Tissue Hyperplasia Research Articles

Effect of different doses of cyclobenzaprine-HCl on the reproductive health of female Wistar rats

Background Women often experience significant burdens both at home and in their professional lives, which can lead to physical and mental strain. To manage these challenges, medications such as cyclobenzaprine-HCl, originally developed as a tricyclic antidepressant but reintroduced as a muscle relaxant, are sometimes used. Its effectiveness in treating muscle spasms, localized pain, and limited range of motion in acute musculoskeletal conditions has been well documented. Objective The objective of this study was to explore the potential consequences of cyclobenzaprine-HCl on reproductive health by assessing its influence on female Wistar rats. Materials and methods The study was conducted on 18 adult female Wistar rats, divided into three groups: a control group receiving distilled water and two treated groups with two doses − a low-dose group receiving 1.5 mg/kg of cyclobenzaprine-HCl and a high-dose group receiving 3 mg/kg, administered orally for 30 days. We assessed the impact of cyclobenzaprine-HCl on serum hormonal levels (progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone), oxidative stress markers (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde), histopathological changes in ovaries and uteri, and DNA stability using the comet assay. Results and conclusion The study revealed that cyclobenzaprine-HCl caused hormonal imbalances distinguished by significant increase in estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and significant decreases in progesterone and luteinizing hormone levels. Dissruptions in oxidative stress markers were characterized by elevated malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels. Histopathological abnormalities included degeneration, deformed follicles, congested blood vessels, and necrosis in the ovarian tissue. In addition, diffused eosinophil infiltration, pyknotic nuclei, glandular hyperplasia, necrosis, and hypercellularity in the uterine tissue. DNA instability was observed in both dosage groups as evidenced by fragmented DNA in the shape of comets. These findings underscore the potential reproductive toxicity of cyclobenzaprine-HCl in female rats, suggesting a need for caution in its use considering its possible adverse effects on reproductive health.

Cat scratch disease in children with nocturnal fever: A case report

BACKGROUND Cat scratch disease (CSD) is the most common human infection caused by Bartonella henselae (B. henselae ). The main manifestation is self-limited lymphadenopathy that primarily affects adolescents, and typically resolves without treatment within 2-4 months. However, individuals with compromised immune systems or immunodeficiency require specific antibacterial therapy following diagnosis. Due to its low incidence, nonspecific clinical manifestations, and diagnostic limitations, this condition often poses challenges for clinicians in terms of missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses. CASE SUMMARY The child was ultimately diagnosed with CSD. The primary manifestations included nocturnal fever, enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, axilla and groin, and suspected brucellosis; however, both brucellosis tests conducted during the course of the illness yielded negative results. Bone marrow cytology indicated stimulated proliferation. Lymph node biopsy indicated hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue in the cervical lymph nodes (right), with combined immunohistochemical findings indicating reactive hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed CD20 B (+), CD3 T (+), BCL-6 (+), and BCL-2 (). CD21 FDC networks were present and Ki67 expression in the germinal center was ~80%. Blood next-generation sequencing indicated B. henselae sequence number was 3. Serological test results demonstrated positive antibody response to B. henselae IgG (+), B. henselae IgM (+), Bartonella quintana (B. quintana ) IgG () and B. quintana IgM (), and the final diagnosis was CSD. CONCLUSION In patients presenting with fever at night and swollen lymph nodes of unknown origin, CSD should be considered.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in pediatric patients: A Chinese single center observational study and literature review.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder that commonly poses diagnostic challenges due to its atypical symptomatology. This observational study aimed to investigate the clinical features, laboratory test results, imaging features, and treatment strategies for pediatric patients with CRMO. We retrospectively analyzed 7 pediatric patients with CRMO treated at the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine between January 2018 and February 2022. This study aimed to enhance current understanding of CRMO by exploring in-depth clinical data. The study cohort comprised 5 males and 2 females, aged 3 to 13 years. All patients experienced symptoms for a median duration of 6 months prior to hospitalization, at which point they presented with recurrent pain and various accompanying signs including hypothermia (14.28%), swelling (42.85%), localized skin warmth (42.85%), and plantar pustules (14.28%). The femurs (71.42%) and tibia (71.42%) were frequently affected. Radiographic and computed tomography scans revealed osteosclerosis and osteolytic lesions, while magnetic resonance imaging revealed bone marrow edema. Histological examination of bone biopsies from 4 patients revealed fibrous tissue hyperplasia and lymphocytic and neutrophilic infiltration, despite negative bacterial cultures. Laboratory test results were either normal or slightly elevated. Symptomatic improvement was observed in 6 patients (85.72%) treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, while 1 patient (14.28%) resistant to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs responded well to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. The clinical presentation of CRMO lacks specificity, with unexplained bone pain being the most common symptom. Precise diagnosis and timely intervention depend on a thorough magnetic resonance imaging evaluation for lesion detection, which facilitates CRMO diagnosis. This study offers valuable insights into the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, imaging features, and treatment strategies of CRMO in pediatric patients.

