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Effective standards of care treatment guidelines have been developed for many canine diseases. However, a subpopulation of patients is partially or completely refractory to these protocols, so their owners seek novel therapies such as treatments with MSCs. Although in dogs, as with human medicine, the most studied MSCs sources have been bone marrow and adipose tissue, in recent years, many researchers have drawn attention towards alternative sources, such as foetal adnexa and fluid, since they possess many advantages over bone marrow and adipose tissue. Foetal adnexa and fluid could be considered as discarded material; therefore, sampling is non-invasive, inexpensive and free from ethical considerations. Furthermore, MSCs derived from foetal adnexa and fluid preserve some of the characteristics of the primitive embryonic layers from which they originate and seem to present immune-modulatory properties that make them a good candidate for allo- and xenotransplantation. The aim of the present review is to offer an update on the state of the art on canine MSCs derived from foetal adnexa and fluid focusing on the findings in their clinical setting.
Eleonora Iacono; Romina Marcoccia; Barbara Merlo. Current Status on Canine Foetal Fluid and Adnexa Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Animals 2021, 11, 2254 .
AMA StyleEleonora Iacono, Romina Marcoccia, Barbara Merlo. Current Status on Canine Foetal Fluid and Adnexa Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Animals. 2021; 11 (8):2254.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleonora Iacono; Romina Marcoccia; Barbara Merlo. 2021. "Current Status on Canine Foetal Fluid and Adnexa Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells." Animals 11, no. 8: 2254.
The aim of the present study was to determine the differences in corpus luteum (CL) functionality between the first postpartum estrous cycle and the following cycle in lactating dairy cows. Luteal blood flow (LBF), luteal size and blood progesterone (P4) concentration were monitored during the first and second postpartum estrous cycle. During the first and second postpartum estrous cycle, the mean LBF value increased (p < .05) from early to late dioestrus, while it decreased rapidly in proestrus, resulting statistically lower (p < .05) than those registered in all previous phases. Statistically significant differences were not observed between overall LBF during first and second postpartum estrous cycle (p > .05). During the first postpartum estrous cycle, P4 blood concentrations showed a significant reduction (p < .05) from dioestrus to proestrus. A different trend of P4 concentrations was observed during the second postpartum estrous cycle, where mean P4 value registered in proestrus resulted statistically lower than those registered in the previous cycle phases (p < .05). The mean P4 concentration registered over the first postpartum estrous cycle resulted statistically lower (p < .05) than that registered during the second one. A significant correlation between P4 concentrations and LBF was registered only during the second postpartum estrous cycle. Results indicate that during the first postpartum estrous cycle, P4 concentration was independent of luteal blood flow and luteal size.
Eleonora Iacono; Martina Lucci; Gaetano Mari; Barbara Merlo. Luteal Blood Flow and progesterone concentration during first and second postpartum estrous cycle in lactating dairy cows. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 2019, 54, 1341 -1347.
AMA StyleEleonora Iacono, Martina Lucci, Gaetano Mari, Barbara Merlo. Luteal Blood Flow and progesterone concentration during first and second postpartum estrous cycle in lactating dairy cows. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2019; 54 (10):1341-1347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleonora Iacono; Martina Lucci; Gaetano Mari; Barbara Merlo. 2019. "Luteal Blood Flow and progesterone concentration during first and second postpartum estrous cycle in lactating dairy cows." Reproduction in Domestic Animals 54, no. 10: 1341-1347.
Little is known about the differences among adult and foetal equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and no data exist about their comparative ultrastructural morphology. The aim of this study was to describe and compare characteristics, immune properties, and ultrastructural morphology of equine adult (bone marrow: BM, and adipose tissue: AT) and foetal adnexa derived (umbilical cord blood: UCB, and Wharton’s jelly: WJ) MSCs. No differences were observed in proliferation during the first 3 passages. While migration ability was similar among cells, foetal MSCs showed a higher adhesion ability, forming smaller spheroids after hanging drop culture (P < 0.05). All MSCs differentiated toward adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages, only tenogenic differentiation was less evident for WJ-MSCs. Data obtained by PCR confirmed MHC1 expression and lack of MHC2 expression in all four cell types. Foetal adnexa MSCs were positive for genes specific for anti-inflammatory and angiogenic factors (IL6, IL8, ILβ1) and WJ-MSCs were the only positive for OCT4 pluripotency gene. At immunofluorescence all cells expressed typical mesenchymal markers (α-SMA, N-cadherin), except for BM-MSCs, which did not express N-cadherin. By transmission electron microscopy, it was observed that WJ-MSCs had a higher (P < 0.05) number of microvesicles compared to adult MSCs, and UCB-MSCs showed more microvesicles than BM-MSCs (P < 0.05). AT-MSCs had a lower number of mitochondria than WJ-MSCs (P < 0.05), and mitochondrial area was higher for WJ-MSCs compared to UCB and AT-MSCs (P < 0.05). Results demonstrate that MSCs from adult and foetal tissues have different characteristics, and foetal MSCs, particularly WJ derived ones, seem to have some charactestics that warrant further investigation into potential advantages for clinical application.
