Effect of Campylobacter fetus on in vitro fertilization and embryonic development of preimplantation bovine embryos.

Campylobacter fetus is an important veterinary pathogen that causes campylobacteriosis. This disease causes decreased productivity of cattle by inducing reproductive losses. Although several virulence factors have been recognized in C. fetus, including a cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), the exact mechanism responsible for embryonic death remains unknown. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff) and C. fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), and their toxin activity on the in vitro fertilization of bovine ova and early embryonic development. Two different experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, a total of 1524 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were inseminated, distributed into three groups: two of them infected with the microorganism (Cff, Cfv) and a control group. Percentages COCs cleaved were similar among groups (p = 0.1243); however, the embryonic development rate (blastocyst at day 7) in the control group was greater (p < 0.001) than those obtained in Cff and Cfv groups. In experiment 2, a total of 746 COCs were inseminated, divided into three groups: two of them treated with the bacterial-free culture filtrates to test toxin activity (Cff-CDT, Cfv-CDT) and a control group. Both cleavage and embryonic development rates were greater (p < 0.001) in the control group than those obtained in Cff-CDT and Cfv-CDT groups. This study provides evidence that both subspecies of C. fetus do not interfere with fertilization but do affect in vitro embryonic development. It is the first report on the biological effect of the CDT on bovine embryonic development.

Distribution of OGTT-Related Variables in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis from Puberty to Adulthood: An Italian Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Insulin secretion and glucose tolerance is annually assessed in patients with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) through oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) as a screening measure for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. We aimed to describe the distribution and provide reference quartiles of OGTT-related variables in the Italian cystic fibrosis population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of PwCF receiving care in three Italian cystic fibrosis centers of excellence, from 2016 to 2020. We performed a modified 2-h OGTT protocol (1.75 g/kg, maximum 75 g), sampling at baseline and at 30-min intervals, analyzing plasma glucose, serum insulin, and C-peptide. The modified OGTT allowed for the modeling of ß cell function. For all variables, multivariable quantile regression was performed to estimate the median, the 25th, and 75th percentiles, with age, sex, and pancreatic insufficiency as predictors. RESULTS: We have quantified the deterioration of glucose tolerance and insulin secretion with age according to sex and pancreatic insufficiency, highlighting a deviation from linearity both for patients <10 years and >35 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: References of OGTT variables for PwCF provide a necessary tool to not only identify patients at risk for CFRD or other cystic fibrosis-related complications, but also to evaluate the effects of promising pharmacological therapies.

Effects of Campylobacter fetus on bull sperm quality.

Campylobacter fetus is a gram-negative, motile, spiral or S-shaped bacterium, which induces campylobacteriosis. This disease causes decrease productivity of cattle. Although considerable research has been done on the role of C. fetus on female fertility, little is known about the effect on bulls. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff) and C. fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) on bull sperm quality. Samples of frozen semen (n = 29 straws) were each distributed into three groups: two of them incubated with the microorganism (Cff, Cfv) and a control group. The proportions of live spermatozoa, with functional membrane and true acrosomal reaction in control group were significantly (P < 0.01) greater than those observed in Cff and Cfv groups. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in sperm chromatin structure among treatments. In adhesion assay, proportions of spermatozoa with adhered Campylobacter were similar for both subspecies. Results confirm that Cff and Cfv have the same ability to bind in an irreversible way to bull spermatozoa and to affect sperm quality. It is proposed that adherence could be considered as the main cause of sperm alterations, and also an important step of pathogenesis and venereal transmission.

