Open Veterinary Journal

Ovarian granulosa cell tumor in a Persian cat: Case report from Tripoli, Libya

Backgroundː Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are common neoplasms in domestic animals that originate from the sex-cord stromal cells of the ovary. The aim of the present paper was to report a case of ovarian granulosa cell tumor in a 5- year- old Persian female cat and to describe the histopathological pattern of this tumor. Case Descriptionː The cat was brought for a routine diagnostic examination for pregnancy at Albaittar clinic in Tripoli, Libya with a history of one month mating before it was brought to the clinic for investigation of progressive behavioral changes. The cat external examination showed noticeable enlargement at the abdomen that was potentially suspected for pregnancy; however, the abdominal ultrasonography showed a great mass located on right ovary. Therapeutic ovariohysterectomy was performed. The cat’s clinical signs resolved, 6 months later it was diagnosed with a mass on the right kidney suspected as metastasis and one week later the cat died. Conclusion: In this case, macroscopic and microscopic studies are discussed and histopathological examination confirmed ovarian granulosa cell tumor with cystic endometrial hyperplasia and suspected metastasis in one kidney.

Diagnostic value of ultrasonography in identifying unilateral ovarian luteoma in a dog

Background: Diagnosing ovarian tumors in dogs can be challenging since the clinical symptoms are often generic. The present case report underscores a rare case in which a suspected unilateral ovarian tumor in a dog was initially identified using ultrasonography and subsequently confirmed to be a luteoma through postoperative histopathology. Case Description: An 8-year and 6-month-old female Maltese dog presented with a 10-day history of vulvovaginal bleeding, hematuria, and decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed only vaginal bleeding, with no other abnormalities. Laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities, while abdominal radiography revealed the presence of cystic calculi as the sole abnormality. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged right ovary with regular contour and echogenicity, featuring unusual cystic components surrounding the right ovarian parenchyma. Furthermore, irregular thickening with multiple cystic lesions was observed in the endometrial wall of the bilateral uterine horns, indicative of cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Ultrasonographic findings suggested unilateral right ovarian disease. During ovariohysterectomy, the right ovary was slightly larger than the left ovary and adhered to the surrounding mesenteric fat layer and right pancreatic parenchyma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of luteoma in the right ovary. Three days after surgery, the patient’s clinical signs exhibited complete improvement, with return of normal appetite. Conclusion: This case report highlights a rare diagnosis of unilateral ovarian luteoma based on mild ultrasonographic abnormalities, which was ultimately confirmed on histopathological examination.

Effects of 5-fluorouracil, thymoquinone and mammary stem cells’ exosomes on in vitro cultured breast cancer cells

Background: 5-FU is an antimetabolic agent used for treating slowly growing solid tumors like breast and ovarian carcinoma. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a main biologically active constituent of Nigella sativa, it has been found to demonstrate anticancerous effects in several preclinical studies, and this is because TQ possesses multi-target nature. Stem cells-derived exosomes are in the spotlight of research and are promising tissue regenerative and anticancer cell-derived nanovesicles. Aim: Herein, we studied the antineoplastic effects of Exosomes derived from mammary stem cells (MaSCs-Exo) on breast cancer cells, alone or combined with TQ when compared to a breast cancer chemotherapeutic agent; 5-FU. Methods: Our approach included performing viability test and measuring the expression of pro-apoptotic gene (Bax), anti-apoptotic gene (BCL-2) and angiogenic gene (VEGF) on Human MCF-7 cells (breast adenocarcinoma cells), the MCF-7 cells were cultured and incubated with medium containing 5-FU (25 μg/mL), Thymoquinone (200 μg/mL), MaSCs-Exo (100 μg protein equivalent), a combination of TQ (200 μg/mL) and MaSCs-Exo (100 μg). Results: Our obtained results show that TQ and MaSCs-Exo each can effectively inhibit breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) proliferation and growth. Also, the results show that the combination of TQ and MaSCs-Exo had higher cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells than TQ or 5-FU, alone. Conclusion: The present study shows promising anticancer potential of exosomes isolated from mammary stem cells; this effect was potentiated by adding thymoquinone with MaSCs-derived exosomes.

