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Patel PA, LaConte LEW, Liang C, Cecere T, Rajan D, Srivastava S, Mukherjee K. Genetic evidence for splicing-dependent structural and functional plasticity in CASK protein. J Med Genet 2024:jmg-2023-109747. [PMID: 38670634 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) may present with supratentorial phenotypes and is often accompanied by microcephaly. Damaging mutations in the X-linked gene CASK produce self-limiting microcephaly with PCH in females but are often lethal in males. CASK deficiency leads to early degeneration of cerebellar granule cells but its role in other regions of the brain remains uncertain. METHOD We generated a conditional Cask knockout mice and deleted Cask ubiquitously after birth at different times. We examined the clinical features in several subjects with damaging mutations clustered in the central part of the CASK protein. We have performed phylogenetic analysis and RT-PCR to assess the splicing pattern within the same protein region and performed in silico structural analysis to examine the effect of splicing on the CASK's structure. RESULT We demonstrate that deletion of murine Cask after adulthood does not affect survival but leads to cerebellar degeneration and ataxia over time. Intriguingly, damaging hemizygous CASK mutations in boys who display microcephaly and cerebral dysfunction but without PCH are known. These mutations are present in two vertebrate-specific CASK exons. These exons are subject to alternative splicing both in forebrain and hindbrain. Inclusion of these exons differentially affects the molecular structure and hence possibly the function/s of the CASK C-terminus. CONCLUSION Loss of CASK function disproportionately affects the cerebellum. Clinical data, however, suggest that CASK may have additional vertebrate-specific function/s that play a role in the mammalian forebrain. Thus, CASK has an ancient function shared between invertebrates and vertebrates as well as novel vertebrate-specific function/s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras A Patel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Leslie E W LaConte
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
- Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Deepa Rajan
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarika Srivastava
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Konark Mukherjee
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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2
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Bolton TA, Green E, Cecere T. Epistaxis and Facial Swelling Due to Nasal Blastomycosis in a Cat. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2024; 60:40-44. [PMID: 38175979 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-7313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
A 5 yr old castrated male domestic longhair was examined because of left-sided facial swelling and epistaxis. Head computed tomography with contrast identified a mass within the left nasal cavity and multifocal regions of nasal bone osteolysis. Histopathology of nasal mass biopsies and cytology of the facial swelling revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation due to Blastomyces dermatitidis. The cat experienced resolution of clinical signs following 8 mo of treatment with itraconazole. Although rare, clinicians should include blastomycosis on the differential diagnoses list of infectious causes for feline nasal disease if within an endemic area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Green
- From Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Thomas Cecere
- From Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia
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3
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Garcia‐Mora J, Parker RL, Cecere T, Robertson JL, Rossmeisl JH. The T2-FLAIR mismatch sign as an imaging biomarker for oligodendrogliomas in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1447-1454. [PMID: 37246729 PMCID: PMC10365042 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, the T2-weighted (T2W)-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch sign (T2FMM) is a specific imaging biomarker for the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1)-mutated, 1p/19q non-codeleted low-grade astrocytomas (LGA). The T2FMM is characterized by a homogeneous hyperintense T2W signal and a hypointense signal with a hyperintense peripheral rim on FLAIR sequences. In gliomas in dogs, the T2FMM has not been described. HYPOTHESES/OBJECTIVES In dogs with focal intra-axial brain lesions, T2FMM will discriminate gliomas from other lesions. The T2FMM will be associated with the LGA phenotype and presence of microcysts on histopathology. Interobserver agreement for T2FMM magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features will be high. ANIMALS One hundred eighty-six dogs with histopathologically diagnosed focal intra-axial lesions on brain MRI including oligodendrogliomas (n = 90), astrocytomas (n = 47), undefined gliomas (n = 9), cerebrovascular accidents (n = 33), and inflammatory lesions (n = 7). METHODS Two blinded raters evaluated the 186 MRI studies and identified cases with the T2FMM. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical slides of T2FMM cases were evaluated for morphologic features and IDH1-mutations and compared to cases without the T2FMM. Gene expression analyses were performed on a subset of oligodendrogliomas (n = 10) with and without T2FMM. RESULTS The T2FMM was identified in 14/186 (8%) of MRI studies, and all dogs with T2FMM had oligodendrogliomas (n = 12 low-grade [LGO], n = 2 high-grade [HGO]; P < .001). Microcystic change was significantly associated with the T2FMM (P < .00001). In oligodendrogliomas with T2FMM, IDH1-mutations or specific differentially expressed genes were not identified. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The T2FMM can be readily identified on routinely obtained MRI sequences. It is a specific biomarker for oligodendroglioma in dogs, and was significantly associated with non-enhancing LGO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefa Garcia‐Mora
