Investigation of Two New Grafting Techniques for Dorsal Augmentation Rhinoplasty: An Experimental Study with New Zealand White Rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: Cartilage is an important source in supporting the structure of the nose for dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty. However, it is known that its viability is not always on the ideal level. Various wrapping materials are used to increase the strength of cartilage. Donor site morbidity, which develops following the harvesting of both cartilage and fascia as one such cover material, has attracted interest in recent years. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of dermis and tendon autografts as alternatives to fascia and cartilage. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The sample of the study included 16 New Zealand white rabbits. The right auricular cartilage of all rabbits was amputated, and it was transformed into diced cartilage autografts. The dermis autografts from the right gluteal areas of the rabbits were deepithelialized, and lumbosacral fascia autografts were harvested from the same incision. Additionally, the Achilles tendon of each rabbit was harvested and transformed into diced tendon autografts. Four different autografts were embedded under the skin of each rabbit from 4 different pouches opened in the back of the rabbit. These autografts included diced cartilage alone (Intervention 1), fascia-wrapped cartilage (Intervention 2), dermis-wrapped cartilage (Intervention 3) and fascia-wrapped tendon (Intervention 4) autografts. RESULTS: Intervention 1 had the most irregular appearance, the outcomes in Intervention 4 were volumetrically smaller and softer. Connective tissue formed between the diced pieces in all interventions, and it was observed that the dermis and fascia had a capsule-like appearance, and their viability was preserved. The differences between the initial and final measurements of the volumes of interventions 1, 2 and 3 were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the initial and final volumetric measurements of intervention 4 (p > 0.05). More peripheral proliferation was observed in the interventions of fascia-wrapped and dermis-wrapped diced cartilage compared to the other interventions. The intervention including fascia-wrapped diced tendon grafts had displayed more fibrosis, fragmentation and collagen fibers, while it showed a lower amount of elastic fiber. There were no significant differences among the intervention in terms of other histological parameters. CONCLUSION: Tendon autografts may be a good option for dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty as they are easily harvested and have minimal donor site morbidity. Dermis autograft usage is more advantageous than fascia usage in terms of accessibility and convenience. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Severe preeclampsia complicated by HELLP syndrome alters the structure of Hofbauer and syncytiotrophoblast cells: ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.

Background: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is generally considered to be a variant or complication of preeclampsia. It is a life-threatening obstetric complication. Objectives: To evaluate the immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural of syncytiotrophoblastand Hoffbauer cells in placental villi of patients with HELLP syndrome. Methods: Two groups of patients with a total of 50 full-term human placentas (n = 25 in each group) were assigned as the control (normotensive) and HELLP syndrome. Placental tissue samples were fixed in 10% neutral formalin and paraffin-embedding protocol was performed. We prepared 5 µm sections for histological and immunohistochemical staining. Sections were immunostained with Hoffbauer cell marker CD68. For transmission electron microscopy (TEM), placental tissue samples were fixed in 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde and then, in 1% osmium tetroxide for routine ultrastructural examinations. Results: When the HELLP group fetal placental sections were examined, intracytoplasmic edema in syncytiotrophoblast, degenerative vacuoles, and degenerative findings on cell surface membranes were observed. Moreover, villous edema was remarkable. The number of CD68-positive Hoffbauer cells per villus control group sections was 0.23 ± 0.02 and the number of CD68-positive cells per villus in HELLP group placenta sections was 0.83 ± 0.12. The increase in the number of Hoffbauer cells per villus in the HELLP group was significant (P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, there was a significant increase in the number of Hoffbauer cells and syncytiotrophoblasts in the HELLP group, and degenerative changes were also observed in the ultrastructure of these cells. Conclusions: Pathology of the HELLP syndrome is in relation to CD68-positive placental macrophages.

Comparison of the Effects of Intratubal Injection of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Transection: An Experimental Study.

