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Richelmi GB, Maurella C, Pezzolato M, Botta M, Varello K, Pitardi D, Baioni E, Bellino C, D'Angelo A, Caramelli M, Bozzetta E. Thymus atrophy is an efficient marker of illicit treatment with dexamethasone in veal calves: Results from a triennial experimental study. Res Vet Sci 2017; 113:67-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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2
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Starvaggi Cucuzza L, Biolatti B, Divari S, Pregel P, Scaglione FE, Sereno A, Cannizzo FT. Development and Application of a Screening Method of Absolute Quantitative PCR To Detect the Abuse of Sex Steroid Hormone Administration in Male Bovines. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:4866-4874. [PMID: 28525721 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A methodology for the absolute quantification of regucalcin gene through quantitative PCR was set up to confirm that the decrease of regucalcin gene expression in the testis is an effective biomarker for tracing sex steroid hormone treatment in bovine husbandry. On the basis of TaqMan technology, an external standard curve was generated. Using in vivo experiments, a ROC curve was developed to calculate the criterion value, specificity, and sensitivity for this potential biomarker. Then, regucalcin gene expression was assessed in veal calves and beef intended for human consumption. In 11 of 54 calves and in 5 of 70 beef cattle the regucalcin gene was expressed under their respective cutoff. Additionally, a mild decrease of regucalcin protein expression was revealed by immunohistochemistry in subjects tested positive via qPCR. These preliminary results suggest that this transcriptomics test may be employed as a novel diagnostic screening tool, improving significantly the overall efficacy of food control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Starvaggi Cucuzza
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin , Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Bartolomeo Biolatti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin , Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Sara Divari
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin , Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Paola Pregel
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin , Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Frine E Scaglione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin , Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Alessandra Sereno
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin , Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Francesca T Cannizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin , Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy
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3
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Grahofer A, Nathues H, Gurtner C. Multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland in a Large White boar. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:1044-1048. [PMID: 27568915 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present report describes a case of multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland in a 1.3-year-old purebred Large White intact boar with reduced fertility in Switzerland. Based on the case history, a general physical examination, an andrological investigation and a transrectal ultrasonography combined with a subsequent thorough pathological examination including histology a multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland were diagnosed. The case indicates that cystic degeneration of the bulbourethral gland should be contemplated in the differential diagnoses of andrological disorders even though it has not been described in pigs so far. While selecting breeding boars, a morphological check of the bulbourethral gland can be performed, since degeneration of the gland would potentially have an impact on future fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grahofer
- Clinic for Swine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - H Nathues
- Clinic for Swine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Gurtner
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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4
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Starvaggi Cucuzza L, Biolatti B, Sereno A, Cannizzo FT. Regucalcin Expression as a Diagnostic Tool for the Illicit Use of Steroids in Veal Calves. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:5702-5706. [PMID: 26016660 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b01337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
It has been previously demonstrated that sex steroid hormone treatment down-regulates regucalcin gene expression in the accessory sex glands and testis of prepubertal and adult male bovines. The aim of this study was to investigate whether low doses of sex steroid hormones combined with other drugs significantly affect regucalcin gene expression in the accessory sex glands and testis of veal calves. The regucalcin expression was down-regulated in the bulbo-urethral glands of estrogen-treated calves, whereas it was up-regulated in the prostate of estrogen-treated calves. Only the testis of androgen-treated calves showed a down-regulation of the regucalcin expression. Thus, the administration of sex steroid hormones, even in low doses and combined with other molecules, could affect regucalcin expression in target organs. Particularly, the specific response in the testis suggests regucalcin expression in this organ as a first molecular biomarker of illicit androgen administration in bovine husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Starvaggi Cucuzza
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (Turin), Italy
| | - Bartolomeo Biolatti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (Turin), Italy
| | - Alessandra Sereno
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (Turin), Italy
| | - Francesca T Cannizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (Turin), Italy
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5
