Maternal supplementation of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite improves uteroplacental blood flow, placental growth and antioxidant capacity in goats.

This experiment was designed to investigate the impact of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite (CONC) supplementation on uteroplacental hemodynamics and ultrasonographic measurements as well as maternal oxidative status in midgestating goats. Twelve synchronized pregnant goats (85.58 ± 1.08 days of gestation; mean ± SD) were uniformly assigned to two groups (n = 6/group); the first group received daily oral supplementation of CONC (3 mg/kg body weight; nanocurcumin [NC] group) for 32 days, and the second group was offered physiological saline (control) following the NC group timeline. The goats of both groups were examined at 3-day intervals for middle uterine (MUA) and umbilical (UMA) arteries hemodynamics (pulsatility index [PI], resistive index [RI], systole/diastole [S/D] and blood flow rate [BFR]) and diameters, uteroplacental thickness (UPT), placentomes' diameter (PD) and echogenicity, steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol 17ß), oxidative biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA]), nitric oxide (NO) and blood cells DNA integrity. The UPT (p = 0.012) and PD (p = 0.021) values were higher in the NC group than in their counterparts' control group (D11-32). There were increases in diameter (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012) and decreases (p = 0.021, p = 0.016 and p = 0.041 [MUA]; p = 0.015, p = 0.023 and p = 0.011 [UMA] respectively) in Doppler indices (PI, RI and S/D) of the MUA and UMA in the NC group compared to the control group (D14-32). On D20-32 (MUA) and D14-32 (UMA), the NC goats had higher BFR than the control group (p = 0.021, 0.018 respectively). The means of blood cells with fragmented DNA were lower (p = 0.022) in the NC group than in the control group on Days 8 and 21 postsupplementation. There were increases in CAT and NO (D20-32; p = 0.022 and p = 0.004 respectively), and TAC (D17-32; p = 0.007) levels in the NC goats compared to the control ones. The NC group had lower (p = 0.029) concentrations of MDA than the control group on Day 20 postsupplementation onward. In conclusion, oral supplementation of CONC improved uteroplacental blood flow and the antioxidant capacity of midgestating goats.

Continuous clinicopathological and molecular recognition of very virulent infectious bursal disease virus in commercial broiler chickens.

Gumboro virus is one of the most dangerous immunosuppressant viruses that infect chickens and causes massive financial losses worldwide. The current study aims to conduct a molecular characterization of chicken farms for the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Based on postmortem (PM) lesions, 125 bursal samples from 25 farms were collected from clinically diseased commercial chicken farms with increased mortality and suspected Gumboro virus infection. Pooled bursal samples from suspected IBD-vaccinated flocks were tested for IBDV by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Fifteen out of 25 pooled specimens were found positive for IBDV, with a 60% detection rate, and confirmed positive for very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) by sequence analysis. Nucleotide phylogenetic analysis of VP1 and VP2 genes was employed to compare the 5 chosen isolates with strains representing different governorates in Egypt during 2022. All strains were clustered with vvIBDV with no evidence of reassortment in the VP1 gene. The VP1 and VP2 genes are divided into groups (I, II). The strains in our study were related to group II, and it acquired a new mutation in the VP2 gene that clustered it into new subgroup B. By mutation analysis, the VP2 gene of all strains had a characteristic mutation to vvIBDV. It acquired new mutations in HVRs compared with HK46 in Y220F, A222T/V in all strains in our study, and Q221K that was found in IBD-EGY-AH5 and AH2 in the loop PBC in addition to G254S in all strains in our study and Q249k that found in IBD-EGY-AH1 and AH3 in the loop PDE. These mutations are important in the virulency and antigenicity of the virus. The VP1 had 242E, 390M, and 393D which were characteristic of vvIBDV and KpnI restriction enzyme (777GGTAC/C782) in addition to a new mutation (F243Y and N383H) in IBD-EGY-AH1 and AH4 strains. According to the current study, the strains were distinct from the vaccinal strain; they could be responsible for the most recent IBDV outbreaks observed in flocks instead of received vaccinations. The current study highlighted the importance of molecular monitoring to keep up to date on the circulating IBDV for regular evaluation of commercial vaccination programs against circulating field viruses.