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Animal Cancer Care and Research CenterVirginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Veterinary and Comparative Neuro‐Oncology Laboratory, Virginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Rell L. Parker
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Animal Cancer Care and Research CenterVirginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & PathobiologyVirginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - John L. Robertson
- Veterinary and Comparative Neuro‐Oncology Laboratory, Virginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech‐Wake Forest UniversityBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - John H. Rossmeisl
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Animal Cancer Care and Research CenterVirginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Veterinary and Comparative Neuro‐Oncology Laboratory, Virginia‐Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech‐Wake Forest UniversityBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
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4
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Fallon JA, Goodchild C, DuRant SE, Cecere T, Sponenberg DP, Hopkins WA. Hematological and histological changes from ingestion of Deepwater Horizon crude oil in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Environ Pollut 2021; 290:118026. [PMID: 34479165 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to crude oil during spill events causes a variety of pathologic effects in birds, including oxidative injury to erythrocytes, which is characterized in some species by the formation of Heinz bodies and subsequent anemia. However, not all species appear to develop Heinz bodies or anemia when exposed to oil, and there are limited controlled experiments that use both light and electron microscopy to evaluate structural changes within erythrocytes following oil exposure. In this study, we orally dosed zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) with 3.3 or 10 mL/kg of artificially weathered Deepwater Horizon crude oil or 10 mL/kg of peanut oil (vehicle control) daily for 15 days. We found that birds receiving the highest dosage experienced a significant increase in reticulocyte percentage, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and liver mass, as well as inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and lymphocyte proliferation in the spleen. However, we found no evidence of Heinz body formation based on both light and transmission electron microscopy. Although there was a tendency for packed cell volume and hemoglobin to decrease in birds from the high dose group compared to control and low dose groups, the changes were not statistically significant. Our results indicate that additional experimental dosing studies are needed to understand factors (e.g., dose- and species-specific sensitivity) and confounding variables (e.g., dispersants) that contribute to the presence and severity of anemia resulting from oil exposure in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Fallon
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | | | - Sarah E DuRant
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - D Phillip Sponenberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - William A Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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5
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Carvallo FR, Martins M, Joshi LR, Caserta LC, Mitchell PK, Cecere T, Hancock S, Goodrich EL, Murphy J, Diel DG. Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Cat with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Viruses 2021; 13:1510. [PMID: 34452375 PMCID: PMC8402861 DOI: 10.3390/v13081510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), has claimed millions of human lives worldwide since the emergence of the zoonotic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in China in December 2019. Notably, most severe and fatal SARS-CoV-2 infections in humans have been associated with underlying clinical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases. Here, we describe a case of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in a domestic cat (Felis catus) that presented with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a chronic heart condition that has been described as a comorbidity of COVID-19 in humans and that is prevalent in domestic cats. The lung and heart of the affected cat presented clear evidence of SARS-CoV-2 replication, with histological lesions similar to those observed in humans with COVID-19 with high infectious viral loads being recovered from these organs. The study highlights the potential impact of comorbidities on the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals and provides important information that may contribute to the development of a feline model with the potential to recapitulate the clinical outcomes of severe COVID-19 in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco R. Carvallo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (F.R.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Mathias Martins
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Rd., AHDC A3-114, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (M.M.); (L.R.J.); (L.C.C.); (P.K.M.); (E.L.G.)
| | - Lok R. Joshi
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Rd., AHDC A3-114, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (M.M.); (L.R.J.); (L.C.C.); (P.K.M.); (E.L.G.)
| | - Leonardo C. Caserta
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Rd., AHDC A3-114, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (M.M.); (L.R.J.); (L.C.C.); (P.K.M.); (E.L.G.)
| | - Patrick K. Mitchell
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Rd., AHDC A3-114, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (M.M.); (L.R.J.); (L.C.C.); (P.K.M.); (E.L.G.)
