Comparative Evaluation of GS-441524, Teriflunomide, Ruxolitinib, Molnupiravir, Ritonavir, and Nirmatrelvir for In Vitro Antiviral Activity against Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), caused by feline coronavirus (FcoV), is considered one of the most enigmatic diseases in cats. Developing effective drugs for FIP is crucial due to its global prevalence and severity. In this study, six antiviral drugs were tested for their cytotoxicity, cell viability, and antiviral efficacies in Crandell-Reese feline kidney cells. A cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that these drugs were safe to be used with essentially no cytotoxicity with concentrations as high as 250 µM for ruxolitinib; 125 µM for GS441524; 63 µM for teriflunomide, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir; and 16 µM for ritonavir. GS441524 and nirmatrelvir exhibited the least detrimental effects on the CRFK cells, with 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) values of 260.0 µM and 279.1 µM, respectively, while ritonavir showed high toxicity (CC50 = 39.9 µM). In the dose-response analysis, GS441524, nirmatrelvir, and molnupiravir demonstrated promising results with selectivity index values of 165.54, 113.67, and 29.27, respectively, against FIPV. Our study suggests that nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir hold potential for FIPV treatment and could serve as alternatives to GS441524. Continued research and development of antiviral drugs are essential to ensure the well-being of companion animals and improve our preparedness for future outbreaks of coronaviruses affecting animals and humans alike.

Extended Exposure Topotecan Significantly Improves Long-Term Drug Sensitivity by Decreasing Malignant Cell Heterogeneity and by Preventing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition.

Maximum tolerable dosing (MTD) of chemotherapeutics has long been the gold standard for aggressive malignancies. Recently, alternative dosing strategies have gained traction for their improved toxicity profiles and unique mechanisms of action, such as inhibition of angiogenesis and stimulation of immunity. In this article, we investigated whether extended exposure (EE) topotecan could improve long-term drug sensitivity by preventing drug resistance. To achieve significantly longer exposure times, we used a spheroidal model system of castration-resistant prostate cancer. We also used state-of-the-art transcriptomic analysis to further elucidate any underlying phenotypic changes that occurred in the malignant population following each treatment. We determined that EE topotecan had a much higher barrier to resistance relative to MTD topotecan and was able to maintain consistent efficacy throughout the study period (EE IC50 of 54.4 nM (Week 6) vs. MTD IC50 of 2200 nM (Week 6) vs. 83.8 nM IC50 for control (Week 6) vs. 37.8 nM IC50 for control (Week 0)). As a possible explanation for these results, we determined that MTD topotecan stimulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), upregulated efflux pumps, and produced altered topoisomerases relative to EE topotecan. Overall, EE topotecan resulted in a more sustained treatment response and maintained a less aggressive malignant phenotype relative to MTD topotecan.

Circulating microRNA as biomarkers of canine mammary carcinoma in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Differentiating benign from canine malignant mammary tumors requires invasive surgical biopsy. Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) may represent promising minimally invasive cancer biomarkers in people and animals. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the serum mRNA profile between dogs with and without mammary carcinoma, and to determine if any of these markers have prognostic significance. ANIMALS: Ten healthy client-owned female dogs (5 intact, 5 spayed) and 10 dogs with histologically confirmed mammary carcinoma were included; 9 were client-owned, whereas 1 was a research colony dog. METHODS: Retrospective study. Serum miRNA was evaluated by RNA deep-sequencing (RNAseq) and digital droplet PCR (dPCR).Expression of candidate biomarkers miR-18a, miR-19b, miR-29b, miR-34c, miR-122, miR-125a, and miR-181a was compared with clinical characteristics, including grade, metastasis, and survival. RESULTS: 452 unique serum miRNAs were detected by RNAseq. Sixty-five individual miRNAs were differentially expressed (>±1.5-fold) and statistically significant between groups. Serum miR-19b (P = .003) and miR-125a (P < .001) were significantly higher in the mammary carcinoma group by dPCR. Both had high accuracy based on receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (0.930 for miR-125a; 0.880 for miR-19b). Circulating miR-18a by RNAseq was significantly higher in mammary carcinoma dogs with histologic evidence of lymphatic invasion (P = 0.03). There was no significant association with any miRNA and survival or inflammatory status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed in dogs with mammary carcinoma. Serum miR-19b and miR-18a represent candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, respectively.

