The Effect of Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 on Recovery of Facial Nerve Crush Injury

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of locally applied insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on the recovery of facial nerve functions after crush injury in a rabbit model. METHODS: The rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1 consisted of the rabbits with crush injury alone; group 2, the animals applied saline solution onto the crushed facial nerve and group 3, IGF-1 implemented to the nerve in the same manner. Facial nerve injury was first electrophysiologically studied on 10th and 42nd days of the procedure. The damage to the facial nerves was then investigated histopathologically, after sacrification of the animals. RESULTS: In the electrophysiological study, compound muscle action potential amplitudes of the crushed nerves in the second group were decreased. In pathological specimens of the first and second groups, the orders of axons were distorted; demyelination and proliferation of Schwann cells were observed. However, in IGF-1 treated group axonal order and myelin were preserved, and Schwann cell proliferation was close to normal (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Local application of IGF-1 in a slow releasing gel was found efficacious in the recovery of the facial nerve crush injury in rabbits. IGF-1 was considered worthy of being tried in clinical studies in facial nerve injury cases.

Advanced Stage T-Cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in an 11-Month-Old Infant and Related Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Importance of Transthoracic Echocardiography

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is rare in infants. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common cause of SVCS in children. Swelling in the face and neck are the most common clinical symptoms associated with this syndrome. However, these clinical findings are also observed in allergic diseases, which therefore often leads to misdiagnosis. Here, we reported the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing SVCS in an infant with advanced stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Early effects of laparotomy and laparoscopy on bacterial behavior and proinflammatory cytokines on bacterial peritonitis in rats I: Escherichia coli.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate in rats with peritonitis the effect of CO2 insufflation on behavior of bacteria, including antibiotic resistance, and the systemic and regional host response. METHODS: Inbred weaned Wistar albino rats were used. Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was used to induce peritonitis. Rats with peritonitis were allocated to 4 groups: group 1, control; group 2, laparotomy; group 3, laparoscopy; group 4, laparoscopy + laparotomy and were killed at the end of the second hour of peritonitis. Serum, peritoneal fluid, and intraabdominal organs were taken for microbiological (biochemical markers-urease, citrate, indole; virulence factors-biofilm, protease, gelatinase, adherence), systemic immunologic (interleukin 1 [IL-1]alpha, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6), and regional histopathologic evaluations. Isolated strains were tested against minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and sub-MICs of amikacin and amoxicillin. RESULTS: Regional inflammatory response was the highest in group 2 but the lowest in group 4. Systemic IL-1alpha level was significantly higher in group 2, and TNF-alpha level was higher in group 3. After the peritonitis process, Escherichia coli began to use citrate and urea in control groups (without antibiotic treatment). In groups 2 and 4, amoxicillin resistance developed. CONCLUSIONS: In peritonitis, in all experimental groups, Escherichia coli used different metabolic pathways other than in normal atmospheric conditions. Amoxicillin resistance developed in open surgery groups. Further kinetic microbiological and immune response studies are needed concerning the early and late effects of CO2 insufflation on various strains of bacteria and mixed infections.