Enhanced karyopherin-α2 expression is associated with carcinogenesis in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) can become malignant. Karyopherin-α2 (KPNA2) plays a central role in nucleocytoplasmic transport and is associated with various types of cancer. The current study examined pancreatic KPNA2 expression in cancer patients and evaluated its association with clinicopathological factors, cancer cell proliferation. METHODS: KPNA2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in 40 surgically resected IPMN samples and its association with clinicopathological factors and Ki-67 expression were examined. RESULTS: Eighteen IPMN samples (45% of patients) showed positive KPNA2 expression. KPNA2 expression levels in IPMN tissue with invasive carcinoma were significantly higher than those in adjacent normal tissues and in IPMN tissue with low-to high-grade dysplasia. KPNA2 expression correlated with pathological malignancy and Ki-67 labeling index and KPNA2 and Ki-67 expression was co-localized in nuclei. E2F were co-localized with KPNA2 in the IPMN tissues with high expression of KPNA2. KPNA2 expression was enhanced in the invasion front and in proliferating Ki-67-positive cells. In addition, KPNA2 expression in IPMN tissues was associated with older age, dilation of main pancreatic duct diameter, the presence of nodules, and histological type. CONCLUSION: KPNA2 expression is associated with carcinogenesis of IPMN through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Establishment of a novel method to evaluate peritoneal microdissemination and therapeutic effect using luciferase assay.

Peritoneal dissemination is a major cause of recurrence in patients with malignant tumors in the peritoneal cavity. Effective anticancer agents and treatment protocols are necessary to improve outcomes in these patients. However, previous studies using mouse models of peritoneal dissemination have not detected any drug effect against peritoneal micrometastasis. Here we used the luciferase assay to evaluate peritoneal micrometastasis in living animals and established an accurate mouse model of early peritoneal microdissemination to evaluate tumorigenesis and drug efficacy. There was a positive correlation between luminescence intensity in in vivo luciferase assay and the extent of tumor dissemination evaluated by ex vivo luciferase assay and mesenteric weight. This model has advantages over previous models because optimal luciferin concentration without cell damage was validated and peritoneal microdissemination could be quantitatively evaluated. Therefore, it is a useful model to validate peritoneal micrometastasis formation and to evaluate drug efficacy without killing mice.

Control of primary lesions using resection or radiotherapy can improve the prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Control of the primary lesions in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is still controversial. For rectal cancer patients, not only resection but also irradiation is expected to provide palliative effects. We investigated the effects of resection and irradiation of primary lesions (local control) on the prognosis of mCRC patients. PATIENTS: Forty-seven patients with mCRC at our institute were examined, with 34 in the local controlled group and 13 in the uncontrolled group. RESULTS: The median survival time (MST) of the local controlled and uncontrolled groups were 2.90 and 1.39 years (P = 0.028). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that local control was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.05). The patients who underwent primary lesion resection had significantly longer MST (2.90 vs. 1.39 years, P = 0.032) than those in the uncontrolled group. In rectal cancer patients, the patients who underwent irradiation to control the primary lesions had a significantly longer MST than the uncontrolled patient group (1.97 vs. 1.39 years, P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Local control of primary lesions may improve the prognosis in mCRC patients. In rectal cancer patients with metastasis, not only resection but also irradiation of the primary lesions may be a useful therapeutic strategy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:75-79. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KPNA2 over-expression is a potential marker of prognosis and therapeutic sensitivity in colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Karyopherin α 2 (KPNA2) is a member of the Karyopherin α family and has recently been reported to play an important role in tumor progression. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the clinicopathological significance of KPNA2 over-expression in colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: KPNA2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 122 surgically resected CRC and 13 biopsy specimens obtained at colonoscopy during screening for preoperative hyperthermochemoradiation therapy (HCRT). The association between KPNA2 expression and clinicopathological features and preoperative HCRT efficacy were examined. RESULTS: The high and low KNPA2 expression groups were comprised of 91 (74.6%) and 31 CRC patients, respectively. A significant association was observed between high expression and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.0245). KPNA2 high expression group had decreased overall survival (P = 0.00374). Multivariate analysis demonstrated high KPNA2 expression was independently associated with poor prognosis. Histological examinations revealed 11 (84.6%) and 2 (15.4%) of cases were KPNA2 positive and negative, respectively. Pathological complete response (pCR) was observed in 9.1% of KPNA2-positive cases and 100% of KPNA2-negative cases. CONCLUSION: High KPNA2 expression was found to be associated with poor prognosis and resistance to HCRT.

