Pathogenicity of field strain of fowl aviadenovirus serotype 11 isolated from chickens with inclusion body hepatitis in Morocco.

Outbreaks of inclusion body hepatitis have emerged in Morocco since 2013 and has resulted in significant economic losses to poultry farms. Three isolates of the causative virus, Fowl adenonovirus (FAdV)were characterized from chickens with IBH, but their pathogenicity has never been investigated. In this work, the pathogenicity of an isolate FAdV 11 (MOR300315 strain) was evaluated by inoculating a group of 40 SPF chickens at 3 days of age by oral route. A group of 40 chicks injected with phosphate-buffered saline solution was used as a control group. The infected chickens showed decreased weight gain from 3dpi. Necropsy displayed pallor and enlargement in liver, swelling and slight hemorrhage in kidney and spleen at 6 dpi. Histopathological changes were mainly characterized by severe and extensive hepatic necrosis associated with the presence of basophilic intra-nuclear inclusion bodies within hepatocytes. The FAdV was reisolated in chicken embryo fibroblast cell culture from liver tissue homogenate of infected chicken from 3 to 6 dpi. Viral DNA was detected by PCR in liver, kidney, spleen and cloacal swabs from 3 to 13 dpi. Antibody response against inoculated FAdV was appeared from 9 dpi. These results confirmed that the FAdV 11 strain is pathogenic in chicken. This study is the first experimental infection of FAdV 11 in chicken in Morocco, which increase our understanding of its pathogenicity in chickens and indicate that preventive measures against FAdV infection in poultry farms should be implemented in Morocco.

The role of the sphingosine axis in immune regulation: A dichotomy in the anti-inflammatory effects between sphingosine kinase 1 and sphingosine kinase 2-dependent pathways.

Background: Sphingosine kinase has been identified as playing a central role in the immune cascade, being a common mediator in the cellular response to a variety of signals. The different effects of sphingosine kinase 1 and 2 (SphK1 and SphK2, respectively) activity have not been completely characterized. Aim: To determine the different roles played by SphK1 and SphK2 in the regulation of immune-mediated disorders. Methods: Nine groups of mice were studied. Concanavalin A (ConA) injection was used to induce immune-mediated hepatitis. Mice were treated with SphK1 inhibitor (termed SphK-I) and SphK2 inhibitor (termed ABC294640), prior to ConA injection, and effects of treatment on liver enzymes, subsets of T lymphocytes, and serum levels of cytokines were observed. Results: While liver enzyme elevation was ameliorated by administration of SphK1 inhibitor, SphK2 inhibitor-treated mice did not show this tendency. A marked decrease in expression of CD25+ T-cells and Foxp+ T-cells was observed in mice treated with a high dose of SphK1 inhibitor. Alleviation of liver damage was associated with a statistically significant reduction of serum IFNγ levels in mice treated with SphK1 inhibitor and not in those treated with SphK2 inhibitor. Conclusions: Early administration of SphK1 inhibitor in a murine model of immune-mediated hepatitis alleviated liver damage and inflammation with a statistically significant reduction in IFN-γ levels. The data support a dichotomy in the anti-inflammatory effects of SphK1 and SphK2, and suggests that isoenzyme-directed therapies can improve the effect of targeting these pathways.

Resveratrol modulates Toxoplasma gondii infection induced liver injury by intervening in the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite that can cause liver diseases in the host, including hepatitis and hepatomegaly. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is the main inflammatory mediator causing cell injury or necrosis. HMGB1 binds to toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), then activates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which promotes the release of inflammatory factors. Our previous studies showed that HMGB1 mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in liver injury induced by T. gondii infection. Resveratrol (RSV) is a small polyphenol, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-T. gondii effect. However, the effect of RSV on liver injury caused by T. gondii infection is unclear. This study used the RH strain tachyzoites of T. gondii to infect murine liver line, NCTC-1469 cells to establish an in vitro model and acute infection of mice for the in vivo model to explore the protective effect of RSV on liver injury induced by T. gondii infection. The results showed that RSV inhibited the proliferation of T. gondii in the liver, reduced the alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase levels and pathological liver damage. Additionally, RSV inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase and HMGB1 by interfering with the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. These results indicate that RSV can protect liver injury caused by T. gondii infection by intervening in the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This study will provide a theoretical basis for RSV treatment of T. gondii infection induced liver injury.

