RESEARCH GROUPS


Research group leaders

 

Baran Vladimir

Fabian Dusan

Faix Stefan

Jalc Dusan

Javorsky Peter, Pristas Peter

Kmet Vladimir

Koppel Juraj

Laukova Andrea

Leng Lubomir

Mozes Stefan


 

Title of project: MANAGEMENT OF CELL CYCLE AT GERM CELLS

 

Principal investigator: Vladimir Baran

Scientific co-workers: Stefan Cikos, Juraj Koppel, Pavol Rehak, Sona Czikkova

 

This project is focused on activation of G proteins regulated by heptahelical receptors as well as control role of spindle centrosome during resumption of meiosis and following stage of oocyte maturation.

 

Our experiments on G protein-coupled receptors showed that several types of adrenergic receptors are expressed in preimplantation embryos and ovulated oocytes. Epinephrine and norepinephrine can then via these receptors directly affect the embryo development in very early pregnancy – before embryo implantation into uterus.

Conclusions of other experiments show  that activity of protein kinase Akt/PKB play role during resumption of meiosis. Akt/PKB kinase is activated by its phosphorylation when oocyte enter to maturation stage immediately before oocyte nucleus breakdown (GVBD) and chromatin condensation. The Akt/PKB activity is involved in CDK1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1) refered as component of CDK1-cyclin B complex. It was documented that others activated enzymes involved in the pathway (cdc25B, AuroraA) are localized on MTOC sub-compartments (centrosomes of oocyte) in this time, and thus the oocyte centrosome is integrator for molecules involved in resumption of meiosis.

 

International collaboration: Institute of Animal Fysiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of Czech republic Libechov; Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of Czech republic, Praha

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Kalous J, Solc P, Baran V, Kubelka M, Schultz RM, Motlik J. PKB/AKT is involved in resumption of meiosis in mouse oocytes. Biol Cell 2006, 98, 111 – 123

 

Baran V, Solc P, Saskova A, Susor A, Motlik J. CDC25B, Aurora A and PKB phophorylations occurs during resumption of meiosis in mouse oocytes.

Cell Cycle Symposium, Southampton, United Kingdom 3-6 July, 2006, (abstr.)

 

Baran V, Solc P, Saskova A, Motlik J. Centrosome is integrator for molecules involved in resumption of meiosis. 43rd Lojda Symposium on Histochemistry, Prague 3-6 September, 2006, p. 29 (abstr.)

 

Cikos S, Rehak P, Czikkova S, Vesela J, Koppel J. Expression of adrenergic receptors in mouse preimplantation embryos and ovulated oocytes. Reproduction, 2007, 133, p.1139-1147.

 

 

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Title of project: ANALYSIS OF APOPTOTIC PROCESSES IN PREIMPLANTATION EMBRYO

 

Principal investigator: Dusan Fabian DVM, PhD

Scientific co-workers: Alexandra Bukovska, Mgr; Stefan Juhas, DVM; Maria Piknova, RNDr; Stefan Cikos, RNDr, PhD; assoc. prof. Juraj Koppel, DVM, DrSc.

 

Project is focused on the study of physiological functions of apoptosis during preimplantation development, on the characterization of its purpose, and on the vindication of some relations between its occurrence and specific developmental disorders of in vivo and in vitro produced embryos.

 

Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is self-directed process based on a genetic mechanism and characterized by complex cascade of biochemical events. The main function of apoptosis is to eliminate the minority of cells with abnormal, detrimental or superfluous potential in both differentiated and non-differentiated tissues, including the period of embryonic development.

This project is focused on the study of apoptosis in mouse and rabbit preimplantation embryos. It is divided into two parts.

First part is focused on physiological characterization of apoptotic process in normally developing embryos. The incidence, morphology and biochemical background of induced apoptosis are assessed in in vivo derived or in vitro produced blastocysts, and the occurrence, incidence, morphology and biochemical background of spontaneous and induced apoptosis are assessed in in vitro produced embryos from 2-cell to morula stage. Apoptosis is induced by several apoptotic inductors with different mechanism of acting and evaluated by wide spectrum of detection methods, covering great amount of its manifestations.

Second part is focused on the determination of the function of apoptosis in embryos showing growth or developmental aberrations. The incidence, morphology and biochemical background of spontaneous and induced apoptosis are assessed in preimplantation embryos cultured in vitro and undergoing developmental block at 2-cell stage.

Apoptosis is an important marker of embryo quality and it reliably reflects the effect of different external factors on embryo survival. The knowledge on apoptosis physiology should help to reveal ant to eliminate the developmental aberrations of farm animal embryos produced for fertilization and culture in vitro, cloning, embryotransfer or other biotechnological manipulations.

 

Collaborating institution:  Slovak Agricultural Research Centre, Nitra

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Fabian D, Juhas S, Ilkova G, Koppel J. Dose- and time-dependent effects of TNFα and actinomycin D on cell death incidence and embryo growth in mouse blastocysts. ZYGOTE, 2007, 15, 241-249.

 

Fabian D, Maddox-Hyttel P, Chrenek P. Zakladne charakteristiky spontannej a indukovanej apoptózy u preimplantacych embryi (Basic characteristics of spontaneous and induced apoptosis in preimplantation embryos). Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica 2006, Sp. Iss., 120 – 121.

 

Gjorret JO, Fabian D, Avery B, Maddox-Hyttel P. Active caspase-3 and ultrastructural evidence of apoptosis in spontaneous and induced cell death in bovine in vitro produced pre-implantation embryos. MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT, 2007, 74, 961-971.

 

Fabian D, Koppel J, Maddox-Hyttel P. Apoptotic processes during mammalian preimplantation development. THERIOGENOLOGY 2005, 64, 221-231.

 

Fabian D, Gjorret JO, Berthelot F, et al. Ultrastructure and cell death of in vivo derived and vitrified porcine blastocysts. MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT 2005, 70, 155-165

 

Fabian D, Illkova G, Rehak P, et al. Inhibitory effect of IGF-I on induced apoptosis in mouse preimplantation embryos cultured in vitro. THERIOGENOLOGY 2004, 61, 745-755

 

Fabian D, Rehak P, Czikkova S, et al. Induced cell death of preimplantation mouse embryos cultured in vitro evaluated by comet assay. THERIOGENOLOGY 2003, 60, 691-706

 

Fabian D, Chrenek P, Makarevich AV, Cikos S. Chronological appearance of spontaneous and induced apoptosis during preimplantation development of in vitro cultured rabbit and mouse embryos THERIOGENOLOGY 2007, 68, 1271-1281.

 

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Title of project: The dynamics of physiological processes in the intestine of animals

 

Principal investigator: Stefan Faix

Scientific co-workers: Vladimir Kmet, Dobroslava Bujnakova

 

The aim of this project is to obtain a new knowledge about effect of natural antioxidants on physiology of digestion and on mucosa and epimural microflora of gastrointestinal tract. Next, new knowledge will be acquired about interactions of epimural intestinal microflora, their quantification by PCR as well as classical cultivation methods.

