Alterações hemodinâmicas na próstata e nos testículos de cães acometidos por hiperplasia prostática benigna e tratados com finasterida / Prostatic and testicular hemodynamic changes in dogs with untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia and treated with finasteride

Este trabalho avaliou os efeitos do tratamento com finasterida nas variáveis vasculares e hemodinâmicas da próstata e testículos de cães acometidos pela hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB). Para tal, foram selecionados dez cães de idades variadas (5-13 anos). Os grupos experimentais foram constituídos de cães acometidos pela HPB (HPB, n=5) e cães com HPB e tratados com finasterida (HPB+F, n=5). Três avaliações foram realizadas, com intervalo mensal entre elas (dia 0 início do tratamento com finasterida, 30 dias e 60 dias). Foi realizada a ultrassonografia em modo-B para mensuração do volume da próstata e dos testículos. Com a ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido foi avaliado o escore de vascularização da próstata (1-3). O perfil hemodinâmico das artérias prostática e testicular foi mensurado com o Doppler espectral. Ocorreu redução de 35,2% no volume prostático no grupo HPB+F depois de 60 dias de tratamento, enquanto o grupo HPB sofreu elevação de 15,4%. O escore de vascularização no dia 60 foi maior no grupo HPB (2,4±0,2) em relação ao grupo HPB+F (1,6±0,2). Na análise por Doppler espectral, foi observado maior índice de pulsatilidade da artéria testicular no grupo HPB (2,1±0,2) em relação ao HPB+F (1,9±0,1). Os demais índices hemodinâmicos não apresentaram diferença estatística. Assim, a terapia com finasterida além de promover a redução da angiogênese provocada pela HBP também reduziu o índice de pulsatilidade da artéria testicular e, portanto, é capaz de reduzir a eficiência da espermatogênese. Em conclusão, aterapia com finasterida reduz o volume e a vascularização da próstata.Ademais, sugere-se a análise do índice de pulsatilidade como possível marcador para prognóstico da HPB em cães.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of finasteride treatment on prostatic and testicular hemodynamic and vascular variables in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Ten dogs aged between 5 and 13 years were selected and assigned to two experimental groups: dogs with BPH (BPH, n=5), and dogs with BPH treated with finasteride (BPH+F, n=5). Three monthly evaluations were performed (day 0 onset of finasteride treatment, day 30 and day 60). Testicular and prostatic volumes were measured through mode-B ultrasound; prostatic vascularization score (1-3) was measured with the color Doppler ultrasound; and the hemodynamic profile of the prostatic and testicular arteries was measured with spectral Doppler. A reduction of 35.2% in the prostate volume occured in the HPB+F group after 60 days of treatment, while in the HPB group, it increased 15.4%.Vascularization score on day 60 was higher in the BPH group (2.4±0.2) in comparison to the BPH+F group (1.6±0.2), suggesting that finasteride therapy reduces the angiogenesis caused by BPH. Regarding the spectral Doppler analysis, it was possible to observe higher pulsatility index of the testicular artery in the BPH group (2.1±0.2) compared to BPH+F (1.9±0.1), which is capable of reducing the efficiency of spermatogenesis. The remaining hemodynamic indexes presented no statistical difference. In conclusion, finasteride therapy reducesprostatic volume and vascularization. Moreover, the pulsatility index can be employed as an prognostic markerof BPH in dogs.

Sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk as a functional test for sperm evaluation in dogs / Teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinha como avaliação funcional do sêmen de cães

During fertilization, spermatozoa interact with the zona pellucida (ZP) through the binding between the acrosome and proteins 2 and 3 (ZP2 and ZP3). The perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk is homologous to the mammalian ZP3, which allows the binding of sperm of several species. The aim of this study was to standardize and evaluate the efficiency of sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken eggs as a functional method for canine semen evaluation. For this purpose, nine post-thaw sperm samples were used, which were divided into two aliquots: the first was kept in water bath at 37ºC (live sample) and the second was submitted to cold shock to induce cellular damage (dead sample). The two aliquots were mixed on five proportions, corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of viable cells, and the binding test was performed by analyzing the number of spermatozoa bonded to the perivitelline membrane by means of computerized assessment of sperm motility (CASA) or conventional microscopy. Additionally, samples were submitted to sperm motility analysis, evaluation of plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity, and sperm mitochondrial activity. The sperm-binding test to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk was considered a feasible sperm analysis test for both fertilizing capacity and overall sperm attributes evaluation, mainly when the analysis is performed by a conventional microscope, which expands its practicality to the majority of canine reproduction laboratories.(AU)