Hepatic Perisinusoidal Myofibroblast Proliferation and Systemic Inflammatory Response Precedes Sep/Tox Hepatitis in Broilers.

Septicemia-toxemia (sep/tox) falls under U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety Category 1 and is the most common and economically significant cause of broiler carcass condemnations. Hepatic lesions are considered a possible consequence of septicemia and associated bacterial contamination of the carcass. Thus, these lesions are considered an indicator of sep/tox (sep/tox hepatitis). This study was undertaken to analyze the histologic lesions preceding grossly visible liver lesions leading to condemnation because of sep/tox at the processing plant. Livers from carcasses of broilers condemned by USDA inspectors for sep/tox were used to establish microscopic and gross criteria of end-stage sep/tox hepatitis. Following the characterization of sep/tox hepatitis, broilers from a farm with a history of sep/tox condemnations were submitted for postmortem examination and bacteriologic investigation at four intervals during the final 20 days of production. Five healthy and five clinically ill chickens were submitted from four houses at 18, 25, 32, and 38 days of production (160 total). Microscopic lesions representing hepatic perisinusoidal myofibroblast proliferation (HPMP), periportal extramedullary granulopoiesis (PEMG), splenic follicular histiocytosis, and bone marrow cellularity (BMC) were graded subjectively for each bird, and subjective grading was evaluated with digital quantitative techniques. Perisinusoidal hepatic stellate cell morphology and progressive transformation of these cells into myofibroblasts was confirmed by immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin and desmin. Aerobic cultures of livers and gall bladders from sep/tox birds yielded no growth of bacteria associated with septicemia. Mild to severe HPMP was observed in all age groups, representing 28% of examined birds. Increases in inflammatory cells observed by PEMG and BMC were positively correlated with progressive HPMP and end-stage sep/tox hepatitis in broiler chickens.

Artículo regular­Proliferación de miofibroblastos perisinusoidales hepáticos y respuesta inflamatoria sistémica que precede a la hepatitis por septicemia y toxemia (sep/tox) en pollos de engorde. La septicemia-toxemia (sep/tox) se incluye en la Categoría 1 de seguridad alimentaria del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos. (USDA) y es la causa más común y económicamente significativa de decomisos de canales de pollos de engorde. Las lesiones hepáticas se consideran una posible consecuencia de la septicemia y de la contaminación bacteriana asociada con la canal. Por lo tanto, estas lesiones se consideran un indicador de septicemia/toxemia (hepatitis sep/tox). Este estudio se llevó a cabo para analizar las lesiones histológicas que preceden a las lesiones hepáticas muy visibles que conducen a los decomisos debido a septicemia/toxemia en la planta de procesamiento. Se utilizaron hígados de canales de pollos de engorde decomisados por los inspectores del USDA por septicemia/toxemia para establecer criterios microscópicos y generales de hepatitis en etapa terminal de la septicemia/toxemia. Después de la caracterización de la hepatitis por septicemia/toxemia, los pollos de engorde de una granja con un historial de decomisos por septicemia/toxemia se sometieron a examen post mortem e investigación bacteriológica en cuatro intervalos durante los últimos 20 días de producción. Se enviaron cinco pollos sanos y cinco clínicamente enfermos de cuatro casetas a los 18, 25, 32 y 38 días de producción (160 en total). Las lesiones microscópicas que representan la proliferación de miofibroblastos perisinusoidales hepáticos (HPMP), la granulopoyesis extramedular periportal (PEMG), la histocitosis folicular esplénica y la celularidad de la médula ósea (BMC) se clasificaron subjetivamente para cada ave, y la clasificación subjetiva se evaluó con técnicas cuantitativas digitales. La morfología de las células estrelladas hepáticas perisinusoidales y la transformación progresiva de estas células en miofibroblastos se confirmó mediante inmunohistoquímica para actina y desmina del músculo liso. Los cultivos aeróbicos de hígados y vesícula biliar de aves con septicemia/toxemia no produjeron crecimiento de bacterias asociadas con la septicemia. Se observó proliferación de miofibroblastos perisinusoidales hepáticos de leve a severa en todos los grupos de edad, lo que representa el 28% de las aves examinadas. Los aumentos en las células inflamatorias observados por granulopoyesis extramedular periportal y celularidad de la médula ósea se correlacionaron positivamente con proliferación progresiva de miofibroblastos perisinusoidales hepáticos y con hepatitis por septicemia/toxemia en etapa terminal en pollos de engorde.