Histopathological characterization of the reproductive organs of heifers experimentally infected with Campylobacter fetus venerealis / Caracterización histopatológica de los órganos reproductivos de vaquillonas experimentalmente infectadas con Campylobacter fetus venerealis / Caracterização histopatológica em órgãos reprodutores de novilhas infetadas no modo experimental com Campylobacter fetus venerealis

Abstract Background: Bovine campylobacteriosis is a venereal disease due to infection with Campylobacter fetus venerealis. It causes mainly reproductive failures that lead to considerable economic losses. Objective: To perform a histopathological description of the mucosa from reproductive organs of heifers experimentally infected with Campylobacter fetus venerealis. Methods: Twelve 15-18-months-old Aberdeen Angus heifers were treated for estrous synchronization and exposed to natural breeding. They were then randomly divided into two groups: group A (n=9) was inoculated with C. fetus venerealis; group B (n=3, control) was inoculated with a placebo. Ultrasonography was performed at days 29, 38, and 42 post-breeding, and plasmatic progesterone levels were quantified using ELISA to confirm pregnancies. Animals in group A with plasma progesterone levels below 1 ng/mL and/or diagnosed as non-pregnant were further divided into three subgroups: A1 (n=4), euthanized at day 30 post-breeding; A2 (n=3), euthanized at day 40 post-breeding and A3 (n=2), euthanized at day 55 post-breeding. Heifers from group B, all diagnosed as pregnant, were euthanized each at day 30, 40, and 55 days post-breeding as well. Histological sections from every group were taken from oviducts, uterus, and vagina. Results: Lymphocytic inflammation was the most common lesion in all infected heifers. Trophoblast cells were found in the non-pregnant heifers euthanized at days 40, and 55 post-breeding. The inflammatory process with the presence of lymphoid cells probably altered the balance in the activity of maternal lymphoid cells, as well as gene expression of the trophoblast, finally affecting the embryo survival. Conclusion: This work contributes to the understanding of the histopathological process involved in post-mating infection of Campylobacter fetus bovine.

Resumen Antecedentes: La campilobacteriosis bovina es una enfermedad venérea causada por el Campylobacter fetus venerealis, que produce principalmente fallas reproductivas ocasionando grandes pérdidas económicas Objetivo: Describir las características histopatológicas de la mucosa de órganos reproductores de vaquillonas infectadas experimentalmente con Campylobacter fetus venerealis. Métodos: Doce vaquillonas Aberdeen Angus (15 a 18 meses de edad) con celo sincronizado, recibieron servicio natural, e inmediatamente se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos: A (n=9), inoculadas con Campylobacter fetus venerealis; B (n=3; control), inoculadas con placebo. El diagnóstico de preñez se realizó por ultrasonografía a los 29, 38 y 42 días post-servicio; los niveles plasmáticos de progesterona fueron determinados por ELISA. Las vaquillonas del grupo A con niveles de progesterona plasmáticos menores a 1 ng/mL y/o diagnosticadas no preñadas, fueron consideradas para eutanasia y divididas en tres subgrupos: A1-eutanasia día 30 (n=4); A2-día 40 (n=3); y A3-día 55 (n=2) post-servicio. Las vaquillonas del grupo B, diagnosticadas preñadas, fueron eutanasiadas a los 30, 40 y 55 días. Se tomaron muestras de oviductos, útero y vagina. Resultados: Se observó inflamación linfocitaria en la totalidad de muestras del grupo A. Células trofoblásticas fueron encontradas en muestras correspondientes a los grupos A2 y A3. Probablemente, el proceso inflamatorio alteró el equilibrio de las células linfoides maternas y la expresión génica del trofoblasto, afectando la supervivencia embrionaria. Conclusión: Este trabajo contribuye a la comprensión del proceso histopatológico involucrado en la infección poscoital por Campylobacter fetus bovino.

