Epidermal growth factor receptors 2 (Her-2) and 4 (Her-4) are closely associated with ovarian cancer (OC) progression and metastasis, and a more complete understanding of these signaling pathways allow the development of new therapeutic strategies. Melatonin (Mel) is recognized as having several anticancer properties and has been reported to modulate Her-2 system in aggressive tumors. Here, we investigated OC and the role of Mel therapy on the Her-2- and Her-4-signaling pathway related to downstream molecules in an ethanol-preferring rat model. To induce OC, the left ovary was injected directly with a single dose of 100 µg 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) dissolved in 10 µL of sesame oil under the bursa. Right ovaries were used as sham-surgery controls. After developing OC, half of the animals received i.p. injections of Mel (200 µg/100 g b.w./day) for 60 days. While Mel therapy was unable to reduce Her-4 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) levels, it was able to suppress the OC-related increase in the levels of the Her-2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK), protein kinase B (phospho-AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In addition, Mel significantly attenuated the expression of Her-2, p38 MAPK, and p-AKT, which are involved in OC signaling during ethanol intake. Collectively, our results suggest that Mel attenuates the Her-2-signaling pathway in OC of ethanol-preferring rats, providing an effective contribution for further development of adjuvant therapies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single-session of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on haematological and serum biochemical parameters and serum cortisol levels in healthy adult cats. Ten healthy neutered crossbred cats, five males and five females, aged 2 to 4 years and weighing 3.25-5.15 kg, were enrolled. All cats were tested in the same period starting at 12:00 a.m. and under same environmental conditions. A 1 h period of acclimatisation and rest was completed prior to the WBV session. During the WBV session, the cat was placed in a standing position on the centre of the vibrating platform. Each cat was exposed to a single WBV session. The protocol was 30 Hz for 5 min, followed by 50 Hz for 5 min and finishing with 30 Hz for 5 min. The peak displacements were 3.10 mm and 3.98 mm and the peak accelerations 55.0 m/s and 195.96 m/s. Complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase) and serum cortisol were determined at three time-points: before (T0), immediately after (T1), and at 4 h after the end of the WBV session (T2). Immediately after increasing the frequency from 30 to 50 Hz, two cats (20%) tried to sit and showed signs of agitation that ceased after 15 s. No cat tried to jump out. The variables presented no statistically significant differences among the time-points. In conclusion, a 15 min session of WBV exercise at frequencies of 30, 50 and 30 Hz does not cause significant changes in haematological or serum biochemical parameters, nor in serum cortisol levels in healthy adult cats.