Hyaline Research Articles

Defects of porcine articular cartilage of the knee repaired at one stage by autologous adipose-derived stem cells and collagen I scaffolds with slow-release inducing factors

Objective To investigate the feasibility of repairing at one stage defects of porcine articular cartilage of the knee with autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and collagen Ⅰ scaffolds with slow-release inducing factors.Methods We first made collagen Ⅰ scaffolds with slow-release inducing factors using freeze drying technology.The concentrations of slow-release inducing factors(transformation growth factor-β2,insulin-like growth factor-l) were evaluated by Elisa.The porcine ADSCs,obtained by density gradient centrifugation,were seeded onto the collagen Ⅰ scaffolds with slow-release inducing factors for in vitro culture for 3 weeks to observe the cellular distribution and secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan within the scaffold.Porcine models of full thickness defects of the knee articular cartilage were created,7 ×7mm in size.ADSCs and collagen Ⅰ scaffolds were implanted into the cartilage defects in the experimental group (3 pigs) while micro-fractures were made in the subchondral bone and treated with absorbable membranes in the control group (3 pigs).Gross observation and histological analyses were conducted 2 and 4months after operation to assess defect healing in the 2 groups.Results The inducing factors were slowly released in the scaffolds with slowly reduced concentrations.The ADSCs distributed extensively and expressions of type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan were observed in the scaffolds after 3-week in vitro culture.In the experimental group,edges of the articular cartilage defects were filled with reparative hyaline cartilage after 2 months,and the whole defects were repaired by the hyaline cartilage 4 months later.HE staining showed typical cartilaginous structure in the repaired area,though its cellular density was higher than in the normal cartilage.In the control group,defects were not repaired but filled with fibrous tissue.Conclusions Enough autologous porcine ADSCs can be obtained at one stage for implantation.ADSCs seeded onto the collagen Ⅰ scaffolds with slow-release inducing factors may be differentiated into chondrocytes to repair porcine articular cartilage defects. Key words: Knee joint; Cartilage; articular; Stem cell transplantation; Cytoskeleton

Lamellar Macular Hole Formation in a Patient With Diabetic CME Treated by Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections

A 49-year-old woman with a diagnosis of diabetic cystoid macular edema in both eyes presented with the appearance of a macular hole in the left eye 1 month after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated a lamellar macular hole in the left eye. Although vitreomacular traction and epiretinal membrane are the possible underlying causes for the development of lamellar macular hole formation in eyes with cystoid macular edema, in this case previous optical coherence tomography scans revealed the complete separation of the posterior hyaloid membrane and the absence of an epiretinal membrane. The exact mechanism involved in the progression of cystoid macular edema to lamellar macular hole and the contribution of the intravitreal bevacizumab injections to this transformation remain unclear.

Double visualization using triamcinolone acetonide and indocyanine green during vitrectomy in the treatment of idiopathic macular hole

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of double using triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and indocyanine green(ICG) during vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic macular hole(IMH).Methods Pars plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling was performed in 26 eyes of 26 patients.TA and ICG were used respectively to identify posterior vitreous cortex and ILM.Finally,16％ C3 F8 was tamponaded.Results Anatomic closure of the macular hole was achieved in 23 patients,withdrawed in 2 cases and failed in 1 patient with small hole near ora serrata who underwent the surgery with silicone oil tamponaded finally.Visual acuity improved in 21 eyes,remained unchanged in 2 eyes,decreased in one eye.Conclusion The injection of TA makes the posterior vitreous cortex visualized clearly in all patients.Upon the injection of ICG,the ILM can be successfully removed in all patients.Double visualization of the posterior vitreous cortex and ILM using TA and ICG during vitrectomy may be safe and effective. Key words: Macular hole,idiopathic; Indocyanine green; Pars plana vitrectomy; Triamcinolone acetonide

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of astrocytic hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis

Retinal astrocytic hamartomas are benign tumors of the retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL) that may be found in association with tuberous sclerosis (TS). We describe the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of type 1 astrocytic hamartomas in a child with TS that may aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of these lesions. Gradual, dome-shaped hyper-reflective elevations of the retinal NFL were seen on SD-OCT with subtle shadowing of the underlying tissues. In addition, the vitreous cortex showed focal adhesions to the surface of the tumor.