Effect of Ononis angustissima extract on the Aluminium alterations in intestinal histology

Ononis angustissima (Oa) is an endemic desert plant with medicinal qualities. Nevertheless, aluminum (Al) is a poisonous metal found in large quantities in nature. This investigation seeks to assess the impact of an aqueous Oa extract on adult rats intoxicated with AlCl3 at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The findings show that Al significantly reduced organ weight (p < 0.001), perturbed biochemical parameters, and caused histological changes in the intestine, including lymphoid tissue hyperplasia, villi erosion, and an increase in the number of goblet cells. However, treatment with the aqueous Oa extract exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, epithelial regeneration, and control of goblet cells. It is concluded that Al causes structural and metabolic alterations in intestinal tissue, but Oa has limited this damage.

A multifunctional bacterial cellulose-based dressing modified by quaternized chitosan and grafted protocatechuic acid for diabetic ulcer.

Herein, we developed a multifunctional bacterial cellulose-based dressing (PHBC) modified by quaternized chitosan (HACC) along with protocatechuic acid (PA), through in situ biosynthesis combined with covalent immobilization. The obtained PHBC dressing maintained the excellent physicochemical characteristics of BC, such as high porosity (above 76 %); high water absorption ratio, >80 % of water absorption rate (approximately 30 g/g) has completed in half an hour; favorable hydrophilicity with contact angle of about 50° and excellent flexibility. The introduction of PA-grafted HACC endows exhibited outstanding antibacterial properties against, anti-inflammatory performance and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, PHBC II, with the reaction solubility of PA was 3 mg/mL, could promote NIH3T3 and HUVECs proliferation and spread. In vivo experiments further verified that PHBC II can effectively promote new granulation tissue hyperplasia and collagen deposition and expression around diabetic ulcers, reduce the inflammatory phenomenon around the wound, and promote the internal capillaries of the wound. The repair and regeneration of the network can promote better and faster wound healing. These results illustrate that the PHBC functional dressing has an important reference value for the clinical treatment of diabetic ulcers.

Sex Difference in Histopathological and Steroidogenesis Metabolism of Zebrafish After Exposure to Spiromesifen.

Spiromesifen (SPM) is widely used for orchard mites and white fly control. The ecotoxicological data suggested that SPM is highly toxic to fish, but the information about its toxic effect on zebrafish is still obscure. In this study, adult zebrafish were exposed to SPM for 21 days. The plasma sex steroid hormone levels reflected the ratio of 17β-estradiol (E2) to testosterone (T) (E2/T) was significantly increased at 0.50 μg/L of SPM in male fish (2.4-fold, p = 0.049). Following 21 days' post exposure, distinct pathological changes were noted in gonad, males were more sensitive than female, which showed the interstitial connective tissue hyperplasia and widener in testis at 15 μg/L of SPM. In male fish, the relative percentage of spermatozoa was 13% decreased at 30 μg/L of SPM (p = 0.041). Which suggest SPM potential role in disrupting male gonad development. qRT-PCR results suggest that expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) was significantly down regulated in female zebrafish (0.29 fold of control, p = 0.010). Variable importance of projection (VIP) scores indicate the most important features separate in female and male. The different response of steroid level towards SPM between male and female zebrafish may due to the distinct regulation of key genes related in steroidogenesis and metabolism. This study for the first time connects the biochemical and histological to reveal the adverse effects of SPM on adult zebrafish in a sex dependent manner.

