Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 4 expression is positively associated with responsiveness to Cisplatin of ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro and with lower tumour grade in mucinous ovarian cancers

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in women, as it is frequently detected at an advanced stage, and cancers often become refractory to chemotherapy. Evidence suggests that dysregulation of pro-apoptotic genes plays a key role in the onset of chemoresistance. The secreted Frizzled-Related Protein (sFRP) family is pro-apoptotic and also a negative modulator of the Wnt signalling cascade. Studies have demonstrated that the re-expression of sFRPs, in particular sFRP4, is associated with a better prognosis, and that experimentally induced expression results in cell death

Increase in erythrocyte osmotic resistance following polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation in show jumper horses

Osmotic fragility test has been used to study the influence of different factors on the osmotic properties of cell membranes. Considering the importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in biological functions we aimed to investigate the effects of dietary PUFA supplementation on erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), blood lactate (BL), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and mean cell volume (MCV) in 10 jumper horses. Two events occurred prior to start supplementing horse's diet and two events occurred after 4 weeks PUFA supplementation. Five horses received the PUFA supplementation (Group A), and five served as controls (Group B). Blood samples were taken before and after each course. The statistical analysis revealed significant increase in BL, Hct, RBC and Hb following exercise (P<0.0001). However, the interaction between exercise and PUFA supplementation (P=0.0083) showed PUFA-supplemented horses having a smaller rise in BL levels (P=0.0107) following exercise. Significant interactions between exercise and PUFA treatment were also found on EOF levels (P<0.05). The hemolysis curves showed PUFA-supplemented horses exhibiting a reduction in EOF compared to controls (P<0.05). Although hemolysis never occurred at 0.9% NaCl concentration, jumping exercise determined an increase in EOF (P=0.0014) at 0.8% NaCl solution. A significant interaction between exercise and PUFA treatment (P=0.0022) was found showing PUFA-supplemented horses having lower EOF (P=0.0015) following exercise. The assessment of EOF is a suitable indicator of athletic performance. The results showed that PUFA supplementation might exert beneficial effects on the horse body system by enhancing the performance in high-level show jumpers

Serum protein electrophoresis pro le during late pregnancy and early post partum period in mares

The aim of the study was to determine how the physiological adjustments occurring during late pregnancy and the early post partum period affect mares’ serum protein profile. Ten pregnant mares (Group A) were monitored from the 34th week of pregnancy until the 3rd week after foaling, ten nonpregnant mares (Group B) were used as the control. Blood samples were collected every 3 weeks, from -16 to -4 weeks preceding parturition, and then every week until the 3rd week after foaling. Additional blood samples were taken within 24±12 h from foaling. The statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in albumin and α2-globulin concentrations obtained from Group A during the experimental period. Dunnet’s test also revealed significantly higher concentrations of α1-globulins, α2-globulins and γ-globulins in group A than in group B. The following results showed that the serum proteins differed in periparturient mares when compared to non-pregnant mares and significant changes in some protein fractions occurred over the experimental period. Focusing on the peripartum period, our study provides specific information about mare’s serum protein profile that could help equine practitioners to better interpret clinical data and promptly diagnose pathological conditions that might compromise the health status of the mare and, as consequence, also her foal

Epigenetics in Canine Mammary Tumors: Upregulation of miR-18a and miR-18b Oncogenes Is Associated with Decreased ERS1 Target mRNA Expression and ERα Immunoexpression in Highly Proliferating Carcinomas

