Endogenous erythropoietin level and effects of exogenous erythropoietin in a rat model of blunt chest trauma-induced pulmonary contusion.

BACKGROUND: The present objective was to investigate endogen erythropoietin (EPO) level and relationship to oxidative stress within the first 24 hours of blunt chest trauma-induced pulmo-nary contusion (PCn) in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-five rats were divided into 3 groups. In the baseline control group (BC, n=7), rats were uninjured and untreated. In the positive control group (PC, n=21) rats were injured but untreated. In the EPO-24 group (n=7), rats were injured and a single dose of intra-peritoneal EPO (5000 IU/kg) was administered immediately after lung injury. The PC group was divided into 3 subgroups: PC-6 (n=7), PC-12 (n=7), and PC-24 (n=7). The BC group was subjected to thoracotomy, and the right lung was harvested. The PC subgroups were eu-thanized at 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury, respectively. The EPO-24 group was euthanized at the 24th hour after injury. Lung samples were obtained, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and EPO were analyzed, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were then measured in homogenized lung tissue samples. Histologic damage to lung tissue in the BC group, the EPO-24 group, and PC subgroup euthanized at the 24th hour after injury were scored by a single pathologist blinded to group assignation. RESULTS: Mean MDA levels, as well as SOD and CAT activities, of the BC and EPO-24 groups were significantly lower than those of the PC group (p<0.005). Mean EPO concentra-tion of the PC group was significantly higher than that of the BC group (p<0.005). Lung tis-sue damage scores measured at 24 hours after injury were significantly lower in the EPO-24 group than in the PC group (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: In the present PCn rat model, EPO concentrations, as well as SOD and CAT levels, were high in lung tissue, when measured at 24 hours after PCn. When administered early after chest trauma, EPO significantly attenuated oxidative damage and tissue damage in the early phase, as assessed by biochemical markers and histologic scoring.

Which prosthesis is more resistant to vascular graft infection: polytetrafluoroethylene or Omniflow II biosynthetic grafts?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether polytetrafluoroethylene grafts or Omniflow II biosynthetic grafts are more resistant to infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS: Sixty rats were divided into six groups. In Groups 1A, 1B and 1C, a polytetrafluoroethylene graft was implanted in each rat, and, in Groups 2A, 2B and 2C, a biosynthetic graft was implanted in each rat. Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated into Groups 1B, 1C, 2B and 2C, and the rats in Groups 1C and 2C were treated with teicoplanin. One week later, the rats were euthanized, the grafts were removed and a microbiological count was performed. A histopathological examination was subsequently carried out, and the C-reactive protein, prealbumin and leukocyte levels were investigated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the C-reactive protein, prealbumin and leukocyte levels. The differences in the results of the microbiological evaluations between the groups were significant. The quantitative culture results showed no bacterial growth in Groups 1A, 1C and 2A. The number of bacteria in Group 1B was statistically lower than that in Group 2B. When the groups receiving treatment were compared, Group 2C had bacterial growth, whereas Group 1C did not. The histopathological examinations showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Omniflow II grafts are more susceptible to infection than polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.

A corrosive oesophageal burn model in rats: Double-lumen central venous catheter usage.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to create a new and less invasive experimental corrosive oesophageal burn model using a catheter without a gastric puncture (gastrotomy). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted the study with two groups composed of 8 male rats. The experimental oesophageal burn was established by the application of 10% sodium hydroxide to the distal oesophagus under a pressure of 20 cmH 2 O, via 5-F double-lumen central venous catheter without a gastrotomy. The control group was given 0.9% sodium chloride. All rats were killed 24 h after administration of NaOH or 0.9% NaCl. Histologic damage to oesophageal tissue was scored by a single pathologist blind to groups. RESULTS: The rats in the control group were observed to have no pathological changes. Corrosive oesophagitis (tissue congestion, oedema, inflammation, ulcer and necrosis) was observed in rats exposed to NaOH. CONCLUSION: We believe that an experimental corrosive oesophageal burn can safely be created under same hydrostatic pressure without a gastric puncture using this model.