B. Merlo; G. Teti; A. Lanci; J. Burk; Eleonora Mazzotti; M. Falconi; E. Iacono. Comparison between adult and foetal adnexa derived equine post-natal mesenchymal stem cells. BMC Veterinary Research 2019, 15, 1 -15.
AMA StyleB. Merlo, G. Teti, A. Lanci, J. Burk, Eleonora Mazzotti, M. Falconi, E. Iacono. Comparison between adult and foetal adnexa derived equine post-natal mesenchymal stem cells. BMC Veterinary Research. 2019; 15 (1):1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleB. Merlo; G. Teti; A. Lanci; J. Burk; Eleonora Mazzotti; M. Falconi; E. Iacono. 2019. "Comparison between adult and foetal adnexa derived equine post-natal mesenchymal stem cells." BMC Veterinary Research 15, no. 1: 1-15.
A complex feedback of growth factors, secreted by a variety of cell types, is responsible for the mediation of skin healing. Despite the recent advances in wound healing management, this fails up to 50% and skin wounds can still be considered one of the main causes of morbidity, both in human and veterinary medicine. Regenerative medicine, involving mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), is nowadays a promising solution for skin wound healing. Indeed, MSCs are involved in the modulation of the inflammatory local response and cell replacing, by a paracrine mode of action. Local application of equine umbilical cord Wharton's jelly MSCs (WJMSCS) was carried out in a 6-months-old filly with a non-healing skin wound. Heterologous WJMSCs were applied four times using a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gel, produced dissolving CMC in autologous plasma. At first application the mean wound area was 7.28 ± 0.2 cm2. Four days after the last application of WJMSCs, the mean wound area was 1.90 ± 0.03 cm2, and the wound regression rate was +74%. No local or systemic side effects were registered after WJMSCs application and no evident exuberant scar was observed after wound healing. At discharge, the mean wound area was 0.38 ± 0.01 cm2 and the total regression rate was +80%. Five days later, the wound was completely healed. In the present clinical case report, the use of WJMSCs led to promising clinical results, paving the way for possible future applications in the treatment of chronic wounds in horses.
Aliai Lanci; Barbara Merlo; Jole Mariella; Carolina Castagnetti; Eleonora Iacono. Heterologous Wharton's Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Application on a Large Chronic Skin Wound in a 6-Month-Old Filly. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2019, 6, 9 .
AMA StyleAliai Lanci, Barbara Merlo, Jole Mariella, Carolina Castagnetti, Eleonora Iacono. Heterologous Wharton's Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Application on a Large Chronic Skin Wound in a 6-Month-Old Filly. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2019; 6 ():9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAliai Lanci; Barbara Merlo; Jole Mariella; Carolina Castagnetti; Eleonora Iacono. 2019. "Heterologous Wharton's Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Application on a Large Chronic Skin Wound in a 6-Month-Old Filly." Frontiers in Veterinary Science 6, no. : 9.
Aliai Lanci; Jole Mariella; Eleonora Iacono; Monica Caffara; Silvia Piva; Roberta Galuppi; Carolina Castagnetti. Observational Study on Cryptosporidiosis in an Equine Perinatology Unit. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2018, 71, 51 -56.
AMA StyleAliai Lanci, Jole Mariella, Eleonora Iacono, Monica Caffara, Silvia Piva, Roberta Galuppi, Carolina Castagnetti. Observational Study on Cryptosporidiosis in an Equine Perinatology Unit. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2018; 71 ():51-56.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAliai Lanci; Jole Mariella; Eleonora Iacono; Monica Caffara; Silvia Piva; Roberta Galuppi; Carolina Castagnetti. 2018. "Observational Study on Cryptosporidiosis in an Equine Perinatology Unit." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 71, no. : 51-56.
The aim of the present study was to compare canine adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells cultured under normoxic (20% O2) and not severe hypoxic (7% O2) conditions in terms of marker expression, proliferation rate, differentiation potential and cell morphology. Intra-abdominal fat tissue samples were recovered from 4 dogs and cells isolated from each sample were cultured under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Proliferation rate and adhesion ability were determined, differentiation towards chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic lineages was induced; the expression of CD44, CD34, DLA-DQA1, DLA-DRA1 was determined by PCR, while flow cytometry analysis for CD90, CD105, CD45 and CD14 was carried out. The morphological study was performed by transmission electron microscopy. Canine AT-MSCs, cultured under different oxygen tensions, maintained their basic biological features. However, under hypoxia, cells were not able to form spheroid aggregates revealing a reduction of their adhesivness. In both conditions, MSCs mainly displayed the same ultrastructural morphology and retained the ability to produce membrane vesicles. Noteworthy, MSCs cultivated under hypoxya revealed a huge shedding of large complex vesicles, containing smaller round-shaped vesicles. In our study, hypoxia partially influences the basic biological properties and the ultrastructural features of canine mesenchymal stem /stromal cells. Further studies are needed to clarify how hypoxia affects EVs production in term of amount and content in order to understand its contribution in tissue regenerative mechanisms and the possible employment in clinical applications. The findings of the present work could be noteworthy for canine as well as for other mammalian species.
