Biópsia endometrial na égua: importância no diagnóstico da subfertilidade e principais achados / Endometrial biopsy in the mare: importance in the diagnosis of subfertility and main findings

A biópsia endometrial na égua é uma técnica simples e bastante antiga. É uma importante ferramenta para o diagnóstico de patologia no endométrio nesta espécie utilizada para determinar o estágio do ciclo estral, para detectar a presença de inflamações agudas ou crônicas e para determina a possibilidade do útero levar a gestação a termo. Mais recentemente outras alterações tais como a má-diferenciação e as angiopatias, também estão sendo avaliadas em amostras de biópsia endometrial em éguas, uma vez que também podem interferir no prognóstico reprodutivo destas fêmeas. Esta revisão tem por objetivo descrever a avaliação da biópsia endometrial e as principais alterações que ocorrem no endométrio das éguas.(AU)

Endometrial biopsy in the mare is a simple and quite old technique. It is an important tool for the diagnosis of pathology in the endometrium in this species, used to determine the stage of the estrous cycle, to detect the presence of acute or chronic inflammation and to determine the possibility of the uterus carrying the pregnancy to term. More recently, other alterations, such as poor differentiation and angiopathies, are also being evaluated in endometrial biopsy samples in mares, since they may also interfere with the reproductive prognosis of these females. This review aims to describe the evaluation of the endometrial biopsy and the main changes that occur in the endometrium of mares.(AU)

Puerarin alleviated oxidative stress and ferroptosis during renal fibrosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury via TLR4/Nox4 pathway in rats

Purpose: To investigate the role of puerarin on renal fibrosis and the underlying mechanism in renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) model. Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with puerarin (50 or 100 mg/kg) per day for one week before renal I/R. The level of renal collagen deposition and interstitial fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was examined by immunohistochemical staining. The ferroptosis related factors and TLR4/Nox4-pathway-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: Puerarin was observed to alleviate renal collagen deposition, interstitial fibrosis and the α-SMA expression induced by I/R. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) level were decreased in I/R and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe2+ level increased. However, puerarin reversed SOD, MDA, GSH and Fe2+ level changes induced by I/R and H/R. Besides, Western blot indicated that puerarin inhibited the expression of ferroptosis related factors in a dose-dependent manner, which further demonstrated that puerarin had the effect to attenuate ferroptosis. Moreover, the increased expression of TLR/Nox4-pathway-associated proteins were observed in I/R and H/R group, but puerarin alleviated the elevated TLR/Nox4 expression. Conclusions: Our results suggested that puerarin inhibited oxidative stress and ferroptosis induced by I/R and, thus, delayed the progression of renal fibrosis, providing a new target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

Gurltia paralysans infection in a domestic cat in the São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil

Gurltia paralysans is a nematode first described in 1933 in Chile, causing a syndrome called feline crural parasitic paraplegia. Insects, mollusks, frogs, lizards, and rodents are paratenic hosts of this nematode, and cats probably become infected by ingesting them. This report aims to discuss the main anatomopathological findings of gurltiosis in a cat submitted to necropsy in a laboratory in Ribeirão Preto city, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil, being the first case reported in this state. The main necroscopic findings were extramedullary reddened areas below the leptomeninges in the cervical and lumbar segments of the spinal cord. The histopathological examination showed marked thickening of the leptomeninges in the lumbar segment of the spinal cord, with marked neovascularization and fibrosis associated with eosinophilic and mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, as well as the presence of intravascular nematodes. The diagnosis of this lesion was chronic segmental meningomyelitis associated with intralesional parasites. Although uncommon, feline gurltiosis is a neglected parasitic disease that should be included as a differential diagnosis of paraparesis in domestic cats.(AU)

Mastectomia a campo em ruminantes - aspectos cirúrgicos e clínico-patológicos / Field mastectomy in ruminants - surgical and clinicopathological aspects

Background: We report the case of 3 cows, 1 ewe, and 1 doe, with chronic mastitis and which underwent a mastectomy. All animals had a history of mastitis, edema with purulent secretion in the udder region, areas of abscess formation, fibrosis, hypogalactia, and agalactia. The animals had already been treated with systemic antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs without response. The objective of this work is to describe the surgical and clinicopathological aspects of performing a radical mastectomy in the field in 3 cows and 1 ewe, and a partial mastectomy in a doe, with both procedures performed successfully and considered efficient to maintain the survival of the affected animals, in addition to being economically viable. Cases: In all animals reported in the study, a general and a specific clinical examination were performed, where on palpation of the udder were observed an increase in the region of the mammary apparatus, fluid fluctuation, areas of fibrosis with increased stiffness, and loss of udder functionality. In the case of the doe, there was a functional teat, which was preserved during the surgical procedure. Radical mastectomy was performed in 3 cows and 1 ewe, and the doe underwent a partial mastectomy, with preservation of the functional teat. All animals have fasted for food and water for 48 h. In cows, the anesthetic protocol consisted of 2% xylazine hydrochloride [0.15 mg/kg, intramuscularly (IM)], followed by an epidural block in the lumbosacral region with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride [10 mL]. The midazolam hydrochloride [0.1 mg/kg, intravenously (IV)] and 2% xylazine hydrochloride [0.05 mg/kg, IM] were administered to the ewe and the doe, also associated with lumbosacral epidural anesthesia with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride [5 mL]. The animals were positioned in the right lateral decubitus position and the entire abdominal and udder region were shaved and sanitized for the surgical procedures of radical mastectomy and partial mastectomy, with the use of degerming and topical povidone-iodine. The postoperative period consisted of penicillin-based antibiotic therapy associated with streptomycin [24,000 IU/kg, IM, 10 consecutive days] and flunixin meglumine [2 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] in cows; enrofloxacin [2.5 mg/kg, IM, 7 consecutive days] and flunixin meglumine [0.5 mg/kg, IM, 5 consecutive days] in the ewe; oxytetracycline [10 mg/kg, IM, 5 applications on alternate days] and flunixin meglumine [0.5 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] in the doe. In all animals, the cleaning of the surgical wound was performed daily with 10% topical Povidone-iodine and Permethrin ointment, for 14 days, when the stitches were removed. Discussion: The choice of the surgical procedure resulted in improvement of the clinical conditions and increased survival of all animals, and in the case of the doe, partial mastectomy contributed to the preservation of the functional teat, preserving its productive capacity. All anesthetic protocols used and the anatomical positioning of the animals were satisfactory for performing the procedures. Although they are techniques described in the literature with great blood loss, especially in cows, blood transfusion was not required in any of the animals. The stitches were removed 14 days after the surgical procedures, and the surgical wound was completely healed.

