Flaviu Tabaran

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles released from all cells across kingdoms of life, delimited by a lipid bilayer, which cannot replicate on their own. They have high biological relevance, influencing various physiological and pathological processes. However, knowledge about their isolation and characterization remains a key challenge for certain sources, particularly in the plant kingdom, despite their emerging biomedical application potential. In addition, the studied plant is recognized for its traditional medicinal use and its potential therapeutic properties, which further supports the relevance of investigating its extracellular vesicles. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize EV-enriched preparations from the dried leaves of Combretum micranthum G. Don using tangential flow filtration, optimizing different isolation protocols to increase the yield and purity of the obtained EVs. After isolation, the concentration and the size distribution of particles in the final sample were measured by NTA; FPLC-SEC was used to analyze the presence of additional particle subpopulations and non-EV-associated proteins, while TEM was used to evaluate the morphology of vesicle-like structures. The total lipid content was determined by the Sulfo-Phospho-Vanillin Assay (SPVA), and the total protein content was determined by means of the BCA assay. This approach allowed to isolate 2–4 × 10¹¹ vesicles per gram of plant material with relatively high reproducibility in particle yields and lipid and protein content. In conclusion, these results suggest that TFF is a suitable approach for the isolation of plant-derived EVs from dried leaves, while providing a scalable and cost-effective production method for scientific and industrial applications.

Background and Objectives: Magnesium-based biomaterials are increasingly investigated due to their biodegradability, bone-like elastic modulus, and potential osteogenic properties. However, alloy composition may influence degradation behavior and local tissue response. This study aimed to assess and compare the local biocompatibility, degradation characteristics, and bone regenerative response induced by Mg-Zn-Mn-Ca and Mg-Nd-Y-Zr-Zn magnesium alloy powders. Materials and Methods: Two magnesium alloys were evaluated through physicochemical characterization, in vitro osteoblast cytocompatibility and antimicrobial assays, and in vivo testing in Sprague–Dawley rats. Standardized cylindrical defects were created in the medial femoral condyle and filled with either Mg-Nd-Y-Zr-Zn or Mg-Zn-Mn-Ca alloy powders, while untreated defects served as controls. Bone remodeling and defect healing were assessed by micro-computed tomography, allowing three-dimensional qualitative and quantitative evaluation of newly formed bone. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze surface morphology and degradation features, while histopathological examination assessed inflammation, osteogenesis, and tissue integration at the implant site. Results: Both magnesium alloy powders showed antimicrobial potency and elicited no cytotoxic effects in vitro, while animal studies revealed progressive biodegradation over time, associated with new bone formation within and around the defect area. Micro-CT analysis demonstrated active bone remodeling in experimental groups, with differences in bone distribution and defect-filling patterns between Mg-Nd-Y-Zr-Zn and Mg-Zn-Mn-Ca implants. SEM revealed alloy-specific degradation morphologies. Histological evaluation showed a moderate early inflammatory response that decreased at later time points, together with ongoing osteogenesis and favorable tissue integration. No severe local adverse reactions or persistent inflammation were observed. Conclusions: Both Mg-Nd-Y-Zr-Zn and Mg-Zn-Mn-Ca alloy powders were locally biocompatible and supported bone regeneration in a rat femoral condyle defect model. Differences in degradation behavior and tissue response emphasize the relevance of alloy composition in developing magnesium-based biomaterials for bone defect treatment.

Transient myocardial thickening is an acute myocardial disease characterized by reversible left ventricular wall thickening that mimics hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and is frequently associated with congestive heart failure. Arterial thromboembolism, a well-recognized complication of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, has been reported only once in association with transient myocardial thickening. The current report describes a 7-month-old male British Shorthair cat that developed dyspnea 36 h after castration, followed by an acute onset of hindlimb paralysis. On clinical examination, the cat exhibited the classical signs of arterial thromboembolism. Echocardiography revealed a mildly dilated left atrium with ventricular walls of normal thickness, while thoracic ultrasonography identified confluent B-lines. Despite intensive medical management, the clinical condition deteriorated rapidly, and the cat died after approximately 34 h after the onset of paralysis. Post-mortem examination confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of acute myocardial injury. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of acute myocardial damage with transient myocardial thickening-like presentation, developing within 36 h after a stressful event, with normal ventricular wall thickness on the initial echocardiography, complicated by arterial thromboembolism, and confirmed post-mortem.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that severely impairs wound healing, slowing wound closure; thus, the risk of infection and increases the occurrence of other complications. The development of a suitable material that can accelerate the process of chronic wound regeneration, particularly in diabetic wounds, remains a significant challenge. In the present study, Sepigel 305^® paraffin-based oil-in-water cream containing spherical gold nanoparticles–bioactive glass was used in rats with induced diabetes mellitus. After wound closure, the stage of regeneration was evaluated histopathologically. It was shown that the wounds treated with the experimental product were closed macroscopically after 14 days, but the histological images still indicated an inflammatory process, suggesting incomplete deep dermal healing. Macroscopic closure of wounds treated with the studied cream after 14 days, which is a normal time for skin healing, represents a successful outcome in diabetic patients because the risk of bacterial infection is reduced, and thus the chance of complete healing increases.