Eleonora Iacono; Luisa Pascucci; Cinzia Bazzucchi; Marco Cunto; Francesca Ricci; Barbara Rossi; Barbara Merlo. Could hypoxia influence basic biological properties and ultrastructural features of adult canine mesenchymal stem /stromal cells? Veterinary Research Communications 2018, 42, 297 -308.
AMA StyleEleonora Iacono, Luisa Pascucci, Cinzia Bazzucchi, Marco Cunto, Francesca Ricci, Barbara Rossi, Barbara Merlo. Could hypoxia influence basic biological properties and ultrastructural features of adult canine mesenchymal stem /stromal cells? Veterinary Research Communications. 2018; 42 (4):297-308.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleonora Iacono; Luisa Pascucci; Cinzia Bazzucchi; Marco Cunto; Francesca Ricci; Barbara Rossi; Barbara Merlo. 2018. "Could hypoxia influence basic biological properties and ultrastructural features of adult canine mesenchymal stem /stromal cells?" Veterinary Research Communications 42, no. 4: 297-308.
The umbilical cord (UC), the connection between mother and fetus via the umbilical vessels, carries nutrients and oxygenated blood to the fetus through the umbilical vein and removes deoxygenated blood and waste products via the umbilical arteries. It is designed to protect blood flow to the fetus during pregnancy. In equine medicine, only a few studies have described the UC, and most of these involved Thoroughbreds. The present study describes and compares the macroscopic features of the equine umbilical cord in three different breeds and in relation to the foal's gender. In addition, a possible correlation between UC features and maternal and perinatal factors is investigated. One hundred and twenty four healthy mares with normal pregnancies were enrolled in the study and were divided into three groups according to their breed: 70 Standardbreds (STB), 38 Thoroughbreds (THB) and 16 Warmbloods (WAB). The following data were recorded: mare's age and parity, gestation length, placental weight, presence of fetal membrane alterations, UC length and number of coils in the amniotic and allantoic portions, and the Umbilical Coiling Index (UCI), which is the ratio between total coils and total UC length. The UCI has not been investigated previously in veterinary medicine. Furthermore, immediately after foaling, APGAR score, foal's weight and sex were recorded. All the STB and WAB were housed in Italy and the THB were housed in New Zealand. Mares' mean age was higher in WAB than in THB and STB; the latter had a significantly shorter gestation length. The foal's weight was positively correlated with placental weight in all breeds; and in STB, foal weight was positively related to parity and gestation length. Mean total UC length was comparable to previous reports in THB, STB and WAB. The lengths of the two UC portions were statistically different between STB and THB, where the amniotic portion was longer than the allantoic one. In each breed, total UC length was correlated with total number of coils (THB and STB = 5 ± 1; WAB = 6 ± 1), the UC amniotic length was positively correlated with the number of amniotic coils and the allantoic length was positively correlated with the number of allantoic coils. The UCI values were 0.09 in STB and THB and 0.1 in WAB. This study provides reference values for UCI that could be included in the gross placental evaluation if its clinical importance were demonstrated.
Jole Mariella; Eleonora Iacono; Aliai Lanci; Barbara Merlo; Caterina Palermo; Lee Morris; Carolina Castagnetti. Macroscopic characteristics of the umbilical cord in Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses. Theriogenology 2018, 113, 166 -170.
AMA StyleJole Mariella, Eleonora Iacono, Aliai Lanci, Barbara Merlo, Caterina Palermo, Lee Morris, Carolina Castagnetti. Macroscopic characteristics of the umbilical cord in Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses. Theriogenology. 2018; 113 ():166-170.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJole Mariella; Eleonora Iacono; Aliai Lanci; Barbara Merlo; Caterina Palermo; Lee Morris; Carolina Castagnetti. 2018. "Macroscopic characteristics of the umbilical cord in Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses." Theriogenology 113, no. : 166-170.
Wharton’s jelly (WJ) is an important source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) both in human and other animals. The aim of this study was to compare human and equine WJMSCs. Human and equine WJMSCs were isolated and cultured using the same protocols and culture media. Cells were characterized by analysing morphology, growth rate, migration and adhesion capability, immunophenotype, differentiation potential and ultrastructure. Results showed that human and equine WJMSCs have similar ultrastructural details connected with intense synthetic and metabolic activity, but differ in growth, migration, adhesion capability and differentiation potential. In fact, at the scratch assay and transwell migration assay, the migration ability of human WJMSCs was higher (P < 0.05) than that of equine cells, while the volume of spheroids obtained after 48 h of culture in hanging drop was larger than the volume of equine ones (P < 0.05), demonstrating a lower cell adhesion ability. This can also revealed in the lower doubling time of equine cells (3.5 ± 2.4 days) as compared to human (6.5 ± 4.3 days) (P < 0.05), and subsequently in the higher number of cell doubling after 44 days of culture observed for the equine (20.3 ± 1.7) as compared to human cells (8.7 ± 2.4) (P < 0.05), and to the higher (P < 0.05) ability to form fibroblast colonies at P3. Even if in both species tri-lineage differentiation was achieved, equine cells showed an higher chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation ability (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that, although the ultrastructure demonstrated a staminal phenotype in human and equine WJMSCs, they showed different properties reflecting the different sources of MSCs.