 

Intestinal absorption of nutrients is highly influenced by health status it means function status of intestinal tract. One of the major factors implicated in the production of free radicals is oxygen radicals in cells. In in vitro experiments with intestinal epithelium we can obtain new knowledge in effect of some vegetable extracts on activities of antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant status, which have relationship to whole health state of intestine. The single enzymes which have relationship to oxidative stress will be measure spectrophotometricaly and spectrofluorimetricaly. At the same time we can determine role of intestine during microbial action on intestinal mucosa. Animal strains of aggregate lactobacillus and diarrhoeal Escherichia coli will be used as models for microbiological experiments. Classical cultivation methods, classical PCR as well as Real time PCR will be used for testing of numbers of aggreate lactobacillus.

 

International cooperation: Department of microbiology, biotechnology and nutrition of animals, Czech University of Agriculture, Prague - approach in diagnostics of  physiological microflora.

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Faix, S.- Faixová, Z. - Boldižárová, K. - Javorský, P. The effect of long-term high heavy metal intake on lipid peroxidation of gastrointestinal tissue in sheep. In Vet. Med. – Czech, 2005,50, (9), 401–405

 

Faix, S. - Faixová, Z. - Michnová, E. - Várady, J. Effect of per os administration of mercuric chloride on peroxidation processes in Japanese quail. In Acta Vet. Brno, 2003, 72, 23-26

 

FAIX, S. - JUHAS, S. -  FAIXOVA, Z. The effect of essential oils intake on changes of plasma antioxidant status in mice. In Acta veterinaria 2007, 76, 357-361.

 

Holko, I. - Pavlasek, I. - Barton, L. - Kmeť, V. Comparison of Digestive Microflora between Feedlot Cattle with and without Infection by Cryptosporidium andersoni. In Folia Microbiologica, 49, 2004, 165-168

 

Josefsen, M.H.- Cook, N. - D’Agostino, M. - Hansen, F. - Wagner, M. - Demnerova, K. - Heuvelink, A.E. - Tassios, P.T. - Lindmark, H. - Kmet, V. -   Barbanera, M. - Fach, P. -  Loncarevic, S. – Hoorfar, J. Validation of a PCR-Based Method for Detection of Food-Borne Thermotolerant Campylobacters in a Multicenter Collaborative Trial.  In Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70, 2004, 4379-4383

 

Holko, I. - Bisova, T. - Holkova Z. - Kmeť, V. Virulence markers of Escherichia coli strains isolated from traditional cheeses made from unpasteurised sheep milk in Slovakia. In  Food Control  17, 2006,  393-396

 

 

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Title of project: INFLUENCING OF CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID PRODUCTION (CIS9, TRANS 11 C18:2, CLA) BY DIFFERENT SOURCES OF FATTY ACIDS IN RUMINANTS

 

Principal investigator: Jalc D.

Scientific co-workers: Kisidayova S., Varadyova Z., Baran M., Zelenak I., Siroka P., Sviatko P.

 

The effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) belonging to n-3 and n-6 fatty acids of oils of plant, animal and microbial origin on the production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) in rumen fluid and milk of ruminants are the goals of this project. The screening of different species of lactobacilli and enterococci isolated from rumen fluid and silages for their ability to produce CLA from linoleic acid in vitro is performed. The content of conjugated linoleic acid in rumen protozoal population of animal fed different PUFA sources is also determined. Finally, the effects of different mineral additives on protozoan population and rumen fermentation in vitro are studied.

 

Following methods are used:

1. Rumen simulation technique (Rusitec) for the study of fermentation processes in vitro. This apparatus enables to determine the basal parameters of rumen fermentation (digestibility of dry matter and detergent fibre of feed ration, pH, volatile fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen production), gas production (methane) and efficiency of microbial proteosynthesis.

2. The lipid extraction method from biological materials (feed, effluent, rumen fluid, milk, oils, protist); methylation of fatty acids for determination of fatty acids methyl esters; analyses of methyl esters fatty acids by gas chromatography for determination of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their isomers (CLA, TVA).

3. Cryopreservation technique of rumen ciliate protozoa in order to simplify their cultivation and preservation the different protozoan isolates for repeated biochemical, molecular and cytological studies. 

 

International cooperation: Research Institute of Animal Production, Praha-Uhrineves, Czech Republic

 

Title of project: INFLUENCING OF THE PRODUCTION OF POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (PUFA) AND THEIR ISOMERS IN RUMEN FLUID AND MILK OF RUMINANTS WITH DIFFERENT DIETS AND OILSEEDS AS ADDITIVES

 

Principal investigator: Jalc D.

Scientific co-workers: Kisidayova S., Varadyova Z., Baran M., Zelenak I., Siroka P., Sviatko P.

 

The influence of feed ration containing the oilseeds (linseed, rapeseed, and amaranth seed) physically treated by different ways on the production of PUFA and their isomers (CLA, TVA) in fermentation fluid of artificial rumen (Rusitec) is the goal of this project. The effects of transition period from summer (pasture) to winter (silage) feeding on cow milk production and PUFA content and their isomers (CLA, TVA) in cow milk are studied. The effects of three different diets (pasture, TMR - total mixed ration containing silage and concentrate; TMR plus linseed as supplement) on cow milk production and PUFA content and their isomers in milk are investigated.

 

International cooperation: The bilateral cooperation (2004-2009) between August Cieszkowski Agricultural University (Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management) in Poznan and our Institute is aimed to influence of the concentrations of PUFA and their isomers (especially CLA and TVA) in vitro and in vivo by pure oils and/or their sources. The ability of selected rumen ciliate protozoa to participate on the content of TVA and CLA is examined in vitro. The influence of different diets on fermentation parameters and PUFA content in rumen of cows and sheep are also observed.

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Jalc, D., Szumacher-Strabel, M., Potkanski, A., Cieslak, A.: Effect of sunflower, linseed and fish oils on the production of trans fatty acids in vitro. Berl. Münch. Tierärztl. Wschr., 118, 2005, 430-435

 

Jalc, D., Certik, M.: Effect of microbial oil, monensin and fumarate on rumen fermentation in artificial rumen. Czech J. Anim. Sci., 50, 2005, 467-472

 

Jalc, D., Potkanski, A., Szumacher-Strabel, M., Cieslak, A., Certik, M.: Effect of microbial oil, evening primrose oil and borage oil on rumen fermentation in vitro. Vet. Med. (Praha), 50, 2005, 480-486

Kisidayova, S., Varadyova, Z.: Effect of insulin of in vitro fermentation activity of microorganism community of rumen ciliate Entodinium caudatum culture. Cell Biology International, 29, 2005, 147-152

 

Kisidayova, S., Varadyova, Z., Michalowski, T., Newbold, J.: Regeneration of cryoresistance of in vitro rumen ciliate cultures. Cryobiology, 51, 2005, 76-84

Varadyova, Z., Baran, M., Zelenak, I.: Comparison of two in vitro fermentation gas production methods using both rumen fluid and faecal inoculum from sheep. Anim. Feed  Sci. Technol., 123-124, 2005, 81-94

 

Varadyova, Z., Kisidayova, S., Mihalikova, K., Baran, M.: Influence of natural magnesium sources on the in vitro fermentation and protozoan population in the rumen fluid collected from sheep. Small Ruminant Res., 61, 2006, 63-71

 

