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The aims of the present study were to characterize ticks infesting the dromedary camel and cattle in Hofuf, Eastern Saudi Arabia and to determine the piroplasms that they may harbor. DNA was extracted from ticks, collected from camels and cattle, using commercial kits and subjected to polymerase chain reaction using specific primers for the amplification of ticks and piroplasms DNA. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I mitochondrial gene (COI) was used for characterization of ticks whereas partial 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) was used for piroplasms characterization. Ticks were genetically identified as Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma anatolicum. Both cattle and camel in Hofuf, were found to be infested with both species. Both ticks identified as H. dromedarii and H. anatolicum from camels and cows showed 100% identity to COI sequences from the same species available in GenBank. Only Theileria annulata DNA was amplified from both H. anatolicum and H. dromedarii infesting cattle. None of the ticks collected from camels revealed DNA of piroplasms. T. annulata DNA was reported for the first time from Hofuf and the role of both H. anatolicum and H. dromedarii as potential vectors for this parasite in cattle in Saudi Arabia has been documented for the first time.

A cross sectional study was conducted during the period 2014-2015, to estimate the prevalence and assess contribution of some risk factors for the occurrence of enterotoxaemia in sheep, goats, cattle and camels in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia. A total of 1593 animals from 476 herds were investigated. ELISA tests were conducted using a commercial kit for the detection of different toxins produced by Clostridium perfringens causing the disease. The toxicogenic typing of C. perfringens in clinical samples by ELISA kit, revealed that the predominant types were C. perfringens type A (67.2%) followed by type D (16.4%), then type B (13.4%) and type C (3%). Further confirmation of representative C. perfringens isolated from enterotoxaemia positive animals was performed using polymerase chain reaction. The overall prevalence of enterotoxaemia disease at the animal and herd level was 27.2% and 26.47% respectively. There were significant differences in the prevalence of enterotoxaemia in animals between the different regions in KSA, animal species and months of the year. The highest prevalence was detected in Aljouf region (41.7 %), followed by Hail region (40.9%), Qassim (37.8%), Jazan (31.1%), the eastern region (26.1%) and Riyadh region (10.4%). The prevalence was the highest cattle (64.3%), followed by goats (29.9%), camels (21.5%) and sheep (21.4%). Risk factors such as regions (χ2 = 89.65, p = 0.000), months of the year (χ2 = 76.65, p = 0.000), animal species (χ2 = 50.81, p = 0.000), disease presence by years (χ2 = 29.75, p = 0.000), herds prevalence (χ2 = 1443.6, p = 0.000) showed statistically significant association with enterotoxaemia disease. In the multivariate analysis, species of animals (OR = 4.88, p = 0.000) was found to be the most statistically significant risk factor associated with enterotoxaemia. Cattle were found to be approximately five times more likely to have infection with enterotoxaemia (OR = 4.88, CI = 2.55-9.37, p=0.0001) compared to other animal species. High overall prevalence of enterotoxaemia cases in all animal species occurred during the period August – December of the year 2015 with the highest prevalence in September (50%).

Background: Antibiotics are one of the commonly prescribed drugs over the world. Overprescribing of antibiotics may result in serious bacterial resistance. The main cause of inappropriate prescription of antibiotics is the absence of guidelines and protocols for its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriate use of ceftriaxone (broad-spectrum third generation cephalosporin antibiotic) in internal medicine wards of Wad Medani teaching hospital in Sudan, as well as comparing its use with reference to the standard of Sudan treatment guidelines and reliable references like British National Formula (BNF) and Sanford guide. Methods: Prospective cross –sectional study conducted in the internal medicine department at Wad Medani Teaching hospital by reviewing the files of all in-patients admitted to medical wards, who received ceftriaxone between November and December, 2018 and the appropriateness use of ceftriaxone was evaluated depending on six criteria: indication, dose, frequency, duration of treatment, culture and sensitivity test and drug –drug interaction Results: A total of 280 admitted patient’s treatment chart containing ceftriaxone injection were analyzed. Ceftriaxone was indicated empirically in 91.1% mostly for respiratory tract infection (35%). Ceftriaxone appropriate dose was given in 59% of patients, inappropriate frequency in 68.9% and incorrect duration in 51.1%. Co-administered drugs with major interaction in 3.6% of patients. Conclusions: This study revealed high inappropriate use of ceftriaxone where it was given without implementing culture and sensitivity test in the majority of patients. This may result in treatment failure so educational programs is recommended to address the irrational use of antibiotic.