Activation of Autophagy Relieves Linoleic Acid-Induced Inflammation in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

High levels of soybean oil (SO) in fish diets enriched with linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) could induce strong inflammation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying LA-induced inflammation in the liver of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) has not been elucidated. Based on previous research, autophagy has been considered a new pathway to relieve inflammation. Therefore, the present study was performed to investigate the role of autophagy in regulating LA-induced inflammation in the liver of large yellow croaker in vivo and in vitro. The results of the present study showed that activation of autophagy in liver or hepatocytes could significantly reduce the gene expression of proinflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin 1ß (IL1ß). The results of the present study also showed that inhibition of autophagy could upregulate the gene expression of proinflammatory factors and downregulate the gene expression of anti-inflammatory factors in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, autophagy could alleviate LA-induced inflammatory cytokine gene expression in vivo and in vitro, while inhibition of autophagy obtained the opposite results. In conclusion, our study shows that autophagy could regulate inflammation and alleviate LA-induced inflammation in the liver of large yellow croaker in vivo and in vitro for the first time, which may offer considerable benefits to the aquaculture industry and human health.

FoxO3 Modulates LPS-Activated Hepatic Inflammation in Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.).

In mammals, forkhead box O3 (foxo3) plays important roles in liver immune system. The foxo3 can regulate cell cycle, DNA repair, hypoxia, apoptosis and so on. However, as such an important transcription factor, few studies on foxo3 in fish have been reported. The present study characterized the foxo3 in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) incubated in vitro (hepatocytes) and injected in vivo (turbot liver) were used to construct inflammatory models. The foxo3 was interfered and overexpressed to investigate its functions in liver inflammation. The open reading frame (ORF) of foxo3 was 1998 bp (base pair), encoding 665 amino acids. Sequence analysis showed that foxo3 of turbot was highly homologous to other fishes. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that the highest expression of foxo3 was in muscle. Immunofluorescence result showed that foxo3 was expressed in cytoplasm and nucleus. Knockdown of foxo3 significantly increased mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), interleukin-1ß (il-1ß), interleukin-6 (il-6), myeloid-differentiation factor 88 (myd88), cd83, toll-like receptor 2 (tlr-2) and protein level of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in sifoxo3 + LPS (siRNA of foxo3+ LPS) group compared with NC + LPS (negative control + LPS) group in turbot hepatocytes. Overexpressed foxo3 significantly decreased mRNA levels of tnf-α, il-6, nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (nf-κb), cd83, tlr-2 and the protein level of JNK in vitro. In vivo analysis, foxo3 knockdown significantly increased levels of GOT in serum after LPS injection compared with NC+LPS group. Overexpressed foxo3 significantly decreased levels of GPT and GOT in pcDNA3.1-foxo3+LPS group compared with pcDNA3.1+LPS group in vivo. Foxo3 knockdown significantly increased mRNA levels of tnf-α, il-1ß, il-6, nf-κb, myd88 and protein level of JNK in vivo in sifoxo3+LPS group compared with NC+LPS group in turbot liver. Overexpressed foxo3 significantly decreased mRNA levels of il-1ß, il-6, myd88, cd83, jnk and protein level of JNK in pcDNA3.1-foxo3+LPS group compared with pcDNA3.1+LPS group in turbot liver. The results indicated that foxo3 might modulate LPS-activated hepatic inflammation in turbot by decreasing the proinflammatory cytokines, the levels of GOT and GPT as well as activating JNK/caspase-3 and tlr-2/myd88/nf-κb pathways. Taken together, these findings indicated that FoxO3 may play important roles in liver immune responses to LPS in turbot and the research of FoxO3 in liver immunity enriches the studies on immune regulation, and provides theoretical basis and molecular targets for solving liver inflammation and liver injury in fish.

