Purification, Characterization and Anti-psoriasis Effects of Polysaccharides from Dictamnus dasycarpus / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To extract crude polysaccharides from Dictamnus dasycarpus (DDP) for separation and purification, and study its anti-psoriasis effect. Method::After interception of DDP with a molecular weight of less than 10 kDa (DDP-UF) using membrane separation technology, four components (DDP-UF-1, DDP-UF-2, DDP-UF-3, DDP-UF-4) were isolated and purified by DEAE-52 cellulose column. Then, the physical and chemical properties and structural characteristics of DDP-UF-1-4 samples were determined by infrared spectroscopy, high performance gel permeability chromatography (HPGPC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Imiquimod cream was selected to induce mouse models of psoriasis, diethylstilbestrol was used to induce vaginal epithelial cell proliferation in female mice, interleulein-17(IL-17) and IL-23 contents of serum in each mouse group were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and skin tissues of the mouse back and vaginal epithelial cells had mitotic index changes by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE). Result::DDP-UF-1-4 all exhibited the characteristic absorption peaks of polysaccharide, and the molecular weights of DDP-UF-1-4 were 10 948, 40 148, 32 222 and 19 943 Da, respectively. The monosaccharide compositions and mole ratios of DDP-UF-1-4 were mannose-glucose-galactose(32.45∶11.35∶8.69), mannose-rhamnose-glucuronic acid-glucose-xylose(25.68∶23.44∶21.62∶18.86∶3.68), mannose-rhamnose-glucuronic acid-galacturonic acid-xylose-galactose(18.68∶4.61∶3.89∶1.65∶5.36∶6.21), glucuronic acid-galacturonic acid-glucose-xylose-galactose(11.63∶15.26∶5.32∶2.08∶3.46), respectively. SEM showed that the morphological structures of DDP-UF-1-4 were flaky or spongy. The drug groups of DDP-UF-1 and DDP-UF-3 improved the skin condition of the psoriasis mice back, inhibited mitosis of female vaginal epithelial cells and significantly reduced the contents of IL-17 and IL-23 in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion::Both DDP-UF-1 and DDP-UF-3 have good anti-psoriasis effects, which may be related to the inhibition of IL-23/IL-17 signaling pathway.

Envejecimiento del sistema urogenital y disfunción sexual femenina / Aging of the urogenital system and female sexual dysfunction

Resumen El sistema genitourinario presenta una serie de cambios micro y macroanatómicos desde el nacimiento, pasando por la pubertad, período reproductivo y por último con la menopausia, en la cual, se desarrolla un conjunto de síntomas sistémicos que incluyen los vasomotores, del sueño, cognitivos, del estado de ánimo y cambios sexuales, asociados a la presencia de disminución de la lubricación, estrechamiento y distensibilidad vaginal, atrofia vaginal, entre otros, que llevan a presentar una clínica de dispareunia, prurito, resequedad, además de síntomas urinarios. Su examinación conlleva la realización de una historia clínica, examen físico y ginecológico. Para confirmar los cambios se puede hacer una medición de pH y una citología para determinar un índice de maduración vaginal. Cuando estos síntomas se asocian a angustia y molestia se puede estar ante un caso de disfunción sexual, del cual se conocen factores de riesgo para su presencia como la edad como tal, problemas de pareja, estado de salud, autoestima, entre otros. Es por esto que a razón del tratamiento es importante hacer un abordaje interdisciplinario.

Abstract The genitourinary system presents a series of micro and macroanatomical changes from birth, through puberty, reproductive period and finally with menopause, in which a set of systemic symptoms are developed, including vasomotor, sleep, cognitive, mood and sexual changes, associated with the presence of decreased lubrication, narrowing and vaginal distensibility, vaginal atrophy, among others, leading to clinical symptoms of dyspareunia, pruritus, dryness, and urinary symptoms. Its examination involves the realization of a clinical history, physical and gynecological examination. To confirm the changes, a pH measurement can be made and a cytology to determine a vaginal maturation index. When these symptoms are associated with anguish and discomfort, there may be a case of sexual dysfunction, of which there are known risk factors for their presence such as age as such, couple problems, health status, self-esteem, among others. That is why, as to treatment, it is important to make an interdisciplinary approach.

Vaginal Mucosa – A Promising Site for Drug Therapy.

