Histomorphometric Examination Research Articles

ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE AND MORPHOMETRY OF THE LUNGS OF BALI DUCKS IN THE GROWER PHASE

The lungs are an organ that functions as a place for air exchange, where the incoming air will be used for combustion and energy production. Poultry lungs contain three main elements, namely primary bronchi, secondary bronchi and parabronchi. This study aims to determine the structure and morphometry of new lungs of bali ducks (Anas sp.) of different sexes in the growing phase. This research used 18 balinese ducks which were divided into 2 groups, namely male and female with 9 each (three months old). Anatomical structure examination was carried out by direct observation and histological structure using a binocular light microscope. The results of the anatomical and histological structure data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis, while the morphometric data were analyzed using the Independent Sample T-Test. The anatomical structure of the bali duck's lungs is trapezoidal with conical ends, firmly attached to the thorax, stiff and pink in color, consisting of primary bronchi, secondary bronchi and many parabronchi. The parabronchi consist of the parabronchial wall, parabronchial lumen, septa, arteries/veins, atria, blood capillaries and air sacs. The results of lung morphometry measurements of bali ducks showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in weight, volume, length and width. The results of histomorphometric measurements on the area of the parabronchi, thickness of the parabronchi walls and septa showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the two sexes. There is no difference in the anatomical structure and histology of the lungs of male and female Bali ducks, but there are differences in morphometry. There is no difference in the anatomical structure of the lungs between male and female balinese ducks in the grower phase, no difference in macro morphometry, but in histomorphometric examination there are differences in parabronchial area and septa width, there is no difference in the thickness of the parabronchial walls of male and female Balinese ducks in the grower phase.female Bali ducks are the same, but there are differences in morphometry.

Retrospective Characterization of Bone Histomorphometric Findings in Clinical Patient Specimens.

Bone histomorphometry provides comprehensive information on bone metabolism and microstructure. In this retrospective study, we aimed to obtain an overview of the typical indications, referring hospitals, and histomorphometric quantification-based diagnoses of the bone tissue in our histomorphometry laboratory, the only laboratory in Finland carrying out histomorphometric examination of clinical bone biopsies. Between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2020, 553 clinical bone biopsies were sent to our histomorphometry laboratory for histomorphometric examination. The median age of the patients was 55 years (range, 0.2-89.9 years), 51% of them were males, and 18% comprised pediatric patients. We received bone biopsy specimens from 23 hospitals or healthcare units. The majority of the samples we sent by nephrologists. The most common bone biopsy indications were suspicion of renal osteodystrophy (ROD), unknown bone turnover status in osteoporosis, and several or untypical fractures. The most common quantitative bone histomorphometry-based diagnosis was ROD. This study provides information on the clinical application of bone histomorphometry in Finland. Precise and quantitative ROD evaluation is the most common indication for bone histomorphometry, being crucial in clinical decision-making and targeted treatment of this patient group.

Histologic wound healing in studies using different ridge preservation protocols: A review.

Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) procedures are designed to lessen dimensional changes in the alveolar ridge after tooth extraction. Wound healing after ridge preservation involves the formation of new vital bone in the former socket, and this vital bone is important in the osseointegration of dental implants. A series of ARP studies have been performed to help clinicians better understand the wound-healing events that occur following tooth extraction and ridge preservation. Different protocols have been examined using various materials and periods of healing time prior to implant placement. The primary aim of these studies was to ascertain the relative percentage of vital bone formation, residual graft material, and connective tissue (CT)/other at the healing site using histomorphometric examination of bone core biopsies obtained during osteotomy preparation. For allografts, the use of demineralized bone alone or in combination with mineralized is associated with more vital bone formation than the use of mineralized allograft alone. For mineralized allografts, the use of cortical versus cancellous bone has only minimal impact on new bone formation. Xenografts from bovine and porcine sources appear to have similar vital bone formation. Longer healing times prior to implant placement are associated with increased vital bone formation and decreased residual graft material. The most stable component in most studies is the percentage of CT/other. The percentage of vital bone and residual graft at ARP sites is dependent on the materials used and the length of healing time prior to obtaining core biopsies. What factors may affect the amount of new bone at the ARP site? At a time point about 4 months after ARP, the type of graft material used for ARP plays a large role in new bone formation. Studies focus on means and standard deviations, but patients often do not "follow the mean." Even if a single ARP protocol is used for all patients, there is great interindividual variability in new bone formation, and there is often variability between sites within a single patient. How long after ARP with an allograft should I wait to place an implant? Longer healing times such as 4-5 months generally provide higher amounts of vital bone formation than shorter healing times like 2-3 months. Differences in vital bone formation between ARP protocols tend to decrease with longer healing time. FDBA that contains demineralized bone, either alone or combined with mineralized FDBA, often provides higher amounts of new bone formation than 100% mineralized allograft, especially at shorter healing periods. Even a year after ARP with an allograft, residual graft material is often still present at the ARP site.

