Impact of litter size on the hematological and iron status of gilts, sows and newborn piglets: a comparative study of domestic pigs and wild boars.

BACKGROUND: The critically low hepatic iron stores of newborn piglets are considered to be a major cause of neonatal iron deficiency in modern breeds of domestic pig (Sus domestica). The main factor believed to contribute to this phenomenon is large litter size, which has been an objective of selective breeding of pigs for decades. As consequence, iron transferred from the pregnant sow has to be distributed among a greater number of fetuses. RESULTS: Here, we investigated whether litter size influences red blood cell (RBC) indices and iron parameters in Polish Large White (PLW) piglets and gilts. Small and large litters were produced by the transfer of different numbers of embryos, derived from the same superovulated donor females, to recipient gilts. Piglets from large litters obtained following routine artificial insemination were also examined. Our results clearly demonstrated that varying the number of piglets in a litter did not affect the RBC and iron status of 1-day-old piglets, with all showing iron deficiency anemia. In contrast, gilts with small litters displayed higher RBC and iron parameters compared to mothers with large litters. A comparative analysis of the RBC status of wild boars (having less than half as many piglets per litter as domestic pigs) and PLW pigs, demonstrated higher RBC count, hemoglobin level and hematocrit value of both wild boar sows and piglets, even compared to small-litter PLW animals. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that RBC and iron status in newborn PLW piglets are not primarily determined by litter size, and indicate the need to study the efficiency of iron transport across the placenta in domestic pig and wild boar females.

Intraoperative parameters and postoperative follow-up of foam-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy (FBIC).

Background: For decades, intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) has been delivered into the abdominal cavity as a liquid solution. Recently the concept of foam as a carrier-solution for IPC was suggested. This in-vivo swine study aims to evaluate the safety, intraoperative parameters, limitations and postoperative complications of foam-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy (FBIC). Methods: Three 65-day-old swine received FBIC with doxorubicin in a laparoscopy setting. Intraoperative parameters were monitored throughout the procedure and an extensive postoperative laboratory monitoring was conducted for 7 days. At day seven an autopsy was performed for further evaluation. Results: The insufflation of FBIC caused a temporary rise in blood pressure and a simultaneous drop in heart rate. Capnography detected a continuous increase in end-tital CO2 levels. A temporary drop of intraabdominal temperature was noted. Postoperative blood and serum laboratory results did not indicate any organ failure. No indication of intraperitoneal infections was noted and no structural tissue changes were visible in the autopsy. Discussion: The application of FBIC appears to be a feasible approach regarding intraoperative anesthesiology and postoperative surgical management. A lack of postoperative structural changes on the seventh day were a promising sign of safety and biocompatibility. Surgical reintervention would have been possible. To discuss a possible clinical application, further studies are required to investigate long-term safety, pharmacodynamics and the antitumoral potential of FBIC.

Drug Distribution and Penetration of Foam-Based Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (FBIC).

For decades, intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) was used as a liquid solution for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis. Due to its advantageous physical properties, foam-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy (FBIC) was recently proposed as a treatment for peritoneal metastasis. For the first time, this study intends to examine the feasibility, expansion, drug distribution, and penetration of FBIC in vivo. Three swine received contrast-enhanced FBIC doxorubicin delivered using a bicarbonate carrier system. During the procedure, intraoperative blood analyses and periumbilical diameter, as well as foam distribution, penetration, and expansion of the FBIC were analyzed. The swine received an abdominal CT scan to evaluate the contrast distribution. Furthermore, a hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of peritoneal samples was performed, and fluorescence microscopy was conducted. FBIC was performed without complications. The periumbilical diameter peaked after 5 min and then decreased. Blood analyses showed changes in blood parameters, with a reduction in the pH levels of serum calcium and potassium. CT scan detected contrast-enhanced FBIC throughout the abdominal cavity. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed that all areas were exposed to doxorubicin and no pathologies were detected in the HE histology. Our preliminary results are quite encouraging and indicate that FBIC is a feasible approach. However, in order to discuss possible clinical applications, further studies are required to investigate the pharmacologic, pharmacodynamic, and physical properties of FBIC.

