Pregabalin (PRG) is one of the most commonly used long-term drugs for seizure treatment. It has increased abuse potential with doses that exceed the therapeutic ones, leading to toxicological effects. To address such cases, it is necessary to utilize multifunctional antioxidants that can maintain oxidative balance in both healthy and diseased states. The current study attempted to assess the protective effect of date palm pollen (DPP) and/or Vitamin C (VC) as antioxidants against PRG-induced toxicity. For this study, 56 adult male Albino rats were randomly assigned to 7 groups of 8 each: Control, PRG, DPP, VC, DPP+PRG, VC+PRG, and DPP+VC+PRG. The results demonstrated that oral PRG administration dramatically raised serum levels of malondialdehyde, which coincided with a decrease in glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activity. Oral administration of PRG to rats resulted in hepatorenal toxicity, as evidenced by an increase in ALP and AST levels, as well as in serum total protein, triglycerides, creatinine, and urea levels. Whereas it significantly decreased glucose, cholesterol, ALT, and uric acid. Pretreatment of PRG-treated rats with DPP or VC reversed all alterations in liver and kidney tissue histological structures as well as function-related biochemical measures. These findings concluded that the long-term use of PRG at high doses is associated with a wide range of long-term side effects in the body. The oral administration of DPP and VC, individually or together, may reduce the toxic effects of PRG on the hepatorenal structure and function in experimental animals.
Camel meat is a valuable nutritional resource, yet its inherent toughness and susceptibility to spoilage limit its consumer acceptance. This study evaluated the efficacy of organic acid/vitamin blends (low and high concentrations) versus 2% Bromelain enzyme as natural tenderizing and preservative agent. All samples were stored at 4°C for 24 hours. Physicochemical findings revealed the significant superiority of bromelain 2% treatment. It achieved lowest collagen 1.55±0.04 and highest water holding capacity (WHC) 3.81±0.01 and cooking yield 65.20±0.01. Bromelain scored the most favorable pH 6.50±0.18, lowest TVBN 5.47±0.34 mg/100g and TBA 0.44±0.01mg/kg values. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the high-concentration and bromelain groups across all parameters, except for TBA and pH values. Regarding cooking loss percentage, although the treatments showed no significant differences, they all differed significantly from the control. Furthermore, microbiological analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the Total Bacterial Count for the 2% bromelain group (4.68±0.10 log CFU/g), compared to the control (5.12±0.10 log CFU/g). Bromelain and high concentration groups exhibited significant reductions in total count of yeast and mold, compared to control and low concentration groups. Treated groups showed numerical reductions in S. aureus and E. coli count compared to control, however did not reach statistical significance after the 24-hour storage period. Although the bromelain and high-concentration groups exhibited optimal textural consistency during sensory evaluation, a subsequent meat discoloration occurred as a result of protein denaturation. In conclusion, bromelain 2% is a promising natural material, overcoming toughness and improving quality of camel meat, despite the need to find solutions for the color changes associated with protein denaturation. Future studies should combine bromelain with natural color-stabilizers (e.g., ascorbic acid) to maintain tenderness and color.
This work investigated the impact of partially substituting soybean meal protein with defatted black soldier fly larvae (DBSFL) meal protein on performance parameters, carcass traits, meat chemical composition, cecal microflora, and economic efficiency in growing Muscovy ducks. Five dietary treatments were established, consisting of a basal control and four replacement levels in which DBSFL meal protein replaced SBM protein at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. These treatments utilized 100 one-week-old ducklings, randomly distributed across four replicates of five birds each. The experimental duration was extended for 56 days. The 20% and 40% substitutions significantly improved performance parameters (p<0.05). Carcass traits and abdominal fat percentage also increased notably (p<0.05) in the DBSFL meal groups. The proximate composition of the meat showed no significant differences, except for crude protein, which increased significantly. The concentrations of meat cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the treated groups. The addition of DBSFL meal significantly (p<0.05) decreased harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, while also notably (p<0.05) boosting beneficial bacteria in the ducks' cecum. The monetary value of the diets improved with the addition of the DBSFL meal. Substituting soybean meal protein with DBSFL meal protein, especially at 20%, enhances performance, meat nutritional quality, carcass traits, and gut microbiota, confirming DBSFL meal as a viable alternative protein supplement.
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (E-coli) (APEC) represents a significant etiological agent of colibacillosis, one of the most widespread bacterial diseases affecting poultry, resulting in considerable economic losses and potential public health concerns. Between 1 and 30 November 2025, the present study investigated the pathogenic characteristics of E-coli and the distribution of the virulence-associated fimH gene in 30 air sac samples obtained from broiler chickens in Sinjar District, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Isolation and identification of E. coli were performed using conventional bacteriological culture techniques and colony morphology assessment, followed by molecular confirmation. Histopathological alterations in trachea and mucin production were also examined. Isolates from birds clinically suspected of colibacillosis exhibited typical growth on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, characterized by a green metallic sheen. Polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the presence of the species-specific uidA gene and the adhesin-encoding fimH gene. Histopathological examination of trachea revealed lymphocytic infiltration and aggregation, vascular and cellular disturbances, fibrin deposition, mucus-like cyst formation, ciliary loss, epithelial dysplasia, and necrosis. Lesion scores ranged from ≤10 to >100. Histochemical analysis using Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS) staining demonstrated a mild to moderate positive mucin reaction. These findings highlight the importance of improved understanding of APEC pathogenesis to support the development of effective prevention and control strategies in the poultry industry.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a significant concern in dairy production due to its multidrug resistance, biofilm-forming capacity, and environmental persistence. This study evaluated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, genetic determinants, and biofilm formation of MRSA isolated from dairy farm environments in Qena, Egypt. A total of 240 samples, including raw milk, udder-teat swabs, drinking water troughs, milking equipment, and floor surfaces, were examined. MRSA was confirmed in 84 (35%) of samples, and the highest prevalence was detected in udder-teat swabs (51.0%) and drinking water troughs (41.3%), indicating key contamination points. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed complete resistance to oxacillin (100%), with a considerable proportion of isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance and a multiple antibiotic resistance index reaching 1.00. Molecular characterization confirmed the universal presence of the mecA gene, while the biofilm-associated icaA gene was detected in 57.9% of tested isolates. Additionally, biocide resistance genes qacED1 (68.4%) and qacAB (15.8%) were identified, suggesting potential tolerance to commonly used disinfectants. Phenotypic analysis demonstrated that all MRSA isolates were strong biofilm producers, highlighting their persistence potential in dairy environments. Among tested disinfectants, glutaraldehyde exhibited the highest efficacy, whereas zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) showed significant antibacterial and dose-dependent antibiofilm activity. These findings emphasize the widespread occurrence of multidrug-resistant, biofilm-forming MRSA in dairy farms, and support the potential application of ZnO nanoparticles as an alternative or complementary strategy for controlling resistant pathogens and reducing associated public health risks.