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of epineural tubulization (ENT) with or without intratubal application of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in the rat model of sciatic nerve transection. After formation of 1-cm defect in the left sciatic nerve and ENT, 32 adults female Wistar albino rats were separated into 4 groups (n = 8 for each) including ENT per se (group 1; ENT group) and ENT plus intratubal ASC injection groups killed on day 21 (group 2; ENT-ASC-21-day group), 60 days (group 3; ENT-ASC-60-day group), and 120 days (group 4; ENT-ASC-120-day group). Functional (sciatic function index, hip circumference, withdrawal reflex latency, muscle weight ratio), electrophysiological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed in each group. Sciatic function index was significantly higher (-51.98 ± 5.94, P < 0.01) and withdrawal reflex latency was shorter (-6.21 ± 2.14, P < 0.01), in the group 4 as compared with all other groups on day 21. Amplitude of contraction was significantly lower in the group 4 as compared with all other groups (0.22 ± 0.05 vs 0.34 ± 0.07, 0.50 ± 0.11, and 0.61 ± 0.16, P < 0.01 for each). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed presence of green fluorescent protein, vimentin-stained cells, and single neural progenitor cells indicating that induction of neuronal differentiation by ASCs and direct involvement of ASCs within the axonal structure alongside extension of ASCs to the muscular layer of the group 4. In conclusion, our findings revealed that use of ENT plus intratubal ASC injection in a rat sciatic nerve transection model was associated with satisfactory functional outcome and improved peripheral axonal regeneration along with stem cell neural differentiation.

Combining platelet rich fibrin with different bone graft materials: An experimental study on the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of bone healing.

AIM: The current study was based on the hypothesis that the use of PRF with bone graft materials might increase bone regeneration and focus on the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects following application of PRF with autogenous graft, xenograft and B-TCP in a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was performed on the twenty-eight male New Zealand divided into four group. Two defects with a diameter 10 mm were opened in calvarium. After PRF preparation, right defects were evaluated as empty defect or graft group, and left defects were evaluated as PRF test group. All animals were sacrificed at the end of 8 weeks and specimens were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The most superior histopathological results were obtained in the autograft group. The combination of ß-TCP-PRF could not provide superiority over the ß-TCP group. The immunohistochemical results showed that, in the PRF/BTCP group, the expression of osteopontin and osteonectin was relatively higher compared to the only-BTCP group. CONCLUSION: In terms of new bone formation, autograft combined with PRF yielded superior results but the combination of ß-TCP-PRF had no effect compared to the only-BTCP group. However, further experimental and clinical studies might be beneficial to clarify the exact mechanism and results of combining PRF with bone grafts on bone healing process.

Effects of local vibration and pulsed electromagnetic field on bone fracture: A comparative study.

The effectiveness of various therapeutic methods on bone fracture has been demonstrated in several studies. In the present study, we tried to evaluate the effect of local low-magnitude, high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) on rat tibia fracture in comparison with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) during the healing process. Mid-diaphysis tibiae fractures were induced in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were assigned into groups such as control (CONT), LMHFV (15 min/day, 7 days/week), and PEMF (3.5 h/day, 7 days/week) for a three-week treatment. Nothing was applied to control group. Radiographs, serum osteocalcin levels, and stereological bone analyses of the three groups were compared. The X-rays of tibiae were taken 21 days after the end of the healing process. PEMF and LMHFV groups had more callus formation when compared to CONT group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.375). Serum osteocalcin levels were elevated in the experimental groups compared to CONT (P ≤ 0.001). Stereological tests also showed higher osteogenic results in experimental groups, especially in LMHFV group. The results of the present study suggest that application of direct local LMHFV on fracture has promoted bone formation, showing great potential in improving fracture outcome. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:339-348, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effects of intravenous immunoglobulin on cerebral ischemia in rats: An experimental study.