First In Vivo Applicational Data of Foam-Based Intrathoracic Chemotherapy (FBiTC) in a Swine Model.

BACKGROUND: For decades, both intraperitoneal and pleural chemotherapy (IPC) have been delivered as a liquid solution. Recent studies suggest that foam carriers outperform liquid carriers for locoregional chemotherapy. For the first time, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and characteristics of foam-based intrathoracic chemotherapy (FBiTC) in an in vivo setting. METHODS: In this study, contrast-enhanced FBiTC with doxorubicin was delivered via video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) in three swine under general anesthesia. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters, blood analyses, vital signs, and anesthesiologic data were collected. Additionally, an intraoperative computer tomography (CT) scan was performed, and histological tissue sections were collected and further analyzed using fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: FBiTC was delivered without major complications. End-tidal capnometry detected increased CO2 levels with reduced peripheral oxygen saturation and increased blood pressure and heart rate. No major intra- or postoperative complications were observed. CT scans confirmed a multidirectional distribution pattern of foam. Postoperative laboratory workup did not reveal any critical changes in hemoglobin, white blood count, or platelets. There was no evidence of critical kidney impairment or liver function. Fluorescence microscopy of tissue specimen detected doxorubicin in pleural tissues. DISCUSSION: Our preliminary results are encouraging and indicate that FBiTC is feasible. However, to consider a possible clinical application, further studies are required to investigate the pharmacologic, pharmacodynamic, and physical properties of FBiTC and to ensure the safety of the overall procedure regarding oxygenation levels and capnography parameters.

Evaluating the concept of gas­based intraperitoneal hyperthermia beyond 43˚C in the treatment of peritoneal metastasis: A pilot study.

While hyperthermic intraperitoneal applications have demonstrated high efficacy in treating peritoneal metastases (PM), these applications are limited to temperatures of 41-43˚C to prevent a harmful increase in core temperature. However, since gaseous substances display low specific heat capacities, gas-based hyperthermia could potentially increase surface temperatures without affecting the body's core temperature. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to explore the in vivo feasibility of gas-based hyperthermia via spatial and time-based distribution. In the present study, a temperature-isolated, abdominal box model was created with fresh peritoneal tissue exposed to continuous high-volume airflow temperatures ranging between 47 and 69˚C. Heat conduction within the peritoneal tissues was measured using temperature microsensors. Temperature build-up at different time points during the procedure was calculated and the safest option to perform gas-based intraperitoneal hyperthermia beyond 43˚C was identified using an in vivo swine model. In subsequent experiments, viability and cytotoxicity of HT-29 colon cancer cells were measured following short-term hyperthermia. The present study demonstrated that the application of gas-based intraperitoneal hyperthermia with temperatures up to 50˚C is possible without increasing the core temperature to harmful levels. Gas-based intraperitoneal hyperthermia can induce a histological reaction on the peritoneal surface, and it can also result in decreased viability and increased cytotoxicity of HT-29 cells. The concept of extreme hyperthermia may be of great clinical importance as it could significantly increase local cytotoxicity in PM without increasing the body's core temperature. Further studies are required to investigate the benefits, as well as the restrictions, of this novel concept.

Safety, feasibility, and application of intraperitoneal gas-based hyperthermia beyond 43°C in the treatment of peritoneal metastasis: An in-vivo pilot study.

Background: 43°Celsius (C) is currently the highest temperature used in the treatment of peritoneal metastasis (PM). Despite sufficient data on water- based hyperthermic solutions in PM treatment, there is currently no information on gas-based hyperthermia extending beyond 43°C. This study is the first to provide in-vivo data on different organ systems during and after intraperitoneal gas-based hyperthermia beyond 43°C. The aim of this study is to explore in-vivo feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this novel concept from a biological perspective. Methods: For this study, three swine were subjected to laparoscopy and subsequent gas-based intraperitoneal hyperthermia at 48°, 49° and 50°C under a high-flow air stream. Intraoperative data from multiple temperature sensors were analysed. Additionally, intraoperative anaesthesiologic and gasometrical data was analysed. Postoperatively, swine were monitored for one week and laboratory work-up was performed on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7. Results: During gas-based intraperitoneal hyperthermia, anesthesiologic parameters did not exhibit critical values. No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. Distinct temperature measurements on the skin, cystohepatic triangle and esophagus did not display any temperature increase. Postoperative laboratory workup did not show any changes in hemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelets, or kidney function. Discussion: Based on our data, there are no safety concerns for the application of gas-based hyperthermia between 48 - 50°C. In fact, no critical systemic temperature increase was observed. With respect to possible limitations, further in-vivo studies are required to evaluate whether gas-based intraperitoneal hyperthermia may be a therapeutic option for PM patients.

