Comparison of serum cytokine levels between dogs with multicentric lymphoma and healthy dogs

Effects of a high-protein, increased-fibre, dry diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids on quality of life in dogs undergoing chemotherapy

Quality of life (QOL) in dogs with cancer is a key consideration in the assessment of cancer treatment options. Despite interest in dietary strategies to improve management of oncology patients, there have been very few clinical studies showing the impact of diet on adverse effects of chemotherapy in dogs. This study was a randomised, controlled, double-blinded, multicenter clinical trial to investigate a high-protein, increased-fibre diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, for dogs with cancer undergoing standard-of-care chemotherapy. Client-owned dogs with newly diagnosed grade 2 or higher mast cell tumours (or non-resectable/incompletely resected tumours) or multicentric lymphoma were randomised to receive the test diet (n = 24) or control diet (n = 21) for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes were QOL assessments, faecal scores, and blood concentrations of C-reactive protein and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Of 12 QOL parameters, 10 significantly improved from baseline to Week 8 in the test group compared with one in the control group. However, differences between the two groups were only statistically significant for 'frequency of signs of illness' (P = .009). There were no significant differences in the incidence of any adverse events, including gastrointestinal adverse events or clinically significant differences in laboratory parameters or faecal scores between the two groups. The absence of an observed negative impact of the test diet, combined with the magnitude of QOL improvements associated with the diet, suggest that a larger trial is warranted.

T-cell lymphoma infiltrating the uterus and ovaries of a Golden Retriever: a case report

BACKGROUND

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of female genital system infiltration of T-cell lymphoma in veterinary literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 1.5-year-old, intact female Golden Retriever was referred due to melena and hyporexia that lasted for three weeks. Fever (40.5℃), tachycardia, tachypnoea, pale mucous membranes, and purulent vaginal discharge were identified on physical examination. Blood analyses revealed leucocytosis, anaemia, hypoalbuminemia, and increased lactate and C-reactive protein levels. On abdominal radiography, the small intestine was moderately deviated because of an oval-shaped mass (13 cm × 8.7 cm) located in the mid-abdomen. An enlarged tubular-shaped structure that had the opacity of soft tissue located in dorsal to the bladder to the middle of the abdomen, and an oval-shaped mass (5.28 cm × 3.26 cm), which was suspected to be a medial iliac lymph node located at the sixth to seventh lumbar level. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed gas and fluid in the lumen of the uterine horn with a severely thickened wall, round enlarged lymph nodes around the genitourinary system, and free fluid in the abdominal cavity. Based on these results, pyometra was suspected, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed for ovariohysterectomy. The resected ovary and uterus were macroscopically hypertrophied. Histopathological examination of the ovary and uterus revealed neoplastic proliferation of large round cells with strong immunoreactivity for CD3, indicating T-cell lymphoma. Therefore, the young dog was diagnosed with genital lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The present report describes T-cell lymphoma infiltrating the uterus and ovaries in a young dog, which is rarely diagnosed and could aid in the differential diagnosis of genital diseases in young dogs.

Baseline tumor gene expression signatures correlate with chemoimmunotherapy treatment responsiveness in canine B cell lymphoma

Pet dogs develop spontaneous diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and veterinary clinical trials have been employed to treat canine DLBCL and to inform clinical trials for their human companions. A challenge that remains is selection of treatment to improve outcomes. The dogs in this study were part of a larger clinical trial evaluating the use of combinations of doxorubicin chemotherapy, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, and one of three small molecule inhibitors: KPT-9274, TAK-981, or RV1001. We hypothesized that significant differential expression of genes (DEGs) in the tumors at baseline could help predict which dogs would respond better to each treatment based on the molecular pathways targeted by each drug. To this end, we evaluated gene expression in lymph node aspirates from 18 trial dogs using the NanoString nCounter Canine Immuno-oncology (IO) Panel. We defined good responders as those who relapsed after 90 days, and poor responders as those who relapsed prior to 90 days. We analyzed all dogs at baseline and compared poor responders to good responders, and found increased CCND3 correlated with poor prognosis and increased CD36 correlated with good prognosis, as is observed in humans. There was minimal DEG overlap between treatment arms, prompting separate analyses for each treatment cohort. Increased CREBBP and CDKN1A for KPT-9274, increased TLR3 for TAK-981, and increased PI3Kδ, AKT3, and PTEN, and decreased NRAS for RV1001 were associated with better prognoses. Trends for selected candidate biomarker genes were confirmed via qPCR. Our findings emphasize the heterogeneity in DLBCL, similarities and differences between canine and human DLBCL, and ultimately identify biomarkers that may help guide the choice of chemoimmunotherapy treatment in dogs.

