P-079 Impact of Testicular Cancer on Sperm Small Non-Coding RNA signature

Study question

To evaluate if the sperm small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) signature can be alterated in patients suffering from testicular cancer.

Summary answer

Sperm sncRNA profile is influenced by testicular cancer.

What is known already

Environmentally induced pathologies are associated with sperm sncRNA profile modifications which could have consequences on sperm quality but also on the offspring health. While this mechanism has been widely described in the case of metabolic and psycho-traumatic diseases, its relevance in testicular cancer needs to be assessed. Testicular cancer affects young men for which both genetic and environmental factors are known contributors.

Study design, size, duration

This pilot study aimed to compare sperm sncRNA profiles of 15 men suffering from testicular cancer with sperm sncRNA profile of 10 controle men. Semen samples were collected and stored in Tenon Hospital between 1999 and 2017 and donated to research (GERMETHEQUE biobank). Consent to use their samples was obtained from each patient (CPP 2.15.27) and the study protocol was approved by a local ethics committee (IRB CLEA-2021- 171).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Sperm small RNA raw sequencing data was processed by the computational framework SPORTS1.0, which allows the annotation and quantification of small non-coding RNAs (tsRNAs, rsRNAs, ysRNA and miRNAs). DEseq 2 was used to identify sequences differentially expressed between patients and control samples. We also carried out a Gene Ontology analysis using miRNA targets according to the Metascape and DisGeNET Database.

Main results and the role of chance

In total, 77 deregulated sequences were found in sperm samples from testicular tumor patients compared to control men, including 17 that were down-regulated and 60 that were up-regulated. These sequences corresponded to 22 miRNAs, 25rsRNA, 11 tsRNA, 10 snRNA, 4 SnoRNA, 4 RNYs and 1 lncRNA sequences. Hierarchical Clustering of Differentially Expressed Genes using up and down regulation discriminates between control and testicular cancer samples. Gene Ontology analyses highlighted enriched processes including Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Adult and Childhood Medulloblastoma and Tumor initiation.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The current study was limited by the small patient number and the unavailability of the complete biological and oncogenic patient data.

Wider implications of the findings

Deciphering and validating the role of sperm sncRNAs may be a promising tool in testicular cancer diagnosis and may facilitate our understanding of the initiation and development of cancer in young adults.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Cellular components and TGF-β1 content of a closed Tube system for Platelet Rich Plasma acquisition in horse]

ABSTRACT Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as an agent to accelerate the healing process and stimulate the regenerative capacity of tissues due to its abundance of growth factors. A large variety of kits and protocols are available to obtain PRP by different cell-separation systems. However, the lack of standardization may lead to inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to characterize cellular composition, platelet parameters using the ADVIA 120 flow cytometer, and TGF-β1 concentration from the PRP product obtained through a closed system, using simple centrifugation. Six clinically healthy horses were used in this study. The protocol in the closed system resulted in approximately 1.6-fold higher platelet and approximately 2.0-fold lower white blood cell concentrations in comparison with whole blood values. The evaluated system was efficient in concentrating platelets and in retrieving a small number of leukocytes, using a protocol of single centrifugation at low speed.

Effects of shoeing on forelimb swing phase kinetics of trotting horses

The objective of this study was to compare swing phase phase kinetics in the equine forelimb under three shoeing conditions: unshod, flat shoes, eggbar shoes. Flat shoes and eggbar shoes were matched for weight. A 60 Hz video camera recorded a full trotting stride in the sagittal plane during three passes per horse for each shoeing condition. A general linear model ANOVA, treating the horse as a random variable was used to detect differences (p <0.05) between shoeing conditions. All of the joints showed significant differences in net joint moments and energy bursts, between the two shod conditions versus unshod, but differences were not evident between flat shoes and eggbar shoes. When the horses were shod the elbow flexors generated more energy in the early swing phase in order to overcome the increased inertia associated with the weight of the shoes; and the elbow extensors generated more energy in late swing phase to overcome the increased momentum of the shod hoof as it was swung forward. In the distal limb in the early swing phase, energy absorption increased on the extensor (dorsal) aspect, to control joint flexion, and in the late swing phase on the flexor (palmar) aspect to control forward motion and extension. It is concluded as a consequence of changing the inertial parameters of the hoof that the weight of the shoes altered the limb kinetics of trotting horses.