Jalc, D., Cieslak, A., Szumacher-Strabel, M., Potkanski, A., Kowalczyk, J.: The effect of different oils and diets on total gas production in an artificial rumen (Rusitec). J. Anim. Feed Sci., 15, suppl.1, 2006, 145-148

 

Jalc, D., Cieslak, A., Szumacher-Strabel, M., Potkanski, A., Kowalczyk, J.: The effect of different oils and diets on methane release in an artificial rumen (Rusitec). J. Anim. Feed Sci., 15, suppl.1, 2006, 149-152

 

Kisidayova, S., Mihalikova, K., Varadyova, Z., Potkanski, A., Szumacher-Strabel, M., Cieslak, A., Certik, M., Jalc, D.: The effect of microbial oil, evening primrose oil and borage oil on rumen ciliate populations in an artificial rumen (Rusitec). J. Anim. Feed Sci., 15, suppl.1, 2006, 153-156

 

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ECOGENETICS OF INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA

 

Project leaders: Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Peter Javorsky, DrSc, Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Peter Pristas, PhD

Scientific co-workers: RNDr. Maria Piknova, PhD, RNDr. Katarina Nigutova, RNDr. Timea Tóthova, Mgr. Róbert Seliga, Mgr. Lucia Sikorova.

 

The group is interested in genetics and genomics of selected gastrointestinal microorganisms with special focus on horizontal gene transfer and mobile gene elements in correlation to the antibiotic resistance spreading and genetically modified organisms’ safety. Our interest is also devoted to the environmental pollutants biodegradation, detoxification mechanisms and the possible role of horizontal gene transfer in these processes.

 

 

Title of project: ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DNA TRANSFER FROM GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANTS TO MICROORGANISMS

 

The aim of proposed project is the DNA transfer risks study from model organism (Zea mays) to other microorganisms during complete process from the field cultivation until final consumption.. While the frequency of transfer is well understood in human gastrointestinal tract, there are several micro environments where the transfer of DNA from genetically modified plants to other microorganisms could take place. The aim of the project is to understand the frequency of possible DNA transfer within several microbial environments as a plant-soil microbial ecosystem, plant- phytopatogenic bacteria system, plant-silage microorganisms and plant-rumen bacteria systems involved in final utilization of plant biomass. The results would clarify the role of natural gene transfer in environment by microorganisms.

 

 

Title of project: BIOTRANSFORMATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS IN NATURAL MICROBIAL ECOSYSTEMS

 

The scientific goals of the project involved the study of the heavy metals effect on the antioxidative and detoxicative enzymes within the soil and rumen bacteria, resp. protozoa and the study their mutual symbiotic relations in eliminantion of environmental stress. The scientific goals of the project involved also the study of heavy metals detoxification mechanisms in natural microbial ecosystems and roles of genes transfer by these processes.

 

 

Title of project: HORIZONTAL GENE TRANSFER AND RESTRICTION MODIFICATION SYSTEMS

 

The main aim of project is study of antibiotic resistance gene transfer among digestive tract bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis species. We will analyze and characterize mobile gene elements participating in gene transfer, conditions facilitating transfer and modulating the frequency of such transfer e.g. restriction modification systems. Better understanding of natural gene transfer could eliminate risks provided by antibiotic resistance transfer on human health.

 

 

Title of project: MICROBIAL GENETIC ECOLOGY OF DIGESTIVE TRACT

 

The aim of project is a better understanding of gene transfer mechanisms in digestive tract microbial ecosystem and study of factors affecting the transfer events between bacteria and evolutionary distant microorganisms. The transfer of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes will be studied. Better understanding of natural gene transfer could eliminate risks posed by gene transfer on human health. The part of project will be devoted to digestive tract microbial community composition analysis by cultivation independent method and to analysis o the heavy metal effect on activity of anti-oxidant and detoxification enzymes in selected micro-organisms.

 

 

Title of project: CIMES – CILIATES AS MONITOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF GMO

 

The aim of project was to exploit unique genome organisation of ciliated protozoa for analysis of potential risk for lateral gene transfer from genetically modified crops and organisms in agriculture.

 

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Holovska, K., Lenartova, V., Holovska, K., Pristas, P., Javorsky, P.:  Are ruminal bacteria protected against environmental stress by plant antioxidants? Lett Appl Microbiol. 35 (4):301-304 2002.

 

Malik, R., Pristas, P., Javorsky, P.: Occurrence of plasmid-mediated ampicillin resistance among enterobacteria from the ovine rumen. Folia Microbiologica. 49 (2): 187-190. 2004

 

Regensbogenova, M., Kisidayova, S., Michalowski, T., Javorsky, P., MoonVanDer Staay, S. Y., VanDer Staay, G. W. M., Hackstein, J. H. P., McEwan, N. R., Jouany, J.P., Newbold, J. C., Pristas, P.: Rapid identification of rumen protozoa by restriction analysis of amplified 18S rRNA gene. Acta Protozoologica. 43 (3): 219-224 (2004)

 

Regensbogenova, M., McEwan, N.R., Javorsky, P., Kisidayova, S., Michalowski, T., Newbold, C. J., Hackstein, J. H. P., Pristas, P.: A re-appraisal of the diversity of the methanogens associated with the rumen ciliates. FEMS Microbiology Letters.  238 (2): 307-313 (2004)

 

Regensbogenova, M., Pristas, P., Javorsky, P., Moon VanDer Staay, S. Y., VanDer Staay, G. W., Hackstein, J. H., Newbold, C. J., McEwan, N. R.: Assessment of ciliates in the sheep rumen by DGGE. Letters in Applied Microbiology. 39 (2): 144-147 (2004)

 

Sprincova, A., Javorsky, P., Pristas, P.: pSRD191, a new member of RepL replicating plasmid family from Selenomonas ruminantium. Plasmid. 54 (1): 39-47 (2005)

 

Malík, R., Ivan, J., Javorský, P., Pristas, P. : Seasonal dynamics of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the gastrointestinal tract of domestic sheep.  Folia Microbiologica 50 (4) : 349-352 (2005)

 

Tóthova, T., Pristas, P., Javorsky, P. : Mercuric reductase gene transfer from soil to rumen bacteria. Folia Microbiologica. 51 (4): 317-319 (2006)

 

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Title of project: ALTERNATIVE WAYS FOR REPLACEMENT OF ANTIBIOTIC–INFLUENCING OF ANIMAL DIGESTION PHYSIOLOGY

 

Principal investigator: Dobroslava Bujnakova, RNDr. PhD

Scientific workers: Klaudia Boldizarova, RNDr. PhD., Milos Domaracky, MVDr., Dusan Fabian, MVDr. PhD., Stefan Faix, MVDr., CSc., Katarina Horosova, MVDr., Gabriela Ilkova, MVDr. PhD., Jozef Ivan , RNDr., Stefan Juhas, MVDr., Katarina Kecerova, RNDr., Vladimir Kmet, Prof. MVDr. DrSc., Juraj Koppel, MVDr. DrSc., Richard Malik, RNDr. PhD., Stefan Mozes, MVDr., CSc., Milan Novotny, RNDr., Peter Pristas, Doc. RNDr. DrSc., Adriana Sprincova, RNDr. PhD., Viliam Stovcik, RNDr., Zorka Varadyova, MVDr. PhD.

