Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in a Rabbit Corneal Alkali Burn Model (A Histological and Immune Histo-chemical Study)

BACKGROUND: Alkali-burned corneas can seldom heal properly to restore corneal transparency. Treatment of this severe disorder of the ocular surface remains a challenge. AIM OF THE WORK: was to investigate whether systemically transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) can promote corneal wound healing after alkali burn. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty five male New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups. Group I; the control group was sham operated. Group II; corneal alkali burn was created. Group III; underwent corneal alkali burn then treated with BM-MSCs. All corneas were collected after fourteen and twenty eight days. Evaluation using H&E, PAS & alkaline phosphatase reaction was carried out. Immune histo-chemical staining for CD44 and vimentin was performed as well. RESULTS: the corneal epithelium of (Group II) showed marked alterations. Vascularization, cellular infiltration and irregularity of the collagen fibers were also seen in the substantia propria. Increase in the thickness of the Descemet's membrane was noticed as well. On the other hand, at the time of 28 days, Group III rabbits showed best histological results with nearly healed corneas compared to other groups. Meanwhile, vimentin was more strongly expressed in Group III assessing the differentiating ability of BM-MSCs. CONCLUSION: BM-MSCs could effectively promote corneal alkali burn healing.

Effect of high salt loading on the retina of adult male rats with special reference to aquaporin 1: a histological and immunohistochemical study

In the retina, glial cells control ionic concentrations by mediation of transmembrane water fluxes through aquaporin [AQP] water channels. The risk factor of a high-salt diet on renal and cardiovascular systems is pretty well known. However, it is not yet known whether a high-salt diet alone can affect the retina. The aim of this study was to determine whether a high-salt diet alone can induce changes in the retina and whether it may be accompanied by changes in the expression and immunolocalization of water channel aquaporin1 [AQP1]. Forty-two adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three equal groups. Group I served as the control group. Rats in group II were administered 2 ml of a high-salt solution [8% NaCl concentration] once daily by means of a gastric tube. Group III was the recovery group. Retinal tissues were collected and examined by means of light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical analysis using AQP1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] antibodies was performed and the results were statistically analyzed. The retina of rats given a high-salt diet [group II] displayed obvious disorganization of the outer segment of photoreceptors, together with cytoplasmic vacuolations in the cells of the inner nuclear and ganglionic layers. Furthermore, significant increase in AQP1 and GFAP immunoexpression was detected. In the recovery group [group III] the retinae of some rats regained their normal histological appearance, whereas others failed to do so. High salt loading might alter glial cell-mediated water transport through AQP1 channels in the retina

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology means technological developments on a nanometer scale, usually 0.1-100nm. The application of nanotechnology in medicine offers impressive solutions for various life-threatening diseases. nanoparticle -carrying drugs can 'target' the drug to the parts of the body where it is needed, can escape uptake by the immune system and can cross biological barriers. Hence, providing reduced drug side effects and improved drug efficacy. With the advances in the field of nanotechnology, manufacture of nanorobot is expected to be created in the next 10 years. this automatic molecular machine can swim in human blood, can view full cellular details, can monitor levels of different compounds, and can store that information. This device can also be used to deliver drugs or perform wireless intracellular and intranuclear surgery. Nanotissue samples can be taken as well. Nanomedicine can hopefully conquer human disease, illhealth, and aging

Effect of microwave emission from mobile phones on the rat thalamus and the potential protective role of ascorbic acid: a light and electron microscopic study

Today, about half of the world's population, even at a very young age, owns microwaveproducing mobile phones. As mobile phones are held in close proximity to the head, the microwaves emitted may exert many effects on the brain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of long-term exposure to mobile phone emissions on the thalamic neurons and the integrity of its blood barrier. This study also aimed to investigate whether ascorbic acid could ameliorate microwave-induced thalamic changes. Forty adult male albino rats were used; they were divided into four equal groups. Group I served as a control group. In group II, rats were exposed to 0.043-0.135 W/kg for 42 days [4 h/day in the light]. The microwave radiation was produced by a mobile test phone [model NOKIA 3110]. Rats of group III were subjected to mobile waves as in group II and they concomitantly received oral ascorbic acid at a dose of 250 mg/kg/day. Group IV received ascorbic acid only. The thalamic neurons of wave-exposed animals showed significant morphological necrotic changes. Some appeared markedly vacuolated ; others were irregular in shape, with densely stained nuclei. Ultrastructurally, the cytoplasm of some neurons showed prominent cytoplasmic vacuolization. A significant decrease in the mean area percentage of tight junction protein occludin expression in thalamic microvessels was also detected. In contrast, sections obtained from rats of group III showed a significant improvement of the microwave-produced changes but never reverted to the same state as the controls. Chronic microwave exposure could have a marked effect on the thalamic neurons and its blood barrier. Administration of ascorbic acid resulted in a significant improvement, but it was not sufficient to gain a normal histological appearance

