Diagnostic and Treatment of Spinal Fracture and Luxation in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus).

The medical records of 14 Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus) with a vertebral fracture or luxation (SFL) between C1 and L7 treated at Ospedale Veterinario San Michele from 2017 and 2022 were reviewed. The most common cause of SFL was "road traffic accident". Neurological signs were graded from 0 to 6 using a modified Frankel scale. Spinal fractures occurred in C1-C5 in 1 case, in T3-L3 in 11 cases and in L4-L7 in 2 cases. Six wolves were euthanized without treatment because they presented paraplegia without deep pain perception (DPP). Two animals with motor function were treated conservatively, and later on one of them was euthanized because of neurological impairment. Six wolves were surgically treated. Seven wolves had good neurological recovery, and six of them were released into the wild. Our results suggest that wolves with DPP before surgery may have a good functional recovery.

Clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in a bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) with cervical spondylomyelopathy: A case report.

An adult neutered male Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) presented with abnormal gait. Neurological examination showed poor left ambulatory hemiparesis, spontaneous proprioceptive deficit in the left anterior limb, and decreased flexor reflex in the forelimbs. The neurological symptoms suggested a caudal cervical spinal cord lesion. Pathological findings included increased cholinesterase and protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Computed tomography examination revealed C2-C3 intervertebral disc herniation, C5-C6 intervertebral disc herniation associated with a reduction of the intervertebral space, and mild ventral dislocation of the C6 vertebra compared to C5. In addition, severe bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis and a hypoattenuating nodule in the left thyroid gland with an open etiology were observed. These findings were interpreted as indicating cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM). Treatment included analgesic and steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy as well as movement restriction. Follow-up at 4 weeks showed modest improvement. Thus, CSM should be included in the differential diagnosis of tigers with neurological cervical signs.

Um tigre-de-bengala macho castrado adulto (Panthera tigris tigris) foi apresentado com uma marcha anormal. O exame neurológico mostrou hemiparesia deambulatória deficiente à esquerda, déficit proprioceptivo espontâneo no membro anterior esquerdo e diminuição do reflexo flexor nos membros anteriores. Os sintomas neurológicos sugeriram uma lesão da medula espinhal cervical caudal. Os achados patológicos incluíram aumento do nível de colinesterase e proteínas na bioquímica do LCR. O exame de TC revelou uma hérnia de disco intervertebral C2-C3, uma hérnia de disco intervertebral C5-C6 associada a uma redução do espaço intervertebral e leve deslocamento ventral da vértebra C6 em comparação com C5. Além disso, osteoartrite grave do ombro bilateral e um nódulo hipoatenuante da glândula tireoide esquerda com etiologia aberta. Esses achados foram interpretados como uma espondilomielopatia cervical (CSM). A terapia médica incluiu tratamento analgésico e anti-inflamatório esteroidal, bem como restrição de movimento. O acompanhamento por 4 semanas mostrou uma melhora modesta. A CSM deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial em tigres com sinais neurológicos cervicais.

A Target Animal Effectiveness Study on Adjuvant Peptide-Based Vaccination in Dogs with Non-Metastatic Appendicular Osteosarcoma Undergoing Amputation and Chemotherapy.

Despite efforts to develop novel treatment strategies, human and canine osteosarcomas continue to have poor prognosis and limited overall survival. The aim of this clinical trial was to test the antitumor effect and safety of multiple dermal administrations of a peptide-based anticancer vaccine in dogs with non-metastatic appendicular osteosarcoma undergoing standard of care (SOC), consisting of limb amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Salmonella-infected canine osteosarcoma cells were induced to release immunogenic peptides in the extracellular space via Cx43 hemichannels opening; the secretome was collected and constituted the vaccine. Dogs with non-metastatic appendicular osteosarcoma were eligible for recruitment. Following limb amputation and adjuvant carboplatin, dogs were vaccinated on a monthly basis for six times and followed up with serial thoracic radiographs. A population of dogs undergoing SOC treatment (amputation and adjuvant carboplatin) before the vaccine was available served as controls. Primary endpoints were time to metastasis (TTM) and tumor-specific survival (TSS). Secondary endpoints were feasibility, toxicity, T-cell and humoral immune responses. A total of 20 dogs were vaccinated along with SOC and 34 received SOC only. Vaccine-specific humoral and T-cell responses were observed; their amplitude correlated with TSS. Vaccine-associated toxicity was not recorded. TTM and TSS were significantly longer in vaccinated versus unvaccinated dogs (TTM: 308 vs. 240 days, respectively; p = 0.010; TSS: 621 vs. 278 days, respectively; p = 0.002). In dogs with non-metastatic osteosarcoma undergoing SOC, the addition of a bacteria-based vaccination strategy increased TTM, thereby prolonging survival, while maintaining a safe profile. Additionally, vaccinated dogs developed a long-term tumor-specific response, as documented by the immunomonitoring of these patients over time. These results hold promise for future management of canine osteosarcoma.

