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Ditzler B, Evans JB, Illing K, Kaeberlein M, Promislow DE, Brindle E, Hoffman JM, Creevy KE. Clippers are superior to scissors in the collection of hair for chemical analysis in companion dogs: a Dog Aging Project preliminary study. Am J Vet Res 2024; 85:ajvr.23.12.0293. [PMID: 38479103 PMCID: PMC11065556 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.23.12.0293] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the safest, most efficient method for hair sample collection from companion dogs among clippers, scissors, and razors and to validate obtained samples with cortisol concentration analysis. ANIMALS 25 healthy, privately owned dogs. METHODS 2 hair samples were collected from each dog's ischiatic region with different implements (scissors, razors, or clippers). The collecting clinician completed a Hair Collection Questionnaire (HCQ) for each sample that compared subjective sample quality, time of collection, restraint needed, and patient experience. Each sample was evaluated by cortisol enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS Clippers had higher overall HCQ scores than scissors, and scissors had higher HCQ scores than razors. Collection was faster for clippers than scissors, and scissors were faster than razors. There were no differences in sample quality between scissors and clippers, and sample quality was lower with razors. There was no difference in restraint needed or patient experience. Collection of long hair had higher HCQ scores than collection of medium and short hair. Collection of hair from dogs with an undercoat had higher HCQ scores than collection of hair from dogs without an undercoat. Dog size had no effect on HCQ score. Hair cortisol concentration did not vary between scissors or clippers (P = .111). Hair color and age did not affect hair cortisol concentration (P = .966 and P = .676, respectively). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Clippers are recommended for hair sample collection from companion dogs. Scissors are an adequate alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbie Ditzler
- Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College Station, Texas
| | - Jeremy B. Evans
- Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College Station, Texas
| | - Kate Illing
- Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College Station, Texas
| | - Matt Kaeberlein
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, Washington
| | - Daniel E.L. Promislow
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, Washington
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Biology, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eleanor Brindle
- University of Washington, Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jessica M. Hoffman
- Augusta University, College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Kate E. Creevy
- Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College Station, Texas
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Fusi J, Veronesi MC, Prandi A, Probo M, Faustini M, Peric T. Peripubertal Testosterone, 17β-Estradiol and Progesterone Concentrations in Hair and Nails in Dobermann Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2241. [PMID: 37444039 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies about puberty in dogs are few, probably because many factors are involved in the delicate process of puberty onset, leading to difficulties in the proper enrollment of subjects. Moreover, the use of blood for monitoring hormonal changes can be problematic, and not feasible for long-term studies. Hair and nails proved to be suitable matrices for the retrospective evaluation of hormones' long-term accumulation. This study was performed using hair and nails for the evaluation of testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations to assess possible sexual steroid changes during the peripubertal period in dogs. The results, obtained on five males and five females, showed a significant increase in T in hair and nails of males immediately before puberty. In females, a significant increase in E2 at puberty and a marked increase in P4 after puberty was found in both biological specimens. Sex-related differences were detected only for T hair concentrations, but when the sex and sampling time were considered together, hair and nails T and nails P4 concentrations allowed us to discern between male and female dogs at specific sampling times. The results from this study showed that hair and nails are useful biological specimens for the retrospective evaluation of changes in T, E2 and P4 concentrations in peripubertal dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Fusi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Alberto Prandi
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/a, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Monica Probo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Massimo Faustini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Tanja Peric
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/a, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Coat, Claw and Dewclaw 17-β-Estradiol and Testosterone Concentrations in Male and Female Postpubertal Cats: Preliminary Results. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030522. [PMID: 36766411 PMCID: PMC9913069 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the recent past, tissue materials such as hair/coat and nails/claws have proved to be useful for the study of long-term hormonal changes in humans and animals and shown to be advantageous in terms of being collectable without invasiveness, with a benefit in terms of animal welfare. However, studies using these tissue materials in cats are scarce, especially on sexual hormone measurement. In this study, the concentrations of 17-β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) were assessed in 20 male and 18 female domestic postpubertal cats at the time of neutering/spaying during the breeding season. Hormones were measured in coat shaved from the forearm (ACOAT) and from the surgical area (SCOAT); claws were collected from the forearms (CLAWS) and the dewclaws (DCLAWS). Although all these tissue materials were shown to be useful for E2 and T long-term measurement, only T concentrations were higher (p < 0.001) in males from both ACOAT and SCOAT samples when compared to females and therefore useful for distinguishing between the two sexes. Within each sex, E2 and T concentrations can be assessed on coat, but also on the dewclaws, providing an alternative, practical, matrix for sexual steroid measurement in postpubertal cats during the breeding season.
