Association between Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Levels and the Disease Progression and Anemia in Visceral Leishmaniasis.

We analyzed the association between insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and the pathogenesis of anemia during active visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), and cytokines were measured in samples from individuals with active VL and cured VL, asymptomatic Leishmania-infected, and noninfected individuals. Then, we extended our analysis to VL dogs to evaluate hematimetric parameters, bone marrow alterations, and cytokine and IGF-I expression. We identified a positive correlation between lower IGF-I and IGFBP3 levels in active VL patients and lower hemoglobin levels. In infected dogs, there was a positive correlation between lower IGF-I expression in the bone marrow and lower peripheral blood hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. There was no correlation between decreased IGF-I level/expression and any measured cytokine serum levels in either host. The data suggest that low IGF-I expression is associated with pathogenesis of anemia in active VL, primarily in severe cases, by mechanisms other than alterations in cytokine production.

Ultrassonografia modo B e Doppler na avaliação renal de cães submetidos à tomografia computadorizada após administração intravenosa de diferentes meios de contraste iodado / B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography in the renal evaluation of dogs undergoing computed tomography after intravenous administration of different iodinated contrast media

A nefropatia induzida por contraste (NIC) é uma doença de caráter agudo, secundária à administração intravascular de meios de contraste iodado (MCI). Dentre os mecanismos fisiopatológicos desta enfermidade destacam-se a vasoconstrição intrarrenal prolongada, consequente redução da perfusão renal, hipóxia e isquemia medulares, associada ao dano tubular renal devido à citotoxicidade do contraste. Frente à existência de poucas informações relacionadas a estes mecanismos na literatura médico-veterinária, objetivaram-se comparar os efeitos renais da administração intravenosa de MCI não iônicos de diferentes osmolaridades, em grupos de cães com fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da NIC, por meio das avaliações ultrassonográficas modo B, Doppler colorido, de amplitude e pulsado, pareada aos exames laboratoriais, a fim de estimar indiretamente o potencial nefrotóxico de cada contraste. Constituíram-se dois grupos de acordo com o MCI utilizado: o grupo GIH [11 cães receberam iohexol (baixa osmolaridade)] e o grupo GID [sete cães receberam iodixanol (isosmolar)]. Administrou-se a dose de 600mgI/kg/IV em ambos. Avaliaram-se os seguintes aspectos renais antes da administração do MCI (momento basal) e após 1h30min, 24 horas e 48 horas: morfometria (comprimento e volume), morfologia, ecogenicidade cortical e perfusão renais e resistência vascular intrarrenal (índices hemodinâmicos de resistividade e pulsatilidade). Realizou-se ainda exame de urina e se mensuraram as razões gama-glutamil transferase:creatinina (GGT:C) e proteína:creatinina (RPC) urinárias e a concentração sérica de creatinina. Os grupos apresentaram comportamentos similares para comprimento, volume, RPC, exame de urina e creatinina sérica. Em relação ao índice de pulsatilidade (IP), os grupos apresentaram comportamentos não similares, mas sem diferenças significantes entre o momento basal e os demais. Para o índice de resistividade (IR) e a razão GGT:C urinária, os grupos revelaram comportamentos não similares e se constataram aumentos significantes do IR e da razão GGT:C urinária no período de 1h30min após a administração do contraste, somente para o grupo que recebeu iohexol. Concluiu-se que o IR pode ser utilizado para monitorar a hemodinâmica intrarrenal, visto que junto com a razão GGT:C urinária, demonstrou a existência de maior potencial nefrotóxico do iohexol, quando comparado ao iodixanol. Dessa forma, considera-se o uso do iodixanol, opção favorável para cães com fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da NIC.(AU)

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute disease, secondary to intravascular administration of iodinated contrast media (ICM). The most important mechanisms of this nephropathy are intrarenal prolonged vasoconstriction, medular hypoxia, and ischemia associated with renal tubular damage due to contrast cytotoxicity. Owing to the limited information available in veterinary literature regarding these mechanisms this study aims to compare the renal effects of intravenous administration of two nonionic ICM of different osmolarities in groups of dogs with risk factors for CIN development, by using a B-mode, color, power- and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography, and other laboratory tests, in order to indirectly estimate the nephrotoxic potential of each contrast. The following two groups were established according to the nonionic ICM used: the GIH group [11 dogs administered iohexol (low osmolarity)] and the GID group [seven dogs administered iodixanol (iso-osmolarity)]. Both the groups were administered the same dose (600mgI/kg/IV). The following renal aspects were evaluated before administration of ICM (baseline) and after 1h30min, 24h, and 48h: renal morphometry (length and volume), renal morphology, cortical echogenicity, renal perfusion, and intrarenal vascular resistance (resistive and pulsatility indices); in addition, urinalysis was performed, and urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase:creatinine ratio (GGT:C), urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC), and serum creatinine were also measured. Both groups showed similar characteristics with respect to the length, volume, UPC ratio, urinalysis, and serum creatinine levels. No similarity was observed with respect to the pulsatility index (PI) in both the groups and there were no significant differences between baseline and 1h30min, 24h and 48h time points. With respect to the IR and urinary GGT:C, both groups showed no similarity, and significant increases were observed in the resistive index (RI) and urinary GGT:C only in the GIH group, 1h30min after contrast administration. In conclusion, RI can be used to monitor intrarenal hemodynamics, and along with the urinary GGT:C, revealed that iohexol had higher nephrotoxic potential than iodixanol. Thus, iodixanol is considered a favorable option for dogs with risk factors for CIN development.(AU)