Durante a fecundação, os espermatozoides interagem com a zona pelúcida (ZP) por meio da ligação entre o acrossomo e as proteínas 2 e 3 (ZP2 e ZP3). A membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinhas é homóloga à ZP3 de mamíferos, possibilitando a ligação espermática de diversas espécies. Este trabalho padronizou e avaliou a eficiência do teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinhas como avaliação funcional do sêmen de cães. Para tal, foram utilizadas nove amostras seminais previamente criopreservadas. Cada amostra foi dividida em duas alíquotas: a primeira foi mantida em banho-maria à 37ºC (vivos) e a segunda submetida a choque térmico com o intuito de induzir dano celular (mortos). As duas alíquotas foram misturadas, correspondendo a 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de células viáveis. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto ao número de espermatozoides ligados à membrana perivitelínica por meio da análise computadorizada da motilidade (CASA) ou microscopia convencional. Ademais, as amostras foram avaliadas quanto à motilidade espermática, integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática e atividade mitocondrial espermática. O teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica de ovos de galinha foi considerado um teste de análise seminal exequível tanto para avaliar a capacidade fecundante dos espermatozoides como atributos seminais gerais, especialmente quando realizado em microscopia convencional, expandindo sua praticidade para a maioria dos laboratórios de análise de sêmen canino.(AU)

Alterações hemodinâmicas na próstata e nos testículos de cães acometidos por hiperplasia prostática benigna e tratados com finasterida / Prostatic and testicular hemodynamic changes in dogs with untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia and treated with finasteride

Este trabalho avaliou os efeitos do tratamento com finasterida nas variáveis vasculares e hemodinâmicas da próstata e testículos de cães acometidos pela hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB). Para tal, foram selecionados dez cães de idades variadas (5-13 anos). Os grupos experimentais foram constituídos de cães acometidos pela HPB (HPB, n=5) e cães com HPB e tratados com finasterida (HPB+F, n=5). Três avaliações foram realizadas, com intervalo mensal entre elas (dia 0 início do tratamento com finasterida, 30 dias e 60 dias). Foi realizada a ultrassonografia em modo-B para mensuração do volume da próstata e dos testículos. Com a ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido foi avaliado o escore de vascularização da próstata (1-3). O perfil hemodinâmico das artérias prostática e testicular foi mensurado com o Doppler espectral. Ocorreu redução de 35,2% no volume prostático no grupo HPB+F depois de 60 dias de tratamento, enquanto o grupo HPB sofreu elevação de 15,4%. O escore de vascularização no dia 60 foi maior no grupo HPB (2,4±0,2) em relação ao grupo HPB+F (1,6±0,2). Na análise por Doppler espectral, foi observado maior índice de pulsatilidade da artéria testicular no grupo HPB (2,1±0,2) em relação ao HPB+F (1,9±0,1). Os demais índices hemodinâmicos não apresentaram diferença estatística. Assim, a terapia com finasterida além de promover a redução da angiogênese provocada pela HBP também reduziu o índice de pulsatilidade da artéria testicular e, portanto, é capaz de reduzir a eficiência da espermatogênese. Em conclusão, aterapia com finasterida reduz o volume e a vascularização da próstata.Ademais, sugere-se a análise do índice de pulsatilidade como possível marcador para prognóstico da HPB em cães.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of finasteride treatment on prostatic and testicular hemodynamic and vascular variables in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Ten dogs aged between 5 and 13 years were selected and assigned to two experimental groups: dogs with BPH (BPH, n=5), and dogs with BPH treated with finasteride (BPH+F, n=5). Three monthly evaluations were performed (day 0 onset of finasteride treatment, day 30 and day 60). Testicular and prostatic volumes were measured through mode-B ultrasound; prostatic vascularization score (1-3) was measured with the color Doppler ultrasound; and the hemodynamic profile of the prostatic and testicular arteries was measured with spectral Doppler. A reduction of 35.2% in the prostate volume occured in the HPB+F group after 60 days of treatment, while in the HPB group, it increased 15.4%.Vascularization score on day 60 was higher in the BPH group (2.4±0.2) in comparison to the BPH+F group (1.6±0.2), suggesting that finasteride therapy reduces the angiogenesis caused by BPH. Regarding the spectral Doppler analysis, it was possible to observe higher pulsatility index of the testicular artery in the BPH group (2.1±0.2) compared to BPH+F (1.9±0.1), which is capable of reducing the efficiency of spermatogenesis. The remaining hemodynamic indexes presented no statistical difference. In conclusion, finasteride therapy reducesprostatic volume and vascularization. Moreover, the pulsatility index can be employed as an prognostic markerof BPH in dogs.(AU)

Sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk as a functional test for sperm evaluation in dogs / Teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinha como avaliação funcional do sêmen de cães

During fertilization, spermatozoa interact with the zona pellucida (ZP) through the binding between the acrosome and proteins 2 and 3 (ZP2 and ZP3). The perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk is homologous to the mammalian ZP3, which allows the binding of sperm of several species. The aim of this study was to standardize and evaluate the efficiency of sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken eggs as a functional method for canine semen evaluation. For this purpose, nine post-thaw sperm samples were used, which were divided into two aliquots: the first was kept in water bath at 37ºC (live sample) and the second was submitted to cold shock to induce cellular damage (dead sample). The two aliquots were mixed on five proportions, corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of viable cells, and the binding test was performed by analyzing the number of spermatozoa bonded to the perivitelline membrane by means of computerized assessment of sperm motility (CASA) or conventional microscopy. Additionally, samples were submitted to sperm motility analysis, evaluation of plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity, and sperm mitochondrial activity. The sperm-binding test to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk was considered a feasible sperm analysis test for both fertilizing capacity and overall sperm attributes evaluation, mainly when the analysis is performed by a conventional microscope, which expands its practicality to the majority of canine reproduction laboratories.(AU)