Sıçanlarda Poliklorlu Bifenil (Aroklor 1254) ile Oluşturulan Nefrotoksisite Üzerine Alfa Lipoik Asitin Etkisi

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic compounds that are used in the production of many industrial products and lead to environmental pollution. PCBs are taken into the body by consuming contaminated foods and cause harmful effects in the organism. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a substance that has strong antioxidant properties. It can be synthesized in the body and is also found in foods such as broccoli, spinach, and pea, too. In the present study, it was aimed to determine the changes in the kidneys of rats exposed to PCB (Aroclor 1254) and to reveal the effects of ALA on these changes. Rats were randomly divided into four groups as control, ALA, PCB and ALA+PCB. The applications of ALA and PCB continued for thirty days. At the end of the experiment, kidney samples were taken from the animals. Crossmon’s triple staining method was applied to kidney sections for histopathological and histomorphometric examinations. In addition, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction was examined in kidney tissue histochemically. Histopathologically, it was determined that glomerular degeneration and connective tissue densities in the kidney significantly increased in the PCB group compared to the control group. Besides, it was found that glomerular degeneration intensity significantly decreased in the ALA+PCB group compared to the PCB group. In terms of histomorphometric, it was detected that the diameters of the renal corpuscle, proximal tubule, ascending limb of Henle’s loop and collecting duct in the kidney significantly decreased in the PCB group compared to the control group, and they significantly increased in the ALA+PCB group compared to the PCB group. Histochemically, it was observed that density of glomerular mesangial matrix and glycogen density in the proximal tubule epithelium in the kidney significantly increased in the PCB group compared to the control group and they significantly decreased in the ALA+PCB group compared to the PCB group. As a result, PCB may adversely affect renal functions by causing disorders in kidney histology. In addition, the use of ALA against PCB exposure may contribute to the preservation of kidney tissue.

Oxidized palm oil impairs reproductive functions and architectures in female rats

Objective: To evaluate the effects of three oxidized palm oil diets (OPD) on female rat reproductive function. Methods: Forty-four female Wistar rats presenting five consecutive and regular estrous cycles were divided into 4 groups. The rats were fed with: a standard diet, 70% of standard diet+30% oxidized palm oil diet (OPD1), OPD1+5 g of boiled yolk egg (OPD2) and OPD1+10% sucrose (OPD3) for 125 days, respectively. During the feeding period, morphometric, estrous cycle, sexual behavior, gestation, biochemical and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated. Results: All OPDs significantly increased abdominal circumference, body mass index and Lee index coupled to an irregularity and lengthening of the estrous cycle. They significantly decreased appetite and consumption behaviours, quantic pregnancy index, fertility rate, implantation sites and index, serum progesterone and high-density lipoprotein levels, increased pre-implantation losses, anti-implantation activities, serum estradiol, triglycerides, total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, and impaired brain and ovaries oxidative status. Histomorphometric examinations revealed increases in the number of atresic and primary follicles and decreases in secondary, tertiary, Degraaf, total and corpus luteum follicles in ovaries coupled to a neurodegeneration of hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular neurons in the OPD groups compared to the standard diet group. Conclusions: The three OPDs induce obesity and impair the female reproductive function, especially OPD2 and OPD3. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the adverse effects of palm oil bleaching on the reproductive function in female rats, which could be useful in the management of women with obesity-related sexual dysfunction.