Benign but troublesome: A case study of irritational fibroma in the oral cavity

In the oral cavity, fibroma is the most common type of connective tissue tumor. The size of these proliferative benign connective tissue tumors varies from tiny to large, contingent upon the degree of presence of one or more components of the inflammatory response. They are usually asymptomatic.It is a locally confined hyperplasia of fibrous connective tissue brought on by persistent inflammation or local trauma. This lesion is more typically observed in men, with a preference for buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, and tongue . This lesion preferentially affects the tongue, buccal mucosa, and labial mucosa. A traumatic or irritating fibroma develops from an inflammatory hyperplastic lesion that can occur at any age and in almost any soft tissue location.

Evolutionary Characteristics in Primary Aldosteronism Patients.

Primary aldosteronism is predominantly caused by excessive aldosterone production from the adrenal cortex, and the aldosterone-producing structures could take many forms, like adenomas, nodules, micronodules, and so on. Most studies of primary aldosteronism were limited to the hotspot driver genes responsible for autonomous aldosterone production; however, the panoramic genetic architecture and genomic alterations of aldosterone-producing structures and their adjacent hyperplasia glands remain unknown. In this study, whole-exome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses were performed using functional nodules and matched hyperplasia tissues, which were microdissected guided by aldosterone synthase immunohistochemistry. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the shared and unique mutations, gene mutation spectrums, and clonal characteristics. The rates of mutations represented higher means of functional nodules than hyperplasia samples, and the little mutational overlap was shown between the 2 groups on phylogenetic trees. The mutations of the aldosterone driver gene (KCNJ5 or CACNA1D) were only observed in functional nodules and indicated almost the largest values of cancer cell fraction. Moreover, the functional nodules also harbored some potential variants related to cell proliferation, which were not detected in hyperplasia tissues. Transcriptome analysis suggested that only 25.5% upregulated and 23.3% downregulated genes overlapped between functional nodules and hyperplasia tissues. This study demonstrated a genetic and transcriptome landscape of aldosterone-producing structures and adjacent hyperplasia glands in primary aldosteronism. The results indicated independent clonal origins on functional nodules and hyperplasia tissues, and little mutual evolutionary relationship was found on their phylogenetic trees.

Effects of wheat and corn gluten on growth performance, histopathologic and autoimmune metabolism of entero-hepatictissue in lambs

This study investigated the effects of wheat gluten and corn gluten, alone as a protein source into rations as protein sources, on fattening performance and the histopathological and autoimmune metabolism of the small intestinal and hepatic tissues in lambs. The animals enrolled in the study were fed on isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets. The protein sources provided to the animals were soybean meal and safflower meal in the control group, wheat gluten in Group Wheat, and corn gluten in Group Corn. The study animals included 24 male Morkaraman (Red Karaman) lambs, which were of a mean age of 9 months and assigned to three groups, each of 8 animals. Mean daily body weight gain (0-56 day) were observed to be significantly lower in Group Wheat (p<0.05). Mean daily feed intake were observed to be significantly lower in Group Wheat and Group Corn (p<0.05). At the end of the study, when compared to the control group, Group Wheat displayed significantly higher levels of villous atrophy, inflammation, crypt hyperplasia and transglutaminase immunopositivity in the small intestinal tissue as well as necrosis, inflammation, bile duct hyperplasia and transglutaminase immunopositivity in the hepatic tissue, and a lower level of degeneration in the liver (p<0.05). The findings detected in Group Corn were variable. In result, wheat gluten significantly affected both performance parameters and the histopathological and autoimmune metabolism of the intestinal and hepatic tissues in lambs. Key words: Corn; gluten; lamb; wheat; histopathological

Arbutin alleviates Mycoplasma gallinarum-induced damage caused by pulmonary fibrosis via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Mycoplasma gallinarum (MG) can cause infectious respiratory diseases in poultry that are chronic. Arbutin (AR) possesses anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, antitussive, and expectorant pharmacological effects, but whether it exerts regulatory effects on MG-induced pneumonia and fibrosis remains unclear. The study results unveiled that pulmonary connective tissue hyperplasia, pulmonary capillary congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as serum levels of cytokines (i.e., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), were elevated after MG infection. Collagen fibers were significantly deposited in the lung tissue from MG-infected chicks. Furthermore, the expression levels of key factors in the JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β/Smad pathways markedly increased. AR intervention significantly alleviated MG-induced pneumonic injury, and reduced collagen deposition and the expression of fibrosis markers in the lung tissue. AR reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis by regulating key factors of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the MG-infected HD11 cells. Thus, AR effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby improving lung inflammation and fibrosis.

