Stem cell-based therapy has been investigated in a number of degenerative and traumatic diseases, including spinal cord injury. In the present study, we investigated the use of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in the functional rehabilitation of a domestic cat presenting a compressive L1-L5 fracture. Bone marrow cells collected by puncture of the iliac crest were cultured to obtain mesenchymal stem cells three weeks before surgery. Hemilaminectomy was performed, followed by injection of the mesenchymal stem cells in the injured area. Clinical evaluation of the animal prior to surgery showed absence of pain, muscular tonus, and panniculi reflexes. Seven days after surgery and cell transplantation the examination revealed a progressive recovery of the panniculus reflexes and of the responses to superficial and deep pain stimuli despite the low proprioceptive and hyperreflexic ataxic hind limbs. Physiotherapy protocols were applied for clinical rehabilitation after surgery. The cat's first steps, three-minute weight-bearing, and intestine and urinary bladder partial reestablishment were observed 75 days post-surgery. Our results indicate the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in chronic spinal cord injuries.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Cats ; Cell Transplantation ; Extremities ; Intestines ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; Punctures ; Reflex ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Stem Cells ; Transplants ; Urinary Bladder ; Weight-Bearing

The drug-resistance of malaria parasites is the main problem in the disease control. The huge Brazilian biodiversity promotes the search for new compounds, where the animal kingdom is proving to be a promising source of bioactive compounds. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activity of the compounds obtained from the toad venoms of Brazilian Amazon. Toad venoms were collected from the secretion of Rhinella marina and Rhaebo guttatus in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The powder was extracted at room temperature, yielding 2 extracts (RG and RM) and a substance ('1') identified as a bufadienolide, named telocinobufagin. Growth inhibition, intraerythrocytic development, and parasite morphology were evaluated in culture by microscopic observations of Giemsa-stained thin blood films. Cytotoxicity was determined against HepG2 and BGM cells by MTT and neutral red assays. The 2 extracts and the pure substance ('1') tested were active against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain, demonstrating lower IC₅₀ values. In cytotoxic tests, the 2 extracts and substance '1' showed pronounced lethal effects on chloroquine-resistant P. faciparum strain and low cytotoxic effect, highlighting toad parotoid gland secretions as a promising source of novel lead antiplasmodial compounds.
Amphibian Venoms* ; Animals ; Biodiversity ; Brazil* ; Bufo marinus ; Malaria ; Neutral Red ; Parasites ; Plasmodium falciparum