In-vivo thermodynamic exploration of gas-based intraperitoneal hyperthermia.

Background: While hyperthermic intraperitoneal (i.p) applications are highly efficient in treating peritoneal metastases (PM), they are currently limited to temperatures of 41 - 43° Celsius (C). First data on gas-based i.p. hyperthermia is promising, as this novel method allows a significant temperature rise in superficial peritoneal layers without increasing core temperatures. Until now, key mechanisms of this novel tool, e.g. thermodynamic energy transfer, have not been investigated. This study aims to explore the volume of thermodynamic energy transfer during gas-based i.p. hyperthermia at 48-50°C and its peritoneal effects. Methods: For this study, three swine were subjected to gas-based i.p. hyperthermia at varying temperatures (48°, 49° and 50°C) in a diagnostic laparoscopy setting with a high-flow air stream. Temperatures of the i.p. cavity, in- and outflow airstream at the trocar were measured and the thermodynamic energy transfer was calculated. Tissue samples were collected on postoperative day 7 for histopathologic analyses. Results: According to our data, temperatures within the intraabdominal cavity and at the outflow site remain relatively stable at < 40°C. An increase in thermodynamic energy transfer is observed with increasing applied temperatures. Gas-based i.p. hyperthermia induced capillary coagulation and white blood cell infiltration within peritoneal layers. Conclusions: Gas-based i.p. hyperthermia is an innovative approach which enables the i.p. delivery of specific amounts of thermodynamic energy. Following this procedure, our data indicate remarkable histologic changes on the superficial peritoneal layer most likely attributable to the applied thermodynamic energy. Further studies are required to investigate how these findings can be applied in PM management.

The Onset of In-Vivo Dehydration in Gas -Based Intraperitoneal Hyperthermia and Its Cytotoxic Effects on Colon Cancer Cells.

Background: Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is an ongoing challenge in surgical oncology. Current therapeutic options, including intravenous and intraperitoneal (i.p.) chemotherapies display limited clinical efficacy, resulting in an overall poor prognosis in affected patients. Combined hyperthermia and dehydration induced by a high-flow, gas-based i.p. hyperthermic procedure could be a novel approach in PM treatment. Our study is the first to evaluate the therapeutic potential of i.p. dehydration, hyperthermia, as well as the combination of both mechanisms in an in-vivo setting. Methods: For this study, three swine were subjected to diagnostic laparoscopy under a high-flow air stream at 48°, 49° and 50°Celsius (C). Hygrometry of the in- and outflow airstream was measured to calculate surface evaporation and i.p. dehydration. To analyze the effects of this concept, in vitro colon cancer cells (HT-29) were treated with hyperthermia and dehydration. Cytotoxicity and cell viability were measured at different time intervals. Additionally, structural changes of dehydrated cells were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Results: According to our results, both dehydration and hyperthermia were cytotoxic to HT-29 cells. However, while dehydration reduced cell viability, hyperthermia did not. However, dehydration effects on cell viability were significantly increased when combined with hyperthermia (p<0.01). Conclusions: Changes to the physiological milieu of the peritoneal cavity could significantly reduce PM. Therefore, limited dehydration of the abdominal cavity might be a feasible, additional tool in PM treatment. Further studies are required to investigate dehydration effects and their applicability in PM management.

