Phaeohyphomycoses in a free-ranging loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) from Southern Brazil.

This report describes the occurrence of mycotic infection in a loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta, found on Mostardas beach in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. The specimen was observed alive, emaciated, and died the following day. A necropsy was performed soon after death and tissue samples routinely processed for histopathological and molecular evaluation. Significant pathological alterations included multifocal to coalescing, 0.5-4 cm in diameter nodules were observed throughout the peritoneum and kidneys that revealed caseous, grayish content when sectioned; histopathological evaluation revealed severe peritonitis and nephritis associated with intralesional fungi. Fungal PCR that targeted the internal transcribed spacer region of fungi revealed three different species of fungi: Cladosporium cladosporioides and Alternata arborescens within the kidneys while Ampelomyces sp. was identified within peritoneal granulomas. C. cladosporioides and A. arborescens are melanized fungi that produce phaeohyphomycosis in a wide range of species. However, the importance of the identification of the mycoparasite Ampelomyces sp. DNA within the peritoneal granulomas remains unclear.

Toxicity of the emerging mycotoxins beauvericin and enniatins: A mini-review.

Beauvericin and enniatins, emerging mycotoxins produced mainly by Fusarium species, are natural contaminants of cereals and cereal products. These mycotoxins are cyclic hexadepsipeptides with ionophore properties and their toxicity mechanism is related to their ability to transport cations across the cell membrane. Beauvericin and enniatins are cytotoxic, as they decrease cell viability, promote cell cycle arrest, and increase apoptosis and the generation of reactive oxygen species in several cell lines. They also cause changes at the transcriptomic level and have immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Toxicokinetic results are scarce, and, despite its proven toxic effects in vitro, no regulation or risk assessment has yet been performed due to a lack of in vivo data. This mini-review aims to report the information available in the literature on studies of in vitro and in vivo toxic effects with beauvericin and enniatins, which are mycotoxins of increasing interest to animal and human health.

Leishmania spp. amastigotes surrounding sensory nerve fibers in human painless skin ulcers: Evidence of pathogen-neuron proximity and absence of neuronal apoptosis.

In this present study, carried out between November 2020 and July 2023 at Londrina's University Hospital, patients with active lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were analyzed regarding pain perception and anatomopathological aspects of the ulcers. Pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS) to compare five patients diagnosed with CL with four control patients diagnosed with vascular skin ulcers. Histopathological evaluations were used to investigate the nociceptor neuron-Leishmania interface. Patients with CL ulcers reported less pain compared to patients with vascular ulcers (2.60 ± 2.30 and 7.25 ± 0.95, respectively, p = 0.0072). Histopathology evidenced Leishmania spp. amastigote forms nearby sensory nerve fibers in profound dermis. Schwann cells marker (S100 protein) was detected, and caspase-3 activation was not evidenced in the in the nerve fibers of CL patients' samples, suggesting absence of apoptotic activity in nerve endings. Additionally, samples taken from the active edge of the lesion were negative for bacilli acid-alcohol resistant (BAAR), which excludes concomitant leprosy, in which painless lesions are also observed. Thus, the present data unveil for the first time anatomopathological and microbiological details of painless ulcers in CL patients, which has important clinical implications for a better understanding on the intriguing painless clinical characteristic of CL.

Emerging mycotoxins induce hepatotoxicity in pigs' precision-cut liver slices and HepG2 cells.

Emerging mycotoxins are currently gaining more attention due to their high frequency of contamination in foods and grains. However, most data available in the literature are in vitro, with few in vivo results that prevent establishing their regulation. Beauvericin (BEA), enniatins (ENNs), emodin (EMO), apicidin (API) and aurofusarin (AFN) are emerging mycotoxins frequently found contaminating food and there is growing interest in studying their impact on the liver, a key organ in the metabolization of these components. We used an ex vivo model of precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) to verify morphological and transcriptional changes after acute exposure (4 h) to these mycotoxins. The human liver cell line HepG2 was used for comparison purposes. Most of the emerging mycotoxins were cytotoxic to the cells, except for AFN. In cells, BEA and ENNs were able to increase the expression of genes related to transcription factors, inflammation, and hepatic metabolism. In the explants, only ENN B1 led to significant changes in the morphology and expression of a few genes. Overall, our results demonstrate that BEA, ENNs, and API have the potential to be hepatotoxic.

