BMC Veterinary Research最新文献

{"title":"Ancient and dominant: a novel feline immunodeficiency virus subtype \"X-EGY\" identified in Egyptian cats associated with high prevalence.","authors":"Mahmoud S Safwat, Amany D Bahr, Noha M Bakry, Haitham M Amer, Ausama A Yousif, Amir A Shehata, Othman N O Mansour, Nehal M Shahen, Reham Karam, Samah Eid, Ghada M Khalil, Omnia H Refaei","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04943-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-04943-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"497"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12395775/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144942100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Herbs impact on poultry health and antimicrobial resistance: a scoping review with one health perspective.","authors":"Maha Dardouri, Meriem Maher Mtibaa, Sana Azaiez, Ahlem Mahjoub Khachroub, Wejdene Mansour","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04760-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04760-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>According to evidence, medicinal plants such as thyme, rosemary, and fenugreek were beneficial for human health. Recently, these plants showed a great impact in animal health, particularly in poultry.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To map the body of literature on the impact of medicinal plants on poultry health, including growth performance, gut microbiota, and mortality.</p><p><strong>Eligibility criteria: </strong>Articles published in the English language from January 2019 to February 2023 randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, conducted on hens, chickens, or chicks that aimed to assess the effect of medicinal plants with or without prebiotics, on health-related outcomes including growth performance, mortality rate, and gut microbiota composition.</p><p><strong>Sources of evidence: </strong>From December 2022 to February 2023, a systematic search on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.</p><p><strong>Charting methods: </strong>Data charting was performed using a standardized form on Excel 365 that included study identification features, population and sample size, study groups, intervention description, follow-up period, and main outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After the second screening, 38 articles were included. Results showed that thyme, rosemary, and peppermint were widely tested, and they were effective in promoting body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, live body weight, and microbiota, and in reducing mortality rate and intestinal multiple resistant bacteria. Cinnamon, lemon, garlic, and fenugreek were less commonly experimented. However, some studies that they were effective in improving growth performance and improving gut microbiota in healthy chickens.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Various studies confirmed that 5 to 6 g/kg of thyme powder was effective in improving growth performance and gut microbiota in healthy chickens. Further experiments are needed to compare the impact of thyme to antibiotics in chickens infected with multiple drug-resistant bacteria.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"499"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12306046/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144741127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and diversity of Helicobacter species in captive wild carnivores, and their implications for conservation management of endangered species.","authors":"Wasim Uddin, Gulafsha Khan, Sneha Narayan, Neha Sharma, Basavaraj S Holeyachi, Md Abdul Hakeem, Archana Bharadwaj Siva, P Anuradha Reddy","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04886-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04886-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"498"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12305912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144741129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pathogenicity and virulence of Aeromonas schubertii in farmed Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Thailand.","authors":"Clara Trullàs, Sirikorn Kitiyodom, Komkiew Pinpimai, Putita Chokmangmeepisarn, Manoj Tukaram Kamble, Channarong Rodkhum, Nopadon Pirarat","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04940-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04940-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Aeromonas schubertii, an emerging pathogen primarily recognized in humans, shrimps, and other mammals, is increasingly implicated in aquatic animal diseases. Despite its growing prevalence, reports of its involvement in fish diseases are limited. This study investigates a natural outbreak of A. schubertii associated with high mortality in cultured Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Thailand and suggest its potential pathogenicity in cultured fish species.