Histological study of oviduct in adult Iraqi Black Goat

The present study was aimed at the light microscopic examination of the oviduct and show epithelium structure of the iraqi goat oviduct, determination of the histochemical structure of the mucus secreted by epithelial cells, and muscular layers of The oviducts of Twelve healthy adult goat constituted the material of the study. using routine histological techniques by using Hematoxylin and eosin , masson trichrom for Histochemically, it was observed by using Pas Alcian Histological observations revealed that the oviduct consists of 4 layers of mucosa, submucosa, tunica muscularis and serosa. The primary and secondary folds increase both in number and in height in infundibulum and ampulla while less in number in isthmus. Epithelium of folds was composed of simple columnar, although seems pseudostratified in some areas, and contains ciliated and secretory cells. Histomorphometric examinations of three regions demonstrated that the mean height of primary folds increase and the mean thickness of tunica muscularis in isthmus The mean thickness of mucosa-submucosa in ampulla More visibility of the ciliated cells and mucosal folds in infundibulum and ampulla the thick tunica muscularis in isthmus transports sperm cells up; and both require promoting secretory products were increased in the tip of the mucosal fold than in the base. Conclusion By using light microscopic examinations lined by pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium. Mucosal folds were maximum in number in the tubual part of infundibulum, ampulla and least in isthmus in all stages of the animal. The propria–submucosa was comprised of loose connective tissue with blood vessels, abundant amount of collagen fibres and few reticular fibers histochemical staining demonstrated by means of the PAS reaction, and it was observed that secretion increased progressively towards the isthmus.

Biomechanical and Histologic Evaluation of Osseointegration of Titanium Dental Implants Modified by Various Combinations of Sandblasting, Acid-Etching, Hydroxyapatite, and Hyaluronic Acid Coating Techniques.

To compare the osseointegration process of the titanium dental implants with five different surface characteristics-sandblasted, sandblasted and acid-etched, hyaluronic acid-coated (HYA), hydroxyapatite-coated (HA), and machined-in an experimental sheep model at 1- and 3-month examinations. One hundred sixty dental implants were placed in the left and right tibias of 16 sheep. Five experimental groups were designed. Eight animals (80 implants) were used for biomechanical tests of reverse torque analysis and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Eight of them (80 implants) were used for the evaluation of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) percentage in histomorphometric analysis. Forty of 80 implants (8 implants for each group) were used at 1-month examinations, and the remaining 40 (8 implants for each group) implants were used at 3-month examinations in the biomechanical test group and histomorphometric examination group, separately. Intergroup analysis at the 3-month followup showed that the increase in the implant stability quotient (ISQ) value was statistically significant for only the HYA group (P < .05). According to ISQ values at 1 and 3 months, group HYA showed statistically higher values at the 1 and 3-month examinations (P < .05). Groups HYA and HA had statistically higher reverse torque values than other groups at the 1-month examination (P < .05). At the 3-month evaluation, the HYA group showed significantly higher reverse torque values compared to other groups (P < .05). The BIC values of the sandblasted and acid-etched, HYA, and HA groups were significantly higher than the sandblasted and machined groups at the 1- and 3-month examinations (P < .05). The BIC value for the HA group showed decreased value at the 3-month examination compared to the 1-month examination (P < .05). The RFA, reverse torque, and histomorphometric analysis at 1- and 3-month examinations show that dental implants coated with HYA may have increased potential for osseointegration compared to dental implants with sandblasted, sandblasted and acid-etched, machined, and HA-coated surfaces. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2023;38:583-590. doi: 10.11607/jomi.9935.

