Why human prepuce is a valuable resource in science? Histological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and statistical analysis / ¿Por qué el prepucio humano es un recurso valioso en la ciencia? Análisis histológicos, ultraestructurales, inmunohistoquímicos y estadísticos

SUMMARY: This research was to examine the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of prepuce samples, as well as vimentin and S100 protein localization and statistical analysis. Urologists have long struggled with the prepuce, which is used to treat a variety of urethral problems. Skin biopsies were collected from the prepuce at the moment of circumcision and processed for light microscopy, electron microscope examination, immunohistochemical techniques, and statistical analysis in a total of six boys. Histologically, the prepuce epidermis displayed focal spiky ridges, which are saw-toothed interspersed with sulci, slight hyperpigmentation, looser connective tissue and plentiful vascular components. Immunohistochemically, the existence of melanocytes and Langerhans cells in the epidermis, as well as smooth muscles in the dermis, was stained positively for vimentin. Also, there was a positive reactivity of the Langerhans cells in the epidermis and around Meissner's corpuscles in the dermis for S100 protein staining. Ultrastructurally, the prepuce's intercellular gaps were widened, melanocytes rested on a folded basement membrane, and desmosomal content was reduced, with a prominent active euchromatic nucleus. Cytoplasmic projections were distended and elongated, and the interstitial blood vessels were surrounded by endothelial cells and rested on a basement membrane. There were also minimal collagen fibers in the interstitium. The prepuce's histological and ultrastructural features, as well as immunohistological studies using vimentin and S100 protein as intermediate filaments and statistical analysis, all demonstrated that it is a useful scientific resource.

RESUMEN: El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó para examinar las características histológicas y ultraestructurales de las muestras de prepucio, así como la localización y el análisis estadístico de la vimentina y la proteína S100. Los urólogos han intentado trabajar durante mucho tiempo con el prepucio, que se usa para tratar una variedad de problemas uretrales. Se recolectaron biopsias de piel del prepucio de seis niños en el momento de la circuncisión y se procesaron para microscopía óptica, examen con microscopio electrónico, técnicas inmunohistoquímicas y análisis estadístico. Histológicamente, la epidermis del prepucio mostraba crestas puntiagudas focales, intercaladas con surcos, hiperpigmentación leve, tejido conectivo más laxo y abundantes componentes vasculares. Inmunohistoquímicamente, la existencia de melanocitos y células dendríticas epidérmicas (células de Langerhans), así como músculo liso en la dermis, se tiñeron positivamente para vimentina. Además, hubo una reactividad positiva de las células dendríticas epidérmicas en la epidermis y alrededor de los corpúsculos del tacto (de Meissner) en la dermis para la tinción de la proteína S100. Ultraestructuralmente, los espacios intercelulares del prepucio se ensancharon, los melanocitos descansaban sobre una membrana basal plegada y el contenido desmosómico se redujo, con un núcleo eucromático activo prominente. Las proyecciones citoplasmáticas estaban distendidas y alargadas, y los vasos sanguíneos intersticiales estaban rodeados por células endoteliales y descansaban sobre una membrana basal. También había fibras de colágeno mínimas en el intersticio. Las características histológicas y ultraestructurales del prepucio, así como los estudios inmunohistológicos utilizando vimentina y proteína S100 como filamentos intermedios y el análisis estadístico, demostraron que es un recurso científico útil.

Silymarin's defensive role against hepatotoxicity induced by amiodarone in albino rats / El efecto defensivo de silimarin contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por amiodarona en ratas albinas

SUMMARY: Amiodarone (AMD), an orally powerful antidysrhythmic medication that has caused hepatotoxicity on long-term administration, is commonly used across the world. Silymarin ameliorative effects (SLM); this research elucidated the magnitude of the damage to the liver tissue in AMD. We divided 24 albino rats evenly into four groups given daily doses by gastric tube for eight weeks as follows; the 1st group acted as a control group; the 2nd group received SLM; the 3rd group received AMD; and the 4th group received AMD parallel to SLM. Liver tissues prepared for light, electron microscopic and serum samples screened for biomarkers (I)liver injury enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST); (II) oxidative and antioxidant stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and (III) inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The findings showed that AMD caused hepatic histological changes that included congestion of the blood vessels, leucocytic infiltration and cytoplasmic vacuolation. Ultrastructural degeneration of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum swelling, nuclear pyknosis and increased fat droplets and lysosomes were observed. The biochemical findings showed an increase in the AMD group's ALT and AST activities. The group of rats treated with AMD and SLM, increased the improvements in histology and ultrastructure, while the ALT and AST levels were reduced. Our findings collectively agreed that SLM has a protective impact on AMD hepatotoxicity which can be due to its antioxidant properties.