Stroke is one of the major reasons of death in the United States and related to adult disability. Despite aggressive research, the treatment approaches of stroke still remains a major clinical problem. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a polyspecific Ig G preparation obtained from plasma of several thousand healthy people (donors). IVIg is an important treatment approach and used for several disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the potentially beneficial effects of IVIg therapy in experimentally induced ischemia in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) models of rats. A total of 30 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into two equal groups, each consisting of 15 randomly selected rats: control group (n = 15) and IVIg group (n = 15). Intraluminal filament method was used for establishment of cerebral ischemia. Intraluminal filament was withdrawn after 2 h of MCAo and reperfusion started again and passed to therapeutic stages for all the groups. Physiologic saline solution of 0.5 ml/kg was administered to the control group and 400 mg/kg IVIg was given to the IVIg group rats intravenously. In neurological evaluation, the worst score was determined as 3 and the best score as 0. After routine process, the brain tissue was prepared histopathological investigation. The IVIg group showed significantly better recovery with respect to the control group by neurological examination. The observation of specimens obtained from IVIg groups showed that findings correlate with grade 1 and -2 histopathologically. Nevertheless, ischemic amendments were observed to comply with grade 3 in ischemic areas in control group. IVIg therapy can be used in the treatment of ischemic stroke patients.

The potential beneficial effects of ethyl pyruvate on diabetic nephropathy: an experimental and ultrastructural study.

Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of diabetic nephropathy, which is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of ethyl pyruvate (EP) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats' kidney. Four groups (n = 8) of male Wistar albino rats were used as follows: control group rats received only sodium citrate buffer solution intraperitoneally (ip). The EP group was given 50 mg/kg EP ip. In the DM group, diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. The DM + EP group received 50 mg/kg EP ip. All animals received daily treatment for 14 days, and at the end of the study the kidneys were removed: the left kidney of the rats was used for malondialdehyde (MDA) analysis and the right kidney for histological examination. There was normal appearance of the kidney tissues in the control and the EP-administered groups. In the DM group, there was evident basement membrane thickening and enlargement of mesangial matrix; swelling in some tubular epithelial cells was also noticeable. In the DM+EP administered group, nearly the same appearance as the control group and relative thickening in the glomerular basal membrane were observed. The antioxidant effect of ethyl pyruvate improved the renal structures in the DM + EP group.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Is Associated With Sprouting Angiogenesis in the Murine Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression and distribution of neoangiogenic molecules and the role of hypoxia during the development of experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: Lesions were induced on C57Bl6 mice using laser photocoagulation. Animals were euthanized in a timely manner and eyecups were dissected from enucleated eyes. Choroids were immunostained for pericytes, sprouting endothelial cells (EC), or vascular EC. Choroidal neovascularization lesions where analyzed for tissue hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), and heat-shock proteins (HSP). RESULTS: Choroidal neovascularization lesions showed a trend of increased cellular recruitment throughout the time-course and the lesions displayed positive staining for angiogenic markers. Both pericytes and sprouting EC displayed a radial progression, while vascular EC displayed a more uniform distribution across the CNV lesions. Furthermore, positive tissue hypoxia staining was observed and associated with expression of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). CONCLUSIONS: Our data delimitate specific temporal windows during CNV initiation, propagation, maturation, and even recovery in experimental CNV. We show that murine CNV undergoes hypoxia-associated sprouting angiogenesis, and demonstrate involvement of pericytes. Moreover, we have shown expression of HIF-1α to the retinal pigment epithelium surrounding the CNV lesions, together with VEGF upregulation, independently of the HSP response induced by the laser thermal insult.

Investigation of functional sperm membrane integrity after consequence of anti-hypoosmotic swelling test technique: an electron microscopic study.

OBJECTIVE: Infertility is described as the inability of a couple to conceive after 1 year of unprotected intercourse. Male factor is assumed to be responsible for 50% of cases of infertile couples. It is a common clinical problem, affecting approximately 13-15% of couples worldwide. In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) and anti-HOS tests on sperm membrane integrity at the ultrastructural level. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine infertile and 10 fertile men were included in this study. The fertile and infertile subjects were classified according to Kruger and WHO criterion. All semen samples were examined and ana-yzed based on WHO guidelines. Sperm viability was determined by using the eosin Y staining method. After HOS and anti-HOS tests wore applied, the samples were evaluated at the ultrastructural level. RESULTS: Normal structural features of all regions of sperm were observed in sections of sham normospermia. Some histopathological changes wore seen in HOS and anti-HOS group sections. CONCLUSION: The HOS procedure was found not to cause degenerative changes in the sperm ultrastructure. The anti-HOS procedure can be applied in normospermic and oligospermic groups.