Exploring the potential of taurolidine in inducing mobilization and detachment of colon cancer cells: a preliminary in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, taurolidine has been intensively studied on a variety of in-vitro cancer cell-lines and first data exhibit encouraging antitumoral effects. While the clinical use of taurolidine is considered, some studies with in-vivo experiments contradict this beneficial effect and even indicate advanced cancer growth. The aim of this study is to further investigate this paradox in-vivo effect by taurolidine and closely analyze the interaction of cancer cells with the surrounding environment following taurolidine exposure. METHODS: HT-29 (ATCC® HTB-38™) cells were treated with taurolidine at different concentrations and oxaliplatin using an in-vitro model. Morphological changes with respect to increasing taurolidine dosage were visualized and monitored using electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity of the agents as well as extent of cellular detachment by mechanical stress was measured for each substance using a colorimetric MTS assay. RESULTS: Both taurolidine and oxaliplatin exhibit cell toxicity on colon cancer cells. Taurolidine reshapes colon cancer cells from round into spheric cells and further induces cluster formation. When exposed to mechanical stress, taurolidine significantly enhances detachment of adherent colon carcinoma cells compared to the control (p < 0.05) and the oxaliplatin group (p < 0.05). This effect is dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Beside its cytotoxic effects, taurolidine could also change mechanical interactions of cancer cells with their environment. Local cancer cell conglomerates could be mechanically mobilized and may cause metastatic growth further downstream. The significance of changes in cellular morphology caused by taurolidine as well as its interaction with the microenvironment must be further addressed in clinical cancer therapies. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate both the safety and efficacy of taurolidine for the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies.

Parameters of Hemostasis in Sheep Implanted with Composite Scaffold Settled by Stimulated Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Evaluation of the Animal Model.

Implantation of composite scaffolds could be potentially associated with the risk of hemostatic disturbances in a recipient. However, there is a lack of information on possible alterations in clotting mechanisms resulting from such a procedure. The aim of the present work was to investigate changes in hemostatic parameters in sheep implanted with a scaffold composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) and hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate (9:4.5:4.5), settled previously with mesenchymal stem cells stimulated by fibroblast growth factor-2 and bone morphogenetic protein-2. Nine Merino sheep were examined for 7 days, and measurements of clotting times (PT, aPTT), activities of antithrombin, protein C and clotting factors II-XII, and concentrations of fibrinogen and D-dimer were carried out before and 1 h, 24 h, 3 days and 7 days after scaffold implantation. The introduction of scaffold initially resulted in a slowdown of the clotting processes (most evident 24 h after surgery); PT and aPTT increased to 14.8 s and 33.9 s, respectively. From the third day onwards, most of these alterations began to return to normal values. The concentration of fibrinogen rose throughout the observation period (up to 8.4 g/L), mirroring the ongoing inflammatory reaction. However, no signals of significant disturbances in hemostatic processes were detected in the sheep tested.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy of the peritoneal surface using high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS): investigation of technical feasibility, safety and possible limitations.

Introduction: The penetration of chemotherapeutic drugs into peritoneal nodules remains at levels well below 1 mm, thus significantly limiting the antitumor effect of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC). Recently, high-Intensity ultrasound (HIUS) has been discovered as a potential tool to significantly improve peritoneal diffusion rates. Despite promising preliminary data, basic aspects regarding its technical feasibility, safety and possible limitations remain unclear. This study aims to enhance our current understanding of HIUS and test its applicability using an ex-vivo swine model. Methods: Three postmortem swine were subject to laparotomy and consecutive lavage with 0.9%NaCl saline and HIUS application. For this purpose, a large HIUS radiating pen was introduced into the abdominal cavity and HIUS was applied on two of the four abdominal quadrants for 300 seconds each at an output power of 70 W, 50 % amplitude and 20 kHz frequency. Following the procedure, small intestinal tissue samples were retrieved for further analyses. Results: Peritoneal and subperitoneal layers showed structural changes only visible on a microscopic level. The peritoneal layer was transformed into a mesh-like structure while the subperitoneal layer (depth of 142 +/- 28 µm) exhibited microcavities and vascular detachment from surrounding tissues. No bowel rupture or vascular perforations were observed. Conclusions: Our data indicate that HIUS is a technically feasible and safe add-on procedure for intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) with measurable microscopic changes on the peritoneal surface. Pretreatment of the abdominal cavity with HIUS could significantly improve IPC efficacy. Further studies are required to optimize and evaluate this novel approach.

