The probiotic SLAB51 as agent to counteract BPA toxicity on zebrafish gut microbiota -liver-brain axis

A plethora of studies have so far described the toxic effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on organism health, highlighting the urgent need to find new strategies not only to reduce the presence of this toxicant but also to counteract its adverse effects. In this context, probiotics emerged as a potential tool since they promote organism welfare. Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study explores the effects of SLAB51 dietary administration to counteract BPA toxicity using zebrafish as a model. Adult males and females were maintained under standard conditions (control group; C), exposed for 28 days via the water to an environmental relevant dose of BPA (10 μg/L; BPA), dietary treated with SLAB51 (109 CFU/g of body weight; P) and co-treated with BPA plus SLAB51 (BPA + P). In the gut, exposure to BPA resulted in altered architecture in both males and females, with females also experiencing an increase of pathogenic bacterial species. Co-administration of BPA + P led to the restoration of normal gut architecture, favored beneficial bacteria colonization, and decreased the abundance of pathogenic species. In the liver, male BPA exposure led to steatosis and glycogen depletion, which was partially mitigated by SLAB51 co-administration. In contrast, in females exposed to BPA, the lack of steatosis along with the greater glycogen depletion, suggested an increase in energy demand as supported by the metabolomic phenotype. The analysis of liver metabolites in BPA + P males revealed increased levels of anserine and reduced levels of glutamine, which could lie behind the counteraction of the brain histopathological damage caused by BPA. In BPA + P females, a reduction of retinoic acid was found in the liver, suggesting an increase in retinoids responsible for BPA detoxification. Overall, these results demonstrate that SLAB51 exerts its beneficial effects on the gut microbiota-brain-liver axis through distinct molecular pathways, effectively mitigating the pleiotropic toxicity of BPA.

Fecal Proteome Profile in Dogs Suffering from Different Hepatobiliary Disorders and Comparison with Controls

In the present study, the fecal proteomes of clinically healthy dogs (HD = n. 10), of dogs showing clinical, ultrasonographic, and/or laboratory evidence of different hepatobiliary dysfunction (DHD = n. 10), and of dogs suffering from chronic hepatitis (CHD = n. 10) were investigated with an Ultimate 3000 nanoUPLC system, coupled to an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid mass spectrometer. Fifty-two different proteins of canine origin were identified qualitatively in the three study groups, and quantitative differences were found in 55 proteins when comparing groups. Quantitatively, a total of 41 and 36 proteins were found differentially abundant in the DHD and CHD groups compared to the control HD, and 38 proteins resulted dysregulated in the CHD group as compared to the DHD group. Among the various proteins, differently abundant fecal fibronectin and haptoglobin were more present in the feces of healthy and DHD dogs than in chronic ones, leading us to hypothesize its possible diagnostic/monitoring role in canine chronic hepatitis. On the other hand, the trefoil factor 2 was increased in DHD dogs. Our results show that the analysis of the fecal proteome is a very promising field of study, and in the case of dogs suffering from different hepatobiliary disorders, it was able to highlight both qualitative and quantitative differences among the three groups included. Results need to be confirmed with western blotting and in further studies.

Unusual Case of Biliary Peritonitis in a Dog Secondary to a Gastric Perforation

Biliary peritonitis is a pathological condition representing a medical emergency with a high risk of mortality. This condition is reported in both human and veterinary medicine following biliary tract rupture, extrahepatic biliary obstructions, gallbladder rupture, trauma, or duodenal perforation. In this report, the first-ever case of biliary peritonitis due to gastric perforation in a Bobtail purebred dog is described, which was probably induced by the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). After an elective splenectomy and castration, the dog was referred to our hospital for medical management for inappetence, mental depression, and multiple episodes of gastric vomits with traces of blood. Clinical diagnostic tests showed the presence of biliary peritonitis. Due to worsening clinical conditions, the patient was subjected to euthanasia. Macroscopic examination showed a free brownish abdominal effusion and the presence of perforating ulcer of the stomach pylorus region.