Assessment of the Anti-Breast Cancer Effects of Urolithin with Molecular Docking Studies in the In Vitro Condition: Introducing a Novel Chemotherapeutic Drug.

A lot of research has been done on using natural items as diabetes treatment. The molecular docking study was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory activities of urolithin A against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and aldose reductase. The molecular docking calculations indicated the probable interactions and the characteristics of these contacts at an atomic level. The results of the docking calculations showed the docking score of urolithin A against α-amylase was -5.169 kcal/mol. This value for α-glucosidase and aldose reductase was -3.657 kcal/mol and -7.635 kcal/mol, respectively. In general, the outcomes of the docking calculations revealed that urolithin A can construct several hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts with the assessed enzymes and reduces their activities considerably. The properties of urolithin against common human breast cancer cell lines, i.e., SkBr3, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, Hs578T, Evsa-T, BT-549, AU565 and 600MPE were evaluated. The IC50 of the urolithin was 400, 443, 392, 418, 397, 530, 566 and 551 against SkBr3, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, Hs578T, Evsa-T, BT-549, AU565 and 600MPE, respectively. After doing the clinical trial studies, the recent molecule may be used as an anti-breast cancer supplement in humans. IC50 values of urolithin A on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and aldose reductase enzymes were obtained at 16.14, 1.06 and 98.73 µM, respectively.

Effect of pre-treatment of melatonin on superovulation response, circulatory hormones, and miRNAs in goats during environmental heat stress conditions.

Environmental heat stress has a deleterious impact on farm animal reproductive performance. The purpose of this study was to see how the addition of melatonin affected the efficacy of the superovulation regimen in goats in hot climatic conditions. Sixteen Shiba goats were synchronized and divided into two equal groups (n = 8, each): the melatonin group, which received a single S/C dose of melatonin, and a control group, treated with one ml of corn oil only. Ultrasonographic assessment of ovarian structures (Graafian follicles; GFs and corpus lutea; CLs) morphometry and hemodynamics were performed during the estrous phase of the superovulation (D0) and at day7 after ovulation (D7) of the superovulation regimen. The peripheral reproductive hormones were measured, and microRNAs were characterized. The mean diameter and the total-colored area of GFs during the D0 were significantly (P˂0.05) higher in the melatonin group (5.42 ± 0.11 mm and 1592.20 ± 45.26 pixels, respectively) compared to the control group (4.62 ± 0.12 mm and 1052.55 ± 29.47 pixels, respectively). Concentrations of LH and E2 increased significantly (P˂0.05) in the melatonin group (1.06 ± 0.06 ng/ml and 46.34 ± 2.77 pg/ml, respectively) compared to the control group (0.75 ± 0.12 ng/ml and 29.33 ± 1.89 pg/ml, respectively). At D7, the melatonin-received goats attained greater values in the mean count (6.75 ± 0.33, P˂0.005), diameters (6.08 ± 0.12 mm, P˂0.01), and total-colored area (17137.30 ± 128.53 pixels, P˂0.01) of detected CLs and progesterone concentrations (4.08 ± 0.24 ng/ml) compared to control goats (4.00 ± 0.28, 4.50 ± 0.19 mm, 11156.87 ± 117.90 pixels, and 2.90 ± 0.18 ng/ml respectively). MiRNA expression analysis was identified during both stages denoting several up and downregulated miRNA candidates among the studied groups. In conclusion, incorporating melatonin enhanced the efficiency of the superovulation regimen in goats under hot climatic conditions.

Therapeutic properties, biological effects, antiliver cancer, and anticolon cancer effects of some natural compounds: A biochemical approach.