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Pirro V, Girolami F, Spalenza V, Gardini G, Badino P, Nebbia C. Set-up of a multivariate approach based on serum biomarkers as an alternative strategy for the screening evaluation of the potential abuse of growth promoters in veal calves. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2015; 32:702-11. [PMID: 25730172 PMCID: PMC4396443 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2015.1011713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A chemometric class modelling strategy (unequal dispersed classes - UNEQ) was applied for the first time as a possible screening method to monitor the abuse of growth promoters in veal calves. Five serum biomarkers, known to reflect the exposure to classes of compounds illegally used as growth promoters, were determined from 50 untreated animals in order to design a model of controls, representing veal calves reared under good, safe and highly standardised breeding conditions. The class modelling was applied to 421 commercially bred veal calves to separate them into 'compliant' and 'non-compliant' with respect to the modelled controls. Part of the non-compliant animals underwent further histological and chemical examinations to confirm the presence of either alterations in target tissues or traces of illegal substances commonly administered for growth-promoting purposes. Overall, the congruence between the histological or chemical methods and the UNEQ non-compliant outcomes was approximately 58%, likely underestimated due to the blindness nature of this examination. Further research is needed to confirm the validity of the UNEQ model in terms of sensitivity in recognising untreated animals as compliant to the controls, and specificity in revealing deviations from ideal breeding conditions, for example due to the abuse of growth promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia Girolami
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Veronica Spalenza
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Giulia Gardini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Paola Badino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Carlo Nebbia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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6
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Scientific Opinion on the public health hazards to be covered by inspection of meat (bovine animals). EFSA J 2013. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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7
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Uslenghi F, Divari S, Cannizzo FT, De Maria R, Spada F, Mulasso C, Pezzolato M, Bozzetta E, Attucci A, Giorgi P, Biolatti B. Application of absolute qPCR as a screening method to detect illicit 17β-oestradiol administration in male cattle. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2012; 30:253-63. [PMID: 23131142 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2012.740777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
It has been previously demonstrated that the progesterone receptor gene is up-regulated in the sex accessory glands of pre-pubertal and adult male bovines after 17β-oestradiol treatment. In the present study, a qualitative screening method was optimised to detect 17β-oestradiol treatment using absolute quantification by qPCR of the progesterone receptor gene to determine the amount of gene expression in bulbo-urethral glands. An external standard curve was generated and developed with TaqMan® technology. Based on two in vivo experiments, the decision limit CCα, sensitivity and specificity of this screening method were established. Trial 1 consisted of 32 Friesian veal calves divided into two groups: group A (n = 12), consisting of animals treated with four doses of 17β-oestradiol (5 mg week(-1) per animal); and group B (n = 20), consisting of control animals. Trial 2 was performed on 26 Charolaise beef cattle that either received five doses of 17β-oestradiol (group C; 20 mg week(-1) per animal; n = 6) or remained untreated (group D; n = 20). Further, progesterone receptor gene expression was evaluated in beef and veal calves for human consumption. A specific CCα on 20 Piedmontese control beef cattle was calculated to include these animals in a field investigation. Five out of 190 beef cattle and 26 out of 177 calves tested expressed the progesterone receptor gene above their respective CCα and they were classified as being suspected of 17β-oestradiol treatment. Additionally, 58% of veal calves that tested suspect via qPCR exhibited histological lesions of the bulbo-urethral gland tissue, which are typical of oestrogen administration and are consistent with hyperplasia and metaplasia of the glandular epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Uslenghi
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
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8
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High sensitivity of a histological method in the detection of low-dosage illicit treatment with 17β-estradiol in male calves. Food Control 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2011.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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9
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Bozzetta E, Pezzolato M, Maurella C, Varello K, Richelmi G, Draisci R, Ferranti C, D’Angelo A, Caramelli M. Development of an enhanced histopathological approach to detect low-dose dexamethasone illicit treatment in veal calves. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2011; 28:1187-92. [DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2011.584909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Bozzetta
- a Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148 , 10154 Turin , Italy
| | - M. Pezzolato
- a Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148 , 10154 Turin , Italy
| | - C. Maurella
- a Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148 , 10154 Turin , Italy
| | - K. Varello
- a Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148 , 10154 Turin , Italy
| | - G.B. Richelmi
- a Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148 , 10154 Turin , Italy
| | - R. Draisci
- b Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Viale Regina Elena 299 , 00161 Rome , Italy
| | - C. Ferranti
- b Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Viale Regina Elena 299 , 00161 Rome , Italy
| | - A. D’Angelo
- c Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Torino , Via Leonardo Da Vinci 44 , 10095 Grugliasco (Turin) , Italy
| | - M. Caramelli
- a Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte , Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Via Bologna 148 , 10154 Turin , Italy
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10
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The use of omic technologies for biomarker development to trace functions of anabolic agents. J Chromatogr A 2009; 1216:8192-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2009.01.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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11
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Stocchi R, Bovis W, Sagrafoli D, Rea S, Loschi AR. Morpho-functional study of thyroids from calves suspected to be treated with anabolic substances. Vet Res Commun 2009; 33 Suppl 1:265-8. [PMID: 19603283 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-009-9287-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Stocchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Camerino, via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica, Macerata, Italy.