Background Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy resulting in sickling of erythrocytes that cause micro-vascular obstruction leading to acute complications and chronic organ damage. Adults with SCA have endocrine complications and metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to assess the association between gonadal and thyroid hormones with iron indices and to explore the potential association between serum ferritin levels and sex hormones in adult males with sickle cell disease in New Prince Saud Bin Jalawy Hospital (NPSBJH) in Hofuf city (Eastern region of Saudi Arabia) where there are many patients with SCA. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the Haematology Clinic at NPSBJH in 2018. A total of eighty (80) male patients with sickle cell anaemia were included in this study and were divided into two groups according to serum ferritin level. Group I (G-I): Included 40 male patients with high serum ferritin level and group II (G-II): included 40 male patients with normal serum ferritin level. Results There was a significant difference in height/cm between GI and Gil, P value= 0.006. Serum ferritin was significantly higher in GI (P value= 0.000), and serum TIBC was significantly higher in G-II. (P value= 0.022). Testosterone level was significantly higher in G-II (P value= 0.018). Luteinizing hormone (LH) was significantly higher in group I (P-value 0.019). There was a significant relation between serum ferritin level in G-I and the following: serum iron, TIBC, serum testosterone, LH, prolactin, free T3 and free T4. Conclusion Adult males with SCD with high serum ferritin level were shorter than adult males with SCD who had normal serum ferritin level and had a significant lower level of serum testosterone and significant high level of LH and this was most likely due to endocrine dysfunction secondary to high ferritin level and iron overload.

Aspiculuris tetraptera a pinworm of mice, is an important parasite in institutions with mice colonies for both research and teaching purposes. Infection with this parasite has impact on biomedical research. This is likely due to the availability of the parasite’s eggs in the environment, therefore can easily be transmitted and infection is generally asymptomatic. No information regarding the prevalence, morphology or phylogeny is available on A. tetraptera from Saudi Arabia. A group of 50 laboratory mice were investigated for the presence of A. tetraptera. Worms were described morphologically and molecular characterization was attempted using 18S rRNA and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I genes. The prevalence of A. tetraptera infestation in the laboratory mice examined was found to be 46%. Morphological description indicated that the worms belong to A. tetraptera and this was confirmed by molecular characterization. Both regions studied have shown that the worm under investigation grouped with A. tetraptera. 18S rDNA sequences obtained in the present study showed high identity with sequences from A. tetraptera while Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences showed intraspecific variation resulted into two haplotypes from the isolates in the present study. A. tetraptera was recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia. Molecular characterization has shown, based on the COI sequences, that the Saudi isolates of A. tetraptera are distinct.

In this study, we conducted molecular detection and characterization of piroplasms that infect the Ethiopian or desert hedgehogs (Paraechinus aethiopicus) in Saudi Arabia. Blood samples from 112 (68 males and 44 females) desert hedgehogs from Unaizah, Central Saudi Arabia were screened for Theileria/Babesia DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing specific primers amplifying the partial 18S small subunit rRNA gene. Theileria DNA was detected in 51 samples (45·5%), giving a prevalence of 45·5%. Theileria DNA was found in 33 (48·5%) males and 18 (40·9%) females, and there was no significant difference (P > 0·05) in the prevalence between males and females. Similarly, there was no significant difference (P > 0·05) in the prevalence between juveniles (40%) and adults (46·7%). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Theileria in hedgehogs collected from May to September and the period from October to April (P = 0·003). Four haplotypes of Theileria sp. in hedgehogs were detected and designated as H1-H4. H1 was the predominant haplotype and found in 80·8% of the positive individuals. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA of Theileria sp. from hedgehogs grouped with Theileria spp. that are benign. This study is the first report of the occurrence of Theileria spp. in Saudi Arabian desert hedgehogs.

Serological screening of 199 serum samples from Dromedary camels—from different cities in Saudi Arabia—was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against two cyst-forming coccidian parasites, namely Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 68 (34.2%) samples, while those against N. caninum were present in 33 (16.6%) samples. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was reported in samples from Taif (51.2%), while the lowest seroprevalence was reported in samples from Riyadh and Hofuf (15.1%). The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies was reported in samples from Jizan (35.9%) while the lowest was reported in samples from Taif (2.4%). A total of 47 male and 21 female camels exhibited antibodies against T. gondii , while 19 male and 14 female camels showed antibodies against N. caninum . Concurrent detection of both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies was observed in 18 camels. It has been demonstrated that T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies are prevalent in camels from different cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Resumo A triagem sorológica para a detecção de anticorpos para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum no camelo dromedário foi realizada investigando 199 amostras de soro coletadas em diferentes cidades da Arábia Saudita. As amostras foram testadas utilizando imunoensaios enzimáticos para a detecção de anticorpos de ambos os parasitas coccídeos formadores de cistos (Laboratórios IDEXX, Bommeli Diagnostics, AG, Berna, Suíça). Anticorpos contra T. gondii foram detectados em 68 (34,2%) amostras, enquanto 33 (16,6%) apresentaram anticorpos contra N. caninum. A maior soroprevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii (51,2%) foi relatada em Taif, enquanto a menor soroprevalência (15,1%) foi relatada em Riyadh e Hofuf. A maior soroprevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum foi relatada em Jizan (35,9%), enquanto a menor foi em Taif (2,4%). Um total de 47 machos e 21 fêmeas revelou anticorpos para T. gondii , enquanto 19 machos e 14 fêmeas revelaram anticorpos para N. caninum . A detecção de ambos os anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum foi de 18 indivíduos. Foi demonstrado que os anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum são predominantes em camelos de diferentes cidades do Reino da Arábia Saudita.