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Ghassemi Nejad J, Ghaffari MH, Ataallahi M, Jo JH, Lee HG. Stress Concepts and Applications in Various Matrices with a Focus on Hair Cortisol and Analytical Methods. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223096. [PMID: 36428324 PMCID: PMC9686725 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
When studying stress in animals, it is important to understand the types of stress and their classification, and how to assess the stress levels in different animal species using different matrices accurately and precisely. The classification of stress types helps to distinguish between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). Hence, first, it is crucial to assess the animal's level of stress in a non-intrusive manner and second to identify the type of stress that is best suited to its environment. Third, it is also important to analyze the obtained samples using a suitable method to increase the validity of stress hormone measurements. Therefore, in this review, we aim to: (1) explain the classification of stress, (2) discuss the wide range of body matrices (e.g., saliva, milk, hair, urine, feces, sweat, fins, etc.) that can be used as samples to evaluate stress levels, as well as their comparisons and limitations, and present the reliable matrices for measuring stress hormones with special emphasis on hair, (3) compare the analytical methods for measuring stress hormones after sample preparation. Despite some literature that does not include hair as a reliable matrix for evaluating stress levels, hair is one of the matrices for measuring long-term stress hormone accumulations. This review discusses some factors that influence the level of stress hormones in the hair. By understanding these issues, the scientific community will not only be able to improve the understanding of stress and biomarker evaluation but also suggest how to deal with the consequences of stress in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Ataallahi
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jang-Hoon Jo
- Department of Animal Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Hong-Gu Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-450-0523
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Ataallahi M, Nejad JG, Park KH. Selection of appropriate biomatrices for studies of chronic stress in animals: a review. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:621-639. [PMID: 35969712 PMCID: PMC9353350 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol and corticosterone, hormones traditionally considered biomarkers of
stress, can be measured in fluid biomatrices (e.g., blood, saliva) from live
animals to evaluate conditions at sampling time, or in solid biomatrices (e.g.,
hair, feather) from live or dead animals to obtain information regarding
long-term changes. Using these biomarkers to evaluate physiological stress
responses in domestic animals may be challenging due to the diverse
characteristics of biomatrices for potential measurement. Ideally, a single
measurement from the biomatrix should be sufficient for evaluating chronic
stress. The availability of appropriate and cost-effective immunoassay methods
for detecting the biomarkers should also be considered. This review discusses
the strengths and limitations of different biomatrices with regard to ensuring
the highest possible reliability for chronic stress evaluation. Overall, solid
biomatrices require less frequent sampling than other biomatrices, resulting in
greater time- and cost-effectiveness, greater ease of use, and fewer errors. The
multiplex immunoassay can be used to analyze interactions and correlations
between cortisol and other stress biomarkers in the same biomatrix. In light of
the lack of information regarding appropriate biomatrices for measuring chronic
stress, this review may help investigators set experimental conditions or design
biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ataallahi
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jalil Ghassemi Nejad
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sanghuh College of Life Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Kyu-Hyun Park
- Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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Hayashi H, Arai C, Ikeuchi Y, Yamanaka M, Hirayama T. Effect of growth and parturition on hair cortisol in Holstein cattle. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13518. [PMID: 33522047 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The effect of growth and parturition on hair cortisol concentrations of cattle was investigated. Plasma, saliva, and hair (black and white from the shoulders and hip) samples were collected from calves at 6 and 24 weeks old and from dairy cattle at the dry (1 and 2 months prepartum) and lactation (10, 50, 150, and 250 days postpartum) periods. Plasma and saliva cortisol concentrations were lower in 24-week-old calves than those of 6-week-old calves, and hair cortisol concentrations decreased regardless of color and position. In 6-week-old calves, hair cortisol concentrations differed between sampling positions, but this difference was not observed in 24-week-old calves. Plasma and saliva cortisol concentrations increased before parturition until 10 days postpartum then decreased until 50 days postpartum. The same trend was observed in the cortisol concentrations of white hair. Contrarily, cortisol concentrations in black hair remained unchanged and was lower than that in white hair. Hair cortisol concentration can vary greatly depending on the location on the body, hair color, cattle age, or parturition. When this method is used, all of the above factors must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Hayashi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chigusa Arai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yurie Ikeuchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Maho Yamanaka
- School of Bioresources and Environmental Science, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Nonoichi City, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takuji Hirayama
- School of Bioresources and Environmental Science, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Nonoichi City, Ishikawa, Japan
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Fusi J, Peric T, Probo M, Cotticelli A, Faustini M, Veronesi MC. How Stressful Is Maternity? Study about Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Coat and Claws Concentrations in Female Dogs from Mating to 60 Days Post-Partum. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061632. [PMID: 34072931 PMCID: PMC8226731 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061632] [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: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In dogs, the phase from mating to the end of weaning lasts about 120 days and encompasses many aspects that, interacting, contribute to increase the allostatic load. The coat and claws, useful for long-term change assessments, have the advantage of being collectable without invasiveness. In the present study, the Cortisol (C) and Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) concentration monthly changes in the coat and claws were studied in female dogs from mating to the end of weaning to assess Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis activation during pregnancy and the post-partum period. The results from 15 Dobermann Pinscher female dogs showed a trend of increase of the coat C from mating to 60 days post-partum, with significant changes between mating and parturition-60 days post-partum (p < 0.01) and between the 30-day pregnancy diagnosis (PD) and 30-60 days post-partum (p < 0.05). The claws C trend showed significant increases between mating and 30-60 days post-partum (p < 0.05) and between the PD and 60 days post-partum (p < 0.01). DHEA-S in both matrices showed non-significant changes. The results suggest that maternity could play a pivotal role in the HPA axis activation, with a subsequent chronic secretion of C determining an increase in the allostatic load in the mothers. Neither maternal parity nor litter size played a significant role in the accumulation of C and DHEA-S in both matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Fusi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (J.F.); (M.F.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Tanja Peric
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio, 2/a, 33100 Udine, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Monica Probo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (J.F.); (M.F.); (M.C.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessio Cotticelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio, 2/a, 33100 Udine, Italy; (T.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Massimo Faustini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (J.F.); (M.F.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Maria Cristina Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (J.F.); (M.F.); (M.C.V.)
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