Immunohistochemical expression of dogTERT in canine testicular tumours in relation to PCNA, ki67 and p53 expression

Age-dependent changes in the expression and localization of LYZL4, LYZL6 and PCNA during testicular development in the Ashidan yak

Lysozyme like 4 (LYZL4), lysozyme like 6 (LYZL6) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) are implicated in the regulation of testicular function, but there was no research reported available on the expression patterns of LYZL4, LYZL6 and PCNA genes at different developmental stages of yak testes. In this study, we used the qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry estimated the LYZL4, LYZL6 and PCNA gene expression and protein lo-calization at different developmental stages of yak testes. The qPCR results showed that the mRNA expression of LYZL4, LYZL6 and PCNA genes significantly increased with age in the testes of yaks. Western blot results showed that the protein abundance of LYZL4, LYZL6 and PCNA in yak testes was significantly higher after puberty than before puberty. Furthermore, the results of immunohistochemistry indicated that LYZL4, LYZL6 and PCNA may be involved in the regulation of spermatogonia proliferation and Leydig cell function in immature testis. In adult yak testes, LYZL4, LYZL6 and PCNA may involve in the development of round spermatids and primary spermatocytes during testicular development. Our results indicated that LYZL4, LYZL6 and PCNA may be involved in the development of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and gonocytes in yak testes.

Preliminary Evidence of the Possible Roles of the Ferritinophagy-Iron Uptake Axis in Canine Testicular Cancer

Iron is a key element in spermatogenesis; its metabolic pathway in the testis is strictly regulated. Alterations in iron metabolism are linked to various diseases, including cancer, and changes in iron metabolism-related proteins have been observed in multiple human, mouse and canine tumors. There is limited knowledge about iron metabolism in canine non-neoplastic and neoplastic testes. This study aimed to explore the immunohistochemical expression of molecules involved in iron uptake and storage [Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1), ferritin (FTH1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)] and PCNA in canine non-neoplastic and neoplastic testicular samples. Non-neoplastic testes showed moderate TfR1 expression in developing germ cells and Sertoli cells, high NCOA4 cytoplasmic immunostaining in the Sertoli cells and occasional cytoplasmic immunopositivity for FTH1 in the spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. In contrast, Leydig cell tumors (LCTs) and Diffuse Type Seminoma (DSEM) exhibited increased expression of TfR1, along with higher PCNA expression, suggesting a higher iron need for proliferation. Intratubular Type Seminoma (ITSEM) showed a higher FTH1 expression, indicating greater iron storage, while the increased NCOA4 expression in the LCTs and DSEM suggested ferritinophagy to release iron for proliferation. Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) showed only NCOA4 expression. These preliminary findings highlight potential molecular targets for developing new anti-neoplastic treatments in canine testicular tumors.

Senescence and adiponectin signaling - Studies in canine testis

BACKGROUND

The meaning of senescence for tissue physiological and pathological conditions is poorly known. Based on initial reports especially proteins and mechanisms that regulate this process are necessary to be determinate.

METHODS

The main aim of the study was to investigate the presence of senescent cells in canine testicular tissue (mixed breed testes; n = 60) in relation to adiponectin signaling. In detail, new information on the senescence cell number, as well as senescence and adiponectin signaling mechanisms in cryptorchid and germ cell tumor testes were provided with the use of immunohistochemical and colorimetric analyses.

RESULTS

Comparison of immunohistochemical results, in cryptorchid and tumor testes revealed increased number of senescent cells (p16 and γH2AX markers). Increased expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 1, as well as extracellular signal-activated kinase (ERK1/2) in pathological testes were detected. In addition, decreased cholesterol and increased testosterone levels in tumor testis were found.

CONCLUSION

The present study is the first to demonstrate the presence as well as the differences that exist in senecent cell number in mixed breed dog testes with cryptorchidism and germ cell tumor. Altered expression of adiponectin signaling and ERK1/2 signaling pathways together with altered cholesterol and testosterone levels reflect important senescence role in disturbed functions of canine testis. Moreover, the application of studied here senescence regulating molecules for detection and prevention against pathologies of the male gonad should be furtherly considered.