The present study was undertaken to confirm the genetic identity of Clostridium perfringens isolates from domestic livestock in Saudi Arabia and to characterize the genes encoding to alpha, beta, epsilon, and iota (α-, β-, ε-, and ι-) toxins. C. perfringens were confirmed in 104 out of 136 isolates on multiplex polymerase chain reaction using specific primers amplifying genes related to toxins produced by C. perfringens. Genes encoding α-toxins were detected in 104 samples. Of the isolates, 80.8% were diagnosed as type A, 15.4% as type D, 2.9% as type C, and 0.96% as type B. None of the isolates has genes encoding iota (ι-) toxin. All isolates investigated yielded enterotoxin (cpe) products and none yielded β2 (cpb2-toxin) or NetB products. PLC gene sequences encoding α-toxin showed >96.7% similarity. Isolates which had α-toxins as well as enterotoxin (cpe) are regarded as type F. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood analysis yielded two clades, and the majority of the isolates were in one group while only two isolates clustered on the second clade. Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strains, 54 variable positions and 23 polymorphic amino acids were noticed. Isolates with ε- and β-toxins were variable and were found to be close to those published for C. perfringens. ETX gene sequences encoding ε-toxins were found to be related to CPE sequences.

Background Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy resulting in sickling of erythrocytes that cause micro-vascular obstruction leading to acute complications and chronic organ damage. Adults with SCA have endocrine complications and metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to assess the association between gonadal and thyroid hormones with iron indices and to explore the potential association between serum ferritin levels and sex hormones in adult males with sickle cell disease in New Prince Saud Bin Jalawy Hospital (NPSBJH) in Hofuf city (Eastern region of Saudi Arabia) where there are many patients with SCA. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the Haematology Clinic at NPSBJH in 2018. A total of eighty (80) male patients with sickle cell anaemia were included in this study and were divided into two groups according to serum ferritin level. Group I (G-I): Included 40 male patients with high serum ferritin level and group II (G-II): included 40 male patients with normal serum ferritin level. Results There was a significant difference in height/cm between GI and Gil, P value= 0.006. Serum ferritin was significantly higher in GI (P value= 0.000), and serum TIBC was significantly higher in G-II. (P value= 0.022). Testosterone level was significantly higher in G-II (P value= 0.018). Luteinizing hormone (LH) was significantly higher in group I (P-value 0.019). There was a significant relation between serum ferritin level in G-I and the following: serum iron, TIBC, serum testosterone, LH, prolactin, free T3 and free T4. Conclusion Adult males with SCD with high serum ferritin level were shorter than adult males with SCD who had normal serum ferritin level and had a significant lower level of serum testosterone and significant high level of LH and this was most likely due to endocrine dysfunction secondary to high ferritin level and iron overload.

This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cats in the area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We examined 200 serum samples collected from stray and household cats for T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. The overall seroprevalence was 26%. Seroprevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stray cats (39%) compared with household cats (13%). The prevalence in male and female cats was 31.4% and 20.4%, respectively. The seroprevalence increased with age and was higher in cats over 6 years of age (43%) as opposed to cats less than 4 years old (33%). Seropositivity varied according to the breed. The highest was recorded among cats of American breed (38.5%), followed by Persian (27%), Himalayan (21%), Bengali (11.5%), and Siamese (2%). Antibodies were not reported from the Turkish breed. Overall seroprevalence among cats did not vary significantly with season or with the localities within the Riyadh municipality. We also examined 100 faecal samples from stray and household cats by flotation technique, which revealed an overall prevalence of 12% of T. gondii oocycts.

This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of Q fever in domestic livestock in Saudi Arabia. Serum samples from 489 camels, 428 cattle, 630 sheep and 423 goats, of either sex, from different localities were tested for antibodies against C. burnetii using a Q fever indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A subsample of 307 animals of different species was simultaneously tested for C. burnetii antibodies by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). The overall seroprevalence was 30.71%. Prevalence by species was 51.53%, 30.67%, 34.04% and 12.38% in camels, cattle, goats and sheep, respectively. Significant differences in seroprevalence were recorded between species and locations. The prevalence was overtly higher in adult as compared to young animals. No significant difference was recorded between male and female animals. There was a close agreement between ELISA and IFA results in cattle and camels while the results of the two tests were at variance in sheep and goats. The results indicate that the domestic livestock and the camel are the source of Q fever endemicity in Saudi Arabia.