Experimental diabetes models induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and alloxan are widely used in preclinical research; however, direct standardized comparisons in female rodents remain limited. The present study evaluated multiple chemical induction protocols in female Wistar rats, including STZ (40 and 65 mg/kg), STZ at the same doses combined with nicotinamide (110 mg/kg), and alloxan (130 mg/kg). Glycemic progression, oral glucose tolerance test, body weight evolution, oxidative stress markers, and multi-organ histopathology were assessed over a 14-day period. High-dose STZ (65 mg/kg) and alloxan produced rapid, sustained hyperglycemia (p < 0.0001), significant body weight reduction, increased lipid peroxidation (elevated MDA), nitric oxide overproduction, thiol depletion, and pronounced pancreatic and renal structural damage. In contrast, STZ–nicotinamide protocols generated moderate but stable hyperglycemia with partial preservation of islet architecture, attenuated oxidative imbalance, and improved systemic tolerability. Oral glucose tolerance test confirmed impaired glucose handling in the STZ–nicotinamide group, consistent with a type 2 diabetes-like phenotype rather than complete insulin deficiency. These results demonstrate that induction strategy critically determines metabolic stability, oxidative stress burden, and tissue remodeling patterns, supporting model selection according to specific experimental objectives.

Background: Kinkeliba (Combretum micranthum G. Don), commonly used in West African traditional pharmacopeia for its anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal properties, remains poorly studied regarding its potential role in the prevention or treatment of ulcerative colitis. Objective: This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of Combretum micranthum (EECM) in a murine model of chronic DSS-induced colitis. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to three cycles of 1.5% DSS administration over nine weeks to induce chronic colitis. EECM was administered orally at 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg during the final week. Disease severity was evaluated using the Disease Activity Index (DAI), colon length, biochemical and hematological markers, along with histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment of colonic tissue. Results: EECM treatment significantly improved clinical parameters and prevented colon shortening in chronic DSS-induced colitis. These improvements were associated with the restoration of serum biochemical and hematological profiles, along with reduced histopathological damage and preservation of colonic tissue architecture. Immunohistochemical analysis further demonstrated decreased CD3-positive T-lymphocyte infiltration in colonic tissue, suggesting modulation of local immune cell responses. Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential EECM in ulcerative colitis and support further investigations to elucidate its mechanisms of action and evaluate its efficacy in future translational studies.

A 4-y-old male Labrador Retriever was submitted for autopsy following radiographic examination by the owner, a veterinarian, which had revealed 3 embedded projectiles. Autopsy revealed a single entrance wound on the left flank. Using flap-by-flap dissection, the trajectory of the projectile was traced through the skin and lumbar musculature to its location where it had perforated the abdominal aorta, causing fatal acute hemoperitoneum. Remarkably, the copper-coated pellet (Diabolo) was found in the lumen of the right femoral artery, consistent with projectile embolism. No external trauma was present at that site. Embolization can occur when a projectile enters the vasculature and travels to a distal location, typically requiring low residual kinetic energy and a vessel of sufficient caliber. Although well documented in human forensic medicine, projectile embolism is exceedingly rare in veterinary cases. To our knowledge, embolization of a projectile in the femoral artery in a dog has not been reported previously. Our case highlights the importance of comprehensive radiographic imaging before autopsy and illustrates the diagnostic value of correlating radiologic findings with meticulous gross examination in veterinary forensic pathology cases.

Glycosylation plays a critical role in maintaining cardiac structure and function, yet its modulation during aging and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in feline hearts remains uncharacterized. This study provides a systematic analysis of lectin-binding patterns in feline myocardium across different age groups and disease states. Post-mortem feline hearts (n = 64), classified by age (newborn to senior) and diagnostic status (healthy vs. HCM-affected), were evaluated using tissue microarrays stained with five plant-derived lectins—Concanavalin A (ConA), Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA), RCA (Ricinus communis Agglutinin I), Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Agglutinin), and Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia Lectin I (BS)—alongside Draq5 nuclear counterstaining. Lectin histochemistry revealed distinct, region-specific glycosylation patterns, with notable remodelling in both aged and HCM-affected hearts. These glycan alterations reflect underlying molecular and structural changes associated with cardiac aging and pathology. Although lectin histochemistry has been used to examine cardiac glycosylation in species such as mice, rats, zebrafish, and humans, comparable data for felines have been lacking, even if domestic cat represents a spontaneous model for human HCM. This study provides the first essential step in characterizing the feline cardiac glycosylation. The observed shifts in lectin-binding profiles reveal specific remodelling associated with aging and HCM in cats. These results provide a foundation for future studies assessing the utility of glycan motifs as potential post-mortem markers of disease progression in felines.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and current therapies are limited by adverse side effects. Combretum micranthum G. Don (kinkeliba), a medicinal plant traditionally used in West Africa, has been reported to possess pharmacological activities and a favorable safety profile. In this study, an ethanolic extract of Combretum micranthum (EECM) was characterized using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS to identify its phenolic constituents. Acute colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice using 3% DSS, while EECM (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally for seven days. Disease Activity Index was monitored daily, and colonic injuries were evaluated through macroscopic and histological analyses, as well as hematological and biochemical assessments. In vitro, EECM contained 293.54 mg/g of total phenolic compounds and showed strong antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Furthermore, the extract exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Streptococcus pyogenes at various concentrations. In contrast, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were not affected at the tested concentrations. No antifungal activity was detected against the filamentous fungus Aspergillus brasiliensis and the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida albicans. In vivo, EECM alleviated the clinical signs of colitis, reduced histological damage, and modulated hematological and biochemical parameters. Overall, EECM exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and may represent a promising natural candidate for IBD management. Further investigations into chronic experimental models are necessary to establish their therapeutic relevance.