Exploring porcine kidney explants as a model for the study of nephrotoxins and the therapeutic potential of phytic acid.

The use of in vivo models to assess nephrotoxicity has faced ethical limitations. A viable alternative is the ex vivo model that combines the 3 R principles with the preservation of tissue histology. Here, we established a gentamicin nephrotoxicity model using pigs` kidney explants and investigated the effect of phytic acid (IP6) against gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity. A total of 360 kidney explants were divided into control, gentamicin (10 mM), IP6 (5 mM), and gentamicin+IP6 groups. The activity of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine levels, histological assessment, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine expression were analyzed. Exposure to gentamicin induced an increase in GGT activity, creatinine levels, lesion score, lipoperoxidation and IL-8 expression. Explants exposed to IP6 remained like the control. The addition of IP6 to gentamicin prevented tissue damage, increasing the antioxidant status and gene expression of IL-10. This model proved to be an adequate experimental approach for identifying nephrotoxins and potential products to modulate the toxicity.

Effects of ascorbic acid on in vitro culture of bovine preantral follicles.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding ascorbic acid to the media for in vitro culture of cattle ovarian fragments and to determine their effects on growth activation and viability of early-stage follicles. The ovarian cortex was divided into small fragments; one fragment was immediately fixed (control) and the other fragments were cultured in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented or not with various doses of ascorbic acid. Ovarian tissue was processed for histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemical demonstration of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Compared with control fragments, the percentage of primordial follicles was reduced (p < 0.05) and the percentage of growing follicles had increased (p < 0.05) in cultured cortical fragments, independent of the tested medium or incubation time. Furthermore, compared with control tissue, culture of ovarian cortex for 8 days reduced the percentages of healthy, viable follicles (p < 0.05), but not when cultures were supplemented with 25, 50 or 100 µg/ml of ascorbic acid. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analysis of 8 day cultured ovarian cortical fragments, however, showed the integrity and viability of follicles only when fragments were cultured in presence of 50 µg/ml of ascorbic acid. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that addition of ascorbic acid to MEM at a concentration of 50 µg/ml not only stimulates the activation of 8 day in vitro cultured cattle primordial follicles and subsequent growth of activated follicles, but also safeguards the viability of these early-stage follicles.

Lactobacillus plantarum and Deoxynivalenol Detoxification: A Concise Review.

ABSTRACT: Mycotoxins are toxic secondary fungal metabolites that contaminate feeds, and their levels remain stable during feed processing. The economic impact of mycotoxins on animal production happens mainly due to losses related to direct effects on animal health and trade losses related to grain rejection. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin that has contaminated approximately 60% of the grains worldwide. Ingestion of DON induces many toxic effects on human and animal health. Detoxification strategies to decrease DON levels in food and feeds include physical and chemical methods; however, they are not very effective when incorporated into the industrial production process. A valuable alternative to achieve this aim is the use of lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria can control fungal growth and thus overcome DON production or can detoxify the mycotoxin through adsorption and biotransformation. Some Lactobacillus spp. strains, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, have demonstrated preventive effects against DON toxicity in poultry and swine. This beneficial effect is associated with a binding capacity of lactic acid bacteria cell wall peptidoglycan with mycotoxins. Moreover, several antifungal compounds have been isolated from L. plantarum supernatants, including lactic, acetic, caproic, phenyl lactic, 3-hydroxylated fatty, and cyclic dipeptide acids. Biotransformation of DON by L. plantarum into other products is also hypothesized, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this concise review, we highlight the use of L. plantarum as an alternative approach to reduce DON levels and toxicity. Although the action mechanism of L. plantarum is still not fully understood, these bacteria are a safe, efficient, and low-cost strategy to reduce economic losses from mycotoxin contamination cases.

