Light Microscopic Examination Research Articles

Phacolytic Glaucoma Diagnosed by Cytopathology: A Clinicopathologic Case Series

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, histopathologic characteristics, and management of phacolytic glaucoma. Patients and Methods The database at the Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory was searched for surgical specimens at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Patients with a diagnosis of “phacolytic glaucoma” on cytopathology between the years of 1997 and 2023 were included (n = 15). Patient demographics, anatomic site, laterality, clinical features, and ocular examination findings were obtained from available medical records. Results The diagnosis of phacolytic glaucoma was established by light microscopic examination of cytology specimens in 15 eyes (Right = 8, Left = 6, not specified = 1). Between 1997 and 2023, there were 32 cytopathology cases with a preoperative diagnosis of phacolytic glaucoma. From this group of 15 cases, there were nine males and six females. Mean age was 64.2 years (Range: 39–87). Thirteen samples were from the anterior chamber and two were obtained from the vitreous. All 15 cases (100%) demonstrated histiocytes with engulfed foamy and/or granular presumed lenticular material. CD68 immunohistochemistry was positive within histiocytes in four cases that were stained (100%). Of the available medical records, clinical features, and ocular examination findings included: eye redness, decreased vision, eye pain, anterior chamber inflammation, dislocated or subluxed crystalline lens, cataract, and elevated intraocular pressure (average = 41.3 ± 8.67 mm Hg). Conclusions Phacolytic glaucoma is a rare complication of mature/hypermature cataracts that presents with ocular pain, decreased vision, and anterior chamber inflammation. AC paracentesis with cytopathologic evaluation is a minimally invasive, rapid technique that can aid in the diagnosis and management of this disease.

Bilateral chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillomas in an adult patient with recurrent tuberculosis: a case report and literature review

BackgroundAspergillomas are globular growths of Aspergillus fumigatus, a benign aspergillosis of the lungs. It usually affects patients who are immunocompromised and have anatomically defective lung structures. The majority of aspergilloma cases are asymptomatic, despite the fact that 10% of cases spontaneously resolve. Most patients do not have any symptoms from their lesions. Direct serological or microbiological evidence of an Aspergillus species along with radiologic evidence is required for the diagnosis of an aspergilloma.CaseWe describe a 35-year-old adult Oromo male patient who had been experiencing night sweats, an intermittent productive cough with sparse whitish sputum, loss of appetite, and easy fatigability for 3 months. At 5 years prior, he received treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis that was smear-positive and was subsequently certified healed. Objectively, he was tachypneic and had intercostal, subcostal, and supraclavicular retractions with symmetric chest movement. A high-resolution computed tomography scan revealed bilateral apical cavitary lesions with core soft tissue attenuating spherical masses and an air crescentic sign suggestive of aspergillomas, which were confirmed by sputum light microscopic examination. The patient was managed with antibiotics and antifungals.ConclusionAspergilloma is a symptom of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, a category of lung disorders caused by a persistent Aspergillus infection. Primary aspergillomas are uncommon and frequently occur in people with compromised immune systems. A prolonged cough, fever, chest pain, and hemoptysis are all symptoms of pulmonary aspergillomas. The majority of the time, pulmonary aspergillosis is difficult to identify. Despite high mortality and morbidity rates, surgery is still the most effective treatment for pulmonary aspergilloma.

The comparative morphology of the oral cavity glands in captive South African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus pictus) and captive fennec foxes (Vulpes zerda) (Carnivora: Canidae)