A stroke organoids-multiomics platform to study injury mechanism and drug response

Stroke is one of the top causes of death and disability worldwide, and its pathogenesis and mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Several agents have shown protective effects against stroke in animal models; however, few studies have shown obvious effects in clinical practice. This might be due to differences in brain structure and physiological function between humans and rodents. In this study, we established a hypoxic stroke model in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived brain organoids to simulate the hypoxic stroke caused by ischemia. Then, by combining proteomics, single-cell transcriptome analysis, and histopathological analysis, a significant increase of three types of astrocytes was identified and they showed different responses to hypoxic environments; also the main type of astrocyte that cause brain tissue hyperplasia in ischemia brains was identified. In addition, the cortical excitatory neurons had signs of apoptosis and aging after hypoxia both in vivo and in vitro. Most importantly, we identified a possible role of a traditional Chinese medicine formula called DengZhanShengMai capsule in ischemic and hypoxic stroke treatment through regulation of lipid metabolism related biological functions. These results indicate that the combination of brain organoids and multiomics method is helpful for developing a new strategy to direct study stroke, and could provide a promising platform for drug screening of stroke in the future.

Phytotherapeutic BS012 and Its Active Component Ameliorate Allergic Asthma via Inhibition of Th2-Mediated Immune Response and Apoptosis.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs that results in airway inflammation and narrowing. BS012 is an herbal remedy containing Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum cassia extracts. To elucidate the anti-asthma effect of BS012, this study analyzed the immune response, respiratory protection, and changes in metabolic mechanisms in an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma mouse model. Female BALB/c mice were exposed to ovalbumin to induce allergic asthma. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma were analyzed for interleukin and immunoglobulin E levels. Histological analyses of the lungs were performed to measure morphological changes. Apoptosis-related mediators were assayed by western blotting. Plasma and lung tissue metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the metabolic changes. A T-helper-2-like differentiated cell model was used to identify the active components of BS012. BS012 treatment improved inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus production, and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissues. BS012 also significantly downregulated ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E in plasma and T-helper-2-specific cytokines, interleukin-4 and -5, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The lungs of ovalbumin-inhaled mice exhibited nerve growth factor-mediated apoptotic protein expression, which was significantly attenuated by BS012 treatment. Ovalbumin-induced abnormalities in amino acid and lipid metabolism were improved by BS012 in correlation with its anti-inflammatory properties and normalization of energy metabolism. Additionally, the differentiated cell model revealed that N-isobutyl-dodecatetraenamide is an active component that contributes to the anti-allergic properties of BS012. The current findings demonstrate the anti-allergic and respiratory protective functions of BS012 against allergic asthma, which can be considered a therapeutic candidate.

Further Insights into The Pathogenic Mechanisms of Haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis.

In this study, we examined the effects of experimental intraperitoneal infection with haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis (0.5 mL of blood containing 80% parasitaemia) on selected serum biomarkers and cellular pathology in mice. After infection, M. ovis cells appeared in the blood films within one week. A dose-dependent peak of parasitemia was observed during the 3rd-week post-infection (pi), with a significant decrease in mean PCV between treatment versus control group at week 3 (t 14 = -3.693, P < 0.02), week 5 (t 14 = -2.096, P = 0.055), and week 7 (t 14 = -4.329, P = 0.001). There was a significantly (t 8 = -2.330, P = 0.048) lower serum oestrogen in treatment (10.38 ± 5.07) than control (17.43 ± 4.48), while serum progesterone was significantly (t 8 = 5.415, P = 0.001) increased in treatment (27.37 ± 2.17) than control (15.92 ± 4.20). Serum haptoglobin was significantly (t 8 = 8.525, P < 0.01) lower in treatment (8.72 ± 1.49) than control (18.16 ± 1.98) while the SAA was significantly (t 8 = 3.362, P = 0.01) higher in treatment (16.79 ± 2.71) than control (11.59 ± 2.15). Prominent lesions observed in the ovary include degeneration, necrosis, vacuolation, and hypertrophy of the lutein cells in corpora lutea. In the lymph nodes, diffused cellular hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue in the cortex. In the liver, degeneration and necrosis accompanied by leucocytic cellular infiltration and Kupffer cell proliferation within the sinusoids. There were diffused leucocytic infiltrations and proliferative lesions in the glomerulus of the kidneys. The disturbance in progesterone and ovarian pathology highlights the potential role of haemotropic M. ovis in reproductive disorders. The observed changes in biomarkers and cellular reactions following M. ovis infection in the mouse may be further advanced in sheep and goats.