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12
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Cannizzo FT, Miniscalco B, Riondato F, Bollo E, Barbarino G, Giorgi P, Mazzini C, Biolatti B. Effects of anabolic and therapeutic doses of dexamethasone on thymus morphology and apoptosis in veal calves. Vet Rec 2008; 163:448-52. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.163.15.448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. T. Cannizzo
- Dipartimento di Patalogia Animale; University of Turin; via L. Da Vinci 44 10095 Grugliasco TO Italy
| | - B. Miniscalco
- Dipartimento di Patalogia Animale; University of Turin; via L. Da Vinci 44 10095 Grugliasco TO Italy
| | - F. Riondato
- Dipartimento di Patalogia Animale; University of Turin; via L. Da Vinci 44 10095 Grugliasco TO Italy
| | - E. Bollo
- Dipartimento di Patalogia Animale; University of Turin; via L. Da Vinci 44 10095 Grugliasco TO Italy
| | - G. Barbarino
- Regione Piemonte, Settore Sanitá Animale ed Igiene delli Allevamenti, corso Stati Uniti 1 10100 Torino Italy
| | - P. Giorgi
- Coop Italia, Via del Iavoro 6/8 40033 Casalecchio di Reno Bo Italy
| | - C. Mazzini
- Coop Italia, Via del Iavoro 6/8 40033 Casalecchio di Reno Bo Italy
| | - B. Biolatti
- Dipartimento di Patalogia Animale; University of Turin; via L. Da Vinci 44 10095 Grugliasco TO Italy
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13
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Vascellari M, Pozza G, Poppi L, Capello K, Angeletti R, Ravarotto L, Andrighetto I, Mutinelli F. Evaluation of indirect biomarkers for detecting corticosteroids used as illegal growth promoters in beef cattle. Vet Rec 2008; 163:147-51. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.163.5.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Vascellari
- Department of Histopathology; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venzie; Via dell'Università 10
| | - G. Pozza
- Department of Histopathology; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venzie; Via dell'Università 10
| | - L. Poppi
- Department of Animal Pathology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of Padova; Viale dell'Università 16; 35020 Legnaro Padova Italy
| | - K. Capello
- Department of Histopathology; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venzie; Via dell'Università 10
| | - R. Angeletti
- Department of Histopathology; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venzie; Via dell'Università 10
| | - L. Ravarotto
- Department of Histopathology; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venzie; Via dell'Università 10
| | - I. Andrighetto
- Department of Histopathology; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venzie; Via dell'Università 10
| | - F. Mutinelli
- Department of Histopathology; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venzie; Via dell'Università 10
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14
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Cannizzo FT, Zancanaro G, Spada F, Mulasso C, Biolatti B. Pathology of the testicle and sex accessory glands following the administration of boldenone and boldione as growth promoters in veal calves. J Vet Med Sci 2008; 69:1109-16. [PMID: 18057824 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.69.1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Boldenone and its precursor Boldione are illegally used for anabolic purposes in humans, horses and cattle. To develop more effective policies and programs to maximize food security, Italian Public Health Services investigate all indicators capable of assisting the recognition of treated animals, and prioritize research and the formulation of action strategies for the promotion of healthy eating. Thus, an experimental administration of boldenone and boldione at anabolic dosages in veal calves was carried out to evaluate the changes in target organs by qualitative and semi-quantitative morphological analysis. The lesions resembled the effects already observed after the administration of androgen hormones to cattle. Main findings were represented by prostate hypersecretion, increased rate of apoptotic cells and decreased rate of Ki67 positive cells in the germ cell line of treated animals, particularly in boldione group and finally some new features like hypertrophy of the prostate urothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca T Cannizzo
- Università di Torino, Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Via L. da Vinci 44, Grugliasco, Italy
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15
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Cantiello M, Carletti M, Cannizzo FT, Nebbia C, Bellino C, Pié S, Oswald IP, Bollo E, Dacasto M. Effects of an illicit cocktail on serum immunoglobulins, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine gene expression in the veal calf. Toxicology 2007; 242:39-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2007.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2007] [Revised: 09/03/2007] [Accepted: 09/04/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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16
