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.

Role of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of CCL4 Induced Liver Fibrosis in Albino Rats: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Variety of pathological factors including viral hepatitis, alcohol and drug abuse, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases and congenital abnormalities can cause hepatic injury. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage liver diseases, however, it faces several difficulties. So the aim of the work is to evaluate the effect of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on the liver structure in carbon tetra chloride CCL4 induced liver fibrosis in rats. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: BM-MSCs were isolated and characterized from long bones of twenty male albino rats. Sixty female rats were divided into the following two groups: Group I; thirty rats which were the control group. Group II; thirty rats were injected intra-peritoneal (IP) by CCL4 twice weekly for four weeks and was further subdivided into the following three subgroups: Subgroup IIA (CCL4 alone); included ten rats which were sacrificed after this four weeks. Subgroup IIB (CCL4/MSCs); included ten rats which were IP injected by a single dose of BM-MSCs and were sacrificed after four weeks. Subgroup IIC (CCL4/recovery); included ten rats which were left for another four weeks without any intervention. Histological examination of liver specimens showed that CCl4 caused variable pathological changes with elevated liver enzymes. Injection of BM-MSCs revealed an improvement in the histological picture of the liver and its enzymatic profile. On the other hand, most of the pathological lesion were still detected in rats of recovery group. CONCLUSIONS: BM-MSC could restore the liver structure and function in experimental model of liver fibrosis.

Histological study on the effect of garlic extract on the coronary arteries in male albino rat following high cholesterol diet

Twenty five male albino rats were used in the current study to evaluate the role of garlic extract in management of coronary artery changes that result on top of intake of high cholesterol diet. The animals were divided into 5 equal groups. Group I was a control group. Group II was given garlic extract orally. Group III allowed high cholesterol diet in the form of egg yolk. Group IV received garlic extract concomitantly with the high cholesterol diet [HCD]. Group V was given high cholesterol diet, then the diet was stopped and garlic extract was allowed for 2 weeks. After the end of the experiment the left side of the heart was dissected out. The specimens were possessed sections were cut and stained by H and E, aldehyde fuchsin and oil red-O stain. Blood samples were collected for measuring of blood cholesterol level. Following intake of high cholesterol diet accumulation of fat was observed in the intima and media. There was highly significant increase in the intimal and medial thickness. The internal elastic lamina was seen to be disorganized and discontinous in some areas. The endothelium of the intima showed localized areas of hyperplasia and there was adherence of blood elements to it. Giving garlic extract concomitantly with high cholesterol diet resulted in a histological picture of the coronary arteries more or less similar to that of the control group. When garlic was given after stopping of the high cholesterol diet, the histological picture of the coronary arteries did not show a significant improvement. In view of the previous results it could be concluded that garlic could be used as a protective agent against the changes produced by high cholesterol diet on the coronary arteries. It's role in treatment was not as that when used as a prophylactic measure