Evaluation of histo-toxicity of nimesulide in black kites (Milvus migrans): a pharmacodynamic study / Avaliação da histotoxicidade da nimesulida em milhafre-preto (Milvus migrans): um estudo farmacodinâmico

The present experimental work was conducted to elucidate the toxicity of nimesulide at three different doses in black kites (Milvus migrans). M. migrans is one of the most common raptors near human habitations. The goal of the current investigation was to determine whether nimesulide is similarly hazardous to raptors as was diclofenac sodium and to investigate the acute oral toxicity of nimesulide in these birds. For this study, eight adult male black kites (M. migrans) were randomly divided into four groups. M. migrans in the control group (n = 02) were not treated with nimesulide. The other three groups were given nimesulide doses. The birds in the first (n = 02) were declared the control group. The second (n = 02), third (n = 02), and fourth groups were administered nimesulide at a low, medium, and high dose of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg live body weight of bird/day, respectively, for 10 days. Nimesulide-addled birds became listless and despondent, then anorexic. The birds were standing there with their eyes closed and showing no signs of life. There was an increase in saliva production, a slowing of breathing, and dilated pupils. No clinical signs were observed in the control group. No mortality was seen in the control or treated groups. The control group did not show lesions of gout, but black kites intoxicated with nimesulide at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg live body weight of bird/day showed inflammation, apoptosis, hemorrhage, necrosis, and leukocytic infiltration tissues of the liver, kidney, and heart of black kites (M. migrans) treated with different concentrations of nimesulide. The treated groups also showed apoptosis of myofibrils and hyperplasia. The hypertrophy, atrophy, fibrosis, necrosis of skeletal muscles and hemorrhage were prominent in the muscles of black kites (M. migrans) intoxicated with nimesulide. All observed histological alterations got worse in a dose-related way. There was no significant difference in AST, ALT, ALP, serum uric acid, but a significant difference was observed in the values of serum urea (p = 0.001) and serum creatinine (p = 0.019).

O presente trabalho experimental foi conduzido para elucidar a toxicidade da Nimesulida em três doses diferentes em milhafres (Milvus migrans). M. migrans é uma das aves de rapina mais comuns perto de habitações humanas. O objetivo da presente investigação foi determinar se a Nimesulida é igualmente perigosa para as aves de rapina como foi o diclofenaco sódico e investigar a toxicidade oral aguda do fármaco nessas aves. Para este estudo, 8 milhafres machos adultos (M. migrans) foram aleatoriamente divididos em 4 grupos. M. migrans no grupo controle (n = 2) não foram tratados com Nimesulida. Os outros 3 grupos receberam doses do fármaco. As aves do primeiro grupo (n = 2) foram declaradas o grupo controle. O segundo (n = 2), terceiro (n = 2) e quarto grupos receberam Nimesulida nas doses baixa, média e alta de 2, 4 e 6 mg/kg de peso corporal vivo da ave/dia, respectivamente, por 10 dias. Aves confusas com Nimesulida tornaram-se apáticas e desanimadas, depois anoréxicas. Os pássaros estavam parados com os olhos fechados e sem sinais de vida. Houve um aumento na produção de saliva, lentidão na respiração e pupilas dilatadas. Nenhum sinal clínico foi observado no grupo controle. Nenhuma mortalidade foi observada nos grupos de controle ou tratados. O grupo controle não apresentou lesões de gota, mas os milhafres intoxicados com Nimesulida nas doses de 2, 4 e 6 mg/kg peso vivo da ave/dia apresentaram inflamação, apoptose, hemorragia, necrose e infiltração leucocitária nos tecidos do fígado, rim e coração de milhafre-preto tratados com diferentes concentrações de Nimesulida. Os grupos tratados também apresentaram apoptose de miofibrilas e hiperplasia. A hipertrofia, atrofia, fibrose, necrose da musculatura esquelética e hemorragia foram proeminentes nos músculos de milhafres negros intoxicados com o fármaco. Todas as alterações histológicas observadas pioraram de forma dose-dependente. Não houve diferença significativa em AST, ALT, ALP, ácido úrico sérico, no entanto, foi observada diferença significativa nos valores de ureia sérica (p = 0,001) e creatinina sérica (p = 0,019).

