The ameliorative effect of curcumin on cryptorchid and non-cryptorchid testes in induced unilateral cryptorchidism in albino rat: histological evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Cryptorchidism, one or both hidden testes, is the most common abnormality of male sexual development. Subfertility or infertility is associated with both unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism. In this study, we investigate the possible ameliorative effect of curcumin (Cur) on the induced-unilateral cryptorchidism testicular injury in both cryptorchid (Cryp) and non-cryptorchid (non-Cryp) scrotal testes through histological, immunohistochemical and morphometrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into: control group, Cur control group, Cryp group, and Cryp+Cur group. The rat model was surgically established by fixing the left testis in the abdomen. The treated groups were subjected to surgically induced-unilateral cryptorchidism on the left side then were given Cur (80 mg/kg) orally, for 20 days. Histological analysis using haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff's reaction was done. Immunohistochemistry was performed for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA); to estimate the proliferation in the germinal epithelium, and vimentin; to evaluate Sertoli cells. The results were confirmed by statistical evaluation of the spermatogenic epithelium height, the seminiferous tubules diameter, the basement membrane thickness, the number of PCNA immunostained cells and the area per cent of vimentin immunostaining. RESULTS: Distorted seminiferous tubules, substantial degeneration of the germinal epithelium, thickening of the basement membrane with a significant decrease in PCNA and vimentin immunostaining were observed in Cryp group; mainly in the cryptorchid testis. These structural changes were significantly reversed in Crypt+Cur group. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin proved to be an important and effective medical line for protecting against the unfavourable sequels of cryptorchidism in a rat model.

Arthroscopy alone or in association with open cystectomy: in treatment of lateral meniscal cysts.

We retrospectively the results in 27 knees (26 patients) with cysts of the lateral meniscus. All patients had a meniscal tear (20 horizontal, 7 transverse) and pain over the lateral joint line with a palpable mass. The pathology was in the middle or anterior one-third of the meniscus. Arthroscopic surgery was performed in 22 knees, consisting of partial excision of meniscal tear, leaving a peripheral rim, coupled with débridement of the cyst; open cystectomy was performed in the remaining 5 knees. Average follow-up was 58 months (range 9-110). All patients but two were satisfied with the results.

The clinical value of cathepsin-D and TNF-alpha in bladder cancer patients.

This study included 34 normal healthy controls, 35 patients with urinary tract bilharziasis and 93 bladder cancer patients (62 were operable cases and 31 non-operable). Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was determined using the enzyme immunoassay reagents supplied by Medgenix Diagnostics, Belgium. Cytosol Cathepsin-D was estimated using the immunoradiometric assay supplied by CIS BIO International, France. The results revealed that at 100% and 90% specificities, cytosol Cathepsin-D had 35.7% and 59.5% sensitivity in bladder cancer patients. Serum TNF-alpha showed sensitivity of 17.0% and 55.0% at 100% and 90% specificities in operable bladder cancer patients and 48.0% and 77.0% in non-operable cases respectively. Cytosol cathepsin D and TNF-alpha did not show prognostic values like positive correlation with tumor stages, grades or association of tumors with bilharzial ova or lymph node involvement.

Cathepsin-D and TNF-alpha in bladder cancer.

In a study of 34 normal healthy controls, 35 patients with urinary tract bilharziasis and 93 bladder cancer patients (62 of them are operable cases and 31 are non-operable ones), serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and cytosolic Cathepsin-D were estimated. Though both potential markers were elevated in bladder cancer patients, neither Cathepsin-D nor TNF-alpha showed associations of prognostic value since there were no positive correlations with tumor stages, grades or association of tumors with bilharzial ova or lymph node involvement.