Lymph Heart Research Articles

Literature review of the clinical features of sulfasalazine-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms/drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DRESS/DIHS)

BackgroundSulfasalazine (SSZ) is commonly prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. However, it can also trigger a severe drug reaction known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) or Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS). This article aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of DRESS/DIHS induced by SSZ and provide evidence for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.MethodsWe gathered relevant literature on SSZ-induced DRESS/DIHS published from 1 January 2005, to 21 July 2024, by searching both English and Chinese databases.ResultsThirty-nine patients (15 males and 24 females) were included in the study, with a median age of 47 years (range: 11–82 years). Following SSZ administration, the median onset time of DRESS/DIHS was 28 days (range: 10–60 days). These patients exhibited clinical symptoms such as fever (100%), rash (100%), digestive system responses (38.5%), and edema (35.9%). Organ involvement was observed in 38 patients, with commonly affected organs being lymph nodes (78.9%), liver (94.7%), kidney (15.8%), heart (13.2%), and lung (7.9%). All patients had hematological abnormalities, primarily eosinophilia (69.2%) and atypical lymphocytosis (35.9%). Additional hematological changes included agranulocytosis (5.1%), hemophagocytic syndrome (5.1%), and pancytopenia (2.6%). Virus reactivation occurred in 21 patients (53.8%). The primary treatment for DRESS/DIHS due to SSZ is the immediate cessation of the drug, followed by systemic corticosteroid administration. Alternative treatments such as cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab require further investigation to establish their efficacy.ConclusionSSZ may lead to DRESS/DIHS. To make a conclusive diagnosis, healthcare providers should conduct a thorough assessment by examining the patient’s clinical presentation, conducting physical evaluations, and analyzing laboratory findings. Immediate discontinuation of SSZ is recommended, and corticosteroids are often considered an efficacious treatment for DRESS/DIHS.

Assessment of reference genes for qRT-PCR normalization to elucidate host response to African swine fever infection.

Viral infection disrupts the normal regulation of the host gene's expression. In order to normalise the expression of dysregulated host genes upon virus infection, analysis of stable reference housekeeping genes using quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) is necessary. In the present study, healthy and African swine fever virus (ASFV) infected porcine tissues were assessed for the expression stability of five widely used housekeeping genes (HPRT1, B2M, 18S rRNA, PGK1 and H3F3A) as reference genes using standard algorithm. Total RNA from each tissue sample (lymph node, spleen, kidney, heart and liver) from healthy and ASFV-infected pigs was extracted and subsequently cDNA was synthesized, and subjected to qRT-PCR. Stability analysis of reference genes expression was performed using the Comparative delta CT, geNorm, BestKeeper and NormFinder algorithm available at RefFinder for the different groups. Direct Cycle threshold (CT) values of samples were used as an input for the web-based tool RefFinder. HPRT1 in spleen, 18S rRNA in liver and kidney and H3F3A in heart and lymph nodes were found to be stable in the individual healthy tissue group (group A). The majority of the ASFV-infected organs (liver, kidney, heart, lymph node) exhibited H3F3A as stable reference gene with the exception of the ASFV-infected spleen, where HPRT1 was found to be the stable gene (group B). HPRT1 was found to be stable in all combinations of all CT values of both healthy and ASFV-infected porcine tissues (group C). Of five different reference genes investigated for their stability in qPCR analysis, the present study revealed that the 18S rRNA, H3F3A and HPRT1 genes were optimal reference genes in healthy and ASFV-infected different porcine tissue samples. The study revealed the stable reference genes found in healthy as well as ASF-infected pigs and these reference genes identified through this study will form the baseline data which will be very useful in future investigations on gene expression in ASFV-infected pigs.

Systemic toxoplasmosis in 2 domestic rabbits in Georgia, United States.

Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in a range of mammalian and avian species, but clinical disease has been reported only rarely in domestic rabbits. Two cases of toxoplasmosis in domestic rabbits from the same premises were submitted to a diagnostic pathology facility in Athens, GA, USA. Both rabbits died after exhibiting clinical signs of gastrointestinal stasis. The gross findings observed in both rabbits comprised miliary, random, white-to-tan, necrotic foci throughout the spleen, liver, and lungs. Histologically, tachyzoites were observed within necrotizing inflammatory foci in the spleens of both rabbits, and in various other organs (tracheobronchial lymph node, lung, heart, and cecal appendix) of one rabbit. In both cases, the tachyzoites were immunoreactive with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. In addition, T. gondii DNA was detected via PCR and sequencing from a fresh lung sample from one rabbit and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded spleen, liver, femoral bone marrow, and haired skin from the second rabbit. Given that T. gondii can cause disease in domestic rabbits and is also a concern for other potential intermediate hosts (e.g., humans, other domestic animals), this parasite warrants consideration in the diagnostic evaluation of lagomorph tissues with compatible lesions.

Occurrence of Lymphedema in Wild-Caught Anurans

Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymph hearts fail to pump fluid from the lymph sacs of anurans and other amphibians. This causes the sacs to fill with fluid and provide the frog with balloon-like swellings or over-all appearance. The condition has previously been connected with various diseases including tadpole edema virus and chytrids. I observed lymphedema in six anuran species (Acris blanchadi*, Anaxyrus fowleri*, Hyla squirrela*, Pseudacris streckeri illinoensis*, Rana sylvatica, Rana sphenocephala* [species with * are species records for lymphedema]).

Aspectos patológicos de uma infecção disseminada semelhante à Prototecose em um cão

ABSTRACT: Anatomopathological descriptions of infections caused by saprophytic algae in dogs are rare. This study reported the anatomopathological and microbiological findings suggestive of disseminated protothecosis in a dog residing in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. During necropsy, macroscopic alterations were observed in peripheral lymph nodes, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and lungs. Microbiological, cytological, and histopathological examinations were performed. Cytology and histopathology revealed piogranulomatous inflammation associated with sporangia and endospores, while microbiological culture suggested the growth of Prototheca spp.. These anatomopathological and microbiological findings were crucial for diagnosing and documenting the first case of disseminated Prototheca spp. compatible infection in a dog in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

A case of plasmacytoma with widespread metastasis in a dog

In this study, a case of plasmacytoma with widespread metastasis in a nine-year-old male Rottweiler dog was described by histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Macroscopic examination revealed multifocal white or pink-red colored masses ranging in size from 0,5 to 3 cm in the lung, liver, mediastinal and mesenterial lymph nodes, spleen, heart, pancreas, intestine and kidneys. In microscopic examination, tumor foci consisting mostly of atypical plasma cells were observed in the lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes, intestine, and kidneys. Tumor-type giant cells were observed in tumor foci in the lung, mitotic figures in tumor foci in other organs, including the lung, and abundant tumor cells in capillary vessels. In Methyl Green Pyronin staining of lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, mediastinal and mesenterial lymph nodes, intestine and kidney sections, the cytoplasm of plasma cells was observed to be stained pink. Congo Red staining applied to liver and spleen sections showed amyloid deposits stained in brick red color. In addition, in the immunohistochemical staining of lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, mediastinal and mesenterial lymph nodes, intestine and kidney sections with Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) antibody, severe immunoreactivity was detected in tumor cells. As a result, due to the presence of rarely reported widespread metastases in the lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, mediastinal and mesenterial lymph nodes, intestine and kidneys of the diagnosed plasmacytoma case, it was deemed appropriate to publish the case in order to contribute to the literature by attracting the attention of veterinarians.

