RESUMEN
This clinical study investigates various metabolic and physiological parameters in dairy cows during puerperium. Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is a significant postpartum complication that can affect the overall health, fertility and productivity of dairy cattle. The research focuses on changes in total proteins, albumin, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cortisol, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels among cows experiencing normal post-partum period (NP) and those with RFM. A significant increase in protein levels was noted during the post-partum period in the RFM group, indicating physiological impacts of RFM at this stage. Albumin levels showed significant differences, highlighting a significant biological effect of RFM in the post-partum period. Glucose levels varied significantly in the weeks leading to parturition, suggesting altered metabolic states in cows that suffered RFM. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly higher during the antepartum period in the group that experienced reproductive failure, indicating substantial alterations in lipid metabolism which could herald the apparition of RFM. AST and ALT levels provided insights into cellular stress and liver function, with significant increases noted around parturition which could be attributed to the substantial physiological strain of parturition itself. Cortisol levels were higher in RFM cows 2 weeks before parturition, which could indicate an increasing stress response or a physiological preparation for the upcoming labor, and may be more pronounced in cows predisposed to RFM. Insulin levels decreased significantly before and at parturition in RFM cows, indicating a strong energy deficit. IGF-1 levels decreased significantly in RFM cows after parturition. Significant changes in metabolic parameters, such as glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, delineate the pronounced metabolic challenges faced by cows with RFM. The study elucidates that while some variations are noted as parturition approaches, the most substantial impacts attributable to RFM on metabolic and physiological parameters occur after parturition. These changes may have implications for the health, recovery, and productivity of cows postpartum, suggesting the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate the effects of RFM.
RESUMEN
In dogs, periodontal disease (PD) is a highly common condition whose prevalence rises significantly with age. Studies on rats with experimentally induced PD and human clinical trials have found an association between oxidative stress (OS) and PD, as has been observed in many other inflammatory disorders. The objective of this research was to assess the main indicators of oxidative stress detected in the saliva of dogs and to compare them to the degree of inflammation and tartar amount on their teeth and gums. By identifying these correlations, we intended to identify early-stage PD markers that would allow us to diagnose the condition in dogs without requiring for invasive or traumatic procedures. The antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxyguanosine (8OHG), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8), and the quantity of total proteins are the markers that have been investigated in order to accomplish these objectives. The appearance of specific forms of periodontal disease has been confirmed by an increase in the saliva concentration of MMP8, a marker commonly used in the diagnosis of these pathologies in humans. The study was carried out on 22 dogs divided in a control group (C) and study groups (S), the second one being divided into three subgroups according to the severity of the gum inflammation and the presence or absence of tartar: S1-small accumulation of tartar, lack of infection-related signs; S2-moderate accumulation of tartar, gums swollen, red, and bled easily; S3-significant accumulation of tartar; gums bright red and bleeding; marked pain and halitosis. A correlation between the concentration of the tested parameters and the severity of the local appearance of the gum and teeth was noted. In comparison to the results of individuals from the control group, MMP8 reported increases of 1.2, 2, and 3.7 times, respectively, in the case of individuals from subgroups S1, S2, and S3. Oxidative stress is caused by inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. The presence of oxidative stress was demonstrated by the evaluation of different indicators in the saliva: an increase in the general antioxidant status, which was associated with an increase in SOD activity; intensification of the lipid peroxidation processes, as demonstrated by the accumulation of the MDA peroxidation product; and an increase in the DNA oxidation processes, as demonstrated by the accumulation of the oxidation product 8OHdG. In consequence, it was observed that there were up to 2-fold increases in protein levels, total antioxidant activity, SOD, and MDA, and up to 8.6-fold increases in the case of 8-OHdG when comparing dogs from the S3 group (significant tartar accumulation; bright red and bleeding gums; marked pain and halitosis) to those in the control group.
RESUMEN
Although conventional medicine, chemical drug synthesis and pharmaceutical research are advancing at a rapid pace, nature remains a major supplier of biological molecules. Natural bioactive compounds are studied closely especially as an alternative to the limitations of conventional therapy in many diseases, melanoma being one of them. Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive type of cancer, and the current methods of treatment used are cryotherapy, external surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, biological therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Unfortunately, these treatment methods are often inefficient, extremely expensive and cause many side effects, which is why focusing on melanoma chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy with natural herbal phytoconstituents is an emerging strategy to prevent, cure or treat melanoma. This review aims to examine the latest discoveries in terms of potential natural bioactive compounds that possess important activity against the development and spread of murine melanoma cancer. In particular, the use of different phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids, essential oils and carotenoids in vitro and in vivo models will be discussed. These data are helpful in guiding researchers in the direction of studying phytonutrients with important effects in the prevention and treatment of melanoma.