Chlamydia muridarum Causes Persistent Subclinical Infection and Elicits Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, and J:ARC(S) Mice Following Exposure to Shedding Mice

Chlamydia muridarum (Cm) has reemerged as a moderately prevalent infectious agent in research mouse colonies. Despite its experimental use, few studies evaluate Cm’s effects on immunocompetent mice following its natural route of infection. A Cm field isolate was administered (orogastric gavage) to 8-wk-old female BALB/cJ (C) mice. After shedding was confirmed (through 95 d), these mice were cohoused with naïve C57BL/6J (B6), C, and Swiss (J:ARC[S]) mice (n = 28/strain) for 30 d. Cohoused mice (n = 3 to 6 exposed and 1 to 6 control/strain) were evaluated 7, 14, 21, 63, 120, and 180 d post-cohousing (DPC) via hemograms, serum biochemistry analysis, fecal quantitative PCR, histopathology, and Cm major outer membrane protein immunohistochemistry. Immunophenotyping was performed on spleen (B6, C, and S; n = 6/strain) and intestines (B6; n = 6) at 14 and 63 DPC. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured (B6; n = 6 exposed and 2 control) at 14 and 63 DPC. All B6 mice were shedding Cm by 3 through 180 DPI. One of 3 C and 1 of 6 S mice began shedding Cm at 3 and 14 DPC, respectively, with the remaining shedding thereafter. Clinical pathology was nonremarkable. Minimal-to-moderate enterotyphlocolitis and gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) hyperplasia were observed in 15 and 47 of 76 Cm-infected mice, respectively. Cm antigen was frequently detected in GALT-associated surface intestinal epithelial cells. Splenic immunophenotyping revealed increased monocytes and shifts in T-cell population subsets in all strains/time points. Gastrointestinal immunophenotyping (B6) revealed sustained increases in total inflammatory cells and elevated cytokine expression in innate lymphoid and effector T cells (large intestine). Elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines were detected in the serum (B6). Results demonstrate that while clinical disease was not appreciated, 3 commonly used strains of mice are susceptible to chronic enteric Cm infection which may alter various immune responses. Considering the widespread use of mice to model gastrointestinal disease, institutions should consider excluding Cm from their colonies.

Clinical analysis of biomaterial-silicone keel complex in the vocal folds adhesion treatment

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the clinical effect of biomaterial combined with silicone keel technology in the prevention and treatment of vocal folds adhesion. Methods:The basic data, perioperative conditions and prognosis of 21 cases of vocal folds adhesion treated by biofilm-silicone keel complex were retrospectively analyzed in Huashan Hospital Fudan University. Results:A total of 21 patients were enrolled in this study（19 males（90.5%）, 2 females（9.5%）. Among these patients, 18 cases of early glottic laryngeal carcinoma（T1b）, 1 case of bilateral vocal folds leukoplecta and 2 cases of postoperative vocal folds adhesion. No accidental rupture of the silicone keel occurred during perioperative period, and the silicone keel was removed in 22.4±2.6 days. All patients were reviewed after removing the silicone keel, the overall effective rate was 90.5%（19/21）. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients（1 laryngeal infection, 4 granulation tissue hyperplasia）, all of whom were cured after conservative treatment. Conclusion:This study explored the feasibility of biomaterial in the treatment of vocal folds adhesion. The biomaterial-silicone keel complex technology is simple to operate and has effect on the prevention of vocal folds adhesions, which is worth of clinical promotion.