Efficacy of linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin in prevention of an experimental polytetrafluoroethylene graft infection model caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin in prevention of prosthetic vascular graft infections in a vascular graft infection model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups. A polytetrafluoroethylene graft was implanted on the back of each rat. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain was inoculated into all rats except Group 1. Group 2 was not given any treatment, Group 3 received linezolid, Group 4 received vancomycin, and Group 5 received teicoplanin. The grafts were removed for microbiological and histological examinations on the 7th day. In addition, C-reactive protein and prealbumin levels and leukocyte counts in obtained blood specimens were determined. RESULTS: Group 1 did not have infection. Group 2 had bacteria 5.7 × 10(4) CFU/cm(2). Group 3 and Group 4 had less bacterial growth. Group 5 had no bacterial growth. The number of bacteria was significantly higher in Group 2 than in the other experimental groups and the control group (p<0.001). Although there was no bacterial growth in Group 5, it did not significantly differ from Group 3 and Group 4. Group 2 had a significantly higher CRP level and leukocyte count and a significantly lower prealbumin level than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin are effective in prevention of prosthetic vascular graft infections.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a novel marker in early diagnosis of ovarian torsion: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ovarian torsion on plasma high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and to determine whether hs-CRP levels were a useful adjunct that could be used in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen nulligravid 4-month-old female Wistar albino rats were randomly and equally allocated into two groups. Control group, sham operation (n = 8) group, and study group, ovarian torsion (n = 8) group. Ovarian torsion model was created using titanium vascular clips and vascular clips were kept for a 2-h period. Right ovaries were surgically removed at the end of the procedure in each group. Blood was sampled before and after operation to assess plasma hs-CRP levels. Ovarian histopathologic findings scores and plasma hs-CRP levels were evaluated. RESULTS: In study group, the mean plasma hs-CRP level was significantly higher than that in the control group. (0.91 ± 0.18 vs. 0.39 ± 0.06 mg/l, respectively, p < 0.001), following 2 h of ovarian torsion. Histologic examinations of the right ovary confirmed the torsion model. Histologic score of the specimens had higher scores for follicular cell degeneration (p = 0.002), vascular congestion (p = 0.002), inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.003), and hemorrhage (p < 0.001) in the study group. For the change in the plasma hs-CRP value for a cut-off value of >0.275 mg/l, sensitivity and specificity were calculated as 100 %. CONCLUSION: The measurement of hs-CRP in a rat model seems to be a valuable plasma marker in early detection and diagnosis of ovarian torsion. However, further clinical and experimental studies of a larger size are required.

Histopathological Effects of Tissue Adhesives on Experimental Peripheral Nerve Transection Model in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the histopathological effects of tissue adhesives on peripheral nerve regeneration after experimental sciatic nerve transection in rats and to search whether these tissue adhesives may possess a therapeutic potential in peripheral nerve injuries. METHODS: This experimental study was performed using 42 female Wistar-Albino rats distributed in 6 groups subsequent to transection of right sciatic nerves. Group I underwent external circumferential neurolysis; Group II received suture repair; Group III had local polymeric hydrogel based tissue adhesive administration; Group IV received suture repair and polymeric hydrogel based tissue adhesive application together; Group V had gelatin based tissue adhesive application and Group VI had suture repair and gelatin based tissue adhesive together. After a 6-week follow-up period, biopsies were obtained from site of neural injury and groups were compared with respect to histopathological scoring based on inflammatory, degenerative, necrotic and fibrotic changes. RESULTS: There were remarkable differences between control group and study groups with respect to inflammation (p=0.001), degeneration (p=0.002), necrosis (p=0.007), fibrosis (p<0.001) and vascularity (p=0.001). Histopathological scores were similar between study groups and the only noteworthy difference was that Group V displayed a lower score for necrosis and higher score in terms of vascularization. CONCLUSION: Our results imply that tissue adhesives can be useful in repair of peripheral nerve injuries by decreasing the surgical trauma and shortening the duration of intervention. Results with gelatin based tissue adhesive are especially promising since more intense vascularity was observed in tissue after application. However, trials on larger series with longer durations of follow-up are essential for reaching more reliable conclusions.

