Congested Blood Vessels Research Articles

Gall bladder diseases: a study of histopathological spectrum of cholecystectomy specimens from rural tertiary hospital in Telangana state during COVID pandemic

Background: The debate of “is it worth spending the busy pathologist’s time on gall bladder specimens” has been there for decades. The selective approach may result in missing discrete pathologies such as premalignant lesions. We are presenting an interesting series of gall bladder histopathology diagnosed at our institute in the past two years. Methods: This is a retrospective study done at Bhaskar Medical College between 2020-2022 (specifically chosen as this is the period of COVID pandemic). This study included 43 patients who underwent cholecystectomy. All confirmed cases of acute abdomen operated for other reasons and trauma were excluded. Sections were taken from neck, fundus, body and cross section of cystic duct of each cholecystectomy specimen. The whole gallbladder was submitted and screened for the invasion in ICPN case. These sections were processed through routine paraffin embedding, microtome cutting and H&E staining for evaluation of spectrum of various gallbladder lesions. Results: In our study, 25 cases showed lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with fibrosis, 9 cases showed ulceration, congested blood vessels and neutrophilic infiltration. We encountered few rare cases like eosinophilic cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, and Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN)”. Pyloric metaplasia was seen in 27.9% cases, which is also higher Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the need for the routine examination of these specimens, to have a detailed understanding of the etiology to prevent/predict the other associated medical conditions. We also could find 2% of the cases having pre-malignant lesions and 28% having metaplasia, which if missed shall progress to malignant conditions.

Investigating the protective effects ofElaeagnus angustifoliafruit extract on hematological parameters and damage of different tissues of male mice exposed to graphene oxide nanoparticles

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects ofElaeagnus angustifoliafruit extract (EAFE) on hematology, biochemical parameters, liver enzymes and damage of different tissues of male mice exposed to graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO NPs). In this research, 48 mice were divided into six groups. Hematology parameters including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hematocrit (Ht), and hemoglobin (Hb), biochemical parameters such as cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, protein, albumin, creatinine and bilirubin, liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and histological damage of liver, kidney, lung and testis of mice were investigated. The results show that GO NPs in both concentrations (30 and 60 mg/kg/bw) decrease the number of RBC compared to the control group (p < 0.05). EAFE has no effect on RBC count while EAFE in combination with both concentrations of 30 and 60 mg/kg/bw GO NPs significantly (p < 0.05) improves the RBC count of mice. Also, the results show that EAFE improves the number of WBC, Ht, Hb, and biochemical parameters of mice exposed to different concentrations of GO NPs. A series of morphological changes were observed in the RBC of rats exposed to 60 mg/kg/bw GO NPs, including Dacrocyte, Poikilocyte and Schistocyte, which EAFE can improve the morphological changes caused in RBC. A series of histological damages such as degeneration and dilatation in the central vein in liver tissue, thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal capsule, peribronchiolar inflammatory cell infiltration and congestion in peribronchiolar blood vessels in lung tissue and decrease in the height of the germinal epithelium and a decrease in the population of spermatozoid cells in spermatogenic cells were observed in the testis of mice exposed to 60 mg/kg/bw GO NPs. The results show that EAFE can improve the damage caused by GO NPs in the liver, kidney and lung tissues, while it has no effect on the damage in the mice testis tissue. Therefore, GO NPs cause damage in the blood and different tissues of mice, and the use of EAFE can be effective in improving these damages.

A single, episodic event of unilateral/bilateral scrotal swelling in a group of adult boars at an Austrian boar stud

BackgroundScrotal swelling is a clinical situation which can be caused by different aetiologies. In this case report, we describe a multi-week episode of unilateral and bilateral scrotal swelling in boars at an Austrian boar stud and its diagnostic work-up.Case presentationIn the summer of 2020, the herd veterinarian of an Austrian boar stud reported that over a period of six weeks, five out of 70 boars presented with unilateral severe swelling of the left scrotum and three out of 70 boars with bilateral severe swelling of the left and moderate swelling of the right scrotum, respectively. A complete history was obtained and an on-site evaluation of the facility was done. Five boars were necropsied, and a variety of samples harvested for further diagnostic investigations. Infectious differential diagnoses associated with unilateral swelling of the scrotum or the testis were excluded through serological and tissue testing. In three of the five boars, histopathology revealed complete acute haemorrhagic necrosis of the left testis concurrent with strongly congested blood vessels. Review of the collected information with a group of experts in the field of boar stud management resulted with consensus that, most likely, trauma was the etiologic event causing the clinical signs and pathology. Coincident with discussion of implementing video recording cameras in the boar housing area, no further clinical cases followed. As this case occurred during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose that the distress and travelling restrictions may have contributed to frustration among boar stud workers, which was consequently expressed as misbehaviour against boars.ConclusionsOnce all known infectious causes of unilateral swelling of the scrotum were excluded, a critical diagnostic work-up focused on non-infectious causes. Non-infectious causes, such as trauma, need to be carefully evaluated, as it may also include human misbehaviour against boars. Summarizing all findings of this case report, the authors hypothesize that a blunt trauma was the reason for the series of mainly unilateral swelling of the scrota of boars.

