Exploring sleep heart rate variability: linear, nonlinear, and circadian rhythm perspectives.

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is believed to possess the potential for disease detection. However, early identification of heart disease remains challenging, as HRV analysis in dogs primarily reflects the advanced stages of the disease. Hypothesis/objective: The aim of this study is to compare 24-h HRV with sleep HRV to assess the potential utility of sleep HRV analysis. Animals: Thirty healthy dogs with no echocardiographic abnormalities were included in the study, comprising 23 females and 7 males ranging in age from 2 months to 8 years (mean [standard deviation], 1.4 [1.6]). Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional study. 24-h HRV and sleep HRV were measured from 48-h Holter recordings. Both linear analysis, a traditional method of heart rate variability analysis, and nonlinear analysis, a novel approach, were conducted. Additionally, circadian rhythm parameters were assessed. Results: In frequency analysis of linear analysis, the parasympathetic index nHF was significantly higher during sleep compared to the mean 24-h period (mean sleep HRV [standard deviation] vs. mean 24 h [standard deviation], 95% confidence interval, p value, r-family: 0.24 [0.057] vs. 0.23 [0.045], 0.006-0.031, p = 0.005, r = 0.49). Regarding time domain analysis, the parasympathetic indices SDNN and RMSSD were also significantly higher during sleep (SDNN: 179.7 [66.9] vs. 156.6 [53.2], 14.5-31.7, p < 0.001, r = 0.71 RMSSD: 187.0 [74.0] vs. 165.4 [62.2], 13.2-30.0, p < 0.001, r = 0.70). In a geometric method of nonlinear analysis, the parasympathetic indices SD1 and SD2 showed significantly higher values during sleep (SD1: 132.4 [52.4] vs. 117.1 [44.0], 9.3-21.1, p < 0.001, r = 0.70 SD2: 215.0 [80.5] vs. 185.9 [62.0], 17.6-40.6, p < 0.001, r = 0.69). Furthermore, the circadian rhythm items of the parasympathetic indices SDNN, RMSSD, SD1, and SD2 exhibited positive peaks during sleep. Conclusion: The findings suggest that focusing on HRV during sleep can provide a more accurate representation of parasympathetic activity, as it captures the peak circadian rhythm items.

Evaluation of Alacepril Administration in Canine Patent Ductus Arteriosus According to Plasma Chymase Activity.

Chymase in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) actively contributes to cardiac disease progression. Chymase is activated to produce angiotensin II during tissue injury and is involved in hemodynamics. A recent study demonstrated that plasma chymase activity reflects hemodynamic changes and aids in understanding patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) pathophysiology. The present study examined the relationship between plasma chymase activity and the administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Alacepril was administered to 13 puppies with PDA. Conventional echocardiographic parameters and non-invasive blood pressure were measured before and after medication. Plasma chymase activity was calculated using the colorimetric absorbance method. Plasma chymase activity significantly increased, but blood pressure significantly decreased. We detected an increase in plasma chymase activity due to ACE inhibition in PDA cases treated with alacepril. Plasma chymase activity was affected and altered by alacepril. In veterinary medicine, plasma chymase activity may be a novel method for assessing the pathology of and therapy for cardiac diseases.

Vascular ring anomaly with a right patent ductus arteriosus and a left aortic arch in a juvenile cat.

This paper reports the clinical findings and surgical treatment of feline right patent ductus arteriosus (RPDA) with a left aortic arch. A two-month-old female Maine Coon was referred for an investigation of regurgitation after weaning. RPDA with a left aortic arch was diagnosed based on the echocardiographic and computed tomography (CT) findings. A right-fourth intercostal thoracotomy was found to be an appropriate approach to the duct. Preoperative diagnosis is crucial and diagnostic imaging, including radiography, echocardiography, and cardiac CT examination, is essential for determining if the aortic arch is right or left.

Comparison of Bovine- and Porcine-Derived Decellularized Biomaterials: Promising Platforms for Tissue Engineering Applications.