Low level expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase predicts cancer-related death and progression in embryonal carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) is a catalytic subunit of the enzyme telomerase and has a role in cell proliferation, cellular senescence, and human aging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression and significance of hTERT protein expression as a prognostic marker in different histological subtypes of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), including 46 embryonal carcinomas, 46 yolk sac tumors, 38 teratomas, 84 seminomas as well as two main subtypes of seminomas and non-seminomas using tissue microarray (TMA) technique.

RESULTS

The results showed that there is a statistically significance difference between the expression of hTERT and various histological subtypes of TGCTs (P < 0.001). In embryonal carcinoma, low level expression of hTERT protein was significantly associated with advanced pT stage (P = 0.023) as well as tunica vaginalis invasion (P = 0.043). Moreover, low level expression of hTERT protein was found to be a significant predictor of worse DSS (log rank: P = 0.011) and PFS (log rank: P = 0.011) in the univariate analysis. Additionally, significant differences were observed (P =0.021, P =0.018) with 5-year survival rates for DSS and PFS of 66% and 70% for moderate as compared to 97% and 97% for high hTERT protein expression, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We showed that hTERT protein expression was associated with more aggressive tumor behavior in embryonal carcinoma patients. Also, hTERT may be a novel worse prognostic indicator of DSS or PFS, if the patients are followed up for more time periods.

Immunohistochemical detection of p53 and pp53 Ser392 in canine hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas located in the skin

Background

p53 protein is essential for the regulation of cell proliferation. Aberrant accumulation of it usually occurs in cutaneous malignancies. Mutant p53 is detected by immunohistochemistry because it is more stable than the wild-type p53. However, post-translational modifications of p53 in response to ultraviolet radiation are important mechanisms of wild-type p53 stabilization, leading to positive staining in the absence of mutation. The aims were: 1) to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of p53 and phospho-p53 Serine³⁹² in canine skin endothelial tumours; and 2) to determine if any relationship exists between p53 and phospho-p53 Serine³⁹² overexpression and cell proliferation.

Results

p53 and phospho-p53 Serine³⁹² immunolabeling was examined in 40 canine cutaneous endothelial tumours (13 hemangiomas and 27 hemangiosarcomas). Their expression was associated with tumour size, hemangiosarcoma stage (dermal versus hypodermal), histological diagnosis and proliferative activity (mitotic count and Ki-67 index). Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase of p53 immunoreactivity in hemangiosarcomas (median, 74.61%; interquartile range [IQR], 66.97–82.98%) versus hemangiomas (median, 0%; IQR, 0–20.91%) (p < .001) and in well-differentiated hemangiosarcomas (median, 82.40%; IQR, 66.49–83.17%) versus hemangiomas (p = .002). Phospho-p53 Serine³⁹² immunoreactivity was significantly higher in hemangiosarcomas (median, 53.80%; IQR, 0–69.50%) than in hemangiomas (median, 0%; IQR, 0.0%) (p < .001). Positive correlation of the overexpression of p53 and phospho-p53 Serine³⁹² with mitotic count and Ki-67 index was found in the cutaneous vascular tumours (p < .001). The Ki-67 index of the hemangiomas (median, 0.50%; IQR, 0–2.80%) was significantly lower than that of the hemangiosarcomas (median, 34.85%; IQR, 23.88–42.33%) (p < .001), and that specifically of well-differentiated hemangiosarcomas (median, 24.60%; IQR, 15.45–39.35%) (p = .001). Immunolabeling of 18 visceral hemangiosarcomas showed that the p53 (median, 41.59%; IQR, 26.89–64.87%) and phospho-p53 Serine392 (median, 0%; IQR, 0–22.53%) indexes were significantly lower than those of skin (p = .001; p = .006, respectively).