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>To investigate the cause of mortality in Asian seabass at a commercial farm in central Thailand, two A. schubertii isolates-CHULA2021a and CHULA2021b-were recovered from moribund and dead juvenile fish. Naturally infected fish exhibited lethargy and slow swimming behavior, without any visible external lesions. In experimentally infected fish, clinical signs developed within 96 h post-exposure and included nodular lesion, and severe necrosis in the spleen, kidney, and liver. Histological examination revealed extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells, multifocal necrosis, marked hepatic damage, and occasional granuloma-like formations. Immunohistochemistry detected A. schubertii antigens predominantly in gill epithelium and phagocytic cells with the strongest signals observed in the head kidney. Survival analysis demonstrated significantly higher mortality in both immersion (87%) and injection (90%) groups compared to controls. Genomic analysis revealed a 4.2 Mb genome with 61% GC content. Phylogenetic analysis grouped A. schubertii with related Aeromonas species and highlighted distinct genetic features. Most identified virulence genes were related to adherence, particularly flagellar function, followed by a substantial number associated with secretion systems, predominantly type III and type VI.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study reports the presence of A. schubertii in Asian seabass and its association with significant mortality during a natural outbreak. The integration of experimental infection data, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry contributes to a comprehensive understanding of its pathogenicity and supports the development of effective control measures. Additionally, genome analysis and identification of virulence genes providing molecular insights into potential virulence mechanisms. These findings enhance our understanding of the organism's pathogenic mechanisms and provide insights for future diagnostics and disease management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"493"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12297623/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anthelmintic effects of Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae) and Piper betle L. (Piperaceae) combination on adult Haemonchus spp.: a scanning electron microscopy study.","authors":"Sivapong Sungpradit, Arpron Leesombun, Chanokporn Chanakarn, Chowalit Nakthong, Sookruetai Boonmasawai","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04951-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04951-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effects of methanolic extracts from Areca catechu seeds and Piper betle leaves and their combined mixture against adult Haemonchus spp. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was performed to identify the constituent compounds. Adult worm motility was evaluated along with inhibition percentages at varying concentrations and time points and subsequently compared to controls. The ultrastructural changes were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05, and the median effective concentration (EC₅₀) values were determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The combined methanolic extracts of A. catechu and P. betle at 5% concentration significantly inhibited the motility of adult female and male Haemonchus within 15 min in vitro. The analysis revealed 58 phytochemicals, including hydroxychavicol (45.66%), eugenol (13.66%), allylpyrocatechol diacetate (8.13%), acetyleugenol (6.16%), isoeugenyl acetate (5.45%), γ-muurolene (3.03%), and arecoline (2.73%) as the major components in combined extract. These herbal extracts affect the anthelmintic vitality, evidently through inducing the cuticular damage and leakage of biological substances through cuticular fissures by SEM.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study results indicate that the methanolic extracts possess significant ability to inhibit the nematode motility and the morphological destruction caused the leakage of internal substances from circular furrows between the cuticular annuli. The cuticular damage along the entire body after the plant exposure, likely contributed to worm mortality. Taken together, these herbal effects warrant further investigation for controlling gastrointestinal nematode infections in livestock.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"491"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12297789/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Milking systems and colostrum handling as an agent for the spread of poliarthritic Streptococcus dysgalactiae strains in sheep farms: case report.","authors":"Álvaro Cañete-Reyes, Jorge Gutiérrez González, Lauren V Alteio, David Rodríguez-Lázaro, Marta Hernández","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04944-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04944-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Streptococcus dysgalactiae is the main cause of neonatal polyarthritis in sheep and is also an important agent in ovine mastitis. However, the main sources of contamination by this pathogen have not been studied in depth.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A polyarthritis outbreak in 2-3-day-old lambs with an incidence rate of approximately 40%, was reported in a sheep farm focused on sheep's milk and lamb's meat. The problem persisted over three consecutive lambing cycles. The pathogen was identified as S. dysgalactiae by 16 S rRNA sequencing of joint fluid. Its genome was isolated and sequenced as S. dysgalactiae MLST 454. The main antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors were determined. The water supply, milking system, and pasteurisation efficiency were tested by standard plate count methods as well as 16 S rRNA sequencing techniques. High levels of contamination were found in the milking system and colostrum, with the presence of Streptococcus spp. and S. dysgalactiae. The implementation of enhanced pasteurization and more rigorous decontamination of the milking system were sufficient to control the problem on the farm.