Equine herpesvirus type 1 induces both neurological and respiratory disease in Syrian hamsters.

The equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an important cause of myeloencephalopathy and respiratory disease in horses. Animal models for EHV-1 infection have been specially developed using mice and Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). However, few studies have attempted to evaluate the pathogenesis of EHV-1 infection in the central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory system of hamsters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenesis of four Brazilian EHV-1 strains within the CNS and lungs of Syrian hamsters. Hamsters intranasally infected with A4/72, A9/92, A3/97, and Iso/72 EHV-1 strains developed severe neurological and respiratory signs and died during acute EHV-1 infection within 3 to 5days post-inoculation. However, neurological signs were more severe in A4/72 and A9/92-infected hamsters, whereas respiratory signs were more prominent in A3/97 and Iso/72-infected hamsters. In the latter, lesions in the CNS were predominantly inflammatory, whereas in A4/72 and A9/92-infected hamsters, neuronal and liquefactive necrosis were the predominant lesions. EHV-1 infected hamsters also developed an interstitial pneumonia with infiltration of alveolar septa by macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, with the exception of A9/92-infected hamsters, which developed severe hemorrhages within the airways. EHV-1 antigens were detected along with CNS and pulmonary lesions. EHV-1 was also recovered from CNS of all infected hamsters, whereas the virus was recovered from the lungs of A4/72, A9/92, and Iso/72-infected hamsters. Brazilian EHV-1 strains caused both severe CNS and respiratory disease in hamsters, thus making this species an interesting model for EHV-1 infection in the CNS and respiratory system.

Equine herpesvirus type 1 induces both neurological and respiratory disease in Syrian hamsters

The equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an important cause of myeloencephalopathy and respiratory disease in horses. Animal models for EHV-1 infection have been specially developed using mice and Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). However, few studies have attempted to evaluate the pathogenesis of EHV-1 infection in the central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory system of hamsters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenesis of four Brazilian EHV-1 strains within the CNS and lungs of Syrian hamsters. Hamsters intranasally infected with A4/72, A9/92, A3/97, and Iso/72 EHV-1 strains developed severe neurological and respiratory signs and died during acute EHV-1 infection within 3 to 5 days post-inoculation. However, neurological signs were more severe in A4/72 and A9/92-infected hamsters, whereas respiratory signs were more prominent in A3/97 and Iso/72-infected hamsters. In the latter, lesions in the CNS were predominantly inflammatory, whereas in A4/72 and A9/92-infected hamsters, neuronal and liquefactive necrosis were the predominant lesions. EHV-1 infected hamsters also developed an interstitial pneumonia with infiltration of alveolar septa by macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, with the exception of A9/92-infected hamsters, which developed severe hemorrhages within the airways. EHV-1 antigens were detected along with CNS and pulmonary lesions. EHV-1 was also recovered from CNS of all infected hamsters, whereas the virus was recovered from the lungs of A4/72, A9/92, and Iso/72-infected hamsters. Brazilian EHV-1 strains caused both severe CNS and respiratory disease in hamsters, thus making this species an interesting model for EHV-1 infection in the CNS and respiratory system.(AU) i

Retenção de placenta no proteinograma de vacas Holandesas / Retained placenta on the proteinogram of Holstein cows