The expression of miRNAs is one of the main epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the regulation of gene expression in mammals, and in cancer, miRNAs participate by regulating the expression of protein-coding cancer-associated genes. In canine mammary tumors (CMTs), the ESR1 gene encodes for ERa, and represents a major target gene for miR-18a and miR-18b, previously found to be overexpressed in mammary carcinomas. A loss in ERa expression in CMTs is commonly associated with poor prognosis, and it is noteworthy that the downregulation of the ESR1 would appear to be more epigenetic than genetic in nature. In this study, the expression of ESR1 mRNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) canine mammary tumors (CMTs) was evaluated and compared with the expression levels of miR18a and miR18b, both assessed via RT-qPCR. Furthermore, the possible correlation between the miRNA expression data and the immunohistochemical prognostic factors (ERa immunoexpression; Ki67 proliferative index) was explored. A total of twenty-six FFPE mammary samples were used, including 22 CMTs (7 benign; 15 malignant) and four control samples (three normal mammary glands and one case of lobular hyperplasia). The obtained results demonstrate that miR-18a and miR-18b are upregulated in malignant CMTs, negatively correlating with the expression of target ESR1 mRNA. Of note, the upregulation of miRNAs strictly reflects the progressive loss of ERa immunoexpression and increased tumor cell proliferation as measured using the Ki67 index. The results suggest a central role of miR-18a and miR-18b in the pathophysiology of canine mammary tumors as potential epigenetic mechanisms involved in ERa downregulation. Moreover, as miRNA expression reflects ERa protein status and a high proliferative index, miR-18a and miR-18b may represent promising biomarkers with prognostic value. More detailed investigations on a larger number of cases are needed to better understand the influence of these miRNAs in canine mammary tumors

Serum proteins profile in Comisana lambs during the first month of life

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to measure the serum total proteins and the serum protein fractions (albumin, α1-, α2-, β-, and γ- globulins) of ten newborn lambs (Comisana breed) during the first 30 days of life in order to obtain useful information for neonatal care. From each animal, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture at the same hour (9.00) every 3 days for 30 days starting from birth (day 0). The concentrations of serum total proteins and albumin, α1-, α2-, β-, γ- globulins, and Albumin/Globulins (A/G) ratio were determined using an automated electrophoresis system. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni's test, was used to determine significant differences between mean values of the studied parameters from the 1st to the 30th day of the experimental period. Data analysis of variance showed a statistical effect of days of life on total proteins, albumin, α1-globulins, β-globulins, γ-globulins and ratio A/G during the first 30 days of life (P<0.0001), while no statistical significant effect of days of life was observed on α2-globulins during the experimental period (P=0.27). The obtained results indicated that passive transfer status, determined from serum immunoglobulin concentration 24 hours after birth, is a significant source of variation in preweaning growth performance in dairy lambs. These finding make a contribution to the knowledge of physiological adaptation in lambs during the first 30 days of life and give useful information for the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal diseases

Lipid and lipoprotein profile changes in dairy cows in response to late pregnancy and the early postpartum period

Abstract. In dairy cows the peripartum period involves endocrine and metabolic changes to compensate for the increased energy requirement aggravated by reduced feed intake. Cows adjust to the resulting negative energy balance with the mobilization of lipids from adipose tissue that, if excessive, could lead to many transition disorders compromising the offspring's growth and well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic changes in serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles in five dairy cows during the peripartum period. For each cow body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW) measurements as well as blood sampling was carried out 60, 30 and 15 days before calving (−60, −30 and −15BC), at calving day (C) and on days 15, 30 and 60 after calving (+15, +30 and +60AC). Blood samples were tested for serum total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs), total cholesterol (Total-Chol), high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the effect of the peripartum period on the studied parameters in cows. A statistically significant effect of the peripartum period (P &amp;lt; 0.05) was found in the values of BCS, BW and all serum lipid and lipoprotein indices measured in cows. The changes observed in lipid indices of peripartum cows could be due to the start of milking and the increase in energy consumption in the body, confirming that metabolic adjustments occur as cows move from the gestation to the lactation period.</p

Infrared methodologies for the assessment of skin temperature daily rhythm in two domestic mammalian species