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study reveals the role of the milking system contamination in facilitating the spread of bacteria, such as S. dysgalactiae and provides evidence for the existence of an oral pathway of infection via colostrum.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"490"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12297566/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic structure and evolutionary dynamics of Babesia gibsoni populations: a cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COXI) gene-based study.","authors":"Ansu Kumari, Divya Agnihotri, Anil Kumar Nehra, Aman Dev Moudgil, Yudhbir Singh, Prem Sagar Maurya, Devendra Prasad Pateer, Rajat Garg","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04947-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04947-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite causing piroplasmosis in dogs globally. A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the genetic characterization of B. gibsoni using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) gene. To address this, the current study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and population genetics of B. gibsoni based on COXI gene sequences (≥ 649 bp) in the GenBank.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all B. gibsoni isolates clustered into a single large monophyletic clade based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences, exhibiting high sequence similarity ranging from 98.2-100% at the nucleotide level and 99.1-100% at the amino acid level. Sequence alignment of the COXI gene identified 17 variable sites, including 13 synonymous (T66A, T162C, C177T, T240C, A423G, C426T, G474A, T477C, G486A, T489C, T516C, A531G, and T609A), and four non-synonymous (G138A, C191T, C194T, and G316A) mutations that resulted in amino acid substitutions at four places (M46I, T64I, S65F and V106I). A median-joining haplotype network constructed from the sequences revealed 10 distinct haplotypes, with six of them comprising multiple sequences (2-5 sequences each). No haplotype was shared between any two countries. The Indian population exhibited the highest nucleotide and haplotype diversities, while the Japanese population showed the lowest. Global dataset demonstrated low nucleotide (0.00767 ± 0.00076) and high haplotype (0.911 ± 0.040) diversities. Significant genetic differentiation was observed between Indian and Japanese populations (F_ST = 0.51910; P < 0.05), with moderate gene flow (Nm = 0.46321) between them. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that over half of the genetic variation occurred between populations (52.23%), rather than within them (47.77%). Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions suggested that B. gibsoni populations have maintained a constant size. Analysis of the secondary structure of the COXI protein revealed a composition of nine alpha helices, with no beta sheets present. It contained three extracellular domains, five transmembrane domains, and three cytoplasmic domains. Notably, the structure lacked disulfide bonds and signal peptides but featured one N-glycosylation site at position 197. No O-glycosylation sites were detected.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study presents the first comprehensive genetic and population-level characterization of B. gibsoni using mitochondrial COXI gene analysis. The findings offer a valuable reference for developing more effective control strategies against canine babesiosis caused by B. gibsoni.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"492"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12297807/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pathological alteration and caspase-dependent activity of feline kidneys in natural infection of feline morbillivirus.","authors":"Aisyah Nikmatuz Zahro, Panida Poonsin, Michael Sieg, Thomas Vahlenkamp, Chutchai Piewbang, Somporn Techangamsuwan","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04953-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04953-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) has been associated with renal pathology in cats; however, the specific pathological alterations caused by FeMV infection remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate histopathological changes, viral localization, and apoptotic activity in the kidneys of FeMV-infected cats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Kidney tissues from 150 deceased cats with suspected or confirmed chronic kidney disease (CKD) were screened for FeMV using conventional reverse-transcription PCR (cRT-PCR). Positive cases were genotyped and quantified for viral load using reverse-transcription digital PCR (RT-dPCR). A control group of nine FeMV-negative kidneys with CKD was included for comparison. Histological evaluation was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were employed to localize viral antigens and assess expression of apoptotic markers, including cleaved caspase-3 (cCasp3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), and BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>FeMV RNA was detected in 6% (9/150) of kidneys, all classified as genotype 1. Histological findings in FeMV-positive cases included eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, lymphoplasmacytic tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) and varying degrees of fibrosis. FeMV antigens were localized in the renal tubular epithelial cells. Statistically, cCasp3 expression (P = 0.005) and interstitial fibrosis (P = 0.040) were significantly higher in FeMV-positive cases than in FeMV-negative controls. No significant differences were observed for TIN, BAX, or BCL-2 expression (P > 0.05). Among FeMV-positive cases, viral load was significantly associated with cCasp3 expression (P = 0.049), but not with TIN, fibrosis, BAX, or BCL-2 expression. Spearman's correlation revealed a strong positive correlation between viral load and cCasp3 expression (ρ = 0.8222, P = 0.007).