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (F.R.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Sandy Hancock
- Laboratory for Neurotoxicity Studies, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
| | - Erin L. Goodrich
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Rd., AHDC A3-114, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (M.M.); (L.R.J.); (L.C.C.); (P.K.M.); (E.L.G.)
| | - Julia Murphy
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Surveillance and Investigation, Richmond, VA 23218, USA;
| | - Diego G. Diel
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Rd., AHDC A3-114, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (M.M.); (L.R.J.); (L.C.C.); (P.K.M.); (E.L.G.)
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Haditsch U, Roth T, Rodriguez L, Hancock S, Cecere T, Nguyen M, Arastu-Kapur S, Broce S, Raha D, Lynch CC, Holsinger LJ, Dominy SS, Ermini F. Alzheimer's Disease-Like Neurodegeneration in Porphyromonas gingivalis Infected Neurons with Persistent Expression of Active Gingipains. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 75:1361-1376. [PMID: 32390638 PMCID: PMC7369049 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and its gingipain virulence factors have been identified as pathogenic effectors in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a recent study we demonstrated the presence of gingipains in over 90% of postmortem AD brains, with gingipains localizing to the cytoplasm of neurons. However, infection of neurons by P. gingivalis has not been previously reported. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate intraneuronal P. gingivalis and gingipain expression in vitro after infecting neurons derived from human inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) with P. gingivalis for 24, 48, and 72 h. METHODS Infection was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and bacterial colony forming unit assays. Gingipain expression was monitored by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR, and protease activity monitored with activity-based probes. Neurodegenerative endpoints were assessed by immunofluorescence, western blot, and ELISA. RESULTS Neurons survived the initial infection and showed time dependent, infection induced cell death. P. gingivalis was found free in the cytoplasm or in lysosomes. Infected neurons displayed an accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and multivesicular bodies. Tau protein was strongly degraded, and phosphorylation increased at T231. Over time, the density of presynaptic boutons was decreased. CONCLUSION P. gingivalis can invade and persist in mature neurons. Infected neurons display signs of AD-like neuropathology including the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and multivesicular bodies, cytoskeleton disruption, an increase in phospho-tau/tau ratio, and synapse loss. Infection of iPSC-derived mature neurons by P. gingivalis provides a novel model system to study the cellular mechanisms leading to AD and to investigate the potential of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandy Hancock
- Laboratory for Neurotoxicity Studies, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Laboratory for Neurotoxicity Studies, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Mai Nguyen
- Cortexyme, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Sean Broce
- Cortexyme, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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Shinn R, Park C, DeBose K, Hsu FC, Cecere T, Rossmeisl J. Feasibility and accuracy of 3D printed patient-specific skull contoured brain biopsy guides. Vet Surg 2021; 50:933-943. [PMID: 33969898 PMCID: PMC8359966 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective Design 3D printed skull contoured brain biopsy guides (3D‐SCGs) from computed tomography (CT) or T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T1W MRI). Study Design Feasibility study. Sample Population Five beagle dog cadavers and two client‐owned dogs with brain tumors. Methods Helical CT and T1W MRI were performed on cadavers. Planned target point was the head of the caudate nucleus. Three‐dimensional‐SCGs were created from CT and MRI using commercially available open‐source software. Using 3D‐SCGs, biopsy needles were placed into the caudate nucleus in cadavers, and CT was performed to assess needle placement accuracy, followed by histopathology. Three‐dimensional‐SCGs were then created and used to perform in vivo brain tumor biopsies. Results No statistical difference was found between the planned target point and needle placement. Median needle placement error for all planned target points was 2.7 mm (range: 0.86–4.5 mm). No difference in accuracy was detected between MRI and CT‐designed 3D‐SCGs. Median needle placement error for the CT was 2.8 mm (range: 0.86–4.5 mm), and 2.2 mm (range: 1.7–2.7 mm) for MRI. Biopsy needles were successfully placed into the target in the two dogs with brain tumors and biopsy was successfully acquired in one dog. Conclusion Three‐dimensional‐SCGs designed from CT or T1W MRI allowed needle placement within 4.5 mm of the intended target in all procedures, resulting in successful biopsy in one of two live dogs. Clinical Significance This feasibility study justifies further evaluation of 3D‐SCGs as alternatives in facilities that do not have access to stereotactic brain biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Shinn