RESUMEN: La amiodarona (AMD) es un fuerte medicamento antiarrítmico administrado por vía oral que ha causado hepatotoxicidad en la administración a largo plazo utilizado con frecuencia en todo el mundo. Efectos de mejora de la silimarina (SLM); esta investigación analizó la magnitud del daño al tejido hepático en la DMAE. Dividimos 24 ratas albinas de manera uniforme en cuatro grupos que recibieron dosis diarias por sonda gástrica durante ocho semanas de la siguiente manera; el primer grupo fue designado como grupo control; el segundo grupo recibió SLM; el tercer grupo recibió AMD; y el cuarto grupo recibió AMD en paralelo a SLM. Se prepararon tejidos hepáticos para muestras de suero, microscopía de luz y electrónica y se analizaron para biomarcadores (I) enzimas de daño hepático, alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y aspartato aminotransferasa (AST); (II) estrés oxidativo y antioxidante, malondialdehído (MDA) y superóxido dismutasa (SOD); y (III) marcadores inflamatorios, factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-a) e interleucina-6 (IL-6). Los hallazgos mostraron que la DMAE genera cambios histológicos hepáticos que incluyen congestión de los vasos sanguíneos, infiltración leucocítica y vacuolación citoplásmica. Se observó una degeneración ultraestructural de las mitocondrias, aumento del retículo endoplásmico, picnosis nuclear y aumento de gotitas de grasa y lisosomas. Los hallazgos bioquímicos mostraron un aumento en las actividades de ALT y AST del grupo AMD. El grupo de ratas tratadas con AMD y SLM, aumentó las mejoras en histología y ultraestructura, mientras que se redujeron los niveles de ALT y AST. Nuestros hallazgos coincidieron colectivamente en que SLM tiene un impacto protector sobre la hepatotoxicidad de AMD debido a sus propiedades antioxidantes.

Antioxidant activity of selenium on bisphenol-induced apoptosis and testicular toxicity of Albino rats / Actividad antioxidante el selenio sobre la apoptosis inducid por bisfenol y toxicidad testicular en ratas albinas

SUMMARY: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical widely used to make polycarbonate plastics for packaging and epoxy resins. This study sought to examine how selenium (Se) affects BPA toxicity in terms of albino rats' histological structure, antioxidant enzymes and reproductive organs (seminiferous tubules). Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1: Control; Group 2: Orally administered BPA; Group 3: Orally administered sodium selenite; Group 4: Treated daily with BPA followed by selenium (Se). All experiment done for 4 weeks. BPA exposure caused changes in the testicular histological structure, which consists apoptosis, and led to changes in several biochemical markers: Malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. However, these BPA side effects may be ameliorated in rats treated with BPA-plus-Se. These protective effects of Se may attributable to its ability to remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in living organisms. The results may confirm that Se countered the oxidant effects and increased the BPA-induced stress response in rats. So, Se promotes the healthy growth and development of mammals by protecting them from oxidative stress. As human are greatly exposed to BPA and it can accumulate in tissues, there is concern about human reproductive functions particularly for occupational workers exposed usually to greater levels of BPA. Thus, the use of BPA in multiple industries must be restricted and the inaccurate usage of plastic containers should be avoided to decrease the health hazards. Administration of Se may protect against the adverse effects of BPA on reproductive functions and structures.

RESUMEN: El bisfenol A (BPA) es un químico industrial ampliamente utilizado para fabricar plásticos de policarbonato para envases y resinas epoxi. Este estudio examinó el efecto de selenio (Se) en la toxicidad del BPA en términos de la estructura histológica, enzimas antioxidantes y los órganos reproductivos (túbulos seminíferos) de ratas albinas. Se dividieron veinticuatro ratas macho adultas en cuatro grupos experimentales: Grupo 1: control; Grupo 2: BPA administrado por vía oral; Grupo 3: BPA administrado por vía oral para; Grupo 4: tratado diariamente con BPA seguido de selenio (Se). El experimento se realizó durante cuatro semanas y se observó que la exposición al BPA provocó cambios en la estructura histológica testicular, incluyendo apoptosis, y alteraciones en varios marcadores bioquímicos:malondialdehído, catalasa, superóxido dismutasa y glutatión peroxidasa. Sin embargo, estos efectos secundarios del BPA pueden mejorar en ratas tratadas con BPA-plus-Se. Estos efectos protectores del Se pueden ser atribuidos a la capacidad de eliminar agentes oxidantes potencialmente dañinos en organismos vivos. Los resultados indicaron que se contrarrestaron los efectos oxidantes y aumentó la respuesta al estrés inducido por BPA en ratas, y favorece el crecimiento y desarrollo en los mamíferos al protegerlos del estrés oxidativo. Debido a la exposición al BPA en el ser humano, se puede acumular en los tejidos, por lo que existe una preocupación por el daño a las funciones reproductivas en particular de los trabajadores que generalmente están expuestos a niveles más altos de BPA. Por lo tanto, se debe restringir el uso de BPA en las industrias y evitar el uso incorrecto de envases de plástico para así disminuir los riesgos para la salud. La administración correcta de Se puede proteger contra los efectos adversos del BPA en las funciones y estructuras reproductivas.

Protective effect of dietary vitamin E (alpha; Tocopherol) on artemisinin induced oxidative liver tissue damage in rats / Efecto protector de la vitamina E en la dieta (alfa; tocoferol) sobre el daño oxidativo del tejido hepático inducido por artemisinina en ratas

This experiment was designed to study the effects of oral administration of artemether which is the most rapid-acting class of antimalarial drugs and the possible protective effect of vitamin E taken with it on the liver of albino rats. A total of twenty-four adult male albino rats were used in this study and were divided into four groups. Group one served as a control and rats in group two exposed to oral intake of artemether daily for fifteen days. The third and fourth groups treated with artemether plus low and high doses of vitamin E respectively. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and the livers were obtained and processed for histological, biochemical and statistical studies. Histological study of the hepatocytes of rats exposed to artemether showed nearly complete disintegration of most cellular contents except few numbers of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Also, the cytoplasm of these cells had few lysosomes, many vacuoles and irregular nuclei with abnormal distribution of chromatin and were shown. The hepatic sinusoids were dilated and filled with blood and vacuoles and bile ductules were abnormal in its structure. Treatment with low and high doses of vitamin E in concomitant with artemether ameliorated the hepatic histopathological lesions and its parenchyma attained nearly normal structure. As far as biochemical changes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in rats treated with artemether were significantly elevated as compared to the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the liver in rats treated with artemether. However, vitamin E ameliorated the rise in ALT and AST with decreased MDA concentration and levels of SOD as compared to the corresponding artemether group values. Results of the present suggest that artemether has a harmful and stressful effect on hepatic tissue and the treatment with vitamin E may alleviate this toxicity.

