Extensive Degenerative Changes Research Articles

Cadmium-induced pancreatic toxicity in rats: comparing vitamin C and Nigella sativa as protective agents: a histomorphometric and ultrastructural study

The study aimed to assess the toxic effect of cadmium (Cd) on the exocrine and endocrine functions of pancreas, the changes in pancreatic tissue after Cd withdrawal, and the protective effects of vitamin C (VC) and Nigella sativa (NS) against Cd-induced damage. Rats were assigned to: control, Cd-treated (0.5 mg/kg/d intraperitoneal [IP] injection), VC and Cd-treated (receiving 100 mg/kg/d VC orally and Cd concomitantly), NS and Cd-treated (receiving 20 mg/kg/d NS and Cd, simultaneously), and Cd withdrawal (receiving Cd for 30 d then living free for recovery for other 30 d). Blood samples were collected and post-sacrifice pancreatic specimens were processed for light and electron microscope study. Quantitative analyses of pancreatic collagen area%, pancreatic islet parameters, β cell density, and insulin immunoexpression were done. Fasting blood glucose was significantly increased in Cd-treated and Cd-withdrawal groups, while co-treatment with VC and NS caused significant reductions (p < 0.05). Cd-induced extensive degenerative changes in pancreatic acini and islets at light and ultrastructure levels. Obvious fibrosis and congestion of blood vessels were noticed. Significant reductions in pancreatic islet number, volume, and surface area and diminished beta cell count and insulin immunoexpression were observed. After withdrawal of Cd, the whole pancreatic tissue still showed a serious impact. Concomitant treatment with VC or NS obviously reduced these degenerative changes and significantly improved pancreatic islet parameters and insulin immunoexpression. VC showed a better amendment than NS, but this difference was statistically insignificant. Therefore, VC and NS could be used as prophylactic agents that lessen Cd consequences on the pancreas.

Exploring the Diagnostic Challenges of Uterine Lesions in Frozen Section: A Comprehensive Study at a Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction Uterine masses are commonly submitted for frozen section, to guide the surgeon, regarding the type and extent of the procedure during surgery. Despite the technical difficulties in processing, sectioning, and staining of frozen section samples, it remains a fairly reliable intraoperative tool. Aim This study aims to analyze the diverse spectrum of uterine masses sent for frozen sections for two years. In addition, it aims to analyze the histomorphology of the uterine masses sent for the frozen section and correlate it with that of the routine histopathological findings, thereby justifying the diagnostic value of the frozen section with this study. Furthermore, the study aims to classify the lesions into benign and malignant, quantify their frequency, and listthe most common lesions seen in the uterine mass specimens sent for frozen section analysis. Methodology This retrospective descriptive study includes data from January 2021to December 2022, retrieved from the archives of the Department of Pathology at Saveetha Medical College.This study includes a total of 76 cases, including all the uterine masses sent for frozen section analysis during the study period. Results Of the total of 76 cases received, 17 (22.4%) were malignant and 59 (77.6%) were benign. Of the malignant cases reported, the most common was endometrial carcinoma, and the least common entities encountered were carcinosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Of the benign cases, benign endometrial polyp was the most common endometrial lesion and leiomyoma with and without degeneration was the most common myometrial lesion encountered. Of the 50 cases of leiomyoma encountered, 16 had extensive degenerative changes. The most common degeneration seen in the fibroid was hyaline degeneration, and the least common was xanthogranulomatous degeneration. Conclusions The intraoperative frozen section analysis is a very important diagnostic tool, but we need to be aware of its limitations. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity rates were found to be high. Thus, frozen section diagnoses can be very valuable in the clinical management of uterine tumors. Careful gross examination, sampling from representative areas, and good communication between the pathologist and surgeon may help in avoiding its limitations.

Hypopharynx, oropharynx morphology and histology in severe Coronavirus 2 patients treated by noninvasive ventilation: comparison between full-face mask and helmet strategies.

