Therapeutic efficacy of the drug Simparica® for demodicosis in dogs in the Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine

The purpose of our research was to test the therapeutic efficacy of the acaricide «Simparica®» in combination with the biostimulator «Catosal» and the hepatoprotector «Tioprotectin» for demodicosis in dogs in the conditions of veterinary clinics in the Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine. The study has been performed on dogs of different genders, ages and breeds that had a generalized form of demodicosis (affected at least 6 areas on the body of animals), to test the effectiveness of this drug in different treatment schemes. Acarological studies of scrapings from the skin of experimental animals for the presence of live or dead mites Demodex canis or their eggs have been carried out by the vital method according to D.O. Pryselkova. As a result of the conducted researches the choice of acaricidal drugs and development of complex therapeutic measures for demodicosis of dogs has been experimentally substantiated. The drug «Simparica®» has proved to be quite effective against demodicosis of dogs, even with a single use. The dependence of the effectiveness of the use of prolonged acaricide «Simparica®» on clinical forms of demodicosis has been shown. The absolute therapeutic effect of acaricide is obtained in the scaly form of demodicosis. However, in pustular and mixed clinical forms of demodicosis, its effectiveness decreased to 71.4 and 57.1%, respectively. In combination with the drug of pathogenetic therapy «Catosal» for pustular and mixed forms of demodicosis, the therapeutic efficacy of the drug «Simparica®» increases to 85.7%. When added to the scheme of hepatoprotector “Thioprotectin”, it is possible to achieve 100% therapeutic effect in pustular forms of demodicosis. However, in severe mixed form of demodicosis, the effectiveness was not absolute and was only 85.7%. In case of generalized demodicosis of dogs, regardless of clinical forms, it is recommended to use the acaricide «Simparica®» in combination with the drug «Catosal» and in the combination of «Catosal» and «Thioprotectin».

Novel Insight into the Mechanisms of the Bidirectional Relationship between Diabetes and Periodontitis

Periodontitis and diabetes are two major global health problems despite their prevalence being significantly underreported and underestimated. Both epidemiological and intervention studies show a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes. The hypothesis of a potential causal link between the two diseases is corroborated by recent studies in experimental animals that identified mechanisms whereby periodontitis and diabetes can adversely affect each other. Herein, we will review clinical data on the existence of a two-way relationship between periodontitis and diabetes and discuss possible mechanistic interactions in both directions, focusing in particular on new data highlighting the importance of the host response. Moreover, we will address the hypothesis that trained immunity may represent the unifying mechanism explaining the intertwined association between diabetes and periodontitis. Achieving a better mechanistic insight on clustering of infectious, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases may provide new therapeutic options to reduce the risk of diabetes and diabetes-associated comorbidities.

Theranostics of skin neoplasms based on luminescence diagnostics in combination with photodynamic therapy in the absorption band of porphyrin

We report the results of developing a technique for theranostics of skin neoplasms based on luminescence diagnostics in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the absorption band of porphyrin. It is shown that the therapeutic effect is achieved exclusively due to PDT, without the participation of the hyperthermia process, which occurs at temperatures above 42 °C. The Fluroscan gel [based on the dipotassium salt of the ytterbium complex of 2,4-di-(a-methoxyethyl)deuteroporphyrin IX (Yb-DMDP)] is used as a preparation for theranostics. The main photophysical properties and possible mechanisms of accumulation of nanosized low-toxic photosensitisers based on this compound are studied. It is shown that the Yb-DMDP compound in a DMSO solution (30% aqueous DMSO) enhances photophysical characteristics (luminescence lifetime 5-10 ms, luminescence quantum yield up to 1%, extinction coefficient ~1.96 × 105 M-1 cm-1 at a wavelength of 398 nm). Experimental animals are used to test the proposed technique for theranostics of tumours using the Fluroscan gel and a fibre-optic laser fluorimeter.

Anti-Protozoan Activities of Stachytarpheta angustifolia on Some Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats

This study focuses on the anti-protozoan activities of Stachytarpheta angustifolia (Tarkajiya; Hausa, Devil’s coach whip; English) on haematological parameters of Albino Wistar rats which is an unexplored study area. The work is aimed at the determination of the effects of S. angustifolia on Wistar Rats, when exposed to herbal extract on the haematological parameters of Wistar Rats infected with E. tenella Biomarkers. The plant was obtained whole; dried under the shade, made into a powdered form and aqueous extraction method carried by maceration technique. After infecting the experimental animals with the parasites; E. tenella, the following respective doses of 750 mg and 1500 mg were administered to the rats in groups of 3 and 4. Results obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). It was discovered that no significant harmful effect on the rats was recorded, but 60 % of the parasites were killed. This work demonstrated that the herbal extract killed the parasites but induced minimal stress to the animals as shown by the low haematological parameters in the study.