Este experimento fue diseñado para estudiar los efectos de la administración oral de arteméter, la clase de medicamentos antipalúdicos de acción rápida, y el posible efecto protector de la vitamina E en el hígado de ratas albinas. Se utilizaron un total de 24 ratas albinas machos adultas y se dividieron en cuatro grupos. El grupo uno sirvió como control y las ratas en el grupo dos recibieron la dosis oral de arteméter diariamente durante 15 días. Los grupos tres y cuatro fueron tratados con arteméter, más dosis bajas y altas de vitamina E, respectivamente. Al final del experimento, se sacrificaron las ratas y se obtuvieron y procesaron los hígados para estudios histológicos, bioquímicos y estadísticos. El estudio histológico de los hepatocitos de ratas expuestas a arteméter mostró una desintegración casi completa de la mayoría de los contenidos celulares, excepto algunos mitocondrias y retículo endoplásmico rugoso. Además, el citoplasma de estas células tenía pocos lisosomas, muchas vacuolas y núcleos irregulares con distribución anormal de cromatina. Los sinusoides hepáticos estaban dilatados y llenos de sangre y vacuolas, y los conductos biliares tenían una estructura anormal. El tratamiento con dosis bajas y altas de vitamina E en forma concomitante con arteméter mejoró las lesiones histopatológicas hepáticas y su parénquima alcanzó una estructura casi normal. En cuanto a los cambios bioquímicos, la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y la aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) en ratas tratadas con arteméter se elevaron significativamente en comparación con el control. Los niveles de superóxido dismutasa (SOD) y malondialdehído (MDA) aumentaron significativamente en el hígado en ratas tratadas con arteméter. Sin embargo, la vitamina E mejoró el aumento de ALT y AST con una disminución de la concentración de MDA y los niveles de SOD en comparación con los valores correspondientes del grupo de arteméter. Los resultados del presente estudio sugieren que el arteméter tiene un efecto dañino y estresante sobre el tejido hepático y el tratamiento con vitamina E puede aliviar esta toxicidad.

Ameliorative effect of vitamin E on biochemical and ultrastructural changes in artemether-induced renal toxicity in rats / Efecto paliativo de la vitamina E sobre los cambios bioquímicos y ultraestructurales en la toxicidad renal inducida por arteméter en ratas

This experiment was designed to study the administration of normal doses of one of recent antimalarial drug and coadministration of vitamin E on the kidney tissue. A total twenty-four adult male albino rats were used and divided into four groups: the first one served as a control, the second received artemether orally for three days consecutively. The rats of the third and fourth groups received the same dose of artemether concomitantly with 50 and 100 mg/kg vitamin E orally daily for 2 weeks. After the last dose, the rats were sacrificed and the kidney tissues with blood samples obtained and processed for light, electron microscopic and biochemical analysis. Histologically, artemether treated kidneys showed atrophied glomeruli with widened urinary space and kidney tubules were degenerated with disturbed contour and some vacuoles inside it. Ultrastructurally, the glomeruli of this group showed hypertrophic endothelial cells, irregularity of its basement membrane, disrupted foot processes and filtration slits. The kidney tubule cells showed loss of basal infoldings, cytoplasmic vacuolation, polymorphic damaged swollen mitochondria a loss of its microvilli towards its capillary lumen. Artemether plus vitamin E of the rat kidney groups showed improvement of morphological changes compared to the changes seen in artemether alone. These data were confirmed by biochemical findings with marked improvement of blood urea and creatinine levels and increase of anti-oxidant enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the vitamin E treated groups. The results of this study revealed that vitamins E can improve the adverse changes of artemether of rat renal tissue.

Este proyecto fue diseñado para estudiar la administración de dosis normales de uno de los medicamentos antipalúdicos y de la administración de vitamina E en el tejido renal. Se utilizaron 24 ratas albinas machos adultas divididas en cuatro grupos: el primero sirvió como control, el segundo recibió arteméter por vía oral durante tres días consecutivos. Las ratas del tercer y cuarto grupos recibieron la misma dosis de arteméter concomitantemente con 50 y 100 mg / kg de vitamina E por vía oral diariamente durante 2 semanas. Después de la última dosis, las ratas fueron sacrificadas y se obtuvo el tejido renal de cada muestra los cuales fueron procesados para análisis con microscopías de luz y electrónica, además de exámenes bioquímicos. Histológicamente, los riñones tratados con arteméter mostraron atrofia glomerular con espacio urinario ensanchado y túbulos renales degenerados con contorno alterado y algunas vacuolas en su interior. Ultraestructuralmente, los glomérulos de este grupo mostraron células endoteliales hipertróficas, irregularidad de su membrana basal, procesos alterados del pie y hendiduras de filtración. Las células del túbulo renal mostraron pérdida de inflexiones basales, vacuolación citoplasmática, mitocondrias dañadas y pérdida de sus microvellosidades hacia la luz capilar. Arteméter más vitamina E en los grupos de riñón de rata mostraron una mejora de los cambios morfológicos, en comparación con los cambios observados en arteméter solamente. Estos datos fueron confirmados por hallazgos bioquímicos con una marcada mejoría de los niveles de urea y creatinina en sangre y un aumento de las actividades enzimáticas antioxidantes de la glutatión peroxidasa y la superóxido dismutasa en los grupos tratados con vitamina E. Los resultados de este estudio revelaron que la vitamina E puede mejorar los cambios adversos del arteméter del tejido renal de la rata.

