Placental lesions associated with abortion and stillbirth in goats naturally infected by Neospora caninum / Lesões placentárias associadas a abortos e natimortos em cabras naturalmente infectadas pelo Neospora caninum

Neospora caninum has been described as a parasite that sporadically causes reproductive problems in goats. Several aspects of the pathogenesis of neosporosis in naturally infected goats remain to be established. The aims of the present study were to characterize the placental lesions in goats naturally infected by N. caninum and to evaluate several diagnostic techniques for effective detection of this protozoan in the goat placenta. Some placentas in this study originated from abortion and stillbirth in which there were severe lesions. The lesions were characterized mainly by necrosis involving the mesenchyme of the chorionic villi and trophoblast cells often alongside mononuclear inflammation and in some cases with neutrophilic infiltration. N. caninum DNA was detected in these placentas, but parasite structures were not visualized through immunohistochemistry (IHC). However, five of 11 placentas from N. caninum-infected goats that gave birth to healthy kids had histological lesions characterized by mononuclear inflammation. Of these 11 placentas, N. caninum DNA was detected in seven, and N. caninum tachyzoites were detected in only one of these seven placentas using IHC. The present study demonstrates that severe lesions in the placenta are associated with abortion and stillbirth in caprine neosporosis and the placental alterations are likely involved in abortion pathogenesis. Moreover, the results highlight the importance of using more than one diagnostic technique for the detection of the protozoan in placentas because N. caninum cannot be reliably detected by histological and immunohistochemical tests.(AU)

Neospora caninum é descrito como um parasito que causa problemas reprodutivos esporádicos em cabras. Muitos aspectos da patogênese da neosporose em cabras naturalmente infectadas ainda precisam ser estabelecidos. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram caracterizar as lesões placentárias em cabras naturalmente infectadas por N. caninum e avaliar as técnicas diagnósticas para a detecção efetiva do protozoário na placenta. Algumas placentas deste estudo são originárias de abortos e natimortos, nas quais havia lesões graves. As lesões foram classificadas principalmente por necrose envolvendo o mesênquima das vilosidades coriônicas e células trofoblásticas, geralmente associadas a infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear e em alguns casos infiltrado neutrofílico. O DNA do N. caninum foi detectado nestas placentas, porém estruturas parasitárias não foram visualizadas na imuno-histoquímica (IHQ). Entretanto, cinco das onze placentas de cabras infectadas, que deram à luz a conceptos saudáveis, apresentaram lesões histológicas caracterizadas por infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear. Destas 11 placentas, foi detectado DNA de N. caninum em sete e taquizoítos foram encontrados em apenas uma por meio de imuno-histoquímica. O presente estudo demonstra que abortos e natimortos na espécie caprina, causados pelo N. caninum estão associados a lesões acentuadas nas placentas, sendo que as mesmas estão envolvidas na patogênese do aborto. Os resultados também ressaltam a importância do uso de mais de uma técnica diagnóstica para a detecção do protozoário em placentas, pois o N. caninum não pode ser confiavelmente detectado somente pelos exames de histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica.(AU)

Aspectos patológicos da intoxicação por aceturato de diminazeno em camelídeos sul-americanos / Pathological aspects of diminazene aceturate toxicosis in american camelids

Aceturato de diminazeno é um fármaco quimioterápico sintético comumente usado na medicina veterinária para o tratamento de doenças causadas por parasitos hematozoários. Entretanto, seu uso pode levar a efeitos colaterais, como alterações neurológicas graves e morte. A criação de camelídeos é uma atividade recente no Brasil, fazendo-se necessário conhecer mais sobre as doenças que acometem essas espécies. De dez camelídeos (seis lhamas e quatro alpacas) da propriedade, seis tiveram sinais clínicos e, destes, apenas uma lhama com manifestações leves recuperou-se. Os sinais clínicos incluíam apatia, andar cambaleante, fraqueza, sialorreia, cabeça baixa e pendida lateralmente, dificuldade em levantar e dispneia, observados a partir de 18 horas após o uso do medicamento. À necropsia e ao exame histopatológico foram observadas alterações de encefalopatia hemorrágica bilateral e simétrica, mais graves em tronco encefálico e tálamo. Este trabalho descreve as principais lesões observadas em um surto de intoxicação por diminazeno em alpacas (Lama pacos) e lhamas (Lama glama) e alerta criadores e veterinários sobre o risco de intoxicação por aceturato de diminazeno em camelídeos sul americanos.(AU)

