Effects of serum vitamin E levels on skin vitamin E levels in dogs and cats

Skin problems are common in small animal practice. Oxidative stress, or the imbalance between prooxidants and the body's antioxidant defense system, likely plays a role in the development of skin disease. According to this study, increasing amounts of vitamin E in foods for dogs and cats increases serum and cutaneous concentrations of vitamin E. Based on available scientific data, these increases in vitamin E concentration are likely to be beneficial. However, the relationship between increases in serum and skin vitamin E concentrations and the prevention, development, and treatment of skin disease remains to be elucidated by intervention studies.     

Effect of silymarin and vitamin E on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in dogs

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is an important cause of renal failure in dogs. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin, can produce nephrotoxicity in dogs, due to in part to an imbalance of pro- and antioxidants (oxidative stress). Silymarin (the mixture of flavonolignans extracted from Silybum marianum) has potentially beneficial antioxidant properties. A control group (saline, group 1, n = 5) was compared with dogs that were administrated gentamicin by intramuscular injection, at dosage of 20 mg/kg, once daily for 9 days (groups 2-5, n = 5 per group). The effects of vitamin E (group 3) and silymarin (group 4) alone and in combination (group 5) were compared for induced nephrotoxicity. Renal function was assessed using serum biochemical markers (creatinine and urea). Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured as a marker of lipid peroxidation. The activity of total serum antioxidants (TSAO) was assessed as a marker of antioxidant defences. Serum creatinine and urea concentrations were increased significantly and TSAO was decreased significantly in group 2 compared with group 1. Serum creatinine concentrations but not urea concentrations were significantly lower in groups 3 and 4 than in group 2 (P = 0.001). Serum MDA concentrations was significantly different between groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.01), 2 and 4 (P < 0.001) and 4 and 5 (P = 0.01). TSAO activity was significantly in group 4 (silymarin) than in group 2 (P = 0.002). Silymarin and vitamin E decreased gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in dogs.     

Effect of cimetidine on aspirin-induced gastric hemorrhage in dogs

Efficacy of cimetidine in the prevention of aspirin-induced gastric hemorrhage was evaluated, using 4 groups of 6 dogs given: Group 1--controls; group 2-7.5 mg of cimetidine/kg of body weight every 8 hours; group 3-7.5 mg of cimetidine/kg every 8 hours and 35 mg of nonbuffered aspirin/kg every 8 hours; and group 4-35 mg of nonbuffered aspirin/kg every 8 hours. All medication was given orally for 10 days at the time of feeding a commercial dry food. The gastric mucosa was evaluated endoscopically before treatment, on treatment day 5, and 36 hours after the final treatment. The dogs were given halothane inhalation anesthesia and were evaluated, using a grading system. Total 24-hour fecal hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured, using a quantitative fluorometric analysis for Hb-derived porphyrins. Control dogs and dogs given cimetidine only had no endoscopically visible gastric lesions and no increase in fecal Hb concentration. All dogs given aspirin or aspirin and cimetidine had a similar marked increase in endoscopically visible gastric hemorrhage and marked increases in fecal Hb concentration; however, there was no significant (P = 0.48) difference between the 2 groups. Seemingly, cimetidine given at an oral dosage of 7.5 mg/kg every 8 hours was not effective in preventing aspirin-induced gastric hemorrhage in clinically normal dogs.     

Effects of dietary vitamin E on muscle vitamin E and fatty acid content in Aohan fine-wool sheep

Background

Increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content and decreasing the saturated fatty acid (SFA) content of mutton can help to improve its nutritional value for consumers. Several laboratories have evaluated the effects of vitamin E on the fatty acid (FA) composition of muscle in sheep. However, little information is available on wool sheep, even though wool sheep breeds are an important source of mutton, especially in northern China where sheep are extensively farmed. The present study was designed to address the effects of vitamin E on muscle FA composition in male Aohan fine-wool sheep.

Methods

Forty-two male Aohan fine-wool lambs (5 mo old) with similar initial body weight were randomly divided into seven groups and fed diets supplemented with 0 (control group), 20, 100, 200, 1,000, 2,000, or 2,400 IU/sheep/d vitamin E for 12 mo. Three lambs from each group were slaughtered to measure vitamin E and FA content in the longissimus lumborum (LL) and gluteus medius (GM) muscles.

Results

Vitamin E concentrations in the LL and GM increased significantly after 12 mo of vitamin E supplementation (P < 0.05). However, this increase did not occur in a dose-dependent manner because the muscle vitamin E concentration was highest in the 200 IU/sheep/d group. Dietary vitamin E supplementation also caused a significant reduction in SFA content and an increase in monounsaturated FA (MUFA) content in the LL and GM (P < 0.05). All six doses of vitamin E significantly increased cis9 trans11-conjugated linoleic acid (c9t11-CLA) content in the LL compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Dietary supplementation with vitamin E increased muscle vitamin E content and improved the nutritional value of mutton by decreasing SFA content and increasing MUFA and c9t11-CLA contents in Aohan fine-wool sheep. These effects were greatest in sheep fed a diet containing 200 IU/sheep/d vitamin E.     