Resumo Antecedentes: A campilobacteriose bovina é uma doença venérea originada pelo Campylobacter fetus venerealis, quem produz principalmente falha reprodutiva e porém grandes perdas económicas. Objetivo: Descrever as características histopatológicas da mucosa dos órgãos reprodutores de novilhas infetadas no modo experimental com Campylobacter fetus venerealis. Métodos: Doze novilhas Aberdeen Angus de 15 até 18 meses com cio sincronizado, receberam serviço natural. Logo após, foram aleatóreamente separados em grupos: A (n=9) inoculados com Campylobacter fetus venerealis e grupo B (n=3; controle) inoculadas com um placebo. O diagnóstico da gestação foi realizado por ultrasom nos dias 29, 38 y 42 pós-serviço. Os níveis plasmáticos da progesterona foram determinados por ELISA. As novilhas do grupo A, com níveis plasmáticos de progesterona menores a 1 ng/mL e/ou diagnosticadas não grávidas, foram consideradas para eutanásia e foram divididas em três subgrupos: A1-eutanásia aos 30 dias pós- serviço (n=4); A2-dia 40 (n=3); A3-dia 55 (n=2). Foram realizada eutanásia ás novilhas do grupo B diagnosticadas prenhadas, aos 30, 40 e 55 dias e a amostragem de ovidutos, útero e vagina. Resultados: A presença de inflamação linfocitária foi observada na totalidade das amostras do grupo A. Foram achadas células trofoblásticas nas amostras correspondente aos grupos A2 e A3. Provavelmente, pelo processo inflamatório tenha sido alterado o equilíbrio das células linfoides maternas, assim também como a expressão gênica do trofoblasto, afetando a supervivência embrionária. Conclusão: Este trabalho contribue á compreensão do processo histopatologico na infecção com Campylobacter fetus bovino pós-acasalamento.

Colectomy and health-related quality of life in children with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the recommended elective surgery for children with ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to evaluate functional and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes of surgery in paediatric patients with UC. METHODS: We reviewed the hospital records of all paediatric patients who had undergone surgery for UC between January 2009 and December 2016 in the Units of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Surgery, of both the University Hospital of Messina, and the Gaslini Children's Hospital of Genoa. Surgical treatment was represented by restorative proctocolectomy and laparoscopic IPAA. Patients and parents were interviewed by telephone before and after surgery and responded to the modified IMPACT III questionnaire about health outcomes and HRQoL. The questionnaire was scored on a five-point scale with higher scores indicating a better HRQoL. The total score ranged from 35 (worst HRQoL) to 175 (best HRQoL). RESULTS: Data were obtained in 30 patients (16 males), with a median age of 12 (range 3- 16). The median amount of time elapsed after the operation was 3 years (range 1-4.5). Preoperative scores were very low in all 4 domains of the questionnaire. Postoperatively, HRQoL measures improved significantly (p<0.05), on symptoms, school attendance, social activities, and emotional aspects. Overall, nearly all were completely satisfied with the outcome of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirmed that surgical treatment improves the overall HRQoL in paediatric patients with UC.

Standard Polymeric Formula Tube Feeding in Neurologically Impaired Children: A Five-Year Retrospective Study.

Malnutrition is frequent in neurologically impaired (NI) children. Enteral feeding via gastrostomy tube is increasingly being used to provide adequate nutrition. Our aim was to assess the outcomes of exclusive gastrostomy tube feeding with standard polymeric formula in children with NI, severe oro-motor dysfunction, and malnutrition, and to investigate the role of the underlying NI-associated disease. A five-year retrospective study from January 2013 to November 2017 was conducted. The primary aim was to assess the nutritional outcomes of exclusive gastrostomy tube feeding with standard polymeric formula in malnourished NI children. The secondary aim was to investigate gastrostomy complications and the impact of the underlying NI-associated disease on the nutritional outcomes. We enrolled 110 consecutive children with NI. Of these patients, 34.5% (N = 38) were categorized as malnourished and started exclusive enteral feeding with a standard (1.0 kcal/mL) polymeric formula (Nutrini, Nutricia) after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement. Seventy-three percent of patients (N = 28) had cerebral palsy (CP); other diagnoses included metabolic (13%, N = 5) and genetic (13%, N = 5) diseases. Tricep skinfold thickness had significantly improved in all patients at 12-months follow-up, while body weight and body mass index showed significant increases mainly in children with CP. No serious complications occurred. We found that standard polymeric formula via gastrostomy tube represents a safe and efficient nutritional intervention in children with NI and malnutrition.

