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Windhaber C, Heckl A, Csukovich G, Pratscher B, Burgener IA, Biermann N, Dengler F. A matter of differentiation: equine enteroids as a model for the in vivo intestinal epithelium. Vet Res 2024; 55:30. [PMID: 38493107 PMCID: PMC10943904 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial damage due to gastrointestinal disorders frequently causes severe disease in horses. To study the underlying pathophysiological processes, we aimed to establish equine jejunum and colon enteroids (eqJE, eqCE) mimicking the in vivo epithelium. Therefore, enteroids were cultivated in four different media for differentiation and subsequently characterized histomorphologically, on mRNA and on protein level in comparison to the native epithelium of the same donor horses to identify ideal culture conditions for an in vitro model system. With increasing enterocyte differentiation, the enteroids showed a reduced growth rate as well as a predominantly spherical morphology and less budding compared to enteroids in proliferation medium. Combined or individual withdrawal of stem cell niche pathway components resulted in lower mRNA expression levels of stem cell markers and concomitant differentiation of enterocytes, goblet cells and enteroendocrine cells. For eqCE, withdrawal of Wnt alone was sufficient for the generation of differentiated enterocytes with a close resemblance to the in vivo epithelium. Combined removal of Wnt, R-spondin and Noggin and the addition of DAPT stimulated differentiation of eqJE at a similar level as the in vivo epithelium, particularly with regard to enterocytes. In summary, we successfully defined a medium composition that promotes the formation of eqJE and eqCE consisting of multiple cell types and resembling the in vivo epithelium. Our findings emphasize the importance of adapting culture conditions to the respective species and the intestinal segment. This in vitro model will be used to investigate the pathological mechanisms underlying equine gastrointestinal disorders in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Windhaber
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Heckl
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Csukovich
- Division of Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Pratscher
- Division of Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Iwan Anton Burgener
- Division of Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nora Biermann
- Clinical Unit of Equine Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Dengler
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Veerasammy B, Gonzalez G, Báez-Ramos P, Schaaf CR, Stewart AS, Ludwig EK, McKinney-Aguirre C, Freund J, Robertson J, Gonzalez LM. Changes in equine intestinal stem/progenitor cell number at resection margins in cases of small intestinal strangulation. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:995-1002. [PMID: 36716291 PMCID: PMC10387127 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal epithelial stem cells (ISC) are responsible for epithelial regeneration and are critical to the intestine's ability to regain barrier function following injury. Evaluating ISC biomarker expression in cases of small intestinal strangulation (SIS) may provide insight into clinical progression. OBJECTIVES Intestinal resection margins from cases of SIS were evaluated to determine if (1) evidence of injury could be identified using histomorphometry, (2) ISC biomarker expression was decreased in the proximal resection margin compared to control and distal resection margin, and (3) the ISC biomarker expression was associated with the number of preoperative risk factors negatively related to outcome, post-operative complications, or case outcome. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Intestinal samples were obtained intraoperatively from resection margins of adult horses with SIS and horses euthanised for reasons unrelated to colic. Preoperative risk factors negatively related to outcome, post-operative complications, and case outcome were obtained from medical records. Horses were grouped as euthanised intraoperatively, postoperatively, or survived to discharge. Histomorphometry and immunofluorescence were performed to evaluate tissue architecture and ISC and progenitor cell number. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. Associations between biomarker expression and the number of preoperative risk factors and post-operative complications negatively related to outcome were determined using linear regression modelling. RESULTS Thirty-six cases of SIS were evaluated. Ki67+ cell counts were decreased in the proximal (mean = 15.45 cells; 95% CI = 10.27-20.63; SD = 4.17; p = 0.02) and distal resection margins (mean = 15.05; 95% CI = 8.46-21.64; SD = 4.141; p = 0.03) in horses euthanised postoperatively compared to control (mean = 23.62 cells; 95% CI = 19.42-27.83; SD = 5.883). In the distal resection margin, an increase in SOX9+ Ki67+ cells were associated with a decrease in the total number of preoperative risk factors negatively related to outcome (95% CI = 0.236-1.123; p = 0.008, SE = 0.1393). MAIN LIMITATIONS Small population size. CONCLUSIONS Proliferating cell and ISC numbers may be associated with case outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Veerasammy
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gabriel Gonzalez
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patricia Báez-Ramos
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cecilia R Schaaf
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy Stieler Stewart
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elsa K Ludwig
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - John Freund
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - James Robertson
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Liara M Gonzalez
