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Coluccia P, Gizzarelli M, Scicluna MT, Manna G, Foglia Manzillo V, Buono F, Auletta L, Palumbo V, Pasolini MP. A cross-sectional study on performance evaluation in Italian standardbred horses' real-time PCR-positive for Theileria equi. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:79. [PMID: 38443906 PMCID: PMC10913582 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03908-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory myopathy and perivasculitis have been recently described in horses with chronic equine piroplasmosis (EP). These alterations may be linked to poor performances. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence for EP in clinically healthy Italian Standardbred (IS) racehorses and to compare laboratory parameters and performance metrics between positive and negative horses. Real-time PCR was applied for the detection of T. equi and B. caballi positivity. Haematology parameters, blood chemistry results, subjective muscle mass scores, and performance metrics were compared between PCR-positive and -negative horses. RESULTS This cross-sectional study included 120 well-trained IS racehorses and was performed over a two-years period. The prevalence of T. equi was 36.3%, whereas all samples were negative for B. caballi. Red blood cells count, haemoglobin concentration, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were significantly higher in PCR-positive horses, whereas blood urea nitrogen, globulin concentration and globulin-to-albumin ratio were significantly lower in PCR-positive horses compared to PCR-negative ones. Nonetheless, all values fell within the physiological range. The best racing time, which was selected as the most representative of the performance metrics at the principal component analysis, was not affected by PCR positivity, the muscle mass score or the training yard. The best racing time was significantly better in horses with a mild or no signs of muscular atrophy, within the PCR-positive group. The muscle mass score was associated with the training yard in PCR-negative horses. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of T. equi was high in IS racehorses in southern Italy. The absence of obvious changes in haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as performance metrics in positive horses, highlights the need for specific diagnostic tests to identify chronically infected horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Coluccia
- Interdepartmental Center of Veterinary Radiology, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Napoli, 80137, Italy
| | - Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome, 00178, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome, 00178, Italy
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Luigi Auletta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy.
| | - Veronica Palumbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Pasolini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
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De Biase D, Pagano TB, Malanga D, Russo V, Piegari G, d'Aquino I, Iovane V, Scarfò M, Papparella S, Wojcik S, Paciello O. Identification of vacuolar autophagic aggregates in the skeletal muscles of inbred C57BL/6NCrl mice. Lab Anim 2023:236772221138942. [PMID: 36601775 DOI: 10.1177/00236772221138942] [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: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive pathological analysis of inbred strains is essential to define strain-specific spontaneous lesions and to understand whether a specific phenotype results from experimental intervention or reflects a naturally occurring disease. This study aimed to report and describe a novel condition affecting the skeletal muscles of an inbred C57BL/6NCrl mouse colony characterised by large sarcoplasmic vacuoles in the muscle fibres of male mice in the subsarcolemmal spaces and the intermyofibrillary network. There was no muscle weakness, loss of ambulation or cardiac/respiratory involvement. Post-mortem evaluation and histological analysis excluded the presence of pathological accumulations or lesions in other tissues and organs. Changes were seen in fibre size, with many hypotrophic and some slightly hypertrophic fibres. Histological, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses of the vacuolar content revealed dysregulation of the autophagy machinery while ruling out a morphologically similar condition marked by the accumulation of tubular aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Bruna Pagano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production University of Naples 'Federico II', Italy
| | - Donatella Malanga
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro Medical School, Italy
| | - Valeria Russo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production University of Naples 'Federico II', Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piegari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production University of Naples 'Federico II', Italy
| | - Ilaria d'Aquino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production University of Naples 'Federico II', Italy
| | - Valentina Iovane
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Italy
| | | | - Serenella Papparella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production University of Naples 'Federico II', Italy
