Does Retaining Ligament Exist in the Neck? / 체질인류학회지

The goal of this study was to determine the characteristics of the horizontal cervical wrinkle and to investigate histological feature, especially with respect to elastin and collagen fiber. Histologic sample were harvested from two fresh adult cadavers where the cervical wrinkle is in the neck. The tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) or Masson's Trichrome. In sections of neck skin, keratinization was observed in the epidermis, and many collagen fibers were observed in the dermis layer as in other skin. Specifically, a lot of short and curly elastic fiber were observed between the collagen fibers in the dermis. These elastic fibers were not stained with eosin and observed in gray. This long ligament-like structures were observed in the dermis. The ligament-like structures were stained with dark red by trichrome. These results indicate that these ligament-like structures are neither typical ligament nor typical smooth muscles. The results obtained from present study showed a ligamentous structure originating from the fascial layer (platysma muscle or investing layer). The results may help to understand the reasons about the formation of horizontal cervical wrinkle.

Clinico‑histopathological study of varicose vein and role of matrix metalloproteinases‑1, matrix metalloproteinases‑9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‑1 in varicose vein formation.

Background and Aims: Varicose vein (VV) is an important cause of morbidity in the young and elderly population. Many studies of the Western country suggest that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of VV, but limited work has been done in Indian population. The aim of this study is to study detailed histology of VV and to see the expression of MMP‑1, MMP‑9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‑1 (TIMP‑1). Materials and Methods: A total of 63 cases of VV and 10 control leg veins were included in this prospective study. Paraffin sections of VV were prepared. Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), Masson trichrome and Verhoeff’s staining were performed. Immunohistochemistry of VV was done with MMP‑1, MMP‑9, and TIMP‑1 antibodies. Cytoplasmic expression of MMP‑1, MMP‑9 and TIMP‑1 were graded as intense positive (++), weak/slight positive (+), and absent (−). Results: Focal intimal thickening (47.6%), increased medial thickening (73%) and fragmentation of elastin fibers (84.1%) were the major histological changes noted in H and E and special stained sections. MMP‑1 expression increased in all layers of VV in 58 cases (92.1%) as compared to control veins. As compared to the control veins, intimal and adventitial expression of MMP‑9 were increased in 31 (49.2%) and 40 (63.5%) cases, respectively. Expression of TIMP‑1 was absent in both the varicose and the control veins. Conclusion: Increased expression of MMP‑1 and MMP‑9 suggests they have an important role in the pathogenesis of VV.