Are animals bearing the cost of Pharma competition?

This week's edition of the newsletter went out definitely later than expected.

A lot of things got in their way from Lab4Paws ' side, not last some larger cell isolation for Toxicology studies.

I like making parallelism between Human and Vet Pharma, but this week was particularly striking.

Why are animal cells used in Human Pharma?

Most of all, to select the right animal model.

Because animal models are unfortunately still used , by law, at least in Europe.

If scientists do not choose the right model, the result is invariably high toxicity, low efficacy.

And then I had to ask myself:

How much data on animals (from Human or Vet Pharma) is sitting in some old computer or dusty drawer and does not get shared because of secrecy policies?

How much animal tests could be saved if those data were shared?

Enjoy this week's edition!

Review

Understanding and Modulating the Feline Gut Microbiota: A Comprehensive Review

This review from Shi et al, Huazhong Agricultural University, China, explored the composition, modulation, and dynamics of the feline gut microbiota, highlighting its critical role in health and disease. Studies show that Firmicutes are the most common phylum in the feline gut, followed by Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Alterations in microbiota, such as a rise in Firmicutes in cats infected with Feline coronavirus, can be addressed through dietary fiber, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation. The review also discusses the analytical methods used to study the feline gut microbiota and emphasizes the importance of microbiota health in felines, with potential implications for humans.

Shi, Y., Peng, G., Gebremariam, A.A. et al. Analytical insights, modulation and compositional dynamics of the feline gut microbiota: a review. Animal Diseases 4, 36 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44149-024-00140-z

Gene Expression Differences in Primary and Metastatic Osteosarcoma in a Dog with Hypertrophic Osteopathy

This study from Kitagawa et al, 美国佛罗里达大学 , USA, explored gene expression differences between primary and pulmonary metastatic lesions in a dog with appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) and hypertrophic osteopathy (HO). Using NanoString nCounter? technology, researchers identified 180 differentially expressed genes, with five key genes (CCL17, VEGFC, C3, C4BPA, and FOS) showing significant differences between primary and metastatic sites. These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of metastasis and HO development, offering potential targets for future research into canine OSA and paraneoplastic syndromes like HO.

Kitagawa, K., Dryfhout, J., Engleberg, A.I. et al. Gene expression profile comparison of primary and pulmonary metastatic lesions in a dog with appendicular osteosarcoma and hypertrophic osteopathy. Vet. Oncol. 1, 7 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44356-024-00006-z

Dogs Can Harbor Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major in Their Blood: A Molecular and Hematological Study

In this study, Rezaei et al. from the Shiraz University , Iran, investigates the presence of Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major in the blood of dogs in southern Iran. Using PCR, researchers detected the parasites in 5.1% of the sampled dogs, with no signs of cutaneous lesions or significant disease. Hematological analysis revealed normal parameters in most infected dogs, except for reduced platelet counts. The findings highlight the role of asymptomatic dogs as carriers of these parasites, which may contribute to the spread of leishmaniasis. Further research is needed to understand the infection patterns of these Leishmania species.

Rezaei, A., Sharifiyazdi, H., Rakhshandehroo, E. et al. Dogs may carry Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major in their blood circulation: a molecular and hematological study. BMC Vet Res 20, 448 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04283-6

Impact of Cruciate Ligament Rupture Surgery on Joint Range of Motion in Dogs

This retrospective study from Pinna et al, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna , Italy, evaluated the effect of three surgical treatments—Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), and Tight Rope (TR)—on the range of motion (ROM) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures. Results showed that TPLO improved extension and flexion significantly, while TTA worsened flexion and TR worsened extension in the short term. Although ROM was not fully restored in any group six months post-surgery, lameness improved across all procedures. These findings provide insights for post-surgical rehabilitation strategies in dogs with CCL ruptures.

S. Pinna, M. Di Benedetto, C. Tassani. How does cruciate ligament rupture treatment affect range of motion in dogs? The Veterinary Journal, Volume 308, 2024, 106253, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106253.

Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Study of Canine Parvovirus in North-East India

In this study, Kiran jayappa from the Central Agricultural University, India, investigated the genetic diversity and spread of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) in North-East India. Analyzing 20 cases from seven states, researchers found that all isolates belonged to the 'Asian CPV-2c lineage,' making it the dominant strain in the region. Phylogenetic analysis showed a monophyletic clade with other Asian CPV-2c sequences, suggesting that the strain was likely introduced to India from China. This is the first comprehensive study on the molecular epidemiology of CPV-2 in India, providing insights into its evolutionary patterns and geographical spread.