Electrochemotherapy Plus IL-2+IL-12 Gene Electrotransfer in Spontaneous Inoperable Stage III-IV Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a standard of care in veterinary and human oncology. The treatment induces a well-characterized local immune response which is not able to induce a systemic response. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the addition of gene electrotransfer (GET) of canine IL-2 peritumorally and IL-12 intramuscularly to enhance the immune response. Thirty canine patients with inoperable oral malignant melanoma were included. Ten patients received ECT+GET as the treatment group, while twenty patients received ECT as the control group. Intravenous bleomycin for the ECT was used in both groups. All patients had compromised lymph nodes which were surgically removed. Plasma levels of interleukins, local response rate, overall survival, and progression-free survival were evaluated. The results show that IL-2 and IL-12 expression peaked around days 7-14 after transfection. Both groups showed similar local response rates and overall survival times. However, progression-free survival resulted significantly better in the ECT+GET group, which is a better indicator than overall survival, as it is not influenced by the criterion used for performing euthanasia. We can conclude that the combination of ECT+GET using IL-2 and IL-12 improves treatment outcomes by slowing down tumoral progression in stage III-IV inoperable canine oral malignant melanoma.

Evaluation of Host Constitutive and Ex Vivo Coccidioidal Antigen-Stimulated Immune Response in Dogs with Naturally Acquired Coccidioidomycosis

The early innate immune response to coccidioidomycosis has proven to be pivotal in directing the adaptive immune response and disease outcome in mice and humans but is unexplored in dogs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the innate immune profile of dogs with coccidioidomycosis and determine if differences exist based on the extent of infection (i.e., pulmonary or disseminated). A total of 28 dogs with coccidioidomycosis (pulmonary, n = 16; disseminated, n = 12) and 10 seronegative healthy controls were enrolled. Immunologic testing was performed immediately, without ex vivo incubation (i.e., constitutive), and after coccidioidal antigen stimulation of whole blood cultures. Whole blood cultures were incubated with a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) (negative control) or a coccidioidal antigen (rCTS1 (105-310); 10 µg/mL) for 24 h. A validated canine-specific multiplex bead-based assay was used to measure 12 cytokines in plasma and cell culture supernatant. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured with an ELISA assay. Leukocyte expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs)2 and TLR4 was measured using flow cytometry. Dogs with coccidioidomycosis had higher constitutive plasma keratinocyte chemotactic (KC)-like concentrations (p = 0.02) and serum CRP concentrations compared to controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, dogs with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis had higher serum CRP concentrations than those with dissemination (p = 0.001). Peripheral blood leukocytes from dogs with coccidioidomycosis produced higher concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (p = 0.0003), interleukin (IL)-6 (p = 0.04), interferon (IFN)-γ (p = 0.03), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (p = 0.02), IL-10 (p = 0.02), and lower IL-8 (p = 0.003) in supernatants following coccidioidal antigen stimulation when compared to those from control dogs. There was no detectable difference between dogs with pulmonary and disseminated disease. No differences in constitutive or stimulated leukocyte TLR2 and TLR4 expression were found. These results provide information about the constitutive and coccidioidal antigen-specific stimulated immune profile in dogs with naturally acquired coccidioidomycosis.

MHCII Expression on Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Canine Lymphoma: An Impact of Glucocorticoids

Simple Summary

Loss or decreased expression of human leukocyte antigen—D-related (HLA-DR) on the surface of monocytes is related to the dysfunction of the immune system and was reported in human neoplasia, including lymphoma. Canine lymphoma is frequently presented as a valuable comparative model for studies on human non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, there are no studies on the expression of analogue proteins—MHCII antigens—on monocytes in canine lymphoma. In this study, we have evaluated the changes in the expression of MHCII on monocytes in the blood of dogs with lymphoma before any treatment and in dogs that had previously received glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are often used by clinicians as first drugs after diagnosis for immediate health improvement and are known to impact monocyte number. We have shown an increase in the percentage of MHCII− monocytes, regardless of treatment. However, only in dogs that had received glucocorticoids were changes in the proportion of MHCII+ and MHCII− monocytes reflected also by the changes in the number of MHCII− monocytes in the blood, which was significantly higher. Evaluating the changes in canine monocytes might be helpful in the diagnosis of various tumor types, monitoring of the treatment or assessing the immune status of dogs.

Abstract

An increase in the percentage of monocytes with reduced HLA-DR expression and immunosuppressive properties has been reported in numerous human neoplastic diseases, including lymphoma. However, there are no analogous studies on phenotypical variations in the peripheral blood monocytes in dogs with lymphoma. The aim of this study was to determine the difference in the expression of the MHCII molecule on peripheral blood monocytes in dogs with lymphoma before any treatment (NRG) and in dogs that had previously received glucocorticoids (RG) in comparison to healthy dogs. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping of peripheral blood leukocytes was performed using canine-specific or cross-reactive antibodies against CD11b, CD14 and MHCII. In the blood of dogs with lymphoma (NRG and RG), compared to that of healthy ones, the MHCII+ and MHCII− monocytes ratio was changed due to an increase in the percentage of MHCII− monocytes. The number of MHCII− monocytes was significantly higher only in RG dogs compared to healthy ones, which might result from the release of these cells from the blood marginal pool due to the action of glucocorticoids. Our results encourage further studies to assess if changes in MHCII expression affect immune status in dogs with lymphoma.