Deoxynivalenol induces apoptosis and inflammation in the liver: Analysis using precision-cut liver slices.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most common mycotoxins in cereals and their by-products. Its adverse effects on animal and human health have been extensively studied in the intestine, but little attention has been paid to another target organ for mycotoxins, the liver that is potentially exposed after intestinal absorption and enterohepatic circulation. To assess DON's toxicity in an ex vivo model structurally and physiologically closer to the whole liver, we developed a pig precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) model. PCLS contain all cell types and maintain intercellular and cell-matrix interactions, among other architectural features of the liver. The human HepG2 cell line was used for comparison. We observed that after a short exposure, DON reduced the cell viability of HepG2 cells and induced the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. When PCLS were exposed to DON, damage to the tissues was observed, with no changes in markers of liver function or injury. Exposure to the toxin also triggered liver inflammation and apoptosis, effects already observed in pigs fed DON-contaminated diets. Overall, these data demonstrate that DON had toxic effects on a liver cell line and on whole liver tissue, consistent with the effect observed during in vivo exposure. They also indicate that pig PCLS is a relevant and sensitive model to investigate the liver toxicity of food contaminants.

Effect of running exercise on titanium dioxide (TiO2)-induced chronic arthritis and sarcopenia in mice. A titanium prosthesis loosening injury model study.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate if titanium dioxide (TiO2) joint administration is a useful pre-clinical model to study sarcopenia-related chronic arthritis, and if exercise is a useful therapeutic approach against the pathogenesis of TiO2-induced arthritis and sarcopenia in mice. MAIN METHODS: Two experiments were conducted. Firstly, 36 female Swiss mice were randomly divided into a control group (n = 12) and two groups who received intra-articular TiO2 injections of 0.3-mg (n = 12) and 3-mg (n = 12), respectively. Mice were euthanized 4 and 8 weeks after TiO2 injections. Based on data of the first experiment, mice were exposed to four groups: control (C, n = 10), exercised (Ex, n = 10), injected with 3-mg of TiO2 (TiO2, n = 10), and injected with 3-mg of TiO2 and exercised (TiO2 + Ex, n = 10) for a total of 8-weeks. KEY FINDINGS: Eight-week of 3 mg of TiO2 joint administration promoted characteristics of chronic inflammation such as elevated histopathological score, inflammation, edema and pain. Hallmarks of sarcopenia were also observed such as muscle atrophy and loss of strength. Furthermore, voluntary exercise running reduced TiO2-induced chronic inflammation and pain, attenuating chronic arthritis-related muscle atrophy, strength loss and impairment of locomotion capacity. In addition, exercise was also able to prevent TiO2-induced collagen degradation, an important marker of functional and structural integrity loss of cartilage and chronic arthritis disease progression. SIGNIFICANCE: TiO2 joint administration mimed titanium prosthesis release-induced joint chronic arthritis and sarcopenia-related chronic arthritis, disturbances that were attenuated by voluntary exercise.

Gastric helicobacter spp. Infection in captive neotropical brazilian feline.

Ten captive neotropical Brazilian feline were submitted to gastroscopic examination and samples of gastric mucosa from fundus, corpus and pyloric antrum were evaluated for the presence of Helicobacter species. Warthin-Starry (WS) staining and PCR assay with species-specific primers and enzymatic cleavage were applied for bacterial detection and identification. Histological lesions were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin staining. All animals showed normal gross aspect of gastric mucosa. Helicobacter heilmannii was confirmed in 100% of the samples by WS and PCR assay. Mild lymphocytic infiltrate in the lamina propria was observed in eight animals, mainly in the fundus region. Small lymphoid follicles were seen in three animals. No significant association between Helicobacter infection and histological findings was verified. These observations suggest that gastric Helicobacter spp. could be a commensal or a eventual pathogen to captive neotropical feline, and that procedures, way life, and stress level on the shelter apparently had no negative repercussion over the integrity of the stomach.

Effects of Fusarium metabolites beauvericin and enniatins alone or in mixture with deoxynivalenol on weaning piglets.

The impact of the Fusarium-derived metabolites beauvericin, enniatin B and B1 (EB) alone or in combination with deoxynivalenol (DON) was investigated in 28-29 days old weaning piglets over a time period of 14 days. The co-application of EB and DON (EB + DON) led to a significant decrease in the weight gain of the animals. Liver enzyme activities in plasma were significantly decreased at day 14 in piglets receiving the EB + DON-containing diet compared to piglets receiving the control diet. All mycotoxin-contaminated diets led to moderate to severe histological lesions in the jejunum, the liver and lymph nodes. Shotgun metagenomics revealed a significant effect of EB-application on the gut microbiota. Our results provide novel insights into the harmful impact of emerging mycotoxins alone or with DON on the performance, gut health and immunological parameters in pigs.

