Rats are opportunistic omnivores, consuming both plant- and animal-derived foods, and therefore represent a suitable animal model for investigating the potential adverse effects of heterogeneous diets on hematological and biochemical blood profiles. The study included 18 Wistar rats of both sexes, aged 1–2 months, randomly allocated into three groups of six animals each. For a period of seven weeks, Group H was fed bakery products, Group M received meat and meat products, while the control Group K was fed a conventional pelleted diet. Biochemical parameters were analyzed from peripheral blood samples collected from the experimental animals. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified among the groups for CREA, UREA, PHOS, Ca, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALB/GLOB, CHOL, and LIPA. No significant differences were observed for the remaining parameters. The biochemical findings indicate impaired renal function in rats from the meat-fed group, as evidenced by elevated creatinine, urea, phosphorus, and lipase levels. In addition, reduced concentrations of serum proteins, particularly albumin, were observed across all experimental groups, suggesting inadequate protein synthesis resulting from insufficient intake of essential amino acids and micronutrients required for normal liver function.

The aim of this study was to assess the possible adverse effects of different dietary regimens—namely diets based onbakery products and meat products—on erythrocytes, their morphology, erythrocyte indices, platelets, leukocytes, andthe leukogram in rats during late puerperium. A monotonous diet may affect the hematological profile and potentiallycause pathophysiological disorders. The study included 18 clinically healthy rats in the late puerperal period, divided intothree groups of six animals each: a group fed meat products (Group M), a group fed bakery products (Group H), and acontrol group (Group K) that consumed standard pelleted rodent feed. All groups of rats were fed their respective dietsseparately for a period of 49 days. At the end of the experimental period, hematological blood analyses were performed.Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among the groups for the parameters MCV, MCH, and PLT. It wasalso established that HCT, HGB, MCV, and MCH values in the experimental bakery-product group (H) were lower than boththe physiological reference intervals and the corresponding values in the control group (K). Moderate anulocytosis wasobserved, accompanied by hypochromic erythrocytes of reduced volume. Regarding the experimental group that consumedprocessed meat products, the results indicated the presence of hypochromic anemia, as evidenced by decreasedHGB, MCV, and MCH values. Examination of peripheral blood smears revealed the presence of poikilocytotic erythrocyteforms, namely echinocytes, with a notable percentage occurrence (14.05%) within microscopic fields of view. A diet basedon bakery products led to changes in hematological parameters, resulting in the development of iron-deficiency anemia.Furthermore, prolonged consumption of meat products contributed to the development of hypochromic anemia and suggestedpossible impairment of kidney function. This study demonstrated that rats during the late puerperal period are notimmune to the adverse effects of a monotonous meat-based diet nor to a monotonous diet consisting of bakery products.

A proper diet that provides balanced nutrients according to species, breed, age, sex, and purpose is essential for achieving optimal animal growth, development, and physiological function. In relation to this statement, the aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the effects of different dietary regimens on the morphometric characteristics of the small intestine of late puerperal rats, with a emphasis on the duodenum and jejunum. The research included measurements of the height and width of intestinal villi, and the depth of crypts, in order to determine specific morphological changes associated with the influence of the diet. The experiment involved 18 adult rats divided into three groups: the first group received standard commercial rat feed (control group), the second group was fed bakery products, and the third group was given a diet consisting exclusively of meat. Over a 49-day period, body weight, organ weights, and intestinal segment lengths were measured. Histological analyses of duodenum and jejunum samples were performed, alongside detailed morphometric assessment of the intestinal mucosa. Significant alterations in intestinal villi were observed. In the duodenum, the greatest villus height and width, as well as crypt depth, were observed in rats that had meat-based diet. Similarly, in the jejunum, rats from the same group exhibited the greatest villus height and crypt depth, while the mean measure of the villus width was almost identical to mean measure in rats that were fed with commercial food. These findings suggest that diet composition profoundly influences intestinal architecture and function. Overall, the study emphasizes the critical role of balanced nutrition in maintaining gastrointestinal health, systemic homeostasis, and optimal development, not only in laboratory animals but also in a broader veterinary and biomedical context.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of cartilage, as well as by extra-articular manifestations. Rheumatoid nephropathy is a common complication of RA and its principal target is the renal corpuscle. Vitamin D and its analogs exert immunomodulatory actions throughout the body due to the widespread of their receptors. Our study aimed to compare the effects of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and alfacalcidol on renal corpuscle changes in pristane-induced RA model following a 28-day treatment, using geometric morphometrics. Forty female Wistar rats (190–210 g; 12–13 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four groups: the control (Cont) group (n = 10) received saline i.c., the PIA group (n = 10) was administered pristane i.c., PIA-ALF group (n = 10) was administered pristane i.c. and alfacalcidol orally, and the PIA-CH group (n = 10) was injected i.c. with pristane and received cholecalciferol orally. Pristane administration was used for RA induction. At the end of the experiment, the left kidneys were removed and processed by standard histological procedures for geometric morphometric analysis. Geometric morphometric analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the architecture of the renal corpuscles was altered in the PIA (p < 0.0001) and PIA-CH (p = 0.0065) groups. In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed in the PIA-ALF group (p = 0.3011). Geometric morphometric analysis demonstrated that alfacalcidol, but not cholecalciferol, exertedaprotective effect on the renal corpuscle architecture in pristane-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