Barbara Merlo; Gabriella Teti; Eleonora Mazzotti; Laura Ingrà; Viviana Salvatore; Marina Buzzi; Giorgia Cerqueni; Manuela Dicarlo; Aliai Lanci; Carolina Castagnetti; Eleonora Iacono. Wharton’s Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Comparing Human and Horse. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports 2018, 14, 574 -584.
AMA StyleBarbara Merlo, Gabriella Teti, Eleonora Mazzotti, Laura Ingrà, Viviana Salvatore, Marina Buzzi, Giorgia Cerqueni, Manuela Dicarlo, Aliai Lanci, Carolina Castagnetti, Eleonora Iacono. Wharton’s Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Comparing Human and Horse. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports. 2018; 14 (4):574-584.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBarbara Merlo; Gabriella Teti; Eleonora Mazzotti; Laura Ingrà; Viviana Salvatore; Marina Buzzi; Giorgia Cerqueni; Manuela Dicarlo; Aliai Lanci; Carolina Castagnetti; Eleonora Iacono. 2018. "Wharton’s Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Comparing Human and Horse." Stem Cell Reviews and Reports 14, no. 4: 574-584.
Both in human and equine species, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from amniotic membrane (AM) and Wharton’s jelly (WJ), may be particularly useful for immediate use or in later stages of life, after cryopreservation in cell bank. The aim of this study was to compare equine AM- and WJ-MSCs in vitro features that may be relevant for their clinical employment. MSCs were more easily isolated from WJ, even if MSCs derived from AM exhibited more rapid proliferation (P < 0.05). Osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation were more prominent in MSCs derived from WJ. This is also suggested by the lower adhesion of AM cells, demonstrated by the greater volume of spheroids after hanging drop culture (P < 0.05). Data obtained by PCR confirmed the immunosuppressive function of AM and WJ-MSCs and the presence of active genes specific for anti-inflammatory and angiogenic factors (IL-6, IL 8, IL-β1). For the first time, by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we ascertained that equine WJ-MSCs constitutively contain a very impressive number of large vesicular structures, scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Moreover, an abundant extracellular fibrillar matrix was located in the intercellular spaces among WJ-MSCs. Data recorded in this study reveal that MSCs from different fetal tissues have different characteristics that may drive their therapeutic use. These finding could be noteworthy for horses as well as for other mammalian species, including humans.
Eleonora Iacono; Luisa Pascucci; Barbara Rossi; Cinzia Bazzucchi; Aliai Lanci; Monica Ceccoli; Barbara Merlo. Ultrastructural characteristics and immune profile of equine MSCs from fetal adnexa. Reproduction 2017, 154, 509 -519.
AMA StyleEleonora Iacono, Luisa Pascucci, Barbara Rossi, Cinzia Bazzucchi, Aliai Lanci, Monica Ceccoli, Barbara Merlo. Ultrastructural characteristics and immune profile of equine MSCs from fetal adnexa. Reproduction. 2017; 154 (4):509-519.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleonora Iacono; Luisa Pascucci; Barbara Rossi; Cinzia Bazzucchi; Aliai Lanci; Monica Ceccoli; Barbara Merlo. 2017. "Ultrastructural characteristics and immune profile of equine MSCs from fetal adnexa." Reproduction 154, no. 4: 509-519.
Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is present in equine seminal plasma and spermatozoa, but its functional role is not fully understood yet. Being that, sperm-oocyte interaction in equine species has been reported to be enhanced at a slightly basic pH, this work aimed at verifying whether exogenous alkaline phosphatase exerts any role on stallion spermatozoa and sperm-oocyte interaction at different pHs (7.4; 8.0; 9.0). Stallion spermatozoa were capacitated in Tyrode's medium at pH 7.4, 8.0, and 9.0 for 4 hours at 38 °C, 5% CO2 with 2.5-IU AP (AP group) or without AP (capacitated spermatozoa group); viability with mitochondrial activity, motility, and acrosome integrity were measured. In addition, a homologous binding assay was carried out: stallion spermatozoa were capacitated 1 hour at 38 °C, 5% CO2 with 2.5-IU AP (AP group) or without AP (capacitated spermatozoa group). Oocytes were then added to sperm suspensions and coincubated for 1 hour. Our results indicate that AP at pH 9.0 significantly increases the percentage of living cells with active mitochondria, whereas it significantly reduces the percentage of acrosome-damaged cells at pH 8.0. No significant differences were registered in motility parameters. The homologous binding assay showed a strong effect of AP, that increased the number of sperm bound to the oocyte's zona pellucida at all pHs tested. In conclusion, AP can induce some modifications on sperm membranes thus enhancing their capacity to bind to the zona pellucida of equine oocytes.