Addition of Bevacizumab to First-Line Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: All unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer patients who began receiving bevacizumab at participating facilities from 2006 to 2011 were retrospectively analyze to determine the safety and efficacy. The primary end points were Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS). The secondary end points were adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study. The primary tumor site was the colon in 53 patients and the rectum in 48 patients. The most common metastatic sites were the liver (63.4%), lung (31%), and peritoneum (10%). In first-line therapy, 76 (75.2%) patients received the FOLFOX regimen. Among these patients, 33 (43.4%) patients received FOLFOX alone, and 43 (56.6%) received FOLFOX plus bevacizumab. The addition of bevacizumab to first-line chemotherapy was associated with increases in median PFS (12.5 vs. 6.0 months; P = .00001) and median OS (24.0 vs. 16.0 months; P = 0.0221). The risks of adverse events were not significantly increased with the addition of bevacizumab. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of bevacizumab to first-line therapy in CRC patients provided clinically significant patient benefit, including statistically significant improvement in OS and a favorable tolerability profile.

16S rRNA nanopore sequencing for rapid diagnosis of causative bacteria in bovine mastitis.

The rapid identification of specific bacterial pathogens in bovine mastitis is crucial for appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons is a proven, useful strategy for diagnosing bacterial infections. In this study, the use of 16S rRNA analysis with nanopore sequencer for the rapid identification of causative bacteria in bovine mastitis, was evaluated. DNA was extracted from 122 milk samples from cattle with suspected mastitis based on clinical symptoms. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was conducted using a nanopore sequencer. The efficacy of bacterial identification was verified by comparison with conventional culture methods. Nanopore sequencing identified the causative bacteria with high accuracy within approximately 6 h from the time of sample collection. When the major causative bacteria of bovine mastitis (Escherichia coli, Streptcoccus uberis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus) were detected by nanopore sequencing, 98.3% of the results were consistent with identification through conventional culturing methods. 16S rRNA gene analysis using a nanopore sequencer enabled the rapid and accurate identification of bacterial species in bovine mastitis.

Antibody response to 1.0 and 0.5 mL doses of an inactivated bacterial vaccine against bovine respiratory disease in young Holstein calves: a field trial.

Introduction: Early vaccination of cattle with an inactivated commercial bacterial vaccine against bovine respiratory disease has been reported to increase antibody production and can alleviate the disease. However, its dosage has been little investigated in young Holstein calves. This study addresses the need to establish guide values for vaccine dosage in these animals. Material and Methods: Healthy calves received an inactivated vaccine for Histophilus somni, Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica intramuscularly at the ages of 1 and 4 weeks. Administered vaccine doses were 1.0 mL for the primary and booster vaccinations (1.0 + 1.0 group), 0.5 mL for the primary and 1.0 mL for the booster vaccination (0.5 + 1.0 group), or 0.5 mL for both vaccinations (0.5 + 0.5 group). Results: Differences in the vaccine responses between the 1.0 + 1.0 group and 0.5 + 1.0 group were minor. However, the number of calves with a positive vaccine response to H. somni in the 0.5 + 0.5 group was less than half of that in the 1.0 + 1.0 and 0.5 + 1.0 groups. In logistic regression analysis, although the booster vaccination dose was positively correlated with seropositivity for H. somni, the primary vaccination dose was not correlated with vaccine response. The number of calves with positive vaccine responses to M. haemolytica was low even after booster vaccination regardless of the dose. Conclusion: The dose of 0.5 mL can be used for primary vaccinations in newborn Holstein calves, but 1.0 mL may be required for booster vaccinations.