Natural compounds, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, or terpenoids, are physiologically active components found in plants (pigments), often known as phytochemicals or phytonutrients. The in vitro cytotoxic and anticolon cancer effects of biologically bavachin, bavachinin, artepillin C, and aromadendrin compounds against SW48, SNU-C1, COLO 205, RKO, LS411N, and SW1417 cancer cell lines were assessed. Results of enzymes and antibacterial, antifungal were in level of micromolar that is good impacts. These natural compounds may be antidiabetic, anticancer, and antibacterial candidates for drug design. IC50 results were obtained between 14-19 and 5-119 µM for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Good inhibitor Bavachinin was detected for both enzymes (IC50 for α-amylase: 14.37 µM and IC50 for α-glucosidase: 5.27 µM). The chemical activities of aromadendrin, artepillin C, bavachin, and bavachinin against pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase were assessed by conducting the molecular docking study. The chemical activities of aromadendrin, artepillin C, bavachin, and bavachinin against some of the expressed surface receptor proteins (CD44, CD47, CXCR4, EGFR, folate receptor, HER2, and endothelin receptor) in the mentioned cell lines were investigated using the molecular docking calculations. The results illustrated the atomic-level properties and potential interactions. These chemicals have high binding affinities to the enzymes and proteins, according to the docking scores. In addition, the compounds formed strong contacts with the enzymes and receptors. Thus, these compounds could be potential inhibitors for enzymes and cancer cells.

The Characterization and Study of Antibacterial, Free Radical Scavenging, and Anticancer Potential of Livistona chinensis-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles.

In the present research, Livistona chinensis leaf extracts were utilized as reductants to bio-fabricate silver nanoparticles (LC-AgNPs) and this was followed by the evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer potential. Multiple parameters were optimized for the formation and fidelity of LC-AgNPs. The color shift of the reaction mixture from yellow to dark brown confirmed the LC-AgNPs formation. UV/VIS spectroscopy exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 436 nm. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectrum depicted phytochemicals in the plant extract acting as bio-reducers for LC-AgNPs synthesis. The XRD pattern confirmed the presence of LC-AgNPs by showing peaks corresponding to 2θ angle at 8.24° (111), 38.16° (200), 44.20° (220), and 64.72° (311). Zetasizer analysis exhibited size distribution by intensity of LC-AgNPs with a mean value of 255.7 d. nm. Moreover, the zeta potential indicated that the AgNPs synthesized were stable. The irregular shape of LC-AgNPs with a mean average of 38.46 ± 0.26 nm was found by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of LC-AgNPs was examined using a DPPH assay and was calculated to be higher in LC-AgNPs than in leaf extracts. The calculated IC50 values of the LC-AgNPs and plant extract are 85.01 ± 0.17 and 209.44 ± 0.24, respectively. The antibacterial activity of LC-AgNPs was investigated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis as well as Staphylococcus aureus, and maximum potential was observed after 24 h against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, LC-AgNPs exhibited maximum anticancer potential against TPC1 cell lines compared to the plant extract. The findings suggested that LC-AgNPs could be used as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer agents for the cure of free-radical-oriented bacterial and oncogenic diseases.

Unleashing the Potential of Benincasa hispida Peel Extract: Synthesizing Selenium Nanoparticles with Remarkable Antibacterial and Anticancer Properties.

In this study, we successfully synthesized selenium nanoparticles (P-SeNPs) using an environment-friendly approach. This method involves utilizing the aqueous peel extract of Benincasa hispida (ash gourd) in combination with selenium salt. Through our innovative procedure, we harnessed the impressive bio-reduction capabilities, therapeutic potential, and stabilizing attributes inherent in B. hispida. This results in the formation of P-SeNPs with distinct and noteworthy qualities. Our findings were thoroughly substantiated through comprehensive characterizations employing various techniques, including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape, considerable size (22.32 ± 2 nm), uniform distribution, and remarkable stability (-24 mV), all of which signify the effective integration of the phytoconstituents of B. hispida. Furthermore, P-SeNPs displayed robust antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacterial strains, as indicated by their low minimum inhibitory concentration values. Our research also revealed the remarkable ability of P-SeNPs to fight cancer, as demonstrated by their impressive IC50 value of 0.19 µg/mL against HeLa cells, while showing no harm to primary human osteoblasts, while simultaneously demonstrating no toxicity toward primary human osteoblasts. These pivotal findings underscore the transformative nature of P-SeNPs, which holds promise for targeted antibacterial treatment and advancements in cancer therapeutics. The implications of these nanoparticles extend to their potential applications in therapies, diagnostics, and various biomedical contexts. Notably, the environmentally sustainable synthesis process and exceptional properties established this study as a significant milestone in the field of nanomedicine, paving the way for a more promising and health-enhancing future.