BackgroundThe African painted dog is classified as a relic canid lineage, inhabiting areas south of the Sahara. The fennec fox is the smallest member of the Canidae family, found in the Arabian Peninsula and northern Sahara.MethodsThe gross anatomy and light microscopic examination of the oral cavity glands were studied in five adult captive South African painted dogs and five adult captive fennec foxes from the Wroclaw Zoological Garden, Poland. In this research, the zygomatic gland, monostomatic sublingual gland, polystomatic sublingual gland, mandibular gland, and parotid gland were examined for their topography, morphometry, histology, and histochemistry using hematoxylin and eosin, azan trichrome, mucicarmine, PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5, AB pH 2.5 PAS, and HID.ResultsWe found that the parotid glands were consistently the largest, followed by the mandibular and sublingual glands (both monostomatic and polystomatic). The zygomatic gland was the smallest in both South African painted dogs and fennec foxes. Interestingly, there were noticeable differences in the size, shape, and even composition of the secretory products between the two species. The zygomatic and polystomatic sublingual glands in the South African painted dog and the fennec fox were complex branched tubular. In the South African painted dog, the monostomatic gland was a branched tubular compound gland, while in the fennec fox, it was a branched tubuloalveolar compound gland. The mandibular gland in hunting dogs was a branched tubular compound gland, while in the fennec fox a branched tubuloalveolar compound gland. The parotid gland in the fennec fox was a branched acinar compound gland, whereas in the painted dog was a branched tubuloacinar.ConclusionsThe basic structure of their glands is similar to that of other terrestrial carnivores, indicating a shared evolutionary origin and function. However, differences in the composition of their secretory products can reflect adaptations to their specific diets. This research provides valuable insights for veterinary medicine and underscores the importance of further studies. By analyzing wild canid populations and including a broader range of species with diverse diets, we could gain a deeper understanding of how diet influences salivary gland morphology within the Canidae.

Hypoxia and Normoxia Preconditioned Olfactory Stem Cells Against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the leading causes of permanent hearing loss in the adult population. In this experimental study, the authors aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hypoxia and normoxia preconditioned olfactory stem cells against noise trauma. Twenty-seven female guinea pigs were enrolled. Two guinea pigs were sacrificed for harvesting olfactory tissue and 1 for examining the architecture of the normal cochlea. The remaining 24 guinea pigs were exposed to noise trauma for 1 day and then randomly divided into 3 groups: intracochlear injection of (i) normoxic olfactory stem cells, (ii) hypoxic olfactory stem cells, and (iii) physiological serum. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurement was performed before and 2 weeks after noise trauma and weekly for 3 weeks following intracochlear injection. Both click and 16kHz tone-burst stimuli were used for detection of ABR. No significant difference was noted between the groups before and 2 weeks after noise trauma. ABR thresholds detected after intracochlear injections were significantly higher in the control group compared with stem cell groups. However, no significant difference was detected between the stem cell groups. Fluourescence microscopy revealed better engraftment for hypoxic stem cells. Light and electron microscopy examinations were consistent with predominant degenerative findings in the control group, whereas normoxic group had more similar findings with normal cochlea compared with hypoxic group. Olfactory stem cells were demonstrated to have the potential to have beneficial effects on noise trauma.

Ciliary body myxoid epithelioid sarcoma in a cat: a case report

BackgroundThe majority of primary, intraocular tumors in cats originate from the uvea and include feline diffuse iris melanoma, lymphoma, and iridociliary epithelial adenoma or adenocarcinoma. In this case report, we describe for the first time the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical findings of a rare myxoid intraocular neoplasm arising from the ciliary body in a cat.Case presentationA 14-year-old, female, spayed domestic shorthaired cat was presented for evaluation of discolouration of the right eye. Upon examination, a clear to light whitish-tan, bubble-shaped intraocular mass adherent to the inferior ciliary body and extending into the anterior chamber was noted. Within five weeks, the tumor was significantly larger and the eye had developed secondary glaucoma so was enucleated. Light microscopic examination of the globe revealed a multinodular, hypocellular neoplasm arising from the ciliary body composed of interwoven spindle cells embedded in abundant amounts of a lightly basophilic myxoid matrix. Neoplastic cells exhibited strong immunoreactivity for cytokeratin while also showing moderate to strong immunoreactivity to vimentin. A diagnosis was therefore made of an unusual intraocular myxoid epithelioid sarcoma arising from the ciliary body.ConclusionsAlthough apparently exceedingly rare, epithelioid myxosarcoma should be included as a differential diagnosis for intraocular tumors in cats and they represent a clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical diagnostic challenge. Early surgical intervention should be considered to prevent local invasion and ascension to the brain.

Histidine-rich protein (hrp) 2-based RDT false-negatives and Plasmodium falciparum hrp 2 and 3 gene deletions in low, seasonal and intense perennial transmission zones in Cameroon: a cross - sectional study.

