Carcass composition, meat quality, leg muscle status, and its mRNA expression profile in broilers affected by valgus-varus deformity.

Valgus-varus deformity (VVD) is a common leg disease in commercial broilers, which seriously affects animal welfare and causes economic losses. Up to now, most of the studies on VVD have been on skeleton, whereas there are fewer studies on VVD muscle. In this study, carcass composition and meat quality of 35-day-old normal and VVD Cobb broilers assess the effect of VVD on broiler growth. Molecular biology, morphology, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to study the difference between normal and VVD gastrocnemius muscle. In comparison with the normal broilers, the breast muscle and leg muscle of the VVD broilers had lower shear force, notably lower crude protein, lower water content, cooking loss, and deeper meat color (P < 0.05). The morphological results showed that the weight of skeletal muscle was significantly higher in the normal broilers than that in the VVD broilers (P < 0.01), the diameter and area of myofibrils in the affected VVD were smaller than in the normal broilers (P < 0.01). Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) of gastrocnemius muscle revealed that the expression of myasthenic marker genes, fast myofiber marker genes, and apoptosis-related factors were significantly higher in the VVD broilers than in the normal broilers (P < 0.01). In total, 736 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified firstly in the normal and VVD leg muscle by RNA-seq. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment indicated that these DEGs were mainly involved in the multicellular organismal process and anatomical structure development. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that DEGs are significantly enriched in proteasome. Protein interaction analysis obtained that DEGs with high interaction were proteasome-related coding genes and ubiquitin-related genes, these DEGs were closely associated with muscle atrophy. These show that VVD has an adverse effect on growth characteristics, slaughter characteristics, and meat quality in broilers, which may cause leg muscle atrophy. This study provides some reference values and basis for studying the pathogenesis of VVD in broilers.

Prevalence of clinical signs and factors impacting expression of myosin heavy chain myopathy in Quarter Horse-related breeds with the MYH1E321G mutation.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of clinical signs and factors triggering muscle atrophy and rhabdomyolysis associated with an MYH1E321G mutation in Quarter Horses and related breeds (QH) remain poorly understood. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Determine the prevalence and potential triggers of atrophy and stiffness in horses homozygous reference (N/N), heterozygous (My/N), and homozygous (My/My) for the MYH1E321G mutation. ANIMALS: Two-hundred seventy-five N/N, 100 My/N, and 10 My/My QH. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study using a closed-ended questionnaire completed by clients of the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California, Davis. History of clinical signs, disease, vaccination and performance were analyzed by genotype using contingency testing. RESULTS: Atrophy occurred in proportionately more horses with MYH1E321G (My) than N/N QH and more frequently in My/My than My/N QH (P < .001; My/My 8/10 [80%], My/N 17/100 [17%], N/N 29/275 [11%]). More My/My horses had rapid atrophy (P < .001), with recurrence in 50%. Fewer My/My horses recovered versus My/N QH (P < .001). Stiffness was common across genotypes (P = .100; My/My 4/10 [40%], My/N 18/100 [18%], N/N 48/275 [17%]). Three months before the observed atrophy and stiffness, 47% of MYH1E321G QH were vaccinated or had respiratory or gastrointestinal disease. Horses achieving 100% expected performance did not differ across genotypes (50% My/My, 71% My/N, 55% N/N), but, only 4/10 My/My QH were competing. My/N horses achieved national or world championships or both. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Approximately 20% of My/N QH develop rapid atrophy. Atrophy is more common (80%) in homozygous My/My QH and less likely to resolve. Inciting causes such as vaccination and infection are inapparent in over half of cases.

Epaxial muscle atrophy is more evident in large dogs with intervertebral disc disease than in dogs with ischaemic myelopathy.

