Renal Abnormalities Caused by Canine Distemper Virus Infection in Terminal Patients.

The aim of this study was to analyze the glomerular and tubular alterations in dogs with terminal distemper through light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. Thirteen animals with a molecular diagnosis of distemper and neurological signs were selected. As a control group, 10 clinically healthy animals with no manifestations or signs of disease and with negative tests for Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp., and Babesia sp. were included in this study. Renal tissue was evaluated by light microscopy, topochemistry for DNA/chromatin, and video image analysis to detect the nuclear phenotypes of the renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that dogs with distemper exhibited anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and proteinuria. Creatinine in the distemper group was lower compared to the control group (p = 0.0026), but there was no significant difference in relation to urea (p = 0.9876). Although this alteration may be due to the smaller muscle mass observed in animals with distemper, it probably is not of clinical importance. Glomerular and tubular lesions were confirmed by light microscopy in 84.6% of these animals. Additional findings in the animals with distemper included deposition of different classes of immunoglobulins, particularly IgM in 92.3% of the cases, fibrinogen deposition in 69.2% of the cases as assessed by immunofluorescence, alterations in the nuclear phenotypes of the RTEC characterized by condensation of chromatin, loss of DNA and reduction in the nuclear shape, and the presence of subendothelial and mesangial electron-dense deposits. These findings confirm the existence of renal alterations related to terminal distemper.

Incorporation of indomethacin into a mesoporous silica nanoparticle enhances the anti-inflammatory effect Indomethacin into a mesoporous silica.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and toxicological effects of indomethacin incorporated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (IND+NP). METHODS: Nociception was evaluated by the formalin assay. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by cell migration and paw edema assays, modulation of nitric oxide and cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) by macrophages production. Toxicity was evaluated in peritoneal macrophages and by the locomotion assay and assessment of gastric injuries, presence of occult blood and hepatic and renal markers. RESULTS: IND+NP reduced nociception during phases 1 by 53% and 2 by 79% of the formalin assay and the influx of peritoneal cells by 94%, indicating an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect more efficiently than indomethacin alone. Indomethacin, but not IND+NP, caused macroscopic gastric injuries, the presence of fecal occult blood, and an increase of ALT levels. In the paw edema assay, IND+NP reduced edema by 21%. IND+NP has no effect on the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α on no cytotoxic concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of indomethacin into mesoporous silica nanoparticles effectively increased the activity of the drug observed in the formalin and cell migration assays and prevented the gastric and hepatic damage associated with its use.

Future strategies to improve short- and long-term outcomes of renal transplantation in dogs / Estratégias futuras para melhorar os resultados de transplante renal em cães a curto e longo prazo

ABSTRACT: Transplants for cats with naturally occurring renal disease have been introduced into clinical practice, but canine renal transplantation represents a greater challenge because of the lack of a balanced immunosuppressive protocol, difficulty in selecting compatible canine kidney donors, and absence of transplantation monitoring protocols. This and other important factors will be discussed in this review to help improve short- and long-term outcomes for renal transplantation in dogs.

RESUMO: O transplante renal em gatos com doença renal naturalmente adquirida está cada vez mais sendo introduzido na prática clínica. O transplante renal em cães, por sua vez, representa um desafio maior devido a falta da definição de um protocolo imunossupressor equilibrado, dificuldade na seleção de doadores compatíveis e ausência de protocolos de monitoramento de transplantes. Esses e outros fatores serão abordados nesta revisão afim de melhorar os resultados, tanto a curto quanto a longo prazo do transplante renal em cães.