Megaureter gigante por ectopia ureteral intramural em cadela / Giant megaureter by intramural ureteral etopia in a bitch

Background: The urinary tract is composed by kidneys, urinary bladder and urethra. The kidneys produce urine that achieve urinary bladder by ureters. These have the origin in the renal pelvis, run through the retroperitoneum, end up at the dorsolateral superficies of the urinary bladder, and empty at the trigone. Ureters abnormalities are the rarest congenital defects in the canine urinary tract and ureteroceles are cystic dilatations of the distal segment of the ureter that could be associated to partial or complete urinary obstructions and could lead to megaureter and hydronephrosis. So, the aim of the present study was to describe a case of megaureter by intramural ureteral ectopia in a bitch. Case: A 1-year-old-and-8-month bitch Akita, weighing 18 kg, was referred to the Uniube Veterinary Hospital with vaginal secretion, prostration, hypodipsia, hyporexia and pyrexia related by the tutor. On physical examination, an increase in vulva volume and a vaginal discharge were observed. Nevertheless, others physical exams, blood count and biochemical tests were considered to be within normal parameters. Urinalysis showed cloudy aspect, proteinuria, occult blood, erythrocytes, pyuria, leucocytes, and discreet presence of bacteria. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a megaureter with right uterocele and excretory urography showed absence of glomerular filtration by right kidney. The patient was submitted to surgery for right kidney and ureter exeresis. Histopathology evaluation showed intense dilation of the ureter and severe multifocal renal fibrosis. The surgery was well succeeded, and the patient recovered completely. Discussion: Once megaureter are associated with congenital abnormalities like ectopic ureter and ureterocele, it is usually diagnosed in young patients with medium age of 10 months, which is below the age of the patient in this case report. Additionally, in the patient here reported, the unilateral alteration could explain the absence of kidney fail symptoms. In more than 90% of the cases, the ureteral ectopia was associated with multiple anomalies in the urinary tract, as was observed in this patient, that presented besides ectopic ureter, ureterocele, megaureter and renal dystrophy. All these morphological alterations made impossible the complete urine elimination, which predispose to urinary tract infection, that was observed in this report. According to literature, urinary tract anomalies are associated with infection in 64 to 85% and 50% of the cases also present hydronephrosis and hydroureter. It was also described that ureteral ectopia is diagnosed by visualization of hydroureter in abdominal ultrasonography. The findings present in this report differs a little, once the right kidney was atrophic possibly by malformation or even so by a chronic renal lesion due to the difficulty in urine flow. The excretory urography showed no filtration in the right kidney, indicating non-functionality that was confirmed by histopathology, in which was observed small glomerulus and large amount of connective tissue deposition. In cases of unilateral megaureter with ipsilateral kidney commitment, there is indication of nephroureterectomy, that was performed in the patient of the present report. As far as we know, this is the first report of megaureter, ureterocele and ectopia ureteral together in the same patient. In conclusion, the procedure was secure, efficient and promote a better quality of life for the patient and prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections.

Extensive emphysematous pyelonephritis in a nondiabetic female cat - treatment with unilateral nephroureterectomy

Background: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute, severe necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma and surrounding tissues that results in gas formation in the kidney, collecting system, or surroundings. EPN is a rare condition in veterinary medicine and occurs most frequently in dogs with diabetes mellitus. Although the prognosis of medical management in animals is poor, the standardized treatment protocol according to EPN severity is unclear. This report describes the first case of a nondiabetic female cat with extensive EPN and good prognosis following direct nephroureterectomy (NU). Case: A 10-year-old spayed female cat presented with the chief complaint of an acute loss of weight within 1 week, vomiting, and disorientation including stumbling, discoordination, circling, wobbling, head tilting, and difficulties in standing. At presentation, the patient had a body condition score of 1/9 and weighed 2.6 kg. Blood examination revealed leukocytosis, anemia, and hypoproteinemia. Abdominal radiography revealed severely decreased serosal details. A massive gas silhouette observed in the peritoneal and retroperitoneal cavities, was diagnosed as abdominal free gas. Abdominal ultrasound showed an accumulation of moderately anechoic fluid mixed with gas and cyst-like capsules around the left kidney. Left partial ureteral obstruction and dilation were also observed. Computed tomography (CT) was performed without sedatives or anesthetic drugs. The findings showed severe inflammatory changes in the peritoneum and a loss of the normal inner structure in the left kidney. A pyelogram of the left kidney was not observed after injection of the contrast material. Diffuse fat stranding and free gas observed in the mesentery of the entire abdominal cavity and around the left kidney were considered septic peritonitis. Urinalysis revealed proteinuria and hematuria. Numerous neutrophils with rod-type bacteria were observed in the ascites. Following diagnostic examinations, the patient was diagnosed with extensive left EPN, including inflammatory ascites and abdominal free gas. Therefore, emergency NU of the nonfunctional left kidney and ruptured ureter and thorough abdominal lavage were conducted. Diffuse inflammation and a nephrolith were observed in the section of the harvested kidney. The nephrolith was composed of 100% calcium oxalate monohydrate. The realtime polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) was negative. Escherichia coli was detected in the ascites, and antibiotic therapy was administered following the antibiotic sensitivity test. The histological findings from the left kidney and ureter included marked chronic inflammation and fibrosis. The patient was discharged 4 days after surgery. During the 8-month follow-up period, the patient's condition improved. Discussion: This was a unique case of EPN in a nondiabetic cat and the first reported case of EPN with a ruptured ureter, including abdominal free gas, inflammatory ascites, and peritonitis. This patient had a bacterial urinary tract infection with E. coli, which is the most frequently isolated pathogen in humans. This gas-forming bacteria produced a massive amount of gas and inflammation that were considered to have ruptured the urinary tract, so that the gas was released into the abdomen. This case corresponded to class 3B, with two risk factors according to the human EPN classification system. Direct NU and abdominal lavage were performed as emergency surgeries. The patient stabilized gradually and showed a good prognosis. Immediate surgical intervention is recommended in animal patients showing the extensive EPN stage.