Animal-derived xenogeneic biomaterials utilized in different surgeries are promising for various applications in tissue engineering. However, tissue decellularization is necessary to attain a bioactive extracellular matrix (ECM) that can be safely transplanted. The main objective of the present study is to assess the structural integrity, biocompatibility, and potential use of various acellular biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Hence, a bovine pericardium (BP), porcine pericardium (PP), and porcine tunica vaginalis (PTV) were decellularized using a Trypsin, Triton X (TX), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (Trypsin + TX + SDS) protocol. The results reveal effective elimination of the cellular antigens with preservation of the ECM integrity confirmed via staining and electron microscopy. The elasticity of the decellularized PP (DPP) was markedly (p < 0.0001) increased. The tensile strength of DBP, and DPP was not affected after decellularization. All decellularized tissues were biocompatible with persistent growth of the adipose stem cells over 30 days. The staining confirmed cell adherence either to the peripheries of the materials or within their matrices. Moreover, the in vivo investigation confirmed the biocompatibility and degradability of the decellularized scaffolds. Conclusively, Trypsin + TX + SDS is a successful new protocol for tissue decellularization. Moreover, decellularized pericardia and tunica vaginalis are promising scaffolds for the engineering of different tissues with higher potential for the use of DPP in cardiovascular applications and DBP and DPTV in the reconstruction of higher-stress-bearing abdominal walls.

Effect of trehalose on heart functions in rats model after myocardial infarction: assessment of novel intraventricular pressure and heart rate variability.

Background: Myocardial infarctions remain a leading cause of global deaths. Developing novel drugs to target cardiac remodeling after myocardial injury is challenging. There is an increasing interest in exploring natural cardioprotective agents and non-invasive tools like intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPG) and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in myocardial infarctions. Trehalose (TRE), a natural disaccharide, shows promise in treating atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and neurodegenerative disorders. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of TRE in improving cardiac functions measured by IVPG and HRV and reducing myocardial remodeling following myocardial infarction in rat model. Methods: Rats were divided into three groups: sham, myocardial infarction (MI), and trehalose-treated MI (TRE) groups. The animals in the MI and TRE groups underwent permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. The TRE group received 2% trehalose in their drinking water for four weeks after the surgery. At the end of the experiment, heart function was assessed using conventional echocardiography, novel color M-mode echocardiography for IVPG evaluation, and HRV analysis. After euthanasia, gross image scoring, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to evaluate inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Results: The MI group exhibited significantly lower values in multiple IVPG parameters. In contrast, TRE administration showed an ameliorative effect on IVPG changes, with results comparable to the sham group. Additionally, TRE improved HRV parameters, mitigated morphological changes induced by myocardial infarction, reduced histological alterations in wall mass, and suppressed inflammatory reactions within the infarcted heart tissues. Furthermore, TRE demonstrated antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic properties. Conclusion: The investigation into the effect of trehalose on a myocardial infarction rat model has yielded promising outcomes, as evidenced by improvements observed through conventional echocardiography, histological analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis. While minor trends were noticed in IVPG and HRV measurements. However, our findings offer valuable insights and demonstrate a correlation between IVPG, HRV, and other traditional markers of echo assessment in the myocardial infarction vs. sham groups. This alignment suggests the potential of IVPG and HRV as additional indicators for future research in this field.

Preliminary report of spinal cord injuries resulting from inappropriate microchip implantation in two puppies.

Since the revised Animal Welfare and Management Law in Japan became effective on June 1st, 2022, it became mandatory for pet dogs and cats to have microchips implanted and registered prior to be sold. Two cases of spinal cord injury as the result of inappropriate microchip implantation in puppies were referred to our facility, of which were diagnosed by cervical spinal radiography and computed tomography (CT). While adverse reactions following microchip implantation are rare, the possibility of iatrogenic spinal cord injury remains a serious complication. This is the first report of adverse reactions following microchip implantation in Japan, and it alerts the possibility of iatrogenic spinal cord injury secondary to inappropriate microchip implantation, where adequate training and extra caution is crucial especially in small light-weight animals.

Novel protocol to establish the myocardial infarction model in rats using a combination of medetomidine-midazolam-butorphanol (MMB) and atipamezole.