Direct cell reprogramming to chondrogenic cells from dermal fibroblast culture

In regenerative medicine, converting one cell type to another type associates with altering epigenome of cells without changing their genome sequences. Since development of iPS cells, it has become possible to convert cell types through altering epigenome by transducing plural kye transcription factors into cells. We found that transduction of two reprogramming factors (c-Myc and Klf4) and one chondrogenic factor (SOX9) into mouse dermal fibroblasts results in direct induction of chondrogeni cells. Directly induced chondrogenic cells showed highly methylated promoter sequences of fibroblastic markers, type I collagen genes. These induced cells, when transplanted into nude mice, produced hyaline cartilage without expressing type I collagen, suggesting that type I collagen genes were silenced in these induced chondrogenic cells in vivo . It is also expected to apply cell reprogramming technique to treatment of osteoarthritis in some aspects including reversion of degenerated fibrocartilage into hyalinecartilage.

Tiamcinolone acetonide and indocyanine green-assisted vitrectomy combined with inner limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole

Background Whether the peeling of the inner limiting membrane (ILMP) increase the closure rate of idiopathic macular hole is still in controversy.Some ophthalmologist recommend vitrectomy combined with inner limiting membrane peeling for the treatment of idiopathic macular hole.However,the removal of ILMP is difficult because of its similar appearance to adjacent tissues. Objective This study was to investigate the efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide(TA) and indocyanine green(ICG) double staining-assisted vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling during the surgery. Methods A consecutive case- observational study was designed.The standardized vitrectomy was performed in 25 eye of 23 cases with IMH.During the vitrectomy,TA and ICG were injected into posterior pole vitreous to visualize and assist the ILM peeling.The dying effectiveness was observed,and the closure rate of macular hole,visual acuity,intraocular pressure and complications were evaluated after surgery.Written informed consent was obtained from each patient prior to operation. Results Posterior vitreous cortex and ILM were visible and the residual vitreous and cortex were removed clearly after dying of TA and ICG in all the 25 eyes.During the following-up duration of 3-8 months,the completely anatomical reattachment of the macular area was in 22 eyes ( 88.0％ ) and partially reattachment in 3 eyes( 12.0％ ).The best corrected vision was 0.07-0.60 in all of the operated eyes 2 months after surgery. Conclusions TA and ICG- assisted vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling appears to be a safe and effective method for IMH repair. Key words: Idiopathic macular hole; Inner limiting membrane peeling; Indocyanine green; Triamcinolone acetonide

Vitreous Cortex Splitting in Cases of Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome

The authors report four cases of vitreomacular traction syndrome with splitting of the posterior vitreous cortex. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed consecutively in 35 patients with vitreomacular traction syndrome between June 2007 and February 2011. SD-OCT showed perifoveal posterior vitreous detachment with splitting of the posterior vitreous cortex in 4 of 35 eyes (at the fovea in 1 eye and the perifovea in 3 eyes). The separated cortex of the posterior lamella adhered to the retina in all 4 eyes. The posterior vitreous cortex may split at the macular area in cases of vitreomacular traction syndrome.

RESIDUAL CELLULAR PROLIFERATION ON THE INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE IN MACULAR PUCKER SURGERY