In Vitro and In Vivo Specificity and Biodistribution of a Novel CD8-Targeted Fusosome

Autologouschimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells represent a groundbreaking therapy for treating B-cell malignancies. However, the complexity, cost, time and toxicity associated with manufacturing and administering current CAR T cell therapies hinder their broader applications. To overcome CAR T limitations, Sana has developed a novel fusosome platform that can deliver a T cell targeted CAR gene therapy via systemic administration, without ablative pre-conditioning. The fusosome is a lentiviral vector pseudotyped with a targeted fusogen that specifically directs gene transfer into CD8+ cells. Our CD8-targeted CD19-directed CAR fusosome, SG299, transduces CD8+ cells in lymphoid tissues, showing preclinical safety and high selectivity, laying the groundwork for clinical evaluation of an in vivo CAR gene therapy. In vitro tissue cross reactivity (TCR) study was assessed to evaluate binding of the CD8 fusogen binder, a CD8-binding scFv, on tissues from Nemestrina macaques and compared these with tissues from human donors. SG299 specificity was also evaluated in vitro using panel of cell lines representing a breadth of receptor types. Cells were exposed to 8 IU/cell SG299 and vector integration was evaluated using ddPCR. Reverse transcriptase inhibitor nevirapine was used as control for the in vitro studies. To evaluate in vivo specificity and biodistribution, healthy nemestrina macaques were treated with a single dose of SG299 at 1 or 4 x 10 9 IU/kg (n=2 or 4) or saline (n=1 or 2) via intravenous infusion and evaluated for up to 35 days for vector biodistribution in CD8 enriched PBMCs and at terminal timepoint in panel of 17 tissues using ddPCR. In addition, we also demonstrated SG299 specificity with help of flow cytometry, in NALM6 tumor model in NSG mice. Briefly, NSG mice engrafted with human PBMCs were challenged with NALM6 tumors and treated with either SG299 or saline. The TCR study demonstrated that the CD8 fusogen binder is specific for the target tissues containing T cells and similar binding across multiple human and Nemestrina tissues. SG299 fusosome demonstrated CD8-specificity evaluated by transduction of cell types with CD8 receptor (SupT1 and PanT cells). There was no detectable off-target transduction in sets of primary as well as immortalized cell lines evaluated including pulmonary cells, renal epithelial cells, lymphoblast, endothelial cells and CD8KO cells. VCN analysis of nemestrina macaques PBMC and tissue samples following treatment with SG299 demonstrated dose dependent integrations per diploid genome through Day 35. All animals dosed 4 x 10 9 IU/kg showed quantifiable VCN signal through Day 34 in PBMC population enriched for CD8+ cells (0.0032 - 0.6544 vc/dg, vector copy per diploid genome). One out of 4 animals dosed at 1 x 10 9 IU/kg showed quantifiable VCN signal at Day 34 (0.0276 vc/dg). Tissues collected at necropsy on Day 35 demonstrated quantifiable VCN signal in spleen, lymph node, CD8+ splenocyte and lymphocyte, draining lymph node, heart ventricle, and injection site, for animals dosed at 4 x 10 9 IU/kg. One of 4 animals dosed 1 x 10 9 IU/kg showed quantifiable VCN in spleen, CD8+ splenocyte, and injection site. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood of mice treated with SG299 showed a dose dependent increase in CAR T cells, and the CAR T cells were CD8+ T cells specific with no CAR T cell detection amongst the CD4+ T cells. Collectively, these studies demonstrate high on target specificity of SG299 fusosome to transduce CD8+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, SG299 represents a novel therapeutic opportunity to generate CAR T cells in vivo and potentially overcome challenges associated with ex vivo CAR T therapies.

Cardiac Sparing with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Enabled Total Body Irradiation (CS VMAT-TBI).