Jayappa, K., Rajkhowa, T. K., & Gaikwad, S. S. (2024). Canine parvovirus in North-East India: a phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis. Veterinary Quarterly, 44(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2024.2408742

Histopathological Comparison of Subcutaneous and Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

This study from Stella Minnoye et al, AniCura compares the histopathological features of subcutaneous (scMCTs) and cutaneous (cMCTs) mast cell tumors in dogs, two common forms of skin neoplasms. Data from 1,596 cases showed that scMCTs were more likely to exhibit anisokaryosis, bizarre nuclei, and were more frequently classified as Kiupel high grade compared to cMCTs. However, mitotic counts were similar in both tumor types. These findings suggest key differences between scMCTs and cMCTs, but further studies are needed to explore how these histopathological variations impact clinical outcomes.

Minnoye, S., De Vos, S., Beck, S. et al. Histopathological features of subcutaneous and cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs. Acta Vet Scand 66, 53 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-024-00775-5

Pharmacokinetics of Imipramine in Dogs: Effects of Fasted and Fed Conditions

This study from Fadel et al., Lebanese University, Lebanon, examines the pharmacokinetics (PK) of imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, in dogs following oral administration under fasted and fed conditions. Six Labrador dogs were given a single oral dose of imipramine, and blood samples were collected over 48 hours. Results showed rapid absorption, with maximum concentration (Cmax) reached within 0.25 hours. No significant differences were found between fasted and fed states. The active metabolite desipramine was detected briefly but not quantifiable. The short terminal half-life suggests that current dosing strategies may need adjustment for sustained therapeutic effects in dogs. Further studies are recommended to explore alternative dosing and administration methods.

C. Fadel, B. ?ebkowska-Wieruszewskac, A. Lisowski, F. Serih, A. Poapolathep, N. ?udina, M. Giorgi. Imipramine in Dogs: A Pharmacokinetic Study Following Oral Administration under Fasted and Fed Conditions. The Veterinary Journal, 2024, 106250, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106250.

Ciliary Body Myxoid Epithelioid Sarcoma in a Cat: A Case Report

This case report from Leis et al, University of Saskatchewan , Canada, describes a rare myxoid epithelioid sarcoma originating from the ciliary body in a 14-year-old cat. The cat presented with eye discoloration, and the tumor rapidly grew, leading to secondary glaucoma and enucleation. Histological examination revealed a spindle-cell neoplasm in a myxoid matrix, with immunohistochemical staining confirming the diagnosis. Although rare, this tumor type should be considered as a differential diagnosis for intraocular tumors in cats, and early surgical intervention is recommended to prevent further complications.

Leis, M.L., Sayi, S. & Grahn, B.H. Ciliary body myxoid epithelioid sarcoma in a cat: a case report. BMC Vet Res 20, 442 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04286-3

Correction: Feline Panleukopenia Virus with VP2 Mutation Infects Dogs and Causes Gastrointestinal Disease

This correction paper from Li et al, 华中农业大学 , China, highlights the discovery of a feline-derived feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) isolate with a unique A300P substitution in the VP2 protein. The study examined 746 cat samples, confirming FPV presence in 45.4% of cases. The mutated FPV-251 strain, identified with the A300P substitution, was found to cause gastrointestinal symptoms in both cats and dogs. This marks the first report of an FPV strain with the ability to infect dogs, showing stable replication in canine cell lines and causing gastrointestinal lesions. This finding underscores the potential cross-species transmission of FPV.

Li, J., Peng, J., Zeng, Y. et al. Correction: Isolation of a feline-derived feline panleukopenia virus with an A300P substitution in the VP2 protein and confirmation of its pathogenicity in dogs. Animal Diseases 4, 37 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44149-024-00142-x

Direct Immunofluorescence Assay as the Gold Standard for Detecting Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Pets

Barrera et al., Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Spain, compared various diagnostic methods for detecting Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples from dogs and cats, including the merthiolate-iodine-formalin (MIF) method, lateral flow immunochromatography (ICT), real-time PCR, and direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA). DFA was found to be the most sensitive and accurate method, especially when combined with PCR, for detecting both parasites. The study also found that breeder dogs were more likely to harbor Giardia, and female cats had a higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium. The results highlight DFA's importance in improving diagnostic accuracy and preventing potential transmission to humans.

Barrera, J.P., Miró, G., Carmena, D. et al. Enhancing diagnostic accuracy: Direct immunofluorescence assay as the gold standard for detecting Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in canine and feline fecal samples. BMC Vet Res 20, 445 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04297-0

I am Davide - Founder & CEO of Lab4Paws Paws. With my life science company I help #AnimalHealth scientists develop therapeutic & diagnostic solutions for companion animals and work to reduce animal testing for human drug development.

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