Wojciech Zawadzki

Effects of a skullcap root supplement on haematology, serum parameters and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits on a high-cholesterol diet.

We studied the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis root on blood parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet. Thirty-two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups of eight animals each. They were fed a standard diet (C group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement (CH group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement and a 9% skullcap root supplement (CH+SR group), or a diet with a 9% skullcap root supplement (SR group). After 6 weeks, the rabbits fed the high-cholesterol diet had significantly decreased RBC and Hb levels and significantly increased MCV, MCH and Fe levels (p≤ 0.05). The skullcap root supplement had no adverse effects on the haematological parameters. The values for RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC were similar in the skullcap root-treated and control rabbits. We also observed a remarkable elevation in the serum TC, LDL and TG levels at the end of the 6-week period. The rabbits fed the cholesterol diet showed decreased activity of the erythrocyte GSH-Px compared with the rabbits fed the basal diet. The GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in the rabbits fed the CH+SR diet than in those on the CH diet. The erythrocyte SOD activity was also significantly decreased in the rabbits on the CH diet. However, the CH+SR group rabbits showed significantly enhanced erythrocyte SOD activity. The SOD level in the CH+SR rabbits was 34.91 U/ml, which was a 23% increase (p≤ 0.05) in relation to the results for the CH group and only 15% diminished in relation to the control group. These results suggest that the dietary supplementation of skullcap root may improve rabbit antioxidant systems and protect against the risks from a high-cholesterol diet.

In Vitro Study and Comparison of Caecal Methanogenesis and Fermentation Pattern in the Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) and Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The brown hare and the domestic rabbit are mid-sized herbivorous mammals and hindgut fermenters, though their digestive physiologies differ in some traits. The objective of this study was to estimate and compare the caecal microbial activity in hares and rabbits via an analysis of the following end-products of in vitro caecal fermentation: methane, total gas production, short chain fatty acids and ammonia concentration. Hare caecal methanogenesis occurred at a much lower level (0.25 mmol/kg for samples incubated without substrate and 0.22 mmol/kg for samples incubated with substrate) than that of the rabbit (15.49 and 11.73 mmol/kg, respectively) (P<0.001). The impact of the substrate’s presence on caecal methanogenesis was not significant, though its presence increased the total gas production during fermentation (P<0.001). Hare caecal microflora produced a lower short chain fatty acids concentration than did rabbit microorganisms (P<0.05). In unincubated hare samples, the short chain fatty acids concentration was 28.4 mmol/kg, whereas in unincubated rabbit samples, the short chain fatty acids concentration was 51.8 mmol/kg. The caecal fermentation pattern of the hare was characterised by higher propionate and isobutyrate molar proportions compared with those observed in rabbit caecum (P<0.01). No significant changes in the ammonia concentration in either rabbit or hare caecum were found. The results obtained indicate some differences in the activity of the microbial populations colonising the hare and rabbit caecum, particularly in regards to methanogenic Archaea.

The Effect of Humic-Fatty Acid Preparation on Production Parameters and Meat Quality of Growing Rabbits

The Effect of Humic-Fatty Acid Preparation on Production Parameters and Meat Quality of Growing Rabbits The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a humic-fatty acid preparation on production parameters and meat quality of rabbits. Three groups of New Zealand White rabbits were used (one control and two experimental) with 8 animals per group. The animals of group C (control) were fed standard pelleted diet, group H5 received a control diet supplemented with 5%, and group H10 a control diet with 10% humic-fatty acid preparation. The experiment was terminated after 6 weeks feeding, when rabbits were slaughtered. The experimental groups showed higher gains and a higher feed conversion ratio than the control group. The dietary inclusion of the experimental additive had a beneficial effect on the meat quality traits, such as Fe concentration, hardness and colour, but it also increased the susceptibility of fat to oxidative changes. Wpływ preparatu huminowo-tłuszczowego na parametry produkcyjne oraz jakość mięsa królików rosnących Badano wpływ preparatu huminowo-tłuszczowego na wskaźniki produkcyjne oraz jakość mięsa u królików. Materiał stanowiły króliki rasy nowozelandzkiej białej, które podzielono na trzy grupy po 8 zwierząt w każdej. Zwierzęta grupy kontrolnej były żywione standardową paszą granulowaną, grupy H5 - paszą z 5% dodatkiem preparatu huminowo-tłuszczowego, natomiast grupy H10 - paszą z 10% dodatkiem tego preparatu. Doświadczenie trwało 6 tygodni, po czym zwierzęta poddano ubojowi. W grupach doświadczalnych odnotowano wyższe przyrosty oraz wskaźniki wykorzystania paszy niż w grupie kontrolnej. Stwierdzono korzystny wpływ zastosowanego preparatu na parametry jakościowe mięsa, takie jak zawartość żelaza, twardość i kolor, jednocześnie jednak obserwowano wzrost podatności tłuszczu na zmiany oksydacyjne.