Altered microRNA Expression Profiles and Regulation of INK4A/CDKN2A Tumor Suppressor Genes in Canine Breast Cancer Models.

microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling of cancer versus normal cells may reveal the characteristic regulatory features that can be correlated to altered gene expression in both human and animal models of cancers. In this study, the comprehensive expression profiles of the 277 highly characterized miRNAs from the canine genome were evaluated in spontaneous canine mammary tumor (CMT) models harboring defects in a group of cell cycle regulatory and potent tumor suppressor genes of INK4/CDKN2 family including p16/INK4A, p14ARF, and p15/INK4B. A large number of differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in three CMT cell lines to potentially target oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and cancer biomarkers. A group of the altered miRNAs were identified by miRNA target prediction tools for regulation of the INK4/CDKN2 family tumor suppressor genes. miRNA-141 was experimentally validated for INK4A 3'-UTR target binding in the CMT cell lines providing an essential mechanism for the post-transcriptional regulation of the INK4A tumor suppressor gene in CMT models. A well-recognized group of miRNAs including miR-21, miR-155, miR-9, miR-34a, miR-143/145, and miR-31 were found to be altered in both CMTs and human breast cancer. These altered miRNAs might serve as potential targets for advancing the development of future therapeutic reagents. These findings further strengthen the validity and use of canine breast cancers as appropriate models for the study of human breast cancers.

A new species of Tritrichomonas (Sarcomastigophora: Trichomonida) from the domestic cat (Felis catus).

Feline trichomoniasis is an intestinal disease in cats resulting in chronic diarrhea, flatulence, tenesmus, and fecal incontinence. Bovine trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease of cattle infecting the reproductive tract of cows causing pyometra and possible mid- to late-term abortions. The causative agent for both diseases has been reported to be the flagellated protozoan, Tritrichomonas foetus. However, several published reports support significant biological differences between T. foetus isolated from bovines and felines. In the present study, we describe Tritrichomonas blagburni n.sp. from the domestic cat (Felis catus) as the causative agent of feline intestinal trichomoniasis. We support our proposal based on results of experimental cross-infection studies between cats and cattle using both feline and bovine isolates of the parasite, differences in pathogenicity between the two parasites for the respective host species, and molecular gene sequencing differences between parasites obtained from domestic cats and parasites obtained from cattle.

Landscape phages and their fusion proteins targeted to breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women in the USA. The efficacy of existing anticancer therapeutics can be improved by targeting them through conjugation with ligands binding to cellular receptors. Recently, we developed a novel drug targeting strategy based on the use of pre-selected cancer-specific 'fusion pVIII proteins' (fpVIII), as targeting ligands. To study the efficiency of this approach in animal models, we developed a panel of breast cancer cell-binding phages as a source of targeted fpVIIIs. Two landscape phage peptide libraries (8-mer f8/8 and 9-mer f8/9) were screened to isolate 132 phage variants that recognize breast carcinoma cells MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 and internalize into the cells. When tested for their interaction with the breast cancer cells in comparison with liver cancer cells HepG2, human mammary cells MCF-10A cells and serum, 16 of the phage probes selectively interacted with the breast cancer cells whereas 32 bound both breast and liver cancer cells. The most prominent cancer-specific phage DMPGTVLP, demonstrating sub-nanomolar Kd in interaction with target cells, was used for affinity chromatography of cellular membrane molecules to reveal its potential binding receptor. The isolated protein was identified by direct sequencing as cellular surface nucleolin. This conclusion was confirmed by inhibition of the phage-cell interaction with nucleolin antibodies. Other prominent phage binders VPTDTDYS, VEEGGYIAA, and DWRGDSMDS demonstrate consensus motifs common to previously identified cancer-specific peptides. Isolated phage proteins exhibit inherent binding specificity towards cancer cells, demonstrating the functional activity of the selected fused peptides. The selected phages, their peptide inserts and intact fusion proteins can serve as promising ligands for the development of targeted nanomedicines and their study in model mice with xenograft of human cells MCF-7 and ZR-75-1.

Resistance of canine lymphoma cells to adenoviral infection due to reduced cell surface RGD binding integrins.

