Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2021) | Viewed by 57414

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Special Issue Editors

1. Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2. Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
3. Department of Zootechnics, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
Interests: veterinary medicine; experimental animal models; lifestyle; tumor angiogenesis; natural compounds; animal welfare
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Guest Editor
1. Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
2. Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: animal models; in vivo studies; natural compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A disease model displays pathological processes observed in human or animal diseases. The models are fundamental tools in biomedical research, and they are invaluable for providing new insights into mechanisms underlying organ function, to establish the pathophysiology of a disease, and to test potential therapeutic approaches.

Models have been long used to study several diseases, including cardiovascular, oncologic, metabolic, infectious, and neurological diseases, among others. Animals or cells displaying pathological processes observed in human or animal diseases have been used as models. Moreover, mathematical models are also of great importance to disease modeling. Animal models offer the unique opportunity to investigate the function of genes and pathways and the in vivo effects of drugs, bridging the gap between basic science and the treatment of diseases. The selection of a suitable model system is a crucial step in research design. For disease modeling to be meaningful, a relevant cellular or genetic phenotype must be observed. Without the use of models, both research and clinical practice worldwide would be vastly different today.

This Special Issue aims to publish original research works or reviews with models of disease, highlighting their importance to search for new therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Ana Faustino
Dr. Paula A. Oliveira
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • in vitro
  • in vivo
  • mathematical
  • modeling
  • treatment

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 199 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial: Special Issue “Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models”
by Ana I. Faustino-Rocha and Paula A. Oliveira
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(3), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10030230 - 17 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1719
Abstract
A disease model displays pathological processes observed in human or animal diseases [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

12 pages, 2292 KiB  
Article
Application of Patient-Specific Instrumentation in a Dog Model with Antebrachial Growth Deformity Using a 3-D Phantom Bone Model
by Hee-Ryung Lee, Gareeballah Osman Adam and Shang-Jin Kim
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(4), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9040157 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5467
Abstract
One of the most frequent bone deformities in dogs is antebrachial growth deformity (AGD), which results from malunion of the distal growth plates. The objective of the present study was to re-align the limbs, which can correct the length mismatch and reset the [...] Read more.
One of the most frequent bone deformities in dogs is antebrachial growth deformity (AGD), which results from malunion of the distal growth plates. The objective of the present study was to re-align the limbs, which can correct the length mismatch and reset the coherence of the joint with the aid of a 3-D phantom model for surgical preplanning. A 14-month-old, intact female Golden Retriever with an angular deformity of the left radius and ulna was selected for the study. The diagnosis was confirmed by orthogonal radiographs. Moreover, computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a multiplane deformity with valgus, procurator, and external rotation of the left radius. The pre-surgical planning started with the quantification of the angular deformity, followed by a simulated virtual osteotomy, and concluded with an in vitro rehearsal surgery on 3-D printed phantom bone models. In the operating room, prefabricated patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) was attached at the planned site of the radial bone surface for a precise closing wedge osteotomy. Then two locking plates were fixed routinely. Post-operative radiographs showed accurate correction of the deformity as we had planned. At 12 weeks post-operatively, the follow-up surveys revealed improved gait, weight-bearing, and progression of bone healing. Our PSI design, based on novel surgical planning, was steady yet straightforward during the osteotomy. The osteotomy was performed without difficulty since the PSI that pre-determined the sites and angles let the surgeon perform the antebrachial malformation surgery. This method of operation reduces stress on the operator and helps to improve accuracy, repeatability, and surgery time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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16 pages, 2159 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Posterior Mandibular Displacement in Rats
by Ioannis Lyros, Efstratios Ferdianakis, Demetrios Halazonetis, Theodoros Lykogeorgos, Antigoni Alexiou, Konstantina-Eleni Alexiou, Maria Georgaki, Emmanouil Vardas, Zafeiroula Yfanti and Apostolos I. Tsolakis
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(3), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9030144 - 20 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2984
Abstract
Mandibular protrusion and its treatment is challenging for the orthodontist. The aim of the present research was to identify macroscopic changes in the mandible, based on three-dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography analysis. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were divided into two equal groups, experimental [...] Read more.