False negative rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) accruing to the non-detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2/3 (Pfhrp2/3) is threatening the diagnosis and management of malaria. Although regular monitoring is necessary to gauge the level of efficacy of the tool, studies in Cameroon remain limited. This study assessed Plasmodium spp. prevalence and Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions across ecological and transmission zones in Cameroon. This is a cross-sectional, multi-site, community- and hospital- based study, in 21 health facilities and 14 communities covering all five ecological settings in low seasonal (LS) and intense perennial (IPT) malaria transmission zones between 2019 and 2021. Participants were screened for malaria parasite using Pfhrp2 RDT and light microscopic examination of thick peripheral blood smears. DNA was extracted from dried blood spot using chelex®-100 and P. falciparum confirmed using varATS real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), P. malariae and P. ovale by real-time qPCR of Plasmepsin gene, and P. vivax using a commercial kit. Isolates with amplified Pfcsp and Pfama-1 genes were assayed for Pfhrp 2/3 gene deletions by conventional PCR. A total of 3,373 participants enrolled, 1,786 Plasmodium spp. infected, with 77.4% P. falciparum. Discordant RDT and qPCR results (False negatives) were reported in 191 (15.7%) P. falciparum mono-infected samples from LS (29%, 42) and IPT (13.9%, 149). The Pfhrp2+/Pfhrp3 + genotype was most frequent, similar between LS (5.5%, 8/145) and IPT (6.0%, 65/1,076). Single Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 gene deletions occurred in LS (0.7%, 1/145 each) and IPT (3.6%, 39/1,076 vs. 2.9%, 31/1,076), respectively. Whilst a single sample harboured Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3- genotype in LS, 2.4% (26/1,076) were double deleted at IPT. Pfhrp2+/Pfhrp3- (0.3%, 3/1,076) and Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3+ (1.2%, 13/1,076) genotypes were only observed in IPT. Pfhrp2, Pfhrp3 deletions and Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3- genotype accounted for 78.8% (26), 69.7% (23) and 63.6% (21) RDT false negatives, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum remains the most dominant and widely distributed Plasmodium species across transmission and ecological zones in Cameroon. Although the low prevalence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions supports the continued use of HRP2-based RDTs for routine malaria diagnosis, the high proportion of false-negatives due to gene deleted parasites necessitates continued surveillance to inform control and elimination efforts.

Crossroad between the sylvatic and domestic cycles of Mesocestoides litteratus: mesocestodiasis in dogs adopted from shelters in Türkiye.

This study aimed to report the presence of Mesocestoides litteratus in dogs adopted from shelters in Türkiye. Gravid segments were examined microscopically in the faeces of dogs from different shelters located in Ankara and Kirikkale provinces in the central region of Türkiye. Then, genomic DNA obtained from these segments, a 446-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene, and a 350-bp fragment of mitochondrial 12S rRNA were amplified and sequenced. BLASTn search was performed. During light microscopic examination, an egg-filled paruterine organ was observed in the middle part of the segment. Thin-shelled, oval, 35-µm-diameter parasite eggs containing an oncosphere with three pairs of hooklets were observed. The gravid segments were determined as Mesocestoides spp. based on the appearance of the typical paruterine organ. PCR results supported our diagnosis; moreover, according to the BLAST results, it was detected that the species infecting two dogs was 98.01-100% similar to M. litteratus. Praziquantel-containing medication was administered to the infected dogs at a dosage of 5mg/kg. Foxes act as the final host of M. litteratus and the parasite is prevalent in wildlife; however, these animals may disperse the parasite in urban life. Veterinarians need to be made more aware of this parasite, especially if the dogs are owned from shelters.

Periodic Acid Schiff Staining to Detect Mott Cells, Aberrant Plasma Cells Containing Immunoglobulin Inclusions Called Russell Bodies.

Hematoxylin and eosin staining is widely used for routine histopathological analysis under light microscopic examination to determine alterations of tissue architecture and cellular components in animal studies. Aside from hematoxylin/eosin staining, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining is used to detect polysaccharides and carbohydrate-rich macromolecules, and is essential in immunological fields for evaluation of glomerular lesions of kidneys in autoimmune animals. Since erythrocytes are not stained by PAS, this stain is also helpful for identifying changes in immune cells in the red pulp of the spleen, which is filled with erythrocytes. This article describes a protocol to detect Mott cells, bizarre plasma cells containing immunoglobulin inclusion bodies (Russell bodies) in the cytoplasm. The protocol can be used for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, frozen tissue sections, tissue-touch preparations, blood films, and cytocentrifuged cell smears. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Detection of Mott cells by PAS staining in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections Basic Protocol 2: Detection of Mott cells by PAS staining in frozen tissue sections, touch preparations, blood films, and cytocentrifuged cell smears.

