Methotrexate changes the testicular tyrosine phosphorylated protein expression and seminal vesicle epithelia of adult rats / El metotrexato cambia la expresión de la proteína testicular-tirosina fosforilada y el epitelio vesicular seminal en ratas adultas

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as a chemotherapy agent and immune system suppressant but its adverse effect on male reproductive system is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MTX on structure and functional proteins of testis and seminal vesicle. Adult male rats were divided into control and MTX groups (n =12). In 30 experimental days, the treated animals were injected with MTX (tail i.v., 75 mg/KgBW) at days 8 and 15. Then, the reproductive parameters and histology of both groups were examined. Thickness of seminal seminal vesicle epithelia was analyzed. Also, the expressions of testicular tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein were investigated. The results showed that MTX could significantly decrease epididymal sperm concentration. In addition, the germ cell degeneration, increased spaces of interstitial tissues, and low epididymal sperm mass density were observed in MTX group. The thickness of seminal vesicle epithelia in MTX group was significantly lower than that of control group. Moreover, the intensity of testicular phosphorylated proteins of 31, 32, 72, and 85 kDas was significantly increased while of 42 and 47 kDas in MTX group was decreased as compared to control. The expression of testicular StAR protein in MTX group was also significantly decreased as compared to the control. In conclusion, MTX affects testicular and seminal tissues and changes testicular functional proteins in adult rats.

El metotrexato (MTX) se usa comúnmente como agente de quimioterapia y supresor del sistema inmunitario, pero su efecto adverso en el sistema reproductor masculino sigue siendo limitado. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto del MTX sobre la estructura y las proteínas funcionales del testículo y la vesícula seminal. Ratas macho adultas se dividieron en grupos control y grupo con MTX (n = 12). En 30 días experimentales, a los animales tratados se les inyectó MTX (cola i.v., 75 mg / KgBW) los días 8 y 15. Luego, se examinaron los parámetros reproductivos y la histología de ambos grupos. Se analizó el espesor del epitelio de la vesícula seminal. Además, se investigaron las expresiones de la proteína tirosina testicular fosforilada y de la proteína reguladora aguda esteroidogénica (StAR). Los resultados mostraron que el MTX podría disminuir significativamente la concentración de espermatozoides epididimarios. Además, se observó la degeneración de las células germinales, el aumento de los espacios de los tejidos intersticiales y la baja densidad de masa del espermatozoide epididimal en el grupo de MTX. El grosor del epitelio de la vesícula seminal en el grupo MTX fue significativamente menor que el del grupo control. Además, la intensidad de las proteínas testiculares fosforiladas de 31, 32, 72 y 85 kDas aumentó significativamente, mientras que la de 42 y 47 kDas en el grupo MTX disminuyó en comparación con el control. La expresión de la proteína StAR testicular en el grupo MTX también se redujo significativamente en comparación con el control. En conclusión, el MTX afecta los tejidos testiculares y seminales y cambia las proteínas funcionales testiculares en ratas adultas.

Classification and incidence of pterion patterns of Thai skulls / Clasificación e incidencia de los patrones de pterion en cráneos de Tailandia

SUMMARY: The pterion, a landmark for neurosurgery, is the weakest part of the skull owing to relatively thin bone. Variant patterns of pterion can confuse the clinicians during diagnosis of the lateral skull fractures in emergency situations. Thedifferent pterion types of many races have been reported but not of Thais. In this study; therefore, we investigated the incidence of sutural pterion patterns on of Thai skulls. The infratemporal fossa of 110 sides from 55 dried skulls identified as Thais were observed and classified for individual pterion types. The results showed that the pterion patterns can be classified into 4 types; spheno-parietal (87.27 %), fronto-temporal (4.55 %), uni-epipteric (6.36 %), and multi-epipteric (1.82 %) types. It was found that the spheno-parietal type was dominant in males (61.81 %) than in females (25.45 %). The majority of the skulls showed bilateral symmetry (85.45 %) in all types and the unilateral ones were far less (14.55 %). In bilateral pterion incidence, the spheno-parietal type was approximately 93.61 % while the uni-epipteric type was not found. Moreover, the bilateral multi-epipteric type was found only in one female skull (2.13 %). These findings will be useful for the radiologists and the neurosurgeons concerning lateral skull fractures in emergency diagnosis.

