Expression levels of angiogenic growth factors in feline squamous cell carcinoma

A Scoping Review on Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cats: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become invaluable in the treatment of human and canine malignancies, but their role in feline oncology is less defined. While toceranib phosphate and masitinib mesylate are licensed for use in dogs, no TKI is yet approved for cats. This review systematically maps the research conducted on the expression of tyrosine kinases in neoplastic and non-neoplastic domestic feline tissues, as well as the in vitro/in vivo use of TKIs in domestic cats. We identify and discuss knowledge gaps and speculate on the further research and potential indications for TKI use in cats. A comprehensive search of three electronic databases and relevant paper reference lists identified 139 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The most commonly identified tumors were mast cell tumors (MCTs), mammary and squamous cell carcinomas and injection-site sarcomas. Based on the current literature, toceranib phosphate appears to be the most efficacious TKI in cats, especially against MCTs. Exploring the clinical use of TKIs in mammary carcinomas holds promise. Despite the progress, currently, the evidence falls short, underscoring the need for further research to discover new indications in feline oncology and to bridge the knowledge gaps between human and feline medicine.

The effect of dietary sesame oil and ginger oil as antioxidants in the adult rat dorsal root ganglia after peripheral nerve crush injury

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary sesame oil and ginger oil supplements on the dorsal root ganglia following a sciatic nerve crush model in male Wistar albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Crush injury models have been done by means of graded forceps (50 Newton). The animals were given a daily sesame oil (4 ml/kg/day) and ginger oil (400 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for a period of 28 days. Dorsal root ganglia from the L5 levels were harvested. Processing of tissues was done for electron microscopy and light microscopy. Immunohistochemical staining with active caspase-3 antibody and qualitative ultrastructural analyses of tissues were made by a light and a transmission electron microscope, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that crush injury leads to remarkable ultrastructural changes in sensory neurons, such as swollen mitochondria, disruption of cristae structure, glial cell proliferation and, consequently, phagocytosis of the damaged neuron. These ultrastructural changes were less evident in the treated groups, and both natural compounds reduced the expression of activated caspase-3, which may also affect ultrastructural changes.

CONCLUSION

The application of the natural products sesame oil and ginger oil may represent a supportive approach to the protection of sensory neurons against the destructive effects of peripheral nerve crush injury.

Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Critical Review of Etiologic Factors

Simple Summary

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is the most common oral neoplasia in cats. This malignant tumor is locally invasive, has a high mortality rate, and its etiology is not yet known. A critical review about the potential etiologic factors of FOSCC was performed, considering publications between 2000 and 2022. The initial search resulted in 553 publications, with only 26 of these being included in the review. Sixteen studies were related to viral etiology and nine related to environmental factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke, ectoparasitic products, and the presence of oral comorbidities. When evaluated, feline papillomavirus was detected in 16.2% of samples of FOSCC. In the three studies focused on exposure to tobacco smoke, 35.2% (30/85) of cats with FOSCC had a history of this exposure. Among 485 cats with FOSCC, 6.4% had dental and oral pathology. The present study demonstrates that the available evidence on the etiology of FOSCC is still limited, however, there has been increasing interest in this topic.