Protective Role of Melatonin Against Abamectin-Induced Biochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Alterations in the Testicular Tissues of Rats.

Abamectin is one of the most widely used pesticides due to its strong insecticidal and anthelmintic activities. Melatonin is a neurohormone with potent antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative effects of melatonin against abamectin-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: control group (1 mL/kg/day corn oil), melatonin-treated group (10 mg/kg/day), abamectin-treated group (0.5 mg/kg/day), and melatonin plus abamectin-treated group. Test substances were administered via oral gavage once daily for 28 days. While MDA and 8-OHdG levels increased in the testicular tissue of rats treated with abamectin, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST enzyme activities decreased significantly. While interleukin-17 levels, TNF-α, and caspase3 expression increased in the testicular tissue, acetylcholinesterase activity decreased. At the same time, serum gonadotropins (luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones) and testosterone levels decreased. Light microscope examinations of testicular tissues revealed severe histopathological changes, such as atrophic hyalinized seminiferous tubules, basement membrane irregularity, degeneration, spermatogenic cell loss, and necrosis. Electron microscopy examinations revealed large vacuoles in Sertoli and spermatogenic cells, swelling and vacuolization in mitochondria, lysosomal structures, and increased pyknotic nuclei. In contrast, melatonin supplementation significantly ameliorated abamectin-induced testicular toxicity in rats through antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Computer-Aided Diagnosis Systems for Automatic Malaria Parasite Detection and Classification: A Systematic Review

Malaria is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide with a consistent mortality rate. The light microscope examination is the gold standard for detecting infection by malaria parasites. Still, it is limited by long timescales and requires a high level of expertise from pathologists. Early diagnosis of this disease is necessary to achieve timely and effective treatment, which avoids tragic consequences, thus leading to the development of computer-aided diagnosis systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) for the detection and classification of blood cells infected with the malaria parasite in blood smear images. Such systems involve an articulated pipeline, culminating in the use of machine learning and deep learning approaches, the main branches of AI. Here, we present a systematic literature review of recent research on the use of automated algorithms to identify and classify malaria parasites in blood smear images. Based on the PRISMA 2020 criteria, a search was conducted using several electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and arXiv by applying inclusion/exclusion filters. From the 606 initial records identified, 135 eligible studies were selected and analyzed. Many promising results were achieved, and some mobile and web applications were developed to address resource and expertise limitations in developing countries.

Immunogenic Proteins Characterization in the Larvae of Oestrus ovis by Western Blot Analysis

The present study was undertaken to characterize and identify immunogenic proteins of Oestrus ovis in Telangana. Oestrus ovis is the most predominant nasal bot fly causing nasal myiasis in India. The collected larvae from Jiyaguda slaughter house, Hyderabad are seperated into L2 and L3 larvae were washed with normal saline and PBS pH 7.4 and preserved at -70°C for antigen preparation and some were preserved in 70 % ethanol for identification. The larvae were speciated by light microscopic examination based on morphological features such as ventral spines, anterior hooks and “D” shaped posterior spiracles. In this study, an antigen was prepared from second and third instar larvae of Oestrus ovis using a soluble buffer solution. The resulting Crude Somatic Larval (CSL) antigen had a protein concentration of 27.4 mg per ml. The CSL antigen was resolved in 8% SDS-PAGE, Immunoblotting was performed by electro transferring the separated polypeptides onto a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane. Treatment with specific reagents and antibodies resulted in the identification of 19 immunoreactive polypeptides, with molecular weights matching those observed in SDS-PAGE. Four polypeptides with molecular weights of 58.56, 20.74, 19.09, and 28.91 kDa exhibited the strongest reaction towards the antibodies raised against CSL antigen. These four polypeptides are considered promising candidates for future immunizations and testing their protective efficacy through in vivo assays. These findings have implications for advancing strategies to combat myiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Oestrus ovis larvae.

