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Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) research has demonstrated the potential of these cells to modulate lung inflammatory processes and tissue repair; however, the underlying mechanisms and treatment durability remain unknown. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of human bone marrow-derived MSCs in the inflammatory process and pulmonary remodeling of asthmatic BALB/c mice up to 14 d after transplantation. Our study used ovalbumin to induce allergic asthma in male BALB/c mice. MSCs were injected intratracheally in the asthma groups. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected, and cytology was performed to measure the total protein, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and proinflammatory (IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17A) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) interleukin (IL) levels. The lungs were removed for the histopathological evaluation. On day zero, the eosinophil and lymphochte percentages, total protein concentrations, and IL-13 and IL-17A levels in the BALF were significantly increased in the asthma group, proving the efficacy of the experimental model of allergic asthma. On day 7, the MSC-treated group exhibited significant reductions in the eosinophil, lymphocyte, total protein, H2O2, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17A levels in the BALF, while the IL-10 levels were significantly increased. On day 14, the total cell numbers and lymphocyte, total protein, IL-13, and IL-17A levels in the BALF in the MSC-treated group were significantly decreased. A significant decrease in airway remodeling was observed on days 7 and 14 in almost all bronchioles, which showed reduced inflammatory infiltration, collagen deposition, muscle and epithelial thickening, and mucus production. These results demonstrate that treatment with a single injection of MSCs reduces the pathophysiological events occurring in an experimental model of allergic asthma by controlling the inflammatory process up to 14 d after transplantation.

SummaryHorses at pasture are susceptible to the aspiration of foreign bodies. In Curitiba, southern Brazil, four horses of different breeds and ages were examined with regards to a persistent cough that lasted for several months, fetid breath, and no fever. The animals were referred for bronchoscopic examination performed under sedation and tracheobronchial topical anaesthesia. Bronchoscopies in all four horses revealed a pine branch of the species Araucaria angustifolia, native to southern Brazil, in the lumen of a third to fifth generation bronchus. Complete removal of the branch was possible in one case using a polypectomy loop inserted through the biopsy channel of the bronchoscope. In two cases, partial removal was possible. In one case the branch was adhered to the swollen mucosa and could not be extracted; this animal is being kept at pasture with intermittent antibiotic treatment as necessary. In conclusion, foreign bodies consisting of pine branches in the tracheobronchial tree of horses may be more common than currently recognised, as Araucaria genus is present in other countries and should be suspected in horses with chronic coughing associated with fetid breath and a history of reoccurrence following symptomatic treatments.

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The immunological status of the respiratory tract is critical to racehorses’ performance. Respiratory diseases in young Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses are a major concern during their early athletic career. This study investigated the airway adaptations occurring in young TB race horses during their first year of race training. Eighteen animals were evaluated at five different time points over a one-year follow-up period. A physical examination was performed, followed by airway endoscopy, in which tracheal mucus (TM) and pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (PLH) were observed. Differential cytology of the tracheal wash (TW) was also performed. The physical parameters in the five assessments and TM grade did not vary. The PLH grade was lower at time-points 3 (T3) and 4 (T4) than at the initial evaluation (T0) (P=0.028 and P=0.036, respectively). The cytological analysis revealed that neutrophil count decreased at T4 as compared with T0 (P=0.022). Epithelial cell count was increased, and macrophage count decreased, at T3 and T4, compared with T0 (P=0.004 and P=0.031, respectively). Haemosiderophage count was higher at T1 (P=0.020) and lower at T2 (P=0.003), compared to T0. A statistical correlation between mucus and all cell types was found, showing a non-specific immune response. In conclusion, young TB racehorses underwent airway modifications during the initial months of race training, and a thorough follow-up is needed during the initial period after stabling.