| | - Slawomir Wojcik
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production University of Naples 'Federico II', Italy
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Effects of Competitive ELISA-Positive Results of Piroplasmosis on the Performance of Endurance Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050637. [PMID: 35268210 PMCID: PMC8909285 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050637] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a common infectious disease in southern Europe. To better understand the impact and influence of EP on the performance of endurance horses, we collected blood samples from national elite horses during different endurance competitions. The horses were tested against piroplasmosis, and several blood parameters related to performance were also evaluated. It seems that horses without clinical signs of piroplasmosis can participate without performance impairment in competitions of up to 80 km. Although it is recommended that longer distance competitions should be further evaluated, this is the first step for decision-making by organizers and participants in this sport. Abstract Endurance is an increasingly popular equestrian sport. However, in southern Europe, there is a high prevalence of horses that are asymptomatic carriers of equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease that could affect their performance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact and influence of EP on the performance of endurance horses. Blood samples were collected from 40 horses in Extremadura, Spain, before and after a race, in different national elite horse endurance competitions. Hematological and biochemical parameters and EP seroprevalence were analysed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The global seroprevalence of EP was 70%, with 27 horses testing positive for Theileria equi (67.5%) and three (7.5%) for Babesia caballi, with two of these horses (5%) positive for both. Approximately 82.5% of the horses (33 of 40) completed the competition, with no influence on performance or position achieved in those with subclinical parasitosis. There were also no significant differences in hematological or biochemical values between seropositive and seronegative horses. The data suggest that horses without clinical signs of EP can participate without performance impairment in competitions of up to 80 km. Although it is recommended that longer distance competitions should be further evaluated, this is the first step for decision-making by organizers and participants in this sport.
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Risso A, Campos G, Garcia H, Zerpa H. Insights into equine piroplasmosis in Venezuelan sport horses: Molecular diagnosis, clinical, and cardiovascular findings. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 27:100666. [PMID: 35012720 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne infectious disease highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Venezuela. EP affects wild and domestic equids leading to several clinical presentations, from asymptomatic to severely affected animals. In this study, thirty-three (33) sport horses under regular training activities and from endemic regions of north-central Venezuela were submitted to an observational survey, case-control, to describe the presence of clinical signs and natural EP infections. A conventional PCR assay targeting the SSU rRNA gene revealed EP etiologic agents in 13 out of 33 sampled horses (~ 39.4% infections). Nine (9) of these EP-positive samples were confirmed as infected with Babesia caballi (6/9 = 66.7%) or Theileria equi (3/9 = 33.3%) by DNA sequencing and BLASTN analyses. A phylogeny of SSU rRNA gene sequences revealed that these new B. caballi and T. equi sequences clustered within the worldwide distributed phylogenetic genotype A, respectively. No acute EP cases were observed in this study; however, six (6) PCR-positive animals displayed mild clinical signs compatible with EP, including a mild leukocytosis (P < 0.05). The heart rate variability frequency domain analysis in four (4) of these EP-positive infected animals revealed a significant (P < 0.05) higher low-frequency/high-frequency ratio suggesting a sympathovagal imbalance in these chronically infected animals. Other clinical and cardiovascular parameters were similar between the different groups. Sport horses are routinely submitted to intense training programs and sport-related activities that could lead to loss of the host-parasite equilibrium that characterizes enzootic regions, increasing the likelihood of infection reactivation and the risk of transmission. Heart rate variability analysis contributes to evaluate the sympathovagal balance and detecting homeostasis disturbances in sport horses. Molecular diagnostic tests for EP based on the detection of parasite DNA in equine blood samples should be included in the health programs of sport horses in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaldo Risso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Romulo Gallegos University, Zaraza, Guarico, Venezuela
| | - Gerardo Campos
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Herakles Garcia
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
| | - Héctor Zerpa
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada, West Indies.