Ovarian toxicity by fusariotoxins in pigs: Does it imply in oxidative stress?

Mycotoxins are natural contaminants of food and feed occurring worldwide. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) are the most frequent fusariotoxins and induce immune and intestinal toxicity in humans and animals. Recently, an association between mycotoxins exposure and impaired fertility has been suggested. However, the effects of these mycotoxins on the reproductive system are not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of FB1 and DON, in combination or alone, on the ovarian morphology and oxidative responses using porcine explants. Seventy-two explants were obtained from six pigs and submitted to the following treatments: control (MEM medium), DON (10 µM), FB1 (100 µM FB1), and DON + FB1 (10 µM + 100 µM). Histological and immunohistochemical assays were performed to evaluate ovarian changes, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Oxidative stress response was evaluated through lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity response assays. The exposure to mycotoxins induced significant histological changes in the ovaries, which were characterized by a decrease in viable follicles and increase in degenerated follicles. A significant decrease in granulosa cell proliferation was observed in explants exposed to all mycotoxins. In addition the multi-contaminated treatment was responsible for an increase in the cell apoptosis index of growing follicles. On the other hand, the FB1 and multi-contaminated treatments induced a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation accompanied by an increase in antioxidant responses. Altogether, our results indicate a reproductive toxicity induced by fusariotoxins. Moreover, mycotoxins, alone or in combination, modulate oxidative stress response, interfering with the production of free radicals and affecting the reproductive capacity of pigs.

Ingestion of organic acids and cinnamaldehyde improves tissue homeostasis of piglets exposed to enterotoxic Escherichia coli (ETEC).

Organic acids (OA) and phytogenic compounds have been used in pig feeding as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. However, few studies have evaluated the systemic effect of the combination of these additives. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an organic acid-based feed additive (OAFA), containing a blend of OA and cinnamaldehyde, on the tissue integrity of bacterially challenged piglets. Thirty weaned piglets 21 d old were used in a 19-d trial. Pigs received a standard diet during the first 7 d and afterward were allotted to five treatments. Dietary treatments were: Control (basal diet), Escherichia coli (basal diet and challenge with E. coli), colistin (basal diet + 200 mg colistin/kg feed + challenge with E. coli), OAFA1 (basal diet + 1 kg OAFA/ton feed + challenge with E. coli), and OAFA2 (basal diet + 2 kg OAFA/ton feed + challenge with E. coli). Seven days after the beginning of the treatment, the animals were challenged with an enterotoxic strain of E. coli (K88) for pigs. Five days after the challenge, all animals were euthanized for tissue sampling for histological and oxidative stress (intestine and liver) analysis. The reduced glutathione (GSH), ferric-reducing ability potential (FRAP), and free-radical scavenging ability (ABTS) assays were used to evaluate the intestinal antioxidant defense. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion production were evaluated through the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay, respectively. Animals fed the OAFA (1 and 2) diets had a decrease (P < 0.05) on histological changes in the intestine, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen. Greater villus height (VH) and a higher ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD) were observed in animals of the OAFA2 group compared with the control and E. coli groups. The colistin and OAFA groups decreased (P < 0.05) the number of inflammatory cells in intestinal lamina propria. OAFA2 group increased (P < 0.05) intestinal cell proliferation. Colistin and OAFA2 supplementation induced a decrease (P < 0.05) in the levels of TBARS in both the intestine and liver compared with the E. coli group. In addition, an increase (P < 0.05) in GSH and FRAP ileal levels was observed in the OAFA2 group compared with E. coli group. These results show that the supplementation with OAFA in the diet of weaned piglets, especially at a dose of 2 kg/ton (OAFA2) protected tissues against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) damage.

Lactobacillus spp. reduces morphological changes and oxidative stress induced by deoxynivalenol on the intestine and liver of broilers.