Keratin 17 expression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Keratin 17 (K17) is regarded as a basal/myoepithelial cell keratin and is known to be inducible in activated keratinocytes. The high frequency of K17 expression in pancreaticobiliary nonmucinous adenocarcinoma or basal-like breast carcinoma has previously been described. However, its expression in gastric cancer (GC) is controversial. METHODS: We investigated the clinicopathological features and prognostic significance of 192 patients with GC by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays. Analysis of epithelial markers including K17, K14, and K5/6, cell cycle-associated proteins p53, Ki-67, and 14-3-3 sigma, and mucinous phenotype markers including CD10, CDX2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 was performed. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic expression of K17 was observed in 95 (49.5%) of 192 patients with GC. K17 expression positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003) and advanced stages of the disease (P = 0.014). K17 expression was significantly correlated with 14-3-3 sigma expression (P < 0.001) and CD10 expression (P = 0.015). The overall survival rates of patients with K17-positive GC were significantly lower than those with negative K17 expression (50.5 vs. 71.1%, P = 0.004). Univariate analysis revealed that K17 expression confers a poor prognosis in patients with GC (P = 0.004), and it was also an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: K17 expression is correlated with tumor progression in GC and may serve as a biomarker for poor prognosis.

Extranodal metastasis predicts poor survival in advanced colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prognostic significance of extranodal metastasis (ENM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is disregarded by the TNM classification system. The influence of ENM on survival among locally advanced CRC patients was examined. METHODOLOGY: We reviewed retrospectively the clinical course of 263 patients who underwent surgical resection of locally advanced CRC at our Department between 2005 and 2009. We analyzed the prognostic factors with special reference to the clinicopathological factors of primary tumors. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cases of ENM were detected among patients with CRC. Compared with ENM negative cancers, ENM-positive cancers were associated with poorer tumor differentiation grade (p=0.026) and higher prevalence of TNM-stage (p<0.0001), T-status (p=0.024), N-status (p<0.0001) and postoperative recurrence (p<0.0001). In univariate analysis, TNM-stage (p<0.0035), T-status (p=0.002), N-status (p<0.0024) and positive ENM (p<0.0001) were significant predictors of poor survival. Multivariate analyses showed a positive ENM to be a highly significant independent predictor of mortality (HR=1.98, 95% CI=1.23- 3.23, p=0.0053). Survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that patients with ENM-positive cancers had significantly poorer survival than patients with ENM-negative cancers. Patients with ENM-negative cancers did not show significantly different survival from patients with node-negative cancers (p=0.272, data not shown). CONCLUSIONS: ENM appears to be a strong independent negative prognostic factor of poor survival in locally advanced CRC.

Feasibility of solo laparoscopic colorectal resection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To demonstrate the feasibility of solo laparoscopic colorectal resection (SLCR) is performed by the laparoscopist only. This study is an evaluation of the feasibility of SLCR for patients with colorectal cancer. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-one consecutive patients received SLCR from 2008 to 2009. The procedure was performed with four trocars and one laparoscopist. The short-term outcomes and complications were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 67 years (range 42-81). The median operating time for SLCR was 168 minutes (range 90-268). For one patient (1.96%) conversion to open surgery was required. Anastomotic leakage developed in 1 (1.96%) patient and ileus developed in 2 (3.9%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 (range 6-60) days without in-hospital deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, SLCR for patients with colorectal cancer is feasible and compares favorably with the standard technique. The diminished need for human operative assistance provides significant economic and organizational benefits.

The efficacy of fondaparinux for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism after resection for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The advantages of combined pharmacological and physical methods for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after colorectal surgery have not been clearly determined. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux combined with intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) with IPC alone for VTE prophylaxis after resection for colorectal cancer. METHODOLOGY: Between June 2008 and March 2010, 137 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who underwent colorectal resection in our surgical unit were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The IPC group was treated with IPC alone as controls. The fondaparinux group was treated with IPC and received subcutaneous injections of fondaparinux once daily. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux combined with IPC with IPC alone for VTE prophylaxis. RESULTS: The demographic variables and risk factors, operating time, blood loss and length of the postoperative hospital stay were similar in the two groups. No clinically evident VTE, critical bleeding, and postoperative death occurred during the study period. No adverse reactions due to fondaparinux were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing resection of colorectal cancer, receiving fondaparinux and IPC thromboprophylaxis was highly effective, well tolerated and safe. The use of combined modalities for VTE prophylaxis is justified in patients at high risk of VTE.

