Connective Tissue Fibers Research Articles

МОРФОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА КОРНЯ ЛЕВОГО ЛЕГКОГО ПРИ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОМ СИСТЕМНОМ ВОСПАЛЕНИИ И ЧЕРЕПНО-МОЗГОВОЙ ТРАВМЕ

Systemic inflammation is a complex syndrome in terms of its significance for the body. Systemic inflammation may be part of the pathogenesis of traumatic brain injury. Purpose of the study: Purpose of the study: Structural and functional characteristics of the experimental root of the left lung in systemic inflammation and traumatic brain injury. Materials and methods. To reproduce traumatic brain injury, a modified weight-drop model was used. Albino rats were studied experimental animals. To inflict injury, a device with a load (weight 200 g) was used, which falls from a height of 1 m onto the parietal region of the animal's head. For the study of experimental fever, the animals were injected intramuscularly with the pharmacopoeial form of LPS pyrogenal solution. Results. A morphological and histochemical study of the caudal lobar bronchus of the left lung of rats was carried out. The average height of the bronchial epithelium of the caudal lobar bronchus of the left lung most significantly and significantly decreases with a combination of traumatic brain injury and systemic inflammation. The bronchial epithelium retains its cilia. With the combination of SI and traumatic brain injury on the 6th day, argentophilia and an increase in the size of the nucleoli of the bronchial epithelium significantly increase. Argyrophilia of connective tissue fibers is revealed. Conclusion. With a combination of traumatic brain injury and systemic inflammation, the most informative changes in the content of mast cells are at the point of contact of the adventitial membrane of the caudal lobar bronchus of the left lung of the rat with the adventitial membrane of the caudal lobar vein of the left lung. Mastocytes localized at the site of contact between the adventitial membranes of lobe bronchus and lobe vien remain an insufficiently studied cell population of this differ on in both humans an rat. Thus, it is revealed that the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation combined with craniocerebral injury may involve dystrophically altered bronchial epithelium of the lobar bronchi, and mast cells of the adventitia of the lobar pulmonary veins.

Experimental study on clinical and morphological determination of the optimal cannula diameter for lipoaspirate harvest from rabbit inguinal fat pad.

Determining the most appropriate cannula diameter for lipoaspirate harvesting is important, both in terms of the quality and composition of the material obtained, and the ease of practical use of the cannula. The size of the cannula is one of the main factors affecting the qualitative characteristics of the obtained lipoaspirate sample for further use of adipose tissue. The purpose of the investigation was to clinically and histomorphometrically determine the optimal cannula diameter for lipoaspirate samples collection from rabbit inguinal fat pad in an experimental study. The methods of Animal models, Surgical procedures, Macroscopic examination, Histological examination, and Morphometric study were applied. There is a direct correlation between the percentage of connective tissue fibres in the lipoaspirate and the diameter of the cannula. The lack of clear criteria for selecting a lipoaspiration cannula is one of the limitations to obtaining generally accepted lipoaspiration protocols with subsequent use of adipose tissue. In this study, the animal experiment determined the most ideal cannula diameter suitable for collecting the largest amount of lipoaspirate for subsequent use.

Organization of the Fibrous Component of Connective Tissue Paraneural Structures in Different Periods of Ontogenesis