The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) contaminates animal feed worldwide, frequently resulting in poor performance and economic losses. Data concerning the effects on poultry health or focusing on intestinal toxicity or the response to oxidative stress are scarce. Also, there is a need for strategies to mitigate the negative effects of DON. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus spp. treatments on the intestine, liver and kidney of poultry fed a DON-contaminated diet. To achieve this aim, histological, morphometrical and histochemical assays were performed. The oxidative stress response was also analyzed by the tests: reduced glutathione, ferric reducing ability, reducing of 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), nitro blue tetrazolium detection of superoxide anion, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. One-day-old broilers chickens (n 50) were submitted to the following treatments: control, DON (19.3 mg kg-1), viable Lactobacillus spp. + DON (VL + DON), heat-inactivated Lactobacillus spp. + DON (HIL + DON), Lactobacillus spp. culture supernatant + DON (LCS + DON). The animals received the contaminated diet for seven days. DON increased the intestinal and liver lesion score, while the Lactobacillus spp. treatments (LT) remained like the control. DON reduced the villi height and increased the crypt depths. The LT showed crypt depths similar to control, and higher villi: crypt ratio in duodenum and jejunum. In the ileum, the LT reduced the goblet cell count in relation to DON group. DON increased the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in jejunum and ileum, while the VL + DON treatment induced a significant decrease in IEL in comparison to DON. DON-diet induced an oxidative stress response in the intestine and liver, and also reduced the antioxidant capacity in these tissues, while LT treatments remained mostly similar to control. DON induced no change in redox balance in the kidney. The LT improved the intestinal health after DON acute exposure, reducing the oxidative stress damage mainly on jejunum and liver.

Molecular detection of Canine distemper virus and the immunohistochemical characterization of the neurologic lesions in naturally occurring old dog encephalitis.

The current article describes a spontaneous case of old dog encephalitis (ODE) in a 7-year-old, intact, female Miniature Schnauzer dog from Londrina, Paraná, southern Brazil. Unlike conventional distemper encephalomyelitis, ODE is a poorly understood and extremely rare manifestation of Canine distemper virus (CDV) infection. The dog was presented with progressive clinical manifestations consistent with cerebral dysfunction. Briefly, histopathologic lesions were restricted to the forebrain and included chronic multifocal lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis with extensive perivascular cuffing, astrocytosis, and intranuclear inclusions within astrocytes and giant cells, with both intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to identify the antigens of the nucleoprotein (NP) of CDV and to detect cluster of differentiation (CD)3, CD79a, macrophage (MAC) 387, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and vimentin to characterize the neuroparenchymal lesions. By IHC, CDV NP was demonstrated predominantly within neurons and astrocytes. Cells that formed perivascular cuffs and some astrocyte-like cells reacted intensely to vimentin. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay from brain sections further confirmed a role for CDV in this disease by the amplification and partial sequence analysis of the NP gene. These findings confirmed simultaneous detection of CDV in ODE by IHC and molecular assays. In addition, results of the current study could contribute to the neuropathologic characterization of this rare manifestation of CDV.

Phytic Acid Decreases Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Lesions Induced by Fumonisin B1 and Deoxynivalenol in Intestinal Explants of Pigs.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of phytic acid (IP6) on morphological and immunohistochemical parameters and oxidative stress response in intestinal explants of pigs exposed to fumonisin B1 (FB1) and/or deoxynivalenol (DON). The jejunal explants were exposed to the following treatments: vehicle, IP6 5 mM, DON 10 µM, FB1 70 µM, DON 10 µM + FB1 70 µM, DON 10 µM + IP6 5 mM, FB1 70 µM + IP6 5 mM, and DON 10 µM + FB1 70 µM + IP6 5 mM. The decrease in villus height and goblet cell density was more evident in DON and DON + FB1 treatments. In addition, a significant increase in cell apoptosis and cell proliferation and a decrease in E-cadherin expression were observed in the same groups. DON and FB1 exposure increased cyclooxygenase-2 expression and decreased the cellular antioxidant capacity. An increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in DON- and FB1-treated groups. IP6 showed beneficial effects, such as a reduction in intestinal morphological changes, cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and an increase in E-cadherin expression when compared with DON, FB1 alone, or DON and FB1 in association. IP6 inhibited oxidative stress and increased the antioxidant capacity in the explants exposed to mycotoxins.

Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 DNA in Fibropapillomatosis-Affected Chelonia mydas.