Natural Killer T Cells in Various Mouse Models of Hepatitis.

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a key component of innate immunity. Importantly, a growing body of evidence indicates that NKT cells play an integral role in various acute and chronic liver injuries. NKT cells participate in the progression of an injury through the secretion of cytokines, which promote neutrophil infiltration and enhance Fas ligand (FasL) and granzyme-mediated NKT cytotoxic activity. Therefore, examining the role of NKT cells in hepatic disease is critical for a comprehensive understanding of disease pathogenesis and may provide insight into novel approaches for treatment. For more than a century, mouse models that imitate the physiopathological conditions of human disease have served as a critical tool in biological and medical basic research, including studies of liver disease. Here, we review the role of NKT cells in various mouse models of hepatitis.

Evaluation of metallothionein and Ki-67 expression in chronic cholangiohepatitis in cats.

Chronic cholangiohepatitis (CCH) is a common pathological condition in cats with a guarded prognosis and unknown etiology. Recently, in human medicine, there has been increased interest in enhancing liver defense mechanisms as an effective treatment strategy to control liver diseases that have a poor prognosis. Metallothionein (MT) is a ubiquitous protein, which has been widely researched for its role in liver defense through heavy metal detoxification, neutralization of reactive oxygen species, and liver regeneration. In this study, immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the role of MT in CCH and hepatocellular regeneration in 34 cats histologically diagnosed with this condition by assessing the correlation between hepatocellular MT and Ki-67 (marker for cellular proliferation) expression with histological parameters of CCH, such as inflammation, fibrosis, and bile duct proliferation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman-rank correlation test. A significant positive correlation was observed between inflammation and the number of MT-positive hepatocytes (r = 0.36, P = 0.03) and MT labelling intensity (r = 0.37, P = 0.03). In 16 of 34 cases (47%) MT labelling intensity was noted to be pronounced towards the centrilobular zone and very weak or absent towards the portal zone. The results suggest that MT is induced in the liver during chronic inflammatory conditions, which could be speculated as a host defensive mechanism to protect the liver from inflammation-mediated liver injury. Therapeutic interventions utilizing MT, therefore, may have a positive effect on cats with chronic cholangiohepatitis.

La cholangiohépatite chronique (CCH) est une affection pathologique courante chez les chats avec un pronostic réservé et une étiologie inconnue. Récemment, en médecine humaine, il y a eu un intérêt accru pour l'amélioration des mécanismes de défense hépatique en tant que stratégie de traitement efficace pour contrôler les maladies du foie qui ont un mauvais pronostic. La métallothionéine (MT) est une protéine omniprésente, qui a été largement étudiée pour son rôle dans la défense du foie par la détoxification des métaux lourds, la neutralisation des espèces réactives de l'oxygène et la régénération du foie. Dans cette étude, l'immunohistochimie a été utilisée pour évaluer le rôle de la MT dans la CCH et la régénération hépatocellulaire chez 34 chats diagnostiqués histologiquement avec cette condition en évaluant la corrélation entre l'expression hépatocellulaire de la MT et du Ki-67 (marqueur de la prolifération cellulaire) avec les paramètres histologiques de la CCH, comme l'inflammation, la fibrose et la prolifération des voies biliaires. L'analyse statistique a été réalisée à l'aide du test de corrélation de rang de Spearman. Une corrélation positive significative a été observée entre l'inflammation et le nombre d'hépatocytes MT-positifs (r = 0,36, P = 0,03) et l'intensité de marquage MT (r = 0,37, P = 0,03). Dans 16 des 34 cas (47 %), l'intensité du marquage MT était prononcée vers la zone centrolobulaire et très faible ou absente vers la zone porte. Les résultats suggèrent que la MT est induite dans le foie pendant les états inflammatoires chroniques, ce qui pourrait être supposé comme un mécanisme de défense de l'hôte pour protéger le foie contre les lésions hépatiques induites par l'inflammation. Les interventions thérapeutiques utilisant la MT peuvent donc avoir un effet positif sur les chats atteints de cholangiohépatite chronique.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Inhibitory effects of nodakenin on inflammation and cell death in lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury mice.