Canine Cytokines Profile in an Endemic Region of L. infantum: Related Factors

Canine leishmaniosis is caused by infection with parasite Leishmania infantum, which are transmitted by sandflies Phlebotomus. Canine leishmaniosis is an endemic disease in the Mediterranean region. The immune response could vary between hosts and determines the severity of the disease and clinical features. The aim of this study was to analyze the serum levels of cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8, which are related to the activation of Th1 or Th2 immune responses in dogs living in the L. infantum endemic region. Moreover, we intend to relate and correlate these levels with different factors, such as sex, age, diet, lifestyle, and breed. Epidemiological data and serum were recovered for seventy-eight dogs, and serum levels of cytokines described previously were analyzed by using the ELISA method. The results showed differences in serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-8 between breeds. The lifestyle also affected serum levels of IL-2. The main conclusion of this study is that Ibizan hounds and crossbred dogs have a serological profile of cytokines that seems to indicate certain protections against infection by L. infantum compared to boxer and purebred breeds.

Exploration of serum biomarkers in dogs with malignant melanoma receiving anti-PD-L1 therapy and potential of COX-2 inhibition for combination therapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti-PD-L1 antibodies are widely used to treat human cancers, and growing evidence suggests that ICIs are promising treatments for canine malignancies. However, only some canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM) cases respond to ICIs. To explore biomarkers predictive of survival in dogs with pulmonary metastatic OMM receiving the anti-PD-L1 antibody c4G12 (n = 27), serum concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were measured prior to treatment initiation. Among 12 factors tested, PGE2, interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and stem cell factor (SCF) were higher in OMM dogs compared to healthy dogs (n = 8). Further, lower baseline serum PGE2, MCP-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A concentrations as well as higher IL-2, IL-12, and SCF concentrations predicted prolonged overall survival. These observations suggest that PGE2 confers resistance against anti-PD-L1 therapy through immunosuppression and thus is a candidate target for combination therapy. Indeed, PGE2 suppressed IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ production by stimulated canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), while inhibition of PGE2 biosynthesis using the COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam in combination with c4G12 enhanced Th1 cytokine production by PBMCs. Thus, serum PGE2 may be predictive of c4G12 treatment response, and concomitant use of COX-2 inhibitors may enhance ICI antitumor efficacy.

Serum IL-6 and MCP-1 concentrations in dogs with lymphoma before and after doxorubicin treatment as a potential marker of cellular senescence

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy can induce cellular senescence and a secretory phenotype characterized by an increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and MCP-1. Increased IL-6 and MCP-1 serum concentrations have been documented in dogs with lymphoma, but no studies have evaluated the effects of chemotherapy on cytokine concentrations.

OBJECTIVES

To measure IL-6 and MCP-1 in 16 client-owned dogs with lymphoma, at baseline and before and after doxorubicin, as a potential marker for senescence and correlate cytokine concentrations with treatment response and toxicities.

METHODS

Serum IL-6 and MCP-1 concentrations at baseline, 0-h, 3-h, 6-h, 24-h and 1 week post doxorubicin were measured using a canine ELISA. We hypothesized that IL-6 and MCP-1 concentrations would increase following doxorubicin as a result of induction of cellular senescence.

RESULTS

IL-6 concentrations were unchanged from baseline to 0-h but significantly decreased 1 week post doxorubicin (p = 0.001) compared to 0-6 h (p = 0.045) and 24-h (p = 0.001) time points. MCP-1 concentrations significantly decreased from baseline to 0-h (p = 0.003). Compared to 0-6 h, MCP-1 concentrations transiently increased at 24-h (p = 0.001) and decreased at 1 week (p = 0.014) post doxorubicin. Changes in IL-6 and MCP-1 concentrations did not correlate with leukocyte count, response to treatment or chemotherapy toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in IL-6 and MCP-1 concentrations did not support doxorubicin-induced cellular senescence or correlate with leukocyte count, response to treatment or chemotherapy toxicity. However, our results suggest that remission status and doxorubicin treatment may influence cytokine concentrations and future studies are warranted to investigate the role of these cytokines as biomarkers.

Kinetics of Plasma Cytokines, Angiopoietin-2, and C-Reactive Protein in Dogs With Gastric Dilatation Volvulus

Background: The degree of systemic inflammation, reperfusion injury and endothelial activation are potentially important determinants of clinical outcomes in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV).