Ophthalmic manifestations in patients with ectodermal dysplasia syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a disorder that results from abnormal formation of at least two of the four major ectodermal derivatives in the developing embryo. The ectoderm of the embryo forms the skin, teeth, hair and nails, sweat glands and part of the eyes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to reveal ophthalmologic symptoms and signs as multidisciplinary, reliable criteria for ectodermal dysplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 24 patients with ED were analyzed from the recorded data. Ophthalmological examination of the patients, who had previously received the diagnosis of ED in the dental department, was done. During the examination, ocular symptoms related to tear film, corneal changes, lacrimal duct, periorbital hyperpigmentation, alteration lashes and eyebrows were evaluated. RESULTS: The age ranged between 3-45, and the mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) was 15.8 ± 7.4 years. The number of males was 13 (54.2%) and females, 11 (45.8%). Eighteen patients (75.0%) suffered from ocular complaints related to the ocular surface. In 11 of the patients with ED, there were dry eye symptoms. While the mean age of cases with eye involvement was 17.5, it was 23.1 in cases with dry eye symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In the study, it was observed that, in patients with ED, ocular complaints, particularly dry eye symptoms, may increase as age advances.

The comparison of endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors in normotensive and preeclamptic placentas: an immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, it has been reported that endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors play a key role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Thrombospondin-1, angiostatin and vasostatin are endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors and so far have not been shown in placenta at the immunohistochemical level. The aim of this study was to compare staining patterns of these endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors immunohistochemically in placentas of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. METHODS: Into the study, placentas from 20 preeclamptic and 20 normotensive pregnant women were included. Central and peripheral tissues were taken from both sides of placentas. Paraffin tissue blocks were prepared and stained for immunohistochemical analysis. Slides were evaluated for syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts, extra-villous throphoblasts and decidual cells. The degree of staining of slides were classified as negative, weak, moderate and strong. RESULTS: Samples from preeclamptic patients were compared with those of normotensive. Staining of thrombospondin-1 was observed to increase in decidual cells, syncytiotrophoblasts in chorionic and stem villi and stroma of stem villi. Increased staining of thrombospondin-1 was only significant in the amniotic epithelium of the central sections. In addition, increased staining intensity of angiostatin was detected in the amniotic epithelium and chorionic plate of central sections of placenta. In peripheral sections, staining of angiostatin also increased in decidual cells but decreased in chorionic plate. Vasostatin staining in decidual cells, decidual stroma and chorionic villous stroma from peripheral sections decreased, but any difference was not observed in the central sections. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that thrombospondin-1, angiostatin and vasostatin may play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Further molecular studies are required to understand this role.

Protective effects of ethyl pyruvate in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of ethyl pyruvate on changes in renal functions and oxidative stress related renal injury caused by cisplatin (cis-dichlorodiammine platinum-II; CDDP). Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): (1) control group (1 ml Ringer's lactate solution i.p.); (2) ethyl pyruvate (EP) group (50 mg/kg Ringer's EP solution (REPS) i.p.); (3) cisplatin group (a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.); and (4) cisplatin + EP group (a single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.) + REPS 50 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for five days. At the sixth day, kidneys of rats were mounted to a Langendorff apparatus. Renal perfusion pressures were recorded. Blood samples were taken for serum urea, creatinine, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stres index (OSI) evaluations. Kidney tissues were obtained for malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses and histopathological examination. Perfusion pressures, serum urea, creatinine, TOS, OSI and tissue MDA levels were found significantly higher, whereas TAS was notably lower in cisplatin group. Histopathological examination showed apparent renal paranchymal injury in cisplatin group. In cisplatin + REPS group, perfusion pressures, serum urea, creatinine and tissue MDA levels were decreased. Moreover, EP co-administration provided less inflammatory cell infiltration, tubular dilatation, whereas TOS, TAS and OSI improved significantly versus cisplatin group. These findings show that EP has protective effects against cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Effects of pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on MMP-2, MMP-9, collagen type IV and E-cadherin expression levels in the rat kidney: an immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of extremely low frequency pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on kidney tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-seven male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 9): control group, sinusoidal electromagnetic field (SEMF) group, and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) group. The SEMF and PEMF groups (pulse time 25 microsn, pulse frequency 50 Hz) were subjected to 1.5 mT, 50 Hz, exposure 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 28 days in methacrylate boxes. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded kidney tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Gomori and periodic acid-Schiff. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9), E-cadherin and collagen type IV expression levels were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Thickening of glomerular basement membranes was evident in electromagnetic fields, especially in the SEMF group. In addition, expression levels of E-cadherin were decreased with electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. The expression level of MMP-9 increased, and MMP-2 and collagen type IV expression levels were not altered with EMF exposure. CONCLUSION: Both EMFs changed the molecular component of the kidney adversely.