The vagina provides a promising site for local effect as well as systemic drug delivery because of its large surface area, rich blood supply, avoidance of the first-pass effect, relatively high permeability to many drugs and self-insertion. The pharmaceuticals currently used for vaginal delivery includes those that provide protection against viral infections, including Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infection (STDs). The anti infectives used in treatment of vulvovaginal infection, and vaginitis includes chemicals, for example, clotrimazole, miconazole, clindamycin, sulfonamide and probiotics. Currently, there is a variety of pharmaceutical products available on the market designed for intravaginal therapy (tablets, creams, suppositories, pessaries, foams, solutions, ointments, intravaginal rings, films and gels). However, their efficacy is often limited by a poor retention at the site of action due to the self-cleansing action of the vaginal tract. The vaginal cell lining is covered with a viscous and elastic gel. The physicochemical properties of this gel can influence the rate of diffusion from the bulk to the site of absorption. The choice of absorption model depends totally on the questions to be answered with respect to the test compound being studied. Having studied this review, thus one should able to: understand the anatomy and physiology of the vagina as site of drug administration; understand the pharmaceuticals preferred for administration via vagina; understand the different vaginal delivery system; understand the in vitro models to study vaginal permeability.

Citología y análisis morfométrico de las células del epitelio vaginal durante el ciclo estral en ovejas de pelo (Ovis aries) / Citology and morphometric analysis of epithelial cells from the vagina of hair sheep ewes (Ovis aries) during their estrous cycle

La citología vaginal puede usarse para caracterizar estados del ciclo reproductivo de la hembra. Sin embargo, no ha sido validada en ovinos de pelo, y ofrece resultados inexactos debido a interpretaciones subjetivas. El objetivo del presente trabajo es tipificar las características morfológicas y morfométricas de las células epiteliales de la vagina durante el ciclo estral en ovinos de pelo. Cinco borregas Santa Cruz se sincronizaron con esponjas intravaginales. Desde el día del 1er celo posterior al retiro de la esponja y hasta el siguiente celo, se obtuvieron muestras diarias del epitelio vaginal de cada oveja, y se cuantificó el número de células parabasales, intermedias y superficiales, y se midió la longitud, perímetro y área de citoplasma y núcleo de cada una. Los resultados muestran que las células superficiales incrementan (P<0,05) durante el estro en comparación con el diestro. En contraste, el número de células parabasales e intermedias es mayor (P<0,05) durante el diestro que en el estro. Las células más grandes (36,11+/-0,38 µm) y núcleos más pequeños (8,46+/-0,12 µm) se encontraron durante el estro, independientemente del tipo de célula, mientras que citoplasmas más pequeños (26,72+/-0,11 µm) y núcleos más grandes (10,48+/-0,02 µm) se observaron durante el diestro. Se concluye que la morfología de las células epiteliales de la vagina de la oveja de pelo coincide con las variaciones encontradas en otras hembras, y que el tamaño de citoplasmas y núcleos presenta un patrón cíclico que puede utilizarse para determinar de manera objetiva la etapa del ciclo estral de la oveja.

Vaginal cytology can be used to characterize stages of the reproductive cycle of the female. However, it has not been validated in hair sheep, and generates inaccurate results due to subjective interpretations. Thus, the purpose of the present work is to typify morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the epithelial cells from the vagina during the estrous cycle of hair sheep. Five Saint Croix ewes were synchronized with intravaginal sponges. Day zero of the cycle was considered the day of first estrus after sponge withdrawal. From this day until next estrus, samples from the vaginal epithelium were obtained daily from each ewe. The number of basal, intermediate and superficial cells was quantified, and length, perimeter, and area from cytoplasm and nucleus were obtained. The results show that the number of superficial cells increase (P<0.05) during estrus and decrease during the rest of the cycle. In contrast, the number of basal and intermediate cells showed an inverse pattern. The largest cells (36.11+/-0.38 µm) and smallest nucleuses (8.46+/-0.12 µm) were present during estrus, regardless of the cell type, while the smallest cells (26.72+/-0.11 µm) and larger nucleuses (10.48+/-0.02 µm) were observed during diestrus. It was concluded that citology of the epithelial cells from the vagina of hair ewes is in accord with changes found in other female spices, and that cytoplasm and nucleus sizes display a cyclic pattern that might be used to objectively determine the specific estrous cycle phase of the ewes.

Estudio comparativo entre las características citológicas de los epitelios nasal, faríngeo y vaginal en mujeres adultas jóvenes / Comparative study of cytological characteristics of the nasal, pharygeal and vaginal epithelium in young adult women