Biphasic calcium phosphate doped with zirconia nanoparticles for reconstruction of induced mandibular defects in dogs: cone-beam computed tomographic and histopathologic evaluation

The present study aimed to evaluate osteogenic potential and biocompatibility of combining biphasic calcium phosphate with zirconia nanoparticles (4Zr TCP/HA) compared to biphasic calcium phosphate (TCP/HA) for reconstruction of induced mandibular defects in dog model. TCP/HA and 4Zr TCP/HA scaffolds were prepared. Morphological, physicochemical, antibacterial, cytocompatibility characterization were tested. In vivo application was performed in 12 dogs where three critical-sized mandibular defects were created in each dog. Bone defects were randomly allocated into: control, TCP/HA, and 4Zr TCP/HA groups. Bone density and bone area percentage were evaluated at 12 weeks using cone-beam computed tomographic, histopathologic, histomorphometric examination. Bone area density was statistically increased (p < 0.001) in TCP/HA and 4Zr TCP/HA groups compared to control group both in sagittal and coronal views. Comparing TCP/HA and 4Zr TCP/HA groups, the increase in bone area density was statistically significant in coronal view (p = 0.002) and sagittal view (p = 0.05). Histopathologic sections of TCP/HA group demonstrated incomplete filling of the defect with osteoid tissue. Doping with zirconia (4Zr TCP/HA group), resulted in statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in bone formation (as indicated by bone area percentage) and maturation (as confirmed by Masson trichrome staining) compared to TCP/HA group. The newly formed bone was mature and organized with more trabecular thickness and less trabecular space in between. Physicochemical, morphological and bactericidal properties of combining zirconia and TCP/HA were improved. Combining zirconia and TCP/HA resulted in synergistic action with effective osteoinduction, osteoconduction and osteointegration suggesting its suitability to restore damaged bone in clinical practice.Graphical

Modified contralateral C7 transfer to restore ulnar nerve function without sacrificing median nerve recovery: an experimental study.

Contralateral C7 (cC7) transfer is a technique used in patients with total brachial plexus avulsion. An ulnar nerve graft (UNG) is usually used, as intrinsic function is not expected to be restored due to length of reinnervation required. In this study, we attempted to improve intrinsic function recovery by preserving the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (dbUN) and reanimating it with the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) after cC7 transfer. Fifty-four rats were divided into the following three groups: Group A, traditional cC7 transfer to the median nerve with a UNG; Group B, cC7 transfer preserving and repairing the dbUN with the terminal branch of the AIN; Group C, same as Group B; however, the dbUN was coapted after 1 month with the AIN. At 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively, the results of electrodiagnostic and histomorphometric examinations of the interosseous muscle were significantly better in Groups B and C, without affecting AIN recovery. In conclusion, the modified cC7 transfer technique can potentially improve intrinsic function recovery without affecting median nerve recovery.

Abstract 6509: Panel of CD-34, CD-105 &amp; vimentin in immunohistochemical &amp; histomorphometric analysis for prognostic evaluation of oral potentially malignant lesions