Cross-sectional area (CSA) decreases and fat infiltration increases in epaxial muscles of Dachshunds with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), but less is known about large breed dogs with IVDD. The aim here was to investigate thoracolumbar epaxial muscle CSA and fat infiltration in large breed dogs with compressive IVDD and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) or fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). This retrospective study included large breed dogs with MRI-confirmed IVDD (n = 17) and ANNPE or FCE (n = 13). The CSA and fat infiltration of the thoracolumbar M. longissimus and Mm. multifidi were assessed from T1-weighted transverse MR images using Osirix. The CSA was significantly smaller in dogs with compressive IVDD than in dogs with non-compressive ANNPE or FCE for Mm. multifidi (p = 0.015), M. longissimus (p = 0.070), and these two muscles combined (p = 0.016). Fat infiltration in all muscle measurements was significantly higher in dogs with compressive IVDD than in dogs with non-compressive ANNPE or FCE (all P < 0.050). A significant positive correlation existed between age, duration of clinical signs, and fat infiltration, suggesting more fat infiltration in older dogs with more chronic signs. These signs of muscle atrophy are likely caused by denervation and secondary disuse due to chronic spinal cord compression and prolonged duration of clinical signs.

Quantitative assessment of muscle mass and gene expression analysis in dogs with glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy.

The present study aimed to quantitatively evaluate muscle mass and gene expression in dogs with glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy. Five healthy beagles received oral prednisolone for 4 weeks (1 mg/kg/day), and muscle mass was then evaluated via computed tomography. Histological and gene expression analyses were performed using biopsy samples from the biceps femoris before and after prednisolone administration. The cross-sectional area of the third lumbar paraspinal and mid-femoral muscles significantly decreased after glucocorticoid administration (from 27.5 ± 1.9 to 22.6 ± 2.0 cm2 and from 55.1 ± 4.7 to 50.7 ± 4.1 cm2, respectively; P<0.01). The fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers were both atrophied (from 2,779 ± 369 to 1,581 ± 207 µm2 and from 2,871 ± 211 to 1,971 ± 169 µm2, respectively; P<0.05). The expression of the growth factor receptor-bound protein 10 (GRB10) significantly increased after prednisolone administration (P<0.05). Because GRB10 suppresses insulin signaling and the subsequent mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activity, increased expression of GRB10 may have resulted in a decrease in protein anabolism. Taken together, 1 mg/kg/day oral prednisolone for 4 weeks induced significant muscle atrophy in dogs, and GRB10 might participate in the pathology of glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy in canines.

Development and Evaluation of a Muscle Atrophy Scoring System (MASS) for Horses.

Loss of skeletal muscle mass likely compromises performance and welfare in horses and thus routine monitoring would be valuable. Currently available methods to assess muscle mass require expert knowledge and are often expensive. To provide a simple method, a muscle atrophy scoring system (MASS) was created and tested by three evaluators (raters) in 38 horses of varying age, breed, and health status. Inter-rater agreement on atrophy scores was in the good-to-excellent range for ratings of the neck (ICC = 0.62), back (ICC = 0.62) and hind (ICC = 0.76) regions but was poor for the abdominal region (ICC = 0.29). Due to this low agreement, the abdominal region was excluded from further analysis. Associations between muscle atrophy scores and age, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) status, and body composition indicators, including weight and estimated fat-free mass (FFM), were examined. Weight was inversely associated with neck, back and hind muscle atrophy scores (ß = -0.008, ß = -0.008, ß = -0.009, respectively; all P <0.001), but estimated FFM was not associated with muscle atrophy scores at any region (P >0.05). Age was positively related to neck (ß = 0.030, P <0.01), back (ß = 0.037, P <0.001) and hind (ß = 0.040, P <0.001) muscle atrophy scores. PPID-positive horses (n = 4) had higher muscle atrophy scores than PPID-negative horses (n = 23), even after adjusting for age (P <0.05). This data suggests that neck, back and hind region evaluations by individual raters likely have acceptable reliability. In addition, these findings support further evaluation of the potential benefits of the MASS to identify and monitor muscle atrophy in horses.