Characterization of the Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis adhesion to bovine sperm cells / Caracterización de la adhesión de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis a espermatozoides bovinos

Campylobacter fetus is extracellular bacteria of the genital tract of cattle. They cause infertility and abortion, but there is no documented information on the susceptibility of bovine sperm cells to this bacteria. The aim of this present work was to study the effects provoked by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis when in interaction with bovine sperm cells. The bovine spermatozoa were obtained frozen bovine semen pooled from uninfected bulls, and were exposed to living campylobacter over different periods of time. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy first revealed a tropism, then a close proximity followed by tight adhesion between these two different cells. A decrease in the spermatozoa motility was observed. Motile bacteria were observed during the next 3 h, this process began with a tight membrane­membrane adhesion. The adhesion between Campylobacter fetus to the sperm cell occurred either by the flagella or by sperm head. Results from this study demonstrated with light microscopy scanning electron microscopy allowed us to characterize some aspects of the interaction of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and bovine sperm while preserving the cellular and bacterial structure. This ex vivo model might be useful for studies on adhesion and cytopathogenicity of different field strains of Campylobacter fetus.

Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis es un patógeno extracelular del tracto genital de bovinos. En las hembras causa subfertilidad y aborto, mientras que los toros son portadores en el esmegma prepucial y se desconoce si provoca daño en los espermatozoides. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar los efectos de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis sobre espermatozoides bovinos. Los espermatozoides obtenidos a partir de pajuelas de semen pertenecientes a toros no infectados, se coincubaron con una cepa de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis por diferentes períodos de tiempo. Por microscopía óptica y electrónica de barrido se observó el tropismo inicial de la bacteria hacia los espermatozoides y la adhesión bacteriana, de forma colateral se observó su efecto en el espermograma. Post incubación los espermatozoides presentaron menor motilidad progresiva y mayor porcentaje de muertos con respecto al control. Se comprobó la viabilidad de la bacteria a las 3 h. Se registró la adhesión de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis a la membrana celular de distintas porciones del espermatozoide: cabeza, pieza media, cuello y cola. Los resultados de este estudio permitieron caracterizar la interacción entre Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis y espermatozoides bovinos por microscopía óptica y electrónica de barrido. La aplicación de este modelo ex vivo permitirá profundizar los conocimientos referentes a los procesos de adhesión y citopatogenicidad de Campylobacter fetus.

Post vaccine acute disseminated encephalomyelitis as the first manifestation of chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in a 15-month old baby: a case report.

We describe a case of a 15-month-old female child admitted to our hospital because of fever, rash, neurological signs (oscillation between states of irritability and drowsiness), palpebral edema and drooping eyelid, appeared 10 days after the vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella. Brain MRI images showed multiple bilateral hyperintense lesions in the white matter typical of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), an autoimmune demyelinating disorder with inflammatory lesions of the central nervous system, due to viral antigens or vaccines. In the mean time, because of patient's vague phenotypic manifestations, suggestive of a genetic defect, array comparative genomic hybridization was carried out which showed the presence of a microdeletion 22q11.21, linked to the DiGeorge syndrome. Our case suggests that pediatric cases of post-vaccination ADEM, in which neurological signs persist, should be investigated for genetic phenotypical features, in order to exclude the presence of a genetic syndrome or disease.

Quantitative analysis of campylobacter fetus venerealis adhesion to bovine reproductive tract cell cultures / Análise quantitativa da adesão de campylobacter fetus venerealis em culturas de células do aparelho reprodutor bovino

Campylobacter fetus is the etiological agent of bovine genital campylobacteriosis, a sexually transmitted disease which is associated with reproductive losses in bovines. Campylobacter colonizes the vagina and the uterus and then infects the epithelial cells of the endometrium. The objective of this work was to develop an ex vivo model to quantify the adhesion of Campylobacter to its natural specific target cells; this is a key step for the establishment of infection and studies regarding the adherence and cytotoxicity on the natural host cells are not available. The assays were carried out by seeding Campylobacter fetus venerealis on bovine vaginal and uterine epithelial cell cultures. HeLa cells were used as control. Bacterial adhesion was corroborated by optical microscopy and determination of the percentage of adherent bacteria was performed on immunochemically-stained slides. Results are presented as percentage of cells with adherent Campylobacter and as number of bacteria per cell. In comparison to the control HeLa cells, the statistical analysis revealed that primary cultures show a higher percentage of infected cells and a lower variation of the evaluated parameters. This primary culture model might be useful for studies on cytopathogenicity and adhesion of different field strains of Campylobacter fetus.

