The effect of hydatid cyst protoscolex somatic antigens on full-thickness skin wound healing in mouse

BACKGROUND

Wound healing has evolved in recent years, resulting in diverse therapeutic options.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effects of the somatic antigen of the hydatid cyst protoscolex on wound healing in mice with full-thickness skin wounds.

METHODS

Fifty-four adult mice, weighing 25 ± 5 g and approximately 60 days old, were divided into three groups (A, B, and C), each further divided into three subgroups. Subgroups A1, A2, and A3 were assigned negative controls. B1, B2, and B3 received hydatid cyst somatic antigen tests at 10 µg/SC, whereas C1, C2, and C3 received somatic antigen tests at 20 µg/SC. Under general anesthesia, a wound biopsy puncture of 9.8 mm in diameter was performed on the mice's back and spine. In the experimental group, antigen and alum adjuvant were administered subcutaneously around the wound, while the control group received Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS). Using digital images, a geometric assessment was conducted on days 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 post-wounding. The obtained images were analyzed by Image J software and after analyzing the data by SPSS software.

RESULTS

A significant difference in terms of epithelization was observed in the antigen treatment group with a dose of 20 µg on days 3 and 6 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 20 µg antigen group was significantly higher than the 10 µg antigen group in terms of this factor on day 3 (P < 0.05). Skin samples were taken from all wounds on days 3, 10 and 21 for microscopic evaluation. Regarding epithelization, on day 10, a significant difference was observed in the treatment group with a concentration of 10 µg with the control group and the treatment group with a concentration of 20 µg (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that somatic antigens of protoscolex hydatid cyst are dose-dependent and antigens with a dose of 20 µg by subcutaneous injection accelerate wound healing and epithelialization.

Immediate administration of hTERT-MSCs-IDO1-EVs reduces hypoalbuminemia after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents challenging and unpredictable neurological recovery. During inflammatory conditions, the amount of serum albumin and nutrition consumption decreases. Currently, it is proposed to measure serum albumin and glucose content in human or animal subjects to predict the recovery rate and the efficiency of treatments following SCI. In this study, the effect of extra-cellular vesicles (EVs) from immortalized human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hTERT-MSCs) equipped with the ectopic expression of the human indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) gene on serum albumin and glucose levels was investigated. After pre-clearing steps of 72-hr conditioned media, small EVs (sEVs) were isolated based on the ultra-filtration method. They were encapsulated with a chitosan-based hydrogel. Five experimental groups (female rats, N = 30, ~ 230 g) were considered, including SCI, sham, hydrogel, control green fluorescent protein (GFP)-EVs and IDO1-EVs. The 60.00 µL of hydrogel or hydrogels containing 100 µg sEVs from GFP or IDO1-EVs were locally injected immediately after SCI (laminectomy of the T10 vertebra and clip compression). After 8 weeks, non-fasting serum glucose and albumin levels were measured. The results indicated that the level of serum albumin in the animals received IDO1-EVs (3.52 ± 0.04) was increased in comparison with the SCI group (3.00 ± 0.94). Also, these animals indicated higher glucose levels in their serum (250.17 ± 69.61) in comparison with SCI ones (214 ± 45.34). Although these changes were not statistically significant, they could be considered as evidence for the beneficial effects of IDO1-EVs administration in the context of SCI to reduce hypoalbuminemia and improve energy consumption. More detailed experiments are required to confirm these results.

Influence of ketamine, propofol or isoflurane on intraocular pressure, heart rate and blood pressure in healthy dogs premedicated with medetomidine and midazolam

BACKGROUND

According to the findings of several studies, sedatives and anaesthetics have different effects on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and intraocular pressure (IOP). For accurate diagnosis, treatment and surgery with minimal complications, it is necessary to be aware of the effects of sedatives and anaesthetics on the cardiovascular system and IOP.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sedatives (medetomidine and midazolam) and anaesthetics (ketamine, propofol and isoflurane) on IOP, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure in dogs.

METHODS

In this study, 10 dogs participated in three treatments using a randomised cross-over design, with a 1-week washout period between each treatment. Dogs in all treatments were premedicated with medetomidine and midazolam. Anaesthesia was induced using ketamine, propofol, or isoflurane and maintained for 60 min with the appropriate doses of each drug. The cardiovascular variables (heart rate, and systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures) and IOP were measured at different timepoints: before premedication (baseline values, T-Bas), 15 min after medetomidine administration (T-Med), 20 min after midazolam administration (T-Mid) and at 15 (T-15), 30 (T-30), 45 (T-45) and 60 (T-60) min after anaesthesia induction.

