Activin A: from sometime reproductive factor to genuine cytokine

The growth factor, activin A, was initially characterized as a putative reproductive hormone but is now known to have many other divergent roles. One of these is during inflammation. Following intravenous injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into sheep, activin A is released extremely rapidly into the circulation. The release of activin A appears to be independent of fever, prostaglandins or other key proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha or IL-1beta. While the precise roles and function of this factor in inflammation are yet to be elucidated, the activin response occurs in other mammalian species besides the sheep and elevated activin has been documented for a number of clinical inflammatory conditions. Activin A therefore seems to be part of the regulatory component of the innate immune response.     

Effect of age at presentation on outcome following arthroscopic debridement of subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle: 85 horses (1993--2003)

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle (SCMFC) are well documented in horses < or =3 years; arthroscopic debridement or enucleation of the cyst is currently the surgical treatment of choice. However, studies of occurence and outcome following surgery in older horses are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors important in outcome for horses with SCMFC treated by arthroscopic debridement. HYPOTHESIS: Age of horse at presentation has a significant influence on return to work following arthroscopic treatment for SCMFC. Clinical and diagnostic findings are also significant with respect to prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records from 6 equine referral centres identified 85 horses that underwent arthroscopic debridement of SCMFC. Clinical examination, radiographic and arthroscopic findings were analysed together with follow-up data. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors affecting return to soundness. Event-time analysis was performed to evaluate return to work. RESULTS: Older horses (>3 years) were less likely to return to soundness (P = 0.02) or to work (P = 0.04) than younger horses (< or = 3 years). Of 39 horses age 0-3 years, 25 (64%, 95% CI 49-79%) returned to soundness. Of 46 horses age >3 years, 16 (35%,95% CI 21-49%) returned to soundness. In addition, cartilage damage at sites other than the SCMFC negatively affected prognosis (P = 0.05). The hospital where treatment was performed had no influence on return to soundness. CONCLUSIONS: Older horses carry a worse prognosis for both return to soundness and return to work. Potential relevance: It is important for clients to be made aware of the difference in outcome between age groups.     

The effects on merino lambs of chronic infection with Trichostrongylus rugatus

Four groups of six 5-month-old merino lambs were exposed to infection with 12,000 larvae of Trichostrongylus rugatus per week and one group was killed at each of 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks. Numbers of adult worms increased in an approximately linear manner throughout the experiment; the percentage of larvae developing to adults remained between 35 and 25% throughout the course of the experiment. Sub-total villus atrophy was evident in the anterior small intestine of each group of infected sheep and significant reductions occurred in the plasma concentrations of albumin and phosphate. Serum globulin and calcium concentrations rose in infected animals. No clinical signs were observed in infected sheep, no alteration in bone histology was detected and no decrease in growth rate occurred.     

Difference in folate content of green and red sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum) determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Folic acid (pteroylmonoglutamic acid) is used in enriched foods; however, very little folic acid occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables. For the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program, a number of fruits and vegetables have been assayed for endogenous folates, by a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, to evaluate the accuracy of existing data for total folate determined by standard microbiological analysis. Folate in red and green sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum) differed notably (70.2 and 20.7 microg/100 g, respectively) and exceeded existing values determined by microbiological assay (18 and 11 microg/100 g, respectively). 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate was the predominant vitamer, but a significant amount of 5-formyltetrahydrolfolate and some 10-formylfolate were present. These findings may assist in making dietary recommendations or developing research diets related to folate. The data from this study have been used to update the folate values in release 19 of the USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.