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Colombino E, Raspa F, Perotti M, Bergero D, Vervuert I, Valle E, Capucchio MT. Gut health of horses: effects of high fibre vs high starch diet on histological and morphometrical parameters. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:338. [PMID: 36076239 PMCID: PMC9454146 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The conventional feeding management of horses is still characterized by high starch and low fibre diets, which can negatively affect horse’s gastrointestinal health. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of a high-starch (HS) vs. a high-fibre (HF) diet on gut health in horses. A total of 19 Bardigiano horses destined for slaughter and aged 14.3 ± 0.7 months were randomly allotted to two dietary groups: HS (5 fillies and 4 colts,) and HF group (7 fillies and 3 colts). They received the same first-cut meadow hay but different complementary feeds for 72 days: HS group was fed 8 kg/animal/day of a starch-rich complementary feed while HF group was fed 3.5 kg/animal/day of a fibre‐rich complementary feed. At slaughter, stomachs were separated and washed for the evaluation of the glandular and squamous regions. Also, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, apex of the caecum, sternal flexure, pelvic flexure, right dorsal colon, rectum and liver were excised and submitted to histomorphometrical evaluation. Results The glandular region of HS group presented more severe gastric mucosa lesions compared to the HF group (P = 0.006). Moreover, a statistical tendency (P = 0.060) was found for the squamous region, presenting a higher score in HS than HF diet. Regarding morphometry, in jejunum villus height to crypt depth (Cd) ratio was influenced by sex, being greater in males than in females (P = 0.037) while in ileum Cd depended on interaction between sex and diet, being greater in males of HS group (P = 0.029). Moreover, in the duodenum and right dorsal colon the severity of the inflammation depended on sex (P = 0.024 and 0.050), being greater in females than in males. On the contrary, in the jejunum and in the pelvic flexure, inflammation was influenced by diet, being more severe in HS than in HF group (P = 0.024 and 0.052). Conclusions These results suggested that HS diet provoked more severe mucosa lesions in the glandular region of the stomach and a higher inflammation both in the jejunum and pelvic flexure. The present study can represent a starting point for further investigations on gut health in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Turin, Italy.
| | - Federica Raspa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Perotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Turin, Italy
| | - Domenico Bergero
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Turin, Italy
| | - Ingrid Vervuert
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Faculty of Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Emanuela Valle
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Capucchio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095, Turin, Italy
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Dengler F, Sternberg F, Grages M, Kästner SBR, Verhaar N. Adaptive mechanisms in no flow vs. low flow ischemia in equine jejunum epithelium: Different paths to the same destination. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:947482. [PMID: 36157182 PMCID: PMC9493374 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.947482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a frequent complication of equine colic. Several mechanisms may be involved in adaptation of the intestinal epithelium to IRI and might infer therapeutic potential, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and induction of autophagy. However, the mechanisms supporting adaptation and thus cellular survival are not completely understood yet. We investigated the activation of specific adaptation mechanisms in both no and low flow ischemia and reperfusion simulated in equine jejunum epithelium in vivo. We found an activation of HIF1α in no and low flow ischemia as indicated by increased levels of HIF1α target genes and phosphorylation of AMPKα tended to increase during ischemia. Furthermore, the protein expression of the autophagy marker LC3B in combination with decreased expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes indicates an increased rate of mitophagy in equine intestinal IRI, possibly preventing damage by mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, ROS levels were increased only shortly after the onset of low flow ischemia, which may be explained by an increased antioxidative defense, although NFR2 was not activated in this setup. In conclusion, we could demonstrate that a variety of adaptation mechanisms manipulating different aspects of cellular homeostasis are activated in IRI irrespective of the ischemia model, and that mitophagy might be an important factor for epithelial survival following small intestinal ischemia in horses that should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Dengler
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Franziska Dengler
| | - Felix Sternberg
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marei Grages
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine BR Kästner
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Verhaar