Outcome of anterior cervical discectomy with cage in cervical disc degeneration

This study evaluates the efficiency and outcome of interbody polyetheretherketone [PEEK] cage implantation in 50 consecutive cases treated, for cervical disc degeneration. This work was conducted in Assiut University Hospital, Neurosurgery Department over 3 ears duration from 2006 to 2009. Fifty patients with cervical disc disease, were treated with cervical discectomy and Cervical interbody fusion using a PEEK cage. PEEK cages were packed with demineralised bone grafts or synthetic bone grafts. Additional plating was not used in any case. The median duration of follow-up was 12 Months [range, 6-36 months]. Cervical x-rays were routinely used in the follow-up to assess the fusion pseudoarthrosis, kyphosis, cage migration, subsidence or breakage. There were 39 male and 11 female patients and the mean age 45 years [range, 30-60 years]. No implant insufficiency or significant complications was observed in any case. The use of a cervical PEEK cage seems to be a good way that does not require additional anterior plating and bone graft harvesting/or achieving cervical interbody replacement. Anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion is an effective treatment for radicular pain in selected patients with cervical disc disease after six months follow up. Because of similar clinical outcomes and lack of donor site morbidity when using PEEK, we now prefer fusion with PEEK cage to autologous iliac crest graft

Effect of chromium picotinate on histological skin alterations of streptozotocin - diabetic rats. a light and electron microscopic study

Chromium was believed to be an essential trace element in human nutrition. Evidence suggested that it played an important role in carbohydrate metabolism, mainly co-acting with insulin, improving glucose tolerance. It was also hypothesized that it could lower the risk of diabetic micro vascular complications. Was to evaluate the efficacy of chromium picolinate in ameliorating diabetes-induced histological skin alterations. Twenty five adult male albino rats were used in the current study. The rats were divided into two main groups, the control group [10 rats] and the diabetic group [15 rats]. The control group was divided in 2 equal subgroups. Group II in which diabetes was induced using streptozotocin [STZ] and was divided into 3 subgroups, 5 rats each. Subgroup ha formed of diabetic rats. Subgroup IIb formed of diabetic rats that received insulin. Subgroup IIc formed of diabetic rats that received insulin and chromium. The duration of experiment was 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, an area from dorsal thin skin was dissected out and prepared for H and E stain, electron microscopic study and immunohistochemistry for CD34 of vascular endothelial cells. Thin skin of subgroup ha showed significant reduction in the mean thickness of nucleated epidermal keratinocyles as compared to control. Most of epidermal cells appeared with deeply- stained shrunken nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significant reduction in CD34 area% of papillary and reticular vascular network. Ultra-thin sections revealed focal absence of hemidesmosonics. Disruption of desmosomes and widening in intercellular spaces were frequently detected. Treatment with chromium showed signs of improvement manifested by significant increase in thickness of nucleated keratinocytes and CD34 area% compared to subgroup Ila and llb, Most of keratinocytes preserved their LM and EM characteristic appearance. Chromium picolinate could play an important role in the long term protection of skin affection that might result from diabetes mellitus