Non-invasive ventilation may alter the morphology and histology of the upper airway mucosa. This study aimed to investigate the alterations of hypopharynx and oropharynx mucosa, identified during oro-tracheal intubation procedure via video-assisted laryngoscopy, in severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 related, treated by non-invasive ventilation via full-face mask or helmet. Data of patients affected by Coronavirus 2 admitted to COVID Hospital of L'Aquila (Italy), presenting hypopharynx and oropharynx morphology alterations, requiring oro-tracheal intubation for invasive ventilation and initially treated with non-invasive ventilation were included in the study. The study aimed to investigate the upper airway mucosa alterations using oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal images and biopsies taken during video-assisted-laryngoscopy. Data from the hypopharynx and oropharynx morphology and histology alterations between non-invasive ventilation via a full-face mask or helmet used during hospitalization were compared. From 220 data recorded, 60 patients were included in the study and classified into non-invasive ventilation full-face mask group (30/60) and via helmet group. Comparing data between groups, significant differences were found with respect to hyperemia (77% vs. 20%), laryngeal bleeding ulcerations (87% vs. 13%), and vocal cord edema with >50% narrowing of the tracheal lumen (73% vs. 7%), respectively. The histology examination revealed fibrin-necrotic exudate with extensive necrotic degenerative changes in the sample tissue of the groups. There were not any differences in the duration time of non-invasive ventilation, time from hospitalization and the start of ventilation between groups. The data from this research suggested that there were differences in airway mucosa damages among patients treated with a full-face mask or helmet. Further studies should be planned to understand which non-invasive ventilation support may mitigate upper airway mucosa damages when oro-tracheal intubation is requested for invasive respiratory support.

Recent Developments and Current Applications of Organic Nanomaterials in Cartilage Repair

Regeneration of cartilage is difficult due to the unique microstructure, unique multizone organization, and avascular nature of cartilage tissue. The development of nanomaterials and nanofabrication technologies holds great promise for the repair and regeneration of injured or degenerated cartilage tissue. Nanomaterials have structural components smaller than 100 nm in at least one dimension and exhibit unique properties due to their nanoscale structure and high specific surface area. The unique properties of nanomaterials include, but are not limited to, increased chemical reactivity, mechanical strength, degradability, and biocompatibility. As an emerging nanomaterial, organic nanocomposites can mimic natural cartilage in terms of microstructure, physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties. The integration of organic nanomaterials is expected to develop scaffolds that better mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment of cartilage to enhance scaffold-cell interactions and improve the functionality of engineered tissue constructs. Next-generation hydrogel technology and bioprinting can be used not only for healing cartilage injury areas but also for extensive osteoarthritic degenerative changes within the joint. Although more challenges need to be solved before they can be translated into full-fledged commercial products, nano-organic composites remain very promising candidates for the future development of cartilage tissue engineering.

Saffron extract attenuates Sofosbuvir-induced retinal neurodegeneration in albino rat.

Sofosbuvir is a novel drug candidate for the treatment of hepatitis C viral infection; however, vision loss is one of its growing adverse effects. Saffron is a natural biomolecule with a high antioxidant potential that has been efficiently used in some diseases caused by oxidative stress. This study evaluated Sofosbuvir's neurodegenerative effect on the retina of albino rat and examined the potential protective role of saffron aqueous extract. Twenty-one adult male albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control, Sofosbuvir-treated (41.1 mg/kg /day for 6 weeks), and Sofosbuvir + Saffron co-treated groups. Retinal specimens were biochemically analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. In addition, light and transmission electron microscopic examination, as well as immunohistochemical staining for Caspase-3, COX-2, and GFAP were performed. Sofosbuvir treatment caused a significant increase in retinal MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels coupling with a significant decrease in retinal total antioxidant capacity level. Histopathological findings revealed disturbed retinal architecture, detached pigment epithelium, vacuolated photoreceptors, in addition to a significant decrease in the thicknesses of both outer and inner nuclear layers, and the number of ganglionic cells. Ultrastructural examination revealed extensive degenerative changes in all retinal layers. Caspase-3, COX-2, and GFAP immunohistochemical expressions were significantly increased. Meanwhile, concomitant treatment with Saffron significantly improved retinal redox status, inflammation, histological, and ultrastructural parameters. Saffron may protect the retina from the hazardous effects of Sofosbuvir. Saffron could be used as an adjuvant therapy to protect patients receiving Sofosbuvir from retinal damage.