Determinar y comparar las características citológicas de los epitelios nasal, faríngeo y vaginal en mujeres adultas jóvenes. Estudio prospectivo y transversal de 35 mujeres no embarazadas, entre 18 y 35 años de edad, durante el período comprendido entre el 01 de enero al 01 de julio de 2004; que ingirieron o no anticonceptivos orales y a quienes se les estudiaron las citologías de los epitelios vaginal, faríngeo y nasal, según el porcentaje de índice de maduración de células exfoliadas y la cuantificación sérica de estrógeno y progesterona. En el Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología Hospital Chiquinquirá de Maracaibo, Estado Zulia. Se determinó que no existe diferencia significativa entre la celularidad de los epitelios estudiados. Se estableció que existe buena correlación entre las células superficiales e intermedias de los frotis de vagina, faringe y nariz durante las fases del ciclo menstrual, en todas las mujeres, aun en las que recibieron píldoras anticonceptivas. Los niveles de estrógenos y progesterona tuvieron concordancia con las fases del ciclo, con el porcentaje y tipo de células exfoliadas. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que los epitelios nasales y faríngeos responden al influjo de hormonas ováricas similarmente como ocurre en la vagina y que estos métodos pueden ser aplicados en condiciones de difícil acceso a laboratorios hormonales o en pacientes vírgenes o con atresia/agenesia vaginal y niñas

To determine and compare the cytological characteristics of nasal, pharyngeal and vaginal epitheliums in young adult women. A prospective and transversal study of 35 non pregnant women of 18 to 35 years old during the period January 1, 2004 - November 2004; some on contraceptives pills, were studied by analysis of smear of nasal, pharyngeal and vaginal trough maturation index of exfoliated cells and serum level of estrogen and progesterone. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Chiquinquira, Maracaibo, Estado Zulia. Venezuela. It was established that exists a good correlation between the superficial and intermediate cells in the different phases of the menstrual cycle and those who received oral contraceptives and the group that did not. Is established that there are correlation between the cells when compared vaginal-pharynx and vaginal-nose, in both groups. The serum levels of estrogen and progesterone were accorded to the cycle phases and with the percentage of cells in both, medicated and non medicated patients. Ours results demonstrate that the nasal and pharyngeal epitheliums respond to ovarian hormones, similar to what occurs in the vagina. It is recommended to use this method in those patients where it is need to investigate the endocrine status and where it is difficult to reach the vagina: nubile girls, vaginal agenesis, imperforate hymen; or where there is not a endocrine laboratory near

Liquid-base cytology: a new method for oestral cycle study in wistar's rats

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was the standardization of a collection technique and staining in liquid-base that allies the pratical and cytological wealth, making possible a larger reproductibility and microscopic easiness. METHODS: Female wistar rats (n=20) were submitted to the daily vaginal collection in saline and fastened washed (ether/alcohol) and stained in suspension with a solution of Evans Blue 0.025%. The sample was pondered by centrifugation and observed under lens of 40 x. RESULTS: The stained smears allowed clear differentiation of the phases of hormonal cycle (diestrus, proestrus, estrus and metestrus); besides the differentiation of the cellular types in relation to its maturation degree having as parameters the cellular size, nucleus / cytoplasm relationship (NCR) and ink reaction. The study demonstrated the existence of three basic cellular patterns: cells with low NCR, accentuated cyanophily and small size; cells with increment in NCR, cyanophilic loss and larger volume cytoplasmatic and without nuclei keratinization cells in squamous aspect. CONCLUSION: The staining of the material allowed, besides the cytological classification, the quantification possibility that would result in a perfected accompaniment of the cycle estrous.

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi à padronização de uma técnica de coleta e coloração em meio líquido que alie a praticidade e a riqueza citológica, possibilitando uma maior reprodutividade e facilidade microscópica. MÉTODOS: Ratas wistar (n=20) foram submetidas à coleta vaginal diária em salina e o lavado fixado (éter/álcool) e corado em suspensão com solução de azul de Evans 0,025%. A amostra foi concentrada por centrifugação e observado sob objetiva de 40 x. RESULTADOS: Os esfregaços corados permitiram nítida diferenciação das fases do ciclo hormonal (diestro, proestro, estro e metaestro); além da diferenciação dos tipos celulares em relação ao seu grau de maturação tendo como parâmetros o tamanho celular, relação núcleo / citoplasma (RNC) e reação tintorial. O estudo demonstrou a existência de três padrões celulares básicos: células com baixa RNC, acentuada cianofília e pequeno tamanho; células com acréscimo na RNC, perda de cianofilia e maior volume citoplasmático e células queratinizadas anucleadas em aspecto de escama. CONCLUSÃO: A coloração do material permitiu, além da classificação citológica, a possibilidade de quantificação o que resultaria em um acompanhamento mais acurado do ciclo estral.