Conclusions

The p53 and phospho-p53 Serine³⁹²overexpression together with high proliferative activity in hemangiosarcomas versus hemangiomas indicated that p53 might play a role in the acquisition of malignant phenotypes in cutaneous endothelial neoplasms in dogs. The Ki-67 index may be useful in distinguishing canine well-differentiated hemangiosarcomas from hemangiomas.

Fatal haemorrhage and neoplastic thrombosis in a captive African lion (Panthera leo) with metastatic testicular sex cord-stromal tumour

BACKGROUND

The study of neoplasia in wildlife species contributes to the understanding of cancer biology, management practices, and comparative pathology. Higher frequencies of neoplasms among captive non-domestic felids have been reported most commonly in aging individuals. However, testicular tumours have rarely been reported. This report describes a metastatic testicular sex cord-stromal tumour leading to fatal haemorrhage and thrombosis in a captive African lion (Panthera leo).

CASE PRESENTATION

During necropsy of a 16-year-old male African lion, the left testicle and spermatic cord were found to be intra-abdominal (cryptorchid), semi-hard and grossly enlarged with multiple pale-yellow masses. Encapsulated haemorrhage was present in the retroperitoneum around the kidneys. Neoplastic thrombosis was found at the renal veins opening into the caudal vena cava. Metastases were observed in the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes. Histology revealed a poorly differentiated pleomorphic neoplasm comprised of round to polygonal cells and scattered spindle cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. An immunohistochemistry panel of inhibin-α, Ki-67, human placental alkaline phosphatase, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, cKit, vimentin and S100 was conducted. Positive cytoplasmic immunolabeling was obtained for vimentin and S100.

CONCLUSIONS

The gross, microscopic and immunohistochemical findings of the neoplasm were compatible with a poorly differentiated pleomorphic sex cord-stromal tumour. Cause of death was hypovolemic shock from extensive retroperitoneal haemorrhage and neoplastic thrombosis may have contributed to the fatal outcome. To our knowledge, this is the first report of sex cord-stromal tumour in non-domestic felids.

Effects of Oregano, Attapulgite, Benzoic Acid and their Blend on Chicken Performance, Intestinal Microbiology and Intestinal Morphology

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of oregano, attapulgite, benzoic acid and their combination on broiler performance, microflora composition of jejunum and cecum, intestinal architecture and breast and thigh meat composition. A total of 400 one-day-old broiler chicks were used in a 42-day trial. They were randomly distributed into five treatments with four replicates of twenty chickens per pen: Control group; Attapulgite group; Oregano essential oil group; Benzoic acid group; Mixed group. At the end of the trial, total counts of bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacilli, and Clostridium perfringens were enumerated by real time PCR at both jejunum and cecum. Intestinal morphology was carried out in duodenum, jejunum and ileum, for villus height and crypt depth. Cell proliferation was also evaluated in the small intestine and the cecum. The results showed that oregano and benzoic acid improved some growth performance parameters. The combined use of the examined substances increased enterobacteria counts in the jejunum, and cell proliferation in the duodenum and the jejunum. Benzoic acid improved intestinal wall morphology in the ileum. In conclusion, the combined dietary supplementation with oregano, attapulgite and benzoic acid can be a novel tool to beneficially modulate broiler chickens performance.

PCNA and grade in 13 canine oral squamous cell carcinomas: association with prognosis

This study evaluated the prognosis factors of age, tumour size, anatomic location, histological grade and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in 13 dogs with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with bone invasion and without signs of lymph node or distant metastasis. All animals were treated with radical excision performed with at least 1 cm margin, based on computed tomography images. In the 2-year follow-up, median disease-free survival was 138 days for dogs with grade 3 tumours and was not reached for those with grade 2 tumours. Grade 3 tumours and PCNA labelling index ≥65% were related with a shorter disease-free survival time and consequently poor prognosis (p = 0.003 and p = 0.034, respectively). Mean PCNA labelling index was significantly higher in recurrent cases (p = 0.011). Histological grade and PCNA expression may be important prognosis factors in canine OSCC.