Background: The steady increase in road traffic accidents, seasonal injuries leading to damage to the peripheral nerves of the extremities, as well as the military conflicts that are becoming more frequent now actualize research aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of post-traumatic changes in the nerve trunks of the extremities. The frequency of peripheral nerve injuries varies from 1.5% to 13% of all injuries in peacetime; and during hostilities, it reaches 20%, and disability is 60%. At the same time, specific destructive changes in the nerves of the extremities after their traumatic injury require extraordinary organizational, therapeutic, and functional approaches to their restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of changes in the fibrous component of the paraneurium connective tissue structures in different periods of ontogenesis. Methods and Results: The study consisted of two stages. At the first stage, to study changes in the paraneurium connective tissue of the sciatic nerve (SN) in vivo, ultrasound was performed using an RS85 ultrasound scanner (Samsung Medison, South Korea, 2021) and two linear transducers, LA4-18B and LA2-9A. The thickness of the SN and the surrounding paraneurium were measured, and their structural organization was evaluated. The inclusion criterion was the absence of pathology from the peripheral nervous system. All subjects were divided into four age groups (15 people in each group): Group 1 (0-11 years), Group 2 (12-25 years), Group 3 (26-40 years), and Group 4 (41-60 years). The second stage was performed on cadaveric material of the paraneurium connective tissue of the SN of persons of both sexes, of different ages, whose cause of death was not related to diseases or injuries of the nervous system. To determine the qualitative and quantitative ratio of collagen fibers of different degrees of maturity in the connective tissue structures of the paraneurium tissue of the sciatic nerve, polarization microscopy (MicMed-6, Lomo, Russia) was applied, and the basic principle of double refraction, which in combination with Sirius red staining, made it possible to differentiate types I and III collagen. The amount of each collagen type was determined by analyzing the color gamut after Sirius red staining in polarizing light. Fibers containing type I collagen had a red glow, while those containing type III collagen had a green glow. The ratio of collagen types was calculated using the Fiji program (USA, 2022). US examination revealed the presence of a non-pronounced bilateral asymmetry in the structural organization of the paraneurium and an increase in the thickness of the SN with age, from 0-11 years to the age group of 41-60 years. Polarization microscopy of micro-preparations of the human sciatic nerve with paraneurium structures made it possible to analyze the density of the fibers of the paraneurium connective tissue and identify types I and III of collagen. At the age of 11, the amount of type I collagen fibers was maximum (69.74±0.41%), and type III collagen fibers amounted to 30.26±0.44%. Further, with increasing age, the amount of collagen III significantly diminished. The ratio of type I to type III collagen increased with patient age, with the highest ratio in the age group 41-60 years. Conclusion: The revealed dynamics of changes are quite comparable with the age-related features of connective tissue since it is this tissue that makes up the morphological substrate of the paraneurium of the sciatic nerve.

Роль тучных клеток в прогрессировании контрактуры Дюпюитрена

Introduction World literature data indicate the involvement of mast cells in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease. There is no information on the content of mast cells in the pathologically altered palmar fascia of patients depending on the severity of the contracture. Purpose To study changes in the number, location and degranulation activity of mast cells in the palmar aponeurosis with Dupuytren's contracture of varying severity. Material and methods Histopathological study of surgical material from 52 patients (49 men and 3 women) with Dupuytren's contracture (age range 35-78 years, mean age 59.12 ± 1.25 years) using histomorphometry of epoxy semi-thin sections stained with methylene blue – the main fuchsin. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 with 1‑2 (n = 16) and group 2 with 3-4 (n = 36) grades of the contracture. Results In group 2, the location of mast cells among contractilely altered collagen fibers of dense connective tissue was recorded more often than in group 1. In group 2, compared with group 1, the following significantly increased: the median number density of mast cells – by 33.79 % (p = 0.0508), the median area of mast cells – by 48.40 % (p = 0.0008) and the index mast cell degranulation – by 94.68 % (p = 0.00000001). Discussion Along with a change in the typical location of mast cells, objective evidence of an increase in their number, activation and degranulation in patients with severe contractures was obtained. Conclusion The obtained results indicate the role of mast cells in the progression of Dupuytren's contracture and expand the understanding of potential therapeutic targets.

Effects of dutasteride and tamsulosin on penile morphology in a rodent model.

To evaluate the penile morphology after the isolated and combined administration of dutasteride and tamsulosin in a rodent model. Forty male rats were assigned into the following groups: Control group (C, receiving distilled water, n=10); Dutasteride group (D, receiving 0.5 mg/Kg/day of dutasteride, n=10); Tamsulosin group (T, receiving 0.4 mg/Kg/day of tamsulosin, n=10); and Dutasteride associated with Tamsulosin group (DT, receiving both drugs n = 10). All drugs were administered via oral gavage. After 40 days, the animals were submitted to euthanasia and their penises were collected for histomorphometric analyses. Data were compared using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post-test, considering p<0.05 as significant. The sinusoidal space and smooth muscle fiber surface densities (Sv), and the cross-sectional penile areas of rats in groups D, T and DT were reduced in comparison to controls with the most notable reductions in the combined therapy group. The connective tissue and elastic system fibers Sv were augmented in groups D, T and DT in comparison with the control group, again with the most pronounced changes observed in animals receiving the combined therapy. Both treatments with dutasteride or tamsulosin promoted penile morphometric modifications in a rodent model. The combination therapy resulted in more notable modifications. The results of this study may help to explain the erectile dysfunction observed in some men using these drugs.

Morphology of the soft palate and palatine tonsil of the goat (Capra hyricus).

