Evaluation and correlation of oxidative stress and haemato-biochemical observations in horses with natural patent and latent trypanosomosis in Punjab state of India.

This research article investigates the correlation between oxidative stress and certain blood and biochemical parameters in horses naturally infected with a parasite, Trypanosoma evansi. The study discovered a significant increase in oxidative damage in the blood cells of infected horses, indicating that such infections can cause severe physiological stress to the animals.

Study Design and Groups

• The researchers separated the horses into three groups based on their infection status. Group I had visible parasites (n=6), Group II had a molecular sign of infection but no visible parasites (n=28), and Group III was infection-free (n=30).
• This grouping allowed for a comparative analysis of different stages and severities of the infection, as well as comparison to a healthy control group.

Oxidative Stress and Blood Parameter Changes

• The researchers found a significant decrease in total erythrocytes count, haemoglobin, and packed cell volume both in visibly and molecularly infected groups, indicating weaknesses in blood cell production and oxygen transportation.
• There was an abnormal increase in neutrophils (neutrophilia) and decrease in lymphocytes (lymphocytopenia) in Group I, suggesting an active immune response.
• A substantial increase in blood creatinine and gamma glutamyl transferase in Group I was observed. This could be a sign of kidney damage or dysfunction.
• Both infected groups showed a decrease in blood glucose and iron, potentially indicating malnutrition or impaired dietary processing due to the infection.

Oxidative Stress Markers

• Significant differences in lipid peroxides (a biomarker for oxidative stress) were noticed, with the highest levels in Group I, followed by Group II, implying more oxidative damage in the infected horses.
• The levels of various antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and ferric reducing antioxidant power were significantly lower in the infected horses. This suggests that the infected horses’ bodies are not effectively neutralizing the harmful oxidants.
• There appeared to be an inverse relationship between red blood cell count and certain oxidative stress markers, like lipid peroxides and reduced glutathione. The red blood cell count was directly correlated with other antioxidants like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ferric reducing antioxidant power.

Conclusion and Implications

• Overall, the study suggests that infection with Trypanosoma evansi leads to considerable oxidative stress damage in horses, affecting blood cell composition and function, and causing declines in antioxidant levels.
• The authors conclude that these observed changes may explain some of the disease symptoms and provide potential targets for treatment or management strategies.