Neovascularization in herniated lumbar disc: a histological study

Inter-vertebral disc is the largest avascular structure in human body, which is primarily a load bearing and stabilizing unit of the human spine. Degenerative disorders and disc herniation causes proliferation or in growth of new blood vessels in this structure. Lumbar disc herniated tissues were studied microscopically in comparison with the cadaveric lumbar disc tissue, to evaluate the changes particularly the formation of new blood vessels. It was a case control study in which 45 lumbar herniated disc tissues [L[4] - L[5] and L[5] - S[1]] and 45 dissected, fresh cadaveric disc tissues of same level and almost of same age groups were collected and in reference to age were divided into groups. Both sets of tissues were processed, sectioned and stained with Hemotoxyllin / Eosin, to observe the architecture of annuli fibrosis and nuclei pulposus parts of disc and the micro-vessels under light microscope. Cadaveric discs, group A, B and C compared with herniated discs A[1], B[1] and C[1], Annuli fibrosi in herniated discs [A[1], B[1], and C[1]] showed significant reduction of cells, disorganized lamellar pattern of collagen, formation of cysts, clefts and numerous new micro-vessels as compared to fresh cadaveric disc tissues [A, B and C]. Disc degeneration and herniation results in the formation of micro-vessels which may not only serve as source of nutrients but also contribute in the healing process of discal tears

Immunohistochemical determination of effects of Withania Somnifera root extract on noise stress induced adenohypophysis in albino rats

To access the ameliorating role of Withania somnifera root extract on noise stress effected Adenohypophysis morphology in albino rats by immuno-histochemical method. Experimental and observational study. This study was carried out at Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical center Karachi from January 2008 to December 2011. 90 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups A, B, C each group was divided into 2 subgroups A1-A2, B1-B2 and C1-C2 [24 hrs and 30 days] obtaining15 animals each. Group A served as control, group B were exposed to 100dBA noise for 24 hrs and 6hrs/day for 30 days as experimental design and group C was protected with Withania somnifera root extract along with noise stress. The animals were sacrificed at the end of experimental period of each subgroup and blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of the plasma ACTH and plasma Corticosterone concentration. Pituitary gland was removed from each animal and prepared for microscopic examination by immunohistochemical method. Immunohistochemical study reveals that, the black brown pigments deposited more in group B2 animals and reduced in group C animals Adenohypophysis indicated by ACTH monoclonal antibody Clone-56. The ACTH level was highly significantly increased after 24hrs and 30 days. The Corticosterone level was highly significantly decreased after 24hrs and not as much decreased after 30 days. It was restored insignificantly in protected groups after 24hrs and 30 days. Withania somnifera root extract has preventive efficacy against noise stress, immunohistochemistry confirmed that, less extent of black brown pigment deposition was the amount of corticotropes

L-arginine as a protective adjuvant in the treatment of bipolar disorders with hepatotoxic agent lithium

The purpose of this randomized experimental study was to explore the beneficial effects of L-arginine on lithium carbonate induced liver toxicity. This study is randomized, interventional, prospective and experimental in nature. This study was conducted in the department of anatomy, Basic medical sciences institute, Jinnah post graduate medical centre, Karachi. Animals were obtained from the animal house of BMSI, JPMC, Karachi. The duration of this study comprises of two to twelve weeks. Sixty albino adult rats of 90 - 120 days of age weighing about 200 - 300 grams were used for this study. These were divided into four major groups A,B, C and D each comprising 15 rats. Each major group was sub-divided into three sub-groups 1, 2 and 3 on the basis of 02 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks duration of treatment respectively. 4 um thick sections of rat liver were cut using rotary microtome for H and E. The statistical significance of the differences of various quantitative changes between lithium carbonate and lithium carbonate + L-arginine treated rats from the control rats were evaluated by the student T-test. Lithium treated group exhibited significant augmentation in absolute and relative liver weight. Histopathological findings of liver revealed dilatation of central and portal veins, congestion of sinusoids, increment in mononuclear cell infiltration, microvesicular fatty change, swelling and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes leading to pyknosis of nuclei, disintegration of organelles consequently leading to cell apoptosis and necrosis. Rats fed on co-administration of lithium plus L-arginine displayed significant improvement in the altered histology of liver lobules. This study revealed that concomitant administration of L-arginine with lithium considerably reduces lithium's adverse effects

