Veterinary Anatomical Pathology has long been recognized as a discipline closely associated with the diagnosis of animal diseases in clinical settings. However, its role extends far beyond routine diagnostics. Through a comparative pathology approach, the field can evaluate disease mechanisms across species, providing a foundation for validating animal models of human diseases, assessing drug safety, and preventing zoonotic diseases. The One Health concept, now a leading paradigm in global health, was originally advanced by pathology experts who recognized the fundamental similarities in pathological processes across species.
“Veterinary Anatomical Pathology serves as a crucial bridge connecting basic laboratory findings with clinical applications in humans,” said Professor Sitarina Widyarini from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM), during her inauguration as Professor of Veterinary Anatomical Pathology. The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday (Jun. 9) at the UGM Senate Hall.
In her inaugural address, titled “Jembatan Emas Diagnostik dan Inovasi: Peran Patologi Anatomi Veteriner dallam Riset Biomedis” (The Golden Bridge of Diagnostics and Innovation: The Role of Veterinary Anatomical Pathology in Biomedical Research), Professor Widyarini noted that one of the discipline’s most tangible contributions lies in comparative oncology, the study of cancer across species.
Cancers that occur spontaneously in pet dogs share striking biological similarities with human cancers, including patterns of metastasis, molecular profiles, and responses to chemotherapy. Unlike mouse cancer models, which are generally induced artificially, canine cancers develop naturally within an intact immune system and exhibit tumor heterogeneity that reflects the complexity of disease in human patients.
“Studies of spontaneously occurring cancers in pet dogs provide an appropriate model for understanding, diagnosing, and managing cancer cases in humans,” she said.
According to Professor Widyarini, Veterinary Anatomical Pathology experts also play a critical role in addressing pandemics and global infectious disease threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, veterinary pathologists worked rapidly to characterize pathological changes in various animal species to determine which models most accurately represented COVID-19 in humans. These pathologically validated animal models enabled the rapid evaluation of mRNA vaccine efficacy and antiviral drugs such as remdesivir.
“These findings directly supported clinical decisions regarding the use of remdesivir in human COVID-19 patients,” Professor Widyarini explained.
In addition, she presented several of her research studies validating the potential of Indonesia’s natural resources as preventive and therapeutic agents for disease. One example is her research on Equol, a compound produced by the gut microbiota through the metabolism of soybean isoflavones, which has been experimentally shown to inhibit the progression of skin cancer induced by ultraviolet radiation exposure.
Furthermore, proteins derived from Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as the four o’clock flower, have been shown to induce regression of skin tumors and reduce the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in animal models.
“Indonesia stands as one of the world’s megabiodiversity epicenters, holding limitless biopharmaceutical potential,” she said.
Other translational research projects based on local natural resources highlighted by Professor Widyarini include the potential of canna (Canna indica) tubers as chemopreventive agents against colon cancer, arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) for breast cancer prevention through autophagy modulation, and the green algae Ulva lactuca, which has been shown to protect cardiac tissue from damage caused by myocardial infarction.
Plantain (Plantago major) and breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) leaves have also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in models of rheumatoid arthritis and acute inflammation. According to Professor Widyarini, these findings provide an important scientific foundation before therapeutic agents advance to human clinical trials.
Entering the digital era, Professor Widyarini highlighted the transformation of Veterinary Anatomical Pathology through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular pathology. Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) technology converts histopathological specimens into high-resolution digital data, enabling pathologists from different countries to review the same specimens simultaneously and reach a diagnostic consensus.
Furthermore, AI algorithms can now detect microscopic metastases, automatically calculate mitotic indices, and identify morphological patterns associated with disease prognosis.
“The synergy between molecular pathology and artificial intelligence is a key element in the development of precision medicine,” she added.
Professor Widyarini concluded by emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening Veterinary Anatomical Pathology curricula so that they go beyond morphological diagnostics and integrate molecular biology. Future veterinary pathologists must be able to communicate effectively with clinicians and basic scientists while comprehensively interpreting molecular data in the context of tissue morphology. The implementation of animal welfare principles and strict research ethics standards, she stressed, is also non-negotiable.
“By combining the tradition of meticulous morphological observation with innovations in digital and molecular technologies, this discipline continues to expand our understanding of life, disease, and universal health in both animals and humans,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Donnie