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Eisenberg SWF, Cacciatore G, Klarenbeek S, Bergwerff AA, Koets AP. Influence of 17beta-oestradiol, nortestosterone and dexamethasone on the adaptive immune response in veal calves. Res Vet Sci 2007; 84:199-205. [PMID: 17588626 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2007.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2007] [Revised: 04/27/2007] [Accepted: 04/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In veal calf production androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids are used to stimulate growth. However, sexhormones and glucocorticoids also influence the function of the immune system. From studies in humans and mice, androgens are known as immunosuppressive, while estrogens stimulate the production of antibodies and glucocorticoids also enhance the T-helper 2 response. To investigate whether the adaptive immune system is influenced by hormone administration, calves were treated with a hormone cocktail containing androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids and vaccinated against Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis. The activity of the adaptive immune system was measured by using an antigen specific elispot assay (ES), lymphocyte stimulation test (LST) and an enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the hormone treatment did not lead to significant differences in the function of the adaptive immune system between the hormone treated and the not hormone treated group while growth was stimulated in the hormone treated group.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W F Eisenberg
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3583 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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17
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Groot MJ, Ossenkoppele JS, Bakker R, Pfaffl MW, Meyer HHD, Nielen MWF. Reference Histology of Veal Calf Genital and Endocrine Tissues ? An Update for Screening on Hormonal Growth Promoters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 54:238-46. [PMID: 17523956 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.2007.00927.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
An animal experiment has been performed with 42 veal calves, 21 males and 21 females, which were fed and housed according to European regulations for veal calves. The animals were kept in six groups of seven animals and fed milk replacer supplemented with three different levels of lactulose (0%, 1% and 3%) and some roughage. At the start of the experiment the animals were 1-3 weeks of age and they were slaughtered at 26 weeks. From male animals prostate, bulbo-urethal gland and testes were sampled, from female animals Bartholin's gland, uterus, cervix and ovaries were sampled. From all animals thyroid, thymus, adrenals, liver and kidneys were sampled. Histological investigation of the prostates and bulbo-urethral glands showed normal histology. This means that dilated tubules, strong secretion, increased mucinous glandular tissue and severe hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, as is regularly observed in practice in the Netherlands, were not present in these animals. None of these prostates would be judged as positive in the screening for hormones as is performed by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA). The female calves also showed normal histology of Bartholin's gland except for three animals that appeared to be in oestrus and showed some metaplasie of the ducts but with a normal gland to duct ratio. These animals would be judged as suspect. The liver and kidney showed minor alterations due to slight infections during the experimental period. This experiment showed that it is possible to raise veal calves according to the practice without getting positive histology in the prostate or Bartholin's gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Groot
- RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety, 6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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18
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Abstract
In veal calf production plant-based proteins are frequently included in milk replacer fed to the animals. Since soy products, which are mostly used, are known for their high levels of phyto-oestrogens, the effects of these feeds on the veal calf prostate were examined. Goal was to determine whether these compounds could interfere with histological screening for oestrogenic growth promoters. In a feeding experiment, four groups of veal calves fed plant-based protein-supplemented milk replacer (PBM), containing 5% soy concentrate, 5% soy isolate, 5% wheat gluten and 2% potato protein, for 4 weeks were compared to animals fed dairy-based control feed (DBM); animals treated with estradiol benzoate, diethylstilbestrol and ethinylestradiol served as positive controls. Daidzein and genistein levels measured in feed and urine showed high levels of genistein and daidzein in the soy isolate and soy concentrate supplemented feeds. Genistein and daidzein were also found in the urine of the animals that were fed these feeds. Haematoxylin-eosin-stained prostate sections of PBM-fed animals showed slight hyperplasia and some dilated tubules as compared to the DBM-fed group, but no metaplasia, which is used for screening for oestrogenic hormones. The positive controls showed extensive squamous metaplasia. Immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 5 (using RCK 103 monoclonal antibody) in basal cells showed a normal staining pattern of basal cells in the DBM-fed calves and extensive basal cell proliferation and squamous metaplasia in the oestrogen-treated positive control animals. PBM-fed calves showed no increase of basal cell staining but showed elongations of the basal cells in most animals, sometimes resulting in circular figures. It is concluded that the feeds examined in this study did not interfere with histological screening for oestrogens in male veal calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Groot