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common cardiac problems causing deaths in humans. Previously validated anesthetic agents used in MI model establishment are currently controversial with severe restrictions because of ethical concerns. The combination between medetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol (MMB) is commonly used in different animal models. The possibility of MMB combination to establish the MI model in rats did not study yet which is difficult because of severe respiratory depression and delayed recovery post-surgery, resulting in significant deaths. Atipamezole is used to counter the cardiopulmonary suppressive effect of MMB. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to establish MI model in rats using a novel anesthetic combination between MMB and Atipamezole. Materials and methods: Twenty-five Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were included. Rats were prepared for induction of the Myocardial infarction (MI) model through thoracotomy. Anesthesia was initially induced with a mixture of MMB (0.3/5.0/5.0 mg/kg/SC), respectively. After endotracheal intubation, rats were maintained with isoflurane 1% which gradually reduced after chest closing. MI was induced through the left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation technique. Atipamezole was administered after finishing all surgical procedures at a dose rate of 1.0 mg/kg/SC. Cardiac function parameters were evaluated using ECG (before and after atipamezole administration) and transthoracic echocardiography (before and 1 month after MI induction) to confirm the successful model. The induction time, operation time, and recovery time were calculated. The success rate of the MI model was also calculated. Results: MI was successfully established with the mentioned anesthetic protocol through the LAD ligation technique and confirmed through changes in ECG and echocardiographic parameters after MI. ECG data was improved after atipamezole administration through a significant increase in heart rate (HR), PR Interval, QRS Interval, and QT correction (QTc) and a significant reduction in RR Interval. Atipamezole enables rats to recover voluntary respiratory movement (VRM), wakefulness, movement, and posture within a very short time after administration. Echocardiographic ally, MI rats showed a significant decrease in the left ventricular wall thickness, EF, FS, and increased left ventricular diastolic and systolic internal diameter. In addition, induction time (3.440 ± 1.044), operation time (29.40 ± 3.663), partial recovery time (10.84 ± 3.313), and complete recovery time (12.36 ± 4.847) were relatively short. Moreover, the success rate of the anesthetic protocol was 100%, and all rats were maintained for 1 month after surgery with a survival rate of 88%. Conclusion: Our protocol produced a more easy anesthetic effect and time-saving procedures with a highly successful rate in MI rats. Subcutaneous injection of Atipamezole efficiently counters the cardiopulmonary side effect of MMB which is necessary for rapid recovery and subsequently enhancing the survival rate during the creation of the MI model in rats.

Plasma Chymase Activity Reflects the Change in Hemodynamics Observed after the Surgical Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Dogs.

Chymase is a protease stored in mast cell granules that produces angiotensin II (ANG II) from angiotensin I (ANG I) and is associated with tissue injury, inflammation, and remodeling, especially involving the cardiovascular system. As cardiovascular events occur, chymase is activated by degranulation to the extracellular matrix. Although chymase has been suggested to be associated with cardiovascular disease progression, there are not enough reports in veterinary medicine. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital cardiac disease in veterinary medicine. Almost all cases of PDA can be treated surgically to prevent the development of congestive heart disease and/or pulmonary hypertension. The aims of the present study were to measure chymase activity before and after PDA occlusions, and to investigate the relationships between the congestive and hemodynamic states of PDA and chymase activity. In the present study, 17 puppies diagnosed with PDA were included and all puppies completely recovered to the level of healthy dogs. Chymase activity significantly decreased at 2 months after the operation, along with the echocardiography parameters of congestion. Therefore, plasma chymase activity may be useful as a novel predictor for understanding the hemodynamics of PDA in veterinary medicine.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function in Healthy Retrievers Using Standard and 2D Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography.

Standard echocardiography is vital for the assessment of cardiac performance in healthy and diseased animals. Similarly, two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is an advanced echocardiographic technique that is becoming increasingly important for the assessment of myocardial function. Breeds, age, and body weight (BW) are known to be important factors affecting the echocardiographic parameters; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed, age, and BW on the echocardiographic parameters in three breeds of clinically healthy Retrievers. A total of 46 Retrievers, including 16 Flat-coated Retrievers (FR), 16 Golden Retrievers (GR), and 14 Labrador Retrievers (LR) were included in the study. The comparison of the breeds revealed significant differences in the LV wall thickness of FR and GR, although further analysis using MLR showed that the differences were most likely associated with BW, similarly to the other LV dimensions. Functional parameters, including ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and left-atrial-to-aortic ratio, were independent of breed, age, and BW. On the other hand, peak aortic blood flow velocity, trans-mitral rapid ventricular filling flow, and the ratio of trans-mitral rapid ventricular filling flow to atrial contraction were influenced by age. The 2D-STE-derived radial and circumferential strain parameters were independent of breed, age, and BW, except for global strain in the radial direction.