Protective role of melatonin on streptozotocin induced renal damage in albino rats

This study was designed to evaluate the protective role of melatonin on the morphology of proximal convoluted tubules [PCT] of albino rats made nephrotoxic by a chemotherapeutic drug like Streptozotocin [STZ]. Prospective experimental study. This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Post graduate Medical Centre [JMPC], Karachi, for 6 weeks from March to April, 2012. 60 male albino rats were divided into 4 groups, containing 15 animals each. Group A was treated as control, groups B and C received 37 mg/kg STZ Intraperitoneally [I/P] once at the start of experiment, whereas group C additionally received 10mg/100 ml of melatonin [MEL] 3-days prior to STZ administration, and group D received only MEL at the same dose. Serum glucose was measured weekly. The kidneys were processed for histological examination and periodic Acid Schiff Haematoxylin [PAS-H] stained sections were viewed under the light microscope for detailed morphological examination of the proximal convoluted tubules. The microscopic examination revealed marked epithelial, cytoplasmic and nuclear changes in the P.C.T. of STZ treated group B and a significant reduction in the severity of these changes in MEL treated group C. Serum glucose was significantly increased in both group B and C. The results of the investigation indicated that MEL administration suppressed the progression of renal injury induced by nephrotoxic drugs like STZ. It could not decrease STZ induced hyperglycaemia, but it did prevent the histopathological damage of the P.C.T. So dietary supplementation of MEL could be an easy and inexpensive method of protecting cancer patients from renal damage caused by chemotherapy induced oxidative stress

Protective role of magnesium sulphate in dexamethasone induced histopathological alteration in spermatogenic cells of albino rats

This study has been undertaken to assess the spermatoprotective role of magnesium sulphate [MgSO[4]] on the histology of the seminiferous tubules in dexamethasone induced spermatogenic cells damage in albino rats. Prospective experimental study. This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre [JPMC], Karachi from April 2012 to May 2012. Thirty male albino rats of 90-120 days of age and around 200-250 grams of weight were selected and divided into three groups [A, B and C]. Each group comprising of ten rats. Group-A served as control, group-B was given dexamethasone [Dexa] at the dose of 4mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 20 days. Group-C was administered MgSO[4] at the dose of 20mg/kg/day intramuscularly and Dexa at the same dose as given in group- B. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period and histopathological changes in the germ cells were recorded. The microscopic examination of group-B rats revealed marked changes in most of the seminiferous tubules such as, vacuolization, detachment of basement membrane, atrophy, sloughing, widening of the interstitial spaces and disorganization of the spermatogenic cells series. Group-C which was protected with magnesium sulphate, showed restoration of basement membrane and spermatogenic cell series. The present study concluded that magnesium sulphate [MgSO[4]] administration reduced the damaging effects of dexamethasone in testes

protective role of magnesium sulphate on steroid induced liver damage in albino rats

Dexamethasone causes metabolic disorders and morphological adverse effects on several organs of the body such as testes, kidney, bone, eye and liver etc. Most commonly it causes damage to liver morphology and its functions. Magnesium is an essential mineral of the body, currently is a subject of interest in medicine. Therefore the present study was designed to observe the ameliorating role of magnesium on dexamethasone induced liver damage and correlate the result with previous studies. Experimental Study. This study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from 21 April to 10 May 2012. Thirty adult albino rats, weighing from 200-300 grams were taken for this study. The rats were divided into 3 groups, Group A served as control, Group B received inj. dexamethasone 4mg/kg and Group C received inj. dexamethasone 4mg/kg with inj. Magnesium sulphate[MgSO[4]] 20mg/kg for 20days at the end of which they were sacrificed and liver tissue sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin. There was marked decrease in weight observed in rats receiving dexamethasone. Haematoxylin and eosin stained sections showed dilated central vein and sinusoids. Moderate fatty infiltration showed in vacuolated hepatocytes with absent or distorted nuclei in dexamethasone group which were protected and reverted to a major extent in Magnesium sulphate along with dexamethasone receiving group. This study has proved that use of Magnesium sulphate along with dexamethasone ameliorates dexamethasone induced damaging effects on liver