To provide pathology data on the completeness of epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Twenty-two patients with idiopathic ERM formation underwent vitrectomy with ERM removal and subsequent staining of the vitreomacular interface with brilliant blue. If the ILM was still present after ERM removal, it was peeled off. Both ERM and ILM specimens were harvested in different containers and prepared for flat-mount phase-contrast and interference microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. In 14 patients (64%), the ILM was still present at the macula after ERM removal. On average, 20% (range, 2-51%) of the total cell count was left behind at the ILM if the ERM was removed only. There were mainly glial cells on the ILM, and few hyalocytes. In nine eyes, the cells were forming cell clusters. In 8 patients (36%), both ERM and ILM were removed together. Electron microscopy showed cellular proliferation directly attached to the ILM in these eyes, whereas in the sequentially peeled group, there was collagen interposed between the ERM and the ILM. Surgical ERM removal resulted in splitting of the vitreous cortex in these eyes, leaving the ILM with residual cells behind. Simple ERM removal results in sufficient separation of fibrocellular tissue in one third of cases, only. In 2 of 3 patients with idiopathic ERM, the vitreous cortex splits when the ERM is removed, leaving an average of 20% of the total cell count behind on the ILM. As these cells are capable of proliferation and causing ERM recurrence, staining of the ILM with subsequent removal seems beneficial in macular pucker surgery.

Etiology and treatment of neonatal pneumothorax

Objective To investigate the cause,diagnosis and treatment measures of neonatal pneumothorax.Methods The clinical data of 98 cases with neonatal pneumothorax in our hospital from Mar 2005 to Mar 2010 were reviewed retrospectively.Results There were 27 premature neonates and 71 full-term neonates in the 98 cases.Ten cases were spontaneous pneumothorax and 88 cases were non spontaneous pneumothorax.After the treatnent of primary disease,pleural aspiration,chest drainage and mechanical ventilation,88 cases were cured,8 cases were improved and 2 cases died.Conclusion Neonatal pneumothorax is related with cesarean section,improper use of endotracheal intubation,meconium aspiration,premature hyaline membrane disease using pulmonary surfactant and ventilator therapy.Most pneumothorax is due to lung disease.The prevention of preterm birth and asphyxia can reduce the incidence of neonatal pneumothorax. Key words: Pneumothorax; Etiology; Infant, newborn

Clinical and pathologic features of gastric schwannoma

To study the clinical and pathologic features of gastric schwannomas. The macroscopic and microscopic features of 9 cases of gastric schwannoma were analyzed. Immunohistochemical study for S-100 protein, CD117, CD34, neurofilament, desmin, nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, platelet derived growth factor-alpha (PDGFR-α) and vimentin was carried out. Mutation analysis of c-kit gene (exon 9, 11, 13 and 17) and PDGFR-α gene (exon 12 and 18) in 1 case was examined by PCR amplification and direct sequencing. The patients included 5 males and 4 females. The age of patients ranged from 42 to 81 years (median = 56.5 years). The size of the tumors ranged from 2 to 9 cm in greatest diameter. Follow-up data in 8 cases (from 1 month to 65 months) showed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis. Gross examination showed that gastric schwannomas were homogeneous, firm, yellow-white and bore no true fibrous capsule. Histologically, all cases were composed of fascicles of spindle cells associated with nuclear palisading, Verocay body formation and peripheral cuff of reactive lymphoid aggregates. Some of them showed degenerative changes including cyst formation, calcification, hemorrhage, necrosis and hyalinization. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells were strongly positive for S-100 protein and vimentin. There was various degree of staining for nestin (8/9) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (6/9). They were negative for CD117, CD34, neurofilament, desmin and smooth muscle actin. One case showed focal positivity for PDGFR-α (1/9), with no mutations found. Gastric schwannomas share similar histologic features with conventional soft tissue schwannomas, in addition to the presence a reactive lymphoid cuff. The clinical, macroscopic, histologic and immunohistochemical features of gastric schwannomas were different from those of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and leiomyomas.