Degenerative occipitocervical dislocation – Uncommon entity at extreme of Life: A case report and review of literature

Traumatic occipitocervical dislocation (OCD) has been reported numerous times both in children and adults. Nontraumatic OCD is rare. An 85-year-male referred with 2 months history of motor and sensory complaints in all four limbs. There was no history of trauma. Neck movements were restricted. A lateral radiograph of the cervical spine was suggestive of extensive degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Computed tomography scan of the cervical spine revealed posterior OCD with degenerative changes. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed compressive myelopathy at the cervico-medullary junction. Posterior occipitocervical fixation was performed. His neurological symptoms significantly improved. The procedure resulted in an excellent immediate and long-term clinical outcome.

STUMPed. Is this a case of STUMP or a benign leiomyoma with extensive degenerative changes?

Introduction: Smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) are rare uterine neoplasms that cannot be histologically identified as explicitly benign or malignant.

Naja nubiae venom ameliorate hepatorenal toxicity induced by Gentamicin in rats

Background: In developing countries, there is no doubt that acute kidney injury and chronic liver diseases have a major impact on health. Different venom components are gaining renewed interest as potential sources of new pharmacological compounds relevant for human therapeutics. Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the crude venom extract of the Egyptian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) venom extract against gentamycin–induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, control, gentamycin, and venom extract. The hepatorenal toxicity model was induced by gentamycin (80 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) for 8 days. Results: LD50 of venom extract in rats was 0.2mg/kg. The venom extract group showed a significant decrease in the liver enzymes, urea, uric acid, creatinine, malondialdehyde meanwhile glutathione reduced and catalase levels increased. Histological examination of liver and kidney mild protective efficacy with less extensive degenerative changes in the tissues of venom extract grou Conclusion: The results of the present investigation showed that administration of venom extract proved therapeutic efficacy against gentamycin -induced hepatorenal dysfunction by maintain the normal functional status of the liver and kidney and normalized the antioxidant system.

Alkaptonuria with extensive ochronotic degeneration of the Achilles tendon and its surgical treatment: a case report and literature review.

Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic metabolic disorder due to deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD), an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of homogentisate to 4-maleylacetoacetate in the pathway for the catabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine. HGD deficiency results in accumulation of homogentisic acid and its pigmented polymer. Ochronosis is a bluish-black discoloration due to the deposition of the polymer in collagenous tissues. Extensive ochronotic involvement of the Achilles tendon in alkaptonuria and its surgical treatment is rarely reported. A 43-year-old man presented to our clinic in March 2019 with sudden onset of left Achilles tendon pain with no history of prior trauma. Surgical exploration revealed a complete disruption of the tendon at its attachment to the calcaneus. Black pigmentation was extensive and reached the calcaneal tuberosity, extending about 7 cm from the insertion. Achilles reconstruction was performed using flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. The patient experienced uncomplicated healing with satisfactory functional results. Orthopedic surgeons should be aware of the progressive nature of alkaptonuria. Extensive degenerative changes of the ruptured tendon should be suspected so that physicians can plan tendon repair and facilitate prompt surgical intervention.

RETROSTERNAL GOITRE WITH VARIED HISTOMORPHOLOGY: A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL CASE REPORT

The term such as retrosternal or substernal is used when a goitre extends below thoracic inlet. Retrosternal goitre is rare and accounts for 5–20% of thyroidectomy patients. Majority of the patients present with symptoms of dyspnoea as in our case. Also, patients can come with change of voice, stridor and a huge swelling. Most of the cases of retrosternal goitre can be removed with conventional collar incision, however sternotomy may be required in few cases. Our patient was euthyroid at presentation and a right hemithyroidectomy was done for her. A detailed histopathological evaluation (HPE) showed evidence of long-standing Adenomatoid goitre with extensive hyalinization, thickened capsule and secondary degenerative changes in the right lobe of thyroid and evidence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in the sections examined from the portion of isthmus. The procedure was uneventful. The patient was doing well after three months of clinical follow up.