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Clair Park
- Animal Surgical Center of Michigan, Flint, Michigan, USA
| | - Kyrille DeBose
- Research Collaboration and Engagement, University Libraries, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Fang-Chi Hsu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - John Rossmeisl
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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8
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Wilkinson A, Panciera D, DeMonaco S, Boes K, Leib M, Clapp K, Ruth J, Cecere T, McClendon D. Platelet function in dogs with chronic liver disease. J Small Anim Pract 2021; 63:120-127. [PMID: 33900656 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess platelet function, buccal mucosal bleeding time and plasma von Willebrand factor concentration in dogs with chronic inflammatory and/or fibrotic liver disease and to compare results with those obtained in healthy dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preliminary study including 18 dogs with chronic inflammatory and/or fibrotic liver disease undergoing liver biopsy and 18 healthy age-matched control dogs. Platelet function was assessed by measuring closure time with the PFA-100® analyser using adenosine diphosphate (ADP) as an agonist. Buccal mucosal bleeding time, closure time and plasma von Willebrand factor antigen were measured in dogs in both groups. After undergoing ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, dogs were monitored for haemorrhage to determine if there was an association of any measurement with post-biopsy bleeding. RESULTS The closure time was not different between the liver disease group (median 76.3; range 53 to 118.5 seconds) and control group (72.8; 57 to 89.5 seconds). The buccal mucosal bleeding time was longer in the liver disease group (median 138; range 95 to 229 seconds) than the control group (103; 63 to 200 seconds). The plasma von Willebrand factor antigen concentration was not different between the liver disease group (median 203; range 109 to 351%) and control group (165.5; 63 to 246%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE In this study, dogs with chronic necroinflammatory and/or fibrotic liver disease did not have overt, clinically relevant derangements in platelet function as assessed by buccal mucosal bleeding time, closure time and von Willebrand factor analysis. In addition, none of the dogs undergoing percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsy in the study exhibited bleeding complications post-biopsy procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wilkinson
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - D Panciera
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - S DeMonaco
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - K Boes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - M Leib
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - K Clapp
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - J Ruth
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - T Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - D McClendon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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Ermini F, Haditsch U, Roth T, Rodriguez L, Broce S, Raha D, Nguyen M, Hancock S, Cecere T, Detke M, Kapur S, Holsinger LJ, Lynch CC, Dominy S. Comprehensive Alzheimer’s pathology is induced by
P. gingivalis
infection: COR388 and other gingipain inhibitors protect against synaptic loss. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.044023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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10
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Edwards MR, Dai R, Heid B, Cowan C, Werre SR, Cecere T, Ahmed SA. Low-dose 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE) exposure exacerbates lupus renal disease and modulates immune responses to TLR7/9 agonists in genetically autoimmune-prone mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5210. [PMID: 32251357 PMCID: PMC7090002 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have been shown to regulate the immune system and modulate multiple autoimmune diseases. 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE), a synthetic analog of 17β-estradiol, is prescribed commonly and found in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies. Surprisingly, few studies have investigated the immunoregulatory effects of exposure to EE, especially in autoimmunity. In this study, we exposed autoimmune-prone female MRL/lpr mice to a human-relevant dose of EE through the oral route of exposure. Since lupus patients are prone to infections, groups of mice were injected with viral (Imiquimod, a TLR7 agonist) or bacterial (ODN 2395, a TLR9 agonist) surrogates. We then evaluated autoimmune disease parameters, kidney disease, and response to in vivo TLR7/9 pathogenic signals. EE-exposed mice had increased proteinuria as early as 7 weeks of age. Proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, and glomerular immune complex deposition were also exacerbated when compared to controls. Production of cytokines by splenic leukocytes were altered in EE-exposed mice. Our study shows that oral exposure to EE, even at a very low dose, can exacerbate azotemia, increase clinical markers of renal disease, enhance glomerular immune complex deposition, and modulate TLR7/9 cytokine production in female MRL/lpr mice. This study may have implications for EE-exposure risk for genetically lupus-prone individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Edwards