The effects of pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields on E-cadherin and type IV collagen in gingiva: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: The potential beneficial effects of extremely low frequency pulsed and sinusoidal electromagnetic fields have been shown on many tissues. Gingival epithelium plays an important role in immunosurveillance of the periodontal tissues. The epithelium acts as a mechanical barrier through cell junctions such as E-cadherin. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on gingiva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: control group (n = 9), SEMF group (n = 9), PEMF group (n = 9). The SEMF and PEMF (pulse time: 25 µsn, pulse frequency: 50 Hz) groups were subjected to 1.5 mT, 50 Hz, exposure 6 h a day, 5 days a week for 28 days in methacrylate boxes. The gingival tissue pieces processed for routine histological and immunohistochemical examination and tissue sections were stained with H-E and Masson trichrome. In addition, E-cadherin and type IV collagen expressions were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Intraepithelial lymphocytes and proliferation of epithelial cells increased in both electromagnetic field groups. The over-expressions of E-cadherin on gingival epithelium was detected in the PEMF and SEMF groups. The expression level of type IV collagen was not significant between the control and electromagnetic field treated groups, except for a significant increase in the basal cell layer of the PEMF group, as compared to the control and SEMF groups. CONCLUSIONS: PEMF and SEMF have a local pro-inflammatory effect on gingiva, leading to an increase in E-cadherin level but not type IV collagen. Both PEMF and SEMF can be used as a supportive device in the treatment of gingival diseases, especially those which lead to defects in the epithelial barrier.

The effects of systemic use of nicotine on the rat nasal mucosa: a histopathologic and immunohistochemical study / Efectos del uso sistémico de nicotina sobre la mucosa nasal de la rata: un estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico

The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathologic effects of systemic use of nicotine on the rat nasal mucosa. Twelve adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180-220 g, were used as experimental animals. The rats were divided into Nicotine and control groups. The rats of Nicotine groups (n=6) were administered 2mg/kg Nicotine sulphate for 28 days. The rats of control group (n=6) were only administered 1,5 ml physiologic saline solution subcutaneously for 28 days. All animals were sacrified at the end of the study and nasal tissue samples were removed and prepared for histologic examination. The sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H-E) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Trichrome-Masson were observed under light microscope. E-cadherin immunreactivity of pseudostrafied epithelial cells of nasal mucosa was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. There were significant differences in average histopathological score between the groups treated and non-treated to nicotine. In nicotine group, degenerative change of epithelial cells and hypertrophy of goblet cells were observed. Leukocytes infiltration was observed in significant areas of connective tissue. E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased in epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa of Nicotine group...