 

The project was oriented on obtaining a new knowledge about effect of plant extract and oligosaccharides on physiology digestion, using molecular-biology methods (PCR, FISH, SSCP). The main aim of project was developed in vitro and in vivo laboratory models for verification of prebiotic (plant extract and oligosaccharides) and probiotic (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) efficiency and also their effect on microflora (commensal and pathogenic). The host-microbial interactions between lactobacilli and verotoxic E. coli and intestinal epithelium were studied. The enzymatic activity (alkalic phosphatase, maltase, aminopeptid M a beta glucuronidase), antioxidant enzymes (glutation peroxidase, superoxid dizmutase, glutation reduktase, glucoso-6-phosphat dehydrogenase, lipid peroxidase), apoptosis process and effect of plant extract on intestinal surfaces (model of using chamber, CaCo-2 cell lines) were monitored in small intestine and colon. Further, the bacterial antibiotic resistance was monitored using a molecular-biology method such as PCR and SSCP.

 

Economic and social benefit:

-is an improvement of diagnostic at veterinary diagnostic institute, by introducing of modern molecular-biologic methods, which are not currently using so far

-the main benefit is formation a materially-technical basis, which demonstrate criticise of availability, but also risk connecting with using a new biologic active substances

-the State Veterinary and Food Institute in Nitra is a user of results from molecular diagnostic area

-the results of research may probably be a commercially used, concretely by sale of know-how about plant extract effect or sale of DNA standards for PCR diagnostic, which are not currently available in a market

- results contribute to reduction of the environmental load, regarding the fact that the main goal of the task is supplementation of synthetic regulators of growth by plant essential oils with aim to decrease the risks of the transfer of antibiotic resistance and to improve the growth and health parameters of animals.

 

Forms of international co-operation within the task solving:

MVTS c. 07 Slovak-Italian co-operation „Molecular diagnostics of microbial interactions in healthy intestine”

MVTS c. 141 Slovak-Czech co-operation „The role of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the digestive tract of poultry“

The international projects study the effect of different antimicrobial substances on the microbial interaction in the intestine.

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Bujnakova, D., Melicharek, I., Feckova, M., Skarbova, B., Kmet, V.: Detection and quantification of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis by means of real time PCR in cattle. Slov. Veter. Cas. vol 30, No. 3 (2005), p. 174-175.

 

VARADYOVA Z., BARAN M., ZELENAK I.: Comparison of two in vitro fermentation gas production methods using both rumen fluid and faecal inoculum from sheep. In Anim.Feed Sci.Technol. Special issue. Vol. 123-124, 2005, p. 81-94.

 

Horosova, K., Bujnakova, D., Kmet, V.: The Action of Oregano on Chicken lactobacilli and E. coli. Folia Microbiologica Vol. 51, no.4 (2006) p. 278–280

 

Horosova, K., Bujnakova, D., Kmet, V.: The Effect of Lactobacilli on E. coli Adhesion to Caco-cells in vitro. Folia Microbiologica Vol. 51, no.4 (2006), p. 281–282

 

Domaracky, M., Rehak, P., Juhas, S.: Effects of selected plant essential oils on the growth and development of mouse preimplantation embryos in vivo. Physiological Research 2007, vol. 56, no. 1, p. 97-104.

 

FABIAN, D. - SABOL, M. - DOMARACKA, K. - BUJNAKOVA, D. Essential oils-their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and effect on intestinal cell viability. In Toxicology in vitro. Vol. 20, no. 8 (2006), p. 1435-45

 

FAIX, S. - JUHAS, S. -  FAIXOVA, Z. The effect of essential oils intake on changes of plasma antioxidant status in mice. In Acta veterinaria 2007, 76, 357-361.

 

JUHAS, S -  CIKOS, S. - CZIKKOVA; S. - VESELA, J. - ILKOVA, G. - HAJEK, T. - DOMARACKA, K. - DOMARACKY, M. -. BUJNAKOVA, D. - REHAK, P.- KOPPEL, J. Effects of borneol and thymoquinone on TNBS induced colitis in mice. In Folia biologica (Prague) 2008, vol. 54, no. 1, p. 1-7.

 

Professional works published in non-reviewed professional journals and proceedings:

Horosova, K., Domaracky, M., Kmet, V.: The effect of oregano essential oil on bacterial interaction. Bilateral Scientific Meeting. Protection of Genotoxic Effects of Carcinogens by Micronutrients. s.30, October 21-22, 2004, Bratislava

 

Horosova, K., Bujnakova, D., Kmet, V.: Antimicrobial effects of plant essential oils on pathogenic E. coli.  International scientific conference: Days of nutrition and veterinary dietetics.  September 2004, Kosice

 

Horosova, K., Kmet, V., Bujnakova, D.: Adhesion of commensal and pathogenic bacteria on Caco-2 cellular line. XXI. Days of animal physiology. p.26, 23.-24. September, Kosice

 

Horosova, K., Bujnakova, D., Kmet, V.: The effect of oregano on chicken lactobacilli and E. coli.  International Symposium on Anaerobic Microbiology. Warsaw 7.-10. September 2005

 
JUHAS, S., BUJNAKOVA, D., KMET, V., KOPPEL, J.: Antiinflammatory and immunomodulating effects of some plant extracts on animals. Proceedings of the works presented at the 81st Physiological Days.p. 72, 2-4 February 2005,
Kosice

 

BOBCEK, R., KACANIOVA, M., KMET, V.: The effect of mannane oligosaccharides and glucomanans on the biochemical and microbiological parameters in turkey caecum. XXI. Days of animal physiology, p. 22, 23.-24. September 2004

Professional book publications:   

Angelovicova, M., Nikolajcuk, V., I., Turianica, I., Kmet, V., Massanyi, P.: Dietetics and hygiene of feed. ISBN 966-7838-78-1, 2005-11-25

 

Kacaniova, M., Bobcek, R., Kmet, V., Angelovicova, M.: Feed additives as a supplementation of antibiotics and other application. ISBN 80-8069-589-X, 2005

 

Tancinova, D., Makova, J., Felsöciova, S., Kacaniova, M., Kmet, V.: Microbiology of food. Published by Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra. ISBN 80-8069-568-7, 2005

 

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Title of project: PLANT EXTRACTS - ANTIINFLAMMATORY, IMMUNOMODULATORY, CYTOTOXIC AND ANTIMUTAGENIC EFFECTS IN ANIMALS

 

Project leader: Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Juraj Koppel, DrSc

Scientific co-workers: Mgr. Alexandra Bukovska; Ing. Sona Czikkova, RNDr. Stefan Cikos, PhD., Assoc. Prof. MVDr. Stefan Faix,  CSc., MVDr. Stefan Juhas, PhD.; Prof. MVDr. Vladimir Kmet, DrSc.,  MVDr. Stefan Mozes, CSc., RNDr. Lubomir Racek, PhD., MVDr. Pavol Rehak, CSc., MVDr. Zuzana Sefcikova, CSc.