TGF-ß1 and CD68 immunoexpression in capsules formed by textured implants with and without mesh coverage: a study on female rats

Purpose: To evaluate fibrosis formation and number of macrophages in capsules formed around textured implants without and with mesh coverage. Methods: Fibrosis was analyzed through transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) immunomarker expression and the number of macrophages through CD68 percentage of cells in magnified field. Sixty female Wistar rats were distributed into two groups of 30 rats (unmeshed and meshed). Each group was then subdivided into two subgroups for postoperative evaluation after 30 and 90 days. The p value was adjusted by Bonferroni lower than 0.012. Results: No difference was observed in fibrosis between meshed and unmeshed groups (30 days p = 0.436; 90 days p = 0.079) and from 30 to 90 days in the unmeshed group (p = 0.426). The meshed group showed higher fibrosis on the 90th day (p = 0.001). The number of macrophages was similar between groups without and with mesh coverage (30 days p = 0.218; 90 days p = 0.044), and similar between subgroups 30 and 90 days (unmeshed p = 0.085; meshed p = 0.059). Conclusions: In the meshed group, fibrosis formation was higher at 90 days and the mesh-covered implants produced capsules similar to microtextured ones when analyzing macrophages. Due to these characteristics, mesh coating did not seem to significantly affect the local fibrosis formation.

Study of the upper pole after subtotal splenectomy in rats

Purpose: To evaluate macro/microscopic viability of the upper pole (UP) in rats after 80 days of subtotal splenectomy preserving the upper pole (SSPUP). Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were submitted to SSPUP. After 80 days, the rats were euthanized, and the remaining UP was evaluated macroscopically regarding appearance, color, consistency, length, width, thickness, and presence of fibrosis/necrosis; and microscopically regarding presence of red and white pulp, fibrosis/necrosis. Results: Two rats died during surgery and were removed from the statistical analysis. There was statistically significant increase in length and width between the pre and postoperative in the experimental group, with no significant difference in thickness. In the manipulation group, the macroscopic appearance of the spleen was normal in pre and postoperative, with viability preserved. In the experimental group, two UP of the spleen were not found during the second surgery. Macroscopically, it was observed absence of fibrosis and necrosis in all cases. Microscopically, the white and red pulp were intact in both groups. Two spleens of rats in the manipulation group presented areas with fibrosis and necrosis focus, which were not enough to be considered inviable. Conclusions: The UP of the spleen remained viable in 91.3% of the cases.

Anasarca associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy in cats

Background: Cardiomyopathies are a primary heart disorder and are one of the most causes of heart failure and sudden death in cats. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a diastolic dysfunction resulting from endomyocardial fibrosis, with filling restriction and ventricular distention. In these cases, a poor outcome is expected. Anasarca in animals is often associated with dystocia secondary to congenital changes. In adults, this is a rare condition, since subcutaneous edema in animals with congestive heart failure is an uncommon finding. Therefore, this report describes clinical and pathological findings in an unusual presentation of anasarca in two adult cats with restrictive cardiomyopathy. Cases: A 12-year-old female mixed breed cat (case 1) and a 6-year-old male mixed-breed cat (case 2) were present on an emergent basis at the veterinary hospital with a history of respiratory distress. Case 1 showed on physical examination intense restrictive mixed dyspnea and lethargy, with muffled heart sounds and respiratory noises in cardiorespiratory auscultation. The cat exhibited abdominal distension resulting from ascites. Generalized subcutaneous edema was evident mainly in the abdominal and submandibular areas and the thoracic and pelvic limbs. In these regions, a positive Godet signal was observed. Thoracic radiography revealed pleural effusion, and the cat underwent fluid drainage on both sides of the thoracic cavity. Drainage material was sent to the laboratory for clinical analysis, which indicated that it was a modified transudate. The clinical signs worsened, and the cat was euthanized. In case 2, physical examination showed severe restrictive mixed dyspnea, lethargy, and low body temperature (< 32°C). Abdominal distension resulting from ascites and generalized edema in the subcutaneous tissue with a positive Godet sign was observed. On cardiorespiratory auscultation, cardiac sounds and breathing noises were muffled. Thoracic radiography revealed pleural effusion. The cat was immediately placed in an incubator for clinical stabilization with oxygen therapy and warm-up. After 2 h of hospitalization, thoracentesis and drainage of cavity fluids were performed, which were classified as modified transudate. The patient remained in critical condition during hospitalization, evolving to death. The two cats were referred for a complete post mortem examination. Grossly, both cats showed distension of the abdomen and marked edema of subcutaneous tissue, mainly in the abdominal, ventral cervical, and thoracic and pelvic members. In the abdominal and thoracic cavities, a moderate amount of serous-free liquid, slightly reddish was observed. The heart of both cats was enlarged, with a globose appearance and a slightly whitish epicardium. The left ventricular endocardium was mild and diffusely thick and whitish, in addition to moderate dilation of the left atrium. Histological analyses of the heart showed in both cats moderate and diffuse proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the endocardial region. Discussion: Restrictive cardiomyopathy has major importance in feline medicine due to its severity and poor outcome. Pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, and ascites are common findings in cats with congestive heart failure; however, generalized subcutaneous edema is uncommon. To the author's knowledge, there are no published cases in the literature of anasarca in adult cats with restrictive cardiomyopathy. In human cardiology, this presentation is commonly related to congestive heart failure, and it is reported under several conditions, such as restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericarditis. The present study suggests that anasarca should be included in the list of associated clinical signs suggestive of severe congestive heart failure, mainly related to restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Protective effect and mechanism of Shenkang injection on adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats

Purpose: To investigate the protective effects of Shenkang injection (SKI) on adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF) in rat. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, model, and SKI groups (5, 10, 20 mL/kg). Rats in model and SKI groups were treated with adenine i.g. at a dose of 150 mg/kg every day for 12 weeks to induce CRF. Twelve weeks later, SKI was administered to the rat i.p. for four weeks. The effects of SKI on kidney injury and fibrosis were detected. Results: SKI inhibited the elevation of the urine level of N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase, kidney injury molecule-1, beta-2-microglobulin, urea protein in CRF rats. The serum levels of uric acid and serum creatinine increased and albumin decreased in the model group, which was prevented by SKI. SKI inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum. SKI inhibited the expression of transforming growth factor-β1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, collagen I, collagen III, endothelin-1, laminin in kidney of CRF rats. Conclusions: SKI protected against adenine-induced kidney injury and fibrosis and exerted anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in CRF rats.