Objective: To evaluate plasma concentrations and kinetics of inflammatory markers in dogs with GDV over a time frame of 48 h, and to compare to healthy dogs.

Design and Setting: Prospective, observational cohort study in client-owned dogs with GDV.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen dogs with GDV and 9 healthy control dogs were enrolled. Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), keratinocyte chemotactic-like, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, Angiopoietin (Ang)-2, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at admission (prior any therapeutic intervention, (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), 24 ± 4 h (T24), and 48 ± 4 h (T48) post-surgery. Cytokines were measured using multiplex magnetic bead assay. Plasma Ang-2 was measured with a commercial human ELISA test kit validated for dogs.

Results: Dogs with GDV had significantly higher plasma concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-10 compared to healthy control dogs at all time points. Concentrations of IL-6 were significantly higher at T1 and T24, concentrations of MCP-1 at T24, and concentrations of CRP at T24 and T48. A significant increase between T0 and T1 was found for IL-6, IL-10, and CRP, between T1 and T24 for IL-8, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and CRP, and between T24 and T48 for IL-15, Ang-2, and CRP. A significant decrease between T0 and T1 was found for IL-7, IL-8, IL-15, IL-18, and Ang-2; between T1 and T24 for IL-6 and KC-like; and between T24 and T48 for IL-6.

Conclusion: In GDV dogs, a mild pro-inflammatory reaction was present at admission, which peaked immediately after and up to 24 h post-surgery, mainly represented by IL-6, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and CRP, and which decreased at T48. In addition, the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was increased in GDV dogs at all time points.

Myocardial transcription of inflammatory and remodeling markers in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and systemic diseases associated with an inflammatory phenotype

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by macrophage-driven myocardial remodeling processes in a pro-inflammatory environment. To further investigate the mechanisms behind these processes, the myocardial transcription of cytokines and remodeling enzymes was comparatively assessed in cats with HCM and cats without cardiac diseases. Sixty-seven cats were included, 17 cats with HCM (including 5 with atrial thrombus; AT), and 50 cats without cardiac diseases. The latter comprised 10 control cats (no cardiac or relevant systemic disease), 34 cats with diseases suspected to be associated with a systemic inflammatory state of which 18 suffered from feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and 6 cats with multicentric lymphoma. Samples from atria, ventricular free walls and interventricular septum were examined using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. The overall highest myocardial marker transcriptions were observed in cats with multicentric lymphoma, FIP and HCM, followed by diseases likely associated with a systemic inflammatory state, and control cats. Inflammatory marker transcription predominated in the myocardium of cats with systemic inflammatory diseases, whereas in HCM the transcription of remodeling enzymes prevailed. Sex significantly influenced the myocardial transcription of several remodeling enzymes. These results suggest a versatile myocardial response depending on the disease and illustrates the relevance of sex for the cardiac response to cardiac and systemic disease in cats. A systemic inflammatory state appears to elicit an inflammatory phenotype in the myocardium, whereas in HCM, the myocardium mediates its own remodeling. In HCM, the identified markers might be involved in the ongoing remodeling processes causing structural and functional changes.

Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the inflammatory response in canine cancer

Decreased circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and increased inflammatory marker concentrations have been reported separately in canine cancer. Correlations between the two exist in humans, but little work has examined links in dogs. This study aimed to determine plasma 25(OH)D and inflammatory marker concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with cancer and to assess correlations in each group. Newly diagnosed dogs with B-cell lymphoma (B-cell, n = 25), T-cell lymphoma (T-cell, n = 9), osteosarcoma (OSA, n = 21), and mast cell tumour (MCT, n = 26) presenting to a tertiary oncology centre, and healthy dogs (n = 25), were enrolled. Plasma samples were analysed for 25(OH)D, C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (HP), serum amyloid A (SAA), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AAG), and 13 chemokines and cytokines. Dogs with B-cell had decreased plasma 25(OH)D (P = .03), and increased plasma CRP, AAG, HP, KC-like and MCP-1 concentrations (P < =.001, .011, <.001, .013 and .009, respectively) compared with healthy dogs. Plasma CRP, HP and SAA concentrations were increased in dogs with OSA compared with healthy dogs (P = .001, .010 and .027, respectively). No differences were noted in dogs with T-cell and MCT. Negative correlations were observed between plasma 25(OH)D concentrations and: AAG concentrations in dogs with T-cell (R_s  = -0.817, P = .007); GM-CSF concentrations (R_s  = -0.569, P = .007) in dogs with OSA; and IL-7 concentrations (R_s  = -0.548, P = .010) in dogs with OSA. Decreased 25(OH)D concentrations and increased concentrations of multiple inflammatory markers were observed in B-cell patients, supporting an association between 25(OH)D and inflammation. The cross-sectional study design meant the timing of changes could not be determined. Prospective cohort studies are warranted.