 

We have shown that plant essential oils could influence some physiological and pathophysiological parameters (in studied experimental models) whereas their biological effects are in a relatively narrow range which is clearly dose dependent. This conclusion is supported by our observation of inconsistent effects of chamomile or rosemary essential oils in TNBS colitis model.  Higher concentrations have a protective influence on intestinal mucose probably due to their antibacterial effects (lower bacterial translocation) while lower concentrations  positively influence immune status of macroorganism (indicated by a lower activity of MPO enzyme and a diminished concentration of inflammatory cytokine IL-6). The majority of plant essential oils have strong antimicrobial effects and therefore they are potentially interesting as feed additives for farm animals mainly due to the total ban on antibiotics as growth promoters. We have detected protective effects of thyme, cinnamon, chamomile and rosemary essential oils on intestine wall after colitis induction. Our in vivo experiments with various plant essential oils indicate that chamomile and rosemary oils have the most evident anti-inflammatory effects. Our results confirm that essential oils (as well as whole plants and their extracts) are able to effectively modulate functions of immune system of macroorganism. Furthermore our results from in vitro and ex vivo studies of cytotoxic, DNA damaging and protective effects of analyzed plant compounds against oxidative damage (induced by H2O2) of DNA of mammalian cells reveal that carvacrol, thymol and borneol are most likely active antimutagenic agents. Our thorough analysis of essential oils effects as additives for chicken feed on their antioxidative status as well as on the development of immunocompetence resulted in new knowledge which could be used in the future in the prevention of the oxidative stress and its consequences. Our results confirm that plant extracts are important source of biologically active compounds with potential use in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

 

Collaborating institution: Cancer research institute SAS, Bratislava

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

FABIAN, D. - SABOL, M. - DOMARACKA, K. - BUJNAKOVA, D. Essential oils-their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and effect on intestinal cell viability. In Toxicology in vitro. Vol. 20, no. 8 (2006), p. 1435-45

 

HORVATHOVA, E. - SRAMKOVA, M. - LABAJ, J.- SLAMENOVA, D.  Study of cytotoxic, genotoxic and DNA-protective effects of selected plant essential oils on human cells cultured in  vitro. In Neuro Endocrinol Lett. Suppl. 2 (2006), p.44-47.

 

BUKOVSKA, Alexandra - CIKOS, Stefan - JUHAS, Stefan - ILKOVA, Gabriela - REHAK, Pavol - KOPPEL, Juraj. Effects of a Combination of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils on TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice. In Mediators of Inflammation, 2007, vol., article ID 23296, p. 9. 

 

CIKOS, Stefan - BUKOVSKA, Alexandra - KOPPEL, Juraj. Relative quantification of mRNA: comparison of methods currently used for real-time PCR data analysis. In BMC Molecular Biology, 2007, 8:113.

 

DOMARACKY, Milos - REHAK, Pavol - JUHAS, Stefan - KOPPEL, Juraj. Effects of selected plant essential oils on the growth and development of mouse preimplantation embryos in vivo. In Physiological Research, 2007, vol. 56, no. 1, p. 97-104.

 

FAIX, Stefan - JUHAS, Stefan - FAIXOVA, Zita. The effect of essential oils intake on changes of plasma antioxidant status in mice. In Acta Veterinaria Brno, 2007, vol. 76, p. 357-361.

 

HORVATHOVA, E. – TURCANIOVA, V.– SLAMENOVA, D. Comparative study of DNA-damaging and DNA-protective effects of selected components of essential plant oils in human leukemic cells K562. In Neoplasma, 2007, vol. 54, no. 6, p. 478-483.

 

SLAMENOVA, D. – HORVATHOVA, E. - SRAMKOVA, M. – MARSALKOVA, L. DNA-protective effects of two components of essential plant oils carvacrol and thymol on mammalian cells cultured in vitro. In Neoplasma, 2007, vol. 54, no. 2, p. 108-112.

 

JUHAS, S -  CIKOS, S. - CZIKKOVA; S. - VESELA, J. - ILKOVA, G. - HAJEK, T. - DOMARACKA, K. - DOMARACKY, M. -. BUJNAKOVA, D. - REHAK, P.- KOPPEL, J. Effects of borneol and thymoquinone on TNBS induced colitis in mice. In Folia Biologica (Praha), 2008, vol. 54, no. 1, p. 1-7.

 

SLAMENOVA, D.-HORVATHOVA, E.- SRAMKOVA, M.- LABAJ, J. Toxic, genotoxic and DNA-protective effects of selected plant volatiles on human cells cultured in vitro. In: The activity of natural compounds in diseases prevention and therapy, Edited by Z. Ďuračková and S. Knasmüller,  ISBN 978-80-8095-019-4, Mind & Health civil association, Slovak Academic Press Ltd, 2007, pp 149-170.

 

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Title of project: BACTERIOCIN-PRODUCING AND PROBIOTIC MICROORGANISMS IN THE DIGESTIVE TRACT OF ANIMALS AND THEIR HEALTH EFFECTS

 

Principal investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova PhD

Scientific co-workers: MVDr. Viola Strompfova PhD, MVDr. Monika Simonova PhD, MVDr. Renata Szabóova, MVDr. Michaela Haviarova, MVDr. Igor Styriak PhD

 

Following thesis solving in the previous projects, the microflora of rabbits is searched with the impact to lactic acid bacteria to select bacteriocinogennnic and probiotic bacteria. Why rabbits? They represent suitable biomedical animal model and from the nutrition point of view concerning not only animals but also human, the rabbit meat is light and health meat. Moreover, there are a lot of problems in rabbit breedings after weaning and during their milk nutritive period to change to normal. Our impact is directed to the genera Enterococcus, Staphylococcus respectively, because they are present in the digestive tract of rabbits in sufficient amounts. Bacteria were isolated from 622 rabbits from different breeders and breedings in Slovakia. Ent. faecium is dominating specium as well as S. xylosus (PCR). The isolates were tested to the principal metabolic and probiotic properties. Moreover, the effect of selected isolates to transepithelial electric resistance TEER measured on Caco-2 cells cultures as well as IPEC-J2 cells cultures was measured. And it has to be underlinked that testing using IPEC-J2 cells cultures is not common. Six enterococci were selected and more detaily studied for their bacteriocin activity. Ent. faecium EF2019 was found to produce bacteriocin with wide inhibitory spectrum, thermo-stable, with optimum production in range of pH 4-7. It is small peptide (3-10 kDa). This strain also possess structural genes for bacteriocin-enterocin production. And the most important is that testing TEER, EF 2019 strain improved linkage in Caco-2 and IPECJ-2 cells cultures, but also decreased invasive effect of E. coli and S. enterica serovar Enteritidis strains and in the same time to power intestine barrier. EF 2019 strain also adhere to IPEC-J2 after its treatment to oxgall-bile and low pH. Combinative use of the strain of EF2019 and chamomile extract determines their antmicrobial effects.

 

In the framework of the project Lactobacillus fermentum AD1 strain-in canine origin was isolated and characterized which is successfully applied in both, health and ill dogs as well as silage Ent. faecium EF9296 strain. Moreover, previously studied bacteriocinogennic strain Ent. faecium CCM4231 was detected as able to synthetize CLA from linoleic acid.

The strains are processing to be as beneficial models covered by Slovak Industrial office for industrial owning/privacy.