Fine Structure and Glycoconjugate Complex Pattern of the Rat Vaginal Epithelium during Pregnancy / 대한해부학회지

The present study is designed to study the light and electron microscopic structure of the rat vaginal epithelium during pregnancy. Furthermore, lectin histochemistry is used to know the changes of the terminal sugar of the glycoconjugate in the vaginal epithelium during pregnancy. The 0 day of pregnacy is defined as the day of presence of sperm in a vaginal smear. At 0 day of pregnancy, most of cells are flat in morphology except basal cell. Lightly-stained superficial cells had few cell organelles, and all the other cells had many intermediate filament bundles, microvilli-like processes and desmosomes. During pregnancy, the thickness of the vaginal epithelium was increased. The morphology of the mucous cells are changed from a cuboidal shape to a columnar one. The intermediate filament bundles are decreased in the mucous cell after first week of pregnancy. Lectin histochemistry showed the presence of alpha-L-fucose, alpha-D-galactose, beta(1, 4)-N-acetylglucosamine, alpha-D-N-acetylgalactosamine and galactosyl-beta(1, 4)-N-acetylglucosamine in the mucous cells. The basal cells also contained the same terminal sugars except galactosyl-beta(1, 4)-N-acetylglucosamine. Approaching to the birthday, the thickening of the mucous layer of the vaginal epithelium suggests that the mucous containing several glycoconjugates may play an important role to make the appropriate environment in the vaginal lumen during pregnancy and parturition.

Glycoconjugate Histochemistry of Rat Vaginal Epithelium During the Estrous Cycle / 체질인류학회지

Estrous cycle -related histological and histochemical changes in the vaginal epithelium of mature female rats were studied with PAS (periodic acid Schiff) alcian blue pH 2.5 and biotinylated lectins (DBA, SBA, PNA, BSL -1, sWGA, UEA -1, RCA -1, Con A and LCA).The prominent characteristic changes that occured during the estrous cycle were mucinous transformation in proestrus and cornification in estrus. In proestrus, the superficial mucinous cells of the epithelium were increased in number and enlarged in size, and the amount of acid and neutral mucosubstances was more increase in proestrus than in diestrus and metestrus. About the binding pattern of all lectins examined to the superficial mucinous cells, in diestrus, the binding pattern of these cells showed a similar affinity as in metestrus with intense DBA and UEA -1 reactivity. In proestrus, however, these cells were reactive with seven lectins examined except LCA and PNA, and DBA, SBA, BSL -1, RCA -1 and UEA -1 reacted more strongly than in diestrus and metestrus. In estrus, the superficial cornified cell layers showed a weak reactivity of SBA, BSL -1 and PNA. In diestrus and metestrus, the mucinous cells in the intermediate layers of the basal portion of vaginal fold stained with eight lectins examined except LCA and showed the same binding pattern to the superficial mucinous cells. About the distribution of glycoconjugates in the intermediate layer, the upper spindle cells showed different binding pattern according to the estrous stages. In diestrus, estrus, and metestrus, these cells showed a affinity for all lectins examined. In proestrus, however, DBA and PNA staining were not observed, and stained more intensely with sWGA, SBA and UEA -1, and less intensely with BSL -1 and RCA - 1. In estrus, DBA and PNA reactivity reappeared as trace, and RCA -1 and sWGA reactivity increased. In metestrus, sWGA reactivity reduced and BSL -1 and UEA -1 increased continually. The lower rounded cells of the intermediate layers stained with all lectins examined in estrus, with six lectins examined except Con A, DBA and UEA -1 in proestrus and with five lectins examined except DBA, UEA -1, sWGA and BSL -1 in diestrus and metestrus. BSL -1 reactivity for the layers increased in proestrus, estrus and metestrus, and PNA reactivity increased in estrus and reduced in metestrus. The basal layer of the vaginal epithelium showed different binding pattern to the different portion of vagina, and showed faint staining of BSL -1, SBA and RCA -1, and moderately staining of BSL -1 in proestrus and estrus. In conclusion, alpha /-N -acetyl -D -galactosamine, alpha /-D -galactose and alpha -L -fucose participate in the mucinous transformation of the vaginal epithelium, and beta -N -acetyl -D -glucosamine participates in the cornification of the vaginal epithelium.

Keratinization of rat vaginal epithelium. II. Immunofluorescence study on keratin filaments in cycling and estrogen primed rats.

Rat vaginal epithelial layers from animals in different phases of the estrous cycle showed positive immunofluorescence when treated with either monoclonal antibody to intermediate filaments or immunoglobulin G fraction of antiserum raised against epidermal keratin filaments. During estrus, the intensity of fluorescence observed was maximum in the keratinized cellular layers. In estradiol-primed immature and ovariectomized rats the maximum fluorescence intensity was observed in the layers immediately lining the lumen. However, basal layers in ovariectomized rats also showed some fluorescence. Data presented in this communication indicate that the abundance of keratin filaments in vaginal epithelial cells can be modulated by altering the level of estradiol in the system.