Body fluids: Comparison of liquid based cytology with conventional cytopreparatory technique

Introduction: In the diagnosis of malignant tumors, cytological examinations of various body fluids are useful. For the preparation of body fluid, many methods are used till date. The use of liquid-based cytology is new upcoming in the field. Aim: To examine the performance of liquid-based cytology on body cavity fluids as compared to conventional cytopreparatory techniques. Methodology: In the present study, 700 body fluid samples were processed by both liquid- based cytology (BD SurePath™) and conventional cytopreparatory technique (Thick & Thin). The performance of both techniques was compared in terms of “smear quality” and “overall diagnostic test performance.” Results: Out of 155 body fluid samples from proven malignancy patients, 32 (20.65%) were reported as Positive for malignancy, 23 (14.84%) as Suspicious of malignancy, and 100 (64.51%) as Negative for malignancy by CS (Thick and Thin). A total of 44 (28.39%) were reported as Positive for malignancy, 12 (7.74%) as Suspicious of malignancy, and 99 (63.87%) as Negative for malignancy by LBC. Conclusion: Liquid-based cytology is advantageous over conventional techniques in cytomorphology of body fluids, but not better in sensitivity and specificity. Also saves cytopathologist's valuable time for screening.

Effect of zearalenone on the activity of some steroid transforming enzymes in rats

Zearalenone, a mycotoxin with estrogenic activity, is used in vivo to study its effect on some steroid transforming enzymes. The enzyme activities of 5 beta-reductase [EC. 1.1.1.125] and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [EC. 1.1.1.25] are involved in the metabolism of progesterone and estradiol-17 beta-. These hormones are responsible for the formation of mature ovum and prevention of abortion in females. Zearalenone was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 3.3 mg/kg body weight to female mature rats at estrus phase. Control rats were injected with 0.5 ml corn oil. After 48 hours treatment time, liver, uterine tissues and serum samples were used for enzymes assay using spectrophotometric methods. The activity of 5 beta reductase from hepatic and uterine preparations and serum samples was significantly higher in Zearalenone treated rats than that of control group [p < 0.0001]. The results also showed a significant increase in the activity of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [17beta-HSD] in the samples obtained from Zearalenone treated rats as compared with that of the control group [P < 0.0001]. Furthermore, the estrogenic effect of Zearalenone on the uterine weights of female rats was noted

Collagen-vascular disease associated with multiple endocrinol deficiencies

There are two main types of autoimmune diseases which are usually considered to be separate from each other: The collagen-vascular disorders, which are due to non-organ specific autoantibodies [antigens present in all cells of the body, e.g. antinuclear antibodies], and the other major group, in which antibodies specific to a certain organ or group of organs occur, e.g. the autoimmune endocrinal disorders [antithyroid, antiadrenal,. etc]. It is considered very unusual to have manifestations of both types of disorders in the same patient. The case presented in this study is an example of a patient presenting with multiple endocrinal defects [growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, as well as diabetes mellitus with insulin resistance]. She also has evidence of a collagen-vascular disorder [systemic lupus]. She may be an example of the syndrome of insulin resistance due to antibodies against insulin receptors, in which collagen disorders may be associated