Mandibular protrusion and its treatment is challenging for the orthodontist. The aim of the present research was to identify macroscopic changes in the mandible, based on three-dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography analysis. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were divided into two equal groups, experimental (group A) and control (group B). Each consisted of three equal subgroups of 12 rats (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3). Full-cast orthodontic intraoral devices were attached to the maxillary incisors of the experimental animals, and effected functional posterior mandibular displacement. Throughout the experimental period, all animals were fed with mashed food. Animals were sacrificed at 30 days (A1, B1), 60 days (A2, B2) and 90 days (A3, B3). At the 60th day of the experiment, the orthodontic devices were removed from the remaining experimental subgroup A3. Measurements revealed significant differences in the anteroposterior dimensions between experimental and control subgroups. However, the observed changes in the vertical dimensions, Condylion/Go’–Menton and the Intercondylar distance proved insignificant. Posterior mandibular displacement of the mandible in growing rats affects the morphology of the mandible and culminates in the development of a smaller mandible at a grown age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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10 pages, 579 KiB  
Article
Predictive Value of Grooming Behavior for Development of Dermatitis in Selectively Bred P Rats as a Model of Trichotillomania Hair Pulling Disorder
by Debra Hickman, Anjali Prakash and Richard Bell
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(2), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9020089 - 18 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3288
Abstract
Trichotillomania (TTM) is a body-focused repetitive disorder affecting as much as 0.5 to 2% of the population, with women four times more likely to be affected than men. This disorder causes impairment in daily function and significant distress. A potential animal model for [...] Read more.
Trichotillomania (TTM) is a body-focused repetitive disorder affecting as much as 0.5 to 2% of the population, with women four times more likely to be affected than men. This disorder causes impairment in daily function and significant distress. A potential animal model for this disorder is the inbred C57BL/6J mouse which displays clinical signs and behavioral characteristics similar to those described for people affected by this disorder. Because alcohol-preferring P rats also display similar clinical signs and behavioral characteristics, it was hypothesized that this selectively bred stock could be an additional animal model. In this study, 112 female P rats were recorded on digital media for 15 min after being sprayed with a mist of water and assessed for grooming patterns—oral, manual, and scratching. Significant elevations in scratching and oral grooming behavior were predictive of the future development of skin lesions. These findings suggest that P rats may be an additional model to study TTM, with the advantage of increased genetic variation (i.e., non-inbred) which mirrors the human population. The use of this model may help to identify preventative and therapeutic interventions for humans and other animals with similar body-focused repetitive disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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16 pages, 6789 KiB  
Article
Ischemia-Induced Cognitive Impairment Is Improved via Remyelination and Restoration of Synaptic Density in the Hippocampus after Treatment with COG-Up® in a Gerbil Model of Ischemic Stroke
by Tae-Kyeong Lee, Junkee Hong, Ji-Won Lee, Sung-Su Kim, Hyejin Sim, Jae-Chul Lee, Dae Won Kim, Soon Sung Lim, Il Jun Kang and Moo-Ho Won
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(12), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8120321 - 10 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3192
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease such as ischemic stroke develops cognitive impairment due to brain tissue damage including neural loss, demyelination and decrease in synaptic density. In the present study, we developed transient ischemia in the forebrain of the gerbil and found cognitive impairment using the [...] Read more.