RESUMEN: El pterion es un punto de referencia para la neurocirugía, y es la parte más débil del cráneo debido a estar conformado por hueso relativamente delgado. Los diversos patrones de pterion pueden confundir a los clínicos durante el diagnóstico de fracturas laterales de cráneo en situaciones de emergencia. Con excepción de los tailandeses, diferentes tipos de pterion se han reportado en muchas razas. hemos investigado la incidencia de diversos patrones de pterion en cráneos de Tailandia. Analizamos 110 fosas infratemporales, correspondientes a 55 cráneos secos del Noreste de Tailandia y se clasificaron de acuerdo al tipo de pterion. Los resultados mostraron que el pterion puede clasificarse en 4 tipos: esfeno-parietal (87,27 %), fronto-temporal (4,55 %), epiptérico (3,63 %) y multi-epiptérico (1,81 %). Se encontró que el tipo esfeno-parietal tuvo mayor incidencia en hombres (61,81 %) que en mujeres (25,45 %). Además, la incidencia de simetría bilateral (85,45 %) fue mayor que la unilateral (14,55 %). A nivel bilateral, el tipo esfeno-parietal fue de 93,61 %, mientras que el tipo epiptérico no se observó. Por otra parte, el tipo multiepiptérico fue encontrado bilateralmente en un solo cráneo femenino (2,13 %). Esta incidencia puede ser utilizada como un conocimiento básico para los radiólogos tailandeses sobre las fracturas laterales del cráneo en un diagnóstico de emergencia.

Curcumin Prevents Bile Canalicular Alterations in the Liver of Hamsters Infected with Opisthorchis viverrini

Opisthorchis viverrini infection causes inflammation and liver injury leading to periductal fibrosis. Little is known about the pathological alterations in bile canaliculi in opisthorchiasis. This study aimed to investigate bile canalicular alterations in O. viverrini-infected hamsters and to examine the chemopreventive effects of curcumin on such changes. Hamsters were infected with O. viverrini and one group of animals was fed with 1% dietary curcumin supplement. Animals were examined during the acute infection phase, days 21 and 30 post-infection (PI) and chronic infection phase (day 90 PI). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that in the infected group fed with a normal diet, bile canaliculi became slightly tortuous by 30 day PI and more tortuous at day 90 PI. Transmission electron microscopy showed a reduction in microvilli density of canaliculi starting at day 30 PI, with a marked loss of microvilli at day 90 PI. These ultrastructral changes were slightly seen at day 21 PI, which was similar to that found in infected animals fed with 1% curcumin-supplemented diet. Notably, curcumin treatment prevented the reduction of microvilli density, reduced the dilation of bile canaliculi, and decreased the tortuosity of the bile canaliculi relative to non-infected animals on a normal diet at days 30 and 90 PI. These results suggest that curcumin reduces alteration of bile canaliculi and may be a promising agent to prevent the onset of bile duct abnormalities induced by O. viverrini infection.

Length, Diameter and Variations in Types of Portal vein formations in Northeastern Thais

Background:  The portal vein is an intra-abdominal large vein.  It drains the venous blood from the abdominal and pelvic parts of the digestive tract and its associated glands including the spleen, pancreas and gallbladder.   Variations of its formation were previously reported in literatures. The anatomic dimensions of the portal vein and its variations of formation have not been established for Thais. Objectives of the present study is  determine the length, diameter and variations in  types of portal vein formations in Northeastern ThaisStudy design: A descriptive study based on anatomical dissection and morphometry.Setting: Gross Anatomy Laboratory Dissecting room at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Subjects:  Sixty five donated, embalmed Northeastern Thai cadavers (40 males; 25 females) ranging between 38 and 87 years of age at decease were used.  Methods: All cadavers were dissected in order to approach the portal veins, superior mesenteric, splenic and inferior mesenteric veins.  The length and diameter of each portal vein were measured by vernier caliper and recorded.  Variations of the portal vein formation in relation to the termination or point of entry of the inferior mesenteric veins were determined and recorded.Results: The average length and diameter of the portal veins was 6.61 + 0.93 cm and 1.18 + 0.23 cm respectively.  Of 65 cases, Type I of the portal vein, which was formed by the union of the superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein was found in 55 cases of 65 cases (84.61%).  The confluence of the superior mesenteric, splenic and inferior mesenteric veins to form the portal vein type II, occurred only in 10 cases  (15.39%).  Conclusions:  Our results demonstrated the average lengths (6.61 + 0.93 cm) and diameters (1.18 + 0.23 cm) of the portal vein and the possible anatomic differences of its formation among Northeastern Thais.  It was interesting to find that the superior mesenteric, splenic and inferior mesenteric veins join to form the portal vein occurred in 10 cases. 