Campylobacter fetus é o agente etiológico da campilobacteriose genital bovina, uma doença sexualmente transmissível que está associada com perdas reprodutivas em bovinos. Campylobacter coloniza a vagina e o útero e então infecta as células epiteliais do endométrio. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um modelo ex vivo para quantificar a adesão de Campylobacter às células-alvo naturais específicas; este é um passo fundamental para o estabelecimento da infecção e estudos acerca da adesão e citotoxicidade sobre as células do hospedeiro natural não estão disponíveis. Os ensaios foram realizados a través da semeadura de Campylobacter fetus venerealis em culturas celulares epiteliais vaginais e uterinas.Células HeLa foram utilizadas como controle.A aderência bacteriana foi confirmada por microscopia óptica e a determinação da porcentagem de bactérias aderidas foi realizada em lâminas tingidas imunoquimicamente. Os resultados são apresentados como porcentagem de células com Campylobacter aderente e como o número de bactérias por células. Em comparação com as células HeLa controle, a análise estatística revelou que as culturas primárias mostram uma maior porcentagem de células infectadas e uma menor variação dos parâmetros avaliados. Este modelo de cultura primária pode ser útil para estudos sobre citopatogenicidade e adesão de diferentes cepas de campo de Campylobacter fetus.

Gynecomastia disclosing diagnosis of Leydig cell tumour in a man with thalassemia, secondary hypogonadism and testis microlithiasis.

Aim of this paper is to report about a 35-year old man suffering from beta-Thalassemia major and longstanding untreated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, who was referred because of a recent onset and painful bilateral gynecomastia, with no palpable testicular masses. Due to the finding of a solid mass at left testis ultrasonography, monolateral testicular exeresis was performed and histology revealed a Leydig Cell Tumour and testicular microlithiasis. Post-surgical restoration of testosterone/estradiol ratio under testosterone therapy was followed by a very rapid reduction of gynecomastia. Our report confirms the usefulness of scrotal ultrasonography for finding an occult testicular tumour in a patient with painful and recent onset bilateral gynecomastia and underlines: a) the important role of testosterone/estradiol ratio in the pathophysiology of gynecomastia; b) the questionable significance of testicular microlithiasis as marker of testis tumours; c) the possible association between beta-Thalassemia and tumoral pathologies.

Tritrichomonas foetus: experimental infection in pregnant BALB/c mice.

Bovine genital tritrichomonosis is a venereal disease produced by the flagellate Tritrichomonas foetus. The disease is characterized by the repetition of oestrus and infertility due to embryonic or foetal death. Numerous experimental rodent models have been developed, but none of them has been applied in pregnant females. In this work, we reproduced genital tritrichomonosis in pregnant BALB/c mice. The results were analysed considering the following pregnancy phases: early, middle and final. In the infected group, embryonic loss was significantly higher and occurred in the early and middle phases, in accordance with the time of embryo death in infected bovines. In infected animals at the early phase of pregnancy there was evidence of embryonic death without inflammatory changes in the uterus, suggesting a pathogenic mechanism that does not involve direct tissue damage. In the later days, conceptus loss was associated with endometritis and changes in the decidua.