Cerebrovascular disease such as ischemic stroke develops cognitive impairment due to brain tissue damage including neural loss, demyelination and decrease in synaptic density. In the present study, we developed transient ischemia in the forebrain of the gerbil and found cognitive impairment using the Barnes maze test and passive avoidance test for spatial memory and learning memory, respectively. In addition, neuronal loss/death was detected in the Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) region of the gerbil hippocampus after the ischemia by cresyl violet histochemistry, immunohistochemistry for neuronal nuclei and histofluorescence with Fluoro-Jade B. Furthermore, in the CA1 region following ischemia, myelin and vesicular synaptic density were significantly decreased using immunohistochemistry for myelin basic protein and vesicular glutamate transporter 1. In the gerbils, treatment with COG-up® (a combined extract of Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. and Brassica oleracea Var.), which was rich in scutellarin and sinapic acid, after the ischemia, significantly improved ischemia-induced decline in memory function when compared with that shown in gerbils treated with vehicle after the ischemia. In the CA1 region of these gerbils, COG-up® treatment significantly promoted the remyelination visualized using immunohistochemistry myelin basic protein, increased oligodendrocytes visualized using a receptor-interacting protein, and restored the density of glutamatergic synapses visualized using double immunofluorescence for vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and microtubule-associated protein, although COG-up® treatment did not protect pyramidal cells (principal neurons) located in the CA1 region form the ischemic insult. Considering the current findings, a gerbil model of ischemic stroke apparently showed cognitive impairment accompanied by ischemic injury in the hippocampus; also, COG-up® can be employed for improving cognitive decline following ischemia-reperfusion injury in brains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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19 pages, 4286 KiB  
Article
Locomotor Behavior Analysis in Spinal Cord Injured Macaca radiata after Predegenerated Peripheral Nerve Grafting—A Preliminary Evidence
by Anand Paramasivam, Suresh Mickymaray, Saikarthik Jayakumar, Mathew Jeraud, Periasamy Perumal, Abdullah Alassaf, Abdullah Abdulrahman Aljabr, Sridevi Dasarathy and Suresh Babu Rangasamy
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(12), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8120288 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2348
Abstract
Introduction: Primate animal models are being utilized to explore novel therapies for spinal cord injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the transplantation of predegenerated nerve segments in unilateral spinal cord-hemisected bonnet monkeys’ (Macaca radiata) locomotor functions using the [...] Read more.
Introduction: Primate animal models are being utilized to explore novel therapies for spinal cord injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the transplantation of predegenerated nerve segments in unilateral spinal cord-hemisected bonnet monkeys’ (Macaca radiata) locomotor functions using the complex runways. Materials and Methods: The bonnet monkeys were initially trained to walk in a bipedal motion on grid and staircase runways. In one group of trained monkeys, surgical hemisection was made in the spinal cord at the T12-L1 level. In the other group, hemisection was induced in the spinal cord, and the ulnar nerve was also transected at the same time (transplant group). After one week, the hemisected cavity was reopened and implanted with predegenerated ulnar nerve segments obtained from the same animal of the transplant group. Results: All the operated monkeys showed significant deficits in locomotion on runways at the early postoperative period. The walking ability of operated monkeys was found to be gradually improved, and they recovered nearer to preoperative level at the fourth postoperative month, and there were no marked differences. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that there were no significant improvements in the locomotion of monkeys on runways after the delayed grafting of nerve segments until one year later. The failure of the predegenerated nerve graft as a possible therapeutic strategy to improve the locomotion of monkeys may be due to a number of factors set in motion by trauma, which could possibly prevent the qualities of regeneration. The exact reason for this ineffectiveness of predegenerated nerve segments and their underlying mechanism is not known. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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14 pages, 2398 KiB  
Article
The Infectious Bronchitis Coronavirus Pneumonia Model Presenting a Novel Insight for the SARS-CoV-2 Dissemination Route
by Ekaterina Nefedova, Vyacheslav Koptev, Anna S. Bobikova, Viktoria Cherepushkina, Tatyana Mironova, Vasily Afonyushkin, Nikolai Shkil, Nikolai Donchenko, Yulia Kozlova, Natalia Sigareva, Natalia Davidova, Nina Bogdanchikova, Alexey Pestryakov and Yanis Toledano-Magaña
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(10), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8100239 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3777
Abstract
Infectious bronchitis (IB) of chickens is a highly contagious disease characterized by damage of the respiratory system and reproductive organs in young animals caused by a virus of the genus Gamma coronavirus. The condition of the respiratory system caused by the IB virus [...] Read more.