Basal Linear Deposit: Normal Physiological Ageing or a Defining Lesion of Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Objective: To determine if basal linear deposit (BLinD) is a specific lesion of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: The cohort was selected from a clinically and histopathologically validated archive (Sarks Archive) and consisted of 10 normal eyes (age 55-80 years) without any macular basal laminar deposit (BLamD) (Sarks Group I) and 16 normal aged eyes (age 57-88 years) with patchy BLamD (Sarks Group II). Only eyes with in vivo fundus assessment and corresponding high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs of the macula were included. Semithin sections and fellow-eye paraffin sections were additionally examined. BLinD was defined as a diffuse layer of electron-lucent vesicles external to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) basement membrane by TEM and was graded as follows: (i) Grade 0, absence of a continuous layer; (ii) Grade 1, a continuous layer up to three times the thickness of the RPE basement membrane (0.9 µm); (iii) Grade 2, a continuous layer greater than 0.9 µm. Bruch's membrane (BrM) hyalinisation and RPE abnormalities were determined by light microscopic examination of corresponding semithin and paraffin sections. Results: BLinD was identified in both normal (30%) and normal aged (62.5%) eyes. BLinD was thicker in normal aged eyes (p = 0.045; 95% CI 0.04-3.4). BLinD thickness positively correlated with both the degree of BrM hyalinisation (p = 0.049; 95% CI 0.05-2.69) and increasing microscopic RPE abnormalities (p = 0.022; 95% CI 0.188-2.422). RPE abnormalities were more likely to be observed in eyes with increased BrM hyalinisation (p = 0.044; 95% CI 0.61-4.319). Conclusions: BLinD is most likely an age-related deposit rather than a specific lesion of AMD. Its accumulation is associated with increasing BrM hyalinisation and microscopic RPE abnormalities, suggesting a relationship with dysregulated RPE metabolism and/or transport.

Age changes in the gastric mucosa of male albino rat: histological, immunohistochemical, histomorphometric and biochemical study.

Age related changes in the stomach are associated with alterations in the structure and secretory function of the gastric glands. The present study aimed to investigate histological, histomorphometric and biochemical changes in the gastric mucosa of rats with age. Eighty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four age groups, 20 rats in each (prepubertal, adolescent, adult, and senile). The gastric specimens were subjected to light microscopic examination using haematoxylin and eosin, PAS and Masson's trichrome stains. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was carried out. Measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity in gastric tissue homogenates was performed using ELISA. Quantitative analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression was done by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Light microscopic examination of gastric mucosa of senile rats revealed distortion of gastric glands and erosions. Surface mucous cells, mucous neck cells, parietal and chief cells exhibited cytoplasmic destruction, nuclear degeneration, apoptosis and oxidative damage. There was a significant decrease in the mean gastric mucosal thickness, increase in collagen content and decrease in mucous content with the advance of age. These morphological changes were associated with a significant decrease in SOD and GPx activity and increase in MDA activity, in addition to decreased VEGF gene expression. Gastric mucosa of aged rats showed histological and immunohistochemical alterations. These changes were associated with oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant capacity and decreased angiogenesis.

Effect of Lactoferrin versus Dexamethasone on Induced Acute Lung Injury in Adult Rat: A Histological Study

Abstract Introduction acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most critical illnesses affecting the lung and is commonly associated with severe complications. management of ALI without major side effects remains a continuous challenge. Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein having potential anti-inflammatory effects. Aim the study was conducted to compare the therapeutic role of lactoferrin (LF) versus dexamethasone (DEXA) on the microscopic structure of the lung in a model of lipopolysaccharide (LP) induced acute lung injury. Material and Methods thirty-five adult male albino rats weighing (180-200gm) were divided randomly into 4 groups. Group I (control group), Group II (LP group): rats received a single IP injection of Lipopolysaccharide (3mg/kg). Group III (LP+LF group): rats received LP as in group II followed one hour later by IP injection of lactoferrin (5mg/rat). Group IV (LP+DEXA group): rats received LP as in group II followed one hour later by IP injection of dexamethasone (5mg/kg). after 24 hours, lung specimens were proceeded for light microscopic examination, as well as Morphometrical and statistical analyses. Results H&E-stained section of Group II showed marked inflammatory changes, interalveolar septa were significantly thickened and were heavily infiltrated with inflammatory cells and extravasated red blood cells were occasionally detected. Many alveoli appeared collapsed. The lining epithelium of bronchi appeared occasionally desquamated and peri-bronchial lymphoid aggregation were observed. An apparent increase in mucus production and significant increase in number of goblet cells were detected by PAS-stain. Orcein-stained section showed disruption of elastic fibers. immunohistochemical stain revealed a significantly increased reaction to iNOS antibodies. On the other hand, the lung structure in group III and group IV were much more improved, with group IV very similar to the control group. Conclusion Both lactoferrin and dexamethasone showed therapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects in LP induced ALI. These effects were more prominent in dexamethasone than lactoferrin as detected by microscopic, morphometric, and statistical studies.