 

 

Title of project: COMPLEX SEARCH OF SALMONELOSIS PREVENTION IN POULTRY BY IMUNOMUDALORS

 

Principal investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova PhD

Scientific co-workers: MVDr. Viola Strompfova PhD, MVDr. Monika Simonova PhD, MVDr. Renata Szabóova, MVDr. Michaela Haviarova

 

 

Project is directed to detail study of imune answer mechanism in poultry infected by salmonellae. Information achieved gives us possibility to select and to test imunomudulators suitable to solve salmonelosis prevention associated with poultry such as alternative way to use antibiotics. IAP SAS participates in this project searching „Single application of selected probiotic strains, application of probiotics in their combination as well as study of combined effect of both, probiotics with prebiotics. All strains which will be tested were isolated and characterized in IAP SAS. In first year Enterococcus faecium EF55, isolate from Japanese quail was tested in chicken experimentally infected by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis PT4. Results are in summarization.

 

 

Title of project: ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF SAFETY OF TRADITIONAL DRY SAUSAGES FROM PRODUCERS TO CONSUMERS

 

Principal investigator: MVDr. Andrea Laukova, PhD

Scientific co-workers: MVDr. Viola Strompfova PhD, MVDr. Monika Simonova PhD

 

Decarboxylase- negative, bacteriocinogenic strain S. xylosus SO3/1M/1/2 with sufficient adhesive ability to human mucus was selected from traditional fermented Slovak product to be used as protective additive. It was applied into the product during real manufacturing. After 4 weeks of ripening this strain was counted in log 4.5 cfu/g, water activity of the product was not influenced and it reduced the occurrence of technologically undesirable flora such as Pseudomonas sp., enterobacteriae and yeasts- p<0.001, p<0.01.

 

The list of recent relevant papers to the 3 projects involved:

 

LAUKOVA, A.-MAREKOVA, M.-STYRIAK, I.: Inhibitory effect of different enterocins against fecal bacterial isolates. In: Berliner Muenchener Tierarztlicher Wochensschrift, 116, 2003: 37-40.

 

MAREKOVA, M.-LAUKOVA, A.-DE VUYST, L.-SKAUGEN, M.-NES, I.F.: Partial characterization of bacteriocins produced by environmental strain Enterococcus faecium EK13. In: Journal of Applied Microbiology, 94, 2003: 523-530.

 

LAUKOVA, A.-TUREK, P.-MAREKOVA, M.-NAGY, P.: Use of ent M, new variant of ent P to control Listeria innocua in experimentally contaminated Gombasek sausage. In: Archiv fuer Lebensmittelhygiene, 54, 2003: 46-48.

 

LAUKOVA, A.-GUBA, P.-NEMCOVA, R.-VASILKOVA, Z.: Reduction of Salmonella in gnotobiotic Japanese quails caused by the enterocin A-producing EK13 strain of Enterococcus faecium. In: Veterinary Research Communications, 27, 2003: 275-280.

 

STROMPFOVA, V., MUDRONOVA, D.-LAUKOVA, A.: Effect of bacteriocin-like substance produced by Enterococcus faecium EF55 on the composition of avian gastrointestinal microflora. In: Acta vet. Brno 72, 2003, 559-564.

 

VESTERLUND, S.-PALTTA, J.-LAUKOVA, A.-KARP, M.-OUWEHAND, A.C.: Rapid screening method for the detection of antimicrobial substances. In: Journal of Microbiological Methods, 57, 2004, 23-31.

 

STYRIAK, I.-LAUKOVA, A.-STROMPFOVA, V., LJUNGH, A.: A mode of the binding of fibrinogen, fibronectin and iron-binding proteins by animal enterococci. In: Veterinary Research Communication, 28, 2004, 587-598.

 

STROMPFOVA, V.-LAUKOVA, A.-OUWEHAND, A.C.: Lactobacilli and enterococci-potential probiotics for dogs. In: Folia Microbiologica, 49, 2004, 203-207.

 

STROMPFOVA, V.-LAUKOVA, A.-OUWEHAND, A.C..: Selection of enterococci for potential canine probiotic additives. In: Veterinary Microbiology, 100, 2004, 107-114.

 

LAUKOVA, A.-STROMPFOVA, V.-OUWEHAND, A.C.: Adhesion properties of enterococci to intestinal mucus of different hosts. In: Veterinary Research

Communication 28, 2004, 647-655.

 

LAUKOVA, A,-GUBA, P.- NEMCOVA, R.- MAREKOVA, M.: Inhibition of Salmonella enterica serovar Duesseldorf by enterocin A in gnotobiotic Japanese quails. In: Veterinary Medicine-Czech 49, 2, 2004, 47-51.

 

MARCINAKOVA, M.- SIMONOVA, M.- LAUKOVA, A.: Probiotic properties of Enterococcus faecium EF9296 strain isolated from silage. In Acta Vet. Brno 73, 2004, p. 513-519.

 

MARCINAKOVA, M. - STROMPFOVA,  V. – BOLDIZAROVA, K.- LAUKOVA, A. – GANCARCIKOVA, S. Effect of potential probiotic activity of Enterococcus faecium EE3 strain against Salmonella infection in Japanese quails. In: Bull. Vet. Inst. Pulawy, 48, 2004, 387-390.

 

SIMONOVA, M.-LAUKOVA, A. Isolation of faecal Enterococcus faecium strains from rabbits and their sensitivity to antibiotics and ability to bacteriocin production. In: Bull. Vet. Inst. Pulawy, 48, 2004, 383-386.

 

MARCINAKOVA, M. – STROMPFOVA, V.- BOLDIZAROVA, K.-SIMONOVA, M.-LAUKOVA, A.-NAD, P. Effect of potential probiotic Enterococcus faecium strains on selected microflora in turkeys. In Czech Journal of Animal Science, Vol. 50, no. 8  2005, p. 341-346.

 

SIMONOVA, M.-LAUKOVA, A.-STYRIAK,I. Enterococci from rabbits-potential feed additive. In Czech J. of Animal Science 50, 9, 2005, s. 416-421

 

 HERICH, R.-LAUKOVA, A.-STROMPFOVA, V.-REVAJOVA, V.-LEVKUT, M.-PISTL, J. Polymerase chain reaction detection of ceacal bacteria in case of preventive application of Enterococcus faecium EK13 against Salmonella enterica subsp. Enteritidis in chickens. In Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences Vol.14, no.1 2005, p. 161-170

 

STETINA, V.-LAUKOVA, A.-STROMPFOVA, V.-SVEC, P.-SEDLACEK, I. Identification of Staphylococcus piscifermentans from dog feces. In Folia Microbiol. 50,  6, 2005, p. 524-528.

 

STROMPFOVA, V.-MARCINAKOVA, M.-SIMONOVA,M.-BOGOVIC-MATIJASIC, B.-LAUKOVA, A. Application of potential probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum AD1 strain in healthy dogs. In Anaerobe, 12, 2006, p. 75-79.

 

SIMONOVA, M. – STROMPFOVA, V.-MARCINAKOVA, M.-LAUKOVA, A.-VESTERLUND, S.-MORATALLA, M.L.-BOVER-CID, S.-VIDAL-CAROU, C. Characterization of Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus carnosus isolated from Slovak meat products. In Meat Science , Vol. 73, no. 4, 2006, p. 559-564.