Ether as well as ethanol extracts of Commiphora molmol administered orally to 42 rats at a dose rate of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight/d for 2 weeks were toxic to laboratory rats. Group 1 was the control which was fed regular diet without the plant extract. Groups 2, 4 and 6 were fed ethanol extract of C. molmol at a dose rate of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/body weight/d respectively. Groups 3, 5 and 7 were fed ether extract of C. molmol at a dose rate of 200, 400, 600 mg/kg/body weight/d respectively. The toxic effects were exhibited in all groups by a significant decrease (p

Objective To detect Coxiella burnetii ( C. burnetii ) DNA in clinical specimens from camel, goats, cattle and sheep in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 367 clinical samples including blood, milk, faeces and urine were collected from different livestock and subjected to PCR amplification using primers which amplify transposon-like region and transposase gene. Results Positive amplification from both regions was obtained from camel, goats and cattle but not from sheep. A percentage of 10.8% samples yielded positive PCR amplification from both blood and milk, where 15 of 139 blood and 16 of 148 milk samples were positive. Faeces and urine showed higher percentages of positive samples reaching 40.8% and 23.8% respectively. Conclusions The preferred route of shedding in camel appeared to be the faeces followed by urine, while that of goats appeared to be the faeces and that of the cattle appeared to be the milk.

Background: Breast cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Olive oil induces apoptosis in some cancer cells due to phenolic compounds like oleuropein. Although oleuropein has anticancer activity, the underlying mechanisms of action remain unknown. The study aimed to assess the mechanism of oleuropin-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis. Materials and Methods: p53, Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression was evaluated by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in luminal MCF-7 cells. Results: Oleuropein-induced apoptosis was accompanied by up-regulation of both p53 and Bax gene expression levels and down-regulation in Bcl2. Conclusions: Oleuropein induces apoptosis in breast tumour cells via a p53-dependent pathway mediated by Bax and Bcl2 genes. Therefore, oleuropein may have therapeutic potential in breast cancer patients by inducing apoptosis via activation of the p53 pathway.

The baseline haematological and biochemical data for adult individuals of the Libyan jird (Meriones libycus) collected during March/April 2012 from Janadriya area near Riyadh in central Saudi Arabia were determined during this study. Blood samples were collected from 46 animals (21 males and 25 females) using sterile capillary tubes from the orbital sinus and evaluated for haematological and biochemical parameters using HM5 haematology analyser and VS2 Vetscan biochemistry analyser. Haematological parameters investigated did not reveal any sex-associated clinically significant differences with the exception of the platelet counts and the plateletcrit which was found to be significantly higher in males compared to the females (p

Host related variations in helminth egg and coccidian oocyst counts were compared between a naturally infected endemic population of Farasan gazelle and domestic goats on the Farasan Islands, Saudi Arabia in April 2009. Both bovid species inhabit and browse in the same area but no cross-infection could be detected. The prevalence and mean intensity quantified as the number of eggs and oocysts per gram of faeces were taken as a measure of parasite burdens. Host related differences in prevalence values of Eimeria spp. were significantly higher in domestic goats than in wild gazelles. A similar trend was observed for nematode prevalence (strongyle-type eggs), with no infection in gazelle and low infection in goats. There was also a significant difference in mean intensity values between different Eimeria spp. found in domestic goats.

Breast cancer constitutes a major health problem for women worldwide. However, its incidence varies between populations and geographical locations. These variations could be diet-related, since there are several carcinogenic compounds in the modern diet, while natural products contain various anti-cancer elements. Several lines of evidence indicate that, in addition to their clear preventive effect, these compounds could also be used as therapeutic agents. In the present report we have shown that oleuropein, a pharmacologically safe natural product of olive leaf, has potent anti-breast cancer properties. Indeed, oleuropein exhibits specific cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, with higher effect on the basal-like MDA-MB-231 cells than on the luminal MCF-7 cells. This effect is mediated through the induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Moreover, oleuropein inhibits cell proliferation by delaying the cell cycle at S phase and up-regulated the cyclin-dependent inhibitor p21. Furthermore, oleuropein inhibited the anti-apoptosis and pro-proliferation protein NF-κB and its main oncogenic target cyclin D1. This inhibition could explain the great effect of oleuropein on cell proliferation and cell death of breast cancer cells. Therefore, oleuropein warrants further investigations to prove its utility in preventing/treating breast cancer, especially the less-responsive basal-like type.

Purpose: To evaluate the estrogenic effect of Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor on the histological features in carp testisMethods: Adult male fish, koi carp, Cyprinus carpio carpio, were exposed to three graded concentrations of BPA (10, 100 and 1000 μg/L) for a period of 21 days. A single dose of 17-β estradiol (1 ng/L) was used as positive control. The end points assessed at the end of the exposure period were condition factor, hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI), histopathological changes in the testis and lobular diameter.Results: BPA caused a significant decrease in gonadosomatic index (GSI) of the fish at the median concentration of 100 μg/L. The major alterations observed in the gonad structure were a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.001) in the lobular diameter (65.1 ± 12.2 μm) compared with control (211.7 ± 36.60 μm) and complete loss in lobular structure with degenerating spermatozoa in some carps. The histopathological effects also include delayed sperm maturation and impaired spermatogenesis.Conclusion: The findings clearly show marked adverse histopathological effects of gonads of adult carps when exposed to BPA.Keywords: Fish, Carp testis, Endocrine disruptors, Bisphenol A, Histopathology, Gonadosomatic index, Sperm maturation, Spermatogenesis