Eosinophilic synovitis of the tarsocrural joint in a horse

Eosinophilic synovitis (ES) is a rare disease described in human and veterinary medicine. Only three cases have been reported in the horse. A case of tarsocrural synovitis in an Hispano-Arabian gelding is presented in this report. The patient presented with severe joint effusion and lameness of the right tarsocrural joint on admission. Synovial fluid analysis revealed an increased WBC of 12800 leukocytes/microliter with 76% of eosinophils. Lavage of the diseased joint and medical treatment with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs produced remission of the clinical problem.

Inflammatory response to the administration of mesenchymal stem cells in an equine experimental model: effect of autologous, and single and repeat doses of pooled allogeneic cells in healthy joints

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has become a promising therapeutic choice for musculoskeletal injuries. Joint-related disorders are highly prevalent in horses. Therefore, these animals are considered as suitable models for testing MSC-based therapies for these diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and inflammatory responses to intra-articular single and repeat dose administration of autologous or of pooled allogeneic MSCs in healthy equine healthy joints. Six horses were intra-articularly injected with a single autologous dose of bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) and two separate doses of allogeneic BM-MSCs pooled from several donors. All contralateral joints were injected with Lactated Ringer’s Solution (LRS) as the control vehicle. Signs of synovitis and lameness were evaluated at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 after injection. Total protein (TP), white blood cell count (WBC) and neutrophil count (NC) in synovial fluid were also measured at the same time-points.

Results

A mild synovial effusion without associated lameness was observed after all BM-MSCs injections. The second allogeneic injection caused the lowest signs of synovitis. Local temperature slightly increased after all BM-MSCs treatments compared to the controls. TP, WBC and NC in synovial fluids also increased during days 1 to 5 after all BM-MSCs injections. Both, clinical and synovial parameters were progressively normalized and by day 10 post-inoculation appeared indistinguishable from controls.

Conclusions

Intra-articular administration of an allogeneic pool of BM-MSCs represents a safe therapeutic strategy to enhance MSCs availability. Importantly, the absence of hypersensitivity response to the second allogeneic BM-MSCs injection validates the use of repeat dose treatments to potentiate the therapeutic benefit of these cells. These results notably contribute to the development of stem cell based therapies for equine and human joint diseases.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-016-0692-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Criopreservação do plasma rico em plaquetas de equinos

Avaliou-se o congelamento do plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) de equinos, a -196ºC em nitrogênio líquido, utilizando-se como crioprotetor o DMSO em duas concentrações (3% e 6%), e, como ponto final, a avaliação da morfologia e da agregometria plaquetária. Foram utilizadas 12 amostras de PRP em duas repetições. Previamente ao congelamento, as amostras foram submetidas a um resfriamento lento (-0,07ºC/minuto) até a temperatura final de 4-5ºC. A criopreservação do PRP equino, incluindo um resfriamento lento a 4-5ºC, previamente ao congelamento a -197ºC em nitrogênio líquido, foi similar para as concentrações do crioprotetor DMSO a 3% ou 6%, quando avaliado o percentual de ativação e de agregação plaquetária.

Synovial fluid D-dimer concentration in foals with septic joint disease

BACKGROUND

Increased synovial fibrinolytic activity (detected by increases in synovial D-Dimer concentrations) has been observed in different joint diseases in humans and adult horses, presumably in order to minimize fibrin deposition within the joint and thus avoid its detrimental effects.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate fibrinolytic pathway activation in joint sepsis in foals by measuring synovial D-Dimer concentrations.

ANIMALS

Eighteen septic foals with septic joints, 9 septic foals without septic joints, 9 systemically healthy foals with septic joint, and 3 controls are included.

METHODS

Prospective observational clinical study of foals admitted for septic arthritis. Synovial D-Dimer concentration and routine synovial fluid analysis were performed. Diagnosis of joint sepsis was made whenever synovial total nucleated cell count was >30,000 cells/μL, synovial total protein >4 g/dL, and neutrophil percentage of >80%, or synovial fluid culture resulted positive. Results were compared among groups by general lineal models.

RESULTS

Synovial D-Dimer concentration was significantly (P < .001) higher in the foals with septic joints compared with foals without joint disease (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Septic joint disease is associated with a marked increase of synovial D-Dimer concentration (marked activation of the fibrinolytic activity) within the affected joint. Although further studies are needed, the measurement of synovial D-Dimer concentration may be considered a complementary diagnostic marker of septic joint disease.

