Kerbala Journal of Veterinary Medical Sciences

Probiotics, which are live microorganisms as defined by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that confer a health benefit to the host organism when delivered in adequate amounts during an oral route of delivery, have attracted considerable interest for their potential role in altering gastrointestinal physiology. Probiotics have been used as experimental tools in laboratory animals to gain insights into mechanisms of gut homeostasis, immune regulation, and host–microbiota interactions. This review analyses the literature to date concerning the role of probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal function in experimental animal models, such as rodents and other laboratory species. Major physiological effects include improvement of mode profile intestinal barrier integrity, modulation of gut motility, regulation of mucosal immunity responses, change in gut microbiota composition, and suppression of inflammatory pathways. Probiotic strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces species exerted strain-specific effects on epithelial tight junction expression, short-chain fatty acid production and cytokine balance. Moreover, administration of probiotics has demonstrated therapeutic significance in experimental models of inflammatory bowel disease, antibiotic-associated dysbiosis, metabolic disorders and stress-related intestinal dysfunction. While promising, heterogeneity of strain selection, dosing and experimental design underlines the need for standardized protocols and mechanistic explorations. Knowing how probiotics interact with their host in the laboratory can inform translational applications for use in veterinary and human medicine. Future studies need to elucidate the molecular pathways involved and long-term safety, as well as optimal precision probiotic strategies for gastrointestinal health.

The CD4⁺ T cells are central orchestrators of adaptive immunity, playing critical roles in coordinating immune responses against pathogens, maintaining tolerance, and regulating inflammation. Naïve CD4⁺ T cells, which haven't yet come into contact with their particular antigen, undergo differentiation into distinct effector subsets upon recognition of their cognate antigen presented by “MHC class II molecules”. This differentiation process is strongly influenced by the surrounding cytokine milieu, co-stimulatory signals, and additional environmental cues. In vivo, the cytokine environment is highly complex and dynamic, often comprising overlapping, redundant, or even opposing signals. Nevertheless, well-defined T helper (Th) lineages can be generated in vitro through controlled cytokine-mediated polarization of naïve CD4⁺ T cells, providing a powerful platform to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate T-cell fate decisions. Classic T helper subsets include “Th1, Th2, Th17, T follicular helper (Tfh), and regulatory T cells (Treg)” each defined by distinct transcription factor networks, cytokine profiles, and effector functions. “T helper-1 cells” are primarily involved in cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens, Th-2 cells support humoral responses and defense against helminths, Th17 cells orchestrate mucosal immunity and inflammation, T-fh cells “promote B-cell maturation and antibody production” and Treg cells maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmunity. Recent advances in single-cell genomics, epigenomics, and proteomics have revealed that CD4⁺ T-cell differentiation is highly plastic, with the potential for hybrid or intermediate phenotypes, reflecting the dynamic adaptability of these cells to changing environmental and immunological contexts. Animal models have been instrumental in elucidating the diversity, differentiation, and functional plasticity of “CD4⁺ T cells” providing insights that are relevant to human immunity and the development of immunotherapies.

Abstract— The study was investigation to characterize and compare the histological architecture and histochemical characteristics of the abomasum between Hamadini and Awassi sheep. Ten samples of abomasum from each animal, and five specimens (0.8 cm) from each of the portion of abomasum. According to the study, all animals had three regions in the abomasum: the cardiac, fundic, and pyloric. The glands in the lamina properia of each region were different from one another; the fundus region were covered by correct gastric glands, which had no folds in the mucosa as well as deep gastric pits alongside long glands, while the cardiac glands were mucus-secreting, shallow pits, and short glands with pale, smooth mucosa. Because of the well-developed gastric rugae, which are lined with pyloric glands that secrete mucus and have deeper pits but shorter glands than the fundic region, the mucosa is reddish, and thick. The mucosa looks to be extensively folded, and the pyloric canal is lined with many rugae. Internal, the pyloric sphincter produces a clear circular ring. Awassi sheep often eat higher-energy diets, have thicker abomasal layers, and have higher metabolism and digestive demands. They also need quicker digestion and absorption for milk production and growth. Hamdani sheep have an effective digestive system and are suited to eating poor-quality feed. Rich foods promote increased production of enzymes and acids, as well as increased activity of the gastric glands. The final layer, the tunica serosa, is made of connective tissue that is loose and has blood vessels, while the tunica muscularis appears as circular as well as longitudinal layers. muscle layer thickening to improve stomach emptying, mixing, and motility. According to histochemical data, the stomach cells' composition varied across the abomasal sections and between animals, with Awassi exhibiting a higher mucous secretion. With PAS and AB, the mucous cell mucin staining intensity is faint in the heart, moderate, and robust in the fundic and pyloric. In conclusion, The abomasal regions' varying interior and exterior surfaces correspond to their different digestive functions. The continuous effort to determine the degree of connection across sheep species is aided by this study, which revealed both similarities and variations in the histological architecture of the abomasum.