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos histopatológicos del uso sistémico de nicotina sobre la mucosa nasal de la rata. Se utilizaron como animales de experimentación 12 ratas Sprague-Dawley adultas, entre 180-220 g, divididas en grupos de nicotina y control. Al grupo de nicotina (n = 6) se le administró sulfato de nicotina 2mg/kg durante 28 días. Al grupo control (n = 6) se les administró sólo 1,5 ml de solución salina fisiológica por vía subcutánea durante 28 días. Todos los animales fueron sacrificados al final del estudio. Se tomaron muestras del tejido nasal y se examinaron histológicamente. Las secciones fueron teñidas con H-E, ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) y tricrómico de Masson, observándose bajo microscopía de luz. Además, se evaluó la inmunoreactividad a E-cadherina de las células del epitelio pseudoestraficado de la mucosa nasal. Hubo diferencias significativas en la puntuación histopatológica media entre los grupos tratados y no tratados con nicotina. En el grupo de nicotina, se observaron cambios degenerativos de las células epiteliales e hipertrofia de las células caliciformes. Se observó una infiltración significativa de leucocitos en diferentes áreas del tejido conectivo. La E-cadherina se redujo significativamente en las células epiteliales de la mucosa nasal del grupo nicotina...

The subconjunctival use of cetuximab and bevacizumab in inhibition of corneal angiogenesis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of cetuximab and bevacizumab on experimental rat model of corneal angiogenesis. METHODS: The right eyes of 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in silver nitrate cauterization-induced corneal angiogenesis model. They were divided into four groups: (1) silver nitrate cauterization-induced and 0.15 ml serum physiologic was given to the angiogenesis group, (2) bevacizumab was given 1.25 mg to the bevacizumab group, (3) cetuximab was given 5 mg to the cetuximab group, and (4) 1.25 mg bevacizumab plus 5 mg cetuximab were given to the bevacizumab + cetuximab group. All eyes were exposed to the treatment on days 1, 4, and 7 of the experiment, and drugs were given subconjunctivally. The left eyes were untreated and used as sham. On day 8, the treated eyes were evaluated biomicroscopically. Then, the rats were sacrificed, and corneal specimens were prepared for histopathologic examinations. RESULTS: The degree of angiogenesis inhibition was observed as 50.8% in bevacizumab, 54.3% in cetuximab, and 15.8% in bevacizumab + cetuximab groups by biomicroscopic evaluation. According to the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings obtained from the present study, the amount of angiogenesis was determined to have decreased considerably in both the bevacizumab and cetuximab groups; also, relatively less inhibiton was observed in the bevacizumab + cetuximab group. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival injection of cetuximab and bevacizumab is effective in reducing corneal angiogenesis in silver nitrate cauterization induced angiogenesis model of rats. Further investigation is needed to assess the potential side-effects of the drugs, especially cetuximab.

The prophylactic effects of folic acid and vitamin E against valproic acid during fetal thymus development: an ultrastructural study / Los efectos profilácticos del ácido fólico y la vitamina E contra el ácido valproico durante el desarrollo fetal del timo: un estudio ultraestructural

To evaluate histopathologic differences in the thymus of Wistar Albino rat fetuses prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA), folic acid (FA) and vitamin E (Vit-E). VPA (400 mg/kg), FA (400 mcg/kg) and Vit -E (250 mg/kg) were administered to rats on each of gestation days 8, 9 and 10. The fetuses (n:24) were divided into four groups: control, VPA, VPA+Vit-E and VPA+FA groups. On the 20th day of gestation, all pregnant rats were sacrificed and the fetuses were extracted. Thin sections from thymus of live fetuses were stained with uranyl acetate-lead citrate and were examined under transmission electron microscope. The histopathological findings of control group was normal. In VPA group, it showed extensive degenerative changes by VPA were on all tissue compartments when compared to controls. In VPA-FA group, vacuoles, mitochondrial cristalysis and swelling were decreased in cytoplasm. In VPA-Vit-E group, lipid storage and vacuolization were observed. Mitochondrial cristalysis decreased. Our aim in the present study is to analyze histopathological changes which may occur in a high risk experimental model after giving of VPA. In addition, protective roles of the administration of FA and Vit-E are assessed.

