Fine Fibrosis Research Articles

Canine hepatic calodiosis with cirrhosis.

The nematode parasite Calodium hepaticum (Capillaria hepatica) has a global distribution and is commonly reported in rodents (definitive host), dogs, cats and wild animals. Humans especially children are more susceptible to the parasitic infection. This paper documents an incidental finding of hepatic calodiosis with cirrhosis in a stray dog and discusses the zoonotic implications. A non descript dog was brought for necropsy examination to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu, India. Liver appeared dark brown, mottled with multifocal random variably sized, grey white flat firm areas. Histopathologically, liver tissue revealed multiple random encysted large collection of eggs surrounded by mild inflammation with a few lymphocytes, macrophages and fine fibrosis. The eggs had characteristic barrel shape, bipolar ends, bilayered wall, cross striations between the walls, and yolk. Periodic acid Schiff stain demonstrated the glycolic wall of ova. Marked portal to portal fibrosis was demonstrated by Masson's trichrome (for collagen) and by Warthin-Starry (for reticulin) stains. The stage of parasitic infection was diagnosed as intermediate to chronic due to fibrosis. A need to study the prevalence of the disease in rodents, human and animals is emphasized. Improper burial of carcasses of rodents and dogs may contribute to spread of infection. Pets and stray animals may transmit infection to human and pose health risk.

Linguatulosis in small ruminants in southeastern Iran: Epidemiological, histopathological and phylogenetic findings and its public health importance

Linguatulosis, as a zoonotic disease, can infect most ruminants and cause accidental infections in humans. The objective of this study was to explore the epidemiological, histopathological and phylogenetic profiles of Linguatula serrata infection in sheep and goats and its public health importance during 2015–2018. Mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and liver tissue of goats and sheep were selected randomly in Kerman slaughterhouse. Nymphal samples were used for DNA extraction, amplification and subsequently phylogenetic analysis using 18s rRNA and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). Overall, of 828 examined livestock, 179 (42.4%) goats and 71 (17.5%) sheep were found to be infected with the nymphal stage of L. serrata. A significant difference was observed between linguatulosis and age. In the histopathological assessment, longitudinal and transverse sections of L. serrata nymphs were observed within the cyst-like spaces surrounded by a wall of fine fibrosis and compact lymphocytes. Moreover, comparing with the L. serrata reference sequences, we found only a single nucleotide change in our goat haplotype in 18s genetic region; while much nucleotide variations were observed in cox1 gene sequences. The results of the present study showed a high infection rate among goats and sheep in southeastern Iran. A better understanding of the disease could be achieved when the parasite species, their molecular characterization and the extent of infection in the area are determined. It is fundamental to select a comprehensive control program in order to take proper preventive and therapeutic measures against the infection.

Histological findings after intralesional methotrexate treatment in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Intralesional methotrexate (il-MTX) has been reported as a useful therapy in keratoacanthoma (KA) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). However, the data available on the histological changes induced by this therapy are very scarce. We conducted a single center, prospective study that included 65 cases of cSCC treated with il-MTX before surgical treatment. Two histological studies were conducted in all patients: before intralesional treatment and after surgical removal. Lesions were assessed longitudinally both clinically and histologically. 60 patients (92.3%) responded to il-MTX treatment. There were no differences regarding aggressive histological features of the cSCC between responder and non-responder patients. All cases showed a chronic inflammatory infiltrate after il-MTX. Intratumoral necrosis areas were frequently observed. All cases showed local fibrosis with fine thickening of collagen bundles. Il-MTX induces a chronic lymphohistiocytic inflammatory reaction in both clinical responder and nonresponder patients. Tumor involution after il-MTX is followed by a fine fibrosis that explains the great cosmetic results and improves the accuracy of the follow-up.

Exploiting bilosomes for delivering bioactive polysaccharide isolated from Enteromorpha intestinalis for hacking hepatocellular carcinoma

Bile salts containing vesicles (bilosomes) represent a portentous vesicular carrier that showed prosperous results in delivering active moieties in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In this study, bilosomes were exploited to deliver sulfated polysaccharide–protein complexes of Enteromorpha intestinalis (EHEM) and enhance its activity against hepatocellular carcinoma as well as resist harsh GIT conditions. Bilosomes were prepared using the sodium salt of three different bile acids (cholic, deoxycholic, taurodeoxycholic) and two different nonionic surfactants (Span 40 and 65). The effects of experimental variables were thoroughly studied to obtain an optimum formulation loading EHEM. The selected formulation (EH-Bilo-2) prepared with sodium cholate and Span 65 displayed nano-sized (181.1 ± 16.80 nm) spherical vesicles with reasonable entrapment efficiency (71.60 ± 0.25%) and controlled release properties; and thus was investigated as anti-hepatocarcinogenic candidate for in vivo studies. Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bearing rats with EH-Bilo-2 experienced significant decrease in serum α-fetoprotein, endoglin, lipocalin-2, and heat shock protein 70 levels vs. the untreated counterparts. Furthermore, the photomicrographs of their liver tissue sections showed focal area of degenerated pleomorphic hepatocytes with fine fibrosis originating from the portal area. Thus, the optimized bilosomal formulation is a promising delegate for tackling hepatocellular carcinoma owing to its powerful anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic activity.