Structural changes of the colonic mucosa induced by orlistat experimental study

Orlistat, an anti-obesity drug, is a lipase inhibitor which increases fecal fat excretion. Many workers had reported the harmful consequences of increased fecal fat excretion on colonic mucosa. So the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Orlistat in presence of other risk factors [directly related to colon carcinogenesis] as high fat diet and colon carcinogen di-methyl hydrazine on the structure of rat colonic mucosa and cell proliferation evaluated by the PCNA index. The study included 50 male albino rats, which were divided into 5 equal groups. Group 1 served as a control group. Group II received high fat diet alone. Group III received high fat diet and Orlistat [32 mg/ kg] orally for 5 weeks. Group IV were subcutaneously injected by two doses of the carcinogen di-methyl hydrazine [DMH] [25mg/kg] together with high fat diet. While rats of group V received Orlistat, di-methyl hydrazine [DMH] and high fat diet. Histological examination of the colonic mucosa revealed presence of 3 types of structurally-altered crypts. The first type appeared with dilated lumen [typical aberrant crypt]. This type was significantly recognized in group II and III. However, insignificant difference in incidence of aberrant crypts and cell proliferation evaluated by PCNA index was encountered between group II and III. The second type of crypt alteration [hyperplastic aberrant crypt], appeared having a serrated luminal configuration, distended goblet cells and proliferating epithelial foci that might partially or totally occluded the lumen. The third type [dysplastic aberrant crypt] exhibited few goblet cells and/or crowded nuclei with variability in their shape and increase in their length together with frequent mitotic figures. Significant increase in number of hyperplastic and dysplastic aberrant crypts as well as PCNA index was detected in group V compared to group IV, determining the potentiating effect of Orlistat. Long-term use of Orlistat in presence of risk factors, as high fat diet and other predisposing factor for cancer colon, was associated with severe crypt alterations and enhancement of colonic proliferative capacity, putative biomarkers of colon cancer

Effect of aspartame on the frontal cortex of adult male albino rats. a light and electron microscopic study

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener added to 9,000 food and drink products. Studies and investigations are thus important to prove or disapprove the existing fears concerning aspartame. Was to evaluate, the toxic effects of long term aspartame administration on the frontal cortex. And to investigate whether immunostaining for neuron-specific enolase [NSE] and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], could help as valuable markers for evaluating neuronal and glial response to aspartame-induced injury. Fifteen adult male albino rats were used; the rats were divided into three equal groups. Group I served as a control group. Group II received aspartame orally in a dose of 250mg/ kg/day] for 8 weeks. Group III received aspartame as in group II, but rats were then left for 4 weeks to recover. Pyramidal cells of animals receiving aspartame showed significant morphological necrotic changes and appeared darkly stained or vacuolated. irregular in shape with pyknotic or faint nuclei. Ultra structurally, the cytoplasm of pyramidal cells showed prominent vacuolization, mitochondria with indistinct cristae. Neurons in aspartame group were statistically significantly less stained by anti-NSE antibody than control group. A significant increase in the number of UFAP immunoreactive astrocytes was also detected. Whereas. sections obtained from rats of group Ill showed significant improvement of the aspartanle produced changes but never returned to control ones. The results of tl1e study demonstrated that the content of NSE of neurons and the number of GFAP [+] astrocytes could serve as molecular markers for neuronal injury, regeneration and astrocytic proliferation, respectively. Chronic aspartame ingestion could result in marked affection of the frontal cortex. Four weeks of cessation was not sufficient to obtain a normal histological appearance

comparative study of the effect of Budesonide versus prednisolone on adrenal gland of the male rabbit

Although oral glucocorticoids are the treatment of choice for moderate to severe pancolitis, their systemic side effects and adrenal suppression account for considerable morbidity. Budesonide is a new intestinal topical active glucocorticoid which displays high therapeutic efficacy and high systemic tolerability. To deliver the active drug to ileal and ileocecal area, Budesonide has been formulated into enterocapsule preparation. Several studies compared the efficacy of Budesonide with that of Prednisolone. However, few determined the extent of adrenocortical suppression occurring with both drugs on histological basis. In this work, fifteen adult male New Zealand albino rabbits were used. They were classified into three equal groups. Group I served as control. Group II included animals that received intragastrically one tablet of 5 mg prednisolone daily for four weeks. Group III included animals that received orally one capsule of entocort containing 3 mg budesonide every other day for four weeks. The adrenals were processed for histological and immunohistochemical study. In the present comparative study, evidence of adrenal suppression was significantly greater in the prednisolone group than in budesonide treated animals. Light microscopic examination of H and E stained sections of prednisolone group, revealed an apparent decrease in the size of zona fasciulata cells which was proved significant by morphometric study. Moreover, Oil red stained sections of group II demonstrated a relative decrease in cytoplasmic lipid content of both zona glomerulosa and fasciculata. Using chromaffin reaction, it was noticed that there was a relative increase in the number of nor-epinephrine cells than in group III. Immunohistochemical study showed that most of the nuclei of cells in zona fasciculata in group II were negatively stained for proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] which was further proved significant morphometrically using the PCNA index. Thus it was concluded that, the budesonide preparation is associated with much less impairment of adrenal axis function. Therefore, budesonide offers a useful advance in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Effect of aging on the reparative ability of rat gastric mucosa after acute injury

