Abstract
BackgroundSpirocerca lupi is a nematode that parasitizes vertebrates in particular canids, by forming nodules in the thoracic cavity specifically in the oesophagus. In 25% of Spirocerca infections of the domestic dog, nodules progress from inflammatory to pre-neoplastic to sarcomatous neoplasia. With the mechanism of neoplastic transformation being incompletely understood, this study investigates if S. lupi parasite proteinaceous secretory/excretory products (ESPs) play a role in the neoplastic transformation.MethodsTo facilitate collection of ESPs, we maintained naturally harvested adult parasites in the laboratory under artificial conditions. Media in which the parasites were grown was subsequently evaluated for the presence of proteinaceous compounds using a mass spectroscopy library as well as for their ability to be mitogenic in primary murine fibroblastic cells.ResultsChromatrography of the ethyl acetate extracted incubation media showed the presence of 9 protein compounds, of which three were identified as non-specific proteins isolated from Nematostella vectensis, Caenorhabditis brenneri and Sus scrofa, with the rest being unknown. Acetone, methanol, hexane and ethylacetate extracted culture media were unable to induce a mitogenic change in primary murine fibroblasts in comparison to the controls.ConclusionWhile no mitogenic effect was evident, further studies are required to understand the role of worm excretory/secretory products on clastogenesis under chronic exposure. In addition, while not of primary importance for this study, the observed duration of parasite survival indicates that ex vivo studies on S. lupi are possible. For the latter we believe that the worm culture method can be further optimized if longer survival times are required.
Highlights
Spirocerca lupi is a nematode that parasitizes vertebrates in particular canids, by forming nodules in the thoracic cavity in the oesophagus
In up to 25% of S. lupi-infested dogs, the esophageal nodules progress from inflammatory esophageal nodules to pre-neoplastic fibroblastic nodules and eventually to sarcoma [6]
Following esophageal nodule incision and careful removal of adult worms, they were placed into pre-warmed saline, Iscove’s Modified Dulbecco’s Medium (Iscove’s), Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM), Ham’s F12 Medium (Ham’s) or Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 medium (RPMI) prior to transportation to the laboratory
Summary
Spirocerca lupi is a nematode that parasitizes vertebrates in particular canids, by forming nodules in the thoracic cavity in the oesophagus. The life cycle of the parasite is well understood and includes intermediate hosts (coprophagous beetles), paratenic hosts (wild birds, lizards, Sako et al BMC Veterinary Research (2017) 13:262 serosa and gastric/coeliac arteries, reaching the caudal thoracic aorta, where they develop to stage 4 larvae (L4) and to young adults. Thereafter, they migrate to the caudal thoracic oesophagus, where they settle and form nodule(s) in the serosa and submucosa [1,2,3]. S.lupi-induced sarcomatous neoplasia has been further classified histologically as osteosarcoma (the predominant S. lupi-induced sarcoma), fibrosarcoma and anaplastic (undifferentiated) sarcoma [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