[Unknown gonadotoxicity chemotherapy and preservation of fertility: example of Temozolomide]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of Temozolomide on female fertility and the relevance of our coverage in preservation of fertility.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2005 to 2009, 24 patients treated with Temozolomide for a low-grade glioma were included in the study (12 women who underwent a fertility preservation consultation and 12 women who did not). A retrospective study of their medical records and sending a questionnaire were undertaken to assess their fertility after treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 24 patients, 15 patients had no fertility preservation and the remaining nine had a cryopreservation of embryos with or without an oocyte cryopreservation. Four patients are or have been pregnant (delivery, spontaneous miscarriage, pregnancy being in the group of preserving fertility and a current pregnancy in the group where no fertility preservation has been achieved).

DISCUSSION

First study on the effect of Temozolomide on female fertility.

CONCLUSION

Temozolomide is not totally gonadotoxic.

Modified technique for the repair of third-degree rectovaginal lacerations in mares

Eight mares with third-degree rectovestibular lacerations were treated by a two-stage surgical technique. The rectovestibular shelf was corrected with three parallel 'circular' continuous suture rows distributed along the longitudinal axis of the vagina, and the perineal body was reconstructed with three divergent simple continuous rows. Primary healing of the first-stage surgery occurred in all the mares. Seven of the mares completed the two-stage surgery and primary healing occurred in all of them. One of them returned to endurance racing competition and one was lost to follow-up. The other five were bred and became pregnant; one foaled four times, two foaled three times, one foaled once and the other was pregnant at the time of writing. The condition did not recur in any of the mares after foaling.

Retrospective analysis of exploratory laparotomies in 192 Andalusian horses and 276 horses of other breeds

The medical records of 468 horses that underwent 490 exploratory laparotomies for the correction of gastrointestinal diseases were reviewed to search for differences between Andalusian horses and other breeds. The seasonal distribution of surgical colics and their outcome and complications were also investigated. Bivariant analysis was used to compare the horses' age, gender and breed with the type of surgery, the bowel affected and the type of colic, and all these variables were compared in relation to euthanasia during surgery, complications, short-term survival and seasonal distribution. A total of 405 horses survived the surgery and 329 were discharged from the hospital. Horses less than one year old had better short-term survival than older horses. Andalusian horses suffered more inguinal hernias than the other breeds and were more prone to suffer laminitis as a complication. Colic surgery and inguinal hernias were also more common in the summer.

Evaluation of single and double centrifugation tube methods for concentrating equine platelets

The aim of this study was to evaluate single and double centrifugation tube methods for concentrating equine platelets. Whole blood samples were collected from clinically normal horses and processed by use of single and double centrifugation tube methods to obtain four platelet concentrates (PCs): PC-A, PC-B, PC-C, and PC-D, which were analyzed using a flow cytometry hematology system for hemogram and additional platelet parameters (mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, mean platelet component concentration, mean platelet component distribution width). Concentrations of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) were determined in all the samples. Platelet concentrations for PC-A, PC-B, PC-C, and PC-D were 45%, 44%, 71%, and 21% higher, respectively, compared to the same values for citrated whole blood samples. TGF-beta(1) concentrations for PC-A, PC-B, PC-C, and PC-D were 38%, 44%, 44%, and 37% higher, respectively, compared to citrated whole blood sample values. In conclusion, the single and double centrifugation tube methods are reliable methods for concentrating equine platelets and for obtaining potentially therapeutic TGF-beta(1) levels.

Effects of athletic taping of the fetlock on distal limb mechanics

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Athletic taping is used frequently by human athletes to stabilise, maintain or strengthen soft tissue structures, but empirical evidence supporting any changes in equine kinematics is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of athletic taping of the fetlock applied by an experienced athletic trainer on forelimb mechanics in healthy horses.

HYPOTHESES

That athletic taping of the distal forelimb reduces 1) hyperextension of the fetlock joint during stance, 2) flexion of the fetlock joint during swing and 3) ground reaction forces during stance.

METHODS

Ground reaction force and kinematic data were obtained for 6 healthy horses trotting at 3 m/sec for 4 sequential conditions (baseline, untaped; pre-exercise, taped; post exercise, taped post 30 mins trotting exercise; transfer, 4 h after tape removal). Data were analysed using 2-way mixed ANOVAs (condition; joint).