Abstract

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is the most common oral neoplasia in cats. This malignant tumor is locally invasive, has a high mortality rate, and its etiology is not yet known. In humans, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is associated with tobacco smoke, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus infection. Herein, a critical review about the potential etiologic factors of FOSCC was performed, considering publications between 2000 and 2022, aiming to synthesize all available scientific evidence regarding this issue. Recommendations of the PRISMA statement and the Cochrane Collaboration were followed and the PubMed database searched by using the MeSH terms MeSH terms “oral”, “mouth”, “lingual”, “labial”, “gingiva”, “carcinoma”, “squamous”, and “feline”. The selection process for eligible studies was based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and the quality of the studies assessed. The initial search resulted in 553 publications, with only 26 of these being included in the review. Sixteen studies were related to viral etiology and nine related to environmental factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke, ectoparasitic products, and the presence of oral comorbidities. When evaluated, feline papillomavirus was detected in 16.2% of samples of FOSCC. In the three studies focused on exposure to tobacco smoke, 35.2% (30/85) of cats with FOSCC had a history of this exposure. The consumption of canned food and the use of deworming collars were associated, in only one publication, with a risk of neoplasia increased by 4.7 and 5.3 times, respectively. Among 485 cats with FOSCC, 6.4% had dental and oral pathology (i.e., periodontal disease or feline chronic gingivostomatitis). The present study demonstrates that the available evidence on the etiology of FOSCC is still limited, however, there has been an increasing interest on this topic. To better understand the role of the possible etiological factors of this aggressive disease, and model for its human counterpart, large, prospective multi-institutional studies are needed.

Characterization of the Expression of Angiogenic Factors in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Domestic Cats

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a common malignant skin cancer with a significant impact on health, and it is important to determine the degree of reliance of CSCC on angiogenesis for growth and metastasis. Major regulators of angiogenesis are the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and their associated receptors. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing produces multiple isoforms of VEGF-A and PLGF with distinct biological properties. Several studies highlight the function of VEGF-A in CSCC, but there are no studies of the different isoforms of VEGF-A and PLGF for this neoplasm. We characterized the expression of three isoforms of VEGF-A, two isoforms of PLGF, and their receptors in cat CSCC biopsies compared to normal haired skin (NHS). Although our results revealed no significant changes in transcript levels of panVEGF-A or their isoforms, the mRNA levels of PLGF I and the receptors Flt-1 and KDR were downregulated in CSCC compared to NHS. Differences were observed in ligand:receptor mRNA expression ratio, with the expression of VEGF-A relative to its receptor KDR higher in CSCC, which is consistent with our hypothesis and prior human SCC studies. Immunolocalization in tissue showed increased expression of all measured factors and receptors in tumor cells compared to NHS and surrounding vasculature. We conclude that the factors measured may play a pivotal role in CSCC growth, although further studies are needed to clarify the role of angiogenic factors in feline CSCC.

Companion Animal Model in Translational Oncology; Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Canine Oral Melanoma

Simple Summary

Laboratory rodents are the most common animal models used in preclinical cancer research. Companion animals with naturally occurring cancers are an under-utilized natural model for the development of new anti-cancer drugs. Dogs and cats develop several types of cancers that resemble those arising in humans with similar clinical and histopathological features and often with similar molecular and genetic backgrounds. Exposure to environmental carcinogens, including air, food and water are also common between people and their pets. Dogs and cats are a unique model that could be integrated between the preclinical laboratory animal model and human clinical trials.

Abstract

Companion animals with naturally occurring cancers can provide an advantageous model for cancer research and in particular anticancer drug development. Compared to commonly utilized mouse models, companion animals, specifically dogs and cats, share a closer phylogenetical distance, body size, and genome organization. Most importantly, pets develop spontaneous, rather than artificially induced, cancers. The incidence of cancer in people and companion animals is quite similar and cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years of age. Many cancer types in dogs and cats have similar pathological, molecular, and clinical features to their human counterparts. Drug toxicity and response to anti-cancer treatment in dogs and cats are also similar to those in people. Companion animals share their lives with their owners, including the environmental and socioeconomic cancer-risk factors. In contrast to humans, pets have a shorter life span and cancer progression is often more rapid. Clinical trials in companion animals are cheaper and less time consuming compared to human trials. Dogs and cats with naturally occurring cancers are an ideal and unique model for human cancer research. Model selection for the specific type of cancer is of pivotal importance. Although companion animal models for translational research have been reviewed previously, this review will try to summarize the most important advantages and disadvantages of this model. Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma as a model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and canine oral melanoma as a model for mucosal melanoma and immunotherapy in people will be discussed as examples.