Does imprint cytology improve the accuracy of transrectal prostate needle biopsy?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of imprint cytology of core needle biopsy specimens in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. METHODS: Between December 24, 2011 and May 9, 2013, patients with an abnormal DRE and/or serum PSA level of >2.5 ng/mL underwent transrectal prostate needle biopsy. Samples with positive imprint cytology but negative initial histologic exam underwent repeat sectioning and histological examination. RESULTS: 1,262 transrectal prostate needle biopsy specimens were evaluated from 100 patients. Malignant imprint cytology was found in 236 specimens (18.7%), 197 (15.6%) of which were confirmed by histologic examination, giving an initial 3.1% (n = 39) rate of discrepant results by imprint cytology. Upon repeat sectioning and histologic examination of these 39 biopsy samples, 14 (1.1% of the original specimens) were then diagnosed as malignant, 3 (0.2%) as atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP), and 5 (0.4%) as high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). Overall, 964 (76.4%) specimens were negative for malignancy by imprint cytology. Seven (0.6%) specimens were benign by cytology but malignant cells were found on histological evaluation. On imprint cytology examination, nonmalignant but abnormal findings were seen in 62 specimens (4.9%). These were all due to benign processes. After reexamination, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, false-positive rate, false-negative rate of imprint preparations were 98.1, 96.9, 98.4, 92.8, 99.3, 1.6, 3.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Imprint cytology is valuable tool for evaluating TRUS-guided core needle biopsy specimens from the prostate. Use of imprint cytology in combination with histopathology increases diagnostic accuracy when compared with histopathologic assessment alone.

Protective effects of intravenous anesthetics on kidney tissue in obstructive jaundice.

AIM: To evaluate the protective effects on kidney tissue of frequently used intravenous anesthetics (ketamine, propofol, thiopental, and fentanyl) in rats with obstructive jaundice. METHODS: There is an increased incidence of postoperative acute renal failure in patients with obstructive jaundice. Thirty-two Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Laparatomy was performed on each animal in the four groups and common bile ducts were ligated and severed on day 0. After 7 d, laparotomy was again performed using ketamine, propofol, thiopental, or fentanyl anesthesia whose antioxidative properties are well known in oxidative stress in a rat liver model of obstructive jaundice. After 2 h, the rats were sacrificed. Renal tissue specimens were analyzed for catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde enzymes activities. All values are expressed as the mean ± SD. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: All animals survived without complications until the end of the study. Enlargement in the bile duct and obstructive jaundice were observed in all rats. Catalase was found to be significantly lower in the fentanyl group than in the ketamine (P = 0.039), propofol (P = 0.012), and thiopental (P = 0.001) groups. Superoxide dismutase activities were similar in all groups (P > 0.05). Malondialdehyde was found to be significantly lower in the ketamine group than in the propofol (P = 0.028), thiopental (P = 0.002) and fentanyl (P = 0.005) groups. Malondialdehyde was also lower in the fentanyl group than in the thiopental group (P = 0.001). The results showed that obstructive jaundice sensitizes renal tissue to damage under the different anesthetics. CONCLUSION: Among the agents tested, ketamine and propofol generated the least amount of oxidative stres on renal tissues in this rat model of obstructive jaundice created by common bile duct ligation. The importance of free radical injury in renal tissue in obstructive jaundice under different intravenous anesthetics during hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgery should be considered for prevention of postoperative acute renal failure.

A case of neutrophilic dermatosis who develop palpable purpura during the use of montelukast.