Vitamin C administration attenuated artemether induced hepatic injury in rats / La aAdministración de vitamina C atenúa la lesión hepática inducida por artemeter en ratas

This research was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of vitamin C supplementation against hepatocyte ultrastructural alterations induced by artemether (antimalarial drug) administration. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were used in this study and were divided into four groups (n=6). Group I served as a control and rats in group II administrated artemether (4 mg/kg B.W) orally for three consecutive days. Group III administered artemether plus a low dose of vitamin C (2.86 mg/kg/l water) while group IV received artemether plusa high dose of vitamin C (8.56 mg/kg). At the end of the experimental period (14 days), the harvested liver tissues were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and blood samples were assayed for biomarkers of liver injury and oxidative stress. Artemether significantly (p<0.05) augmented biomarkers of liver injury such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX), and caused degeneration and damage of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and disrupted mitochondria. The blood sinusoids were also damaged with distortion of their canaliculi. Administration of vitamin C showed improvement of liver biomarkers, and liver parenchyma, especially in a high dose of vitamin C.We concludes that vitamin C is a partial protective agent against artemether-induced liver injury.

Esta investigación fue diseñada para investigar el posible efecto protector de la vitamina C contra las alteraciones ultraestructurales de los hepatocitos, inducidas por la administración de arteméter (medicamento antipalúdico). En el estudio se utilizaron 24 ratas albinas macho adultas y se dividieron en cuatro grupos (n = 6). El grupo I fue designado como control y las ratas en el grupo II se adminstró Arteméter (4 mg / kg de peso corporal) por vía oral durante tres días consecutivos. En el grupo III se administró arteméter, además de una dosis baja de vitamina C (2,86 mg / kg / l de agua) mientras que el grupo IV recibió arteméter más una dosis alta de vitamina C (8,56 mg / kg). Al final del período experimental (14 días), los tejidos hepáticos recolectados se examinaron por microscopía electrónica de transmisión (MET), y las muestras de sangre se analizaron en busca de biomarcadores de daño hepático y estrés oxidativo. El arteméter aumentó significativamente (p <0,05) los biomarcadores de daño hepático como alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) y estrés oxidativo como superóxido dismutasa (SOD), glutatión peroxidasa (GPX) y causó degeneración y daño de la retículo endoplásmico rugoso y mitocondrias alteradas. Los sinusoides sanguíneos también fueron dañados con la distorsión de sus canalículos. La administración de vitamina C mostró una mejoría de los biomarcadores hepáticos y el parénquima hepático, especialmente en una dosis alta de vitamina C. Concluimos que la vitamina C es un agente protector parcial contra la lesión hepática inducida por arteméter.

Immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in breast cancer

Background: breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of diagnosed cancers in women. It is still the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women after lung cancer all over the world. Breast cancer is the first of top ten cancers in Egypt. It ranks as the first malignancy affecting females, contributing 30% of all female cancers. It affects 1 in 14 women during their life time. Aim: This study investigated the association between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in female breast cancer versus the expression of ER, PR, as well as its association with other established prognostic indicators like age, tumor size, lymph nodal status, stage, grade, lymphovascular invasion, insitu component and histological subtype, and aims to validate the role of overexpression of COX-2 as a prognostic marker in female patients with breast cancer in Egypt. Results: High significant correlation was found between lymph node metastasis, negative ER and PR cases and COX-2 expression. No significant correlation could be detected between age, tumor size, site, histologic type, grade, insitu component, LVI and COX-2 expression. Conclusion: Cyclooxygenase-2 has poor prognostic parameter in breast cancer, as it is over expressed in majority of breast carcinoma, especially with lymph node metastasis, ER and PR negative hormone receptor

Ghrelin improves the fine structure of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) granules and intercalated disc junctions in experimentally-induced myocardial infarction in rats / La grelina mejora las estructuras finas de los gránulos de factor natriurético atrial (ANF) y las uniones intercaladas de disco en el infarto de miocardio inducido experimentalmente en ratas