Effects of dietary vitamin and fatty acid content in E on muscle vitamin E Aohan fine-wool sheep

Background： Increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid （PUFA） content and decreasing the saturated fatty acid （SFA） content of mutton can help to improve its nutritional value for consumers. Several laboratories have evaluated the effects of vitamin E on the fatty acid （FA） composition of muscle in sheep. However, little information is available on wool sheep, even though wool sheep breeds are an important source of mutton, especially in northern China where sheep are extensively farmed. The present study was designed to address the effects of vitamin E on muscle FA composition in male Aohan fine-wool sheep. Methods： Forty-two male Aohan fine-wool lambs （5 mo old） with similar initial body weight were randomly divided into seven groups and fed diets supplemented with 0 （control group）, 20, 100, 200, 1,000, 2,000, or 2,400 IU/sheep/d vitamin E for 12 mo. Three lambs from each group were slaughtered to measure vitamin E and FA content in the Iongissimus lumborum （LL） and gluteus medius （GM） muscles. Results： Vitamin E concentrations in the LL and GM increased significantly after 12 mo of vitamin E supplementation （P 〈 0.05）. However, this increase did not occur in a dose-dependent manner because the muscle vitamin E concentration was highest in the 200 IU/sheep/d group. Dietary vitamin E supplementation also caused a significant reduction in SFA content and an increase in monounsaturated FA （MUFA） content in the LL and GM （P 〈 0.05）. All six doses of vitamin E significantly increased cis9 tronsl -conjugated linoleic acid （cgtl -CLA） content in the LL compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions： Dietary supplementation with vitamin E increased muscle vitamin E content and improved the nutritional value of mutton by decreasing SFA content and increasing MUFA and c9tl 1-CLA contents in Aohan fine-wool sheep. These effects were greatest in sheep fed a diet containing 200 IU/sheep/d vitamin E.     

Effects of olprinone on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in dogs

We investigated the effect of olprinone on canine myocardial pump function and myocardial damage after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Three dogs of the experimental group were given olprinone (Olprinone group) and another 3 dogs were served as control (Intact group). All animals were occluded left anterior descending artery for 60 min, followed by 6 hr of reperfusion. In the experiment, hemodynamics, infarct area, creatine kinase and troponin-I were measured. Olprinone infusion induced significantly high cardiac output value and significantly low values in left ventricular end diastolic pressure and systemic vascular resistance index after reperfusion. Also, olprinone tend to attenuate the infarct area, creatine kinase and troponin-I.     

Effects of vitamin E and different energy sources on vitamin E status, milk quality and reproduction in transition cows

We investigated whether vitamin E supplementation and supplemental energy sources (fat or starch) influenced plasma and milk levels of vitamin E, and reproductive and other parameters in 28 Italian Friesian multiparous dry cows. From 14 days before expected calving to 7 days after, the animals were assigned to either basal diet (containing 1000 IU/day of vitamin E) or an extra 1000 IU/day of vitamin E (total 2000 IU). In addition they received either 0.5 kg/day of corn or 0.2 kg/day of calcium soaps. Plasma samples were collected 4 days before expected calving and 4 days after calving and analysed for alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol. Milk yield as well as the composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and alpha-tocopherol of milk were determined 7 and 14 days after calving. Milk yield and composition were unaffected by treatments. SCC was significantly lower in (SCC Log 4.62 versus Log 5.1, P < 0.01) 2000 IU/day animals than in the 1000 IU/day group. Milk alpha-tocopherol was higher (P < 0.001) in animals receiving 2000 IU/day (1.11 vs. 0.65 microgram/ml, P < 0.01). Plasma alpha-tocopherol in animals receiving 2000 IU/day was also higher (P < 0.001) than in cows receiving 1000 IU/day (4.85 vs. 3.25 micrograms/ml), but was not affected by dietary energy source. Number of services and days to conception were lower (P < 0.01) in the 2000 IU vitamin E supplemented cows. To conclude, dietary vitamin E supplementation to periparturient dairy cows increased plasma and milk vitamin E, decreased SCC in milk, and improved fertility but different energy sources had no effect on any measured variable.     