Characteristics of PPTA Chipped Fiber/Fibrid and their Properties for Sheet Making

Poly-p-phenylene diamine terephthalamide (PPTA) chipped fibers and fibrids can be made into insulation sheet materials by papermaking wet forming and hot calendaring operations. PPTA chipped fibers offer mechanical strength for the sheet, while PPTA fibrids act as binder. Novel PPTA fibrids and chipped fibers were investigated using SEM, a fiber quality analyzer and a fiber classifier. PPTA fibrids exhibited small sized pieces with wrinkled surfaces, uniform size and a high degree of fine fibrosis while short fiber was smooth and nearly cylindrical in shape. The effect of the fibrid to chipped fiber ratio on PPTA sheet mechanical and dielectric properties is investigated and an optimal ratio of 7:3 was determined. The pore structure and thermal stability of PPTA sheet were analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry and TG-DSC. The structure of PPTA sheet was similar to reinforced concrete structure; the pores were small and the bind between fibers was tight. The initial decomposition temperature and TG10% of PPTA sheet are 535°C and 560°C, respectively, indicating excellent thermal properties.

Cholesterol-fed rabbit as a unique model of nonalcoholic, nonobese, non-insulin-resistant fatty liver disease with characteristic fibrosis

The number of patients suffering from metabolic syndrome is increasing rapidly. Metabolic syndrome causes severe pathological changes in various organs, including the liver, and its main phenotype is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD has a broad spectrum ranging from simple fatty change to severe steatohepatitis with marked fibrosis. Recently, several experimental animal models for NAFLD have been proposed. However, most were established by rather artificial conditions such as genetic alteration. In the present study, we tried to establish a unique animal model mimicking some of the physiopathological features of NAFLD using high-cholesterol-fed rabbits. Male rabbits fed with standard rabbit food containing 1% cholesterol for 8 weeks and 12 weeks were compared to controls (six rabbits/group). The weight of food was strictly restricted to 100 g/rabbit per day. Body weights and fasting plasma insulin levels showed no significant differences among the groups. In contrast, characteristic fine fibrosis was extended from perivenular to pericellular areas, and microvesicular fatty change with ballooning degeneration was observed in perivenular areas in livers of the cholesterol-fed rabbits. Increase of serum cholesterol level, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and exposure to oxidative stress were also recognized. Cholesterol-fed rabbits share several physiopathological features of NAFLD. Because this model did not show insulin resistance or obesity, it may be useful for elucidating the mechanism of NAFLD related mainly to hyperlipidemia.

Isolated Diffuse Ground-Glass Opacity in Thoracic CT: Causes and Clinical Presentations

Miller WT, Shah R round-glass opacity (GGO) is defined as increased attenuation of the lung parenchyma without obscuration of the pulmonary vascular markings on CT images. This was originally described with reference to thinsection (high-resolution) CT with collimations of approximately 1 mm. However, GGO also may be evident on thicker-section images and will have a similar meaning. GGO may be the result of a wide variety of interstitial and alveolar diseases and frequently represents a nonspecific finding [1, 2]. GGOs often will be present in the company of other interstitial or alveolar findings on CT. As an alveolar finding, GGO represents partially filled alveoli and often is found at the margins of the consolidated lung. With interstitial diseases, it has been associated with active inflammation in some cases [3–8]. In other situations, GGO adjacent to interstitial abnormalities represents fine fibrosis, below the resolution of CT images. Therefore, if all causes of GGOs are grouped together, there is an impossibly broad differential generated, which includes a large number of interstitial diseases and a large array of alveolar diseases. However, the number of diseases that cause diffuse GGOs in isolation or as the predominant finding, is relatively small and easily can be prioritized with simple clinical information. By isolated, we mean patients who show only GGOs without other interstitial or alveolar findings. By diffuse, we mean patients with GGO that involves the majority of both lungs.

AN UNUSUAL CASE OF PNEUMONIA

SUMMARYA previously healthy 37‐year‐old man was admitted with a two‐month history of increasing shortness of breath and high temperature. A chest X‐ray demonstrated bibasal shadowing and small bilateral pleural effusions; arterial blood gases demonstrated low pO2. Despite intravenous antibiotics no significant improvement was observed. A high‐resolution chest computed tomography showed diffuse ground‐glass opacification with segmental and subsegmental airways opacification, indicating fine fibrosis. Subsequently, open lung biopsy showed diffuse alveolar damage and a histopathological diagnosis of acute interstitial pneumonia (Hamman‐Rich syndrome) was made. Antibiotics were stopped and high intravenous doses of steroids were given with a dramatic improvement in the patient's breathing and radiographic findings. The pathophysiological mechanisms of acute interstitial pneumonia and current therapeutic options are discussed.