The present study was carried out to study the morphology of the goat's soft palate and palatine tonsil by gross anatomy, morphometry, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twelve heads of normal adult (18-24 months) apparently healthy goats of both sexes were collected from local commercial slaughterhouses in Qena Governorate, Egypt. The oral cavity was dissected, and samples were collected for both light and SEM. The soft palate of the goat formed the caudal continuation of the hard palate. It was relatively short, it extended from the level of the caudal border of the last upper molar tooth to terminate caudally against the base of the epiglottis. The oral mucous membrane of the soft palate was covered by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The lamina propria and submucosa contained connective tissue fibers, diffuse and nodular lymphatic tissue, striated muscle fibers, and a large number of mucous and serous palatine glands. By SEM, the ventral surface had several rounded openings occupied by flower-like structures. These openings represented the entrances to the palatine glands. The palatine tonsil was large and protruded from a fossa in the lateral wall of the oropharynx. It had 2-3 elongated irregular openings that lead to the underlying crypts. These crypts were well-developed and lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelium of the tonsillar crypts directly covered lymphoid tissue and was infiltrated by lymphocytes. Tonsillar glands of pure mucous type were demonstrated. In conclusion, the study provides the basic morphological features of soft palate, as well as the palatine tonsil of the goat by gross observation, light and SEM. The palatine tonsils of goat were well-developed with extensive crypt system, suggesting their essential role in the immunological response against antigens that enter through the oral cavity. The current findings may be useful to understand the role of the palatine tonsil in immunity and disease pathogenesis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study reported the basic morphological features of soft palate and palatine tonsil of goat. The ventral surface of the soft palate had several rounded openings occupied by flower-like structures. The palatine tonsils of goat were well-developed with extensive crypt system. The findings might help to understand the role of the palatine tonsil in immunity and disease pathogenesis.

Differential Expression and Localisation of Acetyl-Glucosamine, Acetyl-Galactosamine, Galactose, Mannose and Glucose Specific Lectins in Lingual Tonsil of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study is the most comprehensive representation of lectin binding sites in various structural components of the lingual tonsil of six adult healthy buffaloes. The study was useful in determining the specific binding affinities of sixteen lectins of the N-acetylglucosamine group, i.e., Triticum vulgaris (WGA), succinylated Triticum vulgaris (s-WGA), Lycopersicon esculentum (LEL), Datura stramonium (DSL), Solanum tuberosum (STL); N-acetylgalactosamine group, i.e., Glycine max (SBA), Dolichos biflorus (DBA), Ricinus communis (RCA), Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVL); galactose group i. e Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4 (GS1B4), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Artocarpus integrifolia (Jacalin), Erythrina crisa-galli (ECL); and glucose/mannose group i.e. Canavalia ensiformis (Con A), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA) at structures of the lingual tonsil. The stratum spinosum of stratified squamous epithelium and modified reticular epithelium was strongly demarcated by lectins of the N-acetylglucosamine group. In addition, VVL, jacalin, and Con A lectins also showed strong responses for the same layer. The RCA, PNA, Con A, and PSA were the best markers for the collagen fibers of the subepithelial connective tissue. The lymphoid cells of the inter- and parafollicular region possessed receptors for ECL, WGA, and Con A. In contrast, the germinal center B cells were labeled only by the lectins of the glucose/mannose group. The mucosal secretions and the endothelium of the blood vessels were predominantly composed of glucosamine, sialic acid, and galactosamine sugars. The characteristic localization of lectins suggests the presence of specific receptor sites that may be useful for studying early disease pathogenesis and developing oral vaccines. In addition, the study will provide a database for comparing histochemical changes in different disease states.

Impact of Concurrent Exposure of Diabetic Male Sprague Dawley Rats to Alcohol and Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) on Reproductive Capacity