BACKGROUND: Nodakenin, a coumarin glucoside isolated from the roots of Angelica biserrata, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer effects. However, despite these studies, the potential liver protective effects of nodakenin in inflammatory liver injury models have not been reported. METHODS: A mouse model of inflammatory liver injury was induced by injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p)). Liver tissue AST, ALT, ROS, T-GSH and T-SOD were analyzed by ELISA. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in serum of LPS-induced inflammatory liver injury mice were analyzed. The mRNA expression levels of GPx1, catalase, SOD1, SOD2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, iNOS and COX-2 were analyzed using real-time PCR. The expressions of MAPK, IRF3, NF-κB, Nrf2, HO-1, caspase-3 and caspase-7 were analyzed using western blotting. Liver tissue was stained with IHC to confirm NF-κB, Nrf-2, HO-1, caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl2. Tunnel analysis was performed to confirm the fragmented nuclear DNA characteristics of apoptosis. RESULTS: The administration of nodakenin (10 and 30 mg/kg) reduced serum aminotransferase levels compared to LPS-induced liver damage and significantly improved the oxidative state of liver tissue and pathological damage. Moreover, inhibited the phosphorylation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß)-activated kinase (TAK)-1 in LPS-induced inflammatory liver injury model, and significantly inhibited the transcriptional of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. In addition nodakenin pre-treatment also attenuated hepatocyte death by regulating apoptosis-related mitochondrial proteins, such as cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase 3), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that nodakenin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic activity and may be an adjunctive prevention agent for liver injury.

Disseminated Neospora caninum infection in a dog with severe colitis.

A 12-y-old spayed female Schipperke dog with a previous diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease was presented with a 2-mo history of severe colitis. The patient's condition progressed to hepatopathy, pneumonia, and dermatitis following management with prednisolone and dexamethasone sodium phosphate. Colonic biopsies identified severe necrosuppurative colitis with free and intracellular parasitic zoites. Postmortem examination confirmed extensive chronic-active ulcerative colitis, severe acute necrotizing hepatitis and splenitis, interstitial pneumonia, ulcerative dermatitis, myelitis (bone marrow), and mild meningoencephalitis with variable numbers of intracellular and extracellular protozoal zoites. PCR on samples of fresh colon was positive for Neospora caninum. Immunohistochemistry identified N. caninum tachyzoites in sections of colon, and a single tissue cyst in sections of brain. Administration of immunosuppressive drugs may have allowed systemic dissemination of Neospora from the intestinal tract.

Canine copper-associated hepatitis: A retrospective study of 17 clinical cases.