 

MARCINAKOVA, M.-SIMONOVA, M.-STROMPFOVA, V.-LAUKOVA, A. Oral application of Enterococcus faecium strain EE3 in healthy dogs. In Folia Microbiologica, Vol. 51, no. 3, 2006, p. 239-242.

 

STROMPFOVA, V.-MARCINAKOVA, M.-SIMONOVA, M.-GANCARCIKOVA, S.-JONECOVA, Z.-SCIRANKOVA, L.-KOSCOVA, J.-BULECA, V.-COBANOVA, K.-LAUKOVA, A. Enterococcus  faecium EK13 –an enterocin A-producing strain with probiotic character and its effect in piglets. In Anaerobe, Vol.  12,  2006, p. 242-248.

 

LAUKOVA, A.-STROMPFOVA, V.-SKŘIVANOVA, V.-VOLEK, Z.-JINDŘICHOVA, E.-MAROUNEK, M. Bacteriocin-producing strain of Enterococcus faecium EK13 with probiotic character and its application in the digestive tract of rabbits. In Biológia (Bratislava), Vol. 61, no.6, 2006, p. 779-782.

 

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Title of project: SELENIUM, ITS METABOLISM AND FUNCTION IN ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION OF FARM ANIMAL

 

Principal investigator: Lubomir Leng

Scientific co-workers: Stefan Faix, Klaudia Cobanova-Boldizarova, Iveta Placha, Lubomira Gresakova, Vladimir Petrovic, Radka Borutova

 

The principal aim of scientific project is to gain a new basic knowledge on the function of selenium in antioxidant protection of farm animals and metabolism of this essential trace element. The research will be orientated on the distribution and activities of selenoenzymes in tissues of animals fed various amounts or forms of selenium as well as in youngsters exposed to factors inducing oxidative stress. Absorption and metabolism of selenium from various sources, its utilization to synthesis of selenoenzymes, formation of body Se deposits and its excretion routes will be investigated too. In addition to experiments on animals, the effects of Se on intestinal epithelium will be examined also in vitro. The results of project should contribute to our basic knowledge of selenum role in supporting of antioxidant protection and immunity.of farm animal.

 

Following methods are used:

Balance measurements of Se in sheep and poultry, selenium analysis in various samples of biological origin, imunocytochemistry, histological examinations, flow-cytometry, analysis of activities of selenoenzymes and other relevant antioxidant enzymes in blood and tissues, in vitro experiments with parabiotic chambers, assesment of tissue lipid peroxidation by analysis of malondialdehyde formation.

 

International collaboration: Kielanowski Institut of Animal Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jablonna near Warsaw, Poland

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Leng, L., Boldizarova, K., Faix, S., Kovac, G.: The urinary excretion of selenium in sheep treated with a vasopressin analogue. Vet. Res., 31, 2000, 499-505.

 

Holovska, K. Jr., Holovska, K., Boldizarova, K., Cekonova, S., Lenartova, V., Levkut, M., Javorsky, P. Leng, L.: Antioxidant enzyme activities in liver tissue of chickens fed diets supplemented with various forms and amounts of selenium. J. Anim. Feed Sci., 12, 2003, 143-152.

 

Kuricova, S., Boldizarova, K., Gresakova, L., Levkut, M., Bobcek, R., Leng, L.: Chicken selenium status when fed a diet supplemented with Se-Yeast. Acta Vet. Brno, 72, 2003, 339-346.

 

Boldizarova, K., Gresakova, L., Faix, S., Levkut, M., Leng, L.: Urinary selenium excretion in selenite-loaded sheep and subsequent Se dynamics in blood constituents. Reprod. Nutr. Development, 43, 2003, 385-393.

 

Boldizarova, K., Gresakova, L., Faix, S., Mellen, M., Leng, L.: Antioxidant status of lambs fed on diets supplemented with selenite or Se-yeast. J. Anim. Feed Sci., 14, 2005, 245-253.

 

Petrovic, V., Boldizarova, K., Faix, S., Kowalczyk, J., Czauderna, M., Mellen, M., Leng, L.: Excretion routes and distribution of selenium in sheep tissues after selenite loading. J. Anim. Feed Sci., 14, 2005, Suppl. 1, 303-306.

 

Czauderna, M., Kowalczyk., J, Bulska, E., Boldizarova, K., Niedźwiedzka, K. M., Ruszczyńska, A., Leng, L.: Effect of dietary CLA isomers on level of selenium, zinc, copper, chromium, magnesium and calcium in liver of rat. J. Anim. Feed Sci., 14, 2005, Suppl. 1, 529-532.

 

Mihalikova, K., Gresakova, L., Boldizarova, K., Faix, S., Leng, L., Kisidayova, S.: The effects of selenium supplementation on the rumen ciliate population in sheep. Folia Microbiol., 2005, 353-356.

 

Petrovic, V., Boldizarova, K., Faix, S, Mellen, M., Arpasova, H., Leng, L.: Antioxidant and selenium status of laying hens fed with diets supplemented with selenite or Se-yeast. J. Anim. Feed Sci., 15, 2006, 435-445.

 

Korniluk, K., Czauderna, M., Kowalczyk, J., Mieczkowska, A., Taciak, M., Leng, L.: Influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid isomers and selenium on growth, feed efficiency and liver fatty acid profile in rats. J. Anim. Feed Sci., 15, 2006, 131-146.

 

 

Title of project: EFFECTS OF SUBTOXIC CONCENTRATIONS OF MYCOTOXINS IN FEED COMPONENTS PRODUCED IN SLOVAK REPUBLIC ON IMMUNITY AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS OF POULTRY

 

Principal investigator: Lubomir Leng

Scientific co-workers: Stefan Faix, Klaudia Cobanova-Boldizarova, Lubomira Gresakova, Vladimir Petrovic, Radka Borutova, Iveta Placha, Igor Styriak

 

The objectives of presented project are to determine the degree of immunosuppresion and oxidative stress in poultry due to intake of feed contaminated with subtoxic and/or marginal contents of Fusarium-mycotoxins. Subtoxic or marginal mycotoxin dosages can affect both immunity and antioxidant status of chickens and such a way they might subsequently contribute to increased incidence of number of poultry diseases. The immunity responses of young chickens to marginal intake of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol will be evaluetad by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis of lymphatic tissues. The parameters of oxidative stress induced by mycotoxins will be investigated in birds supplied with increased amounts of natural antioxidants too. The efficiency of different types of mycotoxin adsorbents are to be tested. The effects of various mycotoxin mixtures on oxidative stress of chicken intestine epithelium will be investigated in vitro too. The results obtained should provide new basic knowledge on effects of fusaria mycotoxins on poultry antioxidant and immunity status.