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da retenção de placenta (RP) no proteinograma de fêmeas bovinas da raça Holandesa, de propriedades comerciais, foram utilizadas 129 vacas com RP e 145 vacas com parto e pós-parto fisiológicos e sem nenhum tratamento no período avaliado. As amostras de sangue foram divididas nos momentos: 1odia pós-parto (DPP), 2o-3o, 4o-5o, 6o-7o, 8o-14o, 15o-29o, 30o-59o e 60o-90o DPP. O fracionamento das proteínas foi realizado por eletroforese em fita de acetato de celulose e em gel de poliacrilamida, contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE), nas quais se avaliou o comportamento de 19 bandas proteicas identificadas pelos respectivos pesos moleculares, que variaram entre 23KDa e 187KDa. Não houve influência da RP na proteína sérica total e gamaglobulinas. A albumina sérica permaneceu abaixo dos valores de referência até os 90DPP nos animais com RP. Concluiu-se que vacas Holandesas com RP apresentam um quadro de normoproteinemia com hipoalbuminemia e aumento das frações alfaglobulinas e betaglobulinas até os 90DPP, presença de resposta inflamatória de fase aguda positiva pelo significativo aumento de haptoglobina, ceruloplasmina, glicoproteína ácida, e de fase aguda negativa pela diminuição de albumina na primeira semana pós-parto.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of retained placenta on the proteinogram of Holstein cows from commercial dairy farms. Blood samples were collected from 129 animals with retained placenta (RP) and 145 animals with normal delivery and postpartum period, without any treatment, on following days: 1 st day in milk (DIM), 2 nd -3 th , 4 th -5 th , 6 th -7 th , 8 th -14 th , 15 th -29 th , 30 th -59 th and 60 th -90 th DIM were analyzed. Protein electrophoresis were performed in acetate cellulose and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrilamide gel (SDS-PAGE), where 19 protein bands were observed with molecular weights between 23KDa and 187KDa. There was no influence on serum total protein and gamma globulins. Serum albumin remained below the normal reference values up to 90DIM. In conclusion, Holstein cows with RP have normoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia up to 90DIM, presence of positive acute phase response by increase of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, acid glycoprotein, alpha and beta globulins and negative acute phase response by decreased of albumin within the first week postpartum.

Health evaluation and survey of zoonotic pathogens in free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the world's largest rodents and play an epidemiologic role in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including the causative agents of Brazilian spotted fever, leptospirosis, and others. We surveyed the health of 31 free-ranging capybaras at the Alberto Löfgren State Park, São Paulo, Brazil using a variety of diagnostic methods. Hematology and serum chemistry were consistent with mild malnutrition and parasitism but did not indicate severe physiologic imbalance or disease. All animals were serologically negative for Rickettsia rickettsii, Leishmania spp., and Trypanosoma sp., but antibodies against rabies virus (71%), Leptospira sp. (26%), and Toxoplasma sp. (23%) were detected. Salmonella sp. was not cultured from fecal samples. Frequently cultured enterobacteria included Escherichia coli (61%), Enterococcus casseiflavus (35%), Enterococcus faecalis (35%), Enterobacter aerogenes (32%), Klebisella pneumoniae (32%), and Serratia marcescens (32%). No potentially pathogenic fungi were cultured from hair samples. Fecal parasitology revealed infection by Protozoophaga sp. (58%), Viannella spp. (23%), Strongyloides spp. (10%), and Ancilostomatidae (10%). A total of 218 ticks was retrieved from the animals: Amblyomma sp. larvae and nymphs (43%), A. dubitatum adults (52%), and A. cajennense adults (5%). The capybaras were free from most potentially zoonotic pathogens evaluated; however, the presence of Amblyomma spp. ticks (potential vectors of Rickettsia spp.) and indirect evidence of exposure to the rabies virus, Leptospira sp., and Toxoplasma sp. warrant the maintenance of public health programs and wildlife health monitoring.

Carmustine, vincristine, and prednisone in the treatment of canine lymphosarcoma.

A chemotherapeutic protocol using carmustine in combination with vincristine and prednisone was tested in dogs with multicentric malignant lymphosarcoma. Of seven dogs treated, six (85.7%) achieved complete remission. A partial response occurred in one dog. Median survival time was 224 days (mean 386 days), and median duration of remission was 183 days (mean 323 days). Marked neutropenia was observed following carmustine administration. There were no significant alterations in platelets and red blood cell counts during treatment, and no abnormalities attributable to the chemotherapy were found in serum biochemical profiles. Results of this study showed that carmustine is an effective alternative option in the treatment of canine lymphosarcoma.

Anemia hemolítica imunomediada não regenerativa em um cão / Nonregenerative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in a dog

Quadros hemolíticos não eritrorregenerativos são descritos em cães e podem ser decorrentes de doença medular primária, bem como, da destruição dos precursores eritróides medulares por imunoglobulinas. Um cão macho, de três anos de idade, sem raça definida, foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo apresentando sinais de anemia hemolítica aguda arregenerativa. Após a instituição de terapia imunossupressora (prednisona), houve remissão da hemólise sem, no entanto, sinais de eritrorregeneração. No décimo dia de tratamento, o mielograma demonstrou discreta hipoplasia e displasia eritróide, descartando a possibilidade de aplasia medular. Associou-se ciclofosfamida e azatioprina ao tratamento, tendo havido resposta eritrorregenerativa e recuperação dos valores hematológicos. A ocorrência deste caso de anemia hemolítica não eritrorregenerativa deve servir como alerta para a ocorrência desta condição mórbida, como também, da importância da utilização do mielograma como método auxiliar no diagnóstico de anemias arregenerativas.