Diminazene aceturate is a synthetic chemotherapeutic drug commonly used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of diseases caused by hematozoan parasites. However, side effects as severe neurological disorders and death can occur. The raising of american camelids is a recent activity in Brazil, requiring knowledge about diseases that affect these species, in order to avoid misguided conducts. In a herd of ten camelids (six llamas and four alpacas) six showed clinical signs and five died; only a llama with mild signs recovered. The clinical signs included apathy, difficulty to stand up, staggering gait, weakness, down head and drooping the head laterally, dyspnea and drooling of saliva, observed from 18 hours after use of the drug. At necropsy and histopathological examination was found bilateral and symmetrical hemorrhagic encephalopathy, more severe in brainstem and thalamus. This paper describes the main lesions observed in an outbreak of diminazene aceturate poisoning in alpacas (Lama pacos) and llamas (Lama glama) and alert breeders and veterinarians about the risk of poisoning by this drug in american camelids.(AU)

Effects of ß-Glucans Ingestion on Alveolar Bone Loss, Intestinal Morphology, Systemic Inflammatory Profile, and Pancreatic ß-Cell Function in Rats with Periodontitis and Diabetes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ß-glucan ingestion (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the plasmatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), alveolar bone loss, and pancreatic ß-cell function (HOMA-BF) in diabetic rats with periodontal disease (PD). Besides, intestinal morphology was determined by the villus/crypt ratio. A total of 48 Wistar rats weighing 203 ± 18 g were used. Diabetes was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (80 mg/kg) and periodontal inflammation, by ligature. The design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme 2 × 2 × 2 (diabetic or not, with or without periodontitis, and ingesting ß-glucan or not). The animals received ß-glucan by gavage for 28 days. Alveolar bone loss was determined by scanning electron microscopy (distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest) and histometric analysis (bone area between tooth roots). ß-glucan reduced plasmatic levels of TNF-α in diabetic animals with PD and of IL-10 in animals with PD (p < 0.05). ß-glucan reduced bone loss in animals with PD (p < 0.05). In diabetic animals, ß-glucan improved ß-cell function (p < 0.05). Diabetic animals had a higher villus/crypt ratio (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ß-glucan ingestion reduced the systemic inflammatory profile, prevented alveolar bone loss, and improved ß-cell function in diabetic animals with PD.

Protective effect of ß-glucan and glutamine on intestinal and immunological damage in mice induced by cytarabine (Ara-C) / Efeito protetor do ß-glucano e glutamina em lesões intestinais e imunológicas induzidas por ciratabina (Ara-C) em camundongos

Recently, glutamine and ß-glucan have been demonstrated to play an important role in modulation of the immune system and in promoting intestinal health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this intervention on inflammatory responses and intestinal health in mice orally pretreated with soluble Saccharomyces cerevisiae derived 1,3/1,6-ß-glucan (80mg/kg) with or without glutamine (150mg/kg) and then challenged with cytarabine (Ara-C) (15mg/kg). Improvements in villi and crypts were not observed in the ß-glucan group. The intestinal morphometry in the glutamine group showed the best results. ß-glucan in combination with glutamine presented the highest values of IL-1ß and IL-10 and lowest values for leukocytes and INF-γ. Based on these results, combined ß-glucan and glutamine pretreatment reduced intestinal inflammation and improved the immune response after Ara-C challenge.(AU)