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Prisco F, De Biase D, Piegari G, Oriente F, Cimmino I, De Pasquale V, Costanzo M, Santoro P, Gizzarelli M, Papparella S, Paciello O. Leishmania spp.-Infected Dogs Have Circulating Anti-Skeletal Muscle Autoantibodies Recognizing SERCA1. Pathogens 2021; 10:463. [PMID: 33921323 PMCID: PMC8070147 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania spp. infection is associated with an inflammatory myopathy (IM) in dogs. The pathomechanism underlying this disorder is still elusive, however, the pattern of cellular infiltration and MHC I and II upregulation indicate an immune-mediated myositis. This study aimed to investigate the presence of autoantibodies targeting the skeletal muscle in sera of leishmania-infected dogs and individuate the major autoantigen. We tested sera from 35 leishmania-infected dogs and sera from 10 negative controls for the presence of circulating autoantibodies with indirect immunofluorescence. Immunoblot and mass spectrometry were used to identify the main target autoantigen. Immunocolocalization and immunoblot on immunoprecipitated muscle proteins were performed to confirm the individuated major autoantigen. We identified circulating autoantibodies that recognize skeletal muscle antigen(s) in sera of leishmania-infected dogs. The major antigen was identified as the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 1 (SERCA1). We also found that canine SERCA1 presents several identical traits to the calcium-translocating P-type ATPase of Leishmania infantum. In the present study, we defined circulating anti-SERCA1 autoantibodies as part of the pathogenesis of the leishmania-associated IM in dogs. Based on our data, we hypothesize that antigen mimicry is the mechanism underlying the production of these autoantibodies in leishmania-infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Prisco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (G.P.); (V.D.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (O.P.)
| | - Davide De Biase
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (G.P.); (V.D.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (O.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Piegari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (G.P.); (V.D.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (O.P.)
| | - Francesco Oriente
- Research Unit (URT) Genomic of Diabetes, Department of Translational Medicine, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Council of Research (CNR), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.O.); (I.C.)
| | - Ilaria Cimmino
- Research Unit (URT) Genomic of Diabetes, Department of Translational Medicine, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Council of Research (CNR), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.O.); (I.C.)
| | - Valeria De Pasquale
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (G.P.); (V.D.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (O.P.)
| | - Michele Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Santoro
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Di.Lab.), 80125 Naples, Italy;
| | - Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (G.P.); (V.D.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (O.P.)
| | - Serenella Papparella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (G.P.); (V.D.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (O.P.)
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (D.D.B.); (G.P.); (V.D.P.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (O.P.)
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Implication of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Bovine Age-Related Sarcopenia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073609. [PMID: 33808510 PMCID: PMC8036417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is defined as the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying sarcopenia are still not completely understood. The aim of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in bovine skeletal muscle in order to investigate the hypothesis that inflammasome activation may trigger and sustain a pro-inflammatory environment leading to sarcopenia. Samples of skeletal muscle were collected from 60 cattle belonging to three age-based groups. Morphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis were performed to assess the presence of age-related pathologic changes and chronic inflammation, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and to determine the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-18 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in muscle tissue. Our results revealed the presence of morphologic sarcopenia hallmark, chronic lymphocytic inflammation and a type II fibers-selective NLRP3 expression associated to a significant decreased number of immunolabeled-fibers in aged animals. Moreover, we found a statistically significant age-related increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 suggesting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Taken together, our data suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome components may be normally expressed in skeletal muscle, but its priming and activation during aging may contribute to enhance a pro-inflammatory environment altering normal muscular anabolism and metabolism.
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7
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Prisco F, De Biase D, Piegari G, d'Aquino I, Lama A, Comella F, Mercogliano R, Dipineto L, Papparella S, Paciello O. Pathologic characterization of white striping myopathy in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101150. [PMID: 34049215 PMCID: PMC8167160 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
White striping (WS) is an emerging myopathy of broiler chickens characterized by white striation of muscle. Despite the recent advances, the pathomechanism underlying the WS remains elusive. The aim of this study was to characterize morphological and molecular features of WS in broiler chickens. 50 pectoralis muscles were collected from 55 days old ROSS 308 broiler chickens with a mean weight of 3.5 kg. Samples were snap frozen and analyzed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Real-time-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of different cytokines. Histological lesions were observed in all examined animals, both with and without macroscopic evidence of WS. WS muscles showed endomysial and perivascular inflammatory infiltrates of macrophages and cluster of differentiation (CD)8-positive T lymphocytes with severe myofiber atrophy, necrosis, fibrosis and replacement by adipose tissue. There was diffuse sarcoplasmic and sarcolemmal overexpression of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I). The severity of the histologic lesions was positively correlated with the macroscopic degree of white striations. IL-6, IL-17 and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF) were overexpressed in severe lesions of WS. The presence of the CD8/MHC I complexes, together with the higher expression of IL-6, IL-17 and LITAF in severe degree of WS, suggest that the immune response may be involved in the progression of this myopathy and can be consistent with a hypoxia-induced inflammatory myopathy. These results help to understand the pathomechanism of WS contributing to the reduction of economic losses and improving poultry welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Prisco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italia
| | - Davide De Biase
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italia
| | - Giuseppe Piegari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italia
| | - Ilaria d'Aquino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italia
| | - Adriano Lama
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italia
| | - Federica Comella
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Napoli, Italia
| | - Raffaelina Mercogliano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Food Inspection, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italia
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Avian Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italia
| | - Serenella Papparella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italia
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italia.