Ghrelin is a novel growth hormone-releasing peptide administered to treat myocardial infarction (MI). However, the underlying mechanism of its protective effects against MI remains unclear. A total of sixty healthy Sprague Dawley male rats were included. The first one is the sham-operated control group were the rats that underwent the same surgical used to induce MI but without tying the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and received normal saline (0.5 ml) as vehicle; the second MI model group were rats with LAD ligation and received normal saline (0. 5 ml) and the third one is MI+ghrelin group were rats that were exposed to surgery to induce MI but received ghrelin (100 µ/kg, orally, 2x/day). At the end of the experiment after 21 days post-MI, rats were sacrificed and processed for ultrastructural demonstration. Our experiment showed that ghrelin inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Concomitant administration of ghrelin with MI treated rats of this study appeared to show a considerable protection of the atrial tissues. This study revealed that the sarcoplasm was occupied by normal myofibrils with clear striations and others appeared with minor disruption. Normal distribution of atrionatriuretic factor (ANF) granules and well preserved mitochondrial integrity (preserved cristae, normal size and shape), nucleus chromatin arrangement and striated pattern of clear bands (Z and H) compared to the MI group. Intact intercalated disc with clear identification of fully formed fascia adherence and desmosomes with a reconstruction of gap junction (nexus) was also noticed. Atrial myocytes after myocardial infarction is often associated with subsequent heart failure, which could lead to a fatal outcome. In a rat model of experimental myocardial infarction, peripheral ghrelin administration attenuated myocyte dysfunction, well-preserved desmosome, adherent and gap junction of the intercalated disc and normally distributed ANF granules.

La grelina es un nuevo péptido liberador de hormona de crecimiento administrado para tratar el infarto de miocardio (IM). Sin embargo, el mecanismo subyacente de sus efectos protectores contra el IM aún no se conocen. Se incluyeron un total de 60 ratas macho Sprague Dawley saludables. En el grupo control se incluyeron ratas que fueron sometidas a una cirugía utilizada para inducir el IM, pero sin ligar la arteria coronaria descendente anterior izquierda (ACDAI) y recibieron suero fisiológico normal (0,5 ml) como vehículo; el segundo grupo modelo de IM fueron ratas con ligadura de ACDAI y recibieron suero fisiológico normal (0,5 ml); el tercer grupo estuvo formado por ratas con IM + grelina, expuestas a la cirugía para inducir IM pero luego recibieron grelina (100 m/kg, oralmente, 2x/día). Al final del experimento, 21 días después del infarto de miocardio, los animales fueron sacrificados y procesados para el estudio ultraestructural. Nuestro experimento mostró que la grelina inhibe la apoptosis de los cardiomiocitos. La administración concomitante de grelina en ratas con IM parece indicar una protección considerable de los tejidos atriales. Además, el estudio reveló que el sarcoplasma estaba ocupado por miofibrillas normales con estriaciones claras y otras con una alteración menor. Se encontró una distribución normal de los gránulos del factor natriurético atrial (FNA) e integridad mitocondrial bien conservada (crestas conservadas, tamaño y forma normales), disposición de la cromatina del núcleo y patrón estriado de bandas claras (Z y H) en comparación con el grupo IM. También se observó un disco intercalado intacto con una clara identificación de la adherencia de la fascia completamente formada y desmosomas con una reconstrucción de la unión gap (nexo). Los miocitos atriales, después de un infarto de miocardio, a menudo se asocian con insuficiencia cardíaca posterior, que podría conducir a un desenlace fatal. En un modelo de rata de infarto de miocardio experimental, la administración de grelina periférica atenuó la disfunción de miocitos, con conservación del desmosoma, adherencia y unión de la brecha del disco intercalado y una distribución normal de los los gránulos de FNA.

Role of radiofrequency in the management of chronic low back pain

Background: low back pain [LBP] is related to disability and work absence and accounts for high economical costs. The management of LBP comprises a range of different intervention strategies including surgery, drug therapy, and non-medical interventions. Failed back surgery syndrome is a common problem with enormous costs to patients, insurers, and society, defined as persistent back and/ or leg pain after spine surgery. The etiology of failed back surgery can be poor patient selection, incorrect diagnosis, suboptimal selection of surgery, poor technique, failure to achieve surgical goals, and/or recurrent pathology

Aim of the work: to evaluate the efficacy, safety and outcome of radiofrequency as a method for management of patients with chronic low back pain

Subjects and Methods: this prospective study was conducted at El Galaa Military Hospital starting from January 2017. Twenty-five patients with chronic low back pain with mal-response to medical treatment justified for receiving interventional pain management as a conservative method of treatment of low back pain. They were subjected to radiofrequency neurotomy as a method for managing low back pain

Results: there was highly statistically significant decrease in pain score immediately, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months than pain score before RF with p-value < 0.01and there was highly statistically significant difference between daily living activities before RF and daily living activities at different times of measurement with p-value < 0.01

Conclusion: low back pain is a medical, social and economical problem. Radiofrequency neurotomy had advantage regarding the long term follow up but the costs and equipment-wised problem still make it less prevailed

Recommendations: longer follow up and randomized study if could be conducted the results may indicate much clues

Maximizing resection of diffused low-grade glioma functional outcome

Background: most of adults with Diffuse Low Grade Gliomas [DLGGs] are diagnosed with an average age of 39 years and the diagnosis is often made around fully functioning individuals. Currently extent of resection [EOR] is a generally known variable that impacts overall survival [OS], progression free survival and malignant transformation in these gliomas

Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the risks and benefits of maximizing the extent of resection of DLGGS, while preserving neurological function

Methodology and Materials: this was a prospective observational study of group of consecutive 20 patients with initial imaging diagnosis of supratentorial DLGGs. Preoperatively planned for maximal resection even if presuming the proximity of these lesions to eloquent cortex and their relative diffuse nature on imaging