Enabling Microparticle Imprinting to Achieve Penetration and Local Endurance in the Peritoneum via High-Intensity Ultrasound (HIUS) for the Treatment of Peritoneal Metastasis.

INTRODUCTION: Micro- and nanoparticles, with their submicron size, the versatility of physical and chemical properties, and easily modifiable surface, are uniquely positioned to bypass the body's clearing systems. Nonetheless, two main problems with micro- and nanoparticles arise which limit the intraperitoneal application. The study was performed to evaluate whether HIUS enables the imprinting of microparticles and, therefore, enhances penetration and local endurance in the peritoneum. METHODS: High-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) at 20 kilohertz with an output power of 70 W was applied on peritoneal tissue samples from fresh postmortem swine for different time intervals. Before the HIUS application, the surface of the samples was covered with strontium aluminate microparticles before analysis via electron microscopy. In-tissue strontium aluminate penetration and particle distribution size were measured using fluorescence microscopy on frozen thin sections. RESULTS: With increasing HIUS durations (1 versus 5 minutes), increasing strontium aluminate particles were detected in the peritoneum. HIUS leads to a particle selection process with enhancing predominantly the penetration of smaller particles whereas larger particles had a harder time penetrating the peritoneum. Smaller particles were detected up to 277 µm ± 86 µm into the peritoneum. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that HIUS might be used as a method to prepare the peritoneal tissue for micro- and nanoparticles. Higher tissue penetration rates without the increase and longer local endurance of the applied substance could be reached. More studies need to be performed to analyze the effect of HIUS in enhancing intraperitoneal drug applications.

Islet Transplantation in the Lung via Endoscopic Aerosolization: Investigation of Feasibility, Islet Cluster Cell Vitality, and Structural Integrity.

Aerosolized drug delivery has recently attracted much attention as a possible new tool for the delivery of complex nanoparticles. This study aims to investigate whether catheter-based aerosolization of islets via endobronchial systems is a feasible option in islet transplantation. Besides investigating the feasibility of islet aerosolization, we also examined cluster cell vitality and structural integrity of the islets following aerosolization. Using an ex vivo postmortem swine model, porcine pancreatic islets were isolated and aerosolized with an endoscopic spray catheter. Following aerosolization, islet cell vitality and function were assessed via Calcein AM and propidium iodide as well as insulin production after glucose exposure. In the final step, the overall feasibility of the procedure and structural integrity of cells were analyzed and evaluated with respect to clinical applicability. No significant difference was detected in the viability of control islets (90.67 ± 2.19) vs aerosolized islets (90.68 ± 1.20). Similarly, there was no significant difference in control islets (1.62 ± 0.086) vs aerosolized islets (1.42 ± 0.11) regarding insulin release after stimulation. Indocyanine green marked islets were transplanted into the lung without major difficulty. Histological analysis confirmed retained structural integrity and predominant location in the alveolar cavity. Our ex vivo data suggest that catheter-based aerosolized islet cell delivery is a promising tool for the application of cell clusters. According to our data, islet cell clusters delivery is feasible from a mechanical and physical perspective. Moreover, cell vitality and structural integrity remain largely unaffected following aerosolization. These preliminary results are encouraging and represent a first step toward endoscopically assisted islet cell implantation in the lung.

Effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Performance Horses.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) on tendon and ligament injury treatment in horses. Twenty six horses with tendinopathies were randomly assigned to a HILT treated or to a non-treated group. Each horse was subjected to the same rehabilitation programme. Horses from the treatment group underwent a series of fifteen HILT treatments with the same parameters. Clinical and ultrasound assessments were performed by the same veterinarian and were carried out before (day 0), during (day 13-15) and after treatment (day 38-40). Clinical evaluation included: pain, swelling and lameness of the affected limb. The ultrasound examination evaluated lesion echogenicity and lesion percentage. After the treatment, pain, swelling and lameness were significantly improved by HILT compared with the control group (p = 0.023, 0.008 and 0.044, respectively). No significant changes were found in lesion echogenicity degree between both groups in measurements taken during treatment (p = 0.188) and after treatment (p = 0.070). For lesion percentage reduction, the statistical modelling showed a significant improvement in the HILT group compared with the control group during (p = 0.038) and after treatment (p = 0.019). In conclusion, HILT promoted analgesic and anti-oedema effects, with visual lameness reduction in horses with tendon and ligament injuries, and reduced lesion percentage but did not influence change in lesion echogenicity.