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aging on the regenerative capacity of the gastric mucosa after acute injury. This study was conducted on 36 male albino rats for the study of mucosal injury by using 2 M NaCI. The animals were equally divided into 3 subgroups aged 4, 12, 24 months. The animals in each subgroup were killed 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours after intake of NaCI. Paraffin sections were prepared from specimens of the gastric mucosa of rats and stained by Hx and E, PAS and Alcian blue/PAS. One hour postinjury, the gastric mucosa of young rats showed a lesion index of 70.1% and the grade of mucosal injury was classified as grade I. The gastric mucosa of old rats demonstrated a lesion index of 88.3%, and the mucosal injury was grade II. The gastric mucosa of senescent rats demonstrated a lesion index of 100% with mucosal injury of grade III. Six hours post-injury, the lesion index of young rat gastric mucosa was 10.7%, several areas of regeneration with groups of flattened cells covering most of the mucosal surface were observed and further expansion of the neck region was demonstrated. The gastric mucosa of old rats showed a lesion index of 26.5%, and regeneration was detected in some areas. In senescent rats, the lesion index was 74.9%, the neck region was expanded and the mucosal surface was still mostly exposed with no signs of regeneration. Twenty four hours post-injury, the mucosal surface of young rats showed complete regeneration with small, cubical cells having rounded nuclei. Partial re-establishment of the glandular structure pattern was also observed. On the other hand, the gastric mucosa of old rats showed a lesion index of 10.0%, and clumps of proliferating cells were seen covering most of the mucosal surface. The gastric mucosa of senescent rats showed a lesion index of 37% with only intermittent clusters of regenerating epithelial at the same time post-injury. Forty eight hours post-injury, the glandular structure of young rat gastric mucosa has been completely re-established and the regenerated epithelial cells appeared normal. The gastric mucosa of old rats also showed evidence of regeneration and partial re-establishment of the glandular architecture and gastric pits. However, gastric mucosa of senescent rats demonstrated a lesion index of 10.2%, partial healing with focal sites of healing failure and incompletely reestablished glandular architecture. Aging is associated with increased susceptibility of the gastric mucosa to injury and delayed repair process. Irritating foods and drugs such as NSAIs should be avoided in the elderly and if necessary, their dose should be adjusted and proper follow up should be provided to avoid severe gastric mucosal injuries

Evaluating levels of insulin like growth factor I, insulin like growth factor binding protein I and growth hormone in patients with chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis

Thirty-nine patients without diabetes mellitus and having chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis of different severities were studied. All patients were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examinations, liver profile, viral hepatitis markers [anti-HCV-Ab and HbsAg], HCV RNA by PCR, abdominal ultrasound and liver biopsy [if feasible]. Fasting levels of insulin-like growth factor I, insulin- like growth factor binding protein I, growth hormone as well as insulin hormone and blood glucose were measured in all patients and in a reference group of 12 healthy individuals. Data of the present study supported the prognostic value of IGF-I which may be useful in determining the prognosis of patients with post-hepatic cirrhosis, particularly those subjected to liver transplantation

Impact of exposure to cotton dust on pulmonary ventilatory functions in textile industry