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces multigenerational testicular toxicity and biosynthetic disorder of testosterone in BALB/C mice: Transcriptional, histopathological and hormonal determinants

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a potent environmental contaminant, is an endocrine disrupter with a proven reproductive toxicity in mammals. However, its effects on male fertility across generations are still elusive. The current work evaluates the toxicity of dioxin on male reproductive system in two separate groups of BALB/C mice; a group of pubertal males directly exposed to TCDD (referred to as DEmG), and a group of indirectly exposed males (referred to as IDEmG) comprises of F1, F2 and F3 males born from TCDD-exposed pregnant females. Both groups were exposed to 25 μg TCDD/kg body weight for a week. Our data show that males of TCDD-DEmG exhibited significant alterations in the expression of certain genes involved in the detoxification of TCDD and the biosynthesis of testosterone. This was accompanied with testicular pathological symptoms, including a sloughing in the germinal epithelium and a congestion of blood vessels in interstitial tissue with the presence of multinuclear cells into seminiferous tubule, with a 4-fold decline in the level of serum testosterone and reduced sperm count. Otherwise, the male reproductive toxicity across F1, F2 and F3 generations from TCDD-IDEmG was mainly characterized by: i) a reduce in body and testis weight. ii) a decrease in gene expression of steriodogenesis enzyme, e.g., AhR, CYP1A1, CYP11A1, COX1, COX2, LOX5 and LOX12. iii) a remarked and similar testicular histopathology that found for DEmG, iv) a serious decline in serum testosterone. v) a decreased male-to-female ratio. vi) a low sperm count with increasing abnormalities. Thus, pubertal or maternal exposure to TCDD provokes multigenerational male reproductive toxicity in mice, ultimately affecting the spermatogenesis and suggesting that the hormonal alternation and sperm abnormality are the most marked effects of the indirect exposure of mammalian male to TCDD.

Morphological and Functional Alterations in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Liver after Exposure to Two Ecologically Relevant Concentrations of Lead

Lead (Pb) is a non-essential, highly toxic, and persistent element widely recognized as one of the most concerning pollutants. It is listed on the Priority List of Hazardous Substances. Widespread environmental contamination from Pb is a serious issue for human health and wildlife. In fish, Pb mainly accumulates in the liver, which is a key component for metal detoxification and excretion processes. In this study, we investigated, for the first time, the morphological and functional injuries induced in zebrafish (Danio rerio) liver by two very low and environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb (2.5 and 5 μg/L) after 48, 96, and 192 h of exposure. We observed significant histological alterations in all the exposed samples, and it was demonstrated that the extent of injuries increased with dose and exposure time. The most common modifications observed were congestion of blood vessels and sinusoids, cytoplasmic vacuolizations, parenchyma dyschromia, and macrophage proliferation. Pb administration also resulted in a significant increase in lipid content and the upregulation of key genes that are involved in metal detoxification (mtf1) and the defensive response against oxidative stress (sod1 and cat). We show that even very low doses of Pb can disrupt liver morphology and function.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) Alleviates Hepatocytes Toxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Rats