Abstract— The purpose of this study was to shed light on the histomorphometry structure of cecum of the goat (Capra hircus). Ten samples from the cecum of an adult male goat were used in this investigation. All samples were taken from research animals that were being killed in a local abattoir in the region of Al-Muthanna between November and December 2025. Five specimens obtained from each part of the cecum (apex, body, and base) for each histological and histochemical investigation. The four tunicae mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa or adventitia that make up the cecum wall were shown to have identical structures throughout the study. The structures were visible in the tunica mucosa; the muscularis mucosa, the lamina propria with Lieberkühn crypts, and the epithelium. The tunica's apex was thicker than its other sections, and its lining was made up of simple epithelium that more Lieberkühn crypt and goblet cell were found in the apex of the cecum epithelium than in other areas, and there were more well-developed, simple, tubular, unbranched glands there than elsewhere. Intestinal glands are located close to the lamina muscularis. In the tunica mucosa of the entire cecum, goblet cells were globular-shaped. In Lieberkühn crypts and epithelium, these goblet cells demonstrated a high positive response to periodic acid Schiff and periodic acid Schiff plus Alcian blue stains. The submucosa is made up of many blood arteries, collections of lymphatic nodules, dense irregular connective tissue, adipose tissue, and the absence of glands. In the base of the cecum, the tunica was thicker than in other places. The innermost circular and outside longitudinal smooth muscle fibers that made up the tunica muscularis were thicker at the apex than in other areas. The cecum's modified thickenings and smooth muscle layer of the muscularis externia were arranged at random. The loose connective tissue known as tunica serosa had a mean thickness in the apex that was greater than in other areas. In conclusion, the histological and histochemical features of the goat's cecum show how well it evolved to herbivorous food and how crucial it is for hindgut fermentation, immune system function, and efficient nutrient use.

The current study was designed to investigate some biological effects of the pesticide Permethrin in male white rats. As a result of the present study revealed a significant increase in the concentrations of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) at a probability level of (P < 0.05) in the treated group (T1) which was administered Permethrin at a concentration of 75mg/kg for 45 day. Additionally, the findings revealed a significant decrease in the concentrations of antioxidants (SOD and CAT) in the treated group Tat the aforementioned probability level.
On the other hand, the results demonstrated a significant decrease in the concentrations of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 in the groups T2, T3, and T4 (treated with Permethrin + Selenium, Permethrin + 6-Shogaol, and Permethrin + Selenium + 6-Shogaol simultaneously, respectively) compared to the treated group T1. A significant increase in the concentrations of SOD and CAT was observed compared to T1 at the specified probability level . As for the histological study of the liver of male rats in the treated group T1, it revealed severe adipose steatosis with infiltration of inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages, and dilation of hepatic sinusoids. Conversely, the results of groups T2, T3, and T4 showed a clear improvement in hepatocytes, which appeared radially arranged around the central vein with mild adipose degeneration

The Study was designed to know the effect of black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) on the health and productivity of poultry, which may have positive effects on poultry. 180 unsexed broiler (Rose 308) were divided into three groups: the first group was T0 (control group), the second group T1 had 0.2% Indian black cardamom added to their ratio, and the third group T2 had 0.4% Indian black cardamom added to their ratio.The experiment was conducted at a private poultry farm in the Al-Kamaliyah area 15/11/2025 The study showed a significant increase among the groups (P = 0.012) regarding body weight. Group T1 showed the highest body weight, followed closely by T2 compared with T0. No significant difference was observed between T1 and T2. The weights were as followsT2(2076.33),T1( 2062.53)than T0(1939.27).The statistical results for the rate of weight gain also showed a significant increase among the groups (P = 0.007). Groups T1 and T2 demonstrated high significant in weight gain compared to T0, while the difference between T1 and T2 was not statistically significant.T0(531.47),T1(652.53)and T2(66.33).The rate of feed consumption, the results showed that feed consumption reached its highest levels across all groups, with T1 recording the greatest consumption, followed by T2, whereas T0 remained comparatively lower, In the fifth week, a highly significant difference was detected (P = 0.000). T1 (910±19.354) and T2 (898±10.499) demonstrated higher feed consumption compared with T0 (800±14.15).On other hand feed conversion efficiency showed that group T2(1.39) performed best compared to groups T1(1.50) and T0(1.59). The study concluded the Indian black cardamom plant has the ability to positively influence the productive traits of broiler chickens ,thus enhancing the positive impact on the poultry industry. The results also showed significant differences in the growth of harmful bacteria when culturing E. coli T0(77.20),T1(36.60) and T2(41.40).While Lactobacillus in T0 (28.00),T2( 52.00) and T2(124.00).