Field Trial of Antibody Response To Inactivated Bacterial Vaccine in Young Holstein Calves: Influence of Animal Health Status.

Introduction: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the primary causes of death in young calves. Vaccination against infection by the common bacteria causing BRD is possible; however, the physical condition of the young calves that enables antibody production when stimulated by early immunisation remains to be elucidated. Material and Methods: Healthy young female Holstein calves on a commercial dairy farm were fed a colostrum replacer and administered primary and booster immunisations with an inactivated vaccine against the bacterial pneumonia agents Histophilus somni, Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica. At each immunisation, the body weight and height at the withers were measured and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Blood was sampled immediately before immunisation and 3 weeks following the booster. The calves were divided into positive and negative groups based on the antibody titre at the final blood sampling. Maternal antibody titres at the primary immunisation and BMI, nutritional status and oxidative stress at both immunisations were compared between the two groups. Results: Antibody titre at the primary and BMI at both immunisations were significantly higher in the positive than in the negative group (P < 0.05). Additionally, serum gamma globulin was significantly higher in the positive group (P < 0.05), indicating a strong correlation between maternal antibody and serum gamma globulin levels. Conclusion: Elevated maternal antibody titre and higher BMI are positive factors for successful early immunisation, for which suitable colostrum may also be fundamental in young calves administered inactivated vaccines.

Effects of intra-articular inoculation with Mycoplasma bovis on immunological responses in calf joints.

Mycoplasma arthritis that caused by Mycoplasma bovis exhibit severe lameness. This disease is difficult to cure with antibiotics, but the detailed pathological mechanisms have not been fully clarified. In this study, we examined the effects of intra-articular inoculation with M. bovis on immunological responses in calf joints. We inoculated three calves each with M. bovis or phosphate buffer saline (control) into the right stifle joint and dissected them at 15 days postinoculation. Mycoplasma bovis-inoculated calves exhibited swelling of the stifle joint, increases in synovial fluid, fibrin deposition, and cartilage thinning. Intracellular M. bovis was detected in synovial tissues analyzed by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Messenger RNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40, and IL-17A in synovial fluid cells and synovial tissues from M. bovis-inoculated calves were significantly higher than those from control calves. Protein levels of these cytokines in synovial fluid from M. bovis-inoculated calves were markedly higher than those from control calves. Our study clarified that inoculation with M. bovis into the stifle joint induced the production of inflammatory cytokines by synovial fluid cells and synovial tissues, causing a severe inflammatory response in joints. Additionally, M. bovis could invade cells in synovial tissues, which may have aided it in evading antibiotics and host immune surveillance.

Scheduled prospective tri-weekly modified FOLFOX6 maintenance chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Oxaliplatin, which is effective for colorectal cancer (CRC) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV), is widely used for metastatic CRC. With the increasing use of oxaliplatin, however, serious adverse events have been experienced, including hematologic and neurologic toxicities. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether tri-weekly modified FOLFOX6 (mFOLFOX6) maintenance chemotherapy is associated with a low incidence of severe hematologic and neurologic toxicities in the treatment of patients with metastatic CRC. METHODOLOGY: We developed a new treatment regimen with mFOLFOX6 biweekly for 8-10 consecutive cycles (induction phase) followed by a 3-week rest period, after which treatment was resumed with cycles of tri-weekly mFOLFOX6 at standard doses (maintenance phase). Validity and complications were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in this study. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) times were 9.4 months and 23 months, respectively. All patients had peripheral neuropathy during treatment, but grade 3 neurotoxicity was observed in only 2 patients (6.9%). CONCLUSIONS: mFOLFOX6 maintenance chemotherapy was associated with a very low incidence of grade 3 hematologic and neurologic toxicities. The toxicities associated with PFS and OS were comparable to those reported in the treatment of patients with metastatic CRC. A tri-weekly mFOLFOX maintenance strategy of alternative treatment with a less-toxic regimen may reduce toxicity and maintain efficacy.