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>FeMV infection in cats was associated with increased caspase-3-mediated apoptotic activity and interstitial fibrosis in kidney tissue, particularly in cases with higher viral loads. While these findings suggest a possible role for FeMV in renal injury, the absence of consistent associations with other apoptotic markers and inflammatory parameters indicates that additional factors may contribute to disease progression. Further studies, including longitudinal and experimental investigations, are needed to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms and the clinical relevance of FeMV in feline kidney disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"489"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12291386/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bloodthirsty bites: host-feeding patterns of phlebotomine sand flies from two localities in the Aegean Region of Türkiye.","authors":"Metin Pekagirbas, Fatma Bursali, Serkan Bakirci","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04881-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04881-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study determined the blood-feeding patterns of different wild-caught sandflies collected from Aydin and Mugla provinces located in the Aegean region, Türkiye. Adult sand fly specimens (194 females and 86 males, 280 in total) were collected from two different villages using three CDC light traps in August and October 2024. Of the 194 female specimens, 38 were found to be blood-fed, 137 were non-blood-fed, and 19 were gravid. Among the blood fed, 23 specimens comprising 20 Phlebotomus papatasi and 3 P. tobbi were from Aydin and 15 specimens comprising 14 P. major s.l., 1 P. alexandri were from Mugla. Blood-feeding patterns of these species was determined using direct ELISA technique and multiplex PCR method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All the samples collected from Aydin blood fed from Bos taurus whereas females sampled from Mugla locality blood-fed from Canis lupus (8/15) and Gallus domesticus (7/15). These findings validated using both PCR and ELISA. Although both methods commonly used in blood meal analysis have inherent limitations and disadvantages, all samples in this study were successfully analyzed, and the results from both methods showed a high level of agreement. The efficacy of the methods was compared using McNemar's test.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the region to compare ELISA and PCR methodologies in determining the host feeding patterns of sand flies. The detection of blood meal in field-caught sand flies has the potential to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, thereby contributing to the planning of strategic control methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"488"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12291227/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144717423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protective effects of folic acid on ischemia‒reperfusion injury in rat uterus: reduces inflammation damage and apoptotic death.","authors":"Zahid Paksoy, Nihat Yumusak","doi":"10.1186/s12917-025-04949-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12917-025-04949-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Uterine torsion is a pregnancy pathology that poses risks to both maternal and fetal health. This condition is closely associated with the relaxation of uterine ligaments due to hormonal changes and the increased size of the gravid uterus. It occurs when the uterus rotates around its own axis. This torsion can result in ischemia, and if untreated, may progress to necrosis and fetal loss. Folic acid has protective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of folic acid to reduce ischemia‒reperfusion (IR) injury in the rat uterus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>IR caused severe edema, inflammation, congestion, hemorrhage, vasoconstriction, and necrosis in the uterus. Histopathological damage was less pronounced in rats treated with folic acid. Although the endometrial layer, critical for fertility, suffered significant damage, folic acid effectively prevented this injury. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that caspase-3 activity, a marker of apoptosis, increased in response to IR. However, folic acid treatment attenuated this activity, and uterine inflammation also reduced. High-dose folic acid inhibited TNF-alpha immunoreactivity. Interestingly, folic acid did not activate antioxidant mechanisms to reduce oxidative stress. Nevertheless, it mitigated IR-induced damage by reducing endometrial injury and preventing inflammation and apoptosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>As a result, uterine torsion can lead to endometrial damage, degeneration, inflammation, and apoptosis, potentially affecting fertility. High-dose folic acid treatment may protect the uterus from these damages, thereby preserving fertility. This study suggests that folic acid, particularly at high doses, may be safe and beneficial treatment to prevent IR damage and promote uterine health.</p>","PeriodicalId":9041,"journal":{"name":"BMC Veterinary Research","volume":"21 1","pages":"486"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12288322/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}