The structural effect of high intensity ultrasound on peritoneal tissue: a potential vehicle for targeting peritoneal metastases.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) has been increasingly investigated as a possible tool in the treatment of multiple tumor entities. However, there is only little knowledge on the effect of HIUS on the peritoneum. This preliminary study aims to investigate HIUS' potential for altering the peritoneal surface and potentially improving current treatments for peritoneal metastases. For this purpose, HIUS' qualitative and quantitative structural effects on the peritoneal tissue were analyzed by means of light, fluorescence and electron microscopy. METHODS: Proportional sections were cut from the fresh postmortem swine peritoneum. Peritoneal surfaces were covered with a 6 mm thick liquid film of 0.9% NaCl. HIUS was applied in all tissue samples for 0 (control), 30, 60, 120 and 300 s. Peritoneal tissues were analyzed using light-, fluorescence and electron microscopy to detect possible structural changes within the tissues. RESULTS: Following HIUS, a superficial disruption of peritoneal tissue was visible in light microscopy, which amplified with increased time of HIUS' application. Fluorescence microscopy showed both peritoneal and subperitoneal disruption with tissue gaps. Electron microscopy revealed structural filamentation of the peritoneal surface. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that HIUS causes a wide range of effects on the peritoneal tissue, including the formation of small ruptures in both peritoneal and subperitoneal tissues. However, according to our findings, these disruptions are limited to a microscopical level. Further studies are required to evaluate whether HIUS application can benefit current therapeutic regimens on peritoneal metastases and possibly enhance the efficacy of intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

The effects of the DNA methyltranfserases inhibitor 5-Azacitidine on ageing, oxidative stress and DNA methylation of adipose derived stem cells.

Human adipose tissue is a great source of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which are recognized from their ability to self-renew and differentiation into multiple lineages. MSCs have promised a vast therapeutic potential in treatment many diseases including tissue injury and immune disorders. However, their regenerative potential profoundly depends on patients' age. Age-related deterioration of MSC is associated with cellular senescence mainly caused by increased DNA methylation status, accumulation of oxidative stress factors and mitochondria dysfunction. We found that DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor i.e. 5-Azacytidine (5-AZA) reversed the aged phenotype of MSCs. Proliferation rate of cells cultured with 5-AZA was increased while the accumulation of oxidative stress factors and DNA methylation status were decreased. Simultaneously the mRNA levels of TET proteins involved in demethylation process were elevated in those cells. Moreover, cells treated with 5-AZA displayed reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, ameliorated superoxide dismutase activity and increased BCL-2/BAX ratio in comparison to control group. Our results indicates that, treating MSCs with 5-AZA can be justified therapeutic intervention, that can slow-down and even reverse aged- related degenerative changes in those cells.

Changes in the metabolic profile and body weight of pre-pubertal gilts during prolonged monotonic exposure to low doses of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol.