- RIKIL - Institute of Food Safety, PO Box 230, NL-6700 AE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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19
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Toffolatti L, Rosa Gastaldo L, Patarnello T, Romualdi C, Merlanti R, Montesissa C, Poppi L, Castagnaro M, Bargelloni L. Expression analysis of androgen-responsive genes in the prostate of veal calves treated with anabolic hormones. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2006; 30:38-55. [PMID: 16023321 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2005.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2005] [Revised: 05/31/2005] [Accepted: 05/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In order to identify indirect molecular biomarkers of anabolic treatments in veal calves, an animal experiment was performed using two combinations of growth promoters (consisting of boldenone undecylenate and estradiol benzoate, and of testosterone enantate and estradiol benzoate). We selected a set of 12 genes that are known to be androgen responsive in other mammalian species. The expression profile of this set of genes was analysed on prostate samples of veal calves using a real-time RT-PCR approach. For each selected gene the corresponding bovine sequence was obtained and a gene specific real-time assay was optimised and validated. The amplification was shown to be highly specific, linear and efficient. High reproducibility (<1%) and low-test variability (<2.5%) were also been achieved. Messenger RNA levels were quantified in prostate samples, non-parametric analysis of variance showed significant up-regulation of three genes (MAF, ESR1 and AR) and significant down-regulation of four genes (HMGCS1, HPGD, DBI, and LIM) in treated samples when compared with untreated controls. To assess the possibility of identifying hormone-treated animals by molecular means we performed a discriminant analysis that was effective in classifying treated and non-treated samples with an accuracy of 93%. Our results indicate that identification of treatment with steroid hormones in veal calves by means of gene expression analysis is a feasible approach and could be improved increasing both the number of genes and the number of controls analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Toffolatti
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Patologia Comparata ed Igiene Veterinaria, Università di Padova,Viale dell'università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
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Biolatti B, Bollo E, Cannizzo FT, Zancanaro G, Tarantola M, Dacasto M, Cantiello M, Carletti M, Biolatti PG, Barbarino G. Effects of Low-dose Dexamethasone on Thymus Morphology and Immunological Parameters in Veal Calves. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 52:202-8. [PMID: 15882406 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.2005.00714.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are often illegally used in association with anabolic steroids as growth promoters in veal calves and beef production. An experimental administration of dexamethasone was carried out in veal calves in order to assess the role of low doses of exogenous glucocorticoids on induction of thymus atrophy and on the immune response. Three groups of five veal calves each were included in this study: group D was administered 0.4 mg/day of dexamethasone-21-phosphate per os for 25 days; group V was administered 2 mg of dexamethasone-21-isonicotinate i.m. at days 14 and 21, and group K served as control. At slaughter, the weight of the thymus was severely reduced in group D and in group V, compared with control animals. Lesions included severe lymphoid depletion and hyperplasia of adipose tissue. In situ evaluation of apoptosis in thymus, showed a reduction of the percentage of positive nuclear areas of animals belonging to group V in comparison with control animals. An overall decrease of lymphocyte proliferative response was detected after treatment with short acting dexamethasone, while antibody response was not affected by treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Biolatti
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Turin, Via L. Da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
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Brambilla G, Ballerini A, Civitareale C, Fiori M, Neri B, Cavallina R, Nardoni A, Giannetti L. Oxidative stress as a bio-marker of estrogen exposure in healthy veal calves. Anal Chim Acta 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0003-2670(02)01400-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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Blanco A, Monterde JG, Moyano R, Méndez A. Thymic involution in calves treated with clenbuterol. Vet Rec 2000; 147:552-3. [PMID: 11095396 DOI: 10.1136/vr.147.19.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Blanco
- Department of Comparative Anatomy and Pathological Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, University of Córdoba, Spain
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