Infectious bronchitis (IB) of chickens is a highly contagious disease characterized by damage of the respiratory system and reproductive organs in young animals caused by a virus of the genus Gamma coronavirus. The condition of the respiratory system caused by the IB virus in chickens has many similarities with the pathology of the respiratory system caused by SARS-CoV-2 in humans. The effectiveness of virucidal drugs (Argovit, Triviron, Ecocid, and lauric acid monoglyceride) was tested on chickens inoculated with a tenfold dose of a vaccine strain based on the attenuated virus H120 against IB of chickens. On the 6th day after inoculation, inflammatory changes in the intestines, lungs, and thymus were observed in the control group. The experimental groups were characterized by less pronounced inflammatory reactions and a lower proportion of thymus and lung probes containing genomic IB virus RNA. Since the virucidal activity of four orally administrated formulations was possible only in the intestine, the experimental data indirectly confirmed the hypothesis of the possibility of the predominant accumulation of coronaviruses in the intestine and subsequent lung damage due to the hematogenous redistribution of viral particles and IBV antigens. It was suggested that other coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 can implement a similar mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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15 pages, 2632 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Effects of Risperidone against Spinal Cord Injury in a Rat Model of Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest: A Focus on Body Temperature, Paraplegia, Motor Neuron Damage, and Neuroinflammation
by Tae-Kyeong Lee, Jae-Chul Lee, Hyun-Jin Tae, Hyung-Il Kim, Myoung Cheol Shin, Ji Hyeon Ahn, Joon Ha Park, Dae Won Kim, Seongkweon Hong, Soo Young Choi, Jun Hwi Cho and Moo-Ho Won
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(10), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8100230 - 13 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3120
Abstract
Cardiac arrest (CA) causes severe spinal cord injury and evokes spinal cord disorders including paraplegia. It has been reported that risperidone, an antipsychotic drug, effectively protects neuronal cell death from transient ischemia injury in gerbil brains. However, until now, studies on the effects [...] Read more.
Cardiac arrest (CA) causes severe spinal cord injury and evokes spinal cord disorders including paraplegia. It has been reported that risperidone, an antipsychotic drug, effectively protects neuronal cell death from transient ischemia injury in gerbil brains. However, until now, studies on the effects of risperidone on spinal cord injury after asphyxial CA (ACA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are not sufficient. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of risperidone on hind limb motor deficits and neuronal damage/death in the lumbar part of the spinal cord following ACA in rats. Mortality, severe motor deficits in the hind limbs, and the damage/death (loss) of motor neurons located in the anterior horn were observed two days after ACA/CPR. These symptoms were significantly alleviated by risperidone (an atypical antipsychotic) treatment after ACA. In vehicle-treated rats, the immunoreactivities of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), as pro-inflammatory cytokines, were increased, and the immunoreactivities of IL-4 and IL-13, as anti-inflammatory cytokines, were reduced with time after ACA/CPR. In contrast, in risperidone-treated rats, the immunoreactivity of the pro-inflammatory cytokines was significantly decreased, and the anti-inflammatory cytokines were enhanced compared to vehicle-treated rats. In brief, risperidone treatment after ACA/CPR in rats significantly improved the survival rate and attenuated paralysis, the damage/death (loss) of motor neurons, and inflammation in the lumbar anterior horn. Thus, risperidone might be a therapeutic agent for paraplegia by attenuation of the damage/death (loss) of spinal motor neurons and neuroinflammation after ACA/CPR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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13 pages, 1956 KiB  
Article
Tumor Growth Progression in Ectopic and Orthotopic Xenografts from Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cell Lines
by Sara Caceres, Angela Alonso-Diez, Belén Crespo, Laura Peña, Maria J. Illera, Gema Silvan, Paloma J. de Andres and Juan C. Illera
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(9), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090194 - 13 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3955
Abstract
Xenografts can grow in immunosuppressed hosts, such as SCID mice, and tumor material can be injected into hosts either ectopically or orthotopically. Choosing the correct model to use is a crucial step in animal research. The aim of this study was to report [...] Read more.
