Effects of 2-carboxythylgerumanium sesquioxide (Ge-132) as an immunological modifier of post-surgical immunosuppression in dogs

Immunological Effects of Recombinant Feline Interferon-ω (KT-80) Administration in the Dog

The immunological effects of recombinant feline interferon-omega (rFeIFN-omega ; KT-80, Toray) were examined on administration to healthy dogs. The activities of whole blood cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells were enhanced. Moreover, the whole blood activity was examined when KT-80 was administered to dogs which had been diagnosed as having natural canine parvovirus (CPV) infection. Only some cases in which the activity increased until 3 hr post-administration survived. These results suggest that rFeIFN-omega (KT-80) treatment enhanced the cellular immunity of normal dogs, and could exert significant therapeutic effects on only natural CPV infected dogs with induced continuous immunoenhancement.

Effects of ovariohysterectomy on canine blood neutrophil respiratory burst: a chemiluminescence study

OBJECTIVE

To examine blood neutrophil counts and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) responses in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OH), premedicated with 2 different drugs.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized clinical study.

ANIMALS

Forty-two healthy client-owned bitches.

METHODS

Dogs had OH under isoflurane anesthesia with either acepromazine or medetomidine, both in combination with butorphanol, administered as preanesthetic medication. Blood samples were collected when the dog was admitted, at the end of surgery, and the next day (approximately 20 hours after surgery). Blood neutrophils were counted automatically, and neutrophil oxidative activity was assessed by measuring blood CL responses (induced by opsonized zymosan and enhanced by luminol) at 37 degrees C for 40 minutes.

RESULTS

Number of circulating neutrophils was significantly increased the day after surgery reflected by enhanced blood CL responses. Neutrophil CL, however, was not significantly altered. No significant differences were detected for perioperative Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) characteristics between the 2 preanesthetic regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, despite clearly increasing the number of circulating neutrophils, OH did not significantly affect neutrophil respiratory burst, as measured by whole-blood CL responses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Surgical operation of moderate intensity (e.g., OH) did not significantly alter one of the important immune functions, neutrophil oxidative activity. Further studies are warranted to confirm the significance of this finding, and to assess the value of following this variable in different animal patient populations.

Germane facts about germanium sesquioxide: I. Chemistry and anticancer properties

This paper reviews the history, chemistry, safety, toxicity, and anticancer effects of the organogermanium compound bis (2-carboxyethylgermanium) sesquioxide (CEGS). A companion review follows, discussing the inaccuracies in the scientific record that have prematurely terminated research on clinical uses of CEGS. CEGS is a unique organogermanium compound first made by Mironov and coworkers in Russia and, shortly thereafter, popularized by Asai and his colleagues in Japan. Low concentrations of germanium occur in nearly all soils, plants and animal life; natural occurrence of the CEGS form is postulated but not yet demonstrated. The literature demonstrating its anticancer effect is particularly strong: CEGS induces interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), enhances natural killer cell activity, and inhibits tumor and metastatic growth--effects often detectable after a single oral dose. In addition, oral consumption of CEGS is readily assimilated and rapidly cleared from the body without evidence of toxicity. Given these findings, the absence of human clinical trials of CEGS is unexpected. Possible explanations of why the convincing findings from animal research have not been used to support clinical trials are discussed. Clinical trials on CEGS are recommended.

ORAL SINGLE- AND REPEATED-DOSE TOXICITY STUDIES ON GERANTI BIO-GE YEAST, ORGANIC GERMANIUM FORTIFIED YEASTS, IN DOGS

Single- and 13-week repeated-dose toxicities of Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast, organic germanium fortified yeasts, were investigated in dogs. Both sexes of Beagle dogs were orally administered once at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg in single-dose toxicity or daily for 13 weeks at doses of 500, 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg in repeated-dose toxicity tests. In single-dose toxicity test, no animal dead, moribund, or showing clinical signs or changes in body weight gain was found. In repeated-dose toxicity study, there were no considerable changes in ophthalmoscopy and urinalysis. Several alterations were observed in electrocardiography, hematology and blood biochemistry, including heart rate, R-R interval, QT correcting, reticulocytes, activated partial thromboplastin time and albumin/globulin ratio in only male dogs, but not in females, administered with Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast in a dose-independent manner. In gross findings, several cases of abnormal findings were observed in both control and treatment groups, showing diffuse dark brown to black discoloration of liver, in a dose-independent manner. In microscopic examination, mild lesions, including cholestasis and inflammatory cell foci in liver, kidneys and prostate, were found sporadically in both control and treatment groups. In spite of some alterations in electrocardiography, hematology, blood biochemistry, gross and microscopic findings, such effects were not considered to include toxicopathological significance, based on the marginal changes within normal ranges and lack of dose-dependency, consistent time-course and gender relationship. Taken together, it is suggested that no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast is considered to be 2,000 mg/kg in dogs, and that long-term treatment in clinical trials might not exert adverse effects.