Abstract Introduction: The Angiogenic Theory, proposed by Folkman in 1971, is one of the most widely recognized ideas in carcinogenesis, which is a complicated and dynamic process. This emphasized the fact that tumor growth occurs at a certain density of new blood vessels during angiogenesis. However, whereas many of vascular markers are well understood in established oral malignancies, their relevance in oral premalignant lesions remains unknown. Materials and Methods: Prospectively, 54 patients with potentially oral malignant lesions (POML) were observed for three years. These patient’s paraffin blocks were subjected to immunohistochemical and histomorphometric examination with CD34 and CD105 (Endoglin), as well as qualitative analysis with Vimentin. All patients provided written informed consent to subject the blocks to immunohistochemical analysis, as well as the necessity of 3 monthly visits up to 3 years follow up to assess the malignant transformation potential. In case of clinical suspicion, a repeat biopsy was performed to rule out malignancy. Results: With a sample size of 54, the clinical and histological parameters were evaluated using the paired 't' test, validating the underlying normality assumption. During the three-year follow-up period, 52% (n=28/54) of the total patients developed oral malignancies. The most commonly detected was Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma with the most common site being Gingivo-Buccal Sulcus area. The microvessel density was dramatically boosted in premalignant stage samples utilizing CD34 and CD105. In PMOL, the mean Vascular Caliber (VC) using CD 34 and CD 105 (µm2) was 7.7 ± 1.9 µm2 and 7.1 ± 1.4 µm2, respectively. The mean VC - CD 34 and CD105 did not differ statistically (P-value&amp;gt;0.05). More than 50% of individuals with malignant transformation have shown increased vimentin expression in connective tissue of the premalignant stage samples (P-value0.001). Conclusion: The use of CD 34 and CD105 markers to assess micro vessel density and vessel morphometry was found to be useful in predicting the malignant transformation potential of POML. The combination of these two markers, coupled with Vimentin, was proven to be a successful IHC PANEL for predicting the malignant transformation potential of oral premalignant lesions well in advance of 1.5 ± 2.5 years. In diagnosed cancer patients, increased CD105 expression was also associated with lymph node metastases. As a result, CD34, Endoglin, and Vimentin are proposed as IHC Panel Markers to determine the prognosis of potentially malignant oral lesions. Citation Format: Saravanan SP. Panel of CD-34, CD-105 &amp; vimentin in immunohistochemical &amp; histomorphometric analysis for prognostic evaluation of oral potentially malignant lesions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6509.

Assessment of Growth-Related Parameters, Immune-Biochemical Profile, and Expression of Selected Genes of Red Tilapia Fed with Roselle Calyces (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Extract

The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not supplementing a diet with ethanolic roselle calyces extract (ER) had any effect on the rate of growth, intestinal morphometry, total carotene in skin and muscle, blood profile, immunity status, and the expression response of red tilapia. The ER was added to four experimental diets at 0% (0 g kg−1), 0.5% (5 g kg−1), 1% (10 g kg−1), and 2% (20 g kg−1), which were designated as ER0 (control group), ER0.5, ER1, and ER2, respectively. The results show that ER1 induced higher weights (final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and weight gain rate) and all ER groups had considerably (p &lt; 0.05) decreased feed conversion rates (FCR) compared with the control diet. Histomorphometric examination of the intestinal villi absorptive capacity showed fish given ER, specifically ER1, had increased villus length, width, and goblet cells (p &lt; 0.05). The best hematological and biochemical parameters (the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, lysozyme activity, and WBCs count) were observed for 5 g kg−1 ER. In addition, diets supplemented with different levels of ER stimulated phagocytic activity (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the highest total carotene content in skin and muscle was observed in ER0.5. The 0.5, 1, and 2% roselle extract diets induced upregulation of IGF-1, GHr, SOD, TNF-α, and LPL, whereas MSTN, HSP 70, and FAS were downregulated. In conclusion, dietary ER supplementations are advantageous for red tilapia because they improve immunological and growth-related parameters.

Optimization of Fluorapatite/Bioactive Glass Nanocomposite Foams as Bone Tissue Scaffold: An in Vivo Study.

The present study investigated the suitability of nanocomposite foams of fluorapatite and bioactive glass (FA /BG) in different weight ratios as scaffolds for bone tissue in rat tibia regeneration to determine the optimal composition. FA and BG nano powders with a weight ratio of 25% FA/75% BG (compound 1) and 75% FA/25% BG (compound 2) were used as precursors for gel casting to produce nanocomposite foams. Thirty rats were randomly divided into two equal groups. Disk-shaped samples of each compound were implanted into the tibias of 15 rats. After 15, 30, or 60 days, five rats from each group were sacrificed and subjected to radiological, histopathological, and histomorphometrical examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. No foreign body reaction was observed in either group at all intervals, and the bone-biomaterial junction was direct. Overall, the inflammation rate, and the number of blood vessels, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts decreased over time in both groups. However, the number of osteocytes, trabecular bone thickness, and the percentage of new bone formation increased, in contrast to the remaining biomaterial percentage. Most of the changes in the group implanted with compound 2 were significantly more significant and faster than in the other group. Although the composite with the higher percentage of FA was superior to the composite with the higher percentage of BG, considering the results of our previous similar studies, the composite with the same percentage of FA and BG is more favorable to be used as a substitute for bone tissue in the body.