Abstract.

Background: Many deaths during heat waves stem not only from body overheating but also from heat stress, which can intensify pre-existing medical conditions, leading to fatal outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether the intensity of pathological changes in the heart muscle and lung tissue of albino rats exposed to hyperthermia correlates with different water temperatures (WT) and to determine whether the histological structure of the myocardium and lungs varies. Methods: A sample of 21 albino rats was exposed to water temperatures of 37°C, 41°C, and 44°C. Temperature readings were recorded before immersion, immediately after immersion, at the point of reaching hyperthermia, at 20 minutes, and at the time of death. Tissue samples were collected from the dissected rats, fixed in 10% buffered formalin at room temperature, embedded in paraffin, sectioned into 4–5 μm slices, and stained using the hematoxylin-eosin method. Results: The severity of myocardial histopathological alterations increased with both higher temperatures and longer exposure durations WT. However, the progression of morphological alterations in cardiomyocytes was not markedly significant, likely due to the brief exposure time, which limited the visualization of subcellular alterations in Hematoxylin and Eosin staining-stained tissue. All lung samples from the seven rats exposed to the highest temperatures displayed bronchiolitis and acute bronchitis, along with early bronchopneumonia. Conclusion: While some organs exhibit greater tolerance to heat stroke than other organs, most organs show similar alterations characterized by capillary dilation, vascular pathway disruption, and extravasation. The extent of pathological changes in myocardial and lung tissue intensified with higher temperatures and longer exposure durations to elevated WT. However, the progression of morphological alterations in cardiomyocytes did not demonstrate marked significance, likely because of the brief exposure period. This short duration may limit the detection of subcellular changes when using hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Background: Primary hypothermia occurs when the body is exposed to extremely low temperatures in an environment with no underlying health conditions. Secondary hypothermia, on the other hand, results from disruptions in thermoregulation due to diseases, trauma, surgery, drugs, alcohol, or infections. Postmortem biochemistry has become a crucial factor in forensic examinations, offering valuable apprehension into tissue of and organ dysfunction associated with the process of dying. Aim: This research aims to explore various biochemical markers and their significance in distinguishing primary from secondary hypothermia. Methods: This study involved 21 Wistar rats, which were separated into three experimental groups: CG (n = 7), which were exposed only to hypothermic conditions; AHG (n = 7); and BHG (n = 7). We tested these parameters in each rat: glucose, urea, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, sodium to potassium ratio, chloride, and calculated osmolality. Results: Distinct biochemical differences were noted between primary and secondary hypothermia. Glucose and creatinine levels exhibited significant variations (p < 0.001). Urea concentrations also manifested notable differences between the groups (p < 0.001). Phosphorus levels demonstrated significant differences (p = 0.004), with post hoc analyses revealing significant contrasts between the AHG and BHG (p = 0.014) and between the BHG and CG (p = 0.014). Potassium levels and the sodium-to-potassium ratio differed significantly (p < 0.001). Osmolality also varied significantly across experimental groups (p < 0.001), with post hoc tests confirming significant differences between the AHG and CG (p = 0.013) and between the BHG and CG (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The calculated osmolality exhibited significant variation among the different groups, indicating a notable impact of the substances on the biochemical profile related to hypothermia. This study focused on the effectiveness of biochemical markers in distinguishing primary hypothermia from secondary hypothermia.