Breast cancer causes death due to distant metastases in which tumor cells produce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes which facilitate invasion. Oleuropein, the main olive oil polyphenol, has anti-proliferative effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of oleuropein on the metastatic and anti-metastatic gene expression in the MDA human breast cancer cell line. We evaluated the MMPs and TIMPs gene expression by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in treated and untreated cells. This study demonstrated that OL may induce anti-metastatic effects on human breast cancer cells. We found that TIMP1,-3, and -4 were over-expressed after all periods of incubation in treated cancer cells compared to untreated cells, while MMP2 and MMP9 genes were down-regulated, at least initially. Treatment of breast cancer cells with oleuropein could help in prevention of cancer metastasis by increasing the TIMPs and suppressing the MMPs gene expressions.

The species IUCN conservation status of smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is considered ‘Vulnerable’, due to an inferred future population decline caused by habitat loss and sustained exploitation. The status of the Arabian subspecies (L. p. maxwelli) occurring in the Tigris marshes of Iraq and Iran is uncertain due to political problems and limited access to this border region in recent years. With this study we could confirm the persistence of the smooth-coated otter in the marshlands of southern Iraq by using a mitochondrial marker (cytochrome b). Moreover, a second sample from Kurdistan was also identified to be L. perspicillata. This observation represents a major range extension of more than 500 km for this poorly known species. It is recommended to undertake further surveys of suitable habitat in the Tigris wetlands, as well as in Kurdistan, to obtain additional information on the distribution of smooth-coated otter in Iraq, and implement conservation measures in those areas.

Eimeria dorcadis Mantovani, 1966 is redescribed from dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas (L.)) from Saudi Arabia. Oocysts were detected in 7 out of 22 faecal samples (32%) using floatation method. The sporulated oocysts are cylindrical, slightly flattened at the micropylar pole, measure in average 32 x 19 microm (27-36 x 16-24 microm), length/width ratio being 1.7 (1.5-2.1). Oocyst wall is 1.2 microm thick, smooth, double-layered; outer layer is slightly thicker, light blue in colour; inner layer brownish, with micropyle in the inner layer and apparently continual outer one, measures 2.2 microm, but lacks a micropylar cap. The sporocyst elongate-ellipsoidal, measures 14 x 8 microm (12-17 x 6-9 microm), length/width ratio being 1.8, with sporocyst residuum as circular compact, coarse, refractile granules. Stieda body is present, while substieda body is absent. Sporozoites banana-shaped, measure 11 x 2.5 microm, each with a large spheroidal refractile body at the wider pole. Sporulation time is 2-3 days at 25 +/- 2 degrees C.

Background. Several studies have shown an association between codon 16 polymorphism of theβ2AR gene and obesity.Methods. We studied the association between Arg16Gly polymorphism and obesity and its influence on anthropometric parameters, lipids, insulin resistance and leptin in Saudi individuals. The study group included 329 individuals (males: 109 and females: 220). Metabolic parameters, including glucose, lipids, insulin, and leptin were analyzed and anthropometric parameters including waist and hip circumference, waist/hip (W/H) ratio, and body mass index (BMI) were measured and HOMA-IR was calculated. Genotyping was conducted by DNA sequencing of 353 bp fragments, carrying the Arg16Gly polymorphic site.Results and Conclusion. Overweight and obese subjects had a significantly higher frequency of Gly16 (0.375 and 0.38, resp.) compared with normal-weight subjects (0.200). In addition, subjects carrying Gly16 allele regardless of their BMI had greater waist and hip circumference, W/H ratio, plasma lipids, leptin, glucose level, and insulin resistance as judged from the HOMA-IR, compared to those with the wild-type allele. The findings of this study show a significant association between the Arg16Gly polymorphism inβ2AR gene and the development of insulin resistance, overweight, and obesity in Saudi populations with an influence on the levels of lipid and leptin.

Goitred gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) rank among the most endangered mammals on the Arabian Peninsula and the Asian steppes. Past conservation efforts have been plagued by confusion about the phylogenetic relationship among various—phenotypically discernable—populations, and even the question of species boundaries was far from being certain. This lack of knowledge had a direct impact on conservation measures, especially ex situ breeding programmes, hampering the assignment of captive stocks to potential conservation units. Here, we provide a phylogenetic framework, based on the analysis of mtDNA sequences of a number of individuals collected from the wild and captivity throughout the species’ natural range. Our analyses revealed a polyphyly within the presumed species of G. subgutturosa resulting in two distinct clades: one on the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Turkey (Gazella marica; sand gazelle) and one genetically diverse larger clade from the rest of its Asian range (G. subgutturosa; goitred gazelle). Additionally, we provide a quick method (PCR-RFLP) to analyse the taxonomic affiliation of captive gazelles that will be used for re-introductions into the wild.

