Browsing by Author "Bilgic, Bengu"

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Determination of Retinol, Cholecalciferol, Α-Tocopherol and Phylloquinone Levels in Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Preliminary Study
(MDPI, 2025) Bilgic, Bengu; Isik, Muhammed; Bakir, Ahmet; Ekin, Suat; Kozat, Suleyman; Pugliese, Michela; Or, Mehmet Erman
Lipid-soluble vitamins are essential micronutrients that play a vital role in processes such as growth, reproduction, immune regulation, antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory response and cardiovascular health. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma levels of retinol, cholecalciferol, alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Six dogs diagnosed with DCM and ten healthy control dogs were selected based on clinical, echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and radiographic examinations. Chromatographic analysis was performed to analyze the content of lipid-soluble vitamins. The mean plasma retinol levels were 0.0285 mu g/mL and 0.0495 mu g/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively, and the mean cholecalciferol levels were 0.0739 mu g/mL and 0.1045 mu g/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively. Retinol and cholecalciferol levels were both statistically lower in the DCM group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean plasma alpha-tocopherol levels were 0.3103 and 0.4322 mu g/mL, and the mean plasma phylloquinone levels were 0.03780 and 0.04082 mu g/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively. However, no statistical significance was observed between the two groups for alpha-tocopherol or phylloquinone levels. Based on our findings, alterations in vitamin A and D metabolism could be associated with the development of idiopathic DCM in dogs. However, given the limited sample size, further investigation in larger populations is needed.
Evaluation of the Diversities in the Inflammatory Responses in Cats With Bacterial and Viral Infections
(Wiley, 2024) Erhan, Songul; Bilgic, Bengu; Ergen, Ezgi; Erek, Mert; Ergul Ekiz, Elif; Ozcan, Mukaddes; Matur, Erdal
BackgroundUnderstanding the nature of inflammatory responses in cats with bacterial and viral infections is essential for accurately managing the infection. This study aimed to investigate the diversities of inflammatory responses between bacterial and viral infections in cats to figure out their role in the pathophysiology of these infections.MethodsSeventy-five owned cats were included in the study. The evaluations were performed based on three groups: healthy control, bacterial infection group (those with bronchopneumonia and gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract infections) and viral infection group (21 with feline coronavirus [FCoV], 3 with feline leukaemia virus [FeLV] and 1 with feline calicivirus), each containing 25 individuals. Total and differential leukocyte counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations were assessed in the blood samples collected from sick and healthy animals.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was noted in serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-10 concentrations of the infected cats (p = 0.996, p = 0.160 and p = 0.930, respectively). Serum TGF-beta concentration in the viral infection group was reduced compared to the healthy control (p = 0.001). In contrast, WBC count and IL-6 and CRP concentrations were increased in the cats with bronchopneumonia, gastrointestinal tract infections and urinary tract infections compared to the healthy control and viral infection groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThis study revealed significant differences between bacterial and viral infections regarding the fashion of inflammatory responses in cats, and the relevant data will undoubtedly contribute to the management and control of feline infectious diseases, rendering the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Investigation of Effects of Low Ruminal Ph Values on Serum Concentrations of Macrominerals, Trace Elements, and Vitamins and Oxidative Status of Dairy Cows
(MDPI, 2025) Katsoulos, Panagiotis D.; Bilgic, Bengu; Tarhan, Duygu; Ates, Fatma; Ekin, Suat; Kozat, Suleyman; Panousis, Nikolaos
Due to the feeding system (high-concentrate diet) during the early lactation stage, ruminal pH in dairy cows follows a diurnal pattern and can remain below the critical level of 5.5 for extended periods of the day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low ruminal pH on blood concentrations of certain macrominerals, trace minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins and on the oxidative status of dairy cows during the first half of lactation. Fifty-three randomly selected lactating Holstein cows were used; blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected from all cows on days 30, 90 and 150 of lactation. Blood samples were obtained via coccygeal venipuncture, while the ruminal fluid was obtained by rumenocentesis and the pH was measured immediately after collection. Using a threshold pH of 5.5, samples were classified as normal (pH > 5.5) or low pH (pH <= 5.5). Serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, and vitamins A, D3, E, and K were not significantly affected by ruminal pH, either by days in milk or by their interaction (p > 0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione followed the same trend (p > 0.05). Copper concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and Fe concentration tended to be higher in cows with low pH compared to those with normal pH (p = 0.052). On day 150 of lactation, Cu, Fe, and Co concentrations were significantly higher in low-pH cows compared to normal-pH cows (p < 0.05). Low ruminal pH is associated with significant changes in serum concentrations of copper, iron, and cobalt but has no significant effect on the oxidative status of the animals or on the serum concentrations of the macro elements and fat-soluble vitamins studied.