A Comparative Histological Study Between the Protective and the Therapeutic Effect of Probiotic on Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rat

Abstract Introduction Although cisplatin (CP) is one of the most effective chemotherapies, it is associated with significant nephrotoxicity (Acute kidney injury). Lactobacillus plantarum is often used as a probiotic on its own for its beneficial properties and anti-inflammatory activity. Aim to compare the protective and therapeutic role of probiotics on the microscopic structure of the kidney in a model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Material and Methods thirty-five adult male albino rats weighing (200-220gm) were divided into 4 groups. Group I (control group), Group II (Cisplatin group): rats received intraperitoneal injection of CP (7.5 mg/kg) for 3 days. Group III (protective group): Rats received 1 mL of probiotic orally for 7 days. From the fifth day, the rats received intraperitoneal injections of CP (7.5mg/kg) for 3 days. Group IV (Therapeutic group): Rats received intraperitoneal injection of CP for 3 days. From the fourth day, the rats received probiotic L. plantarum orally at a dose of (1 mL/day) for 14 days. The concentration of probiotics in group III and group IV was 109 Colony forming units (CFU)/mL/100 g of body weight. Kidney specimens were proceeded for light microscopic examination, as well as Morphometrical and statistical analyses. Results H&E-stained sections of Group II showed marked renal affection in which most glomeruli showed atrophy. Renal tubules were mostly distorted, necrotic, and degenerative with interstitial hemorrhage, congestion, and cellular infiltration. PAS-stained sections showed marked increased reaction in glomerular and tubular Basement membranes with an apparent loss of Brush borders of most of the PCTs. Masson`s trichrome-stained sections showed a marked increase in collagen fibers in renal interstitia mostly around blood vessels. Immunohistochemically stained sections showed a marked increase in positive cytoplasmic reaction to caspase -3 antibodies mostly in renal tubules. On the other hand, the renal structure of The protective group showed marked improvement which appeared nearly comparable to that of the control group while the therapeutic group showed minimal improvement. Conclusion The protective effect of probiotics on cisplatin-induced Acute Kidney Injury (Nephrotoxicity) was markedly better than the therapeutic effect as detected by microscopic, morphometric, and statistical studies.

The Possible Protective Role of Resveratrol against Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Hepatic Tissue Injury in Adult Albino Rat