Jatrorrhizine reduces myocardial infarction-induced apoptosis and fibrosis through inhibiting p53 and TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 pathways in mice

Purpose: To explore the mechanism of jatrorrhizine on apoptosis and fibrosis induced by myocardial infarction (MI) in an animal model. Methods: The left anterior descending branch of coronary artery was surgically ligated to duplicate the mouse model of MI. The sham and infarcted mice were treated with normal saline once a day, while mice in experimental groups received low-dose (LD) and high-dose (HD) jatrorrhizine once a day respectively. Two weeks later, cardiac function was detected by echocardiography, and histopathological examination was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. The expressions of p53, TGF-ß1, Smad/2/3, Bax, Bcl-2, collagen I and collagen III were quantified using qRT-PCR and western blot assays. Results: Jatrorrhizine significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricle end-systolic (LVES) in mice. Histopathological, administration of jatrorrhizine weakened infiltration of inflammatory cells and cardiac fibrosis in myocardium of mice caused by MI. Additionally, jatrorrhizine suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis exhibited as its capability to reverse changes of Bax and Bcl-2 levels in myocardium caused by MI. Jatrorrhizine statistically significantly downregulated expression of collagen I and collagen III, as well as TGF-ß1, Smad2/3 and p53. Conclusions: Jatrorrhizine reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis through inhibiting p53/Bax/Bcl-2 and TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways.

Antioxidant extract of black rice prevents renal dysfunction and renal fibrosis caused by ethanol-induced toxicity / Extrato antioxidante de arroz-preto previne disfunção renal e fibrose renal causada pela toxicidade induzida pelo etanol

This study was conducted to evaluate the protective role of extracted natural antioxidants from black rice and their effect on kidney failure and renal cirrhosis caused by ethanol-induced toxicity. Antioxidant activity in terms of total phenol content, flavonoid compounds and anthocyanin, as well as antioxidant capacity, was determined in an extract of black rice. The findings noted that the black rice extract contained high amounts of antioxidant activity and capacity. Total phenolic compounds from black rice extract were fractionated using HPLC and the results showed that ferulic, sinapic, ascorbic, salicylic and coumaric acids were the highest in the extract. Biological experiments were performed on male albino adult rats (40 animals, 10 rats for each group), divided into four groups. After five weeks, kidney functions and protein fractions were assessed. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) enzyme activities were determined in all groups. The results found that kidney function, total protein, albumin and globulin were affected by renal dysfunction and renal fibrosis in the positive control (PC), whereas groups 3 and 4 noted an improvement in renal function nearly or equal to the healthy rats which were fed on a basal diet. Furthermore, the PC group showed significantly decreased levels of enzymatic antioxidants, namely SOD and GSH with a concomitant elevated MDA level compared with those in the negative rats fed on a basal diet. Groups 3 and 4 also reported improvements in enzyme activity. These results were further supported by histopathological findings which revealed a curative effect in groups 3 and 4, which avoided renal dysfunction and renal fibrosis from ethanol-induced toxicity. From the results, it can be said that the black rice extract with the highest amounts of antioxidants led to improvements in all parameters, especially kidney function, total protein, albumin, and globulin, in addition to enzyme activity. Therefore, black rice can be recommended as a benefit to general health.

Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o papel protetor dos antioxidantes naturais extraídos do arroz-preto e seu efeito na insuficiência renal e cirrose renal causada pela toxicidade induzida pelo etanol. A atividade antioxidante em termos de teor de fenóis totais, compostos flavonoides e antocianinas, bem como a capacidade antioxidante, foi determinada em um extrato de arroz-preto. As descobertas observaram que o extrato de arroz-preto continha grandes quantidades de atividade e capacidade antioxidante. Os compostos fenólicos totais do extrato de arroz-preto foram fracionados por HPLC e os resultados mostraram que os ácidos ferúlico, sinápico, ascórbico, salicílico e cumárico foram os mais elevados no extrato. Experimentos biológicos foram realizados em ratos adultos albinos machos (40 animais, 10 ratos para cada grupo), divididos em quatro grupos. Após cinco semanas, as funções renais e frações proteicas foram avaliadas. Além disso, as atividades das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa (GSH) e malondialdeído (MDA) foram determinadas em todos os grupos. Os resultados mostraram que a função renal, proteína total, albumina e globulina foram afetadas por disfunção renal e fibrose renal no controle positivo (CP), enquanto os grupos 3 e 4 observaram uma melhora na função renal quase ou igual aos ratos saudáveis ​​que foram alimentados em uma dieta básica. Além disso, o grupo PC apresentou níveis significativamente diminuídos de antioxidantes enzimáticos, ou seja, SOD e GSH com um nível concomitante de MDA elevado em comparação com aqueles nos ratos negativos alimentados com uma dieta basal. Os grupos 3 e 4 também relataram melhorias na atividade enzimática. Esses resultados foram ainda apoiados por achados histopatológicos que revelaram um efeito curativo nos grupos 3 e 4, que evitou a disfunção renal e fibrose renal por toxicidade induzida pelo etanol. A partir dos resultados, pode-se dizer que o extrato de arroz-preto com maior quantidade de antioxidantes levou a melhorias em todos os parâmetros, principalmente função renal, proteína total, albumina e globulina, além da atividade enzimática. Portanto, o arroz-preto pode ser recomendado como um benefício para a saúde geral.