Recentemente, glutamina e ß-glucano têm demonstrado desempenhar um papel importante na modulação do sistema imune e na promoção de benefícios para a saúde intestinal. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito dessa intervenção sobre as respostas inflamatórias e saúde intestinal de camundongos pré- tratados por via oral com 1,3/1,6-ß-glucano (80mg/kg) derivado de Saccharomyces cerevisiae com ou sem glutamina (150mg/kg) e posteriormente desafiados com citarabina (Ara-C) (15mg/kg). Melhoras em vilosidades e criptas não foram observadas no grupo de tratamento com ß-glucano. A morfometria intestinal no grupo de tratamento com glutamina apresentou os melhores resultados. O grupo em que foi utilizado ß-glucano em combinação com glutamina apresentou os maiores valores de IL-1ß e IL -10 e valores mais baixos para os leucócitos e INF-γ. Com base nestes resultados, o pré-tratamento de ß-glucano combinado com glutamina reduziu a inflamação intestinal e melhorou a resposta imune após o desafio com Ara-C.(AU)

Exercise attenuates alveolar bone loss and anxiety-like behaviour in rats with periodontitis.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of physical training on inflammatory and behavioural parameters of Wistar rats with periodontal disease (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four animals were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial design (with and without exercise, with and without PD). Trained animals swimmed one hour daily during 8 weeks. PD was induced by ligature 14 days before the end of experiment, and in the last week, all animals were submitted to the Marble Burying Test. Histomorphometric analyses of the mandibles and expression of cytokines were conducted by Western blotting. We also evaluated the morphometry of hippocampal astrocytes using anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein antibody. RESULTS: Physical training attenuated bone loss and epithelial attachment loss levels of rats with PD. Trained animals with PD presented lower TNF-α expression in periodontal tissues while IL-10 was increased. TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was lower in trained animals with PD compared to those with induced periodontitis. PD increased anxiety-like behaviour, and physical training attenuated this parameter. Exercise increased the ramifications of hippocampal astrocytes in rats without PD. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise decreased anxiety behaviour, inflammatory proteins expression and bone loss in rats with PD.

Effects of six weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic physical training on metabolic and body parameters of Wistar rats: a pilot study

Physical training in animal models promotes changes that can be extrapolated to humans, due to physiological similarities between these species. Thus, the use of rodents submitted to exercise becomes feasible due to the possibility of analyzing variables that would not be admissible in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of six weeks of swimming, at moderate intensity, on physical and physiological parameters of Wistar rats. Twelve animals were divided into two groups (trained and non-trained). The trained animals were subjected to six weeks of aerobic training in water with 5% of body weight load. The results between groups were compared by the t test (p < 0.05). The variation in body weight was lower in the trained groups. Food and water consumption were higher in the animals submitted to physical training. The relative weight of heart and kidney were higher in trained animals, with no differences in the liver and gastrocnemius relative weight. The gastrocnemius muscle fiber diameter did not differ between groups. The training promoted an increase in the percentage of protein in the carcass and a decrease in body fat percentage, as well as in the diameter of the epididymal region adipocytes. Additionally, the training promoted increased levels of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL-C) and decreased levels of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL-C) and triacylglycerols (TAG). It was concluded that six weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training is sufficient to promote improvements in the metabolic profile, weight control, and reduce body fat and increase the protein content in the carcass of rats