Ethanol-induced liver fibrosis in rats fed high fat diet.

Severe hepatic steatosis and focal necrosis of hepatocytes have previously been induced in rats by continuous intragastric infusion of ethanol and a diet containing only 5% fat as a per cent of total calories as reported by us previously. Since the ethanol diet fed ad libitum with such a low level of fat has previously failed to produce alcoholic fatty liver, continuously high blood alcohol levels achieved in this model appeared to be key in induction of the progressive pathologic lesions in the liver. In the current study, effects of increased fat intake on alcohol-induced liver injury were investigated. Seventeen pairs of male Wistar rats were implanted with gastrostomy cannulas and infused with a liquid diet containing 25% of total calories as fat plus ethanol or isocaloric dextrose. Ethanol intake was progressively increased from 32% up to 47% of total calories to maintain sustained intoxication for 30 to 120 days. Light and electron microscopic examination of the liver revealed moderate to severe fatty infiltration in all of the ethanol-fed rats, of which 14 had spotty or zonal necrosis in the centrilobular areas accompanied by polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cell infiltration. In addition, fibrosis was observed in association with the necrotic lesions or with large-droplet steatosis. Reticulin and trichrome stains clearly demonstrated fine fibrosis, including perivenular fibrosis as well as septum formation progressing to bridging fibrosis. Furthermore, increased numbers of Ito cells and myofibroblasts were observed in the perivenular fibrotic areas. These results demonstrate striking potentiation of alcohol-induced liver injury by the increased fat intake or by the concomitant decrease in carbohydrate intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Broncho-pulmonary dysplasia: the pathological sequelae of ventilator-oxygen therapy

A light-microscopic study was undertaken in 21 infants in whom the pathological diagnosis of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia had been made at autopsy. All the babies were premature, and all had been treated with ventilator and oxygen therapy for varying periods of time. The indications for ventilation were the respiratory distress syndrome in 13, and apnoea in 8. Microscopically two patterns of disease were seen: the acute phase and the chronic phase. The acute phase—days 4 to 7—was characterized by alveolar epithelial necrosis, hyaline membrane formation and ‘embryonal’ myxoid type matrix in the alveolar septa with proliferation of reticulin fibres. In the chronic phase— from day 8 onwards—the lungs showed a variegated overall appearance with emphysematous areas alternating with foci of atelectasis; subpleural fibrosis was a distinct feature. The alveolar septa were thickened with diffuse fine fibrosis. The bronchiolar mucosa showed varying degrees of hyperplasia, and there was hypertrophy of bronchiolar smooth muscle. The lymphatics were dilated, especially subpleurally. The blood vessels showed medial hypertrophy and degenerative changes in the intima and elastin. Hyaline membranes were absent. Squamous metaplasia of the bronchiolar mucosa was seen only occasionally. The vascular changes, bronchiolar muscular hyperplasia and alveolar fibrosis were more marked in those infants who survived for the longest periods. Associated complications included pulmonary air leaks in 17 infants; intraventricular haemorrhage in 8, and necrotizing enterocolitis in 4. Dr Ostor was supported by the Olive Hewitt Scholarship for Medical Research, University of Sydney. A light-microscopic study was undertaken in 21 infants in whom the pathological diagnosis of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia had been made at autopsy. All the babies were premature, and all had been treated with ventilator and oxygen therapy for varying periods of time. The indications for ventilation were the respiratory distress syndrome in 13, and apnoea in 8. Microscopically two patterns of disease were seen: the acute phase and the chronic phase. The acute phase—days 4 to 7—was characterized by alveolar epithelial necrosis, hyaline membrane formation and ‘embryonal’ myxoid type matrix in the alveolar septa with proliferation of reticulin fibres. In the chronic phase— from day 8 onwards—the lungs showed a variegated overall appearance with emphysematous areas alternating with foci of atelectasis; subpleural fibrosis was a distinct feature. The alveolar septa were thickened with diffuse fine fibrosis. The bronchiolar mucosa showed varying degrees of hyperplasia, and there was hypertrophy of bronchiolar smooth muscle. The lymphatics were dilated, especially subpleurally. The blood vessels showed medial hypertrophy and degenerative changes in the intima and elastin. Hyaline membranes were absent. Squamous metaplasia of the bronchiolar mucosa was seen only occasionally. The vascular changes, bronchiolar muscular hyperplasia and alveolar fibrosis were more marked in those infants who survived for the longest periods. Associated complications included pulmonary air leaks in 17 infants; intraventricular haemorrhage in 8, and necrotizing enterocolitis in 4. Dr Ostor was supported by the Olive Hewitt Scholarship for Medical Research, University of Sydney.