Results: 40 % were near eloquent area and 30 % at eloquent areas. GTR achieved in 10% and STR in 65%. Pre-operative Karnofsky Performance Scale [KPS] was 100 in 10%, 90 in 65%, 72 hours post-operative 70 in 60%. During the first 6 months of follow-up KPS was 100 in 60% of the study cohort while only one patient [5%] died. After 6 months KPS was 100 and represented 95% of the whole study. LOS was the longest [4-16 days] in near eloquent and shortest in eloquent [5-8 days]. 30% had pre-operative uncontrolled seizures, which cured post-operative, 50% stopped AED within a year. Average back to work period was 2.5 for eloquent, near eloquent 2.8 and non-eloquent 2.6 months

Conclusion: careful pre-surgical planning based on proper reviewed history, recent imaging techniques and utilizing up-to-date intra-operative technology is helping to maximize safe surgical resection, while saving patient function and quality of life

Differential therapeutic effects of Crataegus aronia and simvastatin on the hepatocyte ultrastructure in hepatic steatosis / Efectos terapéuticos diferenciales de Crataegus aronia y simvastatina sobre la estructura del hepatocito en la esteatosis hepática

Complications of fat accumulation in liver, hepatic steatosis such as liver cirrhosis and liver failure are among the common public health problems. We sought to investigate the damage to the hepatocyte ultrastructure induced by high fat diets (HFD) and compared the therapeutic effects at the cellular level of two antioxidant and lipid lowering agents; Crataegus aronia extracts and simvastatin on hepatic steatosis. Rats were either fed with HFD (model group) or low fat diets (LFD) (control group) for 15 weeks before being sacrificed and therapeutic groups started the treatment with these agents after week 11 until the sacrifice day. Harvested liver tissues were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and liver homogenates were assayed for markers of anti-oxidative stress that are known to be modulated in liver injury. TEM examinations of the model group showed a profound damage to the hepatocytes compared to the control group as demonstrated by steatosis, damaged mitochondria and vaculated cytoplasm, disrupted rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear membrane, dilated intercellular space between hepatocytes, and alterations in lysosomes. In addition, HFD ameliorated the anti-oxidant glutathione (GSH) and augmented the oxidative stress TBARS biomarkers. Both Crataegus aronia and simvastatin significantly reduced lipids and TBARS, and treated damage to hepatic cells, but hepatocyte structures were differentially responded to these agents. However, only Crataegus aronia induced GSH (p=0.001). We conclude that HFD-induced hepatic steatosis caused a substantial damage to the hepatocyte's ultrastructures, and Crataegus aronia and simvastatin treatments differentially reversed hepatic injuries.

Las complicaciones de la acumulación de grasa en el hígado, la esteatosis hepática como la cirrosis hepática y la insuficiencia hepática se encuentran entre los problemas comunes de salud pública. Se intentó investigar el daño a la ultraestructura de los hepatocitos inducido por la dieta alta en grasas (DAG) y se compararon los efectos terapéuticos a nivel celular de dos antioxidantes y agentes hipolipemiantes; Extracto de Crataegus aronia y simvastatina sobre esteatosis hepática. Las ratas fueron alimentadas con DAG (grupo modelo) o dieta baja en grasa (DBG) (grupo control) durante 15 semanas antes de sacrificarse y los grupos terapéuticos comenzaron el tratamiento con estos agentes después de la semana 11 hasta el día del sacrificio. Se examinaron los tejidos hepáticos usando microscopía electrónica de transmisión (MET) y se analizaron homogeneizados de hígado para marcadores de estrés anti-oxidativo, que se sabe están modulados en la lesión hepática. Los exámenes MET del grupo DAG mostraron un grave daño de los hepatocitos en comparación con el grupo control, demostrado por esteatosis, daño mitocondrial y citoplasma vacío, retículo endoplásmico rugoso y liso y membrana nuclear, el espacio intercelular dilatado entre hepatocitos y alteraciones en los lisosomas. Además, DAG mejoró el anti-oxidante glutatión (GSH) y aumentó el estrés oxidativo TBARS biomarcadores. Tanto Crataegus aronia como simvastatina redujeron significativamente los lípidos y TBARS, trataron el daño a las células hepáticas, pero las estructuras de hepatocitos respondieron diferencialmente a estos agentes. Sin embargo, sólo Crataegus aronia indujo GSH (p = 0,001). Concluimos que la esteatosis hepática inducida por HFD causó un daño sustancial a la ultraestructura del hepatocito y los tratamientos de Crataegus aronia y simvastatina diferenciaron las lesiones hepáticas.

Identification of a Novel Mutation of LAMB3 Gene in a Lybian Patient with Hereditary Epidermolysis Bullosa by Whole Exome Sequencing

No abstract available.

Free radical scavenger activity of chitosan and its aminated derivative.

Antioxidants may have a positive effect on human health since they can protect the human body against deterioration by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chitosan has many promising properties as nontoxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, antimicrobial and recently antioxidant properties. Most of the reports on the antioxidant activity of chitosan are based on the ability of amine and hydroxyl group to scavenge free radical to form stable macromolecular radical. In the current study, a new chitosan derivative with extra free amine groups was evaluated using two popular antioxidant evaluation methods (uninhibited/inhibited hyaluronan degradation and decolorization of ABTS method). The result obtained in our study show increase the activity of aminated chitosan for scavenging free radicals than chitosan itself.

Free Radical Scavenger Activity of Cinnamyl Chitosan Schiff Base.

In this study, new cinnamyl chitosan schiff base was evaluated as antioxidant material. Antioxidant activity was measured by two different popular methods (uninhibited/inhibited hyaluronan degradation and decolorization of ABTS methods). the results show decrease the hydrogen donation behavior of chitosan after coupling with cinnamaldehyde, in the other hand, ABTS method show increase the electron donation activity of cinnamyl chitosan than the chitosan itself.