BACKGROUND: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) uptake may primarily cause adverse effects by inducing oxidative stress, resulting in cell damage, genotoxicity, inflammation, and immune response. To date, there are limited studies investigating the adverse effect of TiO2 NPs on liver health and no studies found a naturally occurring compound able to ameliorate such effect. Thus, this study investigated alpha lipoic acid (ALA) potential for reversing the biochemical and histopathological changes that TiO2 NPs exposure causes in rat liver.METHODS: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into: control rats received distilled water, control rats treated with 50 mg/kg ALA, rats intoxicated with TiO2 NPs, and TiO2 NPs-intoxicated rats treated 50 mg/kg ALA. Rats were sacrificed before blood samples were collected to assess the liver function using parameters of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, albumin and total protein. Liver tissue homogenates were prepared to assess hepatic antioxidant and oxidative stress using parameters of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Liver tissue sections were used for histopathological analysis and caspase-3 immunohistochemical analysis.RESULTS: TiO2 NPs produced deleterious effects on rat liver tissue, as confirmed through biochemical results, caspase-3 immunohistochemistry, and histological alterations. TiO2 NPs intoxication induced hepatocyte vacuolation, blood vessels congestion, biliary proliferation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. However, ALA treatment of TiO2 NPs-intoxicated rats significantly alleviated deleterious impact on the liver.CONCLUSION: Administration of 600 mg/kg TiO2 NPs to rats resulted in hepatic degenerative lesions, depletion of GSH, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. However, these changes were mitigated by ALA administration. Therefore, ALA offers protection against deleterious effects of TiO2 NPs intoxication.KEYWORDS: titanium dioxide nanoparticles, TiO2 NPs, hepatotoxicity, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), rat

Histopathological effectiveness of vitex agnus castus in treating polycystic ovaries induced by letrozole in female rabbits

Female fertility is significantly impact by the common endocrine health issue known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in the childbearing years, Due to their ease of use and reduced cost-effectiveness when compared to chemical medicines generated via synthesis, therapeutic wild plants and herbs have been prized agents in the management of different illnesses for ages. Premenstrual syndrome, mastalgia, infertility, and menstrual cycle control are among the numerous conditions and diseases that can be treated with Vitex agnus-castus, a well-known medicinal plant that is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely used in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The purpose of the study is to learn more about Vitex agnus catus and evaluate its efficacy in treating polycystic ovaries induced by letrozole in comparison to clomiphene citrate therapy. Since the effects of herbal activity are assessed by, observing histopathological changes in rabbit ovaries. The incidence of subcapsular ovarian cysts, capsular thickness, incomplete luteinization, and the quantity of corpora lutea were all higher in the research groups' ovaries. Compared to the group with a positive control (treated with normal saline only and administered orally). Histopathological study of the rabbit ovaries for both treatment groups revealed hyperplasia of the surface epithelium and congested blood vessels of the ovaries.

Histopathology and antibody responses describe the seasonal pattern of dicrocoeliosis in small ruminants in the Himalayan ranges of Pakistan

In some parts of the world, Dicrocoelium spp. lancet flukes cause significant production loss in pastoral livestock, and accurate diagnosis of infection is important. The aims of the present study were to describe the histopathology and to investigate the transmission patterns of Dicrocoelium amongst ten sheep and goat farms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The liver histology and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses followed standard procedures. The liver histopathology showed intensive tissue destruction and biliary hyperplasia associated with presence of adult flukes, severe inflammatory cell infiltration, congestion of blood vessels, damaged hepatocytes, and sinusoids in the infected areas. The time of onset of infection was investigated by ELISA detection of antibodies in sheep (n = 164) and goats (n = 152). Colostral transfer of Dicrocoelium antibodies from seropositive mothers was detected in sheep and goats up to 16 weeks of age. In both sheep and goats, the estimated time of infection differed between farms and years. Infection was seen in both sheep flocks and goat herds, with high variation between flocks and herds, and the highest infection rate in lambs. Dicrocoelium infection was most prevalent in sheep and goats in September (n = 84) and August (n = 63) respectively. This study concluded Dicrocoelium causes severe inflammation and necrosis of liver tissues in sheep and goats. Colostral transfer of antibodies can be detected up to about ten weeks of age. Higher infection rates are observed during August and September in sheep than in goats, putatively due to effects of different grazing and browsing behaviors on the ingestion of ants. The results will aid in the development of effective disease control strategies to ensure optimal growth and productivity of sheep and goats.