The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to low doses of ZEN + DON induces changes in serum biochemical and hematological parameters in pre-pubertal gilts. In the evaluated groups, minor but statistically significant changes were noted in selected serum biochemical parameters, including glucose, total cholesterol, ALT, AST, AP, total bilirubin, Pin, Fe, K and Cl, and in hematological parameters, including WBC, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, Ht, Hb, MCHC, HDW and PLT. A statistical analysis of the results revealed significant differences between groups in the values of WBC, eosinophils, basophils, Hb, Ht, PLT, glucose, ALT, AP, total bilirubin, Fe and K. Change trends were noted mainly in weeks II and V-VI. An analysis of the metabolic profile of pre-pubertal gilts exposed to ZEN + DON indicates that homeostasis and biotransformation of ZEN + DON can be toned down at the expense of the animals' energy reserves. Body weight gains were lower in group E, and BW gains were not observed in weeks II and VI. The activity levels of gilts decreased in the first weeks of exposure (I and II), but the drop was minimized by a compensatory effect, or in the last two weeks of exposure due to nutrient deficiency or insufficient supply of protein and energy with feed and feed additives, which decreased BW gains. Low doses of mycotoxins induce completely different changes in the metabolic test than higher doses. The above can probably be attributed to: (i) a negative compensatory effect, (ii) initiation of adaptive mechanisms and stimulation of the immune system, probably due to the allergizing properties of mycotoxins, (iii) excessive loss of energy and protein due to more effective feed utilization, or (iv) involvement in detoxification processes which leads to fatigue. Depending on the body's energy stores, the above processes tend to tone down the biotransformation of low doses of the examined mycotoxins but in the present study, the BW of gilts did not increase under exposure to a combination of ZEN + DON.

Equine metabolic syndrome impairs adipose stem cells osteogenic differentiation by predominance of autophagy over selective mitophagy.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) hold great promise in the treatment of many disorders including musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular and/or endocrine diseases. However, the cytophysiological condition of cells, used for engraftment seems to be fundamental factor that might determine the effectiveness of clinical therapy. In this study we investigated growth kinetics, senescence, accumulation of oxidative stress factors, mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy and osteogenic differentiation potential of ASC isolated from horses suffered from equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). We demonstrated that EMS condition impairs multipotency/pluripotency in ASCs causes accumulation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria deterioration. We found that, cytochrome c is released from mitochondria to the cytoplasm suggesting activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway in those cells. Moreover, we observed up-regulation of p21 and decreased ratio of Bcl-2/BAX. Deteriorations in mitochondria structure caused alternations in osteogenic differentiation of ASCEMS resulting in their decreased proliferation rate and reduced expression of osteogenic markers BMP-2 and collagen type I. During osteogenic differentiation of ASCEMS , we observed autophagic turnover as probably, an alternative way to generate adenosine triphosphate and amino acids required to increased protein synthesis during differentiation. Downregulation of PGC1α, PARKIN and PDK4 in differentiated ASCEMS confirmed impairments in mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Hence, application of ASCEMS into endocrinological or ortophedical practice requires further investigation and analysis in the context of safeness of their application.

Zearalenone and its metabolites in the tissues of female wild boars exposed per os to mycotoxins.

The study was performed on 18 clinically healthy female wild boars with initial body weight of 35 ± 2 kg. The animals were divided into two experimental groups (group I and group II) and one control group (group C) of 6 female wild boars per group. Group I animals were administered per os pure zearalenone (ZEN) at 150 µg/kg BW every two months for 7 subsequent days, whereas group II animals received feed naturally contaminated with ZEN at 50 µg/kg BW/day. Female wild boars were exposed to ZEN over a period of 1 year. Control group animals were fed a placebo. Tissue samples (dorsal muscles, left lobe of liver, left kidney, spleen, apical part of the cardiac muscle, cranial lobe of lung, left ovary, central part of the left horn of the uterus) were collected on the last day of the experiment within 3 min after slaughter. In group I, the highest ZEN levels were noted in the spleen (19.813 ng/g), cardiac muscle (18.105 ng/g) and kidneys (14.555 ng/g). In group II, the highest concentrations of ZEN were observed in muscle tissue (12.033 ng/g), uterus (10.821 ng/g) and kidneys (10.463 ng/g). The highest values of the carry-over factor were noted in the same tissues. In the examined female wild boars, per os exposure to natural sources of the parent substance or a combination of ZEN and its metabolites led to different concentrations of ZEN in the analyzed tissues. Zearalenone concentrations were compatible with CF values in both experimental groups.

[Terminology concerning intravenous ports]. / Próba usystematyzowania terminologii dotyczacej portów dozylnych.

Ports are more and more often applied with patients requiring the permanent intravenous access, not only in the cancer treatment. Very devices, as well as procedures associated with applying them are determined in the heterogeneous way. Therefore during the last conference "Intravenous Port--implantation, care, complications" an attempt to systematize the applied terminology was made.