Single-Shot Local Injection of Microfragmented Fat Tissue Loaded with Paclitaxel Induces Potent Growth Inhibition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Nude Mice.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly beneficiated by intravenous chemotherapy due to inadequate availability of drugs at the tumor site. We previously demonstrated that human micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) and its devitalized counterpart (DMFAT) could be effective natural scaffolds to deliver Paclitaxel (PTX) to tumors in both in vitro and in vivo tests, affecting cancer growth relapse. Here we tested the efficacy of DMFAT-PTX in a well-established HCC in nude mice. MFAT-PTX and DMFAT-PTX preparations were tested for anti-cancer activity in 2D and 3D assays using Hep-3B tumor cells. The efficacy of DMFAT-PTX was evaluated after a single-shot subcutaneous injection near a Hep-3B growing tumor by assessing tumor volumes, apoptosis rate, and drug pharmacokinetics in an in vivo model. Potent antiproliferative activity was seen in both in vitro 2D and 3D tests. Mice treated with DMFAT-PTX (10 mg/kg) produced potent Hep-3B growth inhibition with 33% complete tumor regressions. All treated animals experienced tumor ulceration at the site of DMFAT-PTX injection, which healed spontaneously. Lowering the drug concentration (5 mg/kg) prevented the formation of ulcers, maintaining statistically significant efficacy. Histology revealed a higher number of apoptotic cancer cells intratumorally, suggesting prolonged presence of PTX that was confirmed by the pharmacokinetic analysis. DMFAT may be a potent and valid new tool for local chemotherapy of HCC in an advanced stage of progression, also suggesting potential effectiveness in other human primary inoperable cancers.

Identification of a class of non-conventional ER-stress-response-derived immunogenic peptides.

Efforts to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapy have focused on vaccination strategies using neoepitopes, although they cannot be applied on a large scale due to the "private" nature of cancer mutations. Here, we show that infection of tumor cells with Salmonella induces the opening of membrane hemichannels and the extracellular release of proteasome-generated peptides by the exacerbation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Peptides released by cancer cells foster an antitumor response in vivo, both in mice bearing B16F10 melanomas and in dogs suffering from osteosarcoma. Mass spectrometry analysis on the supernatant of human melanoma cells revealed 12 peptides capable of priming healthy-donor CD8+ T cells that recognize and kill human melanoma cells in vitro and when xenotransplanted in vivo. Hence, we identified a class of shared tumor antigens that are generated in ER-stressed cells, such as tumor cells, that do not induce tolerance and are not presented by healthy cells.

Case Report: Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Drug Delivery in Canine Mesothelioma: A Case Report on Safety, Feasibility, and Clinical Findings.

Mesothelioma is a rare lethal tumor of dogs and humans involving cavities of the body. Dogs are considered a model for new drugs and therapeutic methods since they present spontaneous diseases similar to humans. Microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) uploaded by paclitaxel (PTX) is a drug delivery medium providing slow release of chemotherapic drugs. A dog affected by pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal mesothelioma was treated by 17 intracavitary ultrasound-guided injections of MFAT-PTX over 22 months. A long-lasting improvement of general conditions was observed, treatment was well-tolerated, and no toxicity or hypersensitivity was reported. Pharmacokinetic (PK) data indicated low drug localization in the circulatory system and a tendency to enter or remain in the extravascular compartments of the body. Indeed, low levels of free-circulating drugs for a short time produced low toxicity, whereas, a higher intracavitary PTX concentration can have major pharmacological efficacy. To our knowledge, this is the first time that mesothelioma has been treated using such a procedure, and this should be considered as a novel therapeutic approach. The low systemic absorption suggests the possible role of MFAT-PTX for loco-regional/intratumoral therapy also useful in other types of tumors, and further investigation is warranted.

Long-Lasting Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Human Microfragmented Adipose Tissue.