Cell to cell interaction in clusters enhances thermosensitivity in HT29 human colon cancer cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Tumor cells at high density are considered to be resistant to hyperthermia. Our objective in this study was to investigate hyperthermia sensitivity of clusters, cancer cell aggregation, compared with that of monolayer cells. METHODOLOGY: Colon carcinoma cells HT29 were cultured on poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-coated dishes for 7 days and the clusters were selected by a 40µm pore filter. To detect the cell reproductive potential, a colony formation assay was performed in HT29 cells from a monolayer and from clusters after exposure to cis-diamino-dichloroplatinum, fluorouracil and/or hyperthermia. Western blotting was used to analyze the induction of heat shock protein expression by hyperthermia. RESULTS: Histological findings of the clusters less than 400µm in diameter showed dividing cells and no secondary central necrosis. Cluster cells were more sensitive to hyperthermia than monolayer cells (p<0.0001). However, cluster formation induced cis-diamino-dichloroplatinum resistance (p<0.0001). The enhancement of hyperthermia sensitivity in clusters was not observed when the cells were heated after dispersion to single cells (p<0.0001). No difference of heat-induced HSP70/72 and HSP27 expression between cluster cells and monolayer cells was found. CONCLUSIONS: Cluster formation induced hyperthermia sensitivity, and cell-to-cell interaction in the clusters might enhance hyperthermia sensitivity.

Gastric schwannomas show an obviously increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in positron emission tomography: report of two cases.

Schwannomas are tumors originating from any nerve that has a Schwann cell sheath. Gastrointestinal (GI) schwannomas represent only 3% of all GI mesenchymal tumors. The stomach is the most common site of GI schwannomas, and schwannomas account for 0.2% of all gastric neoplasms. This report presents two cases of gastric schwannomas showing increased [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET; maximum standardized uptake value 7.10 and 6.05). Additional immunohistochemical staining of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) and the autocrine motility factor (AMF) was conducted after the tumors were resected, to identify the mechanism that increased FDG uptake on PET. Immunohistochemical expression of AMF was positive in both cases, whereas GLUT1 was negative. Autocrine motility factor is also known as phosphoglucose isomerase. However, the mechanism by which FDG is accumulated in schwannoma cells is uncertain, and may be related to intracellular glycolytic activity.

The progression potential of peritoneal dissemination nodules from gastrointestinal tumors.

It is necessary to examine the characteristics of the dissemination nodules to establish a therapeutic strategy for peritoneal dissemination from digestive malignancy. Ki-67 expression as a proliferation marker in peritoneal dissemination nodules was investigated. The subjects were 15 patients with gastrointestinal cancers who underwent resection of the primary tumor and disseminated nodules. The expression of Ki-67 in both primary tumor and peritoneal dissemination nodule from each patient was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Ki-67 labeling index in the original tumor was higher than that in the disseminated nodule in 13 of 15 patients (P < 0.0001). The mean value of Ki-67 labeling index was 42.2% in the 15 original tumors and 18.7% in the 15 disseminated nodules. Proliferative activity in the disseminated nodules was lower than that in the primary tumors. Further examination about characteristics of cancer dissemination is needed to treat patients with peritoneal metastasis.

Comparison of distal forelimb conformations between Japanese Black and Holstein-Friesian newborn calves.