Surgical correction of third eyelid gland prolapsed (Cherry eye) in dog - First case report in Bangladesh

Nictitans Gland Prolapse (NGP), also known as third eyelid gland prolapse or Cherry eye disease, is a serious and common surgical affection of eyes of dogs. Although numerous surgical procedures have been documented, more studies are required to find out the most efficient method. The objective of the present case study is to investigate the outcome of surgical correction of Cherry eye in a dog. In the study a castrated male Labrador Retriever dog of 2.5 years old, weighing 26 kg was presented to the Shahedul Alam Quadary Teaching Veterinary Hospital, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram. The patient came with a history of swollen mass at medial canthus of the right eye since 3 months. Clinical examination revealed swollen mass, congested blood vessels, frequent blinking of eyelid and epiphora in right eye. According to the clinical history and examination, the present case was diagnosed as third eyelid gland prolapse (Cherry eye) and was decided for surgical correction by Morgan’s Pocket technique. Surgery was performed by xylazine and ketamine anaesthesia. After the successful surgery and proper postoperative care for 2 weeks, the patient was fully recovered. No reoccurrence or complication was noticed upto 6 months of post operation. The authors suggest that the Morgan’s Pocket technique can be applied for the Cherry eye correction in dogs.

Assessing the Efficacy of Monovalent and Commercialized Antivenoms for Neutralizing Moroccan Cobra Naja haje Venom: A Comparative Study.

In Morocco, eight species of venomous snakes belonging to the Viperidae and Elapidae families are responsible for severe envenomation cases. The species from the Elapidae family is only represented by the medically relevant cobra Naja haje, which is widely distributed in North Africa. However, there is little information on the systemic effects of Moroccan cobra venom on vital organs due to regional variations. It has been demonstrated that the venom of Naja haje from Egypt causes hemorrhage, while the venom of the Moroccan cobra is neurotoxic and devoid of systemic bleeding. This variability is known to significantly influence treatment efficacy against Naja haje cobra bites in the Middle East. In this study, we examined the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the lethality induced by Naja haje venom, as well as the evaluation of the neutralizing capacity of two antivenoms; the monospecific antivenom made for Naja haje only and the antivenom marketed in the Middle East and North Africa. We first determined the toxicity of Naja haje venom by LD50 test, then compared the neutralizing capacity of the two antivenoms studied by determining the ED50. We also performed histological analysis on Swiss mice envenomed and treated with these antivenoms to observe signs of cobra venom envenomation and the degree of reduction of induced systemic alterations. The results showed significant differences between both antivenoms in terms of neutralization. The monospecific antivenom was four times more effective than the marketed antivenom. These results were confirmed by a histological study, which showed that monospecific antivenoms neutralized severe signs of mortality, such as congestion of blood vessels in the heart and kidneys, pulmonary and renal edema, cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes in the liver, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the brain and spleen. However, the polyvalent antivenom failed to protect all severe lesions induced by Naja haje venom in mice. These findings highlight the negative impact of geographic variation on the effectiveness of conventional antivenom therapy and confirm the need for a specific Naja haje antivenom for the effective treatment of cobra envenomation in Morocco.

Neurobehavioural and Histological Study of the Effects of Low-Dose and High-Dose Vanadium in Brain, Liver and Kidney of Mice.

Vanadium is a ubiquitous transition metal that has been generating contrasting research interest. Therapeutically, vanadium possess antidiabetic, antitumor, antiparasitic and even neuroprotective activities. On the flip side, vanadium has been reported to cause multisystemic toxicities with a strong predilection for the nervous system. Despite several reports on potential benefits of low-dose vanadium (LDV) and toxic effects of high-dose vanadium (HDV), there are no comparative studies done thus far. This study therefore explored the comparative effects of LDV and HDV exposure in mice during postnatal development. A total of nine (9) nursing mice were used in this study; with three nursing mice and their pups (n = 12 pups per group) randomly assigned to each of the three test groups. The nursing dam were given intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of vanadium at 0.15mg/kg and 3mg/kg for LDV and HDV respectively, and subseqently to the pups from postnatal day (PND) 15 till sacrifice on PND 90. We discovered that neurodevelopmental motor function test of mice-pups exposed to LDV here showed improved motor development, muscular strength and memory capacities whereas HDV led to motor function impairment, reduced muscular strength and memory capacities. LDV-exposed mice showed mild histological lesions in cerebral cortex whereas high-dose showed distinct histological lesions in different parts of the brain ranging from cerebellar Purkinje neuronal pathology (central chromatolysis), pyramidal neuronal loss in CA1 region, architectural distortion as well as fewer neurons in olfactory bulb. We saw mild lesions with LDV in both liver and kidney, however, with HDV exposure, there was diffuse hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration and congestion of blood vessels in liver, shrinkage of renal glomerulus and degenerated epithelial cells of kidney. Conclusively, beneficial effect of vanadium is proven as it facilitated body weight gain which translate in organ weight at low-dose, while high-dose caused decreased neurobehaviour and histological lesions.