RESULTS

Medetomidine significantly reduced the IOP and HR and did not significantly change the mean arterial pressure (MAP). Midazolam significantly reduced the IOP while did not significantly change the HR and MAP. Ketamine and isoflurane significantly increased the IOP and HR while did not significantly change the MAP. Propofol significantly increased the HR, but did not cause significant changes in IOP and MAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that anaesthetics are typically administered in conjunction with pre-anaesthetic drugs, the increases in IOP induced by ketamine and isoflurane are not important, as the IOP did not exceed the baseline values. However, further studies are required to investigate these effects in patients with elevated IOP.

Surgical correction of stenotic nares using a single pedicle advancement flap technique in three brachycephalic cats

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) comprises a group of anatomical upper respiratory tract abnormalities that collectively result in various degrees of upper respiratory tract obstruction. Stenotic nares is a common feature of BOAS, and in dogs, the main cause is axial deviation of the alar cartilage. In contrast, narrowing of the nares in cats is predominantly the result of a redundant skin fold at the junction of the ventral floor of the nostrils and the haired skin of the lip. Three brachycephalic cats with inspiratory obstruction were referred to the surgery department of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The predominant cause of obstruction was nostril stenosis due to the presence of redundant skin on the ventral floor of the nares. All three cats underwent surgical correction using a single pedicle advancement flap technique, which was first described by Berns et al. (2020). All three cats had positive outcomes, with no surgical complications and no episodes of respiratory distress reported within a 9-month follow-up. Appropriate surgical treatment of feline patients with stenotic nares can result in good long-term outcomes.

A retrospective study on diaphragmatic hernia in cats

Diaphragmatic rupture is introduced as one of the most common injuries occurring in small animals. In our retrospective report, 14 cats with a mean age of 12 months (male = 8, female = 6) that underwent diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy were studied. The data included the following: age, sex, breed, and clinical signs. The cause of diaphragmatic hernia, diaphragmatic rupture area, herniated organs, concomitant injuries, and survival rate after surgical treatment were detailed. The cats included 11 domestic shorthair (DSH) and three Persian. Trauma was the most common cause of rupture in these patients and one 3-month old Persian cat had peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). The most common clinical sign was dyspnea. Concurrent disorders included fractures of pelvic, long bones and ribs and mild pneumothorax. One of the five cats survived with concurrent disorders. In this study, the frequency of rupture sites was as follows: the right-side (11 cats), left-side (2 cats), and dorsal side of diaphragm in one case. The most frequently inserted organ into the chest was liver. In our study, the survival rate after surgical treatment was 71.00%. In conclusion, we suggested that stabilization of the patient was important before herniorrhaphy. Based on our study, the concurrent damages affected the survival rate.

Application of mesenchymal stem cells to enhance non-union bone fracture healing

ECM components include a number of osteoinductive and osteoconductive factors, which are involved in bone fracture healing. In this study, a combination of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs), cancellous bone graft (CBG), and chitosan hydrogel (CHI) was applied to the non-union bone fracture and healing effects were evaluated for the first time. After creation of animal models with non-union fracture in rats, they were randomly classified into seven groups. Radiography at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery, indicated the positive effects of Ad-MSCs + CBG + CHI and Ad-MSCs + CBG in treatment of bone fractures as early as 2 weeks after the surgery. These data were confirmed with both biomechanical and histological studies. Gene expression analyses of Vegf and Bmp2 showed a positive effect of Ad-MSCs on vascularization and osteogenic differentiation in all groups receiving Ad-MSCs, as shown by real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence analysis and RT-PCR results indicated existence of human Ad-MSCs in the fractured region 8 weeks post-surgery. In conclusion, we suggest that application of Ad-MSCs, CBG, and CHI, could be a suitable combination for osteoinduction and osteoconduction to improve non-union bone fracture healing. Further investigations are required to determine the exact mechanisms involved in this process before moving to clinical studies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 301-311, 2019.

Equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells: optimization of cell density in primary culture

Background

The primary cell seeding density of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) affects several cellular behaviors, including attachment to the culture dish, proliferation, and differentiation.

Methods

The aim of this study was to determine the best density of equine BM-MNCs in primary culture (P0) for obtaining the maximum bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) yields at the end of P0. Bone marrow samples of two healthy mares were aspirated. The MNCs were isolated and cultured at different densities (1×10⁵, 2×10⁵, 4×10⁵, 8×10⁵, and 1×10⁶ cells/cm²). Within the 7^th and 14^th days after seeding, the colonies containing more than 15 cells were counted and the percentage of confluency and the number of cells were calculated on day 21.

Results

The lowest density of MNCs was associated with the least number of colonies, number of adherent cells, and confluency percentage, whereas the highest density was associated with the maximum number of colonies and confluency percentage (P<0.05). However, the maximum number of cells at the end of P0 was associated with the intermediate (4×10⁵ cells/cm²) and the highest concentration (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The maximum number of MSCs at the end of P0 was obtained at the densities of 1×10⁶ and, especially, at 4×10⁵ cells/cm².