Canine lymphoma and vector-borne diseases: Molecular and serological evaluation of a possible complicity

Lymphoma is the most common haematological malignancy in dogs and its aetiology is largely unknown. The presence of canine vector-borne agents (CVBD) in lymphoma tissues has been described and its causative effects questioned. We intended to evaluate the presence and extent of Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Bartonella henselae infection in dogs with lymphoma. Sixty-one dogs, living in the Lisbon metropolitan area, with a diagnosis of lymphoma were enrolled. Immunofluorescence assays were used to detect serum IgG's. The presence of DNA from CVBD agents in tumour tissue was assessed by PCR. All dogs tested negative for B. henselae, A. phagocytophilum and E. canis by both serology and PCR. Regarding L. infantum, 8.2% (n = 5) of the dogs had a positive serologic result. L. infantum DNA was detected in two samples of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). These results show an increased, but not significant, seropositivity (8.2% vs 7.9%) and molecular detection (3.3% vs 1.2%) for L. infantum in dogs with lymphoma, when compared to the reported canine population in the same geographical area. We could not identify an association between lymphoma and E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, B. henselae or Leishmania infantum infection in the studied population. Nevertheless, further studies, following dogs trough their CVBD disease evolution, are worthwhile and may help clarify a possible role of CVBD agents in lymphomagenesis.

Comparative study of the use of miltefosine, miltefosine plus allopurinol, and allopurinol in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, an intracytoplasmic parasite that affects humans and other species of domestic and wild mammals. In Brazil, the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) with miltefosine has been implemented since 2016, and the reports on the clinical and immunological conditions of treated dogs are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to assess and monitor the clinical, laboratory, and immunological condition of dogs with CVL before (D₀) and after (D₂₉) using three pharmacotherapeutic protocols: miltefosine monotherapy (Milteforan™, Virbac) (G1), miltefosine plus allopurinol (G2), and allopurinol monotherapy (G3). Forty-five dogs with CVL were assigned to one of three treatment groups. The dogs were evaluated for clinical signs, was well as haematological, biochemical, serological, and cytokine levels. Significant reduction in clinical scores was observed in all protocols, with no differences between groups. We did not observe a clinical cure in any of the dogs in the groups. Haematological and biochemical parameters showed slow recovery, with better results observed in G2. Anti-Leishmania antibody titre remained increased in all groups. The quantification of serum cytokines demonstrated a mixed Th1/Th2 profile in CVL. The IL-2 levels decreased in all groups after treatment. Evaluation of IFN-y and IL-10 did not show changes in the groups analysed, and it did not contribute to short term therapeutic monitoring. All therapeutic protocols promoted, to varying degrees, an improvement in the general condition (clinical signs, haematological, and biochemical levels) of the animals. Through clinical-pathological exams, we found that the combination of miltefosine plus allopurinol promoted better effects in the short-term, representing the best choice for the treatment of CVL, even when compared to the only therapeutic protocol allowed in Brazil, miltefosine monotherapy. Through the quantification of cytokines, IL-2 proved to be a potential therapeutic marker for the monitoring and follow-up of dogs with CVL.

Blast traumatic brain injury and serum inflammatory cytokines: a repeated measures case-control study among U.S. military service members

Background

There is a paucity of human data on exposure to blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) and the corresponding systemic cytokine immune response at later time points (i.e., months, years) post-injury.

Methods

We conducted a repeated measures, case-control study, examining associations of serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, measured both pre- and post-deployment with having mild and moderate/severe bTBI. Utilizing serum from the Department of Defense Serum Repository cytokines were measured via an ELISA-based array for 15 cytokines. We compared pre- vs. post-levels among mild cases, moderate/severe cases, and controls and carried out case-control comparisons, using paired t- tests and generalized linear models.

Results

The average time between bTBI and post-deployment/bTBI serum among cases was 315.8 days. From pre- to post-deployment/bTBI, levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) were decreased among both mild cases (μ = − 83.43 pg/ml; s.e. = 21.66) and moderate/severe cases (μ = − 107.67 pg/ml; s.e. = 28.74 pg/ml), while levels increased among controls (μ = 32.86 pg/ml; s.e. = 30.29). The same pattern occurred for matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3), with levels decreasing for moderate/severe cases (μ = − 3369.24 pg/ml; s.e. = 1701.68) and increasing for controls (μ = 1859.60 pg/ml; s.e. = 1737.51) from pre- to post-deployment/bTBI. Evidence was also suggestive of case-control differences, from pre- to post-deployment/bTBI for interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), interleukin 4 (IL-4), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) among moderate/severe cases.