Amerliorating role of pomegranate on minocycline induced pigmentation in the epidermis of guinea pig

To investigate the ameliorating role of pomegranate on minocycline induced pigmentation in the epidermis of guinea pig. An experimental observational study. This study was conducted at the Anatomy Department, BMSI, J PMC, Karachi. 30 adult guinea pigs were divided into 3 groups A B and C. In this study, A served as control, B was given Minocycline, while C was given Minocycline with Pomegranate for 8 weeks, after which their skin was processed for histological examination of morphology of melanocytes and pigmentation in Dopa Oxidase stained sections under light microscope. The melanin pigmentation deposition in Minocycline treated group B was distributed densely and extended till stratum corneum as compared to the control group A, while in the Pomegranate treated group C along with Minocycline, the melanin pigmentation was considerably reduced and was observed to be distributed sparsely extended till stratum basale. The morphology and number of melanocytes in both treated groups remain same as compared to control group A. Based on the present study it is concluded that pigmentation induced by Minocycline can be reduced and may be prevented by taking pomegranate simultaneously

Pomegranate protects minocycline induced epidermal pigmentation in the extremities of guinea pig

To investigate the protective effects of Pomegranate on Minocycline induced epidermal pigmentation on the extremities of guinea pigs. An experimental observational study. This study was conducted at the Anatomy Department, BMSI, J PMC, Karachi. 60 adult guinea pigs were divided into 3 groups A B and C, A served as control, B given Minocycline, while C given Minocycline with pomegranate for 8 weeks, after which their skin was processed for histological examination and pigmentation was observed in Masson Fontana stained sections under light microscope. The melanin pigmentation deposition observed in Minocycline treated group B, distributed densely and extended till stratum corneum as compared to the control group A, while in the Pomegranate treated group c along with Minocycline, the melanin pigmentation was considerably reduced and was observed to be distributed sparsely extended till stratum spinosum. Based on the present study it is conducted that pigmentary changes induced by Minocycline can be protected by taking pomegranate

Immunoprotective role of cyanocobalamin [vitamin B-12] in heat-induced splenic white pulp damage in rats: an immunohistological study

To evaluate the immunoproteetive role of Gyanocobalomin on detrimental effects of heat induced stress on splenic white pulp T-cells [cellular immunity]. This experimental study was conducted in the Anatomy Department, BMSI, JPMC, Karachi from March 2009 to May 2009. Thirty male albino rats weighing about 180-200 grams were used and divided into three groups labeled A, B and C. Group A served as control. Group C received heat and protection with Cyanocobalmin at an intrapesitoneal dose of 0.8 mg / kg body weight per day before heat-induction. After 6 weeks of treatment animals were sacrificed. The blood samples were collected and assayed for plasma ACTH concentration by ELISA method. For immunohistochemistry 4-micron thick-formalin fixed paraffin- embedded splenic sections were obtained on polysine coated slides. Antigens were retrieved by HIER technique and stained with immunomarker anti-CD3 for the evaluation of T-Lymphocytes. Five - micron thick hacmatoxylin-eosin sections were prepared for other morphological details. Control group A reveals normal architecture of splenic white pulp. Heat induced group B showed atrophic white pulp and hypocellularity in all compartments. Cellular loss was largely due to apoptosis. Most of the splenic periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths and marginal zones contain clumps of apoptotic cells engulfed by tangible body macrophages. Protective group C shows comparable architecture with control. Plasma ACTH concentration in group B [67.63 +/- 0.69 pg/ml] statistically increased [P<0.001] compared to control group [23.94 +/- 0.87 pg/ml] and significantly changed [P<0.001] when compared with group C [34.71 +/- 1.24 pg/ml] Present study concludes that cyanocobalamin has substantial immunopotentiating effects on immune organs and cells of cellular immunity [T-lymphocytes] and it may compensate the detrimental effect of heat-stress on both humans and animals