Role of vitamin-E on rat liver-amiodarone: an ultrastructural study

Amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic drug, has been found to be effective in the management of patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to test whether the co administration of vitamin-E with amiodarone can reduce amiodarone-induced liver damage. Twelve male albino rats were divided into three groups [ml vegetable oil/day by oral gavages daily for 2 weeks and were used as control group. The rats of the second group received 5.4 mg amiodarone/100 gm rat dissolved in vegetable oil daily by oral gavages for 2 weeks. In the third group, the rats received 5.4 mg amiodarone and 5 mg vitamin-E/100 gram rat dissolved in 2 ml vegetable oil by oral gavages daily for 2 weeks. Two weeks after treatment, the rats were sacrificed and liver specimens were immediately taken and processed for transmission electron microscopic examinations. Sections from the rat liver receiving amiodarone examined by electron microscopy showed disrupted hepatocytes with increased vacuolations. Degenerated organelles and disrupted nuclei were observed. The microvilli of bile canaliculi were disrupted and the hepatocytes showed increased lipid contents. Both endothelial cells and Kupffer cells were damaged. Phospholipids inside the mitochondria showed a loss of cristae. Sections from the liver of rats received amiodarone and vitamin-E showed lesser effects, especially in depositions of phospholipids in the mitochondria and the whole organelles and the nucleus showed minor damage in comparison to the previous group. Milder hepatotoxic effects are seen in rats administered amiodarone and vitamin E simultaneously suggesting that vitamin-E may play a role in amelioration of the effects of amiodarone

Intralesional and anatomopathologic features of psoriatic erythroderma

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder. It is marked by aberrant epidermal and dermal expression of cytokines. Evaluate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in a particular severe form of psoriasis the psoriatic erythroderma. We focused on intra-lesional cytokine gene expression in cutaneous biopsies of lesional site and their correspondent non lesional skin. On the whole, four healthy volunteers and thirty six patients were included in this study. Among these, three had a psoriatic erythroderma. Assuming that local production of cytokines may be approached by mRNA cytokine quantification, the expression of a tumour necrosis factor [TNFalpha] and interleukin-8 [IL-8] was analyzed by reverse transcription and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Under expression of all selected molecules in psoriatic erythroderma lesions was contrasted with the data obtained in the other psoriatic lesion forms witch revealed that ratios had significantly increased in lesional skin compared with non lesional one. However, at anatomy-pathology analysis, inflammatory infiltrate in psoriatic erythroderma was classical poor and no specific of this disease, such as the case of our three patients. This could explain the drop of intra-lesional inflammatory mediators. The paradoxal low levels of proinflammatory cytokines in psoriatic erythroderma are an original and important result

Comparative study to reduce pain and hemodynamic bleu response to propofol injection

Background: The induction of anaesthesia with propofol is associated with pain on injection and a significant decrease in arterial blood pressure. In this study, we compared the effect of micro-biological filter to the pretreatment with ephedrine intravenously on the incidence and severity of propofol - induced pain and on the hernodynamic responses to propofol

Patients and methods: Three hundred and seventy five [375] adult patients, of both sexes, aged 20-60 years with average weight 50-90 kg, ASA physical status I or II who were scheduled for elective day case surgery were included. Patients were randomly allocated into one of three groups. Group I [n = 125] received 2ml 2% lidocaine before propofol 1% injection. Group II [n = 125] received 50ug/kg ephedrine diluted with 0.9% normal saline in a 2ml solution before propofol 1% injection. Group III [n = 125] unmodified propofol 1% was administered through a 0.22 um filter unit [Millex[r] GS]. Induction of anaesthesia was achieved by 2.5 mg/kg propofol 1% at a rate of 40 mg per 10 seconds as recommended by the manufacturer. An independent blind observer immediately asked the patient to grade the degree of pain experienced on propofol injection on a 4 point verbal rating scale (VRS). The grades of the VRS were no pain, mild, moderate or severe pain. Induction was achieved by iso-flurane 2.5 volume% in 8L oxygen per minute. Three minutes later, an appropriate size of laryngeal mask airway [LMA] was inserted. Heart rate and non invasive mean arterial blood pressure were recorded as follows before induction of anaesthesia [baseline], 1 and 3 minutes after propofol injection and then at 1,3,5 and 10 minutes after LMA placement

Results: overall 28.8% of patients in group III experienced pain on injection of propofol compared to 46.4% in group I and 44% in group II [P< 0.05]. One patient [0.8%] complained of severe pain on injection of propofol in group III compared to 8.8% of patients in group I and 6.4% in group II [P < 0.05]. The decrease in the heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure was significantly less in group II compared to group I and III at 1 and 3 minutes after propofol injection and at 1 and 3 minutes after LMA placement

Conclusion: A microbiological filter provides a non-pharmacological alternative to lidocaine-propofol mixture for reducing the incidence and intensity of propofol-induced pain. Pretreatment with a small dose of ephedrine [50microg/kg] does not reduce the heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure after injection of propofol

Endothelial dysfunction an doxidative stress in gestational diabetes [a follow-up study]