Diego Bucci; Elisa Giaretta; Barbara Merlo; Eleonora Iacono; Marcella Spinaci; Beatrice Gadani; Gaetano Mari; Carlo Tamanini; Giovanna Galeati. Alkaline phosphatase added to capacitating medium enhances horse sperm-zona pellucida binding. Theriogenology 2017, 87, 72 -78.
AMA StyleDiego Bucci, Elisa Giaretta, Barbara Merlo, Eleonora Iacono, Marcella Spinaci, Beatrice Gadani, Gaetano Mari, Carlo Tamanini, Giovanna Galeati. Alkaline phosphatase added to capacitating medium enhances horse sperm-zona pellucida binding. Theriogenology. 2017; 87 ():72-78.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDiego Bucci; Elisa Giaretta; Barbara Merlo; Eleonora Iacono; Marcella Spinaci; Beatrice Gadani; Gaetano Mari; Carlo Tamanini; Giovanna Galeati. 2017. "Alkaline phosphatase added to capacitating medium enhances horse sperm-zona pellucida binding." Theriogenology 87, no. : 72-78.
Highlights•Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected and quantified in an Equine Perinatology Unit.•The number of positive samples was statistically higher in wall compared to floor.•The highest number of oocysts was found in a utility room.•qPCR resulted suitable to evaluate the efficacy of the disinfection procedures. AbstractThe presence of Cryptosporidium in institutions such as veterinary teaching hospitals, where students and staff are in frequent contact with animals, could represent a serious public health risk. In this study the detection and quantification of the Cryptosporidium oocysts present on the environmental surfaces of an Equine Perinatology Unit (EPU) were investigated. During 3 foaling seasons 175 samples obtained by swabbing an area of the floor and walls of boxes and utility rooms of EPU with sterile gauze, in 3 different moments. Samples were collected at the end of foaling season (July), after washing procedures (September) and after washing and disinfecting procedures, at the beginning of a new foaling season (December). All the samples were subjected to nested-PCR, followed by genotyping and sub-typing methods and to qPCR, allowing the oocyst quantification. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 14 samples, of which 11 were from walls and three were from floors. The highest number of oocysts was found in a sample collected from the floor of one utility room used for setting up therapies and treatments. In most cases, oocyst numbers, estimated by qPCR, were reduced or eliminated after washing and disinfecting procedures. The genotyping and sub-typing methods allowed identification of 2 subtypes of C. parvum (IIaA15G2R1 and IIdA23G1) and 1 of Cryptosporidium horse genotype (VIaA15G4) that were described in foals hospitalized at the EPU in the same years. The results of the present study show that qPCR can be used to evaluate Cryptosporidium contamination of environmental surfaces of a veterinary teaching hospital and the efficacy of the disinfection procedures.
Silvia Piva; Monica Caffara; Frédérique Pasquali; Carolina Castagnetti; Eleonora Iacono; Elisa Massella; Renato Giulio Zanoni; Roberta Galuppi. Detection and quantification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in environmental surfaces of an Equine Perinatology Unit. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2016, 131, 67 -74.
AMA StyleSilvia Piva, Monica Caffara, Frédérique Pasquali, Carolina Castagnetti, Eleonora Iacono, Elisa Massella, Renato Giulio Zanoni, Roberta Galuppi. Detection and quantification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in environmental surfaces of an Equine Perinatology Unit. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 2016; 131 ():67-74.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvia Piva; Monica Caffara; Frédérique Pasquali; Carolina Castagnetti; Eleonora Iacono; Elisa Massella; Renato Giulio Zanoni; Roberta Galuppi. 2016. "Detection and quantification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in environmental surfaces of an Equine Perinatology Unit." Preventive Veterinary Medicine 131, no. : 67-74.
This study evaluates the effects of two cooling devices and temperature for testicles storage on epididymal sperm quality after 24 hours; different levels of seminal plasma (0% and 10%) were evaluated on sperm after recovering. Testicles from six stallions were recovered immediately after castration (2) or at the slaughterhouse (4); of the same animal, one testicle was placed in Equitainer (+8°C), the other in a styrofoam box with ice (+3°C). After 24 hours, the temperature of parenchyma was measured, and testicles and epididymal were weighted. Sperm were flushed from the cauda epididymides with Kenney extender, total sperm number recorded and motility and viability evaluated immediately after flushing (T0) with or without 10% SP (G1 Eq 0%, G2 Eq 10%, G3 Ice 0%, G4 Ice 10%). Motility and viability were evaluated after 24 hours and 48 hours of storage at +4°C. Temperature of the parenchyma was lower in testicles stored in ice compared to Equitainer (3.2 ± 0.6°C and 8.6 ± 2.5°C, respectively; P < .05). Motility and viability at T0 were similar (P > .05) in G1 and G3, whereas addition of SP after recovery significantly improved motility only in samples stored in Equitainer (G2). Viability was higher (P < .05) in G2 than in G4. At T24 and T48, no differences (P > .05) in sperm quality were found between storage methods or samples with or without SP. In conclusion, equine testicles can be safely stored either at lower (+3°C) or higher (+8°C) temperature than +5°C. This can be useful, especially when testicles are shipped in a hot climate, where devices cannot guarantee optimal refrigeration conditions.