Morphology of the bladder wall in idiopathic feline cystitis

In feline idiopathic cystitis, morphological changes were found mainly in the mucosa and submucosal layer of the bladder wall. They are characterized by hyperplasia and congestion of blood vessels. Morphometric assessment of the main structures of the bladder wall in cats with idiopathic cystitis revealed an increase in the thickness of the mucous membrane due to a decrease in the thickness of the submucosal layer and muscular membrane. When using anti-stress therapy on the 14th day from the start of treatment, a decrease in a similar indicator was observed due to an increase in the thickness of the submucosal layer and muscle membrane. In control cats, after the application of the generally accepted treatment regimen, the processes of regeneration of the bladder wall were insignificantly expressed.

Effects of exposure to imidacloprid contaminated feed on the visceral organs of adult male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The best-known and often used systemic, broad-spectrum neonicotinoid pesticide is imidacloprid (IMI). This study was carried out on adult male rabbits (n = 12) to assess the residual effects of exposure to IMI-contaminated diet on the liver, lung, heart, and kidney. Pesticide-exposed rabbits (n = 6) received IMI contaminated green grass (Bildor® 0.5 ml (100 mg)/L water) every alternative day once daily for up to 15 days. The remaining rabbits were fed a standard diet free of pesticides as a control. During routine monitoring of the rabbits throughout the experiment, there were no apparent toxic symptoms identified. On days 16, after deep anesthesia blood and visceral organs were collected. The levels of hepatic serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were considerably elevated in IMI-exposed rabbits (p ≤ 0.05). Thin layer chromatography revealed that the residue of IMI was at the detectable level in the liver and stomach. Histopathologically, the liver revealed coagulation necrosis with granulomatous inflammation and congestion in portal areas with dilated and congested central veins. The lungs showed congestion of blood vessels and granulomatous inflammation around the terminal bronchiole. Accumulations of inflammatory cells were observed in the cortico-medullary junction in the kidney. The heart showed necrosis and infiltration of mononuclear cells within the cardiac muscles. The findings of the current study emphasize that IMI-contaminated feed exposure causes toxicity into the cellular level of different visceral organs of adult male rabbits and it may also cause the similar toxic effects of the other mammals specially the occupationally exposed persons.

Anti-inflammatory activity of novel derivatives of pyrazolo [3,4d] pyridazine against digestive system inflammation.

The digestive system is exposed to severe inflammation as a result of taking some medications that have gastrointestinal side effects. Sixty Swiss-albino male mice were randomly distributed into six groups to treat inflammations of the colon, stomach, and small intestine caused by taking high doses of diclofenac (D), with two novel synthesized compounds, pyrazolo [3,4 d] pyridazine derivatives (Co1 and Co2). Myeloperoxidase enzyme activity was determined in the colon and small intestinal tissues. Serum contents of TNF-α, IL-22, IgG, and IgM were determined by ELISA. Histopathological examinations of the colon, small intestinal, and stomach tissues were microscopically analyzed. TNF-α, IL-22, and TNFSF11 gene expression were measured in the colon, intestinal, and spleen using qRT-PCR. Diclofenac caused surface columnar epithelial cell loss, focal necrosis of the gastric mucosa, inflammatory cell infiltration, and congested blood vessels in the stomach, colon, and small intestinal tissues. Co1 component was found to be better than Co2 component in reducing the focal necrosis of gastric mucosa and improving the histological structures of the stomach, colon, and small intestinal tissues. After 14days, the activity of the myeloperoxidase enzyme was increased in group D and decreased in groups DCo1, DCo2, Co1, and Co2. Serum concentrations of TNF-α and IgG were increased, while IL-22 and IGM were reduced in the D, DCo1, and DCo2 groups compared with the Co1 and control groups. TNF-α gene was upregulated in the D group and downregulated in the Co1 group, while the IL-22 gene was downregulated in the D group and upregulated in the Co1 group compared with the control group. The CO1 component may be useful in reducing digestive system inflammation.