Background: Copper-associated hepatitis (CAH) is a well-documented chronic hepatic disease in dogs. In some breeds, the disease results from an inherited defect in copper metabolism. In others, it is unclear whether its acummulation is a primary or secondary condition. Reports of copper accumulation in dog breeds that are not genetically predisposed are increasing. Aim: To describe the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory findings, liver biopsy techniques, and treatment response in dogs with CAH. Methods: A retrospective study was performed, drawing upon medical records from CAH dogs at a Veterinary Referral Hospital in Paris, France. The diagnosis of CAH had been confirmed in these patients by positive rhodanine staining of hepatic tissue obtained through biopsy. Medical records were mined for the following data: age at presentation, sex, breed, chief presenting complaints, abdominal ultrasound (US) findings, and rhodanine staining pattern. Results: A total of 17 dogs were included in the study. Median age at presentation was 8-year old (4-11). No sex predisposition was found. Terriers (4/17) and German Shepherd Dogs (GSD, 3/17) were overrepresented. American Staffordshire Terriers and Beauceron had not previously appeared in case reports on CAH; two of each breed were identified in this study. Clinical signs of affected dogs were non-specific. An incidental identification of increased liver-enzymes was observed in 5/17 dogs. A heterogeneous, mottled liver was frequently described (5/17) on abdominal US. Liver biopsies were performed by US-guided percutaneous approach in 10/17 dogs, laparoscopy and laparotomy in 6/17 and 1/17, respectively. The rhodanine staining pattern was centrilobular (zone 3) in 8/17 dogs and periportal (zone 1) in 3/17 dogs. The pattern was considered multifocal in 6/17 dogs. Conclusion: Increased liver enzymes may be the only clinical finding in dogs with copper-associated hepatitis, reflecting the silent progression of this disease. Centrilobular pattern of rhodanine staining was observed in the majority of cases suggesting the primary condition of the disease. Results of this study are consistent with the current literature, which reports that terriers and GSD are predisposed to CAH. This is the first description of CAH in Beauceron and American Staffordshire Terrier dogs.

Ly6cLo non-classical monocytes promote resolution of rhesus rotavirus-mediated perinatal hepatic inflammation.

Perinatal hepatic inflammation can have devastating consequences. Monocytes play an important role in the initiation and resolution of inflammation, and their diverse functions can be attributed to specific cellular subsets: pro-inflammatory or classical monocytes (Ly6cHi) and pro-reparative or non-classical monocytes (Ly6cLo). We hypothesized that inherent differences in Ly6cHi classical monocytes and Ly6cLo non-classical monocytes determine susceptibility to perinatal hepatic inflammation in late gestation fetuses and neonates. We found an anti-inflammatory transcriptional profile expressed by Ly6cLo non-classical monocytes, and a physiologic abundance of these cells in the late gestation fetal liver. Unlike neonatal pups, late gestation fetuses proved to be resistant to rhesus rotavirus (RRV) mediated liver inflammation. Furthermore, neonatal pups were rendered resistant to RRV-mediated liver injury when Ly6cLo non-classical monocytes were expanded. Pharmacologic inhibition of Ly6cLo non-classical monocytes in this setting restored susceptibility to RRV-mediated disease. These data demonstrate that Ly6cLo monocytes promote resolution of perinatal liver inflammation in the late gestation fetus, where there is a physiologic expansion of non-classical monocytes, and in the neonatal liver upon experimental expansion of these cells. Therapeutic strategies directed towards enhancing Ly6cLo non-classical monocyte function may mitigate the detrimental effects of perinatal liver inflammation.

Physalis peruviana L. Pulp Prevents Liver Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscles of Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

A chronic high-fat diet (HFD) produces obesity, leading to pathological consequences in the liver and skeletal muscle. The fat in the liver leads to accumulation of a large number of intrahepatic lipid droplets (LD), which are susceptible to oxidation. Obesity also affects skeletal muscle, increasing LD and producing insulin signaling impairment. Physalis peruviana L. (PP) (Solanaceae) is rich in peruvioses and has high antioxidant activity. We assessed the ability of PP to enhance insulin-dependent glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and the capacity to prevent both inflammation and lipoperoxidation in the liver of diet-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into groups and fed for eight weeks: control diet (C; 10% fat, 20% protein, 70% carbohydrates); C + PP (300 mg/kg/day); HFD (60% fat, 20% protein, 20% carbohydrates); and HFD + PP. Results suggest that PP reduces the intracellular lipoperoxidation level and the size of LD in both isolated hepatocytes and skeletal muscle fibers. PP also promotes insulin-dependent skeletal muscle glucose uptake. In conclusion, daily consumption of 300 mg/kg of fresh pulp of PP could be a novel strategy to prevent the hepatic lipoperoxidation and insulin resistance induced by obesity.

An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis.