Serum samples from sand gazelles (n = 227), mountain gazelles (n = 232), and Arabian oryx (n = 96) reared in captivity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were tested for the presence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies using an indirect enzyme immunoassay. C. burnetii antibodies were present in 18.3%, 7.3%, and 46.9% of these animals, respectively. The difference in serological prevalence between the three species was statistically significant. Age- and sex-related differences in prevalence were also observed. This study is the first record of C. burnetii antibodies in Arabian gazelles.

Mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) rank among the most critically endangered mammals on the Arabian Peninsula. Past conservation efforts have been plagued by confusion about the phylogenetic relationship among various 'phenotypically discernable' populations, and even the question of species boundaries was far from being certain. This lack of knowledge has had a direct impact on conservation measures, especially ex situ breeding programmes, hampering the assignment of captive stocks to potential conservation units. Here, we provide a phylogenetic framework, based on the analysis of mtDNA sequences (360 bp cytochrome b and 213 bp Control Region) of 126 individuals collected from the wild throughout the Arabian Peninsula and from captive stocks. Our analyses revealed two reciprocally monophyletic genetic lineages within the presumed species Gazella gazella: one 'northern clade' on the Golan Heights (Israel/Syrian border) and one genetically diverse larger clade from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula including the Arava Valley (Negev, Israel). Applying the Strict Phylogenetic Species Concept (sensu Mishler & Theriot, 2000) allows assigning species status to these two major clades.

Biochemical reference range values were determined for 91 clinically healthy Arabian sand gazelle, reem (Gazella subgutturosa marica), and 66 Arabian mountain gazelle, idmi, (Gazella gazella) kept in captivity. Parameters investigated included: albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), amylase (AMY), total bilirubin (TBIL), blood urea nitrogen, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (PHOS), creatinine (CREAT), glucose (GLU), sodium (Na), potassium (K), total protein (TP) and globulin (GLOB). Specific and interspecific differences related to sex and age were investigated. In reem gazelles there were significant differences between adults and juveniles of both sexes in the levels of all parameters investigated except for TBIL, GLU and K. Unlike in reem gazelles, idmi gazelles showed no significant differences in the levels of ALB, ALT, TBIL, PHOS, Ca, Na and GLU between both sexes and age groups. Adult reem and idmi gazelles exhibited significant differences in the levels of ALB, ALP, ALT, AMY, CREAT, GLU, K, TP and GLOB compared to juveniles of both species.

Hemostatic, hematological, and chemical parameters were determined in 25 captive Arabian oryxes (Oryx leucoryx) of both sexes. Hemostatic parameters included prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and clotting factors activities. Serum concentrations of 26 biochemical and inorganic constituents were determined along with hematological data, namely platelet counts, platelet indices, and red and white blood cell variables. Hemostatic parameters, platelet indices, and many biochemical components are reported for the first time in the Arabian oryx. Relatively low mean platelet volume, plateletcrit and platelet distribution width, and relatively short prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times and high platelet counts, and F:VIII clotting activity were recorded in the oryx. Most of the basic hematological and biochemical parameters recorded in this species were consistent with other wild bovidae.

Alshaikh, M.A.A., Alhaidary, A.I., Aljumaah, R.S., Mohammed, O.B., Al-Korashi, M.M., Omer, S.A., Gar EINabi, A.R. and Hussein, M.F. 2006. First detection of Brucella abortus in camel serum in Saudi Arabia using the polymerase chain reaction. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 149–152. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to diagnose brucellosis in camels. DNA was extracted from 26 serum samples of camels that tested positive for brucellosis by two or more serologic tests. PCR products indicating the presence of a Brucella spp. DNA were detected in all samples with primers that amplify the 31 kDa membrane protein and 18 samples with primers that amplify the 905 bp of the 16S rRNA. Using primers that amplify the IS711 locus 8 samples revealed DNA amplification at around 500 bp, indicating that the organism involved was B. abortus. This is the first report on the use of the PCR as a diagnostic tool for brucellosis in the serum of the camel and the first record of B. abortus in that animal in Saudi Arabia.

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family. Physalis has many medicinal properties however, the beneficial effect of physalis in protecting against neurotoxins has not yet been evaluated. This experimental study investigated the protective effect of physalis juice against the oxidative damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in the rat brain.The degrees of protection by physalis in brain tissues were evaluated by determining the brain levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase), after CCl4) induction in the presence or absence of physalis. Adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, Group I served as the control group, Group II was intraperitoneally treated with 2 ml CCl4)/kg bwt for 12 weeks, Group III was supplemented with physalis juice via the drinking water for 12 weeks, Group IV was supplemented with physalis juice and was intraperitoneally injected weekly with CCl4).Treatment with CCl4) was significantly associated with a disturbance in the oxidative status in the brain tissues; this was marked by a significant (p0.05) elevation in the lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels with a concomitant reduction in glutathione content compared to the control, along with a remarkable reduction in antioxidant enzymes. The administration of physalis along with CCl4) juice significantly (p0.05) alleviated the changes in enzymatic antioxidant activity when compared to the CCl4) treated group. Furthermore, physalis juice supplemention inhibited apoptosis, as indicated by the increase of Bcl-2 immunoreactivity in brain tissue.Our results suggest that physalis juice could be effective in preventing neurotoxicity and the neuroprotective effect of physalis might be mediated via antioxidant and anti-apoptosis activities.