Novel color M-mode echocardiography for non-invasive assessment of the intraventricular pressure in goats: Feasibility, repeatability, and the effect of sedation.

Background: The intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD) and intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPG), estimated from color M-mode echocardiography (CMME) of the transmitral flow, have been introduced as novel indices for the evaluation of heart functions. Until now, no study demonstrated the feasibility of the CMME approach to measure IVPD and IVPG in any farm animals. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and repeatability of CMME-derived IVPD and IVPG variables in goats and explore the effect of sedation on the measured variables. Materials and methods: Sixteen male Shiba goats were included in this study and underwent conventional echocardiography. Eight goats were used in the repeatability of IVPD/IVPG variables. Another eight goats were used to evaluate the effect of sedation by xylazine on IVPD/IVPG measurements. CMME between the base and the apex of the left ventricle was carried out. The IVPD and IVPG were analyzed using in-house code software. The IVPD and IVPG were expressed as total, basal, mid-to-apical, mid, and apical segments. Data analysis including the imaging quality score (IQS), repeatability, variability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), as well as the effect size of sedation on the measured variables was calculated. Results: IVPD and IVPG variables from CMME were feasible in all goats. Low to moderate variability of IVPD and IVPG variables was observed (CV 95% <25%) except for the apical IVPD and apical IVPG. The IVPD/IVPG measurements were repeatable without a significant effect of animal or time on the obtained measurements. The overall ICC was higher than 0.75 in all variables except for the apical segment. Xylazine administration reduced the total, basal, and mid parts of IVPD and IVPG with a large effect size (biserial ranked correlation; rc > 0.8). Conclusion: We reported, for the first time, IVPD and IVPG measurements by CMME in goats. The assessment of IVPD and IVPG by CMME is feasible in goats which can be evaluated in further cardiovascular or pharmacological studies in this species.

Hemodynamic effect of pimobendan following intramuscular and intravenous administration in healthy dogs: A pilot study.

Background: Pimobendan is widely used for the treatment of dogs with heart failure via the oral route. A new injectable form of pimobendan is now available and its potential usefulness via intravenous route has been recently demonstrated in dogs. However, the cardiovascular effects of intramuscular (IM) administration of injectable pimobendan have not been investigated yet. Hypothesis: IM administration of pimobendan may have the same hemodynamic effect as the IV route. Methods: Six healthy Beagle dogs underwent a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study. The early cardiovascular effects after a single dose of IM and IV injections of pimobendan (0.2 ml/kg; Pimo IM and Pimo IV, respectively) were compared to the same volume of IM placebo (Saline IM) in anesthetized dogs. Clinical [heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP)] and echocardiographic hemodynamic parameters [left ventricular (LV) inflow waveforms of diastolic early wave (eV), atrial systolic wave (aV), diastolic early mitral ring velocity (e'), peak velocity (pV), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR)] were monitored with 15 min intervals for 120 min. Results: Diastolic BP decreased significantly at 30 min in Pimo IM compared to Saline IM. Mean eV and CO values significantly increased from 75 min, e' from 60 min, pV from 75 min, and SV from 15 to 120 min, whereas SVR significantly decreased at 30-60 min in Pimo IM compared to those of Saline IM (P < 0.05). Compared with the Pimo IV, eV and pV were significantly lower at 30-60 min (P < 0.05) while SV was significantly higher at 90-105 min in Pimo IM (P < 0.05). Other hemodynamic parameters (BP, HR, SVR, CO, e', and E/e') did not significantly change between Pimo IM and IV. Conclusions: The hemodynamic effect of pimobendan following IM and IV injection was described. Our results suggested that IM administration of pimobendan is equally comparable and possibly interchangeable with IV administration. This warrant further studies to investigate the clinical effectiveness of IM pimobendan in treating dogs with congestive heart failure or in heart failure cases unable to receive IV or oral administration.