In this study, the pulmonary ventilalory changes among workers exposed to cotton dust in textile industry were investigated. The study was conducted in Sharkia Company at Zagazig City in Sharkia Governorate. It included 2 groups. The first one was the group exposed to cotton dust [300 workers, randomly selected from the different cotton departments]. The second group included 100 workers who were randomly selected as a control group from security and management departments. Full clinical examination and measuring the pulmonary ventilatory functions before and after the work shift were carried out for both groups [in control group, the pulmonary functions were measured only once]. Also, dust concentrations were measured in different locations of the cotton mill. Considering the mean values of pulmonary ventilatory measurements it was found that workers in early cotton processings steps had pulmonary ventilatory values which were statistically significantly lower than those among the controls. But, in the late cotton processings steps where less dust was evolved, the workers had the same range of ventilatory values of the controls. Exposure to cotton dust had an acute effect on the pulmonary ventilatory functions with decrease of 10% or more in the post-shift readings compared to the pre-shift and the more the cotton dust concentration, the more was that effect. The longer the duration of exposure to cotton dust. The more the prevalence of post-shift lowering in pulmonary ventilatory functions. The difference between the smokers and non-smokers among workers exposed to cotton dust who had post-shift lowering in the pulmonary ventilatory functions was not statistically significant. But, considering the number of cigarettes smoked per day, the difference between both groups [smoked 20 cigarettes or less/day and smoked > 20 cig. /day] was statistically significant. Regarding dust concentration, the bale-breaking area had the highest concentration of cotton dust, while the spinning area had the lowest cotton dust concentration. There was significant positive correlation between dust concentration and percent of exposed workers with post-shift lowering in pulmonary ventilatory functions [indicating an acute effect]. Proper pre-employment medical examination to exclude workers with chest diseases and proper periodic medical examination at regular intervals [including chest examination and measuring ventilatory functions] were recommended. The duration of exposure to cotton dust must be reduced by periodic transfer of the workers from the dusty departments to less dusty areas. Methods of decreasing dust concentration must be applied with continuous environmental monitoring

Potentiometric and conductometric studies on some diphenyformazans and their metal chelates

The ACID dissociation constant pKa values of 1-aryl-5 -[o- hydroxybenzene]-3-benzoylformazan derivatives in ethanol- water mixtures have been determined pH-metrically at 25 +/- 0.2 degree. Increase in the concentration of ethanol results in the increase of pK for all formazan derivatives. The formation constant log kMML values of some lanthanide complexes were determined in 70% [v/v] ethanol. The potentiometric and conductometric studies revealed that 1: 1 and 1: 2 [metal: ligand] complexes were formed in solution. The correlation of the stability constants of complexes in relation to ionic radii, ionic potential and electronegativity of the lanthanides was discussed

Spectrophotometric studies of Ce [III], Th [IV] and U [VI] complexes with 8- [A-hydroxyphenylazo] -7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin

The complexes formed between 8-[o-hydroxyphenylazo]-7- hydroxy-4-methylocumarin [1] and Ce[3], Th[4] and U[6] were studied spectrophotometrically in solutions. The different complexes were characterized and their stoichiometric ratios were investigated. Methods for the spectrophotometric determination of these metals and spectrophotometric titrations using EDTA were reported. The effect of the presence of several metal ions was also reported

Studies on the dissociation constants of some substituted coumarin azo dyes in mixed solvents

In order to shed light on the effect of different mixed solvents and temperatures on the dissociation of hydroxy coumarins, the pka values of a number of substituted 8-[arylazo]-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarins were determined pH-metrically in the presence of some water miscible organic solvents. The effect of solvent polarity on pka values was discussed. Increase in the concentration of organic solvent from 50 to 80% by volume results in the increase of pka for all azo coumarins was detected. The thermodynamic parameters, delta Go, delta Ho and delta So were also evaluated

Mixed ligand complexes of Al [III], In [III] and Ti [I] with 6, 7 dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin as primary ligand and some amino acids as secondary ligand

Formation constants [log KMA MAL] of the mixed ligand complexes of the type MAL [where M = Al[3], In[3] and Tl[1], A = 6,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and L = threonine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glycine and alanine] were determined pH metrically in ethanol-water mixture [30% v/v] at 25C and mu = 0.1 [mol dm-3 NaClO4] by using the extension of Irving-Rossotti technique to ternary systems. The formation of 1: 1: 1 [M: A: L] species was evidenced. The stability sequence with respect to metal ions were found to be Al[3] > In[3] > Tl[1]

Novel 1,2,4-trizolo [4,3-a] quinazolinones as potential Antimicrobial and antihistaminic agents

Several triazolo[4, 3-a] quinazolinones, bearing in the 1-position variously substituted thiadiazole ring, have been synthesized. Some of the products displayed a moderate antimicrobial activity and the preliminary testing of two products for antihistaminic properties indicated a significant activity