Beatrice Mislei; Barbara Merlo; Dario Asta; Eleonora Iacono; Charles C. Love; Gaetano Mari. Effects of Two Different Cooling Devices for Testicles Transport on Stallion Epididymal Sperm Quality. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2016, 46, 64 -68.
AMA StyleBeatrice Mislei, Barbara Merlo, Dario Asta, Eleonora Iacono, Charles C. Love, Gaetano Mari. Effects of Two Different Cooling Devices for Testicles Transport on Stallion Epididymal Sperm Quality. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2016; 46 ():64-68.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatrice Mislei; Barbara Merlo; Dario Asta; Eleonora Iacono; Charles C. Love; Gaetano Mari. 2016. "Effects of Two Different Cooling Devices for Testicles Transport on Stallion Epididymal Sperm Quality." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 46, no. : 64-68.
Eleonora Iacono; Aliai Lanci; Barbara Merlo; Francesca Ricci; Alessandro Pirrone; Carlotta Antonelli; Jole Mariella; Carolina Castagnetti. Effects of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells in carboxymethyl cellulosegel on healing of spontaneous pressure sores: clinical outcome in sevenhospitalized neonatal foals. TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY 2016, 40, 484 -492.
AMA StyleEleonora Iacono, Aliai Lanci, Barbara Merlo, Francesca Ricci, Alessandro Pirrone, Carlotta Antonelli, Jole Mariella, Carolina Castagnetti. Effects of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells in carboxymethyl cellulosegel on healing of spontaneous pressure sores: clinical outcome in sevenhospitalized neonatal foals. TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY. 2016; 40 ():484-492.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleonora Iacono; Aliai Lanci; Barbara Merlo; Francesca Ricci; Alessandro Pirrone; Carlotta Antonelli; Jole Mariella; Carolina Castagnetti. 2016. "Effects of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells in carboxymethyl cellulosegel on healing of spontaneous pressure sores: clinical outcome in sevenhospitalized neonatal foals." TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY 40, no. : 484-492.
The aim of this study was to define a protocol to store dog sperm before and after sorting to obtain an insemination dose sufficient to allow the conception by artificial insemination. Experiment 1 and 2 were performed to evaluate the more appropriate extender for preserving at room temperature dog sperm before and after sorting. Four extenders were tested: (1) Tris-fructose-citrate (TFC), (2) Tris-glucose-citrate (TGC), (3) modified Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium (mTALP), and (4) third fraction of the ejaculate (after centrifugation at 5000× g for 10 minutes; III FRAC). Experiment 3 and 4 were performed to evaluate the ability of dog semen to withstand sex sorting and freezing/thawing. Modified Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium was the best extender for canine sperm storage at room temperature (20 °C-25 °C) before (total motility: TFC, 8.3 ± 1.7; TGC, 50.0 ± 11.5; mTALP, 70.0 ± 0.1; III FRAC, 25.0 ± 1 0.4; P < 0.05) and after sorting (total motility: TFC, 7.3 ± 1.5; TGC, 10.3 ± 1.5; mTALP, 33.3 ± 6.7; III FRAC, 8.7 ± 5.8; P < 0.05), even if at 24-hour sorted sperm quality was impaired in all extenders tested herein. Sperm quality decreased after sorting (total motility: control, 92.5 ± 0.9; sorted, 52.9 ± 6.0; P < 0.05) and, especially, after freezing/thawing (total motility: frozen control, 25.7 ± 4.1; frozen sorted, 2.4 ± 1.2; P < 0.05). In conclusion, mTALP is an appropriate medium for canine sperm storage before and soon after sorting (hours), but a long storage period of sexed sperm at room temperature is not adequate. Cryopreservation greatly impaired sperm quality, and further studies are needed to optimize the freezing protocol for sexed dog sperm.
Barbara Merlo; Daniele Zambelli; Marco Cunto; Eleonora Iacono; Ludovica Nasi; Elisa Giaretta; Giovanna Galeati; Diego Bucci; Marcella Spinaci. Sex-sorted canine sperm cryopreservation: Limits and procedural considerations. Theriogenology 2015, 83, 1121 -1127.
AMA StyleBarbara Merlo, Daniele Zambelli, Marco Cunto, Eleonora Iacono, Ludovica Nasi, Elisa Giaretta, Giovanna Galeati, Diego Bucci, Marcella Spinaci. Sex-sorted canine sperm cryopreservation: Limits and procedural considerations. Theriogenology. 2015; 83 (7):1121-1127.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBarbara Merlo; Daniele Zambelli; Marco Cunto; Eleonora Iacono; Ludovica Nasi; Elisa Giaretta; Giovanna Galeati; Diego Bucci; Marcella Spinaci. 2015. "Sex-sorted canine sperm cryopreservation: Limits and procedural considerations." Theriogenology 83, no. 7: 1121-1127.