Cultured versus freshly isolated adipose-derived stem cells in improvement of the histopathological outcomes in HCL-induced cystitis in a rat model.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is an incurable chronic disease. The etiology of IC is unclear, and no effective therapies have been established. Here, using a hydrogen chloride (HCL)-induced IC in a rat model, the therapeutic potency of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) was studied. Thirty-six female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: the sham, HCL, (HCL+SVF) group, and (HCL+ADSCs) group (9 for each). Cystitis was induced by transurethral instillation of HCL, while PBS was used for the sham group. A single dose of SVF or ADSCs was injected into the submucosa of the rat bladder in HCL-induced IC groups. The bladder tissues were analyzed for Toluidine Blue, Masson Trichrome, CD3, and CD34 to evaluate mast cell activation, fibrosis, inflammatory cells, and bladder regeneration, respectively. Compared to HCL-induced IC, SVF or ADSCs injection into IC bladder dramatically decreased mast cell infiltration, T-cell activation, and fibrosis. Taken together, administration of SVF cells or cultured ADSCs improves the histopathological outcomes of HCL-induced bladder injury in a time-dependent manner. Of note, SVF injection into the bladder submucosa was estimated to have the most potent therapeutic efficacy and may represent an essential component in future clinical applications.

Color M-Mode Echocardiography for Non-Invasive Assessment of the Intraventricular Pressure in Dogs Before and After Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Novel non-invasive evaluation of the intraventricular pressure differences and gradients (IVPD and IVPG) by color M-mode echocardiography (CMME) is a promising method in diastolic function evaluation. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect which is associated with increased preload. The present work provides a clinical trial for the assessment of IVPD and IVPG changes in dogs before and after surgical occlusion of PDA. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 client-owned dogs were enrolled in this study. PDA was confirmed using echocardiography, and all dogs underwent PDA occlusion. Conventional echocardiography and CMME were conducted on each patient on the operation day (Pre-PDA) and 48 h after its occlusion (Post-PDA). The total IVPD and total IVPG, as well as segmental intraventricular pressure (basal, mid-to-apical, mid, and apical) were measured from Euler's equation using specific software (MATLAB). Data were analyzed for variability and for the difference between pre- and post-PDA. The effect of PDA occlusion on the measured variables was calculated using biserial ranked correlation (rc). Results: There was a significant reduction in end-diastolic volume, fraction shortening, stroke volume, and mitral inflow velocities (early and late) after PDA closure. CMME was feasible in all dogs, and the CMME indices showed moderate variability, except for the apical segment of IVPD and IVPG. After PDA closure, in comparison with the pre-PDA occlusion, there was a significant reduction in total IVPD (2.285 ± 0.374 vs. 1.748 ± 0.436 mmHg; P = 0.014), basal IVPD (1.177 ± 0.538 vs. 0.696 ± 0.144 mmHg; P = 0.012), total IVPG (1.141 ± 0.246 vs. 0.933 ± 0.208 mmHg; P = 0.032), and basal IVPG (0.578 ± 0.199 vs. 0.377 ± 0.113 mmHg; P = 0.001); meanwhile, mid, mid-to-apical, and apical segments of both IVPD and IVPG showed non-significant difference. The magnitude of PDA occlusion on the measured variables was clinically relevant and associated with a large effect size on total and basal IVPD and IVPG (rc > 0.6). Conclusion: The current clinical study revealed matched response of IVPD and IVPG to the reduced preload rather than left ventricular relaxation. This result is an initial step in the clinical utility of CMME-derived IVPD and IVPG measurements in the diastolic function evaluation in dogs with PDA that warrants further clinical studies.

Treatment of portal vein thrombosis using vascular access port implantation in a Dalmatian dog: A case report.

Background: Portal vein thrombosis is a disease with potentially deleterious outcomes including portal vein hypertension and intestinal infarction. The factors contributing is various; however, dogs with with acute portal vein thrombosis or multiple thromboses are less likely to survive. Therefore, acute development of portal hypertension has a requires an immediate treatment. Case Description: A 10-year-old Dalmatian was referred for syncope and azotemia, hyperammonemia. After each examinations including computed tomography scan, we diagnosed with acute portal vein thrombosis with unknown cause. A portal vein port was inserted to prevent and control the portal vein thrombus. The port was placed in abdomen subcutaneously after the position of the catheter were stabilized. Low-molecular-weight heparin was injected from the port to manage thrombosis after the operation. This case responded well to this treatment. Syncope and azotemia, hyperammonemia resolved and no relapse of thrombosis was found 6 months after the operation. Conclusion: Implantable vascular access port is a drug delivery system with the advantage of dealing with treatment-resistant acute portal vein thrombosis.