Efecto de tibolona en el mioma uterino en pacientes tratadas con análogos de la hormona liberadora de gonadotropinas / Effect of tibolone on uterine fibroids in patients treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues

Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de tibolona, una molécula sintética con acción hormonal como terapia hormonal complementaria en la miomatosis uterina. Tibolona se ha mostrado eficaz en el tratamiento hormonal sustitutivo en la menopausia. Su débil acción estrogénica no debe modificar los efectos conseguidos en el útero miomatoso tras la administración de agonistas de la hormona liberadora de gonadotropinas, manteniendo la reducción del volumen uterino inducido por ellos. Material y métodos: Un total de 125 pacientes en edad fértil o premenopáusicas, con ciclos menstruales regulares, diagnosticadas de miomatosis uterina y candidatas a tratamiento quirúrgico, fueron incluidas en un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado, en el que se ensayaron 5 protocolos terapéuticos previos a la cirugía: grupo 1 o grupo control, 3 viales de acetato de goserelina depot, 3,6 mg; grupo 2, 3 dosis de acetato de goserelina depot, asociada a tibolona (2,5 mg diarios) desde el primer vial de goserelina hasta la intervención quirúrgica; grupo 3, 3 dosis de acetato de goserelina depot, asociada a tibolona desde el segundo vial de goserelina hasta la intervención quirúrgica; grupo 4, 2 dosis de acetato de goserelina depot asociada a tibolona desde el segundo vial de goserelina hasta la intervención quirúrgica, y grupo 5, 3 dosis de acetato de goserelina depot asociada a estrógenos conjugados equinos, 0,625 mg, desde el segundo vial de goserelina hasta la intervención quirúrgica. Se evaluó ecográficamente la modificación del tamaño uterino y de los valores séricos de gonadotropinas y estradiol con los diferentes protocolos de tratamiento. Las diferencias se consideraron estadísticamente significativas para un valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: Las reducciones medias del volumen uterino (%) fueron mayores en los 3 primeros grupos de tratamiento (­30,1 ± 16,7; ­26,4 ± 21,2; ­25,1 ± 22,5; ­15,6 ± 23 y ­5,5 ± 15,1, respectivamente), con diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a este parámetro al comparar cada grupo con el grupo control (grupo 1). Las concentraciones medias de estradiol sérico (pg/ml) fueron, asimismo, inferiores en los 3 primeros grupos (26,2 ± 11,2; 45,7 ± 49,1; 35,9 ± 20,3; 97,9 ± 110,3; 111,4 ± 63,2, respectivamente) y estas diferencias fueron significativas. Conclusiones: La terapia hormonal complementaria con tibolona influye mínimamente en la disminución del tamaño del útero miomatoso promovido por 3 dosis de goserelina depot

Objectives: To evaluate de effectiveness of tibolone, a synthetic steroid, as add-back therapy in patients diagnosed with leiomyoma. Tibolone has been demonstrated to be effective in inhibiting menopausal symptoms and in preventing post-menopausal bone loss. Its low estrogenic profile should not compromise the efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (goserelin) in reducing the volume of uterine fibroids. Material and methods: A group of 125 pre-menopausal women (with regular menstrual cycle) diagnosed with uterine leiomyomata suitable for surgical treatment were recruited in a randomized, prospective study that evaluated 5 treatment regimens: group 1 (control group), three doses of goserelin acetate depot (3.6 mg); group 2, 3 doses of goserelin acetate depot associated with tibolone (2.5 mg daily) from the first dose of goserelin until surgery; group 3, 3 doses of goserelin acetate depot associated with tibolone from the second dose of goserelin until surgery; group 4, 2 doses of goserelin acetate depot associated with tibolone from the second dose of goserelin until surgery, and group 5, 3 doses of goserelin acetate depot associated with conjugated equine estrogens (0.625 mg daily) from the second dose of goserelin until surgery. Modification of uterine size was evaluated with ultrasound examination and serum levels of gonadotrophins and estradiol were evaluated with the different treatment protocols. Differences were considered significant when p < 0.05. Results: The mean reductions in uterine volume (%) were greater in the first 3 treatment groups (­30.1 ± 16.7; ­26.4 ± 21.2; ­25.1 ± 22.5; ­15.6 ± 23 y ­5.5 ± 15.1, respectively) and the differences were statistically significant when each group was compared with the control group (group 1). The mean concentrations of serum estradiol (pg/ml) were also significantly lower in the first 3 groups (26.2 ± 11.2; 45.7 ± 49.1; 35.9 ± 20.3; 97.9 ± 110.3; 111.4 ± 63.2, respectively). Conclusions: Add-back tibolone therapy does not significantly compromise the effect of goserelin acetate in patients with uterine fibroids