Effect of radiation on growing long bones of young albino rats

The deleterious effects of radiation have been recognized for a almost century and continue to be seen today, because of improved survival in patients treated for malignancy with radiotherapy with or without other treatments. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of radiation on the weight and growth of long bones on young Albino rat litters. Anatomy Department, Basic Medical Science Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi. July 2008 to December 2008. 20 litters [10 days age] of Albino rats were divided in two groups. Group A [control], and Group B, was given 5Gy gamma radiation to whole body for 2.02 mm. from 60-unit cobalt chamber. These groups were further divided into 2 sub-groups, each comprising of 5 litters, for 2 weeks and 4 weeks study. Their weight was observed weekly and their CRL, fore limb and hind limb was measured at the end of study. At the end of study, the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia; their long bones were removed and measured with Digital caliper. A significance decrease in the weight of irradiated animals was noted. There was a significant decrease in the measurement of CRL, Forelimb and Hind limb and there was a significant decrease in the length and width of long bones of radiated animals. Total body irradiation causes growth retardation, before epiphyseal plate closure. Irradiation of growing bone typically results in retardation of longitudinal growth

Effects of heat on testicular tissue with protective role of cyancobalamin [vitamin B12] in albino rats

The effects of heat on all tissues of the body are very well known but enough literature is not available on the effects of heat on testicular tissue. So this study was undertaken to see the effects of heat on testicular tissue with protection provided by Cyanocobalamin [vitamin B12]. Anatomy department BMSI, JPMC, Karachi. October 2008 to November 2008. This experimental study was done at Anatomy department, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Thirty male healthy Albino rats of 90-120 days of age and 200-250 grams of weight were selected and divided into three groups comprising of ten rats each. Group A served as control. Group B was given heat of 40-45 °C for six hours daily for six weeks with room heater and maintained on room thermometer. Group C received heat and Cyanocobalamin, at a dose of 1.4 mcg / 100 g body weight. At the end of six weeks, weight of all animals, gross changes of testes and weight of testes were recorded. Group B showed decrease in weights of all animals, gross changes in testicular tissue [i.e. dilatation of blood vessels and bleeding spots] and reduction in testicular weight. Group C which was protected with Cyanocobalamin, showed increase in body weight, slight dilatation of blood vessels and increase in testicular weight as compared to Group B. Present study concluded that Cyanocobalamin [vitamin B12] reduced the damaging effects of heat on testicular tissue

effects of lead and zinc on the quality of semen of albino rats

To determine the effects of lead and zinc administration on the quality of semen of albino rats. Experimental study. Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from August 2003 to December 2005. Sixty adult albino rats selected for the study were divided into three groups, group A received injection normal saline 1 ml intraperitoneally daily for 8 weeks. Group B received lead chloride in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally daily. Group C received lead chloride in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight and zinc chloride in a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally daily. On the day of completion of treatment, the animals were sacrificed; epididymis was used for semen analysis. Student's t-test was used to determinate significance; the p-value < 0.05 was taken as significant. The number of sperms was 7.3, 1.7 and 6.6 million cells/ml in groups A, B and C respectively. Sperm's count decreased by 87% in group B [p < 0.001, Cl 4117082.4 - 6965747.6] as compared to group A. Compared with group C, the sperm's count was decreased to 75% [p < 0.001, Cl -5417413 to -4416987]. The immotility of sperms was 27%, 57% and 26% in groups A, B and C respectively. There was 30% decreased motility of sperm in group B [p < 0.001, Cl -30.19425 to -19.80575] as compared to group A. Compared with group C, the immotile sperm were increased to 31% [p < 0.001, Cl 19.87494 - 30.92506]. Lead produced toxic effects on germinal epithelium and altered the quality of semen which was improved by zinc

histologic study of carbimazole-induced hyperplasia of adenohypophysis with protective role of thyroxine in male albino rats