Study on the complications after implantation of different types of metal stents in rabbit trachea

ObjectiveTo observe the complications and inflammatory responses caused by the different types of metal stents in the trachea of rabbits. Method79 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups and were implanted with the customized nickel-titanium alloy metal stents(fully covered metal stent: group A, bare metal stent: group B, segmented covered metal stent: group C and control group: group D). The complications (tracheal deformation, granulation tissue hyperplasia, scar hyperplasia and secretion retention) of different types of metal stents were compared by observing the anatomical and pathological specimens of dead rabbits; And the expression of inflammatory factors of different types of metal stents were compared by detecting the tissue of tracheas of dead rabbits. Results(1)There were significant differences in the above four complications among groups A, B and C(p < 0.01). The incidences of tracheal deformation, scar hyperplasia and secretion retention in group A were significantly higher than that in group B(p < 0.0167), however, the incidence of granulation tissue hyperplasia in group A was significantly lower than that in group B(p < 0.0167). The incidence of scar hyperplasia in group A was significantly lower than that in group C(p < 0.0167) and there were no significant differences in other complications between these two groups(p > 0.0167). The incidences of tracheal deformation, scar hyperplasia and secretion retention in group B were significantly lower than that in group C(p < 0.0167), however, the incidence of granulation tissue hyperplasia in group B was significantly higher than that in group C(p < 0.0167). (2)The concentration of IL-1β in group A was higher than that in group B (p < 0.05 and foldchange>1.2). Conclusion(1)There are significant differences in complications between the fully covered metal stent, bare metal stent and segmented covered metal stent; the incidences of complications between the segmented covered metal stent and fully covered metal stent are similar. (2)Changes in different inflammatory factors can be observed between the fully covered and bare metal stent.

Study on the effects of red imported fire ants invasion on the Chinese pangolin in Guangdong, China

AbstractThe Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla Linnaeus) is a critically endangered species that feeds on ants and termites. In 2022–2024, we observed two rescued pangolins being attacked by Solenopsis invicta Buren while in captivity. Clusters of pustules and erythema were found on the face, abdomen and limbs of the pangolin. Histopathological examination of the blistered tissue showed epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the skin tissue with surface crusting. In addition, we found remnants of S. invicta heads in the faeces of stung pangolins, suggesting that pangolins would feed on S. invicta. Currently, most of southern China has been invaded by S. invicta, so we conducted two S. invicta invasion surveys in pangolin habitats in Guangdong, and the results indicated that pangolin habitats in China have been invaded by S. invicta. Therefore, we suggest that S. invicta should be taken into account when developing conservation strategies for pangolins.

Regulation of targeted blocking cannabinoid receptor 1 on spleen immune function and inflammatory response in mice under chronic intermittent hypoxia

Objective: To observe the effects of targeting and blocking cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) on mouse spleen immune function and inflammatory response under chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) conditions, and to explore its regulatory effort. Methods: Forty SPF male C57BL/6 mice aged 4 to 5 weeks,from May 2021 to August 2021 in Experimental Animal Center of the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, were randomly divided into normal oxygen control group (NC), 6-week CIH group (6w CIH), 10-week CIH group (10w CIH), 6-week CIH+CB1R group (6w CIH+AM251) and 10-week CIH+CB1R group (10w CIH+AM251) according to the method of random number table. The advanced programmable intermittent low oxygen chamber was used to prepare the CIH mouse model. The morphological structure of spleen tissue of CIH mice was stained by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of M1 and M2 macrophage surface markers CD86, CD206 were determined by immunofluorescence. The mRNA expression levels of CB1R, CD86, CD206 and the relative expression levels of RORγt and Foxp3,which are characteristic transcriptional regulators of T helper 17(Th17) and Treg cells were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR(qRT-PCR). The expression of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-10 was determined by ELISA. SPSS 26.0 and Graphpad prism 8.3 were used to analyze the data. Results: (1) Compared with NC group, spleen tissue structure was disordered, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, lymphocyte proliferation and disordered arrangement in periarteriole lymphatic sheath in CIH group. The expression of CB1R in CIH group was higher than that in NC group (P<0.05), and with the prolongation of CIH time, the expression of 10w CIH group was higher than that in 6w CIH group(P<0.05). The expression of CB1R in CIH+AM251 group was lower than that in the corresponding CIH group(all P<0.05). (2) Compared with NC group, the expression level of CD86 in macrophages in CIH group was higher than that in NC group(all P<0.05). The relative expression of RORγt in 6w and 10w CIH groups was 0.76±0.03 and 0.91±0.04, respectively, which was higher than that in NC group (0.65±0.06)(all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of inflammatory factor IL-6 were 10.80±1.73 and 14.86±0.01, respectively, which were higher than 6.69±0.23 in the NC group (all P<0.05). The expression level of CD206 in macrophages in the CIH+AM251 group was higher than that in the CIH group(all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Foxp3 in 6w and 10w CIH+AM251 groups were 0.62±0.05 and 0.32±0.21, respectively, which were higher than those in 6w CIH group (0.28±0.02) and 10w CIH group (0.02±0.01)(P<0.05). The relative expression levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 were 668.45±15.71 and 379.15±56.84, respectively, which were higher than those in CIH group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Targeted sealing of CB1R may alleviate inflammatory response of mouse spleen under CIH conditions by regulating macrophage polarization and the expression of inflammatory factors, and may have some protective effect.