Fibropapillomatosis is a panzootic and chronic disease among Chelonia mydas-usually associated with anthropogenic impacts. This study contributes towards understanding fibropapillomatosis implications for C. mydas populations as a reflector of environmental quality, via prevalence and histological, molecular and blood analyses at a World Heritage site in southern Brazil. Sixty-three juvenile C. mydas (31.3-54.5 cm curved carapace length-CCL) were sampled during two years. Eighteen specimens (~ 29%) had tumours (which were biopsied), while 45 had none. Degenerative changes in the epidermis and Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 DNA detection with three variants support a herpesvirus infection. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that variants A and B were similar to a herpesvirus lineage from the Atlantic group, but variant C was similar to a herpesvirus from the eastern Pacific lineage and represents the first published case for marine turtles off Brazil. Significantly lower levels of seven blood parameters, but greater numbers of eosinophils, were observed in tumour-afflicted animals. These observations were attributed to metabolism efficiencies and/or differences in diet associated with temporal-recruitment bias and disease development, and greater non-specific immune stimulation. While most animals had adequate body condition independent of disease, longer-term studies are required to elucidate any protracted population effects.

Identification of Signaling Pathways Targeted by the Food Contaminant FB1: Transcriptome and Kinome Analysis of Samples from Pig Liver and Intestine.

SCOPE: Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species. In mammals, this toxin causes widespread organ-specific damage; it promotes hepatotoxicity, is immunotoxic, alters intestinal functions etc. Despite its inhibitory effect on de novo ceramide synthesis, its molecular mechanism of action and toxicity is not totally elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: To explore the mechanism of FB1 toxicity, we analyzed the transcriptome and the kinome of two organs targeted by FB1: the liver and the jejunum. Pigs were fed for 4 weeks a control diet or a FB1-contaminated diet (10 mg/kg). As expected, FB1-exposed pigs gained less weight and displayed a higher sphinganine/sphingosine ratio. Comparison of the transcriptomes and the kinomes of treated versus control pigs showed striking differences. Among the disrupted pathways in liver and jejunum, we highlight Protein Kinase B (AKT) / Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) at the intersection of the FB1-modulated pathways. CONCLUSION: Most of the effects of FB1 are mediated by the regulation of ceramide level, which influences protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. This pathway might be a new target to counteract toxic effect of Fumonisin B1, which is one of the most spread food contaminant in the world.

Phytic Acid: From Antinutritional to Multiple Protection Factor of Organic Systems.

Several studies have shown the benefits of natural antioxidants on health and food preservation. Phytic acid (IP6) is a natural antioxidant that is found mainly in cereals and vegetables and, for a long period of time, was considered an antinutritional factor. However, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of several pathological conditions and cancer. Despite the numerous benefits of IP6, the signs and intracellular interactions mediated by this antioxidant remain poorly understood. This review describes the main chemical and biological aspects of IP6, as well as its actions in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Assessing Disease and Mortality among Small Cetaceans Stranded at a World Heritage Site in Southern Brazil.

Cetaceans are considered environmental sentinels and their health often reflects either anthropogenic or natural spatio-temporal disturbances. This study investigated the pathological findings and mortality of small cetaceans with the aim of detecting hazards and monitoring health trends in a high-biodiversity area. Between 2007 and 2012, 218 stranded cetaceans were recorded on the Paraná coast, southern Brazil. Fifty-seven (26.1%) of these animals, including 50 Sotalia guianensis, 2 Pontoporia blainvillei, 2 Stenella frontalis, 1 Stenella longirostris, 1 Tursiops truncatus and 1 Globicephala melas were necropsied and samples were collected for histopathology. Causes of death were determined in 46 of the 57 (80.7%) animals and most (30 or 65.2%) were ascribed to anthropogenic activities, including fisheries bycatch (28/30) and trauma (2/30). The remaining 16 fatalities were considered natural, and attributed to pneumonia (10/16), emaciation (3/16), septicemia (1/16), neonatal pathology (1/16) and choking via food obstruction (1/16). Irrespective of the cause, bronchointerstitial pneumonia, associated with parasitism, lymphadenitis and membranous glomerulonephritis were common findings among all fatalities. These results suggest, that while anthropogenic activities are a leading cause of cetacean strandings in Paraná, underlying pre-existing diseases may contribute towards deaths. Although the studied area is considered a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, complex anthropogenic and natural interactions might be occurring, increasing cetacean susceptibility to hazards. This study may help facilitate developing an effective conservation plan for coastal cetaceans focusing on reducing fisheries interactions, habitat degradation and pollution as mechanisms for ultimately increasing species resilience.