Effect of commercially pure titanium implant coated with calcium carbonate and nanohydroxyapatite mixture on osseointegration.

In this research, rabbit femurs were implanted with CP Ti screws coated with a combination of CaCO3 and nanohydroxyapatite, and the effect on osseointegration was assessed using histological and histomorphometric examination at 2 and 6 weeks. CaCO3 and nanohydroxyapatite were combined with the EPD to coat the surfaces of the CP Ti screws. The femurs of five male rabbits were implanted with coated and uncoated implant screws. Healing time was divided into two groups (2 and 6 weeks). After 2 and 6 weeks of implantation, the histological examination revealed an increase in the growth of bone cells for coated screws, and the histomorphometric analysis revealed an increase in the percentage of new bone formation (after 6 weeks, 5.08% for coated implants and 3.66% for uncoated implants). In addition, the uncoated implant, the CP Ti implant coated with a combination of CaCO3 and nanohydroxyapatite, stimulated early bone development after two weeks and mineralization and maturation after six weeks.

The Effect of an Autologous Protein-Based Topical Serum on Cutaneous Burns.

Burns are skin lesions that can be life-threatening. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is growing as an effective alternative for the management of burns. The objective of this study was to assess the use of a storable topical serum based on plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in promoting burn wound healing, called Endoret-Serum (ES). 3D skin models were used to assess thermal burn injury. Extracellular matrix remodeling, tissue damage, and metabolic activity of explants were analyzed, and a histomorphometric examination was carried out. Silver sulfadiazine cream (SC) was used as control ointment for burn management. Three patients suffering from skin burns were also treated with ES and clinically assessed. Endoret-Serum was based on an enriched platelet fraction with neutral pH and containing a high load of growth factors. Both ES and SC reduced tissue damage after burn, with ES being more effective. ES treatment maintained the metabolic activity of explants at a healthy level, and increased collagen and elastin deposition. Both treatments preserved the cutaneous connective tissue and induced newly synthesized matrix, with ES being more effective. Both treatments induced an intense collagenization, but ES showed better results as it restored the basal layer network with reduced signs of fibrosis. ES decreased the apoptotic cell number. Patients suffering from skin burns showed complete healing after ES treatment. Endoret-Serum might promote cutaneous healing and may be useful for accelerating the regeneration of skin burns. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(12):1330-1339. doi:10.36849/JDD.6763.

Therapeutic effect of Ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum resin in rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome.

Asafoetida is a gum derived from Ferula assa-foetida, which is used in traditional Iranian medicine to treat some reproductive system disorders. The effects of asafoetida on ovarian tissue, expression of certain genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and levels of liver, kidney, and blood cell factors after treatment in a rat model were investigated. Thirty rats were divided into five groups: normal, polycystic, and treatment with three doses of asafoetida (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg for 3 weeks after PCOS induction). PCOS was induced by letrozole at a dose of 1 mg/kg administered orally for 3 weeks. Blood samples were taken, and the ovaries were removed and prepared for histomorphometric examination. Liver and kidney parameters were measured. The mRNA expression levels of luteinizing hormone receptor, CYP11A1, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, adiponectin, and adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 were also measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The levels of liver, kidney, and blood parameters did not significantly differ between the treatment groups and the control group. At doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, ovarian histopathology, especially the thicknesses of the theca and granulosa layers, was significantly improved relative to the PCOS group. The expression of target genes also improved in the 25 and 50 mg/kg treatment groups. Asafoetida can be used to treat PCOS as a complementary approach to conventional therapies. Asafoetida appears to act by regulating and activating metabolic and ovarian cycle enzymes.