Antifibrotic preventive effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 in methotrexateinduced hepatoxicity model

Purpose: Liver damage caused by drugs and other chemicals accounts for about 5% of all cases. Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid analogue, is a first-line synthetic antimetabolite agent routinely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluated biochemically and histopathologically the antifibrotic effect of PEG 3350 administered intraperitoneally to prevent methotrexate-induced liver damage in rats. Methods: A total of 30 male rats including 10 rats was given no drugs (normal group), and 20 rats received single-dose 20 mg/kg MTXfor induced liver injury in this study. MTX was given to 20 rats, which were divided in two groups. Group 1 rats was given PEG30 mg/kg/day (Merck) intraperitoneally, and Group 2 rats % 0.9 NaCl saline 1 mL/kg/day intraperitoneally daily for two weeks. Results: Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), liver MDA, serum tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), alanine aminotransferase and plasma pentraxin-3 levels and, according to tissue histopathology, hepatocyte necrosis, fibrosis and cellular infiltration were significantly better in MTX+PEG group than in MTX+saline group. Conclusions: PEG 3350 is a hope for toxic hepatitis due to other causes, since liver damage occurs through oxidative stress and cell damage, similar to all toxic drugs.

Técnica de dilatación con balón mediante procedimiento de endoscopia en un perro con estenosis esofágica: reporte de caso / Balloon dilatation technique via endoscopy procedure in a dog with esophageal stenosis: case report / Técnica de dilatação por balão via procedimento endoscópico em cão com estenose esofágica: relato de caso

La estenosis esofágica es una alteración morfofuncional que provoca una lesión inflamatoria en las capas submucosas y musculares del esófago, induciéndolas a la fibrosis y alterando el diámetro esofágico. El presente informe aborda el uso de un dilatador de balón como vía auxiliar para corregir la estenosis esofágica en un paciente canino, hembra, Pug, con antecedentes de vómitos recurrentes como principal síntoma. Mediante endoscopia se observó que el esófago torácico estaba inflamado, con mucosa engrosada y fibrótica, además de anillos fibrosos de color blanquecino, lo que dificultaba el paso de la sonda, lo que permitía determinar el diagnóstico de estenosis esofágica. En este informe se optó por el uso de balón dilatador, realizándose tres procedimientos con una semana de diferencia, para mejorar la condición sintomática. Tras el procedimiento dilatador, fue posible el desarrollo favorable del cuadro clínico presentado por el paciente.

Esophageal stenosis is a morphofunctional alteration that causes inflammatory lesion in the submucosal and muscular layers of the esophagus, inducing them to fibrosis and altering the esophageal diameter. The present report addresses the use of a balloon dilator as an auxiliary way to correct esophageal stenosis in a canine, female, Pug patient, with a history of recurrent vomiting as the main complaint. Through endoscopy, it was observed that the thoracic esophagus was inflamed, with thickened and fibrotic mucosa, in addition to whitish colored fibrous rings, which hindered the passage of the probe, enabling the determination of the diagnosis of esophageal stenosis. In this report, we opted for the use of a dilator balloon, with three procedures being performed one week apart, to improve the symptomatic condition. After the dilator procedure, the favorable development of the clinical condition presented by the patient was possible.

A estenose esofágica é uma alteração morfofuncional que ocasiona em lesão inflamatória das camadas submucosa e muscular do esôfago, induzindo-as a fibrose e que altera o diâmetro esofágico. O presente relato aborda a utilização de balão dilatador, como forma auxiliar de correção de estenose esofágica em paciente canino, fêmea, da raça Pug, apresentando histórico de vômitos recorrentes como queixa principal. Por meio da endoscopia, observou-se que o esôfago torácico estava inflamado, com a mucosa espessada e fibrótica, além de anéis fibrosos de coloração esbranquiçada, o que dificultava a passagem da sonda, possibilitando a determinação do diagnóstico de estenose esofágica. Nesse relato, optou-se pelo uso do balão dilatador, sendo feitos três procedimentos intervalados de uma semana entre eles, para a melhora da condição sintomática. Após o procedimento dilatador, foi possível o desenvolvimento favorável do quadro clínico apresentado pela paciente.

Susceptibility of goats to poisoning by Tephrosia cinérea / Suscetibilidade de caprinos à intoxicação por Tephrosia cinerea