Recombinant adenovirus vectors (Ad) have been recognized as effective in vivo gene delivery vehicles and utilized as gene therapy agents for a number of cancers. The elucidation of viral entry mechanisms has allowed the development of recombinant vectors that exploit existing cell surface receptors to achieve entry into the cell. B lymphocytes are normally resistant to infection by adenovirus 5, likely due to the lack of the Coxsackie and Adenovirus receptor (CAR). Using reverse-transcriptase PCR and flow cytometry, the CD40 receptor has been shown to be expressed on many lymphoma cells. We exploited this finding to develop a gene therapy strategy for treatment of canine B cell lymphoma. Ad5 was targeted to cells expressing CD40 via CD40 ligand (CD40L) and was effective in infecting CD40-expressing control cells; however, both primary canine lymphoma cells and cell lines demonstrated limited evidence of transduction. Following receptor binding, adenovirus entry into cells may require interaction with α(v)ß(3/5) integrins; we demonstrate that canine lymphoma cells are deficient in these integrins. Reduced α(v)ß(3) integrin expression may render these cells incapable of internalizing Ad vectors. Thus, any viral targeting approaches for treatment of canine lymphoma must also take into account the potential lack of internalization signals.

Isolated perforation of a duodenal diverticulum following blunt abdominal trauma.

Only 10% of duodenal diverticula are symptomatic. We present the case of a man who fell from a height of 6 ft, landing on his abdomen and presenting 4 h later with severe back pain and a rigid abdomen. At laparotomy, a perforated retroperitoneal duodenal diverticulum was found and repaired with an omental patch. No other injury was noted. Not only is this perforation unusual, but the absence of other injuries sustained during this minor blunt trauma makes this case unique. This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion when managing patients with back or abdominal pain following minor trauma.

Landscape phage fusion protein-mediated targeting of nanomedicines enhances their prostate tumor cell association and cytotoxic efficiency.

Tumor-specific cytotoxicity of drugs can be enhanced by targeting them to tumor receptors using tumor-specific ligands. Phage display offers a high-throughput approach to screen for the targeting ligands. We have successfully isolated phage fusion peptides selective and specific for PC3 prostate cancer cells. Also, we have demonstrated a novel approach of targeting liposomes through tumor-specific phage fusion coat proteins, exploiting the intrinsic properties of the phage coat protein as an integral membrane protein. Here we describe the production of Rhodamine-labeled liposomes as well as doxorubicin-loaded long-circulating liposomes targeted to PC3 prostate tumor cells via PC-specific phage peptides, as an extension of our previous studies. Targeting of labeled liposomes was demonstrated using fluorescence microscopy as well as flow cytometry. Targeting of doxorubicin-loaded liposomes enhanced their cytotoxic effect against PC3 cells in vitro, indicating a possible therapeutic advantage. The simplicity of the approach for generating targeted liposomes coupled with the ability to rapidly obtain tumor-specific phage fusion proteins via phage display may contribute to a combinatorial system for the production of targeted liposomal therapeutics for advanced stages of prostate tumor. From the clinical editor: This paper demonstrates targeting cytotoxic agents to tumor receptors using tumor-specific ligands. The authors describe the production of Rhodamine-labeled liposomes as well as doxorubicin loaded long circulating liposomes targeted to PC3 prostate tumor cells via PC-specific phage peptides. This approach may be especially relevant for advanced prostate tumors.

Experimental infection of cats (Felis catus) with Tritrichomonas foetus isolated from cattle.

Tritrichomonas foetus is recognized as the causative agent of venereal trichomoniasis in cattle. It is characterized by embryonic and early fetal death and post-coital pyometra, and feline trichomoniasis, manifest as chronic, large bowel diarrhea. Many of the infected cats are less than 2 years old and specific routes of transmission remain unknown. We recently demonstrated that feline isolates of T. foetus can successfully infect heifers, resulting in pathologic changes similar, but not identical to those previously reported as representative of bovine trichomoniasis. In this study, we experimentally infected six cats less than 1 year of age with a bovine (D-1) isolate of T. foetus and one cat with a feline (AUTf-1) isolate of T. foetus. Within 2 weeks, the cat infected with the feline (AUTf-1) isolate was culture positive for trichomonads in weekly fecal samples. At the end of 5 weeks, only one cat infected with the bovine (D-1) isolate was fecal culture positive for trichomonads. At necropsy, the intestine of each cat was removed and divided into five sections (ileum, cecum, anterior, medial and posterior colon). Contents from each section were collected and cultured. The cat infected with the feline (AUTf-1) isolate was culture positive in the ileum, cecum, medial and posterior colon. Two cats infected with the bovine (D-1) isolate were culture positive in the cecum only. Additionally, each intestinal section was submitted to a pathologist for histopathological examination. The combined results indicate that there are demonstrable differences between the feline (AUTf-1) and bovine (D-1) isolates regarding their infectivity in cats.