Intramuscular tetanus neurotoxin reverses muscle atrophy: a randomized controlled trial in dogs with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Motor symptoms of spinal cord injury (SCI) considerably impair quality of life and are associated with a high risk of secondary diseases. So far, no pharmacological treatment is available for these symptoms. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in dogs with spontaneous SCI due to disc herniation to test whether a reduction of spinal inhibitory activity by intramuscular injections of tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) alleviates motor symptoms such as muscle atrophy or gait function. METHODS: To this end, 25 dogs were treated with injections of either TeNT or placebo into their paretic hindlimb muscles. Effects of TeNT on muscle thickness were assessed by ultrasound, while effects on gait function were measured using the modified functional scoring system in dogs. RESULTS: Four weeks after the TeNT injections, muscle thickness of the gluteus medius muscle (before median 1.56 cm [inter-quartile range {IQR} 1.34-1.71 cm] and after median 1.56 cm [IQR 1.37-1.85 cm], P-value 0.0133) as well as of the rectus femoris muscle (before median 0.76 cm [IQR 0.60-0.98 cm] and after median 0.93 cm [IQR 0.65-1.05 cm], P-value 0.0033) significantly increased in the TeNT group. However, there was no difference in gait function between the TeNT and placebo groups. The treatment was well tolerated by all dogs without any signs of generalized tetanus symptoms or any spreading of effects beyond the lumbar level of the injected hindlimbs. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the beneficial effects on muscle thickness, intramuscular injections of TeNT represent the first pharmacological approach that focally reverses muscle atrophy in SCI. Moreover, the study data support the safety of this treatment when TeNT is used at low dose.

Equine Antebrachial Compartment Syndrome Secondary to Flexor Muscle Myopathy With Subsequent Muscle Atrophy And Tendonitis: A Case Report.

This case report describes a 16-year-old jumping stallion that had a marked swelling over the left antebrachial area along with substantial lameness after a fall. The horse was weight bearing but lame (4/5; AAEP scale) at the walk with marked enlargement in the caudal aspect of the antebrachial region. After a static musculoskeletal examination, radiography and ultrasonography the horse was diagnosed with flexor muscle myopathy and presumptive extremity compartment syndrome. Following medical treatment, the horse improved clinically over several days. Six-months post injury the horse showed flexor muscle atrophy but was sound at the walk and trot. The horse was presented again 3 months later with an enlargement of the palmar left metacarpus that was diagnosed as a superficial digital flexor tendonitis. This report describes the episodes from the onset of extremity compartment syndrome until the superficial digital flexor tendonitis, discusses anatomical features of the region, physiopathology of compartment syndrome and the possible biomechanics behind the flexor muscle atrophy and the tendonitis.

Markers of muscle atrophy and impact of treatment with pergolide in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and muscle atrophy.

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common endocrine disorder of aged horses, with muscle atrophy as one of the clinical signs. We sought to compare muscle mass and regulation of skeletal muscle proteolysis between horses with PPID and muscle atrophy to older horses without PPID, and to assess the impact of treatment with pergolide (dopaminergic agonist) on PPID horses. We hypothesized that PPID-associated muscle atrophy is a result of increased proteolysis, and that markers of muscle atrophy and proteolysis would improve over time with pergolide treatment. Markers of muscle atrophy, adiposity, insulin regulation, skeletal muscle composition, and proteolysis (muscle atrophy F- box/atrogin 1 [MAFbx1], muscle RING finger 1 [MuRF1], Bcl2/adenovirus EIV 19kD interacting protein 3 [Bnip3], and microtubule-associated light chain 3 [LC3]) were compared between PPID and control horses. PPID horses were treated for 12 weeks with either pergolide or placebo. Dose of pergolide was adjusted based upon monthly measurement of adrenocorticotropin, and markers of muscle atrophy, adiposity, insulin regulation, skeletal muscle composition, and proteolysis were compared after 12 weeks of treatment. Horses with PPID exhibited increased transcript abundance of MuRF1 (P= 0.04) compared to control. However, no difference was observed in transcript abundance of markers of proteolysis with treatment (P ≥ 0.25). Pergolide treated horses lost weight (P = 0.02) and improved fasting insulin (P = 0.02), while placebo treated horses gained weight and rump fat thickness (P = 0.02). Findings from this study suggest that treatment with pergolide may promote weight loss and improve insulin regulation in horses with PPID, but does not impact muscle mass or markers of muscle proteolysis.

Hyperglycemia induced C2C12 myoblast cell cycle arrest and skeletal muscle atrophy by modulating sirtuins gene expression in rats.

Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose level termed hyperglycemia affecting skeletal muscle structure and function by an unclear molecular mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism(s) of hyperglycemia on skeletal muscle both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with hyperglycemic condition (25 mM) for 48 h significantly inhibited C2C12 myoblast proliferation detected by MTT assay whilst flow cytometry revealed an interruption of the cell cycle at subG1 and G2/M phases. An exposure to hyperglycemic condition significantly decreased the myosin heavy chain (MHC) protein expression in the differentiated myotube and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of Wistar rats. In addition, the muscle cross-section area (MCA) of TA muscle in diabetic rats were significantly decreased compared to the non-diabetic control. Western blotting analysis of C2C12 myoblasts and differentiated myotubes revealed the increased expressions of cleaved-caspase-9 and cleaved-caspase-3, but not cleaved-caspase-8. Of note, these caspases in the TA muscles were not changed under hyperglycemic condition. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of the hyperglycemic myoblasts and TA muscles revealed modulation of the gene expression of sirtuins (SIRTs). In C2C12 myoblasts, the expressions of SIRT1, SIRT2 and SIRT4 were upregulated whilst SIRT7 was downregulated. Meanwhile, the expressions of SIRT1, SIRT2 in TA muscles were upregulated whilst SIRT4 was downregulated. Taken together, this study showed that hyperglycemia induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in myoblasts, and protein degradation and atrophy in skeletal muscle most likely via modulation of SIRTs gene expression.

Juvenile-onset motor polyneuropathy in Siberian cats.

BACKGROUND: Polyneuropathies are infrequently described in cats. There is a genetic predisposition in several breeds. OBJECTIVE: To clinically characterize a novel motor polyneuropathy in a family of Siberian cats. ANIMALS: Thirteen closely related Siberian cats, 4 clinically affected and 9 clinically unaffected individuals. METHODS: Retrospective study. Clinical data and pedigree information were obtained from the medical records and breeder. Electrodiagnostic testing and muscle and peripheral nerve biopsy samples were obtained from 1 affected cat. Follow-up information was obtained for all affected cats. RESULTS: Onset of signs was 4 to 10 months in affected cats. Clinical signs were progressive or waxing/waning neuromuscular weakness (4/4), normal sensory function (4/4), and variably decreased withdrawal reflexes (3/4). All cats returned to normal neurologic function within 1 to 4 weeks. All cats had a recurrence of weakness (3/4 had 1 recurrent episode, 1/4 had 3 relapses) from which they recovered fully. In 1 cat, electromyography and motor nerve conduction studies showed multicentric spontaneous activity, normal motor nerve conduction velocity, reduced compound muscle action potential amplitude, and polyphasia. Histologic evaluation of muscle and nerve in that cat showed mild muscle atrophy consistent with recent denervation, endoneurial and perineurial edema, and mild mononuclear cell infiltration within intramuscular nerve branches and a peripheral nerve. Pedigree analysis suggests an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, although neither a genetically complex/polygenic condition nor an acquired inflammatory polyneuropathy can be ruled-out. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: We describe a motor polyneuropathy in juvenile Siberian cats characterized by self-limiting weakness with potential relapse.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita in Aberdeen Angus cattle in Uruguay / Artrogripose múltipla congênita em bovinos Aberdeen Angus no Uruguai

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is reported for the first time in the Aberdeen Angus (AA) breed in Uruguay. In a commercial herd of 30 purebred Aberdeen Angus cows, two calves with severe musculoskeletal malformations died at birth. The cows had been inseminated using semen imported from Argentina from one elite AA sire only. At necropsy, one calf showed severe muscular atrophy, arthrogryposis affecting all four limbs and the spine, kyphoscoliosis and torticollis. Histopathology showed muscular atrophy with marked fiber size variation and abundant fibroadipose fibers. The central nervous system only showed congestion and edema due to dystocia, whereas the peripheral nerves and the number of motor neurons in the spinal appeared normal. DNA analysis confirmed arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. It is concluded that disease in Aberdeen Angus cattle is due to failure in the neuromuscular junction.(AU)