Gestational diabetes is characterized by glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are more prone to develop type II diabetes later in life. The increased risk of premature endothelial dysfunction with hyperglycemia might be related in part to augmented expression of cell adhesion molecules. Diabetes is also characterized by oxidative stress which in turn determines endothelial dysfunction via nitric oxide synthase linked pathway. Aim: To evaluate the effect of gestational diabetes on the adhesive molecules and status of oxidative stress. Subjects and Five hundred and eighty seven pregnant women [24-28 weeks of gestation] with no risk factors and normal renal and liver functions were tested for serum glucose by screen test and-when necessary- glucose tolerance curve. Thirty three cases [5.6%] who have gestational diabetes constituted the patients group. Twenty healthy pregnant women with negative screen test and glucose tolerance curve were taken as a control group. Both patients and controls were investigated for serum E- selectin, VCAM-1, endothelin-1, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase [SOD], during gestation and after delivery. During gestation, sE-selectin was higher and sVCAM-1 was lower in diabetic cases than controls but with no significant differences, while significant elevations of lipid peroxidation [p < 0.01] and SOD [p < 0.001] in patients group compared to control group. Three months after delivery, significant elevations of sE-selectin [p < 0.001], sVCAM-1 [p < 0.001], and SOD [p < 0.001] were observed in women with gestational diabetes compared to the controls. There were significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and SOD [p < 0.001] in the patients after delivery as compared to that during pregnancy, while sE-selectin, sVCAM-1 and NO were higher after delivery than during pregnancy but the difference was statistically insignificant. The controls showed significant decrease in levels of endothelin-1, sE-selectin and sVCAM-l with longitudinal follow up. The follow up study revealed that six cases [patients group A] continued with impaired glucose toerance curve [31.6%] and thirteen cases [patients group B] returned with normal glucose curve. In group A, there were significant elevation of E-selectin [p < 0.05] and significant decrease of endothelin-l [p < 0.01] as compared to group B, while NO and SOD were reduced but the difference was statistically insignificant. Sustained elevations of sE-selectin and sVCAM-1 in cases with gestational diabetes even after delivery may reflect vascular injury or risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore the elevations of lipid peroxidation and SOD in the patients group during pregnancy may be implicated this pathogenesis of gestational diabetes and may be considered as sensitive indicators of oxidative stress in gestational diabetes

Histological and immunohistochemical studies of the rabbit ovary at different physiological conditions

This study was conducted on twenty healthy female balady rabbits to investigate the histological structure of the rabbit ovary at different physiological conditions, in addition to evaluate cytokeratin 7 localization in this organ. The animals were classified into four groups each comprised five animals: neonates, adult non-pregnant non-lactating, adult pregnant and adult lactating rabbits. Upon sacrifaction, ovaries samples were prepared for general histological structure and with improved Biotin-Streptavidin amplified detecting staining methods to localize the sites of intermediate filaments cytokeratin 7. Moreover, minute parts were prepared for transmission electron microscope examination.Light microscopic examination of the ovarian sections showed an outer broad cortex and an inner narrow medulla with no line of demarcation in between. Also, a dense tunica albuginea was organized under the covering epithelium and appeared well developed in adult pregnant rabbit ovary. The cortex, in neonates contained only primordial follicles which differentiated to various ovarian follicles at adult ages. But, it was noticed that atretic follicles were found more abundant in the ovarian cortex during pregnancy. The medulla was formed of fibrovascular connective tissue stroma which became more vascular with pregnancy. The corpus luteum of pregnancy was large in size and accounted for more than one half the volume of the ovary and characterized by the presence of numerous lipid droplets in the small luteal cells cytoplasm. The ovarian interstitial tissue was ill developed at neonate stage. While, in adult age it appeared formed of polygonal cells with pale cytoplasm and rounded nuclei. With pregnancy they became hypertrophied with vacuolated cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei. The ovary of lactating female was similar in its histological structure to that of the cyclic one. In conclusion, the present study showed that rabbit ovaries at different physiological conditions had its own characteristic histological features which suit its functional demands. Cytokeratin 7 was found to be represented in the ovarian surface epithelium, all stages of follicular development, oocyte, luteal cells and in the medullary stroma mainly around the blood vessels. So, from this study, it could be recommended that cytokeratin 7 could be used as a tumour marker to distinguish different types of ovarian tumours

Occupational hazards of Liquorice extraction in one of the pharmaceutical industries

Liquorice is one of the plants widely used in medicine for gastrointesinal problems and as a flavoring agent in tobacco and soft drink industries. The main active constituents of liquorice are glycyrrhetic acid and samponin. These two active components have been investigated by many authors and glycyrrhetic acid was suggested to be a hypertensive agent. In our study we tested this hypotethesis in workers occupationally exposed to liquorice during its industrial extraction in one of the pharmaceutical companies in Egypt. Twenty two occupationally exposed workers were clinically examined, 78% had respiratory problems. 73% showed history of nasal and upper respiratory tract irritation, while 36% had hypertension more than 160/95. The mean value of total cholesterol was 144.5 +/- 23.6, LDL 88.7 +/- 17.3, HDL 43.65 +/- 21.4, Gamma-GT 6.8 +/- 2.8, SGOT 9.3 +/- 0.97, SGPT 8.6 +/- 3.6 and serum creatinine 0.89 +/- 0.2 Ammonia levels in the working environment were 35-48 ppm. Our data indicated that liquorice had a hypertensive effects on the exposed group, however these workers had lower levels of serum lipids which requires further study to explore the pharmacological effect of liquorice on humans who had hyperlipidemia