Stemness Signature of Equine Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background

Application of competent cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in equine athletes is increasingly needed. Moreover, similarities of horse and human in size, load and types of joint injuries, make horse as a good model for MSCs therapy studies. This study was designed to isolate and characterize stemness signature of equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs).

Methods

BM of three mares was aspirated and the mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated using density gradient. The primary MNCs were cultured and analyzed after tree passages (P3) for growth characteristics, differentiation potentials, and the expression of genes including CD29, CD34, CD44, CD90, CD105, MHC-I, MHC-II and pluripotency related genes (Nanog, Oct-4, Sox-2, SSEA-1, -3, -4) using RT-PCR or immunocytochemistry techniques.

Results

The isolated cells in P3 were adherent and fibroblast-like in shape with doubling times of 78.15 h. Their clonogenic capacity was 8.67±4% and they were able to differentiate to osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages. Cells showed expression of CD29, CD44, CD90, MHC-I and Sox-2 while no expression for CD34, MHC-II, CD105, and pluripotency stemness markers was detected.

Conclusions

In conclusion, data showed that isolated cells have the basic and minimal criteria for MSCs, however, expressing only one pluripotency gene (sox-2).

A case report of partial bilateral hind limb adactyly in a male lamb

Hemimelia as a congenital anomaly is a failure of development of extremities formation in embryonic period. This anomaly is defined as complete absence of the part of extremities and different forms were explained for hemimelia. Adactyly is an alternative name for transverse hemimelia and is a rare disorder in the most of animal species. A two months old male lamb with normal vital signs was referred to clinic due to both hind limbs shortness and absence of hooves from the birth day. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed and partial hemimelia was confirmed radiographically in both hind limbs. In left hind limb, total absence of the toe indicated presence of adactyly in this limb. No other congenital deformities were diagnosed in skeletal system based on clinical and radiological examinations. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of such rare conditions in a lamb. Clinical findings and radiological signs of this rare anomaly in a lamb were described in this report.

Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Platelet-Rich Plasma Accelerate Distraction Osteogenesis in A Canine Model

Objective

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a surgical procedure used to generate large volumes of new bone for limb lengthening.

Materials and Methods

In this animal experimental study, a 30% lengthening of the left tibia (mean distraction distance: 60.8 mm) was performed in ten adult male dogs by callus distraction after osteotomy and application of an Ilizarov fixator. Distraction was started on postoperative day seven with a distraction rate of 0.5 mm twice per day and carried out at a rate of 1.5 mm per day until the end of the study. Autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as the treatment group (n=5) or PRP alone (control group, n=5) were injected into the distracted callus at the middle and end of the distraction period. At the end of the consolidation period, the dogs were sacrificed after which computerized tomography (CT) and histomorphometric evaluations were performed.

Results

Radiographic evaluationsrevealed that the amount and quality of callus formations were significantly higher in the treatment group (P<0.05). As measured by CT scan, the healing parametersin dogs of the treatment group were significantly greater (P<0.05). New bone formation in the treatment group was significantly higher (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The present study showed that the transplantation of BM-MSCs positively affects early bony consolidation in DO. The use of MSCs might allow a shortened period of consolidation and therefore permit earlier device removal.

Equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells: phenotype and growth characteristics, gene expression profile and differentiation potentials

OBJECTIVE

Because of the therapeutic application of stem cells (SCs), isolation and characterization of different types of SCs, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have gained considerable attention in recent studies. Adipose tissue is an abundant and accessible source of MSCs which can be used for tissue engineering and in particular for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. This study was aimed to isolate and culture equine adipose-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) from little amounts of fat tissue samples and determine some of their biological characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this descriptive study, only 3-5 grams of fat tissue were collected from three crossbred mares. Immediately, cells were isolated by mechanical means and enzymatic digestion and were cultured in optimized conditions until passage 3 (P3). The cells at P3 were evaluated for proliferative capacities, expression of specific markers, and osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials.

RESULTS

Results showed that the isolated cells were plastic adherent with a fibroblast-like phenotype. AT-MSCs exhibited expression of mesenchymal cluster of differentiation (CD) markers (CD29, CD44 and CD90) and not major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) and CD34 (hematopoietic marker). Cellular differentiation assays demonstrated the chondrogenic, adipogenic and osteogenic potential of the isolated cells.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings reveal that equine MSCs can be obtained easily from little amounts of fat tissue which can be used in the future for regenerative purposes in veterinary medicine.