Flexural and hyperextension deformities are congenital problems in calves. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the distal limb conformation in 1 day- and 28-day-old female Holstein-Friesian (HF) calves (n=21), male Japanese Black (JB) calves (n=15), and female JB calves (n=15). The claw angle of the forelimb dorsal claw wall in a standing position and recorded other parameters, including body weight, withers height, circumference of forelimbs, and flexor tendon thickness in the forelimbs, were measured and compared these between the three groups. At 1 day old, the mean claw angles were 51.1° in female HF calves, 47.0° in male JB calves, and 41.8° in female JB calves; the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the claw angles showed large distributions in all three groups. One female HF and one male JB calves showed mild flexural deformity, whereas four JB calves showed hyperextension deformity. At 28 days old, the mean claw angles were 51.7° in female HF calves, 51.2° in male JB calves, and 48.4° in female JB calves; the 95% CIs of the claw angles showed smaller distributions than those at 1 day old in all groups. For all groups, the limb deformities had improved without treatment at 28 days old. As a feature of the breed, female JB calves were apt to show hyperextended deformities inversely proportional to the body weight. These limb deformities healed spontaneously and were thought to be physiological.

Changes in mRNA of immune factors expressed by milk somatic cells of Holstein cows with hypocalcemia after calving.

Changes in immune factors expressed by milk somatic cells from Holstein cows with hypocalcemia after calving were investigated in this study. Fourteen multiparous Holstein cows after their 3rd or 4th calving in one farm were used. The cows were divided into 2 groups: 7 cows needing treatment due to onset of hypocalcemia (hypocalcemia group; age = 5.53 ± 0.27 years, parity = 3.14 ± 0.14) and 7 cows without health problems (control group; age = 5.88 ± 0.31 years, parity = 3.57 ± 0.26). Milk samples were collected aseptically using a cannula and mRNA of immune factors expressed by milk somatic cells were analyzed. Milk samples (50 mL) were collected from the right rear mammary gland of cows before milking at day 1 and weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 after calving. All milk samples showed a negative reaction to the California Mastitis Test. Levels of relative interleukin (IL)-6 and cathelicidin in the hypocalcemia group were lower than those in the control group in weeks 1 to 8. A significant difference in relative IL-6 levels was found in week 4 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that levels of IL-6 expressed by milk somatic cells may be affected by hypocalcemia in dairy cows.

Dans la présente étude les modifications des facteurs immunitaires exprimées par les cellules somatiques du lait de vaches Holstein présentant une hypocalcémie après le vêlage ont été examinées. Quatorze vaches Holstein multipares après leur 3e ou 4e vêlage provenant d'une ferme ont été utilisées. Les vaches ont été réparties en deux groupes : sept vaches nécessitant un traitement en raison de l'apparition d'une hypocalcémie (groupe hypocalcémie; âge = 5,53 ± 0,27 ans, parité = 3,14 ± 0,14) et sept vaches sans problème de santé (groupe témoin; âge = 5,88 ± 0,31 ans, parité = 3,57 ± 0,26). Des échantillons de lait ont été prélevés de manière aseptique à l'aide d'une canule et l'ARNm des facteurs immunitaires exprimés par les cellules somatiques du lait a été analysé. Des échantillons de lait (50 mL) ont été prélevés dans la glande mammaire arrière droite des vaches avant la traite au jour 1 et aux semaines 1, 2, 4 et 8 après le vêlage. Tous les échantillons de lait ont montré une réaction négative au California Mastitis Test. Les niveaux relatifs d'interleukine (IL)-6 et de cathélicidine dans le groupe hypocalcémie étaient inférieurs à ceux du groupe témoin au cours des semaines 1 à 8. Une différence significative des taux relatifs d'IL-6 a été observée à la semaine 4 (P < 0,05). Ces résultats suggèrent que les taux d'IL-6 exprimés par les cellules somatiques du lait peuvent être affectés par l'hypocalcémie chez les vaches laitières.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Inflammatory cytokine mRNA and protein levels in the synovial fluid of Mycoplasma arthritis calves.

Bovine Mycoplasma arthritis (MA) is caused by Mycoplasma bovis and exhibits severe clinical symptoms. However, the pathophysiology of bovine MA is incompletely understood. In this study, we examined the cytokine mRNA expression of synovial fluid (SF) cells and cytokine concentrations in the SF of MA calves. The SF was isolated from five clinically healthy (control) and seven MA calves. mRNA and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 in the SF from MA calves were significantly higher than those from control calves. Our results indicate that SF cells produce inflammatory cytokines, which mainly contribute to the severe inflammatory response in the joints of the MA calves.