Evaluation of Schizophrenic Activity in Experimental Animals

The use of current research into schizophrenia has remained highly fragmented, much like the clinical presentation of the disease itself. Differing theories as to the cause and progression of schizophrenia, as well as the heterogeneity of clinical symptoms, have made it difficult to develop a coherent framework suitable for animal modeling. However, a number of limited animal models have been developed to explore various causative theories and to test specific mechanistic hypotheses. Historically, these models have been based on the manipulation of neurotransmitter systems believed to be involved in schizophrenia. In recent years, the emphasis has shifted to targeting relevant brain regions in an attempt to explore potential etiologic hypotheses. The specific animal models developed within these frameworks are described in this review. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation of currently available models because these models help to shape the direction of future research.

Evaluation of acute and subchronic toxicity of “Tran Chau Nguu Hoang Hoan” in experimental animals

“Tran chau nguu hoang hoan” was prepared from 12 herbal ingredients. So far, the safety of this product, has not been reported yet. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of “Tran chau nguu hoang hoan” through oral administration in experimental animals. The acute toxicity was determined by the method of Litchfield Wilcoxon in mice at the doses of 2.42 g/kg b.w/day to 6.04 g/kg b.w/day. The subchronic toxicity was evaluated followed the Guideline of WHO and OECD in rats with oral doses of 58.0 mg/kg b.w/day and 174.0 mg/kg b.w/day for 12 consecutive weeks. As a result, in the course of the acute toxicity test, the mice showed no abnormal sign or death. In terms of the subchonic toxicity test, hematological indexes, hepato-renal functions and microscopic images of liver and kidney were unchanged. In conclusion, “Tran chau nguu hoang hoan” does not appear to produce acute and subchronic toxicities in mice and rats.

Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicities of DA.AMLODEPON HVD hard capsule in experimental animals

Assessment of toxicities of DA.AMLODEPON HVD hard capsule on experimental animals. The acute toxicity of DA.AMLODEPON HVD was assessed on Swiss mice according to World Health Organization Guidance, and LD50 determination according to the method of Litchfield – Wilcoxon. The sub-chronic toxicity study of DA.AMLODEPON HVD at two doses (0.42 g/kg/day and 1.26g/kg/day) was conducted in rats for four consecutive weeks. After administration, general conditions and the body weight of rats were evaluated. Blood samples were collected for analyzing serum parameters before treatment (T0), second week (T1), and fourth week (T2). Histopathological analysis of livers and kidneys was observed at the end of the experiment. The results revealed that mice were taken up to a maximum dose of 39.15 g/kg with no symptoms of acute toxicity, LD50 of DA.AMLODEPON HVD has not been determined. The sub-chronic toxicity study at two doses did not change the body weight of rats, general conditions. The parameters for structures and functions of livers and kidneys and microscopic of the livers and kidneys are in a normal range during the study period.

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity assessments of BTL tea in experimental animals

Tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death in many countries. Many smokers want to quit smoking but are not offered the highly effective treatments available to manage tobacco dependency. There has been a current trend for researchers to find new natural ingredients that were safe and still effective in treating tobacco dependence. BTL tea was a herbal-derived product prepared from Herba Menthae, Pogos cablin (Blanco) Benth., Zingiber Officinale Rosc., Flos Chrysanthemi, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Pericarpium Citri deliciosa, and Flos Lonicera. At this time, the safety of this product has not been reported. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate BTL tea’s acute and subchronic toxicity through oral administration in experimental animals. The acute toxicity was determined by Litchfield-Wilcoxon method in mice at the doses of 45.0 g/kg b.w/day to 112.5 g/kg b.w/day. The subchronic toxicity was evaluated following WHO and OECD’s Guidelines in rats with oral doses of 1.08 g/kg b.w/day (equal to recommended human dose) and 3.24 g/kg b.w/day (three times as high as recommended human dose) for four consecutive weeks. As a result, in the acute toxicity test, the mice showed no abnormal sign or death. The subchronic toxicity test, hematological indexes, hepato-renal functions, and microscopic images of liver and kidney were unchanged. However, compared with the control group, there were significant differences in various indexes, including total WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and AST level, but the levels were still safe. In conclusion, BTL tea does not appear to produce acute and subchronic toxicities in mice and rats.

The evaluation of acute and subchronic toxicities of An Phu Khang capsules in experimental animals

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicities of An Phu Khang capsules through oral administration in experimental animals. The acute toxicity was determined by the method of Litchfield Wilcoxon in Swiss mice. The subchronic toxicity was evaluated by the recommendation of WHO in Wistar rats at these doses of 0.54 g/kg b.w/day (equal to recommended human dose) and 1.62 g/kg b.w/day (3 times as high as recommended human dose) in 4 consecutive weeks. As a result, An Phu Khang capsules at the highest dose used for mice (36.29 g/kg b.w) did not show acute toxicity in mice. In terms of the subchronic toxicity test, after oral administration of An Phu Khang capsules, hematological parameters, hepato-renal functions, and microscopic images of liver and kidney at both doses were unchanged compared with the control group. In conclusion, An Phu Khang with both doses 0.54 g/kg b.w/day and 1.62 g/kg b.w/day did not produce acute and subchronic toxicities in Swiss mice and Wistar rats.