BACKGROUND: Some of metal ions as environmental pollutants show estrogenic activity. This xenostrogenic compounds can be caused carcinogenicity in organs. The mechanism of carcinogenicity of metal ions is not clarified. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the Transcriptional effects of variety of metal ions on the bovine oxytocin and the thymidine kinase-ERE promoter by estrogen receptor a in MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell line. METHODS: Cells were plated into flask (75cm2) at 1.3 density or into 12- well plates (Nunc) at a density of 100000 cells per well and were transfected with a total of 3 µg of plasmid DNA using calcium phosphate coprecipitation. Oestrogen and some metal ions were used for stimulation of transfected cells. RESULTS: Our results showed that copper and cadmium ions activating specifically the oxytocin promoter, and cobalt and possibly, mercury ions activating specifically the ERE-controlled promoter and the majority of the ions did not affect transcriptional activation significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that some metal ions show estrogenic activity by classical or non-classical mechanisms as well as some metal ions exhibit estrogenic activity by undetermined mechanisms in transfected MDA-MB 231 cell line.

Background: Ca is the most important minerals in the body that plays a key rols in the physiological activities, anzymatic reaction and the regulation of myocardial contraction and relax-ation. Ca deficiency causes the heart failure and decrease cardiac contractility. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of long-term dietary calcium deficiency on the heart function of layer hens based on the electro- and echocardiography. METHODS: Ninety Hyline W36 hens were kept for 21 weeks and fed by rations with different amounts of calcium. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, electrocardio-graphic, echocardiographic and post-mortem left ventricular parameters were assessed. RESULTS: S wave amplitude was significantly (p

BACKGROUND: Increasing of oxygen consumption in fast-growing broiler chickens is associated with the more pronounced occurrence of right ventricular hypertrophy and ascites. While, rearing of susceptible chickens in dark condition could reduce the metabolic rate of birds and hence the incidence of ascites. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to investigate a comparative study on the influence of different dark-length schedules on the incidence of ascites and metabolic parameters in fast growing broiler chickens. METHODS: A total of 1000 day-old (Pure Sir Broiler Line Arian) chickens were obtained and subjected to four different lighting programs. Dead birds were autopsied for the lesions of ascites. Weekly growth performance of chickens was determined and blood samples were taken, on days 7, 12, 21, 28, 35 and 42 of age for hormonal analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of ascites was clearly higher in birds subjected to normal lighting program compared with those of dark exposed chickens. Control chickens showed significantly higher body weight compared to the dark exposure group birds at day 21 of age, while it did not differ at days 28, 35 and 42 of age. Such differences was accompanied with the lower levels of plasma T3 and T4 concentrations in dark group chickens than to control chickens at the earlier age (days 12 and 21). CONCLUSIONS: This phenomenon indicated a reduction of metabolic rate and oxygen consumption in dark group chickens that had been led to reducing of ascites incidence. Our data proves that increasing dark-length instead of continuous lighting may be beneficial for rearing of broiler chickens, especially, when the risk of ascites incidence is higher.

Ewe abortion and neonatal mortality are serious problems to sheep farmer. The objective of this paper was to report isolation of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae from aborted fetuses in a flock in Tehran, Iran. Abortion occurred in 10% of ewes in the flock. The fetuses were well developed and pinpoint, necrotic-like lesions were recorded on the placental cotyledons, whilst the inter -cotyledonary areas appeared normal. E. rhusiopathiae was isolated in pure culture and heavy growth were seen in abomasumal fluid, lungs, heart and liver of fetuses and vaginal discharge of the aborted ewes. The grown bacteria were identified using conventional bacteriological technique and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was confirmed. On the basis of the available evidence, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae might be one of the ovine abortion causes in Iran. Ewe abortion and neonatal mortality are serious problems to sheep farmer. The objective of this paper was to report isolation of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae from aborted fetuses in a flock in Tehran, Iran. Abortion occurred in 10% of ewes in the flock. The fetuses were well developed and pinpoint, necrotic-like lesions were recorded on the placental cotyledons, whilst the inter -cotyledonary areas appeared normal. E. rhusiopathiae was isolated in pure culture and heavy growth were seen in abomasumal fluid, lungs, heart and liver of fetuses and vaginal discharge of the aborted ewes. The grown bacteria were identified using conventional bacteriological technique and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was confirmed. On the basis of the available evidence, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae might be one of the ovine abortion causes in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Colibacillosis is one of the most economically important diseases of poultry worldwide. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the clonal relatedness and typing of 95 avian Escherichia coli isolates by ERIC-PCR. METHODS: Sixty-three E. coli isolates from two common manifestations of colibacillosis (yolk sac infection and colisepticemia) and 32 isolates from feces of apparently healthy broilers were provided. The PCR amplification reactions were performed in duplicate for all isolates. RESULTS: The molecular weight of the observed bands on gel electrophoresis ranged from 232 bp to 2690 bp. Sixty-five fingerprinting patterns were observed among 95 isolates on the basis of molecular weights and the number of bands. The numbers of 20, 22, and 23 fingerprinting patterns were found among isolates from yolk sac infection, colisepticemia, and feces, respectively. Among different fingerprinting patterns, the number of produced bands differed from 2 to 11. No identical pattern was observed among isolates of three sources. Isolates showing similar patterns in each source group belonged to a single farm. However, a few isolates that had been isolated from different farms also showed similar fingerprinting patterns. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study showed a high degree of polymorphism among E. coli isolates originated from different poultry sources when the respective bacterial genomes were analyzed by the ERIC-PCR and that no specific genotypes were responsible for different manifest-ations of colibacillosis.

