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Simple Summary: In men, cigarette components have been shown to cross the blood–testis barrier, as they are detectable in the ejaculate of both active and passive smokers. However, no such data exist for dogs. To fill this gap, we investigated the presence of cotinine—a biomarker of nicotine exposure—in the ejaculate of dogs living with both smoking and non-smoking owners. Cotinine was detected in all samples, with significantly higher concentrations in dogs exposed to tobacco smoke (S) compared to non-exposed dogs (N; p = 0.0002). Moreover, seminal cotinine levels positively correlated with cotinine levels in blood and hair (p < 0.0001). We also examined the relationship between seminal cotinine concentration, total sperm concentration, and total antioxidant capacity in both blood and semen, which were similar in the two groups (S and N). The detection of cotinine in canine ejaculate confirms its utility as a biomarker of environmental tobacco smoke exposure in this species. Tobacco smoke has numerous adverse effects on both human and animal health, including impaired reproductive function. Recent research has explored environmental exposure in dogs, investigating various biological matrices. However, no data are currently available on the presence of cotinine, a nicotine metabolite, in the canine ejaculate. This study aimed to evaluate the detectability of cotinine in the semen of dogs living with smoking owners. Additionally, seminal cotinine concentrations were correlated with those in serum and hair. To further examine the potential impact of smoking on canine fertility, the relationships between seminal cotinine, total sperm concentration, and antioxidant activity in plasma and semen were analyzed in exposed and non-exposed dogs. This study is the first to demonstrate the presence of cotinine in canine ejaculate and its correlation with blood and hair concentrations. While the potential toxic effect of cotinine on seminal parameters and male fertility in dogs requires further investigation, it is crucial to raise awareness among pet owners about the risks associated with domestic smoking for their animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taurine deficiency predisposes to the development of nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy and is widespread in dogs fed with non-traditional diets. However, Golden retrievers show lower plasma taurine concentration and an impaired systolic function compared to breeds of the same size and morphotype. For these reasons, it can be difficult to classify a subject from a cardiological point of view, with the risk of considering as pathological characteristics that can be completely normal in this breed. This is a cross-sectional multicenter study. The aims were 1) to identify breed-specific range of serum taurine concentration, 2) to describe a correlation between serum taurine concentration and echocardiographic parameters of systolic function in clinically healthy Golden retrievers fed with traditional diet, 3) to identify a correlation between thyroid hormones, serum taurine concentration and echocardiographic indices. Sixty clinically healthy Golden retrievers (33% males, 67% females) were included. Fifty-three dogs were fed with traditional diets and their range of serum taurine concentration was 398.2 (31.8–430) nmol/ml. Serum taurine concentration was found to be negatively correlated to systolic internal diameter of the left ventricle and systolic and diastolic left ventricular indices and volumes obtained with different methods, whereas was positively correlated to the left ventricle ejection and shortening fractions but difference was not statistically significative. A weak but significant correlation between serum taurine and T4 was demonstrated. Serum taurine median values in dogs with normal systolic function were higher than in dogs with impaired systolic function. A cut-off of serum taurine concentration of 140.6 nmol/ml had a moderate sensitivity and specificity in the identification of an impaired left ventricular systolic function (AUC 0.6, Se 78%, Sp 44%). This study showed that the median serum taurine concentration was significantly lower in dogs with impaired systolic function. Therefore, echocardiographic monitoring is recommended in all dogs with serum taurine concentration lower than 140.6 nmol/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Summa, Animali da Compagnia is the property of Point Veterinaire Italie s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Summa, Animali da Compagnia is the property of Point Veterinaire Italie s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Summa, Animali da Compagnia is the property of Point Veterinaire Italie s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Liver transplantation is an ultimate procedure in patients suffering end-stage liver diseases. In these last years the donation after cardiac death (DCD) has increased the pool of potential liver donors. Different studies and procedures are involved in the prevention of the main ischemic problems during the reconditioning and resuscitation of the marginal livers. Normothermic extracorporeal liver perfusion (NELP) avoids prolonged cold storage damage that is the main cause of steatosis and biliary tract ischemia in transplanted patiens. Different porcine models have been studied and developed to understand the ischemia mechanism and to select the better technique for NELP (Bellomo et al., 2012). We conducted our study using a DCD pig liver model collected from slaughterhouse (Grosse-Siestrup et al., 2002). Using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 2000 ml of total fluid containing autologous blood, lidocaine, heparin, antibiotics, glucose 10 % solution and flunixin, the NELP was achieved (Guibert et al., 2011). The liver was perfused over 7 hours after 48 hours of cold storage (4C°), using Eurocollins solution. During the liver withdrawal in the slaughterhouse 20 minutes were waited to simulate the warm ischemia (WI) time. Histological samples, swab for bacterial grow, blood sample from venous drainage line, temperature and pulse oximetry saturation were collected to assess the liver viability and function. Liver function, reflected by urea, albumin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin was seen during NELP. Biochemical and microscopic assessment and an improved oxygen uptake revealed minimal injury sustained during perfusion. These analyses revealed stable metabolism throughout perfusion identifying a cycles 2 hours length, coinciding with recovery of oxygen uptake rates to fresh liver, as described in literature. In summary the preliminary established model of isolated hemoperfused slatherhouse liver reveals the important role of the relation between cold storage and normothermic perfusion. Moreover this preliminary study justifies further investigation of the optimization of the treatment protocols and perfusion media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]