This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cats in the area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We examined 200 serum samples collected from stray and household cats for T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. The overall seroprevalence was 26%. Seroprevalence was significantly higher (p0.05) in stray cats (39%) compared with household cats (13%). The prevalence in male and female cats was 31.4% and 20.4%, respectively. The seroprevalence increased with age and was higher in cats over 6 years of age (43%) as opposed to cats less than 4 years old (33%). Seropositivity varied according to the breed. The highest was recorded among cats of American breed (38.5%), followed by Persian (27%), Himalayan (21%), Bengali (11.5%), and Siamese (2%). Antibodies were not reported from the Turkish breed. Overall seroprevalence among cats did not vary significantly with season or with the localities within the Riyadh municipality. We also examined 100 faecal samples from stray and household cats by flotation technique, which revealed an overall prevalence of 12% of T. gondii oocycts.

Phytotherapy has a promising future in the management of diabetes, considered to be less toxic and free from side effects as compared to the use of synthetic drugs. The aim of the present study was to assess the antidiabetic possible of orally administered aqueous extracts of Murraya koenigii (ML) and Olea europaea (OL) leaves (100 and 200 mg/kg doses), in streptozotocin (70 mg/kg) induced diabetic rats. Metformin was used as a standard drug. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine levels and body weight were estimated. ML and OL administration showed significant decrease (p0.05) in cholesterol, triglyceride, and serum glucose levels (range 55.6%-64.6%) compared to the metformin (62.7%); however, there was no significant effect on body weight and serum creatinine. Our results suggest that both the ML and OL possess a potent antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effect, which may be due to the presence of antioxidants such as carbazole alkaloids and polyphenols.

Purpose: To assess whether bisphenol A contamination occurred in seven brands of bottled drinking water in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Liquid-liquid extraction (using dichloromethane) was used to analytically extract bisphenol A from drinking water bottles and a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer was employed for its detection using a splitless capillary column and helium as the carrier gas. Results: The concentration of bisphenol A (BPA) was high in all the bottled water brands tested. The mean concentration of BPA of the bottled water stored indoors (4.03 ng/L) was significantly lower than that stored outdoors (7.5 ng/L). Conclusion: Our results show that significant amounts of BPA leached from bottle containers into the water. Long storage of bottled water under direct sunlight should be avoided to reduce the risk of human exposure to BPA.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of Cassia senna fruits in Lohman broiler chicks. Chicks fed with diet containing 2 and 5% C. senna fruit for 4 weeks, thereafter the chicks in the two groups were fed with control diet for 2 weeks. Depression in body weight, weight gain, inefficiency of feed utilization and anaemia was observed in chicks fed with 2 and 5% C. senna compared with the control diet. There were significant increase in the serum values of sorbitol dehydrogenase, lactate dehyrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutmate oxaloacetate transaminase, acid phosphatase uric acid and significant decrease in the blood values of haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood corpuscle (RBC) in test chicks were compared to those of the control group. Liver showed vacuolation of the centrilobular hapatocytes in the two groups. Kidneys showed degeneration and or necrosis of the epithelial cells of the tubules, scattered lymphoid nodules and shrinkage of the glomerular tufts. Catarrhal enteritis and focal degeneration of the intestinal mucosa were observed in test groups. At the end of the period following withdrawal of senna meals the damage to the vital organs was reduced but neither the hepatocytes nor the cells of the renal tubules had completely reverted to normal. Key words: Cassia senna, toxicity, chicks, haematology and biochemistry.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies in serum samples from two groups of women in Sudan and to use molecular techniques for detection of the organism’s DNA using B1 gene. The first group (study group) composed of 94 individuals and they aborted during the study, while the second group (control group) also composed of 94 individuals who gave birth to healthy children without complications. Serological screening using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits resulted in 39.4% and 35.1% of the women in the control and study group showed positive IgG antibodies to T. gondii respectively. PCR amplification of B1 gene resulted in detection of PCR product in 19.1% of the study group and 22.3% of the control group. There was no association between positive toxoplasmosis antibodies and abortion, furthermore, the individuals with positive PCR results in the control group did not abort. The usefulness of the B1 gene as a target for toxoplasmosis diagnosis was documented and the possible source of infection in the control and the study groups was discussed. Key words: Toxoplasma gondii, antibodies, women, Sudan, B1 gene, abortion.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are cytotoxic agents that lead to significant oxidative damage. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant with increasing exposure to it and exerts both toxic and estrogenic effects on mammalian cells. Due to limited information concerning the effect of BPA on liver, this study investigates whether BPA causes hepatotoxicity by induction of oxidative stress in liver. Rats were divided into five groups: The first four groups, BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 50 mg/kg/day) were administrated orally to rats for four weeks. The fifth group was taken water with vehicle. The final body weights in the 0.1 mg group showed a significant decrease compared to control group. Significant decreased levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase and catalase activity were found in the 50 mg BPA group compared to control groups. High dose of BPA (50 mg/kg) significantly increased the biochemical levels of ALT, ALP and total bilirubin. BPA effect on the activity of antioxidant genes was confirmed by real time PCR in which the expression levels of these genes in liver tissue were significantly decrease compared to control. Data from this study demonstrate that BPA generate ROS and reduce the antioxidant gene expression that causes hepatotoxicity.