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) enabled total body irradiation (TBI) has replaced conventional TBI in our institution given the improved treatment accuracy, patient comfort, and dose modulation ability. The risk of cardiovascular disease is several folds higher among transplant patients who receive TBI, likely related to dose to the heart. We hypothesize that a cardiac-sparing (CS) VMAT-TBI technique is feasible and can meaningfully reduce dose to the heart while still adequately covering nearby lymphatic tissue. VMAT-TBI is delivered via multi-isocentric external beams in a frame-based setup. Heart is contoured as per published guidelines. A lymph node contour, which includes tonsils, neck nodal stations, mediastinal, abdominal, retroperitoneal, and pelvic nodes is created. Coverage of the lymph node contour is prioritized over organ-sparing during inverse optimization; with a goal of V90% greater than 99.5% and mean dose less than 800 cGy for the lymph nodes and heart, respectively. An IRB-approved retrospective review was performed with mean heart dose collected for all patients treated with CS VMAT-TBI and compared to a representative cohort of five patients treated with VMAT-TBI without cardiac sparing. Thirty-one patients were treated with CS VMAT-TBI between 2020-2022 with a median follow up time of 11.5 months. Mean heart dose was 796 ± 71 cGy in the CS VMAT-TBI compared to 1247 ± 29 cGy in the VMAT-TBI group without cardiac sparing (p < 0.001). Of those treated with CS VMAT-TBI, three patients relapsed; one relapse occurred in bone marrow only, one relapse occurred in bone marrow and cervical, thoracic, and intra-abdominal lymphoid tissues, and one patient was simulated but never received induction therapy due to overt progression. 100-day relapse-free survival and overall survival were 82.5% and 86.2%, respectively. Median survival time has not been met. Cardiac sparing is feasible in VMAT-TBI and is associated with significant decrease in mean heart dose of ∼450 cGy. This is estimated to confer a 33.3% decreased absolute risk for lifetime major coronary events compared to patients treated with VMAT-TBI without cardiac sparing. Although limited by short follow-up time, there does not appear to be a significant risk for early relapse despite de-escalating cardiac tissue, likely due to prioritizing coverage of lymph nodes. Prospective clinical studies are needed to further validate cardiac and other organ at risk sparing VMAT-TBI techniques.

Anaplastic mammary carcinoma in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca)

ABSTRACT A captive female of jaguar (Panthera onca), 12 years old, presenting an 8-day history of anorexia and lethargy, died in its enclosure in Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil). The necropsy revealed an abdominal multinodular ventral plaque into the mammary region. Additionally, in several locations of the subcutaneous tissue, there were multiple metastatic nodules of firm texture. Metastases were also observed in the lymph nodes, heart and lungs. The immunohistochemistry results revealed the cytoplasmic staining for cytokeratin on neoplastic cells, mild staining (+) for E-cadherin, moderate staining (++) for estrogen and progesterone receptors, and about 50 to 70% of staining for Ki-67. The neoplastic cells were negative for vimentin staining. Therefore, the histopathological examination led to a diagnosis of metastatic anaplastic mammary carcinoma, which is an unusual condition in wild felines.

Морфологическая характеристика внутренних органов мышей при длительном потреблении микропластика

Introduction.Microplastics (MP) pollute the environment and can pose a danger to living organisms including humans. Experimental studies on mice and rats demonstrated that microplastics can enter the internal environment, causing structural damage to and dysfunction of various organs. However, data on this issue are scarce and contradictory. The aim of this paper was to characterize morphological changes in the internal organs in mice after prolonged MP consumption in different doses. Materials and methods. We formed four groups (n=5 each): three experimental and one control group. Mice of the experimental groups were given a 5-μm polystyrene particle suspension in distilled water at a concentration of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/l for 4 weeks. The daily consumption doses averaged 0.023, 0.23, and 2.3 mg of microparticles per kg of animal body weight, respectively. The control group received distilled water throughout the experiment. We conducted a morphological examination of the colon, spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs, thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes, brain, heart, testicles, and thigh muscles. In the colon, morphometric methods were used to evaluate inflammatory infiltration, the number of endocrine and goblet cells, and the content of neutral and highly sulfated mucins in the latter. Results. On morphological examination under the influence of 5-μm polystyrene particle consumption in different doses, we revealed pathological changes only in the spleen and colon. However, a decrease in the goblet cell volume fraction in the colon mucosa was found in the group with low dose of microplastics (0.023 mg/kg/day). The group that consumed 2.3 mg/kg/day of microplastics showed the activation of both spleen compartments, an increased endocrine cells count, and a decreased proportion of highly sulfated mucins in goblet cells. Conclusion. Polystyrene microparticles with a 5-μm diameter consumed for 4 weeks at doses of 0.023–2.3 mg/kg/day cause adaptive morphological and functional changes in the colon and spleen. Keywords: microplastics, polystyrene, spleen, colon, internal organs

Pathological aspects of cutaneous mast cell tumors with metastases in 49 dogs.

Cutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) is one of the most frequent cutaneous neoplasms of dogs and may vary from well-differentiated to aggressive tumors with metastasis. The authors retrospectively described the gross and histologic aspects of metastatic MCT in 49 dogs. Primary MCT was most commonly identified in the inguinal region (14/35; 40%), and at necropsy multiple, cutaneous nodules were frequently reported (23/49; 47%). All primary MCT were classified as high-grade neoplasms, and metastases involved the lymph nodes (47/49; 96%), spleen (33/49; 67%), liver (29/49; 59%), bone marrow (20/49; 41%), kidneys (16/49; 33%), and heart (14/49; 29%), while the lungs were less commonly affected (9/49; 18%). The main gross findings included lymphadenomegaly in 47 cases; splenomegaly in 28 cases, with splenic nodules in 13 dogs; hepatomegaly in 28 cases, with white pinpoint foci in 9 cases; nodules on the capsular surface of the kidneys in 9 dogs; and epicardial nodules in 6 cases. Histologically, the lymph nodes were largely obliterated by neoplastic mast cells, while in the spleen, neoplastic cells were multifocally scattered (16/33; 48%), arranged in nodules (10/33; 30%), or obliterated the parenchyma (9/33; 27%). In the liver, the neoplastic cells mainly infiltrated the sinusoids (24/29; 83%), but were also arranged in random nodules (10/29; 34%). Interstitial and nodular metastases were observed in the kidneys and the heart. Grossly unapparent metastases were common in the heart (6/14; 43%), kidneys (4/16; 25%), and lungs (6/9). KIT III and KIT II staining patterns were observed in 29 and 20 cases, respectively.

First Report of TTSuV1 in Domestic Swiss Pigs.

Serum prevalence of Torque teno sus viruses (TTSuV1 and k2; family Anelloviridae) is known to be high in the porcine population worldwide but pathogenesis and associated pathomorphological lesions remain to be elucidated. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR for detection of TTSuV1 was performed in 101 porcine samples of brain tissue, with animals showing inflammatory lesions or no histological changes. Additionally, a pathomorphological and immunohistochemical characterization of possible lesions was carried out. Selected cases were screened by TTSuV1 in situ hybridization. Furthermore, TTSuV1 quantitative real-time PCR in splenic and pulmonary tissue and in situ hybridization (ISH) in spleen, lungs, mesenteric lymph node, heart, kidney, and liver were performed in 22 animals. TTSuV1 was detected by PCR not only in spleen and lung but also in brain tissue (71.3%); however, in general, spleen and lung tissue displayed lower Ct values than the brain. Positive TTSuV1 results were frequently associated with the morphological diagnosis of non-suppurative encephalitis. Single TTSuV1-positive lymphocytes were detected by ISH in the brain but also in lungs, spleen, mesenteric lymph node and in two cases of non-suppurative myocarditis. A pathogenetic role of a TTSuV1 infection as a co-factor for non-suppurative encephalitides cannot be ruled out.