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Boger KD, Sheridan AE, Ziegler AL, Blikslager AT. Mechanisms and modeling of wound repair in the intestinal epithelium. Tissue Barriers 2022; 11:2087454. [PMID: 35695206 PMCID: PMC10161961 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2022.2087454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelial barrier is susceptible to injury from insults, such as ischemia or infectious disease. The epithelium's ability to repair wounded regions is critical to maintaining barrier integrity. Mechanisms of intestinal epithelial repair can be studied with models that recapitulate the in vivo environment. This review focuses on in vitro injury models and intestinal cell lines utilized in such systems. The formation of artificial wounds in a controlled environment allows for the exploration of reparative physiology in cell lines modeling diverse aspects of intestinal physiology. Specifically, the use of intestinal cell lines, IPEC-J2, Caco-2, T-84, HT-29, and IEC-6, to model intestinal epithelium is discussed. Understanding the unique systems available for creating intestinal injury and the differences in monolayers used for in vitro work is essential for designing studies that properly capture relevant physiology for the study of intestinal wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey D Boger
- Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ana E Sheridan
- Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Amanda L Ziegler
- Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Anthony T Blikslager
- Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Comparative Analysis of Microbiome Metagenomics in Reintroduced Wild Horses and Resident Asiatic Wild Asses in the Gobi Desert Steppe. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061166. [PMID: 35744684 PMCID: PMC9229091 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome offers important ecological benefits to the host; however, our understanding of the functional microbiome in relation to wildlife adaptation, especially for translocated endangered species, is lagging. In this study, we adopted a comparative metagenomics approach to test whether the microbiome diverges for translocated and resident species with different adaptive potentials. The composition and function of the microbiome of sympatric Przewalski’s horses and Asiatic wild asses in desert steppe were compared for the first time using the metagenomic shotgun sequencing approach. We identified a significant difference in microbiome composition regarding the microbes present and their relative abundances, while the diversity of microbe species was similar. Furthermore, the functional profile seemed to converge between the two hosts, with genes related to core metabolism function tending to be more abundant in wild asses. Our results indicate that sympatric wild equids differ in their microbial composition while harboring a stable microbial functional core, which may enable them to survive in challenging habitats. A higher abundance of beneficial taxa, such as Akkermansia, and genes related to metabolism pathways and enzymes, such as lignin degradation, may contribute to more diverse diet choices and larger home ranges of wild asses.
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Sintes GF, Bruckmaier RM, Wellnitz O. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs affect the mammary epithelial barrier during inflammation. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10742-10753. [PMID: 32896404 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
During inflammation of the mammary gland, the blood-milk barrier, which is predominantly composed of mammary epithelial cells, loses its integrity and gradients between blood and milk cannot be maintained. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are commonly used systemically in combination with local administration of antimicrobials in mastitis treatments of dairy cows to improve the well-being of the cow during the disease. However, the knowledge about their effects on the blood-milk barrier is low. This study aimed to investigate effects of different NSAID, with different selectivity of cyclooxygenase-inhibition, on the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and capacitance, cell viability, and expression of tumor necrosis factor α of bovine mammary epithelial barriers in vitro. Primary mammary epithelial cells of 3 different cows were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli with or without addition of ketoprofen (1.25 mg/mL or 4 mM), flunixin meglumine (1.0 mg/mL or 4 mM), meloxicam (0.25 mg/mL, 0.75 mg/mL, or 4 mM), diclofenac (0.75 mg/mL or 4 mM) or celecoxib (0.05 mg/mL) for 6 h. Concentrations were adapted to comparable relations of the recommended dosage for systemic application. Additionally, a similar molar concentration of all NSAID was used. Lipopolysaccharide with or without NSAID induced a decrease in TEER within 5 h, which returned to control level within 14 h. Viability of cells challenged with LPS only was not affected. However, the cell viability was decreased with increasing concentrations of NSAID and this effect was amplified with simultaneous LPS challenge. Ketoprofen at both dosages, flunixin meglumine at 1.0 mg/mL, and meloxicam at 0.75 mg/mL accelerated the recovery of TEER in comparison to LPS only (return to control level within 9 h). The comparison of NSAID effects at the same molecular quantity of 4 mM showed different effect on the barrier in which ketoprofen accelerated the recovery after LPS-induced barrier opening, whereas meloxicam and diclofenac slowed down the recovery (return to control level after 24 h). In conclusion, NSAID do not prevent the mammary epithelial barrier opening by LPS; however, ketoprofen, flunixin meglumine, and meloxicam obviously support the re-establishment of the barrier integrity. Used in mastitis therapy at an optimized dosage the tested NSAID would likely support the recovery of milk composition. However, an overdose of NSAID would likely cause tissue irritation and in turn, a delayed recovery of the barrier permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F Sintes
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - O Wellnitz
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
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