El entrenamiento físico en un modelo animal promueve cambios que se pueden extrapolar a los seres humanos, debido a las similitudes fisiológicas entre estas especies. El uso de roedores sujetos a ejercicio se vuelve factible debido a la posibilidad de analizar variables que no serían aceptables en los seres humanos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de seis semanas de natación a una intensidad moderada en parámetros corporales y fisiológicos de ratas Wistar. Fueron divididos doce animales en dos grupos (entrenados y no entrenados). Las ratas entrenadas fueron sometidas a seis semanas de entrenamiento aeróbico en un medio acuático con una carga relativa a un 5% de su peso corporal. Los resultados entre los grupos se compararon por t-test de student (p < 0,05). La variación de la ganancia de peso corporal fue menor en los animales entrenados. El consumo de agua y alimentos fue mayor en los animales del grupo sometidos a entrenamiento. El peso relativo del corazón y de los riñones fue mayor en los animales entrenados, sin diferencias en el peso relativo del hígado gastrocnemio. El diámetro de las fibras del musculo no difirió entre los grupos. El entrenamiento provoco un aumento en el porcentaje de proteína en la carcasa y una disminución en el porcentaje de grasa corporal, así como en el diámetro de los adipocitos de la región del epidídimo. Además, el entrenamiento provoco un aumento de los niveles de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL-C) y una disminución de los niveles de lipoproteína de baja densidad (LDL-C) y triacilgliceridos (TAG). Se concluye que seis semanas de entrenamiento aeróbico a una intensidad moderada es suficiente para promover mejoras en el perfil metabólico, control de peso, reducir la grasa corporal y aumentar el contenido de proteínas en la carcasa de las ratas

Abortos por Neosporacaninum em bovinos do sul de Minas Gerais / Neosporacaninum abortions in cattle in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Este estudo avaliou a participação de Neospora caninum em casos de abortos em bovinos provenientes de propriedades rurais da região sul de Minas Gerais por meio de análises histopatológicas, imuno-histoquímicas (IHQ) e pela reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR). O material utilizado foi obtido de um estudo retrospectivo de casos de aborto recebidos pelo Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Lavras e de fetos necropsiados durante os anos de 2011 a 2013. De 60 fetos estudados, 30 (50%) tinham lesões microscópicas. Destes, 19 (63%) apresentaram lesões compatíveis com aborto por N. caninum, caracterizadas principalmente por encefalite não supurativa multifocal, necrose e gliose multifocal, assim como, miocardite e miosite não supurativa. Em 14 fetos chegou-se ao diagnóstico definitivo. Destes, cinco tiveram sua confirmação somente pela marcação IHQ e cinco foram positivos somente na PCR. Quatro fetos foram positivos tanto na IHQ quanto na PCR. Cinco fetos, provenientes do estudo retrospectivo apresentaram lesões compatíveis com N. caninum, mas a presença do protozoário não foi confirmada pela marcação IHQ. Os achados demonstram que o N. caninum é um importante agente associado ao aborto em bovinos na região sul de Minas Gerais. Para tanto, além das lesões microscópicas a associação entre a IHQ e a técnica de PCR foi essencial para a confirmação do diagnóstico.

The present study evaluates the participation of Neospora caninum in bovine abortions from farms in the southern region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, through histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHQ) analysis and DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The material used in this study was obtained through retrospective study of bovine abortion cases received by the Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Lavras and by necropsies performed in fetuses from 2011 to 2013. From 60 fetuses studied, 30 (50%) had microscopic lesions; 19 (63%) of them had histologic lesions compatible with N. caninum abortion, characterized by multifocal non-suppurative encephalitis, necrosis and gliosis in the central nervous system and multifocal nonsuppurative myocarditis and myositis. From the 19 fetuses with protozoa lesions in 14 the final diagnosis was performed; five were confirmated only by IHQ staining and five were positive only by PCR. Four fetuses were positive in IHC and in PCR. In five fetuses from the retrospective study lesions compatible with N. caninum were seen, but the presence of the protozoan was not confirmed by IHQ labeling. The findings demonstrate that N. caninum is an important agent associated with abortion in cattle from Minas Gerais. Therefore, beyond the microscopic lesions association between IHC and PCR was essential to confirm the diagnosis.