Artrogripose múltipla congênita é relatada pela primeira vez em bovinos Aberdeen Angus (AA) no Uruguai. Num rebanho comercial de 30 vacas a Aberdeen Angus, dois bezerros com graves malformações musculoesqueléticas morreram logo após o nascimento. As vacas foram inseminadas utilizando sêmen importado da Argentina, de apenas um touro de elite de AA. Na necropsia, um dos bezerros apresentava atrofia muscular grave, artrogripose afetando todos os quatro membros e a coluna vertebral, cifoscoliose e torcicolo. A histopatologia demonstrou atrofia muscular com acentuadas variações no tamanho das fibras e abundantes fibras fibroadiposas. O sistema nervoso central apresentava apenas congestão e edema devido à distocia, enquanto os nervos periféricos e o número de neurônios motores na medula espinhal pareciam normais. A análise de DNA confirmou artrogripose múltipla congênita. Concluiu-se que a doença em bovinos Aberdeen Angus se deve a falha na junção neuromuscular.(AU)

Suprascapular nerve decompression for treatment of neuropathy in a bucking bull.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-year-old 639-kg (1,406-lb) American bucking bull was examined because of a 4-day history of right forelimb lameness that began after the bull sustained an injury to the right shoulder region while exiting the chute during a rodeo. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 10 × 10-cm soft tissue swelling was present over the right shoulder region. Ultrasonographically, the contour of the scapular spine, bicipital bursa, bicipital tendon, and greater tubercle of the humerus appeared unremarkable; the swelling appeared to be a hematoma overlying the distal aspect of the scapula. No external wounds, palpable joint effusion, or swellings were noted on examination of the distal portions of the limbs. The bull developed atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles with lateral abduction of the shoulder joint when walking. Electromyography revealed decreased innervation to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles consistent with suprascapular neuropathy. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The suprascapular nerve was surgically decompressed by removing the entrapping hematoma and periosteum and performing a notch resection of the scapula; dexamethasone (40 mg) was administered prior to closure. The bull was discharged 5 days after surgery; no lameness was evident at the time of discharge. The owner was instructed to restrict the bull to a stall or small pen for 6 weeks. Four months after surgery, the muscle atrophy had substantially improved, and the bull returned to bucking. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that suprascapular neuropathy can develop in bulls secondary to injury and that suprascapular nerve decompression may improve nerve function, muscle atrophy, and gait.

Beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyrate decreases muscle protein degradation via increased Akt/FoxO3a signaling and mitochondrial biogenesis in weanling piglets after lipopolysaccharide challenge.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced muscle atrophy and to investigate the mechanisms involved. Sixty pigs (21 ± 2 days old, 5.86 ± 0.18 kg body weight) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial design and the main factors included diet (0, 0.60%, or 1.20% HMB) and immunological challenge (LPS or saline). After 15 d of treatment with LPS and/or HMB, growth performance, blood parameters, and muscle protein degradation rate were measured. The results showed that in LPS-injected pigs, 0.60% HMB supplementation increased the average daily gain and average daily feed intake and decreased the feed : gain ratio (P < 0.05), with a concurrent increase of lean percentage. Moreover, 0.60% HMB supplementation decreased the serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, IL-1ß, and TNF-α and the rate of protein degradation as well as cell apoptosis in selected muscles (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary HMB supplementation (0.60%) regulated the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and increased the phosphorylation of Akt and Forkhead Box O3a (FoxO3a) in selected muscles, accompanied by decreased protein expression of muscle RING finger 1 and muscle atrophy F-box. These results indicate that HMB may exert protective effects against LPS-induced muscle atrophy by normalizing the Akt/FoxO3a axis that regulates ubiquitin proteolysis and by improving mitochondrial biogenesis.