Successful intra-abdominal resection of a 24 kg ovarian granulosa cell tumour in a Warmblood mare

Background: Granulosa cell tumours (GCT) are the most common ovarian tumours in mares. The classical presentation of a GCT is a unilaterally enlarged ovary appearing as a multicystic honeycomb mass. In rare cases, GCTs cause haemoperitoneum as a result of rapid growth of the tumour. The clinical diagnosis of GCT is usually based on history, rectal examination, ultrasonographic examination and serum hormone analysis, and surgical removal of the affected ovary is the treatment of choice. The different surgical approaches are based on the dimension of the GCT. Case description: A 7-year-old mare was referred to the department for horses due to suspicion of a large colon impaction. The mare presented with clinical signs of colic, fever and signs of hypovolemic shock. Rectal and ultrasonographic examination showed haemoperitoneum and a honey-comb mass within the abdomen, and a granulosa cell tumour (GCT) as the cause of an acute haemoperitoneum was diagnosed based on the serum level of Anti-Müllerian hormone. After stabilization of the mare, the GCT was removed through a ventral midline incision. Because of the enormous dimensions of the GCT, intra-abdominal partial resection of the tumour using a tenotomy knife was necessary to exteriorize the ovarian pedicle. At 3 months follow-up, the mare was ridden for her intended use. Conclusion: This report provides an approach to an uncommon case of a very large and heavy GCT.

<b>Stem bark ethanolic extract of <i>Pinus merkusii</i> induces caspase 9-mediated apoptosis in HeLa cells</b>

Background: Cervical cancer is a severe concern for women throughout the world. This percentage of cancer incidence causes sufferers to die at a high rate. It is believed that the bark of the Pinus merkusii tree contains anti-cancer compounds that inhibit cervical cancer cell growth. Aim: This present study aims to examine the cytotoxic ability of P. merkusii tree bark ethanol extract (PMBE) by inducing apoptosis in HeLa cells. Methods: We administered the PMBE at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL to HeLa cell cultures. We then conducted the MTT cytotoxicity assay, detected apoptosis via Annexin V binding, and observed caspase 9 expression via immunocytochemistry. Results: PMBE showed cytotoxic activity on HeLa cells with an IC50 of 226.6 µg/mL for 24 hours of treatment. PMBE caused early apoptosis in up to 81.31% of HeLa cells, as well as increased caspase-9 expression. Conclusion: Based on this study, PMBE is predicted to have dose-dependent antiproliferative or cytotoxicity effects on the HeLa cell line through the intrinsic pathway apoptosis mechanism.

<b>Fertility failure of vulvar and vaginal squamous cell carcinoma in dairy cows associated with reproductive hormonal disturbance, vulvar and vaginal hyperplasia, acute phase protein production, and histopathological changes</b>

Background: The majority of neoplasms affect bovine species, and the most common are squamous cell carcinomas in sheep, goats, and cattle. Neoplasm of the vulva and vagina in dairy cattle undergo widespread in dairy herds. Aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of vulvar and vaginal squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) on the fertility of dairy cows by investigating changes in reproductive hormones and vaginal and vulvar tissue. In addition, acute phase protein (APP) production and histopathological changes were also investigated to evaluate their relationship with tumor production and to assess their diagnostic and prognostic value. Methods: Twenty dairy cows were divided into two equal groups: the diseased group, which suffered from vulvar and vaginal squamous cell carcinoma and known as vulvar and vaginal squamous cell carcinoma group (VSCCG), and the healthy group, which served as the normal control group (NCG). Sera were used to evaluate reproductive hormones (progesterone, estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone) and acute phase proteins (APPs), such as serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK). Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical investigations [S100, vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)] of the vaginal tissue were performed. Results: Results revealed that VSCCG exhibits a significant increase in the levels of reproductive hormones compared with NCG. APP investigation showed a significant rise in the levels of SAA, Hp, Cp, CRP, and CK in diseased cows compared with healthy cows. Histological investigation revealed that the vaginal mucosa from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cows indicated the presence of dense squamous epithelial cell invasion and variant keratin pearls. The neoplastic cells appeared as large, polyhedral cells with hyperchromatic nuclei. Additionally, koilocytic and atypical mitosis were noted. Immunohistochemical analysis of S100, vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) shows very strong positive reactions in diseased cows. Conclusion: The present study revealed that VSCC is associated with reproductive hormonal disturbance and a rise in APP production, which are responsible for fertility failure and may even lead to sudden death.

A spontaneous ovarian teratoma in an FVB/n female mouse: Case report and literature review

Background: Teratomas are rare types of germ cell neoplasms composed of various differentiated or undifferentiated tissues. Case Description: A 25-week-old female control FVB/n mouse in a 4-week toxicity study presented abdominal distension and poor body condition. It was euthanized, and the necropsy exam revealed a large mass connected to the tip of the right uterine horn, occupying the entire abdominal cavity. Microscopically, this mass showed areas of epidermal differentiation, with laminated keratin and sebaceous glands, differentiation into respiratory and digestive epithelium, cartilage, bone, and extensive areas of differentiation into the nervous tissue, being classified as an ovarian teratoma. Conclusion: As far as authors know, the occurrence of ovarian teratomas in FVB/n mouse strain has never been previously described.