The effects of thymoquinone on steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis: An experimental study in rats.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, osteoblastic and hypolipidemic effects of thymoquinone (TQ) treatment on the steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) model in rats. A total of 24 rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group administered saline; the TQ group administered 10 mg/kg/day TQ orally; lipopolysaccharide/methylprednisolone (LPS/MPS) group administered 20 µg/kg intraperitoneally LPS and 40 mg/kg intramuscularly MPS to establish ONFH model; and the LPS/ MPS+TQ group administered both LPS/MPS and, then, TQ once daily for four weeks. All rats were sacrificed after intracardiac blood collection and their right femurs were removed. Micro-computed tomography showed a higher bone mineral density and lower porosity, Tr. Sp and Tr. Sep data were detected in the LPS/MPS+TQ group. In histopathology, osteonecrosis increased significantly in the LPS/MPS group and osteonecrosis decreased in the LPS/MPS+TQ group compared to the LPS/MPS group (p=0.0077). Histomorphometric examination revealed that the percentage of BV/TV in the LPS/MPS group was significantly lower compared to control and other groups (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), while it reached normal rates in the LPS/MPS+TQ group. Immunohistochemically, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and angiogenesis indicators (8-hydroxy-20- deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG], malondialdehyde [MDA], B-cell lymphoma [Bcl-2], caspase-3, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) were significantly improved in tissue and serum with TQ. Furthermore, TQ significantly reduced low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and carboxy-terminal type 1 collagen crosslink (CTX) in serum. Vascular and hematopoietic cell damages that occur due to steroid-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oxidative and lipid peroxidative damages in an ONFH model can be successfully ameliorated by TQ administration. This antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of TQ may be a promising treatment option for early stage of osteonecrosis.

Protective effects of L-arginine against aluminium chloride-induced testicular damage in rats.

Aluminium (Al) is a toxic metal with frequent exposure because it is a common element in nature and is found in many products used in daily life. L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is involved in many biochemical pathways in the body and has antioxidant effects. The current research evaluated the possible protective effects of L-arginine against aluminium chloride (AlCl3 ) induced testicular damage. In this animal-based experimental study, 28 male Wistar Albino rats were separated into four groups: control, Al (20 mg/kg/day Al), Al + L-arginine (20 mg/kg/day Al + 50 mg/kg/day L-arginine), and L-arginine (50 mg/kg/day L-arginine). All applications were carried out intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 4 weeks. The histopathological changes caused by exposure to Al in the testicular tissue and the protective effects of L-arginine were investigated by using biochemical, histochemical, immunohistochemical [4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)] and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay techniques. The testicles in the AlCl3 group showed increased 4-HNE, 8-OHdG expressions, apoptotic index, and abnormal sperm content, while serum testosterone levels, sperm motility, and sperm number were decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, histomorphometric examinations of testicular tissue indicated significant structural impairments such as vacuolization in the seminiferous tubule epithelium, edema, and vascular congestion in the interstitial area (p < 0.05). However, the structural alterations were largely ameliorated in the Al + L-arginine group (p < 0.05). Thus, L-arginine, which is an antioxidant, may protect against the harmful effects of Al and may help improve male fertility.

Salt-Sensitive Hypertension Induces Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption via Upregulation of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Expression in Osteoblasts.