Achados ultrassonográficos em toxocaríase ocular

To evaluate ophthalmic ultrasound findings in the three presentation forms of ocular toxocariasis (peripheral or posterior pole granulomas and chronic endophthalmitis), in patients with confirmed diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis. 11 patients (11 eyes) with clinical and confirmed diagnosis of active ocular toxocariasis, presented positive ELISA test, were analyzed, prospectively, in the study. The patients were submitted to an ocular ultrasound examination (10-MHz transducer, contact technique). In the series of 11 patients, mean age was 7.9 years-old (range from 2 to 17 y), 73% male, referring previous contact with dogs (91%), and with the soil (50%), no referral of appetite perversion. In the analyses of compromised eyes (11 eyes), the ophthalmoscopic examination revealed the following distribution of the 3 forms of ocular toxocariasis: 7 cases (63.6%), posterior pole granuloma; 1 (9.1%), chronic endophthalmitis; 2 (18.2%), peripheral granuloma; and 1 (9.1%), posterior pole granuloma associated with chronic endophthalmitis. Visual acuity impairment: no light perception (3 eyes, 27.3%); hand motion (4 eyes, 36.4%); counting fingers at 10 cm (1 eye, 9.1%); 20/200 (1 eye, 9.1%); 20/70 (1 eye, 9.1%); undefined (1 eye, 9.1%). Serology was positive to Toxocara canis (ELISA test) in 100% of the cases. Ophthalmoscopy was difficult or impossible in 64% of the cases due to the media opacity. Ultrasound findings noted were vitreous membranes with retinal attachment (100%); parietal lesions (granulomas) with high (80%) or medium (20%) reflectivity. The most consistent ultrasound finding in the eye with toxocariasis was a high-reflectivity retinal mass, located in posterior pole or periphery, which may be calcified, and which has as main characteristic the adherence of vitreous membranes. In addition to clinical history, systemic evaluation and serology, the ultrasound can help in the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis, especially in media opacities.

Evaluation of a posterior vitreous detachment: a comparison of biomicroscopy, B‐scan ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography to surgical findings with chromodissection

To find the most reliable and efficient noninvasive technique to clinically detect a posterior vitreous detachment. In a prospective study of 30 eyes in 30 patients with macular pucker or macular hole formation, the posterior vitreous cortex was examined 1 day prior to a scheduled vitrectomy. Three independent investigators classified the posterior vitreous cortex of each eye as 'attached' or 'detached' via slit-lamp biomicroscopy (BM), 10-MHz B-scan ultrasonography (I³ Innovative Imaging Inc.), and optical coherence tomography [OCT III Stratus(®) (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc.) and RTVue-100 OCT (Optovue Corp.)]. These preoperative findings were then compared during a triamcinolone acetonide-assisted vitrectomy 1 day later. Triamcinolone acetonide-assisted vitrectomy showed in 60% a posterior vitreous detachment and in 40% an attached posterior vitreous cortex. Preoperatively conducted B-scan ultrasonography and BM revealed the highest, correct evaluation of the posterior vitreous status. The prediction of the OCT was confirmed intraoperatively in 12.5%. In all other cases, the evaluation by OCT was not possible or was inadequate. The prognostic most reliable but investigator-dependent methods to clinically detect whether the posterior vitreous cortex is detached are B-scan ultrasonography and BM. The objective technique of the high-resolution, two-dimensional time-domain OCT allows only in a few cases a clear differentiation of preretinal structures.

Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment for localized Castleman's disease

To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of localized Castleman's disease (CD), and review the literatures to improve the diagnosis and management of this disease. The clinical symptoms, histopathology, CT, MRI findings and results of surgery in 20 patients with localized CD were evaluated retrospectively. The average age of the patients was 37.7 years. The lesions were located in the retroperitoneal space (9 cases), mediastinum (7 cases), pelvic cavity (1 case), neck (1 case), upper arm (1 case), and axillary (1 case). All patients underwent surgical resection, including 9 cases for retroperitoneal resection (6 cases had open operation and 3 cases laparoscopic resection) and 7 cases for mediastinal resection (open operation in 5 cases and thoracoscopic resection in 2 cases). The Castleman's disease was confirmed by histopathology. There were hyaline vascular type of CD in 17 cases, plasma cell type of CD in 1 case, and mixed cellularity type of CD in 2 cases. The duration of follow-up ranged from 12 to 165 months for 16 cases. Among them 15 patients were alive without recurrence, and 1 case had recurrence in the primary site at 47 months after the operation. Patients with Castleman's disease have no typical clinical symptoms and have normal laboratory results. The majority of patients are of hyaline vascular type of the disease. Imaging examination is helpful to diagnosis, and the final diagnosis depends on pathologic examination. Complete surgical resection of the tumor is the best treatment for localized Castleman's disease.