In this case report, we present a female patient with neutrophilic dermatosis (ND) occurring as palpable purpura after using montelukast. Neutrophilic dermatoses (NDs) are characterized by skin lesions in which mature neutrophils are predominantly located in the epidermis and dermis in the absence of any infective pathology. Classification of the NDs is based upon the recognition of clinical and pathologic features, as well as the identification of associated diseases, like Sweet's syndrome, pyoderma gangrenosum, generalized pustular psoriasis, and Behçet's disease. Cutaneous findings in NDs are variable and can include vesiculopustules, plaques, nodules, or ulcerations. Drug-induced NDs are not uncommon, but ND with palpable purpura is uncommon. The current patient appeared with a rare presentation as palpable purpura without vasculitis regarding ND. It is important that this is the first case report.

Protective activity of ischemic preconditioning on rat testicular ischemia: effects of Y-27632 and 5-hydroxydecanoic acid.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury of rat testis and determine the effects of 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD), a selective K(ATP) channel antagonist, and Y-27632, a selective Rho kinase inhibitor, on IPC. METHODS: I/R injury was induced by 180 min ischemia and 60 min reperfusion of testis. There were 5 groups. Group 1 served as untreated controls. The rats in Group 2 were subjected to I/R only. In Group 3, 3 cycles of IPC (5 min transient ischemia plus 5 min reperfusion) were performed prior to I/R. In groups 4 and 5, the rats were treated as in Group 3 but received intraperitoneal injections of 0.3 mg/kg Y-27632 or 10 mg/kg 5-HD prior to IPC, respectively. RESULTS: I/R led to severe histopathological lesions in the rat testis and significantly lowered the scoring. I/R resulted in significant elevation in tissue lipid peroxide levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index levels. Protective effects of IPC on I/R-induced testicular injury of rats were observed with the significant recovery in these biochemical parameters. Y-27632 treatment led to a significant decrease in MPO activity, but there were no significant changes in the remaining parameters. Effects of IPC were blocked by 5-HD except in the TAC levels. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that IPC protected rat testis against I/R-induced injury via activation of KATP channels. Additionally, Rho kinase inhibition preserved the effects of IPC in testis.

[Diffuse lipid infiltration and squamous metaplasia accompanying amyloid goiter: case report]. / Amiloid guatra eslik eden diffüz yag infiltrasyonu ve skuamöz metaplazi: olgu sunumu.

Systemic amyloidosis is one of the serious complications of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Amyloid accumulation secondary to FMF can cause pressure symptoms in thyroid gland rarely. A 17-year-old male patient with the diagnosis of FMF performed the complaints of dyspnea during his follow-up period. He has demonstrated a rapidly increasing mass localized in front of his neck within the last three months that was diagnosed as a diffuse, hyperplasic and pressuring thyroid gland. Total thyroidectomy was performed. Histopathological investigation of the material obtained aft er thyroidectomy revealed diffuse lipid infiltration in parenchyma, intense amyloid accumulation around and between the follicles that caused pressure on the follicles, and cystic areas in the tissue. Squamous metaplasia foci in cyst epithelium were detected. Upon these findings the case was diagnosed as amyloid goiter accompanied by metaplastic variations. In conclusion, it can be appropriate to take into account the possibility that metaplastic variations could accompany amyloid goiter in patients with long-term FMF.

Medicinal plant extract (Ankaferd Blood Stopper) application in deep tissue injuries in rats: histopathological investigation of the effect on regional and systemic tissues.

BACKGROUND: This study was planned to evaluate both the histopathological changes under light microscope as well as the systemic organ effects following application of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) (a mixture of five plant extracts) in an animal model of deep tissue hemorrhage. METHODS: A total of 50 Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups of 10 rats each. The rats underwent femoral vein puncture and were treated with ABS tampon, ABS spray, or Surgicel, and one group was left untreated. After two weeks, each group underwent partial tissue excision from the same femoral region as well as from the brain, heart, kidney, and liver. RESULTS: The specimens from all groups were obtained from the femoral region after two weeks and evaluated under light microscope. The light microscope revealed no histopathological changes in neurovascular structures or in deep connective tissues in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: ABS provided hemostasis and was observed to stop bleeding. There were no histopathological changes at the tissue level and no pathological effects in other organs tissues under light microscope, and the remote organ tissue remained clear.