维生素A、E对獭兔繁殖性能的影响

将 2 8只繁殖獭兔随机均分 2组 ,基础日粮相同 ,但试验组在配种前 3天妊娠第 7天于日粮中添加VA8mg/kg、VE10 0mg/kg。结果与对照组相比 :试验组产活仔数提高了 2 0 2 3 %(P <0 0 5 ) ,育成率提高了 6 5 8%(P <0 0 5 ) ,增重速度提高 7 11%(P <0 0 5 )。     

Effects of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and vitamin E on the immune response of healthy geriatric dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios and alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentration on immune functions andT cell subpopulations in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: Thirty-two 7- to 10-year old female Beagles. PROCEDURE: For 17 weeks, dogs were fed food that contained low (1.4:1) or high (40:1) ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in combination with 3 concentrations of all rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (low, 17 mg/kg of food; medium, 101 mg/kg; high, 447 mg/kg). Dogs were inoculated twice with a keyhole limpet hemocyanin suspension at 13 and 15 weeks. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, dogs consuming low concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate had lower percentages of CD8+ T cells, compared with dogs consuming medium or high alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentrations. Also, dogs consuming low alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentrations had higher CD4+ to CD8+ T cell ratios. On day 4 of week 15, the percentage of CD8+ T cells was highest in dogs fed medium concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate, compared with other dogs; however, the CD4+ to CD8+ T cell ratio was higher only in dogs fed low concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate with high concentrations of n-3 fatty acids. Dogs consuming low concentrations of n-3 fatty acids with medium concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate had the largest delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test response. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An optimum amount of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentration, regardless of the dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio, stimulates the CD8+ T cell population. Effects of an optimum amount of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate concentration on the DTH response are blunted by dietary n-3 fatty acids.     

Effects of different cyclooxygenase inhibitors on prostaglandin E2 production,steroidogenesis and ovulation of bovine preovulatory follicles

Ovulation is an inflammation-like process, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) is its key mediator. Balanced regulation of inflammatory processes in high-yielding dairy cows may be essential for physiological ovulation and fertility. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ovulation failure and cyst development after disturbing intrafollicular inflammatory cascades. Therefore, nonselective (indomethacin and flunixin-meglumine), COX-2 selective (meloxicam), and highly COX-2 selective (NS-398) inhibitors were injected into preovulatory follicles 16 h after administration of GnRH, and ovulation was monitored via ultrasound examination. Additionally, follicular fluid was collected after injection of indomethacin, meloxicam, and NS-398. Moreover, primary granulosa cell cultures from preovulatory follicles were prepared and treated with indomethacin, meloxicam, and NS-398. The concentrations of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in the follicular fluid and cell supernatant were estimated. Indomethacin and flunixin-meglumine blocked ovulation, even at low doses, and led to ovarian cyst development. The selective and highly selective COX-2 inhibitors meloxicam and NS-398 were not effective in blocking ovulation. However, indomethacin, meloxicam, and NS-398 significantly and comparably reduced PGE₂ concentration in vivo and in vitro (P < 0.05) but had no effect on estradiol or progesterone production. This may contradict the generally accepted hypothesis that PGE₂ is a key mediator of ovulation and progesterone production. Our results suggest a connection between ovarian disorders and inflammatory actions in early postpartum cows.     

维生素C、E及其交互作用对肉仔鸡生长性能及鸡肉品质的影响

本试验旨在研究维生素C、E(VC、VE)及其交互作用对肉仔鸡生长及其鸡肉品质的影响。试验采用4×4完全随机试验设计将800只1日龄健康的艾维茵肉仔鸡随机分成16个处理,每个处理5个重复,每个重复10只。其中,VE设4个添加水平,分别为50、100、200、400 mg/kg日粮,VC的添加水平为50、100、200、400 mg/kg日粮。结果表明:在生长前期(0～21 d),日粮VE、VC的添加量对肉仔鸡日增重均无显著影响(P>0.05),VE、VC的互作效应在生长前期对肉仔鸡日增重和料重比的影响均不显著(P>0.05),前期VE(200 mg/kg)×VC(50 mg/kg)组料重比最低;在生长后期(4～6周龄),日粮VE、VC的添加量对肉仔鸡日增重、料重比的影响均显著(P<0.05),VE、VC的互作效应对肉仔鸡生长后期日增重和料重比的影响均显著(P<0.05);不同的VE、VC处理组之间pH 45 min、pH 12h、pH 24 h值、肉色、肌间脂肪、最大剪切力的差异均不显著(P>0.05),且VE、VC之间无显著的互作效应(P>0.05);不同维生素E组之间的滴水损失率差异极显著(P<0.01),...     