The Eeffect of Cronobacter sakazakii on the Brains of Newborn Mice

Fifteenth of Cronobacter sakazakii were obtained from previous studies isolates were (infant formula, spinal fluid and bloods). The newborn mice and number was 15 obtaining healthy newborn mice from the Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetics whose ages ranged between 10-17 days and their weights 8.5 ± 1.25 gm, were divided into 3 groups. The samples were cut and placed in formalin, then placed in stabilizer and concentrations of alcohol (70%, 80%, 90%,100%) to complete dehydration after they were leached with xylene, embedded the samples paraffin wax (58°C) and sectioning the with thickness (5) micrometer and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. The results of an increase in the weight of the brain organ for the mice compared to the control treatment and this increase was significant at the probability level p≤0.05 and the results showed the inflammatory response of the brain of large number of polymorphnuclear cells and mononuclear cells as well as congested blood vessels with an increase in the size of endothelial cells. The presence of bleeding congestion and shrinking of nerve cells in the area of the cerebral cortex, gliosis (neuroma), was more prominent in the molecular layer in the brain of the newborn mice fed at a concentration of 105 cells and the occurrence of oedema ,the presence of haemorrhage in both concentrations of dosed newborn mice and necrosis of the choroid plexus concentration103 and 105 cells.

Effects of varying doses of conjugated estrogen on body weight, hormonal and histological alterations of reproductive organs in adult swiss albino female mice

Estrogens are a group of hormones that have diverse effects on both reproductive and non-reproductive organs. Conjugated estrogens are medicine that contains a mixture of estrogen hormones. The study was conducted to observe the effects of varying doses of conjugated estrogen on body weight, hormonal and histological alterations of reproductive organs in adult swiss albino female mice. In this study, 60 female swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) aged 28–30 days with an average body weight of 28.2 ± 1 g were used. At first, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups each containing 15 mice. Group A was served as vehicle control and fed on standard mice pellet and fresh drinking water. While, groups B, C and D were administered with conjugated estrogen orally at the daily dose rate of 125 μg, 250 μg and 500 μg/kg body weight respectively with 1 mL sesame oil as a vehicle by mixing with feed. The experiment was carried out for 90 days. After humanly euthanized, blood was collected and serum was prepared and organs were collected for histopathology. The results revealed that higher doses of conjugated estrogen resulted in weight loss in premenopausal female mice compared to lower doses. Serum estrogen and thyroxine concentration was increased significantly following the doses of conjugated estrogen. Ovarian histotexture showed congested blood vessels and cystic space with degeneration of follicles and corpus luteum. Uterine lesions included massive macrophage infiltration in endometrium and hyperplasia of glandular epithelium at a lower dose; hyperplasia and hypertrophy of glandular epithelium (pleomorphism) with normal macrophage infiltration in endometrium at a higher dose. Therefore, it can be concluded that oral conjugated estrogen therapy at high dose has more detrimental impacts on body weight and reproductive function compared to lower dose in female adult mice.

English

Myiasis is the infestation of living tissues of human and animals with larvae of flies in the Order Diptera. This study determined the gross and histopathological lesions due to Cordylobia anthropophaga infestations of Dogs in Kitui County, Kenya. Four dogs identified and confirmed to have canine cutaneous myiasis (CCM) infestation were purchased for the study. All the study animals were clinically examined for skin lesions characteristic of CCM and euthanized for complete necropsy examination and histopathological sample collection. Tissue sections were collected from areas with lesions of CCM namely; skin, skeletal muscles and regional draining lymph nodes. They were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and were processed and analyzed using standard methods. Grossly, all dogs had poor body condition, patches of alopecia, emaciated and had the pathognomonic lesions for canine cutaneous myiasis (CCM) characterized by multifocal coalescent nodular lesions (harboring Cordylobia anthropophaga larvae) with 3 mm diameter central pore (furuncles) and erythematous base. Some had serous, hemorrhagic or purulent discharges from the furuncles that matted surrounding hairs. Lesions were distributed mainly on the ventral abdomen, axilla, flanks, legs, perineum and external reproductive organs. Examination of the skin revealed that the furuncular lesions extended throughout the skin thickness from epidermis to the sub-cutis and underlying pale skeletal muscles. There was regional lymphadenopathy in affected body regions. Histopathology confirmed the main lesions in all the dogs were parasitic granulomas, congested blood vessels in the surrounding tissues and eosinophilic lymphadenitis. The granulomas were located in the skin and the underlying skeletal muscles. The lesions were characterized by centrally located parasite, surrounded by connective tissue and heavy infiltration with inflammatory cells predominantly eosinophils. Draining lymph nodes had eosinophilic lymphadenitis. The reported pathological lesions resulted in unthriftiness, alopecia, lethargy and anorexia due to pain and stress resulting to emaciation and possible death. There is need to eradicate the etiological agent as it affects the wellbeing of dogs in the study area. Key words: Canine, Cordylobia anthropophaga, Myiasis, gross pathology, histopathology, Kitui County.