Protective effects of erythropoietin and N-acetylcysteine on methotrexate-induced lung injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Methotrexate (MTX) is known to have deleterious side effects on lung tissue. We aimed to investigate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) on MTX-induced lung injury in rats. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experiment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. Sham group, 0.3 mL saline; MTX group, 5 mg/kg MTX; EPO group, 5mg/kg MTX and 2000 IU/kg EPO; NAC group, 5 mg/kg MTX and 200 mg/kg NAC were administered once daily for 4 consecutive days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and inflammation and congestion scores in lung tissues were evaluated. RESULTS: In MTX group MDA were significantly higher, CAT and SOD were significantly lower than in sham, EPO and NAC groups (p<0.005). In EPO group MDA, CAT, and SOD were higher, but not significant than those in group NAC (p>0.005). In group MTX both scores were significantly higher than in sham (p<0.005). The congestion score of group MTX was significantly higher than those of group EPO and NAC (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: EPO and NAC have significant preventive effects on MTX-induced lung injury in rats. Decreased antioxidant capacity and increased MDA level may cause the oxidative damage in MTX group. Also, higher antioxidant capacity and lower MDA level may be a response to oxidative stress in EPO and NAC groups.

Comparison of transforming growth factor ß1 concentrations in the ovaries of rats stimulated by human menopausal gonadotropin or recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG) and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) on transforming growth factor (TGF) ß1 concentration in the rat ovary. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-one fertile Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 3 groups of 7. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were injected with saline, hMG or rFSH, respectively, over 5 days, after which they underwent ovariectomy. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used for histological examination. TGF ß1 staining levels in ovarian stroma, vessel walls, granulosa cells of Graafian follicles and corpus luteum cells were investigated immunohistochemically. RESULTS: On histological examination, the number of smaller antral follicles was higher in the control group, while there were more and larger antral follicles in the hyperstimulated groups. There were statistically significant differences in staining in vessel walls and granulosa cells between the control and stimulated groups. Both stimulation protocols caused an increased TGF ß1 concentration in vessel walls, while there was weak staining in granulosa cells in the treatment groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in staining scores between the two treatment groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of two different gonadotropin preparations on TGF ß1 concentrations in different localizations in the rat ovaries are comparable. It may be postulated that the luteinizing hormone (LH) content of hMG contributes little or nothing to the TGF ß1 mediated angiogenesis.

Negative pressure wound therapy and skin graft in madura foot treatment.

Madura foot is a rare, loca, chronic granulomatous skin infection which commonly affects the adult male foot. Medical treatment reduces the size of the lesion but surgical excision is necessary for radical treatment. We present a case of a 59 year old male farmer diagnosed as actinomadura of the right foot treated with medical treatment, total excision, negative pressure wound therapy and split thickness skin graft.

Carcinosarcoma of the lung associated with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report.

Neurofibromatosis or von Recklinghausen's disease is the most common inherited syndrome predisposing to neoplasia. Carcinosarcoma is a rare malignant mixed tumor of the lung. Association of carcinosarcoma of lung with Neurofibromatosis-1 is not common. A 57-year-old man presented with history of fever, cough, hemoptysis, breathlessness, weight loss, chest pain. Multiple cutaneous neurofibromas and café au lait spots were revealed by physical examination. A homogeneous opacity was found in the right middle and right upper zone on posterior-anterior chest radiography. A 8x8x7 cm mass that had irregular borders in right upper posterior and apical segment was seen on contrast enhanced chest computed tomography. On bronchoscopy, the lumen of right upper apical segment was obstructed with vegetating tumoral lesion. The biopsy taken from this region was diagnosed as carcinosarcoma by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination.A rare case with carcinosarcoma of the lung and Neurofibromatosis-1 was reported.