To assess the frequency and degree of pituitary hyperplasia in albino rats made hypothyroid by Carbimazole, and the association of severity of pituitary enlargement, and the response to treatment with thyroxine. To determine the microscopic changes occurring in beta basophil cells [Thyroid stimulating hormone and Adreno corticotrophin hormone producing cells] of Anterior Pituitary gland by giving an anti-thyroid drug, Carbimazole and Carbimazol plus, thyroxin on anterior pituitary glands of male albino rats with increasing time period. Experimental study. Anatomy Department, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate-Medical Centre Karachi. Forty five healthy, young adult male albino rats were selected for the study. They were distributed into 3 main groups of 15 rats each. Group A served as control while Group B received injection Carbimazole 6 micro g m/G body weight subcutaneously daily. Group-C were treated with injection Carbim arole 6 micro g m/G body weight subcutaneously plus injection Thyroxin 5 micro g m intraperitoneally daily for their respective period of treatment. Each group was further subdivided into three sub-groups according to the period of treatment they received i.e. 2,4 and 6 weeks at the end of which animals were sacrificed. The Pituitary glands were dissected out after processing and staining [Wilson-Ezrin method]. The tissues were subjected to detailed micrometric examination. The-results are based on changes in morphometric study of number and diameter of Beta Basophil cells in anterior Pituitary gland. Mean value of number of Basophils were-increased significantly [P <0.001] in group B [Carbimazole treated] i.e 151.0 +/- 3.38 than group A [control] i.e 82.2 +/- 3.48. While in group C [Carbimazole plus Thyroxin treated] the number of cells were decreased i.e 117.6 +/- 3.83 than group B but were more than group A. Beta Basophil cell size [diameter] was also increased significantly [P <0.001] in group B i.e 17.64 +/- 1.06 than group A 14.45 +/- 3.28. In group C Beta Basophil cell size was 16.16 +/- 2.02, which was more than group A but less than group C. The number and size of Beta Basophils in group C was significant [P<0.05], when compared with corresponding controls. In conclusion these results strongly suggest that Carbimazole-induced hyperplasia and hypertrophy of Anterior pituitary gland may be prevented by simultaneous treatment with Thyroxin. Long standing treatment with Carbimazole in hyperthyroid patients as in Graves disease should accompany, small doses of Thyroxin as well, to avoid the enlargement of Anterior Pituitary gland during their treatment

Ameliorating role of fresh garlic on high-fat diet induced liver in albino rats

High fat diet has been associated with several metabolic disorders including obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and fatty liver. The commonest cause of benign fatty liver or steatosis is high fat diet. Garlic is one of the oldest herb used for medicinal purposes, since ancient times. So the present study was undertaken to observe the protective role of fresh garlic on high-fat diet induced fatty liver in albino rats and correlate the results with previous studies. Thirty adult albino rats, weighing from 200-240 grams were taken for this study. The rats were divided into 3 groups according to dietary regimen, Group A received control diet, Group B received high-3aturated fat diet [20 gm butter in 100 gm of diet] and Group C received high-saturated fat diet with fresh garlic [20 gm butter with 6 gm fresh garlic in 100 gm of diet], for 8 weeks at the end of which they were sacrificed and tissue slides stained with haematoxylin and eosin. There was marked increase in weights in rats receiving high-saturated fat diet. Haematoxylin and eosin stained sections showed moderate fatty infiltration with empty spaces in hepatocytes with absent or distorted nuclei in high-saturated fat group which were prevented to a major extent in group receiving fresh garlic along with high-saturated fat diet. This study has proved that use of fresh garlic along with high-fat diet prevents its damaging effects in liver to a great extent

Radioprotective role of methycobal on perkinje cells of young albino rats

Therapeutic radiation used for the tumors of brain and head and neck, may damage normal brain tissue Cerebellum also shows disturbances in Its function and architecture The present experimental study was designed to observe histological changes produced by radiation in the purkinje cells of cerebellum. A prospective experimental study Place Anatomy Department Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Karachi. October 2008-November 2008. 30 Albino litters [day 01] were selected and divided in three groups Group "A" served as control, group "B" is radiated group and group "C" as treated group. Group B and C received radiation at the dose of 3Gy [Gray] for 202 mm in the field size of 15 x15 cm on clay 08 Group C received injection Methycobal 200 meg / kg body wt. [ip] daily from the day of radiation: Animals were sacrificed on day 15.3 micro thick paraffin embedded sections of cerebellar tissue were made and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for Morphometric study of Purkinje cell. Methycobal induces the protective effects on the distorted size and monolayer of purkinje cells. The results are indicative of ameliorating effects ot Methycobal on irradiated purkinje cells of cerebellum

To observe and compare the histological features of fat induced adrenal cortex in albino rats