维生素E对冷应激雏鸡血清NO含量及GSH-Px活性的影响

用含不同水平维生素E的日粮饲喂慢性冷应激(12℃±1℃)条件下的雏鸡。通过检测雏鸡血清NO含量、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性等指标,探索维生素E对其抗氧化功能的影响。结果表明,应用维生素E后冷应激雏鸡血清NO含量极明显下降(P<0.01)、GSH-Px活性极显著升高(P<0.01)。表明维生素E可使冷应激引起的雏鸡血清NO含量、GSH-Px活性明显发生变化,具有缓解应激促进抗氧化功能的作用。     

Effects of dietary vitamin E and fat supplementation on pork quality

The effects of dietary vitamin E (VE, alpha-tocopherol acetate) and fat supplementation on growth and carcass quality characteristics, oxidative stability of fresh and cooked pork patty in storage, fatty acid profiles of muscle and adipose tissue, and VE concentrations of plasma, muscle, and adipose tissue were studied. Six hundred pigs were allocated to 1 of 6 diets and fed for 63 d in a 3 x 2 factorial design. The dietary treatments included 3 fat levels (normal corn, high oil corn, high oil corn plus added beef tallow) and 2 levels of VE supplementation (40 IU/kg, normal VE supplementation; and 200 IU/kg, high VE supplementation). At 113 kg of BW, 54 pigs were slaughtered as a subsample to evaluate dietary effects on pork quality. Growth performance and meat quality characteristics did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatment groups. The high level of VE supplementation had a beneficial effect on the oxidative stability of pork as indicated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values. Lean tissue had lower (P < 0.05) TBARS in the group fed the high VE than in those fed the normal VE level. The TBARS values differed among storage periods (0 to 6 d) and also between fresh and cooked ground ham. Fat type did not significantly affect total saturated and unsaturated fatty acids proportions in the neutral and polar fraction of muscle. Adding VE acetate led to greater (P < 0.05) monounsaturated and total unsaturated fatty acid proportions in neutral lipids of muscle and adipose tissues. Increasing dietary levels of VE acetate increased the concentration of VE in plasma and muscle. These results indicate that dietary VE acetate supplementation increased (P < 0.05) lipid stability and the VE concentration of muscle.     

Effects of DDAVP administrated subcutaneously in dogs with aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction and hemostatic impairment due to chronic liver diseases

To evaluate the hemostatic effects of desmopressin (DDAVP) in dogs with aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction and hemostatic impairment in chronic liver diseases, 3 microg/kg DDAVP was administrated subcutaneously. In aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction dogs (n=5), prolonged BMBT (buccal mucosal bleeding time) was shortened significantly after DDAVP injection (2.2 +/- 1.2 min, P<0.05). In dogs with chronic liver diseases (n=4), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tended to shorten by 0.9 to 3.0 sec, and prolonged BMBT was shortened in two cases for 4.2 and 1.7 min after DDAVP injection. Therefore, the present results indicated that DDAVP shortened the prolonged BMBT in dogs with aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction and chronic liver disease. DDAVP might be helpful in hemostasis under invasive procedures such as biopsy or surgery for dogs with hemostatic impairment.     

维生素E对育成蛋鸭生长及某些免疫指标的影响

选择216只满4周龄的健康金定蛋鸭随机分成6个处理组,每个处理组6个重复,分别饲喂VE含量为0、10、15、20、40、100IU/kg的日粮,研究日粮中添加不同水平的VE对育成蛋鸭生长及某些免疫指标的影响,结果表明:①日粮中添加VE能提高蛋鸭的日增重和日采食量,降低料重比,其中以第Ⅲ和第Ⅳ组(添加量为15IU/kg和20IU/kg)效果较好,但试验各组差异不显著(P>0.05)。②日粮中添加15IU/kg和20IU/kgVE时,血清中的免疫球蛋白(IgG、IgM)、白细胞介素-2(IL-2)、甲状腺素(T3、T4)的浓度最高,皮质醇(Cort)的浓度最低,能较全面地提高蛋鸭的免疫机能。③日粮中添加高剂量(100IU/Kg)VE时,蛋鸭的生长性能及免疫机能有不同程度地降低。综合分析,在蛋鸭育成期的基础日粮中添加15～20IU/kgVE,可提高其生长性能,改善蛋鸭的免疫机能。     

维生素A和维生素E水平对北京鸭前期生产性能的影响

本试验采用5×2完全随机试验设计,5个维生素A(VA)添加水平(0、2500、5000、10000IU/kg和15000IU/kg),2个维生素E(VE)添加水平10mg/kg和100mg/kg,360只1日龄北京鸭随机分为10个处理组,研究不同水平VA、VE对北京鸭生产性能的影响。结果表明,VA的添加可显著提高北京鸭生长前期的平均日增重和平均日采食量(P0.01);对料肉比的影响差异不显著(P0.05),VE水平对北京鸭前期生产性能无显著影响(P0.05);建议北京鸭生长前期VA的适宜添加量为5000～10000IU/kg,VE为10mg/kg。