The Possible Ameliorative Effect of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor on Rotenone Induced Changes in the Retinal Photoreceptors of Rats: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Introduction: Rotenone is an odorless isoflavone used as an insecticide, and piscicide. It is a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I leading to oxidative stress that ends with cell death. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein cytokine and a hematopoietic growth factor, produced by many cells. It promotes cell proliferation, survival, and mobilization. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of G-CSF in a rat model of rotenone-induced retinal photoreceptors’ changes.Materials and Methods: 25 male Wistar rats were used and were divided in to 3 groups; Control group; ROT group: by which rats received 30 mg/kg/day rotenone suspended in 0.25 ml 0.5% CMC orally beginning from 1st day of the experiment till 28th day; and G-CSF group: which was the rotenone group rats that further treated with 50 ig/kg/day G-CSF in 0.1 ml 5% dextrose subcutaneous for 15 days beginning from the 29th day till the 43rd day of the experiment.Results: H & E results of the ROT group showed outer & inner segments with extensive structural damage, nuclear fragmentation, besides karyorrhexis, and karyolysis, together with vacuolations of the synaptic region. Also, significant increase of caspase-3 while, decrease of N-cadherin immunohistochemical expression. The EM findings revealed extensive degenerative changes in the all segments of the photoreceptors besides significantly increased malondialdehyde levels.Conclusion: G-CSF can ameliorates rotenone-induced degenerative structural changes in rat’s retinal photoreceptors. This was through its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions. So, G-CSF is a promising neuroprotective drug for retinal diseases and/or injuries.

Clinicopathologic Analysis of Chondroblastoma in Adults: A Single-Institution Case Series.

Chondroblastoma is a rare benign tumor of immature cartilage cells that generally occurs in an epiphyseal location of skeletally immature individuals. However, a few studies have reported cases in older patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of chondroblastoma in an adult population. The pathology archives of our institution were searched for cases of chondroblastoma diagnosed in patients ≥25 years of age. Of 14 patients identified, 8 were male and 6 were female with a median age of 34 years (range = 29-54 years). Most lesions occurred in short bones of hands and feet (N = 7, 50%), followed by the long tubular bones (N = 4, 28%). All demonstrated typical histologic features of chondroblastoma, but more extensive calcification, necrosis, and degenerative changes were also seen. At follow-up (median = 73.5 months), 2 patients (17%) had local recurrence. None had metastasis. In summary, chondroblastoma in adults tends to involve the short bones of the hands and feet and demonstrate histologic changes associated with long-standing growth of a benign tumor.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND HISTOMORPHOMETRIC STUDIES ON THE EFFECTS OF OLANZAPINE ON KIDNEY: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN ALBINO RATS

Introduction: Olanzapine, a widely used atypical antipsychotic agent is known to cause nephrotoxic effects after prolonged use. Aim of the study was to find out detailed histopathological and histomorphometric information which might throw light on the mechanism of toxicity of olanzapine. Material &amp; Methods: Twelve albino rats were divided into equal number of experimental and control groups i.e. 6 each. Experimental rats received olanzapine, 4mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 6 weeks. Kidney tissue was processed for H/E stain. Observation &amp; Results: Extensive degenerative changes with generalized edema was observed as histopathological findings. Histomorphometry showed shrinkage of Bowman’s capsule and glomeruli. Conclusion: Degeneration of kidney due to prolonged use of olanzapine is confirmed which might be due to direct effect on the organ or indirect effect due to toxicities on other organs.

Alkaptonuria—an atypical case: multi-modality imaging review

Alkaptonuria is a rare inborn metabolic disorder due to a mutation in the homogentisic acid oxidase enzyme (HGO) gene on chromosome 3q. As HGO is deficient in alkaptonuria patients, there is an accumulation of homogentisic acid in the blood and urine. Homogentisic acid gets deposited in the soft tissues, tendons, cartilages, large joints and intervertebral discs. Ochronosis usually affects the dorsolumbar spine and typically spares the cervical spine and sacroiliac joints. However, in this case of isolated ochronosis, we report co-existent extensive cervical spine degenerative changes and cervical vertebral fusion, which has not been described in the literature so far.