Conclusion

The findings of this longitudinal study indicate that in the chronic phase of bTBI, levels of IL-8 and MMP3 may be substantially lower than pre-injury. These results need confirmation in other studies, potentially those that account for treatment differences, which was not possible in our study.

Evaluation of the host cytokine response in dogs with sepsis and noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To quantify plasma cytokine concentrations in dogs with sepsis and noninfectious systemic inflammation and to evaluate the association between plasma cytokines and outcome in dogs with sepsis.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational cohort study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

ANIMALS

Forty-five dogs with sepsis, 10 dogs with noninfectious systemic inflammation (nSIRS), and 15 healthy controls were consecutively enrolled from June 2015 to February 2016 and followed to hospital discharge. Dogs with sepsis satisfied ≥2 SIRS criteria and had a documented or highly suspected bacterial infection. Dogs with nSIRS satisfied ≥2 SIRS criteria but had no evidence of infection. Dogs <3 kg and those with documented coagulopathy were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

Measurement of inflammatory cytokines and high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) was performed on each group.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

High-mobility group box-1 concentrations were analyzed by ELISA. Plasma concentrations of 13 cytokines were measured in singlet using multiplex magnetic bead assays. Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's multiple comparison tests were used to compare biomarker concentrations between groups. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare biomarker concentrations between survivors and nonsurvivors. Associations between biomarkers were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Independent outcome predictors were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Alpha was set at 0.05. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL)-8, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC)-like, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and HMGB-1 were significantly greater in dogs with sepsis versus healthy controls (all P ≤ 0.034). In dogs with sepsis, only CCL2 was independently associated with survival (odds ratio [OR] 0.996, 95% CI 0.993-0.999, P = 0.004). A cut-off of 385 pg/mL for CCL2 was 80% sensitive and 91.4% specific for nonsurvival (area under the ROC curve [AUROC] 0.866).

CONCLUSIONS

Dogs with sepsis have significantly increased concentrations of HMGB-1 and inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, CXCL8, and KC-like. Increased CCL2 concentration is a negative prognostic indicator in dogs with sepsis. These findings should be confirmed using duplicate analyses in larger, distinct populations of dogs with sepsis before applying them to clinical patients.

Canine multicentric lymphoma exhibits systemic and intratumoral cytokine dysregulation

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is among the most common neoplasias in dogs and humans. Owing to remarkable similarities with its human counterpart, the canine lymphoma (cNHL) model has been proposed as a powerful framework for rapid and clinically relevant translation of novel immunotherapies. However, the establishment of cNHL as a predictive preclinical model has been hampered by the limited characterization of the canine immune system. Cytokines are key players of the interaction between tumor and its microenvironment. In human NHL, multiple cytokines have been linked to the development of lymphoma and are relevant biomarkers for treatment response and prognosis. In contrast, few studies have investigated cytokines in cNHL. Within this context, this study aimed to investigate cytokine regulation in cNHL. A multicentric cNHL biobank was successfully constructed. Cytokine mRNA profiles in tumor tissue and circulating PBMC were analyzed by qRT-PCR and compared to a healthy control group. Specific primers were used to evaluate Th1, Th2 and Th17 responses. Systemic cytokine concentrations were measured using a commercial canine multiplex assay which included IL-2, IL6, IL-10 and TNF-α, and compared to a healthy control group. Our results demonstrated a dysregulation of cytokine mRNA expression, representative of the tumor microenvironment and systemic response in cNHL. Intratumoral cytokine response revealed a significant downregulation of humoral and Th1 responses. The systemic response demonstrated a distinct mRNA pattern, however immunosuppression also prevailed. Cytokine serum quantification showed a significant increase of IL-10 concentration in cNHL. Significant differences in hematological parameters were described and a correlation between IL-6 protein serum levels and neutrophil count was shown. Finally, data analysis demonstrated that baseline pretreatment IFN-γ tissue mRNA levels were correlated to survival outcome, predicting a favorable response to chemotherapy. Altogether, these results revealed that cNHL presents a local and systemic dysregulation in cytokine response. By confirming and extending previous research, our work contributed for the evaluation of potential cytokine candidates for diagnostic, prognostic purposes and therapeutic intervention, therefore adding value to comparative oncology.