The gastrointestinal parasites and prevalence of infestation in the Arabian red fox Vulpes vulpes arabica Thomas, were investigated at the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) in Thumamah, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. Faecal samples were collected from 58 wild caught foxes while under anaesthesia and examined for gastrointestinal parasites stages. Male and female foxes were infected with three major groups of parasites; cestodes, nematodes, protozoa as well as an acanthocephalan. Faecal analyses revealed that 22 foxes (37.9%) were infected with two different Isospora spp. and three (5.2%) with an undescribed Eimeria sp., 12 (20.7%). Nine individuals (15.5%) harboured hookworms, (Trichosomoides sp.), two (3.5%) were infected with Trichuris sp. (probably Trichuris vulpes) and one individual (1.7%) with Taenia sp. (probably Taenia hydatigena). Carcasses of five male and three female foxes were necropsied. Four of the necropsied carcasses yielded Ancylostoma caninum, two each harboured Pterygodermatitis affinis, T. vulpes and Macracanthorhynchus catalinus, in six foxes Joyeuxiella echinorynchoides was found. Five and four foxes were infected with T. hydatigena and Diplopylidium nolleri, respectively. The possible role of the Arabian red fox as an intercalary host essential for the life cycle of Trichosomoides sp., common to the Libyan jird, Meriones libycus, in particular and the importance of this species as a vector for zoonotic infections and in the spread of other parasites to wild and domestic animals in general is discussed.

During March 2009, we evaluated the hemostatic profile and platelet indices of 18 Arabian sand gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) and compared the results with those from humans and camels (Camelus dromedarius). Gazelles and camels had shorter activated partial thromboplastin times, lower proconvertin and higher antihemophilic factor coagulation activity, and plasma fibrinogen levels than humans. Prothrombin time was longer in sand gazelles and shorter in camels than it was in humans. Plasma thromboplastin component, Stuart factor, and plasma thromboplastin antecedent were similar in gazelles, humans, and camels, whereas the platelet count of the sand gazelle was significantly higher than it was for camels and humans.

The efficacy of two broad spectrum anthelmintics (Ivermectin and Levamisole) against the nematode Nematodirus spathiger in the reem (Arabian sand gazelle) and idmi (Arabian mountain gazelle) at King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) was determined. Gazelles of both species naturally infected with N. spathiger were each divided into 3 groups. One group was treated with Ivermectin, the other group with Levamisole and the last group was left as untreated control. Faecal egg counts were employed to determine the efficacy of the two drugs against N. spathiger infection in both gazelle species. Reduction in arithmetic mean faecal egg counts achieved by Ivermectin and Levamisole in the reem gazelles was 94% and 89.3%, respectively. The reduction in the idmi gazelles was 97.2% and 96.4%, respectively. Hence, both anthelmintics appeared to be more effective in the idmi gazelles than in the reem gazelles, however, there was no significant difference in the faecal egg reduction tests in both animal species.

Brown Hisex chicks were fed diets containing 2% and 5% Azadirachta indica leaf from their 7th to 35th day of age. Thereafter, the chicks were fed control diet for 2 weeks. A depression in body weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization was observed in chicks fed A. indica leaf when compared with the control. The main clinicopathological changes were increases in lactic dehydrogenase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities and uric acid and bilirubin concentrations and decreases in the total protein levels in serum. Changes in the values of erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin were remarkable and associated with yellow discoloration on the legs and combs and hepatonephropathy. Tissue recovery was incomplete 2 weeks after removal from the experimental diets.

The gastrointestinal and external parasites and their level of infestation in the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) were studied at King Khalid Wildlife Research Center (KKWRC) in Thumamah, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. Fecal samples were collected from 36 oryx while they were being handled for routine management at KKWRC; the samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. Protozoan oocysts detected in the present study were Eimeria saudiensis (prevalence 63.9%) and Cryptosporidium sp. Strongyle-type nematode eggs were present in 75% of the fecal samples. Nematodirus spathiger eggs (prevalence 55.6%) and Trichuris sp. eggs (prevalence 13.9%) were also recovered from the fecal samples. Additionally, 3 of 44 (6.8%) serum samples tested positive for toxoplasmosis antibodies. Carcasses of 6 oryx that died at the center were necropsied and all were infected with Camelstrongylus mentulatus, Trichostrongylus probolurus, and Nematodirus spathiger, whereas 3 animals were infected with Trichuris cervicaprae at relatively low intensities. Cysticerci of Taenia hydatigena were recovered from 3 of 6 necropsied oryx.