Sevil Atalay Vural

Rat liver fibrosis regresses better with pegylated interferon alpha2b and ursodeoxycholic acid treatments than spontaneous recovery.

Abstract: Background/aims: Fibrosis and cirrhosis are common complications of chronic liver diseases. An imbalance between fibrogenesis and fibrolysis results in scarring of the liver parenchyma. We aimed to investigate the possible antifibrotic effectiveness of a newly modified interferon molecule peginterferon α2b (PEG‐IFNα2b) which has better antiviral activity, and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

The role of L-arginine and neutrophils on incisional wound healing.

Although arginine plays an important role in many aspects of inflammation and wound healing, the mechanism is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the effect of L-arginine administration on wound healing and neutrophil activity and on the interaction of these effects. Sixteen rats were divided into two groups: control group and L-arginine group. L-arginine was given intraperitoneally. The rats underwent incisional wounding and were killed on the 7th day of wounding. Blood neutrophil counts, neutrophil adhesivity index, tensile strengths and hydroxyproline level of skin were determined, histopathological and electron microscopical evaluation of healing was performed. Wound scores in the control group were significantly lower (p  < 0.05). Hydroxyproline and collagen levels of skin were significantly increased in the L-arginine group (p  < 0.05). Blood neutrophil counts and neutrophil adhesivity index in the L-arginine group were significantly increased (p  < 0.05), as were the inflammatory cells in the skin. L-arginine may be used during the first phase of healing to induce inflammation in high risk patients.

Unilateral Leiomyoma in the Mesosalpinx of a Dog

Routine ultrasonographic evaluation of the genital organs of a 3-year-old terrier bitch revealed a mass at the level of the left ovary. The mass was located next to the caudal pole of the left kidney and ventrocaudal to the left ovary. Ultrasonographically, the uterus was not enlarged and had no luminal contents. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a mass attached to the left ovarian bursa with a small and thin pedicle. The mass had smooth margins, was whitish in color, and was lobulated on cut surface. The histopathological diagnosis of the mass was leiomyoma associated with the mesosalpinx.

Imaging and surgical outcomes of spinal tumors in 18 dogs and one cat

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, histological appearances and surgical outcomes of 18 dogs and one cat with spinal tumors are presented. Medical records of the cases admitted for spinal disorders were reviewed, and cases of spinal tumors that were diagnosed by MRI and confirmed by histological examination were included in this study. T1 weighted, T2 weighted and contrast enhanced T1 weighted images were taken and interpreted to evaluate the spinal tumors. The tumors were diagnosed as: meningioma (n = 6), ependymoma (n = 1), nerve sheath tumor (n = 4), metastatic spinal tumor (n = 3), osteosarcoma (n = 2), osteoma (n = 1), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1), and nephroblastoma (n = 1). Thirteen cases underwent surgical operation and the remaining six cases were euthanized at the request of the owners. The neurological status of the surgical cases did not deteriorate, except for one dog that showed ependymoma in the early period after the operation. These results indicate the potential for surgical gross total tumor removal of vertebral tumors to provide better quality of life and surgical collection of histological specimens for definitive diagnosis. For effective case management, dedicated MRI examination is important to accurate evaluation of the spinal tumors, and surgical treatment is useful for extradural and intradural-extramedullary spinal tumors.

Characterization of transforming growth factor beta superfamily, growth factors, transcriptional factors, and lipopolysaccharide in bovine cystic ovarian follicles