Abstract Background Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in industries and medications. This may elevate the probability of their existence in the environment, which may have harmful side effects on different body organs, especially on the liver. So it became mandatory to search for natural hepatoprotective elements such as Resveratrol. Aim of the Work The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the histological structure and biochemical markers of the liver of adult male albino rats and to evaluate the possible protective role of Resveratrol. Material and Methods 40 adult male albino rats aged 3-6 months, were divided randomly into four groups; Group I (Control group), which consisted of 10 male albino rats with free access to food (rat chew) and water; Group II (ZnO NPs group), which included 10 male albino rats, which received a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight ZnO NPs through oral gavage daily for 4 weeks; Group III (Resveratrol group) was composed of 10 male albino rats which received a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight Resveratrol through oral gavage daily for 4 weeks, and Group IV (ZnO NPs + Resveratrol group) included 10 male albino rats which were co-administered with a combination of ZnO NPs at a dose of 50mg/kg body weight and Resveratrol at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight dose through oral gavage daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). All the animals were sacrificed, and the liver was extracted and processed into paraffin blocks for light microscopic examination. A morphometric study and a statistical analysis were done. Results The present work demonstrated that liver sections obtained from adult male albino rats that received ZnO NPs showed disorganized hepatic architecture, severe affection of the hepatocytes, which had small darkly stained nuclei, and deep acidophilic cytoplasm. The hepatocytes sometimes showed extensive cytoplasmic vacuolations. Most hepatocytes had small apoptotic nuclei and were surrounded by clear halos. While some hepatocytes lost their cell boundaries and coalesced together. Central veins were dilated, distorted, and congested with areas of epithelial lining detachment. Most of the blood sinusoids appeared congested with marked inflammatory cell infiltration. The portal tracts showed vascular congestion, dilatation, and proliferation of the bile ducts. There was a marked increase in the collagen deposition around the portal tracts, central veins, and in-between hepatocytes. Marked depletion of glycogen content with sporadic positive PAS reactions within the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes was also noticed. Hepatocyte apoptosis was evident by a significant increase in caspase-3 expression compared to the control group. On the other hand, ZnO NP +Resveratrol group showed the restoration of normal hepatic lobules with few areas of subcapsular haemorrhage. Most hepatocytes appeared polygonal in shape, with acidophilic cytoplasm and central rounded vesicular nuclei. While few hepatocytes appeared degenerated with dark stained pyknotic nuclei and cytoplasm showed hydropic degeneration. Most of the blood sinusoids returned to their normal sizes with flattened endothelial cells. However, sometimes they were congested, dilated, and contained Kupffer cells. Some central veins appeared congested. The portal tract also returned to its normal size with a marked decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and showed apparent minimal collagen fiber deposition. Another finding in the present work was that Resveratrol restored the glycogen content of the hepatocytes which were depleted in ZnO NPs group. This was marked by a strong PAS positive reaction in the cytoplasm of most hepatocytes, with few hepatocytes with weak PAS reaction. Resveratrol co-treatment with ZnO NPs significantly reduced the degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes. This was evident in our study by the apparent negative Caspase-3 reaction in the cytoplasm of most hepatocytes. Clear deterioration of liver function tests was observed in ZnO NPs group compared with the control, with marked improvement in the group treated with ZnO NPs and Resveratrol together. Conclusion The present study demonstrated the degenerative and hepatotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on the histological structure and function of the liver and the hepatoprotective role of Resveratrol against these effects.

Effect of Consumption of Caffeinated Energy Drinks on the Myocardium of the Adult Male Albino Rat (A Histological and Morphometric Study)

Abstract Background Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages containing mainly caffeine. Chronic consumption of energy drinks may be associated with increased blood pressure, and cardiac work load, as well as, increased heart rate. Energy drinks consumption has been related to myocardial infarction in healthy young adult. Aim of the Work The aim of the present work was to study the harmful effect of energy drinks histologically and morphometrically, on the myocardium of the adult male albino rats. Material and Methods 20 Adult male albino rats aging 4-6 moths were divided randomly into two groups; Group I (Control group) which consisted of 10 male albino rats with free access to food (rat chew) and water and Group II (Experimental group): 10 male albino rats which received 3.75 ml/kg body weight red bull through oral gavage daily for 4 weeks with free access to food (rat chew) and water. At the end of experiment, rats werescarificed, and cardiac muscle was extracted and processed into paraffin blocks for light microscopic examination. Morphometric study and statistical analysis were done. Results The present work demonstrated that Red Bull induced several histopathological changes of the cardiac muscle. The results showed the cardiac muscle of rats with irregularities in the arrangement of fibers and wide spaces in between. Some cardiomyocytes showed areas of pale stained sarcoplasm, partial loss of the cross striations and ill-defined intercalated discs. Localized areas of hyaline degeneration and areas of tissue disruption were also noticed with less frequently localized coalesced cytoplasmic vacuoles. The nuclei of the cardiomyocytes appeared small, darkly stained, and pyknotic. Others were flattened and deeply stained. Congested, and thick walled blood vessels were also observed, with mononuclear cellular infiltrations. In Masson’s Trichrome sections, relative increase in collagen deposition between the cardiac muscle fibers was observed which was associated with focal fibrous degeneration. Examination of the semithin sections showed partial disruption of the cardiomyocytes. The nuclei of the cardiomyocytes were small, darkly stained with perinuclear degeneration. Some nuclei were eccentric, or with an irregular outline, and peripheral chromatin condensation. The characteristic finding was the presence of longitudinal wavy cardiac muscle fibers with relatively wide spaces in between and localized areas of partially lost cross striations and intercalated discs. Dilated, thick walled blood vessels was noticed between the bundles of cardiac muscle. Mononuclear inflammatory cellular infiltrations were also detected. Conclusion The present study demonstrated the degenerative and cardiotoxic effects of Red Bull as an example of energy drinks on the histological structure of the cardiac muscle.

