Effect of Immunomodulator Zylexis on Blood Glutathione, Malondialdehyde, Nitric Oxide, Total and Lipid Bound Sialic Acids Levels in Calves

Zylexis is a paraimmunity activator containing inactive paropoxvirus ovis which has been utilised as a protective against variety of infectious diseases. Nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species and sialic acids are mediators playing important roles in inflammation and the regulation of immune response. In this study, effects of Zylexis administration on blood glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total and lipid-bound sialic acid (TSA, LSA) levels were investigated in calves. For this purpose, 12 Brown Swiss breed calves at 6-8 months of age were used. Prior to the drug administration (on day 0), blood samples were collected, and then Zylexis (2 ml) was applied intramuscularly to the each calve on days 1, 3 and 5. Blood samples were also collected on days 1, 3 and 5 for biochemical analysis. In comparison to day zero samples, Zylexis increased the blood MDA levels on days 1 and 3, while GSH level was decreased on days 1, 3 and 5. NO concentration was significantly increased following Zylexis treatment on all days as compared to those of day zero samples. TSA levels decreased on day 1, while no difference was found on day 3 and 5, as compared to day zero. Moreover, LSA levels remained unchanged on days 1 and 3, while there was an increase on day 5 following Zylexis treatment. In conclusion, Zylexis could alter oxidative stress parameters leading to lipid peroxidation by increasing MDA and reduction of antioxidant status by decreasing GSH levels. Moreover, NO and sialic acid levels in the blood were also changed after drug administration. Considering the possible relationships with immune response, alterations in these parameters require further investigations.