To observe and compare the histological features of fat induced adrenal cortex in albino rats. Prospective experimental study. Department of anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from August 2008 to October 2008. Twenty, young, male albino rats were selected for this study and were divided into 2 groups. Group A served as control and received normal diet. Group B received high-fat diet with 20 gms of saturated fat in the form of unsalted dairy butter per 100 gms of diet. Both groups were further divided into two Al and A2, B1 and B2 according to period of study i.e. 4 and 6 weeks respectively. On completion of experimental period, animals were weighed then sacrificed. Adrenal glands were removed, weighed and processed for paraffin sectioning. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was done for histological study. Cortical zones examined for apparent zonal hypertrophy, and cellular and nuclear changes. Increase in body weight and weight of Adrenal glands were highly significant [P<0.001]. Apparent increase in zona fasciculata observed was consistent with increased activity of gland. Cells in this zone appeared vacuolated due to presence of fat. In some areas of zona glomerulosa pyknosis and distortion of cell out line seen. High-fat diet induces increase in body weight and weight of adrenal gland which were due to hypertrophied zona fasciculata mainly, suggesting that these findings lead to increased activity and secretion of glucocorticoids

Protective role of zinc in piroxicam induced hepatic lobule damage in mice

To determine the effect of piroxicam in the hepatic lobule with protective role of zinc in mice and colorate the observation with serum enzyme level. An Experimental study. October 2008 to November 2008. Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, JPMC, Karachi. 30 adult mice [25-30gm] were divided into A, B and C groups. Group A served as a control, group B received piroxicam 0.3mg/kg body weight up, and group C received zinc 1mg/kg body weight lip and piroxicam as group B. After completion of study [i.e. 6 weeks] animals were scarified, blood sample was collected for serum enzyme level and their livers were removed and after processing, paraffin section were stained with H and E for the histological examination. U and E section of group A reveals normal histology of hepatic lobule, group B shows dilated central vein, irregular hepatic cord, distorted hepatocytes, dilated sinusoids and mononuclear infiltration, group C shows altered histological changes less then group B but more then group A Serum enzyme level [alkaline phosphatase] is within normal range in group A but significantly increase in group B and in group C less significantly increase as compare to group B but more then group A. Present study concludes that the therapeutic dose of piroxicam causes hepatic damage and zinc along with piroxicam is effective to prevent the hepatic injury

Significance of HER-2/neu oncoprotein overexpression in invassive ductal breast cancer

To asses the frequency of HER-2/neu Oncoprotein over expression in invasive ductal breast cancer and correlate it with various prognostic parameters. Comparitive cross-sectional study was carriedout at department of pathology Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Seventy two [72] formalin fixed paraffin embedded blocks of diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma were retrieved and 5 m.m thick sections were cut and stained with H and E for the review of diagnosis and grading. The immunohistochemical staining was done on 4m.m thick sections by using Polyclonal rabbit anti HER-2 ZYMED USA, and ZYMED 2nd generation LAB-SA immunodetection system, to see the HER-/neu over expression. Section containing > 50% of tumor cells exhibiting intense circumferential cell membrane staining scored as positive. Thirty one [31%] positive over expression was observed. A statistically significant result [P<.05] was found between HER-2/neu over-expression and lymph node status and size of tumor. Oncoprotein HER-2/neu over expression is directly related to the lymph node status and size of the tumor. These patients may benefit from a more aggressive therapy like Herceptin and can also be used as a prognostic marker in the follow up of these patients

Effects of nandrolone decanoate in bones of female albino rats: a mineral mapped study

To map out comparable differential of BMD in lumbosacral vertebrae and proximal half of femur of ageing female Albino rats in relation to Nandrolone decanoate treatment. Study was conducted at Basic Medical Sciences Institute [BMSI] Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre [JPMC], Karachi and Osteoporotic Diagnostic Clinic [ODC] Modern Diagnostic Services, BMCHS, Karachi. Ten specimens each of lumbosacral vertebrae [axial bone] and of Proximal half of femur [appendicular bone] of female albino rats were used for observations. Five rats were in experimental group., treated with nandrolone and rest five were taken as controls. Quantitative measurement of BMD [Bone Mineral Density] in bones mapped out with DEXA [Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry] scan. Vertebral and femoral BMD showed slight increase in case of experimental group as compared to Control. The results indicate that NandroIone Decanoate exerts positive effects on axial arid appendicular BMD in this preliminary study, thus increased bone mass against involutional Osteoporosis in ageing female Albino rats