Durante a fecundação, os espermatozoides interagem com a zona pelúcida (ZP) por meio da ligação entre o acrossomo e as proteínas 2 e 3 (ZP2 e ZP3). A membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinhas é homóloga à ZP3 de mamíferos, possibilitando a ligação espermática de diversas espécies. Este trabalho padronizou e avaliou a eficiência do teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinhas como avaliação funcional do sêmen de cães. Para tal, foram utilizadas nove amostras seminais previamente criopreservadas. Cada amostra foi dividida em duas alíquotas: a primeira foi mantida em banho-maria à 37ºC (vivos) e a segunda submetida a choque térmico com o intuito de induzir dano celular (mortos). As duas alíquotas foram misturadas, correspondendo a 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de células viáveis. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto ao número de espermatozoides ligados à membrana perivitelínica por meio da análise computadorizada da motilidade (CASA) ou microscopia convencional. Ademais, as amostras foram avaliadas quanto à motilidade espermática, integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática e atividade mitocondrial espermática. O teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica de ovos de galinha foi considerado um teste de análise seminal exequível tanto para avaliar a capacidade fecundante dos espermatozoides como atributos seminais gerais, especialmente quando realizado em microscopia convencional, expandindo sua praticidade para a maioria dos laboratórios de análise de sêmen canino.(AU)

Acute-phase protein profile of healthy bitches in diestrus: the influence of steroid hormones

Background: Acute-phase proteins are known as significant indicators of inflammation for several animal species, allowing more accurate follow-up of diseases, particularly when other clinical signs are not apparent. Nevertheless, the difficulty of data interpretation due to the absence of reference values for canine species represents an imperative obstacle for systematic clinical application. Moreover, no influence of hormonal status has yet been established for dogs. The aim of this study was thus to propose reference values of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, seromucoid and glycoprotein for diestrous healthy females and therefore verify the influence of the hormone status.Materials, Methods & Results: Data consisted of weekly blood sampling from 20 Great Dane diestrous bitches during 9 weeks. Each animals health condition was verified through physical assessment and the absence of acute inflammatory or infectious processes was guaranteed by a total white cell count. Sampling started with diestrus onset and continued until the beginning of anestrus, evaluated by vaginal cytology. From blood samples, the concentrations of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, seromucoid, glycoprotein, progesterone and estrogen were determined accordingly. No statistical variations (P < 0.05) on plasmatic fibrinogen, serum haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin concentrations were observed between weeks of diestrus nor a correlation between the hormonal profile. Significant increase in seromucoid concentration was verified between the 1st and 6th week of diestrus, while significant variation (P < 0.05) of glycoprotein was measured between the 1st and 3rd weeks of diestrus, as well as between weeks 2 and 9. The reference values proposed were: 182.22 (±46.40) mg/ dL for fibrinogen, 80.22 (±9.80) mg/dL of HbCN binding capacity for haptoglobin, 8.19 (±1.68) IU/L for ceruloplasmin, 79.88 (±15.78) mg/dL for seromucoid and 11.89 (±0.92) % for glycoprotein.[...](AU)

Acute-phase protein profile of healthy bitches in diestrus: the influence of steroid hormones

Background: Acute-phase proteins are known as significant indicators of inflammation for several animal species, allowing more accurate follow-up of diseases, particularly when other clinical signs are not apparent. Nevertheless, the difficulty of data interpretation due to the absence of reference values for canine species represents an imperative obstacle for systematic clinical application. Moreover, no influence of hormonal status has yet been established for dogs. The aim of this study was thus to propose reference values of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, seromucoid and glycoprotein for diestrous healthy females and therefore verify the influence of the hormone status.Materials, Methods & Results: Data consisted of weekly blood sampling from 20 Great Dane diestrous bitches during 9 weeks. Each animal’s health condition was verified through physical assessment and the absence of acute inflammatory or infectious processes was guaranteed by a total white cell count. Sampling started with diestrus onset and continued until the beginning of anestrus, evaluated by vaginal cytology. From blood samples, the concentrations of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, seromucoid, glycoprotein, progesterone and estrogen were determined accordingly. No statistical variations (P < 0.05) on plasmatic fibrinogen, serum haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin concentrations were observed between weeks of diestrus nor a correlation between the hormonal profile. Significant increase in seromucoid concentration was verified between the 1st and 6th week of diestrus, while significant variation (P < 0.05) of glycoprotein was measured between the 1st and 3rd weeks of diestrus, as well as between weeks 2 and 9. The reference values proposed were: 182.22 (±46.40) mg/ dL for fibrinogen, 80.22 (±9.80) mg/dL of HbCN binding capacity for haptoglobin, 8.19 (±1.68) IU/L for ceruloplasmin, 79.88 (±15.78) mg/dL for seromucoid and 11.89 (±0.92) % for glycoprotein.[...]