Clip ligation for treatment of patent ductus arteriosus occlusion in three cats.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly in cats. Due to their small body, intercostal thoracotomy is the most common option to close the PDA. However, few reports detail the surgical technique for ligating PDA in kittens. In this case report, three cats weighing 1.4 kg, 1.2 kg, and 2.9 kg were diagnosed PDA. Clip ligation via left fourth intercostal thoracotomy was performed and the cats were successfully treated. Postoperative echocardiography showed no residual flow in any of the cases. This case report highlights clip occlusion for small cats with PDA could be safe and effective.

Monthly Dynamics of Plasma Elements, Hematology, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Hormonal Concentrations in Growing Male Shiba Goats (Capra hircus) Reared in Tokyo-Japan.

From a clinical point of view, the establishment of laboratory variables during the first few months of an animal's life helps clinicians to make sure they base their medical decisions on laboratory values for the specific breed and age group. The present study aimed to investigate the monthly dynamics in some plasma elements, hematology, reproductive hormones, and oxidative stress marker profiles during the first five months of age (neonatal and peri-puberty stage) in male Shiba goat's kids. Sixteen kids were investigated from the first to the fifth month (M1 to M5), and the data were presented as the statistical difference between them. Whole blood and plasma samples were collected monthly for analysis of basal hematology, plasma elements concentration (trace elements: Cu, Zn, Se, Fe, and Cr; macroelements: Ca and Mg), circulating hormones (cortisol, FSH, LH, IGF1, immunoreactive inhibin, testosterone, T3, and T4), and oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, SOD, and GPX). The results showed age-related changes in the observed parameters. The fifth month recorded the lowest level of almost all investigated minerals, except for Cr. Plasma hormone levels revealed age-dependent increases in IGF-1 and testosterone, age-related decreases in T3 and T4, and non-significant changes in cortisol and FSH. Besides, the concentrations of inhibin and LH were significantly higher at M1-M3 compared with M4-M5. Plasma SOD, GPX, and CAT were increased with age. In conclusion, age-related changes and a distinction of age in months was found necessary to interpret the laboratory results, specifically in terms of age in months and the peri-puberty stage in young goats, which are important to follow up the age-specific diseases, reproductive status, and treatment follow-ups in this stage.

Heterogeneity of adipose stromal vascular fraction cells from the different harvesting sites in rats.

In both veterinary and human health, regenerative medicine offers a promising cure for various disorders. One of the rate-limiting challenges in regenerative medicine is the considerable time and technique required to expand and grow cells in culture. Therefore, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) shows a significant promise for various cell therapy approaches. The present study aimed to define and investigate the optimal harvest site of freshly isolated SVF cells from various adipose tissue (AT) depot sites in the female Sprague-Dawley (S.D.) rat. First, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were used to analyze the morphological variations in AT samples from peri-ovarian, peri-renal, mesenteric, and omental sites. The presence of putative stromal cells positive CD34 was detected using immunohistochemistry. Then, the isolated SVF cells were examined for cell viability and cellular yield differences. Finally, the expression of mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic markers in the SVF cells subpopulation was studied using flow cytometry. The pluripotent gene expression profile was also evaluated. CD34 staining of the omental AT was substantially higher than those of other anatomical sites. Despite having the least quantity of fat, omental AT has the highest SVF cell fraction and viable cells. Along with CD90 and CD44 higher expression, Oct4, Sox2, and Rex-1 genes levels were higher in SVF cells isolated from the omental AT. To conclude, omental fat is the best candidate for SVF cell isolation in female S.D. rats with the highest SVF cell fraction with higher MSCs phenotypes and pluripotency gene expression.

Successful ligation of the left and right gastric vein in a dog with congenital portosystemic shunts type Aii.

The type Aii shunt is a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (ePSS) involving the left and right gastric vein and the caudal vena cava (CVC). This report describes the case of a 6-month-old Italian greyhound diagnosed with a type Aii large-diameter ePSS. Staged surgeries were employed to completely ligate the 2 gastric veins and to avoid the risk of traumatizing the shunt vessel, CVC, and celiac artery. Clinical signs improved postoperatively, and after 3 years, ultrasonography demonstrated no evidence of reoccurrence. This procedure provides an alternative surgical option for correction of ePSS type Aii. Key clinical message: This case report demonstrates congenital PSS involving the left and right gastric vein and the caudal vena could be treated with both ligation of left and right gastric vein. This technique could decrease the risk of traumatizing the shunt vessel, CVC, and celiac artery.