Se realizó este estudio para evaluar las diferencias histopatológicas en el timo de fetos de ratas Wistar Albinas expuestas prenatalmente a ácido valproico (VPA), ácido fólico (AF) y vitamina E (Vit-E). VPA (400 mg/kg), FA (400 mcg/kg) y vitamina E (250mg/kg) administradas a ratas en los días 8, 9 y 10 de gestación. Los fetos (n=24) fueron divididos en cuatro grupos: control, APV, APV + vitamina E y VPA + FA. En el día 20 de gestación, todas las ratas preñadas fueron sacrificadas y los fetos fueron extraídos. Se obtuvieron secciones delgadas del timo de los fetos y se tiñeron con citrato de uranilo - acetato de plomo, siendo examinados al microscopio electrónico de transmisión. Los hallazgos histopatológicos del grupo control fueron normales. En el grupo VPA, se observaron cambios degenerativos en todos los compartimentos de tejido en comparación con los controles. En el grupo VPA+FA, las vacuolas, cristalisis mitocondrial e inflamación se redujeron en el citoplasma. En grupo VPA + Vitamina E, se observó el almacenamiento de lípidos y vacuolización. La cristalisis mitocondrial disminuyó. El estudio permitió analizar los cambios histopatológicos que pueden ocurrir en un modelo experimental de alto riesgo después de la administración de VPA, además, las funciones de protección por la administración de AF y vitamina E.

Effects of atorvastatin on smoking-induced alveolar injury in rat lungs.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is one of the most serious health care issues worldwide, as one third to one half of all people who smoke eventually use tobacco habitually. Chronic smoke exposure causes airway and lung parenchymal inflammation and the destruction of alveolar cell walls. Statins may have anti-inflammatory effects that would play a role in preventing the cellular damage associated with smoking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether atorvastatin protects against smoking-induced inflammation in alveolar epithelial type I (ATI) and type II (ATII) cells in the lungs of rats. METHODS: Adult male albino Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups and exposed to cigarette smoke 8 hours per day for 15 days. During that 15-day period, the 2 treatment groups received atorvastatin 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg/d in 2 mL of methyl cellulose solution and the control group received 2 mL of methyl cellulose solution alone, all via nasogastric catheter. After the 15 days, the lungs were excised and the tissues were examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each. All rats survived the 15 days. In the atorvastatin 0.5-mg group, no changes were found in the ATI cells or in the blood-air barrier. In the atorvastatin 1.0-mg group, we observed hyperplasia in the common basal membranes. Hypertrophy, mitochondrial crystolysis (MC), and intracytoplasmic edema (ICE) were detected in the ATI cells in the 1.0-mg group, while chromatin condensation, atrophic appearance, cell shrinkage, and cyto-plasmic vacuolization were observed in the ATII cells. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) tubules of the ATII cells appeared spiral-shaped. In the control group, minimal ICE was detected in the ATI cells. However, microvillus deformation, pseu-dopod formation, edema, mitochondrial swelling, and MC were observed in the ATII cells. We also observed MC, several pinocytic vesicles, and normal rER tubules in the endothelial cells of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of atorvastatin 0.5 mg/kg/d was associated with some attenuation of lung injury caused by smoke inhalation in these rat lungs. However, atorvastatin 1.0 mg/kg/d was associated with lung damage. Future studies are needed to evaluate the dose-response relationship of atorvastatin to smoking-induced alveolar damage.

Efficacy of topical cyclosporin A 0.05% in conjunctival impression cytology specimens and clinical findings of severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical cyclosporin A 0.05% in managing the symptoms of severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). METHODS: Fifty-four children with severe VKC were included in this study. All 54 patients were treated with topical cyclosporin A (CsA) 0.05% for 3 months. Ocular signs and symptoms were scored in all patients at entry and after 3 months. Conjunctival impression cytology specimens were examined on the day of enrollment and at the end of the treatment period. RESULTS: The mean scores for severity of signs and symptoms significantly decreased after 3 months compared with those at entry (P<0.001). The density of inflammatory cells in the conjunctival impression cytology specimens decreased significantly. No side effects of the treatment with CsA 0.05% eyedrops were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Topical CsA 0.05% eyedrops were found to be safe and effective in the treatment of patients with VKC. Consistent with these results, topical CsA may efficiently reduce conjunctival inflammation in severe VKC.