Xenografts can grow in immunosuppressed hosts, such as SCID mice, and tumor material can be injected into hosts either ectopically or orthotopically. Choosing the correct model to use is a crucial step in animal research. The aim of this study was to report the differences between ectopic and orthotopic xenografts in tumor progression, metastasis capacity, histological features, and steroid hormone profiles in xenografts from the cIMC (canine inflammatory mammary cancer) cell line IPC-366 and hIBC (human inflammatory breast cancer) cell line SUM149. To achieve this purpose, 40 female mice 6–8 weeks old were inoculated with IPC-366 and SUM149 cells subcutaneously (ectopic models) or into mammary fat pad (orthotopic models). Mice were monitored for tumor progression and appearance of metastases, and generated tumors were analyzed in terms of histological examination and steroid hormone production. The results revealed differences in tumor appearance and percentage of metastasis between ectopic and orthotopic models, which were higher in the ectopic xenografts from both cell lines. However, both models had similar characteristics of tumor progression, histological features, and steroid hormone secretion profiles. We show that the ectopic model can be validated as a good and useful model of tumor development in addition to, not contrary to, the orthotopic model in breast cancer research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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24 pages, 4368 KiB  
Article
Imipramine Accelerates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Renal Impairment, Diabetic Retinopathy, Insulin Resistance, and Urinary Chromium Loss in Obese Mice
by Geng-Ruei Chang, Po-Hsun Hou, Chao-Min Wang, Jen-Wei Lin, Wei-Li Lin, Tzu-Chun Lin, Huei-Jyuan Liao, Chee-Hong Chan and Yu-Chen Wang
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(9), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090189 - 9 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4414
Abstract
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that has been approved for treating depression and anxiety in patients and animals and that has relatively mild side effects. However, the mechanisms of imipramine-associated disruption to metabolism and negative hepatic, renal, and retinal effects are not well [...] Read more.
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that has been approved for treating depression and anxiety in patients and animals and that has relatively mild side effects. However, the mechanisms of imipramine-associated disruption to metabolism and negative hepatic, renal, and retinal effects are not well defined. In this study, we evaluated C57BL6/J mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) to study imipramine’s influences on obesity, fatty liver scores, glucose homeostasis, hepatic damage, distribution of chromium, and retinal/renal impairments. Obese mice receiving imipramine treatment had higher body, epididymal fat pad, and liver weights; higher serum triglyceride, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, renal antioxidant enzyme, and hepatic triglyceride levels; higher daily food efficiency; and higher expression levels of a marker of fatty acid regulation in the liver compared with the controls also fed an HFD. Furthermore, the obese mice that received imipramine treatment exhibited insulin resistance, worse glucose intolerance, decreased glucose transporter 4 expression and Akt phosphorylation levels, and increased chromium loss through urine. In addition, the treatment group exhibited considerably greater liver damage and higher fatty liver scores, paralleling the increases in patatin-like phospholipid domain containing protein 3 and the mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and fatty acid-binding protein 4. Retinal injury worsened in imipramine-treated mice; decreases in retinal cell layer organization and retinal thickness and increases in nuclear factor κB and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels were observed. We conclude that administration of imipramine may result in the exacerbation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, and kidney injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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15 pages, 1849 KiB  
Article
Establishment of a Newborn Lamb Gut-Loop Model to Evaluate New Methods of Enteric Disease Control and Reduce Experimental Animal Use
by Ambre Baillou, Nathalie Kasal-Hoc, Céline Barc, Juliette Cognié, Anne Pinard, Jérémy Pezant, Julie Schulthess, Pauline Peltier-Pain, Sonia Lacroix-Lamandé and Fabrice Laurent
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(9), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090170 - 24 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3496
Abstract
Enteric infectious diseases are not all well controlled, which leads to animal suffering and sometimes death in the most severe cases, in addition to economic losses for farmers. Typical symptoms of enteric infections include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, [...] Read more.
Enteric infectious diseases are not all well controlled, which leads to animal suffering and sometimes death in the most severe cases, in addition to economic losses for farmers. Typical symptoms of enteric infections include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss. Evaluation of new control methods against enteric infections requires the use of many animals. We aimed to develop a new method for an initial in vivo screen of promising compounds against neonatal diseases such as cryptosporidiosis while limiting experimental animal use. We therefore adapted an in vivo method of multiple consecutive but independent intestinal loops to newborn lambs delivered by cesarean section, in which endotoxin responsiveness is retained. This new method allowed for the screening of natural yeast fractions for their ability to stimulate immune responses and to limit early Cryptosporidium parvum development. This model may also be used to investigate host–pathogen interactions and immune responses in a neonatal controlled environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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16 pages, 1569 KiB  
Article
Improved Cardiovascular Tolerance to Hemorrhage after Oral Resveratrol Pretreatment in Dogs
by Jennifer Davis, Anthea L. Raisis, Claire R. Sharp, Rachel E. Cianciolo, Steven C. Wallis and Kwok M. Ho
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(7), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8070129 - 12 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3944
Abstract
Resveratrol has been shown to preserve organ function and improve survival in hemorrhagic shock rat models. This study investigated whether seven days of oral resveratrol could improve hemodynamic response to hemorrhage and confer benefits on risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) without inducing [...] Read more.