The effect of sleeve gastrectomy on pyloric mucosa of obese adult male albino rat: a histological study

Background Obesity is an excessive accumulation of fat tissue that threatens health. The number of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has been increased greatly over the last 10 years, because it seems to be a safer and easier solution. Aim This work’s objective was to study the effect of SG on the pyloric gastric mucosa of obese adult male albino rats using light microscope (LM). Materials and methods The present study was carried out on fifty adult male albino rats, weighing between 190 and 260 gm. They were divided into four main groups; control GI, obese nonoperated GII, sham GIII, and operated GIV. Pyloric specimens were processed for LM study and statistical analysis. Results After 4 weeks of obesity induction, (GII, III, and IV) showed a statistically significant increase in their body weight compared with GI. After 4 weeks of the operation, statistically significant differences in the body weight were observed between all groups. GIII was running in between. LM examination of the pyloric mucosa of GIV revealed damage to the epithelial surface with abnormal pits. Distorted gastric glands with inflammatory cellular infiltration and congested blood vessels were evident in their lamina propria in association with altered muscularis mucosa. These results were confirmed statistically. Conclusion Microscopic changes in the pyloric mucosa of adult male albino rats take place after SG.

Histological Evaluation of the Protective Role of β-glucan Against Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of many cancers. The most important dose-limiting side effect is hepatotoxicity. Some studies have shown that antioxidant treatment with cisplatin reduces the toxic effect. In the present study, we were aimed to investigate the protective effects of antioxidant β-glucan on histological injury caused by cisplatin treatment in the liver. Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups according to time of sacrifice, 7th day and 14th day (n=20 rats each). Both groups were then divided into four sub-groups Control, Cisplatin (10 mg/kg bw), β-glucan (100 mg/kg bw) and cisplatin+β-glucan (n=5 in each group). The rats were sacrificed at the 7th day and 14th day after the last injection. The liver sections were evaluated under a light microscope after the histological procedure. Histological injury caused by cisplatin in different days were evaluated as as sinusoidal congestion, hydropic degeneration, disorganization of hepatic cords, and mononuclear cellular infiltration in liver. When β-glucan was administered with cisplatin, it was determined that cellular damage caused by cisplatin decreased considerably in the liver in the different days groups. The light microscopic examination showed that the antioxidant beta-glucan protects against hepatotoxicity caused by cisplatin with its free radical scavenging effect. In conclusion, β-glucan may improve patients' quality of life by reducing cisplatin's toxicity on the liver.

Histochemical and ultrastructural evaluation of myopic corneal lenticules based on refractive error.

This study aimed to investigate cell degeneration, apoptosis, and ultrastructural differences in refractive lenticules (RL) obtained using small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) compared with spherical equivalence (SE) refraction values. This study included 84 eyes from 42 patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to the SE values: those with values below 4 diopters (D) (Group 1) and above 4 diopters (D) (Group 2). Patients who did not belong to the same SE group were excluded from the study. One RL obtained from each patient was separated for light microscopy and immunohistochemical examinations, and another for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examinations. Caspase-3 for apoptosis and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) for cell degeneration were evaluated using immunohistochemical examinations. Histological analyses showed that the density of collagen fibres was greater in Group 1 than in Group 2. Glycoaminoglycan and glycoprotein staining intensities were also higher in Group 1. TEM observations showed that Group 1 had intact cell and nuclear membranes, peripheral heterochromatin, and large nuclei, while Group 2 showed heterochromatin condensation and fragmentation, increased intracellular vacuoles, and loss of cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that α-SMA and caspase-3 were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Cell degeneration and apoptosis were significantly more common in the RLs with high SE values after SMILE surgery. The tissue response induced by surgery was more severe in the RLs with high SE values. This should be considered when reusing RLs.