Current situation and genomic characterization of fowlpox virus in lower Egypt during 2022.

A total of 45 samples of vaccinated and non-vaccinated layer chickens were collected from farms in the Egyptian governorates of Sharqia, Ismailia, Menofia, Gharbia, Kafr El Sheikh, Qalyubia, and Dakahlia in the year 2022. They exhibited nodular lesions on their combs, mouth corners, and eyelids, suggesting they were infected with pox disease, which was associated with a 3 to 5% mortality rate. The samples were grown on the chorioallantoic-membrane of embryonated chicken eggs to ensure their viability. In both vaccinated and non-vaccinated farms, 35 of 45 virus isolates were confirmed positive via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of fpv167 (P4b), based on the amplicon length of the fpv167 gene locus. The 6 strains from various Egyptian governorates were chosen for sequencing and genetic characterization. Phylogenetic investigation of the fpv167 (P4b) gene of sequenced strains clustered within sub clade A1 showed 100% correlation between FWPVD, TKPV13401 and fowlpox-AN2, fowlpox-AN3, and fowlpox-AN6, but only a 98.6% correlation between fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5. Comparing the fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5 strains with commercial vaccine strains (HP1-444-(FP9), vaccine-VSVRI), they had 98.6% identity, while other strains had 100% identity. The results of this study's mutation research showed that fowlpox-AN1, fowlpox-AN4, and fowlpox-AN5 had acquired novel mutations; fowlpox-AN1 had R201G and T204A; fowlpox-AN4 and fowlpox-AN5 had L141F and H157P. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of the current vaccine in order to develop a new vaccine.

Corrigendum: Effect of Allium sativum and Nigella sativa on alleviating aluminum toxicity state in the albino rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1042640.].

Esculentoside A Inhibits Proliferation, Colony Formation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Esculentosides include a group of plant-derived compounds with tremendous pharmacological potential. The antiproliferative effects of esculentoside A against different colorectal cancer cells were evaluated. We found that the proliferation of all the colorectal cancer cells was halted by esculentoside A. The IC50 of esculentoside A ranged from 16 to 24 µM against different colorectal cancer cells. Investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that esculentoside A caused an increase in the colorectal cancer cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle, indicative of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The percentage of G1 cells increased from 22.68% in control to 54.23% at 16 µM esculentoside A. We also found that the colony formation of HT-29 cells was inhibited by 59% at 24 µM esculentoside A. Finally, effects of esculentoside A on the motility of HT-29 colorectal cancer cells were investigated, and it was found that esculentoside A caused a significant decline in HT-29 colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion. The migration and invasion of esculentoside A-treated HT-29 cells were 45% and 51% higher, respectively, than those of untreated cells. Summing up, these results suggest that esculentoside A exhibits antiproliferative effects against human colorectal cancer cells.

Effect of Allium sativum and Nigella sativa on alleviating aluminum toxicity state in the albino rats.