Clinical findings and outcome of dogs with unilateral masticatory muscle atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the spectrum of underlying disorders in dogs with unilateral masticatory muscle (MM) atrophy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and outcome of dogs with unilateral MM atrophy. ANIMALS: Sixty-three client-owned dogs. METHODS: The medical database was retrospectively reviewed for dogs that underwent MRI for evaluation of unilateral MM atrophy. Imaging studies were reviewed and follow-up information was obtained from telephone interviews. RESULTS: Presumptive trigeminal nerve sheath tumor (pTNST) was diagnosed in 30 dogs (47.6%); survival time varied from 1 day to 21 months (median, 5 months). Other extra-axial mass lesions were observed in 13 dogs (20.6%); survival time varied from 6 days to 25 months (median, 2.5 months). In 18 dogs (28.6%), no abnormalities were observed on MRI; neurological signs only progressed in 1 dog. Diagnosis had a significant influence on the type of neurological abnormalities, with additional neurological deficits observed in most dogs with pTNST and in all dogs with other extra-axial mass lesions. Diagnosis had a significant effect on euthanasia at the time of diagnosis and likelihood of neurological deterioration. Dogs with mass lesions were more likely to be euthanized or experience neurological deterioration, whereas these outcomes occurred less often in dogs in which no causative lesion could be identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Trigeminal nerve sheath tumors should not be considered the only cause of unilateral MM atrophy. Our results illustrate the importance of performing a neurological examination and MRI when evaluating dogs with unilateral MM atrophy.

An E321G MYH1 mutation is strongly associated with nonexertional rhabdomyolysis in Quarter Horses.

BACKGROUND: An E321G mutation in MYH1 was recently identified in Quarter Horses (QH) with immune-mediated myositis (IMM) defined by a phenotype of gross muscle atrophy and myofiber lymphocytic infiltrates. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that the MYH1 mutation also was associated with a phenotype of nonexertional rhabdomyolysis. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the MYH1 mutation in QH with exertional (ER) and nonexertional (nonER) rhabdomyolysis. ANIMALS: Quarter Horses: 72 healthy controls, 85 ER-no atrophy, 56 ER-atrophy, 167 nonER horses selected regardless of muscle atrophy. METHODS: Clinical and histopathologic information and DNA was obtained from a database for (1) ER > 2 years of age, with or without atrophy and (2) nonER creatine kinase (CK) ≥ 5000 U/L, <5 years of age. Horses were genotyped for E321G MYH1 by pyrosequencing. RESULTS: The MYH1 mutation was present in a similar proportion of ER-no atrophy (1/56; 2%) and in a higher proportion of ER-atrophy (25/85; 29%) versus controls (4/72; 5%). The MYH1 mutation was present in a significantly higher proportion of nonER (113/165; 68%) than controls either in the presence (39/42; 93%) or in absence (72/123; 59%) of gross atrophy. Lymphocytes were present in <18% of muscle samples with the MYH1 mutation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although not associated with ER, the MYH1 mutation is associated with atrophy after ER. The MYH1 mutation is highly associated with nonER regardless of whether muscle atrophy or lymphocytic infiltrates are present. Genetic testing will enhance the ability to diagnose MYH1 myopathies (MYHM) in QH.

Evaluation of Body Weight, Body Condition, and Muscle Condition in Cats with Hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: The contribution of fat loss versus muscle wasting to the loss of body weight seen in hyperthyroid cats is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate body weight, body condition score (BCS), and muscle condition score (MCS) in hyperthyroid cats. ANIMALS: Four hundred sixty-two cats with untreated hyperthyroidism, 117 of which were reevaluated after treatment. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional and before-after studies. Untreated hyperthyroid cats had body composition evaluated (body weight, BCS, and MCS). A subset of these cats were reevaluated 3-12 months after treatment when euthyroid. RESULTS: Pretreatment body weight (median, 4.36 kg; IQR, 3.5 to 5.2 kg) was lower than premorbid weight (5.45 kg; IQR, 4.6 to 6.4 kg, P < .0001) recorded 1-2 years before diagnosis. 154 (35.3%) cats were thin or emaciated; 357 (77.3%) had loss of muscle mass. Cats showed increases in body weight (median, 4.1 kg to 5.0 kg), BCS (median, 3/5 to 3.5/5), and MCS (2/3 to 3/3) after treatment (P < .001), but mild-to-moderate muscle wasting persisted in 45% of treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Most hyperthyroid cats lose body weight but maintain an ideal or overweight BCS, with only a third being underweight. As in human hyperthyroid patients, this weight loss is associated with muscle wasting, which affects >75% of hyperthyroid cats. Successful treatment leads to weight gain and increase of BCS in most cats, but almost half fail to regain normal muscle mass.