 

Following methods are used:

flow cytometry and immunohistochemical methods to investigate the development of immunocompetence in growing chickens with subtoxic/marginal intake of mycotoxins

analysis of numerous parameters of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, activities of antioxidative enzymes including selenoenzymes in tissues, selenium, total antioxidative status and further) in chickens kept at conditions noticed above as well as during reinforcing of bird antioxidative protection with higher intake of natural antioxidants

sensitive metabolic and histological tests of liver and gut epithelium damages by subtoxical/marginal doses of mycotoxins

in vitro investigation (with parabiotic chamber) of the effects of various amounts and combinations of mycotoxins on oxidative stress of intestinal epithelium

 

International collaboration: Prof. Isabelle P. Oswald, INRA, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Toulouse, France

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Bořutova, R., Petrovic, V., Faix, S., Placha, I., Gresakova, L., Levkut, M., Leng, L. Antioxidant and immunity status of broilers fed diets contaminated with low concentrations of deoxynivalenol. Proceedings of XXII. Days of Animal Physiology, Třest, Czech Repubic, October 17 – 18, 2006, p. 2. (In Slovak)

 

Placha, I., Bořutova, R., Faix, S., Gresakova, L., Petrovic, V., Styriak, I., Leng, L. Effects of subtoxic levels of DON on immunity parameters and activities of plasmatic γ-glutamyl transferase in broilers. Proceedings of XXII. Days of Animal Physiology, Třest, Czech Repubic, October 17 – 18, 2006, p. 38. (In Slovak)

 

Faixova, Z., Faix, S., Leng, L. Strategies to counteract the toxicity of mycotoxins. Proceedings of XXII. Days of Animal Physiology, Třest, Czech Repubic, October 17 – 18, 2006, p. 3.

 

Conkova, E., Styriak, I., Laciakova, A., Leng, L., Mojzisova, J. Possibilities of elimination of mycotoxins in veterinary medicine. Proceedings of Symposia on Risk faktors in food chain, V. Nitra, 2005, p. 35-39. ISBN-80-8069-593-8. (In Slovak)

 

Petrovic, V., Boldizarova, K., Faix, S, Mellen, M., Arpasova, H., Leng, L.: Antioxidant and selenium status of laying hens fed with diets supplemented with selenite or Se-yeast. J. Anim. Feed Sci., 15, 2006, 435-445.

 

Petrovic, V., Boldizarova, K., Faix, S., Mellen, M., Arpasova, H., Leng, L.. Antioxidant status of poultry after supplementation of feedstuff with various forms and dosis of selenium. Proceedings of Symposia 1st Internationa Scientific Days on Poultr, Nitra 12-14.9.2005. p. 25. ISBN 80-8069-575-X. (In Slovak)

 

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Title of project: FOOD INTAKE CONTROL AND ENZYME ACTIVITY OF THE INTESTINAL TRACT IN ANIMALS

 

Principal investigator: MVDr. S. Mozes PhD

Scientific co-workers: MVDr. Zuzana Sefcikova PhD, MVDr.Lubomir Racek PhD , Doc. MVDr. Ludovit Lenhardt PhD

 

Title of project: DIETARY AND GENETIC INFLUENCES ON SUSCEPTIBILITY OR RESISTANCE TO WEIGHT GAIN ON HIGH FAT DIET

 

Project partner: MVDr. S. Mozes, PhD, MVDr. assoc. prof. Juraj Koppel, DrSc, MVDr. Zuzana Sefcikova PhD, MVDr.Lubomir Racek PhD

 

 

Within the project designed to investigate the functional maturation the small intestine of rats in relation to the changes in early nutrition it was found that both postnatal overnutrition and undernutrition may represent a predisposing factor long-lasting affecting the intestinal functionality. In agreement with this assumption despite normal nutrition in later life a permanently increased small intestinal alkaline phosphatase and maltase activity, hypertrophy of intestinal mucosa (increased protein/DNA ratio) as well as body fat increments has been observed in these groups. These functional changes and associated alterations in efficiency of food digestion could be on long-term basis significantly involved in the development of obesity. Such supposition seems to be confirmed by a prevalence of phenotypes with higher enzyme activity observed in postnatally overfed and underfed rats after a long-term high fat diet feeding. From this point of view the knowledge of early nutritional background may be important for better understanding the small intestinal function in etiology of obesity and occurrence of susceptibility or resistance to the diet induced obesity

 

 

Title of project: MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF THE SMALL INTESTINE IN RELATION TO FOOD INTAKE IN PUPS AND ADULTS

 

Principal investigator: MVDr. S. Mozes PhD

Scientific co-workers: MVDr. Zuzana Sefcikova PhD, MVDr.Lubomir Racek PhD, MVDr.Tomas Hajek, assoc. prof.  MVDr. Ludovit Lenhardt PhD

 

The objectives of project is to evaluate the long-term nutritional challenge (i.e. food restriction, high fat diet) after de novo experimentation in postnatally influenced rats on the structural and functional parameters of the small intestine for the assessment of nutritional strategies to prevent enteric disease and incidence of possible aberrations in feeding efficiency and body weight defense.

To reach the mentioned goals the variability in effect of nutrition on small intestinal parameters will be investigated at weaning and during adulthood in rats (Sprague-Dawley,Wistar) in which the quantity of nutrition will be manipulated during lactation. Overnutrition will be imposed by reducing the number of pups to 4, undernutrition by increasing their number to 16 in the nest and normal nutrition by nursing 10 pups in the nest. The growth, fat deposition and morphology (villus height and width, DNA, RNA and protein content of mucose) of the small intestine  (duodenum and jejunum) will be assessed, along with functional parameters (activity of brush-border-bound enzymes; alkaline phosphatase, maltase, aminopeptidase). These studies will be complemented by analysis the sensitivity of the small intestine to nutritional challenge after weaning i.e. the acute and chronic response of these intestinal parameters to food restriction and refeeding in rats fed a standard diet, or after exposition to the high fat/high energy diet. Quantification of the enzymatic changes will be carried out in tissue sections by the Vickers M 85a microdensitometer.

 

 

The list of recent relevant papers:

Mozes S,  Sefcikova Z,  Lenhardt L Functional changes of the small intestine in over - and undernourished suckling rats support the development of obesity risk on high-energy diet in later life. Physiol Res. 2006 Mar 23; [Epub ahead of print]

 

Mozes S, Sefcikova Z, Lenhardt L, Racek L Effect of adrenalectomy on the activity of small intestine enzymes in monosodium glutamate obese rats. Physiol Res. 2004;53:415-22.

 

Mozes S, Sefcikova Z, Lenhardt L, Racek L. Obesity and changes of alkaline phosphatase activity in the small intestine of 40- and 80-day-old rats subjected to early postnatal overfeeding or monosodium glutamate. Physiol Res. 2004;53:177-86.

 

Sefcikova Z,  Mozes S Effect of early nutritional experience on the feeding behaviour of adult female rats. In: Vet. Med.-Czech 2002; 47:315-322

 

Lenhardt L,  Mozes S  Morphological and functional changes of the small intestine in growth- stunted broilers. In: Acta Veterinaria Brno. 2003;72:353-358.

 

Racek L, Lenhardt L, Mozes S. Effect of fasting and refeeding on duodenal alkaline phosphatase activity in monosodium glutamate obese rats. Physiol Res. 2001;50:365-72.

 

Martinkova A, Lenhardt L, Mozes S. Effect of neonatal MSG treatment on day-night alkaline phosphatase activity in the rat duodenum. Physiol Res. 2000;49(3):339-45.

 

Mozes S, Lenhardt L, Martinkova A. Alkaline phosphatase activity of duodenal enterocytes after neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate to rats. Physiol Res. 2000; 49:269-277.

 

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