Experimentally induced intravaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in a mouse model

A necessidade de esclarecer a relação agente-hospedeiro na tricomoníase bovina deu motivo para o uso de modelos experimentais alternativos ao bovino. O camundongo BALB/c resultou como espécie mais adequada para a infeção vaginal com Tritrichomonas foetus, requerendo uma estrogenização prévia. Visando a necessidade de um modelo experimental sem estrogenização persistente e com ciclos estrais normais, foi avaliada a instalação e persistência da infeção vaginal no camundongo BALB/c com diferentes quantidades de T. foetus, em dois grupos experimentais. O Grupo A foi tratado com 5µg de 3-benzoato de beta estradiol, para sincronizar o estro, 48 h antes da inoculação vaginal com T. foetus, e o Grupo B foi inoculado durante o estro natural. O efeito do 3-benzoato de beta estradiol decresceu gradualmente. A totalidade dos animais ciclaram regularmente após 5-7 dias pós-tratamento. Após a primeira semana pós-infecção, todos os animais foram amostrados durante 34 semanas, para avaliar o andamento da infeção vaginal e o estádio de cío. O Grupo A apresentou 93,6% de animais infetados e o Grupo B 38%. Com diferentes dosagens de T. foetus se obteve a instalação e persistência da infecção vaginal durante 34 semanas. Embora tenham-se registrados diferentes comportamentos entre cada um dos lotes dos Grupos A e B, não houveram diferenças significativas entre as doses infectantes. O tratamento com 3-benzoato de beta estradiol teve efeito favorável na instalação da infecção (P<0,0001), porém não teve influência na persistência (P= 0,1097). Em função dos resultados obtidos, apresenta-se um modelo experimental em camundongo, adequado para aprofundar estudos sobre mecanismos de patogenicidade, resposta imune, avaliação protetora de imunógenos e o efeito terapêutico de fármacos.

Immunohistochemical detection of Tritrichomonas foetus in experimentally infected mice

A necessidade de aumentar o conhecimento da patogenia da tricomoníase genital bovina (BGT) conduziu ao uso de modelos experimentais alternativos como o camundongo. Näo obstante, é necessário elucidar a dinâmica da infecçäo nesta espécie e avaliar as diferentes fases da colonizaçäo e evoluçäo das alterações patológicas. A imunohistoquímica (IHQ) oferece vantagens sobre as técnicas histoquímicas de rotina para a observaçäo do protozoário em tecidos, detritos celulares e dentro de macrófagos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi demonstrar pelo uso de uma técnica de IHQ a presença de Tritrichomonas foetus no sistema reprodutivo de camundongos infectados. Camundongos BALB/c fêmeas foram infectados pela via intravaginal, com uma suspensäo de T. foetus, na fase de estro, detectado com citologia exfoliativa vaginal. Depois de 10 semanas, os animais foram sacrificados; útero e vagina forma fixados e processados para histologia. Alguns cortes foram corados com HE. O restante dos cortes foi processado para IHQ. Foi usado um soro policlonal imunoadsorvido anti-T. foetus. A técnica de avidina-biotina (HistoMouse, ZymedÖ) foi empregada. Os estudos histopatológicos mostraram uma dilataçäo das glândulas uterinas, presença de macrófagos no lúmen do órgäo e parte interna das glândulas endometriais. T. foetus näo foi identificado por esse método. A IHQ permitiu identificar as mesmas lesões observadas e a presença do protozoário no endométrio, nas glândulas endometriais, no lúmen uterino e dentro de neutrófilos e macrófagos. O estudo citológico em lâminas coradas por IHQ, mostrou T. foetus aderido a células epiteliais, ou dentro de macrófagos. Esta técnica demonstra ser uma ferramenta útil para o estudo da patogenia da tricomoníase genital bovina (BGT) utilizando-se o camundongo como modelo experimental.