Chlamydia muridarum Causes Persistent Subclinical Infection and Elicits Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ and J:ARC(S) Mice Following Exposure to Shedding Mice.

Chlamydia muridarum (Cm) has reemerged as a moderately prevalent infectious agent in research mouse colonies. Despite its' experimental use, few studies evaluate Cm's effects on immunocompetent mice following its natural route of infection. A Cm field isolate was administered (orogastric gavage) to 8-week-old female BALB/cJ (C) mice. After confirming shedding (through 95d), these mice were cohoused with naïve C57BL/6J (B6), C, and Swiss (J:ARC[S]) mice (n=28/strain) for 30 days. Cohoused mice (n=3-6 exposed and 1-6 control/strain) were evaluated 7, 14, 21, 63, 120, and 180 days post-cohousing (DPC) via hemograms, serum biochemistry analysis, fecal qPCR, histopathology, and Cm MOMP immunohistochemistry. Immunophenotyping was performed on spleen (B6, C, S; n=6/strain) and intestines (B6; n=6) at 14 and 63 DPC. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured (B6; n=6 exposed and 2 control) at 14 and 63 DPC. All B6 mice were shedding Cm by 3 through 180 DPI. One of 3 C and 1 of 6 S mice began shedding Cm at 3 and 14 DPC, respectively, with the remaining shedding thereafter. Clinical pathology was nonremarkable. Minimal-to-moderate enterotyphlocolitis and gastrointestinal associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) hyperplasia was observed in 15 and 47 of 76 Cm-infected mice, respectively. Cm antigen was frequently detected in GALT-associated surface intestinal epithelial cells. Splenic immunophenotyping revealed increased monocytes and shifts in T cell population subsets in all strains/timepoints. Gastrointestinal immunophenotyping (B6) revealed sustained increases in total inflammatory cells and elevated cytokine production in innate lymphoid cells and effector T cells (large intestine). Elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected in the serum (B6). Results demonstrate that while clinical disease was not appreciated, 3 commonly utilized strains of mice are susceptible to chronic enteric Cm infection which may alter various immune responses. Considering the widespread use of mice to model GI disease, institutions should consider excluding Cm from their colonies.

Investigating dynamics, etiology, pathology, and therapeutic interventions of Caligus clemensi and Vibrio alginolyticus co-infection in farmed marine fish

This study investigated a disease outbreak characterized by caligid copepod infestations and subsequent secondary bacterial infections in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) cultivated at a private facility in the Deeba Triangle region of Egypt. Moribund fish displayed brown spots on the skin, tongue, and gills, along with lethargy and excess mucus. The fish suffered severe infections, exhibiting external hemorrhages, ulcers, and ascites. The fish had pale, enlarged livers with hemorrhaging. Comprehensive parasitological, bacteriological, molecular, immunity and histopathological analyses were conducted to identify the etiological agents and pathological changes. Caligid copepod infestation was observed in wet mounts from the buccal and branchial cavities of all examined fish, and the caligids were identified as Caligus clemensi through COI gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Vibrio alginolyticus was confirmed as a secondary bacterial infection through biochemical tests, recA gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in V. alginolyticus isolates. Upregulation of the inflammatory marker IL-1β in gill and skin tissues indicated a robust cell-mediated immune response against the pathogens. Histopathological examination revealed severe tissue damage, hyperplasia, hemorrhage, and congestion in the gills, along with hepatocellular degeneration and steatosis in the liver, providing initial insights into this outbreak. A comprehensive therapeutic regimen was implemented, comprising prolonged hydrogen peroxide immersion baths, followed by the application of the nature-identical plant-based compound Lice-less and probiotic Sanolife Pro-W supplementation. This integrated approach effectively eliminated C. clemensi infestations, controlled secondary bacterial infections, and restored fish health, reducing morbidity and mortality rates to minimal levels.