Bovine upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma associated with bracken fern poisoning: Clinical-pathological aspects and etiopathogenesis of 100 cases

Abstract

Upper digestive tract (UDT) cancer is rare in cattle, however in Southern Brazil, the UDT squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are relatively common and have been associated with bracken fern consumption and the presence of papillomas. Although a theory of pathogenesis considers bovine papillomavirus type 4 (BPV-4) as a cofactor in the development of these SCCs, some aspects of the etiopathogenesis of this disease need to be more investigated. In fact, detection of BPV-4 in UDT papillomas is scarce in other regions of the world and has not been performed in Brazil. Therefore, this study had two aims: 1) to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of 100 natural cases of SCCs in the UDT of cattle grazing on bracken fern (Pteridium arachnoideum) highly contaminated areas, investigating the associations between these parameters; and 2) to investigate the presence of papillomavirus DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the UDT papillomas (n = 47) from 30 cattle that also had UDT SCCs. There were statistically significant associations between clinical signs and tumor localization in the UDT; between histological grade of differentiation and tumor localization; and a trend towards significant association between histological grade of differentiation and presence of metastases. The average age of cattle with oropharyngeal SCCs was 7.39 years, with statistically significant difference comparing to cattle with esophageal SCCs (8.6 years). No statistical association was observed among other clinical-pathological parameters (growth pattern and primary site of the tumor) analyzed. No BPV DNA was detected in papillomas by PCR. Therefore, these results suggest the possibility that papillomas of the UDT are not necessarily associated with BPV infection.

Primary hepatic neoplasms in cattle

“…Among neoplasms, metastatic carcinomas of different primary sources (squamous epithelium, pulmonary, and endometrial cells) and lymphoma should be included. Infectious or parasitic diseases such as degenerate hydatid cysts and tuberculosis (Cullen & Stalker 2016, Kamelli et al 2016, Brown et al 2017, Faccin et al 2018) may be considered as possible candidates for a gross dispute over a definitive diagnosis. In some cases, histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical evaluation should be used for differentiation.…”

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma in the horse: Seven cases (2009–2019)

“…1982; Faccin et al . 2018), and in horses, parasite infestation with Gasterophilus spp could trigger a chronic irritation of the stomach (Tennant et al . 1982; Taylor et al .…”

Ptaquiloside and Pterosin B Levels in Mature Green Fronds and Sprouts of Pteridium arachnoideum

“…The syndromes that can result from Pteridium ingestion include cyanide intoxication, thiamine deficiency, progressive retinal degeneration, acute hemorrhagic syndrome or hemorrhagic diathesis, bovine enzootic hematuria, and upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma. In Brazil, only the last three syndromes have been reported in cattle [3][4][5]. In addition to poisoning the cattle, the consumption of the plant by these animals presents a potential risk for humans, since residues of ptaquiloside can be found in milk [6][7][8] and meat [9,10].…”

“…In addition to poisoning the cattle, the consumption of the plant by these animals presents a potential risk for humans, since residues of ptaquiloside can be found in milk [6][7][8] and meat [9,10]. Several chemical compounds have been identified in Pteridium ferns, the main one being a norsesquiterpenoid glycoside called ptaquiloside, which has been implicated in cattle poisoning and human cancer [3,4]. Ptaquiloside has proven carcinogenic activity: under alkaline conditions, the ptaquiloside is converted into dienone, a reactive compound capable of forming DNA adducts [11,12].…”

“…Cases of bovine enzootic hematuria and upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma are both frequent occurrences in Brazil, whereas only bovine enzootic hematuria is noted with any frequency around the world [3][4][5]. The reason for the high frequency of occurrences of upper alimentary squamous cell carcinoma in Brazil is not known.…”