Ode to in vitro research

"In glass and dish, we now behold

The secrets life’s small cells unfold.

No need for beasts to bear the cost—

In vitro's light, no life is lost.

Where once we pierced with furrowed brow,

The lab reveals the answers now.

With time and cost both swift to fall,

Thy methods quick, yet show us all.

Each cell, each strand, a world to see,

Unlocks life’s truth with clarity.

No paw, no wing, shall bear the strain—

In vitro’s grace shall break their chain."

I wanted to open this week's newsletter like this, particularly inspired by Kobayashi's paper, one in vitro paper among many clinical papers.

And yes, if you wondered, that was uncle ChatGPT giving a voice to my thoughts.

Enjoy!

Reviews

New Molecular Insights into Canine Atopic Dermatitis

This review from Frane Banovic from the The University of Georgia , USA, explores the molecular pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD), drawing comparisons with human AD. Advances in genomics have shed light on the immune pathways involved in AD, but detailed studies of cAD are limited. Initial findings reveal some overlap with human AD, such as cytokine activation and immune dysregulation, but studies in dogs, including transcriptome analyses, have been less conclusive. This review highlights the need for further research to fully understand the molecular mechanisms driving cAD and how they relate to human AD.

Banovic F. Updated insights into the molecular pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2024; 00: 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13300

Effects of Lipophilic Statins on Cell Viability and Coagulation in Canine Hemangiosarcoma

This study from Kobayashi et al., Okayama University, Japan, investigated the effects of lipophilic statins, such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, and simvastatin, on canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) cells. Statins were found to reduce cell viability and tissue factor (TF) expression in a concentration-dependent manner. The study also explored the role of Akt phosphorylation in these processes, finding that statins like simvastatin decrease Akt activity, contributing to cancer cell cycle arrest. These results suggest that statins could be a potential therapeutic option for targeting both tumor growth and coagulation abnormalities in canine HSA. Further research is needed to clarify their clinical applications.

Kobayashi, K., Murakami, K. and Baba, K. (2024), Effects of Lipophilic Statins on Cell Viability and Tissue Factor Expression in Canine Haemangiosarcoma Cells. Vet Comp Oncol. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.13012

Reusable vs Disposable Surgical Drapes in Routine Neutering: A Multi-Center Trial Protocol

In this multi-center randomized controlled trial, Dyer et al from VetPartners compared post-operative wound complication rates following routine neutering of dogs and cats using either reusable or disposable surgical drapes. The study, conducted in the UK, will involve 4,750 animals across up to ten veterinary practices. The primary outcome is the rate of post-operative wound complications within 30 days, with secondary outcomes including complication types and antibiotic use. The hypothesis suggests no significant difference between drape types, supporting the use of reusable drapes for environmental sustainability without compromising patient outcomes.

Dyer, N., Wareham, K., Doit, H. et al. Drapes in Routine Aseptic Procedures for Environmental Sustainability (project DRAPES): a protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial comparing post-operative wound complication rates following routine neutering of dogs and cats using reusable or disposable surgical drapes. BMC Vet Res 20, 430 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04276-5

Prognostic Factors and Outcomes in Canine T-Cell Lymphoma Treated with CLOP Chemotherapy

This retrospective study from Anat Einhorn from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Israel, evaluated the effectiveness of a chemotherapy protocol consisting of cyclophosphamide, lomustine, vincristine, and prednisone (CLOP) in treating canine non-indolent T-cell lymphoma. Among 26 dogs, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 166 days, and the overall survival time (OST) was 318 days. Most adverse events were mild gastrointestinal issues. The findings suggest that adding lomustine to the first-line chemotherapy regimen may offer benefits comparable to the standard CHOP protocol, with minimal toxicity.

Einhorn, A., Dank, G., Hanael, E. et al. Outcomes and prognostic factors in?canine?T cell lymphoma treated with lomustine, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone chemotherapy. Vet. Oncol. 1, 6 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44356-024-00007-y

Intravenous vs. Intra-Articular Blood Cell Secretome for Treating Canine Osteoarthritis

This cross-over study from Alves et al., Universidade Lusófona - Centro Universitário Lisboa , Portugal, investigated the effects of intravenous (IV) versus intra-articular (IA) administration of blood cell secretome (BCS) in dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Ten dogs were treated with both methods and followed for 180 days. Both IV and IA administration significantly improved pain and mobility, with IA providing longer-lasting results. The findings suggest that while IV administration offers benefits, IA treatment may be more effective for long-term relief in dogs with osteoarthritis.

J.C. Alves, A. Santos, Ana Filipe, L. Miguel Carreira. The intravenous administration of blood cell secretome can improve clinical signs in dogs with osteoarthritis. Research in Veterinary Science, Volume 180, 2024, 105422, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105422.

Comparison of Tissue Factor-Activated vs. Citrated Native Thromboelastography in Dogs with Suspected Hemostatic Issues

In this study, Keith et al. from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, compared the effectiveness of tissue factor-activated (TF) thromboelastography (TEG) and citrated native (CN) TEG in dogs with suspected hemostatic abnormalities. The results showed a high correlation between the two methods for key TEG variables, with over 90% agreement in classifying coagulation states. Both methods were found to be suitable for assessing coagulation, but consistent use of one method is recommended to ensure accurate monitoring in canine patients with hemostatic disorders.

Keith MT, Chalifoux NV, Buriko Y. Comparison of tissue factor–activated versus citrated native thromboelastography in dogs with suspected hemostatic abnormalities. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/10406387241280602

Comparing Next-Generation Sequencing and Culture Methods for Diagnosing Canine Bacterial Folliculitis

Smart et al. from the 愛荷華州立大學 , USA, compared next-generation sequencing (NGS) and conventional culture methods for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility in 24 dogs with superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF). While NGS identified more organisms than culture, there was no statistical difference in detecting Staphylococcus spp. between the methods. However, poor agreement was found for detecting methicillin resistance and antimicrobial susceptibility across labs. The results highlight the potential of NGS for bacterial identification but emphasize the need for consistency in detecting antibiotic resistance.

Smart K, Pieper JB, Viall AK, Noxon JO, Berger DJ. Comparison of commercial next-generation sequencing assays to conventional culture methods for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of samples obtained from clinical cases of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis. Vet Dermatol. 2024; 00: 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13299

I am Davide - Founder & CEO of Lab4Paws ws. 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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