Abstract— There has been considerable interest in the use of medicinal plants as possible sources of therapeutic drugs against infectious diseases, especially because of growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Verbascum thapsus (mullein) is a well-known traditional medicinal plant known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. This review highlights recent scientific findings related to phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory properties, and immunomodulatory action of extracts obtained from mullein leaves with special focus on their possible application in the treatment of infectious diseases. Various experiments conducted on mullein extracts showed that they can regulate key inflammatory pathways such as NF-kappa B and MAPK signaling, inhibiting various pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6, and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10. Besides this, numerous studies carried out in vitro and in vivo have confirmed the antimicrobial potential of mullein against both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and its antioxidant action in decreasing oxidative stress. Based on this information, it can be concluded that this species of Verbascum thapsus is an excellent candidate for the development of a natural remedy to combat infectious diseases. Moreover, it also has the potential for use in veterinary medicine to increase immunity and manage infections in animals. Additional studies are necessary to determine its safety, dosage, and effectiveness in treatment.

Abstract— In the recent decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), has been emerged as public health challenges. Since miss uses of antibiotics particularly in the developing countries. The threat of drug-resistant bacteria requires great efforts to develop ‎highly effective and safe bactericide. This study aimed to create silver nano particles (AgNPs) by reduction of silver nitrate with sodium citrate salt. The project included preparation of silver nano particles and characterization of AgNPs; UV–vis, XRD and AFM. Besides, Fifty cloacal swabs were collected from broiler then, bacterial isolation and agar diffusion gel were done. The result of AgNPs characterization were; UV-vis peak at 350 nm; X ray diffraction amorphous crystalline at size 7-10 nm; and AFM grain nanoparticles at size 27nm. The four bacterial spp. gained (50 isolates) were examined to the antibacterial profile of gram-positive bacterial isolates showed sensitivity(mm) to: Ciprofloxacin (21.52± 0.2), Gentamicin (20.54 ± 0.2), Levoxacine (20.57 ± 0.15), Norfloxacin (22.59 ± 0.2), Oxacillin (16.1± 0.2) and resistance to Tetracycline (0.00). Whereas, the antibacterial profile of gram-negative bacterial isolates displayed sensitivity (mm) to: Ciprofloxacin (20.2±0.2), Gentamicin (18.11± 0.1), Levofloxacin (18.22± 0.12), Norfloxacin (20.2±0.2), but resistance to Oxacillin and Tetracycline (00.0). The sensitivity profile of AgNP showed; (20.54 ± 0.2), (16.11± 0.1) against gram positive and gram-negative bacterial isolates respectively. Accordingly, AgNP shown sensitivity to gram positive and gram-negative bacteria included the resistance isolates. The AgNPs as antimicrobial agents holds promise for the use to sanitation process in poultry industry.

Abstract— The aim of this study was to assess the resistance and survival of S. aureus under different environmental stresses (temperature variations and Salinity levels) in domestic and imported poultry meat marketed. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) had been increasingly highlighted due to both its capability of eliciting food poisoning and its ability of causing invasive infections in human beings. The extraordinary ability of this bacterium for surviving under variable environmental conditions such as temperature variations, salinity changes stress results in its being an enduring risk within the chain of poultry production and supply systems. A total of one hundreds poultry meat samples were collected as frozen meat from local markets and fresh meat from butchers (fifty for each one) in Karbala province / Iraq. The period of collection beginning from October 2025 and till the end February 2026, all samples were collected by sterile cold containers, and immediately transport in ice boxes to microbiological laboratory in the university of Karbala, College of Veterinary Medicine for bacteriological investigation. The results were shown a great effect of refrigeration on 8̊ C (0.50 log) for 2 days and cooking at 75̊ (>6.26 log) for 5 mins and low effect of freezing and there is impact effect of salinity (Na Cl) 10 %( 4.28 log) on bacterial growth. This study demonstrated that the cooking and salinity of poultry meat products are unfavorable for S. aureus survival and growth and that the thermal process used during manufacture can limit staphylococcal contamination. This study concluded that ,levels of contamination of the poultry meat products are low when refrigerated temperature or absent in salinity is used for storage of the final product, and killing bacteria in cooking products before consumption.

Abstract— This study set out to measure the frequency of Proteus spp. in hatcher settings gathered in Karbala City, as well as to identify and isolate these species. Bacteria belonging to the Magnoliaceae family, which are peritrichously flagellated, are distinguishable from other members of the order Enterobacterales by the multicellular differentiation phenomenon, which causes them to proliferate in intense and spectacular swarms on solid substrates. Three hundred samples were collected from different hatcheries in the city of Karbala, and culture tests such as (blood agar, MacConkey agar and XLD) and chemical tests such as (G stain, Catalase Oxidase test, Indole test, Cimone Citate test, Triple sugar ion (TSI) agar test and Urase production) were performed. Isolation was confirmed using the VITEK apparatus. The culture and chemical results showed the presence of bacteria Proteus spp .Out of the 300 isolates that were examined, the following categories of samples tested positive (14% of the total): newly 36.6% of hatched chicks, 13.3% of workers, 6.6% of doors, 0% of trays, 0% of incubators, 40% of chicken droppings, 0% of cardboard envelopes, 33.3% of the floor, 26.6% of fans, 20% of ventilation openings, and eggs and other developmental stages (0%) in conclusion P. mirabilis exhibits versatility bacterium recognized as a significant opportunistic uropathogen, particularly known for causing complicated in chicken hatcheries.