The study objective was to evaluate Allium sativum's potential and Nigella Sativa's combination's potential to reduce aluminum toxicity and return to the normal state. In the present study, a hundred albino rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. The first group was used as a control group; the other four groups were exposed to aluminum 1,600 ppm. The second exposed to aluminum only; the third and fourth groups were treated with Allium sativum 5% and Nigella sativa 5%, respectively, while the fifth group was treated with a mix of Allium sativum 2.5% and Nigella sativa 2.5% for 8th weeks. After 8 weeks, the aluminum administration was stopped, and the second group was divided into three groups. The groups were treated with Allium sativum 5% and Nigella sativa 5%, and a mix of Allium sativum 2.5% and Nigella sativa 2.5%, respectively. The first group was the control group (continued from the first experiment). Garlic and Nigella sativa were crushed and added to feed while receiving aluminum chloride daily at a dose of 1.6 ml/l was added to the drinking water. Histopathological changes in the liver, kidney, and testes were investigated after 8 and 16 weeks, and blood samples were collected after 4, 8, and 16 weeks for biochemical blood parameters. The results showed that the histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, and testes showed signs of congestion in blood vessels after aluminum exposure. Meanwhile, the treatment with Allium sativum or Nigella sativum or the mixture between them had positive effects on evading the harmful effects of aluminum in the liver, Kidney, and testes tissues. In addition, there were protective effects for Allium sativum and Nigella sativa against aluminum on serum creatinine, urea, ALT, and AST concentrations. The present study concluded that supplementation with Allium sativum or Nigella sativa or their combination could reduce aluminum toxicity and return the liver, kidney, and testes to normal.

Therapeutic Importance of Kaempferol in the Treatment of Cancer through the Modulation of Cell Signalling Pathways.

Plant-derived flavonoids are considered natural nontoxic chemo-preventers and have been widely studied for cancer treatment in recent decades. Mostly all flavonoid compounds show significant anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Kaempferol (Kmp) is a well-studied compound and exhibits remarkable anticancer and antioxidant potential. Kmp can regulate various cancer-related processes and activities such as cell cycle, oxidative stress, apoptosis, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. The anti-cancer properties of Kmp primarily occur via modulation of apoptosis, MAPK/ERK1/2, P13K/Akt/mTOR, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathways. The anti-cancer property of Kmp has been recognized in several in-vivo and in-vitro studies which also includes numerous cell lines and animal models. This flavonoid possesses toxic activities against only cancer cells and have restricted toxicity on healthy cells. In this review, we present extensive research investigations about the therapeutic potential of Kmp in the management of different types of cancers. The anti-cancer properties of Kmp are discussed by concentration on its capability to target molecular-signalling pathway such as VEGF, STAT, p53, NF-κB and PI3K-AKT signalling pathways. The anti-cancer property of Kmf has gained a lot of attention, but the accurate action mechanism remains unclear. However, this natural compound has a great pharmacological capability and is now considered to be an alternative cancer treatment.

Manufactured Nano-Objects Confer Viral Protection against Cucurbit Chlorotic Yellows Virus (CCYV) Infecting Nicotiana benthamiana.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a new tool to combat phytopathogens in agricultural crops. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) mainly infects Solanaceae crops and causes significant crop losses. Nanomaterials (NMs) may have efficacy against plant viruses, but the mechanisms underlying complex nanomaterials-plant-virus interactions remain elusive. We challenged Nicotiana benthamiana plants with GFP-tagged CCYV and observed morphological, physiological, and molecular changes in response to 21-d foliar exposure to nanoscale Fe and Zn and C60 fullerenes at 100 mg/L concentration for 21 days. We observed that in response to C60 (100 mg/L) treatment, plants displayed a normal phenotype while the viral infection was not seen until 5 days post-inoculation. On the contrary, Fe and Zn were unable to suppress viral progression. The mRNA transcriptional analysis for GFP and viral coat protein revealed that the transcripts of both genes were 5-fold reduced in response to C60 treatment. Evaluation of the chloroplast ultrastructure showed that NMs treatment maintained the normal chloroplast structure in the plants as compared to untreated plants. C60 upregulated the defense-related phytohormones (abscisic acid and salicylic acid) by 42-43%. Our results demonstrate the protective function of carbon-based NMs, with suppression of CCYV symptoms via inhibition of viral replication and systemic movement.

Unravelling the role of telomere shortening with ageing and their potential association with diabetes, cancer, and related lifestyle factors.