The prevalence of diabetic patients who abuse alcohol while on combination antiretroviral drug therapy (cART) therapy is rising in society. Little is known about the impact of this scenario on the testes and male reproductive viability, and therefore, these factors were evaluated. Thirty 10-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were distributed into five groups of six rats each: control, diabetic only (DM), diabetic treated with alcohol (DM+A), diabetic treated with Atripla, fixed-dose cART (DM+cART), and diabetic treated with both alcohol and cART (DM+A+cART). After 90 days of treatment, rats were terminated, and blood and testes were harvested for immunoassay, histological, and immunohistochemistry analyses. Testicular perturbations of varying severity were recorded in all treated groups for most of the parameters. The DM+A treated group showed the most severe perturbations, followed sequentially by the treated groups DM+A+cART, DM, and DM+cART. Alterations in the testes and seminiferous tubule morphometry as well as the spermatogenic, Sertoli, and Leydig cells were found in all treated groups. Further, a significant decrease in Johnsen’s testicular scores, the appearance of seminiferous tubule lesions, changes in the basement membrane and capsule thickness, and a reduction in the testis connective tissue fibers were demonstrated in the treated groups. Additionally, reproductive hormone levels were altered, and the number and staining intensity of Sertoli and Leydig cells expressing androgen receptors reduced significantly in all treated animals. The study results reveal that the consumption of alcohol and/or the use of cART in diabetic individuals induces a derangement in circulating reproductive hormone levels and in the testicular structure and function, which consequently leads to a decline in the male reproductive capacity.

Embryonic differentiation of intestine in Indian goats (Capra hircus).

The present study focused on identifying knowledge gaps in scientific literature for developmental anatomy and future fetal-programming researches on goats. The aim of this study was to observe the sequential growth and the development of the intestine from stage of formation of preliminary digestive tube to the differentiation of various segments during early prenatal life in Indian goats. The developing digestive tube was first witnessed on the 23rd day of gestation histologically and from 25 days of gestation onwards, it became observable grossly under stereozoom microscope. The further stages of developing intestine rotation, herniation and coiling and re-entry stages were noticed on the 38th day, 41st day and 48th day of gestation, respectively. The first demarcation between small and large intestines in the form of cecal bulge was recorded at 41st day of gestation. On the 45th day of gestation, all the segments of intestine that is, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, colon and rectum were well demarcated. Microscopically, the wall of the digestive tube was composed of three layers; lamina epithelialis, pleuripotent blastemic tissue and the mesothelium in between 23 and 39 days of gestation. At 41st day of gestation, the blastemic tissue showed distinct separation into lamina propria-submucosa and tunica muscularis. Among connective tissue fibres only reticular fibres were observable in this study. The histochemical localisation of polysaccharides, bound lipids and alkaline phosphatase enzyme showed mild to moderate reaction. The reaction for acid phosphatase enzyme could not be observed or was absent in this study.

Effects of tissue degradation by collagenase and elastase on the biaxial mechanics of porcine airways

BackgroundCommon respiratory illnesses, such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are characterized by connective tissue damage and remodeling. Two major fibers govern the mechanics of airway tissue: elastin enables stretch and permits airway recoil, while collagen prevents overextension with stiffer properties. Collagenase and elastase degradation treatments are common avenues for contrasting the role of collagen and elastin in healthy and diseased states; while previous lung studies of collagen and elastin have analyzed parenchymal strips in animal and human specimens, none have focused on the airways to date.MethodsSpecimens were extracted from the proximal and distal airways, namely the trachea, large bronchi, and small bronchi to facilitate evaluations of material heterogeneity, and subjected to biaxial planar loading in the circumferential and axial directions to assess airway anisotropy. Next, samples were subjected to collagenase and elastase enzymatic treatment and tensile tests were repeated. Airway tissue mechanical properties pre- and post-treatment were comprehensively characterized via measures of initial and ultimate moduli, strain transitions, maximum stress, hysteresis, energy loss, and viscoelasticity to gain insights regarding the specialized role of individual connective tissue fibers and network interactions.ResultsEnzymatic treatment demonstrated an increase in airway tissue compliance throughout loading and resulted in at least a 50% decrease in maximum stress overall. Strain transition values led to significant anisotropic manifestation post-treatment, where circumferential tissues transitioned at higher strains compared to axial counterparts. Hysteresis values and energy loss decreased after enzymatic treatment, where hysteresis reduced by almost half of the untreated value. Anisotropic ratios exhibited axially led stiffness at low strains which transitioned to circumferentially led stiffness when subjected to higher strains. Viscoelastic stress relaxation was found to be greater in the circumferential direction for bronchial airway regions compared to axial counterparts.ConclusionTargeted fiber treatment resulted in mechanical alterations across the loading range and interactions between elastin and collagen connective tissue networks was observed. Providing novel mechanical characterization of elastase and collagenase treated airways aids our understanding of individual and interconnected fiber roles, ultimately helping to establish a foundation for constructing constitutive models to represent various states and progressions of pulmonary disease.

