Molecular differences in mitochondrial DNA genomes of dogs with malignant mammary tumours

The aim of this study was to determine molecular defects in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with the use of large-scale genome analysis in malignant canine mammary gland tumours and indicate whether these changes were linked with the carcinogenesis process. With the use of the NGS technology, we sequenced 27 samples of mtDNA isolated from blood and tumours obtained from 13 dogs with mammary gland tumours. The total number of mutations and polymorphisms in the analysed mitochondrial genomes was 557. We identified 383 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), 32 indels (or length polymorphisms), 4 mutations, 137 heteroplasmic positions and 1 indel mutation. The highest variability (132 changes) was observed in the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) region. The heteroplasmy rate in VNTR varied among individuals and even between two tumours in one organism. Our previous study resulted in determination of a probable CpG island in this region, thus it is not excluded that these changes might alter mtDNA methylation. Only the ATP8 gene was not affected by any polymorphisms or mutations, whereas the COX1 gene had the highest number of polymorphisms from all protein-coding genes. One change m.13594G>A was detected in a region spanning two genes: ND5 and ND6, from which a deleterious effect was observed for the ND5 protein. Molecular changes were frequently observed in the TΨC loop, which is thought to interact with ribosomal RNA.

Cytokine Expression in Canine Lymphoma, Osteosarcoma, Mammary Gland Tumour and Melanoma: Comparative Aspects

Cytokines released in the tumour microenvironment play a major role in cancer pathogenesis. In human cancers and corresponding animal models, cytokine expression contributes to tumour growth and progression, as well as regulation of the host anti-tumour response. The elucidation of the function and importance of cytokines in canine cancers is still in an early stage, although relevant data have been obtained in classical examples of comparative models of human cancers, such as osteosarcoma, melanoma, mammary tumour and lymphoma. A deeper understanding of the cytokine signature may advance diagnosis, prevention and treatment of canine cancers.

Changes in serum neopterin and C-reactive protein concentrations in female dogs with mammary gland tumours

The aim of this study was to measure serum neopterin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concen- trations in female dogs with mammary tumours and evaluate the association between the values of these indicators and some clinical characteristics of the tumour. Fifty three female dogs were used for this study, including 43 dogs with mammary gland tumours (10 benign and 33 malignant) and 10 healthy controls. The concentrations of neopterin and CRP were determined using the ELISA technique and commercial ELISA kits. The mean serum neopterin concentration in fe- male dogs with mammary tumours was lower than in healthy dogs, but significant difference was not found. Similarly, there were no significant differences in neopterin concentrations in female dogs based on tumour size, tumour ulceration and metastasis. The mean CRP concentration was significantly higher (p⟨0.05) in dogs with malignant tumours compared to dogs with benign tu- mours and control. Furthermore, serum CRP concentration was significantly higher (p⟨0.05) in dogs with metastatic malignant tumours compared to dogs with non-metastatic mammary tu- mours. The CRP concentration was significantly lower (p⟨0.05) in dogs with tumours less than 3 cm compared to those with larger tumours, and significantly higher in dogs with ulcerated tu- mours compared to those without ulceration. Our findings suggest that the neoplastic process in the mammary gland does not cause significant changes in serum neopterin concentrations in dogs. Higher concentrations of serum CRP in dogs with advanced stages of malignant tumours may suggest that CRP could be a potential prognostic marker in canine malignant mammary tu- mours, but this hypothesis needs further study.

Properties of the feline tumour suppressor reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC/Dkk-3)

Reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC/Dkk-3), a member of the human Dickkopf (Dkk) family, is a growth suppressor in human and canine mammary tumours. Mammary gland tumours are common neoplasms with high malignancy in female cats. The purpose of this study was to clone the feline REIC/Dkk-3 homolog, investigate its expression in cell lines established from feline mammary gland tumours, and test its tumour suppressor function. Western blot analysis revealed that expression of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein was reduced in feline mammary carcinoma cell lines. Forced expression of REIC/Dkk-3 induced apoptosis in feline mammary tumour cell lines. These results demonstrate that REIC/Dkk-3 expression, which is downregulated in feline mammary tumour cell lines, results in the induction of apoptosis in these cells. Our findings suggest that feline REIC/Dkk-3 represents a potential molecular target for the development of therapies against feline mammary cancers.