Telomeres are often considered as the 'ageing clock' that determines the lifespan at the cellular level, forming the ends of a chromosome, which shorten each time the cell divides itself to the point where they become so short the cell is unable to divide itself further. Telomere length alteration is often linked with lifestyle factors such as age, obesity, exposure to pesticides and pollution, depression, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and stress. The current review discusses the mechanism of telomere shortening in relation to ageing and lifestyle factors in general and its association with chronic diseases like diabetes which may influence the health and lifespan of an individual by increasing telomere shortening. Accelerated or excessive telomere shortening is also associated with the early onset of age-related disorders globally and, hence, reduced lifespan of individuals. Upregulated Telomerase activity and reactivation of telomeres is observed in > 70 % of cancer patients by TERT point mutations, rearrangements, DNA amplifications, and transcript fusions, making it a useful marker in diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers. The study presents a systematic review of the unregulated Telomere activity with progression of various cancer and extrapolation of suitable pathways and prognostic information correlated with mRNA levels of TERT, which are critical among thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). In most cancers, unlimited proliferation is due to the reactivation of reverse transcriptase gene TERT. All these observations are comprehensively presented in the paper and might be useful for researchers working in the field of telomere dynamics and finding the correlation of age shortening with mRNA expression profiling.

Green synthesis of Ag/Fe3O4 nanoparticles using Mentha longifolia flower extract: evaluation of its antioxidant and anti-lung cancer effects.

Herein, a bio-inspired synthetic method for Ag NP adorned biofunctionalized magnetic nanocomposite has been demonstrated. In the procedure, Mentha longifolia flower extract was employed as a template for the green reduction of immobilized Ag ions to corresponding NPs and subsequent stabilization. The phytochemical modification also facilitated the Fe3O4 NPs to protect from self-aggregation. The as-synthesized Ag/Fe3O4 nanocomposite material was characterized by SEM, TEM, EDX, elemental mapping, VSM, XRD and ICP-OES methods. Towards the biological application, the material was first explored in the anti-oxidant study following DPPH assay and it exhibited a significant radical scavenging capacity. The application of Ag/Fe3O4 nanocomposite was further progressed in the anticancer study against standard human lung cancer cell lines (A549 and H358). Cytotoxicity of the material against the cell lines were determined in terms of % cell viability following MTT method and was found to decrease with increase in the material load.

Use of radiographic and histologic scores to evaluate cats with idiopathic megacolon grouped based on the duration of their clinical signs.

Since the duration of clinical signs could be used to identify cases of chronic constipation, in addition, prolonged duration is often associated with irreversible changes. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine whether the duration of clinical signs of idiopathic megacolon in cats affected their diagnosis and prognosis after treatment. Medical records of cats that either had confirmed megacolon for an unknown cause (cat patients) or with normal bowels (control cats) were reviewed. Cat patients were grouped based on the duration of their clinical signs (constipation/obstipation) to cats <6 months and ≥6 months. For all feline patients, abdominal radiographs (for colonic indexes) and resected colon specimens (for histology) were assessed vs. control cats. Treatment applied to cat patients was also evaluated. Cat patients were older (p = 0.0138) and had a higher maximum colon diameter (MCD; mean 41.25 vs. 21.67 mm, p < 0.0001) and MCD/L5L ratio (1.77 vs. 0.98, p < 0.0001) than controls. Compared to cats with <6 months, cats ≥6 months showed a higher MCD (43.78 vs. 37.12 mm, p < 0.0001) and MCD/L5L ratio (1.98 vs. 1.67, p < 0.0001). Histologically, increased thickness of the smooth muscularis mucosa (54.1 vs. 22.33 µm, p < 0.05), and inner circular (743.65 vs. 482.67 µm, p < 0.05) and outer longitudinal (570.68 vs. 330.33 µm, p < 0.05) smooth muscular layers of the muscularis externa was noted only in cat patients with ≥6 months compared to controls. Similarly, fewer ganglion cells (0.93 vs. 2.87, p < 0.005) and more necrotized myocytes (2.25 vs. 0.07, p < 0.005) were observed in cats with ≥6 months. In contrast to <6 months, the majority of cats (94.4%) with ≥6 months duration did not show any response to medical treatment and therefore underwent surgery with favorable results. In conclusion, this study suggests that the duration of clinical signs should be considered in conjunction with maximal colon scores to evaluate cats for idiopathic megacolon and determine the level of treatment. Functional abnormalities of the colonic smooth muscles may be a possible cause of idiopathic megacolon in cats.