A new genotype of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) with decreased susceptibility to fat oxidation: consequences to hematological and biochemical profiles of blood indices

BACKGROUND Flaxseed is an alternative to marine products that provide the traditional dietary sources of ω-fatty acids. A new genotype of flax, W92, is rich in natural antioxidants as well as having a reduced content of α-linolenic acid and therefore shows decreased susceptibility to fat oxidation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a diet supplemented with W92 flaxseed on hematological and biochemical blood indices. RESULTS A positive impact of diet with the addition of flaxseed was observed on erythrocyte indices, including red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values. There were no significant differences for white blood cell (WBC), total protein and glucose values. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase estimations in serum were also carried out and no obvious toxicity to the liver was shown. Moreover, a lipid profile was performed in serum samples and a decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), accompanied by an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), was observed in rabbits fed flaxseed diets. CONCLUSION Based on the results obtained, it appeared that the inclusion of a new genetically modified type of flaxseed in the diet altered cholesterol metabolism and could reduce the possibility of cardiovascular diseases. Diet enrichment with W92 flaxseed may be a solution to the health issues that are a result of improper diet in humans and animals.

In vitro contractility of normal and aneurysmal abdominal aorta muscle coat sections in human and animal material.

The objective of the study was to demonstrate spontaneous contractile activity of the smooth muscle coat of the aorta in human and animal material. Spontaneous contractility of smooth muscle tissue, or tonus, is essential for the proper function of many internal organs as observed in the many types of muscle cells which make up the internal structures. The spontaneous contractile activity of the muscle tissue in blood vessels is particularly marked in resistance vessels, regulating circulation within organs or tissues. It can also be observed in large blood vessels such as arteries and veins. The contractile activity of muscular tissue isolated from arteries is the result of a number of factors, including endogenous paracrine substances, neurotransmitters released at postganglionic endings (mostly within the sympathetic system), cells capable of spontaneously generation of functional potentials (pacemaking cells) and the vascular endothelium. Pacemaking cells present in the aortic wall are an important factor in the development of the spontaneous contractility of the muscular coat of the aorta. They are capable of generating functional potentials, resulting in the constant tonus of the smooth muscular coat (comprising the aortic wall) due to tonic contraction. In vitro studies were carried out on abdominal aortic sections collected from 30 New Zealand rabbits with a body mass of 3-4 kilograms each and also on aneurysmal abdominal aortic sections collected during elective aneurysm repair procedures in humans (10 abdominal aortic sections). The 1.5 cm-long sections were mounted in chambers of an automated water bath. The sections were oriented in a transverse and longitudal fashion in order to compare contractility. The incubation medium consisted of Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Spontaneous contractile activity was observed during the study, characterized by rhythmic contractions of the muscular layer of the aorta. The contractile tension within the sections was 0.15 mN in the case of rabbit sections and 0.8 mN in the case of human sections. The average duration of a single contraction was 38.3 +/- 15.05 seconds. The average contraction frequency, i.e. the average number of contractions per minute, was 1.61 +/- 0.54 contractions per minute. The spontaneous contraction is modulated by many factors like endogenous paracrine substances, neurotransmitters or vascular endothelium.

Comparative in vitro study of caecal microbial activity in brown hares and domestic rabbits which were offered the same diet

The products of the microbial activity in the large intestine are an important source of energy for herbivores. A previous study showed differences in caecal methanogenesis and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles between brown hares and domestic rabbits. The present study was performed on animals which were offered the same diet to eliminate the impact of diet on the comparative analyses of microbial metabolites. Caecal samples of hares and rabbits were incubated in triplicate, i.e. without any supplementary substrate (control) or with the addition of wheat bran or oat bran. Calculated as percentage of body weight, the stomachs of the rabbits were heavier than those of the hares, but caeca of the hares weighed more than those of the rabbits. The total SCFA concentration in caecal samples was higher in rabbits than in hares, and it increased in both species when the supplementary fermentation substrates were added. In hares, the molar proportion of propionate was higher and that of butyrate was lower compared to rabbits. The addition of substrate decreased acetate and propionate but increased the molar proportion of butyrate. Microbial fermentation resulted in greater gas release in rabbit caecal samples compared to those of hares. Methanogenesis tended to be lower in hares than in rabbits, but high individual variability was observed, especially in hares. Our study stated lower microbial activity in the caeca of brown hares compared to domestic rabbits. The presented results might lead to assumption that differences between fermentation patterns were not caused by diet but resulted from the peculiarities of both species.