Effects of gallic acid on gingival wounds.

Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of Gallic acid (GA) on gingival tissue injury. Twenty rats were categorized into two groups. In the burn group, an excisional wound area was created by removing a 4 mm diameter flap from the left molar region in the mucoperiosteal region of the gingiva. In the Burn+gallic acid group, 1.2 mg/ml GA was administered as irrigation for 1 week. Animals were sacrificed under anesthesia at the end of experiment. Malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Hematoxylin Eosin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) immunostaining was applied to tissues. MDA and MPO levels increased, and GSH, epithelization, FGF and EGF expression levels were decreased. Gallic acid treatment improved these scores. Degenerated gingival epithelium, disintegrity in epithelial and connective tissue fibers, edema and inflammatory cells were observed in the burn group. Gallic acid treatment after burn improved the pathologies. After burn injury, FGF and EGF activity was increased in Gallic acid-treated groups. We suggest that GA has the potential for better healing outcomes in oral wounds. GA seems to have promising therapeutic efficacy in enhancing oral wound healing.

Microstructural analysis of frozen and salted fish and seafood meat

To evaluate the quality and safety of fish and seafood meat, along with generally accepted methods, new histological research methods are used, which allow establishing microscopic changes in fresh, spoiled, and canned foods. The purpose of this study is to examine the microscopic structure of salted fish meat (Herring, Pollock) and seafood (squid, mussels) by freezing. It was confirmed that fish meat is composed of skeletal muscle, fibrous connective (endo- , perimysium) tissues with blood, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Muscle tissue fibres have the appearance of cylindrical formations, with well-defined transverse striation and numerous nuclei. The basis of seafood meat is smooth muscle tissue with layers of loose fibrous connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve fibres. Smooth muscle cells are fusiform in shape, without transverse striation and with a single nucleus. During freezing of fish meat at a temperature of -18ºС, ice crystals are small and well-defined in the endo- and perimysium, and at a temperature of -23ºС – in muscle fibres. When fish is re-frozen, large ice crystals form in both the muscle fibres and the endomysium and perimysium of the muscles, the muscle fibres are fragmented and have cracks. In frozen seafood meat, there is a deformation of bundles of smooth muscle cells and their fragmentation. During the salting of fish meat, in the dehydration phase, a decrease in the diameter of muscle fibres and the width of the endo- and perimysium is noted, the transverse striation and nuclei of muscle fibres are well expressed, and in the dehydration phase, the reverse processes occur. Meanwhile, the fibres become straight with cracks and crevices, and graininess is noticeable in the endomysium and perimysium. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to evaluate the microstructure of frozen and salted fish and seafood meat, which is important when monitoring the suitability of food products for consumers

Morphological and histological study of the spleen in Hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus)

The present study aimed to investigate the morphological description and histological structure of the spleen in Hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus); the anatomical study revealed that spleen in Hedgehog was elongated, tongue-like shape, with blue red color. It is situated in the abdominal cavity in the left side of the stomach. The results of histological study revealed that the spleen was surrounded by a thick capsule composed of outer layer of mesothelial cells and an inner layer consist of dense fibrous connective tissue, contains collagen and elastic fibers with more smooth muscle fibers, trabeculae extend from dense fibrous connective tissue the capsule into the splenic parenchyma. The contained trabecular arteries, nerves and were composed mainly of connective tissue made of collagen, reticular and elastic fibers and more smooth muscle fibers. It is comprised of two functionally and morphologically distinct compartments, the red pulp and the white pulp. The white pulp was made of lymphatic nodules consists of the marginal zone forming the outermost edge of white pulp, the periarteriolar lymphatic sheeth (PALS), central arteries and germinal centers Containing the phagocytic and plasma cells and Retinae cells win lymphocytes of medium and small-sized. The present study revealed some of these terminate in the marginal sinus at the junction of the white pulp and the marginal zone, whereas others traverse the marginal zone to form the venous system of the red pulp, which named after the large, blood-filled sinuses. Histological examination also showed that the red pulp spleen in hedgehog composed from vascular tissue that contain pulp arteries, venous sinuses and splenic cords Within the spaces between the cords are megakaryocytes and blood cells. Results of the present study revealed that extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) a normal occurs of the splenic red pulp. Extramedullary hematopoiesis may include increased numbers of erythroid precursors, myeloid precursors, megakaryocytes

FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALOE VERA AND TEA TREE OIL LOADED ANTIMICROBIAL NANOFIBEROUS DRESSING

Skin infections due to microbes are reported with high spread and reportedly affected one –third of the world population. Connective tissue cells produce collagen and connective tissue fibers to heal wounds of skin and white blood cells produce antibodies to fight against harmful microbes. This study presents the process of synthesis of nanofiberous dressing loaded with Aloe vera and tea tree oil. Aloe Vera and Tea tree oil contain glucomannan and terpinin-4-ol, which help in the production of collagen and kill microbes. The surface morphology of prepared dressing was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope micrographs. The average diameter of nanofibers was measured to be 137.32nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of nanofiberous dressing confirmed the loading of aloe vera and tea tree oil. Drug release profile was analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy. It was observed that 100% drug released within 12 minutes. The antimicrobial properties of prepared fibers against Aspergillus Niger (fungi) and Escherichia coli (bacteria) were systematically evaluated. The results showed that aloe vera- tea tree oil composite fibrous dressing was found to be effective for antimicrobial activity.

Morphological Characteristics of Genital Organ-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in the Vaginal Vestibule of Goats and Pigs.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is a specialized form of peripheral lymphoid tissue (LT), which is found on mucosal surfaces exposed to the environment. However, morphological data of these tissues in farm animals are scarce. This study investigated the gross anatomical and histological features of genital organ-associated lymphoid tissues (GOALTs) in the vaginal vestibule (VV) of healthy, non-pregnant, adult goats and pigs. Their VVs were composed of stratified squamous, non-keratinized epithelium, and various-sized dark-blue hematoxylin-positive spots were observed in whole-mount specimens, which were diffusely distributed throughout the mucosal surfaces. These spots were histologically identified as LTs and consisted of lymphatic nodules (LNs) or diffuse lymphoid tissue (DLTs). Both LNs and DLTs contained B cells, T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, plasma cells, and high endothelial venules. Only the numbers of B cells were significantly higher in both the LNs and DLTs of pigs compared to goats. Furthermore, the surface of the VV epithelium covering the LTs was partially disrupted with a large intercellular space containing abundant connective tissue fibers with numerous lymphocytes. In conclusion, GOALTs in the VV appear to be common local immunological barriers in both examined animals. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the structures and disorders of female reproductive organs in farm animals.

Bionic artificial penile Tunica albuginea

Bionic artificial penile Tunica albuginea

Effects of chronic stress on bladder morphology of rats and impact of comfort food diet as an ameliorating agent

Objectives To investigate the effects of chronic stress on bladder morphology and the impact of food preference (standard or comfort foods) on the bladder of stressed rats. Methods In total, 32 Wistar male rats (3 months old) were divided into four groups: control (C), stressed (S), control + comfort food (C + CF), and stressed + comfort food (S + CF). Groups C and C + CF were maintained under normal conditions, while groups S and S + CF were subjected to chronic stress by the restraint method. Groups C and S received standard rat chow, while groups C + CF and S + CF received comfort food (Froot Loops®) and standard chow. The stress stimuli were induced daily for 2 h over 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, all animals were killed, and the bladders were removed and used for histomorphometric analysis. Results Body mass was similar among the groups. Stress did not promote differences regarding food intake, but animals receiving comfort food showed higher calories intake (in kcal/Kg) than animals receiving only standard chow. The C + CF and S + CF groups preferred comfort food over the standard chow; this preference was higher in the S + CF than in the C + CF group. The surface density of smooth muscle was reduced in stressed animals, while connective tissue and elastic system fiber content were increased in stressed groups. Further, epithelial height was increased in rats submitted to chronic stress. The surface density of elastic system fibers was decreased by the consumption of comfort food. Conclusions Chronic stress induces morphological modifications on the bladder wall and epithelium. These modifications may be related to lower urinary tract symptoms. Additionally, chronic stress caused a higher preference for comfort food intake which did not ameliorate or aggravate the stress-induced bladder alterations.