Fecal Protein Profile in Eight Dogs Suffering from Acute Uncomplicated Diarrhea before and after Treatment

Acute diarrhea is a very frequent condition affecting dogs; nevertheless, little is known about what happens in the GI tract during such conditions. Proteomics allows the study of proteins present in a specific biologic substrate, and fecal proteomic investigations have been recently implemented to study GI diseases in dogs. In the present study, the fecal protein profiles of eight dogs suffering from acute uncomplicated diarrhea at the time of inclusion was investigated for the first time, and then the same patients were followed, replicating two further evaluations at two subsequent time points (after 2 and 14 days from the first presentation), with the aim of gaining possible new insights regarding the pathologic changes in the gastrointestinal environment during such conditions. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was performed, followed by mass spectrometry. Nine spots, corresponding to four (groups of) proteins (i.e., albumin, alkaline phosphatase, chymotrypsin-C-like, and some immunoglobulins), showed significant differences at two or more of the three time points investigated, almost all behaving similarly and decreasing at T1 (2 days after the onset of the condition) and significantly increasing at T2 (14 days after the onset), mainly evidencing a reaction of the organism. Further studies including a greater number of patients and possibly different techniques are needed to confirm the present findings.

Evaluation of the Fecal Proteome in Healthy and Diseased Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) Suffering from Gastrointestinal Disorders

Fecal proteomics allows for the identification of proteins and peptides present in stools and is useful in finding possible new biomarkers for diagnosing and/or monitoring gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In the present study, we investigated the fecal proteome in healthy and diseased cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Captive individuals of this species frequently show gastrointestinal disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of diarrhea, rare episodes of vomiting and weight loss, associated with Helicobacter spp. infection. Fecal proteomic evaluation has been performed by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In healthy cheetahs, the results showed the presence of the following proteins: collagen alpha-1 (II) chain, transthyretin, IgG Fc-binding protein, titin, dystonin, isopentenyl-diphosphate Delta-isomerase 1, sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-1 and protein disulfide-isomerase A6. The presence of albumin isoforms was found only in diseased cheetahs. The present paper reports the study of the fecal proteome in the cheetah, evidences some differences between healthy and diseased patients and confirms, once again, the potential of fecal proteomics for the study of the GI environment, with promising developments regarding the identification of new diagnostic/monitoring markers.

Chronic Stress-Related Gastroenteric Pathology in Cheetah: Relation between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors

Simple Summary

The cheetah is the fastest land mammal. Habitat destruction, high mortality due to other predators, and illegal wildlife trade has led to a decrease in the wild population. Currently, the global adult population present in their natural habitat is estimated to be 7100 individuals. In captivity, the population suffers from limited reproduction and disease. Both the wild and captive populations have reduced genetic diversity from a historic bottleneck, leading to increased ecological and environmental vulnerability. Over the years, conservation programs have been developed for habitat protection, management of human–animal conflict, and the study of disease and genetics. Among these, the one with the greatest prevalence in captivity is chronic gastritis. This review analyzes the scientific literature on gastric pathology in cheetah, with the potential causes divided into “extrinsic factors”, such as living conditions and diet, and “intrinsic factors”, including the presence of Helicobacter-like organisms and the genetic predisposition.

Abstract

The rapid decline of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) throughout their range and long-term studies of captive breeding has increased conservation action for this species including the study of chronic diseases. Gastritis is one of the captive diseases that leads to high mortality presented with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss. The disease presents different histological lesions in the gastrointestinal tract that are characterized by inconstant and different clinical appearance in captive and free-range cheetahs. The aim of this review is to summarize the causes of chronic gastritis in the cheetah. Factors including diet, living conditions, infections with gastric Helicobacter-like organisms (GHLOs), the lack of genetic polymorphism and the cheetah’s specific-immunocompetence are analyzed. All studies on gastroenteric cheetah pathologies, conducted between 1991 (to the best of our knowledge, the first report on online databases) and 2021, are included in this review, highlighting the possible correlation between stress-related captive conditions and chronic gastric pathology.