Phylogenetic analyses on the tintinnid ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) based on multigene sequence data

In order to better understand phylogenetic relationships among tintinnid ciliated protozoa, we sequenced and analyzed the SSU rDNA and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of 10 species belonging to fi ve genera in the order Tintinnida. The secondary structures of the ITS2 region were compared among 8 closely related genera, revealing two stable helices of the palm. In addition, we identifi ed a bulge absence in position II of the ITS2 putative secondary structures of species in basal positions in phylogenetic trees, suggesting the absence bulge might be an ancestral character in the order Tintinnida. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions sequence show: 1) divergences within the family Tintinnidae are higher than that among other four families (Codonellidae, Ptychocylididae, Metacylididae and Codonellopsidae), suggesting the subdivision of this family; 2) the family Ptychocylididae is polyphyletic; 3) the subdivision of genus Tintinnopsis is suggested, because the Tintinnopsis spp. scatter into different clades; 4) species with agglutinated loricae are not clearly separated from that with hyaline ones.

Malignant glaucoma: a review of the modern literature.

Malignant glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma that typically follows surgery in patients with primary angle closure and primary angle-closure glaucoma. In this paper, the clinical features, classification, pathogenesis, and principles of management are discussed. Despite a high prevalence of primary angle closure glaucoma in South-East Asia, the vast majority of cases of malignant glaucoma are reported in White populations. This may reflect differing mechanisms of angle closure in White and Asian patients, which somehow reduces the likelihood of an aberrant relationship developing between the lens, ciliary body, anterior hyaloid, and vitreous structures within the eye. Although the exact underlying pathogenic mechanism remains unclear, the prognosis is good with modern medical, laser, and surgical treatment modalities.

Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser anterior hyaloidotomy to treat trapped triamcinolone acetonide behind the crystalline lens after intravitreal injection

A 65-year-old male underwent intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection for treating a clinically significant macular edema (CSME) due to background diabetic retinopathy in his left eye. On the first postoperative day, visual acuity dropped from 20/80 to hand movements. Slit-lamp examination showed the drug between the posterior capsule of the lens and the anterior hyaloid face. Two weeks later, visual acuity and the milky fluid seemed unchanged. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser anterior hyaloidotomy was performed. One week later, slit-lamp examination of the retrolental space revealed the complete disappearance of triamcinolone and intraocular pressure remained stable. After a follow-up period of 2 months, visual acuity increased to 20/50 with the lens remaining clear. Nd:YAG laser anterior hyaloidotomy is an effective, simple, useful and minimally invasive outpatient procedure in patients with persistent entrapment of triamcinolone behind the crystalline lens, allowing the drug to clear without trauma to the lens.

Vitrectomy for optic disc pit-associated maculopathy with or without preoperative posterior vitreous detachment

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of optic disc pit-associated maculopathy with or without preoperative posterior vitreous detachment.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical records of four consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy in one eye for the treatment of optic disc pit-associated maculopathy, with an emphasis on the preoperative condition of the posterior hyaloid membrane.ResultsTwo of four eyes were confirmed to have an attached posterior hyaloid membrane, which was subsequently removed during surgery. Following vitrectomy, these two eyes experienced an improvement in visual acuity with complete retinal attachment of the macula. However, the other two eyes, which already had a posterior vitreous detachment at the time of surgery, showed a decrease in visual acuity with persistent maculopathy postoperatively.ConclusionPars plana vitrectomy for optic disc pit-associated maculopathy was beneficial for improving visual acuity in two eyes without preoperative posterior vitreous detachment but not in two eyes with preoperative posterior vitreous detachment. Our study suggests that preoperative assessment of a posterior hyaloid membrane is clinically important in predicting the surgical outcome of optic disc pit-associated maculopathy.