To assess the accuracy of infrared methodologies for daily rhythm monitoring of skin temperature, five clinically healthy Italian Saddle gelding horses, and five not pregnant and not lactating Camosciata goats, were monitored every 4 h over a 48 h period. The horses were housed in individual boxes, while the goats in two indoor pens, under natural photoperiod and natural environmental temperature. In each animal, skin temperature was recorded with the use of a digital infrared camera and a non-contact infrared thermometer, in five regions: neck, shoulder, ribs, flank and croup. Recorded values were compared with the well-established daily rhythm of rectal temperature. Rectal temperature was recorded at the same time by means of a digital thermometer. In horses, a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using the infrared thermometer for the croup region compared to shoulder and flank; a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using thermography for the croup region compared to the shoulder. In goats, a lower value of skin temperature was recorded using the infrared thermometer for the croup region compared to the flank. In both species, higher values of rectal temperature were observed, compared to the temperature recorded at the skin regions using the other two methodologies. Cosinor rhythmometry showed a daily rhythm of rectal and skin temperature recorded using both methodologies in all the examined regions. General linear model (GLM) showed statistically significant effect of breed on all rhythmic parameters; of day of monitoring on amplitude; of site of recording (rectal vs skin regions) on mesor, amplitude and acrophase; and no effect of methodologies used. The results of this study show the differences in rhythmicity of various body regions temperature and their differences in comparison with daily rhythm rectal temperature. The use of infrared methodologies was inaccurate in assessing body core temperature, but its use could be considered for the evaluation of inflammation in the different body sites

Serum total proteins and related electrophoretic fractions in growing foals

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of serum total proteins, albumin, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2 and γ-globulins in growing foals during the first month of life. Nine clinically healthy foals (five females and four males, mean body weight 39.00 ± 3.50 kg) were enrolled in the study. From each animal, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture every 3 days during the first month of life starting from the day of birth. Serum concentration of total proteins, albumin, α1, α2, β1, β2 and γ-globulins was assessed. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni post hoc comparison test, was used to determine statistically significant effect of the day of life on studied parameters. A statistically significant effect of the day of life on serum total proteins (P < 0.0001), albumin (P < 0.0001) and γ-globulins (P < 0.005) was observed during the first month of life. Our findings emphasize the importance of establishing different reference intervals for serum electrophoretic protein profiles in growing foals based on their physiological status. This study provides useful information that could help clinicians to better interpret clinical data and diagnose equine neonatal disease

Leukocyte modifications during the first month after foaling in mares and their newborn foals

During early post-partum period both neonatal foals and peripartum mares are most susceptible to diseases. The aim of this study was to establish physiologic modifications of leukogram during the first month after foaling in mares and their newborn foals. To this end blood samples were collected from nine mares and nine foals (T0-T10), every three days from the 1st day until the 30th day after foaling. Samples were analysed for white blood cell (WBC) count and differential leucocyte counts. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed, in postpartum mares WBC showed significant higher values at T0 (9.02±0.76) in respect to other time points, and at T2 (8.08±0.53) and T3 (7.92±0.59) compared to T1 (6.98±0.43), whereas in foals lower WBC values at T0 (6.11±0.49) compared to other experimental periods except T1 (6.90±0.94), and at T1 compared to T8 (7.95±0.61) and T10 (7.90±0.36) were observed. The differential leucocyte counts showed significant modifications in the percentage of neutrophils (π<0.001) and lymphocytes (p<0.001) both in postpartum mares and in foals during the experimental period. Furthermore ANOVA showed significant differences between postpartum mares and foals (P<0.01) in all studied parameters, and between postpartum mares and control mares in WBC and neutrophils values. The obtained results provide suitable information about the influence of foaling on leukogram of periparturient mares and reveal WBC dynamics in newborn foals during the first month post-partum

Oral administration of Gum Arabic: effects on haematological parameters and oxidative stress markers in Mugil cephalus

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of the oral administration of Gum Arabic on haematological and some oxidative stress markers in Mugil cephalus. For this purpose 60 mullet caught in Faro Lake (Italy), were acclimatized and fed with commercial diet for 20 days prior to the start of experiment, which lasted 15 days. After acclimatization, fish were randomly divided into two equal groups: control group was fed with commercial pellets. Haematological profile on whole blood and sera was assessed, reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), antioxidant barrier (OXY-ads) and thiol-antioxidant barrier (SHp) were immediately assessed by means of a UV spectrophotometer. Two-way repeated data analysis (ANOVA) showed significant changes only on Thrombocyte Count (TC). In the experimental group an increase in OXY-ads and SHp levels and a significant decrease of d-ROMs were observed after administration of GA