoing a mixed IBDV infection. High frequency of recombination and reassortment among IBDVs suggests that these events are evolutionarily beneficial for the virus

BACKGROUND: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a significant viral disease of cattle sometimes found in Iran. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the molecular detection of LSD virus (LSDV) and the determination of their relationship with other Iranian isolates. Moreover, the origin and spread of these viruses were evaluated. METHODS: The lymph node samples taken from clinically affected cattle from the Kurdistan province of Iran were tested for LSDV using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The partial P32 gene of LSDV was detected by PCR, sequenced, and phylogenetically analyzed. The LSDVs detected in the present study were 42.98%-100% similar to other LSDVs of Iran. CONCLUSIONS: Iranian LSDV isolates in this research had the highest similarity to the isolates found in the Indian regions. However, they showed the lowest nucleotide identity with the countries located in the west and southwest of Iran, namely Turkey and Saudi Arabia LSDVs. It could be concluded that these viruses have entered Iran from the eastern borders. It seems that the monitoring of the country borders should be taken into consideration. Further studies should be carried out on LSDV pathogenesis and molecular epidemiology.

Tendon injuries are a major part of musculoskeletal injuries in animals, particularly in horses. So far, no complete cure has been found for this disease, and most treatments focus on pain control. The advantages of using exosomes over cell-based therapies and the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on tissue repair suggest exosomes derived from MSCs as an appropriate treatment option in repairing tendon injuries. This paper aimed to review various protocols for exosome isolation and the role of MSCs- derived exosomes on tendon tissue repair of animals, especially in horses. In the treatment of tendon disorders, exosomes are more stable than cells, have a lower risk of immune rejection after allogeneic administration, and can be used as an appropriate alternative therapy. Exosomes derived from MSCs of different sources stimulate the proliferation and migration of tenocytes and fibroblasts, mod-ulate collagen fiber arrangement, macrophage functions, and inflammatory responses, inhibit adhesion, and generally repair damaged tendons. Exosomes are involved in cell-cell communication due to the exchange of pro-teins and genetic materials. The use of MSCs-derived exosomes is considered a treatment option due to easier maintenance and reduction of the risk of rejection by the immune system, reducing the possibility of aneuploidy compared to cell-based methods

BACKGROUND: In commercial hatcheries, chicks are deprived of feed and water for up to 72 h, which is a det-rimental effect on growth performance. OBJECTIVES: Two experiments were designed to investigate the effect of hatching parameters and feeding time on the body and organ weights of chickens. METHODS: In the first experiment, 300 of both early- and later-hatched broiler chicks received feed immedi-ately after hatching or 48 h later and were divided into four experimental groups. The body and internal organ weights of chicks were determined for up to seven days. In the second study, 370 embryos, which were incubated in a setter until the 18th day, were transferred to two hatchers, which differed their air and eggshell temperatures. Then, hatching and post-hatched parameters were followed. RESULTS: Comparing early-hatched chicks, later-hatched chicks had significantly greater weight (p <0.05) on day 3 and better yolk utilization and higher relative liver and intestine (p <0.01) weights on day 2. However, early-fed chicks indicated significantly higher body weight (p <0.0001) until day 7 and early yolk utilization and higher internal organ weights than later-fed chicks. In the second experiment, when the air temperature of hatcher A (control) was kept at 37.5ºC, its eggshell temperature was determined at 38.5ºC, while the eggshell temperature of hatcher B was optimized at 37.5ºC, and its air temperature showed 36.5ºC. Earlier hatchability was higher in the control hatcher (46.8%) than hatcher B (27.1%), but later hatchability was reversed. However, final hatchability was lower in hatcher B (96.6%) than the control hatcher (98.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Later-hatched and early-fed chicks showed greater body and internal organ weights, indicating better maturation of these chicks. The results of the second study indicated that the hatching window could be shorter and also shifted to the end of the incubation time by reducing the egg temperature.

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in various products. On the other hand, they can cause a variety of toxicity in living organisms, such as biochemical changes and oxidative stress in the liver. Scroph-ularia striata plant can affect the toxicity of AgNPs in diverse parts of the body due to the potent antioxidant compounds. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the modulatory impact of the hydroalcoholic extract of Scrophularia striata on the hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by AgNPs in male Wistar rats. The measured hepatic enzymes and serum biochemical metabolites included alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, albumin, Globulin, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. In addition, the assessed blood oxidative stress markers entailed malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). METHODS: A total of 30 male rats with an average weight of 200±20 g were randomly assigned to five experi-mental groups of six. Animals in group 1 as the negative control received 2 ml distilled water and in group 2 as positive control received 200 ppm AgNPs (i.e., hepatotoxic dose). The rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 received 20, 60, and 180 mg/kg Scrophularia striata extract and 200 ppm AgNPs in 30 days, respectively. The animals were sacri-ficed under slight anesthesia 24 h after the last treatment. RESULTS: Hepatic enzymes, serum biochemical metabolites, and oxidative stress markers, mainly CAT, SOD, and GPx in groups 4 and 5 were significantly different from the positive and negative control groups (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Scrophularia striata plant owing to the presence of some special ingredients, such as flavonoids can compensate for the side effects of AgNPs in the body.