protective effect of Echinacea spp. [Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea] in a rat colitis model induced by acetic acid

Ulcerative colitis [UC] is a chronic disease that causes an inflammatory condition in the colon. Several cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin 1beta [IL-1beta] and transforming growth factor beta [TGF-beta] are crucial components of these inflammatory pathways. New therapeutic strategies are needed for improved clinical outcomes in UC and with less adverse effects. That is why alternative therapies such as herbal remedies are increasingly being used with favorable effects in the treatment of UC. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Echinacea spp in an experimental rat colitis model induced by acetic acid [AA]. Acetic acid was given via a rectal route to induce acute colitis in rats. Rats were placed in four groups: control, Echinacea, Echinaceacolitis and colitis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1beta and TGF-beta levels were measured. Histopathological comparison of the groups was also performed. The disease activity index [DAI] was significantly higher in the colitis group compared to the control, Echinacea and Echinacea-colitis groups [p<0.001]. There was no significant difference between the DAI of control, Echinacea and Echinacea-colitis groups [p>0.07]. The inflammatory mediators IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were significantly elevated in the colitis group compared to the other groups [p<0.007, <0.001 respectively]. Therefore, Echinacea spp. may likely have some therapeutic favorable effects in the management of UC

Breast fibroadenoma in female adolescents

Palpable breast masses in pediatric patients are uncommon. Fibroadenoma which must be distinguished from malignant tumors is the most frequent breast tumor in adolescent girl. Fine needle aspiration FNA biopsy is highly specific in breast masses. The final cosmetic result is important when planning the surgical excision. Therefore it is mandatory to know preoperative cytology of the mass. Five girls who had undergone operation with breast masses between 1999-2004 were evaluated retrospectively. The mean age at presentation was 13 years. Each patient underwent FNA biopsy before excision. Aspiration cytology of the lump showed fibroadenoma confirmed by subsequent histopathology. The breast masses can be handled operatively through a circumareolar incision without any complication. Protection of the developing breast bud, nipple and areola is as important as appropriate excision of the lesion. Cosmetic results have been satisfactory and there has been no evidence of recurrence