Resveratrol has been shown to preserve organ function and improve survival in hemorrhagic shock rat models. This study investigated whether seven days of oral resveratrol could improve hemodynamic response to hemorrhage and confer benefits on risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) without inducing coagulopathy in a canine model. Twelve greyhound dogs were randomly allocated to receive oral resveratrol (1000 mg/day) or placebo for seven days prior to inducing hemorrhage until a targeted mean blood pressure of ≤40 mmHg was achieved. AKI biomarkers and coagulation parameters were measured before, immediately following, and two hours after hemorrhage. Dogs were euthanized, and renal tissues were examined at the end of the experiment. All investigators were blinded to the treatment allocation. A linear mixed model was used to assess effect of resveratrol on AKI biomarkers and coagulation parameters while adjusting for volume of blood loss. A significant larger volume of blood loss was required to achieve the hypotension target in the resveratrol group compared to placebo group (median 64 vs. 55 mL/kg respectively, p = 0.041). Although histological evidence of AKI was evident in all dogs, the renal tubular injury scores were not significantly different between the two groups, neither were the AKI biomarkers. Baseline (pre-hemorrhage) maximum clot firmness on the Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) was stronger in the resveratrol group than the placebo group (median 54 vs. 43 mm respectively, p = 0.009). In summary, seven days of oral resveratrol did not appear to induce increased bleeding risk and could improve greyhound dogs’ blood pressure tolerance to severe hemorrhage. Renal protective effect of resveratrol was, however, not observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

36 pages, 492 KiB  
Review
Molecular Markers in Urinary Bladder Cancer: Applications for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy
by Ana Mafalda Rasteiro, Eva Sá e Lemos, Paula A. Oliveira and Rui M. Gil da Costa
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9030107 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5519
Abstract
Cancer of the urinary bladder is a neoplasm with considerable importance in veterinary medicine, given its high incidence in several domestic animal species and its life-threatening character. Bladder cancer in companion animals shows a complex and still poorly understood biopathology, and this lack [...] Read more.
Cancer of the urinary bladder is a neoplasm with considerable importance in veterinary medicine, given its high incidence in several domestic animal species and its life-threatening character. Bladder cancer in companion animals shows a complex and still poorly understood biopathology, and this lack of knowledge has limited therapeutic progress over the years. Even so, important advances concerning the identification of tumour markers with clinical applications at the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic levels have recently been made, for example, the identification of pathological BRAF mutations. Those advances are now facilitating the introduction of targeted therapies. The present review will address such advances, focusing on small animal oncology and providing the reader with an update on this field. When appropriate, comparisons will be drawn with bladder cancer in human patients, as well as with experimental models of the disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
29 pages, 3126 KiB  
Review
Animal Models of Colorectal Cancer: From Spontaneous to Genetically Engineered Models and Their Applications
by Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves, Bruno A.L. Mendes, Rita Silva-Reis, Ana I. Faustino-Rocha, Adelina Gama and Paula A. Oliveira
Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8040059 - 5 Apr 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8507
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies in humans, affecting approximately 1.8 million people worldwide. This disease has a major social impact and high treatment costs. Animal models allow us to understand and follow the colon cancer progression; thus, in [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies in humans, affecting approximately 1.8 million people worldwide. This disease has a major social impact and high treatment costs. Animal models allow us to understand and follow the colon cancer progression; thus, in vivo studies are essential to improve and discover new ways of prevention and treatment. Dietary natural products have been under investigation for better and natural prevention, envisioning to show their potential. This manuscript intends to provide the readers a review of rodent colorectal cancer models available in the literature, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their potential in the evaluation of several drugs and natural compounds’ effects on colorectal cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models)
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