Francesca Bonelli; Carolina Castagnetti; Eleonora Iacono; Michele Corazza; Micaela Sgorbini. Evaluation of Some Physical, Haemathological and Clinical Chemistry Parameters in Healthy Newborn Italian Holstein Calves. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences 2015, 10, 230 -234.
AMA StyleFrancesca Bonelli, Carolina Castagnetti, Eleonora Iacono, Michele Corazza, Micaela Sgorbini. Evaluation of Some Physical, Haemathological and Clinical Chemistry Parameters in Healthy Newborn Italian Holstein Calves. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. 2015; 10 (4):230-234.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Bonelli; Carolina Castagnetti; Eleonora Iacono; Michele Corazza; Micaela Sgorbini. 2015. "Evaluation of Some Physical, Haemathological and Clinical Chemistry Parameters in Healthy Newborn Italian Holstein Calves." American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences 10, no. 4: 230-234.
Over the past decade, stem cell research has emerged as an area of major interest for its potential in regenerative medicine applications. This is in constant need of new cell sources to conceive regenerative medicine approaches for diseases that are still without therapy. Scientists drew the attention towards alternative sources such as foetal adnexa and fluid, as these sources possess many advantages: first of all, cells can be extracted from discarded foetal material and it is non-invasive and inexpensive for the patient; secondly, abundant stem cells can be obtained; and finally, these stem cell sources are free from ethical considerations. Cells derived from foetal adnexa and fluid preserve some of the characteristics of the primitive embryonic layers from which they originate. Many studies have demonstrated the differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo towards mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal cell types; in addition, the immune-modulatory properties make these cells a good candidate for allo- and xenotransplantation. Naturally occurring diseases in domestic animals can be more ideal as disease model of human genetic and acquired diseases and could help to define the potential therapeutic use efficiency and safety of stem cells therapies. This review offers an update on the state of the art of characterization of domestic animals' MSCs derived from foetal adnexa and fluid and on the latest findings in pre-clinical or clinical setting of the stem cell populations isolated from these sources.
E Iacono; B Rossi; B Merlo. Stem Cells from Foetal Adnexa and Fluid in Domestic Animals: An Update on Their Features and Clinical Application. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 2015, 50, 353 -364.
AMA StyleE Iacono, B Rossi, B Merlo. Stem Cells from Foetal Adnexa and Fluid in Domestic Animals: An Update on Their Features and Clinical Application. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2015; 50 (3):353-364.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE Iacono; B Rossi; B Merlo. 2015. "Stem Cells from Foetal Adnexa and Fluid in Domestic Animals: An Update on Their Features and Clinical Application." Reproduction in Domestic Animals 50, no. 3: 353-364.
Eleonora Iacono; Barbara Merlo; Noemi Romagnoli; Barbara Rossi; Francesca Ricci; Alessandro Spadari. Equine Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Cytofluorimetric Characterization, In Vitro Differentiation, and Clinical Application. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2015, 35, 130 -140.
AMA StyleEleonora Iacono, Barbara Merlo, Noemi Romagnoli, Barbara Rossi, Francesca Ricci, Alessandro Spadari. Equine Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Cytofluorimetric Characterization, In Vitro Differentiation, and Clinical Application. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2015; 35 (2):130-140.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleonora Iacono; Barbara Merlo; Noemi Romagnoli; Barbara Rossi; Francesca Ricci; Alessandro Spadari. 2015. "Equine Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Cytofluorimetric Characterization, In Vitro Differentiation, and Clinical Application." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35, no. 2: 130-140.
The aim of the present study was to verify how repeated ovum pick-up (OPU), performed in anestrous and cyclic mares, affect ovarian activity, measured by progesterone (P4) and 17ß-estradiol (E2) plasma levels. Ovum pick-up of all visible follicles was performed every 9 to 12 days, and four sessions were carried out during anestrous (A) and breeding season (BS). The number of aspirated follicles per mare at each session was not significantly different between the two periods (BS: 6.1 ± 2.4; A: 7.5 ± 4.4; P > 0.05), but the mean follicular diameter was significantly higher during BS (16.0 ± 7.1 vs. 10.2 ± 5.1 mm; P < 0.05); during A the number of aspirated follicles less than 15 mm in diameter resulted significantly higher than that registered in BS (5.1 ± 2.7 vs. 3.0 ± 1.8; P < 0.05). The total mean value of P4 was higher in BS than in A (6.3 ± 4.4 vs. 0.3 ± 1.8 ng/mL; P < 0.05), whereas the total mean level of E2 was not different between the two periods (3.8 ± 3.4 vs. 2.5 ± 2.7 pg/mL; P > 0.05). Estradiol plasma values resulted positively correlated, in A and BS, with diameter of follicles detected on the ovaries (R = 0.345 and R = 0.331, respectively), whereas a negative correlation was observed between P4 and follicular diameter in BS (R = -0.162). Both E2 and P4 presented a high individual variability during BS; in particular, in three of seven mares, P4 trend was compatible with a normal estrous cycle, and the interval between two consecutive peaks was 21 days. In two of seven mares, with CL at first OPU, P4 concentrations remained more than 3 ng/mL throughout the entire treatment period. Finally, in two of seven animals, P4 levels initially showed a similar pattern to that of a normal estrous cycle, then, after the second aspiration, they remained consistently higher than 3 ng/mL. When the procedure was carried out in cyclic animals, the influence of this technique on ovarian activity seemed to be related to individual variability although, according to progesterone values, structures observed on the ovaries after aspirations presented luteal function. Furthermore, the resumption of normal ovarian activity, after repeated OPU sessions, occurred in a period not much longer than the duration of a normal estrous cycle (25.4 ± 5.2 days). Data recorded during nonbreeding period showed that repeated OPU in anestrous mares do not affect ovarian activity and do not anticipate the resumption of ovarian cyclicity. However, based on the number of aspirated follicles in anestrous and cyclic mares, both types of subjects could be considered as oocyte donors.