The absence of a clinically relevant animal model addressing the typical immune characteristics of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has significantly impeded elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. To develop an ideal animal model recapitulating human HCC, immunocompetent male C57BL/6J mice first receive a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection to induce liver fibrosis, then receive histologically-normal oncogenic hepatocytes from young male SV40 T antigen (TAg)-transgenic mice (MTD2) by intra-splenic (ISPL) inoculation. Androgen generated in recipient male mice at puberty initiates TAg expression under control of a liver-specific promoter. As a result, the transferred hepatocytes become cancer cells and form tumor masses in the setting of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. This novel model mimics human HCC initiation and progression in the context of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and reflects the most typical features of human HCC including immune dysfunction.

Abatacept induced granulomatous hepatitis with a sarcoidosis- like reaction: a blinded trial in mice.

BACKGROUND: Abatacept is increasingly used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiophathic arthritis (JIA) treatment. However little is known about the risk of hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine whether the inhibition of the T cell CD28 receptor by abatacept results in acute hepatitis in BALB/c mice. METHODS: Twenty BALB/c mice were studied. Ten mice received subcutaneous (SC) injection of abatacept (0.25mg per 25g body weight per 0.03 ml normal saline) at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. For the control group, 10 mice received a SC injection of normal saline (NS) (0.03 ml). At the 10th week post injection, the mice were sacrificed, and histopathological studies were conducted. RESULTS: Of the abatacept-treated group, 3/10 mice died. Liver histology for the abatacept-treated group showed that 6/7 displayed histopathological changes in the lobular cellular infiltrates of eosinophils, lymphocytes and histiocytes, in addition to granuloma formation. In contrast, only minimal inflammation was observed in 3/10 mice in the control group (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: Abatacept may play a role in inducing granulomatous hepatitis with a sarcoidosis-like reaction. Additional data including transaminases, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), Antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and other auto antibodies should be tested.

Inclusion Body Herpesvirus Hepatitis in Captive Falcons in the Middle East: A Review of Clinical and Pathologic Findings.

Inclusion body hepatitis in falcons is caused by a herpesvirus designated Falconid HV-1. This herpesvirus and other herpesviruses affecting birds of prey have not been assigned to a genus and include inclusion body herpesvirus hepatitis in eagles (Accipitrid HV-1) and inclusion body herpesvirus hepatitis in owls (Strigid HV-1). Herpesvirus infections have been diagnosed in both captive and free-living raptors across Europe, North America, and Asia in different species of the family Falconidae. Herpesviruses affecting owls and falcons have been found to be antigenically similar to pigeon herpesvirus (Columbid HV-1) and distinct from other avian herpesviruses. When the herpesvirus isolates from owls, falcons, and pigeons were compared by sequencing a fragment of the herpes viral DNA polymerase gene from those birds naturally infected with the virus, the sequences from these 3 sources were found to be nearly identical. The authors of this study concluded that the Falconid HV-1, Strigid HV-1, and Columbid HV-1 were the same virus. Furthermore, the authors also proposed that the virus therefore be referred to as Columbid HV-1 (CoHV-1), because pigeons may be responsible for the transmission of the virus to birds of prey. Pigeons are often carriers of the virus without showing any clinical signs. It has long been suspected that raptors may contract the infection by the ingestion of infected pigeons. Some studies have suggested that falcons may not contract the infection through the oral route by ingesting carrier pigeons, but through the ocular or nasal route. Inclusion body herpesvirus hepatitis is a frequently diagnosed disease in the captive falcon population used for falconry, racing, and breeding in the Middle East, and it seems to be associated with the extensive use of pigeons for training and as a food item. This paper reviews the clinical and pathological findings in falcons affected by inclusion body herpesvirus hepatitis in the Middle East.

Computed Tomography of Lobular Dissecting Hepatitis in a Young Golden Retriever.