Sarcoidosis diagnosed by a tiny esophageal lesion:a case report

A woman in her 60s was referred to the Department of Gastroenterology with anemia. She had a recurrent transient loss of consciousness 11 years ago, and she was examinated at the cardiology and neurology departments, but the cause was not identified. Epileptic seizures were suspected. Sodium valproate medication was started, and the patient's condition progressed with no recurrence. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a tiny submucosal tumor-like lesion with mild depression in a 21cm thoracic esophagus. Biopsy revealed epithelioid granulomas with multinucleated giant cells in the subepithelial stroma. Computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple lesions in the hilar lymph nodes, spleen, and heart that are typical of sarcoidosis. These findings led to the diagnosis of esophageal lesion associated with sarcoidosis. The patient had no subjective symptoms;however, treatment with prednisolone 30mg was started because cardiac sarcoidosis is a risk of death. Gastrointestinal tract involvement in sarcoidosis is rare;esophageal sarcoidosis is particularly rare, and there are few reports on superficial lesions. Here, we report a case of sarcoidosis that was diagnosed from a tiny esophageal lesion.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ВЛИЯНИЯ НЕКОТОРЫХ ПРОМЫШЛЕННО ЗНАЧИМЫХ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННЫХ ТРАВ НА СЕРДЕЧНО-СОСУДИСТУЮ И ЛИМФАТИЧЕСКУЮ СИСТЕМЫ СТАРЕЮЩЕГО ОРГАНИЗМА

The purpose of this study was to identify the corrective properties of a number of medicinal herbs for age-related changes in the aging body. In an experimental study on 8 groups of old animals, a number of medicinal herbs of the Kazakh flora were studied: Ziziphora Bunge, Almaty hawthorn, St. John's wort, Echinacea purpurea, kopeechnik, badan thick-leaved on the parameters of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. All the medicinal herbs tested by us affected the animal body to some extent and, according to the studied indicators, showed a positive effect in the direction of a younger organism. There was an increase in lymph flow, diuresis, weight loss, changes in the indicators of swellability, blood and lymph viscosity, blood pressure and heart rate. The data from the screening study allowed us to further combine them into a phytocomposition for subsequent studies in order to correct changes in the old body.

Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 Patients (Tentative 8th Edition): Interpretation of Updated Key Points.

Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 Patients (Tentative 8th Edition): Interpretation of Updated Key Points.

Beyond PROX1: transcriptional, epigenetic, and noncoding RNA regulation of lymphatic identity and function.

The lymphatic vascular system acts as the major transportation highway of tissue fluids, and its activation or impairment is associated with a wide range of diseases. There has been increasing interest in understanding the mechanisms that control lymphatic vessel formation (lymphangiogenesis) and function in development and disease. Here, we discuss recent insights into new players whose identification has contributed to deciphering the lymphatic regulatory code. We reveal how lymphatic endothelial cells, the building blocks of lymphatic vessels, utilize their transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic portfolio to commit to and maintain their vascular lineage identity and function, with a particular focus on development.

A review of computed tomography patterns of metastatic breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at a private oncology centre in Ghana.

Introductionbreast cancer is the commonest malignant disease in Ghanaian women and accounts for 17% of cancer-related deaths in the country. It has been classified into molecular subtypes depending on the presence or absence of hormone receptors and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Computed tomography is often the preferred modality for monitoring metastatic disease due to its ability to determine the extent of local and metastatic disease.Methodsthis was a retrospective study conducted at Sweden Ghana Medical Centre (SGMC). Hospital records and chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan images of breast cancer patients who had been managed at SGMC between June 2016 and August 2019 were used to document age, gender, histological group, type of surgical intervention done, molecular subtypes of the disease and imaging findings. Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSS version 20.0 were used to summarise the data obtained into tables, charts and to test for significant associations.Resultsthe most common site of breast cancer metastasis was lymph nodes. The three commonest sites of distant metastases were the lung seen in 44 patients (55.3%), bone in 37 patients (44.6%) and liver in 33 patients (39.8%). Chi square test for association between the molecular subtypes of the breast cancer and proportion of patients that showed a particular type of metastases revealed that, the differences noted for lung, pleural and cardiac metastases were statistically significant, that for bone and liver were not.Conclusionbreast cancer commonly metastasised to lymph nodes, lung, bone, liver, pleura and heart in descending order. The commonest CT patterns for metastases were multiple nodules for lung, effusion for pleura and heart and osteolytic lesions for bone.