Effect of a Probiotic Mixture in Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus) with Gastrointestinal Symptoms—A Pilot Study

Simple Summary

In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of probiotics in acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders in both humans and animals. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a specific probiotic mixture in cheetahs. In the wild, cheetah populations have drastically reduced due to habitat destruction, human–wildlife conflict and illegal wildlife trade. In captivity, chronic gastrointestinal diseases have a high prevalence. Based on our results, it can be concluded that probiotics may be helpful as a dietary supplement in cheetahs suffering from gastrointestinal disease.

Abstract

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are classified as “vulnerable” species due to the low numbers persisting in the wild. Gastrointestinal diseases are very common in this species when they are kept in captivity, in particular gastritis. Clinical signs are predominantly characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and anorexia. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic in two groups of cheetahs: Group A (n = 4)—rescued cheetahs housed at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (Otjiwarongo, Namibia); Group B (n = 9)—captive cheetahs housed in Italian zoos. Animals showed gastrointestinal signs of different severity, and were positive for Helicobacter spp., detected by PCR in stool samples. Two sachets of probiotic formulation were administered to all cheetahs once a day for 21 consecutive days. Clinical conditions (appetite loss, vomiting, stool consistency and Body Condition Score) before (T0) and after 21 days of probiotic administration (T1) were then compared using a simplified Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index (FCEAI) score. A slight but not significant improvement in the scores was observed in Group A, which had mild intestinal symptoms, while a significant decrease in vomiting and stool consistency (**p < 0.01) scores was observed in Group B, which had more pronounced symptoms. Results suggest that high concentrations of live probiotics can be of help in managing gastrointestinal signs in cheetahs.

Faecal proteome in clinically healthy dogs and cats: Findings in pooled faeces from 10 cats and 10 dogs

BACKGROUND

In the scientific literature, there are only a few manuscripts available on small animal faecal proteomics.

METHODS

In the present pilot study, this evaluation was performed using pooled faecal samples from 10 clinically healthy dogs and, for the first time, in 10 clinically healthy cats by mean of two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Our results showed the presence of nine (albumin, alkaline phosphatase, chymotrypsin-C-like, cytosol aminopeptidase, elastase-3B/proteinase E, immunoglobulins and nuclear pore membrane glycoprotein 210) and 14 (albumin, caspase recruitment domain-containing protein, chymotrypsin-like, deleted in malignant brain tumours 1 protein-like, hypothetical protein LOC107375, immunoglobulin, kallikrein-1, superoxide dismutase, transthyretin precursor, interstitial collagenase-like) different proteins in canine and feline faeces, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These preliminary findings document the presence of a range of proteins in the faeces of apparently healthy dogs and cats and may serve as a basis for larger, prospective studies to establish reference proteomic data against which diseased populations can be compared.

Clinicopathological and Fecal Proteome Evaluations in 16 Dogs Presenting Chronic Diarrhea Associated with Lymphangiectasia

Canine intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a condition characterized by variably severe gastrointestinal signs, frequently associated with laboratory abnormalities; the research for markers allowing a better understanding of the severity degree and/or obtaining an early diagnosis and/or monitoring is continuously progressing. In the present study, we investigated possible new diagnostic/follow-up markers in IL dogs, namely, serum C-reactive protein, serum bacterial lipopolysaccharide, serum cleaved cytokeratin 18, serum citrulline, and zonulin (in both serum and feces). A fecal proteomic study looking for possible confirmation and/or new marker candidates was also performed. All markers in both substrates, with the exception of serum citrulline, significantly differed between diseased and control dogs. Fecal proteomics allowed the retrieval of three proteins in IL dogs (Fc fragment of IgG-binding protein; transthyretin; proproteinase E) that were not previously found in clinically healthy subjects. Although further studies are needed, C-reactive protein, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, cleaved cytokeratin 18, and zonulin (in both serum and feces) resulted as promising markers for canine IL; similarly, fecal proteomics represents a road worthy of being pursued in the search for candidate biomarkers.