El ejercicio físico como coadyuvante inmunológico: una revisión / Physical exercise as immune adjuvant: review

El uso de coadyuvantes para aumentar el efecto de vacunas ha sido el foco de varios estudios de investigación en el campo de la salud. Sin embargo, algunas sustancias con potencial coadyuvante pueden tener efectos secundarios con una alta toxicidad por lo que son necesarios métodos menos invasivos y más eficaces para realizar esta función. Varios estudios, investigando los efectos del ejercicio físico sobre diversos parámetros inmunológicos, han mostrado que la práctica de ejercicio físico de ciertas intensidades provoca mejoras en la respuesta inmune y que incluso puede actuar como coadyuvante exógeno inmunitario, por lo que puede ser una herramienta importante para aumentar la eficacia de la respuesta inmune después de la vacunación. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar los estudios que demuestran cómo diferentes tipos, intensidades, y duración de ejercicios físicos pueden actuar como coadyuvantes inmunitarios. Para ello se seleccionaron estudios que investigaron los efectos de diferentes protocolos o modalidades de ejercicio sobre la eficacia de la inmunización después de la vacunación, tanto en humanos como en modelos animales. En cuanto a la intensidad del ejercicio, hay un consenso de que las actividades con intensidad moderada aumentan la eficacia de las vacunas, mientras que las intensidades ligeras no tienen tal efecto. Entrenamientos únicos de ejercicio de fuerza de los miembros superiores han demostrado ser eficaces para la inmunización de jóvenes, mientras que para las personas mayores, tal eficacia se observó con la práctica regular de ejercicios aeróbicos a una intensidad moderada. La literatura estudiada permite afirmar que hay evidencia de que el ejercicio físico se puede utilizar como un complemento de la vacunación, especialmente en la vacunación en ancianos (AU)

The use of adjuvants in order to enhance the effect of vaccines has been the focus of several research studies. However, some substances with the potential of being used as adjuvants may exhibit high toxicity and side effects. In this sense, new methods which are less invasive and more effective to perform this function are being developed. Thus, several studies have investigated the effects of exercise on immune parameters. It is suggested that physical activities can improve the immune response and may even act as exogenous adjuvants, increasing the host’s immune response efficiency after vaccination. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review the literature in order to find out how different types, intensities and duration of exercise can act as adjuvants for immunization. To this end, studies that investigated the effects of different exercise modalities or protocols were selected, all of them investigating the effectiveness of immunization after vaccination, both in humans and in animal models. Regarding exercise intensity, there is a consensus that moderate activities increase the efficacy of vaccines, while light intensities do not cause any effect. Acute sessions of resistance exercise for upper limbs demonstrated to be effective for immunization of young people, while for the elderly, such efficacy was observed with the regular practice of aerobic exercise at a moderate intensity. In conclusion, from what has been observed in the literature, it seems to exist some evidence that physical exercise can be used as a complement to vaccination, especially when it comes to immunization of the elderly (AU)

Antibody kinetics in goats and conceptuses naturally infected with Neospora caninum.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan which can cause abortions in caprines. However, information regarding the humoral immune response and the occurrence of reproductive disorders is scarce. This is the first study in which the kinetics of antibodies is studied in pregnant goats naturally infected by N. caninum, as well as their respective conceptuses. The subclasses of IgG (IgG1 and IgG2) were also evaluated in pregnant goats. Reproductive problems related to neosporosis (abortion and stillbirth) occurred in 15.38% of the goats. There was a statistically significant association between the increased titres of maternal IgG in the second half of the gestational period with the occurrence of endogenous transplacental transmission. The rate of congenital transmission was 77%. During the gestational period of the seropositive goats, there was mainly a predominance of the subclass IgG2, although mixed patterns of IgG2-IgG1 and the IgG1 pattern were also observed. These results indicate that N. caninum is responsible for the occurrence of important alterations in the humoral immune response of naturally infected goats, and is also a potential causative agent for reproductive disorders in goats. The high proportion of infected conceptuses reinforces the suggestion that congenital infection is one of the main routes of parasite transmission in goats.