Background: Different dietary components can affect hematological and biochemical profiles, potentially causing pathohistological changes in liver and kidney tissue. Aim: The animals in the experiment consumed various bakery and meat products, and ultimately, the potential effects on hematological, biochemical, and pathological parameters were evaluated. Methods: The study involved 24 clinically healthy adult rats, randomized into three groups of eight rats each, as follows: rats that consumed meat products (group M), rats that consumed bakery products (group H), and a control group that consumed conventional rodent food (group K) for 7 weeks. After 7 weeks, hematological and biochemical blood analyses were conducted along with pathohistological examinations of the liver and kidneys. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among groups for several hematological and biochemical parameters, including creatinine (CREA), urea, blood urea nitrogen /CREA, calcium, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lipase. Consuming meat products had a less favorable impact on the occurrence of kidney function disorders. Group H exhibited significant differences in leukocyte and platelet counts compared with groups M and K. Extreme echinocytosis was recorded in group M, whereas sideropenic anemia was prominent in group H. Analysis of the livers of rats in groups K and H did not show significant differences in the observed parameters (gamma-glutamyl transferase and total bilirubin), whereas group M had a significantly higher degree of hepatocyte degeneration and steatosis, and the observed infiltrate was also more pronounced, but not significantly. The kidneys of group M showed discrete alterations of the microstructure, i.e., slightly increased cellularity of renal corpuscles and hypertrophy of proximal nephrocyte, whereas the kidney tissue of group K had a regular appearance. Conclusion: Consuming meat products was associated with adverse liver and kidney changes, whereas bakery products led to sideropenic anemia and altered hematological values.

Abstract Multiple studies have shown the importance of adequate nutrition for animals and humans and its effect on overall health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different nutritional regimes on the intestinal health of rats by evaluating different morphological and morphometric characteristics of small intestines, with the emphasis on the villus height:crypt depth ratio (V:C). For the experimental study, 24 clinically healthy adult Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group (group A) was fed with conventional food, the second group (group B) with bakery products, and the third group (group C) with meat products. Samples of the duodenum and jejunum were collected for detailed morphological and morphometric analysis. A significant increase in the duodenal villi height was reported in group B (661.59 µm) and C (602.83 µm) compared to the control group (475.34 µm). The crypt depth values in the jejunum were significantly higher in group B (191.41µm) and C (246.23 µm) compared with the control (145.14 µm). The jejunal V:C ratio was significantly lower in groups B and C. The study showed significant morphological changes in the intestinal parameters in rats fed predominantly with meat and bakery products. These findings could be applicable in both veterinary and human medicine, underlining the significance of consumed food on gut health.

Postmortem biochemistry is a valuable tool in forensic investigations, providing insights into the tissue damage and organ dysfunction associated with death. This study aimed to identify biochemical markers that distinguish primary and secondary hypothermia. Twenty-one Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: the Control group (n = 7), which was exposed only to hypothermic conditions, the Alcohol + Hypothermia group (n = 7), and the Benzodiazepines + Hypothermia group (n = 7). The temperature metrics assessed included the normal core temperature, the post-ketamine (0.3 ml injection) core temperature, the immersion temperature, temperature at the onset of hypothermia, and temperature at death. Blood samples were collected from the thoracic aorta in EDTA vacuum tubes for biochemical analysis. The key biochemical parameters measured included the Total Protein (g/L), Albumin (g/L), Globulin (g/L), Albumin to Globulin Ratio, Alanine Aminotransferase (U/L), Alkaline Phosphatase (U/L), Cholesterol (mmol/L), Amylase (U/L), and Lipase (U/L), using an automated IDEXX (Netherlands) cell counter. Significant between-group differences were found for the total protein and globulin levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively), with post-hoc tests confirming differences between the alcohol and control, and benzodiazepine and control groups. The cholesterol levels were found to be significantly different through an omnibus test (p = 0.03), but post hoc tests did not confirm these differences on a statistically significant level. The amylase levels varied significantly across all groups (p < 0.001), with post hoc tests confirming significant differences among all pairs: alcohol vs. benzodiazepine (p = 0.002), alcohol vs. control (p = 0.003), and benzodiazepine vs. control (p < 0.001). The lipase levels showed significant differences in the omnibus test (p = 0.030), but there was no significance in the post hoc tests. Amylase emerged as the most significant parameter in our study, with reduced levels strongly associated with secondary hypothermia. These findings highlight the potential use of total protein, globulin, and amylase levels as biomarkers to differentiate between primary and secondary hypothermia in forensic contexts.