Characterization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and cytokines GM-CSF, IL-10 and MCP-1 in dogs with malignant melanoma receiving a GD3-based immunotherapy

Melanoma in humans and canines is an aggressive and highly metastatic cancer. The mucosal forms in both species share genetic and histopathologic features, making dogs a valuable spontaneous disease animal model. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells of myeloid origin with immunosuppressive capabilities, which are increased in many human cancers and contribute to tumor immune evasion. They are a possible target to improve immunotherapy outcomes. Current information regarding MDSCs in canines is minimal, limiting their use as translational model for the study of MDSCs. The objective of this study was to characterize major MDSCs subsets (monocytic and polymorphonuclear) and the cytokines granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in canines with malignant melanoma and to evaluate changes in MDSCs and the cytokines over time in response to a GD3-based active immunotherapy. Whole blood and serum collected from 30 healthy controls and 33 patients enrolled in the University of Florida melanoma vaccine trial were analyzed by flow cytometry with canine specific CD11b, MHCII and anti-human CD14 antibodies to assess ostensibly polymorphonuclear-MDSC (CD11b⁺ MHCII^- CD14^-) and monocytic-MDSC (CD11b⁺ MHCII^- CD14⁺) subsets. IL-10, MCP-1 and both MDSCs subsets were significantly elevated in melanoma dogs versus controls. Both MDSCs subsets decreased significantly following GD3-based immunotherapy administration but no significant changes in cytokines were seen over time. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting increased monocytic-MDSCs in canine melanoma. This is consistent with human malignant melanoma data, supporting dogs as a valuable model for therapeutic intervention studies.

Anorexia and the Cancer Patient

Appetite influences perceived quality of life for a dog or cat with cancer. Inappetence often is multifactorial, complicating treatment. Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome is a metabolic, paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by decreased food intake, involuntary weight loss, and loss of fat and muscle. If weight loss/cachexia has an impact on canine and feline cancer patients as in humans, management may improve survival times and quality of life. The challenge is having effective, proved therapies available for clinical use. Recent Food and Drug Administration approvals for appetite stimulation have renewed interest and discussion and has the potential to alter the course of case management.

Cytokine Expression in Canine Lymphoma, Osteosarcoma, Mammary Gland Tumour and Melanoma: Comparative Aspects

Cytokines released in the tumour microenvironment play a major role in cancer pathogenesis. In human cancers and corresponding animal models, cytokine expression contributes to tumour growth and progression, as well as regulation of the host anti-tumour response. The elucidation of the function and importance of cytokines in canine cancers is still in an early stage, although relevant data have been obtained in classical examples of comparative models of human cancers, such as osteosarcoma, melanoma, mammary tumour and lymphoma. A deeper understanding of the cytokine signature may advance diagnosis, prevention and treatment of canine cancers.

Cytokine and Chemokine Concentrations as Biomarkers of Feline Mycobacteriosis

Mycobacteriosis is an emerging zoonotic disease of domestic cats and timely, accurate diagnosis is currently challenging. To identify differential cytokine/chemokine concentrations in serum/plasma of cats, which could be diagnostic biomarkers of infection we analysed plasma/serum from 116 mycobacteria-infected cats, 16 healthy controls and six cats hospitalised for unrelated reasons was analysed using the Milliplex MAP Feline Cytokine Magnetic Bead multiplex assay. Three cytokines; sFAS, IL-13 and IL-4 were reduced while seven; GM-CSF, IL-2, PDGF-BB, IL-8, KC, RANTES and TNF-α were elevated in mycobacteria-infected cats compared to healthy controls. However, IL-8 and KC concentrations were not significantly different from cats hospitalised for other reasons. Elevations in TNF-α and PDGF-BB may have potential to identify M. bovis and M. microti infected cats specifically while GM-CSF, IL-2 and FLT3L were increased in MTBC infected cats. This study demonstrates potential use of feline tuberculosis as a spontaneously occurring model of this significant human disease. Cytokine profiling has clear diagnostic potential for mycobacteriosis of cats and could be used discriminate tuberculous from non-tuberculous disease to rapidly inform on zoonotic risk. Future work should focus on the in-field utility of these findings to establish diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of these markers.

High Mobility Group Box-1 and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Are Increased in Dogs After Trauma but Do Not Predict Survival

Trauma is common in dogs and causes significant morbidity and mortality, but it remains challenging to predict the prognosis of dogs with traumatic injuries. This study aimed to quantify plasma high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) and cytokine concentrations in dogs with moderate-to-severe trauma, and to evaluate the association between these biomarkers and the injury severity and survival to discharge. Using a prospective, observational case-control study design, 49 dogs with an animal trauma triage (ATT) score ≥3 were consecutively enrolled from 07/2015 to 10/2017 and followed to hospital discharge. Dogs <3 kg and those with pre-existing coagulopathies were excluded. Thirty three healthy control dogs were also enrolled. Illness and injury severity scores including the acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation (APPLE) were calculated using at-presentation data. Plasma HMGB-1 concentrations were measured by ELISA; concentrations of 13 cytokines were measured using multiplex bead-based assays and separately concentrations of 4 cytokines were measured using a multiplex canine-specific ELISA. All biomarkers were measured in duplicate. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare biomarker concentrations between groups and between survivors and non-survivors. Associations between biomarkers were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Independent predictors of survival were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Alpha was set at 0.05. Plasma concentrations of HMGB-1, interleukin-6, C-X-C motif chemokine-8, keratinocyte chemoattractant-like, and C-C chemokine ligand-2 were significantly greater in injured dogs vs. controls (all P ≤ 0.011). In univariate analyses, HMGB-1 was significantly greater in non-survivors 46.67 ng/mL (8.94-84.73) compared to survivors 6.03 ng/mL (3.30-15.75), (P = 0.003). Neither HMGB-1 or the cytokines were associated with survival independent of illness severity as measured by the APPLE score, however.

