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First molecular characterisation of Sarcocystis miescheriana in a pig carcass condemned during routine meat inspection in Poland
Abstract Introduction This article presents the fourth detection of macroscopic cystic lesions due to sarcocystosis in domestic pigs during routine meat inspection worldwide, and the first molecular detection of Sarcocystis miescheriana in a domestic pig in Poland. Pigs can become intermediate hosts for S. miescheriana by accidental ingestion of oocysts or sporocysts present in food or water contaminated by the faeces of canids (definitive hosts). Material and Methods The affected swine showed no clinical symptoms such as weight loss, dermatitis or dyspnoea suggesting sarcocystosis. The presence of grossly visible cyst-like lesions was noticed by veterinary inspectors during post-mortem meat inspection of pig carcasses at a slaughterhouse located in central Poland. Ten rice-grain-shaped white lesions were isolated from the muscle tissue for molecular analysis, and four other macroscopic cyst-like lesions were also isolated for histopathological and microscopy analysis. The molecular characterisation included amplification and sequencing of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene. Results The cyst-like structures were whitish, calcified, 1 cm long and 3 mm wide. The presence of S. miescheriana DNA was confirmed in all ten grossly visible cyst-like lesions. Conclusion This study shows that Sarcocystis spp. may be present in swine muscle tissue and cause lesions leading to carcass discard. Further analyses are needed to fully recognise the prevalence and impact of Sarcocystis spp. on animal and human health, especially taking into account the possible presence of the zoonotic S. suihominis.
Nesfatin-1 expression and blood plasma concentration in female dogs suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra and its possible interaction with phoenixin-14
Abstract Background Nesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide that regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and may play a role in uterus function. It is co-expressed with other peptides, such as phoenixin, which can influence sex hormone secretion. Our previous research has confirmed that phoenixin-14 is involved in the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra in dogs. Therefore, based on the similarities and interactions between these neuropeptides, we hypothesized that nesfatin-1 might also regulate the reproductive system in dogs. This study aimed to determine the expression of nesfatin-1 and its interaction with phoenixin-14 in dogs with CEH or pyometra compared to healthy females, and concerning animalsâ body condition score (BCS 4â5/9 vs. BCSâ>â5/9). Results The analysis of nesfatin-1 in the uterus of bitches consisted of qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays, and ELISAs. The results showed significantly higher nesfatin-1 encoding gene, nucleobindin-2 mRNA (Nucb2) and nesfatin-1 protein expression in overweight females and those suffering from CEH or pyometra compared to healthy animals. The immunoreactivity of nesfatin-1 was elevated in the uteri of bitches with higher BCSâ>â5/9. Moreover, nesfatin-1 blood concentrations increased in all examined overweight bitches. In the case of phoenixin signals, we found opposite results, regardless of the female body condition score. Conclusion The etiology of CEH and pyometra are not fully known, although we have expanded the level of knowledge with respect to the possible interaction of nesfatin-1 and phoenixin in female dogsâ uteri. They interact oppositely. With increasing female body weight, the expression of nesfatin-1 in the uterus and its peripheral blood concentration increased. However, for female dogs affected by CEH and pyometra, a decreased level of phoenixin-14, irrespective of their body condition score is characteristic. This knowledge could be crucial in the development of biomarkers for these conditions, which may lead to earlier recognition.
Expression and localization of the neuropeptide phoenixin-14 and its receptor GRP173 in the canine reproductive organs and periovarian adipose tissue
Lack of causative mutation in the AMH and AMHR2 genes in a cat (38,XY) with persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS)
AbstractA 1âyearâold European shorthair male cat with a normally developed penis was subjected to genetic, endocrinological and histological studies due to unilateral cryptorchidism. The blood testosterone level was typical for males, while the level of antiâMullerian hormone (AMH) was very low. Surgical removal of internal reproductive organs was followed by a histological study, which revealed inactive testicles with neoplastic changes and derivatives of Mullerian ducts. Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal XY sex chromosome complement and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Yâlinked genes (SRY and ZFY). Although the level of AMH was low, two normal copies of the AMH gene were found using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Analysis of the coding sequences of two candidate genes (AMH and AMHR2) for persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS) in the affected cat and in control male cats (nâ=â24) was performed using the Sanger sequencing method. In the affected cat, homozygosity was found for three novel missense variants in Exon 1 (one SNP) and Exon 5 (two SNPs) of AMH, but the same homozygous genotypes were also observed in one and two control cats, respectively, whose sex development was not examined. Three known synonymous variants with homozygous status were found in AMHR2. We conclude that the DNA variants identified in AMH and AMHR2 are not responsible for PMDS in the affected cat.