The role of ectopic adipose tissue: benefit or deleterious overflow?

Ectopic adipose tissues (EAT) are present adjacent to many organs and have predominantly been described in overweight and obesity. They have been suggested to be related to fatty acid overflow and to have harmful effects. The objective of this semi-comprehensive review is to explore whether EAT may play a supportive role rather than interfering with its function, when the adjacent organ is challenged metabolically and functionally. EAT are present adhered to different tissues or organs, including lymph nodes, heart, kidney, ovaries and joints. In this review, we only focused on epicardial, perinodal, and peritumoral fat since these locations have been studied in more detail. Evidence was found that EAT volume significantly increased, associated with chronic metabolic challenges of the corresponding tissue. In vitro evidence revealed transfer of fatty acids from peritumoral and perinodal fat to the adjacent tissue. Cytokine expression in these EAT is upregulated when the adjacent tissue is challenged. In these tissues, glycolysis is enhanced, whereas fatty acid oxidation is increased. Together with more direct evidence, this shows that glucose is oxidized to a lesser degree, but used to support anabolic metabolism of the adjacent tissue. In these situations, browning occurs, resulting from upregulation of anabolic metabolism, stimulated by uncoupling proteins 1 and 2 and possibly 3. In conclusion, the evidence found is fragmented but the available data support the view that accumulation and browning of adipocytes adjacent to the investigated organs or tissues may be a normal physiological response promoting healing and (patho)physiological growth.

A case of cirrhotic multi-organ failure in a Caucasian dog

Summary Cirrhosis is an end-stage chronic condition of the liver with multiple aetiologies of fatal consequence in dogs, which requires early detection and management. We performed a post-mortem examination on a dog following clinical management of a suspected case of cardiac and liver insufficiency based on the exhibited symptoms and signs that included, amongst others, weakness and unresponsive edema of the dependent parts before it died. Ante-mortem and post-mortem samples analysis took place according to standard procedures. We observed normocytic hypochromic anemia and lymphocytic leukocytosis with decreased aminotransferase and elevated alkaline phosphates levels. The liver looked smaller with irregular shapes containing numerous nodules of varying sizes, including the gross enlargement of the pre-scapular lymph nodes, heart, spleen, and kidneys. Congestion, edema, mononuclear cellular infiltration, and necrosis characterized the tissues microscopically. Therefore, we diagnosed and demonstrated cirrhotic liver-induced multiple organ failure in the dog to help deepen the knowledge gap in Veterinary practice.

Characterization of humoral and cell-mediated immunity in rabbits orally infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi

Encephalitozoonosis is a common infectious disease widely spread among rabbits. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, is considered as a zoonotic and emerging pathogen capable of infecting both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. The aim of the study was to describe in detail the spread of the E. cuniculi in a rabbit organism after experimental infection and the host humoral and cellular immune response including cytokine production. For that purpose, healthy immunocompetent rabbits were infected orally in order to simulate the natural route of infection and euthanised at 2, 4, 6 and 8-weeks post-infection. Dissemination of E. cuniculi in the body of the rabbit was more rapid than previously reported. As early as 2 weeks post-infection, E. cuniculi was detected using immunohistochemistry not only in the intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs and heart, but also in nervous tissues, especially in medulla oblongata, cerebellum, and leptomeninges. Based on flow cytometry, no conspicuous changes in lymphocyte subpopulations were detected in the examined lymphoid organs of infected rabbits. Cell-mediated immunity was characterized by ability of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to proliferate after stimulation with specific antigens. Th1 polarization of immune response with a predominance of IFN-γ expression was detected in spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches. The increased expression of IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA in mixed samples from the small intestine is indicative of balanced control of IFN-γ, which prevents tissue damage. On the other hand, it can enable E. cuniculi to survive and persist in the host organism in a balanced host-parasite relationship. The Th17 immunity lineage seems to play only a minor role in E. cuniculi infection in rabbits.