Over the last few years, human microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), containing significant levels of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and obtained from fat lipoaspirate (LP) through a minimal manipulation in a closed system device, has been successfully used in aesthetic medicine as well as in orthopedic and general surgery. Interestingly, in orthopedic diseases, this ready-to-use adipose tissue cell derivative seems to have a prolonged time efficacy even upon a single shot injection into osteoarthritic tissues. Here, we investigated the long-term survival and content of MSCs as well the anti-inflammatory activity of LP and its derived MFAT in vitro, with the aim to better understand a possible in vivo mechanism of action. MFAT and LP specimens from 17 human donors were investigated side by side. During a long-term culture in serum-free medium, we found that the total cell number as well the MSC content in MFAT decreased more slowly if compared to those from LP specimens. The analysis of cytokines and growth factors secreted into the conditioned medium (CM) was similar in MFAT and LP during the first week of culture, but the total amount of cytokines secreted by LP decreased much more rapidly than those produced by MFAT during prolonged culture (up to 28 days). Similarly, the addition of MFAT-CM recovered at early (3-7 days) and late stage (14-28 days) of culture strongly inhibited inflammatory function of U937 monocyte cell line, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity of LP-CM was drastically reduced after only 7 days of culture. We conclude that MFAT is an effective preparation with a long-lasting anti-inflammatory activity probably mediated by a long-term survival of their MSC content that releases a combination of cytokines that affect several mechanisms involved in inflammation processes.

Intra-Articular Administration of Autologous Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue in Dogs with Spontaneous Osteoarthritis: Safety, Feasibility, and Clinical Outcomes.

Similar to the disease affecting humans, osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful musculoskeletal condition affecting 20% of the adult canine population. Several solutions have been proposed, but the results achieved to date are far from being satisfactory. New approaches, such as intra-articular delivery of cells (including mesenchymal stromal cells), have been proposed. Among the many sources, the adipose tissue is considered very promising. We evaluated the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of autologous and micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) in 130 dogs with spontaneous OA. MFAT was obtained using a minimally invasive technique in a closed system and injected in the intra- and/or peri-articular space. Clinical outcomes were determined using orthopedic examination and owners' scores for up to 6 months. In 78% of the dogs, improvement in the orthopedic score was registered 1 month after treatment and continued gradually up to 6 months when 88% of the dogs improved, 11% did not change, and 1% worsened compared with baseline. Considering the owners' scores at 6 months, 92% of the dogs significantly improved, 6% improved only slightly, and 2% worsened compared with baseline. No local or systemic major adverse effects were recorded. The results of this study suggest that MFAT injection in dogs with OA is safe, feasible, and beneficial. The procedure is time sparing and cost-effective. Post injection cytological investigation, together with the clinical evidence, suggests a long-term pain control role of this treatment. The spontaneous OA dog model has a key role in developing successful treatments for translational medicine. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018;7:819-828.

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy and Cavitating Leukoencephalopathy of Chihuahua Dogs.

A novel form of neuroaxonal dystrophy is described in 3 Chihuahua pups, 2 of which were from the same litter. It was characterized not only by accumulation of numerous and widely distributed axonal swellings (spheroids) but also by a severe cavitating leukoencephalopathy. The dogs presented with progressive neurological signs, including gait abnormalities and postural reaction deficits. Magnetic resonance images and gross examination at necropsy revealed dilation of lateral ventricles and cerebral atrophy, accompanied by cavitation of the subcortical white matter. Histopathologically, severe axonal degeneration with formation of large spheroids was found in the cerebral and cerebellar white matter, thalamus, and brainstem nuclei. Small-caliber spheroids were observed in the cerebral and cerebellar gray matter. The telencephalic white matter had severe myelin loss and cavitation with relative sparing of the U-fibers. Different from previously reported cases of canine neuroaxonal dystrophy, in these Chihuahuas the spheroid distribution predominantly involved the white matter with secondary severe leukoencephalopathy.

Angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of micro-fragmented fat tissue and its derived mesenchymal stromal cells.

BACKGROUND: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (Ad-MSCs) are a promising tool for advanced cell-based therapies. They are routinely obtained enzymatically from fat lipoaspirate (LP) as SVF, and may undergo prolonged ex vivo expansion, with significant senescence and decline in multipotency. Besides, these techniques have complex regulatory issues, thus incurring in the compelling requirements of GMP guidelines. Hence, availability of a minimally manipulated, autologous adipose tissue would have remarkable biomedical and clinical relevance. For this reason, a new device, named Lipogems® (LG), has been developed. This ready-to-use adipose tissue cell derivate has been shown to have in vivo efficacy upon transplantation for ischemic and inflammatory diseases. To broaden our knowledge, we here investigated the angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of LG and its derived MSC (LG-MSCs) population. METHODS: Human LG samples and their LG-MSCs were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for pericyte, endothelial and mesenchymal stromal cell marker expression. Angiogenesis was investigated testing the conditioned media (CM) of LG (LG-CM) and LG-MSCs (LG-MSCs-CM) on cultured endothelial cells (HUVECs), evaluating proliferation, cord formation, and the expression of the adhesion molecules (AM) VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. The macrophage cell line U937 was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties, such as migration, adhesion on HUVECs, and release of RANTES and MCP-1. RESULTS: Our results indicate that LG contained a very high number of mesenchymal cells expressing NG2 and CD146 (both pericyte markers) together with an abundant microvascular endothelial cell (mEC) population. Substantially, both LG-CM and LG-MSC-CM increased cord formation, inhibited endothelial ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression following TNFα stimulation, and slightly improved HUVEC proliferation. The addition of LG-CM and LG-MSC-CM strongly inhibited U937 migration upon stimulation with the chemokine MCP-1, reduced their adhesion on HUVECs and significantly suppressed the release of RANTES and MCP-1. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that LG micro-fragmented adipose tissue retains either per se, or in its embedded MSCs content, the capacity to induce vascular stabilization and to inhibit several macrophage functions involved in inflammation.