Spontaneous and experimental poisoning by Tephrosia cinerea in the northeastern semiarid region of Brazil has only been described in sheep. Pathologically, such poisoning leads to ascites and centrilobular liver fibrosis. However, these effects require an experimental study in goats. This study aimed to determine the goats' susceptibility to the ingestion of T. cinerea and the minimum toxic dose, describing the main clinical and anatomopathological findings. Poisoning was reproduced experimentally in one sheep that received 10g/kg of the ground plant and in two goats, the first receiving a dose of 5g/kg and the second receiving 10g/kg of the ground plant. The sheep presented abdominal distension 34 days after beginning the ingestion of the plant, developing sternal decubitus, breathing difficulty, opisthotonos, mandibular trismus, salivation, dysphagia, vocalization, and pedaling movements on the 50th day of the experiment. Fluid accumulation was observed in the abdominal cavity and liver via necropsy, with an irregular, slightly whitish capsular surface. Histologically, the main lesions observed in the liver were moderate fibrosis, marked sinusoidal distension, accompanied by marked hemorrhage, sometimes forming bridges between the centrilobular regions, associated with a dissociation of hepatocyte cords. There were discrete Alzheimer's type II astrocytes in the gray matter in the region of the occipital cortex in the nervous system. Goat 2 showed apathy, drowsiness, and weight loss; on the 62th day, lateral decubitus evolved to sternal decubitus, with a rotation of the neck towards the flank. At necropsy, marked edema was observed on the face and dewlap, and a slight accumulation of liquid; slightly yellowish material was observed in the abdominal cavity. There were discrete blackened areas on the capsular surface in the liver. Histologically, the liver showed mild centrilobular fibrosis associated with mild dissociation of hepatocyte cords and mild vacuolar degeneration of the hepatocyte cytoplasm. Goat 1 showed no clinical signs; at necropsy, discrete multifocal areas were observed in the liver on the capsular surface. Histologically, diffuse intracytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes was detected. The clinical picture and anatomopathological findings differ between the species, proving the lower susceptibility of goats to Tephrosia cinerea ingestion (compared to sheep), with differences in the pathogenesis and epidemiological aspects of poisoning.

A intoxicação espontânea e experimental por Tephrosia cinerea no semiárido nordestino só foi descrita em ovinos. Patologicamente, tal intoxicação leva a ascite e fibrose hepática centrolobular. No entanto, esses efeitos requerem um estudo experimental em caprinos. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a suscetibilidade de caprinos à ingestão de T. cinerea e a dose tóxica mínima, descrevendo os principais achados clínicos e anatomopatológicos. A intoxicação foi reproduzida experimentalmente em um ovino que recebeu 10g/kg da planta moída e em dois caprinos, o primeiro recebendo a dose de 5g/kg e o segundo recebendo 10g/kg da planta moída. O ovino apresentou distensão abdominal 34 dias após o início da ingestão da planta, desenvolvendo decúbito esternal, dificuldade respiratória, opistótono, trismo mandibular, salivação, disfagia, vocalização e movimentos de pedalada no 50º dia do experimento. Foi observado acúmulo de líquido na cavidade abdominal e fígado via necropsia, com superfície capsular irregular e levemente esbranquiçada. Histologicamente, as principais lesões observadas no fígado foram fibrose moderada, distensão sinusoidal acentuada, acompanhada de hemorragia acentuada, por vezes formando pontes entre as regiões centrolobulares, associada à dissociação dos cordões de hepatócitos. Havia discretos astrócitos de Alzheimer tipo II na substância cinzenta na região do córtex occipital no sistema nervoso. A cabra 2 apresentou apatia, sonolência e perda de peso; no 62º dia, decúbito lateral evoluiu para decúbito esternal, com rotação do pescoço em direção ao flanco. Na necropsia, observou-se edema acentuado na face e barbela, e leve acúmulo de líquido; foi observado material levemente amarelado na cavidade abdominal. Havia áreas enegrecidas discretas na superfície capsular no fígado. Histologicamente, o fígado apresentava leve fibrose centrolobular associada à discreta dissociação dos cordões de hepatócitos e leve degeneração vacuolar do citoplasma dos hepatócitos. A cabra 1 não apresentou sinais clínicos; na necropsia, discretas áreas multifocais foram observadas no fígado na superfície capsular. Histologicamente, foi detectada degeneração vacuolar intracitoplasmática difusa dos hepatócitos. O quadro clínico e os achados anatomopatológicos diferem entre as espécies, comprovando a menor suscetibilidade dos caprinos à ingestão de Tephrosia cinerea (em relação aos ovinos), com diferenças na patogênese e aspectos epidemiológicos da intoxicação.

The antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of FZHY prescription on the kidney in rats after unilateral ureteral obstruction

Purpose: To explore the potential impact of traditional Chinese herb FuZhengHuaYuJiangZhuTongLuo recipe (FZHY) on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) at cellular and molecular levels. Methods: Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats were established as the RIF mo el in vivo. The rats were given intragastric administration with FZHY once a day for consecutive 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively. The renal function parameters and inflammation indicators in kidney tissues were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the CD4+/CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood was detected using flow cytometry, the renal fibrosis degree was estimated using Masson's staining, and the fibrosis-related genes' expression was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry analyses. Results: FZHY prescription reduced the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, decreased the levels of c-reactive protein, interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in kidney tissues, and increased the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood. FZHY prescription suppressed the renal tissue fibrosis and reduced the levels of laminin, fibronectin, collagen I and collagen III. Conclusions: FZHY prescription suppressed the renal fibrosis and improved the condition of "Healthy Qi Deficiency and Evil Qi Excess" in rats with UUO, which may provide an effective method for CKD treatment.