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Rujuan Dai
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Bettina Heid
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Catharine Cowan
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Stephen R Werre
- Population Health Sciences, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - S Ansar Ahmed
- Infectious Disease Research Facility (IDRF), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD College of Vet. Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Dickson R, Vose J, Bemis D, Daves M, Cecere T, Gookin JL, Steiner J, Tolbert MK. The effect of enterococci on feline Tritrichomonas foetus infection in vitro. Vet Parasitol 2019; 273:90-96. [PMID: 31454711 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus is a common cause of large bowel diarrhea in cats. Probiotics have been suggested to be effective for many intestinal pathogens; however, there are a lack of studies evaluating the effect of probiotics in T. foetus infection. In vitro studies were performed to evaluate the effect of a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium (Efm) SF68 and a novel probiotic, Enterococcus hirae, on the inhibition of T. foetus growth, adhesion to, and cytotoxicity towards the intestinal epithelium. The effect of enterococci on T. foetus proliferation during co-culture was evaluated throughout log phase T. foetus growth. The previously validated in vitro co-culture model system using porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) was used to evaluate the effect of enterococci on T. foetus adhesion and cytotoxicity towards intestinal epithelial cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed using fluorescent microscopy and spectrophotometry. Interactions of T. foetus, enterococci, and intestinal epithelial cells were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence assays (IFA). Enterococcus-induced inhibition of T. foetus growth was demonstrated at concentrations as low as 104 enterococci colony forming units (CFU)/mL and was dependent, in part, on environmental pH and the presence of viable enterococci organisms. T. foetus adhesion, including with a ronidazole-resistant strain, was reduced with pretreatment of intestinal epithelial cells with enterococci but was not significantly affected when enterococci were introduced simultaneously or following T. foetus infection. Compared to Efm, E. hirae more effectively decreased T. foetus adhesion, suggesting its superior potential as a novel probiotic for T. foetus infection. There was no effect of enterococci treatment on T. foetus-induced intestinal epithelial cell cytotoxicity. Our results support further study into the investigation of a possible benefit of enterococci-containing probiotic treatment for prevention of T. foetus infection in at-risk uninfected cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dickson
- The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Julie Vose
- The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - David Bemis
- The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Maggie Daves
- The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Jody L Gookin
- North Carolina State University, Department of Clinical Sciences Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Joerg Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - M Katherine Tolbert
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
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Catanzaro KCF, Champion AE, Mohapatra N, Cecere T, Inzana TJ. Corrigendum: Glycosylation of a Capsule-Like Complex (CLC) by Francisella novicida Is Required for Virulence and Partial Protective Immunity in Mice. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1090. [PMID: 31156597 PMCID: PMC6529759 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00935.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly C. Freudenberger Catanzaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Anna E. Champion
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Nrusingh Mohapatra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Thomas J. Inzana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States,*Correspondence: Thomas J. Inzana
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Freudenberger Catanzaro KC, Champion AE, Mohapatra N, Cecere T, Inzana TJ. Glycosylation of a Capsule-Like Complex (CLC) by Francisella novicida Is Required for Virulence and Partial Protective Immunity in Mice. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:935. [PMID: 28611741 PMCID: PMC5447757 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative bacterium and the etiologic agent of tularemia. F. tularensis may appear encapsulated when examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which is due to production of an extracellular capsule-like complex (CLC) when the bacterium is grown under specific environmental conditions. Deletion of two glycosylation genes in the live vaccine strain (LVS) results in loss of apparent CLC and attenuation of LVS in mice. In contrast, F. novicida, which is also highly virulent for mice, is reported to be non-encapsulated. However, the F. novicida genome contains a putative polysaccharide locus with homology to the CLC glycosylation locus in F. tularensis. Following daily subculture of F. novicida in Chamberlain's defined medium, an electron dense material surrounding F. novicida, similar to the F. tularensis CLC, was evident. Extraction with urea effectively removed the CLC, and compositional analysis indicated the extract contained galactose, glucose, mannose, and multiple proteins, similar to those found in the F. tularensis CLC. The same glycosylation genes deleted in LVS were targeted for deletion in F. novicida by allelic exchange using the same mutagenesis vector used for mutagenesis of LVS. In contrast, this mutation also resulted in the loss of five additional genes immediately upstream of the targeted mutation (all within the glycosylation locus), resulting in strain F. novicida Δ1212-1218. The subcultured mutant F. novicida Δ1212-1218 was CLC-deficient and the CLC contained significantly less carbohydrate than the subcultured parent strain. The mutant was severely attenuated in BALB/c mice inoculated intranasally, as determined by the lower number of F. novicida Δ1212-1218 recovered in tissues compared to the parent, and by clearance of the mutant by 10-14 days post-challenge. Mice immunized intranasally with F. novicida Δ1212-1218 were partially protected against challenge with the parent, produced significantly reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines, and their spleens contained only areas of lymphoid hyperplasia, whereas control mice challenged with the parent exhibited hypercytokinemia and splenic necrosis. Therefore, F. novicida is capable of producing a CLC similar to that of F. tularensis, and glycosylation of the CLC contributed to F. novicida virulence and immunoprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly C Freudenberger Catanzaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Anna E Champion
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Nrusingh Mohapatra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Thomas Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Thomas J Inzana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Virginia Tech Carilion School of MedicineRoanoke, VA, United States
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14
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Allen I, Williams T, Leeth R, Rothschild D, Coutermarsh-Ott S, McDaniel D, Simmons A, Heid B, Cecere T. The NLRP1 inflammasome attenuates colitis and colitis-associated tumorigenesis (MUC5P.750). The Journal of Immunology 2015. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.194.supp.138.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
NLR proteins are a diverse family of pattern recognition receptors that modulate immune system homeostasis in the gastrointestinal system. Recent studies have identified a sub-group of inflammasome forming NLRs that modulate the mucosal immune response during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis associated tumorigenesis. To better elucidate the contribution of NLR family members in IBD and cancer, we conducted a retrospective analysis of gene expression metadata from human patients. These data revealed that NLRP1, an inflammasome forming NLR, was significantly dysregulated in IBD and colon cancer. To better characterize the function of NLRP1 in disease pathogenesis, we utilized Nlrp1b-/- mice in experimental colitis and colitis associated cancer models. Nlrp1b-/- mice demonstrated significant increases in inflammation and tumorigenesis compared to wild type mice. The increased inflammation and tumor burden was correlated with attenuated levels of IL-1β and IL-18. Further mechanistic studies revealed the increased disease pathogenesis in the Nlrp1b-/- mice was associated with non-hematopoietic derived cells and suggests that NLRP1 functions in the colon epithelial cells to attenuate tumorigenesis. Together, these data identify NLRP1 as an essential mediator of the host immune response during IBD and cancer. These findings are consistent with a model whereby multiple NLR inflammasomes attenuate disease pathobiology through modulating IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irving Allen
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
| | - Tere Williams
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
| | - Rachel Leeth
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
| | - Daniel Rothschild
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
| | - Sheryl Coutermarsh-Ott
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
| | - Dylan McDaniel
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
| | - Alysha Simmons
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
| | - Bettina Heid
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA