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Imidocarb Dipropionate Lacks Efficacy against Theileria haneyi and Fails to Consistently Clear Theileria equi in Horses Co-Infected with T. haneyi. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121035. [PMID: 33321715 PMCID: PMC7764667 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of Theileria equi, the primary cause of equine theileriosis, is largely reliant on acaracide use and chemosterilization with imidocarb dipropionate (ID). However, it is currently unknown if ID is effective against Theileria haneyi, the recently identified second causative agent of equine theileriosis, or if the drug maintains effectiveness against T. equi in the presence of T. haneyi co-infection. The purpose of this study was to address these questions using ID treatment of the following three groups of horses: (1) five T. haneyi infected horses; (2) three T. haneyi-T. equi infected horses; and (3) three T. equi-T. haneyi infected horses. Clearance was first evaluated using nPCR for each Theileria sp. on peripheral blood samples. ID failed to clear T. haneyi in all three groups of horses, and failed to clear T. equi in two of three horses in group two. For definitive confirmation of infection status, horses in groups two and three underwent splenectomy post-treatment. The T. equi-nPCR-positive horses in group two developed severe clinical signs and were euthanized. Remaining horses exhibited moderate signs consistent with T. haneyi. Our results demonstrate that ID therapy lacks efficacy against T. haneyi, and T. haneyi-T. equi co-infection may interfere with ID clearance of T. equi.
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Prisco F, Papparella S, Paciello O. The correlation between cardiac and skeletal muscle pathology in animal models of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. ACTA MYOLOGICA : MYOPATHIES AND CARDIOMYOPATHIES : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SOCIETY OF MYOLOGY 2020; 39:313-319. [PMID: 33458587 PMCID: PMC7783441 DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders in which skeletal muscle is inappropriately targeted by the immune system. IIMs are characterized by inflammation of muscle and varying degrees of muscle dysfunction. Extra-muscular manifestations may involve heart, skin, joints, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Cardiovascular involvement is a feared event because is one of the leading causes of mortality in IIM patients. As the myocardium shares many features with the skeletal muscle, it is supposed that it can be affected by the same inflammatory processes, which take place during the different forms of IIMs. However, the full extent of this link and the mechanisms behind it are still not fully understood. Animal models have greatly improved our understanding of IIM pathomechanisms and have proven to be a useful tool for discovering therapeutic drug targets. Here we report the evidence of heart muscle involvement in different animal models of spontaneous IIMs, assuming a common autoimmune mechanism and presenting them as study models for human pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Prisco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and animal production, Unit of Pathology. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Serenella Papparella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and animal production, Unit of Pathology. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and animal production, Unit of Pathology. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Fry LM, Knowles DP, Steinman A. Twenty Years of Equine Piroplasmosis Research: Global Distribution, Molecular Diagnosis, and Phylogeny. Pathogens 2020; 9:E926. [PMID: 33171698 PMCID: PMC7695325 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by the hemoparasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi, is an important tick-borne disease of equines that is prevalent in most parts of the world. Infection may affect animal welfare and has economic impacts related to limitations in horse transport between endemic and non-endemic regions, reduced performance of sport horses and treatment costs. Here, we analyzed the epidemiological, serological, and molecular diagnostic data published in the last 20 years, and all DNA sequences submitted to GenBank database, to describe the current global prevalence of these parasites. We demonstrate that EP is endemic in most parts of the world, and that it is spreading into more temperate climates. We emphasize the importance of using DNA sequencing and genotyping to monitor the spread of parasites, and point to the necessity of further studies to improve genotypic characterization of newly recognized parasite species and strains, and their linkage to virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Lindsay M. Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
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11
