23 research outputs found
Dog filariosis in the Lazio region (Central Italy): first report on the presence of Dirofilaria repens
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological investigations were carried out in the Lazio Region to assess the status of canine filariosis and to evaluate the actual risk for veterinary and medical public health. METHODS: Since August 2001 to June 2003, a total of 972 canine blood samples, collected in public kennels and from private owners animals of the 5 Provinces of the Region, were tested. The presence of filarial parasites was evaluated by microscopy and bio-molecular techniques; the species identification was performed by means of the same diagnostic tools. RESULTS: A total of 17/972 (1.75%; 95%CI 1.06%–2.85%) blood samples were parasitized by D. repens,13 out them drawn by dogs resident in the Province of Roma, and 4 in the other provinces. Multivariate analysis was performed in order to evaluate the association between filariosis and risk factors. The origin from coastal territories seems to be a significant risk factor to acquire the infection. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of canine filariosis in the Lazio Region, where D. repens was before reported only in foxes. The risk of human zoonotic infection is stressed, and the absence of other filarial species is discusse
The adipocyte: a model for integration of endocrine and metabolic signaling in energy metabolism regulation
The ability to ensure continuous availability of energy despite highly variable
supplies in the environment is a major determinant of the survival of all
species. In higher organisms, including mammals, the capacity to efficiently
store excess energy as triglycerides in adipocytes, from which stored energy
could be rapidly released for use at other sites, was developed. To orchestrate
the processes of energy storage and release, highly integrated systems operating
on several physiological levels have evolved. The adipocyte is no longer
considered a passive bystander, because fat cells actively secrete many members
of the cytokine family, such as leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and
interleukin-6, among other cytokine signals, which influence peripheral fuel
storage, mobilization, and combustion, as well as energy homeostasis. The
existence of a network of adipose tissue signaling pathways, arranged in a
hierarchical fashion, constitutes a metabolic repertoire that enables the
organism to adapt to a wide range of different metabolic challenges, such as
starvation, stress, infection, and short periods of gross energy excess