Partial pericardial agenesis in a dog

Pericardial defects are considered rare in animals and humans. Pericardial agenesis is characterized by partial or total pericardial sac malformation. Here is reported a case of apical partial pericardial agenesis in an adult mixed-breed male dog referred for necropsy. The pericardial sac was absent from the apical region up to the middle area of the ventricles resulting in a bilateral ventricular compression by the remaining pericardium changed the organ conformation. Microscopically, there was evidence of neutrophilic and hemorrhagic myocarditis with cardiomyocyte atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Agenesis is often a subclinical disorder, and it is an incidental postmortem finding in most cases; however, it can cause complications in cases of cardiac structure herniation.(AU)

Caroli syndrome in a dog / Síndrome de Caroli em um cão

Caroli syndrome is characterized by a combination of intrahepatic biliary ductal ectasia and congenital ductal fibrosis due to the failure of involution of ductal plates and large intrahepatic ducts. This study aims to report Caroli syndrome in a dog, with emphasis on clinical characteristics, complementary examinations, and diagnostic approach. A 1-year-old mixed-breed intact male dog was presented with a 7-day history of acute vomiting and anorexia. Clinical evaluation revealed severe jaundice, abdominal pain, dehydration, lethargy, and abdominal distension. Ultrasonography revealed hepatic cysts filled with fluid. Exploratory laparotomy was performed to clarify the imaging findings; however, the dog died shortly after surgery. Postmortem examination revealed that the liver was reduced in size and had multiple interconnected and distended saccular dilations. The bile ducts were markedly dilated and replaced a large part of the liver parenchyma. Multiple small cysts were also observed in the kidneys. Microscopically, the hepatic lesions were characterized by extensive bridging fibrosis associated with proliferating and ectatic bile ducts contiguous with the biliary tree. Marked fibrosis and small cysts were observed in the kidneys. Therefore, a final diagnosis of Caroli syndrome was made. While uncommon, this syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis for young dogs with biliary cysts and hepatic fibrosis.

A síndrome de Caroli é caracterizada pela combinação de ectasia biliar intra-hepática e fibrose ductal congênita, que se devem a falha na involução das placas ductais dos grandes ductos intra-hepáticos. Esse trabalho tem a intenção de reportar um caso de síndrome de Caroli em um canino, com ênfase em suas características clínicas, exames complementares, e abordagem diagnóstica. Um canídeo de um ano de idade, sem raça definida, apresentou um histórico clínico de sete dias de vômito agudo e anorexia. A avaliação clínica revelou severa icterícia, dor abdominal, desidratação, letargia e distensão abdominal. A ultrassonografia foi sugestiva de cistos hepáticos preenchidos por fluido. Uma laparotomia exploratória foi realizada para esclarecer os achados de imagem, porém, o cão morreu logo após a cirurgia. O cão foi submetido a exame de necropsia, onde se observou fígado diminuído em tamanho e com múltiplas dilatações saculares distendidas e interconectadas entre si. Os ductos biliares estavam acentuadamente dilatados e substituíam grande parte do parênquima hepático. Nos rins, múltiplos pequenos cistos eram observados. Microscopicamente as lesões hepáticas eram caracterizadas por extensa fibrose em ponte, associada a ductos biliares ectáticos e proliferados, que eram contíguos a árvore biliar. Nos rins, marcada fibrose e pequenas formações císticas foram observadas. Baseado na associação dos achados clínicos e patológicos, o diagnóstico de síndrome de Caroli foi feito. Mesmo que incomum, essa síndrome deve ser considerada como um diagnóstico diferencial para cães jovens com ductos biliares císticos e fibrose hepática.

Primary erythrocytosis in a bitch - clinical and laboratorial aspects

Background: Primary erythrocytosis is a rare myeloproliferative disorder in dogs and cats characterized by an autonomous proliferation of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow, with low to normal serum erythropoietin concentration, resulting in elevated red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. Clinical signs are associated with increased blood volume and viscosity, and may include erythema, hyperemic mucous membranes and neurological signs such as seizures and ataxia. In veterinary medicine, the diagnosis should be made by exclusion of secondary or relative causes, after complementary exams. This report aims to describe a case of primary erythrocytosis in a bitch. Case: A 4-year-old mixed-breed bitch was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from UFRGS with 3 convulsive episodes related by the owner. A previous abdominal ultrasonography revealed splenomegaly and the electrocardiogram showed no abnormalities. No alterations were observed at the physical examination. The laboratorial blood tests demonstrated a persistent erythrocytosis, with high hematocrit, hemoglobin and red blood cells count, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, and total plasmatic protein within the reference interval. The bone marrow cytology revealed reduced cellularity, normal myeloid:erythroid ratio, erythroid hyperplasia, mild myeloid hyperplasia and moderate myelofibrosis. The serum erythropoietin measurement was within the reference range, and the blood gas analysis detected a slight decrease in partial oxygen pressure. Therefore, no evidence of secondary conditions was observed and the diagnosis of primary erythrocytosis could be made. Discussion: Since there is no definitive method, the diagnosis of primary erythrocytosis could be based on the exclusion of all secondary and relative causes of erythrocytosis. The absence of clinical signs of dehydration and high serum albumin levels were findings that conduced for the exclusion of the relative form of the disturbance. The echocardiography and the abdominal ultrasonography ruled out any cardiopulmonary condition or kidney neoplasm, the most common causes of absolute secondary erythrocytosis. The persistently high hematocrit levels and red blood cell counts are significant for the suspicion of primary erythrocytosis, although thrombocytopenia and neutropenia are not commonly reported. The clinical signs of seizure were correlated with increased blood viscosity and reduced blood flow at the central nervous system. The blood gas analysis discarded the occurrence of systemic hypoxia, and the normal levels of erythropoietin gives higher evidence of the occurrence of an autonomous proliferation of the erythroid precursors within the bone marrow. The bone marrow cytology confirmed erythroid hyperplasia and the reduced cellularity that could be attributed to myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis was described in humans with polycythemia vera, but there are no reports in veterinary, and this occurrence must be elucidated. An identical mutation in the JAK2 gene was observed in humans with polycythemia vera and dogs with primary erythrocytosis, and occurs in more than 50% of humans with myelofibrosis. Further investigations are necessary for veterinary medicine. In conclusion, the systematic approach of all organic systems and the assessment of complementary exams are necessary for the diagnostic of primary erythrocytosis in dogs. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any erythrocytosis, considering the guarded prognosis of this hematologic disorder.