An unusual necrotic myositis by Clostridium perfringens in a German Shepherd dog: A clinical report, bacteriological and molecular identification

Clostridial myositis, considered to be rare in pet animals, is an acutely fatal toxaemic condition. Some species of clostridia are responsible for necrotic myositis. A 2-year-old male German shepherd dog was admitted with non-weight bearing lameness and massive swelling of the left hind limb. Clostridium perfringens type A with alpha toxin was diagnosed as a pathogenic agent. Based on the history, the bacteria were introduced inside the tissue via contaminated needle following intramuscular injection. Urgent medical therapy followed by surgical intervention was performed. The dog was discharged completely healthy after hospitalization for four weeks. The objective of this report was to describe necrotic myositis in a dog with an emphasis on clinical signs and treatment as well as bacteriological and molecular identification of the micro-organism. Because of the fatal entity of the disease, prompt diagnosis as well as proper and urgent treatment is very important for successful therapy.

Impacts of feeding selenium-methionine and chromium-methionine on performance, serum components, antioxidant status, and physiological responses to transportation stress of Baluchi ewe lambs

The effects of selenium-methionine (Se-Met) and chromium-methionine (Cr-Met) supplementation on performance and response to transportation stress were studied on 24 Baluchi ewe lambs (18-20 weeks of age) for 9 weeks. The lambs were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: (1) control; (2) 1.5 mg supplemental Se-Met/kg dry matter (DM) of diet; (3) 0.8 mg supplemental Cr-Met/kg DM of diet; and (4) 1.5 mg Se-Met plus 0.8 mg Cr-Met/kg DM of diet (Se-Cr-Met). At the commencement of week 8, a road transportation stress (TS) was carried out for 30 min. Lambs fed Cr-Met and Se-Cr-Met diets had higher feed intake than the control and Se-Met animals (P < 0.0001). Lambs on Cr-Met diet showed higher average daily gain (ADG) compared to the control group (P = 0.007). Se-Met and Cr-Met supplementation alone or in combination significantly (P < 0.05) reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR). The animals that received Se-Met (P = 0.014), Cr-Met (P = 0.005), and Se-Cr-Met (P = 0.003) supplemented diets had lower glucose concentration than the control. Lambs on Cr-Met had higher blood T3 concentration than control animals (P = 0.040), while Cr-Met (P = 0.039) and Se-Cr-Met (P = 0.032) supplementation increased triiodothyronine (T3) to thyroxin (T4) ratio. Animals fed Se-Met and/or Cr-Met supplements had lower blood malondialdehyde (MDA) in week 9 of the experiment (P < 0.05). Blood ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tended to be higher in the Se-Met- and Se-Cr-Met-supplemented groups (P < 0.1).TS reduced feed intake in lambs fed the control diet in week 8 of the experiment (P = 0.003). The lambs given with supplemental Cr-Met exhibited lower glucose concentration before transportation (BT) (P = 0.029) and after transportation (AT) (P = 0.016) compared to the control. Lambs fed Se-Cr-Met had the lowest cortisol concentration BT (P < 0.05). It was concluded that feeding Se-Met and/or Cr-Met supplements could improve growth performance and be beneficial in attenuating the adverse effects of transportation stress in Baluchi ewe lambs.

Protective effects of pomegranate seed oil on ovariectomized rats as a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis: A multi-detector computed tomography evaluation

The pomegranate seed oil (PSO), containing 17-α-estradiol, is one of the newly found phytosterols with synergistic health effects on estrogen related physiological conditions. Herein, PSO was assessed for its potential improving effects on bone characteristics in a rat model of menopausal syndrome. Three month old non-pregnant female Wistar rats (n = 30) were either sham-operated (SHAM) or ovariectomized (OVX), each divided into two further groups receiving 0.1 mL PSO or the same volume of paraffin oil as placebo. Before the operation and 67 days after it, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanning was performed with the identical setup option for the scanner to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) in body of 12(th) thoracic vertebra, 1(st) to 6(th) lumbar vertebra and sacrum. This study revealed that bone density of 1(st), 3(rd), 5(th), 6(th) and sacrum body were significantly different between OVX and SHAM groups during the study period. In conclusion, PSO during 67 days study could not completely prevent the osteoporotic effects caused by ovariectomy in vertebral column of rats.

Rectal diverticulum in a terrier dog: A case report

Rectal diverticulum is a rare condition in dogs characterized by formation of a pouch or sac due to hernial protrusion of the mucous membranes through a defect in the muscular coat of the rectum. A 12-year-old male terrier dog was admitted with a history of a left perineal swelling, dyschezia and tenesmus during the last five months. Digital rectal examination identified a weakness in the left pelvic diaphragm and feces-filled sac within the lateral wall of the rectum. Positive contrast radiography showed a marked solitary diverticulum (3.5 × 4 × 4.5 cm) with wide-orifice neck arising from the left rectal wall. Using a lateral approach, a large rectal diverticulum was found and diverticulectomy following standard herniorrhaphy was performed. The dog recovered uneventfully with no signs of dyschezia during the next three years. Diverticulectomy by lateral approach and perineal herniorrhaphy produced excellent results.