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Liao X, Ren J, Wei CH, Ross A, Cecere T, Jortner B, Ahmed S, Luo X. Pharmacological doses of vitamin A deteriorate lupus-like disease in the MRL/lpr mouse model (THER5P.829). The Journal of Immunology 2014. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.192.supp.200.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The critical roles of retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of vitamin A (VA), in both tolerogenic and immunogenic immune responses have been documented. However, how VA affects the development of autoimmunity is still unclear. Here we demonstrate that pharmacological doses of VA had adverse effects on the development of autoimmune lupus in the MRL/lpr mouse model. We administered, orally, RA (6 mg/kg body weight/day) or retinyl palmitate combined with 10% RA (VARA, a total of 6.6 mg/kg/day) to the mice starting from 6 weeks of age. At this age, the mice do not exhibit overt signs of lupus. However, the immunogenic environment preceding disease onset has been established that is evidenced by an increase of total IgM/IgG in the plasma and expansion of lymphocytes and dendritic cells in secondary lymphoid organs. After 8 weeks of RA or VARA treatment, significantly higher pathological scores in kidney, lung, and brain were observed, which were correlated with a marked increase in B-cell responses. In addition, although the number of T cells in the mesenteric lymph node decreased with RA that led to reduced tissue weight, the proportions of T-cell subsets did not change. Importantly, neither RA nor VARA affected regulatory T cells in these mice. Altogether, our results suggest that under the immunogenic environment in autoimmune lupus, VA can generate more severe disease rather than inducing tolerance. Thus, administration of VA in lupus treatment should be approached with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Liao
- 1Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Jingjing Ren
- 1Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Cheng-Hsin Wei
- 2Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - A. Ross
- 2Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Thomas Cecere
- 1Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Bernard Jortner
- 1Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - S. Ahmed
- 1Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Xin Luo
- 1Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
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LeRoith T, Hammond S, Todd SM, Ni Y, Cecere T, Pelzer KD. A modified live PRRSV vaccine and the pathogenic parent strain induce regulatory T cells in pigs naturally infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 140:312-6. [PMID: 21272944 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2010.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The lack of heterologous protection by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines is currently a major problem in the field. Heterologous protection by PRRS vaccines depends on the ability of the vaccine to induce an interferon gamma (IFN-γ) response. One mechanism by which the virus evades the immune system is by activating regulatory T cells (T(regs)), resulting in induction of interleukin 10 rather than IFN-γ. Our hypothesis that current PRRS vaccines do not differ from pathogenic strains in the ability to induce T(regs) was tested by inoculating three groups of pigs with two pathogenic viruses and an attenuated vaccine strain and evaluating the number of T(regs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Before inoculation, the pigs, although vaccinated became infected naturally with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae before shipment to our research facility. Our results show that the PRRSV vaccine strain and parent strain are equally able to induce T(regs) in pigs naturally infected with M. hyopneumoniae. Pigs in the vaccine and PRRSV groups had higher lung lesion scores than pigs in the control groups. The results suggest that the exacerbation M. hyopneumoniae respiratory disease may be due to the ability of PRRSV vaccination and viral infection to induce regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
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Abstract
Congenital hepatic fibrosis is a disorder of biliary system development histologically characterized by diffuse periportal to bridging fibrosis with numerous small often-irregular bile ducts and reduction in the number of portal vein branches. The condition results from abnormal development of the ductal plate, the embryonic precursor to the interlobular bile ducts. It has rarely been reported in veterinary species, and it has never been reported in dogs. This article describes 5 cases of a ductal plate malformation in dogs consistent with congenital hepatic fibrosis. On light microscopy, all 5 livers had severe bridging fibrosis with a marked increase in the number of small bile ducts, which often had irregular, dilated profiles reminiscent of the developing ductal plate. In addition, 80% (4 of 5) of cases lacked typical portal vein profiles. Cytokeratin 7 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry was performed on the 3 cases for which paraffin-embedded tissue was available. The bile duct profiles were strongly positive for cytokeratin 7 in all 3 cases, and they were negative for proliferating cell nuclear antigen or only had rare positive cells. All 5 dogs presented with clinical signs of portal hypertension. Congenital hepatic fibrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in young dogs that present with portal hypertension and lesions that may have been interpreted as bridging biliary hyperplasia or extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Brown
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, USA.
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