Hypertension is a chronic-low grade inflammatory disease, which is known to be associated with increased bone loss. Excessive activity of the local renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in bone leads to increased bone resorption. As inflammatory cytokines may activate RAS components, we hypothesized that the elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels in hypertension activate bone RAS and thus lead to increased bone resorption. To investigate whether salt-sensitive hypertension (SSHTN) induces osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, we generated a model of SSHTN in C57BL/6J mice by post-N ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) high-salt challenge. SSHTN led to the reduction of distal femur trabecular number and bone volume fraction, while trabecular separation of femoral bone showed a significant increase, with no change in cortical thickness. Histomorphometric examination showed a significant reduction in trabecular bone volume fraction with an increased number of multinucleated tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells and increased osteoclast surface fraction in the trabecular distal femur of hypertensive mice. Furthermore, analysis of gene expression in bone tissue revealed that TRAP and RANKL/OPG mRNA were highly expressed in hypertensive mice. TNF-α and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) mRNA and protein expression were also upregulated in SSHTN mice. These observations suggested that TNF-α may have an effect on AGTR1 expression leading to osteoclast activation. However, TNF-α stimulation did not promote AGTR1 mRNA expression in osteoclast precursors in culture, while TNF-α increased AGTR1 mRNA expression in osteoblast culture by activation of downstream p38. Angiotensin II was also shown to increase TNF-α-induced RANKL/OPG mRNA expression in primary osteoblast culture and osteoclastogenesis in a TNF-α-primed osteoblast and osteoclast precursor co-culture system. In addition, local injection of lipopolysaccharide into the supracalvariae of SSHTN mice markedly promoted osteoclast and bone resorption. In conclusion, mice with SSHTN show increased osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption due mainly to increased TNF-α and partly to the upregulation of AGTR1 in osteoblasts.

Регенеративные эффекты пептидов Gly-His-Lys и Gly-His-Lys-D-Ala при кожной инфицированной ране

Skin wound healing mechanisms and new ways of improving their efficiency represent an important focus in medicine. In this regard, regulatory peptides, which exhibit physiological polyfunctionality and modulate cell growth and differentiation, are of special interest. This study evaluates the effects of Gly-His-Lys (GHK) and Gly-His-Lys-D-Ala (GHK-D-Ala) peptides in the infected skin wound healing. The wounds were modeled in rats (n=150) by full-thickness dorsal skin defects. The peptides were administered intracutaneously at daily doses of 0.5 or 1.5 µg/kg. The healing was assessed on days 3, 7, and 10 by histomorphometric examination of the wounds with adjacent intact skin. GHK-D-Ala administered at daily doses of 0.5 µg/kg had pronounced positive effect on regeneration processes in the wound, as indicated by significantly reduced numbers of granulocytes and lymphocytes with increased representation of fibroblastic lineages and macrophages, and the resulting higher cellular index (p &lt; 0.05–0.001). At higher doses of GHK-D-Ala (1.5 µg/kg), the beneficial effects were less pronounced. According to the comparative morphological examination, the highest positive effect was achieved with 0.5 µg/kg of GHK-D-Ala. Thus, local administration of the GHK peptide with extra D-alanine at carboxy-terminus significantly mitigated the inflammatory reaction and facilitated the healing of infected skin wounds in rat model.

Implant Periapical Lesion: Clinical and Histological Analysis of Two Case Reports Carried Out with Two Different Approaches

Periapical implantitis (IPL) is an increasingly frequent complication of dental implants. The causes of this condition are not yet entirely clear, although a bacterial component is certainly part of the etiology. In this case series study, two approaches will be described: because of persistent IPL symptoms, a patient had the implant removed and underwent histological analysis after week 6 from implantation. The histomorphometric examination revealed a 35% bone-implant contact area involving the coronal two-thirds of the implant. The apical portion of the fixture on the other hand was affected by an inflammatory process detectable on radiography as a radiolucent area. The presence of a probable root fragment, detectable as an imprecise radiopaque mass in the zone where the implant was later placed, confirms the probable bacterial etiology of this case of IPL. On the other hand, in case number 2, the presence of IPL around the fixture was solved by surgically removing the implant apical third as well as the adjacent tooth apex. It may be concluded from our histological examination that removal of the apical portion of the fixture should be considered an effective treatment for IPL since the remaining implant segment remains optimally osseointegrated and capable of continuing its function as a prosthetic abutment. Careful attention, however, is required at the implantation planning stage to identify in advance any sources of infection in the edentulous area of interest which might compromise the final outcome.