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Pagano TB, Prisco F, De Biase D, Piegari G, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Papparella S, Paciello O. Muscular Sarcocystosis in Sheep Associated With Lymphoplasmacytic Myositis and Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I and II. Vet Pathol 2019; 57:272-280. [PMID: 31801417 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819891257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystosis is a protozoal disease affecting a wide range of animals. The aims of this study were to characterize the following in sheep: (1) the muscle pathology in Sarcocystis infection, (2) the inflammatory infiltrate and its relationship to severity of infection, and (3) immune markers expressed by parasitized muscle fibers and parasitic cysts. Skeletal muscle samples from 78 sheep slaughtered in southern Italy were snap frozen and analyzed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were used for Sarcocystis species identification. All 40 muscle samples tested were PCR-positive for Sarcocystis tenella. Histologically, cysts were identified in 76/78 cases (97%), associated with an endomysial infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells. The T cells were predominantly CD8+, with fewer CD4+ or CD79α+ cells. Eosinophils were absent. Notably, sarcolemmal immunopositivity for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II was found in 76/78 cases (97%) and 75/78 cases (96%), respectively, both in samples with and in those without evident inflammatory infiltrate. The number of cysts was positively correlated with inflammation. In addition, MHC I was detected in 55/78 cyst walls (72%), and occasionally co-localized with the membrane-associated protein dystrophin. The findings suggest that muscle fibers respond to the presence of cysts by expression of MHC I and II. The possible role of MHC I and II in the inflammatory response and on the cyst wall is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Bruna Pagano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Prisco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide De Biase
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piegari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Serenella Papparella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Vianna AM, Santos AC, Cunha RC, de Souza Stori de Lara AP, Weege GB, Leivas Leite FP. Antigenicity assessment of the Theileria equi merozoite antigen (EMA-2) expressed in Pichia pastoris in mice and horses. Exp Parasitol 2019; 206:107757. [PMID: 31494216 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Equine theileriosis is a severe equine disease caused by the protozoan Theileria equi, which is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. In this study, a recombinant equi merozoite antigen-2 (rEMA-2) of T. equi was used as an immunogen. Two groups of 10 mice each were divided into control and vaccinated groups. Sixty mares seronegative for theileriosis were divided in two groups, one vaccinated and another group as a control animal. Mice and mares of the vaccinated groups were inoculated with 150 μL of the vaccine containing 50 μg of rEMA-2 and 2 mL of the vaccine containing 200 μg of rEMA-2, respectively, at days 0 and 21. The immunogenicity of rEMA-2 was evaluated by ELISA and fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) using serum from vaccinated mice, mares and antigenicity in naturally infected horse. At every point throughout the ELISA study, there were significant differences between the vaccinated and control groups (p < 0.05). The vaccine induced 3- and 4-fold IgG increases in mice at the 14th and 28th day, respectively, compared to the control group. The horses' IgG dynamics showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the total IgG titer as early as day 7, which increased until day 28 at which time a more significant (p < 0.001) IgG titer was observed. In evaluating the isotypes, we observed a trend similar to that of total IgG, where IgG(T) (IgG3-5) were significantly (p < 0.05) more elevated than the other isotypes analyzed, followed by IgGb (IgG4-7) and IgGa (IgG1). Positive fluorescence was detected by IFAT, suggesting that the protein is immunogenic and conserves some epitopes identical to the native T. equi antigens present in the equine blood smear. Thus, our results suggest that rEMA-2 can be a promising vaccinal antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Muñoz Vianna
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010-900, Brazil.
| | - Alice Correa Santos
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010-900, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Casquero Cunha
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Guilherme Borges Weege
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fábio Pereira Leivas Leite
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 96010-900, Brazil; Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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13
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Diehl L, Meyerholz DK, Day MJ, Affolter VK. Pathology and Pathogenesis of Immune-Mediated Diseases of Animals. Vet Pathol 2018; 55:5-7. [PMID: 29254471 DOI: 10.1177/0300985817739091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David K Meyerholz
- 2 Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Verena K Affolter
- 4 UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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