Therapeutic approaches to coronavirus infection according to "One Health" concept

Coronaviridae constantly infect human and animals causing respiratory, gastroenteric or systemic diseases. Over time, these viruses have shown a marked ability to mutate, jumping over the human-animal barrier, thus becoming from enzootic to zoonotic. In the last years, numerous therapeutic protocols have been developed, mainly for severe acute respiratory syndromes in humans. The aim of this review is to summarize drugs or other approaches used in coronavirus infections focusing on different roles of these molecules or bacterial products on viral adhesion and replication or in modulating the host's immune system. Within the "One Health" concept, the study of viral pathogenic role and possible therapeutic approaches in both humans and animals is essential to protect public health.

Rapid Resolution of Large Bowel Diarrhea after the Administration of a Combination of a High-Fiber Diet and a Probiotic Mixture in 30 Dogs

Canine fiber responsive diarrhea is a form of chronic colitis that improves clinically after adding fiber to the diet. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a combination of a high-fiber, highly digestible, hypoallergenic diet with a probiotic mixture in 30 dogs with chronic colitis that were unresponsive to various dietary and/or pharmacological interventions. Fecal scores, canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) scores, the dysbiosis index (DI), and histologic images of colonic biopsies were evaluated. At baseline (day 0; T0) and after 30 days of treatment (T1), all variables evaluated in our patients (i.e., fecal and CCECAI scores and histopathology) improved significantly at T1, with the exception of DI. However, there was a numerical shift from a state of dysbiosis to one of normobiosis. The combination of the diet and the probiotic used in the present study induced the resolution of clinical signs in a mean of 8.5 days (maximum 15 days) and did not necessitate any other treatments or the further addition of alimentary fiber.

[Bacteremia due to Campylobacter fetus isolated by conventional methods from an immunocompromised patient]

The genus Campylobacter includes gram-negative, motile, curved rods that can evidence characteristic morphologies. These microorganisms require low oxygen tension and an increased level of CO2 for growing. A case of bacteremia due to Campylobacter fetus in a patient with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer with metastases in dorso-lumbar column and acute promyelocytic leukemia (FAB-M3 variant) is presented. The patient was admitted to our institution due to loss of consciousness and a 2 day--history of bloody diarrhea. She received successive blood transfusions on account of her pancytopenia. Thirteen days later she developed high-grade fever. Samples were taken for blood and urine cultures and antibiotic treatment with clindamycin and ciprofloxacin was instituted. Blood culture bottles were subcultivated at 48 hours in chocolate agar. After 24 hours of incubation at 35 degrees C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere (candle jars), tiny colonies developed. Gram stain showed spiral-shaped gram-negative rods in both samples. The strain was identified as Campylobacter fetus by conventional biochemical tests. The antibiotic therapy was switched to clindamycin and gentamicin. The patient evolved favorably with negative blood cultures after a 5 day- treatment.

[Isolation of enterococci species causative of infections and sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs]

Between April 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000, 144 isolates of enterococci (one per patient) from cultures of several anatomic sites were collected. One hundred and nineteen (82.6%) E. faecalis, 11 (7.6%) E. faecium and 14 (9.7%) of other species (5 E. raffinosus, 4 E. avium, 3 E. casseliflavus, 1 E. pseudoavium, and 1 E. dispar) were associated with clinical infections. The most common sites of isolation were: the urinary tract 54.9%, abdominal cavity 12.5%, surgical wounds 12.5%, abscesses 6.9% and diabetic foot 6.2%. High-level resistance to gentamicin or streptomycin or both was detected in 48.6% of the isolates. E. faecium and E. raffinosus were significantly more resistant than E. faecalis to ampicilin and imipenem. None of the strains exhibited beta-lactamase activity. One strain of E. faecium (0.7%) was resistant to vancomicin and teicoplanin (Van A phenotype) and two strains of E. casseliflavus (1.4%) showed low level of resistance to vancomicin (Van C phenotype). Because of these diverse antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, successful treatment and control of enterococcal infections with current antimicrobial agents are becoming increasingly difficult.