Оценка эффективности применения радиочастотного воздействия в лечении вульвовагинальной слабости

Aim: to study the effiacy and safety of the vulvovaginal laxity treatment using non-ablative radiofrequency — dynamic quadripolar radiofrequency (DQRF™). Patients and Methods: the study included 79 female patients of reproductive age (35 to 42 y.o.) who were diagnosed with second-degree uterine prolapse according to the POP-Q system after a preliminary examination. The female patients were divided into 2 groups. Main group included 47 female patients who underwent the continuous DQRF™ to the internal genital organs four times with an interval of 7 days using the EVA™ device with intravaginal and external attachments. Comparison group included 32 female patients who performed a set of Kegel exercises for 4 months to correct vulvovaginal laxity. DQRF™ efficacy is due to thermal and oscillatory effects on tissues. Under the DQRF™, the temperature of the vaginal mucosa rises evenly to 40–42 °C, fibroblasts are activated and new connective tissue fibers are formed. The radio waves effect on microcirculation promotes the collateral formation and increases tissue blood flow, providing the metabolism acceleration in the cells of the mucous membrane, including fibroblasts. Results: 4 months after the treatment in the group 1, the trend of changes in the studied indicators turned out to be more statistically significant versus the group 2: patients less commonly noted the foreign body sensation, pollakiuria, dyspareunia, constipations. The incidence and severity of vaginal symptoms, manifestations of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFDI-20) in patients decreased, and the condition of the pelvic diaphragm (PFIQ-7) with the quality of sexual life (PISQ-12) improved. The treatment effect persisted for a year. Therapy was not accompanied by the adverse events: burns in the area of radiation, pain and/or discomfort. Conclusion: the method of non-ablative radiofrequency treatment of vulvovaginal laxity is clinically effective and safe. KEYWORDS: vulvovaginal laxity, pelvic organ prolapse, non-ablative radiofrequency, pelvic floor dysfunction, dyspareunia. FOR CITATION: Kalimatova D.M., Dobrokhotova Yu.E. Efficacy evaluation concerning radiofrequency treatment of vulvovaginal laxity. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2023;6(4):347–351 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2023-6-4-4.

Shared genetic architecture of hernias: A genome-wide association study with multivariable meta-analysis of multiple hernia phenotypes.

Abdominal hernias are common and characterised by the abnormal protrusion of a viscus through the wall of the abdominal cavity. The global incidence is 18.5 million annually and there are limited non-surgical treatments. To improve understanding of common hernia aetiopathology, we performed a six-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 62,637 UK Biobank participants with either single or multiple hernia phenotypes including inguinal, femoral, umbilical and hiatus hernia. Additionally, we performed multivariable meta-analysis with metaUSAT, to allow integration of summary data across traits to generate combined effect estimates. On individual hernia analysis, we identified 3404 variants across 38 genome-wide significant (p < 5×10-8) loci of which 11 are previously unreported. Robust evidence for five shared susceptibility loci was discovered: ZC3H11B, EFEMP1, MHC region, WT1 and CALD1. Combined hernia phenotype analyses with additional multivariable meta-analysis of summary statistics in metaUSAT revealed 28 independent (seven previously unreported) shared susceptibility loci. These clustered in functional categories related to connective tissue and elastic fibre homeostasis. Weighted genetic risk scores also correlated with disease severity suggesting a phenotypic-genotypic severity correlation, an important finding to inform future personalised therapeutic approaches to hernia.

Distribution of Connective Tissue Fibres in the Feline Ovary and Uterus

Connective tissue is significant because it is one of the supporting tissues, it connects organs and keeps them in place, it contains inflammatory response components, and it provides the environment in which metabolic exchange occurs between cells. Collagen fibres are the most common type of connective tissue component. Type 3 collagen, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans make up reticular fibres. They allow the uterus and ovaries to contract and stretch since they are situated in between the muscles and collagen fibres in these organs. According to the requirements of the microenvironment in which they are found, elastic fibers have persistent changeable functionalities and are resistant to tensile forces. After regular histological tissue follow-up after washing, tissues removed from the ovaries and uterus of cats were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and blocked in the paraplast. Sections from the prepared blocks were cut at a thickness of 5–6 µm. The distribution and structure of these yarns were studied using the methods of Orsein for the structure of elastic yarns derived from connective tissue yarns, Van Gieson's for the structure of collagen yarns, and Gordon and Sweet's dyeing process for the structure of reticulum yarns. It was determined that the ovary and uterus had increased collagen fiber dispersion. Less dispersion was observed in reticulum and elastic fibres. The collagen fibres in the elastic and reticulum fibres, which were arranged in thick bundles between the follicles in the ovary, were found to have a thinner structure. It was noted that the collagen fibres were more thickly distributed in the lamina propria of the uterine endometrium, where the elastic and reticulum fibres were formed from thin filaments.