BACKGROUND: Exogenous phytase enhances the utilization of plant phytate phosphorus in poultry. OBJECTIVES: In the present study the effects of exogenous phytase was investigated on tibia bone characteristics of white quail. METHODS: In a 2x2 factorial arrangement, eighty, 11-day old unsexed chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments of 20 replicates. All birds received one of four experimental diets with two levels of aP (5.2 or 3.9 g kg-1) and two levels of phytase (0 or 500 FTU kg-1). On day 25, all birds were weighed, sacrificed, and blood samples were obtained for the determination of blood phosphorus. Both tibiae were excised for the determination of ash, calcium and phosphorus content, bone length and thickness, and breaking strength. RESULTS: Birds which had received lower aP diets showed lower levels of blood phosphorus as well as tibia bone weight, ash, calcium, phosphorus, bone thickness and strength when compared with the higher aP fed birds. CONCLUSIONS: Adding phytase to the lower aP diet was able to restore the above-mentioned variables. Phytase increases rigidity and strength of tibia by enhancing the availability of phytate phosphorus to the quail. This is important, particularly when the bird is grown for flight and hunting.

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza (AI) viruses have been isolated from a wide diversity of free-living avian species representing several orders. Since 1998, H9N2 AI outbreaks have been one of the major problems in Iranian poultry industry. In 2006, H5N1 was reported in swans in the north of Iran first , but until now there has been no official report from commercial flocks in Iran. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was Molecular Surveillance of Avian Influenza in Bird Parks of Tehran, Iran. METHODS: In this study, 100 fecal samples from different avian species of Public and Bird Parks (The avian species included Pigeon, Duck, Swan, Parrot, Crow and Sparrow) were collected in Tehran, in the central region of Iran during November and December 2009. RNA extraction and RT-PCR have been done according the WHO Instruction for detection of Influenza Type A. RESULTS: In 14% of samples genetic materials (RNA) were detected. Species including duck and sparrow were positive. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of AIV detection in this these species in Iran. Due to emergence of new H1N1 influenza and bird flu throughout the world and in regional countries, surveillance programs for monitoring the spread of these viruses need to be redesigned. Surveillance activities for AI in wild birds should be continued to provide further virological (subtype) and epidemiological (Phylogenic Study) information about circulating viruses.

BACKGROUD: Naturally, the prevalence of hydatid cyst of sheep increase with age and accompany with structural changes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of hydatid cyst in sheep and its structure with age. METHODS: During 2009, 786 sheep in different age groups (1 to 6“ |years) slaughtered at Babol abattoir, Mazanderan province were examined for hydatid cyst infection through visual examination, palpation and slicing the infected organs into pieces. The number of cysts was counted and their mean volume, diameter, and number of protoscoleces in different age groups were determined. RESULTS: Our findings showed the overall prevalence rate of infection 35.2%. There was a significant relation between age and considered parameters (p

BACKGROUND: Garlic (Allium sativum) is known for its anti-bacterial properties, but information on its effects against bacteria species that are important in fish diseases is scarce. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to use garlic as a natural product to improve the aquatic animal health status so as to compensate the demand for environment-friendly products for sustainable aquaculture. METHODS: For this purpose thee methods of extraction including: row garlic extract, water, ethanol and methanol extract were used for in-vitro toxicity tests on Aeromonas sobria by disk diffusion and tube test. RESULTS: According to results in 200 and 400 mg/mL concentrations of ethanol extract of garlic, the inhibition zone of bacterial growth was 7 and 10 mm respectively. There was no inhibition zone for all concentrations of methanol extract of garlic. In water garlic extract the inhibition zone for concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/mL were 8, 10 and 14 mm respectively. For 100% and 50% raw garlic the inhibition zone was 27 and 8 mm respectively. MIC for Aeromonas sobria in ethanol extract, water extract and raw garlic were estimated as 200, 100 mg/mL and 10% respectively. MBC for these extracts was also estimat-ed as 300, 100 mg/mL and 25% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that raw and water extract of garlic have the highest antibacterial effect. Ethanol extract had a lower effect and methanol showed no bacteriostatic effect. Therefore, garlic extract can inhibit the growth of Aeromonas sobria, an important fish pathogen, and may have therapeutic value, particularly for carp.

BACKGROUND: Group A bovine rotavirus (BRV-A) is one of the most important causes of gastroenteritis and diarrhea in newborn calves. OBJECTIVES: Major types of BRV-A in Tehran, Alborz and Qazvin were detected in this study. METHODS: A total 125 fecal samples of calves showing clinical signs of diarrhea were collected from 26 industrial dairy farms located in the provinces of Tehran, Alborz and Qazvin, during two years. RESULTS: BRV-A was detected in 39.2 % (49/125) of total samples using a commercial ELISA kit. Thirty five positive samples were analyzed by seminested multiplex RT-PCR for P and G genotyping. G10 was the most prevalent genotype, accounting for 57.1% of samples, G6 accounted for 22.9% of samples and in 5.7% of samples (2/35), mixed infection of both genotypes G6 and G10 were detected. Also, the detected P types were P[11] and P[5], accounting for 71.4% and 14.2%, respectively. In our study, none of the genotypes G8 and P[1] were detected. The incidence of genotype combinations cor-responded to the B223-like strains (G10P[11]), UK-like strains (G6P[5]) and KN4-like strains (G6P[11]) were 51.4%,14.3% and 8.6%, respectively. Mixed infections G6/G10P[11] were detected in 2.85% of all samples analyzed with RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the determination of P genotypes of BRV-A and distribution of the most common BRV-A strains circulating in Iran. Our study also indicated that the incidence of the G genotypes of BRV-A in the provinces of Tehran, Alborz and Qazvin, which is one of the greatest husbandry centers in Iran, has changed in the past years. Furthermore, this finding could be valuable in rotavirus vaccine design.