Ultrastructure of tegumentary papillae of the excysted Opisthorchis viverrini metacercaria

Background: Opisthorchiasis, caused by liver fluke  Opisthorchis viverrini  is  endemic  in many countries of the Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Laos PDR, Cambodia and South Vietnam. It is a medically important fluke which causes several hepatobiliary diseases and cholangiocarcinoma.  The tegument of O. viverrini is served as the site for sensory input.  When the metacercaria infects to human, it excysts and migrates into bile ducts by creeping to pass the hepatopancreatic ampulla. The metacercaria might be equipped with some sensory perceptions. The tegumentary papillae may have a role for sensation. No detail of the ultrastructural of the tegumentary papillae of the O. viverrini has been studied.Objective:  To study the ultrastructure of the tegumentary papillae of newly excysted O. viverrini metacercariae by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Study design: Descriptive study based on morphological observation at the ultrastructureral level.Setting: Department of Anatomy and Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen  University, Thailand.Materials and Methods:  O.  viverrini metacercariae obtained from naturally infected cyprinoid fish in endemic area in Khon Kaen were excysted by suspending in 0.1% trypsin solution. The newly excysted metacercariae were processed and observed with a scanning and                  a transmission electron microscopes. Results: SEM studies of tegumentary papillae identified four types of papillae. Type I was a small conical papilla with long cilium (Fig. 1). Type II possessed short cilium and a larger conical papilla than type I (Fig. 2). Type III was characterized by grouping of 2-3 conical papillae on a dome-shaped base with variable length of the cilia (Fig. 3).  Type IV was non-ciliated conical papilla and found solely on inner lip of the oral and ventral suckers (Fig. 4). TEM observation revealed two types of tegumantary papillae, ciliated (type A) and non-ciliated (type B) papillae. Only one cilium was found in all ciliated tegumantary papillae. Based on morphology of tegumentary papillae and ultrastructures of the bulbous ending, the ciliated papillae were further divided into three subtypes (A1, A2 and A3).   In type B, there was an elevation of the tegument and the bulbous ending was lack communication with the external surface.Conclusions:  As seen by SEM, there were four types of tegumentary papillae of the excysted  O.  viverrini  metacercaria. By TEM observation, only two types of tegumentary papillae, uniciliated and non-ciliated were found. Based on internal structures of the bulbous ending, the uniciliated tegumentary  papillae  were further divided into  three subtypes . The evidence of a nerve process leading to the bulbous ending in the TEM study supported that these tegumentary papillae may consider to serve as  a structure for sensory perception. Only the type II papilla in SEM study and uniciliated papilla type A1 in TEM were both located in the outer lip of the oral sucker. Therefore, they might be the same type of papillae.Key words:  Opisthorchis viverrini, metaceraria, papillae, SEM, TEM 

Sacralization of the 5th lumbar vertebra in Thais

Background: The sacrum generally is composed of five vertebrae fused to form a triangular bony mass.  Numerous anatomical variations of the sacrum have been reported including many reports of sacralization of the fifth lumbar in different race. There has never been reported among Thais.Objective:   To determine the incidence of sacralization of the fifth lumbar vertebra among ThaisDesign:  Descriptive study based on numerical survey.Setting:  Bone Collection Unit, Department of Anatomy, faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, ThailandSubjects:  Included were 206 sacra from Thai skeletons, 114 males and 92 females between 26 and 90 years of age at death. Methods:  An anatomical study was done on the sacrum.  The sacra consisting of six vertebrae, by incorporation of the fifth lumbar, were selected. To confirm the lack of a fifth lumbar  vertebra, we re-counted the lumbar vertebrae belonging to the same skeleton of the selected sacrum.  The specimens were then carefully examined and recorded.Results:  We found 9 (4.4%) specimens with the 5th lumbar vertebra fused to the first segment of the sacrum, representing sacralization;  the incidence of which was 7 (6.1%) in males and 2 (2.1 %)  in females. The degree of sacralization varied: complete in four out of seven of the males and incomplete in the remaining three out of seven males and in the two females. Conclusions:  The present study shows that the incidence of sacralization of the 5th lumbar vertebra among Thai is about 4.4 %.  The knowledge of this anatomical variation could be useful for the preliminary consideration in  patient with low back problems.Key words: Anatomic variation, Sacral foramina, Sacrum