The process of transformation of growing bovine follicles into cysts is still a mystery. Local expression of proteins or factors, including transforming growth factor β, growth factors, and transcription factors, plays a central role in mammals. Therefore, in abattoir-derived cystic ovarian follicles and follicular fluid, the role of some transforming growth factor β superfamily proteins, insulinlike growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and GATA-4 and GATA-6, were investigated. The relationship between intrafollicular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and etiopathogenesis of ovarian cysts was also assessed. Data on the preovulatory follicle and the largest follicle (F1) were compared. The number of intrafollicular LPS-positive samples and LPS concentrations were higher in cysts. Immunohistochemical staining was mildly positive for IGF-1, inhibin alpha, and GATA-4 in thecal cells. Staining for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), growth differentiation factor-9, bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6), and GATA-6 was insufficient for their quantitation, and oocytes could not be stained for any of the proteins tested in the cystic follicles. Expression of BMP-6, inhibin alpha, and IGF-1 was moderately higher in granulosa cells of F1 follicles, and all the proteins were moderately expressed in granulosa cells in preovulatory follicles. However, loss of GATA-6 staining was significant in F1 follicles. Intrafollicular progesterone, IGF-1, and AMH concentrations in cysts and F1 follicles were significantly higher than those in preovulatory follicles. Western blot analyses revealed that follicular fluid inhibin-α was strongly expressed, whereas expression of growth differentiation factor-9, BMP-6, GATA-4 and GATA-6 was lower in cysts than in preovulatory follicles. Also, high intrafollicular AMH concentration and low BMP-6 expression were closely associated with cystic degeneration and atresia. In conclusion, immunohistochemical loss of BMP-6 and GATA-6 in the granulosa cells together with high intrafollicular LPS levels may play important roles in disruption of the ovulatory mechanism and steroidogenic reactions in type 2 cyst. Also, high intrafollicular AMH concentration along with low BMP-6 expression may be used as indicators of the bovine degenarative ovarian follicles.

Pleural mesothelioma in a nine-month-old Dog

This paper reports on an unusual case of pleural epitheloid mesothelioma in a nine-month-old male, mixed breed dog. The dog was presented in-extremis and, on post mortem examination, multiple, exophytic, frequently pedunculated, yellowish-red, soft to firm masses ranging from 3 mm to 6 cm in diameter were diffusely distributed over, and attached to, the pericardial and parietal pleural surfaces. Microscopically, these masses consisted of round to partially polygonalshaped, anaplastic cells with minimal cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei covering papillomatous projections or as part of more densely cellular masses. A supporting fibrovascular stroma and mitotic figures were also evident. Constituent tumour cells were labeled positively with antibodies against both vimentin and cytokeratin. In contrast, the same cells exhibited equivocal labeling with an antibody directed against calretinin antigen and did not label with antibodies against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and milk fat globule-related antigen (MFGRA). Such tumours are rare in dogs, particularly in such a young animal.

Cystic echinococcosis in a stray cat

parturition. The cat was emaciated and in poor condition, with anorexia and depression, and an abnormally enlarged, pendulous abdomen was noted. The cat was reluctant to move and mewed with pain on movement or excitement. On palpation, multiple large, round masses were detected occupying the entire abdominal space, and no abdominal organs could be identified. Taking into consideration the general condition of the cat, an emergency lateral exploratory laparotomy was performed. The abdominal cavity was occupied with free cysts; they varied in size from 0·3 to 5·0 cm, and were transparent to whitish in colour depending on the thickness of the wall structure (Fig 1). The peritoneum and serosal surfaces of nearly all the abdominal organs were covered with innumerable attached cysts between 1·0 mm and 4·5 cm in size. These cysts were vesicular or rarely multivesicular in shape, and were mainly localised on the serosal surface of the stomach and the intestines (Fig 2a). Circumstances did not permit investigation of the immune status of the cat and the possible presence of immunocompromising viruses. Despite supportive treatment, the cat died after the operation. The free cysts (Fig 2b) were examined 24 hours later. The relationship between the size and fertility of the cysts was determined; the smallest fertile cyst diameter was measured as 1·5 cm. In the fertile cysts, the hydatid fluids were transparent and the hydatid sands were whitish in colour and composed of mainly brood capsules; there were almost no free protoscolices (Fig 2c). No stains were used in the evaluation of the viability of the protoscolices. In the fertile cysts, most of the protoscolices were considered to be viable on the basis of their normal morphology, higher motility (considering the number of hours that had passed since the operation) and flame cell activity. Only a few dead protoscolices were detected. Sections of the cysts stained with haematoxylin and Veterinary Record (2004) 155, 711-712