A 9 mo old female intact golden retriever presented for evaluation of chronic lethargy and decreased appetite. The serum biochemistry profile revealed increased liver enzymes consistent with a mixed hepatocellular and cholestatic pattern. A multiphase computed tomography angiography was performed to evaluate for a portosystemic shunt. Numerous hyperattenuating nodules were identified throughout the liver on the noncontrast-enhanced series. Histologic evaluation of percutaneous needle biopsy samples of a liver nodule showed a rare form of hepatitis called lobular dissecting hepatitis. Lobular dissecting hepatitis should be considered as a differential in young dogs with precontrast hyperattenuating hepatic nodules on noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Glt25d2 Knockout Directly Increases CD25+CD69- but Decreases CD25-CD69+ Subset Proliferation and is Involved in Concanavalin-Induced Hepatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The elaborate structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the appropriate surface glycoforms upon it are indispensable to CD4+ T cell regulation. METHODS: To explore the effects of Glcα1,2Galß1 glycosylation mediated by GLT25D2 (Colgalt2) for CD4+ T cell regulation, we prepared C57BL/6J Glt25d2-/- mice. In the induction of hepatitis, after concanavalin A (Con A) challenge for 6, 12, and 24 h, more extensive parenchymal injury was noted in Glt25d2-/- mice than in wild-type (WT) mice at 12 h. Immunohistochemistry and laser scanning confocal microscopy were used to detect GLT25D2 expression, and subsets of CD4+T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. A total of 26 cytokines in serum samples were determined using Luminex technology. RESULTS: The trend in liver injury score variation was consistent with serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. The levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-1ß, IL-9, and several chemokines such as macrophage inflammatory protein-2, eotaxin, and growth-related oncogene α were significantly increased in Glt25d2-/- mice compared with WT mice after Con A challenge. A further phenotype analysis of primary Glt25d2-/- CD4+ T cells showed that Glt25d2 knockout increased the frequency of the CD25+CD69- subset but decreased the frequency of the CD25-CD69+ subset after Con A challenge for 6, 12, and 24 h compared with those of WT CD4+ T cells. Activation-induced apoptosis was also significantly increased in Glt25d2-/- CD4+ T cells after Con A challenge compared with WT CD4+ T cells. Lectin microarray hybridization showed that Glt25d2 knockout increased the binding activity of Narcissus pseudonarcissus lectin to CD4+ T cells but Amaranthus caudatus lectin-binding activity was lost during Con A challenge. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that collagen glycosylation mediated by GLT25D2 may regulate a subset of CD4+ T cells and be involved in the pathogenesis of Con A-induced hepatitis.

Hepatocyte expression and prognostic importance of senescence marker p21 in liver histopathology samples from dogs with chronic hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis (CH) occurs commonly in dogs but is associated with a variable and largely unpredictable prognosis. p21, a cell-cycle inhibitor and marker of cellular senescence, is upregulated in human liver disease and is a better prognostic marker than histological or clinical scoring systems. OBJECTIVE: To quantify hepatocyte p21 immunopositivity in histopathology samples from dogs with CH and determine its association with outcome. ANIMALS: Twenty-six client-owned dogs with histologically confirmed CH, and 15 dogs with normal liver histology. METHODS: Medical records and liver histopathology samples were retrospectively reviewed to identify cases of CH. Immunohistochemistry for p21 was performed on all samples and hepatocyte immunopositivity was visually quantified. Relationships between p21 and dog age and dog survival time were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Hepatocyte p21 immunopositivity in dogs with CH was high (median percentage of positive hepatocytes: 90%, range: 20%-98%) and exceeded 70% in 23/26 cases with no association with age. In control dogs, p21 immunopositivity was low (≤15% positive hepatocytes in 12/15 cases) and was positively correlated with age (rs = 0.63; P = .011). Dogs with p21 immunopositivity exceeding 91.8% (upper tercile) had significantly shorter survival compared to dogs with less than 88.9% immunopositivity (lowest tercile; 218 versus 874 days, P = .006). Increasing hepatocyte p21 immunopositivity was significantly negatively associated with survival time (HR 4.12; 95% CI 1.34-12.63; P = .013). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Marked p21 immunopositivity in dogs with CH might be indicative of widespread hepatocellular senescence. A significant association with survival time also suggests a potential value for p21 quantification in determining prognosis.