Resolution of vitreomacular traction following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in an eye with branch retinal vein occlusion

A 60-year-old woman with a past medical history of branch retinal vein occlusion presented with decreased vision and metamorphopsia in her left eye. A fundus examination revealed a tortuous retinal vein with a few retinal hemorrhages in the inferotemporal quadrant. Optical coherence tomography revealed a partially separated posterior vitreous membrane pulling up the fovea. The patient refused surgical treatment so intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg/0.1 mL) was administered. The patient reported resolution of symptoms in her left eye following this treatment, but her visual acuity did not show any improvement. Optical coherence tomography scanning revealed a complete detachment of the posterior hyaloid with release of the vitreomacular traction. In patients with vitreomacular traction and branch retinal vein occlusion, the combination of the possible vitreous liquefaction and mechanical increase of vitreous volume caused by an intravitreal injection with a degree of reduction in retinal thickness may play a role in the resolution of vitreomacular traction.

AN OUTBREAK OF CYCLANEUSMA MINUS NEEDLE CAST ON SWISS MOUNTAIN PINE (PINUS UNCINATA) IN ITALY

In September 2010, a significant decline of Pinus uncinata was observed in a mixed forest of Larix decidua and P. cembra in Claviere (western Italian Alps). In the forest, which covered about 32 ha and was located between 1800 and 1900 m of elevation (coordinates: 44°56’05.19’’N 6°45’28.46’’E), P. uncinata accounted for 12% of the trees. The disease affected 85-90% of P. uncinata trees belonging to all diameter classes. More than 70% of the trees showed needle yellowing, but the remaining trees showed thin and transparent crowns, and needle cast that progressed from the inner to the outer parts of the twigs. No symptoms were observed on L. decidua and P. cembra. Twenty symptomatic twigs were collected from 10 randomly selected trees. Needles were placed in Petri dishes containing a sterile piece of filter paper dampened with sterile water and incubated at room temperature for 10-12 days to induce sporulation. After incubation, white to creamy, scattered, elliptical apothecia embedded in yellowed needles were observed. Apothecia produced hyaline, filiform, 2septate, smooth ascospores 80-90×2.5-3.0 μm in size. Based on these macroand micro-morphological characters, the fungus was identified as Cyclaneusma minus (Butin) Di Cosmo, Peredo et Minter (syn. Naemacyclus minor Butin). C. minus has been reported both as an endophyte on symptomless P. uncinata needles (Sieber et al., 1999) and as a pathogen on needles of several pine species (Millar and Minter, 1980). In Italy, the fungus has previously been observed on Pinus sylvestris (Gonthier et al., 2010) but, to our knowledge, this is its first report on P. uncinata in this country.

NEW HOSTS OF MACROPHOMINA PHASEOLINA IN IRAN

The host range and geographical distribution of Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of charcoal rot or ashy stem blight, was studied in different provinces of Iran during 2006-2008. Plants with signs and symptoms of charcoal rot showed leaf yellowing, blackening of the stem and root rot. Numerous black microsclerotia were observed on the rotted tissue. To isolate the pathogen, infected tissues were surface-disinfected and placed on potato dextrose agar plates Pure cultures were obtained from hyphal tips and maintained on sterile toothpicks at room temperature (Edmunds, 1964). The mycelium that was initially hyaline, turned grey with time and after 4 to 5 days incubation, produced minute, black, round to oblong or irregularly shaped microsclerotia with mycelial attachment. In 10-day-old cultures, microsclerotia ranged in size from 62 to 189×52 to 149 (116×93) μm. All the isolates were identified at the species level based on the amplification of the ITS region with species-specific primers (Babu et al., 2007). Fungal attacks were observed on marigold (Tagetes erecta), cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantaloupensis), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), hemp (Cannabis sativa), mung bean (Vigna radiata), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), turnip (Brassica rapa), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), which are reported as new hosts for M. phaseolina in Iran. Pathogenicity tests, repeated twice, were conducted in a greenhouse on each of the above host as described by Abawi and Pastor-Corales (1990). The outcome of inoculation assays was assessed after 2-6 months according to the host. Inoculated plants produced typical symptoms on the leaves, stem and roots, and the fungus was consistently re-isolated from them.