The Comparison of the Effects of Ellagic Acid and Diclofenac Sodium on Intra-Abdominal Adhesion: An In Vivo Study in the Rat Model

Peritoneal adhesions are seen frequently after abdominal surgery and can cause serious complications. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the oral use of diclofenac sodium and ellagic acid on formation of postoperative adhesions in rats Studies have shown that agents with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant substances can prevent adhesion by decreasing oxidative stress. We compared and evaluated the effects of ellagic acid that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory diclofenac sodium on peritoneal adhesion development in our experimental study. Laparotomy was performed with a midline incision under general anesthesia and an adhesion model was created on the antimesenteric side of the cecum in Groups I, II, and III. Group I received 85 mg/kg ellagic acid and Group II, 50 mg/kg diclofenac sodium through the nasogastric catheter while Group III received no medication. Only laparotomy was performed in Group IV. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the 14th day. Following macroscopic scoring, tissue samples were removed and subjected to biochemical and histopathologic evaluation. The degree of adhesion and the malondialdehyde level were decreased (P < 0.05), and glutathione level increased (P < 0.05) in Group I compared to Group II and Group III. The effects of ellagic acid on the prevention of peritoneal adhesion were found to be stronger than diclofenac sodium. This can be explained by the fact that ellagic acid is a strong antioxidant and decreases oxidative stress with anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects.

Serum neopterin, sialic acid and nitric oxide levels in dogs with malignant mammary tumours.

Mammary cancer is one of the leading causes of death in pet population. Early diagnosis and malignancy detection is important for prognosis. The levels of neopterin, sialic acid and nitric oxide in serum of dogs with malignant mammary tumours were evaluated to investigate the importance of these biochemical parameters for malign mammary tumour. Twelve healthy dogs and twenty dogs with malignant mammary tumours were used as research materials. Blood samples were collected from both groups for neopterin analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas nitric oxide and sialic acid were measured by modified nitrate reductase method and spectrophotometry, respectively. Tissue specimens were evaluated and defined as malignant tumours. Serum nitric oxide and sialic acid levels in dogs with mammary tumours were significantly higher than those in the healthy dogs. Serum neopterin levels were not found significantly different in dogs with mammary tumours compared to healthy dogs. Malignancy of canine mammary tumours are accompained by an elevation of nitric oxide and sialic acid levels.

Expression of p53 protein, Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus matrix protein, and surfactant protein in the lungs of sheep with pulmonary adenomatosis:

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a naturally occurring cancer in sheep that is caused by the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). Because the pathologic and epidemiologic features of OPA are similar to those of bronchoalveolar carcinoma in humans, OPA is considered a useful animal model for pulmonary carcinogenesis. In this study, 3,512 lungs from various breeds of sheep were collected and macroscopically examined. OPA was identified in 30 sheep, and samples of these animals were further examined by histologic, immunohistochemical (p53 protein, surfactant protein A [SP-A], proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], JSRV matrix protein [MA]), and PCR methods. Papillary or acinar adenocarcinomas were detected microscopically in the affected areas. Immunoreactivity for p53 PAb240 was detected in 13 sheep, whereas p53 DO-1 was not detected in any of the OPA animals. PCNA immunoreactivity was recorded in 27 animals. SP-A and JSRV MA protein was immunopositive in all 30. JSRV proviral DNA was detected by PCR analysis in all of the lung samples collected from OPA animals. In addition, the pulmonary SP-A levels were increased in tumor cells. The results of this study suggest that PCNA and p53 protein expression may be useful indicators in monitoring malignancy of pulmonary tumors.