Ligature réussie des veines gastriques gauche et droite chez un chien avec des shunts portosystémiques congénitaux de type Aii. Le shunt de type Aii est un shunt porto-systémique extrahépatique congénital (ePSS) impliquant la veine gastrique gauche et droite et la veine cave caudale (CVC). Ce rapport décrit le cas d'un lévrier italien de 6 mois diagnostiqué avec un ePSS de grand diamètre de type Aii. Des chirurgies par étapes ont été effectuées pour ligaturer complètement les deux veines gastriques et pour éviter le risque de traumatiser le vaisseau avec shunt, la CVC et l'artère coeliaque. Les signes cliniques se sont améliorés après l'opération et après trois ans, l'échographie n'a montré aucun signe de récidive. Cette procédure offre une option chirurgicale alternative pour la correction de l'ePSS de type Aii.Message clinique clé :Ce rapport de cas démontre un ePSS congénital impliquant la veine gastrique gauche et droite et la veine caudale pouvant être traité par la ligature de la veine gastrique gauche et droite. Cette technique pourrait diminuer le risque de traumatiser le vaisseau avec shunt, le CVC et l'artère coeliaque.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Serum Proteomic Changes in Dogs with Different Stages of Chronic Heart Failure.

MMVD, the most common cause of CHF in dogs, is a chronic disease with variable clinical signs, with some patients remaining asymptomatic while others develop CHF. Here, we aimed to evaluate serum proteins by proteomic analysis in dogs at different stages of CHF due to MMVD, and proteome behaviors after conventional treatment. A total of 32 dogs were divided equally into four groups-stage A (healthy/controls), stage B2 (asymptomatic), stage C and stage D (symptomatic)-according to the ACVIM consensus. Serum proteomes were evaluated using LC/MS-based label-free differential proteome analysis. The study revealed 157 different proteins; 11 were up- and 21 down-regulated in dogs with CHF compared to controls. In stage B2 dogs, angiotensinogen (AGT) was up-regulated, but immunoglobulin iota chain-like, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and carboxypeptidase (CPN) were down-regulated. In stage C dogs, complement C3 (C3) and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain were up-regulated, but hemopexin, and actin-cytoplasmic-1 (ACT-1) were down-regulated. In stage D dogs, AGT was up-regulated, whereas tetranectin, paraoxonase-1, adiponectin and ACT-1 were down-regulated. A decrease in CPN, C3 and AGT and an increase in ACT-1 were observed after treatment of dogs in stage C. This pilot study identified that dogs at different stages of CHF show different serum protein composition which has potential to be biomarker for diagnose and treatment monitorization.

Silk fibroin-based vascular repairing sheet with angiogenic-promoting activity of SVVYGLR peptide regenerated the damaged vascular in rats.

Medical sheets are useful in surgically repair vascular disease. To avoid long-term side effects, they are to be replaced with regenerated tissue after implantation. Silk fibroin is a fibrous protein secreted by silkworm. The advantage of silk fibroin is its biocompatibility and has been used as regenerative artificial materials. The problem of its biodegradability is that the effect is time consuming. In this study, SVVYGLR peptide was used to expect promoting cell migration and accelerating the biodegradation of silk fibroin. Silk fibroin and polyurethane-based medical sheets with or without SVVYGLR peptide were implanted in rat abdominal aorta (silk fibroin/polyurethane/SVVYGLR peptide versus silk fibroin/polyurethane). The result of histological evaluation indicated that the new cell layer created under both sheets was composed of endothelial cells, smooth muscle, and fibroin in both sheets and similar to a native vessel. Both sheets did not show any excessive inflammation or calcification, and moderate biodegradability was observed. The decrease of silk fibroin indicated the biodegradability of all sheets. Silk fibroin/polyurethane/SVVYGLR peptide had many small vessels in the regenerated tissue than silk fibroin/polyurethane. This appearance indicated that SVVYGLR peptide promoted the angiogenesis in the regenerative tissue. This study suggested that SVVYGLR peptide could give the angiogenic-promoting activity to silk fibroin-based vascular repairing sheet.