Sheep model of haemodialysis treatment

More than two million patients received haemodialysis (HD) in 2013. Many methods for improving dialysis therapy outcomes have been tested. Nevertheless, patients continue to experience high morbidity and mortality rates. We aimed to develop an animal model of HD treatment to study methods that would prevent the adverse effects of renal replacement therapy. The study was conducted using six male Merino sheep. The animals underwent a two-step bilateral nephrectomy, and a permanent dual-lumen catheter was inserted into the jugular vein. In each animal, 10 short, daily HD treatments were conducted. The dialysis prescription was adjusted individually to each animal. Measures of dialysis adequacy (spKt/V and urea reduction ratio [URR]) were calculated for each HD treatment. All animals remained in a good clinical state during the experiment. However, a sustained decrease in red blood cell count was detected. The average URR was 0.65 ± 0.01, whereas the calculated spKt/V was approximately 1.16 ± 0.03. Neither hyperphosphataemia nor a significant decline in serum albumin concentrations were detected during the study. A sustained increase in serum potassium concentrations was detected on consecutive days of the experiment. All sheep survived the treatment and were euthanized at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, we developed a reproducible sheep model of HD treatment. The gentle nature and specific anatomical features of sheep provided easy blood access and allowed us to perform HD without pharmacological intervention. However, some differences in sheep physiology relative to human physiology must be considered when interpreting the results of the study.

Investigation of the immune effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on blood leukocytes and selected organs of the chicken’s lymphatic system

BackgroundThe health of chickens and the welfare of poultry industry are central to the efforts of addressing global food security. Therefore, it is essential to study chicken immunology to maintain and improve its health and to find novel and sustainable solutions. This paper presents a study on investigation of the effect of Scutellaria baicalensis root (SBR) on the immune response of broiler chicken, especially on lymphocytes and heterophils reactivity, regarding their contribution to the development of immunity of the chickens.MethodsThe 121-day-old Hubbard Hi-Y male broiler hybrids were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, three SBR supplemented groups (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of SBR) and one control group. Each treatment was replicated five times with six birds per replicate pen in a battery brooder. Blood was collected after 3rd and 6th wk of the experiment, and hemoglobin and hematocrit values were determined, as well as total leukocyte count and differential count were performed. Nitroblue tetrazolium test and phagocytosis assay as nonspecific immune parameters and humoral immune responses to the antigenic challenge by sheep red blood cells were performed. Moreover, the ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes to form radial segmentation (RS) of their nuclei was analyzed. Body weight and relative weight of spleen, liver, and bursa of Fabricius were recorded.ResultsResults showed that mean heterophile/lymphocyte ratio increased in the SBR groups compared to the control group and the blood of the chickens showed lymphocytic depletion. The results also demonstrated that the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen in groups fed with SBR significantly decreased compared to the control group. This study also showed that the addition of SBR significantly inhibited the formation of RS of nuclei compared to some cytotoxic substances.ConclusionWe found that SBR supplementation should be carefully evaluated when given to poultry. The excess intake of SBR supplementation may cause immunologic inhibition and may negatively affect the development of immune organs. SBR has inhibited the formation of radial segmentation nuclei showing antimetastatic properties and also the phagocytosis of chicken heterophils.

Influence of ovariohysterectomy and deslorelin acetate on the spontaneous activity of the rabbit urinary bladder in vitro.

Lower urinary tract symptoms are not only a serious health problem but also a substantial sociologic issue affecting human beings and companion animals. Estrogen deficiency is considered an etiologic factor of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women and spayed female dogs. However, insufficient effectiveness of hormonal therapy has caused an intensive search for new therapeutic options. GnRH analogs have positive clinical effects in neutered female dogs suffering from incontinence, but the mechanism of action is not known. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of long-acting deslorelin acetate on the spontaneous activity of urinary bladder sections from a rabbit model of long-term estrogen deprivation. The study was conducted on 21 female New Zealand White rabbits divided into the following groups: control group, ovariohysterectomized (OHX) group, and ovariohysterectomized group given a deslorelin acetate implant. Urinary bladders were excised immediately after sacrifice, and the spontaneous activity of dorsal and ventral strips of the bladder body was examined in organ bath chambers. The amplitude and frequency of the spontaneous contractions were evaluated. Most of the sections developed spontaneous activity. Ovariohysterectomy caused a decrease in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions of the tissues obtained only from the dorsal part of the bladder body. After OHX, the frequency was higher compared with the control group in both parts of the bladder. Deslorelin acetate did not significantly affect the spontaneous contraction amplitude but caused a decrease in the frequency in the dorsal and ventral parts of the bladder. In conclusion, long-term changes in the levels of hormones and other regulatory substances associated with the reproductive system are related to altered spontaneous activity of the urinary bladder, which may impact the symptoms of urgency and incontinence appearing in women after menopause and in female animals after gonadectomy. However, long-acting deslorelin acetate partially reverses the effect of OHX on the spontaneous activity of the bladder. This process might underlie the positive effects of GnRH analogs in incontinent spayed female dogs.