Protective effects of polydatin and grape seed extract in rats exposed to cadmium

The current study aimed to investigate the protective role of polydatin (PD) and grape seed extracts (GSEs) against the effects of cadmium chlorine (CD) application in the rats. Forty-nine adult Wistar albino male rats were used in the study. Rats were assigned into control (saline), CD (5 mg/kg CdCI2), PD (120 mg/kg PD), GSE (120 mg/kg GSE), CD + PD (5 mg/kg CdCI2 + 120 mg/kg PD), CD + GSE (5 mg/kg CdCI2 + 120 mg GSE), and CD + PD + GSE (5 mg/kg CdCI2+120 mg/kg PD +120 mg/kg GSE) treatments (n = 7 per group). The treatments were administered orally for four weeks. CD accumulation was observed in all tissues studied except for the brain tissue. PD and GSE inhibited CD accumulation in erythrocytes and tissues at varying levels. The liver, kidney, brain, and testes showed extensive degenerative histopathological changes in CD group. Liver total oxidant status (TOS) in the CD group increased significantly compared to the control. TOS of kidney, brain, and testis suggested that PD and GSE did not show a strong antioxidant effect in these tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in blood and liver raised significantly in CD-treated rats compared to controls. PD, GSE, and their combinations increased antioxidant potential in all tissues and decreased MDA levels in blood plasma and liver. Overall, the protective effects of PD were more effective than GSE. Results suggested that although the initiation of histopathological changes was present in all tissues, the initiating factor was not the oxidative stress in the tissues studied except for the liver and blood.

First report on characterization and pathogenicity study of emerging Lactococcus garvieae infection in farmed rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), from India.

"Warm water lactococcosis" in farm-reared rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) in the northern Himalayan region of India, caused by bacterium Lactococcus garvieae is described in this study. Nine bacterial isolates were recovered from the organs of haemorrhagic septicaemia rainbow trout and were subjected to biochemical and molecular identification. Cell surface characteristics and virulence of the bacterial isolates are also described. All the nine bacterial isolates had homogenous biochemical characteristics and were Gram-positive, short chains forming (two to eight cells long), α-haemolytic, non-motile ovoid cocci. Partial 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence (~1,400bp) of current isolates shared 99% identities with the 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence of L.garvieae R421, L.garvieae FMA395 and L.garvieae CAU:1730. The identity of the bacterial isolates was further confirmed by PCR amplification of L.garvieae-specific ~1,100bp fragment. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of one representative isolate, L.garvieae RTCLI04, indicates that the isolated strain lacks thick outer capsule and is of KG+ (non-capsulates) phenotype. An intraperitoneal and intramuscular injection (2.6×105 CFU ml-1 ) and also immersion in bacterial suspension @ of 2.6×105 CFU ml-1 to healthy rainbow trout juveniles (body weight: 27.5±3.7g) with L.garvieae RTCLI04 caused 80%, 60% and 10% cumulative mortality in challenged fish, respectively, within 15days post-infection. The haemorrhagic septicaemic disease was reproduced experimentally. Histopathological examination of organs of experimentally infected fish revealed extensive degenerative and inflammatory changes in eye, kidney, gill and liver. PCR amplification of several putative virulence genes such as haemolysins, adhesins, LPxTG-containing surface proteins and adhesins cluster confirms the virulence of our Indian L.garvieae isolates. To the best of our knowledge, we are reporting for the first time that L.garvieae is associated with fatal haemorrhagic septicaemia in farmed rainbow trout in India.

Clinico-pathological effect of feedingFusarium sporotrichioidesand T-2 toxin contaminated diet in broiler chicken

Mycotoxins in combinations may exert a greater negative health impact than the sum of their individual effects. A study was undertaken to investigate the clinico-pathological effect of feeding Fusarium sporotrichioides and T-2 toxin contaminated diet in broiler chicken Thirty six day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups of 18 each. Treatment group was fed with diet containing Fusarium sporotrichioides culture with 4 mg T-2 toxin from 0 to 28 days and observed weekly for feed intake, body weight and various haematobiochemical parameters on 14th, 21st and 28th days of age. Control birds were fed with standard normal diet. Treatment group showed significant reduction in feed intake and body weight gain from 1st wk to 3rd wk, in addition to significant decrease in total erythrocyte count, hematocrit value and leukocyte count. There was significant increase in the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, and insignificant decrease in the total protein and albumin concentration. Gross pathological changes included anemic carcasses, enlarged and pale yellowish tan friable liver and generalized atrophy of lymphoid organs. Microscopically, extensive degenerative changes were observed in hepatocytes and depletion of lymphocytes in different lymphoid tissues, which increased in severity with the duration of experiment.