E. Iacono; B. Merlo; G. Rizzato; Beatrice Mislei; N. Govoni; Carlo Tamanini; G. Mari. Effects of repeated transvaginal ultrasound–guided aspirations performed in anestrous and cyclic mares on P4 and E2 plasma levels and luteal function. Theriogenology 2014, 82, 225 -231.
AMA StyleE. Iacono, B. Merlo, G. Rizzato, Beatrice Mislei, N. Govoni, Carlo Tamanini, G. Mari. Effects of repeated transvaginal ultrasound–guided aspirations performed in anestrous and cyclic mares on P4 and E2 plasma levels and luteal function. Theriogenology. 2014; 82 (2):225-231.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Iacono; B. Merlo; G. Rizzato; Beatrice Mislei; N. Govoni; Carlo Tamanini; G. Mari. 2014. "Effects of repeated transvaginal ultrasound–guided aspirations performed in anestrous and cyclic mares on P4 and E2 plasma levels and luteal function." Theriogenology 82, no. 2: 225-231.
This paper documents the treatment of severe decubitus ulcers with amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells and platelets rich plasma (PRP) gel in a septic neonatal foal. The colt needed 25 days of hospitalization: during this period ulcers were treated for 15 days with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) plus PRP, PRP gel alone, or aloe gel. Healing was faster using MSCs+PRP, and at 7 months an ulcer treated with aloe gel was still not completely healed.
E. Iacono; B. Merlo; A. Pirrone; C. Antonelli; L. Brunori; N. Romagnoli; C. Castagnetti. Effects of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from amniotic fluid and platelet-rich plasma gel on severe decubitus ulcers in a septic neonatal foal. Research in Veterinary Science 2012, 93, 1439 -1440.
AMA StyleE. Iacono, B. Merlo, A. Pirrone, C. Antonelli, L. Brunori, N. Romagnoli, C. Castagnetti. Effects of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from amniotic fluid and platelet-rich plasma gel on severe decubitus ulcers in a septic neonatal foal. Research in Veterinary Science. 2012; 93 (3):1439-1440.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Iacono; B. Merlo; A. Pirrone; C. Antonelli; L. Brunori; N. Romagnoli; C. Castagnetti. 2012. "Effects of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from amniotic fluid and platelet-rich plasma gel on severe decubitus ulcers in a septic neonatal foal." Research in Veterinary Science 93, no. 3: 1439-1440.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been derived from multiple sources of the horse including umbilical cord blood (UCB) and amnion. This work aimed to identify and characterize stem cells from equine amniotic fluid (AF), CB and Wharton's Jelly (WJ). Samples were obtained from 13 mares at labour. AF and CB cells were isolated by centrifugation, while WJ was prepared by incubating with an enzymatic solution for 2 h. All cell lines were cultured in DMEM/TCM199 plus fetal bovine serum. Fibroblast-like cells were observed in 7/10 (70%) AF, 6/8 (75%) CB and 8/12 (66.7%) WJ samples. Statistically significant differences were found between cell-doubling times (DTs): cells isolated from WJ expanded more rapidly (2.0±0.6 days) than those isolated from CB (2.6±1.3 days) and AF (2.3±1.0 days) (P
Eleonora Iacono; Lara Brunori; Alessandro Pirrone; Pasquale Paolo Pagliaro; Francesca Ricci; Pier Luigi Tazzari; Barbara Merlo. Isolation, characterization and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood and Wharton's jelly in the horse. Reproduction 2012, 143, 455 -468.
AMA StyleEleonora Iacono, Lara Brunori, Alessandro Pirrone, Pasquale Paolo Pagliaro, Francesca Ricci, Pier Luigi Tazzari, Barbara Merlo. Isolation, characterization and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood and Wharton's jelly in the horse. Reproduction. 2012; 143 (4):455-468.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleonora Iacono; Lara Brunori; Alessandro Pirrone; Pasquale Paolo Pagliaro; Francesca Ricci; Pier Luigi Tazzari; Barbara Merlo. 2012. "Isolation, characterization and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood and Wharton's jelly in the horse." Reproduction 143, no. 4: 455-468.