Adult autologous mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of suspected non-infectious inflammatory diseases of the canine central nervous system: safety, feasibility and preliminary clinical findings.

BACKGROUND: Non-infectious inflammatory diseases of the canine central nervous system (CNS) are common idiopathic disorders grouped under the term meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin (MUO). Ante mortem diagnosis is achieved via assessment of clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, but the definitive diagnosis needs histopathological examination. MUO are mostly considered as autoimmune CNS disorders, so that suppressing the immune reaction is the best management method for patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are under investigation to treat autoimmune and degenerative disorders due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. This study aims to verify the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of MSCs treatment in canine idiopathic autoimmune inflammatory disorders of the CNS. METHODS: Eight dogs presented with acute onset and rapid progression of multifocal neurological signs were selected to the study. In all patients' physical and neurological examinations, MRI and CSF analyses were performed. Clinical diagnosis in all cases was MUO. All selected dogs responded initially to immunosuppressive drugs (prednisone and a combination of prednisolone and cytosine arabinoside) but developed undesirable side effects. For all eight dogs, the owners considered euthanasia but accepted cell therapy as a last possibility. Autologous bone marrow MSCs (BMMSCs), isolated, cultured, and expanded, were administered by intrathecal (IT) injection in the cisterna magna intravenously (IV) and by intra-arterial (IA) injection in the right carotid artery. Adverse effects and clinical response were monitored for 6 months up to 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: The use of autologous BMMSCs in dogs with MUO was safe for IT, IV, and IA injections. No major short- or long-term adverse effects were registered. All the dogs presented early improvement in their general and neurological conditions, with particular effect on cervical pain. The group of dogs treated by IT+IA administration showed a shorter time of reaction to therapy compared to the group treated by IT+IV administration. CONCLUSIONS: MSCs treatment in dogs affected by MOU is safe and feasible. A larger group of dogs is needed to confirm these results as well as CNS histology in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms.

Clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in an Italian wolf (Canis lupus italicus) with discospondylitis.

An adult male Italian wolf (Canis lupus italicus) was presented with an abnormal gait. Neurologic examination showed thoracic kyphosis, paraparesis, decreased proprioception in the pelvic limbs, and normal spinal reflexes. Neurologic symptoms suggested a thoracolumbar spinal cord lesion. Pathologic findings included leukocytosis. Spinal radiographs revealed ventral spondylosis of T4/T5/T6, a poorly defined intervertebral disc space, and mild lysis of the vertebral margins. Multiple metallic foreign bodies were seen in the thoracic wall. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine detected increased signal intensity on fluid sensitive sequences of the vertebral bodies, the intervertebral disc, and surrounding soft tissues. These findings were interpreted as active discospondylitis at T4/T5. Medical therapy included antibiotic and analgesic treatment as well as movement restriction. Follow-up at 4 wk showed significant clinical and radiologic improvement. Discospondylitis should be included in the differential diagnosis in wolves with paresis.

Suspected neurotoxicity due to Clostridium perfringens type B in a tiger (Panthera tigris).

A 4-yr-old tiger (Panthera tigris) was referred with acute onset of severe abnormal consciousness. Neurological evaluation showed normal palpebral and corneal reflexes, normal pupil diameter with normal direct and consensual papillary light reflex, and absent menace response bilaterally. Diffuse forebrain lesion or focal lesion affecting the ascending reticular activating system was suspected. Complete blood examination and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed an empty sella as the only result. Clostridium perfringens 10(4) to 10(7) colony-forming units/g were detected in fecal flora samples. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay identified serotype B counts with production of epsilon toxin. This toxin specifically accumulates in the central nervous system, where it causes acute neurological signs in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In this communication, the acute onset of neurological signs without evidence of trauma, vascular, metabolic, or inflammatory diseases may be caused by neurotoxicity due to C. perfringens.