Management of upper cervical spine fractures in elderly patients: current trends and outcomes

Upper cervical spine fractures in the elderly represent serious injuries. Their frequency is on the rise. Their early accurate diagnosis might be compromised by the existence of extensive degenerative changes and deformities. Adequate stabilisation allowing fracture healing is of paramount importance. However, the debate is ongoing as to the best protocol that can be applied taking into consideration the presence of comorbidities and the increase risk of mortality in this frail patient population. A literature review, based on PubMed, related to protocols reporting on fracture fixation of the upper cervical spine, fractures (C1-C2) was carried out. Papers including information about type of fracture, treatment carried out, complication rates, mortality and morbidities were eligible to be included in this study.Fourteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Six reported on all types of injuries of the upper cervical spine, and eight only odontoid fractures (C2). Overall mortality rate ranged between 0 to 31.4%. Overall morbidity rate was from 10.3 to 90.9%. No significant difference was identified between three types of treatment (rigid collar cuff without fracture reduction, halo cast with reduction of fracture displacement, and surgical treatment). Halo-cast got the highest rate of complications. Surgical treatment got a mortality rate from 0 to 40.0%, and a morbidity rate from 10.3 to 62.5%. Non-union rate ranged between 8.9 to 62.5%.Elderly patients with upper cervical spine fractures must be notified that these injuries are associated with high incidence of non-union, morbidity and mortality.

Effect of Aloe Vera Whole Leaf Extract on Fluoride Induced Pathomorphological Changes in Soft Tissues in Growing Rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Aloe vera extract on fluoride induced toxic changes in soft tissues of rats. The present study was carried out by procuring 72 male Wistar albino rats that were randomly divided into four groups consisting of 18 rats in each group. Sodium Fluoride was gavaged per orally using water as vehicle @ 18 mg NaF/kg body weight to groups II and Aloe Vera @ 200 mg/kg body wt. in distilled water was given along with Sodium Fluoride to group IV for 6 weeks to study ameliorative effects. Group I and III were treated with distilled water and Aloe vera respectively. Six rats from each group were sacrificed at fortnight interval. Gross changes were noticed in liver, testis, lung and spleen. Histopathologically, the liver revealed perivascular and periportal infiltration of MNCs, vesicular fatty change, periportal fibroblast proliferation, extensive bile ductular proliferation. In kidneys, atrophied and cystic glomeruli, extensive degenerative changes in tubular epithelial cells were noticed. Cerebrum revealed gliosis and demyelinating changes and in cerebellum. In testes, interstitial edema, desquamation of germinal epithelium and eosiniphillic granular debris in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and necrotic changes were noticed. In Aloe vera ameliorated rats, these changes in different organs were less intense and by the end of experiment liver came to near normal appearance.

The Effect of N. Acetylcysteine and Ginger on Acetic Acid Induced Colitis in Adult Male Albino Rat: Histological, Immunohistochemical and Morphometric Study

Background: Idiopathic Inflammatory bowel diseases remain chronic progressive major health problem with no effective line of treatment. The aim of this work is to study the protective effects of both N. acetylcysteine (NAC) and ginger in acetic acid induced colitis model. Material and methods: Fifty adult male Sprague Dawley albino rats were divided into five groups: control group (GI), group II (GII); acetic acid induced colitis group performed by giving 4% acetic acid intrarectally, group III (GIII); NAC treated rats from colitis, group IV (GIV); Ginger treated rats from colitis, and group V (GV); combined NAC and ginger treated rats from colitis. NAC and ginger were given by orogastric gavage. Histological and immunohistochemical studies using PCNA and i.NOS antibodies and morphometric analysis were performed. Results: Colitis model group (GII) showed extensive inflammatory degenerative changes including mucosal ulceration, sloughing of epithelial cells, decreased goblet cell number and inflammatory cellular infiltration with enhanced mucosal and submucosal fibrotic changes. Also, it showed decreased PCNA positive cells and increased inflammatory i.NOS immunoexpression. NAC mildly decreased the fibrotic changes, however, ginger clearly restored the structural degenerative changes with an obvious increase in PCNA and reduction of i.NOS immunoexpression. Moreover, the colitis group, treated with both NAC and ginger, revealed the best regenerative effects. Conclusion: Ginger showed superior protective effects than NAC as an anti-inflammmatory agent and a stimulant of epithelial regeneration.