Evaluation of potential serum biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in dogs with liver disease

Background

Serum interleukin 6 (IL‐6), chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the ratio of aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase (AST:ALT) have been correlated with fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in humans with various hepatopathies.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether increases in serum IL‐6, CCL2, CRP, or AST:ALT were associated with moderate to severe fibrosis or necroinflammatory activity in dogs with various hepatopathies.

Animals

Forty‐four client‐owned dogs with clinical evidence of liver disease and 10 healthy purpose‐bred dogs, all undergoing liver biopsies by laparoscopy or laparotomy.

Methods

Measurement of serum IL‐6, CCL2, CRP, AST, and ALT before scheduled liver biopsy and evaluation of liver histopathology using the METAVIR scoring system used in human medicine, blinded to clinical presentation.

Results

Median serum IL‐6 was approximately twice as high in dogs with high fibrosis scores (15.5 pg/mL; range, 1.4 to 235 pg/mL) compared to dogs with low fibrosis scores (7.6 pg/mL; range, 1.4 to 148.1 pg/mL), with marginal significance (P = .05). Median serum CCL2 was significantly higher in dogs with active necroinflammation (444 pg/mL; range, 144 to 896 pg/mL) compared to dogs without detectable necroinflammation (326 pg/mL; range, 59 to 1692 pg/mL; P = .008), but with considerable overlap between groups. Neither serum CRP nor AST:ALT ratios were significantly different based on fibrosis or necroinflammatory scores.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Because of substantial variability among dogs, single measurements of IL‐6 and CCL2 have limited diagnostic utility for identifying fibrosis or necroinflammation, respectively, in dogs with various chronic liver diseases. The value of these biomarkers should be explored further in monitoring response to treatment in individual dogs with chronic hepatopathies.

Presencia del marcador lmp-1 del virus epstein barr en linfomas de caninos

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a humans’ high prevalent virus associated with lymphoid B cells tumors development. In canines, few reports have been published regarding the presence of the virus in dogs but its role in this species remain unclear.  The aim of this study was to determine the presence of LMP-1 protein of EBV in 20 canine lymphomas tissues which were previously diagnosed in a period of time between 2004 -2014.  Lymphomas were reclassified in accordance with the new histopathological classifications for lymphomas and were stained by IHQ with anti-CD79a, anti-CD3 and anti-LMP1; specific antibodies for B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and EBV biomarker respectively.  As a result, it was found that the most common lymphoma was T-zone lymphoma in 75% of the cases of the study. The distribution of the cases regarding the immunostaining were: 18 positive cases with anti- CD3, 2 positive cases with anti-CD79a and 6 positive cases with anti-LMP-1.  Positive cases of LMP1 as a biomarker of the presence of EBV corresponded to the 30% of the cases of the study. Chi-square test showed statistical significance between the presence of the virus and the presence of lymphomas, which suggests not only that the virus is circulating in the canine population but also that could have implications in the development of the disease. Regarding demographic parameters, only the Golden Retriever breed showed a relationship with the presence of lymphoma, but not with the presence of the virus.

Cytokine Concentrations Measured by Multiplex Assays in Canine Peripheral Blood Samples

Cytokines are known to play important roles in a wide range of pathologic conditions spanning all organ systems in every species studied. As our knowledge of the physiology of individual cytokines expands and our ability to measure multiple cytokines in smaller biological samples increases, we gain more insight into the significance and function of each cytokine and the importance of cytokine networks. Previous studies that reported measurements of cytokine concentrations from serum or plasma in dogs with infectious, autoimmune, metabolic, endocrine, and neoplastic diseases yield an appreciation for the complexity of cytokine control and potential applications for cytokine measurements in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of a variety of disease conditions. In this review, we highlight the benefits of multiplex cytokine analysis, summarize clinical and experimental reports that have used this technology in dogs, and discuss the strengths and limitations of data analysis for the interpretation of results in these studies. We describe how differences in technical acuity, data reporting tactics, statistical analysis, study population selection criteria, and cross-sectional experimental design methods may affect interpretation of results from this technology. We also suggest methods for analysis in future studies, such as reporting median fluorescence intensity values, analyzing the proportion of patients above population medians, and performing longitudinal studies.