Effect of Halofuginone on Blood Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances, Testosterone and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-Prostaglandin F2α Levels in Male Yearling Sheep

Aims: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of halofuginone on serum of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and plasma testosterone, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandinF2α (PGM) levels in male yearling sheep. It was also evaluated the effects of halofuginone on routine blood biochemistry and hemogram values.

Methodology: Ten male yearling sheep were treated at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg of halofuginone (PO, SID) for 15 days. Blood samples were collected before treatment (day 0, control) and on treatment days 5, 10, and 15. Hemogram parameters and the levels of TBARS, PGM, troponin I, creatinine kinase-MB, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and calcium were determined.

Results: No statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in the levels of TBARS, testosterone or PGM were observed. The erythrocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total protein and calcium levels were lower (P<0.05) following the halofuginone treatment, whereas levels of troponin I, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were higher (P<0.05), compared with the control values.

Conclusion: Halofuginone might cause anemia and organ damage, whereas it has no significant effect on indicators of fertility, oxidative status, or inflammation at the dosage and duration of treatment in male yearling sheep.