A non-human primate model of radiation-induced cachexia.

Cachexia, or muscle wasting, is a serious health threat to victims of radiological accidents or patients receiving radiotherapy. Here, we propose a non-human primate (NHP) radiation-induced cachexia model based on clinical and molecular pathology findings. NHP exposed to potentially lethal partial-body irradiation developed symptoms of cachexia such as body weight loss in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Severe body weight loss as high as 20-25% was observed which was refractory to nutritional intervention. Radiographic imaging indicated that cachectic NHP lost as much as 50% of skeletal muscle. Histological analysis of muscle tissues showed abnormalities such as presence of central nuclei, inflammation, fatty replacement of skeletal muscle, and muscle fiber degeneration. Biochemical parameters such as hemoglobin and albumin levels decreased after radiation exposure. Levels of FBXO32 (Atrogin-1), ActRIIB and myostatin were significantly changed in the irradiated cachectic NHP compared to the non-irradiated NHP. Our data suggest NHP that have been exposed to high dose radiation manifest cachexia-like symptoms in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This model provides a unique opportunity to study the mechanism of radiation-induced cachexia and will aid in efficacy studies of mitigators of this disease.

Eosinophilic Enteritis in Horses with Motor Neuron Disease.

BACKGROUND: Equine motor neuron disease (EMND) is a neuromuscular disorder that affects adult horses. Although EMND has been linked to vitamin E deficiency, its etiopathogenesis is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical features, laboratory results, and postmortem findings in a series of young horses with motor neuron disease (MND). ANIMALS: A herd of 15 young Andalusian horses with weakness, weight loss, muscle atrophy, and muscle fasciculations related to restricted intake of green forage. METHODS: A case series is presented in which horses were subjected to a clinical examination and plasma vitamin E measurement. Five severely affected horses were euthanized for detailed postmortem examination. Muscle specimens were taken from the M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis and the M. gluteus medius for histopathologic and morphometric evaluation. RESULTS: MND was diagnosed in 5 horses based on clinical signs, low serum levels of vitamin E (0.11 ± 0.05 mg/dL; normal range,: 0.3-1.5 mg/dL), changes in muscle histopathology (neurogenic atrophy), and spinal cord lesions (neuronal chromatolysis in ventral horns). An unexpected postmortem finding was the presence of intestinal inflammation (catarrhal enteritis, edema, and eosinophilic infiltrate) associated with the presence of giant ciliated protozoa in all of the horses. CONCLUSIONS: Although a mechanistic link could not be established, it is hypothesized that intestinal inflammation may have been involved in the decreased absorption of vitamin E, thus favoring the development of MND.

Age-Related Changes in Skeletal Muscle of Cattle.

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, is a multifactorial condition that represents a major healthcare concern for the elderly population. Although its morphologic features have been extensively studied in humans, animal models, and domestic and wild animals, only a few reports about spontaneous sarcopenia exist in other long-lived animals. In this work, muscle samples from 60 healthy Podolica-breed old cows (aged 15-23 years) were examined and compared with muscle samples from 10 young cows (3-6 years old). Frozen sections were studied through standard histologic and histoenzymatic procedures, as well as by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. The most prominent age-related myopathic features seen in the studied material included angular fiber atrophy (90% of cases), mitochondrial alterations (ragged red fibers, 70%; COX-negative fibers, 60%), presence of vacuolated fibers (75%), lymphocytic (predominantly CD8+) inflammation (40%), and type II selective fiber atrophy (40%). Immunohistochemistry revealed increased expression of major histocompatibility complex I in 36 cases (60%) and sarcoplasmic accumulations of ß-amyloid precursor protein-positive material in 18 cases (30%). In aged cows, muscle atrophy was associated with accumulation of myostatin. Western blot analysis indicated increased amount of both proteins-myostatin and ß-amyloid precursor protein-in muscles of aged animals compared with controls. These findings confirm the presence of age-related morphologic changes in cows similar to human sarcopenia and underline the possible role of amyloid deposition and subsequent inflammation in muscle senescence.