The possible effect of lycopene in ameliorating experimentally induced ulcerative colitis in adult male albino rats (A histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study)

ABSTRACT Ulcerative colitis (UC) is considered a long-term inflammatory disorder worldwide. Its pathogenesis is associated with reduced antioxidant capacity. Lycopene (LYC) is a powerful antioxidant with strong free radical scavenging property. The present work has done to assess changes of colonic mucosa in induced UC and the possible ameliorative effects of LYC. Forty-five adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control), group II was given 5 mg/kg/day (LYC) by oral gavage for 3 weeks. Group III (UC) was received single intra-rectal injection of acetic acid. Group IV (LYC+UC) received LYC in same dose and duration as before and acetic acid on 14th day of the experiment. UC group showed loss of surface epithelium with destructed crypts. Congested blood vessels with heavy cellular infiltration were observed. Significant decrease in goblet cell numbers and the mean area percentage of ZO-1 immunoexpression were noticed. Significant increase in the mean area percentage of collagen and the mean area percentage of COX-2 were also noticed. Ultrastructural changes were matched with light microscopic results that showed abnormal destructive columnar and goblet cells. Histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings in group IV supported the ameliorative role of LYC against destructive changes induced by UC.

The possible protective role of vitamin C versus melatonin on potassium dichromate induced changes in rat thyroid gland: light and electron microscopic study

ABSTRACT Potassium dichromate is widely used in various laboratory and industrial applications. Vitamin C and melatonin are well-known antioxidants. Study the microscopic and morphometric alterations in the thyroid gland in adult male albino rats after the administration of potassium dichromate for successive 2 months and also to assess the possible protective effect of vitamin C versus melatonin on these changes. Sixty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four main groups. Group I (The control group). Group II received potassium dichromate (25 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection for 2 months. Group III received the same dose of potassium dichromate with vitamin C (120 mg/kg/day) orally through an intragastric intubation. Group IV received the same dose of potassium dichromate and melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) as an i.p injection. Thyroid gland samples were prepared for light and electron microscopic studies. Potassium dichromate group demonstrated congested blood vessels, follicular hyperplasia, follicular enlargement with degenerated lining cells that were exfoliated in the lumen. The parafollicular cells appeared with darkly stained nuclei. PAS reaction showed weak reaction in the colloid with an abnormal pattern of vacuolization. A highly significant increase in the percentage area of fibrosis was detected in Mallory trichrome sections. Ultrastructurally, follicular cells and parafollicular cells appeared irregular in shape with dark, small heterochromatic nuclei. Small, electron-dense granules in the parafollicular cells were found. Potassium dichromate and vitamin C-treated group III showed partial improvement of the thyroid gland. The PAS reaction showed that nearly all the follicles were more or less similar to those of the control group. A significant decrease in the percentage area of fibrosis in group III was found as compared to those in group II. Potassium dichromate and melatonin-treated group showed that the thyroid gland was nearly similar to that of the control group. Vitamin C and melatonin could partially protect against potassium dichromate induced changes in the thyroid gland and the protective effect of melatonin was better than that of vitamin C.

The effects of the water-soluble fractions of crude oil on liver and kidney tissues of Caspian Kutum juveniles, Rutilus frisii

The lethal and histopathological impacts of crude oil's Water-Soluble Fraction (WSF) on the liver and kidney tissues of juvenile Rutilus frisii were investigated. The LC50 96 h of WSF was calculated at 33.95 ppm. Fish exposed to two concentrations (0.1 LC50 and LC50) of WSF and control for 24 and 96 h were used for histopathological studies. Tissues in the control group and 0.1 LC50–24 h were healthy, and no specific damages were observed. With increasing exposure time (96 h) and concentration (LC50), damages' type, frequency, and intensity gradually increased. Cloudy swelling, loss of cell boundary, nuclei deformation, and congestion of blood vessels were found in the liver, enlarged glomeruli, reduced Bowman's space, and occlusion of the tubular lumen, were found in the kidney. It is demonstrated that the WSF of crude oil can cause severe damage to the tissues of juvenile Kutum, depending on the exposure concentration.