ORAL SINGLE- AND REPEATED-DOSE TOXICITY STUDIES ON GERANTI BIO-GE YEAST, ORGANIC GERMANIUM FORTIFIED YEASTS, IN RATS

Single- and 13-week repeated-dose toxicities of Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast, organic germanium fortified yeasts, were investigated in rats. Both sexes of Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered once at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg in single-dose toxicity or daily for 13 weeks at doses of 500, 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg in repeated-dose toxicity tests. In single-dose toxicity test to determine dose levels in repeated-dose toxicity study, the body weight gain was suppressed at 2,000 mg/kg, although no death, clinical signs and pathological findings related to the treatment were observed. In repeated-dose toxicity test, there were no clinical signs in animals administered up to 2,000 mg/kg, except one rat died due to a gavage error. In addition, no significant changes in feed consumption and body weight gain were obtained during the treatment period, in spite of week-to-week fluctuation of water consumption. There were no considerable changes in ophthalmoscopy, urinalysis, hematology and serum biochemistry, except a significant decrease in albumin/globulin ratio in males treated with 1,000 mg/kg. In contrast, a significant increase in relative heart weight was observed in both male and female rats treated with a high dose (2,000 mg/kg) of Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast. In microscopic examination, mild lesions were found sporadically in both control and treatment groups in a dose-independent manner. In spite of some alterations in water consumption, serum biochemistry and organ weights, such effects were not considered to include toxicopathological significance, based on the lack of dose-dependency, consistent time-course and gender relationship. Taken together, it is suggested that no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast is considered to be over 2,000 mg/kg in rats, and that long-term oral intake in humans might not exert adverse effects.

Hazard assessment of germanium supplements

Germanium-containing dietary supplements became popular in the 1970s in Japan and later in other countries, as elixirs for certain diseases (e.g., cancer and AIDS). Germanium is not an essential element. Its acute toxicity is low. However, at least 31 reported human cases linked prolonged intake of germanium products with renal failure and even death. Signs of kidney dysfunction, kidney tubular degeneration, and germanium accumulation were observed. Other adverse effects were anemia, muscle weakness, and peripheral neuropathy. Recovery of renal function is slow and incomplete even long after germanium intake was stopped. The total dose of ingested germanium (as dioxide, carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide, germanium-lactate-citrate, or unspecified forms) varied from 15 to over 300 g; the exposure duration varied from 2 to 36 months. In laboratory animals, elevated germanium in tissues and impaired kidney and liver function were observed in a life-time drinking water (5 ppm germanium) study. Other toxicities associated with ingested germanium products in human cases were also demonstrated in animal studies with germanium dioxide and sometimes other germanium compounds. Based on the evidence of persistent renal toxicity associated with germanium dioxide, the lack of conclusive findings of differential nephrotoxicity of organic germanium compounds, and the possibility of contamination of the organic germanium products with inorganic germanium, it is clear that germanium products present a potential human health hazard.

Characterization of natural killer cytotoxic factor (NKCF) from canine NK cells

We investigated the presence of canine natural killer cytotoxic factor (NKCF). Canine natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity measured by 51chromium (51Cr) release assay was found to be highest in the T-cell population, which was fractionated into the 35-40% Percoll fraction by discontinuous gradient centrifugation. The cytotoxicity of NKCF in the culture supernatant showed a similar tendency to NK activity. Release of NKCF was rapid after contact with target cells, and reached a plateau in 60 min. The cytotoxicity of NKCF could be detected within at least 15 min in coculture with CL-1 target cells, reaching a plateau in 60 min. We also characterized canine NKCF and found it to be a protein, which was stable against both heat and cold treatment. These findings suggest that canine NK cells release NKCF immediately after recognition and binding to the target cell, and that NKCF plays an important role in canine NK-mediated cytotoxicity.