Protective effects of zofenopril on testicular torsion and detorsion injury in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of zofenopril on torsion/detorsion-induced biochemical and histopathological changes in experimental testicular ischemia or reperfusion injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 prepubertal male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into five groups, including 7 rats in each group: Group I (sham, S), sham operation; group II (torsion/detorsion-early orchiectomy, T/D-E), 2 hours ischemia and 4 hours reperfusion; group III (torsion/detorsion-late orchiectomy), T/D-L), 2 hours ischemia and 5 days reperfusion; group IV (zofenopril-early orchiectomy, Z-E), 2 hours ischemia, 4 hours reperfusion, and a single dose of zofenopril; and group V (zofenopril-late orchiectomy, Z-L), 2 hours ischemia, 5 days reperfusion, and 5 doses of zofenopril. We determined the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities. Histopathologically, mean seminiferous tubule diameter measurements were used. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde (3.490 ± 0.89 versus 1.729 ± 0.25 in early period; 3.837 ± 1.694 versus 1.694 ± 0.47 in late period) and nitric oxide levels (3.507 ± 0.44 versus 2.853 ± 0.54 in early period; 4.010 ± 0.72 versus 2.446 ± 0.29 in late period) significantly reduced and glutathione peroxidase (0.012 ± 0.001 versus 0.017 ± 0.001 in early period; 0.013 ± 0.002 versus 0.018 ± 0.001 in late period) and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities (58.030 ± 5.97 versus 70.773 ± 3.85 in early period; 57.421 ± 7.81 versus 76.329 ± 4.09 in late period) significantly increased in the testis tissue in zofenopril pretreated groups compared to group T/D both in early and late period (P < .05). The mean seminiferous tubule diameter was significantly better in pretreated group (210.33 ± 17.32) than group T/D (185.02 ± 22.45) only in late period (P < .05), but not in early period (209.38 ± 30.40 versus 208.21 ± 13.57; P > .05). CONCLUSION: Treatment with zofenopril decreased damage in ipsilateral testis caused by ischemia/reperfusion, and clinical application of zofenopril might be a new approach for the treatment of testicular torsion in addition to conventional detorsion.

Is "premature sebaceous hyperplasia" really a sebaceous hamartoma? Report of a case with neonatal onset.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common benign proliferation of the sebaceous gland. It commonly presents in middle-aged people as soft, yellow papules with central umbilication on the face, particularly on the forehead. We report a newborn with striking unilateral sebaceous hyperplasia and suggest that this may represent a unique sebaceous hamartoma rather than "premature sebaceous hyperplasia."

Auricular angioleiomyoma: a case report.

Angioleiomyoma (vascular leiomyoma or angiomyoma) is a rare, benign smooth muscle tumor that originates in the tunica media of blood vessels. These tumors may be found anywhere in the body. They usually occur in the lower extremity. Auricular angioleiomyoma is very rare, and only a few cases have been reported. We describe here a 38-year-old male patient with angioleiomyoma on the left auricular helix.

An antibody of TNF-alpha did not prevent thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibodies have been shown to reduce liver damage in different models. We investigated the effects of infliximab (a TNF-α antibody) on liver damage in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Group 1 (n = 8) was the control group. In group 2 (n = 8), the TAA group, the rats received 300 mg/kg intraperitoneal (ip) TAA daily for 2 days. In group 3 (n = 8), the TAA + Infliximab (INF) group, infliximab (5 mg/kg ip daily) was administered 48 hours before the first dose of TAA daily for 2 days and was maintained for 4 consecutive days. In group 4 (n = 8), the INF group, the rats received only ip infliximab (5 mg/kg) daily. Livers were excised for histopathological and biochemical tests (thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances [TBARS], and myeloperoxidase [MPO]). Serum ammonia, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), TNF-α, liver TBARS and MPO levels, and liver necrosis and inflammation scores in the TAA group were significantly higher than in the control and INF groups (all p < 0.01). All parameters except AST were not significantly different between TAA and TAA + INF. In conclusion, our results suggest that oxidative stress plays an important role in TAA-induced hepatotoxicity, and infliximab does not improve oxidative liver damage.