RESULTS

A statistically significant interaction was identified for the fetlock during the swing phase (mean +/- s.d. peak flexion at baseline 157 +/- 4 degrees, reduced with taping to 172 +/- 4 degrees; P<0.05) compared with no differences across conditions for the other joints. Peak vertical force reduced significantly (P<0.05) with taping.

CONCLUSIONS

Athletic taping of the fetlock does not alter the kinematics of the forelimb during stance, but does limit flexion of the fetlock during the swing phase. The decreased peak vertical force may be due to an increased proprioceptive effect.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

Reduced peak vertical forces may be of benefit in preventing or reducing injury. Further investigation remains necessary before it can be concluded that taping should be applied for tendinous or ligamentous rehabilitation in equine patients.

Lag screw stabilization of a cervical vertebral fracture by use of computed tomography in a horse

A traumatic fracture of C2 was diagnosed radiographically in a 1-year-old German Warm-blood stallion. Fracture configuration was difficult to see on survey radiographs. Computed tomography yielded a more accurate assessment of the fracture and facilitated fracture repair with cortical lag screws. Precise screw placement, to avoid spinal cord damage, was obtained by use of computed tomography. Follow-up radiography revealed normal bone healing, and the horse was in dressage schooling 24 months after surgery.

Injuries to the cranial cruciate ligament and associated structures: summary of clinical, radiographic, arthroscopic and pathological findings from 10 horses

The clinical, radiographic, arthroscopic and pathological findings of 10 horses with injury to the cranial cruciate ligament are presented. The most consistent clinical signs included moderate to severe distension of the femoropatellar joint and a Grade III to a Grade V out of V lameness. Craniocaudal instability could be elicited in five horses under general anaesthesia and in one conscious horse. Radiographic evaluation of the stifles revealed that avulsion fracture of the medial intercondylar eminence was the most common finding in six out of 10 horses. Arthroscopic examination of the affected femorotibial joints were performed in five horses. This confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament injury or rupture. Post mortem examinations were performed on two horses which documented partial tears of the cranial cruciate ligament.

Body fluid and endometrial concentrations of ketoconazole in mares after intravenous injection or repeated gavage

After single oral administration of ketoconazole (30 mg/kg bodyweight [bwt]) in 50 ml of corn syrup to a healthy mare, the drug was not detected in serum. Ketoconazole in 0.2 N HC1 was administered intragastrically to six healthy adult horses in five consecutive doses of 30 mg/kg bwt at 12 h intervals. Ketoconazole concentrations were measured in serum, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine and endometrium. Mean peak serum ketoconazole concentration was 3.76 micrograms/ml at 1.5 to 2 h after intragastric administration. Mean peak synovial concentration was 0.87 micrograms/ml 3 h after the fifth dose. Similarly, mean peritoneal concentration peaked 3 h after the fifth dose at 1.62 micrograms/ml. Mean endometrial concentrations peaked at 2.73 micrograms/ml 2 h after the fifth dose. Ketoconazole was detected in the CSF of only one of the six mares at a concentration of 0.28 micrograms/ml 3 h after the fifth dose. The highest measured concentration of ketoconazole in urine was 6.15 micrograms/ml 2 h after the fifth dose. A single intravenous injection of ketoconazole (10 mg/kg bwt) was given to one of the six mares; the overall elimination rate constant was estimated at 0.22/h and bioavailability after oral administration was 23 per cent.

Pharmacokinetics of sodium cephapirin in lactating dairy cows

Sodium cephapirin was administered (10 mg/kg of body weight, IM) at 8-hour intervals in 4 consecutive doses to each of 6 lactating dairy cows. Blood, normal milk, mastitic milk, urine, and endometrial tissue samples were collected serially. Mean peak cephapirin concentrations in serum were 13.3 micrograms/ml 10 minutes after the 1st injection and were 15.8 micrograms/ml 20 minutes after the 4th injection (post[initial]injection hour [PIH] 24.33). The overall elimination rate constant value was 0.66/h and plasma clearance was 760 ml/h/kg. Mean peak cephapirin concentration in normal milk was 0.11 microgram/ml at PIH 2 and mean peak cephapirin concentration in mastitic milk was 0.18 microgram/ml at PIH 4. Cephapirin was not detected in the endometrium. The highest concentration of cephapirin in urine was 452 micrograms/ml, 2 hours after the 4th dose (PIH 26).